The Micro Brew Review: 8/6/10

Recap

Nashville (AAA): The Sounds started their week off by losing the final game in their series against the Omaha Royals. They then lost their first game in a series against the Round Rock Express (HOU) before taking the final three. That success didn't last long though, as they've lost the first two agmes in their series against the Reno Aces (ARI). After going 3-4 this week, the Sounds stand at 59-53 and have fallen to last place in the PCL American North division, five games back of the Iowa Cubs. 

Hunstville (AA): The Stars had quite an impressive week, going 6-1 overall. They started off by winning five in a row, three agains the Mississippi Braves and two against the Carolina Mud Cats (CIN). They then lost one to Carolina before winning in extra innings last night on a walk-off homer run by Dayton Buller. After their nice week, the Stars are now 23-17, sitting in second place in the Southern League north division, one game back of the Tennessee Smokies (CHC).

Brevard Co. (A+): The Manatees couldn't quite follow up their 6-0 run from last week; overall they finished 3-4 this week. They won their last game in a series against the St. Lucie Mets, but then lost three of four to the Jupiter Hammerheads (FLA). So far in their series against the Bradenton Marauders (PIT), they have won one and lost one. After the loss yesterday, the Manatees are now 24-16 on the second half of the season, good for third place in the FSL North Division and three games back of the Tampa Yankees.

Wisconsin (A): The Rattler's week sort of mirrored that of their parent club. A blow-out loss, a couple wins against the Cubs [affiliate], followed by a severe flogging at the hands of the same team. To start the week, the Rattlers lost the final game in their series against the Peoria Chiefs (CHC) and then lost two of three to the Clinton LumberKings (SEA). In their current sries against the Peoria Chiefs, the Rattlers have one two and lost one, with yesterday's 12-1 loss being the severe flogging I was talking about. At 18-21 on the second half of the season, the Timber Rattlers are now back to second last place in the Midwest League Western Division, six games back of the Quad Cities River Bandits (STL).

Helena (R+): The Helena Brewers started off by splitting a quick two game series against the Great Falls Voyagers (CHW). They then won two of three against the Billings Mustangs (CIN) at home, before losing two of three to the Mustangs in Billings. The Pioneer League started the second half of their season this week, and the Brewers are currently 3-3, good for third place in the North Division, one game back of Great Falls. 

Arizona (A): The Arizona Brewers finished 3-2 this week, beating the Arizona Rangers and the A's twice, and losing to the Arizona Angels and Giants. At 24-12, the Brewers still have a commanding lead in the Arizona League Central Division, 6 games ahead of the second place Dodgers. 

• Nashville pitcher Chris Waters was placed on the 7-day DL.
• Brevard IF Steve Braun was activated from the 7-day DL.
• 3B Kyle DHanani was demoted from Brevard Co. to Arizona.
• RHP Caleb Thielbar was demoted from Wisconsin to Helena.

Five Up:

1. Evan Frederickson: Frederickson has been almost nothing but disappointing since he was drafted in the the supplemental first round of the 2008 draft. But on Wednesday he flashed some of that potential that merited his first round draft status by no-hitting the Billings Bustangs for 6 innings while striking out 12.
2. Matt Miller: I'm not sure what's more impressive, Frederickson's six no-hit innings or what Matt Miller did this week. Over two starts this week, the 21-year-old righty pitched 14 shut-out innings and allowed only two hits.
3. Mat Gamel: the Batt has kept up his hot hitting ways for another week. Over the past week he went 8-27 (.296) with a double, two homers, and 5 RBIs.
4. Andre Lamontagne: What's also just as impressive as Frederickson's and Miller's performances? What Andre Lamontagne, normally a reliever, did this week. Lamontagne pitched 11 shut-out innings, also allowing only two hits, including 6 no-hit innings last night. He also struck out 8 and walked only 3.
5. Taylor Green: Green only went 7-28 (.250) this week, but it was an OPS friendly sort of week. The Stars' 3B hit three homers, including a grand slam, drove in 11, and walked 5 times.

Five Down:

1. Santo Manzanillo: The Dominican native made three appearances for the Rattlers this week and allowed at least one run in each of them. Over 5.2 innings he allowed 5 ER on 9 H and 4 BB.
2. Tony Butler: Butler pitched in last night's game for the Rattlers and couldn't even record an out. He's made two appearances for the Wicsonsin this week and allowed 8 ER over just 1 inning on 4 H and 4 BB.
3. Eric Arnett: After a promising re-debut for Wisconsin a couple weeks ago, Arnett is back to disappointing us. He made two starts this week and allowed 13 R (10 ER) in 9 innings on 16 H and 4 BB.
4. D'Vontrey Richardson: Richardson had one pretty good day last week (3-4, HR, 3 RBI), but the rest of his week was pretty bad. Overall, Richardson went just 4-24 (.166).
5. Dane Amedee: The Arizona lefty made two appearances this week (one start). Over 5 innings he allowed 8 R (7 ER) on 10 H and 1 BB.

Normally this is where I would put the Power Rankings on the first Friday of the month, but not this week. Hopefully I'll be able to do the rankings next month when I might have a little less schoolwork to do.