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reds1 · 07-26-2018, 06:00 PM

February 1, 1950

Western League: The Unions Assert Themselves

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Offense: .276/.363/.397 (1st/1st/2nd)
Pitching: 2.77/2.95/1.75 (1st/2nd/1st)
Defense: .726 (2nd)
Chemistry: Content

The Wolseley Unions are the class of the entire United Leagues and are on pace for 100 victories. They are dominating both sides of the ball and their pitching staff is on the verge of setting a new ULB record for lowest team ERA. Right now, it is 2.77. The lowest mark is currently 2.85, set by the Stratford Barons in 1943-44 and matched by the Kingston Pelicans in 1946-47. Not surprisingly, the Fort Richmond Generals are not far behind this season, as their team ERA is currently 2.91. With the exception of 28-year old Burt Willey (.248/.336/.334, 3 HR, 27 RBI, 43 BB, 0.5 WAR – 15th-rated 3B), the Unions have a Top-10 player at every position.

Despite everything firing on all cylinders, it’s interesting to note that the clubhouse mood is merely content rather than ecstatic. That’s perhaps due to just having one captain/leader: 28-year old SS George Kimpton (.311/.382/.453, 10 HR, 80 RBI, 49 BB, 3.7 WAR). The Unions might be wise to acquire a couple of more players with leadership qualities in the near future, for when the team meets up with adversity.

Wolseley has three starting pitchers rated in the Top 10: 31-year old RHP Bill Blair (13-2, 2.56 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 160 ERA+ - 3rd overall), 26-year old RHP Jeremy Albury (10-11, 2.70 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 151 ERA+ - 4th) and 30-year old RHP Kai Tosh (9-8, 2.89 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 142 ERA+ - 8th). Even 24-year old LHP Axel Mackay (5-0, 3 SV, 1.57 ERA, 1.09 WHIP) has found his groove, now that he is in the rotation.

The pitching staff is so deep that even 29-year old RHP Ian Peter (7-4, 3.57 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 115 ERA+) is unable to find a regular spot on the major league staff. He is still very much an effective pitcher, so I was surprised Wolseley didn’t flip him for some prospects before the trade deadline. With a farm system rated 15th overall, they could use an infusion of talent.

Nine players were selected to the All-Star game: SP Jeremy Albury (2nd), SP Bill Blair (2nd), SP Kai Tosh (4th), RP Shou-xin Chin (1st), CL John Palm (9th), C Éric Denis (3rd), SS George Kimpton (2nd), LF Carlton Hawking (5th) and RF Howard Ockey (1st).

Player of the Week Awards:

December 26 – C Éric Denis (.435, 10 H, 4 HR, 12 RBI)

Noteworthy:

December 24 – 25-year old C Éric Denis (.291/.354/.493, 15 HR, 65 RBI, 36 BB, 3.5 WAR) became the 7th player in the United Leagues to wallop 3 home runs in a single game. He did in the Unions 15-1 triumph over the Hespeler Stars. He went 4 for 4 with 2 BB on the day, scoring 4 R and cashing in a whopping 9 RBI. Denis hit a solo-shot off Troy Conlin in the 2nd, hit an RBI double in the 3Rd, hit a 3-run home run off Troy Conlin in the 4th, walked in the 6th, hit another 3-run home run in the 7th off Miles van den Bogaert and walked in the 8th.

Current Injuries: None.

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Offense: .263/.330/.387 (2nd/6th/4th)
Pitching: 2.91/2.90/2.95 (2nd/1st/2nd)
Defense: .737 (1st)
Chemistry: Ecstatic

The Fort Richmond Generals are no slouches themselves, but they have been unable to overtake the Unions for top spot in the West. They got to within half a game in mid-December, but cooled off a little in January to fall 4 games back. That is certainly due to their offence not being as productive as it could be. They’re still very good, but Wolseley has simply been better and more consistent.

But the Generals have a pitching staff that can rival anything the Unions can offer, as Fort Richmond enjoys the services of four starting pitchers rated in the Top 10: 30-year old RHP Roberto Taváres (11-10, 2.53 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 157 ERA+ - 2nd overall), 27-year old RHP Ch’ang-chieh Li (13-6, 2.99 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 133 ERA+ - 6th), 27-year old RHP Nicky Sherlock (11-8, 3.15 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 126 ERA+ - 7th) and 25-year old Shinzo Okamoto (12-8, 2.58 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 154 ERA+ - 9th).

25-year old 2B Nobuyoshi Yoshida (.309/.364/.435, 3 HR, 42 RBI, 32 BB, 3.5 WAR) is enjoying a break-out season in his third year in the ULB. He won a Top Fielder Award at shortstop last season. Since moving to second base this year, he has not missed a beat. In fact, it’s his strongest position and he may just add a second defensive award to his mantelpiece this year.

Eight Generals were selected to this year’s All-Star game: SP Ch’ang chieh Li (2nd), SP Shinzo Okamoto (1st), SP Nicky Sherlock (4th), SP Roberto Taváres (7th), CL José Rodriguez (2nd), 2B Nobuyoshi Yoshida (1st), CF Dylan Moyne (4th) and RF Brandon Robinson (2nd).

Player of the Week Awards:

December 19 – SS Ninfa Puzon (.481, 13 H, 3 RBI)

Current Injuries:

January 31 – RF Brandon Robinson – Herniated disc. Out for: one week.

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Offense: .261/.355/.411 (4th/2nd/1st)
Pitching: 4.12/4.04/4.52 (3rd/4th/4th)
Defense: .704 (6th)
Chemistry: Happy

The Kingston Pelicans continue to ride their high-octane offense that has seen them reverse a two-year downward trend in the standings, but with a pitching staff that cannot hold a candle to neither Wolseley nor Fort Richmond, the Pelicans will be hard-pressed to return to the playoffs.

