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reds1 · 03-07-2016, 09:40 PM

February 1, 1943

Eastern League: Suns Explode, Legends Falter in Two Team Race

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Despite the quick start by the Brunswick Legends this season, the Embro Suns remained unfazed; in fact, not only did they keep pace with the front-runners, but actually overtook them in January when the Legends began to lose some steam. The Suns are a dangerous team that endured an uncharacteristically slow start to its offense. But its pitching has carried the team thus far. If the offense as a whole picks things up even a little bit, it will not be easy for anyone to wrest first place from their grip.

The offense has seen a modest improvement (.257/.336/.360 – 6th/5th/6th) but still has a way to go to being the offense we’re used to seeing from this Suns outfit. The pitching is simply the best in the land (2.94/3.03/2.10 – 1st/2nd/1st – ERA/Starter’s ERA/Bullpen ERA) and the defense has greatly improved (.700 – 2nd).

Seven Suns were selected to the All-Star roster: SP Edward Hill (1st selection), SP Myung-gu Son (1st), SP Colm Soper (4th), RP John Palm (5th), 1B Jim Friend (4th), 3B Yoshifumi Tamura (1st) and OF Terence Durney (6th).

Top Position Player: 1B Jim Friend (.300/.381/.454, 13 HR, 71 RBI, 65 R, 56 BB) returned to form in December, winning Batter of the Month honours. But 3B Yoshifumi Tamura (.315/.402/.478, 8 HR, 43 RBI, 36 R, 46 BB) is also have a great year.

Top Pitcher: There’s no point in singling out just one pitcher. The staff is having a tremendous season and deserves to be highlighted as they are really carrying this team at the moment:

• RHP Colm Soper 13-6, 2.39 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 152 ERA+,
• RHP Myung-gu Son 15-6, 2.53 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 143 ERA+,
• LHP Edward Hill, 15-6, 2.65 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 137 ERA+,
• RHP John Palm, 3-2, 5 SV, 0.73 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 497 ERA+,
• LHP Nick Staples, 2-0, 1.24 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 292 ERA+.

Not surprisingly, Embro pitchers captured the Pitcher of the Month Award in December (Myung-gu Son) and January (Edward Hill).

Key Injuries: 35-year old 2B Kian Meadmore (.247/.325/.444, 11 HR, 57 RBI, 39 R, 33 BB) strained his neck muscles while running the bases in a game back on January 2. He is out for another 4 weeks.

35-year old back-up 2B Ramón Lugo (.293/.301/.381, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 18 R, 3 BB) suffered shoulder stiffness from a collision in a game on January 31. He will miss 3 weeks.

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The Brunswick Legends just got a dose of reality splashed in their face. After cruising through the first three months of the season, the Legends faltered in January, going 10-14. The slide included dropping 3 of 4 to the lowly Cobourg Red Stockings and two of three to the Embro Suns. With the relentless Suns on the heels, they surrendered first place in the East and now trail Embro by 1.5 games.

The offense weakened ever so slightly (.275/.342/.394 – 3rd/2nd/1st), while their pitching held steady (2.94/2.79/4.22 – 2nd/1st/7th). Defensively, they collapsed (.683 – 8th).

Seven Legends made the All-Star team: SP Matthew Monrow (4th), SP Anastasio Rodríguez (3rd), SP Wilson Villas (1st), RP Roger Battle (1st), 1B Stuart Bentham (3rd), 3B Derek Sakurai (3rd), and RF Mark Elston (4th).

Top Position Player: RF Mark Elston’s (.346/.472/.584, 19 HR, 76 RBI, 71 R, 90 BB) batting average dipped in December (.244) but returned to form in January (.356). He is currently one of the most productive players in the ULB. He leads the entire United Leagues in batting average, home runs and is tied with Balmoral Giants’ Carlton Broadbent for RBIs. He is also a tough out; in 370 AB thus far, he has struck out just 8 times. Only Wolseley Unions’ RF Nicky Willis has bested him in that department (5 K in 377 AB).

Top Pitcher: LHP Matthew Monroe (16-2, 2.49 ERA, 1.21 WHIP) was simply outstanding in Dec/Jan, going 7-1, 2.61 ERA. LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (10-9, 2.27 ERA, 1.25 WHIP) was also outstanding, going 4-5, 1.73 ERA. Alas, minor injuries (strained stomach muscles and slight neck strain) and poor run support cut into his stats in January.

Key Injuries: 26-year old C Maurice Evans (.300/.345/.498, 8 HR, 41 RBI, 31 R, 16 BB) suffered a thigh muscle strain in a collision in a game back on January 6. He is out for two more weeks.

Anastasio Rodríguez is out 4 more days with the aforementioned neck strain, suffered on January 30.

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While the Braeland City Monarchs are being decimated by injuries, they began their rebuilding process, completing three major trades before the trade deadline. In spite of all that, the Monarchs actually improved in the standings and sit 6 games over .500. It means little in the East this season, as the Suns and Legends have practically ran away with the playoff spots, leaving everyone else in their wake. But their determination to remain competitive despite all the travails is remarkable.

