1 (2)- Baltimore Revolution (66-21)- Steady as she goes. Never too high and never too low. The Revolution know that they are the class of the league, and continue to score runs like a well oiled machine. As usual, they lead the league in most offensive categories: home runs, batting average, OBP, SLG and runs scored. The Revolution offense is without a doubt the most fearsome in the SPL. So far this season, they have scored a resounding 603 runs (that's an almost unbelievable 6.93 runs per game). There is only one other team in the SPL that has scored at least 500 runs...
2 (1)- Norfolk Whiskey Jacks (63-24)- ... and that team is the Whiskey Jacks. Many pundits are already willing to do away with the rest of the regular season and playoffs, and just have the Jacks square off against the Revolution for the AL Pennant. The Revolution haters out there who are hoping for an end to the dynasty in Baltimore have climbed onto Norfolk's band wagon, making this team one of the most highly covered (and highly hyped) in Season 16. Hipolito Matos certainly seems on his way to his second Cy Young Award in his second big league season. He is 15-1 so far, with his only loss coming in Chicago during inter-league play.
3 (9)- Pittsburgh Polar Bears (57-30)- After a bit of a slow start, the Bears have turned on their winning ways once again. They are right back where they are used to being, at the top of the NL. Eugenio Estrella (.387 AVG, 21 HR, 57 RBI) is having an MVP type season and currently on pace to win the NL batting title.
4 (3)- New Orleans Jazz (53-34)- So far, the Jazz have been this season's Cinderella team. They owe their success largely to the dominance of the pitching staff. The Jazz ranks behind only Norfolk in lowest team ERA at 3.90. On offense, the team has been paced by Valerio Soriano (.304 AVG, 27 HR, 84 RBI). He has shown no ill effects from his move from the infield to center field and his 84 RBI rank 3rd in the AL.
5 (8)- San Diego Wiley Coyotes (49-38)- The Coyotes have overtaken the Sharks and Tragedy Twins and assumed first place in the NL West. Although Los Angeles appears to have fallen out of contention, the Coyotes look like they'll be locked in a death struggle for the rest of the season with the Twins. Alcides DeRojas (.325 AVG, 15 HR, 36 RBI) has been a very pleasant surprise in San Diego, and he has already broken his career high in HR despite playing in pitcher friendly Petco Park.
6 (5)- Salem Mighty Ducks (49-38)- The Ducks seemed to have finally found a way to play consistent baseball. They currently have a narrow lead in the AL West. Although the offense has struggled at times this season, ranking toward the bottom of the AL in runs scored; the pitching has been very good, with a team ERA of 4.26. Former Cy Young winner Victor Delgado (10-3, 2.82 ERA) seems to be rejuvenated at the solid play of his team. He would be the front runner for the Cy Young Award if it weren't for the spectacular season of Matos in Norfolk.
7 (16)- Anaheim Hitmen (48-39)- The Hitmen were another veteran team that got off to a very slow start. They have found their winning ways again however, and have been battling Salem and Scottsdale for control of the division. Some of their star players were off to very sluggish starts, but Orber Martin (.302 AVG, 34 HR, 78 RBI) has really been a pillar for the Hitmen. The 28-year old fan favorite has been the team's best hitter and is on pace to being named to his 3rd career All Star team.
8 (10)- Vancouver Tragedy Twins (48-39)- The Twins trying to make themselves into a consistent playoff team, now find themselves in a heated race with San Diego. Both teams are young, so this should develop into one of the most heated rivalries in the NL. They have been successful this year with a balanced team. They rank 5th in the NL in both runs scored and runs allowed.
9 (13)- Iowa City Badgers (48-39)- Partially due to their own strong play, and partially due to Milwaukee's struggles so far this season, the Badgers find themselves right in the mix for the NL North. Its been a true team effort in Iowa City. The team currently finds itself without a representative in the All Star squad, but finding ways to win nonetheless.
10 (19)- Milwaukee Titans (48-39)- Yet another veteran team that got off to a slow start. The Titans have righted the ship, at one point winning 12 out of 15 games. Still, the Titans have been really inconsistent. Some have speculated about whether the team's pending sale may be distracting the players.
11 (-)- Chicago Gray Stockings (46-41)- The back-to-back NL Champs had to play catch-up due to their poor early season play. After going on a stretch of 16-3, the Gray Sox found themselves in their usual spot... 2nd place in the NL East and ready to make a run at yet another Wild Card berth. Normally one of the top pitching staffs in the league, the front office has been disappointed in this season's staff so far. The team ranks 9th in the NL in team ERA at 3.95.
12 (4)- Cleveland Lake Shores (44-43)- The Lake Shores have been a terribly streaky team so far in Season 16. They were red hot out of the gates, taking the early lead in the NL East. They had a stretch of 10-1 followed by a stretch of 10-3. Then the wheels came off and the Shores went into a complete tail spin, losing 17 of 20 games during one stretch. Now, they seem to have figured it out once again (for the time being at least) and have a 6 game winning streak, the longest in the NL.
13 (15)- Scottsdale Camels (44-43)- The aging Camels were trying to get one more run out of their veteran core. They might be able to if they can put together a bit of a win streak. They are currently only 5 games out of 1st. Clay Beirne (.305 AVG, 13 HR, 47 RBI) is showing he still has some gas left in the tank, being very productive despite getting regular rest.
14 (18)- Philadelphia Stomp (44-43)- Being in the same division as Norfolk and Baltimore means that the Stomp are almost looking at the Wild Card as soon as the season begins. They are right in the Wild Card race, currently only 5 games behind the last playoff spot. Randy Meulens is having another All Star season, going 10-3 with a 3.51 ERA in his 18 starts so far.
15 (6)- Memphis Belles (44-43)- The Belles are staying in the win column, despite having their roster purged of salary this offseason. The offense continues to be terrible, ranking last in the league in runs, AVG, OBP and SLG. The pitching and defense has been stellar though. The Belles rank 2nd in the NL in fewest errors and 1st in lowest team ERA at 3.23. With Richmond's surprising struggles this season, the Belles also find themselves in 1st place as we approach the All Star break. If the pitching holds up, and the offense gets some timely hits, they may be able to hold off the Rebellion until the end of the season. It should be a great race to watch.
16 (7)- Los Angeles Sharks (43-44)
17 (17)- Atlanta Soda Poppers (43-44)
18 (-)- Monterrey Charros (43-44)
19 (12)- St. Louis Redbirds (41-46)
20 (20)- Helena Bighorns (40-47)
Bounced Out:
(11)- Jacksonville Barracudas (40-47)
(14)- Honolulu Rainbow Warriors (39-48)
