[ayaghmour2]

Weekly Record: 4-3
Seasonal Record: 55-73 (6th, 30 GB)
Stars of the Week
Rich Langton : 31 AB, 10 H, 2 HR, 7 RBI, .323 AVG, .871 OPS
Doc Love : 28 AB, 9 H, 1 HR, 6 RBI, .321 AVG, .959 OPS
Mike Taylor : 22 AB, 8 H, 1 HR, 7 RBI, .364 AVG, .970 OPS

Schedule
8-24: Win vs Foresters (1-2)
8-25: Win vs Stars (3-11)
8-26: Win vs Stars (4-10)
8-27: Loss vs Stars (9-1)
8-28: Win vs Cannons (2-12)
8-29: Loss vs Cannons (4-2)
8-30: Loss vs Saints (3-0)

Weekly Record: 2-5
Seasonal Record: 57-78 (6th, 32.5 GB)
Stars of the Week
Rich Langton : 28 AB, 12 H, 1 HR, 1 RBI, .429 AVG, 1.198 OPS
John Lawson : 24 AB, 9 H, 1 HR, 4 RBI, .375 AVG, .942 OPS
Doc Love : 25 AB, 8 H, 0 HR, 2 RBI, .320 AVG, .786 OPS

Schedule
8-31: Win vs Saints (2-3)
9-1: Loss vs Saints (9-3)
9-2: Loss vs Kings (12-2)
9-3: Win vs Kings (3-4)
9-4: Loss at Sailors (9-10)
9-5: Loss at Sailors (3-6)
9-6: Loss at Sailors (2-3)

Recap
I can't even remember the last time I missed a report, but yesterday was one of those. It was as busy of a day as I could have imagined, three finals, but as long as I didn't fail, they should be the last undergraduate assignments I ever have to turn in! So to celebrate, a longer fake baseball report! The week was pretty bad, 2-5 plus the news of Ollie Page's high ankle sprain ending his season, I'll focus more on an overall monthly recap then just weekly. There was not much good to talk about other then Rich Langton's recent hot streak. Three homers the past two weeks as brought hip up to 12 for the season and he's hitting a nice .308/.347/.486 (111 OPS+) on the year with 25 doubles, 11 triples, 79 RBI's, and one more strikeout (28) then walk (27).

August was actually our best month of the season, an even 14-14 and our only .500 month. May and June were close, but my guess is August ends up the best of the months. We haven't hit or pitched all season, and chances are we'll end up in 6th and we'll pick 6th in December. We did look decent in August though, with Allen Purvis looking excellent. He was 3-1 with a 1.86 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 6 walks, and 10 strikeouts in 29 innings pitched. Hardin Bates was reliable as well, 3-3 with a 3.94 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 21 walks, and 17 strikeouts in his 48 innings. Dave Rankin was unlucky, 2-5 with a save, 4.66 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 10 walks, and 22 strikeouts. The ERA was average for the month, but his 3.70 FIP paints a much nicer pitcher. Even Milt Fritz looked okay, 3-2 with a 4.34 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 15 walks, and 10 strikeouts in 47.2 frames. We've definitely had worse months than this and other then Rankin, the other three overperformed. Rankin's 108 strikeouts are seven ahead of Les Zoller for second in the CA and he's 14-20 with a 4.06 ERA (115 ERA+), 1.46 WHIP, and 72 walks in 270.2 innings pitched. He's just 30 innings away from 300 and I think he should be able to reach it. He needs three more starts and maybe a relief outing and he should be fine with 19 more games left.

