DJ Herz – Picture by Todd Johnson

After yesterday’s busy day of transactions and interviews, today was pretty quiet. The wife and I watched the Iowa Cubs on the big TV this afternoon and then went to Lowes and got a new battery powered trimmer, something every couple probably doesn’t do. 

When it came to today’s awards, though, it was probably the easiest day of the year as there were three dominating performances!

Starting Pitcher of the Day

Tyler Schlaffer pitched the best game of his pro career going 5 shutout innings, allowing just 3 hits, and striking out 8. Unfortunately, Schlaffer came nowhere close to winning this award. South Bend lefty DJ Herz stole the show today in demolishing the Dayton Dragons in what ultimately turned out to be a suspended game. 

Herz, who I have talked about needing to be more efficient and pitch deeper into games, did just that today in grand style. Herz made it through 5 innings on 75 pitches, 57 of them for strikes!!! That is 76% percent, which is pretty God-like. Herz gave up just 1 hit, a double in the first. At one point, Herz struck out 11 out of 12 batters. It was incredible to watch strike after strike after strike. In total, Herz wound up with 12 Ks on the night. That is a 21.6 Ks per 9 inning pace!!!

I would just love to see the pitch data the team collects!

Yeah, if he is not in Tennessee by the end of June, I will be surprised. Tonight showed how invested he is in improving from start to start. He is probably more driven and goal oriented than any Cub pitching prospect as he wants to win back-to-back Pitcher of the Year awards. He is currently in the lead for that award as he has a 1.45 ERA on the year.

Hitter of the Day

Narciso Crook easily takes today’s award. The Iowa Cubs outfielder went 3-for-5 with a 2-run HR and 5 RBI on the day, his best as a Cub.

I also have to give a shout to Cole Roederer who had a double and a sac fly tonight to drive in three in his second game in Tennessee. He went 1-for-4, but he did not look overmatched in any AB tonight. Good for Cole! That’s nice that he gets an honorable mention.

Relief Pitcher of the Day

After Tyler Schlaffer finished his 8 K performance, Jose Miguel Gonzalez came in and struck out 7 batters over 4 innings in holding down the save as Myrtle Beach’s won its second game in a row over Delmarva.

Shout Out of the Day

Thanks to Elise Menaker of Marquee and Alex Cohen of the Iowa Cubs for giving my wife a shout out on today’s broadcast. It was a pretty cool moment that made our day! It was all gravy after that! No wonder she went to Lowes with me! Thanks again, Elise and Alex!

I will be back in the morning with a prospect update of Levi Jordan and I will have another one on Brendon Little tomorrow afternoon!