Hyun-jung Yang started for the League 1 All-Stars and Cory Gregory got the start for the League 2 All-Stars. The League 1 lineup was filled with cats. Mudcats and Firecats made up the first six hitters in the starting lineup. They got to work in the second inning. Travis Araoz led off with a home run. Hits by Edwards, Chavez, and Yang added two more runs. Good pitching dampened the scoring until the eighth inning. John Edwards scored on a Leo Sullivan single. The game was blown wide open in the ninth. Anthony Staley started the inning with a home run. Edwards, Singleton, and Sullivan did further damage and padded the score to 8-0. The League 1 All-Stars won with an impressive display of great hitting and dominating pitching.

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9   R  H  E
League 1 All-Stars   0 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 4   8 14  0
League 2 All-Stars   0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0   0  3  2

W: B. Gastelu
L: C. Gregory

The 2013 NALB All-Star rosters have been announced. The St. Rock Mudcats have been the top team thus far this season. They have seven players on the League 1 roster. For League 2, the Key West Corals also have seven all-stars on the roster. Only three Brooklyn Knights players were named as all-stars. The All-Star Game will be played on Tuesday, July 9, 2013.

League 1 Pitchers:

SP Vincent Cadieux (SR)
SP Alberto Harrington (DAY)
SP Noriaki Momotami (SR)
SP Sosuke Nakamura (DUN)
SP Porfírio Portio (BRO)
SP Hyun-jung Yang (DUN)
MR Joshua Travis (SR)
CL Roberto Farinas (DAY)
CL Bernard Gastelu (BRO)
CL Rico Lagumbay (SR)
CL Jesús Montufar (LUI)
CL Joe Pendarvis (COR)

League 1 Fielders:

C Luís Ellanos (COR)
C Dacey Rager (NSH)
1B Jonathan Grandberry (COR)
1B Hsiao-lou Yeh (BRO)
1B Pete Chavez (NSH)
1B J.R. Singleton (DAY)
1B Travis Araoz (SR)
2B John Edwards (NSH)
3B Moray Williams (LV)
SS Leo Sullivan (DAY)
LF Cipriano Delgudo (NSH)
LF Hyung-jin Kim (DAY)
LF Roque Cordero (COR)
CF Oscar Barrientes (SR)
RF Anthony Staley (SR)
RF Chris Lee (NSH)

League 2 Pitchers:

SP Junji Arakawa (SJ)
SP Cory Gregory (SJ)
SP Paul Pole (QUE)
SP Porfiro Quiñones (WSH)
SP Whitney Sanders (KW)
SP Mario Torralbo (KW)
MR Dong-u Sop (RMD)
CL Benny Alazardo (RMD)
CL Pat Allen (WSH)
CL Stokley McGruder (PX)
CL Juan Miranda (KW)
CL Ray White (STD)

League 2 Fielders:

C Dan Conley (PX)
C Matthew Loy (KW)
1B Paul Lyons (WSH)
2B Emílio Pérez (PX)
2B Larry Arceniaga (SJ)
2B Feliciano Gómez (QUE)
3B Hsiao-lou Yuan (SJ)
3B Cristiano Isidra (WSH)
SS Leslie Hubbard (PX)
SS Morris Palmer (SJ)
LF Victorio Zavaca (WSH)
LF Mendy Ivers (PX)
LF Tony Rodarte (RMD)
CF Angel Jiménez (RMD)
CF Marcel Langlois (VAN)
RF Jordan Blanchard (STD)

The Brooklyn Knights have the dubious honor of the most major league players on the disabled list. Angel Santago went back on the DL on June 11. Strained hamstrings sent Hooks Goetz and Gilberto Guerra to the DL on June 25 and June 28, respectively. Finally, star reliever Craig Bella suffered a partially torn labrum on June 29. He’s expected to miss two to three months.

The St. Rock Mudcats have been the best team during the first half of the season. A league leading 53-30 record puts them 6.5 games ahead of the Brooklyn Knights. The Nashville Firecats and Dunedin Otters maintain first and second place in their division, respectively. The teams are headed in different directions, however. The Firecats squandered a great start to the season. Dunedin shaved 12 games off of Nashville’s lead in June. Injuries have begun to take a toll on the Stade Maples. Stade plummeted from first to third as the Key West Corals stayed atop their division. Phoenix and Richmond continue to battle in League 2 Division 2. At the end of June, the Slam had a three game lead, however.

A couple of players reached major milestones. The Mudcats’ Travis Araoz hit his 300 HR on June 26. The Axemen’s Joe Pendarvis earned his 300th save on June 28.

