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reds1 · 07-05-2017, 08:00 PM

March 30, 1947

Western League: Kingston & Wolseley Make the Grade

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Despite trailing the Wolseley Unions for the first half of the season, the Kingston Pelicans finish on top in the West by 7 games. After winning 104 games last season, the Pelicans were the only team in the United Leagues this season to surpass 90. Once again, they are a remarkably balanced team who should be the prohibited favourites heading into the playoffs. They qualified for the playoffs for the 10th consecutive season, and finish on top of the Western League standings for the 7th time. This is also the 5th time they sport the best record in the entire ULB.

Offense: .253/.336/.374 (2nd/2nd/1st)
Pitching: 2.85/3.04/1.89 (1st/2nd/1st)
Defense: .713 (tied for 3rd)

Difference Makers: No surprise here. 28-year old C Danny Trowbridge (.343/.434/.504, 16 HR, 80 RBI, 85 BB, 8 SB, 9.1 WAR) is the class of the United Leagues, and won the Western League Batting Title for the second consecutive season. This season also saw the best defensive performance of his career (.988 PCT, 4.88 RNG, +5.5 ZR, 1.267 EFF).

Kingston’s pitching staff is elite, so it’s difficult to narrow it down to one. That said, 27-year old RHP Ben Currall (20-7, 2.19 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 301 FIP) led his team in a slew of pitching categories. Interestingly, Currall also went 20-7 last season (with a 2.97 ERA).

Player of the Week Awards:

February 17 – C Danny Trowbridge (.500, 14 H, 2 HR, 6 RBI)
March 10 – SP Patrick Denman (2-0, 18.0 IP, 0.50 ERA, 9 K)
March 17 – SP Ben Currall (2-0, 18.0 IP, 0.00 ERA, 8 K)

Noteworthy:

February 2 – With his team down 2-1 against the Wolseley Unions, 31-year old SS Katsunan Chickafuji (.297/.357/.426, 11 HR, 64 RBI, 38 BB, 4.1 WAR) hit a two-run home run off of Wolseley’s RHP Jeremy Albury in the bottom of the 8th inning in a game played at Kingston Park. That proved to be the difference as the Pelicans held on to win 3-2. But this home run did more than just win a game. It was Chickafuji’s 183rd career home run, breaking a tie with teammate 39-year old LF Jayden Tennant. Chickafuji now stands alone at the top of the career home run leaderboard, with 186 at season’s end.
The quiet, unassuming Chikafuji, who was born in Kingston, also leads the United Leagues in career total bases (2744), RBIs (953) and WAR (65.1)

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The Wolseley Unions enjoyed their second consecutive winning season and were rewarded with their first playoff appearance in franchise history. They held onto first place until January when Kingston began to overtake them. But February and March saw them struggle a bit to finish 7 games back. While their bullpen is not the strongest unit around, their offense is right on par with Kingston, which should make the upcoming Pennant Series compelling.

Offense: .262/.341/.359 (1st/1st/2nd)
Pitching: 3.31/3.17/4.05 (6th/4th/7th)
Defense: .710 (7th)

Difference Makers: With four 1st-round draft picks residing in the heart of their line-up, and no one older than 28-year old CF Zak Kidd (.275/.348/.484, 12 HR, 48 RBI, 29 BB, 9 SB, 2.5 WAR), the Unions’ already impressive offense should only be getting stronger. 22-year old C Éric Denis (.320/.359/.419, 6 HR, 64 RBI, 31 BB, 5.7 WAR), in just his rookie season, well represents this impressive youth movement. His defense was solid as well (.974 PCT, 4.63 RNG, +3.6 ZR, 1.048 EFF). Wolseley’s No. 3 hitter, 25-year old LF Carlton Hawking (.335/.422/.482, 13 HR, 73 RBI, 83 BB, 5.4 WAR) is considered Wolseley’s top player, rated No. 6 overall in the ULB.
No. 2 starter, 27-year old RHP Kai Tosh (18-8, 2.79 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 2.78 FIP) enjoyed the best season of his six-year career.

Noteworthy:

February 1 – Wolseley enjoyed a big day against the Kingston Pelicans in Kingston, as the Unions clobbered them, 12-2. 25-year old SS Burt Willey (.305/.368/.385, 4 HR, 43 RBI, 39 BB, 3.9 WAR) played a big part in the triumph. He went 5 for 5, including a GRAND SLAM in the 1st inning to start things off. He also singled in the 3rd, doubled in the 4th, hit an RBI double in the 6th and hit an RBI single in the 8th. Willey went on to win Rookie of the Month honours for February.

