Jersey Shore: June 2016 in Review

In another winning month for the Bags, it was another month that slightly got worse than  the last percentage wise.  The Bags finished the month of June with a 16-11 record, in what was their hardest month of the year schedule wise.  It included series with Boston, New Orleans, Toronto, and Greenville twice.  The Bags finish the month 3 games back of the division leading Greenville 84's and 1/2 game behind the Chicago Machine.  Going into July the Bags are 52-30.

Players of the Month

MR Jose "Dog Pound" Gomes: 15.2 IP, 3-0, 15 K, 6H, 8 BB.  For the 2nd straight month Gomes did not allow a run to score on his watch.  He extended his scoreless streak to 38.2 IP which is over 31 appearances.  Any concern that the bullpen would take a step down with the loss of Daniel Morris can be put to rest.

OF Peter Larson: .337/.442/.533  2 HR, 13 RBI, 31 hits, 19 BB.  Peter Larson returned to the on-base machine we all know and love during June.  He was on base an astonishing 50 times, good for 44% of his AB.  If the Bags are going to compete they are going to need for players at the top of the order to be one base for the big boys.

OF Sergio Rodriguez:  .322/.400/.655  6 HR, 18 RBI, 19 runs.  Sergio was a nice surprise after injuries pushed him into an every day starting role.  He led the team in RBI for most of the month until Doyle passed him on the last day of the month.  The guy just does what he is asked.  He played great defense and even stole 2 bases.  

Roster Changes, Questions and Answers:  
A couple of injuries really dictated the moves this month.  On back to back days both OF Al Ryan and OF Jose Ortiz went down with muscle strains.  Both of them were diagnosed and guessed to be out around a month apiece.  Taro Kino and Ken Taylor were both called up to take over and have split the little time they have played in.  There has been talk about super SP prospect Jose Ramos being called up to make a few starts in the rotation.  If this does indeed it happen it will go against Swain's earlier statement claiming he would not being seen until Spring Training of next season.

Minor Leaguers of the Month
3rd official installment of MLOTM here at the Bag Report to recognize the top minor leaguer player in the Jersey Shore system for June.  Last month's were MR Yin-Zhen Zong and SS Lawrence Schroeder.

Pitcher: 
Jesus Zapata  (AA): 3-1, 1.27 ERA, 35.1 IP, 39 K, 0.96 WHIP.  The 20 year Zapata lit up AA in his 5 starts which included 21 straight innings without giving up an ER.  He has really picked up the strikeout this season averaging almost 8 per 9 innings.  He was signed to a MLC by the Bags in March of 2013 after being released by Greenville.



Hitter:
OF Taro Kino: .368/.439/.621. 32 hits, 6 HR, 28 RBI.  28 year old Kino lit up AAA pitching and continues to be a powerful bat for AAA Tuscaloosa.  He led the entire organization with his 28 RBI and his hot month is what dictated his promotion to Jersey Shore, where he hit 1 for 8 in 2 games. If he keeps up his torrid hitting in AAA, the Bags will have to find a roster spot for him.

GO D-BAGS