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reds1 · 11-27-2023, 08:59 PM

As usual, the off-season saw if fair share of management shake-ups and trades leading up to the 1957-58 season.

Here is a summary of some of the noteworthy developments that took place leading up to the start of the Coconut Leagues.

Notable Player Retirements:

RHP Bill Blair

Two former Satchel Paige Award winners retired this offseason. 39-year old Bill Blair was a 2nd-round draft pick by the Stratford Barons in 1938 with a reputation of being a strikeout artist with excellent movement and control. Blair made the leap to the major leagues full-time in 1941-42 and was a solid, steady presence in the Barons’ rotation for six seasons, picking up one all-star selection. But Blair suffered a debilitating back injury in 1947 that kept him out of commission for nine months. Although he came back the following season, Stratford opted to trade him to Wolseley.

The Unions’ gamble paid off handsomely as Blair enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career in 1949-50 (21-4, 2.87 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 143 ERA+). Not only was he ranked No. 3 overall among all pitchers in the ULB that year but he earned the Western League’s Satchel Paige Award as well. Although elbow and shoulder injuries would cut into his playing time in subsequent seasons, he rebounded with another outstanding season in 1953-54 at age 34 (20-10, 2.57 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 162 ERA+) and came in 2nd in the Satchel Paige Award voting that season. In all, Blair enjoyed an outstanding career and will surely get some votes for the Hall of Fame in a few years time.

Achievements:

5-time All-Star
1949-50 Western League Satchel Paige Award
4 United Cup Championships
2-time Pitcher of the Month
1-time Player of the Week
1941-42 Western League Rookie of the Year runner-up
2 x WL ERA Leader (1952-53, 1953-54)
2 x WL WHIP Leader (1952-53, 1953-54)
Holds season records for Winning PCT (.840), WHIP (0.96), Opp OBP (.2523), Opp SLG (.2747), Opp OPS (.5270)
Holds career record for Opp OBP (.2896)

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RHP Roberto Taváres

The highly touted Taváres came as delivered when he was drafted 5th overall by the Sherburn Tigers back in 1940. Rated as the top prospect in 1941, the Venezuelan native blossomed in his second season and remained one of the United League’s top hurlers for nearly 11 seasons. With Jesús Chapa joining the rotation in 1946, the Tigers boasted the best 1-2 punch in the United Leagues for three seasons until they surprisingly shipped Taváres to Fort Richmond in April of 1949. Before that though he earned the 1944-45 Satchel Paige Award and came in second for the pitching award in 1948-49. He also picked up five all-star selections and started the All-Star Game for the West in 1946-47. With the Generals, he earned his second Satchel Paige Award in 1950-51, becoming the first player to win a major award for two different clubs. He also started his second All-Star Game that same season. In 1953-54, Fort Richmond won the United Cup, but by then a major shoulder injury had begun to sap Taváres’ effectiveness and he was unable to participate in the playoffs. He played very little in the final four seasons of his career before calling it a career. Like Bill Blair, Taváres should get some Hall of Fame votes when he becomes eligible in three years.

Achievements:

8-time All-Star
2 Western League Satchel Paige Awards
1 Ball Hawk Award
1 United Cup Championship
4-time Pitcher of the Month
2 selections to the All-Braeland Team
Holds record for lowest Single Postseason ERA (.0450; 1 ER in 20 IP – 1950-51)

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Management Shakeups:

April 15 – Wolseley Shows Rogge the Door, Hire Former Stars Manager

After two disappointing seasons, Eugene Rogge (1292-1508, .461) was fired as the Unions’ manager on April 12. Rogge inherited a declining team when he took over with one game left in the 1954-55 regular season, but there is really nothing in his resume that would suggest that he could author a quick turnaround. In his 22 seasons as a field manager, the 61-year old Iowan led his team to the playoffs just twice, although one appearance did lead to a United Cup Championship, in 1947-48 with the Fort Richmond Generals.

Three days later, the Unions introduced 52-year old Carlton Stewart (.677-863, .439) as their new manager. Stewart, a former outfielder with the Downie Chiefs from 1937-1940, is a curious choice, as he has enjoyed even less success than Rogge. Stewart guided the Hespeler Stars for 10 seasons, from 1946 to 1955 and did not come close to sniffing the playoffs during his tenure, let alone a winning record. Their best showing was in 1946-47 when they won 73 games and finished in 5th spot. He has now been given a second chance, but the Unions appear to be no better off than the Stars were.

