The Singapore Merlions have locked up the #1 overall pick in the IBL for the 2nd straight year following a 43-113 campaign in the first year of an extensive rebuild. Despite the disappointing finish there were a few bright spots for the Merlion faithful, perhaps the most promising was the Merlions finishing 6-4 in their last 10 games following some late season call-ups. The most impressive of these late season debuts was CF Mabarak Mohammed who in 17 big league games posted a .262 Average along with 6 HR’s, Mohammed was brought over from the Mumbai Cobras prior to the 2109 season in one of the many offseason moves by the Merlions. Another bright spot for Singapore was 2107 1st round pick C Saud Naji, in 17 games in the IBL he had 7 doubles and 14 RBI’s showing the capability to be a force in the middle of the Merlions lineup for years to come.
Pitching Woes
One of the largest struggles for the Merlions was on the mound, the starters combined for a 5.61 ERA which was worst in the IBL. However, the Merlions have a good set of prospects that are nearing the major leagues and will break into the starting lineup in the next few years, 2 of these guys who made their debut for the Merlions in 2109 are Ravishankar Rukmini who spent his first full season in the IBL and posted a 4.08 ERA along with 125 K’s in 31 starts. Another late season call up who showed great promise was Habtamu Kipanga who was brought over from the Northwest Emeralds in the 2109 Pre-season, Kipanga posted a 3.97 ERA and 19 K’s in 4 starts. The Merlions are looking for some more young talent to step up next year and make an Impact in the Big Leagues.
Stories to watch
In the coming offseason there are some stories to watch for the Merlions.
-What direction will they go with the #1 Pick
The Merlions will look to continue to add elite prospects throughout the offseason and as they approach the draft. The Merlions have a need to upgrade their Infield prospects, but you can also never go wrong with elite pitching prospects so it will be interesting to see what direction they decide to go.
-Relocation?
There has been some reports from within the Merlion organization of interest in relocating the team, there are many possible cities being discussed. Stay tuned for more updates on the status of the Merlions search for a new home.
-What young prospects make their way to the bigs in the 2110 season
The Merlion farm system is loaded with prospects who are inching closer to the Major Leagues, It will a race to the big leagues between many guys, including 2109 #1 pick Amri Jalil, 23 year old LF Jeremias Valrio, 24 year old pitcher Dimitre Lezhnez, and many other prospects. The Merlion Organization is looking upwards and those around the clubhouse cannot wait to see this young talent make it to the show.
-Ryan Beadle
Merlion Beat writer for the WBA Times
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