The offense has been the story (.280/.347/.388 – 1st/1st/2nd) as they have been one of the best offensive units in the East this season. Even the pitching with the exception of the bullpen improved (3.48/3.47/3.68 – 4th/5th/4th). Their defense also saw a modest improvement (.691 – 7th).

Seven Monarchs were selected to the All-Star Game: SP David Cooling (4th), SP Max MacColl (5th), RP Samuel Hollier (2nd), C Kane Broom (4th), SS Adam Ashley (4th), LF Scott Kessler (4th) and RF Dwayne Hollinshead (3rd).

Top Position Player: The starting lineup is practically unrecognizable from the start of the season, due to all the trades and injuries. One of the few familiar faces, 32-year old C Kane Broom (.304/.356/.407, 5 HR, 59 RBI, 50 R, 32 BB), has somehow remained healthy and productive thus far.
23-year old SS Amana Ghera (.321/.378/.396, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 15 R, 9 BB) was called up from AAA Clifton in late November and was inserted into the starting lineup in December. The former 4th rounder from 1938 has filled in quite nicely, winning Rookie of the Month honours in January.

Top Pitcher: 31-year old LHP Max MacColl (13-8, 2.98 ERA, 1.26 WHIP) is now the ace of the starting rotation, and the 5-time all-star was solid, particularly in December, when he went 5-1, 1.60 ERA.

Key Injuries: IF Finlay Ridd was injured in a collision at a base in a game back on October 12 and suffered brain fever. He could be back in a couple of days.

RHP Lenny Freke (0-2, 6.43 ERA, 1.57 WHIP) was injured while pitching in a game back on October 17. He was diagnosed with shoulder swelling and will miss another week.

On November 29, 2B Trevor Bolan (.317/.356/.471, 7 HR, 29 RBI, 37 R, 12 BB, 2 SB) broke his knee cap while running the bases. He is gone for the season (3 months).

LF Scott Kessler (.314/.389/.475, 10 HR, 45 RBI, 38 R, 37 BB,) was injured on a defensive play on January 8. He suffered a thigh muscle strain and could be back within a week.

SS Adam Ashley (.321/.367/.439, 2 HR, 41 RBI, 45 R, 27 BB, 10 SB) broke a wrist bone in a collision back on December 30. He is out a further 6 weeks.

SP David Cooling (12-6, 3.09 ERA, 1.17 WHIP) tore an elbow ligament in a game on January 27. He is gone for at least 6 months.

Key Trade #1: On December 19, the Monarchs traded 35-year old 3B Louie Hetherington (62/62) to the Cambria Cannons, getting 31-year old SS Thaddeus Vidal (23/23) and 23-year old minor league OF/IF Tony Dunsmore (23/45).

Knee-jerk reaction: On the surface, it would appear Braeland City’s return for Hetherington was rather light. But despite being a 3-time all-star, Hetherington has regressed every season since his outstanding year in 1937-38, particularly on defense. He has not been the player he could be if he applied himself more (Scouts say he “doesn’t always give 100%”, and his career stats seem to bear that out.)
Dunsmore, a 2nd round pick from 1941-42, won’t be much of a contact hitter, but has some pop, a decent eye, great speed and solid defense in the outfield.
Vidal is a versatile defender (especially at 2B and SS) but has limited offensive skills. Despite that, he has been outstanding at the plate since the trade (.380/.443/.444, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 14 R, 14 BB).

Key Trade #2: On January 17, Braeland City traded 29-year old RHP Jin-man Kim (57/60) to the Cambria Cannons, getting 21-year old minor leaguer OF Jesús Ortega (22/69) and 23-year old minor league RHP Harrison Revell (20/23).

Knee-jerk reaction: Kim (9-6, 4.02 ERA, 1.49 WHIP) has been an absolute workhorse for the Monarchs since their inaugural season and earned an all-star appearance in 1939-40. But he has seen his production decrease over the last couple of seasons. He does not have the best stuff or control, but he does have very good movement. He will serve as Cambria’s No. 3 starter.
Braeland City receives a former 1st rounder in Ortega, who has respectable offensive skills with outstanding speed and decent defense. He immediately becomes Braeland City’s top prospect (No. 23 overall in the ULB).
Revell meanwhile has above-average stuff and decent command; his movement is a concern however.

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Like the Monarchs, the Wellington Athletics have embarked on their rebuilding project, completing three major trades before the trade deadline. And like the Monarchs, they actually saw their record improve modestly over Dec/Jan, to go 5 games above .500.

The offense has remained consistent (.277/.339/.374 – 2nd/4th/5th), and the pitching has held steady as well (3.66/3.53/4.40 – 5th/5th/6th). Defense improved slightly (.691 – 6th).

Four players were selected to the All-Star squad: SP Clyde Boney (5th), C Dylan Watkins (5th), 2B Brian Main (2nd) and SS Thomas Murphy (1st).

Top Position Player: Brian Main (.318/.364/.488, 11 HR, 64 RBI, 71 R, 32 BB, 13 SB) earned his second all-star appearance and has been the best Athletic so far this season by a healthy margin.
1B Keane Fysh (.322/.405/.488, 7 HR, 55 RBI, 50 R, 51 BB) won the Eastern League Batter of the Month award in January, but he only appeared in 12 games with Wellington after the trade with Cambria.

