Week 8: May 30th-June 5th
 

May 30th, 1932
Toronto Wolves (16-30): 2
Chicago Cougars (31-15): 5
Game 1

W: Dick Leudtke (5-3)
L: Buddy Adams (0-1)

It was a perfect start to a double header as Dick Leudtke went all nine with minimal damage in a 5-2 win. He did allow 11 hits, but just 2 runs with no walks and 4 strikeouts in the complete game win. At the plate he was 2-for-3 with a run scored and driven in. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with a double, run scored, steal, and RBI. Arnold Bower was 2-for-3 with a triple, run scored, and RBI. John Kincaid was 1-for-3 with a triple, walk, and RBI.

May 30th, 1932
Toronto Wolves (16-31): 3
Chicago Cougars (32-15): 4
Game 2

W: Claude Purvis (4-1)
L: Bernie Johnson (0-3)

Game two was much closer, as the Wolves rallied for three in the 8th to tie the game. In the 9th, Phil Vaughan sent the fans home happy with a walk-off double. It was a big game for him, as he was 3-for-5 with the double, homer, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Arnold Bower was a perfect 3-for-3 with a walk and RBI. Jim Kyle was 3-for-4 with an RBI. Cy Bryant was 3-for-4 with a triple and run scored. Dick Lyons made the start, 8 innings with 7 hits, 3 runs, 5 walks, and 2 strikeouts. Claude Purvis picked up the win, allowing a hit in a scoreless ninth.

May 31st, 1932
Toronto Wolves (16-32): 0
Chicago Cougars (33-15): 3

W: Tom Barrell (1-0)
L: Birdie Smith (4-5)

Welcome to the big leagues Tom Barrell! There is a lot of pressure when you make your big league debut as a former #1 overall pick, and even more so when you're a Barrell. Now the fourth Barrell to debut (Dan, Bobby, and Fred the other three), he did not look like a pitcher making his debut today. Maybe it was the fact he was throwing to his brother Fred just like they did so many times as a Kid, but Barrell was dominant. He tossed a 3-hit shutout with 2 strikeouts as we shutdown the Wolves 3-0 to set up a sweep. He even showed off with the bat, going 1-for-4 with a triple, run, and RBI. Vince York was 3-for-4 with a run scored. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a double and RBI. Fred Barrell was 1-for-4 with an RBI.

June 1st, 1932
Toronto Wolves (16-33): 3
Chicago Cougars (34-15): 7

W: Steve Castellini (1-1)
L: Harry Myers (1-7)
SV: Claude Purvis (9)

We started June the same way we finished May, and finished off the Wolves 7-3 to complete a four game sweep. Tom Taylor was 4-for-5 with a run scored. Cy Bryant was 3-for-5 with a double and three driven in. Vince York was 3-for-4 with a double, run, and 2 RBI's. Arnold Bower was 1-for-3 with a walk, steal, and run. Starter Steve Castellini was 1-for-2 with a sac-bunt, triple, run scored, and 2 RBI's. Back to back games with triples for our pitchers! He was brilliant on the mound, as unexpected as it may be, 7 innings with 6 hits, 3 unearned runs, and a walk. Claude Purvis tossed two perfect frames with four strikeouts to earn the save (he entered when it was 4-3).

June 2nd, 1932
Chicago Cougars (34-16): 3
Philadelphia Sailors (28-22): 4

W: Rollie Beal (7-2)
L: Jim Crawford (7-3)

We were off to Philly to play three with the Sailors before heading home for the fourth game. We came up just short in this one, as the hosts took the opener 4-3. Jim Crawford went 8 with 12 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), 2 walks, and 4 strikeouts. Harry Simmons was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Vince York was 1-for-4 with a double, run, and RBI. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with a double and run scored.

June 3rd, 1932
Chicago Cougars (34-17): 2
Philadelphia Sailors (29-22): 4

W: Eddie Hite (4-1)
L: Max Wilder (6-4)

We couldn't get the offense going again, and the Sailors topped us 4-2. Max Wilder went 8 with 12 hits, 4 runs, a walk, and a strikeout. Tom Taylor was 2-for-4 with a triple and run scored. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Arnold Bower was 2-for-4 with a double and run scored. Harry Simmons was 2-for-3 with a walk and RBI.

June 4th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (35-17): 6
Philadelphia Sailors (29-23): 3

W: Dick Lyons (7-1)
L: Oscar Morse (3-8)
SV: Claude Purvis (10)

A three run 8th proved to make the difference as we avoided the sweep with a 6-3 victory. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with a two run homer. Vince York was 2-for-3 with a triple, walk, two runs, and two RBI's. Tom Taylor was 1-for-3 with a walk, double, run, and RBI. Cy Bryant was 1-for-4 with a double and run scored. Dick Lyons improved to 7-1, going 8 innings with 9 hits, 3 runs, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts. Claude Purvis became the first CA pitcher to reach 10 saves, allowing a walk and hit in a scoreless frame.

June 5th, 1932
Philadelphia Sailors (29-24): 1
Chicago Cougars (36-17): 5

W: Dick Leudtke (6-3)
L: Russ Reel (4-3)

Tied at one through 7 and a half, we rallied for four in the 8th and took the home game 5-1. Luedtke was strong, going all nine with 9 hits, a run, and 2 strikeouts. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with a triple, run scored, and 2 RBI's. Vince York was 2-for-3 with a triple, walk, and RBI. Fred Barrell was 2-for-3 with a walk and RBI. Cy Bryant was 1-for-3 with a run and hit by pitch.

Stars of the Week
V. York : 31 AB, 12 H, 0 HR, 7 RBI, .387 AVG, 1.022 OPS
A. Bower : 24 AB, 10 H, 0 HR, 2 RBI, .417 AVG, 1.023 OPS
C. Purvis : 1 Win, 2 Saves, 4.0 IP, 1 BB, 4 K, 0.00 ERA

Weekly Summary
We're back in first place! With a 6-2 week and a little help from the Saints (26-27) taking three from the Stars (34-17) this week, we have two more wins then New York and will hopefully keep the lead the rest of the way. While unlikely, it would make things easier as you hate to give up first place after you get it back. We start the week with an off day, but we have a long road trip ahead of us. We start with four in Brooklyn (22-29), four in Baltimore (20-33), and four in Montreal before an off day. Then we see the Stars for four, another off day, Toronto (16-37) for three, and then finally two off days to end the trip. With all the road games, it will be hard to stay on top, but out 12-7 road record so far is pretty solid.

I now have a starting pitching problem, as I thought for sure one of Leudtke, Barrell, or Castellini (especially Castellini...) would have a rough start. Instead, they barely gave up any runs and they won every start this week. I'm keeping the rotation at six for the week, but will make a move no matter what next week. If all three continue to be dominant, Castellini is the odd man out. Barrell will get to see his older brother Dan in Brooklyn, which will be cool for both of them. The only way he can face Bobby is if we meet the Keystones (31-20) in the World Series. Philly leads the FA by three games with the Dynamos (30-25) behind them.

Russ Combs is set to start a rehab assignment, and with Arnold Bower's surprising success, I'm going to try him out at second. With all of Combs' injury issues and occasional defensive lapses combined with Harry Simmons rough season, I plan on rotating the three guys in the starting lineup. Bower has looked like a totally different player since coming over from Brooklyn, hitting .391/.429/.565 (150 OPS+) with a homer, steal, and 10 RBI's. Harry Simmons, however, is hitting just .279/.347/.358 (79 OPS+) with 2 homers, 3 steals, and 25 RBI's. Simmons has 205 plate appearances compared to Bower's 49, so obviously there is a sample size discrepancy, but it's not going to be easy to take everyday playing time away from Bower. There still are two weeks (assuming no setbacks) until Combs returns to the big league club, so Bower could fall back to earth, but regardless I will rotate the three infields at least to some degree.

Lastly, what's wrong with Jim Crawford? After breaking out last season and looking like a top 5 starter, he's been the worst member of our rotation so far. He's 7-3, but his 4.69 ERA (94 ERA+) and 1.49 WHIP could not be further form last year's numbers of 3.15 (130 ERA+) and 1.35 WHIP. He's also walked (32) nearly as many as he's struck out (33) and he's really had some poor starts. Obviously, there is no risk of him losing starts, but he's going to need to find himself again if we wrong to stay in first place.

Injury Report
RF Curt Ross (AA Mobile Commodores): Acromioclavicular joint irritation (2 weeks)
SP Pete Carey (A Lincoln Legislators): Activated from the DL
LF Dave Ward (A Lincoln Legislators): Activated from the DL
RP Jerry Coates (B San Jose Cougars): Fractured elbow (5-6 months)
3B Sam Crum (B San Jose Cougars): Sever hip strain (3 months)
SP Frank Cavanaugh (C La Crosse Lions): Activated from the DL

Minor League Report

CF Ken Allen (AA Mobile Commodores): It was an excellent month for the 24-year-old Ken Allen who was named Batter of the Month in the Dixie League. He hit .336 with a pair of homers, 19 RBI's, and 29 runs scored. It's been a strong year for the 24-year-old who's hitting .321/.354/.467 (120 OPS+) with 2 homers, 31 RBI's, and 3 steals in just under 200 trips to the plate. Used only as a center fielder, Allen is stuck behind top prospect Joe Johnson, so he'll need a few more months like this to force himself into the picture. He's a plus defender with great speed and above average contact potential. We think he could be an FABL starter, but if he stays in Chicago, his future is likely as a fourth outfielder.

C Joe Rainbow (C La Crosse Lions): So, this is the #50 prospect in all of baseball? This year's 18th Round Pick is off to a terrible start to his professional career, and the 18-year-old is hitting .137/.259/.236 (31 OPS+) with 3 homers and 13 RBI's. He's supposed to make hard contact and have an above average eye with at least average power. He hasn't shown much potential, but my scout and OSA thinks that this is a future big leaguer who will be better then incumbent starter Fred Barrell. Already an enigma of a prospect, our current #3 prospect hasn't shown much of anything and I can't imagine how he's going to develop. It's hard to cut someone like this, but now he'll share starts with struggling first rounder James Demastus who was just as bad in San Jose as Rainbow has been in La Crosse.

Amateur Report

With the playoffs just under way in College baseball, I'll highlight some of the top upcoming draftees who didn't make the postseason:

CF Levi Redding (Central Ohio Aviators): After Freddie Jones was taken #2 overall last season, Levi Redding was supposed to carry the Aviators back to the playoffs. It didn't go well, as the toolsy center fielder hit just .347/.408/.495 (125 OPS+) with 7 homers, 27 steals, and 39 RBI's in his junior season. To finish his college career, he's a .338/.399/.469 (125 OPS+) with 16 homers, 94 RBI's, and 60 steals in 150 career games. He also worked to a +5.4 zone rating in center with a 1.023 efficiency and .993 fielding percentage in 1,342.1 innings pitched. Redding has game changing speed and an elite hit tool, but he seems to be a little raw for a college prospect. He's a Chicago native, so if he's available when we pick it'd be hard for me to pass up some hometown talent.

LF Rich Langton (Detroit City College Knights): Usually, college players get better each season. Rich Langton, however, decided to go the opposite way. His .340/.376/.547 (127 OPS+) batting line was the worst of his three year career, and he finished with a career .348/.396/.585 (151 OPS+) line. He hit 27 homers, drove in 135 runs, and stole 18 bases while playing competent defense out in left. Langton projects to be a high average hitter and profiles a little like a right handed Vince York. He's got power and speed, and while not necessarily game changing, he seems to always hit. The down season as a junior did hurt his stock a little, but he should still command a nice bonus with an early round selection.

SP Art White (George Fox Reds): Here's an interesting draft prospect. Despite not pitching as a Freshman or Sophomore, Art White projects to be one of the first pitchers taken out of college. A lefty who keeps the ball on the ground, he was okay as a junior. White was 4-4 with a 3.90 ERA (135 ERA+), 1.37 WHIP, and 45 strikeouts in 57.2 innings pitched. He's got excellent command with just 5 walks (0.8 BB/9) and he has five quality pitches including a plus splitter. His number were much better before his last start, where he allowed 11 hits and 8 runs in just 4.2 innings against Grafton, who was one of the Wild Card teams.

