OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post

reds1 · 04-13-2020, 09:13 PM

February 1, 1953

Western League: Can the Unions, Trolleys Catch the Cannons?

--------

Offense: .256/.331/.383 (1st/1st/1st)
Pitching: 3.67/3.75/3.34 (8th/7th/7th)
Defense: .688 (8th)

The immediate teams in their rear-view mirror may have changed since December, but the Cambria Cannons are still on pace to win 90+ games for the first time in 11 years and look to end their 8-year playoff drought. But with two resurgent teams, the Wolseley Unions and Pulberry Trolleys, comprising their closest challengers, the Cannons cannot afford to fade down the stretch. Fortunately, their offense remains the best in the West and their pitching, while not looking pretty in any significant statistical category, is performing better than the numbers suggest.

The rotation has made great strides. After losing 20 games last season, 23-year old LHP Bill Southon (12-5, 2.91 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 120 ERA+) is on pace to win 18. While the three-year veteran has gotten better, he is also getting the offensive help that was lacking last season. Following him in the rotation is 33-year old LHP Ricardo Cruz (9-3, 2.67 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 131 ERA+). The former Balmoral Giant is providing able support when he is healthy. And 27-year old RHP Masami Fujihara (10-8, 3.75 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 93 ERA+) has pitched much more consistently after getting off to a rough start in October. The bullpen is having its struggles, but 27-year old RHP Keith Roche (10-1, 16 SV, 2.21 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 159 ERA+) is enjoying a tremendous season.

The team’s strength of course has been their performance at the plate, led by 35-year old C Heung-su Park (.304/.375/.548, 18 HR, 72 RBI, 33 BB, 4.6 WAR), 32-year old SS César Ruíz (.272/.398/.449, 16 HR, 62 RBI, 74 BB, 4.2 WAR) and 26-year old 1B Carlos Corea (.353/.407/.533, 142 HR, 78 RBI, 35 BB, 3.5 WAR). While defense has not been their strong suit, Corea really struggles at his position (.989 PCT, 9.01 RNG, -16.6 ZR, .827 EFF). Defense has not been a problem for CF Sam Tite (.225/.344/.357, 10 HR, 38 RBI, 68 BB, 3.5 WAR - .987 PCT, 3.89 RNG, +5.3 ZR, 1.009 EFF), who missed most of his rookie season last year due to injury. If the 23-year old lead-off hitter can find his groove at the plate, then both he and 28-year old rookie 3B Luis Torres (.276/.344/.404, 10 HR, 55 RBI, 35 BB, 2.6 WAR) will make the Cambria offense something really special.

Seven Cannons made it to the All-Star Game: SP Ricardo Cruz (3rd), SP Bill Southon (1st), CL Keith Roche (1st), C Heung-su Park (5th), 1B Carlos Corea (2nd), 3B Luis Torres (1st) and SS César Ruíz (4th).

Player of the Week Awards:

December 22 – SS César Ruíz (.462, 12 H, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 7 R)
January 5 – 1B Carlos Corea (.500, 6 H, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 8 R)

Noteworthy:

December 23 – The Cannons blanked the Wolseley Unions 7-0 at Alexander Field in Cambria. LHP Bill Southon scattered 6 hits to pick up his 9th win of the season. He went 9.0 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K (GS: 80).
January 2 – Cambria came up big against the Kingston Pelicans, shutting them out 8-0. LHP Bill Southon was at it again, limiting the Pelicans to 6 hits. He went 9.0 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 7 BB, 6 K (GS: 74).

Key Trade: December 21 with the Balmoral Giants:

To Cambria – 37-year old LHP Hirotada Fukushima (41/41) and 22-year old minor league RHP Júlio Escamilla (20/20)
To Balmoral – 27-year old minor league 1B Jacob Summerhayes (44/46)

Knee-jerk reaction: The top team and the worst team in the West consummate a deal that addresses needs for both clubs. Cambria looks to add experienced pitching for its playoff push while the Giants look for upgrades at well, everything. Fukushima is a 16-year veteran, a 5-time all-star and a 5-time United Cup winner. While the quality of his pitches isn’t what it used to be, his stuff (50) and movement (60) still allow him to throw the right ones at the right times. However, his control (35) and fragility may be an issue. Fukushima joins the Cannons’ rotation in the No. 4 spot and provides some veteran leaderhip.

Summerhayes is a former 3rd-round pick who is known for his bat, having won the AAA Josh Gibson Award as top batter last season. He is a solid hitter with an aggressive approach at the plate and the ability to hit 20 homers a season. The Giants have promoted him to the major league roster, and he will bat in the No. 4 spot. He takes over first base from 36-year old Fernando Gómez (.139/.308/.242, 7 HR, 19 RBI, 62 RBI, -0.3 WAR), who was subsequently claimed off waivers by the Wellington Athletics.

Current Injuries:

January 17 – RHP Ray Lambright – forearm inflammation. Out for: 1 week.

--------

Offense: .240/.324/.317 (8th/2nd/8th)
Pitching: 2.88/3.06/2.07 (1st/2nd/1st)
Defense: .730 (2nd)

The recovery of the Wolseley Unions from a slow start isn’t all that surprising, as the Unions are too good of a team to remain wallowing near the bottom of the standings. But despite their resurgence over that past two months, not all is completely back on track. Apart from a couple of players, the offense remains surprisingly anemic. If not for a strong pitching staff, its doubtful the Unions would be anywhere near contention for a playoff spot. That could threaten their streak of six consecutive playoff appearances and prevent them from attaining a three-peat as United Cup champions.

31-year old SS George Kimpton (.285/.370/.414, 10 HR, 53 RBI, 53 BB, 4.2 WAR) continues his strong play from last season and 31-year old LF Carlton Hawking (.314/.450/.449, 9 HR, 36 RBI, 88 BB, 4.0 WAR) finally returned to form in December, although he still struggles at times (.174/.367/.304 in 23 AB last week). But the rest of the lineup is still struggling offensively, threatening their playoff chances.

Their pitching may have to carry them into the playoffs. The staff is strong from top to bottom. They perhaps have the best 1-2-3 punch right now in 33-year old RHP Aaron Saunderson (9-11, 2.35 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 153 ERA+), 29-year old RHP Jeremy Albury (7-8, 2.82 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 127 ERA+) and 34-year old RHP Bill Blair (6-2, 2.21 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 162 ERA+) when he is healthy. But No. 5 starter, 27-year old Axel MacKay (10-3, 2.01 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 178 ERA+), may actually be their top starter at the moment.

Seven players were selected to the All-Star Game: SP Bill Blair (4th), SP Axel MacKay (2nd), SP Aaron Saunderson (6th), CL Shou-xin Chin (2nd), 1B Carlos Ortiz (3rd), George Kimpton (4th) and LF Carlton Hawking (8th).

