[ayaghmour2]

Weekly Record: 5-1
Seasonal Record: 40-15 (1st, 7 GA)
Stars of the Week
Hank Barnett : 23 AB, 9 H, 0 HR, 7 RBI, .391 AVG, .875 OPS
Leo Mitchell : 24 AB, 9 H, 0 HR, 2 RBI, .375 AVG, .861 OPS
Art White : 2 Wins, 16.0 IP, 7 BB, 4 K, 2.25 ERA

Schedule
6-6: Win vs Stars (1-2)
6-8: Win vs Stars (1-3)
6-9: Win vs Kings (1-2)
6-10: Loss vs Kings (6-4)
6-11: Win vs Kings (5-6)
6-11: Win vs Kings (4-11)

Recap
At this point I'm afraid to even tough the team, for risk that my fingers might burn off! We held our guests to just a single run in half of our games this week, sweeping the Stars and taking three of four from the Kings to end our homestand an impressive 16-6. We're the first team to 40 wins and hold a seven game lead over the Wolves. It's also the official reveal of the draft pool, and we are set to make the first pick in the 4th Round, with 10 more picks to follow. We'll get amateur reports today of the three we already selected, but the draft won't begin until Thursday. Pretty much since the regional round finished, I knew who I wanted, and it's someone I consider with both my first and second rounder. Looking at the three guys we selected, 1st Rounder Bert Rogers checks in lower then expected at 4.12, but the Chicagoan ranks 11th on Tom Weinstock's new and improved 32 player first round list. 2nd Rounder Tom Jovin checks in at 2.13 and 3rd Rounder Harry Austin at 5.3, with Jovin #20 on Tom's list. The guy I want ranks 17th, and is surprisingly not on the mock.

It was a wonderful week for Art White, who picked up two more wins to improve to a perfect 10-0 on the season. White threw his 9th complete game win against the Stars, allowing just 5 hits, a run, and a walk. His 10th win was the first one where he didn't go the distance, as the lefty went just 7 against his former team. The Kings got 9 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), and 6 walks in a rather stressful start for the veteran lefty, but he did strike out 4 in 7 innings pitched. He now owns a 2.05 ERA (167 ERA+) and 1.08 WHIP with 23 walks and 17 strikeouts. His ERA is tied with Bernie Johnson for second in the CA, just a single point higher then Harry Parker's. White also ranks 2nd in WHIP, this time two points higher then Parker, and despite a 1.1 WAR, his 3.7 rWAR leads all CA pitchers, with stopper Ben Curtin half a win behind him. As you'd expect, White's 10 wins lead all of baseball, two ahead of the Chiefs Rabbit Day, the Dynamos Jimmy Long, and the previously mentioned Ben Curtin. White has been well worth the hefty price tag it cost to acquire him, he should attend his fourth All Star game next month.

Another guy joining him should be Ben Curtin, who has been elite all season long. He made three appearances this week, including a win and save, tossing 7 scoreless frames with 4 hits, a walk, and a strikeout. Curtin has gone 8-1 with 7 saves, a 0.64 ERA (532 ERA+) and 0.90 WHIP with 11 walks and 6 strikeouts in 42 innings pitched. He's been a huge help as we have a lot of guys who can't go the distance and he's shutdown 15 games already. One of the guys that can go the distance, but doesn't always pitch well enough to do so, is Rusty Petrick, who picked up a complete game win. He did strike out 8, but it came with 7 hits, 5 runs, and 3 walks. Dick Lyons didn't go the distance, but he looked good against the Stars, allowing 7 hits, a run, and a walk in 6 innings. He then pitched a perfect frame against the Kings, dropping his season ERA and WHIP to 2.19 (156 ERA+) and 1.14. Mike Murphy did well in his first game against his former team, picking up a win in 7 innings with 6 hits, a run, a walk, and a strikeout. He did leave with a sore ankle, but won't miss a start, the second time this season he's add to leave an outing with discomfort. Harry Parker wasn't as lucky, as errors from both as back-to-back two out errors from Hunter and Skipper cost him 4 runs and the loss. Parker left after 6, charged with 9 hits, 6 runs (2 earned), and a walk with 3 strikeouts. It was another big week for the staff, which now ranks 1st in the CA in each category except hits allowed (2nd, 467), homers allowed (t-2nd, 17), and strikeouts (4th, 159).

