Editorial by Joe Gordon
Boggstown – When the Boggstown Boilers mid season stats were released by manager Jack McKeon I expected to be underwhelmed with what the team has accomplished to this point of the season. From watching the games, it was clear that single season juggernaut Babe Ruth was not performing up to expectations, Wade Boggs was floundering in the top 4 of the lineup, Max Bishop was not walking and (shockingly enough) George Brett was way off his usual ASB season averages.
The team is obviously struggling. A KCBL paltry .393 team on-base percentage, a .311 batting average and only 6.8 runs per game have carried the Boilers to unfamiliar territory. Last place.
Widely considered the best player in the league, perennial MVP George Brett has posted a career low 11 hits to this point in the season putting him on pace for a 17 hit season. Compared to his average 30, Brett seems to be for the first time as a Boiler, struggling to find his stroke. This factor, combined with 0 home runs, 2 doubles and only 9 RBI from his lifetimer has McKeon shuffling the lineup faster than a Vegas Casino.
Babe Ruth’s return to Boggstown for the first time since the All-Star Baseball Classic victory in 2008 was marketed as Zeus returning to Mt Olympus. His .550 OBP, .474 BA and 2 walks have Ruth walking among ordinary men (granted, the high-end of ordinary men)… He does account for two statistical bright spots. His 6 home runs and 42 total bases give him a fighting chance at respectability with his power numbers.
The up side for McKeon’s squad is that things could not get any worse. With more steady performances form Bishop (.415 OBP), Boggs (.457 OBP), Brett and Ruth, the Boilers could return to contention. Looking for statistical improvements from 4 key players is a tough game to play… But if any team, and any combination of players can do it, THIS might be it.
Boggstown Boilers statistics through 8 games of the 2011 KCBL:
