OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post

reds1 · 11-17-2015, 07:33 PM

December 1, 1941

Western League: Parity the New Norm?

--------

The Cambria Cannons appear to be picking up where they left off two seasons ago, where they ruled the roost in the West on their way to the United Cup. But it appears the Western League will not remain a two-team outfit, as five other teams are within 8 games of top spot. That no doubt that speaks of the upheaval most rosters have gone through with the loss of key Japanese-born players as well as a renew resurgence in once moribund teams. Time will only tell if parity is here to stay for a while.
But the Cannons have enjoyed consistent play over the first two months of the season, despite a rash of injuries and are looking to prove that their championship run two seasons ago wasn’t a fluke.
Their offense has been middle of the road (.273/.338/.392 – 4th/5th/4th), no doubt affected by injuries to the starting lineup. But their pitching has been decent (3.85/3.99/2.81 – 3rd/4th/3rd). Defensively, they have been solid (.698 – 2nd), something that could not be said of a Cannons team the past couple of seasons.

Top Position Player: 28-year old SS Rubén Sánchez (.300/.335/.440, 4 HR, 25 RBI, 27 R, 10 BB), who was acquired from Wolseley in the offseason, was Cambria’s offensive leader in October/November.

Top Pitcher: 32-year old ace Nick Paddock (8-3, 3.09 ERA, 1.26 WHIP) leads a resurgent rotation in the early going.

Key Injuries: 1B Keane Fysh (.247/.358/.344, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 8 R, 16 BB) is out of action due to a hamstring strain suffered back on November 24. He is out for another two weeks. He missed 2 weeks with a herniated disc back in October a well.

RF Clint Jones (.291/.351/.437, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 25 R, 14 BB, 8 SB) strained a rib cage muscle on November 21. He should be back in a couple of weeks.

LF Ron Westmacott (.295/.396/.551, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 16 R, 12 BB, 3 SB) missed 4-5 weeks due to a fractured finger suffered on October 29. He just returned to the lineup this past week.

--------

Like the majority of teams residing in the West, the Fort Richmond Generals have yet to enjoy a winning season, much less realize a playoff appearance. So the first two months of the 1941-42 must seem hopeful to Generals fans. The Generals find themselves in 2nd spot in the West, just 3 games back of Cambria. But most importantly, they are 6 games above .500. But the Generals have started off fairly strong before, so we will have to see if they can keep it up for an entire season.
That said, both the offense (.291/.350/.395 – 2nd/3rd/3rd) and pitching (3.52/3.67/2.63 – 1st/2nd/2nd) have been outstanding thus far. Only the defense (.684 – 8th) has been a sore point.

Top Position Player: A lot to choose from. My pick is RF Gavin Bansfield (.314/.408/.444, 5 HR, 38 RBI, 24 R, 26 BB).

Top Pitcher: The 16th overall pick back in 1937-38, 22-year old SP Dean Stroud (7-2, 2.81 ERA, 1.25 WHIP) is enjoying his best season so far.

Key Injuries: None.

--------

Like the Generals, it appears things are starting to fall into place for the Balmoral Giants. Balmoral finds itself tied for second spot in the West and it’s not a fluke. As bad as they were last year, the Giants are making a complete turnaround. Their offense (.293/.353/.410 – 1st/2nd/2nd) and pitching (3.64/3.87/2.03 – 2nd/2nd/1st) have been top-notch. Defensively, they have been pretty good as well (.696 – 3rd). Rookies are making an impact, as Balmoral players won Rookie of the Month honours in both October and November.

Top Position Player: Some good performances to choose from. I’ll go with SS Francisco Rodríguez (.342/.342/.383, 2 HR, 29 RBI, 26 R, 16 BB).
21-year old international free agent 3B Otton Overbeek (.418/.473/.608, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 11 R, 10 BB) from Aruba and 25-year old C Brian Pittman (.280/.337/.387, 1 HR, 19 RBI, 21 R, 15 BB) have each made a positive impact, with each winning Rookie of Month honours. Pittman, who was a 6th round pick back in 1937-38, has really developed well over the past few seasons and has taken over Balmoral’s starting catcher spot.

