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reds1 · 03-20-2017, 07:31 PM

February 1, 1947

Eastern League: The Eagles Take Flight

The Eastern League sees a new team at the top of the standings, as the Queensland Eagles soar into first place. They were six games back and in fourth place at the end of November, but a 34-20 record since then, the second best in the ULB over that period has catapulted them over the Brunswick Legends and Cobourg Red Stockings. Apart from those three teams, the rest of the League has been either mediocre or downright awful. But a couple of teams, namely the Stratford Barons and Wellington Athletics, do have enough things right with them that a late push for the wildcard isn’t out of the question. But a lot of things will have to go their way in the final two months of the season for that to happen.

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The Queensland Eagles were keeping their head just above water after the first two months of the season, but came alive in December and then really turned on the afterburners in January to take over top spot. The offense has been excellent, but they do tend to strike out quite frequently (448 - 8th) and stealing bases is definitely not part of their game (just 6 - 8th – the next lowest total in the ULB is 26 by the Brunswick Legends).

What has bolstered the Eagles fortunes of late is the improved pitching, but really, only three pitchers are carrying the team: 27-year old ace RHP Aaron Saunderson (13-9, 3.23 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 105 ERA+), spot starter 25-year old RHP Okura Suzuki (9-1, 1 SV, 2.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 162 ERA+) who was promoted to the rotation in late November, and 26-year old stopper LHP Roman Davis (2-4, 15 SV, 2.28 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 148 ERA+). Outside of them, the pitching has been lacklustre, so Queensland is extremely vulnerable if the rest of the staff doesn’t pick things up down the stretch.

The Eagles lineup features four second-round draft picks and two first-round draft picks. One of those second-rounders is one of the best in the ULB: 28-year old C Elijah Sheppard (.287/.365/.501, 15 HR, 56 RBI, 42 BB, 5.2 WAR). But 27-year old RF Jilenko Vergara (.354/.417/.604, 13 HR, 49 RBI, 31 BB, 4.8 WAR), who was a minor league free agent signing, is right behind him. In fact, Vergara is rated No. 4 overall among position players and is viewed as the top right fielder in the ULB, ahead of Balmoral’s Carleton Broadbent.

Five Eagles made the All-Star roster: SP Aaron Saunderson (4th appearance), C Elijah Sheppard (4th), 2B Noah Wellings (1st), SS Dermott Akers (2nd) and RF Jilenko Vergara (2nd).

Offense: .271/.339/.397 (2nd/2nd/1st)
Pitching: 3.68/3.76/3.26 (4th/5th/5th)
Defense: .686 (8th)

Player of the Week Awards:

January 27 – RF Jilenko Vergara (.462, 12 H, 3 HR, 7 RBI)

Key Injuries:

LF Kunimichi Baba (.320/.376/.430, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 8 BB) – January 8 – High ankle sprain. Out 3 more days.

RHP Joong Ling (2-1, 4.55 ERA, 1.52 WHIP) – November 28 – broken hand. Out 6 weeks.

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After declaring at the end of last season that the Cobourg Red Stockings would be unable to make any significant strides unless they upgraded their pitching, I must confess that the Cobourg pitchers have shown me a thing or two. The staff has indeed made great strides with essentially the same personnel. 24-year old RHP Trent Beaton (14-6, 2.14 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 161 ERA+) and 28-year old RHP Carlo Foronda (11-9, 1 SV, 3.53 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 98 ERA+) continue to lead the way. But they are not the only ones. 26-year old RHP Luis Cruz (7-7, 2.84 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 122 ERA+) is having a great year, the second of his career. In the bullpen, stopper 27-year old stopper RHP Brent Nix (6-5, 14 SV, 1.78 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 194 ERA+) leads a very strong unit.

The offense needs to catch up to the pitching this season, which is quite the switch, but they are still so young and growing. 25-year old SS John Medley (.285/.341/.416, 2 HR, 38 RBI, 34 BB, 23 SB, 2.9 WAR) is confirmation that the patient course Cobourg is taking is the correct one. He is enjoying his best season yet; just his third full one in the ULB. When the other talented youngster hit their full stride, watch out.

Three players represented the Red Stockings at the recent All-Star game: SP Trent Beaton (1st), RP Brent Nix (3rd) and SS John Medley (2nd).

Offense: .261/.320/.357 (4th/7th/5th)
Pitching: 3.22/3.38/2.53 (3rd/3rd/2nd)
Defense: .710 (3rd)

Noteworthy:

December 30 – SS John Medley had a big day, going 5-for-5 against the Braeland City Monarchs. Medley singled in the 1st, singled in the 3rd, doubled in the 5th, doubled in the 7th and tripled in the 9th, scoring 3 runs. Alas, it was not enough, as the Monarchs prevailed 9-7.

