(Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images)
The best known storyline coming out of the Snappers' camp was when Aaron Hicks was promoted. For the longest time Hicks had gone Missing In Action; either still in extended spring training or lost on a highway between Wisconsin and Florida.
Whatever reason the Twins had for holding back the nearly undisputed top prospect is unknown. What is known is that Hicks is now in the Beloit outfield. He has played a total of eight games and is batting .222/.371/.259 with an OPS of .631. He has one double so far as well as one stolen base.
One of the major reasons the Snappers are so far back in the Midwest League standings is because they don't have good pitchers. Joe Testa was nabbed by the Miracle a few weeks ago, but Michael Tarsi has done a fine job in his stead, with an ERA of 1.95 and a 38:12 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Hitter of the Month
Twenty-three-year old Ramon Santana is spending his second consecutive year in Beloit, but seems to understand Midwest League pitchers. Through the first 54 games Santana is batting .308/.399/.472 with an OPS of .871. His strikeout-to-walk ratio is a poor 47:28, but Santana has five home runs and a total of 25 extra-base hits.
Pitcher of the Month
Bradley Tippett has had a very good season in the Beloit starting rotation. Through 12 starts he has an ERA of 2.89 and a record of 5-3. He has 71.2 innings under his belt this year, and an incredible 60 strikeouts to just 15 walks. This is his second straight year with the Snappers as well, but he should be moving up very soon.
The Snappers, quite frankly, don't have a shot at any postseason glory this year simply because of a lack of talent; mostly from the pitching rubber. That should change assuming most of Minnesota's top pitching prospects in the 2009 draft pan out and advance from the short-season leagues. In short, a few bright spots glow on this Beloit roster.
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