Posts
The St. Croix River Bandits (3-2, 6-6) avoided a losing streak beating the Hudson River Rats 3-2 on Saturday afternoon. Adam Lewis started on the hill for the Bandits, pitching 7 2/3 strong innings, giving up only 3 hits, and 2 earned runs.
The Bandits were no-hit through 5 innings, but put the first run on the board in the top of the 6th inning when Nick Johnson hit an RBI single scoring Kyle Kahl. The Rats answered back in the bottom of the 6th with two runs of their own.
The Bandits tied the game in the top of the eighth inning. Cory Gebhard reached on an error and stole his eighth base of the year. Matt Vold collected his second hit of the day, scoring Gebhard from second base.
Gus Koecher led off the top of the ninth inning with a double, his second in as many days. Koecher would come off the field with a tweaked hamstring - replaced by Marcus Campbell. Michael VanderPlas answered with another double, scoring Campbell and giving the Bandits the 3-2 lead they would hold.
Will Ball pitched 1 1/3 innings of relief, getting four straight outs and nothing the win.
This marks the latest in the season that the Bandits have had a) a winning conference record and b) a .500 overall record. Congrats Bandits. Keep up the competitive baseball. The Bandits next games are at home on 6/18 vs. River Falls (always a challenge) and away vs Elmwood 6/19.
Game Balls
1) Gus Koecher 2-4, R, 2B
2) Matt Vold 2-4, RBI
3) Adam Lewis -Will Ball 9IP, 2ER, 6K, 9BB, WIN,
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Bandits find nothing but water and misery in Menomonie
The St. Croix River Bandits (2-2, 5-6) dropped another game to Menomonie in Menomonie in what was another rainstorm. In the past 3 outings to Menomonie the Bandits have played a total of 13 innings. The game made it until about the bottom of the third inning before the rain started coming down, and took only another inning for it to come down steady and hard.
The Bandits gave up a leadoff homerun to Stout Junior, Jake Duske - and it did not get much better from there. Duske would finish the day going 3-3 with 2 homeruns and a double in Menomonie's 7-0 rout of the Bandits in 5 innings.
Everything the could go wrong for the Bandits did. Bandits caught stealing, caught advancing extra bases, balls dropping between fielders, and more. The Bandits strengths turned against them Friday night and got worse as the rain started pounding.
Menomonie's team is loaded with some good baseball players, and even their outs were some hard hit knocks. The game could have been closer in score, but the Eagles had this one well in hand before the game ended after the 5th inning.
Trevor Todd took the loss for the Bandits - going 2 2/3.
Gus Koecher hit a double to deep center field for the Bandits, but ended up getting thrown out at third base on a spectacular relay from center to shortstop to third base.
The Bandits gave up a leadoff homerun to Stout Junior, Jake Duske - and it did not get much better from there. Duske would finish the day going 3-3 with 2 homeruns and a double in Menomonie's 7-0 rout of the Bandits in 5 innings.
Everything the could go wrong for the Bandits did. Bandits caught stealing, caught advancing extra bases, balls dropping between fielders, and more. The Bandits strengths turned against them Friday night and got worse as the rain started pounding.
Menomonie's team is loaded with some good baseball players, and even their outs were some hard hit knocks. The game could have been closer in score, but the Eagles had this one well in hand before the game ended after the 5th inning.
Trevor Todd took the loss for the Bandits - going 2 2/3.
Gus Koecher hit a double to deep center field for the Bandits, but ended up getting thrown out at third base on a spectacular relay from center to shortstop to third base.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Bandits Mug Braves, 8-5.
The St. Croix River Bandits (2-1, 5-5) defeated the Osceola Braves for the first time on home soil Sunday, June 5th. Trevor Todd started the game for the Bandits, but the early story was the Bandits bats. The Braves started former UW-La Cross pitcher Mark Zurbriggen and the Bandits got to him early.
Cory Gebhard led off the bottom of the 1st with a single. Recently graduated SCF senior Nick Johnson stung a double to right centerfield scoring Gebhard, who had stole second. Matt Vold poked a single through the infielders. Steve Siqueiros walked to load the bases with no outs. Gus Koecher struck out, followed by a Michael VanderPlas fielder's choice, forcing Siqueiros out at 2nd base and scoring Johnson from third base. Kyle Kahl followed by hitting an RBI single, and Scott Lindholm walked to reload the bases with 2 outs and with a 3-0 lead. Bandits rookie Brock Luehman hit a bases clearing double to left centerfield giving the Bandits a 6-run cushion to start the game.
