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reds1 · 02-28-2021, 03:25 AM

December 1, 1953

Western League: Generals, Pelicans Battle It Out in Early Going

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Offense: .274/.328/.385 (2nd/6th/5th)
Pitching: 3.44/3.57/2.62 (1st/3rd/1st)
Defense: .735 (1st)

For most of the first two months of the season, four teams were vying for top spot. But in the last week of November, two teams have begun to separate themselves from the pack, if only a wee bit. The Fort Richmond Generals have parlayed a hot November to move into a tie for first place with the Kingston Pelicans.

The Generals’ offense had been serviceable but needs more contributions from more players to sustain their recent success. 25-year old Greg Cusack (.324/.378/.475, 3 HR, 24 RBI, 16 BB, 3 SB, 2.0 WAR) has established himself as Fort Richmond’s centerfielder of the present and future as 6-time all-star, 31-year old Dylan Moyne (.247/.310/.338, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 7 BB, 0.1 WAR), continues to fade. 29-year old SS Nobuyoshi Yoshida (.309/.350/.425, 4 HR, 25 RBI, 12 BB, 2.0 WAR) and 32-year old C Louis Wearne (.309/.391/.536, 7 HR, 15 RBI, 12 BB, 1.3 WAR) have also contributed, but not the extent they have in the previous seasons.

Pitching continues to be the Generals’ greatest strength. 30-year old RHP Nicky Sherlock (6-2, 3.30 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 124 ERA+) is the ace of the rotation, while No. 3 starter, 33-year old LHP Nicholas Grimes (8-2, 2.88 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 143 ERA+), is outstanding once again. Despite injuries, the bullpen continues to be the best in the League, anchored by 29-year old RHP José Rodríguez (4-0. 3 SV, 2.08 ERA, 1.23 WHIP).

Player of the Week Awards:

November 23 – C Louis Wearne (.625, .750 OBP, 5 H, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R)

Noteworthy:

November 2 – Jacob Gadsden (.325/.374/.444, 2 HR, 20 RBI, 10 BB, 0.7 WAR) played a big role in the Generals 7-2 victory over the Sherburn Tigers. For the visitors, the 26-year old first baseman went 5 for 5, collecting 2 R and 3 RBI. He singled twice and hit 3 doubles, including a two-run double in the 9th to put the game out of reach.

November 21 – The Wellington Athletics were completely befuddled by 26-year old LHP Diarmid Rowet (2-2, 3.35 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 123 ERA+) who whitewashed Wellington, 2-0. Rowet allowed just one hit all afternoon, a two-out single by Matthew Floyd in the 1st inning. He notched 4 strikeouts and walked 4 on 121 pitches (GS: 85).

November 30 – The Generals ended November with a bang, blanking the top team in the East – the Embro Suns, 7-0. Keeping them off the scoreboard was LHP Nicholas Grimes, who fanned 3, while walking one batter. He gave up just two hits on 93 pitches (GS: 85).

Current Injuries:

November 26 – LHP Frank Lita – torn flexor muscle. Out for: 6 months.
November 29 – RHP Roberto Taváres – back spasms. Out for: DtD, 2 days.

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Offense: .272/.349/.404 (3rd/1st/4th)
Pitching: 3.76/3.88/3.27 (4th/4th/3rd)
Defense: .712 (2nd)

After finishing 14 games below .500 and in 6th place last year, the Kingston Pelicans have quickly returned to relevance this season. Their 33 wins are the most for any team in the United Leagues thus far.

The offense is buoyed by a mixture of veterans and fresh faces. The heart of the lineup is 27-year old C Carlos Camasura (.300/.466/.407, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 48 BB, 1.8 WAR). The on-base machine is off to another fine start and is rated 3rd among all catchers in the ULB. He is joined by 39-year old 1B Dean Bishop (.264/.387/.477, 8 HR, 31 RBI, 34 BB, 1.6 WAR), who is enjoying his best season in 4 years. The 7-time all-star currently sits in 4th place on the all-time home run leaderboard (273). Also enjoying great starts are 25-year old SS Charlie Cockin (.301/.377/.477, 3 HR, 26 RBI, 22 BB, 2.01 WAR) and 26-year old sophomore 3B Harry Herold (.264/.326/.423, 6 HR, 33 RBI, 15 BB, 0.9 WAR). However, 38-year old 2B Katsunan Chikafuji (.364/.364/.727, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0 BB, 0.2 WAR), the club’s all-time leader in hits and games played, has quickly become an afterthought.

A couple of the younger hurlers are pitching really well. No. 2 starter, 27-year old LHP Rob Hutchence (5-3, 2.26 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 187 ERA+), is considered a hard worker and its showing. The former 6th overall pick from 1945-46 is being supported by sophomore 27-year old RHP Brian Marsland (8-2, 3.45 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 123 ERA+), and No. 5 starter, 29-year old veteran LHP Dana Listman (6-2, 3.84 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 110 ERA+), who is off to his best start in 6 years.

Player of the Week Awards:

November 9 – RHP Brian Marsland (2-0, 18 IP, 0.00 ERA, 9 K)

Noteworthy:

November 7 – The Pelicans eked out a 1-0 win over the Sherburn Tigers, thanks largely to RHP Brian Marsland, who pitched a two-hitter. The 27-year old Marsland struck out 6 and walked three in his 117-pitch gem (GS: 86). Kingston could only muster 3 hits themselves but got the hit that mattered when 3B Harry Herold singled in a run with two men on base and two out in the bottom of the 6th.

