The Micro Brew Review: 7/23/10

Recap

Nashville (AAA): It was a streaky sort of week for the Sounds. They started of by winning three in a row against the Omaha Royals, but followed that up by losing three in a row to the Albequerque Isotopes (LAD). They were able to salvage the final game to avoid the four-game sweep at the hands of the 'Topes to finish 4-3 overall this week. At 52-46, the Sounds have moved up to second place in the PCL American north division, 1.5 games back of the I-Cubs, but only .5 game out of last place.

Huntsville (AA): It was certainly a week to forget for the Stars. They only managed to win one game this week, against the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx (SEA). They also lost five this week; one to the Mississippi Braves, three to West Tenn, and one to the Jacksonville Suns (FLA). Last night's loss was the result of a bases loaded walk in extra innings. After their rough week, the Stars have fallen below .500 to 13-14. After starting the week off in first place, Huntsville has fallen back to third place in the Southern League north division, two games back of the Tennessee Smokies (CHC).

Brevard Co (A+): Another relatively successful week for the Manatees, yay! They were even 4-1 at one point, but have since lost two in a row. This week the Sea Cows won two each against the Charlotte Stone Crabs (TB) and Palm Beach Cardinals. They also lost two to Palm Beach and one to the Fort Myers Miracle (MIN). After their 4-3 week, the Manatees are still above .500 at 15-12, good for third place in the FSL north division, three games back of the Tampa Yankees.

Wisconsin (A): The Rattlers' week started off a bit rough, losing three in a row; one to the Lansing Lugnuts (TOR) and two to the Great Lakes Loons (LAD). They picked thing up a little by taking the final game in their series against Great Lakes and the first game in their series against the West Michigan Whitecaps (DET). Their game against the Whitecaps last night was postponed, so I assume it will be completed tomorrow.  At 12-13, the Rattlers have fallen back to third last in the Midwest League western division, 4.5 games back of the Quad Cities RiverBandits (STL).

Helena (R+): It's been an up-and-down sort of week for the Helena Brewers. They lost their final game in a three game series against the Ogden Raptors (LAD), but then won three of four against the Orem Owlz (LAA). They have since lost two in a row to Ogden. After going 3-4 this week, the Brewers are now  15-16, third place in the Pioneer League north division, three games back of the Great Falls Voyagers (CHW).

Arizona (R): The Baby Brewers are starting to fall back down to Earth after finishing 2-4 this week. Their first game of the week was a loss to the AZL Padres, followed by a win against the A's. They then lost three in a row to the AZL Royals, Angels, and Rangers. They finished their week off with a win against the AZL Mariners. The Brewers, however, are still several games over .500, at 17-9, and still hold a strong lead for first place in the Arizona League central division, four games ahead of the AZL Dodgers.

Transactions

• RHP Amaury Rivas, C Martin Maldonado, 3B Joey Paciorek, and C/DH/OF/? Angel Salome were activated from the 7-day DL
• P Brandon Kintzler, UT Steffan Wilson, LHP Mike Ramlow, C Mike Roberts, and 3B Kyle Dhanani were placed on the 7-day DL.
• RHPs Robert Hinton and Josh Butler were promoted from Huntsville to Nashville.
• RHP Wily Peralta was promoted from Brevard Co. to Huntsville.
• RHP Kyle Heckathorn, who has been dominating MWL competition for the past three months, was promoted to Brevard Co, right after having two very medicore outings. Strange timing.
• RHP Hiram Burgos was promoted from Helena to Wisconsin.
• OF Robbie Garvey was promoted from Arizona to Helena. He'll be joined by RHP Jose Oviedo, who was also promoted to Helena.
• Garvey will take the place of OF John Bivens, who was demoted to Arizona.
• RHP Mark Willinsky was demoted to Brevard Co.
• C Anderson de la Rosa was demoted to Huntsville.

Five Up

1. Erik Komatsu: The Manatees' OF went 10-24 (.435). Only one of those hits was for extra bases, but he also has a 7-game hitting streak going for him too. Komatsu also has a nice .826 OPS this season.
2. Mat Gamel: Gamel is starting to show some of that potential again. Maybe he knows the trade deadline is soon and he might be called into action. He went 8-27 (.296) this week with two homers, a double, and 8 RBIs.
3. Eric Arnett: Last year's first round pick returned to Wisconsin this week and had perhaps his best start of the year: 6 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 4 K. A couple more starts like that and I might actually regain some confidence in him.
4. Max Walla: Hey hey! Look at Max Walla, having his first good week since... well, probably since he was drafted. Walla went 8-19 (.421) this week with four doubles and 6 RBIs. However he's still striking out at epic rates; almost 40% of his ABs.
5. Mike McClendon: You have to be fairly impressive to be a middle reliever appear on the Five Up list. This week McClendon make three appearances and pitched 6.2 innings. He allowed only 3 H, 1 BB, and 0 ER while striking out 7.

Five Down

1. Brett Lawrie: After a stellar month of June which earned him Brewers Minor League Player of the Month, Lawrie is starting to fall back to Earth. He went 5-26 (.192) this week. He's hitting only .217 over his last 10 games.
2. Yadiel Rivera: The Arizona SS was known to have a great glove, but not so much of a bat. I don't know much about his defense, but I can tell you that the rumors about his bat are true. Rivera only went 2-19 (.105) this week. Both of his hits came in one day.
3. Tyler Roberts: Unlike Rivera, Roberts is known for his bat and not for his glove. The Arizona catcher went only 3-17 this week. However he still has a 1.099 OPS this year.
4. The Starters: There were so many bad starts this week it would be unfair to give negative attention to only one. Here's a brief rundown- Chris Waters: 1 IP, 6 ER. Chase Wright: 2.2 IP, 9 ER, 4 HR. Josh Butler: 4 IP, 8 ER. Cody Scarpetta: 3.2 IP, 4 ER.
5. The relievers: Just liker the starters, there were plenty of horrible relief outing this week that it would be unfair to only highlight one or two. Here's a few notable implosions- Mitch Stetter: 2 IP, 4 ER. Dave Johnson: 3 IP, 3 ER. Lucas Luetge: 3 IP, 7 ER. Jim Henderson: .2 IP, 5 ER. Andre Lamontagne: .1 IP, 4 ER. Thomas Keeling: 1 IP, 4 ER. Chad Robinson: 1.1 IP, 4 ER (two outings). Evan Frederickson: 3 IP, 5 ER.

Why Haven't You Been Promoted Yet?!
I'm gonna go on a little rant this week. Why is Khris Davis still in Wisconsin? Seriously, I'm starting to get annoyed. He's leading the Rattler's in HR (16), SLG% (.553), OBP (.410), OPS (.963), and he is second in RBI (53). And all this in a pitcher friendly league! Is be being blocked by someone at Brevard Co.? Erik Komatsu can play any OF position and Scott Krieger is generally in RF. And where does Davis play? Left field. He'll be 23 in December so he's not exactly a spring chicken. He's been crushing Midwest League pitching all season and a promotion to a more age and talent appropriate level is long overdue.