DELMARVA Baseball League

[illeracula]

Top 100 Prospects List Published: The season is about to start, so it's time to publish the annual Top 100 Prospects list. This year 23-year-old catcher Andy Kohl of the Dover Generals is the #1 prospect overall.

Here is the top 10:
1) C Andy Kohl, 23, Dover Generals
2) SP Pedro Rivera, 23, Ocean City Tourists
3) MR Matt Hollis, 23, New Castle Colonials
4) SS Errol Williams, 22, Newark Millers
5) CF Jon Fiske, 21, Newark Millers
6) LF Jorge Alonso, 21, New Castle Colonials
7) CL Luis Deleón, 20, Lewes Braves
8) SP Alfred Roberts, 22, Milford Clippers
9) SP Tommy Rutledge, 21, Baltimore Barons
10) SP Arturo Ramírez, 19, Norfolk Cavaliers

---
The Cavaliers have one player in the new top 10 list and 11 in the top 100. The Cavaliers have the 2nd best minor league system. King Brock dropped from #7 to #20 on the list, but still has big time potential.

Arturo Ramirez, Age 19, SP, #10
1st Round pick in 2013, #3 overall, #12 Prospect in 2014
AA New Orleans
Stuff: 9/13, Movement: 12/12, Control: 8/15

Eugene Carpenter, Age 20, SP, #11
Acquired via Trade with Newark. #8 Prospect in 2014
AA New Orleans
Stuff: 9/11, Movement: 12/13, Control: 6/16

Gabriel Santos, Age 19, CL, #14
1st Round Pick in 2014, #1 Overall, first time on the list
Drafted as a starter, converted to closer
AA New Orleans
Stuff: 6/11, Movement: 11/13, Control: 8/16

Steven Wilson, Age 20, 1B, #17
Aquired via Trade with Newark, #15 in 2014
A Jacksonville
Contact: 9/11, Power: 5/12, Eye: 6/9

King Brock, Age 20, 1B, #20
Inaugural Draft, Round 52, #823 overall, #8 in 2013, #7 in 2014
A Jacksonville
Contact: 7/9, Power: 5/12, Eye: 8/10

Jorge Jimenez, Age 17, SP, #35
Signed out of Dominican Republic, First time on the list
Minor League Complex
Stuff: 5/10, Movement: 10/13, Control: 1/8

Augusto Rodriquez, Age 20, SS, #41
Inaugural Draft, Round 17, #270 overall, #95 in 2013, #30 in 2014
*Al Gold Glove Winner @ SS
AA New Orleans
Contact: 9/11, Power: 3/5, Eye: 7/10

Joe Gould, Age 24, SP, #45
Inaugural Draft, Round 45, #713 overall, First time on the list
AA New Orleans
Stuff: 11/12, Movement: 8/8, Control: 10/12

Vaughan Griffith, Age 18, SP, #59
2014 3rd Round Pick, #43 overall, First time on the list
A Jacksonville
Stuff: 8/13, Movement: 7/7, Control: 6/14

Jeremy Jones, Age 18, SS, #68
2014 2nd Round Pick, #26 overall, First time on the list
A Jacksonville
Contact: 8/12, Power: 1/5, Eye: 6/11

Yasutoki Ine, Age 25, 2B, #99
Inaugural Draft, Round 9, #142 Overall, First time on the list
AAA Yokohama
* AA Gold Glove Winner @ 2B
Contact: 10/10, Power: 5/5, Eye: 8/10

As you can see we are very thin with ML ready prospects, but in a year or two we will have an influx, or at least that is what I am hoping. Based on our salary constraints we won't be able to keep everyone we have on our team right now. We will be in need of some young guns that are willing to step it up.

[illeracula]

The final preseason predictions have changed quite a bit. I also included the top 10 hitters/pitchers...

Looking like Annapolis and Washington are going to be the teams to beat in the MarVa Conference and Georgetown and New Castle will be the teams to beat in the Delaware Conference.

We will have our hands full with Washington. Hopefully we will be able to keep their big bats in check.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 0-0 (OPENING WEEK)
Next Week: 2 @ Washington Senators, 4 @ New Castle Colonials
Power Ranking: na
Fan Interest: 60
Owners Mood: Ecstatic
Market Size: Small
Fan Loyalty: Poor
Budget: $71,000,000 (16/16, #1 Georgetown Sixteens @ $234,000,000)
Payroll: $52,420,000 (16/16, #1 Georgetown Sixteens @ $185,756,000)

Owners Message to Me:
Personal Message from the Owner: Season Expectation: Tony,

I have now decided on the goal for the coming season. After evaluating several factors, I have come to the conclusion that you should be able to achieve a winning season, playing better than .500 ball.

Good Luck!
Bill Parker

Glad Bill isn't putting to much pressure on these guys, after winning it all last season. Bill doesn't expect too much out of us.

Game 1 will match up two of the games best Don Sweetapple of Norfolk versus Barney Butler of Washington. Sweetapple is getting his 3rd opening day start. He is the star of this Cavaliers team and he is poised for a big season. Barney is one of the games elites, he has 6 12+ pitches. He has lead the MarVa Conference in strikeouts the past 2 seasons.

Game 2 will showcase Carlos Mateo, of Norfolk, versus Kyle Brown of Washington. Last Season Brown was 10-16 splitting time with Newark and Lewes. He signed as a free-agent during this off-season. Mateo had a rough year last season, going 11-12, but is looking to prove he still has a lot of pep left!

A little salary tidbit of our biggest Rivals... as we open the 2015 season we have a team salary of $52,420,000, the lowest in the league. Our division rival's top 3 players Grant Wright (23.2), Barney Butler (19.8) and Cliff Jones (19.0) are over $9.5 million more than our combined total!

[illeracula]

Current Week: 4-2 (4-2 - GB 1st (+1))
Next Week: 4 @ Georgetown Sixteens, 3 vs Ocean City Tourists
Power Ranking: 7
Fan Interest: 60
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Game 1:

Norfolk 8, Washington 6
Don Sweetapple (ND) just didn't have his good stuff today, going 4 innings, giving up 8 hits and 6 Runs. He allowed 3 HR's which isn't typical. The bullpen came in and shut down the powerful offense of the Senators. Elmer Hawkins (1-0) and Dalton Whitaker each went 2 innings, allowing 1 hit and striking out one, and Carlos Rodriquez closed the door for the save (1) in exciting fashion, walking 2 and giving up a hit, but no runs. The offense chased Barney Butler in the 3rd, scoring 2 in the first and 3 in the third. The offense had 10 hits, including a 3 hit day by Brian Cline (a double and 2 RBI), a 2-hit day by Tony Soto (a double and an run) and a 3-run triple by Pablo Freitas.

Game 2:
Norfolk 7, Washington 2
Carlos Mateo (1-0) threw 6.2 solid innings, giving up 6 hits and 1 run, striking out 7, while holding the Senators offense in check. I have been questioning Mateo after a mediocre season last year, so hopefully this is a good sign. Edgar Matsuda threw 2.1 innings of relief giving up 1 unearned run, in his first game with the Cav's. Brian Cline (1) and Jacob Chaney (1) flexed the offensive muscle hitting their first homeruns of the early season. Chaney finished with 3 hits and 3 RBI. Cline finished with 1 hit, 2 runs and 2 RBI. Mauro Candelaria was ejected after charging the mound in the 5th after being plunked..

Post Game Report:
League Suspends Candelária and Brown for Brawl: After an intense confrontation, both the Cavaliers Mauro Candelária and the Senators Kyle Brown were handed their punishments today. The league commissioner's office issued suspensions for an on-the-field conflict that occurred at a recent Norfolk-Washington game. Both players will miss 5 games as a result of their actions.

"Sometimes we go too far and have to pay the consequences," Mauro Candelária commented later. "Hopefully cooler heads will prevail the next time we play."

Game 3:
Norfolk 9, New Castle 2
Tsuneo Sato (1-0) threw 7 innings in his first start of the season givng up 2 runs on 6 hits, while striking out 7. Dalton Whitaker went 1 inning, giving up a hit and striking out the side. The offense scored 9 more runs, this is a good sign for the Cavaliers, Brian Cline (2) went deep again, going 3-3 with 2 runs and 3 rbi. Ron Alder went 3-6, Pat Shelton went 3-5 with 3 runs, including a HR (1), and Chris Shopland went 3-4 for an offense that slugged out 16 hits!

Game 4:
Norfolk 1, New Castle 2
Karl Armstrong (ND) has to be shaking his head, after his team scores 7+ runs in the previous 3 games, they can't get more than one for him. Armstrong threw 7 innings, giving up 1 run on 7 hits. Ron Garris took the loss (0-1) giving up 1 run on two hits in the 8th. The offense was held to 6 hits, all singles, with the exception of a pinch-hit double by Tony Soto in the 8th. Soto scored on a Ron Alder single a batter later for the only Cav run.

Game 5:
Norfolk 4, New Castle 1
Geoffrey Bayles (1-0) doesn't have the stamina to go more than 6 innings, but during those 6 innings he gives it all he has. Today Bayles went 6, giving up 4 hits and no runs. Dalton Whitaker added 5 more K's to his total in 2 innings of work. Tony Soto (1) and Pablo Freitas (1) each hit solo-HR's for the Cav's. Ron Alder added 2 runs and a stolen base. Tomas Reyes added 2 hits.

Game 6:
Norfolk 4, New Castle 5 (10 innings)
Don Sweetapple (ND) threw 5.0 innings giving up 7 hits and 4 runs (2 more HR's) but took the ND. Bill Lee threw 2 perfect innings, Ron Harris threw 1 shutout innings and Carlos Rodriquez (0-1) took the loss, walking the winning run in, 1 hit 3 walks. Jose Rodriquez, Chris Shopland and Jacob Chaney each had 2 hits of the 12 hit attack. Alder stole two more bases (5) and scored 2 times.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Roberto Villalobos (Dover Generals) 10-18 2 HR, 5 RBI
MarVa: Francisco Reyes (Ocean City Tourists) 10-23 4 HR, 9 RBI, 6 Runs

Week Highlights:
Anthony Cunningham (Ocean City Tourists) hit 3 HR's, drove in 5 and score 4 times.

