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reds1 · 03-02-2019, 01:52 AM

February 1, 1951

Western League: Unions Dominate; Race for Wildcard is ‘On’

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Offense: .280/.359/.428 (1st/1st/1st)
Pitching: 3.61/3.53/4.14 (3rd/4th/2nd)
Defense: .698 (7th)
Chemistry: Happy

The Wolseley Unions are on pace for their second consecutive first place finish, after going 37-16 over the past two months, dramatically separating themselves from the rest of the pack. Based on record, they are by far the most dominant team in the United Leagues and the only Western League team to boast a winning record against the East, going 16-8 thus far (the Pulberry Trolleys are next with a 12-12 record). But they will face an interesting test starting in February as the Unions spend the entire month on the road playing the Eastern League teams. The first three games are against the Cobourg Red Stockings followed by three against the Downie Chiefs, two of the hottest teams in the Eastern League. Adding to the challenge is that they will be without their No. 2 starter, 27-year old RHP Jeremy Albury (13-9, 3.35 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 119 ERA+) who is lost for the season with a torn labrum suffered in the 5th inning in a game against the Pulberry Trolleys on January 29 (the Unions won 7-0). 33-year old RHP Hun Park (1-0, 1 SV, 3.07 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 129 ERA+) takes his place in the rotation.

The lineup is strong almost from top to bottom, with only 28-year old CF Howard Ockey (.237/.319/.349, 6 HR, 45 RBI, 43 BB, 1.1 WAR) having a down year. The offense is still led by 29-year old LF Carlton Hawking (.316/.448/.559, 21 HR, 67 RBI, 88 BB, 4.6 WAR) and 26-year old C Éric Denis (.341/.400/.469, 9 HR, 56 RBI, 33 BB, 4.2 WAR). But 21-year old rookie 3B Carlos Ortíz (.364/.421/.617, 11 HR, 44 RBI, 23 BB, 2.7 WAR) has not only established himself as the third-best rated third baseman in the United Leagues, but has also emerged as a leader in the clubhouse, something the Unions have seriously lacked. He was a free agent signing from Venezuela last year.

But all eyes will be on the pitching staff to see how they respond to the loss of SP Albury. 34-year old LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (10-11, 3.14 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 126 ERA+) is still one of the top-rated pitchers in the ULB (neck and neck with Fort Richmond’s RHP Roberto Taváres) but is having a bit of a down year, especially compared to his award-winning campaign last season. And the remaining stalwarts in the rotation have been up and down from month to month this season, namely 25-year old LHP Axel Mackay (10-6, 3.55 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 112 ERA+), 31-year old RHP Kai Tosh (12-4, 3.83 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 104 ERA+) and 32-year old RHP Bill Blair (8-6, 3.95 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 100 ERA+). But having a stronger defense playing behind them wouldn’t hurt either.

Seven players were selected to the All-Star game: SP Jeremy Albury (3rd), SP Axel MacKay (1st), CL John Palm (10th), C Éric Denis (4th), 2B Make-Make Kamaka (1st), 3B Carlos Ortíz (1st) and LF Carlton Hawking (6th).

Player of the Week Awards:

December 25 – SS George Kimpton (.438, 14 H, 1 HR, 6 RBI)

Current Injuries:

January 29 – RHP Jeremy Albury – torn labrum. Out for: 4-5 more months.

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Offense: .263/.337/.389 (3rd/3rd/4th)
Pitching: 3.34/3.29/3.75 (1st/2nd/1st)
Defense: .720 (1st)
Chemistry: Ecstatic

Despite the Fort Richmond Generals being a remarkably balanced team, they have fallen 9.5 games back of Wolseley and have played barely .500 baseball since October, going 41-37. Thus the trades to bring in 30-year old LHP Nicholas Grimes (9-12, 4.16 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 95 ERA+) and 25-year old IF Derek Reed (.313/.333/.383, 1 HR, 19 RBI, 7 BB, 0.5 WAR) from Braeland City to try and bolster the roster. But whether they can help the Generals hang onto the wildcard spot much less catch the Unions remains to be seen.

With Grimes on board, the Generals now have four pitchers in the rotation that are rated in the Top 20. But while 31-year old RHP Roberto Taváres (15-7, 2.54 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 151 ERA+ - 1st overall) and 28-year old RHP Ch’ang-chieh Li (10-9, 2.77 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 139 ERA+ - 6th) are living up their billing this season, Grimes (7th) and 28-year old RHP Nicky Sherlock (11-11, 3.62 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 106 ERA+ - 13th) are having their struggles.

The more serious concern though is on offense. While not terrible by any means, the lineup is not as robust as it could or should be. Only two players are standouts this season: 26-year old SS Nobuyoshi Yoshida (.336/.388/.440, 7 HR, 53 RBI, 34 BB, 5.1 WAR) and especially 29-year old C Louis Wearne (.302/.399/.643, 29 HR, 73 RBI, 50 BB, 5.5 WAR), who is enjoying the best season of his seven year career. Wearne also has an outside chance of breaking the season home run record of 39, set last season by Kingston’s Dean Bishop. Wearne needs 11 more home runs over the next 47 games to break it.

Eight Generals were selected to this year’s All-Star game: SP Ch’ang chieh Li (3rd), SP Roberto Taváres (8th), CL José Rodriguez (3rd), C Louis Wearne (3rd), 1B Daniel Patterson (1st), 2B Nobuyoshi Yoshida (2nd), CF Dylan Moyne (5th) and RF Brandon Robinson (3rd).

