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reds1 · 07-24-2019, 04:24 AM

This past off-season was a quiet one, at least in player deals. Precious few trades and free-agent signings were made. In fact, the biggest news this off-season was made in management shuffles, as several teams made changes to their leadership ranks rather than shake-up their roster. But there was one notable player departure: 44-year old RHP Satchel Paige was granted his outright release from the Kingston Pelicans so that he could sign with the St. Louis Browns. He rejoins owner Bill Veeck, who recently purchased a majority share in the American League club.

Here are some of the noteworthy baseball developments that transpired since the conclusion of the United Cup back in April and the start of the Coconut Leagues in late August:

Noteworthy Retirements:

SP Ryan Borden – 14-year career (210-154, 3.26 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 128 ERA+); 2 Satchel Paige Awards (1944, 1948), 6-time All-Star, 2 All-Braeland Teams.

SP David Cooling – 14-year career (217-149, 3.22 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 131 ERA+); 1 Satchel Paige Award (1941), 10-time All-Star.

3B Adam Ashley – 13-year career (.316/.374/.431, 43 HR, 699 RBI, 601 BB, 175 SB, 120 OPS+, 54.8 WAR); Rookie of the Year Award (1939), 10-time All-Star, 6 Ball Hawk Awards, 3 All-Braeland Teams.

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Management Shakeups

May 5 –Pulberry Trolleys Hire Their Fourth Manager in Four Years

On April 16, 63-year old Luke Mitford retired, after just one season as Pulberry’s field manager. The rookie manager led the Trolleys to a 63-91 record and a 7th place finish in the Western League standings. But on May 5, the club made a splash when they announced his replacement: 46-year old veteran Ryo Ichikawa (561-519, .519%), the man who recently led the Embro Suns to the Eastern League Pennant and one victory shy of a United Cup Championship last season. Ichikawa managed the Suns for seven seasons, guiding them to three playoff appearances. Electing not to return to Embro following the end of this past season, Ichikawa signed on with the Trolleys for three seasons at $16,700 per annum. He is considered very personable and a tactician who always comes prepared.

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May 11 – Sherburn Hires New General Manager

After 14 seasons as Sherburn’s first and only general manager, 58-year old Gareth Danior was shown the door. Despite his ‘excellent’ reputation, the Tigers reached the playoffs just twice and were five years removed from their last winning record. Assuming the reigns is 46-year Jack Clayton ($6,740, 1 yr.), a rookie in the United Leagues. He is said to highly favor prospects, hitting, loyalty and scouting.

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May 12 – Embro Signs Rookie Manager

After long-time manager Ryo Ichikawa opted to depart, the Suns turned to a rookie, namely 55-year old Ashley Knuth ($5,540, 3 years) as their fourth manager in team history. He previously served as the Hespeler Stars’ bench coach under manager Carlton Stewart back in 1949-51. Low-key and laid back, Knuth is reported to favor prospects, defense and OBP.

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June 5 – Stratford Hires New General Manager

The Barons cleaned house this off-season, jettisoning their bench coach, hitting coach, scouting director, team trainer and general manager. GM Robin Ash’s tenure ended after four seasons, with the Barons making the playoffs twice and boasting winning records each time. But with Stratford’s fortunes progressively fading, the club decided to make a whole-sale change. Enter 57-year old Kieran Sturtevant ($6,060, 1 yr.), who embarks on his first management assignment in the ULB. At his press conference, Sturtevant stated that he will not be afraid to wheel and deal in improving the club through trades. He also reputedly favors veterans.

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August 8 – Wellington Athletics Sees Ownership Change

76-year old Seung-ryong Kim died after a long battle with an undisclosed illness. Taking over will be his only son Seung-ryong Kim Jr. While he worked closely with his father in managing the Athletics organization, Kim Jr. is expected to be much more hands off than Kim Sr., who had a reputation for meddling and being tight-fisted.

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Trades and Signings

May 17:

The defending United Cup Champions Wolseley Unions were the big winners in free agency, signing 25-year old RHP Roberto Garza (54/54) from Costa Rica to a 1-year contract ($27,800).

