The Blog Is Back!

Yes, yes, I know it's been a few months since a new post, but it's time to finish strong and get this puppy going again. The Mavs are coming off a sweep at the hands of the 66ers, but after a day off, they now head to Bakersfield for three games.

Around the last time we posted, we thought the Mavs had the potential to really turn it on in the second half. Even though they surged near the end of the first half, things have not gotten off to a great start after the break. Losing Casey Craig, Chris Colton, and Josh Womack reshaped the outfield as well as the lineup. Without Craig, Mike Saunders became the defacto leadoff hitter, and although Saunders has a great demeanor at the plate, he is still adjusting to hitting at the top of the order. Kevin Reynolds has filled in very nicely for Josh Womack, and Jeff Fraizer is a doubles machine.

Moving to the infield...if you haven't seen Carlos Triunfel play yet, make plans to come out to Adelanto as soon as possible to see this kid. And yes, we can use the term "kid" because he is only 17 years old. But when you seem him play, you can't help but be amazed. It's hard to believe how comfortable he looks up at the plate and in the field. He's got a cannon attached to his right shoulder, although there are some times he needs to learn how to harness it. I suppose it's hard to believe how any team would pay an 16-year-old $1.3 million, but he appears that he will be worth it.

But with Triunfel at short, it obviously bring up the question of where do you put everyone else. I think the logical move is to have Dominguez at second, but then where does Guzman go? Maybe he can be part of a three-way platoon with Jeff Flaig and Omar Pena, and use him a the DH when not in the field.

As for the pitching...I don't have much to say. You would think that things would be rough at first, with everyone eventually adjusting to the Cal League. But it seems to be inconsistent, and you never know what you're gonna get. We've seen pitchers throw seven shutout one night, only to not even make it out of the third inning next time. I only hope to see some more consistency before the season ends.

Well that's gonna do it for this post. I promise to write more fequently before the season concludes.