Current Injuries:

October 9 – RHP Ben Currall – torn triceps. Out for: 8-9 weeks.
November 3 – CF George Nipper – torn meniscus. Out for: 3 weeks.
November 21 – 2B Noah Wellings – knee tendinitis. Out for: DtD, 1 week.

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Offense: .268/.331/.407 (5th/5th/3rd)
Pitching: 3.46/3.53/3.21 (2nd/2nd/2nd)
Defense: .710 (3rd)

As in the previous two seasons, the Pulberry Trolleys are in the playoff hunt, but are still looking to take the next step in becoming a real force in the West and end their playoff drought. What is needed right now is more consistent contributions from all players in the lineup. The pitching, however, is quietly developing into a dependable squad, something that the Trolleys have rarely enjoyed.

25-year old LF Aidan Thirkettle (.313/.427/.665, 14 HR, 40 RBI, 36 BB, 5 SB, 2.8 WAR) was selected first overall back in 1950-51. In just his third season, he is proving that selection to have been a wise choice. He is off to an incredible start and leads the Western League in 10 offensive categories. He is currently rated 5th overall among all position players. But Thirkettle could benefit from more support. 26-year old CF Cooper Tyson (.284/.347/.428, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 20 BB, 4 SB, 1.6 WAR) continues to have an impact, but both his offense and defense have taken a step back from his level of play in prior years. 26-year old 3B Makani Kahale (.306/.325/.461, 5 HR, 25 RBI, 5 BB, 1.4 WAR) continues his solid play and has seen a nice little bump in his power game. Meanwhile, 23-year old sophomore C Paul England (.284/.378/.382, 0 HR, 10 RBI, 16 BB, 0.8 WAR – 53/68) continues to progress and appears to be justifying his high draft selection (2nd overall) in 1951-52.

The pitching staff slowly became a respectable unit last season and that progression continues this year. Four of the five starters are enjoying fine starts. 32-year old ace RHP Alexander Ellacott (4-3, 3.38 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 122 ERA+) is off to his best start in 10 years. Pulberry’s top rated starter, 25-year old RHP Taylor Folkard (5-2, 5 SV, 1.51 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 272 ERA+) has just moved back into the No. 2 spot and continues to prove what a steal he was from Braeland City two years ago. 24-year old LHP Ramón Castro (3-3, 3.19 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 129 ERA+) is bouncing back nicely from a down sophomore year last season and 26-year old RHP Harley Rodman (5-3, 3.43 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 120 ERA+) is finding a home in the No. 5 spot. The bullpen is proving to be steady core as well. Among the relievers is future starter, 24-year old LHP Dermott Rathbone (2-3, 1.71 ERA, 1.71 WHIP, 241 ERA+ - 46/60), a 2nd-round pick from 1949-50.

Player of the Week Awards:

November 16 – LF Aidan Thirkettle (.476, 10 H, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 9 R)

Noteworthy:

October 13 – The top offensive performance thus far in the Western League is by LF Aidan Thirkettle who went 3 for 3, including 2 home runs in the Trolleys’ 13-4 victory over the Sherburn Tigers. Thirkettle slammed a 2-run homer in the 1st inning then a Grand Slam in the 5th, both against Sherburn’s LHP Luke Henty. In all, Thirkettle collected 3 R, 6 RBI, 2 BB for game score of 107. 2B Wade Billyard (.177/.208/.306, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 5 BB, -0.4) also hit a Grand Slam, against LHP Roman Davis in the 7th inning to put the game away.

October 26 – 28-year old RF Ellis Dibble (.307/.376/.453, 5 HR, 29 RBI, 21 BB, 0.5 WAR) came through for his teammates in a big way against the Hespeler Stars, leading the Trolleys to a 6-5 walk-off win. Dibble went 3 for 5, with 1 R and 4 RBI. A 2-out, 2-run double in the 2nd inning put Pulberry up 5-1 but he Stars fought back to tie the game in the 7th. But with one out in the bottom of the 9th, Dibble hit a cutter off of reliever RHP Nelson Wigley for a solo home run, 414 ft. in the leftfield stands to end the game in dramatic fashion.

October 30 – RHP Harley Rodman went the distance and then some in the Trolleys’ 6-1 win over the Fort Richmond Generals. Rodman pitched 11 innings, surrendering only 1 run over 109 pitches. In the process he put in the top pitching performance in the West (GS: 89). The Generals managed to push a run across the plate in the bottom of the 9th to send the game into extras. The Trolleys broke the tie in the top of the 12th, aided by 3 singles, an error and a 3-run home run by LF Aidan Thirkettle. RHP Denzel Vyse sent the Generals down in order in the bottom of the 12th to end the game. Rodman gave up just 4 hits, a walk and struck out 5 in his gem.

November 20 –RHP Alexander Ellacott pitched a brilliant game against the Brunswick Legends, shutting them out 4-0 on 4 hits in a complete game effort. He rang up 10 strikeouts and walked 2 on 129 pitches (GS: 87).

Current Injuries: None.

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Offense: .247/.325/.359 (8th/7th/8th)
Pitching: 3.64/3.28/5.40 (3rd/1st/7th)
Defense: .707 (4th)

The Wolseley Unions got off to a painfully slow start last season before turning on the afterburners and overtaking the Cambria Cannons for first place in the final days of the regular season. But this year feels different. Although they enjoy a winning record after two months of play and still have one of the best rotations in the game, the offense is far from the dominant force it was in the past.

