OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post

reds1 · 07-17-2018, 10:45 PM

February 1, 1950

Eastern League: Braeland City, Downie Playing Leapfrog

--------

Offense: .284/.364/.415 (2nd/1st/2nd)
Pitching: 3.74/3.72/3.84 (3rd/2nd/3rd)
Defense: .715 (3rd)
Chemistry: Ecstatic

The Braeland City Monarchs continue to be the class of the Eastern League, but it has not been easy, as they have frequently traded places with the Downie Chiefs. In early December, they trailed the Chiefs by three games. By the end of the December, they went up by three games. That lead reached four by mid-January before Downie surged up to get within two at month’s end. The Monarchs month-by-month record has followed an interesting pattern: 18-10, 17-9, 16-10 and 15-11.

The move to the infield from CF has not hampered 24-year old 2B Patrick Lidgate (.293/.410/.494, 13 HR, 49 RBI, 75 BB, 4.7 WAR) by any means. The former 1st overall pick is rated the No. 1-2B in the ULB and leads the team in 14 offensive categories. 26-year old 1B Dean Witherden (.363/.424/.516, 8 HR, 60 RBI, 37 BB, 3.8 WAR) leads in nine categories. That just leaves two categories (sac hits and sac flies) that neither of them lead in.

Six players represented the Monarchs at the All-Star game: SP David Cooling (10th), SP Robin Medellin (1st), RP Samuel Hollier (4th), C Christopher Dainty (2nd), 1B Dean Witherden (2nd) and 2B Patrick Lidgate (1st).

Noteworthy:

December 25 –Patrick Lidgate saw his 22-game hitting streak come to an end when he went 0-4 against the Cobourg Red Stockings. However, his teammates picked him up, holding on to a 3-2 win at Kings Park.

Current Injuries: None

--------

Offense: .269/.347/.401 (3rd/6th/3rd)
Pitching: 3.47/3.54/3.16 (1st/1st/2nd)
Defense: .721 (1st)
Chemistry: Happy

While they cooled off a little in November and December, the Downie Chiefs rebounded in January to get back within two games of the Monarchs. They have gone five straight months now with a winning record (since last season), which is not something the Chiefs were known for over the past decade. Their 3.46 team ERA this season is their best since the ULB’s inaugural year (3.07 ERA), and their team batting average (.269) is their best since the 1939-40 season.

Pitching has been the standout thus far, but it has really come down to two pitchers in particular: 27-year old RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (12-9, 2.41 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 165 ERA+) and 30-year old RHP Joong Ling (10-3, 2.65 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 150 ERA+). Ling has really found his groove after a bumpy October (2-1, 5.26 ERA). Ling was used mainly as a reliever by the Queensland Eagles, until he was traded to the Chiefs back in August 1948. He was immediately moved into the rotation at the start of last season and has responded in a big way. The Taiwanese Ling entered the United Leagues as a free agent back in April 1943.

While there hasn’t been a standout on offense as there has been in the past couple of seasons, there are few weaknesses in the lineup either. That said, leadoff hitter 27-year old SS Mac Medley (.304/.405/.448, 10 HR, 55 RBI, 70 BB, 19 SB, 4.3 WAR) is enjoying the best season at the plate of his 7-year career and leads the team in WAR.

Eight Chiefs were selected as All-Stars: SP Joong Ling (1st), SP Kelii Pelanekelina (2nd), RP Bill Lafontaine (1st), CL Carl Luscombe (7th), 1B Jilenko Batiles (1st), 3B Dominic Dudding (3rd), SS Mac Medley (3rd) and CF Alfonso León (3rd).

Player of the Week Awards:

January 23 – 3B Dominic Dudding (.433, 13 H, 1 HR, 12 RBI)

Current Injuries:

RHP Harley Bracher – January 31 – back spasms. Out for: DtD, one week.

--------

Offense: .251/.352/.357 (8th/2nd/8th)
Pitching: 3.67/3.76/3.10 (2nd/3rd/1st)
Defense: .709 (4th)
Chemistry: Happy

Sensing their playoff window may be closing, the Stratford Barons switched their team focus from ‘neutral’ to ‘win now’, and made a major move to inject some life into their sluggish offense. The Barons have been treading water this season, sitting just 5 games above .500 and 8 games back of the wild card. But with two months still to go, Stratford feels it still has a chance.

The pitching has led the way, but the Barons must be concerned how much longer they can expect to get elite pitching from this staff. Their top two pitchers, LHP Ryan Borden (10-10, 3.95 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 103 ERA+) and LHP Joel Fearn (10-10, 3.22 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 126 ERA+) are 41 and 39-years old respectively. They have a strong farm system (2nd overall) and that includes some promising arms, but it’s no surprise the Barons are making a push this season while this core is still effective.

On offense, 30-year old C Aaron Skidmore (.309/.469/.472, 11 HR, 61 RBI, 94 BB, 5.4 WAR) continues to lead the team and is the top catcher in the ULB.

Four Barons qualified for the all-star team: SP Bill Wolf (1st), C Aaron Skidmore (9th), 2B Jake Walker (10th) and CF Roberto Ríos (4th).

Player of the Week Awards:

January 30 – 3B Vincent Colón (.625, 10 H, 1 HR, 2 RBI)

Noteworthy:

December 30 – With a 3-2 win over the Wellington Athletics at Santop Stadium, LHP Ryan Borden became the fourth pitcher in United Leagues history to reach 200 wins in a career. Borden went 7 innings, surrendering 7 hits, 2 ER, 1 BB and 3 K.

