Moncton(CP) - If you look at the standings early in the season, you will
see a few surprising young teams at the top, one of whom is the Moncton
Moose. Moncton (28 - 18) has held the wildcard in the DL for the past fwe
weeks now and have looked very good, dispite a key injury to Jeff Halloney
that will keep him out for the majority of the season and a less than
average offense. Moncton also plays in the Data division, one of the
tougher in the league, which includes Phoenix and Washington, making it near
impossible to make the playoffs.
So how have the Moose kept it up, pitching. Moncton, as of May 26th, have
the best team era (3.14) in the PVBL. Just three years ago, the Moose had
the worst pitching staff in the league by a whole point or two. Now, Most
of Moncton's pitching staff are youngster's just comming into their own.
But the main difference has to be the addition of veteran righty Mike
Mussina, who has signed as a free agent during the offseason. "I like to
lead by example, I'm not the kind of guy to give a speech before a game."
said Mussina on his new role.
And the rotation has picked it up as a conseguence. Guys like Hal Cruz
and Brian Bevil are both having great seasons thus far, and Mark Mulder,
Solomon Torres and Jeff Hallony (before the injury) picking up where they
left off last season. The Bullpen has been just as effective as the
starting rotation, again, comprised mainly of youngsters. the five main
players are Joe Hetrick, Matt Anderson, Bill Drahman, Larry Scott and Ron
Villone, with their era's this season ranging from .61 to 2.93.
Although this team still has a lot to prove, it is nice to see that they
do have a future. But as for now, Moncton is in need of a young shortstop
with CH and SP. Kevin Elster has been less than spectacular and with the
vitoeing of the Renteria deal, we've got no one to turn to. I would be
willing to deal the 4th overall pick in the ammy draft, young pitchers
Glendon Rusch and Jose Barnowski and much more is avaiable. If a deal can
not reached before the draft, look for the Moose to take a ss with thier
pick.