Top Pitcher: Once again, 33-year old LHP Clyde Boney (15-4, 2.17 ERA, 1.06 WHIP) was outstanding in Dec/Jan. There is currently a steep drop-off after Boney in the rotation since Wellington traded away two of their key pitchers.

Key Injuries: LF Kade Limeburner (.273/.369/.429, 5 HR, 29 RBI, 24 R, 24 BB) was injured back on December 1 in a collision. He has brain fever and will miss another 4 weeks.

28-year old SS Charles Halse (.333/.471/.556, 2-3B, 10 RBI, 5 R, 7 BB) tore a knee ligament while running the bases back on January 18. He is gone for the season (6 months).

Key Trade #1: On December 23, the Athletics traded 29-year old RHP Soren Heinke (38/38) to the Balmoral Giants, getting 20-year old minor leaguer OF Alex Turner (22/59) and 22-year old minor league IF Stuart Upshaw (23/23).

Knee-jerk reaction: Heinke has been a serviceable pitcher for Wellington over the past 4 years. The former 1939-40 Rookie of the Year Award winner has decent stuff and movement, but his control has always been an issue. The Giants will use him as their No. 3 starter.
Turner and Upshaw are nothing special at the plate, but Turner has exceptional speed and solid defense.

Key Trade #2: On January 18, the Athletics traded 25-year old SS Thomas Murphy (51/63) to the Cambria Cannons, getting 31-year old 1B Keane Fysh (30/30) and 19-year old minor league OF Peter Metcalfe (21/23).

Knee-jerk reaction: Dumb. Fresh off his first all-star appearance, Wellington trades away their former first rounder for an older one-dimensional player and a minor league lifer. And Wellington is supposed to be rebuilding? How is trading away a solid young player a step forward, if you’re not getting anything comparable in return?
Fysh is a former Rookie of the Year Award winner, a 4-time all-star and a Top Fielder Award winner. But his defensive abilities are now practically non-existent. He can still hit, but for how long? And what good does it do Wellington in either the short term or long-term? You’re not a ‘win-now’ team, remember?
Meanwhile, Cambria looks to bolster its roster with Murphy (.279/.328/.376, 4 HR, 27 RBI, 63 R, 29 BB, 10 SB) at shortstop and 29-year old IF Rubén Sánchez moving over to 1B to replace Fysh. Great move by Cambria, who haven’t given up their playoff hopes for this season. But just a dumb move made by Wellington, at least in my view.

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The Stratford Barons stumbled in December and January to fall back into 5th place in the East, 14.5 games back of a wildcard spot. But it would appear the Barons are not giving up on the season, if their recent trade acquisitions are any indication. At the very least, if the Barons are unable to catch Brunswick or Embro this season, there’s always next year. Their window of winning hasn’t closed just yet.

Both their offense (.270/.339/.382 – 4th/3rd/3rd) and pitching (3.34/3.34/3.38 – 3rd/3rd/3rd) held steady. Defensively, they are still middle of the road (5th – .693).

Five players were selected to the All-Star roster: 2B Bart Wallwin (1st), 3B Nam-cheol Oh (1st), SS Jake Walker (4th) LF Steven Winstanley (3rd) and CF Ben Watson (2nd).

Top Position Player: 24-year old 2B Bart Wallwin (.290/.335/.455, 7 HR, 37 RBI, 47 R, 20 BB) has been progressing every month. He was his team’s most consistent player over the past two months.

2B Maurice Keyworth (.299/.343/.416, 2 HR, 28 RBI, 40 R, 15 BB, 9 SB) won his second Rookie of the Month honour in December. Alas, he has missed most of January due to an extended injury.

Top Pitcher: 34-year old LHP Ryan Borden (10-12, 2.64 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) is enjoying another strong season as Stratford’s top pitcher in the rotation. How he was not selected to the All-Star game just baffles me.

Key Injuries: Maurice Keyworth was injured in a collision in a game back on January 3. He is experiencing recurring back spasms. The initial diagnosis called for him to miss 6 weeks, but on January 25, he suffered a setback. He is out for a further 3 weeks.

Key Trade #1: On December 23, the Monarchs traded 29-year old RHP Leo Bonfield (61/61) to the Stratford Barons, getting 19-year old minor leaguer OF Carlos Ruíz (21/37) and 24-year old minor league OF Antony Tolmie (23/27).

Knee-jerk reaction: Bonfield (6-4, 3.33 ERA, 1.42 WHIP) probably deserves a much better fate. A one-time 20-game winner and all-star, he never had the stuff to be an ace, but he is still a capable pitcher. But his production has decreased the last couple of seasons and the Monarchs deemed him expendable. As of right now, the Barons have buried him deep within their bullpen. Whether that’s just temporary or speaks of their poor estimation of him remains to be seen.
The Monarchs receive a competent hitter and defender in OF Ruíz, and a mediocre IF/OF in Tolmie. Bonfied is the real prize in this trade, even if the Barons don’t agree with me.

Key Trade #2: On January 12, Wellington traded 25-year old RHP Kelvin Hutchinson (63/70) to the Stratford Barons, getting 21-year old minor leaguer OF Mario Castillo (23/68) and 20-year old minor league OF Kevin Wrigley (22/28).

