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ayaghmour2 · 03-23-2025, 05:00 PM

Weekly Record: 7-1
Seasonal Record: 59-39 (3rd, 6.5 GB)
Stars of the Week
Dode Caudill : 35 AB, 18 H, 2 HR, 8 RBI, .514 AVG, 1.353 OPS
Dutch Miller : 25 AB, 10 H, 3 HR, 8 RBI, .400 AVG, 1.324 OPS
Jerry McMillan : 33 AB, 12 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI, .364 AVG, 1.084 OPS

Schedule
7-15: Win at Wolves (9-6)
7-16: Win vs Kings (3-5)
7-17: Win vs Kings (5-10)
7-18: Loss vs Kings (5-4): 10 innings
7-19: Win at Imperials (5-4)
7-20: Win at Imperials (12-3)
7-21: Win at Imperials (9-3)
7-21: Win at Imperials (10-4)

Recap
The Cougars are hot!

Too bad no one other then us can beat the Kings...

There's no typo, we went 7-1 this week, but the only problem is we made up just a game and a half and still sit 6.5 games out of first. An impressive 20 games over .500, we're now tied for third in runs scored while continuing to lead the association in runs allowed, and our expected record would give us a half game lead over both Kansas City and Los Angeles. Both teams had great weeks, as the Stars were 6-1 and the Kings 5-2, as the two losses we gave them were there only losses on the week.

Even if it was an extra inning, nail-biter, one-run loss, I can't be mad about anything this week, as the 5-4 game we kept battling back in was one that we have our all. I really wish Buck let Ken Stone go more then 6, as the 23-year-old was at 84 pitches and had allowed just 3 hits and a walk with 4 strikeouts. Pug then came in, allowing 4 hits, and 2 runs with a walk and 3 strikeouts. That blew a 1-0 lead before it went to 2-1, and then errors got Arch Wilson tagged with a loss. 2 of the 3 runs he allowed were unearned, but the veteran did allow 4 hits and 2 walks in his 2 innings. Surprisingly 2-6, he's still been one of our better late inning guys, picking up a save and 7 holds with his 2.78 ERA (150 ERA+), 1.32 WHIP, and 20 strikeouts. His 45.1 innings are lowest on the roster, but he's always ready when he needs to be called upon, and one loss here won't change that one bit.

I have to argue that Dode Caudill should have won Player of the Week, as our budding superstar went 18-for-35 with 2 triples, 2 homers, 3 walks, 4 steals, 8 RBIs, and 13 runs scored. He's been outstanding in July, now batting .388/.464/.565 (176 OPS+) with a double, 4 triples, 2 homers, 10 RBIs, 12 walks, 8 steals, and 27 runs scored. It's harder to do much better then that, but he's stuck in a deep rookie class. A lot can happen in a week and a half, and he's fighting Henry Woods (.355, 16, 58, 6), Mark Boyd (.294, 22, 52), Ed Savage (.306, 14, 54), and Otis Haldeman (.297, 15, 74, 4), not to mention Kings lefty Johnnie Higgins (7-6, 3.16, 97). Barring a breakout that takes us to the playoffs, his best chance at hardware is a monthly award, but his first career Player of the Week certainly would have been nice.

It should be quite obvious that everyone hit this week, as all eight regulars had either a WRC+ or OPS+ of 145 or better. This include Tom Halliday (153 WRC+) and Cal Randall (173 WRC+), who combined to go 21-for-57 with 3 doubles, 9 RBIs, 7 runs, and 4 walks. Always helping on defense, Randall homered and Halliday stole two bases, and it was nice to see the left side of our infield providing value at the plate. If these guys keep hitting, we can make up some games very quickly. I wouldn't expect repeats often, and the same would go for Dutch Miller. Our catcher isn't going to have many more 3 homers weeks, but I love the 18-for-35 effort from our veteran. Driving in 8, he scored 5 runs and drew 2 walks, improving his season line to .246/.345/.375 (94 OPS+). His 105 WRC+ is now slightly above average, as our offseason free agent signing has done well in his new home.

