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reds1 · 05-02-2016, 06:00 PM

After 9 'glorious' years of Vista, I finally got a new computer with Windows 10 last Friday. OOTP16 and my league appear to have survived the changeover just fine (thankfully). I also got a 2-TB WD Passport for backup purposes. Now I just need to make sure I use it!

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February 1, 1944

Eastern League: Legends Embark on a ‘Dynasty’

A League that was once dominated by the Embro Suns and Brunswick Legends over the past couple of years appeared poised to see a changing of the guard in the early going of the season. But while the Suns have continued to struggle, the Legends have battled their way back into contention. All-in-all, four teams appear to be in contention at this point in the East, hopefully setting up an exciting final run for the playoffs.

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The Stratford Barons remain the standard-bearers in the East and enjoy a 5-game cushion while holding down top spot. But they cannot afford to let their guard down, as three other teams remain within striking distance.

Six Barons were invited to the All-star game: LHP Ryan Borden (3rd appearance), LHP Joel Fearn (5th), RHP Donn Griffin (1st), 1B Don Adkins (3rd), 2B Maurice Keyworth (1st), and SS Jake Walker (5th).

Offense: .270/.344/.365 (2nd/2nd/3rd);
Pitching: 2.86/2.76/3.60 (1st/1st/6th – ERA/Starter’s ERA/Bullpen ERA);
Defense: .690 (6th).

Top Position Player: 32-year old 1B Don Adkins (.300/.397/.573, 15 HR, 54 RBI, 38 R, 46 BB) leads the Eastern League in homeruns and is enjoying the best season of his career. In 1941-42, he finished with 2.9 WAR in 139 games. After 84 games this season, he already has 2.9 WAR.

Top Pitcher: The Barons’ rotation has been outstanding this season, boasting three current all-stars. But 33- year old LHP Joel Fearn (14-4, 1.49 ERA, 0.95 WHIP) has just been sensational. His previous best season was in 1941-42, when he went 25-8, 2.61 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 2.89 FIP, 8.3 WAR, 152 ERA+ and finished second in the EL Satchel Paige Award voting. But this season, he is sporting a 2.45 FIP, 6.2 WAR and 242 ERA+ with still two months two go.

Key Injuries: 39-year old LHP Raúl Lucero (0-1, 2 SV, 5.71 ERA, 1.85 WHIP) strained his thigh back on December 1. He is out 4 more weeks.

24-year old C Geoff Lemoine (.270/.374/.345, 3 HR, 30 RBI, 21 R, 46 BB) suffered an undisclosed injury on January 31. He will miss 2-3 weeks. The scuttlebutt is that he injured himself while attempting to tear a phonebook in half.

Key Trade: January 30 with the Downie Chiefs.

To Stratford – 25-year old RHP Willem Dowling (67/67 – 2-7, 3.05 ERA, 1.52 WHIP).
To Downie – two minor league players:
• 19-year old IF Ethan Morrall (22/44) and
• 20-year old SS Dan Hoskins (21/27).

Knee-jerk reaction: The bullpen is the one notable area of weakness for Stratford, and with the venerable 42-year old RHP Larry Parrish (3-7, 5 SV, 4.42 ERA, 2.02 WHIP) finally showing his age, the Barons made a move to try and shore things up. Dowling will never be a shut-down option from the bullpen – his stuff is merely average and he tends to work up high pitch counts leading to a lot of walks. It remains to be seen if he can be more effective on a playoff caliber team.
In return, Downie receives a couple of potential platoon players whose strengths are both defense and speed. But neither of them will make a dent in the Chiefs’ prospect pool.

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For the first time that I can recall in all my OOTP playing, a team has announced that they have set their team focus to ‘Build a Dynasty!’ – with an exclamation mark yet! I never knew that was an option (I was just aware of ‘rebuild’, ‘neutral’ or ‘win now’). Brunswick has won the United Cup the past two seasons, but has yet to finish first. A similar scenario is shaping up again as the Legends have stormed back into contention, a half game up on the Queensland Eagles. Both the offense and pitching have picked things up in that past couple of months, where the Brunswick Legends have won 34 games, second best in the ULB. If they keep it up, then they just may challenge the Barons for first.

The Legends sent 5 representatives to the All-star game: LHP Mathew Monroe (5th), LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (4th), RHP Luke Woodward (1st), SS Matthew Shelley (4th), and RF Mark Elston (5th).

Offense: .268/.340/.373 (3rd/3rd/2nd);
Pitching: 3.09/2.98/4.10 (2nd/2nd/7th);
Defense: .695 (5th).

Top Position Player: 29-year old SS Matthew Shelley (.337/.339/.470, 4 HR, 41 RBI, 35 R, 35 BB) has been simply outstanding for the Legends this season and leads the entire United Leagues in batting average. But the Legends also got a boost from recently acquired LF Terry Aspden (.270/.362/.422, 8 HR, 54 RBI, 59 R, 57 BB, 5 SB), who came alive in January, winning Batter of the Month honours.

