Howard, Vazquez take awards

It was a good week for Hillsborough batters this week. Ben Zobrist hit .426 with a .517 OBP and .660 slugging, scoring 11 runs, while teammate Casey McGehee hit 3 homers and scored 10 with a .999 OPS. Sin-Shoo Choo had an even better 1.065 OPS with 5 doubles and 10 runs and 8 RBIs. But the JR Cigars Smokin' Batter of the Week award goes to Ryan Howard, who hit an astounding .441 with a .512 OBP and 1.059 slugging. Howard hit 4 homers and 2 triples (!) and 5 doubles with 11 runs scored and 11 RBIs. Enjoy your complimentary box of Gurkhas, Ryan!

Other non-Hillsborough top hitters: Bridgewater's Brian McCann (.366/.409/.683, 3 HR, 9 RBI) and Derrek Lee (8 HR, 12 RBIs), and Amityville's Brandon Phillips (.397/.426/.569, 3 HR, 14 R, 10 RBIs).

This week's BP Spills Coffee Pitcher of the Week Award was a tough one with lots of deserving candidates. There were a bunch of "comeback" candidates - pitchers who started the season poorly but had good weeks like Arkansas' Jorge de la Rosa (1-0, 1.20, 1.00 WHIP, 16 K) and Cliff Lee (2-1, 1.74, 1.02, CG), Hillsborough's Felix Hernandez (3-0, 2.45, 0.95) and Vancouver's Jake Peavy (2-0, 2.45, 1.09). Then there were the outstanding relievers like Bridgewater's Andrew Bailey (6 SV, 0.25 WHIP in 8 IP, 14 K) and Carolina's Burke Badenhop (2-0, 2.29, 1.12 in 19.2 IP). But the prize this week goes to Newark's Javy Vazquez who was 2-0 with a 1.64 ERA and 1.05 WHIP. Vazquez also struck out 24 batters in 22 IP.

Other contenders: Vegas' Brett Anderson (1-1, 2.25, 0.88), Amityville's Doug Fister (1-1, 1.26 who was released and claimed by Newark), Newark's Brad Bergesen (1-0, 1.06), Blue Ridge's Gavin Floyd (2-0, 1.83, 18K), Vancouver's Mat Latos (1-0, 2.08, 0.92) and Kevin Millwood (1-0, 2.02, 0.82) and Sardine City's John Lackey (1-0, 2.05, 0.95, 18K).

Part timer takes hitter prize

Well...we don't usually do this, but... Most of the time we don't give the top player honors to part-timers, but Marietta's Taylor Teagarden had an excellent week (and a half). In only 18 at bats, Teagarden hit .500 with a .526 OBP, 1.444 slugging, 5 homers, 7 RBIs, and 7 runs. But since he's a part-timer, we're only awarding him a 5-pack as this week's JR Cigars Smokin' Batter of the Week.

Other top batters: Philadelphia's Matt Holliday (.444/.512/.861, 5 HR, 10 R, 8 RBI), and Adam Lind (.400/.438/.867, 4 HR, 16 RBI), Las Vegas' Joe Mauer (.404/.473/.787, 4 HR, 10 R, 10 RBI), Carolina's Troy Tulowitzki (.370/.420/.652, 4 HR, 9 R, 16 RBI), Newark's Will Venable (.361/.368/.778, 4 HR, 12 RBI), and Bridgewater's Ryan Zimmerman (.372/.383/.698, 4 HR, 11 RBI).

Meanwhile, selecting the Worst Video Games of All Time Pitcher of the Week was a bit tougher. But we decided to go with Jake Peavy, who was 1-1 with a 1.08 ERA and 0.60 WHIP. Peavy struck out 21 in 16.2 innings and pitched a complete game, 1-hit shutout against Amityville. In his second start, he lost despite giving up only 3 hits and striking out 11.

Other top starters: Blue Ridge's Gavin Floyd (2-0, 1.17, 0.91, 16 K), Sardine City's Josh Johnson (2-0, 1.10, 0.80), Carolina's Yovani Gallardo (2-0, 1.20, 0.87, 15 K), and Newark's Koji Uehara (1-1, 2.45, 0.55) and Brad Bergesen (2-0, 1.69, 1.00).

Tough split on Pitching Honor

This week's JR Cigar's Smokin' Batter of the Week is Marietta's Adrian Gonzalez. Gonzo has helped the Mighty Men to a 6-game winning streak that has opened up a 9 1/2 game atop the division. Gonzalez hit a league-leading 7 home runs this week and drove in 18 runs and scoring 10. Gonzalez batted .367, but with a .474 on base percentage and 1.100 slugging.

