Rule-5 Draft
 

I messed up my list, so instead of getting just one pitcher I got three. We picked up four players in total and did not lose anyone. Here are the new guys we got:

SP Jack Fisher (from the Eagles): A former 4th Round selection by Washington in 1926, the 26-year-old Fisher had a pretty good season in AAA. He was 8-9 with a 3.73 ERA (122 ERA+), 1.27 WHIP, and 190 strikeouts in 188 innings pitched. He's had a really productive minor league career, with ERA+ above 100 in each season except a 6.1 inning start in AA as a 22-year-old. Fisher throws a hard cutter in the low 90s and he's got excellent secondary stuff with his curve and change. He could start, but for us the only chance he has of making the team is in the pen.

SP Charlie Morrell (from the Gothams): a 28-year-old southpaw who was taken in the 6th Round by Detroit back in 1924, Morrell has yet to debut. He's moved around a bit, but has a pretty good minor league track record. I'm not sure why I got him, as he was below Fisher with "or" and not and, but we have another arm added to the pen mix. Last year he was 7-5, with a 3.70 ERA (122 ERA+), 1.41 WHIP, and 135 strikeouts in 124 innings. He's a groundballer with a four pitch arsenal, but I can't seem him making the roster.

SP Frank Pratt (from the Saints): Taken in the 3rd Round by Montreal in 1927, Pratt got his first taste of AAA at 25. He did fine, 6-3 with a 4.08 ERA (110 ERA+), 1.48 WHIP, and 50 strikeouts in 88.1 innings pitched. He's got a decent four pitch mix, but is likely a long shot to make the roster. He doesn't throw too hard either, but my scout seems to like him.

CF Al Kempe (from the Dynamos): Taken 17th Overall in 1925, Kempe has yet to live up to his draft day hype. He did have an excellent season in AAA, hitting .307/.373/.463 (138 OPS+) with 15 homers, 10 steals, and 71 RBI's. He's got a smooth swing, excellent baseball IQ, and a great eye at the plate. He can handle center and with experience could fill in at left or right. He'll be in competition for an open outfield bench spot vacated by the retirement of John Dibblee.

We won't be taking anyone in the minor league portion, but I got some draft news. 6th Rounder Duke Fowler signed a $2,000 bonus and will report to Class C La Crosse. I have eight other picks I plan on signing.
We have the minor league portion next, where a team can purchase a player from another organization that is Rule-5 eligible. Instead of keeping them on the active roster, they are just forced to the 40-Man roster.

Minor League Rule-5 Draft and More
 

I didn't take anyone in the minor league portion of the draft and didn't lose anyone either. The independent league draft is up next and honestly much harder. I pick 15th, so I have to find someone good enough to be worth picking, but also not good enough to get taken early. Honestly, this draft might have won us a championship, as we picked first in the first independent draft. The Gothams picked behind us, but had the unfortunate event of choosing the same player as us, a young lefty named Jim Crawford. Since we had the worst record, we got priority, and two years later Crawford won us a championship while the Gothams couldn't buy a win when Jim Lonardo wasn't on the mound. I'm not too sure how many players like Crawford have been taken, but the Independent leagues have a few decent players that can help a big league team now or in the future.

We also had all the guys I wanted from the draft to sign. Here's a list of those signings, their round, and bonus:

1st Round: LF Ed Reyes ($9,000)
2nd Round: 1B Leo Mitchell ($3,200)
2nd Round: SP John Hartz ($2,700)
3rd Round: 2B Homer Ray ($7,000)
4th Round: CF Roy Moore ($3,100)
9th Round: LF Bud Taylor ($900)
13th Round: CF Les Powers ($1,300)

Here is an updated Top 30 Prospect list:
1. CF Joe Johnson (16th Overall): 1st
2. SP Tom Barrell (41st Overall): 3rd
3. SP Mel Leonard (52nd Overall): New
4. C Joe Rainbow (61st Overall): New
5. SP Bill Ross (84th Overall): New
6. SP George DeForest (86th Overall): 2nd
7. LF Ed Reyes (93rd Overall): New
8. 1B Jim Hatfield (123rd Overall): 15th
9. C Claude Ramsey (124th Overall): New
10. RF Ed Rhoden (126th Overall): 12th
11. CF Buck Waldrop (133rd Overall): 25th
12. 3B Tom Spitzer (134th Overall): 18th
13. SP John Hartz (142nd Overall): New
14. 1B Leo Mitchell (148th Overall): New
15. LF Billy Marshall (149th Overall): 9th
16. 2B Elmer Hutchins (171st Overall): 16th
17. CF Roy Moore (221st Overall): New
18. 1B Jim Fisher (228th Overall): 21st
19. 2B John Banks (233rd Overall): New
20. SS Charlie Reed (235th Overall): New
21. 2B Homer Ray (236th Overall): New
22. CL Don Grossman (251st Overall): New
23. SP Frank Pratt (272nd Overall): New
24. SP Art Black (290th Overall): 11th
25. CF Tom Thomas (298th Overall): 19th
26. SP Fred Collins (300th Overall): New
27. SP Chet Peacock (302nd Overall): New
28. SP Mike Murphy (316th Overall): 20th
29. SP Billy LeBeau (336th Overall): New
30. SP Joe King (354th Overall): 23rd

I also realized I forgot to recap the AI picks from the draft, so hopefully I'll be able to get to that before the weekend so I can start top prospect reports over the weekend.

1931 Draft: Round 11-15
 

11th Round, 177th Overall: SP Joe Tillman
Former School: Frankford State Owls
1931 Stats: 5-6, 96 IP, 4.03 ERA (109 ERA+), 1.22 WHIP, 83 K
Career Stats: 12-8, 192 IP, 4.03 ERA (114 ERA+), 1.28 WHIP, 165 K
Summary: Joe Tillman is an interesting sidearm pitcher from Frankford State who's been a pretty average pitcher all three years of his career. He's got good stuff, a mid 90s fastball that leads his four pitch arsenal. He has the tools to start, but he doesn't scream high upside.

12th Round, 193rd Overall: SP Gene Baker
Former School: Central Ohio Aviators
1931 Stats: N/A
Career Stats: 4-1, 66.1 IP, 3.12 ERA (161 ERA+), 1,19 WHIP, 27 K
Summary: For me it's impossible to keep a guy like Baker who didn't play sophomore or junior year. Unfortunately, we only do 10 rounds live so this was my scouts selection. I release guys like this who would never be drafted in real life.

13th Round, 209th Overall: CF Les Powers
Former School: Denver HS Mountaineers
1931 Stats: .214/.305/.390 (106 OPS+), 174 PA, 7 HR, 21 RBI, 2 SB, +0.2 ZR (CF)
Career Stats: .235/.322/.407 (119 OPS+), 429 PA, 16 HR, 43 RBI, 7 SB, +4.6 ZR (CF)
Summary: I actually gave Powers a signing bonus, a nice $1,300 for a high upside player. He's an excellent defender with great range and a sure handed glove. He's got decent power, and could be a nice future player.

14th Round, 193rd Overall: SP Jerry Coates
Former School: Chicago Poly Panthers
1931 Stats:
Career Stats: 5-11, 111.1 IP, 3.88 ERA (130 ERA+), 1.44 WHIP, 62 K
Summary: I usually would release someone like Coates, but he went to school really close to us and I like grabbing Chi-Poly players. He's not a very interesting pitcher, but he's got four pitches and can start. I'll let him get a few innings, but I'm not quite sure he's got much potential.

15th Round, 241st Overall: CF Joe Battin
Former School: Garden State Redbirds
1931 Stats: .180/.313/.281 (60 OPS+), 203 PA, 4 HR, 14 RBI, -3.1 ZR (CF)
Career Stats: .202/.312/.364 (80 OPS+), 349 PA, 11 HR, 37 RBI, -4.8 (CF)
Summary: A champion last season, Joe Battin had a terrible season. He doesn't have much potential and likely wouldn't have been selected, so I'm cutting him. It's unfortunate he couldn't just stay another season.

1931 Draft: Round 16-25
 

16th Round, 257th Overall: SS Cy Gair
Former School: Birmingham HS Bulldogs
1931 Stats: .273/.368/.334 (91 OPS+), 38 PA, 0 HR, 1 RBI, -0.2 ZR (SS)
Career Stats: .275/.320/.334 (98 OPS+), 374 PA, 0 HR, 43 RBI, +1.1 (SS)
Summary: He wants a bonus and I'm not going to give it to him. Instead, he'll head to Glendale Community College. He's not bad, but doesn't really have much potential.

17th Round, 273rd Overall: RP Karl Fowler
Former School: Central Ohio Aviators
1931 Stats: N/A
Career Stats: 11-14, 96.2 IP, 7.17 ERA (65 ERA+), 2.00 WHIP, 64 K
Summary: He didn't pitch at all as a junior, and he was awful when he was on the mound. He will be released.

18th Round, 289th Overall: C Joe Rainbow
Former School: Somerville HS Generals
1931 Stats: .143/.324/.250 (69 OPS+), 37 PA, 1 HR, 5 RBI, +0.6 ZR (C)
Career Stats: .275/.320/.334 (98 OPS+), 374 PA, 0 HR, 43 RBI, +1.2 (C), -6.8 ZR (2B)
Summary: He may not look like it, but he's actually a valuable prospect, at least to BNN. Somehow, he's ranked as the 61st best prospect in all of baseball and I'm not quite sure why. My scout likes him too, remarking his above average bat speed and good sense for the zone. He doesn't really have a position defensively, but supposedly his bat is enough to carry him to the big leagues. I don't have expectations for him, but I may have got a lucky steal with Rainbow.

19th Round, 305th Overall: SP Bill Deaton
Former School: College of San Diego Friars
1931 Stats: 1-0, 25.1 IP, 5.68 ERA (80 ERA+), 1.58 WHIP, 27 K
Career Stats: 12-6, 7 SV, 154.1 IP, 4.90 ERA (97 ERA+), 1.52 WHIP, 160 K
Summary: He's not the most interesting arm there is and spent most of his time in the bullpen and not in the rotation. He's got a relatively interesting low 90s cutter, but I don't think he has much of a future. For now, I'll keep him, but if I need to free up a roster spot he's likely one of the first to go.

20th Round, 321st Overall: RP Charlie Jansen
Former School: Coastal Carolina Dolphins
1931 Stats: 3-1, 32 IP, 9.28 ERA (50 ERA+), 1.78 WHIP, 30 K
Career Stats: 5-10, 3 SV, 97 IP, 8.16 ERA (60 ERA+), 1.94 WHIP, 82 K
Summary: It doesn't get much worse then Jansen. His best season he had a 6.54 ERA (71 ERA+) and his lowest WHIP was 1.78 this year. He's going to be released.

21st Round, 337th Overall: RP Al Conover
Former School: Golden Gate Grizzlies
1931 Stats: N/A
Career Stats: 4-10, 6 SV, 92 IP, 10.47 ERA (47 ERA+), 2.24 WHIP, 50 K
Summary: Well, I was wrong... It does get worse then Jansen. Conover didn't pitch last year, but when he did, the batters just loved it. He walked more hitters then he struck out and just overall sucks.

22nd Round, 353rd Overall: C Claude Parker
Former School: Spartanburg HS Spartans
1931 Stats: .333/.400/.722 (227 OPS+), 20 PA, 2 HR, 4 RBI, +0.1 ZR (C)
Career Stats: ..233/.311/.336 (92 OPS+), 133 PA, 2 HR, 16 RBI, +0.2 (C))
Summary: He wasn't worth the signing bonus, so I let him go to Travis College instead. College should help him out.

23rd Round, 369th Overall: SS Roy Ganz
Former School: Worcester HS Warriors
1931 Stats: .182/.257/.212 (42 OPS+), 156 PA, 0 HR, 8 RBI, +3.8 ZR (SS)
Career Stats: .207/.284/.259 (63 OPS+), 484 PA, 0 HR, 39 RBI, +3.1 ZR (SS)
Summary: He had a good sophomore season, but was pitiful as a junior and senior. He's a switch hitter, but not worth hanging on to.

24th Round, 385th Overall: RP Tommy Carter
Former School: Maryland State Bengals
1931 Stats: N/A
Career Stats: 4-10, 4 SV, 152.2 IP, 7.07 ERA (64 ERA+), 1.91 WHIP, 96 K
Summary: Another really bad pitcher. This time, it was Tommy Carter, who didn't pitch at all in his senior season. He walks more then he strikes out and just isn't much of a pitcher. He's released as well.

25th Round, 401st Overall: LF Don Coleman
Former School: New York HS Eagles
1931 Stats: .140/.306/.158 (38 OPS+), 72 PA, 0 HR, 3 RBI, -0.6 ZR (LF)
Career Stats: .181/.263/.270 (54 OPS+), 271 PA, 2 HR, 31 RBI, +0.3 ZR (LF)
Summary: The second to last pick of the draft and it's another guy who will be released. Almost no success at the plate with no future.

We also got a player in the Independent draft, picking up C Claude Ramsey from the Galveston Gunners of the Lone Star Association in exchange for 1924 3rd Round Pick Woodie Dudley. Last year Ramsey had an excellent season, hitting .326/.369/.483 (126 OPS+) with 13 homers and 89 RBI's in 537 trips to the plate. The LSA is AA ball, so these are pretty good numbers for a 25-year-old. He's been there the past three seasons and tallied a solid .336/.377/.484 (122 OPS+) line with 25 homers and 212 RBI's. I like his future as a backup catcher and he ranks as our 9th best prospect and 124th best in the league. He'll remain on the 40 all season, but won't have to stay on the active roster. He's definitely no Jim Crawford, but I think he could be a nice piece for the future.

