[ayaghmour2]

Weekly Record: 3-3
Seasonal Record: 68-56 (3rd, 4 GB)
Stars of the Week
Sal Pestilli : 26 AB, 8 H, 2 HR, 6 RBI, .308 AVG, 1.037 OPS
Skipper Schneider : 22 AB, 9 H, 0 HR, 2 RBI, .409 AVG, 1.049 OPS
George Oddo : 1 Win, 9.0 IP, 1 BB, 4 K, 0.00 ERA

Schedule
8-24: Loss at Sailors (3-4)
8-25: Win at Sailors (4-0)
8-26: Win at Foresters (10-0)
8-27: Loss at Foresters (3-7)
8-28: Loss at Foresters (4-9)
8-29: Win at Wolves (6-1)

Recap
Yeah, not worth the wait...

Of course, with the week plus hiatus, you know this is going to be a long one...

It was a classic Cougar week, as we outscored our opponents 37-21, but still manage to finish just 3-3 and lose our lone one-run game. What makes things worse, is that even though we finally beat the Wolves, and managed to split with the Sailors, we dropped two of three in Cleveland. And guess what? We outscored them 17-16! What's the point of scoring runs if you keep losing games?!?!?!

Despite our continued mediocrity, August will be out best month of the season, as at worst we'll be 16-11 (.593), better then our previous best month, May, where we were 17-14 (.548). Every other month we were either .500 or a game above. The Stars were 3-3 as well, leaving them four above us, as rosters expand and we approach the final month of the season. I'll cover our first set of reinforcements towards the end, but until the Class C season ends on the 11th, most of the callups will be to stay within roster rules. I have a few DFA guys that need assigning, and one injury returning, but expect a few callups as the season winds down.

As always, the pitching was great, and we had not one, but two 5-hit, 1-walk shutouts this week, both coming from former Cougar draftees who are on fire! The differences came only in strikeouts, opponent, and final score, as Pete Papenfus struck out 6 in the 10-0 win in Cleveland while George Oddo struck out 4 in a 4-0 win in Philadelphia. With the win, Papenfus improved to 15-9 on the season, and he's won four of his five September starts. The shutout dropped his season ERA to an impressive 3.08 (127 ERA+) with a 1.14 WHIP, 80 walks, and 112 strikeouts. Oddo has a slightly lower 3.06 ERA (128 ERA+), but he's just 7-9 as the team has refused to score for the 25-year-old righty. Oddo has fewer walks (50) and strikeouts (97) then Pap, and his 1.19 WHIP is a little higher, but he has a better K% (14.7), BB% (7.6), K/BB (1.9), FIP (3.59), FIP- (91), and he's accumulated just two tenths of a WAR less in 40 fewer frames. Both guys are looking better then they did in their most recent full seasons, pitching much closer to their talent level. Pap isn't quite prime Pap yet, but if a few less strikeouts is the price of a lot less walks, it's a Pap I can get used to.

Duke Bybee, who's been great all season, wasn't nearly as effective, and he allowed 9 hits and 7 runs with a walk and 2 strikeouts in 7.1 innings pitched. Johnnie Jones was roughed up as well, walking 8 in 3.2 innings with 5 hits, 6 runs (5 earned), and 2 walks. Johnnie now owns a 3.47 ERA (113 ERA+), two hundredths higher then his brother, who split his two starts. The Sailors got to him in Philly, as he went 8 with 7 hits, 4 runs, 3 walks, and 7 strikeouts, which on other days is good enough to win. And as he has so often in the past, Donnie did well out in Toronto, going all nine with 6 hits, a run, and 4 walks and strikeouts. That brought his record back up to 12-10 with 101 strikeouts in 211 innings. I'm hoping he can take it to the next level in September, but all-in-all it's been another strong season for our co-ace, who's put together his fourth consecutive 4 WAR season.

We hit plenty, and the offense was fueled by yet another extra-base filled week from Sal Pestilli. Sal may have been 8-for-26, still good for an average a bit above .300 (.308), but the production came from 2 doubles, 2 homers, a triple, 2 walks, 5 runs, and 6 RBIs. Skipper Schneider hit about 100 points higher, going 9-for-22 with 4 doubles, 2 walks, 2 runs, and 2 RBIs. Those two carried the load, but Luke Berry (3-7, 2B, RBI), Billy Hunter (2-5, HR, 2 R), and Charlie Kelsey (2-3, 2B, R, RBI) were excellent in limited time. Hal Sharp went 6-for-18 with 2 RBIs and 4 runs. Red Bond was 6-for-19 with 2 doubles, 3 walks, and 3 RBIs. Clark Car was 6-for-22 with 4 doubles, 3 runs, and 3 RBIs. It's hard to get mad at the lineup overall, but we are still getting nothing from Leo Mitchell (5-21, RBI, 5 R, 3 BB) and Walt Pack (4-20, HR, 4 RBI, 4 R, 3 BB) has really started to cool off. We've gotten very luck that the Stars haven't been able to pull away, but we're running out of chances to make up ground, and even though we should be the best team in either association, the chances of us finishing on top the association dwindle with every chance we fail to take advantage of.

