BRASSball League News

July 2004

www.brassball.org

2004 BRASSball All-Star Game

The 2004 BRASSball All-Star Game was a delight for all fans including the hometown folks of Toledo. The game was decided by pitching as only 6 runs were scored on just 15 hits with the AL winning 4-2. Tim Hudson recorded the win for the AL while Pedro Martinez recorded the loss for the NL. Eddie Guardado recorded the save to the delight of the hometown fans. Raul Ibanez, an unlikely hero, was named MVP of the game. Ibanez went 3-4 with a double and run scored. Amazingly, for a league full of power hitters, not one HR was hit in the ballgame. That may because of the dimensions of Mudhen Stadium, but still, this was quite unusual for the talent in this game.

2004 BRASSball All-Star Game: 2004 NL All-Stars At 2004 AL All-Stars

All Stars AB R H RBI Allstars AB R H RBI

E.Renteria SS 2 0 0 0 M.Young 2B 1 1 0 0

E-B.Abreu PH,CF 2 0 0 0 B-E.Alfonzo PH,2B 2 0 0 0

B.Boone 2B 3 0 0 0 A.Rodriguez SS 2 0 1 1

L-A.Soriano PH,2B 2 0 1 0 C-D.Ortiz 1B 1 0 0 1

T.Helton 1B 2 0 1 0 M.Ramirez RF 2 0 1 0

G-C.Delgado PH,1B 1 1 0 0 D-M.Tejada SS 1 0 0 0

B.Bonds DH 3 0 1 0 J.Thome DH 3 0 0 1

A.Pujols LF 3 0 0 0 M-A.Jones PH 1 0 0 0

N-S.Green PH,LF 1 0 1 1 M.Lowell 3B 4 0 1 0

G.Sheffield RF 3 1 1 0 G.Anderson CF 2 0 0 0

M.Mora CF 2 0 0 1 J-M.Ordonez PH,CF 2 1 1 0

H-I.Rodriguez C 2 0 0 0 D.Lee 1B 1 0 0 0

J.Lopez C 2 0 1 0 A-E.Young PR,RF 1 0 0 0

I-J.Randa 3B 2 0 0 0 O-C.Biggio PH,RF 1 0 0 0

M.Ensberg 3B 2 0 1 0 J.Phillips C 2 1 1 0

F-A.Berroa PR,SS 1 0 0 0 K-J.Varitek PH,C 1 0 0 0

P-R.Sexson PH 1 0 0 0 R.Ibanez LF 4 1 3 0

-- -- -- --- -- -- -- ---

Totals 34 2 7 2 Totals 31 4 8 3

A-Pinch Ran For Lee In 4th Inning

B-Pinch Hit For Young In 4th Inning

C-Subbed Defensively (1B) For Rodriguez In 5th Inning

D-Subbed Defensively (SS) For Ramirez In 5th Inning

E-Pinch Hit For Renteria In 5th Inning

F-Pinch Ran For Ensberg In 5th Inning

G-Pinch Hit For Helton In 5th Inning

H-Subbed Defensively (C ) For Mora In 5th Inning

I-Subbed Defensively (3B) For Lopez In 5th Inning

J-Pinch Hit For Anderson In 6th Inning

K-Pinch Hit For Phillips In 6th Inning

L-Pinch Hit For Boone In 7th Inning

M-Pinch Hit For Thome In 7th Inning

N-Pinch Hit For Pujols In 8th Inning

O-Pinch Hit For Young In 8th Inning

P-Pinch Hit For Berroa In 9th Inning

NL All-Stars... 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 - 2 7 1

AL All-Stars... 0 0 3 0 0 1 0 0 - 4 8 0

NL All-Stars IP H R ER BB SO HR PC

J.Schmidt 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 22

P.Martinez LOSS 1 3 3 3 1 1 0 31

B.Zito 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 16

R.Wolf 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 21

L.Hernandez 1 2 1 1 2 0 0 29

