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reds1 · 08-06-2018, 06:48 AM

March 27, 1950

Eastern League: Chiefs Capture Top Spot for First Time

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Offense: .270/.346/.410 (3rd/5th/2nd)
Pitching: 3.40/3.47/3.10 (1st/1st/2nd)
Defense: .725 (1st)
Chemistry: Happy

The Downie Chiefs are heading to the playoffs for the very first time and they will be doing it in style, as they finished in first place, thus earning home field advantage for the Eastern League Pennant Series. While the Braeland City Monarchs faded in the final two months, the Chiefs finished strong, winning 32 games, tied with the Wolseley Unions for most victories during that stretch.

Downie is a remarkably balanced team. They finished second in the East in offensive R/G (5.2), just behind Braeland City’s 5.3 and led the East in run prevention (4.0 R/G). The Stratford Barons were next with 4.3. Also, they won as many games in the first half of the season as they did in the final three months, going 48-32 from October to December and 48-26 from January to March.

There is no shortage of team leaders responsible for the Chiefs finally becoming relevant. 24-year old CF Alfonso León (.328/.386/.506, 17 HR, 106 RBI, 62 BB, 8 SB, 7.0 WAR) and 24-year old 3B Dominic Dudding (.324/.395/.520, 19 HR, 105 RBI, 74 BB, 5 SB, 6.1 WAR) are the heart and soul of the lineup, batting in the No. 3 and No. 4 spot respectively. But Downie also benefitted from 27-year old SS Mac Medley (.291/.388/.429, 13 HR, 78 RBI, 99 BB, 21 SB, 4.7 WAR) and 26-year old C Jilenko Batiles (.274/.315/.500, 25 HR, 90 RBI, 24 BB, 3.4 WAR), who both contributed their best seasons in years, although Batiles did struggle at the plate down the stretch.

But the pitching staff just seemed to gel this season, finishing first in a host of categories. 27-year old RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (19-11, 2.82 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 141 ERA+) emerged as a legitimate ace and 29-year old RHP Bernie Knowles (16-11, 3.48 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 115 ERA+) enjoyed a nice bounce-back year. Furthermore, Downie boasts two of the best relievers in the United Leagues: 32-year old stopper RHP Carl Luscombe (7-6, 15 SV, 2.59 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 154 ERA+) and 26-year old RHP Bill Lafontaine (5-4, 9 SV, 2.96 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 134 ERA+). Luscombe was originally drafted by the Chiefs 10th overall in 1939-40, before being traded to the Cambria Cannons in November 1941. Downie wisely re-acquired him from Cambria back in January 1948. He is rated No. 1 overall in the ULB, while Lafontaine was a 13th overall pick in 1942-43.

Biggest Surprise:

He’s was talked about in the previous Eastern League report, but nothing in his past indicated the kind of season he would enjoy. 30-year old RHP Joong Ling (18-5, 2.86 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 139 ERA+) is only in his second season as a starter, after pitching out of the bullpen for the Queensland Eagles from 1943 to 1947. Last year, he went 14-11, 4.05 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 101 ERA+. Now, he is solidly entrenched as Downie’s No. 2 starter and is rated 16th overall among starters in the ULB.

Player of the Week Awards:

March 20 – 3B Dominic Dudding (.538, 14 H, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 8 R)

Noteworthy:

February 26 –CF Alfonso León accomplished the rare feat of hitting 6 hits in a game. He did it against the Brunswick Legends at Babe Ruth Park, helping Downie to a 13-8 triumph. León went 6 for 6, hitting a 3-run home run off Daniel Pierson in the 1st, singled in the 2nd, hit a solo-shot in the 5th off Daniel Pierson again, hit an RBI single in the 6th and singled in the 8th and 9th innings.

Current Injuries:

March 25 – RHP Harley Bracher – mild shoulder inflammation. Out for: DtD, one week; eligible for return after Eastern League Pennant Series.

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Offense: .282/.363/.416 (1st/1st/1st)
Pitching: 3.98/3.99/3.91 (4th/5th/3rd)
Defense: .712 (3rd)
Chemistry: Ecstatic

At first, it seemed the final two months of the regular season would offer a fantastic duel between the Braeland City Monarchs and Downie Chiefs for first place in the East, as both teams had battled back and forth in the first four months. Alas it was not to be, as Braeland City quickly faltered and could only tread water while the Chiefs pulled ahead and never let up. Braeland City’s struggles are certainly the result of a fading pitching staff. Last year it was tops in the East, but this season it appears cracks are starting to form in what was once a formidable unit. Which leads to the question: Is their window of opportunity closing sooner than expected?

29-year old LHP Nicholas Grimes (16-15, 4.01 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 102 ERA+) was hot and cold all season and 40-year old LHP David Cooling (16-11, 3.67 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 112 ERA+), while still effective, is now their No. 4 starter. The trade for 29-year old RHP Okura Suzuki (17-9, 3.52 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 117 ERA+) back in April 1949 is now seen as fortuitous, as without him the Monarchs may have been in even worst straits.