Top Prospects: 1-5
 

CF Joe Johnson (16th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 2nd Round, 17th Overall (1929)
Alma Mater: Central Ohio Aviators
Last Year Rank: 1st

We're quite lucky to have one of the best center field prospects in all of baseball in the form of the speedy Joe Johnson. He's probably ready for the majors, but I don't think he's a better player currently then Cy Bryant. The upside is much higher, however, as the 23-year-old switch hitter should be an elite hitter, base runner, and defender. He's filled to the brim with talent, and got his first taste of AAA baseball last year. He'll be in big league camp as well, but I can't afford to waste his development time with a bench role. Unless Bryant gets hurt, Johnson will be waiting in AAA until I can't justify leaving him down there anymore. There was a rumor that he was included in a mega trade for one of the top 2 picks, but nothing materialized and Johnson will remain in our organization. I think if he reaches his potential, he's going to be our best player for years to come.

SP Tom Barrell (41st Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 1st Round, 1st Overall (1929)
Alma Mater: Georgia Baptist Gators
Last Year Rank: 3rd

Oh what could have been... Last year the former #1 overall pick Tom Barrell just made one start before shoulder inflammation ended his season. It's a huge blow for the now 24-year-old as he missed an entire season of development time. Scouts still favor Barrell and think he should be able to lead a rotation and form a nice 1-2 punch with Jim Crawford. He throws a beautiful mid to high 90s fastball with an excellent slider and good change up that keeps batters off balanced. He's got a lot of strikeout potential and almost never allows a home run. If his arm is fine, I think Barrell can debut this season, but we have to hope for no lasting effects. Like Johnson, he was also rumored to be involved in trade talks, something that hasn't happened until this offseason. He's also in big league camp, and ranks as our 7th best starter, which is a good sign that he's still filled with talent.

SP Mel Leonard (52nd Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 2nd Round, 22nd Overall (1930)
Alma Mater: Dallas HS Rangers
Last Year Rank: New

Taken in the 2nd Round last season, Mel Leonard had a really great professional debut. He went 6-6 with a 2.61 ERA (148 ERA+), 1.16 WHIP, and 92 strikeouts in 117.1 innings with Class C La Crosse before earning himself a promotion to Class B San Jose. Even at 19, he did well in the higher level, going 5-6 with a 3.70 ERA (111 ERA+), 1.34 WHIP, and 88 strikeouts in 92.1 innings pitched. Leonard does an excellent job keeping the ball on the ground, and despite being pretty short for a pitcher, he can still hit the 90s with his fastball. He did add a bit of speed in the offseason and has really worked on improving his command. I'd say his future lies comfortably in the middle of a rotation, and he really makes up for us missing with 1st Rounder James Demastus.

C Joe Rainbow (61st Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 18th Round, 289th Overall (1931)
Alma Mater: Somerville HS Generals
Last Year Rank: New

I'm not sure it's a good thing that our 4th best prospect is some random guy we got in the 18th Round. I didn't scout this years pool as much as usual because I was so caught up in the pennant race, but I had never even heard of Joe Rainbow before he wound up in my organization after the scout portion of the draft. I guess I'm lucky to have him, as my scout is a pretty big fan. He's got a good sense for the strike zone and excellent bat speed with the potential to be a dependable big league regular. Fred Barrell is currently entrenched behind the plate and I can't see Rainbow surpassing him, but somehow my scout thinks he might be better. My best guess is Rainbow had a random post draft boost because most guys who only make 37 plate appearances as a senior do not turn into superstar catchers.

SP Bill Ross (84th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 3rd Round, 42nd Overall (1930)
Alma Mater: Providence HS Hawks
Last Year Rank: New

Drafted the same year as Mel Leonard and a round later, the 6'3'' righty is a very projectable pitcher. He's got a decent mid to high 80s cutter, but I expect him to add more velocity as he's just 19. Since November of 1930 he's already added 3 miles to it and he's really worked hard in the offseason. I'd say he's more back then front of the rotation, but he mixes his pitches well and has excellent command. He can almost place his fastball wherever he wants it and he's got excellent movement on his pitches. He struggled a bit in La Crosse last year, going just 4-16 with a 4.22 ERA (92 ERA+), 1.40 WHIP, and 90 strikeouts in 194 innings pitched, but he'll get another chance this year. He's got a lot of upside, but it is a work in progress at the moment.

Top Prospects: 6-10
 

SP George DeForest (86th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 6th Round, 83rd Overall (1927)
Alma Mater: San Antonio HS Warriors
Last Year Rank: 2nd

Even though OSA has dropped DeForest a few spots, my scout actually thinks he has the highest potential of any arm in my system. He had to spend most of time in Class C San Jose last year, going 9-10 with a 3.42 ERA (120 ERA+), 1.17 WHIP, and 190 strikeouts in 171 innings. The 23-year-old righty will enter his fifth season in our system, but is actually younger then Tom Barrell. DeForest boasts a four pitch arsenal headlined by a low to mid 90s fastball. He does have to sort out some command issues, but his secondary stuff is filthy and he will strike out a lot of hitters. I think my scout likes him a bit too much, and I think he's more middle of the rotation arm then ace.

LF Ed Reyes (93rd Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 1st Round, 15th Overall (1931)
Alma Mater: Atlanta HS Peaches
Last Year Rank: New

Our first rounds selection this year, Ed Reyes is our seventh and final top 100 prospect. The 19-year-old lefty is filled with potential, with an extremely clean stroke at the plate. He may have trouble with strikeouts, but he's got decent power and could be a decent enough defender out in left. I think he's got a lot of developing to do, and could be a slow riser up the system, but at the moment there isn't an obvious spot for him on the big league roster.

1B Jim Hatfield (123rd Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 6th Round, 81st Overall (1929)
Alma Mater: Buffalo HS Bison
Last Year Rank: 15th

Another 6th Round Pick, Jim Hatfield fell a bit because he hit just one homer as a senior after 7 the season before. He regained his power stroke in his first pro season with 10 homers, but followed it up with 16 last season between San Jose and Lincoln. He had identical 118 OPS+ in 182 plate appearances with San Jose and 411 with Lincoln to go with 69 RBI's and 20 steals. Like current first basemen Bill Ashbaugh, he has excellent speed for a first basemen and he can still hit his share of homers. He swings really hard, causing swing and misses, but he more then makes up with it when he gets a hold of one.

C Claude Ramsey (124th Overall)
Acquired: Via Independent League Draft (1932)
Alma Mater: Detroit HS Panthers
Last Year Rank: New

Drafted out of Detroit HS, he signed a minor league deal with the independent San Diego Conquistadors. He bounced around in the independent circuit before catching on with the Galveston Gunners of the Lone Star Association. He was effective for three seasons, hitting .326/.369/.483 (122 OPS+) with 25 homers and 212 RBI's in 1,390 trips to the plate. The 25-year-old is also a pretty dependable defender behind the plate who can field the position well. His best tool is his contact potential, and he should be able to handle big league pitching fine. He's going to give some competition to incumbent backup Jim Kyle, but I expect him to start the year in AAA.

RF Ed Rhoden (126th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 13th Round, 196th Overall (1925)
Alma Mater: Nashville HS Hawks
Last Year Rank: 12th

The highest ranked prospect of ours to have debuted, Ed Rhoden will be in camp looking to secure one of two outfield bench spots. The 25-year-old can handle all three outfield positions, but he is his best in right. He's an excellent right fielder with a really good arm and excellent range. He's got two cups of coffee, going 4-for-17 with 7 walks and a steal in 9 big league games. He does have two options left, so he won't be fighting for a roster spot, but he's definitely an extremely valuable commodity. His speed is off the charts, and he swiped 29 bases while hitting .307/.372/.469 (118 OPS+) with 16 homers and 59 RBI's in 587 trips to the plate for AAA Milwaukee. Unfortunately for him, we traded for Tom Taylor last offseason, as Rhoden is an above average starter as well.

Top Prospects 11-15
 

CF Buck Waldrop (133rd Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 4th Round, 50th Overall (1928)
Alma Mater: Hartford HS Blue Sox
Last Year Rank: 25th

Former 4th Rounder Buck Waldrop shot up our prospect list, moving up 14 spots during the season. Of course, we already have a top prospect in center with Joe Johnson, but I've been a big Waldrop fan since draft day. He's an excellent defender out in center, really breaking out in 1930 with an elite +12.9 zone rating. He's got a ton of bat speed with excellent hustle makes him a prime candidate to be a starting big league center fielder. He's just 21, and I'm debating starting him in A Lincoln or AA Mobile after hitting 24 homers with a decent 104 OPS+ in San Jose.

3B Tom Spitzer (134th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 7th Round, 97th Overall (1929)
Alma Mater: Houston HS Hurricanes
Last Year Rank: 18th

Another guy who made a jump, the former shortstop Tom Spitzer has been given a lot of playing time at third base. He spent time last season with La Crosse, San Jose, and Lincoln, but the best performance came in San Jose. Spitzer slashed .327/.352/.484 (127 OPS+) with 5 homers, 4 steals, and 26 RBI's in 159 trips to the plate. He didn't have much success in Lincoln, so I'm not sure if the newly 21-year-old is ready for A ball, but he'll get a chance to start a progression up the ladder. Behind John Kincaid, we don't really have many viable third base options, so Spitzer's development could be extremely important.

SP John Hartz (142nd Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 2nd Round, 31st Overall (1931)
Alma Mater: Denver HS Mountaineers
Last Year Rank: New

One of two second rounders we had this year, the six foot righty John Hartz had an excellent senior year, recording a 1.88 ERA (188 ERA+) and 1.00 WHIP with 62 strikeouts in 72 innings pitched. Hartz doesn't throw too hard yet, sitting in the 85-87 range with his fastball. It's one of four pitches, including a curve, slider, and change. His command looks good and his stuff at least average, so a future in the rotation seems likely for Hartz. He's young and risky, but he's got a lot of time to reach his vast potential.

1B Leo Mitchell (148th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 2nd Round, 28th Overall (1931)
Alma Mater: Atlanta HS Peaches
Last Year Rank: New

And here's the other second rounder! Mitchell was actually taken three picks higher, but he sits six spots lower in the top 200. Mitchell is a lefty swinger with a high OPS. He slashed .359/.400/.566 (177 OPS+) with 18 homers and 111 RBI's in about 550 high school plate appearances. He projects to be an extremely dependable defender and he could steal a base or two. He's got a nice swing at the plate with developing gap power. He went from 4 doubles as a sophomore to 13 and 15 as an upperclassmen. It's going to be hard for him to progress up the system with Bill Ashbaugh and Phil Vaughan in the majors and Jim Hatfield on his way up, so he might have to try out another position.

LF Billy Marshall (149th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 10th Round, 145th Overall (1929)
Alma Mater: Birmingham HS Bulldogs
Last Year Rank: 9th

One of the few prospects on the list to fall, Marshall spent all of last season in La Crosse. He hit .289/.384/.389 (111 OPS+) with 8 homers, 37 steals, and 44 RBI's. Marshall also started to work out in left, and he was passable for someone just learning the position. He's a really fast runner with a quick stroke at the plate, and the lefty will lace balls out to right. He will have his issues with strikeouts, but he has done an excellent job drawing walks. I think the 20-year-old is ready for San Jose, especially with Ed Reyes down in La Crosse, but it's going to be a tough rise up the system for him.

Top Prospects: 16-20
 

2B Elmer Hutchins (171st Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 8th Round, 113rd Overall (1929)
Alma Mater: Portland HS Lumberjacks
Last Year Rank: 16th

He's in the exact same spot he was last year, as Elmer Hutchins ranks as our 16th best prospect two seasons in a row. Hutchins started the season in La Crosse, and hit an impressive .337/.411/.472 (148 OPS+) with 2 homers and 21 RBI's in 185 trips to the plate before earning a promotion to San Jose. He still hit an above average .256/.358/.388 (105 OPS+) with 4 homers, 45 RBI's, and 7 steals. Hutchins makes a lot of contact and should be able to hit for a high average. He isn't very fast, but he'll steal a few bases and he's got decent enough range. Hutchins just turned 21, but he's still a few years away from making it to the majors.

CF Roy Moore (221st Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 4th Round, 63rd Overall (1931)
Alma Mater: Hartford HS Blue Sox
Last Year Rank: New

Moore actually isn't the first Hartford HS center fielder we took in the 4th Round. That would be Buck Waldrop, who was a senior when Moore was a freshman. He didn't quite have good of a high school career as Waldrop, hitting .289/.350/.377 (113 OPS+) with 2 homers, 21 RBI's, and 16 steals in 339 trips to the plate. Moore is an extremely athletic outfielder with excellent defensive ability. He's a really raw prospect, with a high boom/bust factor. He could turn into an elite big leaguer or wash out in a couple seasons. I'm hoping for the former, but it's much less likely.

1B Jim Fisher (228th Overall)
Acquired: Via Minor League Free Agency (1925)
Alma Mater: Atlanta HS Peaches
Last Year Rank: 21st

After reaching AAA last season, Jim Fisher will be in major league camp this Spring. Last year was a pretty good season for Fisher, hitting .306/.353/.485 (116 OPS+) with 14 homers and 83 RBI's in 518 trips to the plate with the Blues. Other then a 40 game stint with San Jose in 1926, Fisher has always had an average or better OPS+. Now 24, Fisher is loaded with power and has done a really good job adjusting from third base to first base. He's in a logjam at first base, but Fisher is talented enough to start on a few other teams. I think for now he'll be stuck in AAA, but he's likely to earn a callup at sometime this season.

2B John Banks (223rd Overall)
Acquired: Via Independent League Draft (1931)
Last Year Rank: New

Banks will be 24 in April, and spent half of the season in Mobile and the other half in Milwaukee. It went much better in Mobile, as he hit .339/.371/.458 (116 OPS+) with a homer and 42 RBI's. Banks is a plus defender with nice contact skills. Like Fisher, he'll also be in big league camp, but I can't see him breaking the active roster. I'm hoping he can do much better in AAA this year, but he might have to start the season in AA.