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The Cambria Cannons missed the playoffs and finished with a losing record for the second consecutive season after going 89-65 in 1944-45 and capturing first place. The Cannons are finding themselves in an increasingly precarious situation. The majority of their players are 30-years of age and over with only a few promising youngsters ready to bolster the roster. Their farm system is ranked dead last (0 points) and their efforts to keep their playoff window open have not paid off. They still have talent on the major league roster to be sure, but it may not be enough to prevent a fall into the second division next season.

Offense: .246/.317/.344 (6th/4th/5th)
Pitching: 3.19/3.29/2.65 (4th/6th/3rd)
Defense: .707 (8th)

Player of the Week Awards:

March 3 – SS Wesceslas Jasmin (.613, 19 H, 2 RBI)

Difference Makers: Cambria enjoyed a career year from 29-year old C Heung-su Park (.304/.346/.463, 15 HR, 74 RBI, 34 BB, 6.3 WAR), his 6th full season in the United Leagues. He is rated 14th overall in the ULB and represents Cambria’s only Top 20 player.
35-year old RHP Pete Allison (9-18, 2.70 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 3.30 FIP) led the team in 15 pitching categories, but not all of them were admirable. But his was largely a case of poor run support. In fact, his performance was on par with his 1941-42 season with the Embro Suns. That year, he went 22-9, 2.90 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 3.55 FIP. He is now 129-129, 3.92 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 3.98 FIP for his 10-year career.

Noteworthy:

February 22 – 32-year old LF Clint Jones (.283/.359/.415, 11 HR, 66 RBI, 54 BB, 3.1 WAR) went 5-for-5 against the Hespeler Stars in a 4-3 Cannons’ victory. Jones singled in the 1st, 4th and 6th innings, hit a 2-run home run in the 8th and singled in the 11th. Although replaced by a pinch runner, the Cannons pulled out the victory in the 11th when PH William Douglas doubled in PR Mark Cassidy.

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The Fort Richmond Generals remain one of five teams that have yet to make the playoffs. They have never enjoyed a winning season. In fact, they finished with just 70-something victories for the 8th time in 10 seasons. And yet, there is much room for optimism in the ULB’s smallest market. The Generals have assembled perhaps their strongest pitching staff. And while the offense struggled, help has either just arrived or on its way. The farm system is ranked 3rd overall and they boast the top-rated prospect in RF Brandon Robinson. They have four more prospects ranked in the Top 100 for batters and another five ranked in the Top 100 for pitchers. So while the team will likely experience further growing pains, there is a real possibility that the Generals may finally breakthrough in the not-too-distant future.

Offense: .247/.311/.338 (5th/7th/7th)
Pitching: 3.07/3.14/2.74 (2nd/3rd/4th)
Defense: .727 (1st)

Difference Makers: 25-year old C Louis Wearne (.261/.361/.399, 16 HR, 55 RBI, 82 BB, 5.4 WAR) enjoyed a breakthrough season at the plate in his second year as a starter. Fort Richmond is hoping that more is to come from their 6th overall pick from 1943-44.
Former first overall pick 24-year old CF Dylan Moyne (.264/.324/.414, 14 HR, 61 RBI, 45 BB, 12 SB, 5.4 WAR) continued his stellar play, particularly in the field (.985 PCT, 3.48 RNG, +12.6 ZR, 1.111 EFF).

Noteworthy:

March 29 – Six hits in a game is an accomplishment for any player, but on this day it was achieved by a highly-touted rookie. Against the ULB’s best team no less. 22-year old RF Brandon Robinson (.278/.295/.357, 4 HR, 39 RBI, 13 BB, 9 SB, 1.6 WAR) went 6-for-7 in a 14-inning marathon against the Kingston Pelicans. His efforts helped the Generals steal a 4-3 road victory. Robinson singled in the 1st and 3rd innings, flied out in the 5th, tripled in the 7th, hit an RBI single in the 9th, doubled in the 11th and singled in the 13th. Kingston manager Ben Houchens was nominated for Understatement of the Day, when he declared after the game: “Robinson was a tough out today.”

