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reds1 · 04-27-2020, 12:30 AM

March 30, 1953

Eastern League: Red Stockings, Barons to Tussle for Pennant

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Offense: .269/.340/.394 (1st/3rd/1st)
Pitching: 3.29/3.43/2.63 (1st/1st/1st)
Defense: .726 (2nd)

The eighth and final Eastern League team has made the playoffs for the first time: the Cobourg Red Stockings ended their 15-year drought with a convincing regular season performance that saw them capture a playoff spot on March 16 with 14 games to go. Two days later, they locked up first place. They are a well-balanced team, but the Red Stockings enter the playoffs with three key pitchers dealing with injuries.

24-year old LHP Bill Budd (18-12, 3.01 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 119 ERA+) strained his forearm in the third-last game of the season and will not be available for the first round. 23-year old rookie RHP Brian McDaniel (4-0, 3 SV, 2.22 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 2.91 FIP) suffered shoulder inflammation in a game against the Fort Richmond Generals back in February and is gone for the season. And ace RHP Fergus Hirst has been dealing with strep throat. However, he is still penciled in as Cobourg’s starter for Game 1 of the Pennant Series. The injuries have necessitated some adjustments, resulting in two rookies taking over middle relief: 26-year old rookie RHP Marcus Turvill (11-4, 2 SV, 2.56 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 2.56 FIP - 54/54), who has been in the rotation for most of the season, and 22-year old LHP Ethan Hoyes (5-1, 1 SV, 0.60 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 2.58 FIP - 45/68).

For the Eastern League Pennant Series, manager Nicholas Willis has set the following four-man rotation:

• 25-year old RHP Fergus Hirst (16-7, 2.57 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 139 ERA+)
• 31-year old RHP Alberto León (12-13, 4.46 ERA, 1.70 WHIP, 80 ERA+)
• 24-year old RHP Bobby Williams (11-4, 3.81 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 94 ERA+)
• 26-year old RHP Harry Dinsmore (13-9, 3.75 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 95 ERA+)

The offense, however, is healthy and ready. 26-year old CF Raymond Williams (.340/.419/.568, 32 HR, 100 RBI, 77 BB, 17 SB, 9.6 WAR) finished the season strong, the best yet of his 7-year career. He finished the season leading the Eastern League in six offensive categories. But the heart of the lineup is strong, with Williams getting able support from 31-year old 3B Alexander Tolmie (.297/.390/.454, 19 HR, 95 RBI, 79 BB, 6.1 WAR), 30-year old C Jayson Lymer (.318/.349/.457, 12 HR, 86 RBI, 26 BB, 5.5 WAR), 27-year old 1B Harry Doxey (.303/.369/.452, 15 HR, 96 RBI, 60 BB, 4.2 WAR) and lead-off hitter, 31-year old SS John Medley (.308/.369/.406, 5 HR, 53 RBI, 56 BB, 101 R, 23 SB, 4.1 WAR).

Player of the Week Awards:

February 9 – CF Raymond Williams (.444, 12 H, 3 HR, 10 RBI)

Noteworthy:

February 2 – RHP Bobby Williams blanked the Kingston Pelicans on 6 hits to post a 12-0 triumph. He went 9.0 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 5 BB, 1 K (GS: 71). LF Rizalino Ringor hit an RBI triple in the 6th inning as well as a two-run homer in the 8th in support.
February 11 – The Fort Richmond Generals could not get anything going against RHP Alberto León, falling to the Red Stockings 6-0. León went 9.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K (GS: 83). RF Fergus Thackwray hit a 3-run home run in the 6th inning.

First Round Draft Pick Update:

7th overall – RF Malcolm Wise (20/68). Wise has seen little action in AA since his selection. He has batted all of 8 times (.125/.125/.125) with 1 H, 1 R, 4 K.

Current Injuries:

October 25 – 3B Goro Toiguchi – post-concussion syndrome. Out for: 1-2 weeks.
February 10 – RHP Brian McDaniel – shoulder inflammation. Out for: 2-3 months.
March 27 – LHP Bill Budd – strained forearm. Out for: DtD, 3 days. Eligible for return after Pennant Series.
March 30 – RHP Fergus Hirst – strep throat. Out for: DtD, 2 days.

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Offense: .255/.346/.368 (5th/2nd/5th)
Pitching: 3.72/3.54/4.67 (5th/5th/8th)
Defense: .707 (4th)

The Stratford Barons return to the playoffs after a four-year absence. The last time, in 1948-49, they also finished in 2nd place with an 86-68 record, 18 games back of the 104-50 Braeland City Monarchs. But the Barons took the Eastern League Pennant 4 games to 1 that season and are looking to take the same path to the United Cup this year as well.

The Barons got RHP Magtanggol Jaojoco back from injury in early March but have lost No. 4 starter 24-year old LHP Robin Wadsworth (13-10, 4.14 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 86 ERA+) to an injury with one week left in the regular season. But after falling behind the Embro Suns for most of February and early March, the Barons regained the wildcard for good on March 18th and locked it up on the second-to-last day.

As a result, manager Xavier Ahernfeld also had to make some adjustments to his rotation for the first round:

• 26-year old RHP Magtanggol Jaojoco (15-7, 2.98 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 119 ERA+)
• 26-year old RHP Bill Wolf (15-13, 3.16 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 112 ERA+)
• 25-year old RHP Ted Smith (19-7, 3.50 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 101 ERA+)
• 32-year old RHP Edward Skerrett (3-3, 3.19 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 3.68 FIP)

After spending 10 years in the minors after being drafted by the Embro Suns in the 4th round back in 1943-44, Skerrett got his first taste of the majors this season. He started 8 games in February and March and is on the playoff roster as the No. 4 starter.

The Barons could not match Cobourg’s sheer dominance on offense, but they are no slouches either. 33-year old C Aaron Skidmore (.302/.459/.463, 17 HR, 75 RBI, 128 BB, 8.8 WAR) turned things up a notch in the final two months and enjoyed the best season of his 13-year career. But 27-year old 1B Bob Goodyear (.321/.396/.496, 21 HR, 108 RBI, 77 BB, 7.3 WAR) was right behind him in his break-out year, his 5th in the ULB. His previous best in WAR was last year, when he earned 1.5. 29-year old LF Roberto Ríos (.246/.381/.364, 12 HR, 58 RBI, 125 BB, 19 SB, 5.1 WAR) rebounded a bit after two down years and 25-year old RF Andy Faulkner (.287/.393/.422, 13 HR, 79 RBI, 84 BB, 4.2 WAR) enjoyed an impressive rookie season.

