C-Notes 2040.6 - There's Always Next Year
Posted: Mon Dec 02, 2019 9:24 pm
Although not expected to be in playoff contention in their first season, the Charlotte Cougars did manage to show some bright spots in the second half of the season. The team seemed to finally begin to gel and remember how to play the game as the summer rolled on. Here is the team's record by month:
- April: 5-22
- May: 8-18
- June: 3-25
- July: 9-17
- August: 10-17
- September: 13-14
Considering that the team traded away its lone All Star on August 25th, September showed some hope with the few players that Charlotte decided to call up from AAA Richmond. A couple of players to keep an eye on next season include:
- SS Luis Cruz: His bat might not be the thing that gets him in the lineup but a guy that is a defensive stud at any position on the field and can run like, he'll find a spot in the lineup every day.
- P Keijo 'Coach' Reini: Reini showed he can handle AAA batters and will get his shot in the big leagues next season. While 153 Ks in 200 IPs doesnt scream 'Ace', Reini still has a way to go developing his Stuff and a couple of his, already plus, secondary pitches.
- P Jafar Haamid: For a guy that doesnt have a lot of movement, he showed, more than Reini did, that AAA hitters couldnt handle him. With the mix of fastball, sinker, cutter, all coming at a batter for 8+ innings at speeds averaging around 100 mph, mixed in with the dimensions of Family Dollar Field, he should be a good part of next season's rotation.
Watch out BBA - the Cougars wont be at the bottom of the standings for long.
- April: 5-22
- May: 8-18
- June: 3-25
- July: 9-17
- August: 10-17
- September: 13-14
Considering that the team traded away its lone All Star on August 25th, September showed some hope with the few players that Charlotte decided to call up from AAA Richmond. A couple of players to keep an eye on next season include:
- SS Luis Cruz: His bat might not be the thing that gets him in the lineup but a guy that is a defensive stud at any position on the field and can run like, he'll find a spot in the lineup every day.
- P Keijo 'Coach' Reini: Reini showed he can handle AAA batters and will get his shot in the big leagues next season. While 153 Ks in 200 IPs doesnt scream 'Ace', Reini still has a way to go developing his Stuff and a couple of his, already plus, secondary pitches.
- P Jafar Haamid: For a guy that doesnt have a lot of movement, he showed, more than Reini did, that AAA hitters couldnt handle him. With the mix of fastball, sinker, cutter, all coming at a batter for 8+ innings at speeds averaging around 100 mph, mixed in with the dimensions of Family Dollar Field, he should be a good part of next season's rotation.
Watch out BBA - the Cougars wont be at the bottom of the standings for long.