SS Charlie Reed (235th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 2nd Round, 26th Overall (1930)
Alma Mater: Berkeley Bears
Last Year Rank: New

A switch hitting shortstop who we took in the second round in last seasons draft. He was an average hitter in La Crosse last year, hitting .262/.362/.351 (101 OPS+) with 8 homers, 46 RBI's, and 26 steals. He had his trouble with strikeouts, but he has decent gap power with excellent speed. I'm not quite sure he has the range to handle short, but for now he'll be given every opportunity to start there. If he continues to show power potential, it could really complete his game, but for now he'll have to find a way to separate himself from the pack. He does rank as our best shortstop prospect, but I think that's more telling of the lack of middle infield depth we have in the minors.

Top Prospects: 21-25
 

2B Homer Ray (236th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 3rd Round, 47th Overall (1931)
Alma Mater: San Antonio HS Warriors
Last Year Rank: New

The 6th of our recent draftees to appear in the top 30, 3rd Rounder Homer Ray is a contact first hitter who hit over .300 in each of his three high school seasons. All told, he hit .329/.375/.404 (144 OPS+) with 30 RBI's in 514 trips to the plate. He doesn't have any speed or power, but he'll always hit for a high average. He doesn't walk much either, so he's really just a single or out kind of hitter. He does have excellent range and a strong glove so he's a valuable defender who will always have some sort of value to a team.

CL Don Grossman (251st Overall)
Acquired: Via Minor League Rule-5 Draft from Boston (1931)
Drafted: 4th Round, 61st Overall by Boston (1924)
Alma Mater: Decatur HS Demons
Last Year Rank: New

Last year did not go well for the 25-year-old Grossman, who pitched just 30.1 innings in Mobile with a 6.53 ERA (68 ERA+), 1.81 WHIP, and 17 strikeouts. Grossman wasn't able to do much with his six pitches, but he's still an effective groundballer. His sinker sits in the 91-93 MPH range, but it's really the only one of his pitches that are too inspiring. He's got excellent command, especially with the sinker, which is why I really wanted him to have success in the pen. He'll get another shot in the minors and I think he'll one day become a reliable bullpen arm.

SP Frank Pratt (272nd Overall)
Acquired: Via Rule-5 Draft from Montreal (1931)
Drafted: 3rd Round, 33rd Overall by Montreal (1927)
Alma Mater: Indiana A&M Reapers
Last Year Rank: New

I didn't mean to take three pitchers, but if any of them has an edge to stick it out its Frank Pratt. The righty has a nice four pitch arsenal and he has the pitches to start. He did decent in 88.1 AAA innings, going 6-3 with a 4.08 ERA (110 ERA+), 1.48 WHIP, and 50 strikeouts. He's got average control with a pretty nice curveball, easily the best pitch of his four. He's not quite ready to start, but he wouldn't have a chance for us to start anyways. I think he could be a decent long man, but he'll really have to earn his spot on the team.

SP Art Black (290th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 5th Round, 67th Overall (1927)
Alma Mater: Berkeley Bears
Last Year Rank: 11th

There was a time when Art Black looked like he was going to be a really good big league starter. Even with just two pitches, he looked good enough to make it in the big leagues. "Burger" Black's got a really good fastball that sits in the mid 90s and he pairs it with a devastating curveball. Those pitches are so good that he can carry them. After pretty good seasons to start his minor league career, he fell flat in Lincoln. He was 8-12 with a 4.35 ERA (85 ERA+), 1.45 WHIP, and 76 strikeouts in 169.2 innings pitched. He had 7 AA starts first, dropping to 2-5 with a 5.33 ERA (87 ERA+), 1.83 WHIP, and just 4 strikeouts compared to 32 walks in 54 innings. It doesn't look good for the future and I may have to move Black to a bullpen role.

CF Tom Thomas (298th Overall)
Acquired: Via Minor League Free Agency (1925)
Alma Mater: Reading HS Reds
Last Year Rank: 19th

The 24-year-old Tom Thomas got to make his big league debut last season, going 0-for-4 with a walk in a pair of games. He missed a lot of time in AAA, getting just 245 plate appearances with a .336/.412/.479 (132 OPS+) line to go with 4 homers and 34 RBI's. He's got an excellent eye and makes consistent contact, but I'm not quite sure he can stick in center. With Joe Johnson likely to join him in AAA, I may have to work Thomas out in a corner to give him at bats. He could also win the starting job, but it's a crowded playing field.

Top Prospects: 25-30
 

Before I finish up our prospects, a little injury news. We're in week two of spring training, and Steve Castellini suffered back tightness. He'll miss two weeks and will likely start the season on a rehab assignment. It's a little bit of a good thing as it makes things easier for roster decisions. Tommy Russel will likely hold the 5th spot temporarily and I can give Tom Barrell more spring starts as well.

SP Fred Collins (300th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 5th Round, 70th Overall (1930)
Alma Mater: Henry Hudson Explorers
Last Year Rank: New

Our 5th Round pick last year, Fred Collins suffered some a partially torn labrum and made just six starts. Those six were excellent, as he was 2-3 with a 1.71 ERA (226 ERA+), 1.01 WHIP, and 46 strikeouts. Collins features a nice four pitch mix with a 88-90 mile per hour cutter and he has excellent command of all four of his pitches. He's got excellent finesse and almost places his pitches, rarely letting any pitch get away from him. He won't allow many homers or walks, giving him an excellent shot of developing into a big league starter. He doesn't have the upside to be special, but there's no shame in a reliable (and hopefully) durable arm.

SP Chet Peacock (302nd Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 6th Round, 90th Overall (1930)
Alma Mater: Lynn HS Legends
Last Year Rank: New

Taken a round after Collins, Peacock also falls a spot below him and just inside our top 30. Collins has much more upside then Collins, and despite being three years younger, he's actually made a few starts for San Jose. He did do better in La Crosse, going 7-7 with a 3.73 ERA (104 ERA+), 1.44 WHIP, and 69 strikeouts in 156.2 innings pitched. He made 9 starts with San Jose, 3-4 with a 4.98 ERA (82 ERA+), 1.62 WHIP, and 27 strikeouts, yet with 25 walks, in 65 innings. Peacock does an excellent job keeping the ball on the ground and he's added some life to his now 86-88 MPH fastball. He's got excellent command, but if he refines his stuff he's got a future at the back of the rotation.

SP Mike Murphy (316th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 1st Round, 2nd Overall (1928)
Alma Mater: Brooklyn State Bears
Last Year Rank: 20th

A former #2 overall pick, he was able to debut in his third pro season. His first outing didn't go well, inflating his ERA to 9.72 (42 ERA+) since it was just 8.1 innings. He had a 1.92 WHIP and 5 strikeouts as well. He has started all his minor league appearances, including 27 starts in Milwaukee last season. He was 6-7 with a 3.94 ERA (114 ERA+), 1.45 WHIP, and 112 strikeouts in 134.2 innings pitched. The 24-year-old southpaw throws a nice 89-91 MPH fastball that looks even faster. Unfortunately, he hasn't quite mastered his secondary stuff and most scouts think he's destined for the pen. I may be fooling myself thinking he can start, but I still think it's possible. He will have a chance to earn a spot in the big league pen, but if he doesn't make the team, I have no intention of moving him to the pen in Milwaukee.

SP Billy LeBeau (336th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 5th Round, 74th Overall (1930)
Alma Mater: Boulder State Grizzlies
Last Year Rank: New

Another 5th Rounder from last year's draft, Billy LeBeau had four dominant starts in La Crosse before a promotion to San Jose. Bone chips in his elbow cut his season short, but he held his own. He was 3-5 with a 3.63 ERA (113 ERA+), 1.13 WHIP, and 46 strikeouts in 74.1 innings pitched. He boasts a three pitch arsenal, but he's got to work on turning them into big league caliber pitches. His fastball can graze 90, but he doesn't have much grip on his slider or change up. I think he's best suited for the pen, but for now, he'll get every chance to start.

SP Joe King (354th Overall)
Acquired: Via Trade with Philadelphia (1929)
Drafted: 10th Round, 160th Overall by Philadelphia (1930)
Alma Mater: Lubbock State Hawks
Last Year Rank: 23rd

Picked up along with a 2nd Round pick in exchange for Rabbit Forrest and Johnny Douglas, I had high hopes for King when I acquired him. Despite just two pitches, a fastball and curve, those pitches are more then good enough for him to start. He's got excellent movement and throws consistent strikes, but he hasn't quite showed consistency yet. In 28 starts with AA Mobile, the 25-year-old was 12-13 with a 4.21 ERA (106 ERA+), 1.52 WHIP, and 72 strikeouts in 220.1 innings pitched. He'll get a chance to work his way up and potentially debut, but I think his best days have already happened.

Spring Training Update
 

Didn't realize A ball started spring ball, so I had just 21 of 60 players on the roster. I made a lot of changes, but had to place SP Art Black on the DL with a sore elbow. He'll miss another week as he was hurt last sim.We will also be without LF Bill Alexander for three weeks with a bone bruise on his wrist. I moved the 22 players currently in San Jose up to Lincoln. Some big names include #3 prospect Mel Leonard, #6 prospect Bill Ross, and former 2nd Rounders Roy Byrd and Charlie Reed. #5 prospect George DeForest was already in Lincoln and made 5 spring starts. We had a big league injury with Tom Barrell straining his abdominal muscle. He'll miss just a week, but I'm sending him to AAA early as the spring is almost done. I'll give Rule-5 pick Charlie Morrell a shot to earn a spot and replace Barrell in the rotation.

Opening Day 1932
 

We finished the Spring 10-14, and 1B Bill Ashbaugh decided to sprain his knee in the last week. He's day-to-day for a little less then a week, but I'd have him play through it. Only his running will be effected, but I'll let him start at least every other game. I made all my cuts, so say hello to the 1932 Chicago Cougars:

Opening Day Starters denoted with an *
SP Jim Crawford (26, L/L)
SP Dick Leudtke (30, R/R)
SP Dick Lyons (31, L/L)
SP Tommy Russel (29, L/L)
SP Max Wilder (34, R/R)*
RP Gus Cain (28, L/L)
RP Chick Meehan (34, L/R)
RP Charlie Morrell (28, L/L)
RP Claude Purvis (26, R/R)
C Fred Barrell (26, R/R)*
C Jim Kyle (25, R/R)
1B Bill Ashbaugh (28, R/R)*
1B Phil Vaughan (27, R/R)
2B Slim Bloom (26, R/R)
2B Harry Simmons (27, L/R)*
3B John Kincaid (27, R/R)*
SS Russ Combs (28, R/R)*
LF Vince York (25, S/R)*
CF Cy Bryant (25, R/R)*
CF Bob McCarty (29, L/L)
RF Mike Smith (26, L/L)
RF Tom Taylor (27, S/R)*

Injured
SP Steve Castellini (37, R/L)
SP Dick Kadlec (27, R/R)
RP Len Moore (36, S/R)

Other Roster Moves:
Returned SP Frank Pratt to the Montreal Saints
Returned SP Jack Fisher to the Washington Eagles
Designated C Herman Rachford for assignment
Designated 1B Cal Bartlett for assignment
Designated 1B Bill Miller for assignment
Returned CF Al Kempe to the Detroit Dynamos
Designated RF Johnny Johnson for assignment

Week 1: April 11th-April 17th
 

April 12th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (1-0): 7
Cleveland Foresters (0-1): 3

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

BASEBALL IS BACK!!!

We started our quest for a repeat on the road with four games against the last place Cleveland Foresters who drafted Fred and Tom's brother Harry with the first pick in the December draft. We piled on 13 hits and 7 runs, and took the first game of 1932 7-3. Tom Taylor had a huge game, 3-for-4 with 2 homers, a walk, and 4 RBI's. Russ Combs was 3-for-5 with a steal and triple. Bill Ashbaugh was 3-for-5 with a triple and RBI. Vince York was 3-for-5 with a double, 3 runs, and an RBI. Max Wilder, who started Game 6 of the World Series, made the Opening Day start, going all nine with 9 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), a walk, and 7 strikeouts in a really good first outing of the year.

April 13th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (2-0): 8
Cleveland Foresters (0-2): 7

W: Jim Crawford (1-0)
L: Eddie Gray (0-1)
SV: Claude Purvis (1)

This game was far closer, as the Foresters got to Jim Crawford with a five run sixth. They tied the game at seven in the 8th, but we got a go ahead run in the 9th and held on to escape with an 8-7 win. Crawford still went 8, allowing 7 runs (5 earned) with 8 hits, 3 walks, and just one strikeout. He was also 2-for-4 with an RBI. Claude Purvis picked up the save, striking out two with a walk and a hit in a scoreless, albeit scary, ninth inning. Bill Ashbaugh was 3-for-5 with 2 runs, an RBI, and a triple. John Kincaid was 3-for-5 with a triple, run scored, and RBI. Russ Combs was 2-for-5 with a homer, 2 runs, a walk, and double. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with a double, walk, and RBI. Cy Bryant was 1-for-3 with a double, run, 2 walks, and 2 RBI's.

April 14th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (2-1): 4
Cleveland Foresters (1-2): 8

W: Ben Turner (1-0)
L: Dick Leudtke (0-1)

I knew we wouldn't go undefeated all season, but our first loss of the year came in a 8-4 defeat at the hands of former Cougar farmhand Ben Turner, who went all nine in the victory. Dick Leudtke had a shaky first start, going 6 with 9 hits, 8 runs (5 earned), 3 walks, and 7 strikeouts. Bill Kline tossed two perfect innings of relief. Russ Combs was 2-for-5 with a steal, run scored, and RBI. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Tom Taylor was 1-for-3 with a steal, walk, and run scored. Cy Bryant was 1-for-4 with a steal and run scored.

