Talking Chop

I don't know whats going to be going on with me the next couple of weeks because there is a decent chance I am getting a promotion and I'm going to have to move, so don't be mad if I'm not consistent getting stuff out even though Martin is back. But I'll do my best.

Richmond 20 - 17 (2-5 WTD)

An uncharacteristic rough week for the Richmond team. They still have a 4 game lead in their division so things aren't scary yet. The offense has been a little weak lately (only 5 hits total in the double header against Louisville). They lead the league in average and are second in OBP but are next to last in SLG. Their pitching has been solid with the third best ERA in the league thus far. That will take a hit with Jo-Jo being called up and the whispers of Charlie Morton starting later this week for the big club.

Mississippi 13 - 25 (4-2 WTD)

Mississippi is playing a little more even keeled as of late. Jason Perry's offense is now combining with a mini resurgence of Kala Kaaihue who has 5 XBH in his last 5 games. He only had 5 in his previous 30 games. You understand if i reserve my excitement for a later date and time. The big news for Mississippi this week is that Tommy Hanson has been promoted to AA to help boost the worst rotation in the league. I think his HRs allowed will go up just because he is such an extreme flyball pitcher, but he hasn't been allowing much contact period this year so I think he will still post some solid lines.

Myrtle Beach 23 - 13 (4-1 WTD)

The Beach leads their division by six games right now. They have been really impressive lately in just about all facets of the game. In the pitching oriented league the Pelicans have the best OPS in the league and lead in HRs, 3Bs and are second in 2Bs. They also own the best ERA in the league. That will probably change a bit now that they have lost Tommy Hanson to AA. It looks like Chris Vines is taking his spot in the rotation after throwing very well out of the pen in extended outings. I still don't have any word on when Gorkys Hernandez will return to action. At this point they don't really need him.

Rome 13-24 (2-4 WTD)

Rome has fallen to last in the division and 13.5 games out of first place. Wow. For a team that has so much talent (especially on the pitching staff) you have to wonder how this has happened. Well the pitching isn't doing all that poorly. They are hovering around the middle of the pack currently with a 3.91 ERA, but the hitting, oh the hitting. They are second to last in the league with .637 OPS and a horribly bad .296 OBP. Heyward and Freeman have turned it up lately but I just don't think two guys can do much for this offense.

Hotlist!!!

1. Jason Heyward - Heyward went 9-23 (.391) on the week and currently is riding a 5 game hitting streak. He doubled in 4 straight games and hit his 4th HR of the season. He even threw in a SB. His Ks have leveled off a bit after having a bad spurt a couple weeks back and current has 27 in 142 ABs which is perfectly acceptable in his first full season. Well it is for me anyways. It is also greatly encouraging to see him hitting for some more power.
   
2. Freddie Freeman - Teammate of Heyward, Freeman helped combine for a solid 3-4 punch all week long. He also went 9-23 adding 6 doubles and his first HR of the year. His AVG has been hovering around .300 the past couple of weeks and his OPS is a solid .802 for the season. If Gilmore can start hitting these three could be a difficult trio to deal with.
3. Charlie Morton - Charlie Morton's on-again/off-again relationship with prospect lists might finally be a steady relationship. He only had one game this week but he pitched 7.1 scoreless innings of relief and lowered his ERA to 1.76 on the season which has started some speculation that he will start Friday since Jurrjens has to pitch on Monday due to the rain-out. Everyone likes this kid right now and I'm more than willing to give him a shot at the rotation.
   
4. Scott Thorman - I'm giving Thorman credit for all of May in this. So far this month he is hitting .417 with 5 doubles and his only HR of the year. For a guy that his .176 in April he is murdering the ball so far this month. His OPS is over 1.000 and he only has 6 K on the month so far. I wonder what got him swinging all of a sudden?
5. Ernesto Mejia - Mejia gets credit for a little more because he is currently on a 13 game hitting streak. What was more impressive was the fact that he had an XBH in 11 straight games during the streak including doubles in 8 straight at one point. He raised his average from .193 to .270 during the streak and has pulled his OPS up to .799 on the season. That is just impressive. He is 22 in HI A so if he gets a bump up and keeps hitting he might someone to keep an eye on. I know there are a couple people here who love him.
   

Honorable Mentions: Ryne Reynoso, Myrtle Beach; J. Perry, MIssissippi; K. Kaaihue, Mississippi; D. Hernandez, Richmond; D. Heath, Myrtle Beach.