Looking Ahead
One more with the Wolves, who sit two games under .500 (62-64) after we took the opener in Toronto. Game two seems to pit Jim Morrison (8-7, 3.20, 62) against George Oddo (7-9, 3.06, 97) in a battle of the team's fifth starters. Morrison has arguably been the most effective Wolf this season, as his 3.12 FIP (76 FIP-) is even lower then his already impressive 3.20 ERA (127 ERA+), and he's been worth 4.2 WAR in his 23 starts. His 7.1 BB% is lowest on the team, and even with George Garrison (12-8, 3.24, 83) leading the staff, Morrison or second-year starter Jerry York (12-10, 2.86, 81) have been nothing short of outstanding for Toronto. That goes for Fred McCormick too, who went 12-for-20 with 5 doubles, a triple, a homer, 6 runs, and 5 RBIs in his 20th FABL Player of the Week. 39 in October, McCormick still hits like a guy in the middle of his prime, slashing .311/.416/.543 (146 OPS+) with 33 doubles, 9 triples, 16 homers, and 71 RBIs with more walks (76) then strikeouts (63). He's not the reason the Wolves rank bottom three in average, OBP, slugging, OPS, WAR, wOBA, runs, hits, extra base hits, homers, and walks, and if him, Chink Stickels (.265, 15, 76, 16), or Hal Wood (.325, 3, 55) had missed time this season, they'd probably be way below .500. It's a time of transition for the Wolves, but they play good baseball and seem to play us tough regardless of either teams form.

Our road trip then ends in Cincinnati where we'll play the 59-66 Cannons three times before returning home to Chicago. Luck is on our side, as Rufus Barrell (18-6, 1.99, 101) struck out four in a complete game victory yesterday, meaning we will not have to face the run-away Allen Winner. We'll also miss either breakout hurler Jim Anderson (10-9, 2.92, 76) or starter-turned-stopper-turned-starter Butch Smith (5-6, 7, 3.34, 29), with both cases being good one. That leaves an almost guarantee to face Charlie Griffith (9-12, 4.83, 62) and Chris Clarke (2-3, 2.96, 15), who like Smith moved from the pen back to the rotation at the beginning of the month. I like our chances to pile up runs here, and since the Cannons don't get on base much, we have a chance to leave the Queen City happy. The lineup does look a bit different, as long-time first basemen Chuck Adams (.268, 23, 90) has moved to left, making room for 12th ranked prospect Jim Stone (.203, 2). He's not off to the greatest start, but the 23-year-old hits the ball hard, draws his share of walks, and he's got top of the charts power even if he's homerless in 81 PAs. It's been a while since the Cannons have had talented young hitters, as they've found their success with vets like Adams, Denny Andrews (.248, 11, 37), Adam Mullins (.276, 6, 44), Sam Brown (.303, 7, 50), and Fred Galloway (.242, 5, 52). All are still in the lineup, but with a vacancy at the General Manger spot, that might not be the case next year. A crossroad is coming for the Cannons, as they can either try to retool around Barrell, Andrews, and Adams, or look to the future to build around Stone for the lineup and 7th Ranked prospect Tony Britten (0-1, 23.62, 1), who we battered around in his first (and so far only) big league start. I think the latter may be the path they choose, as with very few sellers and perhaps a dozen teams with their eyes focused on a pennant, they could reap a king's ransom from their talented vets. Only Rufus (who better retire a Cannon) should be untouchable, and the city that has seen so much recent success may have to deal with some lean years. Something Baltimore Cannons fans have plenty of experience with.

Our homestand will be quick, as it's just a Friday-Saturday-Sunday series with the Montreal Saints. Montreal currently sits in fourth place, slightly ahead of the Wolves with one more win and loss. Their lineup has really cooled off, scoring the fewest runs in the association, but their run differential is just -3 as they're tied with those same Wolves for the second fewest runs allowed. That's still 41 more runs then we've surrendered, and this series should help us extend that gap. If Bill Greene (.266, 12, 55, 21) can reach 15 homers, this year may be the first season ever Montreal has three 15+ home run hitters, as Maurice Carter (.263, 19, 67) and Pinky Pierce (.269, 16, 48) already have their eyes set on 20. That may not seem all that impressive, but just five Saints (Greene being one of them!) have hit 20 homers in a season. I'm sure you can guess who's done it most often and who's hit the most -- that would be our Red Bond -- who hit 20 in 1938, 22 in 1939, and the single season record of 30 in 1940. If Carter spends his whole career in Montreal, I like his chances of a 30-homer season, as he's just 25 and in his first year as an everyday player.

