The Pastime Baseball League

[EMSoccerCoach]

Had to fix Mr. Connor...he's actually SECOND on the alltime postseason homerun list...Justin Morneau leads the way with 12. A short peak for Morneau, who was an elite player for two seasons.

[EMSoccerCoach]

ALL-DECADE TEAM

We move on to the backup outfielders. It's been set up in the prior All-Decade post, so we'll just get into the players here.

Backup Leftfielder

Joe Jackson (Louisville Racers, 2014-2018)

Two-time Northern League Outstanding Hitter, two-time All-Star and now, with the completion of 2018, a Gold Glove winner. Shoeless Joe Jackson hit .306 as a 19-year-old rookie in 2014 and has been an offensive force since, and could very well be termed the reason behind Louisville's climb to elite status as two-time division champs (2016, 2017). He's a career .334 hitter, led the league in OPS in both 2016 and 2017 despite not being a power hitter, and has hit .343 in two postseasons. He won't even turn 25 until the All-Star break this season.

Career Batting Stats

Year/Team/League	Age	G	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	R	BB	HP	SF	K	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	VORP
2014 Louisville - PBL	19	156	604	185	45	4	4	60	83	71	7	5	26	12	7	.306	.383	.414	.797	37.4
2015 Louisville - PBL	20	45	184	54	10	4	3	20	15	17	1	1	11	4	4	.293	.355	.440	.795	8.0
2016 Louisville - PBL	21	122	487	174	42	13	5	91	73	43	6	15	24	17	14	.357	.405	.528	.932	55.3
2017 Louisville - PBL	22	148	619	224	41	9	5	100	90	45	6	8	42	13	10	.362	.406	.481	.887	62.3
2018 Louisville - PBL	23	136	563	196	37	8	4	82	71	49	2	7	35	13	11	.348	.398	.464	.861	48.9
Total PBL		607	2457	833	175	38	21	353	332	225	22	36	138	59	46	.339	.394	.467	.861	211.8

Backup Centerfielder


Dwayne Murphy (New Orleans Knights, 2012-2018)


There are always some surprises when you throw an all-time league of sorts together. Some guys, many of whom I've already mentioned, underperform to an almost frustrating level. Others play above their careers to earn advanced status, like a Buddy Kerr. Then there are a few who just tear down the barriers of their real-life careers. Dwayne Murphy is one of those. A four-time All-Star, a two-time Most Valuable Player (which I've never opened to voting and have done largely by VORP, an admittedly flawed metric), three-time champion and the recipient of the longest contract - a 7-year deal signed before the 2018 season - in PBL history, Dwayne Murphy has been an outstanding performer surpassed only by Oscar Charleston among centerfielders.

Career Batting Stats

Year/Team/League	Age	G	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	R	BB	HP	SF	K	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	VORP
2012 New Orleans - PBL	24	49	187	53	5	0	5	20	30	25	1	0	42	1	1	.283	.371	.390	.761	5.1
2013 New Orleans - PBL	25	152	550	173	25	2	34	103	109	98	2	4	85	5	6	.315	.417	.553	.970	71.6
2014 New Orleans - PBL	26	158	598	186	43	1	21	105	84	91	0	3	89	5	0	.311	.400	.492	.892	61.2
2015 New Orleans - PBL	27	129	471	145	36	2	21	93	71	78	0	5	48	6	5	.308	.403	.527	.929	53.0
2016 New Orleans - PBL	28	150	562	149	24	2	14	76	85	101	2	5	83	2	3	.265	.376	.390	.766	24.0
2017 New Orleans - PBL	29	155	605	173	42	2	23	100	96	82	4	8	72	3	2	.286	.371	.476	.847	48.0
2018 New Orleans - PBL	30	157	598	177	40	2	39	136	110	104	2	5	90	2	1	.296	.399	.565	.964	72.0
Total PBL		950	3571	1056	215	11	157	633	585	579	11	30	509	24	18	.296	.393	.494	.887	334.9

Backup Rightfielder

Elmer Flick (Indianapolis Engines, 2009-2016; Boston Riders, 2017-2018)

Steady. That's Elmer Flick. Double-digit homers all 10 seasons, 100+ RBI three times, 100+ runs four times, double-digit steals 7 out of 10 seasons, two-time a .300 hitter (lifetime .280). By the time the PBL concludes, he probably won't be Top 10 in many stats...but right now he's there, an unheralded player in a league of stars. And for that he earns a spot on this team.

Career Batting Stats

Year/Team/League	Age	G	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	R	BB	HP	SF	K	SB	CS	AVG	OBP	SLG	OPS	VORP
2009 Indianapolis - PBL	22	160	584	174	35	5	24	117	102	112	9	7	104	21	5	.298	.414	.498	.913	66.1
2010 Indianapolis - PBL	23	155	586	161	24	3	27	83	102	96	7	4	111	6	1	.275	.381	.464	.845	42.9
2011 Indianapolis - PBL	24	137	517	162	31	6	18	71	112	93	15	5	92	8	5	.313	.429	.501	.930	60.3
2012 Indianapolis - PBL	25	146	563	169	33	3	25	100	104	78	13	4	83	8	4	.300	.395	.503	.898	57.1
2013 Indianapolis - PBL	26	124	466	111	22	2	22	74	69	66	14	3	77	13	10	.238	.348	.436	.784	18.5
2014 Indianapolis - PBL	27	156	600	171	28	4	28	100	91	58	19	4	92	11	10	.285	.364	.485	.849	44.7
2015 Indianapolis - PBL	28	126	404	102	19	3	15	54	60	50	12	1	67	12	5	.252	.351	.426	.777	18.5
2016 Indianapolis - PBL	29	132	416	105	24	3	11	70	58	47	13	5	86	11	5	.252	.343	.404	.747	14.0
2017 Boston - PBL	30	146	493	144	28	1	10	66	66	75	14	3	100	21	9	.292	.398	.414	.812	37.3
2018 Boston - PBL	31	141	494	134	17	3	13	63	70	49	6	5	91	17	1	.271	.341	.397	.738	21.0
Total PBL		1423	5123	1433	261	33	193	798	834	724	122	41	903	128	55	.280	.379	.457	.836	380.6

[Terpripken]

Wow Dwayne Murphy! That came out of left...er center field.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Originally Posted by Terpripken

Wow Dwayne Murphy! That came out of left...er center field.

