Baltimore Bulletin 2013-2 Half Way

[nverhoev]

Monarchs in First Place

Just after the all star break and The Baltimore Monarchs find themselves in a familiar place, on top of the Johnson League Atlantic division. An 8-2 run over their last ten games has taken the team 6.5 games clear of Greenville.

First Half Good:

Jim Wilson- The veteran slugger was picked up at the trade deadline in 2001. He was the only Monarch voted to the all star game and leads the team in home runs and runs batted in. His presence is a big reason why Baltimore continues to be the number one offence in the JL.

Lance Pere- The 41(!) year old keeps on surprising with his ageless good play. Pere is not the player he once was but is providing the needed production at 1B and DH to keep the offence chugging along. His .414 OBP leads the team’s regulars.

Richard Wilcox- Wilcox was a rule 6 draftee signed by the Monarchs away from Atlantic City. At the time it was risky signing for a guy clearly in decline however over the past two seasons Wilcox has combined a patient bat with good defense to be a pretty solid centerfielder in the league. Wilcox was rewarded for his strong first half with an all star selection.

Lloyd Reece- The 35 year old Reece has had a resurgence in the Baltimore Pen in 2012. Signed primarily for depth in case of injury to the starters Reece has been the brightest spot in the 3rd ranked JL Bullpen. Reece has been moved into the rotation and will be given an opportunity to keep it for the near future.

First Half Bad:

Stephen Lubin- The one time JL Newcomer of the year award winner has had a serious decline and has been sent down to AAA Washington to try and recapture his old magic. With a handful of young 1B/DH options available Lubin may not be back in the big leagues.

Dale Bunker- Former Sawyer Silk award winner Bunker has had a couple disappointing seasons since his sizzling start in the MBWBA. Some recent lumping have me very concerned, especially since he is still 29 years old. Hopefully Bunker can regain form and post numbers that he has previously had.

Contracts- After 2012 the Monarchs will have to make decisions on a number of key contributors to the team. James Endres, Jim Wilson, Lance Pere, and Jeff Mueller are all potential Free Agents. Richard Wilcox has an expensive team option. Jeff Baeza has a player option. I’m hoping Daniel Labrieopts for retirement because I do not want to decide on a 14 million team option or see him in the EBA. Early contract talks with Endres and Wilson have not been positive. All of this leads me to believe that the inevitable Baltimore collapse may be happening in 2013.

[recte44]

It looked like Pere was done two years ago when he was awful with Carolina. Nice renaissance in Baltimore.

I think Bunker is still ok as long as you pair him with a platoon partner.

Sucks about Labrie. Reminds me of when I had Ross White sitting on my bench and never playing. And after his wonderful career, hes now disliked because of a failed drug test.

[Greeney03]

Pere is unbelievable! Definitely, one of my favs in MBWBA.

[mrbornac]

The Labrie situation sucks - I had a simular issue with Wasson after he failed a drug test late in his life - and the Bison icon became hated.