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06/30/2059
After going 1-5 two weeks ago the Snappers looked to be out of it. Then they go 6-0 this past week to move to 41-42 and into the third spot in the Wildcard race. Talk about your quick turnaround. Other top weeks were LAD and New York who each went 6-1. The Dinos are now only 2.5 games out of the Import Wildcard, while the Cyclones hold the top Wildcard spot. On the other side of life Dallas went 1-6, while Philly had the sad unicorn by going 0-7, and being outscored by 29 total runs.
Power Rankings
1) Baltimore Bulldogs (125.1, o)
2) Seattle Pilots (115.4, o)
3) Wilmington Wildcats (115.4, o)
4) Pittsburgh Millers (112.3, ++)
5) New York Cyclones (111.8, ++)
6) Toronto Canadians (106.7, -)
7) California Kodiaks (103.5, -)
8) Montreal Exports (98.6, --)
9) Syracuse Snappers (96.9, ++)
10) Washington Bats (94.2, +)
11) Phoenix Roadrunners (92.1, -)
12) Los Angeles Dinos (90.8, ++)
13) Carolina Tobs (89.1, --)
14) Hartford Whalers (84.4, ++)
15) Windy City Blues (81.9, ++)
16) Indianapolis Clowns (81.6, o)
17) New Orleans Voodoo (80.7, --)
18) Santo Domingo Rum Runners (79.1, --)
19) Pawtucket Patriots (78.4, +)
20) Batavia Muckdogs (76.4, --)
21) Maine Guides (75.7, --)
22) Dallas Drillers (65.0, --)
23) Denver Bulls (53.4, +)
24) Philadelphia Freedom (50.6, -)
Performance of the Week
SS Tariq Alston - Back to back POTW for New York as Alston made fireworks against Denver on July 5th. In four at bats he smacked two home runs, drove in six, and scored twice as New York won easily 10-3. The 25 year old shortstop from Ormond Beach, FL was a 1st round pick in 2051 and is in his fifth season with New York. Teammates love him and he's the undisputed captain of the team. He's also hitting .280 this season, but his real value (besides leadership) is his +6.2 ZR at second base this year.
Prospect of the Week
P Trevor 'Grandpa' Caldwell - The 18 year old reportedly goes to bed at 9 pm every night, earning him the nickname 'Grandpa', but it seems to be working. In 13 starts this season he's 7-0 with a 1.40 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 363 ERA+. Drafted sixth overall last season, Caldwell throws five pitches, can hit 97 mph on the gun, and is known for his outstanding work ethic. He's projected to reach the majors in 2062.
Five Things We Think We Think
1. The Bulldogs dominated June as they went 22-6, outpacing second place Toronto (18-10) by four wins. For as much press as their offense gets nowadays, let's not forget they have one of the top pitching staffs in the league. Their 1.90 ERA for the month was the only ERA under 3.00, which is just unreal. Offensively they also scored the most runs (157), hit the most home runs (36) and led the league in average, on base, slugging and OPS. We don't quite remember a month like that. At least they were 'just' third in stolen bases with 54, outpaced by Wilmington (58) and Toronto (60). As we mentioned the Canadians were second, while Wilmington and Seattle came in third at 17-11. On the flip side poor Denver and Philly finished 9-18. Better days lie ahead for both clubs, but for now it's a hard knock life.
2. Congrats to Dawson Lamb who reached 3000 strikeouts in his career this past week. The 40 year old is the 24th player in the history of the league to reach the milestone, as he's been a consistent workhorse during his 19 year career. Drafted in the fourth round by Toronto back in 2039, he was traded to the Miami Baseball Team a few months later. After playing for Dallas for nine seasons he's gone on to play for Pawtucket, New Orleans, NYC, Syracuse, Pittsburgh, and now back to Dallas again. He's a 2x All-Star ('42, '52) and won a DWI in 2055. He's also started 33 games in the playoffs, with an 8-6 record, but alas never won a BLB championship.
3. The Hartford Whalers are in last place in the Ale, and manager Jahlil Stright paid the price. Axed this past week after being their manager the past two seasons, and hitting coach eight season prior, he will now be looking for work. Taking his place is Israel Montero, the Bulls hitting coach for the past 14 years seasons. He briefly played in the BLB in 2032 and 2033 for Windy City, where he appeared as a reliever in 38 games. He retired in 2035, and got into coaching a decade later. The good news for Montero is the Whalers are only three games out of the playoffs, and four games out of second in the Ale, even at 37-48. In fact they still have a playoff probability of 17.3%. It's good to be in the Domestic this season.
4. It's nine days until the All-Star rosters are announced and we look to have a few first time players to welcome to the club. In the Domestic there is 3B Henry Millers (MON), SS Max Johnson (MON), CF Brian Wheat (TOR), and RF Byron Carlton (PIT). In the Import there is C Corbin Herron (WC), 2B Owen Keimig (BAL), LF Donald Dworkin (BAT), CF Rob Morris (PHI), and RF Greg Selser (WAS). Congrats on the great season so far, and more than likely welcome to the 2059 All-Star game.
5. What's on tap? Interleague is back for week four this season as we get a few fun match-ups in Baltimore at Montreal, Indy at Phoenix, Wilmington at Washington, and California at Syracuse. Streak wise those Snappers have won six straight, Philly has lost seven straight, JJ Evans (CHI) has a 12 game hitting streak, and Charlie Jones (SYR) has scored in seven straight games.
Stat of the Week
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