His competition includes Hillsborough's Justin Upton (.423/.500/1.00, 10 R, 10 RBI, 3 HR), Gonzalez's teammate Chone Figgins (.476/.676/.667, 11 R), Vancouver's Garrett Jones (.455/.455/1.045, 4 HR, 10 RBIs), New Jersey's Franklin Gutierrez (.500/.500/.643), Arkansas' Skip Schumaker (.452/.469/.677, 8 R), Las Vegas' Joe Mauer (.429/.500/.571), and Sardine City's Ryan Braun (.379/.441/.724, 9 RBIs).

This week's Hottest World Cup Fans Pitcher of the Week was a tossup, so we'll give it to both players. Our first honoree is Bridgewater's Tommy Hanson, who was 2-0 with a 1.20 ERA and 0.73 ERA. In Hanson's first start this week, he held Blue Ridge to 4 hits in 6 innings, while giving up 2 runs, but in his second start, he pitched a 2-hit shutout of Las Vegas in which he struck out 10 Rats.

Meanwhile, Rich Harden started out well against Hoboken earlier in the week, but had to be lifted in the second inning. But he came back strong against Bridgewater, holding the Mallers to just 1 hit and striking out 10. Harden finished the week giving up just 1 hit and 2 walks in 10.2 innings, with 13 strikeouts.

Other contenders: Hoboken's Tommy Hunter (1-0, 2.35, 0.85) and Mark Buehrle (1-1, 2.87, 1.09), New Jersey's Kevin Slowey (1-1, 2.93, 14 K), and Sardine City's Ubaldo Jimenez (1-1, 1.62, 12 K) and John Lackey (1-1, 2.81, 0.81).

Players of the (extended) Week

This week's JR Cigars Smokin' Batter of the Week was a close one, but we're giving our box of Siglo Limited Reserves to Philadelphia's Adam Lind. Lind hit an astounding .467 (14-30) over the extended week, with a .515 OBP and 1.033 slugging. He hit 5 homers, scored12 runs, and drove in 9. His competition came from Bridgewater's Carlos Beltran who hit .459/.535/.946, also with 5 homers and 12 runs, and 10 RBIs.

Other notable hitters: Marietta's Ichiro Suzuki (.500/.500/.767, 5 2B, 13 RBI) and Adrian Gonzalez (.372/.460/.698, 11 RBI), Arkansas' Scott Podsednik (.441/.525/.471), Philly's Albert Pujols (.419/.432/.814, 4 HR, 9 R, 13 RBI), and Vancouver's Garrett Jones (.447/.512/.763, 3 HR, 9 RBI).

We all know that Zack Greinke has had a remarkable season for Vancouver and this week was no different - Greinke was 2-0, with a 1.13 ERA, 21 Ks, and 0.81 WHIP. Pitcher of the Week, right? Not so fast... How about Newark's Javy Vazquez? Started out like crap, but has turned it around with a nice 2-0, 1.06 week in which he also struck out 21 had an even lower 0.76 WHIP. Wow! But no... This week's Big Guy Fantasy Sports Pitcher of the Week goes to the unheraled Randy Wells of Vancouver. Wait...what? WHO? Randy Wells, drafted in the second round in 2010, who's been putting up a very solid rookie campaign for the Fist. Wells was 2-0 this week with a miniscule 0.56 ERA and 0.69 WHIP. Sure he doesn't strike out anyone like the other two big shots (9 in 16 IP), but he gets the job done.

Other top pitchers: Philly's Jered Weaver (1-0, 1.98, 1.24), Sardine City's trio of John Lackey (2-0, 1.76, 1.04, shutout), Ubaldo Jimenez (2-0, 2.81, 0.81, 15 K) and Josh Johnson (1-1, 1.26, 0.84, 19 K) and Newark's Koji Uehara (1-0, 1.54, 0.86).

Bailey, Cabrera take prizes

This week's JR Cigars Smokin' Batter of the Week goes to Hoboken's Miguel Cabrera. Cabrera hit .483 (14-29) with a .545 OBP and .897 slugging. Cabrera hit 4 homers, scored 7 runs and drove in 10 runs. Hoboken recently had a tough 7-game losing streak, but salvaged the week by winning their last three games. Cabrera got most of his big numbers toward the end of the week getting hits in 13 of his last 18 at bats.

Cabrera's big competition this week came from Vancouver's Ryan Ludwick (.444/.474/.917, 5 HRs, 13 RBIs). Other top batters: Marietta's Adrian Gonzalez (.391/.545/.913, 4 HR 8 R), Blue Ridge's Jason Bartlett (.500/.542/.727), Sardine City's Evan Longoria-Parker (.407/.515/.852, 3 HR, 11 RBI), New Jersey's Joey Votto (.458/.536/.833) and Franklin Gutierrez (.455/.478/.864, 3 HR), and Carolina's Aramis Ramirez (.379/.471/.793, 3 HR, 8 R, 7 RBI).

This week's Lost Pitcher of the Week Award goes to Philadelphia's Homer Bailey. Bailey, a perpetual future star prospect, finally shows some glimmer of all the hype he's received over the years. Bailey was 2-0 with an 0.69 ERA and 0.92 WHIP this week, striking out 12 in 13 innings. Not bad for an injury fill-in, huh? That's right, Bailey is only in the rotation because of a month-long injury to Philly ace Roy Halladay.