Knee-jerk reaction: Hutchinson is a former first round pick from 1937-38 and has solid stuff, great movement and good control. Despite that, he has never been able to put it all together. He will get a fresh start with Stratford, who has installed him as their no. 5 starter in the rotation.
In Castillo, Wellington gets an above-average singles hitter with jaw-dropping speed and decent defense. He rates as the Athletics’ No. 1 prospect (20th overall).

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The Queensland Eagles currently have the deepest farm system in the United Leagues and are essentially in a holding pattern as their young prospects develop. They have some fine talent on the major league roster, but it’s not enough to compete in the top-heavy East. But the Eagles have had their eye on the next few seasons anyway.

The offense has remained steady (.267/.324/.375 – 5th/6th/4th). The bullpen has improved (3.49/3.41/4.15 – 5th/4th/5th). Queensland has also held steady on defense (.699 – 3rd).

Four Eagles were selected to the All-Star roster: C Dave Wilson (4th), 1B Merlin Teeters (1st), LF Terry Aspden (4th) and CF Jon Moreau (1st).

Top Position Player: 26-year old CF Jon Moreau (.312/.349/.455, 5 HR, 48 RBI, 53 R, 25 BB, 4 SB) continues to prove what a shrewd acquisition he has been. He’s the Eagles’ top position player this season. Queensland acquired him from the Wolseley Unions back in May 1942 in a trade.

Top Pitcher: 35-year old RHP Stewart Colcott (11-11, 2.74 ERA, 1.28 WHIP) has been Queensland’s most consistent pitcher this season. He went 2-3, 1.70 ERA in January. Another starter pitching that was deserving of an all-star selection but was overlooked.

Key Injuries: None.

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To no one’s surprise, the Downie Chiefs have been left far behind (along with Cobourg) in the Eastern League. Just as there’s a 12-game gap between 2nd place Brunswick and 3rd place Braeland City, an 11.5-game gap separates 6th place Queensland and 7th place Downie. Don’t look for Downie to close the gap anytime soon.

The offense (.247/.298/.333 – 8th/8th/7th) has hit rock bottom. The pitching, however, continues to improve (4.06/4.23/3.00 – 7th/7th/2nd) ever so slightly. Also on the positive side, they are tops defensively (.703) overall in the East.

One Chief was selected to the All-Star game: CF Ricardo Castellanos (1st).

Top Position Player: 23-year old OF Ricardo Castellanos (.253/.300/.437, 7 HR, 42 RBI, 43 R, 24 BB) was Downie’s lone representative to the All-Star game this season. The former 2nd round pick (1939-40) is enjoying his best season thus far at the plate and is a very good defender.

Top Pitcher: A tough year for pitchers in Downie. 33-year old LHP Barry Brear (8-12, 3.86 ERA, 1.51 WHIP) has gotten better with each passing month. He went 2-2, 2.86 in January.
Back on January 15, Downie claimed veteran RHP Darwin Monday (7-6, 3.04 ERA, 1.37 WHIP) off waivers from the Cambria Cannons. He is currently the Chiefs No. 1 pitcher in the rotation.

Key Injuries: None.

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The Cobourg Red Stockings continue to struggle as their young players adjust to the major league level. But some are slowly coming along. LF Cliff Jordan (.241), CF Dwayne Whit (.250) and 3B Shelby Cain (.211) have all seen stretches of good performances, particularly Jordan who batted .296 in January. Veteran 3B Mathew Lane (.277), too, has really picked up his game in Dec/Jan.
But Cobourg’s slow start claimed manager Lawrence Luke’s job back on December 14. After back-to-back seasons of 103 and 101 losses, the Red Stockings opted for a change. They replaced Luke with 51-year old Nicholas Willis. Willis previously spent four seasons as the Sherburn Tigers’ bench coach.

[As a side note, it’s interesting that of the 16 teams, 11 of them still have their original manager from their inaugural season.]

The offense saw a modest improvement (.241/.304/.328 – 7th/7th/8th). But the pitching has really regressed (4.41/4.44/4.19 – 8th/8th/6th). The defense has begun to fade as well (.698 – 4th).

For the second consecutive season, Cobourg was not represented at the all-star game.

Top Position Player: 24-year old SS Dennis Borton (.268/.299/.336, 13-3B, 51 RBI, 39 R, 21 BB, 14 SB) would not be the first or second pick on any other team, but for the Red Stockings, he has been the most consistent position player this season. His defensive play has been very strong.

Top Pitcher: 32-year old RHP In-sin Ahn (3-3, 1 SV, 3.49 ERA, 1.54 WHIP) was claimed off of waivers from Stratford back on December 26. In that time, he went 3-1, 2.93 ERA for Cobourg. That’s good enough to be considered the Red Stockings top pitcher for the past two months.

Key Injuries: 24-year old RHP Tom Mayor (0-0, 2 SV, 2.35 ERA, 1.17 WHIP) tore an elbow ligament in a game back on November 7. He is out for at least 3-4 more months.

