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Old 02-26-2020, 01:30 PM   #61
ayaghmour2
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Join Date: Mar 2018
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Opening Day!

The season kicks off today as both BNN and OSA predict the Cougars to finish in 5th place, unfortunately what would be our best finish since the rebuild began. We start the season with three road games against both Toronto and Cleveland, the projected 7th and 8th place teams. Maybe, just maybe, the Cougars can start the season over .500!

With the start of the season, the official top 200 prospect list was published. Here's how our guys stack up again:

CF Joe Johnson (15th)
SP Jim Crawford (36th)
SP/1B Tom Barrell (42nd)
SP George DeForest (70th)
SS Clyde Hinzman (89th)
SP Art Black (90th)
2B Slim Bloom (99th)
RF Vince York (115th)
SP Heinie Bretz (116th)
SP Ben Turner (137th)
SP Milt Nelson (164th)
SP Lou Gaffin (175th)
CF George Jordan (192nd)

Anyways, here is the complete 23 man opening roster:

SP Dick Kadlec
SP Dick Lyons
SP Ace McSherry
SP Tommy Russell
SP Max Wilder
RP Michael Ivory
RP Bill McLean
RP Chick Meehan
C Fred Barrell
C Slick Hostetter
1B Bill Ashbaugh
1B Bill Miller
2B Mack Deal
2B John Mallory
3B John Kincaid
SS Gary Sanders
SS Harry Simmons
LF John Dibblee
LF Dick Fessel
CF George Jordan
CF Bob McCarty
RF Art Panko
RF Vince York

I'll introduce the pitchers and catchers first before moving to the infielders and outfielders!
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Check out my Dynasty Report on the Chicago Cougars of the FABL!: https://forums.ootpdevelopments.com/...12#post4571312
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Old 02-26-2020, 01:59 PM   #62
ayaghmour2
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Opening Day Roster: Pitchers and Catchers

Rotation

LHP Dick Lyons
Age: 29
Acquired: Via Draft: 2nd Round, 23rd Overall (1921)
Career Statistics: 36-40, 4.15 ERA (109 ERA+), 1.50 WHIP, 685.1 IP, 197 BB, 212 K
Last Season Statistics: 16-13, 4.06 ERA (115 ERA+), 1.46 WHIP, 257 IP, 78 BB, 77 K


The ace of our staff, Dick Lyons will lead what looks to be a rag tag group of starters. He was dependable last season and other then a spike in home runs he pitched very similar to his previous season.

RHP Max Wilder
Age: 32
Acquired: Via Trade with Cleveland (1929)
Career Statistics: 89-78, 3.71 ERA (117 ERA+), 1.31 WHIP, 1,542 IP, 490 BB, 558 K
Last Season Statistics: 14-14, 3.97 ERA (113 ERA+), 1.31 WHIP, 74 BB, 106 K (With the Foresters)


We lacked a dependable #2 behind Dick Lyons last year, and that's where Wilder will step in. We got him and SS Russ Combs in a six player swap with Cleveland as Wilder will pitch for his fourth team in three seasons. He's a hard thrower who strikes out a lot of batters and stabilizes our rotation.

LHP Ace McSherry
Age: 26
Acquired: Via Rule-5 Draft from Baltimore (1928)
Career Statistics: 3-5, 18 SV, 3.43 ERA (136 ERA+), 1.64 WHIP, 81.1 IP, 39 BB, 43 K
Last Season Statistics: 3-5, 18 SV, 3.43 ERA (136 ERA+), 1.64 WHIP, 81.1 IP, 39 BB, 43 K


It was an excellent rookie season for Rule-5 pick Ace McSherry who lead the league in games pitched with 56 and he saved 18 games for a team that barely won 18 games all season. He was stretched out in the Spring and was excellent in his 4 starts. I probably should've given him a chance to start last season, and his upper 90s fastball should still have excellent life as a starter as opposed to a stopper. If he doesn't handle starting well, I have no issue moving him back to the stopper role

LHP Tommy Russell
Age: 27
Acquired: Via Trade with Washington (1929)
Career Statistics: 45-40, 4.36 ERA (98 ERA+), 1.44 WHIP, 774.1 IP, 79 BB, 64 K
Last Season Statistics: 15-13, 4.56 ERA (99 ERA+), 1.57 WHIP, 248.2 IP, 79 BB, 64 K (With Washington)


No one is claiming Tommy Russell is going to be this excellent impact top of the rotation arm, but there is something to be said about his consistency. He's turned in three nearly identical seasons of average, yet uneventful seasons for Washington and the change of scenery may be good for the former 1st Round selection.

RHP Dick Kadlec
Age: 25
Acquired: Via Trade with Philadelphia (1926)
Career Statistics: 8-14, 5.47 ERA (85 ERA+), 1.75 WHIP, 194 IP, 95 BB, 68 K
Last Season Statistics: 7-12, 5.64 ERA (83 ERA+), 1.75 WHIP, 170.2 IP, 86 BB, 62 K


He spent most of last season in the rotation, but started the year in Milwaukee. This season he'll start the season as the #5 starter and will get at least 4 or 5 starts before I consider making a replacement. I gave up a star pitcher (and probably should have got more) in Bill Dean to get him, but I still believe Kadlec has what it takes to be a dependable big league starter.

Bullpen

RHP Chick Meehan
Age: 32
Acquired: Via Minor League Free Agent (1923)
Career Statistics: 18-24, 26 SV, 4.12 ERA (114 ERA+), 1.50 WHIP, 251.1 IP, 85 BB, 93 K
Last Season Statistics: 1-6, 1 SV, 4.63 ERA (101 ERA+), 1.66 WHIP, 35 IP, 15 BB, 20 K


Meehan split time between AAA and the majors last season, but he'll be stuck on the big league roster all season as he is out of options. He'll step into Ace McSherry's stopper role as well and he looks to be one of the better relievers in the league. The righty generates a lot of ground balls and should do a great job of preventing runs from scoring.

RHP Michael Ivory
Age: 34
Acquired: Via Trade with Toronto (1921)
Career Statistics: 73-78, 13 SV, 4.88 ERA (86 ERA+), 1.68 WHIP, 1,380.2 IP, 46 BB, 66 K
Last Season Statistics: Did not pitch in the majors


He hasn't pitched in the FABL since 1928, but there was a time that Michael Ivory was an inning eater for us and the Wolves, making 20 or more starts from 1920-1925. He gives us length in the bullpen to eat innings, but is likely the first guy to get cut if I need to open up a spot on the staff.

RHP Bill McLean
Age: 26
Acquired: Via Rule-5 Draft from Washington(1929)
Career Statistics: N/A
Last Season Statistics: N/A


Taken first in the Rule-5 Draft this year, our only pick (forgot to copy my list to all rounds) doesn't look to have McSherry's upside, but he will start the season in the pen. He also gives us length, and was excellent in AA Atlanta last season. He was 13-8 with a 3.04 ERA (146 ERA+), 1.37 WHIP, and 66 strikeouts in 186.1 innings. As of now, I think he will spend the whole season with us.

Catchers

C Fred Barrell
Age: 24
Acquired: Via Draft: 1st Round, 3rd Overall (1926)
Career Statistics: .247/.333/.387 (82 OPS+), 335 PA, 6 HR, 48 RBI, 48.1 CS%
Last Season Statistics: .247/.333/.387 (82 OPS+), 335 PA, 6 HR, 48 RBI, 48.1 CS%


It was a little bit of a letdown for Fred Barrell in his rookie season, but he flashed his power potential and excellent arm behind the plate. The starting catching job in Chicago is his as long as he wants it as he looks to develop into one of the premier catchers in the league.

C Slick Hostetter
Age: 30
Acquired: Via Minor League Free Agent (1920)
Career Statistics: .298/.358/.394 (99 OPS+), 1,824 PA, 20 HR, 211 RBI, 44.0 CS%
Last Season Statistics: .250/.338/.450 (97 OPS+), 68 PA, 3 HR, 7 RBI,62.5 CS%


Hostetter looked like a dependable big league starter for a glimpse, but when we couldn't find a trade partner for him, he eventually saw his playing time slip into a reserve role. He likely will only see playing time when Barrell is tired, however, he offers a decent bat and can come off the bench late in games when we need a big hit.
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Old 02-26-2020, 02:25 PM   #63
ayaghmour2
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Opening Day Roster: Infielders

1B Bill Ashbaugh
Age: 26
Acquired: Via Draft: 1st Round, 4th Overall (1925)
Career Statistics: .317/.382/.533 (138 OPS+), 1,574 PA, 23 HR, 101 RBI, 30 SB, -37.6 ZR (at 2B)
Last Season Statistics: .346/.399/.577 (143 OPS+), 541 PA, 63 HR, 257 RBI, 13 SB, -14.1 ZR (at 2B)


One of the most prolific power hitters in the game, Ashbaugh is set to hit cleanup as he looks for his third straight season with 20 homers and 100 RBI's. His defensive woes have moved him to first, but this should prevent him from letting his defense effect his offense. The slugging righty is likely our best player and one of the best in the league.

2B Mack Deal
Age: 23
Acquired: Via Draft: 1st Round, 6th Overall (1924)
Career Statistics: .302/.360/.389 (90 OPS+), 686 PA, 6 HR, 80 RBI, 28 SB, -5.8 ZR (at 3B)
Last Season Statistics: .304/.367/.389 (90 OPS+), 617 PA, 5 HR, 77 RBI, 28 SB, -6.3 ZR (at 3B)


He only made the active roster because of the injury to Russ Combs after an awful Spring looked to set him back down to the minors. Deal has excellent speed, but is still looking to find a position as the former shortstop has gotten reps at both third and second. He doesn't have too much power, but he looks to draw walks and he sprays singles to all fields. Once he's on the bases, catchers have to watch out as he's always a threat to steal.

3B John Kincaid
Age: 25
Acquired: Via Trade with New York (1929)
Career Statistics: .328/.367/.455 (120 OPS+), 1,667 PA, 11 HR, 1811 RBI, 48 SB,+6.0 ZR (at 3B)
Last Season Statistics: .325/.378/.451 (1119 OPS+), 577 PA, 2 HR, 70 RBI, 15 SB, +3.6 ZR ZR (at 3B)


One of the best young third basemen in the league, the former Gotham will man the hot corner and hit leadoff for us this season. He has speed to burn and is a dependable defender, but won't ever hit for much power. A former 4th Overall pick, Kincaid greatly improves our offense as he's been an above average hitter in each of his three seasons in the FABL.

