Walking Wounded Returning

Following up a robust 6-0 SIM and chopping off 3 games in the standings, the Bombers go 2-4 in the very next one and give back ONLY a half a game.

No one is running away with this division and Maple, the two time Billy Martin Division winner has finally found themselves in 1st place.  However, they are just one game over 500.  Now Maple might finally be finding their stride as they had a superb June and are off to a good start so far in July, but optimism is high in South Carolina, if not to get back in the race this season, but to build upon for next season.

But in the mean time, if you don't put an inferior team away, they start to think that they might have a chance.

The Bombers will see their pitching staff getting a huge shot in the arm after this SIM, and it'll appear like they've made a trade, as 3 important pieces of their staff return from the Disabled List.

John "Flipper" Martin, who was anticipated would fill the 3rd or 4th spot in the rotation and bring along his game all season was diagnosed with bone spurs at the one set of Spring Training and found himself shelved.  It is unsure whether he's sent on a rehab assignment or not, but for the Bombers to contend, his presence on the ABL roster is mandatory.

With the Bombers bullpen ranked 11th in the Munson League, both Charlie Arnold and Joseph Williams will return as well this week.

Arnold, CL, (Shoulder Inflammation) 2-4, 14 SV, 2.83 ERA,
Arnold was having a great season anchoring the bullpen and has been everything the Bombers expected when signing him to a free agent contract in the off season.  Upon his return he will resume his role as closer.

Williams, CL (Hamstring) 1-0, 1 SV, 3.72 ERA
Williams suffered an unfortunate hamstring injury and his departure from the roster really upset the apple cart that is precariously known as the Bomber bullpen.  Currently, 5 of the 7 relievers are boasting ERA's over 5.00.  With Arnold and Williams back in, the Bombers will then boast 4 relievers with ERA's under 3.75. 

Once you realize those stats, you can see that there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon for Bomber fans.
There's plenty of bullpen help to be had in the minors and GM Altman can concentrate on the offensive holes during the off season.
But coming up you should start hearing names like Millard Joseph, Glen Rush, Hiroaki Ine, Stuart Lang, who are all in AAA as we speak.
In AA, the Bombers are sporting recently acquired Jose Parra and 2012, 3rd Rd Draft Choice Roger Marshall making a charge.  If we can maintain or develop a pair of current ABL arms, add in 2 or 3 from the minors and add one via free agency, the Bomber Bullpen, the Achilles heel for the first 3 seasons will become a pillar of strength for the organization.

Walt Dobson, SS, AAA, (Oblique Strain).  Dodson who was axquired with Parra in the Rogers trade will more than likely hone his hitting skills while at AAA until his call up in September.  He will then challenge the 2013 Gold Glove winner, Angelo Casas for the starting job.  The audition starts September 1st!