Top Pitcher: 36-year old Dave Mapp (3-4, 2.96 ERA, 1.42 WHIP) has been the most consistent to start the season among pitchers. Esteban Leyva, who won Pitcher of the Month honours in October, faltered badly in November (2-3, 6.02 ERA, 11 K, 21 BB).

Key Injury: 28-year old 3B Chito Domogma (.243/.346/.348, 2 HR, 13 RBI, 15 R, 18 BB) injured himself in a collision at a base back on November 29. He suffered an oblique strain and will miss 3 weeks.

--------

The Kingston Pelicans started off well but faltered in November, where they were outscored 76-108 in 26 games. It’s unfamiliar territory for the Pelicans as they find themselves at .500 and 3 games back of a playoff spot. No doubt Kingston is still adjusting to the loss of key players like offensive stalwart SS Okura Ito, but the biggest concern right now is their pitching.
Overall offensively, they have been competitive (.268/.346/.413 – 5th/4th/1st) but they are no longer elite. Their pitching staff though is really struggling (4.52/4.36/5.40 – 7th/6th/8th). Defensively, they are in the middle (.690 – 5th).

Top Position Player: 33-year old 1B Fergus Chitty (.331/.450/.558, 8 HR, 31 RBI, 32 R, 35 BB) has played at a very high level thus far, even though he has not won a Batter of the Month Award, unlike 2B Mo Symes (.305/.427/.511, 8 HR, 31 RBI, 51 R, 40 BB) and LF Jayden Tennant (.303/.390/.586, 13 HR, 44 RBI, 38 R, 28 BB). But Mo Symes cooled off considerably in November and in my humble opinion, Chitty had a better month than Tennant.

Top Pitcher: SP Francis Slocock (4-3, 2.91 ERA, 1.26 WHIP) has been the most consistent pitcher on a staff that is in search of some stability. Not helping is the struggles of 33-year old Brady Murdy (4-8, 5.97 ERA, 1.61 WHIP) who is looking very human this season.

Key Injury: RP Brenden Margerson suffered a torn rotator cuff during ‘spring’ training. He is gone for the season.

--------

The Sherburn Tigers have remained competitive for the first couple of months of the season, standing just a game under .500. Sherburn’s offense (.280/.353/.379 – 3rd/1st/5th) and pitching (4.03/4.00/4.24 – 4th/5th/5th) reflect their improved play. They rank 6th (.687) in defensive efficiency.

Top Position Player: 29-year old 2B Damien Davis (.340/.417/.422, 1 HR, 20 RBI, 15 R, 20 BB) has been Sherburn’s top offensive player over the first two months.

Top Pitcher: 26-year old Korean SP Myung-gu Son (7-1, 3.05 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) is enjoying the best start of his career in the ULB, and won Pitcher of the Month honours in November. Son was a 14th overall pick by the Tigers in 1937-38.

Key Injury: None currently. However, CF Harold Yoder (.340/.379/.384, 3-2B, 12 RBI, 21 R, 8 BB, 3 SB) missed two weeks in October due to a sprained elbow.

--------

The Wolseley Unions are another team that may benefit from greater parity in the Western League, as they stand just 3.5 games back of the wild card. However, they will really need to improve their offense if they want to have any realistic chance of competing this season.
Wolseley’s offense (.254/.318/.353 – 6th/7th/7th) is really soft, while the pitching (4.05/3.94/4.58 – 5th/3rd/6th) has not been much better overall. Defensively, they are struggling as well (.685 – 7th).

Top Position Player: The offense has not been very great to start the season, but 23-year old CF Zak Kidd (.282/.332/.450, 4 HR, 26 RBI, 23 R, 16 BB, 8 SB) can certainly play.

Top Pitcher: There are no standouts thus far in the rotation, but 33-year old SP Jean-Pierre Da Silva (3-6, 3.89 ERA, 1.40 WHIP) has not been awful. Also, 22-year old prospect SP Kai Tosh is showing some promise, going 4-1, 3.64, 1.58 WHIP thus far in 5 starts.

Key Injuries: None.

