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03-11-2022, 04:28 AM
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#181 |
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 902
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2071 Hall of Fame Voting
An already top-heavy Hall of Fame ballot was further crowded by the addition of several heavily-qualified newcomers. Although the 36-player ballot was shorter than usual, there were relatively few unqualified candidates -- indeed, 22 of the 36 players on the ballot received at least 25% of the vote, and 10 players topped 60%. Five players cleared the magical 75% threshold -- all of whom were making their maiden appearance on the ballot. Righthander Rick Reuschel, a two-time Cy Young Award winner with a career record of 261-138, was a near-unanimous selection with 98.9% of the vote. First baseman Hal Trosky, a two-time MVP who mashed 707 homers and drove in 2012 runs, received 98.5% of the vote. Six-time All-Star Gary Carter, the all-time leader among catchers with 564 homers, drew 83.3% of the vote. Whitey Ford, a five-time All-Star with a career record of 205-116 and 3504 strikeouts, was tabbed on 82.9% of ballots. Catcher Mike Piazza, the 2063 MVP and an eight-time All-Star in his thirteen seasons, snuck over the threshold with 77.3% of the vote.
Reuschel was drafted 11th overall by the Omaha Falcons after the 2050 season. As a 22-year-old rookie in 2051, Reuschel posted a 10-11 record with a 3.38 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP, but tore his labrum toward the end of the year. Although he was reduced to just 21 starts in his 2052 sophomore campaign, Reuschel posted a virtually identical season, going 8-7 with a 3.26 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP. In 2053, Reuschel finished third in the Cy Young voting, leading the Frontier League in victories as he posted a 23-6 record, along with a 2.37 ERA, an 0.90 WHIP, and an incredible 230:28 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Reuschel missed nearly all of 2054 with a shoulder injury, and after a series of setbacks, he missed half of 2055 as well. He rebounded in 2056, going 15-10 with a 2.75 ERA, an 0.98 ERA, and 268 strikeouts. The following season, he went 11-12 despite a 2.90 ERA, an 0.95 WHIP, and 259 strikeouts. In 2058, Reuschel notched a 12-8 mark, along with a 2.78 ERA, an 0.92 WHIP, fanning 260 batters while walking only 30. Reuschel finished 5th in the Cy Young voting in 2059, going 16-11 with a 2.65 ERA, an 0.87 WHIP, and 252 strikeouts. He won the Cy Young Award in 2060, posting a 22-3 record, a 2.12 ERA, an 0.93 WHIP, and fanned 228 batters, leading the league in victories, innings, ERA, and WHIP. Reuschel won another Cy Young Award the following year, going an incredible 23-2 with a league-leading 2.03 ERA and an 0.87 WHIP, whiffing 210 batters and allowing just 14 dingers in 230 innings. He posted a strong 18-10 mark in 2062 with a 3.46 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP, and 224 strikeouts, and after the season, he left Omaha as a free agent to sign with the Buffalo Fighting Elk. In 2063, Reuschel notched another 3rd place finish in the Cy Young voting, going 19-6 with a league-leading 1.96 ERA and an 0.85 WHIP, as he fanned 237 batters. He finished a close second in the 2064 Cy Young voting, posting a 16-5 mark with a 2.57 ERA, a league-leading 0.92 WHIP, and whiffed 229 batters. Reuschel posted another runner-up finish in the Cy Young voting in 2065, going 16-10 with a 2.47 ERA, an 0.91 WHIP, and 216 strikeouts. In 2066, he sported a 16-11 mark with a 2.99 ERA, an 0.89 WHIP, and fanned 222 batters, walking just 28 hitters in a league-best 229 innings. The next season, he went 18-8 with a 3.28 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP. Reuschel retired following a 2068 campaign where, at age 39, he went 14-11 with a 4.38 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP. For his career, he sported a 261-138 record with a 2.81 ERA and an 0.96 WHIP in 3516 innings, fanning 3461 batters while walking just 594 batters, along with an ERA+ of 153 and 95.9 WAR. Reuschel made seven All-Star teams and won 2 Cy Young Awards, leading the league in victories, ERA, and WHIP three times apiece, and four times in innings pitched. In 19 postseason starts over six seasons, he posted a 9-3 record with a 2.58 ERA and an 0.98 WHIP. Trosky was drafted 7th overall by the Birmingham Steelers following the 2049 season. He was the runner-up in the Rookie of the Year voting as a 19-year-old rookie in 2050, hitting .297 and slugging .561, belting 34 homers and driving in 110 runs. In 2051, Trosky hit .308 and slugged .521, popping 28 dingers and driving in 104 runs. The next season, he hit .324 and slugged .599, drilling 41 homers, 41 doubles, driving in 141 runs, and scoring 108 runs, finishing 5th in the MVP voting. Trosky finished 3rd in the 2053 MVP voting, winning the batting title as he posted a .360/ .423/ .688 slash line, with 50 longballs, 40 doubles, 123 RBI's, and 114 runs scored. In 2054, Trosky finished 2nd in the MVP voting, hitting .357 with a league-leading .742 slugging percentage, as he blasted 55 homers, 50 doubles, plated 142 runs, and scored 125 runs. In 2055, Trosky was limited to 123 games due to an oblique injury, but hit .335 and slugged .638, drilling 35 jacks and knocking in 93 runs. He rebounded in 2056 to win the MVP, hitting .356 with a league-leading .669 slugging percentage, homering 46 times among his 101 extra-base hits, driving in 131 runs, and scoring a league-leading 141 runs. Trosky nearly repeated as MVP, finishing second in 2057 after leading the league in batting average and on-base percentage, as he posted a slash line of .359/ .444/ .639, with 43 homers, 41 doubles, 108 RBI's, and 128 runs scored. In 2058, Trosky hit .338, led the league with a .444 on-base percentage, but slipped to 27 homers and 97 RBI's. He rebounded in 2059, hitting .305 and slugging .623, mashing 50 longballs, driving in 131 runs, an scoring 114 runs. Following the season, he left Birmingham as a free agent to sign with the Omaha Falcons. Trosky didn't miss a beat in his first season in green and gold, hitting .328 in 2060 with 52 homers, 150 RBI's, and a league-leading 137 runs. The next season, he won his second MVP trophy, hitting .337 and slugging .699, pacing the league with 59 homers and 161 RBI's while scoring 153 runs. Trosky slumped in an injury-riddled 2062 campaign, hitting a modest .267 with 37 homers and 94 RBI's in just 129 games. Trosky hit .267 again in 2063, smacking 40 dingers and driving in 119 runs, but he was stunningly traded by Omaha to the Pittsburgh Golden Gorillas at the trade deadline for four role players. In 2064, Trosky rebounded, hitting .292 and slugging .566 for Pittsburgh, with 36 longballs and 116 RBI's. In the offseason, he signed with the Detroit Purple Gang as a free agent. In his first campaign in Detroit, he hit .296 and slugged .579, blasting 22 homers in 78 games, but suffered a season-ending torn PCL. The next year, he hit .274 with 35 homers, 81 RBI's, and 103 runs scored. He played two more seasons in a part-time capacity, hitting 17 homers in 399 plate appearances, and retired following the 2068 season. An eight-time All-Star, Trosky won 2 MVP awards and 6 Silver Slugger awards. He posted a career slash line of .318/ .398/ .609, with 3174 hits, 692 doubles, 43 triples, 707 homers, 2012 RBI's, 1888 runs scored, 1261 walks, 20 steals, a 162 OPS+, and 98.1 WAR. At the time of his induction, Trosky ranked 11th all-time in homers, 6th in slugging percentage, 22nd in doubles, 9th in OPS, 20th in RBI's, and 29th in runs scored. Trosky played in five postseasons, only once making it out of the first round; in 37 postseason games, he hit just .207 with 6 homers and 21 RBI's. Carter was drafted 4th overall by the Nashville Blues following the 2048 season. As a 19-year-old rookie in 2049, he hit .251 with 27 longballs and knocked in 61 runs in just 115 games. The following season, he hit .257 with 19 dingers and 65 RBI's. In 2051, Carter hit .285 with 20 homers and knocked in 79 runs. He made his first All-Star team in 2052, hitting .302 and slugging .514, as he pounded 29 homers and drove in 96 runs. In 2053, Carter hit .284, belting 30 dingers and driving in 100 runs. The next year, he hit .287 with 20 homers and 74 RBI's. He struggled during the next two seasons, hitting just .229 and .233, but he did blast a combined 57 homers and knock in 197 runs over those two seasons. After the 2056 season, he left Nashville in free agency and signed with the Charlotte Aviators. Carter immediately starred in Charlotte, hitting .299 and slugging .590 in his first season in the Queen City, drilling 37 dingers, driving in 95 runs, and scoring 100 runs. He finished 3rd in the MVP voting in 2058, hitting .298 and slugging .631, with 49 longballs, 115 RBI's, and 100 runs scored. In 2059, Carter hit .288 and slugged .545, belting 35 homers and driving in 86 runs. The next season, he hit .303 and slugged .639, leading the league with 51 homers, driving in 134 runs, and scoring exactly 100 runs for the third time in four years. In 2061, Carter hit .307 and slugged. 566, belting 32 homers and plating 93 runs. In the offseason, he signed with the Dallas Wildcatters as a free agent. In his first season in Dallas, he hit .250 and slugged .553, belting 32 jacks and driving in 94 runs in just 109 games. The next season, he hit .267 with 36 longballs and knocked in 85 runs. Carter spent four more seasons in Dallas, averaging 21 homers and 63 RBI's per year, but did not top .250 in any season, and he came off the bench for the Wildcatters' 2067 World Series run. After an ineffective season with the Los Angeles Kangaroos in 2068, Carter retired. For his career, Carter made six All-Star teams, won two Gold Gloves and two Silver Sluggers. He posted a career slash line of .267/ .344/ .492, with 2497 hits, 395 doubles, 11 triples, 564 homers, 1656 RBI's, 1462 runs scored, 1034 walks, 54 steals, a 124 OPS+, and posted 81.4 WAR. Among catchers, Carter ranked first all-time in homers and RBI's, second in hits and runs scored, and 5th in WAR. Ford was drafted 1st overall by the Los Angeles Kangaroos following the 2050 season. He was limited to 15 starts as a 20-year-old rookie in 2051 due to a shoulder injury, as he went 4-5 with a 3.18 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP. In 2052, Ford went 10-8 despite a 2.36 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP, and 216 strikeouts. The following season, he went 10-4 with a 2.42 ERA, an 0.93 WHIP, and 233 strikeouts despite missing a month due to shoulder tendinitis. In 2054, Ford finished second in the Cy Young Award voting, going 18-4 with a 1.87 ERA, an 0.84 WHIP, and a league-leading 315 strikeouts. Ford tore his labrum two months into the 2055 campaign, as he posted a 2.37 ERA and an 0.97 WHIP in 12 starts. He rebounded with a vengeance, winning the 2056 Cy Young Award, the Triple Crown, and led Los Angeles to a World Series title, finishing 3rd in the MVP voting. Ford sported a 19-5 record, along with a 1.81 ERA, an 0.92 WHIP, and fanned 312 batters while walking just 39 hitters and yielding only 8 homers in 209 innings. He suffered another injury-shortened season in 2057, as he was limited to 17 starts due to a torn meniscus. In 2058, Ford finished 3rd in the Cy Young Award voting, posting a 19-6 record with a 1.99 ERA, an 0.91 WHIP, and fanned 286 batters. Ford notched a 12-5 mark in 2059, along with a 3.39 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and fanned 258 batters. The next season, he went 15-10 with a 3.87 ERA, a 1.23 WHIP, and whiffed 240 batters. In 2061, a hard-luck Ford went just 7-12 despite a 3.36 ERA, a 1.30 WHIP, and 209 strikeouts. He notched a 13-10 record in 2062, sporting a 3.86 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. After an ineffective injury-shortened 2063 campaign, Ford rebounded to go 11-11 with a 3.34 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP, and 230 strikeouts in 2064. Over the next three years, Ford went 36-19, winning exactly 12 games each year, although he posted ERA's over 4.00 in two of the three seasons. Ford left Los Angeles after the 2067 season to sign with the Omaha Falcons, where he went 11-9 in one season with a hefty 4.93 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP, retiring after the season. For his career, Ford sported a 205-116 record with a 3.25 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, 3504 strikeouts, 944 walks, 2891 innings, an ERA+ of 143, and 84.1 WAR. In 35 postseason starts over 12 postseasons, Ford sported a 14-9 mark with a 2.53 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP, and 271 strikeouts, yielding just 12 homers in 210 innings. In the Kangaroos' 2056 championship campaign, Ford posted a 4-1 postseason mark in 8 starts with a 1.65 ERA and an 0.90 WHIP, setting a since-broken single-season postseason record with 67 strikeouts. Piazza was drafted 1st overall by the San Antonio Marksmen following the 2055 season. As a 22-year-old rookie in 2056, Piazza finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting, hitting .283 and slugging .539, belting 33 homers and plating 79 runs in 124 games. He starred as a sophomore, hitting .329 and slugging .594, drilling 39 homers, knocking in 125 runs, and scoring 99 runs. In 2058, Piazza hit .293 and slugged .512, drilling 31 longballs and knocking in 92 runs. The next season, Piazza finished 4th in the MVP voting, hitting .327 and slugging .617, launching 47 longballs, driving in 125 runs, and scoring 101 runs. The next season, he hit .327 again, slugged .608, belted 40 bombs, and drove in 109 runs in just 125 games. In 2061, Piazza hit .320 and slugged .606, smacking 39 homers and knocking in 107 runs. The next season, he hit .309 and slugged .566, ripping 38 round-trippers and driving in 94 runs. Piazza won MVP honors in 2063, hitting .346 and slugging .637, launching 47 homers, driving in 126 runs, and scoring 98 runs. Following the season, he signed with the Kansas City Mad Hatters as a free agent, where he had two strong if unspectacular seasons, hitting .284 and .290, averaging 30 homers and 68 RBI's. He signed with the Buffalo Fighting Elk before the 2066 season, and he had a stellar comeback season, hitting .334 and slugging .575, with 33 dingers and 101 RBI's. Piazza collapsed the following season, however, hitting just .220 and slugging .431, with 16 homers and 45 RBI's in 104 games. After playing sparingly as a backup in 2068, Piazza retired. For his career, he had a slash line of .309/ .372/ .564, with 1833 hits, 224 doubles, 4 triples, 426 homers, 1154 RBI's, 1015 runs, 549 walks, 18 steals, a 154 OPS+, and 65.6 WAR. Among catchers, he had the highest career slugging percentage and OPS, and ranked 7th in homers and 4th in batting average. Piazza played in just 20 postseason games over 2 postseasons, batting .234 with 3 dingers and 7 RBI's. An eight-time All-Star, Piazza won one MVP Award and six Silver Sluggers. Leading vote recipients include: Rick Reuschel, RHP, OMA/ BUF: 98.9% Hal Trosky, 1B/DH, BIR/ OMA/ PIT/ DET: 98.5% Gary Carter, C, NAS/ CHA/ DAL/ LA: 83.3% Whitey Ford, LHP, LA/ OMA: 82.9% Mike Piazza, C, SA/ KC/ BUF: 77.3% Troy Glaus, 3B, MEM: 72.5% Alan Trammell, SS, PIT/ NOR: 72.1% Eddie Cicotte, RHP, PHO: 71.0% Jim Fregosi, SS, OKC: 66.5% Arky Vaughan, SS, AUS/ CLE: 62.1% Johnny Evers, 2B, SD/ HOU: 53.2% Bobo Newsom, RHP, PHI/ TOR: 53.2% Notable players who fell off the ballot include 2059 MVP and 389-homer hitter Jonathan Schoop, career .309 hitter Roberto Clemente, six-time Gold Glove-winning center fielder Victor Robles, and southpaw Billy O'Dell, a three-time All-Star with a career ERA of 2.92. Here's a look at the newest Hall of Famers: |
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03-11-2022, 01:23 PM
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#182 | |
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 2,536
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03-11-2022, 10:25 PM
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#183 | |
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 902
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05-20-2022, 02:38 AM
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#184 |
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 902
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2072 Mid-Year Report
Here are the major storylines around the league at the 2072 All-Star break:
Exceeding expectations: The Kansas City Mad Hatters appeared to be a lock to snap their eight-year playoff drought, taking a 56-18 into the All-Star break. Despite having only one player exceed 10 homers, the Mad Hatters led the Frontier League in runs (458), batting average (.286), and OPS (.822). Star right fielder Max Carey, raked, taking a .330/ .448/ .651 slash line into the break, with 20 homers, 22 steals, and a best-in-baseball 74 RBI's. Catcher Carl Taylor posted a league-leading .361 mark at the midway mark, along with 10 homers and 62 RBI's. First baseman Casey McGehee hit at a .295 clip, along with 10 dingers and 62 RBI's. Left fielder Barney McCoskey set the table, hitting .340 with a .430 on-base percentage, 6 homers, 36 RBI's, 78 steals, and 32 steals. Righthander Doug Fister earned every dollar paid to him in free agency so far, going 12-1 with a 2.97 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP. Fellow free agency signee Russ Ford went 7-1, sporting a 3.29 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, and fanned 94 batters in just 79 innings. The Cincinnati Spiders had also missed the prior eight postseasons, but they took a 41-34 mark into the break. Left fielder Mike Hargrove starred, hitting .347 with an incredible- .511 on-base percentage, along with 14 homers, 48 RBI's, 56 runs and 70 walks in 71 games. Catcher Earl Williams hit .280 and slugged .573, bashing 17 longballs and knocking in 39 runs Third baseman Nap Reyes hit a modest .268, but smacked 11 homers and plated 49 runs. Righthander Mort Cooper notched a 5-3 mark, along with a 3.87 ERA, but a bloated 1.45 WHIP. Hard-luck southpaw Fritz Coumbe went just 2-4 in 15 starts, but sported a 2.90 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. In the Continental League, the Charlotte Aviators rebounded from four-straight sub-.500 years, posting a 45-29 mark after winning just 76 games last year. Charlotte featured a powerful offense, leading the league in both homers (141) and OPS (.802) at the midseason mark. Veteran DH Andruw Jones returned to Charlotte after a one-year sojourn with the London Werewolves, and he pounded 28 homers and drove in 49 runs in the first half, despite hitting just .231. Second sacker TJ Rivera built off last season's batting title by taking a league-leading .371 average into the break, along with 22 doubles, 15 homers, and 40 RBI's. Veteran first baseman Tony Horton batted .306 and slugged .547, ripping 19 longballs and plating 51 runs. Righthander Claude Passeau led a better-than-expected pitching staff, going 6-3 with a 3.59 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. Righthander Jason Jennings sported an 8-4 mark with a 3.97 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. The Atlanta Ducks, who lost 100 games last season, took a shocking 41-33 record into the break, sitting just one game out of the Southeast Division lead. Veteran right fielder Jeffrey Hammonds led a balanced offensive attack, hitting .314 with 17 homers, 17 steals, and 60 RBI's. Journeyman infielder Don Money hit .298, belting 8 homers and knocking in 23 runs. Rookie catcher Aaron Robinson hit just .236 in the first half, but he slugged .500, smacking 14 dingers and knocking in 37 runs. Righthander Jacob deGrom was the lone bright spot for a subpar pitching staff, going 6-4 with a 4.35 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP. Veteran righthander Babe Adams notched a 7-4 record despite a bloated 4.99 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP. Disappointments: The Portland Skunks were at risk of missing the playoffs for the first time in three years, as they stumbled to a 35-39 first-half record, and entered the break in fifth place, 15 games out of first place. Right fielder Hank Aaron, an MVP candidate last year as he hit 50 homers and drove in 125 runs, hit a modest .375 with 17 homers and 50 RBI's in the first half. First baseman Kevin Youkilis, a free agent signee, had a disastrous half, hitting just .228 with 6 dingers and 30 RBI's. Portland's pitching staff struggled mightily, as righthander Sam Gray, an 18-game winner last year, saw his ERA rise by nearly two runs as he went 5-7 with a 5.11 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP. Fireballer Luis Castillo sported a 5-6 mark with a 5.57 ERA and a dreadful 1.81 WHIP, as he walked 70 batters in 84 innings. Reliever Al Worthington, an All-Star last year, lost his closer role, as he notched only 3 saves while posting a 5.19 ERA and a 1.69 WHIP. The Ottawa Parliamentarians were one game away from winning the World Series last year, but they were at risk of missing the playoffs altogether, going 38-35 and ending the half one game out of the final Wild Card spot after winning 100 games last year. Right fielder Tim Salmon lost 70 points from his batting average and over 150 points of slugging percentage from last year, hitting .270 with 14 jacks and 37 RBI's. Center fielder Amos Otis missed 35 ga.ch of the last three years. Ottawa's pitching struggled mightily, as southpaw Jack Pfiester failed to build on his strong rookie year, as his ERA soared by more than a run, as he went 4-5 with a 4.99 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP. Righthander Fergie Jenkins, a 17-game winner last year, took a 6-6 mark into the break, along with a bloated 6.90 ERA and a 1.77 WHIP. Closer Red Witt, while still effective, saw his ERA double from 1.85 to 3.71, and he posted a dreadful 1.50 WHIP, walking 16 batters in 27 innings. In the Continental League, the Phoenix Lizards collapsed, going just 26-48 after a 90-win season last year and four straight playoff appearances. Right fielder Magglio Ordonez, who hit .305 and slugged .561 last year, collapsed, as he hit just .216 with 10 homers and 31 RBI's. Left fielder Mack Jones, who slugged .509 and belted 29 homers last season, hit just .241 and slugged .376 with 4 homers and 14 RBI's in 38 games. Shortstop Yunel Escobar broke his elbow in spring training, and backup shortstop Angel Berroa hit just .136 with 3 homers and 7 RBI's in 32 games, sporting a dreadful OPS+ of 9(!). Phoenix's pitching collapsed, as the Lizards ranked dead last in the league in runs allowed. Righthander Anibal Sanchez notched a 1-8 record with a dreadful 6.84 ERA and a 2.03 WHIP, walking 66 batters in 72 innings. Righthander Ernie Herbert was winless in 12 starts, going 0-4 with a 7.77 ERA and a 1.82 WHIP. Journeyman reliever Trent Thornton sported a hefty 10.23 ERA and a 2.36 WHIP, after yielding an incredible 10 homers and 20 walks in just 22 innings. The Las Vegas Aces hoped to contend after a 78-win season in 2071, but they struggled to a 24-49 first half record, due to a league-worst offense that scored just 258 runs, ranking last in the league in batting average (.210), OPS (.637), and next to last in homers (66). Second baseman Cesar Hernandez, who signed with Las Vegas as a free agent after hitting .287 for Vancouver last season, hit just .130 and slugged .171 in 33 games, driving in just 4 runs. Veteran third baseman Paul Sentell, who hit .247 and slugged .517 in part-time play last year with St. Louis, hit just .176 and slugged .339, smacking 9 homers and driving in 30 runs. Center fielder George Thomas hit just .203 and slugged .249, with 4 extra-base hits and 12 RBI's in 54 games. Las Vegas got only a combined three starts from injured righthanders Dean Chance and Guy Bush, as the back of the rotation collapsed. Righthander Brian Kingman went 0-9, yielding a 6.99 ERA and a 1.96 WHIP. Floyd Youmans sported a 4-7 mark, along with a 5.88 ERA and a 1.91 WHIP, as he walked 45 batters in just 57 innings. Southeast Showdown: The Southeast Division featured a tight five-way race, where every team other than the Memphis River Pirates entered the break within 1 1/2 games of first place. The Birmingham Steelers entered the break in sole possession of first place with a 42-32 mark, as they looked to snap a three-season postseason drought. The Miami Flamingos and Atlanta Ducks each entered the break one game out of first place, with a 41-33 mark, while the New Orleans Crawfish and Nashville Blues each posted a 40-33 record. Fernandomania!: Oklahoma City southpaw Fernando Valenzuela rebounded with a vengeance from last year's season-ending shoulder injury. Valenzuela led baseball with a microscopic 1.64 ERA and 133 strikeouts, while yielding a 0.96 WHIP. Remarkably, even though Oklahoma City featured the second-highest scoring offense in the league, Valenzuela received no offensive support, as he brought a middling 6-7 record into the break, even though he allowed more than one earned run only four times. Major injuries: Dallas shortstop Alex Rodriguez, a leading MVP candidate, saw his season interrupted by an inflamed elbow shortly before the All-Star break, which would sideline him through early August. Atlanta third baseman Jose Ramirez was sidelined by a series of knee and calf injuries, limiting him to just 28 games and putting him out of commission until mid-July. Houston centerfielder Barry Bonds went down with back spasms at the start of May, knocking him out until early July. Dallas righthander Ray Keating tore his rotator cuff in late May, sidelining him until the postseason. Baltimore center fielder Don Lock was limited to just 12 games after a series of biceps and elbow injuries, and he was not expected back until late July. Baltimore catcher Ivan Rodriguez tore his ankle ligaments in mid-April, knocking him out until late July. Austin first baseman Nick Swisher broke his elbow in spring training, causing him to miss the entire first half, although he was expected to return in early July. Hartford righthander Kevin Gausman tore his UCL in May, and teammate Ken Raffensberger tore an elbow tendon in spring training, ending each of their seasons. Las Vegas also suffered a double whammy , losing Dean Chance in mid-April to a season-ending ruptured UCL, while Guy Bush missed the first half with an elbow injury. Los Angeles southpaw Terry Mulholland tore his UCL in early May, ending his season prematurely. New Orleans first baseman Bill Skowron strained his MCL in early June, sidelining him through July. Ottawa southpaw Jim Merritt tore his labrum in mid-April, ending his season, and Ottawa centerfielder Amos Otis was limited to 39 first-half games due to a groin strain. Milwaukee righthander Orval Overall suffered a season-ending torn rotator cuff in early May. Minneapolis righthander John Smoltz missed the entire first half with a torn UCL, although he was expected to return by late July. Phoenix shortstop Yunel Escobar broke his elbow in spring training, likely ending his season. San Francisco righthander Ryan Dempster suffered a season-ending torn elbow tendon in May. Virginia Beach right fielder Bernie Williams suffered a series of groin and ankle injuries, limiting him to 43 games and sidelining him until the end of July. Major milestones: Calgary right fielder Ellis Valentine rapped his 2,500th career hit. Buffalo left fielder Babe Ruth slammed his 500th career homer. New Orleans second baseman Lou Whitaker, Albuquerque first baseman Steve Balboni, and Dallas left fielder Stan Musial each joined the 400-homer club. Looking ahead to the second half, London left fielder Juan Soto was likely to smack his 3,500th career hit by the end of July. Hartford right fielder Carl Furillo and Milwaukee left fielder Vada Pinson were expected to join the 2,500 hit club by September. London first baseman Bob Robertson was expected to belt his 750th career homer by early July, and notch his 2000th RBI by the end of August. Valentine was expected to hit his 600th career homer before Labor Day. New York first baseman Tony Perez was just two homers away from 500. Portland right fielder Hank Aaron and Montreal center fielder Sammy Sosa were each projected to join the 500-homer club by August. Los Angeles left fielder Randal Grichuk and San Diego left fielder Ellis Burks each had a chance of drilling their 500th career homers by year's end if they stayed healthy. Birmingham third baseman Freddie Lindstrom, Buffalo third baseman Randy Jackson, and Toronto shortstop Carlos Correa were each likely to join the 400-homer club by the end of August. Chicago second baseman Willie Randolph was expected to notch his 600th career steal by week's end. Portland southpaw Bruce Robbins, with better offensive support, had a chance to hit 250 career wins by September. Baltimore southpaw Floyd Bannister and Miami righthander Pete Alexander each were expected to join the 3,000 strikeout club by September. Last edited by Dukie98; 05-20-2022 at 02:39 AM. |
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05-24-2022, 04:26 AM
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#185 |
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 902
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2072 Year in Review
Frontier League: The Baltimore Robins rallied after a subpar first half to finish with 92 wins, even though their record was a middling 40-43 at the end of June. Second baseman Keston Hiura starred, hitting .327 and slugging .576, with 29 dingers, 88 RBI's, 104 runs scored, and 26 steals. Right fielder Andre Dawson hit a modest .267, but launched 33 longballs, drove in 96 runs, and swiped 34 bags. Third baseman Ryan Zimmerman hit .251 while smacking 28 homers, driving in 70 runs, and stealing 23 bases in just 123 games. Southpaw Ed Killian went 13-8 with a 2.77 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP, yielding just 11 homers in 211 innings. Veteran righthander Phil Hughes posted a 17-9 mark with a 4.07 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. Righthander Geremi Gonzalez went 13-10 with a 4.28 ERA and a middling 1.34 WHIP.
