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reds1 · 10-26-2015, 11:34 PM

February 1, 1941

Western League: A Battle for the Wild Card

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The Kingston Pelicans are comfortably sitting in first place in the West, 12.5 games up on their nearest rival. But not all things have gone smoothly for the Pelicans this month. Kingston dropped 3 of 4 games to lowly Balmoral just prior to the All-Star break (they actually had a losing record in the first half of the month) and they now have lost a key component of the rotation, SP Francis Slocock, for the rest of the season. How that affects their performance the rest of the way remains to be seen. But their offense shows no signs of slowing down and they still have the best starter in the majors leading the rotation. In fact, their top-ranked offense (.292/.364/.446 – 1st/1st//1st) got even better. Their pitching staff, however, is showing signs of vulnerability, but the rotation is still formidable (3.40/3.03/5.84 – 1st/1st/8th).

Nine Pelicans were selected to the All-Star roster: SP Joey Cumberledge (4th), SP Darwin Monday (2nd), SP Brady Murdy (4th), SP Francis Slocock (3rd), C Ellis Oram (1st), 1B Fergus Chitty (4th), 2B Mo Symes (4th), SS Okura Ito (4th) and LF Jayden Tennant (4th).

Top Position Player: 32-year old LF Jayden Tennant (.300/.391/.575, 23 HR, 74 RBI, 63 R, 45 BB) was sensational this month, batting .379/.481/.833, 9 HR, 18 RBI, 14 R, 11 BB. Remarkably, he did not win any Player of the Week Awards during the month.

I suppose he was overshadowed by SS Okura Ito (.336/.380/.561, 24 HR, 100 RBI, 79 R, 33 BB), who perhaps deserves the nod instead. On January 19, the Pelicans played a double-header against the Hespeler Stars. In game one, Ito went 5-6 with 1 HR, 5 RBI and 1 R. In game 2, Ito went 3-4 with 3 HR, 6 RBI and 3 R. Ito becomes the first player in United League history to belt 3 HR in a single game. Needless to say, Ito is not your normal shortstop. Kingston won the games by a score of 8-4 and 17-4 respectively.

Top Pitcher: SP Brady Murdy (21-2, 1.98 ERA, 0.95 WHIP) won his third consecutive Pitcher of the Month honour this season. He belongs in a higher league.

Key Injury:SP Francis Slocock (10-6, 3.83 ERA, 1.09 WHIP) suffered elbow inflammation while pitching against the Pulberry Trolleys on January 24. He is lost for the season (3 months).

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The Cambria Cannons have gone into crisis mode, as they continue to battle injuries to key players and slip in the standings. They are still holding down a playoff spot but Kingston continues to pull away from them. More alarmingly, Cambria is hearing footsteps, as the Wolseley Unions are now just 4.0 games back of them. But Cambria is not standing pat. The Cannons made some significant trades to try and shore up their efforts to secure their third consecutive playoff appearance.

Their offense has done an admiral job of keeping them in contention (.290/.358/.421 – 2nd/2nd/2nd) and even their pitching has begun to step it up (4.08/4.48/3.09 – 3rd/3rd/2nd). If they keep it up, their below .500 record in January will be considered just an aberration rather than a trend.

Eight Cannons were selected to the All-Star roster: SP Bradley Dodson (2nd), SP Neil Guerin (4th), RP Shaun Alford (2nd), RP Leon Hankey (1st), C Glen Yeend (3rd), 1B Keane Fysh (3rd), LF Joe Olver (2nd) and RF Al Tucker (1st).

Top Position Player: C Glen Yeend (.357/.392/.495, 4 HR, 57 RBI, 51 R, 20 BB) was in the zone in January, as he hit .394/.437/.532, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 17 R, 8 BB.

Top Pitcher: It’s puzzling. Overall, the Cannons are doing alright in ERA, but individually, there is no real standout. He only pitched for 12.2 IP , but I’ll go with RHP Leon Hankey (3-1, 6 SV, 2.47 ERA, 1.39 WHIP), who went 0-0, 1 SV, 0.71 ERA, 12.2 IP, 11 K, 4 BB. The rookie needs to be used more.

Key Injuries: LF Ron Westmacott (.321/.442/.603, 4 HR, 26 RBI, 33 R, 28 BB) is out 8 more weeks after suffering torn ankle ligaments back in November.

SP-RHP Willem Atkins (1-3, 4.45 ERA, 1.59 WHIP) was diagnosed with ulnar nerve irritation back in November. He will miss another 3 weeks.

RF Al Tucker (.282/.386/.390, 3 HR, 31 RBI, 80 R, 59 BB) fractured his hand in a game against the Pulberry Trolleys back on January 21. He is out 3-4 weeks.

Key Trade #1: On January 21, Cambria acquired 26-year old CF Clint Jones (78/80 – .260/.311/.436, 15 HR, 54 RBI, 54 R, 29 BB, 12 SB) from the Cobourg Red Stockings. In return, Cobourg received four minor leaguers:

19-year old OF Evan Houk (21/70 – 8th overall pick 1939-40);
19-year old C Josh MacBradden (20/27);
20-year old 3B Ron Hawes (22/23) and
22-year old SS António Peña (29/43 – 5th round pick in 1937-38).