--------

With the trade of OF Steven Winstanley to the Stratford Barons during the offseason, the Hespeler Stars signaled that they weren’t interested in competing this season and the first two months of the season bear that out. They have some young talent in the rotation and starting lineup, but there will be growing pains as they get acclimated to the majors.
Their offense has been horrendous (.241/.289/.322 – 8th/8th/8th) while the pitching is only marginally better (4.22/4.48/3.18 – 6th/7th/4th). They are good defensively, however (.700 – 1st).

Top Position Player: Despite his injuries, 22-year old C Aaron Skidmore (.278/.382/.438, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 21 R, 25 BB) has been Hespeler’s best offensive player so far. Skidmore was the first overall pick in 1940-41.

Top Pitcher: I’ll with 24-year old RP Maurice Dingle (3-1, 6 SV, 1.80 ERA, 1.43 WHIP), as the starters have yet to show much consistency in their outings.

Key Injuries: C Aaron Skidmore strained his back on November 27. He is out for 3 more weeks. He missed the first week of the regular season due to shoulder soreness.

37-year old RF Louie Maylam was diagnosed with a torn labrum in game back on October 11. He is out for 4 more months.

--------

While the majority of the Western League is enjoying some parity this season, the Pulberry Trolleys, like Hespeler, are on the outside looking in. They have some young talent on the roster and in the pipeline, but they could sure use some more.
They are near the bottom on both offense (.252/.323/.368 – 7th/6th/6th) and pitching (4.82/4.76/5.16 – 8th/8th/7th). Defensively, they are in the middle (.694 – 4th).

Top Position Player: 1B Anthony Stavely (.298/.381/.470, 5 HR, 31 RBI, 22 R, 23 BB), who was acquired from Embro in a trade this past offseason, was Pulberry’s most consistent offensive player in October and November.

Top Pitcher: Not a lot to choose from, but I’ll go with 30-year old SP Declan Lumby (5-3, 3.34 ERA, 1.48 WHIP).

Key Injuries: None. Although SP Arnold Perkins (4-6, 3.43 ERA, 1.29 WHIP) did suffer forearm cramps while throwing his alarm clock across the room. He is day-to-day for the next 4 days.