Other top hurlers: Carolina's Barry Zito (2-0, 1.29, 16 K, 1.00 WHIP), Newark's Ted Lilly (1-1, 1.93), Arkansas' Cliff Lee (2-0, 3.55), and Marietta's Mike Adams (0-0, 1.42, 11 K, in 6.1 IP, 0.32 WHIP). The hardluck loser of the week is Vancouver's rookie Mat Latos who was 0-2 despite a 2.63 ERA and 1.02 WHIP.

Morales mops up the competition

Yeah it was no contest this week for the JR Cigars Smokin' Batter of the Week. Blue Ridge's Kendry Morales blew away all competition with his stellar week. Morales hit .556 (20-36) this week with a .568 OBP and 1.194 slugging, hit 5 doubles, 6 home runs, scored 13 runs and drove in a whopping 20! We're going to send Kendry two boxes of smokes this week.

Some notable runners up: Bridgewater's Brian McCann (.458/.462/1.125, 4 HR, 12 RBI), Hillsborough's Carlos Gonzalez (.480/.500/.880, 2 3Bs, 7 R), Vancouver's Ryan Ludwick (.375/.423/.833, 3 HR, 7 R, 8 RBI), and New Jersey's Seth Smith (.379/.419/.966, 4 HR, 10 R, 14 RBI).

This week's Laugh Man Pitcher of the Week Award goes to Newark's Marc Rzepczynski. Rzepczynski was 1-0 with a 2.25 ERA and 1.08 WHIP, holding his opponents to only 5 hits in 12 innings of work.

Other top pitchers: Blue Ridge's Gavin Floyd was 1-0 with a 3.07 ERA and 1.09 WHIP and struck out 21 batters in 14.2 innings, Vancouver's Kevin Millwood (2-0, 2.45), Philadelphia's Jered Weaver (1-1, 2.93, 13 K), Las Vegas' Rich Harden (2-0, 3.09, 17 K), and Carolina's Burke Badenhop (8 IP of relief, 0.88 WHIP, 6 K).

Granderson, Santana earn top honors

This week, the JR Cigars Smokin' Batter of the Week Award goes to Las Vegas' Curtis Granderson. Granderson has been manning the leadoff position for the Rats ever since Yunel Escobar was hurt and he's been taking full advantage. Granderson batted .407/.393/1.111 for the week. Yes, his OBP was lower than his batting average. Granderson also hit 3 doubles, 2 triples and 4 homers, scored 7 runs and drove in 12.

His main competition was Carolina's Troy Tulowitzki, who hit .565 with a .643 OBP and 1.043 slugging. He had 6 extra base hits (2 homers), scored 5 runs and had 9 RBIs. Other batters of note: Las Vegas' Alex Rodriguez has woken up out of his slump (.375/.429/.969, 6 HR, 9 R, 10 RBI) and Hillsborough had a trifecta of stars: Carlos Gonzalez (.440/.481/.840, 12 RBI), Juan Uribe (.458/.500/.708, 7 R), and Casey McGehee (.440/.481/.600, 9 RBI).

This week's Dads on Vacation (yeah yeah I know it was Mother's Day yesterday, but we don't want to humiliate mom after her day) Pitcher of the Week goes to Arkansas' Johan Santana. Santana started off the season on a rough note, but has recently straightened himself out and now boasts a respectable 4-4 record with a 3.82 ERA. In fact, it wasn't too long ago that Santana was 1-4 with a 6.98 ERA. This week, Santana went 2-0 with a 1.10 ERA in two starts.

Other top pitchers: Las Vegas' A.J. Burnett could have easily won the prize this week (1-0, 0.82 ERA, 0.91 WHIP), but we went with the "story" player. We're slaves to the ratings, what can I say? Marietta's Joel Pineiro (1-1, 1.20, 1.00), Vancouver's Zack Greinke (1-0, 2.77, 14 K) and Bridgewater's Erik Bedard (1-0, 2.31, 11 K) also had noteworthy weeks.

Three relievers had excellent weeks as well, starting with Newark's Kiko Calero, who was 1 hit shy of pitching 4.2 perfect innings and earning a win and 3 saves. Vancouver's perfect save season continued thanks to pitchers like Ronald Belisario who also pickedup 3 saves with a 0.94 WHIP. Chad Qualls returned from the DL for New Jersey and doesn't seem to have any rust - 3 saves, 0.80 WHIP.

