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reds1 · 11-21-2019, 12:43 AM

March 25, 1952

Eastern League: Athletics, Chiefs to Battle for Pennant

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Offense: .268/.341/.397 (4th/7th/6th)
Pitching: 3.94/4.04/3.59 (3rd/3rd/3rd)
Defense: .714 (Tied for 1st)

The Wellington Athletics are heading to the playoffs for the first time in 12 years and just the third time overall in their history. They finish in first place as well for just the second time, but it feels as though they staggered across the finish line rather than sprinted. Since December, they have won only three more games than they have lost and a rash of injuries to their pitching staff appears to have sapped some of their momentum. But they are not the only playoff team to be decimated by the injury bug this season (read: Wolseley).

The pitching staff has held its own, despite the loss of No. 1 starter 25-year old RHP Bert Morrow (8-6, 3.97 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 3.77 FIP) and No. 2 man 27-year old RHP Troy Conlin (12-8, 3.87 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 4.05 FIP) late in the season. Veteran Ian Peter now assumes the No. 1 spot. For the playoffs, Wellington is going with the following four-man rotation:

31-year old RHP Ian Peter (13-10, 4.08 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 4.24 FIP)
29-year old RHP Wilfried Schop (13-9, 3.79 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 3.87 FIP)
27-year old LHP Matt Price (12-12, 4.07 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 4.38 FIP)
24-year old RHP Vinnie Snell (2-2, 4.58 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 4.11 FIP)

The offense has held steady, one led by 24-year old LF Matthew Floyd (.305/.386/.566, 22 HR, 111 RBI, 65 BB, 9 SB, 6.2 WAR) and 26-year old CF Jim Mars (.322/.390/.435, 9 HR, 84 RBI, 69 BB, 5.8 WAR), two of Wellington’s three players rated in the Top 20. The third, 24-year old C Declan Bugbie (.309/.339/.450, 11 HR, 82 RBI, 25 BB, 4.7 WAR), is expected to miss the Pennant Series due to an injury suffered in mid-March. However, he should be available for the United Cup Series should the Athletics get that far.

Player of the Week Awards:

February 18 – LF Matthew Floyd (.462, 12 H, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 8 R)

Noteworthy:

February 17 – It was a rough day for the pitchers, as the Athletics pummelled the Sheburn Tigers 17-8 in an interleague matchup at the Paramount in Sherburn. Wellington outhit Sherburn 22 to 15, with both LF Matthew Floyd (2 HR, 1-2B, 7 RBI, 1 BB, 4 R) and CF Jim Mars (1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 5 R) going 5 for 5 on the day. Floyd singled in the 1st, hit a three-run home run in the 2nd, doubled in the 4th, hit another three-run home run in the 5th, hit an RBI single in the 6th and walked in the 8th. Meanwhile, Mars singled in the 1st and 2nd innings, hit a solo home run in the 4th, walked in the 5th and then singled in the 6th & 8th innings. In a losing cause, Tigers’ LF Noah Teale went 4 for 5 with a double, 3 RBI and 3 R. Incidentally, Floyd’s handiwork was named the top game performance for a position player this season in the ULB, earning a score of 132.

First Round Draft Pick Update:

6th overall – IF Brayden Docking (23/64). Docking enjoyed a solid first season in Double A after being selected by Wellington in this season’s amateur draft. The 21-year old spent the majority of his time at 3B and the No. 3 spot in the lineup. He hit .298/.385/.444, 7 HR, 30 RBI, 25 BB, 1.1 WAR in 198 AB. On March 14, he went 5 for 6 against the Brockville Bears (Stratford), with 1-2B, 1 RBI.

Current Injuries:

RHP Zachary Collingham – December 27 – torn meniscus. Out for: 6-7 more weeks.
RHP Troy Conlin – February 22 - torn meniscus. Out for: 2-3 more months.
LHP Jorge Ortíz – March 10 – should inflammation. Out for: 6 more months.
C Declan Bugbie – March 15 – strained oblique. Out for: DtD, one week.
RHP Bert Morrow – March 16 – partially torn UCL. Out for: 8 more months.

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Offense: .262/.342/.385 (6th/6th/7th)
Pitching: 4.29/4.62/3.40 (4th/6th/1st)
Defense: .714 (Tied for 1st)

On the morning of March 20, the Downie Chiefs trailed the Queensland Eagles by three games for the wild card with four games remaining on the schedule – against those same Eagles. The Chiefs did what they had to do to capture the last playoff spot – sweeping Queensland in four straight. Downie got solid complete-game performances from three of their four top starters (Pelaneklina, Knowles and Hewat) to run the table, giving the club some optimism that their rotation – a shadow of what it once was two seasons ago – can rise to the occasion in the playoffs. For the Eastern League Pennant Series, Downie is going with the following rotation:

29-year old RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (12-13, 4.61 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 4.73 FIP)
32-year old RHP Joong Ling (13-13, 4.65 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 4.49 FIP)
31-year old RHP Bernie Knowles (10-13, 4.69 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 4.42 FIP)
36-year old LHP Gavin Hewat (14-10, 3.99 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 3.88 FIP)

Perhaps most disconcerting is that Downie’s top two players suffered relative ‘off’ years compared to previous seasons. A fractured finger limited 26-year old 2B Dominic Dudding (.343/.418/.554, 17 HR, 70 RBI, 52 BB, 5.8 WAR) this season, but last season’s Babe Ruth Award winner, 26-year old CF Alfonso León (.287/.365/.433, 17 HR, 89 RBI, 74 BB, 5.6 WAR), endured his worst campaign since his rookie season 5 years ago. On the positive side, lead-off hitter 27-year old LF Howard Dumbrill (.243/.361/.378, 18 HR, 62 RBI, 106 BB, 13 SB, 4.1 WAR) enjoyed his best season in six years and was simply outstanding in the field (.995 PCT, 3.01 RNG, +12.0 ZR, 1.050 EFF). Finally, 25-year old RF Connor Bing (.270/.354/.452, 10 HR, 54 RBI, 44 BB, 3.7 WAR) progressed nicely in his sophomore season.

First Round Draft Pick Update:

14th overall – 2B Harley Truman (38/59). Truman felt right at home in Double-A, going .349/.446/.628, 16 HR, 57 RBI, 35 BB, 14 SB in 215 AB before being promoted to the AAA Renforth Braves. Once there, he went .298/.365/.526, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 3 BB, 3 SB in 57 AB. He batted .222/.300/.222 with 1 BB in 9 AB in the playoffs. Alas, the Braves were swept by the Rutledge Red Caps (Pulberry) in three straight games in the West Cape Pennant Series.

