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reds1 · 01-20-2018, 11:18 PM

1948 Off-Season

The off-season was a busy one for the United Leagues as ten trades of note were consummated, two intriguing free agent signings were made (by the same team) and four clubs saw changes in management. Some of the noteworthy developments are noted below.

Management Shakeups

April 30 – A Familiar Face Taking Over Managerial Reigns in Queensland

One season removed from winning the United Cup, 59-year old Reid Saxby was fired by the Queensland Eagles. He had been Queensland’s field manager since Day 1. Saxby managed the team to an 861-833 (.508) record with two playoff appearances and one championship. But the Eagles fell to seventh place this past season and team officials felt it was time to make a change.

On April 30th, Queensland went with a well-known name in the United Leagues, when it hired 57-year old Bill Quinn, the former long-time manager of the Stratford Barons and three-time Manager of the Year winner. Quinn managed the Barons for their first 10 seasons, racking up an 847-694 (.550) record, with three playoff appearances and two United Cups before being dumped after the 1946-47 season. Quinn has an excellent reputation and favors smallball strategies – bunts, stolen bases and hit & runs.

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May 10 – Generals Unceremoniously Dump Manager after United Cup Win

Fort Richmond brass raised eyebrows around the League when they decided to cut ties with their long-time manager, 52-year old Eugene Rogge, just two days after winning their first United Cup. Rogge had been the Generals’ field manager since their inaugural season. His tenure up until this past season had been largely unsuccessful (787-907, .465), causing many to wonder why he wasn’t shown the door sooner. But Fort Richmond apparently decided to wait until his current contract was up to part ways – despite his success this past season.

Taking his place is 42-year old John Mathis, who has no previous managing experience. Mathis played sparingly for four seasons in the United Leagues, all with the Cambria Cannons, as a utility infielder, winning a United Cup with the team in 1939-40. He retired in 1946 after toiling in the minors for another four seasons. He is considered easygoing who also favors the smallball.

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May 15 – New GM in Charge in Downie

After 11 seasons at the helm of the Downie Chiefs, 48-year old Marcello Bonaddio’s contract was not renewed. Despite earning an ‘excellent’ reputation, the Chiefs enjoyed only two winning seasons and no playoff appearances during his tenure as GM.

For their second GM in team history, Downie hired 31-year old Raymond Hunt from Australia. Hunt has no previous management experience and is easily the youngest person to be on a management staff in the United Leagues (Sherburn’s 35-year old Scouting Director Bill Gunter is the only other team personnel under 40 in the ULB).

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June 25 – Cambria Cannons Owner Dies, Nephew Assumes Leadership Role

Cambria received a shock when long-time Cannons owner 69-year old Joshua Parker died suddenly after a brief illness. Following a board meeting, it was announced that Parker’s 37-year old nephew, Michael Parker, would assume the reins of the team as majority shareholder. Sources close to him suggest that he will be patient in management matters but hands-on in financial areas.

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Trades and Signings

May 5:

The Balmoral Giants sign free agent 27-year old IF/OF Javier Romero (59/74) to a 1-year contract ($18,400).

Knee-jerk reaction: Romero, who hails from Nicaragua, has some rough edges on offense, but should be a capable hitter (50/50-contact; 40/40 HR power; 50/50 eye; 80/80 avoid K’s) with decent power. He is speedy and will be a threat on the basepaths (speed/stealing - 60). In the field, LF and RF are his best positions (60 & 55), but the Giants have installed him at 1B (40). He takes over from 29-year old Damon Purcell, a former 2nd overall pick in 1938-39. Purcell has regressed over the past couple of seasons. In terms of positional strength, Romero is rated 8th overall at 1B; Purcell was rated 14th (out of 16).