Power Rankings:
1. Lewes Braves 156.0
2. Milton Brewers 124.0
3t. Baltimore Barons 123.0
3t. Wilmington Iron Pigs 123.0
3t. Milford Clippers 123.0
3t. Newark Millers 123.0
7. Norfolk Cavaliers 121.0

GM Thoughts: Coming out of the gate against one our biggest rivals and one of the top teams in the Delaware Conf put a lot of pressure on us. We want to start off strong, something we didn't do last year. Sweeping Washington makes me happy and taking a split IN New Castle is a win in my book... The offense is scoring runs, which is 100% different than last year and Pablo Freitas, Jose Rodriquez and Tomas Reyes haven't done much of anything yet... My only point of concern is Don Sweetapple. 5 Hr's given up in 2 games, thats not Don's MO. In his career he has posted under 1.0 HR/9 (2013: 0.91, 2014: 0.84) this year he is at 5.0. Hope he is healthy... I know its one week in so you can take too much from these numbers, but we are #2 in Runs Scored and #1 Runs Against #1. Solid first week.

[illeracula]

Week 2
Current Week: 7-0 (11-2 - GB 1st (+5))
Next Week: 2 vs Richmond Cardinals, 4 vs Ellicott City Express
Power Ranking: 1 (+6)
Fan Interest: 60
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Game 7
Norfolk 2, Georgetown 10
Carlos Mateo (2-0) threw 7.0 innings, giving up 2 runs on 6 hits. Ron harris and Dalton Whitaker pitched the final 2 innings. The offense exploaded for 15 hits, lead by Pablo Freitas who went 4-5 with 6 RBI, including a 6th inning grand slam (2). Ron Alder and Tomas Reyes each had 3 hits as well. Alder now has 6 stolen bases on the season. He had 58 last season, 2 shy of the record, he seems motivated to take that record down.

Game 8
Norfolk 3, Georgetown 1
Tsuneo Sato (2-0) had the best start so far this season, going 8 innings, giving up 1 run on 3 hits. The only blemish a solo-HR. Carlos Rodriguez took home the save (1), and finally didn't walk anyone. Pablo Freitas lead the offense going 2-3 with 2 RBI, including another HR (3). Ron Alder added a double.

Game 9
Norfolk 11, Georgetown 2
Karl Armstrong (1-0) had another solid start, going 7.0 innings, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits and striking out 6, to take home the win. Ron Harris pitched the final 2, allowing 2 hits. The offense again went off this time for 14 hits. With 5 players getting 2: Pablo Freitas, Jose Rodriquez, Brian Cline, Ron Alder and Tomas Reyes. Cline hit a 3-run HR and Ron Alder stole 2 more bases (8).

Game 10
Norfolk 7, Georgetown 5
Geoffrey Bayles (2-0), proved me wrong, going 7 innings, allowing 5 runs (2 ER) on 5 hits, and was the benefactor of a 6-run 1st to claim the win. Carlos Rodriquez closed the door (1 hit, 1 walk) for the save (3). The offense stroked 11 hits, lead by Jose Rodriquez who had 3, including his first HR of the year. Pablo Freitas hit a 2-run shot (4) and Mauro Candelaria add 2 hits, to finish off the sweep.

Game 11
Ocean City 3, Norfolk 7
Don Sweetapple (1-0) took home is first win of the season with a solid performance the Cavaliers first home game of the year. Sweetapple went 7.1 innings, giving up 2 runs on 11 hits and striking out 9. Dalton Whitaker held the Tourists in check for the final 1.2 innings. Jose Rodriquez lead the offense with a 2-4 day, with 4 RBI and 2 HR (3). Tomas Reyes hit his first HR of his career. Ron Alder had 3 hits and 2 more stolen bases (10).

Game 12
Ocean City 0, Norfolk 4
Carlos Mateo (3-0) threw the Cavaliers first shutout of the season, going all 9 innings, allowing only 2 hits, while walking 1 and striking out 5, all on 98 pitches (70 strikes)! Tony Soto put on a power display driving in all 4 Cav's runs, with a solo-HR and a 3-run shot (3)! Soto also had 2 of the Cav's 4 hits.

Game 13
Ocean City 1, Norfolk 7
Tsuneo Sato (3-0) finished off the Cavaliers perfect week with 6.1 innings of solid pitching. Sato gave up 1 un-earned run on 4 hits. Dalton Whitaker pitched the final 2.2 innings, striking out 7 and taking the save (1). The Cavaliers scored their 7 runs on 6 hits, lead by a 1-3 day by Ron Alder, with 3 RBI's. Tony Soto and Pablo Freitas each scored 2 times.

Injury News: Jose Rodriquez was taken out of the game after being HBP in the 6th last game, and is now listed at DtD for 5-days. Pat Freitas will fill in while he is gone.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Bruce Walker (Lewes Braves) 15-32, 1 HR, 5 RBI
MarVa: Pablo Freitas (Norfolk Cavaliers) 11-30, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 9 Runs


Power Rankings
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (165.3)
2) Lewes Braves (141.5)
3) Chesapeake Blue Crabs (113.8)
4) Milton Brewers (113.8)
5) Milford Clippers (113.8)

GM Notes/Thoughts: I think this might of been my first perfect week as the GM of the Cavaliers. It feels good. I like to see this team get off to a hot start, specially after the rough patch we hit at the start of last season... Sweetapple got a victory and didn't give up a HR. Hopefully he just wasn't ready to pitch. Maybe he needs more spring innings next season... I can't get too excited yet about this team, it is only 2 weeks into the season, but its a nice feeling when you can look up at the Conference Rankings and seeing a bunch of 1's. 82 Runs 1st, .279 Avg 1st, 32 Runs against 1st, .723 Def Eff 1st. That's a good feeling. Its a long season, I know... After 2 weeks, Dalton Whitaker is the team leader in K's with 19 in 11 innings... I need to clean up my minor leagues, way too many players for the 3 teams... Is it safe to say that our new hitting coach Pablo Lopez has made a big difference?... so far on the season the lowest payroll team (us) is 6-0 vs the 2 highest payroll teams! Money isn't everything.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 3-3 (14-5 - GB 1st (+3))
Next Week: 2 @ Annapolis Admirals, 4 @ Baltimore Barons
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 60
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Game 14
Richmond 2, Norfolk 12
Karl Armstrong (2-0) threw a great 8 innings. Giving up just 1 run on 6 hits and striking out 10. The offense had 13 hits, with Gilberto Ramos leading the way going 3-4 with 4 RBI. Julio Romero, Mauro Candelaria and Pat Shelton each had 2 hits, and Pablo Freitas add a solo-HR (5).

Game 15
Richmond 3, Norfolk 2
Geoffrey Bayles (ND) only went 3.2 innings, giving up 7 hits and 1 run, but control issues and 3 walks, racked up his pitch count (76) and he was removed early. Edgar Matsuda and Dalton Whitaker combined for 4.1 shut-out innings with 8 K's. Carlos Rodriquez blew the save (1) and took the loss giving up 2-runs in the 9th (0-2). The offense had 5 hits and 2 runs, but couldn't string enough hits in a row. 5 players had a hit, Julio Romero and Pat Shelton each doubled.

Game 16
Ellicott City 3, Norfolk 0
Don Sweetapple (1-1) had a good performance, but didn't get any help from the offense. Sweetapple went 7.2 innings, allowing 8 hits and 3 runs, while striking out a season high 11. The offense was handcuffed for 5 hits, all singles, and struck out 12 times!

Game 17
Ellicott City 5, Norfolk 0
Carlos Mateo (3-1) was the benefactor of a quiet offense, as he threw 6.2 solid innings, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits. The offense was held to 4 hits, with Jacob Chaney getting 2 of the 4, both of his hits were doubles.

Game 18
Ellicott City 6, Norfolk 8
Tsuneo Sato (4-0) continued to win this season, but struggled through 5.2 innings, giving up 6 runs on 6 hits, while walking 5 and striking out 2. Edgar Matsuda thew 2 innings of hitless ball, and Carlos Rodriquez pitched a perfect 9th for the save (4). The offense exploded for 6 runs in the first, ending their scoreless streak at 19 innings. Brian Cline was 2-3 with 3 RBI, including a double and a triple. Tony Reyes had 2 hits and 4 RBI, including a double and a 2-run HR (2). Pablo Freitas, Chris Shopland and Ron Alder each added 2 hits.

Injury News: Brian Cline was injured running after a double in the 4th.

Game 19
Ellicott City 5, Norfolk 7
Karl Armstrong (ND) went 7.1 innings, giving up 4 runs on 6 hits, but took the ND when Dalton Whitaker blew the save (1) in the 9th. Whitaker (1-0) took home the win thanks to a Mauro Candelaria walk-off 2-run HR (1). Mauro had a 3-5 day to pace the offense. Tony Soto alos ahd 2 hits, including his 4th HR. Pablo Freitas hit his team leading 6th HR in the 3rd.

Injury New: Carlos Rodriquez was pulled from the game in the 9th with an injury. We will wait anxiously for the diagnosis... We got the that Brain Cline is out 5-6 days with a D2D ankle injury.