Hillsborough sweeps Weekly Awards

This week it was a close call for the JR Cigars Smokin' Batter of the Week Award. In the end, we gave it, by a nose, to Hillsborough's Casey McGehee. McGehee batted .500 this week (15-30) with 2 homers and 8 RBIs and 10 runs scored. He also had a 1.298 OPS. His biggest rival this week was Las Vegas' Matt Holliday, who batted .440, but had a 1.356 OPS with 4 doubles, 2 homers, 10 runs, and 7 RBIs. Both players' teams finished the week riding a 3-game winning streak, and both are either in second or tied for second place in their respective divisions. Also, Hillsborough had a secretary named Lincoln and Vegas had a secretary named Kennedy.

A few other candidates that were close, but...ahem...no cigar: Bridgewater's Erick Aybar (.524/.583/.714), Amityville's Matt Kemp (.435/.500/.696), Carolina's Magglio Ordonez (.419/.441/.742, 2 HR, 8 RBI), and Marietta's Derek Jeter (.440/.481/.560, 7 R).

This week's Superuseless Superpowers Pitcher of the Week prize goes to Hillsborough's Dan Haren. Haren won both games he started this week and held his opponents to an 0.61 ERA and 0.82 WHIP, while compiling 17 strikeouts in 14.2 innings. Oh yeah, he also pitched a complete game shutout of Sardine City on Saturday.

Haren had to fight off not one, not two, but THREE Bridgewater pitchers to take this week's honor. Luckily for him, the Bridgewater vote got split up between the three candidates. Andrew Bailey is on pace to challenge John Smoltz's save record. This week he was a perfect 5-5 in save opportunities and didn't give up any runs in his 5 appearances. Teammate Chris Carpenter was 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP, including a complete game and 12 Ks in 17 IP. Finally Josh Beckett was 1-1 with a 1.69 ERA and 1.06 WHIP.

Newark's Brad Bergeson also deserves an honorable mention, going 2-0 with a 0.50 ERA and 2 complete games. His 1.11 WHIP and only 9 Ks fell below Haren's marks, but a stellar week for the Sugar Bear nonetheless.

Season leaders finally honored

This week's JR Cigars Smokin' Batter of the Week was a no-brainer. After putting up monster numbers all year, yet never enough to win the prize, Albert Pujols put together one of the biggest week's in the history of the DMBL. Pujols hit .533 with a .622 OBP and 1.467 slugging for a ridiculous 2.088 OPS. Pujols also slammed 9 homers, scored 11 runs, and drove in 14. We're sending Albert not one, but two boxes of cigars this week.

Others of note, but who didn't really have a chance: Arkansas' Martin Prado (.484/.529/.710, 7 R), Carolina's Dustin Pedroia (.448/.529/.690, 7 R) and Aramis Ramirez (1.147 OPS, 8 R, 10 RBI), Hillsborough's Casey McGehee (.429/.447/.657, 11 R, 11 RBi, 5 2Bs), Amityville's Rajai Davis (.417, 8 R, 7 SB), Las Vegas' Joe Mauer (.452/.571/.548, 9 R, 10 BB), and Marietta's Derek Jeter (.480/.536/.720).

This week's PlaidStallions.com Pitcher of the Week was a little closer, but in the end, there was little doubt who deserved it. Vancouver's Zack Greinke is also having a great season and managed to put together a superb week. Greinke was 2-0 in his two starts, including a complete game. Greinke also snuck in a brief relief appearance. Greinke had a 1.04 ERA and 0.69 WHIP this week, as well as 17 strikeouts in 17.1 innings.

Other top starters: Hillsborough's Justin Verlander (1-0, 1.26, 14 K, 1.12 WHIP), Vegas' Tim Lincecum (1-0, 1.93, 11 K), Philly's Roy Halladay (2-0, 2.87), Blue Ridge's Edwin Jackson (1-0, 1.93), New Jersey's Rick Porcello (2-0, 1.29, 13 K, 1.07 WHIP), and Sardine City's Josh Johnson (1-0, 1.20, 14 K, 1.07 WHIP).

We have to give honorable mention to a couple of relievers: Bridgewater's Jonathan Papelbon (3-0, 1.69, 0.75 WHIP) and Vancouver's Guillermo Mota (3-1, 1.69).

Rivera, Branyan take top honors

This week's JR Cigars Smokin' Batter of the Week is Hoboken's Russ Branyan. Though Branyan is part of a platoon, he still got his atbats in this week, batting .409 with a 1.367 OPS. Branyan smacked 3 homers, scored 6 runs, and drove in 7 runs in 22 at bats. Branyan has never had a full-time gig in the DMBL and has never had a season in which he's batted over .200, but this year he's batting .340 with a 1.131 OPS, 5 homers, and 10 RBIs.

Other contenders for this week's honor: Albert Pujols (1.155 OPS, 5 homers, 8 R, 14 RBIs) and Jimmy Rollins (.471/.500/1.000, 5 RBI, 2 SB in 17 AB) of Philadelphia, Marietta's trifecta of Ichiro Suzuki (.417/.440/.750, 2 SB, 2 HR, 8 R), Derek Jeter (.448/.515/.552, 6 R), and Alberto Callaspo (.423/.484/.769), and Newark's Lyle Overbay (.381/.440/.571, 4 RBIs).

