Maple managed another late season run finishing 81-81 on the season but, for the first time in their ABL history failed to make the playoffs.
The off-season created some challenges for Maple. The pitching which was an anchor in the past for the Marauders was no longer one of the best in the league. The hitting showed some pop but, never managed to be consistent throughout the season.
Some highlights so far:
Just after Post Season:
MR Emmanuel Villa executed his last optional contract year.
MR Ron Cutter had his last optional contract year renewed.
Cutter should be valuable this year in the ABL while Villa will most likely see most of his time in the Minors.
Annual Draft;
Maple went after strikeout king SP Jesus Ramirez from the University of Florida in R1
Then Maple went after power hitting RF George Evans in R2 from the University of LSU.
Those two top picks hopefully will pan out for Maple and address both needs in the SP and Hitting dept.
Free Agency:
Victor Enriquez SP - He had short stint in the ABL and failed miserably. Our scouts feel his ceiling is AAA.
Brandon Crawford MR - Another average MR was set free. Those are a dime a dozen.
Eric McSwan DH - This was a tough decision but he was asking for too much money and with the crop of youth I have coming up that can play either OF and/or DH he was viewed as expendable. We will take the compensation pick and hopefully bank a future star. Mile High signed this allstar!
We did sign Aaron Nelson SP to a 1 year contract and we hope he can fill a back end starting pitcher role this year in the ABL.
Rule V Draft:
Maple lost two players Jake Hennessey and Allen Gardner in the Rule V draft. Good news is Allen Gardner was returned to Maple after SoCal decided to part ways. Bad news is Gardner won't see any ABL action anytime soon.
Jason
Maple
