[ayaghmour2]

Weekly Record: 5-2
Seasonal Record: 60-34 (1st, 1 GA)
Stars of the Week
Hank Barnett : 27 AB, 12 H, 0 HR, 4 RBI, .444 AVG, 1.151 OPS
Johnnie Jones : 2 Wins, 18.0 IP, 8 BB, 12 K, 0.50 ERA
Leo Mitchell : 32 AB, 11 H, 0 HR, 5 RBI, .344 AVG, .789 OPS

Schedule
7-21: Win at Foresters (5-2)
7-21: Win at Foresters (5-1)
7-22: Win at Foresters (16-1)
7-23: Win at Foresters (4-0)
7-24: Loss at Sailors (2-8)
7-25: Loss at Sailors (3-11)
7-25: Win at Sailors (8-4)

Recap
A nice 5-2 week helps us hold our one game lead over the Cannons, but we pulled 6.5 games ahead of the struggling Wolves. The Foresters didn't give much resistance, as we swept through them in Cleveland, but we ran into some trouble in Philly. We lost the first two, but managed to stop the surging Sailors win streak at 10 in the second day of the Sunday double header. They are just two games behind the Wolves now, and they may leapfrog them if the trends continue. We did manage to outscore Cleveland 30-4, which really helped our run differential, but the Sailors had no trouble against our staff; even in the win they put up four. We're right at the deadline, and we now have a new need: a corner outfielder. The injury bug continues to bite, taking Cliff Moss yet again. This ailment will cost him five weeks as he recovers from a fractured hand, likely keeping him out until rosters expand. Moss was in the midst of one of his most productive seasons as a ball player, and easily the best as a Cougar, hitting .318/.400/.442 (143 OPS+) with 9 doubles, 6 homers, and 32 RBIs. Both of our right fielders are now out, so for this week we will see Billy Hunter try to shift over to right, splitting time there an in center with lefties Orlin Yates and Chick Browning, who will at least join the Cougars this week.

That's because we added an outfielder (after I started writing, but before I finished) in veteran slugger Dan Fowler. The 35-year-old vet helps us in two ways, as he can play center when Langton or Moss returns, and while he has never played right field before, it shouldn't be much of an issue for him. From 1932 to 1938, Fowler was one of the better hitters in the FABL, but he's started to see his production slip a bit. He is hitting alright, batting .239/.365/.365 (102 OPS+), with a much nicer 121 WRC+. Fowler is a three true outcomes type (at lest for this era), with 7 homers, 50 walks, and 25 strikeouts. He's added 9 doubles, a triple, and 31 RBIs while offering passable defense out in center. He also just recorded his 250th homer, now with 251 in 1,643 FABL games. 1,405 of them came in a Foresters uniform, the others with the Minutemen, and he's hit an impressive .268/.365/.442 (121 OPS+) with 211 doubles, 994 RBIs, and 930 walks. In return, we'll give up 1B Adolph Jacobson and RHP Joe Crosby in what is likely going to be our lone deadline acquisition.

The extra rest did Johnnie Jones well, as he stretched his complete game victory streak to 10 consecutive starts. Jones was an error away from a shutout against the Foresters, allowing just 5 hits and 4 walks with 6 strikeouts. An error then cost him three runs in his win over the Sailors, where Jones allowed 7 hits, a single earned run, and 4 walks with 6 more strikeouts. Jones is now tied with Butch Smith for the CA win lead at 13 and his 86.7 win percentage is the best in the entire FABL. Of course, Jones is no Dick Lyons, who tossed 8.1 scoreless innings with just one hit and 2 walks. After walking Cal Howe in the first, he set down 24 straight before a walk and double ended his night. We also got a great start from Joe Brown, picking up a complete game win with 7 hits, a run, walk, and 3 strikeouts. It wasn't all good, with a tough outing from Jim Lonardo. He allowed 8 hits, 6 runs, and a walk in just 3.1 innings pitched. Art White wasn't great, but errors did ruin one of his two starts. He beat the Foresters, going all nine with 10 hits, 2 runs, a walk, and a strikeout, but three errors against the Sailors sabotaged him. Only 3 of his 8 runs were earned, as White was charged with 9 hits and a walk with 2 strikeouts in 4.1 innings pitched. Pug Bryan had issues after, allowing 5 hits, 3 runs, and 3 walks with 2 strikeouts in 3.2 innings pitched. This raised his ERA above 2, as before this week, all four members had sub 2 ERAs. Angel Lopez's is now above too, as he allowed 4 hits and 2 runs with 2 strikeouts in 2 innings. Our pitching can't quite match the Cannons, but we rank #2 in most categories and top 4 in everything.

Big week at the plate, with a Player of the Week worthy performance from Hank Barnett. Barnett was 12-for-27 with 4 doubles, 4 RBIs, 6 walks, and 7 runs scored. The 33-year-old has caught fire, slashing .326/.417/.578 (158 OPS+) in July and since a dreadful August, his lowest month OPS+ or WRC+ was his matching 145 in June. He's on a 5 WAR pace and owns a .315/.408/.432 (143 OPS+) batting line with 15 doubles, 8 homers, and 49 RBIs. Clark Car had a nice week, 7-for-23 with 2 triples and 3 doubles, runs, walks, and RBIs to go with a stolen base. Orlin Yates showed rare signs of life, 6-for-17 with 2 doubles, 4 RBIs, 5 walks, and 5 runs. Both saw a little of their time go to Billy Hunter, who went 6-for-17 with a double, RBI, 3 walks, and 3 runs in his return to the lineup. Even Harry Mead got in on the fun, 6-for-21 with 2 doubles, a homer, 3 runs, and 6 RBIs. Dick Walker went 7-for-31 with a double, triple, 2 homers, 3 walks, 6 runs, 4 RBIs, and a steal. Leo Mitchell went 11-for-32 with 2 doubles, 6 runs, and 5 RBIs. The only hitter to have struggles was Skipper Schneider, who was just 4-for-25 with 2 runs, 3 walks, and 4 RBIs. Of course, with his defense he can hit however he wants, as he's approaching a 30 zone rating on the season. The bats continue to be a strength for us, and adding Dan Fowler into the mix can only help.

