A Different Ball Game

[jasg224]

Once again, it's time for the offseason move recap! Stats are for the 1942 season unless noted otherwise.

Tuzos de Aguascalientes
Lost
RHP Leovigildo Esparza - 34, 2.80 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 3.7 WAR - Traded to Mérida
RHP Primitivo Espinosa - 43, 3.77 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 2.7 WAR - Traded to Tampico
1B Guillermo Cigarroa - 32, .243/.339/.321, 0.7 WAR - Free Agent

Signed
LF Andrés Suárez - 35, .260/.383/.416, 4.5 WAR - $35.4k over 3 yrs, from León
3B Héctor Pérez - 32, .276/.364/.402, 3.9 WAR - Trade from Mérida
RHP Pedro León - 23, 11 G, 63 IP, 4.71 ERA, 1.65 WHIP with Jaguares in 1939 - Trade from Guadalajara
RHP Alejandro Cárdenas - 17, 25/60 RP - Trade from Mérida
RHP José Martínez - 22, 25/50 SP - Traded from Tampico

Obsidianas de Guadalajara
Lost
C José López - 32, .262/.357/.410, 4.0 WAR - FA, signed by Águilas
RHP Joel Rodríguez - 25, 26 SV, 2.70 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 1.0 WAR - FA, signed by León
RHP Pedro León - 23, 11 G, 63 IP, 4.71 ERA, 1.65 WHIP with Jaguares in 1939 - Traded to Aguascalientes

Signed
RHP Pedro Avilla - 28, 20 SV, 2.47 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 1.1 WAR - Trade from Puebla

Flechas de León
Lost
LF Andrés Suárez - 35, .260/.383/.416, 4.5 WAR - FA, signed by Aguascalientes
RF Victor Barrios - 36, .259/.356/.335, 4.0 WAR - FA, signed by Jaguares
RHP Luis Cruz - 32, 2.90 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 3.5 WAR - FA, signed by Tampico
1B Ángel Ziranda - 28, .289/.327/.422, 2.1 WAR - FA, signed by San Luis
3B Rico Santistevan - 36, .221/.300/.335, 1.5 WAR - Free Agent
RF Juan Vázquez - 20, 20/50 - Traded to Monterrey

Signed
RHP Joel Rodríguez - 25, 26 SV, 2.70 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 1.0 WAR - $14.7k over 3 years, from Guadalajara
RHP Joaquín Cuestas - 32, 23 SV, 2.76 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 0.8 WAR - $19.2k over 3 years, from Tampico
1B Eduardo Vega - 37, .224/.300/.324, -0.6 WAR - Trade from Monterrey
RHP Agustín Galaviz - 27, 60/60 SP Rookie from Mexico City - $10.8k over 4 years
RHP Omar Sánchez - 28, 50/50 RP Rookie from Lamadrid, Coahuila - $3.6k for a year

Aulladores de Mérida
Lost
3B Héctor Pérez - 32, .276/.364/.402, 3.9 WAR - Traded to Aguascalientes
LF Antonio Trujillo - 35, .315/.397/.472, 0.8 WAR - Traded to San Luis
1B Miguel González - 32, .229/.313/.299, 0.6 WAR - Traded to Águilas
RHP Marco Martínez - 21, 20/65 SP - Traded to Águilas
RHP Alejandro Cárdenas - 17, 25/60 RP - Trade from Mérida

Signed
3B Carlos Renderos - 32, .312/.387/.426, 6.1 WAR - $59k over 5 years, from San Luis
RHP Leovigildo Esparza - 34, 2.80 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 3.7 WAR - Trade from Aguascalientes
SS Andrés Martínez - 30, .278/.333/.423, 3.2 WAR - Trade from Águilas

Águilas de México
Lost
Manager José Castro - 140-268 record - Fired
SS Andrés Martínez - 30, .278/.333/.423, 3.2 WAR - Traded to Mérida
CF Reynaldo Caratachea - 32, .280/.354/.409, 2.1 WAR - Free Agent

Signed
Manager Eleuterio Montes - Pitched in 26 games for Aguascalientes in 1940
C José López - 32, .262/.357/.410, 4.0 WAR - $34.8k over 4 years, from Guadalajara
CF José Contreras - 26, .288/.323/.404, 2.7 WAR - $19.5k over 3 years, from Tampico
2B Antonio Sánchez - 31, .248/.326/.303, 2.3 WAR - $64.4k over 7 years, from Jaguares
1B Miguel González - 32, .229/.313/.299, 0.6 WAR - Trade from Mérida
RHP Marco Martínez - 21, 20/65 SP - Trade from Mérida
RHP Ben Lintner - 26, 50/50 SP Rookie from the USA - Minimum wage deal
1B David García - 22, 50/50 Rookie from Juchitán de Zaragoza, Oaxaca - Minimum wage deal

Jaguares de México
Lost
2B Antonio Sánchez - 31, .248/.326/.303, 2.3 WAR - FA, signed by Águilas
RHP José Vargas - 41, 4 SV, 2.89 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 0.7 WAR - Traded to Monterrey
C Edwin de Sales - 18, 20/55 - Traded to Tampico

Signed
RF Victor Barrios - 36, .259/.356/.335, 4.0 WAR - $9.9k for a year, from León
1B David Hernández - 34, .242/.327/.387, 1.7 WAR - $37k over 5 years, re-signed
RF David Arroyo - 30, .311/.374/.371, 0.3 WAR - Trade from Tampico
2B Gabriel Barrón - 28, 80/80 Rookie from Celaya, Guanajuato - $53.1k over 5 years
3B William Middleton - 26, 55/60 Rookie from the USA - $41k over 5 years

Cardenales de Monterrey
Lost
Manager Juan Ramírez - 158-166 record - Retired
1B Eduardo Vega - 37, .224/.300/.324, -0.6 WAR - Traded to León

Signed
Manager Roberto Rodríguez - 226-218 record as Guadalajara manager, 1936-40
RHP José Vargas - 41, 4 SV, 2.89 ERA, 1.47 WHIP, 0.7 WAR - Trade from Jaguares
RHP Israel Álvarez - 29, 50/50 SP Rookie from La Paz, Estado de México - $26.4k over 4 years
RF Juan Vázquez - 20, 20/50 - Trade from León

Serpientes de Puebla
Lost
RHP Faustino Campos - 34, 4.06 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 2.4 WAR - FA, signed by San Luis
LF Orlando Rosas - 23, .289/.302/.403, 1.7 WAR - Traded to Tampico
RHP Pedro Avilla - 28, 20 SV, 2.47 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 1.1 WAR - Traded to Guadalajara

Signed
RHP Rogelio Hernández - 23, 3.15 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 2.1 WAR - Trade from Tampico
C Edwin de Sales - 18, 20/55 - Trade from Tampico

Tunas de San Luis
Lost
Manager Jesús Grana - 372-289, 3x Champions - Fired
3B Carlos Renderos - 32, .312/.387/.426, 6.1 WAR - FA, signed by Mérida

Signed
Manager Marcos Barrientos - Guadalajara hitting coach 1939-42
RHP Faustino Campos - 34, 4.06 ERA, 1.43 WHIP, 2.4 WAR - $$41.6k over 4 years
1B Ángel Ziranda - 28, .289/.327/.422, 2.1 WAR - $61.2k over 6 years, from León
LF Antonio Trujillo - 35, .315/.397/.472, 0.8 WAR - Trade from Mérida

Jaibas de Tampico
Lost
LF José Contreras - 26, .288/.323/.404, 2.7 WAR - FA, signed by Águilas
RHP Rogelio Hernández - 23, 3.15 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 2.1 WAR - Traded to Puebla
C José Canto - 29, .235/.323/.347, 2.0 WAR - Free Agent
RHP Joaquín Cuestas - 32, 23 SV, 2.76 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 0.8 WAR - FA, signed by León
RF David Arroyo - 30, .311/.374/.371, 0.3 WAR - Traded to Jaguares
RHP José Martínez - 22, 25/50 SP - Traded to Aguascalientes