O.Dotel 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 11

S.Hasegawa 0 1/3 0 0 0 0 0 0 5

B.Lidge 0 1/3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4

B.Donnelly 0 1/3 0 0 0 0 0 0 4

Totals 8 8 4 4 5 6 0

AL All-Stars IP H R ER BB SO HR PC

R.Halladay 2 4 1 1 0 2 0 40

T.Hudson WIN 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 11

M.Mussina HOLD 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 17

C.Zambrano HOLD 1 1 0 0 2 1 0 24

B.Myers HOLD 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 11

K.Foulke HOLD 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 7

K.Wood HOLD 1 1 1 1 1 2 0 18

B.Kim HOLD 0 2/3 0 0 0 0 1 0 7

E.Guardado SAVE 0 1/3 1 0 0 1 1 0 13

Totals 9 7 2 2 5 8 0

ATTENDANCE- 48,797 TIME- Night WEATHER- Good

UMPIRES- Bruce Froemming, Mike Winters, Doug Eddings, Ron Kulpa

T- 3:08

LEFT ON BASE- All Stars:10 Allstars: 8

DOUBLE PLAYS- All Stars: 2 Allstars: 0

ERRORS- M.Ensberg

DOUBLES- A.Soriano, M.Ensberg, R.Ibanez

TRIPLES- G.Sheffield

WALKS- B.Abreu, C.Delgado-2, B.Bonds, G.Sheffield, M.Young, D.Ortiz, M.Tejada,

D.Lee, J.Varitek

STRIKE OUTS- B.Abreu, B.Boone, C.Delgado, B.Bonds, A.Pujols, I.Rodriguez,

A.Berroa, R.Sexson, M.Young, M.Ramirez, J.Thome, A.Jones, M.Lowell,

J.Phillips

GIDP- G.Anderson

WILD PITCHES- P.Martinez, R.Wolf, K.Wood

All-Star Rosters

American League Roster

Starters	Team	Pos	Gms	BA	OBP	SLG	HR	RBI	R	SB
Thome, Jim	NWH	1B	83	.347	.449	.697	30	79	76	0
Young, Michael	PAR	2B	84	.339	.365	.517	9	39	61	3
Lowell, Mike	OUT	3B	65	.293	.368	.569	17	46	38	1
Rodriguez, Alex	MUD	SS	84	.280	.375	.638	31	75	64	4
Phillips, Jason	MAU	C	71	.355	.427	.519	9	43	35	0
Ramirez, Manny	BOS	OF	84	.320	.395	.689	35	84	73	3
Anderson, Garret	OUT	OF	84	.363	.395	.619	18	76	52	7
Ibanez, Raul	PAR	OF	84	.341	.401	.529	14	70	59	4
			W	L	GS	ERA	IP	H	BB	SO
Halladay, Roy	OUT	SP	13	1	18	2.26	143.2	101	31	406
Reserves	Team	Pos	Gms	BA	OBP	SLG	HR	RBI	R	SB
Ortiz, David	TOL	1B	62	.308	.375	.629	16	58	40	0
Lee, Derrek	RAT	1B	84	.281	.409	.551	20	48	51	9
Young, Eric	MUD	2B	71	.277	.369	.466	8	31	50	22
Tejada, Miguel	PAR	SS	84	.290	.352	.475	15	57	56	4
Alfonzo, Edgardo	MOL	3B	56	.330	.388	.528	10	31	33	4
Varitek, Jason	NWH	C	70	.275	.363	.534	14	41	44	1
Biggio, Craig	EVE	OF	81	.307	.391	.416	4	29	63	7
Jones, Andruw	RAT	OF	84	.269	.328	.559	25	62	61	3
Ordonez, Magglio	NWH	OF	84	.309	.374	.525	11	53	48	1
			W	L	GS / SV	ERA	IP	H	BB	SO
Hudson, Tim	RAT	SP	14	3	18	2.42	141.1	112	38	110
Mussina, Mike	TOL	SP	11	8	20	2.84	149.0	134	37	129
Myers, Brett	LIO	SP	6	4	16	3.47	106.1	106	39	48
Wood, Kerry	BUL	SP	8	5	15	3.23	117.0	61	80	153
Zambrano, Carlos	MOL	SP	8	3	17	2.92	129.1	98	53	112
Foulke, Keith	RAT	RP	3	3	18	2.88	34.1	20	14	30
Guardado, Eddie	TOL	RP	3	0	12	1.37	39.1	28	7	41
Kim, Byung-Hyun	OUT	RP	2	4	20	1.94	51.0	36	17	41