Knee-jerk reaction: Garza will add depth to an already deep starting rotation that was third last season in ERA (3.55). The scouting report states that his best pitch is his forkball and can be counted on to generate groundballs and keep the ball in the park. He is also described as a middle-of-the-rotation starter and that is where he is slotted to start Spring Training – at the No. 3 spot.

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July 17:

The Balmoral Giants and Hespeler Stars completed a two-player deal:

To Balmoral – 31-year old RHP Brent Nix (58/58)

To Hespeler – 24-year old minor leaguer CF Gerard Rains (35/48)

Knee-jerk reaction: Nix’s tenure with Hespeler was lackluster to say the least. In fact, the former 14th overall pick from 1939-40 has been struggling since he last pitched with Cobourg three seasons ago. Balmoral will be his fifth club and they will be looking to him to anchor their bullpen. While the starting rotation was tops in the West last season, the Giants’ bullpen was rated fifth. As for the Stars, they’ve anointed 25-year old Rodney Gabrielson (64/64), a former 10th-overall pick from 1943-44, as their new stopper.

Rains has the potential to be an intriguing acquisition. A second-round pick from 1949-50, he has not progressed the way Balmoral expected him to and thus shipped him to Hespeler. But Rains has speed to burn and is outstanding defensively anywhere in the outfield. If his offense can develop a little more, he may challenge for a regular spot in the major league lineup.

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July 23:

The Cambria Cannons and Pulberry Trolleys consummated a three-player deal:

To Cambria – 32-year old RF Jarod Dwyer (35/35)

To Pulberry – 30-year RHP Alexander Ellacott (41/41) and 23-year old RHP Flanagan Tyers (41/42).

Knee-jerk reaction: With this trade, the ‘John Oldknow (32/80) era’ has officially begun in Pulberry. Oldknow takes over right field permanently, thus making Dwyer, a former 3rd overall pick from 1941-42 expendable. The three-time all-star is now relegated to Cambria’s bench. He is clearly on the downside of his career.

In return of his services, the Trolleys regain Ellacott, who was originally selected by Pulberry in the 3rd-round of the 1940-41 amateur draft and pitched for them for five seasons before being shipped to Hespeler for C Gareth Kody, who is still with the club. Ellacott struggled with Cambria, as he has the past four seasons, so its not entirely clear what positive impact he can make for Pulberry. Nevertheless, he is considered their ace going forward, giving you an idea of the state of the Trolleys’ pitching staff.

Tyers, a former 8th-round pick is a future starter who is decidedly average, with below average movement (fastball, slider, changeup: all 50/50). He is a long-shot to make a major league roster, but with Pulberry he may have a chance.

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August 14:

The Balmoral Giants and Sherburn Tigers agreed to a three-player deal:

To Balmoral – 31-year old 1B Won-ho Kim (43/43) and 22-year old CF Harold Sparkes (20/37)

To Sherburn – 28-year old 3B Viera Kewini (43/48)

Knee-jerk reaction: Essentially some deck chair shuffling made by both clubs, although Kewini has perhaps the best chance of making an impact. Kewini takes over the hot corner from the platoon of 28-year old Fraser Rae (35/36) and 31-year old Otton Overbeek (30/30) who were no longer effective. Kewini is a former 5th-round pick who showed some promise last season with Balmoral. He is aggressive at the plate with very good defensive skills and a terrific throwing arm.

Kim meanwhile moves from centerfield with Sherburn to first base with Balmoral, where he should be more comfortable defensively. He is a great base-stealer with above-average strike zone recognition. Nevertheless, scouts feel that he is merely a borderline starter.

Sparkes is a former second-round pick now with his third organization. He is primarily a depth player with a decent bat, great speed and terrific defense in the outfield. But right now, only a plethora of injuries could see him move into a starting lineup.

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The War Gained chart nicely sums up how quiet the off-season was, at least in terms of player movement. For most teams, their rise or fall in the chart was largely the result of players retiring after the season, rather than impact players being traded. Most player movement was seen through the Rule 5 draft. AI trading is currently set to ‘average’, so perhaps that will have to be re-evaluated if that trend continues.

But in the meantime, the teams are gearing up for the 15th annual Coconut Leagues, set to begin on August 27.

