The Around the Horn League (AtHoL)

[luckymann]

And yet another no-hitter in the minors, with Aaron Sele of AAA Vincennes getting one against Temple.

[luckymann]

40 games to go and a few guys have passed the 50 HR mark so must be some chance. Our own Ted Williams is at 49.

As you can see, Johnny Mize currently sits right on 50. His 49th also made him the first AtHoL player to reach 500 for his career.

[luckymann]

The no-no downpour continues, this time in the 1BL from Chris Zachary of the Cooleemee Cards against the Salinas Packers.

[luckymann]

Despite the robust W-L record, our offence has continued to underwhelm thru August. September, however, has seen somewhat of a reawakening from our long torpor - most notably from Torii Hunter, who might just escape the dreaded neg bWAR if he can stay hot.

It all seems to come together in this big win over the Bees. RJ - in his second start back from injury - fans 16 in a CG 4-hitter. We have 18 hits - of which an astounding 11 are doubles, along with a trip and a dinger. We win 15-2 the day after an 11-1 victory over the same opponents.

[luckymann]

A couple big pitching names get hurt at a most inopportune time. Everything will have to go right for Rube to make it back, while Yu is done. Neither side's playoff ambitions will be helped by this turn of events.

[luckymann]

Almost out of nowhere, really, we get a spot of late-season drama in the KA as the Terrapins and Knickerbockers - both in the O'Malley Band - finish tied at 92-74 and will need a decider to see who gets the second WC spot.

That game finishes thus:

Which leaves the final standings as follows:

Chicago eclipses the wins record with 113 and the fact that all three LA Band winners wis 100+ while no club in the KA does is more a reflection on the weaker teams than the stronger ones, with four LA clubs - three in our grouping alone - also lose 100+ as opposed to none in the KA.

The HR race doesn't exactly fizzle out - ten players belt 60+ but none even make it to 70, with Sammy Sosa's 68 the highest (despite him going homerless in his final 14 games), as are his 166 RBI. Dayton's Fred Dunlap (358; 1st) and Joe Kelley (325; 1st) win batting titles, while Fred also sets a new season mark with 73 doubles. Arlie Latham swipes a league-leading 93 bases. Ted Williams nudges up his AtHoL OPS record to 1.185 (214 OPS+).

Despite his curtailed season, Rube Waddell's 25 wins are the most for any pitcher this year. Detroit rookie Ed Morris's 1.97 ERA just pips Greg Maddux's 2.01, while Andrew Sarvis of Dallas leads the league with 40 saves. In a year of big whiff rates, three pitchers fan 400+, led by Lucas Giolito's 411.

Key extensions: OF Ross Youngs (Louisville, 2/286); 1B John Olerud (Philadelphia, 2/368); P Carlos Pascual (Pittsburgh, 2/196); P Mike Clevinger (Philadelphia, 2/296); P Larry Corcoran (Winston-Salem, 3/225).

Key injuries: Philly loses ace Don Drysdale for the rest of the year after he suffers an elbow injury; a torn UCL means Louisville’s Alex Wood won’t play again until 1961; the Whales' pitching depth will really be tested as Max Scherzer joins Rube Waddell on the IL with elbow inflammation; another playoff-bound side will be doing so without a key arm as Pittsburgh loses Dizzy Dismukes for the duration thanks to a forearm strain.

Top 20s - overall





Top 20s - rookies





Monthly Award Winners

July

Lincoln Association
Batter – Juan Soto (Cincinnati): 309 / 15 HR / 40 RBI
Pitcher – Rube Waddell (Chicago): 5-1 / 1.20 / 49 K / 52.2 IP
Rookie – Nate Moreland (Cincinnati): 5-1 / 2.72 / 68 K / 49.2 IP

King Association
Batter – Sammy Sosa (Philadelphia): 319 / 9 HR / 32 RBI
Pitcher – Eddie Plank (Philadelphia): 5-1 / 2.34 / 39 K / 50 IP
Rookie – Hurley McNair (Montgomery): 314 / 7 HR / 18 RBI


August

Lincoln Association
Batter – Ted Williams (San Francisco): 402 / 13 HR / 31 RBI
Pitcher – Roy Halladay (St. Louis): 5-1 / 2.66 / 47 K / 50.2 IP
Rookie – Nate Moreland (Cincinnati): 4-1 / 2.27 / 57 K / 43.2 IP

King Association
Batter – Fred McGriff (Pittsburgh): 322 / 12 HR / 27 RBI
Pitcher – John Matlack (Portland): 5-0 / 2.43 / 30 K / 40.2 IP
Rookie – Will Clark (New York): 337 / 8 HR / 21 RBI


September

Lincoln Association
Batter – Alex Rodriguez (St. Louis): 299 / 12 HR / 26 RBI
Pitcher – Nate Moreland (Cincinnati): 5-0 / 1.38 / 65 K / 52 IP
Rookie – Nate Moreland

King Association
Batter – Lou Gehrig (Boston): 375 / 6 HR / 21 RBI
Pitcher – Catfish Hunter (San Jose): 5-1 / 1.70 / 47 K / 53 IP
Rookie Anthony Reyes (Winston-Salem): 3-3 / 2.96 / 64 K / 45.2 IP

[luckymann]

A pair of road wins to Dallas and New York see them join the main playoffs.