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It was more of the same for the Hespeler Stars, as they finished in the middle of the pack in the Western League, well back of a playoff spot. But like the Fort Richmond Generals, the Stars could be on the rise in the near future. They enjoy the deepest farm system in the ULB, with four batting prospects ranked in the Top 25 and three pitching prospects ranked in the Top 30. If those young pitchers can develop into solid starters, then the Stars may finally solve their pitching woes. The only promising youngster on the major league staff is 23-year old RHP Stephen Tindall, who was acquired from the Stratford Barons back in 1945 for C Aaron Skidmore.

Offense: .248/.311/.351 (4th/6th/4th)
Pitching: 3.85/3.87/3.74 (8th/8th/6th)
Defense: .712 (tied for 5th)

Difference Makers: It was a return to form for the 26-year old RF Marcus Peyto (.288/.381/.472, 16 HR, 73 RBI, 80 BB, 4.7 WAR), as the 2nd overall pick from 1941-42 enjoyed his best season since 1942-43. Although he inexplicably did not make the All-Star team, he was easily Hespeler’s best player this past season. He is the only Hespeler player ranked in the Top 20 (#16).
No. 2 starter Stephen Tindall (13-13, 3.09 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 3.01 FIP) moved to the rotation this past season and is starting to show why the Stars gave up All-Star C Aaron Skidmore to get him. If the 7th overall pick from 1943-44 continues to develop, Hespeler could have a solid ace to anchor their rotation that’s still very much a work in progress.

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The Pulberry Trolleys are a team that have not seen any measurable boost from the draft. They have plenty of first-round talent on their roster, especially in the lineup, but they have not developed as one would expect, especially in comparison with other teams. And now that their farm system is nearly depleted, the Trolleys are facing the prospect of rebuilding without ever having experienced any success from their first build. Unless their young players suddenly find their groove, there may be more lean years ahead in Pulberry. Like a lot more.

Offense: .243/.310/.340 (7th/8th/6th)
Pitching: 3.22/3.27/2.90 (5th/5th/5th)
Defense: .722 (2nd)

Difference Makers: 28-year old RF Jarod Dwyer (.299/.343/.468, 14 HR, 70 RBI, 42 BB, 10 SB, 5.5 WAR) is the only Trolley that is not treading water or regressing. In fact, this past season was his best all-round season thus far. On defense, he finally found his game (.979 PCT, 2.94 RNG, +8.9 ZR, 1.035 EFF).
25-year old RHP Alexander Ellacott (18-11, 2.64 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 3.40 FIP) toiled for four seasons in the minors after being drafted in the third round back in 1940-41. Now he finds himself installed as No. 1 starter. He didn’t disappoint; in fact, he won his first Pitcher of the Month award for his performance in February.

Player of the Week Awards:

February 10 – Bruno Lapthorne (.524, .524 OBP, 11 H, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 5 R)
February 24 – Bruno Lapthorne (.478, 11 H, 6 RBI)

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Like the Pulberry Trolleys, the Balmoral Giants have a bevy of 1st-round talent on their roster (five in the everyday lineup alone), but they have not developed as hoped. And like the Trolleys, the Giants have one of the weakest farm systems in the ULB (14th overall). Not a good combination. If that wasn’t enough, multiple Babe Ruth Award winner LF Carlton Broadbent (.312/.392/.514, 24 HR, 81 RBI, 80 BB, 3.2 WAR) continues to regress, especially on defense (.973 PCT, 2.56 RNG, -25.2 ZR, .881 EFF). As mentioned previously, Balmoral has switched its focus to ‘rebuild’ this season. Thus it would not be surprising if the Giants make some major moves in the offseason to revitalize the organization. At least, that’s what I would do.

Offense: .253/.326/.353 (3rd/3rd/3rd)
Pitching: 3.53/3.71/2.50 (7th/7th/2nd)
Defense: .713 (tied for 3rd)

Difference Makers: Although he missed nearly 8 weeks of the season due to injury, 28-year old SS Francisco Rodríguez (.324/.371/.456, 3 HR, 59 RBI, 34 BB, 6.1 WAR) was far and away Balmoral’s best player, and put in another solid defensive effort (.971 PCT, 5.34 RNG, +11.6 ZR, 1.052 EFF).

