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reds1 · 11-13-2018, 06:46 PM

December 1, 1950

Eastern League: Legends, Red Stockings Surge Out of the Gate

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Offense: .252/.352/.382 (AVG/OBP/SLG – 8th/4th/5th)
Pitching: 3.47/3.68/2.32 (Team ERA/Starters’ ERA/Bullpen ERA – 2nd/2nd/2nd)
Defense: .715 (2nd)
Chemistry: Content

Last season, the Brunswick Legends suffered their second consecutive losing season, and with the departure of stars like LHP Anastasio Rodríguez, this year was expected to be no different. Their performance in spring training and the projections for the upcoming season all pointed to a second division finish for this once proud club. But the Legends have defied expectations by starting the season off with 8 straight victories and claiming first place in the Eastern League after the first two months. Brunswick boasts the best record in the United Leagues thus far; but whether they can maintain this pace over 154 games remains to be seen.

Four players on the squad stand out in the early going. On offense, 34-year old 1B Stuart Bentham (.374/.463/.578, 9 HR, 38 RBI, 33 BB, 2.6 WAR) is off to an even hotter start than he did last season. He racked up 6.2 WAR last season – he is on pace for 7.5. As well, 30-year old RF Marcus Peyto (.302/.516/.917, 9 HR, 35 RBI, 32 BB, 2.0 WAR) is enjoying a great start, after two down years. Both are currently rated as the top 1B & RF respectively in the ULB and hit No. 3 & No. 4 in the Legends’ lineup.

But the biggest surprise is the pitching staff. The bullpen has been solid throughout, while 23-year old RHP Mhelter Pilapil (7-4, 2.81 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 139 ERA+) has bounced back after a rough year (3-13, 7.06 ERA, 1.87 WHIP, 58 ERA+). The former second-round pick has admirably performed as Brunswick’s ace thus far. And former first-round pick 27-year old RHP Dan Turner (5-3, 3.59 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 108 ERA+) has eased into the rotation as the No. 5 pitcher quite nicely.

Player of the Week Awards:

November 13 – RF Marcus Peyto (.481, 13 H, 1 HR, 7 RBI)
November 20 – 1B Stuart Bentham (.385, 10 H, 2 HR, 11 RBI)

Current Injuries: None.

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Offense: .285/.352/.411 (2nd/5th/3rd)
Pitching: 3.53/3.74/2.28 (3rd/3rd/1st)
Defense: .693 (6th)
Chemistry: Unhappy

The Cobourg Red Stockings were tied for last place at the end of October, but then put up the best record in the ULB in November to take over second place, just 2.5 games back of Brunswick. The difference has been their pitching staff. While there is still room for improvement, it bears no resemblance to the train wreck it was at the start of last season. Their bullpen is the best in the East and second only to the Fort Richmond Generals overall.

Right now, their top two starters are doing the heavy lifting. 22-year old LHP Bill Budd (7-3, 2.13 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 182 ERA+) stepped into the No. 1 spot this season and the second-year pro has been the real deal. 30-year old RHP Luis Cruz (7-3, 2.61 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 149 ERA+) has settled in very nicely as the No. 2 man, winning Pitcher of the Month honours in November. Now, if the rest of the rotation can pick things up just a little more, then this could be a special year in Cobourg.

The offense has been more spread out than it was last season, which is a good thing. One reason is that 29-year old SS John Medley (.339/.426/.500, 2 HR, 27 RBI, 31 BB, 7 SB, 2.0 WAR) is enjoying a bit of a bounce-back year. Last year, he earned 3.6 WAR; this season he’s on pace for 5.7. 25-year old 1B Harry Doxey (.338/.382/.493, 6 HR, 35 RBI, 17 BB, 1.7 WAR) is off to his best start in his third full season. Doxey was selected 6th overall back in 1946-47.

Current Injuries: None.

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Offense: .267/.342/.396 (4th/6th/4th)
Pitching: 3.40/3.15/4.91 (1st/1st/6th)
Defense: .731 (1st)
Chemistry: Happy

If something special could be in the works for Cobourg, then something really special could be brewing for the Wellington Athletics this season. The Athletics are brimming with young talent, especially on offense. If they were to all blossom quickly then they will soon find themselves in first place. Their Pyt. Record sits at 32-23, just a half back of the Legends, whose Pyt. Record is 31-23. So it will be interesting to see where they end up come March.

