American League:  Manny Ramirez of the Milwaukee Maulers has been the most dangerous hitter in the American League over the last few weeks.  While hitting at a .319 clip, Ramirez added a block-leading 11 homeruns in helping the Maulers to stay close in the tough American League Central.  When asked about his recent success, Manny offered this response:  “I just want a chance to unleash this bat on the Blue Knights of Chicago.  Those guys ain’t that good.  The Maulers have been waiting to kick their little [tushies] all over the field!”  Until that important match up comes, Ramirez will add the Player Of The Block award to his already-crowded mantle.

Honorable Mentions:

• Mark Prior (HOU):  3-0, 0.73 ERA, 3-hit SH, 26 K in 24 IP

• Chris Carpenter (NYA):  4-0, 2.28 ERA, 23 K in 27 IP

• Justin Morneau (TEX):  .286, 8 HR, 21 RBI

 National League:  The Phanatics offense has been enough to make the Philly fans truly obsessive about their favorite team as both Miguel Cabrera and now Jermaine Dye have won the Player Of The Block Award.  Dye has been crushing the ball in recent weeks while watching his ballclub climb into first place in the NL East.  In hitting .321 and adding nine homeruns, he has provided extra incentive to not pitch around the league's leading hitter, Cabrera.  Dye credits a great deal of his recent success to Miguel as well.  “That guy hits absolutely everything and he gives me opportunities to succeed 'cause he's always on base when I hit.  It’s really a challenge for me to come through when those opportunities arise.”

 Honorable Mentions:

• Miguel Cabrera (PHI):  .466, 5 HR, 20 RS

• Fransisco Cordero (STL):  0.79 ERA, 9 SV, 12 K in 11 IP

• Michael Young (COL):  .405, 4 HR, 16 RS

• Shannon Stewart (MIN):  .347, 18 RS, raised BA 52 points

- written by Christopher Lecher