Record: 37-32, Second in Central Division (2.5 Games Out), Sixth Overall in the American Association

Season Recap:

If there is a lot of “I told you sos” coming out of Gary Southshore, it is with good reason. Many scoffed at the roster Greg Tagert put together when the season began, pointing to the large number of rookies and LS-1s on the club. After they dropped the first four games in St. Paul it looked like the scoffing was justified, but Tagert is proving that he who laughs last truly laughs best.

The RailCats were 2-6 at one point, but have gone 35-26 since, and even held the Central Division lead earlier this year. An 18-11 record in July really showed this team is for real, and that record was even more impressive considering the loss of slugger Jose Sermo. This team is for real and no one better be sleeping on the RailCats.

Mid-Season MVP: Cameron Newell

This is not a team that is going to club its way to victories. They are going to play RailCats baseball and that means beating you with great defense and an offense that refuses to quit. Newell is the very epitome of how this team this plays. He is hitting .305 with 38-runs scored and 23-RBI. His 62-hits lead the team, as do his run total and his number of walks.

Mid-Season Top Pitcher: Charlie Rosario

Rosario may not be the flashiest pitcher in the league, but there is no one who gets the absolute most out of his talents. He is the ultimate RailCats pitcher. The right-hander has anchored this staff and has been brilliant, being chosen to represent his team in the American Association All-Star game. With a 7-3 record and a 3.35 ERA, this has been another outstanding season for the RailCats starter. Rosario leads the team in innings pitched, strikeouts, and completed games. He has only allowed 26-walks in 107.1 innings pitched, while striking out 80.

Prognosis:

Of all the playoff contenders, the Gary Southshore RailCats have arguably the toughest schedule down the stretch. They open the second half with a four-game set against Winnipeg before welcoming St. Paul for three. They still have four against Fargo-Moorhead, three against Wichita and a crucial three-game set in Lincoln. It is a tough schedule that may be too much for the young Gary team, but no one should think the pressure in August will keep this team out. They are well coached and know how to play fundamental baseball maybe better than any team in the league. It may be that focus on fundamentals that makes them the team to beat.

By Robert Pannier