Current Injuries: None.

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Offense: .255/.329/.361 (7th/6th/7th)
Pitching: 3.40/3.20/5.21 (2nd/1st/6th)
Defense: .712 (2nd)
Chemistry: Unhappy

With the recent struggles of the Fort Richmond Generals, the wild card chase is now wide open. Among the teams benefiting from that is the Balmoral Giants. The Giants do not have the lineup to seriously compete with the other playoff contenders in the West, but their pitching staff, particularly the rotation, has been one of the best in the United Leagues this season.

Their three top starters are in the ULB’s Top 20: 31-year old LHP Ricardo Cruz (12-9, 3.18 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 123 ERA+) and 26-year old RHP Quintiliano Galeo (9-12, 3.53 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 111 ERA+) are rated Nos. 4 and 11 respectively. But the big story has been 25-year old RHP Rodrigo González (16-7, 2.52 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 155 ERA+), who is rated 19th overall. González is enjoying a phenomenal sophomore season and has pitched himself into the Western League Satchel Paige Award conversation. Not bad for someone who was drafted in the 7th round back in 1944-45.

To his credit, 33-year old LF Carlton Broadbent (.307/.365/.492, 13 HR, 56 RBI, 29 BB, 1.7 WAR) has really turned it on offensively over the past two months, after a slow start to the season. But other than Broadbent, only 25-year old C Dominic Pipard (.294/.366/.390, 5 HR, 37 RBI, 38 BB, 2.8 WAR) and 24-year old RF Roy Belknap (.265/.322/.404, 9 HR, 56 RBI, 34 BB, 1.4 WAR) are making any significant contribution on offense.

The Giants sent three players to the All-Star game: SP Ricardo Cruz (1st), SP Rodrigo González (2nd) and LF Carlton Broadbent (9th).

Player of the Week Awards:

January 8 – LF Carlton Broadbent (.417, 10 H, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 8 R)
January 29 – LF Carlton Broadbent (.462, 12 H, 3 HR, 9 RBI)

Key Trade: January 7 with the Stratford Barons:

To Balmoral – 34-year old RHP Denzel Vyse (56/56)
To Stratford – 24-year old minor league RHP Dylan Cluett (20/20)

Knee-jerk reaction: Balmoral’s bullpen has been lagging behind the strong play of their rotation. With that said, it’s hard to see how the addition of Vyse will improve things appreciably. Vyse is a ten-year veteran with good movement and only so-so stuff, with his best pitch being his sinker (55/55). He has been up and down from season-to-season, and this season has been a ‘down’ one for him. Add the fact that he has ego issues that can have a negative impact in the clubhouse and you have to question the wisdom of the trade on Balmoral’s part.

With the departure of Vyse, the Barons have promoted 22-year old LHP Robin Wadsworth (42/64) from triple A. Cluett, a 5th round pick from 1947-48, becomes the Barons third-best pitching prospect. He is a borderline starter with poor stuff and control, good movement and a decent cutter.

Current Injuries:

September 24 – SS Francisco Rodríguez – Bone chips (elbow). Setback – required surgery in November. Out for: 1 more day.

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Offense: .267/.336/.401 (2nd/4th/2nd)
Pitching: 3.62/3.40/4.62 (4th/3rd/4th)
Defense: .709 (4th)
Chemistry: Happy

A strong December propelled the Cambria Cannons into a tie for the wildcard with the Fort Richmond Generals, but a poor January prevented them from taking it over. The Cannons appear to a team that is a year or two away from seriously competing for a playoff spot, but a weak field in the West after the Wolseley Unions could see Cambria sneak in earlier.

Like the Giants, the Cannons have an unexpected pitcher in contention for the Satchel Paige Award. 27-year old LHP Jamie Wigley (12-8, 2.23 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 174 ERA+) has simply been outstanding in his second full year in the majors. He leads the Western League in 6 pitching categories. But the club is also enjoying the blossoming of 21-year old LHP Bill Southern (6-1, 1.94 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 200 ERA+), who has moved up to the No. 4 spot in the rotation. Southern pitched a 4-hit shutout against the Braeland City Monarchs in his last start (Cambria won 4-0).

30-year old SS César Ruíz (.321/.404/.578, 16 HR, 66 RBI, 47 BB, 4.5 WAR) remains head and shoulders above his teammates as well as one of the best players in the entire United Leagues. But 24-year old 1B Carlos Correa (.297/.343/.483, 17 HR, 47 RBI, 29 BB, 2.2 WAR) and 27-year old LF Edmund Boswell (.266/.341/.498, 15 HR, 58 RBI, 33 BB, 1.9 WAR) continue to progress.

Five Cannons headed off to the All-Star game: SP Jamie Wigley (1st), 1B Carlos Correa (1st), 2B Wenseslas Jasmin (7th), SS César Ruíz (2nd) and LF Edmund Boswell (1st).

Noteworthy:

January 5 – 33-year old C Heung-su Park (.265/.364/.429, 11 HR, 40 RBI, 50 BB, 2.7 WAR) showed flashes of his old self when he went 5 for 5 against Pulberry, helping his club defeat the Trolleys, 6-5. Park hit an RBI single in the 1st, singled in the 3rd and 5th, hit an RBI single in the 7th and singled in the 9th.

