{"id":23856,"date":"2020-06-05T17:48:33","date_gmt":"2020-06-05T22:48:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/?p=23856"},"modified":"2020-06-05T17:48:33","modified_gmt":"2020-06-05T22:48:33","slug":"south-bend-cubs-armed-for-a-repeat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/nl-central\/cubs\/south-bend-cubs-armed-for-a-repeat\/","title":{"rendered":"South Bend Cubs Armed for a Repeat"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>As the rumblings of baseball looking to begin their season continue to grow, it&#8217;s time to explore how assignments for prospects might shake out. Today, we focus on the South Bend Cubs, who are looking to defend their 2019 Midwest League Championship.<\/p>\n<p>The delay in beginning the season may work in the favor of South Bend in their title defense. There will be less games and a shorter time to evaluate players before team assignments. A conservative approach might be considered best. Therefore, the SB <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" title=\"Cubs\" href=\"http:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/chicago-cubs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cubs<\/a> may receive more experienced players to start the season than they would have under regular circumstances. To that end, South Bend may be assigned as many as ten of the <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" title=\"Cubs\" href=\"http:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/chicago-cubs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cubs<\/a>&#8216; Top 50 Prospects.<\/p>\n<div class=\"s2nPlayer k-2qeEP8AW\" data-type=\"float\"><\/div>\n<p><script type='text\/javascript' src='\/\/embed.sendtonews.com\/player3\/embedcode.js?fk=2qeEP8AW&#038;cid=9000&#038;offsetx=0&#038;offsety=0&#038;floatwidth=400&#038;floatposition=bottom-right' data-type='s2nScript'><\/script><br \/>\n<strong>Pitching<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>While lacking the star power of last year&#8217;s squad, the potential pitching staff for South Bend is loaded with talent.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_23990\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23990\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-23990\" src=\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Kohl-Franklin-5-by-Dustin-Smith_jpg_small-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Kohl-Franklin-5-by-Dustin-Smith_jpg_small-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Kohl-Franklin-5-by-Dustin-Smith_jpg_small-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Kohl-Franklin-5-by-Dustin-Smith_jpg_small-678x450.jpg 678w, https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Kohl-Franklin-5-by-Dustin-Smith_jpg_small.jpg 680w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-23990\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kohl Franklin by Dustin Smith<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Although he may not be at the top of the rotation, 20-year old <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=frankl000koh&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Kohl Franklin<\/a> would be it&#8217;s highest rated member. Franklin has a mid-90&#8217;s fastball to go with a change-up and slider, but is still a young pitcher growing into his body.<\/p>\n<p>Joining Franklin is another youngster in 18-year old <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=gallar000ric&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Richard Gallardo<\/a>. There was some hope that Gallardo could begin 2020 at Advanced-A Myrtle Beach. But with the current situation, caution most like will be used. Gallardo has great movement on his mid-90&#8217;s fastball that goes with a sharp breaking pitch. Command will be the biggest challenge for Gallardo.<\/p>\n<p>At the top the rotation will be either one of two experienced right-handers, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=mcaven000mic&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Michael McAvene<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=clarke000chr&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Chris Clarke<\/a>. The third round pick in 2019, McAvene will probably start for the innings. The big-bodied McAvene will need a third pitch to go along with his upper-90&#8217;s four-seam fastball and slider to remain in the rotation. The 6&#8217;7&#8243; Clarke also needs a third pitch, but like McAvene has an upper-90&#8217;s fastball and slider.<\/p>\n<p>The delay in the start of the season most likely hurt the chances of 19th round pick <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=laskey000ada&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Adam Laskey<\/a> opening with Myrtle Beach. The lefty from Duke did not pitch after signing due to injury. A crafty pitcher, Laskey pairs a low-90&#8217;s fastball with a slider and change-up.<\/p>\n<p>The bullpen will need to sort itself out prior to the season, but expect 12th round selection <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=bigge-000hun&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Hunter Bigge<\/a> to emerge as the closer. Bigge parlayed a mid-90&#8217;s fastball into 22 strikeouts in 16 innings following his signing.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Catching<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" title=\"Cubs\" href=\"http:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/chicago-cubs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cubs<\/a> typically like to assign defensive catchers to South Bend in order to handle the pitching staff. But with the squad having experience, player development may rely on offensive firepower and versatility.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_23991\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23991\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-23991\" src=\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Jake-Washer-by-Dustin-Smith-300x199.