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reds1 · 02-02-2016, 04:07 AM

February 1, 1942

Eastern League: Suns, Legends Lead the Way

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The Embro Suns have finally found consistency. Back-to-back 16-10 months, along with 17-8 and 20-6 months have kept the Suns alone in first place in the East all season.
Offensively, they lead the League (.280/.362/.408 – 1st/1st/1st) and the starting pitching is solid (3.30/3.13/4.76 – 2nd/2nd/8th). They are formidable on defense as well (.702 – 2nd). It looks like a team that has been unable to sustain success throughout a 154 game season in the past may have finally figured it out.

Seven Suns were selected to the All-Star roster: SP Pete Allison (1st selection), SP Chris Sappington (1st), SP Colm Soper (3rd), RP John Palm (4th), 1B Jim Friend (3rd), OF Terence Durney (5th) and RF Paul Hooks (4th).

Top Position Player: If 27-year old 1B Jim Friend (.333/.421/.538, 17 HR, 107 RBI, 80 R, 67 BB) is not the most feared hitter in the United Leagues right now, he must be very close to the top of the list. Over the past two months, he has won three Player of the Week honours and both Batter of the Month awards. He won a Player of the Week award and a Batter of the Month award in December as well.

Top Pitcher: The rotation has been solid all season, which no doubt explains the Suns’ ability to remain in top spot. No. 3 SP Pete Allison (17-5, 2.56 ERA, 1.15 WHIP), who has enjoyed only one season with an ERA below 4.00 thus far in his six season in the ULB, is having a sensational season. He was selected to his first all-star game and earned Pitcher of the Month honours in January. No. 1 SP Colm Soper (14-6, 2.82 ERA, 1.27 WHIP) was terrific in December, going 5-1, 1.70 ERA, 27 K and 13 BB.

Key Injuries: SS Gary Watkinson (.319/.432/.394, 1 HR, 27 RBI, 37 R, 42 BB) is having a devil of a time remaining healthy. The 34-year old has been out of the lineup for nearly 9 weeks since the start the season. Now, he will miss an additional 5 weeks, after being diagnosed with back spasms on January 27.

Key Trade #1: On December 9, Embro acquired 34-year old 3B Kian Meadmore (54/54) from the Queensland Eagles. In return, the Eagles received 20-year old minor leaguer RF Héctor García (23/36).

Knee-jerk reaction: Meadmore is a 4-time all-star and 2-time top fielder award winner, but at 34 years old, his time is now. He doesn’t hit for high average, but still has plus-plus power and is very patient at the plate. He should solidify second base and the No.6-7 spot in the lineup. García, a minor league signing for Embro out of Venezuela back in 1937, is all offense and little defense. He can make good contact and hit one out of the ballpark once in a while, but that’s about it. He projects to be a bench player.

Key Trade #2: On December 26, Embro acquired 31-year old C Denzel Fontaine (30/30) from the Balmoral Giants. In return, the Giants received 19-year old minor leaguer CF Alex Turner (21/54).

Knee-jerk reaction: Needing a seasoned back-up catcher, the Suns went out and acquired Fontaine, an average hitter and fielder, nothing more. Turner is a former third round pick from 1940 is nothing special at the plate, but has exceptional speed. His talents are all trending upwards, however, so he may develop into a solid player one day. Even so, he immediately gets lost in Balmoral’s incredibly deep farm system.

Key Trade #3: On January 6, Embro acquired 25-year old RP Yin-ti Shih (79/80) from the Queensland Eagles. In return, the Eagles received five minor leaguers:

• 21-year old 2B Brian Pothecary (22/34);
• 20-year old LF Santo Fuentes (22/23);
• 22-year old CF Dan Cushing (22/23);
• 21-year old SS Douglas Paget (22/46), and
• 21-year old 1B José Cruz (21/22).

Knee-jerk reaction: Embro looks to shore up its struggling bullpen with the trade for Shih. Shih’s stuff is not great, but his off-speed stuff is excellent and is pretty consistent with his control. In exchange, the Eagles essentially get a bunch of warm bodies, with Paget being the most highly rated. Still, he is simply average and none of them will make a dent in Queensland’s prospect depth.

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The Brunswick Legends is the only team that so far has been able to keep pace with the red-hot Suns in the East. They remain in striking distance of 1st place and enjoy a comfortable lead in the wild card. The Legends were outstanding in December, but cooled off considerably in January. That drop off perhaps reflects the loss of team leader OF Mark Elston, who went down to injury in mid-December. He is gone for the season, and the Legends will need to find a way to replace his bat in the lineup.
The offense has been second only to Embro (.278/.351/.402 – 2nd/2nd/3rd), while their pitching, particularly the rotation, has been top notch (3.16/3.00/4.15 – 1st/1st/4th). Defensively, they are the best in the East (.716 – 1st).

