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Jiggs McGee · 08-02-2021, 02:31 PM

THIS WEEK IN FIGMENT BASEBALL

February 28, 1938 OFF-SEASON

MORE MOVES IN FEDERAL ASSOCIATION

After a fairly quiet off-season up to this point both the St Louis Pioneers and Philadelphia Keystones pulled off major trades a few weeks before the start of spring training. News broke rapidly this morning first from St Louis where it was announced that Frank McCormick (.373,20,97), arguably the best first baseman in the game today, was dispatched to Toronto for a handful of pitchers. Then a short time later the Keystones pulled off a very surprising move, parting with 24 year old third baseman Frank LeMieux (.315,2,79) and veteran pitcher Frank Crawford (9-13, 3.76) in order to add a highly touted prospect out of the Detroit Dynamos system.

Reaction around the league was one of surprise as both moves seemed to come out of the blue although reports out of Detroit had been hinting the Dynamos would soon part with one of their solid collection of young sluggers. After being shopped unsuccessfully at the winter meetings it appeared St Louis was going to hang on to McCormick, who is a 4-time all-star and was runner-up for the Federal Association Whitney Award twice in his career including last season.

Word out of the Pioneers organization is the deal occurred only because of the death of former St Louis owner Paul Long Jr., who passed away last month. He took over the team from his dad in 1911 and was instrumental in the move that brought Max Morris to St Louis in 1920 and also the trade that sent Morris to the New York Gtohams in 1931 for a package of prospects that included McCormick. He reportedly overruled any move the Pioneers wanted to make with McCormick at the winter meetings but after his death the club was purchased by coal baron George Sackey, who previously had a minority interest in the team. Sackey, who will likely be far less involved in personnel decisions than his predecessor, gave the go ahead to the St Louis management team and the deal involving McCormick was quickly finalized.

McCormick will certainly be missed in the St Louis lineup but the Pioneers are confident 25 year old Zip Sullivan, who hit .317 in a 39 game trial last season, can step in and fill McCormick's large shoes at first base. The 6'6" Sullivan has had quite a rise through the Pioneers system after originally being selected in the 23rd round of the 1930 draft. He is a solid hitter but the knock on him is perhaps he does not provide the power a team might like in a first baseman. Regardless, it was clear the Pioneers needed to do something drastic in order to remain relevant in the highly competitive Federal Association and this move certainly qualifies as that.

Along with McCormick the Pioneers also dispatched 28 year old backup catcher Clarence Howerton (.343,0,15) north of the border. In return St Louis hopes it added the pitching depth necessary to compete with the other teams that made upgrades at that position over the winter. Coming to the Pioneers from Toronto are major league pitchers Otis Cook (18-12, 3.64) and Jake Smith (12-13, 3.27) along with minor league hurlers Buddy Long and Russ Peeples. In addition the Wolves also sent AA outfielder Les Hendrix to St Louis.

The 31 year old Cook and 28 year old Smith are both lefthanders and should settle into the rotation nicely behind Sam Sheppard (22-15, 4.20) and David Abalo (17-13, 4.27) with Dixie Lee (16-15, 4.53) also in the mix. The prize of the deal might turn out to be the 23 year old Long, who had an impressive 13-11, 2.63 season in AAA Buffalo a year ago. A top 25 prospect, Long might crack the Opening Day roster if he has a solid spring. Hendrix also looks like a good prospect as OSA has him ranked 51st at the moment. He provides well above average defense in center field and should be a solid big league hitter.

The deal is interesting from Toronto's perspective as well. Attendance and offensive production have been an issue for the Wolves and the arrival of the extremely popular McCormick should help on both fronts. There might be some short term pain as Toronto's pitching looks woefully thin this year but it also might open the door for highly touted prospect George Garrison, who was 18-12 at AA a year ago, to make his big league debut.

The Keystones move is perhaps even a bigger surprise than the St Louis trade. There is no question that Hank Koblenz is a terrific young prospect but he is likely not ready to contribute in Philadelphia this season which causes one to wonder if the deal is actually a step back for the Keystones. Philadelphia Assistant General Manager George Mitchell took exception to media speculation that the Keystones were conceding the Fed pennant this season in order to better prepare themselves for the future.

"I wouldn't say we're weaker," Mitchell stated at the press conference introducing Koblenz. "I'd say we are making room for good young arms who can help now and adding a long-term piece that might get here sooner rather than later. LeMieux is a good young player, but you have to give something to get something. We are going for sustained success to stay ahead the game and if that means we have to say good-bye to a 4-win player to get there, we are prepared to do that. We do already have internal options, as Howie Shifflett, Cy Cox, and Rabbit Forrest will all have a chance at 3B, as well as (rookie George) Wright."

Koblenz, who played at three levels last season (B,A and AA) has outstanding power potential and smacked 26 homers in 138 games last year. He is 21 years old and was selected 5th overall in the 1935 draft after an outstanding prep career at Milwaukee (WI) High School.