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The Brunswick Legends cooled off the past two months after a hot start and find themselves 4 games back of Queensland. The primary source of their struggles lately has been an erratic offense. They have a propensity of scoring a bunch of runs one night only to be shut-down the next. In January for example, they scored 96 runs while surrendering 97; they went 10-16 during that stretch.

Two all-stars are essentially carrying the offense this season: 32-year old LF Terry Aspden (.341/.426/.520, 7 HR, 50 RBI, 43 BB, 3.1 WAR) and 30-year old 1B Stuart Bentham (.290/.393/.485, 17 HR, 48 RBI, 67 BB, 3.1 WAR). Other players, like 30-year old C Maurice Evans (.247/.295/.398, 11 HR, 56 RBI, 26 BB, 2.5 WAR) have been up and down from month-to-month; while other former stalwarts, such as 28-year old CF Harry Chatwin (.248/.332/.330, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 34 BB, 1.8 WAR) have lost their starting jobs completely.

The Legends sent six players to the All-Star game in Wellington: SP Hirotada Fukushima (4th), SP Matthew Monroe (8th), SP Anastasio Rodríguez (7th), SP Wilson Villas (2nd), 1B Stuart Bentham (6th) and LF Terry Aspden (6th).

Offense: .246/.327/.346 (7th/5th/7th)
Pitching: 2.93/2.82/3.40 (1st/1st/6th)
Defense: .703 (5th)

Player of the Week Awards:

December 16 – LF Terry Aspden (.409, 9 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI)

Key Trade: December 29 with the Wolseley Unions

To Brunswick – 25-year old SS Jorge Arredondo (49/69)
To Wolseley – 29-year old RHP Hun Park (77/78)

Knee-jerk reaction: A very intriguing trade between two teams in the playoff hunt. Arredondo (.251/.320/.352, 3 HR, 39 RBI, 38 BB, 12 SB) will certainly help bolster Brunswick’s lineup. 32-year old 2B Matthew Shelley (.283/.359/.360, 2 HR, 45 RBI, 38 BB) moves over to 2B, his strongest position, replacing 26-year old IF Derek Myers (.130/.167/.217) and 36-year old IF Vince Bailey (.255/.365/.276) who were not producing much this year. Arredondo becomes Brunswick’s No. 4 hitter, as he was with Wolseley. However, the loss of Park will be felt, as 30-year old RHP Ron Cowen (1-7, 4 SV, 3.89 ERA, 1.51 WHIP) has been inconsistent from game-to-game since moving to the rotation (1-4, 3.64 ERA in 6 starts).

As for Wolseley, their rotation continues to get stronger. After acquiring All-Star RHP Ian Peter (11-2, 2.44 ERA, 1.27 WHIP) back in October, the Unions now add Park (6-8, 3.52 ERA, 1.50 WHIP) who will be their No. 2 starter. Park appeared to be regressing this season with Brunswick, so a ‘change of scenery’ as they say, may help. As for the loss of Arredondo, a former 3rd overall pick from 1940-41, Wolseley obviously feels that 25-year old SS George Kimpton (.287/.358/.431, 1 HR, 24 RBI, 17 BB), a former 5th overall pick from 1943-44 is ready to take over. He too, becomes Wolseley’s No. 4 man in the lineup.

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The Stratford Barons get back to .500, but it’s been a tough stretch for the defending United Cup Champions, as they deal with a slew of injuries to key players, like SP Ryan Borden, SS Jake Walker and CF Roberto Ríos. It’s remarkable that the Barons have kept within shooting distance of a playoff spot considering all the injuries, but Stratford has to seriously step it up in the final two months if they want to return to the post-season.
Not surprisingly, they made some moves before the trade deadline to try and do just that.

But injuries are not the only reason for the Barons’ struggles. The offense is being carried essentially by three players: 34-year old Jake Walker (.352/.454/.468, 4 HR, 47 RBI, 59 BB, 5.0 WAR), 27-year old C Aaron Skidmore (.276/.410/.433, 13 HR, 65 RBI, 78 BB, 4.6 WAR) and 23-year old Roberto Ríos (.235/.390/.403, 11 HR, 40 RBI, 88 BB, 4.2 WAR). Other key players appear to be in decline, like 27-year old CF Ricardo Castellanos (.258/.317/.382, 2 HR, 35 RBI, 21 BB, 7 SB, 1.8 WAR), as well as 30-year old RF Steven Winstanley (.242/.333/.339, 3 HR, 26 RBI, 32 BB, 1.2 WAR). Casltellanos has seen his production decrease for the second straight season, while Winstanley appears not to have recovered from the two-years he served in the Armed Forces.

Three Barons made the All-Star team this year: C Aaron Skidmore (6th), SS Jake Walker (8th) and CF Roberto Ríos (1st).