Top Pitcher: The rotation is firing on all cylinders right now, as ace LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (14-6, 2.09 ERA, 1.17 WHIP) and LHP Matthew Monroe (12-7, 2.99 ERA, 1.24 WHIP) won consecutive Pitcher of the Month honours in December/January.

Key Injuries: RF Mark Elston (.285/.403/.457, 10 HR, 51 RBI, 50 R, 69 BB) strained a thigh on a defensive play back on January 30. He is out for 3 weeks.

Key Trade #1: December 6 with the Wellington Athletics.

To Brunswick – 25-year old RHP Luke Woodward (76/80 – 4-8, 12 SV, 2.78 ERA, 1.51 WHIP).
To Wellington – four minor league players:
• 21-year old RHP Finlay Capstick (26/78);
• 20-year old OF Martín García (22/23);
• 20-year old OF Francisco Fernández (22/46) and
• 21-year old OF Atamu Apekaloma (22/30).

Knee-jerk reaction: Oh, look – its Woodward, again. But this time it appears Woodward has finally settled in to being a reliable relief pitcher and is enjoying his best season, qualifying for his first all-star appearance and leading the Eastern League in saves. But that still did not stop the Athletics from unloading him for the second time (it’s the seventh trade that Woodward has been involved with).
For Brunswick, they get a relief pitcher that appears to have finally found his game and that can help shore up a sore area for the Legends.
Meanwhile, Wellington gets a young promising relief pitcher in Capstick, a former second rounder from 1940-41. He combines great stuff and excellent control with OK movement. The fact that he is a popular player among teammates also doesn’t hurt.

Key Trade #2: January 18 with the Queensland Eagles.

To Brunswick – 29-year old OF Terry Aspden (68/70).
To Queensland – two minor league players:
• 20-year old OF Elton Limby (22/51) and
• 20-year old IF Sze Fang (23/49).

Knee-jerk reaction: Aspden, who was with the Eagles since Day 1, started off slowly this year, and it appears that was the signal for Queensland to cut ties, even though he still qualified for the all-star game. The Eagles have a couple of young promising outfielders in 22-year old Héctor García and former first-round pick 22-year old Marcus Maundrell to step in, but it remains to be seen if they can replace Aspden’s production right away.
Brunswick meanwhile is obviously in a ‘win-now’ mode and are benefitting tremendously from Aspden’s hot streak that began in January. The Legends may not have a farm system to speak of at the moment (they have absolutely no prospects to speak), but that’s not exactly their top priority. They want to win now, and Aspden is doing just that.

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The Queensland Eagles remained competitive as December and January wore on, but with the resurgence of Brunswick, the Eagles find themselves a half-game back of the wildcard. They also took a gamble in trading established all-star Terry Aspden to those very same Legends. How foolhardy a move that was depends on how Queensland’s young prospects can adjust to the major league level and whether the Eagles were really interested in making the playoffs this year.

Queensland sent 6 players to the All-star game: RHP Francisco López (1st), RHP Pi-ao Quian (1st), C Elijah Sheppard (1st), LF Terry Aspden (5th), and CF Jon Moreau (2nd) and RF Aaron Flanagan (3rd).

Offense: .262/.325/.354 (4th/6th/4th);
Pitching: 3.17/3.01/4.56 (4th/6th/8th);
Defense: .699 (4th).

Top Position Player: Although he has slowed down some – just like the rest of the team – C Elijah Sheppard (.279/.329/.434, 9 HR, 48 RBI, 44 R, 25 BB), continues to set the pace, despite being a rookie. His play has so pleased the Eagles that they went ahead and unloaded veteran C Dave Wilson to Cambria (more on that in the Cambria section).

Top Pitcher: Although Queensland’s pitching has cooled down a little, there was still some solid efforts. 36-year old RHP Steward Colcott (12-10, 3.46 ERA, 1.36 WHIP) bounced back from a rough November (1-5, 5.62 ERA) to go 7-3, 2.66 in Dec/Jan.
4th starter, 22-year old RHP Okura Suzuki (8-8, 2.81 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) went 3-1, 1.69 ERA in five starts in January.

Key Injuries: 30-year old RF Aaron Flanagan (.271/.375/.399, 5 HR, 40 RBI, 39 R, 48 BB) tore his knee joint while running the bases back on January 20. He is out 3 more weeks.

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Lost in the battle between the pace-setting Stratford Barons and surging Brunswick Legends, are the Braeland City Monarchs who have quietly put together one of the most balanced teams in the East this year. While their pitching got off to a slow start, it has become a strength in the past two months to nicely compliment the top performing offense. If the pitching continues to improve, the Monarchs may find themselves closing that 3 game gap between themselves and the wildcard. But that means trying to overcome a red-hot Brunswick team, which appears easier said than done.

Five Monarchs were selected to play in this year’s All-star game: C Kane Broom (4th), 1B Dean Bishop (1st), 2B Trevor Bolen (2nd), SS Adam Ashley (5th), and CF Scott Kessler (5th).