Player of the Week Awards:

March 24 – SP Bailey Keedwell (2-0, 18.0 IP, 0.00 ERA, 6 K)

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1946-47 season provided a rude wake-up call as the Sherburn Tigers fell all the way to last place in the West, after capturing the wild card last season. The Tigers appeared to be an up-and-coming team, as they went from 75 wins in 1943-44, to 81 victories in 1944-45 and finally 91 wins just a season ago. But there’s no mystery to the downfall. The offense is the worst in the United Leagues, producing only 3.4 runs/game. The trade for acquiring 28-year old LF Baden Morrall (.204/.300/.234, 4 HR, 43 RBI, 68 BB, 0.2 WAR) was an unmitigated disaster, made worse by the fact that they shipped out SP Arthur Bence, who just happened to win the Eastern League Triple Crown this season with the Wellington Athletics, to get him.
However, with an outstanding one-two tandem at the top of the rotation in RHP Jesús Chapa and RHP Roberto Taváres (13-15, 2.86 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 2.61 FIP), the Tigers will always have a chance to win their share of games. And even though the bullpen struggled this season, it is young and should get better. But man, Sherburn will have to address it anemic offense pronto if it wants to take advantage of its All-Star pitchers.

Offense: .240/.312/.330 (8th/5th/8th)
Pitching: 3.09/2.94/4.09 (3rd/1st/8th)
Defense: .712 (tied for 5th)

Player of the Week Awards:

February 3 – C Neil Voigt (.462, 12 H, 4 RBI)

Difference Makers: 23-year old RHP Jesús Chapa (16-14, 2.13 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 2.46 FIP) is shaping up to be best player taken in the 1942-43 draft. He was selected 4th overall and is already rated No. 2 overall among pitchers in the ULB. Only Brunswick’s Anastasio Rodríguez is rated higher. Teammate Roberto Taváres is rated 3rd overall.

Noteworthy:

February 9 – Jesús Chapa showed why he is one of the best hurlers in the ULB when he 1-hit the Downie Chiefs for a 4-0 complete game victory in Downie. The Chiefs’ lone hit came in the 6th inning when LF Howard Dumbrill led off with a line-drive single. Chapa struck out 7 and surrendered only one walk - intentional – while facing 29 batters on 102 pitches.