Offense: .254/.350/.352 (5th/1st/6th)
Pitching: 3.82/3.67/4.60 (6th/4th/8th)
Defense: .699 (6th)

Player of the Week Awards:

December 9 – C Aaron Skidmore (.588, 10 H, 2 HR, 6 RBI)
January 6 – 2B Brendan McElroy (.750, 6 H, 3 RBI)
January 20 – C Aaron Skidmore (.632, 12 H, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 6 R)

Key Trade No. 1: January 6 with the Hespeler Stars

To Stratford – 26-year old LF Curt Tiffany (63/63) and $3,800
To Hespeler – Five minor leaguers:
19-year old 1B Celso Raed (22/61),
25-year old RHP Marvin Fewings (22/40),
23-year old LF Mitchell Michael (23/23),
23-year old CF Peter Metcalfe (22/22),
22-year old 3B Owen Surtees (22/40)

Knee-jerk reaction: With Stratford’s outfield battered by injuries, it’s no surprise that they went out and got reinforcement. Tiffany (.271/.386/.378, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 55 BB. 9 SB), a former 3rd round pick from 1938-39, has some offensive ability, but his real strengths are drawing walks and speed on the basepaths. Thus, he is pegged to lead off for the Barons. The fact that he is rock-solid defensively in leftfield doesn’t hurt either.

Hespeler obviously felt that Tiffany was expendable, having 24-year old LF Bart Warwick (74/75) on their roster. Warwick was a 2nd round pick from 1942-43 and should prove to be a better hitter overall than Tiffany. As far as their players, Raed is a former 3rd round pick from 1945-46. He has some hitting ability but isn’t anything to get exciting about. Meanwhile, Fewings who was promoted to the big-league roster has taken over as the Stars’ stopper. He has not disappointed in the early going (1-0, 3 SV, 1.80 ERA, 1.00 WHIP).

Key Trade No. 2: January 7 with the Kingston Pelicans

To Stratford – 29-year old 3B Britt Wing (50/57)
To Kingston – 25-year old RF Luca Bewick (54/63)

Knee-jerk reaction: A day after acquiring Tiffany, the Barons let a young Bewick go, as they felt they desperately needed an upgrade at 3B. Britt Wing has not done much since the 1942-43 season when he was a starter with Fort Richmond. With Stratford, he will be given the chance to be an everyday starter once again.

For Kingston, Bewick also represents a potential upgrade that will get a chance to start every day for the first time in his young career. He will take over RF for the Pelicans, in place of 29-year old Lance Haworth (26/29), and will be Kingston’s lead-off hitter.

Key Injuries:

LHP Ryan Borden (3-7, 3.33 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) – December 13. Torn shoulder muscle. Out 7 more weeks.

CF Roberto Ríos – January 8. Separated hip joint. Out 4-5 more weeks.

SS Jake Walker – January 12. Fractured foot. Out 4 more days.

RHP Donn Griffin (4-2, 4.14 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) – December 4. Torn shoulder muscle. Out 2 more months.

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The Braeland City Monarchs are another team that is hovering around .500 waiting for players to return from the DL. Specifically, they are a pair of starters: 26-year old LHP Nicholas Grimes (1-1, 2.29 ERA, 1.36 WHIP) and 35-year old LHP Max MacColl (6-4, 2.22 ERA, 1.29 WHIP). If they can find their groove, then the Monarchs too could get back in to the wildcard chase.

The offense has been more consistent, but there’s no question who the leader is: 33-year old 3B Adam Ashley (.354/.425/.469, 2 HR, 37 RBI, 51 BB, 6.0 WAR). Ashley is now rated No. 2 on the Top Position Player list (behind Kingston’s C Danny Trowbridge). He is enjoying his best season yet, per WAR. Last season, he was worth 6.4. His best mark was in 1939-40 when he was worth 6.8. This season he is on pace for 9.0.
Right now, 24-year old 1B Kyle Pryor (.307/.376/.479, 13 HR, 45 RBI, 38 BB, 3.6 WAR) is a distant second on the team.

Four players from the Monarchs made the All-Star team: SP David Cooling (7th), RP Samuel Hollier (4th), 1B Kyle Pryor (2nd) and 3B Adam Ashley (8th).

Offense: .272/.327/.379 (1st/6th/2nd)
Pitching: 3.70/3.80/3.21 (5th/6th/4th)
Defense: .709 (4th)

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The Wellington Athletics are a well-balanced team that have made strides this season and find themselves just 6.0 games back of the wildcard. Certainly, having more months like January will help their cause – it was just their first month above .500 all season. But if it’s a harbinger of things to come, then they just might make the final two months of the regular season very interesting in the East.

Without question, 27-year old LHP Arthur Bence (16-6, 1.83 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 185 ERA+) has been the story and is shaping up to be the greatest steal made by a team in a trade. 28-year old Baden Morrall (.201/.295/.225, 2 HR, 28 RBI, 44 BB, 4 SB, -0.1 WAR) has not exactly been the player the Sherburn Tigers were hoping for when they acquired him for Bence. Although overshadowed by Bence, 24-year old RHP Wilfried Schop (10-10, 2.28 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 148 ERA+) is quietly enjoying the best season on his three year career.

