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.
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