Players of the Week:
Delaware: Billy Moore (Milford Clippers) 8-19, 1 HR, 3 RBI
MarVa: Steve Williams (Chesapeake Blue Crabs) 9-19, 2 HR, 12 RBI

Power Rankings
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (138.6)
2) Chesapeake Blue Crabs (132.2)
3) Lewes Braves (131.0)
4) Annapolis Admirals (114.2)
5) Washington Senators (109.2)

GM Notes/Thoughts: Followed an 8-game winning streak with a 3-game losing streak. Plus that 3 game-losing streak we scored a total of 2 runs and were held scoreless for 19 straight. I had flashbacks of last years offense. Hopefully it was a fluke and we will be back hitting the ball next week. I am going to keep an eye on Ellicott City so next time we play them I am curious how those two guys (Aarsse and Gonzalez) do against us... Pitching is continuing to throw the ball well, Carlos Rodriquez has been a little shaky this season. Is it too soon to try to find a new closer? His control has always been a concern (10/20), but last year he was one of the best. He is injured and we are awaiting the news, hopefully nothing major... Pablo Freitas is hitting the ball well, could this be his breakout season? He was our 2nd player drafted in the inaugural draft, was rookie of the year in 2013 and then missed most of last year with injuries... Ron Alder has 11 steals, with the first month coming to an end he is on pace to break the all-time record... Washington is starting to warm up. Going to be a fun season.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 4-2 (18-7 - GB 1st (+4.5))
Next Week: 2 @ Ocean City Tourists, 4 @ Dover Generals
Power Ranking: 2 (-1)
Fan Interest: 60
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Game 20
Norfolk 6, Annapolis 4
Geoffrey Bayles (3-0) bounced back from a rough start to go 5 solid innings, giving up 4 runs on 7 hits for the win. Edgar Matsuda continued being solid out of the pen going 2 shutout innings. Bill Lee pitched the final 1.2 for the save (1). Chris Shopland lead the offense with a 2-4 day, with a HR (1) and driving in 3. Tomas Reyes went 1-3 with 2 runs and 2 RBI. Ron Alder stole base #12.

Game 21
Norfolk 2, Annapolis 3 (13 innings)
Don Sweetapple (ND) went 6.2 innings, allowing 1 run on 9 hits while striking out 7, but took the ND as the offense couldn't give him the needed run support. Edgar Matsuda gave up his first two runs of the season in the 13th for the loss (0-1). The offense had 11 hits, but left 9 men on base. Pablo Freitas went 3-6 with 2 RBI on a 2-run HR (7) in the 8th. Brian Cline and Jose Rodriquez also added two hits.

Injury Report: Carlos Rodriquez has been diagnosed with elbow sorness and will be out for about 2 weeks. He will be placed on the 15-day DL. Sun Ho has been brought up and will be placed in the bull-pen. Sun is 1-1 5.23 in 3 AAA Starts. Ron Harris will take over the closer role while Carlos is out.

Game 22
Norfolk 9, Baltimore 4
Carlos Mateo (4-1) went 6 solid innings, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits for the win, as Elmer Hawkins and Dalton Whitaker finished things off. The offense exploded for 14 hits, with Ron Alder and Jesus Rivera getting 3 apiece and Tomas Reyes, Mauro Candelaria and Brian Cline getting 2. Reyes led the team with 3 RBI.

** End of April **

Game 23
Norfolk 14, Baltimore 4
Tsuneo Sato (5-0) gave up 14 hits and 4 runs over 7.1 innings and was the benefactor of an offense that had 20 hits! Elmer Hawkins finished the Barons off pitching the final 1.2 innings. The offense had 20 hits, but only 2 extra-base hits, a 2B by Tomas Reyes and a HR by Mauro Candelaria (2). Pablo Freitas and Tomas Reyes each had 4 hit games and Jacob Chaney and Mauro Candelaria added 3-hits a piece. Mauro and Tomas each had 3 RBI's.

Game 24
Norfolk 10, Baltimore 5
Karl Armstrong (3-0) continued his successfully first month of 2015 with a 7.1 inning performance. Karl gave up 4 runs, on 8 hits (including 3 HR's). Pablo Freitas lead the Cav's offense going 2-5 with a HR (8), 3 runs and 4 RBI. Tony Soto added 3 hits and 3 runs, and 4 other Cav's tallied 2 hits.

Game 25
Norfolk 5, Baltimore 8
Geoffrey Bayles (3-1) took the loss, as the Barons kept from getting swept. Bayles went 5.1 innings, giving up 10 hits and 7 runs. Edgar Matsuda gave up 1 run in 2 innings of relief. Pablo Freitas hit a HR (9) and drove in 3 runs. Jose Rodriquez was the only player with more than 1 hit, getting 2, including a HR (4).

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Charles Culligan, New Castle Colonials, 10-23 6 HR, 16 RBI
MarVa: Steve Williams, Annapolis Admirals, 11-27 3 HR, 10 RBI

Weekly Highlights:
Jeff Lewis, Newark Millers, hit for cycle.
Gilberto Carrabello, Dover Generals, threw a no-hitter. The frist ever non-Cavaliers no-hitter, and the 3rd one thrown in the DBL.

Major Injury Highlights:
Edward Adams, Annapolis Admirals, will be out 9 months with a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament. He is 2-0 in 4 starts this season.
Jose Martinez, Washington Senators, will be out 9 months with a torn ACL. On the season Jose was hitting .392-4-16
Jose 'Mushy' Martinez, Newark Millers, will be out 5-6 months with bone chips in his elbow. Mushy has pitched in 10 games, going 0-0 2.08. Looked like getting out of Norfolk helped Mushy out, hopefully he will bounce back.

Power Rankings:
1) Lewes Braves (132.5)
2) Norfolk Cavaliers (130.6)
3) Chesapeake Blue Crabs (128.4)
4) New Castle Colonials (122.0)
5) Annapolis Admirals (115.0)

GM Thoughts/Notes: Come April in review I will have to look at my teams short comings and see if there is anything I can do. Right now I have a couple potential worry spots. Relief pitchers throwing strikes, and my 3rd outfielder... We had a great first month, including an 8-game win streak, even if it was followed by 19 scoreless innings, I will take it... We are scoring runs, which we didn't do last season, which has been a pleasant surprise... Pablo Freitas has 9 HR's, its nice to have his bat back in the lineup... Its a long season and we started off hot, last season we had a losing April. Hopefully we will continue to stay hot and hold off Washington.

[illeracula]

Players of the Month:
Delaware Conference:


Batter of the Month: Billy Moore, Milford Clippers
Billy Moore battered Delaware Conference pitchers all April and wound up taking home the Batter of the Month Award. In 22 games, Moore hit .359 with 9 home runs, 20 RBIs and scored 20 runs.

Pitcher of the Month: Jim Hodges, New Castle Colonials
Jim Hodges has been around the league long enough to know that relievers are often overlooked. That has never stopped him from doing what he does best -- and he did it extremely well in April. The Colonials bullpen ace collected 6 saves and 17 strikeouts in 13 innings, holding the opposition to a .178 average and posting a 0.69 ERA and a 3-0 record.

Rookie of the Month: Chris Thomas, Dover Generals
Chris Thomas earned April's Rookie of the Month honors in the Delaware Conference for last month's performance. The boyish Dover right fielder might be wet behind the ears, but he's proving that he has what it takes to play at this level. Thomas hit .229 with 4 home runs, 10 RBIs and 6 runs scored this past month on his way to winning the award.

MarVa Conference:


Batter of the Month: Francisco Reyes, Ocean City Tourists
When Francisco Reyes stepped up to the plate in April, he did it with confidence and today he was honored with the MarVa Conference Batter of the Month award. The young Ocean City left fielder posted a .333 batting average with 8 home runs, 23 RBIs and scored 16 runs. Reyes also worked pitchers for 6 walks to post a .368 on-base percentage.

Pitcher of the Month: Carlos Mateo, Norfolk Cavaliers
Despite the number of years he's been in the league, Carlos Mateo still gets excited when he puts together a quality stretch like he had in April. He collected 4 wins and 1 loss with 27 strikeouts in his 5 starts, putting up a fine 2.29 ERA in 35.1 innings of work.

Rookie of the Month: Tomas Reyes, Norfolk Cavaliers
Tomás Reyes proved to be one of the MarVa Conference's preeminent rookies last month, putting up some sensational numbers to take the Rookie of the Month trophy. In April the shortstop for Norfolk had a .293 average, stroked 22 hits, 2 home runs, drove in 14 runs and drew 10 walks for a .386 OBP.

League Leaders (as of May 4th)
Delaware Division:
AVG: Bruce Walker (Lewes Braves) .366
HR: Billy Moore (Milford Clippers) 9
RBI: Jonathan Cook (Milton Brewers) 25
SB: Kevin Norris (Milford Clippers) 7

W: Carlos Delgado (Milford Clippers) 5
ERA: Marcos Estrada (Wilmington Iron Pigs) 1.06
K: Jarred Perry (Lewes Braves) 41
SV: Otik Duffek (Milford Clippers) 8

Marva Division:
AVG: Grant Wright (Washington Senators) .409
HR(t): Pablo Freitas (Nofolk Cavaliers) 9
HR(t): Francisco Reyes (Ocean City Tourists)/Angel Romero (Richmond Cardinals)
RBI: Francisco Reyes (Ocean City Tourists) 30
SB: Ron Alder (Norfolk Cavaliers) 14

W: Tsuneo Sato (Norfolk Cavaliers)/Gustavo Martinez (Cheasapeake Blue Crabs) 5
ERA: Steve McClellan (Ocean City Tourists) 1.76
K(t): Don Sweetapple (Norfolk Cavaliers) 33
K(t):Robert Albert (Baltimore Barons)/Tony Garcia (Annapolis Admirals)
SV: Brent Wagner (Annapolis Admirals) 9

Standings as for May 4th, 2015


The Lewes Braves started off red hot, after some big off-season pickups this team is ready to contend all season long. The surprise is the Georgetown Sixteens, the team with the highest payroll in the league just hasn't been able to get it going... New Castle Colonials and Milford Clippers look like they are going to be in an all-year battle... The Blue Crabs came out hot and have the lead over the Admirals and the Tourists. This division is up for grabs, should be a fun battle all season... The Norfolk Cavaliers are off to a hot start, something they aren't used to, and the Washington Senators are starting to warm up. Richmond and Ellicott City seem to be overmatched this season..

