As promised, at the end of July, I will break down our rotation, but before that, I wanted to show you where were at in the standings, and just some info on the league!
Our overall team stats:
This is our league newsletter that comes out weekly
Updated info from the players in our farm system. Can't keep Devin Forrest down there much longer!
Our staff stats, and my breakdown is below!
Starters
Denny White – At 11-8 with a 3.61 ERA, Denny has done a nice job for us this season. We all agree that he is more of a third or fourth starter, but with Heida having a boat load of issues this year, we threw him into the number one role and he has responded nicely. At 26, we still think he can improve, and with a little more run support in some of our games, he would have a few more wins!
Juan Aguilar – Currently holding down the number two spot, Juan’s season, like our team, has been up and down. With 22 starts, he sits and 7-9, with a 4.16 ERA. We see him as a decent number five, and at 26, he has room for improvement. Highlight was a complete game shutout against Greensburg,
6-0, on April 29th.
Jesus Castaneda – Holding down the number three spot, Jesus was called up in mid April when Heida went on the DL. He has done a decent job for us, but has struggled his last three starts, all losses. He’s given up 23 hits, and 18 runs over that three game stretch. Jury still out on his status for next season!
Mark Davis – Everyone in the clubhouse, and the coaches are pulling for Mark to succeed! The young, 22 year old left hander has shaken off being sent back to AAA, and being on the DL for a neck muscle injury in July, to have a decent year. Our scout, John Mizer, really likes this kids potential, and sees him as a “front of the rotation” pitcher in the future.
Tim Butler – Tim is our fifth starter, and carries a 6-8 record, with a fairly high 5.40 ERA. Coaches and our scout feel that we could use an upgrade here. His fastball is in the 93-95 range, but he runs too many deep counts, and doesn’t have the best pickoff move. I agree with our coaches, an upgrade here!
Bullpen
The bullpen has been very good, and at times very bad! We definitely have some “keepers” for next season, but also will look to upgrade at least one spot!
Michael Ward/Bryan Freake – Both have done a nice job as our “righty lefty” combo in middle relief. Freake has also been our spot starter when needed, and has done a decent job in his four starts. These two are definite keepers.
Pat McCarty – Young, 23 year old middle reliever, who we picked up on waivers from Catskill in May. Has a 3-0 record, but ERA is a bit high at 5.52. Tall and lanky at 6-7, 200 pounds, manager Ed Bane would like to see an upgrade here, and give Pat some more time in AAA to develop.
Loren O’Conner/Jorge Machado – Our two set up men are a nice “left righty” combination, and have been more consistent than anyone in the pen. Our scouts are in love with both of these guys, and Machado is only 20 years old. O’Conner has a “nasty” attitude when he’s on the mound, and is not afraid to challenge hitters!
Broderick MacDonald – Broderick has been a real fine for us in the closer role. With 20 saves, and only two blown, he has been Mr. Consistent! His velocity is in the 96-97 range, and mixes up his pitches nicely. Has been a workhorse for us, and is adjusting better in pitching back to back games!
So with the team sitting at 56-55, seven games out of first in the division, but only four out of the wild card spot, there is still hope for this season. August 1st means call ups, and we will be bringing up outfielder Devin Forrest for sure, and possibly Ben Brown. I don’t see us bringing up Eisuke Heida to add to our rotation, but he may be used in the pen later in the month. That’s a wait and see thing!
So onto August, and the stretch drive for a playoff spot!