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ayaghmour2 · 02-19-2023, 02:48 PM

SS Tom Brownleaf (367th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 8th Round, 125th Overall (1943)
Alma Mater: Durant Lions

A natural shortstop, Tom Brownleaf split his time almost identically between short (292.1) and second (294.1), moving around depending on what level he was at and his fellow infielders. The 20-year-old was taken in the 8th Round of the 1943 draft, so that means he was one of the vets down in La Crosse and San Jose. After hitting just .225/.285/.282 (67 OPS+) with the Lions last year, Brownleaf got off to a quick start and hit .281/.343/.375 (109 OPS+) with 4 doubles, a triple, and 5 RBIs in 18 games. With guys like Pat Todd, Jim Mako, and Bill Cook all struggling in San Jose, Brownleaf was an obvious callup even with the small sample, and he spent the next 54 games with the Cougars. It didn't go too well, but he still produced a positive WAR (0.7) with a .206/.268/.333 (75 OPS+) batting line. One reason I kept him up was the five home runs, as it's not like Brownleaf was just singling and striking out. He had 12 extra base hits with 18 runs, 17 RBIs, and 9 steals and he drew 13 walks as well. The strikeouts were high, but in line with most of his similarly aged teammates, and his value isn't solely tied to his bat. He should hit far better next season in San Jose, as he has an excellent eye and uses his speed and baserunning abilities to his advantage. He may not put the ball in play enough to be counted on in the lineup, but he has a low floor due to his defensive abilities. He was superb at second and is capable at short, and Brownleaf has had some past experience at the hot corner. With his speed, outfield is likely an option, and even if it's just left and right that's plenty of value from one bench player. Add in the fact he's a switch hitter, giving him plenty of value if he comes in as a pinch runner or defensive replacement if his spot in the batting order comes around.

RHP Dick Garcia (331st Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 3rd Round, 45th Overall (1943)
Alma Mater: Geneva Vikings

Our regional pick in 1943, Dick Garcia started his season in San Jose, and was very effective in 19 starts. He went 11-5 with a 3.82 ERA (91 ERA+), 1.39 WHIP, 35 walks, and 95 strikeouts. Don't let that ERA fool you, as his 2.96 FIP (85 FIP-1) was elite, as was his 2.7 K/BB in 117.2 innings pitched. With a need for starters in Lincoln, the then 20-year-old was one of the few to not have a down arrow, so his last seven starts came with the Legislators. He went just 1-3 with a 6.75 ERA (61 ERA+) and 2.37 WHIP with 21 walks and just 6 strikeouts. He was clearly overmatched, and we may send him back to San Jose to start next season. If that's the case, it shouldn't feel like a demotion for Garcia, but next season will be a crucial one in his development. His age will work for him, but he's dropped to a borderline starter for future role and his competition has multiplied. Depending on who he gets stuck with in his level, he may start the season as a stopper. He does have a really good sinker, and his work in the weight room has helped him take it from 83-85 to 86-88. The issue is his cutter and change haven't overly impressed, and he really has to rely on the change as a sinker-cutter starter doesn't profile all that well. If he can't start, Garcia could be a devastating sinker-balling stopper, because right now he looks to be someone you'd only want to start in a dire emergency.

RHP Jimmy Ballard (415th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 6th Round, 84th Overall (1939)
Alma Mater: Donora Bombers

The best news for Jimmy Ballard this season was that he stayed healthy. Sure, he did have a sore knee that cost him a single start, but the 23-year-old has already had three ailments to keep him out more then a month. A former 6th Rounder, Ballard has been with us since 1939, and reached AA for the first time last season. He made 11 starts for the Commodores in 1944, but went just 3-6 with a 4.77 ERA (83 ERA+). This year Ballard made all 28 of his starts in Mobile, finishing 15-12 with a 3.83 ERA (104 ERA+) and 1.47 WHIP in 218.1 innings pitched. The 6'4'' righty was effectively wild, walking 108 hitters and striking out 106. He has a serious issue with his control, mostly due to the arm injuries, so he will need to continue to strike out a high amount of hitters. His sidearm windup can be tough for hitters to track, and its difficult to elevate the ball against him. His stuff is good enough to start in the big leagues, but if he can't locate his pitches he won't be any good.