HA! The most ironic thing about Murphy is that, while his offense has transcended anything he did during his real-life career, he's never won a Gold Glove - which he did 6 times in his career.

[EMSoccerCoach]

ALL-DECADE TEAM

This probably should have been a harder decision than it was. But without even looking at the stats, I knew four of the five.

One who didn't make it needs special mention, though, because I follow him so closely, waiting for him to give it one more good run.

Rube Waddell is the PBL's alltime strikeout king (2,380). His first season, the inaugural year of 2009, was uncanny. He went 27-7 with a 2.74 ERA, and struck out 344 batters. There have been 11 games of 15+ strikeouts in PBL history. Waddell has 7 of them. But at the end of the day, if you take out that first season, he's 6 games over .500 for his career and he's posted six 4+ ERAs. He's dynamic, but not good enough to crack this all-decade rotation.

So who did?

Tim Lincecum (Memphis Strummers, 2009-2018)

The alltime leader in wins (167), starts (343), innings (2,604.1) and VORP (560.6), Lincecum won the Southern League Outstanding Pitcher award in 2013, is a four-time All-Star and will eventually pass Waddell as the PBL's alltime strikeout king (he currently trails 2380 to 2274). He's 32 and signed through 2021 with Memphis.

Career Pitching Stats

Year/Team/League	Age	G	GS	W	L	SV	ERA	IP	HA	R	ER	HR	BB	K	CG	SHO	WHIP	BABIP	VORP
2009 Memphis - PBL	22	39	39	18	10	0	3.45	268.1	251	115	103	27	89	275	5	1	1.27	.312	51.9
2010 Memphis - PBL	23	32	32	13	12	0	3.97	244.2	232	115	108	24	84	211	4	2	1.29	.293	43.0
2011 Memphis - PBL	24	35	35	17	11	0	3.63	277.2	261	121	112	28	75	259	9	0	1.21	.299	60.1
2012 Memphis - PBL	25	34	34	18	9	0	2.79	257.2	229	93	80	19	86	251	7	3	1.22	.296	77.2
2013 Memphis - PBL	26	35	35	23	6	0	2.97	273.0	232	98	90	17	91	262	10	4	1.18	.291	68.9
2014 Memphis - PBL	27	34	34	18	7	0	3.32	257.2	250	108	95	22	93	234	4	0	1.33	.309	51.7
2015 Memphis - PBL	28	33	33	11	14	0	3.28	249.2	226	104	91	13	91	195	11	5	1.27	.291	54.5
2016 Memphis - PBL	29	33	33	16	10	0	3.70	240.2	236	109	99	17	97	177	5	2	1.38	.299	43.2
2017 Memphis - PBL	30	34	34	17	11	0	3.22	268.1	242	114	96	11	100	185	11	2	1.27	.282	60.0
2018 Memphis - PBL	31	34	34	16	13	0	3.71	266.2	265	111	110	32	90	225	13	0	1.33	.301	50.2
Total PBL		343	343	167	103	0	3.40	2604.1	2424	1088	984	210	896	2274	79	19	1.27	.297	560.6

Bob Veale (Sacramento Stingers, 2013-2018)

He was 27 when he was drafted, and perhaps could be on the downside now at 33. But his four-year run from 2014-2017 was remarkable. Four straight ERA titles, three straight Northern League Outstanding Pitcher awards, two Most Valuable Player awards and a world championship ring in 2013. Hard to top that.

Career Pitching Stats

Year/Team/League	Age	G	GS	W	L	SV	ERA	IP	HA	R	ER	HR	BB	K	CG	SHO	WHIP	BABIP	VORP
2013 Sacramento - PBL	27	7	7	2	4	0	3.27	55.0	42	21	20	4	18	42	1	0	1.09	.239	10.3
2014 Sacramento - PBL	28	34	34	18	9	0	2.53	260.0	208	81	73	10	92	168	14	4	1.15	.256	67.5
2015 Sacramento - PBL	29	33	33	21	8	0	2.48	250.0	203	80	69	11	75	176	8	3	1.11	.262	69.5
2016 Sacramento - PBL	30	23	23	16	2	0	2.66	165.2	149	62	49	8	54	109	5	0	1.23	.274	43.4
2017 Sacramento - PBL	31	34	34	18	12	0	2.67	246.0	210	86	73	10	82	117	3	1	1.19	.251	63.0
2018 Sacramento - PBL	32	34	34	13	15	0	4.27	217.0	241	120	103	17	86	90	3	0	1.51	.292	18.7
Total PBL		165	165	88	50	0	2.92	1193.2	1053	450	387	60	407	702	34	8	1.22	.265	272.5

Mark Prior (New Orleans Knights, 2009-2017; Los Angeles Idols, 2018)

With a career record of 145-92, Prior ranks 4th in wins, 5th in strikeouts and 21st in ERA. But what puts Prior in this rotation is his postseason...he's 11-1 with a 2.36 ERA and a WHIP of 1.00. The next most postseason wins are 5. He started the 2014 season 4-1 with an 0.65 ERA, a start that seemed poised to net him his first Outstanding Pitcher award. But he tore his elbow ligament, missed the rest of the season and still hasn't won the award. No matter, though. He surely belongs.

