American Association All-Star Break Review: Cleburne Railroaders
In American Association Daily, this is the unofficial All-Star break in the American Association, so Robert Pannier takes a look at Cleburne Railroaders and how they have performed to this point in the season as well as looks at what to expect from the Railroaders heading down the stretch.
A Look at the Cleburne Railroaders: Summary
Record: 20-39, Fifth (23 Out in South Division)
Team Batting: Avg: .238 (T-11th), HR: 48 (5th), R: 231 (11th), SB: 51 (6th)
Team Pitching: ERA: 4.70 (11th), Saves: 11 (12th), WHIP: 1.52 (9th)
Team Leaders
Batting: Blake Grant-Parks (.312)
Home Runs: Levi Scott, Cameron Monger, Patrick Palmeiro (8)
RBI: Patrick Palmeiro (34)
Runs Scored: Levi Scott, Cameron Monger (31)
Stolen Bases: Cameron Monger (13)
Pitchers:
Wins: Shawn Blackwell (5)
ERA: Michael Gunn (2.77)
Saves: Shawn Blackwell (9)
IP: Jared Mortensen (79.0)
The Cleburne Railroaders Highlights
This team has continued to produce an outstanding pitching staff behind a core group led by Jared Mortensen, Michael Gunn, Josh Hodges, and Shawn Blackwell. This group helps to keep the team in games each and every night and has a great deal of talent that contenders will likely be chasing as the trade deadline approaches.
While the hitting has not delivered as expected, there is a great deal of power in this lineup. Three guys have at least eight home runs the season and none of them are named Rafael Palmeiro. His son Patrick is one, however, and along with Levi Scott and Cameron Monger this group of hitters will likely set a franchise record for home runs this season.
The Cleburne Railroaders Low-Lights
In just their second year in existence, the Cleburne Railroaders are facing many of the same issues that they faced last year. This has been a team that has some outstanding pitching, but the hitting has struggled for the second straight year. There are outstanding hitters on this club, but they have simply not produced and that has relegated this team to a bottom two finish in the South.
Manager (Yes, we said MANAGER) Shelby Ford took over the Cleburne Railroaders under some very trying circumstances and has been forced to accept the title of Director of Player Personnel all season long. To be honest, that’s an embarrassment. That he has handled it in a humble and understanding way is a testament to the character of Ford, but the mismanagement around the termination of the previous manager and the hiring of its new one says a great deal about who is running the club. If this team is going to be a true contender one day, there needs to be some drastic changes at the top.
Top Player – Blake Grant-Parks
This has been a year of some incredible catchers in the American Association and Blake Grant-Parks is one who can put his name at the top of that list. The catcher has hit .312 in 42 games with three homers and 19 RBI, and has been a true leader on this club. He has handled the pitching staff well and it is quite surprising that he is not found his way onto an affiliate club by this point.
Top Pitcher – Jared Mortensen
Jared Mortensen may not be just the best pitcher on Cleburne, but may be the best pitcher in the American Association. He has put up impressive numbers, posting a 2.85 ERA in 11 starts, striking out 74 in 79.0 innings pitched. The former AAA Hurler has been as dominant of an ace as a team could ask for and no one should be surprised to see his name talked about as the trade deadline approaches.
Prognosis
The Cleburne Railroaders have been relegated to the bottom of the division for the second year in a row, as a lack of hitting has really hurt the team. However, the issues with this team go much deeper than the players on the field. The coaching staff has done an amazing job at keeping this team motivated each and every night, and that is demonstrated in how hard they play in each contest. Now, if only management could provide the same commitment to the team as its players and coaching staff, this is a team that could be a real force next season.
By Robert Pannier