June 2013 awards:

League 1
Batter of the Month: Travis Araoz (St. Rock Mudcats)
Pitcher of the Month: Manuel Sánchez (Dunedin Otters)
Rookie of the Month: Jonathan Grandberry (Cornfield Axemen)

League 2
Batter of the Month: Tony Rodarte (Richmond Slam)
Pitcher of the Month: Te Li (Quebeck Sky Chiefs)
Rookie of the Month: Romeo Usquiano (Quebeck Sky Chiefs)

A loss to the Las Vegas Luck on the last day of May dropped the Brooklyn Knights to 33-24. Even worse, star reliever Lonnie Bennett left the game with a partially torn labrum. He will be out for four months. After going 17-12 in April, Brooklyn posted a 16-12 record in May. The Knights now trail the Mudcats by four games in the divisional race. Brooklyn’s ace, Ronaldo Mijangos, has struggled to get wins. Despite pitching fairly well with a 3.50 ERA, he is only 3-7 for the season.

At 38-18, the Nashville Firecats continue to outpace all teams. At the end of May, the Stade Maples and Key West Corals remained tied just as they were at the beginning of the month. The big surprise was the Phoenix Rattlers. After a dismal April, they were in the cellar with a 10-17 record. Phoenix played outstanding baseball in May, however. Winning 19 out of 28 games vaulted the Rattlers to first place in the division.

May 2013 awards:

League 1
Batter of the Month: Travis Araoz (St. Rock Mudcats)
Pitcher of the Month: Tyler Stivers (St. Rock Mudcats)
Rookie of the Month: Jonathan Grandberry (Cornfield Axemen)

League 2
Batter of the Month: Jordan Blanchard (Stade Maples)
Pitcher of the Month: Cory Gregory (St. James Crusaders)
Rookie of the Month: Marc-André Lavoie (Quebeck Sky Chiefs)

After a strong 7-1 start, Brooklyn played losing baseball the rest of the month. Losing 11 of the next 21 games, the Knights finished April in second place with a 17-12 record.

Ralph Kerfoot’s injury in spring training prompted the Knights to call up Rico Haros from AAA to fill his spot in the rotation. On April 12, José Arisa suffered a partially torn labrum and will miss about three months. Brooklyn turned to AAA starter Porfírio “Spooky” Portio to replace Arisa on the roster. Another injury for the Knights occurred on April 19 when Angel Santago made a diving catch in left field. Santago fractured his shoulder blade on the play. He is expected to return in about four weeks.

There were some other notable injuries around the league. Several shortstops were injured and are expected to miss around six weeks: Richmond’s Chick Veras, Phoenix’s Leslie Hubbard, and Luisville’s Daron McKilligan. Nashville’s 2B John Edwards was hit by a pitch and fractured his wrist; the injury should keep him out until mid June. Some big name outfielders were injured, including Stade’s Mark Huff and Dunedin’s Alan Gathers. A couple of starting pitchers suffered serious season ending injuries. Richmond’s Adney Buntain and Key West’s Ray Cruz both face elbow reconstruction surgery.

April 2013 awards:

League 1
Batter of the Month: Chris Lee (Nashville Firecats)
Pitcher of the Month: Noriaki Momotami (St. Rock Mudcats)
Rookie of the Month: Ramón Durán (Luisville Beasts)

League 2
Batter of the Month: Tony Rodarte (Richmond Slam)
Pitcher of the Month: Benny Alazardo (Richmond Slam)
Rookie of the Month: Júlio Rutiaga (Richmond Slam)

The Brooklyn Knights demonstrated the depth of its ball club on way to an NALB best record of 18-6 in spring training. The preseason ended on a sour note for the Knights, however. Ralph Kerfoot’s shoulder inflammation is expected to be a season ending injury. Brooklyn will have to make do without the winner of last season’s Outstanding Pitcher Award. With the addition of Travis Araoz, Charles Difranco, and Carl Hatton to an already talented team, the St. Rock Mudcats are expected to challenge for a division title. They finished spring training at 14-10. In League 1 Division 2, the Dunedin Otters edged the Nashville Firecats by a game for the best record. They posted a 13-11 record.

In League 2 Division 1, the Key West Corals showed why they were tops in their division last year. The Corals finished 16-8 and look ready for another excellent season. The St. James Crusaders finished 14-10, putting them atop of League 2 Division 2.

The Brooklyn Knights’ Alexis Schmidt once again tore up spring training. He hit .352 with 9 HR and 28 RBI.

