Summary
The House of David is too good to tank for the season, but really don’t have a shot at catching the three teams ahead of them.
What’s Gone Right
Elrod & Stone. Probably the least likely dominant duo in the league. C Elrod Hendricks and OF George Stone are among the best in the league, with OPS’ approaching 1.000.
Pete Browning. Pete Browning has played in just over half of the House of David’s games. In that time he has been one of their dominant players, electrifying at the plate and on the basepaths.
Surprises on the Mound. The best arms for the House of David may not be who was expected, but that doesn’t mean the trio of SP Jack Taylor, RP Bob Rush, and closer Bruce Sutter haven’t been excellent.
What’s Gone Wrong
Pete Browning’s Health. Like I said, Browning has played in just over half of their games, making two trips to the DL.
Big Red. Mark McGwire puts on a great show in batting practice … but has hit himself down to AAA once the games start.
Not Enough Help. Dan Ford has been a pleasant surprise and Ryne Sandberg solid at 2B. Beyond that … it’s all pure mediocrity.
Key Storylines
The biggest is whether the pitching staff can come together. There have been moments when it seemed on the verge, but then C.C. Sabathia or Rollie Fingers or someone else would start to struggle.
Browning’s health is probably the most important thing, though. The performances of Hendricks and Stone have been excellent, if Browning is able to add to them, they House of David could move into contention.
Trading Outlook
BUYING.
Or maybe holding. Or buying.
How do they convert some of the aging value they have into talent without totally tanking the season? Players like Lee Smith, Sandberg, Sutter, and Ford would have value, but only if the House of David is no longer trying to compete this season … which makes it sound like they should stand pat until the later trading period.
AAA Shuttle
Ford has earned a starting OF role. Other than that, not a ton of help so far.
Midseason Changes
Frank Chance, McGwire, and Jim Edmonds all head back to AAA.
Awards
All Stars: Elrod Hendricks (C); George Stone (LF).
Player of the Week: Pete Browning (4/17); Elrod Hendricks (6/12)
Offensive MVP: Elrod Hendricks (C)
Pitching MVP: Bob Rush (SP)
Down on the Farm
AAA: Columbus Blue Birds
Next to the Show: 3B Jung Ho Kang, C Gabby Hartnett, 1B Anthony Rizzo
Prospects: C Frank Chance (22)
Projects: 3B Jung Ho Kang (28)
Suspects: P Wild Bill Hutchinson (35)
AA: Atlantic City Bacharach Giants
Prospects: Ps Joe Nuxhall (15) & Larry Dierker (17)
Projects: OF Danny Green (22), SS Luis Aparicio (22), 2B Billy Herman (23), OF Olaf Henriksen (23)
Suspects: P Justin Grimm (25), P Bob Shaw (26), OF John Shelby (31)