Noteworthy:

February 9 –RHP Ted Smith dazzled the Bosworth Field crowd with a 3-hit shut-out of the visiting Sherburn Tigers. He went 9.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K (GS: 85) in Stratford’s 11-0 victory.

First Round Draft Pick Update:

4th overall – LF Ronald Hollinshed (25/78). Hollinshed was very productive in AA, getting 266 AB, batting .278/.336/.376 with 1 HR, 29 RBI, 18 BB, 7 SB. He was promoted to Triple-A at the end of the season.

Current Injuries:

March 6 – 2B Matthew Channing – oblique strain. Out for: 3 weeks.
March 24 – LHP Robin Wadsworth – strained back. Out for: one week.

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Offense: .255/.328/.382 (4th/5th/2nd)
Pitching: 3.65/3.48/4.32 (4th/3rd/6th)
Defense: .705 (5th)

They came oh so close, but the Embro Suns were unable to hang onto the wild card after overtaking the Barons on February 9th. They led Stratford by two games at one point, lost the lead in late February, then retook it on March 9th. But the Barons fought back to overcome a two-game deficient once again to take control of the wild card on the 24th for good. But the Suns are a team laden with solid talent with more on the way. They have the 5th-best farm system at present and the major league roster is filled with promising, young players. Its not hard to see this club back in the thick of things next season and returning to the playoffs.

Those promising, young players include 24-year old 3B Moromao Nakagawa (.284/.362/.453, 15 HR, 85 RBI, 71 BB, 5.2 WAR – 78/80) and 23-year old SS Kieron Bradridge (.270/.310/.402, 11 HR, 66 RBI, 37 BB, 5.1 WAR – 63/73). Both just completed their second full seasons in the majors. Also in the lineup adding support are 25-year old Napana Mamo (.276/.336/.442, 15 HR, 87 RBI, 53 BB, 3.2 WAR – 63/68) and 23-year old rookie LF Jesús Abreu (.280/.401/.457, 9 HR, 33 RBI, 55 BB, 3.3 WAR – 57/68), who leads off. With another year under their belt, this lineup could prove to be quite formidable.

The rotation is serviceable, but Embro should consider looking for a top-shelf starter, as age and consistency is an issue. 27-year old LHP Carl McBroom (13-17, 3.30 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 108 ERA+) got stronger in the second-half of the season and 27-year old RHP Juan Rivas (10-9, 3.31 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 108 ERA+) still has upside, but the Suns could be forgiven if they’re thinking of an eventual replacement for 38-year old RHP Myung-gu Son (11-6, 3.56 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 100 ERA+). While certainly still effective, he is much closer to end of his career than the beginning. On the hand, 33-year old LHP Arthur Bence (17-10, 3.50 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 102 ERA+) continues to be a steady hand.

Noteworthy:

February 25 – LHP Carl McBroom handled the Giants with ease, stopping them on 4 hits en route to a 1-0 victory in Balmoral. McBroom pitched 9.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 3 K (GS: 79). LF Jesús Abreu broke a scoreless tie with a solo home run in the top of the 9th.

First Round Draft Pick Update:

10th overall – RHP/1B Rob Gladstone (41/74 as RP; 20/25 as 1B). Gladstone split his time in both Double-A and Triple-A. He got into 28 games in AA, batting .364/.417/.364 in 11 AB (4 H, 1 BB, 1 K) before being promoted. In Triple-A, he appeared in 19 games as a hitter, batting .571/.571/.571 with 4 hits, 2 RBI, 3 SO. As a relief pitcher, he went 2-1, 8 SV, 5.54 ERA, 1.54 WHIP in 39.0 Double-A innings and 4-0, 3.00 ERA, 1.53 WHIP in 30.0 Triple-A innings.

Current Injuries:

November 12 – 2B Robert Jameson – broken kneecap. Out for: 6 days.
March 20 – RHP George Carter – elbow strain. Out for: DtD, 2 days.

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Offense: .258/.348/.366 (2nd/1st/6th)
Pitching: 4.11/4.04/4.34 (8th/8th/7th)
Defense: .699 (8th)

There was no surge from the Brunswick Legends in the final two months to challenge for the wild card and really, it was not very realistic to expect it. A very respectable offense was there but the pitching was in just too much disarray to provide the needed support.

The offense has its leaders, but it could use more support going forward. 26-year old LF Carl Patton (.295/.419/.413, 10 HR, 67 RBI, 124 BB, 24 SB, 7.8 WAR – 67/67) was brilliant in all facets of the game in just his second full season, while 24-year old C Robert Kersey (.288/.376/.436, 16 HR, 87 RBI, 74 BB, 6.4 WAR – 79/80) was impressive in his sophomore season, although he faded a bit in March. Both 31-year old 3B Jorge Arredondo (.261/.361/353, 9 HR, 57 RBI, 92 BB, 4.6 WAR – 63/63) and 32-year old RF Marcus Peyto (.253/.346/.447, 23 HR, 89 RBI, 79 BB, 3.4 WAR – 63/63) had fine seasons, but Peyto struggled in the final months and was awful in the field. Brunswick will also have to deal with the inevitable decline of 36-year old 1B Stuart Bentham (.265/.364/.394, 16 HR, 86 RBI, 79 BB, -0.8 WAR). Offensively, he can still flash his brilliance, but was uneven at times and is dreadful defensively.

25-year old ace RHP Kent Dundon (10-8, 3.01 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, 119 ERA+) was the Legends’s best pitcher overall, but his health is a concern. He missed 5 weeks outright due to should tendinitis and was listed day-to-day for nearly another 5 weeks over the course of the season with various ailments (back spasms, strains). 25-year old RHP Mhelter Pilapil (21-8, 3.76 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 95 ERA+) wasn’t necessarily overpowering but somehow managed to win 21 games. His previous best was 13 in 1950-51. Finally, 32-year old RHP Luis Cruz (15-10, 3.76 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 95 ERA+) was much more consistent in the second-half of the season. If the former Red Stocking can come out of the gate stronger (and if the bullpen can get stabilized), Brunswick may challenge for a wild card next season.

Player of the Week Awards:

February 2 – 1B Stuart Bentham (.500, 7 H, 2 HR, 7 RBI)
February 16 – C Robert Kersey (.474, 9 H, 2 HR, 4 RBI)

First Round Draft Pick Update:

5th overall – RF Quincy Woolsescroft (36/60). Woolsecroft has been quite active in his first year in the minors. He batted .286/.396/524, 2 HR, 10 RBI 8 BB in 42 AB in Double-A before being promoted. In AAA, he went .279/.355/.426, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 8 BB in 68 AB. He is currently batting 3rd in the lineup in the playoffs with the Vanessa Pointers, going
.188/235/.188 in 16 AB (4 games) so far.

