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reds1 · 05-30-2024, 05:01 PM

February 1, 1958

Western League: Tigers, Cannons Playing Catch-Up

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Although the Pulberry Trolleys cooled off just a little bit in January after their torrid start, they remain comfortably in the driver’s seat for first place in the East. That despite an injury to their starting centerfielder, 30-year old Cooper Tyson (.287/.355/.434, 5 HR, 23 RBI, 27 BB, 10 SB, 120 OPS+, 2.9 WAR), who suffered a bone spur in his elbow in late December that has put him on the sidelines for six weeks. His is currently on rehab assignment in Triple-A and is expected back in another week. But a couple of the youngsters have filled in quite nicely. 22-year old CF Joe Riding (.246/.319/.442, 12 HR, 49 RBI, 33 BB, 4 SB, 111 OPS+, 2.1 WAR – 49/64) is showing his promise, especially with his power game and defense – although he needs to cut down on his strikeouts (2nd in the West with 86). Meanwhile, 29-year old 2B Yoshimi Sekozawa (.283/.362/.398, 4 HR, 27 RBI, 25 BB, 113 OPS+, 1.9 WAR – 63/63) is growing into his role as an everyday starter as well.

But the face of the franchise remains 29-year old LF Aidan Thirkettle (.313/.425/.652, 30 HR, 76 RBI, 58 BB, 7 SB, 197 OPS+, 6.8 WAR). While he may not lead the West in any offensive categories this season, he is still phenomenal and is on target for 10.0 WAR. He racked up 11.2 WAR last season. In addition to the players already mentioned, the potent lineup is augmented by 27-year old C Paul England (.286/.342/.502, 16 HR, 54 RBI, 25 BB, 133 OPS+, 3.2 WAR) and 33-year old 1B Ellis Dibble (.318/.361/.524, 17 HR, 53 RBI, 27 BB, 145 OPS+, 3.0 WAR). Dibble is enjoying his best season in four years and was particularly hot in January (.398/.436/.641). But incredibly, the hottest offense in the West does not reside in Pulberry this season; but rather, in Cambria.

But there’s no denying the pitching staff. The rotation is anchored by 22-year old ace LHP Bart Ohara (17-3, 2.06 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, 2.29 FIP, 181 ERA+), who is on pace for 25 wins. Meanwhile, 36-year old RHP Robin Medellin (14-6, 2.46 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 3.46 FIP, 152 ERA+) has been enjoying a late-career renaissance. The 13-year veteran has been elected to five All-Star games, with four of those selections coming within the last four years.

All-Star Selections:

SP Robin Medellin (5th)
SP Bart Ohara(3rd)
C Paul England (3rd)
1B Ellis Dibble (5th)
LF Aidan Thirkettle (6th)

Player of the Week Awards:

December 30 – LF Aidan Thirkettle (.364, 8 H, 3 HR, 6 RBI)
January 13 – LF Aidan Thirkettle (.409, 9 H, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 9 R)
January 27 – LF Ángelo Ríos (.643, 9 H, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 4 R)

Noteworthy:

December 11 – The Trolleys dropped two of three to the lowly Suns in Embro, but they triumphed in Game 2, winning 7-2 on 19 hits. Cranking out 5 of them was lead-off hitter, 32-year old 3B Francis Jones (.244/.325/.382, 10 HR, 47 RBI, 46 BB, 5 SB, 97 OPS+, 1.3 WAR), who not only went 5 for 5 on the afternoon, but also completed the 34th Cycle in United Leagues history. Jones doubled in the 1st, singled in the 2nd, hit an RBI triple in the 4th, doubled in the 6th and hit a solo homer off RHP Nelson Wigley in the 9th. He becomes the 4th Trolley to hit for the cycle and the first since CF Cooper Tyson accomplished it back in October 1956.

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Sitting in 4th place at the end of November, the Sherburn Tigers caught fire in December to propel them back into the wildcard. Over the past two seasons, the Tigers wrapped up the wildcard with relative ease. But this season it’s been a dog fight, as the Cambria Cannons continue to nip at their heals. Sherburn still enjoys a productive offense that may have gotten stronger just before the trade deadline to go along with a greatly improved rotation compared to the first two months. But the bullpen remains a concern.

26-year old CF Leon Albrecht (.306/.409/.550, 18 HR, 71 RBI, 68 BB, 5 SB, 158 OPS+, 5.2 WAR), Sherburn’s first overall pick from 1954-55, came alive in December and has been the Tigers’ best player on offense this season. 27-year old LF Ross Shewman (.262/.373/.484, 16 HR, 65 RBI, 61 BB, 131 OPS+, 3.5 WAR) and 28-year old 3B Adrian Flynn (.389/.336/.501, 16 HR, 70 RBI, 21 BB, 124 OPS+, 3.0 WAR) have been the main contributors backing up Albrecht.

His slow start to the season now far in the rearview mirror, 34-year old RHP Jesús Chapa (14-8, 2.66 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 2.95 FIP, 144 ERA+) has been sensational over the past two months, going 9-2, 1.55 ERA, 0.91 WHIP during that stretch and winning Pitching of the Month honours in December. Sherburn absolutely needs their ace to be at his best if they are to continue to compete. 31-year old RHP Ben Buschlen (15-5, 3.01 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 2.94 FIP, 126 ERA+) and 32-year old RHP Kieran Bunce (9-8, 3.63 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 3.46 FIP, 106 ERA+) have both ably supported him. But there are question marks after them.

All-Star Selections:

SP Ben Buschlen (3rd)
SP Jesús Chapa (9th)
RP Callum Benstead (1st)
3B Adrian Flynn (2nd)
SS Dwayne Vick (5th)
LF Ross Shewman (3rd)
CF Leon Albrecht (2nd)

Player of the Week Awards:

December 9 – RF Leon Albrecht (.522, 12 H, 4 HR, 6 RBI)

Key Trade: January 21 with the Brunswick Legends:

To Sherburn – 29-year old C Robert Kersey (72/72)

To Brunswick – 22-year old minor league CF Christie Eldred (41/57)

Knee-jerk reaction: Sherburn swoops in and scores a coup by acquiring Kersey (.275/.350/.441, 14 HR, 45 RBI, 40 BB, 128 OPS+, 3.1 WAR), the No. 2-rated catcher in the United Leagues and a 7-time all-star. By almost any definition therefore, this counts as an automatic upgrade. He possesses quick wrists and can turn on inside pitches, immediately sending them out of the stadium. He has an above average eye and hits for average. His one drawback is that he can be a disruptive influence in the clubhouse. If the Tigers can manage that, then they will have given themselves a tremendous boost in trying to catch the Trolleys or at least hold off the Cannons.