Wellington’s outfield has the potential to be best in the United Leagues very soon. It is led by last year’s Rookie of the Year winner, 23-year old LF Matthew Floyd (.321/.399/.565, 10 HR, 37 RBI, 25 BB, 2.9 WAR – 73/80). Floyd is showing no signs of a sophomore slump. He is joined by two rookies: 25-year old CF Jim Mars (.305/.387/.489, 4 HR, 27 RBI, 26 BB, 1.4 WAR – 54/60), a second-round pick originally by the Hespeler Stars in 1948-49; and 23-year old RF Wayne Emmert (.261/.341/.344, 1 HR, 12 RBI, 16 BB, 0.5 WAR – 39/70), a third-round pick from 1947-48. If Emmert can get acclimated to the big leagues quickly, then Wellington’s outfield could be set for years to come.

But perhaps the biggest surprise has been the starting rotation. Although No. 1 starter 24-year old RHP Bert Morrow (5-4, 2.98 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 128 ERA+) is out for a month due to injury, the other four starters have been solid. 28-year old RHP Scott Wheeler (6-4, 2.48 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 154 ERA+), 25-year old RHP Troy Conlin (4-4, 3.81 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 100 ERA+), 27-year old RHP Wilfried Schop (7-2, 2.96 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 129 ERA+) and 26-year old RHP Matt Price (3-5, 3.79 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 101 ERA+) have all contributed to Wellington’s rotation as being the best in the Eastern League in the early going.

Noteworthy:

November 28 – 23-year old C Declan Bugbie (.301/.340/.432, 4 HR, 40 RBI, 11 BB, 1.4 WAR) was front and center in Wellington’s 13-2 triumph over the Balmoral Giants, going 5 for 6 on the day. Bugbie doubled in the 2nd, singled in the 4th, hit two RBI singles in the 6th and a two-run triple in the 8th before flying out in the 9th. Mathew Floyd went 4 for 6 with two runs and an RBI in the same game.

Current Injuries:

RHP Bert Morrow – November 27 – hamstring strain. Out for: 4 weeks.

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Offense: .285/.366/.438 (1st/1st/1st)
Pitching: 4.16/4.29/3.66 (7th/8th/5th)
Defense: .687 (7th)
Chemistry: Happy

The Braeland City Monarchs started the season off wildly inconsistent, being swept by the Brunswick Legends in the first four games of the season and then going just 5-11 in the first half of October. They bounced back since then to get to .500, but the pitching has to get better if they hope to make their fourth consecutive playoff appearance.

44-year old RHP Satchel Paige (3-5, 3.97 ERA, 1.54 WHIP 98 ERA+) has not been terrible, but the Monarchs no doubt are hoping he gets acclimated to his new surroundings sooner rather than later. No. 3 starter 29-year old RHP Okura Suzuki (7-3, 2.74 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 143 ERA+) has been outstanding but the rest of the staff needs to step it up.

There’s been no hand-wringing over the offense however, as the Monarchs are perhaps the top offensive team in the ULB in the early going. Leading the way has been Christopher Dainty (.400/.523/.561, 4 HR, 24 RBI, 39 BB, 3.4 WAR). While he may not have won any player awards so far this season, the 28-year old catcher is on pace to break the season record for WAR with 9.7. Danny Trowbridge currently holds the record of 9.3, set in 1945-46. 25-year old 2B Patrick Lidgate (.322/.419/.604, 11 HR, 46 RBI, 34 BB, 3.0 WAR) is not far behind and is the lynchpin of Braeland City’s stellar offense.

Player of the Week Awards:

October 16 – 1B Dean Witherden (.444, 12 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI)
October 30 – 1B Dean Witherden (.500, 14 H, 2 HR, 4 RBI)
November 6 – LF Daniel Tantoco (.500, 8 H, 2 HR, 3 RBI)
November 27 – 2B Patrick Lidgate (.375, 9 H, 2 HR, 7 RBI)

Current Injuries: None.