January 25 – To 34-year old 2B Wenceslas Jasmin (.326/.405/.393, 2 HR, 25 RBI, 51 BB, 3.2 WAR), his first inning single against the Braeland City Monarchs was just another hit. But for those that keep track of such things, it was much more. Facing SP Okura Suzuki in the top of the 1st, Jasmin connected for his 2000th hit, a 3-1 single into centerfield. He becomes the 7th player to reach that plateau. Jasmin would go 2 for 5 on the day. But the Monarchs got the last laugh, defeating the Cannons, 4-3.

Current Injuries:

November 29 – RHP Reece Leavers – partially torn labrum. Out for: 8 more weeks.
January 7 – SS César Ruíz – oblique strain. Out for: 5 more days.
January 31 – SS George Lasseter – elbow inflammation. Out for: 2-3 more weeks.

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Offense: .256/.340/.381 (6th/2nd/6th)
Pitching: 4.12/3.93/5.11 (5th/5th/5th)
Defense: .703 (5th)
Chemistry: Happy

The Kingston Pelicans were sinking in the Western League standings until a red-hot January catapulted them back into the wildcard chase. Like Balmoral and Cambria just ahead of them, the Pelicans are a flawed team that have a chance to taste the post-season if the Fort Richmond Generals continue to flounder. While Kingston made some moves to try and bolster their playoff push, the trade deadline came and went without dealing their disgruntled former star catcher, 32-year old C Danny Trowbridge (.285/.387/.354, 1 HR, 12 RBI, 27 BB, 1.1 WAR – 57/57). Trowbridge has not made any trade demands, so it appears the Pelicans are content to relegate him to being a little used backup. At any rate, it would be interesting to see how he would fare as a starter for another team in need of a catcher.

On the other hand, his replacement is certainly justifying his place as the starting catcher and No. 3 hitter in the lineup. 24-year old C Carlos Camasura (.338/.405/.45, 8 HR, 47 RBI, 36 BB, 3.9 WAR – 67/72) is rated No. 3 overall among catchers and is one of two Kingston players rated in the Top 20 overall among position players (No. 13). The other, 35-year old 2B Katsunan Chikafuji (.317/.422/.571, 20 HR, 60 RBI, 50 BB, 4.5 WAR), is rated 15th and is enjoying his best season in 5 years. But the rest of the offense has been lacklustre. After a sensational season when he set a new record for home runs in a single season, 36-year old 1B Dean Bishop (.215/.371/.415, 14 HR, 68 RBI, 68 BB, 1.9 WAR) has regressed severely, perhaps for good.

But there’s really no one on the pitching staff that inspires enough confidence to think that the Pelicans can make a serious push for the playoffs. 30-year old LHP Patrick Denman (13-8, 3.44 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 115 ERA+) and 26-year old LHP Dana Listman (10-11, 3.32 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 119 ERA+) are the only consistent pitchers on the staff. But they are now joined in the rotation by a 44-year old RHP Satchel Paige (7-12, 4.56 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 87 ERA+), so we’ll have to see how that pans out.

Two Pelicans made the All-Star team: C Carlos Camasura (1st) and SS Katsunan Chikafuji (11th).

Player of the Week Awards:

January 15 – 2B Katsunan Chikafuji (.421, 8 H, 3 HR, 9 RBI)

Noteworthy:

January 29 – The Pelicans were overwhelmed by the Sherburn Tigers this day, losing 13-6. But the Tigers could not figure out Kingston’s Carlos Camasura all afternoon, as the catcher went 5 for 5. Camasura hit an RBI single in the 1st, hit a two-run double in the 2nd, singled in the 4th, hit a solo home run of RHP Ben Buschlen in the 7th and singled in the 9th.

Current Injuries:

January 13 – LHP Phil Wiebe – torn back muscle. Out for: 4 more months.
January 26 – SS Ryoma Hakui – foot contusion. Setback. Out for: 1 more week.

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Offense: .258/.332/.389 (5th/5th/3rd)
Pitching: 4.58/4.45/5.36 (8th/8th/8th)
Defense: .702 (6th)
Chemistry: Unhappy

As anticipated, the Hespeler Stars have tumbled hard since their 17-13 October. Right now, it’s difficult to get optimistic about their short term future, as the team as a whole is so underwhelming in terms of talent and direction. General Manager Roy King has been at the helm of the franchise for its entire existence, and next to GM Marcus Dejyothin of Pulberry, it’s hard to find a more scattershot and aimless management performance than his.

The pitching staff is a complete mess, with 26-year old RHP Stephen Tindall (9-9, 3.97 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 100 ERA+) displaying any sort of competence. 24-year old LHP Larry Kovnats (7-11, 4.41 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 90 ERA+) appeared to be making some modest improvements in December and January, but now he is gone for rest of the season due to injury.

27-year old SS Zhao-hui Qian (.327/.383/.507, 16 HR, 55 RBI, 41 BB, 8 SB, 4.5 WAR) remains the lone stand-out on offense. But it’s not simply by default – Qian is one of the top shortstops (No. 3) in the United Leagues and is enjoying his best season by far. Another positive is the play of 23-year old CF John McMurray (.267/.317/.434, 8 HR, 49 RBI, 25 BB, 6 SB, 1.7 WAR). The 19th overall-rated prospect continues to grow in the No. 4 spot in the lineup. But alas, there is very little else to get excited about on this squad.

Two players represented the Stars are the All-Star Game: SS Zhao-hui Qian (1st) and LF Bart Warwick (3rd).