--------

11-17-2015, 07:33 PM	#192
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,945	December 1, 1941 Western League: Parity the New Norm? -------- The Cambria Cannons appear to be picking up where they left off two seasons ago, where they ruled the roost in the West on their way to the United Cup. But it appears the Western League will not remain a two-team outfit, as five other teams are within 8 games of top spot. That no doubt that speaks of the upheaval most rosters have gone through with the loss of key Japanese-born players as well as a renew resurgence in once moribund teams. Time will only tell if parity is here to stay for a while. But the Cannons have enjoyed consistent play over the first two months of the season, despite a rash of injuries and are looking to prove that their championship run two seasons ago wasn’t a fluke. Their offense has been middle of the road (.273/.338/.392 – 4th/5th/4th), no doubt affected by injuries to the starting lineup. But their pitching has been decent (3.85/3.99/2.81 – 3rd/4th/3rd). Defensively, they have been solid (.698 – 2nd), something that could not be said of a Cannons team the past couple of seasons. *Top Position Player:* 28-year old SS Rubén Sánchez (.300/.335/.440, 4 HR, 25 RBI, 27 R, 10 BB), who was acquired from Wolseley in the offseason, was Cambria’s offensive leader in October/November. *Top Pitcher:* 32-year old ace Nick Paddock (8-3, 3.09 ERA, 1.26 WHIP) leads a resurgent rotation in the early going. *Key Injuries:* 1B Keane Fysh (.247/.358/.344, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 8 R, 16 BB) is out of action due to a hamstring strain suffered back on November 24. He is out for another two weeks. He missed 2 weeks with a herniated disc back in October a well. RF Clint Jones (.291/.351/.437, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 25 R, 14 BB, 8 SB) strained a rib cage muscle on November 21. He should be back in a couple of weeks. LF Ron Westmacott (.295/.396/.551, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 16 R, 12 BB, 3 SB) missed 4-5 weeks due to a fractured finger suffered on October 29. He just returned to the lineup this past week. -------- Like the majority of teams residing in the West, the Fort Richmond Generals have yet to enjoy a winning season, much less realize a playoff appearance. So the first two months of the 1941-42 must seem hopeful to Generals fans. The Generals find themselves in 2nd spot in the West, just 3 games back of Cambria. But most importantly, they are 6 games above .500. But the Generals have started off fairly strong before, so we will have to see if they can keep it up for an entire season. That said, both the offense (.291/.350/.395 – 2nd/3rd/3rd) and pitching (3.52/3.67/2.63 – 1st/2nd/2nd) have been outstanding thus far. Only the defense (.684 – 8th) has been a sore point. *Top Position Player:* A lot to choose from. My pick is RF Gavin Bansfield (.314/.408/.444, 5 HR, 38 RBI, 24 R, 26 BB). Top Pitcher: The 16th overall pick back in 1937-38, 22-year old SP Dean Stroud (7-2, 2.81 ERA, 1.25 WHIP) is enjoying his best season so far. Key Injuries: None. -------- Like the Generals, it appears things are starting to fall into place for the Balmoral Giants. Balmoral finds itself tied for second spot in the West and it’s not a fluke. As bad as they were last year, the Giants are making a complete turnaround. Their offense (.293/.353/.410 – 1st/2nd/2nd) and pitching (3.64/3.87/2.03 – 2nd/2nd/1st) have been top-notch. Defensively, they have been pretty good as well (.696 – 3rd). Rookies are making an impact, as Balmoral players won Rookie of the Month honours in both October and November. *Top Position Player:* Some good performances to choose from. I’ll go with SS Francisco Rodríguez (.342/.342/.383, 2 HR, 29 RBI, 26 R, 16 BB). 21-year old international free agent 3B Otton Overbeek (.418/.473/.608, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 11 R, 10 BB) from Aruba and 25-year old C Brian Pittman (.280/.337/.387, 1 HR, 19 RBI, 21 R, 15 BB) have each made a positive impact, with each winning Rookie of Month honours. Pittman, who was a 6th round pick back in 1937-38, has really developed well over the past few seasons and has taken over Balmoral’s starting catcher spot. *Top Pitcher:* 36-year old Dave Mapp (3-4, 2.96 ERA, 1.42 WHIP) has been the most consistent to start the season among pitchers. Esteban Leyva, who won Pitcher of the Month honours in October, faltered badly in November (2-3, 6.02 ERA, 11 K, 21 BB). *Key Injury:* 28-year old 3B Chito Domogma (.243/.346/.348, 2 HR, 13 RBI, 15 R, 18 BB) injured himself in a collision at a base back on November 29. He suffered an oblique strain and will miss 3 weeks. -------- The Kingston Pelicans started off well but faltered in November, where they were outscored 76-108 in 26 games. It’s unfamiliar territory for the Pelicans as they find themselves at .500 and 3 games back of a playoff spot. No doubt Kingston is still adjusting to the loss of key players like offensive stalwart SS Okura Ito, but the biggest concern right now is their pitching. Overall offensively, they have been