There is no such concern for the offense, as 24-year old 2B Patrick Lidgate (.297/.410/.517, 21 HR, 74 RBI, 107 BB, 8 SB, 7.0 WAR) was simply dominant and got stronger as the season wore on. He was ably supported by the likes of 26-year old 1B Dean Witherden (.351/.409/.479, 8 HR, 76 RBI, 48 BB, 4.3 WAR) and 27-year old C Christopher Dainty (.279/.383/.438, 15 HR, 62 RBI, 83 BB, 4.3 WAR), although Dainty’s performance was a step down from last season (6.3 WAR).

Biggest Disappointment:

He’s still only 24-years old so its too soon to panic, but the Monarchs must be wondering when RHP Freddie Trerise (5-10, 5.18 ERA, 1.92 WHIP, 79 ERA+) will take his place in the rotation. A former 8th overall pick in 1945-46, Trerise struggled all season and is now reduced to pitching long relief in the playoffs. For a team that will soon need their young hurlers to step up and take over from the aging veterans so as to remain competitive, its understandable if they’re starting to become concerned.

Player of the Week Awards:

February 6 – 2B Patrick Lidgate (.542, 13 H, 1 HR, 10 RBI)
March 6 – LF Dan Tantoco (.667, 10 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI)

Current Injuries:

February 15 – SS Simon Flatt – strained rib cage muscle. Out for: DtD, 6 days.

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Offense: .255/.357/.365 (8th/2nd/8th)
Pitching: 3.69/3.85/2.75 (2nd/3rd/1st)
Defense: .705 (4th)
Chemistry: Happy

Despite bringing on board 33-year old RF Nicky Willis (.296/.433/.467, 17 HR, 77 RBI, 130 BB, 5.3 WAR) at the trade deadline, it was not enough for the Stratford Barons to make as serious challenge for the wild card. In fact, in early February, Stratford lost ground to the Embro Suns until catching them again on the very last day of the season.

The Barons are approaching a crossroads, as a few of their key players are getting closer to the end of their career, such as 41-year old LHP Ryan Borden (14-13, 3.70 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 110 ERA+), 39-year old LHP Joel Fearn (15-14, 3.81 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 106 ERA+) and 37-year old 2B Jake Walker (.345/.453/.466, 8 HR, 86 RBI, 110 BB, 5.7 WAR). All three are still producing at a high level, but the clock is ticking. But the Barons are in a great position to make a quick transition. They have the second deepest farm system in the ULB and two of their promising starters are currently being eased in. 23-year old RHP Magtanggol Jaojoco (3-2, 15 SV, 3.46 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 117 ERA+ - 52/64) was recently promoted to the No. 3 spot in the rotation, while future starter 22-year old RHP Ted Smith (6-3, 1 SV, 3.23 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, 125 ERA+ - 55/77) finished the season as the club’s stopper. With young talent like that plus players in their peak such as 30-year old C Aaron Skidmore (.310/.478/.454, 14 HR, 79 RBI, 141 BB, 7.7 WAR), the Barons should be great shape to remain a player in the Eastern League for several years yet.

Biggest Disappointment:

They acquired him in the off-season to shore up a weakness as first base, but 27-year old Kyle Pryor (.260/.359/.387, 9 HR, 59 RBI, 59 BB, 1.1 WAR) was not the answer. Pryor remained their starting 1B until January 1, when he was benched in favor of 26-year old Rafael Meléndez (.216/.299/.351, 5 HR, 25 RBI, 18 BB, 0.3 WAR), but he wasn’t much better either. Pryor took over 1B in February before being benched again in March. It appears the search for a solid first baseman continues.

Current Injuries:

March 17 – LHP Ryan Borden – tired arm. Out for: one week.
March 5 – 2B Jake Walker – sprained knee. Out for: DtD, suffered setback; 1 more day.

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Offense: .258/.351/.397 (7th/3rd/4th)
Pitching: 4.14/4.07/4.44 (6th/6th/6th)
Defense: .702 (6th)
Chemistry: Ecstatic

The Embro Suns made a serious push in February, putting the second-best record that month in the United Leagues (behind’s Downie’s 18-6), but could get no closer than 7 games to the wildcard, despite Braeland City’s struggles. But even if the Suns remained hot in March, it’s highly unlikely they would have caught the Monarchs anyway. But like the Barons, Embro appears to be in a good position to make a challenge for the playoffs next season, with a strong farm system and a still solid core to build around. The trades the Suns made to strengthen their pitching staff, like 30-year old LHP Arthur Bence (9-13, 3.57 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 114 ERA+) and 30-year old RHP Aaron Saunderson (15-13, 4.55 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 90 ERA+) should help solidify the rotation with a full-season under their belt. But soon the rotation may also have to make room for 24-year old LHP Carl McBroom (13-9, 4.03 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 101 ERA+) and 24-year old RHP Juan Rivas (9-5, 1 SV, 3.65 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 111 ERA+) as they continue to develop. McBroom finished the season as their No. 5 starter.

