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reds1 · 05-05-2024, 10:58 PM

February 1, 1958

Eastern League: Eagles Surge to Take Top Spot in Tight East

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The Queensland Eagles proved that their strong start in October & November was no fluke as they kept up the pace in December and then really turned it on in late January, going on a 9-game winning streak and finishing the month 12-4 after the All-Star break to take over top spot in the East. But the playoff race remains tight as the top four teams are all within four games of first place.

Overall, both the offense and pitching are nicely balanced, giving the Eagles a solid hope of making the playoffs for the first time in 11 seasons.

The offense is led by the players batting out of the Nos. 1 through 4 spots in the lineup: leadoff hitter 24-year old RF Hal Dhu (.272/.347/.426, 13 HR, 41 RBI, 45 BB, 12 SB, 1.4 WAR), 28-year old 3B Apia Yarrah (.305/.361/.458, 15 HR, 51 RBI, 34 BB, 6 SB, 3.6 WAR), 25-year old 2B Dennis Purcell (.324/.415/.500, 15 HR, 55 RBI, 51 BB, 6 SB, 4.8 WAR) and 31-year old LF Rod Dennis (.349/.422/.637, 26 HR, 74 HR, 46 BB, 4.1 WAR).

Dennis and Purcell in particular are enjoying outstanding seasons. While Dennis won his second Batter of the Month honour this season in December (and his fourth overall), Purcell won his first in January. Their power game has really come alive, with Dennis belting 16 homers in December/January while Purcell hit 8 homers in January, one more than he hit in the first three months combined.

Queensland’s rotation is still anchored by their top two starters: 32-year old RHP Logan Belsey (12-7, 2.67 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 2.11 FIP, 140 ERA+) and 30-year old RHP Stiofan Micklethwait (15-5, 1.78 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 2.44 FIP, 210 ERA+). Micklethwait has been arguably the United Leagues’ best pitcher over the past two months, going 9-2, 0.85 ERA, 0.87 WHIP over that stretch. He surrendered just one earned run in 50.2 IP in December. The rest of the pitching staff has been rather lackluster, creating some concern on how long the Eagles can keep up their torrid pace. However, their No. 5 starter, 31-year old RHP Danilo Narvaez (10-3, 3.19 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 3.74 FIP, 118 ERA+), is quietly putting together a fine season, his first with the Eagles after seven seasons with the Braeland City Monarchs.

All-Star Selections:

SP Logan Belsey (7th)
SP Stiofan Micklethwait (4th)
2B Dennis Purcell (2nd)
3B Apia Yarrah (2nd)
LF Rod Dennis (7th)

Player of the Week Awards:

December 9 – LF Rod Dennis (.435, 10 H, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 3 R)
December 30 – LF Rod Dennis (.400, 10 H, 5 HR, 11 RBI)
January 27 – 2B Dennis Purcell (.577, 15 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R)

Noteworthy:

December 31 – The Queensland Eagles took 2 of 3 from the Brunswick Legends, with two of the games going into extras. But Game 2 saw a dominant pitching performance from RHP Stiofan Micklethwait who blanked the Legends, 6-0 on 2 hits. After LF Carl Patton reached based on a throwing error by 3B Apia Yarrah to lead off the game, Micklethwait kept the Legends off the bases until the 6th inning, when RHP Dave Ball singled with two out. In all, Micklethwait went 9.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 110 PI, GS: 87.

January 8 – Not to be outdone, RHP Logan Belsey threw a 2-hitter of his own, this time against the Braeland City Monarchs. After dropping the first two games of the series, Queensland salvaged a win thanks to their ace. Ironically, the Eagles allowed a baserunner in the first inning due to another throwing error by 3B Apia Yarrah. The Monarchs’ first hit came courtesy of their starter as well, a one-out single by LHP Charlie Honeysett in the 3rd inning. Belsey’s final line was 9.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 5 BB, 5 K, 132 PI, GS: 83. The lone run of the game came in the bottom of the 8th, when 31-year old 1B Ryan Conisford (.240/.317/.381, 12 HR, 46 RBI, 44 BB, 1.0 WAR) launched a one-out solo home run 376 ft. down the left field line off Honeysett.

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The Stratford Barons kept rolling along over the past two months, particularly in December when sat on top in the East to end the calendar year. Like Queensland, the Barons are benefiting from strong performances at the plate and on the mound. One thing that could derail them is injuries, as they lost one of their top players, 32-year old CF Alfonso León (.304/.370/.466, 11 HR, 49 RBI, 38 BB, 3.8 WAR), to injury for several weeks. The Barons are relying on a few key players to carry the offense as well, so they remain vulnerable to a late-season swoon if their top players begin to falter.

The offense is led by 29-year old 2B Matthew Channing (.303/.358/.515, 14 HR, 69 RBI, 31 BB, 11 SB, 5.3 WAR), who has gotten stronger as the season has worn on. Besides Channing and León, the offense is supported by 26-year old SS Callum Spalton (.304/.351/.543, 11 HR, 43 RBI, 16 BB, 3.7 WAR). But there is a bit of a drop off after them.

The rotation is very solid, especially starters 1 through 4. Led by 29-year old LHP Robin Wadsworth (12-3, 2.80 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 3.02 FIP, 135 ERA+), the rotation also includes 30-year old RHP Ted Smith (12-7, 3.13 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 3.68 FIP, 113 ERA+), 30-year old RHP Joseph Sellwood (12-7, 3.39 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 3.22 FIP, 112 ERA+) and 31-year old RHP Bill Wolf (10-9, 3.53 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 3.39 FIP, 107 ERA+).

Another positive sign is that the bullpen saw more consistency over the past two months, led by 33-year old RHP stopper José Rodríguez (8-3, 12 SV, 2.08 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 1.41 FIP, 182 ERA+) and an improving 34-year old RHP reliever Bill Lafontaine (1-2, 2.91 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 5.00 FIP, 130 ERA+).

All-Star Selections:

SP Joseph Sellwood (2nd)
SP Robin Wadsworth (4th)
ST José Rodríguez (7th)
C Aaron Skidmore (16th)
2B Matthew Channing (5th)
SS Callum Spalton (3rd)
CF Alfonso León (11th)

Player of the Week Awards:

December 16 – CF Alfonso León (.500, 12 H, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 5 R)
January 6 – 2B Matthew Channing (.471, 8 H, 4 RBI, 1 R)

Noteworthy:

December 6 – While the Barons swept their 3-game series against the Wolseley Unions, the highlight came in the first game when CF Alfonso León became the 16th player in United Leagues history to reach 2000 career hits. He accomplished it on his 5th at-bat when he doubled off RHP Callum Hyde with one out in the bottom of the 8th. It was one of 6 doubles that the Barons cranked out in the game. In all, he went 1 for 5 with 1 R in Stratford’s 8-1 victory.

