[ayaghmour2]

Weekly Record: 3-2
Seasonal Record: 72-59 (3rd, 7 GB)
Stars of the Week
Rusty Petrick : 2 Wins, 3.0 IP, 0 BB, 2 K, 6.00 ERA
Harry Mead : 15 AB, 6 H, 0 HR, 1 RBI, .400 AVG, 1.033 OPS
Skipper Schneider : 21 AB, 7 H, 0 HR, 3 RBI, .333 AVG, .697 OPS

Schedule
8-28: Win vs Stars (4-7)
8-29: Win vs Stars (2-5)
9-1: Loss at Saints (0-5)
9-2: Win at Saints (4-2)
9-2: Loss at Saints (4-5): 10 innings

Recap
Those darn Saints... We let them take two of three from us in Montreal, and since we swept the Stars at home, it was our only two losses of the week. I'm debating petitioning the FABL brass to prevent us from playing them ever again, but we're actually worse against the Cannons (6-12) then the Saints (7-12) now. Both teams have been thorns in our side all season long, with Toronto (9-10) the only other team we're sub .500 against. We also got hit really hard with injuries, and it couldn't have come at a worse time, as we reached roster callups, so all the guys I was forced to cut recently can't help us. The first injury was something that has never happened before; Dick Walker missed games. He suffered a herniated disc on the 28th, and missed the following four games, and will have to sit out for our next three as well. Walker made 2,957 consecutive high school, minor league, and FABL appearances without suffering an injury of any length, with a run of 2,539 consecutive FABL appearances without missing a game due to an ailment. We don't really have another first basemen, but Ken Mayhugh or Chick Browning (and of course Tip Harrison) can cover. Don Lee actually made the starts, with Orlin Yates covering center, as Ray Struble was already covering left. That's because Rich Langton tore a ligament in his thumb, and will miss the next two weeks. We have plenty of guys to fill the outfield spot, with Bill Rich returning to Chicago and Chick Browning and Lee options as well. Even Jimmie James, now returned from rehab, could make a start in a corner if he needs, and since Langton hasn't really hit much, I'm not sure this injury will be too hard to handle. We have a few more callups, and I'll cover most in the Minor League Report today. I'm not stacking the roster yet, as the minor league season has plenty of time left, and we don't have many spare pitchers.

One pitcher that is coming up is Ben Curtin, who went unclaimed, but the big name is Duke Bybee. Even if he didn't dominate in A ball, Bybee would have gotten the call, and he'll make his debut on the 6th against the Sailors. The current #7 prospect in all of baseball, Bybee is a legit ace with oodles of potential, and he was stellar in Lincoln. His first start in nearly four years was a complete game win where he allowed just 5 hits, a run, and 2 walks with 8 strikeouts. He followed that up with eight shutout innings, as Peoria got just 6 hits and 2 walks with 7 more strikeouts. There have been very few more highly anticipated prospects, and the lanky lefty should be a mainstay in our rotation. He might be better then everyone but Pap, but we'll ease him into things, slotting him in the four spot. A six pitch pitcher, Bybee has an elite changeup with elite command, and he'll rack up the strikeouts too. His cutter and fastball top out at 97, and his forkball and slider are all plus pitches as well. His curve is just as good as the change, and no matter what Duke throws, you probably won't hit it. Now 23, he's still got a lot of development ahead of him, but his floor is basically Harry Parker, and Parker currently ranks as the 16th best pitcher in the FABL.

Luck was not on Parker's side, as he got a pair of no decisions despite tremendous pitching. Parker pitched in our 7-4 win over the Stars, going 7 with 6 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), 3 walks, and 3 strikeouts. He also featured in our 4-2 win over the Saints, again going 7, this time with 8 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks, and 2 strikeouts. Due to Art Hull's 2.77 ERA (134 ERA+) now qualifying with 133.1 innings pitched, Parker's 2.89 (123 ERA+) is now third, while his strikeouts (112) and WHIP (1.12) are second. Both of Parker's wins went to Rusty Petrick, who made three appearances with a pair of wins and blown saves. He got a loss as well, allowing 6 hits and 2 runs with 2 punchouts in 3 innings. With a double header to start the week, Petrick will start the first game of the double header, before returning back to the pen. Mike Thorpe made a pair of appearances out of the pen, and was the only pitcher other then Petrick to make an appearance from the pen. He struck out one in a perfect 9th against the Stars to pick up his first big league save. He allowed a hit an run in his inning against the Saints, but rolled up three ground balls to keep the game tied.