Only 28-year old 3B Paddy Leseberg (.260/386/.335, 1 HR, 15 RBI, 33 BB, 1.4 WAR) is enjoying a career year. Even so, he is hardly an offensive powerhouse to begin with. Both 32-year old LF Carlton Hawking (.277/.440/.480, 9 HR, 24 RBI, 51 BB, 1.6 WAR) and 32-year old SS George Kimpton (.299/.377/.443, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 22 BB, 1.4 WAR) are having fairly solid seasons, but it appears they have lost a step. The rest of the lineup has really regressed. One exception is 24-year old rookie CF Joey South (.291/.333/.418, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 3 BB, 0.1 WAR), who is filling in for 30-year old CF Howard Ockey (.214/.298/.352, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 19 BB, 0.5 WAR) and is leading 0ff.

The rotation is solid from top to bottom, with 35-year old RHP Bill Blair (9-2, 2.44 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 174 ERA+) and 28-year old LHP Axel MacKay (4-5, 2.82 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 150 ERA+) leading the way. The rotation is so strong that 26-year old RHP Joseph Sellwood (0-1, 2 SV, 4.76 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 89 ERA+ - 61/63), a 14th overall pick from 1949-50, still cannot crack the rotation after 3 seasons.

Player of the Week Awards:

October 26 – 1B Carlos Ortíz (.478, 11 H, 5 HR, 9 RBI, 7 R)
November 2 – 3B Paddy Leseberg (.476, 10 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI)

Current Injuries:

November 22 – CF Howard Ockey – sore shoulder. Out for: 5-6 weeks.

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Offense: .278/.347/.430 (1st/2nd/1st)
Pitching: 4.49/4.27/5.26 (6th/7th/6th)
Defense: .698 (6th)

The Cambria Cannons are the exact opposite of the Wolseley Unions right now – great offense, but a lackluster pitching staff. But the defending United Cup champions are far from going into crisis mode. The pitching has the potential to get better and the Cannons currently boast the top farm system that is already bearing fruit.

The Cannons are blessed with some wonderful young talent in the lineup; more of the same could soon be arriving over the next couple of seasons. 24-year old CF Sam Tite (.285/.409/.559, 13 HR, 45 RBI, 37 BB, 3 SB, 2.7 WAR – 67/78) is quickly establishing himself as one the best players in the United Leagues (15th overall), while 22-year old rookie LF Calvin Hanbridge (.293/.415/.518, 7 HR, 23 RBI, 35 BB, 3 SB, 1.8 WAR – 60/73) made his presence known in November as Cambria’s lead-off hitter, winning both Batter of the Month and Rookie of the Month honours. And 27-year old 1B Carlos Corea (.333/.371/.561, 11 HR, 38 RBI, 9 BB, 1.0 WAR) continues to be a force at the plate. In looking at the not-too-distant future, No. 1 prospect 21-year old SS Doug Martin (40/70) and No. 6 prospect 19-year old CF Kilipeka Maleko (20/74) are developing in AA.

The pitching is not as good as it could be. But 25-year old RHP Ray Lambright (5-1, 2.83 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 146 ERA+) has established himself as the Cannons’ ace, after splitting time between the rotation and bullpen last season. Also, No. 2 starter, 33-year old LHP Ricardo Cruz (5-5, 3.78 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 110 ERA+) have given some solid outings.

Noteworthy:

October 26 – In shades of Game 7 of the last season’s Western Pennant Series, the Cambria Cannons came back in dramatic fashion in the top of the 9th to defeat the Wolseley Unions, 10-4. 29-year old 3B Luis Torres (.286/.345/.429, 6 HR, 28 RBI, 15 BB, 1.1 WAR) played a vital role, going 3 for 5 with a home run and a double, while scoring 3 times and driving in 2. Down 4-2 heading into the top of the 9th, Torres led off with a home run off of RHP Aaron Saunderson, who also pitched in that fateful 9th inning back in Game 7. Following the home run, the Cannons banged out 5 singles off of Saunderson and 4 more against his replacement, RHP Shou-Xin Chin. In all, Cambria rang up 8 runs in the 9th to pull out the 10-4 victory in Wolseley.

November 16 –RHP Ray Lambright went toe-to-toe with the Cobourg Red Stockings ace Fergus Hirst, defeating him 1-0 at Alexander Field in Cambria. The 25-year old struck out 3, walked 1 while allowing just 2 hits on 107 pitches (GS: 85). RF Seung-jae Park (.284/.300/.394, 2 HR, 20 RBI, 3 BB, -0.2 WAR) broke the scoreless tie with a one-out solo home run in the 8th.

Current Injuries: None.

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Offense: .268/.334/.385 (6th/3rd/6th)
Pitching: 3.96/4.08/3.43 (5th/5th/4th)
Defense: .699 (5th)

The Balmoral Giants are the one team in the West that is a big unknown right now. With no real dominant team appearing in the early going in the West, the Giants are not out of the running for a playoff spot. But they may not have enough talent to break through the crowd that’s currently ahead of them. Coupled with the second weakest farm system, Balmoral’s playoff drought will most likely continue into its 10th season and beyond.

The fact that they are hovering around .500 right now can certainly be explained in part by having one of the most dynamic players in the United Leagues. 33-year old LF Ángel Costa (.360/.417/.576, 7 HR, 27 RBI, 18 BB, 2.1 WAR – 73/73), though technically a rookie, has jumped right in and lived up to his pre-signing hype. He is currently rated 11th overall among position players and is rated 3rd overall among leftfielders. 27-year old C Alexander Pyatt (.322/.358/.480, 5 HR, 17 RBI, 9 BB, 1.5 WAR) continues to be one of the better catchers in the United Leagues (5th overall), while 30-year old veteran SS Sean Brearton (.326/.400/.411, 1 HR, 19 RBI, 15 BB, 1.6 WAR) is enjoying his first productive season in 4 years.

