Kannapolis Beginning to Put Things Together

[danman31]

Kannapolis Beginning to Put Things Together

Intimidators showing improvement and looking to break through

By Danny Santaromita

 

The Kannapolis Intimidators are a team with so much talent that all they have to do is simply put everything together and the wins will come. Standing at 19-18 overall, 4 games out of first place in the South Atlantic League’s Northern Division, the Intimidators’ record isn’t spectacular, but the team is hitting a corner. Just this past week the team pulled off a 4 game road sweep of the Greensboro Bats, a Florida Marlins affiliate, while outscoring the Bats 28-5 in the series. In May Kannapolis has been averaging just over 5 runs per game while giving up 3.61 runs per game. Both are improvements since April and show the progress the team has been making.

 

Thomas Brice continues to lead the way for the Intimidators’ hitters with a .347 average. Brice has cooled down from the beginning of the season when he was just short of .400, but has remained one of the best hitters in the league. Brice is definitely deserving of a promotion to Winston-Salem, but there simply isn’t any room for him there with three top prospects sitting in the Warthogs’ outfield. With Brian Anderson tearing it up he could be promoted to Birmingham sometime soon which would open up a spot for Brice. Also hitting well for Kannapolis are in-season additions David Cook, Cory Haggerty, and Leo Daigle.

 

However, not everyone in the lineup has been doing well. Antoin Gray’s batting average was as high as .346 after May 2nd. As of today he is batting .269. That is quite the slump from Gray. During this stretch Gray has more strikeouts (10) than runs (9). This is not the kind of production you want from your leadoff hitter. Gray began to get more playing time when Andy Gonzalez got promoted to Winston-Salem. The other middle infielder for the Intimidators, Robert Valido, has also cooled down since a solid start. Since May 3rd Valido has hits in eight of his last 54 at bats, a batting average of .148 during the stretch. Valido, who has been the team’s number two hitter in most games, will need to step up along with Gray if the team is going to win consistently. Highly touted third baseman Micah Schnurstein had also hit the skids in May. From May 6th to the 12th he managed only two hits in 23 at bats. Since then he has heated up with a 4-5 performance on the 13th and a two hit outing on the 15th. Schnurstein has the talent and ability to be a Major Leaguer and he is the best third base prospect within the Sox organization.

 

The Kannapolis rotation has been headed by Brandon McCarthy and Daniel Haigwood. The duo has been rock solid all season for the Intimidators. McCarthy has a 3.50 ERA with 42 strikeouts and 14 walks. He also has 2 complete games and 43.2 IP, the most on the team. According to McCarthy, Haigwood has “electric stuff” and has showed this since a bit of a shaky start. He has gone 4-0 since losing his first start. He has a 3.15 ERA, best among the starters, as well as a very impressive 1.025 WHIP. Ryan Rodriguez has shown improvement with two quality starts in a row. Meanwhile, Brian Miller has shown the stuff that had him as the preseason ace for the Intimidators with four straight quality starts. 20 year-old Rafael Flores has been a pleasant surprise since joining the team early May. In three appearances, two starts, he has pitched 10 innings and has a 2.70 ERA. Tim Tisch’s struggles have moved him to the bullpen. It remains to be seen whether or not the move is permanent.

 

Out of the bullpen Ehren Wasserman has been solid as a closer. He has converted all six save opportunities to go with a 2.37 ERA. Todd Deininger has the best ERA on the team at 1.69, but has a 1.59 WHIP with seven walks in 10.2 innings. Fabio Castro and Michael Moat have also been reliable out of the bullpen. Orionny Lopez has been a huge disappointment since joining the team late April. He has a 12.71 ERA and is showing why the Sox have shown patience with him despite pitching well in rookie ball.

 

If the Intimidators are to become a more consistent ball club they are going to need to get the top of the lineup hitting. Gray and Valido can’t slump if the team is going to win. The rotation has been very good of late and the bullpen has gotten the job done. Expect some possible changes soon in the roster. Brice is hitting so well and if a spot opens up in Winston-Salem he will be there in a heartbeat. Also look for McCarthy or another starter to be headed to the Warthogs sometime this season. The Intimidators have a huge chance to gain ground in the standings as they have a series at first place Charleston, WV.

 

Upcoming Schedule

May 17 @ Asheville

May 19-21 vs. Hagerstown

May 22-23 @ Hickory

May 24-26 @ Charleston, WV

[DBAHO]

Thomas Brice keep up the good work.

[Guest JimH]

Great article Dan, good insight and analysis.

 

The thing with Brice is, if he keeps hitting like he is, someone will notice. They've compared his swing to Olerud, and he's got the arm to play RF.

 

I could definitely see him skipping High A and playing in Birmingham in 2005.

[Chisoxfn]

Great Stuff Dan. Brice will definately be up in Winston Salem very soon, imo. Brice not only can hit but he also is a very good defensive outfielder.

 

Nanita has been plain awful and its only a matter of time until he gets demoted.

 

I really think he is an Edgar Valera clone. Ie, a college player who put up tremendous numbers because he was going against talent the same or lower then he played in college.