07-24-2019, 04:24 AM	#509
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,925	This past off-season was a quiet one, at least in player deals. Precious few trades and free-agent signings were made. In fact, the biggest news this off-season was made in management shuffles, as several teams made changes to their leadership ranks rather than shake-up their roster. But there was one notable player departure: 44-year old RHP Satchel Paige was granted his outright release from the Kingston Pelicans so that he could sign with the St. Louis Browns. He rejoins owner Bill Veeck, who recently purchased a majority share in the American League club. Here are some of the noteworthy baseball developments that transpired since the conclusion of the United Cup back in April and the start of the Coconut Leagues in late August: Noteworthy Retirements: SP Ryan Borden – 14-year career (210-154, 3.26 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 128 ERA+); 2 Satchel Paige Awards (1944, 1948), 6-time All-Star, 2 All-Braeland Teams. SP David Cooling – 14-year career (217-149, 3.22 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 131 ERA+); 1 Satchel Paige Award (1941), 10-time All-Star. 3B Adam Ashley – 13-year career (.316/.374/.431, 43 HR, 699 RBI, 601 BB, 175 SB, 120 OPS+, 54.8 WAR); Rookie of the Year Award (1939), 10-time All-Star, 6 Ball Hawk Awards, 3 All-Braeland Teams. ----------- Management Shakeups May 5 –Pulberry Trolleys Hire Their Fourth Manager in Four Years On April 16, 63-year old Luke Mitford retired, after just one season as Pulberry’s field manager. The rookie manager led the Trolleys to a 63-91 record and a 7th place finish in the Western League standings. But on May 5, the club made a splash when they announced his replacement: 46-year old veteran Ryo Ichikawa (561-519, .519%), the man who recently led the Embro Suns to the Eastern League Pennant and one victory shy of a United Cup Championship last season. Ichikawa managed the Suns for seven seasons, guiding them to three playoff appearances. Electing not to return to Embro following the end of this past season, Ichikawa signed on with the Trolleys for three seasons at $16,700 per annum. He is considered very personable and a tactician who always comes prepared. ----------- May 11 – Sherburn Hires New General Manager After 14 seasons as Sherburn’s first and only general manager, 58-year old Gareth Danior was shown the door. Despite his ‘excellent’ reputation, the Tigers reached the playoffs just twice and were five years removed from their last winning record. Assuming the reigns is 46-year Jack Clayton ($6,740, 1 yr.), a rookie in the United Leagues. He is said to highly favor prospects, hitting, loyalty and scouting. ----------- May 12 – Embro Signs Rookie Manager After long-time manager Ryo Ichikawa opted to depart, the Suns turned to a rookie, namely 55-year old Ashley Knuth ($5,540, 3 years) as their fourth manager in team history. He previously served as the Hespeler Stars’ bench coach under manager Carlton Stewart back in 1949-51. Low-key and laid back, Knuth is reported to favor prospects, defense and OBP. ----------- June 5 – Stratford Hires New General Manager The Barons cleaned house this off-season, jettisoning their bench coach, hitting coach, scouting director, team trainer and general manager. GM Robin Ash’s tenure ended after four seasons, with the Barons making the playoffs twice and boasting winning records each time. But with Stratford’s fortunes progressively fading, the club decided to make a whole-sale change. Enter 57-year old Kieran Sturtevant ($6,060, 1 yr.), who embarks on his first management assignment in the ULB. At his press conference, Sturtevant stated that he will not be afraid to wheel and deal in improving the club through trades. He also reputedly favors veterans. ----------- August 8 – Wellington Athletics Sees Ownership Change 76-year old Seung-ryong Kim died after a long battle with an undisclosed illness. Taking over will be his only son Seung-ryong Kim Jr. While he worked closely with his father in managing the Athletics organization, Kim Jr. is expected to be much more hands off than Kim Sr., who had a reputation for meddling and being tight-fisted. ----------- Trades and Signings May 17: The defending United Cup Champions Wolseley Unions were the big winners in free agency, signing 25-year old RHP Roberto Garza (54/54) from Costa Rica to a 1-year contract ($27,800). Knee-jerk reaction: Garza will add depth to an already deep starting rotation that was third