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reds1 · 03-22-2019, 10:50 PM

March 26, 1951

Eastern League: Chiefs, Suns Playoff Bound

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It was a tale of two halves for the Downie Chiefs, as the team struggled to a 38-43 record from October to December, then went 49-24 the rest of the way to take top spot in the East for the second year in a row. They were easily the hottest team in the United Leagues over the final three months, with the Fort Richmond Generals next with 44 wins.

Downie’s offensive leaders remained the same, but they both reached stratospheric heights this season. 25-year old CF Alfonso León (.342/.407/.611, 32 HR, 126 RBI, 71 BB, 6 SB, 9.7 WAR) enjoyed perhaps the greatest season ever by a player in the history of the United Leagues, surpassing the single-season WAR mark of 9.31 originally set by Kingston’s Danny Trowbridge in 1945-46. He also set a new season record for Total Bases with 366. The old mark of 361 was held by Hall of Fame member Okura Ito, achieved back in 1938-39. In all, León led the Eastern League in seven offensive categories and finished second in three others.

But 25-year old 2B Dominic Dudding (.335/.423/.559, 23 HR, 109 RBI, 87 BB, 6 SB, 8.1 WAR) was no slouch either, leading the East in Runs (119) and second only to León in WAR. With León and Dudding batting 3rd and 4th in the lineup respectively, they comprise the most formidable one-two punch in the United Leagues today.

Biggest Surprise:

When Downie’s ace 28-year old RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (9-11, 2.87 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 137 ERA+) was lost to injury back in January, the Chiefs called upon 28-year old RHP Virgil de Gilde (11-5, 3.40 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 116 ERA+) to take his place. de Gilde performed admirably in his time in the rotation, going 4-0, 2.76 ERA, 1.39 WHIP in February alone. It was a sweet ride for the journeyman pitcher, who has spent most of his time in the minor leagues. Originally signed out of The Netherlands by the Queensland Eagles to a minor league contract in May 1939, de Gilde was once rated No. 27 overall among prospects in the ULB as late as October 1945, but was never able to stick with a major league club. Although a member of the 1946-47 United Cup Champion Queensland Eagles, he saw his greatest major league action after he was claimed off waivers by the Embro Suns in June 1947. Starting 27 games that season, he went 11-11, 5.20 ERA, 1.61 WHIP, 81 ERA+. Returning to the minor leagues, he eventually signed on with the Downie Chiefs in April 1950. Selected in the Rule 5 draft by the Fort Richmond Generals in June of that year, he was returned to the Chiefs in October before getting his break this past January. Unfortunately, de Gilde will not be on the Chiefs’ playoff roster, as they have stuck with 35-year old RHP Harley Bracher (8-13, 5.04 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, 78 ERA+), for reasons that are not clear to me.

Player of the Week Awards:

February 5 – 2B Dominic Dudding (.571, 12 H, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 6 R)
March 5 – CF Alfonso León (.440, 11 H, 3 HR, 6 RBI)

Current Injuries: None.

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The Embro Suns remained within striking distance of a playoff spot all season long and made their push in the final two months. Facing the Cobourg Red Stockings in a critical four-game road series to end the season, the Suns lost the first game 4-3 to fall two games back of Cobourg for the wild card. But Embro came storming back to take the last three games (7-6, 5-4 and 6-2) to capture their first playoff appearance in five seasons.

The offense enjoyed the emergence and resurgence of 28-year old SS Rafael De La Cruz (.320/.397/.449, 15 HR, 65 RBI, 68 BB, 15 SB, 4.8 WAR) and 28-year old LF Rizalino Ringor (.302/.451/.454, 13 HR, 58 RBI, 124 BB, 6 SB, 4.1 WAR) respectively. Ringor enjoyed a fantastic 1943-44 season with the Wolseley Unions (5.6 WAR) before leaving to serve in the Braeland Armed Forces in World War II. Returning in time for the 1945-46 season, he struggled to regain his form before being traded to Embro in August 1948. Last season was his best in years (3.8 WAR) and he continued to improve this season.

The pitching rotation is developing a sturdy top three. 31-year old RHP Aaron Saunderson (19-12, 3.29ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 122 ERA+) enjoyed a nice bounce-back season, while 25-year old LHP Carl McBroom (14-7, 3.31 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 122 ERA+) and 31-year old LHP Arthur Bence (15-13, 3.35 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 120 ERA+) provided able support.

Biggest Surprise:

28-year old SS Rafael De La Cruz was signed by the Suns as free agent out of Columbia with high hopes that he would develop into one of the top shortstops in the ULB. That did not happen in his first four seasons, but it appears his fifth year is the charm. De La Cruz earned his first selection to the All-Star Game this year and finished in the Top 3 in singles (143) and stolen bases (15). If he can just shore up his wobbly defense (.947 PCT, 4.52 RNG, -6.8 ZR, .957 EFF, 34 E), then he should become the complete player Embro was banking on when they signed him.

Noteworthy:

March 18 – 36-year old 1B Jim Friend (.277/.393/.442, 18 HR, 92 RBI, 91 BB, 3.0 WAR) joined elite company in the ULB, becoming the 8th player to reach 2000 hits. He follows Cambria Cannons 2B Wenceslas Jasmin, who reached the milestone back in January. Friend went 2 for 3 with 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB in Embro’s 9-5 win over the Stratford Barons. Facing the Barons’ RHP Alberto León, Friend got his 2000th hit when he singled for the second time in the game, driving in the 5th run of Embro’s decisive 6th inning that broke open a 1-1 tie.

Current Injuries:

March 23 – LHP Carl McBroom – neck stiffness. Out for: DtD; one more day.

