May 1943 has come and gone, meaning the season is pretty much at the halfway point.
Flechas de León are off to a hot start, losing only 8 games in April before cooling off just a bit in May. They've been the offensive leaders of the league and are currently in 1st place for all but WAR and homers. 2B Oziel Rojas (.324/.353/.482) and newly signed C Miguel Aldava (.335/.456/.374) are leading the charge, with their lineup of course being the best in the league despite being one of the worst defensively. Their pitchers have managed to overcome a bad defense, being the 3rd best team and the 3rd best rotation. Veteran Roberto García (2.80 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) and Esteban Ramírez (2.42 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) are not only team but also league leaders. The Guanajuato club are definitely looking like favorites at this point in time, but there are still several clubs who can make a run for it.
Jaguares de México are the 2nd best offense and, opposite León, are amongst the best defenses in the league. Newcomers 2B Gabriel Barrón (.328/.419/.387) and 3B William Middleton (.317/.369/.376) have been up to par alongside seasoned SS José Serrano (.246/.318/.328) and young C Miguel de León (.312/.374/.512). Pitching-wise, their bullpen could be better, and their rotation led by RHP Diego Hernández (2.12 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) is the 4th best. Pitching consistency will be key for Jaguares to mount a serious challenge for the title.
Early season favorites
Jaibas de Tampico have the best pitching staff, albeit somewhat hindered by a mediocre defense. This lineup definitely pulls its weight though, and are currently the 3rd best in the league. New signings in LHP Rich Faircloth (2.08 ERA, 1.01 WHIP), RHP Primitivo Espinosa (2.90 ERA, 1.42 WHIP), RHP Luis Cruz (1.02 ERA, 1.09 WHIP) have proven to be excellent additions. If their offense manage to kick into another gear for the tail end of the season, the preseason prophecy might just come true. Either way, Tampico are on pace for their best season ever.
Other clubs such as
Obsidianas de Guadalajara with LHP Pablo Hinojosa (2.28 ERA, 1.00 WHIP) and SS Rubén Riviera (.276/.316/.523),
Aulladores de Mérida with RF Edwin Esparza (.291/.373/.432) and 1B Max Braud (.288/.377/.366), and surprisingly
Cardenales de Monterrey with LHP Roy McAllister (1.18 ERA, 0.93 WHIP), LHP Andrés Amaya (1.73 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) and RF David Galván (.309/.414/.401) can make this a photo finish if they find a hot streak.
Finally, let's check in on the award races:
Tlatoani Favorites
RF David Galván (MTY) - .309/.414/.401, 9 2B, 3 3B, 12 RBI
2B Oziel Rojas (LEO) - .324/.353/.482, 11 2B, 12 3B, 31 RBI
2B Gabriel Barrón (JAG) - .328/.419/.387, 11 2B, 19 RBI
RF Guillermo Villanueva (PUE) - .314/.388/.484, 10 2B, 1 3B, 5 HR, 24 RBI
RF Edwin Esparza (MER) - .291/.373/.432, 11 2B, 4 3B, 3 HR, 23 RBI
Atlatl Favorites
LHP Rich Faircloth (TAM) - 8-2, 2.08 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 10.3 K%
RHP Raúl Romero (MTY) - 3-5, 1.59 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 9.6 K%
LHP Roberto García (LEO) - 6-3, 2.80 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 8.4 K%
RHP Primitivo Espinosa (TAM) - 4-4, 2.90 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 5.8 K%
RHP Felix Alemán (SNL) - 4-4, 2.84 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 12.8 K%
Best Newcomers
LHP Rich Faircloth (TAM)
LF Orlando Melara (TAM) - .267/.374/.358, 9 2B, 4 3B, 14 RBI
RF David de la Rosa (GDL) - .280/.354/.377, 13 2B, 2 3B, 10 RBI
RHP Javier García (JAG) - 4-5, 3.80 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, 8.2 K%
1B Alberto Ferrer (MTY) - .306/.453/.429, 3 2B, 1 HR, 12 RBI
It seems to be an exciting run-in going into the final months, we'll see how this unfolds in the next update. Thanks for reading!