Looking back on things, sometimes playing the hot hand really does pay off and this week it surely did with the additions to the lineup of Nolan Reimold and Jordan Schafer. The two combined for 10 runs 4 hrs 11 rbi 1 sb 2 bb and an average in the upper 300s. There were no regrets as Brett Gardner ended up on the DL mid week and Morales didn't really out hit anyone. The breaks seem to go the Eagles way and even though the outcome was an 11-0-1 victory it was somewhat closer than that with the Redbirds having a fine offensive week. For the second consecutive week the Eagles opponent couldn't muster much on the pitching side of things and was one wacky Casilla outing away from a 12-0 shutout. (I'm blaming YOU Bruce Bochy)
Mid-Week Trade: Earlier in the week the Eagles dealt for Cincinnati RP Sean Marshall and Dodgers veteran lefty Ted Lilly in exchange for Jeff Francoeur. The team saw the opportunity to get a strong reliever who has a closers job currently as well as a decent starting pitcher who was going to step into the 5th SP role until Hudson returned. Olivet has plenty of offensive options so Francoeur was expendable. Both parties felt this was a "trade from strength" deal.
Looking Ahead: The first divisional game is a week 4 matchup with the Charlotte Orios. Olivet will be without their early season ace Ryan Dempster who was placed on the DL recently. Ted Lilly takes his spot in the rotation for now, so Homer Bailey and Ricky Nolasco get at least one more week to keep their spot. Greg Holland was also placed on the DL but was already going to be replaced in the lineup by newly acquired Marshall. If Bochy figures out what he's doing the Eagles MAY just have a pair of closers, even if they're nothing flashy. The hitting lineup stays the same but a couple of guys are being watched and if they dont perform could be replaced next week. Travis Hafner has been tearing it up recently and was almost added to the lineup over Kelly Johnson but the Toronto schedule had an extra game this week and so far Johnson has justified the non-change by going yard on Monday.
What to watch for: Nick Swisher: Quietly this guy has 21 rbi on the season and has been the team's MVP. Can this hot hitting continue to fly under the radar?
Nolan Reimold: One of the hottest hitters in baseball looks to continue his tear this week but is battling neck spasms which held him out of a couple of games last week. Morales and Hafner are standing by just in case.
Ted Lilly: He's nothing to sneeze at but the way Dempster was pitching, he will be severely missed for at least this week and probably next. Lilly will need to be solid as Nolasco and Bailey are very volatile.
Sean Marshall: He's had a semi bumpy ride as closer early on, but once he settles down he could be as dominant as anyone. Look for him to save 3 games this week.
FREE AGENT ADDITIONS: Jared Burton was added Sunday as insurance for the RP staff which lost Holland to the DL. He's gotten 3 holds over the past week for Minnesota and could figure into a nice role if those continue to add up.
ON THE BUBBLE: Chris Nelson was added earlier in the week as well but he figures to be the first casualty if the team finds someone in FA to pick up. Mitch Moreland was a pre-season favorite of the Eagles front office to have a powerful "sleeper" season. So far he's been sleeping on the bench while Napoli and company continue to rake.
SURPRISE STAT OF THE SEASON: 6 stolen bases for Heyward.
Until next week... good luck Orios
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