[StLee]

Perfect Month

Based on their own admissions, the Starlight Lady Killers organization will break up their BMU team, the Mystic Pines Raybathers to make a run at the 2299 Sole Survivor Series. While it lasts, though, let us take a look at the undefeated Raybathers (11-0) and how awesome their numbers look in the Commonwealth Association.

First, offense. The Bathers are 2nd in runs scored (75) but 1st in several categories: Batting AVG (.308), OBP (.401), OPS (.865), Batting WAR (4.1), and wOBA (.394). Their worst ranking is 6th in home runs (9). Catcher Chris Dominoes just got called up to Starlight to back up Hope Scrapper. Dominoes was batting .390/.469/.488 with seven runs and seven RBI. CF Geminy Grasshopper is batting .372 with a home run and 13 RBI. 1B Mike Pushard is .343/2/7. SS Reverend Wilson is .333/2/7.

Next, pitching. Mystic Pines is first in runs allowed (30), Starters ERA (2.20), and Pitching WAR (2.4). They are second in Bullpen ERA (2.05) and FIP (3.85). All of those are great when considering they are only 8th in strikeouts (92).

Alex Alexson, a 2nd-round pick in the 2298 draft, is already on an MVP pace, going 3-0 with a 0.39 ERA. While it is yet to be seen what he can do in the CBO, he has been confusing batters a lot by cycling through his five pitches, with only his changeup lagging behind in usefulness. Obviously an undefeated team has undefeated starters, but all four have looked spectacular: Chad Sweet (2-0, 1.93), Trombone Jones (2-0, 4.50), and Dave Harden (2-0, 2.70). Closer Chad Hartwig has been the only questionable pitcher in the lineup (2 saves, 6.75 ERA).

Early-Season MVP Watch

Marketman Wins CA Player of the Week: Matt Marketman is respected by most Outpost Zimonja Strongbacks fans for his no-frills style of play. The 25-year-old right fielder went about his business with vigor last week to grab the Commonwealth Association Player of the Week honors.

He compiled a .579 average (11-for-19) with 3 home runs, 13 RBIs and 9 runs scored.

Star of the Week Picked in MA: At the age of 28, Ryan Wegott might have some potential he hasn't realized yet -- if his success at the plate last week is any indication. The Fiddler's Green right fielder put up some exceptional numbers the past seven days with a .615 batting average. For his efforts Wegott collected the Massachusetts Association Player of the Week Award.

He racked up 8 hits in 13 at-bats, 2 home runs and 5 RBIs last week in 4 games.

Marketman Named CA Batter of the Month: Outpost Zimonja Strongbacks fans believe they've got a talented young star in Matt Marketman.

He did nothing to dissuade that notion in April, as he hit .420 with 3 home runs, 18 RBIs and 16 runs scored.

The end result was the right fielder being named the Commonwealth Association Batter of the Month.

MA Announces Best Batter Award: Ryan Wegott of the Fiddler's Green T-60s was named the Massachusetts Association's best batter for his fine performance in April.

He compiled a .500 batting average and .612 on-base percentage during the month. In 11 games he piled up 19 hits, 3 home runs, 9 RBIs and 16 runs scored.

Commonwealth Association Selects #1 Starter in April: Over the past month Alex Alexson has turned quite a few heads. He's young, talented and able to pitch with the established arms in the Commonwealth Association. He proved all that and now he's been named April's Pitcher of the Month.

The rookie for the Mystic Pines Raybathers posted 3-0 mark and a 0.39 ERA. In 3 starts he tossed 23 innings, permitted 10 hits and fanned 4 batters.

April's Pitcher of the Month Goes to Lidtke: Bobby Lidtke took a much-deserved turn in the spotlight earlier today as he accepted the Massachusetts Association Pitcher of the Month award for April.

The 21-year-old Lead Bellies starter is a relative newcomer to the league, but nonetheless racked up an impressive 2-0 won-lost record in 3 starts. This month he fanned 22 batters in 18.1 innings and compiled a 0.98 ERA.

Team Power Rankings

Weekly Team Power Rankings: Here are the current team power rankings for Boston Minor Union:

Teams (Total Points, Tendency):
1) Mystic Pines Raybathers (201.0, o)
2) Eastlake Aquaboys (138.9, ++)
3) Trinity Plaza Snipers (138.9, +)
4) Galleria Robotics Experts (122.5, ++)
5) Haymarket Mall Commandos (120.5, ++)
6) Somerville Place Sentry Bots (120.5, ++)
7) Taffington Boathouse Spy Hunters (115.5, --)
8) Breakheart Banks Behemoths (114.5, --)
9) Fiddler's Green T-60s (101.2, ++)
10) Outpost Zimonja Strongbacks (101.2, ++)
11) C.I.T. Ruins Refractors (99.2, o)
12) Charles View Cannibals (99.2, ++)
13) Greentop Nursery Night People (81.8, ++)
14) Forest Grove Mole Rats (79.8, --)
15) Postal Square Action Boys (79.8, --)
16) Corvega Flamers (78.8, --)
17) Natick Banks Big Leaguers (76.8, --)
18) Bunker Hill Gun Fu (64.5, ++)
19) College Square Nerd Ragers (62.5, o)
20) Cabot House Rayguns (59.5, --)
21) Boston Common Lead Bellies (42.1, +)
22) Malden Grognaks (21.7, -)
23) Vault 95 Robobrains (19.7, -)
24) Union Hope Lifegivers (18.7, o)