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reds1 · 07-04-2016, 09:21 PM

February 1, 1945

Western League: Going in Cycles

Almost on cue, the top of the Western League standings have become a veritable dogfight, as the Cambria Cannons, in spite of their stellar play, find themselves just one game up on the Kingston Pelicans. The Pelicans are the ‘unluckiest’ team right now in the ULB, as their record differential stands at -5 (for comparison, Brunswick is a +6). But Cambria’s differential is -3, thus confirming that these two teams are very evenly matched.

But will this be Kingston’s final swan song? I say that because there is evidence that the Pelicans are starting to break down, if ever so slightly, and are in a bit of patching mode to keep things running smoothly. Also noteworthy is that the Sherburn Tigers have kept within striking distance of the two top teams in the West. But it will take a hot streak and a faltering of either Cambria or Kingston for the Tigers to really have a chance at crashing the party. Still, their overall performance this season has been a pleasant surprise.
What was also a pleasant surprise was that there were not one, but two players who hit for the cycle over the past two months – both playing for the same team.

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The Cambria Cannons continued their strong play in December and January, but find themselves just one game ahead of the ever-present Kingston Pelicans. But Cambria has had the upper hand so far in their head-to-head matchup with Kingston – they are 6-3 with another 6 games to play against their rival in the final two months.
The Cannons are benefiting from the strong play of key players and particularly the healthy return of their star player, Ron Westmacott (.322/.415/.461, 9 HR, 54 RBI, 71 R, 67 BB, 17 SB). He had missed most of last season due to brain fever.
But also leading the team offensively have been 28-year old SS Wenceslas Jasmin (.278/.330/.395, 6 HR, 39 RBI, 69 R, 32 BB, 8 SB), 28-year old LF Nicky Willis (.312/.405/.474, 9 HR, 71 RBI, 69 R, 69 BB) and 28-year old RF Hao Wang (.315/.363/.493, 10 HR, 51 RBI, 61 R, 28 BB, 7 SB).

Cambria sent eight players to the all-star game: RHP Carl Luscombe (3rd), C Scott Weller (1st), 3B Shelby Cain (2nd), SS Wenseslas Jasmin (2nd), LF Nicky Willis (5th), CF Ron Westmacott (5th), CF Clint Jones (6th) and RF Hao Wang (1st).

Offense: .283/.349/.410 (2nd/1st/1st)
Pitching: 3.19/3.27/2.31 (2nd/2nd/2nd)
Defense: .694 (6th)

Noteworthy Performances: Hao Wang had a great month in December. On December 2, Wang went 4 for 5 against the Balmoral Giants. His 4-hit day included hitting for the Cycle, the 10th in ULB history. Wang hit a solo home run in the 1st, singled in the 2nd, flied out in the 4th, doubled in the 7th and hit an RBI triple in the 8th. Cambria won handily 12-1.

Wang also won Player of the Week honours on December 4. He batted .500 (12 H in 24 AB) with 2 HR, 6 RBI. That is in addition to winning Rookie of the Month honours for January.

Ron Westmacott then took over in January, winning two Player of the Week Awards. For the week ending on January 8, Westmacott batted .448 (13 H in 29 AB) with 1 HR, 4 RBI. Then on January 22, he was acknowledged again, as he batted .500 (14 H in 28 AB) with 2 HR, 5 RBI.

On January 17 against the Wolseley Unions, Westmacott hit for the Cycle, the 11th in ULB history and the third of his career (most of any player). Westmacott went 4 for 6 with 1 HR and 2 RBI. He tripled in the 1st, hit a solo-home run off of Les Gandy in the 3rd, grounded out in the 5th, singled in the 7th, grounded out in the 9th and hit an RBI double in the 11th. The Cannons prevailed 4-3.

Last but not least, LHP Owen Tautor was selected as the Western League's top player on January 29. Tautor went 2-0 in 18 IP, 0.50 ERA, 7 K, 0 BB.

Key Injuries: On January 1, 38-year old RHP Henny Akerval (6-5, 3.84 ERA, 1.51 WIP) suffered a broken hand while at the plate in a game against the Sherburn Tigers. He is effectively gone for the season (2-3 months).

On January 23, 26-year old 2B Shaun Attenborough (.286/.336/.418, 6 HR, 42 RBI, 18 R, 18 BB) was injured in a collision at a base. He was subsequently diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. He will be laid up for another 5 months.