Despite losing five-time MVP Babe Ruth in free agency, the London Werewolves didn't miss a beat, winning 107 games behind a league-leading offensive attack to coast to their seventh Great Lakes Division title in the last eight years. Catcher Bob O'Farrell led six Werewolves sluggers who pounded at least 25 jacks, hitting .325 and slugging .636 with 39 dingers, 121 RBI's, and 110 runs scored. Third baseman Tony Phillips hit .278 but posted a .467 on-base percentage, drilling 33 dingers, driving in 83 runs, scoring a league-high 156 runs, drawing 185 walks (the second-highest single-season figure for all time), and stealing 53 bases. Right fielder Al Kaline hit .308 and slugged .540, smacking 35 round-trippers, driving in 129 runs, and scoring 119 runs. Veteran first baseman Bob Robertson hit .261 and slugged .555, drilling 38 homers (topping 750 all-time), and driving in 110 runs in just 128 games. London finished second in the league in runs allowed, led by free agent signee Bill Zuber, who went 10-3 with a 3.04 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. Righthander Scott Sanderson notched a 15-7 mark with a 4.77 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP. Closer Rawly Eastwick paced the league's deepest bullpen, going 4-5 with 32 saves, a 2.42 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. The Cincinnati Spiders made an unexpected return to the playoffs after a nine-year drought, winning 90 games. Left fielder Mike Hargrove won a surprise batting title, hitting .352 with a franchise-record .504 on-base percentage, drilling 23 dingers, driving in 88 runs, and drawing 116 walks. Right fielder Charlie Spikes hit .267 with 30 longballs and 109 RBI's while stealing 38 of 44 bases. Catcher Earl Williams hit .267 and slugged .516, bashing 29 jacks while knocking in 79 runs. Righthander Mort Cooper paced a deep pitching staff, which ranked fifth in the league in runs allowed, going 10-8 with a 3.25 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. Southpaw Fritz Coumbe notched a 10-6 mark with a 3.20 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. Closer Luis Aquino sported an 8-5 mark with 38 saves, along with a 2.60 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP. The Ottawa Parliamentarians stumbled into the postseason, winning 85 games after losing 17 of their final 26 contests. First baseman Edgar Martinez posted a .324/ .430/ .547 slash line, smacking 30 dingers, driving in 98 runs, and scoring 118 runs. Right fielder Tim Salmon hit .288 with a .443 on-base percentage, drilling 30 homers, plating 92 runs, scoring 119 runs, and drawing a franchise-record 144 walks. Catcher Phil Masi hit .279, belting 21 homers and driving in 90 runs. Third-year righthander Gary Gentry led a mediocre pitching staff, going 15-9 with a 4.10 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. Southpaw Jack Pfiester took a step back in his sophomore season, going 6-6 with a 4.48 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP. The Detroit Purple Gang flirted with a playoff spot before fading down the stretch, losing 19 of their final 30 games to finish with 81 wins. Outfielder Nelson Cruz led Detroit offensively, hitting .293 and slugging .545, with 29 jacks and 84 RBI's. Journeyman southpaw Earl Yingling was one of the pitching staff's lone bright spots, going 11-10 with a 3.72 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. The Kansas City Mad Hatters won 112 games, led by the league's second-ranked offense, which set a franchise record with 937 runs scored and led the Frontier League in batting average (.274) and on-base percentage (.368), and despite finishing just 22nd in homers. Right fielder Max Carey starred, posting a .345/ .458/ .692 slash line, with 48 homers, a league-leading 154 RBI's, 143 runs scored, and 49 steals. Catcher Carl Taylor hit .313 with 16 dingers and 85 RBI's. Left fielder Barney McCosky set the table, hitting .304 with a .419 on-base percentage, drilling 11 dingers, driving in 63 runs, scoring 153 runs, drawing 119 walks, and swiping 60 bags. Kansas City led the league in runs allowed, led by righthander Doug Fister, who posted a league-leading 20-5 mark with a 3.71 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. Righthander Russ Ford notched a 17-4 mark with a 3.34 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP, and fanned 204 batters in 175 innings. Righthander Ken Johnson sported a 17-9 mark, with a 3.36 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. The Omaha Falcons won 108 games, led by a potent combination of power and speed. Second sacker Joe Morgan posted a .327/ .490/ .615 slash line, with 40 doubles, 29 homers, 100 RBI's, 124 runs scored, 145 walks, and 64 steals. Shortstop Cal Ripken, Jr. hit just .246, but launched 34 longballs and knocked in 122 runs while going a perfect 14-for-14 on the basepaths. First baseman Earl Webb hit .270 and slugged .521, drilling 30 dingers and plating 114 runs. Center fielder Kenny Lofton hit .318 with a .432 on-base percentage, smacking 14 round-trippers, driving in 64 runs, scoring 114 runs, and stealing 89 bases. Veteran righthander Clay Kirby led a deep pitching staff, going 17-7 with a 2.57 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. Second-year southpaw Al Gerheauser went 12-5 with a 3.65 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP. Closer Ian Anderson notched 8 wins and 38 saves, posting a 1.79 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP, fanning 87 batters in just 65 innings. The Milwaukee Raccoons earned their third straight postseason spot, winning 87 games. First baseman/ catcher Bob Brenly led the way, hitting .283 and slugging .567, while drilling 45 dingers, knocking in 112 runs, and stealing 20 bases. Marty McManus hit .261, belting 33 homers and knocking in 79 runs while holding down three infield positions. Right fielder Giancarlo Stanton hit .251, belting 24 bombs and knocking in 68 runs in just 118 games. Southpaw Irv Young led a middling pitching staff, going 14-10 with a 4.01 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP. Swingman Odell Jones went 12-3 with 2 saves, a 3.58 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP, while relievers Hersh Freeman and Jason Motte combined for 45 saves. The San Francisco Longshoremen cruised to the Northwest Division title by a healthy 19-game margin, winning a franchise-record 101 games. Free agent signee Jeff McNeil led a balanced attack, hitting .314 with a league-best 46 doubles, as well as 29 homers, 112 RBI's, and 105 runs scored. Third baseman Buddy Bell hit .284 with 27 homers, 109 RBI's, 106 runs scored, and swiped 25 bases. Shortstop Khalil Greene hit .260, belting 25 dingers and knocking in 89 runs. Righthander Don Sutton led the league's third-stingiest pitching staff, going 18-10 with a 3.27 ERA, a 1.21 WHIP, and a league-best 229 strikeouts. Southpaw Johnny Schmitz notched a 16-8 mark, while posting a 3.58 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP, and fanned 192 batters. Righthander Sean Bergman sported a 16-7 record, along with a 3.37 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. Closer Ed Baecht had a league-high and franchise-record 47 saves, along with a 1.67 ERA, a 1.14 WHIP, and fanned 115 batters in 65 innings. Continental League: The defending champion New York Emperors didn't miss a beat, winning 111 games to take the Atlantic Division by 15 games. Star left fielder Juan Gonzalez hit .319 and slugged .634, bashing 50 round-trippers, and driving in a league-best 153 runs. Shortstop Bo Bichette hit .257, smacking 26 dingers, driving in 108 runs, and stealing 26 of 28 bases. Southpaw Otto Hess led a deep pitching staff which ranked second in the Continental League in runs allowed, going 16-9 with a 3.57 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and whiffing 203 batters. Fellow lefty Pete Schourek went 17-6, posting a 3.08 ERA, a league-best 0.92 WHIP, and fanned 172 batters. Ageless righthander Kevin Millwood turned in a brilliant campaign at age 40, going 16-6 with a 3.17 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP. Righthander Archie Bradley, after two mediocre seasons, burst into stardom with a league-best 44 saves, an 0.82 ERA, an 0.76 WHIP, while fanning 94 batters in 77 innings. The Charlotte Aviators returned to the postseason after a six-season absence, winning 96 games. Charlotte blasted a league-leading 276 homers and finished fourth in the league in runs scored, led by second baseman TJ Rivera, who won his second straight batting title, hitting .377 and slugging .654, with 32 dingers and 91 RBI's in just 127 games. Veteran DH Andruw Jones hit just .235, but drilled 50 dingers, drove in 98 runs, scored 119 runs, and stole 42 bases. Center fielder Paul Blair hit .285 with 32 longballs, 100 RBI's, and stole 28 bases. Veteran third baseman Bob Bailey sported a .299/ .406/ .504 slash line, with 30 jacks, 86 RBI's, 108 runs scored, 106 walks, and 28 steals. Second-year righthander Claude Passeau blossomed into stardom, going 18-4 with a 2.66 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP. Righthander Jason Jennings sported a 16-10 mark with a 4.15 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. Closer Darwinzon Hernandez went 7-3 with 27 saves, along with a 2.19 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP, fanning 89 batters in 62 innings. The Jacksonville Gulls rebounded after an off season to make the playoffs for the fourth time in five years, winning 94 games. Shortstop Roger Peckinpaugh led a deep offensive attack which ranked second in the league in runs scored, hitting just .253 but belting 37 round-trippers, driving in 79 runs, scoring 123 runs, and stealing 46 of 51 bases. Second sacker Anthony Rendon hit .282 with 23 homers, 82 RBI's, 118 runs scored, 118 walks, and 19 steals. Catcher Don Slaught hit .314 and slugged .528, drilling 22 dingers and plating 70 runs. Rookie first baseman Dave Stapleton hit .289, belting 34 longballs and driving in 109 runs. Star right fielder Ross Youngs hit .304 and slugged .540, ripping 26 homers, driving in 86 runs, and swiping 27 bases in just 123 games. Righthander Red Faber led a middle-of-the-pack staff, going 17-7 with a 3.77 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP. Fellow righthander Randy Gumpert went 11-12 with a 3.97 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP. The Birmingham Steelers rode a tremendous second-half hot streak, going 53-26 after July 1, to win 101 games to take the Southeast Division title by a single game. Left fielder Dwight Smith had a strong sophomore campaign, hitting .306 and slugging .565, drilling 36 dingers, driving in 114 runs, scoring 111 runs, and swiping 25 bags. Veteran third baseman Freddie Lindstrom hit .285 with 35 longballs and 119 RBI's. First baseman Gary Redus hit .253, but smacked 28 homers, drove in 81 runs, scored 125 runs, and stole 70 bases. Southpaw Dickey Kerr notched a 16-5 record with a 3.51 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. Righthander Griffin Canning went 15-8, yielding a 4.52 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP. Closer Joey McLaughlin tied for the league lead with 44 saves, while sporting a 1.97 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. The Miami Flamingos closed the season on a scorching 34-14 streak, falling just one game short of the division title with 100 victories. Left fielder Augie Galan set the table, hitting .285 with a .443 on-base percentage, blasting 21 dingers, driving in 86 runs, scoring 102 runs, and drawing 131 walks. Catcher Buster Posey hit .284 with 15 jacks and 73 RBI's. Second baseman Ray Mack hit just .241, but drilled a team-high 26 round-trippers, drove in 76 runs, and was a perfect 23-for-23 on the basepaths. Miami featured the deepest pitching staff in baseball, allowing a league-best 611 runs. Southpaw Carlos Rodon went 15-7 with a league-leading 2.58 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP, and fanned 246 batters. Lefty Johnny Podres posted a 14-10 mark with a 3.33 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP, and led the league with 249 strikeouts. Righthander Chris Archer went 15-8, yielding a 3.31 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and fanned 203 batters. Veteran Pete Alexander notched a 16-10 mark with a 3.79 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP. Southpaw closer Randy Myers saved 43 games, sporting a 1.57 ERA, an 0.87 WHIP, and fanned 104 batters in 74 innings. The Dallas Wildcatters won their fifth straight Texas Division title, winning 99 games behind the league's highest-scoring offense. Second baseman Eddie Collins hit .285 with 19 homers, 70 RBI's, 126 runs scored, and he led the league in steals for the third straight season, swiping 86 bags. Shortstop Alex Rodriguez hit .281 with 27 homers, 88 RBI's, and 27 steals despite missing 51 games. Left fielder Stan Musial hit .271, drilling 23 dingers, driving in 98 runs, and stealing 17 bases. DH Scott Schebler hit just .245, but launched 32 longballs and knocked in 102 runs. Righthander Mike LaCoss anchored the pitching staff, going 18-7 with a 2.88 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. Junkballer Phil Ortega went 19-7, leading the league in victories, along with a 3.56 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. The Oklahoma City Otters earned their third straight playoff spot, winning 92 games. First baseman Miguel Cabrera hit .326 and slugged. 606, belting 47 longballs, 129 RBI's, and 118 runs scored. Left fielder Yordan Alvarez posted a .309/ .442/ .547 slash line, drilling 29 dingers, 96 RBI's, and drawing 121 walks. Center fielder Frank Welch hit just .248, but launched 34 longballs, drove in 95 runs, scored 111 runs, and stole 20 bases. Two-time Cy Young winner Fernando Valenzuela was brilliant in a hard-luck, injury-shortened season, going just 11-11 despite a 2.27 ERA, a 1.06 WHIP, and 201 strikeouts in just 24 games. Righthander Dave Stieb posted a 17-7 mark along with a 3.90 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP. Junkballer Ed Heusser notched a 9-4 mark along with a 4.13 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP. The Anaheim Antelopes won 93 games, cruising to their fourth straight postseason appearance, setting a franchise record with 292 stolen bases. Center fielder Ken Griffey, Jr. hit .293 and slugged .541, drilling 29 dingers, driving in 104 runs, scoring 105 runs, and stealing 58 bases. Defending MVP John Mayberry, Sr. hit .306 with a league-leading .454 on-base percentage, with 75 extra-base hits, including 32 longballs, 114 RBI's, 118 runs scored, and 144 walks. DH Sam Rice hit .288 with 45 doubles, 20 homers, 84 RBI's, 114 runs scored, and 49 steals. Third baseman Derek Jeter hit .279 with 15 round-trippers, 102 RBI's, and 25 stolen bases. Righthander Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown, who signed mere days before Opening Day, posted a 16-3 mark with a 3.13 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. Righthander Tomo Okha went 11-10, notching a 4.25 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP. Veteran reliever Brady Raggio saved 31 games, posting a 2.44 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. Best record in team history: Kansas City Mad Hatters (112 wins), Omaha Falcons (108 wins), San Francisco Longshoremen (101 wins) Worst record in team history: None Best seasons for non-contenders: Chase Utley, 2B, WAS: .318/ .412/ .701, 175 hits, 31 doubles, 60 HR, 123 RBI, 118 runs, 79 BB, 12 SB, 180 OPS+, 7.3 WAR Sixto Lezcano, RF, VAN: .329/ .478/ .646, 171 hits, 31 doubles, 4 triples, 42 HR, 117 RBI, 142 runs, 150 BB, 48 SB, +10.1 Zone Rating, 197 OPS+, 11.3 WAR Roy Campanella, C, PHO: .317/ .404/ .677, 156 hits, 27 doubles, 3 triples, 48 HR, 142 RBI, 101 runs, 67 BB, 2 SB, 179 OPS+, 8.8 WAR |
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05-30-2022, 12:31 AM
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#186 |
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 902
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2072 Playoff Report
Frontier League: While the 112-win Kansas City Mad Hatters finished 27 games ahead of the Ottawa Parliamentarians (who had a narrow +5 run differential on the season), they struggled to put away the plucky Parliamentarians in seven games. Star right fielder Max Carey earned MVP honors for Kansas City, hitting .308 with 4 dingers, 6 RBI's, 6 runs scored, and 2 steals. Left fielder Barney McCosky set the table, hitting .387 with 12 hits, 7 runs scored, and 5 steals. Third baseman Mike Cubbage hit .320 with 5 doubles, a homer, and 6 RBI's. Righthander Ken Johnson went 1-0, notching the all-important win in Game 7, while yielding a 1.32 ERA in 14 innings. Third basman Pete Ward led Ottawa, hitting .438 with 3 homers and 5 RBI's, while Ottawa first baseman Edgar Martinez hit .414 with 2 longballs and knocked in 6 runs. The 108-win Omaha Falcons, one of the strongest wild card teams in HRDL history, ousted the Baltimore Robins in 6 games. Omaha catcher Thurman Munson took home MVP honors after hitting .391 with 3 doubles and 3 RBI's. Right fielder Earl Webb hit just .250, but belted 3 homers and plated 5 runs. Omaha's bullpen was brilliant, earning 3 wins and allowing just 4 runs in 25 innings. Left fielder Johnny Damon led Baltimore, hitting .364 with 2 homers, 4 RBI's, 4 runs scored, and 2 steals. In a significant upset, the 90-win Cincinnati Spiders upended the 101-win San Francisco Longshoremen in 6 games. Third baseman Nap Reyes earned MVP honors, hitting .381 with a homer and 6 RBI's. Right fielder Charlie Spikes hit .278 with a homer, 2 RBI's, and 6 runs scored. Righthander Cotton Pippen went 2-0, including a win in the clinching Game 6, with a 1.74 ERA in 10 innings, while Luis Aquino notched two saves in 6 shutout innings. Shortstop Khalil Greene led San Francisco, hitting .409 with 5 extra-base hits, including a homer and 3 RBI's. In a major upset, the 87-win Milwaukee Raccoons upended the 107-win London Werewolves in 7 games. Milwaukee left fielder Vada Pinson was named MVP after hitting .259 with 3 homers, 4 RBI's, and 3 steals. Shortstop Marty McManus hit .318 with a dinger and 3 steals. Righthander Jon Lieber made a strong push for MVP, going 2-0 with an 0.71 ERA in 13 innings, including 6.2 shutout innings in a Game 7 win. Closer Hersh Freeman went 1-0 with 2 saves, allowing 1 run in 5.2 innings. Second baseman Tony Phillips led London, hitting .310 with 4 longballs, 6 RBI's, and 5 runs scored.