Current Injuries:

March 7 – RHP Mhelter Pilapil – back spasms. Out for: DtD, 4 days.

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Offense: .256/.335/.364 (3rd/4th/7th)
Pitching: 3.86/3.90/3.74 (6th/6th/3rd)
Defense: .709 (3rd)

They put up a valiant effort in February, but it was nowhere near enough for the Wellington Athletics to seriously challenge for the wild card. They got to within 9 games but then faded in early March and were officially eliminated from post-season play on the 18th. After finishing in first place and winning the Eastern League Pennant in 1951-52, Wellington fell to 5th place and lost 10 more games compared to last season. The Athletics are not terrible in any one facet of the game necessarily, but they could stand to upgrade their pitching. They lack a truly dominant hurler that can anchor the rotation and a couple of steady arms in the bullpen wouldn’t hurt either.

Perhaps that future anchor will come in the form of 21-year old RHP Ross Sturgeon (0-0, 1.42 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 4.75 FIP – 37/57), who got into 5 games and made two starts late in the season. He has explosive stuff (55/60) with four quality pitches. Sturgeon was a 3rd-round pick back in 1949-50 and is rated 4th among pitching prospects (18th overall).

Wellington has a nice core of players in the lineup that includes one of the finest outfields in the United Leagues. That outfield is led by 25-year old LF Matthew Floyd (.316/.407/.499, 21 HR, 91 RBI, 89 BB, 10 SB, 8.8 WAR – 80/80), 25-year old RF Wayne Emmert (.286/.383/.414, 5 HR, 71 RBI, 90 BB, 5.8 WAR – 68/68) and 27-year old CF Jim Mars (.296/.365/.434, 13 HR, 111 RBI, 68 BB, 4.3 WAR – 58/58). I’ve been tough on Mars, as his overall offense and defense were down from last season. He is due for a rebound. Meanwhile, 25-year old C Declan Bugbie (.304/.333/.418, 9 HR, 84 RBI, 23 BB, 4.3 WAR – 66/66) put in another solid season at the plate, although his defense was down a little compared to last season (.985 PCT, 4.84 RNG, -0.7 ZR, 1.038 EFF).

Player of the Week Awards:

February 23 – CF Jim Mars (.393, 11 H, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 4 R)

Noteworthy:

March 9 – RHP Zachary Collingham was lights out in a 4-hit whitewash of the Downie Chiefs. Collingham went 9.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K (GS: 81).
March 13 – Friday the 13th was not a good day for the Cobourg Red Stockings as the Athletics spanked them 20-1 on the road on 21 hits. CF Jim Mars did the greatest damage, hitting a 3-run home run in the 1st inning and a 3-run triple in the 2nd – and that was before a 10-run 3rd-inning made it 19-0. In all, Mars went 2 for 4 with 7 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB.

First Round Draft Pick Update:

13th overall – LF Noel Johnston (27/57). Johnston spent all of 6 AB in Double-A before being promoted to the AAA Quinlan Maroons. In 72 AB, he batted .278/.316/.361, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 2 BB.

Current Injuries: None.

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Offense: .249/.319/.377 (6th/6th/4th)
Pitching: 3.94/4.02/3.76 (7th/7th/4th)
Defense: .700 (7th)

There was no surge in the final two months of the season for the Braeland City Monarchs. Indeed, the team collapsed in February, losing 8 straight games at one point to push them into irrelevance. That became official on March 12, when they were eliminated from the playoff chase. The Monarchs lost 83 games, the second most in their 16-year history (they lost 88 games in their inaugural season).

The team is at a crossroads. Braeland City has a slew of young players that either got their first year in the majors under their belt or figure to be on the roster next season. If they all pan out and some veterans can bounce back from down years, then the Monarchs could be a force next year. If they don’t, Braeland City could be staying in the second division for years to come.

32-year old RHP Okura Suzuki (11-12, 3.52 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 102 ERA+) remained the Monarch’s best option in the rotation, but recently acquired 27-year old RHP Bobby Hogg (11-13, 3.71 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 96 ERA+) performed much better after arriving from the Sherburn Tigers (6-3, 2.99 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 120 ERA+) in late January. But the team has a couple of young pitchers that may make an impact next season. 21-year old RHP Dara Eaddy (1-1, 4.63 ERA, 1.63 WHIP – 39/67), a 14th overall pick from 1950-51 is rated the 3rd-top pitching prospect in the ULB. But he is dealing with a long-team injury, indicative of his questioned ability to remain healthy for any length of time. But he has the tools to be an effective starter in the near future. And the Monarchs also have 22-year old RHP Corey Timothy (39/58), who came over from Sherburn in the Bobby Hogg deal. He has a chance to be a very reliable arm in the bullpen.

27-year old 2B Patrick Lidgate (.279/.398/.468, 16 HR, 70 RBI, 93 BB, 7.1 WAR – 80/80) is the undisputed star of the Monarchs and finished the season strong. But some of his teammates need to join him and play to their full ability. 29-year old 1B Dean Witherden (.300/.357/.475, 27 HR, 94 RBI, 54 BB, 4.3 WAR – 70/70) was solid at the plate but his defense was suspect this season. 22-year old RF Aidan Trembath (.302/.355/.433, 14 HR, 65 RBI, 47 BB, 3.6 WAR – 73/80) has the potential to be something special. If he can take the next step, then watch out. As mentioned, Braeland City has a number of young players on the cusp of snagging a major league spot on the roster. Two of them, 23-year old SS Nicholas Malcolm (36/53) and 24-year old 3B Griff Limer (35/62) appear to have the best chance at doing that next season.

Player of the Week Awards:

March 16 – RF Aidan Trembath (.458, 11 H, 4 RBI)
March 23 – SS Roland Binns (.421, 8 H, 3 HR, 8 RBI)

Noteworthy:

February 2 –C Hayden Billyard went 0-4 in his team’s 2-1 loss to the Fort Richmond Generals, ending his 20-game hitting steak.

First Round Draft Pick Update:

8th overall – LHP Johnny Hunter (20/63). The 19-year old has had a rough first-year in Double-A, going 3-16, 6.84 ERA, 2.04 WHIP, 66 ERA+ in 22 starts.

Current Injuries:

January 17 – 3B Griff Limer – broken kneecap. Out for: 3 months.
March 16 – RHP Pei Ming – sprained ankle. Out for: 3 months.
March 24 – RHP Samuel Hollier – torn labrum. Out for: 5 months.
March 29 – RHP Dara Eaddy – torn UCL. Out for: 6-7 months.

