12 games per team have been played for the
1945 Preparation Weeks, here are the results:
Top Hitters
2B César Loaiza (MTY) - 13-28, 4 2B, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 1 SB
CF Andrés Tapia (JAG) - 10-25, 2 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI
RF David Galván (SNL) - 11-30, 4 2B, 2 3B, 4 RBI, 2 SB
Top Pitchers
RH Javier Fernández (GDL) - 14 IP, 0.64 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 4 K, 3 BB
LH Filiberto Soto (PUE) - 11 IP, 0.82 ERA, 0.64 WHIP, 3 K. 4 BB
RH Victor Villarroel (PUE) - 10 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0.70 WHIP, 5 K, 3 BB
The predicted standings look pretty different from the preseason results:
Jaibas de Tampico are once again predicted to come top of the league despite "disappointing" seasons where they come up just short. John Nestle joins a rotation that already includes award-winning pitchers in Rich Faircloth and Luis Cruz, with experts once again considering this to be the best rotation in the league. Top players like Mario Morales, Raúl Martínez, Orlando Melara and Raúl Pérez make the northeastern club very dangerous on both sides of the ball.
Competition isn't supposed to be too strong, with
Jaguares de México being the second best predicted team. Another Atlatl favorite in Pablo Hinojosa is ready for his first season in the capital, joining another great rotation with Carlos Casillas, Omar Sánchez and Javier García. Their lineup also remains amongst the best, with Gabriel Barrón, William Middleton, José Serrano, Antonio Cervantes and Manuel Vargas all being top 3 players at their position. Weak spots at catcher, centerfield and the bullpen are what separates them and Tampico.
Reigning champions
Tunas de San Luis are alongside others like
Aulladores de Mérida,
Flechas de León battling it out for the remaining top spots. Competition might not be as close this year, but the teams haven't been this close talent-wise for a while! Stay tuned for another fun season of Ullamaliztli!