Chicago Cougars (FABL)

[ayaghmour2]

July 3rd, 1933
Philadelphia Sailors (36-41): 4
Chicago Cougars (53-25): 8

W: Max Wilder (7-7)
L: William Jones (6-9)
SV: Chick Meehan (9)

The wins keep on coming and we were a game away from finishing the first half with a sweep. Cy Bryant had a much needed good showing, 3-foe-4 with a homer and 4 RBI's. Tom Taylor was 2-for-5 with a double, 2 runs, and 3 RBI's. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored. Bobby Sprague was 2-for-4 with a walk and run scored. Max Wilder almost went the whole game, getting all but the final out. He allowed 9 hits, 4 runs, 4 walks, and he struck out 3. Chick Meehan walked one, but then got a ground out to end the game.

July 4th, 1933
Philadelphia Sailors (37-41): 10
Chicago Cougars (52-26): 0

W: Rollie Beal (12-4)
L: Jim Crawford (7-5)

The guys must have thought the break started today, as no one did much of anything well. Jim Crawford had a start to forget, 8 hits with 7 runs, 3 walks, and 3 strikeouts. Norm Stewart also had his fist negative outing, allowing 5 hits and 3 runs with a walk and 2 strikeouts in 3 innings of mop up. The offense was pretty bad, and when Harry Simmons (2-for-4) leads your team in hits for a game something probably went wrong. Tom Taylor was 1-for-4 with a double. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-3 with a walk and steal.

July 7th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (54-26): 6
Baltimore Cannons (36-43): 5

W: Dick Leudtke (10-4)
L: Joe Newsom (2-4)
SV: Chick Meehan (10)

Don't let the score fool you, Dick Leudtke pitched really well. After pitching yesterday in the All-Star game, he went just 8. He allowed 9 hits, a run, and a walk with 2 strikeouts. Claude Purvis came in, and had his first tough game of the season. He allowed 4 hits and 4 runs with a walk while just getting one out through a strikeout. Chick Meehan, after 24 pitches the day before, needed just 7 today to get the final two outs and save the win. Tom Taylor was 3-for-5 with an RBI. Arnold Bower was 2-for-4 with a triple and run scored. Mike Taylor was 1-for-3 with a double, 2 walks, 2 runs, and an RBI. Cy Bryant was 1-for-3 with a triple, walk, run, and RBI. The starter Leudtke was 1-for-3 with an RBI.

July 8th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (54-27): 2
Baltimore Cannons (38-43): 6

W: Rabbit Day (11-6)
L: Tommy Wilcox (11-7)

Well, we won't go undefeated in the second half, dropping this one 6-2. Wilcox was outdueled by Rabbit Day, who probably deserved to be an All-Star and wasn't named. I probably should have given Wilder this Start, but it was a good effort for Wilcox. He went 7 with 11 hits, 6 runs (5 earned), and 3 strikeouts. Mike Taylor was 2-for-4 with a run scored and driven in. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a doubled and run scored.

July 9th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (55-27): 8
Baltimore Cannons (38-44): 3
Game 1

W: Dick Lyons (12-3)
L: Ken Carpenter (11-6)

An awkward double header to end the week, but we did well in the opener. It was a duel between All-Stars and Dick Lyons had the better showing. He tossed a complete game with 6 hits, 3 runs, 2 walks, and a strikeout. Claude Ramsey was 3-for-4 with a run scored and two driven in. Phil Vaughan was 1-for-3 with a walk, 2 runs, and a big three run homer in the first. John Kincaid was 3-for-5 with a double, triple, run, and RBI. Bobby Sprague was 1-for-3 with a sac-bunt and two runs scored.

July 9th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (56-27): 8
Baltimore Cannons (38-45): 1
Game 2

W: Max Wilder (8-7)
L: Bob Miller (7-12)

Couldn't have done this any better as we sweep the double header with a nice 8-1 win. Max Wilder allowed just 2 hits with a run, walk, and 4 strikeouts in an All-Star level performance. Tom Taylor had a big game, 3-for-4 with a double, homer, walk, and 4 RBI's. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored. Bobby Sprague was 2-for-5 with 2 runs scored.

Stars of the Week
Tom Taylor : 26 AB, 12 H, 1 HR, 8 RBI, .462 AVG, 1.231 OPS
Cy Bryant : 23 AB, 8 H, 1 HR, 6 RBI, .348 AVG, .950 OPS
John Kincaid : 25 AB, 9 H, 0 HR, 1 RBI, .360 AVG, .967 OPS

Weekly Summary
It is July, and while no trades have been made, I have been working on something for the past couple of days. Keep in mind, this is something that started when we were probably 2.5 up not 10.5 up. The now third place Saints (45-39) will host us North of the border for four. We play two, have an off day, and then play another two. They've played us well, so this will be a big series. We're then off to New York for four with the Stars (43-40) who are floating over .500. I wish they did a little more of this last year, but instead, they decided to just win every game. They're still a dangerous team we got to take seriously. This could be a tough week for us. With the All Star report, not writing too much else here.

[ayaghmour2]

July 10th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (57-27): 4
Montreal Saints (45-40): 2

W: Jim Crawford (8-5)
L: Walker Moore (6-6)

We were out in Montreal for four with the Saints who have played us really tough this year. They are the only team in our division we do not have a winning record against. Jim Crawford gave us a strong outing, and we took the opener 4-2. He allowed 8 hits and 2 runs with a walk and 3 strikeouts in the complete game victory. Arnold Bower was 3-for-4. Phil Vaughan was 1-for-3 with a walk, sac-fly, and 2 RBI's. Bill Ashbaugh made the start at second and was 0-for-2, but he walked 3 and scored a run. Mike Taylor was 0-for-3, but he walked and scored twice.

July 11th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (57-28): 6
Montreal Saints (46-40): 7
10 Innings

W: Howie Snyder (3-4)
L: Chick Meehan (2-1)

So this game just kind of sucked. We scored 6 runs in the 6th. They scored 6 runs in the 8th. Cliff Moss walked it off in the 10th and the Saints evened the series. Technically, with the off day tomorrow we split the mini-series. Dick Luedtke had a rough single inning (he should have been pulled in the 8th allowing a triple to Jim Watson which made it 6-3), but in total allowed just 8 hits and a walk with a strikeout and 6 runs in the complete game. Chick Meehan allowed a single and double after a flyout in the 10th.

July 12th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (57-29): 0
Montreal Saints (47-40): 3

W: Milt Fritz (8-3)
L: Dick Lyons (12-4)

The offense must have thought this was the extended All Star week as Milt Fritz was brilliant in a three hit shutout with a walk and 4 strikeouts. Dick Lyons pitched well, just 5 hits, 3 runs, a walk, and 4 strikeouts in 8 strong innings. Tom Taylor was 1-for-3 with a triple, but was stranded at third.

July 14th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (58-29): 7
Montreal Saints (47-41): 4
13 Innings

W: Tommy Wilcox (12-7)
L: Leo Hall (1-1)

Montreal really plays us well. This was a tough matchup, a dominant pitching matchup between Tommy Wilcox and rookie Earle Whitten. Whitten looked strong in 6, but Wilcox put the entire team on his back in this one. After a tough 3rd inning, he allowed just one more run, 2 hits, 3 walks, and 4 strikeouts in a 13 inning complete game victory.

July 15th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (59-29): 6
New York Stars (45-43): 4
11 Innings

W: Phil English (4-1)
L: Bill Kline (4-3)

We got to stop with the extra inning games, but we outlasted the Stars after taking and blowing the lead in both the 7th and the 10th. In the 11th, Phil Vaughan hit his second homer of the game to lead off the inning. We added a second and held on to win the opener 6-4. Vaughan was 2-for-5 with 2 homers and 3 RBI's. Bill Ashbaugh was 3-for-6 with a run scored. Mike Taylor was 2-for-5 with a walk, run, and 2 RBI's. Max Wilder got the start, 7 innings with 9 hits, 3 runs, 3 walks, and 4 strikeouts. Bill Kline got the "win" but he allowed 3 hits and a run in his 2 innings. Chick Meehan, however, needed just 12 pitches for a perfect 7th and 8th.

July 16th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (60-29): 7
New York Stars (45-44): 1

W: Dick Leudtke (11-4)
L: Les Zoller (8-1)

Dick Leudtke really got the job done today, 4 hits, a walk, and an unearned run with 3 strikeouts in a complete game victory. He was even 1-for-3 with a run, sac-bunt, and RBI. Bill Ashbaugh was 3-for-4 with a run and RBI. John Kincaid was 2-for-5 with 2 runs scored.

Stars of the Week
Phil Vaughan: 10 AB, 4 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI, .400 AVG, 1.417 OPS
Bill Ashbaugh: 23 AB, 7 H, 0 HR, 1 RBI, .304 AVG, .753 OPS
John Kincaid: 28 AB, 7 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, .250 AVG, .644 OPS

Transactions
Activated 2B Russ Combs from the Disabled List. Optioned 2B John Banks to AAA Milwaukee.

Injury Report
2B Russ Combs (FABL Chicago Cougars): Returned from the DL
2B Slim Bloom (FABL Chicago Cougars): Returned from the DL
SS Billy Hunter (B San Jose Cougars): sore elbow (one week)
SP Joe Cotton (C La Crosse Lions): Activated from the DL

Weekly Summary
"After a tough 3rd inning, he allowed just one more run, 2 hits, 3 walks, and 4 strikeouts in a 13 inning complete game victory."

THIS!

THIS!

THIS IS WHY I TRADED FOR TOMMY WILCOX!

It didn't matter that it took 173 pitches and 13 innings. This guy will pitch until he wins the game. Obviously, last season he was the worst pitcher in the entire league once we traded for him (and we still finished a game out...), but this guy is a future Allan Award Winner.

Here are the numbers from last year:

1932 Brooklyn Kings: 20 GS, 9-9, 3.19 ERA (134 ERA+), 1.35 WHIP, 29 BB, 53 K, 160.2 IP, 12 QS, 13 CG
1932 Chicago Cougars: 13 GS, 6-6, 6.70 ERA (64 ERA+), 1.53 WHIP, 18 BB, 28 K, 91.1 IP, 4 QS, 6 CG

And here is this year:

1933 Chicago Cougars: 19 GS, 12-7, 2.55 ERA (158 ERA+), 1.03 WHIP, 32 BB, 70 K, 165.2 IP, 13 QS, 15 CG

I haven't had an award winner in my time with the Cougars, but I think this might be the year. Wilcox is an absolute stud and he's pitching out of his mind. He's truly on a revenge trip this year as he feels personally responsible for us missing the playoffs last year. But he keeps pitching like this, Cougar fans will be quick to forget. At 60 wins and 11 and a half games up, it's looking like "Cappy" is going to pitch us back to the World Series after a year off. The Keystones may be our opponent, as they're 57-32 and 7 above the Dynamos.

I think I'm going to change my alignment up a little. Arnold Bower has really struggled and Phil Vaughan is mashing. Bower his hitting .262/.341/.327 (79 OPS+) with 5 steals and 30 RBI's. He's normally a sound defender, but the poor hitting has negatively effected his defense. Combs can't play every day, of course, so he'll still see time, but both Vaughan and Bloom (when healthy) will likely take most of the starts.

Vaughan is a 28-year-old slugging first basemen we picked up in the 1930 Rule-5 Draft from our crosstown rival Chiefs. He had an excellent rookie season, batting .304/.407/.461 (133 OPS+) with 4 homers and 13 RBI's in just 135 trips to the plate. He also walked (18) more then he struck out (17) and was really helpful off the bench. He really struggled last season, but Vaughan has matched his production in a much different way. He's hitting .266/.339/.553 (135 OPS+) with 8 homers and 27 RBI's in 109 plate appearances. He's now struck out just one more time then walked (12 to 11), but he's got an excellent eye at the plate and his power is really important for a team that doesn't have too much of it. A former 9th Round Pick in 1926, when Vaughan plays first, Bill Ashbaugh will play second. Our defense will be hurt a bit, but I want to test things out a bit.

The other guy who will see increased time is Slim Bloom. He'll be back next sim, but the former 13th Rounder was hitting .346/.426/.486 (143 OPS+) with a homer and 19 RBI's. It's just 122 plate appearances and obviously not sustainable, but there were times Bloom was a decent off the bench hitter. He has a career .287/.350/.401 (100 OPS+) batting line across a full 156 games. He doesn't have much power, just 3 homers, but he has 7 steals, 72 RBI's, and despite a really rough week last year plays respectable defense at second, third, and short. I almost cut bait with him in the Spring, but I'm glad I held on to a potentially valuable player. When he plays, he'll get second and Combs will get short.

Looking ahead, we are about a week and a half away from the trade deadline and we hold a double digit lead over every other team in the Continental Association. We have two more with the Stars (45-44) before a short trip over to Brooklyn. We'll play the Kings (44-46) four times before a day off. Our road trip will continue, but the day off will be nice. We continue to play well on the road, and a 4-2 week makes us 29-13 (.690) on the road.

Minor League Report

1B Jim Hatfield (AA Mobile Commodores): "The Bandit" has had a strong showing out in AA this year, hitting .364/.399/.472 (129 OPS+) with a homer, 11 steals, and 50 RBI's. A lefty hitter and thrower, he's got really good range at first base and he most definitely would have been a middle infielder if he threw right handed. I've had thoughts of playing him in the outfield, thinking his speed may also lead to range, but we are so crowded in the outfield that it would take at bats away from someone who may need them.

SP Bill Ross (A Lincoln Legislators): After 8 strong starts in San Jose, the 20-year-old got the call to A ball. He's made 5 starts so far and despite one start with 5, the rest have had one or less. He just tossed a 6-hit shutout against the Davenport Dusters, who lead the Heartland League. So far, Ross is 3-1 with a 2.02 ERA (198 ERA+), 0.98 WHIP, 6 walks, and 13 strikeouts in 35.2 innings. Our 3rd Round selection in 1930, Ross is again a top 100 prospect and he continues to perform well in the lower levels. The lanky 6'3'' righty has a nice high 80s cutter and he has excellent control over his slider and changeup. He won't walk too many and can pitch deep into games. He shares the same name as a former Cougar starter, and this Bill Ross also looks to be a quality FABL starter.

[ayaghmour2]

July 17th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (61-29): 4
New York Stars (45-45): 3
15 Innings

W: Claude Purvis (2-0)
L: Bennie Conover (5-7)

Definitely a crazy one here as it took 15 innings to declare a winner. With a Phil Vaughan single in the 15th, we took a 4-3 lead we'd keep. He came off the bench and actually went 2-for-3. Russ Combs was 3-for-8 with a solo homer. Tom Taylor was 2-for-7 with a run scored. John Kincaid was 1-for-5, but with a double and two sac-bunts. Jim Crawford made the start, 9.1 innings with 11 hits, 3 runs, a walk, and a strikeout. Chick Meehan, Bill Kline, and Claude Purvis combined for 5.2 innings with just 1 hit and 2 strikeouts.

