The Pastime Baseball League

[EMSoccerCoach]

Pastime Baseball League

PBL 2010 Award Winners Announced

Northern League Outstanding Hitter
Dan Brouthers (1B, Louisville Racers)

G	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	AVG	OBP	SLG	SB
158	668	199	25	4	35	130	23	105	.298	.323	.504	0

Northern League Outstanding Pitcher
Satchel Paige (Philadelphia Ringers)

G	GS	Rec	SV	ERA	IP	HA	HR	BB	K	WHIP
35	35	17-8	0	2.93	264.1	219	14	82	261	1.14

Southern League Outstanding Hitter
Oscar Charleston (CF, Memphis Strummers)

G	AB	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	K	AVG	OBP	SLG	SB
134	526	209	37	12	26	101	81	51	.397	.479	.662	19

Southern League Outstanding Pitcher
Ted Trent (San Antonio Sheriffs)

G	GS	Rec	SV	ERA	IP	HA	HR	BB	K	WHIP
32	32	21-5	0	2.58	241.0	196	8	54	225	1.04

[EMSoccerCoach]

with the new patch supposedly out this week, the PBL is going to be on hold. The patch is supposed to include, per Markus, the ability to import players into the amateur draft pool. This will help me, rather than have me have to edit 100 fictional players to match the guys who are supposed to enter the draft. So we'll take a little commercial break here

If you have any questions, any players you want to know about, leaderboards, etc., let me know and I'll be glad to post.

[PWillisTheMan]

Just read this thread today, it's a great uni. I'm more into statistical Baseball nowadays than I am in watching live games. But I grew up following my Orioles in the 70's. Hopefully Eddie Murray's draft class will come up soon.

Also a huge Barry Bonds fan, until a class comes with someone I really loved. I'm going to pull for satchel and the Ringers. I may be the only man alive that detests Babe Ruth, so I shall battle the Chicago fans.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Originally Posted by PWillisTheMan

Just read this thread today, it's a great uni. I'm more into statistical Baseball nowadays than I am in watching live games. But I grew up following my Orioles in the 70's. Hopefully Eddie Murray's draft class will come up soon.

Also a huge Barry Bonds fan, until a class comes with someone I really loved. I'm going to pull for satchel and the Ringers. I may be the only man alive that detests Babe Ruth, so I shall battle the Chicago fans.

First, thanks for visiting the thread. Appreciate the kind words.

As for the draft classes, you've got a while on both. I think Murray is actually in one of the last draft classes to be had, 20 years or so down the line

As an O's fan, the closest guys of note for you are, I believe, Jim Palmer and Dave McNally, who both should be in the 2012 draft.

[PWillisTheMan]

Ah, I thought you drew the year randomly. I'm a huge palmer fan as well. Saw him pitch live dozens of times, hopefully he teams up with paige in Philly.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Originally Posted by PWillisTheMan

Ah, I thought you drew the year randomly. I'm a huge palmer fan as well. Saw him pitch live dozens of times, hopefully he teams up with paige in Philly.

I drew it randomly, but saved the random order the spreadsheet spit out. So I didn't hand select what years get drafted when, but I know when they happen, at least the next few.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Ya know, after further review, I think I will go back to doing it random after each year instead of the preset...when I thought I was going to have to input each year manually, I figured knowing years down the line would give me a head start. But with Markus implementing the import into draft pool feature, that's not really necessary. So maybe you'll get lucky and Murray or Bonds will come up sooner than later.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Should've done one more year before the patch...oh well, we'll pick up this week.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Further delays with the patch...REALLY should have gone one more year pre-patch.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Tired of waiting for the next patch. I'm going to edit the draft class this year myself and get this moving again. Should be up and running in a couple of days.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Overly optimistic on my timeline, but I have begun editing the players. A bit busy with work and coaching, but the PBL will be back shortly...within the week, I hope!