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May 19:

The Cobourg Red Stockings and Cambria Cannons complete a two-player deal:

To Cobourg – 38-year old LHP Max Littler (39/39)

To Cambria – 27-year old 3B Douglas Paget (46/53)

Knee-jerk reaction: A minor deal that is only worth mentioning as evidence that the Red Stocking’s desperate search for any sort of pitching continues. Littler joins his fourth team in 7 seasons and is simply a mediocre pitcher (66-89, 11 SV, 4.07 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 4.07 FIP lifetime). But the teams he has played with have been mediocre as well. He finished last season as Cambria’s No. 3 starter and was initially installed as Cobourg’s No. 2 – until Cobourg acquired another starter on May 27, bumping Littler to No. 3.

Paget is more of a solid depth player than an everyday player. He has a good eye, but lacks power and struggles to make consistent contact. He’s decent at the hot corner with a great arm. Although not fast, he is an outstanding baserunner and can steal a base or two. Although he is slated to be backup to everyday 3B Shelby Cain, he is rated higher than Cain at that position (13th vs. 16th).

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May 27:

The Cobourg Red Stockings and Downie Chiefs complete a three-player deal:

To Cobourg – 36-year old RHP Chris Sappington (42/42) and 22-year old minor leaguer LHP John Phipps (20/24).

To Downie – 25-year old C Jilenko Batiles (45/45)

Knee-jerk reaction: Another relatively minor deal to simply document Cobourg’s continued efforts to beef up their rotation. Sappington, Downie’s former No. 2 starter becomes Cobourg’s No. 2 as well, behind 38-year old Lenny Freke. Sappington is a former all-star and top fielder award winner that joins his fourth team in six years. He has sound mechanics but is inconsistent in his control and has a propensity of giving up homers. But he has great stamina (75) and is good at holding runners (70). His best pitch is his fastball (45/45), with a cutter (40/40) and slider (40/40). Phipps is a former 5th rounder and borderline starter stuck in AA. He needs to improve his changeup and control if he wants a chance to move up.

Batiles will be an upgrade at the catcher position for Downie, but that is faint praise, as Batilies has yet to find consistency in the ULB after four seasons. He is capable of batting .300 with some power but needs to refine his strike zone judgment. Although he is rated as Downie’s top catcher, for now he is penciled in as Vince Edwards’ backup. In giving up Sappington, it appears the Chiefs may be ready to promote 22-year old LHP Jorge Ortíz (21/78) their top pitching prospect to the rotation – oh, scratch that – the Chiefs traded Ortíz to Wellington later in August. So much for that theory.

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May 27:

The Pulberry Trolleys and Hespeler Stars complete a two-player deal:

To Pulberry – 28-year old C Gareth Kody (29/40)

To Hespeler – 26-year old RHP Alexander Ellacott (41/42)

Knee-jerk reaction: In desperate need of a productive catcher, the Trolleys acquire Kody, a former second round pick from 1938-39. But Kody has enjoyed only one great season in his seven years in the ULB: in 1945-46 when he went .340/.353/.498, 16 HR, 78 RBI, 5.0 WAR. Since then though, he has largely been a back-up, averaging just barely over 1.0 WAR. He lost his starting job to 26-year old C Enrique García (2.9 WAR) last season and was thus deemed expendable by the Stars. He is a very good defender (one Top Fielder Award) and while he can make contact (.290 is possible), he has little power and poor plate discipline.

Ellacott is an average pitcher who has been hot and cold in his first four full seasons in the ULB:

He is not a strike-out artist, but does have some nice movement (55/55) and is a two-time all-star and won a Top Fielder Award. He moves into the No. 3 slot for Hespeler.

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June 1:

The Wolseley Unions and Embro Suns complete a two-player deal:

To Wolseley – 35-year old RHP John Palm (76/76)

To Embro – 32-year old OF Steven Winstanley (70/70)

Knee-jerk reaction: Wolseley’s Achilles heel last season was their bullpen (4.98 ERA), the worst in the Western League. Starting with this deal, they are doing something about it. John Palm has average stuff and control (50/50), but terrific movement (80/80) with two solid pitches: fastball (55/55) and splitter (60/60). He has spent all his 11-seasons with the Suns, compiling a 73-39, 79 SV, 2.62 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 3.08 FIP record. Most of that was compiled early in his career and he has not been as dominant in recent years. But the Suns haven’t been as good as they have in earlier seasons either. Palm immediately becomes the Unions’ stopper, bumping RHP Luke Woodward to setup man.