Career Pitching Stats

Year/Team/League	Age	G	GS	W	L	SV	ERA	IP	HA	R	ER	HR	BB	K	CG	SHO	WHIP	BABIP	VORP
2009 New Orleans - PBL	21	22	22	10	8	0	3.81	151.0	131	71	64	18	60	158	2	0	1.26	.294	20.4
2010 New Orleans - PBL	22	34	34	23	8	0	3.21	272.1	242	106	97	23	72	258	9	1	1.15	.294	66.1
2011 New Orleans - PBL	23	34	34	17	12	0	3.33	264.2	244	107	98	22	50	253	11	3	1.11	.300	61.4
2012 New Orleans - PBL	24	34	34	18	13	0	3.65	266.2	253	120	108	16	72	235	11	2	1.22	.306	51.4
2013 New Orleans - PBL	25	33	33	18	8	0	2.81	275.2	220	90	86	25	58	217	13	2	1.01	.251	70.9
2014 New Orleans - PBL	26	6	6	4	1	0	0.65	41.2	34	5	3	0	14	33	2	2	1.15	.283	20.0
2015 New Orleans - PBL	27	33	33	12	13	0	3.94	228.2	228	108	100	25	79	147	2	1	1.34	.286	29.8
2016 New Orleans - PBL	28	35	24	10	12	0	4.58	175.0	171	95	89	22	56	111	3	1	1.30	.273	11.5
2017 New Orleans - PBL	29	32	32	17	9	0	4.12	216.1	220	114	99	25	92	148	1	0	1.44	.291	23.8
2018 Los Angeles - PBL	30	32	32	16	8	0	4.16	209.2	192	105	97	18	85	169	1	0	1.32	.288	34.1
Total PBL		295	284	145	92	0	3.60	2101.2	1935	921	841	194	638	1729	55	12	1.22	.287	389.5

...two more to come.

[EMSoccerCoach]

ALL-DECADE TEAM

Rounding out the All-Decade starting rotation.

Ted Trent (San Antonio Sheriffs, 2009-2018)

He didn't win them consecutively, but like Veale, Ted Trent is a 3-time Outstanding Pitcher winner (2010, 2011, 2015). He also has a Most Valuable Player award under his belt and is a three-time All-Star. He's been on the DL once in his career, and for the first 8 seasons of his career he posted a 40+ pitcher VORP 7 times, with a high ERA of 3.48 (the only time he topped 3.30 during that stretch). Trent's a 3-time ERA champ, two-time strikeout champ, one-time 20-game winner and, quite simply, one of the best to in PBL history.

Career Pitching Stats

Year/Team/League	Age	G	GS	W	L	SV	ERA	IP	HA	R	ER	HR	BB	K	CG	SHO	WHIP	BABIP	VORP
2009 San Antonio - PBL	21	33	33	11	14	0	3.15	234.1	201	95	82	20	60	210	2	0	1.11	.281	48.0
2010 San Antonio - PBL	22	32	32	21	5	0	2.58	241.0	196	82	69	8	54	225	4	0	1.04	.284	74.3
2011 San Antonio - PBL	23	34	34	16	8	0	2.91	247.1	231	94	80	9	79	204	6	1	1.25	.311	68.0
2012 San Antonio - PBL	24	18	18	5	7	0	3.30	125.1	110	50	46	7	39	112	0	0	1.19	.292	28.1
2013 San Antonio - PBL	25	34	34	14	14	0	3.48	240.2	226	109	93	17	82	199	4	0	1.28	.295	42.6
2014 San Antonio - PBL	26	32	32	11	12	0	2.63	232.2	216	80	68	20	64	186	3	0	1.20	.289	60.5
2015 San Antonio - PBL	27	33	33	19	9	0	2.08	247.0	180	67	57	10	73	220	8	4	1.02	.256	82.4
2016 San Antonio - PBL	28	33	33	14	11	0	3.05	242.0	206	94	82	22	89	195	4	2	1.22	.269	55.4
2017 San Antonio - PBL	29	34	34	13	16	0	4.49	208.2	207	113	104	23	93	122	1	1	1.44	.276	13.0
2018 San Antonio - PBL	30	31	31	6	17	0	4.79	188.0	191	113	100	20	81	124	0	0	1.45	.292	8.4
Total PBL		314	314	130	113	0	3.18	2207.0	1964	897	781	156	714	1797	32	8	1.21	.284	480.7

Ben Sanders (Arizona Sandmen, 2009-2013; Chicago Hitmen, 2013-2018)

In what was then one of the biggest trades in PBL history, Sanders came to Chicago in 2013 for Josh Hamilton, who at the time seemed poised for superstardom. Sanders made two starts before being lost for the season, a blow that crippled Chicago's pennant hopes as they faltered down the stretch, losing the division by 2 games to eventual the PBL Champion Sacramento Stingers in the season that began what's become the PBL's greatest rivalry. But as good as Hamilton was, it was inconceivable that anyone would deal Sanders. Now, his career is in limbo, as he tries to come back from elbow surgery that ended his 2018 campaign after four starts. For his career, Sanders ranks third in wins (161), first in complete games (152) and shutouts (33). He's a five-time All-Star and was the 2012 Southern League Outstanding Pitcher. He's a 3-time 20-game winner, has won 19 games once and 18 games three times. After what's been a great career, 2019 will be a season to watch for Ben Sanders, as much of Chicago's hopes hinge on him.

Career Pitching Stats

Year/Team/League	Age	G	GS	W	L	SV	ERA	IP	HA	R	ER	HR	BB	K	CG	SHO	WHIP	BABIP	VORP
2009 Arizona - PBL	23	36	36	18	10	0	2.79	277.1	270	105	86	6	52	150	13	3	1.16	.293	64.1
2010 Arizona - PBL	24	35	35	18	14	0	3.67	267.1	293	130	109	15	47	143	16	2	1.27	.308	44.7
2011 Arizona - PBL	25	35	35	20	14	0	3.59	276.0	267	120	110	19	39	141	19	5	1.11	.276	49.9
2012 Arizona - PBL	26	33	33	22	9	0	2.78	272.1	247	94	84	12	65	146	18	7	1.15	.270	73.7
2013 Arizona - PBL	27	23	23	9	14	0	3.76	177.1	174	80	74	18	38	99	13	2	1.20	.279	22.1
2013 Chicago - PBL	27	2	2	2	0	0	2.57	14.0	8	4	4	3	4	6	1	0	0.86	.139	4.1
2013 Total - PBL	27	25	25	11	14	0	3.67	191.1	182	84	78	21	42	105	14	2	1.17	.270	26.2
2014 Chicago - PBL	28	33	32	22	6	0	3.19	265.0	252	109	94	22	60	160	17	4	1.18	.273	56.6
2015 Chicago - PBL	29	34	34	18	14	0	3.50	272.1	262	113	106	26	48	145	21	4	1.14	.270	52.6
2016 Chicago - PBL	30	33	33	19	9	0	3.33	264.2	258	111	98	22	61	126	17	3	1.21	.269	57.0
2017 Chicago - PBL	31	32	32	12	14	0	4.07	243.0	247	125	110	29	51	108	16	3	1.23	.270	31.7
2018 Chicago - PBL	32	4	4	1	2	0	4.85	26.0	34	15	14	1	6	11	1	0	1.54	.347	1.3
Total PBL		300	299	161	106	0	3.40	2355.1	2312	1006	889	173	471	1235	152	33	1.18	.279	457.9

[EMSoccerCoach]

ALL-DECADE TEAM

Fittingly, we close it out with the closers here.