Knee-jerk reaction: Clint Jones returns home. Back in 1939, the New Zealander was traded to Cobourg for 3B Kennth Logan and CF Bert Helmer. Now, he returns to serve as the clean-up hitter. Jones is a sensational player with no weaknesses at the plate and can play any position except catcher and pitcher. His numbers were suffering while playing for lowly Cobourg, but with his return to a playoff team, he should be rejuvenated.
In return, the Red Stockings receive a former first rounder in Houk, who has pretty good offensive skills and excellent speed. He can play anywhere in the outfield and at 1B. Of the other three, only Peña looks to have any major league skills. While he projects to be average at the plate, he is sensational defensively. All-in-all, Cambria got the best of this deal, especially if Jones rediscovers his form.

Key Trade #2: On January 22, Cambria acquired 31-year old SP Nick Paddock (67/67 – 8-11, 3.15 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) from the Downie Chiefs.

In return, Downie received four minor leaguers:

21-year old IF/OF John Pickett (23/78 – 2nd round pick in 1938-39);
20-year old SP Jesús Pérez (20/57);
21-year old 2B José Antonio Reyes (23/58) and
23-year old 1B Carson Morehouse (22/23).

Knee-jerk reaction: Paddock is a serviceable pitcher who will be Cambria’s No. 2 starter. He doesn’t have overpowering stuff (35/35), but has outstanding movement and control. Like Jones, Paddock may benefit from moving to a playoff caliber team.

The Chiefs meanwhile, get a very promising prospect in Pickett. He combines outstanding offensive skills with blazing speed and decent, but not great defense. He can play any outfield position as well as 1B and even 2B. He is now Downie’s top prospect. SP Pérez and 2B Reyes have a chance to be useful players as well. Both teams got what they needed in this trade.

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The recent struggles of the Cambria Cannons and their own fairly consistent level of play has allowed the Wolseley Unions to come within striking distance of a playoff spot. The Unions had their best month this season and are now 2 games above .500, and just 4.0 games back of 2nd place Cambria.

Wolseley’s offense (.264/.328/.400 – 7th/5th/4th) and pitching (4.24/4.44/3.65 – 5th/6th/4th) have held steady, but will need to improve if they really want to give Cambria a run for their money.

Kingston sent three players to the All-star game this month: SS Rubén Sánchez (1st), LF Nicky Willis (1st) and CF Zak Kidd (2nd).

Top Position Player: 27-year old SS Rubén Sánchez (.302/.355/.430, 6 HR, 52 RBI, 57 R, 37 BB) is quickly emerging as Wolseley’s best player. This month, he batted .382/.407/.527, 2 HR, 17 RBI, 13 R, 6 BB.

Top Pitcher: 21-year old SP Aaron Saunderson (7-7, 3 SV, 3.01 ERA, 1.33 WHIP) is steadily rising in the Unions’ rotation. The No. 3 starter went 2-0, 1 SV, 2.30 ERA, 27.1 IP, 9 K , 9 BB.

Key Injuries:None.

Key Trade: On January 29, Wolseley traded for 30-year old C Declan Cox (51/51 – .304/.389/.456, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 7 R, 11 BB) from the Wellington Athletics. In return, Wellington received 30-year old RP Phil Edginton (31/31 – 6-4, 10 SV, 3.95 ERA, 1.51 WHIP) and 21-year old minor league C Geoff Lemoine (27/79).

Knee-jerk reaction: This trade is interesting in that the Unions have made a modest move to upgrade their lineup for a potential playoff run. Cox is an all-round average player, but is considered an upgrade to 36-year old C Nick Wellings (.293/.372/.402, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 16 R, 10 BB).

The Athletics receive a 5th round pick from this season’s draft in Lemoine. He combines very good offensive potential with decent defensive skills. RP Edginton is being treated as an afterthought and has been sent down to AA.
If Cox can make an impact for Wolseley for the balance of the season, then this trade will have been worth it.

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It looks as though the Sherburn Tigers will not be the team that will try and challenge the status quo in the West, as the Tigers continue to tread water and fall farther back in the standings. They are not out of it, being just 5.5 games back of Cambria for second place, but the Tigers are dealing with some injuries and they made no move before the trade deadline to indicate that they wanted to mount a serious challenge. Sherburn’s offense held steady (.269/.341/.381 – 5th/3rd/6th) while their pitching, particularly their bullpen, saw some improvement (4.52/4.65/3.80 – 6th/7th/5th).

Three Tigers were selected to the All-Star roster: C Joe Gault (3rd), 3B Mick Lanfear (2nd) and LF Tom Given (1st).

Top Position Player: 34-year old 1B Isaac Harker (.335/.429/.472, 7 HR, 37 RBI, 45 R, 42 BB) may not have qualified for the All-Star game, but he has been Sherburn’s best player this season. In January, he batted .402/.466/.554, 3 HR, 15 RBI, 19 R, 10 BB. Not bad for a player that was not in the starter lineup for the first month of the season.

Top Pitcher: 25-year old RP Daniel Pierson (13-7, 3.52 ERA, 1.26 WHIP) had a terrific month pitching out of the bullpen. He went 4-2, 1 SV, 2.86 ERA, 22.0 IP, 12 K, 6 BB.

