Looks like we spoke too soon. The Bobs were keeping up with the contenders in the JL Atlantic, and team management seemed to think that meant Washington was a possible playoff team. Well, a 12-14 record in June can do a lot to dispell that notion. Now the focus is just getting the club back above .500 before the owner has a massive coronary.
Starter of the Month
Ron "Stay Classy" Burgundy
After another early season injury, Burgundy returned in June to become the Bobwhites most consistent starting pitcher. Overall in 5 starts for the month, he was 3-1 with a 2.55 ERA in 35 innings. And in pitching starved Washington, stats like those are Kind of a Big Deal.
Reliever of the Month
Aurelio Rodriguez
Washington's best lefty arm, Rodriguez was voted to the All Star game, one of 4 Bobwhites to make the trip. His 2.08 ERA in 11 games in June was actually his worst month this season, after a stellar April and May. He was promoted to second closer after the club dealt away James Endres on June 1st.
Infielder of the Month
Darius Campbell, Jr.
Campbell Jr. is an All Star, to be sure, but to describe his .256, 5 HR, 12 RBI June performance as noteworthy is more indicative of problems in the Washington infield than anything else.
Outfielder of the Month
Jim Wilson
Also indicative of a down month is Jim Wilson's June numbers of .273, 6 homers and 21 RBI. Wilson is producing runs, thats for sure, but to say those numbers represent the best of any Washington hitter is worrisome for a team that relies on offense to bail out its mediocre pitching.
Injury Report
INF Lamont Poper suffered a broken hand on June 14th and is expected to miss most, if not all of the regular season. It's a big setback for this Bobwhites team, who have no viable SS to replace him.
Backup OF Vince Valiant pulled a hammy on June 24 and is expected to return in August.