Norfolk Monthly Recap:


This team is playing great ball so far the first month of the season, but we do have some question marks or at least some concerns.
1) Are we deep enough to handle injuries? I think we are on the offensive side, as long as we don't lose too much power. The addition of Tomas Reyes has really helped us out.
2) Who closes with Rodriquez out? Can Ron Harris handle it? Dalton Whitaker deserve it?
3) Should we move Tomas Reyes, probably our best infielder to shortstop and slide Tony Soto to third? That means Candelaria will be out of position at second though. Will that hurt or help? Reyes could be a Glove Wizard at 3B or SS, Soto, won't be.

Defense and pitching lead this team last year, and with the addition of the team hitting the ball its been great. Will it last? Did we trade the bad blood and now have an even tighter team? I'd like to think yes and I think as long as we stay healthy we will contend.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 2-4 (20-11 - GB 1st (+2.5))
Next Week: 4 @ Milford Clippers, 3 @ Washington Senators
Power Ranking: 4 (-2)
Fan Interest: 60
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Game 26
Norfolk 3, Ocean City 5
Don Sweetapple threw a complete game, but took home the loss (1-2). Sweetapple gave up 9 hits, 3 HR's, 5 Runs and struck out 6. Jose Rodriquez had 2 hits and scored 2 times, Chris Shopland added 2 hits and Mauro Candelaria knocked in 2.

Game 27
Norfolk 3, Ocean City 4
Carlos Mateo, threw an 8-inning CG and took the loss as well (4-2). Mateo gave up 4 runs (a run HR in the 5th doomed him) on 8 hits and struck out 5. The offense only managed 6 hits, including 3 XB hits: A solo HR by Jose Rodriquez (5), a triple by Ron Alder and a double by Mauro Candelaria.

Game 28
Dover 1, Norfolk 7
Tsuneo Sato (6-0) remained perfect with a 7 solid innings of 5 hit ball. Sato gave up 1 run, but did walk 5 hitters. Elmer Hawkins pitched the final to to close the door. The offense woke up for 11 hits, Jesus Rivera went 2-2 with 2 RBI and his first HR of the season. Jacob Chaney had 2 hits and 2 RBI. Brian Cline and Jose Rodriquez also added 2 hits.

Game 29
Dover 7, Norfolk 3
Karl Armstrong (3-1) got roughed up over 7 innings, giving up 5 runs on 6 hits, including 2 HR's. Mauro Candelaria and Chris Shopland each had 2 hits. Tomas Reyes had the only XB hit with his 11th dobule.

Game 30
Dover 1, Norfolk 6
Geoffrey Bayles (3-2) gave up 5 runs in 5.2 innings of work, on 7 hits, 2 of which landed on the wrong side of the fence. The offense had 10 hits and left 8 men on base. Pablo Freitas had 2 hits including a double and a HR (10). Tomas Reyes also had 2 hits.

Game 31
Dover 2, Norfolk 3
Don Sweetapple (ND) threw 5.2 inninings, giving up 7 hits and 2 runs while striking out 6. He didn't allow any HR's. Sun Ho (1-0) pitched 1.1 innings of perfect ball to take home the win, and Ron Harris pitched a hit-less 9th for the save (1). The offense had 8 hits, lead by Mauro Candelaria's 2 and Tony Soto's 2-run HR (5).

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Anthony Dundee, Georgetown Sixteens. 2 GS, 2 CG, 2 W, 2 SHO, 7 Hits, 1 BB.
MarVa: Cliff Jones, Washington Senators, 13-26, 2 HR, 12 RBI

Weekly Highlights:
Carlos Martinez, New Castle Colonials, pitched the 2nd no-hitter of the season. Martinez didn't walk anyone and struck out 6. Carlos faced a total of 29 batters in his masterpiece. In the 4th inning Carlos hit a batter and had a fielding error, for the only blemishes during 5-0 win over the Milton Brewers. This is the first season with more than 1 no-hitter pitched.

Major Injury News:
George Waller, the Baltimore Barons 2-time all-star second baseman, the 26-year old is expected to miss the next 3 months with a partially torn labrum.

Power Rankings:
1) Annapolis Admirals (136.9)
2) Chesapeake Blue Crabs (132.7)
3) Milford Clippers (125.1)
4) Norfolk Cavaliers (117.1)
5) Lewes Braves (113.0)

GM Thoughts/Notes: Our starting pitching wasn't as good as it has been, we just gave up way too many HR's, but it wasn't helped by our weak offensive showing. Hopefully this is just a cold spell and not what is going to be... Washington closed in on us a little bit, but I think they will be on our tail or with us all season long. Going to be a long battle... Sweetapple is starting to get more consistent. Last season he had a string of 8 or 9 wins in a row. We could see that coming again soon (hopefully)... Alder didn't get on base much this week, lost 40 points on his average, which would explain why he only had 1 SB. He is still on pace to break the record of 60 though... The team average dropped 10+ points this past week... Defense efficiency is up to .709. I will stay put with Soto at short for the time being... This will be BIG week for us, going up against the #3 team in the power rankings and our #1 Rival, all on the road.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 3-4 (23-15 - GB 1st (+2.5))
Next Week: 2 @ Annapolis Admirals, 2 Days Off, 3 @ Chesapeake Blue Crabs
Power Ranking: 7 (-3)
Fan Interest: 61 (+1)
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Game 32
Norfolk 9, Milford 5
Carlos Mateo (ND) got roughed up, going 3 innings, giving up 5 hits and 5 runs, including 2 HR's. Bill Lee took home the win (1-0) with the help of 4 other relievers who pitched 7 shutout innings. The offense had 18 hits, in their best offensive performance in a while, lead by Jose Rodriquez 3-6, with 3 RBI, including a HR (6). Mauro Candelaria, Chris Shopland and Julio Romero each added 3 hits.

Game 33
Norfolk 1, Milford 0
Tsuneo Sato (7-0) has proved my worries about him wrong so far this season, as he extended his hot streak another game, going 7 innings of 4 hit ball before turning the game over to the pen. Bill Lee pitched the 9th for the save (2). Sun Ho struck out the side in the 8th. Ron Alder went 2-3, including a double in the 7th setting up the winning run. Chris Shopland knocked him in for the only run of the game.

Transactions: After the game Sun Ho was sent back down to AAA and Carlos Rodriquez was activated from the 15-day. Sun pitched great in the 3 games he appeared in, and we are glad to have kept him around. He may see some starts as the season progresses.

Game 34
Norfolk 2, Milford 3
Karl Armstrong (ND) threw a decent 6 innings, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits and 4 walks, while striking out 6. Carlos Rodriquez (0-1), in his first game back, showed some rust, losing the game in the 9th, giving up a first pitch walk off HR. The offense had 4 hits, the only extra-base hit was by Jacob Chaney who had a double, he also scored a run and drove in one.

Injury News: Ron Alder was pulled in the 7th after pulling up lame on the base paths. While we wait to hear how bad the injury is Joe Payne and Pat Shelton will share time in LF.

Game 35
Norfolk 5, Milford 2
Geoffrey Bayles (4-2) got back on the winning track with a 5.0 inning, 1 run start. he allowed 6 hits and struck out 6. Carlos Rodriquez pitched the 9th for the save (5). Mauro Candelaria and Tomas Reyes each had 2 hits, Brian Cline scored 2 times and Jesus Rivera hit a HR (2).

Injury News: Billy Lee threw 2 innings of perfect ball, before leaving with an undisclosed injury.

Game 36
Norfolk 4, Washington 5 (10 innings)
Don Sweetapple (ND) threw 6.1 solid innings, but the bullpen couldn't keep the Senators in check. Sweetapple gave up 1 run on 5 hits. Edgar Matsuda gave up 3 runs, on 2 hits, both HR'sin 2 innings, and Elmer Hawkins (1-1) took the loss in the 10th. Mauro Candelaria and Jacob Chaney each had 2 hits, and Tomas Reyes drove in 2 with a triple.

Game 37
Norfolk 3, Washington 4 (12 innings)
Carlos Mateo (ND) threw 6.2 innings giving up 3 runs on 9 hits. Carlos Rodriquez pitched 2 shut-out innings of relief, giving up 2 hits and 3 walks. Dalton Whitaker (1-1) took the loss in the 12th, giving up a walk-off HR. Mauro Candelaria and Jose Rodriquez each had 2 hits. The only runs the Cav's scored came in the 6th on a 3-run blast by Tony Soto (6).

Injury News: LF Ron Alder has been informed he will miss about 4 more days with a hyper-extended knee. MR Bill Lee is listed as D2D with a mild-calf strain... at least we escaped anything major.

Game 38
Norfolk 11, Washington 12
Tsueno Sato (ND) got roughed over 2.1 innings, giving up 6 runs on 6 hits and 5 walks (He walks too many people and it caught up to him this game), but took home the ND as the offense fought back. Bill Lee coming back since he left with a calf-strain pitched 3 innings giving up 2 runs. Edgar Matsuda, who has been disastrous after a hot start, gave up 3 runs on 4 hits in 1/3 of an inning and blew the save. Dalton Whitaker (1-2) pitched the final 2.1 innings giving up a solo-HR in the 8th, which proved to be the winning run. The offense got it going with 14 hits, but left 10 men on base. Six of the starting 9 each had 2 hits (Tomas Reyes was the only starter without a hit). Brian Cline hit a Grand Slam (4). Tony Soto had the only other extra-base hits with 2 doubles.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Felix Pena, Wilmington Iron Pigs, 11-24, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 6 Runs
MarVa: Steve Williams, Annapolis Admirals, 13-27, 3 HR, 7 RBI (current 21 game hitting streak)

Power Rankings:
1) Annapolis Admirals (125.4)
2) Chesapeake Blue Crabs (114.4)
3) Newark Millers (114.0)
4) Milford Clippers (109.9)
5) New Castle Colonials (108.2)

GM Thoughts/Notes: Getting swept by the Senators made this a rough week. If we just pulled one out I would of been much happier. But all 3 games were very hard fought battles... our hitters are just in a slump, they all came out on fire, but as the weeks have gone on the averages are starting to fall where we expected. Luckily with Tomas Reyes in the lineup we have one more solid bat. Our lineup 1-9 is pretty average, last year with the injuries I would of said we were below average... Pitching is still doing well, outside of one game they did what we expected of them. Our bullpen and starters are #2 in ERA, so thats pretty impressive... Defensively we are back to where we were 2 years ago, #1 in the league and at .705. Just need to get those bats back to life... We have a tough series in Annapolis, then 2 days off. Should be a nice break... I need to figure out what to do with Edgar Matsuda, he is on a short leash.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 4-1 (27-16 - GB 1st (+3.0))
Next Week: 2@ Washington (last of a 14 game road trip), 4 vs Milfton
Power Ranking: 1 (+7)
Fan Interest: 62 (+1)
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Game 39
Norfolk 7, Annapolis 0
Karl Armstrong (4-1) got the week started off right, with 7.2 innings of shutout ball. He gave up 5 hits, 4 walks and struck out 3. The offense had 12 hits and were lead by Brian Cline, who had 3 hits, including a HR (5), 2 RBI and 3 Runs. Pat Shelton added 2 hits and 2 RBI, including a HR (2).