35-year old 1B Dean Bishop (.277/.425/.617, 30 HR, 106 RBI, 96 BB, 5.5 WAR) has been the story, not only for Kingston, but for the entire United Leagues as well. Bishop has been on a tear all season and is on pace for 44 home runs. That would set a new record in the ULB, surpassing the current mark of 36, first set by Embro’s Jim Friend in 1940-41 and matched by Hall of Famer Jayden Tennant a year later. Bishop’s previous best was 25, two seasons ago. He has been ably supported by 31-year old C Danny Trowbridge (.346/.444/.534, 11 HR, 60 RBI, 61 BB, 5.2 WAR) and a surprising 28-year old LF Glen Traill (.305/.414/.473, 4 HR, 30 RBI, 41 BB, 10 SB, 2.3 WAR), who is enjoying the first substantial season of his 6-year career. He also earned his first all-star nod.

The pitching staff is an entirely different matter. But 25-year old LHP Dana Listman (13-7, 3.55 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 115 ERA+) continues his decent play and the Pelicans recently promoted 24-year old RHP Kieran Bunce (6-6, 3.34 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 123 ERA+) from the bullpen to be their No. 3 starter. Bunce was a 16th overall pick in 1947-48.

Six players represented the Pelicans at the All-Star game: SP Dana Listman (1st), C Danny Trowbridge (9th), 1B Dean Bishop (6th), SS Katsunan Chikafuji (10th), LF Glen Traill (1st) and RF Luca Bewick (2nd).

Player of the Week Awards:

January 2 – RF Mo Spenceley (.800, 4 H, 1 RBI)

Noteworthy:

December 30 – Just 6 days after Wolseley’s Éric Denis accomplished it, another catcher belted 3 home runs in a single game. This time it was C Danny Trowbridge. Trowbridge hit a 3-run home run in the 1st, a solo-shot in the 2nd and a two-run home run in the 6th, all off Cambria Cannons’ RHP Alexander Ellacott. In all, he went 3 for 5 on the day, with 3 R, 6 RBI and 4 BB. However, the Cannons prevailed 13-12 in the 17 innings. Kingston led 10-5 until the bottom of the 8th inning, when the Cannons scored 2 runs off of a 2-run home run and another 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th off of a 3-run home run to tie the game up. Both teams exchanged a couple of runs each in the 13th to keep things even. But Cambria led off the bottom of the 17th inning with back-to-back singles and a bunt single to load the bases with nobody out. Edmond Boswell then drew a walk to drive in the winning run, ending the 5 hour, 44 minute marathon.

Current Injuries:

December 4 – RHP Ben Currall – hamstring strain. Out for: 1 more week.
January 12 – SS Katsunan Chikafuji – fractured rib. Out for: 1 more day.

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Offense: .262/.336/.369 (3rd/5th/8th)
Pitching: 4.13/4.20/3.71 (4th/5th/3rd)
Defense: .708 (3rd)
Chemistry: Unhappy

The Balmoral Giants picked things up in January, going 12-6 after the all-star break to take over fourth place in the West. That can be attributed to improved play all across the board as the offense, pitching and defense have all improved. They were also active on the trade scene. In addition to trading for SP Hirotada Fukushima (noted below), they also acquired 32-year old LHP Callum Stonehouse (8-9, 4.48 ERA, 1.64 WHIP, 87 ERA+) from the Cambria Cannons back in December as well as 25-year old RHP Bonie Bandong (2-0, 2 SV, 3.77 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 107 ERA+) from the Stratford Barons. Both trades saw minor league players go the other team. With Stonehouse occupying the No. 5 spot in the rotation and Bandong taking over the stopper role from 29-year old RHP Gerard Leese (5-2, 8 SV, 4.85 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, 83 ERA+), the Giants are no doubt looking for some modest improvements and see if they can overtake the Pelicans for third place.

On offense, the Giants have inserted 23-year old CF Roy Belknap (.281/.337/.425, 3 HR, 18 RBI, 15 BB, 0.7 WAR) into the No. 3 spot in the lineup to face RHP. Belknap was a 12th overall pick from last season and is rated 22nd overall among all prospects in the ULB.

The Giants sent two players to the All-Star game: RP Rodrigo González (1st) and 2B Sean Brearton (3rd).

Player of the Week Awards:

December 5 – RF Carlton Broadbent (.500, 8 H, 3 HR, 7 RBI)

Key Trade: December 28 with the Hespeler Stars:

To Balmoral – 34-year old LHP Hirotada Fukushima (50/50)

To Hespeler – 25-year old IF Jake Hooper (36/45)

Knee-jerk reaction: Fukushima’s (5-12, 4.29 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, 95 ERA+) two-year tenure with Hespeler is over, as the 5-time all-star, 5-time United Cup Champion is acquired by the Giants. Fukushima is not the pitcher he once was, however. While his stuff is decent (45/45) and movement great (65/65), his control is shaky (35/35). As a result, his walk rate has shot up the past couple of seasons. He becomes Balmoral’s No. 4 starter.

Hooper (.301/.370/.397, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 7 BB, 0.5 WAR), a former second-round pick from 1944-45, is an elite fielder at both 2B and SS with excellent speed. However, his bat is only average, which will make it difficult for him to crack the starting lineup on a regular basis. He becomes the Stars’ starting shortstop – for now.

Current Injuries:

January 30 – 2B Sean Brearton – Herniated disc. Out for: 4 days.

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Offense: .260/.337/.379 (5th/4th/5th)
Pitching: 4.18/3.97/5.24 (5th/3rd/7th)
Defense: .705 (5th)
Chemistry: Feuding

Although the Sherburn Tigers picked things up in December and have escaped the basement in the West, there will always be a ‘what if’ attached to this club, as it seems the Tigers squandered an opportunity to push for a playoff spot when they shipped SP Roberto Taváres to the Fort Richmond Generals in the off-season. 23-year old RHP Ben Buschlen (10-9, 3.81 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 108 ERA+), who they got in return, has not been a bust, but he is simply not in the same league as Taváres. In fact, Buschlen has struggled over the past two months (5-5, 5.13 ERA, 1.62 WHIP). While the pitching staff has improved, it carries a distinct ragtag look to it (possibly because the GM doesn’t know what he’s doing).

