By Michael Lee, a Chicago Tribune reporter.
TOP PERFORMERS OF APRIL 21--MAY 1, 1999
Masuichirou 'Masu' Bunjiro #23
Bunjiro has gotten off an extremely slow start in 1999, and this stretch was what GM Collins wanted to see. Collins expected big production from Masu and was disappointed when Masu was not contributing to the team's offense. Well, Masu finally broke out and the Sox need him to continue to swing a hot bat. Here's the stats for Masu this past sim:
36 At-Bats
16 Hits
3 Homeruns
9 RBI's
.444 AVG
1.234 OPS
Resurrection Santos #15
This team would be at the bottom of the Midwest division if it were not for Santos' offensive and defensive play. Santos had a field-day on Hawaii's Freddy 'Bingo' Bilbao #40, but so did the entire Sox team (Sox ended up winning 18-1). Here's what Santo was able to do for the Sox organization:
42 At-Bats
17 Hits
3 Homeruns
7 RBI's
.405 AVG
1.170 OPS
James Kucharski #70
James was a questionable signing from GM Collins. Some questioned whether Kucharski would be able to compete at the level that the Sox bullpen needed because of the departure of Richard Wasson. I must admit, I even questioned whether the 34 year old reliever would live up to contract that Collins offered. Well, Kucharski was a vital component to the victories the Sox put up on this stretch:
2 Wins
1 Save
2.1 Innings Pitched
4 BB
4 K
3.86 ERA
TEAM NEWS
- Foster Hughes was traded to Calgary, in exchange for 2B/SS George 'Martini' Bellairs. Bellairs stepped into his new role as starting SS and contributed greatly:
32 At-Bats
.312 AVG
10 Hits
1 Double
2 Triples
1 RBI
.822 OPS
- Newly acquired Sean Bockus, who was to come in and give the Sox a spark at the RF position, suffered a strained groin and is expected to miss about 6 weeks. Replacing Bockus will be back-up Michaël Scott, who in the past seven games has batted .444, producing 8 hits, 2 HRs, and 5 RBI's. GM Collins says he plans to put Sean Bockus on the trading block once he recovers from his strained groin.
- Washington 'Toothbreaker' Jones absolutely destroys the Hawaii Tropics: striking out 10 and getting the Win in an 18-1 batting practice!
With the month of April now in the books, the Black Sox find themselves at 14-12, sitting atop the Midwest Division, ahead of Madison by 1 game. Improvements are definitely needed, but the Sox are hoping that, with Washu Hakubi back in the line-up, he'll be able to find his swing and start providing the pitching staff with some support.
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