updated 12/29/05

The 1955 season replay ends its opening month with two tight races and some surprising team performances. In the AL, the Detroit Tigers have won 9 of their last 10 including their last 6 in a row.  This streak has brought them into a tie with the favored Yankees atop the AL with identical 11-4 records.

The NL features a three-way tie, with the Dodgers, Redlegs, and surging Phillies all sitting at 10-6. Philadelphia currently rides a 7 game win streak, including a 3-game sweep of the Braves (see below).

CLICK HERE for the NL Replay Web Site

CLICK HERE for the AL Replay Web Site

Each of the league-leading teams has been sparked by outstanding individual performances.  Mickey Mantle (see below) leads the Yankees' attack.  My guess is that one of these years he's going to win a Triple Crown. Al Kaline (.458, .562,.542) leads the Tigers offense, aided by Bill Tuttle's 3 HRs and 13 RBI.  As long as Bill continues to chew that tobacco, he should be just fine. Otherwise, he might lose face and nobody wants that.

Duke Snider leads the NL's batsmen, (.357, 7,15) and the Reds have hit 24 HRs in their first 16 games. What is most surprising is the performance thus far of the Cincinnati staff, with its 3.41 ERA. The Phillies have hit the ball better tha expected, with a team .286 BA and .456 SA.  Stan Lopata not only is hitting .333, 3,11 but he also has 2 triples!  Way to turn on those Polish jets. The ageless Murray Dickson has tossed 3 straight complete games (3-0, 0.67) and Herm Wehmeier (3-1, 1.41) has two CG wins over the Braves, giving witness to his abilities.

Milwaukee Update:

I thought I had the Braves finally on track until their fateful roadtrip into Philly.  The boys stood at 7-5 with a 3-game streak when their fortunes turned.  Not only did Philadelphia sweep the three game set, they beat up on the Braves, including a drubbing of Spahnie in the game of April 29th. Back to the drawing board, as Bruton and Aaron haven't been hitting, and the pitching has been lousy thus far, with an un-Braveslike 5.55 team ERA. Did you say Burdette (6.75) and Spahn (7.59) are my aces?

Congratulations to Mickey Mantle, currently leading the AL in just about every offensive category.  Mick is batting .480 and slugging .960.  His OBP is a Bonds-like .588.  He's crashed 6 homers and driven in 17 runs, best in either league.  So let's raise a glass to the Mick!

Previous Players-of-the-Week:

Week 1:   Herb Score, Cleveland Indians