Welcome to the inaugural blog of the Mile High Mustangs.  Success has been pretty sporadic for the franchise so far as the owner continues to struggle with understanding the subtle complexities of the game.  That being said, year three is off to a tremendous start.  Eight games over is brand new territory for the fledgling OOTP owner.  Season one looked promising at 82-80 that included a late season run at a division championship which fell short in the last couple sims.  Season two was a disappointing 80-82.  Especially disappointing because it took a late season surge to get to that point.  The high fan expectations plummeted by over 25 points throughout the coarse of the season.  Even with the great start this season we still struggle to get even 40,000 into the seats.  All that being said, this team is finally playing like they are supposed to and looks to be a real contender. 

The pitching staff is firing on all cylinders with a ridiculous 3.11 ERA despite losing two starters to injury.  AAA call ups Tim Berry (5-2, 3.10 ERA, 6.93 H/9) and Scott Wilson (3.26 ERA, 3 CG) are right at home in the majors.  When the staff gets healthy the Mustangs will likely be in the rare position of selling starting pitching.  There may be an opportunity there to further improve an already vastly improved offense.  As amazing as the starters have been, the bullpen is the true strength.  Their jaw dropping 2.63 ERA has protected leads and given the offense the opportunity to come back again and again.  Closer David Reynolds started off rocky but has hit his groove.  Special mention to Barry Johnson who is yet to allow a run in 17 IP.

Attention to defense in the inaugural draft is paying obvious dividends.  The team ranks #1 in defensive efficiency.  Center fielder Eric Black continues to be a dominant defensive presence, chasing down balls with reckless abandon and sporting a double digit zone rating yet again.

What has really translated to more wins however is the improved offense.  Tommy Harris was putrid last season after signing a huge free agent contract.  This year he is making a case for team MVP.  His .293 average is all the way up from .238 last season.  He is rolling with a .395 OBP and 37 RBIs and displaying an offensive prowess as yet unseen in a Mustang uniform.  Season one all stars Callum Ritchie and Jeff Wade are both returning to form after bad showings last season.  AAA call up Manuel Sanchez and free agent pick up German Hernandez have taken full advantage of their opportunities to help the cause.

It is early and things could easily break bad, especially in the insane competition of the Sparky Anderson division.  But if the Mustangs do sneak in to the playoffs, they are just the type of team that no one wants to see in a series.