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Los Angeles Dinos:
Record: 49-34 (1st in Lager)
Pace: 96-66
Preview Prediction: 83-79 (3rd in Lager)
What's gone right: The new hands on approach by GM Jimmy is the main reason for the early success. The Dinos front office has been busy all year making the necessary roster changes that plagued the club in 2015. The roster is almost exactly the same but the Dinos are on pace to surpass last years win total by nearly 20 wins.
The lineup features five of the top three in fan votes for their positions: 2B Bobby Marrero, 3B CJ Genuario, SS Marco Lona, LF Jamie McPherson and RF Pat St. Thomas. They have combined for 60 home runs thus far on a team that is first in the DL in SLG%. The rotation is lead by SP Pat Yahn, who is having one of the best seasons in BLB history: 13-1, 1.05 ERA, .80 WHIP and 154 K.
What's gone wrong: Projected to be their Achilles heel, the bullpen has as bad as advertised. The Dinos are 8th in RP ERA, despite youngster Tom Wood's very impressive first half: 12 SV, 1.77 ERA, .96 WHIP.
Grade: A+
This team isn't without flaws but this year the team is actively making adjustments and major transactions in efforts to improve. Everyone knew this was a very talented team but we didn't know if they were committed to winning. Clearly, they are.
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Dallas Sharks:
Record: 46-36 (2nd in Lager)
Pace: 91-71
Preview Prediction: 89-73 (2nd in Lager)
What's gone right: As expected, the Sharks are winning with pitching and defense. The rotation boasts a 2.66 ERA and CL Reynaldo 'Stinger' Jimenez is up to his usual All-Star levels.
The biggest surprise is likely CF Nelson Herrera's offensive output. Known for his defense (2015 DWI) and speed (168 career SB), Herrera is hitting .310 with a 120 OPS+. His career bests prior, were .286 and 99, respectively.
What's gone wrong: Staying healthy. Last years DL leader in WAR, 2B Danny Romero is about to head to the disabled list for the third time this season. Also despite good output from their closer and set-up men, the Sharks currently rank 9th in the DL in bullpen ERA.
Grade: B+
On pace for almost exactly what was predicted is impressive when the team has been without their MVP for almost half of their games.
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New Orleans Dukes:
Record: 39-42 (3rd in Lager)
Pace: 78-84
Preview Prediction: 95-67 (1st in Lager)
What's gone wrong: CF Katsunori Oto's strained hamstring is the story of the first half as the Dukes have struggled to replace his bat, glove and leadership. Last years team MVP has been replaced by OFs Jamie Margulies and Geoff Dicks, who have a combined .3 WAR. In 2015, Oto was 2nd in the DL at 6.8 WAR.
After finishing 3rd in the DL in runs in 2015, the Dukes are 10th in 2016. However, Oto's absence isn't the sole reason to blame for the Dukes sudden struggle to score. Regulars David Soto, Jamie Rikard and Dave Paton are all hitting in the .183-.188 range while combining for a -1.2 WAR. They totaled a +3.7 in 2015.
What's gone right: Luckily their pitching has kept them respectable. Lead by a career year from SP Enrique Andujar, the veteran heavy rotation boasts a 3.30 ERA, good for 4th in the DL. The rotation boasts four starters in the 2.1-2.5 WAR range.
While not projected as a strong point in the preview, the back end of the bullpen has been just as good as the rotation. Closer David "Sheriff" Rodriguez and the righty-lefty set-up duo of Chaz Landis and Ted Gifford lead the 4th ranked bullpen at 3.20 ERA. Despite seven first half losses, "Sheriff" is 22/24 in save opportunities.
Grade: D+
Even with the absence of their MVP, the Dukes should be playing better baseball than this. They currently sit nine games back and in third place behind Los Angeles and Dallas. The pitching has kept them afloat but they should have been at least .500 with this much talent.
Fortunately Oto is set to return and the Dukes are just 4.5 back of a Wild Card spot. His presence in the lineup and roaming center will be felt immediately. If he can stay healthy in the 2nd half, this team should compete for a post-season spot.
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Denver Baseball Club:
Record: 37-45 (4th in Lager)
Pace: 73-89
Prediction: 72-90 (4th in Lager)
What's gone wrong: For a rebuilding team, Denver's biggest disappointment was probably seeing their top prospect SP Tom Reed partially tear his labrum in his BLB debut. He's expected to fully recover and should return shortly after the All-Star break.
What's gone right: As expected, the defense and bullpen are near tops in the BLB. The team is clearly showing it's identity and the league has taken notice. Hits won't be easy to get on this defense and come from behind wins will be rare.
R.J. "Basher" Manning is trying to make the case that he's still the best closer in baseball.
Grade: C+
Steady on course. Baby steps.
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2nd Half Outlook: No one should be surprised to see Los Angeles on top of this division with the talent they have on the roster. However, the biggest factor in them being 1st, Dallas 2nd and New Orleans 3rd, is health. If the Dinos avoid the injuries that have plagued the Sharks and Dukes, they should win the Lager for the ninth time in ten years. Expect Dallas and New Orleans to compete for the Wild Card spots.
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