American Association Daily provides insights, features, and recaps of the action from around the American Association of Professional Baseball League, as well as player and coaching profiles and transactions. In today’s edition, Rob Pannier takes a look back at the first half of the 2023 American Association season for the Gary SouthShore RailCats including who is their MVP and top pitcher and discusses the prognosis heading forward.

The Gary SouthShore RailCats Tale of the Tape

(Ranking in American Association listed in parenthesis)

Overall Record: 25-33 (6^th in East, 11^th Overall)

Home Record: 12-19 (12)
Away Record: 13-14 (7)
Last 10: 5-5

Batting:

Average: .259 (10)
Homeruns: 33 (12)
Runs Scored: 281 (11)
Slugging %: .365 (11)
On-Base %: .341 (11)
Stolen Bases: 96 (T-3)

Pitching:

ERA: 5.00 (4)
Saves: 11 (T-8)
Walks: 244 (8)
Strikeouts: 454 (5)
Opponent Average: .266 (8)

Fielding:

Fielding %:  .975 (8)
Errors: 51 (8)

First Half Recap

The Gary SouthShore RailCats may be the biggest disappointment of 2023. There were very high expectations for this club as Manager Lamarr Rogers looked like he had put together a very talented club that was ready to compete in the East Division. However, after a positive 10-8 May, the club has gone 15-25, including going 9-18 in June.

The RailCats pitching staff was on fire in the first month, posting a 3.92 ERA, but saw that number increase by nearly two full runs in June. The club has continued to struggle to put up any kind of consistent offense, which is a surprise. Gary SouthShore produced 132 runs in 27 June contests, an average of nearly 4.9 runs per game, but the club gave up 172 runs, an average of nearly 6.4 per contest. That played an integral part in the team’s swoon, as they simply could not stay competitive.

This tough stretch really began on May 29 when the team defeated the Milwaukee Milkmen in the first contest of their four-game series, then dropped the next three, starting a run where the team dropped 11 of 13, including five of six at home to the Cleburne Railroaders. The RailCats did take two of three in Kane County and split two games with the Kansas City Monarchs before the All-Star break, so there is hope that the club has a chance, especially considering that they are just four games behind second-place Cleburne.

What Went Right?

The good things start with Gio Diaz. The rookie is hitting .315 with 32 stolen bases, second in the league. He has scored 46 times in 54 games, and has chipped in 23 RBI. Jesus Marriaga, LG Castillo, Francisco Del Valle, and Michael Woodworth are one of the most talented groups of young outfielders in the league, with each hitting better than .260.

The bullpen has been very solid for the RailCats as well. DJ Wilkinson has been impressive in the closer’s role, and Aaron Phillips and Jared Price have each pitched well. Edward Cuello (3.78), John Sheaks (4.57), and Harrison Francis (4.75) have given the team a solid 1-3 in the rotation. Overall, the team ranks fourth in ERA.

What Went Wrong?

The lack of run production has been a serious problem for this team. They are last in home runs, not surprising for the RailCats, but are 11th in runs scored, slugging percentage, and on-base percentage. The problem is that in a hitter’s league, teams need to be able to score to win on a consistent basis, and the RailCats simply cannot do that.

Sam Abbott was traded after setting a club record with 20 home runs last season, and it looks like the team may not have a hitter reach double digits this season. It is too much to ask this team to scratch out six or seven runs every single night to win contests.

Top Pitcher: DJ Wilkinson

DJ Wilkinson has to be considered the top pitcher on this club. With eight saves and a 2.45 ERA in 26 appearances, the right-hander has proven to be one of the best relief pitchers in the American Association. He has given up an earned run in just seven of his 26 appearances and is 3-2.

Top Hitter: Jesus Marriaga

While Gio Diaz deserves consideration for this as well, the biggest offensive force for the RailCats has been Jesus Marriaga. The outfielder is hitting .289 with five home runs, 33 runs scored, and 43 RBI. His RBI total leads the team, and he is fourth on the club with 11 stolen bases.

Marriaga is one of those players that seldom gets much recognition, but his numbers are solid. He entered the All-Star break on a five-game hitting streak, producing three two-hit performances in that stretch. At one point he was hitting as high as .311 but cooled off to .275 before catching fire just before the break. The club won five of their final six contests entering the All-Star break, and Marriaga was a combined 8-21 with three runs scored and five RBI in that stretch.

Where Will Gary SouthShore RailCats Be on September 4?

You honestly never know what to expect with Gary SouthShore. When Greg Tagert was the manager, they consistently got better as the season went along, so it would not be surprising to see them get on a late season run. However, the RailCats struggled after the All-Star break last year, and the lack of run production is going to be a detriment to this club. One has to simply ask him or herself if these bats will finally catch fire and lead this club to the postseason. Unfortunately, with the other five teams better situated to make a late season run, it looks like the RailCats will be on the outside of the playoff picture once again.

By Robert Pannier