[ayaghmour2]

The Cougars had no luck in the awards, with Harry Parker receiving only my first place vote, and Leo Mitchell failing to capture the Whitney despite having the most first place votes (7) of any CA hitter. It wasn't Chuck Adams who beat him, but Marion Boismenu, in what I would explain as only a gross miscarriage of justice. Other then WAR, Boismenu's numbers pale in comparison to Mitchell, who led the duo in average, slugging, OPS, OPS+, WRC+, doubles, homers, RBIs, runs, wOBA, and WPA all while striking out a little less then Boismenu. A random first place vote to Skipper Schneider could have cost Mitchell the award, as if he got that 8th lead vote, he would have taken home the hardware.

SS Jim Dickinson (225th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 3rd Round, 45th Overall (1941)
Alma Mater: Calumet Catholic Missionaries

Before this season, Jim Dickinson never missed more then two games, but the former 3rd Rounder dealt with a pair of injuries that cost him most of the season. He missed all of June with a herniated disc in his neck and then went under the knife again late July with a concussion. This allowed him to get into just 59 games for the Blues, hitting an adjusted league average .242/.393/.302 with 7 doubles, 3 triples, and 30 RBIs with an excellent 52-to-17 walk-to-strikeout ratio. His 116 WRC+ was much more impressive then his 100 OPS+, and he had an excellent 1.109 efficiency at short. The 25-year-old also made his big league debut on the 20th of September, pinch hitting for Skipper in the 7th of our 7-2 win over the Sailors. The Springfield native is known for his glove, which may help him secure a bench job this Spring. He is a quality defender with a great eye, but his bat isn't fully developed. He won't surpass Skipper anytime soon, but Dickinson is capable of filling a starting shortstop role. He's more useful for us as a utility guy, but his options will work against him this coming season.

RF Harry Austin (268th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 3rd Round, 44th Overall (1944)
Alma Mater: New Athens Yellow Jackets

Our last ever regional pick, Harry Austin spent most of his time down in La Crosse, hitting .277/.349/.393 (108 OPS+) with 10 doubles, 2 triples, 2 homers, and 14 RBIs in 192 trips to the plate. Austin walked (18) more then he struck out (11) and held his own at both first and right. He's not much of a defender, as most of his value comes with the bat, but he could be a capable corner outfielder. His pure hit tool is elite, with the chance to contend for a batting title, but I'm not sure the now 18-year-old will hit many homers. Austin is a one tool guy, which means he really needs to hit his contact potential, but he's very unpolished. If he reaches his lofty ceiling, he'll be one of the best pure hitters in the league, but I'm not sure he'll make it there.

RHP Bill Holloway (273rd Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 5th Round, 56th Overall (1943)
Alma Mater: Lincoln College Presidents

Acquired with one of the picks from the Freddie Jones deal, Bill Holloway had a productive first full season, starting 20 games with the San Jose Cougars. Holloway went 9-4 with a 3.00 ERA (117 ERA+), 1.29 WHIP, 41 walks, and 115 strikeouts in 138 innings pitched. A big strikeout arm, Holloway had a K/9 above 7, and he has a very polished four pitch repertoire. His fastball and sinker sit in the high 80s, and he locates both pitches well. His change and knuckle curve are nice pitches too, but at times his command alludes him. He did manage to cut his walk rate in half to 2.7, which is a huge step forward, and I'm hoping he can keep it on the same level with a promotion to Lincoln. Tom thinks he'll develop into a spot starter while OSA projects a #4 or 5, but if starting games doesn't pan out, his fastball is good enough to award him high leverage innings out of the pen.

3B Buddy Brumbaugh (275th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 7th Round, 97th Overall (1944)
Alma Mater: Wallingford Wild Boars

Taken in the 7th Round of the most recent draft, Tom Weinstock is a huge fan of the 18-year-old third basemen, noting his excellent swing and hit tool ability. He won't ever hit for much power, but Brumbaugh shows some similarities to the surprise Whitney Winner Marion Boismenu. Brumbaugh didn't have a great debut season, hitting just .267/.341/.313 (84 OPS+) with 5 doubles, a triple, and 14 RBIs. He had some strikeout (26) issues, but still drew 16 walks in 172 trips to the plate. Brumbaugh will turn 19 in November, so he's not as young as some of our other prep picks, and he could work his way up to San Jose next season. A solid defensive third basemen, Brumbaugh can also fill in at second and short, making it easier for him to work his way up. With a good eye and strong hit tool, he can survive the low power output. Tom thinks he can be penciled in to a future lineup spot while OSA goes one step forward to label him as a reliable hitter for an organization, both more then I'm expecting from the Hartford native. With a stronger work ethic, he'd be more of a lock to reach his ceiling, but there is a lot to like from the talented infielder.

RHP Stan Flanders (288th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 10th Round, 157th Overall (1941)
Alma Mater: New Haven Bulldogs

22 in December, Stan Flanders had a big season in AA for the Commodores, going a near even 12-11 with a 3.17 ERA (126 ERA+), 1.29 WHIP, 57 walks, and 55 strikeouts in 207.1 innings pitched. It was Flanders' first 200 inning season, and he was worth nearly 4 WAR against tough competition. A three pitch pitcher, Flanders doesn't overpower with stuff, as his fastball sits in the mid 80s. Its his best offering, as his curve and change aren't too reliable. To start in the big leagues, he'll need to work on his off-speed offerings. He makes up for his uninspiring stuff with pinpoint command, allowing him to locate his pitches almost exactly where he wants them. Flanders projects more as a depth role then an every day starter, but it's far more then I expected from a 10th Round Pick.