Jose Valverde (Arizona Sandmen, 2009-2018)

No real debate here. With 279 saves, he's the PBL's alltime leader by 59. In 493 appearances, he's posted a 2.82 ERA, a 1.16 WHIP and led the league in saves four times.

Career Pitching Stats

Year/Team/League	Age	G	GS	W	L	SV	ERA	IP	HA	R	ER	HR	BB	K	CG	SHO	WHIP	BABIP	VORP
2009 Arizona - PBL	23	52	0	7	4	30	2.63	61.2	39	19	18	2	32	58	0	0	1.15	.242	15.5
2010 Arizona - PBL	24	50	0	3	6	33	3.83	47.0	46	22	20	4	24	34	0	0	1.49	.290	7.0
2011 Arizona - PBL	25	45	0	1	4	13	3.59	52.2	45	21	21	2	22	62	0	0	1.27	.323	9.4
2012 Arizona - PBL	26	49	0	3	3	33	2.01	53.2	44	15	12	1	26	47	0	0	1.30	.295	19.3
2013 Arizona - PBL	27	43	0	5	3	24	2.05	44.0	24	12	10	3	17	51	0	0	0.93	.214	14.4
2014 Arizona - PBL	28	48	0	3	4	31	2.52	53.2	28	16	15	1	23	50	0	0	0.95	.200	13.8
2015 Arizona - PBL	29	54	0	6	7	32	3.21	53.1	38	22	19	3	20	49	0	0	1.09	.246	10.2
2016 Arizona - PBL	30	51	0	4	7	24	4.05	53.1	54	30	24	5	25	45	0	0	1.48	.314	5.2
2017 Arizona - PBL	31	48	0	6	3	29	2.42	52.0	37	15	14	4	17	49	0	0	1.04	.248	14.7
2018 Arizona - PBL	32	53	0	7	5	29	2.01	58.1	30	18	13	5	24	67	0	0	0.93	.191	20.3
Total PBL		493	0	45	46	278	2.82	529.2	385	190	166	30	230	512	0	0	1.16	.259	129.9

Jonathan Papelbon (New York Heroes, 2009-2014; Orlando Orcas, 2015; Los Angeles Idols, 2016-2018)

The closer for New York's five straight division winners out of the gate, the Heroes took a chance in the sixth season and made Papelbon a starter to bolster their rotation. The move was questioned, but looked brilliant when after 9 starts, Papelbon was 5-1 with a 1.34 ERA. He went down with an elbow injury in his 10th start, missed the rest of that season. His contract expired and New York let him become a free agent. In July, he signed a minor league deal with Orlando and came back to post 10 saves and a 1.35 ERA. A free agent again, he latched on with Los Angeles where he's returned to form.

Career Pitching Stats

Year/Team/League	Age	G	GS	W	L	SV	ERA	IP	HA	R	ER	HR	BB	K	CG	SHO	WHIP	BABIP	VORP
2009 New York - PBL	24	49	0	8	1	26	2.28	55.1	42	14	14	1	19	54	0	0	1.10	.287	16.0
2010 New York - PBL	25	48	0	2	5	31	3.80	47.1	50	21	20	2	8	60	0	0	1.23	.381	7.0
2011 New York - PBL	26	48	0	4	6	27	3.53	51.0	53	20	20	2	16	45	0	0	1.35	.336	9.4
2012 New York - PBL	27	50	0	1	8	32	3.78	50.0	48	21	21	1	29	48	0	0	1.54	.333	7.5
2013 New York - PBL	28	51	0	5	5	26	2.81	57.2	54	18	18	4	13	62	0	0	1.16	.327	13.6
2014 New York - PBL	29	10	10	5	1	0	1.34	60.2	44	15	9	2	11	52	0	0	0.91	.251	23.8
2015 Orlando - PBL	30	14	0	1	1	10	1.35	13.1	9	2	2	0	4	7	0	0	0.98	.220	5.6
2016 Los Angeles - PBL	31	55	0	3	4	29	2.44	62.2	53	21	17	5	16	47	0	0	1.10	.257	20.5
2017 Los Angeles - PBL	32	46	0	5	7	4	3.41	71.1	76	32	27	6	21	41	0	0	1.36	.300	15.9
2018 Los Angeles - PBL	33	61	0	9	6	11	3.16	94.0	77	35	33	8	37	66	0	0	1.21	.257	24.8
Total PBL		432	10	43	44	196	2.89	563.1	506	199	181	31	174	482	0	0	1.21	.295	144.1

[EMSoccerCoach]

That was fun. Thanks to PhillieFever for the suggestion. Up next, the 2019 recap.

[EMSoccerCoach]

2019 Recap - The Offseason

The 2018 offseason brought about some interesting scenarios in the Pastime Baseball League, which prepared to enter its 11^th season.


Four days before the Amateur Draft on November 15, eligible free agents were able to file. Plenty had signed before the deadline. In Boston, Jim Palmer (17-14, 4.15), Steve Carlton (16-10, 3.59) and Eddie Cicotte (13-11, 3.42) were all locked up. But Tommy John (3-0, 17 SV, 2.35) wasn’t, his successful return from elbow surgery notwithstanding. And it seemed the Riders were willing to let him at least consider other offers.
The expansion clubs like Boston were dealing in their first step into free agency, now having six years under their belt. And, like Boston, the St. Louis Tides had many issues to consider. They handed a 3-year deal to Sam Crawford (.278-17-69), and kept second baseman Johnny Evers (.281-0-31) around for another year. But Rusty Staub (.304-15-95) made it to the filing deadline without a deal, and quickly moved near the top of the free agent class.


