Week record: 3-3
Overall record: 5-4
Summary
A slow start to the week offensively led to the Storm Chasers being shut out in its first two games. From then on, they went 3-1 and saw some strong offensive performances from CJ Alexander, Cam Devanney, Devin Mann, and Nate Eaton. The starting rotation saw mixed results but had strong starts from Daniel Lynch IV and William Fleming. The relievers came back down to earth after a strong start to the season but still had a few standout performers in Walter Pennington, Sam Long, and Will Klein. The results were about as average as you can get: a 3-3 record with 23 runs scored and 23 runs allowed.
How Long will it take?
It seems inevitable that Sam Long and Walter Pennington will be making their way to Kansas City sooner rather than later (I would put at least one of them there right now over Jordan Lyles, but there is not enough time for that discussion). They continued their dominance from spring training straight into the regular season, allowing no runs in 7.1 innings between the two this week. They both struck out five and walked two or less. Neither have given up a run so far this season.
William Fleming
Seemingly out of nowhere, Fleming was placed in Omaha this week after no prior experience at the Triple-A level. It should not be that surprising, however, as he had a solid 2023 season between Quad Cities and NW Arkansas. Last season, he held a 5-2 record with a 4.11 ERA and 2.68 K/BB ratio in 107.1 IP. He seems to be a good fit to round out the Storm Chasers rotation for the time being, as the Storm Chasers were only operating with four true starting pitchers to start the season. In his first start of the season on Sunday he had the following line: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K. You cannot ask for a much better start to the season.
CJ Alexander
Alexander, my pick to lead the Storm Chasers in home runs this season, added one home run and three doubles to his season total this week. It has been a very solid start to the season for Alexander at the plate when he puts the ball in play. The one glaring negative is that he has struck out 12 times without drawing a walk in 34 at-bats. He is not one to draw walks at a very high rate, but I expect him to regress more toward his career average 9.1 BB% and 28.9 K%.
Hitter of the Week
Cam Devanney: 5 for 15, 2 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 3 BB, 8 K, 1 SB
Season Stats: .259/.364/.481, .845 OPS
Runner-up: CJ Alexander – 6 for 20, 3 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBIs, 0 BB, 9 K
Pitcher of the Week
William Fleming: 4.2 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
Season Stats: 0.00 ERA, 0.43 WHIP, .125 Opp Avg, 6.0 K/BB
Runner-up: Walter Pennington – 4.1 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Next up
April 9th – 14th vs. Gwinnett Stripers
Image Credit: Omaha Storm Chasers