It was the fact that Koblenz is more a power guy than a get on-base hitter that prompted Detroit to make the move. The Dynamos have a number of power guys already in their lineup and the thought of adding a terrific table setter in the 24 year old LeMieux made perfect sense. The veteran Crawford, who was 70-63 over 7 seasons in Philadelphia, gives the Dynamos a dependable arm to slot into their rotation.

As mentioned above rumours of a deal involving a prospect had been coming out of Detroit the past few days but the move still comes as a surprise with Koblenz being the third outstanding young prospect the Dynamos have dealt this winter, joining highly touted catcher Pete Casstevens, a 19 year old who was sent to the New York Gothams and 21 year old shortstop Frank Davis who was moved to Montreal.

This does look like a deal that will help both teams, at least in the long run. Detroit needed a player like LeMieux to get on base for boppers Sal Pestilli, Leon Drake and Red Johnson to drive home and Crawford does help strengthen their pitching staff. The thinking is Koblenz can become a star in Philadelphia but one can't help but feel, despite the organization's objections, the 1938 version of the Keystones is weaker now than it was a week ago. Not so much by the loss of Crawford as there is young pitching that looks ready in Philadelphia but it will be tough to replace LeMieux if the youngster duplicates his last year numbers. There is also worry the window on the Keystones might be closing as one can't help but think based on prolonged slumps each of the past two seasons that Rankin Kellogg is slowing down rapidly. Perhaps Kellogg is slowing down and the Keystones know it, figuring this move made sense as the club would be hard pressed to duplicate it's second place finish a year ago anyway so the timing was right to take a small step backwards in order to have Koblenz perhaps penciled in as the power-hitting heir to Kellogg.

The Week That Was
Current events for the week ending 02/28/1938

Prime Minister Chamberlain of Britain urges peace talks needed with Italy to prevent war in Europe.
Hitler gave a three-hour internationally broadcast speech in the Reichstag vowing to protect German minorities outside of the Reich and reiterating demands for restoration of German colonies.
Colorado Senator Adams says Hitler's escalation of foreign poliy "will make it easier for Congress to vote a big navy" adding it is advisable the US Navy be big enough to protect both coasts.
China uses Russian supplied planes to bomb Japanese island colony of Formosa.
In entertainment news the comedy duo of Abbott & Costello made their radio debut.

