Low-A Quarterfinals – Clinton versus Cedar Rapids:
Clinton Lumberkings:Record: 78-59
Pythagorean record: 75-62
Record since August 1: 17-14
Typical Lineup:
C Carlos Dominguez / Jose Felix
1B Justin Smoak
2B Matt Lawson
3B Jonathan Greene
SS Davis Stoneburner
LF Tim Smith / Cristian Santana
CF Engel Beltre
RF Mitch Moreland / Miguel Alfonzo
DH Santana / Moreland
Probable starters:Blake Beavan, Michael Main, then Tim Murphy if needed
The Lumberkings roared to a 37-12 start, endured a stupefying 8-23 stretch, and finished strong at 33-23. Despite the losses of Holland, Feliz, Ian Gac, and Renny Osuna, the Clinton roster has remained largely intact. Relative to Oklahoma and Frisco, the difference between the present roster and the one that won a league-high 78 games isn’t large.
Pitching received the most attention, but Clinton won mostly with its offense. In terms of season-long production, Mitch Moreland (.324/.400/.536) is the best hitter on either team by a wide margin. Justin Smoak (.304/.355/.518) is the best hitting prospect, and Jonathan Greene’s combination of power (21 homers) and courage (36 HBPs) compensate for his .239 average. Notwithstanding his youth or upside, Engel Beltre (.283/.308/.403) wasn’t an effective leadoff hitter. OF Timothy Smith (.300/.359/.450, 42 extra-base hits, 21 steals) is a nice power/speed combo.
Teenagers Blake Beavan (2.37 ERA) and Michael Main (2.58 ERA) anchor the rotation. Both are control freaks, and Main also fanned more than a batter per inning. 21-year-old Tim Murphy (2.83 ERA between Clinton and Spokane) will pitch Game Three if necessary. They’re superior to Cedar Rapids’ starters. Often effective, occasionally awful closer Adelberto Flores (4.14 ERA) struck out 72 and walked 25 in 63 innings. Ryan Turner (2.66 ERA) and Keisuke Ueno (3.33 ERA) usually provided better relief than more-heralded prospect Fabio Castillo (5.28 ERA).
The Kernels run like the wind, so Clinton may favor Carlos Dominguez (.247/.281/.354) over Jose Felix (.262/.300/.305) at backstop because of his edge in throwing out baserunners (34% versus 26%, league average was 32%).
0 Random Thoughts:
Post a Comment