The offense has held steady, with 23-year old LF Noah Teale (.333/.415/.579, 14 HR, 69 RBI, 54 BB, 12 SB, 4.2 WAR) leading the way. 23-year old 2B Jack Burt (.312/.356/.420, 1 HR, 46 RBI, 27 BB, 2.1 WAR) started off slow in October, but has picked things up since then. 25-year old C Quim Cypriano (.277/.350/.401, 7 HR, 51 RBI, 34 BB, 2.1 WAR) continues to progress as Sherburn’s starting catcher. The Brazilian-born Cypriano was a second-round pick back in 1945-46 and took over the catcher’s spot full-time last season. That, I believe, is the crutch of the feuding going on in the clubhouse: 31-year old C Neil Voigt (.233/.304/.430, 8 HR, 20 RBI, 14 BB, 0.7 WAR) is not a happy camper and has fostered dissension. 26-year old RF Louie Pate (.281/.346/.435, 7 HR, 47 RBI, 29 BB, 1.0 WAR), a former 10th overall pick from 1945-46 who hits in the No. 4 spot has joined Voigt in creating friction as well. Voigt needs to go – pronto.

The All-Star game saw three Tigers selected: 2B Jack Burt (1st), 3B Fraser Rae (1st) and LF Noah Teale (1st).

Player of the Week Awards:

December 12 – 3B Fraser Rae (.500, 12 H, 1 HR, 8 RBI)
January 30 – RF Louie Pate (.389, 7 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI)

Noteworthy:

December 24 – For just the second time in ULB history, two NO-HITTERS are thrown in the same season. Two months and two days after Fort Richmond’s Shinzo Okamoto accomplished it against the Pulberry Trolleys, 34-year old LHP Daniel Pierson (9-8, 4.22 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 96 ERA+) threw his no-no against the Kingston Pelicans, shutting them down 2-0. In front of 23,897 fans at The Paramount, Pierson threw 2 K against 3 BB on 98 pitches (61 for strikes). The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the 8th inning, when PH Conor Young singled in two runs with the bases loaded. That’s all Pierson needed to complete his masterpiece (Game score: 86). Less than a month later, Pierson was traded to the Brunswick Legends.

January 8 – All good things must come to an end and on this day, Fraser Rae (.309/.360/.404, 5 HR, 44 RBI, 21 BB, 1.6 WAR) went 0 for 3, ending his 24-game hitting streak. Nevertheless, the Tigers still prevailed over the Hespeler Stars, 7-4. And despite being an all-star for the first time in his career, Rae is not a regular in the lineup.

Key Trade: January 19 with the Cobourg Red Stockings:

To Sherburn – 40-year old RHP Lenny Freke (46/46)

To Cobourg – 21-year old minor league 3B Anthony Granier (20/40)

Knee-jerk reaction: A simple question: if the Tigers are so desperate for pitching, why did they trade Satchel Paige Award winner Roberto Taváres to the Fort Richmond Generals in the off-season in the first place? Instead, they acquire a pitcher near the end of his career in 40-year old RHP Lenny Freke (8-14, 5.05 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 81 ERA+). Freke is a 6-time all-star and one-time Satchel Paige Award winner, but the glory days are now well behind him. Nevertheless, he has been pegged as Sherburn’s No. 3 starter.

At least the Tigers did not give up much to get him, as Granier is an OK player in the field and at the plate, but is projected to be little more than a supplemental player in the ULB.
But this looks more like addition by subtraction for Cobourg, as Freke was on pace to lose 23 games this season, despite Cobourg’s fire-power.

Current Injuries: None.

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Offense: .256/.342/.388 (6th/3rd/3rd)
Pitching: 4.70/4.73/4.60 (6th/8th/5th)
Defense: .684 (8th)
Chemistry: Happy

Seeing their short term outlook bleak with a dearth of quality pitching, the Cambria Cannons have committed themselves to stocking their system with some young arms. In December and January, they made three trades that netted four young pitchers: 20-year old LHP Bill Southern (20/53), 24-year old RHP Masami Fujihara (30/43), 26-year old LHP Jamie Wigley (4-2, 4.98 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, 80 ERA+ - 37/37) and 22-year old RHP Mario Gallardo (20/48). Wigley and Fujihara are already in Cambria’s rotation and bullpen respectively, so it will be interesting to see if this infusion of talent will improve Cambria’s fortunes in the near future.

29-year old SS César Ruíz (.313/.415/.554, 22 HR, 86 RBI, 66 BB, 5.1 WAR) continues to dominate the Western League, winning both Batter of the Month and Rookie of the Month honors in January. Although his numbers are down from previous years, 32-year old C Heung-su Park (.329/.422/.446, 7 HR, 34 RBI, 51 BB, 4.2 WAR) is still performing at a high level and is considered one of the top catchers in the ULB (3rd overall).

Three Cannons headed off to the All-Star game: C Heung-su Park (4th), SS César Ruíz (1st) and RF Nicky Willis (8th).

Player of the Week Awards:

January 23 – SS César Ruíz (.400, 14 H, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 2 R)

Noteworthy:

January 22 – Although the Hespeler Stars still prevailed, 10-9, 23-year old 1B Carlos Correa (.276/.358/.443, 9 HR, 26 RBI, 26 BB, 0.8 WAR) was hot at the plate, going 5 for 7. Correa singled in the 1st, singled in the 4th, singled in the 5th, hit an RBI single in the 6th, flied out in the 8th, singled in the 10th and grounded out in the 13th. In all, he collected 2 R and 1 RBI. The Cannons led 8-4 until the top of the 8th inning, when the Stars scored 5 runs (off of a 3-run home run and a 2-run home run) to take the lead. Cambria managed to tie things up in the bottom of the 9th, but a HBP, two walks and sac fly pushed across the go-ahead run for the Stars in the top of the 13th. That’s the way it would end.