Game 40
Norfolk 5, Annapolis 4
Geoffrey Bayles (ND) strugged through 4.2 innings, giving up 11 hits and 4 runs. Elmer Hawkins pitched 3 innings of shut-out relief for the win (2-1), and Carlos Rodriquez closed out the 9th for the save (6). Brian Cline Homered (6) for the 2nd game in a row and drove in 3 more. Jesus Rivera added 3 hits, including a HR (3).

Game 41
Norfolk 1, Chesapeake 0
Don Sweetapple (2-2) was vintage, pitching a 3-hit shutout, with no walks and 5 K's to take home the win. The offense only had 1 hit by Brian Cline, but that didn't factor into the run. Tony Soto drew a walk in the 6th, moved to 2nd on a balk, went to 3rd on a wild-pitch and scored on a Pablo Freitas ground out. Sometimes luck is on your side.

Game 42
Norfolk 4, Chesapeake 6
Carlos Mateo (4-3) went 5.2 innings and gave up 6 runs on 7 hits, 3 walks and 4 HR's! Elmer Hawkins pitched 2.1 innings of shutout ball in relief. Jesus Rivera found his grove this week, adding 2 more hits, including an HR (4) and an 2 RBIs. Ron Alder and Mauro Candelaria each added 2 hits.

Game 43
Norfolk 4, Chesapeake 1
Tsuneo Sato (8-0) finished off the week strong, going 8 innings, giving up 6 hits and 1 run. Carlos Rodriquez pitched the 9th for the save (7). The weeks last game had the same offensive stars as the weeks first game, as Pat Shelton went 1-4 with a 2-run HR (3) and Brian Cline went 1-1 with a 2-run HR (7), he also walked 2 times. Ron Alder stole 3 bases to raise his season total to 17.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Bruce Walker, Lewes Braves, 10-23, 4 HR, 8 RBI
MarVa: Angel Romero, Richmond Cardinals, 12-25, 2 HR, 7 RBI

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (114.0)
2) Milford Clippers (113.5)
3) Newark Millers (112.8)
4) Wilmington Iron Pigs (111.9)
5) Annapolis Admirals (111.5)

GM Thoughts/Notes: Our pitching came back full-force lead us to an impressive 4-1 week. The bullpen bounced back after a rocky previous week and we are back to the #1 bullpen ERA... Defensively we have been outstanding, leading in the Def Efficiency and holding a league high .712... One concern I have been paying more attention to is our closer Carlos Rodriguez's control issues. Last year he walked 4 per 9, this year he is at 9.5 per 9. I will continue to watch him closely... We head into Washington for a quick 2 game series, this will be the last time we go to Washington, after this series they will be coming to see us 9 times... after this week, we will be heading into June and the draft. Our first pick is 18th and this talent pool isn't showing much.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 4-2 (31-18 - GB 1st (+3.0))
Next Week: 1st Year Player Draft, 4 @ Wilmington Iron Pigs, 3 @ Ellicott City
Power Ranking: 2 (-1)
Fan Interest: 62
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Game 44
Norfolk 9, Washington 4
Karl Armstrong (5-1) went 7.2 innings, allowing only 1 ER (4 Runs) on 9 hits. Ron Harris pitched 1.1 perfect to secure the victory. Tony Soto went 2-4, with a double and a triple, scoring two times and driving in two. Jose Rodriquez added 2 hits. And Chris Shopland went 2-3 with a solo HR (2) and 2 RBI.

Game 45
Norfolk 8, Washington 6
Geoffrey Bayles (ND) got roughed up over 4.1 innings, giving up 10 hits and 5 runs (4 ER). But the bullpen picked him up. Bill Lee (2-0) pitched 2 shutout innings for the win, and Carlos Rodriquez gave up a solo-blast but still took home the save (8). Pablo Freitas was the hitting star in today's game, blasting 2-HRs (12) off one of the games premier pitchers (Barney Butler) and finishing the day with 5 RBI. Tony Soto added 2 hits, and Ron Alder added 2 RBI and a SB (18).

Game 46
Milton 3, Norfolk 4
Don Sweetapple (ND) went 5.2 innings, giving up 2 hits and no runs, before leaving the game with an injury!! Bill Lee got roughed up taking away the win from Sweetapple, but Ron Harris (1-1) picked him up with 2 perfect innings and Carlos Rodriquez pitched a perfect 9th for the save (9). The offense was quiet only getting 3 hits, but 2 of those three ended up on the other side of the fence. Ron Alder hit a solo-HR (1), which turned out to be the game winner, and Tomas Reyes hit a 3-run HR (3).

Injury News: No diagnosis has been made yet in regards to Don Sweetapple. We will wait anxiously to hear. Sweetapple is the lifeline of this team and an injury to him could be turn out to be HUGE blow.

Game 47
Milton 2, Norfolk 11
Carlos Mateo (5-3) was on his game today, going 7.1 innings, allowing only 1 run on 3 hits. The offense exploded for 15 hits. Lead by Pablo Freitas who went 3-5 with 3 runs and 4 RBI, including a Grand Slam (13). Brian Cline added 2 hits and 3 RBI and Jacob Chaney went 2-2 with a run and an RBI.

Injury News: Sweetapple has been cleared to make his next start. He will be listed as day-to-day with a mild abdominal strain.

Game 48
Milton 8, Norfolk 2
Tsuneo Sato (8-1) lost for the first time this season. Sato went 6 innings, giving up 9 hits and 6 runs. After the 15-hit game, the Cav's could only mustard up 4. Brian Cline had 2 hits, including a solo-HR (8).

Game 49
Milton 6, Norfolk 2
Karl Armstrong (5-2) got roughed up over 4.1 innings, giving up 6 runs on 8 hits. He just couldn't get it going, giving up 3-HR's. The offense was quiet once again, getting only 4 hits, with Tony Soto accounting for the only extra-base hit with a double.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Jesus Nunez, Wilmington Iron Pigs, 9-21 2 HR's 3 RBI
MarVa: Cristo Canseco, Washington Senators, 15-28, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 4 Runs

Power Rankings:
1) Wilmington Iron Pigs (120.8)
2) Norfolk Cavaliers (115.9)
3) Newark Millers (113.2)
4) Milford Clippers (111.0)
5) Washington Senators (108.9)

GM Thoughts/Notes: Our teams batting average continues to fall, down to #6 in the league and our teams best hitter is only hitting .286. We have at least 2 guys who should be pushing the .300 line. Next season it might be worthwhile to making a big change to get a legit hitter in. Then again if it ain't broke why fix it?... It does feel good to sweep the series, albeit a short one in Washington... We go into Wilmington for 4 games, which means we will be losing our DH as we face one of the leagues hottest and best teams, with two of the games best pitchers... The first year draft is about to begin and before I do draft I will look back at the past 2 years drafts and where they are now. This talent pool is thin.

[illeracula]

Around this time last season I started talking about Scott Smith and his return from a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament, an injury that shelved him for just about 1-year. Smith came back and after rehab stints in New Orleans (AA) and Yokohama (AAA), returned to the Norfolk Cavaliers. In 2014 Smith pitched in 11 games, 7 starts, for the Cavaliers and was a member of the League Championship roster. His final stats weren't overly impress 3-4 4.76, but he did play a key role in the Cavaliers success.

This season he came to camp with high hopes and was fighting to make the final roster. His role this season would of been much like 2015, back-up starter and long relief. Unfortunately for Smith he didn't make the cut and was sent down to AAA to start the season with in Yokohama.

Midway through his second start of the season, Smith asked to come out of the game because of arm pain. The final diagnosis wasn't good... Smith was diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament, and would need surgery. After surgery and rehab he will be out at least 9 months, in essence missing another season.

Smith will be invited back to the team in the Spring of 2016, but with no options remaining the odds are starting to stack up against him.

[illeracula]

Delaware Conference


Batter of the Month: Bruce Walker, Lewes Braves
When guys like Lewes's Bruce Walker win Batter of the Month awards, it just makes you feel good. In a productive May, the longtime Delaware Conference veteran toyed with opposing pitchers all month long, collecting 48 hits in 110 at-bats. The veteran first baseman hit for a .436 batting average and collected 5 home runs, 24 RBIs and 19 runs scored.

Pitcher of the Month: Cesar Morales, Wilmington Iron Pigs
César Morales has been around the league long enough to know that relievers are often overlooked. That has never stopped him from doing what he does best -- and he did it extremely well in May and stole away with the Delaware Conference Pitcher of the Month award. The Iron Pigs bullpen ace collected 10 saves and 20 strikeouts in 15.2 innings, holding the opposition to a .185 average and posting a 1.72 ERA and a 2-0 record.

