You never know with these minor league 7 inning games in double headers. I was thinking there was a typo, otherwise you would have said the magic number did go down to .5.
HBP, groundout, then a broken bat RBI single is the only run Appel's allowed. Only other hit is a leadoff single to Mike Olt in the 4th. 54P, 35 strikes so far, 2BB/4K. Fresno up 5-1, middle of the 4th (7 inning game also).
Don't know if it was his control or the HPU (Cubs manager got tossed the next inning for arguing balls/strikes) but he walked the 1st 2 guys in the 4th, then a FC followed by a 2-run single. Final line 6IP, 4 singles, 3R, 4BB, 5K against a good Cubs team.
I don't think he comes next year as we have Moran ahead of him. Also, White is going to be in the mix. I think we may see Bregman at double a next year, with Moran at triple a, and Kemp developing into a utility guy, playing 2b/lf/cf As we have Lowrie signed for 2 more years, he will probably get first chance to play 3b next year, with Correa SS and Altuve 2b. We have Valbuena and Marwin as infield depth, with both able to play 1b. I don't really see Bregman moving to the majors next year.
Same was said about Correa going into this year. If Bregman makes AA or AAA a waste of his time, he could force his way up here... as it is, he's unlikely to grow in size or develop some sort of power stroke which would necessitate prolonged development. Its a great problem to have... and next year, no further Chris Carter petri dishes will be blocking solid players.
Well I hope Valbuena/Marwin don't prevent Reed/White/Moran from getting an opportunity assuming they continue their production in the minors and Valbuena/Marwin continue to be..eh, Valbuena and Marwin.
Some of those guys are candidates to be shopped in the off-season. Will probably look to upgrade the C, 1B and OF someway/somehow (whether its via trade or in-house promotion).