Embro had the top bullpen in the East last season (3.38 ERA), so perhaps they felt they could afford to part with Palm. They have two exciting pitching prospects who have been invited to spring training: 22-year old RHP Juan Rivas (39/75) and 22-year old LHP Carl McBroom (30/75). Rivas is slotted in as long relief while McBroom is penciled in as their No. 4 starter heading into spring training. But both are future starting material.

With Winstanley, the Suns get a 4-time all-star, a 3-time Top Fielder Award winner and a Babe Ruth Award winner. But those accolades all came before he joined Braeland’s war effort in 1943. Although he won a United Cup with the Stratford Barons in 1946-47, he has not been the dominant player he once was since his return. Injuries have had a lot to do with that. With Embro, he will get a chance to play full-time (no. 5 in the lineup). He takes over leftfield from the platoon of Yoshino Ito and Daniel Martin. Neither could crack the lineup full-time last season. Incidentally, Winstanley was also appointed as the team’s captain.

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June 5:

The Balmoral Giants sign free agent 28-year old LHP Ricardo Cruz (61/61) to a 1-year contract ($23,600).

Knee-jerk reaction: The Giants make their second splash into the free-agent waters, signing Cruz from Guatemala. Cruz has average stuff and control (50/50) with good movement (60/60). He throws six pitches: fastball (45/45), curveball (40/40), slider (45/45), changeup (40/40), splitter (45/45) and forkball (45/45). All eyes will be on him to see how he fares in the ULB. He should get his share of opportunities: Balmoral anointed him as their No. 1 starter.

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July 6:

The Wolseley Unions and Cobourg Red Stockings complete a four-player deal:

To Wolseley – 28-year old RHP Brent Nix (74/75)

To Cobourg – three minor leaguers:

• 22-year old C Ty Mack (22/23)
• 24-year old C Nathan Montgomerie (23/23)
• 22-year old 2B Tony Acosta (21/22)

Knee-jerk reaction: Another bold step by Wolseley to beef up their bullpen. Nix, a three-time all-star, has good stuff, movement and control (50-65-55) with a fastball (50/50) and curveball (50/50). A former 14th overall pick back in 1939-40 by the Brunswick Legends, he was sent to Cobourg in 1942 in a trade that involved 1B Stuart Bentham. Lifetime, Nix is 51-41, 69 SV, 3.52 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 3.58 FIP. He becomes Wolseley’s set-up man, bumping RHP Luke Woodward to middle relief.

As far as Cobourg, I’m stumped. I have no idea what they are thinking with this move. They need decent pitching but instead, they let one of their good ones go, getting minor leaguers with little chance of making the majors in return. Now, the Red Stockings just have one decent pitcher in their bullpen: 27-year old RHP Ramón Ortíz (65/66), who they initially tried as a starter after acquiring him from Balmoral last year.

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July 13:

The Wolseley Unions and Cobourg Red Stockings complete a three-player deal:

To Wolseley – 27-year old IF/OF Evan Houk (44/64)

To Cobourg – two minor leaguers:

• 22-year old CF Elton Challis (22/34)
• 23-year old SS Bob Voeller (23/49)

Knee-jerk reaction: Houk, a former 8th overall pick by the Cambria Cannons in 1939-40 has not lived up to his high pick. Nevertheless, he is coming off his best season (2.6 WAR). While he is only average at the plate, he is a pretty good defender in the outfield (and 1B) and an outstanding baserunner. While he is rated as Wolseley’s top centerfielder (8th overall), 26-year old CF Glen Trail remains in the starting lineup for now.

