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reds1 · 06-29-2018, 10:30 PM

December 1, 1949

Eastern League: Monarchs, Chiefs Duking It Out in Early Going

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Offense: .284/.367/.409 (2nd/1st/2nd)
Pitching: 3.41/3.41/3.41 (1st/2nd/1st)
Defense: .729 (1st)
Chemistry: Ecstatic

The Braeland City Monarchs are a model of consistency, as they are the only team in the United Leagues to maintain a plus-.600 winning percentage for both October and November. Nevertheless, the East is not a runaway as they enjoy just a half-game lead on the Downie Chiefs. At the end of October, they actually trailed the Chiefs by 2.5 games, but a strong November (highlighted by a 9-game winning streak against Western League clubs) kept them neck-and-neck with their newfound rivals. While the club is not a leader in HR (39-5th), stolen bases (9-6th) or HR allowed (37-6th), they are either 1st or 2nd in practically everything else. This is a club with very few weaknesses. The Monarchs are for real.

Although they traded 27-year old Kyle Pryor to the Stratford Barons in the off-season, the Monarchs are not regretting turning the 1B reigns over to 25-year old Dean Witherden (.388/.446/.559, 5 HR, 36 RBI, 19 BB, 2.3 WAR) full-time, as he leads the team in a host of offensive categories (rivaling teammate 2B Patrick Lidgate). Originally a 14th overall pick by Kingston in 1943-44, Braeland City acquired Witherden in December 1944 for 1B Dean Bishop. While that trade paid immediate dividends for the Pelicans, it’s now starting to do the same for the Monarchs. Witherden is now rated 2nd overall among 1B in the ULB – behind Dean Bishop.

39-year old LHP David Cooling (9-1, 2.53 ERA, 0.98 WHIP) shows no sign of slowing down, as he leads the team in a number of pitching categories over the first two months. Cooling was acquired by the Monarchs way back in May 1939 from the Balmoral Giants for a young outfielder named Carlton Broadbent. Although Broadbent was a steep price to pay, Cooling was worth it, going on to earn 1 Satchel Paige Award, 1 Top Fielder Award and 9 all-star appearances. He just may add a 10th appearance this season.

Also worthy of mention is 28-year old RHP Robin Medellin (8-1, 2.66 ERA, 1.32 WHIP), who is off to the best start of his 5-year career. He was a 2nd-round pick back in 1942-43.

Player of the Week Awards:

October 10 – C Christopher Dainty (.474, 9 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI)

Noteworthy:

October 17 – 27-year old C Christopher Dainty (.273/.405/.448, 6 HR, 23 RBI, 37 BB, 2.1 WAR) showed no mercy on Downie, going 5 for 5 in the Monarchs 16-4 drubbing of the Chiefs. Dainty singled in the 2nd & 3rd innings, doubled in the 5th and then singled again in the 6th & 7th. He contributed 3 runs as the Monarchs tallied 22 hits in all.

November 28 – 24-year old utility infielder Derek Reed (.521/.520/.646, 4-2B, 4 RBI, 1 BB, 0.8 WAR) helped his team get past the Tigers at the Paramount in Sherburn, going 5 for 5 on the afternoon. Starting at shortstop and batting 4th on this day, Reed hit an RBI double in the 1st, a two-run double in the 2nd, then singled in the 4th, 7th & 9th innings. In all, he racked up 2 runs and 3 RBI. The Monarchs prevailed 9-8.

October 23 – There were a few players that were expected to reach the 2000th career hit milestone this season and two of them reached it in the first month of the season. The second to do it was 36-year old IF/OF Adam Ashley (.287/.382/.320, 4-2B, 11 RBI, 18 BB, 0.5 WAR), who is no longer an everyday player. But in a game against the Brunswick Legends, Ashley notched his 2000th career hit on a first-pitch, one-out single in the 4th inning off of Brunswick’s RHP Dan Turner. It was Ashley’s second hit of the game. In all, he went 3 for 4 on the day with 3 singles, an RBI and a walk in the Monarchs’ 5-4 win at Kings Park in Braeland City.

Current Injuries:

RF Jesús Ortega – November 26 – elbow inflammation. Out for: 4 days.

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Offense: .276/.345/.421 (3rd/4th/1st)
Pitching: 3.44/3.37/3.78 (2nd/1st/4th)
Defense: .725 (2nd)
Chemistry: Happy

After finishing above .500 last season for the first time since 1938-39, the Downie Chiefs are definitely taking it to the next level, tying Braeland City for most R/G scored in the East with 5.2 and second in fewest R/G allowed with 4.0 (the Stratford Barons lead with 3.8 and Braeland City is third with 4.1). And while both 23-year old 3B Dominic Dudding (.348/.409/.527, 5 HR, 32RBI, 22 BB, 2.1 WAR) and 23-year old CF Alfonso León (.298/.361/.470, 3 HR, 31 RBI, 22 BB, 1. 6 WAR) are not off to the torrid start they enjoyed last season (especially on defense), the team overall has been a very solid unit from top to bottom. Although they were slowed down a bit by Western League teams in November, they still took 5 of 8 series from them. There’s still a lot of season left, but it appears the Chiefs are finally losing their ‘sad-sack’ reputation.

26-year old C Jilenko Batiles (.331/.368/.651, 15 HR, 46 RBI, 10 BB, 2.7 WAR) is off to the best start of his 6-year career. He has already racked up more WAR in two months than he has in any previous entire season (2.2 in 1945-46). The former Rookie of the Year Award winner was acquired from the Cobourg Red Stockings back in May 1948 for RHP Chris Sappington – who was recently acquired on waivers by the Pulberry Trolleys.