National League Roster

Starters	Team	Pos	Gms	BA	OBP	SLG	HR	RBI	R	SB
Helton, Todd	OCE	1B	84	.358	.428	.645	21	81	69	0
Boone, Bret	OCE	2B	84	.335	.401	.607	21	66	70	5
Ensberg, Morgan	MET	3B	59	.300	.368	.647	20	48	41	2
Renteria, Edgar	YEL	SS	84	.365	.399	.516	7	49	52	17
Lopez, Javy	SIO	C	78	.304	.353	.656	26	69	47	0
Pujols, Albert	MET	OF	83	.368	.459	.783	35	83	88	2
Bonds, Barry	AVE	OF	77	.305	.441	.688	29	67	68	2
Sheffield, Gary	OCE	OF	82	.333	.408	.619	22	77	70	3
			W	L	GS	ERA	IP	H	BB	SO
Schmidt, Jason	AVE	SP	10	2	17	2.22	125.2	94	26	132
Reserves	Team	Pos	Gms	BA	OBP	SLG	HR	RBI	R	SB
Delgado, Carlos	WOL	1B	84	.314	.425	.625	26	72	57	1
Sexson, Richie	AVE	1B	84	.261	.364	.571	28	72	61	1
Soriano, Alfonso	BEE	2B	84	.310	.334	.540	18	62	54	28
Randa, Joe	PRE	3B	79	.301	.363	.526	13	55	41	2
Berroa, Angel	SPR	SS	73	.289	.339	.404	4	25	47	15
Rodriguez, Ivan	BEE	C	79	.282	.347	.500	13	45	41	12
Abreu, Bobby	WAL	OF	84	.316	.406	.472	8	44	46	12
Green, Shawn	TIG	OF	84	.324	.393	.569	17	78	55	2
Mora, Melvin	MET	OF	68	.345	.444	.526	7	31	37	3
			W	L	GS / SV	ERA	IP	H	BB	SO
Hernandez, Livan	OCE	SP	11	6	18	2.97	127.1	113	25	82
Martinez, Pedro	AVE	SP	11	3	17	3.06	108.2	71	32	126
Wolf, Randy	MAI	SP	7	4	13	4.16	97.1	84	31	71
Zito, Barry	MET	SP	12	2	18	3.08	137.1	120	60	95
Donnelly, Brendan	MET	RP	2	0	17	2.21	36.2	24	13	45
Dotel, Octavio	AVE	RP	1	1	7	0.84	53.2	21	20	49
Hasegawa, Shigetoshi	SIO	RP	6	3	20	3.56	43.0	41	8	18
Lidge, Brad	TIG	RP	4	0	17	2.17	45.2	36	18	52

All-Star Ballot Results

American League

FIRSTBASE		1^st	2^nd
Name	Team
Lee, Derrek	RAT	0	4
Ortiz, David	TOL	0	5
Thome, Jim	NWH	12	0
Wilson, Craig	MUD	0	3

SECONDBASE		1^st	2^nd
Name	Team
Boone, Aaron	OUT	0	1
Durham, Ray	MAU	1	1
Hudson, Orlando	NWH	0	1
Martinez, Ramon	MOL	0	2
Young, Eric	MUD	0	6
Young, Michael	PAR	11	1

THIRDBASE		1^st	2^nd
Name	Team
Alfonzo, Edgardo	MOL	2	5
Boone, Aaron	OUT	1	0
Feliz, Pedro	MOL	2	3
Hinske, Eric	LIO	0	0
Lowell, Mike	OUT	7	2
Ramirez, Aramis	BOS	0	2

SHORTSTOP		1^st	2^nd
Name	Team
Rodriguez, Alex	MUD	12	0
Tejada, Miguel	PAR	0	12

CATCHER		1^st	2^nd
Name	Team
Hernandez, Ramon	MUD	0	1
Lieberthal, Mike	TOL	2	2
Phillips, Jason	MAU	7	3
Pierzynski, AJ	RAT	1	3
Varitek, Jason	NWH	2	3

OUTFIELDER		1^st	2^nd	3^rd	4^th	5^th
Name	Team
Anderson, Garret	OUT	2	9	1	0	0
Biggio, Craig	EVE	0	0	0	1	2
Hunter, Torii	MOL	0	0	0	1	0
Ibanez, Raul	PAR	0	1	6	2	0
Jones, Andruw	RAT	0	0	2	6	3
Ordonez, Magglio	NWH	0	0	2	2	4
Pierre, Juan	BUL	0	0	0	0	3
Ramirez, Manny	BOS	10	2	0	0	0
Wilson, Preston	LIO	0	0	1	0	0

STARTING PITCHER		1^st	2^nd	3^rd	4^th
Name	Team
Clement. Matt	OUT	0	0	1	1
Franklin, Ryan	TOL	0	0	2	1
Halladay, Roy	OUT	9	3	0	0
Hudson, Tim	RAT	3	9	0	0
Mussina, Mike	TOL	0	0	6	1
Myers, Brett	LIO	0	0	0	1
Prior, Mark	MOL	0	0	1	2
Wakefield, Tim	TOL	0	0	1	1
Wood, Kerry	BUL	0	0	0	1
Zambrano, Carlos	MOL	0	0	1	4

National League

FIRSTBASE		1^st	2^nd
Name	Team
Delgado, Carlos	WOL	1	9
Helton, Todd	OCE	10	1
Mientkiewicz, Doug	PRE	0	1

