OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post

reds1 · 02-21-2018, 08:32 PM

February 1, 1949

Eastern League: Hail to the Chiefs?

--------

Offense: .298/.364/.451 (1st/2nd/1st)
Pitching: 3.50/3.49/3.51 (1st/1st/2nd)
Defense: .714 (2nd)
Chemistry: Ecstatic

The Braeland City Monarchs finally cooled off in January, as injuries took their toll on the red-hot club. Run production has gone from 6.5 R/G to 5.9 R/G, but the Monarchs are still the top offensive team in the United Leagues (Embro is second with 5.3). One of those injuries was to 23-year old CF Patrick Lidgate (.310/.406/.510, 8 HR, 35 RBI, 38 BB, 4 SB), who broke his finger in a game back on December 13. He was on pace for a Rookie of the Year performance before the injury. He should be back in the lineup sometime in February.

26-year old C Christopher Dainty (.334/.434/.545, 13 HR, 66 RBI, 57 BB) has been just outstanding in his second full season in the ULB. Last year, he was worth 1.9 WAR. This season, he has so far racked up 4.9 WAR and is rated 7th overall among position players. He was drafted in the second round back in 1941-42 by the Kingston Pelicans and then traded to the Queensland Eagles in April 1942. In December 1946, he was released outright by the Eagles and signed by the Monarchs a month later. Since then, he has won the 1947-48 Rookie of the Year Award and picked up his first All-Star selection this season. Somebody in Queensland dropped the ball on this one, that’s for sure.

Eight players represented the Monarchs at the All-Star game: SP David Cooling (9th), SP Nicholas Grimes (1st), RP Samuel Hollier (3rd), C Christopher Dainty (1st), 1B Dean Witherden (1st), 3B Adam Ashley (10th), SS Luwen Rodenburg (1st) and RF Jesús Ortega (1st).

Player of the Week Awards:

December 27 - SS Luwen Rodenburg (.458, 11 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI)
January 10 – 2B Dennis Borton (.444, 12 H, 1 HR, 6 RBI)
January 17 - SS Luwen Rodenburg (.571, 8 H, 1 HR, 1 RBI)

Noteworthy:

December 6 – Braeland City’s No. 2 hitter Christopher Dainty had a 20-game hitting streak come to an end at the hands of the Downie Chiefs. The catcher went 0-3 in the club’s 6-3 loss at Kings Park.

December 11 – 28-year old LHP Nicholas Grimes (17-6, 2.85 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) made quick work of the Wellington Athletics, throwing a 1-HITTER in an 8-0 victory. Grimes racked up 8 strikeouts and surrendered only 1 walk in the victory.

January 20 – 30-year old SS Dennis Borton (.350/.391/.462, 4 HR, 54 RBI, 21 BB) knows how to hit. A .292 lifetime hitter, Borton went on a 20-game hitting streak until the Stratford Barons put the brakes on it, holding him hitless on 3 at-bats. The Monarchs still prevailed though, 3-2.

Current Injuries:

CF Patrick Lidgate – December 13 – broken finger. Out for: 11 days.
CF Curt Tiffany – January 5 – ruptured tendon (finger). Out for: 2 months.
RHP Freddie Trerise – January 8 – elbow tendinitis. Out for: 7-8 weeks.

--------

Offense: .263/.371/.382 (5th/1st/6th)
Pitching: 3.71/3.57/4.61 (2nd/2nd/5th)
Defense: .709 (3rd)
Chemistry: Happy

The Stratford Barons still hold onto the wild card spot in the East, but lackluster 13-13 records in November and January have prevented them from gaining any ground on the first place Monarchs or created any significant separation between them and the Downie Chiefs. But their offense has remained consistently good thus far (5.2 R/G) while the pitching has improved a little (from 4.5 R/G to 4.3 R/G). They haven’t exactly been road warriors though, going only 32-34 thus far. However, the majority of their remaining games are at home, where the Barons have been much more successful (27-12). Stratford should be in a very good position to hold down the wild card spot from here on out.

29-year C Aaron Skidmore (.315/.488/.546, 13 HR, 64 RBI, 108 BB) has been one of the best players in the United Leagues year-in and year-out for the past 7 seasons, and this year is no different. He is on pace for his best season yet, even if his defense is off from his usual standard (.968 PCT this season vs. .983 PCT lifetime).