SS Harry Simmons
Age: 25
Acquired: Via Rule-5 Draft from Detroit (1928)
Career Statistics: .315/.360/.414 (95 OPS+), 656 PA, 2 HR, 74 RBI, 20 SB, -0.5 ZR (at SS)
Last Season Statistics: 315/.360/.414 (95 OPS+), 656 PA, 2 HR, 74 RBI, 20 SB, -0.5 ZR (at SS)


The Dynamos didn't miss Simmons much, as they went on to win the World Series, but the Rule-5 pick was a great surprise for us. He was scheduled to start the season at second after a solid spring, but the injury to Russ Combs pushes him back to shortstop. He's one of only three Cougars (Dick Lyons and Bob McCarty) who will start at the same position in consecutive Opening Days. He's a speedy runner and a great defender at third, but will likely see more time at second then any position this year.

1B Bill Miller
Age: 25
Acquired: Via Minor League Free Agent (1925)
Career Statistics: N/A
Last Season Statistics: N/A


Miller wasn't expected to make the big league roster, but I couldn't justify having Slim Bloom or Clyde Hinzman on the bench. Set to make his big league debut, Miller will function mostly as a pinch hitter until Russ Combs is healthy and he'll return to the minors. Miller's got a lot of pop and he could hit a few late clutch homers at the start of the season.

2B John Mallory
Age: 29
Acquired: Via Waiver Claim from Cleveland (1929)
Career Statistics: .281/.339/.322 (85 OPS+), 572 PA, 0 HR, 49 RBI, 28 SB, +9.0 ZR (at 2B)
Last Season Statistics: .N/A


Mallory hasn't played in the majors since 1928, but we grabbed him on waivers because of his defense. He's an excellent defensive second basemen who can fill in at short and first if needed. If I find someone better, however, I have no issue waiving him. I'd expect him to pass through as well. I actually have a claim in, so Mallory is likely on his way off the 40.

SS Gary Sanders
Age: 29
Acquired: Via Draft: 2nd Round, 33rd Overall (1922)
Career Statistics: ..296/.322/.409 (93 OPS+), 10 HR, 338 RBI, 20 SB, +25.3 ZR (at SS)
Last Season Statistics: .267/.308/.400 (77 OPS+), 147 PA, 1 HR, 16 RBI, 0 SB, -2.3 ZR (at 2B)


A truly elite defender at short and third, Sanders struggled a little last season while trying to pick up second. His value comes in his glove, although as recent as 1927 he was a decent hitter. He had some good years early in his career, but he's likely just a bench guy now.

SS Russ Combs [Injured]
Age: 26
Acquired: Via Trade with Cleveland (1929)
Career Statistics: ..291/.349/.450 (116 OPS+), 1,277 PA, 23 HR, 138 RBI, 62SB, -4.2 ZR (at SS)
Last Season Statistics: .289/.345/.427 (102 OPS+), 652 PA, 7 HR, 59 RBI, 32 SB, -1.8 ZR (at SS) (With Cleveland)


Combs is rated as the best shortstop in the league, and if he returns to his minor league defensive numbers, I'd say Combs is everything you look for in a shortstop. Great glove, great bat, decent power, and excellent speed. Once he's healthy, I'll have to pick between Deal and Simmons, but getting Combs on the field is crucial. I think he's going to be an excellent building block and one of the better players in the future of the FABL.
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Check out my Dynasty Report on the Chicago Cougars of the FABL!: https://forums.ootpdevelopments.com/...12#post4571312

Last edited by ayaghmour2; 02-26-2020 at 05:23 PM.
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Old 02-26-2020, 05:52 PM   #64
ayaghmour2
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Join Date: Mar 2018
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Opening Day Roster: Outfielders

LF John Dibblee
Age: 41
Acquired: Via Free Agent Signing (1906)
Career Statistics: .346/.427/.512 (172 OPS+), 12,696 PA, 83 HR, 1,437 RBI, 751 SB, +200 ZR (at CF)
Last Season Statistics: .346/.385/.464 (113 OPS+), 529 PA, 3 HR, 76 RBI, 7 SB, -2.3 ZR (in LF)


The ageless wonder John Dibblee will play in his 24th consecutive season since signing at 16 as a free agent before the 1906 season. He's so old that he predates the amateur draft. And if it wasn't for injuries, Dibblee probably would have the most FABL hits and even more elite seasons. He'll be stuck in a rotating outfield, but will get the majority of starts in left and the occasional start at first. Age will eventually claim him, but for now, Dibblee is still a dependable everyday starter.

CF Bob McCarty
Age: 27
Acquired: Via trade with New York (1927)
Career Statistics: .296/.357/.406 (97 OPS+), 932 PA, 5 HR, 84 RBI, 20 SB, +9.0 ZR (in CF)
Last Season Statistics: .304/.369/.429 (101 OPS+), 606 PA, 3 HR, 51 RBI, 13 SB, +7.3 ZR (in CF)


The starter for now, the lefty will get most of the starts in center against right handed pitching while the switch hitting George Jordan will rotate off the bench and start against lefties. He's a quality hitter and defender who flashed a little power in the Spring. He may end up as a 4th outfielder, but he's definitely not a bad starting center fielder.

RF Vince York
Age: 23
Acquired: Via Draft: 2nd Round, 25th Overall (1924)
Career Statistics: .429/.440/.490 (135 OPS+), 49 PA, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 1 SB, -0.2 ZR (in RF)
Last Season Statistics: .429/.440/.490 (135 OPS+), 49 PA, 0 HR, 5 RBI, 1 SB, -0.2 ZR (in RF)


After receiving a cup of coffee in September, Vince York is set to receive the most starts of any of our three outfielders. The switch hitter is one of the best young pure hitters in the FABL and he hit .407 in 1928 with Mobile throughout 527 plate appearances. York has double digit power and will always hit for a high average. He won't walk too much, but some of that could be with him being young. Batting before Bill Ashbaugh, however, won't help him learn to take more walks.

CF George Jordan
Age: 24
Acquired: Via Trade with Brooklyn (1926)
Career Statistics: .330/.390/.479 (123 OPS+), 94 PA, 1 HR, 17 RBI, 3 SB, -1.4 ZR (in CF)
Last Season Statistics: .422/.480/.600 (171 OPS+), 50 PA, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 2 SB, -0.7 ZR (in CF)


He's basically going to be a starter as Jordan will see a majority of the starts in center field against righties as well as relatively frequent starts in left and center (against lefty) with the occasional appearance in right. His September last season was amazing, as he hit 6 extra base hits and didn't strike out a single time. I think he has the talent to be a top center fielder in the league, however, he hasn't totally established himself defensively.

RF Art Panko
Age: 31
Acquired: Via Draft: 4th Round, 56th Overall (1920)
Career Statistics: .316/.372/.464 (121 OPS+), 4,626 PA, 50 HR, 684 RBI, 118 SB, +51.0 ZR (in LF)
Last Season Statistics: .318/.381/.437 (106 OPS+), 444 PA, 3 HR, 60 RBI, 11 SB, +2.1 ZR (in RF)


He's too good to sit on the bench, but I can't find any takers for the former 1922 World Series MVP. He's had seasons where he's hit 30 triples and drove in 122 runs as well, but from 1925 on he's been just an average hitter. A natural left fielder, he's adjusted well to right and can play center in a pinch as well. He's going to see semi-regular starts in right and can spell any tired starters as well. He will get the benefit of reclaiming a starting spot in the case of injury or if York struggles in an extended big league stint.

LF Dick Fessel
Age: 26
Acquired: Via Draft: 3rd Round, 36th Overall (1925)
Career Statistics: .291/.361/.373 (91 OPS+), 678 PA, 5 HR, 65 RBI, 21 SB, -2.7 ZR (in LF)
Last Season Statistics: .306/.365/.394 (92 OPS+), 359 PA, 2 HR, 40 RBI, 13 SB, -1.6 ZR (in LF)


The third and final Dick on the starting roster, Fessel won't have nearly as big of a role as he did last season. He's got a decent bat and runs pretty well, but it will be really hard for Fessel to find playing time due to his lack of defensive capabilities out in left. He might see a little time at first once Bill Miller is demoted, but I can't see him seeing the field much other then the occasional pinch hit opportunity.
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Old 02-27-2020, 10:23 PM   #65
ayaghmour2
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Week 1: April 14th-April 20th

April 15th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (1-0): 9
Toronto Wolves (0-1): 4

W: Dick Lyons (1-0)
L: Birdie Smith (0-1)


Baseball is back! And the Cougars start the 1930 season on the right foot with a 9-4 win over the host Toronto Wolves! We managed 7 doubles and opening day starter Dick Lyons lead the team with 3 hits. He was 3-for-4 with a run scored and RBI while providing 7 quality innings on the mound. He allowed 11 hits, but just 3 runs and 2 walks with 3 strikeouts. Chick Meehan pitched the final two innings, allowing 4 walks and a run with 1 strikeout. John Kincaid was 2-for-5 with a steal, 2 doubles, and 2 runs in his Cougars debut. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with a double, walk, 2 runs, and an RBI. Vince York was 2-for-5 with a run scored and two driven in. Mack Deal was 2-for-4 with a double and 3 RBI's. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with a double, run scored, and RBI. John Dibblee was 2-for-5 with a double and run scored. Bob McCarty was 1-for-4 with a double and run scored.

April 16th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (2-0): 5
Toronto Wolves (0-2): 4

W: Max Wilder (1-0)
L: Frank Howk (0-1)
SV: Michael Ivory


The Cougars were in uncharted territory as we started the season 2-0 with a come-from-behind 5-4 victory over Toronto. Max Wilder got the win in his Cougar debut, going 7 innings with 4 runs (3 earned), 6 hits, 6 walks, and 4 strikeouts. Michael Ivory got the save, 2 innings with just a hit and walk. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a double, walk, run scored, and RBI. Vince York was 3-for-5. Art Panko was 2-for-3 with a two run double, but he suffered knee tendinitis after coasting into second. It's minor enough that he won't head to the DL. Mack Deal was 2-for-5 with a run scored and RBI.George Jordan was 2-for-4 with a run scored.

April 17th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (2-1): 3
Toronto Wolves (1-2): 4

W: Art Harvey (1-0)
L: Chick Meehan (0-1)


We lost our first game of the season as Joe Gould hit a walk-off two run single off Chick Meehan. He allowed 3 hits and the 2 runs with a walk and strikeout in 1.1 innings. It ruined a great first FABL start for Ace McSherry (who saved 18 games last season). He went 7 strong with 4 hits, 2 runs, 3 walks, and a strikeout. Art Panko looked fine today, going 2-for-4 with a double and RBI. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with 2 more doubles, a run scored, and RBI. Bob McCarty was 2-for-4.

