[ayaghmour2]

Weekly Record: 7-2
Seasonal Record: 35-14 (1st, 6 GA)
Stars of the Week
Leo Mitchell : 33 AB, 14 H, 1 HR, 4 RBI, .424 AVG, .987 OPS
Harry Parker : 2 Wins, 15.2 IP, 3 BB, 6 K, 0.00 ERA
Harry Mead : 26 AB, 10 H, 0 HR, 4 RBI, .385 AVG, .948 OPS

Schedule
5-29: Loss vs Foresters (9-7)
5-30: Win vs Sailors (1-2): 13 innings
5-30: Win vs Sailors (0-6)
5-31: Win vs Sailors (0-4)
6-1: Win vs Sailors (1-3)
6-2: Win vs Cannons (1-2)
6-3: Loss vs Cannons (7-6): 10 innings
6-4: Win vs Cannons (1-6)
6-4: Win vs Cannons (6-8): 11 innings

Recap
I was really worried about this week, especially because I had all weekend to dread it, as we had to deal with 9 games in 7 days and we were already in the midst of a very long stretch of games. But since we only played the Foresters once, I shouldn't have had any concerns! Once again, those pesky players from Cleveland got the best of us, taking the finale 9-7, before we ran off wins in seven of eight games. The coolest part is the pitching, which allowed 0 or 1 runs in 6 of our 7 wins, and when they failed to get on point, the offense tried to reward the staff that has treated them so well. They put up 7, 6, and, 8 runs in those other three games, and the final scores were all within two runs. The Foresters have been the only team to give us trouble so far, as we are 3-4 (.429) against them and 32-10 (.762) against everyone else. We have a winning record against the other six teams, with only the Wolves (4-3) being able to beat us more then twice. And it's not a small sample either, as we've already played each team at least five times, with the Kings (4-1) the only team less then 7. Now 6 up again, we have a nice comfortable lead as we start June, and some around the league think the Cougars may have the pennant locked up by the deadline. I will say I don't like how many close games we play, 13-5 (.722) in one run games and 7-2 (.777) in extras, but we're still playing over .700 ball and we have the most runs scored and least runs allowed in the entire FABL. With the mix of the impressive week and the end of a month, get ready for a very long (and hopefully good!) weekly report. I hope it's worth it, because I sure had fun writing it!

Let's start with Harry Parker. Now, he's not quite the Harry Parker I fell infatuated with during the 1934 draft, but I've found it so impressive how he's been able to remake himself after his torn flexor tendon. The days of the 140+ pitch inning eater are long gone, but he's been efficient as ever. This was a great week for him, as he took home Player of the Week with 15.2 innings without an earned run. He dominated the Sailors, tossing a 3-hit shutout with 2 walks and 4 strikeouts, before going on short rest and beating the Cannons to improve to 7-2. He has only passed the 120 pitch mark twice, both at 121, but he has 4 9-innning complete games with 105, 106, 100, and 116 pitches, each less then 13 pitches an inning. His 2.2 BB/9 and 4.4 K/9 are both higher then his 2.0 and 4.0 career marks, but guess what our talented ace has stopped doing? Allowing homers! Somewhat remarkably, the 1939 and 1940 CA home run leader as allowed just 1 homer in 82.1 innings! Yes, you read that right; just one! This comes after 6 in 102.2 innings last year and 138 in his 163 career appearances. Sure, power is down a ton, but Parker has been completely reborn this season and he's well on his way to a potential Allen Award winning season. The 29-year-old is now 7-2 with a 1.97 ERA (174 ERA+), 1.02 WHIP, 20 walks, and 40 strikeouts, while worth 2.4 WAR in just 82.1 innings pitched. Parker now ranks as the #6 pitcher in the FABL, and four of the guys ahead of him have yet to throw a pitch this season. There is still a lot of season left, and Parker could conceivably see his luck change, but he's alleviated nearly any concerns about his talent being sapped by his injury.

