The Jokers clinched division title

Sweet september... the Jokers clinched the division title with 6 games to play. Another good season for the Neveda team. Second in TML for runs scored, batting average and OBP. We can't say that this is very surprising because the team always flirted with high rank in offensive categories. What is different this year, it's the performance of the pitching staff. Third in starter and bullpen era is a pleasant surprise that help the Jokers to win 93 games.  Two Young southpaws really pitch well this year.

Derrick Scott: 16 wins, 3.40 ERA and 165 K. He showed promises last year but he really establish himself this year. After a rough start, loosing his first three in April, he gaved 3 or less runs in 21 of his next 27 games. Since the brief passage of Bob Rudyard, no other Vegas starter really back Maurice Gould as a true number 2. Scott did it this year.

Jeff Olson: 14 wins, an ERA of 3,99 with 107K, Olson perform a lot better then a number five starter. He put many good showing and find a way to win. The team really count on him in playoff and he will be on the top four, putting MaGee or Dooley on the bullpen.

On offense, Juan Ramirez is really on fire. 44HR, 138 RBI, he really make a statement this year. Ramirez is clearly one of the best hitter in the league. He worked hard to convince the team to offer him an extension but at this moment, the team didn't move. A good source say that he will become free at the end of the season, Vegas management want to lower the payroll. If this is true, Ramirez will bring leadership and RBI to his new team.

Derrick Scott, a 16 wins seasons

Juan Ramirez, still not sign by Vegas

One month to go, 7 games ahead...

September arriving quickly, it begin to smell playoff time. Right now, the Jokers lead their division by 7, so unless a major breakdown in the last month, it will probably be enough to return in post season. The Jokers try to move some assets at trade deadline but they found no one to dance. They were close with Minnesota but finally couldn't agree on a trade involving Juan Ramirez. If Minny don't make the playoff by one or two games, they'll probably think about it this winter.

On the field, the Jokers play very well. The pitching staff is third in TML and if Maurice Gould always show is excellence, Derrick Scott is a pleasant surprise. 13 wins, an era of 3,39... difficult to ask for more from this youngster. On the other hand, Bob Magee still struggling... too much time between good performances. On relief, O'connor having a great year with a 1.51 ERA. Nick Fox comeback from a difficult year and the return of Barrett in the bullpen did a lot to improve the major weakness of the team last year.

On offense, Phillip Smith and Juan Ramirez does exactly what we expect from them. Mitch Lyon, with his 20 HR and 80 RBI is a pleasant surprise. But management concern is toward Colin St.John and Gordon Thornton. St.John could rebound in the playoff but for Thornton, it may be the time to see him more like a bench player now. His body show sign of is numerous injuries.

But the team may have a solid hitting prospect in Katsuhiko Yamamoto. He start the year in AA where he hit for .303 with 27HR and 92 RBI. The management want to see how he could perform in AAA and Kats respond well with 3HR and 9 RBI in only 7 games. He will probably start in the major next year.

"Kats" Yamamoto is real hot in his AAA debut