Player of the Week Awards:

January 12 – SS George Kimpton (.483, 14 H, 2 HR, 6 RBI)

Noteworthy:

January 2 – LHP Axel Mackay was at his best, whitewashing the Sherburn Tigers 3-0 on the road. He fired a 6-hitter. He went 9.0 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K (GS: 74).
January 17 – The Unions fell to the Balmoral Giants 4-1 at home. What also fell was 1B Carlos Ortíz’s (.277/.341/.373, 10 HR, 44 RBI, 42 BB, 2.2 WAR) 20-game hitting streak, as he went 0-2 on the afternoon.

Key Trade: January 25 with the Balmoral Giants:

To Wolseley – 32-year old RHP Cris Herrera (57/57) and 24-year old minor league LHP Euan MacKenzie (41/70)
To Balmoral – 31-year old 3B Burt Willey (45/45) and 23-year-old minor-league C Andre Shepperson (20/37)

Knee-jerk reaction: A completely and utterly senseless trade, especially on the part of Balmoral. Herrera and MacKenzie are both useful relief pitchers that Wolseley, already drowning in quality pitching, doesn’t know what to do with. Mackenzie, who scouts say is ready for the majors and is a former 10th overall pick from 1951-52, has been buried in AA; while Herrera, a former starter, remains on the DFA list, apparently waiting either to be sent down to AAA or released because the Unions just don’t have room for him in their bullpen. Herrera is not overpowering but is excellent at generating groundballs and keeping the ball in the park. MacKenzie is a future stopper with overwhelming stuff (65/80) and great movement (50/65) with two terrific pitches: fastball (55/60) and changeup (60/70). Only his control (30/45) needs further work.

In return for these two useful pieces, Balmoral gets Willey, a 9-year veteran with decent contact and defense. But he is not considered a regular starter at this point in his career. The Giants seem to agree – they have buried him in the roster as a No. 2 utility guy. So apart from more pitching depth that Wolseley may or may never need, how does this benefit either team? As Major Clipton uttered at the end of ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’: “Madness!. . . Madness!”

Current Injuries:

December 18 – 2B Westin Woollams – torn labrum. Out for: 4-5 months.

--------

Offense: .251/.317/.352 (5th/3rd/5th)
Pitching: 3.37/3.61/2.48 (3rd/4th/2nd)
Defense: .734 (1st)

Like the Unions, the Pulberry Trolleys got off to a relatively slow start before picking things up in December. But they are still looking for consistency – after starting January 9-2, they went just 5-10 after the all-star break. Pulberry won 85 games last season and lost the wildcard by one game to the Kingston Pelicans. This season they are projected to win only 80. The Trolleys will need their regulars to pick up their game if they hope to finally end their playoff drought.

25-year old CF Cooper Tyson (.274/.381/.426, 9 HR, 44 RBI, 63 BB, 5.3 WAR) was one of the few players in the West who started the season off strong, but he is still struggling to find the offensive form he had last season. His defense though, remains the class of the league (.993 PCT, 4.37 RNG, +16.5 ZR, 1.057 EFF). 28-year old RF Ellis Dibble (.294/.377/.438, 10 HR, 35 RBI, 42 BB, 2.6 WAR) and 25-year old 3B Makani Hahale (.303/.335/.375, 1 HR, 43 RBI, 16 BB, 12 SB, 2.5 WAR) are supporting Tyson but are experiencing down years offensively compared to last season. The Trolleys are still waiting for break out performances from their young prospects, such as 24-year old LF Aidan Thirkettle (.274/.360/.416, 7 HR, 39 RBI, 41 BB, 9 SB, 1.9 WAR – 63/80). Meanwhile, 22-year old C Paul England (.209/.270/.285, 2 HR, 31 RBI, 19 BB, -0.1 WAR – 33/65) appears lost at times. Hopefully they both can figure things out soon.

Overall, Pulberry’s pitching is improving with each season, but it is not quite where it could be. That said, 31-year old RHP Alexander Ellacott (11-7, 2.99 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 117 ERA+) continues his excellent play that began last season, while 25-year old RHP Harley Rodman (3-2, 1 SV, 2.11 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 1.65 ERA+) has been solid in limited play. He was recently promoted back to the rotation. That will provide a boost, as Pulberry’s other starters, such as 23-year old LHP Ramón Castro (8-7, 3.59 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 97 ERA+) have struggled at times. But the Trolleys have two promising starters pitching out of the bullpen: 25-year old stopper RHP Taylor Folkard (4-3, 9 SV, 2.03 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 172 ERA+) and 23-year old rookie LHP Dermott Rathbone (0-0, 1 SV, 1.77 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 197 ERA+ - 45/61). Both deserve to be promoted to the rotation at some point, especially Folkard.

Six Trolleys qualified for the All-Star Game: SP Taylor Folkard (1st), 1B Gerard Koerner (2nd), 3B Makani Kahale (3rd), LF Aidan Thirkettle (1st), CF Cooper Tyson (3rd) and RF Ellis Dibble (2nd).

Player of the Week Awards:

December 15 – RF Ellis Dibble (.480, 12 H, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 7 R)

Noteworthy:

December 27 – The Trolleys scored 2 runs in each inning from the 2nd through the 6th to rout the Cambria Cannons 10-0. But the 27,800 in attendance at Trolleys Stadium reserved their standing ovation for the immensely popular LHP Ramón Castro, who limited the Cannons to 4 hits. He went 9.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 7 K (GS: 85). CF Cooper Tyson went 2 for 5 with a double and a 2-run home run off Bill Southon in the 3rd inning.
January 21 – The Trolleys went into Hespeler and shut out the Stars 6-0. RHP Alexander Ellacott kept the Stars’ bats cold all day, allowing only 2 hits. He went 9.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 4 BB, 7 K (GS: 86).

Current Injuries:

October 26 – LHP Sam Chapman – strained hamstring. Out for: 4 weeks.
December 19 – 2B Paul Heisler – hamstring strain. Out for: 5 weeks.

--------

Offense: .252/.314/.370 (4th/5th/2nd)
Pitching: 3.42/3.58/2.57 (4th/3rd/3rd)
Defense: .722 (3rd)

Don’t look now, but the Hespeler Stars may be on the cusp of relevance, as the club enjoyed back-to-back above .500 months to get to within one game of .500 and squeak into the first division in the West. The Stars have only finished in 4th place or higher three times before (and never 1st or 2nd) and its been 10 years since they’ve been this close to a non-losing season. The parts are there for them to be more competitive, but there are still players that are chronically under-performing when compared to their ratings. Hopefully GM Marcello Bonaddio will weed out the dead-weight as he continues to reshape the team.

Not weighing down the club is 27-year old 2B Vic Lewis (.306/.358/.477, 16 HR, 57 RBI, 29 BB, 7 SB, 4.5 WAR), who continues to build on his impressive season last year. He is easily Hespeler’s top performer. Following him though is the Stars’ two-way player: 26-year old rookie SP/3B Mike Park. In the early going, Park has gotten comfortable at the plate quicker (.329/.383/.471, 5 HR, 29 RBI, 21 BB, 2.6 WAR – 57/59) than on the mound (7-5, 3.98 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, 90 ERA+ - 46/46), but his overall performance is intriguing. The rest of the offense has been disappointing, however. Hespeler really needs to get their top prospect, 22-year old RF Bill Spaeth (.267/.313/.420, 6 HR, 34 RBI, 17 BB, 1.1 WAR – 39/71), back into the lineup full-time.

