Game 12

Omaha Uniforms - Virginia Uniforms

Notes
Was this long break just what Omaha needed to get back in the race? Well they had to take down the first place Beach Bums. They didnt make it easy, thats for sure. Virginia scored 2 in the bottom of the first. Then Fernando Nieve imploded in the 3rd, giving up 5 runs, including a grand slam to Craig Monroe. 10 batters came up in that inning. Then in the bottom of the inning, Toby Hall homered to make it 5-4 Omaha. Then in the bottom of the 4th, Adam Everett tripled, then was singled in by Byrnes to tie it up. Normally strong Tim Spooneybarger gave up a Mathews Jr home run, the only hit in his 2 innings of work. Jorge Julio shut down the Bums earning the save.

Batters
OMA
Fahey 0-2 BB, K, 1R
Vidro 2-3 2 1B, 1R
Hermida 1-3 2B
Atkins 0-2 K, BB, 1R
Ensberg 0-3
Mathews Jr. 1-2 HR, BB, K, 1R, 1RBI
Monroe 1-2 HR, BB, 1R, 4RBI
Valetin 1-2 1B, BB
Ellison 0-2 BB

VIR
Everett 1-3 3B, 1R
Byrnes 2-3 2B, 1B, 1R, 1RBI
Blalock 2-2 HR, 1B, BB, 2R, 2RBI
Mientkiewicz 0-2 BB
Hall 1-2 HR, BB, 1R, 2RBI
Bigbie 0-2 BB
Crosby 0-3 2K
Young 1-2 2B, BB, K
Herr 0-3

Pitchers
OMA
Perez- 4 IP, 6.25 ERA, 1 Ks, 5 ER, 4 BB W
Julio- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 2 Ks, 0 ER, 1 BB SV

VIR
Nieve- 3 IP, 8.33 ERA, 3 Ks, 5 ER, 6 BB
Spooneybarger- 2, 2.5 ERA, 0 Ks, 1 ER, 0 BB L

Player of the Game- Hank Blalock



Austin Uniforms - Orlando Uniforms

Notes
If Orlando won, then for the first time, 3 teams would have a share of first. But that didn't happen. EARLY, the Roughnecks scored 4 runs. First 4 batters, 4 runs. A 3 run homer by Sean Casey set the game off. Then both pitchers dueled. Kip wells gave up 3 hits the rest of the game, while Zambrano gave up 2. The second was a solo home run by Brent Abernathy, who has been on a tear, and second in batting average.

Batters
AUS
Dukes 1-3 1B, BB, 1R
Greene 1-2 2B, BB, 1R
Baldelli 1-3 2B, 1R, 1RBI
Casey 1-3 HR, 2K, 1R, 3RBI
Spivey 0-3
Munson 0-2 K
Rolls 0-2 K
Wilson 2-2 1B, 2B
LeCroy 0-2

ORL
Freeman 0-2
Stewart 0-2 2K
Grieve 0-2
Hillenbrand 1-2 2B
Crede 0-2
LaForest 0-2 K
Abernathy 1-2 HR, 1R, 1RBI
Francia 0-1 BB
Roneberg 0-2 K

Pitchers
AUS
Zambrano- 5 IP, 1 ERA, 4 Ks, 1 ER, 1 BB W

ORL
Wells- 5 IP, 4 ERA, 4 Ks, 4 ER, 2 BB L

Player of the Game- Victor Zambrano

Orlando Releases New Alternate

The Majestics released a new top for the rest of season 2. A fresh young team looking for a fresh look. A new hat was also adopted.

They will be worn in their next game when Austin comes to Orlando to face the M's.

Game 11

Virginia Uniforms - Austin Uniforms

Notes
Could Virginia beat around Austin and sweep them for the second time? Yes. Virginia is 6-0 against the Roughnecks. Sidney Ponson went out hoping to shut down the potent Virginia offense, which he did to start. But so did Eric Milton. 0s put up for the first 3 innings. In the 4th, Dimitri Young tripled in Toby Hall, making it 1-0. Milton shut them down int he bottom of the inning, then Ponson imploded and gave up 5 runs, 3 being on a Bigbie Homer. Austin did score one in the 5th, but that wasnt enough. Virginia is now first.

