Changing of the guard has been the question going into this season and even over the past few seasons. Well at least into the regular season, this seems a moot point at the moment because it's not happening according to standings. Right now 4 teams that made the playoffs last year are currently in the top 6 with those being Stars, Baseman, Squirrels, and Ageless. Hardballers historically has been there as well. Champs has in the past and is experiencing a resurgence. Changing of the guard may happen still, but some changes will have to take place. Here's my Review of the Week.
Stars 9 to Ageless 2: Well, Mike's team came back to earth a bit after his rousing victory over B-Man. Stars feasted on the Ageless One and it may have appeared closer that it really was due to Mike's team having a big last day. But really this was a one-sided affair. Stars was led by Carlos Gonzalez and Jose Reyes. Cargo is the real deal and has surpassed my expectations this year. Reyes is coming on strong as he had 13 hits. This is much needed for the offense which is about middle of the pack or just above it in overall stats. Will Posey be the real deal? Can Aramis Ramirez start hitting? If this happens, then Stars, who is kind of overperforming record-wise so far will bust out. Also, what is going on with Linecum? Still good stats, but not the Lincecum we are used to seeing. Right now Stars has to be real pleased where he is at. Ageless seems to pitch low in innings and hope to steal about 3 categories each week. Other than Josh Johnson and some decent relief, no one really jumps off the page. Johnson had some tough luck finishing with a 0.00 ERA, but suffered a loss. Kubel is coming alive and Crawford has been a bonafide all-sgar this year. Crawford is playing for big free agent dollars. Not a real exciting matchup numbers wise, but a big win by Stars to move into first place.
BASEMAN 9 to Utica 2: Wow, was this a close one statistically, but not by the score. B-Man had the lead all week, but just by some nosehairs. Easily could have switched on Sunday, but Mark's team had a big day to spoil Utica's hopes. For the Uticans to only win 2 points in pitching was a crime. He had a 1.51 ERA and lost to B-Man's 1.11 ERA. Had 7 W's and no losses, but still tied in losses as B-Man had 0 as well. The pitching numbers by Utica usually would win a team 4 points, but he was unlucky and only got 2. Offensively Utica had an off week for him and got swept. Lost in SB's with 9 to B-Man's 10. Rarely will that ever happen. Anyway, bright spots for Kerm were Hunter Pence, who is swinging a hot bat and Evan Longoria. Both of the players showed speed with 3 bags each. Longoria stealing bags is another dimension that teams now need to fear. B-Man just keeps riding the coattails of Ubaldo Jiminez. After Monday's peformance, he has a 0.78 ERA, which is ridiculous. This playing in Colorado of all places. The Rocks play spectacular defense and is one of the best in baseball to help matters. Jon Lester and Randy Wolf threw up 0.00 ERA's as well. For those rooting against B-Man, there was the loss of Kendry Morales, so the offense took a hit. But, I will find a way to plug the gap.
Hardballers 6 to White Flag 5: Let's just say Timmy came on like gangbusters the last day to make this a close contest. David Ortiz is back! 3 homers and a .391 average looks pretty good about now. Why does it take this guy so long to get going though! We will see if the trade for Garza pans out. Terrible week for him and didn't get the win against the Jays tonight. We shall see? For Randy's team, they can roll out the hits. Cano is just unstoppable most weeks and a huge pickup is Miguel Olivio for the Rockies who hit .571. The piching is solid as well even though Sabathia had his hiccups. Clay Buchholz has been the pitcher everyone thought he could be. If Oswalt gets traded to a decent team then watch out. I like the makeup of this team, and they will outhit most teams every week. When Fielder starts getting on a roll for more power, then it can be lights out for opponents. Very solid club here.
Champs 7 to Squirrels 5: Outside of Squirrels 9 HR's and Champs 1.36 ERA, this matchup was nothing to write home about. On second thought, I must give props to Halladay's perfect game. Too bad Champs just got one performance from the guy. He is absolutely amazing. Two perfect games in one year before the end of May! Champs is dominating the pitching stats to keep his team afloat. Now if he only had some offense, then bend over and grab the ankles. Oh yeah, and Stephen Strasburg will be up soon to face the overpowering Pirates. Champs just gets better in pitching. Feast or famine on offense. Good team here that is not going away! What is happening with Dan Haren for Juan's club? He has given up 16 dingers already. What I expected to be a good staff has been only mediocre. The offense has holes, but with Pujols getting hot, a lot of the deficits can be covered. Luke Scott or Andruw Jones in left? Not going to cut it. Not sure what getting Castro is going to do either at SS? Better hope Vlad keeps it up and Heyward keeps hitting as well.
I will have to do the other two matchups tomorrow. Must go to bed.
BASEMAN
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