Signed
RHP Luis Cruz - 32, 2.90 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 3.5 WAR - $50.5k over 5 years
RHP Primitivo Espinosa - 43, 3.77 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 2.7 WAR - Trade from Aguascalientes
LF Orlando Rosas - 23, .289/.302/.403, 1.7 WAR - Trade from Puebla
LF Orlando Melara - 24, 60/60 Rookie from Tehuacán, Puebla - $66.8k over 6 years
RHP Luis Aguilar - 23, 55/55 Rookie from Mérida, Yucatán - $8.9k over 2 years
LF Carlos Flores - 22, 50/50 Rookie from Mérida, Yucatán - Minimum wage deal
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With that, let's see who the biggest spenders and highest earners are:
Clubs by payroll
1. Jaguares - $105.7k (+52k)
2. Mérida - $90.9k (+23k)
3. San Luis - $86.8k (+27k)
4. Monterrey - $79.3k (+38k)
5. Tampico - $77.5k (+29k)
6. Aguascalientes - $71.6k (+33k)
7. Guadalajara - $70.3k (+21k)
8. León - $69.4k (+13k)
9. Águilas - $68.3k (+28k)
10. Puebla - $57.7k (+16k)

Highest paid players
1. Carlos Renderos - Mérida - $11.8k
2. Andrés Suárez - Aguascalientes - $11.8k
3. Faustino Campos - San Luis - $10.4k
4. Luis Cruz - Tampico - $10.2k
5. Ángel Ziranda - San Luis - $10.2k

With the wage hikes between season, we see increases all around, with the biggest free agents commanding wages never seen before. However, it's nothing clubs won't be able to afford, meaning the league will remain in a healthy position for the foreseeable future.
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Finally, let's talk about the US invasion. It's 1943 and the war rages on, with thousands of young, athletic men being conscripted into the US Army. For this reason, the US legion in Mexico is now almost at 50 players, with them crossing the border south to avoid conscription and make a living playing the game they call "baseball" north of the Rio Grande.
1942 marked the debut season for 1B Bruce Childress with Monterrey and 3B Josh Ford with Mérida. The 28 year old Childress has been in the league since 1941, but was only picked up by the Cardinals last year. He appeared in 82 games but started only 12, slashing .300/.347/.409, with below average defense for 0.4 WAR. 17 year-old Ford played only 4 games and managed to get his first career hit.
Childress along with 3B William Middleton and P Ben Lintner could set a precedent for players coming from the north, as 15 good players remain unsigned.

With that, thanks for reading the offseason recap! In the next update we'll see the season preview as well as checking on the almost 20 players rated 50+ who have yet to sign a contract for 1943.

[jasg224]

The 1943 Preparation has come to and end, for the first time lasting two weeks!


Top Hitters:
RF Edwin Esparza (MER) - 9-18, 1 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 2 SB
2B Oziel Rojas (LEO) - 12-27, 4 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 10 RBI, 2 SB
LF Héctor Ramírez (MER) - 16-34, 1 2B, 2 HR, 7 RBI

Top Pitchers:
RHP Omar Sánchez (LEO) - 16.2 IP, 1.62 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 10 K, 7 BB
RHP Vicente González (AGS) - 14.2 IP, 3.07 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 13 K, 4 BB
RHP Israel Pastrana (PUE) - 8.0 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0.75 WHIP, 4 K, 1 BB

Now let's see what the experts predict for this year:


The predictions are looking a bit different than last year's standings is the first impression I have. Jaibas de Tampico look like favorites to win their first ever title after 2 consecutive winning seasons. They barely missed out in 1941, coming just 4 games back of Mérida. Perhaps the greatest addition this year was Rich Faircloth, a control-focused, Californian pitcher who signed a 5 year deal with Tampico. In his first season, Faircloth is one of the "dark horse" favorites for the Atlatl Award, alongside teammate Luis Cruz. Tampico also reinforced their lineup with Mexican-Italian Orlando Melara, Michoacán RF Iván Alvear and left-hitting catcher Javier Baca. All eyes will be on the squad that GM José Valdovinos has put together after just 3 years in charge.

Defending champions Aulladores de Mérida will try to equal San Luis' feat of winning 3 championships in a row, adding a veteran pitcher in Leovigildo Esparza to their rotation and strengthening their lineup with Carlos Renderos, who was part of the San Luis three-peat squad. Guadalajara are also expected to be thereabouts, despite not adding to a squad that came 4th last year. The pundits predict a three horse race this year, with Tampico edging it out by just 3 games, so let's expect another tight and exciting season!

Elsewhere, León and San Luis are expected to drop off a bit and hang around the middle of the table with the expansion teams. Entering their 4th season, it seems like Monterrey and Aguascalientes have stagnated and are still far from being contenders. This year though, Monterrey has a new manager in Roberto Rodríguez. Rodríguez was previously manager of a Guadalajara team that contended for the title in the early years of the league.

At the bottom of the league are Puebla and Águilas de México. Puebla were also contenders at one point, dropping off in 1940 and are now coming off consecutive 9th place finishes. The Eagles have been very disappointing since 1936, being the richest club in the capital of Mexico but having nothing to show for it. They instead have 5 last place finishes, and could add another one for 5 in a row. Who would have thought their 6th place in an 8 team league in 1938 would be their highest finish to date.

After this small preview, the players seem to have shaken off the rust and are ready for Ullamaliztli Namiqui's 8th season! It seems to be another exciting one at the top with at least 3 teams vying for the title.

[jasg224]

May 1943 has come and gone, meaning the season is pretty much at the halfway point.


Flechas de León are off to a hot start, losing only 8 games in April before cooling off just a bit in May. They've been the offensive leaders of the league and are currently in 1st place for all but WAR and homers. 2B Oziel Rojas (.324/.353/.482) and newly signed C Miguel Aldava (.335/.456/.374) are leading the charge, with their lineup of course being the best in the league despite being one of the worst defensively. Their pitchers have managed to overcome a bad defense, being the 3rd best team and the 3rd best rotation. Veteran Roberto García (2.80 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) and Esteban Ramírez (2.42 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) are not only team but also league leaders. The Guanajuato club are definitely looking like favorites at this point in time, but there are still several clubs who can make a run for it.

Jaguares de México are the 2nd best offense and, opposite León, are amongst the best defenses in the league. Newcomers 2B Gabriel Barrón (.328/.419/.387) and 3B William Middleton (.317/.369/.376) have been up to par alongside seasoned SS José Serrano (.246/.318/.328) and young C Miguel de León (.312/.374/.512). Pitching-wise, their bullpen could be better, and their rotation led by RHP Diego Hernández (2.12 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) is the 4th best. Pitching consistency will be key for Jaguares to mount a serious challenge for the title.

Early season favorites Jaibas de Tampico have the best pitching staff, albeit somewhat hindered by a mediocre defense. This lineup definitely pulls its weight though, and are currently the 3rd best in the league. New signings in LHP Rich Faircloth (2.08 ERA, 1.01 WHIP), RHP Primitivo Espinosa (2.90 ERA, 1.42 WHIP), RHP Luis Cruz (1.02 ERA, 1.09 WHIP) have proven to be excellent additions. If their offense manage to kick into another gear for the tail end of the season, the preseason prophecy might just come true. Either way, Tampico are on pace for their best season ever.

Other clubs such as Obsidianas de Guadalajara with LHP Pablo Hinojosa (2.28 ERA, 1.00 WHIP) and SS Rubén Riviera (.276/.316/.523), Aulladores de Mérida with RF Edwin Esparza (.291/.373/.432) and 1B Max Braud (.288/.377/.366), and surprisingly Cardenales de Monterrey with LHP Roy McAllister (1.18 ERA, 0.93 WHIP), LHP Andrés Amaya (1.73 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) and RF David Galván (.309/.414/.401) can make this a photo finish if they find a hot streak.

