Cameron Maybin went 4-4 yesterday with two doubles and two runs scored. Since his demotion to New Orleans in mid-May, Maybin has been spectacular hitting .345 with 3 HR 23 RBI five triples and seven stolen bases in 55 games. Plate discipline did Maybin in during his time with the Marlins, but he’s had much better success with the Zephyrs walking 26 times versus 38 K’s. Despite his stratospheric power potential, Maybin has not developed as a middle of the order hitter yet. At just 22 years old, there’s plenty of reason to believe that it will develop. I am encouraged by his high line drive rates that he has posted since being sent down. Over the last month, Maybin’s line drive rates have hovered at around 28 percent. For a guy that has been criticized in the past for hitting too many groundballs, this is an marked improvement, giving further evidence that he is getting better leverage out of his swing.
Maybin has an assortment of first year autos from the various Bowman sets that are currently hovering in the $15-20 range—about 40 percent below their Opening Day totals. Maybin is playing his way back into the Marlins’ lineup and will likely perform better in his next go around. Current Marlins RF Jeremy Hermida’s name has been bantied around in trade rumors and after being swept by the Phillies over the weekend, the team’s trade deadline dial may have been shifted from “BUY” to “SELL”. If a spot opens in the Marlins’ OF, Maybin is definitely the first name to be recalled.
Michael Bowden made a successful return from the DL yesterday by tossing five no-hit innings for Pawtuckett, walking four and striking out five. Like Hermida, Bowden’s name has been bantied about in trade rumors both this season and last as a key prospect in bringing a final piece for the Red Sox’s title run. Bowden’s numbers in June were terrible (1-2 6.28 ERA and 8 HR allowed in 28.2 IP) but he seems to have things working well in July allowing just one earned run in two starts. He’s not been sharp with his control during that stretch, walking a batter an inning, but history has proven that he typically has good command of his pitches. I have long maintained that he is not a future staff ace, rather a mid-rotation innings eater in the mold of Jeff Suppan. Developmentally, he’s blocked by too much talent ahead of him and a pennant race in Boston, but should be an immediate callup if he gets shipped to a different organization.
Today’s top player is a back to back selection. Allen Craig blasted two HR’s yesterday and drove in four runs raising his average to .275 and giving him 11 HR and 40 RBI on the season. The spike in power (he hit a homerun on Saturday as well) seems to be a direct result of a more aggressive approach at the plate. He’s walking less and striking out more often over the last 10 games (2 BB/10 K). This was also an issue during May where he had his best power month. While swatting 4 HR and 12 RBI, Allen also compiled a dismal 5 BB/30 K’s. He’s shown in the past that he can meld power with plate discipline which gives me hope that he can do it again.
AAA Player of the Day—ALLEN CRAIG
Other Notable Performances
Hitting:
- Brian Duglach—3-4 2B R
- Scott Sizemore—1-4 2B R 2 RBI
- Alcides Escobar—2-4 R SB(35)
- Brendan Katin—2-3 HR(20) 2 RBI 2R BB
- Allen Craig—2-4 2 HR(11) 4 RBI 2R
- Mario Lisson—1-4 HR(9) 3 RBI
- Eric Young Jr.—3-4 2R SB(50)
- Eric Patterson—3-4 HR(9) RBI 3R 2B
- Daric Barton—1-4 HR(9) 2 RBI
- Brandon Allen—1-3 HR(12) RBI
- Sean Rodriguez—1-4 3B RBI
- Trevor Plouffe—2-4 HR(7) RBI
- Drew Stubbs—2-5 2B 2 SB(35)
- Chris Valaika—2-5 2B R 2 RBI BB
- Cameron Maybin—4-4 2 2B 2R BB
- Gaby Sanchez—1-4 HR(9) 2 RBI 2R
- Jai Miller—1-4 2B R 2 RBI BB
- Jovanny Rosario—3-5 3R 3B RBI
- Chin-Lung Hu—2-4 3 RBI
- Julio Borbon—3-4
- Yorandy Ramirez—3-4 RBI
- Matt Tuiasosopo—1-4 HR(1) RBI
Pitching:
- Andrew Carpenter—7 IP 3H ER BB 8K
- Brandon Hynick—6 IP 5H 2 ER 2 BB 3K
- Michael Bowden—5 IP OH 4 BB 5K