Trevor Todd cruised through the first three innings. Todd wriggled out of jams unscathed in the 4th and 5th inning, but the Braves finally posted a run in the top of the 6th inning thanks to some shaky Bandits defense which commited two errors in the inning.
The Bandits, meanwhile, added another run in the bottom of the 4th inning with Johnson's 2nd double of the day. Johnson was scored by Matt Vold who slapped another bloop single into right field. Johnson would finish the day 4-4 with 2 runs, 3 doubles, a stolen base, and RBI.
The Braves were down 7-1 going into the top of the 7th inning when they finally made a run. Todd started off the inning by striking out CF Pete Droher, but then allowed a single to LF Ryan Rugg and double to C Nick Collins. Todd was lifted for Bandits rookie and recently graduated Unity alum Luke Nelson. Nelson's debut started off a little rocky giving up a walk to RF Ryan Rybicki and single to Braves veteran SS Dave Measner. Nelson struck out 3B Brady Flaherty for the 2nd out of the inning with the Bandits still leading 7-3. 1B Tyler Pilz would reach on a costly error and DH Tom Roberts followed it up with an RBI single, cutting the lead to 7-5. Nelson was able to strike out 2B Darcy Nelson to end the inning.
The Bandits would add another run in the bottom of the eighth inning. Scott Lindholm walked, and advanced to 2nd base on a wild pitch. Brock Luehmann knocked him in with his 2nd single and 4th RBI of the day.
Luke Nelson shut down Braves in the 8th and 9th inning, capturing six consecutive outs to close out the game.
The win puts the Bandits at 2-1 in conference play, the Braves dropping to 0-1. Bandits next games are Friday June 10th @ Menomonie - 7:30pm start and Saturday @ Hudson - 1pm start.
In years past the Bandits would probably have thrown this game away. The Bandits showed a lot of grit in sticking this one out and not giving up when the chips seemed to be down when Osceola had a big inning. Congrats Bandits.
**NOTES**
Game Balls:
1) Brock Luehmann 2-4, 2B, 4RBI
Nick Johnson 4-4, 2R, 3 2B, RBI, SB
(too tough to pick!)
3) Trevor Todd 6 1/3 IP, 6H, 3R, 2ER, 9K, 3BB, WIN
Unheralded Hero(es) of the Game:
Luke Nelson - playing in his first game as a Bandit he pitched 2 2/3 innings, allowed only 2 hits and a walk while striking out four, and allowing two run, none earned.
Brian Jacobson - for bringing it all together.
MIA (had a whopping 18 guys in the dugout):
Adam Lewis - typhoid sickness
Austin Whittenberger - mountain climbing
Cory Gebhard led off the bottom of the 1st with a single. Recently graduated SCF senior Nick Johnson stung a double to right centerfield scoring Gebhard, who had stole second. Matt Vold poked a single through the infielders. Steve Siqueiros walked to load the bases with no outs. Gus Koecher struck out, followed by a Michael VanderPlas fielder's choice, forcing Siqueiros out at 2nd base and scoring Johnson from third base. Kyle Kahl followed by hitting an RBI single, and Scott Lindholm walked to reload the bases with 2 outs and with a 3-0 lead. Bandits rookie Brock Luehman hit a bases clearing double to left centerfield giving the Bandits a 6-run cushion to start the game.
Trevor Todd cruised through the first three innings. Todd wriggled out of jams unscathed in the 4th and 5th inning, but the Braves finally posted a run in the top of the 6th inning thanks to some shaky Bandits defense which commited two errors in the inning.
The Bandits, meanwhile, added another run in the bottom of the 4th inning with Johnson's 2nd double of the day. Johnson was scored by Matt Vold who slapped another bloop single into right field. Johnson would finish the day 4-4 with 2 runs, 3 doubles, a stolen base, and RBI.
The Braves were down 7-1 going into the top of the 7th inning when they finally made a run. Todd started off the inning by striking out CF Pete Droher, but then allowed a single to LF Ryan Rugg and double to C Nick Collins. Todd was lifted for Bandits rookie and recently graduated Unity alum Luke Nelson. Nelson's debut started off a little rocky giving up a walk to RF Ryan Rybicki and single to Braves veteran SS Dave Measner. Nelson struck out 3B Brady Flaherty for the 2nd out of the inning with the Bandits still leading 7-3. 1B Tyler Pilz would reach on a costly error and DH Tom Roberts followed it up with an RBI single, cutting the lead to 7-5. Nelson was able to strike out 2B Darcy Nelson to end the inning.