Six Legends made the All-Star team: SP Anastasio Rodríguez (2nd), C Maurice Evans (1st), 1B Stuart Bentham (2nd), 3B Derek Sakurai (2nd), SS Matthew Shelley (3rd) and LF Harry Chatwin (1st).

Top Position Player: After Mark Elston, there is a bit of a drop-off in production. But SS Matthew Shelley (.344/.406/.441, 3 HR, 61 RBI, 54 R, 44 BB) has been the most consistent offensively before missing two weeks in January due to a dead arm.
Rookie LF Harry Chatwin (.278/.350/.410, 10 HR, 36 RBI, 71 R, 45 BB, 23 SB) continues to impress, earning his first all-star selection and his second Rookie of the Month award in December.

Top Pitcher: 25-year old LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (13-3, 1.80 ERA, 1.01 WHIP) has been phenomenal this season, winning Pitcher of the Month honours for December and going 3-2, 1.53 ERA, 53.0 IP, 21 K, 11 BB in January.

Key Injuries: RF Mark Elston (.373/.495/.582, 6 HR, 30 RBI, 43 R, 37 BB) ruptured his Achilles tendon in a game back on December 13. He is gone for the season (4-5 months).

Key Trade: On January 4, Brunswick acquired 25-year old 1B Stuart Bentham (74/77) from the Cobourg Red Stockings. In return, Cobourg received five minor leaguers:

• 22-year old RP Brent Nix (68/80 – 14th overall pick in 1939);
• 18-year old CF Kian Morgan (21/66);
• 23-year old 2B Damien Dyson (23/23);
• 20-year old 2B Jae-keol Lee (21/23), and
• 20-year old LF Jorge Rodríguez (22/29).

Knee-jerk reaction: A two-time all-star, Bentham gives the Legends an exciting offensive player that could help fill in the gaping hole that the loss of Mark Elston represents. Elston is rated the 2nd overall position player in the United Leagues right now and his loss will surely be felt. Bentham will bat No. 3 in the lineup and has big shoes to fill. Meanwhile, Cobourg gains a very promising relief pitcher that has the tools to be a stalwart in the bullpen for years to come, but he has yet to put it together. Morgan, a 3rd round pick from 1941, is a solid centerfielder and has excellent speed and base-stealing abilities. If he can continue to improve in making contact, he should be a solid major contributor.

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The Stratford Barons are quickly finding out that being the defending United Cup champions doesn’t mean a whole lot to their competition. The Barons find themselves 5.5 games back of the wild card and if not for a 9-game winning streak to end the month of January, would likely have fallen to 4th place in the East. Despite acquiring more firepower in the offseason, in the likes of Steven Winstanley and Ben Watson, as well as SP Darwin Monday, the offense has been only average (.272/.346/.398 – 4th/4th/4th). Their pitching has been solid (3.65/3.73/3.18 – 3rd /3rd/1st), but that doesn’t appear to be enough this season in the highly competitive East. Darwin Monday has not panned out and the player Stratford gave up to get Monday, namely 3B Terry Maxwell, is having his best season in Kingston. The Barons are third in the East defensively (.697).

Ten players were selected to the All-Star roster: SP Ryan Borden (2nd), SP Joel Fearn (4th), RP Bradley Cowell (1st), RP Larry Parrish (4th), C Gavin Hurley (4th); 1B Don Adkins (4th), 2B Rhett Curnow (3rd), SS Jake Walker (3rd) LF Steven Winstanley (2nd) and CF Ben Watson(1st).

Top Position Player: SS Jake Walker (.306/.401/.459, 6 HR, 57 RBI, 69 R, 62 BB) has so far been Stratford’s most consistent player, when you consider defense. 2B Rhett Curnow (.357/.408/.495, 7 HR, 49 RBI, 63 R, 37 BB) leads the team in a number of offensive categories, but has been horrendous in the field (-10.2 ZR, .947 EFF). Walker has been somewhat better thus far (-2.2, .986). Walker is currently rated the top player in the entire United Leagues.

Top Pitcher: LHP Joel Fearn (17-5, 2.80 ERA, 1.07 WHIP) continues to be Stratford’s top pitcher this season, even if he tagged as the No. 2 starter in the rotation. In December and January, Fearn combined for 8-3, 3.26 ERA.

Key Injuries: After an uneven start to the season, SP Darwin Monday (8-8, 4.28 ERA, 1.45 WHIP), is lost for the season, due to shoulder inflammation suffered on January 24.