On the pitching side of things, 38-year old LHP Joel Fearn (14-6, 2.63 ERA, 1.08 WHIP) is having his best season in three years, leading the East in ERA, WHIP, Opponents OBP (.274) and Opponents SLG (.336). He leads the entire United Leagues in WHIP.

Three Barons qualified for the all-star team: SP Joel Fearn (7th), C Aaron Skidmore (8th) and CF Roberto Ríos (3rd).

Player of the Week Awards:

December 20 – SS Jake Walker (.591, 13 H, 6 RBI, 6 R)
January 24 – RF Lyndon Inagaki (.500, 9 H, 3 HR, 8 RBI)

Noteworthy:

December 10 – It took 16 innings, but the Queensland Eagles finally prevailed over the Barons, 2-1. But nobody can fault 27-year old RF Lyndon Inagaki (.294/.370/.500, 12 HR, 50 RBI, 27 BB), as he went 5 for 7 on the day. Inagaki singled in the 3rd, flied out in the 5th, doubled in the 7th, singled in the 9th and 11th, grounded out in the 13th and doubled in the 15th.

Current Injuries:

LHP Max MacColl – October 29 – radial nerve decompression surgery. Out for: 2 months.
CF Won-ho Kim – January 4 – shoulder tendinitis. Out for: 6 days.

--------

Offense: .269/.348/.403 (3rd/5th/2nd)
Pitching: 3.94/3.90/4.14 (3rd/3rd/4th)
Defense: .717 (1st)
Chemistry: Unhappy

On December 1, the Downie Chiefs were 8 games below .500 and 6 games out of the playoffs. It was shaping up to be yet another forgettable season. But just two months later, their outlook has completely changed. In December and January, Downie has gone 34-19, to move 7 games above .500 and just 3 games back of Stratford for the wild card. In fact, since November 1, they have won 47 games, the third most in the ULB, behind only Braeland City (53) and Fort Richmond (52). They are on pace for 82 victories, the third most in team history and would represent just the third time the team finished above .500.

While 26-year old RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (13-8, 3.10 ERA, 1.24 WHIP) is enjoying the best season of his 6-year career (he’s on pace for 19 wins), it’s the improved offense that has really carried the team up the standings, especially the Nos. 3 through 5 hitters. 23-year old CF Alfonzo León (.297/.353/.451, 11 HR, 65 RBI, 40 BB, 5 SB), 23-year old 3B Dominic Dudding (.336/.392/.531, 13 HR, 76 RBI, 37 BB, 5 SB) and 26-year old 2B Robin Duerden (.322/.397/.451, 5 HR, 52 RBI, 36 BB, 5 SB) are three of the top four players on the team – and are all playing like it. Now if only 27-year old RF Nathan Ashman (.269/.340/.368, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 21 BB, 6 SB) could stay healthy for any length of time, the Chiefs could really push the Barons for their first playoff spot. Ashman has missed most of the season with repeated foot/ankle injuries.

Five Chiefs were selected as All-Stars: SP Kelii Pelanekelina (1st), 2B Robin Duerden (3rd), 3B Dominic Dudding (2nd), LF Howard Dumbrill (1st) and CF Alfonso León (2nd).

Player of the Week Awards:

December 6 – C Vinnie Edwards (.583, 7 H, 3 HR, 9 RBI)
January 3 – 3B Dominic Dudding (.625, 5 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI)

Current Injuries:

RF Nathan Ashman – December 31 – fractured ankle. Out for: 8-9 weeks.
LHP Jeff Routh – January 5 – hamstring strain. Out for: 2 days.
RHP Bernie Knowles – January 9 – strained hamstring. Out for: 8 weeks.

--------

Offense: .256/.337/.365 (7th/7th/7th)
Pitching: 4.03/4.04/3.99 (4th/4th/3rd)
Defense: .708 (4th)
Chemistry: Happy

The Queensland Eagles have lost ground in the chase for the wild card to Stratford and Downie, but do not appear to be giving up. A dreadful December sunk them to below .500, but a bounce-back in January has restored some hope. A resurgent pitching staff is largely responsible for the optimism, as 29-year old RHP Aaron Saunderson (12-9, 3.84 ERA, 1.42 WHIP) has recovered from a disastrous December (2-4, 6.47 ERA), while 27-year old RHP Okura Suzuki (10-8, 3.35 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) has been their most consistent pitcher this year. Recent 4th overall draft pick, 23-year old RHP Logan Belsey (4-5, 4.50 ERA, 1.74), skipped the minors completely and is getting acclimated to the majors as Queensland’s No. 4 starter.