Finally, let's check in on the award races:
Tlatoani Favorites
RF David Galván (MTY) - .309/.414/.401, 9 2B, 3 3B, 12 RBI
2B Oziel Rojas (LEO) - .324/.353/.482, 11 2B, 12 3B, 31 RBI
2B Gabriel Barrón (JAG) - .328/.419/.387, 11 2B, 19 RBI
RF Guillermo Villanueva (PUE) - .314/.388/.484, 10 2B, 1 3B, 5 HR, 24 RBI
RF Edwin Esparza (MER) - .291/.373/.432, 11 2B, 4 3B, 3 HR, 23 RBI

Atlatl Favorites
LHP Rich Faircloth (TAM) - 8-2, 2.08 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, 10.3 K%
RHP Raúl Romero (MTY) - 3-5, 1.59 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 9.6 K%
LHP Roberto García (LEO) - 6-3, 2.80 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 8.4 K%
RHP Primitivo Espinosa (TAM) - 4-4, 2.90 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 5.8 K%
RHP Felix Alemán (SNL) - 4-4, 2.84 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 12.8 K%

Best Newcomers
LHP Rich Faircloth (TAM)
LF Orlando Melara (TAM) - .267/.374/.358, 9 2B, 4 3B, 14 RBI
RF David de la Rosa (GDL) - .280/.354/.377, 13 2B, 2 3B, 10 RBI
RHP Javier García (JAG) - 4-5, 3.80 ERA, 1.51 WHIP, 8.2 K%
1B Alberto Ferrer (MTY) - .306/.453/.429, 3 2B, 1 HR, 12 RBI

It seems to be an exciting run-in going into the final months, we'll see how this unfolds in the next update. Thanks for reading!

[jasg224]

The 1943 Ullamaliztli season has come to an end, here's how the teams did:


Flechas de León might have cooled off a bit during May, but they kept their consistency until the end, going 35-22 to end the season, including 14-6 in their last 20 to secure their first ever title. Their offense was first by just 12 runs, and they led other categories such as average, OBP and WAR. Their pitching wasn't the best, with their bullpen being particularly unimpressive, but their rotation was top 3 and good enough to lift the trophy. In any case, León win their first championship, 8 years in the making!

Key players:
LHP Esteban Ramírez - 7-2, 173.2 IP, 2.12 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 11.1 K%, 6.0 BB%
RHP Omar Sánchez - 12-6, 160.2 IP, 2.41 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 8.8 K%, 5.8 BB%
RHP Matt McGuill - 13-6, 173.0 IP, 2.45 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 8.9 K%, 7.8 BB%
LHP Roberto García - 10-7, 170.1 IP, 2.80 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 8.1 K%, 7.0 BB%

2B Oziel Rojas - .323/.350/.477, 26 2B, 20 3B, 59 RBI, 7 SB
C Miguel Aldava - .328/.448/.396, 13 2B, 3 3B, 1 HR, 41 RBI, 1 SB
LF Clyde Sullivan - .253/.395/.330, 11 2B, 5 3B, 20 RBI, 7 SB
RF Guillermo Cigarroa - .288/.338/.395, 26 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 60 RBI

The title race was relatively close, with Jaguares, Tampico and Monterrey lacking the offensive power to compete with León despite great pitching seasons. Monterrey with LHP Roy McAllister (12-7, 1.57 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 9.8 K%) and Tampico with LHP Rich Faircloth (14-5, 2.38 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 9.5 K%) were particularly impressive and the only rotations better than León. Reigning champions Mérida's pitching fell short, leaving the 2nd best offense 11 games back from the threepeat.

Some other interesting tidbits from the season:
- Águilas LF Ricardo Palacios gets 6 hits, including 2 doubles, a homer and 7 RBI in late May
- Tampico's CF Raúl Pérez steals his 200th base, leading the league by 18
- Guadalajara's Pedro Avilla gets his 100th save and now leads the league with 101
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Staff and player movement
- After 3 seasons in charge, Guadalajara fire manager Pedro Amores. Amores ends with a 174-150 record, with his best season ending with a 2nd place finish in 1941.
- Aguascalientes fire their first manager, Cristóbal Segui has a 197-235 record with a 5th place in 1940 being his best season.
- Several interesting players retired, let's go over them by WAR:

1B Daniel Rivera - 1936-42 - Puebla and Jaguares - Retires at 39
Career: 607 G, .274/.379/.366, 575 H, 84 2B, 6 3B, 32 HR, 241 RBI, 7 SB, 15.7 WAR
Best Season: 81 G, .289/.419/.408, 13 2B, 1 3B, 7 HR, 35 RBI, 4.7 WAR with Puebla in 1939
Achievements: 1936 and 1939 Teyatloani, 1940 Temanahui at 1B, 1940 Champion with Jaguares, 5th best career OBP (.379)

RHP Ángel Urquidi - 1938-43 - Jaguares, Puebla and Tampico - Retires at 35
Career: 120 G, 114 GS, 48-32, 1 SV, 794.2 IP, 2.59 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 6.7 K%, 5.7 BB%, 13.4 WAR
Best Season: 27 GS, 12-5, 173.1 IP, 3.01 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 6.7 K%, 5.4 BB%, 3.5 WAR with Jaguares in 1940
Achievements: 1940 Champion with Jaguares, 8th best career ERA (2.59)

SS Manuel Portillo - 1936-43 - Puebla, Jaguares, Tampico, Mérida and Guadalajara - Retires at 35
Career: 649 G, .227/.276/.287, 516 H, 71 2B, 7 3B, 17 HR, 200 RBI, 4 SB, 10.3 WAR
Best Season: 84 G, .240/.278/.310, 9 2B, 4 HR, 20 RBI, 2 SB, 2.8 WAR with Puebla in 1938
Achievements: 1936 and 1940 Temanahui at SS, 1940 Champion with Jaguares, 1942 Champion with Mérida

RHP David Venegas - 1938-43 - Mérida, Tampico and Puebla - Retires at 36
Career: 132 G, 121 GS, 49-52, 839.1 IP, 3.73 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 9.4 K%, 7.5 BB%, 7.6 WAR
Best Season: 24 GS, 13-7, 165.0 IP, 3.60 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 9.9 K%, 9.6 BB%, 2.0 WAR with Tampico in 1941
Achievements: No-hitter with Tampico in 1942

RF Manuel Gil - 1936-43 - León, San Luis, Puebla and Jaguares - Retires at 36
Career: 600 G, .248/.312/.336, 415 H, 57 2B, 7 3B, 25 HR, 170 RBI, 29 SB, 5.0 WAR
Best Season: 102 G, .246/.339/.332, 16 2B, 1 3B, 4 HR, 37 RBI, 4 SB, 1.5 WAR with Puebla in 1941
Achievements: 1937 and 1941 Temanahui at RF

CF Armando Vela - 1940-43 - Aguascalientes and Guadalajara - Retires at 42
Career: 349 G, .275/.339/.397, 356 H, 76 2B, 23 3B, 12 HR, 128 RBI, 26 SB, 4.8 WAR
Best Season: 103 G, .305/.366/.500, 33 2B, 11 3B, 8 HR, 51 RBI, 13 SB, 3.8 WAR with Aguascalientes in 1940
Achievements: 1940 Temanahui at CF
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And who won the 1943 Awards?

Tlatoani Award


It's been a fast rise for 2B Oziel Rojas, winning his 2nd ring and 1st Tlatoani award at just 24. When he signed with San Luis in 1936 it was a well known fact that his swing and eye could play at this level. 3 trades later, "Cañón" destroyed the league. His eye didn't develop as expected, but he more than makes up for it with a near perfect swing, intelligence on the basepaths and the best 2B glove in the league. Rojas was a key player for León in this championship season with a .323/.350/.477 slash, 26 2B, 20 3B, 59 RBI for 5.6 WAR. His 20 3B and 139 hits saw him lead the league. Rojas is a bit fragile, but his 4 injuries didn't lead him to lose too many games this year and led to him being recognized as the best in Mexico.

