The Micro Brew Review: 8/14/10

Recap

Nashville (AAA): The Sounds had a decent week, finishing 3-3 overall. They started by losing the final two in their series against the Reno Aces (swept in a four game series), but then went on to win three of four against the Las Vegas 51s (TOR). The Sounds were pretty lucky to win those three games, as their starting pitching left a lot to be desired this week. At 62-56 on the season, the Sounds are find themselves in last place in the tough PCL American North Division, five games back of the Iowa Cubs.

Hunstville (AA): Ouch. Stars fans, look away. Aftter winning their first game this week against the Carolina Mud Cats (CIN), the Stars have lost five straight, all against the Tennessee Smokies (CHC). Mother Nature even took pity on the Stars and rained out their game on Thursday against the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (SEA). Despite their rather horrible week, the Stars are still above .500, at 24-22, good for second place in the Southern League North Division, but 5.5 games back of the Tennessee Smokies

Brevard Co. (A+): Like the Sounds, the Mantees also finished 3-3 this week. They split the final two games in their series against the Bradenton Marauders (PIT) and won two of three against the Dunedin Blue Jays, with the final games in that series being lost to rain. They also lost their first game in a series against the Lakeland Flying Tigers (DET) on Thursday. Now 27-19 this season, the Manatees find themselves in third place in the FSL North Divison, three games back of the Daytona Cubs.

Wisconsin (A): The Rattler's week didn't start out very well, as they lost three in a row, one to the Peoria Chiefs (CHC) and two to the Clinton LumberKings. They won the final two in their series against Clinton before dropping the opener in a series against the Quad Cities River Bandits (STL). After winning their second game against Quad Cities, the Rattlers finished the week going 3-4. They are now 21-25 on the second half of the season, tied for third last in the Midwest League Western Division, seven games back of Quad Cities.

Helena (R+): The Helena Brewers had a bit of a short seek due to some inclement weather. They started off their week by losing two of three against the Great Falls Voyagers (CHW). Their two game series against the Billings Mustangs (CIN) was completely rained out. They've won the first two games in their series against the Missoula Osprey (ARI) to finish 3-2 overall this week. Now 6-5 on the second half of the season, the Helena Brewers find themselves in second place in the Pioneer League North Division, a half game back of the Great Falls Voyagers.

Arizona (R): The Arizona Brewers finished an even 3-3 this week, which is a pretty disappointing week considering what we're used to from the Baby Brewers. They lost to the Arizona Giants, Dodgers, and Padres and beat the Arizona Cubs (twice) and Indians. Now 27-15 this season, the Brewers are still first in the Arizona League Central Division, but their lead is down to four games over the Dodgers.

Transactions

• RHP Brandon Kintzler, UT Johnny Raburn, RHP Andy Sauter, RHP Michael Fiers, and LHP CHuck Lofgren were activated from the 7-day DL
• RHP Mark Rogers was placed on the DL, but don't worry, its only a blister.
• LHP and Milwauke native Tony Butler was released.
• And finally, a big congrats to Mike McClendon, who earned a call-up to the majors on Thursday.

Five Up

1. Mat Gamel: Mat the Batt continued his hot streak this week. Gamel went 12-24 (.500) this week including three straight three-hit days and has raised his average to .319.
2. Khris Davis: After a could rough weeks with the bat, Davis is back to doing what he does best- hitting home runs. Davis went 6-15 (.400) including 3 homers and 6 RBIs.
3. Brett Lawrie: Lawrie had an 8-game hitting streak going until he went o'fer on Thursday. But that's ok, he still went 8-24 (.300) this week including a homer, a double, and 4 RBIs
4. Brandon Kintzler: Kintzler made 3 appearaces this week and pitched three scoreless innings, allowing only 3 H. The righty has not allowed an ER in his last 6 appearances, dating back to July 3rd.
5. Jeremy Jeffress: Jeffress pitched 3 scoreless innings this week over two outings and didn't allow a run. What is most encouraging about his 8 scoreless innings in Huntsville is that he has allowed zero, count 'em, zero walks so far.

Five Down

1. Dave Johnson: The Nashville righty made two appearances this week, but couldn't hold the opposing offense down in either of them. Overall he allowed 7 ER in 4 IP, including 5 ER in one two-inning outing.
2. Tyler Roberts: After hitting .500 for the better part of a month at the beginning of the season, I have come to expect a lot from the young Arizona catcher. But I was disappointed last week. Roberts only went 4-22 (.181) last week
3. Jim Henderson: Henderson did pitch 1.2 scoreless innings in his first outing of the week, but his next outing wasn't as good. In 1.1 IP he allowed 9 R (7 ER) on 8 H and 1 BB.
4. Juan Sanchez: I feel like I lick on Sanchez a lot. The Manatee collected only 1 H and 1 BB in 14 tries last week (.071). At least that one hit was a double.
5. It's a three-way tie!:... between Thomas Keeling, Tyler Cravy, and Ryan Bernal, who combined for one of the most epic pitching meltdowns in recent Helena memory. Cravy allowed 6 ER in 2 innings, Bernal allowed 5 ER in 2.2 innings, and Keeling allowed 4 ER and didn't even record an out. And all of this in the same game!