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April 16 – Reomel Buesa Retires, Legends Hire Rookie GM to Assume the Reins

The only general manager the Legends have ever known has retired. 61-year old Reomel Buesa, who played a significant role in the luring of Babe Ruth to Braeland to serve as Brunswick’s manager back in 1940, is stepping away from the game after 20 seasons at the helm. Buesa oversaw a Legends squad that won three United Cups and five Eastern League Pennants in seven playoff appearances. The fifth Pennant came just this past season after a 10-year playoff drought. He was one of the last of the ‘Original GMs’ who managed the same organization since their inaugural season. There now remain three ‘Original GMs’: Balmoral Giants’ Victor Lynch, Braeland City Monarchs’ Adam Trelawney and Pulberry Trolleys’ Marcus Dejyothin.

Taking over is 51-year old Hespeler-native Kunimichi Yamaguchi, who has never served as a general manager before. Previously, Yamaguchi played parts of three seasons as a utility outfielder with the Fort Richmond Generals from 1937-1939. He is considered personable and easy going and reportedly won’t be gun-shy to pull the trigger on a trade if it can help his club.

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April 17 – Downie Dismisses GM Hunt, Hire Seasoned Veteran in Danior

The Downie Chiefs endured their worst season ever last year, losing 97 games and the right to the first overall pick in next season’s amateur draft. As a consequence, 40-year old Raymond Hunt (689-697, .497) was let go after nine seasons at the helm. Over his watch, the Chiefs made the playoffs three straight seasons while winning the United Cup once in 1949-50. But the team has been in a steady decline ever since.

Looking to make the team relevant again, the Chiefs have hired 64-year old Gareth Danior (1,002-1,154, .465), who previously served as the Sherburn Tigers’ GM for 14 seasons, until 1950-51. The Tigers only made the playoffs twice under his watch, so it remains to be seen if he can have greater success in Downie. He too is considered extremely aggressive when it comes to pursuing and consummating trades.

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April 17 – Queensland Hires Veteran Bench Coach Rowde as New Manager

Although the Queensland Eagles enjoyed their best season in 10 years, they opted to part ways with their field manager of the past four years, 54-year old Ethan Umbleby (311-305, .504). Back in 1946-47, 86 wins was good enough for first place in the Eastern League and a successful run to a United Cup Championship. But this past season 86 wins was only good enough for 5th place.

To try and lift the Eagles higher in the standings, the club hired 55-year old Daryl Rowde as their new field manager. This will be Rowde’s first gig as manager, after 17 seasons serving as a bench coach for four different clubs, the most recent being the Balmoral Giants in 1955-56. He has won three Pennants with three different clubs and a United Cup Championship with the Fort Richmond Generals in 1947-48. It is believed he favors veterans and emphasizes pitching, defense and speed.

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April 18 – Barons Bank on Veteran Bonaddio to Replace Retiring GM Sturtevant

After six seasons at the helm of the Barons, 62-year old Kieran Sturtevant (513-411, .555) has retired. Stratford enjoyed tremendous success with Sturtevant as their GM, leading them to four straight playoff appearances, two Eastern League Pennants and one United Cup championship. Although the Barons won 87 games this past season, it got them only 4th place and 8.5 games back of the wild card.

Taking over the reins is a familiar face to the United Leagues: 57-year old Marcello Bonaddio (1031-1279, .446). Previously, Bonaddio served as the Downie Chiefs’ general manager for 11 seasons and most recently, the Hespeler Stars for four. Despite his lengthy tenure he has not distinguished himself with success. His teams have finished above .500 just twice and have never reached the playoffs. Perhaps that will change with a formidable club in the Barons. In the past he favored prospects, hitting and offence overall and has had no trouble finding willing trading partners.

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April 22 – Redlegs Look to Former Scouting Director as Their New GM

Long-time general manager Roy King (1,337-1,591, .457) raised some eyebrows when he stepped down as the Redlegs general manager after four seasons. The 66-year old enjoyed his first taste of the postseason when Cobourg returned to the playoffs after winning 96 games this past season. King previously served as the Hespeler Stars’ GM for 15 seasons with little success.

To take his place, Cobourg tapped an unexpected source: Downie Chiefs’ former scouting director, Manuel De La Cruz. The 56-year old Panamanian served as the Chiefs’ top scout for the past 20 seasons but evidently has decided to try his hand as a GM. During those 20 seasons, Downie reached the playoffs three times, winning one Eastern League Pennant and one United Cup championship. It remains to be seen what his tendencies will be, although it’s believed he favors hitting, offense and power.

