[luckymann]

In a rather interesting reversal of the trend that had previously been evident in the PBL, after the bats run hot in the early going, the pitchers are now starting to dominate. August has seen a bunch of shutouts including a number of one-hitters.

One thing that hasn't changed is the performance of both the Grays and Canaries. Perennial cellar-dwellers, both have been dreadful again in '68 and look doomed for 100-loss campaigns, as do the surprisingly poor Colonials.

Apart from the South, where a stunning 21-8 month has allowed KC to bust it wide open, the other three divs remain in play as we enter the final stretch.


Monthly Award Winners

Northeast League

• Batter – Buck Leonard (Virginia): 296 / 8 HR / 18 RBI
• Pitcher – Mel Harder (New York): 5-1 / 2.57 / 23 K / 56 IP

Southwest League

• Batter – Ernie Banks (New Orleans): 375 / 10 HR / 32 RBI
• Pitcher – Robin Roberts (Kansas City): 5-1 / 2.38 / 23 K / 45.1 IP

Weekly Award Winners

• 5th: Buck Leonard (Virginia) / Ernie Banks (New Orleans)
• 12th: Reggie Smith (Carolina) / Ernie Banks (New Orleans)
• 19th: Adrian Beltre (Indianapolis) / Cody Bellinger (Kansas City)
• 26th: Dustin Pedroia (New Jersey) / Barry Bonds (Las Vegas)

Top 20s