July 18th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (62-29): 4
New York Stars (45-46): 0

W: Dick Lyons (13-4)
L: Dick Richards (6-7)

Dick Lyons was completely dominant and we finished off a road sweep of the defending champions. He allowed just 2 hits with a walk and strikeout in a complete game victory. Bill Ashbaugh had a big game, 4-for-4 with 2 triples and a run scored. Russ Combs was 2-for-5 with a run scored. Mike Taylor was 1-for-4 with a solo homer. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 and John Kincaid was 2-for-5.

July 18th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (62-30): 1
Brooklyn Kings (46-47): 2

W: Tom Barrell (7-11)
L: Tommy Wilcox (12-8)

Round 3. Both pitchers will brilliant, but Tom got a little more run support then Tommy and the Kings took the opener 2-1. An Arnold Bower error tossed Wilcox a pair of unearned runs. Besides that, he allowed 7 hits, a walk, and he struck out one. Barrell allowed 8 hits, a run, 3 walks, and 3 strikeouts. Mike Taylor was the offense, 1-for-4 with a solo homer, the 10th homer he's hit this year. He's the first Cougar to double digits, but both Tom Taylor and Phil Vaughan are at 8. Taylor was 1-for-4 with a double. Bobby Sprague was John Kincaid were both 1-for-3.

July 20th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (63-30): 4
Brooklyn Kings (46-48): 3

W: Bill Kline (5-1)
L: Roy Pierce (4-4)
SV: Chick Meehan (11)

We evened the series back up and now a split seemed likely for both teams. Tom Taylor was 2-for-4 with two runs scored, including the one that gave us a lead in the 8th when he homered. Floyd Sylvester made his first start with us, going 1-for-4 with a double, run, and RBI. Max Wilder made the start, 6 innings with 11 hits, 3 runs, 2 walks, and 2 strikeouts. Bill Kline went 1.2 with 2 hits and 2 strikeouts, but he got the win. Chick Meehan made the save, allowing a hit and striking out one in an inning and a third.

July 21th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (63-30): 3
Brooklyn Kings (46-49): 2

W: Dick Leudtke (12-4)
L: Mike Murphy (9-10)
SV: Chick Meehan (12)

They scored two in the ninth, but we secured a split with a rather ugly 3-2 win. Dick Leudtke looked good most of the game, but it would have been nice to see Meehan come in after the Summers solo homer (one out) instead of letting him labor through five more batters. He went 8.2 innings with 8 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks, and a strikeout. Chick Meehan even just needed one pitch to get Ab Thomas to fly out and end the game. Arnold Bower looked better today, 3-for-4 with 2 doubles and an RBI. Bill Ashbaugh was 3-for-4 with a run scored. John Kincaid was 2-for-5 with a steal.

July 22nd, 1933
Chicago Cougars (63-31): 5
Brooklyn Kings (47-49): 8

W: Jim Crawford (8-6)
L: Del Lyons (4-4)
SV: Hal Galvan (6)

The game was not as close as it looked. We scored four unearned runs in the ninth and at least we'll get a day off tomorrow to recover. Even worse, Tom Taylor left after making a throw in the third. Replacement Mike Smith made a huge error (this should be Ed Calvert...). Jim Crawford didn't pitch too well, but he went 6 with 12 hits, 7 runs (3 earned), a walk, and 2 strikeouts. Norm Stewart pitched the last two, allowing 3 hits, a run, a walk, and he struck out two. Russ Combs was 3-for-5 with a run scored and driven in. Bobby Sprague was 2-for-3 with a walk and run scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-2 with a triple.

Stars of the Week
Bill Ashbaugh : 21 AB, 11 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, .524 AVG, 1.470 OPS
Russ Combs : 26 AB, 10 H, 1 HR, 2 RBI, .385 AVG, .885 OPS
Dick Lyons : 1 Win, 9.0 IP, 1 BB, 1 K, 0.00 ERA

Transactions
Activated 2B Slim Bloom from the 15-Day Disabled List. Optioned 2B Harry Simmons to AAA.

Injury Report
2B Slim Bloom (FABL Chicago Cougars): Returned from the DL
LF Rich Langton (B San Jose Cougars): Returned from the DL

Weekly Summary
With a nice 4-2 week, the lead is up to 11 and a half over the Foresters (52-42) and 13 over the Saints (52-45). No one else in the CA is over .500. We do face the Foresters (52-42) next for three in Cleveland before returning home to host the Wolves (32-64) for three. We then return the favor to the Foresters, and host them for four to end the month. This is a big section of the schedule, as the Foresters are right behind us and we are approaching the trade deadline.

We've done well against the Foresters this year, 9-3 in our 12 meetings so far. If we can win a majority of these games, I think we can put enough separation between us to coast through August. The wins against Toronto in between will be really important too as these are games we cannot afford to lose. Cleveland gets the Sailors in between and they are a better team who have also won four in a row.

So we can breath for Tom Taylor. He has mild shoulder inflammation and will miss a few days. I'll let him play to start the week, but I'll give him two days off after and hope that the injury will be better by then. It's been a tough season at the plate for Taylor, as he's hitting .293/.345/.414 (103 OPS+) in just under 100 games. He's hit 9 homers, drove in 57 runs, and swiped 13 bases. Of course, he's the ultimate defender, compiling a very impressive +11.8 zone rating in right with a 1.059 efficiency. He always seems to heat up as the year goes on, so I think he might have a strong August and September.

Interesting enough though, the outfield hasn't hit much. Cy Bryant has had an awful season with the stick, hitting .239/.298/.319 (65 OPS+) with 2 homers, 10 steals, and 45 RBI's. It's a huge drop off as he had a 100 OPS+ or higher in each of his seasons in Chicago before this year. The steals are up, which is nice, but he's not getting on base nearly enough. At least he is having his best defensive season, as he's already recorded a +19.3 zone rating already. It's a new career best and his 1.068 efficiency would also be a best. I really don't want to have to move on from him, but I'm okay with one off year, especially if we win the pennant. Bobby Sprague has fielded well, but he hasn't hit as well as he normally does. He's batting .281/.337/.343 (83 OPS+) with 2 homers, 7 steals, and 37 RBI's. It's not a bad line by any means, but he hit much better with the Gothams last year.

Slim Bloom is back from the DL, but the bigger news might be who is going down. Harry Simmons has had a huge fall from grace, and I'm hoping I can help him get back on track in the minors. He'll be getting to play his natural position of shortstop and will get a nice low stress environment. After 4 seasons with 90 or more starts, Simmons has made just 90 plate appearances and hit a poor .228/.276/.266 (46 OPS+) with 3 steals and 8 RBI's. Even with this awful stretch, his career .313/.363/.397 (96 OPS+) line is very respectable and he's played good defense while adding 54 steals and 268 RBI's. He has just 8 regular season homers, but one World Series homer too. It's the first time the 29-year-old has been optioned to the minors, spending the past four 4 seasons and 90 days on the active roster.

The former Dynamo 4th Rounder was a Rule-5 pick in 1928, and he was named the 66th best prospect in baseball come Opening Day. Simmons made the Opening Day roster and started at shortstop. He started the year really hot and kept the job the whole way through. He finished with a .315/.360/.414 (95 OPS+) batting line across 656 plate appearances. He then split times between second, third, and short in 1930 after the additions of John Kincaid and Russ Combs. He was the usual second basemen, but of course, Combs gets hurt all the time and he was needed back at short. I had a little rotation that year to keep guys healthy and in the lineup, so he rotated a little. He has started for us the last two seasons, but after Arnold Bower's emergence last season and Russ Combs' transition to second base, his playing time really dwindled now. I still really like him, but he may never be an every day starter for us. He's a useful off the bench piece, and I'm hoping I can get him better at short.

Enough about Simmons, Slim Bloom is the one who's been good. He's hitting .346/.426/.486 (144 OPS+) in 122 trips to the plate with a homer and 19 RBI's. He doesn't have the track record of Simmons, but the 28-year-old was also once a top 100 prospect. I don't think he's discovered something, but he's definitely earned himself at bats. Him, Combs, and Bower are going to see a lot of time in the middle infield as I attempt to keep Combs healthy for the postseason.

I have to end with the Wilcox v. Barrell 3. The Wilcox-Barrell score is now 1-2 in favor of Tom, but Tommy had the better outing. It's unfortunate that there was the error or we win that game 1-0. The error started the inning, but there would have been a third out and no runs when the Kings scored their first run. It was first and third with one out, and Ab Thomas grounded into a fielder's choice that let Bill Smith (who reached on the error) score. That would have been out number three in the inning. It sucks that the next batter Jake Shadoan doubled the go ahead run as well.

Minor League Report

LF Ed Reyes (B San Jose Cougars): A move down to Class B really helped Reyes' bat, and now he's going to get a shot at right field. The current Player of the Week is hitting .439/.484/.597 (184 OPS+) with 3 homers and 26 RBI's. Rich Langton is coming back in at left field as he's healthy now, and Reyes hasn't looked really good in left. He's got a chance to work out as a right fielder, and he would rank as out best right field prospect. Reyes ranks 89th in the league while Langton has jumped up to 48th and is now one of three top 50 prospects.

[ayaghmour2]

July 24th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (65-31): 5
Cleveland Foresters (52-43): 4
10 Innings

W: Tommy Wilcox (13-8)
L: Leo Proctor (1-3)

These extra inning games are killing me... Even worse, both teams scored more of the same (3 and 2) runs in the 10th inning. Another one with the starter going too long, but With Tommy Wilcox on the mound, it's acceptable. Our ace went 10 with 8 hits, 4 runs, and a strikeout. He also did it with the bat, 3-for-5 with a pair of RBI's. Mike Taylor was 3-for-4 with a run scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-5 with 2 runs and an RBI. Cy Bryant was 2-for-5 with a double and RBI. Bobby Sprague was 1-for-3 with a walk, run, and sac-fly.

July 25th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (65-32): 1
Cleveland Foresters (53-43): 2

W: Ben Turner (10-9)
L: Dick Lyons (13-5)

We couldn't get the offense working, and we got walked off in the 9th after a George Dawson sac-fly. To make matters worse, former Cougar draftee Ben Turner was the arm that kept us in check. Dick Lyons needed just one more out, 6 hits, 2 runs, and 2 walks in a strong effort. Bobby Sprague was 1-for-4 with a double and run scored. Mike Taylor was 1-for-4 with an RBI.

July 26th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (66-32): 1
Cleveland Foresters (53-43): 0
10 Innings

W: Dick Leudtke (13-4)
L: Karl Johnson (10-8)

So I want to score runs and I want to not play extra inning games, but let's be honest, the only thing I really want is to win games. And that's what we did here. Leudtke was as good as it gets, and he outdueled Karl Johnson (who actually was traded in a blockbuster after the sim, more on this in the weekly summary) in an extra inning affair. No strikeouts for Leudtke, but he didn't allow a run and gave up 8 hits in the complete game shutout. Bobby Sprague was 2-for-3 with a double. John Kincaid and Russ Combs were both 2-for-4 with a steal (and caught stealing...).

July 27th, 1933
Toronto Wolves (33-66): 7
Chicago Cougars (66-33): 6

W: Jake Smith (2-1)
L: Chick Meehan (2-2)

So we get back home, host the worst team in baseball, and decide to give up two in the ninth to throw away the opener. To make matters worse, the two runs Meehan allowed in the 9th were unearned as were two runs earlier in the game. Max Wilder made the start, 8 innings with 9 hits, 5 runs (3 earned...), 3 walks, and 2 strikeouts. He was also 2-for-3 with a double and RBI. Bobby Sprague did his best, 3-for-5 with a homer, 2 runs, and 3 RBI's. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with a walk, run, and RBI. Tom Taylor was 2-for-5 with a double, run, and RBI. Russ Combs was 2-for-5 with a double. John Kincaid was 1-for-4 with a walk and run scored.

July 27th, 1933
Toronto Wolves (33-67): 8
Chicago Cougars (67-33): 10

W: Bill Kline (6-1)
L: Jake Smith (2-2)

Even though the pitching struggled again, we pulled off a dramatic 10-8 victory in the ninth with a huge five run inning capped off by a Claude Ramsey (of all people) grand slam, which was the first of his young career. It was a tough start for Jim Crawford, who allowed 12 hits and 7 runs with 4 walks and a strikeout in just six innings. Bill Kline "won" the game, but he allowed a hit, run, and walk in the 9th that gave the Wolves a 8-5 lead. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-5 with a run scored and driven in. Slim Bloom was 2-for-5 with a run scored. Bobby Sprague was 1-for-3 with a sac-bunt, walk, 2 runs, and an RBI. Tom Taylor was 1-for-4 with a steal, walk, and run scored.

July 27th, 1933
Toronto Wolves (33-68): 4
Chicago Cougars (68-33): 6

W: Tommy Wilcox (14-8)
L: Eddie Quinn (8-16)

No extra innings, but a little late game theatrics as we tried to blow our 6-2 lead. Tommy Wilcox went all nine, allowing 10 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), and no walks with 5 strikeouts. He was also 1-for-3 with a walk. Tom Taylor had a big game, 3-for-4 with 2 runs, 2 RBI's, his 10th homer, and 15th steal. Mike Taylor was 1-for-2 with a walk, sac-fly, and 3 RBI's. Bobby Sprague was 1-for-4 with a double.

July 28th, 1933
Cleveland Foresters (55-46): 3
Chicago Cougars (68-34): 2

W: Karl Johnson (11-8)
L: Dick Lyons (13-6)
SV: Leo Proctor (7)

No extra innings again, but this time a blown lead as the Foresters broke a 2-2 tie in the 9th to take the opener. It was an okay start for Lyons who went nine with 11 hits, 3 runs (2 earned...), a walk, and 3 strikeouts. Mike Taylor was 3-for-4 with a double and solo homer. Bobby Sprague was 1-for-4 with a solo homer.

Stars of the Week
Bobby Sprague : 26 AB, 10 H, 2 HR, 6 RBI, .385 AVG, 1.145 OPS
Mike Taylor : 26 AB, 10 H, 1 HR, 6 RBI, .385 AVG, 1.010 OPS
Tom Taylor : 20 AB, 7 H, 1 HR, 3 RBI, .350 AVG, .981 OPS

Awards
Player of the Week: LF Bobby Sprague

Injury Report
2B John Banks (AAA Milwaukee Blues): returned from the DL
SP Pete Carey (AA Mobile Commodores): herniated disc (one week)
SS Billy Hunter (B San Jose Cougars): returned from the DL
CF Elias Canady (C La Crosse Lions): strained oblique (6-7 weeks)

Weekly Summary
Today is the trade deadline and it may be pretty active. The Foresters (55-46) have made some moves. They just picked up Dan Fowler from the Minutemen and added one of the games best players T.R. Goins in a trade with the Washington Eagles. The Foresters are 12.5 games out of first, but this is a move for next year (he's not there yet on his dynasty report, but it's definitely going to be something worth checking out). They really think they can compete for a title next season, and I whole heartedly believe that the Foresters will be a force to be reckoned with. They want to get the most out of 38-year-old Max Morris who's starting to see the effects of age. He's hitting an impressive .297/.355/.512 (140 OPS+) with 20 homers and 64 RBI's so far, which would somehow be the significantly worst offensive season of his historic 19 year career.