Key Injury:LF Robin Harney (.320/.431/.401, 19-2B, 28 RBI, 52 R, 57 BB, 8 SB) bruised his ankle on January 3; then sprained his thumb on January 4 in games against the Fort Richmond Generals. The bruised ankle was minor, but the sprained thumb will keep him out of the lineup for another 3-4 weeks.

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The Fort Richmond Generals are like the Unions and Tigers in that they are both very much ‘middle-of-pack’ teams, winning just enough to stay close to the .500 mark. That suggests to me that their rebuilding plans are starting to produce results. Hopefully, it will lead to bigger and better things for competitiveness in the West. Both the offense (.267/.321/.378 – 6th/6th/7th) and pitching (3.74/3.90/2.69 – 2nd/2nd/1st) held steady. The pitching, in fact, has been very good this season. They just need that offense to kick in.

Three Generals were selected to the All-Star game: SP Oscar Burruss (3rd), SP Tristan Purss (1st) and RP Kantaro Sumita (1st – now with Brunswick).

Top Position Player: C Danny Trowbridge (.279/.312/.439, 8 HR, 57 RBI, 42 R, 16 BB) has been getting more and more comfortable in the lineup. In January, the former 2nd overall pick batted .312/.350/.602, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 16 R, 7 BB. He needs to cut down on his strikeouts, though (22 in January).

Top Pitcher: I’ll give a slight edge this month to SP Tristan Purss (9-10, 3.22 ERA, 1.09 WHIP) who went 2-4, 3.18 ERA, 51.0 IP, 25 K, 9 BB.

Key Injury: RF Gavin Bansfield (.294/.340/.431, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 27 R, 14 BB) is having a tough time staying healthy. He went back on the DL after straining posterior cruciate ligament back on January 19. He should be back in a week.

Key Trade: On January 21, Fort Richmond traded for 28-year old CF Scott Orchard (67/69 – .259/.326/.403, 6 HR, 33 RBI, 30 R, 29 BB) from the Brunswick Legends. In return, Brunswick received 34-year old RP Kantaro Sumita (47/47 – 8-5, 2 SV, 2.75 ERA, 1.25 WHIP) and 20-year old minor league C Vinnie Edwards (22/67).

Knee-jerk reaction: Not sure what either team was trying to accomplish in this transaction. Orchard is unlikely to ever become an all-star, but he was better than anything the Legends still have to replace him; so that represents a downgrade. He is a definite upgrade for the Generals though, but it’s not as if he’s a game changer.

Sumita is having a career year and earned an All-Star nod. But his overall numbers suggest that this season is more of an outlier and he will probably regress. But C Edwards is considered a future clean-up hitter with plenty of power and serviceable defense. So perhaps he may give the Legends the advantage in this trade in time.

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The Hespeler Stars struggled in January, but continue undaunted in their rebuilding process. Their offense has been very respectable this season (.278/.330/.407 – 3rd/4th/3rd) while the pitching remains weak (4.52/4.39/4.98 – 7th/5th/6th).

Three Stars were selected to the All-Star game: 1B Erwin Deang (1st), LF Steven Winstanley (2nd) and CF Vic Weetman (1st).

Top Position Player: It will not be difficult to select the top offensive player for the Stars at the end of the regular season. LF Steven Winstanley (.353/.409/.604, 21 HR, 77 RBI, 79 R, 39 BB) has been outstanding for Hespeler, and he richly deserved his first Batter of the Month Award in January. He also enjoyed a 22-game hitting streak during the month. The 24-year old is the prototypical player you can build a team around.

Top Pitcher: This is not a great pitching staff and 22-year old LHP Jake Osmotherley (5-2, 3.90 ERA, 1.46 WHIP) is the lone bright spot for the second month in a row. In January he went 1-2, 3.54 ERA, 28.0 IP, 16 K, 9 BB.

Key Injuries:31-year old 2B Gilbert Austin (.282/.349/.378, 4 HR, 37 RBI, 33 R, 25 BB) suffered a partially torn labrum back on December 26. He is out for 5 more weeks.

32-year old RHP Brendon De san Miguel (4-5, 3.96 ERA, 1.29 WHIP) was diagnosed with a torn labrum in game back on November 21. He is 4 months.

Key Trade: On January 25, Hespeler and the Downie Chiefs consummated a trade. The Stars received 38-year old SS Jonathan Lauder (41/41 – .260/.345/.326, 1 HR, 30 RBI, 26 R, 38 BB). In return, Downie received 36-year old SP Michael Hanley (21/21 – 3-11, 5.48 ERA, 1.93 WHIP) and 19-year old minor league C Robinson Galván (25/68).

Knee-jerk reaction: Bravo to Hespeler for managing to off-load SP Hanley to another team. That sounds uncharitable I know, but I view that as addition by subtraction. But Downie has installed him as their No. 1 pitcher, so what do I know. I do know that he has been dreadful the last few years and I don’t quite understand his staying power. The Stars gave up a prospect in the process, but the young Galván will need to seriously improve his defensive abilities to have any real shot in the majors. He should be an OK contact hitter otherwise. Hespeler receives SS Lauder, who is nearing the end of his career. Still, he is an upgrade at the position (and hey, they got rid of Hanley!)