08-02-2021, 02:31 PM	#213
Jiggs McGee All Star Reserve Join Date: Dec 2019 Posts: 677	This Week in Figment Baseball: Off-Season edition THIS WEEK IN FIGMENT BASEBALL February 28, 1938 OFF-SEASON MORE MOVES IN FEDERAL ASSOCIATION After a fairly quiet off-season up to this point both the St Louis Pioneers and Philadelphia Keystones pulled off major trades a few weeks before the start of spring training. News broke rapidly this morning first from St Louis where it was announced that Frank McCormick (.373,20,97), arguably the best first baseman in the game today, was dispatched to Toronto for a handful of pitchers. Then a short time later the Keystones pulled off a very surprising move, parting with 24 year old third baseman Frank LeMieux (.315,2,79) and veteran pitcher Frank Crawford (9-13, 3.76) in order to add a highly touted prospect out of the Detroit Dynamos system. Reaction around the league was one of surprise as both moves seemed to come out of the blue although reports out of Detroit had been hinting the Dynamos would soon part with one of their solid collection of young sluggers. After being shopped unsuccessfully at the winter meetings it appeared St Louis was going to hang on to McCormick, who is a 4-time all-star and was runner-up for the Federal Association Whitney Award twice in his career including last season. Word out of the Pioneers organization is the deal occurred only because of the death of former St Louis owner Paul Long Jr., who passed away last month. He took over the team from his dad in 1911 and was instrumental in the move that brought Max Morris to St Louis in 1920 and also the trade that sent Morris to the New York Gtohams in 1931 for a package of prospects that included McCormick. He reportedly overruled any move the Pioneers wanted to make with McCormick at the winter meetings but after his death the club was purchased by coal baron George Sackey, who previously had a minority interest in the team. Sackey, who will likely be far less involved in personnel decisions than his predecessor, gave the go ahead to the St Louis management team and the deal involving McCormick was quickly finalized. McCormick will certainly be missed in the St Louis lineup but the Pioneers are confident 25 year old Zip Sullivan, who hit .317 in a 39 game trial last season, can step in and fill McCormick's large shoes at first base. The 6'6" Sullivan has had quite a rise through the Pioneers system after originally being selected in the 23rd round of the 1930 draft. He is a solid hitter but the knock on him is perhaps he does not provide the power a team might like in a first baseman. Regardless, it was clear the Pioneers needed to do something drastic in order to remain relevant in the highly competitive Federal Association and this move certainly qualifies as that. Along with McCormick the Pioneers also dispatched 28 year old backup catcher Clarence Howerton (.343,0,15) north of the border. In return St Louis hopes it added the pitching depth necessary to compete with the other teams that made upgrades at that position over the winter. Coming to the Pioneers from Toronto are major league pitchers Otis Cook (18-12, 3.64) and Jake Smith (12-13, 3.27) along with minor league hurlers Buddy Long and Russ Peeples. In addition the Wolves also sent AA outfielder Les Hendrix to St Louis. The 31 year old Cook and 28 year old Smith are both lefthanders and should settle into the rotation nicely behind Sam Sheppard (22-15, 4.20) and David Abalo (17-13, 4.27) with Dixie Lee (16-15, 4.53) also in the mix. The prize of the deal might turn out to be the 23 year old Long, who had an impressive 13-11, 2.63 season in AAA Buffalo a year ago. A top 25 prospect, Long might crack the Opening Day roster if he has a solid spring. Hendrix also looks like a good prospect as OSA has him ranked 51st at the moment. He provides well above average defense in center field and should be a solid big league hitter. The deal is interesting from Toronto's perspective as well. Attendance and offensive production have been an issue for the Wolves and the arrival of the extremely popular McCormick should help on both fronts. There might be some short term pain as Toronto's pitching looks woefully thin this year but it also might open the door for highly touted prospect George Garrison, who was 18-12 at AA a year ago, to make his big league debut. The Keystones move is perhaps even a bigger surprise than the St Louis trade. There is no question that Hank Koblenz is a terrific young prospect but he is likely not ready to contribute in Philadelphia this season which causes one to wonder if the deal is actually a step back for the Keystones. Philadelphia Assistant General Manager George Mitchell took exception to media speculation that the Keystones were conceding the Fed pennant this season in order to better prepare themselves for the future. "I wouldn't say we're weaker," Mitchell stated at the press conference introducing Koblenz. "I'd say we are making room for good young arms who can help now and adding a long-term piece that might get here sooner rather than later. LeMieux is a good young player, but you have to give something to get something. We are going for sustained success to stay ahead the game and if that means we have to say good-bye to a 4-win player to get there, we are prepared to do that. We do already have internal options, as Howie Shifflett, Cy Cox, and Rabbit Forrest will all have a chance at 3B, as well as (rookie George) Wright." Koblenz, who played at three levels last season (B,A and AA) has outstanding power potential and smacked 26 homers in 138 games last year. He is 21 years old and was selected 5th overall in the 1935 draft after an outstanding prep career at Milwaukee (WI) High School. It was the fact that Koblenz is more a power guy than a get on-base hitter that prompted Detroit to make the move. The Dynamos have a number of power guys already in their lineup and the thought of adding a terrific table setter in the 24 year old LeMieux made perfect sense. The veteran Crawford, who was 70-63 over 7 seasons in Philadelphia, gives the Dynamos a dependable arm to slot into their rotation. As mentioned above rumours of a deal involving a prospect had been coming out of Detroit the past few days but the move still comes as a surprise with Koblenz being the third outstanding young prospect the Dynamos have dealt this winter, joining highly touted catcher Pete Casstevens, a 19 year old who was sent to the New York Gothams and 21 year old shortstop Frank Davis who was moved to Montreal. This does look like a deal that will help both teams, at least in the long run. Detroit needed a player like LeMieux to get on base for boppers Sal Pestilli, Leon Drake and Red Johnson to drive home and Crawford does help strengthen their pitching staff. The thinking is Koblenz can become a star in Philadelphia but one can't help but feel, despite the organization's objections, the 1938 version of the Keystones is weaker now than it was a week ago. Not so much by the loss of Crawford as there is young pitching that looks ready in Philadelphia but it will be tough to replace LeMieux if the youngster duplicates his last year numbers. There is also worry the window on the Keystones might be closing as one can't help but think based on prolonged slumps each of the past two seasons that Rankin Kellogg is slowing down rapidly. Perhaps Kellogg is slowing down and the Keystones know it, figuring this move made sense as the club would be hard pressed to duplicate it's second place finish a year ago anyway so the timing was right to take a small step backwards in order to have Koblenz perhaps penciled in as the power-hitting heir to Kellogg. The Week That Was Current events for the week ending 02/28/1938 Prime Minister Chamberlain of Britain urges peace talks needed with Italy to prevent war in Europe. Hitler gave a three-hour internationally broadcast speech in the Reichstag vowing to protect German minorities outside of the Reich and reiterating demands for restoration of German colonies. Colorado Senator Adams says Hitler's escalation of foreign poliy "will make it easier for Congress to vote a big navy" adding it is advisable the US Navy be big enough to protect both coasts. China uses Russian supplied planes to bomb Japanese island colony of Formosa. In entertainment news the comedy duo of Abbott & Costello made their radio debut. __________________ Lead Columnist of The Figment Sporting Journal The Scripture of Sports Last edited by Jiggs McGee; 08-02-2021 at 02:38 PM.