Player of the Week Awards:

December 11 – SS Zhao-hui Qian (.500, 11 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI)

Key Trade: January 7 with the Queensland Eagles:

To Hespeler – 33-year old RHP Francisco López (47/47)
To Queensland – 34-year old IF/OF Hao Wang (33/33)

Knee-jerk reaction: López (4-8, 3.39 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 116 ERA+), a former 9th overall pick back in 1940-41 is a fairly decent pitcher with average stuff and control to go along with very good movement (55/55). He was Queensland’s No. 5 starter at the time of the trade, but will now pitch in the No. 3 spot with Hespeler. Queensland has promoted 23-year old Gael Yule (20/39) from AAA to take his place in the rotation. Yule was a 6th-round pick back in 1948-49.

For López, Hespeler gave up very little, as Wang (.260/.340/.406, 6 HR, 29 RBI, 28 BB, 0.6 WAR) is no longer an everyday player. He is currently the backup to Queensland’s all-star rookie, 24-year old LF Rod Dennis.

Current Injuries:

January 8 – LHP Miles van den Bogaert – torn flexor tendon. Out for: 5 more months.
January 14 – RHP Rodney Gabrielson – sore elbow. Out for: Dtd; 5 more days.
January 26 – LHP Larry Kovnats – radial nerve decompression surgery. Out for: 5-6 more months.

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Offense: .260/.324/.384 (4th/7th/5th)
Pitching: 4.41/4.42/4.36 (6th/7th/3rd)
Defense: .713 (3rd)
Chemistry: Unhappy

Although the Pulberry Trolleys are not sitting at the bottom of the standings, they are sure playing like it. January was capped off with a 2-10 skid, and their Pyt. Rec. of 41-67 is the worst in the United Leagues. They have recently switched to ‘rebuild’ from ‘neutral’, but it has seemed that they have always been in rebuild mode.

The pitching staff is pitiable, composed entirely of castoffs from other teams. Only 33-year old RH relief pitcher Morgan Tice (5-2, 3 SV, 3.32 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 116 ERA+) is pitching with any competency.

Things are a little brighter on offense, where the club boasts some fine young talent. 23-year old rookie CF Cooper Tyson (.262/.312/.436, 9 HR, 29 RBI, 29 BB, 3.6 WAR - 58/80) bounced back nicely in January (.283/.333/.547), after he struggled in November and December (.239/.293/.390). And 23-year old 3B Makani Kahale (.304/.335/.450, 9 HR, 41 RBI, 21 BB, 5 SB, 2.7 WAR - 60/69) is nicely progressing in his second season in the majors.

Five Trolleys were selected to the All-Star Game: RP Morgan Tice (2nd), 2B Gerard Koerner (1st), 3B Makani Kahale (1st), SS Roland Binns (6th) and CF Cooper Tyson (1st).

Player of the Week Awards:

January 22 – LF Ellis Dibble (.571, 12 H, 3 HR, 8 RBI)

Current Injuries:

January 29 – LHP Allan Fidge – strained forearm. Out for: 5 more weeks.

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Offense: .251/.314/.359 (8th/8th/8th)
Pitching: 4.50/4.31/5.35 (7th/6th/7th)
Defense: .689 (8th)
Chemistry: Feuding

With the Sherburn Tigers it’s become utter chaos, as the team has hit rock bottom and it does appear that things will change for the better any time soon. The Tigers just do not have any stand out talent on their roster and there’s not much on the horizon either.

Sherburn does have a decent tandem at the top of the rotation in 27-year old RHP Jesús Chapa (10-10, 3.41 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 116 ERA+) and 24-year old RHP Ben Buschlen (12-9, 3.28 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 121 ERA+), but that’s it.

On offense, there are a few players that are contributing at least something. 24-year old 2B Jack Burt (.307/.350/.435, 0 HR, 51 RBI, 28 BB, 2.3 WAR) has been consistent, but he appears to be ill-suited as a No. 3 hitter. 26-year old C Quim Cypriano (.270/.344/.407, 9 HR, 55 RBI, 35 BB, 2.0 WAR) is enjoying a season that is practically a carbon copy of last year. And while it is modest, 27-year old RF Louie Pate (.306/.346/.443, 8 HR, 50 RBI, 20 BB, 1.4 WAR) is having his best season yet in his 5-year career.

One young player on the roster though will be interesting to watch. 25-year old IF/OF Bill Sharkey (.282/.316/.395, 6 HR, 28 RBI, 14 BB, 7 SB, -0.1 WAR) was selected in the Rule 5 draft last June from the Cobourg Red Stockings and is on Sherburn’s major league roster. Sharkey was originally a 12th overall pick back in 1947-48, but did not see a lot of playing time with the Red Stockings. Since joining the Tigers, his offense has been very promising, but he has been atrocious defensively in centerfield (-7.5 ZR). Fortunately, Sherburn has just shifted him over to first base where he has felt more comfortable playing in the past. So it will be interesting to see if he thrives there from here on out.

SP Ben Buschlen (1st) was the lone Tiger selected to the All-Star Game this year.

Player of the Week Awards:

December 4 – 2B Jack Burt (.583, 14 H, 7 RBI)
December 18 – C Quim Cypriano (.625, 10 H, 2 HR, 6 RBI)

Current Injuries:

January 13 – RF Javier Serrano – elbow tendinitis. Out for: 1-2 more weeks.