December 31 – One day after Borden’s achievement, 36-year old 2B Jake Walker (.347/.459/.457, 5 HR, 54 RBI, 81 BB, 3.9 WAR) achieved a rare feat of his own. In the course of going 4 for 5 against the Wellington Athletics, Walker hit for the CYCLE. It was the 17th cycle in ULB history. Walker flied out in the 1st, doubled in the 3rd, hit a solo home run off Scott Wheeler in the 5th, tripled in the 7th and singled in the 9th. In all, he collected 1 RBI and 3 R in the Barons 8-3 victory.

January 31 – The Barons ended January with a bang, pummelling the Cambria Cannons 23-6 off 24 hits. While five of his teammates collected 3 hits or more, 23-year old CF Elliot Geaner (.296/.323/.430, 3 HR, 24 RBI, 9 BB, 0.7 WAR) went 5 for 6 on the day. Geaner flied out in the 1st, doubled in the 2nd, hit an RBI double in the 3rd, doubled in the 5th, hit a solo-shot off Quentin Teague in the 6th, singled in the 7th and walked in the 8th.

Key Trade: January 31 with the Cambria Cannons:

To Stratford – 33-year old RF Nicky Willis (76/76) and 22-year old minor league LF Robert Burgess (20/49)

To Cambria – 20-year old minor league LHP Bill Southern (20/53), 24-year old minor league RHP Masami Fujihara (30/43) and 24-year old minor league SS George Lasseter (26/36).

Knee-jerk reaction: The Barons make a major upgrade before the trade deadline, as they acquire the services of Willis (.295/.439/.454, 10 HR, 43 RBI, 95 BB, 3.1 WAR), who is enjoying his best season in 5 years. Willis is rated the 2nd overall RF in the ULB (behind Brunswick’s Marcus Peyto), and should help the Baron’s push for a playoff spot. He becomes their No. 4 hitter and replaces 28-year old Lyndon Inagaki (.192/.324/.298, 6 HR, 30 RBI, 40 BB, -0.3 WAR) who has slumped terribly over the past two seasons. Burgess has the potential to be a solid, if unspectacular outfielder.

Sensing their season is lost, the Cambria Cannons exchange Willis for some young pitching depth. This is the second trade involving Southern, a former 15th overall pick by the Wolseley Unions in 1947-48. While not the highly-touted prospect he once was, he still has a chance to become a middle of the rotation starter, with some outstanding movement to go along with average stuff and control. Masami Fujihara is a former 8th-round pick from 1944-45 that may beat the odds. Cambria has already promoted him to their big-league roster and will use him in long relief. It’s the first time Fujihara has reached the majors. He earned it after enjoying a terrific first half in AAA (12-9, 2.53 ERA, 1.07 WHIP). While his pitches and overall stuff is pedestrian, he may be able to crack the rotation with his decent control and 92-mph fastball.

Current Injuries:

LHP Ryan Borden – January 28 – finger blister. Out for: DtD, 2 days.

--------

Offense: .255/.350/.391 (7th/3rd/5th)
Pitching: 4.22/4.19/4.34 (5th/5th/5th)
Defense: .699 (6th)
Chemistry: Ecstatic

Like the Barons, the Embro Suns have made moves before the trade deadline to strengthen their core, with the hopes of catching the Chiefs for the wild card. But their focus has been on the pitching staff. The Suns will to have to build on their performance in January if they are going to have any chance of catching them. They have been decidedly average overall, despite some fine performances.

Although he started off slow in October, 35-year old 1B Jim Friend (.310/.436/.560, 17 HR, 80 RBI, 74 BB, 4.1 WAR) has led the team since then, and shows no signs of slowing down. The future Hall of Famer is enjoying his best season in three years.

34-year old ace RHP Myung-gu Son (12-9, 3.50 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 116 ERA+) has been holding the fort on a staff that was uneven in December and January. But the Suns brought in some reinforcements for the rotation that may help solidify matters.

Five Suns were selected as All-Stars: SP Myung-gu Son (6th), 1B Jim Friend (9th), 3B Keon-chae Cho (1st), LF Rizalino Ringor (3rd) and José Maldonado (2nd).

Key Trade No. 1: January 6 with the Wellington Athletics:

To Embro – 30-year old LHP Arthur Bence (50/50) and 19-year old minor league RHP Phil McKelvey (21/29)

To Wellington – 26-year old 2B Connor Reddick (41/41)

Knee-jerk reaction: The Suns make a couple of moves before the trade deadline as they look to make a push for the wildcard. The first one sees them acquire a serviceable starting pitcher for an underachieving former first-round pick. Bence (4-9, 3.52 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) enjoyed one incredible season back in 1946-47 when he won the Eastern League Triple Crown (22-10, 1.93 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 173 ERA+). He’s come back down to earth since then, but under the right circumstances, he can still be an effective pitcher. Embro may be that right circumstance. He doesn’t have overpowering stuff and none of his four offerings are jaw-dropping (fastball-45/45, curve-45/45, changeup-40/40, splitter-45/45), but the Hobart, Tasmanian native has very good control and decent movement. Embro has inserted him into the No. 3 spot in the rotation, the same spot he occupied with Wellington.

