This Month in RLB - NL

This Month in RLB

April 1983 - NL

Rookie of the Month

SP Darius Cloud, Los Angeles Dodgers

Cloud posted a 3-0 record in April to go along with a 1.35 ERA, 24 strikeouts, and a .165 BAA, helping lead the Dodgers to a surprising 13-12 start to the season.

Pitcher of the Month

SP Darius Cloud, Los Angeles Dodgers

See above. Cloud was not only the best rookie in the NL, but the best overall pitcher in the month of April.

Hitter of the Month

2B Aaron Stolz, Pittsburgh Pirates

Stolz is off to a hot start on the season, slashing .345/.379/.644 in the month of April. He also hit 7 HRs to tie for the league lead and has driven in 23 to lead the NL.

Who’s Hot:

-San Francisco Giants. Yawn. The powerhouse in the West continues to roll, racking up a RLB best .714 winning percentage to start the season.

-Adrian Pugh. Much like the Giants, you could copy and paste Pugh in almost every month. 3 wins, a 1.52 ERA, 31 K’s in 5 starts.

- New York Mets bullpen. Led by closer Matt Betters, the Mets’ relief staff has been strong, leading the league with a 1.67 ERA.

Who’s Not:

- Cincinnati Reds offense. Normally a well-oiled machine, the Reds have struggled to start the season. Last in the NL in OBP and runs scored, it may just take time for the perennial contenders to find their stride.

- Montreal Expos. Playoff hopes have not been dashed in the young season, but both the offense and pitching will have to improve if Montreal hopes to be playing late in October. 8th in runs scored, 11th in team ERA in April.

- Cubs good.

Milestones/Other Notes:

- Spencer Ritter – 1,500th career hit on 4/12

- Dan Poston – 1,000th career hit on 4/16

- The Saint Louis Cardinals are holding down a Wild Card spot despite a -19 run differential. Can their luck hold?