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reds1 · 07-13-2016, 01:22 AM

March 27, 1945

Western League: Battered Cannons, Pelicans Square Off for the Pennant

The Cambria Cannons held on to take top spot in the Western League, the third time in their existence, but they are a battered team as it enters the playoffs. For the fourth time in his career, Ron Westmacott went down to an extended injury and will not be available for the playoffs, perhaps dealing the Cannons a critical blow to their playoff fortunes.
But the Kingston Pelicans did not escape the injury bug either and will be missing their No. 1 starter as they head into the Western League Pennant series. It will be a question of who can better adjust to their loss as they meet up in the Pennant Series for the fifth time in the League's young history.

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The Cambria Cannons won just one more game than they lost in the final two months of the season, and fans are justifiably concerned as to whether their team has the depth to win a series against the rival Pelicans. Injuries have definitely impacted their overall play. Still, Cambria is nowhere near to being a one-trick pony and it will be interesting to see if this team can rally against Kingston in the playoffs.

Offense: .278/.341/.399 (3rd/3rd/1st)
Pitching: 3.46/3.60/2.27 (4th/6th/2nd)
Defense: .689 (8th)

Top Position Player – Season: If offense was the only criteria, then Ron Westmacott would probably get singled out, but his defense, like a number of his teammates was subpar this year. But SS Wenceslas Jasmin (.285/.334/.400, 7 HR, 66 RBI, 98 R, 44 BB, 13 SB, 5.3 WAR) was no slouch and was fantastic in the field as well (.972 PCT, 5.08 RNG, +12.9 ZR, 1.036 EFF). The former 1st overall pick from 1938-39 enjoyed his best overall season in the ULB thus far.

Top Pitcher – Season: 33-year old LHP Owen Tautor (19-14, 3.15 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 3.06 FIP, 114 ERA+) was the Cannons most consistent pitcher, on a team that does not have a truly dominant pitcher.

Noteworthy Performance: Wenceslas Jasmin went 5 for 6 with 1 RBI and 3 R in a 8-6 victory over the Pulberry Trolleys on March 24. Jasmin singled in the 1st, hit an RBI single in the 2nd, singled in the 4th, singled in the 6th, singled in the 8th and flied out in the 9th.

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 gone for a further 1-2 weeks.

On January 23, 26-year old 2B Shaun Attenborough (.286/.336/.418, 6 HR, 42 RBI, 18 R, 18 BB, 0.3 WAR) was injured in a collision at a base. He was subsequently diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. He will be laid up for another 3 months.

28-year old LF Ron Westmacott (.315/.402/.461, 12 HR, 69 RBI, 91 R, 77 BB, 22 SB, 4.4 WAR) tore an abdominal muscle while running the bases back on February 27. He is out of commission for 3 more months.

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After winning 20 games in January, the Kingston Pelicans lost an unheard of (for them) 16 games in February and very nearly fell out of the wild card. Indeed, at various times both the Sherburn Tigers and Balmoral Giants got to within a half-game of the Pelicans for second place, but just could not overtake them. And with a strong finish in March, Kingston was able to give themselves some breathing room.
But the Pelicans will be without their top starting pitcher, Joey Cumberledge, who injured himself in mid-March and will be unavailable for the playoffs. But while this team is showing some cracks, if ever so slightly, it is still probably better equipped to sustain a lengthy playoff run. The team remains strong in all facets of the game. They are still a nicely balanced team.

Offense: .281/.350/.395 (2nd/1st/3rd)
Pitching: 3.24/3.21/3.43 (1st/1st/4th)
Defense: .706 (2nd)

Top Position Player – Season: I'll go with a tie, as it was so close. SS Katsunan Chikafuji (.334/.393/.476, 13 HR, 108 RBI, 90 R, 61 BB, 7 SB, 7.6 WAR) had another incredible year at the plate to go along with sensational defense (.968 PCT, 5.40 RNG, +14.6 ZR, 1.037 EFF). But 26-year old C Danny Trowbridge (.340/.419/.492, 14 HR, 83 RBI, 96 R, 74 BB, 4 SB, 7.4 WAR) was not far behind. It was Danny's best season yet in his 6-year career.

Top Pitcher – Season: He may be only the 5th starter now, but 35-year old RHP Francis Slocock (16-8, 2.75 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 3.24 FIP, 131 ERA+) put in yet another solid season for the Pelicans. He has been one of the most consistent pitcher in ULB history.