With Reddick (.328/.383/.469, 4 HR, 27 RBI, 14 BB, 1.4 WAR), the Athletics are taking a chance as he has not lived up to his initial lofting expectations. Drafted 5th overall in the 1944-45 draft by the Wolseley Unions, Reddick was released outright in 1946. The Fort Richmond Generals signed him to a minor league contract the same day, but exposed him in the Rule 5 draft a year later, where the Suns selected him. But he has terrific speed and is very versatile, as he is able to play the corner outfield spots, 2B, 3B and SS. Power is not part of his game, but he is good at getting on base. To me he should be a starter and lead-off, but he continues to be buried in the depth chart. Perhaps it’s his attitude that’s holding him back – scouts say he is too self-important.

Key Trade No. 2: January 28 with the Queensland Eagles:

To Embro – 30-year old RHP Aaron Saunderson (56/56)

To Queensland – 36-year old LF Terence Durney (52/52)

The Queensland Eagles are going nowhere but down and went into rebuild mode two days after this trade was made. Perhaps that explains why they traded a franchise pitcher for another franchise player that is closer to the end of his career than for prospects. There’s no mystery on the Suns’ part. With Saunderson (11-9, 4.33 ERA, 1.47 WHIP), they get another serviceable starting pitcher who could get a boost with a more competitive team. Saunderson is now their No. 2 starter going forward. Like Bence, his stuff and four offerings are not overly impressive, but he has very good command and movement, great stamina and remarkably durable.

Durney (.265/.350/.424, 8 HR, 45 RBI, 33 BB, 0.4 WAR), an 11-time all-star and 1-time Babe Ruth Award winner is a future Hall of Famer. But his time as an everyday starter is winding down. He still has great speed and can hit, but health is a real concern. All-in-all, the deal is a steal for Embro and a head-scratcher for Queensland.

Current Injuries: None

--------

Offense: .290/.349/.416 (1st/4th/1st)
Pitching: 4.31/4.31/4.30 (6th/7th/4th)
Defense: .696 (7th)
Chemistry: Happy

The pitching situation seems to have stabilized for the Cobourg Red Stockings, but it may be a case of too little, too late for this season. The major move was the trading away of 40-year old RHP Lenny Freke (6-14, 5.20 ERA, 78 ERA+) to the Sherburn Tigers for a young prospect (more on that in the Western League write-up) and the promotion of 22-year old RHP Fergus Hirst (3-6, 2.03 ERA, 1.37 WHIP – 35/57) from AAA. The former 2nd-round pick from 1947-48 is now Cobourg’s No. 3 starter and appears to be getting acclimated pretty quickly – all 5’-5”, 150 lbs. of him.

The offense continues to shine, but 23-year old CF Raymond Williams (.381/.444/.658, 23 HR, 86 RBI, 46 BB, 11 SB, 6.9 WAR) is playing like he belongs in a higher league. He leads the Eastern League in nine offensive categories.

Three Red Stockings qualified for the All-Star game: SS John Medley (5th), LF Fergus Thackwray (1st) and CF Raymond Williams (3rd).

Player of the Week Awards:

January 9 – CF Raymond Williams (.586, 17 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI)
January 16 – CF Raymond Williams (.450, 9 H, 3 HR, 7 RBI)

Current Injuries: None

--------

Offense: .266/.348/.394 (5th/5th/4th)
Pitching: 4.79/4.89/4.43 (8th/8th/6th)
Defense: .692 (8th)
Chemistry: Feuding

While the offense has improved for the Brunswick Legends, the pitching has not. Thus, before the trade deadline, they went out and acquired some pitching depth. But like the Red Stockings, it may be too late to make a difference this season. But the Legends are enjoying some fine individual performances as evidenced by the Monthly Honors. Just a further reminder that had GM Reomel Buesa been more proactive in beefing up the pitching sooner, the Legends may have been in a better position to challenge for a playoff spot this season.

Although his defense continues to regress, 33-year old 1B Stuart Bentham (.379/.449/.614, 24 HR, 85 RBI, 56 BB, 5.2 WAR) is on pace for the best season ever at the plate in his 12-year career, with the chance to establish a number of personal bests. For example, the most home runs he has hit in a season is 29 (1945-46 and 1947-48). He is on pace for 35 (the ULB record is 36). But even he is not leading the United Leagues in home runs. More on that in the Western League report.

He may be a polarizing figure in the clubhouse, but 33-year old LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (16-5, 2.71 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 150 ERA+) is having a phenomenal season and is putting up a strong argument for his third Eastern League Satchel Paige Award.

Six Legends were selected to the All-Star game: SP Anastasio Rodríguez (10th), CL Lao Chen (1st), 1B Stuart Bentham (9th), SS Jorge Arredondo (3rd), CF Cameron Osmotherley (1st) and RF Marcus Peyto (4th).

Player of the Week Awards:

December 5 – 1B Stuart Bentham (.632, 12 H, 2 HR, 6 RBI)
December 12 – 3B Jorge Arredondo (.406, 13 H, 2 HR, 8 RBI)
December 19 – 1B Stuart Bentham (.542, 13 H, 1 HR, 6 RBI)
December 26 – 3B Jorge Arredondo (.500, 14 H, 6 RBI)

Noteworthy:

December 21 – Heading into the third game of a three-game set against the Wellington Athletics, Brunswick’s No. 3 hitter Stuart Bentham was sitting on Hit No. 1,999. It did not take long to get No. 2000, as Bentham singled of off RHP Scott Wheeler in the top of the first inning. But Bentham would not stop there, as he racked up 4 hits in 5 at-bats, collecting 3 RBI, 2 R and 1 BB, including a two-run homerun off Wheeler in the 7th. The Legends prevailed, 7-4. He becomes the sixth player in United League history to reach that milestone and currently sits fifth overall, ahead of Braeland City’s Adam Ashley.