Offense: .278/.344/.384 (1st/1st/1st);
Pitching: 3.42/3.46/2.96 (4th/4th/2nd);
Defense: .699 (3rd).

Top Position Player: 29-year old 1B Dean Bishop (.326/.427/.518, 14 HR, 79 RBI, 57 R, 67 BB) is having by far his best season in the United Leagues and won his second Batter of the Month Award in December. Bishop leads the Eastern League in 9 offensive categories and is having a solid season defensively as well. He has already earned 5.1 WAR this season with two months to go. His previous best was 4.1 WAR in 1939-40. It’s no surprise that he is rated the top first baseman in the ULB.

Top Pitcher: The good news for Braeland City is that their pitching has really improved over December/January to help them stay relevant. Leading the resurgence is LHP David Cooling (13-9, 3.54 ERA, 1.27 WHIP), LHP Max MacColl (12-9, 3.58 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) and RHP Lenny Freke (11-8, 2.86 ERA, 1.25 WHIP). Over the past two months, Cooling went 8-1, 1.50 ERA; MacColl 6-4, 2.56 ERA and Freke 6-3, 1.66 ERA.

Key Injuries: 2B Trevor Bolen (.308/.337/.449, 7 HR, 36 RBI, 47 R, 12 BB, 9 SB) fractured his hand on a defensive play back on December 14. He is out a further 3 weeks.

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The second division in the Eastern League is currently led by the Wellington Athletics who have begun their rebuilding process and strengthen their farm system. They’ve made a few trades already (including one worth commenting on) and have a few more players on the trading block. In the midst of it all, the offense has picked up a bit in December and January while the pitching has leveled off. But the defense remains top-notch.

Three Athletics participated in this year’s All-star game: LHP Clyde Boney (6th), C Dylan Watkins (6th), and 1B Keane Fysh (5th).

Offense: .261/.326/.336 (5th/5th/7th);
Pitching: 3.55/3.68/2.55 (5th/5th/1st);
Defense: .706 (1st).

Top Position Player: 32-year old 3B Ryley McLarnon (.265/.300/.382, 3 HR, 46 RBI, 39 R, 18 BB, 12 SB) started off slowly this season, but got it going in January, batting .311/.360/.425. But it’s his defense at the hot corner that has really shined (3.28 RNG, +11.1 ZR, 1.064 EFF) and gives him the nod; especially since C Dylan Watkins was traded to Embro.

Top Pitcher: The rotation cooled off over the past couple of months, after starting the season strong. Bucking that trend though was 5th starter 29-year old RHP Craig Martin (8-9, 3.54 ERA, 1.45 WHIP). After starting the season 0-8, 5.25 ERA, Martin went 8-1, 2.13 ERA in Dec/Jan. That included his first career shut-out, a 1-0 victory over the Cobourg Red Stockings on January 3. Martin gave up 6 hits with 3 K and 3 BB. A minor league signing back in 1939, Martin spent 3 and half seasons in the minors before being called up to Wellington late last season.

Key Injuries: RF Spencer Marsland (.245/.295/.306, 7-2B, 12 RBI, 39 R, 19 BB, 11 SB) tore a finger tendon back on December 20. He is out 7 more weeks.

Key Trade: January 12 with the Embro Suns.

To Embro – 33-year old C Dylan Watkins (63/63 – .277/.319/.385, 5 HR, 50 RBI, 35 R, 27 BB).
To Wellington – three minor league players:
• 22-year old RHP Arthur Collier (33/77);
• 18-year old C Stuart Waycott (21/45) and
• 23-year old RHP Edward Skerrett (20/24).

Knee-jerk reaction: Watkins is a 6-time all-star and has been a reliable backstop for the Athletics. But with Wellington in the midst of a rebuild, the club handed catching duties to their young prospect 23-year old C Mick Gunnis, a second-round pick from 1940-41. Watkins is the upgrade that Embro has been searching for, but it’s debatable how much of a difference he can make with a team where nothing has gone right this year.
Wellington receives a quality reliever prospect in Collier and a hum-drum young catcher in Waycott. The return is a little underwhelming for an established star like Watkins in my opinion.

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The Cobourg Red Stockings’ flirtation with first place in the East earlier this season seems like a distant memory, as the Red Stockings have faded to 6th place. While the pitching has improved somewhat, the offense cooled off in Dec/Jan. But Cobourg has top-tier talent in the lineup. Three 1st-overall picks are currently on their 25-man roster: SS John Medley (.219/.230/.297), 3B Shelby Cain (.268/.332/.398) and 2B Alexander Tolmie (.291/.342/.433), who are all in various stages of progress. If they and Cobourg’s other youngsters can catch fire, then the Red Stockings will be one of the most dynamic offense teams in the United Leagues. But for all their young talent in the lineup, they are short on pitching prospects which could hold them back if they don’t address the issue soon.

3B Shelby Cain (1st) was Cobourg’s lone representative to this year’s all-star game.

Offense: .261/.310/.350 (6th/7th/5th);
Pitching: 3.93/4.04/3.21 (8th/8th/4th);
Defense: .690 (7th).

