Sea Dogs host Rock Cats

After completing a four-game sweep of the Binhamton Mets, the Sea Dogs return home for four-game stints vs. the New Britain Rock Cats, which will be followed with a four game set vs. the Trenton Thunder, which includes a Wednesday double header.

New Britain captured game one of the series, 4-0, as Errol Simonitsch blanked the Dogs on three hits over seven innings. David Pauley had another good start go for naught for the lack of run support. He gave up four runs (three earned) in a strong 8 inning outing in which he allowed just six hits and one walk.

Let's take a quick look at the top prospects on the New Britain roster, according (as always) to John Sickels.

RHP Matt Garza is given a B+ rating by Sickels, which is very good. The 22 year old starter made short work of the Florida State League, going 5-1 with a 1.42 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 44.1 innings. He's been even better in two starts thus far for New Britain, allowing no runs in 13.2 innings, surrendering just five hits and two walks while striking out 22 in that time. He will take the mound in Sunday's game.

3B Matt Moses is right behind Garza with a B rating. Just 21 years old, he's acquitted himself well against generally older competition. In 37 games, Moses is batting 289/331/467-7-22 for the Cats.

Adam Harben is another big 22 year old righty. He's 1-2 with a 2.92 ERA on the season, but his K:BB ratio (19:26 in 37 IP) is not encouraging. He starts Saturday's game.

OF Alex Romero is granted a B- by Sickels, though I think he's pretty good player. He's back for his second go-round at AA after having a fine season in which he batted .301 with 15 home runs at age 21 last year. Romero started the season in AAA this year, but was sent back after a slow start. He's been tearing up the Eastern League thus far, batting 312/387/541-4-13 with 10 steals. Romero didn't walk much last year, but he seems to have picked up the rate this year and he doesn't strike out much. I think he's a guy to watch.

LHP Glen Perkins is the third member of the rotation on Sickels' list. The 23 year-old spent half the season last year in New Britain and returns for a longer stint this time around. Perkins has had some poor luck in showing a 1-4 record despite a decent 3.50 ERA and 54/17 K:BB in 46.2 IP. Perkins is also scheduled for this series, pitching in Monday's finale.

OF Denard Span is the final Rock Cat on the list. Another 22 year old, and another guy returning to AA, Span is a speed guy with a decent BA, OK-not-great walk rate, and little power. His numbers this year are 286/335/337-1-10 with 8 steals (in 12 tries).

That's a pretty good list of prospects, most of whom are playing well this year. The Rock Cats are just 21-23 thus far, but if these guys gel and the supporting cast is decent, I expect New Britain to make a run at the playoffs.