The Bandits would add another run in the bottom of the eighth inning. Scott Lindholm walked, and advanced to 2nd base on a wild pitch. Brock Luehmann knocked him in with his 2nd single and 4th RBI of the day.
Luke Nelson shut down Braves in the 8th and 9th inning, capturing six consecutive outs to close out the game.
The win puts the Bandits at 2-1 in conference play, the Braves dropping to 0-1. Bandits next games are Friday June 10th @ Menomonie - 7:30pm start and Saturday @ Hudson - 1pm start.
In years past the Bandits would probably have thrown this game away. The Bandits showed a lot of grit in sticking this one out and not giving up when the chips seemed to be down when Osceola had a big inning. Congrats Bandits.
**NOTES**
Game Balls:
1) Brock Luehmann 2-4, 2B, 4RBI
Nick Johnson 4-4, 2R, 3 2B, RBI, SB
(too tough to pick!)
3) Trevor Todd 6 1/3 IP, 6H, 3R, 2ER, 9K, 3BB, WIN
Unheralded Hero(es) of the Game:
Luke Nelson - playing in his first game as a Bandit he pitched 2 2/3 innings, allowed only 2 hits and a walk while striking out four, and allowing two run, none earned.
Brian Jacobson - for bringing it all together.
MIA (had a whopping 18 guys in the dugout):
Adam Lewis - typhoid sickness
Austin Whittenberger - mountain climbing
Bandits take victory in first Bandits Bash round robin.
The Bandits played two games on May 28th, the first - a 8-0 victory versus the East Bethel Bandits. Will Ball started the game for the Bandits, and was treated to an early 3-0 lead. Cory Gebhard led off with a walk, followed by a Brock Leuhmann double. Matt Vold drew first blood with an RBI single, followed by a Steve Siqueiros RBI fielder's choice. Michael VanderPlas scored Siqueiros with a double to left centerfield.
The Bandits had a real life scare in the bottom of the third inning when pitcher Will Ball had a line drive come back up the middle and hit him directly in the face. Ball left the game (but would later return with six stitches and a smile) and was relieved by Bandits veteran Adam Lewis. Lewis pitched 4 2/3 strong innings, allowing only 3 hits, 3 walks, and striking out 5, and yielded no runs.
The Bandits knocked out 12 hits in the 7 inning game, including 5 doubles.
The Bandits second game of the day came against the St. Paul Mud Hens. The Mud Hens took an early 4-0 lead after 2 1/2 innings, but the Bandits bats came alive again in the bottom of the finish 3rd and 4th innings. The Bandits added 3 runs in the 3rd thanks to a walk and three singles. The 4th inning provided 3 more run, the Bandits playing station to station baseball - grinding out 4 singles and a walk to take a 6-4 lead.
Trevor Todd finished the game strong allowing no hits and only one walk over his last 4 innings pitched in his 3rd Bandits victory of the season.
**NOTES**
Game Balls
1) Matt Vold 5-8, 3R, 2B, RBI
2) Brock Luehmann 3-6, 4R, 2B, 2RBI, BB, SAC Fly, SB
3) Bandits Pitching (Ball, Lewis, Todd): 14IP, 10H, 8BB, 12K, 3ER, 2 WINS
The Bandits had a real life scare in the bottom of the third inning when pitcher Will Ball had a line drive come back up the middle and hit him directly in the face. Ball left the game (but would later return with six stitches and a smile) and was relieved by Bandits veteran Adam Lewis. Lewis pitched 4 2/3 strong innings, allowing only 3 hits, 3 walks, and striking out 5, and yielded no runs.
The Bandits knocked out 12 hits in the 7 inning game, including 5 doubles.
The Bandits second game of the day came against the St. Paul Mud Hens. The Mud Hens took an early 4-0 lead after 2 1/2 innings, but the Bandits bats came alive again in the bottom of the finish 3rd and 4th innings. The Bandits added 3 runs in the 3rd thanks to a walk and three singles. The 4th inning provided 3 more run, the Bandits playing station to station baseball - grinding out 4 singles and a walk to take a 6-4 lead.
Trevor Todd finished the game strong allowing no hits and only one walk over his last 4 innings pitched in his 3rd Bandits victory of the season.