But the offense is going to have to pick things up if they want to seriously contend. The team is averaging only 4.3 R/G, second worst in the East (behind Wellington).

Four Eagles qualified for the All-Star game: SP Pi-ao Quian (3rd), SP Aaron Saunderson (5th), SP Okura Suzuki (1st) and RP Leif Bryant (1st).

Key Trade: January 31 with the Embro Suns:

To Queensland – 39-year old RHP Colm Soper (78/78)
To Embro – 23-year old OF Steven Hollett (23/41)

Knee-jerk reaction: It was relatively quiet leading up the trade deadline, as just three deals were made. This one saw a future hall of famer traded for a minor leaguer. Colm Soper (1-3, 10 SV, 2.83 ERA, 1.60 WHIP) is an 11-time all-star who won the 1937-38 Satchel Paige Award for best pitcher and then converted to the stopper role very successfully six seasons ago. He is currently tied for second place for career saves with 101. He has decent stuff (50/50) to go along with outstanding movement (75/75) and control (60/60). He becomes Queensland’s new stopper and strengthens their already decent bullpen. It is obvious from this move that the Eagles feel that they are still within reach of the wild card.

What is not apparent is what Embro was trying to achieve with this move, as the return for Soper seems a little underwhelming. But its true Soper is near the end of his career and his departure opens a spot for future SP Juan Rivas (48/74), their 23-year old prospect, in the bullpen. The Canadian Hollett has some offensive abilities (potential .290 hitter), but he will be little more than a roster filler.

Current Injuries: None

--------

Offense: .264/.352/.391 (4th/4th/4th)
Pitching: 4.70/4.52/5.54 (7th/6th/8th)
Defense: .683 (7th)
Chemistry: Feuding

Times are bleak for the Brunswick Legends, as the club is on course for their worst season ever, and would be just the second time in their history they finish below .500 (they went 72-82 in 1937-38). While 32-year old LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (14-9, 2.88 ERA, 1.27 WHIP) is the only pitcher having a good year, it appears both he and 32-year old RHP Ron Cowen (6-13, 4.85 ERA, 1.63 WHIP) are the prime sources of discontent on the team. Rodríguez is described as ‘disruptive’ and Cowen as ‘selfish’.

Just as concerning for the Legends is the downturn in the offense. After winning Player of the Month honours in October, the usually steady 1B Stuart Bentham (.261/.374/.424, 16 HR, 62 RBI, 70 BB) has struggled; the 32-year old has batted only .227/.348/.333 since. Only 27-year old SS Jorge Arrendondo (.331/.401/.521, 11 HR, 71 RBI, 50 BB, 8 SB) can be said to be having a terrific season.

3 Legends were selected to the All-Star game: SP Anastasio Rodríguez (9th), 1B Stuart Bentham (8th) and SS Jorge Arredondo (2nd).

Current Injuries:

CF Lance Oakley – October 9 – torn anterior cruciate ligament. Out for: 2-3 months.
RF Robin Gare – November 9 – fractured fibula. Out for: 4-5 weeks.
LF Gary Therien – December 29 – torn labrum (shoulder). Out for: 5 months.
RHP Mhelter Pilapil – January 30 – sore shoulder. Out for: DtD, 4 days.

--------

Offense: .259/.355/.391 (6th/3rd/5th)
Pitching: 5.11/5.18/4.83 (8th/8th/6th)
Defense: .672 (8th)
Chemistry: Happy

The Embro Suns may have had five players named to the All-Star game, but that hardly hides the fact that the Suns are headed for their worst finish in the United Leagues. They are projected to win only 66 games, the first time below 70. Ironically, the Suns’ best player was 34-year old 1B Jim Friend (.286/.401/.458, 12 HR, 67 RBI, 72 BB), the 8-time all-star who didn’t qualify for the mid-season classic this year. Friend slumped in November and December, but came alive in January. Thus far, Friend has earned 3.1 WAR; his next nearest teammate is 29-year old C Scott Weller (.239/.340/.398, 12 HR, 60 RBI, 49 BB) with 1.9.