Of course, while Parker was the Player of the Week, with monthly awards he wasn't the only Cougar to receive accolades. Perhaps to no one's surprise, Leo Mitchell was named Hitter of the Month, as it is June 5th and the veteran outfielder would have to go 0-for-his-next-13 to see his average drop below .400 on the season. Mitchell was actually a bit worse in May then April, but he still slashed an elite .415/.446/.562 (189 OPS+) with 10 doubles, 3 homers, and 25 RBIs. On the season, he owns an astronomical .425/.460/.544 (189 OPS+) mark after finishing the week 14-for-33 with a double, homer, 4 RBIs, and 5 runs scored. The 31-year-old has tallied 11 doubles, 4 homers, and 36 RBIs on the season while striking out just 18 times in 211 trips to the plate. For comparison, his career K% is a whopping 15.4, while this year he's almost cut it in half to 8.5%. Like Parker, Mitchell has seemingly solves his most glaring weakness, and he also now checks in at #6 in the top hitter list. It's always nice seeing Cougars do well, but when it's two of your absolute favorite players who are both home grown? Well, it's hard to get any better then that!

Turning our attention back to the week, we really only had one weakness on the mound. That would be Ken Matson, who had a nightmare of a week, losing both of our nine games this week. It started with his start against the Foresters, where he left with just two outs in the third. Matson was charged with 6 hits, 7 runs, and 3 walks without getting an out. He then made three relief outings, including one the following day. It was the only time he didn't allow runs, allowing just a single hit with a strikeout in two shutout innings. He then got the loss on the 3rd, allowing 3 hits, 4 runs (2 earned), and 2 walks while recording just two outs. The day after he was slightly better, charged with 4 hits and 2 runs with a punch-out in 2 innings pitched. This ballooned his season ERA from 3.96 to 5.56, and he allowed half of the 26 runs we allowed this week. Yes, 13 runs in just 7.1 innings pitched, good for a 16.5 R/9 compared to the rest of the team's 1.5. Cal Knight was the next closest to Matson, allowing 7 hits, 2 runs, and 2 walks with 2 strikeouts in 4.2 innings. These two were the only pitchers with a weekly ERA above 2.15, as the rest of the staff was as good as it gets.

Yes, even Rusty Petrick, who was brilliant against the Sailors. Petrick tossed a 3-hit shutout with 2 walks and 7 strikeouts, finally flashing some of the first round talent we know he has. His second start wasn't as great, a no decision against the Cannons, allowing 10 hits, 4 runs, and 5 walks with just 1 strikeout in 8 innings pitched. With Matson blowing up, his 4.68 ERA (73 ERA+) is no longer highest on the team, but it is still well above average and much worse then Jim Lonardo's 3.06 (114 ERA+) in 88.1 innings with the Gothams. Art White continues to succeed with weak contact, improving to 8-0 win a complete game win over the Sailors. White allowed 6 hits and 1 run without a single walk or strikeout. Dick Lyons continued to heat up, picking up a win with 6.1 dominant innings with 2 hits, 1 run, and 2 walk. Mike Murphy was the third Cougar starter to not record a strikeout, but he did it in both of his two starts. We couldn't get him a win in either game, and he threw 17 innings with 13 hits, 4 runs, and a single walk. Ben Curtin had an outstanding week in the pen, making 4 appearances with a win and two saves. He was an out away from a "complete game", charged with 4 hits and 4 walks with 2 strikeouts. Merritt Thomas made 3 appearances and picked up a win, tossing 2.1 scoreless innings with 2 hits and a strikeout. Our staff continues to keep opposing hitters in check, and when you combine that with a star studded offense, it may lead to a formula with zero losing weeks all year. We have still yet to lose more then 3 games, and we've had multiple weeks with 7 or more games.

Nearly all the hitters had an above average week, with just Orlin Yates (of course) and *checks notes* Hank Barnett failing to produce. The 34-year-old slugger is still slashing .328/.407/.487 (157 OPS+) on the season, but he went just 4-for-29 with 7 strikeouts. He did walk 9 times, which helped a ton, but it was shocking to see such a tough week for Hammerin' Hank. He had more then enough support around him, as even Tip Harrison got in on the fun, going 4-for-8 with 3 runs, a walk, and RBI. Rich Langton supplied plenty of pop, going 7-for-21 with a triple, 2 homers, 2 runs, and 5 RBIs. His counterpart Cliff Moss didn't match that, but was still a strong 8-for-26 with 6 runs, 6 walks, and 3 RBIs.