Runners up were teammate C Miguel Aldava (.328/.448/.396, 5.3 WAR) and Mérida RF Edwin Esparza (.298/.365/.472, 5.2 WAR).

Atlatl Award


Another young stud from the Guanajuato team takes home an award. Lefty Esteban Ramírez has only improved since winning the rookie award in 1941 and was crowned as the league's best pitcher. His 7-6 record, 2.12 ERA (6th), 1.07 WHIP (2nd), 11.1 K% (4th) and 6.0 BB% (5th) weren't the best, but Esteban showed consistency through 23 starts and it was the display of skill that led to him winning this award, leading the league with a 4.3 WAR.

Runners up were Monterrey lefty Andrés Amaya (16-5, 2.04 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 10.3 K%, 8.5 BB%) and another lefty in newcomer Rich Faicloth (Tampico, 14-5, 2.38 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 9.5 K%, 5.5 BB%).

Moyaomamachtiani Award


A 25 year old pitcher from the USA moved to Tampico in February and was one of the reasons they were preseason favorites to take it all home. Ultimately, Rich Faircloth's season was great but Tampico fell short. The Californian has pinpoint accuracy with a nasty fastball-cutter combo that induced a league leading amount of groundballs. He ranked in the top 3 for wins, K/BB, BB/9, FIP- and WAR, winning the pitcher of the month award twice. His Tampico contract means Faircloth will be in the league for at least 3 years, more than enough time to make an impact on the league.

Runners up were another player from the USA in 3B William Middleton (Jaguares, .300/.359/.365, 4.1 WAR) and Tampico LF Orlando Melara (.261/.374/.355, 3.0 WAR).

Temanahui Award
P Carlos Casillas (JAG) - 1st, 1.000 PCT, 2.6 ZR, 6 RTO
C Vicente Zarate (PUE) - 1st, .990 PCT, 1.8 ZR, 32 RTO (48.5%)
1B David Herrera (MTY) - 1st, .997 PCT, 8.0 ZR
2B Oziel Rojas (LEO) - 1st, .947 PCT, 15.8 ZR
3B Heriberto Rodríguez (MTY) - 2nd, .964 PCT, 13.1 ZR
SS José Parra (MTY) - 1st, .962 PCT, 23.9 ZR
LF Antonio Trujillo (SNL) - 2nd, .963 PCT, 8.4 ZR
CF Manuel Escobedo (MTY) - 1st, .975 PCT, 14.1 ZR
RF David Galván (MTY) - 1st, .983 PCT, 11.6 ZR

Teyaotlani Award
P Leo López (GDL) - 1st, .288/.304/.327, 2 2B, 7 RBI
C Miguel Aldava (LEO) - 1st, .328/.448/.396, 13 2B, 3 3B, 1 HR, 41 RBI
1B Mario Morales (TAM) - 4th, .286/.388/.403, 11 2B, 2 3B, 7 HR, 36 RBI
2B Oziel Rojas (LEO) - 1st, .323/.350/.477, 26 2B, 20 3B, 59 RBI
3B Raúl Martínez (TAM) - 1st, .294/.343/.447, 25 2B, 14 HR, 80 RBI
SS Heraclio Rincón (TAM) - 1st, .299/.320/.442, 35 2B, 6 3B, 34 RBI
LF Orlando Melara (TAM) - 1st, .261/.374/.355, 21 2B, 7 3B, 1 HR, 27 RBI
CF Jorge Ramírez (GDL) - 2nd, .275/.332/.409, 24 2B, 9 3B, 2 HR, 36 RBI
RF Guillermo Villanueva (PUE) - 1st, .321/.399/.477, 21 2B, 2 3B, 11 HR, 59 RBI

The Potros de Jesús María win the Reserve League (72-36). Their best player was 1B Alejandro Chavez (.316/.395/.422, 5.4 WAR). Olmecas de Tabasco (32-18-2) win the Youth Championship, beating Piratas de Campeche (30-21-1) in the final.

[jasg224]

As per usual, the biggest signings for every team prior to the 1944 Preparation Weeks. Stats are 1943 unless noted otherwise.

Tuzos de Aguascalientes - 10th, 39-39
Lost
Manager Cristóbal Segui - 197-235 after 4 years - Fired
2B Ehécatl Cocom - .242/.321/.297, 2.8 WAR - Free Agent
RF Miguel Muñoz - .281/.349/.413, 2.4 WAR - Traded to Guadalajara
CF Raúl Alvarado - .229/.344/.358, 1.1 WAR - FA, signed by Guadalajara
1B Andrés Suárez - .213/.339/.266, 0.6 WAR - Traded to Monterrey

Signed
Manager Aurelio Valenzuela - 95-157 1936-38 with Tampico - $3k a year, 5 years
1B Enrique Pérez - .257/.304/.514, 0.6 WAR - $15.4 over 2 years, from Guadalajara
LHP Ricardo Flores - 30/50 RP - Trade from Puebla

Obsidianas de Guadalajara
Lost
Manager Pedro Amores - 174-150 after 3 years - Fired
LHP Pablo Hinojosa - 2.29 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 3.3 WAR - Traded to Mérida
3B David Pizarro - .289/.363/.354, 2.1 WAR - FA, signed by León
RF Salvador Velázquez - .233/.317/.345, 1.6 WAR - Opted out, signed by León
LHP Manuel Jiménez - 5 SV, 3.27 ERA, 1.6 WAR - Traded to Mérida
1B Enrique Pérez - .257/.304/.514, 0.6 WAR - FA, signed by Aguascalientes
RHP Juan Yepez - 35/55 RP - Traded to León

Signed
Manager Alexis Rovira - Aguascalientes Pitching Coach 1940-43 - $3.4k a year, 5 years
RF Miguel Muñoz - .281/.349/.413, 2.4 WAR - Trade from Aguascalientes
RHP Rogelio Hernández - 3.29 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 1.9 WAR - $18k over 3 years, from Puebla
LF Raúl Alvarado - .229/.344/.358, 1.1 WAR - $18.6k over 2 years, from Aguascalientes
RHP Manuel Medina - 13 IP, 1.38 ERA, 0.2 WAR - Trade from León
RHP Eduardo Peralta - 20/60 SP - Trade from Mérida

Flechas de León
Lost
LF Guillermo Cigarroa - .288/.338/.395, 2.6 WAR - FA, signed by Puebla
LHP Roberto García - 2.80 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 2.2 WAR - FA, signed by Monterrey
LHP Ramón Ortiz - 2 SV, 1.07 ERA, 0.8 WAR - Traded to Mérida
RHP Manuel Medina - 13 IP, 1.38 ERA, 0.2 WAR - Traded to Guadalajara
1B Roberto García - 20/50, .207/.265/.268 in LRU - Traded to San Luis
CF David Rosado - 20/50 - Traded to Mérida
RF Juan Alcantur - 20/50 - Traded to Puebla

Signed
RF Guillermo Villanueva - .321/.399/.477, 4.0 WAR - Trade from Puebla
3B David Pizarro - .289/.363/.354, 2.1 WAR - $21.3k over 3 years, from Guadalajara
LHP Daniel Sánchez - 3.31 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 2.0 WAR - Trade from Mérida
RF Salvador Velázquez - .233/.317/.345, 1.6 WAR - $50.2k over 5 years, from Guadalajara
RHP Enrique Cruz - 1 SV, 2.25 ERA, -0.2 WAR - Trade from Tampico
RHP Alejandro Hernández - 35/65 SP, 2.55 ERA in LRU - Trade from Mérida
RHP Juan Yepez - 35/55 RP - Trade from Guadalajara
RHP Alexis Ferrán - 20/50 SP - Trade from Mérida

Aulladores de Mérida
Lost
1B Max Braud - .261/.348/.354, 2.8 WAR - Traded to Jaguares
LHP Daniel Sánchez - 3.31 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 2.0 WAR - Traded to León
RHP Leovigildo Esparza - 2.85 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 1.3 WAR - FA, signed by San Luis
C Guillermo Meraz - .234/.352/.317, 1.2 WAR - Option declined
RHP Eduardo Peralta - 20/60 SP - Traded to Guadalajara
RHP Alexis Ferrán - 20/50 SP - Traded to León