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The Pulberry Trolleys enjoyed their first non-losing month in January, going 14-14. Their offense (.255/.315/.360 – 8th/8th/8th) is still the pits, while their pitching has softened a little (4.19/4.29/3.58 – 4th/4th/3rd).

The Trolleys sent two players to the All-Star game: SP Nathaniel Schwer (1st) and 3B Stefan Hutchence (1st).

Top Position Player: CF Jamie Couch (.307/.342/.458, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 29 R, 10 BB, 8 SB), a former 2nd round pick last season, took over centerfield as a regular this month and responded in a big way, earning Rookie of the Month honours.

Top Pitcher: 35-year old SP Nathaniel Schwer (8-5, 3.35 ERA, 1.43 WHIP) went 2-0, 3.09 ERA, 43.2 IP, 19 K, 18 BB.

Key Injuries: None. The Trolleys have been remarkably healthy since October. Only one player was injured in January (4 days); and that player (RP Malcolm) was subsequently traded.

Key Trade: On January 25, Pulberry completed a deal with the Kingston Pelicans. Pulberry received 26-year old Andrew Jensen (52/53 - .305/.379/.412, 8 HR, 42 RBI, 52 R, 35 BB). In exchange, the Pelicans received 40-year old RP Pete Malcolm (68/68 – 9-7, 3.66 ERA, 1.46 WHIP) and 22-year old minor league RP Luke Woodward (68/80 – 9th overall pick in 1937).

Knee-jerk Analysis: OK, trading a pitching prospect is one thing, but trading a second one in as many months – and your top pitching prospect to boot? And to Kingston, of all teams? Jensen is a definite upgrade in Pulberry’s outfield and allows Tony Blakeney to move to 1B and upgrade that position. But what good does this do for Pulberry in the short term, other than let a top prospect move to a rival? Woodward is destined to be one of the very best relief pitchers in the United Leagues. If he were to develop his changeup a little more (20/25), he could be considered a starter. The only mark against him is a scout’s comment that “Trouble always seems to find Woodward.” Did that factor into this transaction? As for Malcolm, he may be 40-years old and doesn’t have the best stuff anymore, but he was having a decent season. Now he finds himself stuck in AAA. Bummer.

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The Balmoral Giants won 10 games in January, but lost 17 and finds itself comfortably settled into last place in the West. I keep saying this, but the Giants have the top farm system in the United Leagues and sooner or later, it’s bound to reap dividends, isn’t it?

The Giants are not completely terrible on offense (.269/.318/.395 – 4th/7th/5th), but their pitching is atrocious (5.47/5.56/5.15 – 8th/8th/7th).

Case in point, SP Dave Mapp (7-13, 6.34 ERA, 1.88 WHIP), who was claimed off of waivers from Kingston earlier in the season, has been terrible since he won Pitcher of the Month honours back in October. In October, his ERA was 1.56; since then, it’s been 7.75, 7.86 and 8.42. Perhaps Kingston knew what they were doing after all when they deemed his expendable.

Two Giants were selected to the All-Star game: 2B Chance Doerr (1st) and SS Francisco Rodríguez (2nd).

Top Position Player: No one really stood out this past month, but 23-year old RF Carlton Broadbent (.288/.333/.475, 7 HR, 56 RBI, 63 R, 29 BB) was solid once again, batting .284/.336/.505, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 15 R, 9 BB.

Top Pitcher: There were a few decent pitching performances in January for Balmoral. I’ll go with RP Ricardo Díaz (2-5, 4.92 ERA, 1.42 WHIP) who went 0-1, 7 SV, 1.34 ERA, 33.2 IP, 18 K, 9 BB.

Key Injuries:[ 39-year old 1B Roger Tyler (.277/.317/.393, 2 HR, 30 RBI, 46 R, 18 BB) injured himself while running the bases back on January 2. He broke a bone in his elbow and will be out of commission for another 5 months.

2B Chance Doerr (.291/.336/.418, 5 HR, 26 RBI, 36 R, 14 BB, 9 SB) suffered a fractured thumb when he was hit by a pitch in a game against the Braeland City Monarchs on January 27. 5 more weeks is his ETA.

Key Trade: On January 13, Balmoral made a deal with Cambria. The Giants received 21-year old Allen Cattanach (23/67 – .350/.443/.450, 4-2B, 9 RBI, 9 R, 10 BB), as well as 23-year old minor league RP Alec Kennelly (20/23). Cambria receives 27-year old OF Caspar Bowden (23/45 – .279/.317/.380, 3 HR, 25 RBI, 26 R, 13 BB).

Knee-jerk Analysis: With injuries to RF Al Tucker and LF Ron Westmacott, Cambria was desperate for outfield reinforcements. Bowden is a former 2nd round draft pick, but is not the most proficient hitter around. He is quite capable in the outfield and on the base paths, but I’m not sure how much help he will be to the Cannons. But he does provide some nice depth when their outfield gets healthy again.

Meanwhile, in Cattanach, a former 6th overall pick in 1938-39, Balmoral receives a young player who won’t hit for high average, but has a good eye and will hit for power. He can also play most of the infield and all outfield positions, and play them well. A really nice trade for the Giants in my opinion.