Biggest Surprise:

Up until this season, 23-year old RF José Maldonado (.300/.410/.476, 16 HR, 63 RBI, 90 BB, 9 SB, 4.3 WAR – 61/61) was a solid bench player. But at the start of this season, Embro made him their everyday right fielder. The move was an unqualified success, as the young Columbian went from being an unknown quantity to being regarded as the 6th best right fielder in the ULB. Maldonado originally signed a minor league contract with the Cambria Cannons back in August 1942 but was released in May 1945. Embro signed him a few days later and brought him up to the big leagues full-time in 1946. It will be interesting to see how his career unfolds going forward. He already is a two-time all-star.

Player of the Week Awards:

February 13 – SS Rafael De La Cruz (.520, 13 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI)
February 20 – 3B Keon-chae Cho (.480, 12 H, 2 HR, 7 RBI)

Current Injuries: None

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Offense: .282/.346/.408 (2nd/6th/3rd)
Pitching: 4.02/3.96/4.32 (5th/4th/5th)
Defense: .700 (7th)
Chemistry: Happy

After being nine games below .500 at the end of December, the Cobourg Red Stockings fought back to finish even at season’s end. Its just the second time in their history where they avoided finishing with a losing record (they went 81-73 in 1946-47). Much of that can be attributed to the much-improved play of the pitching staff, particularly the rotation. Once considered a train wreck, the staff is showing signs of being a strength, something unthinkable just a few months ago. That bodes well for the club, as they cannot expect the offense to continually play at a high level indefinitely.

23-year old CF Raymond Williams (.353/.421/.618, 29 HR, 112 RBI, 68 BB, 18 SB, 8.4 WAR) had a season for the ages and is now ranked No. 2 overall among position players in the United Leagues. He was head and shoulders above his teammates. 27-year old C Jason Lymer (.299/.334/.427, 10 HR, 67 RBI, 28 BB, 3.5 WAR) and 24-year old 1B Harry Doxey (.313/.363/.457, 13 HR, 79 RBI, 43 BB, 3.5 WAR) were a distant second in WAR. No doubt the Red Stockings are hoping for a more balanced lineup in terms of production next season, so that no one player has to carry the team on their shoulders.

Biggest Surprise:

This goes to three unheralded pitchers, who essentially salvaged what might have been a disastrous season for Cobourg. 29-year old RHP Luis Cruz (13-12, 3.30 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 124 ERA+) stepped into the No. 1 spot early in the season after 40-year old RHP Lenny Freke (11-19, 4.96 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 82 ERA+), 40-year old LHP Max Littler (6-14, 5.98 ERA, 1.83 WHIP, 68 ERA+) and 38-year old RHP Chris Sappington (12-12, 3.63 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 112 ERA+) faltered. Freke, Littler and Sappington would soon be gone. Replacing them alongside Cruz were two young rookies: 21-year old LHP Bill Budd (8-4, 3.61 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 113 ERA+ - 46/60) and 22-year old RHP Fergus Hirst (8-10, 2.73 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 150 ERA+ – 39/57). Despite their inexperience, all played admirably the rest of the way and give Cobourg a legitimate hope heading into next season.

Player of the Week Awards:

March 13 – 1B Harry Doxey (.458, 11 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI)

Noteworthy:

March 4 – The Red Stockings derailed the Suns 7-1 at Speaker Stadium in Embro. 28-year old 3B Alexander Tolmie (.279/.355/.406, 15 HR, 76 RBI, 72 BB, 2.9 WAR) was the stand-out collecting 5 hits in 5 AB. Tolmie singled in the 2nd, hit an RBI double in the 3rd, then singled in the 5th, 7th and 8th innings.

Current Injuries: None

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Offense: .264/.346/.392 (5th/4th/5th)
Pitching: 4.54/4.65/4.13 (8th/8th/4th)
Defense: .695 (8th)
Chemistry: Feuding

They improved their record by 10 games over last season, but that is small comfort for Brunswick Legends as this will be their third season in a row missing the playoffs. But they do have some young talent on the roster and in the pipeline, but whether it will be sufficient to give a much-needed boost to the pitching next season remains to be seen.

33-year old LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (22-8, 2.76 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 148 ERA+) was just outstanding. His 22 wins are the most of his career and it moves him into second place on the all-time wins list with 222 (Stratford’s Joel Fearn leads with 227). Rodríguez would have to be considered the odds-on favorite to win his third Satchel Paige Award. It would be his first in seven years. Now the task is to bolster the rest of the rotation.

The offense was led by 33-year old 1B Stuart Bentham (.356/.434/.570, 30 HR, 111 RBI, 83 BB, 6.5 WAR) and 28-year old 3B Jorge Arredondo (.333/418/.506, 18 HR, 98 RBI, 87 BB, 6 SB, 6.6 WAR). Both enjoyed the best seasons of their respective careers based on WAR; Bentham also won his first Eastern League Batting Title.

