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reds1 · 04-19-2025, 01:14 AM

As in years previously, clubs have primarily focused their attention during the offseason to reshaping management. Some moves were made due to retirements of course, but others were of the sacking variety. A couple of the firings were completely unexpected, and several rookie general managers and field managers were hired.

Outside of that, a couple of notable player retirements were announced, and a couple of noteworthy trades were completed leading up to the commencement of the Coconut Leagues on Monday, September 1st. Following which will be Opening Day, scheduled for Monday, October 6th, as the clubs embark on the 22nd season of the United Leagues.

Also noteworthy is that after several seasons running this League on OOTP23, the United Leagues have been imported into OOTP26 during the offseason. How that significant change in game environment will affect the teams’ and players’ fortunes going forward remains to be seen. But Auto-Calc of modifiers is on as usual so hopefully the statistical results will remain in the realm of reality.

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Notable Player Retirements:

LHP Patrick Denman

Denman was drafted 11th overall by the Kingston Pelicans back in 1940-41, one in a long line of quality pitchers the Pelicans procured during their hey-day in the late 1930s and early 1940s. An ace in making, Denman was touted as a strike-out artist with filthy movement and excellent control. The Cambrian-native shuttled regularly between the rotation and bullpen for his first three seasons in the majors, but in 1945-46 he moved permanently into the rotation and did not disappoint. Denman won 27 games on a 104-48 squad, setting the record for most wins in a season by a pitcher, a record that still stands and which is two wins more than the next pitcher on the list. Denman went on to win the WL Satchel Paige Award that year. He would win 20 or more games in a season three more times but curiously, he was only selected to two all-star games in his 16-year career. That may be due to the fact that he put up a number of seasons that bordered on the mediocre as well, including the 1952-53 season where he lost 23 games, two losses shy of the season record. In his defense, he played most of his years with a Pelicans team that had quickly faded from contention in the late 1940s. That may explain why, although Denman finishes 7th overall in career wins with 225, he also finishes with the third-most career losses with 217. His Hall of Fame case will be an interesting one when he becomes eligible in three years. I believe he will remain on the ballot for several seasons and may even come close to the required 75% of the vote to get elected. But ultimately, I think he’ll come up short.

Achievements:

2-time All-Star
1945-46 Western League Satchel Paige Award
1946 Western League Pennant Series MVP
1 United Cup Championship
4-time Pitcher of the Month
1-time Player of the Week
3 x WL Wins Leader
Holds season record for Wins (27)
1 selection to the All-Braeland Team

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SS John Medley

The Cobourg Red Stockings drafted Medley first overall back in 1943-44 and after a single season in the minors, the 21-year old shortstop was promoted to the majors for good. Medley served as the Red Stockings/Redlegs’ lead-off hitter for most of his career and used his outstanding speed, baserunning skills and ability to make contact to get on base and steal 322 bases, the most in ULB history. He finishes his career 80 stolen bases ahead of the next base stealer on the list and is 109 more than the top still-active player (Brunswick’s 37-year old Jorge Arrendondo currently has 213 stolen bases). Medley stole 44 bases in 1947-48, just two behind the season record of 46. Medley’s ability to make contact and reach base enabled him to win back-to-back Batting Titles in 1947-48 and 1948-49. Although he was never a power hitter, his speed allowed him to hit 165 triples, third-most in United Leagues history (Jake Walker holds the record with 193). He also collected 200 or more hits in a season four times and led the Eastern League in stolen bases eight times. Although he was never a defensive standout, he was a 7-time all-star. Ultimately, Medley enjoyed two great seasons and five very good ones. Will that be enough to get him elected to the Hall of Fame in three years time? Like Patrick Denman, I think he will definitely get consideration and stay on the ballot for multiple years, but it probably won’t be enough to reach the 75% threshold.

Achievements:

7-time All-Star
1-time Batter of the Month
6-time Player of the Week
2 x Eastern League Batting Title
1 selection to the All-Braeland Team
Career Leader in Stolen Bases (322); 80 more than next player on list.
Career Leading in Caught Stealing (186)

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Management Shakeups:

April 25 – Sherburn Sacks Blair in Surprise Move, Hires Rookie Manager Ayling

In a rather unexpected move, the Sherburn Tigers fired their field manager of five years, 44-year old Jamie Blair (400-370, .519). Blair led the Tigers to the playoffs the past three seasons, each time as the wildcard, and each time fell to the ultimate United Cup Champions, the Pulberry Trolleys. It is perhaps due to that inability to take the next step that prompted management to seek a new voice in the clubhouse.

