by Michael Lee, a Chicago Tribune reporter
JUNE 1-JUNE 10 PLAYER SPOTLIGHTS
The Chicago Black Sox performed .500 ball this past sim putting up a 5-5 record. While the sim continued to show promising future for some, the Black Sox found their injuries climbing. Nonetheless, these past 10 games required key players to step up and finally produce the results that are very much desired from the organization and the city.
BATTING SPOTLIGHTS
1B Willie Armenta #90
Willie is one player that needs to start playing consistently. Willie is a great offensive threat but his inconsistency is beginning to wear on the organization and the fans. He produced great results these past ten games, stepping up to the plate and taking the leadership role with the loss of Santos via injury (see below). Here are the stats for Willie in the past ten games:
36 At-Bats
9 Runs
14 Hits
4 Doubles
2 Homeruns
5 RBI's
5 Walks
.389 AVG
.667 Slugging
1.143 OPS
2B George 'Martini' Bellairs #94
What a great pick-up. He's 25 years old and since he has come to the Sox organization, he has played a pivotal role in many of the victories. He not only contributed offensively but solidified the middle infield and has not committed a single error thus far. With the injury to Danny Donovan, Martini has come in an played both 2B and SS effectively for the Sox. In the past ten games:
40 At-Bats
6 Runs
11 Hits
3 Doubles
1 Homerun
10 RBI's
6 Walks
.275 AVG
RF Michaël Scott #27
Michael Scott has been given his chance to play regularly with the injuries to Santos and Bockus in the outfield. Though some have given up on the possibility of Scott being an impact player in the MBBA, he is making a solid case for his place on a big league roster. Sure, hes hit or miss with his batter's eye, but he hits them hard and good (that's what she said) when he connects. Because until recently his playing time was limited, it's beneficial to look at his current season stats:
108 At-Bats
32 Hits
6 Doubles
1 Triple
5 Homeruns
20 RBI's
1 Walk
36 Strikeouts
2 Stolen Bases
.296 AVG
4.8 VORP
PITCHING SPOTLIGHTS
P Matt Drews #34
Matt was one of the many players that was picked up by the Sox in one of the most contested transactions in MBBA history. In sum: people were pissed. However, Drews did not listen to the garbage being spewed and stepped into his role and wanted to prove that, though 25 years old, he is capable of pitching at the MBBA-level. He pitched in one game this past series, but it was a complete game, 3-hit shutout against big-hitting, division rival Madison. So far, since coming to the Sox, Drews has put up great numbers:
5 Games Started
3-2 Win/Loss Record
38.0 Innings Pitched
2.61 ERA
18 Walks
25 Strikeouts
1.32 WHIP
.229 OAVG
.252 BABIP
161 ERA+
P Raymond 'Mr. Outside' Kuiper #97
GM Ryan Collins rearranged the bullpen a couple of weeks ago, which resulted in Kuiper being put in the closer position. This move has turned out to be (another) great decision by Collins. Since taking over the closer role for the Sox, Kuiper has been lights out. This past sim:
3 Appearances
2 Saves
0.00 ERA
3.0 Innings Pitched
1 Hit Against
TEAM NEWS
- Resurrection Santos is expected to miss 3-4 weeks with a sprained ankle. Michael Scott will no longer be in a backup role and will be an everyday starter in the outfield. The Sox outfield continues to be a mess with the loss of Santos and Bockus.
-Norman Baker, one of the pitchers acquired in the Kiplinger trade, may see the big leagues sooner than expected. The 24 year old bullpen arm has been annihilating batters in the AAA (10 games, 11.2 IP, 1.54 ERA, 0.94 WHIP). GM Collins is not one to rush young arms to the majors and will continue to monitor Baker's performance, but things are looking up for the Sox's minor league system since the Kiplinger and Nieves trades.
- The Chicago Black Sox are sitting one game behind the Madison Wolves in the Midwest Division, with an overall record of 33-31.
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