From Worst to First

[NYY #23]

The all-star game came and went, and the Giants pitchers were well represented, although we didn't send any batters.

Daffy Dean(15-3, 1.88 ERA) and Schoolboy Rowe (11-6, 2.51 ERA) both made the team. Each got in the game and pitched a scoreless inning each.

A couple of cool items, one good and one bad. Babe Phelps hit 3 home runs in a game for us in a 7-5 win against the Reds. Two days later Red Ruffing of the Chicago Cubs threw a no-hitter against us in a 6-0 loss.

The worst news is that we finished the month in second place, a game behind the Boston Bees. Despite the fact we are struggling just a little bit we didn't make any trades at the deadline.

[Jestor]

Hmm. Seems like you could have stood to pick up another bat at the deadline.

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by Jestor

Hmm. Seems like you could have stood to pick up another bat at the deadline.

I think you are right. I debated a long time, and I was torn between making a move and waiting for the return of Chick Hafey. My offense has a lot of holes though, and I'm not sure he'll be able to help. Once I advanced to the next day I started to regret my indecision.

[NYY #23]

We welcomed back Chick Hafey from his injury and finished the month with a 5 game lead over the Boston Bees. I'm hoping we can hold on and head back to the World Series where we'll more than likely take on the Philadelphia Athletics, who hold a 12 game lead in the American League.

We also received word from Jim Bottomley that he'll be retiring at the end of the season. While he isn't the player he once was, I'm going to miss Bottomley.

[NYY #23]

For the second straight year the Giants will be returning to the World Series, this time taking on the Philadelphia Athletics, who finished with a 100-54 record. I look forward to facing my former team, although we'll be doing it without our centerfielder Larry Rosenthal and starting pitcher Schoolboy Rowe.

We'll be in for a tough series.

[NYY #23]

Game 1

Our first round pick Jim Tobin took the mound, and held the Athletics to just 3 hits in the shutout win. Odell Hale and Babe Phelps each drove in a pair of runs as we got off to a good start in the World Series, winning 6-0.

Game 2

Game 1 went great, game 2 terrible. Don Brennan took the mound for us, and allowed 4 runs in 5 1/3 innings. Our bullpen gave up another 3 runs and our offense managed to score only 1 run. The 7-1 loss ties the series at 1.

Game 3

Daffy Dean got the start in the third game, and pitched well, allowing just 3 runs in a complete game. Unfortunately for Dean, and my Giants, Carl Hubbell was just that much better, only giving up 1 run, a home run by Wally Moses. The 3-1 loss put us down 2-1 in the series.

Game 4

I felt we really needed a win tonight, and Ralph Birkofer took the mound for us. Birkofer gave us his all, allowing just 2 runs in 8 innings. Our bats were once again silent though, so we ended nine innings tied at two. Al Simmons homered in the 11th for the A's, which gave them the 3-2 extra inning victory and put us one game away from another World Series loss.

Game 5

With our backs against the wall we gave the ball to Jim Tobin with no room for error. Tobin again pitched the complete game, and despite giving up 13 hits he held the A's to just 2 runs (1 earned). Chick Hafey hit a solo home run, and Ben Chapman, Gene Hasson, and Jim Tobin all drove in runs in the 4-2 victory.

Game 6

Chick Hafey was 4-4 tonight, the rest of my team was 2-29. Its tough to score when that happens, and Don Brennan took the mound and again had trouble giving up 5 runs in 5 innings to pick up his second loss of the series. Ballgame over, series over, season over. We'll be back again in New York after our second straight World Series loss.