On offense, a number of Athletics are enjoying career years: 26-year old C Mick Gunnis (.327/.373/.472, 12 HR, 59 RBI, 28 BB, 4.4 WAR) is developing into one of the best catchers in the ULB; 22-year old CF Edgardo Barrón (.339/.380/.446, 1 HR, 22 RBI, 18 BB, 3.3 WAR) is enjoying a break-out season in his sophomore year and 29-year old 3B Thomas Murphy (.268/.332/.373, 3HR, 26 RBI, 40 BB, 5 SB, 2.8 WAR), who could be even better if he can be more consistent at the plate.

The All-Star game was hosted by Wellington and six Athletics made the team: SP Arthur Bence (2nd), C Mick Gunnis (2nd), 3B Ryley McLarnon (4th), SS Mac Medley (2nd), CF Edgardo Barrón (1st) and RF Zhong-shu Wang (1st).

Offense: .269/.327/.368 (3rd/4th/3rd)
Pitching: 3.11/3.13/3.02 (2nd/2nd/3rd)
Defense: .717 (2nd)

Player of the Week Awards:

November 18 – 2B Ryley McLarnon (.708, 17 H, 8 RBI, 8 R)
October 14 – 1B Rubén Sánchez (.517, 15 H, 6 RBI)

Noteworthy:

January 26 – 3B Thomas Murphy took all the Stratford Barons threw at him, going 5 for 5 on the day. Murphy hit 4 consecutive singles and then capped it off with a double in the 8th. He came into score 4 times in the process. The Athletics prevailed 7-5.

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The Embro Suns got off to an excruciatingly slow start as both the pitching and offense faltered out of the gate. But while the offense has shown signs of rebounding, the pitching has not. 28-year old RHP Jim Hogue (4-10, 4.60 ERA, 1.62 WHIP, 75 ERA+) is off to the worst of his career, and 32-year old LHP Edward Hill (1-7, 7.34 ERA, 2.23 WHIP, 47 ERA+) was demoted to AAA Birmingham in early December. RHP Noah Marfell (7-6, 3.32 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 104 ERA+) was claimed off waivers from the Fort Richmond Generals to take his place. Although he earned his 9th all-star selection, 32-year old RHP Oscar Burress (10-8, 3.35 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 103 ERA+) slumped terribly in January (2-3, 5.71 ERA, 1.55 WHIP).

On offense, 32-year old 1B Jim Friend (.307/.396/.534, 11 HR, 53 RBI, 39 BB, 2.9 WAR) is back to his old self, after suffering a knee injury back in October. 39-year old SS Gary Watkinson (.304/.407/.378, 2 HR, 45 RBI, 61 BB, 2.4 WAR) earned back his starting job after finding his bat in December and January. His defense though has been downright awful, meaning 23-year old SS Rafael De La Cruz (.292/.310/.438, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 3 BB, 0.6 WAR) will still have plenty of opportunities to reclaim his spot in the lineup.

The Suns sent six players to the All-Star Game: SP Oscar Burress (9th), RP Colm Soper (9th), 1B Jim Friend (7th), 2B José Sánchez (1st), CF Terence Durney (10th) and RF Tzu-yu Song (1st).

Offense: .254/.337/.362 (6th/3rd/4th)
Pitching: 3.98/4.01/3.86 (8th/7th/7th)
Defense: .687 (7th)

Player of the Week Awards:

December 12 – 1B Jim Friend (.423, 11 H, 1 HR, 8 RBI)
December 23 – RHP Myung-gu Son (2-0, 18.0 IP, 7 K, 2 BB, 1.00 ERA)

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Despite the fine play of 24-year old CF Robin Duerden (.313/.388/.492, 8 HR, 48 RBI, 37 BB, 5 SB, 3.8 WAR) and first overall pick SS Manuel Castaneda (.294/.351/.373, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 16 BB, 4 SB, 1.6 WAR), who both won recent monthly honours, the Downie Chiefs have been miserable. 32-year old RHP Arnold Perkins (3-5, 3.64 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 92 ERA+), who was released by the Cobourg Red Stockings back in October and signed by Downie a month later, is about as good as it gets with the rotation. At least the farm system is getting deeper. It is second only to the Hespeler Stars.

Two players represented the Chiefs at this year’s All-Star Game: CF Robin Duerden (2nd) and RF Nathan Ashman (2nd).

Offense: .246/.303/.342 (8th/8th/8th)
Pitching: 3.86/4.29/2.01 (7th/8th/1st)
Defense: .725 (1st)

Player of the Week Awards:

December 30 – CF Robin Duerden (.524, 11 H, 3 HR, 7 RBI)

Key Injury:

RHP Jim Ferguson (1-2, 3.34 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) – October 24 – torn back muscle. Out 5 weeks.