This was definitely the week of the reliever with several outstanding performances. But this week's Star Wars Uncut Pitcher of the Week has to go to Mariano Rivera of Marietta. We already know that Rivera has been having a quirky season, but this week he has racked up 3 saves and one win in 4 appearances. He gave up zero runs, struck out 5 in 4 innings and has an 0.75 WHIP.

Other top relievers: New Jersey's David Robetson (1-0, 5 IP, 10 K, 1.00 WHIP, 6 G), Bridgewater's Andrew Bailey (3 saves in 3 G), Amityville's Angel Guzman (5 K, 0.50 WHIP in 6 IP), and Philly's Trevor Hoffman (1-0, save, 5 K, 4.2 IP, 0.86 WHIP).

The top starters (doing their best to discredit the "DMBL hates lefties" myth): Newark's Ted Lilly (1-0, 2.25, 1.00 WHIP) and Koji Uehara (2-0, 2.92, 1.05 WHIP), Philly's C.C. Sabathia (1-0, 1.69, 14 K, 16 IP, 0.88 WHIP) and Blue Ridge's J.A. Happ (1-0, 1.50 ERA, 1.08 WHIP).

One from the top, one from the bottom

The Mudcats have been on a roll of late, notching 7 straight wins as of Monday. Sitting atop the Morris Division, Carolina has the best record in the DMBL at 12-3. And the unlikely leader for the Mudcats this week was catcher A.J. Pierzynski, who batted .550 with 2 homers and 11 RBIs and a smokin' 1.515 OPS, earning him this week's JR Cigar's Smokin' Batter of the Week Award.

Meanwhile, in the Hanover Division, the defending champion Mighty Men are sitting pretty at 12-4, but no fancy-shmancy winning streak, so their top player will have to settle for a book of matches. Ichiro Suzuki led the Mighty Men with his .424 average, scoring 10 runs and stealing 2 bases. Other players of note: Philly's Albert Pujols (.933 OPS, 5 HR, 9 RBI, 9 R), Blue Ridge's Andrew McCutchen (.440/.462/.720, 5 R), and Vancouver's Marlon Byrd (.524/.524/.667, 3 doubles) and Michael Cuddyer (1.231 OPS, 4 HR, 12 RBI).

And on the other end of the spectrum, our Trololo Pitcher of the Week hails from the worst team in the league - Team Buddah. The Buddahs finally snapped their 9 game losing streak with an 8-7 edging of the Golden Falcons yesterday. But maybe there is some hope for the struggling franchise as their prized pitcher Rick Porcello gets this week's top pitcher nod. Sure, Porcello didn't get a win, but he still managed to work 16.1 innings, giving up only 3 runs for a 1.65 ERA and 0.92 WHIP.

Other top contenders: Sardine City's Jordan Zimmeran (1-0, 0.73 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 17 K), Las Vegas' A.J. Burnett (1-0, 1.25, 1.05, 14 K), Amityville's Tommy Hunter (1-0, 1.42, 0.95) and Hoboken's Mark Buehrle (2.08, 1.00).

Braun, Danks take first week honors

It's our first Weekly Awards post of the 2010 season!

The first JR Cigars Smokin' Batter of the Week goes to Sardine City's Ryan Braun. Braun was first in the league in slugging (.969) and tied for first in RBI(12) and homers (5), 3rd in OBP (.472) and 4th in batting average (.406). The Sardines got off to a slow start this year - in fact they were the last team to win their first game. But after that 0-4 start, the Straphangers won their next four and now sit even at 4-4.

Other notable batters: Arkansas' Chris Coghlan (.467/.543/.500), Blue Ridge's Hunter Pence (.438/.500/.781, 12 RBIs), Marietta's Kevin Youkilis (.344/.405/.906, 5 HR, 10 RBIs), and Philly's Albert Pujols (.432/.463/.676).

Our Sporcle.com Pitcher of the Week is Marietta's John Danks, who went 2-0 with a 1.20 ERA. Danks struck out 16 in 15 innings and sported a nifty 0.87 WHIP. Marietta has picked up right where they left off, sitting atop the Hanover Division with a 6-2 record.

Other notable pitchers: Vancouver's Zack Greinke (2-0, 1.62, 14 K), Newark's Ted Lilly (1-1, 1.42, 0.95 WHIP), Bridgewater's Alfredo Aceves (1.64 ERA, 0.64 WHIP in 4 games), Hillsborough's Dan Haren (1-0, 1.69, 0.88), Blue Ridge's Adam Wainwright (1-1, 1.80, 0.73, 17 K), and Las Vegas' Brett Anderson (1-1, 2.57, 13 K).