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03-07-2016, 09:40 PM	#230
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,899	February 1, 1943 Eastern League: Suns Explode, Legends Falter in Two Team Race -------- Despite the quick start by the Brunswick Legends this season, the Embro Suns remained unfazed; in fact, not only did they keep pace with the front-runners, but actually overtook them in January when the Legends began to lose some steam. The Suns are a dangerous team that endured an uncharacteristically slow start to its offense. But its pitching has carried the team thus far. If the offense as a whole picks things up even a little bit, it will not be easy for anyone to wrest first place from their grip. The offense has seen a modest improvement (.257/.336/.360 – 6th/5th/6th) but still has a way to go to being the offense we’re used to seeing from this Suns outfit. The pitching is simply the best in the land (2.94/3.03/2.10 – 1st/2nd/1st – ERA/Starter’s ERA/Bullpen ERA) and the defense has greatly improved (.700 – 2nd). Seven Suns were selected to the All-Star roster: SP Edward Hill (1st selection), SP Myung-gu Son (1st), SP Colm Soper (4th), RP John Palm (5th), 1B Jim Friend (4th), 3B Yoshifumi Tamura (1st) and OF Terence Durney (6th). *Top Position Player:* 1B Jim Friend (.300/.381/.454, 13 HR, 71 RBI, 65 R, 56 BB) returned to form in December, winning Batter of the Month honours. But 3B Yoshifumi Tamura (.315/.402/.478, 8 HR, 43 RBI, 36 R, 46 BB) is also have a great year. *Top Pitcher:* There’s no point in singling out just one pitcher. The staff is having a tremendous season and deserves to be highlighted as they are really carrying this team at the moment: • RHP Colm Soper 13-6, 2.39 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 152 ERA+, • RHP Myung-gu Son 15-6, 2.53 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 143 ERA+, • LHP Edward Hill, 15-6, 2.65 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 137 ERA+, • RHP John Palm, 3-2, 5 SV, 0.73 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 497 ERA+, • LHP Nick Staples, 2-0, 1.24 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 292 ERA+. Not surprisingly, Embro pitchers captured the Pitcher of the Month Award in December (Myung-gu Son) and January (Edward Hill). *Key Injuries:* 35-year old 2B Kian Meadmore (.247/.325/.444, 11 HR, 57 RBI, 39 R, 33 BB) strained his neck muscles while running the bases in a game back on January 2. He is out for another 4 weeks. 35-year old back-up 2B Ramón Lugo (.293/.301/.381, 3 HR, 13 RBI, 18 R, 3 BB) suffered shoulder stiffness from a collision in a game on January 31. He will miss 3 weeks. -------- The Brunswick Legends just got a dose of reality splashed in their face. After cruising through the first three months of the season, the Legends faltered in January, going 10-14. The slide included dropping 3 of 4 to the lowly Cobourg Red Stockings and two of three to the Embro Suns. With the relentless Suns on the heels, they surrendered first place in the East and now trail Embro by 1.5 games. The offense weakened ever so slightly (.275/.342/.394 – 3rd/2nd/1st), while their pitching held steady (2.94/2.79/4.22 – 2nd/1st/7th). Defensively, they collapsed (.683 – 8th). Seven Legends made the All-Star team: SP Matthew Monrow (4th), SP Anastasio Rodríguez (3rd), SP Wilson Villas (1st), RP Roger Battle (1st), 1B Stuart Bentham (3rd), 3B Derek Sakurai (3rd), and RF Mark Elston (4th). *Top Position Player:* RF Mark Elston’s (.346/.472/.584, 19 HR, 76 RBI, 71 R, 90 BB) batting average dipped in December (.244) but returned to form in January (.356). He is currently one of the most productive players in the ULB. He leads the entire United Leagues in batting average, home runs and is tied with Balmoral Giants’ Carlton Broadbent for RBIs. He is also a tough out; in 370 AB thus far, he has struck out just 8 times. Only Wolseley Unions’ RF Nicky Willis has bested him in that department (5 K in 377 AB). *Top Pitcher:* LHP Matthew Monroe (16-2, 2.49 ERA, 1.21 WHIP) was simply outstanding in Dec/Jan, going 7-1, 2.61 ERA. LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (10-9, 2.27 ERA, 1.25 WHIP) was also outstanding, going 4-5, 1.73 ERA. Alas, minor injuries (strained stomach muscles and slight neck strain) and poor run support cut into his stats in January. *Key Injuries:* 26-year old C Maurice Evans (.300/.345/.498, 8 HR, 41 RBI, 31 R, 16 BB) suffered a thigh muscle strain in a collision in a game back on January 6. He is out for two more weeks. Anastasio Rodríguez is out 4 more days with the aforementioned neck strain, suffered on January 30. -------- While the Braeland City Monarchs are being decimated by injuries, they began their rebuilding process, completing three major trades before the trade deadline. In spite of all that, the Monarchs actually improved in the standings and sit 6 games over .500. It means little in the East this season, as the Suns and Legends have practically ran away with the playoff spots, leaving everyone else in their wake. But their