Those key injuries I have mentioned really flatten out this postseason bunch and I have no idea who will come out on top.

[luckymann]

Our Wilmington Quicksteps rally from 2-3 to knock off the Minneapolis Millers for their maiden 3BL Championship.

[luckymann]

We suffer the reversal of fortune in the 2BL as our perennially-underperforming Brownsville Charros finally get it together and get within a game of winning it all, only to lose three straight to hand the title to the Nashua Millionaires.

[luckymann]

It ends up being a battle of the Busters as Worcester make it all the way from the WC to within a game of the title before losing to the Corsicana Gumbo Busters, who had knocked out our Peoria boys along the way.

[luckymann]

The Pelicans outstay the Pickers in a classic five-gamer. We strike a bit of form to sweep the Terriers and set up another colossal head-to-head with the Whales, who get past the Subbies fairly easily. The Keystones see off the Knicks in four after dropping the opener.

[luckymann]

Third Base AAA League

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

PITCHER OF THE YEAR

RELIEVER OF THE YEAR




Second Base AA League

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

PITCHER OF THE YEAR

RELIEVER OF THE YEAR




First Base A League

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

PITCHER OF THE YEAR

RELIEVER OF THE YEAR

[luckymann]

We keep our title defence alive with a win in six over the undermanned Whales, but also lose Gene Woodling to injury in the process. Another mild upset across the way as the Pelicans knock out the Keystones for their first BCS appearance. Catchers Chris Davis and Rot Campanella are named MVPs.

[luckymann]

Given our participation here, I'll again provide a bit of colour for each game.

Game 1




LAG gives us the start we’re after, going 8+ without conceding but flags and can't finish it off. Only our perpetually leaky BP could make the other two outs not a formality, which they proceed to do with the Pelicans getting two of the three they need before we finally close it out. Hunter’s astounding playoff run continues with 2 solo HR to make it six all up so far, while Valentin also goes yard.


Game 2




In one of the greatest BCS games ever, the two sides just go hammer and tongs at each other for 16 unbelievable innings. We really shouldn’t have been in it at all but 5 late runs – and two conceded – made extras necessary, and then we rallied after giving up a deuce in the 14th to tie it again before finally coming up short. Sievers has a huge game with 4 hits including a jack while driving in 3.


Game 3




A stirring effort again by our offence covers a slightly off night for Train as we just keep chipping away all game for a strong win. Sheff comes alive after a bit of a lull with 2 taters and 4 driven in, while a 3-run big fly in the 5th by Williams puts us in control.


Game 4




A blowout puts us on the verge of a repeat as the bats start hot and stay that way right to the end for a big statement win. Bagwell does most of the damage with 2 homers and 5 knocked in, while Valentin and Davis chime in with longballs as well – the latter a slam.


Game 5




We have it right there in the palm of our hand but I warned you about this wretched BP of ours and, sure enough, they blow it to send us homeward bound with it still to be won. I guess I’ve only got myself to blame, playing it safe by pulling Sandy out in the 7th but his pitch count was up and there wasn’t much left in the tank. They get it square with a deuce in the 8th then walk it off with 3 in the 10th.


Game 6




We get it done in front of the home fans, albeit somewhat unconvincingly as we go ahead 5-0 after 4 and then slowly let them back into it until the last few innings become downright uncomfortable. None of which matters, we are Champions for a second straight time against all odds. Torii Hunter is again named MVP and has been simply superb all post-season.



SAN FRANCISCO WINS SERIES 4-2

SERIES MVP: Torii Hunter (San Francisco)

And here, for those interested, is the full box for that epic Game 2.

[luckymann]

Not gonna lie to you, this was very nearly the last missive from San Fran. Contract was up and, with two wins under the belt (and some domestic unpleasantness going on), I nearly took up Denver on their attractive offer to run the Bears, who are one of a few clubs who have cleared their managerial decks. But I felt I'd like to see out this next little section here and try set the Seals up nicely like I did with the Whales before moving on, and Mrs Hill and I have decided to give things one more try before parting ways, mainly for the twins' sakes. So I accepted a 2-year deal to stay put.

