|
We were 14-7 in April the 3rd best record in the league, but the Reds have raced off to a 17-3 record, so we sit 3 1/2 back despite the best offense and 3rd fewest runs allowed.
Dave Clark led us in April hitting .319 and leading the league with 8 HR 29 RBI. Rookie Hensley Meulens hit .293/.393/.547 and he is 4th in the NL with 5 HR's and 3rd in RBI with 19. They more than made up for Fred Lynn struggling through a .210 April.
After a grand slam opening night, new addition Willie McGee struggled a bit hitting just .220, but he drew enough walks to have a .333 OPB, so he's actually scored more runs than he has hits so far. Mike Stanley and Roberto Kelly are each hitting over .300, as is Ellis Valentine who has split time with McGee.
My Dodger pitchers have never been strikeout specialists. I tended to finish between 6th and 10th in strikeouts, but so far our staff is 2nd in the NL. New addition David Cone is 4th in strikeouts and Sid Fernandez is 2nd in K's per 9 innings and ace Andy Hawkins is getting about 6 K's per start, so we have shot up the table.
Meulens isn't our only rookie standout. Closer Greg Olson is a perfect 7-7 in saves, striking out 6 in 8 appearances. Olson's movement rating just went up to perfect and his stuff is A- as well, so we may have 2 gems as rookies this season.
In April, it was Meulens named Rookie of the Month
|