We've said it before and we'll say it again, if only the San Antonio Keys had some pitching, what a dangerous team they would be.
On a team that already has one of the best players in the game, 2-time league MVP shortstop Bud Lindsay (on pace to be a contender for the trophy again this season), talented young speedy centerfielder Zach McClelland, 25-year old slugging left-fielder John Freeman, rapidly emerging as one of the best power hitters in the game, if not just one of the best pure hitters period (okay, his defense is sub-par), and veteran 7-time Gold Glove catcher and 6-time All-Star Erik Buonopane behind the plate- no longer considered the best catcher in the WPK but still a force, we now see another superstar emerging in second baseman John Mussaw.
Mussaw was the 4th overall pick in the 1972 draft and put up fine numbers in his partial rookie season last year, but having now staked a full claim on the starting job at second this year, Mussaw is on pace for a nearly 8 WAR season. While he doesn't quite rise to the all-world makeup of team captain Lindsay, like his keystone mate he has great character traits, especially with his advanced baseball smarts. He is a plus hitter with room for growth that may lead to his being one of the best contact hitters in the game and almost surely there are Gold Glove awards in his future. He also has elite-level speed and base-stealing skills.
Now if only he could pitch!
Although it should be noted that the Keys two top prospects- durable 23-year AAA starter Michael Noland and 21-year old team leader Steven Wells, also at AAA (but with possible injury issues ahead of him)- are starting pitchers, so with their young, talented lineup perhaps better times are just around the corner for the club.