Biggest Disappointment:

He earned his fourth trip to the All-Star game this season, so its not as though 29-year old RF Marcus Peyto (.286/.410/.492, 23 HR, 92 RBI, 112 BB, 3.4 WAR – 72/72) is playing bad, but the former 2nd overall pick from 1941-42 still seems a bit of a disappointment. After finishing runner-up to Stratford’s LF Roberto Ríos for the Babe Ruth Award and earning a selection to the All Braeland Team two seasons ago, Peyto has regressed significantly, both on offense and defense (.976 PCT, 2.66 RNG, -14.7 ZR, .978 EFF). He did improve a little at the plate this season, but it’s a far cry from what you would expect from a once elite player.

Current Injuries: None

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Offense: .267/.335/.369 (4th/8th/7th)
Pitching: 3.91/3.75/4.64 (3rd/2nd/7th)
Defense: .720 (2nd)
Chemistry: Happy

The Wellington Athletics are another team in the East that are a candidate for breaking through next season. Although they spent most their time in the cellar, they finished strong, taking 3 of 4 games from Braeland City and 2 of 3 from Downie in the final seven games of the season – both playoff-bound teams. The Athletics have the strongest farm system in the United Leagues with six of their prospects already on the major league roster. With a fresh start with all this talent, Wellington might finish closer to the top of the standings than the bottom next season. But that’s assuming the young ones all blossom at once.

In addition to 27-year old RHP Scott Wheeler (16-9, 3.45 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 116 ERA+ - 50/50) who finished the last two months strong, the rotation is actually led by 23-year old RHP Bert Morrow (13-12, 3.55 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 113 ERA+ - 54/54). Morrow was a third-round pick in 1946-47 and made is major league debut last season.

Wellington did not get a ‘super-star’ season from any of their offensive players but a few players possibly gave a hint of things to come. Former 1st overall pick 22-year old RF Matthew Floyd (.289/.343/.463, 14 HR, 69 RBI, 48 BB, 12 SB, 3.5 WAR) is poised for greatness and 22-year old C Declan Bugbie (.287/.327/.394, 9 HR, 54 RBI, 29 BB, 2.8 WAR) enjoyed a strong first-half in his rookie season. He was a 2nd-round pick in 1946-47.

Biggest Surprise:

25-year old SS Rupert Bricknell (.302/.434/.431, 9 HR, 49 RBI, 73 BB, 5 SB, 3.4 WAR – 58/62) spent four seasons in the minor leagues before reaching the majors last season. He started off slow this year serving as a back-up to 26-year old SS Zhao-hui Qian. But when Qian was traded to the Hespeler Stars on January 18, Bricknell immediately stepped in and made the position his own. The former 3rd overall pick is now rated 5th overall among shortstops in the ULB – two spots higher than Qian.

Player of the Week Awards:

February 27 – LF Matthew Floyd (.421, 8 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI)

Noteworthy:

February 19 – The Athletics prevailed over the Fort Richmond Generals 5-4 in 13 innings at Santop Stadium, and Declan Bugbie enjoyed a memorable day at the plate. Bugbie went 5 for 7, striking out in the 1st, singled in the 4th, 6th and 8th innings, hit an RBI double in the 9th, grounded out in the 12 and singled in the winning run in the 13th.

Current Injuries: None

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Offense: .261/.336/.377 (6th/7th/6th)
Pitching: 4.35/4.27/4.91 (7th/7th/8th)
Defense: .705 (5th)
Chemistry: Content

Unlike the other non-playoff teams in the East, it appears that the Queensland Eagles are not looking to improve in the short-term, as the team embarks on a rebuild starting in the off-season. There is still some talent on this club with a bevy of prospects finding their footing on the major league roster. But overall the Eagles just don’t have the horses to make a run for a spot in the first division as yet.

There were simply no standouts on offense again this season. 30-year old RF Jilenko Vergara (.290/.380/.459, 20 HR, 82 RBI, 67 BB, 3.5 WAR) and 31-year old C Elijah Sheppard (.264/.365/.397, 13 HR, 60 RBI, 74 BB, 3.5 WAR) was as good as it got. A far cry from their performances just a few seasons ago when Queensland won the United Cup (when they compiled 6.1 and 6.9 WAR respectively).

The pitching staff however does show some promise, as 24-year old RHP Logan Belsey (12-16, 3.95 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 102 ERA+ - 54/80) and 22-year old rookie RHP Stiofan Micklethwait (11-12, 3.64 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 110 ERA+ - 49/66) appear poised to settle into the rotation. Belsey was 4th overall pick in 1948-49 and Micklethwait a 9th overall pick in 1946-47.

Biggest Disappointment:

For the first two months of the season, it appeared that 25-year old 3B Alexander Crutcher (.279/.333/.411, 9 HR, 71 RBI, 42 BB, 5 SB, 1.7 WAR – 42/60) was embarking on a long-awaited break-out season, but that was quickly dashed when the former 11th overall pick fell into a prolonged slump the rest of the way. Crutcher is described as a hard worker with outstanding contact skills, speed and defense but the results are just not there. This was his fourth season in the United Leagues and supposedly, his best yet. Here’s hoping he delivers on his promise soon.