Key Trade: January 18 with the Sherburn Tigers:

To Brunswick – 34-year old LHP Daniel Pierson (50/50) and 22-year old RHP Harry Dinsmore (32/49)

To Sherburn – 28-year old 1B Gary Therien (46/46)

Knee-jerk reaction: Brunswick and Sherburn swap two Canadians. Less than a month after pitching a NO-HITTER, Daniel Pierson (9-8, 4.22 ERA, 1.34 WHIP) is shipped off to the Legends, while Therien (.256/.389/.459, 8 HR, 36 RBI, 38 BB, 1.1 WAR) returns to the Tigers. Brunswick acquired Therien from Sherburn back in August 1948 for Ron Westmacott. But when all is said and done, Dinsmore may be the real prize.

Brunswick has the worst-rated pitching staff in the Eastern League, so Pierson and Dinsmore were acquired to plug some holes behind ace Anastasio Rodríguez. Pierson is a veteran pitcher who can have his moments, but is really a borderline starter. Still, he has elite command and control to compensate for mediocre stuff. He will be Brunswick’s No. 2 starter. But Dinsmore (2-1, 2 SV, 4.66 ERA, 1.51 WHIP) has the potential to become a solid starter with excellent movement and decent stuff and control. He’s the No. 5 starter for now.

As for Therien, he must be thinking whether anyone really wants him. His Achilles heel has always been his woeful defense and that hasn’t changed much. So why Sherburn shipped out two decent starting pitchers for a back-up 1B is anybody’s guess. Some of these trades are making no sense to me.

Current Injuries: None

--------

Offense: .262/.335/.381 (6th/7th/6th)
Pitching: 4.33/4.21/5.12 (7th/6th/8th)
Defense: .705 (5th)
Chemistry: Content

The Queensland Eagles have officially thrown in the towel, switching to ‘rebuild’ mode as of January 31st. And while they shipped out long-time team fixture 30-year old SP Aaron Saunderson, they strangely brought in 36-year OF Terence Durney. A curious move for a rebuilding team. Durney is a definite upgrade at LF but is more suited for a ‘win now’ team. Perhaps Queensland will be more ‘focused’ on the task ahead in the off-season. Their farm system is rated 5th overall and their top pick from this season, 24-year old 2B Perry Jordan (.299/417/.453, 1 HR, 23 RBI, 26 BB, 2.0 WAR), is off to a very promising start in AA.

With the exception of 31-year old 31-year old CF Zak Kidd (.203/.293/.330, 8 HR, 24 RBI, 25 BB, 0.3 WAR), who lost his LF spot to recently acquired Terence Durney, there are no real glaring weaknesses in the lineup. But there aren’t any standouts either. 30-year old RF Jilenko Vergara (.282/.368/.464, 14 HR, 55 RBI, 45 BB, 2.0 WAR) and 25-year old 3B Alexander Crutcher (.289/.348/.425, 6 HR, 49 RBI, 33 BB, 1.5 WAR) are the only two Eagles who have been consistent this season. 31-year old C Elijah Sheppard (.272/.375/.423, 10 HR, 44 RBI, 52 BB, 2.7 WAR) started off on a tear, but cooled off considerably in December (.198) and January (.237).

With Aaron Saunderson gone, 32-year old RHP Pi-ao Quian (11-11, 3.15 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 127 ERA+) is the lone remaining established pitcher in the rotation. With perhaps the exception of 24-year old RHP Logan Belsey (8-12, 3.67 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 109 ERA+), the rest of the starters are still struggling to find their footing.

Two Eagles qualified for the All-Star game: SP Pi-ao Quian (4th) and RF Jilenko Vergara (4th).

Player of the Week Awards:

January 2 – 2B Noah Wellings (.750, 3 H, 1 HR, 6 RBI)

Current Injuries:

RHP Francisco López – January 16 – elbow strain. Out for: 4-5 weeks.

--------

Offense: .268/.334/.369 (4th/8th/7th)
Pitching: 4.22/4.02/5.08 (4th/4th/7th)
Defense: .716 (2nd)
Chemistry: Happy

The Wellington Athletics made some modest strides in their play over the past two months, but it’s all essentially mute now as the team made a couple of moves before the trade deadline, singling their intent on rebuilding in earnest. Gone are SP Arthur Bence (discussed in the Embro entry) and SS Zhao-hui Qian (to be covered in the Western League report). In return, they got some interesting prospects. With the promising haul of this year’s Amateur Draft and their already No. 1-rated farm system, the Athletics’ future looks bright.

With the lineup and pitching staff in flux, there are not a lot of highlights to choose from. But 27-year old RHP Scott Wheeler (10-6, 3.75 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 107 ERA+) still shows promise, despite a rough December (5.44), and 22-year old C Declan Bugbie (.306/.346/.426, 7 HR, 36 RBI, 20 BB, 2.7 WAR) is quietly enjoying a stellar rookie campaign.

