Maple had a better 2nd month of the season managing to play .500 ball at 13-13. This is a far cry from the previous two playoff seasons but, nevertheless a step in the right direction.
Maple continues to struggle vs. LHP (1-8) so far this season. Also away from Maple the team is not gelling (8-16) and close games the Marauders are blowing them (9-13).
The team is not hitting and not pitching to their abilities. The only bright spot from the bats is the power department (3rd). Meanwhile, the pitching staff is 3rd in Opponents Avg and BABIP so hopefully they will get a few breaks the rest of the way to improve. The SPs rank 10th in the league in ERA which is a surprise considering the amount of money, time and focus spent on the starting rotation from day 1 in the ABL.
If things dont' turn around a few interesting pieces maybe available to a contender: CL/MR Millard Marshall and SP Ray Lester.
Down on the farm, player development has been slow. We do feature a top ranked 3B in Dave Guenette who is AA ball is batting .249 in 44 games. Neither Minor team affliliate is leading their division but there has been a noticeable improvement in A ball with Kingwood. The Knights have been the laughing stock of A ball the past 2 years but, this year we are trying to reach .500 for the season (Currently 23-28, 7 back).
The fans are worried and it shows in the seats. Attendance is down -7.3% over last year and Maple ranks 11th so far in the ABL in total tickets sold.
HOME OF THE 10TH MAN
HOME OF THE 10TH MAN
Friday, February 15, 2013
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Maple - Year III - Opening Month Review
The Maple Marauders coming off back to back playoff appearances in the ABL get off to a real slow start in Year III posting a 8-14 record in April. The good news is the TML Billy Martin division features 4 teams all under .500 so Maple is near the top of the division despite playing 6 games under .500.
The biggest disappointment so far this season is with our Starting Rotation. Maple ranks 12th (last) in the TML at 5.66 ERA. This is also our biggest surprise since most of the past success with Maple has been on the mound and in the pitching staff the past couple of seasons. When your ace (Roberto "Styx" Martinez) opens the season at 0-4, 4.99 ERA you know you are heading for problems real quick.
Offensively, the Marauders are beginning to show the power expected of them. Anthony Shelton and Eric McSwan have combined for 19 dingers so far this year. Meanwhile Vic Jennings acquired last year from Las Vegas leads the team with 20 rbi. Part time utility players Tom Hunter has swiped 5 bases already this season.
The minor league system is playing much better baseball compared to the past two seasons. Astoria, Sandy Springs and Kingwood all are around .500 are above and are looking like contenders this season in their respective leagues. Dave Guenette 3B and David Picot OF are the two top prospects in the Maple organization according to BA writers. Both players are seeing regular play time in Single A Kingwood this year.
The biggest disappointment so far this season is with our Starting Rotation. Maple ranks 12th (last) in the TML at 5.66 ERA. This is also our biggest surprise since most of the past success with Maple has been on the mound and in the pitching staff the past couple of seasons. When your ace (Roberto "Styx" Martinez) opens the season at 0-4, 4.99 ERA you know you are heading for problems real quick.
Offensively, the Marauders are beginning to show the power expected of them. Anthony Shelton and Eric McSwan have combined for 19 dingers so far this year. Meanwhile Vic Jennings acquired last year from Las Vegas leads the team with 20 rbi. Part time utility players Tom Hunter has swiped 5 bases already this season.
The minor league system is playing much better baseball compared to the past two seasons. Astoria, Sandy Springs and Kingwood all are around .500 are above and are looking like contenders this season in their respective leagues. Dave Guenette 3B and David Picot OF are the two top prospects in the Maple organization according to BA writers. Both players are seeing regular play time in Single A Kingwood this year.
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