Parker Chavers – Picture by Rich Biesterfeld

I thought for sure that we would see some players get promoted from Arizona to Myrtle Beach today since the ACL ended their season yesterday. That has not happened yet. I’m pretty sure it will, maybe even tomorrow.

Cool Moment of the Day

It’s not the minors, but it is Pat Hughes. 

Starting Pitcher of the Day

Wyatt Short only needed 64 pitches to complete five innings. We did not allow a run, he only walked One, he gave up just one hit, and he struck out five. At the time, I thought “that’s gonna be tough to beat. “ The former reliever filled in admirably and helping the I Cubs win forward to two over Saint Paul. He had a start similar to this a few weeks ago where he went several innings. I wonder if it’s beginning to agree with him.

When it comes to the Reliever of the Day, there were a few choices. Rehabbing players from the MLB club are not eligible otherwise Manny Rodriguez would have won today. Instead, Jeremiah Estrada continues to show he is ready for two things – a 40-man spot as he is rule 5 eligible this winter and an audition in Chicago. It would be incredible to see him get to Chicago after dominating three MiLB levels in one year.

However, Johzan Oquendo struck out 9 guys in 3.1 IP for the Pelicans. Thanks to my friend John for pointing that out to me. That’s a lot of Ks. Congrats to Johzan for winning today’s award.

Dinger of the Day

It is not easy to launch one in Myrtle Beach and Ethan Hearn does just that.

Player to Watch Breakout Next Year

I love Parker Chavers! He is pretty close to a 5 tool guy now that he is finally healthy, he is killing it this month at Myrtle Beach.

As for the Hitter of the Day, that looked to be decided early on as well. 

Matt Mervis of Iowa had himself a great afternoon at the plate going 3-for-3 with a HR, 2 RBIs, and a walk. I know some people have been calling for him to head to Chicago. I am not in a hurry to send the 24-year-old 1B there just yet. For one, he’s not on the 40-man. Two, there’s not really a need. And three, it can wait until next spring. Is it a service time thing? Not really. He’s close to being ready. I would like to see him do better against elite pitching more than anything else. He can work on his defense some, too. 

However, later in the evening, Ezequiel Pagan had himself a night and made me second guess myself. He went 2-for-5 with 4 RBI including this 2 run double.

And Parker Chavers even made it more difficult going 4-for-6 with 3 runs along with Ethan Hearn going 3-for-5 with 3 RBI, including the solo shot above.

So, a tough choice awaited.

I’m going with Pagan. His 2 run-double started the hit parade in Myrtle Beach as the Pelicans won 13-6.

I will be back in the morning with my season long Rookie Leagues All-Star Team.

FYI – If Rocket City wins the second half again over Tennessee, the Smokies can get the wild card if they can just stay ahead of Birmingham. Rocket City won the first half already and is locked into the playoffs. Currently, Tennessee is up 3 games over the Barons for second place.