SECONDBASE		1^st	2^nd
Name	Team
Boone, Bret	OCE	10	0
Loretta, Mark	TIG	1	0
Soriano, Alfonso	BEE	0	11

THIRDBASE		1^st	2^nd
Name	Team
Beltre, Adrian	TIG	0	1
Blalock, Hank	SPR	1	4
Ensberg, Morgan	MET	6	1
Helms, Wes	YEL	1	0
Koskie, Corey	SIO	0	2
Randa, Joe	PRE	3	2
Rolen, Scott	MAI	0	1

SHORTSTOP		1^st	2^nd
Name	Team
Berroa, Angel	SPR	0	5
Everett, Adam	TIG	0	2
Jeter, Derek	OCE	1	1
Larkin, Barry	WOL	0	2
Renteria, Edgar	YEL	10	1

CATCHER		1^st	2^nd
Name	Team
Kendall, Jason	OCE	1	1
Lopez, Javy	SIO	8	3
Rodriguez, Ivan	BEE	2	7

OUTFIELDER		1^st	2^nd	3^rd	4^th	5^th
Name	Team
Abreu, Bobby	WAL	0	0	0	1	2
Bonds, Barry	AVE	0	9	1	0	1
Edmonds, Jim	SIO	0	0	0	0	1
Giles, Brian	OCE	0	0	0	1	2
Green, Shawn	TIG	0	0	1	3	1
Mora, Melvin	MET	0	1	1	3	1
Patterson, Corey	YEL	0	0	2	0	0
Pujols, Albert	MET	11	0	0	0	0
Sheffield, Gary	OCE	0	1	6	1	1
Suzuki, Ichiro	BEE	0	0	0	0	1
Wells, Vernon	AVE	0	0	0	1	0
Winn, Randy	SIO	0	0	0	1	0
Young, Dmitri	MET	0	0	0	0	1

STARTING PITCHER		1^st	2^nd	3^rd	4^th
Name	Team
Hernandez, Livan	OCE	0	1	1	5
Johnson, Randy	AVE	0	1	0	1
Martinez, Pedro	AVE	2	4	4	0
Mulder, Mark	SPR	0	0	0	1
Schmidt, Jason	AVE	8	2	1	0
Webb, Brandon	AVE	0	1	3	0
Zito, Barry	MET	1	2	2	4

AL Report

(AL Reporter ñ Robert Smith)

AL EAST Expanded Standings
	W-L	GB	HOME	ROAD	Vs LH	1-RUN
Bakersfield Rattlers	61-51	---	32-24	29-27	21-12	25-16
Moline Cutters	53-59	8	29-27	24-32	20-15	23-17
Minnesota Mudcats	48-64	13	28-28	20-36	16-21	10-22
Hessville Everreadys	41-71	20	24-32	17-39	10-23	17-13

The Rattlers continue to reign supreme in the AL East even though they posted a 14-14 record. Bakersfield hit a league low .219 as a team in July. One of the bright spots was Andruw Jones who hit .257 with 6 HR and 15 RBI. The pitching staff kept the Rattlers above water with a team era of 4.07. Leading the way was Russ Ortiz who was only 1-2 but had a fine 3.99 era.

AL BATTING: M. Young, PAR .340, Ibanez, PAR .337, G. Anderson, OUT .333

The Cutters also had a 14-14 record in July to stay within 8 games in the East. Moline suffered a power outage in July as they hit only 22 HRís and scored 94 runs. Luis Rivas wasnít one of the culprits, though, as he hit .271 with 14 extra base hits. The pitching staff was good for Moline as Solomon Torres went 2-0 with a 3.25 era. Dan Kolb closed out games to perfection as he yielded 0 runs in 10.2 innings while posting 6 saves and going 1-0.

AL RBI: M. Ramirez, BOS 126, Thome, NHW 104, A. Rodriguez, MUD 97

Minnesota continued their monthly improvement as they went 15-13 to solidify their hold on 3^rd place. Ramon Hernandez, who hit .333 with 8 HR and 25 RBI, sparked the offense. Rookie Jerome Williams, who went 3-3 with a sparkling 2.70 era, led the pitching staff.

AL OBP: Thome, NWH .424, D. Lee, RAT .400, M. Ramirez, BOS .398

Hessville continued to pull up the rear in the East by going 12-16 for the month. The offense could only muster 22 HR as 6 of those came off the bat of Alex Gonzalez. Gonzalez also contributed a .330 batting average with 10 doubles. The pitching staff was led by pitcher of the month Dontrelle Willis. Willis had an amazing month going 6-0 with a 1.50 era.

