The Scrapperbook: 8/10/12 to 8/16/12
|
By Andrew Zajac August 17, 2012
|
Where We Stand in Week Nine:
Overall Record: 26-29 (3-2 this week), Fourth place, 6.0 games behind Auburn.
Week Nine Games:
10 @ Batavia, W 7-3 (WP: J. Stokes; LP: J. Pasen; SV: R. Homblert)
11 @ Auburn, W 9-2 (WP: G. Davenport; LP: B. Mooneyham)
12 @ Auburn, L 4-8 (WP: D. Fischer; LP: J. Sisco)
15 vs. Auburn, W 5-4 (WP: J. Wagoner; LP: C. Davis)
16 vs. Auburn, L 5-12 (WP: S. Medina; LP: L. Morel)
The Transactions:
No transactions.
First Half Offensive MVP: INF Joseph Wendle
The sixth round selection out of West Chester University has certainly turned a lot of heads this season. He's hitting .324 (sixth in the league) with 3 HR, 27 RBI, and 4 SB. He also has 12 2B and 3 3B. Looking a little deeper into his numbers, he boasts a .372 OBP, .491 SLG (fifth in the league), and a .864 OPS (sixth in the league). He's also eighth in the league in hits with 56. He's shown good plate discipline and has also had a solid glove defensively. Wendle has done everything asked of him and then some. When the top prospect rankings come out for next year, he'll certainly be in the top fifteen to twenty in our system.
First Half Cy Young: RHP Luis DeJesus
DeJesus has been dominant all season long and has really overmatched hitters. Even in the All Star game, he showed flashes of brilliance. His struggles in Lake County earlier this season are a thing of the past and he's rebuilt his reputation quite well in Mahoning Valley. Since the demotion, he's compiled a record of 4-1 with a 1.93 ERA. In 10 games started, he's pitched 56 innings, allowing 40 hits 12 ER/15 R, one home run, and 11 walks, while striking out 36. Hitters have an average of only .198 against him. DeJesus ranks seventh in the league in ERA (technically fifth if you don't count relievers), tied for fourth in innings pitched, tied for fourth in wins, and sixth in WHIP (0.91).
First Half Most Underrated Player: C Charlie Valerio
One of the most vital piece to the Mahoning Valley offense this season has been Charlie Valerio. He may not have the batting average that Joe Wendle has, but Valerio has been a consistent force in the middle of the lineup all season long. He's hitting .296 with 5 HR (tied for fourth in the league), 35 RBI (second in the league), and 5 SB. He also has 10 2B and a triple. Valero also carries a .371 OBP, .456 SLG, and .827 OPS. He's also one of the quiet leaders of this team who has incredible character.
Player to Watch in the Second Half: RHP Jacob Lee
While Luis DeJesus has received much of the spotlight, RHP Jacob Lee has performed quite well himself and is primed for a fantastic second half. He was brilliant in the All Star game, striking out two batters. For the season, he's compiled a 4-1 record with an ERA of 2.10. In 13 games (5 starts), he's pitched 34.1 innings, allowing 23 hits, 8 ER/11 R, 1 HR, and 8 BB while striking out 40. Opposing hitters have an average of only .185 against him. He's been just as dominant, if not more dominant, than DeJesus.
Random Notes:
- CF Tyler Naquin remains sidelined with a strained lower back. The Indians organization is being extra precautious with their first round selection. His injury is nothing to panic about. However, there is no timetable for his return.
- Home town favorite DH Joe Sever competed in the Home Run Derby contest prior to the All Star Game and finished second behind DH Chris Serritella of Williamsport.
- It was also announced that next year's All Star Game will be hosted by the Connecticut Tigers.
Looking Ahead:
17 vs. Batavia, 7:05 PM
18 vs. Batavia, 7:05 PM
19 vs. Jamestown, 5:05 PM
20 vs. Jamestown, 7:05 PM
21 @ Batavia, 7:05 PM
22 @ Batavia, 7:05 PM
23 @ Batavia, 7:05 PM
User Comments
Really agree with you across the board with these guys. I wanted to be wrong about Garcia because he is athletic but I do not see him starting in MI at full season ball next year which is a likely KOD in this organization.
I really think the MV staff has done a lot with little in the way with prospects. Some talent above and below but not much there from what I see. As for Naquin, not really concerned about CF in this system. He has some skills, including his arm which is probably the 2nd best OF arm in the system. Just don't see IF footwork and hands on Sever but could easily be wrong. Could be another in a long line of defensively challenged players that fans want but the majors won't IMO.
What has happened to Aviles? Seen some tape is all but looks nothing like the kid I watched in HS. Haven't heard much about the injury issue but suspect that has something to do with it and not sure he will ever recover if that is the case.
NaQuin also is done for the year, he shut himself down, and indians fans shouldnt get too excited about him as word around the stadium is he cant wait to sign with a Texas MLB team the first time he hits FA. not that he doesnt like Cleveland he just loves playing in Texas that much more
In your next write, I would like get your opinions of some of the ceilings from the better prospects not on this list, i.e. Garcia will or won't hit as he progresses? Who is the best catcher? Hitting Catcher? Does Sever have a defensive position? I don't get to see as much of these guys as I used to and hope you have the time.