**NOTES**
Game Balls
1) Matt Vold 5-8, 3R, 2B, RBI
2) Brock Luehmann 3-6, 4R, 2B, 2RBI, BB, SAC Fly, SB
3) Bandits Pitching (Ball, Lewis, Todd): 14IP, 10H, 8BB, 12K, 3ER, 2 WINS
Bandits drop first game to Bay City, 13-8.
The St. Croix River Bandit s (1-1, 2-5) dropped their third straight game on May 15th vs. the Bay City Bombers. It marked their first conference loss of the season, and the first loss to Bay City since the team first started playing in 2008.
The Bombers took control of the game in the top of the 4th inning. The Bombers had a runner on second base with two outs in the inning, with the game tied 1-1. Bay City's #9 hitter Tyler Eggenberger hit a 1-2 curveball, with two outs, over the left field fence for a homerun. The Bombers added three more runs with two outs on the board to grab a 6-1 lead.
The stunned Bandits managed only one hit over the next three innings. Meanwhile, the Bombers added another run in the 5th inning and five more runs in the 6th - amassing a 12-1 lead through six and half innings.
The Bandits finally rallied in the bottom of the 7th inning. Scott Lindholm doubled to right center followed by Cory Gebhard's first homerun as a Bandit. Brock Luehmann singled, followed by walks to Steve Siqueiros and Michael VanderPlas. Austin Whittenberger singled in a run, cutting the lead to 12-5. Kyle Kahl hit a 2-run double to left centerfield. The Bandits added one more run on a Trevor Todd fielder's choice - ending the inning down only 12-8.
Unfortunately the Bandits could not muster the magic for another inning - getting as far as loading the bases in the bottom of the 9th inning but failling to get any runs across. Trevor Todd took the loss for the Bandits, pitching 4 1/3 innings, allowing 7 runs, 6 earned, 10 hits, 4 walks, and 8 strikeouts.
**NOTES**
Game Balls
1) Cory Gebhard - 2-5, 2B, HR, 3RBI
2) Scott Lindholm - 2-4, 2R, 2 2B, BB
3) Michael VanderPlas - 1-1, 3BB, HBP, 2B, SB, 2R
The Bombers took control of the game in the top of the 4th inning. The Bombers had a runner on second base with two outs in the inning, with the game tied 1-1. Bay City's #9 hitter Tyler Eggenberger hit a 1-2 curveball, with two outs, over the left field fence for a homerun. The Bombers added three more runs with two outs on the board to grab a 6-1 lead.
The stunned Bandits managed only one hit over the next three innings. Meanwhile, the Bombers added another run in the 5th inning and five more runs in the 6th - amassing a 12-1 lead through six and half innings.
The Bandits finally rallied in the bottom of the 7th inning. Scott Lindholm doubled to right center followed by Cory Gebhard's first homerun as a Bandit. Brock Luehmann singled, followed by walks to Steve Siqueiros and Michael VanderPlas. Austin Whittenberger singled in a run, cutting the lead to 12-5. Kyle Kahl hit a 2-run double to left centerfield. The Bandits added one more run on a Trevor Todd fielder's choice - ending the inning down only 12-8.
Unfortunately the Bandits could not muster the magic for another inning - getting as far as loading the bases in the bottom of the 9th inning but failling to get any runs across. Trevor Todd took the loss for the Bandits, pitching 4 1/3 innings, allowing 7 runs, 6 earned, 10 hits, 4 walks, and 8 strikeouts.
**NOTES**
Game Balls
1) Cory Gebhard - 2-5, 2B, HR, 3RBI
2) Scott Lindholm - 2-4, 2R, 2 2B, BB
3) Michael VanderPlas - 1-1, 3BB, HBP, 2B, SB, 2R
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Bandits lose obligatory game to Isanti
The Bandits (1-0, 2-4), gluttons for punishment, took their annual beating from the Isanti Redbirds. The Bandits lost 11-0, and as usual, looked competive until the 5th inning when Isanti blew the windows off the door with a 6-run inning. The Bandits went without a hit, and struck out nine times. Bandits pitching struggled with control - walking 12 batters over six innings, and hitting to batsmen. Surprisingly, the Redbirds which have 8 hitters that have the potential to go yard - had no home runs - so that must be a positive...
Bandits split with Cubs
The Bandits (1-0, 2-3) split a double header versus the Minneapolis Cubs on May 7th . The Bandits had a field day offensively, pounding out 11 hits in the first game and 8 hits in game two. The Bandits took the first game 5-1, behind the bats of Matt Vold (3-4 2runs) and Scott Lindholm (2-3, HR 2RBI). Trevor Todd started for the Bandits and scattered seven hits, recorded twelve strikeouts and gave up only one earned run.