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03-20-2017, 07:31 PM	#335
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,919	February 1, 1947 Eastern League: The Eagles Take Flight The Eastern League sees a new team at the top of the standings, as the Queensland Eagles soar into first place. They were six games back and in fourth place at the end of November, but a 34-20 record since then, the second best in the ULB over that period has catapulted them over the Brunswick Legends and Cobourg Red Stockings. Apart from those three teams, the rest of the League has been either mediocre or downright awful. But a couple of teams, namely the Stratford Barons and Wellington Athletics, do have enough things right with them that a late push for the wildcard isn’t out of the question. But a lot of things will have to go their way in the final two months of the season for that to happen. -------- The Queensland Eagles were keeping their head just above water after the first two months of the season, but came alive in December and then really turned on the afterburners in January to take over top spot. The offense has been excellent, but they do tend to strike out quite frequently (448 - 8th) and stealing bases is definitely not part of their game (just 6 - 8th – the next lowest total in the ULB is 26 by the Brunswick Legends). What has bolstered the Eagles fortunes of late is the improved pitching, but really, only three pitchers are carrying the team: 27-year old ace RHP Aaron Saunderson (13-9, 3.23 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 105 ERA+), spot starter 25-year old RHP Okura Suzuki (9-1, 1 SV, 2.08 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 162 ERA+) who was promoted to the rotation in late November, and 26-year old stopper LHP Roman Davis (2-4, 15 SV, 2.28 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 148 ERA+). Outside of them, the pitching has been lacklustre, so Queensland is extremely vulnerable if the rest of the staff doesn’t pick things up down the stretch. The Eagles lineup features four second-round draft picks and two first-round draft picks. One of those second-rounders is one of the best in the ULB: 28-year old C Elijah Sheppard (.287/.365/.501, 15 HR, 56 RBI, 42 BB, 5.2 WAR). But 27-year old RF Jilenko Vergara (.354/.417/.604, 13 HR, 49 RBI, 31 BB, 4.8 WAR), who was a minor league free agent signing, is right behind him. In fact, Vergara is rated No. 4 overall among position players and is viewed as the top right fielder in the ULB, ahead of Balmoral’s Carleton Broadbent. Five Eagles made the All-Star roster: SP Aaron Saunderson (4th appearance), C Elijah Sheppard (4th), 2B Noah Wellings (1st), SS Dermott Akers (2nd) and RF Jilenko Vergara (2nd). Offense: .271/.339/.397 (2nd/2nd/1st) Pitching: 3.68/3.76/3.26 (4th/5th/5th) Defense: .686 (8th) *Player of the Week Awards:* January 27 – RF Jilenko Vergara (.462, 12 H, 3 HR, 7 RBI) *Key Injuries:* LF Kunimichi Baba (.320/.376/.430, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 8 BB) – January 8 – High ankle sprain. Out 3 more days. RHP Joong Ling (2-1, 4.55 ERA, 1.52 WHIP) – November 28 – broken hand. Out 6 weeks. -------- After declaring at the end of last season that the Cobourg Red Stockings would be unable to make any significant strides unless they upgraded their pitching, I must confess that the Cobourg pitchers have shown me a thing or two. The staff has indeed made great strides with essentially the same personnel. 24-year old RHP Trent Beaton (14-6, 2.14 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 161 ERA+) and 28-year old RHP Carlo Foronda (11-9, 1 SV, 3.53 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 98 ERA+) continue to lead the way. But they are not the only ones. 26-year old RHP Luis Cruz (7-7, 2.84 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 122 ERA+) is having a great year, the second of his career. In the bullpen, stopper 27-year old stopper RHP Brent Nix (6-5, 14 SV, 1.78 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 194 ERA+) leads a very strong unit. The offense needs to catch up to the pitching this season, which is quite the switch, but they are still so young and growing. 