Oklahoma City kept Walter Johnson (15-11, 4.17) in the fold, inking a three-year deal with the Big Train, who seems to be on the cusp of stardom as he turns 25, as the Scorpions avoided arbitration.


But lots of prominent players reached free agency. Twenty-game winner Len Barker (20-10, 3.49) of the Chicago Hitmen couldn’t strike a deal with the team, and hoped to find a similar financial fate as last season’s big free agent pitcher, Mickey Harris. He doesn’t want Harris’ performance fate, though, as the league’s first $10 million a year player became the league’s biggest bust (9-17, 5.68).


Along with Staub, Cap Anson (.293-17-98) appeared destined to leave Orlando and Gold Glove-winner centerfielder Ruppert Jones (.259-14-66) was allowed to walk from Arizona. Buck Leonard (.315-17-61), coming off a solid season for Louisville, decided to test the market as well, and Barker had some partnership on the starting pitcher front, as veteran Bill Byrd (18-9, 4.35), a free agent at 34 after winning 18 games for the Northern League champion Philadelphia Ringers, joined the market.


But the main eyes were on Las Vegas. Ten years into the PBL, the Bosses have not only never had a winning season, but never won more than 74 games – a mark reached in the inaugural season of 2009. But there’s hope…Jackie Robinson (.264-13-84, 38 SB), Dave Parker (.341-20-87) and Christy Mathewson (3-6, 5.10) all got extensions shortly after the season ended, and with the first pick in the draft, highly touted prospect Lou Gehrig seemed to be destined for Vegas. Their lone big free agent, however, was Dick Allen (.264-19-73). And with concerns the Bosses would botch the draft drawing concern, the notion that they would let Allen walk struck fear in the Vegas faithful. The combination of Allen and Gehrig, however, would bring some hope that things may soon turn.
And with that, we head to the 2018 Amateur Draft.

AMATEUR DRAFT

After draft day rumors the Bosses’ front office had been talking with prospect Joey Votto, Las Vegas ultimately selected the consensus top pick in Gehrig. The powerful lefty not only is considered to have the most upside, but he’s also considered the prospect most ready to contribute immediately. Their secondary picks left some scratching their heads, though the selection of highly touted reliever Matt Thornton in the second round may not be as far-fetched as some think. Red Ruffing was still on the board, though, and since their starters ranked 9^th in ERA out of 10 in the Southern League, while their bullpen ranked 5^th, a starter seems to make more sense.


The unquestionable champion of the draft, though, was the Orlando Orcas. Selecting third, the Orcas took Votto – essentially ending Cap Anson’s tenure there after 6 ½ seasons. But they also took advantage of a surprising slide down the draft board, taking Hack Wilson in the second round, then grabbing Goose Goslin in the third. What these picks would mean for Jimmy Wynn (.229-17-69) and former Newcomer of the Year and batting champ Chino Smith (.256-2-29) would remain to be seen.


Another strong draft was had by the New York Heroes as they try to retool and rise back to prominence. The Heroes went with pitching in the first two rounds, taking Jon Lester with the 5^th pick, and Red Ruffing in the second round. George Stovey slipped to the fourth, where the Heroes were all too glad to pick him up as well. In between, they took Yadier Molina as the defensive support for Terry Kennedy (.330-14-89).


As for other notables, Jayson Werth went to the Milwaukee Bangers while Memphis snatched 3B prospect Ryan Zimmerman and, in a projected steal, centerfielder Al Simmons in the second round. In a pick that didn’t seem to make too much sense but fit with their habit of loading up at a given position, the Los Angeles Idols took Gabby Hartnett, despite already having an All-Star catcher in Yogi Berra. Wichita drafted Bill Terry, while the Chicago Hitmen took third baseman Candy Jim Taylor – likely moving Frank Baker into the DH slot – and second baseman Charlie Gehringer in an excellent pick.


With the draft out of the way, the free agents figured to start dropping quickly. Some deals had to get done first, and the game of dominoes took a while longer than expected, but once it began it happened with a flourish.

TRADES

The market wasn’t overly active on the trade front this offseason, and trades seem to have dwindled in recent years. But there were a few prominent deals worth noting.


The New York Heroes dealt a pair of starters – Harry Krause (3-5, 3.10) and Josh Beckett (7-6, 5.28) - to bring in a pair of outfielders, Gary Roenicke (.272-6-21) and Bobby Thomson (.293-5-25). Rumors swirled that these moves were to set up a bigger deal, though nobody knew exactly what that would be.


The big trade of the offseason involved a player who has widely been viewed as never getting a fair shake, for a pitcher who has been one of the best. The New Orleans Knights dealt Mark Prior (16-8, 4.16) to Los Angeles a couple of years ago to obtain Eddie Murray (.234-7-31), only to let Murray languish on the bench. The Charlotte Cougars, however, dealing from their pitching strength, want Murray to play every day. Charlotte sent Ben Sheets (15-14, 3.28) to New Orleans to get Murray in a deal that benefits both sides, though one wonders if Charlotte really had to give up a pitcher of Sheets’ quality for Murray at this point. Nonetheless, both sides are reportedly thrilled with the deal, which addresses needs on both fronts.


The Idols then turned around and dealt Hardy Richardson (.235-11-34) to the Las Vegas Bosses for reliever Donnie Moore (3-6, 4.15).

FREE AGENCY

As is the case every offseason, rumors of talks swirl perpetually, and often the seriousness of these talks is overstated. The St. Louis Tides, for example, were reportedly in talks with Dick Allen and Len Barker, neither of whom eventually went there. Barker was also in rumored negotiations with Sacramento, which would have been a devastating blow for Chicago to lose him to their division rivals.


One thing that did seem clear, though, was that Allen and Barker were going to move on from their previous teams.


It wasn’t until the calendar turned to 2019, though, that things began to fall into place.