But, enough about Morris. Let's talk about Goins.

The 32-year-old backstop ranks as the fourth best hitter in the league, but once you realize who he ranks behind you'll understand how good he is. First is the Keystones Rankin Kellogg, the former #1 overall pick with 312 career home runs. On top of that, the 30-year-old is hitting .400/.463/.704 (213 OPS+) with 30 homers and 105 RBI's in just 102 games. 2 and 3 are the Stars superstar duo Pete Layton and John Lawson. Cougars fans know how good those two are, as they were nearly impossible to get out and they brought home a title to New York.

Like Kellogg, Going was a former #1 overall pick. He was taken by Washington way back in 1919 out of Cincinnati HS. Like Mike Taylor, he's a lefty hitter and righty thrower and they both are catchers who rake. But let me get something straight. Taylor (3,315 PA, 89 HR, 459 RBI, 120 OPS+) rakes. Goins rakes compared to that. In 6,131 career plate appearances, the Eagles superstar hit .346/.407/.530 (146 OPS+) with 199 home runs and 1,037 runs driven in. He was an All-Star this year, MVP in 1926, and World Champion in 1923. His 1926 season is one of the best all time, as he slashed .395/.457/.578 (170 OPS+) with 24 homers and 121 RBI's in 650 trips to the plate.

I know our pitching staff is as good as it gets, but this Cleveland lineup is going to be scary. So not only have they added Morris, Dan Fowler, and Goins recently, but they have a pair of excellent offensive corner outfielders in Bobby Allen and Moxie Pidgeon. They now have moved a lot of top prospects (with others graduating), but they still have Chicago native and last year's first round selection Levi Redding who ranks in the top 50. They also have a strong young pitching staff with former Cougar prospects Dean Astle and Ben Turner, former minor league Rule-5 pick Roger Perry, and sophomore Carl Bragg who was taken two picks before Ben Turner in 1926 with the Foresters pick which was two spots higher. They also had the young Karl Johnson, but he was moved in the Goins trade. Cleveland is certainly an interesting team to watch, especially because another Cougar arm Heinie Bretz will be healthy for next season.

One small thing before I finish this section. I was really hoping Russ Combs would be able to pick shortstop back up. So far, in just 6 games he's already made 4 errors and he has an impressive -4.2 zone rating and .717 efficiency. These are really alarming numbers, but it is such a small sample size. I blame Harry Barrell for this one, as his +28.6 zone rating and 1.215 efficiency are too much for anyone to keep up with. Well, other then George Dawson (20.4 ZR, 1.187 efficiency). Obviously, he'll play no matter what position it is, as you can't keep a .352/.387/.490 (135 OPS+) line with 3 homers, 6 steals, and 24 RBI's (224 PA) on the bench.

And I guess I also forgot that Bobby Sprague was named Player of the Week. We keep getting these and Sprague really needed one. He was 10-for-26 with 2 homers and 6 RBI's. It's been an adjustment year for the 26-year-old Sprague who's hitting just .288/.343/.369 (91 OPS+) with 4 homers, 7 steals, and 43 RBI's in 445 plate appearances. Regardless of his offense, our park is so hard to play defense in, and having three center fielders now makes it way easier on our pitcher's. I think that's one of the biggest reasons we've pitched well as the outfield is so huge and weirdly shaped. Left and Right center are 400, but center cuts in at 388. He has adjusted well to left though, recording a +12.2 zone rating and 1.076 efficiency in 911.2 innings.

[ayaghmour2]

July 31st, 1933
Cleveland Foresters (55-47): 0
Chicago Cougars (69-34): 9

W: Dick Leudtke (14-4)
L: Red Perry (11-7)

No better way to finish the month with a shutout, and it's even better that we scored nine. None other then Dick Leudtke was on the mound, and he allowed just 4 hits with 2 walks and 6 strikeouts. He even went 1-for-4 with an RBI that would have been enough to win the game. It didn't need to be, as Slim Bloom had a great game, going 4-for-5 with a homer, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Mike Taylor was 3-for-4 with a homer, 2 runs, and 3 RBI's. John Kincaid was 3-for-5 with a double, 2 runs, and an RBI. Tom Taylor was 1-for-4 with a two run homer.

August 1st, 1933
Cleveland Foresters (55-48): 4
Chicago Cougars (70-34): 5
12 Inning

W: Bill Kline (7-1)
L: Bert Henggeler (0-2)

Too many weird ones...

We finished the finale and started August with a crazy 5-4, 12 inning affair. Up 2-0 after 5, the Foresters scored single runs in the 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th (including two Max Morris homers) to take a 4-2 lead. We didn't give up, tieing the game with a completely unexpected pinch-hit two-run homer from Mike Smith. Finally, in the 12th, after John Kincaid stole second with runners on the corners, the Foresters walked Mike Taylor intentionally to load the bases for Tom Taylor. Tom came up clutch again, delivering a walk off single. He finished the game 2-for-6.

Bill Kline pitched a real good one in extras, 3 scoreless innings with 2 hits, 2 walks, and a strikeout. Max Wilder made the start, 8 innings with 11 hits, 3 runs, a walk, and 5 strikeouts. Chick Meehan allowed a solo homer in the 9th to Dan Fowler, but also got a strikeout. Bobby Sprague was 2-for-5 with a triple and run scored. Cy Bryant was 1-for-3 with a double, run, 2 walks, and 2 RBI's.

August 3rd, 1933
Chicago Cougars (71-34): 6
Philadelphia Sailors (51-53): 3

W: Tommy Wilcox (15-8)
L: Oscar Morse (9-11)

We used an off day to travel to Philly for three with the Sailors. The day off seemed to refresh the team after the crazy game on Tuesday. Tommy Wilcox looked strong, a complete game win with 8 hits, 3 runs, a walk, and 2 strikeouts. Cy Bryant was 2-for-3 with a double, walk, run, and RBI. Bobby Sprague was 2-for-4 with a triple, run, and 2 RBI's. Russ Combs was 2-for-5 with a double and RBI. Phil Vaughan was 1-for-5 with a solo homer.

August 4th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (71-35): 4
Philadelphia Sailors (52-53): 5

W: Merritt Thomas (2-3)
L: Chick Meehan (2-3)

After evening the score in the 8th, Sailors second basemen walked it off with an RBI single. Chick Meehan had another less then desirable outing, 3 hits, a run, and a walk in an inning and a third. Dick Lyons made the start, going seven with 9 hits, 4 runs (3 earned...), a walk, and a strikeout. Arnold Bower looked better today then he has all season, going a perfect 4-for-4 with 2 doubles, a run, and an RBI. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a walk and RBI. Russ Combs was 1-for-4 with a double, walk, run, steal, and RBI.

August 5th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (71-36): 2
Philadelphia Sailors (53-53): 3

W: Doc Newell (8-11)
L: Dick Leudtke (14-5)

The offense went to sleep and we let the Sailors return to .500. Dick Leudtke deserved some run support, allowing 9 hits, 3 runs, and 3 walks with 4 strikeouts in a complete game loss. Mike Taylor was 3-for-4 with a solo homer. Bobby Sprague was 1-for-3 with a triple, walk, and run. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with an RBI.

August 6th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (71-37): 3
Toronto Wolves (38-70): 4

W: Birdie Smith (7-14)
L: Max Wilder (8-8)

This one is inexcusable...

We started a three game set with the Wolves and we drop the opener by scoring just three. Max Wilder made the start, 8 innings with 8 hits and 4 runs. Tom Taylor was 3-for-4 with a double and run scored. Bobby Sprague was 2-for-4 with a steal, run scored, and driven in. Mike Taylor was 1-for-4 with a solo homer.

Stars of the Week
Mike Taylor : 24 AB, 8 H, 3 HR, 5 RBI, .333 AVG, 1.137 OPS
John Kincaid : 27 AB, 10 H, 0 HR, 2 RBI, .370 AVG, .821 OPS
Bobby Sprague : 23 AB, 8 H, 0 HR, 3 RBI, .348 AVG, 1.009 OPS

Awards
Pitcher of the Month: Dick Leudtke

Injury Report
CF Jose Serna (AA Mobile Commodores): torn thumb ligament (1-2 weeks)
SP Johnny Moore (C La Crosse Lions): sore shoulder (2 weeks)

Weekly Summary
Just a few more months left in the year and we're holding a 13.5 game lead over both the Foresters (57-50) and Saints (58-51). First, we have to beat the Wolves twice before an off day that sends us home. Both Baltimore (46-62) and New York (54-54) would be in town for four.

Have a month Dick Leudtke! July was an outstanding month for the 31-year-old who's hungry for an Allen award that he deserved last year. He was 5-0 with a 1.51 ERA and 13 strikeouts in 53.2 innings. It's the second straight dominant season for Leudtke who has so far managed to replicate his .257 BABIP. The numbers have been really good in 23 starts, going 14-5 with a 2.53 ERA (156 ERA+), 1.14 WHIP, and 63 strikeouts in 199.1 innings pitched. Having him and Tommy Wilcox atop the rotation has been so amazing. A true late bloomer, it's been really fun watching Leudtke develop the way he has.

Minor League Report

1B Leo Mitchell (A Lincoln Legislators): Leo Mitchell actually skipped B ball, and has looked better here then he did in La Crosse last year. Mitchell won Player of the Week too, going 15-for-24 (.625) with 3 runs scored and driven in. The 20-year-old lefty is hitting .337/.372/.427 (115 OPS+) with 45 RBI's. He hasn't hit for much power, but he is an extremely amazing defender at first base. And if he wasn't a lefty, I have no doubt he could play shortstop. Unfortunately, the former 2nd Rounder is a pure lefty so first is really all available for him. I may end up trying him in the outfield, but with stats only there is no way to know for sure if he can make it happen. Regardless, the future looks bright for the top 100 prospect who ranks 4th in our system.

[ayaghmour2]

August 7th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (72-37): 9
Toronto Wolves (38-71): 2

W: Jim Crawford (9-6)
L: Buddy Adams (5-17)

This is more like it! The offense came back with vengeance and we evened the series with a 9-2 win. A huge game for the random superstar Slim Bloom was 3-for-4 and he homered, scored three times, drove in four, and was even hit by a pitch. Tom Taylor was 4-for-5 with a double, run, and RBI. Off the bench, Ed Calvert was 2-for-2 with a triple and run scored. John Kincaid was 2-for-5 with a triple and two runs scored. I actually let Bill Ashbaugh start this one in right (second time this year) and he was 1-for-2 with a walk, run, and triple. I would have loved for him to more time up there (we were winning 8-2...), but considering Calvert pinch hit for him, I guess it was fine. Arnold Bower was 2-for-4 with a walk, run, and 2 RBI's.

August 8th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (73-37): 5
Toronto Wolves (38-72): 2

W: Tommy Wilcox (16-8)
L: Eddie Quinn (8-17)

That's six in a row. Not wins, but, complete games in a row for Tommy Wilcox in a streak that includes one that went 13 innings. He didn't have to do that in the finale, but he allowed just 2 runs (1 earned), 9 hits, and 2 walks with 2 strikeouts. Tom Taylor was 3-for-4 with a homer, triple, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a run scored and driven in. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with a double and 2 RBI's. Slim Bloom was 1-for-3 with a double and run scored.

August 10th, 1933
Baltimore Canons (47-64): 2
Chicago Cougars (74-37): 3

W: Dick Lyons (14-6)
L: Bob Miller (10-16)

After a day that brought us back to the states, we got some nice home cooking before a four game series with the Cannons to end the week. This one was a little too close, and we had to walk it off to win. Cy Bryant was just 1-for-4 in the game, but his single in the ninth was the game winner. He drove in Bobby Sprague who was 3-for-4 with a double, steal, and run scored. Mike Taylor was 2-for-4 with a solo homer, his 15th and second best in the league. Dick Lyons had an excellent start, allowing 10 hits and 2 runs (1 earned) with a walk and four strikeouts in a complete game victory.

August 11th, 1933
Baltimore Canons (47-65): 2
Chicago Cougars (75-37): 6

W: Dick Leudtke (15-5)
L: Ken Carpenter (11-13)

I like how the other team keeps scoring two runs. I can get to used to this. A strong start from Dick Leudtke. He allowed 11 hits and 2 runs with 6 strikeouts in another complete game victory. Bobby Sprague was 3-for-4 with a double, run, and RBI. Russ Combs was 2-for-4 with a triple and run scored. Mike Taylor was 1-for-3 with a triple, run, and RBI. Phil Vaughan was 1-for-3 with a walk, two runs, and his 10th homer of the year. Arnold Bower was 3-for-4. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with 2 RBI's.

August 12th, 1933
Baltimore Canons (47-66): 1
Chicago Cougars (76-37): 6

W: Max Wilder (9-8)
L: Rabbit Day (15-9)

One is better then two! We managed to score off one of the best pitchers in the game and held the Baltimore offense to a single run. Max Wilder pitched really well, 8 strong innings with 7 hits, 3 walks, an unearned run, and 2 strikeouts. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a steal, RBI, and two runs scored. Forrest Sylvester was 2-for-4 with a double, run, and RBI. Slim Bloom was 2-for-4 with a double and 2 RBI's. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with a pair of runs scored. Mike Taylor was 2-for-4 with a run scored.

August 12th, 1933
Baltimore Canons (47-66): 1
Chicago Cougars (76-37): 8

W: Tommy Wilcox (17-8)
L: Doc Stanton (0-2)

A perfect week capped off with a perfect win. We piled on 11 hits and 8 runs in the first six innings on fledgling lefty Doc Stanton while Tommy Wilcox did what he does best. 7 hits, a run, and 4 strikeouts in another complete game victory. Tom Taylor erupted, 2-for-3 with 2 homers, 2 walks, 3 runs, and 4 RBI's. Mike Taylor was 2-for-4 with a homer, hit by pitch, and 3 RBI's. Russ Combs was 2-for-4 with a walk, run, and RBI. Cy Bryant was 1-for-2 with a double, run, and 2 RBI's.