For the Legends, there’s no possible way of replacing a player like Kersey, but their return is still light. Eldred should develop into an above average hitter with some pop and speed with smarts to spare. But whether he’ll develop into an all around elite player is a question mark.

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The Cambria Cannons found more consistency in December and January and even occupied the wildcard spot for a time. It’s been three years since they last made the playoffs and five years since they last won the United Cup. Their offense has emerged as the best in the ULB, but the pitching staff has been another matter. Its one of the weakest in the West and there are precious few reinforcements available. The Cannons have recently promoted their most recent draft selection, 23-year old LHP Derek Willday (0-1, 5.00 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 2.95 FIP, 75 ERA+ - 54/80). The 4th overall pick is pitching out of the No. 2 spot. But their only other pitching prospect of note, 22-year old Leo Lukies (48/66, 2nd-round), also selected from the most recent amateur draft, remains in Double-A.

There’s nothing ‘iffy’ about 28-year old RF Sam Tite (.331/.434/.751, 45 HR, 109 RBI, 63 BB, 223 OPS+, 234 wRC+, 7.5 WAR). The Canadian-born Tite leads the entire United Leagues in 12 offensive categories and is on pace to set new records in HR (67), RBI (161), WAR (11.4) and Total Bases (394). He is just four shy of tying the home run record from last season – a record he shares with Wellington’s Matthew Floyd and 39 RBIs shy of the mark set by Embro’s Jim Friend back in 1940-41 (148). If Tite can remain healthy, the Western League Babe Ruth Award winner should be a forgone conclusion.

But the lineup is not one dimensional. 26-year old 1B Calvin Hanbridge (.313/.399/.528, 17 HR, 56 RBI, 52 BB, 8 SB, 156 OPS+, 4.0 WAR) has been sensational batting right behind Tite in the No. 4 spot. Lead-off hitter 26-year old SS Doug Martin (.284/.355/.416, 5 HR, 30 RBI, 36 BB, 18 SB, 114 OPS+, 1.5 WAR) and No. 5 hitter, 33-year old 3B Louis Torres (.262/.328/.462, 19 HR, 63 RBI, 33 BB, 117 OPS+, 2.5 WAR), have also been productive, propelling the offense to the top in the West.

The pitching, as previously mentioned, is another matter. Only 28-year old ace LHP Bill Southon (12-8, 3.09 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 3.28 FIP, 121 ERA+) has been a reliable arm out of the rotation.

All-Star Selections:

SP Bill Southon (2nd)
2B Doug Martin (1st)
3B Louis Torres (4th)
LF Calvin Hanbridge (5th)
RF Sam Tite (3rd)

Player of the Week Awards:

December 16 – RF Sam Tite (.370, 10 H, 5 HR, 7 RBI, 5 R)
December 23 – 1B Calvin Hanbridge (.455, 10 H, 4 HR, 7 RBI, 6 R)

Noteworthy:

December 23 – The Cannons split a four-game series against the Wolseley Unions, taking the first two. Game 1 saw a tremendous pitching performance by 30-year old RHP Fergus Hirst (7-7, 4.10 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 4.09 FIP, 91 ERA+) as the 9-year veteran pitched a 1-hitter in Cambria’s 5-0 victory. Wolseley’s lone hit came in the top of the 2nd, when RF Steven Burkill lined a two-out, first-pitch double into leftfield. Hirst’s final line was 9.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 4 BB, 8 K, 136 PI, GS: 89. At the plate, he outhit the Unions by going 3 for 4 with a double and 1 R. RF Sam Tite led the offense, going 2 for 4 with 2 R, 2 RBI, 1-2B, 1 HR. His lead-off home run in the bottom of the 4th opened the scoring and proved to be the winning run.

Key Trade: January 26 with the Fort Richmond Generals:

To Cambria – 25-year old LHP John Witheycombe (53/55) and 23-year old minor league RHP Mick Ayres (49/56)

To Fort Richmond – 23-year old minor league CF Danilo Barretto (35/52) and 23-year old minor league RHP Roberto Rodríguez (34/42)

Knee-jerk reaction: With the Cannons competing for a playoff spot while riding a suspect pitching staff, Cambria went out and landed two young pitchers before the trade deadline. While they may not be the impact arms fans were hoping for, they should contribute now and in the future. Witheycombe, a former 2nd-round pick from 1951-52, is a future starter that has seen most of his playing time in the bullpen. That will continue in Cambria as he becomes their new stopper. He has below average stuff (45/45), but wonderful movement (65/70) and control (55/60). His best pitch is his sinker (55/55) but needs to work on his curveball (40/45) and circle change (30/40) if he wants to move into the rotation, which is where the Cannons really need help. The also acquired Ayres, a 4th-round pick from 1952-53. He too is a future starter with below average stuff (40/40) but with terrific movement (70/70) and good control (50/50) that needs to develop his three pitches more before moving into the rotation. For now, he becomes the Cannons’ middle reliever.

The Generals’ haul is rather underwhelming. The Manila-born Barretto was a 12th overall pick from 1955-56 whose greatest assets are his speed and defense. If he fully develops his average to slightly above average batting skills, he could become a starting outfielder one day. Rodríguez, a 4th-round pick from 1956-57, has developed no less than six pitches with his changeup (55/55) being his best. He as decent stuff (50/55) and control (50/55) but will be prone to giving up the long ball (30/35). Scouts feel that he may have a chance to make the occasional start in the majors one day.

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The Balmoral Giants went into a swoon in late December and early January, going on an 8-game losing streak leading up to the All-Star break and falling as much as 9 games below .500. But a 12-4 stretch to the end the month has salvaged some hope for a Giants team that is perhaps a year or so away from contending.

The batters from Nos. 3 to 6 form the heart of Balmoral’s emerging offense. 24-year old CF Quido De Jesús (.308/.378/.434, 5 HR, 36 RBI, 42 BB, 7 SB, 124 OPS+, 3.8 WAR) and 29-year old 1B/LF Juan González (.274/.352/.534, 21 HR, 54 RBI, 33 BB, 3 SB, 141 OPS+, 2.1 WAR) have taken the lead. González was sensational in January and won Batter of the Month honors for his efforts. 32-year old C Alexander Pyatt (.306/.366/.451, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 14 BB, 125 OPS+, 1.4 WAR) and 28-year old 2B Morgan Tyreman (.272/.348/.426, 5 HR, 17 RBI, 17 BB, 113 OPS+, 1.3 WAR) have also contributed when they have gotten into the lineup.