last season in ERA (3.55). The scouting report states that his best pitch is his forkball and can be counted on to generate groundballs and keep the ball in the park. He is also described as a middle-of-the-rotation starter and that is where he is slotted to start Spring Training – at the No. 3 spot. ----------- July 17: The Balmoral Giants and Hespeler Stars completed a two-player deal: To Balmoral – 31-year old RHP Brent Nix (58/58) To Hespeler – 24-year old minor leaguer CF Gerard Rains (35/48) *Knee-jerk reaction:* Nix’s tenure with Hespeler was lackluster to say the least. In fact, the former 14th overall pick from 1939-40 has been struggling since he last pitched with Cobourg three seasons ago. Balmoral will be his fifth club and they will be looking to him to anchor their bullpen. While the starting rotation was tops in the West last season, the Giants’ bullpen was rated fifth. As for the Stars, they’ve anointed 25-year old Rodney Gabrielson (64/64), a former 10th-overall pick from 1943-44, as their new stopper. Rains has the potential to be an intriguing acquisition. A second-round pick from 1949-50, he has not progressed the way Balmoral expected him to and thus shipped him to Hespeler. But Rains has speed to burn and is outstanding defensively anywhere in the outfield. If his offense can develop a little more, he may challenge for a regular spot in the major league lineup. ----------- July 23: The Cambria Cannons and Pulberry Trolleys consummated a three-player deal: To Cambria – 32-year old RF Jarod Dwyer (35/35) To Pulberry – 30-year RHP Alexander Ellacott (41/41) and 23-year old RHP Flanagan Tyers (41/42). *Knee-jerk reaction:* With this trade, the ‘John Oldknow (32/80) era’ has officially begun in Pulberry. Oldknow takes over right field permanently, thus making Dwyer, a former 3rd overall pick from 1941-42 expendable. The three-time all-star is now relegated to Cambria’s bench. He is clearly on the downside of his career. In return of his services, the Trolleys regain Ellacott, who was originally selected by Pulberry in the 3rd-round of the 1940-41 amateur draft and pitched for them for five seasons before being shipped to Hespeler for C Gareth Kody, who is still with the club. Ellacott struggled with Cambria, as he has the past four seasons, so its not entirely clear what positive impact he can make for Pulberry. Nevertheless, he is considered their ace going forward, giving you an idea of the state of the Trolleys’ pitching staff. Tyers, a former 8th-round pick is a future starter who is decidedly average, with below average movement (fastball, slider, changeup: all 50/50). He is a long-shot to make a major league roster, but with Pulberry he may have a chance. ----------- August 14: The Balmoral Giants and Sherburn Tigers agreed to a three-player deal: To Balmoral – 31-year old 1B Won-ho Kim (43/43) and 22-year old CF Harold Sparkes (20/37) To Sherburn – 28-year old 3B Viera Kewini (43/48) *Knee-jerk reaction:* Essentially some deck chair shuffling made by both clubs, although Kewini has perhaps the best chance of making an impact. Kewini takes over the hot corner from the platoon of 28-year old Fraser Rae (35/36) and 31-year old Otton Overbeek (30/30) who were no longer effective. Kewini is a former 5th-round pick who showed some promise last season with Balmoral. He is aggressive at the plate with very good defensive skills and a terrific throwing arm. Kim meanwhile moves from centerfield with Sherburn to first base with Balmoral, where he should be more comfortable defensively. He is a great base-stealer with above-average strike zone recognition. Nevertheless, scouts feel that he is merely a borderline starter. Sparkes is a former second-round pick now with his third organization. He is primarily a depth player with a decent bat, great speed and terrific defense in the outfield. But right now, only a plethora of injuries could see him move into a starting lineup. ----------- The War Gained chart nicely sums up how quiet the off-season was, at least in terms of player movement. For most teams, their rise or fall in the chart was largely the result of players retiring after the season, rather than impact players being traded. Most player movement was seen through the Rule 5 draft. AI trading is currently set to ‘average’, so perhaps that will have to be re-evaluated if that trend continues. But in the meantime, the teams are gearing up for the 15th annual Coconut Leagues, set to begin on August 27. __________________ United Leagues of Braeland