RF Steven Winstanley (.273/.374/.399, 9 HR, 51 RBI, 52 R, 50 BB) got bit by the injury bug a second time this season. Winstanly strained an abdominal muscle back on January 20. After suffering a setback, he should be back in 4 more days.

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Look out – here come the Braeland City Monarchs. After a mediocre start, the Monarchs were the hottest team in the East in December and January, winning 33 games and moving up from 6th place to 4th in the standings. They still trail the Legends by a sizable margin (8.5 games) for the wild card, but if the Legends falter, Braeland City could make things interesting in February and March.
While the offense has held its own in the tough East (.277/.350/.403 – 3rd/3rd/2nd), their pitching has actually improved (3.97/3.94/4.21 – 5th/5th/7th). But the Monarchs will need to kick it into high gear to have a real chance at realizing a playoff spot. Improving their defense wouldn’t hurt either (.679 – 7th).

Six Monarchs were selected to the All-Star Game: SP David Cooling (3rd), SP Lenny Freke (4th), SP Max MacColl (4th), SS Adam Ashley (3rd), LF Scott Kesler (3rd) and CF Jay Atwood (3rd).

Top Position Player: 33-year old LF Scott Kessler (.320/.404/.502, 11 HR, 57 RBI, 63 R, 45 BB) has been the Monarchs’ top player thus far, although he cooled off just a little in January (.261). But SS Adam Ashley (.257) and CF Jay Atwood (.188), Braeland City’s other top players, also saw their production ease up in January.

Top Pitcher: SP David Cooling (16-6, 2.68 ERA, 1.23 WHIP) won the Satchel Paige Award last season, and he is having another great season in 1941, going 9-2, 2.36 ERA in Dec/Jan.

Key Injuries: IF Finlay Ridd (.258/.333/.293, 1 HR, 19 RBI, 26 R, 29 BB) tore a posterior cruciate ligament while running the bases in a game back on December 13. He is gone for the season.

Key Trade: On January 8, Braeland City acquired 30-year old SP-LHP Max MacColl (70/70) from the Queensland Eagles. In return, Queensland received four minor leaguers:

• 21-year old RP Roman Davis (57/80– 12th overall pick in 1939);
• 24-year old 2B Rick Quinn (23/52);
• 19-year old RP Isko Alsonzo (21/55), and
• 22-year old CF Callum Conroy (27/33).

Knee-jerk reaction: MacColl is a 4-time all-star and a former 22-game winner looking to bounce back after missing nearly 10 months due to a broken bone in his elbow back in November 1940. When he is on his game, he is a nightmare to batters and a favourite of catchers due to his solid control. Davis is as good a relief pitching prospect as they come and should be Queensland’s go-to fireman for years to come. But the rest of Queensland’s haul is rather light. The players all have some ability but their major league prospects are underwhelming at best. All-in-all, a rather light return for MacColl.

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The Queensland Eagles have given up the ghost. On December 3, the Eagles set their team focus from ‘neutral’ to ‘rebuild’ and proceeded in earnest to blow things apart, completing no less than five trades before the January 31 trade deadline. Team stalwarts, namely 3B Kian Meadmore, SP Max MacColl and SS Katsunan Chikafuji are all gone.
In the midst of all the flux, the Eagles’ offense was not the worst around (.268/.339/.373 – 5th/5th/6th); neither was their pitching (3.82/3.79/4.13 – 4th/4th/3rd) or defense (.692 – 5th). In fact, Queensland was one of the hottest teams in the Eastern League in January. But February/March may tell a different tale.

Three Eagles were selected to the All-Star roster: C Dave Wilson (3rd), SS Katsunan Chikafuji (5th) and LF Terry Aspden (3rd).

Top Position Player: C Dave Wilson (.334/.387/.470, 9 HR, 65 RBI, 34 R, 32 BB) is a legitimate star, ranking behind only Fort Richmond’s Danny Trowbridge as the United Leagues top catcher. If he was better defensively, (-4.5 ZR, .870 EFF), he might challenge that ranking.

Top Pitcher: The pitching was up and down over the past two months, but 35-year old SP Henny Akerval (11-4, 3.51 ERA, 1.38 WHIP) was the most consistent, going 7-2, 3.24 ERA. Back on October 26, 1941, Akerval tied the United Leagues record for strikeouts in a single game. He struck out 12 against the Cobourg Red Stockings in a 3-2 victory.

Key Injuries: None.

Key Trade: The SS Katsunan Chikafuji trade will be discussed in the Kingston Pelicans recap.