George Oddo will get another start this week due to a double header on Sunday, and he looked good against the Saints. Oddo went 8 with 10 hits, 3 runs, 3 walks, and 5 strikeouts in our extra inning loss. Oddo has one or two guaranteed starts left this season, with another double header the following week, as I want our top four to pitch as much as possible until we're officially out. Oddo's been rather lucky, as his 4.29 FIP (120 FIP-) implies he's been well below average, but the 22-year-old is an even 6-6 in 15 starts with a strong 3.03 ERA (117 ERA+), 1.16 WHIP, 47 walks, and 58 strikeouts. The 13 homers have been killer, and he's allowed one in five of his last six starts. Billy Riley had the only poor start, going 8 with 6 hits, 5 runs, 4 walks, and 4 strikeouts. The last start of the week went to our fireballer Pete Papenfus, who flashed vintage Peter the Heater stuff. Pap threw 136 pitches in a complete game win, finishing with 6 hits, 2 runs (1 earned), 5 walks, and 9 strikeouts. A few more of these starts, and we can edge closer to the Wolves and Cannons, who sit 4.5 and 7 games ahead of us. The Kings and Foresters are now officially out of it, so things are starting to look grim, but our front four in the rotation has the talent to outpitch nearly every pitcher in the FABL.

Discounting Don Lee, and his 3-for-19 week, we hit very well this week. Harry Mead looked like himself, going 6-for-15 with 2 doubles, 3 walks, 3 runs, and an RBI. Ollie Page has started to really heat up, this week 4-for-12 with 2 steals, 4 runs, and 5 walks. The 35-year-old slashed an outstanding .368/.500/.474 (180 OPS+) in August, and seems likely to man the hot corner the rest of the season. Cliff Moss had a nice week too, 6-for-19 with a double, triple, walk, and 4 runs. Skipper hit well, 7-for-21 with a walk, 2 runs, and 3 RBIs. Ken Mayhugh did alright in limited time, 2-for-6 with a double, run, and RBI. We'll need some more production from the supporting cast this week with Walker out at least three games and Rich Langton gone for the week, but I wouldn't bet on another Don Lee scuffle as he tends to bounce back very quickly.

Looking Ahead
Back at home for a quick double header against the now eliminated Kings, who own a comfortable lead over the cellar dwelling Foresters. The Kings could look a lot different with rosters now expanded, and I'm hoping that will make things even easier for us. I'm a little worried we'll have to face Bill McGraw (10-12, 4.04, 87), who was roughed up on the 1st by the Stars. This caused him to throw just 51 pitches, so the wild righty is rested enough to start one of the double header games. He's walked 121 hitters (5.8 BB/9) in just under 190 innings, but allowed just two runs in 7+ innings in each of his last two starts against us. I know we'll see struggling rookie Dick Farmer (8-15, 5.21, 87), and I'm hoping Clarence Barton (8-7, 3.91, 66), but Barton has won his last three starts and allowed three or fewer runs in nine of his last eleven starts. Offensively, Orie Martinez is hitting average again (.271/.346/.378, 100 OPS+), so they're more then just the Ben Brazel (.320, 45, 9) and Vernon Ruch (.316, 9, 71). Jake Shadoan (.294, 6, 56, 12) is probably in his last effective big league season, and the Kings may look plenty different next season after the war. These are two easy wins, but if there's one thing the Cougars struggle with, its winning games we should.

Off for two days before starting a two week road trip. The first stop is Philadelphia for four with the Sailors. They're the only team in the first division we've handled, but at 69-64 they're definitely capable of beating us. Just 4 games behind us, a rough showing and they'll pass us for third, but a sweep on our side and we may be able to clinch at least third for the 7th consecutive season. The Sailors will get to witness the first of hopefully many Duke Bybee starts, and there's a chance he'll get to face off against longtime Sailor Doc Newell (16-11, 3.16, 87). Him and Win Lewis (12-9, 2.96, 83) make up a capable 1-2 punch, and Art Hull has somehow emerged as an excellent starter. A 25-year-old former 6th Rounder, Hull has started 15 of his 35 appearances, going 6-9 with 4 saves, a 2.77 ERA (134 ERA+) and 1.48 WHIP. He walks (76) more guys then he strikes out (71), and the WHIP is certainly a concern, but Hull has a really nice curve and the Sailors are good at getting the most out of middling pitchers. Even if we're stuck facing the three of them, we'll get a reprieve in the form of Karl Wallace (10-10, 4.50, 64) or Ray McCarthy (8-8, 4.01, 32), who have both endured a tough run of starts. The lineup got a new add, with former 6th Overall Pick Mark Smith returning from the Army. His first week went well, 4-for-13 with 2 doubles, a triple, 2 walks, and 3 runs. It was a nice birthday gift for Smith, who turned 25 on discharge day, and he's got a really good bat for a catcher. The lineup just got longer, as he'll join a strong group comprised of Chick Wilhelm (.258, 7, 50, 12), Joseph Mills (.278, 9, 61), Ed Reyes (.332, 7, 61), and Addie Aleman (.330, 2, 50, 3). I'm definitely nervous about this one, but for the first time all season, we have a really good rotation, and arguably the best in the FABL by a wide margin.