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Offense: .247/.319/.379 (8th/7th/3rd)
Pitching: 3.49/3.49/3.47 (2nd/4th/2nd)
Defense: .730 (1st)

The Downie Chiefs started the season off with a whimper and ended it with a whimper, winning just 8 games in both October and March. They got to within 5 games in late February but faded quickly after that and were eliminated on March 16. But like the Monarchs, the Chiefs have a number of young players that could inject some much-needed life into the team, at least in the lineup. The team has no pitching prospects to speak of and that will be a major concern if they don’t address it soon.

There is no concern with 27-year old CF Alfonso León (.342/.403/.557, 28 HR, 85 RBI, 62 BB, 11 SB, 10.2 WAR – 75/75). León set a new record for WAR this season, becoming the first player to reach and surpass 10 WAR. He leads Cobourg’s Raymond Williams (9.57 WAR this year) and Pulberry Trolleys’ CF Cooper Tyson (9.31 WAR last year) now in that category. He also won the Eastern League batting title for the first time.

26-year old RF Connor Bing (.262/.343/.437, 15 HR, 60 RBI, 66 BB, 6.0 WAR – 70/70) enjoyed a wonderful sophomore season, although he severely faded at the plate in February and March. But it would be no surprise if wins his second consecutive Ball Hawk Award, as he was phenomenal in the field (.994 PCT, 2.76 RNG, +17.7 ZR, 1.054 EFF). But 27-year old 2B Dominic Dudding (.290/.359/.432, 16 HR, 95 RBI, 62 BB, 5.3 WAR – 75/76), while still a really good player, regressed for the second straight season. The rest of the lineup was filled largely with non-descripts. But two, young players could make a difference soon: 23-year old SS José Olivarez (.201/.288/.297, 5 HR, 34 RBI, 47 BB, 6 SB, 1.8 WAR – 47/64) is already on the major league roster while 21-year old 3B Freddie Ogburn (28/74) should be promoted to AAA very soon.

30-year old ace RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (20-10, 2.85 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 122 ERA+) won 20 games for the first time in his 10-year career and should get some serious consideration for the EL Satchel Paige Award. But the rest of the staff was essentially greater than the sum of its parts, with injuries forcing the Chiefs to get creative. If 29-year old LHP Hank Bennett (3-5, 3.28 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 106 ERA+) can bounce back from a knee injury that saw him miss most the season, then the Chiefs should benefit from more stability in the rotation. Meanwhile, 29-year old RHP Bill Lafontaine (4-4, 15 SV, 2.32 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, .197 BABIP) was outstanding once again pitching out of the bullpen.

Noteworthy:

March 10 –RHP Kelii Pelanekelina limited the Wellington Athletics to just 3 hits as the Chiefs romped to an 8-0 victory. Pelanekelina went 9.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 3 K (GS: 81).

First Round Draft Pick Update:

11th overall – SS Oscar Kennedy (25/57). Kennedy has batted .226/.321/.290, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 11 BB in 93 AB in his first year at Double-A.

Current Injuries:

October 10 – RHP Harley Bracher – torn labrum. Out for: suffered setback, required surgery. 4-5 months.
February 6 – RHP Wilfried Schop – torn UCL. Out for: 4 months.
March 13 – RHP Bernie Knowles – shoulder tendinitis. Out for: DtD, 1-2 weeks.

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Offense: .249/.318/.356 (7th/8th/8th)
Pitching: 3.54/3.47/3.99 (3rd/2nd/5th)
Defense: .704 (6th)

Unlike the teams closest to them in the standings, the Queensland Eagles finished the season on a high note: they enjoyed their first and only winning month in March. And unlike those other teams, Queensland’s greatest struggles are on offense with their pitching – at least the rotation – a strength. And it could get even stronger.

25-year old RHP Stiofan Micklethwait (12-14, 2.80 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 125 ERA+ - 65/68) and 27-year old ace RHP Logan Belsey (14-16, 2.69 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 130 ERA+ - 66/73) are rated Nos. 2 & 3 respectively among all pitchers in the United Leagues (behind only Stratford’s RHP Magtanggol Jaojoco). They could soon have company in the rotation. 20-year old Derek Tarn (42/63), a 3rd overall pick back in 1950-51, was promoted to the major league roster in March but did not see action. Scouts think highly of his stuff (50/65) and movement (65/75) and his leadership ability. If he develops, the Eagles should have a formidable top three.

Three-year veteran, 27-year old LF Rod Dennis (.296/.363/.472, 22 HR, 76 RBI, 63 BB, 4.6 WAR – 59/62), is developing nicely. But he cannot carry the offense alone. 26-year old Ryan Consiford (.252/.347/.386, 11 HR, 59 RBi, 82 BB, 3.2 WAR – 66/69) played at third base for most the season for the first time after playing first base for most of his career. Defensively, he didn’t miss a beat. But the former 14th-overall pick has not met the high expectations projected for him at the plate. Queensland has some young talent that could challenge the veterans next season: 22-year old 2B Dave Allison (34/58) and 27-year old SS Perry Jordan (45/53). But neither of them are highly rated and Queensland’s top prospect, 19-year old RF Hal Dhu (20/80) is still a long ways off.

Player of the Week Awards:

March 2 – RHP Logan Belsey (2-0, 18 IP, 0.50 ERA, 12 K)
March 9 – CF Salvador Rivera (.517, 15 H, 8 RBI, 7 R)

Noteworthy:

February 6 – It was lights out for the Kingston Pelicans, as RHP Stiofan Micklethwait shut them out 8-0 on 4 hits. His line was: 9.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K (GS: 83). 3B Ryan Conisford supported him with an RBI double in the 4th inning and a solo home run in the 5th.
March 18 –CF Salvador Rivera failed to get a hit against the Braeland City Monarchs, ending his 22-game hitting streak. He went 0-4 on the day, but the Eagles still prevailed, 4-3.
March 23 – Although the Stratford Barons pulled out a 4-3 victory, it was still an impressive day for 1B Hao Wang, who went 5 for 5 on the afternoon. Wang singled four times and hit a solo shot off RHP Ted Smith in the 8th inning, collecting 2 R and an RBI in total.

First Round Draft Pick Update:

9th overall – RHP Wayne O’Reilly (20/57). O’Reilly spent his entire first year in Triple-A, going 5-9, 5.32 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, 82 ERA+ in 21 starts.

Current Injuries:

November 19 – RHP John Sloat – shoulder inflammation. Out for: 5 weeks.
February 8 – RHP Gael Yule – torn UCL. Out for: 4 months.
March 3 – C Blake Nankervis – hamstring strain. Out for: 5 days.