Current Injuries: None

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08-06-2018, 06:48 AM	#454
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,925	March 27, 1950 Eastern League: Chiefs Capture Top Spot for First Time -------- Offense: .270/.346/.410 (3rd/5th/2nd) Pitching: 3.40/3.47/3.10 (1st/1st/2nd) Defense: .725 (1st) Chemistry: Happy The Downie Chiefs are heading to the playoffs for the very first time and they will be doing it in style, as they finished in first place, thus earning home field advantage for the Eastern League Pennant Series. While the Braeland City Monarchs faded in the final two months, the Chiefs finished strong, winning 32 games, tied with the Wolseley Unions for most victories during that stretch. Downie is a remarkably balanced team. They finished second in the East in offensive R/G (5.2), just behind Braeland City’s 5.3 and led the East in run prevention (4.0 R/G). The Stratford Barons were next with 4.3. Also, they won as many games in the first half of the season as they did in the final three months, going 48-32 from October to December and 48-26 from January to March. There is no shortage of team leaders responsible for the Chiefs finally becoming relevant. 24-year old CF Alfonso León (.328/.386/.506, 17 HR, 106 RBI, 62 BB, 8 SB, 7.0 WAR) and 24-year old 3B Dominic Dudding (.324/.395/.520, 19 HR, 105 RBI, 74 BB, 5 SB, 6.1 WAR) are the heart and soul of the lineup, batting in the No. 3 and No. 4 spot respectively. But Downie also benefitted from 27-year old SS Mac Medley (.291/.388/.429, 13 HR, 78 RBI, 99 BB, 21 SB, 4.7 WAR) and 26-year old C Jilenko Batiles (.274/.315/.500, 25 HR, 90 RBI, 24 BB, 3.4 WAR), who both contributed their best seasons in years, although Batiles did struggle at the plate down the stretch. But the pitching staff just seemed to gel this season, finishing first in a host of categories. 27-year old RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (19-11, 2.82 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 141 ERA+) emerged as a legitimate ace and 29-year old RHP Bernie Knowles (16-11, 3.48 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 115 ERA+) enjoyed a nice bounce-back year. Furthermore, Downie boasts two of the best relievers in the United Leagues: 32-year old stopper RHP Carl Luscombe (7-6, 15 SV, 2.59 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 154 ERA+) and 26-year old RHP Bill Lafontaine (5-4, 9 SV, 2.96 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 134 ERA+). Luscombe was originally drafted by the Chiefs 10th overall in 1939-40, before being traded to the Cambria Cannons in November 1941. Downie wisely re-acquired him from Cambria back in January 1948. He is rated No. 1 overall in the ULB, while Lafontaine was a 13th overall pick in 1942-43. Biggest Surprise: He’s was talked about in the previous Eastern League report, but nothing in his past indicated the kind of season he would enjoy. 30-year old RHP Joong Ling (18-5, 2.86 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 139 ERA+) is only in his second season as a starter, after pitching out of the bullpen for the Queensland Eagles from 1943 to 1947. Last year, he went 14-11, 4.05 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 101 ERA+. Now, he is solidly entrenched as Downie’s No. 2 starter and is rated 16th overall among starters in the ULB. Player of the Week Awards: March 20 – 3B Dominic Dudding (.538, 14 H, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 8 R) Noteworthy: February 26 –CF Alfonso León accomplished the rare feat of hitting 6 hits in a game. He did it against the Brunswick Legends at Babe Ruth Park, helping Downie to a 13-8 triumph. León went 6 for 6, hitting a 3-run home run off Daniel Pierson in the 1st, singled in the 2nd, hit a solo-shot in the 5th off Daniel Pierson again, hit an RBI single in the 6th and singled in the 8th and 9th innings. Current Injuries: March 25 – RHP Harley Bracher – mild shoulder inflammation. Out for: DtD, one week; eligible for return after Eastern League Pennant Series. -------- Offense: .282/.363/.416 (1st/1st/1st) Pitching: 3.98/3.99/3.91 (4th/5th/3rd) Defense: .712 (3rd) Chemistry: Ecstatic At first, it seemed the final two months of the regular season would offer a fantastic duel between the Braeland City Monarchs and Downie Chiefs for first place in the East, as both teams had battled back and forth in the first four months. Alas it was not to be, as Braeland City quickly faltered and could only tread water while the Chiefs pulled ahead and never let up. Braeland City’s struggles are certainly the result of a fading pitching staff. Last year it was tops in the East, but this season it appears cracks are starting to form in what was once a formidable unit. Which leads to the question: Is their window of opportunity closing sooner than expected? 