We then finish the week with the first half a four game set against the Foresters. Cleveland was our Achilles Heel last season, but this season we have had the most success (14-4) of them compared to any other team. I'd trade that for last year's in a heartbeat, as we'd be reigning CA winners instead of being even further out of first this year then last. Joining the rotation last week was former #1 pick Hiram Steinberg, who was just as dominant against two teams above .500 as he was when he last pitched in A ball back in 1942. "The Undertaker" tossed complete game wins against the Wolves and Sailors, allowing just 11 hits and 4 earned runs with 5 walks and 6 strikeouts. Him and Richie Hughes (2-8, 3.98, 43) will be a frustrating 1-2 punch for years, and top 50 prospect John Jackson will join them in a season or two. With that trio and Ducky Davis (11-15, 3.79, 73), it won't be nearly as hard to score off of them as it is this year, and while Ben Turner (7-15, 5.36, 42) is retiring, don't be surprised if Jimmy Collins (5-9, 5.65, 49) and the now DFA'd George Rotondi (4-18, 4.56, 74) don't start another game for the Foresters after this season ends. The offense doesn't have as exciting of a future, but they called up former 3rd Rounder Earl Szwed (.125, 1) last week to man short, shifting another former #1 pick Jim Adams Jr. (240, 4, 42, 8) to the keystone. There isn't much else in the Foresters lineup, as Hank Stratton (.301, 4, 43) and Adams are the only hitters with a WRC+ above 100. The games against the Sailors will be tough, but if we can beat the Kings and Foresters like we should, we'll make our way back up the standings.

Minor League Report
C Gene Lee: He only appeared in 18 games for the Blues, and he'll be DFA'd in the offseason, but I love having a third catcher! The 25-year-old is also a leader, so that's pretty cool, but he hit just .171/.227/.195 (20 OPS+). He'll be just in case of emergency, and I don't think the former 19th Rounder will get another FABL start.

3B Steve Jones: Rejoining the Cougars in Chicago is Steve Jones, the all-glove, no-bat infielder who hit an impressive .125/.219/.141 (4 OPS+) in 74 trips to the plate, good enough for an elite 6 WRC+. Of course, he's a very good defensive third basemen, and is dependable in the middle infield too. Jones hit much better in 43 games with the Blues, slashing an adjusted league average .270/.362/.340 with 10 doubles, 18 walks, and 18 RBIs. Will he offer some with the bat when he's back? I doubt it. But he could be a useful late inning substitute.

RF Bill Rich: Returning from the minors, Bill Rich had a nice season in Milwaukee, slashing .281/.349/.387 (109 OPS+) with 18 doubles, 2 triples, 5 homers, and 44 RBIs with one more walk (36) then strike out. The 26-year-old has done well in his first 41 trips to the plate as a big leaguer, slashing .351/.415/.459 (150 OPS+) with a double, homer, and 7 RBIs. Now with Langton on the IL, Rich will start in left against lefties, as he's more then hit well enough to earn the starting spot. With an option left, Rich is likely to start next season in the minors, but the bat has looked very strong, and that could help him earn more of a long term bench spot.

RHP Stan Flanders (AA Mobile Commodores): It's been another great season for Stan Flanders in AA, as the young righty is 11-9 entering the final month. His most recent start was brilliant, a 7-hit shutout to lower his season ERA to 3.13 (127 ERA+). He's supplemented that with a 1.39 WHIP, but he's walked (47) a few more batters (41) then he's struck out. It's not the biggest concern, as Flanders is more of a pitch to contact guy, and his 2.3 BB/9 is pretty solid. Unfortunately for Flanders, Tom has soured on his pitches a little, dropping him from borderline starter to bullpen as a projected role, making me believe that his high 80s fastball is the only reliable offering of his three pitches. He does command his curve and change well, but don't expect him to miss many bats with either. Despite his age, this may be Flanders' last season, as a pen role may be his best fit. He could get the occasional spot start, but I don't think he'll be make many big league starts.

RHP Harry Sharp (A Lincoln Legislators): After a 13 hit, 8 run outing where he left in the 5th, Harry Sharp bounced back quickly when he got another go at the Pastimers. He was outstanding, tossing a 5-hit shutout with 2 walks and 5 strikeouts. He's been a bit unlucky, now 5-9, but that goes with a nice 3.49 ERA (117 ERA+) and 1.35 WHIP in 17 starts for the Legislators. He's struck out 58 and walked 39 in 123.2 innings pitched, and the former 11th Rounder is doing his best to keep a rotation spot. He's not much of a stuff guy, but he has a strong 4.2 K/9 and he commands his pitches well. His issue this season has been with the longball, allowing 11 already. If the lefty can start throwing harder, he may be able to cut that down a bit, but the now 23-year-old is a bit behind in the development path. It will be tough for him to carve out a big league job, but I think he's done enough to get another go at starting games in our system. I wish he had a bit more hustle in him, as I'm not sure he has what it takes to better himself.