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04-27-2020, 12:30 AM	#575
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,919	March 30, 1953 Eastern League: Red Stockings, Barons to Tussle for Pennant -------- Offense: .269/.340/.394 (1st/3rd/1st) Pitching: 3.29/3.43/2.63 (1st/1st/1st) Defense: .726 (2nd) The eighth and final Eastern League team has made the playoffs for the first time: the Cobourg Red Stockings ended their 15-year drought with a convincing regular season performance that saw them capture a playoff spot on March 16 with 14 games to go. Two days later, they locked up first place. They are a well-balanced team, but the Red Stockings enter the playoffs with three key pitchers dealing with injuries. 24-year old LHP Bill Budd (18-12, 3.01 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 119 ERA+) strained his forearm in the third-last game of the season and will not be available for the first round. 23-year old rookie RHP Brian McDaniel (4-0, 3 SV, 2.22 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 2.91 FIP) suffered shoulder inflammation in a game against the Fort Richmond Generals back in February and is gone for the season. And ace RHP Fergus Hirst has been dealing with strep throat. However, he is still penciled in as Cobourg’s starter for Game 1 of the Pennant Series. The injuries have necessitated some adjustments, resulting in two rookies taking over middle relief: 26-year old rookie RHP Marcus Turvill (11-4, 2 SV, 2.56 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 2.56 FIP - 54/54), who has been in the rotation for most of the season, and 22-year old LHP Ethan Hoyes (5-1, 1 SV, 0.60 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 2.58 FIP - 45/68). For the Eastern League Pennant Series, manager Nicholas Willis has set the following four-man rotation: • 25-year old RHP Fergus Hirst (16-7, 2.57 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 139 ERA+) • 31-year old RHP Alberto León (12-13, 4.46 ERA, 1.70 WHIP, 80 ERA+) • 24-year old RHP Bobby Williams (11-4, 3.81 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 94 ERA+) • 26-year old RHP Harry Dinsmore (13-9, 3.75 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 95 ERA+) The offense, however, is healthy and ready. 26-year old CF Raymond Williams (.340/.419/.568, 32 HR, 100 RBI, 77 BB, 17 SB, 9.6 WAR) finished the season strong, the best yet of his 7-year career. He finished the season leading the Eastern League in six offensive categories. But the heart of the lineup is strong, with Williams getting able support from 31-year old 3B Alexander Tolmie (.297/.390/.454, 19 HR, 95 RBI, 79 BB, 6.1 WAR), 30-year old C Jayson Lymer (.318/.349/.457, 12 HR, 86 RBI, 26 BB, 5.5 WAR), 27-year old 1B Harry Doxey (.303/.369/.452, 15 HR, 96 RBI, 60 BB, 4.2 WAR) and lead-off hitter, 31-year old SS John Medley (.308/.369/.406, 5 HR, 53 RBI, 56 BB, 101 R, 23 SB, 4.1 WAR). Player of the Week Awards: February 9 – CF Raymond Williams (.444, 12 H, 3 HR, 10 RBI) Noteworthy: February 2 – RHP Bobby Williams blanked the Kingston Pelicans on 6 hits to post a 12-0 triumph. He went 9.0 IP, 6 H, 0 ER, 5 BB, 1 K (GS: 71). LF Rizalino Ringor hit an RBI triple in the 6th inning as well as a two-run homer in the 8th in support. February 11 – The Fort Richmond Generals could not get anything going against RHP Alberto León, falling to the Red Stockings 6-0. León went 9.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K (GS: 83). RF Fergus Thackwray hit a 3-run home run in the 6th inning. First Round Draft Pick Update: 7th overall – RF Malcolm Wise (20/68). Wise has seen little action in AA since his selection. He has batted all of 8 times (.125/.125/.125) with 1 H, 1 R, 4 K. Current Injuries: October 25 – 3B Goro Toiguchi – post-concussion syndrome. Out for: 1-2 weeks. February 10 – RHP Brian McDaniel – shoulder inflammation. Out for: 2-3 months. March 27 – LHP Bill Budd – strained forearm. Out for: DtD, 3 days. Eligible for return after Pennant Series. March 30 – RHP Fergus Hirst – strep throat. Out for: DtD, 2 days. -------- Offense: .255/.346/.368 (5th/2nd/5th) Pitching: 3.72/3.54/4.67 (5th/5th/8th) Defense: .707 (4th) The Stratford Barons return to the playoffs after a four-year absence. The last time, in 1948-49, they also finished in 2nd place with an 86-68 record, 18 games back of the 104-50 Braeland City Monarchs. But the Barons took the Eastern League Pennant 4 games to 1 that season and are looking to take the same path to the United Cup this year as well. The Barons got RHP Magtanggol Jaojoco back from injury in early March but have lost No. 4 starter 24-year old LHP Robin Wadsworth (13-10, 4.14 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 86 ERA+) to an injury with one week left in the regular season. But after falling behind the Embro Suns for most of February and early March, the Barons regained the wildcard for good on March 18th and locked it up on the second-to-last day. As a result, manager Xavier Ahernfeld also had to make some adjustments to his rotation for the first round: • 26-year old RHP Magtanggol Jaojoco (15-7, 2.98 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 119 ERA+) • 26-year old RHP Bill Wolf (15-13, 3.16 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 112 ERA+) • 25-year old RHP Ted Smith (19-7, 3.50 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 101 ERA+) • 32-year old RHP Edward Skerrett (3-3, 3.19 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 3.68 FIP) After spending 10 years in the minors after being drafted by the Embro Suns in the 4th round back in 1943-44, Skerrett got his first taste of the majors this season. He started 8 games in February and March and is on the playoff roster as the No. 4 starter. The Barons could not match Cobourg’s sheer dominance on offense, but they are no slouches either. 33-year old C Aaron Skidmore (.302/.459/.463, 17 HR, 75 RBI, 128 BB, 8.8 WAR) turned things up a notch in the final two months and enjoyed the best season of his 13-year career. But 27-year old 1B Bob Goodyear (.321/.396/.496, 21 HR, 108 RBI, 77 BB, 7.3 WAR) was right behind him in his break-out year, his 5th in the ULB. His previous best in WAR was last year, when he earned 1.5. 29-year old LF Roberto Ríos (.246/.381/.364, 12 HR, 58 RBI, 125 BB, 19 SB, 5.1 WAR) rebounded a bit after two down years and 25-year old RF Andy Faulkner (.287/.393/.422, 13 HR, 79 RBI, 84 BB, 4.2 WAR) enjoyed an impressive rookie season. Noteworthy: February 9 –RHP Ted Smith dazzled the Bosworth Field crowd with a 3-hit shut-out of the visiting Sherburn Tigers. He went 9.