[mikev]

First Place After One Month Of Play

April Wrap Up

Wrapping up the first month of the season, the Crusaders are perched atop the MBBA Pacific with a 14-8 record, 3 games better than both Los Angeles and Valencia, the only other teams in the division that don't have losing record.

California started the sim winning 2 of 3 from Manhattan,, then began their next series by eeking out a win over Greenville before dropping the next two to the Moonshiners. Des Moines would be the next series win for the Crusaders, taking 2 of 3 and then the month was ended with another 2 of 3 against Vancouver.

I have a feeling we're going to be hearing about him a lot, but Andy MacGregor was 4-0 with a 2.72 ERA in the first month of 2008. He struck out 28 and walked only 5 in 36 innings, and could well be 5-0 but had a no decision after 7.1 scoreless innings against Vancouver to close out April.

Catcher Carlos Becerra has led the offense to the tune of a 1.065 OPS, 7 home runs, 23 RBI, all of which lead the team. However, the biggest surprise so far has to be outfielder Tony Reyes. Reyes was signed as primarily a backup, but so far has a .430 OBP and 9 extra base hits in 76 at bats. He was awarded the MBBA player of the week for April 28th, and went 12-24 for the week. At this point, speedster Francisco Mendez should probably be putting in some extra batting practice sessions in order to keep his starting job.

In other news, newly found second baseman Pedro Vargas had expressed interest in signing a long term deal with California, and his request was more than fair. It took almost no time at all for the team to agree to his 4 year, 10.3 million dollar terms.

The Next Crusade

5/2 - v. Las Vegas
5/3 - v. Las Vegas
5/4 - v. Las Vegas

5/5- @ Los Angeles
5/6- @ Los Angeles

5/7 - @ Valencia
5/8 - @ Valencia

5/9 - @ Long Beach
5/10 - @ Long Beach
5/11 - @ Long Beach