Noteworthy Performance: Katsunan Chikafuji went 5 for 6 with 3 RBI and 3 R in a 22-5 beat-down of the Hespeler Stars on March 22; a game that saw Kingston collect 27 hits and Hespeler commit 5 errors. Chikafuji singled in the 1st, hit a two-run single in the 2nd, singled in the 4th, hit an RBI single in the 4th, flied out in the 5th and singled in the 7th.

Key Injury: 34-year old RHP Joey Cumberledge (15-13, 3.44 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 3.13 FIP, 104 ERA+) injured himself while pitching on March 16. He was diagnosed with a ulnar nerve irritation. He will miss 4 months.

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The Balmoral Giants won 28 games in the final two months of the season (2nd most in the West) to vault them into third spot. They came very close to overtaking Kingston in February, but just were not able to grab the jugular. But this a very good team who saw their pitching core make major strides this season. If it can continue next season, then they may finally see a return to the playoffs.

Offense: .287/.348/.396 (1st/2nd/2nd)
Pitching: 3.38/3.52/1.83 (3rd/3rd/1st)
Defense: .708 (1st)

Top Position Player – Season: There was no shortage of fine performances to chose from, but really, could it be anyone else but RF Carlton Broadbent (.345/.401/.535, 22 HR, 109 RBI, 105 R, 63 BB, 6.6 WAR)? He enjoyed his best season yet and his defense was really good this year (+2.4 ZR), something that couldn't be said last season (-10.3 ZR).

Top Pitcher – Season: Balmoral got a pretty decent year from its pitching staff and 33-year old RHP Derek Cawley (17-15, 3.39 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 3.38 FIP, 106 ERA+) was his team's top pitcher, leading in no less than 19 pitching categories.

Noteworthy Performance: Carlton Broadbent not only won the Western League batting title, but also became the second position player to win the Triple Crown. However, it wasn't so cut and dry: 1B Dean Bishop of the Kingston Pelicans finished with 24 home runs and 112 RBI, most in the United Leagues overall. But because he split the season between the Eastern and Western Leagues, Bishop didn't qualify for the lead in either (with Braeland City, Bishop had 12 HR and 43 RBI in 58 games; with Kingston he had 12 HR and 69 RBI in 95 games).
Broadbent becomes the fourth consecutive Giant to win the WL batting title. He follows Francisco Rodriquez (.361) in 1941-42, Roger Tyler (.324) in 1942-43 and Otton Overbeek (.338) last season.

Brunswick's Mark Elston was the first position player to win the Triple Crown, back in 1942.

Key Injuries: 25-year old 3B Otton Overbeek (.313/.341/.459, 7 HR, 70 RBI, 64 R, 18 BB, 4.3 WAR) injured his knee (knee tendinitis) while running the bases on March 7. He is out one week.

31-year old RHP Soren Heinke (9-5, 3.24 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 3.92 FIP, 111 ERA+) tore a flexor tendon in his elbow back on January 16. He is out of commission for at least 6 months.

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The Sherburn Tigers very nearly became the darlings of the United Leagues as they also came to within a half game of the Kingston Pelicans to challenge for the wild card. But in the end, they were unable to pull off a storybook ending. Sherburn enjoyed just it second winning season, the first since their inaugural season of 1937-38. They have a bevy of young prospects waiting in the wings and are quickly assembling a formidable pitching core with more on the way. But their offense will continue to hold them back until they address the dearth of young offensive talent. They have one of the strongest farm systems in the ULB, but do not have any hitting prospects to speak of. Perhaps they can address that in the off-season with a trade or two?

Offense: .263/.320/.348 (5th/6th/8th)
Pitching: 3.24/3.27/2.92 (2nd/2nd/3rd)
Defense: .695 (5th)

Top Position Player – Season: The former 11th overall pick from 1937-38 had his break out season, as 26-year old LF Bert Helmer (.291/.347/.405, 7 HR, 69 RBI, 74 R, 50 BB, 11 SB, 4.4 WAR) finally fulfilled his potential in his first full year with Sherburn (after 3-1/2 middling years in Cambria). He was incredible on defense as well (.968 PCT, 2.34 RNG,+13.4 ZR, 1.074 EFF).

