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Pawtucket Patriots:
Record: 60-22 (1st in Ale)
Pace: 117-45
Preview Prediction: 100-62 (1st in Ale)
What's gone right: Can I say everything? First in runs. First in ERA.
Every off-season move has made Funclown look like a genius. Trading SP Johnny Talley raised quite a few eye brows but SS Seth Herrington's defense and SP J.D. Robillard's team best 1.99 ERA has made people forget. RF Oscar Sanchez is having his best season in years. SP Tyler Salzman cost next to nothing and has gone 7-3 with a 2.80 ERA.
What's gone wrong: The only team weakness is strikeouts. Batting they are 8th in the DL. Pitching they are 9th. Maybe that will be their kryptonite?
They have battled injuries all year. Fernando Ortiz, Oscar Sanchez, Seth Herrington, Sonny Mason, Hidetoshi Haraguchi and Shane Burrows. Definitely a trend to keep an eye on in the second half.
Grade: A+
This team currently projects to be the best in Pawtucket history. If they can stay healthy, they will be the favorite to win their fourth Brewmaster's in seven years. Some please stop Funclown.
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Hartford Whalers:
Record: 44-38 (2nd in Ale)
Pace: 87-75 (Wild Card)
Preview Prediction: 74-88 (3rd in Ale)
What's gone right: The Whalers can keep pace with any team due largely to the middle of their order with DH Jamie McInturf and 1B Darryl Dellinger. McInturf is 3rd in DL OPS and Dellinger is 1st in HRs. Surrounding them is a nice balance of righties and lefties, making it hard for opposing teams to load up on a handed match-up.
They are one of the better home teams in the BLB with a 28-16 record.
What's gone wrong: The pitching has been a mess. Despite some talented individuals, the Whalers are 9th in runs allowed.
The other side of the coin, they struggle on the road: 16-22
Grade: B+
It feels like we have been here before... In 2015, Hartford went into the All-Star break a strong contender for the Wild Card before nose diving the final two months of the season. If they want to avoid a repeat, they will likely have to pitch better...a lot better.
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Maine Guides:
Record: 39-43 (T-3rd in Ale)
Pace: 77-85
Preview Prediction: 92-70 (2nd in Ale, Wild Card)
What's gone wrong: Stumbling out of the starting gate. The Guides made a lot of changes to the roster in the off-season via free-agency and call ups from Triple-A. On May 1st, the team was 9-17 and looking for answers. Since then the team has gone 30-26, scratching closer to .500 on the year.
The offense and the bullpen have been to blame. At the plate, DH Alex Villarroel couldn't find his power stroke and after 52 games was sent packing. In LF Robby 'Deathblow' Robichaux is sporting a .536 OPS but is 5th in at bats. The pen is 11th in DL ERA at 4.10.
What's gone right: The decision to bring back 39-year-old SP Fernando Hernandez has looked very smart as the 18-year veteran is currently posting a career best 1.67 ERA and .85 WHIP. The surprise signing of 1B TJ Dunn was expensive but he is putting up his usual power numbers. Oh and C Ray 'Voodoo' Davila might be the best player in baseball.
Grade: C-
After a disappointing 2015, the Guides made big changes to compete in 2016. So far, it hasn't worked out. However, this is definitely a team to keep an eye on as they continue to make roster changes to find the right balance.
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New York Knights:
Record: 39-43 (T-3rd in Ale)
Pace: 77-85
Preview Prediction: 69-93 (4th in Ale)
What's gone right: The bullpen lead by closer Pat Fink is one of the best in baseball. Currently their 2.99 RP ERA is 3rd in the Domestic League. It is a big reason for their impressive record in one-run games: 18-8 and extra-inning games: 6-2.
Youngsters LF Dave Robinson and DH Gordie "Don't call me Tom" Gugliotta are the future but they are already the best hitters on the team at 23 and 22.
What's gone wrong: When the game is decided by more than one run and ends in nine innings, they normally lose. The Knights are 9th in the DL in runs scored and have the leagues worst rotation ERA. That's a lot going wrong.
Grade: B-
New York has been the BLB's luckiest team according to the +6 PYT record. Expect them to come back to earth and fall out of the Wild Card race in the second half. I would also expect veteran names like JJ Caplan, Fred Schubert, Edgar Fajardo, Antonio Romo and Travis Krummen to be shopped heavily on the trade lines.
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Ale 2nd Half Outlook: Pawtucket is the best team in baseball and despite a poor two weeks, should keep a 100+ win pace, even if they rest players. They are that good. Hartford and Maine will battle down to the wire for 2nd place and possibly even a Wild Card spot. New York is rebuilding but this competitive streak is a nice showing for a club headed in the right direction.
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