April 18th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (3-1): 6
Toronto Wolves (1-3): 5

W: Art Harvey (1-0)
L: Chick Meehan (0-1)


The series finale was tied at 5 heading into the 9th, but Fred Barrell gave us the 6-5 lead with an RBI single off Eddie Quinn. Tommy Russell got the side out in the 9th to finish a complete game victory. It was our first (of hopefully many) series wins on the year. And it came in our first series! It took months last season. The hero Barrell was 2-for-4 with a walk and the game winning RBI. John Dibblee was 3-for-5 with a double and 2 runs scored. Mack Deal was 2-for-4 with a triple, walk, run scored, and RBI. George Jordan was 1-for-4 with a double, run scored, and RBI.

April 19th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (3-2): 10
Cleveland Foresters (3-2): 11

W: Karl Clasby (1-0)
L: Chick Meehan (0-2)


It was a crazy and hectic high scoring affair in a game where all but two runs were scored from the fifth inning on. Harry Simmons went 4-for-5 with a triple, walk, RBI, and 3 runs scored. John Kincaid was 4-for-5 with a double, RBI, and 3 runs scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-5 with a sac-fly, triple, and 4 driven in. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with 2 walks and a run scored. Vince York was 2-for-3 with 2 sac-bunts, a walk, run scored, and RBI. Mack Deal was 1-for-3 with a sac-bunt, run scored, RBI, and walk. Dick Kadlec didn't pitch terrible as the numbers looked as a lot of the damage was aided by errors. In his 7 innings he allowed 11 hits, 8 runs (4 earned), and 5 walks with just 1 strikeout. Chick Meehan took the loss, allowing 4 hits and 3 runs with a walk and 2 strikeouts in the 8th.

April 20th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (3-3): 8
Cleveland Foresters (4-2): 13

W: Harvey Tully (1-1)
L: Dick Lyons (1-1)
SV: Jack Gunderson (1)


Another poor pitching performance as the Foresters took the series with a 13-8 win. Dick Lyons was tagged with 10 runs (6 earned) off 10 hits and 3 walks. He struck out 2 in 5.2 innings of work. Michael Ivory allowed 3 more runs in 2.1 innings with 3 hits, 3 runs, a walk, and a strikeout. Bill Ashbaugh was 4-for-5 with a double, 2 runs, a steal, and RBI. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a walk, run scored, and his 7th double of the week (on pace for 180 on the season!). Harry Simmons was 2-for-5 with 2 runs scored. Bob McCarty was 1-for-4 with a walk, triple, and 2 runs scored.

Stars of the Week
John Kincaid : 27 AB, 12 H, 0 HR, 3 RBI, .444 AVG, 1.204 OPS
Bill Ashbaugh : 22 AB, 9 H, 0 HR, 8 RBI, .409 AVG, 1.031 OPS
Fred Barrell : 24 AB, 9 H, 0 HR, 6 RBI, .375 AVG, .907 OPS

Weekly Summary
I was pretty happy with our start as we were able to get our first series win out of the way. I wish we played better against the Foresters as I think we are the better team. We still have a chance to salvage the finale and they'll be in our stadium later in the week.

John Kincaid had a really strong debut week and he sports an impressive .444/.500/.704 line to go with 7 doubles and 3 RBI's. Mack Deal's bat woke up as he's slashing .333/.440/.476 with 7 RBI's and a positive zone rating out at second (really small sample size). Bill Ashbaugh checks in at third in RBI's (8) and tied for the lead in steals (2).

Chick Meehan's struggles were a little worrisome as he threw away two games that we should have won. He's allowed a run in all three of his appearances. It's obviously too early to worry, but he will be on a short leash (at least for the stopper role). Ace McSherry looked really good in his first start, but he may end up returning to the pen.

Looking ahead we have one more in Cleveland (4-2) with the Foresters before our home opener against Toronto (1-5). We'd play a three game set with the Wovles before the Foresters join us for two. We'd continue this long homestand (until May 15th) with 4 against last year's pennant winners the Philadelphia Sailors (4-2).

Injury Report
Art Panko has knee tendinitis, but he should be fully healed in a day. I will bench him so he doesn't re injure it on the last day.

Minor League Report

I started to trim down my farm system a little more. Most of the players let go weren't very valuable. Still a lot to go through, but I do like hanging on to extra guys in case injuries occur. With the seasons yet to start, I'll start with reports next week.

Amateur Report

LF Danny Vincent (Tulsa HS Tomcats): With the High School season already halfway done, one of the best hitters this season has been 15-year-old Danny Vincent. In 88 trips to the plate he's hitting a robust .444/.489/.716 (240 OPS+) with 3 homers, 9 steals, and 10 RBI's. He's a speedy base runner who's competent in either corner spot. He has a lot of time to develop into a early round draft pick, including a recent 5-hit performance. His first season has definitely already raised some eyebrows and he should be considered a legitimate prospect.

RF Wayne Morgan (Commonwealth Catholic Knights): There must be something about right fielders for Commonwealth Catholic. The replacement of Vic Crawford, freshman Wayne Morgan was a perfect 6-for-6 against Frankford State to raise his season line to .372/.438/.640 (161 OPS+). He's also launched 6 homers and drove in 18 RBI's in 96 plate appearances. He's an extremely powerful hitter, but he's very susceptible to striking out. This past week was excellent for him, as he took home Player of the Week after going 13-for-18 with 2 homers and 5 RBI's.

LF Jim Mason (Ellery Bruins): Selected by us in the third round of last year's draft, Jim Mason decided not to sign and returned to Ellery for his senior season. It's definitely a drop off from last season, as he's hitting .364/.417/.614 (144 OPS+) with 4 homers and 21 RBI's. Definitely not terrible numbers, but for someone who bet on himself he would have likely wanted a better final season. Regardless of his season performance, there's no doubting that Mason has talent. He has excellent hit and power tools and will be an extra base hit machine. He won't hurt you on the base paths and seems more comfortable in left field this season. It'll be interesting to see if Mason will be selected in the first two rounds this December.

SP Ernie Scott (Chicago Poly Panthers): It's been a decent Junior season for a righty not too far from our North Side Grounds. Scott just completed a 2-hit, 3 strikeout shutout of Indiana A&M to lower his ERA to 2.96 (178 ERA+) and his WHIP to 0.90. Last season is when Scott started to establish himself, as he was 8-2 with a 2.88 ERA (160 ERA+), 0.96 WHIP, and 82 strikeouts. Former teammate Tom Blalock was a 1st Round pick last draft, but it's unlikely Scott will join him this year. He's definitely an interesting young arm as he can throw five pitches and his cutter can graze 90. We'll keep an eye on him as I'd like to grab a few players from our local teams.

LF Al Mann (Lynn HS Legends): Mann was selected in the 24th Round by the Stars last season, but he decided to return to high school(?). It's paid off as Lynn HS leads their division partially due to his .485/.556/.742 (254 OPS+) batting line. He's also launched three homers and drove in 10 in just 62 at bats. "Relic" has a smooth swing and quick hands and has done more then enough already to earn a selection much earlier in this year's draft. He didn't sign last year, however, so perhaps he'll head to college instead of joining a professional club.
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Old 02-28-2020, 08:09 PM   #66
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Week 2: April 21st-April 27th

April 21st, 1930
Chicago Cougars (3-4): 2
Cleveland Foresters (5-2): 6

W: Eddie Gray (2-0)
L: Max Wilder (1-1)
SV: Karl Clasby (2)


We couldn't avoid the sweep as the Foresters took the finale 6-2. Former Forester Max Wilder allowed 9 hits, 6 runs (5 earned), and a walk with 3 strikeouts in 8 innings. John Kincaid went 3-for-5 with 2 runs scored. Harry Simmons was 3-for-4 with a double and RBI. Vince York was 2-for-4 with an RBI.

April 22nd, 1930
Toronto Wolves (2-6): 9
Chicago Cougars (3-5): 6
20(!) Innings

W: Art Harvey (2-0)
L: Dick Kadlec (0-1)


In one of the most hectic home openers likely ever, the Wolves outscored us 6-3 in the 20th to spoil our home opener like we spoiled there's. Ace McSherry had another solid start, 7.1 innings with 5 hits, 3 runs, 3 walks, and 2 strikeouts. Dick Kadlec was charged with the loss, but he only had two days of rest. He allowed 8 hits and 6 runs in 4.1 innings with 3 walks and 2 strikeouts. Yesterday's starter Max Wilder was actually the only Cougar starter not to pitch as Tommy Russell (3 IP, 1 H, 2 BB) and Dick Lyons (0.2 IP) all got into the game. At the plate, Bob McCarty was 5-for-8 with a walk and run scored. Harry Simmons was 4-for-9 with a steal, sac-bunt, and 2 runs scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 3-for-8 with 2 walks, a homer, and 5 RBI's. John Kincaid was 3-for-10 with a run scored, steal, and RBI. Vince York was 2-for-7 with a sac-bunt, steal, run scored, and two walks.

April 23rd, 1930
Toronto Wolves (2-7): 10
Chicago Cougars (4-5): 11
10 Innings

W: Chick Meehan (1-2)
L: Bert Sweet (0-2)


While we got the win, I'm very thankful this game went 10 innings and not 20... Dick Lyons was forced to make the start despite getting two outs yesterday and a start of his own two days prior. As expected, it didn't go well and the lefty allowed 9 hits, 8 runs (6 earned), and 2 walks in 7.1 innings. Chick Meehan got the win, 2.2 innings with 2 runs, a walk, and a strikeout. Harry Simmons was 3-for-5 with 2 runs, 2 RBI's, and a homer. John Kincaid was 2-for-6 with a solo homer, the first of his Cougar career. George Jordan was 2-for-5 with a double and run scored. Slick Hostetter was 2-for-4 with 2 RBI's. Mack Deal was 1-for-4 with a steal and run scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-3 with a walk and 2 runs scored.

April 24th, 1930
Toronto Wolves (2-8): 4
Chicago Cougars (5-5): 6

W: Michael Ivory (1-0)
L: Eddie Quinn (0-2)
SV: Bill McLean (1)


Finally a game that didn't go into extras, and we took the series with a 6-4 win in the finale. Max Wilder made this start on two days rest, going 5.2 innings with 8 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks, and a strikeout. Michael Ivory got the "win" after allowing 4 hits, 2 runs, and 5 walks with 1 strikeout in 3 innings. Bill McLean got a flyout to end the game and earn his first big league save. John Kincaid was a perfect 3-for-3 with 2 runs, 2 RBI's, 2 doubles, a steal, and a walk. Mack Deal was 2-for-4 with a steal, run scored, and driven in. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-3 with a double, walk, and run scored. Bob McCarty was 1-for-4 with a double and run scored. Harry Simmons was 1-for-4 with a steal and 2 RBI's.