No Athletics were selected to the All-Star game this season.

Current Injuries: None

--------

07-17-2018, 10:45 PM	#451
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,945	February 1, 1950 Eastern League: Braeland City, Downie Playing Leapfrog -------- Offense: .284/.364/.415 (2nd/1st/2nd) Pitching: 3.74/3.72/3.84 (3rd/2nd/3rd) Defense: .715 (3rd) Chemistry: Ecstatic The Braeland City Monarchs continue to be the class of the Eastern League, but it has not been easy, as they have frequently traded places with the Downie Chiefs. In early December, they trailed the Chiefs by three games. By the end of the December, they went up by three games. That lead reached four by mid-January before Downie surged up to get within two at month’s end. The Monarchs month-by-month record has followed an interesting pattern: 18-10, 17-9, 16-10 and 15-11. The move to the infield from CF has not hampered 24-year old 2B Patrick Lidgate (.293/.410/.494, 13 HR, 49 RBI, 75 BB, 4.7 WAR) by any means. The former 1st overall pick is rated the No. 1-2B in the ULB and leads the team in 14 offensive categories. 26-year old 1B Dean Witherden (.363/.424/.516, 8 HR, 60 RBI, 37 BB, 3.8 WAR) leads in nine categories. That just leaves two categories (sac hits and sac flies) that neither of them lead in. Six players represented the Monarchs at the All-Star game: SP David Cooling (10th), SP Robin Medellin (1st), RP Samuel Hollier (4th), C Christopher Dainty (2nd), 1B Dean Witherden (2nd) and 2B Patrick Lidgate (1st). Noteworthy: December 25 –Patrick Lidgate saw his 22-game hitting streak come to an end when he went 0-4 against the Cobourg Red Stockings. However, his teammates picked him up, holding on to a 3-2 win at Kings Park. Current Injuries: None -------- Offense: .269/.347/.401 (3rd/6th/3rd) Pitching: 3.47/3.54/3.16 (1st/1st/2nd) Defense: .721 (1st) Chemistry: Happy While they cooled off a little in November and December, the Downie Chiefs rebounded in January to get back within two games of the Monarchs. They have gone five straight months now with a winning record (since last season), which is not something the Chiefs were known for over the past decade. Their 3.46 team ERA this season is their best since the ULB’s inaugural year (3.07 ERA), and their team batting average (.269) is their best since the 1939-40 season. Pitching has been the standout thus far, but it has really come down to two pitchers in particular: 27-year old RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (12-9, 2.41 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 165 ERA+) and 30-year old RHP Joong Ling (10-3, 2.65 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 150 ERA+). Ling has really found his groove after a bumpy October (2-1, 5.26 ERA). Ling was used mainly as a reliever by the Queensland Eagles, until he was traded to the Chiefs back in August 1948. He was immediately moved into the rotation at the start of last season and has responded in a big way. The Taiwanese Ling entered the United Leagues as a free agent back in April 1943. While there hasn’t been a standout on offense as there has been in the past couple of seasons, there are few weaknesses in the lineup either. That said, leadoff hitter 27-year old SS Mac Medley (.304/.405/.448, 10 HR, 55 RBI, 70 BB, 19 SB, 4.3 WAR) is enjoying the best season at the plate of his 7-year career and leads the team in WAR. Eight Chiefs were selected as All-Stars: SP Joong Ling (1st), SP Kelii Pelanekelina (2nd), RP Bill Lafontaine (1st), CL Carl Luscombe (7th), 1B Jilenko Batiles (1st), 3B Dominic Dudding (3rd), SS Mac Medley (3rd) and CF Alfonso León (3rd). Player of the Week Awards: January 23 – 3B Dominic Dudding (.433, 13 H, 1 HR, 12 RBI) Current Injuries: RHP Harley Bracher – January 31 – back spasms. Out for: DtD, one week. -------- Offense: .251/.352/.357 (8th/2nd/8th) Pitching: 3.67/3.76/3.10 (2nd/3rd/1st) Defense: .709 (4th) Chemistry: Happy Sensing their playoff window may be closing, the Stratford Barons switched their team focus from ‘neutral’ to ‘win now’, and made a major move to inject some life into their sluggish offense. The Barons have been treading water this season, sitting just 5 games above .500 and 8 games back of the wild card. But with two months still to go, Stratford feels it still has a chance. The pitching has led the way, but the Barons must be concerned how much longer they can expect to get elite pitching from this staff. Their top two pitchers, LHP Ryan Borden (10-10, 3.95 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 103 ERA+) and LHP Joel Fearn (10-10, 3.22 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 126 ERA+) are 41 and 39-years old respectively. They have a strong farm system (2nd overall) and that includes some promising arms, but it’s no surprise the Barons are making a push this season while this core is still effective. On offense, 30-year old C Aaron Skidmore (.309/.469/.472, 11 HR, 61 RBI, 94 BB, 5.4 WAR) continues to lead the team and is the top catcher in the ULB. Four Barons qualified for the all-star team: SP Bill Wolf (1st), C Aaron Skidmore (9th), 2B Jake Walker (10th) and CF Roberto Ríos (4th). Player of the Week Awards: January 30 – 3B Vincent Colón (.625, 10 H, 1 HR, 2 RBI) Noteworthy: December 