Today is the Blue Rocks' first day off of the season. Let's assess the season so far.
The Blue Rocks are 7-12, tied for third place (and last) in the Carolina League Northern Division, 6.5 games back. The team batting average of .221 is last in the league, and the staff ERA of 3.86 rates seventh out of eight.
About the stolen bases the Blue Rocks have promised? Their 44 steals lead the league by far (Frederick is second at 29). But the Rocks have been caught 22 times, also tops in the league. It's nice to steal bases but being caught one of three times is not ideal.
Catcher Jeff Howell is hitting .359, He only has one home run, but it was a blast (and a grand slam) to center field in Frawley Stadium. So, Howell shows some promise when it comes to providing power. The league has no standout HR hitter at this point. Only five players in the league have hit three or more homers, with just one having four, Frederick's Matt Wieters.
Also hitting well so far are right fielder Joe Dickerson (.344), infielder and reigning league player of the week Kurt Mertins (.339) and third baseman Josh Johnson (.267, 12 walks, .476 OBP).
No one else is hitting better than .222.
On the mound, the standout is reliever Tyler Chambliss. He has three saves in six games with a 1.54 ERA. Everett Teaford and Greg Holland, who every time through the rotation alternate as starter and first reliever, have been effective. Teaford is 1-0 with one save and a 1.04 ERA. Holland is 0-1 with one save and a 3.00 ERA, but has 20 strikeouts in 13 and two-third innings.
As for staff ace Blake Wood, he has had his ups and downs. He is 0-1 in four games with a 5.29 ERA, with 20 strikeouts, 17 hits and six walks in 17 innings pitched.
The Blue Rocks start a six-game homestand Friday night at 7:05 against Winston-Salem. Saturday, the first fireworks show of the season follows the 6:05 game. After a 1:35 game Sunday, Frederick comes in for three games, starting with 6:35 starts Monday and Tuesday, and then an 11:05 a.m. game Wednesday.
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