determination to remain competitive despite all the travails is remarkable. The offense has been the story (.280/.347/.388 – 1st/1st/2nd) as they have been one of the best offensive units in the East this season. Even the pitching with the exception of the bullpen improved (3.48/3.47/3.68 – 4th/5th/4th). Their defense also saw a modest improvement (.691 – 7th). Seven Monarchs were selected to the All-Star Game: SP David Cooling (4th), SP Max MacColl (5th), RP Samuel Hollier (2nd), C Kane Broom (4th), SS Adam Ashley (4th), LF Scott Kessler (4th) and RF Dwayne Hollinshead (3rd). *Top Position Player:* The starting lineup is practically unrecognizable from the start of the season, due to all the trades and injuries. One of the few familiar faces, 32-year old C Kane Broom (.304/.356/.407, 5 HR, 59 RBI, 50 R, 32 BB), has somehow remained healthy and productive thus far. 23-year old SS Amana Ghera (.321/.378/.396, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 15 R, 9 BB) was called up from AAA Clifton in late November and was inserted into the starting lineup in December. The former 4th rounder from 1938 has filled in quite nicely, winning Rookie of the Month honours in January. *Top Pitcher:* 31-year old LHP Max MacColl (13-8, 2.98 ERA, 1.26 WHIP) is now the ace of the starting rotation, and the 5-time all-star was solid, particularly in December, when he went 5-1, 1.60 ERA. *Key Injuries:* IF Finlay Ridd was injured in a collision at a base in a game back on October 12 and suffered brain fever. He could be back in a couple of days. RHP Lenny Freke (0-2, 6.43 ERA, 1.57 WHIP) was injured while pitching in a game back on October 17. He was diagnosed with shoulder swelling and will miss another week. On November 29, 2B Trevor Bolan (.317/.356/.471, 7 HR, 29 RBI, 37 R, 12 BB, 2 SB) broke his knee cap while running the bases. He is gone for the season (3 months). LF Scott Kessler (.314/.389/.475, 10 HR, 45 RBI, 38 R, 37 BB,) was injured on a defensive play on January 8. He suffered a thigh muscle strain and could be back within a week. SS Adam Ashley (.321/.367/.439, 2 HR, 41 RBI, 45 R, 27 BB, 10 SB) broke a wrist bone in a collision back on December 30. He is out a further 6 weeks. SP David Cooling (12-6, 3.09 ERA, 1.17 WHIP) tore an elbow ligament in a game on January 27. He is gone for at least 6 months. *Key Trade #1:* On December 19, the Monarchs traded 35-year old 3B Louie Hetherington (62/62) to the Cambria Cannons, getting 31-year old SS Thaddeus Vidal (23/23) and 23-year old minor league OF/IF Tony Dunsmore (23/45). *Knee-jerk reaction:* On the surface, it would appear Braeland City’s return for Hetherington was rather light. But despite being a 3-time all-star, Hetherington has regressed every season since his outstanding year in 1937-38, particularly on defense. He has not been the player he could be if he applied himself more (Scouts say he “doesn’t always give 100%”, and his career stats seem to bear that out.) Dunsmore, a 2nd round pick from 1941-42, won’t be much of a contact hitter, but has some pop, a decent eye, great speed and solid defense in the outfield. Vidal is a versatile defender (especially at 2B and SS) but has limited offensive skills. Despite that, he has been outstanding at the plate since the trade (.380/.443/.444, 1 HR, 14 RBI, 14 R, 14 BB). *Key Trade #2:* On January 17, Braeland City traded 29-year old RHP Jin-man Kim (57/60) to the Cambria Cannons, getting 21-year old minor leaguer OF Jesús Ortega (22/69) and 23-year old minor league RHP Harrison Revell (20/23). *Knee-jerk reaction:* Kim (9-6, 4.02 ERA, 1.49 WHIP) has been an absolute workhorse for the Monarchs since their inaugural season and earned an all-star appearance in 1939-40. But he has seen his production decrease over the last couple of seasons. He does not have the best stuff or control, but he does have very good movement. He will serve as Cambria’s No. 3 starter. Braeland City receives a former 1st rounder in Ortega, who has respectable offensive skills with outstanding speed and decent defense. He immediately becomes Braeland City’s top prospect (No. 23 overall in the ULB). Revell meanwhile has above-average stuff and decent command; his movement is a concern however. -------- Like the Monarchs, the Wellington Athletics have embarked on their rebuilding project, completing three major trades before the trade deadline. And like the Monarchs, they actually saw their record improve modestly over Dec/Jan, to go 5 games above .500. The offense has remained consistent (.277/.339/.374 – 2nd/4th/5th), and the pitching has held steady as well (3.66/3.53/4.40 – 5th/5th/6th). Defense improved slightly (.691 – 6th). Four players were selected to the All-Star squad: SP Clyde Boney (5th), C Dylan Watkins (5th), 2B Brian Main (2nd) and SS Thomas Murphy (1st). *Top Position Player:* Brian Main (.318/.364/.488, 11 HR, 64 RBI, 71 R, 32 BB, 13 SB) earned his second all-star appearance and has been the best Athletic so far this season by a healthy margin. 