At the plate, we didn't hit all that much. Despite injury, Rich Langton had the best month. He hit .337/.352/.530 with 4 homers and 20 RBI's in 88 trips to the plate. Ray Ford got a little power surge, slashing .325/.384/.482 with 3 homers, 20 RBI's, 20 runs, 10 walks, and just two strikeouts in 125 trips to the plate. He was shockingly Rookie of the Month as well, something I did not realize when I started and had to double back. It's the first of what has been a rather disappointing rookie season for Ford who is hitting just .306/.359/.405 (95 OPS+) with 32 doubles, 4 triples, 4 homers, and 76 RBI's. I have to be patient with him as the factor adjustment has made things harder for him. He's just 25 and has the potential to still blossom into an All Star.

Doc Love hit .310/.371/.451 with 2 homers and 13 RBI's in one less PA then Ford. Not much good besides that, with just Pete Asher putting together an above average batting line. He was just 8-for-20 with with 4 runs scored and driven in. He's gotten a little time at second with Paul McLain, but I'm expecting both to see less time in the lineup with rosters expanding. The scariest part of the month, however, is John Lawson. He hit well this week, but if August Lawson batted just .230/.277/.336 with 2 homers and 11 RBI's in 130 trips to the plate. This has dropped his season line down to .330/.388/.494 (124 OPS+) but I'd imagine he'll improve that once the season finishes. His two homers away from 20, but needs almost 20 more RBI's if he wants to reach 100 this season. Lawson hasn't had a 20-100 season since 1930, but his .330 batting average is the lowest of his career. I was not too surprised by this, as it is hard to hit for a high average at our park and .338 was/is his lowest season mark. I won't mention Taylor or Page's struggles, but Ollie finished his season with a .278/.336/.406 (89 OPS+) batting line which is pretty good for a shortstop. Add in the 15 doubles, 10 triples, 12 homers, and 10 steals and you have a really productive all around player. He's still just 26, with a ton of room to grow, but his floor now is still the #4 ranked shortstop in the FABL.

Looking Ahead
Here is a weird way to start the week: a pair of games in Cleveland. No, we did not play them before, and no, we do not play them after. We just get two games in a day before our first off day of the month. It's looking like we'll see Eddie Quinn and Sergio Gonzales. Quinn has been excellent, 12-10 with a 3.99 ERA (121 ERA+), 1.37 WHIP, 64 walks, and 62 strikeouts in 214.1 innings pitched. He's much better then Gonzales, but the 24-year-old has excelled in his 153.1 innings going 13-6 with 5 saves, a 3.46 ERA (139 ERA+), 1.36 WHIP, and 46 walks and strikeouts. It's going to be tough to score on both, so you can rack up the two losses now. Max Morris is back too, and while he has had a ton of struggles, the Foresters will welcome back the pop. Leon Drake hit his 19th homer and with one more will join T.R. Goins and Dan Fowler in the 20 home run range. Fowler needs one more for 30 and Brooks Meeks one away from 9. They've dropped to seven back despite their 82-52 record which is good enough to win a pennant in another year.

After that off day we get two in New York with the 7th place Stars. At 52-82, they are six behind the Cannons for the 2nd overall pick. The Stars have watched Lou Martino struggle in 12 FABL and AAA starts. The numbers in New York are actually better, 1-7 with a 5.13 ERA (92 ERA+), 1.96 WHIP, 29 walks, and 12 strikeouts in 59.2 innings pitched. The former 16th Overall pick is just 29 and this is in no ways a change of his talent. In 1,204 FABL innings he is 72-54 with a 3.66 ERA (120 ERA+), 1.39 WHIP, 419 walks, and 484 strikeouts. Al Mann is up from AAA and has hit .333/.373/.362 (86 OPS+) with 2 doubles and 8 RBI's in 69 at bats. "The Welshman" isn't naturally a power hitter, but with playing in New York and okay extra base hit numbers in the past I expect him to eventually end up with a much more impressive slugging percentage.