Current Injuries:

RHP Harley Bracher – March 14 – intercostal strain. Out for: 6 more days.

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Offense: .275/.349/.406 (2nd/3rd/3rd)
Pitching: 4.46/4.29/5.11 (6th/4th/8th)
Defense: .696 (Tied for 6th)

Choked. Collapsed. Crumbled. Whatever you want to call it, the Queensland Eagles could not get it done in March when the chips were down and missed out on ending their five-year playoff drought. Still, after enduring back-to-back last-place finishes over the previous two seasons, their improved play provides some comfort for Eagles’ fans.
The top of the rotation started showing signs this season of delivering on their promise. 26-year old RHP Logan Belsey (19-11, 3.81 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 3.24 FIP) enjoyed a really nice bounce-back season, while 24-year old RHP Stiofan Micklethwait (14-13, 3.87 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 3.85 FIP) showed flashes of brilliance, although he did struggle in the final two months of the season. (3-6, 4.83 ERA, 1.57 WHIP). But the rest of the rotation and especially the bullpen are really going to have to step it up if the Eagles want to compete next season.

The offense still lacks a truly impact player, but the Eagles do have the makings of a nice core to build around. 25-year old 1B Ryan Conisford (.273/.363/.438, 18 HR, 68 RBI, 79 BB, 3.8 WAR) and 26-year old LF Rod Dennis (.318/.371/.508, 26 HR, 103 RBI, 54 BB, 3.8 WAR) continue to make strides, while 33-year old C Elijah Sheppard (.251/.375/.403, 15 HR, 51 RBI, 81 BB, 3.8 WAR) earned his first all-star selection in four years.

Player of the Week Awards:

February 25 – LF Rod Dennis (.429, 12 H, 3 HR, 13 RBI)
March 17 – 1B Ryan Conisford (.400, 8 H, 2 HR, 4 RBI)

Noteworthy:

March 2 – Although the visiting Cobourg Red Stockings eventually triumphed 8-7 in 12 innings, it was not for a lack of trying on the part of 3B Alexander Crutcher (.296/.346/.436, 7 HR, 42 RBI, 23 BB, 7 SB, 1.9 WAR) who went 5 for 6 on the day. Queensland’s lead off hitter singled in the 2nd, doubled in the 4th, hit an RBI single in the 6th, doubled in the 8th, struck out in the 10th and singled in the 12th. In addition to two doubles, Crutcher collected an RBI and run.

First Round Draft Pick Update:

4th overall – RF Hal Dhu (20/80). The 18-year old Dhu had a respectable first season in Double-A, going .241/.307/.334, 5 HR, 32 RBI, 26 BB, -0.6 WAR in 326 AB. He batted largely out of the No. 8 spot in the lineup.

Current Injuries:

RHP Francisco López – January 12 – torn ULC. Out for: 4 more months.
RHP Gael Yule – January 17 – torn labrum. Out for: 4-5 more months.
2B Eric Maher – March 5 – oblique strain. Out for: Unknown.

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Offense: .254/.330/.400 (7th/8th/4th)
Pitching: 3.68/3.72/3.48 (1st/1st/2nd)
Defense: .709 (4th)

If the Eagles are lamenting the way their season ended, the Embro Suns are right there with them. Sitting just a game behind Queensland at the start of March, the Suns pulled into a tie for the wild card on March 19, after taking two of three from the Eagles. But as Queensland was being swept by the Downie Chiefs in their final series, Embro suffered the same fate at the hands of the Cobourg Red Stockings, being eliminated on the final day of the season. It was a disappointing end, especially after a particularly strong February that brought them from 5.5 games back of the wild card to its doorstep. Certainly, the loss of 32-year old LHP Arthur Bence (13-7, 3.36 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 2.95 FIP) to a season-ending injury didn’t help their cause, but the level of young talent that’s currently on the major league roster gives cause for optimism for next year and beyond.

26-year old RHP Juan Rivas (12-6, 5 SV, 2.19 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 3.15 FIP) was sensational all season, especially when he finally started getting regular starts after the trade of RHP Aaron Saunderson to Wolseley. Here’s hoping he stays in the rotation for good going forward. If Bence can come back healthy next season, the Suns should have an enviable 1-2-3 punch at the top of the rotation, with 26-year old LHP Carl McBroom (10-16, 3.47 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 3.97 FIP) as their No. 1 starter.

Embro struggled offensively this season, but the roster is quickly filling up with promising youngsters that could soon turn things around. 22-year old Kieron Bradridge (.285/.330/.484, 19 HR, 85 RBI, 36 BB, 5.4 WAR) was sensational in his rookie season and is already considered the No. 3-rated shortstop in the United Leagues. He is joined by 23-year old rookie 3B Moromao Nakagawa (.266/.362/.424, 17 HR, 77 RBI, 87 BB, 4.3 WAR) who came on strong in February and March, as well as 25-year old 1B José Maldonado (.283/.379/.460, 17 HR, 59 RBI, 65 BB, 9 SB, 3.5 WAR).

First Round Draft Pick Update:

13th overall – 1B Damien Whetter (20/66). Whetter saw limited action this season, getting only 67 AB, mostly against RHP. When the 18-year old did get into the lineup, he went .284/.311/.373, 4-2B, 13 RBI, 4 BB, -0.3 WAR overall; .305/.333/.390 against right-handers. By season’s end, he was installed in the No. 5 spot in the RHP lineup.

Current Injuries:

LHP Arthur Bence – February 2 – torn rotator cuff. Out for: 4 more months.
1B José Maldonado – March 22 – groin soreness. Out for: DtD, 3 days.

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Offense: .274/.347/.426 (3rd/4th/1st)
Pitching: 4.70/4.75/4.59 (7th/7th/5th)
Defense: .700 (5th)

The Braeland City Monarchs picked things up in February and March to finish at .500, but they are going to have to address their pitching struggles if they hope to return to their 90+ win form from just a couple of seasons ago.

