July was no more kind to the Bobwhites than June was. Despite the initial fanfare of seeing 4 Washington players get elected to the All Star Game, that first July sim was a disastrous 1-6. In fact, the Bobs were lucky to finish the month at 12-14. While the rotation has actually stabilized, the middle of the bullpen is a weak point and the lineup is still not firing on all cylinders. With no big moves planned at the trade deadline, and the club still 5.5 games out of the division lead, well, in the words of Billy Crystal: "It would take a miracle".
Starter of the Month
Jerome Powell
When Neil McKinney was dealt to the Crawdads last season, it was seen as merely a salary dump. Powell was the player the Bobs got in return, and any contribution from him at the big league level was seen as a bonus. Inserted into the rotation on July 5th, all Powell did for the month was go 3-2 with a 2.43 ERA, and a 4:1 K:BB ratio in 37 innings. Bonus!
Reliever of the Month
Aurelio Rodriguez
Some pundits question whether the young Bobby lefthander deserved to go to the All Star Game. As if to prove his worth, The team named Rodriguez the primary closer in July, over veteran Chester Palabra. Aurelio was up to the task, only giving up 2 runs for the month for a 1.35 ERA, 7 saves, and 17 strikeouts in 13.1 innings.
Infielder of the Month
Darius Campbell, Jr.
Remember when we talked about the Neil McKinney trade a couple of paragraphs ago? Another factor in that deal was letting Campbell play full time. And all he has done all year is rake. Voted in as the JL All Star starter at first base, the switch hitting Campbell continued his wonderful season with a July of .337/.371/.576.
Outfielder of the Month
Mike Clarke
Despite missing almost all of June and the first week of July, Washington's highest paid player continues to perform as advertised. Also voted to the All Star team despite his injury, Mike came back and dominated July to the tune of a .348 average, 7 home runs, and 13 RBI, and probably a couple VORPs and WARs thrown in for good measure.
Injury Report
SS Lamont Poper is on the 60 Day DL with a broken hand and all indications are that his season is over.