30 – With a 3-2 win over the Wellington Athletics at Santop Stadium, LHP Ryan Borden became the fourth pitcher in United Leagues history to reach 200 wins in a career. Borden went 7 innings, surrendering 7 hits, 2 ER, 1 BB and 3 K. December 31 – One day after Borden’s achievement, 36-year old 2B Jake Walker (.347/.459/.457, 5 HR, 54 RBI, 81 BB, 3.9 WAR) achieved a rare feat of his own. In the course of going 4 for 5 against the Wellington Athletics, Walker hit for the CYCLE. It was the 17th cycle in ULB history. Walker flied out in the 1st, doubled in the 3rd, hit a solo home run off Scott Wheeler in the 5th, tripled in the 7th and singled in the 9th. In all, he collected 1 RBI and 3 R in the Barons 8-3 victory. January 31 – The Barons ended January with a bang, pummelling the Cambria Cannons 23-6 off 24 hits. While five of his teammates collected 3 hits or more, 23-year old CF Elliot Geaner (.296/.323/.430, 3 HR, 24 RBI, 9 BB, 0.7 WAR) went 5 for 6 on the day. Geaner flied out in the 1st, doubled in the 2nd, hit an RBI double in the 3rd, doubled in the 5th, hit a solo-shot off Quentin Teague in the 6th, singled in the 7th and walked in the 8th. Key Trade: January 31 with the Cambria Cannons: To Stratford – 33-year old RF Nicky Willis (76/76) and 22-year old minor league LF Robert Burgess (20/49) To Cambria – 20-year old minor league LHP Bill Southern (20/53), 24-year old minor league RHP Masami Fujihara (30/43) and 24-year old minor league SS George Lasseter (26/36). *Knee-jerk reaction:* The Barons make a major upgrade before the trade deadline, as they acquire the services of Willis (.295/.439/.454, 10 HR, 43 RBI, 95 BB, 3.1 WAR), who is enjoying his best season in 5 years. Willis is rated the 2nd overall RF in the ULB (behind Brunswick’s Marcus Peyto), and should help the Baron’s push for a playoff spot. He becomes their No. 4 hitter and replaces 28-year old Lyndon Inagaki (.192/.324/.298, 6 HR, 30 RBI, 40 BB, -0.3 WAR) who has slumped terribly over the past two seasons. Burgess has the potential to be a solid, if unspectacular outfielder. Sensing their season is lost, the Cambria Cannons exchange Willis for some young pitching depth. This is the second trade involving Southern, a former 15th overall pick by the Wolseley Unions in 1947-48. While not the highly-touted prospect he once was, he still has a chance to become a middle of the rotation starter, with some outstanding movement to go along with average stuff and control. Masami Fujihara is a former 8th-round pick from 1944-45 that may beat the odds. Cambria has already promoted him to their big-league roster and will use him in long relief. It’s the first time Fujihara has reached the majors. He earned it after enjoying a terrific first half in AAA (12-9, 2.53 ERA, 1.07 WHIP). While his pitches and overall stuff is pedestrian, he may be able to crack the rotation with his decent control and 92-mph fastball. Current Injuries: LHP Ryan Borden – January 28 – finger blister. Out for: DtD, 2 days. -------- Offense: .255/.350/.391 (7th/3rd/5th) Pitching: 4.22/4.19/4.34 (5th/5th/5th) Defense: .699 (6th) Chemistry: Ecstatic Like the Barons, the Embro Suns have made moves before the trade deadline to strengthen their core, with the hopes of catching the Chiefs for the wild card. But their focus has been on the pitching staff. The Suns will to have to build on their performance in January if they are going to have any chance of catching them. They have been decidedly average overall, despite some fine performances. Although he started off slow in October, 35-year old 1B Jim Friend (.310/.436/.560, 17 HR, 80 RBI, 74 BB, 4.1 WAR) has led the team since then, and shows no signs of slowing down. The future Hall of Famer is enjoying his best season in three years. 34-year old ace RHP Myung-gu Son (12-9, 3.50 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 116 ERA+) has been holding the fort on a staff that was uneven in December and January. But the Suns brought in some reinforcements for the rotation that may help solidify matters. Five Suns were selected as All-Stars: SP Myung-gu Son (6th), 1B Jim Friend (9th), 3B Keon-chae Cho (1st), LF Rizalino Ringor (3rd) and José Maldonado (2nd). Key Trade No. 1: January 6 with the Wellington Athletics: To Embro – 30-year old LHP Arthur Bence (50/50) and 19-year old minor league RHP Phil McKelvey (21/29) To Wellington – 26-year old 2B Connor Reddick (41/41) *Knee-jerk reaction:* The Suns make a couple of moves before the trade deadline as they look to make a push for the wildcard. The first one sees them acquire a serviceable starting pitcher for an underachieving former first-round pick. Bence (4-9, 3.52 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) enjoyed one incredible season back in 1946-47 when he won the Eastern League Triple Crown (22-10, 1.93 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 173 ERA+). He’s come back down to earth since then, but under the right circumstances, he can still be an effective pitcher. Embro may be that right circumstance. He doesn’t have overpowering stuff and none of his four offerings are jaw-dropping (fastball-45/45, curve-45/45, changeup-40/40, splitter-45/45), but the Hobart, Tasmanian native has very good control and decent