Current Injuries: None.

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Offense: .247/.323/.372 (8th/8th/6th)
Pitching: 4.71/4.65/5.02 (7th/6th/6th)
Defense: .706 (4th)
Chemistry: Unhappy

The Hespeler Stars are in a tough spot right now as they continue to slide down the standings with little optimism for a quick turnaround. The majority of the players are underperforming and the farm system needs a shot in the arm (now 11th overall). It’s especially disheartening to see young pitchers such as 25-year old RHP Stephen Tindall (8-11, 4.57 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 90 ERA+) and 23-year old LHP Larry Kovnats (6-14, 6.07 ERA, 1.89 WHIP, 68 ERA+) struggling. If they can somehow find their groove again, then things wouldn’t be so depressing in these parts. Although he slumped in December (2-3, 5.57 ERA, 1.93 WHIP), 25-year old RHP Paul Woodruff (12-7, 3.48 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 118 ERA+) rebounded somewhat in January (3-1, 2.93 ERA, 1.67 WHIP) and continues to be Hespeler’s best pitcher.

But there are a couple of bright spots on offense. 27-year old RF Kominiko Hokulani (.263/.373/.443, 10 HR, 36 RBI, 59 BB, 2.6 WAR) is enjoying a solid year, his first as a full-time starter. The Samoan-born Hokulani was drafted 4th overall back in 1945-46 and is now the Stars’ lead-off hitter. Also, 28-year old 3B Oliver Pickford (.330/.399/.493, 7 HR, 35 RBI, 22 BB, 2.6 WAR) has started to blossom, after two previous mediocre campaigns. So perhaps there’s still hope for the other young players to ‘flick the switch’.

3B Oliver Pickford (1st) was the lone Star to earn a selection to the All-Star Game.

Player of the Week Awards:

January 16 – 3B Oliver Pickford (.600, 9 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI)

Key Trade: January 18 with the Wellington Athletics:

To Hespeler – 26-year old SS Zhao-hui Qian (51/63)

To Wellington – 25-year old RHP Troy Conlin (40/42) and 24-year old minor league LF Jim Mars (20/65)

Knee-jerk reaction: Two teams with no playoff aspirations make an intriguing trade. Hespeler makes an upgrade at SS for the second time this season, as Qian (.253/.300/.366, 6 HR, 42 RBI, 28 BB, 8 SB, 1.9 WAR) is rated 10th overall among shortstops in the United Leagues. He will take over from Jake Hooper (13th overall), who was acquired from Balmoral back on December 5. Qian, a second-overall pick back in 1945-46 is an award-winning defensive player with incredible speed and a good judge of the strike zone. He has been up-and-down over his career, however, so the Stars hope he can be more consistent for them.

For Wellington, they apparently felt that 25-year old SS Rupert Bricknell (.299/.450/.470, 5 HR, 27 RBI, 36 BB, 1.7 WAR), a former third overall pick in 1944-45, was ready to take over from Qian. He is rated 5th overall among SS and will lead off for the Athletics. In return for Qian, Wellington receives the young Conlin, who in reality is barely a spot starter. Although he boasts six pitches (his sinker is rated 50/50), he has trouble throwing strikes, leading to walks and high pitch counts. He has been installed as Wellington’s No. 5 starter. But the Athletics also receive the dynamic Mars, who can play anywhere in the outfield. The former second-round pick from last season, Mars has very good speed, bunting skills, excellent defense and a tremendous eye at the plate. Scouts suggest that he could hit .360 one day and flourish in the majors.

Current Injuries: None.

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Offense: .253/.324/.370 (7th/7th/7th)
Pitching: 4.92/4.68/6.04 (8th/7th/8th)
Defense: .699 (7th)
Chemistry: Unhappy

The Pulberry Trolleys hit rock bottom in December before recovering somewhat in January. Yet, they allowed the trade deadline to pass without addressing the problems this team is facing.

The Trolleys continue to sit three of their top-rated players: 28-year old SS Roland Binns (.245/.294/.318, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 8 BB, 2 SB, 0.2 WAR – 57/57), 32-year old 3B Colin Strudwick (.284/.357/.400, 1 HR, 21 RBI, 26 BB, 1.0 WAR – 47/47) and 31-year old RF Jarod Dwyer (.280/.405/.515, 6 HR, 22 RBI, 29 BB, 1.2 WAR – 42/42). Only Binns taking a back seat is justifiable, as 24-year old SS Francis Jones (.322/.426/.480, 11 HR, 42 RBI, 61 BB, 3.2 WAR) is earning his starting role. In fact, the 7th overall pick from 1945-46 is rated 14th overall among all position players and is easily Pulberry’s best player.

But that’s no excuse for the GM sitting on his hands while he had a chance to reconfigure this team and eliminate the logjams before the trade deadline. Marcus Dejyothin has been Pulberry’s GM since Day 1, and this team has done NOTHING under his watch. This will be the club’s 13th straight losing season. And yet his reputation is ‘excellent’? And he’s got three more years left on his contract? I’d hate for the ‘Commissioner’ to interfere with internal team matters, but perhaps an unofficial visit to Pulberry to meet with owner Paul Winterackley may be in order, to see at least if the club has a game plan for getting out of their unacceptable rut.

SS Francis Jones (1st) represented the Trolleys at this year’s All-Star Game in Pulberry.

Player of the Week Awards:

January 9 – LF Ellis Dibble (.379, 11 H, 2 HR, 9 RBI)

Current Injuries: None.