It seems the prognosticators finally got it right, as 27-year old RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (7-4, 2.00 ERA, 1.10 WHIP) is one of the top starting pitchers in the ULB after the first two months of the season. However, he is not alone on the Chiefs’ staff, as 29-year old RHP Bernie Knowles (6-3, 3.13 ERA, 1.16 WHIP) is bouncing back nicely after an injury-plagued season last year.

Player of the Week Awards:

November 7 – SP Bernie Knowles (2-0, 18 IP, 11 H, 6 BB, 4 K, 0.50 ERA)
November 14 – 3B Dominic Dudding (.467, 14 H, 1 HR, 4 RBI)

Current Injuries: None.

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Offense: .247/.350/.348 (8th/3rd/8th)
Pitching: 3.52/3.53/3.44 (3rd/3rd/2nd)
Defense: .717 (4th)
Chemistry: Happy

The Stratford Barons started the season off slow, going 1-6 before recovering. While they definitely remain in contention, their offense is not what it once was, averaging just 4.2 R/G. But their ‘big three’ remain ‘big’: 30-year old C Aaron Skidmore (.308/.495/.476, 5 HR, 30 RBI, 54 BB, 2.9 WAR), 36-year old 2B Jake Walker (.354/.470/.469, 2 HR, 21 RBI, 42 BB, 2.2 WAR) and 26-year old LF Roberto Ríos (.282/.422/.450, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 49 BB, 2.4 WAR) remain a strong nucleus that should allow the Barons to remain within striking distance of the playoffs.

Pitching is the Barons strongest unit right now, and No. 2 starter, 23-year old RHP Bill Wolf (7-4, 2.55 ERA, 1.28 WHIP), is enjoying the best start of his young career. He was a 15th overall pick by the Barons back in 1944-45. No. 5 starter, 31-year old Charlie Gilbert (4-3, 3.75 ERA, 1.40 WHIP), who was just acquired in the off-season from the Kingston Pelicans, has not been awful by any means. Nevertheless, the Barons placed him on the trading block on November 29. That might be due to their belief that 22-year old RHP Ted Smith (2-1, 3.50 ERA, 1.61 WHIP – 55/77), a second-round pick from 1945-46 and currently rated 13th overall among prospects, is ready to join the rotation. He is currently serving as middle relief. At any rate, making Gilbert available so soon after trading for him feels like a curious move. Gilbert quickly became one the team’s leaders to boot (Wolf is their captain).

Current Injuries: None.

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Offense: .265/.338/.383 (5th/6th/5th)
Pitching: 4.04/3.97/4.58 (6th/5th/6th)
Defense: .712 (5th)
Chemistry: Happy

The Queensland Eagles’ start to the season is very similar to their start last year – the majority of their games have been on the road and played in the West (40 road games, 13 home games). All-in-all, they have weathered it quite nicely and will now enjoy some home games in December. If they can take advantage of that, then they could make a run for the wild card. But while their overall offensive play has made modest improvements over last season, their pitching is in a bit of a transition. Indeed, the Eagles have two young pitching prospects in the rotation looking to establish themselves. If they can do that in the short term, then Queensland may make some noise before the season is through.

But the Eagles are making some curious moves, at least to me. Particularly, No. 1 starter 30-year old RHP Aaron Saunderson (5-5, 3.31 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) was placed on the trading block twice in November. That strikes me as a bit odd, as he is rated 5th overall among starting pitchers in the United Leagues and he has been a steady presence for Queensland over the years. We’ll have to see what the Eagles have in mind (I just hope this isn’t a bug).

31-year old C Elijah Sheppard (.329/.443/.513, 7 HR, 26 RBI, 31 BB, 2.6 WAR) is off to his best start in three years. He earned all of 3.0 WAR last season. Now if the only rest of the offense can follow suit. 27-year old SS Luwen Rodenburg (.268/.317/.345, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 14 BB, 0.5 WAR), who was acquired from Braeland City in the off-season, got off to a particularly slow start in October (.532 OPS). He did improve in November however (.792 OPS).

Queensland’s rotation has the potential to be one of the better ones in the ULB. In addition to No. 1 starter Aaron Saunderson, the Eagles have 32-year old RHP Pi-ao Quian (7-4, 3.11 ERA, 1.25 WHIP), 24-year old RHP Logan Belsey (6-4, 2.94 ERA, 1.26 WHIP – 56/80) and 22-year old RHP Stiofan Micklethwait (4-3, 3.53 ERA, 1.60 WHIP – 42/67). Belsey was 4th overall pick last year and Micklethwait a 9th overall pick back in 1946-47.

Current Injuries: None.

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Offense: .253/.345/.396 (6th/5th/4th)
Pitching: 3.87/3.79/4.22 (4th/4th/5th)
Defense: .704 (6th)
Chemistry: Happy

Last season, the Embro Suns had the worst ranked pitching staff in the entire United Leagues, at least in terms of overall ERA. But it appears the staff may soon become a strength. Like Queensland, two young starters have started to blossom, allowing the team to be more competitive. If the offense can warm up a bit more, then the Suns can entertain thoughts of competing for a playoff spot as well. That may be on their mind, as the Suns recently switched their focus from ‘Rebuild’ to ‘Neutral’ in late November. That may be a good thing, since Embro’s trading block has been used 18 times since August 5th, mostly posting the same three players: 31-year old RHP Jim Hogue (4-5, 3.96 ERA, 1.62 WHIP), 33-year old RHP Yin-ti Shih (3-2, 6 SV, 5.28 ERA, 1.70 WHIP) and 30-year old C Scott Weller (.238/.372/.422, 6 HR, 26 RBI, 32 BB, 1.4 WAR). Based on their performances thus far, that seems reasonable for a ‘rebuilding’ team. It will be interesting to see if the change in focus reduces the trading block’s hyperactivity.

