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reds1 · 03-31-2019, 06:00 PM

March 26, 1951

Western League: Unions, Generals to Battle for Pennant for Fourth Straight Year

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The Wolseley Unions finished in first place for the second straight season and will square off against the Fort Richmond Generals for the fourth straight year, but there is a cloud of uncertainty surrounding the team as it prepares for the Western League Pennant Series. Wolseley will be without their top two starters, who happen to be two of the top pitchers in the United Leagues. 34-year old LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (14-15, 3.14 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 126 ERA+ - No. 1 overall) suffered a back injury in a game against the Hespeler Stars in mid-March, while 27-year old RHP Jeremy Albury (13-9, 3.35 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 119 ERA+) suffered a torn labrum in a game against the Pulberry Trolleys back on January 29. That will be a tough blow as they face a Fort Richmond team that closed the gap between them from 9.5 to 3.0 games in the final two months of the season.

But the Unions still boast the top offense in the West led by their big three: 29-year old LF Carlton Hawking (.314/.448/.551, 29 HR, 97 RBI, 129 BB, 6.5 WAR), 26-year old C Éric Denis (.331/.388/.467, 14 HR, 85 RBI, 46 BB, 5.4 WAR) and 28-year old SS George Kimpton (.296/.371/.473, 19 HR, 87 RBI, 75 BB, 7 SB, 4.9 WAR). And 21-year old 3B Carlos Ortíz (.340/.399/.550, 12 HR, 56 RBI, 36 BB, 3.5 WAR) made a big impression in his first season, taking over third base from 29-year old veteran 3B Burt Willey (.277/.367/.417, 8 HR, 59 RBI, 49 BB, 1.9 WAR) and batting fourth in the lineup.

Biggest Disappointment:

28-year old CF Howard Ockey (.240/.335/.337, 7 HR, 55 RBI, 68 BB, 1.6 WAR) played primarily centerfield this year for this first time in his career and the move seemed to have negatively impacted his play. Although defensively capable, he struggled compared to his starts in rightfield (.966 PCT/-0.9 ZR in CF - .981 PCT/+9.1 ZR in RF). But it really affected his performance at the plate, going from 4.7 WAR last year to 1.6 this year in comparable at-bats (462 to 483). It was his worst season since his days with the Balmoral Giants four seasons ago.

Player of the Week Awards:

February 26 – LF Carlton Hawking (.478, 11 H, 2 HR, 7 RBI)

Current Injuries:

January 29 – RHP Jeremy Albury – torn labrum. Out for: 2-3 more months.
March 18 – LHP Anastasio Rodríguez – herniated disc. Out for: 4 more weeks.

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With the Unions entering crisis mode with the loss of their two aces, the Fort Richmond Generals took advantage by stepping it up in February and March to close the gap between themselves and Wolseley and more importantly, separate themselves from the likes of the Balmoral Giants and Cambria Cannons who had gotten to within a few games of the Generals by the end of January. Fort Richmond enters the playoffs as a nicely balanced team with few weaknesses – and no injuries.

The Generals have a solid lineup but 26-year old SS Nobuyoshi Yoshida (.348/.399/.464, 10 HR, 78 RBI, 49 BB, 10 SB, 7.8 WAR) emerged as one of the United Leagues elite players with his spectacular play in the field and at the plate. Although he is ranked second among shortstops in the ULB behind Cambria’s 31-year old SS César Ruíz, he easily outplayed him this season. In fact, he won his first Western League Batting Title.

But it’s the pitching staff that makes this team really dangerous. 32-year old RHP Roberto Taváres (21-10, 2.40 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 164 ERA+) enjoyed perhaps the best season of his 10-year career and 28-year old RHP Ch’ang-chieh Li (15-22, 2.78 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 142 ERA+) was sensational once again. Also boding well for Fort Richmond is that 30-year old LHP Nicholas Grimes (17-13, 3.36 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 120 ERA+) finished the season as one of the hottest pitchers in the United Leagues, after struggling a bit following his January trade from Braeland City.

Biggest Surprise:

Much like Yoshida, 29-year old C Louis Wearne (.297/.403/.576, 34 HR, 90 RBI, 80 BB, 6.9 WAR) enjoyed the best season of his career. Originally selected 6th overall back in 1943-44, Wearne emerged as an All-Star in 1946-47, but in 1948, he began to struggle. Last season, his WAR rating fell to 3.5 after peaking at 5.5 two seasons earlier and his defense became suspect. But this season he found his groove and for a time threatened to break the home run record, set last season by Kingston’s Dean Bishop with 39. Although he suffered a power failure in the final weeks in the season, Wearne is now ranked 2nd overall among catchers, behind only Braeland City’s Christopher Dainty.

Player of the Week Awards:

February 5 – SS Nobuyoshi Yoshida (.481, 13 H, 2 HR, 10 RBI)
February 12 – LF Daniel Paterson (.500, 13 H, 1 HR, 4 RBI)

Noteworthy:

February 19 – At Generals Stadium, Fort Richmond prevailed over the Cambria Cannons, 2-1 in 12 innings on 12 hits. Five of those hits came off the bat of SS Nobuyoshi Yoshida who went 5 for 6 on the day. Yoshida flied out in the 1st, singled in the 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th innings. In the 12th, he doubled with one out and scored with winning run on 1B Brian Earle’s two-out single.