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At the end of December, the Kingston Pelicans stood 4 games back of first place, but then erupted for 20 victories in January to pull within a game of Cambria for the lead. The Pelicans are on a roll and healthy, but there are signs that there are cracks in the foundation, if only slightly. Three players that have been the key to Kingston’s success are now struggling.
Seven-time all-star and two-time Babe Ruth Award winner Fergus Chitty (.250/.340/.371, 2 HR, 13 RBI, 13 R, 16 BB) is now 36-years old and no longer the starting 1B. He is also coming off an injury that laid him up for 6 weeks.
Seven-time all-star and 1943 United Cup MVP Mo Symes (.277/.378/.409, 4HR, 22 RBI, 20 R, 25 BB) turned 35 in January and has also lost his starting job at 2B.
Finally, seven-time all-star and one-time Babe Ruth Award winner LF Jayden Tennant (.253/.337/.467, 14 HR, 49 RBI, 42 R, 37 BB) will turn 37 in March. While he still has his starting job, he has been in steep decline since his incredible 1941 season (7.1 WAR that year; 0.7 last year and 0.7 so far this year).
Kingston has done well in acquiring fresh talent in trades and has a great young player in 26-year old 2B Wen-huan Liu (.291/.360/.415, 10 HR, 46 RBI, 48 R, 37 BB) to pick up some of the slack, but it will be interesting to see whether the organization can continue to compete at a high level as its core players continue to age.

Eight Pelicans were selected for the All-star game in January: RHP Joey Cumberledge (8th), RHP Francis Slocock (6th), RHP Harley Bracher (1st), RHP Luis Velásquez (2nd), C Danny Trowbridge (4th), 2B Wen-huan Liu (1st), SS Katsunan Chikafuji (8th) and CF Jamie Couch (2nd).

Offense: .283/.349/.404 (3rd/2nd/2nd)
Pitching: 2.99/3.04/2.47 (1st/1st/3rd)
Defense: .716 (1st)

Noteworthy Performances: Wen-huan Liu won Player of the Week honours on December 18. For the week, he batted .500 (8 H in 16 AB) with 2 HR, 5 RBI.

In addition to winning Batter of the Month honours in January, Danny Trowbridge earned a Player of the Week honour on January 15, when he batted .529 (9 H in 17 AB) with 4 HR, 10 RBI in 5 games.

Key Trade: December 7 with the Braeland City Monarchs.

To Kingston – 30-year old 1B Dean Bishop (70/70).
To Braeland City – four minor league players:

20-year old 1B Dean Witherden (23/68)
20-year old SS Finley Bryce (22/28)
22-year old RF Atamu Apekaloma (23/29)
24-year old LF Ted Tennant (22/22)

Knee-jerk reaction: Realizing that 7-time all-star, 36-year old 1B Fergus Chitty is no longer the dominant player he once was, the Pelicans acquire last year's Babe Ruth Award winner, Dean Bishop. Bishop is not having quite the season he did last year, but he is still having a great year and should step right in to fill the gap.
Braeland City receives Witherden, a former 14th overall pick in last year's draft. Witherden should be a very good hitter with plus-plus power; only is his patience at the plate needs some work. Speed is not a part of his game, but he should be a capable defender and his development has all been trending upward.

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If not for their disastrous 9-19 October, the Sherburn Tigers would actually be running neck-in-neck with both Cambria and Kingston. The Tigers have actually enjoyed a better record than the Cambria since November 1 (47-31 vs. 46-33) and are just a game behind the Pelicans (who were 48-30 in that stretch).
Their success is due in large part to an emerging solid pitching core, led by former 5th overall pick, 25-year old RHP Roberto Taváres (13-7, 2.60 ERA, 1.32 WHIP); former 4th overall pick, 21-year old RHP Jesús Chapa (10-6, 2.44 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) and 29-year old LHP Daniel Pierson (8-11, 3.61 ERA, 1.33 WHIP).
But the Tigers’ offense has also seen some improvement, going from rock-bottom after the first two months to almost middle of the pack in most categories. The resurgence has been led by 26-year old RF Bert Helmer (.309/.359/.445, 7 HR, 47 RBI, 53 R, 30 BB) and 27-year old 2B Jim List (.298/.351/.386, 4 HR, 49 RBI, 45 R, 28 BB), both former first round picks. But they can’t turn things around alone. Sherburn has a deep farm system, but it is top heavy with young pitchers and thin on position players (In fact, they took another starting pitcher in this year’s draft as well). Sherburn may be wise to trade a young pitching prospect to gain some additional offensive oomph – especially if their turnaround is for real.

Three Tigers were selected to the all-star game: RHP Jesús Chapa (1st), RHP Roberto Taváres (2nd) and RF Bert Helmer (1st).

Offense: .265/.321/.349 (5th/5th/8th)
Pitching: 3.27/3.27/3.27 (3rd/3rd/4th)
Defense: .697 (4th)

Key Injury: 32-year old 2B Damien Davis (.271/.338/.335, 9-2B, 38 RBI, 36 R, 33 BB) fractured his hand in a collision at a base back on January 22. He will miss another 3 months.