December 21 – Although Stratford took both games from the visiting Downie Chiefs, it was not easy. In the second game, the Barons were down 3-0 early before rallying in the 8th for a 4-3 win. But the first game saw a tremendous pitching performance by Robin Wadsworth who went the distance in the Barons’ 10-inning, 1-0 victory, pitching a 2-hitter. Wadsworth was perfect until the 4th inning when RF Ewan Komaki singled with one out. In all, Wadsworth went 10.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, 115 PI, GS: 94. It represents the top pitching performance in the United Leagues this season thus far. The winning run came in the bottom of the 10th, when 1B Sherwin Carasig hit a first pitch double off RHP Frank Greggs, driving home C Aaron Skidmore all the way from first.

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Just a few seasons back, the Cobourg Redlegs were an offensive juggernaut in search of a steady pitching staff. Today, they are a team with a strong rotation with major holes on offense. Until they can get both firing on all cylinders at the same time, they will continue to struggle with consistency. They are still very much in the mix for a playoff spot, but their once dominant lineup is now holding them back from dominating the East.

The lion’s share of the offense is provided by just two players: 31-year old CF Raymond Williams (.333/.405/.604, 22 HR, 69 RBI, 44 BB, 5 SB, 5.0 WAR), their 3-time Babe Ruth Award winner, and 26-year old SS Douglas Jones (.289/.371/.480, 15 HR, 41 RBI, 38 BB, 3.9 WAR). Both have gotten stronger as the season has worn on. 25-year old lead-off hitter LF Nihopalaoa Neho (.253/.358/.441, 13 HR, 43 RBI, 47 BB, 9 SB, 2.2 WAR) and 32-year old 1B Harry Doxey (.287/.343/.440, 10 HR, 49 RBI, 26 BB, 1.1 WAR) have also contributed, although Neho slumped badly in January (.180/.260/.270). The rest of the lineup has been sluggish.

On the other hand, the rotation has been perhaps the strongest a Cobourg team has ever seen. Led by 29-year old LHP Bill Budd (11-9, 3.11 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 2.85 FIP, 123 ERA+), the rotation also has the outstanding 24-year old RHP Albert Johnson (14-6, 2.25 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 2.99 FIP, 169 ERA) as well as 21-year old RHP Lester Bell (1-2, 1 SV, 3.52 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 5.11 FIP, 108 ERA+), 23-year old LHP Lachlan Lloyd (10-3, 3.51 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 3.48 FIP, 109 ERA+) and 25-year old RHP Maurice Foley (9-6, 3.40 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 3.72 FIP, 112 ERA+).

All-Star Selections:

SP Bill Budd (5th)
SP Albert Johnson (1st)
SS Douglas Jones (2nd)
LF Nihopalaoa Neho (1st)
CF Raymond Williams (11th)

Key Trade No. 1: January 26 with the Balmoral Giants:

To Cobourg – 32-year old RHP Rodrigo González (49/49)

To Balmoral – 22-year old minor league C Stuart Haydock (28/42)

Knee-jerk reaction: The Redlegs make a move to try and strengthen their bullpen, which is rated 5th in the East by acquiring the long-time Giant, Rodrigo González. Originally a starter who was drafted in the 7th round back in 1944-45, González’s best season was in 1950-51 when he won 21 games and came in 4th in the Western League Satchel Paige Award voting. The 4-time all-star is now a reliever with still elite control who served as Balmoral’s stopper this season. In fact, he is second overall in the ULB in saves (14), one fewer than Cobourg’s current stopper, 28-year old RHP Brian McDaniel (5-4, 15 SV, 3.58 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 3.68 FIP, 107 ERA+).

The Giants receive a young catcher in Haydock, an 8th-round pick from 1956-57. Haydock has some power and hitting ability and catching ability but a poor throwing arm. He will be little more than an injury replacement in the majors. But after trading González, Balmoral has moved their pitching prospect, 21-year old RHP Ashley Tazewell (3-5, 1 SV, 5.09 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, 3.87 FIP, 74 ERA+ - 47/72) into the stopper role from the rotation.

Key Trade No. 2: January 29 with the Kingston Pelicans:

To Cobourg – 30-year old 3B Mark Johnson (54/54)

To Kingston – 23-year old minor league RF Malcom Wise (48/48) and 23-year old minor league RHP Gael Tuck (21/24)

Knee-jerk reaction: Cobourg makes a move to shore up another weak spot, this time at the hot corner. 8-time all star, 36-year old Alexander Tolmie (.270/.288/.349, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 2 BB, -0.1 WAR) is no longer the player he once was and his initial replacement, 25-year old Harold Prudom (.202/.288/.333, 11 HR, 37 RBI, 35 BB, 0.7 WAR), was regressing severely from last season. Enter Johnson, who is considered an above-average third baseman in the United Leagues. He is a strong defender with a good eye and power. But his work ethic is a question mark. He immediately takes over 3B and will bat out the No. 7 spot.

The Pelicans receive Wise, a former 1st-round pick from 1952-53. Wise has considerable offensive skills, averaging close to 60/60 across the board. He is viewed as capable of hitting over .300 with considerable power and excellent strike-zone judgment. Only his defense is below average. For now, he is buried in the depth chart, but he could find a home at either corner outfield spot.

But it appears that Johnson was viewed as expendable by Kingston since they already have a promising third baseman in 25-year old Andy Wearne (.356/.414/.475, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 10 BB, 1.3 WAR – 54/58) who is ready to start. Wearne, a 3rd-round pick from 1950-51, is an outstanding defensive infielder with steady contact and good strike-zone judgement. He will bat out of the No. 7 spot as well for Kingston.

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The Wellington Athletics are a middle-of-the-road team that continues to remain within striking distance of a playoff spot. A strong January helped them to remain just 4 games back of first place. But they continue to mismanage one of their best starting pitchers in my estimation: RHP Baskin Arncaple (11-7, 3.33 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 3.79 FIP, 112 ERA+ - 50/58). The 24-year old sophomore was demoted to Triple-A in late January when Wellington acquired another starting pitcher (see below). While there are questions about his work ethic and potential struggles against LH hitters, he has done nothing deserving of a demotion that I can see. Until he struggles getting the job done, he deserves his spot in the rotation (which was the No. 1 spot before the trade).