Week 9: June 6th-June 12th
 

June 7th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (37-17): 14
Brooklyn Kings (22-31): 3

W: Jim Crawford (8-3)
L: Tommy Wilcox (4-6)

Our road trip started in Brooklyn where we faced the Kings for four. We piled on the runs off a quality starter, and topped the Kings 14-3. John Kincaid was 4-for-6 with 2 doubles, a triple, 3 runs, and 4 RBI's. Tom Taylor was 2-for-4 with a double, 2 runs, 2 RBI's, and a walk. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with 2 runs, a walk, and an RBI. Cy Bryant was 2-for-5 with 2 runs and an RBI. Harry Simmons was 2-for-4 with a walk, run, and RBI. Jim Crawford pitch all nine, allowing 9 hits and 3 runs with 2 walks and 4 strikeouts.

June 8th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (37-18): 1
Brooklyn Kings (23-31): 2

W: Del Lyons (2-1)
L: Claude Purvis (4-2)

The runs dried up today, and we didn't get our first run until the ninth to tie the game up at one. We had just two hits, and then quickly gave the lead back in the 9th as former Cougar Ed Rhoden drew a bases loaded walk to end the game. Even worse, we lost Max Wilder for a week after 2 innings. He had 3 strikeouts and a hit. Bill Kline pitched 5 innings with 5 hits and a run. Claude Purvis got the loss, 1.1 innings with a hit, run, 3 walks, and a strikeout. Tom Taylor was 1-for-3 with a walk. Fred Barrell drove in our only run with a sac-fly.

June 9th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (38-18): 5
Brooklyn Kings (23-32): 3

W: Tom Barrell (2-0)
L: Lyman Weigel (3-7)

The hits came back, but not the runs, but with Tom Barrell on the mound in his hometown, we took this one 5-3. Barrell went all nine allowing 8 hits, 3 runs, and a walk with 5 strikeouts. He was also 1-for-4 with a double, steal, and 2 RBI's. John Kincaid was 3-for-4 with 3 doubles, 2 runs, a steal, and a walk. Arnold Bower was 2-for-4 with a run and RBI.

June 10th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (39-18): 7
Brooklyn Kings (23-33): 2

W: Steve Castellini (2-1)
L: Milt Fritz (8-3)

We finished the series strong, taking the finale 7-2 to win the four game set. Steve Castellini had another surprisingly effective start, a complete game with 9 hits, 2 runs, and 4 walks. John Kincaid was 4-for-5 with 2 runs and 2 RBI's. Arnold Bower was 2-for-5 with a triple, run, and RBI. Harry Simmons was 2-for-5 with a run and RBI. Tom Taylor was 1-for-4 with a walk and two run homer. Jim Kyle was 1-for-3 with a run and two walks.

June 11th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (39-19): 5
Baltimore Cannons (25-33): 7

W: Rabbit Day (7-6)
L: Dick Lyons (7-2)

Our next stop was Baltimore where we had four with the red hot Cannons. They survived our late inning comeback and took the opener 7-5. Dick Lyons was roughed up, 8 innings with 13 hits, 7 runs (6 earned), and a walk. Harry Simmons was 3-for-5 with a walk, run, and RBI. Cy Bryant was 2-for-3 with a walk, steal, and two runs scored. Vince York was 2-for-4 with a double, walk, and run. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with an RBI.

June 12th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (39-20): 4
Baltimore Cannons (25-34): 5

W: Bob Miller (5-6)
L: Dick Leudtke (6-4)
SV: Paul Vandenberg (2)

The Cannons got five runs in the first, and it proved to be enough for them to win. Leudtke allowed 11 hits and 5 runs with a walk and 5 strikeouts in 8 innings. John Kincaid was 3-for-5 with a double and run scored. Tom Taylor was 2-for-5 with a triple, run, and 2 RBI's. Vince York was 2-for-5 with a steal and run scored. Fred Barrell was 2-for-5 with a pair of RBI's. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-5 with a run scored. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with a double.

Stars of the Week
John Kincaid : 29 AB, 15 H, 0 HR, 8 RBI, .517 AVG, 1.326 OPS
Tom Taylor : 25 AB, 7 H, 1 HR, 6 RBI, .280 AVG, .917 OPS
Harry Simmons : 23 AB, 8 H, 0 HR, 3 RBI, .348 AVG, .792 OPS

Awards
Player of the Week: John Kincaid

Weekly Summary
We still haven't had a losing week, but a 3-3 week destroyed us as we went from one up to one and a half down. We have two more with Baltimore (26-33) before heading to Montreal for four with the Saints (29-30) before another off day. We need to stop dropping games as the road trip continues and we already lost first place. Cleveland (30-29) and Philly (30-29) are both tied for third right now, but there is still a huge cap between the top and the rest.

John Kincaid had an amazing week, going 15-29 with 8 RBI's. It's been a tough season for him, but he was able to boost his batting line back up to .325/.372/.437 (105 OPS+). In 280 trips to the plate he has 17 doubles, 4 triples, a homer, and 2 steals with an impressive +4.5 zone rating and 1.066 efficiency at third.

A little injury update as well. Russ Combs has one stupid day left, so I can't start him on a rehab assignment. Instead, I'm burning one of his three option years so he can play games this week in AA. Max Wilder hitting the DL solves my starting pitching problem as well, as Steve Castellini has somehow regained form. In 4 starts he's 2-1 with a 2.76 ERA (158 ERA+), 1.36 WHIP, and just 1 strikeout compared to 11 walks in 29.1 innings. I'm not convinced this is in any way sustainable, but I'm riding this out until it stops.

Injury Report
SP Max Wilder (FABL Chicago Cougars): Dead arm (one week)
RP Len Moore (FABL Chicago Cougars): Returned from the rehab assignment

Week 10: June 13th-June 19th
 

June 13th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (40-20): 11
Baltimore Cannons (25-35): 2

W: Jim Crawford (9-3)
L: Ken Carpenter (5-9)

We wouldn't get swept and at least had the chance to split the series after crushing the cannons 11-2. Bill Ashbaugh was 3-for-4 with a steal, walk, run, and RBI. Fred Barrell was 2-for-5 with a pair of doubles and 3 RBI's. Tom Taylor was 2-for-3 with a homer, 3 runs, and 2 RBI's. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with a run, 2 RBI's, and 2 walks. Harry Simmons was 2-for-4 with a double, walk, run, and 2 RBI's. John Kincaid was 1-for-4 with a walk, run, and sac-fly. Jim Crawford picked up the win, going all nine with 6 hits, 2 unearned runs, a walk, and 2 strikeouts.

June 14th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (40-21): 5
Baltimore Cannons (25-36): 7

W: Lee Drouillard (1-1)
L: Claude Purvis (4-3)

We just can't beat the Cannons... For the first time all season, we lost a four game series after dropping this one 7-5 as our little rough patch continues. Even worse, Tom Barrell left with shoulder brusitis and will miss three weeks. He allowed 9 hits and 5 runs with a walk and 2 strikeouts in 6 innings. At the plate he was 1-for-1 with a walk, run, and sac-bunt. Claude Purvis picked up the loss, 2 hits and 2 runs with a strikeout in an inning of work. Cy Bryant was 3-for-5 with a double, run, and 3 RBI's. Arnold Bower was 2-for-4 with a solo homer. Fred Barrell and Harry Simmons were both 2-for-5 with a run scored.

June 15th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (41-21): 5
Montreal Saints (30-32): 2

W: Steve Castellini (3-1)
L: Dave Paynter (7-5)

Our next stop was north of the border where we'd see the Saints for a four game set. A big four run eighth gave us a lead we'd hold onto, and we took the opener 5-2. Steve Castellini continued his strong work, 9 innings with 11 hits, 2 runs (1 earned), and 2 walks. He was also 1-for-4 with a pair of RBI's. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with a double, walk, run, and 3 RBI's. Tom Taylor was 2-for-4 with a walk and run scored. John Kincaid was 1-for-3 with a pair of walks.

June 16th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (42-21): 5
Montreal Saints (30-33): 2

W: Dick Lyons (8-2)
L: Walker Moore (5-7)
SV: Claude Purvis (11)

The score is not a mistake. We won game two also 5-2, but this time it was a 4 run 9th that propelled us to victory. Lyons pitched well, 8 strong innings with 7 hits, 2 runs (1 earned), 2 walks, and a strikeout. Purvis picked up the save, a hit and a strikeout in a scoreless ninth. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles, 2 runs, and an RBI. Arnold Bower was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Phil Vaughan was 1-for-4 with a double, run, and 2 RBI's. Cy Bryant was 2-for-5 with 2 doubles.

June 17th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (43-21): 4
Montreal Saints (30-34): 0

W: Dick Leudtke (7-4)
L: George Thomas (3-5)

If it wasn't for a pair of errors, this game would have lasted more then nine innings. Instead, Dick Leudtke tossed a 4-hit shutout with a walk and 4 strikeouts in a 4-0 win. Vince York was 3-for-5 with a triple, run, and RBI. Jim Kyle was 3-for-4 with a run scored. John Kincaid was 2-for-5 with a run scored. Tom Taylor was 1-for-3 with a double, walk, and 2 RBI's.

June 18th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (44-21): 1
Montreal Saints (30-35): 0

W: Jim Crawford (10-3)
L: Earle Whitten (1-2)

Jim Crawford is back! He didn't need (or get...) in any run support, but it didn't matter.as he looked like an ace again with a 2-hit, 2 strikeout shutout as we completed the sweep. Arnold Bower was 2-for-4 with the lone RBI. Fred Barrell was 1-for-4 with the lone run scored. John Kincaid and Bill Ashbaugh were both 1-for-4 with a double.

Stars of the Week
Jim Crawford : 2 Wins, 18.0 IP, 1 BB, 4 K, 0.00 ERA
Fred Barrell : 22 AB, 9 H, 0 HR, 7 RBI, .409 AVG, 1.071 OPS
Arnold Bower : 21 AB, 9 H, 1 HR, 3 RBI, .429 AVG, 1.121 OPS

Weekly Summary
A huge 5-1 week put us half a game ahead of the Stars (43-21) who mark our next opponent. We were off Sunday, and would start the week with a four game series in New York. We'd be off again, before heading to Toronto for a three game set with the Wolves (18-48) who are just 2-16 this month. We usually have trouble with the Wolves, so I wouldn't be surprised if we lose the series. More importantly, however, is the Series with the Stars as anything other then a split could really distance one team from the other.

Russ Combs is on his way back, and he'll replace Tom Barrell who's headed to the DL. With the off day during the week, I only need four starters so I can stick with four starters until Max Wilder is healthy once again. Combs was 13-29 with three doubles, a triple, steal, and 3 RBI's in six games with the Commodores. He looked decent enough at second base, with just one error in 36 chances plus a +0.7 zone rating and 1.076 in a very limited sample. Arnold Bower has been elite in his absence, hitting .368/.421/.540 (143 OPS+) with 2 homers, a steal, and 16 RBI's in just under 100 trips to the plate. It's not Combs' .396/.433/.604 (161 OPS+), but it's about a million times better then I expected. Those two and Harry Simmons will begin to rotate between the middle infield spots, with Combs ideally getting two off days a week to help him stay on the field. Simmons will likely get the least amount of starts, as he's hit really poorly all season. This means a lot of games at second for Combs which could be a really good or really terrible thing.

And what about Jim Crawford? I talk about how he needs to pitch better and he decides to not allow a single earned run in 18 innings. With 8 hits, one walk, and 4 strikeouts to go with two complete games, I think he deserved Player of the Week. Brooklyn's Mike Taylor had an impressive week of his own, winning the award with 3 homers and 6 RBI's to go with a .481 average and pitchers almost never get the award. Crawford now leads the league in both wins and quality starts with 10 a piece, and it's really been just four really poor starts that have inflated his numbers. I really wish I could match him with Lou Martino in the Stars series, but he's set to pitch the finale instead.

Injury Report
SP Tom Barrell (FABL Chicago Cougars): Shoulder bursitis (3 weeks)
RP Fred Carter (AAA Milwaukee Blues): Returned from the DL
RP Phil Clarke (A Lincoln Legislators): Sprained Ankle (5 weeks)
SP Joe Tillman (C La Cross Lions): Back spasms (5 days)

Minor League Report

SP Johnny Walker (AA Mobile Commodores): He got 10 starts in Mobile last year that didn't go well, but this year has been much different. The 22-year-old Walker has been outstanding, 6-7 with a 2.77 ERA (153 ERA+), 1.27 WHIP, and 74 strikeouts in 113.2 innings pitched with the Commodores. Walker has never ranked high on our prospect list, currently 22nd for us and 263rd in all of baseball, but the durable lefty continues to produce in the minors. He sits comfortably in the mid 90s and does an excellent job of keeping the ball on the ground and overpowering hitters. His stuff is elite, with an knee buckling curveball and a hard cutter with great late movement. My scout thinks he's the most advance prospect in our system minus Barrell and I really think Walker has a promising big league future. I don't think he'll be ready for the majors this season, but I can see Walker coming up next September and perhaps never going back down.