Signed
LHP Pablo Hinojosa - 2.29 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 3.3 WAR - Trade from Guadalajara
LHP Manuel Jiménez - 5 SV, 3.27 ERA, 1.6 WAR - Trade from Guadalajara
LHP Ramón Ortiz - 2 SV, 1.07 ERA, 0.8 WAR - Trade from León
CF David Rosado - 20/50 - Trade from León

Águilas de México
Lost
2B Juan Garnica - .266/.349/.333, 2.2 WAR - Traded to Tampico
LF Ricardo Palacios - .250/.376/.351, 1.8 WAR - Opted out, signed by Monterrey

Signed
RHP Jordan Gomez - 50/50 RP discovery from Los Angeles, USA
RHP Daniel Paz - 20/55 SP discovery from Toluca, Estado de México
RHP Gregorio Peña - 20/50 SP discovery from Jocotitlán, Estado de México
RHP Isidro Alvarado - 20/50 SP - Trade from Tampico

Jaguares de México
Lost
LHP Arthur Barclay - 3 SV, 1.30 ERA, 0.2 WAR - FA, signed by Tampico

Signed
1B Max Braud - .261/.348/.354, 2.8 WAR - Trade from Mérida
LHP Salvador Montesino - 35/60 RP discovery from General Escobedo, Nuevo León
2B Oscar Hernández - 20/55 discovery from Cárdenas, Tabasco

Cardenales de Monterrey
Lost
RF David Galván - .275/.360/.368, 4.7 WAR - FA, signed by San Luis
LHP Andrés Amaya - 2.04 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 4.0 WAR - Traded to Tampico
1B David Ramos - .234/.341/.337, 2.3 WAR - FA, signed by Tampico
RHP Juan Martínez - 35/50 RP, 1.84 ERA in LRU - Traded to San Luis
RF José Beltrán - 25/50 - Traded to San Luis

Signed
LHP Roberto García - 2.80 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 2.2 WAR - $34.5k over 4 years, from León
LF Ricardo Palacios - .250/.376/.351, 1.8 WAR - $36.8k over 4 years, from Águilas
RF Iván Alvear - .265/.313/.316, 1.0 WAR - Trade from Tampico
1B Andrés Suárez - .213/.339/.266, 0.6 WAR - Trade from Aguascalientes
2B Orlando Rosas - .213/.228/.270, -1.1 WAR - Trade from Tampico
LF Manuel Ramirez - 20/60 discovery from Yauhquemacan, Tlaxcala
LHP Jesús Pérez - 20/50 SP discovery from Culiacán, Sinaloa

Serpientes de Puebla
Lost
RF Guillermo Villanueva - .321/.399/.477, 4.0 WAR - Traded to León
RHP Rogelio Hernández - 3.29 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, 1.9 WAR - FA, signed by Guadalajara
LHP Chase Dotson - 13 SV, 3.60 ERA, 0.8 WAR - Traded to San Luis
LF José Sansores - 30/50, .280/.328/.369 in LRU - Traded to Tampico
LHP Ricardo Flores - 30/50 RP - Traded to Aguascalientes

Signed
LF Guillermo Cigarroa - .288/.338/.395, 2.6 WAR - $39.5k over 5 years
RHP Gerardo Uribe - 3.05 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 1.9 WAR - Trade from Tampico
CF Armando Correa - 20/60 discovery from Veracruz, Veracruz
RHP Alejandro Perdomo - 20/55 discovery from Mexico City
RF Juan Alcantur - 20/50 - Trade from León
3B Carlos Mancilla - 20/50 - Trade from Tampico

Tunas de San Luis
Lost
RHP Miguel Mata - 14 SV, 1.98 ERA, 0.7 WAR - Traded to Tampico

Signed
RF David Galván - .275/.360/.368, 4.7 WAR - $61.2k over 6 years, from Monterrey
RHP Leovigildo Esparza - 2.85 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 1.3 WAR - $10.8k over 2 years, from Mérida
LHP Chase Dotson - 13 SV, 3.60 ERA, 0.8 WAR - Trade from Puebla
LHP Luis Flores - 40/50 - Trade from Tampico
RHP Juan Martínez - 35/50 RP, 1.84 ERA in LRU - Trade from Monterrey
RF José Beltrán - 25/50 - Trade from Monterrey
1B Roberto García - 20/50, .207/.265/.268 in LRU - Trade from León

Jaibas de Tampico
Lost
RHP Gerardo Uribe - 3.05 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 1.9 WAR - Traded to Puebla
RF Iván Alvear - .265/.313/.316, 1.0 WAR - Traded to Monterrey
RHP Enrique Cruz - 1 SV, 2.25 ERA, -0.2 WAR - Traded to León
2B Orlando Rosas - .213/.228/.270, -1.1 WAR - Traded to Monterrey
LHP Luis Flores - 40/50 - Traded to San Luis
3B Carlos Mancilla - 20/50 - Traded to Puebla

Signed
LHP Andrés Amaya - 2.04 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 4.0 WAR - Trade from Monterrey
1B David Ramos - .234/.341/.337, 2.3 WAR - $21.2k over 3 years, from Monterrey
RHP Miguel Mata - 14 SV, 1.98 ERA, 0.7 WAR - Trade from San Luis
LHP Arthur Barclay - 3 SV, 1.30 ERA, 0.2 WAR - $3.5k for a year
RHP Harold Anderson - 50/50 RP from Round Lake Beach, USA - $11.1k over 3 years
LF José Sansores - 30/50, .280/.328/.369 in LRU - Trade from Puebla

Clubs by payroll
1. León - $125.2k - +56k
2. Tampico - $116.8k - +39k
3. San Luis - $113.6k - +27k
4. Águilas - $91.3k - +23k
5. Jaguares - $90.3k - -15k
6. Monterrey - $89.8k - +10k
7. Mérida - $87.1k - -3k
8. Guadalajara - $80.6k - +10k
9. Puebla - $74.9k - +17k
10. Aguascalientes - $72k - +1k

Highest paid players
1. 3B Carlos Renderos - Mérida - $11.8k
2. RF Andrés Suárez - Monterrey - $11.8k
3. 2B Antonio Monterrosa - Aguascalientes - $11.6k
4. 2B Oziel Rojas - León - $11.6k
5. C Miguel Aldava - León - $10.6k

After covering the biggest moves, the season is almost ready to begin. In the next update we'll go over the preseason results and predictions. Thanks for reading!

[jasg224]

The 1944 Preparation Weeks are over after 60 games played.


Top Hitters
LF Ricardo Palacios (MTY) - 12-29, 3 2B, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 4 SB
2B Rubén Riviera (GDL) - 16-32, 2 2B, 1 HR, 5 RBI
3B Carlos Renderos (MER) - 15-32, 6 2B, 1 RBI

Top Pitchers
LHP Esteban Ramírez (LEO) - 13 IP, 0.69 ERA, 0.85 WHIP, 6 K, 2 BB
LHP Roberto García (MTY) - 8 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0.50 WHIP, 4 K
RHP Israel Álvarez (MTY) - 8 IP, 0.00 ERA, 0.62 WHIP, 1 K

And the experts' predictions for the 1944 season:


Once again, Jaibas de Tampico have been predicted as the best team in the league after a 3rd place finish last year. It's easy to see why, as their roster is absolutely stacked. A rotation that contains Rich Faircloth (2.38 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 3.9 WAR last year), Luis Cruz (1.36 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 3.6 WAR) and Andrés Amaya (2.04 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 4.0 WAR) is not to be taken lightly at all. If that wasn't enough, their lineup contains 1B Mario Morales (.286/.388/.403, 2.7 WAR), 3B Raúl Martínez (.294/.343/.447, 4.5 WAR) and SS Heraclio Rincón (.299/.320/.442, 3.7 WAR). The Crabs are once again clear favorites with key players in every area.