The Bandits jumped out to an early 8-1 lead in game two against the Cubs, but couldn't hold onto the lead. Starting pitcher Jim Rochford struggled in his first outing pitching only 3 1/3 innings, letting up eight earned runs, allowing five hits and five walks. The Bandits bats hit a brick wall in the fourth inning, managing only two more hits over the last four innings. The Cubs were able to break the tie off of newcomer Blake Yunker in the top of the fifth inning getting an RBI single to take the lead. The Bandits lost the game 9-8.
NOTES
Game Balls
1) Trevor Todd - Win, 6IP, 12k, 1ER,/ 2-3, RBI, 2B, BB
2) Matt Vold - 3-7, 2R, 2RBI / Steve Siqueiros 3-7, R, 2B, SB, 2RBI
3) Cory Gebhard - 3-9, 2R, 5SB
The Bandits jumped out to an early 8-1 lead in game two against the Cubs, but couldn't hold onto the lead. Starting pitcher Jim Rochford struggled in his first outing pitching only 3 1/3 innings, letting up eight earned runs, allowing five hits and five walks. The Bandits bats hit a brick wall in the fourth inning, managing only two more hits over the last four innings. The Cubs were able to break the tie off of newcomer Blake Yunker in the top of the fifth inning getting an RBI single to take the lead. The Bandits lost the game 9-8.
NOTES
Game Balls
1) Trevor Todd - Win, 6IP, 12k, 1ER,/ 2-3, RBI, 2B, BB
2) Matt Vold - 3-7, 2R, 2RBI / Steve Siqueiros 3-7, R, 2B, SB, 2RBI
3) Cory Gebhard - 3-9, 2R, 5SB
Bandits Win Conference Opener
The St. Croix Bandits (1-0, 1-2) drew first blood in the conference - being the first team to win a game at the expense of the Plum City Blues with a score of 5-2. Trevor Todd started on the mound and pitched six scoreless innings before giving up two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning. Will Ball relieved Todd and ended up with the three-inning save.
The Bandits scored their first two runs in the top of the fifth inning. Kyle Kahl led off with a walk, followed by a Scott Lindholm single. With runners on the bases, Will Ball and Brock Leuhmann both put the ball in play and the Blues defense put up two big errors, allowing Kahl and Lindholm score.
The Bandits grabbed three more run in the top of the seventh, notching 4 singles, and an HBP - including RBI singles by Steve Siqueiros and Adam Lewis with two outs in the inning. The Blues finally found some offense in the bottom of the seventh inning getting two walks and a single off of a tiring Trevor Todd before recording any outs. Will Ball came into the game and struck out two batters. However, a goofy error on a ball in play allowed two runners to score before the Bandits would get their last out of the inning on the same broken play - catching the Blues trying to stretch another base on the play.
Ball would finish the game giving up only and other single and walk over the last two innings.
NOTES
Game Balls
1) Trevor Todd - WIN, 6IP, 2ER, 9K, 2H
2) Will Ball - SAVE, 3IP, 0ER, 3K, 1H
3) Steve Siqueiros - 1-5, 2RBI - broke game open with 2 out 2 run RBI in 7th.
The Bandits scored their first two runs in the top of the fifth inning. Kyle Kahl led off with a walk, followed by a Scott Lindholm single. With runners on the bases, Will Ball and Brock Leuhmann both put the ball in play and the Blues defense put up two big errors, allowing Kahl and Lindholm score.
The Bandits grabbed three more run in the top of the seventh, notching 4 singles, and an HBP - including RBI singles by Steve Siqueiros and Adam Lewis with two outs in the inning. The Blues finally found some offense in the bottom of the seventh inning getting two walks and a single off of a tiring Trevor Todd before recording any outs. Will Ball came into the game and struck out two batters. However, a goofy error on a ball in play allowed two runners to score before the Bandits would get their last out of the inning on the same broken play - catching the Blues trying to stretch another base on the play.
Ball would finish the game giving up only and other single and walk over the last two innings.
NOTES
Game Balls
1) Trevor Todd - WIN, 6IP, 2ER, 9K, 2H
2) Will Ball - SAVE, 3IP, 0ER, 3K, 1H
3) Steve Siqueiros - 1-5, 2RBI - broke game open with 2 out 2 run RBI in 7th.
