Top Prospects: 26-30
 

RF Billy Marshall (219th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 10th Round, 145th Overall (1929)
Alma Mater: Birmingham HS Bulldogs
Last Year Rank: 15th

I'm still trying to find an outfield spot for Billy Marshall who hasn't looked good in left or center. He made 96 starts in right this year, but really didn't look all that exciting. He's got a cannon, so that's likely where he'll end up, but for someone with his speed it sucks he can't really translate it to outfield range. He hit .287/.376/.477 (137 OPS+) in San Jose with 10 homers, 36 RBI's, and 13 steals before a promotion to Lincoln. It didn't go so well, as he slumped to .218/.293/.378 (88 OPS+) with 7 homers, 22 RBI's, and 4 steals. Another lefty swinger, Marshall has a strong hit tool and good speed, and as mentioned, an excellent arm in the outfield. Not sure he'll ever have what it takes to start, but he could be a really dependable lefty bench bet like Mike Smith has been. Smith also started as a center fielder, but tried left before finally settling in as a right fielder. Off the bench, he hit .394/.436/.617 (163 OPS+) with 4 homers and 15 RBI's, which would be an excellent outcome for a former 10th Rounder like Marshall.

CF Roy Moore (219th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 4th Round, 63rd Overall (1931)
Alma Mater: Hartford HS Blue Sox
Last Year Rank: 17th

A 4th Round selection in 1931, despite a rough season in La Crosse, he'll be up to San Jose to start the year. He's never really hit much, valued more for his defense, so even though his .290/.334/.352 (78 OPS+) line isn't too promising, he also added 14 steals with solid defense out in center. He hit just 4 homers and 37 RBI's, but that's not the type of player he his. He's just 5'7'' and weighs only 135 pounds, so you can't expect much power from him. What he brings his speed and defense, and at least to me, that's all you can ask for a center fielder. They can work on improving their contact or plate discipline (much needed considering 172 strikeouts compared to 33 walks), but you can't teach speed. I never really expected him to be a full time starter, and you really need a 4th outfielder who can cover ground out in center. My scout even thinks he's ready for A ball, so with all the new blood in the lower minors, Moore's going to be benefited by his advanced glove and relatively well developed hit tool.

LF Joe Joseph (227th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 14th Round, 223rd Overall (1932)
Alma Mater: Denver HS Mountaineers
Last Year Rank: New

Our 14th Round Pick! Is he the next Tom Taylor? He's got the alliteration and the Canadian background! No 14th Rounder of ours has made the majors or done much, but Sam Reeves (1925) has sometimes looked promising and is at least in AA. I may have to bring up the 25-year-old just because he is part of the excellent 1925 Draft Class.

Another left fielder, the Canadian Joseph didn't play until his Junior year and recorded just 306 plate appearances. He did well, hitting .358/.408/.511 (160 OPS+) with 8 homers and 46 RBI's. He's a strong, athletic outfielder who should always hit for a high average. He's not much of a fielder, however, so I may move him to first base. Especially with all the new outfielders we added, it's likely the best way for him to get playing time.

SP John Hartz (231st Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 2nd Round, 31st Overall (1931)
Alma Mater: Denver HS Mountaineers
Last Year Rank: 17th

Him and Joe Joseph were teammates last year! The annual 2nd Round high school arm pick, John Hartz was taken 31st overall in 1931, but he didn't quite have the pro debut he was looking for. The Harrisburg native was 5-9 with a 5.04 ERA (87 ERA+), 1.69 WHIP, and 63 strikeouts in 103.2 innings pitched. Despite this, we plan on starting him in San Jose as he added a little more life to his fastball and he looked really good at the end of the season except for a rough final start against one of the better teams in the UMVA. He's also 20, so he's further developed then most prep picks from last year, and he doesn't have too many innings on his arm. Hartz has a nice four pitch mix with a strong curveball that he gets a lot of swings and misses on. He does get a decent amount of punch outs, with a solid 5.5 K/9 even in affiliated ball. I think his peak is a back of the rotation arm, but with pitching prospects, you want as many lottery tickets as you can get.

2B Elmer Hutchins (233rd Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 8th Round, 113th Overall (1929)
Alma Mater: Portland HS Lumberjacks
Last Year Rank: 16th

It was a down year for the 21-year-old Elmer Hutchins who hit just .234/.301/.339 (80 OPS+) with 3 homers, 5 steals, and 40 RBI's in his first taste of A ball. He's a decent defender who generally makes good contact, but he didn't quite look himself this year. I'm going to give him a chance to earn a spot at Mobile, but he's likely going to at least start the year in Lincoln. I actually tried using Hutchins as trade bait for picks, but I didn't quite realize how rough his season was this year. He's still a highly touted prospect with the floor of a bench bat, but I think if he can regain his form, he could be a Harry Simmons type player. Good enough to start for a bad team, but eventually someone you want to upgrade on.

Spring Training!
 

Baseball is back! After a rather quiet offseason, we start our Spring schedule with the defending champion Stars. Only five trades were made all offseason, and four of them were my doing. With the 60 men roster for Spring, all 40 of our 40 man guys were brought up, I filled up all 60 spots with 20 non-roster invitees. Don't expect any of them to make the team, but I like having a lot of bodies in camp.

Some notables:
SP Johnny Walker (former 3rd Round Pick)
SP Billy Lebeau (former 5th Round Pick)
C Ken Wyatt (former 4th Round Pick)
2B Elmer Hutchins (233rd Prospect)
3B Tom Spitzer (190th Prospect)
SS Charlie Gamble (started 100+ games in Chicago from 1924-1926)
SS Charlie Reed (former 2nd Round Pick)
CF Ken Allen (former 4th Round Pick)
RF Howard Moss (former 4th Round Pick)

The goal is to have my starters throw once a week. All five rotation guys will make starts, with the other one or two varying weekly. Most of my position players will get three or four starts a week, but Bobby Sprague will start almost every game as I work him out in left. When replacing guys in the lineup, I'm just going to keep the position in the order the same. By that I mean since Russ Combs is starting at second and leading off, all my second basemen will hit leadoff. Other then the first game of the Spring, I will never use all eight starters in the same game.

There will be a few interesting roster spot battles, but most of the team is set in stone (favorite italicized):

Backup Catcher: Claude Ramsey and Cliff Ray
Sixth Infielder: Barney Meeker, Luke Nixon, Phil Vaughan, Jim Fisher, Slim Bloom, Lee Sparks
5th Outfielder: Vallie Turner, Bob McCarty, Tom Thomas, Curt Ross
Bullpen Spots: Gus Cain, Pete Sposito, Herb Lowman, Don Grossman, Bill Kline, Ace McSherry, Len Moore, Claude Purvis, Norm Stewart, Steve Castellini
One Additional Roster Spot

Here's the guys with basically a guaranteed spot:
SP Dick Lyons
SP Dick Ledutke
SP Jim Crawford
SP Max Wilder
SP Tommy Wilcox
RP Chick Meehan
C Mike Taylor
1B Bill Ashbaugh
2B Russ Combs
2B Harry Simmons
3B John Kincaid
SS Arnold Bower
LF Bobby Sprague
CF Cy Bryant
RF Tom Taylor
RF Mike Smith

Amateur Report: College
 

With the College season getting underway on March 21st (current in-game date March 15th), here's a quick preview of some of the college guys. I'll list them in three categories, potential top picks, bounce back candidates, and intriguing freshman. For the bounce back candidates I'll try to focus mostly on draft eligible guys.

Potential Top Picks

SP Joe Hancock (Henry Hudson Explorers): After two Henry Hudson arms (Curly Jones and George Gilliard) went in the first round, Joe Hancock has a chance to join his former teammates. GM's may potentially shy away from him after Curly Jones shocked the baseball world and retired shortly after becoming the #1 overall pick, but Hancock has immense potential and he's arguably the best arm available this offsesaon. Last season was huge for the righty, finishing 7-2 with a 2.19 ERA (228 ERA+), 0.80 WHIP, and 109 strikeouts in 90.1 innings pitched as the #3 starter in the Explorers rotation. Henry Hudson will be looking to three-peat, and having him sit atop the rotation will help. He's a tall groundballer who throws a mid 80s fastball, outstanding change up, and hard breaking slider. He has pinpoint control and can paint the corners with ease. He saw his velocity tick up a bit in January, and the harder it gets the more devastating his change will be. I really hope we don't pick high enough to be able to select him, but he's my way to early #1 overall pick projection.

SP Cal Knight (Pierpont Purple): He's young for his class, turning 20 in just a few days, but the southpaw Cal Knight probably had the best 1932 season. He finished 7-1 with a 1.63 ERA (295 ERA+), 0.81 WHIP, and 101 strikeouts in 99.2 innings pitched. He's a groundball pitcher with a five pitch arsenal, and he showed great strides in the offseason. Since the college season ended, he saw his velocity go from 84-86 to 86-88. He doesn't have the dominant pitches that Hancock has, but all five pitches are above average and his splitter is really good. He's working on perfecting his control and he's posted respectable BB/9 numbers. The only problem with Knight is he was not that good as a freshman. Finishing just 5-7 with a 3.20 ERA (122 ERA+), 1.04 WHIP, and 87 strikeouts in 112 innings pitched, some scouts are a little skeptical of his breakout. I'm really high on him, and I think he has one of the highest upside of any college arm in recent memory. His offseason improvements paired with his excellent work ethic give me great hope for his 1933 season. Add the fact that he's a 6'5'' checks all the boxes you want with a pitcher, he reminds me of a lefty version of what Tommy Wilcox was before becoming a Cougar.

SP Brad Daniels (St. Blaine Fighting Saints): Okay, maybe Brad Daniels had the best 1932 season. The Illinois native (Yay!) was 9-1 with a miniscule 1.15 ERA (462 EAR+), 0.90 WHIP, and 80 strikeouts in 86 innings pitched for St. Blaine. Daniels features an impressive four pitch repertoire with a nasty downward moving change that drops out at the last second. He throws from a deceptive 3/4 armslot and sits comfortable in the mid 80s with his fastball. He also did a much better job of preventing the long ball last year, just 2 (0.2 per 9) all season. Daniels is very far developed for his age, but I'm not sure he has the upside of Hancock and Knight. He's got top of the rotation potential, but I feel like he'll never be the best pitcher of his time. He's more Max Wilder then Rabbit Day (Baltimore's Ace and two time Allen award winner), but a Max Wilder is still extremely valuable.

SS Johnnie Sundberg (Coastal California Dolphins): This class really lacks a top hitter, but I'd hedge my bets on Sundberg being the first position player selected. Since he plays a premium position and owns a respectable .335/.412/.562 (148 OPS+) batting line, there's not many players I'd rank ahead of him. He also hit 18 homers, stole 7 bases, and drove in 71 runs in his 457 plate appearances the past two seasons with the Dolphins. He projects to be an above average defender and should be able to hit over .310 in the majors. He's got nice speed too, but his power is likely average at best. He kind of reminds me of Russ Combs, but for his sake, I hope he can stay healthy unlike Combs. He also bares similarity to our first rounder this year Billy Hunter, but I think Sundberg has higher upside.

3B Phil McKenna (Coastal California Dolphins): A teammate of Sundberg, the Dolphins easily boast the best left side of the infield in all of college baseball. He really broke out last season, slashing .344/.434/.682 (174 OPS+) with 16 homers and 62 RBI's after a rather uninspiring freshman season. He also vastly improved his defense, increasing his zone rating and efficiency from -9.5 and .811 to -1.8 and .975. Obviously, those numbers aren't very good, but the more he plays at the hot corner the better he'll get. He has the potential to become average to above average defensively, but with his bat it doesn't matter if he ever reaches that. He makes consistent contact, lays off all the bad pitches, and can drive the ball along way. Third base is a rather weak position in the FABL, with John Lawson, John Kincaid, and Frank Vance (Detroit) really the only top tier players. The Chiefs also have Joe Masters and Brooklyn and Montreal are trying second basemen Jake Shadoan and Hank Barnett at the hot corner, but a lot of teams could use a bat like McKenna. Out of need, McKenna could see himself as the first bat taken off the board, even though Sundberg is probably the better prospect.

Bounce Back Candidates

SP Dick Higgins (Dickson Maroons): It feels almost silly calling someone who had a 3.27 ERA (157 ERA+) and 1.19 WHIP a bounce back candidate, but it was definitely a down year for the Maroons ace. The righty was also 1-5 with 94 strikeouts in 77 innings pitched. His walks went down and his strikeouts went up, but hitters were able to consistently put the ball in play against him and his WHIP and ERA both spiked. As a freshman, Higgins was elite, 6-4 with a 1.65 ERA (252 ERA+), 1.05 WHIP, and 96 strikeouts in 103.1 innings pitched. "Pistol" is very similar to Hancock, with a mid 80s fastball and outstanding change up, but he features a power slider instead of a movement oriented one (think Jacob deGrom just not 90 MPH). That's not to say he doesn't get good movement on it, as it's extremely hard for righties to hit, but he focuses more on pounding the zone while Hancock prefers to place his pitches. Right now I think he's a late first, early second pick, but a strong junior year can put him in contention for the top pick. Based on talent alone, he's probably the second best draft eligible college arm, but a rough season could see him fall out of the first couple rounds.

SP Charlie Phillips (Boulder State Grizzlies): Here's a guy filled with talent who just hasn't done much in college. In 30 starts he's 13-12 with a 4.02 ERA (128 ERA+), 1.18 WHIP, and 185 strikeouts across 210.1 innings pitched. The righty has a dominant knuckle curve with a mid to high 80s fastball and a decent splitter, curve, and change comprising a really strong five pitch arsenal. He has had issues when his control escapes him and he saw his home run rate jump from 0.2 to 1.0 last year as he left too many pitches over the heart of the plate. He's got all the tools needed to succeed, but there has to be results. Right now, he's a middle round pick, but he's got top of the rotation potential if he can put everything together.

SS Buck Stanton (George Fox Reds): He's one of those guys that you expect to break out, but just never does. A Danville, Illinois native, Stanton has hit just .277/.334/.374 (88 OPS+) with 5 homers, 23 steals, and 22 RBI's in 100 games with the Reds. He is an outstanding defender, so even if the bat doesn't develop, there is still value there, but he's got excellent tools. He's extremely athletic with plus speed and range and he's got a really solid eye at the plate. He's a bit of a light hitter and he saw his walks and strikeouts go in the wrong direction last year. There's talent here, but the 19-year-old is really raw and may be a late bloomer at the plate.

Intriguing Freshman

SP Hank Beckman (Whitney College Engineers): Located just a few miles away from the North Side Grounds, the Engineers have possibly the best freshman recruit in the game. The 17-year-old Beckman features a five four arsenal with a really good forkball. He's an excellent control pitchers who hits spots with ease and he excels at fooling hitters. He doesn't throw hard, but he's got a lot of time to grow and add speed. He'll never be a power pitcher, but even moving up to the 86-88 range will be enough for his natural talent. He doesn't have any HS numbers as he joined in February (I like to think of these guys as players who didn't go to top level baseball high schools), but he's definitely someone to watch.

LF Larry Ryder (George Fox Reds): Like Beckman, Ryder was a February addition with no HS stats. His tools look really good, with elite hit tools and solid power. He won't be a 25+ home run hitter, but I can see him surpassing double digits easily. He can challenge for batting titles and will almost never swing at pitches outside the zone. There are questions about his defensive ability, but he should be able to handle left and he has experience at first and right.

CF Leo Costello (Central Ohio Aviators): Taken in the 12th Round by Washington out of St. Louis HS, Costello instead decided to attend Central Ohio. He once looked like a top pick after hitting .336/.433/.725 (245 OPS+) with 14 homers, 17 steals, and 35 RBI's as a junior, but a rough senior season cause him to fall down draft boards. He hit just .258/.398/.371 (107 OPS+) with 3 homers, 7 RBI's, and 12 steals. Regardless, his .286/.394/.522 (162 OPS+) career numbers are very impressive and his speed and defensive abilities still remained strong when the bat disappeared. He seems poised for a bounce back year with his new team, and he'll have a chance to work his way back up draft boards. He's got a lot of raw talent and I think his floor might be Cy Bryant. He'll be an interesting youngster to watch, and I'd be surprised if he isn't taken higher when he's eligible again in 1935.

C Elmer Field (St. Patrick's Shamrocks): Our 20th Round selection, I decided to let the switch hitter attend St. Patrick's. He hit just .305/.332/.385 (88 OPS+) with 18 RBI's as a senior, but scouts seem to rave about his talent. He actually spent most of his high school innings at first, but he's expected to be a catcher with the Shamrocks. He's got above average contact ability from both sides of the plate, but will never hit for any sort of power. Like Costello, I'd be surprised if he isn't taken earlier when he's eligible again.

1B Jim Estelle (North Carolina Tech Techsters): I'm assuming he was an impossible signee, as I can't imagine why no one would take a chance on a guy who hit .365/.410/.544 (159 OPS+) in high school with 10 homers and 52 RBI's in two seasons. The lefty 1B/LF has never been much of a defender, but he always hits for a high average and will surprise you with a home run every so often if you give him a good pitch to hit. He's very disciplined and rarely swings and misses, just 13 strikeouts total.

Amateur Report: High School
 

A quick trade interlude before: We sent 38-year-old Steve Castellini to the Pittsburgh Miners for a 7th Round pick. This upcoming draft class isn't nearly as good as the current one, but I wasn't sure Castellini would make the team and there's some interesting arms I rather see make the team.

There really aren't that many high school prospects so this one is pretty short:

Potential Top Picks

SP Mike Lee (Philadelphia HS Patriots): A Chicago native (yay!), Lee hasn't had that great of a high school career, but he's got a lot of upside. In two seasons he was 9-10 with a 2.89 ERA (143 ERA+), 1.05 WHIP, and 101 strikeouts in 146.1 innings pitched. These are still pretty solid numbers, a little worse then Walker Pearce's three high school seasons, but with a much weaker class, Lee has a chance to be the first prep arm off the board. He's throws in the mid to high 80s with solid control, movement, and stuff. Lee is one of those guys that doesn't have a standout skill, but is good at pretty much everything. I expect him to be a solid middle of the rotation arm and would consider taking him myself if he puts together a strong season.

SS Joe Angevine (Portland HS Lumberjacks): Last year, I wouldn't even consider Angevine a top prospect, but he put together a really solid season. He hit .344/.411/.563 (150 OPS+) with 4 homers, 12 steals, and 23 RBI's. It may have been the change from right field to shortstop, as his defense and offense both drastically improved. He's looking like a really good defensive shortstop and he's got the speed and range needed. Another plus, he's a switch hitter who will walk more then he'll strikeout and he really worked to add extra base power. A strong season should propel Angevine up draft boards and I can see him being selected in the first few rounds.

