Tuscon Wins Big but Isn't Ready to Take on Galena May 30, 1998
Tucson has been on a torrid streak lately, winning 9 of their last 10
games. The offense has been carrying the team during this streak. As
of today, Tucson has scored 31 more runs than Galena this season,
pacing the EL. Tucson is slugging a robust .477 with 75 homers, also
leading the EL. In fact, Tucson is 1st or second in every major
offensive category. League average OPS is .715, and Tucson as a team
has an impressive .814 OPS, nearly 100 points higher than league
average.
Leading the way is Rondell White, acquired in the offseason from the
Groundhogs. White is hitting .313, with a .910 OPS, one of the best
in the league. White has also stolen 10 bases, created an astonishing
42 runs in 51 games, and is absolutely murdering lefties, with a .409
batting average.
Todd Hollandsworth has responded well to his return to the starting
lineup, slugging 7 homers in May, en route to a 1.060 OPS. Also
contributing OPS's above .800 are Ray Durham (.833), Eddie Grove
(.841), Mark Johnson (.955), and Bob Higginson (.912).
This offense has led to a much improved 28-23 record, and after a win
today over division leader Medina, Tucson is just 3 games back. Even
Rich Becker has responded to the hitting around him, raising his
batting average about 25 points since coming over to Tucson. "It's
been great. After moving down to the #7 spot, I've had a lot less
pressure to produce, but I'm starting to do just that." said Becker.
Despite all this offense, Tucson still isn't a complete team, ready to
take on the likes of Galena. Tucson's pitching staff has amassed an
unsightly 4.26 ERA, 2nd worst in the EL. Tucson's bullpen has
resembled a mobile Coors field this season. That has turned around a
bit lately, as veteran Dennis Eckersley picked up his first save of
the season yesterday. Eck has seen his ERA drop from over 10 down to
4.63 this month.
Tucson's staff has shown a disturbing tendency to give up the
longball, with rookie Jaret Wright being the most frequent victim
(16). In addition, Tucson has walked more people than any other team
in the EL. Needless to say, this is not a combination that will help
win games. Rumour has it that Tucson is looking for bullpen help.
Please feel free to mail me about any solid bullpen guys you might
have available.