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April 26 – Cobourg Hires Bouchet to Replace Retiring Manager Baldry

On the same day GM Roy King retired, Cobourg’s manager Tyler Baldry (476-535, .470) announced that he too, was calling it a career after two seasons as manager. The 62-year old Baldry had served as the Redlegs’ bench coach for four seasons before assuming the managerial reigns from Nicholas Willis in 1955-56. Prior to that, he managed the Wellington Athletics for five seasons with middling success.

Taking over is 61-year old Bill Bouchet (1390-1536, .475), who managed the Downie Chiefs for the first 19 seasons of their existence. The Canadian-born Bouchet led the Chiefs to three playoff appearances and one United Cup Championship in 1949-50, in which he won the Eastern League Manager of the Year award. Bouchet is considered an average manager who isn’t afraid to give regular playing time to rookies.

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Trades:

April 22

To Stratford – 30-year old RHP Joseph Sellwood (56/56)

To Wolseley – three minor league players:

19-year old LF Alexander Sinclair (20/35)
24-year old IF/OF Nelson Challinor (21/34)
23-year old IF/OF Steven Burkill (42/51)

Knee-jerk reaction: It didn’t take long for Barons’ GM Marcello Bonaddio to complete his first trade with his new club. He completed two trades during the off-season – one a steal and the other a head scratcher. This one is the steal in my view.

Stratford has long had a strong rotation that has kept them in contention season after season. It just got stronger with the acquisition of Sellwood, who was the 14th-overall pick back in 1949-50. He also won the WL Satchel Paige Award in 1954-55. He is a solid if unspectacular pitcher with average stuff and control (50/50) and above average movement (65/65) with five decent pitches (fastball-50, curveball-45, changeup-45, splitter-50, forkball-45). With his tendency to keep the ball in the park and the top defensive team in the ULB playing behind him, he should thrive with the Barons. In fact, they have installed him as their ace heading into spring training.

In return, the Unions get a haul that is rather underwhelming. Sinclair has some pop with a good eye while Challinor can play six spots in the outfield comfortably but not much else. Neither will aspire to anything more than a journeyman – if they make that far. Burkill is the most promising, who combines plus power and discipline at the plate with incredible speed and stealing instincts to go along with solid defense at 1B and in the outfield corners. He will start as a bench player for Wolseley during the upcoming Coconut Leagues.

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May 15

To Cobourg – 31-year old RHP Magtanggol Jaojoco (53/53)

To Stratford – 26-year old 3B Bernie Vantassell (49/49) and 23-year old minor league RHP Patrick Hoddinott (26/34)

Knee-jerk reaction: Now the head-scratcher. Cobourg swoops in with a steal in my opinion, getting the two-time EL Satchel Paige Award winner Jaojoco to bolster their top-heavy rotation, something that was exposed in last season’s playoffs. Jaojoco, a 6th-overall pick from 1945-46, is similar to Joseph Sellwood who the Barons acquired a few weeks earlier. He has acceptable stuff (45) and control (50) with excellent movement (75) with three decent pitches: sinker (55), curveball (45) and splitter (55). Scouts consider him a mid-rotation starter who will offer quality innings. And that is where the Redlegs have installed him – behind ace and current EL Satchel Paige award winner 29-year old LHP Bill Budd (68/71) and 23-year old RHP Albert Johnson (49/73). With 21-year old rookie RHP Lester Bell (29/80) pitching out of the No. 5 spot during spring training, Cobourg could have a rotation to rival any in the United Leagues in the very near future.

Stratford receives Vantassell, a 2nd-round pick from 1948-49. The Australian-born Vantassell possesses top-flight offensive capabilities – he makes regular contact with an aggressive approach and above-average power. He won two MVP awards during his time in the minors, but has not been able to carry that promise into the majors. Perhaps if he was given more playing time he would blossom, but for now the Barons have him penciled him in as little more than a pinch hitter. But third base was a weak spot in the Barons’ lineup, so he may be able to progress his way up to becoming a starter and make this trade look a lot better for Stratford.

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May 16

To Queensland – 31-year old RHP Masami Fujihara (47/47)

To Cambria – a pair of minor leaguers:

21-year old C Larry Collins (20/38)
21-year old IF Brendon Egan (32/56)

Knee-jerk reaction: The Cambria Cannons do not possess an impressive rotation, but that did stop them from being able to trade their former No. 2 starter Fujihara for some offensive depth. Egan, a 2nd-round pick from 1955-56 who hails from Australia, is a solid defensive infielder with speed to burn and terrific contact (55), gap power (60) and plate discipline (60) potential. Scouts project him to become an everyday starter and the Cannons have installed him as their everyday third baseman for spring training.