movement. Embro has inserted him into the No. 3 spot in the rotation, the same spot he occupied with Wellington. With Reddick (.328/.383/.469, 4 HR, 27 RBI, 14 BB, 1.4 WAR), the Athletics are taking a chance as he has not lived up to his initial lofting expectations. Drafted 5th overall in the 1944-45 draft by the Wolseley Unions, Reddick was released outright in 1946. The Fort Richmond Generals signed him to a minor league contract the same day, but exposed him in the Rule 5 draft a year later, where the Suns selected him. But he has terrific speed and is very versatile, as he is able to play the corner outfield spots, 2B, 3B and SS. Power is not part of his game, but he is good at getting on base. To me he should be a starter and lead-off, but he continues to be buried in the depth chart. Perhaps it’s his attitude that’s holding him back – scouts say he is too self-important. Key Trade No. 2: January 28 with the Queensland Eagles: To Embro – 30-year old RHP Aaron Saunderson (56/56) To Queensland – 36-year old LF Terence Durney (52/52) The Queensland Eagles are going nowhere but down and went into rebuild mode two days after this trade was made. Perhaps that explains why they traded a franchise pitcher for another franchise player that is closer to the end of his career than for prospects. There’s no mystery on the Suns’ part. With Saunderson (11-9, 4.33 ERA, 1.47 WHIP), they get another serviceable starting pitcher who could get a boost with a more competitive team. Saunderson is now their No. 2 starter going forward. Like Bence, his stuff and four offerings are not overly impressive, but he has very good command and movement, great stamina and remarkably durable. Durney (.265/.350/.424, 8 HR, 45 RBI, 33 BB, 0.4 WAR), an 11-time all-star and 1-time Babe Ruth Award winner is a future Hall of Famer. But his time as an everyday starter is winding down. He still has great speed and can hit, but health is a real concern. All-in-all, the deal is a steal for Embro and a head-scratcher for Queensland. Current Injuries: None -------- Offense: .290/.349/.416 (1st/4th/1st) Pitching: 4.31/4.31/4.30 (6th/7th/4th) Defense: .696 (7th) Chemistry: Happy The pitching situation seems to have stabilized for the Cobourg Red Stockings, but it may be a case of too little, too late for this season. The major move was the trading away of 40-year old RHP Lenny Freke (6-14, 5.20 ERA, 78 ERA+) to the Sherburn Tigers for a young prospect (more on that in the Western League write-up) and the promotion of 22-year old RHP Fergus Hirst (3-6, 2.03 ERA, 1.37 WHIP – 35/57) from AAA. The former 2nd-round pick from 1947-48 is now Cobourg’s No. 3 starter and appears to be getting acclimated pretty quickly – all 5’-5”, 150 lbs. of him. The offense continues to shine, but 23-year old CF Raymond Williams (.381/.444/.658, 23 HR, 86 RBI, 46 BB, 11 SB, 6.9 WAR) is playing like he belongs in a higher league. He leads the Eastern League in nine offensive categories. Three Red Stockings qualified for the All-Star game: SS John Medley (5th), LF Fergus Thackwray (1st) and CF Raymond Williams (3rd). Player of the Week Awards: January 9 – CF Raymond Williams (.586, 17 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI) January 16 – CF Raymond Williams (.450, 9 H, 3 HR, 7 RBI) Current Injuries: None -------- Offense: .266/.348/.394 (5th/5th/4th) Pitching: 4.79/4.89/4.43 (8th/8th/6th) Defense: .692 (8th) Chemistry: Feuding While the offense has improved for the Brunswick Legends, the pitching has not. Thus, before the trade deadline, they went out and acquired some pitching depth. But like the Red Stockings, it may be too late to make a difference this season. But the Legends are enjoying some fine individual performances as evidenced by the Monthly Honors. Just a further reminder that had GM Reomel Buesa been more proactive in beefing up the pitching sooner, the Legends may have been in a better position to challenge for a playoff spot this season. Although his defense continues to regress, 33-year old 1B Stuart Bentham (.379/.449/.614, 24 HR, 85 RBI, 56 BB, 5.2 WAR) is on pace for the best season ever at the plate in his 12-year career, with the chance to establish a number of personal bests. For example, the most home runs he has hit in a season is 29 (1945-46 and 1947-48). He is on pace for 35 (the ULB record is 36). But even he is not leading the United Leagues in home runs. More on that in the Western League report. He may be a polarizing figure in the clubhouse, but 33-year old LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (16-5, 2.71 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 150 ERA+) is having a phenomenal season and is putting up a strong argument for his third Eastern League Satchel Paige Award. Six Legends were selected to the All-Star game: SP Anastasio Rodríguez (10th), CL Lao Chen (1st), 1B Stuart Bentham (9th), SS Jorge Arredondo (3rd), CF Cameron Osmotherley (1st) and RF Marcus Peyto (4th). Player of the Week Awards: December 5 – 1B Stuart Bentham (.632, 12 H, 2 HR, 6 RBI) December 12 – 3B Jorge Arredondo (.406, 13 H, 2 HR, 8 RBI) December 19 – 1B Stuart Bentham (.542, 13 H, 1 HR, 6 RBI) December 26 – 3B Jorge Arredondo (.500, 14 H, 6 RBI) Noteworthy: December 21 – Heading into the third game