[EMSoccerCoach]

Pastime Baseball League



Cougars Make Beckwith Top Pick

After scoring 58 fewer runs, batting 12 points less and - most importantly - losing 26 more games than the prior season, the Charlotte Cougars hope to revitalize their offense with the selection of slugging shortstop John Beckwith as the top choice in this year's amateur draft.

Beckwith's raw power is considered to be top notch and, though expected to strike out often, he also will walk and hit for a solid average.

Beckwith should walk right in to replace incumbent Bill Dahlen, who hit .218 with 21 homers and 58 RBI this season.

The remainder of the first round went as follows:

Alabama Airmen: LF Ted Strong

Indianapolis Engines: 1B Stan Musial

Las Vegas Bosses: RF Tommy Holmes

Arizona Sandmen: CF Andy Pafko

Sacramento Stingers: CF Harry Walker

Memphis Strummers: LF Dick Wakefield

Chicago Hitmen: SP Howie Pollet

Los Angeles Idols: CF Pete Reiser

Philadelphia Ringers: LF Sid Gordon

Louisville Racers: RF Willard Marshall

Orlando Orcas: SP Red Munger

New Orleans Knights: MR Ted Wilks

New York Heroes: RF Pete Mullin

San Antonio Sheriffs: SP Joe Page

Wichita Brigade: SS Marty Marion

[EMSoccerCoach]

Pastime Baseball League

2010 Gold Glove Winners

Northern League

C - Dick Higham (2)
1B - Frank Isbell
2B - Orlando Hudson
3B - George Davis
SS - Bill Dahlen
LF - Abner Dalrymple (2)
CF - Billy Hamilton (2)
RF - Billy Southworth
P - Pud Galvin (2)

Southern League

C - Buck Ewing
1B - Buck O'Neil (2)
2B - Bobby Lowe
3B - Bill Bradley
SS - Rafael Furcal
LF - Alejandro Oms
CF - Curtis Granderson
RF - Benjamin Boyd
P - Joe Corbett

[EMSoccerCoach]

Pastime Baseball League

Preseason 2011 Edition

The 16 teams of the Pastime Baseball League have reported to spring training and the exhibition season gets going in a matter of days. The defending champion New Orleans Knights look to defend their PBL championship and an influx of new talent from the November draft should bring changes around the league.

Here we will look at each team, recap their 2010 season and draft and address the biggest question surrounding each team.

Northern League East

Charlotte Cougars

2010 Record: 60-102, 4th Place, 38 GB
Draft Recap: John Beckwith (SS), Mickey Harris (P), Ralph Branca (P), Ed Lopat (P), Tex Hughson (P)

Big Question: Pitching again?

Last year, the Cougars picked 4 pitchers in the 5-round draft. The result? They allowed 98 more runs than the prior year. So what do they do this time? Draft four more pitchers. Beckwith as the top overall pick should produce - though he replaces the Gold Glover Bill Dahlen. But the Cougars need their pitching to pan out this time around.

Louisville Racers

2010 Record: 85-77, 2nd Place, 13 GB
Draft Recap: Willard Marshall (RF), George Kell (3B), Eddie Yost (3B), Fats Jenkins (LF), Bill Voiselle (P)

Big Question: Is Marshall the answer?
Louisville went for pitching last season, and shaved more than 100 runs allowed off their pitching staff. But their offense lost more than 100 runs as well, as pitchers were less likely to throw to Dan Brouthers (.298-35-130). Joe Kelley was second on the team in homers, with 11. The hope is that Marshall develops quickly.


New York Heroes
2009 Record: 98-64, 1st Place, Won NLCS over Wichita in 5 games, Lost PBL Championship Series to New Orleans in 4 games
Draft Recap: Pat Mullin (RF), Dom Dimaggio (CF), Joe Coleman (P), Johnny Lindell (P), Johnny Lipon (SS)

Big Question: Do they get over the hump?
The Heroes were knocked out in the NLCS in 2009, and lost the PBL Championship Series last year. So the obvious question here is can they seal the deal? They have the talent. The draft was to fill spots rather than needs. This is a young team with plenty of growth time ahead of them. They will be the favorites to take the division at least for the third year in a row.