26-year old RHP Dominic Whitmore (9-8, 2.90 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 124 ERA+) has become a steady performer in his fourth season and is the staff’s ace. Four-year veteran 27-year old RHP Wayne Nesling (9-10, 3.58 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 100 ERA+) has continued to make modest progress each year and perhaps gave a foregleam of what's in store (see below). The Stars welcome back 26-year old LHP Larry Kovnats (2-3, 1.41 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 255 ERA+), their former ace, from a long-time injury. If he can find his form again, Hespeler’s immediate fortunes should continue to rise. But curiously, 24-year old rookie RHP Battista Carotta (6-6, 3.22 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 112 ERA+) was just moved to the bullpen, to make room for Kovnats. Hopefully they have the sense to move him back, as there are other starters that could be sacrificed.

Three players represented the Stars are the All-Star Game: SP Dominic Whitmore (1st), 1B Bill Spaeth(1st) and 2B Vic Lewis (2nd).

Noteworthy:

December 3 – RHP Wayne Nesling shut out the visiting Queensland Eagles, limiting them to just 2 hits. He went 9.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 1 K (GS: 81) as the Stars eked out a 1-0 victory.
December 8 – 23,253 fans at Hespeler’s Fabulous Avalon gave RHP Wayne Nesling a standing ovation after he completed the United Leagues’ 10th NO-HITTER. After pitching an impressive 2-hitter just five days earlier, Nesling outdid himself, blanking the Balmoral Giants 10-0. His line on the historic occasion was 9.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 4 BB, 7 K (GS: 90). He received plenty of help from his teammates, as they pounded out 3 home runs in total. The game was broken wide open with a seven-run 8th inning, where CF John McMurray banged out a two-run triple and 1B Ramiro Urbina later crushed a GRAND SLAM home run to cap things off.

Current Injuries:

November 5 – SS Kobbe Asamse – torn labrum. Out for: 2-3 months.
January 4 – CF Edgardo Barrón – plantar fasciitis. Out for: 1-2 weeks.

--------

Offense: .255/.309/.363 (2nd/6th/3rd)
Pitching: 3.05/3.04/3.13 (2nd/1st/6th)
Defense: .721 (4th)

In the last week of December, the Fort Richmond Generals were the second hottest team in the United Leagues and sat just 3.5 games back of the Cambria Cannons for top spot in the West. But a disastrous January has seen them tumble all the way down to 5th spot. If one area should take the blame, it should be their ho-hum offense. While not in any way awful, there are no standout performers among this group. Fort Richmond lost 13 games in January where they were held to 2 runs or less. Unless the offense steps it up in the final two months, the Generals may be on their way to their first losing season in six years.

28-year old RF Brandon Robinson (.292/.321/.427, 10 HR, 50 RBI, 19 BB, 0.6 WAR) has been Fort Richmond’s top offensive performer, but his defense has been awful for the second straight season (.989 PCT, 2.74 RNG, -10.8 ZR, .933 EFF). 28-year old SS Nobuyoshi Yoshida (.266/.320/.398, 6 HR, 23 RBI, 20 BB, 2.2 WAR) remains steady in the field but his production is way down from last year, something that is symptomatic of the entire lineup.

The pitching staff has long been one of the best in the United Leagues and that continues into this season. 30-year old RHP Nicky Sherlock (12-8, 2.23 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 156 ERA+) is one of the best pitchers in the ULB and has to be considered the front-runner for the WL Satchel Paige Award this season. No. 4 starter 32-year old LHP Nicholas Grimes (8-9, 3.17 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 110 ERA+) is not having as good a year as he did last season when he won the Top Pitcher Award but is still effective. And the Generals have to be pleased with the progress of 27-year old RHP Kazunori Fujimoto (7-9, 2.63 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 132 ERA+). The former 15th-overall pick is in his second full season in the majors.

Three Generals were selected to this year’s All-Star Game: SP Nicholas Grimes (3rd), SP Nicky Sherlock (5th) and RF Brandon Robinson (4th).

Noteworthy:

December 27 – RHP Ch’ang-chieh Li tamed the Balmoral Giants 4-0 with a 4-hit shutout. His line was 9.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 5 BB, 5 K (GS: 79).
December 28 – The Giants endured another rough outing the next day, as they got blanked by RHP Nicky Sherlock 7-0 on three hits. Sherlock went 9.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K (GS: 84).
January 23 –RHP Nicky Sherlock was hard to hit once again as he shut out the Sherburn Tigers 3-0 on four hits. Sherlock went 9.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 K (GS: 86).

Player of the Week Awards:

December 29 – RHP Nicky Sherlock (2-0, 18 IP, 9 K, 0.00 ERA)

Current Injuries: None.

--------

Offense: .246/.315/.358 (6th/4th/4th)
Pitching: 3.63/3.87/2.67 (7th/8th/4th)
Defense: .713 (6th)

There does not appear to be any miraculous turnaround in store for the Kingston Pelicans this season, as they continue to fall behind the league leaders. Only once have they finished a season below .500 – back in 1948-49 when they went 73-81. They are currently on pace to finish below that mark. Could their first 90+ loss season be close at hand?

Like the Fort Richmond Generals, the offense isn’t terrible, but it is very lacklustre. Their best position player, 26-year old C Carlos Camasura (.285/.368/.363, 2 HR, 20 RBI, 36 BB, 2.1 WAR), is enduring his second consecutive down year offensively despite making the all-star team. 38-year old 1B Dean Bishop (239/.373/402, 8 HR, 43 RBI, 69 BB, 2.7 WAR) has been his team’s best player overall this season in what has been a bit of a rebound for him after a couple down years. And 37-year old 2B Katsunan Chikafuji (.258/.318/.403, 12 HR, 49 RBI, 29 BB, 1.9 WAR) is still capable of flashing his former greatness at times, such as he did in January (.286/.327/.429, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 6 BB). But Kingston’s over reliance on their aging stars is really starting to show.

The pitching staff is no longer a dominant unit. 32-year old LHP Patrick Denman (9-13, 3.38 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 106 ERA+) is still a workhorse, but his days of winning 20 games a season appear to be behind him, something he achieved four times, including a record 27 wins in 1945-46 as a 25-year old. 28-year old RHP stopper Kaula Mafileo (3-7, 8 SV, 2.40 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 149 ERA+) continues to be one of the best relievers in the United Leagues, despite the lack of run support.

Two Pelicans made the All-Star team: C Carlos Camasura (3rd) and 1B Dean Bishop (7th).

Noteworthy:

December 13 – LHP Rob Hutchence turned out the lights on the Hespeler Stars, blanking them 2-0 on 2 hits. He went 9.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K (GS: 90).
December 14 – The next day, it was LHP Dana Listman’s turn to blank the Hespeler Stars. He did on three hits, scratching a 1-0 victory. He line was 9.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 5 BB, 4 K (GS: 80).