Although his performance is not approaching the stratospheric heights of last season, 30-year old LF Matthew Floyd (.326/.401/.518, 17 HR, 54 RBI, 46 BB, 8 SB, 4.2 WAR) is still one of the best players in the United Leagues. He is supported by 25-year old CF Greg Yates (.293/.364/.448, 8 HR, 48 RBI, 43 BB, 3.3 WAR) and 30-year old 1B Wayne Emmert (.318/.394/.434, 7 HR, 43 RBI, 36 RBI, 2.5 WAR). Interestingly, 30-year old C Declan Bugbie (.346/.378/.463, 5 HR, 19 RBI, 9 BB, 2.0 WAR) has taken over starting duties from an apparently struggling 31-year old Carlos Camasura (.214/.356/.273, 1 HR, 24 RBI, 52 BB, 1.1 WAR), who Wellington acquired from Kingston nearly two years ago. But with the exception of 22-year old sophomore RF Wan-hua Gu (.286/.315/.452, 13 HR, 37 RBI, 12 BB, 6 SB, 1.7 WAR - 59/68), who they acquired from the Fort Richmond Generals in May 1956, the lineup is rather weak.

The pitching has its concerns as well, but as previously discussed, the Athletics are shooting themselves in the foot by not putting their best starters on the mound. Besides the recently demoted Arncaple, only 32-year old RHP Kazunori Fujimoto (7-3, 2.64 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 3.62 FIP, 141 ERA+) has been pitching effectively.

In the bullpen, only two pitchers are pitching consistently as well: 24-year old stopper RHP Christian Wiley (10-2, 14 SV, 2.12 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 2.54 FIP, 176 ERA+) and 35-year old RHP Finlay Capstick (0-0, 3.06 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 3.87 FIP, 122 ERA+).

All-Star Selections:

ST Christian Wiley (1st)
LF Matthew Floyd (7th)
CF Greg Yates (2nd)

Noteworthy:

January 16 – Fresh from the All-Star break, the Athletics opened their four-game set against the Braeland City Monarchs with an 8-0 victory. The player of the game was Baskin Arncaple who pitched a 2-hitter. Both hits he surrendered were singles. For his part, Arncaple went 2 for 4 at the plate with two singles and two runs. On the mound, he went 9.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, 113 PI, GS: 85. The game was broken wide open in the 3rd inning, when 25-year old CF Greg Yates (.293/.364/.448, 8 HR, 48 RBI, 43 BB, 3.3 WAR) belted a two-out, three-run home run, making the score 4-0 at that point.

Key Trade: January 25 with the Brunswick Legends:

To Wellington – 30-year old RHP Mhelter Pilapil (52/52)

To Brunswick – 20-year old minor league RF Luke Langworthy (20/39)

Knee-jerk reaction: A head-scratcher for a couple of reasons, but not with Mhelter Pilapil himself. The 10-year veteran is a serviceable pitcher whose greatest strength is above average movement (60/60) and keeping the ball in the park. He is a one-time all-star who is viewed by scouts as a back end of the rotation starter. But with Wellington he has moved into the No. 1 spot, replacing RHP Baskin Arncaple (50/58) who has inexplicably been demoted to Triple-A despite being the Athletics’ top pitcher.

In return, the Legends receive the young Langworthy, a former 7th-round pick from 1955-56. The 6’-3” outfielder has some skill at the plate and in the field, but nothing that would project him to one day be a starter in the ULB. With the departure of Pilapil, Brunswick is obviously committing itself to its three young starters: 25-year old RHP Dave Ball (50/55), 23-year old RHP Rio Hanscombe (49/64) and 21-year old LHP Randy Goodwin (47/54).

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The Braeland City Monarchs continue to meander along as a just below .500 team – not awful, but neither a playoff contender as well. Although they have some young talent going through some growing pains, it appears the Monarchs will need further reinforcements if they want to return to the playoffs, which appears they’ll miss for the fifth straight season. Those reinforcements will mostly likely come from future amateur drafts. That will be a shame because once those future prospects start making an impact at the major league level, 32-year old 2B Patrick Lidgate (.282/.378/.497, 14 HR, 50 RBI, 50 BB, 4 SB, 4.8 WAR), one of the top players in the league, will be long past his prime.

Besides Lidgate, 1B Dean Witherden (.306/.355/.532, 20 HR, 67 RBI, 26 BB, 2.6 WAR) has been producing at a high level. But at age 34, one wonders how much longer he can maintain it. Besides Witherden, 27-year old RF Aidan Trembath (.305/.344/.453, 14 HR, 50 RBI, 25 BB, 2.2 WAR) and 28-year old LF Hayden Goodale (.252/.324/.466, 20 HR, 63 RBI, 42 BB, 2.4 WAR) have also provided offensive support.

22-year CF Bernard Burkitt (.261/.298/.384, 5 HR, 45 RBI, 16 BB, 6 SB, 3.3 WAR) is still growing at the plate. While he is tied for the lead for triples in East (9), he is also tied for the lead in strikeouts among active players in the East (70). His defense remains jaw-dropping (.990 PCT, 4.16 RNG, +19.8 ZR, 1.078 EFF).

The pitching staff is really struggling right now. Having said that, 31-year old LHP Larry Kovnats (12-7, 3.20 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 3.49 FIP, 120 ERA+) is enjoying the best season of his 10-year career, earning his first all-star selection. 21-year old sophomore LHP Charlie Honeysett (5-2, 3.52 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 3.61 FIP, 109 ERA+) meanwhile, is in the process of getting acclimated to the majors.

The two standouts in the bullpen have been 24-year old sophomore RHP Jonathan Brookins (7-4, 8 SV, 2.91 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 3.37FIP, 132 ERA+) and 27-year old RHP Clive Howard (1-1, 2 SV, 2.76 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 3.18 FIP, 139 ERA+).

All-Star Selections:

SP Larry Kovnats (1st)
1B Dean Witherden (8th)
2B Patrick Lidgate (9th)
LF Hayden Goodale (4th)
RF Aidan Trembeth (6th)

Player of the Week Awards:

January 13 – RF Aidan Trembath (.379, 11 H, 2 HR, 6 RBI)

Noteworthy:

January 10 – RF Aidan Trembath completed the 35th Cycle in United Leagues history in the Monarchs 13-1 trouncing over the visiting Embro Suns. Trembath doubled in the 1st, hit an RBI single in the 2nd, hit an RBI triple in the 4th and hit a solo-shot off RHP Phil McKelvey in the 5th. In all, he went 4 for 4 with 3 R and 3 RBI. Trembath is the 4th Monarch to hit for the cycle and the first since Adam Ashley accomplished it way back in December 1939, over 18 years ago.

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Its official – the Brunswick Legends have thrown in the towel. After winning 97 games and reaching the United Cup finals last season, the Legends have deemed that accomplishment a fluke and are now in full-blown rebuild mode. That became evident when they traded their franchise player, 29-year old C Robert Kersey (.275/.350/.441, 14 HR, 45 RBI, 40 BB, 3.1 WAR) on January 21 to the Sherburn Tigers (more on that move in the Western League report). Four days later, they traded their No. 2 starter, 30-year old RHP Mhelter Pilapil to Wellington.