The offense wasn't as good as usual, but our two struggling hitters Billy Hunter and Orlin Yates had outstanding weeks. Hunter's error may have cost us a win, but he went 7-for-15 at the plate with a double, walk, 2 RBIs, and 3 runs scored. Yates also had 7 hits, but it came in 27 trips to the plate. He doubled twice, stole two bases, walked four times, and both drove in and scored five times. Hunter brought up his season line to a slightly above average .248/.300/.400 (101 OPS+) while Yates' still sits at a subpar .228/.293/.284 (67 OPS+). We got support from Cliff Moss, who was 4-for-14 with 3 walks, 3 RBIs, 4 runs, and a tied for the league lead 7th home run. Hank Barnett got right back on track, 9-for-23 with a double, 2 runs, 2 walks, and 7 RBIs. Leo Mitchell's average dropped to a still league best .419, going 9-for-24 with a double, 2 RBIs, 3 runs, and 3 walks. Mitchell was riding a hit streak that ended at 21 in the second game of the double header, as he was 0-for-3 with 2 walks. Mitchell has now reached base safely in each game for nearly a month, as the last he failed to do so was on May 16th. Dick Walker was just 2-for-20, but it came with 2 steals, 6 runs, and 8 walks. That's now 70 walks for Walker in 55 games, who is also trying to put together his first 40 steal season, on track for 39. Like the staff, the lineup has been outstanding, now leading the CA in all categories except extra base hits (3rd, 135), strikeouts (3rd, 150), and base running (3rd, +9.3).

Looking Ahead
No rest for the wicked, as we head to Montreal for three with the Saints. We do get an off day after, but with how well we've played recently, I'm not sure I even want time off. The Saints are 22-32 and just two games ahead of the Kings for last. The Saints have added 23-year-old Jackie James (1-0, 1.98, 6) to the rotation, who has looked good in his first two big league starts. They'll need his help as the pitching hasn't been good, but they have gotten good starts from Ed Baker (5-3, 3.23, 15) and Bill Ross (6-3, 3.76, 17) has started to turn things around. If they shake Pat Weakly (4-5, 4.73, 47) our of his sophomore slump, which is probably more bad luck, as evidenced by his 2.80 FIP and 78 FIP-, they should rise up the standings due to their high powered offense. The only CA team that's scored more frequently then them is us, but when you allow even more runs (they're dead last there), it can be tough to win games. The offense is a well balanced attack, let by veteran slugger Vic Crawford (.310, 5, 38), but the top five in their lineup all have above average OPS+ and WRC+. Bernie Green (.315, 14, 4) has been a bright spot while getting regular time for the first time in his career at 36, while Jake Hughes (.314, 25, 9) and Bill Greene (.258, 2, 27, 8) offer a ton of speed ahead of Crawford. Spud Bent (.278, 3, 28) is healthy and looking good and it will be very hard to keep the Saints off the bases. We're built to win shootouts, and I think we should be able to leave town without many scratches.

Our road trip then ends in the Big Apple with four games in three days against the Stars. The Stars are fresh off a road sweep of the Saints, leapfrogging them in the standings. They are now tied with the Foresters in terms of games back (15.5), but at 23-29 they have one fewer win and loss. It's been a rough season for many Stars players, but Mel Hancock may be turning things around, taking home Player of the Week after going 9-for-19 with 3 doubles, a homer, and 5 RBIs. As good as it is, the switch hitting utility man owns just a .238/.312/.311 (76 OPS+) triple slash on the season, and the homer was his first of the year. His double play partner Steve Summers (.303, 19, 4) has been another surprise, putting up average numbers at the plate in 52 games, somewhat like his 53 game sample in New York last year. They recently made a rotation change as well, promoting Ben Watkins (1-2, 4.22, 7) from the pen to the rotation, where two of his three starts have seen just two earned runs allowed. The staff will get a huge boost once Eli Panneton is officially drafted, and the #5 ranked pitcher in the FABL finished 10-2 with a 2.79 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 29 walks, and 99 strikeouts at Aberdeen College. We've done well on the road this season, and based on the competition, this should be yet another winning week for the surging Cougars.

Minor League Report
RHP George Oddo (A Lincoln Legislators): I covered George Oddo yesterday, as he was in a dominant run of starts, but it turns out I should have waited one sim, as our talented 21-year-old was named Pitcher of the Week in the Heartland League. Oddo made two starts, starting with 8 scoreless against Evansville as the Legislators shut them out 3-0. He did allowed 8 hits and 2 walks, but Oddo struck out 8, the third time he's had more then 8 punchouts in a game this season. He made a second start to finish the week, and while he tied his season low with 3 strikeouts, Oddo was arguably more dominant in this one. The former 8th Rounder tossed a 5-hit shutout and walked just one to improve to an impressive 8-1 on the season. Oddo dropped his ERA down to an elite 2.50 (177 ERA+) with a 1.23 WHIP, 28 walks, and 65 strikeouts. The hardworking righty will now make his way up to Mobile, where I have no doubt he will continue to dominate minor league hitters.

