Summary
Almost nothing has gone right by the three rivers: Homestead wasn’t expected to compete, but they weren’t supposed to be this bad.
What’s Gone Right
Superjew. What do you want, it was the 70s. Mike Epstein has an OPS in the mid .900s, and has easily been the Grays’ best offensive player.
The Kids. Josh Gibson (19), Andrew McCutcheon (22), and Rick Reichardt (23) have all been good, and Gibson especially looks to be a keeper.
Clemente’s Heating Up. Roberto Clemente has raised his OPS about 120 points in the last month.
What’s Gone Wrong
The Pitching: All Of It. Nothing has gone right on the mound for the Grays. It’s been a total disaster, from the starters to an unreliable bullpen and everything in between.
Stargell, Sort Of. Pops Stargell leads the team in homeruns with 13, but has struck out 113 times (!) with an OPS barely over .700. For a player expected to be the main power threat in the lineup, it’s just not enough.
The Pitching: No Help Coming. The failure of various short-term tryouts (Cliff Lee with an ERA approaching 9.00; Frank Linzy over 7.00; each with over 20 innings along with a handful of others even worse in fewer innings) has been exasperating. It’s left the Grays constantly turning to Carlos Zambrano and his 6.50+ ERA.
Key Storylines
Can anything be salvaged of the season?
Trading Outlook
SELLING.
Oh dear god, please, let us get some talent in these doors. The problem is there aren’t any obvious targets. The Grays are carrying a lot of veterans, but none of them are terribly attractive. Maybe minor leaguer Kevin Young? IF Phil Garner? C Peaches Graham? Even the iconic veteran Stargell could go.
This is just an exceptionally young organization, and may require patience.
AAA Shuttle
Chief Wilson and Phil Garner have been solid.
Midseason Changes
Billy Pierce has done enough at AAA to get another shot at the rotation.
Awards
All Stars: Mike Epstein (1B); Josh Gibson (C).
Offensive MVP: Mike Epstein (1B)
Pitching MVP: Vean Gregg (SP)
Down on the Farm
AAA: Louisville Redbirds
Next to the Show: Andy Van Slyke , Kevin Young, Paul Waner, Max Carey (29).
Prospects: OFs Andy Van Slyke & Paul Waner (both 23).
Projects: Ps Cliff Lee (28), Bartolo Colón (24), Babe Adams (27), Bob Friend (27), Mychal Givens (25), 1B Kevin Young (30).
Suspects: Bill Madlock (34), Daryle Ward (32), Miguel Tejada (39), Jeff Cirillo (34), P Rip Sewell (42), 3B Pedro Feliz (29).
AA: Syracuse Sky Chiefs
Prospects: 1B Tim Harkness (23), P Chris Zachary (20).
Projects: OF José Guillén (23), OF Lloyd Waner (22), P Catfish Hunter (19), P Fred Beene (25), SS Jack Wilson (25).
Suspects: C George Gibson (24), P Bob Malloy (26), OF Cliff Heathcoate (31).