What remains is not pretty. 36-year old 3B Jorge Arrendondo (.264/.350/423, 11 HR, 46 RBI, 52 BB, 3.0 WAR) and 27-year old RF Jay Mitchell (.282/.354/.455, 11 HR, 39 RBI, 31 BB, 1.6 WAR) are the only two productive players in the lineup.

As a result of the recent trades, the rotation currently in flux as well. Only No. 4 starter, 21-year old rookie LHP Randy Goodwin (5-2, 2.51 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 3.53 FIP, 153 ERA+) is enjoying some success. In the bullpen, 36-year old stopper RHP Lao Chen (4-2, 11 SV, 2.01 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 2.10 FIP, 191 ERA+) and 28-year old LHP Ron Killingworth (2-0, 2 SV, 1.93 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 2.69 FIP, 198 ERA+) have been outstanding.

All-Star Selections:

C Robert Kersey (7th)
3B Jorge Arredondo (4th)

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If wins and losses were solely determined by offense, the Embro Suns would be near the top of the standings in the East. Alas, teams still need a reliable pitching staff to contend, and the Suns don’t have it. Their farm system is devoid of pitching prospects as well. Embro’s neglect of their pitching needs has been a trend for the past several seasons and until they address it, they will continue to be a second-division squad.

That neglect and lack of urgency is a shame because Embro actually has an impressive lineup, one of the most productive in the United Leagues. 24-year old 1B Damien Whetter (.304/.389/.534, 18 HR, 52 RBI, 46 BB, 3.6 WAR) and 28-year old LF Jesús Abreu (.289/.389/.504, 22 HR, 59 RBI, 60 BB, 3.5 WAR) comprise a powerful 1-2 punch in the heart of the lineup. They are ably supported by 27-year old SS Kieron Bradridge (.301/.336/.443, 10 HR, 35 RBI, 20 BB, 3.7 WAR) and 29-year old C Gareth Mawle (.313/.369/.486, 6 HR, 42 RBI, 22 BB, 2.6 WAR). On the other hand, 29-year old 3B Moromao Nakagawa (.253/.319/.403, 14 HR, 66 RBI, 37 BB, 1.8 WAR) has been struggling since he batted .344/.404/.544 in October. He is rated at 70/70, so he should still have plenty left in the tank.

As mentioned, the pitching staff is an unmitigated disaster. Only No. 4 starter, 28-year old RHP Alastair Hahn (3-5, 3.20 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 3.33 FIP, 119 ERA+) and 27-year old stopper RHP Rob Gladstone (4-4, 13 SV, 1.88 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 3.04 FIP, 202 ERA+) have been competent. Losing No. 1 starter, 30-year old RHP Bradley Strawson (9-5, 3.72 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 3.24 FIP, 102 ERA+) to injury has not helped matters either.

All-Star Selections:

ST Rob Gladstone (3rd)
C Gareth Mawle (3rd)
1B Damien Whetter (1st)
SS Kieron Bradridge (3rd)
LF Jesús Abreu (3rd)

Player of the Week Awards:

December 2 – LF Jesús Abreu (.440, 11 H, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 9 R)
December 23 – C Gareth Mawle (.474, 9 H, 1 HR, 6 RBI)

Noteworthy:

December 17 – The visiting Suns took two of three from the Sherburn Tigers, winning the first game 8-4, then throttling them 16-5 on 19 hits in the second. SS Kieron Bradridge went 5 for 6 on the afternoon, collecting three singles, two doubles and 3 runs. Embro erupted in the top of the first, scoring 5 runs. That inning included a 3-run home run from C Gareth Mawle off LHP Brendan Wombwell.

January 22 – Embro swept the visiting Braeland City Monarchs, outscoring them 30-15 over the 3-game series. In the third game, the Suns blasted the Monarchs 17-9 on 19 hits. Sparking the Suns to victory was C Gareth Mawle who went 5 for 6. Mawle doubled in the 3rd, hit a 3-run home off RHP Clive Howard in the 4th, singled in the 6th, hit a 2-run double in the 7th and finally hit an RBI double in the 8th. He collected 3 R and 6 RBI. His performance is currently ranked as the top offensive effort this season with a score of 104.

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The Downie Chiefs ‘earned’ this season’s top draft pick and have a good chance at making the top pick next season. But a stronger than expected January has actually put them into a tie with the Fort Richmond Generals for the worst record in the ULB. Either way, they will be picking high in the draft for the foreseeable future. Their farm system is now ranked 2nd overall, but that talent is still mostly in Double-A. On the other hand, their first overall pick from this season, the No. 1 ranked prospect 23-year old CF Jon Berose (.394/.473/.596, 4 HR, 32 RBI, 29 BB, 28 SB, 189 wRC+, 3.2 WAR – 49/80), is tearing up Double-A and expects to be playing in the majors right now. He is making a strong case, that’s for sure. He has an incredible work ethic and can play anywhere in the outfield and will probably win awards doing so.

But at the major league level, fans only have their 11-time all-star, 32-year old 2B Dominic Dudding (.304/.374/.484, 11 HR, 44 RBI, 30 BB, 3.0 WAR) and 29-year old 1B Louie Revill (.287/.339/.466, 14 HR, 46 RBI, 30 BB, 2.4 WAR) giving them something to cheer for when at the plate. 31-year old Connor Bing (.319/.387/.638, 8 HR, 20 RBI, 11 BB, 1.7 WAR) has actually been productive this year when he gets in the lineup, but the Chiefs have elected to give 26-year old Ewan Komaki (.188/.246/.348, 11 HR, 32 RBI, 25 BB, 3 SB, -0.5 WAR) the bulk of the starts in rightfield instead.

On the pitching side of the equation, Downie has made a curious move. The Chiefs demoted 26-year old LHP José Hernández (5-6, 2.47 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 4.22 FIP, 151 ERA+) at the end of December, despite being one of their few competent pitchers. For now, 26-year old RHP Stefan Rankin (7-10, 3.29 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 3.52 FIP, 107 ERA+), 23-year old stopper RHP Frank Greggs (3-6, 2.96 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 3.56 FIP, 126 ERA+) and a surprising 25-year old rookie RHP Colm Loveybond (2-2, 2.82 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 3.58 FIP, 132 ERA+ - 32/32) are pitching with any degree of effectiveness.