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Once considered (by me) the anointed challenger to the Kingston Pelicans, the Balmoral Giants find themselves barely hanging on in the first division in the West. Overall, the Giants remain competitive, at least statistically, but it appears their starting rotation is in transition. One-time ace, RHP Tristan Purss (8-11, 3.54 ERA, 1.35 WHIP), turned 37 in late December and is now the No. 5 starter – one year after winning 20 games in a season for the first time. 31-year old RHP Soren Heinke (9-5, 3.24 ERA, 1.32 WHIP) was for some reason demoted to AAA in early January and suffered a torn flexor tendon after his third start. He is gone for 14-15 months – if he is able to return at all. Another long-time starter, 34-year old RHP In-sin Ahn (2-3, 5.01 ERA, 1.77 WHIP), was also demoted to AAA. His play has regressed the past two seasons.
So Balmoral is in the midst of re-calibrating its team. Fortunately, it has one of the deepest farm systems (4th overall) and is nicely balanced between pitchers and position players. Its top pitching prospect, 24-year old RHP Gerard Leese (5th round pick in 1940-41) is excelling in AAA (11-5, 1.85 ERA, 1.14 WHIP) – although he is considered a borderline starter at present.

The Giants sent five players to the all-star game: RHP Derek Cawley (2nd), 2B Allen Cattanach (1st), 3B Otton Overbeek (3rd), SS Francisco Rodríguez (5th) and RF Carlton Broadbent (4th).

Offense: .285/.347/.387 (1st/3rd/3rd)
Pitching: 3.31/3.46/1.79 (4th/5th/1st)
Defense: .701 (3rd)

Noteworthy Performance: Carlton Broadbent enjoyed a 26-game hitting streak, longest so far this season. It ended on December 14 at the hands of the Kingston Pelicans, went he went 0-4 in a 6-3 Pelican victory.

Key Injuries: On January 29, 24-year old 3B Otton Overbeek (.294/.315/.416, 4 HR, 49 RBI, 39 R, 11 BB) suffered a herniated disc in a collision at a base. He is out another week.

After just 6 at-bats, former fourth overall pick from 1941-42 3B Sean Brearton suffered an intercostal strain while running the bases on January 31. He will out 4 weeks.

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The Pulberry Trolleys faded in January to fall 9.5 games back of the wild card. Like Balmoral, it too is essentially a middle of road team that is seeing a number of youngsters join the team. For starters, the three ‘M’s’ have reached the major leagues: 24-year old LF Marcus Minter (third round pick in 1942-32), 22-year old RF Tadamichi Matsumoto (4th overall pick in 1943-44) and 22-year old CF Joey Maddaford (third round pick in 1941-42). All three are just getting their feet wet, with Matsumoto winning Rookie of the Month honours in December. Unfortunately, Matsumoto was lost to injury towards the end of January. That prompted another promotion, this time the No 2 overall prospect in the ULB: 21-year old RF Jon Pring (3rd overall pick in 1942-43). He joins the Trolleys straight out of AA. The switch-hitter is to bat in the No. 5 spot. So despite the team fading in the standings, some exciting things are happening in Pulberry.

Four players represented the Trolleys at the most recent all-star game: RHP Alexander Ellacott (1st), RHP Patrick Tennant (2nd), SS Roland Binns (1st) and LF Bruno Lapthorne (2nd).

Offense: .273/.324/.375 (4th/4th/4th)
Pitching: 3.43/3.41/3.57 (5th/4th/5th)
Defense: .706 (2nd)

Noteworthy Performances: Joe Lock enjoyed a fine week in December. For the second time this season, Lock banged out five hits in a game. On December 24, he went 5 for 5 against the Cambria Cannons as the Trolleys won 4-3. Lock singled in the 1st, singled in the 3rd, singled in the 6th, singled in the 8th and hit a two-run single in the 9th.
The day after, he was acknowledged as the Western League's Player of the Week, as he batted .524 on the week (11 H in 21 AB) with 1 HR and 5 RBI.

Key Injury: 22-year old RF Tadamichi Matsumoto (.282/.308/.393, 4 HR, 39 RBI, 55 R, 11 BB) injured himself while throwing the ball on January 30. He was diagnosed with shoulder inflammation and will miss 6 weeks.

Key Trade: January 21 with the Kingston Pelicans.

To Pulberry – 32-year old 3B Terry Maxwell (60/60)
To Kingston – 31-year old RHP Shaun Alford (65/65) and 22-year old minor league LHP William Say (24/79).

Knee-jerk reaction: Kingston decides to cut ties with Maxwell, a two-time all-star who is having a down year. But he should still have something left in the tank for Pulberry and he has steady hands in the field.
In return, the Pelicans receive two relief pitchers. Alford, a two-time all-star as well, has never been consistent from year-to-year and will join Kingston's AAA farm team, the Douro Redbirds. Say, the 9th overall pick from this year's amateur draft, is projected to be a solid reliever, with dynamite stuff and awesome movement.