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10-26-2015, 11:34 PM	#178
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,945	February 1, 1941 Western League: A Battle for the Wild Card -------- The Kingston Pelicans are comfortably sitting in first place in the West, 12.5 games up on their nearest rival. But not all things have gone smoothly for the Pelicans this month. Kingston dropped 3 of 4 games to lowly Balmoral just prior to the All-Star break (they actually had a losing record in the first half of the month) and they now have lost a key component of the rotation, SP Francis Slocock, for the rest of the season. How that affects their performance the rest of the way remains to be seen. But their offense shows no signs of slowing down and they still have the best starter in the majors leading the rotation. In fact, their top-ranked offense (.292/.364/.446 – 1st/1st//1st) got even better. Their pitching staff, however, is showing signs of vulnerability, but the rotation is still formidable (3.40/3.03/5.84 – 1st/1st/8th). Nine Pelicans were selected to the All-Star roster: SP Joey Cumberledge (4th), SP Darwin Monday (2nd), SP Brady Murdy (4th), SP Francis Slocock (3rd), C Ellis Oram (1st), 1B Fergus Chitty (4th), 2B Mo Symes (4th), SS Okura Ito (4th) and LF Jayden Tennant (4th). *Top Position Player:* 32-year old LF Jayden Tennant (.300/.391/.575, 23 HR, 74 RBI, 63 R, 45 BB) was sensational this month, batting .379/.481/.833, 9 HR, 18 RBI, 14 R, 11 BB. Remarkably, he did not win any Player of the Week Awards during the month. I suppose he was overshadowed by SS Okura Ito (.336/.380/.561, 24 HR, 100 RBI, 79 R, 33 BB), who perhaps deserves the nod instead. On January 19, the Pelicans played a double-header against the Hespeler Stars. In game one, Ito went 5-6 with 1 HR, 5 RBI and 1 R. In game 2, Ito went 3-4 with 3 HR, 6 RBI and 3 R. Ito becomes the first player in United League history to belt 3 HR in a single game. Needless to say, Ito is not your normal shortstop. Kingston won the games by a score of 8-4 and 17-4 respectively. *Top Pitcher:* SP Brady Murdy (21-2, 1.98 ERA, 0.95 WHIP) won his third consecutive Pitcher of the Month honour this season. He belongs in a higher league. *Key Injury:SP Francis Slocock (10-6, 3.83 ERA, 1.09 WHIP) suffered elbow inflammation while pitching against the Pulberry Trolleys on January 24. He is lost for the season (3 months). -------- The Cambria Cannons* have gone into crisis mode, as they continue to battle injuries to key players and slip in the standings. They are still holding down a playoff spot but Kingston continues to pull away from them. More alarmingly, Cambria is hearing footsteps, as the Wolseley Unions are now just 4.0 games back of them. But Cambria is not standing pat. The Cannons made some significant trades to try and shore up their efforts to secure their third consecutive playoff appearance. Their offense has done an admiral job of keeping them in contention (.290/.358/.421 – 2nd/2nd/2nd) and even their pitching has begun to step it up (4.08/4.48/3.09 – 3rd/3rd/2nd). If they keep it up, their below .500 record in January will be considered just an aberration rather than a trend. Eight Cannons were selected to the All-Star roster: SP Bradley Dodson (2nd), SP Neil Guerin (4th), RP Shaun Alford (2nd), RP Leon Hankey (1st), C Glen Yeend (3rd), 1B Keane Fysh (3rd), LF Joe Olver (2nd) and RF Al Tucker (1st). *Top Position Player:* C Glen Yeend (.357/.392/.495, 4 HR, 57 RBI, 51 R, 20 BB) was in the zone in January, as he hit .394/.437/.532, 2 HR, 14 RBI, 17 R, 8 BB. *Top Pitcher:* It’s puzzling. Overall, the Cannons are doing alright in ERA, but individually, there is no real standout. He only pitched for 12.2 IP , but I’ll go with RHP Leon Hankey (3-1, 6 SV, 2.47 ERA, 1.39 WHIP), who went 0-0, 1 SV, 0.71 ERA, 12.2 IP, 11 K, 4 BB. The rookie needs to be used more. *Key Injuries:* LF Ron Westmacott (.321/.442/.603, 4 HR, 26 RBI, 33 R, 28 BB) is out 8 more weeks after suffering torn ankle ligaments back in November. SP-RHP Willem Atkins (1-3, 4.45 ERA, 1.59 WHIP) was diagnosed with ulnar nerve irritation back in November. He will miss another 3 weeks. RF Al Tucker (.282/.386/.390, 3 HR, 31 RBI, 80 R, 59 BB) fractured his hand in a game against the Pulberry Trolleys back on January 21. He is out 3-4 weeks. *Key Trade #1:* On January 21, Cambria acquired 26-year old CF Clint Jones (78/80 – .260/.311/.436, 15 HR, 54 RBI, 54 R, 29 BB, 12 SB) from the Cobourg Red Stockings. In return, Cobourg received four minor leaguers: 19-year old OF Evan Houk (21/70 – 8th overall pick 1939-40); 19-year old C Josh MacBradden (20/27); 20-year old 3B Ron Hawes (22/23) and 22-year old SS António Peña (29/43 – 5th round pick in 1937-38). *Knee-jerk reaction:* Clint Jones returns home. Back in 1939, the New Zealander was traded to Cobourg for 3B Kennth Logan and CF Bert Helmer. Now, he returns to serve as the clean-up hitter. Jones is a sensational player with no weaknesses