Batters
VIR
Everett 2-3 2B, 1B, 1R
Byrnes 3-3 2B, 2 1B, 1R
Blalock 0-2 BB, 1R
Mientkiewicz 1-3 2B, 1R, 2RBI
Hall 1-3 1B, 1R
Bigbie 1-3 HR, 1R, 3RBI
Crosby 0-2 BB
Young 1-3 3B, 2Ks, 1RBI
Herr 0-2

AUS
Dukes 2-3 2B, 1B
Greene 0-3 K
Baldelli 1-2 2B, BB, 1RBi
Casey 1-3 1B, 2K
Spivey 0-2 K
Munson 0-2
Rolls 0-1 BB
Valent 0-2 K
LeCroy 1-2 2B, 1R

Pitchers
VIR
Milton- 4 IP, 0 ERA, 4 Ks, 0 ER, 2 BB W
Windsor- 1 IP, 5 ERA, 1 Ks, 1 ER, 0 BB SV

AUS
Ponson- 5 IP, 6 ERA, 2 Ks, 6 ER, 2 BB L

Player of the Game- Eric Milton

Power Rankings 2

1. Virginia Beach Bums
Huge series against Austin, and they've taken the first two. Pitching is what has been doing great things, keeping the games close. Some batters have become hot, like Crosby, and Blalock. if this team can take the last game, then they will be tied at the top.

2. Austin Roughnecks
The former undefeated team has been slowed recently. The 5 point pitchers kept them competitive against Virginia's6 point pitchers. Sean Casey and Khalil Greene have been hot, and remained hot. What they need is the pitching to remain solid, and everyone to start hitting better.

3. Portland Trappers
The team won the series over Orlando, with the loss coming late in the last game. Dontrelle Willis and Kaz Tadano both got their second win, which is big. If this team can match up their pitching and hitting with being hot, then expect the team to come back and make it interesting with the Bums and Necks

4. Orlando Majestics
Luckiest team is lucky. They have 5 2 point players in the line up, with none of them actually doing bad. All have made their own impression and have been benefiting. Brent Abernathy leads the league in batting average. Their problem right now is pitching, I'd say. If they can keep teams close, they could win a few.

5. Omaha Cyclones
No games in the last 4 gamedays. Maybe this is the break the team needed, because they weren't very good to start. They have two glimmers of hope, in Vidro and Atkins. But pitching has stunk. Kason Gabbard has about 10 years left in the career, so him having 14 ER in 2 innings and change.

ERA

ERA will now be calculated with Earned runs in 5 innings, as compared to 9. That will make the stats resemble actual ERA more. Starting with game 10, the ERA will now be lower.

All of Season 1's stats were changed also. That makes Mark Mulder's ERA 2.75 last season.

Game 10

Virginia Uniforms - Austin Uniforms

Notes
Virginia had a great chance to win today, with Looper on the mound up against Josh Pappelbon. It was closer than they would've liked it perhaps. The Bums had bases loaded in the first, but couldn't get the run in. Things started in the second when Crosby homered in his second strait at bat carrying over from game 9. That inning, Blalock doubled in Herr, then Mientkiewicz singled in Everett. In the bottom of 2, two doubles from the 4 and 5 hitter made it 3-1. Crosby came up and hit ANOTHER home run. He now is tied for home runs this season. 5 strait batters reached int he bottom of 3 but only 2 scored as Rolls got out with bases juiced. Next inning, Blaclock tripled, doubled in by hall, who was tipled in by Bigbie. 6-3 now. They wouldn't go away, Matt LeCroy hit it off the fence, took an awkward bounce, and slid in safe for a triple. Khalil Greene hit a single, making it 6-4. Matt Anderson came in for the save, but first gave up a home run to Sean Casey. Wild game witha lot of offense. Virginia is now just 1 game back of first.

