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Week-in-Review: May 30th- June 5th, 1966. Another fairly tough week for the Brewers as they drop 4 of 7. The week started with a two-game series against San Francisco in which the Brewers lost the first game 5-0 and then, after having come back late to take an 8-6 lead going into the bottom of the ninth, saw veteran closer Ron Poblano blow the lead (and lose his closer status in the process), and then scored 4 runs in the top of the 13th inning only to give up 5 in the bottom of the frame for a 13-12 loss. The Brewers did manage to take 2 games from the lowly Charlotte Sting in Sting Stadium (it's called Sting Ballpark, but I think I need to edit that). They then lost 2 of 3 in Phoenix.
Who's Hoppy? Having experienced a few tough weeks after a great start to the season, catcher Sam Rogers (.302/.327/.403, 1.0 WAR), bounced back with a 10 for 27 week, picking up 3 doubles (7), his first triple of the season, 2 runs scored and 4 RBI. Young 1B/OF Erik Shelton (.286/.343/.440, 0.3 WAR) had a nice week too (9 for 25, 2 4-hit games, 3 doubles (5), 3 RBI, and his first two stolen bases) and is building a case for being the replacement for Mark Compton at first base in 1967, should the team let Compton walk as a free agent (this looks likely.) Alex Burley (6-4, 2.09 ERA, 1.05 WHIP), who continues to be the ace of the starting staff, pitched a CG shutout, allowing 8 hits while striking out 9 and walking none in a 2-0 win against Phoenix.
Who's Hungover? Right fielder Ruben Souffront (.254/.291/.337, -0.1 WAR) had a tough week, going just 2 for 19 with his first triple, 2 runs scored, and 1 stolen base (7).
What's Brewing Around the League? The Columbus Whalers now sit atop the Shoeless Joe League with a 29-22 record while 4 teams are in a virtual tie for second place at 1 1/2 games out (Pittsburgh, El Paso, Jacksonville, and San Antonio.) The L.A. Kings continue their dominance as they are now 34-14 to lead the Moonlight Graham League. Portland is in second at 33-20, the Baltimore Lords catapult up to third (28-25), while the Brewers sit in fourth place at 27-25.
The Streak Souffront Saga: see Who's Hungover above. And note that there are some capable outfielders coming up through the minor league system and Ruben is probably starting to feel some real pressure to produce or lose his presumptive hold on this position.
Brewer's Power Ranking: #12 (#1 L.A., #2 S.A., #3 COL, #4 POR, #5 ELP)
Brewer's Record: 27-25, .519, 4th place MGL, 9 gb L.A.
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