Next stop is Montreal, where we get two with the Saints. At 65-69, they're tied for fourth with the Wolves in the battle for Canada. It'll be cool to see who finish fourth and I hope both can finish above .500. Stadium adjustments have allowed the hitters to flourish and I like a lot of players on their team. Let's start with All-Star Bill Ross who is 11-11 with a 4.20 ERA (114 ERA+), 1.48 WHIP, 55 walks, and 68 strikeouts in 205.2 innings atop the Saints rotation. This kid is the real deal and I really hope we don't face him. Or Jake DeYoung, who shut us out to end last week as a measure of revenge. The 23-year-old rookie is 5-7 with a 3.88 ERA (124 ERA+), 1.26 WHIP, 14 walks, and 40 strikeouts in 95 innings. I've tried to trade for him in the past and I really wish I offered a lot more. The southpaw has really good stuff and his pitching style is perfect for the Parc Cartier. I also have to mention another guy I've tried to acquire before, George Thomas, who's been excellent in 1936. The 26-year-old is 17-10 with a 3.69 ERA (130 ERA+), 1.37 WHIP, 77 walks, and 64 strikeouts in 241.2 innings pitched.

We end the week in Brooklyn, a two game series that starts Sunday and ends Monday. The Kings are 89-45 and are hoping to cruise to a Continental Association pennant. Tom Barrell is looking to repeat as Allen Award winner, going 19-5 with a 3.32 ERA (144 ERA+), 1.13 WHIP, 43 walks, and 139 strikeouts in 268 innings pitched. I do miss him, but if Tommy never got hurt it wouldn't matter. His numbers were just as good or better. Just like how Mike Murphy is breaking out, 15-6 with a 2.93 ERA (163 ERA+), 1.28 WHIP, 61 walks, and 68 strikeouts in 221 innings pitched. After an average '35 he's matching his '34 season totals in what continues to be an up and down career. The 28-year-old is a nice co-ace for Barrell and Joe Shaffner, Art White, and Bob Cummings are all excellent options. Al Wheeler is also looking to repeat at an award, with an MVP caliber season this year as well. The Decatur kid is hitting .355/.446/.609 (160 OPS+) with 34 homers and 131 RBI's in 632 trips to the plate. I still with I bought the bullet and traded for Vance and Beach too because I was ready to overpay with Wheeler. Brooklyn is my pick to win it all and the Kings will be a strong competitive force for the rest of the decade.

I'm also making a managerial change, moving Jim Cathey to bench coach. I have an offer out on a new manager, so hopefully that happens tomorrow. Roster expansion also takes place, so I'll cover the callups in the minor league report. I will be returning to seven day lineups to get guys playing time like I want. The minor league season is still going on, so guys like Leo Mitchell are going to stay down to get everyday at bats. Milwaukee is looking to threepeat this season, but sit three behind Indianapolis. That's Baltimore's AAA team that hosts a ton of top prospects and a few former Cougars; Billy Marshall and John Barnard who bat one and two in the Hoosier lineup.

Minor League Report
SS Clyde Hinzman: He's back! He spent most of his season in Milwaukee at short and hit a nice .317/.376/.417 (108 OPS+) with 3 homers, 5 steals, and 43 RBI's. The Page injury gives him a spot in the lineup and he'll likely get to reach his 1,000th FABL plate appearance. The 1925 6th Rounder was used to acquire the key to our championship Cy Bryant and was brought back four season after for a current top 100 prospect Reginald Westfall. He's hit .251/.330/.346 (85 OPS+) with 41 doubles, 10 triples, 7 homers, and 91 RBI's with an at bat in each season since 1930. He can man all four infield positions and my guess is the outfield wouldn't be all that hard for him. He's got an option left, but he's the perfect off the bench utility player who can fill in late in the game or when a guy needs a day off.

