Quick synopsis of the season, we stink, there I said it, we're 19-39 when I start this, will probably be 19-40 by the time I finish. So instead of trying to go through player by player and justify the few non 'F' grades I'd give out, lets do an awards style prezzy, enjoy!
Most Deserving to be pissed off at the rest of the team: Ryan Dempster - Take a look at the following two lines, one is a line for the Majors league leader in wins, R.A. Dickey, and the other is Dempster's, can you tell who is who?
ERA G CG IP H R ER K BB WHIP
2.44 12 1 81.0 65 23 22 78 19 1.04
2.59 10 0 66.0 52 21 19 57 19 1.08
Not exactly a tie, but both very good, one is 9-1 and the other is 1-3. Runner Up: Matt Garza
Most in need for a trip back to Iowa: Carlos Marmol - He's at least gotten stuff over the plate the last couple outings, but for a looooong stretch there he was incapable of getting stuff even over the plate. Now he just hangs slides over the inside of the plate and is getting knocked around. Slight improvement over 11+ BB/9 Innings he's got going for him. Runner Up: Geovany Soto
Most deserving to go to the All Star Game: Bryan LaHair - It's tough enough for an unknown rookie to crack the bigs as a first baseman, but with a .980 OPS and only 3 errors in what has to be a highly scrutinized role has to be applauded. Runner Up: Ryan Dempster
Most Likely to go to the All Star Game: Starlin Castro - He's playing a little better then last year (F% is .968 over .961 from last year), but he was also the de facto pick last year. And let's face it, nobody is turning heads here. A decent inside infielder is a lot harder to come by then a first baseman or even starting pitcher. Runner Up: Alfonso Soriano
Most Deserving of More Playing Time: Tony Campana - Sharing some time with Johnson and Mather in the outfield as his hitting seems to be a bit streaky, but I see no reason this guy shouldn't be a pinch runner for Soriano or anyone else in the 7th and then left in almost every day he doesn't start. Runner Up - Steve Clevenger
Biggest Surprise on the Team: Bryan LaHair - Hear me out, with an inconsistent Soriano as your protection, and with the desire to get a Pujouls or a Fielder, and a Rizzo sitting there at Iowa, the pressure on him was extreme. I accept the premise that no news is good news as far as the amount of attention this guy has gotten. Quietly on pace for 30+ Homers and a near .400 OBP and near 1.000 OPS. He needs to improve his RISP average, but who on this team doesn't? Runner Up: Joe Mather
Best Thing about Dave Sveum: Not complaining - He's having to through first or second year guys in several positions daily (i.e. Barney, Clevenger, Campana, Cardenas, Stewart, LaHair, Wood, etc.), given a very weak bullpen and an unproven rotation. the Club probably had $40 million to spend this off season and spent almost none of it save for DeJesus. Dealing with a team that every player is on the trading block and what can only be a high stress clubhouse. The expectations where low but not this low, and what do you hear in the way of complaints? Nothing, Most of the guys are running hard and playing good defense, aggressive on the bases and noting complaining a peep to the press. No screaming at the umps or breaking bats over knees. You can say removing Zambrano was a big part of that. But I think this staff has a good head on their shoulders and are not trying to kid themselves. A good environment to get a good look at these kids and hopefully find the first round of pieces to start rebuilding a competitive team on.
Next Month, a list of players from the current roster I'd like to see worked into the Long term plan. Don't worry, it's a short list.
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