Like many CA teams, the Saints are in a bit of a cross roads of their own, as they have a lot of good pieces while still being a few more away from being a pennant contender. In the past, the rotation has been the question mark, but Bert Cupid (12-12, 2.80, 79) is having a dominant season despite the even record. Wally Doyle (9-5, 3.26, 108) should finally walk (74) fewer hitters then he's struck out, something he hasn't done since 157.2 innings back in 1940 when he was 21. Pat Weakly (9-11, 3.84, 74) is in the midst of another strong season, and while Wally Reif (13-7, 3.43, 77) has cooled off from his five scoreless outings in six starts to start the season, he's been a very dependable pitcher. You don't really need five top starters, and they have a few young arms they could dangle for an impact bat. There's plenty of room, as beyond the slugger trio and Gordie Perkins (.307, 5, 55, 9), there are multiple areas they could improve. With our fans in front of us, we really need to win, but if the bats get cold, this might be the beginning of our end.

Minor League Report
C Steve Mountain: I love having a third catcher, so Steve Mountain is the lucky guy to receive the callup. It's temporary, and I may DFA him later to bring up Mike Bordes, but with the AA season still going on I want Bordes playing everyday. Mountain last played in Chicago back in 1943, and has hit just .148/.279/.161 (33 OPS+) in 68 trips to the plate. As bad as that is, he's an excellent defender, and is excellent working with his pitching staff. He actually hit pretty well in 42 PAs for the Commodores this year, batting .324/.405/.459 (121 OPS+). I don't expect him to play much, but on the off chance Harry Mead or Eddie Howard get hurt, we'll have someone who can fill in effectively. This also allows Max Wilder more flexibility to use Howard out of the pen, as Mountain can still enter the game later behind the plate if our two-way guy leaves the game.

1B Bill Payne: When filling a bench, what's better then a lefty who puts the ball in play and draws a ton of walks? That's exactly what Bill Payne does, and while his overall value is limited by his lack of versatility, we just need guys who can get hits. It's a nice day after his 26th birthday present, as the former 3rd Rounder hit went 2-for-4 with a run scored on his birthday Sunday. That increased his season line to .316/.383/.439 (107 OPS+) in 536 trips to the plate. He posted a strong 118 WRC+ and hit 26 doubles and 10 homers with 62 runs, 66 RBIs, and 55 walks. Once Payne makes an appearance off the bench, it will be his fourth season with big league action, and the lefty own a .278/.356/.402 (122 OPS+) career line with more walks (35) then strikeouts (17). Just 10 of his 317 plate appearances have been in a Cougar uniform. This is his last option, so the only way he leaves the roster is by trade or DFA, so every at bat he takes will determine how many more he'll have left in Chicago.

2B Johnny Carlisle: Two infielders are coming up, and they could not be any different. While Bill Payne is a lefty hitter who can only play first base, Johnny Carlisle is a versatile righty who's played everywhere except first base. The season wasn't kind to the 26-year-old, but he'll still get a chance to make his big league debut, as it never hurts to have an extra defender to get you out of a tough spot. We haven't had too many crazy games, but every so often there is one that goes more then 15, and having someone like Carlisle gives you plenty of options. He doesn't hit much, just .271/.334/.317 (65 OPS+) in 106 games this year, but he's made 20 or more appearances at second, third, and short this year with appearances in all three outfield spots as well. A potential Tip Harrison type, Carlisle seems likely to hold a 40-man spot for the next few seasons, as we tend to run below the limit and he could be the perfect 24th man. His heart and hustle could end up paying dividends in a late season pennant run, as he could impact the game more off the field then on it.

LF Ducky Cole: It's been an excellent return to the Century League for Ducky Cole, who followed up a .289/.340/.395 (91 OPS+) season with a .345/.396/.497 (124 OPS+) line in 110 games. He was worth nearly 4 WAR (3.8) and produced a 138 WRC+ with 34 doubles, 5 triples, 8 homers, and 70 RBIs. Ducky will now get to finish his season in Chicago, and will have all month to work on getting his first big league hit. 0-for-2 off the bench last year, Cole gets another chance to fulfil a childhood dream, but more importantly he's getting a chance to prove he's capable of keeping a big league spot. He does have one option left, so it's not do-or-die time for Cole, but with all the talented outfielders in the system it may be tough to keep a 40-man roster spot. He's not a highly touted prospect, but Dixie Marsh thinks he deserves a look out in right and he could hit comfortably above .300. What works in his favor is his makeup, as hard workers are in high demand when filling out a bench. As a lefty he'll have plenty of chances to play late in games, but unless we're out early I don't expect him to make a start.