Batters
VIR
Everett 2-3 2B, 1B, BB, K, 1R
Byrnes 1-4 1B, 1R
Blalock 2-3 3B, 2B, 1R, 1RBI
Mientkiewicz 1-2 1B, K, BB, 1RBI
Hall 1-3 2B, 1RBI
Bigbie 1-3 3B, 1RBI
Crosby 2-3 2HR, 2R, 2RBI
Young 1-3 3B
Herr 1-3 1R

AUS
Dukes 0-3
Greene 2-3 2B, 1B, 1R, 1RBI
Baldelli 0-2 BB, 1R
Casey 3-3 HR, 2B, 1B, 2R, 1RBI
Spivey 1-2 2B, BB, 1RBI
Munson 1-3 1B
Rolls 0-3 K
Wilson 0-2 2K
LeCroy 1-2 3B, 1R

Pitchers
VIR
Looper- 4 IP, 5 ERA, 4 Ks, 4 ER, 2 BB W
Anderson- 1 IP, 5 ERA, 0 Ks, 1 ER, 0 BB SV

AUS
Papelbon- 4 IP, 7.5 ERA, 2 Ks, 6 ER, 2 BB L
Yan- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 0 Ks, 0 ER, 0 BB

Player of the Game- Bubba Crosby



Portland Uniforms - Orlando Uniforms

Notes
Portland had the upper hand in this matchup, going for the 3 game sweep. Their pitcher had the better percentages with 6 points, on Shawn Chacon, who was a 5. Chacon got out of a situation in the first getting Sexson out with 2 runners in scoring position. In the bottom of 4, Brent Abernathy broke up a perfect game with a home run off of Waechter. Top of 4, Chacon let 2 men single, then walked 3 strait batters. The M's called on BJ Ryan who got out of the inning. Oh well this is over. BUT WAIT! The Majestics rallied. Grieve doubled, Hillenbrand walked. Then, with 3 outs, Brent Abernathy gets a single. Bases loaded, and new starting SS Juan Francia comes up big and triples. All the runs score, and the M's win 4-3

POR
Berroa 0-2 BB
Dye 1-2 1B, BB
Burroughs 1-2 3B, BB, 1R
Encarnacion 0-2 BB
Pena 1-3 2B, 2K, 1RBI
Sexson 1-3 1B, 1R
Giles 0-3
Horwitz 1-2 1B, K
Brown 0-1 BB

ORL
Freeman 0-2
Stewart 0-2
Grieve 1-2 2B, 1R
Hillenbrand 0-1 BB
Crede 0-2 K
LaForest 0-2 K
Abernathy 2-2 HR, 1B, 2R, 1RBI
Francia 1-1 3B, BB, 3RBI
Robels 0-2 K

Pitchers
POR
Waechter- 4 IP, 5 ERA, 3 Ks, 4 ER, 2 BB L

ORL
Chacon- 3.1 IP, 5 ERA, 1 Ks, 3 ER, 5 BB
Ryan- 1.2 IP, 0 ERA, 1 Ks, 0 ER, 0 BB W

Player of the Game- Brent Abernathy

Game 9

Virginia Uniforms - Austin Uniforms

Notes
Big series here too. Virginia had a chance to gain ground on Austin, and help the rest of the league by handing them their first loss. Virginia jumped early on a Byrnes homer, and Toby Hall doubling in Hank Blalock. Mulder was rolling, but Bradley matched him after he settled. Mulder walked Spivey, then Damian Rolls homered to tie it up at 2. Bradley was pulled for a 6 point pitcher. 0s put up in the 5th for both Mulder and Bradford. Then in the 6th, Bubba Crosby hit a game winning homer. Mulder came in and shut down the Necks and give them their first loss.

Batters
VIR
Everett 1-2 2B, BB
Byrnes 1-3 HR, K, 1R, 1RBI
Blalock 2-3 2B, 1B, 1R
Mientkiewicz 0-3
Hall 1-3 2B, K, 1RBI
Bigbie 0-3
Crosby 1-3 HR, K, 1R, 1RBI
Greenberg 0-2 BB, K
Herr 0-2

AUS
Dukes 1-3 1B, K
Greene 0-2 BB
Baldelli 1-3 1B
Casey 1-3 1B, K
Spivey 0-2 BB, 1R
Munson 0-3
Rolls 1-2 HR, BB, 1R, 2RBI
Valent 0-2
LeCroy 0-2

Pitchers
VIR
Mulder- 6 IP, 3 ERA, 2 Ks, 2 ER, 2 BB W

AUS
Bradley- 4 IP, 4.5 ERA, 2 Ks, 2 ER, 1 BB
Bradford- 2 IP, 4.5 ERA, 1 Ks, 1 ER, 1 BB L

Player of the Game- Mark Mulder



Portland Uniforms - Orlando Uniforms

Notes
A pretty big match up again between these two teams on the bubble. If Orlando got a win, they had a cushion on some teams, but they would be 500 with a loss. Well, it got started early when Angel Berroa hit a home run to lead off. Scott Elarton settled down, and got out of the next inning with 1 hit. In the top of the third, same situation, Berroa hits a lead off homer off of Elarton. Dontrelle Willis showed why he is one of the best there is. Coming up big with 1 hit in 3 innings. Both pitchers pitched 5 innings, and had dominant nights. But Berroa single handedly won the game with his bat.