In a Division Series matchup of division rivals who combined for 220 wins, the Kansas City Mad Hatters outlasted the Omaha Falcons in 7 games. Kansas City third baseman Mike Cubbage took home the hardware, hitting .400 with a homer and 7 RBI's, including a bases-loaded double to break open Game 7. Center fielder Doug Glanville hit .389 with a homer, 3 RBI's, and 4 runs scored. Left fielder Barney McCosky hit .310 with 5 RBI's, 4 runs scored, and 4 steals. Right fielder Doug Fister went 2-0, including a Game 7 victory, with a 3.27 ERA in 11 innings. Reliever Brett Cecil went 1-0 in 7 shutout innings, fanning 6. Second baseman Joe Morgan led Omaha, hitting .429 with 2 jacks, 6 RBI's, 6 runs scored, and 6 steals. Righthander Joe Kennedy went 1-0 with 7.1 shutout innings in Game 4. Milwaukee erased 2-0 and 3-2 deficits in ousting Cincinnati in 7 games. Milwaukee right fielder Giancarlo Stanton earned MVP honors, hitting .407 with 2 dingers and 7 RBI's. Left fielder Vada Pinson hit .375 with a homer, 8 RBI's, 6 runs scored, and 4 steals. Third baseman Graig Nettles hit .286, belting 2 homers and driving in 4 runs. Jon Lieber continued his stellar postseason, going 1-0 and allowing just 1 run and 2 hits in 8.1 innings. Catcher Earl Williams led Cincinnati, hitting .346 with 2 dingers, 4 RBI's, and 5 runs scored. Right fielder Charlie Spikes hit just .250, but bashed 4 homers, drove in 7 runs, and scored 5 runs. In the League Championship Series, Milwaukee unexpectedly dominated Kansas City, outscoring the heavily-favored Mad Hatters 30-15 in a 5-game romp. Shortstop Marty McManus was the only Raccoon to hit above .250, hitting .368 with 4 RBI's and 3 steals. Second baseman Bill Mazeroski hit just .235, but drilled 3 dingers and plated 7 runs. Southpaw Irv Young went 2-0 with a 2.08 ERA in 13 innings. The Raccoons' bullpen locked down Kansas City's elite offense, yielding just one run in 16 innings. Kansas City right fielder Max Carey earned series MVP honors in a losing effort, hitting .474 with 2 longballs and 5 RBI's. Continental League: The 111-win New York Emperors eliminated the Oklahoma City Otters in six games, taking the final 3 games to erase a 2-1 deficit. New York left fielder Juan Gonzalez was tabbed MVP after hitting .385 with a series-high 10 hits. Catcher Tom Haller hit just .227, but smacked 2 dingers and drove in a series-high 5 runs. Ace southpaw Otto Hess went 1-0 with a 1.38 ERA, fanning 15 batters in 13 innings, while Pete Schourek went 1-0 with a 1.88 ERA in 14 innings. Closer Jonathan Hernandez notched 3 saves in 5.2 shutout innings, yielding just 2 hits. Oklahoma City ace Fernando Valenzuela continued his hard-luck season, going 0-1 despite allowing just 6 hits and 2 runs in 15 innings, fanning 15. The Anaheim Antelopes erased a 3-1 deficit to the Miami Flamingos and their dominant pitching staff, as Anaheim won in 7 games, holding Miami to just 20 runs in 7 games. Anaheim DH Sam Rice received MVP honors, hitting .519 with 14 hits, including 6 extra-base hits, including a homer and 4 RBI's. Third baseman Derek Jeter hit .310 with 4 longballs, including 6 RBI's. Second baseman Cesar Tovar hit .333 with 3 doubles, 6 runs scored, and 2 RBI's. Anaheim's bullpen dominated, allowing just 2 runs and 20 hits in 34 innings. Alejandro Pena hurled 4.1 hitless innings, and Ed Roebuck allowed just 1 hit in 4.1 shutout innings, while Pat Pacillo and Barney Mussill earned the wins in Games 6 and 7 while combining for 12 shutout innings. In a first-round matchup that was loaded with star power, the Charlotte Aviators ousted the Dallas Wildcatters in 5 games. Charlotte DH Andruw Jones was an easy MVP choice, hitting .476 with 2 homers, 3 doubles, 6 RBI's, 9 runs, and 3 steals. First baseman TJ Rivera hit .316 with a homer and 5 RBI's. Right fielder Dick Sharon hit just .263, but belted 3 dingers and plated 8 runs. Southpaw reliever Bruce Ruffin notched a win and a save in 4 shutout innings, while Darwinzon Hernandez earned a save while hurling 4.2 shutout innings, fanning 6. Shortstop Alex Rodriguez led Dallas, hitting .450 with 2 dingers, 2 doubles, 7 RBI's, and 3 steals. The Jacksonville Gulls upset the Birmingham Steelers in 5 games. Jacksonville third baseman Harlond Clift hit .389 with 5 RBI's. Second baseman Anthony Rendon hit .353 with 2 doubles, a homer, 4 RBI's, and 5 runs scored. Righthander Randy Gumpert earned the Game 2 win, yielding just 2 hits in 7 shutout innings. Birmingham left fielder Dwight Smith took MVP honors after hitting .476 with 2 jacks and 6 RBI's. Anaheim upset the top-seeded Emperors in 6 games in the Division Series. Anaheim center fielder Ken Griffey, Jr. earned MVP honors after hitting .417 with 2 homers, 6 RBI's, 8 runs scored, and 5 steals. First baseman John Mayberry, Sr. hit .320 with a homer and 4 RBI's. Third baseman Derek Jeter hit just .261, but pounded 2 homers and knocked in 6 runs. Kevious Sampson earned two wins in relief, allowing just one hit and fanning 9 in 7.2 shutout innings. Charlotte erased a 3-2 deficit, taking the last two games to oust Jacksonville in 7 games. Charlotte second sacker Asdrubal Cabrera was tabbed MVP after hitting .560 with a series-high 14 hits, including a homer, 3 RBI's, and 2 steals. Third baseman Bob Bailey hit .333, belting 2 homers and knocking in 7 runs. DH Andruw Jones went just 4-for-25, but mashed 3 dingers and knocked in 8 runs. Reliever Bruce Ruffin earned a win and a Game 7 save, allowing just one hit in 5.1 shutout innings. Second baseman Anthony Rendon led Jacksonville, hitting 2 homers and knocking in 9 runs, while Red Faber split two decisions while posting a 2.51 ERA in 14 innings. Anaheim won the final three games of the League Championship Series against Charlotte to take the series in 7 games, as Anaheim scored 47 runs against the Aviators. First baseman John Mayberry, Sr. took home MVP honors after hitting .407 with 3 homers and 7 RBI's. Third baseman Derek Jeter hit .400, belting 2 dingers and knocking in 6 runs. Center fielder Ken Griffey, Jr. hit .300, mashing 4 longballs and plating 8 runs. DH Sam Rice hit just .267, but popped a homer, drove in 10 runs, and swiped 2 bags. Anaheim's bullpen continued its strong postseason run, with Barney Mussill earning the wins in both Games 6 and 7 in relief, and allowing just one run in 8.1 innings. DH Al Martin led Charlotte, hitting .304 with a pair of homers and 9 RBI's in a losing effort. World Series: In a rematch of the 2062 World Series, the Anaheim Antelopes were mild favorites over the Milwaukee Raccoons - but the Raccons had already knocked off the 112-win Kansas City Mad Hatters and the 107-win London Werewolves. Anaheim combined a strong mix of power and speed with a deep bullpen, although its starting rotation was questionable. Milwaukee combined a powerful attack with a strong defense, but struggled to get on base. Anaheim won a squeaker in Game 1 by a 3-2 count, scoring all three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning. Third baseman Derek Jeter led Anaheim with two singles, a double, and a two-run single to give Anaheim the lead. Righthander Paul Erickson gave Anaheim five solid innings, yielding four hits and one run. Keone Kela earned the win in relief with a hitless eighth inning, and Brady Raggio notched the save. Shortstop Marty McManus led Milwaukee with a single, a double, a walk, and a run scored, while catcher Bob Brenly had a single, a double, and stole a base. Southpaw Irv Young hurled 7 shutout innings, allowing just 3 hits. Hersh Freeman took the loss, yielding 3 runs in his lone inning of work. Anaheim jumped out to a 2-0 series lead, taking Game 2 by an 11-5 tally behind a 16-hit attack. Right fielder Rocco Baldelli rapped 4 hits, scored 2 runs, and drove in 1 run, while first baseman John Mayberry, Sr. went 3-for-4 with 3 RBI's andscored a run. Starter Pete Broberg was ineffective, yielding 8 hits and 4 runs in 3 innings. Keivious Sampson earned his fourth win of the postseason, going 3.2 perfect innings while fanning four, and Alejandro Pena earned a seven-out save. Third baseman Graig Nettles led Milwaukee with 3 hits, including a solo homer, and second sacker Bill Mazeroski smacked a three- run dinger. Allen Ripley took the loss for the Raccoons, allowing 6 runs in 5.1 innings. Milwaukee fought back to take Game 3, winning 6-3. Left fielder Vada Pinson led Milwaukee with a homer and a double, driving in 2 runs. Nettles homered and knocked in two runs. Jon Lieber earned the win, bringing his postseason record to 4-0, allowing 2 runs in 5 innings, and Hersh Freeman earned the save with two perfect innings. Anaheim was led by center fielder Ken Griffey, Jr. and shortstop Bud Harrelson, each of whom homered, while Jeter went 3-for-4 with a triple. Kyle Gibson took the loss, yielding 6 runs on 8 hits in 5 innings. Milwaukee evened the series with a 5-4 win in Game 4, scoring all five runs in the fourth inning, as pinch-hitter Hal Beck hit a bases-loaded double. McManus went 2-for-4 and scored a run. Milwaukee starter Jim Scott struggled, walking 7 and allowing 3 runs in 4 innings. Jeff Junis earned the win with 3 innings of one-run ball, and Jason Motte notched the save. Griffey homered again for Anaheim, while second sacker Cesar Tovar notched 3 hits, including a double, and drove in 3 runs. Vic Aldridge took the loss for the Antelopes, surrendering 5 runs in 4 innings. Anaheim regained control of the series in a 5-4 Game 5 victory, taking the lead with two runs in the top of the eighth inning. John Mayberry led the way, drilling two homers, driving in 3 runs, and scoring 3 runs. Catcher Carson Kelly and left fielder DJ Stewart each went 2 for 4 with crucial RBI singles in the eighth inning rally. Erickson struggled, allowing 3 runs on 8 hits and 5 walks in 5 ineffective innings. Alejandro Pena earned the win with a shutout seventh inning, and Kela picked up the save. Pinson led Milwaukee, going 3-for-4 with a homer. Catcher Toby Hall had two doubles for the Raccoons, and Mazeroski had two singles and two RBI's. Irv Young notched a no-decision, allowing 3 runs in 7 innings, while Freeman took his second loss of the series, allowing 5 baserunners and 2 runs in the eighth inning. Anaheim clinched the second title in franchise history with a 3-2 win in Game 6. Jeter led the Antelopes with 2 hits and 2 RBI's, and Baldelli and Tovar also had two singles apiece. Pete Broberg hurled 3 shutout innings, but was pulled after walking four batters. Kevious Sampson brought his postseason mark to 5-0, despite yielding 2 runs in 3 innings, and Brady Raggio notched a save. Milwaukee was held to just four hits. Bill Mazeroski popped an RBI double and drew a walk, and DH Hal Peck tripled and scored a run. Allen Ripley took the loss for the Raccoons, allowing 3 runs in 5 innings. Jeter was named MVP, hitting .458 with a series-high 11 hits and 5 RBI's. Baldelli hit .458 and drove in one run. Mayberry hit .316 with 2 homers, 6 RBI's, and 6 runs scored. Cesar Tovar hit .391 and drove in 5 runs. While Ken Griffey, Jr. went just 4-for-23, he belted 2 homers, drove in 3 runs, scored 5 runs, and stole 2 bases. Keyvious Sampson went 2-0 in relief, yielding a 2.08 ERA in 8.2 innings, and fanning 13 batters without a walk. Anaheim's bullpen combined for a 4-0 mark, allowing just 5 runs and 12 hits in 27 innings. Marty McManus led Milwaukee, hitting .391 with a homer and 2 RBI's. Vada Pinson and Graig Nettles each popped 2 homers and plated 3 runs, while Bill Mazeroski hit .250 with a homer and a series-high 8 RBI's. Irv Young led Milwaukee, sporting a 1.93 ERA in 14 innings, but failing to register a decision. Last edited by Dukie98; 05-30-2022 at 12:32 AM. |
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05-30-2022, 04:20 AM
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#187 |
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 902
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2072 Awards Voting
Frontier League MVP- Max Carey, RF, KC (48): .345/ .458/ .692, 193 hits, 40 doubles, 5 triples, 48 HR, 154 RBI, 143 runs, 112 BB, 49 SB, +8.9 Zone Rating, 204 OPS+, 11.5 WAR
Second place- Sixto Lezcano, RF, VAN: .329/ .478/ .646, 171 hits, 31 doubles, 4 triples, 42 HR, 117 RBI, 142 runs, 150 BB, 48 SB, +10.1 Zone Rating, 197 OPS+, 11.3 WAR Third place- Babe Ruth, LF, BUF: .292/ .458/ .704, 139 hits, 27 doubles, 2 triples, 55 HR, 118 RBI, 120 runs, 145 BB, 27 SB, +8.3 Zone Rating, 213 OPS+, 10.7 WAR Fourth place- Joe Morgan, 2B, OMA: .327/ .490/ .615, 149 hits, 40 doubles, 2 triples, 29 HR, 100 RBI, 124 runs, 145 BB, 64 SB, 197 OPS+, 10.0 WAR Fifth place- Bob O'Farrell, C, LON: .325/ .434/ .636, 147 hits, 24 doubles, 39 HR, 121 RBI, 110 runs, 85 BB, 4 SB, 177 OPS+, 8.5 WAR Frontier League Cy Young Award - Connie Johnson, TOR (21): 8-7, 2.36 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 194 IP, 201 K, 102 BB, 189 ERA+, 5.8 WAR Second place- Don Sutton, SF (17): 18-10, 3.27 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 207 IP, 229 K, 57 BB, 134 ERA+, 8.1 WAR Third place- Francisco Liriano, BOS (8): 13-5, 2.92 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 212 IP, 218 K, 59 BB, 2 CG, 1 shutout, 152 ERA+, 6.9 WAR Fourth place- Bump Hadley, DEN: 13-4, 2.54 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 184 IP, 187 K, 111 BB, 178 ERA+, 5.7 WAR Fifth place- Ed Killian, BAL: 13-8, 2.77 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 211 IP, 148 K, 87 BB, 1 CG 163 ERA+, 5.7 WAR Frontier League Rookie of the Year- Barry Larkin, SS, PIT (43): .297/ .396/ .474, 151 hits, 29 doubles, 2 triples, 19 HR, 79 RBI, 95 runs, 80 BB, 54 SS, 134 OPS+, 7.1 WAR Second place - Connie Johnson, TOR (5): 8-7, 2.36 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 194 IP, 201 K, 102 BB, 189 ERA+, 5.8 WAR Third place- Andres Galarraga, 1B, PHI: .285/ .358/ .510, 151 hits, 33 doubles, 1 triple, 28 HR, 74 RBI, 79 runs, 43 BB, 14 SB, 126 OPS+, 3.3 WAR Continental League MVP- Juan Gonzalez, LF, NY (28): .319/ .367/ .634, 204 hits, 51 doubles, 50 HR, 153 RBI, 105 runs, 42 BB, 1 SB, 161 OPS+, 7.4 WAR Second place- Roy Campanella, C, PHO (18): .317/ .404/ .677, 156 hits, 27 doubles, 3 triples, 48 HR, 142 RBI, 101 runs, 67 BB, 2 SB, 179 OPS+, 8.8 WAR Third place- Chase Utley, 2B, WAS (1): .318/ .412/ .701, 175 hits, 31 doubles, 60 HR, 123 RBI, 118 runs, 79 BB, 12 SB, 180 OPS+, 7.3 WAR Fourth place- Miguel Cabrera, 1B, OKC (1): .326/ .385/ .606, 203 hits, 33 doubles, 47 HR, 129 RBI, 118 runs, 61 BB, 7 SB, 155 OPS+, 6.4 WAR Fifth place- Albert Pujols, 1B, ELP: .314/ .387/ .639, 194 hits, 30 doubles, 57 HR, 133 RBI, 113 runs, 67 BB, 4 SB, 180 OPS+, 7.1 WAR Continental League Cy Young Award- Carlos Rodon, MIA (33): 15-7, 2.58 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 210 IP, 246 K, 82 BB, 190 ERA+, 6.2 WAR Second place- Claude Passeau, CHA (14): 18-4, 2.66 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 227 IP, 172 K, 65 BB, 3 CG, 3 shutouts, 188 ERA+, 6.5 WAR Third place- Johnny Podres, MIA: 14-10, 3.33 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 214 IP, 249 K, 61 BB, 1 CG, 1 shutout, 147 ERA+, 7.5 WAR Fourth place- Fernando Valenzuela, OKC: 11-11, 2.27 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 147 IP, 201 K, 47 BB, 1 CG, 1 shutout, 220 ERA+, 6.4 WAR Fifth place- Pete Schourek, NY: 17-6, 3.08 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 225 IP, 172 K, 37 BB, 2 CG, 1 shutout, 159 ERA+, 6.3 WAR Continental League Rookie of the Year- Francisco Cabrera, C, NAS (27): .292/ .351/ .543, 121 hits, 14 doubles, 3 triples, 28 HR, 88 RBI, 64 runs, 41 BB, 3 SB, 152 OPS+, 4.2 WAR Second place- Dave Hostetler, 1B, JAX (20): .289/ .381/ .518, 153 hits, 19 doubles, 34 HR, 109 RBI, 102 runs, 70 BB, 3 SB, 133 OPS+, 3.4 WAR Third place- John "Chief" Meyers, C, SA: .266/ .367/ .444, 122 hits, 23 doubles, 1 triple, 19 HR, 65 RBI, 64 runs, 72 BB, 8 SB, 126 OPS+, 3.8 WAR Top draft picks: 1. RHP Marv "Baby Face" Breuer, Washington Ambassadors 2. C Josmil Pinto, San Antonio Marksmen 3. LF Billy Sample. Las Vegas Aces 4. LF Dion James, Seattle Whales 5. 2B Eric Young, Los Angeles Kangaroos 6. 3B Jake Lamb, Memphis River Pirates 7. CF Sam West, Philadelphia Hawks 8. LHP Juan Pizarro, Toronto Predators 9. RHP Darryl Kile, Montreal Knights 10. RHP Charles Nagy, Pittsburgh Golden Gorillas Draft pick who slipped later than expected: 59. Tony Gonsolin, RHP, Toronto Predators |
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05-31-2022, 02:58 AM
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#188 |
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 902
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2072 Hall of Fame Voting
After years of a bloated ballot, sometimes containing over 50 candidates, a small class of newcomers limited the ballot to just 32 candidates. Although the average ballot featured fewer votes than any election since 2040, three candidates were still elected. Righthander Hugh Bedient, a 231-game winner with a career ERA of 3.01, drew 93.9% of the vote in his first appearance on the ballot. Third baseman Troy Glaus, who slugged 676 career homers, earned induction with 78.5% on his fifth appearance on the ballot. Righthander Eddie Cicotte, who made four All-Star teams and won the 2059 Cy Young Award, snuck over the threshold with 76.8% on his third try on the ballot. This election marked the first time in four years that any holdover candidates were elected, and the first time in nearly thirty years that multiple holdover candidates were elected.
Bedient was drafted 3rd overall by the Los Angeles Kangaroos following the 2048 campaign. Bedient was named to the All-Star team as a 21-year-old rookie in 2049, going 14-11 with a 2.55 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP, and 213 strikeouts. The following season, he slipped to a 6-17 mark despite a respectable 3.50 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP, and 208 strikeouts. In 2051, Bedient rebounded, going 15-9 with a 2.54 ERA, an 0.90 WHIP, and fanning 231 batters. Bedient posted an 11-3 mark in 2052 despite missing a month due to a calf strain, but he led the league with a 1.73 ERA and an 0.80 WHIP, while posting an incredible 201-14 strikeout-to-walk ratio, as he finished fifth in the Cy Young voting. In 2053, Bedient was even better before suffering a season-ending back injury after four months, going 10-7 in 21 starts despite an incredible 1.37 ERA and an 0.73 WHIP. He rebounded in 2054, finishing third in the Cy Young voting after going 18-7 with a 2.69 ERA, an 0.93 WHIP, and whiffing 255 batters in 204 innings. Bedient posted nearly identical numbers in 2055, posting an 18-8 mark with a 2.83 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP, and fanning 217 batters. In 2056, he took a step back, going 15-8 with a 3.98 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP, fanning 217 batters, but also went 4-1 in the postseason to help lead the Kangaroos to the World Series title. Bedient finished second in the Cy Young voting in 2057, going 21-5 with a 2.74 ERA, an 0.94 WHIP, and whiffing 232 batters. The next season, he went 13-10 with a 3.86 WHIP and a 1.09 WHIP. fanning 250 batters. Bedient notched a 14-7 record in 2059, sporting a 2.89 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP, while whiffing 218 batters. Bedient earned another fifth-place Cy Young finish in 2060, going 15-5 with a 2.34 ERA and an 0.98 WHIP, while fanning 196 batters. After an injury-shortened 2061 campaign, Bedient struggled in 2062, going 3-12 with a hefty 4.57 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP, despite fanning 207 batters. He returned to form in 2063, going 16-4 with a 2.96 ERA and an 0.97 WHIP, although his strikeout rates suffered a marked decline. After another off season in 2064, he rebounded to post a combined mark of 23-8 in 40 starts spread over the 2065 and 2066 seasons, with sub-3.00 ERA's each season. Bedient signed with the New Orleans Crawfish before the 2067 season, where he went 6-2 in 22 starts with a 2.01 ERA and an 0.99 WHIP after returning from a labrum team. After two injury-riddled and ineffective seasons in 2068 and 2069 with New Orleans and the Baltimore Robins, Bedient retired. For his career, Bedient posted a career 231-145 record with a 3.01 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP in 3499 career innings, fanning 3515 batters, while walking 535 batters. He sported a career ERA+ of 151, and garnered 112.5 WAR. Bedient made six All-Star teams, and ranked 15th all-time in WAR and 22nd in strikeouts as of the time of his induction. In nine career postseasons, Bedient sported an 11-11 postseason mark, with a 3.28 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP, and fanned 183 batters in 195 innings. Glaus was tabbed 19th overall by the Memphis River Pirates following the 2047 season. As a 20-year-old rookie in 2048, Glaus hit just .230, but drilled 25 dingers and plated 86 runs. In 2049, Glaus hit .235, smacking 31 longballs and drove in 79 runs. The following year, he hit .245 and led the Continental League with 39 homers, as he drove in 107 runs. Glaus hit just .238 in 2051, but drilled 41 longballs and knocked in 116 runs. In 2052, Glaus hit .264 and slugged. 584, mashing 52 jacks and plating 130 runs. The next year, he slipped to hit just .229, but drilled 51 longballs and knocked in 130 runs for the second straight season. Glaus hit .249 and slugged .536 in 2054, blasting 49 homers and knocking in a career-high 145 runs. He slipped to just 30 homers and 93 RBI's in 2055, batting .238, but rebounded the next season to hit .264 with 49 dingers and 111 RBI's. In 2057, Glaus hit .277 and slugged .568, pounding a league-leading 50 homers and driving in 131 runs. The next season, he batted .285 and slugged .589, mashing 38 homers and knocking in 102 runs in just 126 games. After hitting 35 homers in another injury-riddled season in 2059, Glaus rebounded in 2060 to hit .265 with 44 dingers and 140 RBI's. Over the next three seasons, Glaus hovered around .250, averaging 34 homers and 96 RBI's. Glaus struggled over the next two seasons, and after hitting just .197 with 15 homers in 2065, he retired. Glaus retired with a career slash line of .246/ .337/ .497, with 2430 hits, 435 doubles, 12 triples, 676 homers, 1867 RBI's, 1597 runs scored, 1342 walks, and 53 steals. He posted a career OPS+ of 119, with 70.1 WAR. Glaus made 3 All-Star teams, won 3 Silver Sluggers and a Gold Glove. He ranked 16th all-time in homers -- and third all-time of players who spent their entire career with one club. Glaus made just one postseason with the historically-overmatched Memphis squad, but hit .284 and slugged .507 in 18 games, with 4 dingers and 14 RBI's. Cicotte was drafted 34th overall by the Phoenix Lizards following the 2049 campaign. As a 19-year-old rookie in 2050, Cicotte showed few signs of stardom, going 7-3 with 6 saves in 81 relief appearances, with a 4.81 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP. Over the next three seasons, Cicotte was remarkable consistent, posting a combined 11-13 record with between 13 and 20 saves each season, along with ERA's ranging between 3.36 and 3.34. cicotte struggled in 2054, going 5-3 with 22 saves, but a hefty 4.66 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP. In 2055, Cicotte moved into the rotation, and he went 7-13 with a 3.90 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. The following year, he showed signs of stardom, going 15-4 with a 2.25 ERA, an 0.92 WHIP, and fanned 205 batters, as he finished fourth in the Cy Young voting. In 2057, Cicotte went 11-10 with a 3.32 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. The next season, he went 16-9 with a sparkling 2.23 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. In 2059, Cicotte won the Cy Young Award and finished third in the MVP voting after going 23-4 with a 1.73 ERA, an 0.90 WHIP, and fanned 252 batters, leading the league and setting franchise records in both victories and ERA. Cicotte followed up by going 21-7 in 2060 with a 2.86 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP, and 216 strikeouts, finishing second in the Cy Young voting. In 2061, he went 14-8 with a 3.31 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP, and whiffed 209 enemy batsmen. Cicotte was limited to 13 starts in 2062 due to hand and hamstring injuries, but he went 7-1 with a 2.63 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. The following year, a hard-luck Cicotte went 9-8 despite a 2.92 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. In 2064, he notched a 14-8 mark with a 2.76 ERA, an 0.99 WHIP, and fanned 216 batters. He slipped to a 10-9 mark with a 3.46 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP the following season. Cicotte struggled in 2066, going 11-10 with a 4.98 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP, and he retired after going 7-10 in 2067 with a 3.65 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP following a season-ending torn finger tendon. For his career, Cicotte posted a record of 188-120 with 80 saves, a 3.14 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP in 2650 innings, as he fanned 2670 batters and walked 688, spending his entire career with Phoenix. He notched a career ERA+ of 150 and posted 75.6 WAR. Cicotte made four All-Star teams. In nine career postseasons, he sported a 9-8 record with 2 saves, a 2.57 ERA, an 0.89 WHIP, and fanned 154 batters in 133 innings. Leading vote recipients include: Hugh Bedient, RHP, LA/ NOR - 93.9% Troy Glaus, 3B, MEM - 78.5% Eddie Cicotte, RHP, PHO - 76.8% Arky Vaughan, SS, AUS/ CLE - 71.8% Alan Trammell, SS, PIT/NO - 66.5% Bobo Newsom, RHP, PHI/ TOR- 65.4% Jim Fregosi, SS, OKC - 64.2% Johnny Evers, 2B, SD/ HOU - 62.0% Fred Beck, RF, WAS/ OTT - 61.5% Ruben Sierra, RF, HOU/ DAL/ BUF - 60.3% Charlie Hayes, 3B, BAL - 52.8% John "Chief" Wilson, RF, MIN/ MIL/ ATL/ MEM - 49.4% Notable players who fell off the ballot include five-time All-Star Rich Harden, whose 3455 strikeouts ranked 27th all-time; center fielder Ira Flagstead, the 2058 MVP winner with a career .526 slugging percentage, and center fielder Sam Chapman, who hit 328 homers, including two seasons over 50 dingers, and had five 100-RBI seasons. Here's a look at the newest Hall of Famers: |
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06-11-2022, 03:37 PM
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#189 |
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 902
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2073 Mid-Year Report
Exceeding Expectations: The Denver Spikes looked to snap a ten-year postseason drought, as they had not topped 82 wins since their last playoff appearance in 2062. Denver entered the break with a 45-29 mark, 3 games out of first place but leading the wild card race. Denver featured an explosive offense which led the league with 126 first-half homers, and which ranked second in runs scored. Catcher Johnny Bench, after three injury-ravaged seasons where he played only 176 games, hit .312 and slugged .624, belting 19 dingers and driving in 59 runs. Shortstop Bobby Crosby hit .263 and slugged .564, drilling 19 longballs and plating 57 runs. Veteran first baseman Scott Stahoviak posted a .298 / .442/ .615 slash line, with 17 homers, 36 RBI's, and 56 runs scored, posting a career high in WAR at the mid-season mark at age 37. Ace Bump Hadley notched a 12-2 mark with a 2.71 ER, a 1.08 WHIP, and fanned 117 batters in 103 innings. Righthander Jesse Hahn sported a 5-4 record with a 3.34 ER and a 1.28 WHIP. The Minneapolis Penguins went seven straight seasons without topping .500, but they built on last year's 73-win last-place campaign by taking a 40-33 record into the break. First baseman Wally Joyner rebounded from an off-season, hitting .309 and slugging .629, with 22 dingers and 62 RBI's. Rookie right fielder Shane Spencer had an explosive debut, hitting .318 with 19 dingers and led the league with 77 RBI's. Center fielder David Green hit .256, drilling 13 dingers, knocking in 31 runs, and stealing 19 bases. Righthander John Lackey went just 3-4, despite a solid 3.96 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP. Journeyman Bruce Dal Canton notched a 7-2 record with a 4.16 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP. Reliever Vicente Amor saved 18 games and posted a 2.05 ERA, despite a middling 1.30 WHIP.