at the plate and can play any position except catcher and pitcher. His numbers were suffering while playing for lowly Cobourg, but with his return to a playoff team, he should be rejuvenated. In return, the Red Stockings receive a former first rounder in Houk, who has pretty good offensive skills and excellent speed. He can play anywhere in the outfield and at 1B. Of the other three, only Peña looks to have any major league skills. While he projects to be average at the plate, he is sensational defensively. All-in-all, Cambria got the best of this deal, especially if Jones rediscovers his form. *Key Trade #2:* On January 22, Cambria acquired 31-year old SP Nick Paddock (67/67 – 8-11, 3.15 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) from the Downie Chiefs. In return, Downie received four minor leaguers: 21-year old IF/OF John Pickett (23/78 – 2nd round pick in 1938-39); 20-year old SP Jesús Pérez (20/57); 21-year old 2B José Antonio Reyes (23/58) and 23-year old 1B Carson Morehouse (22/23). *Knee-jerk reaction:* Paddock is a serviceable pitcher who will be Cambria’s No. 2 starter. He doesn’t have overpowering stuff (35/35), but has outstanding movement and control. Like Jones, Paddock may benefit from moving to a playoff caliber team. The Chiefs meanwhile, get a very promising prospect in Pickett. He combines outstanding offensive skills with blazing speed and decent, but not great defense. He can play any outfield position as well as 1B and even 2B. He is now Downie’s top prospect. SP Pérez and 2B Reyes have a chance to be useful players as well. Both teams got what they needed in this trade. -------- The recent struggles of the Cambria Cannons and their own fairly consistent level of play has allowed the Wolseley Unions to come within striking distance of a playoff spot. The Unions had their best month this season and are now 2 games above .500, and just 4.0 games back of 2nd place Cambria. Wolseley’s offense (.264/.328/.400 – 7th/5th/4th) and pitching (4.24/4.44/3.65 – 5th/6th/4th) have held steady, but will need to improve if they really want to give Cambria a run for their money. Kingston sent three players to the All-star game this month: SS Rubén Sánchez (1st), LF Nicky Willis (1st) and CF Zak Kidd (2nd). *Top Position Player:* 27-year old SS Rubén Sánchez (.302/.355/.430, 6 HR, 52 RBI, 57 R, 37 BB) is quickly emerging as Wolseley’s best player. This month, he batted .382/.407/.527, 2 HR, 17 RBI, 13 R, 6 BB. *Top Pitcher:* 21-year old SP Aaron Saunderson (7-7, 3 SV, 3.01 ERA, 1.33 WHIP) is steadily rising in the Unions’ rotation. The No. 3 starter went 2-0, 1 SV, 2.30 ERA, 27.1 IP, 9 K , 9 BB. *Key Injuries:None. Key Trade:* On January 29, Wolseley traded for 30-year old C Declan Cox (51/51 – .304/.389/.456, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 7 R, 11 BB) from the Wellington Athletics. In return, Wellington received 30-year old RP Phil Edginton (31/31 – 6-4, 10 SV, 3.95 ERA, 1.51 WHIP) and 21-year old minor league C Geoff Lemoine (27/79). *Knee-jerk reaction:* This trade is interesting in that the Unions have made a modest move to upgrade their lineup for a potential playoff run. Cox is an all-round average player, but is considered an upgrade to 36-year old C Nick Wellings (.293/.372/.402, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 16 R, 10 BB). The Athletics receive a 5th round pick from this season’s draft in Lemoine. He combines very good offensive potential with decent defensive skills. RP Edginton is being treated as an afterthought and has been sent down to AA. If Cox can make an impact for Wolseley for the balance of the season, then this trade will have been worth it. -------- It looks as though the Sherburn Tigers will not be the team that will try and challenge the status quo in the West, as the Tigers continue to tread water and fall farther back in the standings. They are not out of it, being just 5.5 games back of Cambria for second place, but the Tigers are dealing with some injuries and they made no move before the trade deadline to indicate that they wanted to mount a serious challenge. Sherburn’s offense held steady (.269/.341/.381 – 5th/3rd/6th) while their pitching, particularly their bullpen, saw some improvement (4.52/4.65/3.80 – 6th/7th/5th). Three Tigers were selected to the All-Star roster: C Joe Gault (3rd), 3B Mick Lanfear (2nd) and LF Tom Given (1st). *Top Position Player:* 34-year old 1B Isaac Harker (.335/.429/.472, 7 HR, 37 RBI, 45 R, 42 BB) may not have qualified for the All-Star game, but he has been Sherburn’s best player this season. In January, he batted .402/.466/.554, 3 HR, 15 RBI, 19 R, 10 BB. Not bad for a player that was not in the starter lineup for the first month of the season. *Top Pitcher:* 25-year old RP Daniel Pierson (13-7, 3.52 ERA, 1.26 WHIP) had a terrific month pitching out of the bullpen. He went 4-2, 1 SV, 2.86 ERA, 22.0 IP, 12 K, 6 BB. *Key Injury:LF Robin Harney (.320/.431/.401, 19-2B, 28 RBI, 52 R, 57 BB, 8 SB) bruised