CF John Jordan of the Munchen Brauers honored: Wins the EBA EBA Batter of the Month Award.
Jordan is no stranger to followers of the MBBA, having spent parts of seven seasons there as a reserve outfielder with New Orleans and California. However, it's since he's jumped to the EBA that he's really hit a stride. Jordan, 31 years old, is the perfect example of the type of player the EBA is built for. He would have been a career no-name reserve of "Quad A" player in the MBBA, but in the EBA he gets a chance to not only play everyday, but star. His May stats were gaudy, indeed: .426/.458/.745/1.203 with 7 homers and 24 RBI.
Could we ever see him back in the MBBA? I don't see it. I think Jordan has found a great fit for his talent set in Europe, and that's where he should stay.
CL Len Tatum of the Madrid Matadors honored: Wins the EBA EBA Pitcher of the Month Award.
Tatum, 30 years old, is another long time veteran of the MBBA, having pitched from 2011-2017 with the Louisville Sluggers before they released him last year. He then spent the rest of the 2017 season with the Las Vegas Hustlers AAA affiliate, and then elected free agency and jumped to the EBA to try and re-establish himself. Rather than use Tatum as a starter as Louisville had done at times throughout his career, he's been the Matadors closer. During May, He saved four games and won another four with a 2.35 ERA and most importantly, allowed no homers in thirteen appearances.
Could we ever see him back in the MBBA? Certainly. He'd be a viable relief option for most every team in the MBBA, and it wouldn't surprise me to see him in the Rule 6 draft next season.
SS Alejandro Rincón of the Madrid Matadors honored: Wins the EBA EBA Rookie of the Month Award.
Rincon was drafted in the first round first by Amsterdam (sixth overall) in 2016, but failed to sign; then with Madrid in 2017 (third overall) and joined the Matadors system. He jumped straight into the AAA level last year, and dominated, then joined the team out of Spring Training this year. The 23 year old Rincon is still growing into his talents, which makes his performance more impressive. In May, he batted .360 with 41 hits to lead the talented Matadors.
Will we ever see him in the MBBA? You bet, but like Vizzoni, it's a four year wait.