All-Star Selections:

1B Louie Revill (2nd)
2B Dominic Dudding (11th)

Player of the Week Awards:

January 20 – 2B Dominic Dudding (.533, 8 H, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 3 R)

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05-05-2024, 10:58 PM	#828
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,899	February 1, 1958 Eastern League: Eagles Surge to Take Top Spot in Tight East -------- The Queensland Eagles proved that their strong start in October & November was no fluke as they kept up the pace in December and then really turned it on in late January, going on a 9-game winning streak and finishing the month 12-4 after the All-Star break to take over top spot in the East. But the playoff race remains tight as the top four teams are all within four games of first place. Overall, both the offense and pitching are nicely balanced, giving the Eagles a solid hope of making the playoffs for the first time in 11 seasons. The offense is led by the players batting out of the Nos. 1 through 4 spots in the lineup: leadoff hitter 24-year old RF Hal Dhu (.272/.347/.426, 13 HR, 41 RBI, 45 BB, 12 SB, 1.4 WAR), 28-year old 3B Apia Yarrah (.305/.361/.458, 15 HR, 51 RBI, 34 BB, 6 SB, 3.6 WAR), 25-year old 2B Dennis Purcell (.324/.415/.500, 15 HR, 55 RBI, 51 BB, 6 SB, 4.8 WAR) and 31-year old LF Rod Dennis (.349/.422/.637, 26 HR, 74 HR, 46 BB, 4.1 WAR). Dennis and Purcell in particular are enjoying outstanding seasons. While Dennis won his second Batter of the Month honour this season in December (and his fourth overall), Purcell won his first in January. Their power game has really come alive, with Dennis belting 16 homers in December/January while Purcell hit 8 homers in January, one more than he hit in the first three months combined. Queensland’s rotation is still anchored by their top two starters: 32-year old RHP Logan Belsey (12-7, 2.67 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 2.11 FIP, 140 ERA+) and 30-year old RHP Stiofan Micklethwait (15-5, 1.78 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 2.44 FIP, 210 ERA+). Micklethwait has been arguably the United Leagues’ best pitcher over the past two months, going 9-2, 0.85 ERA, 0.87 WHIP over that stretch. He surrendered just one earned run in 50.2 IP in December. The rest of the pitching staff has been rather lackluster, creating some concern on how long the Eagles can keep up their torrid pace. However, their No. 5 starter, 31-year old RHP Danilo Narvaez (10-3, 3.19 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 3.74 FIP, 118 ERA+), is quietly putting together a fine season, his first with the Eagles after seven seasons with the Braeland City Monarchs. All-Star Selections: SP Logan Belsey (7th) SP Stiofan Micklethwait (4th) 2B Dennis Purcell (2nd) 3B Apia Yarrah (2nd) LF Rod Dennis (7th) Player of the Week Awards: December 9 – LF Rod Dennis (.435, 10 H, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 3 R) December 30 – LF Rod Dennis (.400, 10 H, 5 HR, 11 RBI) January 27 – 2B Dennis Purcell (.577, 15 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R) Noteworthy: December 31 – The Queensland Eagles took 2 of 3 from the Brunswick Legends, with two of the games going into extras. But Game 2 saw a dominant pitching performance from RHP Stiofan Micklethwait who blanked the Legends, 6-0 on 2 hits. After LF Carl Patton reached based on a throwing error by 3B Apia Yarrah to lead off the game, Micklethwait kept the Legends off the bases until the 6th inning, when RHP Dave Ball singled with two out. In all, Micklethwait went 9.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K, 110 PI, GS: 87. January 8 – Not to be outdone, RHP Logan Belsey threw a 2-hitter of his own, this time against the Braeland City Monarchs. After dropping the first two games of the series, Queensland salvaged a win thanks to their ace. Ironically, the Eagles allowed a baserunner in the first inning due to another throwing error by 3B Apia Yarrah. The Monarchs’ first hit came courtesy of their starter as well, a one-out single by LHP Charlie Honeysett in the 3rd inning. Belsey’s final line was 9.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 5 BB, 5 K, 132 PI, GS: 83. The lone run of the game came in the bottom of the 8th, when 31-year old 1B Ryan Conisford (.240/.317/.381, 12 HR, 46 RBI, 44 BB, 1.0 WAR) launched a one-out solo home run 376 ft. down the left field line off Honeysett. -------- The Stratford Barons kept rolling along over the past two months, particularly in December when sat on top in the East to end the calendar year. Like Queensland, the Barons are benefiting from strong performances at the plate and on the mound. One thing that could derail them is injuries, as they lost one of their top players, 32-year old CF Alfonso León (.304/.370/.466, 11 HR, 49 RBI, 38 BB, 3.8 WAR), to injury for several weeks. The Barons are relying on a few key players to carry the offense as well, so they remain vulnerable to a late-season swoon if their top players begin to falter. The offense is led by 29-year old 2B Matthew Channing (.303/.358/.515, 14 HR, 69 RBI, 31 BB, 11 SB, 5.3 WAR), who has gotten stronger as the season has worn on. Besides Channing and León, the offense is supported by 26-year old SS Callum Spalton (.304/.351/.543, 11 HR, 43 RBI, 16 BB, 3.7 WAR). But there is a bit of a drop off after them. The rotation is very solid, especially starters 1 through 4. Led by 29-year old LHP Robin Wadsworth (12-3, 2.80 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 3.02 FIP, 135 ERA+), the rotation also includes 30-year old RHP Ted Smith (12-7, 3.13 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 3.68 FIP, 113 ERA+), 30-year old RHP Joseph Sellwood (12-7, 3.39 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 3.22 FIP, 112 ERA+) and 31-year old RHP Bill Wolf (10-9, 3.53 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 3.39 FIP, 107 ERA+). Another positive sign is that the bullpen saw more consistency over the past two months, led by 33-year old RHP stopper José Rodríguez (8-3, 12 SV, 2.08 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 1.41 FIP, 182 ERA+) and an improving 34-year old RHP reliever Bill Lafontaine (1-2, 2.91 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 5.00 FIP, 130 ERA+). All-Star Selections: SP Joseph Sellwood (2nd) SP Robin Wadsworth (4th) ST José Rodríguez (7th) C Aaron Skidmore (16th) 2B Matthew Channing (5th) SS Callum Spalton (3rd) CF Alfonso León (11th) Player of the Week Awards: December 16 – CF Alfonso León (.500, 12 H, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 5 R) January 6 – 2B Matthew Channing (.471, 8 H, 4 RBI, 1 R) Noteworthy: December 6 – While the Barons swept their 3-game series against the Wolseley Unions, the highlight came in the first game when CF Alfonso León became the 16th player in United Leagues history to reach 2000 career hits. He accomplished it on his 5th at-bat when he doubled off RHP Callum Hyde with one out in the bottom of the 8th. It was one of 6 doubles that the Barons cranked out in the game. In all, he went 1 for 5 with 1 R in Stratford’s 8-1 victory. December 21 – Although Stratford took both games from the visiting Downie Chiefs, it was not easy. In the second game, the Barons were down 3-0 early before rallying in the 8th for a 4-3 win. But the first game saw a tremendous pitching performance by Robin Wadsworth who went the distance in the Barons’ 10-inning, 1-0 victory, pitching a 2-hitter. Wadsworth was perfect until the 4th inning when RF Ewan Komaki singled with one out. In all, Wadsworth went 10.