Their closest competitors will be Jaguares de México, who came in 2nd last year. Their rotation, headlined by Carlos Casillas (3.21 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 3.1 WAR), might not be the most talented, but has proven to be consistent enough to compete. Their lineup is probably the most dangerous in Mexico though: C Miguel de León (.286/.345/.422, 3.6 WAR), 1B Max Braud (.261/.348/.354, 2.8 WAR), 2B Gabriel Barrón (.302/.388/.356, 2.9 WAR), SS José Serrano (.252/.313/.328, 4.0 WAR) and CF Manuel Vargas (.275/.415/.412, 4.2 WAR). The Jaguars will prove to be worthy competitors, with an explosive offense capable of hitting off any rotation.

The defending champions in Flechas de León will try to go again after outspending all other teams. Lefty Esteban Ramírez (2.12 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 4.3 WAR) won the Atlatl Award last year, and is poised to lead an experienced rotation to a title once again. Their lineup is filled with talent as well, starting behind the plate with Miguel Aldava (.328/.448/.396, 5.3 WAR), Tlatoani 2B Oziel Rojas (.323/.350/.477, 5.6 WAR), and an outfield with 5 rings amongst the 3 starters. It won't be easy, but they'll definitely have a go at another championship as they have done since the inception of the league.

Elsewhere Aulladores de Mérida with two-time Atlatl Juan González (3.47 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, 2.2 WAR) and Salvadoran star 3B Carlos Renderos (.249/.330/.320, 2.5 WAR), as well as Tunas de San Luis with another two-time Atlatl in Roberto Mestre (2.39 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 3.8 WAR) and Pennsylvanian star SS Harold Montgomery (.240/.368/.296, 5.7 WAR), might make it a more interesting race as they have an outside chance of winning it all.

At the bottom of the table, the usuals: Águilas de México and Serpientes de Puebla. Talent is scarce at this end of the spectrum, though the Snakes have several top 40 prospects to look forward to.

In the next update we'll go over the first month of the season, I'm looking forward to another exciting Ullamaliztli season!

[jasg224]

Ullamaliztli Namiqui: April 1944 Report



We're back to month-to-month reviews as I want to keep this thread fresh and engaging, at least for me. So let's review the comings and goings around the league. It's a tight race at the top, as usual in the Ballgame Union. This year, San Luis have taken an early lead, though they are not the best offensive or defensive team. Those honors belong to the Jaguars, who lead most offensive categories so far. The Mexico City club wishes for better luck in tight games, as their 2-3 record in one-run games is inferior to San Luis' 5-3 in the same category. Also tied in second place is the league's best rotation in Aguascalientes. It seems like it took Artemio Holguín 6 years and 4 different teams, but the Tuzos' 4th starter has allowed just one run in 28 innings pitched this year. Tied in third are preseason favorites Tampico and the Howler Monkeys of Mérida. The Aulladores seem to be struggling to find pitching consistency, despite Pablo Hinojosa and Carlos Delgado working wonders at the top of the rotation, and their offense appears to be firing on all cylinders. Still, there's better teams in the race but I'm certain the three-time champions will keep it interesting all the way. Meanwhile, Tampico have been all power, leading the league in homers with Salvadoran outfielder David Ramos slugging it out for the lead with Alberto Campana and Enrique Pérez. In their rotation, Luis Cruz found a way to be even better than last year, while Rich Faircloth maintains his high effectiveness despite some players starting to figure him out already.

At the bottom of the table, Águilas are on pace for the worst ever record. They've only won 4 games: one each against Aguascalientes, León, Jaguares and San Luis. Their pitching has been bad and unlucky, as even their best pitcher in Vinicio Arizpe has a 0-3 record despite a low 2.45 ERA. The pitcher with the highest ERA is yank Ben Lintner at 5.67, but the underlying stats show he's giving up important hits at the worst time, as he's pitched to a 5.67 ERA and -1.4 WPA but also a 2.82 FIP and 0.7 WAR. They're generally just an aging team with players who weren't all that talented. Some hope for the future remains, as 2B José García (17), 3B Pedro Ayala (26), LF Carlos Carrillo (25) and LF Carlos Flores (23) have the potential to make up a young core to potentially build around.

Hitter of the Month
C Victor Albornoz - San Luis

Albornoz hit .397/.487/.632 in 18 games this month, legging out 10 doubles to go along with 2 homers and 19 runs produced. The veteran catcher has hit in 16 straight and is also carrying a 25 game on-base streak which started in July 1943.

Pitcher of the Month
RH Artemio Holguín - Aguascalientes

As mentioned previously, Holguín has allowed just one run in 4 starts, with his pitching line being: 4-0, 0.32 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 13 K, 6 BB after 28 innings. The 30 year-old's breakout has been very surprising, as his 3.22 career ERA and 4.16 ERA in 24 starts last year meant very few people expected him to be amongst the league's best in 1944.
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It's been an interesting start to the league. In the next update we'll cover the results of May. Thanks for reading!

[jasg224]

Ullamaliztli Namiqui: May 1944 Report

San Luis have taken control of the lead, losing only 6 games this month! A deadly lineup powered by C Victor Albornoz (.347/.444/.528, 36 RBI) and LF Oscar Valladolid (.371/.444/.478, 32 RBI) have taken over the league by storm, and the club is averaging a bit over 5 runs per game. Their pitching has been up to par as well, with the highlight being the resurgence of two-time Atlat Roberto Mestre (5-0, 1.53 ERA, 0.91 WHIP) who is leading the league in ERA for the first time since 1939. The San Luis captain is on his way to a 4th ring and 3rd Atlatl Award at age 32. Many questioned the decision to let Salvadoran 3B Carlos Renderos walk prior to the 1943 season, following the best season of his career (.312/.387/.426, 53 RBI). The club then traded for Ramiro Randón from Aguascalientes, and his performance only raised more questions about the future of the hot corner in San Luis (.225/.324/.297, 21 RBI). This year, the Tunas announced their starter would be Jesús Herrera, a 19 year old from Saltillo who had hit .402/.503/.738 in the Youth Championship with Coahuila in 2 years. A lot of questions were asked about his readiness for the pro level, but the youngster has proved he's more than ready, becoming one of the hottest hitters in the Tunas lineup and a clear candidate for the Moyaomamachtoani Award. So far this year, Herrera has hit .324/.399/.430 with 28 RBI and alright defense at third (1 ZR). It is this consistency amongst all players that make the San Luis lineup the best in the league, with the only players hitting below .280 are the best defenders on the team (SS Harold Montgomery and CF Manuel Escobedo).

The Jaguars won't lose hope however, as they have a powerful offense of their own, scoring the same amount of runs as San Luis. 2B Gabriel Barrón is having a fantastic 2nd season in the capital, hitting .399/.500/.464 with 24 RBI so far. C Miguel de León (.333/.396/.545, 42 RBI) and RF Manuel Vargas (.321/.467/.429, 20 RBI) back him up, making it clear the capital team can compete with whoever. Their pitching has also been amongst the league best, second-year pitcher Carlos Macías (6-1, 2.02 ERA, 1.11 WHIP) has emerged as one of the league's best, throwing behind 24 year old Javier García (4-2, 2.14 ERA, 1.03 WHIP), Diego Hernández (4-4, 3.21 ERA, 1.43 WHIP) and lefty Carlos Casillas (4-4, 3.28 ERA, 1.43 WHIP). The Jaguars won't lose hope, and their team is probably championship caliber but San Luis might just be too good to catch up to.

Santos gets #100!
Tunas de San Luis pitcher Jacinto Santos has pitched in 206 games in his 9 year career, but the game he threw on Saturday May 6th might be one of the most memorable. At home in the Estadio de la Plata, the veteran righty threw 7 innings, allowing 4 runs on 11 hits and walk while striking out 7 Obsidian players. Not his best performance, but a three run inning from the Tunas in the bottom of the 7th meant Santos would be getting his 100th win! The Hidalgo, Michoacán native is the first to reach the century in the league. He then got his 101st and 102nd wins against León and Puebla.