While the pitching staff has not been outstanding, it has been respectable, with 30-year old LHP Ron Albin (5-5, 2.85 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 147 ERA+) and 36-year old RHP Hun Park (6-3, 3.30 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 127 ERA+) leading the squad.

Current Injuries: None.

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Offense: .264/.318/.371 (7th/8th/7th)
Pitching: 4.50/4.24/5.62 (7th/6th/8th)
Defense: .691 (7th)

The Sherburn Tigers may be turning the corner in gathering talent onto their major league roster but it’s coming in fits and starts and their handling of their top talent has to be called into question, as they are doing themselves no favors. If they can finally figure it out, then they may finally turn the corner and make some noise in the West.

While they have had success drafting quality arms, the Tigers have had trouble seeing its young position players develop into superstars, despite the often-high draft picks Sherburn has earned from their poor play in recent years. But that may soon change. 24-year old rookie SS Dwayne Vick (.333/.362/.362, 2 HR, 19 RBI, 8 BB, 1.8 WAR – 56/71) is shaping up to be the real deal. The former 3rd overall pick from last season is rated as the No. 5 prospect overall. Multiple Ball Hawk awards and all-star selections appear to be in his future. Now if the Tigers can only do right with their other once highly touted prospect, 25-year old 3B Archie Eridge (.273/.360/.591, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 3 BB, 0.1 WAR – 46/64). Eridge is currently riding the bench and that’s unacceptable, at least to me. He deserves to play full-time. Sherburn also has 22-year old rookie CF Ryan Blenkhorn (46/59) starting full-time. The fourth-round selection from 1949-50 has a chance to become a regular if he can bounce back from a fractured fibula suffered back in spring training.

Overall, the pitching has been nothing special, but a couple of pitchers are having banner years. 26-year old RHP Ben Buschlen (4-2, 1.79 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 237 ERA+) is the ace of the rotation and has been nothing short of sensational, taking over from a slumping 29-year old RHP Jesús Chapa (3-7, 5.21 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 81 ERA+). 26-year old RHP Bradley Strawson (4-6, 3.87 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 110 ERA+) has been decent. But the rotation may get a shot in the arm very soon. 20-year old LHP Kozue Saito (23/74), who is rated 7th overall among all prospects in the ULB, is currently pitching in AAA and is considered a future ace.

Player of the Week Awards:

October 12 – RF Morgan Caskey (.500, 15 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 4 R)
November 30 – LF Noah Teale (.407, 11 H, 3 HR, 9 RBI)

Noteworthy:

October 9 – It was a parade of hits at the Paramount for 27-year old RF Morgan Caskey (.500/.545/.700, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 3 BB, 0.6 WAR), who has spent most of this time in AAA. But on this day, he was in the big-league lineup and he went 5 for 6, propelling the Tigers to a 9-8 win over the Wolseley Unions in 13 innings. Caskey hit 4 straight singles before connecting on a two-run double in the bottom of the 9th to send the game into extras. Although he flied out in the 11th, his fellow AAA teammate, 28-year old 3B Brooks O’Reilly (.304/.360/.435, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 BB), singled home the winning run in the bottom of the 13th for the walk-off win.

Current Injuries:

October 24 – LHP Roman Davis – herniated disk. Out for: 3 days.
November 28 – 2B Jack Burt – knee contusion. Out for: DtD, 5 days.

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Offense: .269/.331/.416 (4th/4th/2nd)
Pitching: 4.84/4.93/4.52 (8th/8th/5th)
Defense: .682 (8th)

The Hespeler Stars got off to a painfully slow start in October and have been promptly buried in last place, which is probably where they belong. Like the Tigers, the Stars are mismanaging their young talent and seeing them waste away sitting on the bench. Hespeler has one of the strongest farm systems in the United Leagues, but they don’t seem ready to embrace a youth movement. That has to change if they want to finally turn things around.

The offense has been quite decent actually in the early going, with 30-year old SS Zhao-hui Qian (.313/.367/.500, 9 HR, 43 RBI, 18 BB, 2.0 WAR) enjoying a banner season leading off. Among shortstops, he is second only to Fort Richmond’s Nobuyoshi Yoshida. Last season’s Rookie of the Year, 26-year old 3B Mike Park (.367/.432/.509, 3 HR, 18 RBI, 17 BB, 1.3 WAR), is having another fine year, while 26-year old John McMurray (.286/.317/.465, 8 HR, 25 RBI, 8 BB, 1.1 WAR) continues to progress, although not as much as one might expect from a former 1st overall pick (1949-50). But the Stars are squandering the talent of 23-year old RF Bill Spaeth (44/61), their 2nd overall pick from 1950-51. He deserves to start, such as at first base, his strongest position. Hespeler has also recently promoted their top prospect (3rd overall), 24-year old SS Apia Yarrah (54/72). The quandary with Yarrah, last year’s No. 1 pick, is that he is rated only for shortstop, and he is blocked by the still outstanding Zhao-hui Qian (71/71).

The pitching staff is struggling mightily, with only No. 5 starter, 27-year old RHP Connor Naysmith (3-2, 3.94 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 108 ERA+) having a decent start.

Player of the Week Awards:

October 19 – SS Zhao-hui Qian (.409, 9 H, 2 HR, 7 RBI)

Current Injuries: None.

