Moonstruck 2008-1: Season opener

[jkloes1]

With a quiet offseason, Greenville fans had nothing too exciting to look forward to the 2008 season, other than hopefully a repeat to the Landis Memorial Series. The biggest acquisition was Augustus Brenner, who Greenville signed for 3 year 3 million dollar contract to replace the loss of Brent Gates. So far Brenner has been anything but spectacular, batting at a .188 clip, with only 4 RBI's in 64 at bats. His lack luster performance through 18 games has made the popular Gates (2007 acquisition) missed even more by Greenville fans. Gates who is now with London in the EBA, essentially traded spots with Brenner, whom came from the EBA himself.

Although, Brenner is not the only offensive player struggling in April. Greenville as a team is batting .260 (8th in the JL) They are 8th in hits, and just about every other offensive Catagory as well. Last years Greenville MVP Bill Burkholder as gotten off to a rough start as well batting .258 with 3 HR and 14 RBI's.

All is not lost, however, Greenville still leads the JLA with a 10-8 record, and has won 4 in row. This due in part of the pitching that the Shiner's have been getting from they're starters and bullpen who are 3rd and 5th in the JL respectively in ERA. As a team they've given up the 3rd fewest runs with only 75. "When they guys pitch like they've been, it always keeps us in the game" Said Gm Kloes, who is mixed on their 2008 start. Tyree Wills has been a surprise, coming off of Tommy John Surgery with a 2.16 ERA and 2 complete games already. He is keeping Right handed opponents to staggering .229 OBP. Not to be outdone, but Sammy Bodeen trying to prove that Kloes should have gone with him in Game 4 of last years LMS, has pitched 3 complete games and has .77 WHIP. "Those guys have been impressive to say the least" Commented Tex Avery, Greenville Pitching Coach.

If this is a sign of things to come, once Schuster, Milholm, and Bacher(The Big 3) get going, this is going to be a tough starting rotation. With Washington, Louisville and Valencia coming up, the Moonshiners, have a great opportunity to put themselves in great position come May.

[recte44]

Tex Avery is your pitching coach? That's awesome.

[recte44]

Bacher was in top performance list for Sim #2.

[jkloes1]

yeah, he's starting to catch fire. Milholm and Schuster aren't doing TOO bad. I guess. Not what they were last year tho

[felipe]

loved Brenner in Belfast...