Current Injuries: None.

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The Balmoral Giants were unable to overtake Fort Richmond after getting to within two games of them by the end of January. Instead, the Generals got hot and the Giants treaded water as they have for most of the season. Balmoral finished with a winning record for the first time in 3 seasons, but it may be a while before they do so again. The Giants have one of the most anemic offenses in the United Leagues and the worst-ranked farm system. 33-year old LF Carlton Broadbent (.308/.372/.525, 24 HR, 87 RBI, 48 BB, 3.1 WAR) remains their best player, and while he can still rake he is a nightmare defensively (.968 PCT, 2.58 RNG, -13.2 ZR, .936 EFF) drawing down his overall value. Their other star player, 32-year old SS Francisco Rodríguez (.322/.358/.395, 5-2B, 11 RBI, 10 BB, 0.9 WAR), was decimated by injuries this season.

It’s the shame the offense has been neglected for so long, as the Giants actually had a rotation that was one of the best in the West. 31-year old LHP Ricardo Cruz (17-14, 3.16 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 127 ERA+) and 26-year old RHP Quintiliano Galeo (12-17, 3.33 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 121 ERA+) each enjoyed their best seasons thus far. Their overall stats would have been even better if they had a more competent offense supporting them. Balmoral actually led the West in fewest runs allowed per game with 3.7. But the offense only mustered 3.9 R/G, second worst.

Biggest Surprise:

25-year old RHP Rodrigo González (21-10, 2.78 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 144 ERA+) enjoyed a respectable debut in his rookie season last year, going 7-7, 3.97 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 102 ERA+ in 16 starts. But this past season, he emerged as Balmoral’s best pitcher before his season ended in mid-March due to injury. It has been noted earlier that González was drafted in the 7th round back in 1944-45. So it will be interesting to see how he fares in the seasons to come – especially if the Giants can add some punch to their lineup.

Current Injuries:

March 17 – RHP Rodrigo González – partially torn labrum. Out for: 5-6 more weeks.
March 18 – 1B Clyde Whitaker – torn hamstring. Out for: 6 more weeks.

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Like the Balmoral Giants, the Kingston Pelicans were unable to capitalize on a vulnerable Fort Richmond team when they faltered badly in February. But they went 41-31 in the last three months of the season overall and finished 77-77 for the second consecutive season. But the Pelicans could stand an infusion of talent, especially on the pitching staff if they want to seriously push for a playoff spot. Their farm system isn’t the most robust in the United Leagues (12th overall), so that is one area they could definitely focus on.

The offense was led by a resurgent veteran and an emerging superstar. 35-year old 2B Katsunan Chikafuji (.318/.415/.551, 26 HR, 100 RBI, 67 BB, 6.2 WAR) enjoyed his best season in 4 years, leading his team in nine offensive categories and the Western League in RBIs. He is rated 13th overall among position players. Right behind him (14th overall), is 24-year old C Carlos Camasura (.326/.406/.476, 11 HR, 65 RBI, 64 BB, 5.6 WAR) who emerged as one of the United Leagues best catchers in his third full season. But the Pelicans also had several players regress this season. The most dramatic was 36-year old 1B Dean Bishop (.213/.359/.419, 19 HR, 70 RBI, 89 BB, 2.2 WAR), who was unable to replicate his terrific season last year, when he hit a ULB-record 39 home runs and racked up 7.0 WAR (plus his 7th Top Fielder Award). But despite his age, the scouts are still upbeat about his abilities, so perhaps he will rebound next year (like he’s done before).

The pitching staff is not terrible, but there really are no standouts on the roster and there hasn’t been for a while now. Still, 31-year old LHP Patrick Denman (20-12, 3.85 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 105 ERA+) won 20 games for the first time since 1945-46 (when he also sent 20-12). And No. 2 starter, 44-year old RHP Satchel Paige (11-16, 4.11 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 98 ERA+) appeared to thrive after his trade from the Braeland City Monarchs, going 4-4, 3.20 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 127 ERA+).

Biggest Surprise:

For this I’m going with C Carlos Camasura, whose name appears throughout this writeup on the Pelicans. Camasura emerged as Kingston’s top catcher amid controversy, as nine-time All-Star 32-year old C Danny Trowbridge (.283/.387/.348, 1 HR, 15 RBI, 32 BB, 1.1 WAR) was still very much an elite offensive player. But the Pelicans stuck with Camasura as their starting catcher despite a couple of mediocre campaigns. Scouts insisted that he had the tools to be a premier catcher in the United Leagues. Those claims were validated this season when the Cobourg-native emerged as the No. 3 catcher overall, behind Braeland City’s Christopher Dainty and Fort Richmond’s Louis Wearne. In contrast, Trowbridge has been relegated to being Kingston’s No. 3 catcher. He really needs to find a new home to prove that he can still play.

Player of the Week Awards:

March 12 – 2B Katsunan Chikafuji (.571, 12 H, 2 HR, 15 RBI, 6 R)

Noteworthy:

February 8 – For the second time this season, C Carlos Camasura went 5 for 5 in a game. This time it was against the Brunswick Legends, against whom he racked up 1-2B, 1 RBI and 2 R. Camasura hit an RBI double in the 1st and then singled in the 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th innings. However, the Legends prevailed, 9-6 at home.

