American Associaiton SUNDAY Insider- American Association Stock Exchange- West Division

 Kevin Luckow

(non member IBWAA)

Last week we took a look at the needs of the contenders in the East Division, and what assets the non contending teams had that could be trade bait. This week we look at the West. In thinking about this blog, I came to the conclusion that the needs of most of the teams in the West are the same, which will make for a hotly contested trade deadline if there are teams that will see to it to make deals.



Kansas City Monarchs- The Monarchs currently sit in first place, their offense currently features five batters with 10 plus home runs. Luken Baker has become a force right up there with Jose Sermo and Joshua Mears. This team can put up runs by the bushel load. They don't need help on offense. The pitching is another story. No starters have stepped up to effectively fill the void left by Dakota Hudson and Ryan Garcia. The bullpen has also been shaky outside of set up man Jeff Hakanson and closer Tyler Myrick. The Monarchs traditionally have not been a team that has relied on trades, but rather signing free agents to fill voids. Expect that to continue.

Winnipeg Goldeyes- Fresh off a 13 game winning streak, there is a lot to feel optimistic about if you're a Goldeyes fan. The offense has been a force even with Max Murphy having an off season with only six home runs and hitting .256. Keyshawn Lynch has snuck up on the league, now batting .331. Five starters are hitting over .300. On the mound Luke Boyd has been on a roll, with eight wins to his credit. Ryo Kohigashi and Kevin Vaupel have been OK, but another starter or two would bolster the Goldeyes if they are to make a deep post season run. Derrick Cherry has racked up 15 saves and Eli Saul has been a reliable set up man, but the pen could use some reinforcements also.

Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks- The RedHawks offense can best be described as prolific. Jose Sermo and Dillon Thomas have combined for 40 home runs and 140 runs batted in. Juan Fernandez, a perennial All Star was seen hitting seventh in the batting order this week. Most games, the RedHawks can win just by outslugging their opponents. But that will be tough to pull off after Labor Day, and the RedHawks have not had much luck with their starting pitching this season. Kyle Crigger leads the RedHawks with four wins and an ERA of 5.08. Newcomers Bryce Brassfield and Eric Chalus have both shown potential in the rotation and Tyler Jandron hopes to find his form of last season as he recently joined the RedHawks. That's a lot of ifs that could be alleviated with another arm. There's lots of great bats in the lineup, and losing one in order to bolster the pitching would be a game changing move. 

Sioux Falls Canaries- I don't see the Canaries having to go out for anything to help the offense down the stretch. Their biggest need in the field is health. It seems to have been difficult to have Jabari Henry, Mike Hart and Josh Rehwaldt all in the lineup at the same time. There is a great supporting cast, but when everyone is available, the Canaries offense can keep up with anyone. The pitching however has been enigmatic. After Thomas Dorminy, the drop off is significant. No other starter has an ERA under 5.43 and that starter, Dylan Kirkeby is currently unavailable. Charlie Hasty continues to get the job done closing games but it has been difficult getting to him with a save situation. Sioux Falls had a strong bullpen in their run to the Miles Wolff Cup Finals last season. Mike Meyer will need to find arms for the pen if they are to make a run. 

Sioux City Explorers- This is a tough one. Steve Montgomery led teams generally finish strong down the stretch. But right now the X's seem to just be hanging on the edge of contending, not having any sort of significant winning streak this season, but no slide that will knock them out of the playoff race. Four games out of a playoff spot is not insurmountable. The team they are closest to, Sioux Falls, has a meat grinder of a stretch coming up. The offense seems to be just fine. Starting pitching has been inconsistent with no pitcher with more than four wins, though the addition of Nathan Mertens to the rotation may help. The bullpen has been anchored by Trey Morrill but there has been trouble getting to him. Steve Montgomery will have a decision to make whether to buy or sell come trade deadline. 

Lincoln Saltdogs- The Saltdogs sit six games out of a playoff spot. Unless there are a couple of collapses from teams above them, the Saltdogs are looking at another season out of the playoffs. James Frisbie has to be asking himself, even if they can make the playoffs, can this roster go on a run to win a championship? Lincoln can hit, five starters are hitting .272 or better. But it's the starting pitching that has been the downfall of the Saltdogs. Haden Erbe leads the Saltdogs with four wins but has not pitched in a month. Foster Pace may be their biggest starting pitching asset with a 5.12 ERA. The bullpen has tremendous trade potential with set up man David Shaw and closer Zach McCleve both enjoying All Star seasons. With the lack of teams that are in position to be sellers, the Saltdogs could be in a spot where other teams may be willing to overpay for late season rentals. Will Frisbie be willing to cut the cord on this season with the intention of building up futures for 2027?








































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