There weren't many highlights for the Bombers this past season, but the future is looking fairly bright and many believe the gap is narrowing between the Maple Marauders and the South Carolina nine.
Angelo Casas captures his first ABL Gold Glove at shortstop, in his rookie season no less. Casas made just 3 errors in over 1000 innings in the field. Sabermaticians will note that he had a Range Factor of 4.97, an astonishing Zone Rating of +14.1 runs and a Defense Efficiency of 1.058 (leading the league in the latter two). Casas also had a fielding percentage of .998, good for 2nd at the position in the TML.
Casas will need to improve on his hitting as in 409 AB's for the big club, he had an average of .183
GM Altman was quoted "We, as an organization, knew Casas wasn't ready as a hitter yet on this level, but we knew he could field with the best of them. He just turned 23 and has some time to improve his offense. But the foundation of this team is pitching, and we're looking to solidify that with exceptional defense. Casas has a chance to win a dozen of these Gold Gloves with the us before his career is over!"
Rick Grant wins the Gold Glove for AA (Ford Frick League) for 2B. The 19 year old Grant had an exceptional season in the field, committing just 8 errors all season at second base in 142 games. His Zone Rating was a +2.4, had an Exceptional Defense Efficiency Rating of 1.008, and his Range Factor of 5.04 runs was more than adequate.
Grant batted .257, an OB of .329, with 2 HR, 37 RBI and 47 SB's in 2013. For his minor league career, Grant is sitting at 77.
If Grant's progress continues on pace, will be in the ABL at 21 years old, and will man the middle of the infield with Casas for many years.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
Juan Marin Traded to So Cal
General Manager Gary Altman, and manager Tom Ritchie attended the press conference confirming that CF'er Juan Marin has been traded, pending physicals.
Altman stated that in return for the 34 year old veteran who played in 159 games in 2013, hitting .285 with 16 HR and 71 RBI's.
In return for Marin, the Bombers received SS Ben Kessler and SP Jeremy Fisher.
The question posed to Altman was by Dickie Dunn, and his question was "Is this a salary dump?".
Altman - I can see where you can assume that. Marin is due to make 13.5 M in 2014 and 2015. While we here in South Carolina feel that Marin will be productive and re energized on the west coast. Also, where as we were very happy with Marin's production with the organization, we didn't see the ROI. To be the highest paid Bomber and be fifth in HR, 3rd in RBI and AVG and batting 6th in the lineup, we felt it prudent to move Marin at this time.
Dunn - What's the story with Fisher? He's on the DL right now.
GM - Fisher is a hard throwing left handed pitcher. He started his career at 18 years old and went 18-4 with a 2.02 ERA. The injury Fisher suffered was a torn triceps and is not only anticipated to fully recover, but be recovered in time for the start of the season. Before his injury, Fisher was at 12-5 and 1.48 ERA and he was only 19. He'll be starting the season the 2014 season in AA, and would not be surprised to see him pitch with the Bombers in late 2015, or 2016. We're very high on him and felt that he offers us something for moving a quality man like Marin.
Dunn followed up with how will man the cavernous South Carolina CF and where will he bat?
GM - Well, we are really happy with the development of CF'er Martin Evans. An 82nd overall selection in the inaugural draft. Evans has really found himself. In 2012, at AAA, he hit 314, 403 OB, 1 HR, and 19 SB. His 2013 campaign, at 24 years old he took a big step up. In 141 games, he hit .333, 442 OB, 3 HR and 45 SB. 2013 saw Evans be selected to the AAA All Star Game.
Ritchie - Evans, I feel, is ready now, and is a gold glove caliber center fielder. He'll hit bounce between 1st, 8th and 9th in the order. Our long range goal is to have him bat lead off, but we won't to take as much pressure off the kid as possible.
Dunn asked about resigning Alfonso, and if not who would play RF.
GM - Alfonso situation is interesting. We'd love to keep him here, but he'll be 39 or 40 next season. Not quite the direction we're looking to spend money on either. We received our message about our budget loud and clear from the owner, and there's no help coming. We have to control our destiny. We've removed over 9 million this season and we're looking to save another 5 or so. We're also planning on cutting another 20 million off of next season's payroll.
MGR - As for RF Brant Lee and Mark Buchanan will likely man the position. They offer two different perspectives and game sets and makes us a different team depending who's in the lineup. Buchanan, 24, will be given every opportunity to make the squad out of spring training against RHP.
Overall, at AAA, Buchanan hit 287, 397 OB with 18 HR, 82 RBI in 125 games. But against RHP, Buchanan went 297, 414 OB, 495 SLG, 16 HR, 67 RBI in 327 AB.
Lee, 27 can run. His bat needs to come around if he'd like to make the squad out of training camp, but he has stolen 71 bases in his minor league career. Factor that speed with some power and you have a very intriguing asset. Lee was a 20-20 man in AA this year, and that was missing about 5 weeks while in AAA.
Altman stated that in return for the 34 year old veteran who played in 159 games in 2013, hitting .285 with 16 HR and 71 RBI's.
