The lads dig deep and play their way back into contention, going a combined 33-24 over June and July.
The one factor that gives me the most hope of us prevailing here is the fact that we are where we are with Wertz having one of his poorest seasons, Dark's productivity greatly reduced, and Boone having given basically zero since joining us. If we can just get these guys to shift into the next gear and hold firm elsewhere, we are a chance.
Serviceable but far from dominant is the way of this group. Special mentions, however, to Dutch McCall and Joe Ostrowski - each of whom has been superb out of the BP this year.
Both races are wide open, but the Yanks and Dodgers have to be viewed as favourites to finish on top. The fact that teams like the Sens, Tribe, Phils and Browns are in the mix adds plenty to the intrigue.
News, Leaders and Top 20s
Monthly Award Winners
June
American League
- Batter – Al Rosen (Indians): 419 / 6 HR / 28 RBI
- Pitcher – Howie Pollet (Indians): 5-1 / 2.54 / 17 K / 46 IP
- Rookie – Mike Fornieles (Senators): 3-0 / 1.96 / 5 SV / 4 K / 18.1 IP
National League
- Batter – Duke Snider (Dodgers): 337 / 11 HR / 32 RBI
- Pitcher – Curt Simmons (Phillies): 4-1 / 0.66 / 34 K / 41 IP
- Rookie – Vinegar Bend Mizell (Reds): 4-2 / 2.50 / 29 K / 50.1 IP
July
American League
- Batter – Bobby Morgan (Browns): 323 / 5 HR / 17 RBI
- Pitcher – Mel Parnell (Red Sox): 5-0 / 2.57 / 29 K / 56 IP
- Rookie – Harvey Haddix (Indians): 4-0 / 2.92 / 41 K / 49.1 IP
National League
- Batter – Mickey Vernon (Giants): 425 / 4 HR / 18 RBI
- Pitcher – Don Newcombe (Dodgers): 5-0 / 1.47 / 26 K / 49 IP
- Rookie – Bob Friend (Pirates): 4-1 / 2.12 / 9 K / 29.2 IP
Milestones and Observations of Note
- Luke Easter is currently top 3 across the Triple Crown stat cats - that said, the trade we did with the Sens involving him has turned out to be incredibly beneficial for all concerned, with every one of the players performing well for their new club.
- The Sens lose veteran outfielder Guy Curtright for the year with a fractured knee and a torn labrum prematurely ends the season of Athletics infielder Roy Smalley jr.
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