[stevem810]

It's no secret the Artists having been scuffling of late. Mercier, the glue that seems to hold the offense together, has been in and out of the line-up with injury. Erwin de Rooij, a veritable rock as an SP, 24-14 over the last two seasons, is gone for the season with a herniated disc.

Make no mistake, barring an epic collapse, they will win the French League division and participate in the post-season. But, parity is at an all time high this year with Le Diamant still the team to beat, Ottawa and a rejuvinated Xavier Rolland having regained his power stroke (11 HR's), and a charging out of nowhere Le Morne Rounge Toucan ball club who threatens to overtake Le Diamant for first, but might have to settle for the WC if they can maintain their 4 game lead over perennial WC Capp Chevalier Waves. Don't forget the team in last place in the strongest of the FBL leagues, Anse d'Arlet who are just 1 behind the Waves and 5 back of the Toucans for the WC.

In other news, journeyman Nicolas Masson (lifetime 115-120), accomplished a goal few pitchers ever do in tossing a spectacular no-hitter on July 30 (see box). Masson, is 12-7 on the year and proving to be the steadying influence the 1970 free agent signing hoped it would be. Paris is happy to have him on the club.

Our featured player, Julien Henri, is doing his part to lead the Artists on the mound and in the field. A bit more accomplished on the hill, he still is pounding out a respectable .785 OPS with a .313 BA.

On the mound, Julien's stats speak for themselves. At 27 years of age, Julien may be into the prime years of his career. At the same time, he's got the drive and work ethic to climb a bit higher up that ladder, too.

But, for Henri, it's the Paris championship that motivates him. Always a team player, yet his interview back in June he candidly shared his long term goals with FBL followers. It's no secret that he might like to finish his career back on his home island of Martinique where his fiance Alize still lives and works as a school teacher.

I'm sure Le Diamant would welcome him back, and Anse d'Arlet (just 20 kilometers west), would covet his presence in the Sting Ray uni. Not forgetting the up and coming Toucans of the high ground of Le Morne Rouge, Henri would have ample suitors. Of course, this decision belongs to Paris as they have inked Henri through 1974.

It's all speculation, but, isn't that part of the joy of the game of baseball?