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The Wolseley Unions is a team that perhaps represents the “if only” dilemma. Despite its struggles, Wolseley is currently enjoying the performances of two of its young pitchers: 26-year old LHP Bruce Whitten (14-5, 3.39 ERA, 1.26 WHIP) who is in the starting rotation for the first time (in this third season), and 23-year old RHP Les Gandy (4th round pick in 1940-41). Both earned all-star selection for the first time.
But “if only” RHP Kai Tosh and RHP Jeremy Albury could have stayed healthy, the locals are thinking, this might be a more exciting team. Hopefully, a healthy rotation featuring all these young pitchers will give the fan base something to cheer about next season.

Wolseley sent three players to the all-star game: RHP Les Gandy (1st), LHP Bruce Whitten (1st) and LF Zak Kidd (5th).

Offense: .258/.318/.360 (6th/6th/5th)
Pitching: 3.65/3.55/4.27 (6th/7th/7th)
Defense: .692 (7th)

Noteworthy Performance: No. 4 starter Les Gandy won Player of the Week honours on December 11. Gandy picked up two wins, 17 IP, 0.53 ERA with 5 K.

Key Injuries: 25-year old RHP Kai Tosh (2-7, 3.36 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) suffered a severe injury while pitching back on November 24. He required immediate radial nerve decompression surgery. He is effectively gone for the season (3 months).

21-year old RHP Jeremy Albury (8-3, 3.51 ERA, 1.28 WHIP) suffered a fractured hand in a game back on December 26. The former seventh overall pick from 1942-43 will miss 4-5 months.
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The Hespeler Stars collapsed in January to fall just a game and a half out of last place in the West. The Stars are very much a team that needs to re-calibrate its build as it has faltered in its first go-around. It has some talent on the major league roster: 1st overall picks in CF Vic Weetman (.298/.339/.413, 3 HR, 45 RBI, 52 R, 25 BB) and C Aaron Skidmore (.238/.353/.385, 12 HR, 38 RBI, 43 R, 62 BB) that have been toiling for Hespeler six and five years respectively. Promising young players like 21-year old CF Jacob Pate (6th overall pick in 1942-43) and 24-year old LF Marcus Peyto (2nd overall pick in 1941-42) are being given the chance to compete.
A couple of young pitchers have shown flashes of excellence: 26-year old LHP Jake Osmotherley (13-10, 3.48 ERA, 1.26 WHIP), who won Pitcher of the Month honours in December. Then in January, 26-year old RHP Enrico Arredondo, a former 7th round pick in 1938-39, was promoted from AAA (for a second time) and promptly won the Pitcher of the Month Award for that month.
More youngsters from Hespeler’s deep farm system are working their way up. But it’s going to take a little time, as most of the pitching prospects are still in AA.

Two Stars were selected to this year’s all-star game: C Aaron Skidmore (4th) and SS Jayden Whiteway (1st).

Offense: .252/.317/.355 (8th/7th/6th)
Pitching: 3.85/3.55/5.85 (7th/6th/8th)
Defense: .691 (8th)

Key Injury: 24-year old LF Marcus Peyto (.280/.343/.427, 3 HR, 35 RBI, 33 R, 28 BB) injured himself a second time on January 24 when he sprained his ankle while throwing the ball. He will be out for 4 weeks.

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The Fort Richmond Generals have faded quickly and will be towards another high draft pick next season. The Generals are essentially in a holding pattern as their young prospects work their way up to the big leagues. Those that are already with the parent club sure could use the help. Pitchers like 24-year old RHP Reece Leavers (11-9, 3.27 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) and 26-year old RHP Max Dunston (8-13, 4.17 ERA, 1.51 WHIP) are carrying a heavy burden at the moment are feeling the strain. There’s young talent sprinkled all over the roster at the moment. Indeed, 20 of the 25 players on the main roster are under 30 years of age. There’s more to come from the minors, especially pitchers, so the Generals are in the same boat as Hespeler and as Wolseley and as Pulberry and as Balmoral…..Man, if these teams can finally put it together, the West will truly be a free-for –all. Go Team! - Any team.

Two Generals were selected for the All-Star game: RHP Jorge Martínez (1st) and 2B Neil Boyle (1st).

Offense: .255/.315/.352 (7th/8th/7th)
Pitching: 4.16/4.20/3.93 (8th/8th/6th)
Defense: .696 (5th)

Noteworthy Performance: The 1st overall pick from this year's draft, Dylan Moyne, went 5 for 5 against the Wolseley Unions on January 24. In 9-2 victory, Moyne hit an RBI double in the 1st, hit an RBI triple in the 2nd, hit an RBI single in the 4th, singled in the 6th and singled in the 8th.