25-year old SS John Medley (.285/.341/.416, 2 HR, 38 RBI, 34 BB, 23 SB, 2.9 WAR) is confirmation that the patient course Cobourg is taking is the correct one. He is enjoying his best season yet; just his third full one in the ULB. When the other talented youngster hit their full stride, watch out. Three players represented the Red Stockings at the recent All-Star game: SP Trent Beaton (1st), RP Brent Nix (3rd) and SS John Medley (2nd). Offense: .261/.320/.357 (4th/7th/5th) Pitching: 3.22/3.38/2.53 (3rd/3rd/2nd) Defense: .710 (3rd) *Noteworthy:* December 30 – SS John Medley had a big day, going 5-for-5 against the Braeland City Monarchs. Medley singled in the 1st, singled in the 3rd, doubled in the 5th, doubled in the 7th and tripled in the 9th, scoring 3 runs. Alas, it was not enough, as the Monarchs prevailed 9-7. -------- The Brunswick Legends cooled off the past two months after a hot start and find themselves 4 games back of Queensland. The primary source of their struggles lately has been an erratic offense. They have a propensity of scoring a bunch of runs one night only to be shut-down the next. In January for example, they scored 96 runs while surrendering 97; they went 10-16 during that stretch. Two all-stars are essentially carrying the offense this season: 32-year old LF Terry Aspden (.341/.426/.520, 7 HR, 50 RBI, 43 BB, 3.1 WAR) and 30-year old 1B Stuart Bentham (.290/.393/.485, 17 HR, 48 RBI, 67 BB, 3.1 WAR). Other players, like 30-year old C Maurice Evans (.247/.295/.398, 11 HR, 56 RBI, 26 BB, 2.5 WAR) have been up and down from month-to-month; while other former stalwarts, such as 28-year old CF Harry Chatwin (.248/.332/.330, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 34 BB, 1.8 WAR) have lost their starting jobs completely. The Legends sent six players to the All-Star game in Wellington: SP Hirotada Fukushima (4th), SP Matthew Monroe (8th), SP Anastasio Rodríguez (7th), SP Wilson Villas (2nd), 1B Stuart Bentham (6th) and LF Terry Aspden (6th). Offense: .246/.327/.346 (7th/5th/7th) Pitching: 2.93/2.82/3.40 (1st/1st/6th) Defense: .703 (5th) *Player of the Week Awards:* December 16 – LF Terry Aspden (.409, 9 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI) *Key Trade:* December 29 with the Wolseley Unions To Brunswick – 25-year old SS Jorge Arredondo (49/69) To Wolseley – 29-year old RHP Hun Park (77/78) *Knee-jerk reaction:* A very intriguing trade between two teams in the playoff hunt. Arredondo (.251/.320/.352, 3 HR, 39 RBI, 38 BB, 12 SB) will certainly help bolster Brunswick’s lineup. 32-year old 2B Matthew Shelley (.283/.359/.360, 2 HR, 45 RBI, 38 BB) moves over to 2B, his strongest position, replacing 26-year old IF Derek Myers (.130/.167/.217) and 36-year old IF Vince Bailey (.255/.365/.276) who were not producing much this year. Arredondo becomes Brunswick’s No. 4 hitter, as he was with Wolseley. However, the loss of Park will be felt, as 30-year old RHP Ron Cowen (1-7, 4 SV, 3.89 ERA, 1.51 WHIP) has been inconsistent from game-to-game since moving to the rotation (1-4, 3.64 ERA in 6 starts). As for Wolseley, their rotation continues to get stronger. After acquiring All-Star RHP Ian Peter (11-2, 2.44 ERA, 1.27 WHIP) back in October, the Unions now add Park (6-8, 3.52 ERA, 1.50 WHIP) who will be their No. 2 starter. Park appeared to be regressing this season with Brunswick, so a ‘change of scenery’ as they say, may help. As for the loss of Arredondo, a former 3rd overall pick from 1940-41, Wolseley obviously feels that 25-year old SS George Kimpton (.287/.358/.431, 1 HR, 24 RBI, 17 BB), a former 5th overall pick from 1943-44 is ready to take over. He too, becomes Wolseley’s No. 4 man in the lineup. -------- The Stratford Barons get back to .500, but it’s been a tough stretch for the defending United Cup Champions, as they deal with a slew of injuries to key players, like SP Ryan Borden, SS Jake Walker and CF Roberto Ríos. It’s remarkable that the Barons have kept within shooting distance of a playoff spot considering all the injuries, but Stratford has to seriously step it up in the final two months if they want to return to the post-season. Not surprisingly, they made some moves before the trade deadline to try and do just that. But injuries are not the only reason for the Barons’ struggles. The offense is being carried essentially by three players: 34-year old Jake Walker (.352/.454/.468, 4 HR, 47 RBI, 59 BB, 5.0 WAR), 27-year old C Aaron Skidmore (.276/.410/.433, 13 HR, 65 RBI, 78 BB, 4.6 WAR) and 23-year old Roberto Ríos (.235/.390/.403, 11 HR, 40 RBI, 88 BB, 4.2 WAR). Other key players appear to be in decline, like 27-year old CF Ricardo Castellanos (.258/.317/.382, 2 HR, 35 RBI, 21 BB, 7 SB, 1.8 WAR), as well as 30-year old RF Steven Winstanley (.242/.333/.339, 3 HR, 26 RBI, 32 BB, 1.2 WAR). Casltellanos has seen his production decrease for the second straight season, while Winstanley appears not to have recovered from the two-years he served in the Armed