In his career, Santos has played for Guadalajara, Jaguares and Tampico before signing with San Luis prior to the 1942 season. His 61.4% winning record is 4th best in league history. He also led the league in wins in 1936 with 19 and in 1940 with 17, the same year he won his only title to date with Jaguares. In his career, Santos has a 102-64 record, with a 2.69 ERA and 1.20 WHIP after 1,592 innings of play. Jacinto won the 1937 Atlatl Award with a 12-3 record, 1.97 ERA and 1.05 WHIP in 21 games as well as the 1938 Temanahui Award in the pitcher position. In his second to last year in San Luis, he shows little signs of slowing down, pitching to a 6-2 record, 2.87 ERA and 1.26 WHIP through 62 and 2 thirds innings this year (8 starts). Santos has been one of the most consistent pitchers in the league's 9 year history and he's a clear favorite to be inducted into the league's first Hall of Fame classes once he retires.

Hitter of the Month
2B Gabriel Barrón - Jaguares de México

Barrón hit .395/.509/.488 after playing all 23 games this month, together with 8 doubles and 18 runs driven in. The second baseman has gotten on base in the last 15 games.

Pitcher of the Month
RHP Roberto Mestre - Tunas de San Luis

Mestre won 3 of his 5 starts this month, managing a 1.02 ERA and 0.85 WHIP with 14 strikeouts and 7 walks. The veteran righty continues his resurgence, lowering his ERA from 1.96 to 1.53 ERA after a great month. Roberto has a 13 game undefeated streak.

Let's check in on the award races:
Tlatoani Award
CF Alberto Campana - Puebla - .299/.330/.529, 11 2B, 4 3B, 8 HR, 44 RBI
LF Oscar Valladolid - San Luis - .371/.444/.478, 9 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 32 RBI
C Miguel de León - Jaguares - .333/.396/.545, 11 2B, 8 HR, 42 RBI
LHP Esteban Ramírez - León - 6-2, 2.28 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 48 K, 18 BB
RF Manuel Vargas - Jaguares - .321/.467/.429, 11 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 20 RBI

Atlatl Award
LHP Esteban Ramírez - León
RHP Roberto Mestre - San Luis - 5-0, 1.53 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, 32 K, 16 BB
RHP Israel Álvarez - Monterrey - 4-4, 2.54 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 35 K, 20 BB
LHP Leo López - Guadalajara - 3-5, 3.04 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, 29 K, 21 BB
RHP Primitivo Espinosa - León - 4-3, 2.93 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 27 K, 20 BB

Moyaomamachtiani Award
3B Jesús Herrera - San Luis - .324/.399/.430, 4 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 28 RBI
C David Cruz - Guadalajara - .312/.349/.362, 4 2B, 1 HR, 14 RBI
RF Carlos Flores - Águilas - .278/.319/.376, 9 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 18 RBI

2 months (and 9 games) to go! Thanks for reading!

[jasg224]

June 1944 in the Mexican Ballgame


San Luis keep keeping on with a 13-12 June. This drop in form allows a 13-10 Jaguars to creep one game closer than they were one month ago. Jaguars second baseman Gabriel Barrón gets his hitting streak snapped at 21 games, just 7 games short of breaking the record set by Oscar Valladolid in 1938. Roberto Mestre allows 9 runs in 3 games, while teammate Leovigildo Esparza lowers his ERA to 2.04 on the season which means he now leads the league in that category.

Monterrosa first to One Thousand! Loaiza follows suit
Few players have been as consistent since the inception of the league as shortstop Antonio Monterrosa. He was the first Tlatoani of the league, leading the league with 119 hits in his first season. 8 years later, Monterrosa has gotten over 110 hits in 7 seasons and is on pace for another one. The only season he didn't get to the centurion was in 1939, when he missed significant time due to a sprained thumb. On June 14th of the present year, the Aguascalientes shortstop hit his 79th hit of the season, and the 1000th in his illustrious Ullamaliztli career. The Otzolotepec native has been on a slump since getting his 1000th, hitting .115 since June 16th. In his career, Antonio has hit .305/.345/.403, with 185 doubles, 36 triples and 21 homers, winning 4 Teyatloani awards for his outstanding hitting as a shortstop as well as the 1936 championship with Mérida.

Long time Guadalajara second baseman César Loaiza was the second player this month to get his 1,000th hit. In the middle of an 8-game hitting streak and as part of a 2-hit game against Aguascalientes, Loaiza tagged a double for his 1,000th. Since then he's tied Monterrosa's 1,006 at the top of the leaderboard. After 833 career games, the Vallarta keystone has hit .304/.350/.422, with 189 doubles, 19 triples and 55 homers, driving in 435 runs. Loaiza has won 4 Teyatloani award, a Temanahui award as well as the 1936 Newcomer award due to being the best young player in the league's first season.

Hitter of the Month
RF Edwin Esparza - Mérida
The 30 year old hit .343/.411/.566 in 25 games this month, smacking 9 doubles, 2 triples and 3 homers for 18 runs batted in.

Pitcher of the Month
RHP Faustino Campos - San Luis
After collecting his 100th win, Campos started 7 games in June. He had a 5-2 record, with a 1.31 ERA and 0.85 WHIP in 62 innings. "El Triste" struck out 25 batters and walked 13.

Here's how the award races are going so far (by WAR):
Tlatoani Award
CF Alberto Campana - Puebla - .321/.351/.524, 15 2B, 6 3B, 11 HR, 59 RBI
LHP Esteban Ramírez - León - 7-4, 2.72 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 69 K, 31 BB
SS José Serrano - Jaguares - .316/.393/.388, 12 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 40 RBI
C Victor Albornoz - San Luis - .332/.411/.475, 16 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR, 44 RBI
C Guillermo Meraz - Tampico - .301/.373/.496, 14 2B, 10 HR, 36 RBI

Atlatl Award
LHP Esteban Ramírez - León
LHP Carlos Casillas - Jaguares - 7-6, 2.71 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 66 K, 41 BB
RHP Israel Álvarez - Monterrey - 6-5, 2.72 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 54 K, 29 BB
LHP Leo López - Guadalajara - 6-6, 3.68 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 56 K, 35 BB
LHP Andrés Amaya - Tampico - 6-7, 3.09 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 53 K, 45 BB

Moyaomamachtiani Award
C David Cruz - Guadalajara - .312/.370/.349, 5 2B, 1 HR, 22 RBI
2B José García - Águilas - .281/.303/.404, 12 2B, 3 3B, 1 HR, 25 RBI
C Ernesto González - Mérida - .261/.374/.352, 8 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 14 RBI
RF Carlos Flores - Águilas - .273/.316/.379, 16 2B, 3 3B, 3 HR, 25 RBI
3B Jesús Herrera - San Luis - .255/.339/.332, 6 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 33 RBI

End of season report next. Thanks for reading!

[jasg224]

1944 End of Season Review


Going 9-11 in their last 20 didn't do any favors to the San Luis team, but their early dominance was enough for Tunas de San Luis to win the 1944 Championship by just one game! Despite not being the best, the Tunas were a solid all round team finishing 3rd in offense and 2nd in defense. San Luis win their 4th title, their first since 1939!