Current Injuries:

January 13 – LHP Phil Wiebe – torn back muscle. Out for: 2 more months.
February 11 – LHP Rob Hutchence – torn UCL. Out for: 5 more months.
March 20 – 2B Katsunan Chikafuji – strained back. Out for: 2-3 more weeks.
March 23 – RF Mo Spencely – broken hand. Out for: 4 more months.
March 24 – C Carlos Camasura – bruised thigh. Out for: DtD, 2 more days.

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The Cambria Cannons quickly became also-rans after a hot December and fell into the second division. But there is more optimism attached to this club than one will find with either the Balmoral Giants or Kingston Pelicans. Their farm system is much more robust (6th overall) and they boast the No. 1 prospect in the ULB: 21-year old OF Sam Tite (24/80), a second overall pick from 1948-49 who is currently in AAA. They also have 17th overall prospect in 20-year old OF Calvin Hanbridge (20/62) in AA and 21st overall prospect in 21-year old LHP Bill Southen (7-8, 3.37 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 118 ERA+), who just completed his rookie season. Both Hanbridge and Southen were former first-round picks as well. The arrival of Tite and Hanbridge to the major league club will be a welcome sight, as the Cannons currently have one of the weakest outfields in the ULB. Only 27-year old LF Edmund Boswell (.266/.328/.494, 21 HR, 78 RBI, 39 BB, 2.3 WAR) enjoyed a productive season.

31-year old SS César Ruíz (.318/.410/.556, 20 HR, 91 RBI, 71 BB, 6.0 WAR) led the way once again on offense for the Cannons, although his overall performance was a step down from his rookie season last year. And 24-year old 1B Carlos Correa (.301/.350/.486, 23 HR, 71 RBI, 41 BB, 3.2 WAR) emerged as one of the top first baseman (6th overall) in the ULB in his sophomore season.

The pitching staff had a few pleasant surprises this season. One was 25-year old RHP Masami Fujihara (10-14, 3.95 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 101 ERA+ - 45/45) who was Cambria’s No. 2 starter in the rotation in his rookie campaign. What’s noteworthy is that Fujihara was the final pick of the 1944-45 Amateur Draft (8th round, 15th pick – not sure what happened to the 16th pick). Scouts say he has very good control (55/55) but below average stuff (40/40) who is more suited as a spot starter or long reliever. We shall see.

Biggest Surprise:

For the second season in a row, I’m going with 28-year old LHP Jamie Wigley (15-10, 2.44 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 163 ERA+). As promising as he was in his rookie season last year, the former 6th-round pick was just sensational in his sophomore season. He led the Western League in game starts (35) and WAR (7.3). His ratings would suggest that he should not be all that successful in the major leagues. While he has good control (55/55), his stuff (45/45) and movement (35/35) are not impressive. Scouts say: “He can mix four different offerings, although none of them grade out well. His secondary pitches aren’t great, but he somehow manages to throw them all for strikes on almost any count.” He is perhaps the most unlikely No. 1 starter in the ULB – and one of the most successful.

Player of the Week Awards:

February 19 – SS César Ruíz (.500, 8 H, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 5 R)
March 5 – LHP Jamie Wigley (2-0, 18.0 IP, 0.00 ERA, 5 K)

Noteworthy:

March 10 – Trailing 8-7 at The Paramount entering the 9th inning, the Cannons rallied for 6 runs in the top of the 9th and prevailed 13-9 against the Sherburn Tigers. Going 5 for 6 in the game was 33-year old C Heung-su Park (.275/.371/.437, 16 HR, 58 RBI, 69 BB, 3.9 WAR). Park hit a solo-shot off Jesús Chapa in the 2nd, singled in the 4th, hit a two-run double in the 5th, hit an RBI single in the 7th, singled in the 9th and flied out later in the 9th as well.

Current Injuries:

November 29 – RHP Reece Leavers – partially torn labrum. Out for: 6 more days.
March 24 – RF Seung-jae Park – back tightness. Out for: DTD, 4 more day.

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It was another desultory season for the Hespeler Stars as they failed to reach even 70 wins for the fourth year in a row with no sign of when they are going to turn the corner.

The pitching staff was a shamble with only 27-year old RHP Stephen Tindall (13-14, 3.71 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 110 ERA+) enjoying any kind of consistency.

There were a couple of bright spots on offense on a team that could use a lot more. Former first overall pick, 23-year old CF John McMurray (.273/.326/.455, 12 HR, 71 RBI, 39 BB, 12 SB, 2.8 WAR – 49/68), won two Rookie of the Month honors this year and is a definite candidate for Rookie of the Year. He led the Western League in triples with 18. On the negative side, he is considered as a ‘disruptive influence’ in the clubhouse (huge ego).

Biggest Surprise:

Perhaps it was having John McMurray follow him in the cleanup spot all season, but whatever it was, 27-year old SS Zhao-hui Qian (.316/.376/.477, 17 HR, 75 RBI, 62 BB, 10 SB, 5.8 WAR – 64/65) returned to the form he briefly flashed while with the Wellington Athletics three seasons ago, earning his first selection to the All-Star game in the process. Qian is a former second-overall pick back in 1945-46 and is one of the top shortstops in the ULB (3rd overall). He has been outstanding in the field (two Top Fielder Awards thus far), but it appears that he is ready to lead with his bat as well. That’s good news for a club that is sorely lacking in leaders of any kind.

