Wow- what a crazy 1st month for the Steelheads. Nobody would have predicted a .500 record through the first 24 games, but here we are and the Steelheads are sitting in first place in the Frontier League's West division with a 15-9 record.
The young team has really gelled early and are clearly the surprise of the league.
Here are some of the highlights:
Aggressive base running has the Steelheads leading the league in stolen bases with 38, SS Jim Quirk leading the way with 16.
An early injury to struggling CF Bartlett has moved LF-Riggs into a full time role and he is relishing the chance, leading the team with 5 home runs.
1st overall expansion pick Augusto Baca is 2-1 with a 2.17 ERA and 30 strikeouts in 37 IP.
Team is 3rd in the Frontier League runs and hits.
Also 2nd in defensive efficiency.
Through 24 games the main challenges have been:
No 5th starter has emerged as both Pat MacDonald and rookie Lou Wilson have struggled.
Pitchers have given up 29 homeruns so far, 8th in the Frontier League.
The team is striking out at a crazy pace with 206 in the first month.
GM LT on various topics:
On Bartlett's timetable returning from injury: 'Pat is doing well recovering from the broken rib, he is about 2 weeks away.'
On the recent trade involving 2B MacPherson, Riel, McDonald: 'We liked all of those guys but really felt like we had a chance to acquire a player, Andy Reed, with some real versatility (2B and CF) and a strong bat. The team is strong on defense and has some speed, but needs more pop - Reed, when healthy can provide that for us. We expect to see him suit up in a week to 10 days time.'
On whether there will be more deals: 'I don't see much more movement at this time. I think we need to evaluate our guys and see how they fit both short term and over the long haul.'
And finally on whether the team can keep the winning going: 'We need to remain realistic about where we are in the process. This is a first year club with a lot of very young, inexperienced players. We are thrilled to be 15-9, in first place, and are excited about our young talent. But we are in it for the long haul and the development of the youthful talent at all levels of this organization. I think the guys can continue to grow and surprise the Frontier League in the 2017 season, but to think we won't have some setbacks is a little unrealistic.'
1st month MVP
In a tough call, SS Jim Quirk is the Steelheads MVP for April.
Minor Leaguer to Watch
Bob Cahill, 5-0 in AAA and pitching very well.
Lots of firsts were achieved in April of 2017, onto May and hopefully another exciting month for the fans of the Idaho Steelheads.