Amateur Report

I've slacked a little on my Amateur reports this year with being pretty busy the past couple weeks with finals and work, so the college and high school seasons are already over. I'll headline the top prospects for the champions, and then hopefully on the weekend get a bonus report in.

Henry Hudson Explorers

SP Curly Jones: June 15th was a happy day for every Explorer except potential #1 overall pick Curly Jones. The Explorers crushed the Coastal California Dolphins 18-3 to repeat as champions, but Jones left after five with recurring back spasms. He'll be healthy in about a month, but it was disappointing to see him leave with injury. It was a dominant three seasons for Jones, who finished 20-8 with a 2.72 ERA (175 ERA+), 1.03 WHIP, and 357 strikeouts in 328 innings. Jones features an overpowering fastball that can touch triple digits occasionally and a cutter that's just a little bit slower. He's got a nice change too, and Jones shapes up to be an ace. He's easily the best college prospect and even with the injury I have no doubt that he'll go first.

SP George Gilliard: Maybe the second best college pitcher, George Gilliard has spent three seasons in Jones' shadow, but he actually had a better junior year. He was 6-3 with a 2.25 ERA (233 ERA+), 0.95 WHIP, and 105 strikeouts with just 6 walks in 92 innings. He's always had a lot of potential, but his freshman and sophomore seasons didn't live up to the hype. He finally blossomed this season, and has positioned himself as a top 5 pick. He's a sidearmer with four pitches and he does an excellent job generating groundballs. He has excellent command of his slider and he can overpower hitters with a mid 90s fastball.

SP Joe Hancock: Their pitching is so good that sophomore Joe Hancock may be the third best college pitcher. He'll lead the staff on his own next year, but his season may have been even better then Gilliard's! He was 7-2 with a 2.19 ERA (239 ERA+), 0.80 WHIP, and 109 strikeouts in 90.1 innings pitched. He doesn't throw very hard, but he has the nastiest change up you'll ever see. He can place it wherever he wants and the bottom just drops out. He's had trouble pitching deep into games, but when he's on the mound it's hard to get things going. I'd say he's an early favorite for #1 overall next year, and he can really stand out without two top picks ahead of him.

SP/LF Art Newton: Don't worry, Newton isn't a future ace. He's a so-so pitcher and so-so outfielder, but he's draft eligible and will likely be taken in the later rounds of the draft. He had 7 solid starts this season, going 2-1 with a 3.68 ERA (142 ERA+), 1.12 WHIP, and 31 strikeouts in 36.2 innings pitched. The bat is okay, hitting .289/.371/.390 (95 OPS+) with 5 homers and 35 RBI's in 520 collegiate plate appearances. He's an excellent defender in the field, but the bat is relatively uninspiring. On the mound he throws a decent low 90s fastball with a slider, change, and forkball. He's one of those guys that will likely need to specialize if he wants to succeed, but he's pretty even as a pitcher and hitter.

CF Whit Williams: If you thought the Explorers could just pitch, you'd be dead wrong. They have one of the best position player prospects in Whit Williams who will be their third first round pick in December. Williams was great as a freshman, but terrible as a sophomore. He decided to take things up a notch this year, and hit 12 homers and 44 RBI's, more of both then he did his first two seasons combined. Not only that, he stole 10 bases and slashed .412/.482/.713 (182 OPS+) all while playing excellent defense in center. He's an elite hitter, defender, and base runner and there really isn't anything he can't do. Williams is basically Joe Johnson, who we took 17th Overall and currently ranks 18th of all prospects.

2B Joe Binkley: He doesn't have the prospect fanfare that his teammates have, but the righty was an important part of the offense. He hit 12 homers and 42 RBI's with a .342/.449/.550 (138 OPS+) batting line and 15 steals as a junior. It's a bit better then his .299/.392/.518 (129 OPS+) career line, but Binkley has been a dependable hitter for the Explorers the past three seasons. He doesn't have much range at second, but he's a great fielder who won't hurt the defense. He's got good speed and can barrel up the ball to make hard contact. He projects to be taken in the 5th-10th round area, but I think he has good upside and could be a big league second basemen.

3B Russ Griffin: He didn't play as a sophomore, but he had an impressive junior year where he hit .347/.410/.589 (136 OPS+) with 11 homers and 47 RBI's in the seven spot in the order. He's a solid defender and he's got excellent power, but he won't ever hit for a high average. He's worth a late round flyer, but I'm not sure there's much here. He does have versatility, being able to play all three outfield spots as well, so that alone could help him make the big leagues.

1B Jim Bowman: The freshman first basemen won't be draft eligible until 1934, but he launched 16 homers and drove in 36 runs while hitting .247/.324/.566 (108 OPS+) in his first season with the Explorers. He's got an excellent eye and obvious power, but he's going to be plagued with strikeouts. Right now, he's a generic all-or-nothing power hitter, but he's got a lot of development time left.

SS Bruce Nielsen: Another draft eligible player, Bruce Nelson started at third his first two seasons before moving to shortstop as a junior. He's a competent defender there and a decent hitter. His junior year was the best offensively, hitting .350/.415/.507 (120 OPS+) with 4 homers and 47 RBI's. He's got a great eye and is extremely athletic, but he may not have what it takes to make it to the big leagues. He's a likely late round pick, but he may decide to stay for his senior year.

C Bill Malachi: He didn't start everyday, but Bill Malachi had an excellent .364/.449/.609 (151 OPS+) batting line with 5 homers and 25 RBI's in 127 trips to the plate this year. He's got a solid bat and calls a good game, but a lot of that could be attributed to the otherworldly pitching staff he's handled. Catching is a position with not a lot of talent, so Malachi could be taken off the board early, especially considering the bat.

Elmira HS Emeralds

SP Bob Ponte: While Henry Hudson's rotation was dominated by upperclassmen, the best Emerald starter was the "Tall One" Bob Ponte. Standing at 6'4'' at just 15, the freshman ace was a perfect 8-0 with a 2.61 ERA (179 ERA+), 0.97 WHIP, and 74 strikeouts in 76 innings. He's not even close to being draft eligible, with three years at Elmira HS left, but he's going to be key to their longterm success. He's a groundballer who doesn't throw too hard yet, but he's got a great fastball, curve, and circle change. He's an intimidating right with pinpoint control, and while he's got a long way to go, he projects to lead an FABL rotation.

SP Guy Lowe: This guy was supposed to be the ace. Then he fractured his coracoid (part of the shoulder) in his first start this year, and missed the rest of his senior season. Lowe was supposed to be an early pick, as the sinkerballer was a career 10-4 record with a 2.36 ERA (162 ERA+), 0.99 WHIP, and 188 strikeouts in 167.2 innings pitched. He's got a really good change and curve as well and he mixes in a slider to complete his four pitch arsenal. He has a lot of uncertainty due to the injury, and I wouldn't be surprised if he decides to go to college instead of going pro.

SP Paul Richardson: He doesn't have a long track record, but the senior was 3-4 with a 2.95 ERA (158 ERA+), 1.27 WHIP, and 33 strikeouts in 10 starts across 55 innings. He hasn't been able to go deep into games, but he's got solid stuff that could profile well in the pen. He's supposed to have good command, but he had his issues with walks this season. I think he'll benefit from going to college, but he'll likely be a late round pick.

SP/CF Joel Kastner: Unlike Henry Hudson's two way player, Joel Kastner is a really good hitter and pitcher. As a senior on the mound, he was 7-1 with a 1.38 ERA (337 ERA+), 1.06 WHIP, and 32 strikeouts in 52 innings. He finished his prep career 16-4 with a 2.30 ERA (206 ERA+), 1.08 WHIP, and 122 strikeouts in 145 innings. He's got a high 80s cutter with a nice curve and change and he does well keeping the ball on the ground and in the park. As a center fielder, he's got a good glove with great range and a decent enough bat. He's a career .326/.427/394 (127 OPS+) hitter with 2 homers, 36 steals, and 32 RBI's. He's a prototypical leadoff hitter with excellent speed and he doesn't strike out too much. He's high on my radar, and I think he'd be a nice pickup towards the end of the human portion of our draft.

3B Lee Miller: A sophomore who actually started as a freshman, Lee Miller has a nice .326/.405/.500 (149 OPS+) batting line with 10 steals, 9 homers, and 63 RBI's in 351 trips to the plate. He was an awful fielder last year, but really worked on learning his position and put up positive numbers this year. He's got decent foot speed and an excellent eye at the plate, and he's shown improvement between this year and last. He's got to polish up his skills, but I can see him working his way up draft boards if he keeps up his trend.

Amateur Report
 

In this post I'm going to cover a few of the lesser known draft eligible players in both High School and College:

College

C Jim Higginbotham (Chicago Poly Panthers): His best season was as a junior, hitting .286/.368/.571 (123 OPS+) with 13 homers and 40 RBI's in 193 trips to the plate. The lefty hitter has great patience at the plate and he's shown some power potential this year as well. He has his trouble with strikeouts, but he'll draw his share of walks. Catcher is a position that many teams struggle to find dependable players, so Higginbotham should have every chance to work his way onto a big league roster.

SP Adam Boyer (Whitney College Engineers): It was an excellent junior season for the righty Boyer, who went 5-3 with a 3.06 ERA (178 ERA+), 1.05 WHIP, and 70 strikeouts in 97 innings pitched. It was a good second act on his sophomore season where he was 7-6 with a 3.28 ERA (149 ERA+), 1.14 WHIP, and 77 strikeouts in 109.2 innings pitched. Boyer has five solid pitches, the best two a forkball and a mid to high 80s fastball. He doesn't overpower hitters, but he mixes his pitches up well to keep hitters guessing. He's also pretty developed as a college arm, and could be pitching in the majors soon if he keeps up his improvement.

RF Jack Starr (Brunswick Knights): A teammate of one of the top pitching prospects Sam Sullivan, Jack Starr slumped a little as a junior. His 14 homers and 39 RBI's were career best, but his .261/.367/.543 (129 OPS+) batting line wasn't near his excellent sophomore season. As a sophomore, he hit .322/.407/.579 (189 OPS+) with 12 homers and 33 RBI's in an excellent season. It looked like he was poised to dominate this year, but instead he dropped his career line to .283/.388/.537 (151 OPS+) to go with 34 homers, 104 RBI's, and 9 steals. Starr is a dependable defender in right with a nice arm as well, but his highlight tools are his eye and power.

3B Tommy Newman (Frankford State Owls): A very consistent hitter in his time at Frankford State, Newman hit 11 or 12 home runs each season with the Owls. He finished his career with a .294/.385/.550 (139 OPS+) batting line to go with 34 homers and 130 RBI's. He's an average defensive third basemen with excellent discipline at the plate. His power is decent, but it's not necessarily going to translate to the professional game. He looks to have the potential of an average big leaguer, but he'll have to stay consistent to make it.

High School

LF Gene Hubbard (Chicago HS Wildcats): Not too far from our home field is an interesting outfield prospect in left fielder Gene Hubbard. In three seasons of high school ball, he hit .318/.389/.429 (133 OPS+) with 6 homers, 6 steals, and 46 RBI's across 548 trips to the plate. He's a competent defender in left as well, which is likely his key to working up the organizational ladder. He doesn't really stand out as a hitter, with his best tool likely his eye, but his bat isn't going to be enough.

SP Danny Day (Chicago HS Wildcats): The Wildcats have the second best prep pitcher in southpaw Ray McCarthy, but the 6 foot Danny Day looked really good as a senior. It was the only year he played, but he was 3-1 with a 2.65 ERA (174 ERA+), 1.18 WHIP, and 34 strikeouts in 51 innings pitched. He has an interesting five pitch arsenal with a fastball, curve, slider, change, and forkball. The slider is the best, sitting in the low 80s, with his fastball in the 85-87 MPH range. He's a finesse pitcher who won't overpower, but with his lack of a track record I can see him going to college instead of a pro club. He'll be on our radar because he's a Chicago prospect, but if he's taken it'll be in the last couple of rounds.

