July was a busy month for the Expos. It started with activating LF Derringer from the DL and demoting CF Vargas. The Expos then swept the Rays in three games before learning that Pruner would miss a week or two with an injury. CF Jesse Martin replaced him on the roster as a defensive wizard who can backup or spot start when necessary.
The Expos then won 1 of 4 versus the Cubs and 2 of 3 versus the Indians. At this point, RF Flowers was placed on the DL with a moderate day-to-day injury. LF Ramos received another call up. To further deplete the outfield, CF Martin was placed on the DL. CF Vargas received the corresponding call up.
This year, the Expos sent three players to the All-Star Game: CL Bedingfield, 3B Lawrence, and RF Flowers.
During the all-star break, I traded MiLB SP/RP Medina to the Yankees for MiLB C Ivan Diaz. Diaz is roughly average both with his bat and his defense. This was more of a move designed to trade from my pitching depth to try to address a weaker position in my system.
The Expos also received a post-break boost with SS Warren, CF Pruner, and RF Flowers getting activated in the series after the break. The Expos won 1 of 3 versus the Phillies, 2 of 3 versus the Giants, and 1 of 3 versus the D-Backs. RF Flowers only lasted one game before suffering another injury, sending him back to the DL for several weeks. I then decided that prospect SP Capossela deserved a shot in the majors as he was utterly dominating AAA batters. I ended up making a trade with Cleveland, sending RP Tew in exchange for CF Kevin Strange. Strange, a rookie, has an average bat and plays all three outfield positions with above average defense. Hopefully he will be able to plug the hole there as it appears neither CF Vargas or LF Ramos are ready for the fourth outfield position. This is also a little bit of a backup plan to at least have an average player for center field next year in case CF Pruner decides to test free agency again.
SS Warren was again lost to the DL, this time for 6-7 weeks. Yet again, SS Amescua returned to the majors. The Expos then finished the month with five straight wins: three versus the Cardinals and two versus the Nationals.
The Expos were fairly active at the trade deadline, making a few small trades. I sent MiLB RF O'Brien to Oakland for MiLB RF Travis Estes. Estes has an above average bat and the arm to play right field. I sent MiLB SS Contreras to the Cubs for MiLB SP Dennis Prosser. Prosser will continue as a starter, though there is a chance he may end up in the bullpen if either his control or change up don't develop to their current potential. Lastly, I traded MiLB SP/RP Walker to Cleveland for MiLB C Bobby Jacobo. Other than poor contact, Jacobo looks to have an average bat. He isn't a top flight prospect, but is very young (18) and could still develop more.
The month ended with placing RP Mosqueda on the DL. He should be ready to return as soon as he is eligible. SP prospect Jimmy Turkel will replace him in the majors as a lefty option out of the bullpen.
The Expos finished with a 15-10 record for the month.
Here's how the hitters fared:
This was definitely a down month offensively. 1B Cuatt led the team with 9 home runs. 3B Lawrence and LF Derringer played well, and CF Pruner and RF Cecil each hit above .300 AVG with fewer at bats, but that was about it.
And the pitchers:
SP Guajardo had a breakout month (1.74 ERA, 1.87 FIP, 12.2 K/9, 2.0 BB/9, 31 IP). SP Britland managed a better ERA (1.18), though a lesser FIP (3.37) in 38 IP. SP Roque continued his strong rookie campaign with a 2.73 ERA and 3.86 ERA in 26.1 IP.
CL Bedingfield continues to lead the way for the bullpen as he added on another 7 saves this month.
Next is a look at the updated midseason prospect rankings for the Expos organization...