The 2013 MLL draft has produced a number of quality players for their subsequent MLL teams. The New York Lizards Rob Pannell and Denver Outlaw’s Eric Law have really exploded onto the scene and are the front runners for the Rookie of the Year award. However, they haven’t been the only rookies to shine in the MLL as John Ranagan and Will Manny have provided much needed assistance for the Rochester Rattlers and Boston Cannons respectively, in their quest for an MLL playoff berth.
Rob Pannell, Attack, New York Lizards
What more can I say about Pannell that already hasn’t been said? The transition from the college level has been nothing but seamless as he has taken the reins as the quarterback of the Lizards offense. In six games he has 14 points and 10 assists, totaling 24 points which leads the team. He was rewarded for his performance in the first half of the season as he was named to the All-Star game in Charlotte this past week where he recorded three goals and handed out an assist as well. He is quickly becoming one of the best players in the MLL.
John Ranagan, Midfield, Rochester Rattlers
After being shutout in his MLL debut, Ranagan erupted with three straight games of three or more goals, including a four goal effort in the Rattlers 16-11 loss to the Hamilton Nationals back on June 22. He added one goal in each of the last two games before the break to finish with 12 goals as All-Star weekend occurred. His rare blend of size and athleticism have caused a problem for MLL defenses and he should continue to be a threat up top for the Rattlers as they hope to make the playoffs.
Will Manny, Attack, Boston Cannons
Manny has gotten better every week since cracking the Cannons starting lineup. He has 10 goals and eight assists for a total of 18 points on the season, good for sixth on the team. Manny has seen his role in the offense grow and has been hot as of late with two five point efforts in the last three games played. He also had a three point effort in between those five point games to give him 13 points over that stretch of time. Look for him to continue to put up big numbers as the veterans on the team seem to trust him more, and the addition of Stephen Berger to the offense will surely help Manny’s assist total.
Scott Ratliff, Defense, Boston Cannons
The former Greyhound has been an integral part of the defense since Day 1. He has appeared in six games for the Cannons and has been an animal, especially in the ground ball game. He has 22 ground balls on the season and two points as well. He has seen time all over the defense and seems to be adding a little bit of a threat to the transition game as well. Ratliff will continue to see time at both close defense and long stick midfield as the Cannons try and take advantage of his versatility.
Eric Law, Attack, Denver Outlaws
Law is probably neck and neck with Pannell in the Rookie of the Year vote as it stands. Law has seamlessly worked his way into the starting lineup and provided yet another weapon to an already explosive Outlaw offense. On the season he has 23 points in only five games played. The most startling statistic is his effectiveness shooting the ball, as he currently holds a .720 shooting percentage on the year, far and away the best in the league. His ability to get himself a high percentage shot or finish the ball has helped make this Outlaw offense seemingly unstoppable.
Mike Sawyer, Midfield, Charlotte Hounds
Sawyer has been a constant scoring threat for the Hounds this season. He started off his rookie campaign by recording five games of two or more points before being shutout in the Hounds 17-14 loss to the Boston Cannons right before the All-Star break. Sawyer was also named Cascade Rookie of the Week for his three point performance in May during his MLL debut. He was also a late replacement for the All-Star game and should continue to be a bright spot for the Hounds this season.
Tucker Durkin, Defense, Hamilton Nationals
Durkin has appeared in seven of the 10 games the Nationals have played this year and he has been one of the main cogs on defense for the team. He has 12 ground balls on the season, including a season high five in a 12-10 loss to the New York Lizards back in June. He has also held his own against some of the league’s best players, most notably his performance in keeping Rochester Rattler attackman Ned Crotty to one point in their 16-11 win back on June 22.
Logan Schuss, Attack, Ohio Machine
Schuss has been one of the lone bright spots for a dismal Ohio Machine team. He has scored 17 points and handed out two assists for the Machine. He has recorded two four point games and erupted for a six point game against the Boston Cannons, albeit in a losing effort. He also ranks third in points behind Steele Stanwick and Joe Cummings. Schuss should continue to be one of the only bright spots on the team as they lock up the worst record in the league and subsequently the first overall pick in next year’s draft.
