Record: 25-37, Third Place in North Division, 22 Games Out

Summary:

The Sioux Falls Canaries have struggled to get a run together. They have shown flashes of excellence this season, but have not been able to get the kind of consistency needed to make an 8-1 run or get a five or six game winning streak going. Things actually looked pretty good early on as the Canaries started out 14-12, but they have won just 11 of their last 36 games and that has cost them a real shot at the division title.

Sioux Falls is near the middle in both pitching (4.30) and hitting (.275), but they have shown good power, ranking second in the American Association in both doubles and home runs. That has only translated to seventh best in runs scored, which may be a result of the club ranking last in the league in stolen bases.

Top Player – David Bergin

David Bergin is quickly establishing himself as one of the most feared hitters in the league. He has had some big home runs for the Sioux Falls Canaries of late, including a two-run shot against the Saints that tied the game at the time, and a three-run homer against Amarillo that was pivotal to the club’s victory. He is currently on an eight-game winning streak where he has 13 hits in 32 at-bats. Combined this season Bergin has hit .337 with 8 homers, 39 RBI and 45 runs scored.

Top Pitcher – Miguel Pena

Miguel Pena’s numbers are absolutely amazing for a guy on a team that is 12 games below .500. He will get some serious consideration as the American Association’s top pitcher, because he has proven to be one of the league’s top starters. The left-hander is 6-5 this season, but his 2.74 ERA ranks him in the top-10. Consider that in one stretch he was 1-4, but allowed just nine earned runs in 35 innings. His 16 walks allowed in 82 innings pitched is quite impressive.

Prognosis:

Like the other two teams in the North Division, the Sioux Falls Canaries find themselves looking up at the St. Paul Saints wondering if they have any kind of chance here. The answer is no for the division, but Sioux Falls has a real shot at the Wild Card. They are just 9.5 games out and begin the season with games against Kansas City and Amarillo, two of the club’s that are ahead of them. They then face the struggling Grand Prairie AirHogs with a chance to really make some ground. Give this team a 7-2 run to start the second half and they are right in the thick of things. If not, Chris Paterson will be planning for next season.

By Robert Pannier