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03-02-2019, 01:52 AM	#489
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,864	February 1, 1951 Western League: Unions Dominate; Race for Wildcard is ‘On’ -------- Offense: .280/.359/.428 (1st/1st/1st) Pitching: 3.61/3.53/4.14 (3rd/4th/2nd) Defense: .698 (7th) Chemistry: Happy The Wolseley Unions are on pace for their second consecutive first place finish, after going 37-16 over the past two months, dramatically separating themselves from the rest of the pack. Based on record, they are by far the most dominant team in the United Leagues and the only Western League team to boast a winning record against the East, going 16-8 thus far (the Pulberry Trolleys are next with a 12-12 record). But they will face an interesting test starting in February as the Unions spend the entire month on the road playing the Eastern League teams. The first three games are against the Cobourg Red Stockings followed by three against the Downie Chiefs, two of the hottest teams in the Eastern League. Adding to the challenge is that they will be without their No. 2 starter, 27-year old RHP Jeremy Albury (13-9, 3.35 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 119 ERA+) who is lost for the season with a torn labrum suffered in the 5th inning in a game against the Pulberry Trolleys on January 29 (the Unions won 7-0). 33-year old RHP Hun Park (1-0, 1 SV, 3.07 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 129 ERA+) takes his place in the rotation. The lineup is strong almost from top to bottom, with only 28-year old CF Howard Ockey (.237/.319/.349, 6 HR, 45 RBI, 43 BB, 1.1 WAR) having a down year. The offense is still led by 29-year old LF Carlton Hawking (.316/.448/.559, 21 HR, 67 RBI, 88 BB, 4.6 WAR) and 26-year old C Éric Denis (.341/.400/.469, 9 HR, 56 RBI, 33 BB, 4.2 WAR). But 21-year old rookie 3B Carlos Ortíz (.364/.421/.617, 11 HR, 44 RBI, 23 BB, 2.7 WAR) has not only established himself as the third-best rated third baseman in the United Leagues, but has also emerged as a leader in the clubhouse, something the Unions have seriously lacked. He was a free agent signing from Venezuela last year. But all eyes will be on the pitching staff to see how they respond to the loss of SP Albury. 34-year old LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (10-11, 3.14 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 126 ERA+) is still one of the top-rated pitchers in the ULB (neck and neck with Fort Richmond’s RHP Roberto Taváres) but is having a bit of a down year, especially compared to his award-winning campaign last season. And the remaining stalwarts in the rotation have been up and down from month to month this season, namely 25-year old LHP Axel Mackay (10-6, 3.55 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 112 ERA+), 31-year old RHP Kai Tosh (12-4, 3.83 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 104 ERA+) and 32-year old RHP Bill Blair (8-6, 3.95 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 100 ERA+). But having a stronger defense playing behind them wouldn’t hurt either. Seven players were selected to the All-Star game: SP Jeremy Albury (3rd), SP Axel MacKay (1st), CL John Palm (10th), C Éric Denis (4th), 2B Make-Make Kamaka (1st), 3B Carlos Ortíz (1st) and LF Carlton Hawking (6th). *Player of the Week Awards:* December 25 – SS George Kimpton (.438, 14 H, 1 HR, 6 RBI) *Current Injuries:* January 29 – RHP Jeremy Albury – torn labrum. Out for: 4-5 more months. -------- Offense: .263/.337/.389 (3rd/3rd/4th) Pitching: 3.34/3.29/3.75 (1st/2nd/1st) Defense: .720 (1st) Chemistry: Ecstatic Despite the Fort Richmond Generals being a remarkably balanced team, they have fallen 9.5 games back of Wolseley and have played barely .500 baseball since October, going 41-37. Thus the trades to bring in 30-year old LHP Nicholas Grimes (9-12, 4.16 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 95 ERA+) and 25-year old IF Derek Reed (.313/.333/.383, 1 HR, 19 RBI, 7 BB, 0.5 WAR) from Braeland City to try and bolster the roster. But whether they can help the Generals hang onto the wildcard spot much less catch the Unions remains to be seen. With Grimes on board, the Generals now have four pitchers in the rotation that are rated in the Top 20. But while 31-year old RHP Roberto Taváres (15-7, 2.54 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 151 ERA+ - 1st overall) and 28-year old RHP Ch’ang-chieh Li (10-9, 2.77 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 139 ERA+ - 6th) are living up their billing this season, Grimes (7th) and 28-year old RHP Nicky Sherlock (11-11, 3.62 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 106 ERA+ - 13th) are having their struggles. The more serious concern though is on offense. While not terrible by any means, the lineup is not as robust as it could or should be. Only two players are standouts this season: 26-year old SS Nobuyoshi Yoshida (.336/.388/.440, 7 HR, 53 RBI, 34 BB, 5.1 WAR) and especially 29-year old C Louis Wearne (.302/.399/.643, 29 HR, 73 RBI, 50 BB, 5.5 WAR), who is enjoying the best season of his seven year career. Wearne also has an outside chance of breaking the season home run record of 39, set last season by Kingston’s Dean Bishop. Wearne needs 