Shisa Mid May Report

[ehortness]

Okinawa is off to a surprising and crossed finger start. After the first 38 games of the season, the Shisa are sitting at 23-15, just 4 games behind the Evil Evas and leading the Sovereign League Wild Card Race. Pitching has by far led the way for Okinawa as some of the everyday hitters are still trying to find where their bats have been hidden.

Pitching:
On the team side of things, Okinawa has a 3.46 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, and a .238 Opponent Average. The starters are boasting a 3.22 ERA (3.99 Relievers), 1.11 WHIP (1.38 relievers), and .221 Opponent Average (.274 relievers). One other thing to point out that the GM is going to have to look into is that the home ERA for the staff is 4.39 while giving up 32 HR in 18 games. Compared that to a 2.59 Road ERA while giving up 10 HR over 20 games.

Individually--
Hisashi Ishii is off to a 4-0 start with a 1.93 ERA. Only 28 Ks in 56 IP, but has only surrendered 8 walks
Jose Martinez is a fireballer. Sitting with a 4-1 record and a 3.43 ERA. 45 Ks in 42IP
The three headed back end of the bullpen monster has been critical. Setup men, Cisco Ortiz and Don Sheppard have done an excellent job of getting leads to closer Dave Weber. Combined the three have thrown 40 2/3 innings while only allowing 8 Runs. The group has a 7-3 record with 13 saves, all to Weber

Hitting:
As previously stated, the offense is struggling to a degree. As a team, the Shisa have a .239 average. A couple of bright sides from the offense, 49 team HR and 34-37 in Stolen Base attempts. The Catching spot has a .182 average and the LF spot has a .180 average. Those 2 positions are going to have to be upgraded if things don't pick up soon.

Individually--
Free Agent to be, RF Carlos Ryan, has led the offense. .323 average with 12 HR and 36 RBI
CF Mashashi Abe has been a bit of a surprise knocking 10HR, but only is hitting .201 so far
3B Roberto Diaz is htitting .341
Errol Landry is 13-13 in stolen base attempts
The lineup however has 5 everyday guys that have 31 or more strikeouts

The big questions will be:
How long can the pitching staff carry this team?
Will the offense pick up at all?
Is there any chance Ryan will come to the table to discuss an extension?
Can they hang on for a Playoff Spot?