Doc Griffin won both his starts, beating the Kings in Chicago and the Imperials in New York. Against the Conti leaders, Griffin went 5, scattering 3 hits with 2 runs, a walk, and 2 strikeouts before handing it off to Arch Wilson (HLD, 3 IP, 3 H, ER, K) and Pug White (SV, IP, BB). He got six against the Imps, allowing 5 hits with 3 runs and 2 strikeouts. Now 8-3 in his 20 starts, I'm starting to change my approach, as I think I'm now going to give him extra rest when it makes sense. I'm thinking more rest means more innings, and when he pitches he's effective. Home runs are tough, but his 2.1 K/BB is above average and his 1.19 WHIP is 6th in the CA. His two start starter partner was Dick Champ, who had two starts with 1 walk and 3 strikeouts. The first was in the slugfest with the Wolves, as Toronto tagged him for 8 hits and 5 runs, just 4 innings before the pen had to take over. He made up for it before our double header, as Champ went all nine in the 12-3 crushing. Efficient, he needed just 110 pitches to get the job done, allowing us to win a game that was never in doubt.

Earle Turner deserves a shout out to, as he was called on 4 times and responded with 5.2 scoreless innings. Allowing 8 hits and a walk, he struck out 7 to increase his season total to 41. The best starting pitcher on the team according to Dixie Marsh, Turner lowered his season ERA and FIP to 1.09 (380 ERA+) and 2.39 (57 FIP-), and somehow ranks third on the team in WAR (1.3).The 28-year-old picked up his 3rd win and 2nd save, and continues to deliver when called upon. He's two outs away from 50 innings, already the second most innings he's throw in a season. His deceptive sidearm motion works well at our park, as hitters try to elevate and they just roll over his sinker. Lefties see him a little better, but against righties he's pretty much a poor man's Frenchy Mack and batters are they're hitting just .216/.279/.245 against him. An underrated weapon, he's also great in the clubhouse, as he's everyone's friend and he helps the captains keep everything light and under control.

Looking Ahead
Off to start the week, it's a nice seven game homestand with a double header on the 28th. Our first guests are the Cannons (50-51), who just got swept by the team that comes after them, the Wolves (51-48). That one's a little surprising, as the Cannons have one of the better lineups in the game. Dallas Berry (.285, 21, 72, 7) is a perennial Whitney candidate, and when he no longer is, it looks like Bonnie Chapin (.341, 20, 67) or Mark Boyd (.294, 22, 52) could keep up the tradition. Joe Case (.318, 16, 47, 10) is still productive, even if he cooled off some, but there really aren't many weak spots in the lineup. Jim York (5-7, 3.35, 81) has been their best starter, but the rest has been either ineffective or replaced. Our 7-run outing against Charlie Warren (8-7, 4.10, 103) sent him in a tailspin, as he allowed 17 hits, 11 runs, and 7 walks across the two starts that followed. I hope he doesn't get a chance for revenge in the finale, but with an off-day they'll be able to re-arrange their rotation. The Chicagoan may relish the opportunity to pitch in the Windy City as well, as I'm sure he'll have plenty of family in attendance cheering him on.

Toronto doesn't have anyone that fits the bill, but I'm sure they'll want to beat us all the same. I'm hoping they can tire out the Kings with a sweep, and then let their guard down so we can ambush them before the Sunday double header. With so many games we're almost guaranteed to see Arnie Smith (8-5, 4.65, 83) and Phil Colantuono (10-6, 2.86, 91) in the clash. We need to take advantage of the rest of the staff, as I think our guys may struggle with their lefty heavy top five. Chick Reed (.321, 28, 67) is the only right at two, with Sid Cullen (.303, 13, 41), Ed Savage (.306, 14, 54), and Tom Reed (.234, 13, 51) behind. Phil Story (.281, 11, 34, 10) leads it all off, and despite getting swept by us they all got their hits. It's just no one behind them did much of anything, so we were able to get out of Toronto with a crucial sweep.