Dick Walker had another absurd walk week, tallying 13 while going 8-for-32 with a triple, 2 steals, 5 runs, and 5 RBIs. That's now 62 from Walker, on a 195 walk pace, surpassing his season total in each of his first two big league years, while in striking distance of four more. He's walked 80 or more times in nine seasons, including his league high 92 last year, and he has a legit chance to reach 100 before the All Star break. Lastly, I want to showcase Harry Mead, who put up another outstanding week. This time it was 10-for-26 with 3 doubles, 3 walks, a run, and 4 RBIs. The 29-year-old backstop is hitting an impressive .331/.386/.446 (139 OPS+) with 15 doubles, 17 RBIs, and more walks (13) then strikeouts (8) in his first 42 games. This is far better then his .238/.308/.339 (94 OPS+) line last season, and he's matched his OPS+ from his breakout 6.1 WAR 1942 season. Mead has also thrown out half the runners that have tried to swipe a base on him, and runners have only attempted 16 steals. Runners are so afraid to run on him, that Dick Walker has attempted more steals (19) in 84 times on base then opposing base runners have in the 365.2 innings that Mead has been behind the plate for. With Tom Bird hurt and now 36, Mead has claimed the #1 catcher role, although I'm sure he won't keep that once George Cleaves returns. Everything has been clicking so far, and with how effective Mead is both at the plate and behind it, it's hard to find a player that is more valuable to us then Mead has been.

Looking Ahead
We get a much needed off day to start the week, ending a stretch of 16 games in 13 days. We won't have to travel anywhere, as our homestand won't end until the 12th. We start with two games against the Stars, but they are split up by another off day on the 7th. New York and Montreal are tied for 6th in terms of games back (14), but at 20-27 they have one fewer win and loss then the Saints. While a lot has gone wrong for the Stars, they can take solace in the breakout season from Hank Mittan. The 29-year-old wasn't bad last year (11-11, 3.20, 56), but I was definitely skeptical of him keeping that up. Turns out I was right, he couldn't keep that up, but it's not because of his struggles. It's because he's taken it to the next level. Mittan is an unlucky 4-5, as he owns an impressive 2.57 ERA (136 ERA+) and 1.12 WHIP with 24 walks and 32 strikeouts, and it's the first time in his three years starting he's walked fewer batters then he's struck out. Add in the fact that the Stars are dead last in both zone rating and errors, it's hard to overstate just how impressive he's been. Is it sustainable? Well, I'm honestly not sure, but with Billy Riley's (3-6, 4.33, 35) struggles Mittan is the only above average member of the rotation. The offense doesn't help much, but Gary Carmichael (.305, 2, 23), Ray Cochran (.280, 2, 23, 4), and Howie Smith (.314, 3, 19) have all hit well, and any of that trio could be on the move at the deadline. It's another rough year for the Stars, but there fans just have to look to the future, as there are few teams that will welcome back as many high quality players then them.

We finish the week with four games in three games against the Kings, who are the only team with a worse record (18-30) then the Stars. The Kings just cannot score, but at least there outfield can hit! Hal Reynolds may have a .210/.244/.389 (74 OPS+) season line, but he's hit a CA high 7 homers and corner outfielders Orie Martinez (.285, 4, 18) and Vernon Ruch (.297, 2, 17) are there only two hitters having productive seasons. Sure, Otto Deal (.286, 1, 13) is technically above average (101 OPS+) and Frank LeMieux (.325, 6) would be if he didn't have just 89 PAs, but the lineup is really thin. They have brought up former first rounder Tom Landowski (.226, 5), but he has a lower slugging (.269) then his OBP (.280). The pitching has been a little better, but that's mostly because Jim Kenny (6-6, 2.90, 22) has developed into one of the best young arms in the league, and he has plenty more room to grow. Jim Crawford (3-7, 3.47, 15) has ate innings effectively and rookie Bill McGraw (1-1, 2.87, 19) has given the Kings five effective starts, but beyond that it's been really hard for them to get good innings from anyone. On paper, this should be an easy 6-0 week for us, but knowing OOTP, this will be our first losing week of the year.