Bandits Non Conference Opener
The St. Croix Bandits dropped their first two games of the season back in April to perennial powerhouse Blaine Fusion. The Bandits lost the games 2-1, and 1-0. The Bandits took the lead in the first game 1-0 in the top of the seventh and final inning. Cory Gebhard reached on an error and stole 2nd base. Bandits veteran Steve Siqueiros drove Gebhard in with a two-out single to left field. The Fusion bounced back in the bottom of the seventh - scoring 2 runs off a single, a couple walks, and then a game-winning single.
Game two was more of the same. The Bandits struggled to get hits, but the Bandits pitchers kept the Fusion hitters off balance. Newcomer Kurt Gehrman pitched five innings, giving up no runs, and scattering three hits. The Bandits Will Ball was tagged with the loss, giving up the only run in the game in the bottom of the seventh and final inning.
With only three hits in the game, there aren't too many stars to give out. Kurt Gehrman had a wonderful debut (but in retrospect it would be short lived as Gehrman would later injure his arm - putting him out for the season). However, this is a much better showing than the 2009 game where the Bandits where outscored 12-4.
Game two was more of the same. The Bandits struggled to get hits, but the Bandits pitchers kept the Fusion hitters off balance. Newcomer Kurt Gehrman pitched five innings, giving up no runs, and scattering three hits. The Bandits Will Ball was tagged with the loss, giving up the only run in the game in the bottom of the seventh and final inning.
With only three hits in the game, there aren't too many stars to give out. Kurt Gehrman had a wonderful debut (but in retrospect it would be short lived as Gehrman would later injure his arm - putting him out for the season). However, this is a much better showing than the 2009 game where the Bandits where outscored 12-4.
Monday, June 6, 2011
2011 St. Croix River Bandits
The Bandits began their 5th season of play this April. It seems not so long ago that the Bandits traveled up to Quamba for their first taste of men's amateur baseball. Of the original roster, only five players remain active for the Bandits. The 2011 season brings the first season in which young players Matt Vold, Gus Koecher, and Cory Gebhard can compete from start to finish as they are all now in college. The Bandits also have added IF Brock Luehmann (formerly of the Hager City Skeeters) from Amery, SCF high schoolers: Nick Johnson, Marcus Campbell, Blake Klopfer, Nathan Graveson, Unity high schooler Luke Nelson, and Drew Walker (Centuria) and Blake Yunker (SCF).
The Bandits will be losing longtime friends and everyday players Michael Chelberg and Curtis Roebuck. Chelberg moved out to Denver to get a real job. He played in 75 games over 4 seasons, batting .240 with 38 runs, 22RBI, 4 2B, and 13 SBs. Chelberg was the most improved player last season, batting .333 in 60 plate appearances and posting a .447 OBP. Michael will be remember for his socially borderline behavior and antics. Michael twice tried to steal third base....with a Bandits already occupying the base, and gave up a double when intentionally walking a batter.
Curtis Roebuck played 59 games over 4 years and will be focusing more on the homelife - now with 2 kids to raise. Curtis may have only batted .185 for the bandits, but he was a stalwart in the field, playing whichever position was called upon and never lacked for hustle. We will remember Curtis for his intensely dry sense of humor and his superhuman power of facial hair growth.
The Bandits have 24 games scheduled - 16 of which are conference games. The Bandits strength this season should be speed, youth, and athleticism. Season Prediction: 9-7 conference, 13-11 overall.
The Bandits will be losing longtime friends and everyday players Michael Chelberg and Curtis Roebuck. Chelberg moved out to Denver to get a real job. He played in 75 games over 4 seasons, batting .240 with 38 runs, 22RBI, 4 2B, and 13 SBs. Chelberg was the most improved player last season, batting .333 in 60 plate appearances and posting a .447 OBP. Michael will be remember for his socially borderline behavior and antics. Michael twice tried to steal third base....with a Bandits already occupying the base, and gave up a double when intentionally walking a batter.
Curtis Roebuck played 59 games over 4 years and will be focusing more on the homelife - now with 2 kids to raise. Curtis may have only batted .185 for the bandits, but he was a stalwart in the field, playing whichever position was called upon and never lacked for hustle. We will remember Curtis for his intensely dry sense of humor and his superhuman power of facial hair growth.
The Bandits have 24 games scheduled - 16 of which are conference games. The Bandits strength this season should be speed, youth, and athleticism. Season Prediction: 9-7 conference, 13-11 overall.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)