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07-26-2018, 06:00 PM	#452
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,919	February 1, 1950 Western League: The Unions Assert Themselves -------- Offense: .276/.363/.397 (1st/1st/2nd) Pitching: 2.77/2.95/1.75 (1st/2nd/1st) Defense: .726 (2nd) Chemistry: Content The Wolseley Unions are the class of the entire United Leagues and are on pace for 100 victories. They are dominating both sides of the ball and their pitching staff is on the verge of setting a new ULB record for lowest team ERA. Right now, it is 2.77. The lowest mark is currently 2.85, set by the Stratford Barons in 1943-44 and matched by the Kingston Pelicans in 1946-47. Not surprisingly, the Fort Richmond Generals are not far behind this season, as their team ERA is currently 2.91. With the exception of 28-year old Burt Willey (.248/.336/.334, 3 HR, 27 RBI, 43 BB, 0.5 WAR – 15th-rated 3B), the Unions have a Top-10 player at every position. Despite everything firing on all cylinders, it’s interesting to note that the clubhouse mood is merely content rather than ecstatic. That’s perhaps due to just having one captain/leader: 28-year old SS George Kimpton (.311/.382/.453, 10 HR, 80 RBI, 49 BB, 3.7 WAR). The Unions might be wise to acquire a couple of more players with leadership qualities in the near future, for when the team meets up with adversity. Wolseley has three starting pitchers rated in the Top 10: 31-year old RHP Bill Blair (13-2, 2.56 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 160 ERA+ - 3rd overall), 26-year old RHP Jeremy Albury (10-11, 2.70 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 151 ERA+ - 4th) and 30-year old RHP Kai Tosh (9-8, 2.89 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 142 ERA+ - 8th). Even 24-year old LHP Axel Mackay (5-0, 3 SV, 1.57 ERA, 1.09 WHIP) has found his groove, now that he is in the rotation. The pitching staff is so deep that even 29-year old RHP Ian Peter (7-4, 3.57 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 115 ERA+) is unable to find a regular spot on the major league staff. He is still very much an effective pitcher, so I was surprised Wolseley didn’t flip him for some prospects before the trade deadline. With a farm system rated 15th overall, they could use an infusion of talent. Nine players were selected to the All-Star game: SP Jeremy Albury (2nd), SP Bill Blair (2nd), SP Kai Tosh (4th), RP Shou-xin Chin (1st), CL John Palm (9th), C Éric Denis (3rd), SS George Kimpton (2nd), LF Carlton Hawking (5th) and RF Howard Ockey (1st). Player of the Week Awards: December 26 – C Éric Denis (.435, 10 H, 4 HR, 12 RBI) Noteworthy: December 24 – 25-year old C Éric Denis (.291/.354/.493, 15 HR, 65 RBI, 36 BB, 3.5 WAR) became the 7th player in the United Leagues to wallop 3 home runs in a single game. He did in the Unions 15-1 triumph over the Hespeler Stars. He went 4 for 4 with 2 BB on the day, scoring 4 R and cashing in a whopping 9 RBI. Denis hit a solo-shot off Troy Conlin in the 2nd, hit an RBI double in the 3Rd, hit a 3-run home run off Troy Conlin in the 4th, walked in the 6th, hit another 3-run home run in the 7th off Miles van den Bogaert and walked in the 8th. Current Injuries: None. -------- Offense: .263/.330/.387 (2nd/6th/4th) Pitching: 2.91/2.90/2.95 (2nd/1st/2nd) Defense: .737 (1st) Chemistry: Ecstatic The Fort Richmond Generals are no slouches themselves, but they have been unable to overtake the Unions for top spot in the West. They got to within half a game in mid-December, but cooled off a little in January to fall 4 games back. That is certainly due to their offence not being as productive as it could be. They’re still very good, but Wolseley has simply been better and more consistent. But the Generals have a pitching staff that can rival anything the Unions can offer, as Fort Richmond enjoys the services of four starting pitchers rated in the Top 10: 30-year old RHP Roberto Taváres (11-10, 2.53 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 157 ERA+ - 2nd overall), 27-year old RHP Ch’ang-chieh Li (13-6, 2.99 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 133 ERA+ - 6th), 27-year old RHP Nicky Sherlock (11-8, 3.15 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 126 ERA+ - 7th) and 25-year old Shinzo Okamoto (12-8, 2.58 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 154 ERA+ - 9th). 25-year old 2B Nobuyoshi Yoshida (.309/.364/.435, 3 HR, 42 RBI, 32 BB, 3.5 WAR) is enjoying a break-out season in his third year in the ULB. He won a Top Fielder Award at shortstop last season. Since moving to second base this year, he has not missed a beat. In fact, it’s his strongest position and he may just add a second defensive award to his mantelpiece this year. Eight Generals were selected to this year’s All-Star game: SP Ch’ang chieh Li (2nd), SP Shinzo Okamoto (1st), SP Nicky Sherlock (4th), SP Roberto Taváres (7th), CL José Rodriguez (2nd), 2B Nobuyoshi Yoshida (1st), CF Dylan Moyne (4th) and RF Brandon Robinson (2nd). Player of the Week Awards: December 19 – SS Ninfa Puzon (.481, 13 H, 3 RBI) Current Injuries: January 31 – RF Brandon Robinson – Herniated disc. Out for: one week. -------- Offense: .261/.355/.411 (4th/2nd/1st) Pitching: 4.12/4.04/4.52 (3rd/4th/4th) Defense: .704 (6th) Chemistry: Happy The Kingston Pelicans continue to ride their high-octane offense that has seen them reverse a two-year downward trend in the standings, but with a pitching staff that cannot hold a candle to neither Wolseley nor Fort Richmond, the Pelicans will be hard-pressed to return to the playoffs. 