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(AP)
Guess who's back...back again...that's right it's the DK. After having massive computer issues a desperate call was made in to an old Maine GM who got things back up and running. As we survey the landscape we see that California is once again back on top with a 5-2 week. The Kodiaks have the best record in the league at 37-15 and have a 100% playoff probability number. Not bad for a team that missed the playoffs 27 out of the last 31 seasons. They were bested though by several teams who all had huge weeks as Indy, Washington, Santo Domingo, and Pittsburgh all went 6-1. On the flip side New York went 0-6 and now find themselves 5th in the Stout. At six games behind Seattle for the final IL wildcard spot though there is plenty of time to make up ground.
Power Rankings
1) California Kodiaks (133.1, +)
2) Batavia Red Jackets (132.6, +)
3) Santo Domingo Rum Runners (132.1, +)
4) Syracuse Snappers (120.4, --)
5) Pittsburgh Millers (119.3, ++)
6) Indianapolis Racers (115.9, ++)
7) Washington Bats (114.4, ++)
8) Seattle Pilots (106.4, ++)
9) Baltimore Bulldogs (105.3, --)
10) Carolina Tobs (101.4, --)
11) Wilmington Clowns (95.9, --)
12) Los Angeles Dinos (91.8, +)
13) New Orleans Dukes (90.8, +)
14) Hartford Whalers (85.7, -)
15) Toronto Canadians (78.2, +)
16) Windy City Blues (75.2, ++)
17) Denver BC (74.6, ++)
18) New York Knights (71.5, --)
19) Miami Sharks (66.7, -)
20) Phoenix Roadrunners (65.1, --)
21) Maine Guides (58.5, -)
22) Montreal Exports (58.0, o)
23) Philadelphia Freedom (49.4, o)
24) Pawtucket Patriots (13.7, o)
Performance of the Week
LF Marco Taylor - The 22 year didn't miss a beat apparently during our absence as on May 25th he hit two home runs, drove in five, and scored three times in an 18-7 victory over the Dukes. He is the league leader in average, hits, home runs, OBP, SLG, OPS, WAR, total bases, XBH, OPS+, WPA...well you get the idea.
Injury of the Week
CF Bert Garza - He left the game two batters into the 1st inning on May 30th after throwing the ball from center to home and landing awkwardly on his left foot. He was diagnosed with a sprained ankle and will be out over a month. On the season he's hitting .294/.326/.479 with 7 HR's and 30 RBI's while starting 42 games in center.
Prospect of the Week
RF Curtis Noworyta - The 23 year old is ready to make the jump but for the time being is crushing AAA pitchers to the tune of .294/.403/.544 with 12 HR's and 34 RBI's. Drafted 1.1 overall by Toronto in 2033 he played 11 games with the Canadians last season but has spent his entire 2036 season so far in AAA. A local reported stated that "Bring Him Up" chants have been heard echoing around during Toronto home games.
Five Things We Think We Think
1. We haven't had anyone hit for the cycle in the BLB since August 12, 2034 when Archie Thorington did it for Wilmington against Philly. This week we had two of them, both on May 30th, as Indy's Manny Padilla and Denver's Tyrese Coleman both did it in five bats each. Padilla secured his with a triple in the 9th while Coleman hit a single in the 6th to finish his off after going home run, triple, double in his first three at bats.
2. Seattle's Manabu Hamada hasn't lost in 17 straight starts now and is 6-0 with a 2.35 ERA this season. Drafted in 2022 by Denver he's played for the BC, then Philly, and now Seattle over his 13 year career. He's a 3x All-Star and won the Pale Ale in 2030 and 2031 with Denver.
3. Part of the reason Pittsburgh traded slugger David Perry, who'd hit 152 home runs in just four seasons, to Seattle was because they had Gil Mandell wasting away in the minors. Perry is quietly hitting .247/.338/.586 with 17 HR's and 33 RBI's for the Pilots while making $1.5 million. Mandell was a 1st round pick back in 2030 and can't field or run, but at the DH spot he's hitting .336/.373/.641 with 18 HR's and 46 RBI's. He was recently named both the DL Batter of the Month and DL Rookie of the Month while winning last week's POTW award. What this offense will do next season without Robby Lee and RJ Kapper who knows but for now it's a fun ride.
4. We missed the end of the feeder league playoffs on our hiatus so late congrats to the Rice Owls, Chatham Anglers, and the Carroll Dragons. Rice defeated Oregon State 1-0 to take the best of three and win their first title since 2024. The Anglers secured their second title in three season by beating Hyannis two games to one while Carroll knocked off the Cathedral Devil Dogs two games to none to win their first ever high school championship. We look forward to eventually seeing players from all these teams on BLB fields someday.
5. All-Star voting has begun and so far Wilmington's JJ Plumley and Batavia's Marco Taylor lead their leagues in votes. The game isn't until July 15th so there is plenty of time to cast your ballot. Plumley has a slight lead over Seth Blankenhip (who continues to be on pace for a 50/50 season) while Taylor has almost doubled most vote getters with only California's Johnny Swope somewhat keeping pace.
Stat of the Week
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