AL HITS: M. Young, PAR 171, Ibanez, PAR 154, G. Anderson, OUT 147

AL CENTRAL Expanded Standings
	W-L	GB	HOME	ROAD	Vs LH	1-RUN
New Hampshire	59-53	---	36-20	23-33	19-13	16-24
Cook County	50-62	9	22-34	28-28	17-17	10-19
Box City Parcelman	47-65	12	28-28	19-37	13-19	11-10
Plaza Lions	39-73	20	21-35	18-38	13-16	13-16

New Hampshire had a rough month going 11-17, but still managed to gain a game in the central division race. Jim Thome continued to shine as he hit 11 HR and drove in 25 while only batting .252. The pitching staff was hit to the tune of a 4.85 era. Kenny Rogers had a good month, though, going 2-0 with a 3.48 era.

AL HRíS: M. Ramirez, BOS 48, Thome, NWH 41, A. Rodriguez, MUD 37

Cook County also had a difficult month against the powerful NL West going 10-18. Travis Lee, who hit .306 with 3 HR and 16 RBI, led the Maulers offense. Carl Crawford continued his fine rookie campaign hitting .270 with 18 steals. Fellow rookie Jeremi Gonzalez, who was 2-3 with a nice 2.06 era, led the pitching staff.

AL RUNS SCORED: M. Ramirez, BOS 97, Thome, NWH 95, A. Rodriguez, MUD 86

Box City went 11-17 for the month of July. The offense was solid as they hit .284 as a team. Michael Young continued to sizzle as he batted .344 with 20 RBI. Raul Ibanez continued his All-Star season by hitting .324 with 2 HR and 21 RBI. Pitching continued to be the problem in Box City as the staff was pounded to the tune of a 6.87 era. Kirk Reuter 1-4, 7.41 era and Brian Lawrence 1-5, 7.52 era were the main culprits.

AL STEALS: Pierre, BUL 56, Crawford, MAU 46, E. Young, MUD 36

The Plaza Lions also suffered at the hands of the NL West going 10-18. Offensively the Lions were fine as they smacked 35 HR as a team. Leading the way was Preston Wilson who hit .274 with 10 HR and 25 RBI. Geoff Jenkins contributed a .288 average with 9 HR and 21 RBI. The Lions pitching staff was also pounded. Rookie Brett Myers may never be the same after going 1-4 with a 10.25 era.

AL WEST Expanded Standings
	W-L	GB	HOME	ROAD	Vs LH	1-RUN
Toledo Mudhens	71-41	---	40-16	31-25	19-14	15-17
Santa Barbara	65-47	6	34-22	19-14	19-14	16-25
Boston Rust	47-65	24	26-30	21-35	15-22	14-17
Brooklyn Bulldogs	41-71	30	23-33	18-38	14-22	17-19

The Toledo Mudhens enjoyed a 20-8 July to increase their lead in the West to 6 games. Offensively, the Mudhens hit a league high .295 with 30 HR. Leading the charge was David Ortiz who continued his great season, hitting .330 with 8 HR and 26 RBI. The pitching staff was solid as well posting a 2.68 team era. CY-Young candidate Mike Mussina, who went 4-0 with a miniscule 0.96 era, led Toledo. Esteban Loaiza chipped in with a 5-0 record and 2.88 era.

AL SAVES: Kim, OUT 30, Foulke, RAT 22, R. Soriano, EVE 12

Santa Barbara went 16-12 in July, but fell 6 games back in the West. The Outlaws, though, continue to own a comfortable lead in the wild card race. Carlos Lee led the offense, which smacked 35 HR. Lee posted a .312 average with 9 HR and 19 RBI. Mike Lowell contributed a .282 average with 7 HR and 22 RBI. The Outlaws pitching continued to shine as the team posted a league low 2.22 ERA. Bartolo Colon was 4-1 with an eye-popping 0.72 era. Roy Halladay was just as effective going 2-0 with a 0.93 era.

AL APPS: Fuentes, MAU 57, Westbrook, LIO 54, Reitsma, MAU 52

The Boston Rust struggled in July going 11-17. Offensively, the Rust were okay as Manny Ramirez continued his MVP season by hitting .327 with 13 HR and 42 RBI. The pitching staff wasnít as good, although Dustin Hermanson went 3-0 with a 1.21 era.

AL OPP BA: Wood, BUL .143, Halladay, OUT .182, Colon, OUT, .204

The Bulldogs continued to toil in the basement going 10-18 for the month. Once again, power was missing from Brooklynís lineup as they could manage only 19 HRís in July. Juan Pierre, who hit .333 with 16 stolen bases, led the offense. The pitching continued to hold itís own as Kerry Wood led the way with a 1-1 record and sparkling 0.88 era.