Offense is not the problem. The Monarchs have an impressive lineup that should only get stronger next season. Four-year veteran, 26-year old 2B Patrick Lidgate (.285/.390/.500, 23 HR, 82 RBI, 89 BB, 5.7 WAR), was Braeland City’s top player, even if it was a bit of a down year compared to last season for him. But he was ably supported by 28-year old 1B Dean Witherden (.332/.379/.460, 15 HR, 80 RBI, 47 BB, 5.0 WAR), 27-year old CF Jake Stunt (.308/.363/.442, 12 HR, 67 RBI, 47 BB, 14 SB, 4.5 WAR) and 26-year old 3B On Tsao (.296/.371/.474, 15 HR, 84 RBI, 55 BB, 3.4 WAR). Add the impressive season of 21-year old rookie RF Aidan Trembath (.336/.386/.563, 15 HR, 66 RBI, 28 BB, 3.2 WAR) as well as the acquisition of 30-year old SS Roland Binns (.303/.355/.538, 14 HR, 53 RBI, 15 BB, 2.2 WAR) from Pulberry and Braeland City should be in good shape offensively next year.

But the Monarchs aren’t going anywhere if they don’t address their pitching woes. After 26-year old RHP Freddie Trerise (7-8, 4.10 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, 4.75 FIP) went on the disabled list in late February, Braeland City sported three rookies in the rotation by season’s end: 27-year old RHP Trevor Cranfield (9-14, 5.52 ERA, 1.72 WHIP, 4.19 FIP), 24-year old RHP Pei Ming (2-3, 7.36 ERA, 1.96 WHIP, 5.87 FIP) and 27-year old RHP Ewan Thackery (2-0, 4.99 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, 4.06 FIP). 31-year old ace RHP Okura Suzuki (14-12, 3.60 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 3.13 FIP) is going to need much better support than that. Standing pat will not be a successful off-season strategy for this staff in my opinion.

Player of the Week Awards:

February 4 – CF Jake Stunt (.480, 12 H, 3 HR, 5 RBI)
March 10 – CF Jake Stunt (.522, 12 H, 3 HR, 9 RBI)

Noteworthy:

March 4 – Back in December 1949, Wolseley Unions’ C Éric Denis and Kingston Pelicans’ C Danny Trowbridge smacked three home runs in a game just six days apart. Well lightning has struck twice, this time in a span of just eight days. After Brunswick Legends’ 1B Stuart Bentham achieved it on February 27 (more on that in the Legends’ report), 3B On Tsao became the 10th player in United Leagues history to accomplish the feat. Tsao started things off with a bang, hitting a Grand Slam off Queensland Eagles’ RHP Pi-ao Quian in the 1st inning, hit a solo shot off RHP Bruno Skinner in the 2nd, walked in the 4th, hit a two-run home run off LHP Leif Bryant in the 6th and walked in the 8th. In all, Tsao went 3 for 3 with 7 RBI, 2 BB, 4 R in the Monarchs’ convincing 18-6 win over the Eagles at Kings Park in Braeland City.

March 16 – The Monarchs squeaked by the visiting Cobourg Red Stockings 8-7 in 10 innings. Helping out Braeland City’s cause was CF Jake Stunt who went 5 for 6. Braeland City’s lead off hitter flied out in the 1st, singled in the 3rd and 5th innings, hit an RBI single in the 6th, then singled in the 8th and 10th innings. He collected an RBI and a run on the day.

First Round Draft Pick Update:

5th overall – SS Nicholas Malcolm (30/66). Malcolm was outstanding in Double-A, going .314/.407/.553, 11 HR, 56 RBI, 31 BB, 3.0 WAR in 226 AB with the Kingsville Royals before being promoted to the AAA Clifton Whales (.137/.214/.216, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 4 BB in 51 AB). He picked up a Player of the Week Award in December while with the Royals.

Current Injuries:

RHP Freddie Trerise – February 25 – partially torn labrum. Out for: 6-7 more weeks.

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Offense: .280/.345/.415 (1st/5th/2nd)
Pitching: 4.44/4.33/4.87 (5th/5th/7th)
Defense: .687 (8th)

The Cobourg Red Stockings are in a similar situation as the Braeland City Monarchs, not only in the standings, but in having both a strong offensive core and a weak pitching staff. Until they shore up their rotation and bullpen, Cobourg will continue to tread water – at best. But they do have one or two nice pieces coming up from the minors that could help – and force some tough choices in the lineup in the process.

Cobourg had far and away the best No. 3 and 4 hitters in the United Leagues and that’s saying something. 30-year old 3B Alexander Tolmie (.338/.415/.415, 26 HR, 115 RBI, 83 BB, 7.5 WAR) and 25-year old CF Raymond Williams (.346/.428/.595, 25 HR, 119 RBI, 86 BB, 10 SB, 8.4 WAR) both enjoyed their best seasons yet. It’s a good bet they will be 1-2 in the Babe Ruth voting in the East this off-season. But the rest of the lineup is pretty good as well, although their defense leaves something to be desired. The infield could receive a boost if No. 2 overall prospect, 20-year old SS Douglas Jones (32/80), is ready next season. The former 6th overall pick from 1949-50 was promoted straight from AA back in mid-January. His strongest position is at shortstop (65), which means Cobourg would have to find a new home for lead-off hitter 30-year old John Medley (.323/. 392/.440, 3 HR, 66 RBI, 68 BB, 22 SB, 4.0 WAR). Medley can also play second and third base and given his defensive struggles at shortstop (.336 PCT, 4.28 RNG, -18.5 ZR, .914 EFF), a shift wouldn’t be such a bad idea.

But the pitching staff needs the most urgent attention. No. 1 starter 23-year old LHP Bill Budd (16-12, 3.36 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 3.95 FIP) is the real deal and is under-rated in my opinion (he doesn’t even show up in the Top 20 Pitchers list) and 23-year old rookie RHP Bobby Williams (7-2, 3.81 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 4.09 FIP) could be a valuable piece. But the rest of the staff was a huge disappointment. 21-year old RHP Bob Nord (22/49) was recently promoted to AAA and could help one day, but there’s little else in terms of pitching prospects. Cobourg may be well advised to pursue a pitching upgrade through a trade or two if it wants to take advantage of its formidable offense next season.

Player of the Week Awards:

February 11 – 1B Harry Doxey (.480, 12 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI)

First Round Draft Pick Update:

12th overall –LHP Ethan Hoyes (41/68). The 21-year old reliever went 5-0, 4 SV, 4.21 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 34 K, 15 BB, 116 ERA+ in 25.2 IP during his stint in Double-A. Toward the end of the season, he was promoted to the AAA Oakville Oaks (1-1, 7.56 ERA, 2.16 WHIP, 58 ERA+ in 8.1 IP) where he is currently installed as their stopper.

Current Injuries:

RHP Shawn Howse – March 16 – torn flexor tendon. Out for: 6 more months.
2B Gijsbert Jacobse – March 18 – herniated disc (neck). Out for: 2-3 more weeks.

