Improvement in Maple

The outlook in Maple is bright as we head into August of Season #6.  The Marauders will finish with a better record than in they did in June and May.  One game remains in July vs. Eureka and Maple rests at 11-15 for the month.  In June the team was 10-16 and in May the team was 10-17. 

Despite a losing month there are signs of improvement throughout the organization:

Team Improvements:

1. The bullpen is 3rd overall in the TML in ERA
2. The pitching staff is 3rd overall in the TML in HR allowed
3. The pitching staff is 1st overall in the TML in Strikeouts
4. 7-3 in the last 10 games with two consecutive winning sims 

 Minor Leagues:

1. Ranks 8th overall in the Annual Top Systems report
2. Astoria seeking their 1st division title in AAA;  7.5 game lead

 ROY Candidates:

1. John "Toad" Jones MR;  3-2, 1 save, 2.60 ERA, 1.16 WHIP,  89 K in 55.1 IP
2. George Evans DH; .298 bavg, .332 obpct, .535 slgpct, 18 HRS, 68 RBI

Oliver North has the ROY all clinched but, the above two players should draw some votes.

Future Top Prospects:

1. Brooks Petersen OF;  currently on the DL;  was crushing the ball this year
2. Martin Petersen OF; currently on Maple and getting his shot to stick
3. Floyd Lowery OF;  currently in AAA - had a coffee with Maple this season, crushing the ball
4. Brad Thomas OF;  currently in AAA - might get a September call-up, crushing the ball
5. Manny Palma CL;  currently back in A after struggles at higher levels
6. Zeus Hallman MR;  currently in A ball, working more innings and giving Palma a chance as CL
7. Garrett Bennett 1B;  currently in AA ball - crushing the ball since being acquired from LV
8. William "Cannon" Lee 1B; 1st round pick this year, currently in A ball - 0 HRs!?
9. Rob Young SP;  currently in AA after being acquired from SF at the trade deadline
10. Subaru Kishita SP;  currently in AA ball but, struggling

Our team has set a goal to finish within 10 games of SF.  We have started to gain ground sitting 18.5 back after being more than 20+ games back just this past month.  We will have to do better versus SF in our head to head match-ups to achieve this result.  This year SF leads the seasons series 11-2 including winning the first six games.