Current Injuries:

January 8 – LHP Miles van den Bogaert – torn flexor tendon. Out for: 3 more months.
January 26 – LHP Larry Kovnats – radial nerve decompression surgery. Out for: 3-4 more months.
February 26 – Edgardo Barrón – torn flexor tendon (elbow). Out for: unknown.
March 24 – RHP Francisco López – back tightness. Out for: 2 more weeks.

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The Pulberry Trolleys avoided their second 100-loss season but it was another squandered season where management once again failed the players and fans. Productive players like 29-year old SS Roland Binns (.293/.346/.456, 10 HR, 39 RBI, 21 BB, 4 SB, 2.1 WAR) continue to languish as utility players while management steadfastly refuses to enter the trade market to relieve bottlenecks and address a plethora of weaknesses.

The team does have some exciting rookies that appear ready to take the next step and help this ballclub. 25-year old RF Gerard Koerner (.291/.357/.411, 3 HR, 54 RBI, 41 BB, 2.6 WAR) and top prospect 22-year old OF John Oldknow (.200/.242/.422, 5 HR, 15 RBi, 5 BB, -0.1 WAR) are ready for a larger workload next season. But while lead-off hitter 23-year old 3B Makani Kahale (.288/.316/.416, 10 HR, 57 RBI, 27 BB, 6 SB, 2.4 WAR) enjoyed a fine sophomore season, 25-year old SS Francis Jones (.284/.357/.435, 8 HR, 46 RBI, 44 BB, 3 SB, 2.4 WAR) took a step back from his all-star season last year.

The pitching staff is the worst in the United Leagues with only 32-year old RHP Lenny Tennison (10-17, 3.98 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 100 ERA+) showing any signs of consistency all season. But scouts consider Tennison a borderline starter masquerading as an ace.

Biggest Surprise:

It’s one thing to arrive with hype, it’s quite another to deliver on that hype. And 24-year old CF Cooper Tyson (.263/.320/.429, 13 HR, 46 RBI, 4.7 WAR – 59/80) delivered. While he naturally experienced some growing pains at the plate, he showed his promise throughout the season. Scouts say that he should become a .350 hitter and use his speed to stretch hits. But his defense was just jaw-dropping: .986 PCT, 4.57 RNG, +24.4 ZR, 1.047 EFF with just 9 errors. Those same scouts say he is destined to be an elite starting centerfielder. With his first season under his belt, I’d say that’s a pretty safe bet.

Current Injuries:

March 20 – LHP Quentin Teague – elbow tendinitis. Out for: 5 more weeks.

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If the Sherburn Tigers haven’t hit rock bottom yet, then they must be pretty close. The Tigers endured their worst season yet, falling below 60 wins for the first time. What makes this situation especially troublesome is that the team has no standout players on offense and only a couple of decent pitchers. They have the next-to-last ranked farm system and what prospects they have are toiling in AA. This club represents the toughest rebuild project in the United Leagues. At least Pulberry has a crop of young talent reaching the major leagues with a surplus of decent players that could be flipped for decent pitching. But the Tigers have neither.

The ‘decent pitchers’ continue to be 27-year old RHP Jesús Chapa (16-13, 3.43 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 118 ERA+) and 24-year old RHP Ben Buschlen (14-15, 3.44 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 118 ERA+), who both deserve better run support.

The offense overall was utterly abysmal, with practically every player either regressing from last season or continuing their ineffective ways. Ironically, only the catchers showed some productivity, with 32-year old back-up C Neil Voigt (.313/.363/.584, 12 HR, 37 RBI, 11 BB, 2.1 WAR) enjoying a bit of a rebound after a couple of down years. Still, his reputation as a divisive force in the clubhouse makes you wonder if he’s worth it. 24-year old 2B Jack Burt (.303/.346/.424, 50-2B, 66 RBi, 40 BB, 8 SB, 2.9 WAR) had his moments, but his season was a step back from last year.

Biggest Surprise:

Only one player on the roster improved upon his play from last season: 27-year old C Quim Cypriano (.294/.357/.445, 13 HR, 77 RBI, 44 BB, 3.6 WAR). In fact, the Brazilian has made steady progress since he became Sherburn’s starting catcher three seasons ago. Cypriano may never become an elite catcher in the United Leagues, but his outstanding work ethic is paying off. His teammates could learn a thing or two from him.

Player of the Week Award:

March 19 – CF Won-ho Kim (.391, 9 H, 2 HR, 8 RBI)

Current Injuries:

February 13 – LHP Lucas Nott – strained forearm. Out for: 6-7 more weeks.
March 6 - RHP Bradley Strawson – torn elbow ligament. Out for: 3-4 more months.
March 20 – LF Noah Teale – fractured foot. Out for: 4-5 more weeks.
March 22 – LHP Luke Henty – mild hamstring strain. Out for: DTD, one more day.