April 15th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (3-1): 6
Cleveland Foresters (1-3): 2

W: Dick Lyons (1-0)
L: Carl Bragg (0-1)

We battled back in the finale, and won our first series of the year with a nice 6-2 victory. Russ Combs continued his hot start, going 3-for-4 with a homer, sac-fly, and 2 runs scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with a run scored and sac-fly. Cy Bryant was 1-for-3 with a double, walk, run scored, and RBI. Jim Kyle made the first start for any of our bench players, and was 1-for-4 with a double. Dick Lyons had an excellent start, 7 innings with 6 hits, a run, walk, and 4 strikeouts. Gus Cain pitched the final two, allowing 3 hits and a run with a strikeout.

April 16th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (4-1): 7
Toronto Wolves (3-2): 3

W: Tommy Russel (1-0)
L: Bernie Johnson (0-1)

We continued on the road, and would head to Toronto to face the second to last place Wolves in a three game set. We piled on 13 hits to take the opener 7-3. Russ Combs continued to hit everything, going 4-for-5 with a double, 2 runs, and 3 RBI's. John Kincaid was 3-for-5 with a triple and RBI. Tom Taylor was 3-for-4 with a run scored and driven in. Harry Simmons was 1-for-4 with a homer, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Tommy Russel made his first start since 1930 and first appearance since last April, going all nine like he does with 8 hits, 3 runs, 4 walks,and 3 strikeouts.

April 17th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (5-1): 8
Toronto Wolves (3-3): 7

W: Max Wilder (2-0)
L: Bert Sweet (1-1)
SV: Claude Purvis (2)

I'm sensing a pattern here: win 7-3 in the opener and then win by one run in the second game. I'm hoping we snap the pattern in the finale, but for now it's nice to enjoy the 5-1 week. Tom Taylor was 2-for-3 with a walk, triple, double, 2 runs, and 3 RBI's. John Kincaid was 3-for-5 with a run scored and driven in. Russ Combs was 1-for-4 with a double, walk, run, and RBI. Mike Smith was 2-for-4. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with a double and RBI. Max Wilder allowed 6 runs, but only half of them were earned. He went 8 with 7 hits, 6 walks, and just one strikeout. Claude Purvis picked up another save, this time with a perfect ninth inning.

Stars of the Week
R. Combs : 28 AB, 15 H, 2 HR, 9 RBI, .536 AVG, 1.477 OPS
T. Taylor : 23 AB, 11 H, 2 HR, 10 RBI, .478 AVG, 1.405 OPS
B. Ashbaugh : 25 AB, 11 H, 0 HR, 6 RBI, .440 AVG, 1.104 OPS\

Awards
Player of the Week: SS Russ Combs

Weekly Summary
What a week for Russ Combs! Arguably our the best shortstop in the league and our second best hitter, it's really nice seeing this hot start for him. He's finally healthy for Opening Week, and I think he mixed in three years of hitting into one, hitting .536/.548/.929 with 3 doubles, a triple, 2 steals, 2 homers, and 9 RBI's in 31 trips to the plate. Obviously, he's not going to keep this up, but when he's healthy he's one of the best hitters in the league. He hit 16 homers as a rookie, but from 1929-1932 he has just 17. I think he's somewhere in between, a reliable double digit home run hitter who also offers 20+ steals in a full season. Of course, staying healthy has been a problem for him, but that's a problem for another week, as all I can do is be happy with him now.

He overshadowed Tom Taylor's excellent week, which is nice considering how he basically had a four month slump to start last season. Again, it's just a week, but he's hitting a robust .478/.536/.870 with 2 homers, 10 RBI's, and a steal, double, and triple. Him and Combs have already combined to be worth 1.8 wins above replacement.

We'll finish the three game set with Toronto, but would be off Tuesday to travel home. Our home opener will be against the Foresters (3-3) who are still in Cleveland hosting the Sailors (1-5), our next opponent. We'd see each of them for four games and then we finish April with four more against the Wolves. If the first week is telling, we have a really easy April, and perhaps we can distance ourselves from the pack early on. The only other 5-1 teams are the Stars and the FA leading Keystones.

Injury Report
SP Steve Castellini (FABL Chicago Cougars): Sent to AA Mobile for a rehab assignment

Minor League Report
While C ball has gotten underway, I used today to make my final roster cuts and trim my rosters down. I like hanging onto a few players in DFA in case of injury. Another reason is to help make sure younger guys don't throw too many innings as most of these filler guys are arms. A few notable releases were former Cougars Charlie Gamble, Cal Bartlett, and Lenny Hopkins, but most of the guys cut were career minor leaguers.

Amateur Report

2B Johnny Charles (Little Rock HS Pioneers): This year we have an extremely deep high school class, and if Charles was in the most recent draft, he would have easily gone before Homer Ray. This year, he may fall out of the top five rounds, but he had a big 5-for-5 game to start to turn around his season. He hit .349/.425/.461 (160 OPS+) last year, but his line has slipped down to .328/.403/.484 (120 OPS+), but he doubled his homer total (2) and needs just 2 more RBI's to pass his 14 RBI's from last season. Charles has a really nice swing and an excellent eye, making him really hard to pitch to as he can hit any strike and he'll take most balls. He's got to work on his defense, but his bat can carry him to a FABL organization.

CF Whit Williams (Henry Hudson Explorers): For a team stacked with top prospects, the Explorers have three elite junior prospects, two pitchers, and center fielder Whit Williams. Williams is extremely fast with excellent range out in center and he's developing into one of the better defensive center fielders. He's got excellent contact, he's already hit three homers in about 2/5th of the season. He's got an excellent .396/.481/.637 (170 OPS+) with 4 steals and 13 RBI's. His career line is weighted down by an awful sophomore slump, but he's really closer to his .396/.444/.631 (168 OPS+) line as a freshman.

1B Bill Moore (Lubbock State Hawks): One of the premier power hitters in the college ranks, Bill Moore was just a homer short of 20 last year, and he's up to 9 with 29 RBI's in 21 games. That's not even the impressive part. He's hitting almost .500, batting an astronomical .494/.583/.929 (258 OPS+). He just flat out hits, with OPS+ of 196 and 239 as a freshman and sophomore and a career .433/.511/.810 (255 OPS+) line with 41 homers and 145 RBI's in 571 trips to the plate. I hate drafting first basemen early, but it would be really hard to pass Moore up if he's available when I pick in the first round.

3B Ken Mayhugh (Liberty College Bells): After just decent seasons as a freshman and sophomore, the Liberty College third basemen Ken Mayhugh has exploded in his draft year. He's hitting .424/.485/.793 (217 OPS+) with 8 homers and 24 RBI's in just over 100 plate appearances. Coming into this season he hit just 10 homers, but the power looks real. He's got a really good swing and makes consistent contact, so if he truly did add power in the offseason, he's got the potential to to handle the hot corner for an FABL team. He's got a really nice glove and good range as well, so the future looks bright for the youngster. He was named Player of the Week in the NE, going 9-for-19 with 3 homers and 6 RBI's.

SP Lefty Allen (Hartford HS Blue Sox): If I could have any pitching prospect in all of the drafts we've had so far, it would be Lefty Allen. Why Allen? Well, I discovered him as a Sophomore in just his second start of four that year. Here's what I wrote about him the week that ended on May 11th:

LHP Lefty Allen (Hartford HS Blue Sox): It was only his second high school start, but Lefty Allen might already be the best high school pitcher I've ever seen. The 16-year-old just struck out 17(!) in a 6-hit shutout. The only Cougar with more strikeouts then 17 all season is Max Wilder. And he's third in the CA. He's a groundballer with four pitches that can generate a ton of strikeouts. He just throws in the mid 80s, so I can't even begin to imagine how hard he can throw if he adds a little height or weight as he ages. I'll be following this southpaw very closely.

Yeah, he struck out 17 hitters in a game where most pitchers will be lucky to even get close to double digits. Add on to that, his now career numbers are 8-3 with a 1.96 ERA (201 ERA+), 1.02 WHIP, and 154 strikeouts. What's even more impressive is he does all this while throwing in the low to mid 80s. If he gets just a slight velocity boost, he goes from best pitcher of his generation to the greatest pitcher of all time.

Now, we're obviously way too good to have a chance to draft him as he's rated the #2 prospect out of high school and there's no way he falls out of the top five, but what a dream it would be to have this youngster wearing a Cougar uniform for years to come. Whoever gets him is going to be very lucky as the future looks florescent for the 18-year-old.

Week 2: April 18th-April 24th
 

April 18th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (6-1): 4
Toronto Wolves (3-4): 3

W: Jim Crawford (2-0)
L: Frank Howk (1-1)

There are nine innings in most baseball games, but in this one, the only one that mattered was the 7th. We got 4 off Howk in the top half and the Wolves got 3 off Crawford in the bottom half. The Wolves had 14 hits, but just could not capitalize and we finished the sweep with a 4-3 game we didn't really deserve to win. Crawford went all nine and allowed all 14 hits plus 3 runs, 2 walks, and 2 strikeouts. He was also 1-for-3 at the plate with a sac-bunt and RBI. Harry Simmons was 1-for-4 with a double, run scored, and RBI. Tom Taylor was 1-for-4 with a double and run scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with a run scored and driven in.

April 20th, 1932
Cleveland Foresters (4-4) 0
Chicago Cougars (7-1): 6

W: Dick Leudtke (1-1)
L: Ben Turner (1-1)

Today was a big day for the Chicago faithful. Not because we shut out the Foresters 6-0, but because it was our home opener and we had a few ceremonies before the game. We had a ring ceremony and then hung not only our 1932 World Series Champion banners, but also hung John Dibblee's #19 in the rafters. The Top Cat was part of the ring ceremony as well and thew out the first pitch.

It was a rematch of game three in the season as Dick Leudtke and Ben Turner went head to head again. This time Leudtke was locked in, allowing just 3 hits and 2 walks with 4 strikeouts in a complete game shutout. Vince York was 3-for-4 with a triple, two runs scored, and an RBI. Russ Combs was 3-for-5 with a double and run scored. John Kincaid was 2-for-5 with a run scored and driven in. Harry Simmons was 2-for-2 with a walk, hit by pitch, and RBI. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-3 with a walk, run scored, and stolen base.

April 21st, 1932
Cleveland Foresters (4-5) 2
Chicago Cougars (8-1): 6

W: Dick Lyons (2-0)
L: Carl Bragg (0-2)

We continued our hot streak and stretched our win streak to six after a nice 6-2 win. World Series MVP Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with a double, 2 runs, 2 RBI's, and his first home of the season. Tom Taylor was 2-for-5 with 2 runs and an RBI. Phil Vaughan had a pinch hit solo homer in the 8th. Starter Dick Lyons was 2-for-3 with an RBI. He also tossed 8 strong innings with 9 hits, 2 runs, a walk, and 3 strikeouts.

April 22nd, 1932
Cleveland Foresters (4-6) 5
Chicago Cougars (9-1): 9

W: Max Wilder (3-0)
L: George Barker (0-1)
SV: Bill Kline (1)

We kept on rolling and would set up a four game sweep with a comfortable 9-5 victory. Tom Taylor was 2-for-4 with a homer, 2 runs, and 3 RBI's. Harry Simmons was 2-for-3 with a double, sac-bunt, run scored, and 3 RBI's. John Kincaid was 3-for-5 with a run scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with 2 runs and a walk. Slim Bloom was 1-for-4 with a double and 2 RBI's. Max Wilder was roughed up a bit, going 6 with 9 hits, 4 runs, 3 walks, and 3 strikeouts. Bill Kline picked up a three inning save, allowing 3 hits, a run, and 2 walks.

April 23rd, 1932
Cleveland Foresters (4-7) 3
Chicago Cougars (10-1): 5

W: Jim Crawford (3-0)
L: Karl Johnson (1-2)

A big four run second proved to be the key as we reached double digit wins just eleven games into the season. Not only that, it was our second straight sweep. Jim Crawford was brilliant, going all nine with 5 hits, 3 runs, 3 walks, and 3 strikeouts. He was also 1-for-3 with a pair of RBI's. Cy Bryant was 2-for-2 with a walk and run. Russ Combs was 1-for-4 with a triple and run scored. Harry Simmons was 1-for-3 with a walk and run scored.

April 24th, 1932
Philadelphia Sailors (3-9) 3
Chicago Cougars (11-1): 8

W: Tommy Russel (2-0)
L: Oscar Morse (0-3)

We got to stay home, and welcomed the struggling Sailors to town for four. We piled on 13 hits and scored 8 runs in the opener to extend our win streak to nine. Former Sailor Tom Taylor was 3-for-5 with a double, run scored, and 2 RBI's. Vince York was 2-for-4 with a double, walk, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a double, 2 runs, and an RBI. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with a triple, steal, run scored, and RBI. Cy Bryant was 1-for-3 with a walk and run scored.

Stars of the Week*
Tom Taylor : 18 AB, 7 H, 1 HR, 6 RBI, .389 AVG, 1.000 OPS
Fred Barrell : 12 AB, 5 H, 1 HR, 3 RBI, .417 AVG, 1.167 OPS
Harry Simmons : 12 AB, 5 H, 0 HR, 5 RBI, .417 AVG, .967 OPS

*Email only had the results for four games as the sim was stopped midway

Weekly Summary
What a week! It really doesn't get better then a perfect 6-0 showing as we haven't show anything close to a World Series hangover. In fact, since September 1st, 1931 we're an impressive 33-7 (.825). So far we've really done everything well, and even though it's just two weeks, we rank top 4 in every category except pitcher walks and are even tied for first for most homers in the league. We never hit homers! Will this continue? Honestly, the power might. Taylor will always hit home runs and we haven't even got one from York or Ashbaugh who both have double digit power. The pitching has been excellent as well, and our "worst" pitcher is our best from last year, Jim Crawford, who's still 3-0 with a 3.81 ERA (113 ERA+), 1.35 WHIP, and 6 strikeouts in three starts.