The pitching is not quite where it needs to be to contend, with only 32-year old RHP Wayne Nesling (12-8, 3.37 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 3.45 FIP, 112 ERA+) and an improved 30-year old RHP Harry Dinsmore (7-10, 3.50 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 3.73 FIP, 108 ERA+) providing dependable outings. 21-year old RHP Ashley Tazewell (3-5, 1 SV, 5.09 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, 3.87 FIP, 74 ERA+ - 47/72), Balmoral’s 6th-overall pick from last season, is currently serving as the Giants’ stopper. He is a future ace and team leader.

All-Star Selections:

1B Juan González (1st)
LF Danny Jevons (1st)
CF Quido De Jesús (1st)

Player of the Week Awards:

January 6 – 1B/LF Juan González (.667, 10 H, 5 HR, 13 RBI, 5 R)

Noteworthy:

January 2 – After struggling a bit in December (.167/.245/.405), 1B/LF Juan González came alive in January, winning both his first Player of the Week Award and Player of the Month Award. The beginning of his hot streak can be pinpointed to the third of four games against the visiting Fort Richmond Generals. González went 3 for 4 with 2 HR, 1-2B, 2 R and 7 RBI.
He blasted a 3-run homer in the 1st inning with one out and another 3-run home run in the 5th inning with two out, both off RHP Bob Williams. He added an RBI double in the 7th to help the Giants to a 10-1 victory. Balmoral ended up sweeping the four-game series.

January 4 – Two days later, Juan González was at it again, this time against the Kingston Pelicans. In their 16-4 drubbing of the Pelicans, the Dominican-born González hit 3 home runs in the game. His first came in a 7-run 3rd inning – a one-out, two-run homer off a beleaguered RHP Leon Palfrey. His second home run was a lead-off solo shot in the 4th against RHP Ernesto Luna. The Giants added another 6 runs in the 7th, including González’s third home run, a 3-run homer also off Luna. He also added a single in the 5th. In all, he went 4 for 6 with 3 R and 6 RBI, helping Balmoral to their 6th straight win. González becomes the 22nd player in ULB history to hit 3 home runs in a game and the first Giant to accomplish it since Carlton Broadbent back in October 1943. He is the 3rd Giant overall as, in addition to Broadbent, Domenic Carmody accomplished the feat back in October 1938 – the first player to do so in United Leagues’ history.

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The Hespeler Stars remain in neutral, spinning their wheels for the 21st consecutive season. They are on pace to win nearly 73 games, which would be the most in 11 seasons. So, there is no high hopes in the air in Hespeler once again. But there is an unusual sight on the field – a high draft pick is actually living up to his potential.

25-year old C Aidan Bennie (.348/.396/.566, 15 HR, 54 RBI, 23 BB, 157 OPS+, 4.3 WAR) is having a sensational sophomore season, such that the 2nd-overall pick from 1954-55 is rated as the No. 1 catcher and No. 10 player overall in the United Leagues. He has no weaknesses at the plate and has already won a Ball Hawk Award for his defense. Speed is his only deficiency. Unfortunately, he failed to qualify for his first all-star selection due to an injury a week before the game, even though he was second in voting at the position at the end of December.

But Bennie needs help. 34-year old 2B Zhao-hui Qian (.308/.357/.453, 7 HR, 37 RBI, 24 BB, 118 OPS+, 2.3 WAR) is the only other regular producing consistently – and he his batting out of the No. 7 spot for some reason.

The pitching staff offers more immediate hope. 24-year old sophomore RHP Eduardo Rodríguez (11-12, 3.84 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 3.15 FIP, 100 ERA+ - 51/60) has gone from being the team’s stopper to their ace. Also pitching effectively this season have been from 29-year old RHP Battista Carotta (10-10, 3.13, 1.41 WHIP, 3.49 FIP, 123 ERA+) and 37-year old LHP Patrick Denman (7-12, 3.85 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 4.41 FIP, 100 ERA+).

Joining the rotation in recent weeks has been 21-year old rookie LHP Nico van de Ham (4-5, 6 SV, 34.95 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 3.43 FIP, 97 ERA+ - 46/72). He was a 3rd-round pick from 1954-55 and is viewed as a future ace. Two other future starters are working out of the bullpen: 26-year old stopper RHP Pedro Peña (3-3, 6 SV, 2.95 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 3.90 FIP, 131 ERA+ - 53/56) and 23-year old RHP Zachariah Horton (4-2, 3.23 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 4.27 FIP, 119 OPS+ – 55/59).

All-Star Selections:

SP Battista Carotta (2nd)
CL Nico van der Ham (1st)
2B Zhao-hui Qian (6th)
RF John Anthony (2nd)

Player of the Week Awards:

January 20 – LF Gaberiela Keikikalani (.600, 3 H, 2 HR, 4 RBI)

Noteworthy:

January 5 – The Stars managed to split their four game series against the Cannons in Cambria, thanks to a 12-6 win in the final match. Leading the charge for Hespeler was 25-year old 1B Kai Faulkner (.260/310/.444, 10 HR, 34 RBI, 16 BB, 4 SB, 102 OPS+, 0.7 WAR) who went 5 for 6 in the game. Faulkner hit two doubles as well as a 1st-inning 2-run home run off RHP Ray Lambright. He collected 3 R and 5 RBI in all.

January 27 – Hespeler took two of three from the visiting Cobourg Redlegs. The final game saw a solid effort from RHP Battista Carotta. Despite surrendering 7 walks, Carotta gave up just two hits – both singles – on route to a 4-0 complete game win. His final line was 9.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 7 BB, 3 K, GS: 79. The winning run came in the 4th, when C Aidan Bennie slammed a two-out, solo home run to left field.

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If the Kingston Pelicans played all their games at home, they would a playoff team. Based on percentage, Kingston has the third-best home record (.640) behind just the Pulberry Trolleys and Stratford Barons (tied with .673). Unfortunately for the Pelicans, they are mandated to play half their games in other teams’ ballparks, where they have been miserable thus far, going just .301 (16-37), worst in the majors. That leaves them just behind the Fort Richmond Generals (.302, 13-30).

The offense remains the most glaring weakness. Only 27-year old RF Chris Ramsbottom (.290/.348/.427, 10 HR, 35 RBI, 32 BB, 11 SB, 110 OPS+, 3.6 WAR), 24-year old CF Dan Hesketh (.269/.334/.467, 15 HR, 44 RBI, 33 BB, 116 OPS+, 3.0 WAR) and 27-year old C Ronald Armstrong (.260/.318/.500, 17 HR, 49 RBI, 28 BB, 119 OPS+, 2.7 WAR) are providing any kind of spark on offense. But it appears 25-year old Andy Wearne (.356/.414/.475, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 10 BB, 142 OPS+, 1.3 WAR – 54/58) is finally getting regular starts at third, which should only help what has been an inconsistent lineup.

