[ayaghmour2]

Weekly Record: 5-2
Seasonal Record: 64-41 (3rd, 7.5 GB)
Stars of the Week
Dode Caudill : 25 AB, 12 H, 2 HR, 2 RBI, .480 AVG, 1.447 OPS
Chappy Sanders : 8 AB, 5 H, 1 HR, 4 RBI, .625 AVG, 1.750 OPS
Pug White : 1 Win, 2 Saves, 5.0 IP, 1 BB, 6 K, 0.00 ERA

Schedule
7-23: Win vs Cannons (4-7)
7-24: Win vs Cannons (6-9)
7-25: Loss vs Cannons (6-5)
7-26: Win vs Wolves (2-5)
7-27: Loss vs Wolves (5-2)
7-28: Win vs Wolves (1-3)
7-28: Win vs Wolves (0-4)

Recap
I hate the Kings. Hate. Hate. Hate. Hate. Hate. Hate. HATE. THE. KINGS.

20-7. 20-7 in July so far. And we've made up one. Half. GAME.

THAT'S IT!?!?!?!?! HALF A STINKIN' GAMEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!

Well, at least we're a real good ballclub playing real good baseball. And Dode Caudill is starting to welcome his self to the league!

With two games left he's a near lock for Rookie of the Month, as Dode went 12-for-25 to raise his July line to .409/.488/.636 (200 OPS+). He added 4 doubles, 2 homers, 5 walks, and 7 runs, giving him 13 extra base hits, 34 runs, 17 walks, 8 steals, and 12 RBIs. The ultimate stat-sheet stuffer, he's now got 16 doubles, 11 triples, 15 homers, 45 walks, 46 RBIs, 78 runs, and 16 steals in the first 103 games of his career. Dode has now slashed .314/.381/.519 (139 OPS+), and after spending all season ranked in the bottom half of the left field rankings, OSA finally decided to place him at 6th. That doesn't mean too much, he's pretty much the same guy he was Opening Day (don't forget he started the season really well), but at least now it seems like our new cornerstone is starting to get the recognition he deserves. The Caudill-McMillan-Watson outfield could remain mostly unchanged for a long time, aside from potentially flipping center and right. Regardless of alignment, this defense will be excellent, and they're all capable in the box, and even if we come short this year, 1964 could be when everything clicks.

Our double header this week was fascinating, as we didn't need to use either of our relievers, as Roy Ellis and John Mitchell combined for 8 hits, 4 walks, 13 strikeouts, and just a single run allowed. That came in Ellis' start, as he held the Wolves to 3 hits and 2 walks, striking out 8 hitters for the second time in his three game win streak. He had a rough start to the month, but when he's not allowing home runs he's dominating. Ellis has walked three hitters in a game just once -- and it's his game high on the season. 13 of his 20 starts have seen him strikeout at least four hitters for each walk, as his command is among the league's best. His 2.6 K/BB is sixth in the Conti, while his 5.9 BB% is right below Doc Griffin (5.8) for seventh. Still on place for a second 200 inning season, it hasn't always gone the way he's wanted, but as we look to cut the deficit he could push the needle if he keeps it in the park.

Mitchell getting the shutout is kind of ironic, as he's the only pitcher that won't get a start this week. We get an off day and no double header, and instead of demoting him, I'm going to give him a week in the pen. The 26-year-old has won pretty much every start he's made, a combined 11-2 between Milwaukee and Chicago. Yesterday he threw his second shutout, allowing just 5 hits and 2 walks with 5 strikeouts. Mitchell is riding a five game win streak, with four of those coming in Chicago. The competition hasn't been great, but he's delivered when called upon, and 5 of his 8 starts have gone 8 or more innings. That was completely unexpected, but he's always shown the ability to eat innings. Generally they aren't as effective, but in 63.1 this season he's worked to a 2.84 ERA (146 ERA+), 3.41 FIP (81 FIP-), and 1.09 WHIP. As is all would be easy career bests, and with three more starts on the horizon he's got a chance to keep these values pretty close. He's rolled with all the punches so far, and I can just sense a big outing coming from the crafty righty.

Pitching was the strength in most of our wins, but both our catchers were valuable on offense and defense. Dutch Miller continued his outstanding July, going 4-for-12 with a homer, 3 walks, and 4 RBIs. The 34-year-old veteran is hitting .299/.388/.552 (149 OPS+) in 21 July games, easily his best month of the season. 4 of his 9 homers and 14 of his 34 RBIs have came this month, as he finally seems to settled into Chicago. It's coincided with Chappy Sanders addition, and the backup was 5-for-8 with a double, homer, 3 runs, and 4 RBIs. Since his July 4th call up, he's hit an impressive .323/.389/.645 (172 OPS+). It's just 36 PAs, but he already has 3 homers and 10 RBIs. A position that was weak most of the season, we're finally seeing some production.