LF Bob Robinson (Syracuse HS Stars): Even after a down year as a senior, Bob Robinson finished his high school career with a .337/.415/.477 (144 OPS+) line with 7 homers and 78 RBI's in 506 trips to the plate. The lefty isn't much of a defender, but he's a polished hitter with excellent bat speed and he consistently puts the bat on the ball. He's very raw, with a lot of room to grow, but he is an interesting project worth a late round lottery ticket.

3B Ray Stone (Berkeley Bears): A speedy third basemen, Ray Stone swiped 42 bases in three seasons atop the Bears lineup. He hit an impressive .313/.382/.471 (142 OPS+) with 16 homers and 72 RBI's as well, making him a very reliable top of the order hitter. He reminds me a lot of John Kincaid, great speed and defense with a lot of gap power to make up for not much home run power. He doesn't strike out too much either and he can draw his share of walks. He's got all the tools to start in the FABL, he just needs to be selected by the right organization.

If I have more time throughout the day I'll add to this post

Week 11: June 20th-June 26th
 

June 20th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (45-21): 6
New York Stars (43-22): 2

W: Steve Castellini (4-1)
L: Randy Johnson (1-1)

We were in hostile enemy territory, ready to embark on a four game series with the second place New York Stars. I hated that Castellini had to pitch against the Stars, but he continued to pitch like he was supposed to last season and limited the Stars potent offense in a 6-2 victory. He went 8 strong innings with 6 hits, 2 runs, and 5 walks. He was also 1-for-3 with a run scored. In his first day back, Russ Combs was 2-for-4 with a triple and run scored. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with a double, run, and 2 RBI's. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-3 with a walk, run, and RBI. Vince York was 1-for-4 with a double, walk, run, and RBI. Cy Bryant was 1-for-4 with an RBI.

June 21st, 1932
Chicago Cougars (46-21): 7
New York Stars (43-23): 1

W: Dick Lyons (9-2)
L: Dick Richards (8-3)

The offense was held in check again, and this time it was at the hands of Dick Lyons. He allowed 8 hits and a run with 3 strikeouts in a complete game victory. Vince York was 2-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored. Russ Combs was 2-for-5 with a run and RBI. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a run scored and driven in. Tom Taylor was 1-for-4 with a triple, walk, run, and 2 RBI's. Arnold Bower was 1-for-3 with a sac-bunt, triple, and run scored.

June 22nd, 1932
Chicago Cougars (47-21): 6
New York Stars (43-24): 3

W: Dick Leudtke (8-4)
L: Lou Martino (8-1)
SV: Claude Purvis (12)

We continued to keep the Stars off the board, and we set up a sweep with a 6-3 win to give Lou Martino his first loss of the season. Dick Leudtke almost went the distance, 8.2 innings with 11 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), and 3 strikeouts. Claude Purvis got the last out of the game with a one pitch flyout. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with a double, 2 runs, a walk, and RBI. Tom Taylor was 2-for-4 with 2 doubles, a run, and sac-fly. Arnold Bower was 2-for-4 with a double and 2 RBI's. Fred Barrell was 1-for-3 with a sac-bunt, run, and RBI.

June 23rd, 1932
Chicago Cougars (47-22): 2
New York Stars (44-24): 8

W: Charlie Stedman (7-2)
L: Jim Crawford (10-4)
SV: Claude Purvis (12)

We couldn't finish off the sweep as the Stars got to Jim Crawford in the finale, but taking three out of four was crucial in one of the most important series we'll have all year. He allowed 13 hits and 7 runs with 3 walks and 4 strikeouts in just 6 innings. Gus Cain went 2 innings of mopup with 2 hits, a run, and 3 strikeouts. Russ Combs was 2-for-4 with a walk. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-3 with a walk and steal. Tom Taylor was 1-for-4 and scored both of our runs.

June 25th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (47-23): 3
Toronto Wolves (19-51): 6

W: Buddy Adams (1-2)
L: Steve Castellini (4-2)

I knew it...

Even with the off day and even with taking three out of four from the only CA team with a shot at first place, we lose the first of three with the pitiful Toronto Wolves. I may overstate our failures against the Wolves (we're 4-10), but the only team they've beat more then us this year is the Sailors...

Steve Castellini had his first poor start, 7 inning with 12 hits, 6 runs (5 earned), a walk, and a strikeout. Russ Combs was 2-for-5 with a triple and run scored. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with a double and run scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Harry Simmons was 2-for-4.

June 26th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (47-23): 5
Toronto Wolves (19-51): 0

W: Dick Lyons (10-2)
L: Birdie Smith (4-10)

Dick Lyons was brilliant in the middle game, tossing a 6-hit shutout with 3 walks and a strikeout in a 5-0 win. He was also a perfect 2-for-2 at the plate with a run and pair of sac-bunts. Vince York was 2-for-4 with a double, run, and RBI. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-3 with a walk. Cy Bryant was 0-for-2, but he drew three walks.

Stars of the Week
Dick Lyons : 2 Wins, 18.0 IP, 3 BB, 4 K, 0.50 ERA
Russ Combs : 18 AB, 8 H, 0 HR, 1 RBI, .444 AVG, 1.167 OPS
Bill Ashbaugh : 21 AB, 8 H, 0 HR, 4 RBI, .381 AVG, .929 OPS

Weekly Summary
We finally have a little breathing room atop the CA, now up two over the Stars (46-25) in large part to our excellent showing in New York. The Stars sit right behind us in almost every hitting category and sit right ahead of us in both Starter's ERA and runs against, although our team ERA is right above theirs. There are very few categories where one of us doesn't lead and even fewer where neither of us are in the top two. Cleveland and Philly are trying to catch up, both at 38-34, but it's still a two man race to the finish. We have one more in Toronto before a pair of off days. We'll get to head home for the first time since June 5th, and we'll host the Foresters for three before three games in two days with the Sailors. We'll be home until July 22nd, and our 22 road games in 23 games ends with the finale in Toronto. We're 13 and 9 right now, so at worst we finish 13-10. We really better win the finale, but I'm not going to chalk it up as automatic.

We'll get Max Wilder back for the finale, as he's all healed just in time for a needed fifth starter. It's been a good year for the 34-year-old, who's 6-4 with a 3.45 ERA (126 ERA+), 1.41 WHIP, and 40 strikeouts in 12 starts so far. With him returning, Bill Kline will go down to AAA and we'll be back on a five man rotation. Getting him back is huge because I'm not sure how long Castellini will hold up and Crawford still decides to not show up every couple of starts.

Russ Combs was hot in his return off the DL, going 8-for-18 with an RBI, two triples, a steal, and two walks in just four games. One of them was against Toronto, the game we lost, but he was able to hit off some of the best pitchers in the league, New York's Dick Richards and Charlie Stedman. He also looked good at second, six put outs and three assists in his only nine chances. Getting his bat back is huge and both Bower and Simmons had good weeks as well. Our offense is strong, 1st in average, OBP, slugging, OPS, WAR, wOBA, runs, hits, strikeouts, and steals, but Combs has been a huge part of that and having him leadoff games instead of Kincaid or Bryant really puts pressure on opposing pitchers.

Transactions
Optioned RP Bill Kline to AAA Milwaukee

Injury Report
SP Max Wilder (FABL Chicago Cougars): Returned from the DL
LF Dave Ward (A Lincoln Legislators): Strained hamstring (8 weeks)
SP Joe Tillman (C La Crosse Lions): Returned form the DL

Minor League Report

1B Jim Fisher (AAA Milwaukee Blues): It's been a great season for the 24-year-old Fisher, hitting .333/.397/.565 (143 OPS+) with 10 homers and 55 RBI's for the Milwaukee Blues in 63 games. Stuck behind both Bill Ashbaugh and Phil Vaughan, Fisher doesn't have an easy path to the majors, but if he hits like this it's going to be really hard to keep him down in the minors. He's got legitimate big league power and is an excellent defensive first basemen. He's always hit for a high average and he's got a really keen eye at the plate. I'd love to trade him to a team that needs first base help, but he is on our 40-man roster and should make his big league debut sometime this year. Milwaukee has been really good this year, going 41-23 and there is a lot of talent on that roster. I'm not saying they could keep up in the majors, but I feel like they could at least do better then the Wolves and keep pace with the Kings and Cannons in the bottom part of the division.

RF Billy Marshall (A Lincoln Legislators): After hitting .307/.395/.500 (147 OPS+) with 8 steals, 6 homers, and 22 RBI's in 162 plate appearances in San Jose, former 10th Rounder Billy Marshall showed he was ready for A ball. Drafted as a center fielder, we've been working Marshall out in the corners because he really doesn't have the range for center. He can fill in if needed, but he's looked really good in limited reps out in right. He's got excellent speed, swiping 37 bases last season, with a really nice swing that produces a lot of extra base hits. He's got a little power and can surprise with a homer or two, but he won't develop into a home run hitter. Marshall has shot up prospect lists, ranking 13th in our system and 132nd in all of baseball, so it looks like we have a nice future piece in the 21-year-old.

Week 12th: June 27th-July 3rd
 

June 27th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (49-23): 6
Toronto Wolves (19-52): 2

W: Max Wilder (7-4)
L: Bert Sweet (5-6)

Max Wilder was strong in his return to the team, tossing a complete game in a 6-2 victory. He allowed 8 hits with 2 runs (1 earned), 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts. John Kincaid had a big game, 4-for-5 with 2 doubles, a triple, 2 walks, and 2 RBI's. Russ Combs was 3-for-5 with a double and two runs scored. Tom Taylor was 1-for-4 with a walk, run, and steal. Vince York was 1-for-3 with a hit by pitch, walk, and RBI.

June 30th, 1932
Cleveland Foresters (39-37): 4
Chicago Cougars (50-23): 11

W: Dick Leudtke (9-4)
L: Roger Perry (9-3)

We were well rested and back home, and it really showed. We piled on 16 hits and 11 runs to top the visiting Foresters. We also became the first FABL team to reach the half century mark for wins this season. Russ Combs was a perfect 4-for-4 with a pair of doubles, a walk, 3 runs, and 3 RBI's against his former team. Tom Taylor was 3-for-4 with a steal, walk, 2 runs, and an RBI. Arnold Bower was 2-for-3 with a walk, run, and RBI. Vince York was 2-for-4 with a sac-fly and run scored. John Kincaid was 1-for-4 with a triple, steal, RBI, and two runs scored. Cy Bryant was 1-for-4 with a double, run, and RBI. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with a walk, run, and 2 RBI's. Dick Leudtke made the start, 7 innings with 7 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), 2 walks, and a strikeout.

July 1st, 1932
Cleveland Foresters (39-38): 5
Chicago Cougars (51-23): 11

W: Jim Crawford (11-4)
L: Karl Johnson (6-7)

We started July the same way we ended June, an 11-run victory over the Foresters. Bill Ashbaugh had a big game, 4-for-5 with a triple, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. John Kincaid was 3-for-4 with a double, 2 runs, 2 RBI's, and a steal. Tom Taylor was 3-for-4 with an RBI and three runs scored. Russ Combs was 3-for-5 with two runs and an RBI. Jim Crawford picked up the win, going all nine with 10 hits, 5 runs (3 earned), 3 walks, and 2 strikeouts.

July 2nd, 1932
Cleveland Foresters (40-38): 9
Chicago Cougars (51-24): 7
11 Innings

W: Bill Beier (3-2)
L: Len Moore (0-1)

We tied the game in the ninth, but an Ernie White two run single in the 11th gave the Foresters a 9-7 lead that they'd keep to avoid the sweep. Arnold Bower did everything he could, tieing the extra inning record for most hits in a game. He was a perfect 6-for-6 with 2 doubles, a run, and 2 RBI's. Tom Taylor was 2-for-6 with a run scored and driven in. Vince York was 1-for-5 with a triple, run, walk, and RBI. Jim Kyle was 1-for-5, but with a solo homer. Starter Dick Lyons was 2-for-3 with a double and a pair of runs scored. On the mound, he went 8 with 12 hits, 7 runs (5 earned), a walk, and 2 strikeouts. Len Moore was strapped with the loss, 2 hits and 2 runs with a walk in an inning of work.