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A disastrous February ultimately sunk the Cobourg Red Stockings, as the club fell from first to fourth place. Although they recovered in March and held onto the wild card with four games to go, they dropped 3 of 4 games to Embro, handing the Suns the wild card. It’s the second time in four years that they have come up a win short of ending their playoff drought (they finished one game back of the Brunswick Legends in 1946-47). Although their 83-71 record is their best mark yet, it’s providing little comfort considering how Cobourg was in the driver’s seat and squandered it.

The reason for the collapse is no mystery, as the pitching staff faltered down the stretch. However, 30-year old RHP Luis Cruz (15-11, 2.98 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 135 ERA+) enjoyed his second solid season as Cobourg’s ace, winning his first All-Star selection. And 22-year old LHP Bill Budd (19-12, 3.15 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 128 ERA+) is on the cusp of stardom.

Their offense has long been their calling card and this season was no different. 24-year old CF Raymond Williams (.328/.418/.576, 30 HR, 121 RBI, 88 BB, 12 SB, 8.1 WAR) enjoyed another sensational season where he finished in the Top 5 in twelve offensive categories. Remarkably he is rated only the second-best centerfield and position player in the United Leagues, as Downie’s CF Alfonso León topped all players this season. But he wasn’t the only one, as 25-year old 1B Harry Doxey (.347/.388/.513, 16 HR, 105 RBI, 48 BB, 5.6 WAR) enjoyed his best season yet and is second only to Brunswick’s Stuart Bentham as the top first baseman in the ULB.

Biggest Surprise:

29-year old 3B Alexander Tolmie (.334/.421/.525, 24 HR, 101 RBI, 91 BB, 6.7 WAR) has often been the forgotten member of Cobourg’s offense the past couple of seasons. Selected first overall back in 1942-43, Tolmie appeared to be on the cusp of great things when he put up 5.5 WAR in 1947-48, his fourth season in the bigs. But he inexplicably regressed the following year. But this season he broke out of his funk and earned his first All-Star selection in three years. He is the top-rated third baseman in the United Leagues, ahead of Brunswick’s Jorge Arrendondo.

Player of the Week Awards:

February 26 – CF Raymond Williams (.480, 12 H, 3 HR, 12 RBI)

Noteworthy:

February 11 – 22-year old LHP Bill Budd (19-12, 3.15 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 128 ERA+) delivered what proved to be the second-best pitching performance in the United Leagues this season when he 1-hit the Kingston Pelicans, leading his team to a 6-0 victory. Budd went 9 innings, giving up just a lone single to SS Charlie Cockin with two out in the 8th inning. His game score was 89. Just nine days later, Nicky Sherlock of the Fort Richmond Generals would surpass it with a score of 90.

March 4 – The Red Stockings had a field day against the Queensland Eagles, defeating them 12-4 on 17 hits in the Eagles’ home park. Five of those hits came off the bat of 29-year old SS John Medley (.316/.395/.422, 5 HR, 62 RBI, 82 BB, 26 SB, 3.7 WAR) who went 5 for 6 with 2 R on the day. Cobourg’s lead-off hitter singled in the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 6th innings, tripled in the 8th and grounded out in the 9th.

Current Injuries:

March 3 – RHP Ramón Ortíz – torn UCL. Out for: 5-6 more months.
March 16 – 2B Gijsbert Jacobse – strained oblique. Out for: Dtd, one more week.
March 22 – RHP Fergus Hirst – bicep tendinitis. Out for: One more week.

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The Brunswick Legends continue to progress, enjoying their first winning record in four seasons and their best mark since 1946-47, when they also won 82 games and reached the playoffs. Although they started off quick in October and November, boasting the best record in the ULB, they could not keep it up despite adding some veteran arms before the trade deadline. But their farm system is getting stronger (4th overall) and they have some fine players on the roster. But with their top players now in their thirties and an overall lackluster pitching staff, it’s hard seeing them returning to being the dominant team they once were anytime soon.

Outside of a few young pitchers, the Legends’ staff is rather non-descript. 23-year old RHP Kent Dundon (15-13, 3.95 ERA, 1.69 WHIP, 103 ERA+) won back-to-back Pitcher of the Month honors in December/January but really struggled after that, going 1-7, 5.61 ERA, 1.97 WHIP in his final 10 starts. On the other hand, 23-year old Mhelter Pilapil (13-9, 3.95 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 103 ERA+) bounced back from a rough January (0-3, 6.11 ERA) with a 5-0, 3.92 ERA February. If both can find some consistency, then Brunswick might crash the playoff party next season. In the bullpen, 29-year old RHP Lao Chen (11-3, 15 SV, 2.76 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 147 ERA+) stands alone. Chen has quickly established himself as one of the best relievers/stoppers in the United Leagues in just his second season. The Tiawanese Chen signed a minor league contract with Brunswick back in 1947.

The stalwarts on offense remain the same. 34-year old 1B Stuart Bentham (.348/.442/.554, 27 HR, 97 RBI, 95 BB, 6.0 WAR) still ranks as the top-rated first baseman in the ULB. Although 29-year old 3B Jorge Arredondo (.285/.385/.440, 21 HR, 87 RBI, 97 BB, 15 SB, 5.4 WAR) was not quite the force he was last year, he’s rated behind only Cobourg’s Alexander Tolmie among second basemen. The No. 1 right-fielder in the United Leagues, 30-year old RF Marcus Peyto (.291/.392/.507, 24 HR, 93 RBI, 92 BB, 4.2 WAR), enjoyed a nice bounce-back season.

Biggest Surprise:

Acquired in the off-season in a trade that saw 34-year old LHP Anastasio Rodríguez shipped out to Wolseley, 23-year old rookie C Armando López (.256/.386/.356, 4 HR, 61 RBI, 87 BB, 3.3 WAR) was not expected to start the season off with the big club. But Brunswick must have liked what they saw in spring training, as they moved the non-roster invite onto their 25-man roster and he never looked back. Soon, veteran C 34-year old Maurice Evans was traded to Wellington and López was entrenched as their everyday catcher. In return, the Legends got their strongest performance from the position since Evans’ 1945-46 season. López has great strike zone recognition, a quick bat and decent defensive skills. It will be interesting to see how he progresses from here on out.