The Continental Association has been weird this year, and you think at 11-1 we'd have a nice lead. The New York Stars are right behind us, just a half game out because they're 11-2! What's crazy though is the third place Kings sit at 6-6 and are 5 games out already. After how close this division race was last year almost all the way through, I would not have expected such huge distance from the top two and the field. The Stars have plenty of star power and have really started the season out hot as well.

We don't see them until May 16th, but I'm hoping we can pull away even more. We only have one road series from now until then, and we've been unbeatable in Chicago the past year plus. Of course, we have a long way before that series, and a lot could change from now till then. After the four game set with the Sailors, the Wolves (5-7) come to town to end April and start May. We then have a quick road trip to Philly before returning home. We don't have an off day for an entire month (next one May 23rd), but with very little travel, I'm hoping we won't get too tired. I also had to peek ahead to September as I feared we'd have the whole month on the road, but we almost split the month 50/50 with home and road games.

Injury Report
LF Billy Marshall (B San Jose Cougars): Back tightness (5 days)

Amateur Report
SP George Budd (Garden State Redbirds): Consistency is hard to find at the college or high school level, but George Budd has been a rock atop the Garden State rotation. For his career he's 18-8 with a 2.81 ERA (159 ERA+), 1.01 WHIP, and 166 strikeouts and his numbers have barely fluctuated in three seasons. He's got a nice three pitch arsenal with a high 80s cutter he pairs with a solid change and slider. He does a good job of placing his pitches where he wants them and doesn't need to overpower hitters to get them out. He doesn't have the highest ceiling, but he's about as safe of a pick as there is and he could be fast tracked to the majors.

RF Chick Merritt (Central Ohio Aviators): A teammate of last year's second overall pick Freddie Jones (who actually made the first play Pioneers roster out of camp), the junior Merritt has finally gotten a chance to shine. He had above average seasons as a freshman and sophomore, but he's broken out in a big way even when his team hasn't had much success. The lefty is hitting .357/.400/.607 (150 OPS+) with 5 homers and 16 RBI's in 120 trips to the plate. He's a lean athletic outfielder who stands at 6'3'' with a really quick and powerful swing. He didn't start the season as a top draft prospect, but he's opened up some eyes with a strong showing.

SP Bobo White (St. Blaine Fighting Saints): I raved about Lefty Allen last post, but another pitcher who deserves the spotlight is St. Blaine freshman Bobo White. He hasn't looked like a Freshman, going a perfect 6-0 with a 0.94 ERA (546 ERA+), 0.83 WHIP, and 53 strikeouts in 57.2 innings pitched. White is a big reason the Fighting Saints are in first place in the Midwestern Conference. The Saints have another stud pitcher (who's up next), but White's potential is almost unmatched. Like Allen, he doesn't throw too hard, but just overflows with talent. He keeps the ball on the ground and has allowed just one homer. He has elite command with an absolutely devastating change up that he'll throw anywhere and at any count. He won't be draft eligible until 1934, but he has to be an early favorite for the first pitcher taken off the board.

SP Brad Daniels (St. Blaine Fighting Saints): St. Blaine may have the best 1-2 punch in college baseball history. After a solid freshman season where Daniels was 8-4 with a 2.84 ERA (163 ERA+), 1.08 WHIP, and 91 strikeouts in 54.1 innings pitched, I think pitching with another elite arm in White has really elevated Daniels' game. He's won all eight of his starts and has a 0.99 ERA (514 ERA+), 0.75 WHIP, and 48 strikeouts. Like White, he's got an amazing change up and doesn't need to overpower hitters to get outs. He hits spots better then almost anyone else and has a nice four pitch mix with the change, fastball, curve, and a splitter. It's crazy that he's not even the best pitcher on the team, but Daniels has big league ace written all over him.

CF Alex Juris (Knoxville HS Knights): After four college players, I had to include a high schooler. Alex Juris took home Player of the Week, and has increased his batting line to an absurd .446/.510/.843 (240 OPS+) in just under 100 plate appearances. He's also launched 5 longballs and driven in 33 runs while playing dependable defense in center. Eligible for this year's draft, Juris' strong season is no fluke as he hit .324/.418/.669 (223 OPS+) last year with 8 homers and 34 RBI's. Offense has been way up in high school this season, but it's hard to ignore his gaudy numbers. He's not the toolsiest prospect, but after a really weak draft in terms of center fielders last year, I'm willing to take a chance on him even if scouts aren't too fond of him.

Week 3: April 25th-May 1st
 

April 25th, 1932
Philadelphia Sailors (4-9) 8
Chicago Cougars (11-2): 0

W: Rollie Beal (2-1)
L: Dick Leudtke (1-2)

All good things must come to an end, and we looked completely inept in an 8-0 shutout at the hands of Rollie Beal. Dick Leudtke, who's picked up both losses this season, allowed 13 hits and 7 runs (6 earned) with 2 walks and a strikeout in 6 innings. Gus Cain pitched 3 innings of relief, allowing 4 hits, a run, and a walk with 4 strikeouts. Leudtke and Phil Vaughan were both 1-for-2. Russ Combs and Tom Taylor 1-for-4.

April 26th, 1932
Philadelphia Sailors (4-10) 3
Chicago Cougars (12-2): 5

W: Dick Lyons (3-0)
L: Doc Newell (1-2)
SV: Claude Purvis (3)

We got right back in the win column and took the third of four 5-3. Russ Combs was a perfect 4-for-4 with a steal and home run. Tom Taylor was 1-for-4 with a homer and 3 RBI's. Mike Smith was 1-for-4 with a solo homer. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-3 with a walk and double. John Kincaid was 1-for-3 with a walk. Dick Lyons became our third pitcher to start 3-0, allowing 5 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), and a walk with 2 strikeouts in 8 strong innings. Claude Purvis picked up another save, striking out one in a perfect 9th.

April 27th, 1932
Philadelphia Sailors (4-11) 0
Chicago Cougars (13-2): 14

W: Max Wilder (4-0)
L: William Jones (0-4)

We blew the Sailors out of the water in the finale, piling on 20 hits which led to 14 runs in a shutout to win our fourth straight series to start the year. Bill Ashbaugh was 4-for-5 with 2 doubles, 3 runs, and 3 RBI's. Tom Taylor was 3-for-5 with a double, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Fred Barrell was 3-for-5 with 3 runs and 3 RBI's. John Kincaid was 3-for-4 with a sac-fly, walk, and 2 runs scored. Vince York was 2-for-5 with a walk and two runs scored. Russ Combs was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Starter Max Wilder got in on the fun as well, going 2-for-5 with a pair of RBI's. His pitching performance was just as impressive, tossing a 7-hit shutout with a walk and 4 strikeouts.

April 28th, 1932
Toronto Wolves (6-10) 3
Chicago Cougars (14-2): 9

W: Jim Crawford (4-0)
L: Harry Myers (0-2)

We kept on rolling as we welcomed the Toronto Wolves to town with a 9-3 victory to start the four game set. Russ Combs was 4-for-5 with 3 runs and an RBI while falling just a homer shy of the cycle. John Kincaid was 3-for-4 with a sac-bunt, run scored, and three driven in. Vince York was 2-for-5 with a steal, run scored, and RBI. Starter Jim Crawford was 2-for-4 with 2 runs and an RBI. On the mound he went all nine, allowing 8 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), and 2 walks with a pair of strikeouts.

April 29th, 1932
Toronto Wolves (7-10) 9
Chicago Cougars (14-3): 1

W: Frank Howk (2-2)
L: Tommy Russel (2-1)

The Wolves flipped the script on us, and absolutely dominated us in a 9-1 win to tie the series. Tommy Russel was roughed up for 16 hits and 9 runs with a walk and 2 strikeouts in 4.1 innings pitched. Gus Cain pitched 4.2 hitless innings with 3 walks and 5 strikeouts. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-3 with a walk and run scored. Cain was 1-for-1 with a sac-bunt.

April 30th, 1932
Toronto Wolves (7-11) 6
Chicago Cougars (15-3): 7
11 Innings

W: Claude Purvis (1-0)
L: Birdie Smith (1-3)

After letting the Wolves tie the game at six in the 8th, we had our first extra inning game of the year on the last day of April. Vince York sent the fans home happy in the 11th with a sac-fly off starter Birdie Smith's 164th pitch of the game. York was 2-for-5 with a pair of steals, 2 runs, and the sac-fly. Former Wolf Cy Bryant was 3-for-5. Tom Taylor was 1-for-3 with a solo homer, walk, and sac-fly. Fred Barrell was 1-for-5 with a homer, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Dick Leudtke went 10 in his start (I wish Pozza took him out after 7...), allowing 13 hits, 6 runs (5 earned), 2 walks, and 5 strikeouts. Claude Purvis allowed just one hit in a scoreless 11th.

May 1st, 1932
Toronto Wolves (8-11) 3
Chicago Cougars (15-4): 2

W: Bert Sweet (4-1)
L: Dick Lyons (3-1)

Tied at one headed to the ninth, the Wolves scored two off Lyons in the top half to make it 3-1. We battled back and got one in the bottom half, but came up short as the Wolves would leave Chicago with a series split, ending our streak of four consecutive series wins. Lyons allowed 8 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), and 2 walks with 2 strikeouts. He was also 2-for-3 with an RBI. Harry Simmons was 2-for-4 with a steal and run scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with a solo shot. Cy Bryant was 1-for-3 with a walk.

Stars of the Week
Russ Combs : 27 AB, 12 H, 1 HR, 3 RBI, .444 AVG, 1.149 OPS
Bill Ashbaugh : 26 AB, 9 H, 1 HR, 4 RBI, .346 AVG, 1.029 OPS
Tom Taylor : 29 AB, 8 H, 2 HR, 8 RBI, .276 AVG, .808 OPS

Awards
Batter of the Month: RF Tom Taylor
Pitcher of the Month: SP Max Wilder

Weekly Summary
While a 4-3 week isn't terrible, it feels a lot more like a 2-5 week based on how we've played last September and the rest of this month. We're now tied with the New York Stars who are also 15-4. The third place team is now the Cleveland Foresters (10-9) who sit five games out of first place. We've played them eight times and gone 7-1 and have been almost perfect against the Wolves and Sailors. We'll take a quick trip to Philly for a three game set with the Sailors (5-14) before returning home to host the Kings (8-10) and Saints (8-12) for the first time this year.

A few things to note on after the first month ended. Both Pitcher of the Month Max Wilder and Jim Crawford have won all four of their starts. Wilder has a beautiful 2.53 ERA (168 ERA+) and 1.34 WHIP with 15 strikeouts in 32 innings while Crawford has a still solid 3.34 ERA (127 ERA+), 1.29 WHIP, and 8 strikeouts in 35 innings. Dick Lyons may actually be pitching better, and he's 3-1 with a 1.97 ERA (216 ERA+), 1.03 WHIP, and 11 strikeouts in 32 innings. We've gotten a lot of production from our front three, and I expect our rotation to continue to be a strength.

As good as the pitching is, the offense may be even better. Two batters are leading the way, Tom Taylor and Russ Combs. Starting with Taylor, he's been absolutely raking and putting up MVP numbers again. It's not the astronomical numbers from 1928 and 1929, but he's hitting an impressive .359/.388/.628 (157 OPS+) with 5 homers, 15 RBI's, and a pair of steals in 85 trips to the plate. And as usual, he's been elite as a defender, already accumulating a +4.2 zone rating with a 1.184 efficiency rating. Taylor has also took home his second straight Batter of the Month, winning September last year and now April this year. Combs, however, is actually approaching the levels Taylor was at his peak. He's slashing .423/.452/.679 (187 OPS+) with 3 homers, 4 steals, and 13 RBI's in one less plate appearance. The big difference is the defense, as the "above average defender" according to my scout has made 12 errors in just 55 attempts with a -2.1 zone rating and .878 efficiency. I'd love to get a shortstop so I can move Combs to second, but there's also the fact he's been an excellent defender as recently as 1930. If he keeps hitting like this I could care less about his defense, but I'm hoping he doesn't make 100 errors like he's on pace to.

Bill Ashbaugh has also started out really hot as well, finally showing similar production to what we saw in his Rookie year back in 1927. The 28-year-old is hitting .370/.427/.562 (152 OPS+) with a homer, three steals, and 12 RBI's. He's also been one of the best first basemen in the league as he's really adjusted well to his position change. It's been really nice seeing him take the next step, and I hope he can keep it up.

It's not all good in Chicago, however, and if there was one player I would not have expected to have a rough start, it was Vince York. York has consistently been one of our most dependable hitters, but he's really struggled to start the year. York has hit just .259/.287/.321 (57 OPS+) with no homers. He does have 3 steals and 9 RBI's, but his batting line is far from his career .355/.397/.505 (132 OPS+) line and York is usually competing for a batting title. His average is almost 100 points lower then last year and over 100 points lower then from his rookie year. I expect him to turn things around, but it's one of the few trends we're experiencing that I want to stop.

Injury Report
C Herman Rachford (AA Mobile Commodores): Latissimus dorsi strain (2-3 weeks)
1B Sam Reeves (AA Mobile Commodores): Sore back (6 days)
RP John Peterson (AA Mobile Commodores): Back spasms (5 days)
SP Bobby Love (A Lincoln Legislators): Fractured elbow (5 months)
RP Phil Clarke (B San Jose Cougars): Activated from the DL
SP Ike Quinn (C La Crosse Lions): Strained hamstring (2 weeks)
SP John Harts (C La Crosse Lions): Activated from the DL
3B Buddy Kircher (C La Crosse Lions): Activated from the DL

Minor League Report

SP Tom Barrell (AAA Milwaukee Blues): After missing nearly all of last season, Tom Barrell does not look like a guy who hasn't pitched competitively in a year. In three starts for the Blues, he's 2-1 with a 1.27 ERA (316 ERA+), 0.70 WHIP, and 32 strikeouts and just 1 walk in 21.1 innings. My scout thinks Barrell is ready for the majors, but considering how few minor league innings he's thrown, it'd be hard to promote the 24-year-old this early in the season. That's not to say that he's going to be in AAA all season, as if Russel and/or Castellini struggle, I would much rather call him up then go outside the organization. Barrell boasts a high 90s fastball and throws three big league quality pitches. He's got excellent command and great life and even with the injury setback he looks like a future anchor in any FABL rotation.