Philadelphia Ringers
2009 Record: 81-81, 3rd Place, 17 GB
Draft Recap: Sid Gordon (LF), Gil Hodges (1B), Billy Johnson (3B), Clyde McCullough (C), Peanuts Lowrey (CF)

Big Question: No pitching?
Why did the Ringers, whose top-heavy pitching staff really needs strong arms behind ace Satchel Paige (17-8, 2.93) to continue making headway, not draft a single pitcher? The Ringers made a 15-game improvement in 2010, and pitching would help that continue. Offensively, Gordon's an outfielder naturally, but don't be surprised if he ends up at third base, where incumbent Ned Williamson underachieved (.253-13-60). Gil Hodges will get every chance to unseat the good OBP, poor power-possessing Dan McGann (.291-4-22).

[kenyan_cheena]

I have high hopes for the Hitmen this year!

[PWillisTheMan]

I hate it when sims do bizarre drafting. Though the unknown aspect is fun and war Philly anyway.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Originally Posted by PWillisTheMan

I hate it when sims do bizarre drafting. Though the unknown aspect is fun and war Philly anyway.

Which is bizarre that you're talking about? Not that some guys aren't picked in what seems like an inappropriate slot, but a lot of those guys had peaks that were strong, they just couldn't sustain it as well as others. But potential ratings are based on those peaks.

I give everyone their rookie ratings to start and their peaks as potentials. The fun is seeing who reaches their peak.

Reading this again, I assume you're talking about the draft ignoring need, not the order of the players themselves...shouldn't have come on here that early this morning

[EMSoccerCoach]

Pastime Baseball League

Preseason 2011 Edition (cont)

Northern League West

Chicago Hitmen

2010 Record: 80-82, 2nd Place, 21 GB
Draft Recap: Howie Pollet (P), Johnny Sain (P), Sid Hudson (P), Jim Konstanty (P), Eddie Waitkus (1B)

Big Question: How big a leap?
The Chicago Hitmen were poised to improve over the worst record in baseball, and did that - and more. A September injury to Babe Ruth cost the Hitmen a .500 season - remarkable for a team that won only 58 games the year before. Chicago relied on Ruth and improvements from Adam Dunn and Albert Pujols, as well as Josh Hamilton. The result was the league's #2 offense. Now they address pitching, drafting pitchers in the first four rounds. Some feel Sain has the most potential, but Pollet is the most polished right now. Chicago has tried to get away without a bullpen in the PBLs first two years...that seems poised to change this season, as they strive for pitching depth. Expecting another 22-win improvement is a stretch, but the Hitmen could win 90 games and be in the hunt.


Indianapolis Engines
2010 Record: 64-98, 4th Place, 37 GB
Draft Recap: Stan Musial (1B), Andy Seminick (C), Phil Rizzuto (SS), Eddie Robinson (1B), Tiny Bonham (P)

Big Question: Where's the pitching?
Choosing Musial in the first round was a no-brainer, but this team needs pitching. They wore their staff down in 2009, using only 9 pitchers all year. In 2010, the staff was virtually unchanged personnel wise, but allowed 174 more runs than in '09. And yet, they spent their first four picks in this draft on bats. Seminick is raw, and probably could have been gotten later. Rizzuto slipping to the third round was a surprise and a fine pickup, but not necessarily the direction the Engines needed to go at this point.


Sacramento Stingers
2010 Record: 77-85, 3rd Place, 24 GB
Draft Recap: Harry Walker (LF), Hank Sauer (LF), Aaron Robinson (C), Al Zarilla (RF), Don Johnson (2B)

Big Question: Improvement or mirage?
The Stingers scored 30 fewer runs than in '09, allowed 27 more, and improved by 14 games. Reinforcements should come this year, as last year's draft picks - led by Harry Heilmann - should be noticed this season. The avoidance of drafting pitching at all is shocking here, as a 5.00 team ERA won't get it done...certainly not in a division with Wichita and Chicago. Cole Hamels' improvement (15-5, 3.48) was a highlight, but was countered by Jim Devlin's collapse from 17-game winner to 7-game winner with a 6+ ERA.