History (7 down, 23 to go):
1906 - Boston Americans 74-80, 15 GB (Season Score - 6)
1907 - Boston Americans 79-75, 8 GB (Season Score - 30)
1908 - Boston Red Sox 106-48, Won World Series 4-2 over New York Giants (Season Score - 77)
1909 - Cleveland Naps 69-85, 21 GB (Season Score - 22)
1910 - Cleveland Naps 79-75, 11 GB (Season Score - 30)
1911 - Cleveland Naps 73-81, 26 GB (Season Score - 2)
1912 - Cleveland Naps 95-59, 1 GB (Season Score - 43)
1913 - Cleveland Naps 98-56, Won World Series 4-3 over the Pittsburgh Pirates (Season Score - 70)
1914 - Chicago Cubs 69-85, 21 GB (Season Score - 22)
1915 - Chicago Cubs 70-84, 19 GB (Season Score - 22)
1916 - Chicago Cubs 83-71, Lost World Series 4-2 to the St. Louis Browns (Season Score - 47)
1917 - Chicago Cubs 88-66, Won World Series 4-1 over the St. Louis Browns (Season Score - 86)
1918 - Philadelphia Phillies 82-72, 18 GB (Season Score - 32)
1919 - Philadelphia Phillies 80-60, Won World Series 5-2 over the St. Louis Browns (Season Score - 86)
1920 - Brooklyn Robins 71-83, 18 GB (Season Score - 23)
1921 - Brooklyn Robins 96-58, 3 GB (Season Score - 44)
1922 - Brooklyn Robins 85-69, 8 GB (Season Score - 35)
1923 - Brooklyn Robins 106-48, Lost World Series 4-2 to the Philadelphia Athletics (Season Score - 64)
1924 - Brooklyn Robins 95-59, Lost World Series 4-3 to the Cleveland Indians (Season Score - 54)
1925 - Brooklyn Robins 96-58, Lost World Series 4-1 to the St. Louis Browns (Season Score - 57)
1926 - Brooklyn Robins 87-67, 6 GB, Season Score - 36)
1927 - Brooklyn Robins 103-51, Won World Series 4-1 over the Philadelphia Athletics (Season Score - 95)
1928 - St. Louis Cardinals 71-83, 31 GB, Season Score - 0
1929 - St. Louis Cardinals 78-76, 12 GB, Season Score - 16
1930 - St. Louis Cardinals 93-61, Won World Series 4-2 over the Cleveland Indians (Season Score - 66)
1931 - Philadelphia Athletics 68-46, 22 GB, Season Score - 0
1932 - Philadelphia Athletics 96-58, Won World Series 4-3 over the Cincinnati Reds (Season Score - 69)
1933 - New York Giants 64-90, 37 GB, Season Score - 18
1934 - New York Giants 76-78, 10 1/2 GB, Season Score - 27
1935 - New York Giants 91-63, Lost World Series 4 -2 to the New York Yankees (Season Score - 49)
1936 - New York Giants 94-60, Lost World Series 4-2 to the Philadelphia Athletics (Season Score - 52)

[NYY #23]

There is just something about New York teams. First Brooklyn, and now the Giants.

Coaches and Scouts
I've noticed that I now have a legendary manager, Ricardo Archuleta. Of course he is the same manager is last year, but legendary sounds all the more impressive. Our coaching staff is intact and all back from last year.

Rotation
Paul Dean (24-8), Ralph Birkofer (20-14), Jim Tobin (10-9), and Don Brennan (1-1) will make up our rotation for next season. Schoolboy Rowe (19-11) should be back early in the season, and will be no worse than our third starter as long as he is recovered.

Catcher
Babe Phelps had another good season and will be back as my starting catcher, with Gus Mancuso filling in as his backup.

First Base
I officially said goodbye to Jim Bottomley, who retired and was inducted into the Hall of Fame. I never changed the Hall of Fame standards, so he was inducted under the standard rules. I'm pretty sure I'm going to manually 'un-induct' him and everyone else. He may get in regardless, but we'll take a closer look when the time is right. 21 year old Gene Hasson will take over first base duties, and at least get a chance to prove himself. I'm not sold on Hasson, but he is my best option right now.

Second Base
The 148 games Odell Hale played last season were a career high. He stayed away from the injuries that have plagued him throughout his career, but I'd still consider him fragile. His performance really has been average though, but that might be all we need out of our second baseman.

Third Base
Ben Chapman will be back as our starting third baseman, and I still feel he is under performing. Chapman posted a wOBA of .335, which helps justify my thoughts that he has great potential, but is only putting up average numbers.

Shortstop
Buddy Myer will be back as our starting shortstop, and when looking at my infield, it just screams out "average".

Left fielder
Chick Hafey will be back in left, and leading my offense next year. Hafey will be 34 next season, so age will be a concern shortly, but for now he is still playing well.