The rotation remains unimpressive, but the top three starters have been reasonably steady, namely 31-year old RHP Brian Marsland (10-11, 3.40 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 3.82 FIP, 113 ERA+), 23-year old rookie LHP Logan Hoadley (2-3, 3.16 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 3.62 FIP, 121 ERA+ - 39/46) and 31-year old RHP Connor Naysmith (9-9, 3.68 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 4.47 FIP, 104 ERA+).

The bullpen remains the top unit in the West, led by 28-year old stopper RHP Lester Beddoes (3-2, 12 SV, 3.09 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 3.06 FIP, 124 ERA+) and especially 24-year old sophomore RHP Jacob Jones (3-1, 1.24 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 2.81 FIP, 309 ERA+).

All-Star Selections:

C Ronald Armstrong (2nd)
CF Dan Hesketh (1st)
RF Chris Ramsbottom (3rd)

Noteworthy:

December 31 – On the final day of 1957, the Pelicans salvaged a win in their three-game series against the Sherburn Tigers. 25-year old 1B Ira Bannatyne (.247/.298/.445, 19 HR, 74 RBI, 27 BB, 100 OPS+, 0.9 WAR) led the way in the Pelicans’ 7-2 win, going 5 for 5. Bannatyne hit a two-out solo shot off RHP Ben Buschlen in the 1st, then added three singles and an RBI double. He collected 3 R and 2 RBI.

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Although the Wolseley Unions bounced back in December and January – relatively speaking – its comfortable to say that the Unions will be missing the playoffs for the 6th straight season, after seven straight playoff appearances and three United Cup championships. For Wolseley, its all about rebuilding, but the rebuild has not been a smooth one. A number of prospects have yet to find their game on the major league roster and are still going through some rough patches. If they can all work things out, the Unions’ fortunes could take a sudden turn north.

28-year old 1B Carlos Ortíz (.279/.340/.493, 19 HR, 57 RBI, 33 BB, 124 OPS+, 2.7 WAR) currently stands as Wolseley’s best all-around player, while 36-year old RF Carlton Hawking (.277/.384/.422, 9 HR, 43 RBI, 57 BB, 120 OPS+, 1.4 WAR) remains productive at the plate. But the club is still waiting for 23-year old sophomore CF Jonathan Higgins (.255/.324/.349, 3 HR, 32 RBI, 38 BB, 12 SB, 83 OPS+, 1.3 WAR – 58/64), last season’s 2nd overall pick, to bounce back from a ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered a year ago. He has been dealing with mild shoulder inflammation this past week. Batting out of the No. 5 spot, the Unions are hoping that 23-year old 2B Jack Jarrom (.221/.286/.315, 4 HR, 27 RBI, 25 BB, 64 OPS+, 0.4 WAR – 43/79) can soon find his groove as well. Jarrom was the 1st overall pick at last season’s amateur draft.

It’s a similar situation with the pitching staff. 32-year old ace RHP Roberto Garza (13-7, 2.84 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 3.17 FIP, 135 ERA+) has been far and away the Unions’ best pitcher. He is currently ranked 8th overall among pitchers in the United Leagues and won his first Pitcher of the Month honour in January. But there is a steep drop-off after him. Wolseley desperately needs both 22-year old RHP Theo Morse (6-15, 3.95 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 3.27 FIP, 97 ERA+ - 54/80) and 24-year old sophomore RHP Yasuo Yamauchi (9-7, 4.44 REA, 1.42 WHIP, 4.19 FIP, 86 ERA+ - 46/58) to settle in before the Unions can entertain any thoughts of becoming relevant again. Both are former second-round picks. After struggling in the first half of the season, Morse saw a noticeable improvement in January (2-4, 2.20 ERA, 1.35 WHIP).

All-Star Selections:

SP Roberto Garza (5th)
C Mike Hutchison (1st)
1B Carlos Ortíz (4th)

Noteworthy:

January 11 – The Unions defeated the Hespeler Stars 4-2 for their third win in a row, but the biggest celebration was reserved for their 36-year old leftfielder Carlton Hawking who became the fourth player in ULB history to reach 2500 career hits. The milestone hit came in the 6th inning, when the 3-time Babe Ruth Award winner doubled with two out against RHP Eduardo Rodríguez. Hawking added another double in the bottom of the 8th to go 2 for 4 with one RBI on the day.

January 22 – The Stars were the victims once again, as the Unions swept a 3-game series in Hespeler. In game three, 38-year old RHP Aaron Saunderson (5-13, 4.35 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 3.54 FIP, 88 ERA+) led Wolseley to an 8-4 victory and the 250th win of his career. He went the distance in his milestone game, going 9.0 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 128 PI, GS: 54. He becomes just the third pitcher to reach the 250-win milestone and is just two wins away from setting the all-time record in the ULB.

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Its as bad as it can get right now for the Fort Richmond Generals. The last place team has selected 2nd overall in the annual amateur draft the past two seasons and they will be selecting high once again next year – either a second or first-round pick. They will need it. Although the Generals’ farm system is ranked third overall, there is a paucity of talent on the major league roster. It will be a while before this squad becomes relevant again.

On offense, 26-year old C Scott Sheelah (.252/.366/.443, 14 HR, 42 RBI, 49 BB, 127 OPS+, 4.3 WAR) is the only player of note. He is currently ranked 3rd overall among catchers and a bona fide all-star. 25-year old sophomore 1B Takuji Kanno (.263/.313/.403, 9 HR, 39 RBI, 27 BB, 100 OPS+, 1.0 WAR – 49/50) is still developing but his overall projection is little more than an average starter in the ULB.

The pitching staff comprises just two quality pitchers as of now: 24-year old RHP Kenete Yuri (5-11, 2.92 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 2.92 FIP, 127 ERA+ - 44/72) and 22-year old stopper RHP Shotaro Tsuji (6-6, 11 SV, 4.06 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 3.89 FIP, 92 ERA+ - 55/66). While Yuri has gotten stronger as the season has worn on (2-4, 1.99 ERA, 1.29 WHP in January), Tsuji has been going in the opposite direction (5-6, 6 SV, 6.85 ERA, 1.82 WHIP in December/January).

