Minor Leauge Humdrum

Corpus Christi took 3 out of 5 from the Wranglers. As an average watcher of the Wranglers and an AVID watcher of the prospects, I was disappointed on both fronts. The Wranglers scored 17 runs in 4 games (4.25 runs/game), which, if you are getting decent - good pitching, should be enough. That was the trouble for the Wranglers; they were all offense and from other role players. Gordon hit an astounding .258 while Butler hit .200. Chris Lubanski managed a paltry .360 while former prospect Dee Brown hit .438. This isn't what miffs me though. However we scored 17 runs, our pitching/defense gave up 29 runs (7.25 runs/game) and though the defense only gave up 1 error, it's hard to say whether some plays were the pitcher or defenses fault without having seen the games in person. What IS encouraging our pitchers only gave up 1 HR and it wasn't even one of the major prospects. What is NOT encouraging is that only Billy Buckner survived, and thrived!, through more than a few innings (7 IP, 1BB, 8SO, 1ER). Otherwise, Zack Greinke, Tyler Lumdsen, and Luke Hochevar combined to give up (16 R (15ER) in 8.2 IP). Zack pitched 6IP (6ER), Tyler allowed 3 ER, 4R in .2IP, and Luke gave up 6 ER in 2IP. This is a staggering issue since many media types and fans are counting on seeing these guys thrive in the big leagues at some point (if not all of) next year.

We can say they are young and under pressure to perform like they haven't been asked before, but at some point, these guys need to take the next step. For every Texas League Championship Game, that's 162 game in the Major Leagues. The pressure is always there and that's why these guys do what they do and why I don't do what they do. They are used to the pressure and need to step up. Granted, each could have had a bad day, every good pitcher has a bad pitching performance, but GREAT pitchers find a way to get through innings, if only to eat them up and have the offense come alive later.

At this point, I don't see enough to think that any of these guys will make the big leagues next year out of spring training. Fortunately, there is winter ball, Zack is coming to the bigs today and may pitch lights out for the rest of the season, and/or over the winter, these guys may mature, find the 6th gear, etc. Much can happen in 7 months.