11 more home runs over the next 47 games to break it. Eight Generals were selected to this year’s All-Star game: SP Ch’ang chieh Li (3rd), SP Roberto Taváres (8th), CL José Rodriguez (3rd), C Louis Wearne (3rd), 1B Daniel Patterson (1st), 2B Nobuyoshi Yoshida (2nd), CF Dylan Moyne (5th) and RF Brandon Robinson (3rd). *Current Injuries:* None. -------- Offense: .255/.329/.361 (7th/6th/7th) Pitching: 3.40/3.20/5.21 (2nd/1st/6th) Defense: .712 (2nd) Chemistry: Unhappy With the recent struggles of the Fort Richmond Generals, the wild card chase is now wide open. Among the teams benefiting from that is the Balmoral Giants. The Giants do not have the lineup to seriously compete with the other playoff contenders in the West, but their pitching staff, particularly the rotation, has been one of the best in the United Leagues this season. Their three top starters are in the ULB’s Top 20: 31-year old LHP Ricardo Cruz (12-9, 3.18 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 123 ERA+) and 26-year old RHP Quintiliano Galeo (9-12, 3.53 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 111 ERA+) are rated Nos. 4 and 11 respectively. But the big story has been 25-year old RHP Rodrigo González (16-7, 2.52 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 155 ERA+), who is rated 19th overall. González is enjoying a phenomenal sophomore season and has pitched himself into the Western League Satchel Paige Award conversation. Not bad for someone who was drafted in the 7th round back in 1944-45. To his credit, 33-year old LF Carlton Broadbent (.307/.365/.492, 13 HR, 56 RBI, 29 BB, 1.7 WAR) has really turned it on offensively over the past two months, after a slow start to the season. But other than Broadbent, only 25-year old C Dominic Pipard (.294/.366/.390, 5 HR, 37 RBI, 38 BB, 2.8 WAR) and 24-year old RF Roy Belknap (.265/.322/.404, 9 HR, 56 RBI, 34 BB, 1.4 WAR) are making any significant contribution on offense. The Giants sent three players to the All-Star game: SP Ricardo Cruz (1st), SP Rodrigo González (2nd) and LF Carlton Broadbent (9th). *Player of the Week Awards:* January 8 – LF Carlton Broadbent (.417, 10 H, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 8 R) January 29 – LF Carlton Broadbent (.462, 12 H, 3 HR, 9 RBI) *Key Trade:* January 7 with the Stratford Barons: To Balmoral – 34-year old RHP Denzel Vyse (56/56) To Stratford – 24-year old minor league RHP Dylan Cluett (20/20) *Knee-jerk reaction:* Balmoral’s bullpen has been lagging behind the strong play of their rotation. With that said, it’s hard to see how the addition of Vyse will improve things appreciably. Vyse is a ten-year veteran with good movement and only so-so stuff, with his best pitch being his sinker (55/55). He has been up and down from season-to-season, and this season has been a ‘down’ one for him. Add the fact that he has ego issues that can have a negative impact in the clubhouse and you have to question the wisdom of the trade on Balmoral’s part. With the departure of Vyse, the Barons have promoted 22-year old LHP Robin Wadsworth (42/64) from triple A. Cluett, a 5th round pick from 1947-48, becomes the Barons third-best pitching prospect. He is a borderline starter with poor stuff and control, good movement and a decent cutter. *Current Injuries:* September 24 – SS Francisco Rodríguez – Bone chips (elbow). Setback – required surgery in November. Out for: 1 more day. -------- Offense: .267/.336/.401 (2nd/4th/2nd) Pitching: 3.62/3.40/4.62 (4th/3rd/4th) Defense: .709 (4th) Chemistry: Happy A strong December propelled the Cambria Cannons into a tie for the wildcard with the Fort Richmond Generals, but a poor January prevented them from taking it over. The Cannons appear to a team that is a year or two away from seriously competing for a playoff spot, but a weak field in the West after the Wolseley Unions could see Cambria sneak in earlier. Like the Giants, the Cannons have an unexpected pitcher in contention for the Satchel Paige Award. 27-year old LHP Jamie Wigley (12-8, 2.23 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 174 ERA+) has simply been outstanding in his second full year in the majors. He leads the Western League in 6 pitching categories. But the club is also enjoying the blossoming of 21-year old LHP Bill Southern (6-1, 1.94 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 200 ERA+), who has moved up to the No. 4 spot in the rotation. Southern pitched a 4-hit shutout against the Braeland City Monarchs in his last start (Cambria won 4-0). 