Summary
Just a poor season so far for Memphis. The pitching has gotten the bulk of the blame, but there’s plenty to go around.
What’s Gone Right
The Splendid Splinter. Despite a bit of a fade leading into the break, 20 year-old OF Ted Williams is the clear offensive leader here, tops on the team in most counting stats.
The Back End. Closer Joe Beggs leads a bullpen trio along with Jonathan Papelbon and Heath Bell that has been excellent.
Solidity. The lack of star power may be a weakness, but there’s really little to complain about in the production Memphis has received from Bill White, Reggie Smith, and Wade Boggs. Similarly, on the mound, Jon Lester and Dean Chance have been perfectly good.
What’s Gone Wrong
The Mound. Nothings really worked here–Lester and Chance have been the best starters, but it deteriorates rapidly from there, with Nixey Callahan and Roger Clemens fumbling chance after chance to nail down their rotation spots.
Middle Infield. The 2B conundrum seems to have been solved with Claude Ritchey, but that took a while to sort out. SS is still an issue, as Vern Stephens contributes almost nothing offensively.
The Reserves. Memphis’ bench is just a bit weak. Especially disappointing has been Eddie Rosario, although Manny Ramírez‘ performance has been head-scratching as well–but at least Ramirez has some power.
Key Storylines
The Red Sox have some talent they can move, so the key here is how the makeover goes.
A very minor note: Williams took the mound for a horrible two outs: he is asking to get another shot. The question is whether that would increase or decrease his 40.50 ERA.
Trading Outlook
SELLING!
There are a lot of useful parts here that could be of interest to potential contenders, including Tim Wakefield, Ritchey, Beggs, Jim Pagliaroni, Bell, Bob Brenly, and Papelbon.
Minor league talent would include Mike Timlin, Dom DiMaggio, Fred Lynn, and David Justice.
Like I said, a lot …
AAA Shuttle
Not great. Bascially, it’s been players being jettisoned for poor performance (Wayne Causey, Brenly, Dustin Pedroia), and then recalled because of a lack of options (Clemens). Lynn has done alright since being recalled.
Midseason Changes
Justice exchanges places with Rosario and Francisco Lindor joins the big league club.
Awards
All Stars: Craig Kimbrel (P); Reggie Smith (CF); Ted Williams (RF).
Offensive MVP: Ted Williams (OF)
Pitching MVP: Joe Beggs (RP)
Down on the Farm
AAA: New Orleans Pelicans
Next to the Show: P Hank Gehring, RP Mike Timlin, OF Tony Conigliaro, OF David Justice.
Prospects: OF Tony Conigliaro (21), OF Joe Kelley (20), P Andrew Miller (22).
Projects: RP Luiz Gohara (20), SS Francisco Lindor (24), OF Fred Lynn (32), 1B David Ortíz (26), P Hank Gehring (27), P Bill Doak (26).
Suspects: 3B Luis Salazar (35), OF Larry Hisle (34).
AA: Tulsa Drillers
Prospects: 2B Ozzie Albies (20), OF Willie Crawford (17).
Projects: P Sadie McMahon (22), 3B Butch Hobson (24), P Lance Broadway (25).
Suspects: Ps Rafael Pérez and Zack Segovia (both 25), OF Cecil Espy (21).