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07-05-2017, 08:00 PM	#340
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,919	March 30, 1947 Western League: Kingston & Wolseley Make the Grade -------- Despite trailing the Wolseley Unions for the first half of the season, the Kingston Pelicans finish on top in the West by 7 games. After winning 104 games last season, the Pelicans were the only team in the United Leagues this season to surpass 90. Once again, they are a remarkably balanced team who should be the prohibited favourites heading into the playoffs. They qualified for the playoffs for the 10th consecutive season, and finish on top of the Western League standings for the 7th time. This is also the 5th time they sport the best record in the entire ULB. Offense: .253/.336/.374 (2nd/2nd/1st) Pitching: 2.85/3.04/1.89 (1st/2nd/1st) Defense: .713 (tied for 3rd) *Difference Makers:* No surprise here. 28-year old C Danny Trowbridge (.343/.434/.504, 16 HR, 80 RBI, 85 BB, 8 SB, 9.1 WAR) is the class of the United Leagues, and won the Western League Batting Title for the second consecutive season. This season also saw the best defensive performance of his career (.988 PCT, 4.88 RNG, +5.5 ZR, 1.267 EFF). Kingston’s pitching staff is elite, so it’s difficult to narrow it down to one. That said, 27-year old RHP Ben Currall (20-7, 2.19 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 301 FIP) led his team in a slew of pitching categories. Interestingly, Currall also went 20-7 last season (with a 2.97 ERA). *Player of the Week Awards:* February 17 – C Danny Trowbridge (.500, 14 H, 2 HR, 6 RBI) March 10 – SP Patrick Denman (2-0, 18.0 IP, 0.50 ERA, 9 K) March 17 – SP Ben Currall (2-0, 18.0 IP, 0.00 ERA, 8 K) *Noteworthy:* February 2 – With his team down 2-1 against the Wolseley Unions, 31-year old SS Katsunan Chickafuji (.297/.357/.426, 11 HR, 64 RBI, 38 BB, 4.1 WAR) hit a two-run home run off of Wolseley’s RHP Jeremy Albury in the bottom of the 8th inning in a game played at Kingston Park. That proved to be the difference as the Pelicans held on to win 3-2. But this home run did more than just win a game. It was Chickafuji’s 183rd career home run, breaking a tie with teammate 39-year old LF Jayden Tennant. Chickafuji now stands alone at the top of the career home run leaderboard, with 186 at season’s end. The quiet, unassuming Chikafuji, who was born in Kingston, also leads the United Leagues in career total bases (2744), RBIs (953) and WAR (65.1) -------- The Wolseley Unions enjoyed their second consecutive winning season and were rewarded with their first playoff appearance in franchise history. They held onto first place until January when Kingston began to overtake them. But February and March saw them struggle a bit to finish 7 games back. While their bullpen is not the strongest unit around, their offense is right on par with Kingston, which should make the upcoming Pennant Series compelling. Offense: .262/.341/.359 (1st/1st/2nd) Pitching: 3.31/3.17/4.05 (6th/4th/7th) Defense: .710 (7th) *Difference Makers:* With four 1st-round draft picks residing in the heart of their line-up, and no one older than 28-year old CF Zak Kidd (.275/.348/.484, 12 HR, 48 RBI, 29 BB, 9 SB, 2.5 WAR), the Unions’ already impressive offense should only be getting stronger. 22-year old C Éric Denis (.320/.359/.419, 6 HR, 64 RBI, 31 BB, 5.7 WAR), in just his rookie season, well represents this impressive youth movement. His defense was solid as well (.974 PCT, 4.63 RNG, +3.6 ZR, 1.048 EFF). Wolseley’s No. 3 hitter, 25-year old LF Carlton Hawking (.335/.422/.482, 13 HR, 73 RBI, 83 BB, 5.4 WAR) is considered Wolseley’s top player, rated No. 6 overall in the ULB. No. 2 starter, 27-year old RHP Kai Tosh (18-8, 2.79 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 2.78 FIP) enjoyed the best season of his six-year career. *Noteworthy:* February 1 – Wolseley enjoyed a big day against the Kingston Pelicans in Kingston, as the Unions clobbered them, 12-2. 25-year old SS Burt Willey (.305/.368/.385, 4 HR, 43 RBI, 39 BB, 3.9 WAR) played a big part in the triumph. He went 5 for 5, including a GRAND SLAM in the 1st inning to start things off. He also singled in the 3rd, doubled in the 4th, hit an RBI double in the 6th and hit an RBI single in the 8th. Willey went on to win Rookie of the Month honours for February. -------- The Cambria Cannons missed the playoffs and finished with a losing record for the second consecutive season after going 89-65 in 1944-45 and capturing first place. The Cannons are finding themselves in an increasingly precarious situation. The majority of their players are 30-years of age and over with only a few promising youngsters ready to bolster the roster. Their farm system is ranked dead last (0 points) and their efforts to keep their playoff window open have not paid off. They still have talent on the major league roster to be sure, but it may not be enough to prevent a fall into the second division next season. Offense: .246/.317/.344 (6th/4th/5th) Pitching: 3.19/3.29/2.65 (4th/6th/3rd) Defense: .707 (8th) *Player of the Week Awards:* March 3 – SS Wesceslas Jasmin (.613, 19 H, 2 RBI) *Difference Makers:* Cambria enjoyed a career year from 29-year old C Heung-su Park (.304/.346/.463, 15 HR, 74 RBI, 34 BB, 6.3 WAR), his 6th full season in the United Leagues. He is rated 14th overall in the ULB and represents Cambria’s only Top 20 player. 