Signs of Progress

Following their slow start, the Kinston Indians went 4-6 over their last 10 games. The progress didn't come without more disappointment. The K-Tribe only took one game in Wilmington to finish off their first road trip, and lost three out of four to Myrtle Beach to start a season-long 11-game homestand. The success began to show up in spurts this week, as Kinston won their first series of the year, taking two out of three against the Salem Avalanche, the team that held first place in the South Division going into the series. The pitching problems Kinston faced earlier in this young season seem to have been partially rectified. The K-Tribe bats, however, have gone cold.
The Indians' Beau Mills, thought to be one of the hottest prospects at the Single-A level can't seem to get on base. He went 1-for-12 in the Salem series, and is 2-for-27 on the current homestand with 2 walks. His average has dropped to .193 going into Thursday's action, not what is expected for a player ranked the #3 prospect in the organization by Baseball America player has more than one round-tripper on the year. Mills is not the only one in a hitting slump, in fact there is a team-wide power outage. The Indians have hit only four home runs in their first 16 games, and haven't visited souvenir city (courtesy Eric Young, Baseball Tonight) since April 12th, an 11-game drought. No Kinston player has more than one round tripper on the season. One bright spot of the Kinston offense is outfielder Johnny Drennen, who has been on-base in all 16 games this season. Also, Nick Weglarz is leading the league in on-base percentage at .484.
While the starting rotation continues to find itself, the Indians are finding great relief in the bullpen. The rotation has yet to pick up a win, going 0-7 with a 6.53 ERA. The organization standard 75-pitch limit to starters means that the relievers play a greater role in the outcome of a game. One of those relievers is Luis Perdomo, who in five appearances (8.0 IP) this season, has yet to allow a run. Dan Cevette has been a good addition to the 'pen since his call-up from extended Spring Training on April 17th. Cevette has struck out six batters in five innings of work.
K-Tribe radio voice and colleague Chris Hemeyer says the past week has been encouraging, and if the Indians have a respectable road trip, the fan base will take notice that this team can compete. Even as it stands now, the Indians are only four games out of first place in the South. The Indians finish up the homestand with a four-game series against the only North Division team they have not faced, the Lynchburg Hillcats. Kinston follows up the long home stretch with a lengthy road trip, with visits to Salem, Lynchburg, and Fredrick. Look for the next post at the end of the Salem series for a look back of the Indians' play in April and a May preview. Remember you can catch all the action on the Kinston Indians Radio Network or online at kinstonindians.com/radio.asp.