July 3rd, 1932
Philadelphia Sailors (43-34): 5
Chicago Cougars (51-25): 3

W: William Jones (10-7)
L: Max Wilder (7-5)

The Sailors were in town, and they've done well as of late. They picked up their 5th win in a row with a 5-3 victory in the opener. Max Wilder picked up the loss, 10 hits and 5 runs with 2 walks and 6 strikeouts in 8 innings. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with a double, run, and RBI. Mike Smith came off the bench and was 1-for-2 with a double, run, and RBI.

Stars of the Week
Arnold Bower : 14 AB, 10 H, 0 HR, 4 RBI, .714 AVG, 1.733 OPS
Russ Combs : 18 AB, 10 H, 0 HR, 4 RBI, .556 AVG, 1.301 OPS
John Kincaid : 23 AB, 9 H, 0 HR, 6 RBI, .391 AVG, 1.087 OPS

Weekly Summary
The biggest news was on the trade front, as last year's FA pennant winners the New York Gothams sent 37-year-old superstar Max Morris back home to the Cleveland Foresters. It's been a great season for the FABL's all time home run leader, hitting .344/.399/.627 (171 OPS+) with 20 homers and 63 RBI's in 306 trips to the plate. The Gothams had just recently acquired him from St. Louis after the 1930 season, but they've fallen onto rough times. After winning back to back Federal Association titles, they're just 33-44 and double digit games out of first despite scoring the second most runs in the FA and allowing the fourth least.

They received a four team package, headlined by the 38th best prospect in baseball John Turner. A 24-year-old second basemen, Turner has been stuck in AAA the past three seasons, and is hitting just .201/.332/.312 (74 OPS+) with 5 homers, 26 RBI's, and 20 steals in 329 trips to the plate. Turner has a ton of speed and is an excellent defender with an excellent eye at the plate and a developing bat. Another pickup was former first rounder 1B Alex Thompson who debuted with the Foresters this year. In 27 games he's hitting an impressive .350/.389/.504 (135 OPS+) with 2 homers and 17 RBI's. They also got the 59th ranked prospect CF Pete Thomas, a 21-year-old the Foresters got in the 11th Round in 1929. He hasn't hit much in A ball, but he's got excellent speed and an elite hit tool. The last prospect was 19-year-old Bob Adams, the Foresters 7th Round pick in the most recent draft. He's done excellent in Class C, going 3-2 with a 2.78 ERA (152 ERA+), 0.98 WHIP, and 39 strikeouts in 55 innings. In the Gothams new top 30, Turner ranks 2nd, Thomas 6th, Thompson 16th, and Adams 19th. All four rank in the top 200 in the league.

Back to us, a 3-2 week increased our lead over the Stars (49-28) to a half games. The Foresters (40-39) will be scary with Max Morris, but we only have six games left with them. All six are in September including the final two games of the year. We have a double header with the Sailors to start the week, but are off on Tuesday. The Stars (49-28) come for three before four with the red hot Cannons (39-40) who have won nine in a row.

We finished June 17-8 and currently rank 1st in the CA in 15 team categories. We continue to get production from the shortstop position, with our two best hitters this year Russ Combs and Arnold Bower. Both are hitting over .400 with us, and would rank 1st and 2nd in the league if they had enough plate appearances to qualify, with both playing just over 30 games.

Injury Report
RF Curt Ross (AA Mobile Commodores): Returned from the DL
RP Cy Plummer (A Lincoln Legislators): Returned from the DL
3B Buddy Kircher (C La Crosse Lions): Sprained thumb (2 weeks)

Week 13: July 4th-July 10th
 

July 4th, 1932
Philadelphia Sailors (44-34): 2
Chicago Cougars (51-26): 1
Game 1

W: Doc Newell (7-6)
L: Dick Leudtke (9-5)

The first game didn't go as plan, and we couldn't get anything going on offense and we dropped the first of two. Dick Leudtke pitched really well, 8 innings with 6 hits, 2 runs, and 2 strikeouts. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-3 with a double and walk. Arnold Bower was 2-for-4 with a walk. Fred Barrell was 1-for-4 with a double and run scored.

July 4th, 1932
Philadelphia Sailors (44-35): 0
Chicago Cougars (52-26): 5
Game 2

W: Steve Astellini (5-2)
L: Rollie Beal (11-4)

Game two was much different, and somehow Steve Castellini tossed a 9-hit shutout with no walks and 2 strikeouts as we avoided the sweep. Vince York was 3-for-5 with a double, homer, and 3 RBI's. John Kincaid was 3-for-5 with two runs scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-3 with a walk, steal, and run. Mike Smith was 1-for-4 with an RBI double.

July 6th, 1932
New York Stars (52-28): 6
Chicago Cougars (52-27): 3

W: Mutt Pharr (5-2)
L: Jim Crawford (11-5)
SV: Jack Carr (3)

The Stars were in town for three, and they took the opener 6-3 to move within a half game of first place. Jim Crawford was roughed up, 13 hits and 6 runs (4 earned) with 2 strikeouts in 8 innings. Russ Combs was 2-for-3 with 2 walks, 2 runs, a double, and a steal. Vince York was 2-for-5 with a double, run, and 2 RBI's. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with a double and walk.

July 7th, 1932
New York Stars (53-28): 6
Chicago Cougars (52-28): 4

W: Dick Richards (9-5))
L: Dick Lyons (10-3)
SV: Boyd Harper (7)

First place changed hands as our ninth inning comeback fell short and the Stars looked for the sweep tomorrow. Dick Lyons went eight and a third with 12 hits, 6 runs (4 earned), 5 walks, and a strikeout. Cy Bryant was 2-for-5 with a homer and 2 RBI's. Arnold Bower was 2-for-4 with a double and run scored. Vince York was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Tom Taylor was 1-for-5 with a solo homer.

July 8th, 1932
New York Stars (53-29): 0
Chicago Cougars (53-28): 14

W: Max Wilder (8-5))
L: Lou Martino (9-2)

The offense finally showed up in the finale, and we crushed the Stars 14-0 to retake first place. Max Wilder was dominant, tossing a 6-hit shutout with a walk and 6 strikeouts. Vince York was 4-for-4 with a homer, 3 runs, and 3 RBI's. Arnold Bower was 4-for-5 with 2 doubles, a walk, 2 runs, and 3 RBI's. John Kincaid was 3-for-5 with a triple, walk, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Tom Taylor was 3-for-5 with a homer and two runs scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 3-for-4 with a steal, run, and 2 RBI's. Harry Simmons was 2-for-5 with a run scored. Fred Barrell was 1-for-5 with a three run home run.

For some reason there was no boxscore for the opener with the Cannons, but we dropped it 9-7.

July 10th, 1932
Baltimore Cannons (43-43): 8
Chicago Cougars (53-30): 6

W: Ken Carpenter (10-10)
L: Claude Purvis (4-5)

Are awful week continued, and the Cannons took the first half of the series with an 8-6 win. Tom Taylor was 2-for-5 with 2 doubles and an RBI. Vince York was 2-for-5 with a double and RBI. Russ Combs was 2-for-5 with a run and RBI. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with a sac-bunt, run, and RBI. Bill Ashbaugh was 3-for-4 with a walk. John Kincaid was 1-for-4 with a run scored. Steve Castellini had a rough start, 7 innings with 11 hits, 5 runs, 4 walks, and 2 strikeouts. Claude Purvis was tagged with the loss, 3 hits, 3 runs, and a walk in 2 innings.

Stars of the Week
Vince York : 32 AB, 16 H, 2 HR, 10 RBI, .500 AVG, 1.328 OPS
Bill Ashbaugh : 27 AB, 11 H, 0 HR, 4 RBI, .407 AVG, .928 OPS
Tom Taylor : 26 AB, 8 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI, .308 AVG, .973 OPS

Weekly Summary
What a terrible week. 2-5 for our first losing week of the season and now we're a game and a half out of first place. We get two more in Baltimore that we absolutely need to win followed by four with the struggling Kings (36-49) and Saints (40-45). We need to bounce back in a big way and cannot afford to drop many of the next games.

Tom Barrell still has a day on his recovery time, but with Castellini pitching well I'm okay with sending Barrell down to AAA so he can make more starts. I'm going to limit his pitches to keep him healthy, but I likely won't leave him down for too long. If any of the starters start to have issues, he'll be right no his way back to Chicago.

Injury Report
SP Babe Wilder (AA Mobile Commodores): Radial nerve decompression surgery (5 months)
SS Duke Fowler (C La Crosse Lions): Back stiffness (1-2 weeks)

Minor League Report

C James Demastus (C La Crosse Lions): A lot of the prospect shine has already worn off on the 10th Overall Pick in the 1930 draft. I debated really hard between him and Chuck Murphy (who went 12th to the Saints) and it looks like I made the wrong pick. Demastus doesn't even rank in our top 50 prospects and Murphy is 17th in the league. It was just tough going with a pitcher who had marginal success in college even though I went with a risky high schooler who had just one good season. Hindsight is 20/20 of course, but man if I just had Murphy instead...

Anyways, Demastus was hitting just .134/.207/.244 (26 OPS+) in 141 trips to the plate with San Jose before the demotion to La Crosse. The bat has turned around, and he's hitting .282/.329/.603 (138 OPS+) with 7 homers and 14 RBI's in 85 plate appearances. He's an awful defender and we have Joe Rainbow (who's had massive struggles himself) supposed to be a top 50ish prospect catching for the Lions. I've started working Demastus all around the diamond, hoping he can get comfortable at first, left, right, or third. The only one he has experience in is first (and catcher), but he just has a handful of games right now. I think Demastus is a bust for sure, but I'm trying to give him any chance to succeed.

3B Ramon Paschal (B San Jose Cougars): It was a red hot week for the recent 7th Round selection, as Ramon Paschal took home player of the week in the C-O-W league. He hit .550 with 2 homers and 7 RBI's, including a 3-for-3 day with a homer, walk, 2 runs, and 5 RBI's on his 22nd birthday. He's handled B ball well, hitting .256/.336/.463 (121 OPS+) with 5 homers and 22 RBI's in 141 trips to the plate. He's a natural shortstop, but hasn't had much success in the college so I've been working him out at the hot corner. It hasn't quite gone as plan, with a -6.1 zone rating and .919 efficiency in just under 700 innings between La Crosse and San Jose, but I'm hoping he can eventually just be passable in the field. He has good speed and is a strong athletic player who has a lot of physical tools.

Given that the Cougars are 7-0 against the Saints this season, I'm sure you'll recover nicely this week. ;)

Week 14: July 11th-July 17th
 

Not going to have time tonight or tomorrow morning for a write up, but it's probably for the best. Another 2-5 week including a four game sweep at the hands of the struggling Kings has pushed us back to three games out of first. Dick Lyons was excellent, winning both of our games and Tom Taylor launched 3 homers, but besides that, we were more or less pathetic. Russ Combs also bruised his toe, but he won't really miss any time.

Week 15: July 18th-July 24th
 

July 18th, 1932
Montreal Saints (43-50): 9
Chicago Cougars (55-36): 4

W: George Thomas (5-6)
L: Gus Cain (0-1)
SV: Randy Taylor (6)

Oh man...

We just keep on losing...

We also lost Max Wilder to a mild shoulder strain. He'll miss his second schedule start this week and he'll go on the DL so Tom Barrell will be back up. Gus Cain was tagged with the loss, 4.1 innings with 7 hits, 5 runs, and 4 strikeouts. Claude Purvis went 2.2 innings with 4 hits, 2 run, a walk, and strikeout. Chick Meehan allowed a hit and run in an inning. Harry Simmons was 3-for-4 with a pair of runs scored. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a run and 2 RBI's. Vince York was 2-for-4 with a double and RBI. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with a run scored.

July 19th, 1932
Montreal Saints (43-51): 1
Chicago Cougars (56-36): 9

W: Dick Leudtke (10-6)
L: Chuck Murphy (0-2)

We took out our frustration on the Saints, winning this won 9-1. Chuck Murphy, who I mentioned in my last minor league report, made his second career start, but did not look good against us. Bill Ashbaugh had a huge game, 3-for-4 with 2 homers, a walk, 3 runs, and 5 RBI's. Tom Taylor was 3-for-5 with a steal, RBI, and two runs scored. John Kincaid was 3-for-5 with a pair of runs scored. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with a homer, walk, and 2 RBI's. Cy Bryant was 1-for-4 with a double and walk. Dick Leudtke went 9 with 7 hits, a run, walk, and 6 strikeouts.