Drafted in the 2nd-round back in 1947-48, 24-year old South Korean 3B Keon-chae Cho (.329/.378/.604, 9 HR, 33 RBI, 12 BB, 2.2 WAR – 65/65) finished 2nd in last season’s Eastern League Rookie of the Year voting. But he has come into his own in the early going and is already rated 4th overall among third basemen. Also off to a nice start is 27-year old LF Rizalino Ringor (.296/.432/.513, 6 HR, 30 RBI, 37 BB, 1.9 WAR – 65/65). Ringor has really never recovered from his time spent serving in World War II. But he’s off to his best start since 1943-44, when he compiled 5.6 WAR.

The pitching has been given a boost by two young promising starters: 23-year old LHP Carl Mc Broom (5-4, 3.58 ERA, 1.53 WHIP – 51/52) and 24-year old RHP Juan Rivas (4-3, 1 SV, 2.82 ERA, 1.40 WHIP – 35/47). Both are former 1st-round picks. Their continued progress brings optimism to Suns fans who hope to see a return of playoff action to Embro.

Player of the Week Awards:

October 24 – SS Conor Reddick (.440, 11 H, 3 HR, 6 RBI)
November 21 – 1B Jim Friend (.444, 8 H, 3 HR, 7 RBI)

Noteworthy:

October 5 –35-year old LF Terence Durney (.247/.305/.368, 4 HR, 24 RBI, 15 BB, -0.4 WAR) has been one of the most consistent players in Braeland since the Leagues began back in 1937. In that time, the 11-time all-star has compiled almost 62 WAR. However, age and nagging injuries are beginning to catch up with him. Entering this season, he was sitting on 1996 hits. But just 3 games in, he collected his 2000th career hit. In the top of the 6th inning, facing Wellington’s RHP Wilfried Schop, Durney smacked a line-drive double into right-centerfield for his second hit of the day and 2000th of his career. Durney went 2 for 5 in the Suns’ 7-6 win over the Athletics.

Current Injuries:

CF Terence Durney – November 28 – oblique strain. Out for: 4 weeks.

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Offense: .289/.353/.408 (1st/2nd/3rd)
Pitching: 5.02/5.03/4.98 (8th/8th/8th)
Defense: .695 (7th)
Chemistry: Happy

It seems everything the Cobourg Red Stockings do on offense turns to gold, while everything they try to do with pitching falls like a lead balloon. Once again, the Red Stockings are one of the strongest units in the ULB at the plate and on the base paths, but are hampered by a pitiable pitching staff. Unfortunately, one reason is that it appears 40-year old RHP Lenny Freke (1-10, 6.72 ERA, 1.88 WHIP), who was such a steady, reliable presence, has reached the end of the line. 29-year old RHP Luis Cruz (6-4, 3.16 ERA, 1.45 WHIP – 43/43), a former minor league signing back in 1937 who finally reached the big club in 1945 is now holding down the top spot in the rotation. All this disarray cost 52-year old pitching coach Bryon Taylor his job on November 17, after 8+ mediocre seasons. He was replaced two days later with 55-year old Creedon Caton, a rookie coach.

But for all of Cobourg’s recent panic, things may not be as bleak as they seem. 21-year old LHP Bill Budd (6-5, 2.32 ERA, 1.01 WHIP in AAA – 33/61) has just been called up to join the rotation. He is currently rated as the 10th overall prospect in the ULB. Also recently called up was 26-year old LHP Hank Bennett (3-0, 3.05 ERA, 1.60 WHIP – 33/35), a 2nd-round pick back in 1942-43. If Cruz, Budd and Bennett can provide some consistency, then the season may not be lost. Cobourg definitely has the offense to carry an average pitching staff.

There’s no shortage of stars on offense, but 23-year old CF Raymond Williams (.392/.478/.691, 12 HR, 46 RBI, 33 BB, 5 SB, 3.6 WAR) is having an amazing season thus far. The former first overall pick from 1945-46, is considered the top centerfielder and 4th-best overall player in the ULB right now.

Player of the Week Awards:

October 17 – CF Raymond Williams (.458, 11 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI)
October 31 – CF Raymond Williams (.500, 13 H, 2 HR, 7 RBI)

Key Trade: October 25 with the Balmoral Giants:

To Cobourg – 31-year old RHP Max Dunston (61/61)
To Balmoral – 23-year old minor league LHP Lester Counsell (20/50)

Knee-jerk reaction: With the worst-rated pitching staff in the entire United Leagues, the Red Stockings are in desperation mode, trying to shore things up. They have cast off the likes of 37-year old RHP Chris Sappington (subsequently claimed on waivers by Pulberry) and designated 39-year old LHP Max Littler for assignment as well. They have called up one of the top-rated pitching prospects in the ULB in 21-year old LHP Bill Budd (33/61), a 6th overall pick from last season. But in all of their frantic moves, it appears the Giants have taken advantage of them by off-loading Dunston. Dunston is an average middle reliever who has yet to live up to even that modest estimation. He slumped horribly at the end of last season (6 SV, 9.92 ERA in 15 games) and things really haven’t improved much since then. He’s tenacious and good at keeping the ball in the park, but he continues to be pounded by hitters.

Meanwhile, the Giants receive a mid-level pitching prospect (49th overall) in Counsell that could soon settle into the back-end of their rotation. Counsell was quickly promoted to the Giants’ bullpen to serve as long relief. A 3rd-round pick from 1947-48, he is not blessed with great stuff, but has decent control and movement with an 88-90 mph fastball to along with a cutter and changeup.

