Summary
What a disappointment. And, perhaps more due to luck than anything else, as the Monarchs have underperformed their Pythagorean projection by a whopping 7 games. They are currently 8 games under .500 and 12 games off the pace.
What’s Gone Right
M&M&M. Stan Musial is only 21, and is leading the team offensively. ‘Nuff said. Willie McGee is one of the better CFs in the league, and Ducky Medwick has been fantastic since his callup from AAA.
The Bullpen. Closer Jeff Pfeffer, setup man Craig Kimbrel, and long reliever Connie Johnson have been among the best in the league. Johnson will move into the rotation after the break.
The Corners. Boog Powell and Albert Pujols have been excellent at 1B and 3B.
What’s Gone Wrong
Consistency. Especially from Luke Hamlin, who has some of the most dominant performances in the league, yet overall has an ERA over 5.00 and a losing record, but also more is needed from Frank Castillo and Rube Marquard.
Health. Both Andy Pettitte and Adam Wainwright are out at the moment, although Pettitte–arguably their best SP on the year–should be back after the break.
Gene Freese. Gene Freese was expected to solidify the IF, instead he’s basically blocked playing time for better players while hitting poorly.
Key Storylines
There is some great offense here, the challenge is for the pitching to come through. They are so far behind, however, that the Monarchs may decide to cash in some of their veterans–Rogers Hornsby most notably, but perhaps also Johnson and Pettitte and Medwick.
Trading Outlook
SELLING.
The question is how deep does it go. Hornsby may be the most valuable player available in the league, but Matt Kemp, Jack Rowe, and Medwick could all be useful as well.
AAA Shuttle
Medwick has been great since his recall, as has Robinson Canó–which may even open the door for Hornsby (33) to be traded away.
Midseason Changes
Johnson joins the rotation and Bob Gibson is recalled from AAA–once again–for the #5 spot.
Freese is likely to head to AAA in favor of Frankie Frisch.
Awards
All Stars: Rogers Hornsby (2B); Stan Musial (RF); Andy Pettitte (P).
Player of the Week: Robinson Cano (6/5)
Offensive MVP: Stan Musial (OF)
Pitching MVP: Andy Pettitte (SP)
Down on the Farm
AAA: St. Louis Blues
Next to the Show: OFs Matt Kemp & Steve Evans, IF Frankie Frisch, Ps Steve Hamilton & Jock Menefee.
Prospects: OF Steve Evans (25); IF Frankie Frisch (26).
Projects: C Johnny Bassler (18).
Suspects: SS Marty Marion (32), OF Omar Moreno (30), 1B Andre Thornton (29), SP Félix Hernández (31), RP Luis Vizcaíno (), RP Jesse Haines (41).
AA: Oklahoma City Redhawks
Prospects: 1B Greg Norton (24); 2B Kolten Wong (23), IF Dave Cash (22).
Projects: IF Edgar Rentería (22), OF Cool Papa Bell (20).
Suspects: OF Terry Moore (24).