1B Keane Fysh (.322/.405/.488, 7 HR, 55 RBI, 50 R, 51 BB) won the Eastern League Batter of the Month award in January, but he only appeared in 12 games with Wellington after the trade with Cambria. *Top Pitcher:* Once again, 33-year old LHP Clyde Boney (15-4, 2.17 ERA, 1.06 WHIP) was outstanding in Dec/Jan. There is currently a steep drop-off after Boney in the rotation since Wellington traded away two of their key pitchers. *Key Injuries:* LF Kade Limeburner (.273/.369/.429, 5 HR, 29 RBI, 24 R, 24 BB) was injured back on December 1 in a collision. He has brain fever and will miss another 4 weeks. 28-year old SS Charles Halse (.333/.471/.556, 2-3B, 10 RBI, 5 R, 7 BB) tore a knee ligament while running the bases back on January 18. He is gone for the season (6 months). *Key Trade #1:* On December 23, the Athletics traded 29-year old RHP Soren Heinke (38/38) to the Balmoral Giants, getting 20-year old minor leaguer OF Alex Turner (22/59) and 22-year old minor league IF Stuart Upshaw (23/23). *Knee-jerk reaction:* Heinke has been a serviceable pitcher for Wellington over the past 4 years. The former 1939-40 Rookie of the Year Award winner has decent stuff and movement, but his control has always been an issue. The Giants will use him as their No. 3 starter. Turner and Upshaw are nothing special at the plate, but Turner has exceptional speed and solid defense. *Key Trade #2:* On January 18, the Athletics traded 25-year old SS Thomas Murphy (51/63) to the Cambria Cannons, getting 31-year old 1B Keane Fysh (30/30) and 19-year old minor league OF Peter Metcalfe (21/23). *Knee-jerk reaction:* Dumb. Fresh off his first all-star appearance, Wellington trades away their former first rounder for an older one-dimensional player and a minor league lifer. And Wellington is supposed to be rebuilding? How is trading away a solid young player a step forward, if you’re not getting anything comparable in return? Fysh is a former Rookie of the Year Award winner, a 4-time all-star and a Top Fielder Award winner. But his defensive abilities are now practically non-existent. He can still hit, but for how long? And what good does it do Wellington in either the short term or long-term? You’re not a ‘win-now’ team, remember? Meanwhile, Cambria looks to bolster its roster with Murphy (.279/.328/.376, 4 HR, 27 RBI, 63 R, 29 BB, 10 SB) at shortstop and 29-year old IF Rubén Sánchez moving over to 1B to replace Fysh. Great move by Cambria, who haven’t given up their playoff hopes for this season. But just a dumb move made by Wellington, at least in my view. -------- The Stratford Barons stumbled in December and January to fall back into 5th place in the East, 14.5 games back of a wildcard spot. But it would appear the Barons are not giving up on the season, if their recent trade acquisitions are any indication. At the very least, if the Barons are unable to catch Brunswick or Embro this season, there’s always next year. Their window of winning hasn’t closed just yet. Both their offense (.270/.339/.382 – 4th/3rd/3rd) and pitching (3.34/3.34/3.38 – 3rd/3rd/3rd) held steady. Defensively, they are still middle of the road (5th – .693). Five players were selected to the All-Star roster: 2B Bart Wallwin (1st), 3B Nam-cheol Oh (1st), SS Jake Walker (4th) LF Steven Winstanley (3rd) and CF Ben Watson (2nd). *Top Position Player:* 24-year old 2B Bart Wallwin (.290/.335/.455, 7 HR, 37 RBI, 47 R, 20 BB) has been progressing every month. He was his team’s most consistent player over the past two months. 2B Maurice Keyworth (.299/.343/.416, 2 HR, 28 RBI, 40 R, 15 BB, 9 SB) won his second Rookie of the Month honour in December. Alas, he has missed most of January due to an extended injury. *Top Pitcher:* 34-year old LHP Ryan Borden (10-12, 2.64 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) is enjoying another strong season as Stratford’s top pitcher in the rotation. How he was not selected to the All-Star game just baffles me. *Key Injuries:* Maurice Keyworth was injured in a collision in a game back on January 3. He is experiencing recurring back spasms. The initial diagnosis called for him to miss 6 weeks, but on January 25, he suffered a setback. He is out for a further 3 weeks. *Key Trade #1:* On December 23, the Monarchs traded 29-year old RHP Leo Bonfield (61/61) to the Stratford Barons, getting 19-year old minor leaguer OF Carlos Ruíz (21/37) and 24-year old minor league OF Antony Tolmie (23/27). *Knee-jerk reaction:* Bonfield (6-4, 3.33 ERA, 1.42 WHIP) probably deserves a much better fate. A one-time 20-game winner and all-star, he never had the stuff to be an ace, but he is still a capable pitcher. But his production has decreased the last couple of seasons and the Monarchs deemed him expendable. As of right now, the Barons have buried him deep within their bullpen. Whether that’s just temporary or speaks of their poor estimation of him remains to be seen. The Monarchs receive a competent hitter and defender in OF Ruíz, and a mediocre IF/OF in Tolmie. Bonfied is the real prize in this trade, even if the Barons don’t agree with me. *Key Trade #2:* On January 12, Wellington traded 25-year old RHP