Week record: 3-3
Overall record: 52-27
Summary
It was a shaky week for the Storm Chasers, despite the .500 record. The bats continued to stay cold, holding just a .230 average last week, good for 17th in the International League. On the bright side, the offense took advantage of timely hitting with 12 home runs, helping them score 32 runs across the six games. They also saw a huge boost in walks, drawing 29 last week after only drawing 10 the week before. The offense isn’t the only one to blame, as the pitching held an ERA of 5.85 on the week, ranking 14th in the league. Their typically dominant pitching had trouble keeping runs off the board (and balls inside the outfield fence). It’s been an unusual last two weeks for the team, which has seen their offensive production take a sharp downturn, and their pitchers blow four save opportunities, which their 5-7 record indicates. The Storm Chasers look to get back on track quickly, as they have no off day today with the Fourth of July holiday weekend coming up.
What’s going on with the offense?
I am not one to be all doom and gloom, even though my summary made it seem that way. There are still many bright spots on this team, and they still went 3-3 on the week. I also think there are some very legitimate reasons why the offense is struggling right now. First off, there was bound to be some natural regression from their scorching start to the season. Even with a quiet two weeks, they still hold the 8th-best batting average and 4th-best OPS in the International League. I think another huge reason is that for the first time this season we are seeing some major roster moves. Since 6/11, the Royals have recalled Drew Waters, Nick Pratto, Austin Nola, Anthony Veneziano, Carlos Hernández, Steven Cruz, CJ Alexander, and Michael Massey to the big leagues. The Royals also optioned all of those players back to Omaha except for Hernández, Alexader, and Massey. They also optioned Nelson Velázquez to Omaha. I believe the offense has felt the lack of cohesion recently. The nice part about securing a playoff berth in the first half of the season is that the team can work through these changes without the pressure of having to figure things out overnight.
Hitter of the Week
John Rave – 8 for 23, 4 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 4 BB, 2 K, 1 SB
Season Stats: .291/.370/.528, .898 OPS
I continue to be a big advocate for the Royals giving John Rave an opportunity at the big league level. He is having his best season to date, and the Royals could still use a boost in production from their outfield. His batting average alone is higher than the outfield’s average on-base percentage. His surprising power numbers (13 HR) would also make the move even more intriguing.
Runner-up: Brian O’Keefe: 3 for 8, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 3 BB, 2 K
Pitcher of the Week
Jesus Tinoco: 3.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Season Stats: 0.00 ERA, 0.33 WHIP, .000 OBA, 5.00 K/BB
Tinoco signed a minor league contract with the Royals on 6/25 and has immediately made an impact. Many see the move as a swing on upside with little risk. He has hasn’t been particularly consistent at the minor-league or major-league level, boasting 4.70 and 4.58 career ERAs, respectively. Hopefully, the Royals can find something in him and make him their newest successful reclamation project.
Runner-up: Austin Cox – 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K
Next up
July 1st – July 6th vs. Iowa Cubs
Image credit: Steven Bisig/USA TODAY Sports