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Like Queensland, the Wellington Athletics have made the decision to rebuild, determining that they are unable to compete in the East this year or anytime soon. Unlike the Eagles though, they did not make any trades before the deadline. But they will have to make some tough decisions soon, as they have the worst ranked farm system in the United Leagues (tied with Cambria, who is a decidedly ‘win now’ club).
Neither their offense (.258/.325/.376 – 7th/7th/5th), nor pitching (4.05/4.03/4.15 – 6th/6th/5th) nor defense (.680 – 6th) inspires much confidence that they can realistically challenge for a playoff spot, so a rebuild isn’t a bad call.

Wellington was not represented at this year’s all-star game, the first time that has happened in the United Leagues.

Top Position Player: 29-year old 2B Brian Main (.272/.345/.404, 5 HR, 54 RBI, 64 R, 44 BB, 5 SB) is one of Wellington’s top players (along with 3B Ryley McLarnon) and was his team’s most consistent position player in December/January.

Top Pitcher: The rotation had its ups and downs the past two months, but 30-year old SP Derek Cawley (8-1, 2.53 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) has quietly put together a solid season from the No. 5 spot. In December/January, he went 6-0, 2.48 ERA in 5 starts. He began the season working out of the bullpen.

Key Injuries: None.

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The Cobourg Red Stockings returned to their losing ways, especially in January, as the ‘Bled’ Stockings bade farewell to another talented player when they shipped Stuart Bentham to Brunswick on January 4. Needless to say, there will be a lot more losing to come before things get better.
Meanwhile, Cobourg’s 5 rookies continue to adjust to the majors: CF Cliff Jorden (.261), C Neil Voigt (.220), 2B George Simpson (.212), SS Júlio Gonzáles (.294) and SP Ramón Ramírez (6-9, 5.79 ERA). With the acquisition of RP Brent Nix (1-3, 1 SV, 5.86 ERA) in the Bentham trade, Cobourg now has six rookies in the lineup.
The offense continues to suffer (.249/.308/.344 – 8th/8th/8th), while the rotation has shown modest improvement (4.93/5.23/3.45 – 7th/8th/2nd). Their defense, however, has not kept pace in the East (.677 – 8th).

Cobourg was not represented at this year’s all-star game, although Stuart Bentham would have been their lone representative, if he had not been traded to Brunswick only days before the game.

Top Position Player: It must be tough for 32-year old 2B Matthew Lane (.298/.390/.437, 4 HR, 34 RBI, 27 R, 40 BB) to see so many of this teammates head for greener pastures while he remains with lowly Cobourg. But the original Red Stocking and 3-time all-star plugs along, and was his team’s most consistent player in December/January.

Top Pitcher: Not much to choose from. Case in point, RP Tom Mayor (1-0, 2.77 ERA, 1.38 WHIP) has been fairly consistent pitching out of the bullpen this season. In January, he went 0-0, 1 SV, 0.77 ERA in 11.2 IP, but went 0-0, 2 SV, 6.52 ERA in 9.2 IP.

Key Injuries: None.

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The Downie Chiefs have swerved from the center of the road and headed straight to the ditch this season, as they boast the worst record in the entire United Leagues. But that’s not to say there haven’t been any highlights to speak of. But still, the offense (.265/.325/.360 – 6th/6th/7th) is in serious need of a talent infusion, and the pitching (4.96/5.11/4.20 – 8th/7th/6th) is nothing to write home about either. Defensively, they improved to 5th (.695).

1B William Tozer (2nd) was Downie’s lone representative at this month’s all-star game.

Top Position Player: 23-year old CF Sean Murchie (.276/.303/.328, 1 HR, 27 RBI, 33 R, 16 BB, 15 SB) will get the nod this time around, as he won Rookie of the Month honours in January. Murchie was Downie’s 8th overall pick in 1940.

Top Pitcher: 30-year old SP Reece Abberley (9-11, 4.59 ERA, 1.37 WHIP), has seen his ERA improve with each passing month (6.29 to 3.23). However, it was his performance against the Wellington Athletics back on December 21 that gets him an acknowledgement here. Abbeley pitched the second no-hitter in ULB history, defeating the Athletics 6-0 on 2 K and 3 BB in Wellington.
Fun fact: both no-hitters were pitched by Downie Chiefs pitchers. Back on February 7, 1938, Bradley Paris no-hit the Wolseley Unions. Paris now plays for the Queensland Eagles.

Key Injury: RF Harrison Brooks (.286/.394/.446, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 10 R, 10 BB) suffered a broken kneecap back on October 25. He is out for 4-5 more weeks.

Key Trade: The RF Francis Pynchon trade will be discussed in the Sherburn Tigers recap.