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Offense: .253/.358/.362 (7th/3rd/8th)
Pitching: 4.04/3.91/5.24 (6th/4th/7th)
Defense: .694 (5th)
Chemistry: Content

The Stratford Barons are essentially treading water until their young stars can establish themselves in the majors. There is lots of room for optimism that they can. While established stars like 37-year old 2B Jake Walker (.370/.489/.448, 1 HR, 27 RBI, 42 BB, 2.2 WAR) continue to set the pace for the club, the lineup sees two youngsters getting regular playing time: 20-year old rookie CF Sherwin Carasig (.291/.333/.438, 5 HR, 27 RBI, 12 BB, 0.7 WAR – 38/62) and sophomore 23-year old SS Alan Tennant (.218/.383/.293, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 50 BB, 1.3 WAR – 55/75). While Carasig is a former 9th overall pick from 1947-48, Tennant wasn’t selected until the fourth-round in 1946-47. Tennant, a native of New Zealand already has a Top Fielder Award to his credit and is steadily developing his skills at the plate.

The rotation also sees a couple of youngsters forming the heart of Stratford’s future. 24-year old RHP Magtanggol Jaojoco (7-5, 3.00 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 129 ERA+ – 56/65) was quickly promoted to the No. 1 spot after beginning the season as the No. 3 starter. He is on pace for 20 wins in his first full season in the rotation. Also getting a spot in the rotation this season is RHP Ted Smith (3-1, 2.68 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 144 ERA+ - 50/54). Like his fellow countryman Alan Tennant, the 23-year old Smith from Christchurch, New Zealand is making steady progress and should prove to be a reliable arm in the rotation.

Player of the Week Awards:

October 23 – CF Sherwin Carasig (.462, 12 H, 2 HR, 8 RBI)

Current Injuries: None.

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Offense: .268/.358/.412 (3rd/2nd/2nd)
Pitching: 4.32/3.99/6.26 (8th/5th/8th)
Defense: .687 (8th)
Chemistry: Content

Much like the Barons, the Embro Suns are a team in transition, waiting for their young talent to establish themselves in the majors and make the club a playoff contender once again, something this team hasn’t been for five seasons now. But it may take a little longer than Stratford’s efforts however. Nevertheless, Embro has by far the strongest farm system with a majority of their top talent already in AAA.

They have also taken advantage of other club’s oversights. For example, 24-year old CF Orlando Morales (.236/.309/.399, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 16 BB, 0.5 WAR – 39/63), a former third-overall pick by the Balmoral Giants back in 1947-48, was grabbed by the Suns in the Rule 5 draft this past off-season. He is rated 25th overall among prospects and is batting 7th in the lineup. Indeed, the Suns’ batting lineup is currently the strength of the club. While 36-year old 1B Jim Friend (.261/.392/.446, 8 HR, 32 RBI, 36 BB, 1.2 WAR) is showing signs of slowing down, 27-year old SS Rafael De La Cruz (.350/.421/.510, 6 HR, 28 RBI, 27 BB, 6 SB, 2.2 WAR) is off to the best start of his five-year career and is perhaps finally delivering on the promise that the Suns saw when they signed him as a free agent out of Columbia back in 1946. He earned 2.2 WAR in each of the past two seasons; he has already racked up that much in the first two months. He also enjoyed a 20-game hitting streak in October.

But if this team is going to take it to the next level, they are going to have to see some improvement in the pitching. The bullpen is awful and the rotation, while not terrible by any means, could be better. 31-year old LHP Arthur Bence (4-5, 3.52 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 110 ERA+) has been Embro’s best starter thus far. 24-year old LHP Carl McBroom (4-2, 3.90 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 99 ERA+ – 51/56) is holding down the No. 5 spot while 25-year old RHP Juan Rivas (2-2, 6.46 ERA, 1.79 WHIP. 60 ERA+ – 56/66) has regressed and barely hanging on as long relief. If the young fireballers can figure it out and if the talent down in AAA force themselves onto the big-league roster, then this team could be a playoff contender as early as next season.

