Who’s Hot:
Akeel Morris – Savannah
The 21 year old right-hander from the Virgin Islands has been practically unhittable this past week and has been absolutely dominating hitters in the South Atlantic League. For the week of May 7th-13th, he made two appearances out of the pen, pitching 4.1 innings, allowing two hits, no walks and striking out nine batters. In 20.2 innings for Savannah this season, opposing batters have managed to collect only seven hits against him (.106 batting average against) while striking out an incredible 34 times. Earlier this season, Akeel struck out 9 of the 10 batters he faced in a three inning relief appearance. Akeel hasn’t just been hot, he’s been smoking.
Robert Coles – Savannah
The Sand Gnats closer isn’t taking a back seat to Akeel. What’s he done this past week? He only went 3 for 3 in save opportunities, allowing one hit and one walk in 5.1 innings pitched to go with seven strikeouts. On the season, opposing batters are batting just .185 against him with an ERA of 0.86.
Randy Fontanez – St. Lucie
The 25 year old Floridian was a 27th round selection by the Mets in the 2011 draft and is in his 4th season in the Mets organization. He’s tied for the St. Lucie lead with five saves. During the past week, he appeared in three games, pitching 4.1 innings while allowing just one hit, no walks, and striking out six while earning one save.
Jacob Lugo – St. Lucie
Jacob Seth Lugo was a 34th round pick by the Mets in the 2011 draft, and has appeared exclusively out of the pen this season after starting all but one game in his career prior to the 2014 campaign. In two appearances, the 6’4″ right-hander from Centenary College pitched six innings, allowed two hits, walked one while striking out seven and earning the victory on May 8th against Palm Beach.
Who’s Not:
Beck Wheeler – St. Lucie
Wheeler’s week didn’t start out too badly. He collected two saves in his first two appearances. His week took a major U-turn with a disastrous outing on May 13th when he couldn’t find the strike zone. In 2/3 of an inning, he allowed four walks, three hits and six runs, all earned.
Stefan Sabol – Savannah
The third year pro and 17th round selection in the 2012 draft out of Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, CA struggled at the plate, hitting just .091 (2 for 22) while striking out seven times.
