Black Sox Illustrated - 2019.2

[BigRed Mosquito]

After a lackluster start to the season the Sox are now 10-8 and a half game back of the Madison Wolves. It is obvious early on that the two most valuable pieces of this team are Oscar Lindsey and Matt Stuart. In a 3-4 loss to Madison Matt Stuart went 3-4, with 2 runs scored and 1 HR. Stuart, .353/.416/.632, currently leads the league in slugging and RBIs. It's going to be interesting to see how he follows up 2018 where he hit 38 HR and drove in 128 runs. One move that was made this season was moving Oscar Lindsay up in the lineup to bat lead-off, with his ability to avoid strikeout and a good contact hitter, it just seemed the best place for his talents was leadoff, he has seemed to adjust to the role nicely.

It is usually said that to start the season the pitching is ahead of the hitting, well the Black Sox are the exception to the rule. It seems when they aren't walking people they are giving up the long ball. Antonio Rodriguez (2-0) the Ace of the staff as given the team 2 quality start he last 2 starts which hopefully is signs of a resurgence, but as with anything 18 games in is to early to determine anything. Terrance Miller has provided a bright spot thus far, in 23 innings of work he has 23 K to 5 walks, he is 2-0 with an 0.89 WHIP.

If the First 18 games of the season are any indication of the rest of the year, it is obvious for this team to be successful it will lie in hand of the offense currently 2nd in the Johnson League in Runs Scored.

All indications lead to believe this is a make or break year for manager Amaury Guillen and staff. With a new GM that may want to bring in "his" people, you have to think the leash is pretty short and the seats are pretty hot right now!

Time will tell a lot about this team, Go Sox!!!