PORT LOUIS (AP) - In the Weaverball preseason power rankings, the Port Louis Dodos were chosen at #21. Despite the team's apparently potent offense, the dismal pitching was cited as their anticipated downfall.

However, the Dodos shocked even their own ownership this past sim. The team never allowed more than three runs in a game during the week. Led by veteran Will VanLandingham, the staff has now improved to an 8–10 record with a solid 3.45 ERA. Unfortunately, the offense hasn't followed suit (hence the still mediocre record). Despite the strong efforts of Hank Greenberg (.361, 6 HR, 13 RBI), the offense has limped to a .246 batting average while hitting 23 homers. Luckily, opposing hitters are doing worse, hitting .238 against the Dodo's hot staff.

VanLandingham is one of three Dodo starters yet to lose a game. Will is 2–0 with a 1.82 ERA in three starts (all of them quality starts). Tony Conley is 3–0 with a 2.57 ERA in four starts. Big free agent acquisition Ron Souza struggled at first, but has come on lately to post a 1–3 record with a 5.55 ERA. Andy Larkin seems to have no luck, as he is 0–3 despite his sparkling 2.57 ERA. Joe Gamble is 1–0 in three starts, posting a 3.12 ERA.

In the bullpen, George Bonilla has carried most of the load. In 13.2 innings of relief, the lefty has posted a 1.32 ERA while limiting opponents to a .109 batting average.

Port Louis is not just hoping the hitting comes around. Stud prospect catcher Jesse Powell is hitting .278, but hasn't show much of the power team officials are so excited about. Jhonny Perez (yes, he spells it Jhonny) is hitting only .243 while Karim Garcia is at just .235 (depite 6 homers). Time will tell if this team is really better than originally thought, or if this is just a little tease.