Minor League Report
CF Bill Reinhard (AA Little Rock Commodores): Yeah. Bill Reinhard was definitely ready for AA!

Celebrating his promotion with another Player of the Week, Reinhard went 7-for-16 with a double, 3 homers, 6 RBIs, and 3 walks. This all translates to a .436/.526/.1.062 (315 OPS+) triple slash, that really pops off the page. Combined with his Rockford numbers he now has 15 doubles, 6 triples, 15 homers, and 57 RBIs, and his presence will let Orlando Benitez get more experience in the corners. He's getting some time in left, and after a few more weeks we'll put him in right. Benitez is the better overall defender, but the defense isn't quite at the level of McMillan and Watson. For Reinhard range is his specialty, so the more time in center he gets the better chance he has of becoming a fourth outfielder.

RF Harry Cummins (C La Crosse Lions): One of the best hitters you've probably never heard of, Harry Cummings hit .343/.488/.636 (178 OPS+) for the Lions last year and is hitting .417/.514/.700 (167 OPS+) in his first 16 games this year. A former 11th Round Pick, he took home Player of the Week, going 11-for-23 with a double, 2 homers, 9 RBIs, 5 runs, 3 walks, and a steal. Known for his speed and arm in right, he's lucky we didn't get more then just Phil Weeks (.338, 1, 5, 7) and Bob Adams (.310, 2, 11, 4), else he'd probably be on the bench due to his lack of prospect status. Probably already at his peak, the 20-year-old isn't expected to be much more then a complementary player, and if there was room in the San Jose outfield I'd expect him to struggle. I rather play him every day here then have him sit on the baby Cougars bench, as he's contributing to the Lions 2nd place standing.