Key injuries in spring training:
Brooklyn Knights: On March 19, LF Angel Santago sprained his knee while making a defensive play. He’s expected to miss about 3 weeks.
Brooklyn Knights: SP Ralph Kerfoot left the game early on March 25. His serious shoulder inflammation will take about 6 months to heal.
Cornfield Axemen: On March 8, CF Tad Burridge reported suffering from elbow tendinitis. That will keep him off the field for about 6 weeks.
Cornfield Axemen: On March 23, 2B Pistol Smalley left the game after suffering a concussion. He is expected to return in 2 weeks.
Dunedin Otters: On March 18, CF Scott Goldsberry sprained his knee. He’s expected to miss about 4 weeks.
Dunedin Otters: A sprained ankle was the result of a baserunning collision involving 2B Peter Metzler on March 19. He is expected to be out 3-4 weeks.
Las Vegas Luck: MR Hartman Ivers was injured on March 12. He will be out for around 3 months with a partially torn labrum.
Las Vegas Luck: On March 15, CF Merkin Sartuche was injured in a baserunning collision. A high ankle sprain will prevent him from playing for 4 weeks or so.
Las Vegas Luck: RF Dave Woodall suffered a fractured foot on March 19, which will keep him out for about 4 weeks.
Nashville Firecats: On March 20, 2B Smoky Wortman was injured in a collision at a base. The diagnosis was a fractured rib. He is expected to miss about 3 weeks.
Quebeck Sky Chiefs: On March 11, 2B Dick Moran suffered torn ankle ligaments in a nasty collision at second base. The injury will cause him to miss about 4 weeks.
Quebeck Sky Chiefs: LF Manuel Arellano was injured on a defensive play. The team doctor reported an intercostal strain. He is expected to miss about 3 weeks.
Phoenix Rattlers: 1B Odalis Corrales fractured his foot on March 18. He is expected to return in about 4 weeks.
Phoenix Rattlers: On March 19, LF Chuck Yeabsley strained his hamstring. The injury will keep him out of the lineup for about 3 weeks.
Richmond Slam: On March 6, RF Pyeong-kyu Pae sprained his ankle. He’s expected to miss about 3 weeks.
Richmond Slam: SP Chun-hua Zhou was injured while pitching on March 11. He will miss about 4 weeks because of a strained oblique.
St. James Crusaders: On March 12, 2B Larry Arceniaga was injured in a baserunning collision. He suffered an intercostal strain and should miss about 3-4 weeks.
St. James Crusaders: On March 20, MR Steve Curtis was injured while pitching. He was diagnosed with shoulder inflammation and will be out 2-3 months.
Stade Maples: On the first day of spring training, March 2, LF Shayne Kimpel was injured while running the bases. He will miss about 7-8 months due to a torn posterior cruciate ligament.
Vancouver Wild: RF Troy Howell ruptured a finger tendon on March 6. He is expected to be out for 3 months.
Vancouver Wild: At the last spring training game on March 26, SP Lonzo Vega tore his UCL (ulnar collateral ligament). His recovery is estimated at 13 months.
Washington Allies: On March 7, RF Juan Torres was injured on a defensive play. The diagnosis was a high ankle sprain. He’s expected to miss about 4 weeks.
Washington Allies: While pitching on March 13, MR Manuel Sánchez strained his hamstring. He is expected to return in about 7-8 weeks.

Before the 2013 NALB season, there were many important roster moves. The free agent market was rich with top talent and several superstars signed with new teams.

The Brooklyn Knights made several offseason moves:

• Closer Bernard Gastelu decided against pursuing more money on the open market. He opted to sign with the Knights for $12 million over two years.
• Instead of declaring free agency, starting pitcher José Arisa agreed to a two year $13 million deal.
• Left handed relief pitcher Ron Deluna agreed to a one year extension for $650,000.
• The retirement of Darryl Rineer left a vacancy in the organization’s personnel. In response, the Knights signed Penrice Scott as its new Scouting Director. Scott is a 59 year old from Dix Hills, NY who liked the idea of staying close to home.
• Brooklyn signed a new bench coach, Ramírez Gandola. The 54 year old Columbian has a background as a very successful hitting coach. He agreed to a four year contract at $320,000 per year.
• The Knights extended the contracts of eight players through salary arbitration: Alexis Schmidt, Hsiao-lou Yeh, Carl Gwinn, Lonnie Bennett, Rigo Hurtado, Rico Haros, Francisco Jimenez, and Zhu-Ian Xian.
• Free agent pitcher Bris Clark finally agreed to a one year deal on March 2, 2013, the first day of spring training. The 33 year old right-hander spent the first eight years of his career with the Richmond Slam. His past three years have been with the Nashville Firecats. After spending the last two years as a starter, Clark is ready to return to the bullpen, the role of which he is most familiar.