Top Pitcher – Season: Sherburn's pitching staff really blossomed this season and 26-year old RHP Roberto Taváres (20-8, 2.33 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 2.90 FIP, 154 ERA+) has been getting better and better with each passing season. His back-to-back Pitcher of the Month honours in February and March only underscore that point. The fourth overall pick from 1940-41 is currently rated as the ULB's No. 2 pitcher.

Key Injuries: 30-year old 1B Francis Pynchon (.288/.323/.396, 7 HR, 56 RBI, 45 R, 23 BB, 0.3 WAR) tore a hamstring while running the bases back on February 16. He should be healed up in less than a week.

RHP Cris Herrera (14-15, 3.56 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 3.41 FIP, 101 ERA+) strained his hamstring while pitching back on March 16. The 24-year old should be up and ready in a couple of weeks.

LHP Daniel Pierson (8-17, 3.69 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 2.94 FIP, 97 ERA+) suffered shoulder inflammation while pitching back on March 19. He should be 100% in a couple of more weeks.

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For the first time in their existence, the Wolseley Unions did not finish a season with a losing record. It may not have been a winning record either, but progress is progress, and the 77 victories represent the most a Unions team has won. Their offense made modest gains this season and their farm system, once one of the worst in the ULB, has been quietly getting stronger (6th overall). They may not prove to be next year's sensation, but it appears that Wolseley is heading in the right direction – something that could not be said in recent years.

Offense: .259/.323/.361 (6th/5th/5th)
Pitching: 3.75/3.66/4.33 (6th/7th/7th)
Defense: .691 (7th)

Top Position Player – Season: 26-year old LF Zak Kidd (.286/.359/.430, 13 HR, 87 RBI, 78 R, 66 BB, 21 SB, 5.1 WAR) had a nice bounce-back season to once again be Wolseley's best position player. He was as good as they come defense as well (.997 PCT, 2.35 RNG, +17.2 ZR, 1.093 EFF).

Top Pitcher – Season: Despite the team's struggles, they got a couple of decent performances from their starters, including 26-year old LHP Bruce Whitten (20-9, 3.69 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 3.71 FIP, 97 ERA+), giving the Unions some hope for the future.

Key Injuries: 25-year old RHP Kai Tosh (2-7, 3.36 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 2.98 FIP, 107 ERA+) suffered a severe injury while pitching back on November 24. He required immediate radial nerve decompression surgery. He is laid up for another 6 weeks..

21-year old RHP Jeremy Albury (8-3, 3.51 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 3.75 FIP, 102 ERA+) suffered a fractured hand in a game back on December 26. He his out for another 3 months.

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The Pulberry Trolleys were a bit like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, in that they enjoyed a strong February, only to falter in March and fall to sixth place. The Trolleys in fact lost on more game than last year, but their situation is far from dire. They have an exciting mix of young talented players, especially on offense and the their pitching saw a nice improvement over last season. The Trolleys give me the impression that they are not very far from putting it all together – and if they can, then next year's pennant race may become one of the most heated. But they first have to make the playoffs, something they have yet to do.

Offense: .274/.325/.375 (4th/4th/4th)
Pitching: 3.64/3.60/3.96 (5th/5th/5th)
Defense: .704 (3rd)

Top Position Player – Season: Lots of reasons for optimism with this young crew, and 23-year old SS Roland Binns (.289/.349/.373, 6 HR, 57 RBI, 87 R, 55 BB, 21 SB, 4.2 WAR) is quickly becoming one of best shortstops in the ULB (5th overall).

Top Pitcher – Season: There are actually a few to choose from, but I'll go with 32-year old RHP Bailey Keedwell (19-13, 3.44 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 3.30 FIP, 105 ERA+).

Noteworthy Performance: Rookie Jon Pring hit the third Cycle of the season. On February 21, the rookie went 4 for 5 against the Brunswick Legends, with 3 RBI and 3 R, to help the Trolleys defeat the Legends, 10-2.
Pring flied out in the 1st, hit an RBI triple in the 3rd, hit a 2-run home run off of Hirotada Fukushima in the 4th, singled in the 6th and doubled in the 8th.

Key Injuries: 22-year old CF Joey Maddaford (.233/.298/.349, 1 HR, 15 RBI, 17 R, 12 BB, 0.6 WAR) suffered a fractured rib on a defensive play back on March 18. His timeline is for another 4 weeks.