C Dave Wade (Dallas HS Rangers): Barring a rough season, I would expect Wade to be the first prep player selected. In his first two seasons, he hit .289/.433/.519 )164 OPS+) with 15 homers and 61 RBI's. He's got an extremely advanced eye for his age, with 33 walks in both seasons. He also walked just 19 times, including only 7 last year. He may never hit for a high average, but he's got a ton of power and should be an OPS king. Since 1905, only two catchers, Dick York (1923, .461) and T.R. Goins (.457, 1926) have recorded OBP's higher then .450 and Wade had a .463 last year.

Bounce Back Candidates

SP Rusty Petrick (Sacramento HS Governors): In his first year of varsity ball, Petrick was 0-5 with a 4.71 ERA (101 ERA+), 1.45 WHIP, and 58 strikeouts in 49.2 innings pitched. He worked hard in the offseason, adding a few miles on his cutter. He's got a really good four pitch arsenal, with the cutter, curve, slider, and change all well above average pitches. He doesn't have the best command which caused him problems last year. He had a high home run and walk rate and it caused him to exit games early. If he can straighten up his issues, he could develop into a really quality pitcher.

SS Tommy Wilson (Elmira HS Emeralds): After a strong 1931 that saw him hit .284/.386/.459 (151 OPS+) with 6 homers, 9 steals, and 34 RBI's, Wilson slumped a bit last year. He hit just .259/.365/.424 (110 OPS+) with 4 homers, 8 steals, and 24 RBI's. Even though the offense fell significantly, he turned his -5.2 zone rating to a +5.8 and he turned his efficiency from .912 to 1.079. He's an above average defender with above average speed and he's got good discipline at the plate. He's got the tools to succeed, but will need a strong year to work his way back up draft boards.

Intriguing Freshman

RF Mike Taylor (Mobile HS Commodores): No, this isn't superstar catcher Mike Taylor. This is 14-year-old future superstar outfielder Mike Taylor. "The Gambler" is from a small town in Polarville, Mississippi and he's got the chance to be a #1 overall pick. He's got elite speed, is an advanced hitter, and has a ton of bat speed. Of course, he's just an unproven freshman, but all the early signs look good. Add on his personality "his feel for the game gives him good chances of reaching his ceiling" and it's hard to find a better prep prospect then Taylor.

SP George Garrison (Memphis HS Pharaohs): Standing at 6'1'' as a 15-year-old, the towering righty has the perfect body type of a big league pitcher and he's got a ton of time to grow. He doesn't throw too hard yet, just 83-85, but again, lot's of room to grow. He's got three dependable pitches, a fastball, curve, and forkball. His best current asset is his control and he does a good job keeping the ball on the ground. He's a really low floor high ceiling kind of guy that should be an intriguing prospect to watch for the next four years.

End of Spring Training
 

Spring training finished today and Opening Day is set for Monday. We finished the Spring 13-11, but none of that matters. What matters is winning another title. I know we have a talented team and I don't think anyone can match up to us. We still have to win the games, of course, but I'm really looking forward to this year.

Here's the 23-Man Roster for 1933:
SP Jim Crawford
SP Dick Leudtke
SP Dick Lyons
SP Tommy Wilcox
SP Max Wilder
RP Bill Kline
RP Chick Meehan
RP Claude Purvis
RP Norm Stewart
C Claude Ramsey
C Mike Taylor
1B Bill Ashbaugh
1B Phil Vaughan
2B Harry Simmons
2B Russ Combs
3B John Kincaid
SS Slim Bloom
SS Arnold Bower
LF Bobby Sprague
CF Cy Bryant
CF Bob McCarty
RF Mike Smith
RF Tom Taylor

Roster Moves:
Designated RP Gus Cain for assignment
Returned C Cliff Ray to Baltimore
Returned 1B Barney Meeker to Boston
Returned LF Vallie Turner to Chicago

Opening Day!
 

Baseball is back in the FABL! Despite winning a team best 97 games in 1932, the Cougars fell just short of the postseason and did not get a chance to defend their title. Moments after the start of the World Series, the Cougars made a deal with the Gothams to bring in CF Bobby Sprague. Chicago's GM is hoping that the addition of Sprague and hopefully a bounceback from Tommy Wilcox will be enough to return the Cougars to the playoffs.

The preseason predictions seem to like the Cougars chances, tabbing them win an impressive 98-56 record, the best in all the FABL. They expect the next best CA team (Brooklyn) to finish almost 20 games behind with just 81 wins. The Cougars are also projected to have two top hitters (Tom Taylor and Russ Combs) and three top pitchers (Tommy Wilcox, Max Wilder, and Dick Leudtke). The excellent record is of course encouraging, but the best sign is the projected #1 CA starter is Tommy Wilcox. His struggles have been well documented, but I'm really hoping for a bounce back year. And after much mulling, he'll get the Opening Day start over Dick Leudtke. I really want to ride Wilcox, and he'll be given the chance to prove himself. If all goes well, he'll strictly pitch every fifth day and if Lyons or Crawford struggle, he may see the occasional start on short rest. No pitcher has numbers close to his projected 2.44 ERA and while I don't expect him to be a 30 game winner (or make almost 50 starts), I'm excited to see what he can do. We're expected to lead the CA in runs, average, steals, runs against, ERA, and walks. The ERA, walks, steals, and runs against are league best as well. The CA is a much more pitcher friendly league then the FA (Chicago is actually the only hitter friendly stadium in the CA) so I'm not too surprised some of the FED teams are expected to out hit and score us.

Looking to the Fed, more of a race is projected. The Dynamos, reigning pennant winning Keystones, and 1931 pennant winning Gothams are all projected to finish within 3 games of first with the Dynamos listed on top. It should be an exciting race to the finish there. There are a few former Cougars on each team, with Taylor Collins on the Dynamos, Rabbit Forrest on the Keystones, and Erv Firth and Joe Johnson on the Gothams.

Now, we don't have a strong farm system at the moment, ranked 10th out of 16th teams, but I definitely am excited about the state of the system. If I remember correctly, after trading away Leonard and Johnson we fell to 15th in the league and after the draft we bounced up five spots. I think we should move to the top half by the end of the season (of course, assuming I don't trade away the farm midseason) because none of our top prospects are going to be graduating. Of our nine top 100 prospects, none have a 1933 ETA and most will be appearing in 1935 and 1936. Directly ahead of us is Brooklyn and Montreal. Brooklyn's top prospect Harry Barrell (2nd) should be up sometime this year and Montreal's 3rd best prospect Chuck Murphy (33rd) is already on the 40 and has debuted. The Sailors have #3 prospect Lou Williams on their Opening Day roster and a pair of top prospects in AA. Cleveland's top two prospects have 1933 ETA's and are waiting in AAA while Johnny Turner (47th) made the Opening Day roster. I think it is possible we could pass those teams, especially because we have a total of 16 prospects in the top 150 that (hopefully) can only move up.

Looking at the major league team, we've got a top 5 ranked player at every position except first base. Bobby Sprague was formerly the #1 ranked center fielder, and since the start of Spring, has moved up from 15th to 5th at left field. This is just because he's still not fully acclimated to left, and I feel like he can enter the top 3, behind just the Chief's Jim Hampton and the Gotham's Joe Perret. I'm kind of shocked Ashbaugh is ranked 9th, considering he hit .319/.384/.470 (124 OPS+) last season and has a career .320/.389/.505 (132 OPS+) line all while playing elite defense at first. There are a lot of top quality first basemen including Rankin Kellogg, Bud Jameson, Max Morris, and Dave Trowbridge, but I feel like Ashbaugh should rank ahead of Dan Barrell and Dick Walker at least. Of course, the pitching is also a real strength, and very few can match our 5-man depth.

Speaking of that pitching depth, it shows up in the top 20 players list. Four of our starters, Tommy Wilcox (3rd), Dick Luedtke (15th), Jim Crawford (19th), and Max Wilder (20th) rank in the top 20 for pitchers and my guess is Dick Lyons isn't too far out. No other team has more then three (the Philadelphia entries are split between the Keystones and Sailors, and New York between the Gothams and Stars). We also boast four top hitters, Mike Taylor (6th), Russ Combs (9th), John Kincaid (13th), and Tom Taylor (15th). For position players, no team has more then two. Of course, I'm biased here, but I really like our chances of finishing on top this year after a relatively disappointing season last year.

Of course, none of this "on paper" stuff truly matters, or we wouldn't have to play out the games. And I can't wait for another fun season in Chicago!

Play Ball!

Week 1: April 13th-April 16th
 

April 13th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (1-0): 5
Cleveland Foresters (0-1): 1

W: Tommy Wilcox (1-0)
L: Roger Perry (0-1)

BASEBALL IS BACK!

Well, fake baseball that is.

We started our season in Cleveland as we so frequently do, with a three game series against the Foresters. The offense didn't quite wake up from the long rest, but Tommy Wilcox was dominant in a 5-1 opening day victory. His start was about ten million times better then any start last year, going all nine with just 5 hits, a single run, 3 walks, and 4 strikeouts while picking up the first Cougar win of 1933. At the plate, Bill Ashbaugh was excellent, a perfect 4-for-4 with a double and 3 RBI's. John Kincaid was 2-for-5 with a run scored and driven in. Tom Taylor was 1-for-3 with a steal, walk, and two runs scored.

On pace for 154-0!

April 14th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (2-0): 9
Cleveland Foresters (0-2): 4

W: Dick Leudtke (1-0)
L: Heinie Bretz (0-1)

Still on pace for 154-0!

The bats came alive and supported last year's ERA champion Dick Leudtke as we clinched a series victory in our first series of the season. Bad news for former Cougar Heinie Bretz, as the 24-year-old left after just one inning. It's a torn elbow ligament, and his 1933 will end much earlier then he anticipated.

Leudtke picked up the win, 8.1 innings with 11 hits, 4 runs, 4 walks, and 5 strikeouts. He did much better at the plate, going 4-for-4 with a sac-bunt, run scored, and three driven in. Arnold Bower had a big game as well, 3-for-5 with a steal, double, triple, three runs, and an RBI. Tom Taylor was a perfect 3-for-3 with a walk. Mike Taylor was 1-for-4 with a sac-fly and solo homer. Russ Combs was 2-for-4 with a triple, run, and RBI. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with a walk, steal, and two runs scored. Norm Stewart made his debut, walking two in two thirds of an inning.

April 15th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (2-1): 2
Cleveland Foresters (1-2): 3

W: Karl Johnson (1-0)
L: Max Wilder (0-1)

We couldn't finish the sweep, as Max Morris walked us off with an RBI double as the Foresters took the finale 3-2. Max Wilder made the start, 8 and a third with 5 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), a walk, and 2 strikeouts. Arnold Bower was 2-for-4 with a double and RBI. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-3 with a walk. Mike Taylor was 1-for-4 with a run scored.

April 16th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (3-1): 6
Toronto Wolves (0-4): 4

W: Jim Crawford (1-0)
L: Dick Salten (0-1)

We continued on the road, this time heading to Toronto for three with the Wolves. We tried really hard to lose this one, allowing three in the ninth before escaping with a 6-4 win. Jim Crawford picked up the win, going all nine with 7 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), and a strikeout. The only real blemish came with none out in the ninth when Sam Orr hit a three run homer. Mike Taylor was a perfect 4-for-4 with 3 doubles, 2 runs, an RBI, and walk. Cy Bryant was 4-for-5 with a steal, run, and RBI. Bobby Sprague was 3-for-5 with an RBI. John Kincaid was 2-for-5 with a run scored. Bill Ashbaugh was just 1-for-5, but with a triple, RBI, and two runs scored.

Stars of the Week
Bill Ashbaugh : 15 AB, 7 H, 0 HR, 4 RBI, .467 AVG, 1.196 OPS
Mike Taylor : 16 AB, 6 H, 1 HR, 3 RBI, .375 AVG, 1.171 OPS
Arnold Bower : 16 AB, 6 H, 0 HR, 3 RBI, .375 AVG, 1.069 OPS

Weekly Summary
Baseball is back! We started the season on the road, and a 3-1 record is not bad considering Cleveland should be won of the better CA clubs this season. We get two more with the Wolves before our first off day on the year. We then host the Foresters (1-3) and Wolves (0-4) for four to start our first homestand.

Obviously it's still too early for the standings to mean much, but we're tied with New York and Baltimore for second. The Sailors (4-0) lead the CA and are the only undefeated team in all of baseball. It's also too early to evaluate performance, but seeing Wilcox throw an absolute gem gives me hope for this season and I think the now 26-year-old has the end of 1932 out of his mind.

Minor League Report

We're 10 games into the UMVA season, so LaCrosse is our only affiliate playing right now. We're 2-8, but there are some bright spots:

SP Cy Sullivan (La Crosse Lions): So this is what he can do with an actual shortstop! A mix of Ducky Jordan, Billy Hunter, and Freddie Bennett (all plus defenders in HS last year) are spending time at short, and Sullivan has looked like the guy with a sub 3.00 ERA coming into last year. In 3 starts he's been as good as it is, 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA (246 ERA+) and 1.09 WHIP in 22 innings pitched. He's only struck out two, but strikeouts tend to fall once players reach affiliated ball. It's obviously encouraging to see the youngster start out so well, as most high school guys tend to struggle once they make the jump.

C Joe Rainbow (La Crosse Lions): After hitting absolutely nothing last year, the 19-year-old Rainbow has gotten off to a good start. He's hitting .360/.407/.560 (154 OPS+) with a homer and 6 RBI's in 27 trips to the plate. Yes, it's early, but if WAR is your thing, his 0.4 mark in 7 games is already more then half of his 0.7 he accumulated in 113 last year. I'm hoping he can continue to hit like this an work his way up to San Jose. Currently, this year's 4th Rounder Harry Mead and him are sharing at bats, and I want them both to be starting most games.

Week 2: April 17th-April 23rd
 

April 17th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (4-1): 13
Toronto Wolves (0-5): 4

W: Dick Lyons (1-0)
L: Bill Anderson (0-1)

Love the offense! We exploded for 20 hits and 13 runs to secure at least a series win in our second of the year. Arnold Bower was 3-for-6 with 2 doubles, 2 runs, and 4 RBI's. Harry Simmons was 3-for-5 with a double, RBI, steal, and 4 runs scored. John Kincaid is 3-for-6 with a run scored and driven in. Tom Taylor was 2-for-5 with a homer and 2 RBI's. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-6 with a double and run scored. Starter Dick Lyons was 2-for-3 with a sac-bunt, run scored, and RBI. He tossed 8 innings with 8 hits, 4 runs, 2 walks, and a strikeout.

April 18th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (4-2): 1
Toronto Wolves (1-5): 2

W: Buddy Adams (1-1)
L: Tommy Wilcox (1-1)

We couldn't finish off the sweep, but let's take the little victory. Wilcox was really good, 8 innings with 5 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks, and 2 strikeouts, but the offense let him down. Bobby Sprague was 2-for-4 with a double and run scored. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with 2 doubles. Russ Combs was 2-for-5 with a double.

Off tomorrow before heading home for our Home Opener against Cleveland!

April 20th, 1933
Cleveland Foresters (1-6): 0
Chicago Cougars (5-2): 2

W: Dick Leudtke (2-0)
L: Karl Johnson (1-1)

Now this is the Dick Leudtke I remember!

He was brilliant in our first home game, tossing a 3-hit shutout with 3 walks and 4 strikeouts. We didn't give him much run support, but it didn't matter as he locked down the Foresters lineup. Mike Taylor supplied the offense, 2-for-4 with a two run homer. Tom Taylor was 2-for-3 with a walk.

April 21st, 1933
Cleveland Foresters (1-7): 2
Chicago Cougars (6-2): 5

W: Max Wilder (1-1)
L: Jim Thompson (0-1)

Another strong pitching outing, this time courtesy of Max Wilder, and just eight games in all five starters have picked up a win. Wilder went all nine, allowing 6 hits, 2 runs (1 earned), and 3 walks with 6 strikeouts. Bobby Sprague was 2-for-3 with a walk, run, and RBI. Tom Taylor was 2-for-4. Mike Taylor was 1-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored. Russ Combs was 1-for-4 with a walk, steal, and run. John Kincaid was 1-for-3 with a walk and run scored.

April 22nd, 1933
Cleveland Foresters (1-8): 0
Chicago Cougars (7-2): 2

W: Jim Crawford (2-0)
L: Ed Wood (0-2)
SV: Chick Meehan (1)

This was a lot less pretty of a 2-0 shutout, but a win is a win and we swept the struggling Foresters out of Chicago. Jim Crawford needed help finishing the game, going 8.1 with 9 hits, 5 walks, and 5 strikeouts. Veteran Chick Meehan made his season debut, getting a strikeout and ground out to end the game. Didn't do too much on offense, Combs was 2-for-4 with a run scored and Kincaid and Sprague were both 2-for-4.

April 23rd, 1933
Toronto Wolves (3-7): 7
Chicago Cougars (7-3): 1

W: Bill Anderson (1-1)
L: Tommy Wilcox (1-2)

Not sure this one was Wilcox's fault, as he was left out too long. He went 8.2 innings with 12 hits, 7 runs, 2 walks, and 2 strikeouts, but five runs came in the ninth and the other two in the 8th and 8 of the 12 hits came in those two innings. We didn't hit much again, but Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with a triple and run scored. Bobby Sprague was 2-for-4 with an RBI. John Kincaid was 2-for-4.

Stars of the Week
Bobby Sprague : 24 AB, 10 H, 0 HR, 2 RBI, .417 AVG, 1.023 OPS
John Kincaid : 24 AB, 10 H, 0 HR, 1 RBI, .417 AVG, .962 OPS
Dick Luedtke : 1 Win, 9.0 IP, 3 BB, 4 K, 0.00 ERA

Weekly Summary
It was a solid 4-2 week and we now sit alone in second place. The Sailors (8-2) are right above us and both New York and Baltimore a game behind at 6-4. We have two more hosting the Wolves before taking a trip to Philly for three. It's a quick road trip and we'll be back in Chicago to start a long homestand with Baltimore.

Just 10 games in, but the pitching has been really strong to start the year. Discounting our last game with the Wolves, we've held the Foresters and Wolves to four or less runs a game and the starting pitching has been really good. The pen only has a combined 2.2 innings and the rotation ERA is a very nice 2.24. We've done a decent job scoring, 46 runs compared to just 27 allowed, and for the most part rank in the top few in most main categories. I'm hoping after this week we'll find ourselves in first place.

