Carolina Countdown — Carolina Mudcats
The Dash’s season begins in 16 days, so it’s time for our annual preview of the Carolina League. Over the next week, we will break down the Dash’s CL competition, both on and off the field.
Without further ado, here is the Countdown for the Mudcats.
INTRODUCTION: The Carolina Mudcats will be playing their third season in the Carolina League in 2014. Based in Zebulon, N.C., the Muddies are affiliated with the Cleveland Indians after now-defunct Kinston was the Tribe’s High-A club. The previous incarnation of the Mudcats played in the Double-A Southern League from 1991 until 2011.
LAST SEASON: The Mudcats finished in last place in the Southern Division in 2013, going 57–83 overall. They stumbled out of the gate, compiling a 22–48 record during the season’s first half. The Mudcats improved during the second half of the year, going 35–35 after the All-Star Break.
Second baseman Joey Wendle emerged as the team’s most productive position player, batting .295 with 16 home runs, 64 RBI and 10 stolen bases in 107 games. The Muddies’ offense also featured highly-regarded prospects Francisco Lindor and Tyler Naquin. Cody Anderson led the Mudcats on the mound for most of the year, posting a 9–4 record and 2.94 ERA in 23 starts en route to the Carolina League’s Pitcher of the Year honor.
MANAGER: Eddie “Scooter” Tucker will run the ship for the Mudcats in 2014 after guiding the Low-A Lake County Captains to a 51–84 record last season. During his playing career, Tucker was a catcher for three Major League seasons with the Astros and Indians, appearing in 51 games. He replaces 2013 skipper David Wallace, who moves on to manage Double-A Akron in the upcoming season. Tucker was previously the Mudcats’ hitting coach in 2012 under manager Edwin Rodriguez. Joining Tucker will be pitching coach Steve Karsay and hitting coach Tony Mansolino.
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SYSTEM: At the big league level, the Indians enjoyed a return to the postseason in 2013 under American League Manager of the Year Terry Francona. However, baseball experts attributed much of the Tribe’s first playoff surge since 2007 to an influx of newcomers from outside the organization.
In recent years, the Indians have done much better via trades to stock up their minor league ranks than via the draft. However, there are a few notable homegrown prospects, led by Lindor. The 20-year-old shortstop hit .306 in 83 games with the Mudcats in 2013, and he is regarded by many as one of the top 10 prospects in the minors. Another highly-touted prospect is 19-year-old outfielder Clint Frazier, who was drafted 5th overall by the Indians last summer and clubbed five home runs in the rookie Arizona League. He should see some time in Zebulon in the not-too-distant future.
BEST PROMOTION: Carolina is the only club in the CL that has yet to release its promotional schedule. However, they did decide to move their standard first pitch time up to 7 p.m. instead of 7:15 p.m. They also have the best Carolina League mascot outside of Winston-Salem in Muddy the Mudcat (see right). He has a face only a mother would love.
FUN FACT: During a game at Five County Stadium last season, Dash broadcaster Brian Boesch’s computer monitor was destroyed by an Adam Heisler foul ball that went directly into the booth. Later in the at bat, Heisler launched a 3-run homer that proved to be a key play in the 8–7 Dash victory over the Mudcats on July 21st. The photos and the audio are pretty hilarious, so check it all out here.
MUDCATS IN WINSTON-SALEM: The Mudcats pay their first visit to BB&T Ballpark June 6–8, and will return on June 28–30. The Dash will also host the Mudcats from August 22–25, which is the final home series of the 2014 season.
The Carolina Countdown will continue tomorrow with the Frederick Keys. Stay tuned!
- Dave
