1985 CDBL MID-SEASON REVIEW


AARON DIVISION - So much for pre-season predictions.  The Arkham Investigators,
picked as preseason division (and WS finalist) favorites have not lived
up to expectations, and are 8 games out.  Their primary weakness?  Pitching.
Their 4.11 ERA is 4th worst in the league, and well above (or rather below)
league average.  At the mid-season points, the Nettles ToWiggins have a
narrow 1/2 game lead over the Milwaukee Mashers.  ToWiggins' 3B Pedro
Guerrero is a triple crown candidate (currently leading at .368/26/70).
Pitching was labeled suspect in the pre-season, but Rick Honeycutt, Moose
Has and Charles Hudson all have ERA's of 3 or under, as do a bevy of
relievers.  The Mashers are currently the league leader in runs scored,
thanks in large part to Rickey Henderson (.356 BA, 67 runs scored).  Rick
Reuschel, Scott Sanderson and Mike Krukow have been great as starters,
combining for 24 wins.  Closer Tom Hume has a 2.15 ERA and 12 saves.  The
Trout are peddling along at a 52.6 winning percentage, and have an outside
chance at a league wildcard spot.  The Liberty are sitting at the bottom
of the division, despite several all-star efforts, including Juan Agosto's
amazing 33 innings of shutout relief with a league leading 15 saves.

PAIGE DIVISION - The Lush enjoy the biggest division lead in the league,
going 40-31, 6 games better than the 2nd place team.  '84 MVP Eddie Murray
is having another good year, as are outfielders Dave Parker and Jesse
Barfield.  The pitching doesn't have any particular standouts, but closer
Mickey Mahler is 2nd in the league with 14 saves .. but is close to burning
out.  The Lush were predicted to win the division, and, barring any major
burnouts to their hitting staff, they should meet that goal.  All other
teams in the division are below .500 and need a few miracles to make the
post-season.

GEHRIG DIVISION - The Topeka Stingers were hyped as the team to beat in
the pre-season, and so far they're still that team.  The Stingers currently
have a .606 winning percentage, good enough for the best record in the
league.  3B George Brett has emerged as the Stinger's best hitter, currently
hitting .328/.389/.551 with 51 runs & 53 RBI.  Surprisingly, Brett may be
the only player to get 100 runs or 100 RBI's on the team, although Fisk &
Mattingly will be close.  Pitching has been amazing, with a 2.87 team ERA,
good for a tie for the 2nd best ERA in the league.  Bryn Smith is on pace
to win 20.  The Traffic, Stallions and Stingrays are all duking it out for
playoff spots in the division, with the Traffic and Stallions currently
in the playoff driver's seat.  The Stallions pitching staff may be the best
ever.  Team ERA is a rediculously low 2.64, led by potential Cy Young
winner Doc Gooden.  The Mountaineers are parked deep in the division cellar,
and may wind up setting numerous records for team and individual futility.
But at least they'll get a prime draft spot for next year.

TIANT DIVISION - The Athens Phalanx have really come together so far,
sporting a 60%+ winning percentage.  Center fielder Phil Bradley is enjoying
a great season (.304/.378/.530 with 14 homers, 54 runs, 55 RBI's).  Pitching
has been great as well, with starters Bret Saberhagen, Andy Hawkins, Danny
Darwin and recent acquisition Ron Guidry all having ERA's of 3 or below.  The
Destinies are sitting on a potential playoff spot, and are just 2 1/2 games
behind.  The "platoon 'til it hurts" strategy of Dark Valley is still paying
off, but full time starters 2B Vance Law & OF Darryl Strawberry were all-stars
this year.  John Tudor has won 13 games and has the inside track for the
Cy Young award this year.  The Bulldogs & Weavers are still in the playoff
hunt, although they'll have to pick up the pace a little.