[EMSoccerCoach]

April 28-May 4, 2014

Northern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
New York Heroes	16	10	.615	-
Boston Riders	14	12	.538	2.0
Charlotte Cougars	14	12	.538	2.0
Louisville Racers	14	12	.538	2.0
Philadelphia Ringers	11	15	.423	5.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Chicago Hitmen	17	9	.654	-
Indianapolis Engines	13	13	.500	4.0
Wichita Brigade	13	13	.500	4.0
Sacramento Stingers	10	16	.385	7.0
Milwaukee Bangers	9	17	.346	8.0

Southern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
Alabama Airmen	16	10	.615	-
New Orleans Knights	16	10	.615	-
Memphis Strummers	12	14	.462	4.0
Orlando Orcas	12	14	.462	4.0
St. Louis Tides	11	15	.423	5.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Arizona Sandmen	18	8	.692	-
Los Angeles Idols	13	13	.500	5.0
Las Vegas Bosses	12	14	.462	6.0
San Antonio Sheriffs	10	16	.385	8.0
Oklahoma City Scorpions	9	17	.346	9.0

Rookie Frank Baker's Streak Hits 20 Wednesday, April 30th, 2014: His nickname is "Home Run" but Chicago Hitmen rookie Frank Baker may soon be known as "Hit Machine" if he keeps this up. The young third baseman ripped three hits today in a 5-4 loss to Los Angeles to extend his hitting streak to 20 games. "Things went well for me today. But we didn't win the game. And baseball is not about personal accomplishments, it's about winning," Baker said after the game. Baker is hitting .412 this season with 2 homers, 14 RBI and 12 runs scored for the Northern League West-leading Hitmen.

Scorpions Steve Carlton Hurt Wednesday, April 30th, 2014: Disappointment reigns in Oklahoma City where a poor start has been compounded by the announcement that pitcher Steve Carlton suffered a torn tricep during today's game. Carlton, the Scorpions' first-ever draft choice, had a strong first season, going 9-13 with a 3.65 ERA before a torn labrum ended his season. The team doctor said he does not believe the latest in jury is related, as Carlton was throwing well in the spring and early going this season. Currently Carlton has is 1-2 in 5 starts with a 3.62 ERA. He also has 19 strikeouts in 32.1 innings. He's expected to miss roughly three months. Johnny Lindell will take his spot in the rotation.

Chicago's Sanders Shuts Out Idols Thursday, May 1st, 2014: The Chicago Hitmen's strong start has been buoyed by its stellar pitching. Look no further than Ben Sanders, who hurled a complete-game 5-hit shutout against Los Angeles, striking out three in a 5-0 Chicago victory. A two-time Southern League Outstanding Pitcher winner, Sanders was acquired last season in the trade that sent Josh Hamilton to Arizona. But Sanders went down for the season in his second start with the Hitmen, and their late-season slide soon followed. "This is why we got him," manager Bill McKechnie said. "Last season didn't work out because of the injury, but we knew the talent we were picking up. Just look at the back of his baseball card. It says more than I ever could." This season Sanders has compiled a 4-1 record with a 2.66 ERA in 5 starts. Incredibly, that 2.66 ERA is only fourth best in Chicago's league-topping rotation. Hitmen starters have a combined 2.61 ERA, with Howie Pollet, Johan Santana and Amos Rusie leading the charge. "They are going to be a tough staff to overcome," Los Angeles manager Charlie Manuel said after watching Sanders. "Four great arms all throwing well."

Baker Goes Hitless, Streak Stopped at 20 Thursday, May 1st, 2014: His run was over, but a Chicago victory took some of the disappointment out of Frank Baker losing his 20-game hitting streak. The 23-year-old third baseman did not get a hit in 4 at-bats, but the Hitmen whipped the Los Angeles Idols 5-0 today at MGM Field behind Ben Sanders' great effort. For the year Baker is hitting .393 with 2 home runs. His stats include 14 runs batted in and 12 runs scored.

Cuppy Zeroes in on New York Friday, May 2nd, 2014: The Louisville Racers shut out the New York Heroes behind the 2-hit pitching of Nig Cuppy, winning by the score of 3-0 at Judges Ballpark. Up to now Cuppy has recorded a record of 2-2. In 5 starts he has fanned 11 batters in 41 innings with a 3.73 ERA. Cuppy was backed by RBIs from Gene Richards, Dan Brouthers and Sherry Magee

Hitmen Lose Bobby Jenks For Season Saturday, May 3rd, 2014: The Chicago Hitmen were dealt a severe blow when Bobby Jenks was hurt throwing a pitch recently in a game against the Wichita Brigade. Today doctors confirmed it, ruling the 29-year-old reliever out for the rest of the season with a torn flexor tendon in his elbow. They indicated it would take at least a year before Jenks would be able to return. A two-time All-Star, Jenks has 1 save in 7 relief appearances and had yet to allow a run this season. The Hitmen activated Billy McCool from the reserve squad to take Jenks' spot on the roster. The 21-year-old lefty went 2-1 with two saves and a 3.12 ERA in 16 appearances last season.