Onto business. Arb tenders to Rick Aguilera, Dick Schofield, Frankie Gustine, Buster Adams and Earl Averill.

$1.52m budget for now, as anticipated.

A quick look back at the 1959 season.

It might sound odd coming hot on the heels of our second straight Championship, but there are holes all over this squad needing to be plugged. I don't want to demean the guys' outstanding achievement, but we got lucky. Weak Group made passage to the playoffs pretty easy and we hit form just at the right time.

BATS

No surprise one of the Owner's explicit instructions for next season is to up our team BA. Far too many passengers here outside the big guys. This will not stand, I can assure you of that.

BALLS

Obviously a complete rethink of how we manage our pitching staff is in order. Starters as relievers hasn't worked. Won't go completely the other way, but there will definitely be an influx of designated relievers into the mix.

Special shout out to rookie Clay Richard, who goes 10-0 / 2.37 in his first 12 AtHoL starts.

GLOVES

Some important ratings changes here compels movement. Davis no longer a C leaves him without a position. CF ratings falling out of bed for Squirrel and Gene Woodling means we need to figure that position out. Sievers and Cabrera are looking decidedly exposed, as will Rudi be once he starts getting expensive. Again, I'm not looking for elite D here - with our offence, we can feel somewhat relaxed about this facet of the game. But last season's metrics are unacceptable, so improvement will be sought and found.

WINGS

Giambi comes up for '60, no doubt, as I would say does Cooper. We will probably hold Dierker back just one more year or until we have a more definitive idea of who we've got to work with moving forward. The others, I'm just not sure about. Expect plenty of flux here.

POCKETS

As those following along already know, this is where the majority of the action will be over the next 12 months, especially with my time at SF nearing an end and my desire to leave the place in great shape. We have our plan formulated, now we simply need to implement it and react as necessary where we can't.

[luckymann]

AtHoL Champions: San Francisco [1]

League slash line: 257/329/421 (v 260/327/388 in 1958)

League ERA: 4.42 (4.01)

League BABIP: 293 (284)

3BL Champions: Wilmington [1]

2BL Champions: Nashua [1]

1BL Champions: Corsicana [1]

ELYSIAN MEDAL (MOST VALUABLE PLAYER)

ARCADIAN MEDAL (PITCHER OF THE YEAR)

THREE UP THREE DOWN AWARD (RELIEVER OF THE YEAR)




RISING STAR AWARD (ROOKIE OF THE YEAR)




CHADWICK PLATE (MANAGER OF THE YEAR)

LA: Phil Hensiek, Montreal
KA: Arnold Leon, San Jose


SWING FOR THE FENCES AWARD (SILVER SLUGGER)

Lincoln Association
C: Bill Dickey, Houston
1B: Chipper Jones, Chicago
2B: Alex Rodriguez, St. Louis
3B: Ken Keltner, Dallas
SS: Ernie Banks, Montreal
LF: Johnny Mize, St. Louis
CF: Ken Griffey jr, Houston
RF: Henry Aaron, Oakland
DH: Ted Williams, San Francisco


King Association
C: Johnny Bench, Baltimore
1B: Will Clark, New York
2B: Bobby Doerr, New York
3B: Jim Ray Hart, Philadelphia
SS: Ben Zobrist, New York
LF: Bryce Harper, Vancouver
CF: Sammy Sosa, Philadelphia
RF: Reggie Jackson, Philadelphia
DH: Mickey Tettleton, Philadelphia


LET'S PLAY TWO AWARD (GOLD GLOVE)

Lincoln Association
P: Tommy John, Dayton
C: Buster Posey, Chicago
1B: Jerry Lumpe, Indianapolis
2B: Grant Johnson, Detroit
3B: Placido Polanco, Indianapolis
SS: Mickey Doolan, Cincinnati
LF: Rondell White, Montreal
CF: Curt Flood, Montreal
RF: Terry Moore, Hollywood


King Association
P: Matt Cain, Denver
C: Gabby Hartnett, New York
1B: John Olerud, Philadelphia
2B: Bill Sweeney, Raleigh
3B: Kelly Gruber, Seattle
SS: Frank Fennelly, Portland
LF: Charlie Ferguson, Philadelphia
CF: Ken Berry, Vancouver
RF: Roberto Clemente, Pittsburgh

[luckymann]

Keen to see how the Draft falls before doing anything roster-related, although I did have a bit of a sniff around making a blockbuster with Houston that we will likely revisit.

15 seems to be the sweet spot for these Lotteries, with Sacramento the beneficiary this time around.

32nd Pick means we once again have to wait for the Draft to come to us, and we go into it with broad strokes and nothing more. It is a pretty strong pool, so we still expect to pick up a handy type or two in the process.