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03-31-2019, 06:00 PM	#493
reds1 Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Winnipeg Posts: 3,860	March 26, 1951 Western League: Unions, Generals to Battle for Pennant for Fourth Straight Year -------- The Wolseley Unions finished in first place for the second straight season and will square off against the Fort Richmond Generals for the fourth straight year, but there is a cloud of uncertainty surrounding the team as it prepares for the Western League Pennant Series. Wolseley will be without their top two starters, who happen to be two of the top pitchers in the United Leagues. 34-year old LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (14-15, 3.14 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 126 ERA+ - No. 1 overall) suffered a back injury in a game against the Hespeler Stars in mid-March, while 27-year old RHP Jeremy Albury (13-9, 3.35 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 119 ERA+) suffered a torn labrum in a game against the Pulberry Trolleys back on January 29. That will be a tough blow as they face a Fort Richmond team that closed the gap between them from 9.5 to 3.0 games in the final two months of the season. But the Unions still boast the top offense in the West led by their big three: 29-year old LF Carlton Hawking (.314/.448/.551, 29 HR, 97 RBI, 129 BB, 6.5 WAR), 26-year old C Éric Denis (.331/.388/.467, 14 HR, 85 RBI, 46 BB, 5.4 WAR) and 28-year old SS George Kimpton (.296/.371/.473, 19 HR, 87 RBI, 75 BB, 7 SB, 4.9 WAR). And 21-year old 3B Carlos Ortíz (.340/.399/.550, 12 HR, 56 RBI, 36 BB, 3.5 WAR) made a big impression in his first season, taking over third base from 29-year old veteran 3B Burt Willey (.277/.367/.417, 8 HR, 59 RBI, 49 BB, 1.9 WAR) and batting fourth in the lineup. *Biggest Disappointment:* 28-year old CF Howard Ockey (.240/.335/.337, 7 HR, 55 RBI, 68 BB, 1.6 WAR) played primarily centerfield this year for this first time in his career and the move seemed to have negatively impacted his play. Although defensively capable, he struggled compared to his starts in rightfield (.966 PCT/-0.9 ZR in CF - .981 PCT/+9.1 ZR in RF). But it really affected his performance at the plate, going from 4.7 WAR last year to 1.6 this year in comparable at-bats (462 to 483). It was his worst season since his days with the Balmoral Giants four seasons ago. *Player of the Week Awards:* February 26 – LF Carlton Hawking (.478, 11 H, 2 HR, 7 RBI) *Current Injuries:* January 29 – RHP Jeremy Albury – torn labrum. Out for: 2-3 more months. March 18 – LHP Anastasio Rodríguez – herniated disc. Out for: 4 more weeks. -------- With the Unions entering crisis mode with the loss of their two aces, the Fort Richmond Generals took advantage by stepping it up in February and March to close the gap between themselves and Wolseley and more importantly, separate themselves from the likes of the Balmoral Giants and Cambria Cannons who had gotten to within a few games of the Generals by the end of January. Fort Richmond enters the playoffs as a nicely balanced team with few weaknesses – and no injuries. The Generals have a solid lineup but 26-year old SS Nobuyoshi Yoshida (.348/.399/.464, 10 HR, 78 RBI, 49 BB, 10 SB, 7.8 WAR) emerged as one of the United Leagues elite players with his spectacular play in the field and at the plate. Although he is ranked second among shortstops in the ULB behind Cambria’s 31-year old SS César Ruíz, he easily outplayed him this season. In fact, he won his first Western League Batting Title. But it’s the pitching staff that makes this team really dangerous. 32-year old RHP Roberto Taváres (21-10, 2.40 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 164 ERA+) enjoyed perhaps the best season of his 10-year career and 28-year old RHP Ch’ang-chieh Li (15-22, 2.78 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 142 ERA+) was sensational once again. Also boding well for Fort Richmond is that 30-year old LHP Nicholas Grimes (17-13, 3.36 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, 120 ERA+) finished the season as one of the hottest pitchers in the United Leagues, after struggling a bit following his January trade from Braeland City. *Biggest Surprise:* Much like Yoshida, 29-year old C Louis Wearne (.297/.403/.576, 34 HR, 90 RBI, 80 BB, 6.9 WAR) enjoyed the best season of his career. Originally selected 6th overall back in 1943-44, Wearne emerged as an All-Star in 1946-47, but in 1948, he began to struggle. Last season, his WAR rating fell to 3.5 after peaking at 5.5 two seasons earlier and his defense became suspect. But this season he found his groove and for a time threatened to break the home run record, set last season by Kingston’s Dean Bishop with 39. Although he suffered a power failure in the final weeks in the season, Wearne is now ranked 2nd overall among catchers, behind only Braeland City’s Christopher Dainty. *Player of the Week Awards:* February 5 – SS Nobuyoshi Yoshida (.481, 13 H, 2 HR, 10 RBI) February 12 – LF Daniel Paterson (.500, 13 H, 1 HR, 4 RBI) *Noteworthy:* February 19 – At Generals Stadium, Fort Richmond prevailed over the Cambria Cannons, 2-1 in 12 innings on 12 hits. Five of those hits came off the bat of SS Nobuyoshi Yoshida who went 5 for 6 on the day. Yoshida flied out in the 1st, singled in the 4th, 6th, 8th and 10th innings. In the 12th, he doubled with one out and scored with winning run on 1B Brian Earle’s two-out single. *Current Injuries:* None. -------- The Balmoral Giants were unable to overtake Fort Richmond after getting to within two games of them by the end of January. Instead, the Generals got hot and the Giants treaded water as they have for most of the season. Balmoral finished with a winning record for the first time in 3 seasons, but it may be a while before they do so again. The Giants have one of the most anemic offenses in the United Leagues and the worst-ranked farm system. 