This Month in the RLB - AL (April, 1983)

This Month in RLB

April 1983 - AL

Rookie of the Month

RP Nick Samuelson, Oakland Athletics

This lefty certainly plans to be a future member of the Oakland rotation, but for now he's crushing as a reliever in his first full season. In 22.2 IP's, he's 3-0 with a 1.59 ERA while amassing 9 K's and 8 walks. After selling most of their starting rotation pieces, Samuelson may be leaned on quite often this season.

Pitcher of the Month

CL Tyler LaMare, Detroit Tigers

WHOA. Two relievers taking home the monthly pitching awards? LaMare is undoubtedly deserving on the April honors. The 26-year old has gotten off to a hot start with a league-leading 7 saves in 15 innings or work. He has yet to allow a single run and is pitching to the tune of 12 K's to just 6 walks. In order to hang in the AL East, the Tigers are going to need LaMare to continue his dominance!

Hitter of the Month

1B Phil Krueger, California Angels

Is this the year we finally see the true breakout of Krueger? It looks that way as he starts the seasons slashing .354/.409/.659 and a 1.067 OPS. He currently leads the league in slugging, tied for first in RBI's/homers and is second in isolated power. The Angels looks to be in a tighter race than expected in the AL West and will need Krueger's best to remain up top.

Who’s Hot:

-Angels, Yankees and A's all find themselves atop the power rankings to finish up April. The Angels look to continue last year's dominance in the West. The Yankees are looking to prove last year was a fluke. The A's? Well... we didn't see that coming, but they sure as hell like to run a lot.

-Minnesota's pitching staff has found a lot of early season success. The group leads the AL in ERA (2.93) and WPA (2.77) in the first month, lead by starting pitchers Tim Thompson (1.59 ERA) and Josh Doan (1.99 ERA). Insert jeans emoji.

- Mike Belkin has crushed the ball in April. Surprised? You shouldn't be. The 5-year vet continues his dominance in pinstripes. He leads the AL in average (0.424), OBP (0.452), OPS (1.095), WAR (1.43), wOBA (0.479) and wRC (23.77). What more is there to say? BELKIN GOOD.

Who’s Not:

- Minny's offense. Although sitting in 2nd place in the AL Central and dominating on the pitching front, the Twin's offense sits at a putrid .217/.283/.321 offensive slash line. Eww. If they want to contend, the bats are going to have to pick up. A .231 BABIP suggest better luck may be in store.

- DH Joseph Daigle is off to a slow start in his age 25 season. Hitting .205 with only a .307 slugging. Fortunately, he's still walking a ton. I think he'll be just fine.

- Angels and Blue Jays rank as the worst 2 teams in total defensive ZR. Yikes. Is Goose running these teams? The Angels biggest worries come in the OF, while the Jays are getting poor defensive production from SS and CF.

Milestones/Other Notes:

- John Gribben rocking a 16-game hitting streak

- Milestone watch: Hector Arias needs 4 more SB's to join the 500 club