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Offense: .250/.351/.355 (8th/2nd/8th)
Pitching: 3.94/3.82/4.66 (2nd/2nd/6th)
Defense: .710 (3rd)

It was a tough year for the Stratford Barons, but their fortunes could change next season if everything falls into place. Their pitching, particularly the rotation, is very respectable and they have a few prospects that could jump in and give the offense a much-needed boost.

25-year old RHP Magtanggol Jaojoco (16-19, 3.07 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 3.20 FIP) finished the season strong and is rated No. 4 overall among pitchers in the United Leagues. But 25-year old RHP Bill Wolf (13-16, 3.86 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 3.88 FIP) and 30-year old RHP Allberto León (13-10, 3.32 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 3.88 FIP) provided able support and no doubt would have been more successful had the offense been more robust this year.

The offense was anchored by both 32-year old veteran C Aaron Skidmore (.298/.458/.444, 11 HR, 69 RBI, 115 BB, 5.9 WAR) and 22-year old CF Sherwin Carasig (.291/.368/.432, 15 HR, 86 RBI, 70 BB, 13 SB, 4.9 WAR). But more help is needed, as Skidmore is not getting any younger and missed most of March with an injury. The Barons did acquire both 32-year old RF Salvador Hernández (.336/.381/.492, 12 HR, 73 RBI, 32 BB, 3.1 WAR) and 26-year old 1B Bob Goodyear (.282/.363/.484, 13 HR, 51 RBI, 32 BB, 2.2 WAR) in trades this season that could help going forward. As well, Stratford has three prospects that could contribute next season: 22-year old 3B/SS Walter Beauvais (37/67), 23-year old IF/OF Matthew Channing (38/65) and 25-year old 3B/SS Jeff Houston (40/54). As stated earlier, if everything falls into place next season, the Barons may be a force to reckon with.

Noteworthy:

March 2 – The Barons delivered a 10-2 victory over the Brunswick Legends for their faithful fans, but the standing ovation given by the 20,746 in attendance was reserved for one player: 39-year old 2B Jake Walker (.303/.402/.400, 2 HR, 61 RBI, 70 BB, 1.3 WAR), who became the first player in ULB history to reach 2,500 career hits. The Canadian-native entered the game with 2,499 hits and reached the milestone at his second at-bat, singling off Brunswick’s RHP Hyun-kyou Sin in the bottom of the 3rd. Walker would collect two more hits, going 3 for 5 with 1 R.

First Round Draft Pick Update:

9th overall – C Hollis Chase (20/63). The 19-year old rode the bench for the most part, as he saw little action in his first season in the minors – just 3 AB with 1 K.

Current Injuries:

RHP Dylan Cluett – December 7 – herniated disc. Out for: 3 more days.
LHP Joel Fearn – December 21 – torn posterior cruciate ligament. Out for: 3-4 more months.
2B Chris Spiller – January 22 – torn labrum. Out for: 3 more months.
C Aaron Skidmore – March 4 – separated shoulder. Out for: 1 more day.
2B Jake Walker – March 9 – torn anterior cruciate ligament. Out for: 5-6 more months.
2B Matthew Channing – March 15 – sprained elbow. Out for: DtD, unknown.

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Offense: .265/.354/.399 (5th/1st/5th)
Pitching: 4.72/4.78/4.52 (8th/8th/4th)
Defense: .696 (Tied for 6th)

It was bound to happen sooner or later, but the Brunswick Legends finished dead last in the East for the first time. Their 71 wins was the fewest for a Legends team (they won 72 in their inaugural season). To their credit, they remained competitive, with only a dismal January (9-16) really preventing them from finishing near the .500 mark.

The rotation was easily the worst in the United Leagues and the less said about it, the better. Overall, the club has a ‘tired and worn out’ feel to it and in need of an infusion of talent. 30-year old RHP Lao Chen (3-4, 20 SV, 2.80 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 2.95 FIP) is the best stopper in the ULB but the rest of the staff seems to be pitchers in name only. Brunswick does have a couple of pitching hopefuls on the roster that could help out one day: 26-year old RHP Rob Backhouse (7-4, 4.27 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 3.73 FIP – 40/40), a former 8th-round pick from 1947-48 and 20-year old RHP Dave Ball (37/60), a second-round pick from 1950-51. But much more will be needed. Its time to clean house.

The offense is in a bit better shape but could use an overall boost as well. 23-year old C Robert Kersey (.284/.379/.464, 19 HR, 75 RBI, 74 BB, 5.2 WAR) was just sensational in his first season and is rated second only to Stratford’s Aaron Skidmore among catchers in the ULB. Also, 25-year old LF Carl Patton (.295/.382/.412, 7 HR, 61 RBI, 75 BB, 10 SB, 4.9 WAR) made great strides in his sophomore year. 35-year old 1B Stuart Bentham (.348/.446/.565, 21 HR, 90 RBI, 77 BB, 3.8 WAR) continued his elite ways, at least at the plate. Scouts still rate him as 80/80 and he backed it up by winning his second Eastern League Batting Title (156 H in 448 AB), just edging out Wolseley’s Carlton Hawking for the overall batting title (.3481; 189 H in 543 AB) in the ULB. As far as prospects, the Legends have 23-year old SS Jean-Pierre Ferré (.222/.304/.322, 3 HR, 31 RBI, 20 BB, 2 SB, 0.2 WAR – 39/66), a former 8th overall pick from 1950-51 who saw action in 58 games this year and may see more opportunities to contribute next season.

Noteworthy:

February 27 – Not long after 1B Stuart Bentham (3-3, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 2 BB, 3 R) became the first player to hit 300 home runs in a career, Bentham enjoyed his first three home run game. He hit a two-run home run in the 1st, a solo shot in the 3rd, walked in the 4th and 5th innings and then hit a two-run home run in the 7th. Bentham’s heroics helped the Legends to defeat the Braeland City Monarchs 10-2. It’s the first three-run home run game in the ULB since Kingston’s C Danny Trowbrigde accomplished it back on December 30, 1949, a little over two years ago. But as noted in the Braeland City report, the feat would be repeated just eight days later.

First Round Draft Pick Update:

11th overall – RF Jay Mitchell (20/66). Mitchell split his time between 1B and LF where he hit an impressive .255/.307/.480, 11 HR, 37 RBI, 13 BB, 0.1 WAR in 196 AB. The 21-year old was batting out of the No. 4 spot at season’s end.

Current Injuries:

LF Carl Patton – February 8 – quadriceps strain. Out for: DtD, unknown.
RHP Kent Dundon – February 13 – sprained ankle. Out for: 3 more weeks.

