Aeros Headed Out of Town For a Quick Weekend Series

A few thoughts about the Aeros recently-completed home stand:

Akron just wrapped up a seven-game home series with Erie and Bowie, winning a season-high tying four consecutive games before suffering Thursday's 3-2 loss. The Aeros split the series with the SeaWolves and took the first two games from Bowie to win that series.

Erie was much better this time around (important to keep an eye on since the Aeros play them a season-high 24 times this season). Bowie's starting pitching was decent, but the bullpen really needs work.

Speaking of the 'pen, I saw plenty of improvement in the Aeros bullpen with the addition of right-handed side-armer Randy Newsome, left-handed submariner Rich Rundles and right-hander T.J. Burton. I really like Rundles and have heard nothing but great things about Newsom. I need to see Burton more to make an accurate assesment.

Lanky lefty Mariano Gomez has better out of the pen as of late, but I think Reid Santos is still looking to find his way in his new closer's role.

Outfielder Brian Barton had a good series, Outfielder Trevor Crowe was up and down, shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera continues to look good, but will be sidelined for a few more games as he recovers from Tuesday's collision in shallow centerfield with Crowe.

Brandon Pinckney has filled in nicely for Cabrera. I wish we could see him more often in the lineup, because I really like his scrappiness (not sure if that's a real word).

Oh, and before I forget, left-handed ace Chuck Lofgren no-hit the SeaWolves on Sunday for seven innings but was pulled after 84 pitches due to a strict pitch count. See my story in the Beacon and a previous post with more information on Lofgren's Mother's Day masterpiece.

If there are any other players you would like to hear more about over the weekend, let me know.