Current Injuries:

September 9 – RHP Freddie Galloway – surgery to remove bone chips (elbow). Out for: 5 months.
October 22 – RHP Marvin Fewings – partially torn labrum. Out for: 3 weeks.
January 22 – RHP Tom Mayor – elbow inflammation. Out for: 1 week.

--------

Offense: .254/.309/.348 (3rd/7th/6th)
Pitching: 3.50/3.63/2.97 (5th/6th/5th)
Defense: .703 (7th)

The Sherburn Tigers may be an also-ran, but at least they are consistent, winning 11 games in three of the four months so far (they won 10 in November). Offensively, the team is in disarray with their best player just getting back from an extended injury and their top performer being relegated to backup to make room for a new acquisition. On the plus side, their rotation is very close to being playoff worthy.

26-year old 2B Jack Burt (.317/.330/.390, 1 HR, 24 RBI, 5 BB, 0.7 WAR) missed most of November and December to a knee injury but was strong in his return in January (.315/.319/.402, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 1 BB). Anything he can contribute to this mediocre crew will be welcome. The Tigers’ best overall player has been 28-year old C Quim Cypriano (.248/.328/.357, 4 HR, 31 RBI, 34 BB, 2.1 WAR). While he has been solid on defense, Sherburn has elected to install newly acquired 30-year old Christopher Dainty (.210/.335/.351, 7 HR, 35 RBI, 40 BB, 1.1 WAR) as their everyday catcher instead. Whether that represents an improvement remains to be seen. Personally, if Sherburn wants to see a boost to their offense, they really need to play 24-year old 3B Archie Eridge (.353/.457/.447, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 14 BB, 1.2 WAR – 50/80) everyday. He is simply being wasted sitting on the bench. Eridge was their 1st overall pick back in 1951-52 and is rated 8th overall among prospects.

The front three of the rotation has been very impressive, considering the lack of run support. Although he didn’t make the all-star team this year, 29-year old RHP Jesús Chapa (11-8, 3.22 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 111 ERA+) is still rated as the 6th-best pitching in the United Leagues. He has been ably supported by 25-year old RHP Bradley Strawson (5-10, 3.13 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 115 ERA+) and 26-year old RHP Ben Buschlen (6-9, 3.39 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 106 ERA+). Strawson, who is in his fourth major league season, is rated 14th overall among pitchers in the ULB.

Three Tigers qualified for the All-Star Game: SP Bradley Strawson (1st), 3B Viera Kewini (1st) and SS Tyler MacGugan (1st).

Player of the Week Awards:

December 8 – LF Noah Teale (.474, 9 H, 3 HR, 9 RBI)

Noteworthy:

January 25 – RHP Jesús Chapa beat his old teammate RHP Roberto Taváres and the Fort Richmond Generals 3-0 at Generals Stadium. Chapa went 9.0 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K (GS: 76).

Current Injuries:

December 13 – RHP Ramón Ortíz – hamstring strain. Out for: 1 week.

--------

Offense: .240/.307/.337 (7th/8th/7th)
Pitching: 3.59/3.62/3.42 (6th/5th/8th)
Defense: .718 (5th)

Despite a miscue as noted in the Wolseley trade section above, GM Victory Lynch has made some shrewd player moves since last July that has seen some nice player performances this year for the Balmoral Giants. What it hasn’t produced however, is a boost in the Western League standings. The Giants are in danger of finishing in last place, something that has never happened before. In fact, they may end up ‘earning’ their first overall pick. Instead of being sacked at the end of last season like I expected, GM Lynch was signed for another four years. He remains the only general manager the Giants have ever had. Not sure how realistic that is given the lack of team success.

25-year old CF Cedric Bristow (.294/.367/.397, 1 HR, 26 RBI, 33 BB, 9 SB, 3.2 WAR) is showing promise in his second full season in the majors, with solid defense and blazing speed. Although his ratings suggest he is not an offensive powerhouse, he leads the Giants in 13 offensive categories. He was a 10th-overall pick back in 1949-50. In addition, 27-year old C Alexander Pyatt (.272/.307/.407, 11 HR, 36 RBI, 18 BB, 2.5 WAR) is enjoying the best season of his four-year career. Originally a 12th overall pick by the Braeland City Monarchs back in 1946-47, he came over from the Cambria Cannons back in July 1952 in a three-player deal. And it appears that Balmoral has done good by acquiring 27-year old 1B Jacob Summerhayes (.276/.328/.445, 7 HR, 24 RBI, 13 BB, 1.4 WAR) from Cambria in December. Summerhayes batted .315/.385/.587 in January, his first full month in the majors.

Although the bullpen is currently in flux, the rotation has been rather respectable. 29-year old LHP Ron Albin (8-8, 2.90 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 122 ERA+) has been promoted to the No. 1 spot in the rotation in just his second full season and deservedly so. Albin was a 6th-round pick by the Wolseley Unions in 1944-45 before being selected in the Rule 5 draft by the Giants in 1950. No. 3 starter, 26-year old LHP Lucas Nott (10-10, 2.69 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 131 ERA+) has been a revelation in his first year with the Giants. He was acquired from Sherburn back in September after three below average seasons with the Tigers. Finally, 25-year old RHP Robert Embley (2-0, 2.48 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 143 ERA+) has been impressive in his five starts so far. Embley was a 5th-round pick in 1945-46.

The Giants sent three players to the All-Star Game: SP Lucas Nott (1st), C Alexander Pyatt (1st) and 3B Allen Cattanach (5th).

Player of the Week Awards:

January 19 – 1B Jacob Summerhayes (.385, 5 H, 3 HR, 6 RBI)
January 26 – CF Cedric Bristow (.529, 18 H, 1 HR, 8 RBI)

Noteworthy:

December 2 – It was a red-letter day at Foster Field – for the home-town Giants that is, as Balmoral blanked the Cobourg Red Stockings 1-0. The hero of the day was LHP Hirotada Fukushima, who limited Cobourg to 3 hits. He went 10.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K (GS: 88) and picked up the win as the Giants triumphed in extra innings on a sac fly by LF Clyde Whitaker. Cobourg’s starter, RHP Marcus Turvill, was no slouch himself, going 9.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 8 K (GS: 89).
December 23 – RHP Quintiliano Galeo whitewashed the Sherburn Tigers 1-0 in a complete game victory at Foster Field. He went 9.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K (GS: 86).
January 23 – CF Cedric Bristow had a field day against the Kingston Pelicans, going 5 for 6 to pace the Giants to a 7-6 victory. Balmoral’s lead off hitter banged out 5 singles and collected 3 RBIs. In the 11th, Kingston went ahead 6-5 before RF Roy Belknap hit a walk-off two-run home run in the bottom half of the inning.
January 26 – LHP Ron Albin kept the Hespeler Stars off the scoreboard all afternoon, winning 2-0 on 2 hits. On the day he went 9.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K (GS: 84).