RF Harry Austin (427th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 3rd Round, 44th Overall (1944)
Alma Mater: New Athens Yellow Jackets

Another regional draftee, Harry Austin plummeted in the prospect rankings, dropping nearly 200 spots this season. He's still young, turning 19 in September, he split his time between La Crosse and San Jose, struggling mightily at each. In high school last season, Austin hit .525, so I wouldn't have expected lines of .172/.258/.246 (41 OPS+) and .147/.238/.224 (36 OPS+) at any level. Austin appeared in 81 games, tallying just 11 doubles, a triple, 2 homers, and 21 RBIs. Since Austin is a bat first prospect, he was worth nearly a full run and a half WAR less then a replacement player. If there was a plus to his production, he walked (28) a few less times then he struck out (38), so most of his outs were made by opposing defenses. He still projects well at the plate, with a strong hit tool that will see him place the ball in play regularly while not missing many pitches. He won't hit for much power, but he should make up for that with his consistency. A bit on the lazy side, I'm worried Austin may not be too interested in personal improvement. He has the natural ability to crack a big league roster, but without the drive, his career could get stuck in neutral very quickly.

RF Bill Rich (429th Overall)
Acquired: Via Draft: 3rd Round, 44th Overall (1940)
Alma Mater: Grange College Mustangs

1945 was a big year for Bill Rich, who was lucky enough to make his FABL debut, and as an Illinois native, playing for the Chiefs or the Cougars can be a dream come true. Rich seized an opportunity when Cliff Moss got hurt, and appeared in 23 games for us this season. He hit an impressive .312/.371/.391 (119 OPS+) in 70 trips to the plate, producing a 132 WRC+ with a homer and 8 RBIs. He walked (6) more then he struck out (4), and handled right field rather well. 27 in April, Rich isn't likely to make the Opening Day roster, but with an option year left he could hang on to his 40-man spot throughout the offseason. He's not the greatest defender either, but he handled both corners well, and he could fill in at first if necessary. He hit plenty well in the minors, so Rich could be a very valuable bat off the bench. I can't see him being anything more then a bench bat, but he could always hit himself into time as an injury replacement. Just like this season!

