That Good Ole Mountain Dew 2025.1- Midway through the Slog

[elligator]

The Moonshiners have a lot more moon than shine these days.

We are at the midway point and there are few bright spots for this dismal team, who as of July 1 now possess the worst record in the MBBA.

The pitching staff, once the hallmark of this franchise, has been reduced to ashes by trades. There's backbiting in the bullpen as Pascal Escobar has whined all season about not being allowed to close games, despite the fact he has nearly a 5.00 ERA and he sets up one of the best closers in the league, in Ernie von Schledorn. Speaking of the latter, trade rumors abound and sources within the team office confirm that some talks have been had. So, Escobar may yet get his wish, if the Moonshiners can work out a deal to send Ernie to a contender. The rotation is a disaster, forced to keep George Kennedy on the ML squad due to a lack of options, the Moonshiners have seen him get pummeled game after game. Meanwhile, the lynchpin of the big trade from last season, David Cantu has not been able to put it together and has struggled nearly as badly. In fact, outside of Manuel Guerra's steady hand, the rotation has been a disaster. Recent call up Ye Kung has been a small bright spot.

The lineup has also been a massive disappointment at most positions. After years backing up all-stars, the powerful Juan Alvarado finally got his shot at catcher, and he has not been able to take advantage of it, sparking a hotbed of grumbling that the Moonshiners should go ahead and call up prospect Dave Robertson. 2024 standouts 3B Luis Martinez and RF Javier Barron have not been able to capitalize on their success last season. There have been two bright spots for the team though, much criticized international signee MIke McPherson has been excellent at 1B and is threatening to go 30-30 on the season. Meanwhile power-monger 1B/DH Fulton Reed has been likewise strong with 16 homers at the break. He will likely be available to teams looking for a big bat for the stretch run.

All in all however, the rebuild continues and it ain't pretty. With a toxic clubhouse and a farm system in flux, Greenville is going to have need of a bunch of that Moonshine to get through the rest of the season.

[agrudez]

I thought the lynchpin of the Ramirez trade was Baez. Did you have hopes at the time that a 25 year old would fill out 3 CON and 2 STU overnight? I'm kind of surprised he got the 2 CON that he did before turning 26.