Current Injuries: None.

--------

04-13-2020, 09:13 PM	#571
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,919	February 1, 1953 Western League: Can the Unions, Trolleys Catch the Cannons? -------- Offense: .256/.331/.383 (1st/1st/1st) Pitching: 3.67/3.75/3.34 (8th/7th/7th) Defense: .688 (8th) The immediate teams in their rear-view mirror may have changed since December, but the Cambria Cannons are still on pace to win 90+ games for the first time in 11 years and look to end their 8-year playoff drought. But with two resurgent teams, the Wolseley Unions and Pulberry Trolleys, comprising their closest challengers, the Cannons cannot afford to fade down the stretch. Fortunately, their offense remains the best in the West and their pitching, while not looking pretty in any significant statistical category, is performing better than the numbers suggest. The rotation has made great strides. After losing 20 games last season, 23-year old LHP Bill Southon (12-5, 2.91 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 120 ERA+) is on pace to win 18. While the three-year veteran has gotten better, he is also getting the offensive help that was lacking last season. Following him in the rotation is 33-year old LHP Ricardo Cruz (9-3, 2.67 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 131 ERA+). The former Balmoral Giant is providing able support when he is healthy. And 27-year old RHP Masami Fujihara (10-8, 3.75 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 93 ERA+) has pitched much more consistently after getting off to a rough start in October. The bullpen is having its struggles, but 27-year old RHP Keith Roche (10-1, 16 SV, 2.21 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 159 ERA+) is enjoying a tremendous season. The team’s strength of course has been their performance at the plate, led by 35-year old C Heung-su Park (.304/.375/.548, 18 HR, 72 RBI, 33 BB, 4.6 WAR), 32-year old SS César Ruíz (.272/.398/.449, 16 HR, 62 RBI, 74 BB, 4.2 WAR) and 26-year old 1B Carlos Corea (.353/.407/.533, 142 HR, 78 RBI, 35 BB, 3.5 WAR). While defense has not been their strong suit, Corea really struggles at his position (.989 PCT, 9.01 RNG, -16.6 ZR, .827 EFF). Defense has not been a problem for CF Sam Tite (.225/.344/.357, 10 HR, 38 RBI, 68 BB, 3.5 WAR - .987 PCT, 3.89 RNG, +5.3 ZR, 1.009 EFF), who missed most of his rookie season last year due to injury. If the 23-year old lead-off hitter can find his groove at the plate, then both he and 28-year old rookie 3B Luis Torres (.276/.344/.404, 10 HR, 55 RBI, 35 BB, 2.6 WAR) will make the Cambria offense something really special. Seven Cannons made it to the All-Star Game: SP Ricardo Cruz (3rd), SP Bill Southon (1st), CL Keith Roche (1st), C Heung-su Park (5th), 1B Carlos Corea (2nd), 3B Luis Torres (1st) and SS César Ruíz (4th). Player of the Week Awards: December 22 – SS César Ruíz (.462, 12 H, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 7 R) January 5 – 1B Carlos Corea (.500, 6 H, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 8 R) Noteworthy: December 23 – The Cannons blanked the Wolseley Unions 7-0 at Alexander Field in Cambria. LHP Bill Southon scattered 6 hits to pick up his 9th win of the season. He went 9.0 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 7 K (GS: 80). January 2 – Cambria came up big against the Kingston Pelicans, shutting them out 8-0. LHP Bill Southon was at it again, limiting the Pelicans to 6 hits. He went 9.0 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 7 BB, 6 K (GS: 74). Key Trade: December 21 with the Balmoral Giants: To Cambria – 37-year old LHP Hirotada Fukushima (41/41) and 22-year old minor league RHP Júlio Escamilla (20/20) To Balmoral – 27-year old minor league 1B Jacob Summerhayes (44/46) *Knee-jerk reaction:* The top team and the worst team in the West consummate a deal that addresses needs for both clubs. Cambria looks to add experienced pitching for its playoff push while the Giants look for upgrades at well, everything. Fukushima is a 16-year veteran, a 5-time all-star and a 5-time United Cup winner. While the quality of his pitches isn’t what it used to be, his stuff (50) and movement (60) still allow him to throw the right ones at the right times. However, his control (35) and fragility may be an issue. Fukushima joins the Cannons’ rotation in the No. 4 spot and provides some veteran leaderhip. Summerhayes is a former 3rd-round pick who is known for his bat, having won the AAA Josh Gibson Award as top batter last season. He is a solid hitter with an aggressive approach at the plate and the ability to hit 20 homers a season. The Giants have promoted him to the major league roster, and he will bat in the No. 4 spot. He takes over first base from 36-year old Fernando Gómez (.139/.308/.242, 7 HR, 19 RBI, 62 RBI, -0.3 WAR), who was subsequently claimed off waivers by the Wellington Athletics. Current Injuries: January 17 – RHP Ray Lambright – forearm inflammation. Out for: 1 week. -------- Offense: .240/.324/.317 (8th/2nd/8th) Pitching: 2.88/3.06/2.07 (1st/2nd/1st) Defense: .730 (2nd) The recovery of the Wolseley Unions from a slow start isn’t all that surprising, as the Unions are too good of a team to remain wallowing near the bottom of the standings. But despite their resurgence over that past two months, not all is completely back on track. Apart from a couple of players, the offense remains surprisingly anemic. If not for a strong pitching staff, its doubtful the Unions would be anywhere near contention for a playoff spot. That could threaten their streak of six consecutive playoff appearances and prevent them from attaining a three-peat as United Cup champions. 31-year old SS George Kimpton (.285/.370/.414, 10 HR, 53 RBI, 53 BB, 4.2 WAR) continues his strong play from last season and 31-year old LF Carlton Hawking (.314/.450/.449, 9 HR, 36 RBI, 88 BB, 4.0 WAR) finally returned to form in December, although he still struggles at times (.174/.367/.304 in 23 AB last week). But the rest of the lineup is still struggling offensively, threatening their playoff chances. Their pitching may have to carry them into the playoffs. The staff is strong from top to bottom. They perhaps have the best 1-2-3 punch right now in 33-year old RHP Aaron Saunderson (9-11, 2.35 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 153 ERA+), 29-year old RHP Jeremy Albury (7-8, 2.82 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 127 ERA+) and 34-year old RHP Bill Blair (6-2, 2.21 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 162 ERA+) when he is healthy. But No. 5 starter, 27-year old Axel MacKay (10-3, 2.01 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 178 ERA+), may actually be their top starter at the moment. Seven players were selected to the All-Star Game: SP Bill Blair (4th), SP Axel MacKay (2nd), SP Aaron Saunderson (6th), CL Shou-xin Chin (2nd), 1B Carlos Ortiz (3rd), George Kimpton (4th) and LF Carlton Hawking (8th). Player of the Week Awards: January 12 – SS George Kimpton (.483, 14 H, 2 HR, 6 RBI) Noteworthy: January 2 – LHP Axel Mackay was at his best, whitewashing the Sherburn Tigers 3-0 on the road. He fired a 6-hitter. He went 9.0 