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11-21-2019, 12:43 AM	#543
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,864	March 25, 1952 Eastern League: Athletics, Chiefs to Battle for Pennant -------- Offense: .268/.341/.397 (4th/7th/6th) Pitching: 3.94/4.04/3.59 (3rd/3rd/3rd) Defense: .714 (Tied for 1st) The Wellington Athletics are heading to the playoffs for the first time in 12 years and just the third time overall in their history. They finish in first place as well for just the second time, but it feels as though they staggered across the finish line rather than sprinted. Since December, they have won only three more games than they have lost and a rash of injuries to their pitching staff appears to have sapped some of their momentum. But they are not the only playoff team to be decimated by the injury bug this season (read: Wolseley). The pitching staff has held its own, despite the loss of No. 1 starter 25-year old RHP Bert Morrow (8-6, 3.97 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 3.77 FIP) and No. 2 man 27-year old RHP Troy Conlin (12-8, 3.87 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 4.05 FIP) late in the season. Veteran Ian Peter now assumes the No. 1 spot. For the playoffs, Wellington is going with the following four-man rotation: 31-year old RHP Ian Peter (13-10, 4.08 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 4.24 FIP) 29-year old RHP Wilfried Schop (13-9, 3.79 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 3.87 FIP) 27-year old LHP Matt Price (12-12, 4.07 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 4.38 FIP) 24-year old RHP Vinnie Snell (2-2, 4.58 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 4.11 FIP) The offense has held steady, one led by 24-year old LF Matthew Floyd (.305/.386/.566, 22 HR, 111 RBI, 65 BB, 9 SB, 6.2 WAR) and 26-year old CF Jim Mars (.322/.390/.435, 9 HR, 84 RBI, 69 BB, 5.8 WAR), two of Wellington’s three players rated in the Top 20. The third, 24-year old C Declan Bugbie (.309/.339/.450, 11 HR, 82 RBI, 25 BB, 4.7 WAR), is expected to miss the Pennant Series due to an injury suffered in mid-March. However, he should be available for the United Cup Series should the Athletics get that far. Player of the Week Awards: February 18 – LF Matthew Floyd (.462, 12 H, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 8 R) Noteworthy: February 17 – It was a rough day for the pitchers, as the Athletics pummelled the Sheburn Tigers 17-8 in an interleague matchup at the Paramount in Sherburn. Wellington outhit Sherburn 22 to 15, with both LF Matthew Floyd (2 HR, 1-2B, 7 RBI, 1 BB, 4 R) and CF Jim Mars (1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 5 R) going 5 for 5 on the day. Floyd singled in the 1st, hit a three-run home run in the 2nd, doubled in the 4th, hit another three-run home run in the 5th, hit an RBI single in the 6th and walked in the 8th. Meanwhile, Mars singled in the 1st and 2nd innings, hit a solo home run in the 4th, walked in the 5th and then singled in the 6th & 8th innings. In a losing cause, Tigers’ LF Noah Teale went 4 for 5 with a double, 3 RBI and 3 R. Incidentally, Floyd’s handiwork was named the top game performance for a position player this season in the ULB, earning a score of 132. First Round Draft Pick Update: 6th overall – IF Brayden Docking (23/64). Docking enjoyed a solid first season in Double A after being selected by Wellington in this season’s amateur draft. The 21-year old spent the majority of his time at 3B and the No. 3 spot in the lineup. He hit .298/.385/.444, 7 HR, 30 RBI, 25 BB, 1.1 WAR in 198 AB. On March 14, he went 5 for 6 against the Brockville Bears (Stratford), with 1-2B, 1 RBI. Current Injuries: RHP Zachary Collingham – December 27 – torn meniscus. Out for: 6-7 more weeks. RHP Troy Conlin – February 22 - torn meniscus. Out for: 2-3 more months. LHP Jorge Ortíz – March 10 – should inflammation. Out for: 6 more months. C Declan Bugbie – March 15 – strained oblique. Out for: DtD, one week. RHP Bert Morrow – March 16 – partially torn UCL. Out for: 8 more months. -------- Offense: .262/.342/.385 (6th/6th/7th) Pitching: 4.29/4.62/3.40 (4th/6th/1st) Defense: .714 (Tied for 1st) On the morning of March 20, the Downie Chiefs trailed the Queensland Eagles by three games for the wild card with four games remaining on the schedule – against those same Eagles. The Chiefs did what they had to do to capture the last playoff spot – sweeping Queensland in four straight. Downie got solid complete-game performances from three of their four top starters (Pelaneklina, Knowles and Hewat) to run the table, giving the club some optimism that their rotation – a shadow of what it once was two seasons ago – can rise to the occasion in the playoffs. For the Eastern League Pennant Series, Downie is going with the following rotation: 29-year old RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (12-13, 4.61 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 4.73 FIP) 32-year old RHP Joong Ling (13-13, 4.65 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 4.49 FIP) 31-year old RHP Bernie Knowles (10-13, 4.69 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 4.42 FIP) 36-year old LHP Gavin Hewat (14-10, 3.99 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 3.88 FIP) Perhaps most disconcerting is that Downie’s top two players suffered relative ‘off’ years compared to previous seasons. A fractured finger limited 26-year old 2B Dominic Dudding (.343/.418/.554, 17 HR, 70 RBI, 52 BB, 5.8 WAR) this season, but last season’s Babe Ruth Award winner, 26-year old CF Alfonso León (.287/.365/.433, 17 HR, 89 RBI, 74 BB, 5.6 WAR), endured his worst campaign since his rookie season 5 years ago. On the positive side, lead-off hitter 27-year old LF Howard Dumbrill (.243/.361/.378, 18 HR, 62 RBI, 106 BB, 13 SB, 4.1 WAR) enjoyed his best season in six years and was simply outstanding in the field (.995 PCT, 3.01 RNG, +12.0 ZR, 1.050 EFF). Finally, 25-year old RF Connor Bing (.270/.354/.452, 10 HR, 54 RBI, 44 BB, 3.7 WAR) progressed nicely in his sophomore season. First Round Draft Pick Update: 14th overall – 2B Harley Truman (38/59). Truman felt right at home in Double-A, going .349/.446/.628, 16 HR, 57 RBI, 35 BB, 14 SB in 215 AB before being promoted to the AAA Renforth Braves. Once there, he went .298/.365/.526, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 3 BB, 3 SB in 57 AB. He batted .222/.300/.222 with 1 BB in 9 AB in the playoffs. Alas, the Braves were swept by the Rutledge Red Caps (Pulberry) in three straight games in the West Cape Pennant Series. Current Injuries: RHP Harley Bracher – March 14 – intercostal strain. Out for: 6 more days. -------- Offense: .275/.349/.406 (2nd/3rd/3rd) Pitching: 4.46/4.29/5.11 (6th/4th/8th) Defense: .696 (Tied for 6th) Choked. Collapsed. Crumbled. Whatever you want to call it, the Queensland Eagles could not get it done in March when the chips were down and missed out on ending their five-year playoff drought. Still, after enduring back-to-back last-place finishes over the previous two seasons, their improved play provides some comfort for Eagles’ fans. The top of the rotation started showing signs this season of delivering on their promise. 