Five Suns were selected as All-Stars: RP Colm Soper (11th), C Scott Weller (3rd), LF Rizalino Ringor (2nd), CF Terence Durney (11th) and José Maldonado (1st).

Player of the Week Awards:

January 31 – 1B Jim Friend (.538, 7 H, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 4 R)

Current Injuries:

LHP Carl McBroom – December 7 – bone chips (elbow). Out for: 7 weeks.
LHP Brenden Margerson – December 23 – sore elbow. Out for: 3 days.
LF Steven Winstanley – January 4 – sprained ankle. Out for: 2-3 weeks.

--------

Offense: .255/.321/.357 (8th/8th/8th)
Pitching: 4.69/5.02/3.48 (6th/7th/1st)
Defense: .707 (5th)
Chemistry: Content

The Wellington Athletics have played a little better lately and have escaped the basement for now, but the club is in full-blown rebuild mode. Thus, the Athletics’ focus is on developing their prospects, and in that department they are having their ups and downs. 24-year old CF Edgardo Barrón (.227/.294/.313, 17-2B, 26 RBI, 41 BB, 9 SB), a second-round pick from 1943-44, is having a hugely disappointing year at the plate, after enjoying two impressive seasons. On the positive side of things, 25-year old SS Zhao-hui Qian (.277/.335/.397, 4 HR, 45 RBI, 36 BB, 16 SB) is progressing quite nicely in the No. 4 spot in the lineup. Qian was a 2nd overall pick from 1945-46. Finally, 1st overall pick from this year’s draft, 21-year old LF Matthew Floyd (.358/.438/.709, 12 HR, 27 RBI, 18 BB, 10 SB) is tearing up AA. Scouts are saying that he is potentially ready for the major league level.

Two players represented the Athletics at All-Star game: RHP Finley Capstick (1st) and 2B Ryley McLarnon (6th).

Current Injuries:

RHP Darren Whiteley – January 7 – shoulder inflammation. Out for: 3 months.
RHP Bert Morrow – January 22 – herniated disc. Out for: 2 days.

--------

Offense: .279/.338/.401 (2nd/6th/3rd)
Pitching: 4.50/4.38/5.04 (5th/5th/7th)
Defense: .697 (6th)
Chemistry: Unhappy

The Cobourg Red Stockings have plummeted to the bottom of the standings as their rag-tag pitching staff has simply been unable to hold things together. They have the horses on offense to compete with even more promising position players on the way. But until they get serious about drafting and/or acquiring quality pitching, this team is going nowhere. 39-year old RHP Lenny Freke (10-9, 3.46 ERA, 1.24 WHIP) is doing all he can, and is a genuine ace, but at his age time is running out. The pitching behind him in the rotation is pitiful. The good news is that this year’s 6th overall pick, 20-year old LHP Bill Budd (4-2, 3.36 ERA, 1.44 WHIP) is prospering in AAA. He won a Player of the Week Award in early January.

Three of the newer players in the lineup are developing just fine. 23-year old 1B Harry Doxey (.319/.365/.469, 11 HR, 47 RBI, 29 BB), a 6th overall pick from 1946-47 is already rated the 5th best 1B in the ULB in just his first full season. Meanwhile, Cobourg’s top two prospects are currently platooning at leftfield and taking turns leading off. 23-year old OF Randy Spivey (.272/.346/.386, 3 HR, 24 RBI, 24 BB, 10 SB) is leading off against RHP, while 23-year old OF Bill Sharkey (.254/.286/.373, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3 BB, 4 SB) is leading off against LHP, when he’s not being demoted/recalled every 4th day. Spivey was a second-round pick in 1946-47, while Sharkey was a 12th overall pick in 1947-48.

Five Red Stockings qualified for the All-Star game: SP Lenny Freke (6th), 1B Harry Doxey (1st), 2B George Simpson (2nd), SS John Medley (4th) and CF Raymond Williams (2nd).

Player of the Week Awards:

December 13 – 1B Harry Doxey (.542, 13 H, 2 HR, 3 RBI)

Current Injuries:

RHP Tom Mayor – October 26 – torn labrum. Out for: 2-3 months.