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07-04-2016, 09:21 PM	#282
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,985	February 1, 1945 Western League: Going in Cycles Almost on cue, the top of the Western League standings have become a veritable dogfight, as the Cambria Cannons, in spite of their stellar play, find themselves just one game up on the Kingston Pelicans. The Pelicans are the ‘unluckiest’ team right now in the ULB, as their record differential stands at -5 (for comparison, Brunswick is a +6). But Cambria’s differential is -3, thus confirming that these two teams are very evenly matched. But will this be Kingston’s final swan song? I say that because there is evidence that the Pelicans are starting to break down, if ever so slightly, and are in a bit of patching mode to keep things running smoothly. Also noteworthy is that the Sherburn Tigers have kept within striking distance of the two top teams in the West. But it will take a hot streak and a faltering of either Cambria or Kingston for the Tigers to really have a chance at crashing the party. Still, their overall performance this season has been a pleasant surprise. What was also a pleasant surprise was that there were not one, but two players who hit for the cycle over the past two months – both playing for the same team. -------- The Cambria Cannons continued their strong play in December and January, but find themselves just one game ahead of the ever-present Kingston Pelicans. But Cambria has had the upper hand so far in their head-to-head matchup with Kingston – they are 6-3 with another 6 games to play against their rival in the final two months. The Cannons are benefiting from the strong play of key players and particularly the healthy return of their star player, Ron Westmacott (.322/.415/.461, 9 HR, 54 RBI, 71 R, 67 BB, 17 SB). He had missed most of last season due to brain fever. But also leading the team offensively have been 28-year old SS Wenceslas Jasmin (.278/.330/.395, 6 HR, 39 RBI, 69 R, 32 BB, 8 SB), 28-year old LF Nicky Willis (.312/.405/.474, 9 HR, 71 RBI, 69 R, 69 BB) and 28-year old RF Hao Wang (.315/.363/.493, 10 HR, 51 RBI, 61 R, 28 BB, 7 SB). Cambria sent eight players to the all-star game: RHP Carl Luscombe (3rd), C Scott Weller (1st), 3B Shelby Cain (2nd), SS Wenseslas Jasmin (2nd), LF Nicky Willis (5th), CF Ron Westmacott (5th), CF Clint Jones (6th) and RF Hao Wang (1st). Offense: .283/.349/.410 (2nd/1st/1st) Pitching: 3.19/3.27/2.31 (2nd/2nd/2nd) Defense: .694 (6th) *Noteworthy Performances:* Hao Wang had a great month in December. On December 2, Wang went 4 for 5 against the Balmoral Giants. His 4-hit day included hitting for the Cycle, the 10th in ULB history. Wang hit a solo home run in the 1st, singled in the 2nd, flied out in the 4th, doubled in the 7th and hit an RBI triple in the 8th. Cambria won handily 12-1. Wang also won Player of the Week honours on December 4. He batted .500 (12 H in 24 AB) with 2 HR, 6 RBI. That is in addition to winning Rookie of the Month honours for January. Ron Westmacott then took over in January, winning two Player of the Week Awards. For the week ending on January 8, Westmacott batted .448 (13 H in 29 AB) with 1 HR, 4 RBI. Then on January 22, he was acknowledged again, as he batted .500 (14 H in 28 AB) with 2 HR, 5 RBI. On January 17 against the Wolseley Unions, Westmacott hit for the Cycle, the 11th in ULB history and the third of his career (most of any player). Westmacott went 4 for 6 with 1 HR and 2 RBI. He tripled in the 1st, hit a solo-home run off of Les Gandy in the 3rd, grounded out in the 5th, singled in the 7th, grounded out in the 9th and hit an RBI double in the 11th. The Cannons prevailed 4-3. Last but not least, LHP Owen Tautor was selected as the Western League's top player on January 29. Tautor went 2-0 in 18 IP, 0.50 ERA, 7 K, 0 BB. *Key Injuries:* On January 1, 38-year old RHP Henny Akerval (6-5, 3.84 ERA, 1.51 WIP) suffered a broken hand while at the plate in a game against the Sherburn Tigers. He is effectively gone for the season (2-3 months). On January 23, 26-year old 2B Shaun Attenborough (.286/.336/.418, 6 HR, 42 RBI, 18 R, 18 BB) was injured in a collision at a base. He was subsequently diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. He will be laid up for another 5 months. -------- At the end of December, the Kingston Pelicans stood 4 games back of first place, but then erupted for 20 victories in January to pull within a game of Cambria for the lead. The Pelicans are on a roll and healthy, but there are signs that there are cracks in the foundation, if only slightly. Three players that