Stars of the Week
Tom Taylor : 24 AB, 13 H, 3 HR, 9 RBI, .542 AVG, 1.702 OPS
Slim Bloom : 14 AB, 7 H, 1 HR, 6 RBI, .500 AVG, 1.390 OPS
Mike Taylor : 20 AB, 7 H, 2 HR, 6 RBI, .350 AVG, 1.114 OPS

Injury Report
RP Pete Sposito (AAA Milwaukee Blues): elbow inflammation (one week)
C Cecil Kimball (AAA Milwaukee Blues): intercostal strain (5 days)
SP Pete Carey (AA Mobile Commodores): activated from the DL
SP El Long (B San Jose Cougars): shoulder inflammation (4 weeks)
CF Ernie Carson (C La Crosse Lions): hamstring strain (3 weeks)

Weekly Summary
Lots of tough to talk about this week. Thankfully, all good. Of course, we have to start with player of the week Tom Taylor! A guy who always seems to heat up late, I'm hoping this is the start of things to come for the Canadian Club. He was 13-for-24 (.542) with 3 homers and 9 RBI's. He has improved his season .309/.356/.462 (119 OPS+) line, but it would be the worst of his three seasons in Chicago. It's interesting though, he's really cut down his strikeouts and is on pace for seven less then last year and a lot less then when he struck out the most in the CA in 1931. He's on pace to reach 20 homers and steals for the fourth time in his career and he's really developed into more of a speed then power guy. He'll still hit the homers, but he hit 29 and 30 his first two years which still weren't near the 44 and 38 in '28 and '29. I wish I could see monthly batting splits for a career, but I know Taylor has done well either in August or September the past two seasons.

Oh yeah. And the Cougars hit home runs now! We rank 2nd in the CA (62) and if it wasn't for the absurdities Rankin Kellogg (35) and Max Morris (25) both Mike and Tom Taylor would be within four homers of the FABL lead. Mike would lead in the CA with Tom right behind him. We also just got our third member of the team to reach 10 homers, Phil Vaughan, who's done it in just 163 trips to the plate. There's still a lot of baseball left to be played and we already have more double digit homer guys then usual.

Let's take a look at the Cougars of past. Obviously, way back when home runs would not happen very often. However, the Cougars all time leader for home runs should not be Bill Ashbaugh (110) who hasn't even made his 4,000 FABL plate appearance. Guess who is second? Well, the leader in most other categories, John Dibblee (85). He did it in 13,260 plate appearances across 25 seasons. Third? Tom Taylor (73) who's only been a Cougar for three years. The top 10 includes interesting throwback names like Art Panko (51, 4,794 PA) and Vince York (32, 2,121 PA) and neither was much of a power hitter. Mike Taylor, who's been a Cougar for a little over a year (7/25/1932) needs just four homers to reach the 10 spot.

Looking more recent, in 1932 three players hit 10 or more homers for us. They were Tom Taylor (30), Bill Ashbaugh (13), and Mike Taylor (10), with Taylor hitting all ten of those after the trade. We scored 903 runs as a team, but with just 87 homers. That was good for fourth, about average, but considering how homer friendly our park is, not too impressive. Again in 1931 we had three players, Tom Taylor (29), Vince York (11), and Bill Ashbaugh (11). We scored 809 runs, won the Continental Association, and won a World Series. And we did it with 66 homers. That's it. We've almost passed that now. 1930 had three (the magic number?), Bill Ashbaugh (16), Vince York (15), and Fred Barrell (10). We finished 4th in the league (our pitching was terrible...) and scored 964 runs. We hit just 68. 1929, the first year of this dynasty report, we were terrible. We were 62-92 and just Bill Ashbaugh (23) hit more then 6. Without him, we hit just 44 homers. From 1929-1931 we ranked in the bottom half of the CA despite having the easiest stadium to hit homers at. Brooklyn is the only other CA team to have an overall HR rating above 1 (and both LHB and RHB above 1).

Both us and the Keystones sit at 77-37 with double digit leads (10 them, 15 us) on the next best team in our league. The Keystones are still pissed about getting swept by the Stars this year, and they've taken it out on the entire Fed. Rankin Kellogg is one of five lefties in their lineup and he surpassed 300 homers this season. Both him and Bobby Barrell are hitting over .370 and all four of their top hitters hit above .300. The top three of their rotation is strong, but all three would sit behind Max Wilder in our rotation. Former Cougar Bill Ross is their four, but he's 36 and while still effective, not the pitcher he was. As a whole though, they truly are the class of the Fed. They rank top four in every main category except base running, where they are 5th (and that's not all that major...). They just finished July 22-6 which was even better then our 19-9.

Interesting enough, we are terrible base runners 7th in the CA with just a +9.1. We do have a league best 63 steals, but I'm guessing it's all the caught stealing that are hurting us. We've been caught the most (by a lot), but we still have the 2nd best percentage. Not sure how this stat is calculated, but it's a little interesting.

There was definitely more I planned on writing, but after viewing a few of the absurd gold glove finalists, I got completely sidetracked and whatever was origionally planned has now been forgotten.

Minor League Report

CF Roy Moore (AA Mobile Commodores): He's only 20, but Roy Moore has been working his way up the system. First, he hit .377/.401/.442 (120 OPS+) with 3 homers, 8 steals, and 22 RBI's in just 50 games before a promotion to Lincoln. He did well there too, hitting .291/.342/.366 (92 OPS+) with a homer, steal, and 16 RBI's in 42 games. I was hesitant to move him up again, but with Rich Langton coming off the DL and how well he was hitting, I couldn't keep him in San Jose, he was ready for Lincoln. I have important prospects in all three outfield spots and couldn't move someone down, so someone had to go up. I gambled with Moore. Even though he was the youngest, he's also in year two and the others (Johnny Waters and Lou Roach) were drafted this offseason. Moore seemed ready for the challenge, and he slashed .480/.536/.720 (229 OPS+) with a homer and 5 RBI's. It was an excellent start for Moore who also looked really good out in center. Speed is a big part of his game, as he's an excellent base runner, base stealer, and his outfield range is impressive. Power is a question for him, as he is on the short side (5'7'') and he hit just four homers last year with five this year. Still, we have a lot of outfield prospects so he's going to have to find a way to standout. He ranks 23rd in our system and 172nd in the league.

LF Dave Haight (C La Crosse Lions): It's been a rough year for most of our C ball prospects, but Dave Haight is just hanging on. The 13th Round pick is hitting .306/.337/.414 (97 OPS+) with 3 homers, 8 steals, and 26 RBI's. He also grabbed a Player of the Week this week, going 11-for-19 with a homer and 2 RBI's. The 19-year-old does an excellent job hitting the ball the other way and he has a very strong and well developed hit tool. He's really athletic, but not all that fast. He handles left well and he's got a huge influence on the other guys in the clubhouse. He was an excellent hitter in high school and I don't expect that to change. He's young and overmatched now, but I think he's starting to get the hang of things.

Few notes after: I was going to mention how valuable Dick Lyons is and how I forget about him (yikes...) and how good he really is. I was going to do a little piece on him, but at least it will give me something to write for the next report. It's the last sim of the week, so I'll have a ton of time to get everything together. Another has to do with our farm system. Thanks to the #100 prospect in the game (Ernie Carson), we have the most top 100 prospects in baseball. Washington has 11, the only other with double digits. As you might expect, they have the absolute best system. I have no idea how many "points" are available, but they have 271 and the second place Kings have 154. We're 10th with 100, but some guys may graduate from now till the end of the season. Only one of our top 15 guys is playing above A ball, and he's hurt. Not sure we'll sneak into the top eight like I thought, but 7th place Boston is at 107 and they're #1 guy is in the rotation. The Keystones and Saints are at 104 and . The Keystones seem set, and I don't think the Saints top guy Pablo Reyes will get enough service.

[ayaghmour2]

August 14th, 1933
New York Stars (57-58): 7
Chicago Cougars (77-38): 1

W: Charlie Stedman (11-7)
L: Jim Crawford (9-7)

The Stars were in town for four, and they piled on five in the ninth to take the opener 7-1.We plaid sloppy all game, five errors in total, and 3 of the 7 runs Jim Crawford allowed were unearned. He went 8.2 innings with 10 hits, 2 walks, and a strikeout. Phil Vaughan was 2-for-4. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with an RBI. Tom Taylor was 1-for-4 with a run.

August 15th, 1933
New York Stars (58-58): 4
Chicago Cougars (77-39): 3

W: Les Zoller (10-6)
L: Dick Lyons (14-7)

This one was much closer, but the Stars got a little revenge for the last series and they secured a split here. Tied at three in the ninth, second basemen Rip Crandall gave them the lead with an RBI single. Dick Lyons made the start, 9 hits and 4 runs (2 earned...) in a complete game loss. Floyd Sylvester was 2-for-4 with a random three run homer in the 5th to make up for one of his errors. Cy Bryant was 1-for-4 with a run scored.

August 16th, 1933
New York Stars (59-58): 5
Chicago Cougars (77-40): 2

W: Gene Richards (7-6)
L: Dick Leudtke (15-6)
SV: Tom Fitzgerald (1)

Okay, so can we start winning again? Even with Dick Leudtke on the mound, the Stars managed to score enough to top us as the lineup continues to sleep. It was a rough one for Leudtke, 12 hits, 5 runs, and 3 walks. John Kincaid was 3-for-5. Bobby Sprague was 2-for-4 with a run, steal, and RBI. Slim Bloom was 1-for-2 with 2 walks and an RBI. Tom Taylor was 1-for-4 with a steal and run scored.

August 17th, 1933
New York Stars (59-59): 2
Chicago Cougars (78-40): 5

W: Max Wilder (10-8)
L: Boyd Harper (6-12)

Well, the offense didn't quite wake up, but Max Wilder has a strong performance and we avoided getting swept at home. In the complete game win he allowed 8 hits, 2 runs, and a walk with two strikeouts. Tom Taylor was 2-for-3 with a walk, homer, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Russ Combs was 2-for-4 with a triple, steal, and RBI. Phil Vaughan was 1-for-3 with a walk and two run homer. John Kincaid was 1-for-4 with a double and run scored.

August 19th, 1933
Brooklyn Kings (57-63): 2
Chicago Cougars (79-40): 3

W: Tommy Wilcox (18-8)
L: Mike Murphy (12-12)

Another New York team was in town, but this time it was Brooklyn for three. We got an off day that I hoped would awaken the offense. It did not work, but with Tommy Wilcox on the mound, it doesn't really matter. It was another matchup of a traded battery, Wilcox and Mike Taylor for Fred Barrell and Mike Murphy (of course and Tom Barrell and George DeForest). Wilcox struck out 4 and allowed 9 hits and 2 runs in the win. Bill Ashbaugh had a big game, 2-for-2 with 2 solo homers and 2 walks. Tom Taylor was 3-for-4 with a triple and run scored.

August 19th, 1933
Brooklyn Kings (57-64): 3
Chicago Cougars (80-40): 7

W: Dick Lyons (15-7)
L: Del Lyons (4-9)

A little more offense here in this one, as we win game 80 on the season. Dick Lyons pitched fine, 8 innings with 7 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), a walk, and 5 strikeouts. Bill Kline needed just 10 pitches for a perfect ninth. Cy Bryant had a big game, 3-for-3 with a double, homer, walk, 2 runs, and 3 RBI's. Bobby Sprague was 3-for-4 with a double and 3 runs scored. John Kincaid was 1-for-3 with a double, walk, and 2 RBI's. Phil Vaughan as 2-for-3 with a walk and run scored.

Stars of the Week
Tom Taylor : 22 AB, 8 H, 1 HR, 2 RBI, .364 AVG, 1.008 OPS
Phil Vaughan : 13 AB, 5 H, 1 HR, 3 RBI, .385 AVG, 1.086 OPS
Bobby Sprague : 20 AB, 7 H, 0 HR, 1 RBI, .350 AVG, .835 OPS

Minor League Report
CF Jose Serna (AA Mobile Commodores): returned from the DL
2B Gene Evans (A La Crosse Lions): hamstring strain (one week)

Weekly Summary
Not a great week, just 3-3, but after the day off we won our next two. One more against the Kings before welcoming the Saints (65-56) in for four. Off again on the 26th before ending our homestand with three against the Wolves (44-76). Somehow, Toronto is already eliminated from the postseason.

Of course, I also now have to talk about Dick Lyons. After beating the Kings to finish the week, the 33-year-old is 15-7 with a 2.68 ERA (147 ERA+), 1.10 WHIP, 32 BB, and 50 strikeouts in 198.1 innings on the year. He was a member of the inaugural All Star team and is the longest tenured Cougar. Way back in 1921, we took him in the 2nd Round (well, the AI) out of Frankford State (same school as Montreal's stud rookie Vic Crawford). He debuted in 1926, but it was a 6 game (4 start) sample that didn't go all that well. After 7 relief appearances in 1927, he's made 204 starts for the Cougars. He was relatively average from 1927 to 1931, but he really started to pitch better last season.

In 1932, Lyons was 17-7 with a 3.50 ERA (123 ERA+), 1.35 WHIP, 50 walks, and 68 strikeouts in 236.2 innings. It was the best season of his career, but he's always been a dependable big league arm. He's made 30 or more starts with 230 or more innings every year since 1928 and he's even led the league in HR/9 (0.3, 1928) and BB/9 (1.7, 1931). For his career, the lefty is 97-74 with a 3.92 ERA (113 ERA+), 1.42 WHIP, 377 walks, and 488 strikeouts. I'm actually really impressed by the record as he had to endure a stretch of seasons where we were really bad. OSA really likes Lyons now, and while the in game rankings do change a lot during the season based on performance, he is ranked the 5th best pitcher in baseball. He sits behind Wilcox, Rabbit Day, Roy Calfee (Detroit), and Jim Lonardo.

Lyons was a guy I tried to trade because I wasn't sure he'd be a long term piece and I had to decide between him and someone like Tommy Russel. If you don't remember him, he was actually really good for us. After three almost exactly league average seasons with Washington, I sent Gene Ross and Tex Young there for him. He had an excellent first season, going 13-11 with a 4.26 ERA (114 ERA+), 1.43 WHIP, 57 walks, and 51 strikeouts in 221.2 innings. Russel was known to be a guy who wasn't pretty great, but he could throw unlimited pitches. Well, that was until 1931. I moved him to the pen because I couldn't move any of my starters. He was doing great, 15.2 innings with 9 hits, 3 runs, 3 walks, and 3 strikeouts before shoulder inflammation cost him the season. Since then, he hasn't been the same, and is currently in Lincoln. Out of the pen he has a 4.91 ERA (82 ERA+) and 1.36 WHIP in 11 innings.

[ayaghmour2]

August 21st, 1933
Brooklyn Kings (57-65): 3
Chicago Cougars (81-40): 6

W: Jim Crawford (10-7)
L: Roy Pierce (7-7)
SV: Chick Meehan (13)

We finished off the sweep with a nice 6-3 win. Jim Crawford picked up the win with 8 innings, 8 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), 2 walks, and 4 strikeouts. Chick Meehan picked up the save with a walk and strikeout in a scoreless inning. Russ Combs was 2-for-4 with 2 runs and an RBI. Mike Taylor was 1-for-3 with a walk and two run homer. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a double and 2 RBI's.