Minor League Report

CF Ernie Carson (C La Crosse Lions): Our 5th Round selection this year, Carson has been splitting time with fellow draftee Elias Canady, but unlike Canady, Carson has really excelled. In 28 trips to the plate, the 19-year-old is hitting .423/.464/.423 (138 OPS+) with a steal and 4 RBI's. The lefty swinger is a plus contact hitter with excellent speed and a good approach at the plate. Questions around him lie with his power, which likely won't ever be much of a factor. He's more of a light hitter who's value should come with speed and defense, but he should always have a nice and high batting average. He currently ranks as our 13th Best prospect and 115th in the FABL.

Amateur Report

We've had a little issue with our feeder leagues, as outputs have been really weird and the league listing was off, so I'm holding off on these until things normalize. If they don't, the numbers from this year will look very different, as teams are scoring a lot with HS ERA's of almost 9 and College ERA's around 7.

Week 3: April 24th-April 30th
 

April 24th, 1933
Toronto Wolves (3-8): 1
Chicago Cougars (8-3): 8

W: Dick Lyons (2-0)
L: Buddy Adams (1-2)

The pitching continues to be excellent, and this time the offense added a little as well and we evened the series with an 8-1 win. It was a strong start for Dick Lyons who went all nine with 5 hits, a run, and a strikeout. Russ Combs was 3-for-5 with a run scored. Bobby Sprague was 2-for-4 with a double and three driven in. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with 2 runs and 3 RBI's. Mike Taylor was 1-for-4 with a double, a walk, and run scored. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a walk and run scored.

April 25th, 1933
Toronto Wolves (3-9): 1
Chicago Cougars (9-3): 5

W: Dick Leudtke (3-0)
L: Eddie Quinn (1-2)

I feel like a broken record: another dominant pitching outing! Dick Leudtke was marvelous, 5 hits, a run, and a walk with 5 strikeouts in a complete game victory. He hit a little too, 1-for-3 with a double and RBI. Mike Taylor was 3-for-4 with an RBI. Mike Smith was 1-for-3 with a run scored. John Kincaid was 1-for-4 with a run scored.

April 26th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (10-3): 4
Philadelphia Sailors (9-4): 1

W: Max Wilder (2-1)
L: William Jones (2-1)
SV: Chick Meehan

On to Philadelphia to face the Sailors, who have been off to an excellent start and coming into the game sat tied for first. And for the third consecutive game, we allowed just 1 run and took first with a 4-1 win. Now all we have to do is keep the lead!

Max Wilder was dominant, 4 hits, 3 walks, and an unearned run with 3 strikeouts in 8 strong innings. Chick Meehan picked up the save, allowing a single in a no-run ninth. Arnold Bower was 2-for-4 with a run scored and driven in. Tom Taylor was 1-for-3 with a walk, double, and two runs scored. Cy Bryant was 1-for-4 with a double and 2 RBI's.

April 27th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (11-3): 4
Philadelphia Sailors (9-5): 0

W: Tommy Wilcox (2-2)
L: Rollie Beal (2-1)

The only thing better then allowing one run? How about zero! Tommy Wilcox was really on it, tossing a 5-hit shutout with 3 walks and 2 strikeouts. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with a solo homer. Bobby Sprague was 1-for-3 with a walk, run, and steal. John Kincaid was 1-for-4 with a double and run scored. Mike Taylor was 1-for-3 with a walk and RBI.

April 28th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (11-4): 2
Philadelphia Sailors (10-5): 3

W: Oscar Morse (2-1)
L: Jim Crawford (2-1)

The pitching was still good, but we couldn't score as the Sailors salvaged the finale with a 3-2 win. Jim Crawford was charged with the loss, 7 hits, 3 runs, and 4 walks with 2 strikeouts in 8 innings. Mike Taylor was our offense, 1-for-3 with a walk, solo homer, and two runs scored.

April 29th, 1933
Baltimore Cannons (9-6): 5
Chicago Cougars (12-4): 6
11 Innings

W: Bill Kline (1-0)
L: Bob Miller (2-2)

We returned home to host Baltimore for a three game set. We let this one get away from us, allowing them to score 2 in the 8th and 1 in the 9th to tie it. Luckily, Slim Bloom decided to have the game of his life, and ended up walking it off with a single in the 11th. Filling in for Russ Combs who left with injury, he was 4-for-5 with a double, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Combs wasn't even the only injury, as Ashbaugh left after going 2-for-2 with a double. John Kincaid was 3-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored. Bobby Sprague was 2-for-4 with a walk and RBI. Phil Vaughan was 1-for-3 with an RBI.

April 30th, 1933
Baltimore Cannons (9-7): 5
Chicago Cougars (13-4): 6

W: Dick Leudtke (4-0)
L: Paul Vandenberg (0-1)

Same score, same drama. No extras, but after letting the Cannons take a 5-4 lead in the 8th, Phil Vaughan tied it in the 9th with a pinch hit RBI single. He then scored on a 2-0 walk-off double courtesy of John Kincaid. Dick Leudtke picked up the win, going all nine with 10 hits, 5 runs (3 earned), and 6 walks in a shaky start. Tom Taylor was 2-for-4 with a run scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-3 with a walk, run, and RBI.

Stars of the Week
Mike Taylor : 20 AB, 8 H, 1 HR, 3 RBI, .400 AVG, 1.100 OPS
Dick Luedtke : 2 Wins, 18.0 IP, 7 BB, 5 K, 2.00 ERA
John Kincaid : 28 AB, 9 H, 0 HR, 2 RBI, .321 AVG, .795 OPS

Awards
Pitcher of the Month: Dick Luedtke (4-0. 2.04 ERA, 14 K)

Injury Report
1B Bill Ashbaugh (FABL Chicago Cougars): Sprained knee (1-2 weeks)
2B Russ Combs (FABL Chicago Cougars): Strained Back (6 days)

Transactions
Placed 1B Bill Ashbaugh on the 10-Day DL. Recalled 1B Jim Fisher from AAA Milwaukee.

Weekly Summary
A month into the season, things are looking good in Chicago as we have a league best 13-4 record. Montreal (10-7) and Philadelphia (10-7) both sit three back of us while Baltimore (9-7) is the only other team above .500 in the CA. The Stars (7-9) may have a little bit of a World Series hangover, and we'll welcome them to town for three after finishing the final game with the Cannons. After the Stars, the Kings (7-10) stop by for four.

We've done a decent job scoring, 81 runs good for second in the league, but the strength has been the pitching. The rotation has been dominate, totaling a combined 2.10 ERA with just 43 runs allowed. Every other team has allowed 55 or more runs so far and our expected record lines up perfectly with our current record. If you told me after a month that Tommy Wilcox would have the worst ERA on the staff, I wouldn't be surprised. I'd be angry, of course, but not surprised. But when you find out it's a 2.60 (150 ERA+) ERA and he has a 1.07 WHIP to go with it I'd think you meant best. Dick Lyons (2.52 ERA, 155 ERA+), Jim Crawford (2.13 ERA, 183 ERA+), and Dick Leudtke (2.04 ERA, 191 ERA+) have been amazing, but nothing compares to Max Wilder. In his 3 starts, the 35-year-old is 2-1 with a 1.07 ERA (366 ERA+), 0.87 WHIP, and 11 strikeouts in 25.1 innings. He's allowed just 15 hits, 7 walks, and 3 runs. You can't ask for better production out of a pitching staff then I've gotten from my guys. Pittsburgh has also gotten excellent production from their rotation, with a 2.02 team ERA (we are at 2.01), but they are a pitcher park compared to our hitters park.

With all the pitching success, it may be overshadowing Mike Taylor's dominant month. The lefty is mashing .305/.382/.525 (142 OPS+) with 3 homers and 8 RBI's. His production has been crucial, as fellow stars Russ Combs and Tom Taylor have really struggled. Combs won't play much this week to hopefully keep him healthy, but the 29-year-old is hitting just .226/.255/.283 (44 OPS+) with a steal and RBI so far. Tom is hitting just .262/.310/.323 (70 OPS+) with a homer, 2 steals, and 6 RBI's. Both are extremely streaky players, so I expect things to turn around eventually. But it is a good sign that even with two key players really struggling, we've performed so well.

Speaking of injury, we will be without Bill Ashbaugh for a few weeks. He was hitting well, .317/.377/.476 (128 OPS+) with a homer, steal, and 11 RBI's. He will hit the DL while Combs is staying active. Phil Vaughan will get most of the reps at first, but Jim Fisher and Mike Taylor may get some as well. With Combs, Bloom and Simmons will fill in at second, giving Combs a few days of rest so he can make a full recovery.

Week 4: May 1st-May 7th
 

May 1st, 1933
Baltimore Cannons (10-7): 3
Chicago Cougars (13-5): 2

W: Rabbit Day (4-1)
L: Max Wilder (2-2)
SV: Lee Drouillard (3)

It was a tight one, but the Cannons secured the finale with a 3-2 win to avoid the sweep. What makes things worse is we were up 2-1 heading into the 9th before Abel Man hit a two-run homer, his first of the season. Max Wilder was tagged with the loss, 10 hits and 3 runs with 2 walks and strikeouts in 8 innings. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a double. Bobby Sprague was 1-for-3 with a walk and run scored.

May 2nd, 1933
New York Stars (7-11): 4
Chicago Cougars (14-5): 9

W: Tommy Wilcox (3-2)
L: Charlie Stedman (1-3)

The defending champion Stars came to town, but they've gone through a bit of a World Series hangover. They were never even close to below .500 last season, and over 15 games in they sit three under. We got a big 6 run 5th to give us the distance needed to take the opener. It wasn't a perfect start, but Wilcox was good enough in the complete game effort. He allowed 7 hits, 4 runs, and 2 walks with 2 strikeouts. He did some damage with the bat, going 2-for-3 with a double, sac-bunt, run scored, and two driven in. Slim Bloom had a big game filling in for Kincaid, going 2-for-4 with 2 doubles, a run, and 4 RBI's. Bobby Sprague was 2-for-4 with a double, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Harry Simmons was 1-for-3 with a walk and run scored.

May 3rd, 1933
New York Stars (7-12): 3
Chicago Cougars (15-5): 5

W: Jim Crawford (3-1)
L: Boyd Harper (0-3)

Another win here, and we became the first FABL team to 15 wins! Phil Vaughan came up big, 2-for-4 with a homer and 3 RBI's. Tom Taylor was 2-for-4 with 2 runs and an RBI. John Kincaid was 1-for-3 with a double, walk, and run scored. Jim Crawford picked up the win, going all nine with 11 hits, 3 runs, 3 walks, and 2 strikeouts.

May 4th, 1933
New York Stars (8-12): 3
Chicago Cougars (15-6): 1

W: Dick Lyons (2-1)
L: Les Zoller (2-1)
SV: Boyd Harper (3)

Again, we come up just short of the sweep as the Stars took the finale 3-1. Dick Lyons wasn't bad, 7 innings with 11 hits, 2 runs, and 2 strikeouts. Chick Meehan allowed the first run in the pen this year, allowing 2 hits and a walk with a strikeout. Bobby Sprague was 2-for-4 with a triple and run scored. Phil Vaughan was 1-for-4 with a double. John Kincaid was 1-for-2 with a pair of walks.

May 5th, 1933
Brooklyn Kings (8-14): 5
Chicago Cougars (16-6): 6

W: Dick Leudtke (5-0)
L: Lyman Weigel (1-2)

The homestand continued as we welcomed a lot of our former players and the Brooklyn Kings to Chicago. It was a tight one, but we held on to keep Dick Leudtke staying perfect on the year. He went all nine, but allowed 15 hits and 5 runs with a walk and 2 strikeouts. He was also 1-for-3 with a double and sac-bunt. Jim Fisher was 1-for-3 with a walk, double, and RBI in his first start of the season. Cy Bryant was 2-for-3 with 2 runs, a walk, and RBI. Slim Bloom was 2-for-3 with a double, 2 runs, and a walk. Mike Taylor was 1-for-3 with 2 walks and a run scored.

May 6th, 1933
Brooklyn Kings (9-14): 3
Chicago Cougars (16-7): 1

W: Mike Murphy (2-3)
L: Max Wilder (2-3)

We got former Cougar Mike Murphy in this one. He's struggled this year, but he was excellent in this one, just an unearned run to his credit as the Kings evened the four game set. Max Wilder picked up another loss, 12 hits and 3 runs with 3 walks and 4 strikeouts in a complete game loss. We didn't hit much, but Claude Ramsey was 2-for-3 with a walk. Harry Simmons was 1-for-3 with a walk and steal. Arnold Bower was 1-for-4 with a steal and run scored.

May 7th, 1933
Brooklyn Kings (9-15): 1
Chicago Cougars (17-7): 4

W: Tommy Wilcox (4-2)
L: Milt Fritz (1-4)

THIS IS THE WILCOX I PAID FOR!!!

In a battle with former co-ace Milt Fritz, Wilcox was dominant, just a single run, 8 hits, and a walk with 7 strikeouts in the complete game victory. Tom Taylor finally had a good game, 2-for-3 with a walk, homer, and 3 RBI's. Mike Taylor was 3-for-4 with a run scored. John Kincaid was 3-for-4 with 2 runs scored. Bobby Sprague was 1-for-2 with a pair of walks.

Stars of the Week
John Kincaid : 23 AB, 9 H, 0 HR, 1 RBI, .391 AVG, .940 OPS
Slim Bloom : 10 AB, 5 H, 0 HR, 4 RBI, .500 AVG, 1.445 OPS
Tommy Wilcox : 2 Wins, 18.0 IP, 3 BB, 9 K, 2.50 ERA

Injury Report
SP Ace McSherry (AAA Milwaukee Blues): Acromioclavicular joint irritation (1-2 weeks)
CF Jose Serna (AA Mobile Commodores): Torn thumb ligament (4 weeks)
RP Bob Bliss (B San Jose Cougars): Herniated disc (3 weeks)
SS Bruce Thomas (B San Jose Cougars): Herniated disc (3-4 weeks)
SP El Long (C La Crosse Lions): Biceps strain (3 weeks)
RP Lee Ralph (C La Cross Lions: Forearm tendinitis (2 weeks)
2B Gene Evans (C La Crosse Lions: Intercostal strain (3-4 weeks)

Weekly Summary
Just 4-3, it was our worst week of the season, but we're still up three games on the pack. Montreal (14-10) sits in second place with Baltimore (13-10) and Philly (13-11) not to far behind. After finishing the final game of the four game set with the Kings, the Saints come to town for three before a much needed off day. Our homestand ends there, but then we head to New York for three with the struggling Stars (10-13).

Obviously, a lot has gone well since we're 17-7, but we've had a lack of offense from two of our best hitters. Russ Combs is hitting just .226/.255/.283 (43 OPS+) with a single steal and RBI while Tom Taylor is hitting .247/.320/.326 (72 OPS+) with 2 homers, 2 steals, and 10 RBI's. Not only are they not hitting well, but we haven't gotten much individual performance from any of our hitters. Interesting enough, Slim Bloom has been our most productive batter, hitting .500/.526/.778 (243 OPS+) with 6 RBI's in just 19 trips to the plate. Bobby Sprague, Mike Taylor, and John Kincaid have really been our only productive hitters now that Ashbaugh is on the shelf, so we need Combs or Taylor to step up.

Minor League Report

1B Jim Hatfield (AA Mobile Commodores): After an awful season in Lincoln last year, Hatfield's 51 AA plate appearances this year have been much better. He's hitting .383/.412/.596 (157 OPS+) with a homer, 2 steals, and 11 RBI's. Hatfield has good speed, especially for a first basemen, and he's got the potential to be a plus contact hitter. He doesn't have much power, so he kind of profiles like Bill Ashbaugh, but Hatfield is not much of a defender. The former 6th Round pick isn't one of our top prospects, but he's ranked 19th in our system an 169th in the league.

Week 5: May 8th-May 14th
 

May 8th, 1933
Brooklyn Kings (9-16): 3
Chicago Cougars (18-7): 6

W: Jim Crawford (4-1)
L: Tom Barrell (1-4)

Another series win as we take three of four from the Kings with a 6-3 win. And to make things better, the win came against Tom Barrell. Jim Crawford had a fine outing, going all nine with 6 hits, 3 runs, 4 walks, and 5 strikeouts. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with a triple, 2 runs, and 3 RBI's. Bob Sprague was 2-for-4 with a double and run scored. Arnold Bower was 1-for-3 with a walk. Phil Vaughan was 1-for-2 with a run, RBI, and two walks.

May 9th, 1933
Montreal Saints (15-11): 3
Chicago Cougars (19-7): 9

W: Dick Lyons (3-1)
L: Dave Paynter (0-1)

Our homestand is almost over, but first we have to welcome the second place Saints to town. We kept up the hot start, and took the opener with a nice 9-3 win. It was another complete game outing from our starters, with Dick Lyons allowing 11 hits and 3 runs with a strikeout. Russ Combs had his first good game of the year, going 3-for-5 with a homer, 2 doubles, 2 runs, and 3 RBI's. John Kincaid was 3-for-5 with a run scored. Tom Taylor was 2-for-5 with a solo homer. Bobby Sprague was 2-for-4 with a walk, run, and steal. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with an RBI and sac-bunt. Phil Vaughan was 1-for-3 with 2 walks and 2 runs.

May 10th, 1933
Montreal Saints (16-11): 9
Chicago Cougars (19-8): 6

W: George Thomas (2-1)
L: Dick Leudtke (5-1)
SV: Randy Taylor (2)

The Saints offense showed up in the middle outing, and the Saints took this one 9-6. It was the most runs our staff allowed this year, as Dick Leudtke was roughed up. He allowed 7 hits and 7 runs (4 earned) with 3 walks and 4 strikeouts in 6 innings. He hit better then he pitched, 1-for-2 with a double, run, and RBI. Bill Kline allowed 5 hits, 2 runs, and a walk in 2 innings pitched. Bobby Sprague had a big game, 4-for-4 with a double, triple, walk, RBI, and two runs scored. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with a double, walk, run, and 2 RBI's. Russ Combs and Arnold Bower were both 2-for-5 with an RBI. Mike Taylor was 2-for-3 with 2 walks, a steal, and run scored.

May 11th, 1933
Montreal Saints (17-11): 8
Chicago Cougars (19-9): 5

W: Rich Fisher (3-1)
L: Max Wilder (2-4)
SV: Randy Taylor (3)

It was our first series loss of the year, and after a long stretch of games we'd finally get the next day off. Max Wilder had a rough one, going 6 with 8 hits, 6 runs, 4 walks, and 3 strikeouts. He was also 1-for-2 with a double and run scored. Chick Meehan allowed 5 hits and 2 runs with a single strikeout in 2 innings. Tom Taylor was 2-for-4 with a homer, walk, and 2 RBI's. John Kincaid was 2-for-5 with 2 runs scored and driven in. Arnold Bower was 1-for-3 with a hit by pitch and run scored.

