Brandon Maurer is in the process of making his mark his next league. He ran a 10+ K/9 with that 3:1 K/BB ratio, then got bumped up to the Cal League. His first start wasn't brilliant (5 IP, 7 hits, 2 runs (1 HR) but no walks and 4 Ks) but a good getting-your-feet-wet experience for the 20 year old - or for most anyone in that league, really.
Today's second start: 8 IP, 3 hits, no runs, no walks, 9 Ks. Dominant.
Okay, not exactly afraid of the Cal League there...
I was mildly curious to see if he'd recovered his form after a lot of time in instructionals last year and very little game action. His Australian league pitching was good over the winter, but that doesn't count for a lot.
I did not expect him to come out and start laying down the law. He has great potential, but he's turning it into mighty fine Actual as he climbs the minor league ladder. He was good in the desert in 08, in Pulaski in 09 and now that he's back on track he's taking it to the hitters in A and A+ this year, with legit stuff.
Paxton, Walker, Maurer, all out of the gate with startling alacrity...and we still haven't seen bonus babies Shipers or Taylor or Campos yet. Some of our finesse pitchers have disappointed so far (Beavan not finding his touch, French bombing out, etc...tho Erasmo has been good) but some of the power arms are bringing it.
I'd rather have the #1-3 potential guys working out and the #4-5 guys struggling, all things considered, so this is a perfectly acceptable outcome for me. :)
~G
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