Adam & Jesse's Monday Four-um: Advantages in the MWL, Defense, and More

Throughout this season, Lugnuts broadcasters Jesse Goldberg-Strassler and Adam Jaksa will tackle topics big and small in a brisk weekly Q&A.

Email your questions to [email protected].

***

1. What area do you think the team has the biggest advantage on the rest of the MWL in? (submitted by Nathaniel Stoltz)

Adam: Patience at the plate. The Lugnuts are second in the MWL in walks with 74 through 15 games. Their plate approach seems to be really disciplined and you have to think if this continues, their offensive numbers are only going to improve as the temperatures warm up in the Midwest.

Jesse: Outfield defense. Henry Bolte and Brayan Buelvas both have center field range, and Bolte has a big arm. Cameron Masterman and Jonny Butler each are excellent as the third outfielder alongside Henry and Brayan, with Cam already turning in his share of gems.

2. Who is the standout defensive player on this year’s Opening Day roster? (submitted by Andrew Johnston)

Adam: Will Simpson. He has been exceptional at first base. For many years, the Lugnuts haven’t had a true first basemen and it’s been noticeable. This year, Simpson through 14 games has only 1 error. He handles everything thrown to him, makes picks and scoops look easy and has great athleticism moving side to side and up and down. Lansing has a clear advantage defensively at first base.

Jesse: Piggybacking off the first question, think it’s Henry Bolte, considering his range and arm in the outfield. In the infield, I appreciate watching the surehandedness of Euribiel Ángeles and Colby Halter up the middle and Will Simpson presenting a big target at first base. I also likely underrate catcher CJ Rodriguez’s blocking and receiving ability.

3. Who is a player who has impressed?

Adam: James González has been stellar for the Nuts. Through 3 games and two starts, he’s allowed one run. González has struck out 13 and walked just one in 11.1 innings pitched. In a year where the Lugnuts are trying to find consistency early on from their pitchers, James González has provided it with opponents’ batting just .175 against him.

Jesse: It’s Will Simpson, who’s leading the Midwest League in walks, has hit for average and shown off terrific power, and runs well. He’s been the team’s most consistent offensive player.

4. What moments have stuck out to you?

Adam: The Lugnuts getting their first series win in Lake County. The weather ranged from 80 to 40 degrees, yet the Lugnuts found their power in the 4-2 series win. The Lugnuts had eight home runs at Classic Auto Group Park. Brayan Buelvas smacked three home runs, Henry Bolte had two, Euribiel Angeles, Jonny Butler and Will Simpson all had one. Before the series, Lansing had just two home runs in nine games.

Jesse: Getting together with Athletics broadcaster Johnny Doskow (arranged by Adam), visiting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and walking around the James A. Garfield National Historic Site while in Lake County. Adam and I are going to have adventures all year around the Midwest League, and we got things started right. (I also lost a game of NBA Jam to Captains broadcaster Logan Potosky in the Lake County ‘80s Arcade suite. Rematch coming in July.) On the baseball field: Will Simpson already having two grand slams, one against Michigan State and one against Great Lakes.