June 2024 in Review by Heskin

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June 2024 in Review by Heskin

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CRYSTAL LAKE HERALD

SPORTS – GNATS NOW
Crystal Lake Jumps to 9 game lead in Great Lake Division with Explosive June
Updated: July 1, 2024 – 10:30AM CDT

By Howard Heskin, Staff Writer – Twitter @HowardHeskin1

Mid-season adjustments by Manager Joe Matterson and General Manager RJ Ermola seem to have put Crystal Lake back on track for the month of June.

Notably 2B Max Lee was placed on waivers and claimed by Havana. Lee was batting .183/.244/.333 Through April and May. Despite his defensive versatility, he just wasn't getting it done at the plate in his role as utility man this year. Rumor had it that he was bringing some discord to the clubhouse because of his unreasonable demand to take crowd favorite and team leader Jim Klein's assignment at second base. Another Lee, 2B Hubert Lee was called up from AAA Evansville, where he was having another explosive season. However, Hubert is off to a slow start in only 12 at bats in 3 games. Despite the initial lack of performance, the improved situation in the clubhouse has seemed to lift all spirits.

Hubert Lee, the 30 year old former 1st round pick has spent the last few seasons in AAA ball. Many will remember him as the former starter for Crystal Lake in 2018 before we saw the rise of Jim Klein to take over at second. After signing a minor league deal in 2023, Lee was brought back for 2024 in a 1 million, one year deal with the idea that he might serve in this backup role. After Klein broke his hand last season and missed significant time, most were looking to Lee as an insurance policy should Klein run into injury trouble again.

Could we say this may be the opportunity for a comeback that Hubert was looking for? Hubert is seen as a leader in the clubhouse and has brought some cohesiveness back to the infield that was lacking with the other Lee.

On the pitching front, we've seen Alfredo and Yogi continue strong performances with a dominate June. However, notable was the June 5th trade bringing in Tony Cuellar in from Neo-Tokyo in exchange for RP Junzo Inagaki and 2 minor league pitching prospects. 26 year old Tony Cuellar looks to round out the rotation in the 5th spot and has shown Crystal Lake scouts the potential to be a mid-rotation guy in future years. Since the trade Tony has posted a record of 1-1 with one non-decision.

Also, Dave Jones has been moved into the 4th spot in the rotation and Jim "Nitro" MacCowan has been moved to the bullpen where he has continued to develop and put up some impressive numbers in the bullpen while earning 3 wins in relief action.

July starts off with a 3 game set against Reno. The July 3rd game will feature everyone's favorite the Mayor, Manuel Corona vs. Michael "Mustache" Johnson to be followed by Gnic the Gnat's Fireworks Spectacular.
RJ Ermola
Vice President and General Manager of Baseball Operations
Crystal Lake Sandgnats

*2024 PEBA Champions*
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