Maple had a very poor June going 10-16 after a solid start at 34-21. We are still in 1st place in the Bill Martin division in the TML at 44-37 clinching on by 2 games over Jersey. Our struggles surprisingly are at home with a 20-21 record versus 24-16 on the road. Despite changes in the bullpen we also continue to struggle in close games or extra inning affairs (9-14). On a bright note we certainly love the southpaws going 17-12 versus them through end of June.
Maple is in the top 4 in the TML in all Team Batting categories except HR and Slugging Pct (8th and 5th). One area #GOLDI is happy about is On-Base Pct where they team is 2nd at .353. We contribute this to putting the ball in play more often this year as we are #1 in Ks at 433. Our top 3 hitters are George Soucy, Bartolo Valentin & Sal Ostendorff.
Maple started off really hot pitching in the TML but, of late have had a rough ride. We are giving up far too many HRs (8th) and bases on balls (9th) than we did earlier in the year. We are happy that we are 3rd in Opponents AVG .266 and hits allowed 748. Those HRs with men on base are real killers though. Our top 3 pitchers are Landy Lu, Zeus Hallman & Kent Tukulve Jr.
The Allstar game is right around the corner and we would expect a few Maple Marauders to make the TML team this year. The ballots are going to be posted after the SIM tonight. Maple has a series vs Mile High at home and on the road in Quebec City to hopefully get back on track in July prior to the Allstar game.
The farm system features our top prospect SP Dylan Butlin, 17 G, 7-5, 4.42 ERA, 93.2 IP pitching for AAA Astoria. We recently acquired SP Juan Ayala in International Free Agency at 4.775M and he quickly was listed in our top spec listing by OSA scouting. He ranks in our Top 8. Another interesting player that has big on a hot streak this season is Wayne Soileau 2B. Wayne doesn't appear to be rating high by our scouts account but, the hits keeping coming in for him. He is reached AAA Astoria this year and is batting; .307/.376/.484, 153 AB, 5 HR.
We have some talent in the minors so don't be surprised if Maple makes a move or two to help improve their team for a run at a championship this season.