All-Star Selections:

SP Kenete Yuri (1st)
RF John Witheycombe (2nd)
C Scott Sheelah (2nd)

Player of the Week Awards:

December 2 – LF José Ibarra (.583, 7 H, 4 HR, 6 RBI)

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05-30-2024, 05:01 PM	#830
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,929	February 1, 1958 Western League: Tigers, Cannons Playing Catch-Up -------- Although the Pulberry Trolleys cooled off just a little bit in January after their torrid start, they remain comfortably in the driver’s seat for first place in the East. That despite an injury to their starting centerfielder, 30-year old Cooper Tyson (.287/.355/.434, 5 HR, 23 RBI, 27 BB, 10 SB, 120 OPS+, 2.9 WAR), who suffered a bone spur in his elbow in late December that has put him on the sidelines for six weeks. His is currently on rehab assignment in Triple-A and is expected back in another week. But a couple of the youngsters have filled in quite nicely. 22-year old CF Joe Riding (.246/.319/.442, 12 HR, 49 RBI, 33 BB, 4 SB, 111 OPS+, 2.1 WAR – 49/64) is showing his promise, especially with his power game and defense – although he needs to cut down on his strikeouts (2nd in the West with 86). Meanwhile, 29-year old 2B Yoshimi Sekozawa (.283/.362/.398, 4 HR, 27 RBI, 25 BB, 113 OPS+, 1.9 WAR – 63/63) is growing into his role as an everyday starter as well. But the face of the franchise remains 29-year old LF Aidan Thirkettle (.313/.425/.652, 30 HR, 76 RBI, 58 BB, 7 SB, 197 OPS+, 6.8 WAR). While he may not lead the West in any offensive categories this season, he is still phenomenal and is on target for 10.0 WAR. He racked up 11.2 WAR last season. In addition to the players already mentioned, the potent lineup is augmented by 27-year old C Paul England (.286/.342/.502, 16 HR, 54 RBI, 25 BB, 133 OPS+, 3.2 WAR) and 33-year old 1B Ellis Dibble (.318/.361/.524, 17 HR, 53 RBI, 27 BB, 145 OPS+, 3.0 WAR). Dibble is enjoying his best season in four years and was particularly hot in January (.398/.436/.641). But incredibly, the hottest offense in the West does not reside in Pulberry this season; but rather, in Cambria. But there’s no denying the pitching staff. The rotation is anchored by 22-year old ace LHP Bart Ohara (17-3, 2.06 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, 2.29 FIP, 181 ERA+), who is on pace for 25 wins. Meanwhile, 36-year old RHP Robin Medellin (14-6, 2.46 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 3.46 FIP, 152 ERA+) has been enjoying a late-career renaissance. The 13-year veteran has been elected to five All-Star games, with four of those selections coming within the last four years. All-Star Selections: SP Robin Medellin (5th) SP Bart Ohara(3rd) C Paul England (3rd) 1B Ellis Dibble (5th) LF Aidan Thirkettle (6th) Player of the Week Awards: December 30 – LF Aidan Thirkettle (.364, 8 H, 3 HR, 6 RBI) January 13 – LF Aidan Thirkettle (.409, 9 H, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 9 R) January 27 – LF Ángelo Ríos (.643, 9 H, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 4 R) Noteworthy: December 11 – The Trolleys dropped two of three to the lowly Suns in Embro, but they triumphed in Game 2, winning 7-2 on 19 hits. Cranking out 5 of them was lead-off hitter, 32-year old 3B Francis Jones (.244/.325/.382, 10 HR, 47 RBI, 46 BB, 5 SB, 97 OPS+, 1.3 WAR), who not only went 5 for 5 on the afternoon, but also completed the 34th Cycle in United Leagues history. Jones doubled in the 1st, singled in the 2nd, hit an RBI triple in the 4th, doubled in the 6th and hit a solo homer off RHP Nelson Wigley in the 9th. He becomes the 4th Trolley to hit for the cycle and the first since CF Cooper Tyson accomplished it back in October 1956. -------- Sitting in 4th place at the end of November, the Sherburn Tigers caught fire in December to propel them back into the wildcard. Over the past two seasons, the Tigers wrapped up the wildcard with relative ease. But this season it’s been a dog fight, as the Cambria Cannons continue to nip at their heals. Sherburn still enjoys a productive offense that may have gotten stronger just before the trade deadline to go along with a greatly improved rotation compared to the first two months. But the bullpen remains a concern. 26-year old CF Leon Albrecht (.306/.409/.550, 18 HR, 71 RBI, 68 BB, 5 SB, 158 OPS+, 5.2 WAR), Sherburn’s first overall pick from 1954-55, came alive in December and has been the Tigers’ best player on offense this season. 27-year old LF Ross Shewman (.262/.373/.484, 16 HR, 65 RBI, 61 BB, 131 OPS+, 3.5 WAR) and 28-year old 3B Adrian Flynn (.389/.336/.501, 16 HR, 70 RBI, 21 BB, 124 OPS+, 3.0 WAR) have been the main contributors backing up Albrecht. His slow start to the season now far in the rearview mirror, 34-year old RHP Jesús Chapa (14-8, 2.66 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 2.95 FIP, 144 ERA+) has been sensational over the past two months, going 9-2, 1.55 ERA, 0.91 WHIP during that stretch and winning Pitching of the Month honours in December. Sherburn absolutely needs their ace to be at his best if they are to continue to compete. 31-year old RHP Ben Buschlen (15-5, 3.01 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 2.94 FIP, 126 ERA+) and 32-year old RHP Kieran Bunce (9-8, 3.63 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 3.46 FIP, 106 ERA+) have both ably supported him. But there are question marks after them. All-Star Selections: SP Ben Buschlen (3rd) SP Jesús Chapa (9th) RP Callum Benstead (1st) 3B Adrian Flynn (2nd) SS Dwayne Vick (5th) LF Ross Shewman (3rd) CF Leon Albrecht (2nd) Player of the Week Awards: December 9 – RF Leon Albrecht (.522, 12 H, 4 HR, 6 RBI) Key Trade: January 21 with the Brunswick Legends: To Sherburn – 29-year old C Robert Kersey (72/72) To Brunswick – 22-year old minor league CF Christie Eldred (41/57) *Knee-jerk reaction:* Sherburn swoops in and scores a coup by acquiring Kersey (.275/.350/.441, 14 HR, 45 RBI, 40 BB, 128 OPS+, 3.1 WAR), the No. 2-rated catcher in the United Leagues and a 7-time all-star. By almost any definition therefore, this counts as an automatic upgrade. He possesses quick wrists and can turn on inside pitches, immediately sending them out of the stadium. He has an above average eye and hits for average. His one drawback is that he can be a disruptive influence in the clubhouse. If the Tigers can manage that, then they will have given themselves a tremendous boost in trying to catch the Trolleys or at least hold off the Cannons. For the