August 22nd, 1933
Montreal Saints (66-57): 7
Chicago Cougars (81-41): 1

W: Red Floyd (2-4)
L: Dick Leudtke (15-7)

We got the Saints in four, and even though we've expanded our lead on them, they've always played us tough. This one wasn't even close, and they put up a lot on Leudtke as we just couldn't hit. He allowed 12 hits and 6 runs with 2 walks and 5 strikeouts in six and a third. Claude Purvis allowed 3 hits and 2 runs with a walk and 3 strikeouts in two innings. Cy Bryant literally was the offense, going 2-for-3 with a solo shot. We did have four walks, but the only other player to get a hit, was Leudtke who singled to leadoff the third.

August 23rd, 1933
Montreal Saints (66-58): 3
Chicago Cougars (82-41): 6

W: Max Wilder (11-8)
L: Walker Moore (11-9)

A big four run sixth gave us the win in this one. Cy Bryant was a big part of that, going 2-for-4 with a homer and 2 RBI's. Russ Combs was 2-for-3 with a walk and run scored. Tom Taylor was 1-for-4 with a two run homer. Phil Vaughan was 1-for-2 with 2 walks, a run, and an RBI. Mike Taylor was 1-for-3 with a walk and run scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with a triple, run, and RBI.

August 24th, 1933
Montreal Saints (67-58): 10
Chicago Cougars (82-42): 3

W: Johnny Long (2-1)
L: Tommy Wilcox (18-9)

Montreal took out some anger on us in this one, and managed to absolutely destroy Tommy Wilcox. This start reminds me of 1932 Wilcox, 4.2 innings with 11 hits, 8 runs, 2 walks, and 5 strikeouts. Norm Stewart admirably mopped up, 4.1 innings with 3 hits, 2 runs, a walk, and 5 strikeouts. 10 strikeouts is good, but 10 runs isn't... John Kincaid hit well though, 3-for-4 with a homer, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Cy Bryant and Tom Taylor were both 1-for-3 with a walk. Even though the Saints one, it was a huge loss as Earle Whitten left with injury. The 25-year-old will miss 4-5 weeks. He was 10-9 with 4 saves, a 3.14 ERA (118 ERA+), 1.14 WHIP, 56 walks, and 44 strikeouts in 154.2 innings (20 starts, 14 relief appearances). He was in the Charlie Stedman trade that also brought over Ed Smith and Bob Worley, both of who have gotten a ton of playing time this year.

August 25th, 1933
Montreal Saints (67-59): 4
Chicago Cougars (83-42): 5

W: Dick Lyons (16-7)
L: Milt Fritz (11-7)

We managed to salvage the finale, as Dick Lyons was good enough to win as he outdueled Montreal's ace Milt Fritz. In the complete game win he allowed 11 hits and 4 runs with 2 strikeouts. He was also 1-for-2 with a walk and run scored. Russ Combs was 2-for-4 with a double, triple, run, and 2 RBI's. Cy Bryant was 1-for-4 with a double, run, and RBI. Slim Bloom was 1-for-3 with a walk and run scored.

August 27th, 1933
Toronto Wolves (46-80): 1
Chicago Cougars (84-42): 4

W: Dick Leudtke (16-7)
L: Buddy Adams (6-19)

We got a day off before the Wolves came to town for three to end our homestand. Dick Leudtke more then bounced back, allowing just 4 hits, a run, and a walk with 2 strikeouts in the complete game win. Bill Ashbaugh was 3-for-4 with a double, run, and RBI. Russ Combs was 2-for-5 with a double and run scored. Tom Taylor was 2-for-4 with an RBI and Phil Vaughan 2-for-4 with a run scored.

Stars of the Week
Russ Combs : 24 AB, 9 H, 0 HR, 3 RBI, .375 AVG, .965 OPS
Cy Bryant : 22 AB, 7 H, 2 HR, 4 RBI, .318 AVG, .984 OPS
John Kincaid : 23 AB, 7 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI, .304 AVG, .783 OPS

Weekly Summary
So I got a little bit of a throwback in this one. And a reminder that Tommy Wilcox is human. He finally had a bad start, granted, against a good offense, but I've just become so used to him being good now just like I was used to him being bad last year. I hope he gets the bad out of his system now, because he is going to be crucial to winning our second title.

After two with the Wolves, we have a quick double header in Cleveland (67-58) before a day off on the 31st to end the Month. Rosters expand on the first, and we'll be in Montreal (67-60) for four. These are two good teams and we have to show that we are better then them.

A little note on our rotation. In the Continental Association for individual pitchers, Cougars rank 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th in ERA+, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in ERA, and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in WAR. Wilcox is always 1st, Wilder is 4th, and 2nd and 3rd are Lyons and Leudtke. Wilcox also leads in complete games (22) and K/BB (2.5) while Dick Leudtke (4) in shutouts and FIP (3.07). Jim Crawford also finally brought his ERA down so his ERA+ is 101 and all five pitchers are above average.

Last thing, shoutout to Norm Stewart for making the team officially. With rosters expanding, there would now be no reason to get rid of the last remaining Rule-5 Pick. Regardless, Stewart has looked really good in 25.2 innings this year. The lefty has a 2.10 ERA (186 ERA+), 0.97 WHIP, 7 walks, and 14 strikeouts. He will be 27 in September, but I do really like his longterm potential. I think he could be a Dick Leudtke type pitcher with a little more work in the rotation. He may make the team as a reliever again next season, but if not, he'll likely start the season in Milwaukee as a starter.

Minor League Report

2B/CF/LF Russ Franklin (AAA Milwaukee Blues): He's not a prospect, but it is definitely worth covering Russ Franklin who I acquired from the Foresters in June for a 5th Round Pick. I've started to have him play left field, and he's actually looked solid out there. He's hit well too, .322/.355/.477 (109 OPS+) with 4 homers, 19 steals, and 42 RBI's in 325 trips to the plate. Eventually when rosters expand, he'll rejoin the team and will have a chance to audition for a bench spot. He's got a ton of speed, but it's been hard to find a position for him. He hasn't looked great at second and he looks just average in center. I'm hoping left is the future home, but he could at least be a valuable off the bench player if he hits like he did last year in the majors.

3B Tom Spitzer (AA Mobile Commodores): At one point, Spitzer was looking like a top 100 prospect, but after a strong draft class this year, he dropped down to 160. The 22-year-old has looked good in AA despite being way younger then most of the guys he competes against. He's hitting .315/.349/.438 (106 OPS+) with 3 homers and 65 RBI's in 516 trips to the plate. A former 7th Rounder in 1929, Spitzer was originally a shortstop with questionable range. He's moved on over to third base, and so far, the results have been good. He has the arm for it and his range is exceptional. He's got a strong, quick bat and he's working on hitting off-speed pitches better. He should be able to hit for a high batting average and steal a decent amount of bases. If he can figure out third base, Spitzer could have a chance to start in the big leagues.

[ayaghmour2]

August 28th, 1933
Toronto Wolves (46-81): 2
Chicago Cougars (85-42): 6

W: Max Wilder (12-8)
L: Chuck Cole (3-6)

We'd at least earn a series win with the Wolves and would look for the sweep after a 6-2 in. Max Wilder had a strong start, 5 hits, 2 runs, and 2 walks with 3 strikeouts in a complete game win. John Kincaid was 2-for-3 with a double, walk, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with a double and RBI. Mike Taylor was 1-for-4 with a two run homer.

August 29th, 1933
Toronto Wolves (47-81): 3
Chicago Cougars (85-43): 1

W: Birdie Smith (9-16)
L: Tommy Wilcox (18-10)
SV: Jake Smith (1)

The offense was non-existent, and we blew a guaranteed win with Tommy Wilcox on the mound. He wasn't great, but allowed 9 hits, 3 runs, and a walk with 2 strikeouts in a complete game loss. We did get 10 hits, but it didn't lead to runs. Bobby Sprague was 2-for-3 with a walk. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with a double and run scored .Cy Bryant was 1-for-4 with an RBI.

August 30th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (85-44): 2
Cleveland Foresters (68-60): 6
Game 1

W: Carl Bragg (9-2)
L: Jim Crawford (10-8)
SV: Jim Cavender (5)

I don't like this. We're in Cleveland for a single day and a double header. I like it even less when we only scored two runs and lose the opener. Three errors (including one by himself) cost Jim Crawford, who allowed 6 runs and only two were earned. He allowed 7 hits and 3 walks with 4 strikeouts in 8 innings. Bobby Sprague was 2-for-3 with a walk and run scored. Arnold Bower was 2-for-4 with a double. John Kincaid was 1-for-5 with a double and RBI. It was nice that both doubled, but they also both committed errors.

August 30th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (85-45): 2
Cleveland Foresters (69-60): 4
Game 2

W: Ben Turner (11-13)
L: Dick Lyons (16-8)

I'd love for the offense to show up... We get swept in the double header as the Foresters really pitched us well. Dick Lyons was okay, 8 innings with 8 hits, 4 runs, a walk, and strikeout. Claude Ramsey was 2-for-3 with a double, hit by pitch, and run scored. Russ Combs was 2-for-3 with a walk and sac-bunt. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with a triple and run scored.

September 1st, 1933
Chicago Cougars (85-45): 3
Montreal Saints (69-63): 2

W: Dick Leudtke (17-7)
L: Dave Paynter (3-4)

An off day came in handy as we didn't get hurt in the rotation by the double header. We'd start the month in Montreal, facing them in a four game series. The offense wasn't back, but Dick Luedtke did his thing and we stopped out three game skid. He allowed 8 hits and 2 runs with 3 strikeouts in the complete game win. John Kincaid was a perfect 3-for-3 with a triple, steal, walk, and two runs scored. Mike Taylor was 1-for-3 with a sac-fly and RBI triple. Cy Bryant was 1-for-4 with a steal and run scored.

September 2nd, 1933
Chicago Cougars (87-45): 2
Montreal Saints (69-64): 1

W: Tommy Wilcox (19-10)
L: Milt Fritz (11-8)

Still no offense, but Tommy Wilcox outdueled former co-ace Milt Fritz in a 2-1 Cougar win. The only run charged to Wilcox was unearned and he struck out more (7) batters then he allowed hits (6). John Kincaid was 2-for-3 with a double, two walks, and a run scored. Arnold Bower was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Russ Combs was 2-for-5, but he made the error that led to the Saints only run.

September 3rd, 1933
Chicago Cougars (88-45): 10
Montreal Saints (69-65): 0

W: Max Wilder (13-8)
L: Randy Taylor (5-5)

The offense is alive! But, that's not even the best part! Max Wilder allowed just 6 and struck out 1 in a complete game shutout as we look poised to finish off the sweep tomorrow. Phil Vaughan was 3-for-5 with a double, run, and 3 RBI's. John Kincaid was 2-for-5 with a pair of RBI's. Bobby Sprague was 1-for-3 with a walk, steal, and three runs scored. Cy Bryant was 1-for-4 with a run scored and two driven in. Tom Taylor was 1-for-3 with a steal, two walks, and two runs scored. Ed Calvert had a pinch hit two run triple and then scored in the 9th.

Stars of the Week
John Kincaid : 28 AB, 13 H, 0 HR, 7 RBI, .464 AVG, 1.174 OPS
Max Wilder : 2 Wins, 18.0 IP, 2 BB, 4 K, 1.00 ERA
Bobby Sprague : 24 AB, 10 H, 0 HR, 1 RBI, .417 AVG, .923 OPS

Weekly Summary
Not a big one today because of Game 6. I made my callups since Class C ball ends and our team won 46, good for 7th out of 8. AA was competing for a title, so I didn't really want to mess with that roster. I let the prospects stay even though that means some of them might not get a callup this year. I brought bench or stashed players up and down to juggle rosters if needed, but it was nice being able to just grab anyone from C ball. I brought up Russ Franklin, Luke Nixon, Curt Ross, Ace McSherry, and Herb Lowman.

No prospects here except Ross, our 10th Round Pick from 1925 who is set to make his debut. He didn't get to play much in AAA, but he raked off the bench. He's on the 40 and gives us a left bat. The rest are all depth pieces, with both Franklin and Nixon acquired from the Foresters. Nixon was a Cougar originally, drafted in 1925 and he debuted in 1929 with us. He was part of the Wilder and Combs deal. He spent three seasons with Cleveland, but we claimed him off waivers last September. McSherry was a former Rule-5 Pick who had a strong rookie season out of the pen. He moved to the rotation the next season, but an injury cut his season short and kind of closed the book on starting. He's had decent results in the majors, but with options, he's usually sent down. Lowman was a World Series hero for the Sailors in 1930, but placed on waivers in July of 1932 and we grabbed him. He's a weird pitcher, with an elite rookie season at 28. He then sucked the next year and hasn't pitched in the majors since. He'll have a chance this year. I also wanted a third catcher, so I went and purchased the contract of Herman Rachford from AAA. He got a cup of coffee in 1931, but has since been removed from the 40-man roster. He's hit well in the minors, but he's nothing special.

Lastly, I have to cover 35-year-old Pete Sposito who my scout really likes. Way back in 1919 he was an 11th Round Pick by Baltimore. He didn't sign, and was then a 9th Round Pick by St. Louis the next year. He's now spent a ton of time in AAA, 1,980.2 innings in total. This only includes about 200 thrown with us the past three seasons, the rest with San Diego and Portland, both independent teams. He's got a chance to make his big league debut after over 2,000 minor league innings.

[ayaghmour2]

September 4th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (88-46): 1
Montreal Saints (70-65): 2

W: Dick Lyons (16-9)
L: Red Floyd (4-4)
SV: Howie Snyder (15)

Turns out the offense was a one time thing, as the Saints avoided the sweep with a 2-1 win. Dick Lyons should have had a complete game shutout, but an error in the 8th allowed both Saint runs. Lyons went 8 with just 4 hits, a walk, and 4 strikeouts. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a double and run scored Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with an RBI double. Mike Taylor was 1-for-3 with a walk.

September 5th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (89-46): 12
Baltimore Cannons (55-79): 4

W: Jim Crawford (11-8)
L: Bob Miller (10-20)

Well, the offense was back for the opener in Baltimore, and we topped the struggling Cannons 12-4. It was a big one for Bill Ashbaugh, going a perfect 4-for-4 with 3 walks, 5 RBI's, and just a triple shy of the cycle. It was his 10th homer on the year too, the fourth Cougar to reach that mark and first in my tenure. Mike Taylor was 2-for-3 with a homer, walk, sac-fly, and 3 RBI's. Cy Bryant was 2-for-5 with a run scored and driven in. Bobby Sprague shared the same line, but one of his two hits was a double. Starter Jim Crawford was 1-for-3 with a sac-bunt and run scored. He tossed 7.1 innings with 7 hits, 4 runs, 4 walks, and 3 strikeouts. I set pitch counts for some of my starters, but this is really one of the first times it's actually pulled a pitcher before the 8th. Claude Purvis finished the last 1.2 innings with a hit, walk, and strikeout.