Wichita Brigade
2010 Record: 101-61, 1st Place, Lost NLCS to New York in 5 games
Draft Recap: Marty Marion (SS), Johnny Pesky (SS), Buddy Kerr (3B), Orval Grove (P), Jimmie Lyons (LF)

Big Question: Why draft for shortstop ?
It's hard to argue with the PBL's only two-time 100-game winners, but the draft was puzzling. Mike Moynahan was 2010 Rookie of the Year...he plays shortstop. Yet Wichita took two shortstops - and high-ceiling ones at that - with the first two picks. Does this set up a trade? Is there a shift in mind? Robinson Cano has excelled at second base, as a two-time All-Star. They've given him time at first when Frank Isbell went down, but Isbell not only hit .301 last year but won the Gold Glove, so moving him to DH doesn't make sense. Perhaps Cano goes to DH and one of the draftees shifts to second. Wichita has tried plenty of things, and most of them have worked. This one will be interesting.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Pastime Baseball League

Preseason 2011 Edition (cont)

Southern League East

Alabama Airmen

2010 Record: 63-99, 4th Place, 32 GB
Draft Recap: Ted Strong (LF), Warren Spahn (P), Virgil Trucks (P), Joe Nuxhall (P), Oscar Judd (P)

Big Question: Can they find balance?
Last year at this time, the question was "Does the offense grow up?" The answer was a definite yes, as the Airmen scored 80 more runs than in 2009 behind the growth of Joe Mauer (.318-10-69), Mike Jacobs (.263-19-97) and Mike Tiernan (.283-20-92). The offense is by no means a juggernaut, but it's expected the continued development of the aforementioned core, as well as Ed Delahanty (.275, 43 doubles) and rookie Ted Strong, should make it formidable enough to compete if the pitching holds up its end. Spahn, Trucks and Nuxhall will all get chances to crack this rotation, whose ace - Joe Corbett - lost 19 games.


Memphis Strummers

2010 Record: 79-83, 3rd Place, 16 GB
Draft Recap: Dick Wakefield (LF), Danny Litwhiler (RF), Walker Cooper (C), Hank Wyse (P), Jim Hegan (C)

Big Question: How big a rebound?
Matter of factly, Memphis will not be below .500 again. The Strummers fell from winning the Southern League pennant in 2009 to a sub-.500 season last year, as injuries and unexpected declines combined to tear the Strummers down. Cupid Childs saw his OPS fall from .819 to .653, while Cap Anson's slipped from .947 to .694 in a drop that has alarmed the Memphis brass. Deacon White's fell from .890 to .669, too. All of these players will likely rebound, particularly Anson. That means more support for the only Outstanding Hitter the Southern League has known in its 2-year infancy - repeat winner Oscar Charleston. Add in pitcher Sadie McMahon's drop from 19-8, 2.74 to 11-19, 5.17, and you have a season that spiraled out of control. Memphis will be better. The question is if they can make it back to their '09 form.


New Orleans Knights
2009 Record: 95-67, 1st Place, Won SLCS over San Antonio 4-1, Won PBL Championship Series over New York 4-0.
Draft Recap: Ted Wilks (P), Cass Michaels (2B), Tommy Byrne (P), Pee Wee Reese (SS), Ewell Blackwell (P)

Big Question: Can they repeat?
New Orleans did everything right last year. They stayed healthy, got production from every part of the lineup (8 players with a 30+ VORP for a lineup that averaged a whopping 6 runs a game) and pitched brilliantly. Even their one "off" season, from Doc McJames (15-12, 3.89) was countered by his late-season surge that culminated in a postseason in which he went 2-1 with a 2.08 ERA and a pair of complete game victories. Simply, there was no blemish on Walter Alston's squad. Can they handle a bump if it comes? We'll likely find out, as such a smooth ride is unlikely to occur again.


