SJL:
It's hard not to get lost in the shuffle when you are part of the most celebrated starting rotation in the WPK, on the most celebrated team, and some of your teammates are future HOF'er Jake Harris and the 1976 SJL Pitcher of the year Jim Norris.
But if June was any indication, it might be time for 25-year old lefty Luis Ramirez to emerge from the shadows. Truth be told, the young man out of the Dominican Republic with the wicked fastball (that reaches triple digits) and devastating splitter (he also has an above average change-up to round out his repertoire) has emerged as the ace of the talented Whalers staff this season.
Given his age and reputation for durability, there should be plenty more accolades in the future for the loyal team-player. In addition to this honor Ramirez was also named to the All-Star team for the third time and this time as the starter for the SJL.
MGL:
While Luis Ramirez leads the SJL in strikeouts by a decent margin over Jacksonville's Juan Maldonado, Joel Travino of the Brooklyn Aces is in a category by himself, with 55 more K's then his nearest MGL competitor and 23 more than Ramirez. Travino is having a breakout season at the age of 28 in his second season in an Aces uniform. Interestingly, and unlike Ramirez, Travino is not a flame thrower. He generally tops out in the high 80's. But he has probably the best change-up in the game (off a plus, but not special fastball) and an elite curveball as well. His 10.6 K/9 helps him overcome his poor control (4.0 BB/9, which is the best of his career thus far). One would expect a man of 6'4" and 210 lbs to throw much harder, but perhaps that deceptive build is an advantage also. With great stamina and a reputation as having Iron Man type durability, it will be interesting to see what kinds of numbers Travino will put together going forward.