How does a team with a mediocre .250 batting average, a rather pedestrian 4.63 team ERA, who has spent the better part of the season under siege with injuries manage to post a 25-20 record? I humbly believe it's not all good luck, but really more a combination of solid defense and timely hitting. The team's leading RBI man, Vladimir Guerrero, hasn't posted numbers that would set the world on fire (.297-9-40), but what the stat sheet doesn't show is his affinity for the big hit. Having won five games in his team's final at-bat this year, Guerrero seems to personify a team that has found its way to the big hit on countless occasions.
After the Big Hebs' fabulous dramatics, perhaps the team's biggest story this year has been a crippling amount of injuries. Just off the top of my head, I can think of ten occasions in which a Heb player has been lost for three games or more, including three times by Gary Matthews Jr and two stints of seven games-plus for Jared Saltalamacchia and Jack Hanahan.
The Big Hebs' pitching staff has been anything but spectacular, but much like their hitting counterparts, have seemed to find a way to get that big out when they need it the most. Brian Bannister leads the staff in wins and ERA among starters (6, 4.13), helping to overcome disappointing first halves from would-be ace Jered Weaver (4-2, 5.32) and would-be closer Joaquin Benoit (1-3, 7.03).
How the Big Hebs have done it so far is unclear. Whether it's fate, fortune, or amphetamines is not what's important. What is important is whether they can keep it up for another 35 games...and if so, will they have enough high drama left in the tank to make a difference in the playoffs?
Offensive Leaders - through 45 games
Batting Average - Jim Thome (.356)
At-Bats - Orlando Cabrera (198)
Hits - Vladimir Guerrero (49)
Runs - Orlando Cabrera (27)
Doubles - Vladimir Guerrero (12)
Triples - Three with 2
Home runs - Vladimir Guerrero and Jim Thome (9)
RBI - Vladimir Guerrero (40)
K's - Jose Guillen (36)
Stolen Bases - Jerry Owens (16)
Errors - Three with 4
Defensive Leaders - through 45 games
Wins - Brian Bannister (6)
Losses - Four with 3
ERA; Starter - Brian Bannister (4.13)
ERA; Reliever - Boone Logan (1.46)
Complete Games - Kevin Millwood and Brian Bannister (4)
Strikeouts - Kevin Millwood (52)
Saves - Justin Speier (5)
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