Top Position Player: Cain’s selection to the all-star game notwithstanding, Cobourg’s best player overall has so far been C Neil Voigt (.291/.336/.393, 6 HR, 42 RBI, 29 R, 22 BB) Cain has been up-and-down this season. If he could produce more consistently, then he will easily become one of the ULB’s most dynamic and exciting young players.

Top Pitcher: Not much to choose from, as no pitcher has performed consistently the past two months. I’ll go with RHP Pedro Gómez (8-10, 3.30 ERA, 1.28 WHIP) again, as he was terrific in December (2-2, 1.97 ERA). Gómez pitched a 5-hit shut-out on December 31 against the Downie Chiefs, with 3 K and 1 BB. No doubt he would benefit immensely from an offense that was even just a little bit more consistent.

Key Injuries: None.

Noteworthy: He’s still trying to get his bearings, but 1st overall pick 22-year old SS John Medley (.219/.230/.297, 7-2B, 16 RBI, 15 R, 4 BB, 15 SB) had a couple of nice outings to take note off, both against the Embro Suns. On November 22, he went 4-5 with 1 RBI and 1 R. On January 19, he also went 4-5 with 3 RBI and 2 R.

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The Embro Suns are an enigma. They sent seven players to the all-star game, more than any team in the East and yet are sinking further into irrelevance, winning just 9 games in January. That is not an aberration, as it was the second time they won fewer than 10 games in a month this season. They haven’t stood pat either, acquiring quality players like C Dylan Watkins, 3B Britt Wing and RHP Oscar Burress in trades. But all to no avail. The Suns are just 3.5 games out of last place in the East, something unthinkable as recent as last season. Things certainly haven’t gone their way, as their Pyt. Record is 52-52, a difference of 8 games, the most of any team in the ULB. (The Fort Richmond Generals stand at -4 and the Balmoral Giants are a +6).

Seven Suns were invited to the All-star game: RHP Oscar Burress (6th), RHP John Palm (6th), RHP Colm Soper (6th), 1B Jim Friend (5th), SS Gary Watkinson (5th), LF Charles Usherwood (1st) and CF Terence Durney (7th).

Offense: .258/.331/.347 (7th/4th/6th);
Pitching: 3.81/3.87/3.34 (6th/6th/5th);
Defense: .686 (8th).

Top Position Player: 1B Jim Friend (.289/.365/.446, 12 HR, 70 RBI, 65 R, 52 BB) has picked things up in the past few months to be Embro’s top offensive player, but this season has been a step down from his established level of excellence. Embro sure would like to see him and some of his other teammates find their groove again.
One bright spot was rookie 2B José Sánchez, who has been called up from AAA a couple of times this season, but enjoyed more playing time in January and responded by winning the Rookie of the Month Award.

Top Pitcher: The Suns are not regretting the trade they made to get RHP Oscar Burress (13-8, 2.75 ERA, 1.20 WHIP). He has been their most consistent starter and went 4-1, 2.40 ERA in December.

Key Injuries: Kian Meadmore (.239/.323/.364, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 10 R, 11 BB) broke his hand in a collision back on November 1. He could be back in 4 days.

31-year old RHP Chris Sappington (6-6, 4.01 ERA, 1.55 WHIP) tore his shoulder joint while pitching in a game back on December 18. He is gone 2-3 more months.

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Unlike the Embro Suns, there is no mystery as to why the Downie Chiefs are struggling. They are simply not a very good team, but they are young and are gathering prospects to hopefully improve their fortunes in the not-too-distant future. In the meantime, times will be lean.

Two Chiefs participated in this year’s All-star game: 3B Elliot Tugby (1st) and RF Ricardo Castellanos (2nd).

Offense: .247/.301/.321 (8th/8th/8th);
Pitching: 3.83/3.94/3.19 (7th/7th/3rd);
Defense: .702 (2nd).

Top Position Player: The two all-stars for Downie are far and away the Chiefs’ best players. 24-year old RF Ricardo Castellanos (.296/.351/.414, 3 HR, 36 RBI, 42 R, 30 BB, 8 SB) and 25-year old 3B Elliot Tugby (.277/.341/.372, 1 HR, 28 RBI, 41 R, 35 BB, 15 SB) are tied for the team lead with 3.3 WAR. No one has more than 1.5 WAR, including pitchers. Tugby, in particular, is having another Top Fielder Award-worthy season (3.13 RNG, +12.5 ZR, 1.067 EFF).

Top Pitcher: The choices are underwhelming, but 32-year old RHP Reece Abberley (9-13, 3.44 ERA, 1.29 WAR) is now considered Downie’s top starter. After going 1-4, 4.38 ERA in Decmeber, Abberley bounced back in January (3-3, 2.19 ERA).
After starting off fairly strong, RHP Darwin Monday (10-12, 3.97 ERA, 1.45 WHIP) had a forgetful December (2-5, 6.50 ERA). But he too bounced back in January (2-2, 3.14 ERA).

Key Injuries: None.

