Notes From the Bench

Roman arrives as advertised

Anyelo Roman

The Seacoast Mavericks had high expectations for Dakota State University infielder Anyelo Roman when he signed with the team earlier this year and rightfully so. Roman ranked seventh in NAIA Division 1 baseball with 17 homeruns this spring, shattering the previous school record of 11.  He also batted .366 with 55 RBI and earned an astounding OBP of .723 for the Trojans.

After a sluggish start where he managed only three hits in first 16 at-bats, Roman has since exploded, going 11-for-20 with 4 homeruns over the last five games. He now has 5 homeruns, a new Mavericks team record (stats include yesterday’s suspended game at Martha’s Vineyard which is yet official).

To put things into perspective, only five players in the FCBL had five or more home runs last season. Single season home run recordholder Jeremy Matos’ reign (13) is in jeoprdy with Roman’s five dingers and Conor Bierfeldt (Torrington) and Chris Shaw (Nashua) at four each with only a quarter of the season completed.

On Monday, Roman was named FCBL’s Player of the Week for his performance.

Dani Vicnete led the Mavericks with 4 homeruns last season.

Dennis Torres

Former Mavericks pitcher Dennis Torres has reported to the Baltimore Orioles for rookie ball. Torres signed a deal and will be spending his first professional season playing in the Gulf Coast League. True to his roots, Torres is always quick to let us know how things are going. We will have updates through the summer.

Bobolts impresses

Kyle Bobolts has impressed the Mavericks and fans with his ‘do anything for the team’ attitude. Bobolts has played second base, shortstop, thirdbase, outfield, and recently earned his first FCBL start, a result of a solid relief effort early last week.

On June 17^th, Bobolts pitched four hitless innings, striking out five, in Seacoast’s 9-2 win over Martha’s Vineyard. Five days later, Bobolts gave Coach Bonehill six solid innings, allowing two runs, both unearned, while striking out six Wachusett batters. The Mavericks prevailed with a 10-2 win, avenging and the Dirt Dawgs walk-off win earlier in the week.

Bobolts has a perfect 0.00 ERA and has struck out 11 batters in 10 innings in his two appearances. In addition, he has been a threat at the plate, batting .324 with one homerun and 5 RBI.

Injuries

Tommy Chase continues to recuperate from a back injury that has kept him on the shelf all season. Ryan Coppinger had surgery for a broken hand late last week. The cast has been removed and he should be able to begin rehabilitating over the next week. Juan Pablo Diaz reports the muscle strain in his torso has improved and should be eligible to pitch in matter of days. Diaz long tossed earlier over the weekend and said he felt good.