As for Cobourg, again, who knows. While Voeller is now rated at Coburg’s 4th best prospect, neither him or Challis are anything to get excited about. 26-year old LF Rizal Gorospe (29/31) takes Houk’s place in the lineup. He is a definite downgrade from Houk. The only thing I can see is that Gosospe is considered the team’s captain. So maybe he had a say in things.

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August 5:

The Wolseley Unions and Embro Suns complete another two-player deal:

To Wolseley – 25-year old C César Morales (31/37)

To Embro – 26-year old OF Rizalino Ringor (57/64)

Knee-jerk reaction: Wolseley and Embro essentially exchange depth players. Ringor had a tremendous rookie season back in 1943-44 (5.3 WAR), winning Rookie of the Year and Top Fielder Awards, as well as earning his lone all-star selection. However, he has not come close to that level since his return from serving in the Braeland war effort. However, he is still young and the Suns feel he can contribute backing up newly acquired LF Steven Winstanley (70/70) and RF José Maldonado (61/78). He has a decent bat and tremendous speed.

Morales was a 11th overall pick back in 1941-42, but he has regressed severely since that time. He will never be known for his bat and is only average defensively. He will serve as back-up to starting C Éric Denis (62/73).

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August 7:

The Brunswick Legends and Sherburn Tigers complete a two-player deal:

To Brunswick – 27-year old OF Gary Therien (74/77)

To Sherburn – 31-year old OF Ron Westmacott (40/40)

Knee-jerk reaction: The Ballad of Gary Therien continues to be played as the all-offense, no-defense ballplayer is traded away to yet another team. Therien will be a direct replacement for Westmacott, as he takes over LF for Brunwick. However, according to the rankings, it will be a step back, as Westmacott was rated 5th at LF and Therien is rated 13th.

Westmacott moves to Sherburn and will start in RF in place of 28-year old Javier Serrano (23/40), who was coming his best season (2.8 WAR, all-star selection and Top Fielder Award).

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August 15:

The Embro Suns and Downie Chiefs complete a two-player deal:

To Embro – 25-year old RHP Kent Allomes (49/61)

To Downie – 29-year old 3B Elliot Tugby (47/63)

Knee-jerk reaction: Not sure what Downie was thinking here, as they give up a decent reliever for a ‘Utility 2’ type player. Tugby is a four-time Top Fielder Award winner with some offensive ability. To me, he deserves much more playing time, as he has proven he can hold his own as an everyday player. But he did have a down year last season.

For Embro, they have decided to go with 25-year old Rafael de la Cruz (80/80) full-time at 3B, thus making Tugby expendable. In return, they get a serviceable reliever in Allomes who becomes their top middle reliever.

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August 28:

The Downie Chiefs and Wellington Athletics complete a three-player deal:

To Downie – 25-year old SS Mac Medley (45/63)

To Wellington – 25-year old 2B Douggie Rideout (51/72) and 22-year old LHP Jorge Ortíz (21/78)

Knee-jerk reaction: A bit of a coup for Wellington in my estimation, as Mac Medley lost his starting job to former 2nd overall pick 25-year old Zhao-hui Qian (71/78) last season. In return, the Athletics get a competent depth player in Rideout, who has decent offensive and defensive abilities. If he develops further, he may become a starter in his own right. Ortiz is a starter in waiting who has sound mechanics and great movement and control potential.

Medley, a former 13th overall pick, has decent offense and defense and will start at SS and lead off for Downie. He takes over from former 1st overall pick 2B/SS 24-year old Manuel Castaneda, who from all appearances, was developing just fine (3.5 WAR last season). Always nice to have solid depth, but to me Downie gave up a little too much for Medley.

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The War Gained chart below reflects the modest moves the teams made. Nothing earth-shattering in terms of gains and losses. What the chart does not track is the moves the Balmoral Giants made in signing two free agents. It will be interesting to see what impact 1B Javier Romero and SP Ricardo Cruz has on the Giants’ fortunes this season.