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05-02-2016, 06:00 PM	#255
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,926	After 9 'glorious' years of Vista, I finally got a new computer with Windows 10 last Friday. OOTP16 and my league appear to have survived the changeover just fine (thankfully). I also got a 2-TB WD Passport for backup purposes. Now I just need to make sure I use it! --------------------------------------- February 1, 1944 Eastern League: Legends Embark on a ‘Dynasty’ A League that was once dominated by the Embro Suns and Brunswick Legends over the past couple of years appeared poised to see a changing of the guard in the early going of the season. But while the Suns have continued to struggle, the Legends have battled their way back into contention. All-in-all, four teams appear to be in contention at this point in the East, hopefully setting up an exciting final run for the playoffs. -------- The Stratford Barons remain the standard-bearers in the East and enjoy a 5-game cushion while holding down top spot. But they cannot afford to let their guard down, as three other teams remain within striking distance. Six Barons were invited to the All-star game: LHP Ryan Borden (3rd appearance), LHP Joel Fearn (5th), RHP Donn Griffin (1st), 1B Don Adkins (3rd), 2B Maurice Keyworth (1st), and SS Jake Walker (5th). Offense: .270/.344/.365 (2nd/2nd/3rd); Pitching: 2.86/2.76/3.60 (1st/1st/6th – ERA/Starter’s ERA/Bullpen ERA); Defense: .690 (6th). *Top Position Player:* 32-year old 1B Don Adkins (.300/.397/.573, 15 HR, 54 RBI, 38 R, 46 BB) leads the Eastern League in homeruns and is enjoying the best season of his career. In 1941-42, he finished with 2.9 WAR in 139 games. After 84 games this season, he already has 2.9 WAR. *Top Pitcher:* The Barons’ rotation has been outstanding this season, boasting three current all-stars. But 33- year old LHP Joel Fearn (14-4, 1.49 ERA, 0.95 WHIP) has just been sensational. His previous best season was in 1941-42, when he went 25-8, 2.61 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 2.89 FIP, 8.3 WAR, 152 ERA+ and finished second in the EL Satchel Paige Award voting. But this season, he is sporting a 2.45 FIP, 6.2 WAR and 242 ERA+ with still two months two go. *Key Injuries:* 39-year old LHP Raúl Lucero (0-1, 2 SV, 5.71 ERA, 1.85 WHIP) strained his thigh back on December 1. He is out 4 more weeks. 24-year old C Geoff Lemoine (.270/.374/.345, 3 HR, 30 RBI, 21 R, 46 BB) suffered an undisclosed injury on January 31. He will miss 2-3 weeks. The scuttlebutt is that he injured himself while attempting to tear a phonebook in half. *Key Trade:* January 30 with the Downie Chiefs. To Stratford – 25-year old RHP Willem Dowling (67/67 – 2-7, 3.05 ERA, 1.52 WHIP). To Downie – two minor league players: • 19-year old IF Ethan Morrall (22/44) and • 20-year old SS Dan Hoskins (21/27). *Knee-jerk reaction:* The bullpen is the one notable area of weakness for Stratford, and with the venerable 42-year old RHP Larry Parrish (3-7, 5 SV, 4.42 ERA, 2.02 WHIP) finally showing his age, the Barons made a move to try and shore things up. Dowling will never be a shut-down option from the bullpen – his stuff is merely average and he tends to work up high pitch counts leading to a lot of walks. It remains to be seen if he can be more effective on a playoff caliber team. In return, Downie receives a couple of potential platoon players whose strengths are both defense and speed. But neither of them will make a dent in the Chiefs’ prospect pool. -------- For the first time that I can recall in all my OOTP playing, a team has announced that they have set their team focus to ‘Build a Dynasty!’ – with an exclamation mark yet! I never knew that was an option (I was just aware of ‘rebuild’, ‘neutral’ or ‘win now’). Brunswick has won the United Cup the past two seasons, but has yet to finish first. A similar scenario is shaping up again as the Legends have stormed back into contention, a half game up on the Queensland Eagles. Both the offense and pitching have picked things up in that past couple of months, where the Brunswick Legends have won 34 games, second best in the ULB. If they keep it up, then they just may challenge the Barons for first. The Legends sent 5 representatives to the All-star game: LHP Mathew Monroe (5th), LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (4th), RHP Luke Woodward (1st), SS Matthew Shelley (4th), and RF Mark Elston (5th). Offense: .268/.340/.373 (3rd/3rd/2nd); Pitching: 3.09/2.98/4.10 (2nd/2nd/7th); Defense: .695 (5th). *Top Position Player:* 29-year old SS Matthew Shelley (.337/.339/.470, 4 HR, 41 RBI, 35 R, 35 BB) has been simply outstanding for the Legends this season and leads the entire United Leagues in batting average. But the Legends also got a boost from recently acquired LF Terry Aspden (.270/.362/.422, 8 HR, 54 RBI, 59 R, 57 BB, 5 SB), who came