How are the ABL US imports doing this season?

While technically not an 'Oz MLB players' story, I am interested to see how US-based players who played in the ABL perform back in the US leagues. With things starting to progress through the minor league season, I thought it might be worth checking in on some them to see how they are progressing. It is a bit of a mixed bag really, quite a few players have stepped up to AA for the first time, and are not quite hitting their straps - some others are doing real well.

Quincy Latimore has stepped up to AA this year for the Altoona Curve. Through 42 games he has posted an average of .219 (34-for-155) with just 9 doubles and 2 home runs. Probably a bit of a slower start than Latimore would have liked, and his strikeout rate continues to be a concern - he has struck out in 47 of 155 at bats (30%).

Latimore's teammate from the Bite, James McOwen, has also made the step up to AA this year, and is faring a little better. Playing for the Jackson Generals, McOwen has a .252 average (40-for-159) with 9 doubles and 4 home runs.

From the Heat, Ronnie Welty has also entered his first year of AA, with the Bowie Baysox. Like McOwen and Latimore, he is not yet putting up huge numbers, with an average of .212. He does though have seven home runs.

Alongside Welty is Robbie Widlansky - who is in his second year of AA with Bowie - and he is hitting .256 with 14 doubles, three home runs and 28 RBIs.

Also at Bowie is ex-Heat pitcher Cole McCurry. McCurry recently commented that he felt the ABL was a big help to him coming into the American summer, as his arm was in 'midseason form' at the start of the season. His numbers so far certainly support that. They speak for themselves really, and I think they are worth calling out:

• 11 appearances in relief
• Record of three wins and zero losses
• 27 innings pitched
• 12 hits
• One run
• 34 strikeouts

McCurry has not allowed a run in his last 24 innings of work, while picking up 32 strikeouts.

Wow.

Also on the pitching front, Brandon Maurer has had quite a solid start to the year. He started out in Class A with the Clinton LumberKings, where he struck out 44 hitters over 37 innings, mainly as a starter. He put up a record of 1-3, with a 3.41 ERA, and was promoted to Class A Advanced  with the High Desert Mavericks (seriously, I can't get enough of these awesome names). He has pitched in two games for the Mavs, including one just yesterday in which he pitched an eight-inning, three-hit shutout. Remarkably he got a no decision, when the opposition (the Modesto Nuts!!!) put up five runs in the ninth inning. In his two starts for the Mavericks, he is 0-1, with 13 innings pitched. He has given up 10 hits, 2 runs, and has struck out 13 (with zero walks). So things are looking pretty good for him.

We might check in later in the year to see how things progress.