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Jake-Washer-by-Dustin-Smith-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Jake-Washer-by-Dustin-Smith-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Jake-Washer-by-Dustin-Smith-768x509.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Jake-Washer-by-Dustin-Smith-1536x1017.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Jake-Washer-by-Dustin-Smith.jpg 1848w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-23991\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jake Washer by Dustin Smith<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A 29th round selection, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=washer000jak&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Jake Washer<\/a> blasted 17 home runs as a senior and was two-time conference player of the year at East Carolina. The 23-year old continued to hit well at Short Season-A Eugene in 22 games, slashing .257\/.342\/.429\/.770 with a homer and 8 RBI.<\/p>\n<p>Another 23-year old, 32nd rounder <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=windha000bry&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Bryce Windham<\/a> was selected as a second baseman. However, Windham started at catcher and third base as a senior for Old Dominion, where he played 7 positions. Windham had even more success at the plate than Washer after signing, batting .325\/.459\/.419\/.878 with 19 RBI in 35 games.<\/p>\n<p>The defensive presence behind the dish will come from both <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=soto--001jon,soto--000jon&amp;search=Jonathan+Soto&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Jonathan Soto<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=knight002cal&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Caleb Knight<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Infield<\/strong><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_23992\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23992\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-23992\" src=\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Grayson-Byrd-by-Dustin-Smith-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Grayson-Byrd-by-Dustin-Smith-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Grayson-Byrd-by-Dustin-Smith-600x337.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Grayson-Byrd-by-Dustin-Smith-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Grayson-Byrd-by-Dustin-Smith-1536x863.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Grayson-Byrd-by-Dustin-Smith-678x381.jpg 678w, https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Grayson-Byrd-by-Dustin-Smith.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-23992\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Grayson Byrd by Dustin Smith<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The youth and promise of this team resides in the infield, but we will start with the steadying hand of first baseman <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=byrd--000gra&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Grayson Byrd<\/a>. Chosen in the 24th round, Byrd got off to a hot start at the plate before cooling after a promotion to Eugene. But the 23-year old seemed to find a home at first base. The defensive stalwart could end up helping some of the young infielders with his play at first.<\/p>\n<p>The rest of the infield can comprise a trio of young shortstops in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=martin013ped&amp;search=Pedro+Martinez&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Pedro Martinez<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=vazque002lui&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Luis Vazquez<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=verdug002lui&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Luis Verdugo<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>The 19-year old Verdugo holds a slight edge as far as prospect rankings. He would have to make the jump from the rookie league. But Verdugo combines both great defensive skills and power potential. The rookie league was no challenge for the native of Mexico, as he batted .305\/.367\/.447\/.813.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_23989\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23989\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-23989\" src=\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pedro-Martinez-1-by-Dustin-Smith_jpg_small-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pedro-Martinez-1-by-Dustin-Smith_jpg_small-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pedro-Martinez-1-by-Dustin-Smith_jpg_small-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pedro-Martinez-1-by-Dustin-Smith_jpg_small-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Pedro-Martinez-1-by-Dustin-Smith_jpg_small.jpg 680w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-23989\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pedro Martinez by Dustin Smith<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Another 19-year old,\u00a0 the switch hitting Martinez ranks right behind Verdugo. After hitting .352 in 27 rookie league games, Martinez was not as dominant at the plate when he moved to Eugene late in 2019. However, Martinez should make a strong push to play in South Bend this spring with his ability to make contact, his speed, and tools to play anywhere on the infield.<\/p>\n<p>A bit more challenged at the plate, the 20-year old Vazquez lets his glove do the talking. Vazquez is so respected for his defense that he played at four levels last season. Those assignments included stints with Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa. South Bend now seems like the best place for Vazquez to round out his game.<\/p>\n<p>Backing this quartet most likely would be two players. But whether the <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" title=\"Cubs\" href=\"http:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/chicago-cubs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cubs<\/a> stick with youth or are more conservative is unknown. Twenty-two year old <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=reynol002rya&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Ryan Reynolds<\/a> fills a need by being able to play both third and first base. But Reynolds struggled to hit at Eugene. