Summary
For a team that still feels like it’s putting it all together, the Gothams are doing very well–first place in the Bill James Division and 8 games over .500.
What’s Gone Right
Dynamic Duo. Willie Mays and Buster Posey look to be the heart of this franchise for years to come, with OPS’ nearing 1.000 and solid defense to boot.
Help From Below. The performances of Yasiel Puig and, especially, Wes Westrum, have been fantastic, and unexpected. Westrum actually has the highest OPS on the team (a SLG over .750 will do that) and Puig is solidly in the mid .800’s. John Kerins has been solid as well.
The Back End. Brian Wilson, Carson Smith, and Mike Norris have been great shutting down teams at the end of games.
What’s Gone Wrong
Mound Mediocrity. Christy Mathewson eats innings. Sad Sam Jones has been decent, and both Gaylord Perry and Juan Marichal a little more than that. But a team hoping to go far in the postseason needs more than that.
Not So Long Ball. There’s not a lot of homerun power here, once you get past Mays and Posey (and, in limited at-bats, Westrum). Much of the blame falls on Willie McCovey, who may lose his starting spot.
Reserve Infielders. I mean, they’ve been fine but I’m looking for 3 things, so … the performances of Mark Loretta and Brandon Crawford leave a bit to be desired.
Key Storylines
The biggest question is if the Gothams can keep on keeping on? Right now, it looks like they will go as far as the duo of Mays and Posey will take them. That said, the Gothams do need a pitcher or two to step up on the staff–two of Mathewson, Marichal, and Perry need to emerge as a legitimate front of the rotation for them to go far.
Puig is unlikely to keep up his current level of performance, but there are some players who are likely to improve (Carl Furillo, Johnny Callison), so that may even out.
Trading Outlook
BUYING, if they can, but it’s not really clear where the pieces are they can offer.
AAA Shuttle
It’s been a key part of their success: Puig, Kerins, and Westrum have all excelled, and Crawford seems to have solidified the backup SS role.
Midseason Changes
Mickey Welch and Mat Latos move down to AAA with Pete Donohue taking Welch’s spot in the rotation. Bob Moose comes up.
Awards
All Stars: Willie Mays (CF); Buster Posey (C); Brian Wilson (P).
Offensive MVP: Willie Mays (OF)
Pitching MVP: Juan Marichal (SP)
Down on the Farm
AAA: Hartford Dark Blues
Next to the Show: P Edwin Jackson, OF Benny Kauff, C Dick Dietz, OF Jo-Jo Moore
Prospects: None.
Projects: P Willie Banks (26), OF Benny Kauff (27), OF Jo-Jo Moore (26), C Dick Dietz (28).
Suspects: P Liván Hernández (29), SS Chico Carrasquel (28), Dan Johnson (35)
AA: Troy Trojans
Prospects: P Lew Krausse, Jr. (21), OFs Don Mueller & Mike Shannon (both 22)
Projects: C Steve O’Neill (21)
Suspects: OF Johnny Rucker (24).