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Pastime Baseball League

August Review (cont.)

Southern League Review

The tightest division race in the PBL is the Southern League's East division, where the Orlando Orcas are desperately trying to hold off the defending champion New Orleans Knights, who trail by a game and a half.

Orlando went 13-16 in August, seeing their 3-game lead get halved as the Knights, who trailed by 5 a month ago, went 16-11.

The Orcas remain led by Sam Crawford, who hit .315 with 9 homers and 24 RBI in August. Pete Browning hit .295 with 16 extra base hits, including 10 doubles. But the positive to pull from August, despite the losing mark, was Honus Wagner. A disappointment of epic proportions since being taken in the inaugural draft, Wagner hit .316 in August to boost his season average to a career-high .272.A potent Wagner could give Orlando enough to hold on. They'll also need pitching, though, which came in short supply in August. Ace Bill Hoffer (16-9, 3.39) posted a 5.53 ERA during the month, while Red Munger (12-12, 4.62) went 1-5 with a grotesque 9.00 ERA. That won't get it done.

Not with the New Orleans Knights on their heels. The Knights visit Orlando for three games Sept. 19-21, and host a two-game set at home the following week, Sept. 27 and 28. Expect New Orleans to try and shield their horrible bullpen (4.74 collective ERA) and leave it up to a rotation whose top four starters have ERAs under 3.9. The foursome of Rich Harden, Mark Prior, Dontrelle Willis and Doc McJames will be brutal to face in any playoff series. But the offense has to get there. They are third in the Southern League in runs, but they make a ton of outs. A lot rides on Sam Thompson (.303-31-92) to bring him the division - and his first Southern League Outstanding Hitter Award - as well as Topsy Hartsel (.270-8-35) and Prince Fielder (.255-25-80) to give the chance for New Orleans to repeat.

Don't forget the Alabama Airmen, who still sit only four games back. Skipper Earl Weaver bristled when asked about New Orleans passing Alabama in the standings after New Orleans took two of three last week. "We have a goddamn month left in the season and we're four games out. New Orleans is up a game on us [at the time]. Big F&*# deal. We'll be there at the end." Alabama then went and took 2 of the first 3 in a 4-game set in Orlando, the last of which is to be played tonight. September sees Alabama visit New Orleans for another four-game set. They also host Orlando for four to close out the season. So if they fly right, the Airmen will certainly have their chance. They have pitching to match anyone, including New Orleans' vaunted foursome. Dan Haren (14-6, 3.28), Virgil Trucks (14-12, 3.94), Barry Zito (12-7, 3.78) and John Lackey (5-5, 3.94) are reportedly eager to stare down the Knights in a stretch run, though that seems to ignore the fact that it's Orlando who they're chasing. They should get the injured Vic Willis (8-8, 3.21) back for the last two weeks, which could be huge.

After an 8-17 July dashed their hopes, a 15-14 August has the Memphis Strummers clinging to life. Quite simply, the Southern League's worst pitching staff just won't hold up to make it happen. But watching Oscar Charleston (.336-25-80) attempt to carry the team is exciting, though admittedly an overstatement. After all, he's had help in the effort. Ryan Braun (.297-31-101) is putting forth a tremendous year, and the shock of shocks - Ty Wigginton (.331-24-90) has mnore than done his fair share. Still, 8 1/2 is a lot to make up in a month, particularly to climb over three teams.

Out west, the Los Angeles Idols still hope their offense can mask the lack of pitching, but their first losing month since April has the trailing San Antonio Sheriffs smelling blood from two games back.

Mike Donlin (.367-28-98), Fred Tenney (.329-25-109) and Harry Stovey (.265-27-107) are a devastating heart of the order, hitting behind Cal McVey and his .340 average. But one figures they'll need to pitch somewhat to close the deal. Brian Lawrence (13-10, 4.96) went 5-0 with a 2.23 ERA in August. But in 20 combined starts for the month, John Clarkson, Rodrigo Lopez, Billy Rhines and Jason Hammel went 6-13 with a 6.26 ERA.

San Antonio got slammed when Brandon Webb (9-8. 3.88) went down for the year in early August with a partially torn labrum. But one-time ace Noodles Hahn - yes, the first Southern League Outstanding Pitcher who struck out 373 batters in his first season at the age of 20 - was called off the reserve roster to take his place, and allowed one run...in 11 INNINGS in his first start. He joins Ted Trent (13-6, 2.85), Dick Rudolph (15-10, 2.92), Joe McGinnity (13-10, 3.44) and Jose Contreras (8-11, 4.69).

These two teams meet for three in Los Angeles Sept. 19-21, then in San Antonio for a pair Sept. 26-27.

AWARDS

Player of the Week
8/1 3B Jimy Williams - San Antonio Sheriffs
8/8 RF Sam Thompson - New Orleans Knights
8/15 LF Sam Crawford - Orlando Orcas
8/22 1B Adrian Gonzalez - Arizona Sandmen
8/29 2B/3B Evan Longoria - New Orleans Knights

Batter of the Month
CF Oscar Charleston - Memphis Strummers

Pitcher of the Month
Brian Lawrence - Los Angeles Idols

Rookie of the Month
RF Tommy Holmes - Las Vegas Bosses