Key players:
RHP Roberto Mestre - 13-3, 1.98 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 75 K, 58 BB
RHP Leovigildo Esparza - 10-4, 2.59 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 41 K, 47 BB
RHP Faustino Campos - 9-9, 3.22 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 66 K, 58 BB
RHP Jacinto Santos - 10-10, 3.28 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 54 K, 42 BB

RF David Galván - .287/.368/.405, 26 2B, 6 3B, 5 HR, 45 RBI, 17 SB
C Victor Albornoz - .298/.389/.435, 20 2B, 2 3B, 7 HR, 54 RBI
LF Oscar Valladolid - .333/.399/.440, 17 2B, 1 3B, 8 HR, 71 RBI, 1 SB
SS Harold Montgomery - .245/.340/.302, 14 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 46 RBI, 14.7 ZR (SS)

It was a close one in the end, as Tampico had a very hot finish and Jaguares ending up close as well. July 28th was the last day Jaguares held the second spot, when a hot Blue Crabs team came storming up the table. The northeastern club went 28-12 to close out the season and were just 2 games away from overtaking a slumping San Luis team. I wasn't meant to be though, even if Tampico were the second best offense with the likes of C Guillermo Meraz (.307/.385/.488) and the best defense behind a rotation that included Luis Cruz (12-5, 2.34 ERA), Jonathan Estrada (13-7, 2.43 ERA) and Rich Faircloth (8-3, 2.76 ERA). Jaguares were chasing all season long, but a mediocre 22-19 end to their season meant they were relegated to 3rd place. It was a disappointing finish for the best offense in the league, but this very talented squad will be ready to go again next year.

1943 Champions León had the most disappointing season, ending up in last place for the first time in history! To finish 22 games back just one year after winning it all is the toughest of blows and it cost manager Antonio Huerta his job. They kept the highest payroll in the league, but nothing went right for them. The rotation, while talented, saw every pitcher but Primitivo Espinosa put up worse numbers than in 1943. They also struggled offensively, missing key players such as C Miguel Aldava (4 weeks) and 2B Oziel Rojas (9 weeks) for significant periods of time, while other regulars and replacement players hit at or below league average. Perhaps the new manager can retool what is still a talented squad and get them over the ultimate championship hangover.
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Staff and Player Movement
- As mentioned above, León let manager Antonio Huerta go after 3 years in charge. He held a 172-152 record, winning the 1943 Ullamaliztli Namiqui.
- 4 big time pitchers retired from the league, here are their numbers:

RHP Antonio Aguilar - 1936-44 - León and Puebla - Retires at 37
Career: 200 G, 194 GS, 78-79, 1,486 IP, 3.43 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, 431 K, 358 BB, 22.7 WAR
Best Season: 30 G, 28 GS, 12-14, 252 IP, 2.68 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 47 K, 42 BB, 3.7 WAR with León in 1936
Achievements: 1943 Champion with León, 10th in career wins, 6th in career shutouts (17)

LHP Francisco Camacho - 1936-44 - San Luis - Retires at 39
Career: 185 G, 148 GS, 84-49, 1,210.2 IP, 2.71 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 440 K, 334 BB, 17.7 WAR
Best Season: 30 G, 29 GS, 15-14, 252.1 IP, 2.25 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 60 K, 48 BB, 3.2 WAR with San Luis in 1936
Achievements: 1936 and 1941 Temanahui at P, 1937, 1938, 1939 and 1944 Champion with San Luis, 8th in career wins, 4th in career shutouts (21)

RHP Ezequiel Anguiano - 1936-44 - Águilas and León - Retires at 36
Career: 171 G, 106 GS, 43-65, 928 IP, 3.72 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 391 K, 300 BB, 11.2 WAR
Best Season: 23 G, 21 GS, 8-11, 173.1 IP, 3.06 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 86 K, 51 BB, 3.2 WAR with Águilas in 1937
Achievements: 1938 Teyaotlani at P

RHP César Plascencia - 1936-44 - San Luis, Tampico, Águilas and Guadalajara - Retires at 36
Career: 162 G, 136 GS, 51-60, 1,053 IP, 3.51 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 438 K, 352 BB, 6.5 WAR
Best Season: 21 GS, 9-9, 175.2 IP, 2.36 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, 97 K, 38 BB, 2.1 WAR with San Luis in 1937
Achievements: 1937 and 1938 Champion with San Luis
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Onto the 1944 Awards!

Tlatoani Award


For the first time in his illustrious career, Mérida outfielder Edwin Esparza has won the Tlatoani Award! Despite Mérida not competing for the title this year, Esparza was a great asset for them. He hit .327/.377/.502, leading the league in slugging as well as OPS (.880). This year he was 3rd in hits (145), doubles (32) and triples (8). His 5.1 WAR saw him second only to Tampico C Guillermo Meraz who had a 5.2. Esparza's clear offensive superiority as well as better defensive performance, albeit at a less demanding position, sees the Mérida right fielder win his first Tlatoani Award.

Runners up were Meraz (.307/.385/.488, 5.2 WAR) and Jaguares SS José Serrano (.305/.370/.398, 5.0 WAR).

Atlatl Award


Here's a familiar face: San Luis righty Roberto Mestre wins his third Atlatl Award, 5 years after! Some say he never stopped dominating, even calling him underrated, but this was Mestre's best season since 1939 by most metrics. His 13-3 record was the best in the league, and he also finished 2nd in ERA (1.98), 5th in WHIP (1.13) and strikeouts (75), and 1st in quality starts (21) and shutouts (6). While his 3.9 WAR might not be all that impressive, his overall performance was the best in the league as he aided the Tunas to their 4th title.

Runners up were Tampico righty Luis Cruz (12-5, 2.34 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 4.0 WAR) and 1943 winner Esteban Ramírez (7-10, 3.32 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 4.3 WAR).

Moyaomamachtiani Award


After playing for Campeche in the Youth Championship last year, 2B José García became the professional league's best newcomer. The 18 year-old hit .304/.322/.422 with 27 doubles, 3 triples and a homer for 40 RBI. The Águilas 2B led all newcomers in slugging, OPS (.743), doubles and RBI. Alongside his batting skills, his great defense make him one to watch for the future.

Runners up were a pair of backstops, from Guadalajara David Cruz (.322/.376/.366, 2.7 WAR) and from Mérida Ernesto González (.267/.361/.348, 1.6 WAR).

Temanahui Award
P Luis Cruz (TAM) - 2nd, 1.000 PCT, 2.9 ZR, 13 RTO
C José López (AGU) - 1st, .995 PCT, 4.1 ZR, 26 RTO (46.4%)
1B Enrique Pérez (AGS) - 1st, .994 PCT, 6.5 ZR
2B Ehécatl Cocom (AGS) - 1st, .953 PCT, 3.2 ZR
3B Heriberto Rodríguez (MTY) - 3rd, .957 PCT, 9.0 ZR
SS José Parra (MTY) - 2nd, .956 PCT, 28.0 ZR
LF Antonio Cervantes (JAG) - 1st, 1.000 PCT, 11.5 ZR
CF Raúl Pérez (TAM) - 3rd, .978 PCT, 18.0 ZR
RF David de la Rosa (GDL) - 1st, .955 PCT, 11.5 ZR

Teyaotlani Award
P Primitivo Espinosa (LEO) - 1st, .315/.362/.333, 1 2B, 12 RBI
C Guillermo Meraz (TAM) - 1st, .307/.385/.488, 21 2B, 1 3B, 13 HR, 56 RBI
1B Mario Morales (TAM) - 5th, .265/.376/.470, 24 2B, 3 3B, 13 HR, 55 RBI
2B Gabriel Barrón (JAG) - 1st, .351/.438/.412, 20 2B, 2 HR, 61 RBI
3B Carlos Renderos (MER) - 3rd, .288/.351/.429, 30 2B, 5 3B, 7 HR, 48 RBI
SS José Serrano (JAG) - 2nd, .305/.370/.398, 22 2B, 4 3B, 3 HR, 65 RBI
LF Orlando Melara (TAM) - 2nd, .302/.415/.446, 30 2B, 6 3B, 6 HR, 50 RBI
CF Alberto Campana (PUE) - 1st, .301/.335/.474, 19 2B, 8 3B, 14 HR, 86 RBI
RF Edwin Esparza (MER) - 4th, .327/.377/.502, 32 2B, 8 3B, 10 HR, 60 RBI

Mayas de Kanasín (MER) win the Reserve League (67-41). Their best player was SS Manuel Monje (.287/.414/.408, 6.7 WAR). Jaguares de Chiapas (35-13-4) win the Youth Championship final 4-2 against Olmecas de Tabasco (28-14-10).