5/1/2012: London, England – The Bureaucrats woke up on the right side of the bed in 2012, going 15-11 through the month of April.  The reason why the ‘Crats are off to a good start?  How about 24 homers and 61 runs batted in between Jason Guillén and Rob Raines.  The two sluggers raked and helped to support a sagging pitching staff.  Newcomer Bud Hoffmann‘s presence in the lineup enabled the team’s gaudy offensive numbers, as he reached base in 40% of his plate appearances in front of the Big Two.  After signing late due to concerns about his health, Hoffmann has looked as good as ever and will be a key player as long as he can stay on the field.

On the flip side, veteran pitcher Luis Garza looks dreadful and Chris York continues to prove that he has no business standing on a major league diamond.  Unfortunately, he most likely won’t be going anywhere; he’s currently the best defensive option for center field.  Max Millard has also let the front office down after they extended him through 2012.  He’d better shape up quick or he’ll be designated for assignment in no time.

Record: 15-11, 0.5 GB (second place)

Who’s Hot:

• LF Jason Guillén – 1.257 OPS, 16 HR, 36 RBI
• SP Peter Carter – 3-0, 2.38 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 7.33 K/BB
• 1B Rob Raines – 1.218 OPS, 8 HR, 25 RBI

Who’s Not:

• CF Chris York – .236 AVG, 22 K, .567 OPS
• SP Luis Garza – 6.68 ERA, 1.89 WHIP, 4.73 BB/9
• RP Max Millard – 13.50 ERA, 3.00 WHIP, 0.20 K/BB

Injuries:

• RF Mark Frazier was injured on a defensive play.  The Diagnosis: shoulder soreness.  He’s expected to miss about 2-3 weeks.

Important Transactions:

• Catcher Greg Thompson was claimed off waivers from Reno.
• Pitcher Pedro Chávez was claimed off waivers by San Antonio.
• Signed pitcher Diego Hernández to a minor league contract.
• Traded 24-year-old pitcher Robert Orr to San Antonio, getting 24-year-old pitcher José Márquez in return.

C Greg Thompson (30 years old)
2011: .364 AVG, 0 HR, 4 RBI, .849 OPS (25 PA with Reno)
Contract: Minor league contract

RHP Diego Hernández (22 years old)
2011: N/A
Contract: Minor league contract

LHP José Márquez (24 years old)
2011: 3-8, 3.67 ERA, 76 IP, 75 K (AA Monterey – San Antonio)
Contract: Minor league contract

Notes:

The front office was fairly quiet in the month of April, the most notable transaction being the trade that sent Rule 5 pick Robert Orr to San Antonio.  The club feels that Orr could be a solid major league pitcher; they just don’t have the luxury of an extra roster spot to break him in.  Márquez, the pitcher acquired in the trade, will be sent down to AAA Newport News and will slide into their starting rotation. 

Diego Hernández signed with the club out of Venezuela and will report to the organization’s Hi-A ballclub.  Diego’s offerings have been described as “heavy”, and he excels at keeping the ball on the ground.  While he doesn’t possess overpower stuff, he’s a serviceable arm that might grow into a major league reliever with enough refinement.

Thompson was claimed off waivers to add some depth behind the plate.  The Bureaucrats were looking to sign a free agent backstop to support Larry Brown but were unable to come to terms with anyone.  As a result, Benjamin Mahoney broke camp with the team for the first time in his career.  His solid defense will allow him to keep the backup job, but the team now has a legitimate third-string catcher in the event Brown or Mahoney are hurt.

Down on the Farm:

AAA Newport News – 15-12, 1.0 GB (third place)

Joseph Lane’s absence from the major league roster went from temporary to long-term after a torn labrum put him out of action for at least four months.  Unfortunately, this means that Chris York will be staying up with the ‘Crats for a while longer.  Lane was seeing the ball well in Newport News and would probably have been called back up if he was able to finish the month in good health.  Starting pitchers Félix “Bump” Ortega and Javier Sáenz combined to go 7-2 with a 2.71 ERA and 67 punch-outs in 66 1/3 innings.  Vic Roberts continues to impress with a triple slash line of .301/.407/.495 on the month.  If the parent club ever needs an infielder, expect Roberts to get the call. 
Pitcher of the Month: Félix Ortega
Batter of the Month: Pablo Ruíz

AA Hampton – 11-16, 4.0 GB (fourth place)

The Airborne sit in last place after April, but they are only four games out.  The slow start can be blamed on mediocre starting pitching and a wimpy offense.  The bullpen, on the other hand, has been pretty effective.  The Injury Fairy visited the Airborne early and often, so the club will be better once everyone is healthy.  Is it just me, or should we rename the Bureaucrat’s AA affiliate the Hampton Invalids? 
Pitcher of the Month: Arturo Cortéz
Batter of the Month: Guibert Cotichini

Hi-A Alexandria – 6-8, 4.0 GB (eighth place)

The standings look ugly, but it isn’t as bad as it seems.  Even though they are in last place, the Macedonians trail four teams by one game.  With a good May, the organization’s Hi-A affiliate can shoot up several positions in the division rankings.  More good news: Former first round pick Steve Reese has shown signs of life after struggling in his first year as a pro.  The pitching has been decent across the board, but the offense will have to step up the pace to keep the team afloat. 
Pitcher of the Month: David Gutiérrez
Batter of the Month: Carlos Magana