May 13th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (20-9): 9
New York Stars (13-16): 3

W: Tommy Wilcox (5-2)
L: Gene Stevens (1-2)

Fresh off an off day, we arrived in New York for three with the Stars. The pitching was strong, the hitting put up runs, and we took the opener 9-3. Tom Taylor continued his power surge, going 2-for-4 with a homer, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Cy Bryant was 2-for-3 with a double, run, and 3 RBI's. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a run, RBI, and hit by pitch. Russ Combs was 2-for-5 with a triple and 2 RBI's. Bobby Sprague was 2-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored. Tommy Wilcox made the start, going all nine with 8 hits, 3 runs, 3 walks, and 2 strikeouts.

May 14th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (20-10): 3
New York Stars (14-16): 5

W: Bennie Conover (3-0)
L: Jim Crawford (4-2)
SV: Boyd Harper (4)

The Stars evened things back in this one as we dropped it 5-3. Crawford had a decent start, 8 innings with 9 hits, 5 runs, 2 walks, and a strikeout. Phil Vaughan was 2-for-4 with a double and three run homer. Mike Taylor was 1-for-3 with a double, run, and walk. Tom Taylor was 1-for-3 with a walk and run.

Stars of the Week
Cy Bryant : 23 AB, 11 H, 0 HR, 9 RBI, .478 AVG, 1.191 OPS
Tom Taylor : 21 AB, 8 H, 3 HR, 5 RBI, .381 AVG, 1.244 OPS
Bobby Sprague : 21 AB, 10 H, 0 HR, 1 RBI, .476 AVG, 1.208 OPS

Awards
CA Batter of the Week: CF Cy Bryant

Injury Report
1B Bill Ashbaugh (FABL Chicago Cougars): Returned from the DL
2B Russ Combs (FABL Chicago Cougars): Latissimus dorsi strain (one week)
SP Buddy Kircher (C La Crosse Lions): Sore elbow (one week)

Transactions
Activated 1B Bill Ashbaugh from the DL, placed 2B Russ Combs on the DL. Optioned 1B Jim Fisher to AAA Milwaukee and recalled SS Lee Sparks from AAA Milwaukee.

Weekly Summary
Right when Russ Combs starts to heat up, he gets hurt again. It was a strong week for the 29-year-old who was 8-for-23 with 2 doubles, a homer, and 6 RBI's. Luckily, Ashbaugh is on his way back from the DL, so we're still only down one starter, and Ashbaugh's bat is going to be a welcome addition. We also got a big week from Tom Taylor and Cy Bryant, with the latter taking home Player of the Week. He was 11-for-23 with 9 RBI's. It's been a rough year for Bryant, who's hitting just .245/.308/.292 (61 OPS+) on the year. Taylor's week might have been better honestly, going 8-for-21 with 3 homers and 5 RBI's. He now shares the CA home run lead with Montreal's Hank Barnett and Cleveland's Max Morris.

This was also our first week where we didn't post a winning record and the series loss to Montreal was the first of the season. They sit at 18-12, two games back of us. Baltimore (16-14) is the only other CA team sitting above .500 at the moment. It's a long road trip now, after finishing this game with the Stars (14-16) we will be hosted by the Kings (11-19), Saints, and Cannons.

Minor League Report
SS Lee Sparks (AAA Milwaukee Blues): He likely won't see much playing time, but the former Rule-5 Pick Lee Sparks is on his way up to the big league club. The 28-year-old is hitting really well in 65 trips to the plate with the Blues, batting .350/.391/.683 (171 OPS+) with 5 homers and 14 RBI's. He did register 88 FABL plate appearances in 1931, where he hit .228/.264/.316 (56 OPS+) with a homer and 12 driven in. Sparks is a really good defender, and his glove should be really helpful.

LF Ed Reyes (B San Jose Cougars): Last season was a good one for 1st Rounder Ed Reyes, but he's hit even better in 17 games with San Jose this year. He's slashing .451/.512/.592 (189 OPS+) with 2 homers and 15 RBI's. Despite being just 20 and with only a year of professional ball under his belt, Reyes has adjusted really well to Class B ball. He's really cut down on his strikeouts and polished his plate discipline. After 38 walks and 140 strikeouts last year, he's flipped it to 6 and 3 this year. Reyes is one of our top prospects, 10th on the team and 102nd in the league, and the lefty has a ton of upside. He's a plus-plus contact hitter who's extremely strong. He'll hit his share of home runs and should be a dependable future big leaguer.

Week 6: May 15th-May 21st
 

May 15th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (20-11): 1
New York Stars (15-16): 7

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

Another series loss here as we get into sort of a rough patch after a 7-1 loss to the Stars. Dick Lyons was roughed up a bit, 6.1 innings with 11 hits, 6 runs (5 earned), 2 walks, and a strikeout. Cy Bryant was 1-for-2 with a walk. Mike Taylor was 2-for-4. John Kincaid was 1-for-3 with a walk and run scored.

May 16th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (21-11): 6
Brooklyn Kings (12-20): 0

W: Dick Leudtke (6-1)
L: Roy Pierce (0-1)

We helped continue Brooklyn's rough start as we opened the series with a 6-0 shutout victory. It was another complete game shutout for Leudtke who allowed just 3 hits with 3 strikeouts in a dominant outing. John Kincaid was 3-for-5 with a homer, 2 runs, and 4 RBI's. Slim Bloom was 2-for-2 with 2 runs and 2 hit by pitches. Bobby Sprague was 1-for-4 with a double, walk, RBI, and two runs scored. Cy Bryant was 1-for-3 with a double and walk.

May 17th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (21-12): 1
Brooklyn Kings (13-20): 10

W: Lyman Weigel (2-2)
L: Max Wilder (2-5)

We didn't fair so well in the middle game, and the Kings piled on ten to become the first team to reach double digits against us this year. It was a night to forget for Max Wilder who's really started to fall off as of late. He allowed 10 hits and 10 runs with 2 walks and a strikeout in just two and a third. Claude Purvis shouldered the rest of the load, 5.2 relatively impressive innings with just 4 hits, 2 walks, and a strikeout. He was also our best hitter, 1-for-2 with a double and the only run scored. Mike Taylor was 1-for-3 with a walk. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4.

May 17th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (22-12): 12
Brooklyn Kings (13-21): 7

W: Tommy Wilcox (6-2)
L: Tom Barrell (2-5)

What an exciting rubber match! The finale saw another battle between Tommy Wilcox and Tom Barrell, the former #1 overall picks who were swapped for each other. Neither pitched well, but Wilcox got his first win in the series (1-1) despite pitching quite possibly his worst outing on the season. He allowed 11 hits and 7 runs (6 earned) with a walk and 2 strikeouts in seven innings. Chick Meehan struck out three and allowed just one hit in 2 strong innings. Tom Taylor was 3-for-6 with a double, 2 runs, and 3 RBI's. Arnold Bower was 3-for-4 with a walk and three runs scored. Bobby Sprague was 3-for-4 with 2 runs and 2 walks. Cy Bryant was 2-for-6 with a triple and RBI. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with a homer, 2 runs, 2 walks, and 2 RBI's. Claude Ramsey was 1-for-4 with a double, walk, and run. Phil Vaughan launched a pinch-hit two run homer in the 8th.

May 19th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (22-13): 1
Montreal Saints (23-12): 3

W: Milt Fritz (1-0)
L: Jim Crawford (4-3)
SV: Randy Taylor (5)

A battle of the class of the CA as we entered this game tied for first with the Saints. Unfortunately, it was no longer a tie, and the Saints showed off their new toy in Milt Fritz (formerly Wilcox's co-ace in Brooklyn) who led them to a 3-1 win. Jim Crawford pitched well, however, just 7 hits, 3 runs, a walk, and a strikeout in eight innings. Mike Taylor was 3-for-4. Bobby Sprague was 2-for-4 with a steal and RBI. Slim Bloom was 1-for-3 with a walk and run scored.

May 20th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (23-13): 2
Montreal Saints (23-13): 1

W: Dick Lyons (4-2)
L: Earle Whitten (5-2)

Did anyone tell these guys that these are the two best offenses in the league? Granted, we do also have the best pitching staff, but the offenses didn't show up in the first two games and we re-tied the division with a nice 2-1 win. Dick Lyons was really good, 6 hits and a run with a walk and 3 strikeouts in a complete game victory. Slim Bloom was 3-for-4 with a double, run, and RBI. Tom Taylor was 1-for-5 with a double and steal. Arnold Bower was 1-for-3 with a walk and run.

May 21st, 1933
Chicago Cougars (24-13): 6
Montreal Saints (23-14): 5
15 Innings

W: Bill Kline (2-0)
L: Howie Snyder (1-3)
SV: Norm Stewart (1)

Now this was a crazy one!

After six innings, the game was just 1-0 Cougars. By time it was the ninth, it was 4-2 and we made it 5-2 heading into the bottom half. Leudtke just could not finish the game, and he allowed a one out three run homer to former top pick Vic Crawford. Extras were forced, and it took all the way till the 15th for us to take a 6-5 lead we'd hold to win the series and reclaim first place.

Tom Taylor was 3-for-7 with 2 doubles, 2 RBI's, and a run scored. Arnold Bower was 1-for-4 with a double and sac-bunt. Mike Taylor and Bobby Sprague were both 2-for-7 with a walk and run scored. Slim Bloom was 2-for-6 with a walk and two runs scored. Leudtke went nine with 11 hits, 5 runs, 3 walks, and 2 strikeouts. The pen was brilliant after, as Meehan (3), Kline (2), and Stewart (1) combined for 2 hits, 2 walks, and 2 strikeouts in six innings of relief. It was Norm Stewart's first career save as he tossed a perfect 8 pitch 15th.

Stars of the Week
Slim Bloom : 22 AB, 9 H, 0 HR, 3 RBI, .409 AVG, .990 OPS
Tom Taylor : 33 AB, 9 H, 0 HR, 6 RBI, .273 AVG, .680 OPS
Mike Taylor : 26 AB, 9 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, .346 AVG, .779 OPS

Weekly Summary
Don't have too much time, so just three things I want to cover: upcoming schedule, the bullpen, and Bloom:

We have a one game lead over Montreal (24-13), but Baltimore (20-17) and New York (19-18) are still sort of in reach. We start the week in Baltimore before an off day. We also get All-Star voting when we resume, as this will be the first year the FABL hosts an All-Star game. We then have a quick homestand with three games in two days hosting the Sailors (17-20). Back on the road after, with three against the Foresters (17-20) before an off day.

With the bullpen, a relief corps isn't all that important in this league. Most starters (especially mine) go nine innings most games and very rarely will a guy leave before the 6th. I think our only two starts of less then 7 innings came this week, with Lyons' 6.1 and Wilder's 2.2. Regardless, this is more about praise for the pen. Sure, they haven't been used much, just 30 innings between Meehan, Kline, Stewart, and Purvis, but they've allowed just 4 runs for a miniscule 1.45 ERA. I know it's a small sample, but when the league average pen ERA is 3.33 and two teams have ERA' above five. It's also worth noting that four of the top five teams in terms of bullpen ERA sit 1st and 2nd in both the CA and FA.

And lastly, Slim Bloom. If you remember, last year he was banished to AAA because he had quite possibly the worst defensive week ever and quite possibly cost us a pennant. Russ Combs went down the first day of the sim, and Bloom decides to make 9(!) errors. He's not playing any shortstop now, but Combs is down again and Bloom is flat out raking. The 27-year-old is slashing .463/.542/.610 (209 OPS+) with 9 RBI's in just under 50 trips to the plate. I almost DFA'd Bloom before Opening Day (he likely would have passed too), but he's returned my faith in him with massive production. With Bower, Simmons, and even Combs struggling, Bloom should see himself get more at bats as the season progresses.

Week 7: May 22nd-28th
 

May 22nd, 1933
Chicago Cougars (24-14): 3
Baltimore Cannons (21-17): 4

W: Paul Vandenberg (2-1)
L: Max Wilder (2-6)

First of three in Baltimore before an off day. It didn't quite go our way, as Max Wilder had another tough one. Up 3-2 in the 9th, Moe Davis tied the game with a single right before Abel Man won it with a single. It was a strong outing for Wilder (I wish my Manager would use the stopper/closer more...) who went 8.1 with 10 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), 2 walks, and 8 strikeouts. We didn't give him enough run support, but Arnold Bower was 3-for-4 with a pair of RBI's. Tom Taylor was 1-for-3 with a steal and RBI. Bobby Sprague was 1-for-2 with a walk, sac-bunt, and run scored. Phil Vaughan was 1-for-3 with a walk and run scored.

May 23rd, 1933
Chicago Cougars (25-14): 12
Baltimore Cannons (21-18): 1

W: Tommy Wilcox (7-2)
L: Bob Miller (4-5)

This is more like it! The offense woke up and we racked up 18 hits in a 12-1 win top even the series. Tommy Wilcox was brilliant, tossing a virtual gem with just 3 hits, an unearned run, and 2 walks with 2 strikeouts in a complete game victory. He single handedly beat the Cannons, going 2-for-4 with a sac-bunt, 2 runs, and an RBI. Tom Taylor led the offense, 4-for-6 with 2 runs and an RBI. Cy Bryant was 3-for-5 with a double, homer, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Arnold Bower was 2-for-2 and drew three walks with a run and RBI. Mike Taylor was 2-for-5 with a run, walk, and RBI. John Kincaid was 2-for-6 with a solo homer. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-5 with 2 runs and an RBI.

May 24th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (26-14): 7
Baltimore Cannons (21-19): 3
11 Innings

W: Chick Meehan (1-0)
L: Paul Vandenberg (2-2)

It was an exciting finale which saw the Cannons tie it at three in the 8th. Neither team scored in the 9th, and eventually Bill Ashbaugh got tired of playing baseball. In the 11th, he launched a grand slam off elite lefty Stopper Paul Vandenberg to give us a 7-3 lead we'd keep. Ashbaugh was 3-for-4 on the night. Bobby Sprague was 4-for-6 with a pair of runs scored. Slim Bloom was 3-for-5 with a walk and 2 RBI's. Cy Bryant was 2-for-5 with a walk, run, and RBI. Jim Crawford made the start, going 8.2 with 9 hits and 3 runs, walks, and strikeouts. Chick Meehan and Bill Kline combined for 2.1 innings with 4 hits and a walk.

May 26th, 1933
Philadelphia Sailors (18-23): 1
Chicago Cougars (27-14): 7
Game 1

W: Dick Leudtke (7-1)
L: William Jones (2-6)

We got a very nice off day after a long 8 innings game. It was clutch because we had a double header with Philly today. Dick Leudtke was brilliant and a big 6 run third was all we needed to cruise to an easy victory in the opener. Leudtke was as good as ever, and a Mike Taylor error cost him a shutout. He allowed just 4 hits and 2 walks with 3 strikeouts in the complete game victory. He was also 2-for-4 with a run scored and driven in. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with a steal, double, run, and RBI. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-5 with a run and two RBI's. Tom Taylor was 1-for-3 with 2 walks, a steal, run, and RBI.

May 26th, 1933
Philadelphia Sailors (18-24): 0
Chicago Cougars (28-14): 3
Game 2

W: Dick Lyons (5-2)
L: Doc Newell (2-5)
SV: Chick Meehan (3)

I didn't think we could pitch better then game one, but Dick Lyons pitched well enough to hold the Sailors scoreless through 8 and a third. He allowed 7 hits and a walk with just one strikeout. Chick Meehan needed just three pitches to get the final two outs. Bill Ashbaugh had another great game, 2-for-4 with a two run homer. Tom Taylor was 2-for-4 with a run scored. Bobby Sprague was 2-for-3 with a walk, steal, and run scored. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with an RBI.

May 27th, 1933
Philadelphia Sailors (18-25): 3
Chicago Cougars (29-14): 4

W: Max Wilder (3-6)
L: Oscar Morse (2-6)

After sweeping the double header, we swept the Sailors with a close 4-3 victory. Max Wilder looked really good, 9 innings with 6 hits, 3 walks, 4 strikeouts, and three unearned runs. John Kincaid was 4-for-5 with a triple, steal, and two runs scored. Arnold Bower was 2-for-4 with a triple and RBI. Tom Taylor was 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI's.

May 28th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (29-14): 4
Cleveland Foresters (20-24): 2

W: Tommy Wilcox (8-2)
L: Ed Wood (4-5)

Back on the road as we started a series in Cleveland. Tommy Wilcox was excellent, 7 hits, 2 runs, a walk, and 7 strikeouts in a complete game victory. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-5 with a double and two runs scored. Tom Taylor was 3-for-4 with a run scored and driven in. John Kincaid was 1-for-3 with a walk, run, and RBI.

Stars of the Week
Bill Ashbaugh : 34 AB, 13 H, 2 HR, 10 RBI, .382 AVG, .971 OPS
Tom Taylor : 30 AB, 13 H, 0 HR, 6 RBI, .433 AVG, .888 OPS
John Kincaid : 29 AB, 11 H, 0 HR, 4 RBI, .379 AVG, .972 OPS

Awards
Player of the Week: Bill Ashbaugh

Transactions
Activated 2B Russ Combs from the DL. Designated CF Bob McCarty for assignment.

Injury Report
2B Russ Combs (FABL Chicago Cougars): Returned from the DL
CL Ace McSherry (AAA Milwaukee Blues): Returned from the DL
2B Red Moore (A Lincoln Legislators): Returned from the DL
SP Buddy Kircher (C La Crosse Lions): Returned from the DL
RP Lee Ralph (C La Crosse Lions): Returned from the DL

Weekly Summary
I had a big test today so my recent writeups have been rather short. This one, will likely be a bit longer because I want to first talk Tommy Wilcox:

1932 with Brooklyn: 9-9, 3.19 ERA, 160.2 IP, 29 BB, 53 K, 1.35 WHIP, 134 ERA+
1932 with Chicago: 6-6, 6.70 ERA, 91.1 IP, 18 BB, 28 K, 1.53 WHIP, 64 ERA+
1333 with Chicago: 8-2, 2.70 ERA, 86.2 IP, 20 BB, 32 K, 1.05 WHIP, 147 ERA+

This is the guy I thought we were getting last year. This is the guy I thought was going to push ahead ahead of the Stars last year. This is they guy I traded three former top three draft picks for.

