The Scrapperbook: 7/6/2012-7/12/2012

Where We Stand in Week Four:

Overall Record: 12-12 (2-4 this week), Fourth place, 4.5 games behind Auburn.

Week Four Games:

6 vs. Aberdeen, L 6-7 (WP: B. Wilkins; LP: J. Wagoner; SV: J. Nivar)
7 vs. Connecticut, W 5-3 (WP: J. Martin; LP: E. De La Rosa; SV: L. Head) 
8 vs. Connecticut, W 5-4 (WP: J. Wagoner; LP: E. Heckaman)
9 vs. Connecticut, L 4-5 (WP: W. Clinard; LP: L. Head)
11 @ Lowell, L 4-5 (WP: L. Marin; LP: J. Stokes) 
12 @ Lowell, L 1-10 (WP: W. Cuevas; LP: R. Merritt)

The Transactions:

7/9/2012: RHP Luis Morel assigned to Mahoning Valley Scrappers from AZL Indians.
7/10/2012: RHP Enosil Tejeda assigned to Lake County Captains from Mahoning Valley Scrappers.

The Good:

• RHP Luis DeJesus continued his recent dominance. He only started in one game this week, but he went six solid innings, allowing two hits and two runs (both earned), while walking one and striking out five. Since being demoted from Lake County, he's been one of the anchors of the Mahoning Valley rotation.
• C Charlie Valerio also continues to perform well (and above expectations). For the season, he's hitting .300, with 2 HR, 14 RBI, and 4 SB. He's been a solid, middle of the order bat for a young and inexperienced lineup.
• RHP Jake Sisco also turned on a solid outing this past week, going six strong innings, allowing four hits and a walk, while striking out four and not allowing a run. While you'd like to see his command improve, it seems he's finally turning the corner.

The Bad:

• Since getting off to a hot start, CF Tyler Naquin has really cooled off at the plate. In his last ten games, he's hitting .238 (10-42). While four of those hits went for extra bases and his walk to strikeout ratio was "even Steven" at 7 BB/7 K, he hasn't been able to find the gaps of late. 
• The bullpen. I can honestly say that the bullpen cost this team two wins this past week. Generally speaking, this league is more about developing players rather than looking at win/loss totals, but it was almost painful to watch the bullpen at times this week. In total, they pitched 27 innings allowing 17 ER/19 R. That number may not seem like a lot, but they really struggled in the late innings to shut the door.
• RHP Robbie Aviles. He made one appearance this week out of the bullpen and was really struggled. I sat behind home plate the day he came on to pitch and he was very ordinary and hittable. His command was off, he didn't appear dominant or overpowering, and was showing visible frustration on the mound, which seemed to effect his mechanics and overall demeanor. 

Hitter of the Month: 2B Joseph Wendle

One of the best stories coming out of the first month of the season is Joseph Wendle. He's hitting .343 (ranked sixth in the league), with six doubles, two triples, and ten runs batted in. He's also shown a great approach at the plate with nine walks to six strike outs. His .430 OBP ranks him fourth in the league and his OPS ranks him eighth in the league at .935.

Pitcher of the Month: RHP Luis DeJesus

As previously mentioned, since being demoted from Lake County, he's been simply outstanding. He's started five games, compiling a record of 2-0. In 28 innings pitched, he's allowed 17 hits, 4 ER/5 R, and walking 7, while striking out 19 and holding opposing hitters to a .175 average. 

Looking Ahead:

13 @ Lowell, 7:05 PM
14 @ Hudson Valley, 7:05 PM
15 @ Hudson Valley, 5:05 PM
16 @ Hudson Valley, 11:05 AM
17 vs. State College, 7:05 PM
18 vs. State College, 7:05 PM
19 @ Jamestown, 7:05 PM