RHP Alexander Ellacott (18-13, 2.83 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 3.22 FIP, 127 ERA+) ruptured a tendon in his finger while pitching on March 19. The 23-year old will be unable to pitch for another 3 months.

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The Fort Richmond Generals finished the season with a flourish, winning 30 games in the final two months, most of any team in the West. That helped them escape the basement and finish the season with 71 victories, 15 more than last year. Still, this team is far from competing for a playoff spot and will probably endure some further pains as the youngsters slowly make their way to the major league roster. But the Generals have a very strong farm system and have a couple of exciting players in C Henug-su Park and this year's first overall pick CF Dylan Moyne. Hopefully, Fort Richmond can stay the course, as some exciting things are brewing.

Offense: .257/.319/.354 (7th/8th/7th)
Pitching: 4.05/4.04/4.10 (8th/8th/6th)
Defense: .701 (4th)

Top Position Player – Season: Not a memorable season for the Generals, but 27 year old C Henug-su Park (.312/.373/.466, 13 HR, 63 RBI, 70 R, 44 BB, 5.0 WAR) is a bonafide star, and is second only to Kingston's Danny Trowbrdge as the ULB's top-ranked catcher (the man who he just happened to replace in Fort Richmond).

Top Pitcher – Season: Also not a great season for Fort Richmond pitching-wise, but 24-year old RHP Reece Leavers (15-12, 3.01 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 3.70 FIP, 119 ERA+) is at least giving his team something to be happy about.

Noteworthy Performance: C Heung-su Park enjoyed quite a stretch in late February and March. On February 27, Park went 4 for 5 against the Hespeler Stars with 2 RBI. On March 10, he hit two home runs against the Wolseley Unions, with 3 RBI, 1 R. The next day, he went 4 for 5 against the same Wolseley Unions, collecting 3 RBI and 1 R.
For his efforts, the 7th overall pick from 1940-41 won back-to-back Player of the Week Awards. In the first week, he batted .520 with 2 HR, 7 RBI, 5 R. The following week, he batted .476 with 3 HR, 8 RBI, 4 R. Not surprisingly, he was voted Batter of the Month for March as well.

Key Injuries: On March 11, RHP Reece Leavers (15-12, 3.01 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 3.70 FIP, 119 ERA+) suffered ulnar nerve irritation while pitching. The 24-year old will be unable to pitch for another 3 months.

26-year old LF Gavin Bansfield (.259/.323/.352, 3 HR, 52 RBI, 50 R, 47 BB, -0.4 WAR) injured his ankle while fielding in a game back on March 17. He should be OK in an other week.

RHP John Bullivant (7-4, 3 SV, 5.00 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 3.99 FIP, 72 ERA+) experienced shoulder tendinitis while pitching on March 21. The 23-year old should be back up to speed in 1-2 weeks.

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The Hespeler Stars meandered through the final two months of the season and found themselves relegated to last place in the West when the Fort Richmond Generals leaped over them. There's nowhere to go but up and its probably just as well – with the other perennial losing teams in the West starting to show some strength, the Stars need to do some re-aligning. They are rather woeful on both side of the ball. But they boast the deepest farm system in the United Leagues right now, and it should only get deeper. If they remain patient, then the second go-around in their rebuild may finally bear some fruit.

Offense: .254/.319/.358 (8th/7th/6th)
Pitching: 3.78/3.55/5.19 (7th/4th/8th)
Defense: .692 (6th)

Top Position Player – Season: 25 year old C Aaron Skidmore (.262/.390/.424, 18 HR, 65 RBI, 65 R, 102 BB, 6.2 WAR) took it to the next level in his 4th full season in the United Leagues was his team's best position player by a comfortable margin.

Top Pitcher – Season: Somewhat of a down year for 27-year old LHP Jake Osmotherley (18-15, 3.48 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 3.70 FIP, 103 ERA+) but that still good enough to be considered the Stars' best pitcher.

Noteworthy Performance: 2B Vic Weetman won Player of the Week honours on March 19. He batted .448 (13 H in 29 AB) with 1 HR, 6 RBI, 6 R.

Key Injury: LHP Carlton Sherrell (9-13, 3.60 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 3.69 FIP, 100 ERA+) experienced shoulder inflammation while pitching on February 4. The 26-year old is still out for another 4-5weeks.