In return for Marin, the Bombers received SS Ben Kessler and SP Jeremy Fisher.
The question posed to Altman was by Dickie Dunn, and his question was "Is this a salary dump?".
Altman - I can see where you can assume that. Marin is due to make 13.5 M in 2014 and 2015. While we here in South Carolina feel that Marin will be productive and re energized on the west coast. Also, where as we were very happy with Marin's production with the organization, we didn't see the ROI. To be the highest paid Bomber and be fifth in HR, 3rd in RBI and AVG and batting 6th in the lineup, we felt it prudent to move Marin at this time.
Dunn - What's the story with Fisher? He's on the DL right now.
GM - Fisher is a hard throwing left handed pitcher. He started his career at 18 years old and went 18-4 with a 2.02 ERA. The injury Fisher suffered was a torn triceps and is not only anticipated to fully recover, but be recovered in time for the start of the season. Before his injury, Fisher was at 12-5 and 1.48 ERA and he was only 19. He'll be starting the season the 2014 season in AA, and would not be surprised to see him pitch with the Bombers in late 2015, or 2016. We're very high on him and felt that he offers us something for moving a quality man like Marin.
Dunn followed up with how will man the cavernous South Carolina CF and where will he bat?
GM - Well, we are really happy with the development of CF'er Martin Evans. An 82nd overall selection in the inaugural draft. Evans has really found himself. In 2012, at AAA, he hit 314, 403 OB, 1 HR, and 19 SB. His 2013 campaign, at 24 years old he took a big step up. In 141 games, he hit .333, 442 OB, 3 HR and 45 SB. 2013 saw Evans be selected to the AAA All Star Game.
Ritchie - Evans, I feel, is ready now, and is a gold glove caliber center fielder. He'll hit bounce between 1st, 8th and 9th in the order. Our long range goal is to have him bat lead off, but we won't to take as much pressure off the kid as possible.
Dunn asked about resigning Alfonso, and if not who would play RF.
GM - Alfonso situation is interesting. We'd love to keep him here, but he'll be 39 or 40 next season. Not quite the direction we're looking to spend money on either. We received our message about our budget loud and clear from the owner, and there's no help coming. We have to control our destiny. We've removed over 9 million this season and we're looking to save another 5 or so. We're also planning on cutting another 20 million off of next season's payroll.
MGR - As for RF Brant Lee and Mark Buchanan will likely man the position. They offer two different perspectives and game sets and makes us a different team depending who's in the lineup. Buchanan, 24, will be given every opportunity to make the squad out of spring training against RHP.
Overall, at AAA, Buchanan hit 287, 397 OB with 18 HR, 82 RBI in 125 games. But against RHP, Buchanan went 297, 414 OB, 495 SLG, 16 HR, 67 RBI in 327 AB.
Lee, 27 can run. His bat needs to come around if he'd like to make the squad out of training camp, but he has stolen 71 bases in his minor league career. Factor that speed with some power and you have a very intriguing asset. Lee was a 20-20 man in AA this year, and that was missing about 5 weeks while in AAA.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Long Term Deals Reached, Owner Blasts Fans
The Bombers are committed to their players and the city of Columbia, South Carolina, and showed this by locking up a pair of the Young Guns to long term deals.
Dave Nicholson, 26, was signed to a 5 year, $8 Million dollar contract
Rodgers, 26, was signed to a 6 year, $11 Million dollar contract.
These two signings, along with the signing of Stephen Jackson last year keeps three young home grown talented pieces of the Bomber roster together thru at least the 2018 season.
On a side note, the South Carolina budget went up by just $500,000. GM Altman, showed obvious signs of displeasure based on some of the holes in the lineup. However, in a mutual press conference with the the GM and Owner, the owner hinted at a possible relocation in the Bombers future. When pressed for more specific reasons, the Owner's response was this, "We brought in Alfonso with the expectation of increasing fan interest and excitement about the team, as well as winning more games.
"We also won 8 more games than our inaugural season, we did see attendance rise to over 3,000,000 fans, and exceeded the pundits best guesses of what our record would be at the end of the season. We've exceed these expectations two years running.
"We also have developed 3 very good young players that will be with us for a very long time. Our pitching staff is maturing, our hitters are getting better. We moved up in the standings.
"Now for the things we can't understand. While I noted our attendance is up, we are still at the bottom of attendance in the league. Our budget, based on finances are last in the league, and the only one that is under $100M, but our payroll is 14th. We're doing more with less, but there are limits. Fan interest is at a league low of 57. I know I care, I know Altman cares. I know Ritchie cares. I know the players care. Why do the fans NOT care?"
When pressed for what the plans are for this season, in regards to the ballpark, "we're undecided on moving the fences in or adding seats. We might just stand pat and put the capital money away to see what transpires."
One thing is apparent, if fan support remains at the level it's at now, South Carolina will not have an ABL franchise much longer.
Dave Nicholson, 26, was signed to a 5 year, $8 Million dollar contract
Rodgers, 26, was signed to a 6 year, $11 Million dollar contract.