35-year old 1B Dean Bishop (.277/.425/.617, 30 HR, 106 RBI, 96 BB, 5.5 WAR) has been the story, not only for Kingston, but for the entire United Leagues as well. Bishop has been on a tear all season and is on pace for 44 home runs. That would set a new record in the ULB, surpassing the current mark of 36, first set by Embro’s Jim Friend in 1940-41 and matched by Hall of Famer Jayden Tennant a year later. Bishop’s previous best was 25, two seasons ago. He has been ably supported by 31-year old C Danny Trowbridge (.346/.444/.534, 11 HR, 60 RBI, 61 BB, 5.2 WAR) and a surprising 28-year old LF Glen Traill (.305/.414/.473, 4 HR, 30 RBI, 41 BB, 10 SB, 2.3 WAR), who is enjoying the first substantial season of his 6-year career. He also earned his first all-star nod. The pitching staff is an entirely different matter. But 25-year old LHP Dana Listman (13-7, 3.55 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 115 ERA+) continues his decent play and the Pelicans recently promoted 24-year old RHP Kieran Bunce (6-6, 3.34 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 123 ERA+) from the bullpen to be their No. 3 starter. Bunce was a 16th overall pick in 1947-48. Six players represented the Pelicans at the All-Star game: SP Dana Listman (1st), C Danny Trowbridge (9th), 1B Dean Bishop (6th), SS Katsunan Chikafuji (10th), LF Glen Traill (1st) and RF Luca Bewick (2nd). Player of the Week Awards: January 2 – RF Mo Spenceley (.800, 4 H, 1 RBI) Noteworthy: December 30 – Just 6 days after Wolseley’s Éric Denis accomplished it, another catcher belted 3 home runs in a single game. This time it was C Danny Trowbridge. Trowbridge hit a 3-run home run in the 1st, a solo-shot in the 2nd and a two-run home run in the 6th, all off Cambria Cannons’ RHP Alexander Ellacott. In all, he went 3 for 5 on the day, with 3 R, 6 RBI and 4 BB. However, the Cannons prevailed 13-12 in the 17 innings. Kingston led 10-5 until the bottom of the 8th inning, when the Cannons scored 2 runs off of a 2-run home run and another 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th off of a 3-run home run to tie the game up. Both teams exchanged a couple of runs each in the 13th to keep things even. But Cambria led off the bottom of the 17th inning with back-to-back singles and a bunt single to load the bases with nobody out. Edmond Boswell then drew a walk to drive in the winning run, ending the 5 hour, 44 minute marathon. Current Injuries: December 4 – RHP Ben Currall – hamstring strain. Out for: 1 more week. January 12 – SS Katsunan Chikafuji – fractured rib. Out for: 1 more day. -------- Offense: .262/.336/.369 (3rd/5th/8th) Pitching: 4.13/4.20/3.71 (4th/5th/3rd) Defense: .708 (3rd) Chemistry: Unhappy The Balmoral Giants picked things up in January, going 12-6 after the all-star break to take over fourth place in the West. That can be attributed to improved play all across the board as the offense, pitching and defense have all improved. They were also active on the trade scene. In addition to trading for SP Hirotada Fukushima (noted below), they also acquired 32-year old LHP Callum Stonehouse (8-9, 4.48 ERA, 1.64 WHIP, 87 ERA+) from the Cambria Cannons back in December as well as 25-year old RHP Bonie Bandong (2-0, 2 SV, 3.77 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 107 ERA+) from the Stratford Barons. Both trades saw minor league players go the other team. With Stonehouse occupying the No. 5 spot in the rotation and Bandong taking over the stopper role from 29-year old RHP Gerard Leese (5-2, 8 SV, 4.85 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, 83 ERA+), the Giants are no doubt looking for some modest improvements and see if they can overtake the Pelicans for third place. On offense, the Giants have inserted 23-year old CF Roy Belknap (.281/.337/.425, 3 HR, 18 RBI, 15 BB, 0.7 WAR) into the No. 3 spot in the lineup to face RHP. Belknap was a 12th overall pick from last season and is rated 22nd overall among all prospects in the ULB. The Giants sent two players to the All-Star game: RP Rodrigo González (1st) and 2B Sean Brearton (3rd). Player of the Week Awards: December 5 – RF Carlton Broadbent (.500, 8 H, 3 HR, 7 RBI) Key Trade: December 28 with the Hespeler Stars: To Balmoral – 34-year old LHP Hirotada Fukushima (50/50) To Hespeler – 25-year old IF Jake Hooper (36/45) *Knee-jerk reaction:* Fukushima’s (5-12, 4.29 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, 95 ERA+) two-year tenure with Hespeler is over, as the 5-time all-star, 5-time United Cup Champion is acquired by the Giants. Fukushima is not the pitcher he once was, however. While his stuff is decent (45/45) and movement great (65/65), his control is shaky (35/35). As a result, his walk rate has shot up the past couple of seasons. He becomes Balmoral’s No. 4 starter. Hooper (.301/.370/.397, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 7 BB, 0.5 WAR), a former second-round pick from 1944-45, is an elite fielder at both 2B and SS with excellent speed. However, his bat is only average, which will make it difficult for him to crack the starting lineup on a regular basis. He becomes the Stars’ starting shortstop – for now. Current Injuries: January 30 – 2B Sean Brearton – Herniated disc. Out for: 4 days. -------- Offense: .260/.337/.379 (5th/4th/5th) Pitching: 4.18/3.97/5.24 (5th/3rd/7th) Defense: .705 (5th) Chemistry: Feuding Although the Sherburn Tigers picked things up in December and have escaped the basement in the West, there will always be a ‘what if’ attached to this club, as it seems the Tigers squandered an opportunity to push for a playoff spot when they shipped SP Roberto Taváres to the Fort Richmond Generals in the off-season. 