Rookie of the Month: Cody Patton, Georgetown Sixteens
The whole town is celebrating today in Georgetown as Cody Patton has just been awarded May's Delaware Conference Rookie of the Month trophy. The standout rookie second baseman took the award by rapping out 38 hits in 112 at-bats for a .339 batting average. During the month he collected no home runs, drove in 10 runs and scored 18 times.

MarVa Conference


Batter of the Month: Anthony Cunningham, Ocean City Tourists
May was a very productive month for Anthony Cunningham, and today the Ocean City first baseman was rewarded with the MarVa Conference Batter of the Month honors. He clobbered enemy hurlers for a .407 average, 9 home runs, and 26 RBIs and scored 27 runs.

Pitcher of the Month: Kyle Brown, Washington Senators
Kyle Brown hasn't been around the big leagues long enough to know that youngsters shouldn't be winning MarVa Conference Pitcher of the Month. But when you put up numbers like his, you're going to get some notice. In May the Washington starter earned a 5-0 mark in 6 starts. He threw 44.2 innings, struck out 24 and compiled a solid 3.02 ERA.

Rookie of the Month: Totoya Ogawa, Chesapeake Blue Crabs*
Hot-hitting Totoya Ogawa of the Chesapeake Blue Crabs garnered the Rookie of the Month honors for May in the MarVa Conference. Posting a .370 average last month, he collected 37 hits, 9 home runs, 20 RBIs and 19 runs scored.

*Last month Tomas Reyes won the award this month Totoy Ogawa, these are the only 2 International Free Agents that signed this season. Might be a little competition for the Rookie of the Year.

League Leaders (as of June 1st)
* means new leader for the month
Delaware Division:
AVG: Bruce Walker (Lewes Braves) .403
HR: Billy Moore (Milford Clippers) 19
RBI: Billy Moore (Milford Clippers) 46*
SB: Kevin Norris (Milford Clippers) 14

W: Marcos Estrada (Wilmington Iron Pigs) 9*
ERA: James McLaughlin (Newark Miller) 1.82*
K: Marcos Estrada (Wilmington Iron Pigs) 76*
SV: Otik Duffek (Milford Clippers) 18

Marva Division:
AVG: Cliff Jones (Washington Senators) .382
HR(t): Anthony Cunningham (Ocean City Tourists)/Francisco Reyes (Ocean City Tourists)/Abraham Thomas (Washington Senators) 16*
RBI: Abraham Thomas (Washington Senators) 52*
SB: Ron Alder (Norfolk Cavaliers) 18 (only 4 last month)

W: Tsuneo Sato (Norfolk Cavaliers) 8
ERA: Kyle Brown (Washington Senators) 3.17*
K: Barney Butler (Washington Senators) 63
SV(t): Bill Fox (Ocean City Tourists)/Manuel Martinez (Chesapeake Blue Crabs) 15*

Standings as of June 1


The Lewes Braves continue to hold on to a 2-game lead, bu the Milton Brewers are still fighting. The Souther Division should come down to a 2-team battle, and right now it looks like Lewes would be the favorite. A long-shot would be Georgetown, after an awful first month, they turned it up a little bit. Its a long shot, but anything is possible... Over in the Northern Division its anyones guess as to who is going to pull this one out. Newark went from 3 down to 3 up, and New Castle went from 3 up to 3 down. Three games separte the four teams, don't be surprised if it stays like this all season... In the Eastern Division, the Blue Crabs and Admirals are fighting away, but the Tourists are lingering around. Their offense says they will be in it all season. The Barons, eventhough only 9 out, don't have enough to compete at this time... And the Western Division is going to be a two team race with the Norfolk Cavaliers and Washington Senators. This should be a season long battle. Richmond and Ellicott City will be playing the role of spoiler.

Norfolk Cavaliers May Recap


We followed a 16-6 April up with a 15-12 May, which isn't too bad. I would like to think we had a much tougher schedule in May. But our batters just didn't hit the ball as well. We dropped from #1 in runs scored to #3 that makes a huge difference. Our batters came out swinging and have slightly cooled. Noticed no .300 hitter at this time... Our pitchers did pretty good in May as they remained in the top 2 of the pitching categories. And our defense is back to playing over .700 Defensive Efficiency... What I would like to see moving forward is Brian Cline and Jose Rodriquez to warm up. They are both on pace to just about match what they did last season, but I would like to see some growth. Maybe I am asking for too much...

What I would like to see in June:
Pablo Freitas raise his average currently he is hitting .250.
Don Sweetapple get 3 wins, currently he is 2-2 with the 2nd best ERA in the league.
Edgar Matsuda pitch better. Highest ERA in the bullpen. Trade material?
Carlos Rodriquez, our closer, lower his walk per/9 rating, currently 8.16

The draft is up next, then June, we have a couple of tough series coming up, so it should be an interesting month...

[illeracula]

2013
1) Arturo Ramirez (SP) - 19 years old, 4* prospect. Currentenly in A-Ball. 3-4 2.87 (10 GS). #10 prospect overall.
** Dan Nelson (Dover Generals) - Traded to Baltimore. Currenlty in AA. 2* prospect. 38th overall
2) Maurice Noble (CF) - 20 years old, 1* prospect. Currently in A-Ball. .252-2-20 (119 AB's). #18 prospect overall.
3) Jack Dooley (OF) - did not sign, 2014 Sup Round 1, Pick 3, 17th overall, by Milford Clippers, 3* Prospect
4) Bobby Myers (P) - 22 years old, 1* prospect. Currently in A-Ball. 0-1 4.50. Spot Starter. (3 GS)
5) David Harrison (CF) - 20 years old, 1* prospect. Currently in A-Ball. .247-1-16. (194 AB's)
6) Francisco Correa (SS) - 20 years old, 1* prospect. Currently in A-Ball. .203-0-7 (64 AB's)
7) Raymond Prigent (C) - 23 years old, 1* prospect. Currently in A-Ball. .263-1-2 (19 AB's)
8) Jeremy Pittman (CF)- 22 years old, 1* prospect. Currently in A-Ball. .425-0-11 (40 AB's)
9) Vincent Ayers (C) - 23 years old, 1* prospect. Currently in AA-Ball. .289-0-7 (38 AB's)
10) Stephen James (C) - 22 years old, 1* prospect. Currently in A-Ball. .326-2-3 (43 AB's)

2014
1) Gabriel Santos (SP) - 19 years old, 3.5* prospect. Currently in A-Ball. 2-3 3.83 (9 GS). #14 Prospect overall.
** Adrian Smith (New Castle Colonials), Currently in A-Ball. 3.5* prospect. #16 Prospect overall
2) Jeremy Jones (SS) - 19 years old, 4* prospect. Currently in A-Ball. .293-0-12 (150 AB's). #68 Prospect overall.
3) Doug Nelson (SP) - 22 years old, Retired 03/26/2015 had set-backs to his torn laburm recovery and retired from baseball. At the time was listed as #69 Prospect overall.
3) Vaughn Griffith (SP) - 18 years old, 2.5* prospect. Currently in A-Ball. 1-3 4.55 (10 GS). #59 Prospect overall.
4) Joseph Kearse (1b) - did not sign, in 2015 draft
5) Donald Mathews (2B) - did not sign, in 2015 draft
8) Vern Sanchez (SS) - 22 years old, 1* prospect. Currently in A-Ball. .185-1-17 (135 AB's)
9) Gary Lee (3B) - 19 years old, 1.5* prospect. Currently in A-Ball. .286-0-3 (63 AB's)
10) Bertrand Balkwill (SS) - 20 years old, 1* prospect. Currently in A-Ball. .333-0-0 (3 AB's)

[illeracula]

2015
The #1 Overall Pick went to the Lewes Braves and with that pick the Braves selected 18-year-old, hard throwing righty (91-93), Phil "Wheels" Carlson out of Kirkwood HS in Missouri. Phil had a perfect 11-0 season this year, posing a 0.60 ERA with 208 K's in 120.0 IP. He is listed as a hard sign for the Braves as he is asking for a whopping $8.5 million. Our scout Tim Olson sees Phil as a 4* prospect: Stuff: 5/12, Movement: 12/16, Control: 3/13.

Norfolk Cavaliers
Round 1, Pick 18: Joseph Kearse (1b). I decided to go with Tim Olson's recommendation. I was unsure and looked around (almost went with a 22 year old catcher and defensive beast Ryan Chapman), but after it was all said and done we drafted Joseph Kearse, a 19-year-old out of UCLA. Yes he sounds familiar, because this is the same guy we couldn't sign last season as our #4 pick. Olson has Kearse rated as a 2* prospect (OSA 3.5*). He is slow, plays adequate outfield, but should hit the ball well. Ratings: Contact: 6/12, Power: 1/6, Eye: 4/9. Lets see if we can sign him this year ... Signability: Easy

Round 2, Pick 13 (36th overall): Arhippa Skytta (SP). A starting pitcher out of HS, 18 years old, with 3* potential. He throws lefty and has a stamina rating of 17, which is always a good thing. Olson sees him with the ability to develop into a pitcher with above average stuff. Stuff: 6/11, Movement: 9/10, Control: 6/15 ... Signability: Extremely Hard

Round 3, Pick 19 (56th overall): Chuck Chapman (LF). A switch-hitting outfielder with average range and average speed. Could develop into a gap hitter. Tim has the 19-year old rated as a 2.5* prospect out of high school. Contact: 2/6, Power: 4/13, Eye: 2/5 ... Signability: Extremely Hard

Round 5, Pick 16 (88th overall): Markus Lee (SS). Is a 2* prospect out of Lamar College. He is a verisitle defender with a questionable bat, but with a high work ethic. Contact: 7/9, Power: 2/4, Eye: 5/8 ... Signability: Hard

Round 6, Pick 16 (104th overall): Ed Jones (SS). Is a 2* prospet out of High School, who will be shifted to 3B to begin his career. Jones questionable (low) work ethic keep him from being drafted higher. Contact: 6/10, Power: 3/7, Eye: 2/5

Round 7, Pick 16 (120th overall): Peter Alexander (C). Rated 12 behind the plate, not bad for a 20 year old. Hitting will drive his career, if he hits he will move, if he doesn't he won't. Contact: 4/7, Power: 1/5, Eye: 3/6

Round 8, Pick 16 (136nd overall): Rich McIver (SP). Doesn't have the stuff or velocity to be star, and his low work ethic doesn't help. Will be in the pen so we can decide what he has to offer. Stuff: 6/7, Movement: 7/7, Control: 4/8

Round 9, Pick 16 (152nd overall): Rick Ford (2B). Likes the game of baseball, but he is more into the statistics of it than playing it. If he can get his head in the game anything is possible, but that probably won't happen. Contact: 3/6, Power: 1/1, Eye: 3/7

Round 10, Pick 16 (168th overall): Sixto Alvarex (SP). Can develop above control and decent movement, but his stuff will always been in question. Olson doesn't project much from Sixto, but he will get a shot to prove himself. Stuff: 3/4, Movement: 8/8, Control: 7/12

Overall Thoughts: I think we did ok, but I am not 100% sure if we are going to be able to sign more than 2 of our first 5. Partly, because of the available talent, I felt like drafting quality and not "sure things". We will see what happens over the next few weeks...