RHP Zane Kelley (AAA Milwaukee Blues): After finishing .500 for the first time since 1937, the Milwaukee Blues (69-51) are right back into the playoff hunt, and ace Zane Kelley is one of the main reasons they are holding on to a three game lead over the Minneapolis Lumberjacks (66-54). Kelley wont end up earning the team triple crown, but he leads the Blues in wins and ERA while ranking third in strikeouts. It's the first attempt at AAA for the 22-year-old, who was acquired last February with Andy Felton for Hank Barnett. He's showed plenty of promise, going 13-5 with a 3.76 ERA (121 ERA+) and 1.45 WHIP through 167.1 innings pitched. The one thing Kelley has struggled with is command, as this year is the first time he has a chance to walk (56) more batters then he's struck out (53). His 7.8 BB% is a personal high, but that's the lowest of any of the six current rotation members and only reliever Jack Hale (6.1%) have walked hitters at a smaller rate.

If we were in need of a starter, Kelley could have been the guy to get the call, but with our rotation pitching as expected the former 7th Rounder is able to lead his team in a pennant race. If Milwaukee was out of it, he'd be coming up today, but I'll let him finish the season out in Milwaukee. As he's eligible for the Rule-5 draft, he will be protected at some point, and if we're out after the Blues' season is over he could get a start with the big league club. Despite living in the 80s, Kelley has superb stuff, as he can place any of his three fastballs in the zone. None compare to the change up, which is his go two pitch when he needs an out. That alone will allow him to pitch high leverage innings out of the pen, but I think he has what it takes to start. He's gotten prospect love recently, now 21st in our system and 180th overall, despite the lack of pitchers ranked in the top 200. His command is like Duke Bybee, and we know how good he's been since joining the rotation fulltime. That's not something I expect from Kelley, but he'll give you good innings each start and in the right environment he could thrive as a major league starter.

1B Harry Austin (A Lincoln Legislators): 22 in a few weeks, Harry Austin gave himself a nice early birthday gift, capturing the Heartland League Player of the Week by going 11-for-27 with a homer, 7 runs, and 7 RBIs. The former regional selection from New Athens, Illinois is now hitting .304/.369/.416 (109 OPS+) with 24 doubles, 3 triples, and 7 homers. He's scored 63 runs, drove in 59 more, and is walking (43) more then he's struck out (29). A bat first prospect, Austin has spent most of the season as the Legislators first basemen, but he's been playing more right field as injuries have thinned our outfield depth. He was drafted as an outfielder as well, but it's been hard for him to find his position. Currently ranked 31st in our system and 350th overall, Austin profiles as a lefty bat off the bench, but if he can continue to play passable (-0.8, 1.001) outfield defense he could turn himself into a Hal Sharp (.312, 9, 53) type player. He gives good at bats, puts the ball and play, and can hit a homer or two when he really gets a hold of one. With plenty of outfield depth, his best bet is at first, but there' a lot of talented prospects in line to take away his at bats. He's hitting well enough to stay in the lineup, but as a Rule-5 eligible player he's under a lot of pressure to perform.

RHP Cliff Wallace (B San Jose Cougars): Before this season, former 9th Rounder Cliff Wallace has only functioned as a starting pitcher. This year his first 21 appearances came out of the Cougars pen, before he returned to the rotation. The results haven't been as good since the 22-year-old began starting games again, but #9 was about as good as you can ask for. Wallace didn't get any run support until a Cunningham-led 5-run inning that Wallace found himself in the middle of. With the bases loaded and two outs in the top of the 10th, Dick (.296, 1, 31, 4) gave San Jose their first lead of the game, sending all three runners home with a triple. D.C. was in the eight spot, so that meant Wallace was on deck, and he extended inning with a walk. Archie (.269, 1, 14, 14) was batting leadoff and at his usual shortstop, and he brought his brother and pitcher home with a triple of his own.

