time to make a move

Chattanooga at Mississippi, today-Monday — this can aptly be termed a “big series” for the M-Braves. Trailing first-place Mobile by a game in the Southern League South, the M-Braves get the league’s worst team (by record) at Trustmark Park while the BayBears are on the road for five against the team with the SL’s best record, Huntsville. The next five days could be pivotal in the M-Braves’ title quest. They finish the first half with five games on the road; Mobile finishes with five at home. This M-Braves club (34-25) has become a good one, worth a look if you haven’t seen them yet. They had six players picked for the SL All-Star Game (June 17 at Chattanooga), though one, closer Shae Simmons, is gone to Atlanta. Elmer Reyes (.333) and Mycal Jones (.299) are going to Chattanooga, but several other position players have nice numbers, too: Matt Kennelly (.316), Cedric Hunter (.306, 25 RBIs), David Rohm (.296, 29 RBIs) and Seth Loman (nine homers, 35 RBIs). Starting pitchers Williams Perez and Aaron Northcraft made the All-Star Game, but Jason Hursh (4-4, 3.68), who’ll start tonight, has been very good in his Double-A debut and fellow top prospect J.R. Graham also has had his moments. Unsung reliever James Hoyt, likely to fill Simmons’ closer role, is also an All-Star. The M-Braves are trying to make the playoffs for a second straight year and a fourth time in 10. Again, the next five days could be pivotal.