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02-28-2021, 03:25 AM	#603
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,985	December 1, 1953 Western League: Generals, Pelicans Battle It Out in Early Going -------- Offense: .274/.328/.385 (2nd/6th/5th) Pitching: 3.44/3.57/2.62 (1st/3rd/1st) Defense: .735 (1st) For most of the first two months of the season, four teams were vying for top spot. But in the last week of November, two teams have begun to separate themselves from the pack, if only a wee bit. The Fort Richmond Generals have parlayed a hot November to move into a tie for first place with the Kingston Pelicans. The Generals’ offense had been serviceable but needs more contributions from more players to sustain their recent success. 25-year old Greg Cusack (.324/.378/.475, 3 HR, 24 RBI, 16 BB, 3 SB, 2.0 WAR) has established himself as Fort Richmond’s centerfielder of the present and future as 6-time all-star, 31-year old Dylan Moyne (.247/.310/.338, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 7 BB, 0.1 WAR), continues to fade. 29-year old SS Nobuyoshi Yoshida (.309/.350/.425, 4 HR, 25 RBI, 12 BB, 2.0 WAR) and 32-year old C Louis Wearne (.309/.391/.536, 7 HR, 15 RBI, 12 BB, 1.3 WAR) have also contributed, but not the extent they have in the previous seasons. Pitching continues to be the Generals’ greatest strength. 30-year old RHP Nicky Sherlock (6-2, 3.30 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 124 ERA+) is the ace of the rotation, while No. 3 starter, 33-year old LHP Nicholas Grimes (8-2, 2.88 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 143 ERA+), is outstanding once again. Despite injuries, the bullpen continues to be the best in the League, anchored by 29-year old RHP José Rodríguez (4-0. 3 SV, 2.08 ERA, 1.23 WHIP). Player of the Week Awards: November 23 – C Louis Wearne (.625, .750 OBP, 5 H, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 5 R) Noteworthy: November 2 – Jacob Gadsden (.325/.374/.444, 2 HR, 20 RBI, 10 BB, 0.7 WAR) played a big role in the Generals 7-2 victory over the Sherburn Tigers. For the visitors, the 26-year old first baseman went 5 for 5, collecting 2 R and 3 RBI. He singled twice and hit 3 doubles, including a two-run double in the 9th to put the game out of reach. November 21 – The Wellington Athletics were completely befuddled by 26-year old LHP Diarmid Rowet (2-2, 3.35 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 123 ERA+) who whitewashed Wellington, 2-0. Rowet allowed just one hit all afternoon, a two-out single by Matthew Floyd in the 1st inning. He notched 4 strikeouts and walked 4 on 121 pitches (GS: 85). November 30 – The Generals ended November with a bang, blanking the top team in the East – the Embro Suns, 7-0. Keeping them off the scoreboard was LHP Nicholas Grimes, who fanned 3, while walking one batter. He gave up just two hits on 93 pitches (GS: 85). Current Injuries: November 26 – LHP Frank Lita – torn flexor muscle. Out for: 6 months. November 29 – RHP Roberto Taváres – back spasms. Out for: DtD, 2 days. -------- Offense: .272/.349/.404 (3rd/1st/4th) Pitching: 3.76/3.88/3.27 (4th/4th/3rd) Defense: .712 (2nd) After finishing 14 games below .500 and in 6th place last year, the Kingston Pelicans have quickly returned to relevance this season. Their 33 wins are the most for any team in the United Leagues thus far. The offense is buoyed by a mixture of veterans and fresh faces. The heart of the lineup is 27-year old C Carlos Camasura (.300/.466/.407, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 48 BB, 1.8 WAR). The on-base machine is off to another fine start and is rated 3rd among all catchers in the ULB. He is joined by 39-year old 1B Dean Bishop (.264/.387/.477, 8 HR, 31 RBI, 34 BB, 1.6 WAR), who is enjoying his best season in 4 years. The 7-time all-star currently sits in 4th place on the all-time home run leaderboard (273). Also enjoying great starts are 25-year old SS Charlie Cockin (.301/.377/.477, 3 HR, 26 RBI, 22 BB, 2.01 WAR) and 26-year old sophomore 3B Harry Herold (.264/.326/.423, 6 HR, 33 RBI, 15 BB, 0.9 WAR). However, 38-year old 2B Katsunan Chikafuji (.364/.364/.727, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 0 BB, 0.2 WAR), the club’s all-time leader in hits and games played, has quickly become an afterthought. A couple of the younger hurlers are pitching really well. No. 2 starter, 27-year old LHP Rob Hutchence (5-3, 2.26 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 187 ERA+), is considered a hard worker and its showing. The former 6th overall pick from 1945-46 is being supported by sophomore 27-year old RHP Brian Marsland (8-2, 3.45 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 123 ERA+), and No. 5 starter, 29-year old veteran LHP Dana Listman (6-2, 3.84 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 110 ERA+), who is off to his best start in 6 years. Player of the Week Awards: November 9 – RHP Brian Marsland (2-0, 18 IP, 0.00 ERA, 9 K) Noteworthy: November 7 – The Pelicans eked out a 1-0 win over the Sherburn Tigers, thanks largely to RHP Brian Marsland, who pitched a two-hitter. The 27-year old Marsland struck out 6 and walked three in his 117-pitch gem (GS: 86). Kingston could only muster 3 hits themselves but got the hit that mattered when 3B Harry Herold singled in a run with two men on base and two out in the bottom of the 6th. Current Injuries: October 9 – RHP Ben Currall – torn triceps. Out for: 8-9 weeks. November 3 – CF George Nipper – torn meniscus. Out for: 3 weeks. November 21 – 2B Noah Wellings – knee tendinitis. Out for: DtD, 1 week. -------- Offense: .268/.331/.407 (5th/5th/3rd) Pitching: 3.46/3.53/3.21 (2nd/2nd/2nd) Defense: .710 (3rd) As in the previous two seasons, the Pulberry Trolleys are in the playoff hunt, but are still looking to take the next step in becoming a real force in the West and end their playoff drought. What is needed right now is more consistent contributions from all players in the lineup. The pitching, however, is quietly developing into a dependable squad, something that the Trolleys have rarely enjoyed. 