Player of the Week Awards:

October 9 – RF José Maldonado (.536, 15 H, 2 HR, 3 RBI)

Noteworthy:

November 4 –25-year old 3B Keon-chae Cho (.303/.381/.431, 5 HR, 35 RBI, 23 BB, 1.7 WAR) enjoyed a great day at the plate, going 5 for 5 against the Stratford Barons. Alas, the Barons still held on to win 7-6.
Cho hit a two-run double in the 1st, hit an RBI single in the 3rd, then singled in the 6th, 7th and 9th innings. In all, he accumulated 3 RBI and 1 R.

Current Injuries: None.

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Offense: .256/.339/.375 (6th/7th/6th)
Pitching: 3.82/4.00/3.08 (4th/6th/3rd)
Defense: .705 (4th)
Chemistry: Unhappy

The Downie Chiefs appear to be suffering from a championship hangover, as they definitely have not been the dominant team they were last season in their run to the Cup. But they remain just 3.5 games out of a playoff spot in the tight Eastern League and there is still time to get on a roll.

Offensively, the lineup has been slow out of the gate, but 24-year old Dominic Dudding (.327/.416/.518, 6 HR, 30 RBI, 31 BB, 2.5 WAR) is off to a hotter start than he did last season, despite shifting to 2B from 3B this season.

The pitching has been more steady, especially the bullpen. Their ace, 28-year old RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (5-5, 2.46 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 154 ERA+), continues to lead the way.

Downie has the second highest ranked farm system and a number of young prospects will soon be making their case for a spot on the major league roster. 23-year old CF Conor Bing (.241/.333/.276, 1-2B, 3 RBI, 4 BB, 0.1 WAR – 50/71) was recently promoted to serve as the fourth outfielder. His best position is CF, so the Chiefs have some decisions to make as they already have the top centerfielder in the United Leagues in Alfonso León (.290/.364/.462, 4 HR, 30 HR, 25 BB, 2.1 WAR). León could shift to right field if needed.

Knocking on the door is 22-year old IF/OF Louis Revill (34/77), currently in AAA. He would fit in quite nicely at either 1B or 3B. Down in AA is 19-year old IF Freddie Ogburn (20/70), whose strongest position is 3B. Bing, Revill and Ogburn are all former first-round picks.

Current Injuries: None.

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Offense: .257/.331/.371 (5th/8th/7th)
Pitching: 3.94/4.01/3.48 (5th/7th/4th)
Defense: .711 (3rd)
Chemistry: Happy

The Queensland Eagles may be in last place, but they are not directionless. Like other teams above them in the standings, the Eagles are easing in a number of young prospects onto their roster. While some are still finding their game, others have hit the ground running. That perfectly describes 24-year old 1B Ryan Conisford (.327/.376/.510, 8 HR, 35 RBI, 17 BB, 1.9 WAR – 51/62), who joined the major league roster late last season and is now firmly entrenched in the No. 4 spot in the lineup. All the former 14th overall pick from 1947-48 has done so far is win back-to-back Rookie of the Month honors. But others have just arrived. 24-year old Rod Dennis (.357/.389/.548, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 5 BB, 0.8 WAR – 50/71) has taken over leftfield and is hitting just ahead of Conisford, while 24-year old Perry Jordan (.239/.325/.328, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 9 BB, 0.3 WAR – 33/66) is riding the pine, waiting to take over second base as 26-year old Bob Sobel (.238/.281/.287, 7-2B, 17 RBI, 9 BB, -0.2 WAR) continues to struggle.

On the pitching staff, 25-year old RHP Logan Belsey (3-6, 4.46 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 86 ERA+) and 23-year old RHP Stiofan Micklethwait (4-7, 5.14 ERA, 1.82 WHIP, 74 ERA+) are struggling in the early going. Although Belsey has improved a little of late, Micklethwait has lost his last five starts - badly. No. 2 starter, 33-year old RHP Pi-ao Quian (8-4, 3.20 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 119 ERA+) has been the Eagles most consistent pitcher thus far.

