Can you believe that the Midwest League season is halfway over? Neither can I. This half has truly moved by quickly. The current temperatures outside will make you forget that this season started out with snow and cold. Once temperatures began to climb, so did the play of this ballclub. But now it’s June. The Whitecaps have made it to the playoffs. It’s the all-star break. It’s time to review a few things from this first half.
There are a few things that I’m disappointed in so far this season. I was disappointed in the ‘Caps performance during Kenny Rogers rehab start. That 10-0 loss was the worst shut out loss ever by West Michigan. That’s bad timing when 10,000+ were at the ballpark. Losing streaks are another that disappointment me. They have three 3-game losing streaks, one 4-game losing streak, and one 7 Game losing streak. That recent 7 game losing streak was the second longest ever in club history.
Here are some guys that have kind of struggled in the first half. I hope they will break out in the second half.
Jonah Nickerson - He's 4-6 with a 5.80 ERA. He's allowed 44 earned runs, which is second in the Midwest League. He's the team leader in hits allowed with 76. However he's third in strikeouts with 53. He's had some hard luck, but hopefully his second half will be better.
Lauren Gagnier - He's 2-7 with a 5.63 ERA. He's given up 48 runs, which is tied for third in the league. He has allowed 8 homers, which tied for third in the league. His 29 walks lead the team. In May he was sent to the bullpen to straighten some things out. His spot start against the Loons on Monday June 11 was his best, but he received no run support. I think he has a lot more to offer.
Scott Sizemore – Baseball America listed him in the Tigers top 10 prospects, but he's been struggling at the plate. His first half batting average was .214 . However his on base percentage of .357 is a making up for is taking care of the lack of hits. He’s third in the Midwest League in walks. I think he’ll break out in the second half.
Now let's look at some positive things about this ballclub. I’m thrilled with the fact that this ballclub will be playing playoff baseball in September. They struggled toward the end, but they got there. That makes 4 straight playoff appearances for West Michigan. I love the fact that the 2007 Whitecaps can compete, and win, against any team in the league. They have a great shot to win every night. I like the quickness of this ballclub. They run the bases well, and many of the guys threaten to steal a base when they get on. In fact the Whitecaps tied their franchise record of eight stolen bases in a 5-2 win at Quad Cities earlier in the season. Don’t forget the 8 Whitecaps named to the Midwest League All-Star team. The Whitecaps have never had that many in one season.
Potthole mentioned some guys that have done a great job for the Whitecaps. I would like to mention some others that have done really well in the first half.
Duane Below – This lefty starter has been a key member to this pitching staff. He surpassed Chris Cody’s season high 13K’s with 14 of his own in a game.
Josh Rainwater – Josh is a man of all pitching trades. He’s been a starter, a spot-starter, a reliever, you name it he's done it, and done it well. He's the team leader with 7 wins.
Ryan Strieby – Ryan’s 6 home runs lead the team. He leads the ‘Caps with 15 doubles. He’s the team lead in runs scored with 39. He’s also drove in 35 runs, which is second on the team.
There you go. There’s my two cents. If this ballclub gets hot, and avoids multiple losing streaks, they might be the most dangerous team in the playoffs. They have the potential to do awesome things.
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