April 25th, 1930
Cleveland Foresters (6-4): 4
Chicago Cougars (6-5): 9

W: Tommy Russell (2-0)
L: Joe McCoy (0-1)


We welcomed the Foresters to town with a little revenge, taking the first of two 9-4. It was another complete game start for Tommy Russell, this time with 10 hits, 4 runs, a walk, and strikeout. He also went 2-for-4 with a run scored and driven in. Vince York was a perfect 3-for-3 with a walk and 2 runs scored. Mack Deal was 3-for-4 with a run scored and driven in. John Dibblee was 2-for-4 with a double, run scored, and two driven in. George Jordan was 1-for-2 with a solo homer, steal, and two walks. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-3 with a walk and base clearing double.

April 26th, 1930
Cleveland Foresters (6-5): 2
Chicago Cougars (7-5): 8

W: Ace McSherry (1-0)
L: Harvey Tully (1-2)


We finished a quick two game set with a nice 8-2 victory to sweep the Foresters like they swept us. Vince York went 2-for-5 with 2 doubles, a run scored, and 3 driven in. John Dibblee was 3-for-4 with a sac-fly. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-3 with 2 walks and 2 runs scored. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with a double, sac-bunt, 2 runs, and an RBI.Harry Simmons was 2-for-4 with a sac-bunt and run scored. John Kincaid was 2-for-5 with a run scored. On the mound, Ace McSherry had an ace like performance, 8 innings with 6 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks, and 4 strikeouts.

April 27th, 1930
Philadelphia Sailors (9-3): 9
Chicago Cougars (7-6): 5

W: Ace McSherry (1-0)
L: Harvey Tully (1-2)


The Sailors took the first of four with a 9-5 win in the series opener. Dick Lyons made another short rest start (not sure why Kadlec didn't pitch), 6.1 innings with 9 hits, 5 runs (4 earned), 2 walks, and 4 strikeouts. Chick Meehan allowed 4 (1 earned) in 2 innings with 4 hits, a walk, and 3 strikeouts. Harry Simmons was 2-for-3 with 2 runs, 3 RBI's, a walk, and a homer. He now has the same amount of homers this season (2) as last season. Mack Deal and Fred Barrell were both 1-for-3 with a walk and a run. John Dibblee was 2-for-5.

Stars of the Week
Harry Simmons : 34 AB, 16 H, 2 HR, 12 RBI, .471 AVG, 1.162 OPS
John Kincaid : 39 AB, 14 H, 1 HR, 4 RBI, .359 AVG, .862 OPS
Vince York : 29 AB, 11 H, 0 HR, 5 RBI, .379 AVG, .886 OPS

Weekly Summary
We were over .500 this week! And over .500 (barely) on the season! I obviously don't expect it to last, as we'd be luck to steal one from the Sailors and maybe two from the Stars later in the week, but we had only two winning sims last season and there's only been two sims this season and we're halfway there. The pitching statistically looks bad, but the 20 inning marathon definitely impacted that. We've actually hit really well to start the season, finding ourselves 1st or 2nd in 11 of the 14 offensive categories. If we had a little more power on the team (dead last in homers) we'd be even that much more effective, especially considering the pitching staff currently isn't too great.

Looking to the leaderboards, Ashbaugh is tied for the RBI lead with Baltimore Lou Kelly with 16. Mack Deal checks in second with 3 steals. John Kincaid leads the CA in WAR with a 1.1 mark in just two weeks. 7 of our 8 starters are hitting over .300 with just Fred Barrell below due to his 0-for-9 20 inning debacle. I also expect Dick Lyons' 6.33 ERA to drop significantly after pitching 4 times in 8 days.

Looking ahead we'll finish off the Sailors (9-3) series with three before our first off day of the season. The Stars (7-6) will then come in town for four as we continue a long homestand and run of games.

Injury Report
Another injury for Art Panko, and this time he will go to the DL with an oblique strain. La Crosse will be without righty Cy Plummer for a week with a tired arm.

Transactions
I claimed SS Cal Blackshear off waivers from Cleveland. He was actually the Cougars 1st Round selection in the 1919 draft, but they released him the following offseason. A skilled gloveman at short, second, and third, Blackshear owns a +7.8 ZR in just 666 innings at short with the Gothams over the past two seasons. He's not much of a hitter, slashing .256/.318/.319 (70 OPS+), but he's much better then John Mallory as a bench player. Mallory would've been waived, but he'll maintain his spot as Art Panko's trip to the DL freed up an active roster spot.

Minor League Report

LF Dave Ward (C La Crosse Lions): Class C has been playing the longest, and Dave Ward has been the best hitter for the Lions thusfar. Hitting .442/.479/.558 (144 OPS+) with a homer, 3 steals, and 7 RBI's, the recent 14th Round Pick has had an excellent start to his professional career. Selected out of Henry Hudson, Ward has always had trouble staying healthy which lead to him falling so far in the draft. It's a small sample size (12 games) and this doesn't likely put Ward in our future plans, but it will help him maintain a spot in the organization as we have a lot of players down in La Crosse.

Amateur Report

SP George Jacobs (Asheville HS Eagles): A senior righty, George Jacobs has bounced back from a rough Junior season to help lead the Eagles into playoff contention. He's 2-2 with a 1.99 ERA (196 ERA+), 1.01 WHIP, and 23 strikeouts in 40.2 innings across 6 starts. Eligible for this year's draft, Jacobs is a soft tosser who's fastball only registers in the low 80s. He's more of a finesse pitcher, however, and Jacobs generates a lot of weak contact. He will have to work on his secondary offerings if he wants to be a future big league starter.

CF Harry Clark (Ellery Bruins): A freshman center fielder, Harry Clark is working on a nice 27-game hit streak, the best active streak in the NAIA. The lefty is hitting .375/.388/.616 (137 OPS+) with 6 homers and 25 RBI's. The youngster is a smart hitter with average power who can be really hard to pitch to. If you give him a good pitch, it'll end up over the seats. If you try to paint the corners, he won't swing if you miss. He's young, so he can still develop his defensive capabilities, so it's too early to say he can't stick in center. He's also one of four Bruins with 6 homers, the other being Jim Mason, Harry Buckley, and Cal Ruth.

SP Joe Owens (Lubbock State Hawks): It's been a perfect 7-0 start to the season for Lubbock's Joe Owens who just completed a 7-hit, 8 strikeout shutout of the Boulder State Grizzlies. Owens owns an impressive 2.75 ERA (192 ERA+) with a 1.06 WHIP and 55 strikeouts in 72 innings pitched. In a year that seems to be dominated by freshman, Owens is just another quality youngster leading his teams' rotation. He has the Hawks just 1.5 games behind North California and Travis College for first in the Western Conference. Owens' battery mate, Jack Flint, is a projected top pick who's an excellent hitter and dependable defender behind the plate.

1B Leo Mitchell (Atlanta HS Peaches): A 6 hit performance was almost expected for 1B Leo Mitchell who's been hitting about everything this season. His second season as a starter has been excellent, as he's hitting .363/.389/.637 (177 OPS+) with 6 homers and 32 RBI's. The power is new to this season, as he hit just 1 last year. He projects to be an elite hitter with 20 homer power potential from the left side of the plate. He's also an excellent defensive first basemen who can make plays on the diamond and scoop errant throws. He'll be eligible for next year's draft, but is a name to keep an eye on for now. He was also named this weeks Player of the Week.

LF Bob Corvin (Mobile HS Commodores): Player of the Week in the other HS sub-league, Bob Corvin went 10-for-16 with 2 homers and 8 RBI's. Like Mitchell, it's been an excellent season for the junior. Corvin's hit even better, with a .460/.486/.670 (218 OPS+) batting line to go with 4 homers and 21 RBI's. Corvin isn't all that fast, but he'snot a bad defender out in left. His bat is his calling card, however, and he projects to hit for a high average in the big leagues. He has seen his walk and strikeout rate invert (from 22/12 to 6/21) which could be concerning for the future, but Corvin looks like a future big leaguer.

2B Freddie Jones (Central Ohio Aviators): Just turned 20, whoever as the worst record in the Continental League next year will have the chance to select one of the best college hitters the game as seen. His line this year dropped to .455/.580/.596 (195 OPS+), but it is really hard to measure up to a .486/.625/.665 (257 OPS+) line. There's really nothing Jones can't do, as he hits well, runs well, and fields well. He has power and he has discipline and of course, can hit well over .400. His teammates love listening to what he says and the fans just love him. It'd be interesting to see if he can play short (there starter is awful defensively) and it would really boost his already inflated draft stock. Regardless, Jones seems to be a lock as a first rounder and the likely favorite for the #1 overall pick next season.
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Old 03-02-2020, 02:21 PM   #67
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April 28th-May 4th

April 28th, 1930
Philadelphia Sailors (10-3): 13
Chicago Cougars (7-7): 3

W: William Jones (2-1)
L: Dick Kadlec (0-2)


It was a rough start for Dick Kadlec as the defending pennant winners thrashed him for 9 hits and 8 runs with 3 walks in just 3 innings. Bill McLean got mop up duty, 5.1 innings with 10 hits, 5 runs, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts. Fred Barrell went 2-for-4 with a double and run scored. John Dibblee was 2-for-4 with a sac-fly and run scored. George Jordan was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Mack Deal was 1-for-3 with a sac-fly. Harry Simmons was 1-for-3 with 2 walks.

April 29th, 1930
Philadelphia Sailors (11-3): 12
Chicago Cougars (7-8): 3

W: Rollie Beal (2-1)
L: Max Wilder (1-2)


Another game of bad offense and bad pitching as the Sailors looked poised to sweep the four game set. Max Wilder allowed 14 hits and 6 runs, but struck out 7, in 5.1 innings. Michael Ivory allowed a hit and run with 4 walks in 1.2 innings. Chick Meehan allowed 7 hits and 5 runs in 2 innings. Vince York was 2-for-3 with a run scored and walk. Bill Ashbaugh and Mack Deal were both 1-for-4 with an RBI.