have been the key to Kingston’s success are now struggling. Seven-time all-star and two-time Babe Ruth Award winner Fergus Chitty (.250/.340/.371, 2 HR, 13 RBI, 13 R, 16 BB) is now 36-years old and no longer the starting 1B. He is also coming off an injury that laid him up for 6 weeks. Seven-time all-star and 1943 United Cup MVP Mo Symes (.277/.378/.409, 4HR, 22 RBI, 20 R, 25 BB) turned 35 in January and has also lost his starting job at 2B. Finally, seven-time all-star and one-time Babe Ruth Award winner LF Jayden Tennant (.253/.337/.467, 14 HR, 49 RBI, 42 R, 37 BB) will turn 37 in March. While he still has his starting job, he has been in steep decline since his incredible 1941 season (7.1 WAR that year; 0.7 last year and 0.7 so far this year). Kingston has done well in acquiring fresh talent in trades and has a great young player in 26-year old 2B Wen-huan Liu (.291/.360/.415, 10 HR, 46 RBI, 48 R, 37 BB) to pick up some of the slack, but it will be interesting to see whether the organization can continue to compete at a high level as its core players continue to age. Eight Pelicans were selected for the All-star game in January: RHP Joey Cumberledge (8th), RHP Francis Slocock (6th), RHP Harley Bracher (1st), RHP Luis Velásquez (2nd), C Danny Trowbridge (4th), 2B Wen-huan Liu (1st), SS Katsunan Chikafuji (8th) and CF Jamie Couch (2nd). Offense: .283/.349/.404 (3rd/2nd/2nd) Pitching: 2.99/3.04/2.47 (1st/1st/3rd) Defense: .716 (1st) *Noteworthy Performances:* Wen-huan Liu won Player of the Week honours on December 18. For the week, he batted .500 (8 H in 16 AB) with 2 HR, 5 RBI. In addition to winning Batter of the Month honours in January, Danny Trowbridge earned a Player of the Week honour on January 15, when he batted .529 (9 H in 17 AB) with 4 HR, 10 RBI in 5 games. *Key Trade:* December 7 with the Braeland City Monarchs. To Kingston – 30-year old 1B Dean Bishop (70/70). To Braeland City – four minor league players: 20-year old 1B Dean Witherden (23/68) 20-year old SS Finley Bryce (22/28) 22-year old RF Atamu Apekaloma (23/29) 24-year old LF Ted Tennant (22/22) *Knee-jerk reaction:* Realizing that 7-time all-star, 36-year old 1B Fergus Chitty is no longer the dominant player he once was, the Pelicans acquire last year's Babe Ruth Award winner, Dean Bishop. Bishop is not having quite the season he did last year, but he is still having a great year and should step right in to fill the gap. Braeland City receives Witherden, a former 14th overall pick in last year's draft. Witherden should be a very good hitter with plus-plus power; only is his patience at the plate needs some work. Speed is not a part of his game, but he should be a capable defender and his development has all been trending upward. -------- If not for their disastrous 9-19 October, the Sherburn Tigers would actually be running neck-in-neck with both Cambria and Kingston. The Tigers have actually enjoyed a better record than the Cambria since November 1 (47-31 vs. 46-33) and are just a game behind the Pelicans (who were 48-30 in that stretch). Their success is due in large part to an emerging solid pitching core, led by former 5th overall pick, 25-year old RHP Roberto Taváres (13-7, 2.60 ERA, 1.32 WHIP); former 4th overall pick, 21-year old RHP Jesús Chapa (10-6, 2.44 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) and 29-year old LHP Daniel Pierson (8-11, 3.61 ERA, 1.33 WHIP). But the Tigers’ offense has also seen some improvement, going from rock-bottom after the first two months to almost middle of the pack in most categories. The resurgence has been led by 26-year old RF Bert Helmer (.309/.359/.445, 7 HR, 47 RBI, 53 R, 30 BB) and 27-year old 2B Jim List (.298/.351/.386, 4 HR, 49 RBI, 45 R, 28 BB), both former first round picks. But they can’t turn things around alone. Sherburn has a deep farm system, but it is top heavy with young pitchers and thin on position players (In fact, they took another starting pitcher in this year’s draft as well). Sherburn may be wise to trade a young pitching prospect to gain some additional offensive oomph – especially if their turnaround is for real. Three Tigers were selected to the all-star game: RHP Jesús Chapa (1st), RHP Roberto Taváres (2nd) and RF Bert Helmer (1st). Offense: .265/.321/.349 (5th/5th/8th) Pitching: 3.27/3.27/3.27 (3rd/3rd/4th) Defense: .697 (4th) *Key Injury:* 32-year old 2B Damien Davis (.271/.338/.335, 9-2B, 38 RBI, 36 R, 33 BB) fractured his hand in a collision at a base back on January 22. He will miss another 3 months. -------- Once considered (by me) the anointed challenger to the Kingston Pelicans, the Balmoral Giants find themselves