23-year old RHP Ben Buschlen (10-9, 3.81 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 108 ERA+), who they got in return, has not been a bust, but he is simply not in the same league as Taváres. In fact, Buschlen has struggled over the past two months (5-5, 5.13 ERA, 1.62 WHIP). While the pitching staff has improved, it carries a distinct ragtag look to it (possibly because the GM doesn’t know what he’s doing). The offense has held steady, with 23-year old LF Noah Teale (.333/.415/.579, 14 HR, 69 RBI, 54 BB, 12 SB, 4.2 WAR) leading the way. 23-year old 2B Jack Burt (.312/.356/.420, 1 HR, 46 RBI, 27 BB, 2.1 WAR) started off slow in October, but has picked things up since then. 25-year old C Quim Cypriano (.277/.350/.401, 7 HR, 51 RBI, 34 BB, 2.1 WAR) continues to progress as Sherburn’s starting catcher. The Brazilian-born Cypriano was a second-round pick back in 1945-46 and took over the catcher’s spot full-time last season. That, I believe, is the crutch of the feuding going on in the clubhouse: 31-year old C Neil Voigt (.233/.304/.430, 8 HR, 20 RBI, 14 BB, 0.7 WAR) is not a happy camper and has fostered dissension. 26-year old RF Louie Pate (.281/.346/.435, 7 HR, 47 RBI, 29 BB, 1.0 WAR), a former 10th overall pick from 1945-46 who hits in the No. 4 spot has joined Voigt in creating friction as well. Voigt needs to go – pronto. The All-Star game saw three Tigers selected: 2B Jack Burt (1st), 3B Fraser Rae (1st) and LF Noah Teale (1st). Player of the Week Awards: December 12 – 3B Fraser Rae (.500, 12 H, 1 HR, 8 RBI) January 30 – RF Louie Pate (.389, 7 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI) Noteworthy: December 24 – For just the second time in ULB history, two NO-HITTERS are thrown in the same season. Two months and two days after Fort Richmond’s Shinzo Okamoto accomplished it against the Pulberry Trolleys, 34-year old LHP Daniel Pierson (9-8, 4.22 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 96 ERA+) threw his no-no against the Kingston Pelicans, shutting them down 2-0. In front of 23,897 fans at The Paramount, Pierson threw 2 K against 3 BB on 98 pitches (61 for strikes). The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the 8th inning, when PH Conor Young singled in two runs with the bases loaded. That’s all Pierson needed to complete his masterpiece (Game score: 86). Less than a month later, Pierson was traded to the Brunswick Legends. January 8 – All good things must come to an end and on this day, Fraser Rae (.309/.360/.404, 5 HR, 44 RBI, 21 BB, 1.6 WAR) went 0 for 3, ending his 24-game hitting streak. Nevertheless, the Tigers still prevailed over the Hespeler Stars, 7-4. And despite being an all-star for the first time in his career, Rae is not a regular in the lineup. Key Trade: January 19 with the Cobourg Red Stockings: To Sherburn – 40-year old RHP Lenny Freke (46/46) To Cobourg – 21-year old minor league 3B Anthony Granier (20/40) *Knee-jerk reaction:* A simple question: if the Tigers are so desperate for pitching, why did they trade Satchel Paige Award winner Roberto Taváres to the Fort Richmond Generals in the off-season in the first place? Instead, they acquire a pitcher near the end of his career in 40-year old RHP Lenny Freke (8-14, 5.05 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 81 ERA+). Freke is a 6-time all-star and one-time Satchel Paige Award winner, but the glory days are now well behind him. Nevertheless, he has been pegged as Sherburn’s No. 3 starter. At least the Tigers did not give up much to get him, as Granier is an OK player in the field and at the plate, but is projected to be little more than a supplemental player in the ULB. But this looks more like addition by subtraction for Cobourg, as Freke was on pace to lose 23 games this season, despite Cobourg’s fire-power. Current Injuries: None. -------- Offense: .256/.342/.388 (6th/3rd/3rd) Pitching: 4.70/4.73/4.60 (6th/8th/5th) Defense: .684 (8th) Chemistry: Happy Seeing their short term outlook bleak with a dearth of quality pitching, the Cambria Cannons have committed themselves to stocking their system with some young arms. In December and January, they made three trades that netted four young pitchers: 20-year old LHP Bill Southern (20/53), 24-year old RHP Masami Fujihara (30/43), 26-year old LHP Jamie Wigley (4-2, 4.98 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, 80 ERA+ - 37/37) and 22-year old RHP Mario Gallardo (20/48). Wigley and Fujihara are already in Cambria’s rotation and bullpen respectively, so it will be interesting to see if this infusion of talent will improve Cambria’s fortunes in the near future. 29-year old SS César Ruíz (.313/.415/.554, 22 HR, 86 RBI, 66 BB, 5.1 WAR) continues to dominate the Western League, winning both Batter of the Month and Rookie of the Month honors in January. Although his numbers are down from previous years, 32-year old C Heung-su Park (.329/.422/.446, 7 HR, 34 RBI, 51 BB, 4.2 WAR) is still performing at a high level and is considered one of the top catchers in the ULB (3rd overall). Three Cannons headed off to the All-Star game: C Heung-su Park (4th), SS César Ruíz (1st) and RF Nicky Willis (8th). Player of the Week Awards: January 23 – SS César Ruíz (.400, 14 H, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 2 R) Noteworthy: January 22 – Although the Hespeler Stars still prevailed, 10-9, 23-year old 1B Carlos Correa (.276/.358/.443, 9 HR, 26 RBI, 26 BB, 0.8 WAR) was hot at the plate, going 5 for 7. Correa singled in the 1st, singled in the 4th, singled in the 5th, hit an RBI single in the 6th, flied out in the 8th, singled in the 10th and grounded out in the 13th. In all, he collected 2 R and 1 RBI. The Cannons led 8-4 