This is why I could not believe he actually cost us a pennant last year.

This guy is really, really good.

Let's take a closer look at this:

This year, Tommy Wilcox is striking out more batters then he ever has. His 3.3 K/9 is the best of his career, but not that far from his average 2.9 K/9 rate since debuting with Brooklyn in 1929. Now, Wilcox isn't exactly a knuckleballer, but it's one of the seven excellent pitches in his arsenal. He's like a Yu Darvish type of guy who can just throw anything and everything and it's always just filthy. Now, with the knuckleball part of his repertoire, he's bound to give up home runs. And while he is a groundballer, he allowed more homers then usual last year. Last year the outfield offense was good, but now it's even better.

He definitely is lucky, as his .235 BABIP is likely unsustainable, but even a regression to his career average of .293 would still be really solid. And with the best defense in the CA in terms of efficiency (.721) and zone rating (+26). Our zone rating is a league best and no other team has one above 20. We no longer have Vince York (-6.0 ZR) in left field, but instead Bobby Sprague who had a +7.4 zone rating in center last year and has taken to left rather quickly. He already has a +1.7 in 43 games and he never played left before this season. And of course, with Bryant (+7.3) and Taylor (+5.7) in center and right, almost no ball falls if it's in the air.

I also just have to talk about the pitching as a whole. In the CA, we rank first in ERA, ERA for both starters and relievers, runs allowed, WAR, hits allowed, opponent average, BABIP, and walks all while pitching in the most hitter friendly CA park.

Anyways, enough about Wilcox, I have to talk about Bill Ashbaugh. My first ever FABL draft pick, Bill Ashbaugh took home Player of the Week after hitting .382 with 2 homers and 10 RBI's. It's been another above average offensive season for Ashbaugh who's produced one in every season since debuting in 1927. He has a respectable .311/.373/.475 (127 OPS+) batting line in 134 trips to the plate this year, but it's actually below his career .320/.388/.504 (132 OPS+) line. He's added 4 homers, 24 RBI's, and a steal as well, but he missed some time with injury. The 29-year-old Ashbaugh has really developed into a quality player and as the undisputed captain of the team, he has immense value. We're a really young team, so we don't have all that many veterans. The pitching staff is full of them, but the lineup contains all guys under the age of 30.

We are getting a veteran back, with the 29-year-old Russ Combs being activated from the DL this sim. The injury prone middle infielder is having a really rough year, hitting just .263/.291/.395 (83 OPS+) with just 7 RBI's and a single homer and steal. Combs has never hit this bad, and you have to believe the injuries are taking their toll. I'm going to try to give him frequent off days with the emergence of Slim Bloom and Bill Ashbaugh's ability to play second. Last year was big for Russ, who hit .348/.409/.465 (130 OPS+) with 3 homers, 16 steals, and 46 RBI's in just under 400 plate appearances. If I can have him stay healthy the rest of the year, I expect him to have a really strong second half.

I do have a batter that is heating up, as the notoriously slow starting Tom Taylor hit just .262/.310/.323 in 17 April games. He's been much better in May, slashing .324/.375/.472 with 4 of his 5 homers and 21 of his 27 RBI's. Taylor has also swiped 5 bases and is hoping to heat up to be a member of the first ever All Star game. The All-Star game is in Chicago this year because of the World's Fair, and Taylor will be looking to secure one of the spots. The 28-year-old Canadian is a 2-Time MVP and 3-Time Champion who at one time looked like the best player in the entire league. From 1928-1929 he was unstoppable, hitting 82 home runs, driving in 264 runs, and stealing 53 bases. He also drew 171 walks leading to OPS+ of 216 and 191. He fell back to earth in 1930, hitting just .261/.322/.421 (97 OPS+) with 15 homers, 81 RBI's, and 17 steals in an injury riddled season. He was traded in the offseason, and was a big reason we won the pennant. He didn't regain his elite peak, but he hit a respectable .290/.355/.475 (121 OPS+) with 29 homers, 21 steals, and 107 RBI's. He did strike out a league worst 106 times, but he also played the best right field in baseball. He's hitting just .301/.351/.416 (106 OPS+) this year, but he is a slow starter who's bound to heat up as the weather does.

I wrote all this and I feel like now I overshadowed our impressive 6-1 week. We have two more against the Foresters before a needed off day. After that we'll head to Toronto (18-26) for a quick three game set. We'll head back home after to host Cleveland for three before another off day. Our division lead is up to 3.5 as our six game win streak gave us a cushion over the Saints (27-18) who were right on our tail. They are the only other team above .500 right now in the CA.

One last piece of news, I DFA'd Bob McCarty.

The player tree of McCarty is vast: I acquired him in 1927 from the Stars along with SS Pat Schuring for RP Phil English, RP Bert Houston, and CF Bob Worley. Interesting enough, Worley is currently the Saints starting centerfielder and hitting .293/.378/.407 (125 OPS+) with 4 homers, 24 RBI's, and 2 steals in a breakout second season. Worley was a 12th Round Pick of mine back in 1926 who the Stars used to get Charlie Stedman from the Saints. One of the other prospects in the package was Earle Witten, a 25-year-old right who's been a dominant stopper and just started getting a few starts. He's 5-2 with 4 saves, a 1.29 ERA (290 ERA+), 0.88 WHIP, 10 walks, and 14 strikeouts in 49 innings. He's started four games and relieved 12. Pat Schuring was used in the Wilder and Combs deal and debuted for the Foresters year. The Stars also got Phil English, one of the better stoppers in the game who was part of their run last year. The last piece was Burt Houston, who pitched 155.1 innings for the Stars from 1928-1930 and was relatively average.

McCarty did have some good years with us and owns a career .294/.358/.397 (93 OPS+) FABL batting line with 5 homers, 21 steals, and 128 RBI's. He was a respectable defender out in center and his 1929 season was pretty good. He played in 137 games and hit .304/.369/.429 (101 OPS+) with 3 homers, 13 steals, 12 triples, and 51 RBI's while also adding a +7.3 zone rating out in center. Eventually, Cy Bryant passed him on the depth chart, but Bryant currently ranks as a top 5 center fielder and four years younger then the 31-year-old McCarty.

Minor League Report

SP Roy Arnold (A Lincoln Legislators): It's been a strong start to the season for the 1929 13th Rounder who is 2-2 with a 2.72 ERA (1.35 ERA+), 1.26 WHIP, and 12 strikeouts in 39.2 innings with the Legislators. The 22-year-old lefty spent last season in San Jose, so this is his first taste of the upper minors. He's looked good, and his four pitch arsenal is well polished. He's consistently added velocity to his fastball, with a jump in the past five offseason that have seen him go from 80-83 to 89-91. He's got a really nice arsenal, with his curve, slider, and splitter all FABL quality pitches. He's got the future in the back of a big league rotation, but if he keeps on his upward climb he could find his name shoot up prospect lists.

LF Rich Langton (B San Jose Cougars): I started my 3rd Round Pick Rich Langton in A Lincoln, and it proved to be a mistake. He hit just .190/.284/.345 (76 OPS+) with a homer and 8 RBI's in 67 plate appearances. I sent him down to San Jose, and he started to mash. He's hitting .528/.576/.906 (287 OPS+) with 4 homers, 2 steals, and 13 RBI's in 59 plate appearances. He even took home Player of the Week in the COW League, going 15-for-25 with a homer and 5 RBI's. Langton is an excellent contact hitter and plus defender out in left who has excellent speed as well. He's one of the higher rated youngsters in the game, currently 3rd in our system and 58th in all of baseball.

I'm planning on doing a big amateur report over the weekend as the amateur seasons should be winding down.

Week 8: May 29th-June 4th
 

This is a long one, but today is like my "Friday" so I have a lot of time to just watch playoff baseball and write about fake baseball.

May 29th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (30-14): 4
Cleveland Foresters (20-25): 2

W: Jim Crawford (5-3)
L: Dean Astle (2-2)

The wins keep piling on and we beat former Cougar farmhand Dean Astle in a nice 4-1 win. Jim Crawford wasn't perfect, but he allowed just 1 run despite 12 hits and a walk. He also struck out seven and was 2-for-4 with an RBI at the plate. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a double and two runs scored. Mike Taylor was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Russ Combs was 1-for-4 with a double and run scored.

May 30th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (32-14): 7
Cleveland Foresters (20-26): 1

W: Dick Leudtke (8-1)
L: Ben Turner (3-6)

Another game with two or less allowed and we capped off a sweep of the Foresters with a 7-1 victory. Again, we face a Cougar farmhand in Ben Turner. Bill Ashbaugh had another big game, 4-for-5 with a double, triple, run, and RBI. Russ Combs was 3-for-5 with a run, triple, and 2 RBI's. Mike Taylor was 2-for-5 with a run scored. Tom Taylor was 1-for-4 with a walk, double, run, and RBI. Of course, since Dick Leudtke was on the mound, he threw a gem. A complete game victory with 7 hits, a run, 3 walks, and 3 strikeouts.

June 1st, 1933
Chicago Cougars (33-14): 7
Toronto Wolves (18-29): 5

W: Eddie Quinn (6-2)
L: Dick Lyons (5-6)

We were off the last day of May, and we started our June in Toronto. We'd see the struggling Wolves for three. They put up a fight in the opener, but the offense put up 7 to take the opener. Bill Ashbaugh did it again, 4-for-5 with a double, triple, and 3 RBI's. Russ Combs was 2-for-5 with a run scored. Mike Taylor was 1-for-3 with 3 walks, 2 runs, and an RBI. John Kincaid was 1-for-3 with a double, sac bunt, hit by pitch, walk, run, and RBI. Starter Dick Lyons got into the fun too, 1-for-4 with a sac-bunt, run scored, and run drive in. He did struggled in the complete game victory on the mound, allowing 10 hits, 5 runs, and 3 walks.

June 2nd, 1933
Chicago Cougars (34-14): 4
Toronto Wolves (18-30): 0

W: Tommy Wilcox (9-2)
L: Barry Wood (1-1)

I literally just wanted this once last year. Like obviously I wanted it every start (and still do of course), but this is all I needed last year to win the World Series. One game where Tommy Wilcox just flat out dominates. And it makes sense. I'll try to put this into perspective, but imagine your a 24-year-old in 1933 playing for less then $5,000 a game and you get to the field and you find out Tommy Wilcox is pitching. You're definitely a little scared. This dude is 6'4'' (Again, 1933) over 200 pounds. He's a big old righty who throws sidearm, and not only does he sit in the 90s with his fastballs, but he has 7 excellent big league pitches. Oh yeah, there's also a sinker that everyone beats straight into the ground and creates double plays if there is a competent defense (I like to think Combs, Kincaid, and Bower) behind him there will be a lot of double plays. But he also can strike you out with his curveball, forkball, or screwball. And his change-up just falls out at the end. Oh yeah. He also has a knuckleball. This guy should break records.

Anyways, in this game, he allowed just 5 hits and struck out 4 in a complete game shutout. He also was 1-for-4 with an RBI, so he provided enough offense himself for this one. That's not to say he didn't have help, as Arnold Bower was 2-for-3 with 2 runs, a walk, and a triple. Russ Combs was 2-for-4 with a sac-bunt, double, and RBI.

June 3rd, 1933
Chicago Cougars (35-14): 10
Toronto Wolves (18-32): 4

W: Jim Crawford (6-3)
L: Buddy Adams (3-8)

Didn't even realize it, but we just won 11 in a row. The offense did the work in this won, scoring 10 to finish off the Wolves in a three game road sweep. John Kincaid was 3-for-4 with 2 doubles, a walk, run, and 3 RBI's. Mike Taylor was 3-for-4 with a sac-fly, run scored, and two driven in. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-5 with a double, triple, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Tom Taylor was 2-for-5 with a double, 2 runs, and an RBI. Russ Combs was 2-for-5 with 2 runs and an RBI.

June 4th, 1933
Cleveland Foresters (22-28): 4
Chicago Cougars (35-15): 2

W: Roger Perry (7-3)
L: Dick Leudtke (8-2)
SV: Bob Boyd (1)

Maybe we should have stayed on the road? We returned from our road trip and proceeded to lose the opener to the visiting Foresters who we swept in Cleveland. Granted, we faced one of the best pitchers in the league, and Perry and the Foresters took the opener 4-2. Russ Combs was 4-for-4 against his former team. Tom Taylor was 3-for-4 with an RBI. Cy Bryant doubled and tripled. Dick Leudtke had an okay start, 8 innings with 10 hits, 3 runs, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts. Chick Meehan allowed a hit and a run in the 9th.

Stars of the Week
Russ Combs : 27 AB, 14 H, 0 HR, 4 RBI, .519 AVG, 1.292 OPS
Bill Ashbaugh : 26 AB, 11 H, 0 HR, 7 RBI, .423 AVG, 1.236 OPS
Tom Taylor : 26 AB, 10 H, 0 HR, 4 RBI, .385 AVG, .890 OPS

Awards
2B Russ Combs: Player of the Week

Transactions
Acquired RF Ed Calvert from the Boston Minutemen for SS Charlie Reed and an 11th Round Draft Pick
Acquired 2B Russ Franklin from the Cleveland Foresters for a 5th Round Draft Pick
Optioned SS Lee Sparks to AAA Milwaukee.

Injury Report
SS Charlie Gamble (AAA Milwaukee Blues): High ankle sprain (2-3 weeks)
RP Cy Plummer (A Lincoln Legislators): Oblique strain (3 weeks)
RF Lou Roach (A Lincoln Legislators): Shoulder inflammation (3 weeks)
RP Bob Bliss (B San Jose Cougars): Activated from the DL
SP Jon Hartz (B San Jose Cougars): Hamstring soreness (one week)
SP El Long (C La Crosse Lions): Activated from the DL

Weekly Summary
Well, we brought our win streak to eleven before dropping the opener back home. We also finished May 19-10 (.655), relatively worse then April where we were 13-4 (.765). The hot run at the end helped, as we won nine of our last ten May games. We've done well both at home in the road, but are 16-7 (.696) in Chicago and 19-8 (.704) everywhere else. As a team, we rank top 4 in all the major categories in the CA and rank 1st in OBP (.352), WAR (11.9), runs scored (250), strikeouts (122), steals (28), base running (+10.0), ERA (2.72), starter's ERA (2.82), bullpen ERA (1.54), runs allowed (158), WAR (8.7), hits (430), walks (120), defensive efficiency (.721), and zone rating (+31.5). I felt the zone rating was really high, and I may be right. The next best team in all of baseball is Montreal at +17.8.

Montreal (31-20) is sort of in the place we were last year. They've played really well in May, but we played just a little better. We're now up 4.5 over them in what is looking like a two team race. The defending champions are in third, but at 25-25 they are already 10 games out. We don't see Montreal until June 16th, so the standings could be much closer at that matchup.

We finish this two game set with the Foresters before another day off. Then it's the Stars (25-25) who will play four in Chicago. We haven't done well against them, just 3-3 on the year. After, Baltimore (24-26), who sits in 4th, comes to town for four.

Oh yeah, and we won another Player of the Week. In our World Series year, I think we have maybe three player of the week awards, but now we've got back-to-back with Russ Combs winning this week. Healthy again, Combs was 14-for-27 (.519) with 4 RBI's in his return for the lineup. His batting line looks much improved now, up to .330/.361/.485 (126 OPS+) with a steal, homer, and 11 RBI's. I'm keeping his playing time down a bit, but the off day in the middle of the week will really help.

A little about the arms we faced against the Foresters. Turner and Astle both came to the Foresters from a big blockbuster trade with the Gothams. Cleveland sent star outfielder Joe Perret (who I actually wanted to trade for) to the big apple in a three player trade. Those three prospects were Astle and Turner plus second basemen John Turner. And Turner might be the best of them.

The trade happened in the offseason, and Perrett was coming off an impressive year where he hit .356/.403/.564 (148 OPS+) with 11 triples, 14 homers, 64 RBI's, and 12 steals in 474 trips to the plate. This wasn't even his best season, as he was even better his first two seasons in the league. The 27-year-old was a top player and he got three really good prospects. He went on to hit .322/.377/.524 (144 OPS+) with 14 homers and 51 RBI's with 19 steals in just under 450 trips to the plate. Perrett has always dealt with injuries, and it was another year where one stopped him from playing. As a rookie in 1928, he played 150 games. It was the only season so far he'd play more then 125 and he hasn't reached 100 since his last year in Cleveland. He's an extremely talented hitter with a career .339/389/.540 (150 OPS+) with 80 homers, 50 triples, 389 RBI's, and 82 steals in 2,398 career at bats. The 1921 2nd Rounder is currently on the DL with recurring back spasms and will likely miss the all of June. Even so, Perrett was a critical part of the Gothams pennants.

Now Astle and Turner botch arrive in the Joe Perrett trade, but both arrived in New York a different way. Astle was sent to the Gothams October 18th, 1929 with Ben Curtin and Erv Frith for John Kincaid. Turner was traded straight up for Steve Castellini on November 3rd, 1930 in a deal that didn't work all too well for us. Turner hasn't been great, but the 25-year-old looks like a future dependable back of the rotation arm. Castellini was awful for us and actually announced his retirement this year. Traded to the Miners in the Spring for a 7th Round Pick, the 38-year-old will hang up the cleats after the 1933 season. He's pitched out of the pen for Pittsburgh, going 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA (103 ERA+), 1.33 WHIP, and 2 strikeouts in 15 innings. Before I was the Cougars GM, Castellini was a really good pitcher for the Cougars. He had a ton of talent, but the AI GM foolishly traded him to the Gothams at the deadline before human control. He was 8-6 with a 2.83 ERA (153 ERA+), 1.13 WHIP, and 37 strikeouts in 146.1 innings before the deal. In return, the Cougars got a corner outfielder Richie Marshall who was never used as an everyday starter.

Astle on the other hand was part of a trade that worked really well for us. We sent him, Ben Curtin, and Erv Firth to the Gothams for our current starting third basemen John Kincaid. Kincaid was one of my first buy moves, as I went to acquire him because the former 4th Overall pick had competition, current Gothams starting third basemen Don Ward. Kincaid has been one of my personal favorite players, and has been very valuable to the team. He's a really good defender and has never had a below average offensive season. From 1927-1933 with both us and the Gothams, he's hitting .335/.375/.453 (118 OPS+) with 95 steals, 73 triples, 18 homers, and 436 RBI's. He's been really dependable for us, 145+ games in each of his three seasons here and he's on pace for 151 in year four. He's hitting .343/.396/.435 (123 OPS+) with a homer, steal, and 23 RBI's in 228 trips to the plate. And of course, he's doing well defensively, with a +1.4 zone rating and 1.028 efficiency in 49 games.