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K (GS: 74). January 17 – The Unions fell to the Balmoral Giants 4-1 at home. What also fell was 1B Carlos Ortíz’s (.277/.341/.373, 10 HR, 44 RBI, 42 BB, 2.2 WAR) 20-game hitting streak, as he went 0-2 on the afternoon. Key Trade: January 25 with the Balmoral Giants: To Wolseley – 32-year old RHP Cris Herrera (57/57) and 24-year old minor league LHP Euan MacKenzie (41/70) To Balmoral – 31-year old 3B Burt Willey (45/45) and 23-year-old minor-league C Andre Shepperson (20/37) *Knee-jerk reaction:* A completely and utterly senseless trade, especially on the part of Balmoral. Herrera and MacKenzie are both useful relief pitchers that Wolseley, already drowning in quality pitching, doesn’t know what to do with. Mackenzie, who scouts say is ready for the majors and is a former 10th overall pick from 1951-52, has been buried in AA; while Herrera, a former starter, remains on the DFA list, apparently waiting either to be sent down to AAA or released because the Unions just don’t have room for him in their bullpen. Herrera is not overpowering but is excellent at generating groundballs and keeping the ball in the park. MacKenzie is a future stopper with overwhelming stuff (65/80) and great movement (50/65) with two terrific pitches: fastball (55/60) and changeup (60/70). Only his control (30/45) needs further work. In return for these two useful pieces, Balmoral gets Willey, a 9-year veteran with decent contact and defense. But he is not considered a regular starter at this point in his career. The Giants seem to agree – they have buried him in the roster as a No. 2 utility guy. So apart from more pitching depth that Wolseley may or may never need, how does this benefit either team? As Major Clipton uttered at the end of ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’: “Madness!. . . Madness!” Current Injuries: December 18 – 2B Westin Woollams – torn labrum. Out for: 4-5 months. -------- Offense: .251/.317/.352 (5th/3rd/5th) Pitching: 3.37/3.61/2.48 (3rd/4th/2nd) Defense: .734 (1st) Like the Unions, the Pulberry Trolleys got off to a relatively slow start before picking things up in December. But they are still looking for consistency – after starting January 9-2, they went just 5-10 after the all-star break. Pulberry won 85 games last season and lost the wildcard by one game to the Kingston Pelicans. This season they are projected to win only 80. The Trolleys will need their regulars to pick up their game if they hope to finally end their playoff drought. 25-year old CF Cooper Tyson (.274/.381/.426, 9 HR, 44 RBI, 63 BB, 5.3 WAR) was one of the few players in the West who started the season off strong, but he is still struggling to find the offensive form he had last season. His defense though, remains the class of the league (.993 PCT, 4.37 RNG, +16.5 ZR, 1.057 EFF). 28-year old RF Ellis Dibble (.294/.377/.438, 10 HR, 35 RBI, 42 BB, 2.6 WAR) and 25-year old 3B Makani Hahale (.303/.335/.375, 1 HR, 43 RBI, 16 BB, 12 SB, 2.5 WAR) are supporting Tyson but are experiencing down years offensively compared to last season. The Trolleys are still waiting for break out performances from their young prospects, such as 24-year old LF Aidan Thirkettle (.274/.360/.416, 7 HR, 39 RBI, 41 BB, 9 SB, 1.9 WAR – 63/80). Meanwhile, 22-year old C Paul England (.209/.270/.285, 2 HR, 31 RBI, 19 BB, -0.1 WAR – 33/65) appears lost at times. Hopefully they both can figure things out soon. Overall, Pulberry’s pitching is improving with each season, but it is not quite where it could be. That said, 31-year old RHP Alexander Ellacott (11-7, 2.99 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 117 ERA+) continues his excellent play that began last season, while 25-year old RHP Harley Rodman (3-2, 1 SV, 2.11 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 1.65 ERA+) has been solid in limited play. He was recently promoted back to the rotation. That will provide a boost, as Pulberry’s other starters, such as 23-year old LHP Ramón Castro (8-7, 3.59 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 97 ERA+) have struggled at times. But the Trolleys have two promising starters pitching out of the bullpen: 25-year old stopper RHP Taylor Folkard (4-3, 9 SV, 2.03 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 172 ERA+) and 23-year old rookie LHP Dermott Rathbone (0-0, 1 SV, 1.77 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 197 ERA+ - 45/61). Both deserve to be promoted to the rotation at some point, especially Folkard. Six Trolleys qualified for the All-Star Game: SP Taylor Folkard (1st), 1B Gerard Koerner (2nd), 3B Makani Kahale (3rd), LF Aidan Thirkettle (1st), CF Cooper Tyson (3rd) and RF Ellis Dibble (2nd). Player of the Week Awards: December 15 – RF Ellis Dibble (.480, 12 H, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 7 R) Noteworthy: December 27 – The Trolleys scored 2 runs in each inning from the 2nd through the 6th to rout the Cambria Cannons 10-0. But the 27,800 in attendance at Trolleys Stadium reserved their standing ovation for the immensely popular LHP Ramón Castro, who limited the Cannons to 4 hits. He went 9.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 7 K (GS: 85). CF Cooper Tyson went 2 for 5 with a double and a 2-run home run off Bill Southon in the 3rd inning. January 21 – The Trolleys went into Hespeler and shut out the Stars 6-0. RHP Alexander Ellacott kept the Stars’ bats cold all day, allowing only 2 hits. He went 9.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 4 BB, 7 K (GS: 86). Current Injuries: October 26 – LHP Sam Chapman – strained hamstring. Out for: 4 weeks. December 19 – 2B Paul Heisler – hamstring strain. Out for: 5 weeks. -------- Offense: .252/.314/.370 (4th/5th/2nd) Pitching: 3.42/3.58/2.57 (4th/3rd/3rd) Defense: .722 (3rd) Don’t look now, but the Hespeler Stars may be on the cusp of relevance, as the club enjoyed back-to-back above .500 months to get to within one game of .500 and squeak into the first division in the West. The Stars have only finished in 4th place or higher three times before (and never 1st or 2nd) and its been 10 years since they’ve been this close to a non-losing season. The parts are there for them to be more competitive, but there are still players that are chronically under-performing when compared to their ratings. Hopefully GM Marcello Bonaddio will weed out the dead-weight as he continues to reshape the team. Not weighing down the club is 27-year old 2B Vic Lewis (.306/.358/.477, 16 HR, 57 RBI, 29 BB, 7 SB, 4.5 WAR), who continues to build on his impressive season last year. He is easily Hespeler’s top performer. Following him though is the Stars’ two-way player: 26-year old rookie SP/3B Mike Park. In the early going, Park has gotten comfortable at the plate quicker (.329/.383/.471, 5 HR, 29 RBI, 21 BB, 2.6 WAR – 57/59) than on the mound (7-5, 3.98 ERA, 1.67 WHIP, 90 ERA+ - 46/46), but his overall performance is intriguing. The rest of the offense has been disappointing, however. Hespeler really needs to get their top prospect, 22-year old RF Bill Spaeth (.267/.313/.420, 6 HR, 34 RBI, 17 BB, 1.1 WAR – 39/71), back into the lineup full-time. 