April 30th, 1930
Philadelphia Sailors (12-3): 4
Chicago Cougars (7-9): 3

W: Oscar Morse (4-0)
L: Ace McSherry (1-1)


The finale was much closer then any game all series, but the Sailors held off our late comeback to finish April with a sweep. Of course, since the starting pitcher didn't get absolutely destroyed, it was Ace McSherry who made the start. He went the distance, allowing 9 hits and 4 runs with 3 strikeouts. Harry Simmons went 3-for-5 with a steal and run scored. Vince York was 2-for-4 with a walk, steal, and solo homer.It was the first of his big league career.

May 2nd, 1930
New York Stars (8-9): 3
Chicago Cougars (8-9): 4

W: Tommy Russell (3-0)
L: Jack Carr (3-3)


We started May hosting the New York Stars in a four game series after a much needed day off. We also managed to break the 3 run mark for the first time all week, as Fred Barrell laced a single off Jack Carr to send the fans home with a nice 4-3 walk-off win. Barrell finished the game 2-for-5 with a double, run scored (the tieing run) and driven in (the winner). Bob McCarty was 2-for-4 with a double, triple, and run scored. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a double. George Jordan was 1-for-4 with a steal and run scored. Mack Deal was 1-for-4 with a steal and RBI. It was another complete game for Tommy Russell on the mound, as he allowed 7 hits and 3 runs with a pair of walks and strikeouts. He helped himself out at the plate as well, going 2-for-4 with a run scored and two driven in.

May 3rd, 1930
New York Stars (9-9): 8
Chicago Cougars (8-10): 2

W: Moxie Nelson (3-0)
L: Dick Lyons (1-2)


The offense remained dormant as the pitching returned to being awful as our rough week continued with an 8-2 loss. Dick Lyons didn't do too bad, 5.1 innings with 6 hits, 3 runs, and 3 strikeouts. Michael Ivory allowed 3 hits, 2 runs, and 3 walks in 1.2 innings pitched. Chick Meehan allowed 3 runs and 4 hits in his 2 innings. George Jordan was 2-for-4 with an RBI. Fred Barrell was 1-for-3 with a walk, run scored, and RBI. Harry Simmons was 1-for-4 with a steal and run scored.

May 4th, 1930
New York Stars (10-9): 11
Chicago Cougars (8-11): 1

W: Skinny Foster (1-3)
L: Dick Kadlec (0-3)


Our nightmare week ended with the worst loss of the week, an 11-1 thrashing as the Stars took game three of four with a 21 hit barrage. Dick Kadlec allowed 15 of them in 6.2 innings with 9 runs, 2 walks, and 2 strikeouts. Bill McLean allowed 6 hits, 2 runs, and 2 walks in 2.1 innings. We didn't do too much at the plate in this one. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with a run scored. Harry Simmons was 1-for-4 with a double. Recently acquired Cal Blackshear was 1-for-2 off the bench.

Stars of the Week
Harry Simmons : 25 AB, 8 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, .320 AVG, .730 OPS
Fred Barrell : 20 AB, 5 H, 0 HR, 2 RBI, .250 AVG, .668 OPS
Vince York : 23 AB, 5 H, 1 HR, 1 RBI, .217 AVG, .656 OPS

Weekly Summary

Well...

That was a rough one...

Given that we were playing two of the three best teams in the division, I'm not too surprised with the results, although it would have been nicer to pick up some wins at home. We can still split the series with the Stars, but the Sailors handled us like it was nothing. The pitching was awful, the hitting was awful, but at least the defense didn't suck. None of the runs were unearned which has to be a first for us.

Changes to the pitching will be made soon, with the most likely culprits being Dick Kadlec, Chick Meehan, or Michael Ivory. Kadlec has at least one more start, but if I can find a better arm for the pen I'm going to jump on it. I do want to add an additional arm to the pitching staff as we really seem to need additional support for the starters. I'll likely call up someone next sim.

Speaking of next sim, both RF Art Panko and SS Russ Combs should be able to start making rehab appearances. Combs has yet to make his Cougar debut due to a spring training injury. If all goes well, his stint should likely just be a week. I'll likely take more time with Panko as I don't really have a spot for him.

I've been really happy with the results from both Ace McSherry and Tommy Russell which has made up for the struggles shown by both Dick Lyons and Max Wilder. They are still extremely small sample sizes, but the early results have been pleasant for two of the unproven members of the rotation. I'd like to see Bill Ashbaugh hit more home runs, but the top four in our lineup all have OPS+ north of 100. I'd like to see some support behind them, but I'm glad the defense has been dependable.

One thing I don't remember if I touched on was the signing of former Detroit Dynamo manager Dick Pozza. With a current managerial record of 269-213, he lead the Dynamos to a World Series Championship last season. It was his third season as the Dynamos manager, and he was previously bench coach for the Sailors (1917-1921), the Eagles (1922-1923), where he made the playoffs both times, and the Pioneers (1924-1926). He's rated an "Excellent" manager who is regarded as a field general. He has a good relationship with most of the players on the team and will have a very cool seat as we plan to let him live out at least the five years in his contract.

Looking ahead, we finish the series with the Stars (10-9) before hosting the Kings (11-8) for three and the Saints (9-10) for four. Our homestand will end with three against the Cannons (7-12) who have really hit a rough patch, although that usually happens when you have to play the Sailors. All in all though, I have to be happy with a 7-9 April to start the year.

Injury Report
SP Art Black (AA Mobile Commodores): Recurring Back Spasms (6 weeks)
1B Jim Fisher (AA Mobile Commodores): Broken Kneecap (8 months)
2B John Quick (A Lincoln Legislators): Sprained Ankle (3 weeks)
RP Bob Bliss (B San Jose Cougars): Herniated Disc (3-4 weeks)

Minor League Report

RF Mike Smith (AAA Milwaukee Blues): One of our Rule-5 Picks last season, Mike Smith has gotten reps in right as he gets everyday at bats with the Blues. He's absolutely raked in 10 games, hitting .366/.409/.537 (139 OPS+) with a homer, 4 steals, and 5 RBI's to start the season. The lefty swinging Smith boasts a lot of power at the plate and he runs the bases well. Defense is a weakness for him, but he's not as bad of a fielder as someone like Earl Johnson, Vince York, or Jerry Johnson as he can still handle center. Right seems like a more ideal final position for Smith, but to crack the big league roster he's going to have to continue to stand out.

SP Ben Turner (AA Mobile Commodores): He's saw his prospect rating take a hit, but that hasn't stopped the 22-year-old and former 9th Round Pick from getting off to a quick start to the season. In 2 starts with Mobile, he's 1-1 with a 1.59 ERA (281 ERA+), 1.18 WHIP, and 7 strikeouts across 17 innings. This is the third season he's seen time in AA, but likely the last as Turner works his way on up the organizational ladder. A sinkerballer who generates a lot of groundballs, Turner lives in the upper 80s and lower 90s with good movement and control. He pounds the zone and gets batters to roll over his pitches as he gets excellent downward movement. He's still one of our best pitching prospects, even if Barrell and Crawford have taken some of the spotlight off him.

CF George Alt (Lincoln Legislators): It was a big game for #25 prospect George Alt, as he was 5-for-7 as Lincoln slaughtered the Cedar Rapids Chiefs 24-1. The season hasn't been perfect for Alt, who's hitting just .282/.378/.333 (88 OPS+) with 7 RBI's in 45 plate appearances, but this performance should work to jump start the rest of his season. He's been getting time in left and at second, and has looked good thusfar in a short sample size. If the hitting can pick up, the 23-year-old should find himself in Mobile later on the season.

Amateur Report

LF Al Horton (College of San Diego Friars): One of the few top players in this draft class, it's been a drop in production for the switch hitting Al Horton. He hit .402/.458/.613 (193 OPS+) last season, but he's saw his triple slash drop to .364/.393/.568 (137 OPS+) in 132 at bats this season. He still hit 6 homers and has 22 RBI's to go with 6 steals, but it's a tough time for a down turn as a draft eligible junior. He's a solid defender out in left and he has decent power mixed with good speed. The raw tools are there, but the Ft. Worth native needs the production to return in the home stretch of the season.

SS Harry Barrell (Atlanta HS Peaches): The last of the Barrell brothers Harry Barrell is having a good season at the 3/4 point in the High School leagues. The brother of Cougars Fred and Tom, Harry is hitting .347/.410/.476 (141 OPS+) with 2 homers and 12 RBI's in 142 trips to the plate. He also has an extremely impressive +8.6 ZR at short. An elite prospect, he's a future gold glover with an outstanding pure hit tool and quality eye at the plate. He doesn't seem to be on the level of Tom, Fred, or Bobby (#3 prospect in all of baseball), but he looks like a middle to late first round selection. Of course, with the Barrell name the FABL GM's all have been watching this youngster his whole life.

C Harry Mead (Memphis HS Pharoahs): A native of Harvey, Illinois, the 15-year-old catcher Harry Mead was named the best hitter in April as his school sits 21-9 with a 3 game lead in the Southern division. It was an excellent month for the lefty swinger who hit .495 with 5 homers and 33 RBI's. Despite being listed as a catcher, he's spent most of his time in left field where he's held his own. This year has been excellent for him, as he has an impressive .492/.550/.808 (265 OPS+) batting line with 6 homers and 43 RBI's.

SP Josh Livingston (St. Pancras Lions): Another player of the month, the freshman Josh Livingston was a perfect 5-0 with a 1.66 ERA and 18 strikeouts in 38 innings. The southpaw has a season line of 5-2 with a 2.28 ERA (227 ERA+), 1.08 WHIP, and 34 strikeouts in 59.1 innings. He's also played a bit at second and is hitting .379/.379/.690 (152 OPS+) with 3 homers and 7 RBI's in 29 at bats. On the mound he's a groundballer who sits in the high 80s. He mixes four pitches, a fastball, slider, change, and forkball with solid command of each pitch. It's hard to project pitchers in this league, especially when they are this young, so Livingston's run of dominance can be short lived or the start of something bigger.

SP Joe Owens (Lubbock State Hawks): The counterpart in the Continental League, Joe Owens took home Pitcher of the Month after continuing his perfect season. He was 5-0 with a 2.30 ERA with 37 strikeouts in 47 innings. In 81 innings on the season he's a perfect 8-0 with a 2.67 ERA (197 ERA+), 1.02 WHIP, and 61 strikeouts as Lubbock State sits just 3 games out of first in the stretch run. The 6'4'' Owens can already hit 90 as an 18-year-old and throws a fastball, curve, change, and forkball. He's got good stuff and has a finesse approach to his pitching and Owens looks like a very polished young arm.
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Old 03-03-2020, 11:57 PM   #68
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Week 4: May 5th-May 11th

May 5th, 1930
New York Stars (10-10): 2
Chicago Cougars (9-11): 5

W: Max Wilder (2-2)
L: Del Plummer (1-2)


We managed to avoid the sweep with a nice 5-3 victory in the finale. Max Wilder had an excellent start, a complete game with 7 hits, 2 runs, 4 walks, and 6 strikeouts. Vince York was 2-for-4 with a triple, run scored, and RBI. Mack Deal was 2-for-3 with a walk and run scored. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a double and run scored. Bob McCarty was 2-for-3 with a sac-bunt and RBI.