35-year old RHP Pete Allison (9-18, 2.70 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 3.30 FIP) led the team in 15 pitching categories, but not all of them were admirable. But his was largely a case of poor run support. In fact, his performance was on par with his 1941-42 season with the Embro Suns. That year, he went 22-9, 2.90 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 3.55 FIP. He is now 129-129, 3.92 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 3.98 FIP for his 10-year career. *Noteworthy:* February 22 – 32-year old LF Clint Jones (.283/.359/.415, 11 HR, 66 RBI, 54 BB, 3.1 WAR) went 5-for-5 against the Hespeler Stars in a 4-3 Cannons’ victory. Jones singled in the 1st, 4th and 6th innings, hit a 2-run home run in the 8th and singled in the 11th. Although replaced by a pinch runner, the Cannons pulled out the victory in the 11th when PH William Douglas doubled in PR Mark Cassidy. -------- The Fort Richmond Generals remain one of five teams that have yet to make the playoffs. They have never enjoyed a winning season. In fact, they finished with just 70-something victories for the 8th time in 10 seasons. And yet, there is much room for optimism in the ULB’s smallest market. The Generals have assembled perhaps their strongest pitching staff. And while the offense struggled, help has either just arrived or on its way. The farm system is ranked 3rd overall and they boast the top-rated prospect in RF Brandon Robinson. They have four more prospects ranked in the Top 100 for batters and another five ranked in the Top 100 for pitchers. So while the team will likely experience further growing pains, there is a real possibility that the Generals may finally breakthrough in the not-too-distant future. Offense: .247/.311/.338 (5th/7th/7th) Pitching: 3.07/3.14/2.74 (2nd/3rd/4th) Defense: .727 (1st) *Difference Makers:* 25-year old C Louis Wearne (.261/.361/.399, 16 HR, 55 RBI, 82 BB, 5.4 WAR) enjoyed a breakthrough season at the plate in his second year as a starter. Fort Richmond is hoping that more is to come from their 6th overall pick from 1943-44. Former first overall pick 24-year old CF Dylan Moyne (.264/.324/.414, 14 HR, 61 RBI, 45 BB, 12 SB, 5.4 WAR) continued his stellar play, particularly in the field (.985 PCT, 3.48 RNG, +12.6 ZR, 1.111 EFF). *Noteworthy:* March 29 – Six hits in a game is an accomplishment for any player, but on this day it was achieved by a highly-touted rookie. Against the ULB’s best team no less. 22-year old RF Brandon Robinson (.278/.295/.357, 4 HR, 39 RBI, 13 BB, 9 SB, 1.6 WAR) went 6-for-7 in a 14-inning marathon against the Kingston Pelicans. His efforts helped the Generals steal a 4-3 road victory. Robinson singled in the 1st and 3rd innings, flied out in the 5th, tripled in the 7th, hit an RBI single in the 9th, doubled in the 11th and singled in the 13th. Kingston manager Ben Houchens was nominated for Understatement of the Day, when he declared after the game: “Robinson was a tough out today.” -------- It was more of the same for the Hespeler Stars, as they finished in the middle of the pack in the Western League, well back of a playoff spot. But like the Fort Richmond Generals, the Stars could be on the rise in the near future. They enjoy the deepest farm system in the ULB, with four batting prospects ranked in the Top 25 and three pitching prospects ranked in the Top 30. If those young pitchers can develop into solid starters, then the Stars may finally solve their pitching woes. The only promising youngster on the major league staff is 23-year old RHP Stephen Tindall, who was acquired from the Stratford Barons back in 1945 for C Aaron Skidmore. Offense: .248/.311/.351 (4th/6th/4th) Pitching: 3.85/3.87/3.74 (8th/8th/6th) Defense: .712 (tied for 5th) *Difference Makers:* It was a return to form for the 26-year old RF Marcus Peyto (.288/.381/.472, 16 HR, 73 RBI, 80 BB, 4.7 WAR), as the 2nd overall pick from 1941-42 enjoyed his best season since 1942-43. Although he inexplicably did not make the All-Star team, he was easily Hespeler’s best player this past season. He is the only Hespeler player ranked in the Top 20 (#16). No. 2 starter Stephen Tindall (13-13, 3.09 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 3.01 FIP) moved to the rotation this past season and is starting to show why the Stars gave up All-Star C Aaron Skidmore to get him. If the 7th overall pick from 1943-44 continues to develop, Hespeler could have a solid ace to