Period 1 is in the books with three 2022 Playoff teams topping the standings led by the Alamo Short Stacks who rode a 132.0 point Saturday into 1st Place. The Period was marked by a number of rough outings from aces while Jeff Springs, Dustin May, Kyle Freeland and Justin Steele were among the top contributors on the mound through the first four days of action.
Enjoy our first State Farm Weekly Recap for 2023!
Team of the Week: Alamo Short Stacks (290.5 Points)
53-165, 165 AB, 10 2B, 4 HR, 25 RBI, 21 R, 6 SB, 21 BB, HP, 4 SF
40 INN, 25 HA, 7 BBI, 42 K, 9 ER, 4 W, 2 L, 2 S, 2 HB
It was an ideal start for the Stacks who posted 290.5 points in just four days while carrying a 58.0 point lead into Period 2. The Stacks had a balanced attack on offense, hitting .321 as a group with four home runs, 10 doubles and six steals. The group looks to have a strong eye at the plate, drawing 21 walks in just four days while Tim Anderson led the unit with 19.0 points overall.
With favorable matchups, the Stacks six starting pitchers all posted between 19-25 points while 2022 RDBL Reliever of the Year Emmanuel Clase posted 15.0 from the pen. The rotation will face much stiffer competition in Period 2 including a pair of starts against the Blue Jays and one against the Cardinals.
GM Greg Shelley seemed most pleased with the team's depth as Brandon Crawford, Josh Outman and Robbie Grossman combined for 34.5 points while Justin Steele posted a 29.0 point debut against the Brewers.
Pitcher of the Week: Jeff Springs, Taters (35.0 Points)
81 PC, 6 INN, BBI, 12 K, W
Springs dazzled in 14 scoreless Spring Training innings, carrying a 24:2 K:BB ratio after posting 404.0 points and a 2.46 ERA last season. He's off to an even hotter start in 2023 as he worked six no-hit innings on Sunday against the Detroit Tigers, punching out 12 against just one walk. He's lined up for another nice matchup in Period 2 against the Oakland A's.
Hitter of the Week: 1B CJ Cron, Falcons (27.5 Points)
7-15, 3 HR, 2 2B, 2 BB
What a start for Cron who has quietly been an $8 steal for the Maltese Falcons, posting 747.0 combined points over the last two seasons. Opening up in San Diego, Cron blasted three home runs with a pair of doubles and walks to lead the RDBL with 27.5 points over Period 1.
Life Insurance Player of the Week: Chris Bassitt, Taters (-36.0 Points)
57 PC, 3.1 INN, 10 HA, 9 ER, L
It was a largely successful opening period for the Idaho Taters who were only sunk by Chris Bassitt's stinker in St. Louis. While the Cardinals look to have one of the league's top offenses, Bassitt looked punchless as he allowed 10 hits and nine earned runs in just 3 1/3 innings. Wiping out his -36.0 points, the Taters would have been entering Period 2 in fourth place but now sit in eighth due to the stinker.
Prospect of the Week: Brett Baty, Hops
5-14, 2 HR, 2B, SB, BB
Despite disappointment of not making the big league roster, Brett Baty wasted no time trying to prove to the Mets Front Office that they make a mistake. The third baseman went 4-for-5 Saturday with a pair of home runs including a grand slam, adding to a home run on Friday in Syracuse's opener. Baty slashed .325/.460/.425 with three homers and seven RBIs in Spring Training and should continue to put pressure on the Mets, especially if Eduardo Escobar scuffles out of the gates.
Comments