Summary
Given some injury issues (Eddie Collins‘ being the most impactful), the American Giants should be quite pleased to sit in 2nd place, only 2 games behind Baltimore. The team is an offensive powerhouse, trying to get enough pitching and defense to get by.
What’s Gone Right
The Big Five. This lineup is just a killer. No team in the league can match the top five batters: Collins, Joe Jackson, Frank Thomas, Duffy Lewis, and Dick Allen. The lowest slash line combined of the four is 296/353/543. All five are in double-digits in homeruns, led by Lewis’ 20.
Sheets & Nichols. Ben Sheets and Tricky Nichols have been very, very strong at the front of the rotation.
Backstops. Carlton Fisk and Dave Nilsson give the American Giants one of the better catching combinations in the league, at least offensively.
What’s Gone Wrong
Shortstop. Luke Appling‘s shortcomings are masked by the rest of the lineup, but he’s not a good enough fielder to compensate for a .550 OPS. Damian Jackson was offered every opportunity, but hit even worse than Appling.
Back of the Rotation. Mark Buehrle and Herb Pennock have been very mediocre, and the less said about the tryouts for the 5th spot, the better.
Help from Below. The AAA callups–Avisaíl García, Magglio Ordóñez, Adrián González–have done almost nothing to help. The only bright spot has been Rocky Colavito‘s power, but even he is struggling to bring his BA over .200.
Key Storylines
The big question here is just how far the offense can carry them, and how the Big Five continue to evolve.
Cristóbal Torriente has caught some eyes as an all-use OF, and, perhaps, on the mound as well.
Trading Outlook
BUYING.
3B Robin Ventura and 1B Bob Watson are blocked at the WBL level, and so could be on the move.
AAA Shuttle
It’s the same names. José Abreu, Kevin Mitchell, Ventura, and Watson have been the best performers at AAA, although each have struggled in the WBL.
Midseason Changes
Joe Lake and Fernando Rodney are back in the minors, with Frank Smith being recalled into the 5th rotation spot.
Awards
All Stars: Dick Allen (3B); Eddie Collins (2B); Joe Jackson (RF); Duffy Lewis (LF); AJ Minter (P); Tricky Nichols (P); Frank Thomas (DH).
Player of the Week: Duffy Lewis (5/8)
Offensive MVP: Frank Thomas (1B)
Pitching MVP: Tricky Nichols (SP)
Down on the Farm
AAA: Milwaukee Brewers
Next to the Show: 1B José Abreu, OF Minnie Miñoso, RP Nate Jones (30), RP Eddie Fisher (36).
Prospects: OF Minnie Miñoso (23), 3B Robin Ventura (23), 1B Bob Watson (22).
Projects: 1B José Abreu (30), P A. Rube Foster (22).
Suspects: P Buddy Black (33), Wally Moses (32), Steve Braun (36), Ozzie Guillén (33), P Lee Meadows (33).
AA: Madison Black Wolf
Prospects: RP Víctor Cruz (21), RP Scott Radinksy (23).
Projects: Melky Cabrera (22), P Harry Buckner (23), 3B Sibby Sisti (19), P Walt Craddock (23), P Sean Gallagher (21).
Suspects: 1B Mike Squires (26), 3B Danny Murtaugh (24), OF Henry Cotto (25), P Dick Erickson (28).