Looking Ahead
This is a huge week for us as our long roadtrip continues. We'll look to earn the split in Philly, although the scheduled starter is unknown. Doc Newell (11-6, 2.47, 59) will head to the IL due to elbow tendinitis, preventing what would have been his scheduled start. Karl Wallace (9-8, 3.23, 52) pitched three days ago and could be ready to go, but the Sailors could opt to start Tom Cipolla (5-5, 1, 4.62, 43), who has made 9 starts and 10 relief appearances. Veterans Herb Flynn (1-1, 1, 3.69, 10) and Chuck Murphy (4-3, 2, 3.92, 10) are probably past their starting days, but either could be an option. There aren't many surefire starters in AAA San Francisco, but former Cougar farmhand George K Brooks could be brought up to make his big league debut. Whoever they choose will face Joe Brown, who will look to keep the surging Sailors offense in check. They are now tied for second with the Cannons in runs scored, and are fresh off a Player of the Week from Harvey Brown (.310, 1, 45, 7), who I probably would have gone after had the Sailors lost 10 straight instead of won. This is a crucial game here, as the rest of the weak pits us against the Cannons and Wolves.

We get an off day after, which is crucial. Not just to recover from the double header, but it will allow us to throw our best three pitchers in Cincinnati. The Cannons are right on our tail, a game behind us due to their elite pitching. Losing Fred Galloway (.268, 2, 25) hurts, but Alf Pestilli (.249, 5, 30) is a quality replacement, filling in at left while pushing Bob Griffith (.279, 1, 35) to center. Sam Brown (.320, 5, 74, 5) has done alright atop a deep lineup with productive bats in Billy Dalton (.308, 10, 60), Chuck Adams (.276, 11, 49), and Adam Mullins (.341, 2, 34) filling out the 3-4-5 part of the lineup. Back to the pitching, which contains two of the three sub 2 ERA arms in the CA. Most would expect Rufus Barrell (12-4, 1.83, 93) to fall in that category, but I'm kicking myself for not going after Butch Smith (13-5, 1.92, 62) in the offseason. Chris Clarke (7-10, 3.15, 44) has a much better ERA in 5 starts for the Cannons (2.54) then his 15 for the Stars (3.39) and former #1 Overall Pick Vic Carroll (7-4, 2.46, 59) is healthy and blossoming into a top of the rotation arm. Even #5 Roger Perry (7-3, 3.12, 22) has been more then reliable, giving the Cannons a chance to win each and every game. First place may be determined by this series, as if either team gets swept they may kiss their pennant dreams good bye.

We then finish the week with three games in two days against the Wolves. Toronto has dropped three straight and eight of their last ten, now 52-39 and far closer to the Sailors then us and the Cannons. They are likely staying pat, hoping Chink Stickels (.199, 1, 29, 6) and Charlie Artuso (.229, 2, 32) can turn things around. They've gotten a big season from Walt Pack (.282, 14, 53) and both Juan Pomales (.291, 1, 29, 8; 3-4, 1, 4.72, 13), Clarence Howerton (.279, 2, 40), and Mike Rollison (.291, 2, 34) have given them decent production. There are a lot of holes in the lineup, but ever since Fred McCormick left, the offensive output has been on the weaker side. On the mound, Bernie Johnson (7-6, 3.24, 26) has started to cool off, losing four straight including a pair of starts with 6+ runs in less then 6 innings. He was supposed to be the #2 to Joe Hancock (11-6, 2.77, 67), but that role has instead been filled by 27-year-old rookie Jimmy Gibbs (9-4, 1, 2.75, 26). The former 8th Rounder of Brooklyn started the season in the pen, and even after losing his last two starts, he's still put up very impressive numbers on the season. We've caught the Wolves at the right time, and if we can avoid Hancock I really like our chances here.

Minor League Report
3B Johnny Weaver (B San Jose Cougars): After a rough first week in our system, 5th Rounder Johnny Weaver has really started to hit. Starting his pro career in San Jose, Weaver went just 3-for-15, but a 10-for-25 week has brought his season line to .333/.405/.508 (160 OPS+). That was also good enough for Player of the Week, as Weaver added 2 doubles, 2 homers, and 9 RBIs. Those were his first two pro homers, but he does have 5 doubles and 17 RBIs in his first 75 plate appearances. One of our higher rated prospects, the only 1943 draftee above him is Jimmy Hairston (6, 113), as Weaver ranks 9th in our system and 145th overall. Tom Weinstock is a big fan, intrigued by his athleticism and fond of his discipline at the plate. He's got decent pop too, but strikeouts may end up being a big issue for him. He's already struck out 24 times in 19 games, but he is just a walk away from double digits. He doesn't put the ball in play very much, as his contact tool isn't great, but when he connects it is definitely worth the wait. With Otto Christian penciled in as the third basemen of the future, Weaver may have to work on his versatility, and he can handle both first and left as well. He's got the tools to be a big league starter, and the 21-year-old may be able to ascend swiftly up the ladder.