Current Injuries:

RHP Bartolo Sánchez – September 6 – torn meniscus (knee). Out for: 2 weeks.

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11-13-2018, 06:46 PM	#483
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,925	December 1, 1950 Eastern League: Legends, Red Stockings Surge Out of the Gate -------- Offense: .252/.352/.382 (AVG/OBP/SLG – 8th/4th/5th) Pitching: 3.47/3.68/2.32 (Team ERA/Starters’ ERA/Bullpen ERA – 2nd/2nd/2nd) Defense: .715 (2nd) Chemistry: Content Last season, the Brunswick Legends suffered their second consecutive losing season, and with the departure of stars like LHP Anastasio Rodríguez, this year was expected to be no different. Their performance in spring training and the projections for the upcoming season all pointed to a second division finish for this once proud club. But the Legends have defied expectations by starting the season off with 8 straight victories and claiming first place in the Eastern League after the first two months. Brunswick boasts the best record in the United Leagues thus far; but whether they can maintain this pace over 154 games remains to be seen. Four players on the squad stand out in the early going. On offense, 34-year old 1B Stuart Bentham (.374/.463/.578, 9 HR, 38 RBI, 33 BB, 2.6 WAR) is off to an even hotter start than he did last season. He racked up 6.2 WAR last season – he is on pace for 7.5. As well, 30-year old RF Marcus Peyto (.302/.516/.917, 9 HR, 35 RBI, 32 BB, 2.0 WAR) is enjoying a great start, after two down years. Both are currently rated as the top 1B & RF respectively in the ULB and hit No. 3 & No. 4 in the Legends’ lineup. But the biggest surprise is the pitching staff. The bullpen has been solid throughout, while 23-year old RHP Mhelter Pilapil (7-4, 2.81 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 139 ERA+) has bounced back after a rough year (3-13, 7.06 ERA, 1.87 WHIP, 58 ERA+). The former second-round pick has admirably performed as Brunswick’s ace thus far. And former first-round pick 27-year old RHP Dan Turner (5-3, 3.59 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 108 ERA+) has eased into the rotation as the No. 5 pitcher quite nicely. Player of the Week Awards: November 13 – RF Marcus Peyto (.481, 13 H, 1 HR, 7 RBI) November 20 – 1B Stuart Bentham (.385, 10 H, 2 HR, 11 RBI) Current Injuries: None. -------- Offense: .285/.352/.411 (2nd/5th/3rd) Pitching: 3.53/3.74/2.28 (3rd/3rd/1st) Defense: .693 (6th) Chemistry: Unhappy The Cobourg Red Stockings were tied for last place at the end of October, but then put up the best record in the ULB in November to take over second place, just 2.5 games back of Brunswick. The difference has been their pitching staff. While there is still room for improvement, it bears no resemblance to the train wreck it was at the start of last season. Their bullpen is the best in the East and second only to the Fort Richmond Generals overall. Right now, their top two starters are doing the heavy lifting. 22-year old LHP Bill Budd (7-3, 2.13 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 182 ERA+) stepped into the No. 1 spot this season and the second-year pro has been the real deal. 30-year old RHP Luis Cruz (7-3, 2.61 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 149 ERA+) has settled in very nicely as the No. 2 man, winning Pitcher of the Month honours in November. Now, if the rest of the rotation can pick things up just a little more, then this could be a special year in Cobourg. The offense has been more spread out than it was last season, which is a good thing. One reason is that 29-year old SS John Medley (.339/.426/.500, 2 HR, 27 RBI, 31 BB, 7 SB, 2.0 WAR) is enjoying a bit of a bounce-back year. Last year, he earned 3.6 WAR; this season he’s on pace for 5.7. 