03-23-2025, 05:00 PM	#1629
ayaghmour2 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 3,010	Week 16: July 15th-July 21st Weekly Record: 7-1 Seasonal Record: 59-39 (3rd, 6.5 GB) Stars of the Week Dode Caudill : 35 AB, 18 H, 2 HR, 8 RBI, .514 AVG, 1.353 OPS Dutch Miller : 25 AB, 10 H, 3 HR, 8 RBI, .400 AVG, 1.324 OPS Jerry McMillan : 33 AB, 12 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI, .364 AVG, 1.084 OPS Schedule 7-15: Win at Wolves (9-6) 7-16: Win vs Kings (3-5) 7-17: Win vs Kings (5-10) 7-18: Loss vs Kings (5-4): 10 innings 7-19: Win at Imperials (5-4) 7-20: Win at Imperials (12-3) 7-21: Win at Imperials (9-3) 7-21: Win at Imperials (10-4) Recap The Cougars are hot! Too bad no one other then us can beat the Kings... There's no typo, we went 7-1 this week, but the only problem is we made up just a game and a half and still sit 6.5 games out of first. An impressive 20 games over .500, we're now tied for third in runs scored while continuing to lead the association in runs allowed, and our expected record would give us a half game lead over both Kansas City and Los Angeles. Both teams had great weeks, as the Stars were 6-1 and the Kings 5-2, as the two losses we gave them were there only losses on the week. Even if it was an extra inning, nail-biter, one-run loss, I can't be mad about anything this week, as the 5-4 game we kept battling back in was one that we have our all. I really wish Buck let Ken Stone go more then 6, as the 23-year-old was at 84 pitches and had allowed just 3 hits and a walk with 4 strikeouts. Pug then came in, allowing 4 hits, and 2 runs with a walk and 3 strikeouts. That blew a 1-0 lead before it went to 2-1, and then errors got Arch Wilson tagged with a loss. 2 of the 3 runs he allowed were unearned, but the veteran did allow 4 hits and 2 walks in his 2 innings. Surprisingly 2-6, he's still been one of our better late inning guys, picking up a save and 7 holds with his 2.78 ERA (150 ERA+), 1.32 WHIP, and 20 strikeouts. His 45.1 innings are lowest on the roster, but he's always ready when he needs to be called upon, and one loss here won't change that one bit. I have to argue that Dode Caudill should have won Player of the Week, as our budding superstar went 18-for-35 with 2 triples, 2 homers, 3 walks, 4 steals, 8 RBIs, and 13 runs scored. He's been outstanding in July, now batting .388/.464/.565 (176 OPS+) with a double, 4 triples, 2 homers, 10 RBIs, 12 walks, 8 steals, and 27 runs scored. It's harder to do much better then that, but he's stuck in a deep rookie class. A lot can happen in a week and a half, and he's fighting Henry Woods (.355, 16, 58, 6), Mark Boyd (.294, 22, 52), Ed Savage (.306, 14, 54), and Otis Haldeman (.297, 15, 74, 4), not to mention Kings lefty Johnnie Higgins (7-6, 3.16, 97). Barring a breakout that takes us to the playoffs, his best chance at hardware is a monthly award, but his first career Player of the Week certainly would have been nice. It should be quite obvious that everyone hit this week, as all eight regulars had either a WRC+ or OPS+ of 145 or better. This include Tom Halliday (153 WRC+) and Cal Randall (173 WRC+), who combined to go 21-for-57 with 3 doubles, 9 RBIs, 7 runs, and 4 walks. Always helping on defense, Randall homered and Halliday stole two bases, and it was nice to see the left side of our infield providing value at the plate. If these guys keep hitting, we can make up some games very quickly. I wouldn't expect repeats often, and the same would go for Dutch Miller. Our catcher isn't going to have many more 3 homers weeks, but I love the 18-for-35 effort from our veteran. Driving in 8, he scored 5 runs and drew 2 walks, improving his season line to .246/.345/.375 (94 OPS+). His 105 WRC+ is now slightly above average, as our offseason free agent signing has done well in his new home. Doc Griffin won both his starts, beating the Kings in Chicago and the Imperials in New York. Against the Conti leaders, Griffin went 5, scattering 3 hits with 2 runs, a walk, and 2 strikeouts before handing it off to Arch Wilson (HLD, 3 IP, 3 H, ER, K) and Pug White (SV, IP, BB). He got six against the Imps, allowing 5 hits with 3 runs and 2 strikeouts. Now 8-3 in his 20 starts, I'm starting to change my approach, as I think I'm now going to give him extra rest when it makes sense. I'm thinking more rest means more innings, and when he pitches he's effective. Home runs are tough, but his 2.1 K/BB is above average and his 1.19 WHIP is 6th in the CA. His two start starter partner was Dick Champ, who had two starts with 1 walk and 3 strikeouts. The first was in the slugfest with the Wolves, as Toronto tagged him for 8 hits and 5 runs, just 4 innings before the pen had to take over. He made up for it before our double header, as Champ went all nine in the 12-3 crushing. Efficient, he