[illeracula]

Current Week: 5-2 (36-20 - GB 1st (+4.0))
Next Week: 2 @ Richmond Cardinals, 4 @ Newark Millers
Power Ranking: 1 (+1)
Fan Interest: 62
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Game 50
Norfolk 1, Wilmington 6
Geoffrey Bayles (4-3) got roughed up over 4 innings, giving up 5 runs (3 ER) on 6 hits and 2 walks. The offense was held to 5 hits, with Ron Alder getting 2 of them. Alder also had a stolen base (19) and was gunned down (7). Jesus Rivera got the only extra base hit, a double.

Draft News: Markus Lee (4th Round) said he wasn't satisifed with our $150,000 offer and that he wants more. Markus is looking for $220,000, so we bumped our offer up to $200,000. Not sure if we will go any higher than that.

Game 51
Norfolk 5, Wilmington 4
Don Sweetapple (ND) went 5 innings, allowing 4 runs on 5 hits. Edgar Matsuda (1-1) pitched 2 shut-out innings for the win, and Carlos Rodriquez pitched a perfect 9th for the save (10). The offense showed some life today, stroking 10 hits. Mauro Candelaria and Julio Romero each had 3. Romero added 3 RBI's.

Game 52
Norfolk 3, Wilmington 2
Carlos Mateo (6-3) pitched well over 5.2 innings, giving up only 1 run on 6 hits, while striking out 7. Carlos Rodriquez pitched a perfect 9th for the save (11). The offense had 9 hits, and left 9 men on base. Mauro Candelaria and Carlos Mateo each had 2 hits to lead the offense. Pablo Freitas had a double and scored 2 times.

Game 53
Norfolk 8, Wilmington 7 (12 innings)
Tsuneo Sato (ND), pitched good enough for the win, going 6.1 innings, allowing 3 runs on 9 hits, but the bullpen couldn't close the door. Edgar Matsuda got roughed up for 3-runs, on 3 hits and 3 walks in 1.1 innings. Dalton Whitaker (2-2) pitched the final 2 innings for the victory. Tony Soto led the offense with 3 hits. Pablo Freitas led the offense with 3 RBI, hitting a 3-run blast in the 1st (14). Ron Alder led the team in runs, scoring 3 times. Ron Alder also stole 4 bases (23).

Draft News: Arhippa Skytta (2nd Round) didn't like our initial slot offer of $390,000 (he is looking for $2,400,000), so we bumped up our offer to $2,000,000. Skytta is one of the picks we would realy like to sign. We see a bright side in him, but with offers to go to college it might be tough.

Game 54
Norfolk 10, Ellicott City 3
Karl Armstrong (6-2) continued his strong season with a complete game victory. Over 9 innings Armstrong gave up 6 hits and 3 runs, he also walked 6 and struck out 2. Brian Cline lead the offense with 3 hits, all singles. Tony Soto had 2 hits, both doubles. And Chris Shopland added 2 hits and 3 RBI. Ron Alder stole base #24. **Shopland has somethign to prove this week, as he was removed as the full-time starter and is now platooning with Gilberto Ramos.

Draft News: Ed Jones (5th Round) isn't happy with the $150,000, and he is asking for $1,700,000. My guess is he won't be happy with anything we have to offer, because we will not come close to that number. I will bump it to $250,000. He is a HS with medium talent. Maybe some college will do him good.

Game 55
Norfolk 3, Ellicott City 5
Geoffrey Bayles (ND), who might be fighting for his spot in the rotation, threw 6.1 solid innings, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits. Ron Harris kept the game close going a perfect 1.2, before handing the game over to Carlos Rodriquez in the 9th. Carlos Rodriquez (0-4) got roughed up, getting two outs before giving up a walk-off 3-run HR. Tony Soto lead the offense getting 4 of the teams 11 hits.Ron Alder added 2 hits. Jose Rodriquez hit a solo-HR (7).

Draft News: Joseph Kearse (1st Round) isn't happy with the $1,500,000 we offered. He is looking for $2,200,000. I am going to meet his demand.

Game 56
Norfolk 8, Ellicott City 1
Don Sweetapple (3-2) pitched well and finally got some run-support. Sweetapple went 8 innings, giving up 3 hits and 1 run, while striking out 9. Jacob Chaney went 4-5 for an offense that had 11 hits. Ron Alder added 2 hits and a stolen base (25), and Jose Rodriquez added 2 hits, 2 runs and 4 RBI, including a HR (8).

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Pedro Morin, Dover Generals, 14-30, 2 HR's, 7 RBI's
MarVa: Roberto Perez, Baltimore Barons, 11-25, 4 HR's, 13 RBI's

Major Injures Around the League
One of the games premiere power hitters Pete MacCammon will miss the next 6 weeks. Pete sprained his ankle on a defensive game. On the season he is .256-11-27.

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (118.7)
2) Newark Millers (110.3)
3) Chesapeake Blue Crabs (108.1)
4) Washington Senators (105.9)
5) Lewes Braves (103.9)

GM Thoughts/Notes: I am trying to figure out what I should do with Edgar Matsuda. He isn't having an "awful" year, but he is our weakest link in the pen. I have toyed with the idea of sending in to AAA and bring up Sun Ho, and moving Bayles to the pen, but I am not sure. I will continue to shop him around and hopefully he gets a little more consistent... I noticed we have another 6 games on the road this week, seems like we are always on the road. And the stats seem to confirm that. We have played 17 games at home (10-7) and 39 on the road (26-13). Guess we will have a lot of home games to end the season. Not a bad thing... Our offense is #1 in runs scored. Average is down to .263, but we are scoring runs, so I can't complain too much... Our pitching is #1 in Runs against, starters ERA. I will take that. Our bullpen is #2... And our Defensive Efficiency jumped up to .714. Have to love that.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 4-1 (41-21 - GB 1st (+4.0))
Next Week: 2 vs Ocean City Tourists, 4 @ Chesapeak Blue Crabs
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 62
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Game 57
Norfolk 12, Richmond 5
Carlos Mateo (7-3) was the benefactor of some run support, going 7.1 innings, allowing 5 runs on 8 hits. Elmer Hawkins pitched the final 1.1 for the save (1). The offense exploded for 17 hits and 12 runs. Tony Soto went 4-4 with 3 RBI and 3 runs, Pablo Freitas went 4-5 with 5 RBI, including a grand-slam (15). Mauro Candelaria added 3-hits, and Brian Cline added a HR (9).

Draft News: Joseph Kearse (1st Round) likes our offer and will be sent down to A to begin his career. Chuck Champman (3rd) isn't very fond of our first offer. We bump him up to $1,500,000. Ed Jones (5th) decided we aren't getting anywhere and heads back to school

Game 58
Norfolk 10, Richmond 3
Tsuneo Sato (9-1) scattered 11 hits over 7.2 innings giving up 3 runs to tak e home the win. Mauro Candelaria had 3 hits for the 2nd game in a row and Brian Cline went 3-4 with 4 RBI, including a grand-slam (10).

Game 59
Norfolk 7, Newark 10
Karl Armstrong (ND) struggled with his control walking 6 batters, but left game with a chance to win. Armstrong went 6 innings, gave up 4 runs on 3 hits.Ron harris went 0.1 innings, allowing 2 hits and 3 runs (0 ER). Bill Lee (2-1) took the loss givingup 3 runs on 4 hits in 0.3 innings of work. Brian Cline, pinch-hit in the 8th, and hit a HR (11) for the 3rd straight game. Karl Armstrong went 1-2 with 2 RBI. Tomas Reyes added 2 hits.

Draft News: Arhippa Skytta says "no thanks" to our $2,200,000 and decides to break-off negotiations and re-enter the draft next season.

Game 60
Norfolk 12, Newark 11
Geoffrey Bayles strugged through 3 innings, giving up 7 hits and 5 runs. Edgar Matsuda gave up 3 runs on 3-hits, the only 3 batters he faced. Dalton Whitaker (3-2) pitched 2.0 innings for the win, and Carlos Rodriquez pitched an ugly 9th for the save (12). Brian Cline did it again, hitting a solo-HR (12) in the 9th, fourth game in a row with a HR. Chris Shopland lead the offense with 3 hits (2 doubles) and 4 RBI. Mauro Candelaria, Brian Cline and Julio Romero each added 2 hits. Ron Alder got a pinch-hit single and stole his 26th base.

(oh what I would do for a low-run game, too many crooked innings lately)

Draft News: Markus Lee and the Cavaliers agree to terms and Lee will join the Tritons down in A-ball to begin his quest to the bigs.