Astle is just 23 and has ranked in the top 25 FABL prospects. He's actually hurt now, but in 4 starts he was 2-2 with a 2.60 ERA (147 ERA+), 1.18 WHIP, and 10 strikeouts in 34.2 innings pitched. It was a nice find by me, as he was my 9th round selection in 1927. When I traded him in 1929 he was a top 50 prospect and ranks 16 right now. He is probably going to turn into a really good pitcher, but with the rotation I have now someone would have had to move. I have five really good starters and even if I had him now he'd be wasting time in AAA with Art Black.

I also made a pair of trades, one before the sim and one after. The one before was getting the glove of Ed Calvert. I had to give up a former 2nd Rounder in Charlie Reed who is a promising young middle infielder. But, with Billy Hunter now blocking his path to the majors, I used him to get a really good defender for the big league team. Calvert can play second and short, but he's much better suited for the outfield. Last year, in just 900 innings with the Minutemen, he had a +20.8 zone rating and 1.124 efficiency. He does have a little experience in center, but he basically lets me keep Tom Taylor's glove on the field when he fills in for Bryant in center. I don't expect Calvert to hit much at all, but he's an excellent defender with really good speed we can rely on.

Mike Smith will stay with team for now, but he's headed to AAA once Russ Franklin gets to town. Smith was hitting just .182/.217/.182 (8 OPS+) with a steal and RBI in 23 trips to the plate. He was much better last year, hitting .394/.436/.617 (175 OPS+) with 4 homers, a steal, and 15 RBI's in 101 PA's. It's a much larger sample, but still small and I didn't expect this. He has options, so I'll decide what to do with him in the minors next sim.

Franklin is a 26-year-old who St. Louis took 8th overall in 1924. I don't remember him from that draft (before our time), but I remember him from the 1929 Rule-5 draft where I really wanted him. He hit really well as a rookie, batting .307/.369/.441 (109 OPS+) with 4 homers, 10 steals, and 42 RBI's in 420 trips to the plate. This year has been tough for Franklin, but since debuting, he's hit .291/.350/.427 (108 OPS+) with 9 homers, 22 steals, and 105 RBI's. The Foresters have used him a lot at second basemen, but I think I'm going to use him more as an outfielder. He has option years, so I may send him to AAA to play center field.

Minor League Report
1B Jim Hatfield (AA Mobile Commodores): Hatfield was just named Batter of the Month in the Dixie League after hitting .417 with a homer, 27 RBI's, and 29 runs scored. He's having a great year, slashing .377/.423/.491 (139 OPS+) with 5 steals, the homer, and 29 RBI's in 178 trips to the plate. The 21-year-old is a really fast runner and is one of those guys that would be able to play shortstop if they weren't a lefty. He's an excellent defender and while he doesn't hit for much power, he has a really strong hit tool. I think he's got a lot of potential and should be a nice eventual replacement for Bill Ashbaugh.

Week 9: June 5th-June 11th
 

June 5th, 1933
Cleveland Foresters (22-29): 2
Chicago Cougars (36-15): 5

W: Max Wilder (4-6)
L: Ed Wood (5-6)
SV: Chick Meehan (4)

The middle match was ours as we backed a really strong Max Wilder start. He went 8 with 8 hits, 2 runs (1 earned), 2 walks, and a strikeout. Chick Meehan struck out two in a perfect ninth for the save. Mike Taylor was 2-for-5 with a run scored and driven in. Bobby Sprague and Slim Bloom were both 2-for-5 with an RBI. Arnold Bower was 2-for-3 with a walk and run scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-5, but that 1 was a two run homer.

June 6th, 1933
Cleveland Foresters (23-29): 3
Chicago Cougars (36-16): 2

W: Tommy Wilcox (4-5)
L: Karl Johnson (9-3)

We couldn't get the offense going, and the Foresters took the series with a 3-2 win. Wilcox made the start, tossing all nine with 8 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), and 4 strikeouts. Russ Combs was 3-for-4 with a double, walk, and run scored. Arnold Bower was 1-for-4 with a double. Tom Taylor was 1-for-2 with a walk and sac-fly.

June 8th, 1933
New York Stars (26-27): 2
Chicago Cougars (37-16): 3

W: Dick Lyons (7-2)
L: Charlie Stedman (5-2)

We were off Wednesday, but started up a four game series with the Stars today. More strong pitching here, and we took the opener 3-2. It was a strong performance from Dick Lyons who went all nine with 5 hits, 2 runs, a walk, and 7 strikeouts. He was also 1-for-3 with a run scored. Russ Combs was 2-for-2 with a pair of walks. Cy Bryant was 1-for-3 with a steal and run scored. Arnold Bower was 1-for-3 with an RBI.

June 9th, 1933
New York Stars (27-27): 7
Chicago Cougars (37-17): 4

W: Les Zoller (4-2)
L: Jim Crawford (6-4)

Jim Crawford was roughed up today, and the Stars returned to .500 with a 7-4 win. He allowed 13 hits and 7 runs in 6.2 innings with a walk and 2 strikeouts. Norm Stewart mopped it up, 2.1 innings with a hit, walk, and strikeout. He was also 1-for-1 with a run scored. Mike Taylor was 2-for-4 with a double and run scored. Arnold Bower was 2-for-4 with a run scored and driven in. Cy Bryant was 1-for-3 with a triple, walk, and run scored. Bill Ashbaugh and John Kincaid were both 1-for-4 with a double.

June 10th, 1933
New York Stars (27-28): 3
Chicago Cougars (38-17): 4

W: Dick Leudtke (9-2)
L: Boyd Harper (3-7)

Still not much offense today, but with Leudtke on the mound much isn't needed. He tossed a complete game victory with 8 hits, 3 runs, a walk, and a strikeout. Slim Bloom was 2-for-4 with a double and RBI. Tom Taylor was 1-for-3 with a walk, RBI, and two runs scored. John Kincaid was 1-for-4 with a triple and run scored.

June 11th, 1933
New York Stars (27-29): 1
Chicago Cougars (39-17): 11

W: Max Wilder (5-6)
L: Dick Richards (4-5)

The offense finally woke up for the finale, and we thrashed the Stars 11-1 to take three of four. Russ Combs had a huge game, 3-for-5 with a homer, 2 runs, and 3 RBI's. Bill Ashbaugh was 3-for-4 with a steal, double, triple, 2 runs, and 3 RBI's. Bobby Sprague was 3-for-4 with a walk, run, and RBI. John Kincaid was 3-for-5 with a run scored and driven in. Tom Taylor was 1-for-4 with a walk, homer, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Ed Calvert made his Cougars debut today and got a pinch hit single. Max Wilder put together his second strong start of the week, going all nine with 8 hits, a run, and 4 strikeouts.

Stars of the Week
Russ Combs : 16 AB, 9 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI, .563 AVG, 1.507 OPS
Max Wilder : 2 Wins, 17.0 IP, 2 BB, 5 K, 1.06 ERA
Bill Ashbaugh : 24 AB, 7 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI, .292 AVG, .971 OPS

Transactions
Optioned LF Russ Franklin to AAA Milwaukee

Injury Report
C Cecil Kimball (AAA Milwaukee Blues): returned from the DL
CF Jose Serna (AA Mobile Commodores): returned from the DL
SP Fred Collins (A Lincoln Legislators): strained oblique (3 weeks)
C Billy Wiseman (B San Jose Cougars): fractured finger (2-3 months)
SS Bruce Thomas (B San Jose Cougars): returned from the DL
CF Ernie Carson (C La Crosse Lions): strained hamstring (2 weeks)
RP Elmer Shaw (C La Crosse Lions): back spasms (1-2 weeks)
2B Gene Evans (C La Crosse Lions): returned from the DL

Weekly Summary
Another strong week and we are now 5 and a half games ahead of the Saints (34-23). We host the third place Cannons (28-28) for four and then the Saints for four. By record, these are the next best teams in the CA so these wins are really important.

One guy who is having a ton of success this year is Bill Ashbaugh. The 29-year-old is finally revisiting some of his peak numbers, and is hitting .326/.384/.541 (146 OPS+) with 5 homers, 2 steals, and 36 RBI's in 43 trips to the plate. It doesn't look like he'll hit 20 homers again, but he should be able to reach 15 and he can drive in 100 runs as well. Of course, he's also an excellent defensive first basemen who's filled in a bit at second while Combs was hurt. He may not be there yet, but Ashbaugh certainly is starting to look like a top five first baseman.

Minor League Report

CF Billy Marshall (AA Mobile Commodores): With Jose Serna returning to the lineup, Marshall will actually be moving to right, but either way the recently 22-year-old has looked really good at the plate. In his first taste of AA pitching, the lefty is hitting .366/.422/.497 (142 OPS+) with 5 steals, 4 homers, and 31 RBI's. The former 10th Rounder has a ton of upside, projecting to hit for a really high average. He's also extremely athletic, translating into both range in the outfield and speed on the base paths. I have to find a position for him, as I'm not sure he'll stick in center, but Marshall is another top 200 prospect in the FABL we have waiting in the minors.

Amateur Report: High School
 

The High School season is over, but after missing out on a championship last year, the New Orleans HS Cavaliers went on to defeat the Queens HS Islanders in the finals. It was the Cavaliers first title in six postseason appearances. Still, it was a bizarre high school season where ERA's in both sub leagues jumped from 4.68 and 4.77 to 6.30 and 6.08. It was a rough season for pitcher's all around as scoring was way up. It made the regular season feel weird, but now that it's all over, it will be a little easier to break down the prospects in the league.

Starting with the champions, the Cavaliers dominated all season and finished 30-10. They have one of my absolute favorite pitching prospects in 6'6'' lefty Russ Peeples. The sophomore dominated all year, going 8-0 with a 1.76 ERA (357 ERA+), 0.94 WHIP, and 39 strikeouts in 76.2 innings pitched. Peeples has really impressive stuff and seems bound to increase velocity as he's holder. He was throwing 84-86 during the season and then in May it jumped up to 85-87. A few more velocity boosts and Peeples could end up being a top pick when he's draft eligible.

There are a few other notable names on the pitching staff, including freshman Louis Wilber. The righty had a really good first season, finishing 7-1 with a 2.91 ERA (217 ERA+), 1.25 WHIP, and 30 strikeouts in 52.2 innings. Fellow freshman Wally Henderson was really good as well, going 3-1 with a 3.42 ERA (184 ERA+), 1.23 WHIP, and 16 strikeouts. He did walk 18 men, which is cause for concern. But, he's young and he can get things taken care of while he develops with this strong young staff. Interesting enough, they have an elite stopper (not sure how often these guys are used in high school) Jesse Bowen who's a combined 4-2 with 9 saves, a 0.84 ERA (771 ERA+), 0.79 WHIP, and 40 strikeouts in 43 innings across the last two seasons. He'll be draft eligible next season, but I'm not sure how high a stopper might go.

The offense was strong, led by junior third basemen Gabe Wimberly who hit .405/.511/.730 (175 OPS+) with 14 homers and 43 RBI's. That's now two straight seasons with double digit homers, 175 or higher OPS+, and 40 or more RBI's. The kid's got a really good eye and a ton of pop and has produced all three seasons he's started. Freshman Jack Davis had a good season once he took the starting job, hitting 11 homers and driving in 42 runs while hitting .374/.439/.645 (140 OPS+). None of their hitters are eligible for the draft this season, so you have to imagine they'll only get better.

On the other side of the field, the Queens HS Islanders didn't even win their division. They finished second at 25-15 which was three games behind the Elmira HS Emeralds who they actually beat in the semi-finals. They didn't have nearly as strong of a pitching staff as New Orleans, but they have an interesting freshman two-way player in Pat Miller. He started at shortstop in 34 games and he made 4 starts on the mound. He hit .316/.394/.563 (115 OPS+) with 3 homers, 3 steals, and 20 RBI's. In those starts, he was 4-0 with a 2.60 ERA (240 ERA+), 1.23 WHIP, and 15 strikeouts. He didn't look all that good defensively, but he's got a lot of time to work on that. I think his future may actually be on the mound, as he throws hard and has really good stuff. Regardless, I hope he stays both ways because he has the future to start on both sides.

The rest of the team isn't too special, but still a lot of quality prospects. John Upton had an excellent season, finishing 6-3 with a 3.05 ERA (204 ERA+), 1.04 WHIP, and 56 strikeouts in 76.2 innings pitched. It was his first season playing, as he sat out his entire freshman year. Junior Art Brandon had a second strong season, but he tore his labrum in his last start of the season. It's a tough break for the 6'1'' righty who was 7-3 with a 3.06 ERA (179 ERA+), 1.23 WHIP, and 80 strikeouts in 108.2 prep innings. He should be healthy to start next season and he's likely to rank in the top 10 to 20 for draft eligible pitchers. Freshman first basemen Pete Miller hit .374/.482/.574 (139 OPS+) with 8 homers and 37 RBI's across 195 plate appearances.

There are a few strong seasons worth noting from other players. Hartford HS ace John Edwards finished 6-3 with a 3.71 ERA (168 ERA+), 1.32 WHIP, and 53 strikeouts in 68 innings pitched. He's a big righty with excellent stuff. He settles in the 86-88 MPH range and he does an excellent job keeping the ball on the ground. Another arm with a strong year was Elmira ace Lou Jayson. Last year he was 4-3 with a 1.44 ERA (321 ERA+), 5 saves, and 26 strikeouts in 25 innings pitched. The Emeralds moved him into the rotation, and he excelled. He was 4-1 with a 2.15 ERA (284 ERA+), 1.12 WHIP, and 37 strikeouts in 54.1 innings pitched this year. He's definitely going to shoot up draft boards with this performance. He had a teammate, Lee Miller, who had a strong season as well, and has a career .327/.424/.542 (152 OPS+) line with 22 homers, 17 steals, and 103 RBI in his three seasons. He's also an excellent defensive third basemen which makes him a really valuable prospect.

Chicago native Mike Lee had a strong third year with Philadelphia. He was a perfect 6-0 with a 2.86 ERA (216 ERA+), 1.17 WHIP, and 33 strikeouts in 63 innings pitched. In 209.1 career innings, he's 15-10 with a 2.88 ERA (165 ERA+), 1.08 WHIP, and 134 strikeouts. I'm a big fan of this kid, who has a nice three pitch mix that he really works well. He's a finesse pitcher with solid velocity and great control.

Hartford righty Al Miller had a much needed bounce back year. After going 4-4 with a 1.91 ERA (190 ERA+), 0.85 WHIP, and 62 strikeouts in 61.1 innings in 1931, Miller was hit really hard last year. He was 4-0, but with a 4.85 ERA (97 ERA+), 1.41 WHIP, and 32 strikeouts in 42.2 innings. Despite all the chaos this year, he regained form and finished 5-4 with a 2.79 ERA (222 ERA+), 1.19 WHIP, and 39 strikeouts in 77.1 innings. He's a tall righty who does a great job keeping the ball on the ground. He saw a velocity uptick towards the end of the season while trying to bring Hartford to the postseason.

One of the best pitchers the past couple of seasons was Swoyersville righty Earle Robinson. After going 5-1 with a 1.57 ERA (300 ERA+), 0.72 WHIP, and 50 strikeouts in 51.2 innings last year, he almost matched those impressive numbers this year. He was 5-0 with a 2.18 ERA (285 ERA+), 0.99 WHIP, and 35 strikeouts in 57.2 innings pitched. He's only allowed 1 homer and only walked 13 batters in his 109.1 innings pitched. This guy really seems like the real deal, as he has an devastating sinker that just drops out of the zone. It gets so many swings and misses and if you're lucky enough to make contact with it, it's probably just because he wanted you to ground into a double play. He basically places his pitches exactly where he wants them and the command on his curveball and changeup is extremely advanced for his age. I'm a huge fan of this guy and I'd love a guy like him to fall to me towards the end of the first round.

One guy I have to cover is Mobile HS Mike Taylor. Of course, no relation here to our Mike Taylor (or Tom Taylor as well), this Mike Taylor does have similarities to our Taylor's. All three are excellent hitters and this Mike Taylor is a right fielder. He doesn't look like much of a defensive asset now, but he just turned 15 and has plenty of time to work it out. "The Gambler" absolutely mashed this season, hitting .394/.469/.824 (189 OPS+) and he added on 10 doubles, 9 triples, 15 homers, 54 RBI's, 21 walks, and 16 steals across 194 trips to the plate. This kid is filled to the brim with talent at the plate and he kind of looks like Tom Taylor at the plate. He's got the speed, he's got the power, and he's got the eye. Tom Taylor never hit like this in high school and he was still the 4th overall pick. If it wasn't for Rufus Barrell II, Taylor would be the most hyped prep prospect. The now 16-year-old Barrell has pitched two seasons at Macon HS. He's 12-6 with a 2.75 ERA (200 ERA+), 0.79 WHIP, and 169 strikeouts. What's even more impressive is how he walked only 7 hitters in 153.2 innings pitched. This kid seems destined to end up in Brooklyn, and this is not someone I'd want to have to face. He's a lefty who throws in the mid 90s with an excellent fastball. He also mixes in a slider, changeup, and splitter that he locates with perfection. The upside is unlimited with Rufus and he's probably even better then Tom. And Tom is as good as it gets.

Week 10: June 12th-June 18th
 

Probably no time to write a recap today. Went 2-5 and our lead dropped to 2.5 over the Saints as they ended the week by taking three of the four in Chicago. We finish the series to start the week tomorrow.

Week 11: June 19th-June 25th
 

June 19th, 1933
Montreal Saints (39-26): 3
Chicago Cougars (42-22): 7

W: Jim Crawford (7-4)
L: Johnny Douglas (3-4)

We managed to salvage the finale with a win to start the week, but losing three out of four at home to a team right behind you is not the best strategy. Jim Crawford rebounded from a tough last start (3.1 IP, 10 H, 8 ER, 3 BB, K against Baltimore 6-14) and tossed a complete game in the win. He allowed 9 hits, 3 runs, and a single walk with 4 strikeouts in a strong outing against a strong offense. He even went 1-for-3 with a walk, run, and RBI. Russ Combs was 3-for-5 with a triple and run scored. John Kincaid was 2-for-3 with a sac-bunt, double, walk, run, and RBI. Mike Taylor was 1-for-2 with 3 walks, a run, and an RBI. Tom Taylor was 1-for-4 with a walk, run, and RBI.