Player of the Week Awards:

February 12 – RF Marcus Peyto (.375, 9 H, 3 HR, 9 RBI)
March 12 – 1B Stuart Bentham (.462, 12 H, 3 HR, 10 RBI)

Current Injuries:

February 1 – RHP Kelvin Hutchinson – torn UCL. Out for: 7 more weeks.

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It’s telling just how mediocre the Eastern League was this season when the Stratford Barons, who ranked from 6th to 8th in no less than 16 batting and pitching categories (last place in nine categories alone), still managed to finish the season with a winning record and just 6 games out of a playoff spot. The Barons gave up slightly more runs (760) than they scored (753) and hovered around the .500-mark all season. But the fact remains, this is a team that is getting long in the tooth and things will probably get worse before they get better. The Barons have the 5th strongest farm system, but I’m not sure if it’s strong enough to fill the many holes on the roster that will soon appear.

The stalwarts on the team mostly had down years, especially pitchers 42-year old LHP Ryan Borden (5-14, 4.68 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 86 ERA+) and 40-year old LHP Joel Fearn (16-11, 4.23 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 95 ERA+), and at their age, it doesn’t appear that’s a trend that will change. Even 31-year old C Aaron Skidmore (.256/.420/.408, 14 HR, 86 RBI, 126 BB, 5.2 WAR) had a down year and 27-year old LF Roberto Ríos (.254/.386/.359, 8 HR, 49 RBI, 110 BB, 11 SB, 3.4 WAR) regressed for the third straight year, after earning 8.1 WAR back in 1947-48. Only 38-year old 2B Jake Walker (.351/.465/.465, 7 HR, 86 RBI, 112 BB, 5.3 WAR) maintained his level of excellence at the plate, winning his first Eastern League Batting Title.

Biggest Surprise:

But there is optimism for this team for sure. 24-year old RHP Magtanggol Jaojoco (20-12, 3.83 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 105 ERA+) is shaping up to become Stratford’s ace of the future. But 21-year old rookie CF Sherwin Carasig (.301/.360/.445, 11 HR, 91 RBI, 52 BB, 2.8 WAR) made others stand up and take notice when he made the team out of spring training and looked comfortable at the plate all season long while acclimating himself in centerfield. His hard work paid off when he was recognized as Rookie of the Month in March.

Current Injuries:

February 28 – LHP Ryan Borden – Biceps strain. Out for: 1-2 more weeks.

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The Wellington Athletics may have been a team that was treated cruelly by fate this season (their Pyt. Rec. this season was 86-68, a difference of -12), but they did themselves no favors by slumping badly in both January and March (a combined 16-32) and effectively eliminated themselves from the wild card chase in a very evenly matched East. One step they can take to improve is being more competitive on the road next season. They were a lousy 29-48, the second-worst road record in the United Leagues (Pulberry was 27-50).

But a look at the individual parts makes one believe that Wellington’s future should be much rosier. Despite not having any elite pitchers, the pitching staff led the East in a slew of categories, getting solid performances out of 24-year old RHP Bert Morrow (11-9, 3.26 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 122 ERA+), 26-year old RHP Troy Conlin (12-12, 3.45 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 115 ERA+) and 28-year old RHP Wilfried Schop (12-8, 3.02 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 131 ERA+). And now with 30-year old veteran RHP Ian Peter (14-13, 3.56 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 114 ERA+) on board since a trade in late January, the staff should continue their steady ways next season.

The offense was uneven throughout the season, but that was mostly due to youth and inexperience in the lineup. The Athletics have a core of young talent that should soon rival anything the best teams in the United Leagues have to offer. Former first-overall pick 23-year old LF Matthew Floyd (.312/.369/.553, 30 HR, 113 RBI, 54 BB, 11 SB, 6.7 WAR) is a superstar in just his second season and sophomore 23-year old C Declan Bugbie (.317/.351/.489, 15 HR, 109 RBI, 30 BB, 5.2 WAR) is an all-star himself. Add the incredible rookie season by 25-year old CF Jim Mars (.325/.395/.481, 12 HR, 82 RBI, 66 BB, 5.2 WAR) who got stronger as the season wore on and the promise shown by 23-year old rookie RF Wayne Emmert (.239/.316/.356, 7 HR, 53 RBI, 50 BB, 1.3 WAR) and it’s not hard to predict great things for this ball club going forward.

Biggest Surprise:

Second-year 2B Vaiga Bultarro (.300/.354/.434, 8 HR, 78 RBI, 46 BB, 4.0 WAR) made his mark in the United Leagues this season, just two years after signing with the Athletics out of American Samoa. Although the 24-year old slumped towards the end of the season, Wellington should be set at second base for years to come. Bultarro is an above average batter where consistent contact should be his calling card. He is blessed with phenomenal speed (70-70-75) and was outstanding in the field this season (.988 PCT, 5.75 RNG, +10.0 ZR, 1.037 EFF).

Noteworthy:

February 12 – He may be only a rookie, but CF Jim Mars has already made quite an impression in the United Leagues, earning his first selection to the All-Star Game and picking up Rookie of the Month honors for February. He also put the longest hitting streak of the season, going 23 games. It ended when he went 0-3 with 1 BB against the Balmoral Giants. Nevertheless, the Athletics prevailed 3-1.

Current Injuries:

February 24 – RHP Gavin Duckering – oblique strain. Out for: one more week.

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After six months of baseball, it’s safe to say that the road to the United Cup will not run through Braeland City this season. General Manager Adam Trelawny’s attempt to try and patch up a troubled pitching staff with a 44-year old Satchel Paige (11-16, 4.11 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 98 ERA+) for another playoff run proved to be short-sighted and merely delayed the inevitable. Trelawny began the tear-down before the trade deadline, but he is largely left with a team that is blessed with an abundance of talent in the lineup and a dearth of quality arms.