until the top of the 8th inning, when the Stars scored 5 runs (off of a 3-run home run and a 2-run home run) to take the lead. Cambria managed to tie things up in the bottom of the 9th, but a HBP, two walks and sac fly pushed across the go-ahead run for the Stars in the top of the 13th. That’s the way it would end. Current Injuries: None. -------- Offense: .247/.323/.372 (8th/8th/6th) Pitching: 4.71/4.65/5.02 (7th/6th/6th) Defense: .706 (4th) Chemistry: Unhappy The Hespeler Stars are in a tough spot right now as they continue to slide down the standings with little optimism for a quick turnaround. The majority of the players are underperforming and the farm system needs a shot in the arm (now 11th overall). It’s especially disheartening to see young pitchers such as 25-year old RHP Stephen Tindall (8-11, 4.57 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 90 ERA+) and 23-year old LHP Larry Kovnats (6-14, 6.07 ERA, 1.89 WHIP, 68 ERA+) struggling. If they can somehow find their groove again, then things wouldn’t be so depressing in these parts. Although he slumped in December (2-3, 5.57 ERA, 1.93 WHIP), 25-year old RHP Paul Woodruff (12-7, 3.48 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 118 ERA+) rebounded somewhat in January (3-1, 2.93 ERA, 1.67 WHIP) and continues to be Hespeler’s best pitcher. But there are a couple of bright spots on offense. 27-year old RF Kominiko Hokulani (.263/.373/.443, 10 HR, 36 RBI, 59 BB, 2.6 WAR) is enjoying a solid year, his first as a full-time starter. The Samoan-born Hokulani was drafted 4th overall back in 1945-46 and is now the Stars’ lead-off hitter. Also, 28-year old 3B Oliver Pickford (.330/.399/.493, 7 HR, 35 RBI, 22 BB, 2.6 WAR) has started to blossom, after two previous mediocre campaigns. So perhaps there’s still hope for the other young players to ‘flick the switch’. 3B Oliver Pickford (1st) was the lone Star to earn a selection to the All-Star Game. Player of the Week Awards: January 16 – 3B Oliver Pickford (.600, 9 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI) Key Trade: January 18 with the Wellington Athletics: To Hespeler – 26-year old SS Zhao-hui Qian (51/63) To Wellington – 25-year old RHP Troy Conlin (40/42) and 24-year old minor league LF Jim Mars (20/65) Knee-jerk reaction: Two teams with no playoff aspirations make an intriguing trade. Hespeler makes an upgrade at SS for the second time this season, as Qian (.253/.300/.366, 6 HR, 42 RBI, 28 BB, 8 SB, 1.9 WAR) is rated 10th overall among shortstops in the United Leagues. He will take over from Jake Hooper (13th overall), who was acquired from Balmoral back on December 5. Qian, a second-overall pick back in 1945-46 is an award-winning defensive player with incredible speed and a good judge of the strike zone. He has been up-and-down over his career, however, so the Stars hope he can be more consistent for them. For Wellington, they apparently felt that 25-year old SS Rupert Bricknell (.299/.450/.470, 5 HR, 27 RBI, 36 BB, 1.7 WAR), a former third overall pick in 1944-45, was ready to take over from Qian. He is rated 5th overall among SS and will lead off for the Athletics. In return for Qian, Wellington receives the young Conlin, who in reality is barely a spot starter. Although he boasts six pitches (his sinker is rated 50/50), he has trouble throwing strikes, leading to walks and high pitch counts. He has been installed as Wellington’s No. 5 starter. But the Athletics also receive the dynamic Mars, who can play anywhere in the outfield. The former second-round pick from last season, Mars has very good speed, bunting skills, excellent defense and a tremendous eye at the plate. Scouts suggest that he could hit .360 one day and flourish in the majors. Current Injuries: None. -------- Offense: .253/.324/.370 (7th/7th/7th) Pitching: 4.92/4.68/6.04 (8th/7th/8th) Defense: .699 (7th) Chemistry: Unhappy The Pulberry Trolleys hit rock bottom in December before recovering somewhat in January. Yet, they allowed the trade deadline to pass without addressing the problems this team is facing. The Trolleys continue to sit three of their top-rated players: 28-year old SS Roland Binns (.245/.294/.318, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 8 BB, 2 SB, 0.2 WAR – 57/57), 32-year old 3B Colin Strudwick (.284/.357/.400, 1 HR, 21 RBI, 26 BB, 1.0 WAR – 47/47) and 31-year old RF Jarod Dwyer (.280/.405/.515, 6 HR, 22 RBI, 29 BB, 1.2 WAR – 42/42). Only Binns taking a back seat is justifiable, as 24-year old SS Francis Jones (.322/.426/.480, 11 HR, 42 RBI, 61 BB, 3.2 WAR) is earning his starting role. In fact, the 7th overall pick from 1945-46 is rated 14th overall among all position players and is easily Pulberry’s best player. But that’s no excuse for the GM sitting on his hands while he had a chance to reconfigure this team and eliminate the logjams before the trade deadline. Marcus Dejyothin has been Pulberry’s GM since Day 1, and this team has done NOTHING under his watch. This will be the club’s 13th straight losing season. And yet his reputation is ‘excellent’? And he’s got three more years left on his contract? I’d hate for the ‘Commissioner’ to interfere with internal team matters, but perhaps an unofficial visit to Pulberry to meet with owner Paul Winterackley may be in order, to see at least if the club has a game plan for getting out of their unacceptable rut. SS Francis Jones (1st) represented the Trolleys at this year’s All-Star Game in Pulberry. Player of the Week Awards: January 9 – LF Ellis Dibble (.379, 11 H, 2 HR, 9 RBI) Current Injuries: None. -------- __________________ United Leagues of Braeland Last edited by reds1; 07-27-2018 at 12:13 AM.