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02-02-2016, 04:07 AM	#200
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,929	February 1, 1942 Eastern League: Suns, Legends Lead the Way -------- The Embro Suns have finally found consistency. Back-to-back 16-10 months, along with 17-8 and 20-6 months have kept the Suns alone in first place in the East all season. Offensively, they lead the League (.280/.362/.408 – 1st/1st/1st) and the starting pitching is solid (3.30/3.13/4.76 – 2nd/2nd/8th). They are formidable on defense as well (.702 – 2nd). It looks like a team that has been unable to sustain success throughout a 154 game season in the past may have finally figured it out. Seven Suns were selected to the All-Star roster: SP Pete Allison (1st selection), SP Chris Sappington (1st), SP Colm Soper (3rd), RP John Palm (4th), 1B Jim Friend (3rd), OF Terence Durney (5th) and RF Paul Hooks (4th). *Top Position Player:* If 27-year old 1B Jim Friend (.333/.421/.538, 17 HR, 107 RBI, 80 R, 67 BB) is not the most feared hitter in the United Leagues right now, he must be very close to the top of the list. Over the past two months, he has won three Player of the Week honours and both Batter of the Month awards. He won a Player of the Week award and a Batter of the Month award in December as well. *Top Pitcher:* The rotation has been solid all season, which no doubt explains the Suns’ ability to remain in top spot. No. 3 SP Pete Allison (17-5, 2.56 ERA, 1.15 WHIP), who has enjoyed only one season with an ERA below 4.00 thus far in his six season in the ULB, is having a sensational season. He was selected to his first all-star game and earned Pitcher of the Month honours in January. No. 1 SP Colm Soper (14-6, 2.82 ERA, 1.27 WHIP) was terrific in December, going 5-1, 1.70 ERA, 27 K and 13 BB. *Key Injuries:* SS Gary Watkinson (.319/.432/.394, 1 HR, 27 RBI, 37 R, 42 BB) is having a devil of a time remaining healthy. The 34-year old has been out of the lineup for nearly 9 weeks since the start the season. Now, he will miss an additional 5 weeks, after being diagnosed with back spasms on January 27. *Key Trade #1:* On December 9, Embro acquired 34-year old 3B Kian Meadmore (54/54) from the Queensland Eagles. In return, the Eagles received 20-year old minor leaguer RF Héctor García (23/36). *Knee-jerk reaction:* Meadmore is a 4-time all-star and 2-time top fielder award winner, but at 34 years old, his time is now. He doesn’t hit for high average, but still has plus-plus power and is very patient at the plate. He should solidify second base and the No.6-7 spot in the lineup. García, a minor league signing for Embro out of Venezuela back in 1937, is all offense and little defense. He can make good contact and hit one out of the ballpark once in a while, but that’s about it. He projects to be a bench player. *Key Trade #2:* On December 26, Embro acquired 31-year old C Denzel Fontaine (30/30) from the Balmoral Giants. In return, the Giants received 19-year old minor leaguer CF Alex Turner (21/54). *Knee-jerk reaction:* Needing a seasoned back-up catcher, the Suns went out and acquired Fontaine, an average hitter and fielder, nothing more. Turner is a former third round pick from 1940 is nothing special at the plate, but has exceptional speed. His talents are all trending upwards, however, so he may develop into a solid player one day. Even so, he immediately gets lost in Balmoral’s incredibly deep farm system. *Key Trade #3:* On January 6, Embro acquired 25-year old RP Yin-ti Shih (79/80) from the Queensland Eagles. In return, the Eagles received five minor leaguers: • 21-year old 2B Brian Pothecary (22/34); • 20-year old LF Santo Fuentes (22/23); • 22-year old CF Dan Cushing (22/23); • 21-year old SS Douglas Paget (22/46), and • 21-year old 1B José Cruz (21/22). *Knee-jerk reaction:* Embro looks to shore up its struggling bullpen with the trade for Shih. Shih’s stuff is not great, but his off-speed stuff is excellent and is pretty consistent with his control. In exchange, the Eagles essentially get a bunch of warm bodies, with Paget being the most highly rated. Still, he is simply average and none of them will make a dent in Queensland’s prospect depth. -------- The Brunswick Legends is the only team that so far has been able to keep pace with the red-hot Suns in the East. They remain in striking distance of 1st place and enjoy a comfortable lead in the wild card. The Legends were outstanding in December, but cooled off considerably in January. That drop off perhaps reflects