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James Maner
Starting Pitcher | London Mustangs
Pitching
Maner can get into trouble with walks, and there's concern about him being able to maintain his stuff over the whole season. Maner has to keep the ball down, especially against lefties, or he gets hit hard and often. He can hit 90 MPH but is too smart to try to get his fastball past most hitters. He comes right after righthanded hitters, who are lucky even to reach base against him, but he works more carefully to lefties.
Defense & Hitting
A quick pickoff move and a slide step prevent runners from stealing bases. He tends to fall off slightly to the first-base side of the mound, making him vulnerable to bunts toward third base. He makes up for that minor flaw by being aggressive in fielding his position. Maner is a surpisingly good hitting pitcher. And I'm not sure you can say this about a pitcher, but Maner has some pop in his swing. Interesting sidenote, The London Mustangs have been known to use Maner as a pinch-runner on occasion.
2025 Outlook
The London Mustangs signed him to a long-term contract, but don't think they won't drop Maner like a hot potato if something better comes along.
-- Ska Nyman, A-Ball Scout
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