May 6th, 1930
Brooklyn Kings (12-9): 2
Chicago Cougars (10-11): 13

W: Max Wilder (2-2)
L: Del Plummer (1-2)


We welcomed the visiting Kings to town with a 13-2 blowout victory. Harry Simmons went 4-for-5 with a walk, run scored, and run driven in. John Kincaid was 3-for-4 with a double, walk, run scored, and three driven in. George Jordan was 2-for-5 with a double, RBI, and 2 runs scored. Vince York was 2-for-5 with a walk and run scored. Mack Deal was 1-for-3 with a walk and 2 runs scored. Ace McSherry went 8 innings with 8 hits, 2 runs, 3 walks, and 3 strikeouts. He also went 2-for-3 with 2 runs, a sac-bunt, and RBI.

May 7th, 1930
Brooklyn Kings (13-9): 12
Chicago Cougars (10-12): 5

W: Art Carlson (1-1)
L: Dick Lyons (1-4)


The Kings didn't take yesterday so well and evened the series with a 12-5 win where they were in control the entire game. It was a rough one for Dick Lyons, 6.1 innings with 12 hits, 6 runs, 2 walks, and 2 strikeouts. Michael Ivory was teed off for 6 runs and 8 hits with 2 walks and a strikeout in 2.1 innings. John Kincaid was 3-for-4 with a double, walk, run scored, and RBI. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with a double and 2 RBI's. John Dibblee was 1-for-3 with a run, sac-fly, and hit by pitch.

May 8th, 1930
Brooklyn Kings (14-9): 13
Chicago Cougars (10-13): 8
12 Innings

W: Gordie Woods (2-1)
L: Michael Ivory (1-1)


The finale was a wild back-and-forth game with multiple lead changes that ended in an anti-climatic fashion with a 5 run 12th inning that sucked the life out of the crowd. This was the first game Tommy Russell couldn't complete this season, going 8 innings with 12 hits, 8 runs (7 earned), 3 walks, and 4 strikeouts. Michael Ivory allowed 5 hits and 3 runs with a walk in 1+ innings. Bill McLean had to finish the 12th, allowing 2 hits, 2 runs, and 2 walks. John Dibblee went 2-for-4 with 2 homers, 3 runs, 3 RBI's, and 3 walks. Bob McCarty was 2-for-3 with a double, triple, and run scored. Mack Deal was 2-for-4 with a bunt, steal, walk, and run scored. Fred Barrell was 2-for-5 with a walk, run scored, and RBI. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a double, run scored, and RBI.

May 9th, 1930
Montreal Saints (9-15): 2
Chicago Cougars (11-13): 3
10 Innings

W: Max Wilder (3-2)
L: Jack Barnet (2-2)


We welcomed the struggling Saints to town and let them take us to extra innings. Bill Ashbaugh didn't let it go as long as yesterday's loss, and sent the fans home with a walk-off single in the 10th. Max Wilder (who wasn't supposed to start, should have been Dick Kadlec) started on short rest and went all 10. He allowed 2 (1 earned) off 3 hits and 3 walks. He struck out 3. John Dibblee had another three hit performance, going 3-for-5 with a run scored. Vince York was 2-for-4 with a walk.

May 10th, 1930
Montreal Saints (9-16): 3
Chicago Cougars (12-13): 6

W: Dick Kadlec (1-3)
L: Walker Moore (3-2)


We took game two and managed to secure at least a split in the four game series. Dick Kadlec earned himself another start, allowing 9 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), and 3 walks with 5 strikeouts in a complete game. John Kincaid was 2-for-5 with a run scored and RBI. John Dibblee was 2-for-3 with a sac-bunt and run scored. Vince York was 1-for-4 with a two run homer. Harry Simmons was 1-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored.

May 11th, 1930
Montreal Saints (10-16): 12
Chicago Cougars (12-14): 6

W: Dick Kadlec (1-3)
L: Walker Moore (3-2)


Montreal ended a winless May with a 12-6 victory. Dick Lyons (on short rest when McSherry was rested...) had another bad start, 6 hits and 7 runs (6 earned) with 5 walks and 3 strikeouts in 6 innings. Michael Ivory allowed 4 runs off 3 hits and 3 walks with a single strikeout in 1.1 innings. Chick Meehan allowed 3 hits and a run in 1.2 innings. Vince York went 3-for-5 with a run scored and two driven in. Harry Simmons was 2-for-4 with a hit by pitch and two runs scored. Bob McCarty was 2-for-4 with 2 driven in.George Jordan was 1-for-4 with a solo homer. Slick Hostetter was 1-for-3 with a walk and run scored.

Stars of the Week
Here are your top three performers for the simulation:
John Dibblee : 25 AB, 10 H, 2 HR, 7 RBI, .400 AVG, 1.163 OPS
John Kincaid : 35 AB, 13 H, 0 HR, 6 RBI, .371 AVG, .920 OPS
Vince York : 31 AB, 11 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI, .355 AVG, .910 OPS

Weekly Summary

Another winning week! I'm glad we avoided the sweep against the Stars and took the first two against Montreal. We better win the finale because our homestand is ending soon.

John Dibblee's bat came alive as it was starting to look like father time was catching up to him. His OPS+ is almost back to 100 and he pushed his batting average back above .300. Of course, John Kincaid has been mashing doubles left and right as he's done all season long. He's been an excellent pickup thusfar.

I'm looking to see more from Bill Ashbaugh, who has just one homer so far. He does like starting out slow, but I'm really not loving this .264/.373/.363 (78 OPS+) batting line. I'm hoping it's just adjusting to first base (where he's done well), but 1 homer and 23 RBI's is just not acceptable for someone as good as him. Our other star Dick Lyons is also having it rough, as he allowed 6 runs in both of his starts this week and his ERA continues to rise and approach 7.

Our homestand will end with a three game set against the Baltimore Cannons (11-15) who sit right below us in 6th place. We'll then head to Toronto to face the struggling Wolves (5-21) for four. We're off for one day before a four game set with the first place Sailors (19-5) who already boast a 3.5 game lead over the Kings and Foresters.

Injury Report
SS Russ Combs (FABL Chicago Cougars): Sent to A Lincoln for rehab assignment
RF Art Panko (FABL Chicago Cougars): Sent to B San Jose for rehab assignment
C Jim Kyle (AAA Milwaukee Blues): Mild Shoulder Strain (3 weeks)
LF Tom Thomas (AA Mobile Commodores): Strained Back (unknown return)
RP Clyde Lincoln (A Lincoln Legislators): Knee Contusion (5 days)
3B Dave Wasson (B San Jose Cougars): Wrist Soreness (one week)
RP Cy Plummer (B San Jose Cougars): Activated from the DL

Transactions
Claimed RHP Len Moore off waivers from Baltimore. 34-year-old reliever who lead the league in saves in his Rookie season in 1922 and three years ago in 1927. Hasn't pitched this season, but has a career 4.11 ERA (103 ERA+), 1.52 WHIP, and 220 strikeouts in 606.2 FABL innings. A former 3rd Round Pick by the Sailors, they released him immediately. In 398 games out of the pen he's 37-54 with 104 saves. Moore will close for us.

RHP Michael Ivory was designated for assignment. He was 1-1 with a 10.90 ERA (44 ERA+), 3.06 WHIP, and 5 strikeouts in 17.1 innings. He somehow walked 22 batters and opponents had a .400 BABIP against him. He's likely to be unclaimed, but demand a release.

Minor League Report

LF Earl Johnson (AAA Milwaukee Blues): After struggling in AAA at the end of last year, he's hit everything in sight to start this season. The 22-year-old is slashing .441/.492/.898 (266 OPS+) with 5 homers and 9 RBI's while recently winning Player of the Week. The former 12th Round Pick is Rule-5 eligible in the offseason, so he will likely see a September callup. If he keeps hitting like this, however, it's going to be really hard to keep him down in the minors even if there is no room on the big league club.

3B Frank Johnson (A Lincoln Legislators): Recently promoted to A, Johnson set fire to the Heartland league, going 14-for-26 with a homer and 4 RBI's. A 15th Round Pick in 1925, the 23-year-old has started in 17 games this season, more then every season in his minor league career since 1926. Johnson would occasionally come in as a defensive sub (he's a quality defender), but he's never seen much time in the lineup. We lack many high end 3B prospects, so Johnson may have a chance to differentiate himself from the rest of the pack.

SS Tom Spitzer (C La Crosse Lions): It only took 17 games with La Crosse for Tom Spitzer to earn a promotion to San Jose. This year's 7th Round Pick hit .338/.397/.563 (128 OPS+) with 4 homers and 12 RBI's. The powerful righty isn't the best defender, so we'll be giving him reps at second in San Jose as 1928 5th Round pick Larry Burns will be his double play partner at short. Spitzer didn't have the longest high school career, but his raw power was too good to pass up and my scout actually views him as our 3rd best SS prospect behind Clint Hinzman and Slim Bloom.

Amateur Report

CF Bill Alexander (St. Pancras Lions): He may not be one of the bigger names in this draft class, but Bill Alexander is a solid pick towards the end of the human portion of our draft. He isn't hitting all that well, just .299/.331/.389 (74 OPS+) with 2 homers, 8 steals, and 39 RBI's, but he's taken a massive step forward defensively. He's a plus defender with elite speed and average power. He has a low floor, but the peak of a 10/20 hitter who will anchor your defense in center. A fractured thumb last year could explain the decline in offense this season or could be a sign of things to come, but he's worth a shot in the lottery portion of the draft.