Although Egan’s path to getting into an everyday lineup will be easier in Cambria, its not clear why the Eagles exchanged him for Fujihara. They have installed him as their No. 3 starter, but scouts view Fujihara as little more than an emergency starter or long-reliever. While his stuff is barely average (45), he movement and control are solid (60). But nothing in his repertoire is considered an ‘out pitch’: fastball (50), curveball (45) and changeup (45).

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May 18

To Cobourg – 26-year old 2B Chia-liang Fang (53/53)

To Cambria – 29-year old RHP Fergus Hirst (46/46) and 22-year old RHP Javier Puente (54/67)

Knee-jerk reaction: The second of three note-worthy trades this off-season involving Cambria see them get a starting pitcher to replace Fujihara who was traded away just two days prior. At one time, Fergus Hirst was the lone bright spot in an otherwise anemic Redleg rotation. His best season was in 1952-53 when he went 16-7, 2.57 ERA, 144 ERA+ and finished second in the EL Satchel Paige Award voting. But he faded a bit over the past couple of seasons and with the Redlegs boasting a stronger staff, Hirst was deemed expendable. Hirst has decent stuff and movement (55) with below average control (40) with four pitches: fastball (50), slider (45), changeup (45) and forkball (55). He is considered an emergency starter but for the Cannons, he will be their No. 2 starter. Cambria also receives the Panamanian Puente, a ground-ball reliever with excellent movement (70). He immediately moves into the closer role for the Cannons.

The Taiwanese Fang, a 13th-overall pick from 1953-54 is considered one of the best defensive second basemen in the United Leagues who has the speed and baserunning skills to steal at will. He is projected to be a .290 hitter and should soon be an everyday starter. For now, though, he will work off the bench to start the Coconut Leagues.

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June 19

To Cambria – 35-year old RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (42/42) and 23-year old minor league C Harold Toohey (32/43)

To Downie – 37-year old LF César Ruíz (50/50) and 21-year old minor league RHP Dwayne Brocklehurst (20/44)

Knee-jerk reaction: A trade that is only significant in that two 5-time all-stars are exchanged for each other, but both are in their declining years. Cambria desperately needs pitching help but its doubtful Pelanekelina (176-178, 3.59 ERA, 4.05 FIP, 109 ERA+) can make an appreciable impact at this stage of his career. The Fijian-born hurler who won the 1949-50 United Cup MVP in Downie’s successful run to the United Cup that season is viewed little more than an emergency starter at this point. He was effective the season before last (13-11, 3.22 ERA, 3.88 FIP, 118 ERA+) but struggled last season (10-18, 4.47 ERA, 4.66 FIP, 82 ERA+). Nevertheless, he has been penciled in as their No. 3 starter. The Cannons also receive Toohey, a 7th-round pick from 1955-56 who is defensively sound with good plate discipline but not much else. But he may have a chance at reaching the majors after he matures.

On the other hand, it’s not clear what the Chiefs gain by shipping out Pelanekelina, who had been with the club for 14 straight seasons. They do not have any up-and-coming pitchers to take his place. Furthermore, there does not seem to be a place for Ruíz, as he is currently buried in the depth charts. He is a hard worker and popular in the clubhouse, but like Pelanekelina he slumped badly last season and at his age may not rebound. Downie also receives the young Brocklehurst, a future borderline starter with good stuff (45/60), average control (35/50) but mediocre movement (25/35).

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Signings:

May 11

Notable free agent signings do not happen often in the United Leagues (the last one was in 1953), but the Pulberry Trolleys may have snagged a good one in 28-year old 2B Yoshimi Sekozawa (54/57) from Joyo, Japan. He is projected to be a standout defensive second baseman with above average power and a good eye. Scouts feel that he should have no trouble in a starting role. In fact, he was brought up to the major league club for spring training and has taken over second base. Pulberry had at least four infielders start at second base last season (Wade Billyard – 55 starts, Dwayne Stace – 51, Paul Heisler – 33, Luke Corke – 14). If Sekozawa can blossom this season, the Trolleys may finally find some consistency at the keystone position.

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Based on War Gained, the Cobourg Redlegs were the most aggressive this offseason by a wide margin. That was largely through the acquisition of RHP Magtanggol Jaojoco (4.9 WAR) and 2B Chia-liang Fang (1.3). Will it be enough to finally win them their first championship? We will soon find out as next up for the 16 clubs are the Coconut Leagues which begin on Monday, September 2nd. Opening Day is set for October 7th, when the United Leagues celebrates its 20th Anniversary.