RF Howard Moss (AA Mobile Commodores): Fresh off a Player of the Week, Howard Moss has had a real nice start to the season. The former 4th Rounder is hitting .357/.426/.762 (214 OPS+) with 3 homers and 11 RBI's in just under 50 plate appearances. Moss is stuck in Mobile with Ed Rhoden starting at right in AAA, but Moss is probably big league ready already. Not only is he behind Rhoden, but our best player Tom Taylor also plays right field and there really isn't room for Moss. He's a fringe starter, but a team that isn't set on contention could benefit from giving him everyday at bats.

2B Bill Rose (B San Jose Cougars): He won't show up on any top prospect lists, but Bill Rose has gotten off to a blazing start to the 1932 season. The 24-year-old is hitting .333/.395/.394 (123 OPS+) with a steal and 6 RBI's in 10 games. Rose is an extremely versatile infielder who can handle all four positions, although it's probably best if he doesn't play short. He's got excellent speed and a decent swing, but he's got a tough uphill climb up the prospect ladder ahead of him.

Amateur Report

LF Bobby Mills (San Antonio HS Warriors): For most hitters, .364/.440/.579 (172 OPS+) is the best you'll hit in a year. For the 18-year-old Bobby Mills, it's actually a "down" year. After hitting .384/.451/.648 (227 OPS+) with 7 homers and 34 RBI's as a sophomore and .384/.451/.656 (244 OPS+) with 7 homers and 36 RBI's as a junior, Mills' senior year is still an extremely impressive year. He's also hit 6 homers and drove in 27 runs through 27 games, so he's likely to break his career highs for both of those this year. Mills is one of the top outfield prospects in the upcoming draft, boasting top tier contact potential with an aggressive approach at the plate. He rarely strikes out and draws his share of walks as well. He can handle left well, but it's probably the only outfield position he'll ever call home. I'm not sure if he's a first round pick, but he'll definitely be taken in the first few rounds.

1B Sam McMorris (North Carolina Tech Techsters): A switch hitting first basemen from St. Paul, Minnesota, Sam McMorris isn't your typical slugging first basemen. He'll still hit his homers, 14 in three years in college so far, but his best skill is his contact ability and eye. He's got an impressive .397/.470/.588 (163 OPS+) line with 6 homers and 23 RBI's as a junior which is a bit better then his career .357/.430/.527 (149 OPS+) line. Despite the nickname "Phenom", McMorris isn't a can't miss prospect, but he's got a solid big league career ahead of him and he should be selected in the early rounds this December.

SP Vance Sears (Holyoke HS Oaks): Despite being a Freshman, Vance Sears sits comfortably atop the Holyoke rotation. He's had a great year so far, 4-1 with a 2.30 ERA (203 ERA+), 1.19 WHIP, and 25 strikeouts in 43 innings pitched. The 14-year-old does a great job of keeping the ball on the ground and mixing his three pitches to fool more experienced hitters. The lefty sits in the 84-86 MPH range with elite command. He's working on polishing his pitches, but it's a good sign for his future that he's getting consistent innings even as a Freshman. He's a name to watch, but won't be draft eligible until 1935, so a lot can change.

SP Johnny Cox (Mississippi A&M Generals): One of the better college arms available for this year's draft, Cox got the misfortune of tearing his UCL in what could be his last start in college. He was 2-2 with a 3.23 ERA (154 ERA+), 1.09 WHIP, and 45 strikeouts compared to just 5 walks in 61.1 innings pitched. A high upside arm, the torn UCL couldn't have came at a worse time and he's likely to miss 13 months. He's definitely going to fall on draft lists, and he may not have a chance to make up for things next year if he isn't selected or doesn't sign. Cox has a nice four pitch arsenal headlined by a high 80s fastball and quality splitter. This is the first injury of his young career, but it may be a tough one to overcome.

SP Bud Robbins (Niagara Falls HS Sailors): After a slightly above average sophomore and junior year, Bud Robbins has burst onto the scene as a senior. He's 3-2 with a 1.99 ERA (237 ERA+), 1.17 WHIP, and 37 strikeouts in 45.1 innings pitched. The lefty has a really good fastball that sits in the mid to high 80s with a nice circle change and curve to go with it. He's a tall lefty sitting at 6'2'' and he's likely to add more velocity as he matures. His breakout has been key for the Sailors, as they sit tied for first with the Elmira HS Emeralds.

SP Curly Jones (Henry Hudson Explorers): Arguably the best available prospect and likely the best college arm available, Curly Jones has been flat out dominant as a Junior. The Explorers righty is 6-1 with a 2.24 ERA (233 ERA+), 1.01 WHIP, and 94 strikeouts in 72.1 innings pitched. Jones can light up the radar gun, sitting comfortably in the upper 90s with an overpowering fastball and cutter. His change up looks way slower then the rest of his offerings, and he gets numerous swings and misses on it. He can paint the corners if he needs and is just loaded with potential. He's got future ace written all over him and even though I love Lefty Allen, I'd be surprised if Jones doesn't go #1 overall.

Week 4: May 2nd-May 8th
 

May 2nd, 1932
Chicago Cougars (16-4): 4
Philadelphia Sailors (5-15) 3

W: Max Wilder (5-0)
L: Doc Newell (1-3)
SV: Claude Purvis (4)

We started our week out in Philly for three with the struggling Sailors. Down 2-1 in the 8th, we rallied for three in the 8th and held off a late inning rally and took the opener 4-3. Russ Combs was 2-for-5 with a double, steal, and run scored. Mike Smith was 2-for-4 with a steal, run, and RBI. Fred Barrell was 1-for-3 with a double, walk, and 2 RBI's. Cy Bryant was 1-for-3 with a double and walk. John Kincaid was 1-for-3 with a walk and run scored. Max Wilder picked up the win, going 8 innings with 10 hits, 3 runs, 2 walks, and 2 strikeouts. Claude Purvis got the save, allowing just a single hit in a scorless frame.

May 3rd, 1932
Chicago Cougars (17-4): 4
Philadelphia Sailors (5-16) 1

W: Jim Crawford (5-0)
L: Oscar Morse (0-5)
SV: Claude Purvis (5)

We had another three run inning, this time in the 4th, and that was enough to cruise to a 4-1 win. Jim Crawford was excellent, going 7.1 innings with 7 hits, a run, 5 walks, and 5 strikeouts. Purvis picked up the save again, this time 1.2 perfect innings. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with a double and RBI. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with an RBI. John Kincaid was 1-for-3 with a double, walk, and run scored. Vince York was 1-for-3 with a walk and run scored.

May 4th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (17-5): 8
Philadelphia Sailors (6-16) 9
10 Innings

W: Russ Reel (1-0)
L: Bill Kline (0-1)

This was a crazy one. So after the third inning we were down 6-1. We then rallied four 4 in the 6th and 3 in the 7th to take an 8-6 lead. We slowly gave it away, with the Sailors getting single runs in the 8th and 9th to force extras. Then in the 10th, Bobby Bond ended the game with a walk-off single as the Sailors avoided the sweep. Russ Combs was 3-for-5 with a steal, walk, and run scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-5 with a triple, homer, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Harry Simmons was 2-for-3 with a homer, 2 walks, and 2 RBI's. Fred Barrell was 2-for-5 with a double, 2 runs, and an RBI. Vince York was 1-for-4 with a homer and sac fly. Cy Bryant was 1-for-3 with a pair of walks. Tommy Russel had a rough start, 5 innings with 9 hits, 6 runs, a walk, and 2 strikeouts. Chick Meehan went 3.2 innings with 3 hits, 2 runs, a walk, and 3 strikeouts. Bill Kline allowed 2 hits and a run in 0.2 innings.

May 5th, 1932
Brooklyn Kings (9-12): 6
Chicago Cougars (17-5): 7

W: Dick Leudtke (2-2)
L: Johnny Jacob (3-2)
SV: Claude Purvis (6)

We went back home to host the Kings for a four game set. We got 4 in the 3rd and 3 in the 7th to take a 7-1 lead. We tried to give it up, as the Kings got 3 in the 8th and 2 in the 9th, but we held on to take the opener 7-6. Vince York was a perfect 4-for-4 with a double, 2 runs, and an RBI. Harry Simmons was 3-for-4. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with a pair of RBI's. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with a triple, run scored, and three driven in. Tom Taylor was 1-for-3 with a walk, steal, RBI, and two runs scored. Dick Leudtke went 8.1 innings, allowing 7 hits, 5 runs (1 earned...), 5 walks, and 5 strikeouts. Claude Purvis got the save, allowing 2 hits and an unearned run in two thirds of an inning.

May 6th, 1932
Brooklyn Kings (9-13): 0
Chicago Cougars (19-5): 5

W: Dick Lyons (4-1)
L: Heinie Bretz (0-1)

Dick Lyons was dominant in an 8-hit shutout as we beat former Cougar farmhand Heinie Bretz in a 5-0 win. Lyons struck out 4 and walked 1 and was 1-for-3 with a sac-fly. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with 2 doubles, 2 runs, and an RBI. Harry Simmons was 3-for-4 with a steal and RBI. Tom Taylor was 1-for-3 with a walk and solo homer. Russ Combs was 1-for-4 with a walk, run, and steal.

May 7th, 1932
Brooklyn Kings (10-13): 5
Chicago Cougars (19-6): 4

W: Tommy Wilcox (3-2)
L: Max Wilder (5-1)

We tried to come back and got two in the 8th, but our late inning rally came up short and the Kings won 5-4. It was the first loss of the year for Wilder who allowed 7 hits, 5 runs (2 earned...), 2 walks, and 7 strikeouts. Bill Kline went 2 innings with 2 hits, a walk, and a strikeout. Tom Taylor was 2-for-3 with a homer, walk, and 2 RBI's. Russ Combs was 2-for-4 with a triple, steal, run scored, and RBI. Vince York was 2-for-4 with a double and run scored. Slim Bloom was 1-for-3 with a run scored.

May 8th, 1932
Brooklyn Kings (11-13): 9
Chicago Cougars (19-7): 8

W: Milt Fritz (4-1)
L: Jim Crawford (5-1)

What an awful game... Up 5-4 heading to the 9th and then the Kings rallied for five runs off the starter Crawford. We even tried to rally, but came up just short as we could only get four of the runs back, and the Kings left town with a split. Crawford went 8.1 while allowing 13 hits, 9 runs (8 earned), 2 walks, and 2 strikeouts. He was 1-for-3 with an RBI and sac-bunt. Bill Ashbaugh was 3-for-5 with a triple, 2 runs, and 3 RBI's. Vince York was 3-for-4 with 2 runs, a walk, and an RBI. Russ Combs was 2-for-5 with a steal and a run scored. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with a double and run scored.

Stars of the Week
Vince York : 22 AB, 12 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI, .545 AVG, 1.350 OPS
Fred Barrell : 24 AB, 9 H, 0 HR, 7 RBI, .375 AVG, .983 OPS
Harry Simmons : 24 AB, 9 H, 1 HR, 4 RBI, .375 AVG, .948 OPS

Weekly Summary
Another 4-3 week and again, it feels like we went 2-5 instead. We're now half a game behind the Stars (19-7) and the only other team in the entire league with a winning record. We welcome the Saints (12-14) for three, but they're on a hot stretch and all the way back up to third, tied with the Foresters and Wolves. After the Saints the Cannons (9-17) come to town for three. After that is a big four game set with the Stars to end our homestand.

After mentioning Vince York's struggles, he must have taken it personally and he went on a tear. Hitting .545 with a homer and 5 RBI's, he definitely deserved Player of the Week over Dick Walker. Regardless, it's nice to see him turn things around. Tommy Russel, however, has continued to struggle and he's really got one more start to prove himself as Castellini will be finishing up his rehab soon. He's done poorly in AAA, so I may have to turn to one of my AAA arms.

My export didn't take, so I lost all my DFA'd players. Luckily, none of them are that great, but I did offer them contracts back.

Injury Report
RP Pete Sposito (AAA Milwaukee Blues): sore shoulder (2 weeks)
RP John Peterson (AA Mobile Commodores): torn rotator cuff (13 months)
SP Pete Carey (A Lincoln Legislators: back stiffness (1-2 weeks)
2B Bob Crocker (B San Jose Cougars): knee contusion (one week)

Minor League Report

SP Mike Murphy (AAA Milwaukee Blues): While Tom Barrell may be the hype at AAA right now, Mike Murphy has been absolutely dominant. He's 3-0 and tossed 20.2 scoreless innings with a 0.63 WHIP, 2 walks, and 14 strikeouts. It's been a dream start to the season for the 24-year-old lefty who's still trying to prove that he can start. He paints the black effortlessly and has an excellent six pitch arsenal and if he continues like this he's going to be starting games for the Cougars on a regular basis.

Week 5: May 9th-May 15th
 

May 9th, 1932
Montreal Saints (12-15): 5
Chicago Cougars (20-7): 8

W: Tommy Russel (3-1)
L: Johnny Douglas (2-2)

Montreal was in town for the first time this season. The game wasn't as close as the score indicated, as four of the runs happened in the ninth. Russel had a decent start, 11 hits, 5 runs (2 earned), a walk and a strikeout in the complete game victory. John Kincaid was 4-for-5 with a double, run scored, and run driven in. Cy Bryant was 3-for-4 with a double, homer, and 4 RBI's. Vince York was 2-for-5 with a pair of RBI's. Phil Vaughan was 1-for-3 with a walk, run scored, and RBI. Russ Combs left this one with a fractured rib, so he got his yearly injury in week five. He'll miss three weeks and we'll really miss his bat.