alive in January, winning Batter of the Month honours. *Top Pitcher:* The rotation is firing on all cylinders right now, as ace LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (14-6, 2.09 ERA, 1.17 WHIP) and LHP Matthew Monroe (12-7, 2.99 ERA, 1.24 WHIP) won consecutive Pitcher of the Month honours in December/January. *Key Injuries:* RF Mark Elston (.285/.403/.457, 10 HR, 51 RBI, 50 R, 69 BB) strained a thigh on a defensive play back on January 30. He is out for 3 weeks. *Key Trade #1:* December 6 with the Wellington Athletics. To Brunswick – 25-year old RHP Luke Woodward (76/80 – 4-8, 12 SV, 2.78 ERA, 1.51 WHIP). To Wellington – four minor league players: • 21-year old RHP Finlay Capstick (26/78); • 20-year old OF Martín García (22/23); • 20-year old OF Francisco Fernández (22/46) and • 21-year old OF Atamu Apekaloma (22/30). Knee-jerk reaction: Oh, look – its Woodward, again. But this time it appears Woodward has finally settled in to being a reliable relief pitcher and is enjoying his best season, qualifying for his first all-star appearance and leading the Eastern League in saves. But that still did not stop the Athletics from unloading him for the second time (it’s the seventh trade that Woodward has been involved with). For Brunswick, they get a relief pitcher that appears to have finally found his game and that can help shore up a sore area for the Legends. Meanwhile, Wellington gets a young promising relief pitcher in Capstick, a former second rounder from 1940-41. He combines great stuff and excellent control with OK movement. The fact that he is a popular player among teammates also doesn’t hurt. *Key Trade #2:* January 18 with the Queensland Eagles. To Brunswick – 29-year old OF Terry Aspden (68/70). To Queensland – two minor league players: • 20-year old OF Elton Limby (22/51) and • 20-year old IF Sze Fang (23/49). *Knee-jerk reaction:* Aspden, who was with the Eagles since Day 1, started off slowly this year, and it appears that was the signal for Queensland to cut ties, even though he still qualified for the all-star game. The Eagles have a couple of young promising outfielders in 22-year old Héctor García and former first-round pick 22-year old Marcus Maundrell to step in, but it remains to be seen if they can replace Aspden’s production right away. Brunswick meanwhile is obviously in a ‘win-now’ mode and are benefitting tremendously from Aspden’s hot streak that began in January. The Legends may not have a farm system to speak of at the moment (they have absolutely no prospects to speak), but that’s not exactly their top priority. They want to win now, and Aspden is doing just that. -------- The Queensland Eagles remained competitive as December and January wore on, but with the resurgence of Brunswick, the Eagles find themselves a half-game back of the wildcard. They also took a gamble in trading established all-star Terry Aspden to those very same Legends. How foolhardy a move that was depends on how Queensland’s young prospects can adjust to the major league level and whether the Eagles were really interested in making the playoffs this year. Queensland sent 6 players to the All-star game: RHP Francisco López (1st), RHP Pi-ao Quian (1st), C Elijah Sheppard (1st), LF Terry Aspden (5th), and CF Jon Moreau (2nd) and RF Aaron Flanagan (3rd). Offense: .262/.325/.354 (4th/6th/4th); Pitching: 3.17/3.01/4.56 (4th/6th/8th); Defense: .699 (4th). *Top Position Player:* Although he has slowed down some – just like the rest of the team – C Elijah Sheppard (.279/.329/.434, 9 HR, 48 RBI, 44 R, 25 BB), continues to set the pace, despite being a rookie. His play has so pleased the Eagles that they went ahead and unloaded veteran C Dave Wilson to Cambria (more on that in the Cambria section). *Top Pitcher:* Although Queensland’s pitching has cooled down a little, there was still some solid efforts. 36-year old RHP Steward Colcott (12-10, 3.46 ERA, 1.36 WHIP) bounced back from a rough November (1-5, 5.62 ERA) to go 7-3, 2.66 in Dec/Jan. 4th starter, 22-year old RHP Okura Suzuki (8-8, 2.81 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) went 3-1, 1.69 ERA in five starts in January. *Key Injuries:* 30-year old RF Aaron Flanagan (.271/.375/.399, 5 HR, 40 RBI, 39 R, 48 BB) tore his knee joint while running the bases back on January 20. He is out 3 more weeks. -------- Lost in the battle between the pace-setting Stratford Barons and surging Brunswick Legends, are the Braeland City Monarchs who have quietly put together one of the most balanced teams in the East this year. While their pitching got off to a slow start, it has become a strength in the past two months to nicely compliment the top performing offense. If the pitching continues to improve, the Monarchs may find themselves closing that 3 game gap between themselves and the wildcard. But that means trying to overcome a red-hot Brunswick team, which