July 20th, 1932
Montreal Saints (43-52): 9
Chicago Cougars (57-36): 11

W: Chick Meehan (1-1)
L: Dave Paynter (10-8)
SV: Claude Purvis (14)

We were down 7-1 in this one, and rallied back to win the finale 11-9 and take our first series in what seems like forever. John Kincaid was 3-for-5 with 2 doubles, a run, and 4 RBI's. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with a double, RBI, and two runs scored. Tom Taylor was 2-for-5 with a double, steal, and run scored. Russ Combs was 2-for-5 with a double, 3 runs, and an RBI. Harry Simmons was 2-for-4 with a pair of runs scored. Vince York was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Steve Castellini reverted back to his old ways, 6 innings with 18 hits, 8 runs, and 2 walks. Chick Meehan got the win, tossing an inning with 3 hits and a run. Claude Purvis got the win with 2 innings, a hit, and 2 strikeouts.

July 22th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (57-37): 4
Philadelphia Sailors (54-42): 17

W: Doc Newell (8-7)
L: Dick Lyons (12-4)

We got an off day and used it to travel out to Philly for three with the Sailors. We looked beyond pitiful, and were absolutely murdered 17-4. Dick Lyons had his first poor start in a while, 11 hits and 12 runs (7 earned), and 2 walks in 4.2 innings pitched. Gus Cain mopped up, 3.1 innings with 8 hits, 5 runs, 2 walks, and a strikeout. It's been a nightmare week for Cain who's ERA jumped from 1.88 to 4.26 in just two games. Vince York was 2-for-4 with a triple and 2 RBI's. Tom Taylor was 2-for-3 with a walk and a steal. Arnold Bower was 2-for-4 with a double, run, and RBI. Fred Barrell was 1-for-4 with a run scored.

July 23rd, 1932
Chicago Cougars (57-38): 2
Philadelphia Sailors (55-42): 3
10 Innings

W: William Jones (14-7)
L: Dick Leudtke (10-7)

What happened? We were cruising the first three months of the year, and now we can't win squat. This time, the Sailors topped us 3-2 in 10 after a Fred Nader pinch-hit sac-fly to end the game. To make matters worse, this start should have been Max Wilder, but instead Luedtke came in on short rest to make the start. He went 9.2 innings with 3 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), 2 walks, and 9 strikeouts in a really impressive start that. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with 2 doubles and RBI. John Kincaid was 2-for-5.

July 24th, 1932
Philadelphia Sailors (55-43): 3
Chicago Cougars (58-38): 5
12 Innings

W: Len Moore (1-1)
L: Rollie Beal (12-7)

If we lost this one I would have traded every single player in my organization... Up 3-2 in the ninth, Claude Purvis blew the game and let the Sailors tie it. Luckily, this time we were at home (schedule quirks) and we were able to walk it off. Vince York gave us something to be happy for with a two run homer to win it. He was 3-for-6 with 2 steals, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with a walk. John Kincaid was 2-for-6 with a run scored and RBI. Tom Taylor was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Starter Jim Crawford was 1-for-3 with a run and RBI. He also pitched really well, 8 innings with 5 hits, a run, walk, and 6 strikeouts. Purvis allowed a hit, 2 runs, and 2 walks with 2 strikeouts in an inning of work. Len Moore tossed 3 innings and picked up the win, just 3 hits and a walk with no runs.

Stars of the Week
John Kincaid : 29 AB, 12 H, 0 HR, 7 RBI, .414 AVG, .897 OPS
Vince York : 26 AB, 9 H, 1 HR, 6 RBI, .346 AVG, .970 OPS
Fred Barrell : 24 AB, 9 H, 1 HR, 3 RBI, .375 AVG, 1.006 OPS

Weekly Summary
So now it's three bad weeks in a row. Luckily, still just three out, but we really got to get things going. We're a pitiful 8-15 in July and are now better on the road (26-16) then at home (32-22). We're on the road this week, off Monday to travel to Baltimore for four with the Cannons (49-49) and then four with the Kings (42-57) who swept us last week. The deadline is on Sunday, so I'm going to work the weekend trying to pick someone up. There really isn't much good to talk about right now, Wilder will miss the week so Barrell will be back. Castellini sucks again, but his overall numbers are still fine. He probably has maybe one or two starts left before going to the pen.

Injury Report
SP Max Wilder (FABL Chicago Cougars): Mild shoulder strain (6 days)
SS Duke Fowler (C La Cross Lions): Returned from the DL

Transactions
Recalled SP Tom Barrell from AAA Milwaukee

Minor League Report

SP Johnny Walker (AAA Milwaukee Blues): The 22-year-old Walker is on his way up to AAA with Barrell rejoining the big league club. In 20 starts with Mobile he was 11-9 with a 3.19 ERA (136 ERA+), 1.31 WHIP, and 115 strikeouts. He's had a few problems with walks, walking 71 in 172 innings, but it's not all that concerning. His stuff is filthy, a groundballer with a mid 90s fastball and cutter with excellent off speed pitches including a curve and change. The former 3rd Rounder isn't yet Rule-5 eligible, so he's likely not to receive a callup late in the season, but he's shaping up to be a dependable rotation piece.

Blockbuster!
 

After a dreadful July, the Cougars have decided to strike a major deal with the Brooklyn Kings. Chicago has required SP Tommy Wilcox and C Mike Taylor for a four player package including former #1 Overall Pick Tom Barrell, World Series MVP C Fred Barrell, former #2 Overall Pick Mike Murphy, and top prospect SP George DeForest.

I really did not want to move Fred, but he was necessary to net Wilcox. Wilcox is a 25-year-old righty who has the potential to be the best pitcher in all of baseball and he currently ranks as the fourth best pitcher in the league. Worth over 6 WAR the past two seasons, Wilcox has really broken out this season, going 9-9 with a 3.19 ERA (137 ERA+), 1.35 WHIP, and 53 strikeouts in 160.2 innings pitched. Wilcox has an elite seven pitch arsenal including a fastball, sinker, curve, change, forkball, screwball, and knuckleball. He does an excellent job mixing these pitches up and fooling hitters left and right. He keeps the ball on the ground consistently with excellent command and he can pitch deep into games. He's led the league in complete games the past two seasons and already has 13 this year. He's an iron man arm who's never been hurt and if needed, we will skip back of the rotation arms to give Wilcox has many starts as possible.

Mike Taylor is probably one of two catchers in the league that is better then Fred Barrell and actually a little less then a year younger. Not only is Taylor and excellent hitter, but also an excellent defender. In four and a half seasons, the former 8th Rounder is hitting .321/.382/.496 (126 OPS+) with 68 homers and 368 RBI's. He's hitting a lot more homers then usual this year, 15 with 55 RBI's to go with a .285/.365/.489 (115 OPS+) batting line. Taylor is a much needed lefty bat for our lineup and he adds power to a lineup that severely needs it. Other then Tom Taylor's 18 homers, no one has more then 5. Taylor is an excellent hitter even if he hasn't done as well as usual this season, but I expect the homers to continue to increase with the move to Chicago. Our park is really homer friendly with a short centerfield and a 300 foot left and right field line.

We had to give up a ton of prospect capital to get these two stars, including the #29 (Barrell) and #60 (DeFoerst) prospect in the league plus a great catcher in Fred Barrell and a hard throwing lefty in Murphy. I love Fred, but his bat isn't where I'd like it to be and both him and Tom have had their share of injuries. We're built to win now and even though I'll likely regret seeing the Double Barrell action in Brooklyn for years to come, the Wilcox-Taylor battery is going to be just as deadly.

It is a great trade, you got a lot, but to get a lot you have to give. I actually like this deal on both sides (win-win)

Week 16: July 25th-July 31st
 

July 26th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (58-39): 6
Baltimore Cannons (50-49): 7

W: Lee Drouillard (4-2)
L: Claude Purvis (4-6)

We were in Baltimore for a four game set, and it did not start as planned. We rallied for three in the ninth to tie it before Claude Purvis walked a runner in so the Cannons literally walked off as winners. John Kincaid was 3-for-5 with a double, run, and 2 RBI's. Mike Taylor was 2-for-4 with a triple, walk, and two runs scored in his Cougars debut. Cy Bryant was 2-for-5 with a run scored. Steve Castellini made the start, 8 innings with 10 hits, 6 runs, a walk, and strikeout. Purvis allowed 2 hits and 2 walks while getting just one out.

July 27th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (59-39): 8
Baltimore Cannons (50-50): 7

W: Tommy Wilcox (1-0)
L: Bob Miller (8-10)
SV: Len Moore (1)

The Cannons scored seven again, but we managed to score eight today to even the series. It was Tommy Wilcox's Cougar debut, and while it wasn't pretty, we got the win. He went just 6 with 10 hits, 6 runs, a walk, and a strikeout. Len Moore picked up a three inning save, allowing 2 hits, a run, and a walk with a strikeout. Tom Taylor was 3-for-4 with 2 doubles, a sac-fly, a run, and 2 RBI's. Cy Bryant was 3-for-5 with a steal, RBI, and two runs scored. Arnold Bower was 2-for-4 with a walk, run, and RBI. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Russ Combs was 1-for-4 with a walk, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's.

July 28th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (59-40): 3
Baltimore Cannons (51-50): 9

W: Dutch Leverett (3-2)
L: Dick Lyons (12-5)

Baltimore got ahead early and didn't look back, securing at least a split with a 9-3 win. Dick Lyons was roughed up for 11 hits and 7 runs (4 earned) with a walk in 7 innings. Gus Cain allowed 2 hits and 2 runs with a strikeout in an inning. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a homer and 2 RBI's. Vince York was 1-for-3 with a double and walk. Tom Taylor was 2-for-4.

July 29th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (60-40): 6
Baltimore Cannons (51-51): 2

W: Dick Leudtke (11-7)
L: Rabbit Day (14-10)

We escaped Baltimore with a split and left Baltimore with our 60th win on the season. Dick Leudtke looked good, going all nine with 7 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks, and 2 strikeouts. He was also 1-for-4 with a run scored. Tom Taylor was 2-for-5 with a homer, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Arnold Bower was 2-for-4 with a triple, walk, and two runs scored. Mike Taylor was 2-for-5 with a run scored and two driven in. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with an RBI.

July 30th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (60-41): 4
Brooklyn Kings (47-57): 7

W: Jim Crawford (11-8)
L: Del Lyons (4-2)

It didn't take long for Taylor and Wilcox to return to Brooklyn, as we'd face the Kings for four. Wilcox is scheduled to pitch the first, but Taylor was hitting fifth for us and Fred Barrell 5th for them. Mike homered off starter and former Cougar Mike Murphy, but the Kings took the opener. Taylor was 2-for-4 with 2 runs and RBI's. Vince York was 2-for-5 with a triple, run, and RBI. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a double and RBI. Russ Combs was 1-for-4 with a walk and run. Jim Crawford (who I tried to use to net another big starting pitcher) had a terrible start, 7.2 innings with 9 hits, 7 runs, 2 walks, and 5 strikeouts.

July 31st, 1932
Chicago Cougars (61-41): 7
Brooklyn Kings (47-58): 6

W: Steve Castellini (6-3)
L: Johnny Jacob (4-6)
SV: Claude Purvis (15)

We tried to blow this one, but managed to hold on to finish an awful July with a win. John Kincaid went 3-for-4 with a triple, run, and RBI. Vince York was 3-for-5 with a double, run, and RBI. Mike Taylor was 2-for-5 with a double, run, and RBI. Tom Taylor was 2-for-5 with a double and run scored. Cy Bryant was 2-for-3 with a walk and 2 RBI's. Steve Castellini looked better, 7 innings with 10 hits, 4 runs, a walk, and strikeout. Claude Purvis "saved" the game with 2 hits, 4 walks, 2 runs (1 earned), and 2 strikeouts in 2 innings.

Stars of the Week
John Kincaid : 24 AB, 13 H, 1 HR, 7 RBI, .542 AVG, 1.375 OPS
Tom Taylor : 26 AB, 10 H, 1 HR, 4 RBI, .385 AVG, 1.008 OPS
Mike Taylor : 27 AB, 10 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI, .370 AVG, .985 OPS

Weekly Summary
11-18...