--------

02-21-2018, 08:32 PM	#419
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,919	February 1, 1949 Eastern League: Hail to the Chiefs? -------- Offense: .298/.364/.451 (1st/2nd/1st) Pitching: 3.50/3.49/3.51 (1st/1st/2nd) Defense: .714 (2nd) Chemistry: Ecstatic The Braeland City Monarchs finally cooled off in January, as injuries took their toll on the red-hot club. Run production has gone from 6.5 R/G to 5.9 R/G, but the Monarchs are still the top offensive team in the United Leagues (Embro is second with 5.3). One of those injuries was to 23-year old CF Patrick Lidgate (.310/.406/.510, 8 HR, 35 RBI, 38 BB, 4 SB), who broke his finger in a game back on December 13. He was on pace for a Rookie of the Year performance before the injury. He should be back in the lineup sometime in February. 26-year old C Christopher Dainty (.334/.434/.545, 13 HR, 66 RBI, 57 BB) has been just outstanding in his second full season in the ULB. Last year, he was worth 1.9 WAR. This season, he has so far racked up 4.9 WAR and is rated 7th overall among position players. He was drafted in the second round back in 1941-42 by the Kingston Pelicans and then traded to the Queensland Eagles in April 1942. In December 1946, he was released outright by the Eagles and signed by the Monarchs a month later. Since then, he has won the 1947-48 Rookie of the Year Award and picked up his first All-Star selection this season. Somebody in Queensland dropped the ball on this one, that’s for sure. Eight players represented the Monarchs at the All-Star game: SP David Cooling (9th), SP Nicholas Grimes (1st), RP Samuel Hollier (3rd), C Christopher Dainty (1st), 1B Dean Witherden (1st), 3B Adam Ashley (10th), SS Luwen Rodenburg (1st) and RF Jesús Ortega (1st). Player of the Week Awards: December 27 - SS Luwen Rodenburg (.458, 11 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI) January 10 – 2B Dennis Borton (.444, 12 H, 1 HR, 6 RBI) January 17 - SS Luwen Rodenburg (.571, 8 H, 1 HR, 1 RBI) Noteworthy: December 6 – Braeland City’s No. 2 hitter Christopher Dainty had a 20-game hitting streak come to an end at the hands of the Downie Chiefs. The catcher went 0-3 in the club’s 6-3 loss at Kings Park. December 11 – 28-year old LHP Nicholas Grimes (17-6, 2.85 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) made quick work of the Wellington Athletics, throwing a 1-HITTER in an 8-0 victory. Grimes racked up 8 strikeouts and surrendered only 1 walk in the victory. January 20 – 30-year old SS Dennis Borton (.350/.391/.462, 4 HR, 54 RBI, 21 BB) knows how to hit. A .292 lifetime hitter, Borton went on a 20-game hitting streak until the Stratford Barons put the brakes on it, holding him hitless on 3 at-bats. The Monarchs still prevailed though, 3-2. Current Injuries: CF Patrick Lidgate – December 13 – broken finger. Out for: 11 days. CF Curt Tiffany – January 5 – ruptured tendon (finger). Out for: 2 months. RHP Freddie Trerise – January 8 – elbow tendinitis. Out for: 7-8 weeks. -------- Offense: .263/.371/.382 (5th/1st/6th) Pitching: 3.71/3.57/4.61 (2nd/2nd/5th) Defense: .709 (3rd) Chemistry: Happy The Stratford Barons still hold onto the wild card spot in the East, but lackluster 13-13 records in November and January have prevented them from gaining any ground on the first place Monarchs or created any significant separation between them and the Downie Chiefs. But their offense has remained consistently good thus far (5.2 R/G) while the pitching has improved a little (from 4.5 R/G to 4.3 R/G). They haven’t exactly been road warriors though, going only 32-34 thus far. However, the majority of their remaining games are at home, where the Barons have been much more successful (27-12). Stratford should be in a very good position to hold down the wild card spot from here on out. 29-year C Aaron Skidmore (.315/.488/.546, 13 HR, 64 RBI, 108 BB) has been one of the best players in the United Leagues year-in and year-out for the past 7 seasons, and