The Federal League East couldn’t be tighter heading into the final days of May. The Pittsburgh Pirates (33–23) cling to a half-game lead over the Cincinnati Reds (33–24), with both clubs trending toward 90+ win territory if current paces hold. The three-game set at Three Rivers Stadium offers the first real chance to separate contender from chaser—and it’s evenly matched in nearly every category. These two clubs have split their four...
May 26: Dodgers Blast Off, McDonald Blanks Expos, and Walk-Offs Everywhere Melvin Nieves put on a show in Colorado, going 3-for-5 with 2 home runs and 4 RBIs to power the Dodgers past the Rockies 12–6. Right behind him, Ryan Klesko added 2 homers and 2 RBIs of his own, helping LA continue their rise in the West. Meanwhile, Ben McDonald silenced the Expos in an impressive 8-inning, 3-hit shutout effort as the Orioles stunned Montreal 1–0....
In one of the more surprising moves of the young season, the Boston Red Sox have placed Akira Eto on the trade block—just months after making him one of their most hyped international signings. Boston fought hard to land Eto this offseason after he declared for DBL free agency following a successful stint in Japan. The deal: three years, $1.5 million, front-loaded and structured with escalating expectations. But now, with only 53 games under...
We’re two months into the season, and while it’s far too early to slap a “bust” or “steal” label on any draft pick, it is the perfect time for a check-in. The top of the draft came with some big names and bigger expectations—but has the production lived up to the billing? Let’s take a closer look at how the first five players selected are faring in their rookie campaigns. #1 – Andy Pettitte, SP Team: Washington...
May 23: Erickson and Smiley Dominate, Bichette Doubles Up, and Counsell Walks It Off Scott Erickson continues to pitch like a man possessed. The Cardinals' ace allowed just one hit over 8 innings in a 2–0 win over the Red Sox. That’s now three straight wins for Erickson, who’s 7–3 with a 3.59 ERA on the season. John Smiley matched him pitch for pitch, tossing 7 innings of one-hit ball while striking out 11 in the Blue Jays’ 4–1 win...
As the DBL season barrels toward June, a clearer picture of the league’s hierarchy is taking shape. The Montreal Expos continue to anchor the top spot, but a few contenders are making serious cases for a shake-up. Meanwhile, the middle tier remains volatile, and the race to escape the bottom grows more desperate. Let’s dig into the latest Power Rankings. Teams (Total Points, Tendency):1) Montreal Expos (141.1, o)2) San Francisco Giants...
As the 1995 season heads into late May, two seasoned hitters demonstrated that experience still plays a major role in offensive production. Toronto’s Will Clark and Chicago’s Dion James turned in standout performances to earn Player of the Week honors in the United and Federal Leagues, respectively. United League: Clark’s Contact Clinic Will Clark put together one of the finest offensive weeks of his career, showcasing elite bat control...
May 17: Haselman Heats Up, Offerman Nearly Cycles, and Erickson Outduels Henry Bill Haselman had himself a day, going 3-for-3 with a homer and 4 RBIs to lead the Red Sox to an 8–0 shutout of the Royals. It was the first time this season that Kansas City failed to plate a run—credit Haselman for sparking the offense and Boston’s staff for keeping the Royals silent. Jose Offerman came one hit shy of the cycle (missing only the single),...
Federal League: Gilkey’s Power Surge Bernard Gilkey found his power stroke this week and rode it to one of the most productive stretches of his career. The 28-year-old right fielder for Cleveland crushed the ball at a .550/.591/1.350 clip, tallying 11 hits in just 20 at-bats across seven games. What set Gilkey apart was his overwhelming power output—six home runs and 11 RBIs in a single week. That’s not just hot hitting, that’s...
Another week, another statement from the Montreal Expos, who hold the top spot for a second consecutive week. While the top of the rankings is stabilizing, the middle tier is a whirlwind of shifting momentum. The Pirates make the biggest splash this week, and several teams are quietly climbing their way back into contention. Here's the full breakdown. Teams (Total Points, Tendency):1) Montreal Expos (150.0, o)2) San Francisco Giants (140.0,...