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, 115 PI, GS: 94. It represents the top pitching performance in the United Leagues this season thus far. The winning run came in the bottom of the 10th, when 1B Sherwin Carasig hit a first pitch double off RHP Frank Greggs, driving home C Aaron Skidmore all the way from first. -------- Just a few seasons back, the Cobourg Redlegs were an offensive juggernaut in search of a steady pitching staff. Today, they are a team with a strong rotation with major holes on offense. Until they can get both firing on all cylinders at the same time, they will continue to struggle with consistency. They are still very much in the mix for a playoff spot, but their once dominant lineup is now holding them back from dominating the East. The lion’s share of the offense is provided by just two players: 31-year old CF Raymond Williams (.333/.405/.604, 22 HR, 69 RBI, 44 BB, 5 SB, 5.0 WAR), their 3-time Babe Ruth Award winner, and 26-year old SS Douglas Jones (.289/.371/.480, 15 HR, 41 RBI, 38 BB, 3.9 WAR). Both have gotten stronger as the season has worn on. 25-year old lead-off hitter LF Nihopalaoa Neho (.253/.358/.441, 13 HR, 43 RBI, 47 BB, 9 SB, 2.2 WAR) and 32-year old 1B Harry Doxey (.287/.343/.440, 10 HR, 49 RBI, 26 BB, 1.1 WAR) have also contributed, although Neho slumped badly in January (.180/.260/.270). The rest of the lineup has been sluggish. On the other hand, the rotation has been perhaps the strongest a Cobourg team has ever seen. Led by 29-year old LHP Bill Budd (11-9, 3.11 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 2.85 FIP, 123 ERA+), the rotation also has the outstanding 24-year old RHP Albert Johnson (14-6, 2.25 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 2.99 FIP, 169 ERA) as well as 21-year old RHP Lester Bell (1-2, 1 SV, 3.52 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 5.11 FIP, 108 ERA+), 23-year old LHP Lachlan Lloyd (10-3, 3.51 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 3.48 FIP, 109 ERA+) and 25-year old RHP Maurice Foley (9-6, 3.40 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 3.72 FIP, 112 ERA+). All-Star Selections: SP Bill Budd (5th) SP Albert Johnson (1st) SS Douglas Jones (2nd) LF Nihopalaoa Neho (1st) CF Raymond Williams (11th) Key Trade No. 1: January 26 with the Balmoral Giants: To Cobourg – 32-year old RHP Rodrigo González (49/49) To Balmoral – 22-year old minor league C Stuart Haydock (28/42) *Knee-jerk reaction:* The Redlegs make a move to try and strengthen their bullpen, which is rated 5th in the East by acquiring the long-time Giant, Rodrigo González. Originally a starter who was drafted in the 7th round back in 1944-45, González’s best season was in 1950-51 when he won 21 games and came in 4th in the Western League Satchel Paige Award voting. The 4-time all-star is now a reliever with still elite control who served as Balmoral’s stopper this season. In fact, he is second overall in the ULB in saves (14), one fewer than Cobourg’s current stopper, 28-year old RHP Brian McDaniel (5-4, 15 SV, 3.58 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 3.68 FIP, 107 ERA+). The Giants receive a young catcher in Haydock, an 8th-round pick from 1956-57. Haydock has some power and hitting ability and catching ability but a poor throwing arm. He will be little more than an injury replacement in the majors. But after trading González, Balmoral has moved their pitching prospect, 21-year old RHP Ashley Tazewell (3-5, 1 SV, 5.09 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, 3.87 FIP, 74 ERA+ - 47/72) into the stopper role from the rotation. Key Trade No. 2: January 29 with the Kingston Pelicans: To Cobourg – 30-year old 3B Mark Johnson (54/54) To Kingston – 23-year old minor league RF Malcom Wise (48/48) and 23-year old minor league RHP Gael Tuck (21/24) *Knee-jerk reaction:* Cobourg makes a move to shore up another weak spot, this time at the hot corner. 8-time all star, 36-year old Alexander Tolmie (.270/.288/.349, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 2 BB, -0.1 WAR) is no longer the player he once was and his initial replacement, 25-year old Harold Prudom (.202/.288/.333, 11 HR, 37 RBI, 35 BB, 0.7 WAR), was regressing severely from last season. Enter Johnson, who is considered an above-average third baseman in the United Leagues. He is a strong defender with a good eye and power. But his work ethic is a question mark. He immediately takes over 3B and will bat out the No. 7 spot. The Pelicans receive Wise, a former 1st-round pick from 1952-53. Wise has considerable offensive skills, averaging close to 60/60 across the board. He is viewed as capable of hitting over .300 with considerable power and excellent strike-zone judgment. Only his defense is below average. For now, he is buried in the depth chart, but he could find a home at either corner outfield spot. But it appears that Johnson was viewed as expendable by Kingston since they already have a promising third baseman in 25-year old Andy Wearne (.356/.414/.475, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 10 BB, 1.3 WAR – 54/58) who is ready to start. Wearne, a 3rd-round pick from 1950-51, is an outstanding defensive infielder with steady contact and good strike-zone judgement. He will bat out of the No. 7 spot as well for Kingston. -------- The Wellington Athletics are a middle-of-the-road team that continues to remain within striking distance of a playoff spot. A strong January helped them to remain just 4 games back of first place. But they continue to mismanage one of their best starting pitchers in my estimation: RHP Baskin Arncaple (11-7, 3.33 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 3.79 FIP, 112 ERA+ - 50/58). The 24-year old sophomore was demoted to Triple-A in late January when Wellington acquired