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07-13-2016, 01:22 AM	#285
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,919	March 27, 1945 Western League: Battered Cannons, Pelicans Square Off for the Pennant The Cambria Cannons held on to take top spot in the Western League, the third time in their existence, but they are a battered team as it enters the playoffs. For the fourth time in his career, Ron Westmacott went down to an extended injury and will not be available for the playoffs, perhaps dealing the Cannons a critical blow to their playoff fortunes. But the Kingston Pelicans did not escape the injury bug either and will be missing their No. 1 starter as they head into the Western League Pennant series. It will be a question of who can better adjust to their loss as they meet up in the Pennant Series for the fifth time in the League's young history. -------- The Cambria Cannons won just one more game than they lost in the final two months of the season, and fans are justifiably concerned as to whether their team has the depth to win a series against the rival Pelicans. Injuries have definitely impacted their overall play. Still, Cambria is nowhere near to being a one-trick pony and it will be interesting to see if this team can rally against Kingston in the playoffs. Offense: .278/.341/.399 (3rd/3rd/1st) Pitching: 3.46/3.60/2.27 (4th/6th/2nd) Defense: .689 (8th) *Top Position Player – Season:* If offense was the only criteria, then Ron Westmacott would probably get singled out, but his defense, like a number of his teammates was subpar this year. But SS Wenceslas Jasmin (.285/.334/.400, 7 HR, 66 RBI, 98 R, 44 BB, 13 SB, 5.3 WAR) was no slouch and was fantastic in the field as well (.972 PCT, 5.08 RNG, +12.9 ZR, 1.036 EFF). The former 1st overall pick from 1938-39 enjoyed his best overall season in the ULB thus far. *Top Pitcher – Season:* 33-year old LHP Owen Tautor (19-14, 3.15 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 3.06 FIP, 114 ERA+) was the Cannons most consistent pitcher, on a team that does not have a truly dominant pitcher. *Noteworthy Performance:* Wenceslas Jasmin went 5 for 6 with 1 RBI and 3 R in a 8-6 victory over the Pulberry Trolleys on March 24. Jasmin singled in the 1st, hit an RBI single in the 2nd, singled in the 4th, singled in the 6th, singled in the 8th and flied out in the 9th. *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 gone for a further 1-2 weeks. On January 23, 26-year old 2B Shaun Attenborough (.286/.336/.418, 6 HR, 42 RBI, 18 R, 18 BB, 0.3 WAR) was injured in a collision at a base. He was subsequently diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. He will be laid up for another 3 months. 28-year old LF Ron Westmacott (.315/.402/.461, 12 HR, 69 RBI, 91 R, 77 BB, 22 SB, 4.4 WAR) tore an abdominal muscle while running the bases back on February 27. He is out of commission for 3 more months. -------- After winning 20 games in January, the Kingston Pelicans lost an unheard of (for them) 16 games in February and very nearly fell out of the wild card. Indeed, at various times both the Sherburn Tigers and Balmoral Giants got to within a half-game of the Pelicans for second place, but just could not overtake them. And with a strong finish in March, Kingston was able to give themselves some breathing room. But the Pelicans will be without their top starting pitcher, Joey Cumberledge, who injured himself in mid-March and will be unavailable for the playoffs. But while this team is showing some cracks, if ever so slightly, it is still probably better equipped to sustain a lengthy playoff run. The team remains strong in all facets of the game. They are still a nicely balanced team. Offense: .281/.350/.395 (2nd/1st/3rd) Pitching: 3.24/3.21/3.43 (1st/1st/4th) Defense: .706 (2nd) *Top Position Player – Season:* I'll go with a tie, as it was so close. SS Katsunan Chikafuji (.334/.393/.476, 13 HR, 108 RBI, 90 R, 61 BB, 7 SB, 7.6 WAR) had another incredible year at the plate to go along with sensational defense (.968 PCT, 5.40 RNG, +14.6 ZR, 1.037 EFF). But 26-year old C Danny Trowbridge (.340/.419/.492, 14 HR, 83 RBI, 96 R, 74 BB, 4 SB, 7.4 WAR) was not far behind. It was Danny's best season yet in his 6-year career. *Top Pitcher – Season:* He may be only the 5th starter now, but 35-year old RHP Francis Slocock (16-8, 2.75 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 3.24 FIP, 131 ERA+) put in yet another