his ankle on January 3; then sprained his thumb on January 4 in games against the Fort Richmond Generals. The bruised ankle was minor, but the sprained thumb will keep him out of the lineup for another 3-4 weeks. -------- The Fort Richmond Generals* are like the Unions and Tigers in that they are both very much ‘middle-of-pack’ teams, winning just enough to stay close to the .500 mark. That suggests to me that their rebuilding plans are starting to produce results. Hopefully, it will lead to bigger and better things for competitiveness in the West. Both the offense (.267/.321/.378 – 6th/6th/7th) and pitching (3.74/3.90/2.69 – 2nd/2nd/1st) held steady. The pitching, in fact, has been very good this season. They just need that offense to kick in. Three Generals were selected to the All-Star game: SP Oscar Burruss (3rd), SP Tristan Purss (1st) and RP Kantaro Sumita (1st – now with Brunswick). *Top Position Player:* C Danny Trowbridge (.279/.312/.439, 8 HR, 57 RBI, 42 R, 16 BB) has been getting more and more comfortable in the lineup. In January, the former 2nd overall pick batted .312/.350/.602, 6 HR, 16 RBI, 16 R, 7 BB. He needs to cut down on his strikeouts, though (22 in January). *Top Pitcher:* I’ll give a slight edge this month to SP Tristan Purss (9-10, 3.22 ERA, 1.09 WHIP) who went 2-4, 3.18 ERA, 51.0 IP, 25 K, 9 BB. *Key Injury:* RF Gavin Bansfield (.294/.340/.431, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 27 R, 14 BB) is having a tough time staying healthy. He went back on the DL after straining posterior cruciate ligament back on January 19. He should be back in a week. *Key Trade:* On January 21, Fort Richmond traded for 28-year old CF Scott Orchard (67/69 – .259/.326/.403, 6 HR, 33 RBI, 30 R, 29 BB) from the Brunswick Legends. In return, Brunswick received 34-year old RP Kantaro Sumita (47/47 – 8-5, 2 SV, 2.75 ERA, 1.25 WHIP) and 20-year old minor league C Vinnie Edwards (22/67). *Knee-jerk reaction:* Not sure what either team was trying to accomplish in this transaction. Orchard is unlikely to ever become an all-star, but he was better than anything the Legends still have to replace him; so that represents a downgrade. He is a definite upgrade for the Generals though, but it’s not as if he’s a game changer. Sumita is having a career year and earned an All-Star nod. But his overall numbers suggest that this season is more of an outlier and he will probably regress. But C Edwards is considered a future clean-up hitter with plenty of power and serviceable defense. So perhaps he may give the Legends the advantage in this trade in time. -------- The Hespeler Stars struggled in January, but continue undaunted in their rebuilding process. Their offense has been very respectable this season (.278/.330/.407 – 3rd/4th/3rd) while the pitching remains weak (4.52/4.39/4.98 – 7th/5th/6th). Three Stars were selected to the All-Star game: 1B Erwin Deang (1st), LF Steven Winstanley (2nd) and CF Vic Weetman (1st). *Top Position Player:* It will not be difficult to select the top offensive player for the Stars at the end of the regular season. LF Steven Winstanley (.353/.409/.604, 21 HR, 77 RBI, 79 R, 39 BB) has been outstanding for Hespeler, and he richly deserved his first Batter of the Month Award in January. He also enjoyed a 22-game hitting streak during the month. The 24-year old is the prototypical player you can build a team around. *Top Pitcher:* This is not a great pitching staff and 22-year old LHP Jake Osmotherley (5-2, 3.90 ERA, 1.46 WHIP) is the lone bright spot for the second month in a row. In January he went 1-2, 3.54 ERA, 28.0 IP, 16 K, 9 BB. *Key Injuries:31-year old 2B Gilbert Austin (.282/.349/.378, 4 HR, 37 RBI, 33 R, 25 BB) suffered a partially torn labrum back on December 26. He is out for 5 more weeks. 32-year old RHP Brendon De san Miguel (4-5, 3.96 ERA, 1.29 WHIP) was diagnosed with a torn labrum in game back on November 21. He is 4 months. Key Trade:* On January 25, Hespeler and the Downie Chiefs consummated a trade. The Stars received 38-year old SS Jonathan Lauder (41/41 – .260/.345/.326, 1 HR, 30 RBI, 26 R, 38 BB). In return, Downie received 36-year old SP Michael Hanley (21/21 – 3-11, 5.48 ERA, 1.93 WHIP) and 19-year old minor league C Robinson Galván (25/68). *Knee-jerk reaction:* Bravo to Hespeler for managing to off-load SP Hanley to another team. That sounds uncharitable I know, but I view that as addition by subtraction. But Downie has installed him as their No. 1 pitcher, so what do I know. I do know that he has been dreadful the last few years and I don’t quite understand his staying power. The Stars gave up a prospect in the process, but the young Galván will need to seriously improve his defensive abilities to have any real shot in the majors. He should be an OK contact hitter otherwise. Hespeler receives SS Lauder, who is nearing the end of his career. Still, he is an upgrade at the position (and hey, they got rid of Hanley!) -------- The Pulberry Trolleys enjoyed