33-year old LF Carlton Broadbent (.308/.372/.525, 24 HR, 87 RBI, 48 BB, 3.1 WAR) remains their best player, and while he can still rake he is a nightmare defensively (.968 PCT, 2.58 RNG, -13.2 ZR, .936 EFF) drawing down his overall value. Their other star player, 32-year old SS Francisco Rodríguez (.322/.358/.395, 5-2B, 11 RBI, 10 BB, 0.9 WAR), was decimated by injuries this season. It’s the shame the offense has been neglected for so long, as the Giants actually had a rotation that was one of the best in the West. 31-year old LHP Ricardo Cruz (17-14, 3.16 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 127 ERA+) and 26-year old RHP Quintiliano Galeo (12-17, 3.33 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 121 ERA+) each enjoyed their best seasons thus far. Their overall stats would have been even better if they had a more competent offense supporting them. Balmoral actually led the West in fewest runs allowed per game with 3.7. But the offense only mustered 3.9 R/G, second worst. *Biggest Surprise:* 25-year old RHP Rodrigo González (21-10, 2.78 ERA, 1.27 WHIP, 144 ERA+) enjoyed a respectable debut in his rookie season last year, going 7-7, 3.97 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 102 ERA+ in 16 starts. But this past season, he emerged as Balmoral’s best pitcher before his season ended in mid-March due to injury. It has been noted earlier that González was drafted in the 7th round back in 1944-45. So it will be interesting to see how he fares in the seasons to come – especially if the Giants can add some punch to their lineup. *Current Injuries:* March 17 – RHP Rodrigo González – partially torn labrum. Out for: 5-6 more weeks. March 18 – 1B Clyde Whitaker – torn hamstring. Out for: 6 more weeks. -------- Like the Balmoral Giants, the Kingston Pelicans were unable to capitalize on a vulnerable Fort Richmond team when they faltered badly in February. But they went 41-31 in the last three months of the season overall and finished 77-77 for the second consecutive season. But the Pelicans could stand an infusion of talent, especially on the pitching staff if they want to seriously push for a playoff spot. Their farm system isn’t the most robust in the United Leagues (12th overall), so that is one area they could definitely focus on. The offense was led by a resurgent veteran and an emerging superstar. 35-year old 2B Katsunan Chikafuji (.318/.415/.551, 26 HR, 100 RBI, 67 BB, 6.2 WAR) enjoyed his best season in 4 years, leading his team in nine offensive categories and the Western League in RBIs. He is rated 13th overall among position players. Right behind him (14th overall), is 24-year old C Carlos Camasura (.326/.406/.476, 11 HR, 65 RBI, 64 BB, 5.6 WAR) who emerged as one of the United Leagues best catchers in his third full season. But the Pelicans also had several players regress this season. The most dramatic was 36-year old 1B Dean Bishop (.213/.359/.419, 19 HR, 70 RBI, 89 BB, 2.2 WAR), who was unable to replicate his terrific season last year, when he hit a ULB-record 39 home runs and racked up 7.0 WAR (plus his 7th Top Fielder Award). But despite his age, the scouts are still upbeat about his abilities, so perhaps he will rebound next year (like he’s done before). The pitching staff is not terrible, but there really are no standouts on the roster and there hasn’t been for a while now. Still, 31-year old LHP Patrick Denman (20-12, 3.85 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 105 ERA+) won 20 games for the first time since 1945-46 (when he also sent 20-12). And No. 2 starter, 44-year old RHP Satchel Paige (11-16, 4.11 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 98 ERA+) appeared to thrive after his trade from the Braeland City Monarchs, going 4-4, 3.20 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 127 ERA+). *Biggest Surprise:* For this I’m going with C Carlos Camasura, whose name appears throughout this writeup on the Pelicans. Camasura emerged as Kingston’s top catcher amid controversy, as nine-time All-Star 32-year old C Danny Trowbridge (.283/.387/.348, 1 HR, 15 RBI, 32 BB, 1.1 WAR) was still very much an elite offensive player. But the Pelicans stuck with Camasura as their starting catcher despite a couple of mediocre campaigns. Scouts insisted that he had the tools to be a premier catcher in the United Leagues. Those claims were validated this season when the Cobourg-native emerged as the No. 3 catcher overall, behind Braeland City’s Christopher Dainty and Fort Richmond’s Louis Wearne. In contrast, Trowbridge has been relegated to being Kingston’s No. 3 catcher. He really needs to find a new home to prove that he can still play. *Player of the Week Awards:* March 12 – 2B