Current Injuries:

CF Bill Sharkey – November 29 – bronchitis. Out for: Dtd, 1 day.
CF Raymond Williams – November 30 – asthma. Out for: Dtd, 3 days.

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Offense: .248/.333/.370 (7th/7th/7th)
Pitching: 4.93/4.96/4.83 (7th/7th/7th)
Defense: .689 (8th)
Chemistry: Feuding

The Brunswick Legends have become a shell of their former selves, three years after their last playoff appearance. Overall, they can’t hit, pitch or play defense (they can still hit the long ball though – 45, tied for 2nd in the East). That doesn’t mean they are completely devoid of talent mind you, but to me it’s obvious that it’s time to use those remaining assets for acquiring prospects. The Legends are in the middle of the pack as to the strength of their farm system, and an infusion of more quality prospects would go a long way to accelerating their rebuild.

28-year old 3B Jorge Arredondo (.317/.432/.495, 8 HR, 31 RBI, 39 BB, 2.4 WAR) is the lone Legend appearing in the ULB’s Top 20 Position Players List (No. 9) and is second only to Downie’s Dominic Dudding among third basemen. He has been a model of excellence for Brunswick the past two seasons, and he is even better this year. 33-year old 1B Stuart Bentham (.350/.410/.536, 9 HR, 32 RBI, 22 BB, 1.6 WAR) continues to rake, but his defense is absolutely atrocious (even by his standards).

33-year old LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (8-4, 2.67 ERA, 1.21 WHIP) continues to set the standard among all pitchers in the ULB, but the stellar support that he had in years past are all gone. No. 2 starter 25-year old RHP Hyun-kyoo Sin (6-3, 4.22 ERA, 1.46 WHIP – 38/38) and No. 4 starter 21-year old RHP Kent Dundon (1-5, 6.14 ERA, 1.93 WHIP – 29/48) both have promise, but are still trying to find their game.

Player of the Week Awards:

November 28 – SS Jorge Arredondo (.500, 12 H, 2 HR, 8 RBI)

Current Injuries: None.

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Offense: .270/.328/.377 (4th/8th/6th)
Pitching: 3.92/4.00/3.59 (5th/6th/3rd)
Defense: .723 (3rd)
Chemistry: Unhappy

The Wellington Athletics are certainly not a powerhouse in the East, but at the same time, they actually are not as bad as their record would indicate. Thus far, they have been remarkably unlucky: 1-7 in extra-inning games and 3-16 in one-run games. That has led to a Pyt. Record of 26-28 – a difference of 7. That feels about right. So if the Athletics continue to slug it out, they may be able to even things out and get closer to the middle of the pack.

Wellington has some really nice pieces that should make their lineup potent sooner rather than later. After lead-off hitter 25-year old CF Edgardo Barrón (.326/.386/.419, 9-2B, 16 RBI, 22 BB, 4 SB, 1.6 WAR), they have a 2-time Top Fielder Award winner in 26-year old Zhao-hui Qian (.287/.333/.405, 2 HR, 25 RBI, 15 BB, 4 SB, 1.5 WAR) batting second. Qian, a 2nd-overall pick back in 1945-46 is in his third full season in the United Leagues. Batting third is last year’s 1st overall pick in 22-year old LF Matthew Floyd (.276/.322/.439, 4 HR, 28 RBI, 14 BB, 1.0 WAR – 54/80), who won Rookie of the Month honors in October. And batting fourth is November’s Rookie of the Month: 22-year old C Declan Bugbie (.322/.363/.450, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 10 BB, 1.4 WAR – 44/55). He was a 2nd-round pick back in 1946-47.

On the pitching staff, 27-year old RHP Scott Wheeler (6-2, 2.63 ERA, 1.30 WHIP – 48/48) has finally moved into the rotation, after spending the past 5 seasons in the bullpen. The 11th overall pick from 1943-44 appears to be thriving as Wellington’s No. 2 starter. Finally, the Athletics have high hopes for 24-year old LHP Jorge Ortíz (4-6, 4.02 ERA, 1.49 WHIP – 20/68) who is currently in AAA. Ortíz, a 4th-round pick from 1946-47 and acquired from Downie in a trade back in August 1948 is currently rated as the 9th overall prospect in the ULB.

Key Trade: October 25 with the Sherburn Tigers:

To Wellington – 32-year old RF Ron Westmacott (38/38) and 24-year old minor league C Ken Young (20/32)
To Sherburn – 26-year old minor league 3B Fraser Rae (39/39)

Knee-jerk reaction: The two bottom-dwelling clubs in their respective Leagues make a modest exchange. Westmacott joins his 5th team, as the Athletics look to him for a minor upgrade at rightfield. 28-year old OF Zhong-shu Wang (20/20), a former 2nd-round pick from 1942-43, has progressively gotten worse since his lone all-star season back in 1946-47. Westmacott is a team leader which should help things in the clubhouse and remains a good defender. But his ability to remain healthy has always been a concern and he is nowhere near the hitter he once was. Nevertheless, he was producing for the Tigers in the early going this season and the Athletics hope that continues.

For Sherburn, 26-year old Louie Pate (.311/.388/.467, 4 HR, 23 RBI, 16 BB – 47/47) has settled in this season as the Tigers rightfielder for the present and foreseeable future, rendering Westmacott expendable. Pate was a 10th overall pick back in 1945-46. With Rae, Sherburn is now going with a platoon at 3B, with Rae facing RHP and 27-year old Tyler MacGugan (.252/.313/.348, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 10 BB – 31/34) now restricted to just LHP. MacGugan is a 3-time Top Fielder Award winner, but neither he nor Rae are long-term answers for the club.

