June 2024 Review

As the month of June drew to a close, Beaver fans were delighted that their team continued to lead the TML Weaver Division. The home town boys registered a 15-12 record during June to boost their record to 48-34 for the season. The Beavers continued to feature an explosive offense that ranks near the top in most categories, a pitching staff that exhibits occasional flashes of brilliance, and a defense that is improved over last season.

Fan interest continued to strengthen through the third month of the current campaign. Tickets to home games were in demand. With the Beavers drawing near capacity crowds to every home contest, attendance is up by more than 16% over 2023. Demand is so strong that some members of the front office brain trust are second guessing the decision to reduce ticket prices by 10% following a disastrous team performance last season. It was the right move to make at the time, but it is painful to be leaving some potential revenue on the table. Nevertheless, owner Bill McAllister is pleased with the performance of the team to date.

Top Performances

The extremely popular fan favorite Nick Holmes did not disappoint anyone during June as he compiled a slash line of .333/.426/.590. He launched 8 big flies, scored 24 runs, and drove in 19 baserunners to lead the team in all three categories. It's not surprising that he also led the club with 17 free passes issued by opposing pitchers who were afraid to challenge him. Further, the wRC+ mark of 153 he achieved for the month was outstanding. Nick truly is the team leader at the plate.

Dan Best, platooning at the hot corner, earned second star honors by posting a .304/.396/.522 slash line. The wRC+ of 135 he earned was second only to Holmes among players with significant playing time. He energized the lower third of the batting order throughout the month while playing well in the field. Dan seems to be enjoying his role.

The third star was awarded to young Manuel Garcia on the strength of a 4-0 record and 4.00 ERA in five starts. At the end of the month Manny, a recent graduate of The Ohio State University, was sporting a 7-1 record to date in his second full season pitching in the starting rotation. The front office team is hopeful he will continue to improve and contribute for many seasons.

Notes

The results for the month featured two series sweeps, one over the Hops in San Diego and the other over the Berserkers at Waterfront Park.

A rainout on June 24 translated into a twin bill on June 25, the birthday of GM Tim Ackley. The Beavers topped the Tornadoes in both contests on the way to a 3-1 series win.

Current Injuries

The team incurred several, minor injuries, which is to be expected during the long season. Fortunately, Alfonso Alonzo and Antonio Barbarro remained the only two players on the DL at the end of the month.

Down on the Farm

The entire organization was electrified by the acquisition of top prospect Tanner Johnson. The big left-hander signed with the Beavers for $5.5m and immediately went to work pitching before his home town fans in Boise, Idaho. After two starts he was promoted to the AAA Vancouver Canadians. Although he struggled in his first start for the Canadians, he won the game and showed signs that he is close to being ready for prime time. It is clear that before long he will make the jump to the Beavers.

During June the Beavers also signed 21-year old first baseman Tomas Rivera and assigned him to Boise. The organization is pleased to have him on board.