Fans were cautiously optimistic as the season began. After all, Washington had not one, but two actual real life pitchers in the rotation who were good enough to count on every time out. And the bullpen was actually starting to look like a strength along with the league-leading offense. A 13-14 record for April, however, served to quash that enthusiasm a bit, as the club once again finds itself in 3rd place.
Starter of the Month
Oscar Funke
The Funke one was a coup for the front office, as they swooped in at the last minute and landed the talented veteran starter just before Spring Training began. Oscar did not dissapoint, starting 6 games the first month and going 3-2 with a 3.35 ERA. Just his mere presence in the rotation alongside last year's trade acquisition Chip Foodie is enough to make the Bobs' pitching staff almost respectable.
Reliever of the Month
Aurelio "I did not play for the Tigers" Rodriguez
Wow, it was actually tough this month, as the Bobby Bullpen has actually been quite good, being ranked 5th in the JL. Rodriguez, who suffered through a 6 ERA season in 2004, has apparently righted the ship and pretty much owned April with a 2-0 record, a 1.23 ERA, and 20 K in 14.2 innings.
Infielder of the Month
Darius Campbell, Jr.
An easy on this month. Campbell Jr got off to a great start in April, leading the MBBA with 10 home runs at months' end. Not only that, but he also drove in 19, scored 25 times, and only struck out 8 times as he compiled a slash line of .324/.373/.696., and probably some Vorps and Wars (or whatever you guys call them) along the way as well.
Outfielder of the Month
Mike "OBP 'Ivan De' Jesus" Clarke
When the MBBA's Johnson League chooses you as their player of the month for April, then that means the team's beat writer should probably do the same. Its the third such award for CLarke in his career, and he fully deserved the honor, as he hit .418 with 5 dingers and 16 RBI.
INJURY REPORT
SP Ron "I'm Kind Of A Big Deal" Burgundy is recovering after having surgery to remove bone chips in his elbow. He expects to begin a Rehab assignment in late May.