We went 11-18 in July after starting the season 40-23 and we even spent most of the month at home. I have no clue why we started sucking as we still rank top four in every category except home runs hit, home runs allowed, walks (offense), and bullpen ERA. The Stars (66-38) have pulled ahead of us by four games and we're almost closer to the Sailors (57-47) who are nine out then them. We're stuck in a long road trip with two more in Brooklyn before a crucial four game series with the Stars. Montreal (46-58) is after, but we need a big week in the baddest way. A sweep of the Stars wouldn't even put us ahead of them, so we cannot afford to keep dropping games like we are.

We'll get Max Wilder back from the DL who's replacing Cluade Purvis on the roster and Steve Castellini in the rotation. Castellini will fill the stopper role for now, but if Jim Crawford continues to struggle he'll return to the rotation. It's do or die time already and unless we pull off a 4-2 or 5-1 I'm not sure we can recover.

Although I counted us out last August and we decided to go out and win a title...

Transactions
Optioned RP Claude Purvis to AAA
Claimed SP Herb Lowman off waivers from the Philadelphia Sailors

Week 17: August 1st-August 7th
 

August 1st, 1932
Chicago Cougars (61-42): 3
Brooklyn Kings (48-58): 14

W: Tom Barrell (2-0)
L: Tommy Wilcox (1-1)

Should I ask for a refund? The Kings absolutely shelled former King Tommy Wilcox and Tom Barrell looked really good against us. Wilcox went 6.2 innings and allowed 10 with 13 hits, 10 runs (7 earned), and just one strikeout. Gus Cain had a rough outing (likely last), 3 hits and 4 runs with a walk and 2 strikeouts in 1.1 innings pitched. Cy Bryant was 2-for-2 with a walk, sac-fly, and run scored. Arnold Bower was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Harry Simmons was 1-for-3 with a run, double, and RBI. Mike Taylor was 2-for-3 with a walk.

August 2nd, 1932
Chicago Cougars (61-43): 3
Brooklyn Kings (49-58): 4

W: Mike Murphy (1-0)
L: Len Moore (1-2)

This does not bode well for the Stars series... Tied at four, rookie Elmer Nolde homered off Len Moore and the Kings walked off and took three of four in a series we really needed to win. Best part? Errors killed us in this one. Max Wilder did look shaky, 11 hits and 4 runs (1 earned...) with 2 walks and 4 strikeouts in 8 innings. Moore only threw one pitch, only the homer to Nolde. Cy Bryant was 3-for-4 with 2 triples and 3 RBI's. Russ Combs was 3-for-5. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-3 with a walk, RBI, and three runs scored. Mike Taylor was 1-for-4 with a triple and run scored. Arnold Bower and Vince York were both 2-for-5.

August 2nd, 1932
Chicago Cougars (62-43): 4
New York Stars (68-39): 3

W: Dick Lyons (13-5)
L: Lour Martino (10-4)
SV: Steve Castellini (1)

We entered the series with the Stars six (!) games out of first place and we really needed to win this game. We tried so hard to blow this one, but held on to win 4-3. We have to keep playing against Lou Martino, who's now 0-3 against us and 10-1 against the rest of the league. Dick Lyons was excellent, 8 innings with 6 hits, 2 runs, and 3 strikeouts. Castellini allowed a hit, run, and walk, but picked up the save. Vince York was 1-for-3 with a double, walk, and two runs driven in. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-3 with a triple and walk. John Kincaid was 1-for-4 with a run scored. Mike Smith had a huge pinch hit solo homer in the 9th, giving us at the time a 4-2 lead.

August 3rd, 1932
Chicago Cougars (62-44): 3
New York Stars (69-39): 4

W: Boyd Harper (11-7)
L: Steve Castellini (6-4)

The Stars flipped the script, and this time topped us 4-3. To make things worse, we were up 3-1 heading to the ninth and Castellini imploded. He allowed 3 hits, a walk, and 3 runs, including a walk-off base clearing triple from Gordie Loftus. It ruined a dazzling Dick Leudtke start, 8 strong innings with 5 hits, a run, 5 walks, and 2 strikeouts. He was also 1-for-3 with an RBI. John Kincaid was 3-for-4 with a run scored and a homer away from the cycle. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with a solo homer. Cy Bryant was 1-for-3 with a sac-fly and run scored.

August 4th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (63-44): 4
New York Stars (69-40): 2

W: Jim Crawford (12-8)
L: Gene Stevens (9-5)
SV: Steve Castellini (2)

Four seems to be the magic number, and we at least won't lose another series as we secured a split with a 4-2 win. Jim Crawford looked good, going 6.2 innings with 6 hits, 2 runs, 3 walks, and 3 strikeouts. Steve Castellini picked up the save, 2.2 innings with 2 hits and a walk. Arnold Bower was 2-for-4 with a triple, walk, run, and 2 RBI's. Mike Taylor was 2-for-5 with a double and run scored. Vince York was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Tom Taylor was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-3 with 2 walks.

August 5th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (64-44): 11
New York Stars (69-41): 5

W: Tommy Wilcox (2-1)
L: Randy Johnson (3-3)

So we can't beat the Kings, but we take three of four from the Stars? We won the finale in commanding fashion, 11-5 and we finally looked like a real team again. Mike Taylor was 2-for-4 with a homer, walk, 3 runs, and 3 RBI's. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-5 with a solo homer and two runs scored. Tom Taylor was 1-for-5 with a two run homer. John Kincaid was 1-for-4 with a double, walk, and two runs scored. Tom Taylor was 1-for-5 with a two run homer. Cy Bryant was 1-for-4 with a double, walk, and 3 runs driven in. Starter Tommy Wilcox was 2-for-4 with a run and 2 RBI's. He still didn't look good on the mound, going nine with 12 hits, 5 runs (3 earned), 2 walks, and 4 strikeouts.

August 6th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (65-44): 2
Montreal Saints (49-62): 1

W: Max Wilder (9-6)
L: Dave Paynter (11-10)

The offense disappeared in the opener against the Saints, but we broke a 1-1 tie in the 9th to take the opener 2-1. It's not all good, as the fragile Russ Combs is hurt again, this time for two weeks with a Latissimus dorsi strain. Before getting hurt, he was 2-for-5 with a double, run, and RBI. Max Wilder was dominant, going all nine with 6 hits, a run, 3 walks, and 3 strikeouts. He was also 1-for-4 with a run and walk. Arnold Bower was 3-for-5 with a double. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4.

Stars of the Week
Bill Ashbaugh : 22 AB, 8 H, 3 HR, 3 RBI, .364 AVG, 1.416 OPS
Cy Bryant : 24 AB, 9 H, 0 HR, 8 RBI, .375 AVG, .997 OPS
Arnold Bower : 33 AB, 11 H, 0 HR, 4 RBI, .333 AVG, .777 OPS

Weekly Summary
A winning week! I forgot what this feels like! It's just 4-3, but we made up half a game on the Stars (69-41). We have three more with the Saints before one in Philly (57-53) and three in Toronto (34-76) before an off day. We need a huge week as we cannot afford to drop more then two games this week.

We'll have to do it without Russ Combs, however, and while he's really struggled lately, it's still a big loss. He's hitting .344/.389/.479 (118 OPS+) with 3 homers, 11 steals, and 30 RBI's in 285 trips to the plate. July was rough for him like it was for most of our guys, as he hit just .237/.290/.278 with just 1 steal and 11 RBI's. The acquisition of Arnold Bower is huge right now, as him and Harry Simmons will handle middle infield duties. The 28-year-old Bower is hitting .367/.407/.512 (131 OPS+) with 2 homers, 3 steals, and 32 RBI's since the trade. Simmons isn't nearly as good this year as he has been in the past three seasons, hitting .273/.342/.325 (70 OPS+) with 2 homers, 4 steals, and 33 RBI's in 350 trips to the plate.

In other news, Dick Kadlec will begin a rehab assignment. He hasn't pitched since August 22nd when he partially tore his UCL in an outing in AAA. The 28-year-old will return to Milwaukee as he looks to regain strength. He's out of options, but the mix of not pitching for almost a year, a negative clubhouse personality, and an awful showing in the majors last year, Kadlec will likely end up DFA'd.

Lastly, Gus Cain will head to Milwaukee and Ace McSherry will be on his way back up to the majors. In 21 starts with the Blues, he was 10-2 with a 2.33 ERA (196 ERA+), 1.00 WHIP, and 113 strikeouts across 119.2 innings pitched. McSherry will enter the pen and if Castellini continues to struggle, he'll get a chance to pitch the ninth again.

Transactions
Optioned RP Gus Cain to AAA Milwaukee and recalled SP Ace McSherry and 2B John Banks.

Injury Report
2B Russ Combs (FABL Chicago Cougars): Latissimus dorsi strain (two weeks)
SP Dick Kadlec (FABL Chicago Cougars): Began a rehab assignment at AAA Milwaukee

Minor League Report

CF Joe Johnson (AAA Milwaukee Blues): I'm not covering him because he's doing any good, but I really considered calling up our top prospect and the #23 prospect in baseball with Combs going out. Johnson is hitting just .278/.362/.426 (103 OPS+), but with 10 homers, 24 steals, and 42 RBI's. He's also got an impressive +10 zone rating out in center and a 1.082 efficiency. Johnson is an extremely talented switch hitter with elite speed, an elite hit tool, and plus power. He's an above average defender and he's got the potential to be one of the best center fielders in the game. Current center fielder Cy Bryant ranks 3rd in the league at the position, and Johnson has higher upside then Bryant. I'm almost 100% going to bring him up in September as being a switch hitter can make him extremely valuable. Vince York has had some troubles this season so Johnson or Bryant may get a few reps in left to give York a few days off down the stretch.

Just the first game between the two so I am sure Wilcox will be fine. Taylor is fitting in very nicely for you

Oh yeah I have no doubt that Wilcox will be fine. And Taylor has been excellent. Besides, I can't complain too much about Wilcox with how unexpectedly great Arnold Bower has been.

Week 18: August 8th-August 14th
 

August 8th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (65-45): 8
Montreal Saints (50-62): 9

W: Allen Purvis (5-5)
L: Steve Castellini (6-5)
SV: Jack Barnet (2)

We should have won this game... Allowing 5 runs in the 8th didn't help us one bit, as the Saints evened the series up with a 9-8 win. It was Castellini's fault, as he allowed 4 hits and 5 runs with a walk in 0.2 innings. Dick Lyons went 7 innings with 10 hits, 4 runs, a walk, and 5 strikeouts. John Kincaid was 4-for-5 with 2 runs and an RBI. Tom Taylor was 3-for-4 with a walk, run, and RBI. Vince York was 2-for-5 with 2 doubles, 2 RBI's, and a run scored. Harry Simmons was 2-for-4 with a solo homer and 2 runs scored. Mike Taylor was 1-for-4 with a sac-fly and run scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with a walk and RBI.

August 9th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (66-45): 4
Montreal Saints (50-63): 0

W: Dick Leudtke (12-7)
L: Rich Fisher (9-9)

Dick Leudtke was brilliant and led us to a much needed win. He allowed just 3 hits and 3 walks with 4 strikeouts in a complete game shutout. He was also 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Cy Bryant was 3-for-4 with 2 triples, a run, and 2 RBI's. Mike Taylor was 1-for-4 with a run scored. Arnold Bower was 1-for-5 with a double.

August 10th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (67-45): 3
Montreal Saints (50-64): 1

W: Jim Crawford (13-8)
L: Walker Moore (7-13)

The pitching was great again, and we managed to take three of four from Montreal. Jim Crawford went all nine, allowing 10 hits, a run, and 2 walks with a strikeout. He was also 1-for-4 with an RBI. John Kincaid was 2-for-3 with a pair of walks. Phil Vaughan was 1-for-4 with a double, run, and RBI. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with a pair of runs scored. Tom Taylor was 1-for-4 with a steal.

August 11th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (67-46): 4
Philadelphia Sailors (59-55): 5

W: Oscar Morse (8-15)
L: Tommy Wilcox (2-2)

We suffered another walk-off loss, this time in our only game in Philly. Irv Brady ended the game with a sac-fly off Tommy Wilcox. He went 8.2 innings with 11 hits, 5 runs (4 earned), 2 walks, and a strikeout. John Kincaid was 3-for-4 with a walk, run, and 2 RBI's. Mike Taylor was 2-for-4 with a walk, run, and RBI. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with 2 doubles and a run scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with an RBI.