solid season for the Pelicans. He has been one of the most consistent pitcher in ULB history. *Noteworthy Performance:* Katsunan Chikafuji went 5 for 6 with 3 RBI and 3 R in a 22-5 beat-down of the Hespeler Stars on March 22; a game that saw Kingston collect 27 hits and Hespeler commit 5 errors. Chikafuji singled in the 1st, hit a two-run single in the 2nd, singled in the 4th, hit an RBI single in the 4th, flied out in the 5th and singled in the 7th. *Key Injury:* 34-year old RHP Joey Cumberledge (15-13, 3.44 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 3.13 FIP, 104 ERA+) injured himself while pitching on March 16. He was diagnosed with a ulnar nerve irritation. He will miss 4 months. -------- The Balmoral Giants won 28 games in the final two months of the season (2nd most in the West) to vault them into third spot. They came very close to overtaking Kingston in February, but just were not able to grab the jugular. But this a very good team who saw their pitching core make major strides this season. If it can continue next season, then they may finally see a return to the playoffs. Offense: .287/.348/.396 (1st/2nd/2nd) Pitching: 3.38/3.52/1.83 (3rd/3rd/1st) Defense: .708 (1st) *Top Position Player – Season:* There was no shortage of fine performances to chose from, but really, could it be anyone else but RF Carlton Broadbent (.345/.401/.535, 22 HR, 109 RBI, 105 R, 63 BB, 6.6 WAR)? He enjoyed his best season yet and his defense was really good this year (+2.4 ZR), something that couldn't be said last season (-10.3 ZR). *Top Pitcher – Season:* Balmoral got a pretty decent year from its pitching staff and 33-year old RHP Derek Cawley (17-15, 3.39 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 3.38 FIP, 106 ERA+) was his team's top pitcher, leading in no less than 19 pitching categories. *Noteworthy Performance:* Carlton Broadbent not only won the Western League batting title, but also became the second position player to win the Triple Crown. However, it wasn't so cut and dry: 1B Dean Bishop of the Kingston Pelicans finished with 24 home runs and 112 RBI, most in the United Leagues overall. But because he split the season between the Eastern and Western Leagues, Bishop didn't qualify for the lead in either (with Braeland City, Bishop had 12 HR and 43 RBI in 58 games; with Kingston he had 12 HR and 69 RBI in 95 games). Broadbent becomes the fourth consecutive Giant to win the WL batting title. He follows Francisco Rodriquez (.361) in 1941-42, Roger Tyler (.324) in 1942-43 and Otton Overbeek (.338) last season. Brunswick's Mark Elston was the first position player to win the Triple Crown, back in 1942. *Key Injuries:* 25-year old 3B Otton Overbeek (.313/.341/.459, 7 HR, 70 RBI, 64 R, 18 BB, 4.3 WAR) injured his knee (knee tendinitis) while running the bases on March 7. He is out one week. 31-year old RHP Soren Heinke (9-5, 3.24 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 3.92 FIP, 111 ERA+) tore a flexor tendon in his elbow back on January 16. He is out of commission for at least 6 months. -------- The Sherburn Tigers very nearly became the darlings of the United Leagues as they also came to within a half game of the Kingston Pelicans to challenge for the wild card. But in the end, they were unable to pull off a storybook ending. Sherburn enjoyed just it second winning season, the first since their inaugural season of 1937-38. They have a bevy of young prospects waiting in the wings and are quickly assembling a formidable pitching core with more on the way. But their offense will continue to hold them back until they address the dearth of young offensive talent. They have one of the strongest farm systems in the ULB, but do not have any hitting prospects to speak of. Perhaps they can address that in the off-season with a trade or two? Offense: .263/.320/.348 (5th/6th/8th) Pitching: 3.24/3.27/2.92 (2nd/2nd/3rd) Defense: .695 (5th) *Top Position Player – Season:* The former 11th overall pick from 1937-38 had his break out season, as 26-year old LF Bert Helmer (.291/.347/.405, 7 HR, 69 RBI, 74 R, 50 BB, 11 SB, 4.4 WAR) finally fulfilled his potential in his first full year with Sherburn (after 3-1/2 middling years in Cambria). He was incredible on defense as well (.968 PCT, 2.34 RNG,+13.4 ZR, 1.074 EFF). *Top Pitcher – Season:* Sherburn's pitching staff really blossomed this season and 26-year old RHP Roberto Taváres (20-8, 2.33 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 