Legends, there’s no possible way of replacing a player like Kersey, but their return is still light. Eldred should develop into an above average hitter with some pop and speed with smarts to spare. But whether he’ll develop into an all around elite player is a question mark. -------- The Cambria Cannons found more consistency in December and January and even occupied the wildcard spot for a time. It’s been three years since they last made the playoffs and five years since they last won the United Cup. Their offense has emerged as the best in the ULB, but the pitching staff has been another matter. Its one of the weakest in the West and there are precious few reinforcements available. The Cannons have recently promoted their most recent draft selection, 23-year old LHP Derek Willday (0-1, 5.00 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 2.95 FIP, 75 ERA+ - 54/80). The 4th overall pick is pitching out of the No. 2 spot. But their only other pitching prospect of note, 22-year old Leo Lukies (48/66, 2nd-round), also selected from the most recent amateur draft, remains in Double-A. There’s nothing ‘iffy’ about 28-year old RF Sam Tite (.331/.434/.751, 45 HR, 109 RBI, 63 BB, 223 OPS+, 234 wRC+, 7.5 WAR). The Canadian-born Tite leads the entire United Leagues in 12 offensive categories and is on pace to set new records in HR (67), RBI (161), WAR (11.4) and Total Bases (394). He is just four shy of tying the home run record from last season – a record he shares with Wellington’s Matthew Floyd and 39 RBIs shy of the mark set by Embro’s Jim Friend back in 1940-41 (148). If Tite can remain healthy, the Western League Babe Ruth Award winner should be a forgone conclusion. But the lineup is not one dimensional. 26-year old 1B Calvin Hanbridge (.313/.399/.528, 17 HR, 56 RBI, 52 BB, 8 SB, 156 OPS+, 4.0 WAR) has been sensational batting right behind Tite in the No. 4 spot. Lead-off hitter 26-year old SS Doug Martin (.284/.355/.416, 5 HR, 30 RBI, 36 BB, 18 SB, 114 OPS+, 1.5 WAR) and No. 5 hitter, 33-year old 3B Louis Torres (.262/.328/.462, 19 HR, 63 RBI, 33 BB, 117 OPS+, 2.5 WAR), have also been productive, propelling the offense to the top in the West. The pitching, as previously mentioned, is another matter. Only 28-year old ace LHP Bill Southon (12-8, 3.09 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 3.28 FIP, 121 ERA+) has been a reliable arm out of the rotation. All-Star Selections: SP Bill Southon (2nd) 2B Doug Martin (1st) 3B Louis Torres (4th) LF Calvin Hanbridge (5th) RF Sam Tite (3rd) Player of the Week Awards: December 16 – RF Sam Tite (.370, 10 H, 5 HR, 7 RBI, 5 R) December 23 – 1B Calvin Hanbridge (.455, 10 H, 4 HR, 7 RBI, 6 R) Noteworthy: December 23 – The Cannons split a four-game series against the Wolseley Unions, taking the first two. Game 1 saw a tremendous pitching performance by 30-year old RHP Fergus Hirst (7-7, 4.10 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 4.09 FIP, 91 ERA+) as the 9-year veteran pitched a 1-hitter in Cambria’s 5-0 victory. Wolseley’s lone hit came in the top of the 2nd, when RF Steven Burkill lined a two-out, first-pitch double into leftfield. Hirst’s final line was 9.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 4 BB, 8 K, 136 PI, GS: 89. At the plate, he outhit the Unions by going 3 for 4 with a double and 1 R. RF Sam Tite led the offense, going 2 for 4 with 2 R, 2 RBI, 1-2B, 1 HR. His lead-off home run in the bottom of the 4th opened the scoring and proved to be the winning run. Key Trade: January 26 with the Fort Richmond Generals: To Cambria – 25-year old LHP John Witheycombe (53/55) and 23-year old minor league RHP Mick Ayres (49/56) To Fort Richmond – 23-year old minor league CF Danilo Barretto (35/52) and 23-year old minor league RHP Roberto Rodríguez (34/42) *Knee-jerk reaction:* With the Cannons competing for a playoff spot while riding a suspect pitching staff, Cambria went out and landed two young pitchers before the trade deadline. While they may not be the impact arms fans were hoping for, they should contribute now and in the future. Witheycombe, a former 2nd-round pick from 1951-52, is a future starter that has seen most of his playing time in the bullpen. That will continue in Cambria as he becomes their new stopper. He has below average stuff (45/45), but wonderful movement (65/70) and control (55/60). His best pitch is his sinker (55/55) but needs to work on his curveball (40/45) and circle change (30/40) if he wants to move into the rotation, which is where the Cannons really need help. The also acquired Ayres, a 4th-round pick from 1952-53. He too is a future starter with below average stuff (40/40) but with terrific movement (70/70) and good control (50/50) that needs to develop his three pitches more before moving into the rotation. For now, he becomes the Cannons’ middle reliever. The Generals’ haul is rather underwhelming. The Manila-born Barretto was a 12th overall pick from 1955-56 whose greatest assets are his speed and defense. If he fully develops his average to slightly above average batting skills, he could become a starting outfielder one day. Rodríguez, a 4th-round pick from 1956-57, has developed no less than six pitches with his changeup (55/55) being his best. He as decent stuff (50/55) and control (50/55) but will be prone to giving up the long ball (30/35). Scouts feel that he may have a chance to make the occasional start in the majors one day. -------- The Balmoral Giants went into a swoon in late December and early January, going on an 8-game losing streak leading up to the All-Star break and falling as much as 9 games below .500. But a 12-4 stretch to the end the month has salvaged some hope for a Giants team that is perhaps a year or so away from contending. The batters from Nos. 3 to 6 form the heart of Balmoral’s emerging offense. 24-year old CF Quido De Jesús (.308/.378/.434, 5 HR, 36 RBI, 42 BB, 7 SB, 124 OPS+, 3.8 WAR) and 29-year old 1B/LF Juan González (.274/.352/.534, 21 HR, 54 RBI, 33 BB, 3 SB, 141 OPS+, 2.1 WAR) have taken the lead. González was sensational in January and won Batter of the Month honors for his efforts. 32-year old C Alexander Pyatt (.306/.366/.451, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 14 BB, 125 OPS+, 1.4 WAR) and 28-year old 2B Morgan Tyreman (.272/.348/.426, 5 HR, 17 RBI, 17 BB, 113 OPS+, 1.3 WAR) have also contributed when they have gotten into the lineup. The pitching is not quite where it needs to be to contend, with only 32-year old RHP Wayne Nesling (12-8, 3.37 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 3.45 FIP, 112 ERA+) and an improved 30-year old RHP Harry Dinsmore (7-10, 3.50 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 3.73 FIP, 108 ERA+) providing dependable outings. 