30-year old RHP Okura Suzuki (16-11, 3.90 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 104 ERA+) is a two-time all-star but is not someone you want to anchor a rotation long-term. The only young arms in the organization with any promise are two raw rookies: 23-year old RHP Taylor Folkard (4-2, 5.30 ERA, 1.85 WHIP, 77 ERA+) and 24-year old RHP Danilo Narvaez (4-4, 5.73 ERA, 1.81 WHIP, 71 ERA+). Monarchs fans can only hope that they both get acclimated to the major leagues next season. Folkard was a 16th overall pick in 1949-50 and Narvaez was drafted in the second round back in 1945-46.

But the offense is much, much stronger. In fact, many of the players got stronger as the season wore on rather than fading. 28-year old C Christopher Dainty (.342/.444/.528, 16 HR, 79 RBI, 83 BB, 7.0 WAR) enjoyed the best season of his 6-year career and is the top-rated catcher in the United Leagues today. 25-year old 2B Patrick Lidgate’s (.301/.381/.541, 28 HR, 100 RBI, 75 BB, 7 SB, 6.7 WAR) season was a carbon copy of last year. Meanwhile, both 27-year old 1B Dean Witherden (.333/.378/.503, 22 HR, 78 RBI, 44 BB, 4.4 WAR) and 29-year old SS Simon Flatt (.270/.359/.422, 13 HR, 68 RBI, 73 BB, 3.3 WAR) continue to improve steadily each season.

Biggest Surprise:

26-year old LF Jesús Rodríguez (.314/.393/.541, 19 HR, 72 RBI, 45 BB, 10 SB, 4.1 WAR) spent two seasons as a depth player with the Fort Richmond Generals but the Monarchs were shrewd to give him a chance to start on a regular basis when they traded for him in late December. But it’s fair to say that Rodríguez surpassed even the most optimistic predictions of his impact on the team. The former 2nd-round pick hit the ground running and is rated 3rd overall among all leftfielders. He is now batting cleanup, between Patrick Lidgate and Christopher Dainty. Not bad for a one-time fourth outfielder.

Noteworthy:

February 18 – It just wasn’t the Cobourg Red Stockings’ day, as the Monarchs pummelled them 11-0 and outhit them 22-4. Collecting 5 of those 22 hits was LF Jesús Rodríguez who went 5 for 6, with 2 R and 2 RBI. Rodríguez singled in the 1st, hit an RBI single in the 2nd, doubled in the 4th, flied out in the 6th, hit a solo-shot off RHP Max Dunston and singled in the 9th.

Player of the Week Awards:

February 19 – LF Jesús Rodríguez (.520, 13 H, 2 HR, 8 RBI)
March 19 – SS Simon Flatt (.520, 13 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI)

Current Injuries:

January 4 – RHP Freddie Trerise – torn elbow ligament. Out for: 4-5 more months.

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The Queensland Eagles ended the season with a whimper, but last-place finishes could soon be in the rear view mirror if all their young prospects fully develop. They don’t seem to have quite the bevy of young talent as Wellington or even Braeland City has, but it seems the real issue is that their young pitchers are not blossoming as they should or could be.

The pitching was stronger overall than the lineup was, but there is still a lot of room for improvement. 25-year old RHP Logan Belsey (10-18, 4.33 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 92 ERA+) set some impressive records but took a step back in his third full season. More on him a little later. Supporting him is 23-year old RHP Stiofan Micklethwait (11-15, 3.47 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, 115 ERA+), who made some modest gains this season. Both are former first-round picks and any future success the Eagles have will rest with them.

On offense, Queensland is looking to a pair of rookies to become the heart of the lineup: 24-year old 1B Ryan Conisford (.297/.353/.460, 22 HR, 91 RBI, 52 BB, 3.7 WAR) and 25-year old LF Rod Dennis (.325/.374/.492, 13 HR, 55 RBI, 37 BB, 3.0 WAR). Both enjoyed outstanding rookie campaigns, but they will need reinforcements if Queensland’s offence is going to lift the team out of the basement.

Biggest Disappointment:

RHP Logan Belsey (59/76) has quickly established himself as a strike-out artist with four outstanding pitchers: fastball (55/60), curveball (50/60), changeup (70/70) and sinker (60/65). He has the stuff (55/60), movement (65/70), control (40/55) and stamina (70) to be an ace in this league. He set a new record for strikeouts (as noted below) as well as strikeouts per 9 IP (6.56) beating the old mark of 5.75 set by Hespeler Stars’ Larry Kovnats last season. So why is he struggling so much? His FIP is 3.37 and BABIP is .287 so there doesn’t appear to be any red flags there. But from his 92 ERA+ mark, he is definitely pitching below the average. He gave up 167 walks, which is high, but not extreme for this league. Perhaps he’s still working on his control. If he can get a handle on that, then he may finally become the dominant pitcher the Eagles hoped he would be.

Noteworthy:

February 27 – Although he didn’t get the win, his achievement came in a 15-inning epic that saw the Eagles finally prevail 6-5 over the mighty Wolseley Unions. RHP Logan Belsey went 8.0 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 9 K on 142 PI. With his 9 strikeouts, Belsey surpassed the old mark of 173, set by Oscar Burruss back in 1941-42. The record was set when he struck out 1B Wen-huan Liu in the 8th inning for his 9th and final strikeout on the day.

Current Injuries:

March 5 – CF Zak Kidd – strained oblique. Out for: DtD, 5 more days.
March 7 – RHP Bartolo Sánchez – shoulder inflammation. Out for: 4 more months.