barely hanging on in the first division in the West. Overall, the Giants remain competitive, at least statistically, but it appears their starting rotation is in transition. One-time ace, RHP Tristan Purss (8-11, 3.54 ERA, 1.35 WHIP), turned 37 in late December and is now the No. 5 starter – one year after winning 20 games in a season for the first time. 31-year old RHP Soren Heinke (9-5, 3.24 ERA, 1.32 WHIP) was for some reason demoted to AAA in early January and suffered a torn flexor tendon after his third start. He is gone for 14-15 months – if he is able to return at all. Another long-time starter, 34-year old RHP In-sin Ahn (2-3, 5.01 ERA, 1.77 WHIP), was also demoted to AAA. His play has regressed the past two seasons. So Balmoral is in the midst of re-calibrating its team. Fortunately, it has one of the deepest farm systems (4th overall) and is nicely balanced between pitchers and position players. Its top pitching prospect, 24-year old RHP Gerard Leese (5th round pick in 1940-41) is excelling in AAA (11-5, 1.85 ERA, 1.14 WHIP) – although he is considered a borderline starter at present. The Giants sent five players to the all-star game: RHP Derek Cawley (2nd), 2B Allen Cattanach (1st), 3B Otton Overbeek (3rd), SS Francisco Rodríguez (5th) and RF Carlton Broadbent (4th). Offense: .285/.347/.387 (1st/3rd/3rd) Pitching: 3.31/3.46/1.79 (4th/5th/1st) Defense: .701 (3rd) *Noteworthy Performance:* Carlton Broadbent enjoyed a 26-game hitting streak, longest so far this season. It ended on December 14 at the hands of the Kingston Pelicans, went he went 0-4 in a 6-3 Pelican victory. *Key Injuries:* On January 29, 24-year old 3B Otton Overbeek (.294/.315/.416, 4 HR, 49 RBI, 39 R, 11 BB) suffered a herniated disc in a collision at a base. He is out another week. After just 6 at-bats, former fourth overall pick from 1941-42 3B Sean Brearton suffered an intercostal strain while running the bases on January 31. He will out 4 weeks. -------- The Pulberry Trolleys faded in January to fall 9.5 games back of the wild card. Like Balmoral, it too is essentially a middle of road team that is seeing a number of youngsters join the team. For starters, the three ‘M’s’ have reached the major leagues: 24-year old LF Marcus Minter (third round pick in 1942-32), 22-year old RF Tadamichi Matsumoto (4th overall pick in 1943-44) and 22-year old CF Joey Maddaford (third round pick in 1941-42). All three are just getting their feet wet, with Matsumoto winning Rookie of the Month honours in December. Unfortunately, Matsumoto was lost to injury towards the end of January. That prompted another promotion, this time the No 2 overall prospect in the ULB: 21-year old RF Jon Pring (3rd overall pick in 1942-43). He joins the Trolleys straight out of AA. The switch-hitter is to bat in the No. 5 spot. So despite the team fading in the standings, some exciting things are happening in Pulberry. Four players represented the Trolleys at the most recent all-star game: RHP Alexander Ellacott (1st), RHP Patrick Tennant (2nd), SS Roland Binns (1st) and LF Bruno Lapthorne (2nd). Offense: .273/.324/.375 (4th/4th/4th) Pitching: 3.43/3.41/3.57 (5th/4th/5th) Defense: .706 (2nd) *Noteworthy Performances:* Joe Lock enjoyed a fine week in December. For the second time this season, Lock banged out five hits in a game. On December 24, he went 5 for 5 against the Cambria Cannons as the Trolleys won 4-3. Lock singled in the 1st, singled in the 3rd, singled in the 6th, singled in the 8th and hit a two-run single in the 9th. The day after, he was acknowledged as the Western League's Player of the Week, as he batted .524 on the week (11 H in 21 AB) with 1 HR and 5 RBI. *Key Injury:* 22-year old RF Tadamichi Matsumoto (.282/.308/.393, 4 HR, 39 RBI, 55 R, 11 BB) injured himself while throwing the ball on January 30. He was diagnosed with shoulder inflammation and will miss 6 weeks. *Key Trade:* January 21 with the Kingston Pelicans. To Pulberry – 32-year old 3B Terry Maxwell (60/60) To Kingston – 31-year old RHP Shaun Alford (65/65) and 22-year old minor league LHP William Say (24/79). *Knee-jerk reaction:* Kingston decides to cut ties with Maxwell, a two-time all-star who is having a down year. But he should still have something left in the tank for Pulberry and he has steady hands in the field. In return, the Pelicans receive two relief pitchers. Alford, a two-time all-star as well, has never been consistent from year-to-year and will join Kingston's AAA farm team, the Douro Redbirds. Say, the 9th overall pick from this year's amateur draft, is projected to be a solid reliever, with dynamite stuff and awesome movement. -------- The