21-year old RHP Ashley Tazewell (3-5, 1 SV, 5.09 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, 3.87 FIP, 74 ERA+ - 47/72), Balmoral’s 6th-overall pick from last season, is currently serving as the Giants’ stopper. He is a future ace and team leader. All-Star Selections: 1B Juan González (1st) LF Danny Jevons (1st) CF Quido De Jesús (1st) Player of the Week Awards: January 6 – 1B/LF Juan González (.667, 10 H, 5 HR, 13 RBI, 5 R) Noteworthy: January 2 – After struggling a bit in December (.167/.245/.405), 1B/LF Juan González came alive in January, winning both his first Player of the Week Award and Player of the Month Award. The beginning of his hot streak can be pinpointed to the third of four games against the visiting Fort Richmond Generals. González went 3 for 4 with 2 HR, 1-2B, 2 R and 7 RBI. He blasted a 3-run homer in the 1st inning with one out and another 3-run home run in the 5th inning with two out, both off RHP Bob Williams. He added an RBI double in the 7th to help the Giants to a 10-1 victory. Balmoral ended up sweeping the four-game series. January 4 – Two days later, Juan González was at it again, this time against the Kingston Pelicans. In their 16-4 drubbing of the Pelicans, the Dominican-born González hit 3 home runs in the game. His first came in a 7-run 3rd inning – a one-out, two-run homer off a beleaguered RHP Leon Palfrey. His second home run was a lead-off solo shot in the 4th against RHP Ernesto Luna. The Giants added another 6 runs in the 7th, including González’s third home run, a 3-run homer also off Luna. He also added a single in the 5th. In all, he went 4 for 6 with 3 R and 6 RBI, helping Balmoral to their 6th straight win. González becomes the 22nd player in ULB history to hit 3 home runs in a game and the first Giant to accomplish it since Carlton Broadbent back in October 1943. He is the 3rd Giant overall as, in addition to Broadbent, Domenic Carmody accomplished the feat back in October 1938 – the first player to do so in United Leagues’ history. -------- The Hespeler Stars remain in neutral, spinning their wheels for the 21st consecutive season. They are on pace to win nearly 73 games, which would be the most in 11 seasons. So, there is no high hopes in the air in Hespeler once again. But there is an unusual sight on the field – a high draft pick is actually living up to his potential. 25-year old C Aidan Bennie (.348/.396/.566, 15 HR, 54 RBI, 23 BB, 157 OPS+, 4.3 WAR) is having a sensational sophomore season, such that the 2nd-overall pick from 1954-55 is rated as the No. 1 catcher and No. 10 player overall in the United Leagues. He has no weaknesses at the plate and has already won a Ball Hawk Award for his defense. Speed is his only deficiency. Unfortunately, he failed to qualify for his first all-star selection due to an injury a week before the game, even though he was second in voting at the position at the end of December. But Bennie needs help. 34-year old 2B Zhao-hui Qian (.308/.357/.453, 7 HR, 37 RBI, 24 BB, 118 OPS+, 2.3 WAR) is the only other regular producing consistently – and he his batting out of the No. 7 spot for some reason. The pitching staff offers more immediate hope. 24-year old sophomore RHP Eduardo Rodríguez (11-12, 3.84 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 3.15 FIP, 100 ERA+ - 51/60) has gone from being the team’s stopper to their ace. Also pitching effectively this season have been from 29-year old RHP Battista Carotta (10-10, 3.13, 1.41 WHIP, 3.49 FIP, 123 ERA+) and 37-year old LHP Patrick Denman (7-12, 3.85 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 4.41 FIP, 100 ERA+). Joining the rotation in recent weeks has been 21-year old rookie LHP Nico van de Ham (4-5, 6 SV, 34.95 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 3.43 FIP, 97 ERA+ - 46/72). He was a 3rd-round pick from 1954-55 and is viewed as a future ace. Two other future starters are working out of the bullpen: 26-year old stopper RHP Pedro Peña (3-3, 6 SV, 2.95 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 3.90 FIP, 131 ERA+ - 53/56) and 23-year old RHP Zachariah Horton (4-2, 3.23 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 4.27 FIP, 119 OPS+ – 55/59). All-Star Selections: SP Battista Carotta (2nd) CL Nico van der Ham (1st) 2B Zhao-hui Qian (6th) RF John Anthony (2nd) Player of the Week Awards: January 20 – LF Gaberiela Keikikalani (.600, 3 H, 2 HR, 4 RBI) Noteworthy: January 5 – The Stars managed to split their four game series against the Cannons in Cambria, thanks to a 12-6 win in the final match. Leading the charge for Hespeler was 25-year old 1B Kai Faulkner (.260/310/.444, 10 HR, 34 RBI, 16 BB, 4 SB, 102 OPS+, 0.7 WAR) who went 5 for 6 in the game. Faulkner hit two doubles as well as a 1st-inning 2-run home run off RHP Ray Lambright. He collected 3 R and 5 RBI in all. January 27 – Hespeler took two of three from the visiting Cobourg Redlegs. The final game saw a solid effort from RHP Battista Carotta. Despite surrendering 7 walks, Carotta gave up just two hits – both singles – on route to a 4-0 complete game win. His final line was 9.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 7 BB, 3 K, GS: 79. The winning run came in the 4th, when C Aidan Bennie slammed a two-out, solo home run to left field. -------- If the Kingston Pelicans played all their games at home, they would a playoff team. Based on percentage, Kingston has the third-best home record (.640) behind just the Pulberry Trolleys and Stratford Barons (tied with .673). Unfortunately for the Pelicans, they are mandated to play half their games in other teams’ ballparks, where they have been miserable thus far, going just .301 (16-37), worst in the majors. That leaves them just behind the Fort Richmond Generals (.302, 13-30). The offense remains the most glaring weakness. Only 27-year old RF Chris Ramsbottom (.290/.348/.427, 10 HR, 35 RBI, 32 BB, 11 SB, 110 OPS+, 3.6 WAR), 24-year old CF Dan Hesketh (.269/.334/.467, 15 HR, 44 RBI, 33 BB, 116 OPS+, 3.0 WAR) and 27-year old C Ronald Armstrong (.260/.318/.500, 17 HR, 49 RBI, 28 BB, 119 OPS+, 2.7 WAR) are providing any kind of spark on offense. But it appears 25-year old Andy Wearne (.356/.414/.475, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 