Kelvin Hutchinson (63/70) to the Stratford Barons, getting 21-year old minor leaguer OF Mario Castillo (23/68) and 20-year old minor league OF Kevin Wrigley (22/28). *Knee-jerk reaction:* Hutchinson is a former first round pick from 1937-38 and has solid stuff, great movement and good control. Despite that, he has never been able to put it all together. He will get a fresh start with Stratford, who has installed him as their no. 5 starter in the rotation. In Castillo, Wellington gets an above-average singles hitter with jaw-dropping speed and decent defense. He rates as the Athletics’ No. 1 prospect (20th overall). -------- The Queensland Eagles currently have the deepest farm system in the United Leagues and are essentially in a holding pattern as their young prospects develop. They have some fine talent on the major league roster, but it’s not enough to compete in the top-heavy East. But the Eagles have had their eye on the next few seasons anyway. The offense has remained steady (.267/.324/.375 – 5th/6th/4th). The bullpen has improved (3.49/3.41/4.15 – 5th/4th/5th). Queensland has also held steady on defense (.699 – 3rd). Four Eagles were selected to the All-Star roster: C Dave Wilson (4th), 1B Merlin Teeters (1st), LF Terry Aspden (4th) and CF Jon Moreau (1st). *Top Position Player:* 26-year old CF Jon Moreau (.312/.349/.455, 5 HR, 48 RBI, 53 R, 25 BB, 4 SB) continues to prove what a shrewd acquisition he has been. He’s the Eagles’ top position player this season. Queensland acquired him from the Wolseley Unions back in May 1942 in a trade. *Top Pitcher:* 35-year old RHP Stewart Colcott (11-11, 2.74 ERA, 1.28 WHIP) has been Queensland’s most consistent pitcher this season. He went 2-3, 1.70 ERA in January. Another starter pitching that was deserving of an all-star selection but was overlooked. *Key Injuries:* None. -------- To no one’s surprise, the Downie Chiefs have been left far behind (along with Cobourg) in the Eastern League. Just as there’s a 12-game gap between 2nd place Brunswick and 3rd place Braeland City, an 11.5-game gap separates 6th place Queensland and 7th place Downie. Don’t look for Downie to close the gap anytime soon. The offense (.247/.298/.333 – 8th/8th/7th) has hit rock bottom. The pitching, however, continues to improve (4.06/4.23/3.00 – 7th/7th/2nd) ever so slightly. Also on the positive side, they are tops defensively (.703) overall in the East. One Chief was selected to the All-Star game: CF Ricardo Castellanos (1st). *Top Position Player:* 23-year old OF Ricardo Castellanos (.253/.300/.437, 7 HR, 42 RBI, 43 R, 24 BB) was Downie’s lone representative to the All-Star game this season. The former 2nd round pick (1939-40) is enjoying his best season thus far at the plate and is a very good defender. *Top Pitcher:* A tough year for pitchers in Downie. 33-year old LHP Barry Brear (8-12, 3.86 ERA, 1.51 WHIP) has gotten better with each passing month. He went 2-2, 2.86 in January. Back on January 15, Downie claimed veteran RHP Darwin Monday (7-6, 3.04 ERA, 1.37 WHIP) off waivers from the Cambria Cannons. He is currently the Chiefs No. 1 pitcher in the rotation. *Key Injuries:* None. -------- The Cobourg Red Stockings continue to struggle as their young players adjust to the major league level. But some are slowly coming along. LF Cliff Jordan (.241), CF Dwayne Whit (.250) and 3B Shelby Cain (.211) have all seen stretches of good performances, particularly Jordan who batted .296 in January. Veteran 3B Mathew Lane (.277), too, has really picked up his game in Dec/Jan. But Cobourg’s slow start claimed manager Lawrence Luke’s job back on December 14. After back-to-back seasons of 103 and 101 losses, the Red Stockings opted for a change. They replaced Luke with 51-year old Nicholas Willis. Willis previously spent four seasons as the Sherburn Tigers’ bench coach. [As a side note, it’s interesting that of the 16 teams, 11 of them still have their original manager from their inaugural season.] The offense saw a modest improvement (.241/.304/.328 – 7th/7th/8th). But the pitching has really regressed (4.41/4.44/4.19 – 8th/8th/6th). The defense has begun to fade as well (.698 – 4th). For the second consecutive season, Cobourg was not represented at the all-star game. *Top Position Player:* 24-year old SS Dennis Borton (.268/.299/.336, 13-3B, 51 RBI, 39 R, 21 BB, 14 SB) would not be the first or second pick on any other team, but for the Red Stockings, he has been the most consistent position player this season. His defensive play has been very strong. *Top Pitcher:* 32-year old RHP In-sin Ahn (3-3, 1 SV, 3.49 ERA, 1.54 WHIP) was claimed off of waivers from Stratford back on December 26. In that time, he went 3-1, 2.93 ERA for Cobourg. That’s good enough to be considered the Red Stockings top pitcher for the past two months. *Key Injuries:* 24-year old RHP Tom Mayor (0-0, 2 SV, 2.35 ERA, 1.17 WHIP) tore an elbow ligament in a game back on November 7. He is out for at least 3-4 more months. -------- __________________ United Leagues of Braeland Last edited by reds1; 07-05-2017 at 12:08 AM.