Minor League Report
RHP Angel Lopez (AAA Milwaukee Blues): I'm not ready to give up on Ken Matson after one bad week, but if I was, Angel Lopez would get the call. Last year's Rule-5 Pick has dominated the Century League, finishing his May 6-0 with a 0.76 ERA (490 ERA+) and 1.08 WHIP with 18 walks and 20 strikeouts in 47.1 innings pitched. He won his April and June start as well, so the young righty is a perfect 8-0 on the season with a sparkly 1.14 ERA (326 ERA+) and 1.05 WHIP with 20 walks and 24 strikeouts. Now 25, Lopez is finally finding success in the minors, as he was hit really hard in AAA with the Kings back in the '42 season. The soft tosser has walked more batters then I'd like to see, but he's allowed just 46 hits in 63 innings and his 2.97 FIP entails there might not be much regression as the season goes on. He's allowed just one longball all season, the same as his 45.1 innings with us last season. Lopez is likely ready to start, but with Lyn Trease on rehab, we don't really have a spot on the big league roster unless I move Matson down. Injuries are likely the only way he starts games this year, but he's done a tremendous job early on and is definitely pitching his way into our future plans.

LHP Ed Fisler (AA Mobile Commodores): It was a huge May for 22-year-old Ed Fisler, who was named Dixie League Pitcher of the Month. The southpaw went 6-1 with a 3.19 ERA (125 ERA+) and 1.47 WHIP with 25 walks and strikeouts. His single June and April starts haven't gone well, so Fisler actually has a below average 4.33 ERA (92 ERA+) and 1.54 WHIP despite his sterling 7-2 record. Fisler has walked (35) more batters then he's struck out (27), and while his BB/9 in 9 starts this year is similar to his 4.4 in 22 last year, his K/9 has dropped a full point. Fisler has had a weird season, as 6 of his 9 starts have seen him allow 3 or fewer earned runs, while the other 3 have seen 6 or more. His focus will be on being more consistent on the mound, and until he does that he'll remain in Mobile. I like his endurance, as he's topped 130 multiple times, and his three pitch mix is very effective. If he can either get his strikeouts back up or his walks down, he should be a capable back of the rotation arm, but Tom Weinstock is a little worried about his health, and as he doesn't overpower hitters, control will be important. Fisler may get a cameo this Fall, but he'll need to be at his best to survive the eventual roster casualties that will come once our soldiers return home.

RHP Joe Swank (AA Mobile Commodores): He may not have been the best pitcher in May, but after his first start, he was the best pitcher in June. Swank was dominant in Knoxville, tossing a 7-hit shutout with 3 walks and 5 strikeouts. In 7 starts this season for the Commodores, the 21-year-old righty is an impressive 5-2 with a 3.06 ERA (130 ERA+), 1.28 WHIP, 17 walks, and 28 strikeouts. His 3.16 FIP (79 FIP-) supports his performances, as he's doing a great job against tough competition at a young age. Swank is starting to get some prospect love as well, entering our top 20 and checking in at 272nd in the league. OSA also thinks he'll be big league ready next season, and Tom thinks all three pitches are big league quality. The change is the best and the curve has nice break, but his fastball sits in the mid 80s. This leads to him not missing many bats, but he does locate it well and works off his off-speed. I don't think we'll need many starters in Milwaukee, but Swank is probably ready for AAA, and I can see him pitching in Chicago next fall.

