American League:  Jorge Cantu of the Pittsburgh Conspiracy was selected in a close vote to be the most recent recipient of the Player Of The Block award.  Having just represented the Conspiracy in the 2006 SPIBL All-Star game, Cantu has been red hot of late, hitting .364 and belting six homeruns.  He has been the main run producer of the Pittsburgh squad while knocking in 21 of his teammates over the same stretch.  Cantu talked about his recent success saying, “It’s been going well lately, no doubt.  But I can do that being on a team like this, a team that is young that wants to learn and get better.  Maybe it won't be this year, but the Conspiracy will be in the hunt for a championship in the not too distant future!”

Honorable Mentions:

• Aramis Ramirez (NYA):  raised BA from .257 to .301, 5 HR, 20 RS

• Johan Santana (CHA):  4-0, 2.14 ERA, 37 K in 33 2/3 IP

• Manny Ramirez (MIL):  block-leading 11 homeruns, .296 BA

• John Patterson (SDB):  3-0, 1.99 ERA, allowed only 18 baserunners in 31 2/3 IP

National League:  C.C. Sabathia claimed the National League Player Of The Block award with his stellar pitching performances in recent weeks.  This St. Louis Redbird has anchored the pitching staff going 3-0 while striking out 18 opposing batters in only 20 1/3 innings pitched.  Sabathia also had a block-low ERA of 1.33.  St. Louis manager Whitey Herzog was asked about C.C. Sabathia being named the most recent player of the block.  "I will go to battle everyday with that sunuva <bleep>!" growled Herzog over his usual postgame meal of a Budweiser and a chili dog.  "He has been lights out for us and has really risen his level of pitching to be a legit ace for us.  C.C. was with me and Griff every step of the way back in January and February, working out and shedding the weight.  Now he is going to be a cornerstone for this rotation for years.  I am going to have C.C. buy me a beer next time we hit the hotel bar to celebrate!"

Honorable Mentions:

• Javier Vazquez (PHI):  3-0, 1.64 ERA, 20 K in 22 IP

• Miguel Cabrera (PHI):  .329 BA, 4 HR, 14 RBI

• Jake Peavy (TOR):  3-0, 31 Ks in 31 IP

- written by Christopher Lecher