11-27-2023, 08:59 PM	#815
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,929	As usual, the off-season saw if fair share of management shake-ups and trades leading up to the 1957-58 season. Here is a summary of some of the noteworthy developments that took place leading up to the start of the Coconut Leagues. Notable Player Retirements: RHP Bill Blair Two former Satchel Paige Award winners retired this offseason. 39-year old Bill Blair was a 2nd-round draft pick by the Stratford Barons in 1938 with a reputation of being a strikeout artist with excellent movement and control. Blair made the leap to the major leagues full-time in 1941-42 and was a solid, steady presence in the Barons’ rotation for six seasons, picking up one all-star selection. But Blair suffered a debilitating back injury in 1947 that kept him out of commission for nine months. Although he came back the following season, Stratford opted to trade him to Wolseley. The Unions’ gamble paid off handsomely as Blair enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career in 1949-50 (21-4, 2.87 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 143 ERA+). Not only was he ranked No. 3 overall among all pitchers in the ULB that year but he earned the Western League’s Satchel Paige Award as well. Although elbow and shoulder injuries would cut into his playing time in subsequent seasons, he rebounded with another outstanding season in 1953-54 at age 34 (20-10, 2.57 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 162 ERA+) and came in 2nd in the Satchel Paige Award voting that season. In all, Blair enjoyed an outstanding career and will surely get some votes for the Hall of Fame in a few years time. Achievements: 5-time All-Star 1949-50 Western League Satchel Paige Award 4 United Cup Championships 2-time Pitcher of the Month 1-time Player of the Week 1941-42 Western League Rookie of the Year runner-up 2 x WL ERA Leader (1952-53, 1953-54) 2 x WL WHIP Leader (1952-53, 1953-54) Holds season records for Winning PCT (.840), WHIP (0.96), Opp OBP (.2523), Opp SLG (.2747), Opp OPS (.5270) Holds career record for Opp OBP (.2896) ----------- RHP Roberto Taváres The highly touted Taváres came as delivered when he was drafted 5th overall by the Sherburn Tigers back in 1940. Rated as the top prospect in 1941, the Venezuelan native blossomed in his second season and remained one of the United League’s top hurlers for nearly 11 seasons. With Jesús Chapa joining the rotation in 1946, the Tigers boasted the best 1-2 punch in the United Leagues for three seasons until they surprisingly shipped Taváres to Fort Richmond in April of 1949. Before that though he earned the 1944-45 Satchel Paige Award and came in second for the pitching award in 1948-49. He also picked up five all-star selections and started the All-Star Game for the West in 1946-47. With the Generals, he earned his second Satchel Paige Award in 1950-51, becoming the first player to win a major award for two different clubs. He also started his second All-Star Game that same season. In 1953-54, Fort Richmond won the United Cup, but by then a major shoulder injury had begun to sap Taváres’ effectiveness and he was unable to participate in the playoffs. He played very little in the final four seasons of his career before calling it a career. Like Bill Blair, Taváres should get some Hall of Fame votes when he becomes eligible in three years. Achievements: 8-time All-Star 2 Western League Satchel Paige Awards 1 Ball Hawk Award 1 United Cup Championship 4-time Pitcher of the Month 2 selections to the All-Braeland Team Holds record for lowest Single Postseason ERA (.0450; 1 ER in 20 IP – 1950-51) ----------- Management Shakeups: April 15 – Wolseley Shows Rogge the Door, Hire Former Stars Manager After two disappointing seasons, Eugene Rogge (1292-1508, .461) was fired as the Unions’ manager on April 12. Rogge inherited a declining team when he took over with one game left in the 1954-55 regular season, but there is really nothing in his resume that would suggest that he could author a quick turnaround. In his 22 seasons as a field manager, the 61-year old Iowan led his team to the playoffs just twice, although one appearance did lead to a United Cup Championship, in 1947-48 with the Fort Richmond Generals. Three days later, the Unions introduced 52-year old Carlton Stewart (.677-863, .439) as their new manager. Stewart, a former outfielder with the Downie Chiefs from 1937-1940, is a curious choice, as he has enjoyed even less success than Rogge. Stewart guided the Hespeler Stars for 10 seasons, from 1946 to 1955 and did not come close to sniffing the playoffs during his tenure, let alone a winning record. Their best showing was in 1946-47 when they won 73 games and finished in 5th spot. He has now been given a second chance, but the Unions appear to be no better off than the Stars were. ----------- April 16 – Reomel Buesa Retires, Legends Hire Rookie GM to Assume the Reins The only general manager the Legends have ever known has retired. 