Center fielder
Former top pick Larry Rosenthal will be back in center field. He has been very injury prone . With a .426 OBP last season he played well when he was on the field. Hopefully he'll get in a full season of games this year.

Right fielder
Wally Moses experienced a sharp drop off last season, with his average falling from .320 to .280 and his OBP falling from .375 to .332. We need him to play better this upcoming season.

[captaincarl]

I think that you should stay with the "default" settings for the HOF. They really do a good job in weeding the players and making them earn their way in. The only thing that I don't really like about them is the "200 wins & 3.80 ERA". I think that the ERA is too high but the ERAs were pretty high during the "Golden Era" of the 1920s & '30s, even for the aces.

Go get 'em, G-men!

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by captaincarl

I think that you should stay with the "default" settings for the HOF. They really do a good job in weeding the players and making them earn their way in. The only thing that I don't really like about them is the "200 wins & 3.80 ERA". I think that the ERA is too high but the ERAs were pretty high during the "Golden Era" of the 1920s & '30s, even for the aces.

Go get 'em, G-men!

I think you are right. After I posted this I took a closer look and ended up removing everyone though. There were a couple dead ball pitchers that got in that were the deciding factor -

Exhibit A - Vic Willis (258-238, 2.70 ERA)
Exhibit B - Joe Boehling (263-256, 3.49 ERA)

Since 1939 is right around the corner I thought I'd just wait and take a closer look and manually induct the older retired players. After 1939 I'll turn back on auto induction, but up the 200 wins and 3.80 ERA.

[NYY #23]

We struggled with a 3-8 record to open the season. Starting third baseman Ben Chapman is already missing time with an injury, and our offense is hitting a putrid .224. Our pitching is rolling along though, but I'm not worried yet, the season is still very young.

[NYY #23]

We managed to climb back to .500 for the season after a 17-12 month, and are now in a three way tie for third place, five games behind the Boston Bees.

The Giants have allowed the second fewest number of runs in the league, and the number of runs that we scored as a team now ranks third in the league. We are playing pretty well, and hopefully this can continue into June and beyond.

We got bad news when we found out that Chick Hafey strained his quadricep and will now be out for the next five weeks. Hafey was struggling before the injury, hitting .258 with a .331 OBP, but his presence in the lineup will be missed.

[NYY #23]

After losing the World Series for the second straight season we drafted 15th, and selected LF Max West with our first round pick. I view West as the eventual heir to Chick Hafey in the outfield, hopefully after I'm long gone.

We drafted 2B Dario Lodigiani in the second round, another LF Glenn McQuillen in the third, and rounded out the draft by selecting shortstop Woody Williams and reliever Art Kennedy.

On the field we went 17-11 for the month, and pulled within a half game of first place behind the Cardinals. I'm hoping we get a boost in July with the return of Chick Hafey.

Odell Hale had a big night in a 6-2 win against the Phillies, going 4-5 with 2 RBI and hitting for the cycle.

[jayjackson]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

I think you are right. After I posted this I took a closer look and ended up removing everyone though. There were a couple dead ball pitchers that got in that were the deciding factor -

Exhibit A - Vic Willis (258-238, 2.70 ERA)
Exhibit B - Joe Boehling (263-256, 3.49 ERA)

Since 1939 is right around the corner I thought I'd just wait and take a closer look and manually induct the older retired players. After 1939 I'll turn back on auto induction, but up the 200 wins and 3.80 ERA.

It's strange (and another awesome part of this game) - but I started my game in 1901, got fired by Detroit in my first season, and signed on with the Superbas. EVERY time I see V. Willis as the starter against my team, I know its a loss. I don't think I've ever beaten the man. I'm not THAT huge of a historical buff, just thought it was an interesting way to play the game - so its very interesting to me to see players like this who weren't HOFers from the era, but see their impact on the game nonetheless!

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by jayjackson

It's strange (and another awesome part of this game) - but I started my game in 1901, got fired by Detroit in my first season, and signed on with the Superbas. EVERY time I see V. Willis as the starter against my team, I know its a loss. I don't think I've ever beaten the man. I'm not THAT huge of a historical buff, just thought it was an interesting way to play the game - so its very interesting to me to see players like this who weren't HOFers from the era, but see their impact on the game nonetheless!

