Week 19 Notes: 3 vs. Indiana (3-0), 3 vs. Kentucky (2-1)
· To start the week, we sent Bill Galbreath back to Toledo for further seasoning. We had to call up reliever Josh Baab and give him some time in the fire.
· 35-year-old outfielder Juan Flores was waived and designated for assignment to clear his spot on the 40-man roster and add Baab.
· Galbreath will no doubt be back in September, we just wanted to give him a chance to pitch more and also get Josh Baab some major-league innings.
· 08/11: MI 7, IN 2 Kevin Kimrey 3-4, 2 2B, 3 RBI Steve Muller 7.0 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 1 BB, 8 K, W (8-7, 3.80)
· Steve Krauskopf and Jake Soland both have the Flame next to their names. Krauskopf now has 5 straight games with 2 hits or more, and a 7-game hitting streak.
· We have moved into a tie for first with the Ohio Aviators! Also, Juan Flores has been claimed off waivers by both Florida and New York.
· 08/12: MI 7, IN 2 Rob Higgin 7.0 IP, 2 R, 0 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 7 K, W (14-5, 2.90) Greg Smith 1-3, 2B, 2 RBI
· 3B Gregorio Olvera of the NY Skycrapers hit for the cycle against Maryland today. Our Dev A Westland's Jon Tucker also hit for the cycle today.
· Our scout has said Tucker is ready (he's 28) all season, but we're very solid in the outfield, especially with how Penney emerged. He'll definitely be joining the ballclub in September.
· New York was awarded the claim of Juan Flores, so he is no longer a member of the Motors organization.
· 08/13: MI 5, IN 2 Jose Cuevas 7.0 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 7 K, W (13-6, 4.49) Brandon Sublet 1-2, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 BB, R
· Two series sweeps in a row, and nine wins in a row total! The Motors have now opened up a half-game lead to be in sole possession of first for the first time this season at 65-49!
· 08/14: KY 4, MI 3 Roy Morrone (KY) 3-4, 2B, HR, 2 RBI Jim Jeansonne 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 4 K, L (11-6, 3.09)
· Wisconsin beat Ohio 2-1, so we maintained our half-game advantage in the division.
· 08/15: MI 7, KY 5 Gustavo Garza 3-4, 4 RBI Bullpen 5 IP, 2 H, 3 BB, 1 ER, 5 K, W, SV (Kearns, 24/28)
· We lost Jesse Cook for the next two weeks to back soreness. Jon Tucker at Westland is a below-average CF but does have some experience there, so he'll be brought up.
· Cody Wilcox also has a slight bit of ability at CF, so he and Tucker should both see time there over the next two weeks. Getting a better defensive backup in CF is an offseason priority.
· 08/16: MI 6, KY 5 Steve Krauskopf 2-3, HR, 3 RBI Steve Muller 6.0 IP, 5 ER, 9 H, 1 BB, 5 K, W (9-7, 3.95)
· Really another iffy outing for Muller, and five earned shows that off. Sometimes he's great, and sometimes he's... iffy. He hits very well though, hitting .304 (14-46) for the season.
· Chris Fashingbauer has been activated from the disabled list. Joe Nicholas had the right to refuse his option to Westland, but slashing .191/.290/.292, he wants to get himself together.
· Next Week: 2 at Pennsylvania, 4 at Vermont
Well, as I hoped, I speak to you on this update as the general manager of a first-place ballclub with us holding a half-game lead over the Ohio Aviators. With the way both of our squads have played, we have kind of made Pennsylvania an afterthought at this point, as they currently trail our Motors by seven games, but we do travel there for a two game set before an offday to travel the rest of the way to Vermont to take on the Maples in a four-game set.
We really got contributions from everyone this week to finish off our homestand on such a high note, even if it is definitely sombered a little bit losing one of our catalysts in Jesse Cook for two weeks. He just has a sore back, and as much (and with as much abandon) as he plays, maybe this is just a well-needed rest. If the team keeps performing, we'll win our division and we'll need him at 100 percent for the playoffs!