That new voice will be provided by Lee Ayling. This will be Ayling’s first coaching job in the United Leagues at any position. A former infielder, the 44-year old played for his hometown Cobourg Red Stockings for four seasons from 1937 to 1941, before winding down his playing career with the Wolseley Unions in 1942. While not considered as easy going as Blair, Ayling is still considered personable and is said to favor prospects and hitting.

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April 26 – Long-time Manager Bouchet Calls it a Career, Redlegs Hire Veteran Umbleby to Take Over

After just a single season at the helm of the Cobourg Redlegs, 62-year old Bill Bouchet (1476-1604, .479) has retired. Before that, he spent 19 years as the Downie Chiefs field manager, leading them to three playoff appearances, one Eastern League Pennant and one United Cup Championship. Other than that, though, the Chiefs finished in the second division 13 times. He finishes his career second in games managed (3080), third in wins and second in losses.

Taking over is 55-year old Ethan Umbleby (311-305, .504), who last managed the Queensland Eagles for four seasons. Prior to that, he served as a bench coach for five seasons, split between the Brunswick Legends and Pulberry Trolleys. In his four seasons at the helm of the Eagles, he led them to three winning seasons but came up short of the playoffs. The Redlegs are hoping he can bring out the best of a squad that won 96 games two years ago but missed the playoffs last year. For one thing, underperforming players will not be given a free pass under him; he is considered a tactician whose focus is on mechanics.

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April 27 – Manager Nicholas Willis Retires, Monarchs Pivot to Former Player, Bert Helmer

After 17 seasons coaching in the United Leagues, 67-year old Nicholas Willis (510-508, .501) has retired. Seven of those seasons saw him manage the Cobourg Redlegs and Braeland City Monarchs. His most successful year was his first full season with the Redlegs in 1952-53, leading them to 1st place with a 100-54 record on route to Cobourg’s first and only Eastern League Pennant.

In need of a new skipper, Braeland City has turned to 40-year old Bert Helmer. A former outfielder for eight seasons split between the Cambria Cannons and Sherburn Tigers, Helmer won both a Ball Hawk Award and a trip to the All-Star game during his playing days. After retiring as a player in 1949, Helmer spent the past three seasons as a third base coach with the Brunwick Legends. As a manager, he is a large unknown, other than perhaps favoring prospects and power.

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April 27 – Balmoral Starts Fresh with New GM and Manager

The Victor Lynch era in Balmoral has finally come to end. After 21 seasons, upper management finally severed ties to the only general manager the Giants have ever known. In those 21 seasons, Balmoral made the playoffs only twice and enjoyed an above .500 record just eight times. They have yet to finish in first place in the West or win a Pennant. On the other hand, they have never finished in the basement.

Tasked to set a new course for the franchise is Tim Ambrose. A former first baseman who played five seasons in the majors for three different teams, the 49-year old New Zealander won a Ball Hawk Award in 1939-40. This will be his first season in upper management. He is said to favor prospects, offense and OBP.

His first order of business was to hire a new field manager, after 65-year old Gary Compton (300-316, .487) elected to retire. After 15 seasons as a bench coach for three different clubs, Compton served as the Giant’s manager for the past four seasons. His best was his first season, when the Giants finished with an 82-72 record, 5 games back of the wild card.

Picked to succeed Compton as field manager is 45-year old Soren Heinke. This will be Heinke’s first season as a coach at any level. The former starting pitcher entered the United Leagues as a free agent from Germany in 1939 and pitched for the Wellington Athletics, Balmoral Giants and Cobourg Red Stockings. He was the Eastern League’s Rookie of the Year in 1939-40 (15-11, 3.23 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 128 ERA+). He has gone on record as espousing smallball tactics while favoring veterans, pitching, speed and average.

As a side note, with the end of the Victor Lynch era in Balmoral, just two general managers who have been with their club since the 1937-38 inaugural season remain: 54-year old Adam Trelawny of the Braeland City Monarchs and 52-year old Marcus Dejyothin of the Pulberry Trolleys.

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April 29 – Embro Suns Clean House, Hire Rookie GM and Manager

Suns’ Owner Daniel Walker II is considered a tolerant and charitable fellow, so it caught some people off guard when he relieved both GM Alexander Corsie and Manager Benjamin Sadler (476-448, .515) after four seasons. But Mr. Walker also prioritizes winning, and the lack thereof in recent years is perhaps what prompted the spring cleaning. After reaching the playoffs in 1954-55, Embro regressed in each of the following three seasons, falling to 6th place in the East.

