Around the League-NL West & AL North

NL WEST

Reporting on the NL West is toe64.

Currently in first are the up-start CSP Night Watchmen who have neither had a winning record nor a playoff birth since lucky Season 13. However, a quick start at 13-7 primarily due to some solid hitting from RF Pedro Reyes (.363 AVE, 6 HR, 23 RBI) and timely starting pitching from some left handers, SP2 Bill Kydd and SP4 Ismael Diaz. Both have already tossed complete game 3-hit shutouts. Time will tell whether Colorado Springs will have the staying power to remain on top at season end.

A strong start (12-8) for the reigning World Series Champion and perennial NL West favorite, Seattle Strikers should be no surprise to anyone. John Rucker (3-0, 1.65 ERA, 1.10 WHIP) is bringing the heat as he takes on the role of SP1 while C Fausto Gandarilla (.366 AVE, 4 HR, 16 RBI) and LF Miguel Mesa (.363 AVE, 6 HR, 16 RBI) are getting it done early and often from the plate. They have won every series but two – a split with 1st Place NL South Charlotte, and a series loss to division rival Colorado Springs. Seattle appears intent on a repeat.

Oklahoma City and Albuquerque are currently tied for third with records of 7-13 and are 6 games back. The OK Prairie Dogs are on a 4 game win streak driven by timely hitting from 3B John Satou who has batted .428 (6 for 14) with 3 HR and 5 RBI during that stretch. The ALB Komodo Dragons rushed out to a 5-3 record including a 5-game win streak. This has been given back, and then some, going 2-10 over their next 12 games. A bright spot in their lineup has been veteran C Jorge Renteria (.410 AVE, 5 HR, 20 RBI) who is currently on a 12 game hitting streak.



AL NORTH

Reporting on the AL North is skuff730.

The Scranton Associates dominated the AL North last season with another 100+ win season and a division title. After week 1, Scranton sits atop again by 4 games. They started the campaign strong, posting an 8-2 division record and 14-6 overall. 5 time all star Peter Cheng has been solid at bat for them leading the majors in hits to go along with 8 homers, 21 RBI and a .452 BA. Last seasons CY Young winner, Cyrus Torres, has been leading the charge off the mound with a 4-0 record and 4.50 ERA. We will see if they can continue their winning ways and AL North dominance.

The Dover Dinklebergs, a wild card team last season, sit even 10-10. After a strong 8-3 start they fell off with a 2-7 record since with 2 losses to Syracuse and a home sweep by Boston. Dover will rely on big bat Armando Mota to get them turned around with his league leading 12 HR's. They will be looking to gain some momentum this week against AL champs Nashville(9-11).

After a third change of ownership and another team move, the Syracuse Sobdbusters started the season with 8 losses in a row. They since have won 4 of 5. They are currently leading the division in runs allowed and will hopefully be able to shore up the defense in the coming weeks to stay out of the division basement. 5 time all star, Red Smith, leads the Sod Busters in RBI and is currently on a 9 game hit streak.

Last seasons AL North bottom feeder, New York Damage Controllers, got off to a 4-0 start before lossing 13 of their last 15. They must improve on all facets of the game in order to get out of the basement this season. They will travel to Pittsburgh for a 4 game series and then head back home to host LA Regulators. They are  riding a 5 game losing streak right now.