May 10th, 1932
Montreal Saints (12-16): 1
Chicago Cougars (21-7): 5

W: Dick Leudtke (3-2)
L: Dave Paynter (3-3)

The pitching was excellent, and if it wasn't for a Slim Bloom error, Dick Leudtke would have had a complete game shutout, but we settled for a 5-1 win. He allowed 5 hits with 3 walks and 3 strikeouts. He was also 2-for-2 with a pair of sac-bunts. Vince York was 2-for-3 with a double, 2 runs, a walk, and RBI. Tom Taylor was 2-for-4 with a double, run scored, and 2 RBI's. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and an RBI.

May 11th, 1932
Montreal Saints (12-17): 7
Chicago Cougars (22-7): 9

W: Dick Lyons (5-1)
L: Walker Moore (2-4)
SV: Claude Purvis (7)

It wasn't pretty, but we swept through the Saints with a 9-7 win. Cy Bryant was 3-for-5 with a triple, 2 runs, and an RBI. Tom Taylor was 2-for-4 with a double, homer, 2 runs, and 4 RBI's. Slim Bloom was 2-for-4 with a double and 2 RBI's. Fred Barrell and Vince York were 1-for-3 with a walk and run scored. Dick Lyons was 1-for-3 with a run scored. On the mound he went 7.2 innings with 12 hits, 7 runs, a walk, and 2 strikeouts. Claude Purvis picked up the save with 1.1 perfect frames.

May 12th, 1932
Baltimore Cannons (11-19): 4
Chicago Cougars (22-8): 3

W: Ken Carpenter (3-4)
L: Max Wilder (5-2)
SV: Lee Drouillard (1)

The Canons were up next, and it's been a rough season for them. After leading the CA for most of last year, nothing has gone right for them. We had every chance to win this game, but the Cannons topped us 4-3. Max Wilder had an okay start, 7 hits, 4 runs, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts in a complete game. He was also 1-for-2 with a pair of walks and a run scored. John Kincaid was 3-for-5 with an RBI. Tom Taylor was 3-for-5. Cy Bryant was 2-for-5 with a triple, run scored, and 2 RBI's.

May 13th, 1932
Baltimore Cannons (11-20): 5
Chicago Cougars (23-8): 15

W: Jim Crawford (6-1)
L: Pinky Conlan (0-2)

We battled back in the middle game, and put up a ten spot in the second and then cruised to a 15-5 win. Vince York was 4-for-6 with 2 runs and 5 RBI's. John Kincaid was 3-for-5 with a double, walk, 3 runs, and 3 RBI's. Cy Bryant was 3-for-4 with a double, steal, 2 runs, and an RBI. Slim Bloom was 3-for-5 with a run scored and RBI. Tom Taylor was 3-for-5 with an RBI. Fred Barrell was 2-for-5 with a run scored and RBI. Starter Jim Crawford was 2-for-4 with a sac-bunt, 3 runs, and an RBI. He also pitched all nine, allowing 11 hits, 5 runs (3 earned), 2 walks, and a strikeout.

May 14th, 1932
Baltimore Cannons (12-20): 14
Chicago Cougars (23-9): 8

W: Rabbit Day (4-3)
L: Tommy Russel (3-2)

It was a rough game for our pitching staff, and we lost our first series of the year at the hands of the team with the worst record in baseball. As crazy as it sounds, we should have won this game. 4 Slim Bloom errors led to 10(!) unearned runs. Bloom wouldn't be playing if Combs could just stay healthy. Russel went just 4, with 10 runs (3 earned...), 10 hits, and 2 walks. Gus Cain pitched the other five innings, allowing 7 hits and 4 runs (1 earned) with 4 strikeouts. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-5 with a double, run scored, and 2 RBI's. John Kincaid was 2-for-5 with three runs scored. Vince York was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Tom Taylor was 1-for-5 with a homer, 2 runs, and 3 RBI's.

May 15th, 1932
New York Stars (24-8): 11
Chicago Cougars (23-10): 0

W: Lou Martino (4-0)
L: Dick Leudtke (3-3)

For the first time all season, the two titans of the the Continental Association faced off. But based off of this game, it looked like there was just one. We were just awful, allowing 20 hits and 11 runs without scoring a single run of our own. Again, Slim Bloom's defense was a problem, 2 more errors leading to 5 unearned runs. He already has 10(!), nine of those this week filling in at short. Dick Leudtke pitched terrible regardless, 17 hits and 9 runs (6 earned) with a walk and 4 strikeouts in 6.2 innings pitched. Bill Kline went 2.1 innings with 3 hits, 2 strikeouts, and 2 unearned runs. Bloom had one of our three hits, going 1-for-3. Phil Vaughan and Bill Ashbaugh were both 1-for-1 with a walk.

Stars of the Week
Tom Taylor : 31 AB, 12 H, 2 HR, 10 RBI, .387 AVG, 1.051 OPS
John Kincaid : 33 AB, 14 H, 0 HR, 6 RBI, .424 AVG, .926 OPS
Cy Bryant : 30 AB, 11 H, 1 HR, 8 RBI, .367 AVG, 1.073 OPS

Weekly Summary
Well, this week sucks, as went 4-3, lost an easy series to the Cannons, and then got absolutely humiliated by the Stars. Not only that, our best hitter Russ Combs will miss the rest of the month and since it happened the first day of the week Slim Bloom manned short instead of Harry Simmons. He's not great, but Bloom cannot handle short. In the 62 innings he already has a -4.2 zone rating, .800 fielding percentage, and a .732 efficiency. Not only that, gone is Russ Combs' .396/.433/.604 (164 OPS+) batting line as well as his 3 homers, 9 steals, and 14 RBI's. Sure, he wasn't having a good defensive season, but his -2.7 zone rating in 217.2 innings is leap years better then Bloom.

Tom Taylor is really going to have to carry the offense now without Combs. He's got a league best 9 homers and 40 RBI's with an impressive .346/.385/.615 (153 OPS+) batting line. Vince York has gotten hot and after hitting in the low .200s, he's up to .333/.377/.417 (104 OPS+) with a homer, 3 steals, and 23 RBI's. Bill Ashbaugh has been solid as well, hitting .326/.373/.527 (129 OPS+) with 2 homers, 3 steals, and 25 RBI's. Behind them, there isn't much, as Barrell and Simmons haven't hit much at all. Bryant and Kincaid have been okay, but we really need this group of four to step things up. It's a long fight to the finish, but we can't slow down now.

We have three more with the Stars and we really need to win all three. They're 1.5 games ahead of us and we cannot let that lead increase. I'll have my top three, Lyons, Wilder, and Crawford, but we need to hit. We already drew Martino, so it does get easier behind him. The rotation is still really good, so it will be tough. After that, we head to Cleveland (16-17) to face the third place Foresters for four before our first off day in what feels like years.

Injury Report
SS Russ Combs (FABL Chicago Cougars): fractured Rib (3 weeks)
RP Len Moore (FABL Chicago Cougars): Started a rehab assignment at AA Mobile
RP Hap Goodwin (AAA Milwaukee Blues): back tightness (4 days)
SS Tom Rogers (AA Mobile Commodores): shoulder tendinitis (3 weeks)
SP Steve Castellini (AA Mobile Commodores): Returned from a rehab assignment

Transactions
Optioned SP Tommy Russel to AAA Milwaukee and recalled SS Jack Rogers.

Amateur Report

LF Dave Henry (Bayou State Cougars): It's been three elite seasons for Bayou State's Dave Henry and he's ready for an early selection in the December draft. He's hitting .461/.548/.818 (219 OPS+) with 15 homers, 10 steals, and 59 RBI's as the season is 80% over. His career line is just as impressive, hitting .421/.502/.744 (205 OPS+) with 41 homers, 32 steals, and 177 RBI's. Henry has excellent speed, excellent defensive ability, and a ton of power. He's got top of the order potential with the chance to be one of the best players in the league.

3B Alan Hawkins (Brooklyn HS Trojans): Finally getting some playing time, Alan Hawkins didn't get the results he wanted. He's hitting just .372/.420/.500 (130 OPS+) with 4 homers and 26 RBI's after slashing .388/.449/.550 (188 OPS+) last season. Hawkins as an excellent contact tool, but is working on improving his power. He really has to work on the glove, but he's one of those high upside high school project players that just needs to get consistent at bats. He's going to drop out of the first few rounds, but could be a nice mid round pickup.

Trade News!
 

I made a minor swap with the Kings, sending RF Ed Rhoden out for SS Arnold Bower. I needed my seven day lineups to stay, so Bower would debut with us after the week simmed on Monday.

My scout is a big fan of the 28-year-old Bower who could really use a change of scenery. After losing his job to the 23-year-old Walt Layton, Bower has just really had a rough campaign. A former 2nd Round pick back in 1922, Bower has made 1,205 FABL plate appearances. He's hit .290/.357/.390 (94 OPS+) with 3 homers, 22 steals, and 121 RBI's from 1928-1932. He's also a pretty good fielder, with a career +12.4 zone rating and 1.030 efficiency in 2,586.2 innings at short. He's got good speed and makes decent contact, although he'll never hit for much power. My scout thinks he "can put a hammerlock on the shortstop slot" but I wouldn't read too much into it. He's a much better injury replacement then Slim Bloom or Jack Rogers and I know Combs will likely get hurt again this season so having Bower on hand will really help with depth.

It sucks giving up Rhoden, but he doesn't really have a spot in the organization. I have Joe Johnson and Tim Thomas in AAA as well plus Mike Smith has been everything I could ask for in a fourth outfielder. Tom Taylor and Vince York have show they can play every day as well, so there really isn't much of a need for extra outfielders. Rhoden is definitely starter material, and he's had way too much fun in AAA. He's hitting .366/.434/.624 (175 OPS+) with 5 homers, 7 steals, and 20 RBI's in just over 100 trips to the plate. Brooklyn needs help with star Doug Lightbody on the mend, as Rhoden is definitely an upgrade over Charlie Powell (35 OPS+, 1 HR, 5 RBI) and Jimmy Schlosser (75 OPS+, 0 HR, 5 RBI).

Week 6: May 16th-May 22nd
 

May 16th, 1932
New York Stars (24-9): 4
Chicago Cougars (24-10): 5
11 Innings

W: Claude Purvis (2-0)
L: Tom Fitzgerald (1-2)

What a crazy one! Down 4-0 after 6, we scored 3 in the 7th and one more in the 8th to tie the game. In the 11th, Vince York sent the fans home happy with a walk off single. York was 2-for-6 with a double and the game winning RBI. John Kincaid was 5-for-6 with a double and 2 RBI's. Phil Vaughan was 1-for-4 with a solo homer. Fred Barrell was 3-for-5 with a run scored. Mike Smith was 2-for-4 with a walk. Dick Lyons was 1-for-3 with a run scored and driven in. He also tossed 9 innings with 12 hits, 4 runs, and 3 strikeouts. Claude Purvis got the win, 2 innings with a hit, walk, and strikeout.

May 17th, 1932
New York Stars (25-9): 5
Chicago Cougars (24-11): 3
10 Innings

W: Jack Carr (2-0)
L: Chick Meehan (0-1)

Another extra inning affair, but this time we acme out on the wrong side. We were up 3-2, but they tied it in the ninth and got two more in the 10th to win 5-3. Max Wilder left after 3 innings with an injury. He allowed a hit, run, walk, and 2 strikeouts. He was diagnosed with back spasms. Gus Cain went 4 innings with 4 hit, a run, walk, and 3 strikeouts. Claude Purvis allowed 2 hits, a run, 2 walks, and struck out 1. Chick Meehan got the loss, an inning with 2 hits, 2 runs, and a strikeout. Harry Simmons was 3-for-4 with a double, triple, and 2 runs scored. Tom Taylor was 2-for-4. Slim Bloom was 1-for-2 with a double and RBI.

May 18th, 1932
New York Stars (25-10): 10
Chicago Cougars (25-11): 11

W: Bill Kline (1-1)
L: Tom Fitzgerald (1-3)

What a crazy game to end a crazy series. The Stars were up 6-3 in the 8th. Fed up with losing, we rallied for 8 runs in the 8th to make it 11-6. Even better, the Stars didn't want to lose either, and scored 4 to make it 11-10 before we finally got the last two outs of the ninth and split with the still first place Stars. Vince York was 2-for-4 with a double, walk, run, and 3 RBI's. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with a double, walk, RBI, and three runs scored. Tom Taylor was 2-for-5 with a double, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Cy Bryant was 1-for-3 with a double, steal, walk, run, and RBI. Phil Vaughan was 2-for-4 with a run and 2 RBI's. Fred Barrell was 2-for-3 with a sac-bunt and run scored. Jim Crawford made the start, allowing 9 hits and 6 runs with 4 walks and 4 strikeouts in 7 innings. Charlie Morrell made his debut, allowing 4 hits and 4 runs with a strikeout in one inning.

May 19th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (26-11): 9
Cleveland Foresters (17-20): 7

W: Dick Leudtke (4-3)
L: Jim Cavender (0-1)
SV: Claude Purvis (8)

Our next stop was Cleveland where we would face the Foresters for a four game set. It wasn't a pretty win, but eight of our nine runs came in the first and ninth innings, and we edged the hosts 9-7. Fred Barrell was 3-for-4 with a walk, run, and 4 RBI's while just a homer shy of the cycle. Vince York was 2-for-4 with a double, walk, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Slim Bloom was 2-for-4 with a double and sac-fly. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with a pair of runs scored. Phil Vaughan was 1-for-3 with a pair of walks and a run scored. Dick Leudtke went 8 with 10 hits, 7 runs, 2 walks, and a strikeout.

May 20th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (26-12): 0
Cleveland Foresters (18-20): 7

W: Ben Turner (4-3)
L: Steve Castellini (0-1)

We just could not hit our former farmhand, and Ben Turner tossed a 6-hit shutout in a 7-0 win. Steve Castellini made his first start of the year, and he really didn't do bad. 6 of the 7 runs were unearned and he allowed just 5 hits and 3 walks with a strikeout. Tom Taylor was 2-for-3 with a double. Jim Kyle was 2-for-3.