01-20-2018, 11:18 PM	#409
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,919	1948 Off-Season The off-season was a busy one for the United Leagues as ten trades of note were consummated, two intriguing free agent signings were made (by the same team) and four clubs saw changes in management. Some of the noteworthy developments are noted below. Management Shakeups April 30 – A Familiar Face Taking Over Managerial Reigns in Queensland One season removed from winning the United Cup, 59-year old Reid Saxby was fired by the Queensland Eagles. He had been Queensland’s field manager since Day 1. Saxby managed the team to an 861-833 (.508) record with two playoff appearances and one championship. But the Eagles fell to seventh place this past season and team officials felt it was time to make a change. On April 30th, Queensland went with a well-known name in the United Leagues, when it hired 57-year old Bill Quinn, the former long-time manager of the Stratford Barons and three-time Manager of the Year winner. Quinn managed the Barons for their first 10 seasons, racking up an 847-694 (.550) record, with three playoff appearances and two United Cups before being dumped after the 1946-47 season. Quinn has an excellent reputation and favors smallball strategies – bunts, stolen bases and hit & runs. ----------- May 10 – Generals Unceremoniously Dump Manager after United Cup Win Fort Richmond brass raised eyebrows around the League when they decided to cut ties with their long-time manager, 52-year old Eugene Rogge, just two days after winning their first United Cup. Rogge had been the Generals’ field manager since their inaugural season. His tenure up until this past season had been largely unsuccessful (787-907, .465), causing many to wonder why he wasn’t shown the door sooner. But Fort Richmond apparently decided to wait until his current contract was up to part ways – despite his success this past season. Taking his place is 42-year old John Mathis, who has no previous managing experience. Mathis played sparingly for four seasons in the United Leagues, all with the Cambria Cannons, as a utility infielder, winning a United Cup with the team in 1939-40. He retired in 1946 after toiling in the minors for another four seasons. He is considered easygoing who also favors the smallball. ----------- May 15 – New GM in Charge in Downie After 11 seasons at the helm of the Downie Chiefs, 48-year old Marcello Bonaddio’s contract was not renewed. Despite earning an ‘excellent’ reputation, the Chiefs enjoyed only two winning seasons and no playoff appearances during his tenure as GM. For their second GM in team history, Downie hired 31-year old Raymond Hunt from Australia. Hunt has no previous management experience and is easily the youngest person to be on a management staff in the United Leagues (Sherburn’s 35-year old Scouting Director Bill Gunter is the only other team personnel under 40 in the ULB). ----------- June 25 – Cambria Cannons Owner Dies, Nephew Assumes Leadership Role Cambria received a shock when long-time Cannons owner 69-year old Joshua Parker died suddenly after a brief illness. Following a board meeting, it was announced that Parker’s 37-year old nephew, Michael Parker, would assume the reins of the team as majority shareholder. Sources close to him suggest that he will be patient in management matters but hands-on in financial areas. ----------- Trades and Signings May 5: The Balmoral Giants sign free agent 27-year old IF/OF Javier Romero (59/74) to a 1-year contract ($18,400). *Knee-jerk reaction:* Romero, who hails from Nicaragua, has some rough edges on offense, but should be a capable hitter (50/50-contact; 40/40 HR power; 50/50 eye; 80/80 avoid K’s) with decent power. He is speedy and will be a threat on the basepaths (speed/stealing - 60). In the field, LF and RF are his best positions (60 & 55), but the Giants have installed him at 1B (40). He takes over from 29-year old Damon Purcell, a former 2nd overall pick in 1938-39. Purcell has regressed over the past couple of seasons. In terms of positional strength, Romero is rated 8th overall at 1B; Purcell was rated 14th (out of 16). ----------- May 