Charged with making a turn around in the club’s fortunes, is 59-year old Eli Covert. This will be Covert’s first season a general manager. He reportedly favors veterans, hitting, offense, power and OBP.

Hired by Covert to take over from the departed Benjamin Sadler is 51-year old Yasuo Hayashi. He too is a rookie. He is considered personable, a tactician who favors prospects, offense, power and average.

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April 29 – Eagles Fire GM Jack Clayton in Shocking Move, Replaced with Rookie Carr

In undoubtedly the most shocking move this off-season, the defending Eastern League Champions sacked their general manager of five years, 53-year old Jack Clayton (537-541, .498). The Eagles improved each season under his watch and returned to the playoffs for the first time in 11 years, winning 96 games and the Pennant before succumbing to the Pulberry Trolleys in seven exciting games. But precious few details emerged as to the exact reason for the dismissal. Rumors are circulating that field manager Daryl Rowde had a hand in the move. Known to be temperamental, its believed that Rowde and Clayton did not get along and 83-year old owner Masaharu Koumura sided with the first-year manager.

At any rate, the Eagles hired 47-year old Joe Carr, whose temperament appears to be more closely aligned with Rowde’s. This will be the Queensland-native’s first season as general manager. He is said to prefer veterans, hitting, power and OBP.

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Trades:

May 26

To Sherburn – 29-year old 1B Jay Durham (OOTP23 – 56/56; OOTP26 – 62/62)

To Cambria – 27-year old CF Ryan Blenkhorn (OOTP23 – 44/44; OOTP26 – 42/42) and 24-year old minor league RHP Scottie Dubin (OOTP23 – 28/29; OOTP26 – 31/33)

Knee-jerk reaction: For me, this shapes up to be a brilliant move by the Tigers’ GM, Bill Beeby. OF Blenkhorn was buried deep in Sherburn’s depth chart with no chance of making the lineup. Nevertheless, he is a solid defender anywhere in the outfield with blazing speed with a knack for making good contact, especially in hit and run situations. With Cambria, he will serve as the fourth outfielder, perhaps giving him a greater chance at starting when one of the starters goes down to injury. Durbin, a 5th-round pick in 1956-57, has good stuff (55/55) and four solid pitches. But a propensity for giving up the long ball will likely impact his chances of reaching the majors.

Durham, a 7th overall pick from 1951-52, is a solid hitter right across the board who should provide a welcome spark to the Tigers’ lineup. Cambria has a logjam at first base even without Durham, with Calvin Hanbridge (OOTP26 – 63/64) and Carlos Corea (OOTP26 – 65/65) each vying for playing time, although Hanbridge has started at leftfield in the past. Durham should prove to be an immediate upgrade at first base for Sherburn and is penciled in to hit out of the No. 3 spot in the lineup. Interestingly, Durham takes over from 30-year old Archie Eridge (OOTP26 – 43/43), a former 1st-overall pick from the same draft class, but who has proven to be a big disappointment.

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May 27

To Cobourg – 30-year old 1B/OF Juan Gonzáles (OOTP23 – 56/56; OOTP26 – 67/67)

To Balmoral – 23-year old minor league RHP Juan Reyes (OOTP23 – 46/58; OOTP26 – 47/59)

Knee-jerk reaction: The second trade involving the acquiring of a first baseman in the off-season and another coup in my opinion. Gonzáles entered the United Leagues from the Dominican Republic back in 1956 and divided his time between first base and leftfield. He is an outstanding all-round player with solid defense, speed to spare and impressive power at the plate. Last year, he hit 32 home runs and earned his first trip to the All-Star Game. So why Balmoral was so willing to part with him is a head-scratcher. It’s not like they have an equivalent player to take his place. With Cobourg, he is now rated as the No. 1-rated first baseman in the United Leagues and takes over from 8-time All-Star, 32-year old Harry Doxey (OOTP26 – 58/58). Doxey was a three-time Ball Hawk Award winner, but his overall play has begun to decline. That may be due to his age as well as his reputation for being unmotivated and lackadaisical.

In Reyes, the Giants receive a young reliever with overpowering stuff, outstanding movement and two solid pitches. He should have no problem settling in as an anchor for any bullpen and may even be able to start on occasion. But it’s hard not to think that Balmoral got the short end of the stick on this trade.

