Sioux Falls Canaries Mid-Season Review: Canaries Call
At 18.5 games out of first place in the North Division of the American Association, the Sioux Falls Canaries are likely just waiting for the season to end, and to prepare themselves for what they will do this off season. Their .357 winning percentage (25-45) is the second worst in the league, and with both Winnipeg and St. Paul in their division, this season may be a wash at this point.
Looking at their batting and pitching statistics, it is easy to see why they have the second worst record overall. After all, they have the second worst batting average and the second worst ERA in the American Association. At .263 they are just three points ahead of Fargo-Moorhead, and their 307 runs scored is just 11th in the league as well. Their one bright spot is that they have hit 57 home runs, ranked fourth in the AA. Their pitching staff has a 5.17 ERA and has an opponent batting average of .300, just eight points ahead of last place Amarillo. While the 57 home runs they have hit are an impressive number, they are negated by the fact that the Canaries staff has yielded the most home runs in the league with 62.
Top Canaries Player: This is a team lacking many stars in the lineup, so it is necessary to dig a little deeper to find a player having a solid season. The player is 1B A.J. Kirby-Jones. Kirby-Jones is hitting .273 so far this season with 13 home runs and 41 RBI. His 13 home runs are sixth in the league. The 5-10, 230 pound slugger has also clubbed 15 doubles and walked 35 times this year.
Top Canaries Pitcher: Alan DeRatt is having the best season on a staff where not many are having credible seasons on the mound. The 6-5, 235 pound right-hander is 1-4 on the season and has saved 12 games. He has a 3.60 ERA in 26 appearances, which include 25 innings pitched, yielding 30 hits and six walks, while striking out 19. His command is one of the most appealing aspects of his game.
Season Outlook: The Sioux Falls Canaries are not making a dramatic comeback to win this division, so their focus is on playing well and looking to next season. They need some serious improvement in many areas, but still have enough talent to stand in the way of the other teams who are trying to get into the playoffs. Considering that Winnipeg and St. Paul are both currently in the playoffs and Fargo-Moorhead has a chance to catch either team, Sioux Falls could have a great deal to say about who gets in.
By Robert Pannier
Senior Baseball Editor