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03-22-2019, 10:50 PM	#491
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,864	March 26, 1951 Eastern League: Chiefs, Suns Playoff Bound -------- It was a tale of two halves for the Downie Chiefs, as the team struggled to a 38-43 record from October to December, then went 49-24 the rest of the way to take top spot in the East for the second year in a row. They were easily the hottest team in the United Leagues over the final three months, with the Fort Richmond Generals next with 44 wins. Downie’s offensive leaders remained the same, but they both reached stratospheric heights this season. 25-year old CF Alfonso León (.342/.407/.611, 32 HR, 126 RBI, 71 BB, 6 SB, 9.7 WAR) enjoyed perhaps the greatest season ever by a player in the history of the United Leagues, surpassing the single-season WAR mark of 9.31 originally set by Kingston’s Danny Trowbridge in 1945-46. He also set a new season record for Total Bases with 366. The old mark of 361 was held by Hall of Fame member Okura Ito, achieved back in 1938-39. In all, León led the Eastern League in seven offensive categories and finished second in three others. But 25-year old 2B Dominic Dudding (.335/.423/.559, 23 HR, 109 RBI, 87 BB, 6 SB, 8.1 WAR) was no slouch either, leading the East in Runs (119) and second only to León in WAR. With León and Dudding batting 3rd and 4th in the lineup respectively, they comprise the most formidable one-two punch in the United Leagues today. *Biggest Surprise:* When Downie’s ace 28-year old RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (9-11, 2.87 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 137 ERA+) was lost to injury back in January, the Chiefs called upon 28-year old RHP Virgil de Gilde (11-5, 3.40 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 116 ERA+) to take his place. de Gilde performed admirably in his time in the rotation, going 4-0, 2.76 ERA, 1.39 WHIP in February alone. It was a sweet ride for the journeyman pitcher, who has spent most of his time in the minor leagues. Originally signed out of The Netherlands by the Queensland Eagles to a minor league contract in May 1939, de Gilde was once rated No. 27 overall among prospects in the ULB as late as October 1945, but was never able to stick with a major league club. Although a member of the 1946-47 United Cup Champion Queensland Eagles, he saw his greatest major league action after he was claimed off waivers by the Embro Suns in June 1947. Starting 27 games that season, he went 11-11, 5.20 ERA, 1.61 WHIP, 81 ERA+. Returning to the minor leagues, he eventually signed on with the Downie Chiefs in April 1950. Selected in the Rule 5 draft by the Fort Richmond Generals in June of that year, he was returned to the Chiefs in October before getting his break this past January. Unfortunately, de Gilde will not be on the Chiefs’ playoff roster, as they have stuck with 35-year old RHP Harley Bracher (8-13, 5.04 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, 78 ERA+), for reasons that are not clear to me. *Player of the Week Awards:* February 5 – 2B Dominic Dudding (.571, 12 H, 1 HR, 8 RBI, 6 R) March 5 – CF Alfonso León (.440, 11 H, 3 HR, 6 RBI) *Current Injuries:* None. -------- The Embro Suns remained within striking distance of a playoff spot all season long and made their push in the final two months. Facing the Cobourg Red Stockings in a critical four-game road series to end the season, the Suns lost the first game 4-3 to fall two games back of Cobourg for the wild card. But Embro came storming back to take the last three games (7-6, 5-4 and 6-2) to capture their first playoff appearance in five seasons. The offense enjoyed the emergence and resurgence of 28-year old SS Rafael De La Cruz (.320/.397/.449, 15 HR, 65 RBI, 68 BB, 15 SB, 4.8 WAR) and 28-year old LF Rizalino Ringor (.302/.451/.454, 13 HR, 58 RBI, 124 BB, 6 SB, 4.1 WAR) respectively. Ringor enjoyed a fantastic 1943-44 season with the Wolseley Unions (5.6 WAR) before leaving to serve in the Braeland Armed Forces in World War II. Returning in time for the 1945-46 season, he struggled to regain his form before being traded to Embro in August 1948. Last season was his best in years (3.8 WAR) and he continued to improve this season. The pitching rotation is developing a sturdy top three. 31-year old RHP Aaron Saunderson (19-12, 3.29ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 122 ERA+) enjoyed a nice bounce-back season, while 25-year old LHP Carl McBroom (14-7, 3.31 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 122 ERA+) and 31-year old LHP Arthur Bence (15-13, 3.35 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 120 ERA+) provided able support. *Biggest Surprise:* 28-year old SS Rafael De La Cruz was signed by the Suns as free agent out of Columbia with high hopes that he would develop into one of the top shortstops in the ULB. That did not happen in his first four seasons, but it appears his fifth year is the charm. De La Cruz earned his first selection to the All-Star Game this year and finished in the Top 3 in singles (143) and stolen bases (15). If he can just shore up his wobbly defense (.947 PCT, 4.52 RNG, -6.8 ZR, .957 EFF, 34 E), then he should become the complete player Embro was banking on when they signed him. *Noteworthy:* March 18 – 36-year old 1B Jim Friend (.277/.393/.442, 18 HR, 92 RBI, 91 BB, 3.0 WAR) joined elite company in the ULB, becoming the 8th player to reach 2000 hits. He follows Cambria Cannons 2B Wenceslas Jasmin, who reached the milestone back in January. Friend went 2 for 3 with 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB in Embro’s 9-5 win over the Stratford Barons. Facing the Barons’ RHP Alberto León, Friend got his 2000th hit when he singled for the second time in the game, driving in the 5th run of Embro’s decisive 6th inning that broke open a 1-1 tie. *Current Injuries:* March 23 – LHP Carl McBroom – neck stiffness. Out for: DtD; one more day. -------- A disastrous February ultimately