Maple released news today regarding their 26 man active roster.  Just 1 day away from the opening pitch of our 13^th season in the ABL – 2024!  The Rotation this season will be slightly changed with Allstar Jake Nelson moving on to Duke City.  New arrivals Khurshid Durrani and George Bedford(acquired in the Gould trade to MTL) get their shot.  The pen also sees some changes as Tekulve Jr. takes over at CL for Jones who has lost some zip on the fastball.  New additions are Maulik Shaw and Glenn Ritter(acquired in the Nelson trade to DUK).  Brian Daniels also gets a chance at LR.  The rotation once settled will be Ramos, Ito, Ramirez, Bedford & Durrani.

The lineup in Maple this year will look a bit different.  We are expecting to bounce back from a disappointing display in 2023.  New additions George Soucy DH & Ricardo Corte C (both acquired in the Nelson trade to DUK) look to had some much needed punch.  Talley former Gold Glover at 2B moves over to 1B.  O’Doherty takes claim at 2B based on his defensive abilities.  Valentin once penciled in this year as the teams DH will go back to CF with the arrival of Soucy.  There were strong rumors that Felipe Navarro would get his shot this year at CF but, he was demoted to AAA after the team gambled on SF Veteran Dorsey for the 4^th OF spot on the team.  We like the way Dorsey finds a way to get on base.  McMahon 3B looks to be reaching his prime (acquired from DUK).  He will probably move to 3^rd in the lineup with Soucy batting cleanup.  Expect Corte to move to 6^th in the lineup behind Ostendorff then Orton 7^th and Rivera/O’Doherty 8/9^th.  We are hoping to get on base a bit more, run a bit faster and more often and play better defense this year.

Our major budding star is SP Butlin (Nimrod).  He is going to be a good one.  I’d don’t want to rush him this year but, if we are not in the race by trade deadline I’d expec to move Ramirez SP and Ramos SP to a contender and he might get the call up.  SP Lu (Pumpman) also looks solid too.  2B Soileau is highly rated too but, GM #GOLDI has his doubts.  Butlin is the prize of our minor league system.

International Complex features one really interesting player in 3B Rivero.  He could be a good one in the ABL for a few years!  Hutcheon, Iijima and Missel are all risks.