LHP Lefty Allen (Hartford HS Blue Sox): It was only his second high school start, but Lefty Allen might already be the best high school pitcher I've ever seen. The 16-year-old just struck out 17(!) in a 6-hit shutout. The only Cougar with more strikeouts then 17 all season is Max Wilder. And he's third in the CA. He's a groundballer with four pitches that can generate a ton of strikeouts. He just throws in the mid 80s, so I can't even begin to imagine how hard he can throw if he adds a little height or weight as he ages. I'll be following this southpaw very closely.
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Old 03-04-2020, 02:15 PM   #69
ayaghmour2
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Week 5: May 12th-May 18th

May 12th, 1930
Montreal Saints (10-17): 2
Chicago Cougars (13-14): 5

W: Ace McSherry (3-1)
L: John Barrie (1-3)
SV: Len Moore (1)


The aptly named Ace McSherry had another ace-like performance as we took three of four from the Saints. He allowed an unearned run and 4 hits with 2 walks and 5 strikeouts in 7 dominate innings. Len Moore got a save in his Cougar and season debut, 2 innings with 3 hits, a run, and 2 walks. Vince York was 2-for-4 with a homer and 3 RBI's. Harry Simmons was 3-for-4 with a double and 2 runs scored. John Dibblee was 3-for-4 with a double and run scored.

May 13th, 1930
Baltimore Cannons (12-16): 0
Chicago Cougars (14-14): 4

W: Max Wilder (4-2)
L: Paul Reed (1-4)


We faced Baltimore for the first time all season, and we didn't let them score in a 4-0 shutout victory to start the last series in our homestand. Max Wilder tossed a complete game shutout, allowing 7 hits and 2 walks with 3 strikeouts. Mack Deal was 2-for-4 with a homer and 3 RBI's. Bill Ashbaugh was 3-for-4 with a double and 2 runs scored. John Dibblee was 2-for-3 with a hit by pitch, run scored, and RBI.

May 14th, 1930
Baltimore Cannons (13-16): 18
Chicago Cougars (14-15): 5

W: Ken Carpenter (4-3)
L: Tommy Russel (3-1)


The Cannons offense woke up for the game two, as they slaughtered us 18-5. It was a rough outing for Tommy Russel who was shelled for 10 hits and 10 runs with 4 walks and 2 strikeouts in 4.2 innings. Bill McLean allowed 8 more (4 earned) in 3.2 innings with 8 hits, 3 walks, and 2 strikeouts. Gary Sanders was 2-for-2 with a run scored and RBI. Harry Simmons was 2-for-4 with 2 runs scored. George Jordan and Fred Barrell were both 1-for-4 with a double and run scored. Mack Deal was 1-for-5 with a two run triple.

May 15th, 1930
Baltimore Cannons (14-16): 3
Chicago Cougars (14-16): 2

W: Bob Miller (4-3)
L: Dick Lyons (1-6)


Baltimore starter Bob Miller broke the tie in the 9th with an RBI single off Len Moore as the Cannons took the finale 3-2. The run was charged to Dick Lyons, who pitched 8+ with 9 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), a walk, and 4 strikeouts. Of course, run three was unearned as John Wilder reached on a Mack Deal error to start the inning. Gary Sanders was 1-for-2 with 2 walks, a run scored, and RBI. Vince York was 2-for-4.

May 16th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (14-17): 5
Toronto Wolves (6-25): 6
10 Innings

W: Eddie Quinn (1-2)
L: Len Moore (0-1)


Our first road game in what feels like forever saw us score 4 in the 7th to take a 4-3 lead before giving it up in the 9th. We scored 1 in the 10th, but Tom Roberts hit a walk off single after the Wolves tied it. Dick Kadlec made the start, 9.1 innings with 6 hits, 5 runs (3 earned), 6 walks, and 5 strikeouts. He was also 2-for-4 with an RBI at the plate. Len Moore allowed 2 hits and a walk as well as the game winning run in a third of an inning. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with a triple and run scored. George Jordan was 2-for-4 with a double and run scored. Harry Simmons and Fred Barrell were both 2-for-5 with a run scored and driven in.

May 17th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (15-17): 8
Toronto Wolves (6-26): 2

W: Bill McLean (1-0)
L: Art Harvey (3-4)


We snapped our three game losing streak with a nice 8-2 victory. We did see Max Wilder leave the game with a mild hamstring strain, but he likely won't miss his next start. He went 4.1 innings with 3 hits and 2 strikeouts. Bill McLean took over and won his first FABL game. He went 4 innings with 5 hits, 2 runs, 3 walks, and 4 strikeouts. Vince York was 3-for-5 with a steal, 2 doubles, run scored, and 2 RBI's. Mack Deal was 2-for-4 with a steal and 2 runs scored. John Dibblee was 2-for-5 with a run scored and driven in. John Kincaid was 2-for-5 with an RBI. Bob McCarty was 1-for-5 with a base clearing triple.

May 18th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (16-17): 11
Toronto Wolves (6-27): 9

W: Chick Meehan (2-2)
L: Frank Williams (0-1)
SV: Len Moore (2)


An 11-9 comeback victory gave us our third winning sim of the season and we'd look to take the series tomorrow. Bill Ashbaugh had a much needed big game, going 3-for-4 with 2 triples, 2 runs, a sac-fly, and 4 RBI's. John Dibblee was 3-for-5 with 3 runs and an RBI. Harry Simmons was 2-for-4 with 2 doubles, a walk, run scored, and 3 driven in. Vince York was 3-for-5 with a run scored. John Kincaid was 2-for-6 with 2 doubles and 2 runs. Fred Barrell was 1-for-3 with a double, 2 walks, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Ace McSherry had his first poor start of the season, 5 innings with 13 hits, 8 runs (5 earned), a walk, and a strikeout. Chick Meehan walked 1 and struck out 2 in 2 hitless innings. Len Moore allowed 3 hits and a run in a 2 inning save.

Stars of the Week
Vince York : 32 AB, 15 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI, .469 AVG, 1.094 OPS
John Dibblee : 25 AB, 11 H, 0 HR, 3 RBI, .440 AVG, .942 OPS
Harry Simmons : 25 AB, 10 H, 0 HR, 4 RBI, .400 AVG, .964 OPS

Weekly Summary
Another winning week! Three on the season which is already more then all of last year! We're just one game under .500 at 16-17, but sit 11 games behind the first place Sailors. We will really have to win the finale against Toronto as I expect four losses when we head to Philadelphia.

I've decided I have to use 7 day lineups as the pitching strategy isn't working and some of the lineup substitutions haven't worked as I've anticipated. I shouldn't be missing any sims so I should be able to avoid having a week with no lineups set. I'm hoping that controlling Dick Lyons' starts will see his production increase and we can avoid injury scares (like with Max Wilder) when guys are pitching when they aren't supposed to.

Speaking of pitching, Max Wilder is tied for second most strikeouts (29) in the CA as well as the 3rd highest WAR (1.3) for pitchers. He's been excellent so far, going 4-2 with a 2.93 ERA (163 ERA+) and 1.29 WHIP in 58.1 innings. Ross Combs, who he came over from Cleveland with, is set to make his Cougars debut this sim as well. This will push Mack Deal to the bench. Deal was hitting .280/.348/.347 (70 OPS+) with a homer, 8 steals, and 20 RBI's. He will still see a lot of at bats as the #1 backup for second, third, and short. Harry Simmons, who is hitting .364/.411/.464 (112 OPS+) with 2 homers, 5 steals, and 20 RBI's will move to second base as Combs will start at short.

After finishing the Wolves series, we're off for a day to travel to Philadelphia where we'll see the first place Sailors (26-5) for four. We then get a single home game against Toronto (6-27) to start another homestand. It's followed by four against Cleveland (16-16).

Injury Report
SS Russ Combs (FABL Chicago Cougars): Returned from rehab assignment
C Fred Barrell (FABL Chicago Cougars): Strained back (5 days)
SP Mike Murphy (AA Mobile Commodores): Back stiffness (5 days)

Transactions
With Ross Combs heading to the active roster, 2B John Mallory was waived and designated for assignment. He came off the bench in 10 games and was 1-for-5 with an RBI. I expect him to clear waivers.

Minor League Report

SP Milt Nelson (AAA Milwaukee Blues): After two rough FABL starts, Milt Nelson has been nothing short of spectacular in 5 AAA starts to begin the season. He's 3-1 with a 1.69 ERA (239 ERA+), 1.46 WHIP, and 34 strikeouts in 26.2 innings pitched. Really all our Milwaukee starters are pitching well as Jim Crawford (3.31), Lou Gaffin (2.38), and Cotton Taylor (2.76) have been excellent in the early going. This is excellent for our pitching depth as there's pressure on the fifth spot and bullpen roles if the active pitchers (like Kadlec and McLean) continue to struggle. Nelson's high 90s cutter and groundball tendencies make him a favorite to fill a pen role like McSherry did last season and he may see time in the majors soon.

SS Dave Griffin (C La Crosse Lions): There is a lot of movement in La Crosse, but if you hit like Dave Griffin has you won't find yourself missing out on bats. The recent Player of the Week is hitting .357/.392/.614 (135 OPS+) with 4 homers, 2 steals, and 11 RBI's. An 18th Round pick in 1927, Griffin saw almost no time in 1928 before filling a reserve role last season where he appeared in 50 games and made 32 starts. He's a competent fielder at short or in left, and while he's not likely to hit much in the future he has an excellent eye. He's just 20, so there is a lot of room for growth.

Amateur Report

1B Henry Reed (George Fox Reds): A freshman from good old Chicago, Illinois, Henry Reed has been mashing for George Fox this season. He hit .393/.435/.653 (157 OPS+) with 5 homers and 46 RBI's as his first collegiate season is coming close to an end. He's been playing first base, but Reed can suit up in all three outfield positions as well. He's a patient hitter who should hit for a high average with decent power. He may be overshadowed by teammate Rip Curry, but this should be his and CF Chink Stickels team next year.

SS Ben Bruce (St. Louis HS Explorers): After a 121 OPS+ season last year, Ben Bruce's batting line has dropped to .238/.331/.287 (73 OPS+) as a senior. He's stolen 10 bases and increased his zone rating to an excellent +8.9, but he could not have picked a worse time to watch his offensive production fall. Elite gloves aren't easy to find, but there's always going to be a solid defensive replacement to find and plus hitters at short are very rare. His high school career is over as St. Louis fell a game short of first, and he has to hope the glove is enough for teams to take a chance on him.