Tommy John was the first of the big names to sign, and the destination – the Alabama Airmen – surprised many. John reportedly wanted assurance he’d go back into the rotation from Boston, something Riders management wasn’t willing to guarantee him given his elbow issues. He excelled as a closer for them, and ultimately that’s what he’s now slated to do for the next three years with Alabama, seeming to indicate egos got bruised along the way with him and Boston, a franchise in better shape.


John’s injury status, though, didn’t put him in a place to really kickstart the signings. That happened later in the month, when Cap Anson (.293-17-98) agreed to go to San Antonio, inking a 4-year deal that will pay the 33-year-old almost $39 million.


Later that same day it was the Chicago Hitmen getting into the act in a big way, as they announced the signing of Dick Allen (.264-19-73) to a 3-year, $20.5 million deal. He will turn 28 during spring training, and many feel that Allen is poised to break out in a big way after injuries have slowed the start of his career. Consider the heart of this order now, with Allen the presumed DH…Allen, Babe Ruth, Roger Connor, Frank Baker and rookie Charlie Gehringer.


A week later it was the Orlando Orcas again making big waves, surprising everyone when they signed Rusty Staub to a 3-year, $33-plus million deal. The plan was to use rookie Joey Votto at first base and let Staub be the designated hitter, meaning the aforementioned Wynn will stay in right and Chino Smith will stay in left. Goose Goslin will rotate through.


After addressing pitching in the draft, the New York Heroes followed Orlando’s Staub signing by bringing Ruppert Jones to the Big Apple for some defensive enhancement. Jones signed a three-year deal for $4.7 million.


Then, in the span of a week, the Milwaukee Bangers woke up, inking three pitchers – relievers Ervin Santana (3-3, 3.20) and Dave Stewart (0-0, 3.75) and 18-game winner Bill Byrd, whose departure wraps what’s been a disappointing offseason for the Northern League champ Philadelphia Ringers, who were unable to ink anybody of significance and had an uninspiring draft.


Then, two weeks into spring training and at the start of exhibition games, the big names came off the board. New York showed it’s committed to reclaiming its former top spot in the Northern League East – announcing nearly $90 million in contracts - signing Buck Leonard to a 6-year, $53 million contract, which includes a player option in the final year; and Barker, to a 4-year, $36 million deal.


The chips have been moved but are in place as the spring games get under way and the hope of a new season sits fresh with everyone.

[EMSoccerCoach]

The conversion of lefthanded first basemen to other positions is something I don't know if OOTP11 took care of, since I'm using X. If not, I hope OOTP12 does.

[PhillieFever]

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

It's just the notorious "Dynasty Thread Seductress" striking again. We all start out by saying to ourselves "I'm not going to be TOO detailed or else I'll burn out / never get very far with it" but eventually the lure to cover more and more of the interesting incidents is too strong to resist, and before we know it we find ourselves helpless in her arms with seemingly no way out. It's happened to me a number of times, including right now with my boxing dynasty.

This is oh so true, and just on time. I was debating on expanding the coverage myself, this has slapped me back to reality.

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by PhillieFever

This is oh so true, and just on time. I was debating on expanding the coverage myself, this has slapped me back to reality.

I don't mean to sound negative, but IMO when it's all said and done the detailed route just isn't worth it. There's not enough of an audience on this or any other board to make it worth it and so while it might be a lot of fun in the end it really just becomes a waste of time, creativity and effort.

[kenyan_cheena]

Great write-up of the off-season, EM. I think that if you stick to that format throughout the season and beyond it'll give you a great chance of seeing this thing through to it's conclusion.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

Great write-up of the off-season, EM. I think that if you stick to that format throughout the season and beyond it'll give you a great chance of seeing this thing through to it's conclusion.

Thanks, KC. That's the plan. Spring Training up next.

[EMSoccerCoach]

2019 Recap - Spring Training

The numbers don’t matter too much during the spring, but it’s always nice to look around and see who just might be poised to break out.

Two players fitting the bill were Ralph Kiner and Albert Pujols.

Kiner, who hit 16 homers in his rookie season of 2014. But after hitting only .214, the Los Angeles Idols put him on the back burner and gave Jerry Turner a shot. Turner has performed, and Kiner’s had 57 at bats the last two seasons. But as spring training ends, Kiner seems to be penciled in as the Idols’ designated hitter after batting .312 with a spring leading 8 homers and 24 RBI.

As for Pujols, the expectation has been for him to explode for years now. At 31, the hope has dimmed a bit, but Oklahoma City manager Sparky Anderson said he followed Pujols’ regimen this offseason and he seems more focused. He hit .365 this spring with 6 homers, and Anderson said essentially he has put a lot of responsibility on Pujols to be the bat that protects young stud Mickey Mantle (.290-18-60) and, seeking his last chance at reaching his predicted heights, Honus Wagner (.202-4-26) - who has barely been a replacement level player for the last four seasons.

The Idols’ Yogi Berra seems poised to continue his growth. After batting .291 with 29 homers and 104 RBI last season, Berra, who turns 25 in May, hit .397 this spring, leading the PBL in hits with 29.

Nobody gets too worked up about pitchers in the spring, barring disaster. But the St. Louis Tides, smarting after the loss of Rusty Staub from their offense, can’t like Steve Carlton’s spring line – 0-5, 7.88 ERA.

In Orlando, the Orcas breathed a sigh of relief that their ace, Mickey Harris, posted a respectable 3.54 ERA after blowing up last season in the first year of a 3-year, $31.5M deal.

In New York, the Heroes’ big pitching acquisition – this year’s Harris, Len Barker – posted a 5.18 mark but assured the New York media he’ll be ready to roll once Opening Day arrives.

Of course, the spring is successful if you make it through without injuries. Some were more successful than others.

The Charlotte Cougars have lost leftfielder Pedro Guerrero indefinitely as he continues to suffer from post-concussion syndrome after a beaning during the first week of spring training. Guerrero (.300-18-63) was a steady force for Charlotte after being acquired at last season’s trade deadline for catcher Charlie Bennett. Manny Mota (.299-2-50) should pick up some playing time as a result.

