American League:  Paul Konerko of the San Francisco Sea Lions claims the first AL Player Of The Block award of the year.  Right out of the gates, Konerko has proven himself a force to be reckoned with in the heart of the potent Sea Lions lineup.  Although just in mid-April, the crowds at 3COM Park are already chanting “tri-ple crown” every time he stepped to the plate.  His six homeruns and 24 RBIs put him as the sole leader in those categories, while a scorching .432 average is good enough for 4^th best.  When asked about the early praise, Konerko just responded, “I’m really seeing the ball well now and I just hope it continues.  I tell ya, I wouldn’t have all those RBIs if it weren’t for those guys in front of me getting on base.  A lot of the credit needs to go to them.”  He reminisced, “Hey, didn’t I win this thing in April last year?”  Yes, Paul.  Yes, you did.

Honorable Mention:

• Carlos Lee (CHA):  .333 BA, 5 HR, 12 RBI

• Ben Sheets (PIT):  2-0, 1.06 ERA, 17 IP, 16 SO, CG

• Placido Polanco (SFS):  .500 BA (AL-best), 2 DO, 2 TR, 5 BB, 1 SO

National League:  Toronto GM Jim Kies is already reaping the benefits of shelling out the biggest contract in SPIBL history over the winter.  Roger Clemens has won the first NL Player Of The Block award for 2006.  This is Rocket’s second overall, winning the 2005 Block 11 award as a member of the Iron Birds.  He won all three of his starts while posting a miniscule 1.46 ERA.  Clemens was dialed in for these important division matchups, proving yet again that he is one of the best big-game pitchers in baseball history.  He struck out 21 batters in 24 innings, making the opposition look like wee children.  When asked about his big acquisition, Jim Kies responded with a sly grin on his face, “That’s why we brought him over here.  We took a chance and want him to finish his career here.  He’s our ace and we love having him around.”

Honorable Mention:

• Javier Vazquez (PHI):  1.80 ERA, 2-0, 1 CG, .70 WHIP

• Dontrelle Willis (SEA):  3-0, 1.09 ERA, 1 shutout

• Michael Young (COL):  .357 BA, 12 R, 10 RBI, 5 HR, 6 BB, 2 SO

• Greg Maddux (STL):  0.68 ERA, 2-0, 12 SO in 13 IP

- written by Christopher Lecher