26-year old RHP Logan Belsey (19-11, 3.81 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 3.24 FIP) enjoyed a really nice bounce-back season, while 24-year old RHP Stiofan Micklethwait (14-13, 3.87 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 3.85 FIP) showed flashes of brilliance, although he did struggle in the final two months of the season. (3-6, 4.83 ERA, 1.57 WHIP). But the rest of the rotation and especially the bullpen are really going to have to step it up if the Eagles want to compete next season. The offense still lacks a truly impact player, but the Eagles do have the makings of a nice core to build around. 25-year old 1B Ryan Conisford (.273/.363/.438, 18 HR, 68 RBI, 79 BB, 3.8 WAR) and 26-year old LF Rod Dennis (.318/.371/.508, 26 HR, 103 RBI, 54 BB, 3.8 WAR) continue to make strides, while 33-year old C Elijah Sheppard (.251/.375/.403, 15 HR, 51 RBI, 81 BB, 3.8 WAR) earned his first all-star selection in four years. Player of the Week Awards: February 25 – LF Rod Dennis (.429, 12 H, 3 HR, 13 RBI) March 17 – 1B Ryan Conisford (.400, 8 H, 2 HR, 4 RBI) Noteworthy: March 2 – Although the visiting Cobourg Red Stockings eventually triumphed 8-7 in 12 innings, it was not for a lack of trying on the part of 3B Alexander Crutcher (.296/.346/.436, 7 HR, 42 RBI, 23 BB, 7 SB, 1.9 WAR) who went 5 for 6 on the day. Queensland’s lead off hitter singled in the 2nd, doubled in the 4th, hit an RBI single in the 6th, doubled in the 8th, struck out in the 10th and singled in the 12th. In addition to two doubles, Crutcher collected an RBI and run. First Round Draft Pick Update: 4th overall – RF Hal Dhu (20/80). The 18-year old Dhu had a respectable first season in Double-A, going .241/.307/.334, 5 HR, 32 RBI, 26 BB, -0.6 WAR in 326 AB. He batted largely out of the No. 8 spot in the lineup. Current Injuries: RHP Francisco López – January 12 – torn ULC. Out for: 4 more months. RHP Gael Yule – January 17 – torn labrum. Out for: 4-5 more months. 2B Eric Maher – March 5 – oblique strain. Out for: Unknown. -------- Offense: .254/.330/.400 (7th/8th/4th) Pitching: 3.68/3.72/3.48 (1st/1st/2nd) Defense: .709 (4th) If the Eagles are lamenting the way their season ended, the Embro Suns are right there with them. Sitting just a game behind Queensland at the start of March, the Suns pulled into a tie for the wild card on March 19, after taking two of three from the Eagles. But as Queensland was being swept by the Downie Chiefs in their final series, Embro suffered the same fate at the hands of the Cobourg Red Stockings, being eliminated on the final day of the season. It was a disappointing end, especially after a particularly strong February that brought them from 5.5 games back of the wild card to its doorstep. Certainly, the loss of 32-year old LHP Arthur Bence (13-7, 3.36 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 2.95 FIP) to a season-ending injury didn’t help their cause, but the level of young talent that’s currently on the major league roster gives cause for optimism for next year and beyond. 26-year old RHP Juan Rivas (12-6, 5 SV, 2.19 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 3.15 FIP) was sensational all season, especially when he finally started getting regular starts after the trade of RHP Aaron Saunderson to Wolseley. Here’s hoping he stays in the rotation for good going forward. If Bence can come back healthy next season, the Suns should have an enviable 1-2-3 punch at the top of the rotation, with 26-year old LHP Carl McBroom (10-16, 3.47 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 3.97 FIP) as their No. 1 starter. Embro struggled offensively this season, but the roster is quickly filling up with promising youngsters that could soon turn things around. 22-year old Kieron Bradridge (.285/.330/.484, 19 HR, 85 RBI, 36 BB, 5.4 WAR) was sensational in his rookie season and is already considered the No. 3-rated shortstop in the United Leagues. He is joined by 23-year old rookie 3B Moromao Nakagawa (.266/.362/.424, 17 HR, 77 RBI, 87 BB, 4.3 WAR) who came on strong in February and March, as well as 25-year old 1B José Maldonado (.283/.379/.460, 17 HR, 59 RBI, 65 BB, 9 SB, 3.5 WAR). First Round Draft Pick Update: 13th overall – 1B Damien Whetter (20/66). Whetter saw limited action this season, getting only 67 AB, mostly against RHP. When the 18-year old did get into the lineup, he went .284/.311/.373, 4-2B, 13 RBI, 4 BB, -0.3 WAR overall; .305/.333/.390 against right-handers. By season’s end, he was installed in the No. 5 spot in the RHP lineup. Current Injuries: LHP Arthur Bence – February 2 – torn rotator cuff. Out for: 4 more months. 