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08/18/2059
It's Canadian fever as Toronto goes 6-1, Montreal goes 5-1, and they're both tied with Wilmington for the Lager lead. The Candians had their big week by sweeping New Orleans then taking three of four from Pittsburgh. Meanwhile Montreal took two of three from SDR then three of four from Pawtucket. The other nice week was had by Hartford, who last we checked is still south of the border. They also went 5-2 to get to 56-64, which in the Domestic is good enough for the final Wildcard spot! On the other side of life Pawtucket went 1-6, while New Orleans went 1-5. It looks like water is finding its level for the Voodoo as the dead cat bounce is dead once again.
Power Rankings
1) Baltimore Bulldogs (115.1, ++)
2) Seattle Pilots (113.5, -)
3) California Kodiaks (108.5, +)
4) Toronto Canadians (108.0, ++)
5) Montreal Exports (106.0, ++)
6) Wilmington Wildcats (106.0, --)
7) Pittsburgh Millers (102.5, -)
8) New York Cyclones (100.2, --)
9) Washington Bats (98.5, o)
10) Los Angeles Dinos (94.5, +)
11) Maine Guides (93.8, ++)
12) Phoenix Roadrunners (93.2, o)
13) Carolina Tobs (85.9, o)
14) Hartford Whalers (85.0, ++)
15) Windy City Blues (83.8, +)
16) Dallas Drillers (83.3, o)
17) Syracuse Snappers (80.9, ++)
18) New Orleans Voodoo (80.5, --)
19) Indianapolis Clowns (80.2, --)
20) Batavia Muckdogs (78.5, o)
21) Santo Domingo Rum Runners (74.7, +)
22) Pawtucket Patriots (68.4, --)
23) Philadelphia Freedom (63.1, -)
24) Denver Bulls (56.0, o)
Performance of the Week
C David Mitchell - The first overall pick of 2055 is often forgot among all the other young Toronto talent, but Mitchell has turned into a solid catcher. This past week against Pittsburgh he smashed two home runs, drove in six, and scored three times as Toronto won 15-10. The Canadians scored six in the 9th, thanks in part to Mitchell smacking a 3-run home run, in the come from behind win. On the season he's now hitting .254 with 12 HR, 43 RBI and an even 100 OPS+.
Prospect of the Week
P Louis 'Tricky' Bowermaster - It's not often a 24 year old comes out to a song from 76 years ago, but Bowermaster is a fan of the classics. With Run DMC blaring over the speakers, 'Tricky' has gone 10-6 with a 3.94 ERA this season in 21 starts in AA. For the fifth overall pick from the 2053 draft it might be time to see what he can do in AAA or even the majors. For now though he can hit 101 mph, throws a good fastball, and scouts think he can be a mid-rotation pitcher.
Five Things We Think We Think
1. All though it was short lived, the Seattle Pilots briefly grabbed the #1 spot in the Power Rankings last week. With a 72-42 record they were tied for the most wins, had the fewest loses, had the highest run differential, and were an ungodly 41-19 at home. They went 4-3 this past week as Baltimore now leads them by a game again, but what a ride it's been. No one has enjoyed it more than Connor Cook. We wrote about him over a month ago, and since then all he's continued to do is win. The 25 year old is now 19-2 with a 1.47 ERA, 0.96 WHIP, and 262 ERA+. We actually heard the league already had the engraver start on his Pale Ale trophy. Scouts think he's a middle of the rotation guy, and his stamina is questionable to pitch deep into games, but apparently he's shrugged off those 'issues'.
2. What a career it's been for Daryl Walken. The 38 year old was a third round pick back in 2038 and is in his 18th season in the league. He started off with Montreal, before heading to Washington, Wilmington, Toronto, Syracuse, Montreal (again), and now New Orleans. This past week he recorded his 1000th extra base hit, the 38th player in the history of the league to do so. The 2043 New Brew and 2044 Stout Slugger winner is also an 8x All-Star selection, 6x DWI winner, 5x Designated Driver, and helped Montreal win the title the same year he brought home the Stout Slugger. Looks like he will go into the Hall of Fame someday wearing his Exports hat.
3. Chase Calhoun is on pace for a 3.2 WAR, which is over seven less than what he put up last season, but he's still having a great year. This past week against New Orleans he showed how much he can impact a game. In the first inning he got on base with a walk, stole second, stole third, then scored on a sacrifice fly. In the 5th inning he singled, stole second, and scored on a Brian Wheat line drive. In the 7th he singled again, stole second, stole third, but was left stranded on base. Finally in the 9th he singled once again, stole second once again, and scored once again on a Wheat single. His six stolen bases in one game is one short of tying the all-time record of seven set by Erwijn 'Moriarity' de Jong back in 2043. He's now on pace for 107 stolen bases, which would be one more than he had last season. We thought that Richie 'Powder' van Luik's all-time record of 935 was untouchable, but we aren't so sure anymore.
4. Ian Schreiber now has the longest hitting streak in the BLB this season at 24 straight games, and he's homered in three straight on top of it. The 22 year old was the 10th overall pick of the 2054 draft and has exploded on scene after last years rookie year. In that season he hit .254 with 10 HR and 47 RBI. This season he's hitting .335 with 16 HR, 63 RBI and has turned into a huge fan favorite. Schreiber was recently selected to the All-Star game and could be a big piece for the Whalers to build around.
5. What's on tap? Two of the big boys in Domestic meet as Montreal heads west on the 401 to play Toronto. Both teams are 70-50 on the season, with Montreal holding the 4-2 series advantage to date. Both these teams rely on their offense (offence), as Toronto is first in the Domestic in hits, extra base hits, OBP, SLG, and OPS. Montreal meanwhile is second in the Domestic in hits, extra base hits, OBP, SLG, and OPS. Oh yeah, they are also both tied for first in runs scored with 600. Looks like a fun series to watch. Streak wise Baltimore has won four straight, Brian Clark (TOR) has converted 17 straight saves, and Keegan Davies (WC) has won eight straight decisions.
Stat of the Week
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| Most Seasons With Exactly 1 Home Run Hit (Top 25 Players, Pitchers Excluded) |
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