61-year old Reomel Buesa, who played a significant role in the luring of Babe Ruth to Braeland to serve as Brunswick’s manager back in 1940, is stepping away from the game after 20 seasons at the helm. Buesa oversaw a Legends squad that won three United Cups and five Eastern League Pennants in seven playoff appearances. The fifth Pennant came just this past season after a 10-year playoff drought. He was one of the last of the ‘Original GMs’ who managed the same organization since their inaugural season. There now remain three ‘Original GMs’: Balmoral Giants’ Victor Lynch, Braeland City Monarchs’ Adam Trelawney and Pulberry Trolleys’ Marcus Dejyothin. Taking over is 51-year old Hespeler-native Kunimichi Yamaguchi, who has never served as a general manager before. Previously, Yamaguchi played parts of three seasons as a utility outfielder with the Fort Richmond Generals from 1937-1939. He is considered personable and easy going and reportedly won’t be gun-shy to pull the trigger on a trade if it can help his club. ----------- April 17 – Downie Dismisses GM Hunt, Hire Seasoned Veteran in Danior The Downie Chiefs endured their worst season ever last year, losing 97 games and the right to the first overall pick in next season’s amateur draft. As a consequence, 40-year old Raymond Hunt (689-697, .497) was let go after nine seasons at the helm. Over his watch, the Chiefs made the playoffs three straight seasons while winning the United Cup once in 1949-50. But the team has been in a steady decline ever since. Looking to make the team relevant again, the Chiefs have hired 64-year old Gareth Danior (1,002-1,154, .465), who previously served as the Sherburn Tigers’ GM for 14 seasons, until 1950-51. The Tigers only made the playoffs twice under his watch, so it remains to be seen if he can have greater success in Downie. He too is considered extremely aggressive when it comes to pursuing and consummating trades. ----------- April 17 – Queensland Hires Veteran Bench Coach Rowde as New Manager Although the Queensland Eagles enjoyed their best season in 10 years, they opted to part ways with their field manager of the past four years, 54-year old Ethan Umbleby (311-305, .504). Back in 1946-47, 86 wins was good enough for first place in the Eastern League and a successful run to a United Cup Championship. But this past season 86 wins was only good enough for 5th place. To try and lift the Eagles higher in the standings, the club hired 55-year old Daryl Rowde as their new field manager. This will be Rowde’s first gig as manager, after 17 seasons serving as a bench coach for four different clubs, the most recent being the Balmoral Giants in 1955-56. He has won three Pennants with three different clubs and a United Cup Championship with the Fort Richmond Generals in 1947-48. It is believed he favors veterans and emphasizes pitching, defense and speed. ----------- April 18 – Barons Bank on Veteran Bonaddio to Replace Retiring GM Sturtevant After six seasons at the helm of the Barons, 62-year old Kieran Sturtevant (513-411, .555) has retired. Stratford enjoyed tremendous success with Sturtevant as their GM, leading them to four straight playoff appearances, two Eastern League Pennants and one United Cup championship. Although the Barons won 87 games this past season, it got them only 4th place and 8.5 games back of the wild card. Taking over the reins is a familiar face to the United Leagues: 57-year old Marcello Bonaddio (1031-1279, .446). Previously, Bonaddio served as the Downie Chiefs’ general manager for 11 seasons and most recently, the Hespeler Stars for four. Despite his lengthy tenure he has not distinguished himself with success. His teams have finished above .500 just twice and have never reached the playoffs. Perhaps that will change with a formidable club in the Barons. In the past he favored prospects, hitting and offence overall and has had no trouble finding willing trading partners. ----------- April 22 – Redlegs Look to Former Scouting Director as Their New GM Long-time general manager Roy King (1,337-1,591, .457) raised some eyebrows when he stepped down as the Redlegs general manager after four seasons. The 66-year old enjoyed his first taste of the postseason when Cobourg returned to the playoffs after winning 96 games this past season. King previously served as the Hespeler Stars’ GM for 15 seasons with little success. To take his place, Cobourg tapped an unexpected source: Downie Chiefs’ former scouting director, Manuel De La Cruz. The 56-year old Panamanian served as the Chiefs’ top scout for the past 20 seasons but evidently has decided to try his hand as a GM. During those 20 seasons, Downie reached the playoffs three times, winning one Eastern League Pennant and one United Cup championship. It remains to be seen what his tendencies will be, although it’s believed he favors hitting, offense and power. ----------- April 26 – Cobourg Hires Bouchet to Replace