Game 61
Norfolk 5, Newark 1
Don Sweetapple (4-2) put a stop to the crazy scoring games, going all 9, giving up 1 run on 5 hits, while striking out 5. Ron Alder lead the offense with 2 hits, going 2-2 with a stolen base (27). And little used Joe Payne went 1-3 with his first HR of the season, a 3-run blast.

Game 62
Norfolk 7, Newark 6
Carlos Mateo only managed to go 2 innings, getting hit hard, 6 hits and 5 runs, 3 HR's, before the bullpen came in to stop the bleeding. Edgar Matsuda (2-1) took home the win, giving up 3 hits and a run over 2 innings. Carlos Rodriquez pitched a perfect 9th for the save (13). The offense was lead by Tomas Reyes and Jacob Chaney, both players went 2-4 with a HR (4,2) and 2 RBI's. Brian Cline, to top off a great week, hit his 2nd Pinch-hit HR (13) this week, which means he hit a HR in every game, 5 straight!

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Juan Alvarez, Lewes Braves, 9-16 5 HR, 10 RBI
MarVa: Brian Cline, Norfolk Cavaliers, 8-15 5 HRs, 13 RBI

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (128.0)
2) Chesapeake Blue Crabs (118.3)
3) Washington Senators (116.4)
4) Milford Clippers (107.7)
5) Newark Millers (101.5)

GM Thoughts/Notes: 2 of our top 5 picks signed, 2 didn't and one we are still talking to. I wasn't happy seeing Skytta walk, and was a little surprised he only gave us one shot to talk to him. 2 mil is a lot of money to walk away from... This week wasn't a very strong pitching week and I have concerns. Sun Ho will be brought up and Matsuda is going to go to AAA for some reps. I think I am going to give Ho the starts and let Bayles rest a little. I may even look to move Bayles over the next couple of weeks. Only problem is we don't have much depth in the starters... We can't seem to shake the Senators as they keep winning... I don't like to see high scoring games, when your team is based on pitching, but it is nice to know we can compete in and win them.

[illeracula]

Current Week: 2-4 (43-25 - GB 1st (+2.0))
Next Week: 2 @ Richmond Cardinals, 4 vs Lewes Braves
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 62
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Game 63
Ocean City 5, Norfolk 3
Tsueno Sato (9-2) got roughed up a little bit from the powerful OC offense. Sato went 5.2 innings, giving up 6 hits, 5 runs and 2 HR's. Geoffrey Bayles pitched 3 shut-out innings in relief. Even though the offense had 10 hits, they just couldn't get anyone across the plate. Tomas Reyes lead the offense going 3-4 with 2 runs scored. Ron Alder stole base #28.

Game 64
Ocean City 4, Norfolk 3
Karl Armstrong (6-3) showed control issues once again walking 7, in 6.2 innings. He only gave up 4 hits and 4 runs. The offense was stymied only managing 4 hits, all singles by 4 different players (not much to say).

Draft News: Chuck Chapman our 3rd round pick decided 1.5 wasn't enough for him and he will wait till next season.... overall we had a pretty crappy signing season. There is always next year.

Game 65
Norfolk 2, Chesapeake 6
Sun Ho (1-1) making his first start since returning from AAA Yokohama went 8 innings, but gave up 11 hits and 6 runs. He was touched up for 2 HR's. The offense left 12 men on base as they just couldn't get anything going when they needed it. Chris Shopland and Tony Soto each had 2 hits and Brian Cline had 2 RBI.

Game 66
Norfolk 1, Chesapeake 7
Don Sweetapple (4-3) got touched up for 7 runs, giving up 8 hits including 2 HR's. The offense was quiet only managing 3 hits, 2 singles by Mauro Candelaria and a solo HR (16) by Pablo Frietas.

Game 67
Norfolk 11, Chesapeake 4
Carlos Mateo (8-3) and our offense got us back on the winning track. Mateo went 6.1 innings, giving up 8 hits and 4 runs. Bill Lee pitched the final 2.2 innings to seal the win. Jesus Rivera lead the offense with a 3-5 day, all doulbes, and 2 RBI. Ron Alder added 2 hits, 4 RBI and a stolen base (29).

Game 68
Norfolk 9, Chesapeake 5
Tsueno Sato (10-2) became the leagues first 10 game winner, going 7 innings, allowing 5 runs on 11 hits. Carlos Rodriqeuz pitched the final 2 innings for the save (14). The offense slugged out 14 hits and drew 10 walks. Mauro Candelaira went 4-6 with 2 doubles, 2 runs and 2 RBI and Tony Soto went 4-6 scoring 3 runs and driving in 4 with 2 HR's (8).

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Robert Johnson, Milton Brewers, 10-20, 1 HR, 4 RBI
MarVa: Roberto Perez, Baltimore Barons, 10-23, 3 HR's, 13 RBI

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (115.8)
2) Washington Senators (115.5)
3) Lewes Braves (109.8)
4) Newark Millers (104.9)
5) Milford Clippers (104.3)

GM Thoughts/Notes: This team has been all over the place lately. We blow out people, we don't score any runs, its just been crazy. At the end of the week we are still #1 in runs scored and #1 in runs allowed, which blows my mind... The Senators are sneaking up on us, as their new core of players is starting to gel... When see how many crooked numbers we allow its amazing to me that our pitchers ERA are still top 2 in the league. Maybe I just don't give them enough credit... Sun Ho will get a couple of more starts and we will see how Bayles adjusts to the bullpen before trying to figure out what to do next... We are in talks to move Howard Harper for some bullpen help. Harper should by all means be in the majors some place, but we just don't have the space for him. He is crushing the ball in AAA (.401), but last season he only hit .222 for us and a contact rating/potential of 7 scares me a little. (OSA has him a 6).

[illeracula]

Current Week: 3-3 (46-28 - GB 1st (+2.0))
Next Week: 2 vs Washington Senators, 2 vs Annapolis Admirals, 3 @ Baltimore Barons
Power Ranking: 1
Fan Interest: 62
Owners Mood: Ecstatic

Game 69
Norfolk 3, Richmond 1
Karl Armstrong (ND) started off hot, pitching 2.2 innings of 1 hit ball (no walks which is a good sign), but was removed after complainomg about pain in his arm. Geoffrey Bayles threw 3.1 innings of relief giving up 1 run, and Dalton Whitaker (4-2) picked up the win going 1/3 of an inning and being the benefactor of 2 runs in the top of the 9th. Carlos Rodriquez pitched a perfect 9th for the save (15). The offense scored 2 in the 9th on a pinch-hit walk to Tony Soto and an PH double by Jacob Chaney (Tomas Reyes was thrown out at the plate). The 9th inning, including 2 pinch-hit singles and a pinch-hit walk to finish the comeback.

Game 70
Norfolk 3, Richmond 6
Sun Ho (1-2) struggled through 4.1 innings, allowing 5 runs on 6 hits and 4 walks. The offense couldn't get much going, as we only managed 7 hits. Mauro Candelaria was the star of the game hitting 2 HR's (4) and Gilberto Ramos added a solo-hr (1) as well.

Injury News: Karl Armstrong will be listed as day to day and will miss his next start. Bayles will be pulled from the pen to replace him next time around.

Game 71
Lewes 6, Norfolk 2
Don Sweetapple (4-4) hasn't been able to put a nice string of starts together this season as the Braves roughed him up. Sweetapple went 7.1 innings, giving up 10 hits and 6 runs (5 ER). The offense continued to struggle scoring runs. Pablo Freitas and Ron Alder each had 2 hits, and Tony Soto added a solo-HR (9).

Game 72
Lewes 4, Norfolk 0
Carlos Mateo (9-3) was on his game, pitching 7 innings of shut-out ball, giving up 6 hits and striking out 7. Ron Harris struggled giving up 3 hits in 2/3 of an inning, but with the help of Dalton Whitaker was able to leave unscathed. The offense continued to be blah, as Ron Alder remained hot, going 2-4 with 3 RBI, including an HR (2). Jose Rodriquez added a solo HR (9) and 2 runs scored.

Game 73
Lewes 5, Norfolk 4
Tsuneo Sato (10-3) threw 7 solid innings, giving up 4 runs on 5 hits (and 7 walks) to take the loss. As once again the offense remained quiet. The Cav's offense was held to 8 hits, with Pablo Freitas getting 2, including a solo-hr (17), and Tomas Reyes stroked 2, a double and a triple.

Game 74
Lewes 2, Norfolk 3
Geoffrey Bayles (5-3) filling in for the hurt Karl Armstrong had his longest outing of the season, going 8 innings and holding the Braves to 2 runs on 9 hits. Carlos Rodriquez closed out the 9th for the save (16). The offense only scored 3 runs to close out a pathetic week of run scoring, was lead by Tony Soto (2-4) and Ron Alder (2-3). Alder stole based #30 today, he is 1/2 to the record.

Players of the Week:
Delaware: Glenn Jenkins, Lewes Braves, 13-19, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 3 Runs
MarVa: Roberto Perez, Baltimore Barons, 13-26, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 5 Runs

Power Rankings:
1) Norfolk Cavaliers (112.9)
2) Washington Senators (110.0)
3) Milford Clippers (106.6)
4) Chesapeake Blue Crabs (101.6)
5) Lewes Braves (100.1)

GM Thoughts/Notes: Big start to the week, as we play our first to home games against the Senators, and they are breathing down our necks!! We have Karl Armstrong going game one (putting him back in over Sun Ho) and Don Sweetapple going game 2. And of course we are getting the Senators #1 and #2 (Barney Butler, Ken Brown)... June is coming to a close and now its time to start thinking if we should pull off any deals to make our team better. We need offense, just not sure I am willing to give up prospects. Decision time... We are heading into our big series with an offense that cant' seem to hit the ball. 6 games last week and we didn't score over 4 runs in any of them... and yes we are now tied for #2 in runs scored. I'd like to get back up to that #1 ranking... Pitching is carrying us, so hopefully they are ready to ball this week.