2B Russ Combs: Remember him? He kind of stayed healthy and got into 91 games for the Blues this season. It did not go well, hitting .300/.340/.371 (87 OPS+) with a homer, 13 steals, and 48 RBI's. Most of the time was spent at first where he didn't look too good. Second and third were actually better, but in much less time. I might give him a few games at short and second now well most of the young guys are still playing in the minors. Combs hasn't played more then 100 games since 1930, but owns a .318/.366/.445 (117 OPS+) batting line in 690 FABL games. Most of those came between 1928 and 1930, in fact those three years account for 58% of his total games played. Combs has stolen 120 bases, homered 37 times, and drove in 350 runs. When healthy he usually hits, but this year has been the reverse. I think he's done, but I really like him and don't really plan on ever cutting him. He never takes at bats away from the younger kids, but he's a fan favorite too and you always need AAA depth.

RF Marty Roberts: Had to purchase his contract, but I do plan on giving Roberts every day at bats. No, that does not mean Rich Langton is moving to the bench, but Roberts is actually a natural center fielder. He'll probably get about half of the starts out there with a few in left and right to give Love and Langton some rest. I needed to protect him from the Rule-5 Draft, so I wanted to get an early look at the 24-year-old. He has an average .276/.365/.394 (99 OPS+) line with 10 homers, 25 steals, and 79 RBI's in 576 trips to the plate. I'm just glad he stayed healthy, as injuries really put a damper on him. Still, he profiles as a prototypical leadoff hitter, but for us we're just using him as a 4th outfielder type. He's got plus contact ability, an excellent eye, and great speed. He showed power in college and AAA, but I'm not sure how it's going to show in Chicago. The former 2nd Rounder ranks 15th in our system and 126th in the league and will get a shot to prove he belongs. I don't expect him to make the roster next season, but I'll give him a shot to stick. Here are a few of my old Roberts reports:

CF Marty Roberts (Brunswick Knights): Another breakout freshman, Brunswick's Marty Roberts took home Player of the Week. He's already hit 4 homers and drove in 13 runs on the season, slashing .375/.432/.850 (212 OPS+). The 18-year-old looks to be a quality defender out in center with excellent bat speed which leads to home runs. His teammates Hi Blackburn and Tommy Sharp also have 4 homers a piece which is a big reason the Knights share first place with Ellery at 7-2 after 9 games. (1930: Spring Training)

Interesting enough, that Sharp is our former 8th Round pick who doesn't really play much anymore.

2nd Round, 23rd Overall: CF Marty Roberts (Brunswick Knights): Here's basically the return for Vince York. Marty Roberts may actually be a better prospect then Hunter, and he more or less replaces Joe Johnson in the organization. Another younger player, the junior won't turn 21 till November 17th while some in his class are almost 22. My scout isn't nearly as big of a fan, but his .355/.399/.592 (149 OPS+) line as a junior with 9 homers, 12 steals, and 40 RBI's is much more encouraging. The power definitely spiked, as he almost reached his combined mark, but his career .314/.377/.521 (142 OPS+) line isn't all too far from this year's performance. He's a strong defender as well, with a +4.2 zone rating and 1.031 efficiency this season and he didn't make an error the last two seasons. He's got a ton of upside in the field and on the bases, and he should be an above average hitter. I'm not sure if the power will develop, but Roberts has all the tool to be a top 5 center fielder.
(1932 Draft)

C Mel Goldenberg: I like having three catchers on hand, so coming up is our backup last year. He hit .282/.343/.386 (91 OPS+) in Milwaukee with 4 homers, 41 RBI's, 32 walks, and 28 strikeouts in 376 trips to the plate. The 34-year-old has 1,933 FABL plate appearances, most with the Eagles, and owns a .284/.329/.376 (77 OPS+) line with 11 homers and 263 RBI's. Nothing special here.