competitive (.268/.346/.413 – 5th/4th/1st) but they are no longer elite. Their pitching staff though is really struggling (4.52/4.36/5.40 – 7th/6th/8th). Defensively, they are in the middle (.690 – 5th). *Top Position Player:* 33-year old 1B Fergus Chitty (.331/.450/.558, 8 HR, 31 RBI, 32 R, 35 BB) has played at a very high level thus far, even though he has not won a Batter of the Month Award, unlike 2B Mo Symes (.305/.427/.511, 8 HR, 31 RBI, 51 R, 40 BB) and LF Jayden Tennant (.303/.390/.586, 13 HR, 44 RBI, 38 R, 28 BB). But Mo Symes cooled off considerably in November and in my humble opinion, Chitty had a better month than Tennant. *Top Pitcher:* SP Francis Slocock (4-3, 2.91 ERA, 1.26 WHIP) has been the most consistent pitcher on a staff that is in search of some stability. Not helping is the struggles of 33-year old Brady Murdy (4-8, 5.97 ERA, 1.61 WHIP) who is looking very human this season. *Key Injury:* RP Brenden Margerson suffered a torn rotator cuff during ‘spring’ training. He is gone for the season. -------- The Sherburn Tigers have remained competitive for the first couple of months of the season, standing just a game under .500. Sherburn’s offense (.280/.353/.379 – 3rd/1st/5th) and pitching (4.03/4.00/4.24 – 4th/5th/5th) reflect their improved play. They rank 6th (.687) in defensive efficiency. *Top Position Player:* 29-year old 2B Damien Davis (.340/.417/.422, 1 HR, 20 RBI, 15 R, 20 BB) has been Sherburn’s top offensive player over the first two months. *Top Pitcher:* 26-year old Korean SP Myung-gu Son (7-1, 3.05 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) is enjoying the best start of his career in the ULB, and won Pitcher of the Month honours in November. Son was a 14th overall pick by the Tigers in 1937-38. *Key Injury:* None currently. However, CF Harold Yoder (.340/.379/.384, 3-2B, 12 RBI, 21 R, 8 BB, 3 SB) missed two weeks in October due to a sprained elbow. -------- The Wolseley Unions are another team that may benefit from greater parity in the Western League, as they stand just 3.5 games back of the wild card. However, they will really need to improve their offense if they want to have any realistic chance of competing this season. Wolseley’s offense (.254/.318/.353 – 6th/7th/7th) is really soft, while the pitching (4.05/3.94/4.58 – 5th/3rd/6th) has not been much better overall. Defensively, they are struggling as well (.685 – 7th). *Top Position Player:* The offense has not been very great to start the season, but 23-year old CF Zak Kidd (.282/.332/.450, 4 HR, 26 RBI, 23 R, 16 BB, 8 SB) can certainly play. *Top Pitcher:* There are no standouts thus far in the rotation, but 33-year old SP Jean-Pierre Da Silva (3-6, 3.89 ERA, 1.40 WHIP) has not been awful. Also, 22-year old prospect SP Kai Tosh is showing some promise, going 4-1, 3.64, 1.58 WHIP thus far in 5 starts. *Key Injuries:* None. -------- With the trade of OF Steven Winstanley to the Stratford Barons during the offseason, the Hespeler Stars signaled that they weren’t interested in competing this season and the first two months of the season bear that out. They have some young talent in the rotation and starting lineup, but there will be growing pains as they get acclimated to the majors. Their offense has been horrendous (.241/.289/.322 – 8th/8th/8th) while the pitching is only marginally better (4.22/4.48/3.18 – 6th/7th/4th). They are good defensively, however (.700 – 1st). *Top Position Player:* Despite his injuries, 22-year old C Aaron Skidmore (.278/.382/.438, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 21 R, 25 BB) has been Hespeler’s best offensive player so far. Skidmore was the first overall pick in 1940-41. *Top Pitcher:* I’ll with 24-year old RP Maurice Dingle (3-1, 6 SV, 1.80 ERA, 1.43 WHIP), as the starters have yet to show much consistency in their outings. *Key Injuries:* C Aaron Skidmore strained his back on November 27. He is out for 3 more weeks. He missed the first week of the regular season due to shoulder soreness. 37-year old RF Louie Maylam was diagnosed with a torn labrum in game back on October 11. He is out for 4 more months. -------- While the majority of the Western League is enjoying some parity this season, the Pulberry Trolleys, like Hespeler, are on the outside looking in. They have some young talent on the roster and in the pipeline, but they could sure use some more. They are near the bottom on both offense (.252/.323/.368 – 7th/6th/6th) and pitching (4.82/4.76/5.16 – 8th/8th/7th). Defensively, they are in the middle (.694 – 4th). *Top Position Player:* 1B Anthony Stavely (.298/.381/.470, 5 HR, 31 RBI, 22 R, 23 BB), who was acquired from Embro in a trade this past offseason, was Pulberry’s most consistent offensive player in October and November. *Top Pitcher:* Not a lot to choose from, but I’ll go with 30-year old SP Declan Lumby (5-3, 3.34 ERA, 1.48 WHIP). *Key Injuries:* None. Although SP Arnold Perkins (4-6, 3.43 ERA, 1.29 WHIP) did suffer forearm cramps while throwing his alarm clock across the room. He is day-to-day for the next 4 days. -------- __________________ United Leagues of Braeland Last edited by reds1; 07-04-2017 at 02:45 AM.