Rollins, Pettitte claim this week's honors

Even with his team teeter-tottering on the brink of playoff contention, Jimmy Rollins can still produce a clutch performance. Rollins, this week's JR Cigars Smokin' Batter of the Week, hit .452 (14-31) this week with a stellar .514 OBP and .903 slugging percentage. Rollins also drove in 11 runs, hit 5 doubles and 3 home runs, scored 5 runs, and stole three bases.

Rollins had a lot of competition this week: New Jersey's Shane Victorino (.480/.536/.720) and Ian Stewart (.400/.500/.880, 8 R), Arkansas' Justin Morneau (.400/.444/.720, 8 R, 6 RBI), Carolina's Alex Rios (.424/.444/.606, 7 R, 6 RBI), Hillsborough's Shin-Soo Choo (.379/.419/.862, 10 RBIs, 3 HR), Blue Ridge's Prince Fielder (.393/.514/.714, 3 HR), Marietta's Adrian Gonzalez (.391/.440/.913, 3 HR, 10 RBI), and Hoboken's Hanley Ramirez (.407/.484/.852, 10 RBI, 3 HR).

Special mention goes to Hoboken's Mike Napoli, who hit 5 home runs this week and leads the league with 51 home runs on the season. Napoli broke the Cutters' single season team record for home runs, previously held by Mike Piazza.

With all those big offensive weeks, you know that the pitching is going to be thin this week. We still managed to find out diamond in the rough, and this week, the rough is in New Jersey. Andy Pettitte had a superb week, though he only could win one game. Pettitte's first game was a no-decision against D.C. where he pitched 7.2 innings and gave up only 2 earned runs, but in his second outing, he pitched a complete game shutout against Amityville. Pettitte allowed only 6 hits in the 17-0 victory. He takes this week's Let Them Sing it For You Pitcher of the Week award.

The best of the rest: Carolina's Roy Halladay (1-0, 1.98, 1.24 WHIP, 13 K), Hoboken's Jeremy Guthrie (1-0, 2.77, 0.92, 15 K), Las Vegas's A.J. Burnett (2-0, 2.70, 0.97, 13 K), and Vancouver's Jake Peavy (1-0, 2.70, 15 K).

Ludwick, Shields, lead their teams to playoff push

Just about 2 weeks remains in the season, that means we'll probably have about two more weeks worth of awards to give out. This week, a box of Maria Guerreros goes out to Arkansas' Ryan Ludwick, our JR Cigars Smokin' Batter of the Week. Ludwick's Arkansas Falcons have turned on the heat this week and closed to within 1 1/2 games of the wild card. For the week, Ludwick batted .407/.529/.852 with 3 homers, 11 runs scored, and 6 RBIs.

Other contenders for some stogies this week: Newark's Manny Ramirez (.452/.500/.613, 10 RBIs) and Chipper Jones (.462/.529/.538, 7 R), and Philly's Mark Teixeira (.393/.541/.750, 7 R).

Newark clinched their 9th consecutive Hanover Division title over the weekend. Leading the way is their clutch pitching staff. Chien-Ming Wang won his 21st game Friday and Joey Devine is in the driver's seat for the Eckersley Award. But this week's What Stormtroopers do on their Day Off Pitcher of the Week Award goes to James Shields. Shields won both his starts this week, while giving up only one run on 9 hits and 5 walks in 16 innings (0.56 ERA and 0.67 WHIP). Shields also struck out 15 batters and pitched a complete game shutout against D.C.

Other top pitchers: D.C.'s Todd Wellemeyer (1-0, 2.77, 1.23), Amityville's Armando Galarraga (2-0, 1.98, 0.95) and Jamie Moyer (1-0, 2.08, 0.87), Marietta's John Danks (1-0, 1.06, 0.59), Philly's Matt Cain (2-0, 1.32, 1.10), and Sardine City's Cole Hamels (2-0, 1.29, 1.07). Another pitcher of note, Las Vegas' Tim Lincecum went 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA this week and improved his record to 18-2.

Last place teams take first prizes

Sardine City doesn't have too much to be proud of offensively this year. The team is second to last in team OPS (.710) and has the third fewest runs scored in the league. But for one week at least, they get to brag about having the JR Cigars Smokin' Batter of the Week. Carlos Quentin has battled back from a brutal start to the season and an injury that shelved him for the good part of a month. This week, Quentin batted .419 with a .538 OBP and .839 slugging. He also hit 4 homers, scored 9 runs and drove in 9 runs.

A close runner up to Quentin is Philly's Albert Pujols, who also hit .419 but with a .486 OBP and .935 slugging, also hit 4 homers and scored 9 runs, but drove in 14 runs. Other notables: Amityville's Alex Rodriguez (.400/.500/.667, 7 R), Newark teammates Ramon Vazquez (.478/.538/.609) and Mike Fontenot (.370/.452/.741, 3 HR, 7 R), and Philly's Michael Cuddyer (.500/.571/.667).

