A little over a week ago, when the Mavs ended a nine-game losing streak, I don't think there were too many people out there that thought they would be capable of putting together a five-game winning streak, especially after their blowout loss to San Jose. But something must have clicked after that game. I don't know if it was the 12-run inning they allowed or something else, but there is something different about these Mavericks.
A couple of weeks ago, I don't believe this team could have rebounded from that devastating 18-5 loss only to come back with a win the next night. The old team would not have rebounded after coughing up a five-run lead in the eighth to win their second consecutive game. I also don't think this team would have been capable of pulling off the type of win they did Saturday night in Inland Empire. After giving up a one-run lead in the ninth, I think the old Mavericks would have collapsed, possibly allowing the winning run to score later that inning.
Heading into the Inland Empire series, Jon and I thought the offense was starting to outhit the Mavs problems. But the Mavs' pitching was the star of the series, giving up two earned runs in 31 innings. I know Arrowhead Credit Union Park favors pitchers, but there have been plenty of games this year where the pitching was not as good at that park.
Of course, in the Cal League, it certainly doesn't hurt to have a good offense. With the addition of Casey Craig, the Mavs could arguably have the best 1-through-9 in the league. Although Lancaster might have a bit more firepower, I think the Mavs' lineup is more consistent on both the home and road than the JetHawks.
The defense has also started to show some improvement (although it suffered a minor setback with four errors in the team's last game). When asked why the team had been playing better, the first thing manager Scott Steinmann mentioned was the defense. The biggest change for the Mavs defensively during this half was the addition of Carlos Triunfel. By having him at shortstop and Jeff Dominguez at second base, the Mavs were markedly improved up the middle. At first, Triunfel made come careless errors, but those have curbed since. With the way those two have been playing recently, I think you'll be hard pressed to find a better double-play combination in the league.
Now I'm not sure how long this streak will last. In a league like the California League, nothing is predictable on a nightly basis. I just hope the Mavs can have as much momentum as possible going into this weekend's home series against Lancaster. I suppose that will be the true test as to how much this Mavericks team has changed.
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1 comment:
Alex, it seems like this team is repeating its first half trick of having one hot stretch and then everything gained gets lost in another stretch of poor play. And, of course, getting pounded by Lancaster doesn't help either. Next year should be better, but lets keep cheering these guys along and maybe we can salvage a few more victories in 2007. In April I predicted 50 wins for this team, so we are just about where I thought they would be. I will figure out 2008 this winter and let you know my prediction for that MAVS team.--Bob Bowen
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