appears easier said than done. Five Monarchs were selected to play in this year’s All-star game: C Kane Broom (4th), 1B Dean Bishop (1st), 2B Trevor Bolen (2nd), SS Adam Ashley (5th), and CF Scott Kessler (5th). Offense: .278/.344/.384 (1st/1st/1st); Pitching: 3.42/3.46/2.96 (4th/4th/2nd); Defense: .699 (3rd). *Top Position Player:* 29-year old 1B Dean Bishop (.326/.427/.518, 14 HR, 79 RBI, 57 R, 67 BB) is having by far his best season in the United Leagues and won his second Batter of the Month Award in December. Bishop leads the Eastern League in 9 offensive categories and is having a solid season defensively as well. He has already earned 5.1 WAR this season with two months to go. His previous best was 4.1 WAR in 1939-40. It’s no surprise that he is rated the top first baseman in the ULB. *Top Pitcher:* The good news for Braeland City is that their pitching has really improved over December/January to help them stay relevant. Leading the resurgence is LHP David Cooling (13-9, 3.54 ERA, 1.27 WHIP), LHP Max MacColl (12-9, 3.58 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) and RHP Lenny Freke (11-8, 2.86 ERA, 1.25 WHIP). Over the past two months, Cooling went 8-1, 1.50 ERA; MacColl 6-4, 2.56 ERA and Freke 6-3, 1.66 ERA. *Key Injuries:* 2B Trevor Bolen (.308/.337/.449, 7 HR, 36 RBI, 47 R, 12 BB, 9 SB) fractured his hand on a defensive play back on December 14. He is out a further 3 weeks. -------- The second division in the Eastern League is currently led by the Wellington Athletics who have begun their rebuilding process and strengthen their farm system. They’ve made a few trades already (including one worth commenting on) and have a few more players on the trading block. In the midst of it all, the offense has picked up a bit in December and January while the pitching has leveled off. But the defense remains top-notch. Three Athletics participated in this year’s All-star game: LHP Clyde Boney (6th), C Dylan Watkins (6th), and 1B Keane Fysh (5th). Offense: .261/.326/.336 (5th/5th/7th); Pitching: 3.55/3.68/2.55 (5th/5th/1st); Defense: .706 (1st). *Top Position Player:* 32-year old 3B Ryley McLarnon (.265/.300/.382, 3 HR, 46 RBI, 39 R, 18 BB, 12 SB) started off slowly this season, but got it going in January, batting .311/.360/.425. But it’s his defense at the hot corner that has really shined (3.28 RNG, +11.1 ZR, 1.064 EFF) and gives him the nod; especially since C Dylan Watkins was traded to Embro. *Top Pitcher:* The rotation cooled off over the past couple of months, after starting the season strong. Bucking that trend though was 5th starter 29-year old RHP Craig Martin (8-9, 3.54 ERA, 1.45 WHIP). After starting the season 0-8, 5.25 ERA, Martin went 8-1, 2.13 ERA in Dec/Jan. That included his first career shut-out, a 1-0 victory over the Cobourg Red Stockings on January 3. Martin gave up 6 hits with 3 K and 3 BB. A minor league signing back in 1939, Martin spent 3 and half seasons in the minors before being called up to Wellington late last season. *Key Injuries:* RF Spencer Marsland (.245/.295/.306, 7-2B, 12 RBI, 39 R, 19 BB, 11 SB) tore a finger tendon back on December 20. He is out 7 more weeks. *Key Trade:* January 12 with the Embro Suns. To Embro – 33-year old C Dylan Watkins (63/63 – .277/.319/.385, 5 HR, 50 RBI, 35 R, 27 BB). To Wellington – three minor league players: • 22-year old RHP Arthur Collier (33/77); • 18-year old C Stuart Waycott (21/45) and • 23-year old RHP Edward Skerrett (20/24). *Knee-jerk reaction:* Watkins is a 6-time all-star and has been a reliable backstop for the Athletics. But with Wellington in the midst of a rebuild, the club handed catching duties to their young prospect 23-year old C Mick Gunnis, a second-round pick from 1940-41. Watkins is the upgrade that Embro has been searching for, but it’s debatable how much of a difference he can make with a team where nothing has gone right this year. Wellington receives a quality reliever prospect in Collier and a hum-drum young catcher in Waycott. The return is a little underwhelming for an established star like Watkins in my opinion. -------- The Cobourg Red Stockings’ flirtation with first place in the East earlier this season seems like a distant memory, as the Red Stockings have faded to 6th place. While the pitching has improved somewhat, the offense cooled off in Dec/Jan. But Cobourg has top-tier talent in the lineup. Three 1st-overall picks are currently on their 25-man roster: SS John Medley (.219/.230/.297), 3B Shelby Cain (.268/.332/.398) and 2B Alexander Tolmie (.291/.342/.433), who are all in various stages of progress. If they and Cobourg’s other youngsters can catch fire, then the Red Stockings will be one of the most dynamic offense teams in the United Leagues. But for all their young talent in the lineup, they are short on pitching prospects which could hold them back if they don’t address the issue soon. 3B Shelby Cain (1st) was Cobourg’s lone representative to this year’s all-star game. Offense: .261/.310/.350 (6th/7th/5th); Pitching: 3.93/4.04/3.21 (8th/8th/4th); Defense: .690 (7th). *Top Position Player:* Cain’s selection to the all-star game notwithstanding, Cobourg’s best player overall has so far been C Neil Voigt (.291/.336/.393, 6 HR, 42 RBI, 29 R, 22 BB) Cain has been up-and-down this season. If he could produce more consistently, then he will easily become one of the ULB’s most dynamic and exciting young players. *Top Pitcher:* Not much to choose from, as no pitcher has performed consistently the past two months. I’ll go with RHP Pedro Gómez (8-10, 3.30 ERA, 1.28 WHIP) again, as he was terrific in December (2-2, 1.97 ERA). Gómez pitched a 5-hit shut-out on December 31 against the Downie Chiefs, with 3 K and 1 BB. No doubt he would benefit immensely from an offense that was even just a little bit more consistent. *Key Injuries:* None. *Noteworthy:* He’s still trying to get his bearings, but 1st overall pick 22-year old SS John Medley (.219/.230/.297, 7-2B, 16 RBI, 15 R, 4 BB, 15 SB) had a couple of nice outings to take note off, both against the Embro Suns. On November 22, he went 4-5 with 1 RBI and 1 R. On January 19, he also went 4-5 with 3 RBI and 2 R. -------- The Embro Suns are an enigma. They sent seven players to the all-star game, more than any team in the East and yet are sinking further into irrelevance, winning just 9 games in January. That is not an aberration, as it was the second time they won fewer than 10 games in a month this season. They haven’t stood pat either, acquiring quality players like C Dylan Watkins, 3B Britt Wing and RHP Oscar Burress in trades. But all to no avail. The Suns are just 3.5 games out of last place in the East, something unthinkable as recent as last season. Things certainly haven’t gone their way, as their Pyt. Record is 52-52, a difference of 8 games, the most of any team in the ULB. (The Fort Richmond Generals stand at -4 and the Balmoral Giants are a +6). Seven Suns were invited to the All-star game: RHP Oscar Burress (6th), RHP John Palm (6th), RHP Colm Soper (6th), 1B Jim Friend (5th), SS Gary Watkinson (5th), LF Charles Usherwood (1st) and CF Terence Durney (7th). Offense: .258/.331/.347 (7th/4th/6th); Pitching: 3.81/3.87/3.34 (6th/6th/5th); Defense: .686 (8th). *Top Position Player:* 1B Jim Friend (.289/.365/.446, 12 HR, 70 RBI, 65 R, 52 BB) has picked things up in the past few months to be Embro’s top offensive player, but this season has been a step down from his established level of excellence. Embro sure would like to see him and some of his other teammates find their groove again. One bright spot was rookie 2B José Sánchez, who has been called up from AAA a couple of times this season, but enjoyed more playing time in January and responded by winning the Rookie of the Month Award. *Top Pitcher:* The Suns are not regretting the trade they made to get RHP Oscar Burress (13-8, 2.75 ERA, 1.20 WHIP). He has been their most consistent starter and went 4-1, 2.40 ERA in December. *Key Injuries:* Kian Meadmore (.239/.323/.364, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 10 R, 11 BB) broke his hand in a collision back on November 1. He could be back in 4 days. 31-year old RHP Chris Sappington (6-6, 4.01 ERA, 1.55 WHIP) tore his shoulder joint while pitching in a game back on December 18. He is gone 2-3 more months. -------- Unlike the Embro Suns, there is no mystery as to why the Downie Chiefs are struggling. They are simply not a very good team, but they are young and are gathering prospects to hopefully improve their fortunes in the not-too-distant future. In the meantime, times will be lean. Two Chiefs participated in this year’s All-star game: 3B Elliot Tugby (1st) and RF Ricardo Castellanos (2nd). Offense: .247/.301/.321 (8th/8th/8th); Pitching: 3.83/3.94/3.19 (7th/7th/3rd); Defense: .702 (2nd). *Top Position Player:* The two all-stars for Downie are far and away the Chiefs’ best players. 24-year old RF Ricardo Castellanos (.296/.351/.414, 3 HR, 36 RBI, 42 R, 30 BB, 8 SB) and 25-year old 3B Elliot Tugby (.277/.341/.372, 1 HR, 28 RBI, 41 R, 35 BB, 15 SB) are tied for the team lead with 3.3 WAR. No one has more than 1.5 WAR, including pitchers. Tugby, in particular, is having another Top Fielder Award-worthy season (3.13 RNG, +12.5 ZR, 1.067 EFF). *Top Pitcher:* The choices are underwhelming, but 32-year old RHP Reece Abberley (9-13, 3.44 ERA, 1.29 WAR) is now considered Downie’s top starter. After going 1-4, 4.38 ERA in Decmeber, Abberley bounced back in January (3-3, 2.19 ERA). After starting off fairly strong, RHP Darwin Monday (10-12, 3.97 ERA, 1.45 WHIP) had a forgetful December (2-5, 6.50 ERA). But he too bounced back in January (2-2, 3.14 ERA). *Key Injuries:* None. -------- __________________ United Leagues of Braeland Last edited by reds1; 07-09-2017 at 01:00 AM.