NL takes third straight All-Star Game

Norfolk's Cruz drives in 5, wins MVP

The National League jumped out to an early four run lead and never looked back as they won the All-Star Game for the third straight season. Norfolk's Al Cruz led the charge for the NL and was named the game's MVP as he went 3-3 with a homerun and 5 RBI's.

The scoring got started early in San Juan (site of this season's All-Star festivities) as Fargo's Calvin Chang drove in the game's first run with a one-out double in the bottom of the first inning. Washington CF Luis Martinez followed with a walk and Cruz followed that up with a three run homerun to give the NL an early four-run lead.

The American League would tighten the game up, scoring three runs in the top of the third. But the NL answered immediately with three runs on their side of the inning, regaining a four-run lead that they would not relinquish. Austin's Miguel Castilla got the win while AL starter Albert Gonzalez, of Monterrey, took the loss.

Al Cruz Norfolk Destroyers Age: 25 B/T: R/R Born: Ashburnham, MA Position(s): 1B View Hardball Dynasty Profile

Trenton's Lopez takes Derby crown

Outslugs Alibamu's Rodriguez to capture title

The Trenton Traffic are having a tough time keeping pace in a loaded National League East despite a good record. But their catcher had little trouble in taking home his first Home Run Derby championship during this year's event.

Vasco Lopez beat out Montgomery DH Vladimir Rodriguez with a final round score of 9-7 to win the season 10 Home Run Derby held at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Lopez finished the event with a total of 33 homeruns while Rodriguez finished with 27.

Though he wasn't able to capture the title, Rodriguez did capture one of the longest homeruns of the evening when he blasted one an estimated 500-feet. But even that moonshot fell just short of Atlanta's Stan Starr and his monstrous 503-foot blast.

Vasco Lopez Trenton Traffic Age: 30 B/T: S/R Born: Chester, VA Position(s): C View Hardball Dynasty Profile

The War Cry Gazzette

The DITR's are in and I am quite amused in all reality. I think amused is a good word to describe them in all reality.

Blake Perkins: He wasn't that bad to start with but I didn't have a roster spot for another catcher in the low minors so I left him in the Rookie league. He could be a pretty good catcher but it will be doubtful that he gets anywhere close to some of those projections.

Pablo Ortega: Was signed at the end of season 8 to use up extra money in IFA. Warm bodies are warm bodies for the Rookie League. Was on the roster in season 9 but never pitched, thus he has absolutely no experience and only ever received a rollover bump of three points to stamina. Must be hell to sit in the pen for a season and half and and even get overlooked by simmy. I am amazed his season and career details show nothing because of that. Maybe simmy won't ignore him now like I have.

Rolando Escobar: Was also an IFA money cow at the end of last season. Could actually be a good ML defensive role player if defensive and hitting projections get close.

The War Cry Gazette

Fans, management and a couple players are a bit upset about not making the All-Star roster. Why wouldn't they be as AL saves leader, Coco Hines didn't even make the Summer Classic. Not even one of the best middle relievers in Bob Delaney was slapped in the face. Geronimo Bennett was even a little mystified. There must be no stars at all on this pathetic 50 win team. I guess I am not the only GM either.

Ok, I must agree this is the poorest excuse for a 50 win team there is. Don't ask me how they do it year in and year out. They play well together is about all I can say. Don't have anybody hitting near .300 but they tend to get the hits when needed to score enough runs to win. Pitching staff is not overwhelming anyone, but get the job done rather well. Defense is sturdy as they lead the league in plus plays with 57 and only 3 minus plays which helps tremendously.

We hadn't played well at home much of the season so we were surprised on the outcome of the recent 13 game home stand. We had just finished beating up Scranton for a four game sweep and had to come home and face St Louis where we took 2 of 3. Then the Maulers came for a visit and left very disappointed. Scranton came for a visit and the swept us like it was their stadium, guess a payback was due. Then came Louisville who dropped 3 of the 4. Then it was off to Jackson where we never play all that great but swept them before the break. The schedule doesn't get much better after the break, we go to Anaheim and if things go well we could actually find ourselves in first place for a day or so, didn't see that coming at all. Then a home/away series with Boise before Seattle comes in for a visit.

I am not sure how the AL West is going to unfold this season, four very good teams and it may not be decided until the final out the way things are going.

Next season there will be new faces on the pitching staff for sure. Felipe Cela is up for a new contract but so far this season hasn't really produced well. Louie Martin will be 35 and wants to try FA, we aren't going to stop him. Randy Stull wants to return but we just aren't so sure ourselves. Coco Hines wants a big contract again and we are contemplating that. William Bolling is the only position player we are debating about, he is putting up good numbers but it is a contract year. Arbitration doesn't look bad at the moment so that is a plus.

The IFA Front

A couple teams have decided to shell out their life savings on a player or two on the International Market. All I can say is, "They got more money than me! Waaaah!" Oh so much for the sob story. On with the news.

Jose Gonzalez became a pricey pick for the Scranton Janitors as they spent $16.1M for his services. I heard it was a fight to the finish for this guy. He considers himself a SS but I am not so sure, but I am not making any judgement calls from my scouting department (current duties are held by the team mascot btw). I am guessing he could make a great 3B at the very least though. Should have very good hitting skills however. Landing in Low A to start his career, is hitting a very robust .211 after 5 games but (always one) with 4 hits and 3 were for extra bases.

Next on the big bucks train is Tony Javier signed by the Atlanta Bandits for a mere $15.3M. A 1B by trade and looks to be pretty good at that position also. But what garnered him the big bucks is that big power bat he wields and the accompanying ratings (someone better not break the mold because I want one of them). Signed early in the season, he already has 51 games in his pocket and making a mockery of things with his .317 average including 16 doubles and 19 homers. What is even worse, he has more walks than extra base hits. GM cantarski is chomping at the bit hoping he will be ready for next years debut.