Now with the five run cushion, Wallace had an easy 1-2-3, capping off a ten inning shutout where he allowed just five hits and one walk. Wallace struck out three and improved to 6-6 on the season, and eleven outs away from his third consecutive 100-inning season. He hasn't had the greatest showing, working to a 4.48 ERA (99 ERA+) and 1.47 WHIP with 42 walks and 58 strikeouts. That's a little deceptive, as Wallace was superb out of the pen, earning a 2.95 ERA (150 ERA+) and 3.36 FIP (75 FIP-) with 24 strikeouts and just 15 walks in 36.2 innings pitched. One of the consistencies with Wallace is he always strikes guys out, sporting a K% above 10 (12.9 and 15.3) in both roles. His stuff works better out of the pen, as righties can't do a thing with his slider or change up. The problem is his fastball is hittable, so if he is missing his spots he's prone to blowups. That's evidenced by five or more runs in five of his nine starts, including 9 of 5 hits and 4 walks in just a third of an inning. Yes, his shortest appearance this year is a start, as in all 21 of his relief outings he got at least two outs. As a 6'5'' righty, Wallace is always going to be rostered, but it's tough to pinpoint his eventual use. He gives up a lot of home runs, and since he's never going to throw very hard he'll need to stay in the zone. Very few sidearmer are able to hold onto a rotation spot, and he's no different. I expect him to make at least two more starts, and he'll have every opportunity to earn a rotation spot next season. He needs to show he's ready for an opportunity in A ball, as there will be spots in Lincoln available.

LHP Dutch Yoak (B San Jose Cougars): Shutouts galore this week! It's a good thing Dutch Yoak was the recipient of one, as the former 2nd Rounder has really struggled. But on Sunday this week everything was working, and he allowed just two hits and walks with five strikeouts. He has now won each of his last three starts, now 8-11 with a poor 5.49 ERA (81 ERA+) and 1.71 WHIP. There are a few bright spots, as his 4.73 FIP (106 FIP-) is respectable for a 21-year-old. He's walking (62) about as many guys as he's striking outs (57), but his stuff has looked good. He's doing well preventing homers, but this is something Dixie Marsh doesn't think well last. He does think his change and curve are going to be very good strikeout pitches, but the deciding factor will be his fastball. At 6'4'', he should have the length to work in the 90s, and his work ethic is second to none. He's got all the tools to develop into an excellent big league pitcher, but the prospect people have never been his fan. He checks in at 40th overall, still inside the top 500 at 436. I think that's a little harsh, as he's still a developing talent with improving control and strikeout stuff. 1949 will be a big season for Yoak, as if he stalls out in San Jose it may be tough for him to keep getting starts. I'd love for him to finish the year strong and start next year in Lincoln, but the high minors are still plenty of starts away.

CF Doc Zimmerman (C La Crosse Lions): There have been nearly a dozen different Lions in the outfield this season, but none have had a week like Zimmerman. One of our fifth rounders this season, Zimmerman went 11-for-19 with 7 runs, 3 doubles, 6 RBIs, and 2 walks. This all translated to an absurd .579/.591/.737 (214 OPS+) line, upping his full season triple slash to .406/.435/.528 (128 OPS+). He hasn't homered in 117 professional plate appearances, but he has a near elite 145 WRC+ with 11 doubles, a triple, 15 RBIs, and 6 steals. As good as all that has been, he's really struggled with strikeouts, and has been set down 21 times with just 5 walks. His 17.9 K% is way higher then Leo Mitchell (13.3%), and is not something he will be able to sustain. On a 162 game pace he'd have 97 strikeouts (542 PAs) with his .400 average, something that doesn't seem very likely. He does project to have a good eye, so I'm guessing some of it is inexperience. It's hard to complain about a guy hitting .400, and while it won't last, mid .300s aren't out of the question. I'm not sure he has the glove for center, so hitting around .300 with strong walk and strikeout numbers' may be his ticket to the big leagues. At 17, it's hard to think that far in the future, but if he reaches his potential he should end up on a big league ballclub.

Cougars in the GWL
RHP Del Burns (Portland Green Sox): He did it! He really did it again! Four shutouts! This time it was a 3-hitter in Seattle, as Burns improved to 11-11 in his 26 starts. You'll hear all about him tomorrow when he wins GWL Pitcher of the Month, but I couldn't not mention his impressive 1-0 victory where he walked two and struck out six. The Green Sox never do him any favors, but battery mate Greg Haddis (.196, 2, 15) homered off Don Miller (6-9, 3.34, 84) to lead off the eighth. Burns responded with a 1-2-3 bottom of the eighth, but he did run into trouble in the ninth. Former King Howard Brown Jr. (.235, 3, 23, 15) walked to start the inning and got to second when Burns tried to get him out on a sac-bunt. He did settle down to retire the next three hitters, but former Dynamo Red Evans (.265, 3, 12) made the second out difficult, flying to deep right on the eleventh pitch of his at bat.