As crazy as it sounds, Turner wasn't the only pitcher with a 7-hit shutout. Brooklyn's Lyman Weigel tossed a 5-hit shutout with 5 strikeouts in a win over the Saints and Detroit's Roy Calfee tossed a 3-hut shutout with 5 strikeouts in a win over the Pioneers.

May 21st, 1932
Chicago Cougars (26-13): 3
Cleveland Foresters (19-20): 4

W: Carl Bragg (3-3)
L: Max Wilder (5-3)
SV: Bill Beier (2)

I think this one would have gone different if Max Wilder was healthy for this start. He looked alright, but still allowed 8 hits, 4 runs, and 5 walks with 3 strikeouts in the loss. He was also 1-for-2 with a sac-bunt. Mike Smith was 2-for-4 with a double, run scored, and RBI. Vince York was 2-for-3 with a walk, run, and RBI. Fred Barrell was 1-for-3 with a run and sac-bunt.

May 22nd, 1932
Chicago Cougars (27-13): 3
Cleveland Foresters (19-21): 2

W: Jim Crawford (7-1)
L: Ed Wood (1-3)

We managed to leave with a split and finished a treacherous stretch of 33 consecutive games with a 3-2 win. Crawford looked like himself again, going all nine with 3 hits, 2 runs, 3 walks, and 7 strikeouts. Fred Barrell and Cy Bryant were both 2-for-4 with an RBI. Vince York was 2-for-4 with a run scored. Tom Taylor was 1-for-4 with a double, run, and RBI. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-3 with a walk.

Stars of the Week
Fred Barrell : 23 AB, 12 H, 0 HR, 7 RBI, .522 AVG, 1.237 OPS
Vince York : 26 AB, 10 H, 0 HR, 7 RBI, .385 AVG, .948 OPS
Tom Taylor : 26 AB, 8 H, 0 HR, 4 RBI, .308 AVG, .756 OPS

Weekly Summary
19-14.

That was our record on our stretch of 33 consecutive games. It's not great by any means, but only one team in the CA other then New York (Philly, 20) has more wins this year then that. We're now a game behind those Stars (27-13) and now we get a pair of off days around a two game series in Toronto (15-24) with the last place Wolves. We then head home to finish the month, starting with two against Cleveland and two with Philadelphia.

Harry Simmons did okay filling it at short, but for the next few weeks while Combs heals up we'll at least have a natural shortstop in Arnold Bower filling in. He's not going to add much offensively, but his work with the glove should help. Slim Bloom is on his way to AAA where I'm hoping he can learn to be a competent shortstop like he was in the minors.

One quick thing: Vince York is now tied for second in batting average in the Continental Association. His batting average is up almost a full 100 points since I pointed out he was struggling, and now he's hitting .342/.389/.430 (108 OPS+) with 1 homer, 3 steals, and 30 RBI's. Only Stars superstar and former Cougar farmhand John Lawson has a higher average and he's really managed to turn things around. The power isn't there, as his slugging percentage is way down, but I have faith he'll turn things around in that department. He's really making up for Russ Combs' absence and we're up to #1 in runs, average, OBP, OPS, WAR, wOBA, steals, and base running while tied for second in homers.

Transactions
Optioned 2B Slim Bloom to AAA and added SS Arnold Bower to the active roster.

Injury Report
RP Hap Goodwin (AAA Milwaukee Blues): Activated from the DL
RP Pete Sposito (AAA Milwaukee Blues): Activated from the DL
SP Tommy Russel (AAA Milwaukee Blues): Shoulder inflammation (8 weeks)
RP Fred Carter (AAA Milwaukee Blues): Biceps tendinitis (2 weeks)
2B John Quick (AA Mobile Commodores): Sprained elbow (5 days)
1B Sam Reeves (AA Mobile Commodores): Activated from the DL
C Herman Rachford (AA Mobile Commodores): Activated from the DL
LF Dave Ward (A Lincoln Legislators): Back tightness (1-2 weeks)
2B Bob Crocker (B San Jose Cougars): Activated from the DL
SP Ike Quinn (C La Crosse Lions): Activated from the DL

Minor League Report

SP Ace McSherry (AAA Milwaukee Blues): I have not seen a pitching staff as good as Milwaukee, with three starters with an ERA below 1.40. Ace McSherry is hovering just above 1, 4-0 with a 1.01 ERA (454 ERA+), 0.76 WHIP, and 26 strikeouts in 35.2 innings pitched. McSherry has been absolutely dominant and it's really hard keeping him here when he obviously could be effective in the majors somewhere else. I might have to bring him up, but we have too many pitchers already. Between him, Murphy, and Barrell I have three big league starters stuck in AAA.

CF Roy Moore (C La Crosse Lions): It hasn't been the greatest start to the season for Roy Moore, but the 19-year-old had a nice 5-hit game in a 9-6 win over Moline. He's hitting just .262/.304/.297 (60 OPS+) with 6 steals and 8 RBI's in his first 185 plate appearances of professional ball. It's been a rough adjustment period, but hopefully this will start turning things around.

Amateur Report

SP Rufus Barrell II (Macon HS Musketeers): The Barrell name brings a lot to baseball. Not only are Dan, Fred, and Bobby all big leaguers, Tom and Harry were both #1 overall selections and will be shortly. There's still one more Rufus, and the 14-year-old southpaw is making sound waves at Macon HS. He's 6-3 with a 2.23 ERA (213 ERA+), 0.80 WHIP, and 103 strikeouts with just 4 walks in 76.2 innings pitched. He's got a ton of talent, with a mid 90s fastball already. He throws four quality pitches including a devastating slider that same side hitters have no luck with. He's got elite control and is shaping up to be the third Barrell taken #1 overall.

3B Phil McKenna (Coastal California Dolphins): After an average freshman year, Phil McKenna has absolutely crushed the ball this year. Hitting 16 homers and driving in 62 RBI's, he's a big reason why the Dolphins our in first place with just four games left in the season. His .350/.433/.694 (168 OPS+) batting line is extremely impressive as well and he's walked just as much as he's striked out. He's got a really smooth swing and great plate discipline with a ton of power to go with it. He's not much of a defender, but he more then makes up for it with his bat.

RF Joe Ellicott (Indiana A&M Reapers): One of the more consistent college players out there, Joe Ellicott is about to finish his three year college career with Indiana A&M. He's hitting .387/.468/.694 (185 OPS+) with 10 homers and 42 RBI's. His career line is actually better, hitting .384/.479/.695 (202 OPS+) with 32 homers and 113 RBI's in 645 trips to the plate. He's an excellent defender out in right with a really good arm. He's got plus contact ability and is showing impressive enough power that should develop him into a top notch outfielder.

Week 7: May 23rd-May 29th
 

May 24th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (28-13): 10
Toronto Wolves (15-26): 4

W: Dick Lyons (6-1)
L: Eddie Quinn (1-6)

Fresh off an off day, we handled the Wolves 10-4 in the first of a quick two game series. Tom Taylor was 3-for-5 with a double, homer, and 4 RBI's. John Kincaid was 2-for-5 with a walk, double, homer, 2 runs, and 3 RBI's. Vince York was 2-for-5 with a double, homer, and two runs scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-5 with a steal and run scored. Cy Bryant was 1-for-4 with a walk and two run homer. Dick Lyons was 1-for-4 with a sac bunt and run scored. He went all nine on the mound, allowing 7 hits, 4 runs (1 earned), a walk, and a strikeout. Arnold Bower was an impressive 0-for-6 with a pair of strikeouts in his Cougars debut.

May 25th, 1932
Chicago Cougars (28-14): 6
Toronto Wolves (16-26): 7
11 Innings

W: John Reimers (1-0)
L: Claude Purvis (2-1)

This was a crazy one. The Wolves were up 6-1, but we tied the game with 5 in the 9th to tie the game and force extras. In the end, it didn't matter, as Sam Orr sent the fans home happy with a walk off single. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles and four runs scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-5 with a double and run scored. Harry Simmons was 1-for-4 with a walk and run scored. Dick Leudtke had a rough start, 8 innings with 10 hits, 6 runs, 4 walks, and 2 strikeouts. Claude Purvis was tagged with the loss, 2+ innings with 3 hits, 2 walks, and a run.

May 27th, 1932
Cleveland Foresters (20-24): 6
Chicago Cougars (29-14): 7

W: Claude Purvis (3-1)
L: Carl Bragg (3-4)

We had an off day to travel and then we hosted the Foresters for a quick two game series. Down 6-5 in the 9th, Arnold Bower tied the game with two outs as he drove in Fred Barrell with a single. Then Vince York sent the fans hope happy with a walk-off single. Bower was absolutely on fire, going 4-for-5 with a homer and 5 RBI's. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with a walk and 2 runs scored. John Kincaid was 1-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored. Steve Castellini made the start, 6 innings with 9 hits, 6 runs, and 3 walks. Chick Meehan went 2 innings with a hit, walk, and 4 strikeouts.

May 28th, 1932
Cleveland Foresters (21-24): 15
Chicago Cougars (29-15): 13

W: Claude Purvis (3-1)
L: Carl Bragg (3-4)

The pitching for both sides imploded in this one, and the Foresters out slugged us 15-13 in a game where we had 23 hits. It was a rare poor start for Jim Crawford who allowed 7 hits, 9 runs, and 4 walks with 2 strikeouts in 2.2 innings pitched. Bill Kline got roughed up as well, 3.1 innings with 7 hits, 5 runs, 3 walks, and 4 strikeouts. On the positive side, Bill Ashbaugh was a perfect 5-for-5 with a triple, walk, run, and RBI. Tom Taylor was 3-for-6 with a homer and 3 runs driven in. Harry Simmons was 3-for-6 with a double, run, and three driven in. Vince York was 3-for-6 with a triple, 3 runs, and an RBI. John Kincaid was 3-for-7 with 2 runs scored. Vince York was 3-for-6 with a triple, 3 runs, and an RBI. Cy Bryant was 2-for-5 with a double, 2 runs, walk, and RBI. Fred Barrell was 2-for-5 with a walk and run scored. Phil Vaughan was 1-for-4 with a homer, walk, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's.

May 29th, 1932
Philadelphia Sailors (25-21): 6
Chicago Cougars (30-15): 12

W: Max Wilder (6-3)
L: Oscar Morse (3-7)

The Philadelphia Sailors were in town for just a single game. That's a good thing for us, as they've won eight of their last nine. We got the best of them, recording 18 hits and scoring 12 runs in a technical "sweep" of the third place Sailors. Everyone in the lineup got a hit, including Vince York who was 3-for-4 with a double, steal, 2 runs, and 4 RBI's. Tom Taylor was 3-for-5 with a steal, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. John Kincaid was 2-for-5 with a double and three runs scored. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with a pair of runs scored. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with a sac-bunt, run scored, and RBI. Starter Max Wilder was 1-for-3 with a double, run, and two sac-bunts. He pitched all nine as well, allowing 11 hits and 6 runs with 3 walks and 6 strikeouts.

Stars of the Week
Tom Taylor : 23 AB, 10 H, 2 HR, 9 RBI, .435 AVG, 1.241 OPS
John Kincaid : 26 AB, 10 H, 1 HR, 7 RBI, .385 AVG, 1.141 OPS
Bill Ashbaugh : 24 AB, 11 H, 0 HR, 2 RBI, .458 AVG, 1.063 OPS

Weekly Summary
A 3-2 week and we're still a game behind the Stars. We've got a busy week coming up, with a double header to start the week hosting the Wolves (16-29) who we never can seem to beat despite them consistently at the bottom of the division. We play two more games after, including the first game of June. We then head to Philly for three with the Sailors (25-21) and then a final game in Chicago.

Tom Taylor is looking like an MVP again! Almost two months into the season, he leads the CA in homers (11) and RBI's (53) and ranks second in average (.352) behind the Stars John Lawson (.368). Taylor also leads the league in OPS (.996) and WAR (2.9) and his 10.2 zone rating in right is almost 10 points higher then the second place Ab Thomas of the Kings. He's really put the team on his back and he's a huge reason why we have a .667 win percentage.

While not as impressive as Taylor, Arnold Bower had a pretty impressive week himself. Despite the slow start, he went 8-for-22 (138 OPS+) with a homer, triple, and 8 RBI's. In 37 at bats with Brooklyn, he had half as many RBI's and was just 10-37 with three doubles. And while he only got 37 innings at short, his +0.4 zone rating, perfect fielding percentage, and 1.073 efficiency were leaps and bounds better then Bloom. Speaking of Bloom, he's fielding much better so far.

But, there is much bigger news. With the double header to start the week, I will need an extra starter. Making his FABL debut tomorrow on May 31st will be former #1 overall pick Tom Barrell. With the struggles of Leudtke and Crawford plus Castellini not a sure thing, Barrell will have a chance to take hold of a roster spot and not let go. The 24-year-old has been amazing in AAA, going 4-1 with a 1.59 ERA (292 ERA+), 0.82 WHIP, 70 strikeouts and 9 walks in 51 innings. He doesn't have much minor league experience, but by all measures, he's ready to face big league hitters. Barrell currently ranks as the 46th best prospect in baseball and the 2nd best prospect in our system.

Transactions
Returned RP Charlie Morrell to the New York Gothams. Purchased the contract of Tom Barrell from AAA Milwaukee.

Injury Report
2B John Quick (AA Mobile Commodores): Activated from the DL
RP Cy Plummer (A Lincoln Legislators): Flexor-pronator strain (4 weeks)
RF Ty Schafer (B San Jose Cougars): Oblique strain (6 weeks)
SP Frank Cavanaugh (C La Cross Lions): Shoulder tendinitis (5 days)