sunk the Cobourg Red Stockings, as the club fell from first to fourth place. Although they recovered in March and held onto the wild card with four games to go, they dropped 3 of 4 games to Embro, handing the Suns the wild card. It’s the second time in four years that they have come up a win short of ending their playoff drought (they finished one game back of the Brunswick Legends in 1946-47). Although their 83-71 record is their best mark yet, it’s providing little comfort considering how Cobourg was in the driver’s seat and squandered it. The reason for the collapse is no mystery, as the pitching staff faltered down the stretch. However, 30-year old RHP Luis Cruz (15-11, 2.98 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 135 ERA+) enjoyed his second solid season as Cobourg’s ace, winning his first All-Star selection. And 22-year old LHP Bill Budd (19-12, 3.15 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 128 ERA+) is on the cusp of stardom. Their offense has long been their calling card and this season was no different. 24-year old CF Raymond Williams (.328/.418/.576, 30 HR, 121 RBI, 88 BB, 12 SB, 8.1 WAR) enjoyed another sensational season where he finished in the Top 5 in twelve offensive categories. Remarkably he is rated only the second-best centerfield and position player in the United Leagues, as Downie’s CF Alfonso León topped all players this season. But he wasn’t the only one, as 25-year old 1B Harry Doxey (.347/.388/.513, 16 HR, 105 RBI, 48 BB, 5.6 WAR) enjoyed his best season yet and is second only to Brunswick’s Stuart Bentham as the top first baseman in the ULB. *Biggest Surprise:* 29-year old 3B Alexander Tolmie (.334/.421/.525, 24 HR, 101 RBI, 91 BB, 6.7 WAR) has often been the forgotten member of Cobourg’s offense the past couple of seasons. Selected first overall back in 1942-43, Tolmie appeared to be on the cusp of great things when he put up 5.5 WAR in 1947-48, his fourth season in the bigs. But he inexplicably regressed the following year. But this season he broke out of his funk and earned his first All-Star selection in three years. He is the top-rated third baseman in the United Leagues, ahead of Brunswick’s Jorge Arrendondo. *Player of the Week Awards:* February 26 – CF Raymond Williams (.480, 12 H, 3 HR, 12 RBI) *Noteworthy:* February 11 – 22-year old LHP Bill Budd (19-12, 3.15 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 128 ERA+) delivered what proved to be the second-best pitching performance in the United Leagues this season when he 1-hit the Kingston Pelicans, leading his team to a 6-0 victory. Budd went 9 innings, giving up just a lone single to SS Charlie Cockin with two out in the 8th inning. His game score was 89. Just nine days later, Nicky Sherlock of the Fort Richmond Generals would surpass it with a score of 90. March 4 – The Red Stockings had a field day against the Queensland Eagles, defeating them 12-4 on 17 hits in the Eagles’ home park. Five of those hits came off the bat of 29-year old SS John Medley (.316/.395/.422, 5 HR, 62 RBI, 82 BB, 26 SB, 3.7 WAR) who went 5 for 6 with 2 R on the day. Cobourg’s lead-off hitter singled in the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 6th innings, tripled in the 8th and grounded out in the 9th. *Current Injuries:* March 3 – RHP Ramón Ortíz – torn UCL. Out for: 5-6 more months. March 16 – 2B Gijsbert Jacobse – strained oblique. Out for: Dtd, one more week. March 22 – RHP Fergus Hirst – bicep tendinitis. Out for: One more week. -------- The Brunswick Legends continue to progress, enjoying their first winning record in four seasons and their best mark since 1946-47, when they also won 82 games and reached the playoffs. Although they started off quick in October and November, boasting the best record in the ULB, they could not keep it up despite adding some veteran arms before the trade deadline. But their farm system is getting stronger (4th overall) and they have some fine players on the roster. But with their top players now in their thirties and an overall lackluster pitching staff, it’s hard seeing them returning to being the dominant team they once were anytime soon. Outside of a few young pitchers, the Legends’ staff is rather non-descript. 23-year old RHP Kent Dundon (15-13, 3.95 ERA, 1.69 WHIP, 103 ERA+) won back-to-back Pitcher of the Month honors in December/January but really struggled after that, going 1-7, 5.61 ERA, 1.97 WHIP in his final 10 starts. On the other hand, 23-year old Mhelter Pilapil (13-9, 3.95 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 103 ERA+) bounced back from a rough January (0-3, 6.11 ERA) with a 5-0, 3.92 ERA February. If both can find some consistency, then Brunswick might crash the playoff party next season. In the bullpen, 29-year old RHP Lao Chen (11-3, 15 SV, 2.76 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 147 ERA+) stands alone. Chen has quickly established himself as one of the best relievers/stoppers in the United Leagues in just his second season. The Tiawanese Chen signed a minor league contract with Brunswick back in 1947. The stalwarts on offense remain the same. 34-year old 1B Stuart Bentham (.348/.442/.554, 27 HR, 97 RBI, 95 BB, 6.0 WAR) still ranks as the top-rated first baseman in the ULB. Although 29-year old 3B Jorge Arredondo (.285/.385/.440, 21 HR, 87 RBI, 97 BB, 15 SB, 5.4 WAR) was not quite the force he was last year, he’s rated behind only Cobourg’s Alexander Tolmie among second basemen. The No. 1 right-fielder in the United Leagues, 30-year old RF Marcus Peyto (.291/.392/.507, 24 HR, 93 RBI, 92 BB, 4.2 WAR), enjoyed a nice bounce-back season. *Biggest Surprise:* Acquired in the off-season in a trade that saw 34-year old LHP Anastasio Rodríguez shipped out to Wolseley, 23-year old rookie C Armando López (.256/.386/.356, 4 HR, 61 RBI, 87 BB, 3.3 WAR) was not expected to start the season off with the big club. But Brunswick must have liked what they saw in spring training, as they moved the non-roster invite onto their 25-man roster and he never