Columbus Patriot Pandas 68-72 (Double-A)
Following the change of nickname, the former Brown Soxs slumped to their first sub-500 season since 2040. Coming off of two 80+ win seasons they managed just 68 wins in 2045. 16 losses in both May and June were the main culprits in the Patriot Pandas finishing four games below .500 despite a strong showing in July & August that brought 31 wins over these two months. Columbus never really managed any long streaks, either winning or losing, perhaps indicated by the fact the there was only 18 runs between those scored and given up (675-657).
Kunimichi Ogasahara, in his first season at the Double-A level, was a solid performer second in the team with wins (11), 158 K’s in 158.1 IP and posting 2.3 WAR. Ray Longley led the team with 12 wins while Antonio Martinez was disappointed to find himself demoted after three seasons in Triple-A. He put his case in the shop window, pitching in 56 games compiling a 3-2 record with a team leading 17 saves. He is 26 though and will probably end up with another, and final shot, at Albuquerque next year.
Mike Sears completed his second season in Columbus with 147 hits, 20 homers and 86 RBI. His triple slash line was .337/.384/.576 with a WAR of 4.7 and he finished the year in Albuquerque where he played 30 games. Norberto Acuna led the Patriot Pandas with 28 homers and Cecilio Gaona led the team with 21 stolen bases.