29-year old LHP Nicholas Grimes (16-15, 4.01 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 102 ERA+) was hot and cold all season and 40-year old LHP David Cooling (16-11, 3.67 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 112 ERA+), while still effective, is now their No. 4 starter. The trade for 29-year old RHP Okura Suzuki (17-9, 3.52 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 117 ERA+) back in April 1949 is now seen as fortuitous, as without him the Monarchs may have been in even worst straits. There is no such concern for the offense, as 24-year old 2B Patrick Lidgate (.297/.410/.517, 21 HR, 74 RBI, 107 BB, 8 SB, 7.0 WAR) was simply dominant and got stronger as the season wore on. He was ably supported by the likes of 26-year old 1B Dean Witherden (.351/.409/.479, 8 HR, 76 RBI, 48 BB, 4.3 WAR) and 27-year old C Christopher Dainty (.279/.383/.438, 15 HR, 62 RBI, 83 BB, 4.3 WAR), although Dainty’s performance was a step down from last season (6.3 WAR). Biggest Disappointment: He’s still only 24-years old so its too soon to panic, but the Monarchs must be wondering when RHP Freddie Trerise (5-10, 5.18 ERA, 1.92 WHIP, 79 ERA+) will take his place in the rotation. A former 8th overall pick in 1945-46, Trerise struggled all season and is now reduced to pitching long relief in the playoffs. For a team that will soon need their young hurlers to step up and take over from the aging veterans so as to remain competitive, its understandable if they’re starting to become concerned. Player of the Week Awards: February 6 – 2B Patrick Lidgate (.542, 13 H, 1 HR, 10 RBI) March 6 – LF Dan Tantoco (.667, 10 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI) Current Injuries: February 15 – SS Simon Flatt – strained rib cage muscle. Out for: DtD, 6 days. -------- Offense: .255/.357/.365 (8th/2nd/8th) Pitching: 3.69/3.85/2.75 (2nd/3rd/1st) Defense: .705 (4th) Chemistry: Happy Despite bringing on board 33-year old RF Nicky Willis (.296/.433/.467, 17 HR, 77 RBI, 130 BB, 5.3 WAR) at the trade deadline, it was not enough for the Stratford Barons to make as serious challenge for the wild card. In fact, in early February, Stratford lost ground to the Embro Suns until catching them again on the very last day of the season. The Barons are approaching a crossroads, as a few of their key players are getting closer to the end of their career, such as 41-year old LHP Ryan Borden (14-13, 3.70 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 110 ERA+), 39-year old LHP Joel Fearn (15-14, 3.81 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 106 ERA+) and 37-year old 2B Jake Walker (.345/.453/.466, 8 HR, 86 RBI, 110 BB, 5.7 WAR). All three are still producing at a high level, but the clock is ticking. But the Barons are in a great position to make a quick transition. They have the second deepest farm system in the ULB and two of their promising starters are currently being eased in. 23-year old RHP Magtanggol Jaojoco (3-2, 15 SV, 3.46 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 117 ERA+ - 52/64) was recently promoted to the No. 3 spot in the rotation, while future starter 22-year old RHP Ted Smith (6-3, 1 SV, 3.23 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, 125 ERA+ - 55/77) finished the season as the club’s stopper. With young talent like that plus players in their peak such as 30-year old C Aaron Skidmore (.310/.478/.454, 14 HR, 79 RBI, 141 BB, 7.7 WAR), the Barons should be great shape to remain a player in the Eastern League for several years yet. Biggest Disappointment: They acquired him in the off-season to shore up a weakness as first base, but 27-year old Kyle Pryor (.260/.359/.387, 9 HR, 59 RBI, 59 BB, 1.1 WAR) was not the answer. Pryor remained their starting 1B until January 1, when he was benched in favor of 26-year old Rafael Meléndez (.216/.299/.351, 5 HR, 25 RBI, 18 BB, 0.3 WAR), but he wasn’t much better either. Pryor took over 1B in February before being benched again in March. It appears the search for a solid first baseman continues. Current Injuries: March 17 – LHP Ryan Borden – tired arm. Out for: one week. March 5 – 2B Jake Walker – sprained knee. Out for: DtD, suffered setback; 1 more day. -------- Offense: .258/.351/.397 (7th/3rd/4th) Pitching: 4.14/4.07/4.44 (6th/6th/6th) Defense: .702 (6th) Chemistry: Ecstatic The Embro Suns made a serious push in February, putting the second-best record that month in the United Leagues (behind’s Downie’s 18-6), but could get no closer than 7 games to the wildcard, despite Braeland City’s struggles. But even if the Suns remained hot in March, it’s highly unlikely they would have caught the Monarchs anyway. But like the Barons, Embro appears to be in a good position to make a challenge for the playoffs next season, with a strong farm system and a still solid core to build around. The trades the Suns made to strengthen their pitching staff, like 30-year old LHP Arthur Bence (9-13, 3.57 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 114 ERA+) and 30-year old RHP Aaron Saunderson (15-13, 4.55 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 90 ERA+) should help solidify the rotation with a full-season under their belt. But soon the rotation may also have to make room for 24-year old LHP Carl McBroom (13-9, 4.03 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 101 ERA+) and 24-year old RHP Juan Rivas (9-5, 1 SV, 3.65 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 111 ERA+) as they continue to develop. McBroom finished the season as