this year is no different. He is on pace for his best season yet, even if his defense is off from his usual standard (.968 PCT this season vs. .983 PCT lifetime). On the pitching side of things, 38-year old LHP Joel Fearn (14-6, 2.63 ERA, 1.08 WHIP) is having his best season in three years, leading the East in ERA, WHIP, Opponents OBP (.274) and Opponents SLG (.336). He leads the entire United Leagues in WHIP. Three Barons qualified for the all-star team: SP Joel Fearn (7th), C Aaron Skidmore (8th) and CF Roberto Ríos (3rd). Player of the Week Awards: December 20 – SS Jake Walker (.591, 13 H, 6 RBI, 6 R) January 24 – RF Lyndon Inagaki (.500, 9 H, 3 HR, 8 RBI) Noteworthy: December 10 – It took 16 innings, but the Queensland Eagles finally prevailed over the Barons, 2-1. But nobody can fault 27-year old RF Lyndon Inagaki (.294/.370/.500, 12 HR, 50 RBI, 27 BB), as he went 5 for 7 on the day. Inagaki singled in the 3rd, flied out in the 5th, doubled in the 7th, singled in the 9th and 11th, grounded out in the 13th and doubled in the 15th. Current Injuries: LHP Max MacColl – October 29 – radial nerve decompression surgery. Out for: 2 months. CF Won-ho Kim – January 4 – shoulder tendinitis. Out for: 6 days. -------- Offense: .269/.348/.403 (3rd/5th/2nd) Pitching: 3.94/3.90/4.14 (3rd/3rd/4th) Defense: .717 (1st) Chemistry: Unhappy On December 1, the Downie Chiefs were 8 games below .500 and 6 games out of the playoffs. It was shaping up to be yet another forgettable season. But just two months later, their outlook has completely changed. In December and January, Downie has gone 34-19, to move 7 games above .500 and just 3 games back of Stratford for the wild card. In fact, since November 1, they have won 47 games, the third most in the ULB, behind only Braeland City (53) and Fort Richmond (52). They are on pace for 82 victories, the third most in team history and would represent just the third time the team finished above .500. While 26-year old RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (13-8, 3.10 ERA, 1.24 WHIP) is enjoying the best season of his 6-year career (he’s on pace for 19 wins), it’s the improved offense that has really carried the team up the standings, especially the Nos. 3 through 5 hitters. 23-year old CF Alfonzo León (.297/.353/.451, 11 HR, 65 RBI, 40 BB, 5 SB), 23-year old 3B Dominic Dudding (.336/.392/.531, 13 HR, 76 RBI, 37 BB, 5 SB) and 26-year old 2B Robin Duerden (.322/.397/.451, 5 HR, 52 RBI, 36 BB, 5 SB) are three of the top four players on the team – and are all playing like it. Now if only 27-year old RF Nathan Ashman (.269/.340/.368, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 21 BB, 6 SB) could stay healthy for any length of time, the Chiefs could really push the Barons for their first playoff spot. Ashman has missed most of the season with repeated foot/ankle injuries. Five Chiefs were selected as All-Stars: SP Kelii Pelanekelina (1st), 2B Robin Duerden (3rd), 3B Dominic Dudding (2nd), LF Howard Dumbrill (1st) and CF Alfonso León (2nd). Player of the Week Awards: December 6 – C Vinnie Edwards (.583, 7 H, 3 HR, 9 RBI) January 3 – 3B Dominic Dudding (.625, 5 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI) Current Injuries: RF Nathan Ashman – December 31 – fractured ankle. Out for: 8-9 weeks. LHP Jeff Routh – January 5 – hamstring strain. Out for: 2 days. RHP Bernie Knowles – January 9 – strained hamstring. Out for: 8 weeks. -------- Offense: .256/.337/.365 (7th/7th/7th) Pitching: 4.03/4.04/3.99 (4th/4th/3rd) Defense: .708 (4th) Chemistry: Happy The Queensland Eagles have lost ground in the chase for the wild card to Stratford and Downie, but do not appear to be giving up. A dreadful December sunk them to below .500, but a bounce-back in January has restored some hope. A resurgent pitching staff is largely responsible for the optimism, as 29-year old RHP Aaron Saunderson (12-9, 3.84 ERA, 1.42 WHIP) has recovered from a disastrous December (2-4, 6.47 