The Bomber Beat continues...

On the 1st of the month, the ABL Universe announces their Monthly Awards.  The Bombers recognized those players who were bestowed awards in on field ceremonies.

The Thurman Munson League's top batter for June 2013 was Bomber DH, Orlando Bustamante.  The 30 year old terrorized ABL pitching hitting 8 HR's, knocking in 23, scoring 15 more, and hitting .355.  For the season, Bustamante has 25-77-.308 numbers.

The BCL's Top Pitcher Award (AAA) goes to John "Flipper" Martin.  In 6 starts in the Bronx, Martin went 4-0 and a microscopic 1.02 ERA.  Martin was promoted (see below) but finished AAA at 9-3, 1.86 ERA.

July's Top Starting Pitcher in the BOL League (A Ball) was their 4th Round Selection in the 2012 Draft, Reginald Thompson.  Thompson went 5-1 in 7 starts, spanning 43 innings, striking out 37 and compiling a 1.26 ERA.  Before his recall to AA, Thompson finished AA 8-8, 3.12 ERA, and 89 K's in 104 IP.  The future looks bright for Thompson and upper management is very pleased with his progress to date.

May 13th, 2013, Kirby Andrews won the AAA BCL Player of the week award.  Details of his hitting exploit were not available at press time.  But Andrews contract was just purchased by SC and he's earned his promotion.  For AAA, Andrews was raking .273-21-65, scoring 75, and stealing 21 of 24, giving the Bombers some speed off the bench.

On July 19th, John "Flipper" Martin made his ABL debut, hoping to spark the Bombers and maybe get in the chase for a division crown.  Starting on the road vs. Carolina Crush, Martin pitched respectably in the 5-2 loss, going 5.1 IP, giving up 4 H, 3 unearned runs, 1 BB and 7 K.  Martin quoted after the game that his nerves were really jumping in the first and it was pure adrenaline.  But after an easy first, he got a little lackadaisical, giving up a 2 run double to the #9 batter (Justin Wallace) but then it became just me, the catcher (Jayson O'Neill) and the batter and things returned to normal.

On July 20th, AA Pitcher, Brian Young, a 26 year old player, the 70th selection of the inaugural draft tossed a 3 hit shutout vs. Rock River.  Young is finished up AA with a 9-7 record and a 2.87 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 140 ERA plus before his promotion to AAA.  He's kept up the good results with a 1-0 record and a 1.64 ERA in two starts.  It is anticipated that he will finish the season in AAA and based on his performance can expect an invite to Spring Training for a shot at the 5th spot in the rotation.

July 30th, Jeremy Rogers thru a 5 hit shutout against division rival and leader Maple, winning 6-0.  Rogers added just a lone walk and 9 strikeouts in the gem.  One of the South Carolina "Young Guns", Rogers has a 9-4 record since his recall with a 3.20 ERA, good for 8th place in the ERA inside the TML.  He also ranks second in H/9 IP (7.60), 8th place in K/9 IP (6.96), second in Opp Avg (.226), 7th in WHIP (1.21).  The leader in ALL those particular categories is the reigning Cy Young, Maurice Gould, who looks like he'll be winning his second consecutive award as well.