Catching Rays: Projecting the 2013 Hot Rods Infielders

This is the third week of a four-week journey into our broad projection of the 2013 Hot Rods roster.  This week, we are looking at some of the possibilities to man the finely-manicured infield at Bowling Green Ballpark is 2013. (Hot Rods Groundskeeper John Gides will appreciate the shoutout.)

Week 1 – Pitchers

Week 2 – Catchers

Week 3 – Infielders

Week 4 – Outfielders

If you think that we left a player off this list, please mention it to us in the comment section below this post.

Juniel Querecuto impressed with his glove and bat in Bowling Green in 2012. He loves “BG”. (Donna Wilson Photography)

Who were the late call-ups to Bowling Green in 2012?  

Ben Kline was the only late-season call-up to a Hot Rods infield that was able to rotate Jake Hager, Tyler Goeddel, Juniel Querecuto, Ryan Brett, Jeff Malm, and Cameron Seitzer into the lineup in 2012, all of which had above average seasons.

Who stood out in Princeton and Hudson Valley in 2012?  

The two names that jump off the page from Hudson Valley last season are Richie Shaffer (3B) and Leonardo Reginatto (3B/SS).  Shaffer was the Rays first round pick in 2012 out of Clemson, and Reginatto played a big part in Brazil’s surprising World Baseball Classic qualification this offseason.  Ryan Dunn (SS) and Tommy Coyle (2B) also put together solid seasons for the Renegades.  Drafted as a catcher, Luke Maile spelled Michael Williams at first base for Hudson Valley.    

Despite hitting .209, Brandon Martin (SS) led the Princeton Rays with 10 home runs in 63 games in 2012.  John Alexander was the primary first baseman, Reid Redman manned second base, and third base duties were shared by Darryl George and Daniel Duran in Princeton.

Third baseman Patrick Leonard came over the Rays in December’s Shields-Myers trade between the Rays and the Royals.  The fifth round pick in 2011 was a Post-Season All-Star in the Appy League, hitting 14 home runs for the Burlington Royals.

Who did the Rays draft at that position in 2011 and 2012 (that has not been to Bowling Green yet)?

2011: Granden Goetzman, Johnny Eierman

2012: Spencer Edwards, Miguel Beltran 

There are 16 players listed here. The Rays will need to narrow this list down to 5-7 players by the end of Spring Training.