American League Player of the Month: Manny Ramirez

American League Pitcher of the Month: Dontrelle Willis

NL Report

(NL Reporter ñ Ray Martin)

Rank	Team (LM/PR)	Record	Home	Away	BA	ERA	July	BA	ERA	Notes/Award Contenders Season-to-date:
#1	Ocala (#1/#2)	89-23	49-7	40-16	.306	3.36	26-2	.335	3.37	Looks to be trying to make final months games versus Metro to be insignificant.
	Helton .383 9HR 33RBI/Shield 5-0 2.81 ERA									Cy-Cormier 2.36 ERA, 7-2 23 saves/MVP-Helton .364 30HR 114RBI 98Runs
#2	Metropolis (#2/#1)	84-28	44-12	40-16	.271	2.71	22-6	.294	2.73	Fell off Ocala pace, but clearly the 2nd best team in all of Brass.
	Furcal .336 7HR 25RBI/Contreras 3-1 1.54ERA									Cy-Schmidt 14-4 2.27 ERA 162K's/MVP-Bonds .305 35HR 85RBI 83RUNS 82W
#3	Stanley (#3/#3)	69-43	32-24	37-19	.270	4.24	17-11	.274	3.53	Steady hitting and pitching allows for virtual tie with Glen Allen.
	Schilling 5-0 with 0.79 ERA/Lopez .321 7HR 21RBI									Cy-Schilling 10-4 2.72 ERA 116K's/ MVP-Lopez .308 33HR's 90 RBI
#3	Glen Allen (#4/#4)	70-42	36-20	34-22	.293	4.47	18-10	.327	5.57	Pulls into virtual tie with Stanley at #3.
	Pujols .452 9HR 34RBI/Donnelly 0.64 ERA 10saves									Cy-Donnelly 1.78 ERA 27Saves, 66K's/ MVP-Pujols .390 44HR 117RBI 123 R
#5	Springfield (#6/#5)	70-42	39-17	31-25	.276	4.22	21-7	.283	4.37	Moves ahead of Charlevoix with good balance throughout the roster.
	bagwell .319 7HR 19HR and Isringhausen 11 saves 1.42ERA									Cy-Mulder 11-2 3.79 ERA 94K's/ MVP-Bagwell .307 27HR 76RBI 76 Runs
#6	Charlevoix (#5/#11)	65-47	33-23	32-24	.308	5.03	11-17	.322	7.11	Who say's you need pitching? Offensive Juggernaut!!
	Loretta .452 6HR 28 RBI/ Glavine 3-1 4.19ERA									Cy-Leiter 9-6 4.53 ERA 83K's/ MVP-Loretta .372 13HR 86 Runs
#7	Gem City (#7/#9)	61-51	32-24	29-27	.281	4.55	15-13	.279	5.73	Active trader? Key pieces for others to secure their championship.
	Benitez 0.00ERA 1-0 5 saves/Lugo .316 8HR 20RBI									Cy-Benitez 5-2 1.85 ERA 17 Saves/MVP-Delgado .302 32HR 90Runs 67BB
#8	Bloomington(#9/#6)	55-57	28-28	27-29	.287	5.07	17-11	.319	5.21	Legit top six team, without trades should reach preseason projections.
	Soriano .376 15 HR and 40 RBI/ Padilla 6-0 4.02									Cy-Beckett 8-2 3.94 103K's/ MVP-Soriano .327 33HR 102RBI 33SB
#9	N. Georgia (#8/#7)	47-65	25-31	22-34	.288	5.23	7-21	.296	7.05	Can still help decide NL representative.
	Renteria .415 4HR 15RBI/Smoltz 2-0 0.00 3 saves									Cy-Smoltz 1.86ERA 4-1 19Saves/ MVP-Renteria .377 71R 41 2B 22SB

Rank	Team (LM/PR)	Record	Home	Away	BA	ERA	July	BA	ERA	Notes/Award Contenders Season-to-date:
#10	Maine (#10/#8)	43-69	21-35	22-34	.242	5.32	9-19	.260	6.74	Looking towards next year and trying to stavev off Port Richey.
	Rolen .352 9HR 28RBI									Cy-Santana 2-6 99K's in 82IP/MVP-Rolen .278 18HR 63RBI
#11	Port Richey (#11/#12)	41-71	22-34	19-37	.267	5.34	11-17	.263	6.04	Nice pieces for a contender? Could jockey to #9.
	Encarnacion .303 9HR 26RBI									Cy-Oliver 8-8 3.86ERA/ MVP-Encarnacion .301 19HR 69 RBI 76 Runs 14 SB
#12	Fleetwood (#12/#10)	28-84	15-41	13-43	.255	6.72	8-20	.277	7.41	Nearly assured of 110 losses, but fans still enjoy Abreu's professionalism!!
	Ross .323 8HR and 21 RBI									Cy-Fultz only pitcher with era below 5.00/MVP-Abreu .307 13HR 69RBI
	Bold-League best or MVP/CY Young Favorite
Note:	LW-Last weeks ranking
	PR-Preseason Ranking