In the Continental League, the Nashville Blues looked to make their first playoff appearance in six seasons, entering the break tied for first place in the Southeast Division with a 44-29 record. DH Ted Williams starred, taking a .310/ .503/ .651 slash line into the break, with 21 homers, 51 RBI's, and an incredible 92 walks in 73 games. Catcher Francisco Cabrera, last year's Rookie of the Year, had a solid follow-up campaign, as he hit .265 with 11 homers and 37 RBI's. First baseman Eduardo Nunez hit .275, drilling 9 dingers, knocking in 32 runs, scoring 54 runs, and stealing 30 bases. Southpaw Danny Jackson notched an 8-2 mark, along with a 3.02 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP. Long reliever Al Schacht posted an incredible 9-0 record in just 19 appearances, despite a middling 3.98 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. Closer Nick Anderson saved 17 games with a microscopic 0.52 ERA, an 0.84 WHIP, and posted a stellar 41:7 strikeout-to-walk ratio. The El Paso Armadillos, after winning 84 games last year, looked to snap a six-year postseason drought by posting a 43-31 record. Right fielder Harry Hooper starred, hitting .330 and slugging .585, while smacking 17 homers, driving in 49 runs, scoring 60 runs, and going 28-for-31 on the basepaths. Slugging first baseman Albert Pujols hit .292 and slugged .599, smashing 23 homers and driving in 71 runs. Left fielder Austin Meadows hit .272, launching 20 longballs, driving in 44 runs, and scoring 54 runs. Righthander Miles Mikolas went 9-5 with a stellar 2.32 ERA and an 0.85 WHIP, while yielding just 6 homers in 101 innings. Jaret Wright sported a 6-2 mark with a 2.86 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP. Righthander Don Black went 7-0 in 9 starts, along with a 3.40 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. Disappointments: After a 90-win season and an unexpected playoff appearance, the Cincinnati Spiders crashed to earth, going just 32-42. First baseman Mike Hargrove, last season's batting champion, lost 90 points of batting average and 150 points of slugging percentage, as he hit a modest .263 with 11 dingers and 38 RBI's. Third baseman Nap Reyes, who hit .275 and slugged .433 last season, hit just .212 and slugged .322 with 7 homers and 26 RBI's. But the biggest disappointment was Cincinnati's pitching staff. Mort Cooper saw his ERA rise by over two and a half runs, as he went just 3-5 with a 5.82 ERA and a 1.70 WHIP. Free agent signee Dan Haren went 7-6 despite a hefty 5.49 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP. German Marquez, another free agent signee, went 1-6 with a 7.57 ERA and a 1.66 WHIP. The Milwaukee Raccoons, who made three straight postseason appearances, including a run to the World Series last year, went just 35-39, and were in danger of missing the postseason. First baseman Bob Brenly, a downballot MVP candidate who hit .283 with 45 homers and 112 RBI's last season, hit just .207 with 14 longballs and 36 RBI's. But the real problem was an injury-riddled pitching staff. Orval Overall was limited to 24 innings in 7 starts, going 1-0 with a 2.62 ERA despite a bloated 1.83 WHIP. Journeyman Tony Armas struggled, going 3-6 with a 7.59 ERA and a 1.70 WHIP. Reliever Billy Wagner, who was pushed into the rotation for seven thoroughly ineffective starts, went 0-7 with a bloated 9.66 ERA and a 1.76 WHIP, allowing 10 homers in 41 innings. In the Continental League, the Jacksonville Gulls, who won 94 games last season, slipped to a mediocre 39-35 start, allowing more runs than they scored. Shortstop Roger Peckinpaugh, who hit 37 homers in each of the last two seasons, slipped to hit just .251 with 9 homers and 46 RBI's. Second baseman Anthony Rendon slipped to hit .269, with just 10 homers and 38 RBI's. On the mound, free agent signee Carl Weilmann lasted just 12 innings before tearing his labrum, going 0-2 with a 5.11 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP. Righthander Red Faber saw his ERA soar by nearly two runs, going 5-5 with a 5.64 ERA and a hefty 1.49 WHIP, allowing 24 homers in just 81 innings. Free agent signee Hersh Freeman, who had posted ERA's below 3.00 in each of the last three years, saw his ERA jump to 6.94 with a 1.68 WHIP, walking more batters than he struck out. The Dallas Wildcatters, who won 99 games last year as they earned their sixth straight postseason bid, saw that streak in jeopardy as they also posted a 39-35 first-half mark. After losing Alex Rodriguez in free agency, he was replaced in the lineup by Jose Macias, who hit just .235 with 3 homers and 20 RBI's. Infielder Andre Rodgers saw his power evaporate, as he lost 35 points from his batting average and nearly 80 points from his slugging percentage, hitting an anemic .228 with 7 homers and 32 RBI's. While Dallas's offense remained strong, its pitching staff struggled. Free agency signee John Smoltz went 5-5 with a 5.32 ERA, despite a solid 1.27 WHIP. Mike LaCoss, an 18-game winner last season, saw his ERA rise by a run and a half, as he went 4-5 with a 4.31 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP. Dallas's bullpen was one of the worst in the league - and no culprit was worse than "closer" Daniel Poncedeleon, who saw his ERA nearly quadruple to 9.36, as he allowed 12 homers and 15 walks in 25 innings. Flying High Again: After returning to the playoffs last season for the first time after a five-year hiatus, the Charlotte Aviators went 54-20. Despite losing Andruw Jones in free agency, Charlotte entered the break leading the league in nearly every offensive category except steals -- where the Aviators ranked second. Charlotte scored 499 runs -- leading the league by nearly 50 runs -- and belted 146 homers, with eight players entering the break in double-digits. Center fielder Paul Blair was an MVP candidate, hitting .329 with 22 homers, 61 RBI's, 62 runs scored, and 16 steals. First baseman TJ Rivera hit .344 and slugged .608, mashing 21 homers and knocking in 68 runs. Veteran third baseman Bob Bailey hit .320, drilling 16 dingers and knocking in 16 runs. Shortstop Travis Jackson, a free agent signee, hit .290 with 22 longballs and 50 RBI's. Things that Go Bump in the Night: Denver righthander Bump Hadley, coming off a third-place finish in the Cy Young voting, got off to a brilliant start. Hadley did not surrender a run until the seventh inning of his fifth start -- 35 innings into the year, and that streak included a 15-strikeout outing against Calgary. While Hadley got roughed up a little in June, he still carried a 12-2 mark into the All-Star break, along with a 2.71 ERA and a league-leading 117 strikeouts. At the break, Hadley allowed just 61 hits - and only 5 homers - in 103 innings. Southwest Struggles: The once-proud Southwest Division was the least competitive division in the HRDL, featuring four of the ten worst teams in the HRDL. Despite the presence of perennial MVP candidate Roy Campanella, the Phoenix Lizards stumbled to a 25-49 record, and the Lizards were on track for the worst season in franchise history. The Albuquerque Conquistadors and Los Angeles Kangaroos were hardly better, checking in with identical 27-47 marks, with the Conquistadors ranking next-to-last in runs allowed, while the Kangaroos tied for last in runs scored. The punchless Las Vegas Aces entered the break barely over .400, at 30-44, ranking last in the league in homers (68) and OPS (.668). Even the San Diego Zookeepers struggled, going just 36-38, despite three straight seasons over .500. The lone saving grace was the defending champion Anaheim Antelopes, who took a 56-17 mark into the break, led by Triple Crown candidate and two-time MVP John Mayberry, Sr., who posted a .360/ .483/ .767 slash line, with 30 dingers and 71 RBI's. Major injuries: Atlanta righthander Jacob deGrom lasted only 2.1 innings before tearing his rotator cuff, ending his season. Atlanta right fielder Jeffrey Hammonds was limited to just 41 games after suffering a sprained lat and a sprained thumb, although he was expected to return by mid-July. Boston righthander Kirk McCaskill tore his labrum in spring training, sidelining him for the year. Calgary center fielder Johnny Lindell tore ankle ligaments in spring training, knocking him out of commission until mid-July. Anaheim righthander Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown missed the first half after tearing an elbow ligament during the playoffs last season, but was expected to return in time for the playoffs. New Orleans shortstop Carlos Correa broke his ankle in early May, sidelining him until September. Oft-injured Oklahoma City center fielder Mookie Betts was limited to just 43 games due to back injuries, and he was not expected back until late July. Jacksonville righthander Carl Weilman tore his labrum in mid-April, and he would not return before August. New York third baseman Vern Stephens was sidelined with a series of back and hamstring injuries, limiting him to 20 games. Milwaukee righthander Orval Overall suffered a series of arm injuries, and after undergoing surgery in June to remove bone chips, was expected to miss the rest of the season. Omaha third baseman Joe Sewell broke his knee in spring training, sidelining him until August. Pittsburgh righthander Charles Nagy tore his labrum in mid-April and was not expected back until August. Toronto center fielder Willie Davis broke his leg in mid-June, sidelining him until September. Washington righthander Marv Breuer, the top draft pick, didn't make it out of spring traning before meeting the surgeon's knife, and after having bone chips removed from his elbow, he was not expected back until late August. Washington catcher Terry Steinbach broke his collarbone in early June, sidelining him until early August. Major milestones: Milwaukee shortstop Royce Clayton joined the 2500 hit club. Calgary right fielder Ellis Valentine popped his 600th career homer. Phoenix first baseman Kris Bryant and San Antonio right fielder each joined the 500-homer club on the same day, with San Diego left feilder Ellis Burks joining them a month later. Philadelphia third baseman Travis Fryman, Buffalo first baseman Fred Nicholson, Albuquerque left fielder Vada Pinson, Charlotte shortstop Travis Jackson, and Oklahoma City infielders Miguel Cabrera and Zeke Bonura each joined the 400-homer club -- with the latter four doing so in the same week. Miami righthander Pete Alexander notched his 200th career victory, while teammate Randy Myers earned his 300th career save. Looking ahead to the second half, Kansas City first baseman Bob Robertson was likely to join the 3,000 hit club by August and the 800-homer club by September. Los Angeles left fielder Austin McHenry was expected to smack his 600th homer by the end of July, with Vancouver cetner fielder Andruw Jones expected to do so by mid-August. Boston first baseman Happy Felsch was projected to join the 500-homer club around August, but it was hardly a guarantee in light of his limited playing time at age 41. Dallas righthander Trevor Bauer, assuming he stayed out of trouble, was expected to notch his 200th career win by August and his 3000th strikeout by early July. Baltimore southpaw Floyd Bannister was expected to whiff his 3000th career batter by August. Miami reliever Bruce Ruffin's next save would be his 200th. |
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06-20-2022, 03:41 AM
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#190 |
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 902
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2073 Year in Review
Frontier League: The Buffalo Fighting Elk returned to the playoffs after three straight sub-.500 years, taking a mediocre Northeast Division with 86 wins. Buffalo finished second in the league in runs scored, and led the league with 263 homers. Left fielder Babe Ruth hit .276 and slugged .627, belting 52 homers, driving in 122 runs, scoring 138 runs, drawing 149 walks, and stealing 26 bases, but snapped his streak of eight straight seasons leading the league in homers. Right fielder Vic Wertz matched Ruth, hitting .258 with 52 dingesrs, 128 RBI's, and 125 runs scored. Veteran first baseman Fred Nicholson hit .312, smashing 37 homers, plating 112 runs, scoring 119 runs, and stealing 20 of 21 bases. Righthander Matt Shoemaker was one of the few bright spots on a subpar pitching staff, going 16-9 with a 3.92 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. Closer Rich Gossage went 7-4 with 28 saves, along with a 1.90 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. The Baltimore Robins won 83 games, hangin in contention until the final week of the year. Center fiedler Don Lock led Baltimore, hitting .308 with 45 dingers, 123 RBI's, 122 runs scored, and 140 walks. Second sacker Keston Hiura hit .339 with 25 jacks, 85 RBI's, 112 runs scored, and 36 steals. Righthander Geremi Gonzalez paced the Robins' staff, going 15-13 with a 3.57 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP.
The London Werewolves won the Great Lakes Division, with a league-best 110 wins, as the Werewolves led the league with 908 runs and finished second with 259 longballs. First baseban Walt Dropo hit .323 and slugged .650, leading the league with 54 dingers and 163 RBI's. Shortstop Eddie Joost hit .276 and slugged .585, mashing 49 homers, driving in 133 runs, scoring 111 runs, and drawing 121 walks. Second sacker Tony Phillips notched a .304/ .467/ .561 slash line, smacking 29 homers, driving in 81 runs, scoring 139 runs, drawing 149 walks, and stealing 33 bases. Right fielder Al Kaline hit .292, drilling 26 dingers, knocking in 83 runs, and scoring 113 runs. Righthander Bill Zuber went 16-5, despite dropping his last three starts of the year, led the league in ERA for the fifth time in seven years with a 2.23 mark and an 0.94 WHIP. Righthander Scott Sanderson went 13-5, sporting a 3.51 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP, fanning 219 batters. Veteran Jon Lieber went 11-3 with a 3.44 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP. The Ottawa Parliamentarians earned their third straight playoff spot, winning 94 games. First baseman Edgar Martinez had a career season, hitting .344 with a .446 on-base percentage, along with 32 homers, 113 RBI's, and 119 runs scored -- setting career highs in each category. Right fielder Tim Salmon posted a .321/ .479/ .567 slash line, with 33 jacks, 105 RBI's, 120 runs scored, and 140 walks. Catcher Phil Masi hit .289 with 23 longballs and 80 RBI's. Southpaw Jack Pfiester went 12-12 despite a solid 3.68 ERA and less-solid 1.46 WHIP, fanning 195 batters. Second-year lefty Joseph Lucchesi notched a 12-4 mark with a 4.48 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP. Closer Scott Williamson saved 26 games with a 1.99 ERA and an 0.91 WHIP. After winning a franchise-record 112 games last year, the Kansas City Mad Hatters didn't miss a beat, winning 108 games to take the Great Plains Division title. Defending MVP Max Carey hit .306 and slugged .595, blasting 43 dingers, driving in 134 runs, and stealing 46 bases. First baseman Bob Robertson hit .261, belting 33 homers and driving in 128 runs at age 39, becoming just the third player in league history to top 800 homers. Left fielder Barney McCosky hit .313 with a .425 on-base percentage, with 10 longballs, 59 RBI's, 109 runs scored, and 51 steals. Kansas City allowed the fewest runs in the league, led by righthander Doug Fister, who went 16-7 with a 2.50 ERA, and a league-best 0.90 WHIP. Righthander Ken Johnson led the league in victories, going 19-7 with a 3.32 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. Veteran southpaw Irv Young notched a 15-7 mark, along with a career-best 3.34 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP. Closer Scott Downs led the league with a franchise-record 47 saves, along with a 1.89 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. The Omaha Falcons were a distant second, winning 94 games to earn their seventh straight playoff spot. Second baseman Joe Morgan hit .295 with a .461 on-base percentage, drilling 21 longballs, driving in 86 runs, scoring 138 runs, and leading the league with 157 walks and 100 steals. Shortstop Cal Ripken, Jr. hit just .250, but provided brilliant defense along with 41 homers and 110 RBI's. First baseman Jack Fournier hit .250 as well, smacking 45 longballs, driving in 104 runs, scoring 120 runs, and stealing 24 bases. Right fielder Earl Webb hit .255, drilling 36 round-trippers and driving in 133 runs. Southpaw Al Gerheauser went 14-5, notching a 2.70 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP, yielding just 11 homers in 170 innings. Lefty Joe Kennedy went 13-4, sporting a 2.94 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. Righthander Clay Kirby posted a 15-9 mark, along with a 3.63 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. The San Francisco Longshoremen won 101 games for the second straight year to take the Northwest Division title. Right fielder Danny Tartabull hit .304 and slugged .614, belting 46 longballs and knocking in 118 runs. First baseman Kevin Youkilis hit .289, pounding 24 homers, a league-leading 42 doubles, and drove in 90 runs. Center fielder Rich Becker hit .265, drilling 19 homers, driving in 66 runs, scoring 118 runs, drawing 128 walks, and stealing 38 bases. The Longshoremen's pitching staff ranked second in the league in runs allowed, led by workhorse Don Sutton, who went 17-6 with a 3.19 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP, and a league-leading 223 strikeouts. Southpaw Johnny Schmitz went 16-5 with a 2.90 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. Closer Ed Baecht improver on his Reliever of the Year campaign, saving 43 games with an 0.86 ERA, an 0.90 WHIP, and an incredible 122 strikeouts in 63 innings, while yielding just one homer. The Portland Skunks won 96 games, returning to the playoffs after a one-year absence, as they ranked in the top five in both runs scored and runs allowed. Right fielder Hank Aaron won the batting title hitting .366 and slugging .693 with 45 jacks and 136 RBI's. Shortstop Fernando Tatis, Jr. hit .311 and slugged .571, pounding 42 round-trippers, driving in 123 runs, scoring 113 runs, and swiping 46 bags. Left fielder Tommy Pham hit .300 and slugged .579, and he drilled 29 homers and drove in in 82 runs. Righthander Sam Gray led a largely anonymous, but effective, staff, going 16-4 with a 3.42 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. Righthander Elam Vangilder notched a 17-10 mark, along with a 3.92 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. Southpaw Jim Pastorius went 15-9 with a 4.35 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP. The Vancouver Viceroys won 94 games, returning to the postseason for the first time in three years. Star rightfielder Sixto Lezcano had an MVP-caliber season, posting a .337/ .480/ .699 slash line, leading the league in on-base percentage and slugging percentage, while pounding 49 homers, driving in 125 runs, drawing 144 walks, scoring 140 runs, and stealing 45-of-52 bases. Shortstop John Valentin hit .297 and slugged .580, launching 39 homers and driving in 116 runs. First baseman Daryl Sconiers hit .312 and slugged .607, with 84 extra-base hits, including 42 homers and 122 RBI's. Veteran center fielder Andruw Jones hit .266 and smacked 39 homers, drove in 97 runs, and swiped 30 bags. Righthander Jeff Pfeffer sported a 16-7 mark, along with a 3.66 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP. Righthander Jerome Williams posted a 9-7 record while sporting a 4.16 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. Continental League: The New York Emperors won 112 games -- their third straight season over 110 victories -- ranking second in the league in runs scored and leading the HRDL with 571 runs allowed. Left fielder Juan Gonzalez hit .323 and led the league by slugging .680 with 60 homers and 164 RBI's. Shortstop Alex Rodriguez hit .291 with 33 dingers, 93 RBI's, 111 runs scored, and 49 steals. First baseman Tony Perez hit .291 with 33 longballs and 106 RBI's. Veteran right fielder Willard Marshall posted a .292/ .406/ .552 slash line, with 34 dingers and 94 RBI's, and 101 runs in just 128 games. Ace Otto Hess went 20-4 with a league-leading 2.33 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP, and 247 strikeouts. Fellow lefty Pete Schourek went 21-5 with a 3.24 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. Righthander Dizzy Dean got off to a blazing 17-1 start, along with a 3.10 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP before being sidelined at the end of July with a strained hamstring. The Charlotte Aviators won 109 games, leading the HRDL with 1026 runs scored and 307 homers. Center fielder Paul Blair had a career season, hitting .322 and slugging .572 with 74 extra-base hits, including 36 homers, 127 RBI's, and 33 steals. First baseman TJ Rivera hit .343 and slugged .576, mashing 39 longballs and driving in 127 runs, while leading the league with 213 hits. Shortstop Travis Jackson hit .269, blasting 43 homers and knocking in 113 runs. Left fielder Al Martin hit .276, drilling 34 homers, driving in 96 runs, scoring 139 runs, and stealing 45 bases. Righthander Claude Passeau went 18-6 with a 3.63 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP, but was expected to miss the postseason with bone spurs in his elbow. Righthander Jason Jennings notched a 15-5 record, along with a 3.82 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. Veteran Boardwalk Brown sported a 16-7 record, along with a 3.05 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP. The Jacksonville Gulls won 94 games, earning their fifth playoff spot in six years behind a balanced offense which featured seven players with at least 20 homers. Shortstop Roger Peckinpaugh hit .311 and slugged .536, drilling 32 homers, along with 113 RBI's and 33 steals. Third baseman Harlond Clift hit .288, along with a .439 on-base percentage, 35 homers, 122 RBI's, and 127 walks. First baseman Dave Hostetler hit .296 and belted 38 homers while driving in 100 runs. Right fielder Ross Youngs hit .301, along with 22 dingers, 101 RBI's, and 34 steals. Righthander Randy Gumpert sported a 14-8 mark, along with a 3.89 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. Frank Allen notched a 13-13 mark, along with a 4.28 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. Veteran Red Faber went 14-7 despite a bloated 5.34 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP, yielding a dreadful 46 homers in just 184 innings. The Miami Flamingos won 105 games Veteran third baseman Freddie Lindstrom hit .274 and slugged .589, bashing 49 longballs and knocking in 143 runs. Catcher Buster Posey hit .322 and slugged .527, drilling 20 dingers and knocking in 75 runs. Left fielder Augie Galan hit .273 and sported a .415 on-base percentage, launching 25 longballs with 101 RBI's and 130 walks. Miami ranked second in the league in runs allowed, led by southpaw Carlos Rodon, who went 20-4 with a 3.28 ERA, a 1.20 WHIP, and 212 strikeouts. Workhorse Pete Alexander posted an 18-5 record, along with a 3.02 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP. Southpaw Johnny Podres went 17-8, yielding a 3.92 ERA, a 1.15 WHIP, and whiffing 208 batters. Veteran closer Randy Myers saved 39 games while allowing a 1.57 ERA -- his fourth straight season below 2.00 -- and a microscipic 0.79 WHIP. The Nashville Blues won 92 games, returning to the postseason for the first time after a five-year absence. After a huge first half, left fielder Ted Williams slowed down somewhat, hitting .292 and slugging .590, with 38 homers, 108 RBI's, and a league-record 176 walks, while going 19-for-19 on the basepaths. Third baseman Possum Whitted hit just .246, but launched 36 longballs, along with 98 RBI's, 111 runs scored, and 46 steals. Catcher Francisco Cabrera hit .256, drilling 34 homers and knocking in 96 runs. Southpaw Danny Jackson posted a 19-7 mark, along with a 3.00 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP. Righthander Tony Cloninger went 12-11 with a 4.18 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP. Al Schacht notched a perfect 13-0 mark in relief, along with a 4.01 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP Closer Nick Anderson saved 35 games while notching an 0.87 ERA and a matching 0.87 WHIP. The Dallas Wildcatters got off to a slow start, but used a 19-3 streak in September to pull away and take the Texas Division title with 92 wins. Left fielder Stan Musial starred, posting a .319/ .469/ .655 slash line, with 84 extra-base hits, including 46 homers, 118 RBI's, 124 runs scored, and a franchise-record 150 walks. Second baseman Eddie Collins hit .286 with 21 dingers, 86 RBI's, 102 runs scored, and 82 steals -- his fourth straight season leading the league. Right fielder Erv Dusak hit .258, but belted 38 homers and plated 119 runs. Catcher Alex Avila hit .269, and drilled 21 longballs while knocking in 80 runs. Righthander John Smoltz, a free agent signee, posted a 16-10 record with a 4.28 ERA, a 1.24 WHIP, and fanned 211 batters. Righthander Mike LaCoss notched a 12-6 mark with a 3.68 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. Tim Lincecum sported a 10-6 record, along with a middling 4.23 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP. The Oklahoma City Otters led the division for most of the year, but a 10-18 swoon in late August through mid-September effectively eliminated the Otters, and they finished with 90 wins. Left fielder Yordan Alvarez won the batting title, hitting .364 and slugging .661 with 38 longballs and 113 RBI's. Third baseman/ DH Miguel Cabrera hit .339 and slugged .640, belting 51 round-trippers and knocking in 142 runs. Ace Fernando Valenzuela, finally healthy, went 18-8 with a 3.15 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP, and led the HRDL with 301 strikeouts. The Anaheim Antelopes had one of the best seasons in league history, winning 121 games, to take the Southwest Division title by a mere 39 games. Center fielder Ken Griffey, Jr. starred, posting a .306/ .407/ .604 slash line, with 47 longballs, 143 RBI's, 118 runs scored, and 69 steals. First baseman John Mayberry, Sr. hit .315 and slugged .646, belting 51 jacks, knocking in 135 runs, and drawing 127 walks. Right fielder Sam Rice hit .317 with 44 doubles, 16 homers, 92 RBI's, 119 runs scored, and 37 steals. Third baseman Joe DeMaestri hit .321 with 17 dingers and 78 RBI's. Despite losing Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown for nearly the entire season, Anaheim ranked a surprising third in the Continental League in runs allowed. Fireballing southpaw Erik Bedard went 16-5 with a 3.12 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. Veteran righthander Tomo Okha posted a 17-4 mark along with a 3.13 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. Closer Mike Adams went 6-1 with 43 saves, a 1.70 ERA and an 0.69 WHIP, allowing just 40 hits in 79 innings. Best record in team history: San Francisco Longshoremen (101 wins - tied); Anaheim Antelopes (121 wins) Worst record in team history: St. Louis Pilots (49 wins); Seattle Whales (52 wins); Phoenix Lizards (60 wins) Best seasons for non-contenders: Harry Hooper, RF, ELP: .325/ .409/ .636, 193 hits, 26 doubles, 7 triples, 48 HR, 125 RBI, 140 runs, 81 BB, 65 SB, +14.7 Zone Rating, 183 OPS+, 10.6 WAR Barry Bonds, CF, HOU: .283/ .439/ .590, 149 hits, 25 doubles, 4 triples, 43 HR, 106 RBI, 134 runs, 146 BB, 81 SB, 171 OPS+, 9.7 WAR Walker Buehler, RHP, MEM: 18-5, 2.36 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 217 IP, 218 K, 61 BB, 1 CG 209 ERA+, 8.5 WAR |
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06-29-2022, 02:59 AM
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#191 |
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 902
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2073 Playoff Report
Frontier League: All four series in the wild card round went the full seven games. In a divisional showdown, the London Werewolves erased a 3-2 deficit to take Games 6 and 7 from the Ottawa Parliamentarians. The last three games were decided by one run apiece, and London took Game 1 on a 15th-inning homer by reliever Lowell Palmer -- who hadn't had a hit in seven seasons. Shortstop Eddie Joost took MVP honors after hitting .375 with 3 homers, 4 RBI's, and 5 runs scored. First baseman Walt Dropo hit .300 with 3 longballs, 5 RBI's, and 6 runs scored. Center fielder Jay Payton hit just .222, but belted 3 homers and knocked in 6 runs. Reliever Rawly Eastwick went 2-0 with a Game 7 save, huring 7.2 shutout innings. Ace Bill Zuber notched a 2.38 ERA in 11.1 innings, but notched two no-decisions. Third baseman Pete Ward led Ottawa, hitting .385 with a homer and 5 RBI's. Ottawa southpaw Jack Pfiester allowed only 7 hits and no runs in 14.1 innings, but did not register a decision. The Buffalo Fighting Elk ousted the Portland Skunks in seven games, led by left fielder Babe Ruth, who earned MVP honors after hitting .346 with 4 jacks, 9 RBI's, and 2 steals. Catcher Manny Sanguillen hit .333 with 5 RBI's. Third baseman Randy Jackson hit .296 with a pair of solo homers. Closer Rich Gossage notched 2 saves, posting a 1.29 ERA in 7 innings. Left fielder Tommy Pham led Portland, hitting .367 with 6 extra-base hits, including 3 dingers, 7 runs scored, and 6 RBI's. Reliever Jeff Shaw split two decisions, despite allowing only 3 hits and no earned runs in 7 innings. In another divisional showdown, the San Francisco Longshoremen upended the Vancouver Viceroys in seven games, including shutouts in Games 6 and 7. Right fielder Danny Tartabull earned MVP honors after hitting .364 with 3 dingers, 5 RBI's, and 6 runs scored. Third baseman Jeff McNeil hit just .222, but launched 4 longballs - including three in Game 4 -- and plated 7 runs. Southpaw Johnny Schmitz went 1-1, yielding a 1.38 ERA in 13 innings. Chris Knapp split two decisions with a 1.59 ERA, including 7.1 shutout innings of 2-hit ball in Game 7. Closer Ed Baecht notched 3 saves in 6 shutout innings, fanning 11. Vancouver scored just 15 runs in the 7-game series, and they were carried by their pitching staff, led by Jeff Pfeffer, who went 1-1 with a 1.93 ERA in 14 innings, and southpaw Rick Honeycutt, who hurled 7.2 shutout innings in relief, allowing just three hits. The Omaha Falcons jumped out to a 3-0 series lead against the 108-win Kansas City Mad Hatters, but Kansas City stormed back to take the final four games. Kansas City catcher Carl Taylor was tabbed MVP after hitting .280 with a homer and 3 RBI's. Second baseman Johnny Mitchell hit .333 with 5 runs scored. Righthander Doug Fister dominated, going 1-0 and allowing just 4 hits in 13 shutout innings. Relievers Brett Cecil, Scott Downs, and Bill Slayback hurled 5 innings apiece, yielding just 1 run and 6 hits, while combining to earn a win and two saves. Shortstop Cal Ripken, Jr. led Omaha, hitting .333 with a homer, 3 RBI's, and 2 steals. Hard-luck hurled Al Gerheauser went 0-1 despite allowing no earned runs and only 3 hits in 9.2 innings.
