The Las Vegas Aristocrats continue to dominate on the mound, pacing the Roger Dorn Baseball League with 1,172.0 pitching points entering play Monday with a league-leading 2.91 ERA. Even without Max Scherzer (oblique), Joe Ryan (COVID) and Shane Baz (shoulder), the likes of Joe Musgrove (237.0 pts., 1.64 ERA), Max Fried (200.0 pts., 2.74 ERA) and Aaron Ashby (118.0 pts., 3.13 ERA) have stepped up in a big way to lead the league's best rotation.
While all is humming on the mound, the same can't be said at the plate as the 'Crats rank last in hitter scoring, average (.231), on base percentage (.295) and slugging (.358). That has GM Nick Holz and Assistant GM Nick Kusanovich hot on the market as periods continue to roll by until the August 1st Trade Deadline.
With just 13 periods of scoring remaining, the 'Crats are feeling the pressure to make an addition on offense to help close the gap on the final Wild Card spot.
According to sources, the 'Crats have been in contact with the Asti Grape Stompers on hot trade targets George Springer and Freddie Freeman, but likely lack the prospect firepower to get a deal done. Those close to the Grapes indicate that Shane Baz would likely have to serve as the key asset in return, something the 'Crats are not comfortable with.
That has pushed the 'Crats over to the St. Joseph Jokers who hold some veteran bats that could help for a more reasonable price. Jose Abreu (2/$37) has likely played his way out of Keeper consideration for 2023 given his contract and age, but he has slashed .400/.500/.700 over the last 14 days and would be a major boost to the 'Crats offense.
Additionally, Michael Brantley (2/$25) provides similar short-term help with his age (35) also likely playing him out of Keeper status for 2023. He's slashing .277/.364/.399 with 10 doubles and a 23/21 walk to strikeout ratio.
Lastly, Miguel Cabrera has surprised to a .301/.345/.393 line that would also serve as a boost in the Aristocrats lineup.
Comentarios