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The second week of the minor league season for the Storm was notable for the lapses in defense, most marked in the infield. Although they accomplished a 3-4 record, the 15 errors in all turned some winnable games into losses.

They finished their series against High Desert then began a four game series against Rancho Cucamonga, losing 3 of 4 games. Another series against High Desert began with a 1-1 split of the first two games.

For the five starting pitchers over the seven games there were 26 runs scored while they were pitching and only 5 were earned, allowing all of them to lower their ERA during the week.

The biggest loser was Jerry Sullivan, who pitched 3 innings and allowed 4 hits and 8 runs but none of them were earned. He did contribute to the loss with 4 BB to go with his 2 SO. There were 6 errors total in that game. IF Jeudy Valdez had 4 errors on the week, by far the largest total.

So where do we find standout performances for the Storm?

3B/DH Jedd Gyorko is starting out the new season on fire. He began the week with a .342 batting avg and ended it at .410. He had 17 hits in 28 at bats with 6 runs, 8 RBI, 8 2B and a HR. He did contribute to the error parade with two of his own. Gyorko historically hits a lot of doubles but seems to be finding his long-range power as well.

As for the pitching?

Starter Chris Fetter has started the season very well and even though he has a losing record (1-2) he has a 2.25 ERA in three starts. He has pitched 12.1 innings while allowing 7 runs and 3 earned runs with 2 HR, 2 BB and 13 SO for a 1.08 WHIP. In his most recent outing he went 5 innings, allowing 1 hit and tallying 6 strikeouts.

Other players starting off the season hot include new centerfielder Rey Fuentes who brought his average up from .316 to .328 by going 11/28 with 4 runs, 5 RBI, 2B, 3B and one error.

3B/DH Eddie Rincon held his average at .345  with an 11/28. He scored 4 runs, 9 RBI, 3 2B and a HR. He has 5 errors on the year with one during this past week.

The discussion of the best position for Rincon continues as his bat continues to perform despite his poor defense at 3B. A switch to the OF may be the only good option for him within the organization as he progresses. Of course, the other option would be to trade him to an American League team to serve as a DH but, at his young age, he would be well served to find a defensive position that he is adequate in going forward.

Their 6-10 record overall for the season should be better considering the overall quality of the pitching so far and the defense will need to improve significantly.

The highlights are the promising starts for many of the hitters and a strong bullpen so far.