Katsunan Chikafuji (.571, 12 H, 2 HR, 15 RBI, 6 R) *Noteworthy:* February 8 – For the second time this season, C Carlos Camasura went 5 for 5 in a game. This time it was against the Brunswick Legends, against whom he racked up 1-2B, 1 RBI and 2 R. Camasura hit an RBI double in the 1st and then singled in the 3rd, 5th, 7th and 9th innings. However, the Legends prevailed, 9-6 at home. *Current Injuries:* January 13 – LHP Phil Wiebe – torn back muscle. Out for: 2 more months. February 11 – LHP Rob Hutchence – torn UCL. Out for: 5 more months. March 20 – 2B Katsunan Chikafuji – strained back. Out for: 2-3 more weeks. March 23 – RF Mo Spencely – broken hand. Out for: 4 more months. March 24 – C Carlos Camasura – bruised thigh. Out for: DtD, 2 more days. -------- The Cambria Cannons quickly became also-rans after a hot December and fell into the second division. But there is more optimism attached to this club than one will find with either the Balmoral Giants or Kingston Pelicans. Their farm system is much more robust (6th overall) and they boast the No. 1 prospect in the ULB: 21-year old OF Sam Tite (24/80), a second overall pick from 1948-49 who is currently in AAA. They also have 17th overall prospect in 20-year old OF Calvin Hanbridge (20/62) in AA and 21st overall prospect in 21-year old LHP Bill Southen (7-8, 3.37 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 118 ERA+), who just completed his rookie season. Both Hanbridge and Southen were former first-round picks as well. The arrival of Tite and Hanbridge to the major league club will be a welcome sight, as the Cannons currently have one of the weakest outfields in the ULB. Only 27-year old LF Edmund Boswell (.266/.328/.494, 21 HR, 78 RBI, 39 BB, 2.3 WAR) enjoyed a productive season. 31-year old SS César Ruíz (.318/.410/.556, 20 HR, 91 RBI, 71 BB, 6.0 WAR) led the way once again on offense for the Cannons, although his overall performance was a step down from his rookie season last year. And 24-year old 1B Carlos Correa (.301/.350/.486, 23 HR, 71 RBI, 41 BB, 3.2 WAR) emerged as one of the top first baseman (6th overall) in the ULB in his sophomore season. The pitching staff had a few pleasant surprises this season. One was 25-year old RHP Masami Fujihara (10-14, 3.95 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 101 ERA+ - 45/45) who was Cambria’s No. 2 starter in the rotation in his rookie campaign. What’s noteworthy is that Fujihara was the final pick of the 1944-45 Amateur Draft (8th round, 15th pick – not sure what happened to the 16th pick). Scouts say he has very good control (55/55) but below average stuff (40/40) who is more suited as a spot starter or long reliever. We shall see. *Biggest Surprise:* For the second season in a row, I’m going with 28-year old LHP Jamie Wigley (15-10, 2.44 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 163 ERA+). As promising as he was in his rookie season last year, the former 6th-round pick was just sensational in his sophomore season. He led the Western League in game starts (35) and WAR (7.3). His ratings would suggest that he should not be all that successful in the major leagues. While he has good control (55/55), his stuff (45/45) and movement (35/35) are not impressive. Scouts say: “He can mix four different offerings, although none of them grade out well. His secondary pitches aren’t great, but he somehow manages to throw them all for strikes on almost any count.” He is perhaps the most unlikely No. 1 starter in the ULB – and one of the most successful. *Player of the Week Awards:* February 19 – SS César Ruíz (.500, 8 H, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 5 R) March 5 – LHP Jamie Wigley (2-0, 18.0 IP, 0.00 ERA, 5 K) *Noteworthy:* March 10 – Trailing 8-7 at The Paramount entering the 9th inning, the Cannons rallied for 6 runs in the top of the 9th and prevailed 13-9 against the Sherburn Tigers. Going 5 for 6 in the game was 33-year old C Heung-su Park (.275/.371/.437, 16 HR, 58 RBI, 69 BB, 3.9 WAR). Park hit a solo-shot off Jesús Chapa in the 2nd, singled in the 4th, hit a two-run double in the 5th, hit an RBI single in the 7th, singled in the 9th and flied out later in the 9th as well. *Current Injuries:* November 29 – RHP Reece Leavers – partially torn labrum. Out for: 6 more days. March 24 – RF Seung-jae Park – back tightness. Out for: DTD, 4 more day. -------- It was another desultory season for the Hespeler Stars as they failed to reach even 70 wins for the fourth year in a row with no sign of when they are going to turn the corner. The pitching staff was a shamble with only 27-year old RHP Stephen Tindall (13-14, 3.71 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 110 ERA+) enjoying any kind of consistency. There were a couple of bright spots on offense on a team that could use a lot more. Former first overall pick, 23-year old CF John McMurray (.273/.326/.455, 12 HR, 71 RBI, 39 BB, 12 SB, 2.8 WAR – 49/68), won two Rookie of the Month honors this year and is a definite candidate for Rookie of the Year. He led the Western League in triples with 18. On the negative side, he is considered as a ‘disruptive influence’ in the clubhouse (huge ego). *Biggest Surprise:* Perhaps it was having John McMurray follow him in the cleanup spot all season, but whatever it was, 27-year old SS Zhao-hui Qian (.316/.376/.477, 