25-year old 1B Harry Doxey (.338/.382/.493, 6 HR, 35 RBI, 17 BB, 1.7 WAR) is off to his best start in his third full season. Doxey was selected 6th overall back in 1946-47. Current Injuries: None. -------- Offense: .267/.342/.396 (4th/6th/4th) Pitching: 3.40/3.15/4.91 (1st/1st/6th) Defense: .731 (1st) Chemistry: Happy If something special could be in the works for Cobourg, then something really special could be brewing for the Wellington Athletics this season. The Athletics are brimming with young talent, especially on offense. If they were to all blossom quickly then they will soon find themselves in first place. Their Pyt. Record sits at 32-23, just a half back of the Legends, whose Pyt. Record is 31-23. So it will be interesting to see where they end up come March. Wellington’s outfield has the potential to be best in the United Leagues very soon. It is led by last year’s Rookie of the Year winner, 23-year old LF Matthew Floyd (.321/.399/.565, 10 HR, 37 RBI, 25 BB, 2.9 WAR – 73/80). Floyd is showing no signs of a sophomore slump. He is joined by two rookies: 25-year old CF Jim Mars (.305/.387/.489, 4 HR, 27 RBI, 26 BB, 1.4 WAR – 54/60), a second-round pick originally by the Hespeler Stars in 1948-49; and 23-year old RF Wayne Emmert (.261/.341/.344, 1 HR, 12 RBI, 16 BB, 0.5 WAR – 39/70), a third-round pick from 1947-48. If Emmert can get acclimated to the big leagues quickly, then Wellington’s outfield could be set for years to come. But perhaps the biggest surprise has been the starting rotation. Although No. 1 starter 24-year old RHP Bert Morrow (5-4, 2.98 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 128 ERA+) is out for a month due to injury, the other four starters have been solid. 28-year old RHP Scott Wheeler (6-4, 2.48 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 154 ERA+), 25-year old RHP Troy Conlin (4-4, 3.81 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 100 ERA+), 27-year old RHP Wilfried Schop (7-2, 2.96 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 129 ERA+) and 26-year old RHP Matt Price (3-5, 3.79 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 101 ERA+) have all contributed to Wellington’s rotation as being the best in the Eastern League in the early going. Noteworthy: November 28 – 23-year old C Declan Bugbie (.301/.340/.432, 4 HR, 40 RBI, 11 BB, 1.4 WAR) was front and center in Wellington’s 13-2 triumph over the Balmoral Giants, going 5 for 6 on the day. Bugbie doubled in the 2nd, singled in the 4th, hit two RBI singles in the 6th and a two-run triple in the 8th before flying out in the 9th. Mathew Floyd went 4 for 6 with two runs and an RBI in the same game. Current Injuries: RHP Bert Morrow – November 27 – hamstring strain. Out for: 4 weeks. -------- Offense: .285/.366/.438 (1st/1st/1st) Pitching: 4.16/4.29/3.66 (7th/8th/5th) Defense: .687 (7th) Chemistry: Happy The Braeland City Monarchs started the season off wildly inconsistent, being swept by the Brunswick Legends in the first four games of the season and then going just 5-11 in the first half of October. They bounced back since then to get to .500, but the pitching has to get better if they hope to make their fourth consecutive playoff appearance. 44-year old RHP Satchel Paige (3-5, 3.97 ERA, 1.54 WHIP 98 ERA+) has not been terrible, but the Monarchs no doubt are hoping he gets acclimated to his new surroundings sooner rather than later. No. 3 starter 29-year old RHP Okura Suzuki (7-3, 2.74 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 143 ERA+) has been outstanding but the rest of the staff needs to step it up. There’s been no hand-wringing over the offense however, as the Monarchs are perhaps the top offensive team in the ULB in the early going. Leading the way has been Christopher Dainty (.400/.523/.561, 4 HR, 24 RBI, 39 BB, 3.4 WAR). While he may not have won any player awards so far this season, the 28-year old catcher is on pace to break the season record for WAR with 9.7. Danny Trowbridge currently holds the record of 9.3, set in 1945-46. 