3rd-4th Round Record:
36-19
Runs Scored: 350
Runs Allowed: 255
Pythagorean W-L: 36-19
Consistency was key for the Switzers in rounds 3 and 4 of the 1999 SWBA campaign. The offense plated 350 runs (6.36 per game) while allowing 255 (4.64 per game), and the club posted exactly the 36-19 record those run totals suggest.
In terms of the race in the Carew division, the Switzers took 7 of 11 contests from closest division rival San Diego, and enjoy an 11-game margin entering August.
The impetus behind this year's offensive performance have been MVP-type campaigns turned in by longtime Switzers Ivan Rodriguez, Ray Lankford, and Juan Gonzalez. Rodriguez is leading the AL in batting at .351, while scoring 80 runs, driving in 95, and putting the kibosh on the opposition running game. Lankford has been all-around brilliant, creating close to 11 runs per 27 outs. Gonzalez leads the AL in RBIs with 119, while ranking 3rd in slugging and 4th in homers.
Pitching has been adequate. Tom Gordon has enjoyed an excellent season as closer, posting 27 saves thus far along with an ERA of 1.34. Bullpen support has been plentiful, with Billy Wagner, Juan Acevedo, Derek Lowe, and situational lefty Lance Painter enjoying fine seasons. Starting pitching? They've enjoyed the most run support in the AL! That would account for Andy Benes posting 17 victories despite a 4.83 ERA.
The focus for rounds 5 and 6 will be to maintain the divisional lead while watching playing time limits. It will be critical that the club have every available weapon in the post-season.
Be sure to check out the Oklahoma Switzers 2000 prospectus.