26-year old RHP Dominic Whitmore (9-8, 2.90 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 124 ERA+) has become a steady performer in his fourth season and is the staff’s ace. Four-year veteran 27-year old RHP Wayne Nesling (9-10, 3.58 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 100 ERA+) has continued to make modest progress each year and perhaps gave a foregleam of what's in store (see below). The Stars welcome back 26-year old LHP Larry Kovnats (2-3, 1.41 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 255 ERA+), their former ace, from a long-time injury. If he can find his form again, Hespeler’s immediate fortunes should continue to rise. But curiously, 24-year old rookie RHP Battista Carotta (6-6, 3.22 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 112 ERA+) was just moved to the bullpen, to make room for Kovnats. Hopefully they have the sense to move him back, as there are other starters that could be sacrificed. Three players represented the Stars are the All-Star Game: SP Dominic Whitmore (1st), 1B Bill Spaeth(1st) and 2B Vic Lewis (2nd). Noteworthy: December 3 – RHP Wayne Nesling shut out the visiting Queensland Eagles, limiting them to just 2 hits. He went 9.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 1 K (GS: 81) as the Stars eked out a 1-0 victory. December 8 – 23,253 fans at Hespeler’s Fabulous Avalon gave RHP Wayne Nesling a standing ovation after he completed the United Leagues’ 10th NO-HITTER. After pitching an impressive 2-hitter just five days earlier, Nesling outdid himself, blanking the Balmoral Giants 10-0. His line on the historic occasion was 9.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 4 BB, 7 K (GS: 90). He received plenty of help from his teammates, as they pounded out 3 home runs in total. The game was broken wide open with a seven-run 8th inning, where CF John McMurray banged out a two-run triple and 1B Ramiro Urbina later crushed a GRAND SLAM home run to cap things off. Current Injuries: November 5 – SS Kobbe Asamse – torn labrum. Out for: 2-3 months. January 4 – CF Edgardo Barrón – plantar fasciitis. Out for: 1-2 weeks. -------- Offense: .255/.309/.363 (2nd/6th/3rd) Pitching: 3.05/3.04/3.13 (2nd/1st/6th) Defense: .721 (4th) In the last week of December, the Fort Richmond Generals were the second hottest team in the United Leagues and sat just 3.5 games back of the Cambria Cannons for top spot in the West. But a disastrous January has seen them tumble all the way down to 5th spot. If one area should take the blame, it should be their ho-hum offense. While not in any way awful, there are no standout performers among this group. Fort Richmond lost 13 games in January where they were held to 2 runs or less. Unless the offense steps it up in the final two months, the Generals may be on their way to their first losing season in six years. 28-year old RF Brandon Robinson (.292/.321/.427, 10 HR, 50 RBI, 19 BB, 0.6 WAR) has been Fort Richmond’s top offensive performer, but his defense has been awful for the second straight season (.989 PCT, 2.74 RNG, -10.8 ZR, .933 EFF). 28-year old SS Nobuyoshi Yoshida (.266/.320/.398, 6 HR, 23 RBI, 20 BB, 2.2 WAR) remains steady in the field but his production is way down from last year, something that is symptomatic of the entire lineup. The pitching staff has long been one of the best in the United Leagues and that continues into this season. 30-year old RHP Nicky Sherlock (12-8, 2.23 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 156 ERA+) is one of the best pitchers in the ULB and has to be considered the front-runner for the WL Satchel Paige Award this season. No. 4 starter 32-year old LHP Nicholas Grimes (8-9, 3.17 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 110 ERA+) is not having as good a year as he did last season when he won the Top Pitcher Award but is still effective. And the Generals have to be pleased with the progress of 27-year old RHP Kazunori Fujimoto (7-9, 2.63 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 132 ERA+). The former 15th-overall pick is in his second full season in the majors. Three Generals were selected to this year’s All-Star Game: SP Nicholas Grimes (3rd), SP Nicky Sherlock (5th) and RF Brandon Robinson (4th). Noteworthy: December 27 – RHP Ch’ang-chieh Li tamed the Balmoral Giants 4-0 with a 4-hit shutout. His line was 9.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 5 BB, 5 K (GS: 79). December 28 – The Giants endured another rough outing the next day, as they got blanked by RHP Nicky Sherlock 7-0 on three hits. Sherlock went 9.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K (GS: 84). January 23 –RHP Nicky Sherlock was hard to hit once again as he shut out the Sherburn Tigers 3-0 on four hits. Sherlock went 9.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 K (GS: 86). Player of the Week Awards: December 29 – RHP Nicky Sherlock (2-0, 18 IP, 9 K, 0.00 ERA) Current Injuries: None. -------- Offense: .246/.315/.358 (6th/4th/4th) Pitching: 3.63/3.87/2.67 (7th/8th/4th) Defense: .713 (6th) There does not appear to be any miraculous turnaround in store for the Kingston Pelicans this season, as they continue to fall behind the league leaders. Only once have they finished a season below .500 – back in 1948-49 when they went 73-81. They are currently on pace to finish below that mark. Could their first 90+ loss season be close at hand? Like the Fort Richmond Generals, the offense isn’t terrible, but it is very lacklustre. Their best position player, 26-year old C Carlos Camasura (.285/.368/.363, 2 HR, 20 RBI, 36 BB, 2.1 WAR), is enduring his second consecutive down year offensively despite making the all-star team. 38-year old 1B Dean Bishop (239/.373/402, 8 HR, 43 RBI, 69 BB, 2.7 WAR) has been his team’s best player overall this season in what has been a bit of a rebound for him after a couple down years. And 37-year old 2B Katsunan Chikafuji (.258/.318/.403, 12 HR, 49 RBI, 29 BB, 1.9 WAR) is still capable of flashing his former greatness at times, such as he did in January (.286/.327/.429, 4 HR, 12 RBI, 6 BB). But Kingston’s over reliance on their aging stars is really starting to show. The pitching staff is no longer a dominant unit. 32-year old LHP Patrick Denman (9-13, 3.38 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 106 ERA+) is still a workhorse, but his days of winning 20 games a season appear to be behind him, something he achieved four times, including a record 27 wins in 1945-46 as a 25-year old. 28-year old RHP stopper Kaula Mafileo (3-7, 8 SV, 2.40 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 149 ERA+) continues to be one of the best relievers in the United Leagues, despite the lack of run support. Two Pelicans made the All-Star team: C Carlos Camasura (3rd) and 1B Dean Bishop (7th). Noteworthy: December 13 – LHP Rob Hutchence turned out the lights on the Hespeler Stars, blanking them 2-0 on 2 hits. He went 9.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K (GS: 90). December 14 – The next day, it was LHP Dana Listman’s turn to blank the Hespeler Stars. He did on three hits, scratching a 1-0 victory. He line was 9.