Retiring Manager Baldry On the same day GM Roy King retired, Cobourg’s manager Tyler Baldry (476-535, .470) announced that he too, was calling it a career after two seasons as manager. The 62-year old Baldry had served as the Redlegs’ bench coach for four seasons before assuming the managerial reigns from Nicholas Willis in 1955-56. Prior to that, he managed the Wellington Athletics for five seasons with middling success. Taking over is 61-year old Bill Bouchet (1390-1536, .475), who managed the Downie Chiefs for the first 19 seasons of their existence. The Canadian-born Bouchet led the Chiefs to three playoff appearances and one United Cup Championship in 1949-50, in which he won the Eastern League Manager of the Year award. Bouchet is considered an average manager who isn’t afraid to give regular playing time to rookies. ----------- Trades: April 22 To Stratford – 30-year old RHP Joseph Sellwood (56/56) To Wolseley – three minor league players: 19-year old LF Alexander Sinclair (20/35) 24-year old IF/OF Nelson Challinor (21/34) 23-year old IF/OF Steven Burkill (42/51) *Knee-jerk reaction:* It didn’t take long for Barons’ GM Marcello Bonaddio to complete his first trade with his new club. He completed two trades during the off-season – one a steal and the other a head scratcher. This one is the steal in my view. Stratford has long had a strong rotation that has kept them in contention season after season. It just got stronger with the acquisition of Sellwood, who was the 14th-overall pick back in 1949-50. He also won the WL Satchel Paige Award in 1954-55. He is a solid if unspectacular pitcher with average stuff and control (50/50) and above average movement (65/65) with five decent pitches (fastball-50, curveball-45, changeup-45, splitter-50, forkball-45). With his tendency to keep the ball in the park and the top defensive team in the ULB playing behind him, he should thrive with the Barons. In fact, they have installed him as their ace heading into spring training. In return, the Unions get a haul that is rather underwhelming. Sinclair has some pop with a good eye while Challinor can play six spots in the outfield comfortably but not much else. Neither will aspire to anything more than a journeyman – if they make that far. Burkill is the most promising, who combines plus power and discipline at the plate with incredible speed and stealing instincts to go along with solid defense at 1B and in the outfield corners. He will start as a bench player for Wolseley during the upcoming Coconut Leagues. ----------- May 15 To Cobourg – 31-year old RHP Magtanggol Jaojoco (53/53) To Stratford – 26-year old 3B Bernie Vantassell (49/49) and 23-year old minor league RHP Patrick Hoddinott (26/34) *Knee-jerk reaction:* Now the head-scratcher. Cobourg swoops in with a steal in my opinion, getting the two-time EL Satchel Paige Award winner Jaojoco to bolster their top-heavy rotation, something that was exposed in last season’s playoffs. Jaojoco, a 6th-overall pick from 1945-46, is similar to Joseph Sellwood who the Barons acquired a few weeks earlier. He has acceptable stuff (45) and control (50) with excellent movement (75) with three decent pitches: sinker (55), curveball (45) and splitter (55). Scouts consider him a mid-rotation starter who will offer quality innings. And that is where the Redlegs have installed him – behind ace and current EL Satchel Paige award winner 29-year old LHP Bill Budd (68/71) and 23-year old RHP Albert Johnson (49/73). With 21-year old rookie RHP Lester Bell (29/80) pitching out of the No. 5 spot during spring training, Cobourg could have a rotation to rival any in the United Leagues in the very near future. Stratford receives Vantassell, a 2nd-round pick from 1948-49. The Australian-born Vantassell possesses top-flight offensive capabilities – he makes regular contact with an aggressive approach and above-average power. He won two MVP awards during his time in the minors, but has not been able to carry that promise into the majors. Perhaps if he was given more playing time he would blossom, but for now the Barons have him penciled him in as little more than a pinch hitter. But third base was a weak spot in the Barons’ lineup, so he may be able to progress his way up to becoming a starter and make this trade look a lot better for Stratford. ----------- May 16 To Queensland – 31-year old RHP Masami Fujihara (47/47) To Cambria – a pair of minor leaguers: 21-year old C Larry Collins (20/38) 21-year old IF Brendon Egan (32/56) *Knee-jerk reaction:* The Cambria Cannons do not possess an impressive rotation, but that did stop them from being able to trade their former No. 2 starter Fujihara for some offensive depth. Egan, a 2nd-round pick from 1955-56 who hails from Australia, is a solid defensive infielder with speed to burn and terrific contact (55), gap power (60) and plate discipline (60) potential. Scouts project him to become an everyday starter and the Cannons have installed him as their everyday