looked back. Soon, veteran C 34-year old Maurice Evans was traded to Wellington and López was entrenched as their everyday catcher. In return, the Legends got their strongest performance from the position since Evans’ 1945-46 season. López has great strike zone recognition, a quick bat and decent defensive skills. It will be interesting to see how he progresses from here on out. *Player of the Week Awards:* February 12 – RF Marcus Peyto (.375, 9 H, 3 HR, 9 RBI) March 12 – 1B Stuart Bentham (.462, 12 H, 3 HR, 10 RBI) *Current Injuries:* February 1 – RHP Kelvin Hutchinson – torn UCL. Out for: 7 more weeks. -------- It’s telling just how mediocre the Eastern League was this season when the Stratford Barons, who ranked from 6th to 8th in no less than 16 batting and pitching categories (last place in nine categories alone), still managed to finish the season with a winning record and just 6 games out of a playoff spot. The Barons gave up slightly more runs (760) than they scored (753) and hovered around the .500-mark all season. But the fact remains, this is a team that is getting long in the tooth and things will probably get worse before they get better. The Barons have the 5th strongest farm system, but I’m not sure if it’s strong enough to fill the many holes on the roster that will soon appear. The stalwarts on the team mostly had down years, especially pitchers 42-year old LHP Ryan Borden (5-14, 4.68 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 86 ERA+) and 40-year old LHP Joel Fearn (16-11, 4.23 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 95 ERA+), and at their age, it doesn’t appear that’s a trend that will change. Even 31-year old C Aaron Skidmore (.256/.420/.408, 14 HR, 86 RBI, 126 BB, 5.2 WAR) had a down year and 27-year old LF Roberto Ríos (.254/.386/.359, 8 HR, 49 RBI, 110 BB, 11 SB, 3.4 WAR) regressed for the third straight year, after earning 8.1 WAR back in 1947-48. Only 38-year old 2B Jake Walker (.351/.465/.465, 7 HR, 86 RBI, 112 BB, 5.3 WAR) maintained his level of excellence at the plate, winning his first Eastern League Batting Title. *Biggest Surprise:* But there is optimism for this team for sure. 24-year old RHP Magtanggol Jaojoco (20-12, 3.83 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 105 ERA+) is shaping up to become Stratford’s ace of the future. But 21-year old rookie CF Sherwin Carasig (.301/.360/.445, 11 HR, 91 RBI, 52 BB, 2.8 WAR) made others stand up and take notice when he made the team out of spring training and looked comfortable at the plate all season long while acclimating himself in centerfield. His hard work paid off when he was recognized as Rookie of the Month in March. *Current Injuries:* February 28 – LHP Ryan Borden – Biceps strain. Out for: 1-2 more weeks. -------- The Wellington Athletics may have been a team that was treated cruelly by fate this season (their Pyt. Rec. this season was 86-68, a difference of -12), but they did themselves no favors by slumping badly in both January and March (a combined 16-32) and effectively eliminated themselves from the wild card chase in a very evenly matched East. One step they can take to improve is being more competitive on the road next season. They were a lousy 29-48, the second-worst road record in the United Leagues (Pulberry was 27-50). But a look at the individual parts makes one believe that Wellington’s future should be much rosier. Despite not having any elite pitchers, the pitching staff led the East in a slew of categories, getting solid performances out of 24-year old RHP Bert Morrow (11-9, 3.26 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 122 ERA+), 26-year old RHP Troy Conlin (12-12, 3.45 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 115 ERA+) and 28-year old RHP Wilfried Schop (12-8, 3.02 ERA, 1.25 WHIP, 131 ERA+). And now with 30-year old veteran RHP Ian Peter (14-13, 3.56 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, 114 ERA+) on board since a trade in late January, the staff should continue their steady ways next season. The offense was uneven throughout the season, but that was mostly due to youth and inexperience in the lineup. The Athletics have a core of young talent that should soon rival anything the best teams in the United Leagues have to offer. Former first-overall pick 23-year old LF Matthew Floyd (.312/.369/.553, 30 HR, 113 RBI, 54 BB, 11 SB, 6.7 WAR) is a superstar in just his second season and sophomore 23-year old C Declan Bugbie (.317/.351/.489, 15 HR, 109 RBI, 30 BB, 5.2 WAR) is an all-star himself. Add the incredible rookie season by 25-year old CF Jim Mars (.325/.395/.481, 12 HR, 82 RBI, 66 BB, 5.2 WAR) who got stronger as the season wore on and the promise shown by 23-year old rookie RF Wayne Emmert (.239/.316/.356, 7 HR, 53 RBI, 50 BB, 1.3 WAR) and it’s not hard to predict great things for this ball club going forward. *Biggest Surprise:* Second-year 2B Vaiga Bultarro (.300/.354/.434, 8 HR, 78 RBI, 46 BB, 4.0 WAR) made his mark in the United Leagues this season, just two years after signing with the Athletics out of American Samoa. Although the 24-year old slumped towards the end of the season, Wellington should be set at second base for years to come. Bultarro is an above average batter where consistent contact should be his calling card. He is blessed with phenomenal speed (70-70-75) and was outstanding in the field this season (.988 PCT, 5.75 RNG, +10.0 ZR, 1.037 EFF). *Noteworthy:* February 12 – He may be only a rookie, but CF Jim Mars has already made quite an impression in the United Leagues, earning his first selection to the All-Star Game and picking up Rookie of the Month honors for February. He also put the longest hitting streak of the season, going 23 games. It ended when he went 0-3 with 1 BB against the Balmoral Giants. Nevertheless, the Athletics prevailed 3-1. *Current Injuries:* February 24 – RHP Gavin Duckering – oblique strain. Out for: one more week. -------- After six months of baseball, it’s safe to say that the road to the United Cup will