Wolseley Unions is a team that perhaps represents the “if only” dilemma. Despite its struggles, Wolseley is currently enjoying the performances of two of its young pitchers: 26-year old LHP Bruce Whitten (14-5, 3.39 ERA, 1.26 WHIP) who is in the starting rotation for the first time (in this third season), and 23-year old RHP Les Gandy (4th round pick in 1940-41). Both earned all-star selection for the first time. But “if only” RHP Kai Tosh and RHP Jeremy Albury could have stayed healthy, the locals are thinking, this might be a more exciting team. Hopefully, a healthy rotation featuring all these young pitchers will give the fan base something to cheer about next season. Wolseley sent three players to the all-star game: RHP Les Gandy (1st), LHP Bruce Whitten (1st) and LF Zak Kidd (5th). Offense: .258/.318/.360 (6th/6th/5th) Pitching: 3.65/3.55/4.27 (6th/7th/7th) Defense: .692 (7th) *Noteworthy Performance:* No. 4 starter Les Gandy won Player of the Week honours on December 11. Gandy picked up two wins, 17 IP, 0.53 ERA with 5 K. Key Injuries: 25-year old RHP Kai Tosh (2-7, 3.36 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) suffered a severe injury while pitching back on November 24. He required immediate radial nerve decompression surgery. He is effectively gone for the season (3 months). 21-year old RHP Jeremy Albury (8-3, 3.51 ERA, 1.28 WHIP) suffered a fractured hand in a game back on December 26. The former seventh overall pick from 1942-43 will miss 4-5 months. -------- The Hespeler Stars collapsed in January to fall just a game and a half out of last place in the West. The Stars are very much a team that needs to re-calibrate its build as it has faltered in its first go-around. It has some talent on the major league roster: 1st overall picks in CF Vic Weetman (.298/.339/.413, 3 HR, 45 RBI, 52 R, 25 BB) and C Aaron Skidmore (.238/.353/.385, 12 HR, 38 RBI, 43 R, 62 BB) that have been toiling for Hespeler six and five years respectively. Promising young players like 21-year old CF Jacob Pate (6th overall pick in 1942-43) and 24-year old LF Marcus Peyto (2nd overall pick in 1941-42) are being given the chance to compete. A couple of young pitchers have shown flashes of excellence: 26-year old LHP Jake Osmotherley (13-10, 3.48 ERA, 1.26 WHIP), who won Pitcher of the Month honours in December. Then in January, 26-year old RHP Enrico Arredondo, a former 7th round pick in 1938-39, was promoted from AAA (for a second time) and promptly won the Pitcher of the Month Award for that month. More youngsters from Hespeler’s deep farm system are working their way up. But it’s going to take a little time, as most of the pitching prospects are still in AA. Two Stars were selected to this year’s all-star game: C Aaron Skidmore (4th) and SS Jayden Whiteway (1st). Offense: .252/.317/.355 (8th/7th/6th) Pitching: 3.85/3.55/5.85 (7th/6th/8th) Defense: .691 (8th) *Key Injury:* 24-year old LF Marcus Peyto (.280/.343/.427, 3 HR, 35 RBI, 33 R, 28 BB) injured himself a second time on January 24 when he sprained his ankle while throwing the ball. He will be out for 4 weeks. -------- The Fort Richmond Generals have faded quickly and will be towards another high draft pick next season. The Generals are essentially in a holding pattern as their young prospects work their way up to the big leagues. Those that are already with the parent club sure could use the help. Pitchers like 24-year old RHP Reece Leavers (11-9, 3.27 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) and 26-year old RHP Max Dunston (8-13, 4.17 ERA, 1.51 WHIP) are carrying a heavy burden at the moment are feeling the strain. There’s young talent sprinkled all over the roster at the moment. Indeed, 20 of the 25 players on the main roster are under 30 years of age. There’s more to come from the minors, especially pitchers, so the Generals are in the same boat as Hespeler and as Wolseley and as Pulberry and as Balmoral…..Man, if these teams can finally put it together, the West will truly be a free-for –all. Go Team! - Any team. Two Generals were selected for the All-Star game: RHP Jorge Martínez (1st) and 2B Neil Boyle (1st). Offense: .255/.315/.352 (7th/8th/7th) Pitching: 4.16/4.20/3.93 (8th/8th/6th) Defense: .696 (5th) *Noteworthy Performance:* The 1st overall pick from this year's draft, Dylan Moyne, went 5 for 5 against the Wolseley Unions on January 24. In 9-2 victory, Moyne hit an RBI double in the 1st, hit an RBI triple in the 2nd, hit an RBI single in the 4th, singled in the 6th and singled in the 8th. -------- __________________ United Leagues of Braeland Last edited by reds1; 07-14-2017 at 07:50 PM.