25-year old LF Aidan Thirkettle (.313/.427/.665, 14 HR, 40 RBI, 36 BB, 5 SB, 2.8 WAR) was selected first overall back in 1950-51. In just his third season, he is proving that selection to have been a wise choice. He is off to an incredible start and leads the Western League in 10 offensive categories. He is currently rated 5th overall among all position players. But Thirkettle could benefit from more support. 26-year old CF Cooper Tyson (.284/.347/.428, 3 HR, 17 RBI, 20 BB, 4 SB, 1.6 WAR) continues to have an impact, but both his offense and defense have taken a step back from his level of play in prior years. 26-year old 3B Makani Kahale (.306/.325/.461, 5 HR, 25 RBI, 5 BB, 1.4 WAR) continues his solid play and has seen a nice little bump in his power game. Meanwhile, 23-year old sophomore C Paul England (.284/.378/.382, 0 HR, 10 RBI, 16 BB, 0.8 WAR – 53/68) continues to progress and appears to be justifying his high draft selection (2nd overall) in 1951-52. The pitching staff slowly became a respectable unit last season and that progression continues this year. Four of the five starters are enjoying fine starts. 32-year old ace RHP Alexander Ellacott (4-3, 3.38 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 122 ERA+) is off to his best start in 10 years. Pulberry’s top rated starter, 25-year old RHP Taylor Folkard (5-2, 5 SV, 1.51 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 272 ERA+) has just moved back into the No. 2 spot and continues to prove what a steal he was from Braeland City two years ago. 24-year old LHP Ramón Castro (3-3, 3.19 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 129 ERA+) is bouncing back nicely from a down sophomore year last season and 26-year old RHP Harley Rodman (5-3, 3.43 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 120 ERA+) is finding a home in the No. 5 spot. The bullpen is proving to be steady core as well. Among the relievers is future starter, 24-year old LHP Dermott Rathbone (2-3, 1.71 ERA, 1.71 WHIP, 241 ERA+ - 46/60), a 2nd-round pick from 1949-50. Player of the Week Awards: November 16 – LF Aidan Thirkettle (.476, 10 H, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 9 R) Noteworthy: October 13 – The top offensive performance thus far in the Western League is by LF Aidan Thirkettle who went 3 for 3, including 2 home runs in the Trolleys’ 13-4 victory over the Sherburn Tigers. Thirkettle slammed a 2-run homer in the 1st inning then a Grand Slam in the 5th, both against Sherburn’s LHP Luke Henty. In all, Thirkettle collected 3 R, 6 RBI, 2 BB for game score of 107. 2B Wade Billyard (.177/.208/.306, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 5 BB, -0.4) also hit a Grand Slam, against LHP Roman Davis in the 7th inning to put the game away. October 26 – 28-year old RF Ellis Dibble (.307/.376/.453, 5 HR, 29 RBI, 21 BB, 0.5 WAR) came through for his teammates in a big way against the Hespeler Stars, leading the Trolleys to a 6-5 walk-off win. Dibble went 3 for 5, with 1 R and 4 RBI. A 2-out, 2-run double in the 2nd inning put Pulberry up 5-1 but he Stars fought back to tie the game in the 7th. But with one out in the bottom of the 9th, Dibble hit a cutter off of reliever RHP Nelson Wigley for a solo home run, 414 ft. in the leftfield stands to end the game in dramatic fashion. October 30 – RHP Harley Rodman went the distance and then some in the Trolleys’ 6-1 win over the Fort Richmond Generals. Rodman pitched 11 innings, surrendering only 1 run over 109 pitches. In the process he put in the top pitching performance in the West (GS: 89). The Generals managed to push a run across the plate in the bottom of the 9th to send the game into extras. The Trolleys broke the tie in the top of the 12th, aided by 3 singles, an error and a 3-run home run by LF Aidan Thirkettle. RHP Denzel Vyse sent the Generals down in order in the bottom of the 12th to end the game. Rodman gave up just 4 hits, a walk and struck out 5 in his gem. November 20 –RHP Alexander Ellacott pitched a brilliant game against the Brunswick Legends, shutting them out 4-0 on 4 hits in a complete game effort. He rang up 10 strikeouts and walked 2 on 129 pitches (GS: 87). Current Injuries: None. -------- Offense: .247/.325/.359 (8th/7th/8th) Pitching: 3.64/3.28/5.40 (3rd/1st/7th) Defense: .707 (4th) The Wolseley Unions got off to a painfully slow start last season before turning on the afterburners and overtaking the Cambria Cannons for first place in the final days of the regular season. But this year feels different. Although they enjoy a winning record after two months of play and still have one of the best rotations in the game, the offense is far from the dominant force it was in the past. Only 28-year old 3B Paddy Leseberg (.260/386/.335, 1 HR, 15 RBI, 33 BB, 1.4 WAR) is enjoying a career year. Even so, he is hardly an offensive powerhouse to begin with. Both 32-year old LF Carlton Hawking (.277/.440/.480, 9 HR, 24 RBI, 51 BB, 1.6 WAR) and 32-year old SS George Kimpton (.299/.377/.443, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 22 BB, 1.4 WAR) are having fairly solid seasons, but it appears they have lost a step. The rest of the lineup has really regressed. One exception is 24-year old rookie CF Joey South (.291/.333/.418, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 3 BB, 0.1 WAR), who is filling in for 30-year old CF Howard Ockey (.214/.298/.352, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 19 BB, 0.5 WAR) and is leading 0ff. The rotation is solid from top to bottom, with 35-year old RHP Bill Blair (9-2, 2.44 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 174 ERA+) and 28-year old LHP Axel MacKay (4-5, 2.82 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 150 ERA+) leading the way. The rotation is so strong that 26-year old RHP Joseph Sellwood (0-1, 2 SV, 4.76 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 89 ERA+ - 61/63), a 14th overall pick from 1949-50, still cannot crack the rotation after 3 seasons. Player of the Week Awards: October 26 – 1B Carlos Ortíz (.478, 11 H, 5 HR, 9 RBI, 7 R) November 2 – 3B Paddy Leseberg (.476, 10 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI) Current Injuries: November 22 – CF Howard Ockey – sore shoulder. Out for: 5-6 weeks. -------- Offense: .278/.347/.430 (1st/2nd/1st) Pitching: 4.49/4.27/5.26 (6th/7th/6th) Defense: .698 (6th) The Cambria Cannons are the exact opposite of the Wolseley Unions right now – great offense, but a lackluster pitching staff. But the defending United Cup champions are far from going into crisis mode. The pitching has the potential to get better and the Cannons currently boast the top farm system that is already bearing fruit. The Cannons are blessed with some wonderful young talent in the lineup; more of the same could soon be arriving over the next couple of seasons. 24-year old CF Sam Tite (.285/.409/.559, 13 HR, 45 RBI, 37 BB, 3 SB, 2.7 WAR – 67/78) is quickly establishing himself as one the best players in the United Leagues (15th overall), while 22-year old rookie LF Calvin Hanbridge (.293/.415/.518, 7 HR, 23 RBI, 35 BB, 3 SB, 1.8 WAR – 60/73) made his presence known in November as Cambria’s lead-off hitter, winning both Batter of the Month and Rookie of the Month honours. And 27-year old 1B Carlos Corea (.333/.371/.561, 11 HR, 38 RBI, 9 BB, 1.0 WAR) continues to be a force at the plate. In looking at the not-too-distant future, No. 1 prospect 21-year old SS Doug Martin (40/70) and No. 6 prospect 19-year old CF Kilipeka Maleko (20/74) are developing in AA. The pitching is not as good as it could be. But 25-year old RHP Ray Lambright (5-1, 2.83 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 146 ERA+) has established himself as the Cannons’ ace, after splitting time between the rotation and bullpen last season. Also, No. 2 starter, 33-year old LHP Ricardo Cruz (5-5, 3.78 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 110 ERA+) have given some solid outings. Noteworthy: October 26 – In shades of Game 7 of the last season’s Western Pennant Series, the Cambria Cannons came back in dramatic fashion in the top of the 9th to defeat the Wolseley Unions, 10-4. 29-year old 3B Luis Torres (.286/.345/.429, 6 HR, 28 RBI, 15 BB, 1.1 WAR) played a vital role, going 3 for 5 with a home run and a double, while scoring 3 times and driving in 2. Down 4-2 heading into the top of the 9th, Torres led off with a home run off of RHP Aaron Saunderson, who also pitched in that fateful 9th inning back in Game 7. Following the home run, the Cannons banged out 5 singles off of Saunderson and 4 more against his replacement, RHP Shou-Xin Chin. In all, Cambria rang up 8 runs in the 9th to pull out the 10-4 victory in Wolseley. November 16 –RHP Ray Lambright went toe-to-toe with the Cobourg Red Stockings ace Fergus Hirst, defeating him 1-0 at Alexander Field in Cambria. The 25-year old struck out 3, walked 1 while allowing just 2 hits on 107 pitches (GS: 85). RF Seung-jae Park (.284/.300/.394, 2 HR, 20 RBI, 3 BB, -0.2 WAR) broke the scoreless tie with a one-out solo home run in the 8th. Current Injuries: None. -------- Offense: .268/.334/.385 (6th/3rd/6th) Pitching: 3.96/4.08/3.43 (5th/5th/4th) Defense: .699 (5th) The Balmoral Giants are the one team in the West that is a big unknown right now. With no real dominant team appearing in the early going in the West, the Giants are not out of the running for a playoff spot. But they may not have enough talent to break through the crowd that’s currently ahead of them. Coupled with the second weakest farm system, Balmoral’s playoff drought will most likely continue into its 10th season and beyond. The fact that they are hovering around .500 right now can certainly be explained in part by having one of the most dynamic players in the United Leagues. 33-year old LF Ángel Costa (.360/.417/.576, 7 HR, 27 RBI, 18 BB, 2.1 WAR – 73/73), though technically a rookie, has jumped right in and lived up to his pre-signing hype. He is currently rated 11th overall among position players and is rated 3rd overall among leftfielders. 