Let's see what happened in the majors this past week. First the Red Sox and Tigers had a bench clearing brawl, David Wright of the Mets and Ian Kinsler of the Rangers got hit in the head with 90+ mph fastballs, Dodger pitcher, Hiroki Kuroda took a line drive of his skull, Felix Pie of the Orioles hit for the cycle, and the Angels scored nine runs in the top of the 13th inning in Baltimore. Ho-hum, just an average week in the big leagues. Meanwhile, the Longball League standings flipped again. Let's take a look.
The San Pedro Sea Monkeys jumped back to the top of the league because of Ryan Howard. The big kid turned in a 15 point week for the Sea Monkeys. To put that in perspective, the Vacuous Vipers had a 12 point week as a team. Another week or two like that from Howard and the Monkeys may claim the crown.
The SoCal Capuchins aren't far behind the Monkeys as they turned in a big week to take over second place. Couple Ryan Howard with Adam Dunn, and the Caps are looking strong down the stretch.
Sitting in third this week are the Vacuous Vipers. The Vipers had a season low point total for one week, while the Monkeys and Caps had season high totals. Things can flip that quickly in the Longball League. If the Vipers get a good week, while the Monkey and Caps have average weeks, then the Vipers will get right back in the thick of the race.
The Keen Koalas are still in the picture, but starting to fade a bit. Chase Utley's thoroughly lame week did not help the marsupials.
The Invisible hands and Sierra Vista Coachwhips seemed to be cemented in the 5th an 6th spots in the league. They are both just not getting enough offense to make it happen.
Trivia: The Angels scored nine runs in the top of the 13th inning yesterday in their 17-8 win over the Orioles. However, it is not the record for most runs in an extra frame. On July 3rd, 1983, the Texas Rangers pushed 12 runs across the plate in the top of the 15th inning v. the Oakland A's. Yes, the Rangers did win, 16-4.
Baseball Card of the Week: This Week's card is the 1983 Topps Traded set issue of Texas Rangers' relief pitcher Odell Jones? Why Odell Jones? Well, Mr. Jones was the pitcher of record in that Texas-Oakland game back in 1983. He worked 3 and 2/3 innings of flawless relief and got the win. I also salute Odell because everyone will remember that Angels score those nine runs against Baltimore yesterday, but nobody will remember that Jason Bulger picked up the win for the Halos.
Until next week folks, keep hitting 'em where they ain't.
-The Commissioner