National League Player of the Month: Alfonso Soriano

National League Pitcher of the Month: Curt Schilling

League Member E-Mail Changes

Vaughn Nuest ñ Vaughn has stopped using his university e-mail account. Please send all league correspondence for Vaughn to vaughnstrat@yahoo.com.

Ray Martin ñ Ray has also switched e-mail accounts. His new e-mail address is rrmartin@columbus.rr.com. 

Corey Weisser ñ Lastly, my e-mail address is also changing. Please update your address books with my new e-mail address, weissc33@comcast.net.

Trades

80. Glen Allen trades Victor Martinez, Juan Rincon, Chris Gomez and Ricky Ledee to Moline for Miguel Batista, Dan Kolb, Omar Vizquel, Damian Miller, Ramon Martinez, Molineís 2005 1^st round draft choice and Molineís 2005 5^th round draft choice.
81. Brooklyn trades Juan Pierre to Glen Allen for Brian Roberts and Glen Allenís 2005 2^nd round draft choice.
82. Glen Allen trades Adam Melhuse to Stanley for $200,000.
83. North Georgia trades John Smoltz and North Georgiaís 2005 4^th round draft choice to Springfield for Hiram Bocachica, John Buck and Macay McBride.
84. Metropolis trades Matt Ginter to Gem City for Carlos Delgado.
85. Gem City trades Kenny Lofton to Springfield for Raul Gonzalez.
86. North Georgia trades Jorge DePaula to Metropolis for $50,000.
87. Gem City trades Reggie Sanders to Toledo for Gabe Kapler and Toledoís 2006 4^th round draft choice.
88. Metropolis trades Javier Valentin to Fleetwood for Tom Wilson and $167,000.
89. Toledo trades Felix Heredia and Brian Buchanan to New Hampshire for Tommy Phelps, Matt Franco and New Hampshireís 2005 4^th round draft choice.
90. Metropolis trades Denny Bautista, David Bush and Chad Gaudin to Fleetwood for Bobby Abreu.
91. Metropolis trades Jose Guillen to Springfield for Adam Loewen and $1,000,000.
92. Toledo trades Matt Franco to Cook County for $50,000.
93. Toledo trades Jamie Moyer to Springfield for Larry Walker, Ramon Ortiz and $1,100,000.
94. New Hampshire trades Hee Seop Choi, Mike Maroth, Troy Glaus, Jeff DíAmico, Orlando Hudson and New Hampshireís 2005 6^th round draft choice to Moline for Torii Hunter, Kelvim Escobar, Ruben Sierra, Juan Cruz, Luis Rivas and Molineís 2005 2^nd round draft choice.

Fines

North Georgia ñ Fined $1,000,000 for late submission of an all-star ballot.

Stanley ñ Fined $1,000,000 and loss of their 2005 bonus round draft selection for failing to submit an all-star ballot.

Upcoming League Deadlines

August 15

August Home Series Results deadline

Series results for August are due to home opponents, League Statistician and

Backup Statistician.

August 17

September Trade deadline.

Trades must be reported to the LD by this date to be effective for September.

- This is the trade deadline for in-season trades within your own league.

- Players traded between leagues are not eligible for the playoffs.

August 25

September Rotation deadline.

Starting pitcher rotations for September games due to the LD.

September Road Instructions deadline.

Instructions (HAL) for September games are due to road opponents.

- All carded players are eligible to play in September (at no additional cost).

League Membership Articles

Jim Clark submitted two articles.

Mets Watch

June 2004

Hitting Coach Resigns

Eddie Kranepool the life long Met has stepped down from his position as Glen Allenís Batting Coach effective July 1, 2004. Ed explained briefly, ìI seemed to have missed when my children were growing up when I played and now was missing out on the life of my grandchildren. Last month I told my wife I was considering this change and she said she would back me as she always had throughout our marriage.î

Kranepool accepted a position in the scouting department so that he would still be part of the Mets family. He will not have such an extensive travel schedule so he can stay home with the family, but will accept brief assignments to help the general manager evaluate talent especially on the east coast.

HOJO Returns!