Current Injuries: None.

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06-29-2018, 10:30 PM	#445
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,925	December 1, 1949 Eastern League: Monarchs, Chiefs Duking It Out in Early Going -------- Offense: .284/.367/.409 (2nd/1st/2nd) Pitching: 3.41/3.41/3.41 (1st/2nd/1st) Defense: .729 (1st) Chemistry: Ecstatic The Braeland City Monarchs are a model of consistency, as they are the only team in the United Leagues to maintain a plus-.600 winning percentage for both October and November. Nevertheless, the East is not a runaway as they enjoy just a half-game lead on the Downie Chiefs. At the end of October, they actually trailed the Chiefs by 2.5 games, but a strong November (highlighted by a 9-game winning streak against Western League clubs) kept them neck-and-neck with their newfound rivals. While the club is not a leader in HR (39-5th), stolen bases (9-6th) or HR allowed (37-6th), they are either 1st or 2nd in practically everything else. This is a club with very few weaknesses. The Monarchs are for real. Although they traded 27-year old Kyle Pryor to the Stratford Barons in the off-season, the Monarchs are not regretting turning the 1B reigns over to 25-year old Dean Witherden (.388/.446/.559, 5 HR, 36 RBI, 19 BB, 2.3 WAR) full-time, as he leads the team in a host of offensive categories (rivaling teammate 2B Patrick Lidgate). Originally a 14th overall pick by Kingston in 1943-44, Braeland City acquired Witherden in December 1944 for 1B Dean Bishop. While that trade paid immediate dividends for the Pelicans, it’s now starting to do the same for the Monarchs. Witherden is now rated 2nd overall among 1B in the ULB – behind Dean Bishop. 39-year old LHP David Cooling (9-1, 2.53 ERA, 0.98 WHIP) shows no sign of slowing down, as he leads the team in a number of pitching categories over the first two months. Cooling was acquired by the Monarchs way back in May 1939 from the Balmoral Giants for a young outfielder named Carlton Broadbent. Although Broadbent was a steep price to pay, Cooling was worth it, going on to earn 1 Satchel Paige Award, 1 Top Fielder Award and 9 all-star appearances. He just may add a 10th appearance this season. Also worthy of mention is 28-year old RHP Robin Medellin (8-1, 2.66 ERA, 1.32 WHIP), who is off to the best start of his 5-year career. He was a 2nd-round pick back in 1942-43. Player of the Week Awards: October 10 – C Christopher Dainty (.474, 9 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI) Noteworthy: October 17 – 27-year old C Christopher Dainty (.273/.405/.448, 6 HR, 23 RBI, 37 BB, 2.1 WAR) showed no mercy on Downie, going 5 for 5 in the Monarchs 16-4 drubbing of the Chiefs. Dainty singled in the 2nd & 3rd innings, doubled in the 5th and then singled again in the 6th & 7th. He contributed 3 runs as the Monarchs tallied 22 hits in all. November 28 – 24-year old utility infielder Derek Reed (.521/.520/.646, 4-2B, 4 RBI, 1 BB, 0.8 WAR) helped his team get past the Tigers at the Paramount in Sherburn, going 5 for 5 on the afternoon. Starting at shortstop and batting 4th on this day, Reed hit an RBI double in the 1st, a two-run double in the 2nd, then singled in the 4th, 7th & 9th innings. In all, he racked up 2 runs and 3 RBI. The Monarchs prevailed 9-8. October 23 – There were a few players that were expected to reach the 2000th career hit milestone this season and two of them reached it in the first month of the season. The second to do it was 36-year old IF/OF Adam Ashley (.287/.382/.320, 4-2B, 11 RBI, 18 BB, 0.5 WAR), who is no longer an everyday player. But in a game against the Brunswick Legends, Ashley notched his 2000th career hit on a first-pitch, one-out single in the 4th inning off of Brunswick’s RHP Dan Turner. It was Ashley’s second hit of the game. In all, he went 3 for 4 on the day with 3 singles, an RBI and a walk in the Monarchs’ 5-4 win at Kings Park in Braeland City. Current Injuries: RF Jesús Ortega – November 26 – elbow inflammation. Out for: 4 days. -------- Offense: .276/.345/.421 (3rd/4th/1st) Pitching: 3.44/3.37/3.78 (2nd/1st/4th) Defense: .725 (2nd) Chemistry: Happy After finishing above .500 last season for the first time since 1938-39, the Downie Chiefs are definitely taking it to the next level, tying Braeland City for most R/G scored in the East with 5.2 and second in fewest R/G allowed with 4.0 (the Stratford Barons lead with 3.8 and Braeland City is third with 4.1). And while both 23-year old 3B Dominic Dudding (.348/.409/.527, 5 HR, 32RBI, 22 BB, 2.1 WAR) and 23-year old CF Alfonso León (.298/.361/.470, 3 HR, 31 RBI, 22 BB, 1. 6 WAR) are not off to the torrid start they enjoyed last season (especially on defense), the team overall has been a very solid unit from top to bottom. Although they were slowed down a bit by Western League teams in November, they still took 5 of 8 series from them. There’s still a lot of season left, but it appears the Chiefs are finally losing their ‘sad-sack’ reputation. 