04-19-2025, 01:14 AM	#845
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,925	As in years previously, clubs have primarily focused their attention during the offseason to reshaping management. Some moves were made due to retirements of course, but others were of the sacking variety. A couple of the firings were completely unexpected, and several rookie general managers and field managers were hired. Outside of that, a couple of notable player retirements were announced, and a couple of noteworthy trades were completed leading up to the commencement of the Coconut Leagues on Monday, September 1st. Following which will be Opening Day, scheduled for Monday, October 6th, as the clubs embark on the 22nd season of the United Leagues. Also noteworthy is that after several seasons running this League on OOTP23, the United Leagues have been imported into OOTP26 during the offseason. How that significant change in game environment will affect the teams’ and players’ fortunes going forward remains to be seen. But Auto-Calc of modifiers is on as usual so hopefully the statistical results will remain in the realm of reality. ----------- Notable Player Retirements: LHP Patrick Denman Denman was drafted 11th overall by the Kingston Pelicans back in 1940-41, one in a long line of quality pitchers the Pelicans procured during their hey-day in the late 1930s and early 1940s. An ace in making, Denman was touted as a strike-out artist with filthy movement and excellent control. The Cambrian-native shuttled regularly between the rotation and bullpen for his first three seasons in the majors, but in 1945-46 he moved permanently into the rotation and did not disappoint. Denman won 27 games on a 104-48 squad, setting the record for most wins in a season by a pitcher, a record that still stands and which is two wins more than the next pitcher on the list. Denman went on to win the WL Satchel Paige Award that year. He would win 20 or more games in a season three more times but curiously, he was only selected to two all-star games in his 16-year career. That may be due to the fact that he put up a number of seasons that bordered on the mediocre as well, including the 1952-53 season where he lost 23 games, two losses shy of the season record. In his defense, he played most of his years with a Pelicans team that had quickly faded from contention in the late 1940s. That may explain why, although Denman finishes 7th overall in career wins with 225, he also finishes with the third-most career losses with 217. His Hall of Fame case will be an interesting one when he becomes eligible in three years. I believe he will remain on the ballot for several seasons and may even come close to the required 75% of the vote to get elected. But ultimately, I think he’ll come up short. Achievements: 2-time All-Star 1945-46 Western League Satchel Paige Award 1946 Western League Pennant Series MVP 1 United Cup Championship 4-time Pitcher of the Month 1-time Player of the Week 3 x WL Wins Leader Holds season record for Wins (27) 1 selection to the All-Braeland Team ----------- SS John Medley The Cobourg Red Stockings drafted Medley first overall back in 1943-44 and after a single season in the minors, the 21-year old shortstop was promoted to the majors for good. Medley served as the Red Stockings/Redlegs’ lead-off hitter for most of his career and used his outstanding speed, baserunning skills and ability to make contact to get on base and steal 322 bases, the most in ULB history. He finishes his career 80 stolen bases ahead of the next base stealer on the list and is 109 more than the top still-active player (Brunswick’s 37-year old Jorge Arrendondo currently has 213 stolen bases). Medley stole 44 bases in 1947-48, just two behind the season record of 46. Medley’s ability to make contact and reach base enabled him to win back-to-back Batting Titles in 1947-48 and 1948-49. Although he was never a power hitter, his speed allowed him to hit 165 triples, third-most in United Leagues history (Jake Walker holds the record with 193). He also collected 200 or more hits in a season four times and led the Eastern League in stolen bases eight times. Although he was never a defensive standout, he was a 7-time all-star. Ultimately, Medley enjoyed two great seasons and five very good ones. Will that be enough to get him elected to the Hall of Fame in three years time? Like Patrick Denman, I think he will definitely get consideration and stay on the ballot for multiple years, but it probably won’t be enough to reach the 75% threshold. Achievements: 7-time All-Star 1-time Batter of the Month 6-time Player of the Week 2 x Eastern League Batting Title 1 selection to the All-Braeland Team Career Leader in Stolen Bases (322); 80 more than next player on list. Career Leading in Caught Stealing (186) ----------- Management Shakeups: April 25 – Sherburn Sacks Blair in Surprise Move, Hires Rookie Manager Ayling In a rather unexpected move, the Sherburn Tigers fired their