The Expos started to turn their season back on track in June. The month started with wins in 2 of 3 versus the Braves and 1 of 3 versus the Padres. I had been shopping around some of my depth for an upgrade in right field and was able to find a match to my liking with the Padres immediately following our series.
I sent San Diego RF Polovina, CF Paredes, 2B Draxler, SP Killough, and MiLB SS Luera. In return, I received RF Greg Flowers, MiLB SP Pedro Frias, MiLB RP David Granado, and $2 million. To this point in the season, RF Flowers was having a solid season, even if it didn't match up to his prior track record (128 wRC+ in 2032 compared to his MLB career average of 140 wRC+). He has achieved this success with a great and balanced bat, though his speed and defense leave a bit to be desired. He just turned 27 years old and has two years of control remaining. Despite being a bargain this year ($4.6 million for the season), he projects to make over $24 million via arbitration in the next two years. This deal wouldn't have happened without including CF Paredes, who San Diego seemed pretty high on. While they may have traded away their top hitter, they were able to add three batters who should slot right into their lineup and a starter to bolster their rotation. The Padres took on extra salary, while it freed up some salary space for the Expos.
The prospect pieces also deserve mention. I added SP Frias who has the makings of a future top of the rotation pitcher with plus velocity (99-101 mph, three potentially great pitches (fastball, cutter, and curve), and above average potential in stuff, movement, and control. He will be placed in AA. I also received RP Granado who could see a major league bullpen eventually if he can figure out his control. The prospect I gave up, SS Luera, projects to be a perennial gold glove contender at shortstop but his bat is still very much a work in progress. San Diego presumably sees a lot of potential in his bat.
After the trade, I activated CF Pruner, promoted CF Vargas from AAA, sent LF Ramos back to AAA, and promoted rising SP prospect Manny Roque. The Expos then won 2 of 3 versus Boston and 1 of 3 versus Washington. At this point, I activated SS Warren from the DL, sent SS Amescua back to AAA, placed CF Vargas on the DL for a minimum stay, and added LF Ramos back to the team.
The Expos finished out the month on a tear, winning 3 of 3 versus the Reds, 4 of 4 versus the Phillies, 1 of 3 versus the Mets, 3 of 3 versus the Dodgers, and 1 of 3 versus the Marlins. During this timeframe, CF Vargas was activated to the majors with LF Ramos going back to AAA. SS Warren was also lost for a few weeks, again creating space for SS Amescua.
The Expos record adds up to 18-10 for the month. 2B Pellot, LF Cecil, and RF Flowers all brought home consecutive player of the week awards during the month. CL Bedingfield received the top pitcher award for the month in the majors and MiLB SP Capossela received the top pitcher award for the month in the International League (AAA).
Here are the batting performances:
RF Flowers, 1B Cuatt, and CF Pruner led the offense with torrid months at the plate. 2B Pellot wasn't far behind, putting to rest some of my concerns about his AAA hitting. LF Cecil, 3B Lawrence, and 1B Flores all also had strong months offensively.
And here are the pitchers:
SP Roque made a seamless transition to the majors, posting a 2.77 ERA (3.81 FIP) in 26 IP over his first month. Otherwise, SP Caballero (3.52 ERA, 3.25 FIP) was the only other above average starter. Both SP Guajardo and SP Britland struggled a bit.
CL Bedingfield dominated out of the bullpen to the tune of a 0.49 ERA and 0.71 WHIP over 18.1 IP. RP Carson nearly matched Bedingfield, though in half the innings. RP Avilla also pitched like a bullpen ace for the month.
Next, the international amateur free agent signing period opens...