[ayaghmour2]

1B Bill Ashbaugh
Age: 26
Acquired: Via Draft: 1st Round, 4th Overall (1925)
Career Statistics: .317/.382/.533 (138 OPS+), 1,574 PA, 23 HR, 101 RBI, 30 SB, -37.6 ZR (at 2B)
Last Season Statistics: .346/.399/.577 (143 OPS+), 541 PA, 63 HR, 257 RBI, 13 SB, -14.1 ZR (at 2B)

One of the most prolific power hitters in the game, Ashbaugh is set to hit cleanup as he looks for his third straight season with 20 homers and 100 RBI's. His defensive woes have moved him to first, but this should prevent him from letting his defense effect his offense. The slugging righty is likely our best player and one of the best in the league.

2B Mack Deal
Age: 23
Acquired: Via Draft: 1st Round, 6th Overall (1924)
Career Statistics: .302/.360/.389 (90 OPS+), 686 PA, 6 HR, 80 RBI, 28 SB, -5.8 ZR (at 3B)
Last Season Statistics: .304/.367/.389 (90 OPS+), 617 PA, 5 HR, 77 RBI, 28 SB, -6.3 ZR (at 3B)

He only made the active roster because of the injury to Russ Combs after an awful Spring looked to set him back down to the minors. Deal has excellent speed, but is still looking to find a position as the former shortstop has gotten reps at both third and second. He doesn't have too much power, but he looks to draw walks and he sprays singles to all fields. Once he's on the bases, catchers have to watch out as he's always a threat to steal.

3B John Kincaid
Age: 25
Acquired: Via Trade with New York (1929)
Career Statistics: .328/.367/.455 (120 OPS+), 1,667 PA, 11 HR, 1811 RBI, 48 SB,+6.0 ZR (at 3B)
Last Season Statistics: .325/.378/.451 (1119 OPS+), 577 PA, 2 HR, 70 RBI, 15 SB, +3.6 ZR ZR (at 3B)

One of the best young third basemen in the league, the former Gotham will man the hot corner and hit leadoff for us this season. He has speed to burn and is a dependable defender, but won't ever hit for much power. A former 4th Overall pick, Kincaid greatly improves our offense as he's been an above average hitter in each of his three seasons in the FABL.

SS Harry Simmons
Age: 25
Acquired: Via Rule-5 Draft from Detroit (1928)
Career Statistics: .315/.360/.414 (95 OPS+), 656 PA, 2 HR, 74 RBI, 20 SB, -0.5 ZR (at SS)
Last Season Statistics: 315/.360/.414 (95 OPS+), 656 PA, 2 HR, 74 RBI, 20 SB, -0.5 ZR (at SS)

The Dynamos didn't miss Simmons much, as they went on to win the World Series, but the Rule-5 pick was a great surprise for us. He was scheduled to start the season at second after a solid spring, but the injury to Russ Combs pushes him back to shortstop. He's one of only three Cougars (Dick Lyons and Bob McCarty) who will start at the same position in consecutive Opening Days. He's a speedy runner and a great defender at third, but will likely see more time at second then any position this year.

1B Bill Miller
Age: 25
Acquired: Via Minor League Free Agent (1925)
Career Statistics: N/A
Last Season Statistics: N/A

Miller wasn't expected to make the big league roster, but I couldn't justify having Slim Bloom or Clyde Hinzman on the bench. Set to make his big league debut, Miller will function mostly as a pinch hitter until Russ Combs is healthy and he'll return to the minors. Miller's got a lot of pop and he could hit a few late clutch homers at the start of the season.

2B John Mallory
Age: 29
Acquired: Via Waiver Claim from Cleveland (1929)
Career Statistics: .281/.339/.322 (85 OPS+), 572 PA, 0 HR, 49 RBI, 28 SB, +9.0 ZR (at 2B)
Last Season Statistics: .N/A

Mallory hasn't played in the majors since 1928, but we grabbed him on waivers because of his defense. He's an excellent defensive second basemen who can fill in at short and first if needed. If I find someone better, however, I have no issue waiving him. I'd expect him to pass through as well. I actually have a claim in, so Mallory is likely on his way off the 40.

SS Gary Sanders
Age: 29
Acquired: Via Draft: 2nd Round, 33rd Overall (1922)
Career Statistics: ..296/.322/.409 (93 OPS+), 10 HR, 338 RBI, 20 SB, +25.3 ZR (at SS)
Last Season Statistics: .267/.308/.400 (77 OPS+), 147 PA, 1 HR, 16 RBI, 0 SB, -2.3 ZR (at 2B)

A truly elite defender at short and third, Sanders struggled a little last season while trying to pick up second. His value comes in his glove, although as recent as 1927 he was a decent hitter. He had some good years early in his career, but he's likely just a bench guy now.

SS Russ Combs [Injured]
Age: 26
Acquired: Via Trade with Cleveland (1929)
Career Statistics: ..291/.349/.450 (116 OPS+), 1,277 PA, 23 HR, 138 RBI, 62SB, -4.2 ZR (at SS)
Last Season Statistics: .289/.345/.427 (102 OPS+), 652 PA, 7 HR, 59 RBI, 32 SB, -1.8 ZR (at SS) (With Cleveland)

Combs is rated as the best shortstop in the league, and if he returns to his minor league defensive numbers, I'd say Combs is everything you look for in a shortstop. Great glove, great bat, decent power, and excellent speed. Once he's healthy, I'll have to pick between Deal and Simmons, but getting Combs on the field is crucial. I think he's going to be an excellent building block and one of the better players in the future of the FABL.