Although they may be in last place, that doesn't mean that Team Buddah is packing it in. Kevin Slowey, after spending several weeks on the disabled list, returned with a vengeance and takes this week's Museum of Bad Art Pitcher of the Week Award. This week, Slowey was 2-0, with a 1.23 ERA and 0.75 WHIP in 2 starts, striking out 14 batters in 14.2 innings.

Las Vegas had two great candidates for this week: Rich Harden (1-1, with a 1.29 ERA and 1.00 WHIP and 21 K in 14 IP) and Derek Lowe (1-1, 1.84 ERA, 0.95 WHIP). Other top pitchers: Amityville's Chris Volstad (1-1, 1.76, 1.11 WHIP), Jeremy Guthrie of Hoboken (1-1, 1.35), Sardine City's Josh Johnson (2-0, 2.65, 1.00 WHIP) and Philly's Hiroki Kuroda getting his act together (1-1, 2.45, 0.89 WHIP, 13 K).

Wright, Felix take top honors

The Falcons looked pretty dead only a few weeks ago, but have recently come back into the playoff race. Tied with Philadelphia for 7th and 6 games out of the final playoff spot, the Falcons still have a (admittedly long) shot at a wild card slot. Leading the charge for the Falcons this week is David Wright. The third baseman hit .429 this week with a .568 on base percentage and .750 slugging. He also hit 2 homers, scored 8 runs, and drove in 10. Wright is this week's JR Cigars Smokin' Batter of the Week.

His competition this week: Carolina's Xavier Nady (.455/.486/.758, 7 R, 11 RBI), Marietta's Adrian Gonzalez (.435/.500/.913, 3 HR, 6 R), Newark's Manny Ramirez (.458/.536/.708, 7 RBI), Amityville's Dioner Navarro (.417/.440/.792, 8 RBI), and Sardine City's Ryan Braun (.400/.438/.733, 2 3Bs, 6 R).

It looks like Hillsborough has taken a comfortable lead in the Morris Division, despite Carolina's efforts to reclaim the division title. The Hitmen's pitching has come on lately, with young phenom Felix Hernandez assuming the ace role this week. King Felix was 2-0 this week with a 1.15 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. He struck out 22 batters and walked only 2 in 15.2 innings. Hernandez is this week's Handerpants Pitcher of the Week award.

The rest of the best: Amityville's Dallas Braden (1-1, 1.08, 0.84 WHIP), Las Vegas' A.J. Burnett (0.64, 0.86 WHIP, 15 K) and Josh Beckett (1-0, 2.35, 16 K, 0.65 WHIP), D.C.'s David Bush (1-1, 2.30, 0.89, 12 K), Blue Ridge's Gavin Floyd (1-0, 2.30, 0.83) and Carolina's Tim Hudson (2-0, 1.50).

Lee, Halladay take honors

One of the hottest teams in the league right now is the Hillsborough Hired Hitmen. Their pitching has been solid of late, but their offense is really their bread and butter. How many times we've already awarded Mitchell frontrunner Aubrey Huff, but this week it goes to his teammate Carlos Lee, our JR Cigars Smokin' Batter of the Week. Lee smoked the ball this week, hitting .583 (14-24) with 2 homers, 4 doubles, 8 runs, and 7 RBIs. He got on base to a .615 clip and had an OPS of 1.615 (you can figure out his slugging, go ahead). Another of his teammates was also in the running - Nick Markakis (.417/.517/.667, 8 R).

Close on Lee's heels this week was Las Vegas' Carlos Pena who hit .435/480/1.217 with 4 homers and 10 RBIs. Other notables: Arkansas' Lance Berkman (.462/.548/.654, 7 R), Newark's Manny Ramirez (.450/.478/.950, 3 HR, 10 RBI) and Ramon Vazquez (.471/.526/1.059, 7 RBI), Philly's Mark Teixeira (.400/.464/.840), New Jersey's Ian Stewart (.409/.458/.818), and Vancouver's Chase Utley (.462/.516/.731, 8 RBI).

Roy Halladay takes this week's ChannelATE Pitcher of the Week Award. In his two starts, Halladay only won one game, but he gave up only one run in 17 innings for an 0.53 ERA and 0.65 WHIP with 15 strikeouts. And once again, the award winner has a teammate that gave him a run for his money. In this case, Carolina's Carlos Zambrano was 2-0 with a 1.13 ERA, but his higher 1.06 WHIP did him in.

Other contenders: Hillsborough's Justin Verlander (2-0, 1.17, 0.91 WHIP) and Marietta's Ervin Santana (1-0, 1.32, 0.73 WHIP).

Pena, Cook, take honors

We'll have more on the trades as the dust settles later, but for now we're going to jump right into the Players of the Week...