2.90 FIP, 154 ERA+) has been getting better and better with each passing season. His back-to-back Pitcher of the Month honours in February and March only underscore that point. The fourth overall pick from 1940-41 is currently rated as the ULB's No. 2 pitcher. *Key Injuries:* 30-year old 1B Francis Pynchon (.288/.323/.396, 7 HR, 56 RBI, 45 R, 23 BB, 0.3 WAR) tore a hamstring while running the bases back on February 16. He should be healed up in less than a week. RHP Cris Herrera (14-15, 3.56 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 3.41 FIP, 101 ERA+) strained his hamstring while pitching back on March 16. The 24-year old should be up and ready in a couple of weeks. LHP Daniel Pierson (8-17, 3.69 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 2.94 FIP, 97 ERA+) suffered shoulder inflammation while pitching back on March 19. He should be 100% in a couple of more weeks. -------- For the first time in their existence, the Wolseley Unions did not finish a season with a losing record. It may not have been a winning record either, but progress is progress, and the 77 victories represent the most a Unions team has won. Their offense made modest gains this season and their farm system, once one of the worst in the ULB, has been quietly getting stronger (6th overall). They may not prove to be next year's sensation, but it appears that Wolseley is heading in the right direction – something that could not be said in recent years. Offense: .259/.323/.361 (6th/5th/5th) Pitching: 3.75/3.66/4.33 (6th/7th/7th) Defense: .691 (7th) *Top Position Player – Season:* 26-year old LF Zak Kidd (.286/.359/.430, 13 HR, 87 RBI, 78 R, 66 BB, 21 SB, 5.1 WAR) had a nice bounce-back season to once again be Wolseley's best position player. He was as good as they come defense as well (.997 PCT, 2.35 RNG, +17.2 ZR, 1.093 EFF). *Top Pitcher – Season:* Despite the team's struggles, they got a couple of decent performances from their starters, including 26-year old LHP Bruce Whitten (20-9, 3.69 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 3.71 FIP, 97 ERA+), giving the Unions some hope for the future. *Key Injuries:* 25-year old RHP Kai Tosh (2-7, 3.36 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 2.98 FIP, 107 ERA+) suffered a severe injury while pitching back on November 24. He required immediate radial nerve decompression surgery. He is laid up for another 6 weeks.. 21-year old RHP Jeremy Albury (8-3, 3.51 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 3.75 FIP, 102 ERA+) suffered a fractured hand in a game back on December 26. He his out for another 3 months. -------- The Pulberry Trolleys were a bit like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, in that they enjoyed a strong February, only to falter in March and fall to sixth place. The Trolleys in fact lost on more game than last year, but their situation is far from dire. They have an exciting mix of young talented players, especially on offense and the their pitching saw a nice improvement over last season. The Trolleys give me the impression that they are not very far from putting it all together – and if they can, then next year's pennant race may become one of the most heated. But they first have to make the playoffs, something they have yet to do. Offense: .274/.325/.375 (4th/4th/4th) Pitching: 3.64/3.60/3.96 (5th/5th/5th) Defense: .704 (3rd) *Top Position Player – Season:* Lots of reasons for optimism with this young crew, and 23-year old SS Roland Binns (.289/.349/.373, 6 HR, 57 RBI, 87 R, 55 BB, 21 SB, 4.2 WAR) is quickly becoming one of best shortstops in the ULB (5th overall). *Top Pitcher – Season:* There are actually a few to choose from, but I'll go with 32-year old RHP Bailey Keedwell (19-13, 3.44 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 3.30 FIP, 105 ERA+). *Noteworthy Performance:* Rookie Jon Pring hit the third Cycle of the season. On February 21, the rookie went 4 for 5 against the Brunswick Legends, with 3 RBI and 3 R, to help the Trolleys defeat the Legends, 10-2. Pring flied out in the 1st, hit an RBI triple in the 3rd, hit a 2-run home run off of Hirotada Fukushima in the 4th, singled in the 6th and doubled in the 8th. *Key Injuries:* 22-year old CF Joey Maddaford (.233/.298/.349, 1 HR, 15 RBI, 17 R, 12 BB, 0.6 WAR) suffered a fractured rib on a defensive play back on March 18. His timeline is for another 4 weeks. RHP Alexander Ellacott (18-13, 2.83 