of a three-game set against the Wellington Athletics, Brunswick’s No. 3 hitter Stuart Bentham was sitting on Hit No. 1,999. It did not take long to get No. 2000, as Bentham singled of off RHP Scott Wheeler in the top of the first inning. But Bentham would not stop there, as he racked up 4 hits in 5 at-bats, collecting 3 RBI, 2 R and 1 BB, including a two-run homerun off Wheeler in the 7th. The Legends prevailed, 7-4. He becomes the sixth player in United League history to reach that milestone and currently sits fifth overall, ahead of Braeland City’s Adam Ashley. Key Trade: January 18 with the Sherburn Tigers: To Brunswick – 34-year old LHP Daniel Pierson (50/50) and 22-year old RHP Harry Dinsmore (32/49) To Sherburn – 28-year old 1B Gary Therien (46/46) *Knee-jerk reaction:* Brunswick and Sherburn swap two Canadians. Less than a month after pitching a NO-HITTER, Daniel Pierson (9-8, 4.22 ERA, 1.34 WHIP) is shipped off to the Legends, while Therien (.256/.389/.459, 8 HR, 36 RBI, 38 BB, 1.1 WAR) returns to the Tigers. Brunswick acquired Therien from Sherburn back in August 1948 for Ron Westmacott. But when all is said and done, Dinsmore may be the real prize. Brunswick has the worst-rated pitching staff in the Eastern League, so Pierson and Dinsmore were acquired to plug some holes behind ace Anastasio Rodríguez. Pierson is a veteran pitcher who can have his moments, but is really a borderline starter. Still, he has elite command and control to compensate for mediocre stuff. He will be Brunswick’s No. 2 starter. But Dinsmore (2-1, 2 SV, 4.66 ERA, 1.51 WHIP) has the potential to become a solid starter with excellent movement and decent stuff and control. He’s the No. 5 starter for now. As for Therien, he must be thinking whether anyone really wants him. His Achilles heel has always been his woeful defense and that hasn’t changed much. So why Sherburn shipped out two decent starting pitchers for a back-up 1B is anybody’s guess. Some of these trades are making no sense to me. Current Injuries: None -------- Offense: .262/.335/.381 (6th/7th/6th) Pitching: 4.33/4.21/5.12 (7th/6th/8th) Defense: .705 (5th) Chemistry: Content The Queensland Eagles have officially thrown in the towel, switching to ‘rebuild’ mode as of January 31st. And while they shipped out long-time team fixture 30-year old SP Aaron Saunderson, they strangely brought in 36-year OF Terence Durney. A curious move for a rebuilding team. Durney is a definite upgrade at LF but is more suited for a ‘win now’ team. Perhaps Queensland will be more ‘focused’ on the task ahead in the off-season. Their farm system is rated 5th overall and their top pick from this season, 24-year old 2B Perry Jordan (.299/417/.453, 1 HR, 23 RBI, 26 BB, 2.0 WAR), is off to a very promising start in AA. With the exception of 31-year old 31-year old CF Zak Kidd (.203/.293/.330, 8 HR, 24 RBI, 25 BB, 0.3 WAR), who lost his LF spot to recently acquired Terence Durney, there are no real glaring weaknesses in the lineup. But there aren’t any standouts either. 30-year old RF Jilenko Vergara (.282/.368/.464, 14 HR, 55 RBI, 45 BB, 2.0 WAR) and 25-year old 3B Alexander Crutcher (.289/.348/.425, 6 HR, 49 RBI, 33 BB, 1.5 WAR) are the only two Eagles who have been consistent this season. 31-year old C Elijah Sheppard (.272/.375/.423, 10 HR, 44 RBI, 52 BB, 2.7 WAR) started off on a tear, but cooled off considerably in December (.198) and January (.237). With Aaron Saunderson gone, 32-year old RHP Pi-ao Quian (11-11, 3.15 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 127 ERA+) is the lone remaining established pitcher in the rotation. With perhaps the exception of 24-year old RHP Logan Belsey (8-12, 3.67 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 109 ERA+), the rest of the starters are still struggling to find their footing. Two Eagles qualified for the All-Star game: SP Pi-ao Quian (4th) and RF Jilenko Vergara (4th). Player of the Week Awards: January 2 – 2B Noah Wellings (.750, 3 H, 1 HR, 6 RBI) Current Injuries: RHP Francisco López – January 16 – elbow strain. Out for: 4-5 weeks. -------- Offense: .268/.334/.369 (4th/8th/7th) Pitching: 4.22/4.02/5.08 (4th/4th/7th) Defense: .716 (2nd) Chemistry: Happy The Wellington Athletics made some modest strides in their play over the past two months, but it’s all essentially mute now as the team made a couple of moves before the trade deadline, singling their intent on rebuilding in earnest. Gone are SP Arthur Bence (discussed in the Embro entry) and SS Zhao-hui Qian (to be covered in the Western League report). In return, they got some interesting prospects. With the promising haul of this year’s Amateur Draft and their already No. 1-rated farm system, the Athletics’ future looks bright. With the lineup and pitching staff in flux, there are not a lot of highlights to choose from. But 27-year old RHP Scott Wheeler (10-6, 3.75 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 107 ERA+) still shows promise, despite a rough December (5.44), and 22-year old C Declan Bugbie (.306/.346/.426, 7 HR, 36 RBI, 20 BB, 2.7 WAR) is quietly enjoying a stellar rookie campaign. No Athletics were selected to the All-Star game this season. Current Injuries: None -------- __________________ United Leagues of Braeland