August 12th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (67-47): 3
Toronto Wolves (36-79): 6

W: Bert Sweet (9-10)
L: Max Wilder (9-7)

We can't even beat the Wolves... They took the first of three 6-3. Max Wilder allowed 8 hits, 6 runs (5 earned), and a walk with 4 strikeouts in 8 innings. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI's. Tom Taylor was 1-for-4 with a run, RBI, and steal. John Kincaid was 1-for-3 with a steal, walk, run, and double. Arnold Bower was 1-for-4 with a run scored.

August 13th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (68-47): 4
Toronto Wolves (36-80): 1

W: Dick Lyons (14-5)
L: Birdie Smith (8-16)
SV: Steve Castellini (3)

We got back in the win column, as all the Wolves could muster up was an unearned run. Dick Lyons was sharp, 8 innings with 7 hits, the unearned run, a walk, and 3 strikeouts. He was also 1-for-3 with a run scored. Steve Castellini allowed 2 hits, but luckily no runs. John Kincaid was 3-for-5 with a double and run scored. John Kincaid was 3-for-5 with a double and run scored. Tom Taylor was 2-for-4. Arnold Bower was 1-for-3 with a run, sac-fly, and 2 RBI's. Vince York was 1-for-4 with a double, run, and RBI. Harry Simmons was 1-for-3 with a walk and steal.

August 14th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (69-47): 3
Toronto Wolves (36-81): 0

W: Dick Leudtke (13-7)
L: Eddie Quinn (3-14)

Dick Leudtke was dominant again, this time tossing a 5-hit shutout with 1 walk and 3 strikeouts as we managed to take the series. Arnold Bower was 2-for-3 with a sac-fly and run scored. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a triple and run scored. Mike Taylor was 1-for-3 with a double, walk, and run scored. Vince York was 1-for-3 with a double, walk, and 2 RBI's. Mike Smith was 1-for-4 with a double.

Stars of the Week
John Kincaid : 26 AB, 15 H, 0 HR, 4 RBI, .577 AVG, 1.367 OPS
Dick Luedtke : 2 Wins, 18.0 IP, 4 BB, 7 K, 0.00 ERA
Tom Taylor : 25 AB, 9 H, 0 HR, 2 RBI, .360 AVG, .745 OPS

Awards
Player of the Week: 3B John Kincaid

Weekly Summary
Sure, we went 4-3 again, but now we're 5.5 games out of first and I feel like we have to start planning for next season.We cannot get anything going and things don't look like they are going to get better anytime soon. I really thought the Wilcox-Taylor trade would spark things, but it hasn't. This week we finally go back home, off Monday before starting the homestand. We'll start with Baltimore (57-61) and New York (75-42) for four. We could conceivably make up a lot of ground, but I do not have much faith in our offense anymore.

One thing I do have faith in, however, is our starting rotation. Cleveland star rookie Roger Perry leads all of baseball with a 2.90 ERA, but guess who's 2 through 4? Dick Leudtke (3.05), Max Wilder (3.06), and Dick Lyons (3.12). Our starting pitching ERA is an impressive 3.60, 11 points better then the Stars who have the second best. If only Jim Crawford was pitching like last season and Tommy Wilcox decided to pitch to his ability, we'd probably have the best 5-man rotation in FABL history. All five of our pitchers rank in the top 16 in the league. It's crazy that with an elite rotation and the best offense in baseball, we are falling farther and farther out of the playoff hunt.

Two quick other notes: Ace McSherry will take over as stopper as Castellini has proven to not be a dependable option. And for Brooklyn, Tom Barrell is now 3-0 with a 0.77 ERA (570 ERA+), 0.97 WHIP, and 25 strikeouts in 35 innings pitched.

Injury Report
SP Hap Goodwin (AAA Milwaukee Blues): Activated from the DL
2B Red O'Neil (AA Mobile Commodores): Oblique Strain (4-5 weeks)
RP Cy Plummer (B San Jose Cougars): Activated from the DL

Minor League Report

SP Fred Collins (A Lincoln Legislators): A 5th Round selection just two drafts ago, Fred Collins has flown up the ladder. In La Crosse, he was 3-3 with a 2.12 ERA (205 ERA+), 1.06 WHIP, and 66 strikeouts in 68 innings. In San Jose, he was 4-2 with a 2.08 ERA (194 ERA+), 0.94 WHIP, and 49 strikeouts in 65 innings. He's now made three starts in Lincoln, and in the most recent one he tossed a 1-hit shutout with just 1 walk and 8 strikeouts.The 23-year-old has passed all tests thrown at him so far, and is doing everything he can to establish himself in our system. He ranks 10th out of all our pitchers and 292nd overall in baseball. He's got a nice four pitch arsenal and has excellent command of all of them. His cutter sits in the high 90s and his off-speed pitches can be located well to finish off hitters. I like what I've seen so far with him, and I think he's going to be a dependable back of the rotation arm.

As commissioner and with no team to make me biased I can be a neutral observer. The above statement hits the nail on the head but what I would say (and I'd tell Tom - the Gothams GM - the same thing): don't sweat it too much. It happens in real baseball sometimes great teams underperform. You have a good, young team and you'll be in the thick of things for years to come as long as you don't panic.

I won't mention any names but I've seen it happen multiple times in various leagues where a good team is underperforming and the GM goes and tears it down - and it takes forever to get back. You probably know all this already but, just in case...

:2cents:

Week 19: August 15th-August 21st
 

Won't have time for a report today before our sim. It was a mix of good and bad. We swept the Cannons, but lost the first two to the Stars. The home team is now 3-11 in our games against each other, both teams 7-7. What makes it worse is if we won both games, we'd be 3.5 games out instead of the seemingly insurmountable 7.5 games. We've got maybe a month left, and it looks like our title defense won't take place. Even if we pull off a run like last September I'd be surprised if we catch the Stars.

Week 20: August 22nd-August 28th
 

August 22nd , 1932
New York Stars (81-43): 7
Chicago Cougars (75-49): 8
10 Innings

W: Steve Castellini (7-5)
L: Jim Scott (0-2)

We won't get swept! We tried real hard to lose this one, letting the Stars score five runs in the last three innings, but we walked it off in the 10th with a Mike Smith pinch-hit single. Max Wilder had a rough start, 14 hits and 6 runs with 3 walks and 7 strikeouts in 7.1 innings. Ace McSherry blew the save, allowing 3 hits, a run, and a walk in an inning. Castellini picked up the win with a perfect 10th. Cy Bryant was 3-for-5 with 3 runs, 2 steals, and an RBI. Jim Kyle was 2-for-4 with a sac-fly, double, triple, run, and 2 RBI's. Arnold Bower was 2-for-5 with a double and run scored. Mike Taylor, who was given a day off, hit a pinch hit two run homer in the 8th.

August 23rd , 1932
New York Stars (82-43): 10
Chicago Cougars (75-50): 4

W: Gene Stevens (11-5)
L: Dick Lyons (14-6)

Can't say I'm surprised we lost this one, as the home team has lost three of four in each of our three series. We're now an even 8-8 against the Stars on the year and they sit 7.5 games ahead of us. Dick Lyons had a rough start, 6 innings with 12 hits, 8 runs (7 earned), 2 walks, and a strikeout. Steve Castellini went 3 with 3 hits, 2 runs, and 2 strikeouts. Mike Taylor was 2-for-4 with 2 runs and a solo homer. Vince York was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Harry Simmons was 1-for-3 with a walk and run scored. Mike Smith had another big pinch hit at bat, this time a two run homer.

August 24th , 1932
Brooklyn Kings (61-65): 6
Chicago Cougars (76-50): 7

W: Dick Leudtke (15-7)
L: Del Lyons (7-4)

We'd welcome the Kings to town for three and the first one was too close for comfort. We gave up 3 in the 8th, but former King Mike Taylor ended the game with a walkoff homer. It was a huge game for Taylor who was 4-for-5 with two solo shots and three runs scored. Vince York was 2-for-4 with 2 runs and 2 RBI's. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI's. Harry Simmons and Bill Ashbaugh were both 2-for-4. Starter Dick Leudtke was 2-for-4 with a run scored. He pitched all nine and allowed 13 hits, 6 runs, 2 walks, and struck out 2.

August 25th , 1932
Brooklyn Kings (62-65): 5
Chicago Cougars (75-51): 1

W: Mike Murphy (4-0)
L: Jim Crawford (13-10)

Mike Murphy continued his excellent start to his Brooklyn career, and the Kings evened the series with a 5-1 win. Jim Crawford went all nine, allowing 10 hits, 5 runs, and a walk with 3 strikeouts. Phil Vaughan was 3-for-4 with an RBI. Mike Smith was 2-for-4 with a double and run scored. Tom Taylor was 2-for-4 with a double.

August 26th , 1932
Brooklyn Kings (62-66): 7
Chicago Cougars (76-51): 9
12 Innings

W: Len Moore (2-2)
L: Lyman Weigel (6-9)

We gotta chill with these walk off wins... Tommy Wilcox continued to pitch awful, but we managed to win with a walk-off two run shot from Tom Taylor. Wilcox allowed 10 hits and 7 runs with 2 strikeouts in 7 innings. Len Moore had a solid relief outing, 3 innings with 4 hits and 2 walks. Taylor had a great game, 4-for-6 with 2 homers, 3 runs, 4 RBI's, and a walk. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-6 with a two run homer. Vince York was 2-for-4 with 2 walks and 2 runs. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with a sac-bunt, walk, and run scored. Arnold Bower was 2-for-6 with a sac bunt and a pair of RBI's. Russ Combs was 2-for-3 before leaving with a minor injury.

August 27th , 1932
Montreal Saints (56-73): 3
Chicago Cougars (77-51): 5

W: Max Wilder (11-7)
L: Dave Paynter (11-12)

The Saints were in town for a quick two game set, and we took the opener 5-3. Max Wilder went all nine with 8 hits, 3 runs, and 5 strikeouts. He was also 1-for-3 with a two run double. Harry Simmons was 3-for-4 with a double, run, and RBI. Tom Taylor was 2-for-4 with 2 RBI's. Mike Taylor was 1-for-3 with a walk and run scored.

August 28th , 1932
Montreal Saints (56-74): 3
Chicago Cougars (78-51): 7

W: Dick Lyons (15-6)
L: Earle Whitten (2-7)

We completed a much needed sweep with a 7-3 win. Dick Lyons looked solid, allowing 8 hits and 3 runs (1 earned) with 5 walks and 2 strikeouts in the complete game victory. Jim Kyle was 3-for-4 with a steal, double, 2 runs, and 3 RBI's. Tom Taylor was 2-for-4 with a steal and two runs scored. Arnold Bower was 2-for-3 with a pair of runs driven in. Vince York was 2-for-4 with a run scored. Cy Bryant was 1-for-4 with a triple and run scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with a double and run scored.

Stars of the Week
Tom Taylor : 31 AB, 13 H, 2 HR, 6 RBI, .419 AVG, 1.083 OPS
Mike Taylor : 22 AB, 8 H, 4 HR, 5 RBI, .364 AVG, 1.440 OPS
Mike Smith : 7 AB, 5 H, 1 HR, 4 RBI, .714 AVG, 2.000 OPS

Weekly Summary
So we got 5-2 and don't pick up a single game... With the Stars magic number at 18, we're still technically in the race, but I don't see us coming back. If we were in the Federal Association, we'd hold a 6.5 game lead over the first place Keystones (71-57). We only have three more games against the Stars (86-44) so we can't even try to make up games quickly. Also, they're 20-6 in August and show no signs of slowing down. We went 17-10 (it felt like 10-17...) so even with playing well over .600 ball, we lost games.

We're off to start the week, but then have two more games against the Saints. We're off to start September before hosting the Wolves (39-91) for three. This is five games against the worst two teams in the league, so if we can to try to get back into this, we have to will all five. New York has to face Cleveland (71-58) for two and then one in Philly (63-65) and Baltimore (61-69). Baltimore (and Montreal and Toronto) are already eliminated from the playoffs as well.

Injury Report
CF Ken Allen (AA Mobile Commodores): Activated from the DL
SP Ike Quinn (A Lincoln Legislators): Strained hamstring (6-7 weeks)
C Billy Wiseman (B San Jose Cougars): Fractured finger (4-5 weeks)
RF Ben McDonald (C La Crosse Lions): Activated from the DL