Forces. Three Barons made the All-Star team this year: C Aaron Skidmore (6th), SS Jake Walker (8th) and CF Roberto Ríos (1st). Offense: .254/.350/.352 (5th/1st/6th) Pitching: 3.82/3.67/4.60 (6th/4th/8th) Defense: .699 (6th) *Player of the Week Awards:* December 9 – C Aaron Skidmore (.588, 10 H, 2 HR, 6 RBI) January 6 – 2B Brendan McElroy (.750, 6 H, 3 RBI) January 20 – C Aaron Skidmore (.632, 12 H, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 6 R) *Key Trade No. 1:* January 6 with the Hespeler Stars To Stratford – 26-year old LF Curt Tiffany (63/63) and $3,800 To Hespeler – Five minor leaguers: 19-year old 1B Celso Raed (22/61), 25-year old RHP Marvin Fewings (22/40), 23-year old LF Mitchell Michael (23/23), 23-year old CF Peter Metcalfe (22/22), 22-year old 3B Owen Surtees (22/40) *Knee-jerk reaction:* With Stratford’s outfield battered by injuries, it’s no surprise that they went out and got reinforcement. Tiffany (.271/.386/.378, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 55 BB. 9 SB), a former 3rd round pick from 1938-39, has some offensive ability, but his real strengths are drawing walks and speed on the basepaths. Thus, he is pegged to lead off for the Barons. The fact that he is rock-solid defensively in leftfield doesn’t hurt either. Hespeler obviously felt that Tiffany was expendable, having 24-year old LF Bart Warwick (74/75) on their roster. Warwick was a 2nd round pick from 1942-43 and should prove to be a better hitter overall than Tiffany. As far as their players, Raed is a former 3rd round pick from 1945-46. He has some hitting ability but isn’t anything to get exciting about. Meanwhile, Fewings who was promoted to the big-league roster has taken over as the Stars’ stopper. He has not disappointed in the early going (1-0, 3 SV, 1.80 ERA, 1.00 WHIP). *Key Trade No. 2:* January 7 with the Kingston Pelicans To Stratford – 29-year old 3B Britt Wing (50/57) To Kingston – 25-year old RF Luca Bewick (54/63) *Knee-jerk reaction:* A day after acquiring Tiffany, the Barons let a young Bewick go, as they felt they desperately needed an upgrade at 3B. Britt Wing has not done much since the 1942-43 season when he was a starter with Fort Richmond. With Stratford, he will be given the chance to be an everyday starter once again. For Kingston, Bewick also represents a potential upgrade that will get a chance to start every day for the first time in his young career. He will take over RF for the Pelicans, in place of 29-year old Lance Haworth (26/29), and will be Kingston’s lead-off hitter. *Key Injuries:* LHP Ryan Borden (3-7, 3.33 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) – December 13. Torn shoulder muscle. Out 7 more weeks. CF Roberto Ríos – January 8. Separated hip joint. Out 4-5 more weeks. SS Jake Walker – January 12. Fractured foot. Out 4 more days. RHP Donn Griffin (4-2, 4.14 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) – December 4. Torn shoulder muscle. Out 2 more months. -------- The Braeland City Monarchs are another team that is hovering around .500 waiting for players to return from the DL. Specifically, they are a pair of starters: 26-year old LHP Nicholas Grimes (1-1, 2.29 ERA, 1.36 WHIP) and 35-year old LHP Max MacColl (6-4, 2.22 ERA, 1.29 WHIP). If they can find their groove, then the Monarchs too could get back in to the wildcard chase. The offense has been more consistent, but there’s no question who the leader is: 33-year old 3B Adam Ashley (.354/.425/.469, 2 HR, 37 RBI, 51 BB, 6.0 WAR). Ashley is now rated No. 2 on the Top Position Player list (behind Kingston’s C Danny Trowbridge). He is enjoying his best season yet, per WAR. Last season, he was worth 6.4. His best mark was in 1939-40 when he was worth 6.8. This season he is on pace for 9.0. Right now, 24-year old 1B Kyle Pryor (.307/.376/.479, 13 HR, 45 RBI, 38 BB, 3.6 WAR) is a distant second on the team. Four players from the Monarchs made the All-Star team: SP David Cooling (7th), RP Samuel Hollier (4th), 1B Kyle Pryor (2nd) and 3B Adam Ashley (8th). Offense: .272/.327/.379 (1st/6th/2nd) Pitching: 3.70/3.80/3.21 (5th/6th/4th) Defense: .709 (4th) -------- The Wellington Athletics are a well-balanced team that have made strides this season and find themselves just 6.0 games back of the wildcard. Certainly, having more months like January will help their cause – it was just their first month above .500 all season. But if it’s a harbinger of things to come, then they just might make the final two months of the regular season very interesting in the East. Without question, 27-year old LHP Arthur Bence (16-6, 1.83 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 185 ERA+) has been the story and is shaping up to be the greatest steal made by a team in a trade. 