On The Lookout: Four Periods Remain with Three Spots for Five Contenders

A rough Period 18 from the Cloverdale Clovers has added even more intrigue to what is likely to be the most chaotic finish in Roger Dorn Baseball League History as five clubs are battling it out for three coveted Wild Card spots. The Mission Viejo Maulers, Idaho Taters, Cloverdale Clovers, Lunatic Fringe and Meinert Hops are currently spread through the 4th and 8th spots in the standings, separated by just 61.0 points.

While the Division races are wrapped up and the Spokane Fightin' Fish are well on their way to their second RDBL Regular Season Title, all eyes will be on the Wild Card race over the final four Periods.

Here's what we are watching for on Tuesday as the MLB Trade Deadline is set to expire.

Maulers Send Trio to the Mound

The Maulers currently hold the top Wild Card spot and will look to strengthen that grip on Tuesday as their send Carlos Rodon (vs. TB), Jack Flaherty (vs. MIN) and Ranger Suarez (@ MIA) to the mound. The story of the Maulers recently has been a red-hot offense that leads the RDBL in scoring over the last 14 days with a .277/.349/.479 line, smashing 31 home runs and stealing 24 bases.

Kyle Tucker (.373/.458/.729) and Ha-seong Kim (.371/.480/.613) have led the way, ranking 2nd and 3rd in Hitter Scoring over the last 21 days.

Clovers Offense

The Clovers offense sputtered out of the Period 19 gates on Monday, going 3-for-33. Without an arm on the mound Tuesday, the club is in danger of falling out of a Wild Card spot for the first time all season.

Fringe Look to Make Leap

The Fringe will send Sandy Alcantara (@ ATL) and Kyle Bradish (@ TOR) to the mound on Tuesday as they look to jump into a Wild Card spot entering the day in 7th place. The Fringe rank third in scoring since Period 15 when clubs were pestering GM Tony Guglielmi to sell. Holding was certainly the right decision as the Fringe look to continue their hot streak this evening.

Rumor Central: Bieber Injury Opens Up Cap Space for Fightin' Fish

The Cleveland Guardians reported that right-hander Shane Bieber (1/$42) underwent an MRI on his right elbow/forearm last Friday and will be shut down for two weeks while hitting the IL. The injury could open up more possibilities for Spokane Fightin' Fish President of Baseball Operations Michael Tirabassi to dip back into the trade market according to sources.

Having already acquired Zack Wheeler (3/$25), Aaron Nola (2/$43), Jose Abreu (3/$37), Dansy Swanson (3/$10), Teoscar Hernandez (3/$10), C.J. Cron (3/$8), Taylor Ward (2FA/$5), Oscar Colas (1/$4) and Scott Barlow (2/$5), the Fish have been bumping up against the in-season $325 Salary Cap on a weekly basis. With Bieber likely on the shelf and Abreu under-performing, the Fish could create significant flexibility in the cap number to make another addition before Tuesday's RDBL Trade Deadline.

That could mean Las Vegas Aristocrats right-hander Corbin Burnes (1/$73) could be in play according to sources. Burnes was dominant in his latest start, working six shutout innings while striking out 13. He owns a 3.73 ERA on the season.

The Fightin' Fish have already parted with 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th Round Picks. Termarr Johnson (Minors) could be one potential candidate to be moved if Tirabassi jumps back into the trade market. Johnson was drafted by the Fightin' Fish in 2021 but has already been moved to the Mission Viejo Maulers and Maltese Falcons before coming back to the Fish in an early June deal. The second baseman has been on fire of late.

Outfielder Heston Kjerstad, Baseball America's 68th ranked prospect, could also garner interest and is reportedly available in talks as of Monday evening. After enduring two years plagued by medical issues and injuries, Kjerstad has thrived in his first full healthy season as a professional. He’s held his own at Triple-A, showing a strong hit tool and plus power. His .970 OPS on the season ranks 5th among all RDBL hitting prospects.

State Farm Weekly Recap: Fish Extend RDBL Lead

A short Period 16 due to the All-Star Break still offered plenty of fireworks with just two days remaining before the 2023 RDBL Trade Deadline. The Spokane Fightin' Fish, Mt. Diablo Devils and Lake Merced Goutfish continue to have a stranglehold on Division Leads while several teams remain in the fight for the three Wild Card spots.

Team of the Week: Spokane Fightin' Fish, 210.5 Points

45-157, 157 AB, 7 2B, 9 HR, 24 RBI, 26 R, 20 BB, CS, HP

32.2 INN, 21 HA, 13 BBI, 27 K, 13 ER, W, 2 L

The Spokane Fightin' Fish were starting to feel the heat on their 1st Place lead from the Mt. Diablo Devils and Lake Merced Goutfish heading into the All-Star Break but a big Period 16 provided some breathing room.

Hitter of the Week: Cody Bellinger, Fringe, 18.5 Points

4-11, 11 AB, 3 HR, 6 RBI, 4 R, BB

Bellinger continues to have a stellar year at the plate, especially considering the $4 contract GM Tony Guglielmi locked him into on Draft Day with control through 2025. He's slashing .300/.358/.524 with 26 extra base hits in 61 games this season.

Pitcher of the Week: Julio Urias, Taters, 32.0 Points

6 INN, HA, BBI, 7 K, W, HB

The Taters had a pair of standout performers on the mound as Charlie Morton topped all pitchers with 35.0 points but was on the bench for GM Mike Friedrich. Julio Urias picked up the slack with six shutout innings, allowing just one hit and one walk in a win over the Mets.

Prospect of the Week: Gabriel Gonzalez, Stacks

Still just 19, Gonzalez earned a promotion to High-A last week and went 5-for-13 with a home run and double. A career .324 hitter in the minors, Gonzalez slashed .348/.403/.530 with nine home runs and eight steals in 73 games for Single-A Modesto, where he also logged 32 games in 2022. Even with all that experience in full-season ball, Gonzalez doesn't turn 20 until January and is looking like one of the best pure hitters in the minors, leading all hitters with 108 hits on the season.

Life Insurance Player of the Week: Michael Kopech, -19.0 Points

0.2 INN, HA, 4 BBI, 4 ER, L, HB

Kopech (3-8) allowed four runs on a hit and four walks in only two-thirds of an inning while taking a loss against Atlanta on Friday. Kopech was activated from the injured list to make his first start since June 27 and immediately ran into trouble. He loaded the bases with no outs before serving up a grand slam to Matt Olson. Kopech has compiled a brutal 12:20 K:BB through 13 innings over his last four starts. He saw his season ERA climb to 4.47 with a league-leading 53 walks. Assuming his shoulder wasn't an issue Friday, Kopech is currently lined up for a road matchup with the Mets next week.