ERA), while 27-year old RHP Okura Suzuki (10-8, 3.35 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) has been their most consistent pitcher this year. Recent 4th overall draft pick, 23-year old RHP Logan Belsey (4-5, 4.50 ERA, 1.74), skipped the minors completely and is getting acclimated to the majors as Queensland’s No. 4 starter. But the offense is going to have to pick things up if they want to seriously contend. The team is averaging only 4.3 R/G, second worst in the East (behind Wellington). Four Eagles qualified for the All-Star game: SP Pi-ao Quian (3rd), SP Aaron Saunderson (5th), SP Okura Suzuki (1st) and RP Leif Bryant (1st). Key Trade: January 31 with the Embro Suns: To Queensland – 39-year old RHP Colm Soper (78/78) To Embro – 23-year old OF Steven Hollett (23/41) *Knee-jerk reaction:* It was relatively quiet leading up the trade deadline, as just three deals were made. This one saw a future hall of famer traded for a minor leaguer. Colm Soper (1-3, 10 SV, 2.83 ERA, 1.60 WHIP) is an 11-time all-star who won the 1937-38 Satchel Paige Award for best pitcher and then converted to the stopper role very successfully six seasons ago. He is currently tied for second place for career saves with 101. He has decent stuff (50/50) to go along with outstanding movement (75/75) and control (60/60). He becomes Queensland’s new stopper and strengthens their already decent bullpen. It is obvious from this move that the Eagles feel that they are still within reach of the wild card. What is not apparent is what Embro was trying to achieve with this move, as the return for Soper seems a little underwhelming. But its true Soper is near the end of his career and his departure opens a spot for future SP Juan Rivas (48/74), their 23-year old prospect, in the bullpen. The Canadian Hollett has some offensive abilities (potential .290 hitter), but he will be little more than a roster filler. Current Injuries: None -------- Offense: .264/.352/.391 (4th/4th/4th) Pitching: 4.70/4.52/5.54 (7th/6th/8th) Defense: .683 (7th) Chemistry: Feuding Times are bleak for the Brunswick Legends, as the club is on course for their worst season ever, and would be just the second time in their history they finish below .500 (they went 72-82 in 1937-38). While 32-year old LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (14-9, 2.88 ERA, 1.27 WHIP) is the only pitcher having a good year, it appears both he and 32-year old RHP Ron Cowen (6-13, 4.85 ERA, 1.63 WHIP) are the prime sources of discontent on the team. Rodríguez is described as ‘disruptive’ and Cowen as ‘selfish’. Just as concerning for the Legends is the downturn in the offense. After winning Player of the Month honours in October, the usually steady 1B Stuart Bentham (.261/.374/.424, 16 HR, 62 RBI, 70 BB) has struggled; the 32-year old has batted only .227/.348/.333 since. Only 27-year old SS Jorge Arrendondo (.331/.401/.521, 11 HR, 71 RBI, 50 BB, 8 SB) can be said to be having a terrific season. 3 Legends were selected to the All-Star game: SP Anastasio Rodríguez (9th), 1B Stuart Bentham (8th) and SS Jorge Arredondo (2nd). Current Injuries: CF Lance Oakley – October 9 – torn anterior cruciate ligament. Out for: 2-3 months. RF Robin Gare – November 9 – fractured fibula. Out for: 4-5 weeks. LF Gary Therien – December 29 – torn labrum (shoulder). Out for: 5 months. RHP Mhelter Pilapil – January 30 – sore shoulder. Out for: DtD, 4 days. -------- Offense: .259/.355/.391 (6th/3rd/5th) Pitching: 5.11/5.18/4.83 (8th/8th/6th) Defense: .672 (8th) Chemistry: Happy The Embro Suns may have had five players named to the All-Star game, but that hardly hides the fact that the Suns are headed for their worst finish in the United Leagues. They are projected to win only 66 games, the first time below 70. Ironically, the Suns’ best player was 34-year old 1B Jim Friend (.286/.401/.458, 12 HR, 67 RBI, 72 BB), the 8-time all-star who didn’t qualify for the mid-season classic this year. Friend