Call to the Post. Vol 3

[Thoroughbreds]

After building up a 9 game lead in the wildcard race, the Kentucky Thoroughbreds have struggled over the past few weeks. They have gone 3-7 over the past 10 games and their wildcard lead has dwindled down to 4.5 games.

New catcher on the horizon?

Rumour has it that Kentucky is scouring the league for help behind the plate and it would be surprising if they didn't upgrade the spot before the trade deadline. Kentucky's offence has been below average all season long and one of the worst culprits have been the catchers. Rikiya Abe (.179 1 11) Tony Burston (.157 3 17) have added a grand combined total of a 0.1 WAR to the team this season. Both have been sold defensively but that has pretty much been negated by how inept they have been on the offensive side of things. Not much were expected offensively from the two but both are hitting over 50 points below their career averages. If Kentucky wants to stop their current slide down the standings, they need to improve behind the plate.

Brad Davis looses his spot

First baseman Brad Davis (.221 7 26) has had an illustrious career. He is only 112 hits shy of 3000 and 8 homers short of 400. Those were 2 milestones that looked like he could achieve this season, but it looks like those will have to wait for another season, but at 39 years old does Davis have another season in him? Davis has struggled most of the season, hitting .221 with 7 homers. His struggles have opened the door for 24 year old Takeo Miyagi (.314 4 13) to takeover the starting job. In 102 at bats so far this season, Miyagi leads the team with a .315 average. He also plays a much better defensive first base than Davis. If Miyagi continues producing like he has, it will be tough for Davis to find at bats in this lineup. Will Davis be able to reach the 3000 hit mark? If he does it may not be in a Thoroughbred uniform.

Can Brian Gutierrez hold onto his spot ?

For the past 6 seasons Gutierrez has been a lock in the Kentucky rotation. Coming into this season he had a career ERA under 3.00 and a WHIP around 1.00. This season has been a struggle for him. His ERA is 4.24 and he has already given up 3 more homers in 50 less innings pitched compared to last season. He has lost 4 to 5 miles on his fast ball and it is apparent the team is concerned. With many other options available for Kentucky including youngsters Valke Petiet and Luis Jimenez, who are both pitching well in AAA, don't be surprised if Gutierriez is on the outside looking in. If the wild card race gets any closer, look for Kentucky to make some significant changes to the lineup. If there is a change, Kunisada Yosuda (4-2 1.86 ERA ) looks to be the most likely to take his place.