September 6th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (89-47): 6
Baltimore Cannons (56-79): 9

W: Joe Newsome (4-8)
L: Dick Leudtke (17-8)

No luck in this one, and we had to wait another day for win 90. It was a rare rough start for Dick Leudtke who went just 3 innings. He allowed 8 hits, 6 runs, 4 walks, and he struck out just one. Ace McSherry made his season debut, 3.2 innings with 4 hits, 3 unearned runs, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts. Tom Taylor was 2-for-5 with 2 doubles, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Mike Taylor was 2-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with a walk, run, and 2 RBI's. Bobby Sprague was 1-for-3 with a walk, steal, and 2 RBI's.

September 7th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (89-48): 0
Baltimore Cannons (56-80): 3

W: Rabbit Day (19-9)
L: Tommy Wilcox (19-11)
SV: Lee Drouillard (15)

The offense disappeared yet again, and we didn't even manage a run. It ruined another Wilcox start, 8 innings with 7 hits, 3 runs, and 4 strikeouts. He was also our best hitter, going 2-for-3. Slim Bloom was 2-for-4 with a double. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with a double. Russ Combs was 1-for-4 with a walk.

September 8th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (90-48): 6
Baltimore Cannons (56-81): 2

W: Max Wilder (14-8)
L: Pinky Conlan (0-5)

Number 90! We managed to avoid the series loss and earn the split with a 6-2 win. Max Wilder was strong, going all nine with 8 hits, 2 runs, a walk, and 7 strikeouts. John Kincaid was 4-for-5 with a pair of doubles and RBI. Cy Bryant was 2-for-4 with a double, steal, and 3 RBI's. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-5 with a double, RBI, and two runs scored. Tom Taylor was 2-for-4 with a double, run, and steal. Bobby Sprague was 1-for-3 with a double, run, and walk.

September 9th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (90-49): 3
Brooklyn Kings (67-73): 4

W: Roy Pierce (9-8)
L: Dick Lyons (16-10)

Next stop was Brooklyn, but the host Kings kept us in check to take the opener. Dick Lyons got the loss, 8 innings with 12 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), a walk, and 2 strikeouts. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with an RBI. John Kincaid was 1-for-3 with a walk, double, and RBI. Phil Vaughan was 1-for-4 with a solo homer. Cy Bryant was 1-for-2 with a run, two walks, and a steal. John Kincaid was 1-for-3 with a double, walk, and RBI. Tom Taylor was 1-for-4 with a run scored.

September 9th, 1933
Chicago Cougars (90-50): 2
Brooklyn Kings (68-73): 7

W: Tom Barrell (11-16)
L: Jim Crawford (11-9)

Okay guys, just because we have a nice lead doesn't mean we can stop winning... Jim Crawford got the loss, 6 innings with 7 hits, 7 runs (4 earned), and 2 walks. Herb Lowman made his Cougar debut, 2 innings with 3 hits and 2 strikeouts. Cy Bryant was 2-for-3 with a walk, double, and homer. Mike Taylor was 2-for-4 with a double and RBI.

Stars of the Week
Bill Ashbaugh : 29 AB, 12 H, 1 HR, 10 RBI, .414 AVG, 1.089 OPS
Cy Bryant : 21 AB, 9 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI, .429 AVG, 1.187 OPS
Mike Taylor : 26 AB, 9 H, 1 HR, 4 RBI, .346 AVG, .919 OPS

Weekly Summary
I think this was our worst week of the year. Not only that, we usually do really well in September, but just sit 5-5. If I remember right, after losing three games to start September, we only lost two more to finish the month. It would be nice if we had only five losses this September, though that doesn't seem too reasonable. With 14 games left, we could go 14-0, but chances are it won't happen.

Luckily, at 90-50 and 11.5 games up, only the Foresters can catch us. Our magic number is 4, so as long as we win four games from now until the end of the year, the Foresters could continue to extend their 7 game win streak as long as they want. Really not all that much left to talk about this season until the postseason, but we really do need to turn things around quickly if we want to outduel the Foresters. They haven't ever seen a pitching staff like ours, but we also haven't quite seen anyone similar to Ranking Kellogg. Mighty Mo is good, but the 38-year-old version pales in comparison to Kellogg who might hit .400 with 45 homers and 160 RBI's. His 216 OPS+ is the exact same as Tom Taylor's in his crazy breakout rookie season.

[ayaghmour2]

Probably a good thing I might not have time to write this one. It looked like we had a chance to set our single season win total for the second straight year and possibly contest the all time high in the Continental Association. At 90-50 and about 15 games left, we needed to go 10-5 to reach 100. Instead, we decided to go 1-5 and with 8 games less it's going to be next to impossible to reach 100. Luckily, our magic number is one, so as long as we don't got 0-8, we're going to win our second pennant in three years.

[ayaghmour2]

We officially clinched the playoffs on September 18th with a 3-0 win over the Philadelphia Sailors. I could continue on with how Tommy Wilcox tossed a 2-hit shutout with 2 walks and 2 strikeouts, but every game after this really doesn't mean much. The season is pretty much wrapped up, and with two games left, it's inevitable that we play the Philadelphia Keystones (96-56). So instead of my regular writeup, I'm going to use today's to cover the Keystones and tomorrow as an end of the season report ahead of the playoffs.

Like us, the Keystones fell back to earth in September, but they pretty much dominated the league all year long. There offense was easily the best of the Fed and while the pitching wasn't that great, it didn't need to be. They didn't allow that many runs (3rd) and they scored over 100 more runs then they gave up. Below, I'll cover their position player starters and any notable arms we might see:

C Carl Ames: Signed as a minor league free agent back in 1924, he debuted the next season and has been a full time starter for the Keystones since 1926. He's been a quality big leaguer, and the 30-year-old owns a career .311/.367/./443 (108 OPS+) batting line with 99 homers and 794 RBI's in 5,116 trips to the plate. Ames was a 12th Round pick back in 1922 by Brooklyn, but he never even spent a day with them. He bounced around the independent league, but eventually became the hidden gem that's anchored the Sailors backstop for almost a decade. He hasn't been too good offensively this year, but a .278/.319/.399 (93 OPS+) batting line is decent for a catcher. He hit 10 homers and drove in 83 RBI's while also playing strong defense while managing the staff well. He's not Mike Taylor, but a borderline top-5 catcher in the league.

1B Rankin Kellogg: It's a little unfair that we always have to face the best slugger in the league in the World Series. In 1931 it was Max Morris, and now in 1933, it is Rankin Kellogg. The #1 pick of the 1922 draft is 30 just like Ames, but his .355/.446/.637 (177 OPS+) batting line is historically elite. He's hit 327 homers and driven in 1,238 RBI's, with only Max Morris having more career homers then him. Not only is Kellogg one of the best players in history, he's having one of the best seasons in history. The Memphis native is slashing a otherworldly .392/.459/.700 (210 OPS+) with 45 homers and 151 RBI's. He's been worth an insane 11.8 WAR with a 1.159 OPS. It's been a season reminiscent of Tom Taylor's 1928 rookie season. He hit .342/.422/.689 (216 OPS+) with 44 homers and 126 RBI's. He also stole 26 bases with a 1.111 OPS and 10.7 WAR. Kellogg is going to be a nightmare for us to face, but I think the simulated baseball fans are going to love to see him take on Tommy Wilcox, Dick Leudtke, Dick Lyons, and Max Wilder.

2B Cy Cox: Another homegrown player, Cy Cox was a 3rd Rounder back in 1923 who's show a lot of talent despite being riddled with injuries. In three seasons he's hitting .352/.399/.460 (126 OPS+), but in just under 600 plate appearances. That is more or less the equivalent of one full season. He does have some flaws, not the best defender and he doesn't have much speed or power. He hasn't swiped a base and has just 5 homers and 77 RBI's. Cox is an above average starter, but second base is a weak position in the majors.

3B Rabbit Forrest: A former Cougar! A former 7th Round Pick back in 1925, we sent Forrest and Johnny Douglas to the Keystones for Joe King and a 2nd Round Pick (that ended up being Roy Byrd). At the time, Forrest was a second basemen and stuck behind Bill Ashbaugh and even though neither King or Byrd ended up panning out, I don't think Forrest would have with us. The switch hitter has hit an exactly league average .314/.363/.405 in 2,207 plate appearances from 1930-1933. His defense has been strong, and he's hit a solid .330/.384/.407 (114 OPS+) with 6 steals and 43 RBI's. He has lost some time to Turkey Powell, but he's hitting just .282/.343/.357 (90 OPS+) with 2 homers and 33 RBI's in 286 plate appearances.

SS Cliff Herman: A classic leadoff hitter, the 31-year-old vet has been a reliable shortstop since debuting in 1925. The 2nd Overall pick of the 1920 draft, he hasn't quite lived up to the high expectations, but his .284/.333/.435 (99 OPS+) line is very respectable. He's hit just 27 homers, but stolen 84 bases and drove in 518 runs. He is a big triples hitter, with 119 in his career including a league best 29 in 1927.

LF Phil Sandman: Acquired right before the 1928 season from the Montreal Saints in a major deal. Montreal sent Sandman, Jimmy Endler, Erv Smith, and a 1st Round Pick for a 1st Round Pick and Walker Moore. Sandman was a consistent hitter in Montreal, but he hasn't quite been able to replicate that yet. This year wasn't too great, hitting a league average .299/.351/.390 with 3 homers, 7 steals, and 61 RBI's. It's not near his career line of .318/.375/.454 (123 OPS+), but only one of his six seasons in Philly has been better then his career average. The 34-year-old isn't much of a defender, but he does have some help in the outfield.

CF Grover Lee: Taken in the 2nd Round by the Keystones in the 1926 draft, Grover Lee has really broken out in year three. The 28-year-old is hitting an impressive .316/.394/.512 (144 OPS+) with 20 homers, 6 steals, and 63 RBI's with a decent +6.6 zone rating. This wasn't too far off from his rookie season, where he hit .296/.370/.516 (130 OPS+) with 13 homers and 48 RBI's. Quality centerfielders are hard to come by, and Lee is one of the few who can both hit and field. The only centerfielder in the league better then Lee is probably Dan Fowler, and we'll have to deal with him in Cleveland for years to come.

RF Bobby Barrell: It's bad enough they have someone as good as Kellogg, but they also have Georgia Jolter. The former 6th overall pick of 1928 that I could have had hit .366/.425/.527 (156 OPS+) with 11 homers, 14 steals, and 135 RBI's in a season worth almost 10 wins above replacement. He's a top notch defensive right fielder who hits a ton and could definitely handle center field as well. He reminds me a lot like Tom Taylor, but with less power and a better hit tool. It's going to be tough to keep him and Kellogg contained so expect one of the two to have an insane series.

SP Ed Baker: A 2nd Round selection in 1923, Ed Baker has been a pretty consistent southpaw. He's 62-46 with a 4.28 ERA (107 ERA+), 1.48 WHIP, and 383 strikeouts in 1000.1 big league innings. This year was on pace with that, going 19-5 with a 3.73 ERA (105 ERA+), 1.41 WHIP, 63 walks, and 87 strikeouts in 31 starts. He's a sinker baller who relies on double plays when runners get on. He doesn't have the best stuff, but he's a consistent arm that can give you a strong nine.

SP Al Robinson: The Keystones actually acquired Robinson from the independent league San Diego Conquistadores. A 9th Round Pick of the Saints in 1922, he never quite caught on and he toiled around in the lower levels. He finally debuted in 1930, and has now made 31 or more starts four season in a row. He's 61-44 with a 3.99 ERA (111 ERA+), 1.37 WHIP, 212 walks, and 317 strikeouts in 1,003 innings. This was his first down season, and Robinson was 11-12 with a 4.23 ERA (93 ERA+), 1.34 WHIP, 53 walks, and 63 strikeouts. He's much better then those numbers show, so I would not be surprised if he tosses a good game in the series.

SP Art Myers: Taken 11th Overall in 1925, the 27-year-old has finally gotten an extended chance. He made 22 starts and 10 relief appearances with a 3.86 ERA (102 ERA+), 1.44 WHIP, 58 walks, and 62 strikeouts in 184.1 innings pitched. He seems to be somewhat of a late bloomer, as my scout is a fan of him. He's a lefty who throws hard and won't give up many longballs. He's hittable now, but I would not be surprised if in a year or two he's a really strong starter.

SP Bill Ross: A former Cougar! Way back in 1926, we sent Ross to the Keystones for Dick Kadlec and Dave Lappin in a deal that didn't work too well for us. Ross led the Keystones to a pennant in 1927, and while he was really good for a four year period, the last two seasons have been a bit rough on him and he's seen a little time in the minors. In 26 starts and one relief appearance he was 14-9 with a 4.08 ERA (96 ERA+), 1.40 WHIP, 61 walks, and 75 strikeouts in 200.2 innings pitched. I'm not sure if he gets a start, but he's one of the options they have if they decide to use four starters.

SP Ray Rinehart: The other option is a guy I almost traded for in Ray Rinehart. Back before the 1930 season, I wanted to add a starter, but I feel like the Keystones wanted a bit more then I wanted to give up. We were coming off a season where we were really bad, so I didn't quite think we were ready to compete. Turns out, we were better then I thought and if we grabbed Rinehart, we may have made up the 4 game deficit. He was 18-10 with a 4.22 ERA (113 ERA+), 1.46 WHIP, 59 BB, and 78 strikeouts in 31 starts. That would have easily been our best starter as our pitching that year was really poor. Unfortunately for Rinehart, this year was tough for him. The 34-year-old was 12-8, but with a 4.81 ERA (82 ERA+), 1.57 WHIP, 78 walks, and just 27 strikeouts. He could be moved to the pen, but he made 29 starts for Philly this year.

RP Wilbur Dennis: An excellent stopper, he was 10-5 with 16 saves, 25 walks, 31 strikeouts, a 1.84 ERA (214 ERA+) and 1.20 WHIP in 83.1 innings pitched. A starter as recently as 1931, the former 7th Round pick has really adapted well to the late inning role. The 29-year-old is a hard thrower with two really good pitches and one that isn't quite good enough to work in a starting role. He can give them multiple innings and was really reliable this season. The rest of the pen isn't too strong, so Dennis will likely get most of the innings when the rotation can't continue.

[ayaghmour2]

We finished 97-57 (.630) in 1933, the exact same mark as our 1932 season. Luckily, we were up 10 this time instead behind two. This is our second World Series appearance in three seasons and our second straight season of setting (well, tieing) our regular season mark. This will be the Cougars 9th playoff appearance as we are looking for our 6th title. We're chasing the Stars, who won their league best 7th last year. The Keystones and Dynamos also both have five, so whoever wins this series will move into second all time.