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K (GS: 85) in Stratford’s 11-0 victory. First Round Draft Pick Update: 4th overall – LF Ronald Hollinshed (25/78). Hollinshed was very productive in AA, getting 266 AB, batting .278/.336/.376 with 1 HR, 29 RBI, 18 BB, 7 SB. He was promoted to Triple-A at the end of the season. Current Injuries: March 6 – 2B Matthew Channing – oblique strain. Out for: 3 weeks. March 24 – LHP Robin Wadsworth – strained back. Out for: one week. -------- Offense: .255/.328/.382 (4th/5th/2nd) Pitching: 3.65/3.48/4.32 (4th/3rd/6th) Defense: .705 (5th) They came oh so close, but the Embro Suns were unable to hang onto the wild card after overtaking the Barons on February 9th. They led Stratford by two games at one point, lost the lead in late February, then retook it on March 9th. But the Barons fought back to overcome a two-game deficient once again to take control of the wild card on the 24th for good. But the Suns are a team laden with solid talent with more on the way. They have the 5th-best farm system at present and the major league roster is filled with promising, young players. Its not hard to see this club back in the thick of things next season and returning to the playoffs. Those promising, young players include 24-year old 3B Moromao Nakagawa (.284/.362/.453, 15 HR, 85 RBI, 71 BB, 5.2 WAR – 78/80) and 23-year old SS Kieron Bradridge (.270/.310/.402, 11 HR, 66 RBI, 37 BB, 5.1 WAR – 63/73). Both just completed their second full seasons in the majors. Also in the lineup adding support are 25-year old Napana Mamo (.276/.336/.442, 15 HR, 87 RBI, 53 BB, 3.2 WAR – 63/68) and 23-year old rookie LF Jesús Abreu (.280/.401/.457, 9 HR, 33 RBI, 55 BB, 3.3 WAR – 57/68), who leads off. With another year under their belt, this lineup could prove to be quite formidable. The rotation is serviceable, but Embro should consider looking for a top-shelf starter, as age and consistency is an issue. 27-year old LHP Carl McBroom (13-17, 3.30 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 108 ERA+) got stronger in the second-half of the season and 27-year old RHP Juan Rivas (10-9, 3.31 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 108 ERA+) still has upside, but the Suns could be forgiven if they’re thinking of an eventual replacement for 38-year old RHP Myung-gu Son (11-6, 3.56 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 100 ERA+). While certainly still effective, he is much closer to end of his career than the beginning. On the hand, 33-year old LHP Arthur Bence (17-10, 3.50 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 102 ERA+) continues to be a steady hand. Noteworthy: February 25 – LHP Carl McBroom handled the Giants with ease, stopping them on 4 hits en route to a 1-0 victory in Balmoral. McBroom pitched 9.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 3 K (GS: 79). LF Jesús Abreu broke a scoreless tie with a solo home run in the top of the 9th. First Round Draft Pick Update: 10th overall – RHP/1B Rob Gladstone (41/74 as RP; 20/25 as 1B). Gladstone split his time in both Double-A and Triple-A. He got into 28 games in AA, batting .364/.417/.364 in 11 AB (4 H, 1 BB, 1 K) before being promoted. In Triple-A, he appeared in 19 games as a hitter, batting .571/.571/.571 with 4 hits, 2 RBI, 3 SO. As a relief pitcher, he went 2-1, 8 SV, 5.54 ERA, 1.54 WHIP in 39.0 Double-A innings and 4-0, 3.00 ERA, 1.53 WHIP in 30.0 Triple-A innings. Current Injuries: November 12 – 2B Robert Jameson – broken kneecap. Out for: 6 days. March 20 – RHP George Carter – elbow strain. Out for: DtD, 2 days. -------- Offense: .258/.348/.366 (2nd/1st/6th) Pitching: 4.11/4.04/4.34 (8th/8th/7th) Defense: .699 (8th) There was no surge from the Brunswick Legends in the final two months to challenge for the wild card and really, it was not very realistic to expect it. A very respectable offense was there but the pitching was in just too much disarray to provide the needed support. The offense has its leaders, but it could use more support going forward. 26-year old LF Carl Patton (.295/.419/.413, 10 HR, 67 RBI, 124 BB, 24 SB, 7.8 WAR – 67/67) was brilliant in all facets of the game in just his second full season, while 24-year old C Robert Kersey (.288/.376/.436, 16 HR, 87 RBI, 74 BB, 6.4 WAR – 79/80) was impressive in his sophomore season, although he faded a bit in March. Both 31-year old 3B Jorge Arredondo (.261/.361/353, 9 HR, 57 RBI, 92 BB, 4.6 WAR – 63/63) and 32-year old RF Marcus Peyto (.253/.346/.447, 23 HR, 89 RBI, 79 BB, 3.4 WAR – 63/63) had fine seasons, but Peyto struggled in the final months and was awful in the field. Brunswick will also have to deal with the inevitable decline of 36-year old 1B Stuart Bentham (.265/.364/.394, 16 HR, 86 RBI, 79 BB, -0.8 WAR). Offensively, he can still flash his brilliance, but was uneven at times and is dreadful defensively. 25-year old ace RHP Kent Dundon (10-8, 3.01 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, 119 ERA+) was the Legends’s best pitcher overall, but his health is a concern. He missed 5 weeks outright due to should tendinitis and was listed day-to-day for nearly another 5 weeks over the course of the season with various ailments (back spasms, strains). 25-year old RHP Mhelter Pilapil (21-8, 3.76 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 95 ERA+) wasn’t necessarily overpowering but somehow managed to win 21 games. His previous best was 13 in 1950-51. Finally, 32-year old RHP Luis Cruz (15-10, 3.76 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 95 ERA+) was much more consistent in the second-half of the season. If the former Red Stocking can come out of the gate stronger (and if the bullpen can get stabilized), Brunswick may challenge for a wild card next season. Player of the Week Awards: February 2 – 1B Stuart Bentham (.500, 7 H, 2 HR, 7 RBI) February 16 – C Robert Kersey (.474, 9 H, 2 HR, 4 RBI) First Round Draft Pick Update: 5th overall – RF Quincy Woolsescroft (36/60). Woolsecroft has been quite active in his first year in the minors. He batted .286/.396/524, 2 HR, 10 RBI 8 BB in 42 AB in Double-A before being promoted. In AAA, he went .279/.355/.426, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 8 BB in 68 AB. He is currently batting 3rd in the lineup in the playoffs with the Vanessa Pointers, going .188/235/.188 in 16 AB (4 games) so far. Current Injuries: March 7 – RHP Mhelter