Recap
Nashville (AAA): It was a difficult week for the Sounds record-wise, but that's not even counting the three rainouts and a 20-inning double-header. Their only win of the week came against the Oklahoma City RedHawks (TEX). They also lost two games to the RedHawks and two to the New Orleans Zephyrs (FLA). With their 1-5 week, the Sounds went from first to last in the PCL American North division and are now 45-41 this year.
Hunstville (AA): The Stars were the only affiliate with a winning record this week, going 4-3 overall. The split the final two games in a home series against the Chattanooga Lookouts (LAD) and took two of three against the Tennessee Smokies (CHC). They then traveled to Chattanooga where they have split the first two games. At 8-9 in the second half of the season, the Stars are sitting in third place in the Southern League north divsion, two games back of Chattanooga.
Brevard Co. (A+): As usual in the Florida State League, the Manatees had to battle the weather to complete their schedule, with rainouts on both Friday and Saturday. Once the skies cleared, the Manatees were able to finish an even 3-3 this week, losing two of three to the Tampa Yankees and winning the first two games in their current series against the Dunedin Blue Jays. The Sea Cows are an even 7-7 in the second half of the season, third in the FSL north division and three games back of Tampa.
Wisconsin (A): The Timber Rattlers started off their week with a sweep at the hands of the Burlington Bees (KC). They then lost two of three against the Cedar Rapids Kernels (LAA) and will play the rubber match tonight in a series against the Beloit Snappers. Their 2-5 week leaves them at 6-8 on the second half of the season, 2.5 games back of the three teams tied for first in the Midwest League western division.
Helena (R+): The Helena Brewers aren't exactly winnings games at the same pace they were a couple weeks ago, but they aren't losing games at the same rate as the Milwaukee Brewers either. They won their final game in a series against the Billings Mustangs (CIN) before splitting a four-game series against the Missoula Osprey (ARI). Tonight they'll try to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Great falls Voyagers (CHW). After finishing 3-4 this week, the Brewers are now 11-7, tied for first in the Pioneer League north division. On a side note, if you want to go to a Bob Dylan concert and happen to be in the Missoula area on Aug. 31st, you can get your tickets at the Osprey ticket office starting today. You'll have to sit through John Mellencamp too, but it will probably be worth it.
Arizona (R): The baby Brewers also aren't on the same pace they were at the beginning of the year, but that would be nearly impossible anyway. They finished an even 3-3 this week losing to the Arizona Reds, Giants, and Cubs and beating the Arizona Indians, Athletics and Royals.
Transactions
- RHP Austin Ross and RHP Eric Marzec were promoted from Arizone to Helena.
- C Sean McCraw was demoted from Huntsville to Brevard Co. C Patrick Arlis will take McCraw's place, as he was demoted from Nashville to Huntsville.
- Angel Salome was placed on the 7-day DL.
- OF Franklin Romero was promoted from Helena to Brevard Co, once again causing me to ask: why not Khris Davis?
Five Up
- Caleb Gindl: The Stars RF wasn't hitting for much power at all this past week (only one extra-base hit), but he certainly was hitting. He collected multiple hits in 5 out of 7 games this week and went 11-26 (.423) this week.
- Scooter Gennett: Scooter extended his hitting streak to 14 games with two singles yesterday. Sadly, another streak came to an end yesterday; with only the two singles, his 8-game extra-base hit streak ended. He went 12-33 (.364) this week with 5 doubles, a triple and a homer.
- Eric Arnett: In two outings this week Arnett pitched 9 innings and only allowed 1 run. He allowed only 5 hits and struck out 9. Progress.
- Cody Scarpetta: Scarpetta got off to a rough start for the Manatees this year but he has certainly been turning things around lately. This past week he made two starts and pitched 12 scoreless innings. He allowed only 4 H, 3 BB and struck out 19, including an 11 K game yesterday.
- Tyler Roberts: The second year Arizona catcher is certainly making his case for a quick promotion, going 6-12 this week, reaching base safely in every game. In the small sample size of 9 games, Roberts is hitting .515/600/.758.
Five Down
- Mat Gamel: Gamel went 5-26 (.192) this week. His line might look considerably better if he had managed a hit on Thursday instead of going 0-7 with 4 Ks.
- Mark Willinsky: It was a week to forget for the Stars' relief pitcher. In two outings this week, Willinsky pitched 3 innings and allowed 8 R, all earned, on 11 H and 3 BB.
- Jeff Bennett: Bennett made two apperances this week and pitched .2 innings. That says a lot right there. In those two outings the Sounds reliever managed to give up 6 R, all earned, on 2 H and 6 BB.
- Seth Lintz: Lintz made two starts for the Helena Brewers this week. The first one wasn't awful, 5 IP, 4 ER. The second one was: 3.1 IP, 9 R (7 ER) on 8 H and 2 BB. In four games with Helena this year, the former second round pick has a 13.85 ERA.
- Steffan Wilson: The Stars 1B is having a difficult year. After hitting .272 last year and a nice showing in his first spring training, Wilson is hitting .197 this year. He went 2-22 (.090) this week, but one of those hits was a home run.