The London Werewolves ousted the overmatched Buffalo Fighting Elk in five games. London left fielder Juan Soto -- a longtime star for Buffalo -- was named MVP after hitting .412 with a homer, 3 doubles, 4 runs scored, and 4 RBI's. Right fielder Goody Rosen hit .417 with 2 dingers and 5 RBI's. Shortstop Eddie Joost hit a modest .263, but belted 2 homers and knocked in 5 runs. Righthander Ian Kennedy went 1-0 with a 3.72 ERA in 9.2 innings. London overcame a Herculean effort by Buffalo left fielder Babe Ruth, who hit .294 with 5 homers and 10 RBI's in a losing effort. After their dramatic comeback in the wild card round, Kansas City had nothing left in the tank, as they fell in five games to San Francisco. Longshoremen catcher Clay Dalrymple took home the hardware after hitting .556 with a homer, 3 doubles, 5 runs scored, and 4 RBI's. Third baseman Jeff McNeil hit .476 with 2 jacks, 5 runs, and 5 RBI's. Center fielder Rich Becker hit .350, popping a homer, driving in 2 runs, and swiping 2 bags. Ace Don Sutton went 1-0 with a 3.27 ERA in 11 innings, fanning 13. Center fielder Doug Glanville led Kansas City, hitting .368 and scoring 2 runs. London ousted San Francisco in five games in the League Championship Series, with first baseman Walt Dropo earning MVP honors after hitting .526 with 4 longballs and 10 RBI's. Catcher Bob O'Farrell hit .353 with 2 homers and 5 RBI's. Right fielder Debs Garms hit .400 and scored 3 runs. Righthander Bill Zuber went 1-0 in 11 shutout innings. Closer Rawly Eastwick saved 3 games in 5.2 shutout innings, with 9 strikeouts. Center fielder Rich Becker led San Francisco, hitting .333 with a homer, 4 doubles, and 4 RBI's. Continental League: The 121-win Anaheim Antelopes ousted the overmatched Nashville Blues in 6 games, erasing a 2-1 deficit. Anaheim second baseman Sibby Sisti was tabbed MVP after hitting .400 with a homer and 4 RBI's. Third baseman Derek Jeter hit .409 with 3 extra-base hits and 6 runs scored. Center fielder Ken Griffey, Jr. hit just .182, but launched 2 longballs and knocked in 4 runs. Righthander Moredcai Brown, who made only three starts all season after injuring an elbow ligament in last year's playoffs, hurled 10.1 shutout innings. Southpaw Danny Jackson led Nashville with a 1.46 ERA in 12.1 innings, but did not register a decision, while Tony Cloninger earned a win with 7 shutout innings. The Dallas Wildcatters nearly blew a 3-1 lead, but pulled out the win in Game 7 over the injury-ravaged Charlotte Aviators. Dallas left fielder Stan Musial took MVP honors after hitting .400 with 2 dingers, 3 RBI's, 8 runs scored, and 3 steals. First baseman Ray Sanders hit .280 with a homer, 3 doubles, and 5 RBI's. Catcher Alex Avila and right fielder Erv Dusak smacked 2 homers and drove in 4 runs apiece. Sinkerballer Mike LaCoss went 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA in 13 innings, fanning 12. Five Aviators smacked two homers apiece, led by center fielder Aaron Rowand, who hit .393 with 2 dingers, 3 doubles, and 6 RBI's. In an interstate showdown, the Miami Flamingos upended the Jacksonville Gulls in six games. Miami shortstop Scott Fletcher took MVP honors after hitting .545 with a series-high 12 hits and 4 runs scored. Second baseman Ray Mack hit .292 with 4 dingers, 8 RBI's, and 7 runs scored. Right fielder Don Padgett hit .304 with 2 homers and 5 RBI's. Righthander Pete Alexander went 2-0 with a 2.19 ERA in 12.1 innings. Southpaw Johnny Podres went 1-0 with a 1.42 ERA in 6.1 innings. Second baseman Anthony Rendon led Jacksonville, hitting .400 with a homer, 3 RBI's, and 4 runs scored. In a stunning upset, the 92-win Birmingham Steelers swept the 112-win New York Emperors, outscoring the Emperors 26-12. Center fielder Brent Lillibridge took MVP honors after hitting .444 with 4 extra-base hits, 6 runs scored, 3 RBI's, and 3 steals. DH Dwight Smith hit .500 with r runs scored. First baseman Lu Blue hit .250 with 2 homers and 6 RBI's. Righthander Jeff Karstens hurled a complete-game victory in Game 3, allowing 3 runs. Closer Joey McLaughlin notched 3 saves, allowing one run in six innings. Slugger Juan Gonzalez led the Emperors, hitting .471 with 2 doubles, but drove in only 1 run. Anaheim edged Dallas in a seven-game classic in the Division Series, as Dallas took games 5 and 6, but lost 1-0 in Game 7, despite having the tying run on third base in the ninth inning. Anaheim right fielder Sam Rice took home the hardware after hitting .440 with 4 doubles, 5 runs scored, and 2 RBI's. DH Bobby Abreu hit .273 with 3 longballs and 6 RBI's. Third baseman Derek Jeter hit .292 and plated 4 runs. Southpaw Erik Bedard notched the win in Game 7 with six shutout innings, and he notched a 1.69 ERA in 10.2 innings. Brady Raggio posted a matching 1.69 ERA, earning 2 saves. Catcher Alex Avila led Dallas, hitting .346 with 2 homers, 3 doubles, 6 runs scored, and 3 RBI's. Dallas righthander John Smoltz went 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA, fanning 14 batters without yielding a walk. Miami eliminated their divisional rival Birmingham in six games. Miami first baseman Steve Braun took MVP honors after hitting .417 with 7 runs scored and 2 RBI's. Third baseman Freddie Lindstrom hit .320 with a homer, 3 doubles, and 5 RBI's. Southpaw Carlos Rodon went 2-0 with a 1.93 ERA in 14 innings, allowing just 8 hits and fanning 17. Johnny Podres also notched 2 wins, posting a 2.77 ERA, whiffing 16 enemy batters. DH Dwight Smith led Birmingham, hitting .292 with 3 longballs and 4 RBI's. Miami stunned Anaheim in the League Championship Series, sweeping the Antelopes while allowing just six runs. Lindstrom took home MVP honors after hitting .429 with 2 solo homers. Left fielder Augie Galan hit .294, smacking 2 dingers and knocking in 3 runs. Second baseman Ray Mack had only 3 hits, but all were homers, and he drove in 7 runs -- more than the entire Anaheim squad. Rodon hurled 7 shutout innings in a Game 2 victory, fanning 8, while Gil Meche earned the win in Game 4, whiffing 11 in 6.2 shutout innings. Closer Randy Myers saved 2 games in 4 shutout innings, fanning 6. Ken Griffey, Jr. went just 3-for-17 for Anaheim, but two of the hits were homers. World Series: In one of the strongest matchups in recent history, the 105-win Miami Flamingos squared off against the 110-win London Werewolves. While London had a stronger won-loss record and led the Frontier League in runs scored, Miami actually had a stronger run differential, led by the deepest pitching staff in baseball. With London rightfielder Al Kaline still sidelined by a broken ankle, the healthier Flamingos were a narrow favorite. The matchup was a repeat of the 2057 World Series, which London won in seven games. London came from behind to take Game 1, erasing 4-0 and 5-3 deficits to prevail by a 6-5 tally. London first baseman Walt Dropo belted a 3-run homer in the sixth inning - his tenth of the postseason - to give the Werewolves the lead. Backup outfielder Bubba Starling also rapped a 2-run homer for London, while third baseman Jeff Cirillo went 2-for-4. Miami catcher Buster Posey smacked a two-run jack, while second baseman Ray Mack drilled a solo shot, while right fielder Don Padgett went 3-for-5 with 2 runs scored and 2 steals. Neither starter made it out of the fifth inning. London hurler Scott Sanderson yielded 5 runs in 4.2 innings, while Miami ace Carlos Rodon yielded 3 runs in 4.2 innings, surrendering 10 baserunners. London reliever Eric Wilkins earned the win with 1.2 shutout innings, and Rawly Eastwick notched a six-out save, while Pat Pacillo took the loss for the Flamingos. Miami evened the score in Game 2, winning 2-0. Posey and Padgett had two hits apiece, including a double, and first baseman Steve Braun went 2-for-3 with a run scored and an RBI. Center fielder Debs Garms had 3 of London's 6 hits, including a triple. Pete Alexander hurled six shutout innings to earn the win for Miami, fanning 5, while Randy Myers notched the save with 2 hitless innings. Jim Hearn took the loss for London, yielding 7 hits and 2 runs in 4.2 innings. London regained the series lead with a 4-1 win in Game 3. London catcher Bob O'Farrell went 2 for 3 with a solo homer. Miami third baseman Freddie Lindstrom had three of the Flamingos' five hits, inluding a solo homer. London righthander Bill Zuber, the Frontier League's ERA champion, yielded one run on four hits in 5.2 innings, but did not register in the decision. Mickey Storey notched the win, retiring all four hitters he faced. Eastwick hurled two shutout innings to save his eighth game of the postseason. Miami southpaw Johnny Podres took the loss despite allowing just 2 runs on 3 hits in 6 innings, fanning 7. Miami tied the series with a 1-0 victory in Game 4, despite rapping only three singles for the game. Posey went 1-for-2 with a walk and drove in the lone run of the game,, while shortstop Scott Fletcher ripped a double. London had only five hits, with third baseman Jeff Cirillo smacking the lone extra-base hit. Miami righthander Chris Archer didn't make it out of the fifth inning, although he whiffed six batters. Pat Pacillo earned the win, yielding one hit and no runs in 2.2 innings, and Randy Myers fanned 3 in 2 innings for the save. Ian Kennedy took the loss, yielding an unearned run in 5.2 innings. Miami took control of the series with a 6-2 win in Game 5. Left fielder Augie Galan broke the game open with a fifth-inning grand slam; he also doubled and scored two runs. First baseman Mike Olt went 2-for-2 with a double. Cirillo and Bubba Starling each smacked ninth-inning homers after the game was out of reach. Carlos Rodon fanned seven in 4.2 innings, but was pulled after walking four batters. Bruce Sutter earned the win in long relief, fanning seven in 3.2 innings while yielding just one hit. Scott Sanderson took the loss, allowing 6 runs (4 earned) in 4.1 innings. Miami clinched the title with a 6-0 win in Game 6. Posey smacked a 2-run homer, while Galan ripped an RBI double. Veteran left fielder Juan Soto went 2-for-4 for London -- notching the only hits of the game for the Werewolves. Pete Alexander was brilliant for Miami, earning the win with 7 shutout innings, yielding only 2 hits and fanning 5 to bring his postseason mark to 5-0. Jim Hearn took the loss, allowing 4 runs in 3 innings. Alexander was named World Series MVP, becoming the first pitcher since Juan Marichal 21 years earlier to earn that honor. He went 2-0, allowing 8 hits and fanning 10 in 13 shutout innings. Posey led the way offensively, hitting .333 with 2 homers, 2 doubles, and 5 RBI's. Third baseman Freddie Lindstrom hit .364 with a dinger, 4 RBI's, and 3 runs scored. Galan hit just .200, but homered and drove in a series-high 6 runs. Miami's bullpen was dominant, led by the triumvirate of Randy Myers, Bruce Sutter, and Howie Krist, who gave up just 6 hits and no runs in 12.2 innings. Sutter went 1-0, allowing one hit and fanning 8 in 4.1 innings, while Myers gave up one hit in 4 innings, saving 2 games. Center fielder Debs Garms led London, hitting .320 with 2 runs scored. Shortstop Eddie Joost was the only other Werewolf to top .222, as he hit a punchless .263 with 1 RBI. Star second baseman Tony Phillips, coming off an 8.8 WAR season, went 0-for-22. Ian Kennedy was the highlight of the pitching staff, going a hard-luck 0-1 despite not yielding an earned run in 6 innings. Bill Zuber did not lodge a decision, but allowed just 1 run and 4 hits in 8.1 innings. |
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07-02-2022, 03:03 AM
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#192 |
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 902
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2073 Awards Voting
Frontier League MVP- Sixto Lezcano, RF, VAN (48): .337/ .480/ .699, 176 hits, 34 doubles, 4 triples, 49 HR, 125 RBI, 140 runs, 144 BB, 45 SB, 208 OPS+, 11.5 WAR
Second place- Eddie Joost, SS, LON: .276/ .416/ .585, 147 hits, 18 doubles, 49 HR, 133 RBI, 111 runs, 121 BB, 7 SB, +13.9 Zone Rating, 158 OPS+, 9.6 WAR Third place- Babe Ruth, LF/RF, BUF: .276/ .431/ .627, 149 hits, 31 doubles, 1 triple, 52 HR, 122 RBI, 138 runs, 149 BB, 26 SB, 183 OPS+, 8.9 WAR Fourth place- Hank Aaron, RF, POR: .366/ .429/ .693, 185 hits, 28 doubles, 1 triple, 45 HR, 136 RBI, 99 runs, 53 BB, 3 SB, 191 OPS+, 7.6 WAR Fifth place- Fernando Tatis, Jr., SS, POR: .311/ .383/ .571, 186 hits, 24 doubles, 3 triples, 42 HR, 123 RBI, 113 runs, 67 BB, 46 SB, +10.2 Zone Rating, 149 OPS+, 8.9 WAR Frontier League Cy Young Award- Doug Fister, KC (24): 16-7, 2.50 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 198 IP, 135 K, 24 BB, 179 ERA+, 5.9 WAR Second place- Don Sutton, SF (22): 17-6, 3.19 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 217 IP, 223 K, 51 BB, 139 ERA+, 7.7 WAR Third place- Johnny Schmitz, SF: 16-5, 2.90 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 205 IP, 184 K, 70 BB, 1 CG, 1 shutout, 153 ERA+, 6.9 WAR Fourth place- Bill Gullickson, BOS (1): 8-9, 2.59 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 191 IP, 147 K, 48 BB, 174 ERA+, 7.2 WAR Fifth place- Bill Zuber: 16-5, 2.23 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 174 IP, 159 K, 53 BB, 205 ERA+, 6.4 WAR Frontier League Rookie of the Year- Shane Spencer, RF, MIN (48): .295/ .358/ .562, 164 hits, 26 doubles, 1 triple, 40 HR, 138 RBI, 103 runs, 53 BB, 4 SB, 137 OPS+, 5.0 WAR Second place- Bobby Knoop, 2B, POR: .276/ .331/ .449, 148 hits, 33 doubles, 3 triples, 18 HR, 83 RBI, 58 runs, 43 BB, 2 SB, 104 OPS+, 3.2 WAR Third place- Darryl Kile, RHP, MON: 12-13, 3.67 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 186 IP, 175 K, 60 BB, 123 ERA+, 3.7 WAR Continental League MVP- Stan Musial, LF, DAL (17): .319/ .469/ .655, 171 hits, 34 doubles, 4 triples, 46 HR, 118 RBI, 124 runs, 150 BB, 9 SB, 194 OPS+, 9.5 WAR Second place- Harry Hooper, RF, ELP (20): .325/ .409/ .636, 193 hits, 26 doubles, 7 triples, 48 HR, 125 RBI, 140 runs, 81 BB, 65 SB, +14.7 Zone Rating, 183 OPS+, 10.6 WAR Third place- Ken Griffey, Jr., CF, ANA (2): .306/ .407/ .604, 174 hits, 26 doubles, 1 triple, 47 HR, 143 RBI, 118 runs, 101 BB, 69 SB, 164 OPS+, 9.0 WAR Fourth place- John Mayberry, Sr., 1B (2): .315/ .443/ .646, 178 hits, 30 doubles, 2 triples, 51 HR, 135 RBI, 128 runs, 127 BB, 184 OPS+, 8.8 WAR Fifth place- Juan Gonzalez, LF/ RF, NY (6): .323/ .356/ .680, 189 hits, 25 doubles, 2 triples, 60 HR, 164 RBI, 108 runs, 26 BB, 4 SB, 167 OPS+, 7.1 WAR Continental League Cy Young Award: Otto Hess, NY (48): 20-4, 2.33 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 232 IP, 247 K, 80 BB, 3 CG, 1 shutout, 212 ERA+, 8.5 WAR Second place: Walker Buehler, MEM: 18-5, 2.36 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 217 IP, 218 K, 61 BB, 1 CG, 209 ERA+, 8.5 WAR Third place- Pete Alexander, MIA: 18-5, 3.02 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, 221 IP, 171 K, 40 BB, 2 CG, 1 shutout, 164 ERA+, 6.4 WAR Fourth place- Fernando Valenzuela, OKC: 18-8, 3.15 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 220 IP, 301 K, 90 BB, 2 CG, 1 shutout, 160 ERA+, 7.9 WAR Fifth place- Pete Schourek, NY: 21-5, 3.24 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 205 IP, 160 K, 50 BB, 1 CG, 153 ERA+, 4.4 WAR Continental League Rookie of the Year- Eric Young, LF/2B, LA (42): .328/ .414/ .478, 137 hits, 14 doubles, 5 triples, 13 HR, 58 RBI, 61 runs, 59 BB, 42 SB, 138 OPS+, 4.3 WAR Second place- Hal Lee, LF, AUS (5): .280/ .328/ .502, 127 hits, 23 doubles, 26 HR, 91 RBI, 58 runs, 33 BB, 115 OPS+, 2.9 WAR Third place- Jake Lamb, 1B, MEM (1): .233/ .379/ .481, 98 hits, 19 doubles, 2 triples, 27 HR, 65 RBI, 77 runs, 126 OPS+, 3.1 WAR Top draft picks: 1. Johnny Cueto, RHP, Los Angeles Kangaroos 2. Jorge Soler, RF, St. Louis Pilots 3. Harry Niles, 2B/ LF, Seattle Whales 4. John Stone, LF, Washington Ambassadors 5. Harold Baines, RF, Phoenix Lizards 6. Irv Noren, CF, Austin Mustangs 7. George Brunet, LHP, Boston Minutemen 8. Pedro Munoz, RF, San Antonio Marksmen 9. Andres Torres, CF, Albuquerque Conquistadors 10. Clete Boyer, 3B, Las Vegas Aces Draft pick who slipped later than expected: 30. Joe Crede, 3B, Denver Spikes |
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07-05-2022, 12:50 AM
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#193 |
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 902
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2073 Hall of Fame Voting
With an atypically small ballot of only 30 candidates, with no sure-fire newcomers to the ballot, the Hall of Fame voters turned their attention to several well-qualified candidates who were crowded out in prior years. Four holdover candidates were selected-- as many as had been selected in the prior nine years - and three of them were shortstops. Remarkably, none of the candidates cleared 77% of the vote -- and two of them made it without a single vote to spare. Right fielder Ruben Sierra, the 2055 MVP with 562 career homers, was tabbed on the second ballot with 76.7% of the vote. Shortstop Alan Trammell, an 8-time All-Star with 2955 career hits and 8 Gold Gloves, inexplicably waited seven ballots to get inducted, and even then, only with 76.4% of the vote. Shortstop Arky Vaughan, a 6-time All-Star with a .399 career on-base percentage, drew exactly 75.0% of the vote on his fourth time on the ballot. And shortstop Jim Fregosi, a 6-time All-Star with 3061 career hits and 336 homers, also drew exactly 75.0% of the vote. Fregosi tied 2032 inductee Aaron Judge for the most ballots before getting elected by the voters.
Sierra inexplicably lasted until midway through the second round of the 2051 draft, being selected 83rd overall by the Houston Pythons. As a 19-year-old rookie outfielder in part-time play, Sierra starred, hitting .345 and slugging .610 in 67 games, belting 17 homers, driving in 43 runs, and stealing 18 bases. In 2053, Sierra hit .295, smacking 24 homers among his 65 extra-base hits, driving in 68 runs and scoring 99 runs, while swiping 29 bags. He struggled the following year, hitting just .259 with 42 doubles and 13 homers, knocking in 75 runs. Sierra came from out of nowhere to register a monster season in 2055, winning the MVP award and flirting with a Triple Crown - he won the batting title, hitting .366, slugged a league-best .719, led the league with 59 homers, 139 runs scored, and 233 hits, while also driving in 156 runs and stealing 24 bases. In 2056, Sierra finished second in the MVP voting, hitting .331 and slugging .631, while belting 45 homers, 54 doubles, scoring 129 runs, leading the league with 156 RBI's, and stealing 27-of-31 bases. The next season, he hit .292 and slugged .549, mashing 41 dingers, knocking in 125 runs, and scoring 113 runs. In 2058, Sierra hit .316 and slugged .600, drilling 45 dingers, leading the league with 134 RBI's, scorred 116 runs, and stole 18 bases. He took a step back over the next two years, hitting .268 and .265 respectively, but averaged 38 homers and 107 RBI's, including 21 steals in 2060. Following the 2060 campaign, Sierra left Houston in free agency and signed with their divisional rival Dallas Wildcatters. He returned to form in 2061, hitting .300 and slugging .559, smacking 39 jacks, knocking in 135 runs, scoring 105 runs, and stealing 22-of-24 bags. The following season, Sierra hit .291 with 35 longballs and plated 140 runs. He hit just .264 in 2063, but drilled 38 dingers and knocked in 104 runs. Sierra signed with the Buffalo Fighting Elk before the 2064 season, and he launched 47 longballs and knocked in 136 runs, although he hit just .264. He struggled over the next two seasons, hitting just .235 and .240, while averaging 28 homers and 79 RBI's. He spent the next three seasons as a part-time journeyman, playing a season apiece for the Birmingham Steelers, San Antonio Marksmen, and Pittsburgh Golden Gorillas, hitting a combined 27 homers without having more than 181 plate appearances in any of those three seasons. He retired following the 2069 season with a career slash line of .286/ .331/ .537, with 2622 hits, including 524 doubles, 44 triples, 562 homers, 1725 homers, 1500 runs scored, 641 walks, 248 steals, a 127 OPS+, and 54.4 WAR. In addition to his 2055 MVP trophy, Sierra made 3 All-Star teams and won 3 Silver Slugger awards. He made only a lone postseason appearance until the final four years of his career, when he made it each season - but in 39 career postseason games spanning 131 at-bats, he hit just .198 with 5 homers and 18 RBI's. Trammell was drafted second overall by the Pittsburgh Golden Gorillas following the 2042 season. As an 18-year-old rookie in 2043, he flashed few signs of stardom, hitting .259 with 5 dingers and 26 RBI's in 79 games. Trammell blossomed in his sophomore campaign, hitting .320 with 7 homers, 48 RBI's, and 96 runs scored in just 129 games. In 2045, Trammell hit .304 and slugged .507, with 71 extra-base hits, including 22 homers, 86 RBI's, 106 runs scored, and 27 steals, and won the first of seven consecutive Gold Gloves. The following season, he slipped to hit .274, smacking 16 longballs, driving in 57 runs, and swiping 34 bases. Trammell hit .288 in 2048, ripping 15 homers, knocking in 78 runs, and 29 steals. In 2049, Trammell hit .323 and slugged .537, belting 23 dingers, plating 89 runs, scoring 94 runs, and stealing 26 bases. The following season, Trammell hit .304 and slugged .514, ripping 29 longballs, driving in 111 runs, scoring 100 runs, and swiping 29 bags. Trammell crashed in 2050, hitting just .254 with 9 homers and 56 RBI's, but he rebounded to hit over .300 in each ot the next three seasons, with between 17 and 20 homers each year. Following the 2053 season, Trammell signed with the New Orleans Crawfish in free agency. In 2054, he hit .291 and slugged .502, smacking 25 dingers, driving in 106 runs, and stealing 19 bases. Trammell hit .298 and slugged .530 in 2055, setting career highs with 32 homers and 114 RBI's, while stealing 22 bases and leading the Crawfish to a World Series title, as he hit .295 with 7 homers and 18 RBI's in the postseason and won the League Championship Series MVP. He was off to an even better start in 2056. hitting .322 and slugging .550 in 44 games before suffering a season-ending broken elbow. Trammell returned at the top of his game, hitting .310 and slugging .509 in 2057, with 22 dingers and 88 RBI's. He led New Orleans to another World Series title in 2058, hitting .285 with 40 doubles, 24 homers, 89 RBI's, and 105 runs scored. Trammell was limited to 105 games in 2059, but hit .328 and slugged .518, with 16 jacks and 57 RBI's. His 2060 campaign was cut short by a torn meniscus after 81 games, but he still hit .275 with 15 homers and 61 RBI's. Trammell was limited to 128 games in each of the 2061 and 2062 seasons, smacking a combined 34 homers, but his average slipped to .237 in the latter season. He played sparingly and ineffectively in 2063 and 2064, and he retired after the 2064 campaign. Trammell posted an overall career slash line of .291/ .367/ .465, with 2955 hits, including 555 doubles, 64 triples, 360 homers, 1490 RBI's, 1693 runs scored, 1176 walks, 355 steals, an OPS+ of 125, and 113 WAR, which ranked tops all-time among shortstops. An 8-time All-Star, Trammell also won 8 Gold Gloves and 4 Silver Slugger awards. Trammell played in 114 postseason games over 10 postseasons, hitting .293 and slugging .502, including 21 homers, 58 RBI's, 76 runs scored, and 19 steals. In the Crawfish's two World Series championship runs in 2055 and 2058, he hit a combined 13 postseason homers. Vaughan was drafted 6th overall by the Austin Mustangs following the 2048 season. He had a strong rookie season in 2049 as a 19-year-old, hitting. 307 with a .416 on-base percentage, including 8 homers, 70 RBI's, 98 runs scored, and 103 walks, winning the first of five Silver Slugger awards. He had a brilliant 2050 campaign, finishing fourth in the MVP voting, as Vaughan hit .330 with a league-leading .447 on-base percentage, including 10 homers, 9 triples, 75 RBI's, 127 runs scored, and 119 walks -- leading the league in WAR, runs scored, and walks as well. Vaughan hit .313 in 2051, with 10 homers, 10 triples, 73 RBI's, 116 runs scored, and 103 walks. The next season, Vaughan hit .309, ripping 20 dingers, driving in 101 runs, scoring 122 runs, and drawing 102 walks. In 2053, Vaughan hit .306 with 21 dingers, 42 doubles, 87 RBI's, and 106 runs scored, while winning a Gold Glove. He set career highs in each of the slash-line categories in 2054, posting a .341/ .465/ .539 mark, with 15 homers, 10 triples, 76 RBI's, and 104 RBI's despite being limited to 135 games due to a back injury. Vaughan hit .321 and slugged .510 in 2054, ripping 18 homers among his 67 extra-base hits, while plating 78 runs and scoring 112 runs. He hit .318 and slugged .490 the next season, while belting 18 dingers, knocking in 103 runs, and scoring 114 runs. He hit .318 once again in 2057, with 9 dingers, 10 rtiples, 77 RBI's, and 98 walks. In 2058, Vaughan hit .299, but still posted his tenth-straight on-base percentage over .400, as he also ripped 10 longballs, drove in 84 runs, scored 95 runs, and notched his fifth 100-walk season. Vaughan's 2059 season was interrupted by a concussion and a broken finger, as he was limited to 73 games, but still hit .308 with 7 dingers and 44 RBI's. He slumped over the next two seasons, hitting .264 and .257, with a combined 32 homers and 104 RBI's. His power vanished in 2061, as he hit .272 in 97 games, but hit just 3 homers and knocked in only 29 runs. Following the season, he left Austin for the Cleveland Rocks in free agency. Vaughan returned to form in his first season by Lake Erie, hitting .298 with 15 longballs and 68 RBI's. He struggled over the next two injury-riddled seasons, as he was limited to a combined 147 games. He had one last hurrah in 2066 at age 36, hitting .319 with a .400 on-base percentage, including 16 homers and 78 RBI's. Vaughan had a solid 2067 season, hitting .276 with a .384 on-base percentage, but slipped to hit just 6 homers and drive in 57 runs, and he retired after the season. Vaughan retired with a career slash line of .301/ .399/ .452, including 2860 hites, 557 doubles, 90 triples, 231 homers, 1269 homers, 1629 runs scored, 1413 walks, 100 steals, an OPS of 127+, and 111.4 WAR. Vaughan ranked second all-time among shortstops in WAR, just behind Trammell, and he ranked third among shortstops in on-base percentage. He made 6 All-Star teams and won 5 Silver Sluggers. Vaughan made only three postseasons, but hit .312 in 41 postseason games with 4 homers and 23 RBI's. Fregosi was drafted 10th overall by the Oklahoma City Otters after the 2042 season. As an 18-year-old rookie in 2043, he hit .281 with 7 homers and 65 RBI's in 124 games. The following year, Fregosi hit .282 with 7 homers, 9 triples, and 66 RBI's, despite being limited to 119 games due to a series of back and hamstring injuries. In 2045, Fregosi hit .306 - the first of nine straight seasons over .300 - with 5 homers and 50 RBI's in 87 games. Fregosi blossomed into stardom in 2046, making his first All-Star appearance as he hit .316 and slugged .490, with 20 homers, 105 RBI's, and 98 runs scored. In 2047, he was limited to 97 games due to a broken hamate bone, but he hit .340 and slugged .524, with 9 homers and 89 RBI's. The next year, Fregosi hit .311 and slugged .539 with 47 doubles, a league-high 11 triples, 22 homers, 124 RBI's, and 108 runs scored. In 2049, Fregosi hit .310 with 15 homers and 58 RBI's. The next year, Fregosi hit .306 with 39 doubles, 17 homers, and 92 RBI's, while winning a Gold Glove. He hit .308 in 2051, ripping 16 homers and knocking in 73 runs. In 2052, Fregosi hit .303, smacking 48 doubles, 22 homers, plating 88 runs, and scoring 115 runs. The next season, he hit .305 and slugged .513, drilling 51 doubles, 26 homers, 97 RBI's, and 111 runs scored. Fregosi had an off-season in 2054, slipping to .252, but still smacked 41 doubles and 15 homers, while driving in 69 runs and scoring 99 runs. The next season, he hit .267 with 21 dingers and 87 RBI's. He returned to form in 2056, hitting .299 with 19 homers and 84 RBI's. In 2057, Fregosi hit .301 and slugged .492, drilling 13 homers and knocking in 56 runs in just 97 games. In 2058, Fregosi hit .277, launching 17 longballs and driving in 74 runs. He hit exactly 20 homers in each of the next two seasons, but his average slipped, as he hit just .255 and .246. Fregosi rebounded to hit .278 in 2061, but his power started to slip, as he hit just 14 homers and drove in 61 runs. Fregosi played two more seasons where he hit a combined 32 homers, but struggled to top .230, and he retired after the 2063 season, several months after notching his 3,000th hit. For his career, Fregosi posted a slash line of .287/ .353/ .457, with 3061 hits, including 647 doubles, 83 triples, 336 homers, 1600 RBI's, 1636 runs scored, 1094 walks, 75 steals, a 111 OPS+, and 94.7 WAR. He made 6 All-Star teams, won 2 Silver Sluggers, and a Gold Glove. In ten postseasons, Fregosi hit a modest .247 with 14 homers and 61 RBI's in 112 games. Leading vote recipients include: Ruben Sierra, RF, HOU/ DAL/ BUF/ BIR/ SA/ PIT: 76.7% Alan Trammell, SS, PIT/ NOR: 76.4% Arky Vaughan, SS, AUS/ CLE: 75.0% Jim Fregosi, SS, OKC: 75.0% Whitey Kurowski, 3B, WAS/ STL/ CAL: 74.7% Mike Hampton, LHP, BIR/ NY/ MIN: 68.2% Justin Upton, LF, MIN/ ATL/ SD/ LV: 67.0% Johnny Evers, 2B, SD/ HOU: 63.9% Fred Beck, RF, WAS: 57.1% Bobo Newsom, RHP, PHI/ TOR: 56.8% Nub Kleinke, RHP, PHI/ MIL/ ANA: 45.5% Charlie Hayes, 3B, BAL: 32.1% Notable players who dropped off the ballot included Tim Hudson, a 4-time All Star and 2050 Cy Young Award winner with a career ERA of 2.93, who saw his eligibility expire after ten turns on the ballot, 4-time All Star catcher John Ellis, and first baseman Cecil Fielder, who slugged 490 career homers. Here's a look at the newest Hall of Famers: Last edited by Dukie98; 12-27-2022 at 03:09 AM. |