25-year old 2B Patrick Lidgate (.322/.419/.604, 11 HR, 46 RBI, 34 BB, 3.0 WAR) is not far behind and is the lynchpin of Braeland City’s stellar offense. Player of the Week Awards: October 16 – 1B Dean Witherden (.444, 12 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI) October 30 – 1B Dean Witherden (.500, 14 H, 2 HR, 4 RBI) November 6 – LF Daniel Tantoco (.500, 8 H, 2 HR, 3 RBI) November 27 – 2B Patrick Lidgate (.375, 9 H, 2 HR, 7 RBI) Current Injuries: None. -------- Offense: .253/.358/.362 (7th/3rd/8th) Pitching: 4.04/3.91/5.24 (6th/4th/7th) Defense: .694 (5th) Chemistry: Content The Stratford Barons are essentially treading water until their young stars can establish themselves in the majors. There is lots of room for optimism that they can. While established stars like 37-year old 2B Jake Walker (.370/.489/.448, 1 HR, 27 RBI, 42 BB, 2.2 WAR) continue to set the pace for the club, the lineup sees two youngsters getting regular playing time: 20-year old rookie CF Sherwin Carasig (.291/.333/.438, 5 HR, 27 RBI, 12 BB, 0.7 WAR – 38/62) and sophomore 23-year old SS Alan Tennant (.218/.383/.293, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 50 BB, 1.3 WAR – 55/75). While Carasig is a former 9th overall pick from 1947-48, Tennant wasn’t selected until the fourth-round in 1946-47. Tennant, a native of New Zealand already has a Top Fielder Award to his credit and is steadily developing his skills at the plate. The rotation also sees a couple of youngsters forming the heart of Stratford’s future. 24-year old RHP Magtanggol Jaojoco (7-5, 3.00 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 129 ERA+ – 56/65) was quickly promoted to the No. 1 spot after beginning the season as the No. 3 starter. He is on pace for 20 wins in his first full season in the rotation. Also getting a spot in the rotation this season is RHP Ted Smith (3-1, 2.68 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 144 ERA+ - 50/54). Like his fellow countryman Alan Tennant, the 23-year old Smith from Christchurch, New Zealand is making steady progress and should prove to be a reliable arm in the rotation. Player of the Week Awards: October 23 – CF Sherwin Carasig (.462, 12 H, 2 HR, 8 RBI) Current Injuries: None. -------- Offense: .268/.358/.412 (3rd/2nd/2nd) Pitching: 4.32/3.99/6.26 (8th/5th/8th) Defense: .687 (8th) Chemistry: Content Much like the Barons, the Embro Suns are a team in transition, waiting for their young talent to establish themselves in the majors and make the club a playoff contender once again, something this team hasn’t been for five seasons now. But it may take a little longer than Stratford’s efforts however. Nevertheless, Embro has by far the strongest farm system with a majority of their top talent already in AAA. They have also taken advantage of other club’s oversights. For example, 24-year old CF Orlando Morales (.236/.309/.399, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 16 BB, 0.5 WAR – 39/63), a former third-overall pick by the Balmoral Giants back in 1947-48, was grabbed by the Suns in the Rule 5 draft this past off-season. He is rated 25th overall among prospects and is batting 7th in the lineup. Indeed, the Suns’ batting lineup is currently the strength of the club. While 36-year old 1B Jim Friend (.261/.392/.446, 8 HR, 32 RBI, 36 BB, 1.2 WAR) is showing signs of slowing down, 27-year old SS Rafael De La Cruz (.350/.421/.510, 6 HR, 28 RBI, 27 BB, 6 SB, 2.2 WAR) is off to the best start of his five-year career and is perhaps finally delivering on the promise that the Suns saw when they signed him as a free agent out of Columbia back in 1946. He earned 2.2 WAR in each of the past two seasons; he has already racked up that much in the first two months. He also enjoyed a 20-game hitting streak in October. But if this team is going to take it to the next level, they are going to have to see some improvement in the pitching. The bullpen is awful and the rotation, while not terrible by any means, could be better. 