third baseman for spring training. Although Egan’s path to getting into an everyday lineup will be easier in Cambria, its not clear why the Eagles exchanged him for Fujihara. They have installed him as their No. 3 starter, but scouts view Fujihara as little more than an emergency starter or long-reliever. While his stuff is barely average (45), he movement and control are solid (60). But nothing in his repertoire is considered an ‘out pitch’: fastball (50), curveball (45) and changeup (45). ----------- May 18 To Cobourg – 26-year old 2B Chia-liang Fang (53/53) To Cambria – 29-year old RHP Fergus Hirst (46/46) and 22-year old RHP Javier Puente (54/67) *Knee-jerk reaction:* The second of three note-worthy trades this off-season involving Cambria see them get a starting pitcher to replace Fujihara who was traded away just two days prior. At one time, Fergus Hirst was the lone bright spot in an otherwise anemic Redleg rotation. His best season was in 1952-53 when he went 16-7, 2.57 ERA, 144 ERA+ and finished second in the EL Satchel Paige Award voting. But he faded a bit over the past couple of seasons and with the Redlegs boasting a stronger staff, Hirst was deemed expendable. Hirst has decent stuff and movement (55) with below average control (40) with four pitches: fastball (50), slider (45), changeup (45) and forkball (55). He is considered an emergency starter but for the Cannons, he will be their No. 2 starter. Cambria also receives the Panamanian Puente, a ground-ball reliever with excellent movement (70). He immediately moves into the closer role for the Cannons. The Taiwanese Fang, a 13th-overall pick from 1953-54 is considered one of the best defensive second basemen in the United Leagues who has the speed and baserunning skills to steal at will. He is projected to be a .290 hitter and should soon be an everyday starter. For now, though, he will work off the bench to start the Coconut Leagues. ----------- June 19 To Cambria – 35-year old RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (42/42) and 23-year old minor league C Harold Toohey (32/43) To Downie – 37-year old LF César Ruíz (50/50) and 21-year old minor league RHP Dwayne Brocklehurst (20/44) *Knee-jerk reaction:* A trade that is only significant in that two 5-time all-stars are exchanged for each other, but both are in their declining years. Cambria desperately needs pitching help but its doubtful Pelanekelina (176-178, 3.59 ERA, 4.05 FIP, 109 ERA+) can make an appreciable impact at this stage of his career. The Fijian-born hurler who won the 1949-50 United Cup MVP in Downie’s successful run to the United Cup that season is viewed little more than an emergency starter at this point. He was effective the season before last (13-11, 3.22 ERA, 3.88 FIP, 118 ERA+) but struggled last season (10-18, 4.47 ERA, 4.66 FIP, 82 ERA+). Nevertheless, he has been penciled in as their No. 3 starter. The Cannons also receive Toohey, a 7th-round pick from 1955-56 who is defensively sound with good plate discipline but not much else. But he may have a chance at reaching the majors after he matures. On the other hand, it’s not clear what the Chiefs gain by shipping out Pelanekelina, who had been with the club for 14 straight seasons. They do not have any up-and-coming pitchers to take his place. Furthermore, there does not seem to be a place for Ruíz, as he is currently buried in the depth charts. He is a hard worker and popular in the clubhouse, but like Pelanekelina he slumped badly last season and at his age may not rebound. Downie also receives the young Brocklehurst, a future borderline starter with good stuff (45/60), average control (35/50) but mediocre movement (25/35). ----------- Signings: May 11 Notable free agent signings do not happen often in the United Leagues (the last one was in 1953), but the Pulberry Trolleys may have snagged a good one in 28-year old 2B Yoshimi Sekozawa (54/57) from Joyo, Japan. He is projected to be a standout defensive second baseman with above average power and a good eye. Scouts feel that he should have no trouble in a starting role. In fact, he was brought up to the major league club for spring training and has taken over second base. Pulberry had at least four infielders start at second base last season (Wade Billyard – 55 starts, Dwayne Stace – 51, Paul Heisler – 33, Luke Corke – 14). If Sekozawa can blossom this season, the Trolleys may finally find some consistency at the keystone position. ----------- Based on War Gained, the Cobourg Redlegs were the most aggressive this offseason by a wide margin. That was largely through the acquisition of RHP Magtanggol Jaojoco (4.9 WAR) and 2B Chia-liang Fang (1.3). Will it be enough to finally win them their first championship? We will soon find out as next up for the 16 clubs are the Coconut Leagues which begin on Monday, September 2nd. Opening Day is set for October 7th, when the United Leagues celebrates its 20th Anniversary. __________________ United Leagues of Braeland