The Kraken Release 2004.10: June Awards

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The Kraken Release
July 1, 2004
Charlotte, NC
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Kraken standings @ July 1st:

Frick League Atlantic Division
GB Last 10
Montreal Blazers 47-34 .580 --- 6-4
Buffalo Bison 45-35 .563 1.5 6-4
Carolina Kraken 32-49 .395 15.0 3-7
Atlantic City Gamblers 27-54 .333 20.0 6-4

Coming into the season, GM Ben Teague might have envisioned scenarios where he would have to make the choice between being a buyer or seller at the trade deadline. But coming off a Frick League Atlantic championship it's hard to believe that Teague could have anticipated being able to make that decision by the end of May or for the necessity to sell as deeply as it appears the club will. Nevertheless, Carolina's intentions were made clear to the rest of the league when Teague dealt away starting pitchers Kim Rodas and Chip Foodie along with closer Segundo Prado. The month of July is sure to see more transactions of that sort. Meanwhile, the players taking the field must keep their head down and maybe - for the veterans - earn a place on a contender by attracting trade partners, or - for younger players - take the chance to prove themselves at the Major League level.

June Batter of the Month

One player acquired by the Kraken at last year's trading deadline has used 2004 to prove his value to the club as a versatile weapon in the lineup and the field. Second baseman Jeffrey Stowell came to the Kraken via Hawaii as part of a package that sent pitching prospect Carl MacNeill to the Tropics. Stowell has shown the ability to drive in runs by finding the gaps for extra base hits and also to work the count against opposing pitchers to reach base any way possible. After finishing 2003 with a .328 AVG and .400 OBP, Stowell had a dip in production this May, but in June the infielder hit .286 and reached base at a .371 clip. He also added 6 doubles, 2 triples, a home run, and scored 16 times while swiping 5 bases. While Stowell will certainly be dangled as trade bait, given his age, he is still the type of player that provides a lot of flexibility in fitting new pieces into the Kraken plans for the lineup.

June Pitcher of the Month

Right-handed hurler George Meade was acquired in an offseason deal with Greenville to shore up the Kraken bullpen ahead of what was a lock-down setup/closer trio. While his raw tools were evident from his arrival, he struggled early in 2003 to find his role out of the 'pen as, at the end of May, he had made only 9 appearances in compiling a 5.63 ERA and walking 7 batters. In June, however, Kraken manager Rip Torn started to mix up Meade's assignments including giving him two starts. The 28-year-old responded with a 1.59 ERA and 1.00 WHIP over 17 innings while striking out 23 to only 6 walks and holding opponents to an anemic .180 average.

June Fielder of the Month

With the team unable to work around CF Adam Aarpen's lack of output at the plate, a large hole was left in the Kraken defense across the outfield. Fortunately, while Aarpen still had his day-to-day starter role, Carolina claimed OF Jayson Stephens off waivers from Buffalo in April. Since then Stephens has proven his ability to get on base at a decent rate and also provide an above-average glove in all 3 outfield positions. He has yet to commit an error in the field and has compiled a combined +2.3 ZR so far this season.