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=huma--000jos&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Josue Huma<\/a> is a 20-year old switch-hitter that batted about the same as Reynolds, but is able to play all four infield positions. Another 20-year old, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=bautis000fle&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Flemin Bautista<\/a>, would have to jump from the rookie league. But with his power, Bautista has the best offensive potential.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Outfield<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In constructing the team in the above manner, South Bend potentially has a great array of versatility. Because of that, the <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" title=\"Cubs\" href=\"http:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/chicago-cubs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cubs<\/a> may only carry four designated outfielders.<\/p>\n<p>Most eyes will be on speedster <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=kelli-000fer&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Fernando Kelli<\/a>. A 20-year old, Kelli already has 133 career stolen bases. Finding consistency at the plate has been Kelli&#8217;s weakness, along with a below average throwing arm. If Kelli can improve his plate discipline, he can advance rapidly.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=cuevas000yov&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Yovanny Cuevas<\/a> has always presented as a well-rounded player that has not realized his full potential. A good outfielder that can play all three spots, the 21-year old has not decided where his offensive game lies. Cuevas hit 5 home runs and stole 11 bases in 47 games, but needs to improve his contact rate in order to be more productive.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_23988\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23988\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-23988\" src=\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Darius-Hill-by-Rikk-Carlson-300x232.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"232\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Darius-Hill-by-Rikk-Carlson-300x232.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Darius-Hill-by-Rikk-Carlson-600x465.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Darius-Hill-by-Rikk-Carlson.jpg 679w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-23988\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Darius Hill by Rikk Carlson<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Lending stability to the corp will be 22-year old <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=hill--002dar&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Darius Hill<\/a>. The left-handed hitter would be returning to South Bend after a late season promotion last year. Like Cuevas, Hill will be able play anywhere in the outfield. Hill lacks Kelli&#8217;s speed and Cuevas&#8217; power, but is a more consistent offensive player than either one.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_23987\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23987\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-23987\" src=\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Yonathan-Perlaza-by-Rebecca-Snyder-300x225.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Yonathan-Perlaza-by-Rebecca-Snyder-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Yonathan-Perlaza-by-Rebecca-Snyder-600x450.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Yonathan-Perlaza-by-Rebecca-Snyder-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Yonathan-Perlaza-by-Rebecca-Snyder-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Yonathan-Perlaza-by-Rebecca-Snyder-678x509.jpg 678w, https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Yonathan-Perlaza-by-Rebecca-Snyder-326x245.jpg 326w, https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Yonathan-Perlaza-by-Rebecca-Snyder-80x60.jpg 80w, https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Yonathan-Perlaza-by-Rebecca-Snyder.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-23987\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Yonathan Perlaza by Rebecca Snyder<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Rounding out the squad is converted infielder <a href=\"https:\/\/www.baseball-reference.com\/register\/player.fcgi?id=perlaz000yon&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Yonathan Perlaza<\/a>. Always a hit-first prospect, the 21-year old switch-hitter will mainly play the corners while possibly seeing a little time at second and third base.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div class=\"mh-excerpt\"><p>As the rumblings of baseball looking to begin their season continue to grow, it&#8217;s time to explore how assignments for prospects might shake out. Today, <a class=\"mh-excerpt-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.prospects1500.com\/nl-central\/cubs\/south-bend-cubs-armed-for-a-repeat\/\" title=\"South Bend Cubs Armed for a Repeat\">[&#8230;]<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"author":83,"featured_media":24151,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[60,31,2778,1457,13],"tags":[5005,5443,5445,2628,4343,4296,5015,2713,4225,4347,5004,5442,5444,5447,4301,3954,3802,5401,132,3104,64,5208,3792,5013,5446,3542,3943,5448],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>South Bend Cubs Armed for a Repeat<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Tom Usiak describes how the South Bend Cubs will be looking to defend their Midwest League championship, and could have as many as ten Cubs Top 50 prospects\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, 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