Notable offseason signings:

• Center Fielder Dorian Chivers signed a one year extension with the Washington Allies for $3,650,000.
• The Washington Allies extended the contract of catcher Charles Attaway for another year. Attaway will pocket $5,590,000 for the deal.
• Catcher Willie Nolan signed a $4,710,000 one year extension that will keep him with the Cornfield Axemen.
• Hsiao-lou Yuan inked a one year extension with the St. James Crusaders. The star third baseman accepted the team’s offer of $6,080,000.
• Superstar pitcher Tyler “Grits” Stivers signed on for another year with the St. Rock Mudcats. He was offered $6,680,000 to anchor the team’s rotation.
• Matthew “Bulldog” Loy became the latest catcher to sign for big money. He closed a one year deal for $8,260,000 to stay with the Key West Corals.
• The Washington Allies locked up a solid left hander for its rotation by extending the contract of Porfiro Quiñones for one year. The deal was worth $3,780,000.
• Three time all-star center fielder Roy “Firecracker” Dabbs agreed to play for the Corals for another year. Key West will pay him $7,170,000.
• Dunedin may have gotten a bargain by extending Lewis Mcgrew’s contract for only $3 million. The reliable starter signed for another year with the Otters.
• The Crusaders liked what they saw in second baseman Brian Bundy last season after they traded with the Grizzlies to get him. St. James extended his contract another year for $3,990,000.
• Héctor De Echevarría will play third base for the Richmond Slam again in 2013. His one year extension was for $6,430,000.
• Catcher Dacey Rager put his signature on a contract that will keep him in Nashville for another year. The deal is valued at $5,440,000.
• Free agent Martin Swader signed with a new team after spending the last three seasons with the Brooklyn Knights. The shortstop opted for a $11,490,000 deal over two years with the Dunedin Otters.
• After seven years with the Vancouver Wild, pitcher Tony Martell has found a new home. The Luisville Beasts acquired the right handed starter thanks to a three year deal, which is worth a total of $5,040,000.
• Key West retained the services of left fielder Alonso Martucci. He is expected to earn every bit of the $4,310,000 promised him for the year.
• Moray Williams will play third base for the Luck for at least one more year. Williams will earn $6 million as part of the settlement.
• The Mudcats made a big splash in free agency by signing Charles Difranco, formerly of the Firecats. The St. Rock press reported the deal was for $33.7 million over three years. Known primarily as a shortstop, Difranco is expected to play third base for the Mudcats.
• Las Vegas announced the signing of lefty reliever Peanuts Levering. Levering will earn $3,660,000 per year over the next three years.
• If there was a question as to whether the Mudcats intend to compete for the division title, this offseason put any doubts to rest. Fans in St. Rock rejoiced as first baseman Travis “The Beast” Araoz joined their beloved team. The 31 year old came to terms with the Mudcats and will be hauling in $93,160,000 over seven years, the largest contract in NALB history. Araoz is a two time triple crown winner. In addition to being the league’s most feared hitter, he is also the winner of multiple Slick Fielder Awards.
• Some fans questioned Dayton’s signing of relief pitcher Ellis Sherling. The Grizzlies will pay him $13,080,000 over two years.
• Former Sky Chief Daniel Salley signed with the Stade Maples. The left fielder’s deal was worth a hefty $43,680,000 for four years.
• Starter George Manzo signed with the Las Vegas Luck after several years with the Dunedin Otters. He inked a $5,240,000 two year deal.
• Long time Stade shortstop Leslie Hubbard is moving to Phoenix. The Rattlers announced signing him to a five year, $57,550,000 contract.
• Veteran starting pitcher Alberto Harrington and Dayton agreed on a four year deal for $5,450,000 per year.
• The Firecats added a big bat with the signing of second baseman John Edwards. After many successful seasons with the Cornfield Axemen, he was lured by Nashville’s $41,250,000 contract, which runs for three years. The former triple crown winner will help fill the void in the lineup caused by the loss of Charles Difranco.
• The Maples and Gene Noke reached an accord which brings the catcher to Stade for four years. Noke will pocket a total of $10,360,000. He is widely expected to contribute significantly to the club’s playoff drive.
• The Washington Allies significantly beefed up its bullpen by signing closer Pat Allen. The 34 year old agreed to a three year contract worth $22,370,000.

Notable offseason trades:

• The Quebeck Sky Chiefs sent 25 year old reliever Boris Crookshanks to the Las Vegas Luck in exchange for 23 year old minor league first baseman Jesús Quintona.
• Luisville sent 33 year old third baseman Mahlon Torres and $3 million in cash to the Sky Chiefs in exchange for 25 year old reliever Francisco Daza and 21 year old minor league reliever Pedro Villarrenel.