26-year old C Jilenko Batiles (.331/.368/.651, 15 HR, 46 RBI, 10 BB, 2.7 WAR) is off to the best start of his 6-year career. He has already racked up more WAR in two months than he has in any previous entire season (2.2 in 1945-46). The former Rookie of the Year Award winner was acquired from the Cobourg Red Stockings back in May 1948 for RHP Chris Sappington – who was recently acquired on waivers by the Pulberry Trolleys. It seems the prognosticators finally got it right, as 27-year old RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (7-4, 2.00 ERA, 1.10 WHIP) is one of the top starting pitchers in the ULB after the first two months of the season. However, he is not alone on the Chiefs’ staff, as 29-year old RHP Bernie Knowles (6-3, 3.13 ERA, 1.16 WHIP) is bouncing back nicely after an injury-plagued season last year. Player of the Week Awards: November 7 – SP Bernie Knowles (2-0, 18 IP, 11 H, 6 BB, 4 K, 0.50 ERA) November 14 – 3B Dominic Dudding (.467, 14 H, 1 HR, 4 RBI) Current Injuries: None. -------- Offense: .247/.350/.348 (8th/3rd/8th) Pitching: 3.52/3.53/3.44 (3rd/3rd/2nd) Defense: .717 (4th) Chemistry: Happy The Stratford Barons started the season off slow, going 1-6 before recovering. While they definitely remain in contention, their offense is not what it once was, averaging just 4.2 R/G. But their ‘big three’ remain ‘big’: 30-year old C Aaron Skidmore (.308/.495/.476, 5 HR, 30 RBI, 54 BB, 2.9 WAR), 36-year old 2B Jake Walker (.354/.470/.469, 2 HR, 21 RBI, 42 BB, 2.2 WAR) and 26-year old LF Roberto Ríos (.282/.422/.450, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 49 BB, 2.4 WAR) remain a strong nucleus that should allow the Barons to remain within striking distance of the playoffs. Pitching is the Barons strongest unit right now, and No. 2 starter, 23-year old RHP Bill Wolf (7-4, 2.55 ERA, 1.28 WHIP), is enjoying the best start of his young career. He was a 15th overall pick by the Barons back in 1944-45. No. 5 starter, 31-year old Charlie Gilbert (4-3, 3.75 ERA, 1.40 WHIP), who was just acquired in the off-season from the Kingston Pelicans, has not been awful by any means. Nevertheless, the Barons placed him on the trading block on November 29. That might be due to their belief that 22-year old RHP Ted Smith (2-1, 3.50 ERA, 1.61 WHIP – 55/77), a second-round pick from 1945-46 and currently rated 13th overall among prospects, is ready to join the rotation. He is currently serving as middle relief. At any rate, making Gilbert available so soon after trading for him feels like a curious move. Gilbert quickly became one the team’s leaders to boot (Wolf is their captain). Current Injuries: None. -------- Offense: .265/.338/.383 (5th/6th/5th) Pitching: 4.04/3.97/4.58 (6th/5th/6th) Defense: .712 (5th) Chemistry: Happy The Queensland Eagles’ start to the season is very similar to their start last year – the majority of their games have been on the road and played in the West (40 road games, 13 home games). All-in-all, they have weathered it quite nicely and will now enjoy some home games in December. If they can take advantage of that, then they could make a run for the wild card. But while their overall offensive play has made modest improvements over last season, their pitching is in a bit of a transition. Indeed, the Eagles have two young pitching prospects in the rotation looking to establish themselves. If they can do that in the short term, then Queensland may make some noise before the season is through. But the Eagles are making some curious moves, at least to me. Particularly, No. 1 starter 30-year old RHP Aaron Saunderson (5-5, 3.31 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) was placed on the trading block twice in November. That strikes me as a bit odd, as he is rated 5th overall among starting pitchers in the United Leagues and he has been a steady presence for Queensland over the years. We’ll have to see what the Eagles have in mind (I just hope this isn’t a bug). 31-year old C Elijah Sheppard (.329/.443/.513, 7 HR, 26 RBI, 31 BB, 2.6 WAR) is off to his best start in three years. He earned all of 3.0 WAR last season. Now if the only rest of the offense can follow suit. 27-year old SS Luwen Rodenburg (.268/.317/.345, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 14 BB, 0.5 WAR), who was acquired from Braeland City in the off-season, got off to a particularly slow start in October (.532 OPS). He did improve in November however (.792 OPS). Queensland’s rotation has the potential to be one of the better ones in the ULB. In addition to No. 1 starter Aaron Saunderson, the Eagles have 32-year old RHP Pi-ao Quian (7-4, 3.11 ERA, 1.25 WHIP), 24-year old RHP Logan Belsey (6-4, 2.94 ERA, 1.26 WHIP – 56/80) and 22-year old RHP Stiofan Micklethwait (4-3, 3.53 ERA, 1.60 WHIP – 42/67). Belsey was 4th overall pick last year and Micklethwait a 9th overall pick back in 1946-47. Current Injuries: None. -------- Offense: .253/.345/.396 (6th/5th/4th) Pitching: 3.87/3.79/4.22 (4th/4th/5th) Defense: .704 (6th) Chemistry: Happy Last season, the Embro Suns had the worst ranked pitching staff in the entire United Leagues, at least in terms of overall ERA. But it appears the staff may soon become a strength. Like Queensland, two young starters have started to blossom, allowing the team to be more competitive. If the offense can warm up a bit more, then the Suns can entertain thoughts of competing for a playoff spot as well. That may be on their mind, as the Suns recently switched their focus from ‘Rebuild’ to ‘Neutral’ in late November. That may be a good thing, since Embro’s trading block has been used 18 times since August 5th, mostly posting the same three players: 31-year old RHP Jim Hogue (4-5, 3.96 ERA, 1.62 WHIP), 33-year old RHP Yin-ti Shih (3-2, 6 SV, 5.28 ERA, 1.70 WHIP) and 30-year old C Scott Weller (.238/.372/.422, 6 HR, 26 RBI, 32 BB, 1.4 