A pair of bullpen leaders will start the season on the shelf as well.
In Memphis, the Strummers will open the season without Tom Hume (1-1, 12 SV, 2.41), who broke his forearm after being hit by a Mike Easler line drive on March 12. Harry Krause (3-5, 3.10), acquired from New York for Bobby Thomson at the winter meetings and originally penciled into the rotation, will reportedly close in the interim.

Meanwhile, the Wichita Brigade will be without setup man Chad Cordero, who is being treated for shoulder inflammation that will keep him out indefinitely. Cordero, second on the alltime saves list with 219, surrendered the job to Smoky Joe Wood early in the 2017 season after struggling out of the gate. After struggling the rest of 2017, he rebounded last season and adjusted well to the role (6-5, 3.67, 6 SV).

Orlando Orcas rookie Hack Wilson suffered a partially torn labrum last week and will be out until early May.

But the big position player injury occurred in St. Louis, where Tides rightfielder Sam Crawford (.278-17-69) suffered a broken wrist diving for a ball and is expected to be out until after the All-Star Break. Irv Noren (.268-7-68) and Don Lock (.226-7-38) are expected to battle for at bats in his place.

Spring records mean little, but it is worth noting that the defending champion Los Angeles Idols posted the high mark, going 17-7, as they prepare to defend their crowd…a quest that begins now!

[EMSoccerCoach]

2019 Recap - April

IDOL WORSHIP

The 2019 season opened with some things you could count on, and a whole host of surprises.


The Los Angeles Idols opened the season with a solid first month, going 15-12, and closing out the stanza in first place in the Southern League West. Not only did they open the month well, but they quickly served notice that they plan on being strong for the forseeable future.


Dan Brouthers was set to be a free agent at season’s end. Rumors floated that the two sides were talking about an extension during spring training, but nothing materialized and the sides themselves said little. But on April 7, the Idols announced that Brouthers had agreed to a three-year extension. The agreement itself wasn’t surprising as much as the sum…$25.3 million. By no means chump change, the roughly $8.4 million average salary is less than most presumed the league’s best player would get on the open market.


“I am on a championship club,” Brouthers said after the deal was announced. “If they can use some of that money toward keeping us on top, I consider it an investment in my future as well.”


The Idols did just that, concurrently announcing the signing of young outfielder Dave Winfield to a 2-year extension, essentially buying out his final arbitration year and giving him another on top of it, for an annual salary just shy of $2 million, an increase from the $1.75 million he’ll earn this season.


The duo didn’t disappoint.


Winfield closed out the month batting .283 with 5 homers and 18 RBI for the Southern League’s best offense. He’s been hitting second in front of Brouthers, who shows no sign of slowing. The first baseman ended the month batting .322 with 8 homers and 28 RBI. He’s been getting protection from Ralph Kiner, who in the first month of the season showed his hot spring was no accident. Kiner is batting .324 with 9 homers and 21 RBI.
Considering that the Idols played the month without Yogi Berra for half of it (he’s since returned) and Ty Cobb (injured again, but returning the first week of May), that they are still producing as they are is quite remarkable. If that pair comes back strong, the Idols could be on their way to a record setting offensive season.

BEASTS IN THE EAST

Meanwhile, their opponent in the PBL Championship Series last season, the Philadelphia Ringers, stumbled out of the gate.


Over the first month of the season, the Ringers put up an unfathomable 6.35 ERA, including a stunning 6.91 from their starting rotation. Their top duo of Ed Walsh (1-5, 8.14) and Carlos Marmol (1-2, 6.42) has been putrid, and everyone else has followed suit. Over a 5-game losing streak that followed a 3-0 start, the Ringers allowed 52 runs. Still, they are 11-14, not 5-20, so it’s far from catastrophic. But their offseason complacency, or at least the inability to close the deals, has looked hurtful thus far. The Ringers need to get on track.


They should do quickly, because it appears the New York Heroes are finally back. Their spending during the offseason seems to be reaping dividends. After four years out of the playoffs following their six-year division title run, and two straight years of 90+ losses, the Heroes are 16-11 and on top of the Northern League East.


Len Barker (3-1, 4.76) has had two bad starts but otherwise been solid, including a complete game shutout his last effort against the offensive juggernaut that is the Indianapolis Engines, who we’ll get to in a moment. Buck Leonard (.303-2-14) has been as advertised, and Ruppert Jones (.344-3-16) has given more offense than expected while being the only defensive player capable of catching a ball, it seems.


The Heroes have started well despite a whopping 38 errors in the opening month. Jim Ray Hart has made 8 at third base. Wayne Gross was moved from third to short to make room for Hart. That experiment has failed, as Gross made 14 errors in 14 games, and has lost his position to 34-year-old Sam Wise, who manned the hole last season when he hit 23 homers and drove in 80 despite a paltry .213 average.

UNEXPECTED LEADERS

The real story so far, though, has been the PBL’s top two teams: The Indianapolis Engines and the Alabama Airmen.


We’ll start in Indianapolis, where the emergence of Alan Trammell (.361-5-27) and torrid start of prime breakout year candidate Stan Musial (.323-9-32) are pacing baseball’s best offense – which has scored a whopping 191 runs in 26 games. The Northern League ERA as a whole is 4.92 through April, up from 4.27 a year ago. Indianapolis is a big reason why. Catcher Les Nunamaker (.315-7-22) is playing out of his head right now – he’s never topped .267 in a season – and Charlie Maxwell (.323-8-20) and designated hitter Larry Doby (.360-4-18) are on fire as well. Last year’s Outstanding Rookie Willie Mays played only 8 games in April after suffering a knee injury. But he’s back, and the Engines could get even more offense. Now they just need to pitch.


Seven straight fourth-place finishes ended with a 17-game improvement for Alabama in 2017. They improved by 3 more games last season to finish second in the Southern League East. Now, the Airmen look ready to take the next step.


They aren’t pitching well, and perhaps the weakness of the Southern League East division across the board has set up their 17-9 start. But a big factor is Charley Jones, acquired in a trade from Boston during spring training for pitcher Johnny Schmitz. At 36, coming off a season in which he went .222-26-89 for Boston, Jones is currently batting .309 with 9 homers and 28 RBI as he carries Alabama. Buddy Kerr is batting .364, and Mike Tiernan – in Alabama since the inaugural 2009 season – seems to be revitalized (.289-8-18).