the loss of team leader OF Mark Elston, who went down to injury in mid-December. He is gone for the season, and the Legends will need to find a way to replace his bat in the lineup. The offense has been second only to Embro (.278/.351/.402 – 2nd/2nd/3rd), while their pitching, particularly the rotation, has been top notch (3.16/3.00/4.15 – 1st/1st/4th). Defensively, they are the best in the East (.716 – 1st). Six Legends made the All-Star team: SP Anastasio Rodríguez (2nd), C Maurice Evans (1st), 1B Stuart Bentham (2nd), 3B Derek Sakurai (2nd), SS Matthew Shelley (3rd) and LF Harry Chatwin (1st). *Top Position Player:* After Mark Elston, there is a bit of a drop-off in production. But SS Matthew Shelley (.344/.406/.441, 3 HR, 61 RBI, 54 R, 44 BB) has been the most consistent offensively before missing two weeks in January due to a dead arm. Rookie LF Harry Chatwin (.278/.350/.410, 10 HR, 36 RBI, 71 R, 45 BB, 23 SB) continues to impress, earning his first all-star selection and his second Rookie of the Month award in December. *Top Pitcher:* 25-year old LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (13-3, 1.80 ERA, 1.01 WHIP) has been phenomenal this season, winning Pitcher of the Month honours for December and going 3-2, 1.53 ERA, 53.0 IP, 21 K, 11 BB in January. *Key Injuries:* RF Mark Elston (.373/.495/.582, 6 HR, 30 RBI, 43 R, 37 BB) ruptured his Achilles tendon in a game back on December 13. He is gone for the season (4-5 months). *Key Trade:* On January 4, Brunswick acquired 25-year old 1B Stuart Bentham (74/77) from the Cobourg Red Stockings. In return, Cobourg received five minor leaguers: • 22-year old RP Brent Nix (68/80 – 14th overall pick in 1939); • 18-year old CF Kian Morgan (21/66); • 23-year old 2B Damien Dyson (23/23); • 20-year old 2B Jae-keol Lee (21/23), and • 20-year old LF Jorge Rodríguez (22/29). *Knee-jerk reaction:* A two-time all-star, Bentham gives the Legends an exciting offensive player that could help fill in the gaping hole that the loss of Mark Elston represents. Elston is rated the 2nd overall position player in the United Leagues right now and his loss will surely be felt. Bentham will bat No. 3 in the lineup and has big shoes to fill. Meanwhile, Cobourg gains a very promising relief pitcher that has the tools to be a stalwart in the bullpen for years to come, but he has yet to put it together. Morgan, a 3rd round pick from 1941, is a solid centerfielder and has excellent speed and base-stealing abilities. If he can continue to improve in making contact, he should be a solid major contributor. -------- The Stratford Barons are quickly finding out that being the defending United Cup champions doesn’t mean a whole lot to their competition. The Barons find themselves 5.5 games back of the wild card and if not for a 9-game winning streak to end the month of January, would likely have fallen to 4th place in the East. Despite acquiring more firepower in the offseason, in the likes of Steven Winstanley and Ben Watson, as well as SP Darwin Monday, the offense has been only average (.272/.346/.398 – 4th/4th/4th). Their pitching has been solid (3.65/3.73/3.18 – 3rd /3rd/1st), but that doesn’t appear to be enough this season in the highly competitive East. Darwin Monday has not panned out and the player Stratford gave up to get Monday, namely 3B Terry Maxwell, is having his best season in Kingston. The Barons are third in the East defensively (.697). Ten players were selected to the All-Star roster: SP Ryan Borden (2nd), SP Joel Fearn (4th), RP Bradley Cowell (1st), RP Larry Parrish (4th), C Gavin Hurley (4th); 1B Don Adkins (4th), 2B Rhett Curnow (3rd), SS Jake Walker (3rd) LF Steven Winstanley (2nd) and CF Ben Watson(1st). *Top Position Player:* SS Jake Walker (.306/.401/.459, 6 HR, 57 RBI, 69 R, 62 BB) has so far been Stratford’s most consistent player, when you consider defense. 