31-year old LHP Arthur Bence (4-5, 3.52 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 110 ERA+) has been Embro’s best starter thus far. 24-year old LHP Carl McBroom (4-2, 3.90 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 99 ERA+ – 51/56) is holding down the No. 5 spot while 25-year old RHP Juan Rivas (2-2, 6.46 ERA, 1.79 WHIP. 60 ERA+ – 56/66) has regressed and barely hanging on as long relief. If the young fireballers can figure it out and if the talent down in AAA force themselves onto the big-league roster, then this team could be a playoff contender as early as next season. Player of the Week Awards: October 9 – RF José Maldonado (.536, 15 H, 2 HR, 3 RBI) Noteworthy: November 4 –25-year old 3B Keon-chae Cho (.303/.381/.431, 5 HR, 35 RBI, 23 BB, 1.7 WAR) enjoyed a great day at the plate, going 5 for 5 against the Stratford Barons. Alas, the Barons still held on to win 7-6. Cho hit a two-run double in the 1st, hit an RBI single in the 3rd, then singled in the 6th, 7th and 9th innings. In all, he accumulated 3 RBI and 1 R. Current Injuries: None. -------- Offense: .256/.339/.375 (6th/7th/6th) Pitching: 3.82/4.00/3.08 (4th/6th/3rd) Defense: .705 (4th) Chemistry: Unhappy The Downie Chiefs appear to be suffering from a championship hangover, as they definitely have not been the dominant team they were last season in their run to the Cup. But they remain just 3.5 games out of a playoff spot in the tight Eastern League and there is still time to get on a roll. Offensively, the lineup has been slow out of the gate, but 24-year old Dominic Dudding (.327/.416/.518, 6 HR, 30 RBI, 31 BB, 2.5 WAR) is off to a hotter start than he did last season, despite shifting to 2B from 3B this season. The pitching has been more steady, especially the bullpen. Their ace, 28-year old RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (5-5, 2.46 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 154 ERA+), continues to lead the way. Downie has the second highest ranked farm system and a number of young prospects will soon be making their case for a spot on the major league roster. 23-year old CF Conor Bing (.241/.333/.276, 1-2B, 3 RBI, 4 BB, 0.1 WAR – 50/71) was recently promoted to serve as the fourth outfielder. His best position is CF, so the Chiefs have some decisions to make as they already have the top centerfielder in the United Leagues in Alfonso León (.290/.364/.462, 4 HR, 30 HR, 25 BB, 2.1 WAR). León could shift to right field if needed. Knocking on the door is 22-year old IF/OF Louis Revill (34/77), currently in AAA. He would fit in quite nicely at either 1B or 3B. Down in AA is 19-year old IF Freddie Ogburn (20/70), whose strongest position is 3B. Bing, Revill and Ogburn are all former first-round picks. Current Injuries: None. -------- Offense: .257/.331/.371 (5th/8th/7th) Pitching: 3.94/4.01/3.48 (5th/7th/4th) Defense: .711 (3rd) Chemistry: Happy The Queensland Eagles may be in last place, but they are not directionless. Like other teams above them in the standings, the Eagles are easing in a number of young prospects onto their roster. While some are still finding their game, others have hit the ground running. That perfectly describes 24-year old 1B Ryan Conisford (.327/.376/.510, 8 HR, 35 RBI, 17 BB, 1.9 WAR – 51/62), who joined the major league roster late last season and is now firmly entrenched in the No. 4 spot in the lineup. All the former 14th overall pick from 1947-48 has done so far is win back-to-back Rookie of the Month honors. But others have just arrived. 24-year old Rod Dennis (.357/.389/.548, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 5 BB, 0.8 WAR – 50/71) has taken over leftfield and is hitting just ahead of Conisford, while 24-year old Perry Jordan (.239/.325/.328, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 9 BB, 0.3 WAR – 33/66) is riding the pine, waiting to take over second base as 26-year old Bob Sobel (.238/.281/.287, 7-2B, 17 RBI, 9 BB, -0.2 WAR) continues to struggle. On the pitching staff, 25-year old RHP Logan Belsey (3-6, 4.46 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 86 ERA+) and 23-year old RHP Stiofan Micklethwait (4-7, 5.14 ERA, 1.82 WHIP, 74 ERA+) are struggling in the early going. Although Belsey has improved a little of late, Micklethwait has lost his last five starts - badly. No. 2 starter, 33-year old RHP Pi-ao Quian (8-4, 3.20 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 119 ERA+) has been the Eagles most consistent pitcher thus far. Current Injuries: RHP Bartolo Sánchez – September 6 – torn meniscus (knee). Out for: 2 weeks. -------- __________________ United Leagues of Braeland