The Meinert Hops have been a surprise early season storyline after shelling out $88 for Shohei Ohtani who has struggled by his terms to start 2022. GM Garrett Shelley quietly promoted Seth Beer who has slashed .341/.431/.477 while resisting the urge to activate CJ Abrams (5-for-35) which looks like a strong move. The additions of Eric Lauer (2.20 ERA, 52.0 Points) and JP Crawford (.352/.471/.574) have been keys to their early season success.
Despite the hot start overall, Shelley is actively seeking help on offense as the club ranks last in at-bats, already trailing the leading Lake Merced Goutfish by 154 in that category. The impending return of Luis Urias should help, but additions will likely be needed if the club is going to sustain their current Wild Card spot.
Around the RDBL
- The Alamo Short Stacks loss of Eloy Jimenez for the next 6-8 weeks further highlights the club's need for outfield help as Jarred Kelenic (.154/.224/.327) and Trent Grisham (.132/.233/.226) have struggled mightily out of the gates. Provided the Stacks remain in contention, Dustin May stands out as a top trade candidate as the right-hander is under control through 2024 at just $1 and set to return later this season.
Recent Waiver Claims Taylor Ward, Joey Wendle and Thairo Estrada have all taken over starting roles in Period 4, but the club is actively seeking longer term solutions according to sources.
- The Idaho Taters are not prepared for a firesale according to club sources as GM Mike Friedrich remains confident better days are ahead. Several players on the Taters roster are off to unfathomable starts with Carson Kelly (3-for-36), Brendan Rodgers (4-for-46), Jose Altuve (6-for-36), Joey Gallo (7-for-48) and Jose Berrios (6.35 ERA, 2.03 WHIP) combining for 9.5 Points total.
The club remains confident the tides will turn and enters Period 4 just 172.0 points out of the final Wild Card spot despite the disastrous start from several high profile players.
- Several contenders are closely monitoring the Cloverdale Clovers weekly performance as a drop if the standings could significantly alter the balance of the league with impending Free Agents Juan Soto, Rafael Devers and Mookie Betts potentially hitting the trade market.
- The Spokane Fightin' Fish continue to prey on the bottom of the standings as several reports have indicated the club is prepared to move young outfielder Julio Rodriguez in a blockbuster deal at some point this season.
“Prey?” I prefer, “offer amazing, once in a lifetime opportunities to the bottom of the standings.”