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07/08/2058
It seems like we might never have to change the PR logo again as the Voodoo just keep rolling. This past week they, along with Windy City and LAD, posted the leagues best 5-2 record. The Voodoo now have an amazing 9.5 game lead in the Lager, which is truly amazing when you look at their division mates records. Meanwhile the Dinos have built a nice 4.5 game lead in the Bock, while the Blues are still blue at 13 games under .500. They did go 16-10 in June, and now 5-2 in July...so don't give up quite yet Chicago fans. Meanwhile the Exports went 1-6 to fall back to 41-42 on the season, and 15.5 games back. If only they were in the Ale.
Power Rankings
1) New Orleans Voodoo (126.4, o)
2) Los Angeles Dinos (112.0, +)
3) Santo Domingo Rum Runners (104.6, +)
4) Seattle Pilots (103.4, ++)
5) Washington Bats (102.6, -)
6) Wilmington Wildcats (102.6, --)
7) Phoenix Roadrunners (101.3, ++)
8) Toronto Canadians (100.5, +)
9) Dallas Drillers (98.5, +)
10) New York Cyclones (95.9, --)
11) California Kodiaks (92.9, ++)
12) Maine Guides (92.3, ++)
13) Baltimore Bulldogs (90.3, -)
14) Indianapolis Clowns (87.8, ++)
15) Montreal Exports (84.9, --)
16) Hartford Whalers (84.7, -)
17) Carolina Tobs (83.9, --)
18) Windy City Blues (78.9, ++)
19) Pittsburgh Millers (75.2, +)
20) Denver Bulls (73.0, -)
21) Batavia Muckdogs (70.6, -)
22) Pawtucket Patriots (68.9, +)
23) Syracuse Snappers (63.6, -)
24) Philadelphia Freedom (62.6, o)
Performance of the Week
Rice Cochell - The second round pick from 2052 is wild as ever, but when he's on, he is on. This kid throws five pitches that can make any batter look silly, and can hit 101mph on the gun. His only downfall is his control. This past week though against Syracuse he was firing on all cylinders. Over 8.0 innings he allowed just one hit, no runs, no walks, and struck out 13 as the Rum Runners won 3-1. On the year he's now 8-6 with a 5.04 ERA and 1.53 WHIP. He's only 23 though, so if he can find a cure for the wildness he could turn into one of the most dominant pitcher in the league.
Prospect of the Week
C Steven Hall - What a phenomenal jersey Steve is rocking with the Rockford Playboys, the Blues AA team. Hall was the 8th overall pick in this years draft, and at 20 years old skipped the Rookie League and A ball. A few raised their eyebrows at the organizations plan with him, but he has quickly put those doubts to rest. So far in just 15 games he's hitting .426 with 7 HR and 13 RBI while posting a 255 OPS+. Not only can he hit, but scouts love his ability behind the plate too. The BLB has gone through a drought it seems at the catcher position, but with guys like Hall coming up those days might be over.
Five Things We Think We Think
1. It's fitting that Houston Yap and Val Schmit were the players of the week, as both hitters have been red hot. Yap still leads the entire league with 31 HR and 70 RBI, and has a decent chance of reaching 60 home runs on the season. In the history of the league, one player has reached the 60 mark, Turell 'Two Ton' Morris. The now 47 year old set the league afire in 2030 when he hit an unbelievable 69 home runs. He followed it up a year later when he crushed another 60. Since then the closest we've come was J.D. 'Hurricane' Rice who hit 59 in 2043. Schmit meanwhile was just traded to Baltimore where he's become en fuego. In 18 games so far as a Bulldog he's hitting .371 with 6 HR and 19 RBI, while putting up a 210 OPS+. Yap is just 26, while Schmit is only 25. Looks like they, and their teams, have some great years ahead of them.
2. Syracuse did not expect to be 32-52, and in last place in the Ale, yet here they are. Meanwhile skipper Robby Rufe did not expect to be fired, and unemployed, yet here he is. Let go on July 3, the first year manager for the Snappers lasted all of 79 games. The previous time he was manager was in 2056 for Maine. He lasted 120 games that season before getting the axe. To his credit the season before he guided the Guides to an 86-76 record and did make the playoffs, which was his first season managing in the majors. The 61 year old Rufe was drafted in 2018 out of Clemson by Toronto, and was with the organization until 2032. He played sparingly in the BLB from 2026 to 2031, where he started 170 games and hit .276. Maybe the Canadians could bring Rufe home and find a spot for him in their minors. You know, for old times sake.
3. The top three teams in ZR are still Seattle (+26.68), Maine (+26.66) and Los Angeles (+20.82). Baltimore is in fourth, but they are down over eight points from LAD at +12.04. Those four teams are the only teams with a positive double digit ZR on the season...and their records are 47-39, 43-30, 51-34, and 45-40. The Pilots are also first in opponents average, Los Angeles is second, Baltimore is sixth, and Maine is twelfth. Defense and pitching baby, we always knew that was the magic combo.
4. Don't look now but the California Kodiaks have the top minor league system in the land...and by a lot. With 210 prospect points, they lead second place Windy City by 46, and last place Baltimore by 208. With Rory Elia Jr. coming in second overall, they boast three players in the Top 15, five in the Top 50 and nine in the Top 100. Eight of those nine happen to be hitters, which will work out perfect in a few years. With lone prospect Chase Lowe on the mound, the other eight can play in the field. So basically the 2058 Toronto Canadians.
5. What's on tap? This week we get some interleague love to see who's the best in all the land. With potential Brewmasters Cup match-ups in New Orleans at Washington, Seattle at Hartford, and Phoenix at Santo Domingo what could be better. Streak wise Dwight Bell (PHO) and Josh Plautz (MON) have homered in three straight games, while Conner Cook (SEA) hasn't lost in 10 straight starts. That's all for now. We'll look to do better next time.
Stat of the Week
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| Most Seasons Appeared In Since Last Home Run (Top 25 Players, Active Players Only) |
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