PLANS FALL APART

For disappointment, look to Chicago and Orlando.


The Hitmen have been plagued by injuries. In a span of two weeks, the Hitmen lost first baseman Roger Connor to a broken finger, rookie Charlie Gehringer to a knee injury and ace Ben Sanders to a shoulder injury. Connor should be back soon, but Gehringer is out until June, and Sanders could be out until the All-Star Break. Babe Ruth (.286-10-28) has been forging ahead, backed by Frank Baker – again hitting .300 – and supporting free agent pickup Dick Allen (.270-3-14). Johan Santana has returned after his second elbow surgery. After three bad starts, he went 8 innings, allowing 1 run in a win against division-rival Sacramento on April 28, offering at least a glimpse of hope.


For Orlando, everything has gone wrong. They are 8^th in offense in the Southern League, big pickup Rusty Staub batting only .250 to start the season. But their real problem is their bullpen…a 6.99 collective ERA having cost them a handful of victories already. The free agent pickup of Bert Campaneris, confusing to many given Ernie Banks’ strong rookie season, has worked out, as Campy hit in 24 straight and is batting .375. But Banks, who is batting .400, is playing irregularly, giving more credence to those who thought Orlando approached the draft and free agency without a real plan for how the team should be structured.

VEGAS, BABY!

Meanwhile, eyes around baseball are on Las Vegas, where the Bosses are showing signs of life. Rookie Lou Gehrig has taken the PBL by storm. In his first month, he rattled off a 20-game hitting streak, hit 6 home runs and drove in 24, earning Southern League Player of the Month honors (and, of course, Rookie of the Month honors as well). Confidence is growing in the pitching staff as well. Juan Cruz (3-2, 2.27), Bruce Hurst (2-1, 2.97) and Fernando Valenzuela (2-3, 3.35) have been strong.

HONUS HURT

In sad news, the hopeful revitalization of the Oklahoma City Scorpions' Honus Wagner appears to have taken a turn, as a separated shoulder has him disabled indefinitely. It appears Wagner, 34, may have truly ended his time as a useful player.

Northern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
New York Heroes	16	10	.615	-
Louisville Racers	15	12	.556	1.5
Boston Riders	14	12	.538	2.0
Philadelphia Ringers	11	14	.440	4.5
Charlotte Cougars	11	15	.423	5.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Indianapolis Engines	18	8	.692	-
Wichita Brigade	13	12	.520	4.5
Sacramento Stingers	12	13	.480	5.5
Chicago Hitmen	11	16	.407	7.5
Milwaukee Bangers	9	18	.333	9.5

Southern League Standings
East	W	L	PCT	GB
Alabama Airmen	17	9	.654	-
New Orleans Knights	14	13	.519	3.5
Memphis Strummers	11	15	.423	6.0
St. Louis Tides	10	15	.400	6.5
Orlando Orcas	10	16	.385	7.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Los Angeles Idols	15	12	.556	-
Oklahoma City Scorpions	14	11	.560	-
San Antonio Sheriffs	13	12	.520	1.0
Las Vegas Bosses	13	13	.500	1.5
Arizona Sandmen	13	14	.481	2.0

League Leaders AVG T. Speaker - STL .441 2 M. McCormick OKC .408 3 G. Richards LV .405 4 B. Terry WIC .394 5 L. Gehrig LV .387	League Leaders HR 2 tied with 11 1 M. Hegan BOS 11 1 J. Rice LOU 11 3 O. Krueger CHA 10 3 B. Ruth CHI 10	League Leaders RBI S. Musial - IND 32 2 M. Hegan BOS 30 3 D. Brouthers LA 28 3 C. Jones ALA 28 3 3 more tied with 28
League Leaders W L. Day - IND 5 2 B. Fuentes LA 4 2 R. Gale CHI 4 2 L. Jansen NO 4 2 4 more tied with 4	League Leaders ERA B. Odom - MEM 2.25 2 J. Cruz LV 2.27 3 J. Lackey NY 2.31 4 L. Sorensen IND 2.36 5 M. Scott ALA 2.56	League Leaders K J. Hughes - WIC 48 2 C. Marmol PHI 42 3 J. Peavy CHA 38 4 N. Hahn LV 35 5 2 tied with 34

PLAYERS OF THE MONTH

NORTHERN LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE MONTH: Mike Hegan, Boston Riders
NORTHERN LEAGUE ROOKIE OF THE MONTH: Bill Terry, Wichita Brigade
NORTHERN LEAGUE PITCHER OF THE MONTH: Leon Day, Indianapolis Engines

SOUTHERN LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE MONTH: Lou Gehrig, Las Vegas Bosses
SOUTHERN LEAGUE ROOKIE OF THE MONTH: Lou Gehrig, Las Vegas Bosses
SOUTHERN LEAGUE PITCHER OF THE MONTH: Larry Jansen, New Orleans Knights

[Terpripken]

The recap looks fantastic.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Originally Posted by Terpripken

The recap looks fantastic.

Thanks. It doesn't take me long, as I enjoy writing. And it lets me get a bit into storytelling mode as opposed to just dumping stats and leaderboards. It also gets me more knowledgeable about what's going on in my league, the ebbs and flows and such. Should let me get through seasons in two weeks as opposed to two months. That's the plan anyway.

[NYY #23]

I like the recap as well, and it is nice to see Gehrig make such a strong debut in the league. I think it is time to officially switch my loyalties, let's go Vegas!

[EMSoccerCoach]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

I like the recap as well, and it is nice to see Gehrig make such a strong debut in the league. I think it is time to officially switch my loyalties, let's go Vegas!

They've got some promise. I was remiss to mention, but they actually started Dick Ruthven in the rotation and left young Christy Mathewson as the long man/spot starter. It took four starts for Ruthven to lose that spot. If Mathewson produces and Hurst, Valenzuela and Cruz can be steady, Vegas might at least reach .500 for the first time. I just can't believe how bad this franchise has been.

Them losing Dick Allen to free agency hurts. But Gehrig, Jackie Robinson and Willie Wilson should help generate at least a respectable offense.