2B Rhett Curnow (.357/.408/.495, 7 HR, 49 RBI, 63 R, 37 BB) leads the team in a number of offensive categories, but has been horrendous in the field (-10.2 ZR, .947 EFF). Walker has been somewhat better thus far (-2.2, .986). Walker is currently rated the top player in the entire United Leagues. *Top Pitcher:* LHP Joel Fearn (17-5, 2.80 ERA, 1.07 WHIP) continues to be Stratford’s top pitcher this season, even if he tagged as the No. 2 starter in the rotation. In December and January, Fearn combined for 8-3, 3.26 ERA. *Key Injuries:* After an uneven start to the season, SP Darwin Monday (8-8, 4.28 ERA, 1.45 WHIP), is lost for the season, due to shoulder inflammation suffered on January 24. RF Steven Winstanley (.273/.374/.399, 9 HR, 51 RBI, 52 R, 50 BB) got bit by the injury bug a second time this season. Winstanly strained an abdominal muscle back on January 20. After suffering a setback, he should be back in 4 more days. -------- Look out – here come the Braeland City Monarchs. After a mediocre start, the Monarchs were the hottest team in the East in December and January, winning 33 games and moving up from 6th place to 4th in the standings. They still trail the Legends by a sizable margin (8.5 games) for the wild card, but if the Legends falter, Braeland City could make things interesting in February and March. While the offense has held its own in the tough East (.277/.350/.403 – 3rd/3rd/2nd), their pitching has actually improved (3.97/3.94/4.21 – 5th/5th/7th). But the Monarchs will need to kick it into high gear to have a real chance at realizing a playoff spot. Improving their defense wouldn’t hurt either (.679 – 7th). Six Monarchs were selected to the All-Star Game: SP David Cooling (3rd), SP Lenny Freke (4th), SP Max MacColl (4th), SS Adam Ashley (3rd), LF Scott Kesler (3rd) and CF Jay Atwood (3rd). *Top Position Player:* 33-year old LF Scott Kessler (.320/.404/.502, 11 HR, 57 RBI, 63 R, 45 BB) has been the Monarchs’ top player thus far, although he cooled off just a little in January (.261). But SS Adam Ashley (.257) and CF Jay Atwood (.188), Braeland City’s other top players, also saw their production ease up in January. *Top Pitcher:* SP David Cooling (16-6, 2.68 ERA, 1.23 WHIP) won the Satchel Paige Award last season, and he is having another great season in 1941, going 9-2, 2.36 ERA in Dec/Jan. *Key Injuries:* IF Finlay Ridd (.258/.333/.293, 1 HR, 19 RBI, 26 R, 29 BB) tore a posterior cruciate ligament while running the bases in a game back on December 13. He is gone for the season. *Key Trade:* On January 8, Braeland City acquired 30-year old SP-LHP Max MacColl (70/70) from the Queensland Eagles. In return, Queensland received four minor leaguers: • 21-year old RP Roman Davis (57/80– 12th overall pick in 1939); • 24-year old 2B Rick Quinn (23/52); • 19-year old RP Isko Alsonzo (21/55), and • 22-year old CF Callum Conroy (27/33). *Knee-jerk reaction:* MacColl is a 4-time all-star and a former 22-game winner looking to bounce back after missing nearly 10 months due to a broken bone in his elbow back in November 1940. When he is on his game, he is a nightmare to batters and a favourite of catchers due to his solid control. Davis is as good a relief pitching prospect as they come and should be Queensland’s go-to fireman for years to come. But the rest of Queensland’s haul is rather light. The players all have some ability but their major league prospects are underwhelming at best. All-in-all, a rather light return for MacColl. -------- The Queensland Eagles have given up the ghost. On December 3, the Eagles set their team focus from ‘neutral’ to ‘rebuild’ and proceeded in earnest to blow things apart, completing no less than five trades before the January 31 trade deadline. Team stalwarts, namely 3B Kian Meadmore, SP Max MacColl and SS Katsunan Chikafuji are all gone. In the midst of all the flux, the Eagles’ offense was not the worst around (.268/.339/.373 – 5th/5th/6th); neither was their pitching (3.82/3.79/4.13 – 4th/4th/3rd) or defense (.692 – 5th). In fact, Queensland was one of the hottest teams in the Eastern League in January. But February/March may tell a different tale. Three Eagles were selected to the All-Star roster: C Dave Wilson (3rd), SS Katsunan Chikafuji (5th) and LF Terry Aspden (3rd). *Top Position Player:* C Dave Wilson (.334/.387/.470, 9 HR, 65 RBI, 34 R, 32 BB) is a legitimate star, ranking behind only Fort Richmond’s Danny Trowbridge as the United Leagues top catcher. If he was better defensively, (-4.5 ZR, .870 EFF), he might challenge that ranking. *Top Pitcher:* The pitching was up and down over the past two months, but 35-year old SP Henny Akerval (11-4, 3.51 ERA, 1.38 WHIP) was the most consistent, going 7-2, 3.24 ERA. Back on October 26, 1941, Akerval tied the United Leagues record for strikeouts in a single game. He struck out 12 against the Cobourg Red Stockings in a 3-2 victory. *Key Injuries:* None. *Key Trade:* The SS Katsunan Chikafuji trade will be discussed in the Kingston Pelicans recap. -------- Like Queensland, the Wellington Athletics have made the decision to rebuild, determining that they are unable to compete in the East this year or anytime soon. Unlike the