not run through Braeland City this season. General Manager Adam Trelawny’s attempt to try and patch up a troubled pitching staff with a 44-year old Satchel Paige (11-16, 4.11 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 98 ERA+) for another playoff run proved to be short-sighted and merely delayed the inevitable. Trelawny began the tear-down before the trade deadline, but he is largely left with a team that is blessed with an abundance of talent in the lineup and a dearth of quality arms. 30-year old RHP Okura Suzuki (16-11, 3.90 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 104 ERA+) is a two-time all-star but is not someone you want to anchor a rotation long-term. The only young arms in the organization with any promise are two raw rookies: 23-year old RHP Taylor Folkard (4-2, 5.30 ERA, 1.85 WHIP, 77 ERA+) and 24-year old RHP Danilo Narvaez (4-4, 5.73 ERA, 1.81 WHIP, 71 ERA+). Monarchs fans can only hope that they both get acclimated to the major leagues next season. Folkard was a 16th overall pick in 1949-50 and Narvaez was drafted in the second round back in 1945-46. But the offense is much, much stronger. In fact, many of the players got stronger as the season wore on rather than fading. 28-year old C Christopher Dainty (.342/.444/.528, 16 HR, 79 RBI, 83 BB, 7.0 WAR) enjoyed the best season of his 6-year career and is the top-rated catcher in the United Leagues today. 25-year old 2B Patrick Lidgate’s (.301/.381/.541, 28 HR, 100 RBI, 75 BB, 7 SB, 6.7 WAR) season was a carbon copy of last year. Meanwhile, both 27-year old 1B Dean Witherden (.333/.378/.503, 22 HR, 78 RBI, 44 BB, 4.4 WAR) and 29-year old SS Simon Flatt (.270/.359/.422, 13 HR, 68 RBI, 73 BB, 3.3 WAR) continue to improve steadily each season. *Biggest Surprise:* 26-year old LF Jesús Rodríguez (.314/.393/.541, 19 HR, 72 RBI, 45 BB, 10 SB, 4.1 WAR) spent two seasons as a depth player with the Fort Richmond Generals but the Monarchs were shrewd to give him a chance to start on a regular basis when they traded for him in late December. But it’s fair to say that Rodríguez surpassed even the most optimistic predictions of his impact on the team. The former 2nd-round pick hit the ground running and is rated 3rd overall among all leftfielders. He is now batting cleanup, between Patrick Lidgate and Christopher Dainty. Not bad for a one-time fourth outfielder. *Noteworthy:* February 18 – It just wasn’t the Cobourg Red Stockings’ day, as the Monarchs pummelled them 11-0 and outhit them 22-4. Collecting 5 of those 22 hits was LF Jesús Rodríguez who went 5 for 6, with 2 R and 2 RBI. Rodríguez singled in the 1st, hit an RBI single in the 2nd, doubled in the 4th, flied out in the 6th, hit a solo-shot off RHP Max Dunston and singled in the 9th. *Player of the Week Awards:* February 19 – LF Jesús Rodríguez (.520, 13 H, 2 HR, 8 RBI) March 19 – SS Simon Flatt (.520, 13 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI) *Current Injuries:* January 4 – RHP Freddie Trerise – torn elbow ligament. Out for: 4-5 more months. -------- The Queensland Eagles ended the season with a whimper, but last-place finishes could soon be in the rear view mirror if all their young prospects fully develop. They don’t seem to have quite the bevy of young talent as Wellington or even Braeland City has, but it seems the real issue is that their young pitchers are not blossoming as they should or could be. The pitching was stronger overall than the lineup was, but there is still a lot of room for improvement. 25-year old RHP Logan Belsey (10-18, 4.33 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 92 ERA+) set some impressive records but took a step back in his third full season. More on him a little later. Supporting him is 23-year old RHP Stiofan Micklethwait (11-15, 3.47 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, 115 ERA+), who made some modest gains this season. Both are former first-round picks and any future success the Eagles have will rest with them. On offense, Queensland is looking to a pair of rookies to become the heart of the lineup: 24-year old 1B Ryan Conisford (.297/.353/.460, 22 HR, 91 RBI, 52 BB, 3.7 WAR) and 25-year old LF Rod Dennis (.325/.374/.492, 13 HR, 55 RBI, 37 BB, 3.0 WAR). Both enjoyed outstanding rookie campaigns, but they will need reinforcements if Queensland’s offence is going to lift the team out of the basement. *Biggest Disappointment:* RHP Logan Belsey (59/76) has quickly established himself as a strike-out artist with four outstanding pitchers: fastball (55/60), curveball (50/60), changeup (70/70) and sinker (60/65). He has the stuff (55/60), movement (65/70), control (40/55) and stamina (70) to be an ace in this league. He set a new record for strikeouts (as noted below) as well as strikeouts per 9 IP (6.56) beating the old mark of 5.75 set by Hespeler Stars’ Larry Kovnats last season. So why is he struggling so much? His FIP is 3.37 and BABIP is .287 so there doesn’t appear to be any red flags there. But from his 92 ERA+ mark, he is definitely pitching below the average. He gave up 167 walks, which is high, but not extreme for this league. Perhaps he’s still working on his control. If he can get a handle on that, then he may finally become the dominant pitcher the Eagles hoped he would be. *Noteworthy:* February 27 – Although he didn’t get the win, his achievement came in a 15-inning epic that saw the Eagles finally prevail 6-5 over the mighty Wolseley Unions. RHP Logan Belsey went 8.0 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 4 BB, 9 K on 142 PI. With his 9 strikeouts, Belsey surpassed the old mark of 173, set by Oscar Burruss back in 1941-42. The record was set when he struck out 1B Wen-huan Liu in the 8th inning for his 9th and final strikeout on the day. *Current Injuries:* March 5 – CF Zak Kidd – strained oblique. Out for: DtD, 5 more days. March 7 – RHP Bartolo Sánchez – shoulder inflammation. Out for: 4 more months. -------- __________________ United Leagues of Braeland Last edited by reds1; 03-31-2019 at 06:04 PM.