September was a tough month for us, as we slumped to 12-12 and fell just short of a winning record in each month. Technically game 1 and 2 are in September so if we win the first two at home we'll be over .500 including the postseason, but we really cooled down in the second half. It's funny, because in the last two seasons, we have just nine losses in September. The offense cooled the most, as we dropped from 1st in a lot of categories to 2nd behind the Brooklyn Kings.

Obviously, our strength is the pitching. I wouldn't say they finished strong, as Leudtke and Lyons saw their ERA's raise a bit, but I have to imagine our 2.84 team ERA is the best is the recent past. (EDIT: I looked back, and no FABL team has finished with a sub 3.00 ERA since the 1929 Chicago Cougars 2.96 mark). No other team had one below 3, with the Sailors 3.41 the second best mark. In the Continental Association, multiple Cougar pitchers ranked top 7 in ERA (1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th), wins (t-1st, t-4th, t-4th), saves (4th), WAR (1st, 3rd, 5th), complete games (1st, t-6th), shutouts (t-1st, t-1st), strikeouts (5th), K/BB (1st, 6th), BB/9 (1st, 2nd, 3rd), WHIP (1st, 2nd), FIP (1st, 3rd), ERA+ (1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th), and quality starts (t-2nd, t-2nd, t-5th).

The rotation was extremely deep, led by like Allen Award Winner Tommy Wilcox. The 26-year-old was an inaugural All-Star and one of four (should have been five) Cougar arms on the team. After a nightmarish season with the Cougars after being acquired from Brooklyn, Wilcox bounced back in a big way. He finished 1933 21-11 with a 2.58 ERA (154 ERA+), 1.02 WHIP, 43 walks, and 113 strikeouts in 286.1 innings pitched. Cappy led the league in wins, ERA, ERA+, WHIP, WAR, and many other pitching metrics in an all around dominant season. Combined with Dick Leudtke, Dick Lyons, Max Wilder, and Jim Crawford, we had five arms with above average ERA+'s. Crawford was just average, but the other three could lead the rotation of nearly any other FABL club.

Starting with the 36-year-old Max Wilder, we had a trio of veteran arms backing up the still young ace of the staff Tommy Wilcox. Wilder has continued to defy age, and had easily the best season of his career in arguably the third straight season. He was 15-10 with a 2.70 ERA (147 ERA+), 1.22 WHIP, 63 walks, and 102 strikeouts in 233.1 innings pitched. He wasn't on the All-Star ballot (he lad less starts then Lyons), so he was not an All-Star, but Wilder definitely deserved the nod. Dick Lyons, a few years younger at 33, also had the best season of his career. He was 17-11 with a 2.83 ERA (140 ERA+), 1.11 WHIP, 37 walks, and 63 strikeouts in 248.1 innings pitched. Dick Leudtke had an identical 17-11 record, but with a slightly higher 2.87 ERA (138 ERA+), 1.22 WHIP, 61 walks, and 89 strikeouts in 270 innings pitched. Unlike his fellow rotation mates, Leudtke's best season was last year when he broke out and finished 19-8 with a 2.79 ERA (154 ERA+), 1.15 WHIP, 62 walks, and 113 strikeouts. The now 32-year-old led the league in ERA, wins, and WHIP.

The pen isn't as important, but it does deserve some love. Chick Meehan is an excellent reliever, recording 13 saves in 46.2 innings with an impressive 1.74 ERA (228 ERA+) and 0.99 WHIP. He walked 12 and struck out 19 and almost always secures the win. Bill Kline, Norm Stewart, and Claude Purvis excelled all season and our pen ERA was a minuscule 2.00.

And while the pitching staff was impressive, they had a lot of help from the defense. Our outfield is as good as it gets, with Bobby Sprague, Cy Bryant, and Tom Taylor putting up +20.4, +23.4, and +18.0 zone ratings in left, center, and right. The defense had it's struggles, especially at short, but John Kincaid was excellent defensively at third, either first (or second to former Cougar Mack Deal) in most important fielding categories. Bill Ashbaugh wasn't great at second, but he's a strong defensive first basemen and Russ Combs was great at short when there. Arnold Bower's defensive struggles and Slim Bloom's bat breakout have made the defense a little less stable, but it's still likely the best in all of baseball. I also can't forget to mention catcher Mike Taylor, who not only has an excellent arm, but does a good job calling pitches and handling the staff.

Taylor is also one of our best hitters, finishing second in the CA with 21 home runs while hitting .282/.366/.438 (115 OPS+). Right behind him was Tom Taylor, who hit .292/.346/.438 (109 OPS+) with 17 homers, 24 steals, and 87 RBI's. When healthy, Russ Combs was also a very reliable leadoff hitter. Combs slashed .326/.364/.440 (115 OPS+) with 3 homers, 9 steals, and 36 RBI's, but he got into only 87 games on the year. Bill Ashbaugh hit a productive .291/.344/.453 (112 OPS+) with 11 homers and 75 RBI's while John Kincaid hit .321/.367/.417 (110 OPS+) with 2 homers, 9 steals, and 64 RBI's. We didn't get much out of Cy Bryant, who had his first below average offensive season in Chicago. The defensive wiz hit .just .264/.327/.361 (84 OPS+) with 6 homers, 14 steals, and 76 RBI's. Bobby Sprague also had a bit of a down year in his first season in Chicago, hitting a slightly below average .300/.359/.394 (102 OPS+) with 5 homers, 13 steals, and 61 RBI's. Slim Bloom and Phil Vaughan started the season on the bench, but found themselves see the field pretty often with Arnold Bower's struggles. Bloom hit .292/.373/.407 (109 OPS+) with 3 homers and 33 RBI's while Vaughan hit 242/.330/.448 (107 OPS+) with 12 homers and 41 RBI's. Both cooled off significantly after fast starts, but still did better then Bower. The generally reliable defender had a tough year in the field and hit just .268/.340/.341 (83 OPS+) with 5 steals and 39 RBI's in 432 trips to the plate. These numbers were much closer to his Brooklyn numbers then his strong showing lasts season.

Of course, since this is my team, it's going to be impossible to be unbiased on who I think is going to win. I like to think we are the better team, but the Keystones are filled with really good players just like the ones we have. We really have the edge for the pitching, but their offense can blow ours out of the water. We're built to win now, but I could see us taking a step back next year as the Foresters stocked up and we've had a nice three year run. You can't be good forever, but I think our window has a few years before it closes. If we win it all, I'm willing to sit back, but if we fall short I am not afraid to buy big. Our farm system isn't quite where I thought it would be, 9th (not 8th), but much stronger then it was at the beginning of the season, but besides Billy Hunter, I'd move anyone in the right deal. We don't need upgrades, but SS and LF/CF could be places to look. I noticed this after originally posting, but we currently have 30 top 200 prospects. The Washington Eagles have easily the best system (including 8 in the top 40) in the game, but they have only 19 in the top 200.

Not sure how I'm going to cover the World Series, but I'll try to do something different. I'm going to be pretty busy the next couple days, so it may be a little delayed.

[ayaghmour2]

Trying to do this a little differently. Instead of a game summary, I'm going to do my best to highlight the big events in the innings:

September 29th, 1933:
Chicago Cougars at Philadelphia Keystones
Tommy Wilcox (21-11, 2.58 ERA, 113 K) vs. Ed Baker (19-5, 3.78 ERA, 91 K)

Top of the Third
The 8-9-1 hitters started the first, and Cy Bryant worked a walk in front of the pitcher Wilcox. Wilcox tried to bunt him over, but with three failed attempts he ended up striking out. Russ Combs then lined a pitch to right, allowing the speedy Bryant to make it across to third. We then got a little luck, as after consecutive 2 strike foul balls, John Kincaid lined one to left. It looked like we'd score the series' first run with a sac-fly, but Keystone LF Lee Smith dropped a fly ball. He's not the greatest fielder by any means, but he's a well above average defender who didn't make a single error in left during 357 regular season innings (also spent time in center). This allowed Bryant to score without costing us an out, and we had speed on first and second. Mike Taylor looked at three balls before a called strike. He got a few foul balls before eventually grounding into a fielder's choice that moved both runners. With no error, it's 1-0, but instead the partially disabled Tom Taylor game in for another at bat. He lined one over second to score Combs. Star centerfielder Grover Lee let one loose to third to try to get Kincaid, but it skipped away and Kincaid was able to score. Finally, after an 11-pitch at bat, Phil Vaughan just missed one, flying out to the warning track in center to end the inning.

Bottom Fourth
After Lee flew out to start the inning, the Keystones were in business with Rankin Kellogg singling and Bobby Barrell doubling to put two runners in scoring position. Catcher Carl Ames sent one out to left, and Kellogg was able to beat Sprague's throw home. Cy Cox had a chance to do more damage, but grounded out to end the inning.

Top Fifth
Russ Combs started this inning with a single. John Kincaid laid down a bunt, and beat out the throw to first to give us two on and none out. Mike Taylor grounded one to Cox at second. He threw to short for the force, but Taylor beat out the return throw. With runners on the corner, Tom Taylor came threw with an RBI single. Mike was able to beat the throw to third, and runners were still on the corner with one out. Our lead extended to five after Phil Vaughan doubled home Mike. With one out, Tom was held at third. He managed to score on a Bill Ashbaugh sac-fly. We didn't stop there, as Bobby Sprague doubled home Vaughan and with a 7-1 deficit, the Keystones removed fill in ace Ed Baker for Stan Harrison. He got a groundout to end the inning, but this one looked out of reach.

There were other scoring opportunities, but we'll fast forward a bit:

Bottom of the 9th
Tommy Wilcox was just three outs away from a complete game win in his first postseason start. He got Bobby Barrell to fly out to start the inning, but Carl Ames and pinch hitter Phil Sandman singled to put runners on the corner. Lee Smith followed it with a double, scoring Ames and moving Sandman to third. Cliff Herman flew out, and while he scored Sandman, the Keystones needed 4 runs with just one out. Howie Shifflett, who entered in the double switch, was the last chance. He did an admirable job, fouling off five straight pitches before flying out to end the game

Final Score: Chicago 7, Philadelphia 3 (Chicago Leads 1-0)
Win: Tommy Wilcox (1-0)
Loss: Ed Baker (0-1)

Notable Performers:
Tommy Wilcox (CHC): 9 IP, 9 H, 3 ER, 4 K
Ed Baker (PHI): 4.2 IP, 8 H, 7 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 2 K
Russ Combs (CHC): 3-4, 2 R, BB, SB
Tom Taylor (CHC): 3-5, R, 3 RBI
John Kincaid (CHC): 2-5, R, RBI, E
Phil Vaughan (CHC): 1-5, R, 2 RBI, 2B
Bobby Barrell (PHI): 2-4, 2B
Rankin Kellogg (PHI): 2-4, R
Carl Ames (PHI): 1-3, R, RBI
Phil Sandman (PHI): 1-1, R

[ayaghmour2]

September 30th, 1933:
Chicago Cougars at Philadelphia Keystones (Cougars lead 1-0)
Dick Leudtke (17-11, 2.87 ERA, 89 K) vs. Al Robinson (11-13, 4.20 ERA, 66 K)

Bottom First
Rabbit Forest started the game off with a ground out. Grover Lee then drew a walk, and I guess Leudtke didn't want any of Rankin Kellogg because he threw him four wide ones. Bobby Barrell flew out, but a third walk loaded the bases and got us into trouble quick. Thankfully, with the bases jacked, Cy Cox grounded into a 5-4 fielder's choice to end the inning.

Bottom Second
A dreaded leadoff walk of Lee Smith followed by a single by Cliff Herman gave the Keystones first and third with the starter Robinson up. He bunted, but Smith did not try to score. Instead, Robinson was thrown out and Herman reached second. It helped, as with second and third the lineup turned over and a 2-run single by Grover Lee gave Philly an early 2-0 lead. Kellogg singled to keep the inning alive, but Barrell grounded out to end the frame.

Bottom Third
Like the first, the inning started with a ground out and then a walk. There would not be another walk, as Lee Smith reached on a Russ Combs error as he couldn't field a grounder. He then got a liner hit right at him, and he dropped it, with the result a Keystone runner on each base. Leudtke did become locked in after, striking out the pitcher Robinson before Forrest flew out to end the frame.

Top Fourth
The offense finally did something for us, with Russ Combs starting the inning with a single. He stole second on the first pitch to Kincaid before he singled. Combs went around third and scored with Kincaid scurrying into second on the throw. A pair of Taylor flyouts allowed Kincaid to get to third and then score to tie the game at 2. Ashbaugh popped out to end the inning, but despite not deserving to be in the game, we are all tied up.

Top Sixth
After a rough start, Dick Leudtke really turned things around and kept us in this one. Him and Russ Combs both flew out to right on the first pitch. It looked to be a quick inning, but John Kincaid worked a walk to bring up Mike Taylor. He singled to center, and Kincaid went for third. Grover Lee came up firing, but his throw was offline and Kincaid scored to give us the 3-2 lead. Tom Taylor flew out to end the inning, but we were on top for the first time this game.

Bottom Ninth
Despite a decent amount of hits, the Keystones threw away a few early chances to score and they were starting to run out of outs. Chick Meehan started the inning (his second), but he had to deal with the 3-4-5 in the order. He got two quick strikes out Rankin Kellogg before getting him to fly out. Bobby Barrell came through, doubling and then getting to third on a Carl Ames ground out. With a 1-1 count, Cy Cox dribbled over one. Ashbaugh got it at first, tossed it back to Meehan, and we had a 2-0 lead.

This looks good! Headed back to Chicago for three and we just need to win two of them!

Final Score: Chicago 3, Philadelphia 2 (Chicago Leads 2-0)
Win: Dick Leudtke (1-0)
Loss: Al Robinson (0-1)
Save: Chick Meehan (1)

Notable Performances:
Dick Leudtke (CHC): 7 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, 5 BB, 3 K
Chick Meehan (CHC): 2 IP, 2 H, K
Al Robinson (PHI): 9 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, BB, 2 K
John Kincaid (CHC): 1-3, 2 R, RBI, BB
Russ Combs (CHC): 1-4, R, SB
Bobby Barrell (PHI): 2-5, 2B
Rankin Kellogg (PHI): 2-4, BB
Cliff Herman (PHI): 1-3, R, BB
Grover Lee (PHI): 1-4, 2 RBI, BB

[ayaghmour2]

October 2nd, 1933:
Philadelphia Keystones at Chicago Cougars (Cougars lead 2-0)
Art Myers (13-7, 3.86 ERA, 62 K) vs. Dick Lyons (17-11, 2.83 ERA, 63 K)

Top of the First
After getting two quick outs, Dick Lyons ran into some trouble in the heart of the order. Rankin Kellogg kept the inning alive with a double before Bobby Barrell singled him home. He got to second on the throw before scoring on a Carl Ames single. Cy Cox added another single, but Lee Smith flew out to end the inning.

