Phantoms Phanatics Week in Review for July 21-27, 2039
Not with a bang, but a whimper.
And so, the Phantoms prepare to slink out of Huntsville at season's end and slither their way north to embrace the Hog Butcher of the World (Chicago, for those of you not up on your Carl Sandburg).
Instead of giving their (admittedly few) steadfast fans in Alabama something special to remember, the Phantoms have chosen to emit a stench that could haunt their memories until the end of their natural days.
Huntsville’s most recent week – a pathetic 1-5 exhibition against Nashville and Phoenix – came hard on the heels of an equally pathetic 1-5 exhibition against Valencia, Rockville and New Orleans.
The end result: Huntsville is just half a game removed from last place in its division, and is ranked 28th out of 30 teams in the BBA’s recent Power Rankings. Only Atlantic City and Montreal ranked lower.
Well, Chicago. Enjoy your new team. We certainly aren’t.
Batter of the Week
Fernando Reyes, LF: 18 AB, 6 H, 3 HR, 4 RBI, .333 AVG, 1.167 OPS
Pitcher of the Week
Hector Reyes, SP: 2 GS, 1 Win, 12.2 IP, 6 BB, 7 K, 0.71 ERA
News and Notes
Welcome to the big leagues, Rocky Wattson. The highly-touted infield prospect got a surprise call-up last week and went a scorching … 1 for 16. That’s a .063 BA, and since he drew no walks that’s a matching .063 OBP. The only bright spot: the sole hit was a solo HR. So, let’s assemble that slash line for you: .063/.063/.250. Not much could make us nostalgic for Hakim Ngowa, but I think Wattson just did. Still, he's got a bitchin' mustache … Some rumors are starting to leak about what the Phantoms ownership might have in mind for the new Black Sox Park in Calumet City, just outside of Chicago. Initial rumors are that it won’t bear much resemblance to the Opera House in Huntsville. Owner Vinnie Vitale is said to be leaning towards a pitcher-friendly profile reminiscent of Comiskey Park, the historic home of the old MLB Chicago White Sox.
JL Southeast Division Standings
Morning of July 28, 2039
| Team | Wins | Losses | Win% | GB | RD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans | 60 | 44 | .577 | - | +95 |
| Jacksonville | 53 | 50 | .515 | 6.5 | +47 |
| Louisville | 52 | 51 | .505 | 7.5 | +18 |
| Huntsville | 48 | 56 | .462 | 12.0 | -55 |
| Nashville | 47 | 56 | .456 | 12.5 | -46 |
AAA Carolina continued its successful run in July, going 4-1 in the past week to raise its record to 57-41 and climb into a virtual tie for first place with Gotham in the GL East Coast Division … C.J. Ischade, who moved out of the starting rotation and into the closer role recently, has done well there, even though he’s said to be unhappy about working in the bullpen. Over his last four games, he’s thrown 9 innings, allowed 0 runs, struck out 11 and notched 2 saves … AA Beloit slipped back into its losing ways last week, going 2-4. The Blue Sox are back beneath the .500 mark at 50-51 on the season, in third place and 17 games behind first place Duluth in the DNL Mid-Central Division … SP Manuel Durán is 4-1 in his last 5 starts, with a 2.06 ERA and 24 Ks in 35 IP … Single A-level Grand Junction slogged through another losing week, going 2-4 to slip to 43-55 on the season. Despite that dismal showing, the Gold Sox are still only 7.5 games out of first in the decidedly meh PL West Central Division … There’s been nothing “meh” about the play of LF Luis Reyes, though: over his last 9 games, he’s 9 for 20, a .450 BA with 4 HRs and 8 RBIs … Short Season A affiliate San Pedro de Macoris played .500 ball last week, which put them at 13-20 for the season. That’s good for 4th place in the SL2 Big Islands Division, 11 games behind first place San Juan … SP Juan Carlos Gómez has been effective of late, going 2-1 over his last 4 games, with a 2.18 ERA and 20 Ks in his last 33 IP … Rookie League team Monclova went 2-2 in a schedule shortened by the Spike Nolan League All-Star game. The Aqua Sox are now 17-16 on the season, in second place 4 games behind HL Mexican-American Division leader Ogden … The Aqua Sox placed two players on the Horizon League All-Star squad: LF Hao Hang and 1B/OF Robby Clements. Hang went 0-2, striking out swinging in the 8th and then popping out to the second baseman in the 9th to end the game. Clements doubled to right in his only plate appearance in the bottom of 8th, knocking in a run.
