July 28, 2017

Mark Watzke holds a commanding lead as we near the end of July, with Jud and Dan distant runners-up by two picks plus HBPs. Watzke reached the 9-point mark last weekend, thanks to Chris Sale's sweep of the AL SP stats.

It appears that at least three categories will need to shift to put Mark in any real jeopardy. Chris Sale could certainly lose his lead in AL wins, but it would take a few meltdowns or missed starts for the Red Sox ace to concede anything else. Other scenarios around the league do exist (José Altuve losing the AL batting title, Kenley Jansen catching Greg Holland in NL saves), but most seem unlikely. Finally, increased HBP collection via Brandon Guyer, Derek Dietrich, or Tanner Roark could weaken Mark's position among his contenders in the tiebreaker column.

Our own Dan McCloskey began a "grassroots campaign" in January of 2012 with the goal of helping to get Tim Raines elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Dan's @RockInTheHall account now has almost 1,000 followers on Twitter, and Raines will be giving his induction speech in Cooperstown on Sunday. Say hi to Rock for us, Dan!!!

-Jud