Bad News for Strummers, Johnson Injured Saturday, May 3rd, 2014: Nick Johnson expressed his disappointment when he learned that an elbow sprain would sideline him for one week. "I'll just spend a lot of time in the training room and hopefully speed up the healing process. Nobody likes to be out of the line-up," explained Johnson. The first baseman got hurt in today's game with the Los Angeles Idols. He was hurt colliding with a player at a base. Team officials had no comment on his roster replacement. For the year Johnson is batting .316 with 30 hits and 5 home runs. He has scored 16 times and driven in 17.

Cougars Keep Sheets From Free Agency Sunday, May 4th, 2014: Fans hailed the signing of Ben Sheets today as the Charlotte Cougars starting pitcher came to terms with the club. Set to make $10,245,000 over the following 3 years, Sheets will no longer test the free agent market after the season. "I've been a Cougar since the beginning," Sheets said. "I think we have something brewing here and I look forward to being a part of it." So far this season Sheets has 3 wins and 3 losses and a 3.45 ERA. For his career, the 2013 Southern League Outstanding Pitcher winner is 53-46 with a 3.69 ERA.

Crushing Blow As Saints Lose Prior For Year Sunday, May 4th, 2014: He was off to a start of what could have been the best season by a starter in PBL history. Now, Mark Prior won't take a mound again until 2015. Earlier today, New Orleans Prior had to leave the game against Orlando because of an injury. Team officials are reporting that he has a stretched elbow ligament that will keep him out for the rest of the season. Prior likely won't begin throwing again until early 2015. Prior was unavailable for comment, but his New Orleans teammates said plenty. "Devastating," shortstop Ross Barnes said. "He was looking special this season. Real special." Slugger Sam Thompson, just back from his own injury, couldn't believe it. "Prior's been a horse for us since the beginning. And he keeps getting better. We just have to keep going, though, because the season doesn't stop for us to feel sorry for ourselves. This season Prior has fanned 33 in 41.2 innings and collected a 3-1 record with a 0.65 ERA. Mike LaCoss has been activated from the reserve squad to take Prior's place.

Idols Lose Strang For Season Sunday, May 4th, 2014: There haven't been many day-to-day injuries in the PBL's first month this season. Unfortunately, there have been an inordinate number of severe injuries. The latest occured for the Los Angeles Idols, who were informed today by team doctors that second baseman Sammy Strang sustained a broken kneecap in a recent game against the Memphis Strummers and will not play for 5-6 months. Strang was hurt running the bases. "What are ya gonna do," manager Charlie Manuel asked rhetorically. "We've been hit hard so far. That's three." Manuel is alluding to Mike Donlin, who is already out for the year with a torn PCL; and shortstop Vern Stephens, out another six weeks or so with a herniated disc. Strang was struggling in the early going, batting .186 with 1 home run, 7 RBIs and 20 runs scored. He has 16 hits in 86 at-bats. Tony Perez was recalled from the reserve squad. Heinie Groh will take over at second base, shifting over from third. Miguel Cabrera will get regular time at third in the hopes he can finally reach his potential.

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Louisville's Richards Northern League POW Monday, May 5th, 2014: Louisville Racers leftfielder Gene Richards was named Northern League Player of the Week. Richards piled up 13 hits in 31 at-bats, 1 home run and 5 RBIs while hitting .419. "Just trying to spark somethin' here," Richards said. "We're right there, and even though it's early, a good run would make everyone have to chase us." Louisville currently sits two games back of perennial division-leader New York. Richards is batting .284 with 2 home runs and 10 RBIs this season.

Memphis SS Trammell Named SL's POW Monday, May 5th, 2014: Alan Trammell is making the most of his starting opportunity in Memphis, earning Southern League Player of the Week Award honors while he tries to stabilize a Memphis offense hurt by the injury bug. The Memphis shortstop wreaked havoc on opposing pitchers last week, pounding them for a .480 average (12-25) with 3 home runs and 10 RBIs on his way to claiming the honor. "We're just trying to hold it together here until Oscar [Charleston] and Nick [Johnson] get back," Trammell said. The loss of the two offensive forces meant Memphis had to shake things up a bit: Ty Wigginton moved from third to first to bring Otto Krueger's power bat into the lineup. Rance Mulliniks slid over to second to get Trammell into the mix. It's not the start they hoped for, but the reigning division champs are only four games out and expect to get Charleston back within the week. Johnson remains out with an elbow injury, but should be ready in about two weeks. In this current campaign Trammell is hitting .341 with 3 home runs and 10 RBIs.