anchor their rotation that’s still very much a work in progress. -------- The Pulberry Trolleys are a team that have not seen any measurable boost from the draft. They have plenty of first-round talent on their roster, especially in the lineup, but they have not developed as one would expect, especially in comparison with other teams. And now that their farm system is nearly depleted, the Trolleys are facing the prospect of rebuilding without ever having experienced any success from their first build. Unless their young players suddenly find their groove, there may be more lean years ahead in Pulberry. Like a lot more. Offense: .243/.310/.340 (7th/8th/6th) Pitching: 3.22/3.27/2.90 (5th/5th/5th) Defense: .722 (2nd) *Difference Makers:* 28-year old RF Jarod Dwyer (.299/.343/.468, 14 HR, 70 RBI, 42 BB, 10 SB, 5.5 WAR) is the only Trolley that is not treading water or regressing. In fact, this past season was his best all-round season thus far. On defense, he finally found his game (.979 PCT, 2.94 RNG, +8.9 ZR, 1.035 EFF). 25-year old RHP Alexander Ellacott (18-11, 2.64 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 3.40 FIP) toiled for four seasons in the minors after being drafted in the third round back in 1940-41. Now he finds himself installed as No. 1 starter. He didn’t disappoint; in fact, he won his first Pitcher of the Month award for his performance in February. *Player of the Week Awards:* February 10 – Bruno Lapthorne (.524, .524 OBP, 11 H, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 5 R) February 24 – Bruno Lapthorne (.478, 11 H, 6 RBI) -------- Like the Pulberry Trolleys, the Balmoral Giants have a bevy of 1st-round talent on their roster (five in the everyday lineup alone), but they have not developed as hoped. And like the Trolleys, the Giants have one of the weakest farm systems in the ULB (14th overall). Not a good combination. If that wasn’t enough, multiple Babe Ruth Award winner LF Carlton Broadbent (.312/.392/.514, 24 HR, 81 RBI, 80 BB, 3.2 WAR) continues to regress, especially on defense (.973 PCT, 2.56 RNG, -25.2 ZR, .881 EFF). As mentioned previously, Balmoral has switched its focus to ‘rebuild’ this season. Thus it would not be surprising if the Giants make some major moves in the offseason to revitalize the organization. At least, that’s what I would do. Offense: .253/.326/.353 (3rd/3rd/3rd) Pitching: 3.53/3.71/2.50 (7th/7th/2nd) Defense: .713 (tied for 3rd) *Difference Makers:* Although he missed nearly 8 weeks of the season due to injury, 28-year old SS Francisco Rodríguez (.324/.371/.456, 3 HR, 59 RBI, 34 BB, 6.1 WAR) was far and away Balmoral’s best player, and put in another solid defensive effort (.971 PCT, 5.34 RNG, +11.6 ZR, 1.052 EFF). *Player of the Week Awards:* March 24 – SP Bailey Keedwell (2-0, 18.0 IP, 0.00 ERA, 6 K) -------- 1946-47 season provided a rude wake-up call as the Sherburn Tigers fell all the way to last place in the West, after capturing the wild card last season. The Tigers appeared to be an up-and-coming team, as they went from 75 wins in 1943-44, to 81 victories in 1944-45 and finally 91 wins just a season ago. But there’s no mystery to the downfall. The offense is the worst in the United Leagues, producing only 3.4 runs/game. The trade for acquiring 28-year old LF Baden Morrall (.204/.300/.234, 4 HR, 43 RBI, 68 BB, 0.2 WAR) was an unmitigated disaster, made worse by the fact that they shipped out SP Arthur Bence, who just happened to win the Eastern League Triple Crown this season with the Wellington Athletics, to get him. However, with an outstanding one-two tandem at the top of the rotation in RHP Jesús Chapa and RHP Roberto Taváres (13-15, 2.86 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 2.61 FIP), the Tigers will always have a chance to win their share of games. And even though the bullpen struggled this season, it is young and should get better. But man, Sherburn will have to address it anemic offense pronto if it wants to take advantage of its All-Star pitchers. Offense: .240/.312/.330 (8th/5th/8th) Pitching: 3.09/2.94/4.09 (3rd/1st/8th) Defense: .712 (tied for 5th) *Player of the Week Awards:* February 3 – C Neil Voigt (.462, 12 H, 4 RBI) *Difference Makers:* 23-year old RHP Jesús Chapa (16-14, 2.13 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 2.46 FIP) is shaping up to be best player taken in the 1942-43 draft. He was selected 4th overall and is already rated No. 2 overall among pitchers in the ULB. Only Brunswick’s Anastasio Rodríguez is rated higher. Teammate Roberto Taváres is rated 3rd overall. *Noteworthy:* February 9 – Jesús Chapa showed why he is one of the best hurlers in the ULB when he 1-hit the Downie Chiefs for a 4-0 complete game victory in Downie. The Chiefs’ lone hit came in the 6th inning when LF Howard Dumbrill led off with a line-drive single. Chapa struck out 7 and surrendered only one walk - intentional – while facing 29 batters on 102 pitches. --------