Team Record: 41-36 (2nd in Southern Pacific Division)
Number of team Top 15 prospects: 2 -- Lawrie, Thames
The first half of the Las Vegas season has been a tumultuous one that has seen frequent, drastic changes in the roster as well as a highly inconsistent pitching staff (though, that's almost expected in the PCL). The team has combined for an .858 OPS (good for 2nd in the PCL), however their pitching has posted a miserable 5.32 ERA (11th in PCL) and 1.55 WHIP (10th in PCL).
Notable hitters:
3B Brett Lawrie: .354/.415/.677 (1.092 OPS), 19 2B, 15 HR, 49 RBI, 11 SB, 18/40 BB/K
Brett Lawrie has been the best hitter over the first 3 months, despite missing all of June. 2011 is Lawrie's 1st year at 3rd base, and even though he has spent extensive amounts of time working on defensive drills, he has still managed to find the time to kill the baseball. PCL and Vegas effects aside, Lawrie has exceeded any and all offensive expectations placed upon him this season, and if not for a hand-breaking HBP on May 31st, he would be manning 3rd base in Toronto right now.
LF Eric Thames: .352/.423/.610 (1.033 OPS), 25 2B, 7 HR, 45 RBI, 23/41 BB/K
Thames has continued his 2010 success in New Hampshire with Las Vegas in 2011. While maintaining his strong power numbers, Thames has improved his approach at the plate, increasing his walk rate while decreasing his strikeout rate, all against more experienced pitching. This has earned him two promotions to Toronto, and his stay in the minor leagues may be over.
1B David Cooper: .372/.431/.575 (1.007 OPS), 28 2B, 6 HR, 54 RBI, 26/20 BB/K
Cooper has reinfused his prospect stock with his performance this year. While the lack of home runs is disappointing when you consider his position and park, he has still been an all around strong performer with a high batting average, a lot of doubles, and a very strong BB/K ratio.
RF Adam Loewen: .315/.376/.569 (.945 OPS), 28 2B, 12 HR, 50 RBI, 28/77 BB/K
Since making the transition from pitcher to hitter after numerous injuries to his throwing arm, Loewen has steadily made improvements to his game each year in the minor leagues. While his strikeout rate remains higher than preferred, he has been good at the plate and may see time in the big leagues at some point late this season.
OF Travis Snider: .324/.396/.468 (.864 OPS), 19 2B, 2 HR, 27 RBI, 7 SB, 20/32 BB/K
Snider started the season in Toronto, but after a poor start he was sent to Las Vegas to rework his swing mechanics. After initially struggling with the changes, Snider has come on strong in June to the tune of a 1.085 OPS. If not for a recent concussion as the result of a HBP, he, like Brett Lawrie, would likely be in Toronto's starting lineup by now.
Notable pitchers:
LHP Brad Mills: 95.2 IP, 96 H, 38 ER, 8 HR, 24 BB, 86 K, 3.57 ERA, 1.25 WHIP
Brad Mills has been the best pitcher of the first 3 months primarily due to his solid consistency in an extremely hostile pitching environment. In his 15 starts he has gone atleast 5 innings 14 times, and atleast 6 innings 12 times. 2011 is Mills' 3rd year in Las Vegas, and he is likely hoping to parlay his success this year into a major league roster spot.
LHP Brett Cecil: 78.2 IP, 89 H, 46 ER, 15 HR, 24 BB, 63 K, 5.26 ERA, 1.44 WHIP
After struggling in Toronto for much of April, Cecil, like Snider, was demoted to Triple-A to find his velocity and clean up some mechanical issues. In Las Vegas Cecil has seen his fair share of ups and downs, with the biggest ups being his two dominant complete-game victories, and the biggest downs being his multiple HR-allowed starts.
Rest of the year outlook: The remainder of 2011 is not likely to be kind to Las Vegas. Brett Lawrie is injured, and when he is healthy he will likely only be in Triple-A as a rehab before joining Toronto for the rest of the season. Eric Thames was recently recalled to give the major league team a spark, and with the struggles of Toronto's outfielders and the trade deadline steadily approaching, Thames is likely there to stay. Travis Snider was recently injured on a HBP, and when it happened he was also well on his way to a promotion. He is likely to join Thames in Toronto's outfield at some point in July. In addition to the offense being decimated, Brett Cecil's up-tick in velocity and increased performance is likely to earn him a promotion in the not so distant future, further weakening Las Vegas' chances at a playoff spot.
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