First Post Excitement

Intro
OK, I haven't gotten all the kinks worked out yet, but it's time to really get started. The Naturals season is a little more than 12% over, and things aren't looking good so far, as they've delivered the worst record in the Texas League.

Game Notes
That being said, both of the last two games have given the fans something to get up about. Monday, fans at the 'Vest were treated to a scoreless tie into the bottom of the 8th as Julio Pimentel and Springfield's Garcia kept runners on the bases through 7 1/2.

The Naturals managed to scratch out a run in the 8th on a two-base error by Garcia, a Garcia wildpitch, and a ground-out to the catcher, and that was the difference in the game.

I wasn't able to make it out to the ballpark last night, but it looks like the game was an exciting one, though it did last way past my bedtime. Unfortunately, the Naturals couldn't hang on in extra frames, falling to the S-Cards 7-4.

Strategy Note
I heard some rumbles in the stands when Poldberg called for a steal of second with 2 outs in the bottom of the 8th and a 1-0 lead. I know many in the stands don't follow the game, but I don't have any problem with this move for two reasons. First, we'd been running on this catcher all night, so the odds were in our favor. Second, in that situation it's far less likely to score a runner who is on first than second. From second with two outs, any hit will score the runner.

Prospect Watch
So far this season we've gotten the pitching that was promised. Carlos Rosa and Pimentel have been impressive, and I'll be surprised if they don't get called up for spot starts or as DL replacements (especially Rosa - 16K/3BB/20IP - 2.25ERA/0.95WHIP).

The biggest disappointment so far in this season has been 2B Marc Maddox. The highly regarded prospect is struggling (.217OB/.145BA/.164SLG), with 14 strike outs in 55 at bats while drawing only 4 walks and delivering zero bombs.

Big Picture
As a team the Naturals are hitting just over the Mendoza line, at .204, and will need to get their bats going if they hope to score some runs. In 18 games they've scored a TL low 54 runs (52 fewer than league-leader Frisco). The Naturals are slugging .287 so far.