their No. 5 starter. Biggest Surprise: Up until this season, 23-year old RF José Maldonado (.300/.410/.476, 16 HR, 63 RBI, 90 BB, 9 SB, 4.3 WAR – 61/61) was a solid bench player. But at the start of this season, Embro made him their everyday right fielder. The move was an unqualified success, as the young Columbian went from being an unknown quantity to being regarded as the 6th best right fielder in the ULB. Maldonado originally signed a minor league contract with the Cambria Cannons back in August 1942 but was released in May 1945. Embro signed him a few days later and brought him up to the big leagues full-time in 1946. It will be interesting to see how his career unfolds going forward. He already is a two-time all-star. Player of the Week Awards: February 13 – SS Rafael De La Cruz (.520, 13 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI) February 20 – 3B Keon-chae Cho (.480, 12 H, 2 HR, 7 RBI) Current Injuries: None -------- Offense: .282/.346/.408 (2nd/6th/3rd) Pitching: 4.02/3.96/4.32 (5th/4th/5th) Defense: .700 (7th) Chemistry: Happy After being nine games below .500 at the end of December, the Cobourg Red Stockings fought back to finish even at season’s end. Its just the second time in their history where they avoided finishing with a losing record (they went 81-73 in 1946-47). Much of that can be attributed to the much-improved play of the pitching staff, particularly the rotation. Once considered a train wreck, the staff is showing signs of being a strength, something unthinkable just a few months ago. That bodes well for the club, as they cannot expect the offense to continually play at a high level indefinitely. 23-year old CF Raymond Williams (.353/.421/.618, 29 HR, 112 RBI, 68 BB, 18 SB, 8.4 WAR) had a season for the ages and is now ranked No. 2 overall among position players in the United Leagues. He was head and shoulders above his teammates. 27-year old C Jason Lymer (.299/.334/.427, 10 HR, 67 RBI, 28 BB, 3.5 WAR) and 24-year old 1B Harry Doxey (.313/.363/.457, 13 HR, 79 RBI, 43 BB, 3.5 WAR) were a distant second in WAR. No doubt the Red Stockings are hoping for a more balanced lineup in terms of production next season, so that no one player has to carry the team on their shoulders. Biggest Surprise: This goes to three unheralded pitchers, who essentially salvaged what might have been a disastrous season for Cobourg. 29-year old RHP Luis Cruz (13-12, 3.30 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 124 ERA+) stepped into the No. 1 spot early in the season after 40-year old RHP Lenny Freke (11-19, 4.96 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 82 ERA+), 40-year old LHP Max Littler (6-14, 5.98 ERA, 1.83 WHIP, 68 ERA+) and 38-year old RHP Chris Sappington (12-12, 3.63 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 112 ERA+) faltered. Freke, Littler and Sappington would soon be gone. Replacing them alongside Cruz were two young rookies: 21-year old LHP Bill Budd (8-4, 3.61 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 113 ERA+ - 46/60) and 22-year old RHP Fergus Hirst (8-10, 2.73 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 150 ERA+ – 39/57). Despite their inexperience, all played admirably the rest of the way and give Cobourg a legitimate hope heading into next season. Player of the Week Awards: March 13 – 1B Harry Doxey (.458, 11 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI) Noteworthy: March 4 – The Red Stockings derailed the Suns 7-1 at Speaker Stadium in Embro. 28-year old 3B Alexander Tolmie (.279/.355/.406, 15 HR, 76 RBI, 72 BB, 2.9 WAR) was the stand-out collecting 5 hits in 5 AB. Tolmie singled in the 2nd, hit an RBI double in the 3rd, then singled in the 5th, 7th and 8th innings. Current Injuries: None -------- Offense: .264/.346/.392 (5th/4th/5th) Pitching: 4.54/4.65/4.13 (8th/8th/4th) Defense: .695 (8th) Chemistry: Feuding They improved their record by 10 games over last season, but that is small comfort for Brunswick Legends as this will be their third season in a row missing the playoffs. But they do have some young talent on the roster and in the pipeline, but whether it will be sufficient to give a much-needed boost to the pitching next season remains to be seen. 33-year old LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (22-8, 2.76 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 148 ERA+) was just outstanding. His 22 wins are the most of his career and it moves him into second place on the all-time wins list with 222 (Stratford’s Joel Fearn leads with 227). Rodríguez would have to be considered the odds-on favorite to win his third Satchel Paige Award. It would be his first in seven years. Now the task is to bolster the rest of the rotation. The offense was led by 33-year old 1B Stuart Bentham (.356/.434/.570, 30 HR, 111 RBI, 83 BB, 6.5 WAR) and 28-year old 3B Jorge Arredondo (.333/418/.506, 18 HR, 98 RBI, 87 BB, 6 SB, 6.6 WAR). Both enjoyed the best seasons of their respective careers based on WAR; Bentham also won his first Eastern League Batting Title. Biggest Disappointment: He earned his fourth trip to the All-Star game this season, so its not as though 29-year old RF Marcus Peyto (.286/.410/.492, 23 