19: The Cobourg Red Stockings and Cambria Cannons complete a two-player deal: To Cobourg – 38-year old LHP Max Littler (39/39) To Cambria – 27-year old 3B Douglas Paget (46/53) *Knee-jerk reaction:* A minor deal that is only worth mentioning as evidence that the Red Stocking’s desperate search for any sort of pitching continues. Littler joins his fourth team in 7 seasons and is simply a mediocre pitcher (66-89, 11 SV, 4.07 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 4.07 FIP lifetime). But the teams he has played with have been mediocre as well. He finished last season as Cambria’s No. 3 starter and was initially installed as Cobourg’s No. 2 – until Cobourg acquired another starter on May 27, bumping Littler to No. 3. Paget is more of a solid depth player than an everyday player. He has a good eye, but lacks power and struggles to make consistent contact. He’s decent at the hot corner with a great arm. Although not fast, he is an outstanding baserunner and can steal a base or two. Although he is slated to be backup to everyday 3B Shelby Cain, he is rated higher than Cain at that position (13th vs. 16th). ----------- May 27: The Cobourg Red Stockings and Downie Chiefs complete a three-player deal: To Cobourg – 36-year old RHP Chris Sappington (42/42) and 22-year old minor leaguer LHP John Phipps (20/24). To Downie – 25-year old C Jilenko Batiles (45/45) *Knee-jerk reaction:* Another relatively minor deal to simply document Cobourg’s continued efforts to beef up their rotation. Sappington, Downie’s former No. 2 starter becomes Cobourg’s No. 2 as well, behind 38-year old Lenny Freke. Sappington is a former all-star and top fielder award winner that joins his fourth team in six years. He has sound mechanics but is inconsistent in his control and has a propensity of giving up homers. But he has great stamina (75) and is good at holding runners (70). His best pitch is his fastball (45/45), with a cutter (40/40) and slider (40/40). Phipps is a former 5th rounder and borderline starter stuck in AA. He needs to improve his changeup and control if he wants a chance to move up. Batiles will be an upgrade at the catcher position for Downie, but that is faint praise, as Batilies has yet to find consistency in the ULB after four seasons. He is capable of batting .300 with some power but needs to refine his strike zone judgment. Although he is rated as Downie’s top catcher, for now he is penciled in as Vince Edwards’ backup. In giving up Sappington, it appears the Chiefs may be ready to promote 22-year old LHP Jorge Ortíz (21/78) their top pitching prospect to the rotation – oh, scratch that – the Chiefs traded Ortíz to Wellington later in August. So much for that theory. ----------- May 27: The Pulberry Trolleys and Hespeler Stars complete a two-player deal: To Pulberry – 28-year old C Gareth Kody (29/40) To Hespeler – 26-year old RHP Alexander Ellacott (41/42) *Knee-jerk reaction:* In desperate need of a productive catcher, the Trolleys acquire Kody, a former second round pick from 1938-39. But Kody has enjoyed only one great season in his seven years in the ULB: in 1945-46 when he went .340/.353/.498, 16 HR, 78 RBI, 5.0 WAR. Since then though, he has largely been a back-up, averaging just barely over 1.0 WAR. He lost his starting job to 26-year old C Enrique García (2.9 WAR) last season and was thus deemed expendable by the Stars. He is a very good defender (one Top Fielder Award) and while he can make contact (.290 is possible), he has little power and poor plate discipline. Ellacott is an average pitcher who has been hot and cold in his first four full seasons in the ULB: He is not a strike-out artist, but does have some nice movement (55/55) and is a two-time all-star and won a Top Fielder Award. He moves into the No. 3 slot for Hespeler. ----------- June 1: The Wolseley Unions and Embro Suns complete a two-player deal: To Wolseley – 35-year old RHP John Palm (76/76) To Embro – 32-year old OF Steven Winstanley (70/70) Knee-jerk reaction: Wolseley’s Achilles heel last season was their bullpen (4.98 ERA), the worst in the Western League. Starting with this deal, they are doing something about it. John Palm