This was a pretty interesting week in the big leagues, the Angels got three complete games from their pitching staff in six days, the Phillies' Jayson Werth stole 2nd, 3rd, and home in succession in one trip around the bases, and Tampa Bay Rays' manager, Joe Maddon, screwed up his lineup card and lost his DH for a game. However, the RBIs and homers kept coming in the Longball League. Let's look at the standings...
The Vacuous Vipers kept their big lead over the field even though Evan Longoria had an off week. However, the Twins' Justin Morneau had another stellar week. Throw in the usual good effort from Chase Utley and Vipers are cruising in first place midway through May.
With Josh Hamilton off the DL and knocking the cover off the ball again, the Sierra Vista Coachwhips have vaulted into second place. If you look at the numbers, only eight points separate 2nd through 5th place in the standings. Mark Teixiera's awakening in New York is coming alive at the right time for Coachwhips as well.
Just a point out of second place sit the SoCal Capuchins. Chase Utley and Adam Dunn are leading this club. It was fun to watch the Phillies take on the Nationals this week knowing that Mo could see her whole ballclub in action in this series. The Phillies got the best of the Nats, but the Caps were the big winners in this NL East series.
The San Pedro Sea Monkeys seem to be slowly fading from the picture. The top brass of the Monkeys have hinted that another player move may be imminent.
The Invisible Hands have now worked their way back into the picture and may make a real jump in the standings as they sit a mere eight points out of second place. The Hands really need Ryan Howard to go on a home run binge.
The Keen Koalas are trying hard, but their just not getting any results from it. They really need Matt Holliday to get hot here in the end of may.
Baseball Card of the Week: It's hard to believe Jim Bouton's Ball Four came out almost 40 years ago this spring. I decided to salute Bouton this week and show his 1965 Topps card. Bouton's book is tame by today's standards, but it was a big deal to the baseball establishment in 1970. It's also a pretty good read. It's a neat view of what life was like in the major leagues.
Trivia: I mentioned earlier how the Angels had three complete games in six days last week. That's big stuff nowadays, which puts this next fact into perspective. Hall of Fame pitcher Warren Spahn threw 360 complete games in his career. Pretty impressive, huh?
Until next week folks, keep hitting 'em where they ain't.
-The Commissioner.