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 3.22 FIP, 127 ERA+) ruptured a tendon in his finger while pitching on March 19. The 23-year old will be unable to pitch for another 3 months. -------- The Fort Richmond Generals finished the season with a flourish, winning 30 games in the final two months, most of any team in the West. That helped them escape the basement and finish the season with 71 victories, 15 more than last year. Still, this team is far from competing for a playoff spot and will probably endure some further pains as the youngsters slowly make their way to the major league roster. But the Generals have a very strong farm system and have a couple of exciting players in C Henug-su Park and this year's first overall pick CF Dylan Moyne. Hopefully, Fort Richmond can stay the course, as some exciting things are brewing. Offense: .257/.319/.354 (7th/8th/7th) Pitching: 4.05/4.04/4.10 (8th/8th/6th) Defense: .701 (4th) *Top Position Player – Season:* Not a memorable season for the Generals, but 27 year old C Henug-su Park (.312/.373/.466, 13 HR, 63 RBI, 70 R, 44 BB, 5.0 WAR) is a bonafide star, and is second only to Kingston's Danny Trowbrdge as the ULB's top-ranked catcher (the man who he just happened to replace in Fort Richmond). *Top Pitcher – Season:* Also not a great season for Fort Richmond pitching-wise, but 24-year old RHP Reece Leavers (15-12, 3.01 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 3.70 FIP, 119 ERA+) is at least giving his team something to be happy about. *Noteworthy Performance:* C Heung-su Park enjoyed quite a stretch in late February and March. On February 27, Park went 4 for 5 against the Hespeler Stars with 2 RBI. On March 10, he hit two home runs against the Wolseley Unions, with 3 RBI, 1 R. The next day, he went 4 for 5 against the same Wolseley Unions, collecting 3 RBI and 1 R. For his efforts, the 7th overall pick from 1940-41 won back-to-back Player of the Week Awards. In the first week, he batted .520 with 2 HR, 7 RBI, 5 R. The following week, he batted .476 with 3 HR, 8 RBI, 4 R. Not surprisingly, he was voted Batter of the Month for March as well. *Key Injuries:* On March 11, RHP Reece Leavers (15-12, 3.01 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 3.70 FIP, 119 ERA+) suffered ulnar nerve irritation while pitching. The 24-year old will be unable to pitch for another 3 months. 26-year old LF Gavin Bansfield (.259/.323/.352, 3 HR, 52 RBI, 50 R, 47 BB, -0.4 WAR) injured his ankle while fielding in a game back on March 17. He should be OK in an other week. RHP John Bullivant (7-4, 3 SV, 5.00 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 3.99 FIP, 72 ERA+) experienced shoulder tendinitis while pitching on March 21. The 23-year old should be back up to speed in 1-2 weeks. -------- The Hespeler Stars meandered through the final two months of the season and found themselves relegated to last place in the West when the Fort Richmond Generals leaped over them. There's nowhere to go but up and its probably just as well – with the other perennial losing teams in the West starting to show some strength, the Stars need to do some re-aligning. They are rather woeful on both side of the ball. But they boast the deepest farm system in the United Leagues right now, and it should only get deeper. If they remain patient, then the second go-around in their rebuild may finally bear some fruit. Offense: .254/.319/.358 (8th/7th/6th) Pitching: 3.78/3.55/5.19 (7th/4th/8th) Defense: .692 (6th) *Top Position Player – Season:* 25 year old C Aaron Skidmore (.262/.390/.424, 18 HR, 65 RBI, 65 R, 102 BB, 6.2 WAR) took it to the next level in his 4th full season in the United Leagues was his team's best position player by a comfortable margin. *Top Pitcher – Season:* Somewhat of a down year for 27-year old LHP Jake Osmotherley (18-15, 3.48 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 3.70 FIP, 103 ERA+) but that still good enough to be considered the Stars' best pitcher. *Noteworthy Performance:* 2B Vic Weetman won Player of the Week honours on March 19. He batted .448 (13 H in 29 AB) with 1 HR, 6 RBI, 6 R. *Key Injury:* LHP Carlton Sherrell (9-13, 3.60 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 3.69 FIP, 100 ERA+) experienced shoulder inflammation while pitching on February 4. The 26-year old is still out for another 4-5weeks. -------- __________________ United Leagues of Braeland Last edited by reds1; 07-14-2017 at 08:07 PM.