another starting pitcher (see below). While there are questions about his work ethic and potential struggles against LH hitters, he has done nothing deserving of a demotion that I can see. Until he struggles getting the job done, he deserves his spot in the rotation (which was the No. 1 spot before the trade). Although his performance is not approaching the stratospheric heights of last season, 30-year old LF Matthew Floyd (.326/.401/.518, 17 HR, 54 RBI, 46 BB, 8 SB, 4.2 WAR) is still one of the best players in the United Leagues. He is supported by 25-year old CF Greg Yates (.293/.364/.448, 8 HR, 48 RBI, 43 BB, 3.3 WAR) and 30-year old 1B Wayne Emmert (.318/.394/.434, 7 HR, 43 RBI, 36 RBI, 2.5 WAR). Interestingly, 30-year old C Declan Bugbie (.346/.378/.463, 5 HR, 19 RBI, 9 BB, 2.0 WAR) has taken over starting duties from an apparently struggling 31-year old Carlos Camasura (.214/.356/.273, 1 HR, 24 RBI, 52 BB, 1.1 WAR), who Wellington acquired from Kingston nearly two years ago. But with the exception of 22-year old sophomore RF Wan-hua Gu (.286/.315/.452, 13 HR, 37 RBI, 12 BB, 6 SB, 1.7 WAR - 59/68), who they acquired from the Fort Richmond Generals in May 1956, the lineup is rather weak. The pitching has its concerns as well, but as previously discussed, the Athletics are shooting themselves in the foot by not putting their best starters on the mound. Besides the recently demoted Arncaple, only 32-year old RHP Kazunori Fujimoto (7-3, 2.64 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 3.62 FIP, 141 ERA+) has been pitching effectively. In the bullpen, only two pitchers are pitching consistently as well: 24-year old stopper RHP Christian Wiley (10-2, 14 SV, 2.12 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 2.54 FIP, 176 ERA+) and 35-year old RHP Finlay Capstick (0-0, 3.06 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 3.87 FIP, 122 ERA+). All-Star Selections: ST Christian Wiley (1st) LF Matthew Floyd (7th) CF Greg Yates (2nd) Noteworthy: January 16 – Fresh from the All-Star break, the Athletics opened their four-game set against the Braeland City Monarchs with an 8-0 victory. The player of the game was Baskin Arncaple who pitched a 2-hitter. Both hits he surrendered were singles. For his part, Arncaple went 2 for 4 at the plate with two singles and two runs. On the mound, he went 9.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K, 113 PI, GS: 85. The game was broken wide open in the 3rd inning, when 25-year old CF Greg Yates (.293/.364/.448, 8 HR, 48 RBI, 43 BB, 3.3 WAR) belted a two-out, three-run home run, making the score 4-0 at that point. Key Trade: January 25 with the Brunswick Legends: To Wellington – 30-year old RHP Mhelter Pilapil (52/52) To Brunswick – 20-year old minor league RF Luke Langworthy (20/39) *Knee-jerk reaction:* A head-scratcher for a couple of reasons, but not with Mhelter Pilapil himself. The 10-year veteran is a serviceable pitcher whose greatest strength is above average movement (60/60) and keeping the ball in the park. He is a one-time all-star who is viewed by scouts as a back end of the rotation starter. But with Wellington he has moved into the No. 1 spot, replacing RHP Baskin Arncaple (50/58) who has inexplicably been demoted to Triple-A despite being the Athletics’ top pitcher. In return, the Legends receive the young Langworthy, a former 7th-round pick from 1955-56. The 6’-3” outfielder has some skill at the plate and in the field, but nothing that would project him to one day be a starter in the ULB. With the departure of Pilapil, Brunswick is obviously committing itself to its three young starters: 25-year old RHP Dave Ball (50/55), 23-year old RHP Rio Hanscombe (49/64) and 21-year old LHP Randy Goodwin (47/54). -------- The Braeland City Monarchs continue to meander along as a just below .500 team – not awful, but neither a playoff contender as well. Although they have some young talent going through some growing pains, it appears the Monarchs will need further reinforcements if they want to return to the playoffs, which appears they’ll miss for the fifth straight season. Those reinforcements will mostly likely come from future amateur drafts. That will be a shame because once those future prospects start making an impact at the major league level, 32-year old 2B Patrick Lidgate (.282/.378/.497, 14 HR, 50 RBI, 50 BB, 4 SB, 4.8 WAR), one of the top players in the league, will be long past his prime. Besides Lidgate, 1B Dean Witherden (.306/.355/.532, 20 HR, 67 RBI, 26 BB, 2.6 WAR) has been producing at a high level. But at age 34, one wonders how much longer he can maintain it. Besides Witherden, 27-year old RF Aidan Trembath (.305/.344/.453, 14 HR, 50 RBI, 25 BB, 2.2 WAR) and 28-year old LF Hayden Goodale (.252/.324/.466, 20 HR, 63 RBI, 42 BB, 2.4 WAR) have also provided offensive support. 22-year CF Bernard Burkitt (.261/.298/.384, 5 HR, 45 RBI, 16 BB, 6 SB, 3.3 WAR) is still growing at the plate. While he is tied for the lead for triples in East (9), he is also tied for the lead in strikeouts among active players in the East (70). His defense remains jaw-dropping (.990 PCT, 4.16 RNG, +19.8 ZR, 1.078 EFF). The pitching staff is really struggling right now. Having said that, 31-year old LHP Larry Kovnats (12-7, 3.20 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 3.49 FIP, 120 ERA+) is enjoying the best season of his 10-year career, earning his first all-star selection. 21-year old sophomore LHP Charlie Honeysett (5-2, 3.52 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 3.61 FIP, 109 ERA+) meanwhile, is in the process of getting acclimated to the majors. The two standouts in the bullpen have been 24-year old sophomore RHP Jonathan Brookins (7-4, 8 SV, 2.91 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 3.37FIP, 132 ERA+) and 27-year old RHP Clive Howard (1-1, 2 SV, 2.76 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 3.18 FIP, 139 ERA+). All-Star Selections: SP Larry Kovnats (1st) 1B Dean Witherden (8th) 2B Patrick Lidgate (9th) LF Hayden Goodale (4th) RF Aidan Trembeth (6th) Player of the Week Awards: January 13 – RF Aidan Trembath (.379, 11 H, 2 HR, 6 RBI) Noteworthy: January 10 – RF Aidan Trembath completed the 35th Cycle in United Leagues history in the Monarchs 13-1 trouncing over the visiting Embro Suns. Trembath doubled in the 1st, hit an RBI single in the 2nd, hit an RBI triple in the 4th and hit a solo-shot off RHP Phil McKelvey in the 5th. In all, he went 4 for 4 with 3 R and 3 RBI. Trembath is the 4th Monarch to hit for the cycle and the first since Adam Ashley accomplished it way back in December 1939, over 18 years ago. -------- Its official – the Brunswick Legends have thrown in the towel. After winning 97 games and reaching the United Cup finals last season, the Legends have deemed that accomplishment a fluke and are now in full-blown rebuild mode. That became evident when they traded their franchise player, 29-year old C Robert Kersey (.275/.350/.441, 14 HR, 45 RBI, 40 BB, 3.1 WAR) on January 21 to the Sherburn Tigers (more on that move in the Western League report). Four days later, they traded their No. 2 starter, 30-year old RHP Mhelter Pilapil to Wellington. What remains is not pretty. 