their first non-losing month in January, going 14-14. Their offense (.255/.315/.360 – 8th/8th/8th) is still the pits, while their pitching has softened a little (4.19/4.29/3.58 – 4th/4th/3rd). The Trolleys sent two players to the All-Star game: SP Nathaniel Schwer (1st) and 3B Stefan Hutchence (1st). *Top Position Player:* CF Jamie Couch (.307/.342/.458, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 29 R, 10 BB, 8 SB), a former 2nd round pick last season, took over centerfield as a regular this month and responded in a big way, earning Rookie of the Month honours. *Top Pitcher:* 35-year old SP Nathaniel Schwer (8-5, 3.35 ERA, 1.43 WHIP) went 2-0, 3.09 ERA, 43.2 IP, 19 K, 18 BB. *Key Injuries:* None. The Trolleys have been remarkably healthy since October. Only one player was injured in January (4 days); and that player (RP Malcolm) was subsequently traded. Key Trade: On January 25, Pulberry completed a deal with the Kingston Pelicans. Pulberry received 26-year old Andrew Jensen (52/53 - .305/.379/.412, 8 HR, 42 RBI, 52 R, 35 BB). In exchange, the Pelicans received 40-year old RP Pete Malcolm (68/68 – 9-7, 3.66 ERA, 1.46 WHIP) and 22-year old minor league RP Luke Woodward (68/80 – 9th overall pick in 1937). Knee-jerk Analysis: OK, trading a pitching prospect is one thing, but trading a second one in as many months – and your top pitching prospect to boot? And to Kingston, of all teams? Jensen is a definite upgrade in Pulberry’s outfield and allows Tony Blakeney to move to 1B and upgrade that position. But what good does this do for Pulberry in the short term, other than let a top prospect move to a rival? Woodward is destined to be one of the very best relief pitchers in the United Leagues. If he were to develop his changeup a little more (20/25), he could be considered a starter. The only mark against him is a scout’s comment that “Trouble always seems to find Woodward.” Did that factor into this transaction? As for Malcolm, he may be 40-years old and doesn’t have the best stuff anymore, but he was having a decent season. Now he finds himself stuck in AAA. Bummer. -------- The Balmoral Giants won 10 games in January, but lost 17 and finds itself comfortably settled into last place in the West. I keep saying this, but the Giants have the top farm system in the United Leagues and sooner or later, it’s bound to reap dividends, isn’t it? The Giants are not completely terrible on offense (.269/.318/.395 – 4th/7th/5th), but their pitching is atrocious (5.47/5.56/5.15 – 8th/8th/7th). Case in point, SP Dave Mapp (7-13, 6.34 ERA, 1.88 WHIP), who was claimed off of waivers from Kingston earlier in the season, has been terrible since he won Pitcher of the Month honours back in October. In October, his ERA was 1.56; since then, it’s been 7.75, 7.86 and 8.42. Perhaps Kingston knew what they were doing after all when they deemed his expendable. Two Giants were selected to the All-Star game: 2B Chance Doerr (1st) and SS Francisco Rodríguez (2nd). *Top Position Player:* No one really stood out this past month, but 23-year old RF Carlton Broadbent (.288/.333/.475, 7 HR, 56 RBI, 63 R, 29 BB) was solid once again, batting .284/.336/.505, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 15 R, 9 BB. *Top Pitcher:* There were a few decent pitching performances in January for Balmoral. I’ll go with RP Ricardo Díaz (2-5, 4.92 ERA, 1.42 WHIP) who went 0-1, 7 SV, 1.34 ERA, 33.2 IP, 18 K, 9 BB. *Key Injuries:[ 39-year old 1B Roger Tyler (.277/.317/.393, 2 HR, 30 RBI, 46 R, 18 BB) injured himself while running the bases back on January 2. He broke a bone in his elbow and will be out of commission for another 5 months. 2B Chance Doerr (.291/.336/.418, 5 HR, 26 RBI, 36 R, 14 BB, 9 SB) suffered a fractured thumb when he was hit by a pitch in a game against the Braeland City Monarchs on January 27. 5 more weeks is his ETA. Key Trade: On January 13, Balmoral made a deal with Cambria. The Giants received 21-year old Allen Cattanach* (23/67 – .350/.443/.450, 4-2B, 9 RBI, 9 R, 10 BB), as well as 23-year old minor league RP Alec Kennelly (20/23). Cambria receives 27-year old OF Caspar Bowden (23/45 – .279/.317/.380, 3 HR, 25 RBI, 26 R, 13 BB). Knee-jerk Analysis: With injuries to RF Al Tucker and LF Ron Westmacott, Cambria was desperate for outfield reinforcements. Bowden is a former 2nd round draft pick, but is not the most proficient hitter around. He is quite capable in the outfield and on the base paths, but I’m not sure how much help he will be to the Cannons. But he does provide some nice depth when their outfield gets healthy again. Meanwhile, in Cattanach, a former 6th overall pick in 1938-39, Balmoral receives a young player who won’t hit for high average, but has a good eye and will hit for power. He can also play most of the infield and all outfield positions, and play them well. A really nice trade for the Giants in my opinion. -------- __________________ United Leagues of Braeland Last edited by reds1; 04-14-2025 at 09:01 PM.