10 BB, 142 OPS+, 1.3 WAR – 54/58) is finally getting regular starts at third, which should only help what has been an inconsistent lineup. The rotation remains unimpressive, but the top three starters have been reasonably steady, namely 31-year old RHP Brian Marsland (10-11, 3.40 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 3.82 FIP, 113 ERA+), 23-year old rookie LHP Logan Hoadley (2-3, 3.16 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 3.62 FIP, 121 ERA+ - 39/46) and 31-year old RHP Connor Naysmith (9-9, 3.68 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 4.47 FIP, 104 ERA+). The bullpen remains the top unit in the West, led by 28-year old stopper RHP Lester Beddoes (3-2, 12 SV, 3.09 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 3.06 FIP, 124 ERA+) and especially 24-year old sophomore RHP Jacob Jones (3-1, 1.24 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 2.81 FIP, 309 ERA+). All-Star Selections: C Ronald Armstrong (2nd) CF Dan Hesketh (1st) RF Chris Ramsbottom (3rd) Noteworthy: December 31 – On the final day of 1957, the Pelicans salvaged a win in their three-game series against the Sherburn Tigers. 25-year old 1B Ira Bannatyne (.247/.298/.445, 19 HR, 74 RBI, 27 BB, 100 OPS+, 0.9 WAR) led the way in the Pelicans’ 7-2 win, going 5 for 5. Bannatyne hit a two-out solo shot off RHP Ben Buschlen in the 1st, then added three singles and an RBI double. He collected 3 R and 2 RBI. -------- Although the Wolseley Unions bounced back in December and January – relatively speaking – its comfortable to say that the Unions will be missing the playoffs for the 6th straight season, after seven straight playoff appearances and three United Cup championships. For Wolseley, its all about rebuilding, but the rebuild has not been a smooth one. A number of prospects have yet to find their game on the major league roster and are still going through some rough patches. If they can all work things out, the Unions’ fortunes could take a sudden turn north. 28-year old 1B Carlos Ortíz (.279/.340/.493, 19 HR, 57 RBI, 33 BB, 124 OPS+, 2.7 WAR) currently stands as Wolseley’s best all-around player, while 36-year old RF Carlton Hawking (.277/.384/.422, 9 HR, 43 RBI, 57 BB, 120 OPS+, 1.4 WAR) remains productive at the plate. But the club is still waiting for 23-year old sophomore CF Jonathan Higgins (.255/.324/.349, 3 HR, 32 RBI, 38 BB, 12 SB, 83 OPS+, 1.3 WAR – 58/64), last season’s 2nd overall pick, to bounce back from a ruptured Achilles tendon he suffered a year ago. He has been dealing with mild shoulder inflammation this past week. Batting out of the No. 5 spot, the Unions are hoping that 23-year old 2B Jack Jarrom (.221/.286/.315, 4 HR, 27 RBI, 25 BB, 64 OPS+, 0.4 WAR – 43/79) can soon find his groove as well. Jarrom was the 1st overall pick at last season’s amateur draft. It’s a similar situation with the pitching staff. 32-year old ace RHP Roberto Garza (13-7, 2.84 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 3.17 FIP, 135 ERA+) has been far and away the Unions’ best pitcher. He is currently ranked 8th overall among pitchers in the United Leagues and won his first Pitcher of the Month honour in January. But there is a steep drop-off after him. Wolseley desperately needs both 22-year old RHP Theo Morse (6-15, 3.95 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 3.27 FIP, 97 ERA+ - 54/80) and 24-year old sophomore RHP Yasuo Yamauchi (9-7, 4.44 REA, 1.42 WHIP, 4.19 FIP, 86 ERA+ - 46/58) to settle in before the Unions can entertain any thoughts of becoming relevant again. Both are former second-round picks. After struggling in the first half of the season, Morse saw a noticeable improvement in January (2-4, 2.20 ERA, 1.35 WHIP). All-Star Selections: SP Roberto Garza (5th) C Mike Hutchison (1st) 1B Carlos Ortíz (4th) Noteworthy: January 11 – The Unions defeated the Hespeler Stars 4-2 for their third win in a row, but the biggest celebration was reserved for their 36-year old leftfielder Carlton Hawking who became the fourth player in ULB history to reach 2500 career hits. The milestone hit came in the 6th inning, when the 3-time Babe Ruth Award winner doubled with two out against RHP Eduardo Rodríguez. Hawking added another double in the bottom of the 8th to go 2 for 4 with one RBI on the day. January 22 – The Stars were the victims once again, as the Unions swept a 3-game series in Hespeler. In game three, 38-year old RHP Aaron Saunderson (5-13, 4.35 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 3.54 FIP, 88 ERA+) led Wolseley to an 8-4 victory and the 250th win of his career. He went the distance in his milestone game, going 9.0 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 1 K, 128 PI, GS: 54. He becomes just the third pitcher to reach the 250-win milestone and is just two wins away from setting the all-time record in the ULB. -------- Its as bad as it can get right now for the Fort Richmond Generals. The last place team has selected 2nd overall in the annual amateur draft the past two seasons and they will be selecting high once again next year – either a second or first-round pick. They will need it. Although the Generals’ farm system is ranked third overall, there is a paucity of talent on the major league roster. It will be a while before this squad becomes relevant again. On offense, 26-year old C Scott Sheelah (.252/.366/.443, 14 HR, 42 RBI, 49 BB, 127 OPS+, 4.3 WAR) is the only player of note. He is currently ranked 3rd overall among catchers and a bona fide all-star. 25-year old sophomore 1B Takuji Kanno (.263/.313/.403, 9 HR, 39 RBI, 27 BB, 100 OPS+, 1.0 WAR – 49/50) is still developing but his overall projection is little more than an average starter in the ULB. The pitching staff comprises just two quality pitchers as of now: 24-year old RHP Kenete Yuri (5-11, 2.92 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 2.92 FIP, 127 ERA+ - 44/72) and 22-year old stopper RHP Shotaro Tsuji (6-6, 11 SV, 4.06 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 3.89 FIP, 92 ERA+ - 55/66). While Yuri has gotten stronger as the season has worn on (2-4, 1.99 ERA, 1.29 WHP in January), Tsuji has been going in the opposite direction (5-6, 6 SV, 6.85 ERA, 1.82 WHIP in December/January). All-Star Selections: SP Kenete Yuri (1st) RF John Witheycombe (2nd) C Scott Sheelah (2nd) Player of the Week Awards: December 2 – LF José Ibarra (.583, 7 H, 4 HR, 6 RBI) -------- __________________ United Leagues of Braeland Last edited by reds1; 06-04-2024 at 12:09 AM.