RHP George Oddo (A Lincoln Legislators: One of the highest risers in our system, George Oddo went from 8th Rounder to top 100 prospect to #34 in the league in just under 3 years in our minor league system. He struggled a bit last season up in A ball, going 5-3 with a 5.35 ERA (89 ERA+), 1.52 WHIP, 41 walks, and 48 strikeouts in 75.2 innings pitched. He's just 8 outs away from matching that total with the Legislators this year, an impressive 6-1 to go with a 3.08 ERA (146 ERA+), 1.30 WHIP, 25 walks, and 54 strikeouts. Oddo is a huge strikeout arm, and it's been great seeing him consistently top 100 pitches at 21. A skinny 6'4'' righty, Oddo has a very advanced arsenal, featuring an elite change, knee-buckling curve, and and plus high 80s fastball. He's got some of the best stuff in the league, and he's matched Peter the Heater's A ball K/9 of 6.7. He's made great strides with his command, seeing his BB/9 drop a point and a half from 4.9 to 3.1, and he's allowed just 3 homers with the Legislators this year after 12 last season and 25 in 166.2 split between three minor league levels. OSA has upped their projection to a future #2, but Tom Weinstock took hit one step further and said he'd should end up near the top of any big league rotation. We have tremendous pitching depth in the majors, but with Bybee and Oddo, we have two golden arms waiting in the winds.

CF Ducky Cole (B San Jose Cougars): Now 20, Ducky Cole celebrated his birthday all month, slashing .353/.402/.471 (150 OPS+) with 6 doubles, 3 triples, and 16 RBIs in 25 games. The early start has been a nice surprise for Ducky, who went just 8-for-42 last season with the Cougars. The former 7th Rounder is having a big year near his hometown Long Beach, slashing .336/.384/.451 (139 OPS+) in 125 trips to the plate. He's also getting all the starts out in his natural position after splitting his time pretty evenly between center and right. Tom Weinstock isn't a fan of his glove, expecting right or even left to be his final position, but his .967 efficiency is respectable for a young kid. His bat is the more exciting part, as featured by his pair of .500 seasons in high school, and while he won't hit like Leo Mitchell, he could compete for a batting title or two. He's young and has a lot of developing left, but unless he becomes more then a one tool player, his future may be on the bench. Being able to handle center will prove him extra valuable, allowing him to get his foot in as a 5th outfielder. As a lefty he'll get a lot of late inning pinch hit opportunities, and with a few clutch hits he could find himself in a more permanent role.

RHP Bill Ballantine (B San Jose Cougars): Born in raised in beautiful Chicago, Bill Ballantine earned the moniker "The Windy City Whip" while pitching his first of four seasons at Fenger. The 21-year-old continues to live up to that name, and he started the season with a near perfect month. Ballantine went 5-0 with a 0.55 ERA (641 ERA+) and 0.76 WHIP with 12 walks and 23 strikeouts. These are stellar results, even if it is just a 33 inning sample. A very exciting youngster, the whip now fires up to 95, as he overpowers batters with his fastball. Last season was impressive with the strikeouts as well, earning a 8.7 K/9 in La Crosse and 7.3 in San Jose. The walks were an issue this year, as he couldn't locate any of his three secondary pitches, and he's gotten so many whifs that only 13 batters have hit safely. There are no real hopes for the change to ever factor in, but if he can turn his slider or forkball into a plus pitch, he could develop into the stopper I envisioned when he was selected. If both work then he'll start games, but either way, I am very excited for the potential hometown hero.

CF Alex Snyder (C La Crosse Lions): He probably deserves to be up in San Jose, but with a full outfield, he'll have to wait until everyone moves up with the new draft. An injury could help too, but for now Snyder's will have to celebrate his Batter of the Month down in La Crosse. May was his month, as last year's 7th Round selection hit .295/.362/.467 (131 OPS+) with 3 doubles, 5 triples, 2 homers, 9 steals, and 15 RBIs. He's also looked impressive out in center, accumulating a 4.7 zone rating which amounts to a 1.043 efficiency. On the season he's hit well, batting a strong .274/.366/.427 (121 OPS+) while just shy of 2 wins above replacement. Known more for his speed and glove, if Snyder can handle the bat too he could propel himself up the prospect ladder. For now his future is as a 4th outfielder, but that's how Orlin Yates started and now he's somehow batting second on a team with a .714 win percentage.

Whew! That was a long one! Would you believe that was almost 4,000 words? That's longer then some of my written midterms! And a whole lot more fun of course!