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Morgantown Mohawks:
Record: 49-31 (1st in Bock)
Pace: 99-63
Preview Prediction: 89-73 (2nd in Bock, Wild Card)
What's gone right: The defending champs picked up right where they left off by winning with all around good baseball. This team has a rotation, bullpen, lineup, defense, power and speed to compete in all phases.
After losing long-time closer "Golden" to Free-Agency, the Mohawks entered 2016 with a question mark for the top bullpen spot. Enter Gustavo Almaraz who is now 4-0, 22 saves, 1.10 ERA and zero blown saves. Almaraz is the face of the IL's #2 ranked bullpen.
What's gone wrong: The umpires have it out for them in 2016. The Mohawks lineup is 11th in base on balls and the pitching staff is 10th in walks.
Grade: A
I shouldn't have doubted them. Morgantown is the defending champs and are currently on pace to set a franchise record in wins...possibly their first 100+ win team.
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Batavia Muckdogs:
Record: 42-40 (2nd in Bock)
Pace: 83-79
Preview Prediction: 92-70 (1st in Bock)
What's gone wrong: The loss of Todd Robideau and Diego Flores to Free-Agency, combined with the four month injury to JR Lowe has crippled the lineup. The Muckdogs are 9th in runs scored in the IL with no remedy in sight.
What's gone right: At least they can pitch. Currently 1st in runs allowed in the entire IL has kept them in the post-season hunt. A rebound season from closer Jarod Goldberg and career year from SP Jamie Combs, are All-Stars.
Grade: C-
A -5 PYT record at mid-season...feels eerily like last year.
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Windy City Blues:
Record: 36-45 (3rd in Bock)
Pace: 72-90
Preview Prediction: 74-88 (3rd in Bock)
What's gone right: The youth movement in the rotation has been impressive. Lead by 22-year-old David Teel and his 2.2 WAR, the Blues currently rank 5th in IL SP ERA. Chris Aguilar, Tom Wallace, Tom Pryor and Jimmy 'Long Haul' Cook are all 22-27.
What's gone wrong: They are one of the worst batting teams in the league. The $84M spent on 1B Dave Slack and the $25M on 3B Jimmy Nash has produced a combined -.5 WAR. The $65M spent on OF Travis Anthony looks better but he's already missed six weeks due to injuries.
Young team who hasn't figured out how to win on the road: 12-28. That's the worst in the IL.
Grade: C+
The Free-Agent signings haven't panned out but the pitching has grown up before expected. A good chunk of that #1 farm system isn't too far behind either.
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Carolina Tobs:
Record: 27-56 (4th in Bock)
Pace: 53-109
Preview Prediction: 45-115 (4th in Bock)
What's gone wrong: This could go down as one of the worst pitching years in BLB history. The Tobs are dead last in runs allowed not just in the IL but the entire BLB.
What's gone right: OF Ian Ledbetter and 1B John Montalbo are veteran sluggers who deserve better than this.
Grade: D+
They were expected to struggle but this pitching and defense combination is nauseating.
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Bock 2nd Half Outlook: Morgantown has their eyes set on the IL's number one seed. With Philly having to battle in the Stout, it's definitely obtainable. The Muckdogs are just one game back of the Wild Card and should compete down to game #162. They just need some luck this time around. The Blues rebuild is worth tuning in to while Carolina's is not.
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