Looking Ahead
Off to start the week before we start what could be our biggest series of the season. A quick three game detour in Kansas City, we have our second best chance to actually cut into the seemingly insurmountable deficit ahead of us. We took advantage of a tired Kings squad, but this time they seem to be ready for action. Somewhat lucky for us, even if there wasn't an off day we'd get 2-3-4, with Jack Halbur (11-3, 2.53, 89), Allie Boone (6-4, 3.27, 107), and Beau McClellan (9-9, 3.87, 116). Ace Gene Bailey (16-3, 3.12, 120) picked up his FABL leading 16th win on Sunday, so he'd be missed regardless. For most that's good, but we're his third loss and worst start. No one in their rotation is an easy pull, so runs will be tough, which is not something to say about Hank Williams (.368, 32, 103). This dude is simply the best hitter in baseball, and he almost deserves to win a pennant. Yet to play in the postseason, the 3-Time Whitney winner is doing his best this season, as he's hoping year six as a starter is the one where he finally gets to the postseason. They just added Stan Kleminski (.260, 2, 35, 12), the postseason hit leader, in a depth building effort, but he won't be available for us. With pretty much only righties on our staff, we may struggle with the lefty-heavy lineup, and I'm worried that Earle Turner's (3-3, 2, 1.01, 45) scoreless month will come to a close. I'm extremely nervous for this series, as I think they're the best in the league, and we just aren't quite there yet.

But I am wrong often...

Back home to finish the week, three with the Sailors before another Monday off-day. San Francisco sits in fourth, and at 59-45 they're more then double digit games behind the Kings. Still an excellent team, they've got one of the best outfields, featuring veteran Edwin Hackberry (.268, 13, 52, 17), first-time All-Star John Kingsbury (.318, 14, 77, 6), and rookie sensation Otis Haldeman (.295, 15, 75, 4). Carlos Jaramillo (.265, 4, 37, 22) needs no introduction and Heinie Spitler (.373, 5, 60, 10) is the only thing between Hank Williams and a batting title, giving them arguably the top middle infield. Catching is an obvious weakness, as Larry McLaren (.229, 4, 8) fractured his rib and Bill Jenkins (.198, 1, 24) has a pitcher's batting line, but they're strong almost everywhere else. One guy I haven't really touched on before his graduated #35 prospect Allan Griffen (.290, 7, 38, 4), who's gone from released 20th Round pick to useful corner infielder. The 25-year-old has spent most of his season at first, hitting .290/.377/.448 (119 OPS+) with 24 extra base hits, 32 runs, 36 walks, and 38 RBIs. One of the toughest guys to strike out, he fits in with the Sailors general look, and they continue to get the most about players that some wouldn't give a second look to. With a good lineup, we'll have to exploit their pitching staff, and I think we'll draw Zane Kelley (7-4, 4.40, 78) and Sam Franklin (4-3, 4.88, 52). Our lineup should have a field day, especially if we can elevate their mistake pitches.

Minor League Report
CF Bob Adams (C La Crosse Lions): After being selected 131st in the most recent draft, Bob Adams has shown he's ready for pro baseball, off to a nice start to his minor league career. Adams got a little reward, as in week four he took home Player of the Week. Hitting a strong 15-for-29, he added 5 runs, a double, 2 triples, 2 homers, 7 RBIs, 3 walks, and 4 steals. 23 games into his La Crosse career, Adams has hit an impressive .379/.460/.598 (136 OPS+) with 3 doubles, 4 homers, 18 RBIs, 13 walks, 18 runs, and 8 steals. The speedster has also played tremendous defense, collecting a 4.4 zone rating (1.111 EFF) in under 200 innings. 20 in August, he's looking more then ready for a new challenge, but there's no room in the San Jose outfield. To get him playing everyday, he might have to wait longer then he deserves, but that doesn't mean he's not an important prospect in our system .Ranked 17th on the team and 305th overall, he could turn into a useful fourth outfielder, and his speed makes him a weapon late game. At worst a designated pinch runner, he has a nice high floor, and seems likely to end up on a FABL roster.ea

RHP Johnny Maples (C La Crosse Lions): Perhaps overshadowed by aces in the making Johnny Kern and Hub Russell, Johnny Maples has been the 1963 draftee off to the best start, as the 10th Round pick has allowed 3 or fewer runs in each of his 4 starts, including a 3-hit shutout of the Moline Pioneers. Ranked 20th in our system and 316th overall, he's our six ranked pitching prospect, the recently 20-year-old may not spend too much time in La Crosse. 3-1 with a 1.87 ERA (314 ERA+), 1.10 WHIP, and 16 strikeouts, he's been extremely effective, and with a few more starts like this he'll be on his way up. There's not a lot of room in the San Jose rotation, but Maples is a guy I could make room for, as his development is important to our future success. A little more then just pure depth, he could be a useful FABL starter, commanding the zone with his mid 80s sinker. Best for groundballs, he profiles well in our park, and he doesn't project to deal with command issues. The stuff isn't great, but only imperfect pitchers are available in the 10th Round, and he has plenty going for him with his movement and work ethic.