June 20th, 1933
Brooklyn Kings (30-36): 4
Chicago Cougars (42-23): 3
10 Innings

W: Hal Galvan (1-1)
L: Bill Kline (2-1)

We welcomed the Kings and a few former Cougars to town for a four game set before a much needed off day. Our rough stretch continued, as we let the Kings scored three in the ninth. I really wish my manager took out Leudtke after the leadoff double (this league doesn't really use relievers), as Chick Meehan is more or less automatic for three outs and Leudtke's pitch count was high. Regardless, they score three runs to take a 3-2 lead with all runs charged to Leudtke. He didn't get an out, and Chick Meehan got all three he faced. We tied it with a sac-fly in the ninth, but the Kings matched with a sac-fly in the 10th. We couldn't score, and lost the opener.

Leudtke was good till the ninth, going 8+ with 9 hits, 3 runs, 2 walks, and 7 strikeouts. Bill Kline allowed 2 hits and a run in the 10th. Arnold Bower was 3-for-4 with a double. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-5 with a triple and run scored. Russ Combs was 1-for-4 with a steal, walk, and run scored.

June 21st, 1933
Brooklyn Kings (30-37): 0
Chicago Cougars (43-23): 6

W: Max Wilder (6-7)
L: Roy Pierce (3-3)

This is what we need to break the slump! Max Wilder continues to defy age, and tosses a brilliant 3 hit shutout with 2 walks and 4 strikeouts. Tom Taylor was 2-for-4 with a double, walk, run, steal, and 2 RBI's. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-3 with a double, run, and 2 RBI's. John Kincaid was 2-for-3 with 2 walks and a run scored. Bobby Sprague was 1-for-3 with a walk and steal.

June 22nd, 1933
Brooklyn Kings (30-38): 0
Chicago Cougars (44-23): 6

W: Tommy Wilcox (10-5)
L: Johnny Jacob (8-7)

Run it back! The former King Tommy Wilcox struck out 4 and allowed just 4 hits in a complete game shutout. John Kincaid was 4-for-5 with a pair of RBI's. Claude Ramsey was 2-for-2 with a triple, walk, run, sac-fly, and 2 RBI's. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with a run and steal. Cy Bryant was 1-for-4 with a double, steal, run, and 2 RBI's.

June 23rd, 1933
Brooklyn Kings (30-39): 3
Chicago Cougars (45-23): 5

W: Dick Lyons (9-3)
L: Tom Barrell (4-10)
SV: Chick Meehan (7)

Not a shutout today, but we finish the series with three straight wins before a much needed day of rest. We did get bad news, as Russ Combs left this one with yet another injury. He was having an excellent game too, 3-for-5 with a double, run, and 2 RBI's. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-3 with a sac-fly and solo homerun. Phil Vaughan had a crucial pinch hit solo homer in the 7th. He pinch hit for Dick Lyons, who went 7 with 4 hits, 3 runs, 5 walks, and 2 strikeouts in an alright start that was good enough to win. Chick Meehan rocked a 2 inning save, with a hit, walk, and strikeout in those two frames.

June 25th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (45-24): 2
Philadelphia Sailors (34-35): 4

W: William Jones (6-7)
L: Dick Leudtke (9-4)

After a day of rest, we were in Philly for a three game series before we'd head right back home. The offense was still in Chicago, and the Sailors inched closer to .500 with a 4-2 win. Luedtke lost the duel to William Jones, who finished right behind him in the ERA race. Leudtke was let down by a Bobby Sprague error in the 7th, as only one of his four runs was earned. He pitched 8 with 7 hits, 2 walks, and a strikeout. We didn't hit much, but Mike Taylor was 2-for-4 with a double, run, and RBI. Tom Taylor was 1-for-4 with an RBI. John Kincaid was 1-for-3 with a hit by pitch.

Stars of the Week
John Kincaid : 22 AB, 9 H, 0 HR, 3 RBI, .409 AVG, .955 OPS
Bill Ashbaugh : 23 AB, 8 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI, .348 AVG, .929 OPS
Max Wilder : 1 Win, 9.0 IP, 2 BB, 4 K, 0.00 ERA

Transactions
Placed 2B Russ Combs on the 15-Day Disabled List. Recalled 2B John Banks from AAA Milwaukee.

Injury Report
2B Russ Combs (FABL Chicago Cougars): wrist tendinitis (2 weeks)
SS Charlie Gamble (AA Mobile Commodores): returned from the DL
RP John Peterson (AA Mobile Commodores): returned from the DL
RF Ty Schafer (B San Jose Cougars): returned from the DL
SP Joe Tillman (B San Jose Cougars): sprained elbow (6 days)
SP Otis Campbell (C La Crosse Lions): back tightness (6 days)

Weekly Summary
Back on track! After our first sub .500 week, we go back over with a 4-2 week that will restore our 5 and a half game lead. We play seven games in eight days, so we're really going to rely on Tommy Wilcox. He'll start Monday and Friday, three days rest instead of four (listed 100% still). After finishing this series, we're back home for two with the Wolves (25-44). We'll then travel to Toronto for a double header to end June. We then go back home for four with the Sailors before the All Star break. The game will be July 6th and in Chicago for the World's Fair. It won't be at our stadium, but John Dibblee will be honorary captain for the CA team. Tomorrow, I will be submitting my ballot that likely will have a lot of Cougars on it. I haven't decided yet, but I got to believe I'm picking my starters. Sure, there probably are other better CA arms (Carpenter, Martino, Day, I could keep going), but you can't go wrong with Wilcox, Leudtke, and Wilder who have all been so good.

And let's talk a little bit about Max Wilder. The soon to be 36-year-old brought his ERA back below 3 and he did it in a dominant showing. It was a revenge win for Wilder who did it to Brooklyn. The same Brooklyn that torched him to 10 hits and 10 runs before chasing him off the mound in the third. When critics thought Wilder might be running out of energy, the fans stood behind Wilder in this homestand. Since then, he's allowed three or less earned run in every start and has struck out 4 or more, including 8 against Baltimore. That was the only road start in the last six and even though our attendance is down a bit (19,142 to 21,948) people are really showing out. I wish I could find numbers on attendance per game, but only the Fed leading Keystones (477,655) have more then 400,000 in total attendance. Wilder is a huge fan drawer and I have to believe he pitches better at home with all the fans out there for him. He has moved around a lot in his career, but this is his fourth year in Chicago and he has gotten better each season. It's strange to say this for someone his age, but these last four seasons have probably been four of the five best years of his 12 year career, his first full season in 1924 with Baltimore being the other.

This year he is on track for his best season, albeit, it's just 13 starts. He's 6-7, but with an impressive 2.96 ERA (134 ERA+), 1.25 WHIP, and 46 strikeouts in 100.1 innings pitch. Commonly a high strikeout arm, it's another season with a 4.0 or higher K/9, something has done each year in a Cougar uniform. Wilder doesn't rank top 5 in strikeouts, but every hitter ahead of him as made more starts then him excluding Brooklyn's Lyman Weigel (10 starts and the K/9 leader in the CA) then him. He currently ranks 6th in K9 with former Cougars Mike Murphy (5.1) and Tom Barrell (4.9) rank third and fourth.

Also, my comment on the Sprague error is definitely not a shot at his defense. It just he happened to be the guy who made the error. Despite never playing left field before this Spring, Sprague has looked really good in his first season in Chicago. His offense has dropped a bit, hitting just .224/.280/.247 so far in June, but he's still hitting over .300 and his WRC+ just dropped below 100. In left, however, he's been excellent. He's got a +5.7 zone rating, 1.069 efficiency, and .961 field percentage in 608.2 innings out in left. When you compare him to all FABL left fielders, he ranks first in zone rating, efficiency, innings played, and putouts, and second in double plays. He's not the only Cougar to lead categories in the outfield, as both Taylor and Bryant see their names atop a few fielding categories. Interesting enough, John Kincaid, Russ Combs, and Mike Taylor are the most efficient third basemen, second basemen, and catcher.

And let's not forget about Russ Combs. He starts to light the world on fire after coming off the DL and about a month and ten days after coming off the DL he returned, this time with wrist tendinitis. I already mentioned how's he's leading the FABL in defensive efficiency at second base (1.067) and in his 38 games at second he has an impressive 2.3 zone rating. Just focusing on CA 2B, despite ranking outside the top 7 in innings, he ranks third in zone rating. He's taken the position change well and he was back to mashing baseballs. Combs is hitting .358/.399/.512 (144 OPS+) with 2 homers, 4 steals, and 22 RBI's in just 175 trips to the plate. As good as Combs has been, he hasn't played more then 100 games since 1930 and he's not going to reach that this year either. I can't imagine moving on from him, but I think Billy Hunter may end up being the answer at second base. He's a natural shortstop, but I've been playing him at a couple positions to work out versatility and spread out at bats. He was our 1st Round pick this year and is one of our top prospects.

To replace Combs, I could've gone with Russ Franklin, but he's learning left field right now and I want him to focus just on that. Slim Bloom is good enough to cover, as he's hitting .346/.418/.432 (129 OPS+) in just under 100 trips to the plate. He hasn't defended too well, but with Harry Simmons hitting just .238/.306/.286 (60 OPS+) he's really not an option. With that being said, I wanted to bring up a solid defender at second. In Milwaukee, John Banks has been excellent in the field and is also hitting .335/.460/.449 (104 OPS+) with a homer, steal, and 27 RBI's. The 25-year-old righty also has a +6.4 zone rating and 1.046 efficiency and he'll make his second trip up to the big league team.

Minor League Report

SS Billy Hunter (C La Crosse Lions): I have to talk about Hunter because I talked about him in my weekly summary. And since it's a La Crosse guy, I have to talk about the team.

Unfortunately for all my young high school prospects, this team is really young. I don't have anyone in my lineup 20 or older and three of my six starters pitched in high school last year. We are 23-53, 34 games out in 8th of 8th place. Burlington, who's 25-51 has a few older players playing, but like us, mostly teenagers. The top 4 (all over .500) are composed of mostly college players and the gap between 4th and 5th is 8 games (13 to 21). This isn't a knock on other minor league management styles, I prefer giving my best guys playing time over winning. Some people want to win in the minors and I respect that. When I had far less lower minors talent back in 1929, I had a lot of older guys in La Crosse and we smacked everybody, finishing 88-35. This time, it's just Ottumwa, who's smacking everyone and likely to finish with 90 wins. I just loved my 1932 draft class so much I've spread guys in A, B, and C and tried to give them as many at bats/innings as possible.

What this means for Billy Hunter, who I should also mention is learning a completely new position, is probably getting challenged like he did last year in a high school system full of elite seniors. He's hitting .285/.319/.415 (93 OPS+) with 5 homers, 24 RBI's, and 2 steals, but this is a lot better then it looks. Our next best hitter here is hitting .223 and he's tied for the lead in homers and RBI's. Hunter is a really talented kid, and ranks as the 31st best prospect in baseball despite being just 18. I know he can be a shortstop, but right now I think his best track to the majors is as a second basemen. Combs and Bower, our current middle infielders, are both 29, but Combs has a really lengthy injury history. That's not to say Bower has been healthy, he's had his share too, just not nearly as many.

Right now in the farm, I think the middle infield is kind of like this. Hunter is at the top. He can play second or short, depending if he has another top prospect at the level with him. The next level has a ton of other good options including Gene Evans, Ducky Jordan, Freddie Bennett, Red Moore, Elmer Hutchins, and Homer Ray. I think all these guys have big league potential, but it's likely only one or two of these guys plays much for us. And right now, most of these guys are in La Crosse. That's why I'll be moving Hunter up to Class B San Jose. The group down in La Crosse will rotate across the infield spots, but now there are more at bats up for grabs. In San Jose, Hunter will go to short with Homer Ray at second. This will move 20-year-old Illinois switch hitter Duke Fowler to third base, a position the former 6th Rounder has not yet learned.

2B Homer Ray (B San Jose Cougars): I might as well also cover his new double play partner who has now hit in 22 straight games. The 1931 3rd Rounder is hitting .353/.383/.471 (124 OPS+) with 2 homers and 33 RBIs in a 238 plate appearance sample. He's had a rough go defensively, but I'm hoping with Hunter coming up it helps him out a bit. Ray is a big contact hitter who won't draw too many walks, he'll still get on base a fair amount. He's not much of a power hitter, but he does have extra base pop and could hit between 5 and 10 homers in a season. He just turned 20, so he's still really young with a lot of room to grow. He ranks right outside the top 200 prospects in baseball.

Week 12: June 26th-July 2nd
 

June 26th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (45-25): 0
Philadelphia Sailors (35-35): 6

W: Doc Newell (5-7)
L: Tommy Wilcox (10-6)

Well, I rolled the dice and threw out Tommy Wilcox on short rest to make up for the random double header we have to deal with. To be fair, Wilcox pitched really well and his night was ruined by a trio of errors, including one of his own. 5 of the 6 runs were unearned and he allowed 9 hits and 2 walks with just one strikeout in 8 innings. Not a great start by any means, but given the circumstances he did well. We didn't hit anyways, so it didn't matter who I threw as Doc Newell allowed just 4 hits and he struck out 3 in a complete game shutout.

June 27th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (46-25): 4
Philadelphia Sailors (35-36): 0

W: Norm Stewart (2-0)
L: Russ Reel (8-4)

We got a scare in this one, as Wilder left during the fifth in a 2-0 ball game. He ended up being fine, but enter Rule-5 Pick Norm Stewart who was lights out in relief. He tossed 4.2 innings with just 1 hit and 1 walk as we at least got the finale. The offense woke up a bit too, with Slim Bloom going a perfect 3-for-3 with a double, walk, and run scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with a homer and a pair of RBI's. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a triple, run, and RBI.

June 28th, 1933
Toronto Wolves (25-47): 3
Chicago Cougars (47-25): 5

W: Dick Lyons (10-3)
L: Chuck Cole (1-2)

We returned home to host the Wolves for four, with the finale a double header. Dick Lyons was really good in the opener, allowing 4 hits and 3 runs with a walk and 3 strikeouts in a complete game victory. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with a double, run, and 3 RBI's. Tom Taylor was 1-for-3 with a walk, 2 runs, and a stolen base. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with a double, run, and RBI.

June 29th, 1933
Toronto Wolves (25-48): 4
Chicago Cougars (48-25): 5
14 Innings

W: Chick Meehan (2-0)
L: Bernie Johnson (1-2)

This wasn't what either team wanted, 14 innings before a double header. It was the Wolves fault, as they scored 3 in the 8th to tie it. No one could score until the 14th, where Mike Taylor walked it off with a single. We didn't need to use that many pitchers, as Jim Crawford (on a 130 pitch pitch count) tossed 11 innings with 11 hits, 4 runs (1 earned), a walk, and 2 strikeouts. Filling in at short, Harry Simmons made the error that created the three runs in the 8th. Regardless, Chick Meehan was outstanding in 3 innings of relief work, allowing just 1 hit while striking out two. Slim Bloom had another strong game, 3-for-6 with a double and run scored. The starter Crawford was 2-for-4 with a double, run, and RBI. Cy Bryant was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Simmons was 1-for-3 with a run scored.

June 30th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (49-25): 5
Toronto Wolves (25-49): 4
Game 1
12 Innings

W: Bill Kline (3-1)
L: Eddie Quinn (6-11)
SV: Chick Meehan (8)

We're actually in Toronto now, I forgot how we leave just for the final day of June, and now play two as the away team. Like yesterday, we'd have extras, and like yesterday, the score would be 5-4. This time, no walkoff, as we took the first game of the double header. John Kincaid gave us the lead with an RBI double in the 12th, but it was the only hit for him in six trips (he walked once). Cy Bryant was 3-for-5 with a steal, double, and RBI. Mike Taylor was 2-for-6 with a solo homer. Dick Leudtke made the start, tossing 10 innings with 9 hits, 4 runs, and 2 strikeouts. Bill Kline and Chick Meehan both tossed scoreless innings, with Kline striking one out and Chick walking one.

June 30th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (51-25): 6
Toronto Wolves (25-50): 1
Game 2

W: Tommy Wilcox (11-6)
L: Buddy Adams (4-12)

Ahh, perfect symmetry. Our 50th win is the Wolves 50th loss. The first to 50 in the CA for both categories, although Boston was the first team overall to 50 losses. Tommy Wilcox was brilliant, allowing just 1 run off 8 hits with 5 strikeouts in the complete game victory. It's been a busy run for Wilcox, but it's his last start of the first half and he'll get a chance to rest. He hit a little too, 2-for-3 with a double, sac-bunt, run, and 2 RBI's. Tom Taylor was 2-for-4 with a run, walk, and RBI. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with a double, run, and walk.

July 1st, 1933
Philadelphia Sailors (36-39): 2
Chicago Cougars (51-25): 13

W: Claude Purvis (1-0)
L: Doc Newell (5-8)

Back home to end the second half with four with the Sailors. The offense exploded, piling on 13 runs in the opening victory. This is a start that never should have happened, as former stopper Claude Purvis tossed all nine in a 13-2 win. He allowed 7 hits, 2 runs, and 3 walks with just 1 strikeout in his first career start. Turns out Max Wilder was hurt more then I thought (he's healthy now) as this was supposed to be his start. He even flexed with the bat, 2-for-4 with a sac-bunt, run scored, and RBI. Mike Taylor was 3-for-5 with a triple, run, and 2 RBI's. Slim Bloom was 2-for-3 with a double, homer, 2 runs, 2 walks, and 2 RBI's. Bobby Sprague was 1-for-2 with a homer, 3 runs, 3 RBI's, and 3 walks. Ed Calvert was 2-for-4 with 2 runs, a walk, and RBI. John Kincaid was 1-for-4 with a triple, walk, run, and RBI.

July 2nd, 1933
Philadelphia Sailors (36-40): 0
Chicago Cougars (51-25): 3

W: Dick Lyons (11-3)
L: Russ Reel (8-5)

We continue to play well, as a Dick Lyons shutout extends our win streak to seven. He allowed 7 hits and struck out 2 in the win. Only three Cougars had hits after every Cougars had one yesterday. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with a pair of runs scored. Tom Taylor was 2-for-4 with a two run homer. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with an RBI. And that was the offense.

Stars of the Week
Mike Taylor : 29 AB, 11 H, 1 HR, 4 RBI, .379 AVG, 1.006 OPS
Dick Lyons : 2 Wins, 18.0 IP, 1 BB, 5 K, 1.50 ERA
Slim Bloom : 26 AB, 9 H, 1 HR, 2 RBI, .346 AVG, 1.105 OPS

Transactions
Placed 2B Slim Bloom on the 15-Day DL. Claimed SS Forrest Sylvester off waivers. Placed Sylvester on the active roster.