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07-22-2022, 03:08 AM
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#194 |
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 902
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2074 Mid-Year Review
Here's a look at the major storylines across the league at the 2074 All-Star break:
Exceeding Expectations: After a disastrous 49-win campaign last year, the St. Louis Pilots looked to perform one of the most dramatic turnarounds in HRDL history, taking a 43-29 record into the break. After ranking dead last in the league last year with just 544 runs scored and a team .224 batting average, the Pilots entered the break ranked 6th in the Frontier League in runs scored. Rookie outfielder Jorge Soler, the second overall pick in the draft, broke in with a bang, hitting .288 and slugging .544, with 18 dingers and 55 RBI's. Veteran first baseman Jack Fournier, a free agent signee, hit .290 with 21 longballs, 52 RBI's, and 52 runs scored. Third baseman Nick Solak had a strong start to his sophomore campaign, hitting .290 with 12 jacks and 39 RBI's. Oral Hildebrand led an effective, if undistinguished, pitching staff, going 5-5 with a 4.10 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. Righthander George Chalmers improved on last year's 6-16 mark, notching a 6-1 record with a 4.39 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. The Minneapolis Penguins had not topped .500 in nine seasons, but they built on last year's 81-win campaign by posting a 42-31 first-half record. Left fielder Ken Griffey, Sr. exploded into stardom, posting a .367/ .449/ .655 slash line, with 12 homers, 49 RBI's, 55 runs, and 28 steals. Right fielder Shane Spencer, the defending Rookie of the Year, hit .309, smacking 13 homers and knocking in 52 runs. Center fielder David Green hit .300, belting 10 homers, knocking in 41 runs, scoring 54 runs, and stealing an incredible 40 out of 42 bases. Veteran righthander John Lackey was one of the few bright spots for an otherwise mediocre pitching staff, going 7-5 with a 4.00 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. Closer Vicente Amor saved 14 games while posting a 2.32 ERA, despite a mediocre 1.32 WHIP. In the Continental League, the Washington Ambassadors had not made the playoffs in 11 years, and they had four straight seasons of at least 94 losses, winning just 54 and 53 games in the last two years. But Warshington shaved nearly two runs off their ERA to enter the break in wild card contention with a 37-36 record. Rookie leftfielder John Stone starred, hitting .367 and slugging .596, with 10 dingers and 39 RBI's in just 53 games. DH Steve Balboni, a long-time Ambassador who resigned as a free agent in the offseason, pounded 15 homers and drove in 45 runs. Shortstop Rey Sanchez, another free agent signee, stabilized the defense, providing elite defense while hitting .280. On the mound, Marv Breuer, the top pick in the 2072 draft, returned from an injury-riddled rookie year to go 8-4 with a 3.19 ERA, a 1.17 WHIP, and 98 strikeouts. Southpaw closer Ron Mrozinski led a largely anonymous bullpen, saving 15 games while sporting a 2.62 ERA and an 0.79 WHIP, yielding just 9 hits in 24 innings. The Las Vegas Aces, who won just 65 games last year, looked to return to the playoffs for the first time in nine years, as they posted a 39-34 first-half record. Always offensively challenged, the Aces entered the break ranked 18th in the league in runs scored- a substantial improvement from last year's last place finish. Third baseman Jeff Cirillo, a free agent signee, starred, hitting .329 and slugging .585, with 16 dingers and 45 RBI's. Center fielder Billy Sample, who hit just .225 with 4 homers as a rookie last year, hit .253 with 13 dingers and 32 RBI's. Righthander Jeremy Bonderman, who went just 7-18 last year, shaved nearly a run off his ERA, going 7-5 with a 3.50 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP, and 114 strikeouts in just 93 innings. Southpaw Jaime Garcia notched an 8-3 record with a 3.49 ERA, a 1.16 WHIP, and fanned 110 batters. Closer Tejay Antone saved 12 games and posted an incredible 0.58 ERA and an 0.97 WHIP, whiffing 49 in 31 innings. Disappointments: The London Werewolves won 110 games last year, earning their fourth straight playoff spot and their eighth in nine years, but they posted a subpar 33-40 record. London led the league in runs scored last year, but they ranked just 18th in the Frontier League at the break. Catcher Bob O'Farrell, who hit 25 longballs and plated 96 runs last year, broke his kneecap after 16 games, as he hit just .174 with 3 homers and 6 RBI's. Shortstop Eddie Joost, an MVP candidate last year as he hit .276 and slugged .585 with 49 homers and 133 RBI's, hit just .212 with 12 homers and 33 RBI's. The Werewolves struggled to replace star second baseman Tony Phillips, who posted a .467 on-base percentage and slugged .561 last season, as newcomer Jason Kipnis hit just .212 with 12 homesr and 31 RBI's. Righthander Scott Sanderson, who went 13-5 last year, sported a 4-3 mark as his ERA soared by nearly a run and a half to 4.95, and he posted a bloated 1.44 WHIP. Righthander Jim Hearn posted a 4-5 mark with a hefty 6.56 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP, yielding 22 homers in just 71 innings. The traditionally strong Detroit Purple Gang flirted with the playoffs last year, winning 85 games, but they had a disastrous first half, going 27-46. Detroit struggled offensively, ranking next-to-last in batting average (.232) and on-base percentage (.313). Star centerfielder Whitey Witt was limited to 13 games due to a knee injury. Left fielder Joc Pederson hit just .225 with 12 dingers and 34 RBI's. Veteran third baseman Larry Gardner, who hit .290 with 19 homers and 64 RBI's last year, was limited to just 21 games due to a hamstring injury, and he hit just .181 with 3 longballs and 8 RBI's. Detroit's defense ranked dead-last in the league in Zone Rating, and its pitching staff ranked third from the bottom. Southpaw JA Happ went 3-6 with a bloated 5.85 ERA and a 1.67 WHIP. Closer Zack Britton struggled mightily, taking 6 losses and yielding a 7.43 ERA and a 1.70 WHIP. In the Continental League, the Nashville Blues made a surprise playoff appearance last year, winning 92 games, but they stumbled to a 34-39 first-half record. DH Ted Williams, who led the league with a .467 on-base percentage last year, along with 38 homers and 108 RBI's, collapsed, hitting just .223 with 9 dingers and 26 RBI's. Right fielder Jose Guillen hit .250 last year with 27 homers and 84 RBI's, but he hit just .211 with a .256 on-base percentage, while smacking 11 jacks and knocking in 34 runs. Shortstop Bobby Bragan hit just .209 while slugging an anemic .248, popping just one homer and knocking in 12 runs in 63 games. Righthander Aaron Harang went just 3-8 with a 5.84 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP. Righthander Tony Cloninger missed the season with a torn elbow tendon. Reliever Elvis Luciano displaced All-Star Nick Anderson as closer, but lost 8 games in the first half, while posting a mediocre 4.14 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP. Afte a dominant 121-win season, the Anaheim Antelopes crashed to earth, posting a 34-39 mark, including a disastrous 10-18 start. After finishing last season ranked third in the league in runs scored, the Antelopes ranked a modest 12th in the league, as they struggled to replace star first baseman John Mayberry, who departed in free agency. Right fielder Sam Rice, who hit .317 last year while scoring 119 runs, slipped to .278 with just 37 runs scored. Veteran left fielder Carlos Quentin struggled mightily, hitting just .174 with 9 dingers and 31 RBI's, while slugging a meager .352 - over 160 points below his career average. Shortstop Bud Harrelson, who set the table last year by hitting .282 with a .370 on-base percentage as the Antelopes' leadoff hitter, hit just .228 with a .317 on-base percentage, and he was caught stealing as many times (10) as the past three years combined. Despite the return of Mordecai "Three Finger" Brown, the Antelopes' pitching also struggled. Southpaw Erik Bedard, who went 16-5 with a 3.12 ERA last year, posted a 2-5 mark with a bloated 7.82 ERA and a 1.85 WHIP before hitting the injured list with an oblique injury. Righthander Pedro Ramos went 0-4 in 7 starts, yielding a 7.18 ERA and a 1.85 WHIP. On the Border: The El Paso Armadillos narrowly missed the playoffs last year, despite a stellar season from MVP runner-up Harry Hooper. The Armadillos went on a shopping spree in the offseason, signing five-time All-Star center fielder Sammy Sosa, fresh off a 47-homer, 57-steal season (his fifth 40-40 campaign). But they didn't stop there. The Armadillos also signed five-time Gold Glove catcher Ivan Rodriguez and second baseman Ray Mack, who hit 31 homers last year for the World Champion Miami Flamingos. The Armadillos also signed righthander Bill Gullickson, who had four straight seasons with ERA's below 3.00, Detroit closer Rafael Perez, and veteran reliever Bruce Sutter. To top off their offseason spending spree, during spring training, they traded for 21-game winner Pete Schourek, who had finished in the top five of the Cy Young voting for three straight years. Shockingly, the New York Emperors traded Schourek in exchange for catcher Zach Taylor, who struggled mightily as a rookie, hitting just .221 with one homer in 122 at bats. The new acquisitions were a mixed bag: the pitchers were largely effective, other than Sutter, who appeared in only three games before tearing his meniscus, while Sosa missed 30 games with injuries, and Rodriguez hit a modest .238 with just 5 homers and 27 RBI's. El Paso jumped out to a red-hot 33-13 start before cruising into the break with a 50-23 mark and a comfortable six-game lead over the Oklahoma City Otters. Trading Places: Two of the biggest stars in the HRDL exchanged uniforms in free agency. First baseman John Mayberry, Sr., a two-time MVP coming off a 51 homer, 135 RBI season, left the Anaheim Antelopes to sign with the Chicago Mules. Meanwhile, Chicago third baseman Frankie Frisch, a ten-time All-Star coming off a season where he hit .326 with 38 homers, 135 RBI's, and 63 steals, left the Windy City to sign with Anaheim. Both players took a step back in their new environs: Frisch entered the break hitting .282 with 12 homers and 32 RBI's, as his slugging percentage declined by over 100 points. Mayberry entered the break hitting .269 with 17 dingers and 53 RBI's, and his slugging percentage dropped by 130 points from a year ago. San Antonio Struggles: The San Antonio Marksmen had fallen on hard times, with three straight seasons of at least 98 losses. The team's fortunes were not helped by a series of dubious personnel moves, including taking catchers with top-two picks two straight years. The Marksmen started the season by dropping their first fourteen games. While they played close to .500 ball for the next 45 games, shortly before the break, the Marksmen incurred another nine-game losing streak in the midst of dropping 12 out of 13 games. They entered the break ranked next-to-last in runs scored (283) and batting average (.226) and dead last in on-base percentage (.301). Their traditionally strong pitching failed to hold up their end of the bargain, ranking third-from-last in runs allowed and dead last in strikeouts. Major injuries: El Paso first baseman Albert Pujols, off to a brilliant start, broke his hand in late May, knocking him out of commission until early September, and teammate Sammy Sosa was limited to 44 games due to a series of ankle and knee injuries. Albuquerque right fielder broke his kneecap in mid-May, sidelining him until Labor Day. Baltimore righthander Ed Killian partially tore his labrum at the start of May, and he was expected to be sidelined until August. Calgary right fielder Ellis Valentine missed 28 games due to a series of nagging injuries, most notably a sprained ankle that would knock him out for all of June. Anaheim southpaw Erik Bedard strained his oblique in mid-May, but he was expected to return by the start of July. Detroit center fielder Whitey Witt sprained his knee in mid-April, knocking him out through the end of June. Charlotte righthander Jason Jennings lasted all of two innings before suffering an elbow injury, which would sideline him until late August. Kansas City shortstop Phil Rizzuto missed 35 games due to a hamstring strain and plantar fascitis. London catcher Bob O'Farrell was limited to just 16 games after breaking his cheekbone, and shortly after his return, suffering a season-ending broken kneecap. Miami reliever Bruce Ruffin tore an elbow tendon in early April, ending his season. Oklahoma City center fielder Vada Pinson strained his PCL at the end of May, but he was expected to return by late July. Pittsburgh righthander Charles Nagy suffered shoulder inflammation in mid-May, potentially ending his season. Vancouver left fielder Jim Rice tore a rib cage muscle in early April, but he was expected to return by mid-July. Major milestones: New York first baseman Tony Perez and Charlotte center fielder Andruw Jones each rapped their 2,500th career hit. Buffalo left fielder Babe Ruth smacked his 600th career homer. Kansas City right fielder Max Carey and Charlotte third baseman Bob Bailey each joined the 500 homer club. Anaheim second baseman Frankie Frisch, Phoenix right fielder Magglio Ordonez, St. Louis first baseman Jack Fournier, and Albuquerque left fielder John Kane each drilled their 400th career homer. Buffalo righthander Rich Gossage notched his 300th career save. Looking ahead to the second half, Baltimore shortstop Cecil Travis was days away from smacking his 3,000th career hit, Anaheim first baseman Kris Bryant was expected to join the 3,000 hit club by mid-July, and if San Diego right fielder Ellis Burks stayed healthy, he would do so by September. Portland right fielder Hank Aaron and Charlotte third baseman Bob Bailey were each expected to join the 2,500 hit club by mid-July, with Ottawa left fielder Austin McHenry expected to do so in August. With a strong second half, Aaron could join the 600 home run club in September. San Francisco right fielder Danny Tartabull was likely to hit his 500th career homer in mid-July, and Dallas left fielder Stan Musial had a chance of doing so by the end of the season. Toronto righthander Trevor Bauer was one win away from his 200th career victory. Austin southpaw Floyd Bannister was likely to notch his 3,000th strikeout by the end of July. Miami closer Howie Krist was likely to mark his 300th career save by early August. Last edited by Dukie98; 10-30-2022 at 01:22 AM. |
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07-29-2022, 02:57 PM
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#195 |
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Inside The Game
Posts: 30,937
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Can you share your setup? I am working on a 36 team RD pro/rel league. Eventually will be 96 teams.
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Go today don't wait for tomorrow It isn't promised, all the time you get borrowed Don't live your life for other people Don't bottle your emotions till they crack and fill a couple just sorrows Take your mind and refocus go get a paper write your goals out Throw your middle fingers to all your haters "Stay Strong" 
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11-01-2022, 12:35 AM
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#196 |
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 902
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2074 Year in Review
At long last, I have resurfaced- work got crazy for a while, and I got tied up with some other activities. And without further ado, here is the rundown from the 2074 campaign.
Frontier League: The Pittsburgh Golden Gorillas won a mediocre Northeast Division, taking the division crown by seven games with an underwhelming 86-76 record, as Pittsburgh returned to the postseason after a five-year absence. Shortstop Barry Larkin starred, hitting .294 and slugging .531, with 31 dingers, 100 RBI's, 117 runs scored, and 64 steals. Rookie center fielder Jerry Martin hit .269, but belted 33 longballs and drove in 127 runs. Veteran first baseman Walt Dropo, in his first season in black and gold, hit .315 with 27 homers and 87 RBI's in just 375 at bats. Righthander Roy Crabb led a middling pitching staff, going 11-5 with a 3.06 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP, yielding just 6 homers in 138 innings. Righthander Craig House notched a 12-9 mark with a 3.77 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. The Ottawa Parliamentarians earned their fourth straight postseason spot, taking the Great Lakes Division title by a single game with 91 victories. Right fielder Tim Salmon starred, posting a .313/ .425/ .576 slash line with 37 dingers, 114 RBI's, and 111 runs scored. Left fielder Bryan Reynolds hit .336, led the league with 214 hits and 48 doubles, while drilling 21 homers, plating 76 runs, and scoring 109 runs. First baseman Edgar Martines hit .282 with 29 longballs and 100 RBI's. Southpaw Jack Pfiester led a rather pedestrian pitching staff, going 12-10 with a 4.20 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP before being sidelined in mid-August with bone chips in his elbow. Righthander Gary Gentry notched a 13-9 mark with a 4.23 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP. Despite starting just 26-39, the London Werewolves made a furious second-half rally, and briefly took the division lead before falling one game short with 90 wins. Veteran shortstop Eddie Joost led six players who topped 20 homers, hitting just .245 but belting 32 homers, driving in 100 runs, and drawing 133 walks. Right fielder Al Kaline hit .288, pounding 26 jacks and knocking in 69 runs. Left fielder Augie Galan hit .285 and slugged .506, smacking 27 longballs, plating 97 runs, drawing 118 walks, and scoring 107 runs. Defending ERA champ Bill Zuber took a slight step back, going 11-7 with a 2.77 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP. Righthander Scott Sanderson notched an 11-8 mark, but saw his ERA soar to 5.36 and his WHIP jumped to 1.37. Righthander Rawly Eastwick led a deep bullpen, saving 38 games despite a middling 3.82 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP. The Kansas City Mad Hatters won a franchise-record 113 games to narrowly take the Great Plains Division title. Kansas City had an incredible second-half run, including a 36-1 run (!) consisting of two 18-game winning streaks separated by a single loss. Right fielder and perennial MVP candidate Max Carey led the league's second-ranked offense, posting a .323/ .424/ .627 slash line with 46 homers, leading the league with 149 RBI's and 144 runs scored, and 58 steals. First baseman Kevin Youkilis hit .266 with 41 doubles, 28 dingers, 117 RBI's, and 106 runs scored. Catcher Carl Taylor hit .292 with a .411 on-base percentage, while smacking 13 dingers and plating 82 runs. Defending Cy Young Award winner Doug Fister sported a 17-10 mark with a 2.85 ERA and a 1.02 WHIP, as Kansas City allowed the fewest runs in the league. Righthander Ken Johnson notched a 16-8 mark while yielding a 3.49 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. Veteran Russ Ford went 17-5 with a 3.46 ERA, a 1.04 WHIP, and fanned 198 batters. Southpaw Scott Downs saved a league-leading 45 games while notching a 3.07 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. Kansas City needed nearly every one of those 113 wins, as the Omaha Falcons also set a team record by winning 109 games. Remarkably, Omaha finished second in the league in both homers and steals, with exactly 244 of both. Second sacker Joe Morgan made a strong MVP candidate, slashing .301/ .443/ .598, with 39 homers, 101 RBI's, 135 runs scored, 130 walks, and stole 99 out of 111 bases, despite missing the final two weeks of the season (and likely part of the playoffs) with a sprained knee. Left fielder Al Martin hit just .258, but flashed a potent power/speed combination, hitting 44 longballs, driving in 111 runs, scoring 114 runs, and going 41-for-46 on the basepaths. Center fielder Kenny Lofton set the table, hitting .290 with 19 longballs, 77 RBI's, and 57 steals in just 117 games. Southpaw Al Gerheauser notched a 15-7 mark with a league-leading 2.68 ERA and 0.92 WHIP, yielding just 10 homers in 171 innings. Righthander Clay Kirby posted an 18-4 mark, leading the league in victories, along with a 3.24 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. Veteran closer Randy Myers, in his first season in Omaha, saved 35 games while sporting a 2.54 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. The San Francisco Longshoremen earned their third straight Northwest Division title and fourth straight postseason appearance, winning a franchise-best 106 games. Right fielder Danny Tartabull hit .312 and slugged .636, mashing 36 longballs and driving in 96 runs in just 126 games. Third baseman Buddy Bell returned from an injury-shortened 2073 campaign, hitting .289 and slugging .530, with 37 homers, 107 RBI's, 109 runs scored, and 27 steals. Utilityman Jeff McNeil hit .303 with 27 homers, 95 RBI's, and 110 runs scored while playing at least 15 games at four positions. Righthander Don Sutton sported a 17-5 mark with a 3.59 ERA and a 1.12 WHIP, fanning 199 batters. Southpaw Johnny Schmitz went 10-6 with a 3.18 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP. Closer Ed Baecht had another dominant season, going 6-1 with 43 saves, a 1.16 ERA, an 0.86 WHIP, and 115 strikeouts in 70 innings - his fifth straight season with at least 30 saves and an ERA of 2.00 or less. The Portland Skunks won 96 games for the second straight season, earning their fourth postseason appearance in five years. Portland had a dominant offense, leading the league with 966 runs, and also in batting average and OPS. Shortstop Fernando Tatis, Jr. had a career season, slashing .341/ .412/ .608, with 46 dingers, 145 RBI's, 134 runs scored, and 71 steals. Veteran right fielder Hank Aaron hit .291 and slugged .573, belting 37 jacks and drving in 111 runs in just 120 games. Left fielder Tommy Pham hit just .263, but blasted 35 homers, knocked in 104 runs, scored 130 runs, and drew 143 walks while swiping 22 bases. Center fielder Richie Ashburn set the table, hitting .303 with a .395 on-base percentage, along with 7 homers, 50 RBI's, 112 runs scored, and 40 steals. Portland's pitching staff was mediocre, however, and they were led by Sam Gray, who went 15-9 with a 4.30 ERA, a 1.11 WHIP, and a league-high 217 strikeouts. Righthander Luis Castillo went 12-6, despite a 4.78 ERA and a bloated 1.69 WHIP, as he walked an incredible 157 batters in just 177 innings. The Vancouver Viceroys earned their second straight playoff spot, winning 90 games. Star rightfielder and defending MVP Sixto Lezcano was one of the fewe offensive bright spots, hitting .325 with a league-best and franchise-record .502 on-base percentage, including 30 homers, 75 RBI's, 130 runs scored, 173 walks (4th best all-time), and 36 steals. Shortstop John Valentin hit .275 with 32 jacks and 96 