slumped in November and December, but came alive in January. Thus far, Friend has earned 3.1 WAR; his next nearest teammate is 29-year old C Scott Weller (.239/.340/.398, 12 HR, 60 RBI, 49 BB) with 1.9. Five Suns were selected as All-Stars: RP Colm Soper (11th), C Scott Weller (3rd), LF Rizalino Ringor (2nd), CF Terence Durney (11th) and José Maldonado (1st). Player of the Week Awards: January 31 – 1B Jim Friend (.538, 7 H, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 4 R) Current Injuries: LHP Carl McBroom – December 7 – bone chips (elbow). Out for: 7 weeks. LHP Brenden Margerson – December 23 – sore elbow. Out for: 3 days. LF Steven Winstanley – January 4 – sprained ankle. Out for: 2-3 weeks. -------- Offense: .255/.321/.357 (8th/8th/8th) Pitching: 4.69/5.02/3.48 (6th/7th/1st) Defense: .707 (5th) Chemistry: Content The Wellington Athletics have played a little better lately and have escaped the basement for now, but the club is in full-blown rebuild mode. Thus, the Athletics’ focus is on developing their prospects, and in that department they are having their ups and downs. 24-year old CF Edgardo Barrón (.227/.294/.313, 17-2B, 26 RBI, 41 BB, 9 SB), a second-round pick from 1943-44, is having a hugely disappointing year at the plate, after enjoying two impressive seasons. On the positive side of things, 25-year old SS Zhao-hui Qian (.277/.335/.397, 4 HR, 45 RBI, 36 BB, 16 SB) is progressing quite nicely in the No. 4 spot in the lineup. Qian was a 2nd overall pick from 1945-46. Finally, 1st overall pick from this year’s draft, 21-year old LF Matthew Floyd (.358/.438/.709, 12 HR, 27 RBI, 18 BB, 10 SB) is tearing up AA. Scouts are saying that he is potentially ready for the major league level. Two players represented the Athletics at All-Star game: RHP Finley Capstick (1st) and 2B Ryley McLarnon (6th). Current Injuries: RHP Darren Whiteley – January 7 – shoulder inflammation. Out for: 3 months. RHP Bert Morrow – January 22 – herniated disc. Out for: 2 days. -------- Offense: .279/.338/.401 (2nd/6th/3rd) Pitching: 4.50/4.38/5.04 (5th/5th/7th) Defense: .697 (6th) Chemistry: Unhappy The Cobourg Red Stockings have plummeted to the bottom of the standings as their rag-tag pitching staff has simply been unable to hold things together. They have the horses on offense to compete with even more promising position players on the way. But until they get serious about drafting and/or acquiring quality pitching, this team is going nowhere. 39-year old RHP Lenny Freke (10-9, 3.46 ERA, 1.24 WHIP) is doing all he can, and is a genuine ace, but at his age time is running out. The pitching behind him in the rotation is pitiful. The good news is that this year’s 6th overall pick, 20-year old LHP Bill Budd (4-2, 3.36 ERA, 1.44 WHIP) is prospering in AAA. He won a Player of the Week Award in early January. Three of the newer players in the lineup are developing just fine. 23-year old 1B Harry Doxey (.319/.365/.469, 11 HR, 47 RBI, 29 BB), a 6th overall pick from 1946-47 is already rated the 5th best 1B in the ULB in just his first full season. Meanwhile, Cobourg’s top two prospects are currently platooning at leftfield and taking turns leading off. 23-year old OF Randy Spivey (.272/.346/.386, 3 HR, 24 RBI, 24 BB, 10 SB) is leading off against RHP, while 23-year old OF Bill Sharkey (.254/.286/.373, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3 BB, 4 SB) is leading off against LHP, when he’s not being demoted/recalled every 4th day. Spivey was a second-round pick in 1946-47, while Sharkey was a 12th overall pick in 1947-48. Five Red Stockings qualified for the All-Star game: SP Lenny Freke (6th), 1B Harry Doxey (1st), 2B George Simpson (2nd), SS John Medley (4th) and CF Raymond Williams (2nd). Player of the Week Awards: December 13 – 1B Harry Doxey (.542, 13 H, 2 HR, 3 RBI) Current Injuries: RHP Tom Mayor – October 26 – torn labrum. Out for: 2-3 months. -------- __________________ United Leagues of Braeland