Now you are making me feel bad for taking him out of the Hall.

Its funny how certain players are like this and just seem to have your number. I've noticed other players like this, who always seem to have success, or always have success against your team.

I did a little bit of research and found out that Willis is a member of the Hall of Fame, and in real life had a 249-205 record with a 2.63 ERA. Who knows, maybe my Veteran's Committee will induct him one day.

[NYY #23]

The Giants sent two pitchers and two hitters to the All-Star game.

SP - Ralph Birkofer - 11-5, 2.81 ERA
SP - Jim Tobin - 10-6, 2.55 ERA
3B - Ben Chapman - .321/.393/.498, 4 HR, 37 RBI
RF - Wally Moses - .325/.381/.502, 3 HR, 43 RBI

Tobin pitched for one inning in the all-star game, allowing 0 runs, 0 hits, and 1 walk. Birkofer also threw an inning, giving up 1 hit and 2 runs, both unearned. Wally Moses was a perfect 3-3 in the game and scored a run, while Chapman walked and went 0-2. The AL went on to win the game 7-2.

On the field the Giants were 19-8, which gives us a nice 5 1/2 game cushion over the second place Boston Bees.

We also found out that Harry Courtney is retiring from baseball after the season. This is his third year with the Giants, and yes he has been less than spectacular over the past three seasons:
1935: 12-15, 4.83 ERA
1936: 0-1, 8.82 ERA
1937: 2-0, 5.09 ERA

But guys like Harry Courtney always serve an important role. So I acknowledge he wasn't great, but he was better than the alternative, especially in 1935 when he gave us 225 1/3 innings.

[NYY #23]

Not to get too over confident, but after a 21-6 month we now hold a 13 game lead over the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League. Barring a major collapse we appear headed back to our third straight World Series.

Our pitching is doing well, we are scoring a lot of runs, and overall I feel pretty good about our chances. Daffy Dean will be out for the next two weeks, but as long as he comes back strong for the World Series I won't be too worried. Now we just have to take care of business on the field and wrap things up in the National League.

[NYY #23]

We are officially heading back to the World Series for the third straight time, and the theme for this World Series will be depth. After a 95-57 season we'll be taking on the Cleveland Indians, who finished at 96-58.

That is the good news, the bad news is our injuries heading into the World Series. Jim Tobin (22-8, 2.83 ERA) will be out with a shoulder injury. Our starting catcher Babe Phelps (.294/.351/.394, 5 HR, 52 RBI) will miss the World Series as well, and on the last day of the season LF Chick Hafey (.288/.356/.500, 21 HR, 80 RBI) will miss the World Series with a ruptured achilles tendon. We'll be forced to see just how much depth we do have, for an added challenge in the World Series.

[Jestor]

Man, you have terrible luck when it comes to WS injuries.

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by Jestor

Man, you have terrible luck when it comes to WS injuries.

I definitely agree with that. The WS comes along and the injuries just seem to pile up.

[NYY #23]

Game 1

The first game of the World Series turned out to be a pitching duel between Ralph Birkofer, who took the ball for us, and Slick Castleman of the Indians. Each started lasted eight innings and combined to give up a total of three runs. The Indians struck first with a run in the top of the first, and we countered in the bottom of the fourth with a Max West home run. The winning run of the game came in the seventh when our first baseman, Gene Hasson, homered to put us up 2-1 which turned out to be the final score. As a side note, it is pretty hard to imagine the Indians with Lou Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio hitting three and four in the lineup.

Game 2

Those same three-four hitters that I just talked about combined to go 4-9 and drive in 5 RBI as the Indians rolled over us 9-4 to even up the series. Harry Courtney, in perhaps the final start of his career went out with a bang, allowing 14 hits and 9 runs over 8 innings. Wally Moses was our offensive star, going 3-5 with 2 RBI.

Game 3

On the road again, with Paul 'Daffy' Dean taking the ball for us, and all I can think of is how much trouble in the World Series I've had with New York based teams. I really don't want to lose a third straight World Series again, and Dean did his best to prevent that, pitching a complete game seven hitter and allowing just one run while striking out 6. Gene Hasson homered for the second time this series, but it was just a solo shot. Buddy Myer and Odell hale each drove in runs though, and sent Dean home the winner and put the Giants up 2 games to 1.