It turns out to be a pretty nice Draft for us, with the sneaky pickup of Roger Bresnahan in the 3rd Round a bonus. Berger may well preclude us needing to trade for a CF, we'll see. Sonny Harris is a punt for a good rookie year then as trade cachet. Herb Pennock is another future trade.

The Solons parlay that nice Lottery draw into the procurement of the mighty Shoeless Joe Jackson first overall. Some other big-name First-Rounders include Mickey Cochrane (6th; Montgomery), Larry Doby (7th; Seattle), Madison Bumgarner (8th; Fresno), Charlie Gehringer (11th; Detroit!), Virgil Trucks (13th; Brooklyn), Honus Wagner (14th; Hollywood) and Jose Altuve (23rd; New Orleans).

[luckymann]

They only gain 2 WAR, but the Hollywood Stars are among the most aggressive offseason clubs as they add Gehrig, Reggie Jackson and Mike Schmidt.
St. Louis once again makes plenty of noise, trading for Rocket Clemens and signing Juan Soto, with the biggest upward net WAR move of any the result.
After a few lean years in that tough KA O'Malley, Brooky have quietly put together a nice looking squad with some astute moves.

Here are the net gains and losses, along with the major offseason moves by team:

For a third straight year, the BNN boffins are seeing all the action across in the KA, with the three LA Bands fairly clear-cut including a 111-win season for us.

2009 LTMs have come up on the dice roll, so a slightly calmer farm than last year is anticipated.

No surprise that Joe Jackson leads the prospects list.

And here are the top-rated players:

Among the many things I'll be watching around the horn will be the Babe and Hammerin' Hank playing side-by-side on an everyday basis as Babe's transition away from pitching continues.

[luckymann]

In stark contrast to previous years, we have been very quiet with regard to roster moves. This, in fact, is our only one.

The first of our tough decisions for the year. And it was line ball. John was looking for just a bit too much money relative to the indications from the other big guys and, while we know he is almost certain to become a total stud, that just meant he had to go. In return, we get a cheap rental who should give us plenty of pop while our younger guys ripen. In fact, with the 50% retain we actually net +$10k.


In lieu of activity, we arrive at OD with our squad almost a petri dish of various theorems and strategies ready to be tested. The 60 Report will be a much stronger indication of what's what than this one.

BATS

Trial #1 is Sonny Harris as our everyday 2B. His D is suspect and this is a one-time magic trick sorta dealio, but I just think he's got a spark that needs testing. Julio Franco remains our long-term option here, and will be in there from about the 7th as a def sub most games. This experiment leaves us a bit thin up the middle, another factor that will almost certainly need to be assessed at some point. For now, Biz will back up Walker Cooper at catcher and also perform the same role around the diamond, along with Julio. But, I fear we are one too few in this regard, with both Dick Schofield and Joe Rudi at AAA awaiting the call-up. Or, we trade some of our spare parts away for an upgrade in this role.

Yes, we have a bunch of quality position players, but the mix is off and will need to be addressed in one way or another, of this I have little doubt. Too many corner options, too few middle ones is our main issue - both IF and OF.

SHOPPING LIST: Magic or mould?

BALLS

Trial #2 is a two-parter: Brett Anderson and Joe Nuxhall in the spin. This will most likely be a trial-and-error program, and these guys get first dibs. Clay Richard was so good last year and will be back in at some stage, I'm sure, along with Larry Dierker, Johnny Sain and others.

Trial # 3: William Wood at Closer. Look, I can't even find this guy on Seamheads but he rates off the charts and this is why we drafted him, keeping in mind how putrid our BP has been the past couple seasons. The hook, however, is ready.

SHOPPING LIST: Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

GLOVES

More holes than the US-Mexico border and a serious chance to upset our whole apple cart. Wait and see is no strategy at all, really, but that's what we plan to do.

SHOPPING LIST: Achilles, meet heel.

WINGS

The offseason was not kind to our farm system. No idea why Giambi has just dropped off, nor why Dierker has regressed so hard in the rankings. Three years of good performances and low picks will do this to a system, and we'll be looking to convert some of the unwanteds into prospects if we can.

POCKETS

'Nuff said previously, and to come. Looking to get enough bums on seats to hopefully push the '61 Budget to $2m and hopefully beyond. 24500 is the goal set by the Boss, that should do it. Early indications are positive, we just need to keep winning. It's a total house of cards.

Challenges abound. The only guarantee I'll make about this season is that it won't be dull! As for 111 wins - highly unlikely, methinks.

[luckymann]

A couple of the league's big names waste no time literally getting into the swing of things, with us on the receiving end of one of their efforts. And, just quietly, how much of a match made in heaven is the idea of Reggie being in Hollywood...