02-19-2023, 02:48 PM	#1022
ayaghmour2 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 3,012	Top Prospects: 31-35 SS Tom Brownleaf (367th Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 8th Round, 125th Overall (1943) Alma Mater: Durant Lions A natural shortstop, Tom Brownleaf split his time almost identically between short (292.1) and second (294.1), moving around depending on what level he was at and his fellow infielders. The 20-year-old was taken in the 8th Round of the 1943 draft, so that means he was one of the vets down in La Crosse and San Jose. After hitting just .225/.285/.282 (67 OPS+) with the Lions last year, Brownleaf got off to a quick start and hit .281/.343/.375 (109 OPS+) with 4 doubles, a triple, and 5 RBIs in 18 games. With guys like Pat Todd, Jim Mako, and Bill Cook all struggling in San Jose, Brownleaf was an obvious callup even with the small sample, and he spent the next 54 games with the Cougars. It didn't go too well, but he still produced a positive WAR (0.7) with a .206/.268/.333 (75 OPS+) batting line. One reason I kept him up was the five home runs, as it's not like Brownleaf was just singling and striking out. He had 12 extra base hits with 18 runs, 17 RBIs, and 9 steals and he drew 13 walks as well. The strikeouts were high, but in line with most of his similarly aged teammates, and his value isn't solely tied to his bat. He should hit far better next season in San Jose, as he has an excellent eye and uses his speed and baserunning abilities to his advantage. He may not put the ball in play enough to be counted on in the lineup, but he has a low floor due to his defensive abilities. He was superb at second and is capable at short, and Brownleaf has had some past experience at the hot corner. With his speed, outfield is likely an option, and even if it's just left and right that's plenty of value from one bench player. Add in the fact he's a switch hitter, giving him plenty of value if he comes in as a pinch runner or defensive replacement if his spot in the batting order comes around. RHP Dick Garcia (331st Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 3rd Round, 45th Overall (1943) Alma Mater: Geneva Vikings Our regional pick in 1943, Dick Garcia started his season in San Jose, and was very effective in 19 starts. He went 11-5 with a 3.82 ERA (91 ERA+), 1.39 WHIP, 35 walks, and 95 strikeouts. Don't let that ERA fool you, as his 2.96 FIP (85 FIP-1) was elite, as was his 2.7 K/BB in 117.2 innings pitched. With a need for starters in Lincoln, the then 20-year-old was one of the few to not have a down arrow, so his last seven starts came with the Legislators. He went just 1-3 with a 6.75 ERA (61 ERA+) and 2.37 WHIP with 21 walks and just 6 strikeouts. He was clearly overmatched, and we may send him back to San Jose to start next season. If that's the case, it shouldn't feel like a demotion for Garcia, but next season will be a crucial one in his development. His age will work for him, but he's dropped to a borderline starter for future role and his competition has multiplied. Depending on who he gets stuck with in his level, he may start the season as a stopper. He does have a really good sinker, and his work in the weight room has helped him take it from 83-85 to 86-88. The issue is his cutter and change haven't overly impressed, and he really has to rely on the change as a sinker-cutter starter doesn't profile all that well. If he can't start, Garcia could be a devastating sinker-balling stopper, because right now he looks to be someone you'd only want to start in a dire emergency. RHP Jimmy Ballard (415th Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 6th Round, 84th Overall (1939) Alma Mater: Donora Bombers The best news for Jimmy Ballard this season was that he stayed healthy. Sure, he did have a sore knee that cost him a single start, but the 23-year-old has already had three ailments to keep him out more then a month. A former 6th Rounder, Ballard has been with us since 1939, and reached AA for the first time last season. He made 11 starts for the Commodores in 1944, but went just 3-6 with a 4.77 ERA (83 ERA+). This year Ballard made all 28 of his starts in Mobile, finishing 15-12 with a 3.83 ERA (104 ERA+) and 1.47 WHIP in 218.1 innings pitched. The 6'4'' righty was effectively wild, walking 108 hitters and striking out 106. He has a serious issue with his control, mostly due to the arm injuries, so he will need to continue to strike out a high amount of hitters. His sidearm windup can be tough for hitters to track, and its difficult to elevate the ball against him. His stuff is good enough to start in the big leagues, but if he can't locate his pitches he won't be any good. RF Harry Austin (427th Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 3rd Round, 44th Overall (1944) Alma Mater: New Athens Yellow Jackets Another regional draftee, Harry Austin plummeted in the prospect rankings, dropping nearly 200 spots this season. He's still young, turning 19 in September, he split his time between La Crosse and San Jose, struggling mightily at each. In high school last season, Austin hit .525, so I wouldn't have expected lines of .172/.258/.246 (41 OPS+) and .147/.238/.224 (36 OPS+) at any level. Austin appeared in 81 games, tallying just 11 doubles, a triple, 2 homers, and 21 RBIs. Since Austin is a bat first prospect, he was worth nearly a full run and a half WAR less then a replacement player. If there was a plus to his production, he walked (28) a few less times then he struck out (38), so most of his outs were made by opposing defenses. He still projects well at the plate, with a strong hit tool that will see him place the ball in play regularly while not missing many pitches. He won't hit for much power, but he should make up for that with his consistency. A bit on the lazy side, I'm worried Austin may not be too interested in personal improvement. He has the natural ability to crack a big league roster, but without the drive, his career could get stuck in neutral very quickly. RF Bill Rich (429th Overall) Acquired: Via Draft: 3rd Round, 44th Overall (1940) Alma Mater: Grange College Mustangs 1945 was a big year for Bill Rich, who was lucky enough to make his FABL debut, and as an Illinois native, playing for the Chiefs or the Cougars can be a dream come true. Rich seized an opportunity when Cliff Moss got hurt, and appeared in 23 games for us this season. He hit an impressive .312/.371/.391 (119 OPS+) in 70 trips to the plate, producing a 132 WRC+ with a homer and 8 RBIs. He walked (6) more then he struck out (4), and handled right field rather well. 27 in April, Rich isn't likely to make the Opening Day roster, but with an option year left he could hang on to his 40-man spot throughout the offseason. He's not the greatest defender either, but he handled both corners well, and he could fill in at first if necessary. He hit plenty well in the minors, so Rich could be a very valuable bat off the bench. I can't see him being anything more then a bench bat, but he could always hit himself into time as an injury replacement. Just like this season!