28-year old Baden Morrall (.201/.295/.225, 2 HR, 28 RBI, 44 BB, 4 SB, -0.1 WAR) has not exactly been the player the Sherburn Tigers were hoping for when they acquired him for Bence. Although overshadowed by Bence, 24-year old RHP Wilfried Schop (10-10, 2.28 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 148 ERA+) is quietly enjoying the best season on his three year career. On offense, a number of Athletics are enjoying career years: 26-year old C Mick Gunnis (.327/.373/.472, 12 HR, 59 RBI, 28 BB, 4.4 WAR) is developing into one of the best catchers in the ULB; 22-year old CF Edgardo Barrón (.339/.380/.446, 1 HR, 22 RBI, 18 BB, 3.3 WAR) is enjoying a break-out season in his sophomore year and 29-year old 3B Thomas Murphy (.268/.332/.373, 3HR, 26 RBI, 40 BB, 5 SB, 2.8 WAR), who could be even better if he can be more consistent at the plate. The All-Star game was hosted by Wellington and six Athletics made the team: SP Arthur Bence (2nd), C Mick Gunnis (2nd), 3B Ryley McLarnon (4th), SS Mac Medley (2nd), CF Edgardo Barrón (1st) and RF Zhong-shu Wang (1st). Offense: .269/.327/.368 (3rd/4th/3rd) Pitching: 3.11/3.13/3.02 (2nd/2nd/3rd) Defense: .717 (2nd) *Player of the Week Awards:* November 18 – 2B Ryley McLarnon (.708, 17 H, 8 RBI, 8 R) October 14 – 1B Rubén Sánchez (.517, 15 H, 6 RBI) *Noteworthy:* January 26 – 3B Thomas Murphy took all the Stratford Barons threw at him, going 5 for 5 on the day. Murphy hit 4 consecutive singles and then capped it off with a double in the 8th. He came into score 4 times in the process. The Athletics prevailed 7-5. -------- The Embro Suns got off to an excruciatingly slow start as both the pitching and offense faltered out of the gate. But while the offense has shown signs of rebounding, the pitching has not. 28-year old RHP Jim Hogue (4-10, 4.60 ERA, 1.62 WHIP, 75 ERA+) is off to the worst of his career, and 32-year old LHP Edward Hill (1-7, 7.34 ERA, 2.23 WHIP, 47 ERA+) was demoted to AAA Birmingham in early December. RHP Noah Marfell (7-6, 3.32 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 104 ERA+) was claimed off waivers from the Fort Richmond Generals to take his place. Although he earned his 9th all-star selection, 32-year old RHP Oscar Burress (10-8, 3.35 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 103 ERA+) slumped terribly in January (2-3, 5.71 ERA, 1.55 WHIP). On offense, 32-year old 1B Jim Friend (.307/.396/.534, 11 HR, 53 RBI, 39 BB, 2.9 WAR) is back to his old self, after suffering a knee injury back in October. 39-year old SS Gary Watkinson (.304/.407/.378, 2 HR, 45 RBI, 61 BB, 2.4 WAR) earned back his starting job after finding his bat in December and January. His defense though has been downright awful, meaning 23-year old SS Rafael De La Cruz (.292/.310/.438, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 3 BB, 0.6 WAR) will still have plenty of opportunities to reclaim his spot in the lineup. The Suns sent six players to the All-Star Game: SP Oscar Burress (9th), RP Colm Soper (9th), 1B Jim Friend (7th), 2B José Sánchez (1st), CF Terence Durney (10th) and RF Tzu-yu Song (1st). Offense: .254/.337/.362 (6th/3rd/4th) Pitching: 3.98/4.01/3.86 (8th/7th/7th) Defense: .687 (7th) *Player of the Week Awards:* December 12 – 1B Jim Friend (.423, 11 H, 1 HR, 8 RBI) December 23 – RHP Myung-gu Son (2-0, 18.0 IP, 7 K, 2 BB, 1.00 ERA) -------- Despite the fine play of 24-year old CF Robin Duerden (.313/.388/.492, 8 HR, 48 RBI, 37 BB, 5 SB, 3.8 WAR) and first overall pick SS Manuel Castaneda (.294/.351/.373, 2 HR, 18 RBI, 16 BB, 4 SB, 1.6 WAR), who both won recent monthly honours, the Downie Chiefs have been miserable. 32-year old RHP Arnold Perkins (3-5, 3.64 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 92 ERA+), who was released by the Cobourg Red Stockings back in October and signed by Downie a month later, is about as good as it gets with the rotation. At least the farm system is getting deeper. It is second only to the Hespeler Stars. Two players represented the Chiefs at this year’s All-Star Game: CF Robin Duerden (2nd) and RF Nathan Ashman (2nd). Offense: .246/.303/.342 (8th/8th/8th) Pitching: 3.86/4.29/2.01 (7th/8th/1st) Defense: .725 (1st) *Player of the Week Awards:* December 30 – CF Robin Duerden (.524, 11 H, 3 HR, 7 RBI) *Key Injury:* RHP Jim Ferguson (1-2, 3.34 ERA, 1.31 WHIP) – October 24 – torn back muscle. Out 5 weeks. -------- Last edited by reds1; 07-26-2017 at 05:57 PM.