Last season, Carlos Pena fulfilled a lot of the hype that he never lived up to. After 3 seasons spent as a bit player on three different teams, Las Vegas made Pena their number one pick in 2008. Pena went on to smack 53 home runs and drive in 137 runs with a 1.025 OPS. In 2009, Pena isn't enjoying the same monster year, but he's putting up a very good .274/.423/.557 line with 23 homers and 64 RBIs. This week, Pena takes the JR Cigars Smokin' Batter of the Week prize. Pena batted .474 with a 1.545 OPS, 3 homers, 5 runs and 8 RBIs.

Other top batters: Arkansas' Lance Berkman (.458/.500/1.042, 10 RBI, 4 HR), Newark's J.D. Drew (.393/.452/.857, 3 HR, 10 RBIs), Sardine City's B.J. Upton (.425/.581/.696) and Ryan Braun (.467/.500/.633), Marietta's Adrian Gonzalez (.364/.462/.773, 3 HR), and Hoboken's Marlon Byrd (.407/.467/.741, 8 R).

Aaron Cook has had a bit of a rough season this year with the Cutters. Despite his 9-7 record, he has a 5.47 ERA and 1.73 WHIP. It's about on par with his season from last year when he went 9-12 with a 5.72 ERA and 1.56 WHIP. But this week, cook was an All-Star. In his two starts, Cook went 2-0 with an 0.61 ERA and 0.82 WHIP in 14.2 innings. Good enough to earn the Falling Sand Pitcher of the Week Award.

Other notables: D.C.'s Erik Bedard (0-0, 2.13, 0.95 WHIP, 17 K), Newark's Randy Johnson (2-0, 2.02, 1.35 WHIP, 13 K), Blue Ridge's Ted Lilly (1-0, 2.08, 1.08) and Adam Wainwright (0-1, 2.57, 0.86) and Marietta's Ryan Dempster (0-0, 2.53, 1.41).

Hunter, Danks, take weekly awards

By acquiring Alex Rodriguez last week, the Ant Slayers were trying to add some punch to their lineup. Little did they know it'd come from outfielder Torii Hunter. This week, Hunter batted .500 (12-24) with 3 homers and 13 RBIs. Hunter also put up an astounding 1.600 OPS to take this week's JR Cigars Smokin' Batter of the Week Award.

Hillsborough had two contenders in the race this week and neither one was Aubrey Huff: Carlos Lee (.500/.519/.917, 3 HR, 9 R, 11 RBI) and Nick Markakis (.417/.563/.625, 10 R). Other notables: Marietta' s Josh Hamilton (.500/.576/.786, 11 R, 2 3B), Hoboken's Mike Napoli (.381/.462/.905, 3 HR, 11 RBI), Arkansas' Skip Schumaker (.462/.481/.731, 8 RBI), and Newark's Mike Fontenot (.429/.538/.810).

Who says you have to strike out a ton of batters to be effective? Look at Marietta's John Danks. He only struck out 6 batters in his 14 innings of work this week, yet held his opponents to only 8 hits and an 0.64 ERA. Maybe he only got one win out of his two starts, but that's not his fault. At least he has this week's Fancy Fast Food Pitcher of the Week Award to console him.

Other top pitchers: Carolina's Brian Fuentes (3 saves, 1.80 ERA) and Carlos Zambrano (1-0, 2.45), D.C.'s Chris Young (0-1, 2.40, 11 K), Hillsborough's C.C. Sabathia (1-0, 1.20, 12 K), and Blue Ridge's Fausto Carmona (1-1, 2.02).

Hochevar makes most of opportunity

This week's JR Cigars Smokin' Batter of the Week is Vancouver's Curtis Granderson. Granderson hit .500 (10-20) with a .542 OBP and a 1.392 OPS. He also hit 2 homers and drove in 6 runs. His main competition this week came from Philly's Albert Pujols, who hit .448/.455/.862 with 3 homers and a whopping 14 RBIs.

Other notables: Philly's Andre Ethier (.500/.533/.786, 9 R), Newark's Jarrod Saltalamacchia (.500/.565/.550), Carolina's Magglio Ordonez (.423/.483/.769, 10 RBIs), D.C.'s Derrek Lee (.368/.478/.895, 7 RBIs), Hoboken's Mike Napoli (.421/.455/.895, 2HR, 8 RBIs), and, of course, Hillsborough's Aubrey Huff (.391/.464/.609, 10 R).

We had one less game day this week, so there aren't many two-start pitchers to choose from. Instead we are going to honor Luke Hochevar of Philadelphia, this week's Chia Obama Pitcher of the Week. Hochevar has been claimed and released so many times in the past couple seasons, that you may have forgotten what team he was on. In fact, Hochevar was signed 5 times this year, Philadelphia being the last team, but he hasn't had a chance to show his stuff until Friday when he pitched 7 shutout innings against New Jersey, earning his first career DMBL victory.

Others in consideration: Carolina's Daisuke Matsuzaka (1-0, 2.57, 13 K in 14 IP) and Hoboken's Ryan Madson (1-0, 2 saves, 6 K in 5.2 IP, 0.00 ERA).