HAYWARD: Second half offers Hooks another playoff shot – Corpus Christi Caller-Times

Hooks third baseman J.D Davis prepares to bat in the third inning against the Midland RockHounds on April, 24, 2017, at Whataburger Field(Photo: Charlie Blalock/Corpus Christi)

If there is one thing Ive learned covering minor league baseball off and on for more than a decade, it's that the goal is to develop players. But within that development is winning.

A minor league teams manager and its coaches want to see a player get better to ultimately earn that promotion but also they like to see how a player reacts in crucial situations. It could be a game in April or late August, but a players desire to win is something that is measured when managers and coaches talk to those in the front office.

Last week marked the first time in two seasons the Hooks had not won a Texas League South Division first half title. And with as successful as Rodney Linares has been here as manager and at other minor league stops in the Houston Astros system, Im sure he was frustrated.

The first half featured some frustrating moments for the hometown team, including a 10-game losing streak that ultimately kept the Hooks from having a shot at that title.

But the beauty of the minor leagues is that there is a second half. Player development will again be the primary focus, but it will be interesting to see how this team pushes over the final two-and-half months of the season to keep the Hooks playoff streak intact.

Hooks' Drew Ferguson celebrates with teammates after scoring against Arkansas on Saturday, April 15, 2017, at Whataburger Field in Corpus Christi.(Photo: Gabe Hernandez/Caller-Times)

TEXAS LEAGUE SCHEDULING

This might be a little too inside baseball but it might be time for the Texas League to work on its schedule. Late in May and earlier this month, the Hooks had two extended road trips one to Springfield and Tulsa and this past weeks road trip in San Antonio and Midland sandwiched around a four-game homestand. Earlier this year they had two eight-game homestands surrounding a four-game road trip.

The Texas League is one of the tougher minor leagues when it comes to travel and it might be time to try to alleviate that.

In previous years, teams played five-game series. Naturally you want more games and series with teams in your division but I think it needs to be more balanced to where we see the North Division teams more instead of three games at a time. Currently each team plays 12 cross-division games against an opponent, six at home and six on the road. I think there could be more and it would help on the travel, especially.

Scheduling is hard but I think it would help the clubs in terms of promotions knowing they will be home for extended periods.

LOOKING TO THE SECOND HALF

The second half officially begins Tuesday and the Hooks have some momentum heading into it.

Here are a few things and players to watch:

Kyle Tucker and Jason Martin: The two recent call-ups have been solid additions for the Hooks over the last month and I expect both to continue to trend upward as the summer progresses.

Starting pitching: The Hooks have had some solid starting pitching this season only to struggle to score runs or to see the bullpen struggle to keep leads. But if pitchers can continue to go five, six, even seven innings, that helps the playoff chances and makes pitching coaches and the manager smile.

J.D. Davis promotion?: Davis has certainly shown that he is deserving of the call to Fresno. But a logjam in the infield in the Astros organization could make it difficult. He currently leads the league with 17 home runs and a .556 slugging percentage. With as much fun as he is to watch, it might be time for the third baseman to test his mettle in the Pacific Coast League.

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HAYWARD: Second half offers Hooks another playoff shot - Corpus Christi Caller-Times