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 5 BB, 4 K (GS: 80). Current Injuries: September 9 – RHP Freddie Galloway – surgery to remove bone chips (elbow). Out for: 5 months. October 22 – RHP Marvin Fewings – partially torn labrum. Out for: 3 weeks. January 22 – RHP Tom Mayor – elbow inflammation. Out for: 1 week. -------- Offense: .254/.309/.348 (3rd/7th/6th) Pitching: 3.50/3.63/2.97 (5th/6th/5th) Defense: .703 (7th) The Sherburn Tigers may be an also-ran, but at least they are consistent, winning 11 games in three of the four months so far (they won 10 in November). Offensively, the team is in disarray with their best player just getting back from an extended injury and their top performer being relegated to backup to make room for a new acquisition. On the plus side, their rotation is very close to being playoff worthy. 26-year old 2B Jack Burt (.317/.330/.390, 1 HR, 24 RBI, 5 BB, 0.7 WAR) missed most of November and December to a knee injury but was strong in his return in January (.315/.319/.402, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 1 BB). Anything he can contribute to this mediocre crew will be welcome. The Tigers’ best overall player has been 28-year old C Quim Cypriano (.248/.328/.357, 4 HR, 31 RBI, 34 BB, 2.1 WAR). While he has been solid on defense, Sherburn has elected to install newly acquired 30-year old Christopher Dainty (.210/.335/.351, 7 HR, 35 RBI, 40 BB, 1.1 WAR) as their everyday catcher instead. Whether that represents an improvement remains to be seen. Personally, if Sherburn wants to see a boost to their offense, they really need to play 24-year old 3B Archie Eridge (.353/.457/.447, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 14 BB, 1.2 WAR – 50/80) everyday. He is simply being wasted sitting on the bench. Eridge was their 1st overall pick back in 1951-52 and is rated 8th overall among prospects. The front three of the rotation has been very impressive, considering the lack of run support. Although he didn’t make the all-star team this year, 29-year old RHP Jesús Chapa (11-8, 3.22 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 111 ERA+) is still rated as the 6th-best pitching in the United Leagues. He has been ably supported by 25-year old RHP Bradley Strawson (5-10, 3.13 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 115 ERA+) and 26-year old RHP Ben Buschlen (6-9, 3.39 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 106 ERA+). Strawson, who is in his fourth major league season, is rated 14th overall among pitchers in the ULB. Three Tigers qualified for the All-Star Game: SP Bradley Strawson (1st), 3B Viera Kewini (1st) and SS Tyler MacGugan (1st). Player of the Week Awards: December 8 – LF Noah Teale (.474, 9 H, 3 HR, 9 RBI) Noteworthy: January 25 – RHP Jesús Chapa beat his old teammate RHP Roberto Taváres and the Fort Richmond Generals 3-0 at Generals Stadium. Chapa went 9.0 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 1 K (GS: 76). Current Injuries: December 13 – RHP Ramón Ortíz – hamstring strain. Out for: 1 week. -------- Offense: .240/.307/.337 (7th/8th/7th) Pitching: 3.59/3.62/3.42 (6th/5th/8th) Defense: .718 (5th) Despite a miscue as noted in the Wolseley trade section above, GM Victory Lynch has made some shrewd player moves since last July that has seen some nice player performances this year for the Balmoral Giants. What it hasn’t produced however, is a boost in the Western League standings. The Giants are in danger of finishing in last place, something that has never happened before. In fact, they may end up ‘earning’ their first overall pick. Instead of being sacked at the end of last season like I expected, GM Lynch was signed for another four years. He remains the only general manager the Giants have ever had. Not sure how realistic that is given the lack of team success. 25-year old CF Cedric Bristow (.294/.367/.397, 1 HR, 26 RBI, 33 BB, 9 SB, 3.2 WAR) is showing promise in his second full season in the majors, with solid defense and blazing speed. Although his ratings suggest he is not an offensive powerhouse, he leads the Giants in 13 offensive categories. He was a 10th-overall pick back in 1949-50. In addition, 27-year old C Alexander Pyatt (.272/.307/.407, 11 HR, 36 RBI, 18 BB, 2.5 WAR) is enjoying the best season of his four-year career. Originally a 12th overall pick by the Braeland City Monarchs back in 1946-47, he came over from the Cambria Cannons back in July 1952 in a three-player deal. And it appears that Balmoral has done good by acquiring 27-year old 1B Jacob Summerhayes (.276/.328/.445, 7 HR, 24 RBI, 13 BB, 1.4 WAR) from Cambria in December. Summerhayes batted .315/.385/.587 in January, his first full month in the majors. Although the bullpen is currently in flux, the rotation has been rather respectable. 29-year old LHP Ron Albin (8-8, 2.90 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 122 ERA+) has been promoted to the No. 1 spot in the rotation in just his second full season and deservedly so. Albin was a 6th-round pick by the Wolseley Unions in 1944-45 before being selected in the Rule 5 draft by the Giants in 1950. No. 3 starter, 26-year old LHP Lucas Nott (10-10, 2.69 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 131 ERA+) has been a revelation in his first year with the Giants. He was acquired from Sherburn back in September after three below average seasons with the Tigers. Finally, 25-year old RHP Robert Embley (2-0, 2.48 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 143 ERA+) has been impressive in his five starts so far. Embley was a 5th-round pick in 1945-46. The Giants sent three players to the All-Star Game: SP Lucas Nott (1st), C Alexander Pyatt (1st) and 3B Allen Cattanach (5th). Player of the Week Awards: January 19 – 1B Jacob Summerhayes (.385, 5 H, 3 HR, 6 RBI) January 26 – CF Cedric Bristow (.529, 18 H, 1 HR, 8 RBI) Noteworthy: December 2 – It was a red-letter day at Foster Field – for the home-town Giants that is, as Balmoral blanked the Cobourg Red Stockings 1-0. The hero of the day was LHP Hirotada Fukushima, who limited Cobourg to 3 hits. He went 10.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K (GS: 88) and picked up the win as the Giants triumphed in extra innings on a sac fly by LF Clyde Whitaker. Cobourg’s starter, RHP Marcus Turvill, was no slouch himself, going 9.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 8 K (GS: 89). December 23 – RHP Quintiliano Galeo whitewashed the Sherburn Tigers 1-0 in a complete game victory at Foster Field. He went 9.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K (GS: 86). January 23 – CF Cedric Bristow had a field day against the Kingston Pelicans, going 5 for 6 to pace the Giants to a 7-6 victory. Balmoral’s lead off hitter banged out 5 singles and collected 3 RBIs. In the 11th, Kingston went ahead 6-5 before RF Roy Belknap hit a walk-off two-run home run in the bottom half of the inning. January 26 – LHP Ron Albin kept the Hespeler Stars off the scoreboard all afternoon, winning 2-0 on 2 hits. On the day he went 9.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 K (GS: 84). Current Injuries: None. -------- __________________ United Leagues of Braeland Last edited by reds1; 04-14-2020 at 09:33 AM.