RBI's. First baseman Daryl Sconiers hit .284 with 25 homers and 103 RBI's. A deep Viceroys pitching staff ranked third in the league in runs allowed Righthander Sean Bergman sported a 14-8 mark, along with a 2.72 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP. Fellow righthander Jeff Pfeffer went 17-8, along with a 3.68 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. Southpaw Lefty Chambers notched an 11-8 mark, along with a 3.28 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP in his debut season in red and gold. Continental League: The Charlotte Aviators earned their third straight trip to the playoffs, led by a powerful offense which led the HRDL with 967 runs scored, and the Aviators finished second in baseball with 303 homers, with six players topping 30 longballs. Ageless center fielder Andruw Jones, on his third stint with the Aviators, hit .272 and slugged .579 with 44 homers, 103 RBI's, 113 runs scored, and 34 steals. Veteran third baseman Bob Bailey hit .276, popping 30 dingers, driving in 90 runs, scoring 120 runs, and swiping 35 bags. Shortstop Eric McNair hit .320 and slugged .553, mashing 31 homers and driving in 110 runs. Infielder TJ Rivers, splitting his time between first and second base, hit .328 and slugged .547, with a league-high 209 hits, 36 homers, 104 RBI's, and 110 runs scored. Righthander Claude Passeau won 18 games for the third straight season, going 18-8 with a 3.68 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. Righthander Boardwalk Brown notched a 14-5 mark with a 4.37 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP, but tore an elbow tendon in mid-August, ending his season. Veterean Stan Bahnsen went 9-2 in 16 starts with a 3.28 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP, before suffering a season-ending rupture of an elbow ligament in late June. The New York Emperors led the division for most of the season, but stumbled down the stretch, going just 17-18 to close out the season. Left fielder Juan Gonzalez hit .297 and slugged .580, ripping 46 jacks, driving in 123 runs, and scoring 113 runs. Shortstop Alex Rodriguez saw his average slip to .260 - the lowest since his rookie season nine years ago - but he drilled 44 dingers, plated 112 runs, and swiped 45 bags. Center fielder Joe Evans hit .272 with 11 dingers, 63 RBI's, and 54 steals. New York finished third in the league in runs allowed, despite seeing several of its key pitchers miss substantial time with injuries. Ace southpaw Otto Hess was limited to 18 starts, but went 11-3 with a 2.90 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP. Fireballer Dizzy Dean went 10-4 in 25 starts with a 3.47 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. Journeyman righthander Marty Pattin sported a 13-6 mark with a 3.41 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP. The Jacksonville Gulls earned their sixth postseason spot in seven years, winning 91 games. Shortstop Roger Peckinpaugh starred, hitting .321 and slugging .602, belting 48 homers, driving in 121 runs, scoring 120 runs, and stealing 43 of 48 bases. Right fielder Ross Youngs posted a .336/ .438/ .567 slash line, with 31 dingers, 97 RBI's, 108 runs scored, and 30 steals. Second sacker Anthony Rendon hit .275 with 28 longballs and 91 RBI's. Veteran Red Faber led a solid, if unspectacular, pitching staff, going 16-7 with a 3.86 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. Righthander Randy Gumpert went 12-10 with a 4.42 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. The defending champion Miami Flamingos cruised to the Southeast Division title with 97 wins, earning their sixth straight postseason spot. Catcher Buster Posey had a career year, hitting .293 with 35 longballs and 95 RBI's. Veteran third baseman Freddie Lindstrom hit .263, but smacked 33 dingers, including the 500th homer of his career, and knocked in 108 runs. First baseman Hunter Dozier hit .281, drilling 25 longballs and plated 102 runs. The traditionally-strong Miami pitching staff did not disappoint, leading the HRDL by allowing just 597 runs. Southpaw Carlos Rodon posted a 12-4 mark with a 3.04 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP, fanning 175 batters in just 148 innings. Fellow portsider Johnny Podres notched a 14-7 record with a 3.43 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and whiffed 221 batters. Righthander Chris Archer sported a 14-10 record with a 3.26 ERA, a 1.07 WHIP, and struck out 190 enemy batsmen. Crafty veteran Pete Alexander went 13-11 with a 4.16 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. The New Orleans Crawfish returned to the playoffs after a four-year absence, winning 89 games. First baseman Bill Skowron hit .295 and slugged .553, belting 43 longballs and driving in 108 runs. Veteran shortstop Carlos Correa hit .300 and slugged .528, ripping 25 longballs and knocking in 88 runs in just 127 games. Left fielder Felipe Alou hit .315 with 44 doubles, 19 homer, 95 RBI's, and 104 runs scored. Southpaw Jim Abbott led a mediocre pitching staff, going 11-3 with a 3.24 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. Righthander Ken Dixon notched a superficially impressive 14-6 mark despite a 5.14 ERA and a bloated 1.50 WHIP. The Birminghams Steelers fell just shy of the playoffs, winning 87 games. Left fielder Dwight Smith starred, hitting .320 and slugging .582, with 39 dingers, 107 RBI's, 111 runs scored, and swiped 33 bags. Lefty workhorse Dickie Kerr went 14-10 with a 3.50 ERA and 1.21 WHIP while leading the league in innings pitched. Righthander Jeff Karstens notched a 16-9 mark with a 3.67 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and fanned 210 batters. The El Paso Armadillos snapped a seven-year postseason drought, winning 109 games behind a star-studded attack which led the HRDL with a franchise-record 314 homers. Star right fielder Harry Hooper hit .330 and slugged a franchise-record .715, ripping 55 dingers, driving in 123 runs, scoring a league-high 141 runs, and stealing 61 bases. Center fielder Sammy Sosa, a free agent signee, hit .297 and slugged .600, with 42 homers, 105 RBI's, and 44 steals in just 129 games. Left fielder Austin Meadows hit .263 but ripped 36 longballs, drove in 96 runs, scored 122 runs, and stole 52 bases. First baseman Albert Pujols was limited to just 66 games due to a broken hand, but he hit .326 and slugged .669, with 24 homers and 69 RBI's in less than half a season. Southpaw Pete Schourek, whom the New York Emperors seemingly gave away in spring training, led the league in victories for the second straight year, going 18-5 with a 3.35 ERA and a league-leading 0.99 WHIP. Righthander Bill Gullickson notched a 12-6 mark with a 3.80 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP. Righthander Jaret Wright went 16-8 while yielding a 3.34 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP. The Dallas Wildcatters won 98 games, earning their eighth straight postseason appearance. Star leftfielder Stan Musial slashed .322/ .452/ .589 with 70 extra-base hits, including 30 homers, 100 RBI's, 112 runs scored, and a perfect 16-for-16 on the basepaths. Second baseman Eddie Collins hit .273 with 19 dingers, 52 RBI's, 115 runs scored, and 87 steals- his fifth straight season leading the league. Catcher Alex Avila hit .278 with 22 jacks and 85 RBI's. Unfortunately, Musial was sidelined for most of the playoffs with a knee injury, and both Collins and Avila were likely out for the first round with injuries. Righthander John Smoltz posted a 16-7 record, along with a 2.96 ERA, a 1.01 WHIP, and fanned 231 batters in 198 innings. Groundballer Mike LaCoss went 15-7 with a 3.93 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. Closer Daniel Poncedeleon went 5-2 with a league-high 45 saves, a 2.27 ERA, and a 1.22 WHIP. The San Diego Zookeepers took their first division title in 13 years, taking the Southwest Division with 89 wins. Remarkably, the Zookeepers won between 82 and 89 games in 7 out of the past 8 seasons. Center fielder Alex Metzler led a balanced attack, hitting .299 and posting a .425 on-base percentage, with 9 homers, 83 RBI's, and 19 steals despite missing nearly all of September with an arm injury. 40-year-old DH Carl Furillo had a solid rebound season, hitting .277 and slugging .500, with 25 dingers and 100 RBI's in 112 games. Right fielder Alexis Rios hit .282 with 28 longballs, 86 RBI's, and 30 steals. Submariner Carl Mays sported a 13-10 mark with a 3.02 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP, allowing just 6 homers in 200 innings. Lefty closer Jack Doscher went 6-4 with 34 saves, a 1.61 ERA, and an 0.88 WHIP. Best record in team history: Kansas City Mad Hatters (113 wins); Omaha Falcons (109 wins); San Francisco Longshoremen (106 wins) Worst record in team history: None Best seasons for non-contenders: Babe Ruth, LF, BUF: .273/ .449/ .673, 137 hits, 31 doubles, 2 triples, 55 HR, 110 RBI, 141 runs, 164 BB, 44 SB, 200 OPS+, 10.5 WAR Yordan Alvarez, LF, OKC: .351/ .464/ .607, 191 hits, 35 doubles, 1 triple, 34 HR, 114 RBI, 115 runs, 120 BB, 176 OPS+, 8.9 WAR Ken Griffey, Jr., CF, ANA: .311/ .410/ .640, 164 hits, 19 doubles, 1 triple, 51 HR, 127 RBI, 127 runs, 92 BB, 79 SB, +13.2 Zone Rating, 174 OPS+, 10.9 WAR |
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11-14-2022, 03:40 AM
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#197 |
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 902
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2074 Playoff Report
Frontier League: The Kansas City Mad Hatters had one of the most dominant seasons in HRDL history, winning 113 games, as they finished second in the Frontier League in runs scored and first in runs allowed -- but they ran into a buzzsaw in the 90-win London Werewolves. London held Kansas City's powerful offense to just 12 runs in a stunning 4-game sweep. First baseman Reggie Jefferson led London, taking MVP honors as he hit .375 with a homer and 2 RBI's. Right fielder Al Kaline hit .412 with a series-high 5 RBI's. Closer Rawly Eastwick led London, going 1-0 with a save in 4 shutout innings. First baseman Kevin Youkilis led Kansas City, hitting .375 with a dinger and 2 RBI's. The 109-win Omaha Falcons dropped the opener to the 86-win Pittsburgh Golden Gorillas, but then swept the next four games. Omaha catcher Tom Haller earned MVP honors, hitting .444 with 5 RBI's. Left fielder Al Martin hit .308 with 2 longballs, 4 RBI's, 7 runs scored, and 3 steals. Righthander Paul Hartzell earned the win in Game 4, posting a 2.84 ERA in 6.1 innings. Third baseman Willy Adames led Pittsburgh, hitting .304 with 4 dingers and 7 RBI's. The Ottawa Parliamentarians won the Great Lakes Division title on the last day of the season, but ran out of gas, as they got swept by the Portland Skunks. Portland third baseman Sean Burroughs took home the hardware, hitting .438 with 6 RBI's, including an 8th-inning, bases-clearing double in Game 1 to seize the lead. Catcher Geno Petralli hit .357 with a homer and 3 RBI's. Left fielder Tommy Pham hit just .250, but belted two jacks and drove in 3 runs. Closer Al Worthington notched 2 saves and hurled 5 shutout innings, fanning 6. Catcher Phil Masi led Ottawa, hitting .438 and plating 3 runs. In the tightest series of the Wild Card Round, the Vancouver Viceroys ousted their division rival, the 106-win San Francisco Longshoremen, in seven games. Every game was decided by 3 runs or less, with the final three games being decided by a single run. Vancouver left fielder Jim Rice earned MVP honors, hitting .333 with 3 longballs and 8 RBI's. Second sacker Fred Andrews hit .296 with a homer and 2 RBI's. Southpaw Lefty Chambers, despite going 0-1, posted a 1.93 ERA in 14 innings. Righthander Sean Bergman went 1-0 with a 3.46 ERA in 13 innings. Righthander Danny Tartabull led the Longshoremen, hitting .379 with six extra-base hits, including a homer, and drove in 6 runs. Righthander Don Sutton went 1-0 with a 2.84 ERA in 12.2 innings, fanning 17.
The London Werewolves continued their red-hot postseason, sweeping the Falcons in the Division Series, holding Omaha to just 10 runs in 4 games. London left fielder Augie Galan was tabbed MVP after hitting .500 with a homer and 5 RBI's. Right fielder Al Kaline hit .294 with a homer and 3 RBI's. Closer Rawly Eastwick notched 2 saves, allowing just one run and one hit in 5 innings. Southpaw Bill Zuber hurled 4 shutout innings in Game 1. The Portland Skunks ousted another Northwest Division rival, defeating Vancouver in six games. Portland third baseman Sean Burroughs earned another MVP trophy, hitting .478 with a homer, 6 RBI's, and 5 runs scored. Portland center fielder Richie Ashburn hit .393 with 6 runs scored, 3 doubles, 2 RBI's, and 3 steals. Left fielder Guy Zinn hit .360 with 3 jacks and 9 RBI's. Although veteran righthander Dave Stenhouse did not register a decision, he hurled 10.2 shutout innings, fanning 10 and yielding just 5 hits. Shortstop John Valentin led Vancouver, hitting .333 with 3 longballs and 10 RBI's. Southpaw Lefty Chambers went 1-0 with a 1.54 ERA in 11.2 innings. In the League Championship Series, London edged Portland in six games - four of which were decided by a single run. London second sacker Jason Kipnis took MVP honors, hitting .318 with a homer, 2 RBI's. 4 runs scored, and 2 steals. Right fielder Al Kaline hit just .231, but he belted 2 longballs and drove in a team-high 4 runs. Southpaw Bill Zuber went 1-0 with an 0.84 ERA in 10.2 innings, allowing just 3 hits. Southpaw reliever Tyler Olson went 2-0, allowing a 1.12 ERA in 8 innings, fanning 9. Center fielder Richie Ashburn hit .385 with a series-high 10 hits and 2 RBI's. Right hander Sam Gray, despite not registering a decision, yielded a 1.12 ERA in 8 innings, fanning 11. Continental League: The 109-win El Paso Armadillos outlasted the overmatched New Orleans Crawfish in five games, scoring 33 runs in the series. First baseman Albert Pujols took home MVP honors, hitting .444 with 2 homers, 9 RBI's, and 5 runs scored. Third baseman Doug Baird hit .417 with a homer and 5 RBI's. Infielder Adrian Beltre hit .368 with 2 dingers, 5 RBI's, and 4 runs scored. Righthander Bill Gullickson went 2-0 with an 0.77 ERA in 11.2 innings with 15 strikeouts. The 100-win New York Emperors dominated the San Diego Zookepers in a four-game sweep. New York left fielder Juan Gonzalez earned MVP honors, hitting .412 with 3 longballs and 8 RBI's, including a tiebreaking 3-run blast in the ninth inning of Game 1. Catcher Les Moss hit just .231, but smacked 2 dingers and plated 2 runs. Righthander Dizzy Dean did not register a decision, but yielded a 1.35 ERA in 6.2 innings, allowing just two hits. Reliever Archie Bradley went 1-0 and matched Dean with an identical 1.35 ERA in 6.2 innings. Right fielder Carl Furillo went just 3 for 17 for San Diego, but all three hits were homers. The Miami Flamingos notched the fourth sweep of the Wild Card Round, holding the injury-ravaged Dallas Wildcatters to just 8 runs in 4 games. Right fielder Spike Shannon was tabbed MVP after hitting .529 with a homer, 3 RBI's, and 4 runs scored. First baseman Hunter Dozier hit .400 with a dinger and 5 RBI's. Southpaw Johnny Podres was brilliant, earning the win in Game 3, allowing one hit in 7 shutout innings and fanning 10. Righthander Pete Alexander hurled 6 shutout innings in Game 2, with 7 strikeouts. Backup catcher Bob Kearney provided one of the only bright spots for Dallas, hitting .267 with a homer and 3 RBI's. The Charlotte Aviators edged the Jacksonville Gulls in seven games, with Charlotte belting 14 homers in the series. Charlotte shortstop Eric McNair took MVP honors after hitting .370 with a homer and 6 RBI's. Right fielder Jeffrey Hammonds hit .333 with 3 longballs, 7 runs scored, 4 RBI's, and 2 steals. DH Dick Sharon hit .276 with 3 homers and 5 RBI's. Righthander Claude Passeau went 2-0 with a 1.35 ERA in 13.1 innings. Right fielder Ross Youngs led Jacksonville, hitting .333 with 3 dingers, 7 RBI's, 8 runs scored, and 3 steals. In the Division Series, the El Paso Armadillos ousted the New York Emperors in 6 games, holding the Emperors to just 11 runs. Catcher Ivan Rodriguez took MVP honors, hitting .455 with 3 homers, 3 RBI's, and 6 runs scored. Right fielder Harry Hooper hit .364 with 5 extra-base hits, including 2 jacks, 8 RBI's, 8 runs scored, and 5 steals. Southpaw Pete Schourek dominated, going 2-0 in 14.1 shutout innings, allowing just 3 hits and fanning 12. Righthander Jaret Wright went 1-0 with a 1.23 ERA in 7.1 innings. Right fielder Willard Marshall led New York, hitting .286 with 3 homers and 3 RBI's. Charlotte upended the defending champion Flamingos in 5 games. Charlotte shortstop Eric McNair earned his second MVP trophy of the postseason, hitting .353 with 3 homers, 5 RBI's, and 2 steals. Right fielder Jeffrey Hammonds hit .278 with 2 longballs and 7 RBI's. Righthander Claude Passeau continued his brilliant postseason, going 2-0 with a 1.29 ERA in 14 innings, whiffing 10 batters. Rightfielder Spike Shannon sported a .375 average with a homer, 2 RBI's, 3 runs scored, and 2 steals. El Paso dominated the Aviators in the League Championship Series, outscoring Charlotte 17-6 in a four-game sweep. El Paso right fielder Harry Hooper starred, earning MVP honors after hitting .308 with 2 homers, 4 RBI's, and 3 runs scored. Center fielder Sammy Sosa hit .353 with a homer and 3 RBI's. Three El Paso starters (Jaret Wright, Bill Bullickson, and Rudy May) had matching 1-0 records and 1.29 ERAs in 7 innings. Reliever Rafael Perez notched 2 saves in 6 scoreless innings, fanning 8 batters. Center fielder Paul Blair was one of the few bright spots for Charlotte, hitting .267 with a solo homer. World Series: On paper, the World Series was a heavy mismatch, with the 109-win Armadillos being heavily favored over the 90-win Werewolves. But London was red-hot, winning their first nine playoff games and sweeping the 113-win Mad Hatters and 109-win Falcons. Overall, however, El Paso's star power, including several veteran free agents acquired before the season, was expected to overpower the Werewolves. El Paso won Game 1 6-5 in a classic, with London scoring 3 runs in the top of the ninth inning, but El Paso won on a walk-off single by Ivan Rodriguez. Rodriguez starred, going 4-for-5 with a double and 2 RBI's. Left fielder Jay Payton led London with 2 doubles and 4 RBI's. Right fielder Al Kaline went 2-for-4 and scored a run. Righthander Bill Gullickson yielded 2 runs in 6 innings, fanning 5, but did not register a decision. Closer Rafael Perez blew a 3-run lead in the ninth inning, but notched the win regardless. Southpaw Bill Werle struggled for London, yielding 5 earned runs in 3.1 innings. Rawly Eastwick took the loss, yielding a run in 0.2 innings. El Paso took Game 2 by a 5-2 tally, with third baseman Doug Baird hitting a walk-off homer off Armando Benitez. Albert Pujols went 1-for-4 with a 2-run homer for El Paso. Payton and third baseman Graig Nettles each hit solo homers for London. El Paso southpaw Pete Schourek had another strong outing, allowing one run on two hits in 6.1 innings, fanning 7. Deivi Garcia notched the win in relief, allowing a run in 2 innings. Bill Zuber hurled 6 innnings of two-run ball for London, and Eastwick took his second straight loss, allowing 2 runs in 1.2 innings. El Paso notched a 3-0 win in Game 3. Backup shortstop Stu Clarke went 1-for-2 with a solo homer, and Rodriguez went 2 for 3 with a walk. London centerfielder Tim Hendryx went 2-for-4, as did first baseman Reggie Jefferson. Jaret Wright earned the win with 5.1 shutout innings, fanning six, and Perez notched the save. Scott Sanders took the loss for London, allowing 2 runs. El Paso clinched the series with a 6-4 win in Game 4, after jumping out to an early 4-0 lead. Hooper led El Paso, going 2 for 3 with a homer and 3 RBI's, and Pujols and Sosa also homered. Left feidler Augie Galan and third baseman Graig Nettles each homered and drove in 2 runs. Ivan Rodriguez earned MVP honors for El Paso, hitting .600 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI's. Pujols hit .250 with 2 homers and 4 RBI's. Sosa hit .278 with a homer, 2 RBI's, 2 runs scored, and 3 steals. Righthander Jaret Wright went 1-0 in 5.1 shutout innings with 6 strikeouts. While Pete Schourek did not lodge a decision, he allowed a 1.42 ERA and just 2 hits in 6.1 innings. Payton led London, hitting .400 with a homer and 3 RBI's. Galan hit .286 with a homer and 2 RBI's. Nettles went just 2 for 13, but both hits were homers, and he drove in 3 runs. Reliever Alan Hargesheimer hurled 6.1 shutout innings, allowing just two hits. |
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11-18-2022, 08:01 PM
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#198 |
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 902
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2074 Awards Voting
Frontier League MVP- Fernando Tatis, Jr., SS, POR (47): .341/ .412/ .608, 212 hits, 22 doubles, 3 triples, 46 HR, 145 RBI, 134 runs, 68 BB, 71 SB, 167 OPS+, 10.7 WAR
Second place- Max Carey, RF, KC: .323/ .424/ .627, 183 hits, 28 doubles, 3 triples, 46 HR, 149 RBI, 144 runs, 100 BB, 58 SB, 176 OPS+, 8.8 WAR Third place- Joe Morgan, 2B, OMA (1): .301/ .443/ .598, 151 hits, 26 doubles, 3 triples, 39 HR, 101 RBI, 135 runs, 99 SB, +10.2 Zone Rating, 177 OPS+, 10.9 WAR Fourth place- Babe Ruth, LF, BUF: .273/ .449/ .673, 137 hits, 31 doubles, 2 triples, 55 HR, 110 RBI, 141 runs, 164 BB, 44 SB, 200 OPS+, 10.5 WAR Fifth place- Sixto Lezcano, RF, VAN: .325/ .502/ .578, 161 hits, 29 doubles, 3 triples, 30 HR, 75 RBI, 130 runs, 173 BB, 36 SB, 186 OPS+, 10.2 WAR Frontier League Cy Young Award- Sean Bergman, VAN (38): 14-8, 2.72 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 192 IP, 117 K, 2 CG, 2 shutouts, 167 ERA+, 5.3 WAR Second place- Doug Fister, KC (6): 17-10, 2.85 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 192 IP, 126 K, 159 ERA+, 5.7 WAR Third place- Russ Ford, KC: 17-5, 3.46 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 182 IP, 198 K, 1 CG, 1 shutout, 131 ERA+, 6.2 WAR Fourth place- Ken Johnson, KC (2): 16-8, 3.49 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 201 IP, 188 K, 1 CG, 130 ERA+, 7.2 WAR Fifth place- Juan Pizarro, TOR: 14-9, 2.94 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 193 IP, 194 K, 155 ERA+, 4.8 WAR Frontier League Rookie of the Year- Jorge Soler, LF/RF, STL (48): .279/ .393/ .561, 157 hits, 30 doubles, 43 HR, 115 RBI, 106 runs, 105 BB, 3 SB, 150 OPS+, 5.0 WAR Second place- Jim Spencer, 1B, CLE: .338/ .377/ .557, 177 hits, 37 doubles, 3 triples, 24 HR, 89 RBI, 83 runs, 34 BB, 144 OPS+, 4.1 WAR Third place- Jon Berti, SS/CF, CIN: .284/ .385/ .416, 171 hits, 29 doubles, 3 triples, 15 HR, 49 RBI, 111 runs, 87 BB, 57 SB, 111 OPS+, 4.6 WAR Continental League MVP- Harry Hooper, RF, ELP (25): .330/ .426/ .715, 172 hits, 28 doubles, 4 triples, 55 HR, 123 RBI, 141 runs, 86 BB, 61 SB, +9.1 Zone Rating, 208 OPS+, 11.0 WAR Second place- Roger Peckinpaugh, SS, JAX (23): .321/ .375/ .602, 204 hits, 33 doubles, 1 triple, 48 HR, 121 RBI, 120 runs, 55 BB, 43 SB, +29.5 Zone Rating, 149 OPS+, 11.3 WAR Third place- Ken Griffey, Jr., CF, ANA: .311/ .410/ .640, 164 hits, 19 doubles, 1 triple, 51 HR, 127 RBI, 127 runs, 92 BB, 79 SB, +13.4 Zone Rating, 174 OPS+, 10.9 WAR Fourth place- Frankie Frisch, 2B, ANA: .316/ .420/ .609, 163 hits, 24 doubles, 2 triples, 41 HR, 110 RBI, 121 runs, 92 BB, 67 SB, +9.8 Zone Rating, 169 OPS+, 9.7 WAR Fifth place- Sammy Sosa, CF, ELP: .297/ .410/ .600, 138 hits, 13 doubles, 1 triple, 42 HR, 105 RBI, 94 runs, 84 BB, 44 SB, +8.8 Zone Rating, 175 OPS+, 8.0 WAR Continental League Cy Young Award- Fernando Valenzuela, OKC (43): 17-7, 2.67 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 216 IP, 282 K, 1 CG, 1 shutout, 191 ERA+, 9.2 WAR Second place- John Smoltz, DAL (5): 16-7, 2.96 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 198 IP, 231 K, 169 ERA+, 7.1 WAR Third place- Jaime Garcia, LV: 16-9, 3.18 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 223 IP, 261 K, 3 CG, 1 shutout, 153 ERA+, 7.2 WAR Fourth place- Danny Jackson, NAS: 17-5, 2.70 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 193 IP, 172 K, 1 CG, 1 shutout, 173 ERA+, 5.2 WAR Fifth place- Johnny Podres, MIA: 14-7, 3.43 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 202 IP, 221 K, 146 ERA+, 5.6 WAR Continental League Rookie of the Year- John Stone, LF/ RF, WAS (46): .331/ .425/ .568, 167 hits, 26 doubles, 5 triples, 28 HR, 105 RBI, 100 runs, 80 BB, 9 SB, 151 OPS+, 5.5 WAR Second place- Harold Baines, RF, PHO: .279/ .322/ .539, 162 hits, 21 doubles, 5 triples, 40 HR, 110 RBI, 96 runs, 38 BB, 5 SB, 121 OPS+, 3.5 WAR Third place- Pedro Munoz, LF, SA: .287/ .312/ .520, 142 hits, 23 doubles, 1 triple, 30 HR, 93 RBI, 62 runs, 19 BB, 5 SB, 127 OPS+, 1.5 WAR Top draft picks: 1. Shoeless Joe Jackson, LF/RF, Hartford Huskies 2. Hal Newhouser, LHP, Cincinnati Spiders 3. Bob Elliott, 3B, San Antonio Marksmen 4. Al Downing, LHP, Memphis River Pirates 5. Wally Westlake, RF, Seattle Whales 6. Matt Williams, 3B/ SS, Milwaukee Raccoons 7. Wily Mo Pena, RF/ LF, Philadelpia Hawks 8. Sam Leslie, 1B, Austin Mustangs 9. Johan Santana, LHP, Los Angeles Kangaroos 10. Melky Cabrera, LF, Albuquerque Conquistadors Draft pick who slipped later than expected: 53. Jeff Montgomery, RHP, New Orleans Crawfish |
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11-25-2022, 10:21 PM
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#199 |
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 902
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2074 Hall of Fame Voting
Once again, the addition of a series of exceedingly well-qualified newcomers to the Hall of Fame ballot prevented any of the holdover candidates from gaining traction. Five candidates were tabbed for induction -- all of them first-time candidates. Left fielder Tim Raines, the all-time stolen base leader, who also ripped 3,359 hits, was a near-unanimous selection with 98.9% of the vote. Southpaw Vida Blue, who posted a 261-131 career record with 4,092 strikeouts, matched Raines with 98.9% of the vote. Fellow lefty Carl Hubbell, a 4-time strikeout champ and 5-time WHIP leader, drew 97.8% of the vote. Catcher Mickey Cochrane, a 7-time All-Star with 427 career homers, nabbed 76.4% of the vote. First baseman George Scott, a 6-time All-Star with 579 career longballs, edged over the threshold with 75.7% of the vote. The historically large induction class was just the second time in the last 22 years that five players were voted into the Hall.