HR, 92 RBI, 112 BB, 3.4 WAR – 72/72) is playing bad, but the former 2nd overall pick from 1941-42 still seems a bit of a disappointment. After finishing runner-up to Stratford’s LF Roberto Ríos for the Babe Ruth Award and earning a selection to the All Braeland Team two seasons ago, Peyto has regressed significantly, both on offense and defense (.976 PCT, 2.66 RNG, -14.7 ZR, .978 EFF). He did improve a little at the plate this season, but it’s a far cry from what you would expect from a once elite player. Current Injuries: None -------- Offense: .267/.335/.369 (4th/8th/7th) Pitching: 3.91/3.75/4.64 (3rd/2nd/7th) Defense: .720 (2nd) Chemistry: Happy The Wellington Athletics are another team in the East that are a candidate for breaking through next season. Although they spent most their time in the cellar, they finished strong, taking 3 of 4 games from Braeland City and 2 of 3 from Downie in the final seven games of the season – both playoff-bound teams. The Athletics have the strongest farm system in the United Leagues with six of their prospects already on the major league roster. With a fresh start with all this talent, Wellington might finish closer to the top of the standings than the bottom next season. But that’s assuming the young ones all blossom at once. In addition to 27-year old RHP Scott Wheeler (16-9, 3.45 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 116 ERA+ - 50/50) who finished the last two months strong, the rotation is actually led by 23-year old RHP Bert Morrow (13-12, 3.55 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 113 ERA+ - 54/54). Morrow was a third-round pick in 1946-47 and made is major league debut last season. Wellington did not get a ‘super-star’ season from any of their offensive players but a few players possibly gave a hint of things to come. Former 1st overall pick 22-year old RF Matthew Floyd (.289/.343/.463, 14 HR, 69 RBI, 48 BB, 12 SB, 3.5 WAR) is poised for greatness and 22-year old C Declan Bugbie (.287/.327/.394, 9 HR, 54 RBI, 29 BB, 2.8 WAR) enjoyed a strong first-half in his rookie season. He was a 2nd-round pick in 1946-47. Biggest Surprise: 25-year old SS Rupert Bricknell (.302/.434/.431, 9 HR, 49 RBI, 73 BB, 5 SB, 3.4 WAR – 58/62) spent four seasons in the minor leagues before reaching the majors last season. He started off slow this year serving as a back-up to 26-year old SS Zhao-hui Qian. But when Qian was traded to the Hespeler Stars on January 18, Bricknell immediately stepped in and made the position his own. The former 3rd overall pick is now rated 5th overall among shortstops in the ULB – two spots higher than Qian. Player of the Week Awards: February 27 – LF Matthew Floyd (.421, 8 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI) Noteworthy: February 19 – The Athletics prevailed over the Fort Richmond Generals 5-4 in 13 innings at Santop Stadium, and Declan Bugbie enjoyed a memorable day at the plate. Bugbie went 5 for 7, striking out in the 1st, singled in the 4th, 6th and 8th innings, hit an RBI double in the 9th, grounded out in the 12 and singled in the winning run in the 13th. Current Injuries: None -------- Offense: .261/.336/.377 (6th/7th/6th) Pitching: 4.35/4.27/4.91 (7th/7th/8th) Defense: .705 (5th) Chemistry: Content Unlike the other non-playoff teams in the East, it appears that the Queensland Eagles are not looking to improve in the short-term, as the team embarks on a rebuild starting in the off-season. There is still some talent on this club with a bevy of prospects finding their footing on the major league roster. But overall the Eagles just don’t have the horses to make a run for a spot in the first division as yet. There were simply no standouts on offense again this season. 30-year old RF Jilenko Vergara (.290/.380/.459, 20 HR, 82 RBI, 67 BB, 3.5 WAR) and 31-year old C Elijah Sheppard (.264/.365/.397, 13 HR, 60 RBI, 74 BB, 3.5 WAR) was as good as it got. A far cry from their performances just a few seasons ago when Queensland won the United Cup (when they compiled 6.1 and 6.9 WAR respectively). The pitching staff however does show some promise, as 24-year old RHP Logan Belsey (12-16, 3.95 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 102 ERA+ - 54/80) and 22-year old rookie RHP Stiofan Micklethwait (11-12, 3.64 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 110 ERA+ - 49/66) appear poised to settle into the rotation. Belsey was 4th overall pick in 1948-49 and Micklethwait a 9th overall pick in 1946-47. Biggest Disappointment: For the first two months of the season, it appeared that 25-year old 3B Alexander Crutcher (.279/.333/.411, 9 HR, 71 RBI, 42 BB, 5 SB, 1.7 WAR – 42/60) was embarking on a long-awaited break-out season, but that was quickly dashed when the former 11th overall pick fell into a prolonged slump the rest of the way. Crutcher is described as a hard worker with outstanding contact skills, speed and defense but the results are just not there. This was his fourth season in the United Leagues and supposedly, his best yet. Here’s hoping he delivers on his promise soon. Current Injuries: None -------- __________________ United Leagues of Braeland Last edited by reds1; 08-06-2018 at 03:43 PM.