30-year old SS César Ruíz (.321/.404/.578, 16 HR, 66 RBI, 47 BB, 4.5 WAR) remains head and shoulders above his teammates as well as one of the best players in the entire United Leagues. But 24-year old 1B Carlos Correa (.297/.343/.483, 17 HR, 47 RBI, 29 BB, 2.2 WAR) and 27-year old LF Edmund Boswell (.266/.341/.498, 15 HR, 58 RBI, 33 BB, 1.9 WAR) continue to progress. Five Cannons headed off to the All-Star game: SP Jamie Wigley (1st), 1B Carlos Correa (1st), 2B Wenseslas Jasmin (7th), SS César Ruíz (2nd) and LF Edmund Boswell (1st). *Noteworthy:* January 5 – 33-year old C Heung-su Park (.265/.364/.429, 11 HR, 40 RBI, 50 BB, 2.7 WAR) showed flashes of his old self when he went 5 for 5 against Pulberry, helping his club defeat the Trolleys, 6-5. Park hit an RBI single in the 1st, singled in the 3rd and 5th, hit an RBI single in the 7th and singled in the 9th. January 25 – To 34-year old 2B Wenceslas Jasmin (.326/.405/.393, 2 HR, 25 RBI, 51 BB, 3.2 WAR), his first inning single against the Braeland City Monarchs was just another hit. But for those that keep track of such things, it was much more. Facing SP Okura Suzuki in the top of the 1st, Jasmin connected for his 2000th hit, a 3-1 single into centerfield. He becomes the 7th player to reach that plateau. Jasmin would go 2 for 5 on the day. But the Monarchs got the last laugh, defeating the Cannons, 4-3. *Current Injuries:* November 29 – RHP Reece Leavers – partially torn labrum. Out for: 8 more weeks. January 7 – SS César Ruíz – oblique strain. Out for: 5 more days. January 31 – SS George Lasseter – elbow inflammation. Out for: 2-3 more weeks. -------- Offense: .256/.340/.381 (6th/2nd/6th) Pitching: 4.12/3.93/5.11 (5th/5th/5th) Defense: .703 (5th) Chemistry: Happy The Kingston Pelicans were sinking in the Western League standings until a red-hot January catapulted them back into the wildcard chase. Like Balmoral and Cambria just ahead of them, the Pelicans are a flawed team that have a chance to taste the post-season if the Fort Richmond Generals continue to flounder. While Kingston made some moves to try and bolster their playoff push, the trade deadline came and went without dealing their disgruntled former star catcher, 32-year old C Danny Trowbridge (.285/.387/.354, 1 HR, 12 RBI, 27 BB, 1.1 WAR – 57/57). Trowbridge has not made any trade demands, so it appears the Pelicans are content to relegate him to being a little used backup. At any rate, it would be interesting to see how he would fare as a starter for another team in need of a catcher. On the other hand, his replacement is certainly justifying his place as the starting catcher and No. 3 hitter in the lineup. 24-year old C Carlos Camasura (.338/.405/.45, 8 HR, 47 RBI, 36 BB, 3.9 WAR – 67/72) is rated No. 3 overall among catchers and is one of two Kingston players rated in the Top 20 overall among position players (No. 13). The other, 35-year old 2B Katsunan Chikafuji (.317/.422/.571, 20 HR, 60 RBI, 50 BB, 4.5 WAR), is rated 15th and is enjoying his best season in 5 years. But the rest of the offense has been lacklustre. After a sensational season when he set a new record for home runs in a single season, 36-year old 1B Dean Bishop (.215/.371/.415, 14 HR, 68 RBI, 68 BB, 1.9 WAR) has regressed severely, perhaps for good. But there’s really no one on the pitching staff that inspires enough confidence to think that the Pelicans can make a serious push for the playoffs. 30-year old LHP Patrick Denman (13-8, 3.44 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 115 ERA+) and 26-year old LHP Dana Listman (10-11, 3.32 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 119 ERA+) are the only consistent pitchers on the staff. But they are now joined in the rotation by a 44-year old RHP Satchel Paige (7-12, 4.56 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 87 ERA+), so we’ll have to see how that pans out. Two Pelicans made the All-Star team: C Carlos Camasura (1st) and SS Katsunan Chikafuji (11th). *Player of the Week Awards:* January 15 – 2B Katsunan Chikafuji (.421, 8 H, 3 HR, 9 RBI) *Noteworthy:* January 29 – The Pelicans were overwhelmed by the Sherburn Tigers this day, losing 13-6. But the Tigers could not figure out Kingston’s Carlos Camasura all afternoon, as the catcher went 5 for 5. Camasura hit an RBI single in the 1st, hit a two-run double in the 2nd, singled in the 4th, hit a solo home run of RHP Ben Buschlen in the 7th and singled in the 9th. *Current Injuries:* January 13 – LHP Phil Wiebe – torn back muscle. Out for: 4 more months. January 26 – SS Ryoma Hakui – foot contusion. Setback. Out for: 1 more week. -------- Offense: .258/.332/.389 (5th/5th/3rd) Pitching: 4.58/4.45/5.36 (8th/8th/8th) Defense: .702 (6th) Chemistry: Unhappy As anticipated, the Hespeler Stars have tumbled hard since their 17-13 October. Right now, it’s difficult to get optimistic about their short term future, as the team as a whole is so underwhelming in terms of talent and direction. General Manager Roy King has been at the helm of the franchise for its entire existence, and next to GM Marcus Dejyothin of Pulberry, it’s hard to find a more scattershot and aimless management performance than his. The pitching staff is a complete mess, with 26-year old RHP Stephen Tindall (9-9, 3.97 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 100 ERA+) displaying any sort of competence. 24-year old LHP Larry Kovnats (7-11, 4.41 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 90 ERA+) appeared to be making some modest improvements in December and January, but now he is gone for rest of the season due to injury. 