field manager of five years, 44-year old Jamie Blair (400-370, .519). Blair led the Tigers to the playoffs the past three seasons, each time as the wildcard, and each time fell to the ultimate United Cup Champions, the Pulberry Trolleys. It is perhaps due to that inability to take the next step that prompted management to seek a new voice in the clubhouse. That new voice will be provided by Lee Ayling. This will be Ayling’s first coaching job in the United Leagues at any position. A former infielder, the 44-year old played for his hometown Cobourg Red Stockings for four seasons from 1937 to 1941, before winding down his playing career with the Wolseley Unions in 1942. While not considered as easy going as Blair, Ayling is still considered personable and is said to favor prospects and hitting. ----------- April 26 – Long-time Manager Bouchet Calls it a Career, Redlegs Hire Veteran Umbleby to Take Over After just a single season at the helm of the Cobourg Redlegs, 62-year old Bill Bouchet (1476-1604, .479) has retired. Before that, he spent 19 years as the Downie Chiefs field manager, leading them to three playoff appearances, one Eastern League Pennant and one United Cup Championship. Other than that, though, the Chiefs finished in the second division 13 times. He finishes his career second in games managed (3080), third in wins and second in losses. Taking over is 55-year old Ethan Umbleby (311-305, .504), who last managed the Queensland Eagles for four seasons. Prior to that, he served as a bench coach for five seasons, split between the Brunswick Legends and Pulberry Trolleys. In his four seasons at the helm of the Eagles, he led them to three winning seasons but came up short of the playoffs. The Redlegs are hoping he can bring out the best of a squad that won 96 games two years ago but missed the playoffs last year. For one thing, underperforming players will not be given a free pass under him; he is considered a tactician whose focus is on mechanics. ----------- April 27 – Manager Nicholas Willis Retires, Monarchs Pivot to Former Player, Bert Helmer After 17 seasons coaching in the United Leagues, 67-year old Nicholas Willis (510-508, .501) has retired. Seven of those seasons saw him manage the Cobourg Redlegs and Braeland City Monarchs. His most successful year was his first full season with the Redlegs in 1952-53, leading them to 1st place with a 100-54 record on route to Cobourg’s first and only Eastern League Pennant. In need of a new skipper, Braeland City has turned to 40-year old Bert Helmer. A former outfielder for eight seasons split between the Cambria Cannons and Sherburn Tigers, Helmer won both a Ball Hawk Award and a trip to the All-Star game during his playing days. After retiring as a player in 1949, Helmer spent the past three seasons as a third base coach with the Brunwick Legends. As a manager, he is a large unknown, other than perhaps favoring prospects and power. ----------- April 27 – Balmoral Starts Fresh with New GM and Manager The Victor Lynch era in Balmoral has finally come to end. After 21 seasons, upper management finally severed ties to the only general manager the Giants have ever known. In those 21 seasons, Balmoral made the playoffs only twice and enjoyed an above .500 record just eight times. They have yet to finish in first place in the West or win a Pennant. On the other hand, they have never finished in the basement. Tasked to set a new course for the franchise is Tim Ambrose. A former first baseman who played five seasons in the majors for three different teams, the 49-year old New Zealander won a Ball Hawk Award in 1939-40. This will be his first season in upper management. He is said to favor prospects, offense and OBP. His first order of business was to hire a new field manager, after 65-year old Gary Compton (300-316, .487) elected to retire. After 15 seasons as a bench coach for three different clubs, Compton served as the Giant’s manager for the past four seasons. His best was his first season, when the Giants finished with an 82-72 record, 5 games back of the wild card. Picked to succeed Compton as field manager is 45-year old Soren Heinke. This will be Heinke’s first season as a coach at any level. The former starting pitcher entered the United Leagues as a free agent from Germany in 1939 and pitched for the Wellington Athletics, Balmoral Giants and Cobourg Red Stockings. He was the Eastern League’s Rookie of the Year in 1939-40 (15-11, 3.23 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 128 ERA+). He has gone on record as espousing smallball tactics while favoring veterans, pitching, speed and average. As a side note, with the end of the Victor Lynch era in Balmoral, just two general managers who have been with their club since the 1937-38 inaugural season remain: 54-year old Adam Trelawny of the Braeland City Monarchs and 52-year old Marcus Dejyothin of the Pulberry Trolleys. ----------- April 29 – Embro Suns Clean House, Hire Rookie GM and Manager