The Micro Brew Review: 7/30/10

Recap

Nashville (AAA): The Sounds started their weeks off nicely enough by winning two of their final three in their series against the Albuquerque Isotopes (LAD). They then won their first game against the Omaha Royals before losing the next two. After their 4-3 week, the Sounds are now 56-49 for the season, good for third place in the PCL american North division, now 2.5 games back of the first place Iowa Cubs.

Huntsville (AA): The  Stars lost a tough one last night, but they still had a pretty nice week overall. They started off by winning three in a row against the Jacksonville Suns (FLA) before losing the final game in that series. They took the first game in their series against the Mississippi Braves, but lost night to even the series. After finishing 4-2 this week, the Stars are now back above .500 at 17-16, third place in the Southern League North Division and two games back of the Tennessee Smokies (CHC).

Brevard Co (A+): In what will probably go down as the best week in Brevard baseball this season, the Mantees went 6-0 since the last Review. No, you're not seeing things or reading that incorrectly- the Manatees did not lose once this week. They started off by winning both ends of a double-header against the Fort Myers Miracle (MIN), followed by another win against Fort Myers. They then took three against the St. Lucie Mets. After their big week, the Manatees are now 21-12, but they are still two games back of the first place Daytona Cubs (what's with all the Cubs affiliates being in first place?).

Wisconsin (A): The Rattlers started their week off by splitting a double-header with the West Michigan Whitecaps. They then won their first game against the South Bend Silver Hawks and split a double-header against the Silver Hawks. They've lost two in a row in their current series against the Peoria Chiefs (CHC), including a tough 9th inning loss last night. After going 3-4 this week, the T-Rats are now 15-17, fifth place in the Midwest League Western Division, six games back of the first place Quad Cities River Bandits (STL).

Helena (R+): The Helena Brewers had a pretty decent week, going 4-2 overall. They split the last two games against the Ogden Raptors (LAD) and took two of three from the Orem Owlz (LAA). Last night they won their first game in a series against Great Falls Voyagers (CHW) in 15 innings on a two-run homer by Greg Hokpins. Now at 19-18 on the season, the Helena Brewers find themselves in third place in the Pioneer League North Division, three games back of Great Falls.

Arizona (R): The Arizona Brewers started their week off by winning three in a row against the Arizona Dodgers, Mariners, and Reds. They lost their next game against the Arizona Reds before winning their final game of the week against the Arizona Royals. Their 4-1 week left them at 21-10 on the season, padding their lead in the Arizona League Central Division to six games ahead of the second place Arizona Dodgers.

Transactions

• 2B Eric Farris, LHP Mike Ramlow, 3B Kyle Dhanani, and LHP Tony Butler were activated from the 7-day DL
• UT Johnny Raburn, RHP Michael Fiers, IF Steve Braun, and RHP Andy Sauter were placed on the 7-day DL
• DSL Brewers Leonard Lorenzo, Allixon Cequea, and Erickson Salaya were were suspended.
• RHP Jeremy Jeffress was promoted from Brevard Co. to Hunstville.
• RHP Robert Hinton will be joining Jeffress there, as he was demoted from Nashville to Huntsville. 

Five Up

1. Mat Gamel: Despite only collecting two hits over his last two games, Mat the Batt had a pretty great week. This week he went 14-32 (.438) with 2 homers, 3 doubles, and 12 RBIs. But with a trade of Corey Hart or Prince Fielder looking increasingly unlikely, he might have to wait a little longer to bring his batt to Milwaukee.
2. Joe Koshansky: Koshansky's game is power, but he also flashed a little average this week. He went 9-20 (.450) this week with 3 homers and 5 RBIs.
3. Hunter Morris: This year's 4th round pick is having a pretty nice debut season; he's been a solid regular for pretty much the entire time he's been with the Rattlers. This week he went 7-16 (.438) with 2 homers and 3 RBIs.
4. Kyle Heckathorn: Now residing in Brevard Co., Kyle Heckathorn has picked up right where he left off. In his first two starts for the Mantees, the big righty has pichted 13 innings and only allowed 3 ER. He only struck out 6, but he's not really known as a big strikeout pitcher anyway. Keep up the good work, Heck.
5. Donovan Hand: The recently promoted Hand is off to a great start in Nashville. In four appearances this week Hand pitched 4 scoreless innings and only allowed 1 hit.

Five Down

1. D'Vontrey Richardson: To say D'Vontrey had a bad week is really an understatement. The Rattlers' CF collected only 2 hits this week (2-23, .087). Here's another fun fact: Richardson has 13 errors this season. 13 errors! As an outfielder! Obviously errors aren't the best way to judge fielding, but that's Soriano-level.
2. Khris Davis: A week after I ranted about how Davis deserves a promotion, he goes and lands himself on the down list. The Rattlers' OF only went 3-19 (.158) and didn't hit a single HR. You're making me look bad, Khris.
3. Stosh Wawrzasek: Not only was Stosh eliminated from Minors Moniker Maddness, he also had a rather forgettable start. In his one start this week, he allowed 6 ER on 8 H, 1 BB and 2 HR in only 3.2 innings. Hopefully next week will be nicer to him.
4. Yadiel Rivera: Rivera collected only 1 hit this week (1-14, .071). He's got an OPS of .489 in his first professional season. But I hear he's got a great glove!
5. Brooks Hall: The big righty made only one appearance this week, and it will probably go down as the worst start in his very, very young career. In 2.1 IP he allowed 6 ER on 1 H, 1 BB, and 1 HR.