Eric Davis has always been a player who moves at full speed. Whether it was swiping a base, turning a single into a double, or making a leaping catch in center field, Davis never coasted. So it was only fitting that his 1,000th career run came the same way he built his entire career—with burst, urgency, and a bit of flair. Crossing the plate for the 1,000th time in Wednesday’s contest against Atlanta, the 33-year-old Cincinnati star became...
June 19: Pedro and Neagle Spin Gems, Burnitz Brings the Boom You won’t find many better pitching lines than what Pedro Martinez gave the Expos:9 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 15 K in a 4–0 shutout of the Padres. That’s Pedro’s third double-digit strikeout game in June—and he’s making it look effortless. Not to be outdone, Denny Neagle tossed a complete game, 4-hit shutout against the Spiders, striking out 11. Oh, and Jeromy Burnitz? Two homers and...
It took them half a season, but the St. Louis Cardinals have finally landed at the top of the power rankings. With Montreal and San Francisco tied for second, and Cincinnati surging behind them, the top of the table is starting to reflect performance rather than reputation. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Spiders and Los Angeles Dodgers are among the week’s biggest risers, and the Texas Rangers and Orlando Sun Rays are sliding fast.Teams (Total...
This week’s Player of the Week honors went to two players on very different paths to greatness—Texas third baseman Chipper Jones continued to build his breakout season in the Federal League, while Montreal’s Jon Lieber put together a pair of masterful starts on the mound in the United League. Both players showed poise, power, and command, giving their teams a major boost heading into the heart of the summer schedule. Federal League: Jones...
June 16: Stairs Keeps Mashing, Pulsipher Surprises, Harnisch Heartbreaker Matt Stairs stayed white-hot for the Reds, crushing two homers and driving in three in a 6–4 win over the White Sox. Since stepping into the everyday lineup, Stairs has been a force—and a much-needed one in a division full of bats. Bill Pulsipher stole the show in L.A., going the distance in a 3–2 win over Toronto. The rookie allowed just three hits and struck out...
June 13: Rogers, McDowell, and Castillo Throw Zeroes, Burks and Hatteberg Walk It Off Kenny Rogers continued to anchor a surging Rangers rotation, spinning 8.1 shutout innings with 11 strikeouts in a 3–0 win over the White Sox. The loss was Chicago’s 8th in 9 games, as their season continues to spiral. Jack McDowell matched Rogers pitch for pitch in Colorado’s 2–0 win over the Giants, tossing 8 innings of 3-hit ball. The Rockies are...
For the first time this season, the Kansas City Royals sit alone atop the power rankings, capping off a month-long surge that has seen them climb from the upper-middle tier into the DBL’s elite. San Francisco continues to hold steady as one of the league’s most complete clubs, while Montreal slips as their pitching begins to show cracks. Meanwhile, the Washington Senators and Texas Rangers are on the move, and the Toronto Blue Jays and Los...
In a week defined by explosive power, two corner infielders delivered jaw-dropping performances to earn Player of the Week honors. Oakland’s Andres Galarraga mashed his way to the United League award, while St. Louis slugger Matt Williams left no doubt in the Federal League with a dominant showing. United League: Galarraga Shows Veteran Pop Andres Galarraga turned back the clock with a thunderous week at the plate, launching six home runs in...
June 10: Lankford Drives In 6, Bell Goes Deep Twice, and Valdez Locks Down Colorado Ray Lankford set the tone in Kansas City’s 18–5 rout of the White Sox, going 3-for-4 with 6 RBIs, including a home run. Add a grand slam from Rick Wilkins, and it was a full-blown demolition. The Royals are rolling, and Chicago’s now lost four straight and 47 games overall—tied for the worst record in the DBL. Derek Bell was the difference in Chicago’s...
After publishing “Orlando’s Identity Crisis: Five Trades, Endless Questions”, I’ve heard the feedback—from readers, industry sources, and yes, a few people within the Orlando Sun Rays organization. Some have suggested I have a personal bias against the team. Others have gone further, speculating that I “don’t like the GM” or that my critiques were aimed at undermining the club’s direction. Let me be clear: that’s simply not...