has average stuff and control (50/50), but terrific movement (80/80) with two solid pitches: fastball (55/55) and splitter (60/60). He has spent all his 11-seasons with the Suns, compiling a 73-39, 79 SV, 2.62 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 3.08 FIP record. Most of that was compiled early in his career and he has not been as dominant in recent years. But the Suns haven’t been as good as they have in earlier seasons either. Palm immediately becomes the Unions’ stopper, bumping RHP Luke Woodward to setup man. Embro had the top bullpen in the East last season (3.38 ERA), so perhaps they felt they could afford to part with Palm. They have two exciting pitching prospects who have been invited to spring training: 22-year old RHP Juan Rivas (39/75) and 22-year old LHP Carl McBroom (30/75). Rivas is slotted in as long relief while McBroom is penciled in as their No. 4 starter heading into spring training. But both are future starting material. With Winstanley, the Suns get a 4-time all-star, a 3-time Top Fielder Award winner and a Babe Ruth Award winner. But those accolades all came before he joined Braeland’s war effort in 1943. Although he won a United Cup with the Stratford Barons in 1946-47, he has not been the dominant player he once was since his return. Injuries have had a lot to do with that. With Embro, he will get a chance to play full-time (no. 5 in the lineup). He takes over leftfield from the platoon of Yoshino Ito and Daniel Martin. Neither could crack the lineup full-time last season. Incidentally, Winstanley was also appointed as the team’s captain. ----------- June 5: The Balmoral Giants sign free agent 28-year old LHP Ricardo Cruz (61/61) to a 1-year contract ($23,600). *Knee-jerk reaction:* The Giants make their second splash into the free-agent waters, signing Cruz from Guatemala. Cruz has average stuff and control (50/50) with good movement (60/60). He throws six pitches: fastball (45/45), curveball (40/40), slider (45/45), changeup (40/40), splitter (45/45) and forkball (45/45). All eyes will be on him to see how he fares in the ULB. He should get his share of opportunities: Balmoral anointed him as their No. 1 starter. ----------- July 6: The Wolseley Unions and Cobourg Red Stockings complete a four-player deal: To Wolseley – 28-year old RHP Brent Nix (74/75) To Cobourg – three minor leaguers: • 22-year old C Ty Mack (22/23) • 24-year old C Nathan Montgomerie (23/23) • 22-year old 2B Tony Acosta (21/22) *Knee-jerk reaction:* Another bold step by Wolseley to beef up their bullpen. Nix, a three-time all-star, has good stuff, movement and control (50-65-55) with a fastball (50/50) and curveball (50/50). A former 14th overall pick back in 1939-40 by the Brunswick Legends, he was sent to Cobourg in 1942 in a trade that involved 1B Stuart Bentham. Lifetime, Nix is 51-41, 69 SV, 3.52 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 3.58 FIP. He becomes Wolseley’s set-up man, bumping RHP Luke Woodward to middle relief. As far as Cobourg, I’m stumped. I have no idea what they are thinking with this move. They need decent pitching but instead, they let one of their good ones go, getting minor leaguers with little chance of making the majors in return. Now, the Red Stockings just have one decent pitcher in their bullpen: 27-year old RHP Ramón Ortíz (65/66), who they initially tried as a starter after acquiring him from Balmoral last year. ----------- July 13: The Wolseley Unions and Cobourg Red Stockings complete a three-player deal: To Wolseley – 27-year old IF/OF Evan Houk (44/64) To Cobourg – two minor leaguers: • 22-year old CF Elton Challis (22/34) • 23-year old SS Bob Voeller (23/49) *Knee-jerk reaction:* Houk, a former 8th overall pick by the Cambria Cannons in 1939-40 has not lived up to his high pick. Nevertheless, he is coming off his best season (2.6 WAR). While he is only average at the plate, he is a pretty good defender in the outfield (and 1B) and an outstanding baserunner. While he is rated as Wolseley’s top centerfielder (8th overall), 26-year old CF Glen Trail remains in the starting lineup for now. As for Cobourg, again, who knows. While Voeller is now rated at Coburg’s 4th best prospect, neither him or Challis are anything to get excited about. 