WAR). Based on their performances thus far, that seems reasonable for a ‘rebuilding’ team. It will be interesting to see if the change in focus reduces the trading block’s hyperactivity. Drafted in the 2nd-round back in 1947-48, 24-year old South Korean 3B Keon-chae Cho (.329/.378/.604, 9 HR, 33 RBI, 12 BB, 2.2 WAR – 65/65) finished 2nd in last season’s Eastern League Rookie of the Year voting. But he has come into his own in the early going and is already rated 4th overall among third basemen. Also off to a nice start is 27-year old LF Rizalino Ringor (.296/.432/.513, 6 HR, 30 RBI, 37 BB, 1.9 WAR – 65/65). Ringor has really never recovered from his time spent serving in World War II. But he’s off to his best start since 1943-44, when he compiled 5.6 WAR. The pitching has been given a boost by two young promising starters: 23-year old LHP Carl Mc Broom (5-4, 3.58 ERA, 1.53 WHIP – 51/52) and 24-year old RHP Juan Rivas (4-3, 1 SV, 2.82 ERA, 1.40 WHIP – 35/47). Both are former 1st-round picks. Their continued progress brings optimism to Suns fans who hope to see a return of playoff action to Embro. Player of the Week Awards: October 24 – SS Conor Reddick (.440, 11 H, 3 HR, 6 RBI) November 21 – 1B Jim Friend (.444, 8 H, 3 HR, 7 RBI) Noteworthy: October 5 –35-year old LF Terence Durney (.247/.305/.368, 4 HR, 24 RBI, 15 BB, -0.4 WAR) has been one of the most consistent players in Braeland since the Leagues began back in 1937. In that time, the 11-time all-star has compiled almost 62 WAR. However, age and nagging injuries are beginning to catch up with him. Entering this season, he was sitting on 1996 hits. But just 3 games in, he collected his 2000th career hit. In the top of the 6th inning, facing Wellington’s RHP Wilfried Schop, Durney smacked a line-drive double into right-centerfield for his second hit of the day and 2000th of his career. Durney went 2 for 5 in the Suns’ 7-6 win over the Athletics. Current Injuries: CF Terence Durney – November 28 – oblique strain. Out for: 4 weeks. -------- Offense: .289/.353/.408 (1st/2nd/3rd) Pitching: 5.02/5.03/4.98 (8th/8th/8th) Defense: .695 (7th) Chemistry: Happy It seems everything the Cobourg Red Stockings do on offense turns to gold, while everything they try to do with pitching falls like a lead balloon. Once again, the Red Stockings are one of the strongest units in the ULB at the plate and on the base paths, but are hampered by a pitiable pitching staff. Unfortunately, one reason is that it appears 40-year old RHP Lenny Freke (1-10, 6.72 ERA, 1.88 WHIP), who was such a steady, reliable presence, has reached the end of the line. 29-year old RHP Luis Cruz (6-4, 3.16 ERA, 1.45 WHIP – 43/43), a former minor league signing back in 1937 who finally reached the big club in 1945 is now holding down the top spot in the rotation. All this disarray cost 52-year old pitching coach Bryon Taylor his job on November 17, after 8+ mediocre seasons. He was replaced two days later with 55-year old Creedon Caton, a rookie coach. But for all of Cobourg’s recent panic, things may not be as bleak as they seem. 21-year old LHP Bill Budd (6-5, 2.32 ERA, 1.01 WHIP in AAA – 33/61) has just been called up to join the rotation. He is currently rated as the 10th overall prospect in the ULB. Also recently called up was 26-year old LHP Hank Bennett (3-0, 3.05 ERA, 1.60 WHIP – 33/35), a 2nd-round pick back in 1942-43. If Cruz, Budd and Bennett can provide some consistency, then the season may not be lost. Cobourg definitely has the offense to carry an average pitching staff. There’s no shortage of stars on offense, but 23-year old CF Raymond Williams (.392/.478/.691, 12 HR, 46 RBI, 33 BB, 5 SB, 3.6 WAR) is having an amazing season thus far. The former first overall pick from 1945-46, is considered the top centerfielder and 4th-best overall player in the ULB right now. Player of the Week Awards: October 17 – CF Raymond Williams (.458, 11 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI) October 31 – CF Raymond Williams (.500, 13 H, 2 HR, 7 RBI) Key Trade: October 25 with the Balmoral Giants: To Cobourg – 31-year old RHP Max Dunston (61/61) To Balmoral – 23-year old minor league LHP Lester Counsell (20/50) *Knee-jerk reaction:* With the worst-rated pitching staff in the entire United Leagues, the Red Stockings are in desperation mode, trying to shore things up. They have cast off the likes of 37-year old RHP Chris Sappington (subsequently claimed on waivers by Pulberry) and designated 39-year old LHP Max Littler for assignment as well. They have called up one of the top-rated pitching prospects in the ULB in 21-year old LHP Bill Budd (33/61), a 6th overall pick from last season. But in all of their frantic moves, it appears the Giants have taken advantage of them by off-loading Dunston. Dunston is an average middle reliever who has yet to live up to even that modest estimation. He slumped horribly at the end of last season (6 SV, 9.92 ERA in 15 games) and things really haven’t improved much since then. He’s tenacious and good at keeping the ball in the park, but he continues to be pounded by hitters. Meanwhile, the Giants receive a mid-level pitching prospect (49th overall) in Counsell that could soon settle into the back-end of their rotation. Counsell was quickly promoted to the Giants’ bullpen to serve as long relief. A 3rd-round pick from 1947-48, he is not blessed with great stuff, but has decent control and movement with an 88-90 