same old, same old

OPS, which stands for on-base percentage plus slugging average, is a somewhat obscure statistic that the casual fan doesn’t often cite when discussing a player or team. In the case of the Mississippi Braves, it’s a telling number. The M-Braves, who are last in the Southern League South standings at 4-9 after finishing last in the first half, are last in the league in OPS with a .654. Basically, they aren’t getting on base enough and they aren’t getting the big hits that generate runs. Not surprisingly, they are ninth (of 10 teams) in scoring (316 runs), as well as last in home runs (23) and last in total bases (914). The starting pitching, which should get a boost from former big leaguer Ben Sheets, has been very good. Each of the five current starters has an of 3.65 or less. The bullpen has been shaky at times, with just 14 saves (last in the SL) and 19 holds (eighth), but it’s not a glaring weakness. It comes back to offense. The lineup the M-Braves trotted out in Tuesday’s win at Mobile had a grand total of seven homers, four of those by Joe Leonard. The players who were inexperienced at the Double-A level to start the season — and there were many — can no longer use that excuse. Yes, there have been roster changes since the launch. The loss (to promotion) of Andrelton Simmons and (to injury) of Evan Gattis, a true long-ball threat, have hurt. But others, such as Phillip Gosselin (.252) and Christian Bethancourt (.254) need to step up; that’s part of the game. Joey Terdoslavich, a prospect sent down from Triple-A, is batting .297 but has just one homer in 24 games. Tim Smith, brought in to add some left-handed pop, has one homer in 26 games. Ian Gac, who has seven homers, hasn’t hit consistently and rarely plays now that Terdoslavich is occupying first base. Todd Cunningham, now the club’s leadoff batter, can get on: .307 average, .349 on-base percentage. But he has scored just 33 runs in 69 games. It’s a maddening situation. Sheets gets the call tonight when the M-Braves play Jackson (Tenn.) at Trustmark Park, where the run-starved home boys were swept in their last series. There will be fireworks after the game. The M-Braves need some during the game. Question is, are they packing any?