Pilapil – back spasms. Out for: DtD, 4 days. -------- Offense: .256/.335/.364 (3rd/4th/7th) Pitching: 3.86/3.90/3.74 (6th/6th/3rd) Defense: .709 (3rd) They put up a valiant effort in February, but it was nowhere near enough for the Wellington Athletics to seriously challenge for the wild card. They got to within 9 games but then faded in early March and were officially eliminated from post-season play on the 18th. After finishing in first place and winning the Eastern League Pennant in 1951-52, Wellington fell to 5th place and lost 10 more games compared to last season. The Athletics are not terrible in any one facet of the game necessarily, but they could stand to upgrade their pitching. They lack a truly dominant hurler that can anchor the rotation and a couple of steady arms in the bullpen wouldn’t hurt either. Perhaps that future anchor will come in the form of 21-year old RHP Ross Sturgeon (0-0, 1.42 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 4.75 FIP – 37/57), who got into 5 games and made two starts late in the season. He has explosive stuff (55/60) with four quality pitches. Sturgeon was a 3rd-round pick back in 1949-50 and is rated 4th among pitching prospects (18th overall). Wellington has a nice core of players in the lineup that includes one of the finest outfields in the United Leagues. That outfield is led by 25-year old LF Matthew Floyd (.316/.407/.499, 21 HR, 91 RBI, 89 BB, 10 SB, 8.8 WAR – 80/80), 25-year old RF Wayne Emmert (.286/.383/.414, 5 HR, 71 RBI, 90 BB, 5.8 WAR – 68/68) and 27-year old CF Jim Mars (.296/.365/.434, 13 HR, 111 RBI, 68 BB, 4.3 WAR – 58/58). I’ve been tough on Mars, as his overall offense and defense were down from last season. He is due for a rebound. Meanwhile, 25-year old C Declan Bugbie (.304/.333/.418, 9 HR, 84 RBI, 23 BB, 4.3 WAR – 66/66) put in another solid season at the plate, although his defense was down a little compared to last season (.985 PCT, 4.84 RNG, -0.7 ZR, 1.038 EFF). Player of the Week Awards: February 23 – CF Jim Mars (.393, 11 H, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 4 R) Noteworthy: March 9 – RHP Zachary Collingham was lights out in a 4-hit whitewash of the Downie Chiefs. Collingham went 9.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K (GS: 81). March 13 – Friday the 13th was not a good day for the Cobourg Red Stockings as the Athletics spanked them 20-1 on the road on 21 hits. CF Jim Mars did the greatest damage, hitting a 3-run home run in the 1st inning and a 3-run triple in the 2nd – and that was before a 10-run 3rd-inning made it 19-0. In all, Mars went 2 for 4 with 7 RBI, 3 R, 2 BB. First Round Draft Pick Update: 13th overall – LF Noel Johnston (27/57). Johnston spent all of 6 AB in Double-A before being promoted to the AAA Quinlan Maroons. In 72 AB, he batted .278/.316/.361, 1 HR, 9 RBI, 2 BB. Current Injuries: None. -------- Offense: .249/.319/.377 (6th/6th/4th) Pitching: 3.94/4.02/3.76 (7th/7th/4th) Defense: .700 (7th) There was no surge in the final two months of the season for the Braeland City Monarchs. Indeed, the team collapsed in February, losing 8 straight games at one point to push them into irrelevance. That became official on March 12, when they were eliminated from the playoff chase. The Monarchs lost 83 games, the second most in their 16-year history (they lost 88 games in their inaugural season). The team is at a crossroads. Braeland City has a slew of young players that either got their first year in the majors under their belt or figure to be on the roster next season. If they all pan out and some veterans can bounce back from down years, then the Monarchs could be a force next year. If they don’t, Braeland City could be staying in the second division for years to come. 32-year old RHP Okura Suzuki (11-12, 3.52 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 102 ERA+) remained the Monarch’s best option in the rotation, but recently acquired 27-year old RHP Bobby Hogg (11-13, 3.71 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 96 ERA+) performed much better after arriving from the Sherburn Tigers (6-3, 2.99 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 120 ERA+) in late January. But the team has a couple of young pitchers that may make an impact next season. 21-year old RHP Dara Eaddy (1-1, 4.63 ERA, 1.63 WHIP – 39/67), a 14th overall pick from 1950-51 is rated the 3rd-top pitching prospect in the ULB. But he is dealing with a long-team injury, indicative of his questioned ability to remain healthy for any length of time. But he has the tools to be an effective starter in the near future. And the Monarchs also have 22-year old RHP Corey Timothy (39/58), who came over from Sherburn in the Bobby Hogg deal. He has a chance to be a very reliable arm in the bullpen. 27-year old 2B Patrick Lidgate (.279/.398/.468, 16 HR, 70 RBI, 93 BB, 7.1 WAR – 80/80) is the undisputed star of the Monarchs and finished the season strong. But some of his teammates need to join him and play to their full ability. 29-year old 1B Dean Witherden (.300/.357/.475, 27 HR, 94 RBI, 54 BB, 4.3 WAR – 70/70) was solid at the plate but his defense was suspect this season. 22-year old RF Aidan Trembath (.302/.355/.433, 14 HR, 65 RBI, 47 BB, 3.6 WAR – 73/80) has the potential to be something special. If he can take the next step, then watch out. As mentioned, Braeland City has a number of young players on the cusp of snagging a major league spot on the roster. Two of them, 23-year old SS Nicholas Malcolm (36/53) and 24-year old 3B Griff Limer (35/62) appear to have the best chance at doing that next season. Player of the Week Awards: March 16 – RF Aidan Trembath (.458, 11 H, 4 RBI) March 23 – SS Roland Binns (.421, 8 H, 3 HR, 8 RBI) Noteworthy: February 2 –C Hayden Billyard went 0-4 in his team’s 2-1 loss to the Fort Richmond Generals, ending his 20-game hitting steak. First Round Draft Pick Update: 8th overall – LHP Johnny Hunter (20/63). The 19-year old has had a rough first-year in Double-A, going 3-16, 6.84 ERA, 2.04 WHIP, 66 ERA+ in 22 starts. Current Injuries: January 17 – 3B Griff Limer – broken kneecap. Out for: 3 months. March 16 – RHP Pei Ming – sprained ankle. Out for: 3 months. March 24 – RHP Samuel Hollier – torn labrum. Out for: 5 months. March 29 – RHP Dara Eaddy – torn UCL. Out for: 6-7 months. -------- Offense: .247/.319/.379 (8th/7th/3rd) Pitching: 3.49/3.49/3.47 (2nd/4th/2nd) Defense: .730 (1st) The Downie Chiefs started the season off with a whimper and ended it with a