This Month in RLB

April 1992

Interleague update

*as of 5/3

AL Awards

Rookie of the Month

LF Alvin Steele – Boston Red Sox: .409/.470/.580, 8 XBH, 21 R, 11 SB, 21 game hit streak

Pitcher of the Month

SP Kazuto Abe – Detroit Tigers: 4-0, 2.68 ERA, 21 K, .219 BAA

Batter of the Month

1B Ryokan Takahashi – New York Yankees: .293/.415/.680, 8 HR, 21 RBI

NL Awards

Rookie of the Month

LF Ivano Mavrin – Colorado Rockies: .338/.471/.675, 7 HR, 18 RBI

Pitcher of the Month

SP Jesus Rodriguez – Pittsburgh Pirates: 4-0, 1.05 ERA, 11:4 K:BB, .175 BAA

Batter of the Month

1B Elias de la Cruz – Chicago Cubs: .450/.527/.938, 9 HR, 24 RBI, 18 R

Who’s Hot:

Toronto Blue Jays

The Blue Jays are off to a hot start with a 14-8 record in April. After years of rebuilding, this looks to be the season that the Jays can become serious contenders in the AL East. Pitching has been the strong point thus far, Toronto has allowed the third fewest runs in the AL. As the youngest team in the league, expect the Blue Jays to only get better as they gain experience.

Seattle Mariners

Much like Toronto, the Mariners are seeing success after going through a patient rebuild. A 13-10 record in April has brought them to first place in the AL West over the perennial powerhouse California Angels. Seattle is well balanced, fifth in runs scored and fourth in runs allowed. Top prospect Jabari Hunter is also waiting in the wings, yet to make his RLB debut.

Atlanta Braves

Yawn. The Braves had the best record in RLB for the month April, going 15-7. Other teams may have hoped to gain some ground with Cervantes being traded away, but Atlanta looks to be as strong as ever. Hastings and Arnaut still lead the offense, while Esparza and Babin continue to anchor a strong rotation. Copy and paste here each month through 1992? Most likely.

Who’s Not:

Detroit Tigers

The Tigers may regret leaving the AL East, their new home in the Central looks to be a much tougher task. They have stumbled out of the block with an 8-15 record in April despite a fantastic start to the season by their ace Kazuto Abe. 13th in runs scored, 12th in runs allowed, Detroit has struggled across the board. There is still plenty of talent on the roster, look for the Tigers to turn it around sooner rather than later.

Florida Marlins

After 89 wins last season and a Wild Card appearance, the Marlins were forced to sell some pieces away due to budget constraints. Off to a 9-13 April record, it may be more difficult for the Marlins to turn it around after losing top starting pitcher Bill Blackwell for the season on April 20th.

Milestones/Other Notes:

· Jim Williams (COL) – 1,000th career hit on 4/30

· Brian Arnaut (ATL) – 600th career XBH on 4/27

· Billy Cook (DET) – 150th career save on 4/28

· Pedro Cabrera (NYY) – 1,000 career K on 4/30