1B José Maldonado – March 22 – groin soreness. Out for: DtD, 3 days. -------- Offense: .274/.347/.426 (3rd/4th/1st) Pitching: 4.70/4.75/4.59 (7th/7th/5th) Defense: .700 (5th) The Braeland City Monarchs picked things up in February and March to finish at .500, but they are going to have to address their pitching struggles if they hope to return to their 90+ win form from just a couple of seasons ago. Offense is not the problem. The Monarchs have an impressive lineup that should only get stronger next season. Four-year veteran, 26-year old 2B Patrick Lidgate (.285/.390/.500, 23 HR, 82 RBI, 89 BB, 5.7 WAR), was Braeland City’s top player, even if it was a bit of a down year compared to last season for him. But he was ably supported by 28-year old 1B Dean Witherden (.332/.379/.460, 15 HR, 80 RBI, 47 BB, 5.0 WAR), 27-year old CF Jake Stunt (.308/.363/.442, 12 HR, 67 RBI, 47 BB, 14 SB, 4.5 WAR) and 26-year old 3B On Tsao (.296/.371/.474, 15 HR, 84 RBI, 55 BB, 3.4 WAR). Add the impressive season of 21-year old rookie RF Aidan Trembath (.336/.386/.563, 15 HR, 66 RBI, 28 BB, 3.2 WAR) as well as the acquisition of 30-year old SS Roland Binns (.303/.355/.538, 14 HR, 53 RBI, 15 BB, 2.2 WAR) from Pulberry and Braeland City should be in good shape offensively next year. But the Monarchs aren’t going anywhere if they don’t address their pitching woes. After 26-year old RHP Freddie Trerise (7-8, 4.10 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, 4.75 FIP) went on the disabled list in late February, Braeland City sported three rookies in the rotation by season’s end: 27-year old RHP Trevor Cranfield (9-14, 5.52 ERA, 1.72 WHIP, 4.19 FIP), 24-year old RHP Pei Ming (2-3, 7.36 ERA, 1.96 WHIP, 5.87 FIP) and 27-year old RHP Ewan Thackery (2-0, 4.99 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, 4.06 FIP). 31-year old ace RHP Okura Suzuki (14-12, 3.60 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 3.13 FIP) is going to need much better support than that. Standing pat will not be a successful off-season strategy for this staff in my opinion. Player of the Week Awards: February 4 – CF Jake Stunt (.480, 12 H, 3 HR, 5 RBI) March 10 – CF Jake Stunt (.522, 12 H, 3 HR, 9 RBI) Noteworthy: March 4 – Back in December 1949, Wolseley Unions’ C Éric Denis and Kingston Pelicans’ C Danny Trowbridge smacked three home runs in a game just six days apart. Well lightning has struck twice, this time in a span of just eight days. After Brunswick Legends’ 1B Stuart Bentham achieved it on February 27 (more on that in the Legends’ report), 3B On Tsao became the 10th player in United Leagues history to accomplish the feat. Tsao started things off with a bang, hitting a Grand Slam off Queensland Eagles’ RHP Pi-ao Quian in the 1st inning, hit a solo shot off RHP Bruno Skinner in the 2nd, walked in the 4th, hit a two-run home run off LHP Leif Bryant in the 6th and walked in the 8th. In all, Tsao went 3 for 3 with 7 RBI, 2 BB, 4 R in the Monarchs’ convincing 18-6 win over the Eagles at Kings Park in Braeland City. March 16 – The Monarchs squeaked by the visiting Cobourg Red Stockings 8-7 in 10 innings. Helping out Braeland City’s cause was CF Jake Stunt who went 5 for 6. Braeland City’s lead off hitter flied out in the 1st, singled in the 3rd and 5th innings, hit an RBI single in the 6th, then singled in the 8th and 10th innings. He collected an RBI and a run on the day. First Round Draft Pick Update: 5th overall – SS Nicholas Malcolm (30/66). Malcolm was outstanding in Double-A, going .314/.407/.553, 11 HR, 56 RBI, 31 BB, 3.0 WAR in 226 AB with the Kingsville Royals before being promoted to the AAA Clifton Whales (.137/.214/.216, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 4 BB in 51 AB). He picked up a Player of the Week Award in December while with the Royals. Current Injuries: RHP Freddie Trerise – February 25 – partially torn labrum. Out for: 6-7 more weeks. -------- Offense: .280/.345/.415 (1st/5th/2nd) Pitching: 4.44/4.33/4.87 (5th/5th/7th) Defense: .687 (8th) The Cobourg Red Stockings are in a similar situation as the Braeland City Monarchs, not only in the standings, but in having both a strong offensive core and a weak pitching staff. Until they shore up their rotation and bullpen, Cobourg will continue to tread water – at best. But they do have one or two nice pieces coming up from the minors that could help – and force some tough choices in the lineup in the process. Cobourg had far and away the best No. 3 and 4 hitters in the United Leagues and that’s saying something. 30-year old 3B Alexander Tolmie (.338/.415/.415, 26 HR, 115 RBI, 83 BB, 7.5 WAR) and 25-year old CF Raymond Williams (.346/.428/.595, 25 HR, 119 RBI, 86 BB, 10 SB, 8.4 WAR) both enjoyed their best seasons yet. It’s a good bet they will be 1-2 in the Babe Ruth voting in the East this off-season. But the rest of the lineup is pretty good as well, although their defense leaves something to be desired. The infield could receive a boost if No. 2 overall prospect, 20-year old SS Douglas Jones (32/80), is ready next season. The former 6th overall pick from 1949-50 was promoted straight from AA back in mid-January. His strongest position is at shortstop (65), which means Cobourg would have to find a new home for lead-off hitter 30-year old John Medley (.323/. 392/.440, 3 HR, 66 RBI, 68 BB, 22 SB, 4.0 WAR). Medley can also play second and third base and given his defensive struggles at shortstop (.336 PCT, 4.28 RNG, -18.5 ZR, .914 EFF), a shift wouldn’t be such a bad idea. But the pitching staff needs the most urgent attention. No. 1 starter 23-year old LHP Bill Budd (16-12, 3.36 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 3.95 FIP) is the real deal and is under-rated in my opinion (he doesn’t even show up in the Top 20 Pitchers list) and 23-year old rookie RHP Bobby Williams (7-2, 3.81 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 4.09 FIP) could be a valuable piece. But the rest of the staff was a huge disappointment. 21-year old RHP Bob Nord (22/49) was recently promoted to AAA and could help one day, but there’s little else in terms of pitching prospects. Cobourg may be well advised to pursue a pitching upgrade through a trade or two if it wants to take advantage of its formidable offense next season. Player of the Week Awards: February 11 – 1B Harry Doxey (.480, 12 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI) First Round Draft Pick Update: 12th overall –LHP Ethan Hoyes (41/68). The 21-year old reliever went 5-0, 4 SV, 4.21 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 34 K, 15 BB, 116 ERA+ in 25.2 IP during his stint in Double-A. Toward the end of the season, he was promoted to the AAA Oakville Oaks (1-1, 7.56 ERA, 2.16 WHIP, 58 ERA+ in 8.1 IP) where he is currently installed as their stopper. Current Injuries: RHP Shawn Howse – March 16 – torn flexor tendon. Out for: 6 more months. 