17 HR, 75 RBI, 62 BB, 10 SB, 5.8 WAR – 64/65) returned to the form he briefly flashed while with the Wellington Athletics three seasons ago, earning his first selection to the All-Star game in the process. Qian is a former second-overall pick back in 1945-46 and is one of the top shortstops in the ULB (3rd overall). He has been outstanding in the field (two Top Fielder Awards thus far), but it appears that he is ready to lead with his bat as well. That’s good news for a club that is sorely lacking in leaders of any kind. *Current Injuries:* January 8 – LHP Miles van den Bogaert – torn flexor tendon. Out for: 3 more months. January 26 – LHP Larry Kovnats – radial nerve decompression surgery. Out for: 3-4 more months. February 26 – Edgardo Barrón – torn flexor tendon (elbow). Out for: unknown. March 24 – RHP Francisco López – back tightness. Out for: 2 more weeks. -------- The Pulberry Trolleys avoided their second 100-loss season but it was another squandered season where management once again failed the players and fans. Productive players like 29-year old SS Roland Binns (.293/.346/.456, 10 HR, 39 RBI, 21 BB, 4 SB, 2.1 WAR) continue to languish as utility players while management steadfastly refuses to enter the trade market to relieve bottlenecks and address a plethora of weaknesses. The team does have some exciting rookies that appear ready to take the next step and help this ballclub. 25-year old RF Gerard Koerner (.291/.357/.411, 3 HR, 54 RBI, 41 BB, 2.6 WAR) and top prospect 22-year old OF John Oldknow (.200/.242/.422, 5 HR, 15 RBi, 5 BB, -0.1 WAR) are ready for a larger workload next season. But while lead-off hitter 23-year old 3B Makani Kahale (.288/.316/.416, 10 HR, 57 RBI, 27 BB, 6 SB, 2.4 WAR) enjoyed a fine sophomore season, 25-year old SS Francis Jones (.284/.357/.435, 8 HR, 46 RBI, 44 BB, 3 SB, 2.4 WAR) took a step back from his all-star season last year. The pitching staff is the worst in the United Leagues with only 32-year old RHP Lenny Tennison (10-17, 3.98 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 100 ERA+) showing any signs of consistency all season. But scouts consider Tennison a borderline starter masquerading as an ace. *Biggest Surprise:* It’s one thing to arrive with hype, it’s quite another to deliver on that hype. And 24-year old CF Cooper Tyson (.263/.320/.429, 13 HR, 46 RBI, 4.7 WAR – 59/80) delivered. While he naturally experienced some growing pains at the plate, he showed his promise throughout the season. Scouts say that he should become a .350 hitter and use his speed to stretch hits. But his defense was just jaw-dropping: .986 PCT, 4.57 RNG, +24.4 ZR, 1.047 EFF with just 9 errors. Those same scouts say he is destined to be an elite starting centerfielder. With his first season under his belt, I’d say that’s a pretty safe bet. *Current Injuries:* March 20 – LHP Quentin Teague – elbow tendinitis. Out for: 5 more weeks. -------- If the Sherburn Tigers haven’t hit rock bottom yet, then they must be pretty close. The Tigers endured their worst season yet, falling below 60 wins for the first time. What makes this situation especially troublesome is that the team has no standout players on offense and only a couple of decent pitchers. They have the next-to-last ranked farm system and what prospects they have are toiling in AA. This club represents the toughest rebuild project in the United Leagues. At least Pulberry has a crop of young talent reaching the major leagues with a surplus of decent players that could be flipped for decent pitching. But the Tigers have neither. The ‘decent pitchers’ continue to be 27-year old RHP Jesús Chapa (16-13, 3.43 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 118 ERA+) and 24-year old RHP Ben Buschlen (14-15, 3.44 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 118 ERA+), who both deserve better run support. The offense overall was utterly abysmal, with practically every player either regressing from last season or continuing their ineffective ways. Ironically, only the catchers showed some productivity, with 32-year old back-up C Neil Voigt (.313/.363/.584, 12 HR, 37 RBI, 11 BB, 2.1 WAR) enjoying a bit of a rebound after a couple of down years. Still, his reputation as a divisive force in the clubhouse makes you wonder if he’s worth it. 24-year old 2B Jack Burt (.303/.346/.424, 50-2B, 66 RBi, 40 BB, 8 SB, 2.9 WAR) had his moments, but his season was a step back from last year. *Biggest Surprise:* Only one player on the roster improved upon his play from last season: 27-year old C Quim Cypriano (.294/.357/.445, 13 HR, 77 RBI, 44 BB, 3.6 WAR). In fact, the Brazilian has made steady progress since he became Sherburn’s starting catcher three seasons ago. Cypriano may never become an elite catcher in the United Leagues, but his outstanding work ethic is paying off. His teammates could learn a thing or two from him. *Player of the Week Award:* March 19 – CF Won-ho Kim (.391, 9 H, 2 HR, 8 RBI) *Current Injuries:* February 13 – LHP Lucas Nott – strained forearm. Out for: 6-7 more weeks. March 6 - RHP Bradley Strawson – torn elbow ligament. Out for: 3-4 more months. March 20 – LF Noah Teale – fractured foot. Out for: 4-5 more weeks. March 22 – LHP Luke Henty – mild hamstring strain. Out for: DTD, one more day. -------- __________________ United Leagues of Braeland