POR
Berroa 2-3 2HR, K, 2R, 2RBI
Dye 0-3
Burroughs 1-3 1B
Encarnacion 1-3 1B, K
Pena 0-2
Sexson 0-2
Giles 1-2 3B
Horwitz 0-1 BB
Brown 1-2 3B

ORL
Freeman 0-2 BB
Stewart 0-2 K
Grieve 1-2 1B
Hillenbrand 1-2 2B, K
Crede 0-1 BB
LaForest 0-2K
Abernathy 0-2
Francia 0-2
Roneberg 0-2 K

Pitchers
POR
Willis- 5 IP, 0 ERA, 4 Ks, 0 ER, 2 BB W

ORL
Elarton- 5 IP, 3.6 ERA, 2 Ks, 2 ER, 1 BB L

Player of the Game- Angel Berroa

Game 8

Portland Uniforms - Orlando Uniforms

Notes
A pretty big series coming up for both teams. Portland could catch up and get some wins, as Orlando tries to bank some wins and making life difficult for Portland. Chuck James gave up 4 runs early, on walks, a triple, singles, and a double. Then in the 3rd, Brian Horwitz tripled in Pena and Sexson to make it 6-0. On the flipside, Kaz Tadano who is a 5 point pitcher threw another shut out in his innings of work. He has pitched 8 innings, giving up 0.

POR
Berroa 0-4
Dye 0-2 BB, K, 1R
Burroughs 1-2 2B, BB, 1R
Encarnacion 1-3 3B, 1R, 2RBI
Pena 2-2 2 1B, BB, 2R, 1RBI
Sexson 1-2 HR, BB, 1R
Giles 2-3 2 1B
Horwitz 2-3 3B, 2B, 3RBI
Brown 0-3

ORL
Freeman 0-2 K
Stewart 1-1 2B, BB
Grieve 0-2
Hillenbrand 0-2
Crede 1-3 1B
LaForest 0-3 K
Abernathy 2-3 1B, 2B
Francia 1-2 1B, BB
Robels 0-1 BB

Pitchers
POR
Tadano- 4 IP, 0 ERA, 1 Ks, 0 ER, 3 BB W
Gagne- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 1 Ks, 0 ER, 0 BB SV

ORL
James- 4 IP, 13.5 ERA, 1 Ks, 6 ER, 4 BB L
Bonser- 1 IP, 18 ERA, 1 Ks, 2 ER, 0 BB

Player of the Game- Brian Horwitz

Montréal accueille le CBL

Commissioner Michael Taylor announced today plans of expanding the Continental Baseball League to the city of Montreal.

"I wanted the league to be more Continental for season 3. So far, with 5 US teams I thought it was time to expand. It brings fans of a different country, and expands the league north east." Montreal of course lost their team in 2005 to Washington as the Expos skipped town. "The problem there was the lack of a stadium, plans are in place of building a new stadium." Montreal is the second biggest city in Canada, and would be the largest market in the CBL. A new identity package, and plans for roster spreading will be soon announced.

Taylor also announced two teams will be playing in Mexico City to start season 3 off.

Game 7

Virginia Uniforms - Portland Uniforms

Notes
A big game to really set the tone for the season of both teams. A 5 starter went out for Virginia, and Portland and surprisingly wasn't high scoring at first. In the bottom of 1, Jermaine Dye hit a solo shot off of Nieve. Then he settled down. Top of 3, the top of the order kept on hitting and scored 2, and taking the lead for the Bums. Next inning, Adam Everett hits grand slam off of Ainsworth, leading to him being taken out. In the 5th, Jason Windsor made his first appearance in the CBL. He gives up a homer to Jeremy Brown, loads the bases, then fans Sexson to end the game.

