2044 Wolves MiLB Wrap-Up
Charlottesville Marching Ants (R)
Record: 42-26 .618 11GB (3rd place FL Big Country)
Qualified for Playoffs: No
Rankings:
1st - (BullPen ERA, FIP, Pitching WAR, Strikeouts, Runs Against)
3rd - (Defensive Eff, Zone Rating)
Notes: Although the team did not make the playoffs the Marching Ants continued to show improvement over last season. The team finished in the top 3 in 8 out of the 9 Pitching and Defensive rankings. It was their 3rd consecutive winning season since new GM Simon took over (mid way 2041 season), and the drafting. This team has taking a big leap back to competitiveness since their dreadful 15-45 season in 2037.
Team MVP: C - Jose Rios -- Madison needs young Catchers, and here's hoping young Jose can fill that need. In his first full season after being taken in the 5th round of the 2044 draft, he's already got a SNL(R) All-Star game (and MVP) under his belt. He posted a 2.7WAR and 160wRC+ and a .369/.519/.494 slash in his rookie campaign.
Saint Johns Water Wolves (SA)
Record: 47-30 .610 - (1st place SL Little Island)
Qualified for Playoffs: Yes
Rankings:
1st - (Base Running, Runs Against, Starters ERA, FIP, Strikeouts)
Notes: The team qualified for the playoffs but lost in the first round to the Caracas Sting (2 games to 1). The team continues to perform improve, making the playoffs in 2 out of the last 3 seasons. This has increased attendance, as it continues to climb up from 181k in 2043 to 252k this past season. Things are looking bright for the Water Wolves.
Team MVP: SP - Neil Smit -- The 2043 13th round pick, posted a team high 9 wins as a starter for the Water Wolves with a 2.99 ERA. He contributed 2.7 WAR and struck out 107 while only walking 26 in 87.1 innings. In his two seasons with the Water Wolves he has posted a 2.95 ERA with 4.1WAR
Boulder Crush (A)
Record: 77-63 .550 12GB (3rd place in PL West)
Qualified for Playoffs: No
Rankings:
1st - (Base Running, Errors)
2nd - (Strikeouts, Defensive Eff, Runs Against)
Notes: The team did not make the playoffs this season, but finished strong going 9-1 in their last 10 games. This is the teams FIRST winning record in 12 seasons. Its nice to see the attention paid to the Crush this season is paying some dividends.
Team MVP: - SP Ernesto Avila -- The 24yo 10th round pick in 2041, SP lead the team with a 8-3 3.55ERA posting a 3.1WAR for the season. Its been a long time since the Crush have sniffed a winning season, and his 129.1 innings consistent pitching and 133k with a .277 BABIP certainly helped with that.
Burlington Big Eyed Fish (AA)
Record: 79-61 .564 - (1st place DNL Colonial)
Qualified for Playoffs: Yes
Rankings:
1st - (Base Running)
2nd - (Strikeouts)
4th - (Runs against, Starters ERA)
Notes: Where to begin? The team qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2012, and in doing so, posted their first winning record in 28 years! The team ate up on LHP this season, going 20-13 (.606%). They even came over some team controversy when they lost SP Antonio Rodriguez (7-2 w 2.55 ERA) in August for the rest of this season, and into next (80 games) due to a "banned substance".
Team MVP: 2B - Angel Estrada -- The 23yo 2B drafted in round 3 of the 2042 draft is quickly making his way up prospects list for the Wolves. With his time with the Fish this season, he posted a .286/.408/.453 slash with 2.4WAR and 120 wRC+. Helping the Fish on a hopefully what will be a championship run.
South Bend Proudest Monkeys (AAA)
Record: 78-66 .542 2GB (RL Midwestern)
Qualified for Playoffs: No
Rankings:
1st - (Defensive Eff)
3rd - (Home Runs)
4th - (Starters ERA, Errors)
Notes: Missing the division title by 2 games, and the wild card 10 games. It just goes to show you how competitive the Horn is. Since taking over the GM duties for Madison, the Proudest Monkeys have posted a winning record two out the last three seasons. Having only 2 prior during the 2025 - 2041 seasons.
Team MVP: SP - Jonathan Merritt The hard throwing Rule 5 pickup took his demotion from the bigs in stride this season, and he made the most of his opportunities at South Bend. Posting a 12-7 record with a 3.74 ERA while striking out 191, and walking 30. He posted (career high) 2.5 WAR, BB/9 (1.6),and WHIP (1.01). He was just short in matching his other career best in Ks, Ks/9. Look for Mr. Merritt to make his way back to the bigs shortly.