Injury Report
2B Slim Bloom (FABL Chicago Cougars): back tightness (1-2 weeks)
LF Rich Langton (B San Jose Cougars): strained triceps (2-3 weeks)
RP Lee Ralph (C La Crosse Lions): torn labrum (9 months)
A lot of guys were activated, but I'm not going to list them all out.

Weekly Summary
Despite dropping the Monday match, we finished with seven straight wins and are now 52-25 (.675) with 2 games left before the All-Star break. Things look really good for us, with Cleveland (42-34) now in second and 9 and a half games behind. The Saints (42-36) had a rough week and now sit double digit out. The Fed isn't as spread out, but the reigning pennant winning Keystones (49-28) hold comfortable leads on the Dynamos (44-33), Eagles (43-36), and Gothams (40-38).

I didn't initially plan on using Sylvester, he was a depth claim (and can be optioned to AAA), but with Bloom getting hurt and Combs still not healthy, I thought I might as well bring the 31-year-old veteran along. A former 2nd Rounder back in 1923, he's gotten into a game every year from 1925-1933 with the Sailors. In 3,419 career plate appearances, he owns a .264/.330/.336 (87 OPS+) line with 2 homers, 49 steals, and 339 RBI's. He's an excellent defender at short, with a +47.5 zone rating and 1.040 efficiency. He's definitely worth stashing as my middle infielders continue to prove fragile. The lefty hasn't hit much this year, but I just need him on hand in case we need an upgrade in the field.

This might also be a good summary point since it is the end of the month. Things have gone really well and our offense, pitching, and defense sit top two in nearly every category for the CA. We finished June 18-11 which is actually slightly worse then our 19-10 May. A lot has been at home, where we are 30-15. On the road, we're 22-10 which is a slightly better win percentage. Still a lot of games left, but I like our chances.

Minor League Report

SP Art Black (AAA Milwaukee Blues): If Wilder had to miss time, this is who would have came up. It hasn't been the best season for the recently turned 24-year-old, but he really caught fire in June. He was 6-1 with a 3.38 ERA with 14 strikeouts in 7 starts. A former 5th Round Pick, Black has moved from a 2-pitch pitcher to a 5-pitch pitcher and he's definitely got the stuff to start. He gets a lot of movement on all his pitches, but he can occasionally lose his control. It'll be hard to find starts for Black right now, but he's the next guys up and Max Wilder, although still strong, is getting up there.

RF Billy Marshall (AA Mobile Commodores): It's been a strong month for the 22-year-old Marshall who was named the Dixie League Batter of the Month. He hit .365 with 2 homers and 16 RBI's in June. For the full season, he's batting .353/.413/.492 (138 OPS+) with 5 homers, 6 steals, and 42 RBI's across 286 plate appearances. Marshall has been splitting his time pretty equally between center and right this year, but with Serna in Mobile with him, he's likely to just man right. He's got good speed and the potential to hit for a really high average. Kind of like Vince York, but better on defense. I really like Marshall and he projects to be a future big league starter.

SP Gordie Thompson (A Lincoln Legislators): Formerly one of our top prospects, a torn UCL cut his 1932 short and we're a little worried if he can still start. He's done well in 13 starts between A and AA. In 6 in A he's 3-1 with a 2.05 ERA (192 ERA+), 1.05 WHIP, and 9 strikeouts. In 7 in AA he's 5-1 with a 3.21 ERA (126 ERA+), 1.15 WHIP, and 17 strikeouts. I still hope he can start, but his future may be in relief. He's Rule-5 eligible, so I'll likely bring him up in September and give him a chance to work out of the pen.

All Star Game Interlude
 

This technically happens during the week, but it will flow better separate:

Here are rosters and associated votes. I'll * every player that I voted for:

Federal Association

Catcher
T.R. Goins, Washington Eagles (8/8): .328/.406/.485 (145 OPS+), 7 HR, 40 RBI, 305 PA*
Jim Pool, Pittsburgh Miners: .296/.369/.487 (143 OPS+), 7 HR, 35 RBI, 214 PA

First Base
Rankin Kellogg, Philadelphia Keystones (8/8): .383/.445/.665 (196 OPS+), 21 HR, 78 RBI, -4.1 ZR, 384 PA*
Fred McCormick, St. Louis Pioneers: .382/.451/.612 (187 OPS+), 5 HR, 38 RBI, -6.2 ZR, 195 PA

Second Base
Freddie Jones, St. Louis Pioneers (8/8): .321/.415/.404 (123 OPS+), 4 HR, 46 RBI, +1.3 ZR, 366 PA*

Third Base
Frank Vance, Detroit Dynamos (4/8): .274/.349/.432 (115 OPS+). 10 HR, 32 RBI, +3.3 ZR, 395 PA
Charlie Berry, Boston Minutemen (2/8): .345/.386/.435 (125 OPS+), 3 HR, 39 RBI, -1.0 ZR, 351 PA
Ed Stewart, Pittsburgh Miners (1/8): .285/.337/.430 (113 OPS+), 13 HR, 49 RBI, 9 SB, +2.5 ZR, 367 PA

Shortstop
Pete Asher, Pittsburgh Miners (8/8): .334/.377/.400 (122 OPS+), 1 HR, 36 RBI, -1.3 ZR, 332 PA*

Left Field
Jim Hampton, Chicago Chiefs (7/8): 327/.384/.506 (142 OPS+), 13 HR, 62 RBI, 11 SB, +4.8 ZR, 354 PA*
Henry Jones, Detroit Dynamos (1/8): .303/.359/.509 (138 OPS+), 13 HR, 53 RBI, -6.8 ZR, 376 PA

Center Field
Grover Lee, Philadelphia Keystones (7/8): .307/.393/.517 (144 OPS+), 10 HR, 32 RBI, +3.2 ZR, 239 PA*

Right Field
Bobby Barrell, Philadelphia Keystones (8/8): .401/.461/.569 (174 OPS+), 6 HR, 74 RBI, 9 SB, +8.8 ZR, 380 PA*
Al Wheeler, Detroit Dynamos: .294/.385/.482 (139 OPS+), 12 HR, 64 RBI, -1.7 ZR, 374 PA

Starters
Ed Baker, Philadelphia Keystones (5/8): 10-3, 3.41 ERA (117 ERA+), 1.39 WHIP, 31 BB, 49 K, 132 IP*
Roy Calfee, Detroit Dynamos (5/8): 10-6, 2.95 ERA (132 ERA+), 1.18 WHIP, 24 BB, 64 K, 152.2 IP*
Jim Lonardo, New York Gothams (5/8): 10-7, 3.61 ERA (106 ERA+), 1.23 WHIP, 21 BB, 53 K, 134.2 IP
Bill Ketterman, Pittsburgh Miners (4/8): 10-6, 3.21 ERA (118 ERA+), 1.26 WHIP, 47 BB, 47 K, 143 IP
Bill Morrill, Pittsburgh Miners (2/8): 5-9, 2.54 ERA (149 ERA+), 1.15 WHIP, 37 BB, 47 K, 142 IP*
Brad Magnuson, St. Louis Pioneers: 9-7, 3.41 ERA (116 ERA+), 1.24 WHIP, 37 BB, 43 K, 140 IP
Bob Simmon, Pittsburgh Miners: 6-8, 3.57 ERA (106 ERA+), 1.22 WHIP, 33 BB, 48 K

Relievers
Wilbur Dennis, Philadelphia Keystones (7/8): 4-4, 8 SV, 1.85 ERA (216 ERA+), 1.36 WHIP, 18 BB, 19 K, 48.2 IP*
Ben Curtin, St. Louis Pioneers (3/8): 4-2, 11 SV, 2.68 ERA (148 ERA+), 1.39 WHIP, 20 BB, 22 K

Continental Association

Catcher
Mike Taylor, Chicago Cougars (5/8): .298/.402/.425 (121 OPS+), 8 HR, 36 RBI, 338 PA*
Mickey Dowell, Montreal Saints (3/8): .282/.327/.382 (101 OPS+), 2 HR, 30 RBI, 238 PA

First Base
Max Morris, Cleveland Foresters (3/8): 299/.356/.535 (145 OPS+), 18 HR, 55 RBI, -5.6 ZR, 331 PA*
Dick Walker, Philadelphia Sailors (2/8): .278/.415/.452 (147 OPS+), 7 HR, 30 RBI, +4.3 ZR, 307 PA
Vic Crawford, Montreal Saints: .325/.379/.508 (151 OPS+), 6 HR, 54 RBI, +0.4 ZR, 348 PA

Second Base
Pete Layton, New York Stars (4/8): 344/.401/.521 (154 OPS+), 9 HR, 54 RBI, -1.9 ZR, 322 PA*
Jack Cleaves, Philadelphia Sailors (2/8): .293/.388/.461 (142 OPS+), 6 HR, 36 RBI, -1.4 ZR, 345 PA

Third Base
John Lawson, New York Stars (8/8): .393/.447/.561 (178 OPS+), 9 HR, 58 RBI, +1.4 ZR, 369 PA*


Shortstop
Woody Armstrong, Montreal Saints (4/8): .316/.368/.480 (140 OPS+), 4 HR, 21 RBI, +0.7 ZR, 186 PA*
Harry Barrell, Brooklyn Kings (4/8): .313/.364/.424 (111 OPS+), 1 HR, 31 RBI, +20.4 ZR, 277 PA

Left Field
Art Summers, Brooklyn Kings (7/8): .331/.417/.528 (152 OPS+), 9 HR, 48 RBI, 4 SB -0.5 ZR, 339 PA*

Center Field
Bob Worley, Montreal Saints (7/8): 282/.363/.413 (120 OPS+), 10 HR, 47 RBI, +7.9 ZR, 345 PA*

Right Field
Moxie Pidgeon, Cleveland Foresters (8/8): 331/.402/.515 (154 OPS+), 11 HR, 46 RBI, -1.7 ZR, 346 PA*
Bobby Bond, Philadelphia Sailors: .304/.376/.393 (120 OPS+), 3 HR, 41 RBI, +0.7 ZR, 343 PA
Lou Kelly, Baltimore Cannons: .303/.369/.483 (133 OPS+), 9 HR, 52 RBI, 363 PA

Starters
Tommy Wilcox, Chicago Cougars (7/8): 11-7, 2.53 ERA (159 ERA+), 1.32 WHIP, 27 BB, 64 K, 152.2 IP*
Ken Carpenter, Baltimore Canons (5/8): 11-6, 2.79 ERA (141 ERA+), 1.17 WHIP, 37 BB, 54 K, 135.1 IP
Dick Leudtke (3/8): 10-4, 2.78 ERA (145 ERA+), 1.21 WHIP, 34 BB, 48 K, 145.2 IP*
Dick Lyons, Chicago Cougars (3/8): 12-3, 3.03 ERA (133 ERA+), 1.16 WHIP, 24 BB, 32 K, 130.2 IP*
Rollie Beal, Philadelphia Sailors (2/8): 12-4, 2.59 ERA (145 ERA+), 1.25 WHIP, 49 BB, 54 K, 142.1 IP
Les Zoller, New York Stars: 8-2, 2.88 ERA (135 ERA+), 1.21 WHIP, 40 BB, 46 K, 109.1 IP

Relievers
Lee Drouillard, Baltimore Cannons (4/8): 1-1, 20 SV, 0.51 ERA (771 ERA+), 1.08 WHIP, 5 BB, 9 K, 17.2 IP*
Boyd Harper, New York Stars (3/8): 3-9, 11 SV, 2.41 ERA (161 ERA+), 1.36 WHIP, 21 BB, 23 K, 52.1 IP*
Chick Meehan, Chicago Cougars (3/8): 2-0, 10 SV, 1.21 ERA (332 ERA+), 1.01 WHIP, 9 BB, 16 K, 29.2 IP*

A few notes of mine. Lot of players really stood out in their position. And a lot of these players I really like. Starting with Freddie Jones, during the 1931 draft I tried everything I could to get Jones. I got to the point where I was offered Tom Barrell, Joe Johnson, Fred Barrell, and Mel Leonard and we almost came to an agreement. Considering Tom and Fred went to Wilcox and Taylor and Johnson and Leonard to Sprague, I think I'm still better off, but I really wish I had enough draft capital at that point. We were coming off a title so I did really empty the farm going all out to win, but I think if I lost Jones would have been a Cougar. Like with St. Louis, he would have been a starter since day one and flat out dominated. Kid really is as good as it gets and if the Pioneers can add a few pieces around him, 23-year-old Fred McCormick (who actually came over in the Max Morris trade), and 24-year-old shortstop Ray Russell this team is going to be really good. They're above .500 right now and one reason is former Cougar Vince York, one of the pieces they added in the offseason. York wasn't an All-Star, but the switch hitter is hitting .311/.363/.437 (117 OPS+) with 4 homers and 36 RBI's. Him and Alex Ingraham make up a solid corner outfield combo and they have a young stud CF waiting in AA.

Darn you Bobby Barrell... Why did you have to break your kneecap (11 months) in your draft season? I was scared that a speedy centerfielder like you would be hurt so much by that, that I went with the lefty Mike Murphy instead. Now, that's not to say Murphy isn't good. He's an excellent young starter. But Bobby Barrell is so good. He's only 22, but he's already put together 1,723 FABL plate appearances with a .334/.385/.534 (139 OPS+) batting line to go with 56 homers, 24 steals, and 286 RBI's. He's not Tom Taylor out in right field, but Barrell is really good out there. He's got a +28.0 zone rating and 1.038 efficiency in over 3,000 innings. He's approaching the three full season mark where you can start to more accurately understand defensive statistics. The Georgia Jolter may be the "keystone" to Philly's lineup and they're looking like a very formidable foe out in the Fed. At 52-30, they're five ahead of the Dynamos and hands down the best offense in the league. With Ranking Kellogg at first, Grover Lee in center, Bobby in right, and former Cougar farmhand Rabbit Forrest competing with him for a batting title, I can't wait to see our pitching staff get a crack at that. Usually I love no inter league play, but I'd love to see what our rotation could do against their offense during the regular season.

Go Ben Curtin! The former Cougar starting pitching prospect has now turned into a really effective pen arm for St. Louis. He made 9 starts for us in 1929, going 3-4 with a 4.95 ERA (93 ERA+), 1.90 WHIP, and 13 strikeouts with 42 walks in 63.2 innings. He was just 23 and a well regarded prospect, and sent to the Gothams in the John Kincaid trade. His stay in New York was short, as he was moved the next offseason in the Max Morris trade that sent him from St. Louis to New York. That same Max Morris trade Fred McCormick was a part of. Curtin made just 10 starts after we traded him, so he's been strictly a pen guy, but it's turned out well for him as he's an inaugural all star.

So then we have to talk Max Morris. The 38-year-old is probably the best ever FABL player and he represented the CA at first base. He has been traded a few times, with all off Jim Cator, James Gerhardt, John Hill, Milt Sexton, Ray Benson, Calvin Brown, Fred McCormick, Jack Richardson, Ben Curtin, John Turner, Alex Thompson, Pete Thomas, and Bob Adams. Cator, Gerhardt, Hill, and Sexton are all from a trade way back in 1919, but the rest have been since 1930. Already, Curtin and McCormick were named All Stars and with so much talent left you have to imagine there is much more.

I can't imagine this is going to be McCormick's only trip. This is year three as the Pioneers first basemen, and he's hit .343/.403/.514 (141 OPS+) with 19 homers and 215 RBI's across 1,581 trips to the plate. He's also just 23 and already playing like a top 3 first basemen. A former 11th Round pick of the Gothams back in 1927, he was quickly ranked a top prospect and was #9 at the time of the trade.

John Turner, another top 50 prospect, was actually undrafted out of high school. He signed a contract worth $1,500 with the Gothams afterwards, probably much more then he would have got if he was drafted. It paid out for both teams as Turner really caught his stride in 1929. He got recognition and was one of the three pieces in the Joe Perrett deal that brought him to the Empire city. That's how Cleveland got Turner, so they actually sold him back to the Gothams in the Morris deal. After the Perrett trade, he was ranked the 61st best prospect in baseball and when he was traded back to the Gothams he ranked 43rd. This was during last season. Turner played with the Gothams in 64 games last year and hit .273/.380/.391 (110 OPS+) with a homer, 14 steals, and 31 RBI's. He'll be 26 in a little over a week, and he's a dependable leadoff hitter for the Gothams.

Let's not forget Alex Thompson, a former 1st Round Pick with a career .320/.360/.430 (117 OPS+) line with 3 homers and 72 RBI's across 529 plate appearances. He's 26, but ruptured his MCL in June. He's not a speedy guy and doesn't really need to move much, so hopefully he can recover from this injury. He's not much a power hitter either, so I think he should be able to do fine coming back. He'll miss all this year, but he could get right on track back in 1934. If it wasn't for a really rough season, I'd go more in depth on Ray Benson of the Pioneers. He had an average 1932 season, but he fell off hard this year. That's not to say he's done for, he's just 26, but the Chicago native will need to get back on track quickly as the Pioneers have some strong arms that can displace him.

Going away from Morris, there is another former Cougar prospect. It was our 12th Round Pick in the 1926 draft. That class was filled with future big leaguers including Fred Barrell (1st), Bill Kline (2nd), Heinie Bretz (4th), Ben Turner (9th), and Bobby Allen (10th), Bob Worley may be the best of them. He was moved in a five player trade to the Stars in 1927, but was then one of the three prospects in the Charlie Stedman trade. He went from New York to Montreal along with Earle Whitten and Ed Smith. After a rough rookie season, he broke out this year and is looking like a future top 5 center fielder. He's a really good defender too, not Cy Bryant good, but +7.9 zone rating and 1.023 efficiency good.

Well of course, I also have to make notes on the current Cougar All Stars. Even though the whole team will be in Chicago for the All-Star game (but you have to imagine the rest will be their in support), five will represent the team. Those five are Mike Taylor, Tommy Wilcox, Dick Lyons, Dick Leudtke, and Chick Meehan. I really wanted Max Wilder to get the call and while I do think Bill Ashbaugh deserved it, there really was no snub. Someone actually voted for Russ Combs. I didn't, but he did have the production when healthy to warrant a selection. I'm guessing he was healthy when that person voted. We were definitely well represented, but I do with the rosters were larger to encompass more players.

The game was won 8-5 by the Fed with young shortstop Pete Asher taking MVP. He was 3-for-4 with a double and 3 RBI's. All our pitchers threw and Mike Taylor hit 6th and started at catcher. Wilcox pitched the first, but allowed 4 hits and a run. Leudtke got the 4th. He struck out one in a perfect frame. Lyons relieved him and allowed two hits, but no runs. Chick Meehan finished the game, 1.2 innings with a hit and strikeout.