American Association Daily provides insights, features, and recaps of the action from around the American Association of Professional Baseball League, as well as player and coaching profiles and transactions. In today’s edition, Rob Pannier takes a look back at the first half of the 2023 American Association season for the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks including who is their MVP and top pitcher and discusses the prognosis heading forward.

The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks Tale of the Tape

(Ranking in American Association listed in parenthesis)

Overall Record: 30-26 (2^nd in West, 3^rd Overall)

Home Record: 15-14 (T-6)
Away Record: 15-12 (3)
Last 10: 3-7

Batting:

Average: .264 (7)
Homeruns: 63 (6)
Runs Scored: 301 (9)
Slugging %: .420 (6)
On-Base %: .346 (9)
Stolen Bases: 51 (12)

Pitching:

ERA: 5.11 (8)
Saves: 15 (T-2)
Walks: 266 (11)
Strikeouts: 433 (9)
Opponent Average: .254 (T-4)

Fielding:

Fielding %: .987 (1)
Errors: 27 (1)

First Half Recap

Many are going to look at the overall record for the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks and think that this has been a disappointing season for the club so far. However, one must consider that the team lost one of their top starting pitchers (Davis Feldman) and the top closer in the league (Reid Birlingmair), both of whom had their contracts purchased by Major League affiliates. Plus, John Silviano had a major setback in his recovery from a broken leg bone, and he is likely done for the season, and Dillon Thomas headed for Mexico.

Yet, the RedHawks are still right in the thick of things, entering the second half of the season just five games behind the Kansas City Monarchs. This team may not catch Kansas City, but they proved they can go all the way and win the championship as a second place team, so there is little cause for concern in North Dakota.

However, if there is any concern it is because of the lack of offensive production by the team. They are ninth in runs scored and ninth in on-base percentage, something that seemed improbable when the season began. Plus, the team has yet to put together an impressive month offensively.

The team entered the All-Star break in a huge rut, going 4-10 in July, the worst record in the league. They have hit 20 homers, but have a 6.46 ERA, also the worst in the league. The addition of Scott Schreiber right before the break may be the catalyst to get this team going again.

What Went Right?

A lot has gone right for the RedHawks. Despite having the eighth best ERA and the ninth best run production, they are still holding the third-best record overall. That says a lot about how talented this team is and how they find ways to win even when the odds seemed stacked against them.

Evan Alexander has turned into an absolute star and Kevin McGovern and Tyler Grauer continue to impress every time they take the hill. Correlle Prime has done very well in his role as a full-time starting pitcher, and the bullpen has been the strength of this team.

What Went Wrong?

What has gone wrong with this team is really what has gone right with them. It is the goal of every team to have players signed by MLB clubs or to get opportunities to play in Mexico or other destinations, and the RedHawks have been spectacular at making those dreams come true.

Unfortunately, it has left them with a suspect rotation beyond Grauer and McGovern and an offense that simply is not delivering as many expected.

Top Pitcher: Kevin McGovern

Kevin McGovern is the ageless wonder, posting a 3.37 ERA and a 6-4 record in 11 starts. He was the All-Star game starter and well deserving of the honor, as he is the greatest pitcher in American Association history and is still going strong at 34.

McGovern has given up six total earned runs over his last two starts, but that came after a stretch of three straight starts where he allowed just a single run. For the season, the lefty has allowed 56 hits and 26 walks while striking out 58 in 66.2 innings.

Top Hitter: Evan Alexander

Evan Alexander has turned into one of the 10 best players in the American Association. The outfielder entered the break hitting .324 in 55 games, scoring 49 runs and driving in 32. He has stolen 20 bases and has an impressive .532 slugging percentage and a .415 on-base percentage, both of which lead the team. The fact that he leads the club in slugging percentage from the leadoff spot is a testimony to how impressive he has been.

Alexander has been impressive every month this season, hitting .313 in May, .343 in June, and .302 this month. No matter how the team has fared, they have been able to depend upon their star player to get on base and set the table.

Where Will Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks Be on September 4?

While the West Division has improved over last season, the reality is that unless the Sioux Falls Canaries catch fire over the last 45 games, Fargo-Moorhead seems like a lock to make the postseason. The question will be whether they can iron out their bullpen, get at least one more dependable starter, and get this offense on track. Look for the RedHawks to make the playoffs, but they will not be hoisting the Miles Wolff Cup for the second straight year.

By Robert Pannier