Nate Hall is clubbing the ball. He now leads all non-veterans (everyone except Restko and Mejia, who both made the Frontier League West All-Star team) with a .319 average (to go with .391/.431), and is hitting doubles like there's no tomorrow.
On Friday, July 10, Nate had his best game as a professional: 4 for 5, 3 doubles, with 2 runs and 2 RBI in a 12-2 win at home versus Travers City. At day's end, he stood at a career-high .331 mark. He's also back at 3rd base (he made his 8th error), but that's more promising than if he was over at first base.
After his HR binge, Wilson Matos is at .205/.286/.455, with more play in the outfield.
First-year player Dylan Axelrod made the all-star team (although pitched poorly there), but looks like a lock to be invited back for next year.
On the Bradley Holt front, just keep pitching, just keep pitching...
After missing most of June with a minor (non-arm) injury, and then enduring the worst back-to-back starts of his short pro career, Bradley has come back with two very good starts, striking out 17 against 2 walks in 12 innings on the road (giving up only 3 runs and 7 hits). At AA so far, he is 1-3, 5.73, but has quality peripherals: 26 K vs. 9 BB and 16 H in 22 IP. It's funny how the runs pile up when the hits are bunched together.
In any event, Holt appears to be back on track, and the dominance he's capable of is definitely in play at AA. With more consistency, further promotion just seems like a matter of time. As I've mentioned earlier, I expect Holt to finish the season at AA, but if he's red hot in August, to receive a call-up to the big club to get a taste of life in The Show in September. Very often, it's a wise move to give a top prospect some early exposure to the Majors without playing them much or in high leverage situations: it can really help them prepare mentally for what's next.
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