On the Diamond Vol. 13 2001

[bschr682]

Pitcher of the sim:
SP Bjorn Nepal
1-0 with a 3.24 ERA and 4 K's in 8.3 IP. Pretty good debut for Nepal.

Batter of the sim:
1B Jacinto Merino Jr
.371 Avg in 35 AB's. No surprise here as Merino continues to show he is one of the game's best bats.

Well 4-4 wasn't exactly what i was looking for but the Crusaders are now back atop the division tied with Valencia with a huge 4 game set between the two looming. The Crusaders made a deal at the deadline to bring in a new leadoff hitter (CF Edward Framaggio) and a new starting pitcher (the aforementioned Bjorn Nepal). A couple weeks before that, the Crusaders resigned C Oscar Mazzarella who had been a key offseason loss. Mazz's type A status never got cashed in on and he sat in the free agent pool all season until an injury to Rande Sorbo prompted management to extend Mazz a 1 year deal. So far Mazz has been spectacular in the backup role.

Well it remains to be seen whats gonna happen with this team. A lineup shuffle might be in the works. If Framaggio can't lock down that lead off role then somethings got to give. Baserunners need to be on when the big boppers luke Merino come to the plate.