2B Gijsbert Jacobse – March 18 – herniated disc (neck). Out for: 2-3 more weeks. -------- Offense: .250/.351/.355 (8th/2nd/8th) Pitching: 3.94/3.82/4.66 (2nd/2nd/6th) Defense: .710 (3rd) It was a tough year for the Stratford Barons, but their fortunes could change next season if everything falls into place. Their pitching, particularly the rotation, is very respectable and they have a few prospects that could jump in and give the offense a much-needed boost. 25-year old RHP Magtanggol Jaojoco (16-19, 3.07 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 3.20 FIP) finished the season strong and is rated No. 4 overall among pitchers in the United Leagues. But 25-year old RHP Bill Wolf (13-16, 3.86 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 3.88 FIP) and 30-year old RHP Allberto León (13-10, 3.32 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 3.88 FIP) provided able support and no doubt would have been more successful had the offense been more robust this year. The offense was anchored by both 32-year old veteran C Aaron Skidmore (.298/.458/.444, 11 HR, 69 RBI, 115 BB, 5.9 WAR) and 22-year old CF Sherwin Carasig (.291/.368/.432, 15 HR, 86 RBI, 70 BB, 13 SB, 4.9 WAR). But more help is needed, as Skidmore is not getting any younger and missed most of March with an injury. The Barons did acquire both 32-year old RF Salvador Hernández (.336/.381/.492, 12 HR, 73 RBI, 32 BB, 3.1 WAR) and 26-year old 1B Bob Goodyear (.282/.363/.484, 13 HR, 51 RBI, 32 BB, 2.2 WAR) in trades this season that could help going forward. As well, Stratford has three prospects that could contribute next season: 22-year old 3B/SS Walter Beauvais (37/67), 23-year old IF/OF Matthew Channing (38/65) and 25-year old 3B/SS Jeff Houston (40/54). As stated earlier, if everything falls into place next season, the Barons may be a force to reckon with. Noteworthy: March 2 – The Barons delivered a 10-2 victory over the Brunswick Legends for their faithful fans, but the standing ovation given by the 20,746 in attendance was reserved for one player: 39-year old 2B Jake Walker (.303/.402/.400, 2 HR, 61 RBI, 70 BB, 1.3 WAR), who became the first player in ULB history to reach 2,500 career hits. The Canadian-native entered the game with 2,499 hits and reached the milestone at his second at-bat, singling off Brunswick’s RHP Hyun-kyou Sin in the bottom of the 3rd. Walker would collect two more hits, going 3 for 5 with 1 R. First Round Draft Pick Update: 9th overall – C Hollis Chase (20/63). The 19-year old rode the bench for the most part, as he saw little action in his first season in the minors – just 3 AB with 1 K. Current Injuries: RHP Dylan Cluett – December 7 – herniated disc. Out for: 3 more days. LHP Joel Fearn – December 21 – torn posterior cruciate ligament. Out for: 3-4 more months. 2B Chris Spiller – January 22 – torn labrum. Out for: 3 more months. C Aaron Skidmore – March 4 – separated shoulder. Out for: 1 more day. 2B Jake Walker – March 9 – torn anterior cruciate ligament. Out for: 5-6 more months. 2B Matthew Channing – March 15 – sprained elbow. Out for: DtD, unknown. -------- Offense: .265/.354/.399 (5th/1st/5th) Pitching: 4.72/4.78/4.52 (8th/8th/4th) Defense: .696 (Tied for 6th) It was bound to happen sooner or later, but the Brunswick Legends finished dead last in the East for the first time. Their 71 wins was the fewest for a Legends team (they won 72 in their inaugural season). To their credit, they remained competitive, with only a dismal January (9-16) really preventing them from finishing near the .500 mark. The rotation was easily the worst in the United Leagues and the less said about it, the better. Overall, the club has a ‘tired and worn out’ feel to it and in need of an infusion of talent. 30-year old RHP Lao Chen (3-4, 20 SV, 2.80 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 2.95 FIP) is the best stopper in the ULB but the rest of the staff seems to be pitchers in name only. Brunswick does have a couple of pitching hopefuls on the roster that could help out one day: 26-year old RHP Rob Backhouse (7-4, 4.27 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 3.73 FIP – 40/40), a former 8th-round pick from 1947-48 and 20-year old RHP Dave Ball (37/60), a second-round pick from 1950-51. But much more will be needed. Its time to clean house. The offense is in a bit better shape but could use an overall boost as well. 23-year old C Robert Kersey (.284/.379/.464, 19 HR, 75 RBI, 74 BB, 5.2 WAR) was just sensational in his first season and is rated second only to Stratford’s Aaron Skidmore among catchers in the ULB. Also, 25-year old LF Carl Patton (.295/.382/.412, 7 HR, 61 RBI, 75 BB, 10 SB, 4.9 WAR) made great strides in his sophomore year. 35-year old 1B Stuart Bentham (.348/.446/.565, 21 HR, 90 RBI, 77 BB, 3.8 WAR) continued his elite ways, at least at the plate. Scouts still rate him as 80/80 and he backed it up by winning his second Eastern League Batting Title (156 H in 448 AB), just edging out Wolseley’s Carlton Hawking for the overall batting title (.3481; 189 H in 543 AB) in the ULB. As far as prospects, the Legends have 23-year old SS Jean-Pierre Ferré (.222/.304/.322, 3 HR, 31 RBI, 20 BB, 2 SB, 0.2 WAR – 39/66), a former 8th overall pick from 1950-51 who saw action in 58 games this year and may see more opportunities to contribute next season. Noteworthy: February 27 – Not long after 1B Stuart Bentham (3-3, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 2 BB, 3 R) became the first player to hit 300 home runs in a career, Bentham enjoyed his first three home run game. He hit a two-run home run in the 1st, a solo shot in the 3rd, walked in the 4th and 5th innings and then hit a two-run home run in the 7th. Bentham’s heroics helped the Legends to defeat the Braeland City Monarchs 10-2. It’s the first three-run home run game in the ULB since Kingston’s C Danny Trowbrigde accomplished it back on December 30, 1949, a little over two years ago. But as noted in the Braeland City report, the feat would be repeated just eight days later. First Round Draft Pick Update: 11th overall – RF Jay Mitchell (20/66). Mitchell split his time between 1B and LF where he hit an impressive .255/.307/.480, 11 HR, 37 RBI, 13 BB, 0.1 WAR in 196 AB. The 21-year old was batting out of the No. 4 spot at season’s end. Current Injuries: LF Carl Patton – February 8 – quadriceps strain. Out for: DtD, unknown. RHP Kent Dundon – February 13 – sprained ankle. Out for: 3 more weeks. -------- __________________ United Leagues of Braeland