LHP Bill Chapman (A Lincoln Legislators): It hasn't been a good season for Bill Chapman, who after finishing last season in Mobile, went down to Lincoln to start his year. When the calendar turned to May, he was just 1-3 with an inflated 6.75 ERA through 8 starts. His first start saw him throw six scoreless for his second win, and then he took it to the next level on the 8th. Chapman kept the Dusters in check all game, hurling a 4-hit shutout with 6 strikeouts in Lincoln's 4-0 win. His now 5.11 ERA (87 ERA+) is a bit more respectable, but FIP (4.18) and FIP- (94) think Chapman has actually been a bit better then the average Heartland League arm. He does have double the strikeouts (36) then walks (18) and a 1.41 WHIP in 61.2 innings, so the 20-year-old may have a few more starts like this one coming up. This is a welcomed sight for our 6th rated prospect, who now checks in at 106th in the league ranks. He's started throwing a bit harder too, going from high 80s to low 90s, but beyond his average fastball, his overall stuff is raw. He does feature six pitches, but it's a story of quantity over quality. His control is good, and when he locates his pitches he's effective, but when you don't have overpowering stuff, you have to be very precise with each offering. Chapman's age will work in his favor, and I'm really hoping a strong second half has him end his season up in Mobile.

Amateur Report
LHP Bert Rogers
School: Wenona
Commit School: Hamman
1944: 9-0, 96.2 IP, 1.30 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 20 BB, 125 K
Career: 30-2, 336.1 IP, 1.23 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, 69 BB, 428 K

I wouldn't quite call it a perfect season for Bert Rogers, but the 17-year-old finished his senior season with a 9-0 record in 12 starts, improving to an impressive 30-2 in 42 starts. Rogers matched his personal best 35 FIP- from last season, but he saw most of numbers increase from last season's dominant showing. The three year starter showed a lot of promise at Wenona, generating a ton of groundballs while keeping the ball in the park with frequency. He's not a guy who will overpower you, sitting in the mid 80s, so keeping the ball on the ground a la Dick Lyons will be huge for Rogers. Of course, most people don't see their velo top out before they can drink in a bar, and with his work ethic I'd be shocked if he doesn't end up throwing in the 90s. That being said, he gets a ton of movement on his pitches, so he could survive on low velo, but with how his curve and slider move, a hard fastball could turn him into a top pitcher. Despite the mock not thinking of him as a first rounder, I am very happy with how Rogers is looking, and I trust Tom Weinstock a couple thousand times more then a mock draft that will probably shuffle three or four times before the draft comes around. Rogers may never be an ace, mid rotation is more likely, but I imagine the hard worker will exceed expectations while pitching for his hometown team.

RF Tom Jovin
School: Pocahontas
Commit School: Coastal State
1944: .466/.543/.699, 128 PA, 14 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 32 RBI, 7 SB
Career: .472/.550/.725, 354 PA, 42 2B, 6 3B, 6 HR, 87 RBI, 18 SB

It wasn't a great season for the three year starter, but Tom Jovin did manage to play more this season then the previous two. The downside was he set lows in all three triple slash categories, while striking out more this year (6) then the previous two seasons combined (5). Granted, all the numbers are still relatively close, and there is a lot to like about the young outfielder. A natural right fielder who can handle all three positions, Jovin's bat brings the most appeal, as he could end up .300 hitter with a strong eye and a little pop. Strikeouts could end up an issue, as he doesn't always make contact on off speed pitches, but velocity doesn't scare him and he can hit the ball hard and far. OSA is a huge fan, dubbing the now 18-year-old a future elite right fielder, but they may be a little too optimistic. I think Jovin should develop into a well above average hitter, but more Cliff Moss then Bobby Barrell.

LF Harry Austin
School: New Athens
Commit School: Smithfield College
1944: .525/.541/.747, 109 PA, 12 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 34 RBI, 7 SB
Career: .525/.541/.747, 109 PA, 12 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 34 RBI, 7 SB

Hey, I guess he can hit! It was a huge season at the plate for our regional pick, as 17-year-old Harry Austin was second to just 6th Overall Pick Nick Remillard in batting average for draft eligible players. Sure, Austin doesn't really walk (5), but he strikes out (3) even less and punishes pitchers for leaving the ball in the zone. His .525 average is one of the highest marks overall, and while I'd like to see more the just two homers, he showcased his elite hit tool. Unfortunately he's a one tool prospect, but he's young and raw, and could develop a second tool to a plus or higher level. If he hits he'll start in the big leagues, but with power he could really flourish. I expect him to take some time to adjust to minor league pitchers, but if you need someone to put the ball in play, he's your guy.