Suns’ Owner Daniel Walker II is considered a tolerant and charitable fellow, so it caught some people off guard when he relieved both GM Alexander Corsie and Manager Benjamin Sadler (476-448, .515) after four seasons. But Mr. Walker also prioritizes winning, and the lack thereof in recent years is perhaps what prompted the spring cleaning. After reaching the playoffs in 1954-55, Embro regressed in each of the following three seasons, falling to 6th place in the East. Charged with making a turn around in the club’s fortunes, is 59-year old Eli Covert. This will be Covert’s first season a general manager. He reportedly favors veterans, hitting, offense, power and OBP. Hired by Covert to take over from the departed Benjamin Sadler is 51-year old Yasuo Hayashi. He too is a rookie. He is considered personable, a tactician who favors prospects, offense, power and average. ----------- April 29 – Eagles Fire GM Jack Clayton in Shocking Move, Replaced with Rookie Carr In undoubtedly the most shocking move this off-season, the defending Eastern League Champions sacked their general manager of five years, 53-year old Jack Clayton (537-541, .498). The Eagles improved each season under his watch and returned to the playoffs for the first time in 11 years, winning 96 games and the Pennant before succumbing to the Pulberry Trolleys in seven exciting games. But precious few details emerged as to the exact reason for the dismissal. Rumors are circulating that field manager Daryl Rowde had a hand in the move. Known to be temperamental, its believed that Rowde and Clayton did not get along and 83-year old owner Masaharu Koumura sided with the first-year manager. At any rate, the Eagles hired 47-year old Joe Carr, whose temperament appears to be more closely aligned with Rowde’s. This will be the Queensland-native’s first season as general manager. He is said to prefer veterans, hitting, power and OBP. ----------- Trades: May 26 To Sherburn – 29-year old 1B Jay Durham (OOTP23 – 56/56; OOTP26 – 62/62) To Cambria – 27-year old CF Ryan Blenkhorn (OOTP23 – 44/44; OOTP26 – 42/42) and 24-year old minor league RHP Scottie Dubin (OOTP23 – 28/29; OOTP26 – 31/33) *Knee-jerk reaction:* For me, this shapes up to be a brilliant move by the Tigers’ GM, Bill Beeby. OF Blenkhorn was buried deep in Sherburn’s depth chart with no chance of making the lineup. Nevertheless, he is a solid defender anywhere in the outfield with blazing speed with a knack for making good contact, especially in hit and run situations. With Cambria, he will serve as the fourth outfielder, perhaps giving him a greater chance at starting when one of the starters goes down to injury. Durbin, a 5th-round pick in 1956-57, has good stuff (55/55) and four solid pitches. But a propensity for giving up the long ball will likely impact his chances of reaching the majors. Durham, a 7th overall pick from 1951-52, is a solid hitter right across the board who should provide a welcome spark to the Tigers’ lineup. Cambria has a logjam at first base even without Durham, with Calvin Hanbridge (OOTP26 – 63/64) and Carlos Corea (OOTP26 – 65/65) each vying for playing time, although Hanbridge has started at leftfield in the past. Durham should prove to be an immediate upgrade at first base for Sherburn and is penciled in to hit out of the No. 3 spot in the lineup. Interestingly, Durham takes over from 30-year old Archie Eridge (OOTP26 – 43/43), a former 1st-overall pick from the same draft class, but who has proven to be a big disappointment. ----------- May 27 To Cobourg – 30-year old 1B/OF Juan Gonzáles (OOTP23 – 56/56; OOTP26 – 67/67) To Balmoral – 23-year old minor league RHP Juan Reyes (OOTP23 – 46/58; OOTP26 – 47/59) *Knee-jerk reaction:* The second trade involving the acquiring of a first baseman in the off-season and another coup in my opinion. Gonzáles entered the United Leagues from the Dominican Republic back in 1956 and divided his time between first base and leftfield. He is an outstanding all-round player with solid defense, speed to spare and impressive power at the plate. Last year, he hit 32 home runs and earned his first trip to the All-Star Game. So why Balmoral was so willing to part with him is a head-scratcher. It’s not like they have an equivalent player to take his place. With Cobourg, he is now rated as the No. 1-rated first baseman in the United Leagues and takes over from 8-time All-Star, 32-year old Harry Doxey (OOTP26 – 58/58). Doxey was a three-time Ball Hawk Award winner, but his overall play has begun to decline. That may be due to his age as well as his reputation for being unmotivated and lackadaisical. In Reyes, the Giants receive a young reliever with overpowering stuff, outstanding movement and two solid pitches. He should have no problem settling in as an anchor for any bullpen and may even be able to start on occasion. But it’s hard not to think that Balmoral got the short end of the stick on this trade. __________________ United Leagues of Braeland