27-year old C Alexander Pyatt (.322/.358/.480, 5 HR, 17 RBI, 9 BB, 1.5 WAR) continues to be one of the better catchers in the United Leagues (5th overall), while 30-year old veteran SS Sean Brearton (.326/.400/.411, 1 HR, 19 RBI, 15 BB, 1.6 WAR) is enjoying his first productive season in 4 years. While the pitching staff has not been outstanding, it has been respectable, with 30-year old LHP Ron Albin (5-5, 2.85 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 147 ERA+) and 36-year old RHP Hun Park (6-3, 3.30 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 127 ERA+) leading the squad. Current Injuries: None. -------- Offense: .264/.318/.371 (7th/8th/7th) Pitching: 4.50/4.24/5.62 (7th/6th/8th) Defense: .691 (7th) The Sherburn Tigers may be turning the corner in gathering talent onto their major league roster but it’s coming in fits and starts and their handling of their top talent has to be called into question, as they are doing themselves no favors. If they can finally figure it out, then they may finally turn the corner and make some noise in the West. While they have had success drafting quality arms, the Tigers have had trouble seeing its young position players develop into superstars, despite the often-high draft picks Sherburn has earned from their poor play in recent years. But that may soon change. 24-year old rookie SS Dwayne Vick (.333/.362/.362, 2 HR, 19 RBI, 8 BB, 1.8 WAR – 56/71) is shaping up to be the real deal. The former 3rd overall pick from last season is rated as the No. 5 prospect overall. Multiple Ball Hawk awards and all-star selections appear to be in his future. Now if the Tigers can only do right with their other once highly touted prospect, 25-year old 3B Archie Eridge (.273/.360/.591, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 3 BB, 0.1 WAR – 46/64). Eridge is currently riding the bench and that’s unacceptable, at least to me. He deserves to play full-time. Sherburn also has 22-year old rookie CF Ryan Blenkhorn (46/59) starting full-time. The fourth-round selection from 1949-50 has a chance to become a regular if he can bounce back from a fractured fibula suffered back in spring training. Overall, the pitching has been nothing special, but a couple of pitchers are having banner years. 26-year old RHP Ben Buschlen (4-2, 1.79 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 237 ERA+) is the ace of the rotation and has been nothing short of sensational, taking over from a slumping 29-year old RHP Jesús Chapa (3-7, 5.21 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 81 ERA+). 26-year old RHP Bradley Strawson (4-6, 3.87 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 110 ERA+) has been decent. But the rotation may get a shot in the arm very soon. 20-year old LHP Kozue Saito (23/74), who is rated 7th overall among all prospects in the ULB, is currently pitching in AAA and is considered a future ace. Player of the Week Awards: October 12 – RF Morgan Caskey (.500, 15 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 4 R) November 30 – LF Noah Teale (.407, 11 H, 3 HR, 9 RBI) Noteworthy: October 9 – It was a parade of hits at the Paramount for 27-year old RF Morgan Caskey (.500/.545/.700, 1 HR, 5 RBI, 3 BB, 0.6 WAR), who has spent most of this time in AAA. But on this day, he was in the big-league lineup and he went 5 for 6, propelling the Tigers to a 9-8 win over the Wolseley Unions in 13 innings. Caskey hit 4 straight singles before connecting on a two-run double in the bottom of the 9th to send the game into extras. Although he flied out in the 11th, his fellow AAA teammate, 28-year old 3B Brooks O’Reilly (.304/.360/.435, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 BB), singled home the winning run in the bottom of the 13th for the walk-off win. Current Injuries: October 24 – LHP Roman Davis – herniated disk. Out for: 3 days. November 28 – 2B Jack Burt – knee contusion. Out for: DtD, 5 days. -------- Offense: .269/.331/.416 (4th/4th/2nd) Pitching: 4.84/4.93/4.52 (8th/8th/5th) Defense: .682 (8th) The Hespeler Stars got off to a painfully slow start in October and have been promptly buried in last place, which is probably where they belong. Like the Tigers, the Stars are mismanaging their young talent and seeing them waste away sitting on the bench. Hespeler has one of the strongest farm systems in the United Leagues, but they don’t seem ready to embrace a youth movement. That has to change if they want to finally turn things around. The offense has been quite decent actually in the early going, with 30-year old SS Zhao-hui Qian (.313/.367/.500, 9 HR, 43 RBI, 18 BB, 2.0 WAR) enjoying a banner season leading off. Among shortstops, he is second only to Fort Richmond’s Nobuyoshi Yoshida. Last season’s Rookie of the Year, 26-year old 3B Mike Park (.367/.432/.509, 3 HR, 18 RBI, 17 BB, 1.3 WAR), is having another fine year, while 26-year old John McMurray (.286/.317/.465, 8 HR, 25 RBI, 8 BB, 1.1 WAR) continues to progress, although not as much as one might expect from a former 1st overall pick (1949-50). But the Stars are squandering the talent of 23-year old RF Bill Spaeth (44/61), their 2nd overall pick from 1950-51. He deserves to start, such as at first base, his strongest position. Hespeler has also recently promoted their top prospect (3rd overall), 24-year old SS Apia Yarrah (54/72). The quandary with Yarrah, last year’s No. 1 pick, is that he is rated only for shortstop, and he is blocked by the still outstanding Zhao-hui Qian (71/71). The pitching staff is struggling mightily, with only No. 5 starter, 27-year old RHP Connor Naysmith (3-2, 3.94 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 108 ERA+) having a decent start. Player of the Week Awards: October 19 – SS Zhao-hui Qian (.409, 9 H, 2 HR, 7 RBI) Current Injuries: None. -------- __________________ United Leagues of Braeland