Howard Johnson has been named Mets Batting coach. At the press conference held this past week, GM Clark announced the resignation of Kranepool and reintroduced Johnson as the new coach. ìWe thank Eddie for all his years of service and understand his reasons for cutting back his time for his family. The new coach is a familiar face to most of you, and we are pleased to announce Howard Johnson as the new Glen Allen hitting coach.î Johnson a switch hitter in his playing days should fit in nicely since the Mets lineup has several switch hitters in it every day. Howard made a brief comment, ìIím so happy to accept this position and look forward to helping the hitters so we can get back into first place. I understand the only problem that Eddie left for me was how to get Albert out of the cage.î Pujols loves to get extra time in batting practice.

Albert Pujols Named Mets Player of the Month for May

All that extra hitting has paid off in a big way last month. Albert was one of only two Mets that actually raised his batting average, while as a team the average went to .281 from .300. The Mets left fielder was disappointed that he did not make the All-Star team last year, but in a couple weeks we will find out that he rectified that situation. Pujols leads the team in many categories: .368, games 83, at bats 318 runs 83 hits 117, doubles 23, home runs 35, RBI 83 and a league leader on intentional walks. For June the average went up .026 with 23 runs, 41 hits, 7 doubles, 14 home runs, 30 RBI and 14 bases on balls.

Veteran Designated Hitter Dmitri Young has been impressed by the Mets Super

Star, ìAlbert is so dedicated to improving himself every day not only hitting but fielding as well. He loves to hit and to practice his hitting, since I usually hit in the same group that he does I see what he does every day. For such a young man, he is so composed and professional a hitter, he never tries to show off like many guys do, but has his plan of attack. He lets his bat do his talking and oh boy has it this past month!î

Mets Watch

July 2004

Busy Month for Glen Allen G. M.

First Eric Milton was reacquired from the New Hampshire Derry Heifers. The left-handed pitcher was taken when on the unprotected list during the draft; this was due to his contract and his injury for which he would be unable to play in the 2004 Brassball season. G.M. Henry Lance asked the Mets if we would want Milton back if New Hampshire paid this yearís salary. Since Eric has recovered from his injury Glen Allen worked out the deal sending minor leaguer Adam Johnson and welcoming home Milton. ìI look forward to pitching for the Mets next season and working with Jimmy Key again. Iím trying to work hard to improve my stamina aiming for 200 innings next year.î

The Mets had been in discussion with Brooklyn about Juan Pierre for almost a month. G.M. Smith ended negotiations a few weeks ago, but decide to trim payroll if he could get GA #2 along with Brian Roberts for the speedy outfielder. Mets G.M. responded, ìI like Brian, but to get a player with Pierreís stolen base ability and OBP, I just could not pass up this offer.î

The big deal transpired with Moline after extensive negotiations. G.M. Barber inquired about Vic Martinez whom the Mets were counting on to be their #1 catcher next season and for the future. G.M. Clark, ì I turned down the deal a couple of times because I hate to trade away young talent with good potential, but David kept raising the ante until I could not pass up acquiring for next season a shortstop (Omar Vizquel), a starting pitcher (Miguel Batista), a catcher (Damian Miller), a possible closer (Dan Kolb) and #1 & #5 draft choices and utility guy Ramon Martinez for Vic, Rincon, Gomez and Ledee. I know I might be kicking myself if Victor passes Piazza for the home run record by catchers, but if he has to move to DH, well I have plenty of candidates there.î

This season Rincon, Gomez and Ledee have been disappointments to the Mets fans. Rincon slated to be a set up man was relegated to mop up before his demotion to the minors. Ledee was supposed to provide power but only has two homers and 10 RBI while striking out 22 times in 28 games. Gomez started the year in the minors and was given a chance when McLemore got hurt, but Chris did not come through. The fans will be excited by the play of Pierre as the lead off hitter for the Mets to drive home. Batista could fill the #3 spot in the rotation while Kolb helps strengthen an already solid bullpen. Omar Vizquel is another former Mets player that the fans will enjoy seeing once again. Signed as a free agent away from Glen Allen, the team has not had solid defense at shortstop since his departure. Bench Coach Stanley, ìWe tried different combinations and platoons but we are glad to have Vizquel back for the rest of this year and all next season. Veteran catcher Damian Miller will provide solid defense as part of the tandem next season. With Molina a free agent, the Mets have a backstop to build upon if we cannot resign Bengie and have to settle for someone else. Utility infielder Ramon Martinez is a free agent after this season, but he should help the Mets in the playoffs.î

50 Games Remain

The Mets are tied for first place in the National League East. These last two months should be exciting since the East will play the strong Central division in August and then battle for the division crown in a head to head battle in September! Looks like it will be a sprint to the finish line.