These two signings, along with the signing of Stephen Jackson last year keeps three young home grown talented pieces of the Bomber roster together thru at least the 2018 season.
On a side note, the South Carolina budget went up by just $500,000. GM Altman, showed obvious signs of displeasure based on some of the holes in the lineup. However, in a mutual press conference with the the GM and Owner, the owner hinted at a possible relocation in the Bombers future. When pressed for more specific reasons, the Owner's response was this, "We brought in Alfonso with the expectation of increasing fan interest and excitement about the team, as well as winning more games.
"We also won 8 more games than our inaugural season, we did see attendance rise to over 3,000,000 fans, and exceeded the pundits best guesses of what our record would be at the end of the season. We've exceed these expectations two years running.
"We also have developed 3 very good young players that will be with us for a very long time. Our pitching staff is maturing, our hitters are getting better. We moved up in the standings.
"Now for the things we can't understand. While I noted our attendance is up, we are still at the bottom of attendance in the league. Our budget, based on finances are last in the league, and the only one that is under $100M, but our payroll is 14th. We're doing more with less, but there are limits. Fan interest is at a league low of 57. I know I care, I know Altman cares. I know Ritchie cares. I know the players care. Why do the fans NOT care?"
When pressed for what the plans are for this season, in regards to the ballpark, "we're undecided on moving the fences in or adding seats. We might just stand pat and put the capital money away to see what transpires."
One thing is apparent, if fan support remains at the level it's at now, South Carolina will not have an ABL franchise much longer.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
August 2013 in Bomber Land
Thru August 29.....
Well, is the glass half full or half empty here in South Carolina.
If you consider fan interest, down to 58, half empty.
If you consider attendance, up 24% and projected to out draw last season on September 3rd, then half full.
If you consider the playoffs half full, then our glass is half empty here.
If you consider the quality of the SP the Bombers will roll out next season, then the glass is half full.
If you consider that the Bombers have never had a winning month, then it's half empty. (Needs to be checked via the almanac)
If you consider that the Bombers are playing 7 games better than the pundits predicted (59-75 vs 52-82 predicted), then it's half full.
If you compare last season's avg (.246) to this season's (.255), put a check mark in the half full column.
If you compare last season's ERA (5.50) to this season's (4.83) that would be another half full mark.
South Carolina's AAA affiliate, Bronx Bombers, finishing in 3rd place last season, 2 games under 500, and 19 back are doing immensely better. Right now they again sit in 3rd place, but just 2.5 games back and are playing to a 71-62 record. They've also been in 1st place for a majority of the season until players were summoned to the big club to help there.
On August 19th, Bomber Stephen "Action" Jackson was named the Thurman Munson League's Player of the Week. He hit a robust .538 going 14 for 26, 2 HR's and just 3 RBI's (he bats 1st or 2nd in this lineup). This is the second time Jackson has been honored (last time, August 13, 2012). Apparently, the second week in August is Jackson's week!
On August 5th, AAA Bronx Bomber Mark Buchanan was honored as the Blake Camden League Player of the Week. The 23 year old junior bomber hit .444 with 3 bombs and 11 RBI's. Buchanan, the 26th player taken in the inaugural draft will be in the running for the vacancy created when RF aging superstar Francisco Alfonso departs at the end of the season via Free Agency.
Well, is the glass half full or half empty here in South Carolina.
If you consider fan interest, down to 58, half empty.
If you consider attendance, up 24% and projected to out draw last season on September 3rd, then half full.
If you consider the playoffs half full, then our glass is half empty here.
If you consider the quality of the SP the Bombers will roll out next season, then the glass is half full.
If you consider that the Bombers have never had a winning month, then it's half empty. (Needs to be checked via the almanac)
If you consider that the Bombers are playing 7 games better than the pundits predicted (59-75 vs 52-82 predicted), then it's half full.
If you compare last season's avg (.246) to this season's (.255), put a check mark in the half full column.
If you compare last season's ERA (5.50) to this season's (4.83) that would be another half full mark.
South Carolina's AAA affiliate, Bronx Bombers, finishing in 3rd place last season, 2 games under 500, and 19 back are doing immensely better. Right now they again sit in 3rd place, but just 2.5 games back and are playing to a 71-62 record. They've also been in 1st place for a majority of the season until players were summoned to the big club to help there.
On August 19th, Bomber Stephen "Action" Jackson was named the Thurman Munson League's Player of the Week. He hit a robust .538 going 14 for 26, 2 HR's and just 3 RBI's (he bats 1st or 2nd in this lineup). This is the second time Jackson has been honored (last time, August 13, 2012). Apparently, the second week in August is Jackson's week!
On August 5th, AAA Bronx Bomber Mark Buchanan was honored as the Blake Camden League Player of the Week. The 23 year old junior bomber hit .444 with 3 bombs and 11 RBI's. Buchanan, the 26th player taken in the inaugural draft will be in the running for the vacancy created when RF aging superstar Francisco Alfonso departs at the end of the season via Free Agency.
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