36-year old 3B Jorge Arrendondo (.264/.350/423, 11 HR, 46 RBI, 52 BB, 3.0 WAR) and 27-year old RF Jay Mitchell (.282/.354/.455, 11 HR, 39 RBI, 31 BB, 1.6 WAR) are the only two productive players in the lineup. As a result of the recent trades, the rotation currently in flux as well. Only No. 4 starter, 21-year old rookie LHP Randy Goodwin (5-2, 2.51 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 3.53 FIP, 153 ERA+) is enjoying some success. In the bullpen, 36-year old stopper RHP Lao Chen (4-2, 11 SV, 2.01 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 2.10 FIP, 191 ERA+) and 28-year old LHP Ron Killingworth (2-0, 2 SV, 1.93 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 2.69 FIP, 198 ERA+) have been outstanding. All-Star Selections: C Robert Kersey (7th) 3B Jorge Arredondo (4th) -------- If wins and losses were solely determined by offense, the Embro Suns would be near the top of the standings in the East. Alas, teams still need a reliable pitching staff to contend, and the Suns don’t have it. Their farm system is devoid of pitching prospects as well. Embro’s neglect of their pitching needs has been a trend for the past several seasons and until they address it, they will continue to be a second-division squad. That neglect and lack of urgency is a shame because Embro actually has an impressive lineup, one of the most productive in the United Leagues. 24-year old 1B Damien Whetter (.304/.389/.534, 18 HR, 52 RBI, 46 BB, 3.6 WAR) and 28-year old LF Jesús Abreu (.289/.389/.504, 22 HR, 59 RBI, 60 BB, 3.5 WAR) comprise a powerful 1-2 punch in the heart of the lineup. They are ably supported by 27-year old SS Kieron Bradridge (.301/.336/.443, 10 HR, 35 RBI, 20 BB, 3.7 WAR) and 29-year old C Gareth Mawle (.313/.369/.486, 6 HR, 42 RBI, 22 BB, 2.6 WAR). On the other hand, 29-year old 3B Moromao Nakagawa (.253/.319/.403, 14 HR, 66 RBI, 37 BB, 1.8 WAR) has been struggling since he batted .344/.404/.544 in October. He is rated at 70/70, so he should still have plenty left in the tank. As mentioned, the pitching staff is an unmitigated disaster. Only No. 4 starter, 28-year old RHP Alastair Hahn (3-5, 3.20 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 3.33 FIP, 119 ERA+) and 27-year old stopper RHP Rob Gladstone (4-4, 13 SV, 1.88 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 3.04 FIP, 202 ERA+) have been competent. Losing No. 1 starter, 30-year old RHP Bradley Strawson (9-5, 3.72 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 3.24 FIP, 102 ERA+) to injury has not helped matters either. All-Star Selections: ST Rob Gladstone (3rd) C Gareth Mawle (3rd) 1B Damien Whetter (1st) SS Kieron Bradridge (3rd) LF Jesús Abreu (3rd) Player of the Week Awards: December 2 – LF Jesús Abreu (.440, 11 H, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 9 R) December 23 – C Gareth Mawle (.474, 9 H, 1 HR, 6 RBI) Noteworthy: December 17 – The visiting Suns took two of three from the Sherburn Tigers, winning the first game 8-4, then throttling them 16-5 on 19 hits in the second. SS Kieron Bradridge went 5 for 6 on the afternoon, collecting three singles, two doubles and 3 runs. Embro erupted in the top of the first, scoring 5 runs. That inning included a 3-run home run from C Gareth Mawle off LHP Brendan Wombwell. January 22 – Embro swept the visiting Braeland City Monarchs, outscoring them 30-15 over the 3-game series. In the third game, the Suns blasted the Monarchs 17-9 on 19 hits. Sparking the Suns to victory was C Gareth Mawle who went 5 for 6. Mawle doubled in the 3rd, hit a 3-run home off RHP Clive Howard in the 4th, singled in the 6th, hit a 2-run double in the 7th and finally hit an RBI double in the 8th. He collected 3 R and 6 RBI. His performance is currently ranked as the top offensive effort this season with a score of 104. -------- The Downie Chiefs ‘earned’ this season’s top draft pick and have a good chance at making the top pick next season. But a stronger than expected January has actually put them into a tie with the Fort Richmond Generals for the worst record in the ULB. Either way, they will be picking high in the draft for the foreseeable future. Their farm system is now ranked 2nd overall, but that talent is still mostly in Double-A. On the other hand, their first overall pick from this season, the No. 1 ranked prospect 23-year old CF Jon Berose (.394/.473/.596, 4 HR, 32 RBI, 29 BB, 28 SB, 189 wRC+, 3.2 WAR – 49/80), is tearing up Double-A and expects to be playing in the majors right now. He is making a strong case, that’s for sure. He has an incredible work ethic and can play anywhere in the outfield and will probably win awards doing so. But at the major league level, fans only have their 11-time all-star, 32-year old 2B Dominic Dudding (.304/.374/.484, 11 HR, 44 RBI, 30 BB, 3.0 WAR) and 29-year old 1B Louie Revill (.287/.339/.466, 14 HR, 46 RBI, 30 BB, 2.4 WAR) giving them something to cheer for when at the plate. 31-year old Connor Bing (.319/.387/.638, 8 HR, 20 RBI, 11 BB, 1.7 WAR) has actually been productive this year when he gets in the lineup, but the Chiefs have elected to give 26-year old Ewan Komaki (.188/.246/.348, 11 HR, 32 RBI, 25 BB, 3 SB, -0.5 WAR) the bulk of the starts in rightfield instead. On the pitching side of the equation, Downie has made a curious move. The Chiefs demoted 26-year old LHP José Hernández (5-6, 2.47 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 4.22 FIP, 151 ERA+) at the end of December, despite being one of their few competent pitchers. For now, 26-year old RHP Stefan Rankin (7-10, 3.29 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 3.52 FIP, 107 ERA+), 23-year old stopper RHP Frank Greggs (3-6, 2.96 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 3.56 FIP, 126 ERA+) and a surprising 25-year old rookie RHP Colm Loveybond (2-2, 2.82 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 3.58 FIP, 132 ERA+ - 32/32) are pitching with any degree of effectiveness. All-Star Selections: 1B Louie Revill (2nd) 2B Dominic Dudding (11th) Player of the Week Awards: January 20 – 2B Dominic Dudding (.533, 8 H, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 3 R) -------- __________________ United Leagues of Braeland