27-year old SS Zhao-hui Qian (.327/.383/.507, 16 HR, 55 RBI, 41 BB, 8 SB, 4.5 WAR) remains the lone stand-out on offense. But it’s not simply by default – Qian is one of the top shortstops (No. 3) in the United Leagues and is enjoying his best season by far. Another positive is the play of 23-year old CF John McMurray (.267/.317/.434, 8 HR, 49 RBI, 25 BB, 6 SB, 1.7 WAR). The 19th overall-rated prospect continues to grow in the No. 4 spot in the lineup. But alas, there is very little else to get excited about on this squad. Two players represented the Stars are the All-Star Game: SS Zhao-hui Qian (1st) and LF Bart Warwick (3rd). *Player of the Week Awards:* December 11 – SS Zhao-hui Qian (.500, 11 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI) *Key Trade:* January 7 with the Queensland Eagles: To Hespeler – 33-year old RHP Francisco López (47/47) To Queensland – 34-year old IF/OF Hao Wang (33/33) *Knee-jerk reaction:* López (4-8, 3.39 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 116 ERA+), a former 9th overall pick back in 1940-41 is a fairly decent pitcher with average stuff and control to go along with very good movement (55/55). He was Queensland’s No. 5 starter at the time of the trade, but will now pitch in the No. 3 spot with Hespeler. Queensland has promoted 23-year old Gael Yule (20/39) from AAA to take his place in the rotation. Yule was a 6th-round pick back in 1948-49. For López, Hespeler gave up very little, as Wang (.260/.340/.406, 6 HR, 29 RBI, 28 BB, 0.6 WAR) is no longer an everyday player. He is currently the backup to Queensland’s all-star rookie, 24-year old LF Rod Dennis. *Current Injuries:* January 8 – LHP Miles van den Bogaert – torn flexor tendon. Out for: 5 more months. January 14 – RHP Rodney Gabrielson – sore elbow. Out for: Dtd; 5 more days. January 26 – LHP Larry Kovnats – radial nerve decompression surgery. Out for: 5-6 more months. -------- Offense: .260/.324/.384 (4th/7th/5th) Pitching: 4.41/4.42/4.36 (6th/7th/3rd) Defense: .713 (3rd) Chemistry: Unhappy Although the Pulberry Trolleys are not sitting at the bottom of the standings, they are sure playing like it. January was capped off with a 2-10 skid, and their Pyt. Rec. of 41-67 is the worst in the United Leagues. They have recently switched to ‘rebuild’ from ‘neutral’, but it has seemed that they have always been in rebuild mode. The pitching staff is pitiable, composed entirely of castoffs from other teams. Only 33-year old RH relief pitcher Morgan Tice (5-2, 3 SV, 3.32 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 116 ERA+) is pitching with any competency. Things are a little brighter on offense, where the club boasts some fine young talent. 23-year old rookie CF Cooper Tyson (.262/.312/.436, 9 HR, 29 RBI, 29 BB, 3.6 WAR - 58/80) bounced back nicely in January (.283/.333/.547), after he struggled in November and December (.239/.293/.390). And 23-year old 3B Makani Kahale (.304/.335/.450, 9 HR, 41 RBI, 21 BB, 5 SB, 2.7 WAR - 60/69) is nicely progressing in his second season in the majors. Five Trolleys were selected to the All-Star Game: RP Morgan Tice (2nd), 2B Gerard Koerner (1st), 3B Makani Kahale (1st), SS Roland Binns (6th) and CF Cooper Tyson (1st). *Player of the Week Awards:* January 22 – LF Ellis Dibble (.571, 12 H, 3 HR, 8 RBI) *Current Injuries:* January 29 – LHP Allan Fidge – strained forearm. Out for: 5 more weeks. -------- Offense: .251/.314/.359 (8th/8th/8th) Pitching: 4.50/4.31/5.35 (7th/6th/7th) Defense: .689 (8th) Chemistry: Feuding With the Sherburn Tigers it’s become utter chaos, as the team has hit rock bottom and it does appear that things will change for the better any time soon. The Tigers just do not have any stand out talent on their roster and there’s not much on the horizon either. Sherburn does have a decent tandem at the top of the rotation in 27-year old RHP Jesús Chapa (10-10, 3.41 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 116 ERA+) and 24-year old RHP Ben Buschlen (12-9, 3.28 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 121 ERA+), but that’s it. On offense, there are a few players that are contributing at least something. 24-year old 2B Jack Burt (.307/.350/.435, 0 HR, 51 RBI, 28 BB, 2.3 WAR) has been consistent, but he appears to be ill-suited as a No. 3 hitter. 26-year old C Quim Cypriano (.270/.344/.407, 9 HR, 55 RBI, 35 BB, 2.0 WAR) is enjoying a season that is practically a carbon copy of last year. And while it is modest, 27-year old RF Louie Pate (.306/.346/.443, 8 HR, 50 RBI, 20 BB, 1.4 WAR) is having his best season yet in his 5-year career. One young player on the roster though will be interesting to watch. 25-year old IF/OF Bill Sharkey (.282/.316/.395, 6 HR, 28 RBI, 14 BB, 7 SB, -0.1 WAR) was selected in the Rule 5 draft last June from the Cobourg Red Stockings and is on Sherburn’s major league roster. Sharkey was originally a 12th overall pick back in 1947-48, but did not see a lot of playing time with the Red Stockings. Since joining the Tigers, his offense has been very promising, but he has been atrocious defensively in centerfield (-7.5 ZR). Fortunately, Sherburn has just shifted him over to first base where he has felt more comfortable playing in the past. So it will be interesting to see if he thrives there from here on out. SP Ben Buschlen (1st) was the lone Tiger selected to the All-Star Game this year. *Player of the Week Awards:* December 4 – 2B Jack Burt (.583, 14 H, 7 RBI) December 18 – C Quim Cypriano (.625, 10 H, 2 HR, 6 RBI) *Current Injuries:* January 13 – RF Javier Serrano – elbow tendinitis. Out for: 1-2 more weeks. -------- __________________ United Leagues of Braeland Last edited by reds1; 03-02-2019 at 02:05 AM.