Batters
VIR
Everett 2-3 HR, 1B, 2R, 4RBI
Byrnes 1-3 2B, K
Blalock 1-3 2B, 1R
Mientkiewicz 2-3 2 IB, 1R, 1RBI
Hall 0-3 2K
Bigbie 2-3 3B, 2B, 1R, 1RBI
Crosby 0-3
Young 0-1 2BB
Herr 0-1 2BB, K

POR
Berroa 0-3
Dye 1-3 HR, 1R, 1RBI
Burroughs 1-3 2B, K
Encarnacion 1-2 1B, BB
Pena 2-3 2B, 1B
Sexson 1-3 1B, K
Giles 0-2
Simon 0-1 BB
Brown 1-2 HR, K

Pitchers
VIR
Nieve- 4 IP, 2.25 ERA, 2 Ks, 1 ER, 1 BB W
Windsor- 1 IP, 9 ERA, 1 Ks, 1 ER, 1 BB SV

POR
Ainsworth- 3.1 IP, 18 ERA, 3 Ks, 6 ER, 3 BB L
Calero- 1.2 IP, 9 ERA, 1 Ks, 1 ER, 1 BB

Player of the Game- Adam Everett



Notes
Somehow, the Austin Roughnecks remained undefeated up to this point in the season. A perfect record of 5-0, and going for a sweep against the Cyclones. Greene continued his hot streak by hitting a first inning homer. Bottom 3, Victor Zambrano gave up a double, then 6 singles, and got 3 straight outs leaving the bases juiced. Then ironically, the Roughnecks did the same next inning. Lecroy hit a homer, then 6 strait batters reached base, including 4 straight singles to make it 5-3. No runs were scored after that, and the 'Necks are 6-0

Austin Uniforms - Omaha Uniforms

Batters
AUS
Dukes 0-3
Greene 1-2 HR, BB, 1R, 1RBI
Baldelli 1-3 2B, 1R
Casey 1-3 1B, 1R, 1RBI
Spivey 1-3 1B
Munson 2-3 2B, 1B, 1RBI
Rolls 1-3 1B, 1RBI
Wilson 0-2
LeCroy 1-1 HR, BB, 1R, 1RBI

OMA
Fahey 0-3 2K
Vidro 1-3 1B
Hermida 1-3 1B, K
Atkins 1-3 2B, 1R
Ensberg 1-2 1B, BB, 1R
Mathews Jr. 1-3 1B, K, 1R, 1RBI
Monroe 1-2 1B
Valetin 1-2 1B, 1RBI
Ellison 1-2 1B, 1RBI

Pitchers
AUS
Zanbrano- 4 IP, 6.75 ERA, 2 Ks, 3 ER, 1 BB W
Sanchez- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 0 Ks, 0 ER, 0 BB SV

OMA
Perez- 3 IP, 15 ERA, 0 Ks, 5 ER, 1 BB L
Julio- 2 IP, 0 ERA, 0 Ks, 1 ER, 1 BB

Player of the Game- Matt Lecroy

News

I finally got a Sports Club Stats up!
http://www.sportsclubstats.com/You/ContinentalBaseballLeague.html
Keep up with playoff chances here.

Also, The Majestics will have Juan Francia now start at Short Stop over Oscar Robels. Then Matt Lecroy will be full time DH, and Eric Valent, and Preston Wilson will be the ones switching off at OF

Game 6

^^^^ Ignore the 0 in the 5th for the Trappers, they did not bat.
Virginia Uniforms - Portland Uniforms

Notes
Both teams needed wins now, and Portland got tons of help early. In the first, Eric Milton allowed the first 6 to get on base, including a grand slam by Juan Encarnacion. Top of 2, Bubba Crosby drove in Toby Hall, giving some hope, but it was short lived. Next inning, Willy Mo Pena hit a 3 run home run off of Milton. Doug Waechter threw a 2 hit complete game, a much needed confidence boost by Portland's number two starter.