Bottom of the First
Russ Combs flew out to start the inning, but John Kincaid doubled on the first pitch he saw to put pressure on Philly. Mike Taylor singled him to third. He had a chance to score, but held up, and then didn't score on a Tom Taylor flyout. Luckily, Bill Ashbaugh slapped a single into the outfield to score Kincaid, but Mike Taylor was thrown out at third by Barrell.

Top of the Third
Kellogg led off the inning with a first pitch single. Barrell and Ames flew out, but again, we gave up runs with two outs. Cox singled him to second and then Smith singled him home to make it 3-1. Cliff Herman singled Cox home to make it 4-1, but Lyons got Myers to flyout to end the inning.

Bottom of the Third
Russ Combs started things off with a single and then John Kincaid reached on a Cy Cox error to give us two on and none out. Mike Taylor singled home Combs and we cut the lead to two. Tom Taylor singled, but Kincaid was cut down at the plate by Barrell, and the Keystones outfield defense (well, Barrell) has really stepped things up. Ashbaugh drew a walk to load the bases for Bobby Sprague. A fielder's choice scored Mike, but Slim Bloom grounded out to end the threat. Regardless, we were back within a run.

Top of the Fourth
The Keystones started the fourth like they did the first with the top of the order. Forrest singled and reached second on a groundout. Rankin Kellogg beat out a dribbler and it was first and third with one out. Bobby flew to center, but Forrest was able to score and make it 5-3.

Bottom of the Fifth
John Kincaid started things off with a single. Mike struck out, but Tom doubled and we had second and third with one out and looked to be in business again. Ashbaugh singled him home to make it 5-4. Tom came rounding third, but Lee threw him out for the second out. Sprague flew out to end the inning, so we just got one.

Top of the Sixth
Grover Lee flew out to start the inning, but Rankin Kellogg followed it up with what he does best, a home run. It was the first of the series and it made the lead 6-4. Lyons needed just three pitches to get Barrell and Ames to fly out.

Top of the Seventh
Dick Lyons night was over, and in came #5 starter Jim Crawford. The inning started out bad, with a Russ Combs error starting the inning. Not sure what the rationale was, but Lee Smith was intentionally walked. Herman sacrificed them over, but Crawford battled back to strikeout the opposing pitcher on three pitches. That should have been out three, but because of the error, the lineup turned back around and Rabbit Forrest singled home two to make it 8-4. Lee struck out, but it looks like the damage was done.

Bottom of the Eighth
After two quick outs, Bobby Sprague kept things alive with a double. Slim Bloom singled him home to at least make it a save situation. Bryant flew out to end the inning.

Final Score: Philadelphia 9, Chicago 5 (Chicago Leads 2-1)
Win: Art Myers (1-0)
Loss: Dick Lyons (0-1)

Notable Statlines
Art Myers (PHI): 8 IP, 13 H, 5 R, 4 ER, BB, 2 K
Dick Lyons (CHC): 6 IP, 14 H, 6 ER, 2 K
Jim Crawford (CHC): 3 IP, 3 H, 3 R, ER, BB, 3 K
Rankin Kellogg (PHI): 4-5, 3 R, RBI, 2B, HR
Rabbit Forrest (PHI): 3-6, R, 2 RBI
Cy Cox (PHI): 3-5, 2 R, E
Lee Smith (PHI): 2-4, 2 R, RBI, BB
Cliff Herman (PHI): 2-4, RBI
Bobby Barrell (PHI): 1-4, R, 2 RBI, SF, 2 A
Howie Shifflett (PHI): 1-1, RBI, SB
John Kincaid (CHC): 2-5, 2 R, 2B
Bill Ashbaugh (CHC): 2-3, 2 RBI, BB
Mike Taylor (CHC): 2-5, R, RBI
Tom Taylor (CHC): 2-4, 2B
Russ Combs (CHC): 2-5, R, E
Bobby Sprague (CHC): 1-4, R, RBI, 2B

[ayaghmour2]

October 3rd, 1933:
Philadelphia Keystones at Chicago Cougars (Cougars lead 2-1)
Bill Ross (14-9, 4.08 ERA, 75 K) vs. Max Wilder (15-10, 2.70 ERA, 102 K)

For the first time since 1926, 36-year-old veteran Bill Ross returned to the North Side Grounds. The veterans had some struggles this season, but he'd have a shot to even the series.

Top of the 2nd
Just like game three, the Keystones got things going quick. Grover Lee doubled to start the inning. He reached third on a ground out and then scored on another.

Top of the 4th
Bobby Barrell started out the Keystones' 4th with a single. Rankin Kellogg unloaded on the next pick, but flew out to right. Grover Lee singled him over to third and then Barrell scored on a fielder's choice that almost was an inning ending double play.

Top of the 6th
Two quick ground outs before a Rankin Kellogg homer was launched 469 feet out to right center. Down 3-0, it looks like we're out of it.

Technically, it wasn't over, but I've got to run and we didn't do much:

Final Score: Philadelphia 4, Chicago 1 (Chicago Leads 2-2)
Win: Bill Ross (1-0)
Loss: Max Wilder (0-1)
SV: Wilbur Dennis (1)

[ayaghmour2]

October 4th, 1933:
Philadelphia Keystones at Chicago Cougars (Series tied 2-2)
Al Robinson (0-1, 2.00 ERA, 2 K) vs. Tommy Wilcox (1-0, 3.00 ERA, 4 K

Top of the First
I don't like this trend... After two quick outs, we let both Bobby Barrell and Rankin Kellogg single to bring up Grover Lee. Of course, he makes us pay, and he doubled home Barrell to give the visitors a quick 1-0 lead. We got lucky, as Carl Ames unloaded on a 2-0 pitch from Tommy Wilcox, but he just got under it enough to fly out.

Bottom of the Second
After throwing away a scoring chance in the first, Bobby Sprague started the inning off with a single. We followed that with a Slim Bloom and Cy Bryant single, with the Bryant single scoring Sprague. Tommy Wilcox did the thing I just hate, trying to bunt with two strikes after failing twice, and of course, failed the first time to strike out. Russ Combs also struck out on two pitch, but John Kincaid came to the rescue. He kept the inning going with a single, and Bloom was able to score. Mike Taylor singled after, allowing Bryant to score. Tom Taylor grounded out to end the pattern, but just like that it was 3-1.

Top of the Third
Cy Cox singled to start the inning as Philly looked to get back in it real quickly. After three foul balls that when behind home plate, Bobby Barrell finally connected cleanly with one, and sent it 360 feet down the right field line. And just like that, it's tied... Luckily, Wilcox shook it off quickly, and got the next three hitters out to stop the bleeding.

Bottom of the Fourth
Nothing really happened this inning, but this pisses me off:

Batting: RHP Tommy Wilcox:
0-0: Ball
1-0: DOUBLE (Line Drive, 3D, EV 106.9 MPH)

YOU FAILED BUNTING THREE TIMES IN A ROW, INCLUDING WITH THREE STRIKES WITH TWO RUNNERS ON AND THEN DECIDE TO HAVE THE HARDEST HIT BALL OF THE ENTIRE GAME WHEN YOU ACTUALLY SWING THE BAT WHILE NO ONE IS ON BASE

Deep breath...

Of course, he was stranded there...

Top of the Sixth
Lee flew out to start the inning, but a Carl Ames and Lee Smith single had the Keystones in business. Add in a Cliff Herman single to left, and Carl Ames was somehow able to beat Sprague's throw to the plate. Wilcox got Al Robinson to look a fool like himself, bunting foul to end his at bat as well. Rabbit Forrest had a chance to do damage with a 2-0 count, but he grounded out weakly to end the inning.

Bottom of the Sixth
Down a run, it looked like two quick outs from Bryant and Wilcox to start the sixth, but Robinson made an error that allowed Tommy to get to second. Back to the top of the order, Russ Combs came through to single home Wilcox. Kincaid grounded into a fielder's choice after and then Tom Taylor flew out to end the inning.

Bottom of the Ninth
Tied at four, we had a chance to walk it off. Despite not looking all that great, both starters were still in the game and Wilcox already finished his nine. Robinson got two quick ground outs before a Tom Taylor single. He was then caught stealing on a 0-2 count which didn't make all that much sense...

Top of the 10th
So here is where OOTP sometimes sucks. I wish there was a way I could tell manager Dick Pozza "look if, the game is tied after 9 innings, it is okay to go to the bullpen. Yes, Tommy is great and has looked good since the homer, but Chick Meehan is literally the best relief pitcher in all of baseball. You know, you can put him in or even one of Bill Kline, Norm Stewart, or Claude Purvis who have ERA+ above 145 (Stewart's would be even higher discounting his one start) and are more or less shutdown arms. And they are more then rested. WHY WOULD YOU LEAVE TOMMY WILCOX IN FOR THE 10TH INNING"

And here is why I say that:

1. Cy Cox: 3-2: SINGLE (Line Drive, 4D, EV 96.9 MPH)

Okay, look, there's a hit. I know you wanted Cappy to stay out, but obviously he's not too sharp if Cox can take 3 balls, foul off the first two strikes, and then line one into rightfield. But no, Wilcox stays. Oh yeah, and now it's the 3-4-5 hitters...

2. Bobby Barrell: 2-1: (Fly Out, F7, EV 91.9 MPH)

Look, I know he got Bobby out, but the first two pitches were balls and he still managed to hit one about as hard as his homer earlier in the game. Please, please, please, take out Wilcox.

3. Rankin Kellogg: 3-1: (Base on Balls, Cy Cox to second)

I wanted to joke that for whenever Kellogg was hitting off Wilcox that Tommy should just lob a really slow knuckler directly at Rankin, and hope that he decides not to get out of the way. A walk works in a sense, but it's obvious he can't find the zone as the only strike was on 3-0 when he was taking all the way. At least now Meehan will probably come in...

Wait...

YOU'RE LETTING HIM FACE GROVER LEE!

HE'S ALREADY DOUBLED HOME A RUN IN THE FIRST!

PLEASE TAKE HIM OUT OF THE GAME!

4. Grover Lee: 1-2: 3-RUN HOME RUN (Flyball, 9D, EV 108.1 MPH), Distance: 357 feet

WHY DID YOU LEAVE WILCOX IN!!!

WHY IS RIGHT FIELD JUST 330 FEET!!!

Well, that's it....

Final Score: Philadelphia Keystones 5, Chicago Cougars 4 (10 Innings)
Win: Al Robinson (1-1)
Loss: Tommy Wilcox (1-1)
Save: Wilbur Dennis (2)

Okay, you guys remember that thing called winning? You know, what you did 97 times during the regular season. And 52 of those 97 wins came at home. We won more then 2/3rds of our games at home this year. And we won the first two games of this series! You do know that winning is allowed right? LET'S WIN TWO MORE GAMES!

Man...

Here's to not getting eliminated...

[ayaghmour2]

I really wish last week wasn't the craziest week I've had in a while, or I would have had sooooooo much to write about. Granted, it's probably a good thing as with being busy I didn't have too much time to worry about sim baseball so losing hurt less.

Don't get me wrong. I'm ready to buy more and make another push.

But the loss didn't sting as much. It's simple to think "maybe I should have went Wilder over Wilcox." It's not crazy, most of the season I rolled out the five man squad. But it's the playoffs. Wilcox was 100% rested and it's not like we could hit the former Cougar Bill Ross anyways (we lost 4-2 game seven after winning game six), so it may not have mattered had Wilder thrown instead.

Oh yeah, speaking of Wilcox...

He won the Allen Award!

My ballot contained four Cougars, but I think at least three if not all four got votes from other people. No Cougar batter deserved the hitter equivalent, that went to Max Morris. Rankin Kellogg and Jim Lonardo took the awards in the Fed.

One last little note. I made three predictions at the beginning of the year and I got two of them right. The first was winning the pennant, obviously right. The second was winning the series, obviously wrong. The last was that we would have a top half farm by the end of the season. The official OSA report was released when the offseason started, and the good 'ol Chicago Cougars rank 8th. I'll get the listed posted (hopefully tonight), but with a "weekend" coming up as it is Veteran's day tomorrow, I'll have some time to do prospect reports. It's better doing them before the draft, as then there's a whole season to go off of.

[ayaghmour2]

Our farm system ranks 8th! Well, tied for 8th with the Pioneers now as we both have a 120 point system. The Pioneers are led by 21-year-old center fielder Gail Gifford who ranks 13th and independent league pitcher David Abalo who sits right behind him. I actually considered taking Gifford back in 1929 with the first pick in the 2nd round. I went with Joe Johnson, and Gifford ended up going 20th. With Abalo, I wanted him in the independent draft, but I knew picking so late I wouldn't get him. I went with Jose Serna, who even though he's not ranked as high, was a better choice considering the Pioneers picked before me. Our top prospect is last year's first rounder Billy Hunter who ranks 18th. He's our only top 20 prospect, but we have three more in the top 50 and 12 in the top 100. Overall, we have exactly 30 top 200 prospects and 48 top 500 prospects:

1. SS Billy Hunter (18th Overall):
2. C Joe Rainbow (33rd Overall):
3. 1B Leo Mitchell (46th Overall):
4. LF Rich Langton (49th Overall):
5. SP Cy Sullivan (65th Overall):
6. C Harry Mead (66th Overall):
7. SP Walker Pearce (67th Overall):
8. SP Bill Ross (72nd Overall):
9. CF Marty Roberts (82nd Overall):
10. RF Ed Reyes (84th Overall):
11. CF Lou Roach (86th Overall):
12. CF Ernie Carson (94th Overall):
13. CF Jose Serna (101st Overall):
14. RF Bobby Mills (107th Overall):
15. 2B Red Moore (114th Overall):
16. 3B Hank Stratton (115th Overall):
17. RF Reginald Westfall (117th Overall):
18. 1B Jim Hatfield (130th Overall):
19. RF Billy Marshall (143rd Overall):
20. SS Freddie Bennentt (145th Overall):
21. SS Ducky Jordan (148th Overall):
22. 2B Homer Ray (165th Overall):
23. 3B Tom Spitzer (167th Overall):
24, LF Dave Haight (169th Overall):
25. 2B Gene Evans (170th Overall):
26. CF Ray Moore (171st Overall):
27. 2B Elmer Hutchins (185th Overall):
28. LF Joe Joseph (192nd Overall):
29. RF Johnny Waters (195th Overall):
30. RF Dick Earl (200th Overall):

Last year's draft class was a strong one and it really boosted the system. If injuries didn't tamper Jose Serna we'd have two top 20 prospects. The depth we've accumulated is going to be helpful if I want to add pieces. I know Cleveland will be tough and there are multiple other teams who could add a piece or two to become title contenders. I have a few moves I want to make, but I'm not sure if it will be anything major. I am also finally taking a look at the draft pool more closely and I'll hopefully look to get something in on it as well as the top prospects.