26-year old LF Rizal Gorospe (29/31) takes Houk’s place in the lineup. He is a definite downgrade from Houk. The only thing I can see is that Gosospe is considered the team’s captain. So maybe he had a say in things. ----------- August 5: The Wolseley Unions and Embro Suns complete another two-player deal: To Wolseley – 25-year old C César Morales (31/37) To Embro – 26-year old OF Rizalino Ringor (57/64) *Knee-jerk reaction:* Wolseley and Embro essentially exchange depth players. Ringor had a tremendous rookie season back in 1943-44 (5.3 WAR), winning Rookie of the Year and Top Fielder Awards, as well as earning his lone all-star selection. However, he has not come close to that level since his return from serving in the Braeland war effort. However, he is still young and the Suns feel he can contribute backing up newly acquired LF Steven Winstanley (70/70) and RF José Maldonado (61/78). He has a decent bat and tremendous speed. Morales was a 11th overall pick back in 1941-42, but he has regressed severely since that time. He will never be known for his bat and is only average defensively. He will serve as back-up to starting C Éric Denis (62/73). ----------- August 7: The Brunswick Legends and Sherburn Tigers complete a two-player deal: To Brunswick – 27-year old OF Gary Therien (74/77) To Sherburn – 31-year old OF Ron Westmacott (40/40) *Knee-jerk reaction:* The Ballad of Gary Therien continues to be played as the all-offense, no-defense ballplayer is traded away to yet another team. Therien will be a direct replacement for Westmacott, as he takes over LF for Brunwick. However, according to the rankings, it will be a step back, as Westmacott was rated 5th at LF and Therien is rated 13th. Westmacott moves to Sherburn and will start in RF in place of 28-year old Javier Serrano (23/40), who was coming his best season (2.8 WAR, all-star selection and Top Fielder Award). ----------- August 15: The Embro Suns and Downie Chiefs complete a two-player deal: To Embro – 25-year old RHP Kent Allomes (49/61) To Downie – 29-year old 3B Elliot Tugby (47/63) *Knee-jerk reaction:* Not sure what Downie was thinking here, as they give up a decent reliever for a ‘Utility 2’ type player. Tugby is a four-time Top Fielder Award winner with some offensive ability. To me, he deserves much more playing time, as he has proven he can hold his own as an everyday player. But he did have a down year last season. For Embro, they have decided to go with 25-year old Rafael de la Cruz (80/80) full-time at 3B, thus making Tugby expendable. In return, they get a serviceable reliever in Allomes who becomes their top middle reliever. ----------- August 28: The Downie Chiefs and Wellington Athletics complete a three-player deal: To Downie – 25-year old SS Mac Medley (45/63) To Wellington – 25-year old 2B Douggie Rideout (51/72) and 22-year old LHP Jorge Ortíz (21/78) *Knee-jerk reaction:* A bit of a coup for Wellington in my estimation, as Mac Medley lost his starting job to former 2nd overall pick 25-year old Zhao-hui Qian (71/78) last season. In return, the Athletics get a competent depth player in Rideout, who has decent offensive and defensive abilities. If he develops further, he may become a starter in his own right. Ortiz is a starter in waiting who has sound mechanics and great movement and control potential. Medley, a former 13th overall pick, has decent offense and defense and will start at SS and lead off for Downie. He takes over from former 1st overall pick 2B/SS 24-year old Manuel Castaneda, who from all appearances, was developing just fine (3.5 WAR last season). Always nice to have solid depth, but to me Downie gave up a little too much for Medley. ----------- The War Gained chart below reflects the modest moves the teams made. Nothing earth-shattering in terms of gains and losses. What the chart does not track is the moves the Balmoral Giants made in signing two free agents. It will be interesting to see what impact 1B Javier Romero and SP Ricardo Cruz has on the Giants’ fortunes this season. __________________ United Leagues of Braeland