mph fastball to along with a cutter and changeup. Current Injuries: CF Bill Sharkey – November 29 – bronchitis. Out for: Dtd, 1 day. CF Raymond Williams – November 30 – asthma. Out for: Dtd, 3 days. -------- Offense: .248/.333/.370 (7th/7th/7th) Pitching: 4.93/4.96/4.83 (7th/7th/7th) Defense: .689 (8th) Chemistry: Feuding The Brunswick Legends have become a shell of their former selves, three years after their last playoff appearance. Overall, they can’t hit, pitch or play defense (they can still hit the long ball though – 45, tied for 2nd in the East). That doesn’t mean they are completely devoid of talent mind you, but to me it’s obvious that it’s time to use those remaining assets for acquiring prospects. The Legends are in the middle of the pack as to the strength of their farm system, and an infusion of more quality prospects would go a long way to accelerating their rebuild. 28-year old 3B Jorge Arredondo (.317/.432/.495, 8 HR, 31 RBI, 39 BB, 2.4 WAR) is the lone Legend appearing in the ULB’s Top 20 Position Players List (No. 9) and is second only to Downie’s Dominic Dudding among third basemen. He has been a model of excellence for Brunswick the past two seasons, and he is even better this year. 33-year old 1B Stuart Bentham (.350/.410/.536, 9 HR, 32 RBI, 22 BB, 1.6 WAR) continues to rake, but his defense is absolutely atrocious (even by his standards). 33-year old LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (8-4, 2.67 ERA, 1.21 WHIP) continues to set the standard among all pitchers in the ULB, but the stellar support that he had in years past are all gone. No. 2 starter 25-year old RHP Hyun-kyoo Sin (6-3, 4.22 ERA, 1.46 WHIP – 38/38) and No. 4 starter 21-year old RHP Kent Dundon (1-5, 6.14 ERA, 1.93 WHIP – 29/48) both have promise, but are still trying to find their game. Player of the Week Awards: November 28 – SS Jorge Arredondo (.500, 12 H, 2 HR, 8 RBI) Current Injuries: None. -------- Offense: .270/.328/.377 (4th/8th/6th) Pitching: 3.92/4.00/3.59 (5th/6th/3rd) Defense: .723 (3rd) Chemistry: Unhappy The Wellington Athletics are certainly not a powerhouse in the East, but at the same time, they actually are not as bad as their record would indicate. Thus far, they have been remarkably unlucky: 1-7 in extra-inning games and 3-16 in one-run games. That has led to a Pyt. Record of 26-28 – a difference of 7. That feels about right. So if the Athletics continue to slug it out, they may be able to even things out and get closer to the middle of the pack. Wellington has some really nice pieces that should make their lineup potent sooner rather than later. After lead-off hitter 25-year old CF Edgardo Barrón (.326/.386/.419, 9-2B, 16 RBI, 22 BB, 4 SB, 1.6 WAR), they have a 2-time Top Fielder Award winner in 26-year old Zhao-hui Qian (.287/.333/.405, 2 HR, 25 RBI, 15 BB, 4 SB, 1.5 WAR) batting second. Qian, a 2nd-overall pick back in 1945-46 is in his third full season in the United Leagues. Batting third is last year’s 1st overall pick in 22-year old LF Matthew Floyd (.276/.322/.439, 4 HR, 28 RBI, 14 BB, 1.0 WAR – 54/80), who won Rookie of the Month honors in October. And batting fourth is November’s Rookie of the Month: 22-year old C Declan Bugbie (.322/.363/.450, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 10 BB, 1.4 WAR – 44/55). He was a 2nd-round pick back in 1946-47. On the pitching staff, 27-year old RHP Scott Wheeler (6-2, 2.63 ERA, 1.30 WHIP – 48/48) has finally moved into the rotation, after spending the past 5 seasons in the bullpen. The 11th overall pick from 1943-44 appears to be thriving as Wellington’s No. 2 starter. Finally, the Athletics have high hopes for 24-year old LHP Jorge Ortíz (4-6, 4.02 ERA, 1.49 WHIP – 20/68) who is currently in AAA. Ortíz, a 4th-round pick from 1946-47 and acquired from Downie in a trade back in August 1948 is currently rated as the 9th overall prospect in the ULB. Key Trade: October 25 with the Sherburn Tigers: To Wellington – 32-year old RF Ron Westmacott (38/38) and 24-year old minor league C Ken Young (20/32) To Sherburn – 26-year old minor league 3B Fraser Rae (39/39) *Knee-jerk reaction:* The two bottom-dwelling clubs in their respective Leagues make a modest exchange. Westmacott joins his 5th team, as the Athletics look to him for a minor upgrade at rightfield. 28-year old OF Zhong-shu Wang (20/20), a former 2nd-round pick from 1942-43, has progressively gotten worse since his lone all-star season back in 1946-47. Westmacott is a team leader which should help things in the clubhouse and remains a good defender. But his ability to remain healthy has always been a concern and he is nowhere near the hitter he once was. Nevertheless, he was producing for the Tigers in the early going this season and the Athletics hope that continues. For Sherburn, 26-year old Louie Pate (.311/.388/.467, 4 HR, 23 RBI, 16 BB – 47/47) has settled in this season as the Tigers rightfielder for the present and foreseeable future, rendering Westmacott expendable. Pate was a 10th overall pick back in 1945-46. With Rae, Sherburn is now going with a platoon at 3B, with Rae facing RHP and 27-year old Tyler MacGugan (.252/.313/.348, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 10 BB – 31/34) now restricted to just LHP. MacGugan is a 3-time Top Fielder Award winner, but neither he nor Rae are long-term answers for the club. Current Injuries: None. -------- __________________ United Leagues of Braeland