Game 4

There is something about scoring 5 runs in the top of the first inning that helps take the edge off watching the game. Adam Comorosky hit a grand slam which gave us the big lead. With just one home run all season, Comorosky equaled his season total with one big swing. Odell Hale continued his hot series as well, hitting a 2 run home run and collecting a pair of hits. Schoolboy Rowe was great on the mound, pitching a complete game four hit shutout to put the Giants one win away from capturing the World Series.

Game 5

"Don't let the series head back to New York. Don't let the series head back to New York" I figure I must have repeated that in my head about 500 times watching the game, like somehow my brain waves would reach my imaginary players. We had Ralph Birkofer on the mound, and fell behind 1-0 early. Our team didn't give up though, Buddy Myer drove in a pair of runs, Ben Chapman was 3-5 with an RBI, and Adam Comorosky came up with another big RBI single. Birkofer was his second game of the series and the Giants won the game 4-2 to give us the World Series win over the Cleveland Indians, which happened to be my second World Series win over the Indians.

History (8 down, 22 to go):
1906 - Boston Americans 74-80, 15 GB (Season Score - 6)
1907 - Boston Americans 79-75, 8 GB (Season Score - 30)
1908 - Boston Red Sox 106-48, Won World Series 4-2 over New York Giants (Season Score - 77)
1909 - Cleveland Naps 69-85, 21 GB (Season Score - 22)
1910 - Cleveland Naps 79-75, 11 GB (Season Score - 30)
1911 - Cleveland Naps 73-81, 26 GB (Season Score - 2)
1912 - Cleveland Naps 95-59, 1 GB (Season Score - 43)
1913 - Cleveland Naps 98-56, Won World Series 4-3 over the Pittsburgh Pirates (Season Score - 70)
1914 - Chicago Cubs 69-85, 21 GB (Season Score - 22)
1915 - Chicago Cubs 70-84, 19 GB (Season Score - 22)
1916 - Chicago Cubs 83-71, Lost World Series 4-2 to the St. Louis Browns (Season Score - 47)
1917 - Chicago Cubs 88-66, Won World Series 4-1 over the St. Louis Browns (Season Score - 86)
1918 - Philadelphia Phillies 82-72, 18 GB (Season Score - 32)
1919 - Philadelphia Phillies 80-60, Won World Series 5-2 over the St. Louis Browns (Season Score - 86)
1920 - Brooklyn Robins 71-83, 18 GB (Season Score - 23)
1921 - Brooklyn Robins 96-58, 3 GB (Season Score - 44)
1922 - Brooklyn Robins 85-69, 8 GB (Season Score - 35)
1923 - Brooklyn Robins 106-48, Lost World Series 4-2 to the Philadelphia Athletics (Season Score - 64)
1924 - Brooklyn Robins 95-59, Lost World Series 4-3 to the Cleveland Indians (Season Score - 54)
1925 - Brooklyn Robins 96-58, Lost World Series 4-1 to the St. Louis Browns (Season Score - 57)
1926 - Brooklyn Robins 87-67, 6 GB, Season Score - 36)
1927 - Brooklyn Robins 103-51, Won World Series 4-1 over the Philadelphia Athletics (Season Score - 95)
1928 - St. Louis Cardinals 71-83, 31 GB, Season Score - 0
1929 - St. Louis Cardinals 78-76, 12 GB, Season Score - 16
1930 - St. Louis Cardinals 93-61, Won World Series 4-2 over the Cleveland Indians (Season Score - 66)
1931 - Philadelphia Athletics 68-46, 22 GB, Season Score - 0
1932 - Philadelphia Athletics 96-58, Won World Series 4-3 over the Cincinnati Reds (Season Score - 69)
1933 - New York Giants 64-90, 37 GB, Season Score - 18
1934 - New York Giants 76-78, 10 1/2 GB, Season Score - 27
1935 - New York Giants 91-63, Lost World Series 4 -2 to the New York Yankees (Season Score - 49)
1936 - New York Giants 94-60, Lost World Series 4-2 to the Philadelphia Athletics (Season Score - 52)
1937 - New York Giants 97-57, Won World Series 4-1 over the Cleveland Indians (Season Score - 84)