whimper, winning just 8 games in both October and March. They got to within 5 games in late February but faded quickly after that and were eliminated on March 16. But like the Monarchs, the Chiefs have a number of young players that could inject some much-needed life into the team, at least in the lineup. The team has no pitching prospects to speak of and that will be a major concern if they don’t address it soon. There is no concern with 27-year old CF Alfonso León (.342/.403/.557, 28 HR, 85 RBI, 62 BB, 11 SB, 10.2 WAR – 75/75). León set a new record for WAR this season, becoming the first player to reach and surpass 10 WAR. He leads Cobourg’s Raymond Williams (9.57 WAR this year) and Pulberry Trolleys’ CF Cooper Tyson (9.31 WAR last year) now in that category. He also won the Eastern League batting title for the first time. 26-year old RF Connor Bing (.262/.343/.437, 15 HR, 60 RBI, 66 BB, 6.0 WAR – 70/70) enjoyed a wonderful sophomore season, although he severely faded at the plate in February and March. But it would be no surprise if wins his second consecutive Ball Hawk Award, as he was phenomenal in the field (.994 PCT, 2.76 RNG, +17.7 ZR, 1.054 EFF). But 27-year old 2B Dominic Dudding (.290/.359/.432, 16 HR, 95 RBI, 62 BB, 5.3 WAR – 75/76), while still a really good player, regressed for the second straight season. The rest of the lineup was filled largely with non-descripts. But two, young players could make a difference soon: 23-year old SS José Olivarez (.201/.288/.297, 5 HR, 34 RBI, 47 BB, 6 SB, 1.8 WAR – 47/64) is already on the major league roster while 21-year old 3B Freddie Ogburn (28/74) should be promoted to AAA very soon. 30-year old ace RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (20-10, 2.85 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 122 ERA+) won 20 games for the first time in his 10-year career and should get some serious consideration for the EL Satchel Paige Award. But the rest of the staff was essentially greater than the sum of its parts, with injuries forcing the Chiefs to get creative. If 29-year old LHP Hank Bennett (3-5, 3.28 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 106 ERA+) can bounce back from a knee injury that saw him miss most the season, then the Chiefs should benefit from more stability in the rotation. Meanwhile, 29-year old RHP Bill Lafontaine (4-4, 15 SV, 2.32 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, .197 BABIP) was outstanding once again pitching out of the bullpen. Noteworthy: March 10 –RHP Kelii Pelanekelina limited the Wellington Athletics to just 3 hits as the Chiefs romped to an 8-0 victory. Pelanekelina went 9.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 3 K (GS: 81). First Round Draft Pick Update: 11th overall – SS Oscar Kennedy (25/57). Kennedy has batted .226/.321/.290, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 11 BB in 93 AB in his first year at Double-A. Current Injuries: October 10 – RHP Harley Bracher – torn labrum. Out for: suffered setback, required surgery. 4-5 months. February 6 – RHP Wilfried Schop – torn UCL. Out for: 4 months. March 13 – RHP Bernie Knowles – shoulder tendinitis. Out for: DtD, 1-2 weeks. -------- Offense: .249/.318/.356 (7th/8th/8th) Pitching: 3.54/3.47/3.99 (3rd/2nd/5th) Defense: .704 (6th) Unlike the teams closest to them in the standings, the Queensland Eagles finished the season on a high note: they enjoyed their first and only winning month in March. And unlike those other teams, Queensland’s greatest struggles are on offense with their pitching – at least the rotation – a strength. And it could get even stronger. 25-year old RHP Stiofan Micklethwait (12-14, 2.80 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 125 ERA+ - 65/68) and 27-year old ace RHP Logan Belsey (14-16, 2.69 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 130 ERA+ - 66/73) are rated Nos. 2 & 3 respectively among all pitchers in the United Leagues (behind only Stratford’s RHP Magtanggol Jaojoco). They could soon have company in the rotation. 20-year old Derek Tarn (42/63), a 3rd overall pick back in 1950-51, was promoted to the major league roster in March but did not see action. Scouts think highly of his stuff (50/65) and movement (65/75) and his leadership ability. If he develops, the Eagles should have a formidable top three. Three-year veteran, 27-year old LF Rod Dennis (.296/.363/.472, 22 HR, 76 RBI, 63 BB, 4.6 WAR – 59/62), is developing nicely. But he cannot carry the offense alone. 26-year old Ryan Consiford (.252/.347/.386, 11 HR, 59 RBi, 82 BB, 3.2 WAR – 66/69) played at third base for most the season for the first time after playing first base for most of his career. Defensively, he didn’t miss a beat. But the former 14th-overall pick has not met the high expectations projected for him at the plate. Queensland has some young talent that could challenge the veterans next season: 22-year old 2B Dave Allison (34/58) and 27-year old SS Perry Jordan (45/53). But neither of them are highly rated and Queensland’s top prospect, 19-year old RF Hal Dhu (20/80) is still a long ways off. Player of the Week Awards: March 2 – RHP Logan Belsey (2-0, 18 IP, 0.50 ERA, 12 K) March 9 – CF Salvador Rivera (.517, 15 H, 8 RBI, 7 R) Noteworthy: February 6 – It was lights out for the Kingston Pelicans, as RHP Stiofan Micklethwait shut them out 8-0 on 4 hits. His line was: 9.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K (GS: 83). 3B Ryan Conisford supported him with an RBI double in the 4th inning and a solo home run in the 5th. March 18 –CF Salvador Rivera failed to get a hit against the Braeland City Monarchs, ending his 22-game hitting streak. He went 0-4 on the day, but the Eagles still prevailed, 4-3. March 23 – Although the Stratford Barons pulled out a 4-3 victory, it was still an impressive day for 1B Hao Wang, who went 5 for 5 on the afternoon. Wang singled four times and hit a solo shot off RHP Ted Smith in the 8th inning, collecting 2 R and an RBI in total. First Round Draft Pick Update: 9th overall – RHP Wayne O’Reilly (20/57). O’Reilly spent his entire first year in Triple-A, going 5-9, 5.32 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, 82 ERA+ in 21 starts. Current Injuries: November 19 – RHP John Sloat – shoulder inflammation. Out for: 5 weeks. February 8 – RHP Gael Yule – torn UCL. Out for: 4 months. March 3 – C Blake Nankervis – hamstring strain. Out for: 5 days. -------- __________________ United Leagues of Braeland Last edited by reds1; 04-27-2020 at 09:32 AM.