Orlando Orcas
2010 Record: 85-77, 2nd Place, 10 GB
Draft Recap: Red Munger (P), Gene Woodling (LF), Al Javery (P), Granny Hamner (SS), Larry Brecheen (P)

Big Question: Can they surprise again?
Orlando lost 90 games in 2009, and many doubted there would be much improvement last year. But the Orcas picked up 13 games, and did so despite the shocking midseason trade of Ryan Howard - who had 22 homers in 86 games for Orlando. Ezra Sutton has become one of the league's most underrated players (.312-27-122 with little fanfare) and Rookie of the Year Buck Freeman (.319-24-76) are the centerpieces of a lineup that was the Southern League's second best behind New Orelans' powerhouse crew. On the pitching side, rookie Larry Cheney (14-5, 4.30) was solid, and Francisco Liriano (17-13, 3.56) seems a step away from being a legitimate ace. The final piece here would be Honus Wagner, who after a horrific 2009 and first half of 2010 seemed to get on track, wrapping up the year with 47 doubles and a .267 average. Scouts continue to maintain Wagner will evolve into one of the PBL's top players.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Pastime Baseball League

Preseason 2011 Edition (cont)

Arizona Sandmen

2010 Record: 74-88, 3rd Place, 27 GB
Draft Recap: Andy Pafko (LF), Whitey Kurowski (3B), Allie Reynolds (P), Dick Redding (P), Pete Suder (2B)

Big Question: What happened to Nap Lajoie?

In the PBL's inaugural season, Lajoie was a dynamic force. From .313-26-111 in 2009 to .248-24-97 last year, Lajoie saw his OPS drop 165 points. Simply, if Lajoie doesn't produce the Sandmen are sunk. This has the potential to be a very interesting draft crop for Arizona, as Pafko, Reynolds and Redding are all considered to have major upsides. But their course will ride on Lajoie.

Las Vegas Bosses

2010 Record: 73-89, 4th Place, 28 GB
Draft Recap: Tommy Holmes (RF), Al Brazle (P), Ray Scarborough (P), Bob Lemon (P), Stan Spence (CF)

Big Question: Why are they so bad?

The Bosses can pitch a bit. But their offense remains putrid, lacking all patience and power with the exception of Lip Pike (.314-36-118). Holmes may help, and a player worth watching may be Chone Figgins (.345 in 249 ABs last year.) But there's a long way to go here.


Los Angeles Idols

2010 Record: 80-82, 2nd Place, 21 GB

Draft Recap: Pete Reiser (LF), Vern Stephens (SS), Hank Borowy (P), Joe Greene (C), Connie Ryan (2B)

Big Question: Does Donlin get his due?
Mike Donlin has become the Idols' anchor, and yet few mention him among the top players in the league. Snubbed from the All-Star team, Donlin hit .309 with 30 homers and 109 RBI, the latter two fourth and fifth in the league. Pete Reiser should break into the lineup quickly, and at some point Adrian Gonzalez and Miguel Cabrera need to be given a real chance. But at the heart of it all figures to be Donlin, who at 22 figures to be well away from his peak.


San Antonio Sheriffs

2009 Record: 101-61, 1st Place, Lost SLCS to San Antonio in 5 games.
Draft Recap: Joe Page (P), Eddie Stanky (2B), Johnny Schmitz (P), Thurman Tucker (CF), Emil Verban (2B)

Big Question: The next step: Part 2?
San Antonio's story is similar to New York's, though perhaps a step behind. Whereas New York lost the NLCS in 2009 and lost the PBL Championship in 2010, San Antonio suffered a brutal collapse to end 2009 and came back with a division title in 2010, only to be bounced in 5 games by the eventual world champions. The inevitable question is whether the brilliant pitching staff can lead the Sheriffs into the PBL Championship this season. The offense scored 825 runs in 2010, up from 656 in '09, and San Antonio is shaping up to be among the PBL's most balanced squads. To make that step, though, the team needs to hold the fort until Outstanding Pitcher Award winner Ted Trent (21-5, 2.58) - who underwent elbow surgery that kept him out of the SLCS against New Orleans last season - returns sometime in May.