LHP Johnny Walker: The only arm coming up, the 26-year-old Johnny Walker had a tough start to the season, but will finish his AAA season 10-8 with a 4.14 ERA (108 ERA+), 1.51 WHIP, 62 walks, and 47 strikeouts in 150 innings pitched. He'll get another shot to start in Chicago as I'll be using an adjusted 6-man rotation in September. For his career he's 5-7 with a 4.67 ERA (92 ERA+), 1.57 WHIP, 43 walks, and 51 strikeouts in 88.2 innings pitched. I'm not going to give up on him, but unfortunately Walker's chances are running out. He won't get waived, but he may be a emergency starter/stopgap arm not a rotation piece. Pug Bryan is knocking on the door, and while I don't see a callup for this season, I really want him to earn a rotation spot Opening Day.

That's all for the callups, but here's a few more reports on some of the other guys in the system:

CF Orlin Yates (AAA Milwaukee Blues): The reason why Roberts was in right, Orlin Yates may have been passed up for a callup now, but once the Blues season ends, he'll likely get his contract purchased as well. Part of the Tom Taylor trade, Yates has split time between Mobile and Milwaukee. He's hit about the same and played 63 and 62 games respectively, with all but one a start. He would have been a perfect option for a platoon with a righty like Roy Moore, but I want him to get some more at bats under his belt. He's a defensive marvel out in center with blazing speed. He swiped 11 bags and hit .306/.373/.445 (114 OPS+) with 3 homers and 35 RBI's with the Blues, but he doesn't quite have the best attitude. My scout thinks he has "the talent to flourish as a centerfielder" but I'm not as sold on him ever hitting that. I am excited to get a look at him, but he just isn't better then Carlos Montes. If he wants a spot he has to earn it quick, as it's only a matter of time before the former first rounder takes the job.

CF Elias Canady (A Lincoln Legislators): It took a little for him to get his career started, but Elias Canady seems to have found his swing. The 21-year-old was August Batter of the Month, hitting .342 with 3 homers, 16 RBI's, and 23 runs scored. The 1932 8th Rounder is having a great year, batting .287/.383/.442 (120 OPS+) with 37 doubles, 8 homers, and 62 RBI's. He's usually struggled with strikeouts, but he's flipped it this season with 68 walks and 44 strikeouts. He continues to look excellent in the outfield, this season a +11.1 zone rating and 1.061 efficiency. We're filled with outfielders in the farm, so it may be a slow crawl up for him. He's got one more season before becoming Rule-5 eligible, but don't expect him to be left unprotected. He also ranks just inside our top 30, sitting at 29th in our system and 190th in the league.

SS Hal Wood (B San Jose Cougars): I made my export really late last night and must have forgot to set the Cougars lineup, so Wood didn't get to make his first week of starts last week. I promoted our 1st Round pick up from La Crosse after he hit .335/.415/.512 (128 OPS+) with 4 homers, 5 steals, and 61 RBI's in 510 trips to the plate. He was excellent out at short, an impressive +13.4 zone rating and 1.052 efficiency in his first pro season. The 8th Overall pick projects to be a strong defensive shortstop with the potential to hit over .300 with 10 homers and 20 steals. I love collecting middle infielders and I can't imagine he'll be the last shortstop I select in the first round. I'm not looking to take one this year, but I almost always take one in one of the first five rounds. Wood now ranks 4th in our system and cracks the top 50, checking in at 42 at the moment.

RHP Bob Saltzman (C La Cross Lions): It was a dominant outing for the Lions as they shutdown the Moline Pioneers 12-0, but thanks to Saltzman, we only really needed one run. He tossed a 6-hit, 4 strikeout shutout to improve to 3-3 on the season. We had a lot of arms down in La Crosse, but last year's 7th Rounder has a nice 4.34 ERA (112 ERA+), 1.49 WHIP, 29 walks, and 22 strikeouts in 74.2 innings pitched, which is 5th on the team. The 19-year-old "Knuckles" has a six pitch arsenal featured with a strong knuckle curve. The slender righty has a high 80s cutter and he just needs one more of the four other pitches to develop if he wants to start in the big leagues. Walks hurt him a little now, but when his command improves he's going to strikeout more. He seems to be a depth arm, but with young pitchers you truly never know what you're getting.