Raines was drafted eighth overall by the New York Emperors following the 2050 season. As an 18-year-old rookie in 2051, Raines hit a solid .290 with 8 homers, 55 RBI's, 125 runs scored, a league-leading 13 triples, and 54 steals. The following year, Raines hit .287 with 17 dingers, 88 RBI's, 138 runs scored, and 69 steals. Raines burst into stardom in 2053, making the first of six All-Star teams and winning his first Silver Slugger award, as he hit .329 and slugged .533, with 23 homers, a league-high 15 triples, 87 RBI's, 140 runs scored, and a league leading 83 steals. In 2054, Raines hit .328 and slugged .520, with 13 longballs, 76 RBI's, 130 runs scored, 104 walks, and league-high 74 steals. The next season, he hit. 302 with 43 doubles, 14 jacks, 66 RBI's, 124 RBI's, and he led the league with 92 steals. In 2056, Raines hit .332 with 45 doubles, 18 homers, 64 RBI's, 128 runs scored, and he led the league once again with 90 steals. He followed that up by hitting a career-best .350, smacking 10 longballs, plating 68 runs, scoring 98 runs, and swiped a league-high 86 bags in just 127 games. In 2058, Raines hit .321 and slugged .533, ripping 76 extra-base hits, including 22 dingers, drove in 82 runs, scored a league-high 130 runs, and led the league in steals for the sixth straight season, nabbing 101 bases. Raines posted a .313/ .424/ .576 slash line in 2059, ripping a career-high 33 homers, driving in 103 runs, scoring 123 runs, and stealing 53 bases, as he led the league in runs scored and on-base percentage, as he led the Emperors to the Continental League pennant. Raines was limited to 113 games in 2060 due to a strained ACL, but he hit .307 with 10 homers, 58 RBI's, and 45 steals. He rebounded the following year to hit .324 with 21 longballs, 85 RBI's, 108 runs scored, and a league-high 56 steals. He hit .290 in 2062 with 24 homers, 88 RBI's, 122 runs scored, 114 walks, and 53 steals. After an injury-ravaged 2063 campaign, where he was limited to 49 games due to a ruptured MCL, he rebounded to hit .287 the following year with 22 homers, 98 RBI's, 122 runs scored, 104 walks, and 33 steals. Raines hit .290 with 27 dingers, 87 RBI's, 117 runs scored, 100 walks, and 44 steals in 2065. From 2066 through 2068, Raines remained a steady offensive force, hitting between .283 and .315 with double-digit homers each year, and he also ripped a league-high 9 triples and stole 63 bags in 2068. After an off year in 2069, Raines struggled mightily in 2070, hitting just .228. Raines enjoyed a renaissance at age 38, hitting .299 with a .432 on-base percentage, including 24 homers, 79 RBI's, 119 runs scored, 131 walks, and 32 steals in 2071, leading the Emperors to the first World Series title in franchise history, scoring 15 runs in 24 postseason games. For his career, Raines sported a .302/ .405/ .483 slash line, with 3359 hits, including 657 doubles, 132 triples, 364 homers, 1534 RBI's, 2266 runs, 1899 walks, 1175 steals, a 135 OPS+, and 96.0 WAR. At the time of his induction, Raines ranked first all-time in steals, fourth in runs scored, and 27th in hits. A six-time All-Star, Raines also won two Silver Slugger awards. Raines appeared in 15 postseasons, hitting .274 in 181 games, including 44 doubles, 8 triples, 28 homers, 88 RBI's, 125 runs scored, and 72 steals. Raines also ranked 8th all-time in postseason hits, third in runs scored, and was tied for the lead in postseason steals. Blue was drafted 35th overall by the St. Louis Pilots following the 2050 campaign. Blue started out as a reliever, and as an 18-year-old rookie in 2051, he was brilliant out of the pen, notching 21 saves, an 0.96 ERA, and an 0.84 WHIP in 56 innings. In 2052, Blue saved 39 games, posting a 1.46 ERA and an 0.96 WHIP, fanning 97 batters in 74 innings. He had a dominant 2053 campaign, winning the Reliever of the Year award, saving a league-high 38 games, with a 1.35 ERA, an 0.86 WHIP, and 115 strikeouts, yielding a single homer in 73 innings. He won another Reliever of the Year award in 2054, saving 31 games with a 1.05 ERA, an 0.78 WHIP, and an incredible 123-11 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 77 innings. Blue moved into the rotation in 2055, going 8-3 with a 2.30 ERA and 0.92 WHIP despite missing two months with a back injury. In 2056, Blue went 12-8 with a 2.79 ERA and an 0.98 WHIP, fanning 246 batters. The next year, Blue finished fifth in the Cy Young voting, going 16-4 with a 2.41 ERA, an 0.96 WHIP, and 270 strikeouts. In 2058, Blue sported a 13-12 mark despite a 2.64 ERA, an 0.96 WHIP, 315 strikeouts, and he led the league in innings. Blue suffered an off-year in 2059, going 13-7 despite a 4.38 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP. Following the season, he signed with the Virginia Beach Admirals as a free agent. Blue had a solid 2060 campaign, going 16-9 with a 3.42 ERA, an 0.92 WHIP, and 260 strikeouts. Blue finished fourth in the Cy Young voting in 2061, going 22-2 with a 2.93 ERA, an 0.99 WHIP, and 232 strikeouts. He was limited to 21 starts the following year due to a hamstring injury, as he went 11-4 with a 3.33 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP. The next year, he went 15-5 with a 3.54 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, and 236 strikeouts. In 2064, Blue sported a 16-4 mark with a 3.03 ERA, an 0.99 WHIP, and 232 strikeouts. After an off year in 2065, Blue rebounded to lead the league in victories, going 20-7 with a 3.62 ERA, a 1.09 WHIP, and 305 strikeouts. Blue had a strong 2067, going 19-6 with a 3.21 ERA, an 0.94 WHIP, and 245 strikeouts. He led the league in victories the following year, going 18-6, while sporting a 3.54 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP. Blue struggled over the final three years of his career, going a combined 31-32 with ever-increasing ERA's and WHIP's. For his career, Blue notched a 261-131 mark with 129 saves, yielding a 3.33 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 3531 innings, fanning 4092 batters while walking 724, posting a 137 ERA+, and 102.0 WAR. Blue led the league in victories three times and saves once- a combination never previously achieved in HRDL history. Blue ranked 7th all-time in strikeouts, 14th in winning percentage, and 22nd in WAR. He made six All-Star teams and won two Reliever of the Year awards. In 30 postseason starts spread out over 12 postseasons, Blue posted a middling 8-10 record with a 4.59 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP, fanning 182 batters in 176 innings. Hubbell was drafted first overall by the San Antonio Marksmen following the 2056 season, and from the outset, he justified that early draft spot. As a 23-year-old rookie in 2057, Hubbell went 17-8 with a 2.31 ERA, an 0.89 WHIP, and a league-leading 282 strikeouts, earning fifth place in the Cy Young Award voting. In 2058, Hubbell was even better, going 17-10 with a 2.16 ERA, and he led the league with an 0.78 WHIP and 346 strikeouts, setting franchise records in both categories. The next year, Hubbell sported a 19-6 mark along with a 2.35 ERA, once again leading the league with an 0.81 WHIP and 335 strikeouts. Hubbell earned a third-place finish in the Cy Young voting in 2060, going 16-10 while winning the ERA crown with a 2.33 mark, and notching his third straight WHIP title (0.85) and leading the league for the fourth straight season with 279 strikeouts. In 2061, he took a step back, going 16-11 despite a 3.57 ERA, a 1.03 WHIP, and 270 strikeouts. The next season, Hubbell notched a 16-8 mark along with a 2.83 ERA, an 0.96 WHIP, 270 strikeouts, and earned a Gold Glove. In 2063, Hubbell sported a 17-10 record with a 3.45 ERA, a league-leading 0.91 WHIP, and 251 strikeouts. Hubbell won the 2064 Cy Young Award, going 16-9 with a 2.70 ERA, a league-leading 0.77 WHIP, and 275 strikeouts, as he led the Marksmen to a World Series title, allowing just 1 run in 8.1 innings. Following the season, Hubbell jumped ship to the rival El Paso Armadillos in free agency, and although he remained effective, he ceased to be dominant. In 2065, Hubbell notched a 17-10 mark, along with a 3.60 ERA, a 1.00 WHIP, and 280 strikeouts. The following year, he went 15-12 with a 4.01 ERA, a 1.02 WHIP, and 264 strikeouts. Hubbell began to suffer a severe loss of velocity before the 2068 season, as he went 14-12 with a 3.95 ERA, a 1.18 WHIP, and his K/9 plummeted by 4.5 strikeouts, as he whiffed just 165 batters. The next year, Hubbell went just 9-13 with a bloated 5.02 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP. Following the season, he signed with the Phoenix Lizards. In 2070, he went 16-4 with a solid 3.66 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP despite fanning just 133 batters in 221 innings. He went 19-10 in 2071 despite a 4.77 ERA, a career-worst 1.40 WHIP, and the four-time strikeout king fanned a seemingly impossible 49 batters in 215 innings, and retired after the season. For his career, Hubbell notched a 236-144 record, a 3.31 ERA, a 1.00 WHIP (ranking 13th all time) in 3312 innings, with 3575 strikeouts (ranking 17th all time) and 527 walks, a 135 ERA+, and 88.2 WAR. In addition to winning a Cy Young Award and a Gold Glove, Hubbell led the league in WHIP five times, in strikeouts four times, and in ERA once. Hubbell sported a 9-9 postseason mark in 23 postseason starts, along with a 3.11 ERA, an 0.88 WHIP, and 150 strikeouts in 156 innings. Cochrane was drafted third overall by the Milwaukee Raccoons following the 2053 season. As a 21-year-old rookie in 2054, he hit .298 with 14 homers and 71 RBI's. The next year, he hit .320 and slugged .531, smacking 19 longballs adn plating 82 runs. He took a step back in 2056, hitting just .253 with 10 dingers and 40 RBI's, as he was limited to just 118 games due to an oblique injury. Cochrane blossomed into stardom in 2057, becoming the first catcher to win MVP honors, as he posted a .354/ .448/ .698 slash line, with 40 doubles, 38 homers, 118 RBI's, 112 runs scored, and led the league in slugging percentage. He finished second in the MVP voting the following year, hitting .318 and slugging .677, belting 41 longballs, driving in 87 runs, and scoring 116 runs. In 2059, Cochrane hit .320 and slugged .590, smacking 35 jacks, plating 108 runs, and scoring 96 runs. He slipped in 2060, hitting .278 with 27 homers and 88 RBI's, but rebounded in 2061 to hit .312 and slug .613, with 41 homers and 123 RBI's. In 2062, Cochrane hit .267, drilling 26 homers and knocking in 76 runs. The following year, he hit .300 with 28 longballs and 91 RBI's. In 2064, Cochrane hit .264 with 23 homers and 82 RBI's. He signed with the Jacksonville Gulls in free agency prior to the 2065 campaign. He played three moderately effective seasons in Jacksonville, hitting either 20 or 21 homers each season, with RBI totals ranging from 79 to 94, but batted below .250 in two of the three seasons. In spring training of 2068, he was unexpectedly traded to the Omaha Falcons for two relief pitchers. In 2068, Cochrane hit just .248, although he smacked 29 homers and knocked in 108 runs. He slipped to hit just .239 with 21 dingers and 77 RBI's in 2069. Cochrane then signed with the New Orleans Crawfish, where he spent two ineffective seasons in part-time play before retiring after the 2071 campaign. For his career, Cochrane posted a .280/ .382/ .506 slash line, with 2256 hits, including 465 doubles, 35 triples, 427 homers, 1485 RBI's, 1422 runs scored, 1279 walks, 57 steals, a 138 OPS+, and 91.1 WAR. A seven-time All-Star, Cochrane won four Silver Slugger awards in addition to his 2057 MVP Award. Among catchers, Cochrane ranked 7th all-time in homers and 4th in RBI's. In 85 postseason games, spread out over 8 postseasons, he hit .270 and slugged .523, with 21 homers and 49 RBI's. Scott was drafted 11th overall by the Ottawa Parliamentarians following the 2054 season. As a 21-year-old rookie in 2055, Scott split time evenly between first base and third base, hitting .261 with 8 homers and 27 RBI's in 189 plate appearances. The following year, Scott again struggled to earn regular playing time, despite hitting a robust .344 with 23 homers and 74 RBI's in just 366 plate appearances. He finally became a full-time first baseman in 2057, as he hit .305 and slugged .538, with 33 dingers and 122 RBI's. Scott starred in 2058, hitting .331 and slugging .631, with 90 extra-base hits, including 41 homers, 126 RBI's, and 112 runs scored. Scott returned to the hot corner in 2059 and didn't miss a beat, hitting .316 and slugging .596, with 43 homers, 129 RBI's, and 116 runs scored. He returned to first base in 2060 as he had a mammoth campaign, hitting .323 with 57 homers, a franchise-record 168 RBI's, and 123 runs scored, finishing fourth in the MVP voting. In 2061, Scott hit .324 and slugged .560, belting 34 homers and driving in 136 runs. He hit .321 and slugged .639 in 2062, mashing 53 longballs and knocking in 148 runs while scoring 122 runs. He continued to rake in 2063, hitting .327 and slugging .623, belting 46 jacks and knocking in 114 runs. In 2064, Scott won the batting title and led the league in slugging percentage despite missing over 40 games with a sprained knee, posting a .358/ .415/ .705 slash line with 42 homers and 115 RBI's in just 118 games, as he finished fourth in the MVP voting. Following the season, he signed with the Oklahoma City Otters in free agency. After his initial season in Oklahoma City was ruined by a broken elbow, limiting him to just 57 games, Scott remained a fearsome power hitter, although he never again topped .280. He rebounded in 2062 to hit .275 with 46 longballs and 126 RBI's. The next season, he hit .276 with 36 dingers, 118 RBI's, and 100 runs scored. In 2068, Scott collapsed to hit just .218, although he belted 38 homers, drove in 76 runs, and scored 105 runs. The following season, he hit a more respectable .264, but slipped to 21 homers and 79 RBI's. Following the 2069 campaign, he signed with the San Francisco Longshoremen as a free agent. In two seasons by the bay, Scott failed to hit over .240, although he averaged 25 homers and 91 RBI's per season, and he retired after the 2071 season. For his career, Scott posted a .294/ .363/ .555 slash line, with 2632 hits, 499 doubles, 49 triples, 579 homers, 1778 RBI's, 1534 runs, 874 walks, 63 steals, a 140 OPS+, and 72.1 WAR. A six-time All-Star, he won two Silver Sluggers and a Gold Glove. Scott played in only four postseasons, and in 38 games, he hit .261 with 5 homers and 16 RBI's. Leading vote recipients include: Tim Raines, LF, NY: 98.9% Vida Blue, LHP, STL/VB: 98.9% Carl Hubbell, LHP, SA/ ELP/ PHO: 97.8% Mickey Cochrane, C, MIL/JAX/ OMA/ NOR: 76.4% George Scott, 1B/3B, OTT/ OKC/ SF: 75.7% Whitey Kurowski, 3B, WAS/ STL/ CAL: 73.4% Justin Upton, LF, MIN/ ATL/ SD/ LV: 63.3% Johnny Evers, 2B, SD/ HOU : 62.9% Mike Hampton, LHP, BIR/ NY/ MIN: 61.0% Bobo Newsom, RHP, PHI/TOR: 59.6% Fred Beck, RF/ CF, WAS/ OTT : 50.2% Charlie Hayes, 3B, BAL: 47.6% Notable players who fell off the ballot include Bobo Newsom, a two-time Cy Young winner and four-time strikeout champ who also notched 179 saves, as his eligibility expired; shortstop Leo Cardenas, a four-time Gold Glover who rapped 321 homers; catcher Wally Schang, a six-time All-Star with a career .401 on-base percentage and 229 homers; and right fielder George Selkirk, who slugged .547 over his career with 489 homers. Here is a look at the newest Hall of Famers: |
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12-10-2022, 11:21 AM
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#200 |
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All Star Reserve
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 902
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2075 Mid-Year Report
Here's a look at the major storylines across the league at the 2075 All-Star Break:
Exceeding Expectations: The Milwaukee Raccoons rebounded from a 63-win campaign in 2074 to take a 48-26 record, second best in the Frontier League, into the break. The Raccoons ranked third in the league in runs scored, led by a breakout campaign by right fielder Trent Grisham, who posted a .310/ .418/ .650 slash line with 24 homers, 48 RBI's, and 72 runs scored in 72 games. Third baseman Bob Brenly hit .289 and slugged .570, belting 19 homers and plating 60 runs. Second baseman Luis Arraez hit .336 with 3 dingers and 50 RBI's. Veteran reliever Gerardo Reyes sported a 6-2 record with 11 saves, a 2.64 ERA, and a 1.29 WHIP, as Milwaukee's deep bullpen carried its largely anonymous pitching staff. Righthander Don Schwall sported a 5-4 record, along with a 3.90 ERA and a middling 1.39 WHIP. The Montreal Knights, coming off a 67-win season, looked to return to the playoffs for the first time in a decade, taking a 41-33 mark into the break. Veteran left fielder Dode Paskert, a free agent signee, was a leading MVP candidate, hitting .399 and slugging .757, with 24 homers and 65 RBI's. Shortstop Billy Myers hit .251, smacking 16 jacks and plating 44 runs. Righthander Carlos Carrasco went 6-3 with a solid 3.32 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP. Junkballer Bill Stafford went 4-2 with a 3.06 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. The Austin Mustangs won just 65 games last year -- their seventh straight season below .500 -- and they had not made the playoffs in seventeen seasons. But Austin entered the break with a 43-31 record, Third baseman Graig Nettles, a free agent signee, hit .288, belting 22 homers and drove in 57 runs. Shortstop Bill Hinchman hit .340 and slugged .639, mashing 19 dingers and knocking in 51 runs. Left fielder Nick Swisher hit .320 and slugged .660, drilling 18 dingers and plating 44 runs in just 57 games. Austin's pitching staff ranked 4th in the league in runs allowed. Righthander Fausto Carmona notched a 7-3 mark, along with a 4.27 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP. Righthander Gary Bell went just 4-5 despite a 3.80 ERA, although he posted a bloated 1.54 WHIP. Although the Birmingham Steelers flirted with the playoffs last year, winning 87 games, few expected them to challenge for the top record in the league - but that's precisely what the Steelers did, notching a 46-28 first-half record. Second baseman Robinson Cano, who had sputtered over the last five years after some early-career heroics, starred, taking a league-leading .396 average with 18 homers and 72 RBI's into the break. DH Gary Redus sported a .340/ .447/ .607 slash line, with 17 dingers, 53 RBI's, 76 RBI's, and a league-leading 39 steals. Veteran southpaw Dickie Kerr notched a 13-1 mark, along with a 2.61 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. Closer Steve Gerkin went 4-1 with 18 saves, a 3.38 ERA, and a 1.12 WHIP. Disappointments: The Chicago Mules looked to challenge for the Great Lakes Division title after winning 85 games last year, and 90 games the year before that, but they stumbled to a 26-47 first-half record. Chicago ranked next-to-last in the Frontier League in runs scored. First baseman John Mayberry, Sr., a perpetual MVP candidate, hit just .223 and slugged .379, with just 10 homers and 45 RBI's. Catcher Brad Ausmus, who hit a serviceable .247 with 10 homers last season, collapsed to hit just .207 with 2 homers and 20 RBI's. Shortstop Jack Coffey, a career backup, was overmatched when pressed into service, hitting an abysmal .156 with 3 homers and 17 RBI's. On the mound, righthander Vic Raschi, who had a combined 24-18 record over the past two seasons, went 0-8 with a 5.90 ERA an a 1.39 WHIP. Veteran southpaw Ken Raffensberger went just 3-7 with a 5.11 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP. The San Francisco Longshoremen, who won 106 games last year in topping 100 wins for the third straight season, were in danger of missing the playoffs after a middling 41-33 start. Power-hitting first baseman Zeke Bonura, who belted 27 homers last season, hit just .250 with 8 homers and 43 RBI's, losing over 90 points of slugging percentage. Center fielder Rich Becker hit just .188 with 5 homers and 17 RBI's, posting an on-base percentage more than 90 points below his career mark of .402, and he stole just one base after swiping 99 bases over the prior 3 seasons. Righthander Brad Hogg, a 16-game winner last year, went 5-5 with a 5.04 ERA and a 1.53 WHIP. San Francisco also struggled to replace the loss of relief ace Ed Baecht in free agency, as the Longshoremen's bullpen ranked 14th in the Continental League in ERA. In the Continental League, the New York Emperors were coming off their fourth straight 100-win season and sixth straight playoff appearance, but posted a disappointing 32-42 record. Center fielder Joe Evans, an above-average leadoff hitter in past years, posted a punchless .228/ .272/ .259 slash line with no homers, 9 RBI's, and just 11 runs scored in 51 games, stealing only a single base after swiping 54 bags last year. Veteran right fielder Willard Marshall hit just .168 with 8 dingers and 20 RBI's. New York's traditionally strong pitching staff struggled, especially after ace Otto Hess tore his UCL in spring training, ending his season. Righthander Kevin Millwood sputtered in his chase for 300 victories, going 2-8 with a 6.97 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP, fanning just 10 batters in 71 innings. Righthander Dizzy Dean went 3-5 and saw his ERA nearly double to 6.85, with a bloated 1.72 WHIP. The Miami Flamingos, who won 97 games last year in earning their sixth straight playoff spot, collapsed, going just 24-50. Miami's offense ranked next to last in the Continental League in runs scored. Catcher Buster Posey, an MVP candidate last season after hitting .293 with 35 homers, hit just .219 with 3 longballs and 22 RBI's in 61 games. Third baseman Freddie Lindstrom, who hit 33 homers and plated 108 runs last year, was limited to just 14 games, hitting an abysmal .196 with one homer and 4 RBI's. Like New York, Miami saw a dramatic collapse by its pitching staff. Righthander Chris Archer, who won 14 games last year with a 3.26 ERA, posted an embarrassing 1-10 mark with an 8.48 ERA and a bloated 1.90 WHIP. Southpaw Carlos Rodon, who posted a 3.04 ERA last year, went just 1-4 with a 6.45 ERA and a 1.79 WHIP. Veteran rigthhander Pete Alexander notched a 4-4 record with a 4.85 ERA and a hefty 1.44 WHIP. Explosive Skunks: The Portland Skunks enjoyed a 56-18 record, as the Skunks led the Frontier League in nearly every major offensive category, scoring nearly seven runs per game, and featuring a teamwide OPS of .868 - thirty points higher than the next-highest ranking team. All eight of their starters posted batting averages over .300 and on-base percentages over .380. Shortstop Fernando Tatis, Jr. looked to repeat as MVP, hitting .340 and slugging .595, with 19 homers, 66 RBI's, and 66 runs scored in 71 games. Right fielder Hank Aaron hit .341 and slugged .645, belting 23 homers and leading the HRDL with 84 RBI's. First baseman Guy Zinn hit .302, exceeding last year's power output by smacking 24 homers and plating 65 runs. Left fielder Tommy Pham hit .311, taking 17 homers, 66 RBI's, and 65 runs scored into the break. The Skunks signed oft-injured slugger Jose Ramirez to one of the largest contracts in the HRDL, only to lose him after two games to a torn hamstring. While Portland's pitching staff lacked the star power of the lineup, its bullpen featured the best ERA in the league, anchored by veteran closer Dick Tomanek, who notched 16 saves with a 2.87 ERA, despite a 1.35 ERA. The Skunks rattled off a 20-1 stretch early in the season, including a 13-game winning streak, and later featured a separate 9-game winning streak as part of a 13-1 stretch shortly before the All-Star Break. Crushed Spiders: As brilliant as Portland's start was, the Cincinnati Spiders' first half was even worse. Expectations were low after a disappointing 59-win campaign last year - but nothing prepared the Spiders for a disastrous 13-60 first half. Cincinnati started off in a 2-12 tailspin - and it only got worse from there, bottoming out a laughably bad 3-33 record following a 20-game losing streak. Cincinnati's offense ranked 22nd in the league in runs scored (285), next-to-last in OPS (.669) and dead last in on-base percentage (.296). Shortstop Jon Berti, last year's third-place finisher in the Rookie of the Year voting, was the biggest culprit, collapsing to a .176/ .269/ .248 slash line, with just 2 homers, 17 steals, and declining from 57 steals to just 4. The Spiders also ranked dead last in the league in runs allowed, featuring the second-worst starting rotation, the worst bullpen, and the worst team defense in the Frontier League. Rookie Hal Newhouser, the second overall pick in last year's draft, proved to be not ready for prime time, going 0-7 in 10 starts with a 7.96 ERA and a bloated 2.41 WHIP, as he walked 37 batters in 37 innings. Swingman Luther Roy went 0-4 with a 6.43 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP. Righthander Dan Haren went 2-8 with a 5.49 ERA, despite a solid 1.22 WHIP, and yielded 17 homers in 77 innings. Anti-Theft Devices: The HRDL saw a sharp downturn in stolen bases. Last year, 17 players had at least 60 steals, and 7 players swiped at least 75 bases, led by Joe Morgan's 99 steals. Eighteen teams averaged at least one steal per game, with six teams stealing at least 240 bases, led by the Virginia Beach Admirals' 281 steals. 2075 proved to be a markedly different story. At the All-Star break, only three players topped 20 steals, and Birmingham DH Gary Redus, with 39, was the only player with at least 25 stolen bases. Largely due to Redus, Birmingham was the only team to average at least one steal per game. The league-wide success rate, which had fluctuated between 80 and 81% for the last six seasons, saw a marked reduction to 72%. Major injuries: Anaheim second baseman Frankie Frisch strained his back in late May, and was sidelined indefinitely. Houston left fielder Barry Bonds was sidelined with back spasms at the end of May, and he was not expected to return until early July. El Paso left fielder Austin Meadows was limited to just 31 games due to a series of rib and back injuries. New York southpaw Otto Hess tore his UCL in spring training, ending his season. Cleveland first baseman Jim Spencer tore his hamstring in late May, sidelining him through early July. Denver righthander Bump Hadley missed the entire first half due to an arthritic elbow, but he hoped to return in July. Kansas City right fielder Max Carey was sidelined with an intercostal strain shortly before the break, and he was expected to miss most of July. Birmingham left fielder Dwight Smith was limited to just 28 games due to a hamstring strain, and his return was uncertain. Birmingham righthander Griffing Canning tore his labrum in June, ending his season. Las Vegas third baseman Derek Jeter suffered a high ankle sprain in May, but an early July return was anticipated. Pittsburgh righthander Charles Nagy would miss the entire season, and likely half of next year, due to a torn labrum.Miami third baseman Freddie Lindstrom strained his MCL in mid-April, limiting him to just 14 games. New Orleans shortstop Carlos Correa strained his oblique in early May, but he was expected to return around July 4. Oklahoma City righthander Dave Stieb tore his UCL, causing him to miss the entire season. Portland third baseman Jose Ramirez tore his hamstring after two games, sidelining him through the end of July. Virginia Beach center fielder Aaron Rowand suffered a partially torn labrum in early May, and he was not expected to return before September, if at all. Washington left fielder John Stone, last year's Rookie of the Year, was limited to just 44 games due to a strained oblique, but he was expected to be back by the start of July. Major milestones: El Paso catcher Ivan Rodriguez rapped his 2500th career hit. El Paso centerfielder Sammy Sosa smacked his 600th career homer. Dallas left fielder Stan Musial joined the 500-home run club. Pittsburgh second baseman Tony Lazzeri, London shortstop Eddie Joost, and Phoenix first baseman Reggie Jefferson each drilled their 400th career homer. Jacksonville righthander Red Faber earned his 200th career victory. Looking ahead to the second half of the season, New Orleans shortstop Carlos Correa was likely to notch his 2500th career hit by the end of July, and Dallas left fielder Stan Musial and Kansas City left fielder Austin McHenry were likely to join the 2500 hit club by the end of August. San Francisco right fielder Ellis Valentine was expected to launch his 650th career homer by August. Oklahoma City first baseman Miguel Cabrera was on the verge of 500 homers, and would likely surpass that mark in early July. New York right fielder Willard Marshall was projected to launch his 500th homer by the end of August. Buffalo first baseman Vic Wertz and London catcher Bob O'Farrell were projected to smack their 400th career homers sometime in August. Portland right fielder Hank Aaron, with a strong second half, would join the illustrious 2000 RBI club in mid-September. Atlanta center fielder Willie Davis was projected to swipe his 600th base by September. New York righthander Kevin Millwood stood on the verge of immortality with 297 wins, although his struggles throughout the season made it uncertain whether he would hit the magical 300-win mark. Cincinnati righthander Phil Hughes was expected to notch his 3000th career strikeout by mid-August. |
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