Batters
VIR
Everett 0-2 BB, K
Byrnes 0-2 K
Blalock 0-2
Mientkiewicz 0-2
Hall 1-2 3B, K, 1R
Bigbie 0-2
Crosby 1-2 1B, IRBI
Greenberg 0-1 BB
Herr 0-2

POR
Berroa 1-3 1B, K
Dye 0-2 BB
Burroughs 1-2 1B, BB
Encarnacion 1-2 HR, BB, 2R, 4RBI
Pena 2-2 HR, 1B, 1R, 3RBI
Sexson 1-2 1B, K
Giles 0-2
Horwitz 0-2
Brown 0-2 K

Pitchers
VIR
Milton- 2 IP, 31.5 ERA, 2 Ks, 7 ER, 3 BB L
Spooneybarger- 2 IP, 0 ERA, 1 Ks, 0 ER, 0 BB

POR
Waechter- 5 IP, 1.8 ERA, 2 Ks, 1 ER, 2 BB W

Player of the Game- Doug Waechter




Notes
Sidney Ponson and the Roughnecks were rolling along, and the 6 point pitcher wasn't going to let the Cyclones knock them down. 5 runs in the first inning off Kason Gabbard set the tone. The Roughnecks scored another 2 in the 2nd to get him out of the game. Gabbard has given up 14 runs in 2 1/3 innings this year. Sean Casey had a break out game with a triple and homer to maybe end his slump of batting 1-11.

Austin Uniforms - Omaha Uniforms

Batters
AUS
Dukes 1-4 3B, 1R
Greene 1-3 3B, 1R, 1RBI
Baldelli 1-3 1B, 1RBI
Casey 2-3 HR, 3B, 2R, 2RBI
Spivey 2-3 2 1B, 1R, 1RBI
Munson 0-2 BB, K, 1R
Rolls 1-2 HR, BB, 1R, 3RBI
Wilson 1-3 1B
LeCroy 1-2 2B, BB, 1R

OMA
Fahey 1-3 2B
Vidro 1-3 3B, 1R, 1RBI
Hermida 1-3 1B, 2K, 1RBI
Atkins 0-2 K
Ensberg 1-2 HR, 1R,1RBI
Mathews Jr. 1-2 2B
Monroe 0-2
Valetin 1-2 1B, 1R
Buscher 0-2

Pitchers
AUS
Ponson- 4 IP, 6.75 ERA, 2 Ks, 3 ER, 0 BB W
Bradford- 1 IP, 0 ERA, 1 Ks, 0 ER, 0 BB SV

OMA
Gabbard- 1 1/3 IP, 63 ERA, 0 Ks, 7 ER, 2 BB L
Taschner- 2 IP, 0 ERA, 1 Ks, 0 ER, 1 BB
Julio- 2 IP, 4.5 ERA, 0 Ks, 1 ER, 0 BB

Player of the Game- Sean Casey

Power Rankings 1

After every 5th game, I will do power rankings.



1. Austin Roughnecks
Obviously Ausitn would be the top team. They've been getting things done, lead by their awesome pitching. After game 4, they gave up a total of 4 runs, making them the best pitching staff in the league. What is weird is that the offense isn't really astounding. People like Khalil Greene, and Junior Spivey are having great years, when team MVP in season 1, Sean Casey, is 1 for 11 and batting .090.

2. Orlando Majestics
This team is very lucky. The season was started with 4, 3 point starters, and 3 6 point pitchers. Out of the 4 batters mentioned above, only 2 are batting above .333. But what's carried this team was the supporting cast of young 2 point batters. Choo Freeman, Brent Abernathy, Pete LaForest, and as a DH Juan Francia all have come up big. Chuck James is surprisingly the only Orlando starter without a win.

3. Virginia Beach Bums
Its really too early to tell where the team is heading. 2 games in, both were on and off. One was a shut out loss, where the number one stater got shelled for 7 runs, then won game 2 4-1 over Portland. The big hitters aren't hitting though. Doug Mientkiewicz and Hank Blalock have a total of 1 hit between them.

4. Portland Trappers
Things are starting to turn, maybe. After getting embarrassed by the Roughnecks, They busted loose against Virginia with a 7-0 win. But last game agaisnt Virginia they lost 4-1. Kaz Tadano threw a complete game shut out against Virginia, the lone bright spot in the starting rotation. I have a feeling Willis and Waechter will turn it around. Hitting is starting to pick up though, so they could make a run for something.

5. Omaha Cyclones
The most dangerous offense hasn't done crap since the first game. Well, it's mostly pitching. After losing 3 of 4 in Orlando, they lost 3-1 in the first home game in franchise history. The offense hasn't strung hits together, while some players are having pretty good years. If Garrett Atkins and Jose Vidro can stay hot, and the pitching can settle down they could salvage the season.