Eagles though, they did not make any trades before the deadline. But they will have to make some tough decisions soon, as they have the worst ranked farm system in the United Leagues (tied with Cambria, who is a decidedly ‘win now’ club). Neither their offense (.258/.325/.376 – 7th/7th/5th), nor pitching (4.05/4.03/4.15 – 6th/6th/5th) nor defense (.680 – 6th) inspires much confidence that they can realistically challenge for a playoff spot, so a rebuild isn’t a bad call. Wellington was not represented at this year’s all-star game, the first time that has happened in the United Leagues. *Top Position Player:* 29-year old 2B Brian Main (.272/.345/.404, 5 HR, 54 RBI, 64 R, 44 BB, 5 SB) is one of Wellington’s top players (along with 3B Ryley McLarnon) and was his team’s most consistent position player in December/January. *Top Pitcher:* The rotation had its ups and downs the past two months, but 30-year old SP Derek Cawley (8-1, 2.53 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) has quietly put together a solid season from the No. 5 spot. In December/January, he went 6-0, 2.48 ERA in 5 starts. He began the season working out of the bullpen. *Key Injuries:* None. -------- The Cobourg Red Stockings returned to their losing ways, especially in January, as the ‘Bled’ Stockings bade farewell to another talented player when they shipped Stuart Bentham to Brunswick on January 4. Needless to say, there will be a lot more losing to come before things get better. Meanwhile, Cobourg’s 5 rookies continue to adjust to the majors: CF Cliff Jorden (.261), C Neil Voigt (.220), 2B George Simpson (.212), SS Júlio Gonzáles (.294) and SP Ramón Ramírez (6-9, 5.79 ERA). With the acquisition of RP Brent Nix (1-3, 1 SV, 5.86 ERA) in the Bentham trade, Cobourg now has six rookies in the lineup. The offense continues to suffer (.249/.308/.344 – 8th/8th/8th), while the rotation has shown modest improvement (4.93/5.23/3.45 – 7th/8th/2nd). Their defense, however, has not kept pace in the East (.677 – 8th). Cobourg was not represented at this year’s all-star game, although Stuart Bentham would have been their lone representative, if he had not been traded to Brunswick only days before the game. *Top Position Player:* It must be tough for 32-year old 2B Matthew Lane (.298/.390/.437, 4 HR, 34 RBI, 27 R, 40 BB) to see so many of this teammates head for greener pastures while he remains with lowly Cobourg. But the original Red Stocking and 3-time all-star plugs along, and was his team’s most consistent player in December/January. *Top Pitcher:* Not much to choose from. Case in point, RP Tom Mayor (1-0, 2.77 ERA, 1.38 WHIP) has been fairly consistent pitching out of the bullpen this season. In January, he went 0-0, 1 SV, 0.77 ERA in 11.2 IP, but went 0-0, 2 SV, 6.52 ERA in 9.2 IP. *Key Injuries:* None. -------- The Downie Chiefs have swerved from the center of the road and headed straight to the ditch this season, as they boast the worst record in the entire United Leagues. But that’s not to say there haven’t been any highlights to speak of. But still, the offense (.265/.325/.360 – 6th/6th/7th) is in serious need of a talent infusion, and the pitching (4.96/5.11/4.20 – 8th/7th/6th) is nothing to write home about either. Defensively, they improved to 5th (.695). 1B William Tozer (2nd) was Downie’s lone representative at this month’s all-star game. *Top Position Player:* 23-year old CF Sean Murchie (.276/.303/.328, 1 HR, 27 RBI, 33 R, 16 BB, 15 SB) will get the nod this time around, as he won Rookie of the Month honours in January. Murchie was Downie’s 8th overall pick in 1940. *Top Pitcher:* 30-year old SP Reece Abberley (9-11, 4.59 ERA, 1.37 WHIP), has seen his ERA improve with each passing month (6.29 to 3.23). However, it was his performance against the Wellington Athletics back on December 21 that gets him an acknowledgement here. Abbeley pitched the second no-hitter in ULB history, defeating the Athletics 6-0 on 2 K and 3 BB in Wellington. *Fun fact:* both no-hitters were pitched by Downie Chiefs pitchers. Back on February 7, 1938, Bradley Paris no-hit the Wolseley Unions. Paris now plays for the Queensland Eagles. Key Injury: RF Harrison Brooks (.286/.394/.446, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 10 R, 10 BB) suffered a broken kneecap back on October 25. He is out for 4-5 more weeks. *Key Trade:* The RF Francis Pynchon trade will be discussed in the Sherburn Tigers recap. -------- __________________ United Leagues of Braeland Last edited by reds1; 07-04-2017 at 02:57 AM.