needed just 110 pitches to get the job done, allowing us to win a game that was never in doubt. Earle Turner deserves a shout out to, as he was called on 4 times and responded with 5.2 scoreless innings. Allowing 8 hits and a walk, he struck out 7 to increase his season total to 41. The best starting pitcher on the team according to Dixie Marsh, Turner lowered his season ERA and FIP to 1.09 (380 ERA+) and 2.39 (57 FIP-), and somehow ranks third on the team in WAR (1.3).The 28-year-old picked up his 3rd win and 2nd save, and continues to deliver when called upon. He's two outs away from 50 innings, already the second most innings he's throw in a season. His deceptive sidearm motion works well at our park, as hitters try to elevate and they just roll over his sinker. Lefties see him a little better, but against righties he's pretty much a poor man's Frenchy Mack and batters are they're hitting just .216/.279/.245 against him. An underrated weapon, he's also great in the clubhouse, as he's everyone's friend and he helps the captains keep everything light and under control. Looking Ahead Off to start the week, it's a nice seven game homestand with a double header on the 28th. Our first guests are the Cannons (50-51), who just got swept by the team that comes after them, the Wolves (51-48). That one's a little surprising, as the Cannons have one of the better lineups in the game. Dallas Berry (.285, 21, 72, 7) is a perennial Whitney candidate, and when he no longer is, it looks like Bonnie Chapin (.341, 20, 67) or Mark Boyd (.294, 22, 52) could keep up the tradition. Joe Case (.318, 16, 47, 10) is still productive, even if he cooled off some, but there really aren't many weak spots in the lineup. Jim York (5-7, 3.35, 81) has been their best starter, but the rest has been either ineffective or replaced. Our 7-run outing against Charlie Warren (8-7, 4.10, 103) sent him in a tailspin, as he allowed 17 hits, 11 runs, and 7 walks across the two starts that followed. I hope he doesn't get a chance for revenge in the finale, but with an off-day they'll be able to re-arrange their rotation. The Chicagoan may relish the opportunity to pitch in the Windy City as well, as I'm sure he'll have plenty of family in attendance cheering him on. Toronto doesn't have anyone that fits the bill, but I'm sure they'll want to beat us all the same. I'm hoping they can tire out the Kings with a sweep, and then let their guard down so we can ambush them before the Sunday double header. With so many games we're almost guaranteed to see Arnie Smith (8-5, 4.65, 83) and Phil Colantuono (10-6, 2.86, 91) in the clash. We need to take advantage of the rest of the staff, as I think our guys may struggle with their lefty heavy top five. Chick Reed (.321, 28, 67) is the only right at two, with Sid Cullen (.303, 13, 41), Ed Savage (.306, 14, 54), and Tom Reed (.234, 13, 51) behind. Phil Story (.281, 11, 34, 10) leads it all off, and despite getting swept by us they all got their hits. It's just no one behind them did much of anything, so we were able to get out of Toronto with a crucial sweep. Minor League Report CF Bill Reinhard (AA Little Rock Commodores): Yeah. Bill Reinhard was definitely ready for AA! Celebrating his promotion with another Player of the Week, Reinhard went 7-for-16 with a double, 3 homers, 6 RBIs, and 3 walks. This all translates to a .436/.526/.1.062 (315 OPS+) triple slash, that really pops off the page. Combined with his Rockford numbers he now has 15 doubles, 6 triples, 15 homers, and 57 RBIs, and his presence will let Orlando Benitez get more experience in the corners. He's getting some time in left, and after a few more weeks we'll put him in right. Benitez is the better overall defender, but the defense isn't quite at the level of McMillan and Watson. For Reinhard range is his specialty, so the more time in center he gets the better chance he has of becoming a fourth outfielder. RF Harry Cummins (C La Crosse Lions): One of the best hitters you've probably never heard of, Harry Cummings hit .343/.488/.636 (178 OPS+) for the Lions last year and is hitting .417/.514/.700 (167 OPS+) in his first 16 games this year. A former 11th Round Pick, he took home Player of the Week, going 11-for-23 with a double, 2 homers, 9 RBIs, 5 runs, 3 walks, and a steal. Known for his speed and arm in right, he's lucky we didn't get more then just Phil Weeks (.338, 1, 5, 7) and Bob Adams (.310, 2, 11, 4), else he'd probably be on the bench due to his lack of prospect status. Probably already at his peak, the 20-year-old isn't expected to be much more then a complementary player, and if there was room in the San Jose outfield I'd expect him to struggle. I rather play him every day here then have him sit on the baby Cougars bench, as he's contributing to the Lions 2nd place standing.