A beat writer's coverage of the Reno Tenpinners

WHAT'S GOIN' ON???  WELL….
The semi-bounce back in late June was shut down by a 5-game losing streak to open July.  Crystal Lake swept the Tenpinners in Reno, and Reno lost 2 out of 3 on the road at Tempe.  Reno came back home to take 2 out of 3 vs. Palm Springs before losing another series at Duluth.  Reno only managed a 10-15 record in June after a winning record in April.  Chances of a playoff berth are basically gone and now Reno has some tough decisions to make in terms of pending free agents and, of course, the upcoming trading deadline.  Unnamed sources are telling this reporter that the Reno GM will be willing to part with players if he can get anything that might help this club in 2010.

LINES, LINES, AND MORE LINES:
THE GOOD
July 6: SP Walt Brooks moved to 4-0 with a complete game win over Palm Springs.  9 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 5 K

THE BAD:
July 10: 1B clean-up hitter Billy Krause had lots of chances to drive in runs in the Tenpinners 7-1 loss to Duluth.  Not only did he go for a big 0-5, but he stranded 8 on the bases in doing so.  Yikes!

THE UGLY:
June 30: Against Crystal Lake, the Tenpinner pitching staff managed to do the following during the 5th & 6th inning stretch: 2 IP, 10 H, 11 R, 7 ER.  Not a shock that Reno lost this one 15-1.

IN THE TRAINING ROOM:
Unfortunately, the same night that Brooks was mowing down Palm Springs, free agent acquisition Mario Martínez suffered a fractured cheekbone being hit by a pitch, basically ending his season.  The offseason gamble sure hasn't turned out very well, as Martínez is an early indication that League of the Rising Sun success doesn't necessarily equal PEBA glory.

TENPINNER INSIDER:
Each issue, the Dealer will take an insider look at a key member of the Reno roster – someone who should wear a Tenpinner uniform for a long time to come.  This week, we'll look at Butch Corrigan.

The first player ever drafted by Reno, the Nevada homegrown product is 32 years old, averaging 16 HR a season, with a pace for almost 20 this year.  His outstanding contact skills (.321 career average, .422 career OBP) make Butch the heart and soul of Reno's offense.

In a phone interview, we asked him three questions (these questions will be the same for each interview for each Insider portion of the XXX Dealer):

1. Describe life before the Tenpinners.
2. Describe life as a Tenpinner.
3. The Big Lebowski or Kingpin?  And what scene was the clincher?

1. Well I grew up in little Spring Valley, Nevada, about 8 miles southwest of Las Vegas.  I always dreamed of playing in my home state, so naturally when I was drafted first by Reno I was just ecstatic.  I definitely feel like I owe the people of my home state everything I've got during my career.

2. Well, it’s been a little disappointing since our first season.  Hopefully the new ownership will get some free agents in here to help the offense and especially the pitching.  Being named a Sovereign League All-Star this year is definitely the highlight of my season and my career so far.

3. Kingpin all the way, baby.  When Woody Harrelson has to shag his nasty landlord so he wouldn't get evicted – now that's desperation.  Sure makes that 39-48 record not seem so bad!

FARM-FRESH GOODNESS
Last time, we looked at the catcher position in terms of minor league prospects.  Today, let's look at the 1B situation.

Major League Starter: Billy Krause – At 26 years old, he's a stud.  Reno really doesn't need a big time 1B prospect to come up and help…  although a DH candidate never hurts.

Prospect to Watch: Lou Powell – The 21-year-old Brooklyn, NY native was the 2^nd round draft pick for the Tenpinners in this year's draft.  After a stellar career at Minnesota, he has struggled at the short-season Class A level so far.  Scouts say he is average to above average in all 5 hitting aspects, so Powell might help some day.

Likely Scenario: Krause is the first baseman of the present and future.  Powell might come around and be a DH type player hopefully by the 2012 season.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
Billy Krause: 9-24 is very good… but his 13 RBI and .464 OBP gives Krause the edge in this week's selection.

Next Week:

• Insider's Look at Billy Krause
• Farm-Fresh Goodness look at the second base situation