1B Leo Mitchell (Atlanta HS Peaches): The best team in High School this year was the 31-9 Atlanta HS Peaches, and Leo Mitchell is the biggest contributor to that record. Even with Harry Barrell and Ed Reyes on the team, Mitchell had the best offensive season. He hit 11 homers and drove in 51 runs while hitting .378/.432/.669 (195 OPS+) in 190 trips to the plate. He should be eligible for next seasons draft, and will look to build on a power explosion. The lefty slugger is going to be a big factor if Atlanta wants to win it all this season.
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Old 03-05-2020, 07:21 PM   #70
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Week 6: May 19th-May 25th

May 19th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (17-17): 11
Toronto Wolves (6-28): 3

W: Tommy Russell (4-1)
L: Bert Sweet (0-6)


We took the finale with a nice 11-3 win before the inevitable sweep in Philadelphia. Russ Combs had a dream Cougar debut, a perfect 4-for-4 with a double, triple, run scored, walk, 2 steals, and 4 RBI's. Bill Ashbaugh was 3-for-5 with a homer, 3 runs, and 3 RBI's. Vince York was 3-for-6 with a steal, 3 runs, and 2 RBI's. Harry Simmons was 3-for-5 with a walk, steal, and 2 runs scored.Bob McCarty was 2-for-4 with a walk and RBI. Tommy Russell was back to his complete game fashion, allowing 10 hits, 3 runs, and a walk with 2 strikeouts in the win. He also went 2-for-5 with a run scored.

May 21st, 1930
Chicago Cougars (18-17): 7
Philadelphia Sailors (28-6): 2

W: Dick Lyons (2-6)
L: William Jones (4-3)


I'm going to thank the off day for this one, as we somehow shocked the Sailors and gave them loss 6 with a 7-2 win. John Kincaid was 3-for-5 with 2 doubles and 2 RBI's. Russ Combs was 2-for-5 with a double, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Mack Deal was 2-for-4 with a double, 2 runs, and an RBI. John Dibblee was 2-for-4 with a run scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with a solo homer. Slick Hostetter was 1-for-4 with a run scored and RBI.

May 22nd, 1930
Chicago Cougars (18-18): 0
Philadelphia Sailors (29-6): 1

W: Rollie Beal (6-1)
L: Dick Kadlec (1-4)


Man... This one hurts... We just needed 2 runs and we would've secured a split with the best team in the league. Rollie Beal tossed a 4-hit shutout with 5 strikeouts as the Sailors evened up the series. Dick Kadlec went 8 with 6 hits, a run, 7 walks, and 3 strikeouts. John Kincaid was basically our offense, 2-for-3 with a walk. George Jordan was 1-for-3.

May 23rd, 1930
Chicago Cougars (19-18): 2
Philadelphia Sailors (29-7): 0
14 Innings

W: Len Moore (1-1)
L: Oscar Morse (7-2)


Neither teamed scored in the first 9 innings, and it took all the way until the 14th for a run to be put on the board. Harry Simmons drove in Ross Combs and John Kincaid with a single, and we finished the shutout with a 1-2-3 14th. Max Wilder had an amazing outing, 12.1 innings with just 4 hits, a walk, and 4 strikeouts. Len Moore got the win, 1.2 innings with just 1 walk. Vince York was 2-for-5 with a double. George Jordan was 1-for-3 with a double.

May 24th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (19-19): 1
Philadelphia Sailors (30-7): 8

W: William Jones (5-3)
L: Ace McSherry (3-2)


The Sailors offense finally woke up for the finale, and they easily beat us 8-1 to survive with a split. Ace McSherry went 7 with 13 hits, 7 runs (2 earned), and 2 walks. Bill McLean allowed a hit an run in an inning of work. Vince York was 2-for-4 with a double. Fred Barrell was 1-for-3 with a solo homer. John Dibblee and Kincaid were both 1-for-4 with a double.

May 25th, 1930
Toronto Wolves (8-31): 8
Chicago Cougars (19-20): 1

W: Bill Sweet (1-6)
L: Tommy Russell (4-2)


We should have had another winning week to push us over .500, but we let the Wolves beat us 8-1 at home in a quick one game series. Tommy Russell had a rough start, 6.2 innings with 14 hits, 8 runs (6 earned), a walk, and 3 strikeouts. Bill McLean went 2.1 innings out of the pen with a hit, walk, and strikeout. John Kincaid was 3-for-4 with a triple and run scored. Vince York was 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Stars of the Week
John Kincaid : 27 AB, 11 H, 0 HR, 2 RBI, .407 AVG, 1.021 OPS
Vince York : 28 AB, 10 H, 0 HR, 3 RBI, .357 AVG, .808 OPS
Russ Combs : 27 AB, 9 H, 0 HR, 5 RBI, .333 AVG, .839 OPS

Weekly Summary
The offense was awful the last four games of the week and scored just three total runs. The pitching was really good until the final two games, but the fact that we split in a week where we had four games against the Sailors is impressive. I can't believe we lost another game to Toronto, as half of their wins have come against us.

Max Wilder's start in the 14 inning affair was just brilliant and our three offseason acquisitions (John Kincaid and Russ Combs) had excellent weeks and with the exception of Combs, who just got on the field, excellent seasons. Sitting at 19-20 and just 1 game out of third has been a nice surprise for us. The playoffs are definitely out of reach, but finishing in the top half of the standings would be awesome.

Bill Ashbaugh finally added to his home run total, but he's still struggling to find footing on the season. Same with Fred Barrell and Dick Lyons. Vince York has had an excellent rookie season (and would be frontrunner for Rookie of the Year if we had one) and is hitting .375/.415/.494 (121 OPS+) with 3 homers, 5 steals, and 22 RBI's. He's really helped pick up the slack from Ashbaugh and having Kincaid and a healthy Combs with them at the top of the order could strike fear in pitchers eyes for years to come. The oldest of the bunch is just 26, and it looks like a nice foundation to build on. If we can add some pitching to that group, I really like the building blocks we have.

We'll be home for a while, starting a four game set with the struggling Foresters (20-19) who recently lost 10 in a row before rebounding against the Wolves. Speaking of those Wolves (8-31) we'll host them for three games in two days before 1 against the Sailors (30-8) and a day off. Philly's lead over Brooklyn (24-15) is down to 6.5, as the young Kings have really impressed so far.

Injury Report
C Jim Kyle (AAA Milwaukee Blues): Returned from the DL
RP Elmer Wood (AA Mobile Commodores): Sore shoulder (uncertain return)
SP Mike Murphy (AA Mobile Commodores): Returned from the DL
2B John Quick (A Lincoln Legislators) Returned from the DL
SP Pete Carey (B San Jose Cougars): Hamstring strain (1-2 weeks)
3B Dave Wasson (B San Jose Cougars): Returned from the DL
SP Roy Byrd (C La Crosse Lions): Back spasms (6 days)

Transactions
I had to waive and DFA Clyde Lincoln when I wanted to activate him from the DL. He's passed waivers before, so he should again.

Minor League Report

CF Harry Humphrey (AA Mobile Commodores): I probably made a mistake taking him 3rd Overall in 1927 (my scout really like him), but he's shown some life this season. The 24-year-old is hitting .343/.409/.470 (133 OPS+) with 2 steals and 17 RBI's in 150 plate appearances. He's also looked really comfortable in center as he boasts a solid +2.0 ZR in center. He's a quality defender with great speed and can hit the ball well up the middle. He still has a shot to be a quality major leaguer, but I can't see him being the star I initially envisioned.

SP George DeForest (A Lincoln Legislators): The #4 prospect in our organization, the 21-year-old tossed a 6-hit and strikeout shutout of the Davenport Dukes earlier in the week. He saw his velocity increase to 91-93 in the offseason and the early results have been great. He's 2-2 with a 3.15 ERA (139 ERA+), 1.14 WHIP, and 39 strikeouts in 45.2 innings pitched. He's a future top to middle of the rotation starter with a nice four pitch mix. He's a finesse pitcher who racks up strikeouts, but he does see his share of walks. If anything holds him back, it'll be his command, but DeForest has more then enough raw talent to establish himself in a big league rotaiton.

SP Dick Brown (C La Crosse Lions): For someone who never started a game until this season, Dick Brown's 6 starts have been absolutely amazing. He's 2-2 with a 3.05 ERA (178 ERA+), 1.40 WHIP, and 44 strikeouts in 44.1 innings before earning a call up to San Jose. A former 21st Round Pick out of Mississippi A&M, he's already 23 and only tossed 31.1 innings last year in his first professional season. He throws in the low 90s with a fastball, cutter, and change, but I'd like to see him add a fourth pitch to his arsenal. He's a longshot prospect, but finding quality arms is extremely difficult.

Amateur Report

SP Cy Sullivan (Austin HS Senators): An 8-hit, 4-0 shutout of the Omaha HS Plainsman by Cy Sullivan advanced the Senators to regionals. It was a solid debut season for the sophomore, going 7-1 with a 3.00 ERA (133 ERA+), 1.13 WHIP, and 44 strikeouts in 72 innings. He's a soft tosser, sitting 83-85 with his fastball, but the 6'4'' righty should see his velocity jump up. With that, I think that makes him a really intriguing prospect when he's eligible in two seasons.

SP Loren Conover (Atlanta HS Peaches): Atlanta HS is definitely the most talented high school team, and Loren Conover has been excellent in the postseason. He's tossed 17.1 scoreless innings with 5 hits, 2 walks, and 18 strikeouts in his two starts. It was a great first season for him as well, going 6-1 with a 2.21 ERA (181 ERA+), 0.88 WHIP, and 55 strikeouts in 69.1 innings. Conover is a groundballer who can throw a fastball, slider, change, forkball, and knuckle curve with the fastball sitting in the mid 80s. If Atlanta wins it all this season, Conover is going to be a big reason why.

SS Bolivar Jim Smith (Cumberland Express): I confess, the main reason I picked him is because of his name. But I also wanted to feature someone who's actually draft eligible in what seems like a really week draft class. Bolivar Jim (I think that's how he'd want it to be said) only has a .278/.337/.351 (84 OPS+) career line for Cumberland, but he has an impressive +20.2 ZR including +12.9 ZR this season. The speedy glove wizard has just 4 college games left, and if anything, I'm glad he hasn't played very well since I think he could be a nice later round grab. My scout is a big fan of his, and I love players who are elite with the glove.

***He's from Bolivar, New York (which I didn't notice until finishing the report) which makes sense on his name
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Old 03-06-2020, 04:27 PM   #71
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Week 7: May 26th-June 1st

May 26th, 1930
Cleveland Foresters (20-20): 5
Chicago Cougars (20-20): 11

W: Dick Lyons (3-6)
L: Eddie Gray (3-3)


We started a four games series with the Foresters with a nice 11-5 victory. Bill Ashbaugh was a home run away from the cycle, 3-for-4 with a walk, 2 runs, and 4 RBI's. Bob McCarty was 3-for-4 with a walk, run scored, and RBI. Harry Simmons was 3-for-5 with a double and two RBI's. John Kincaid was 3-for-4 with a steal, 2 doubles, 3 runs, a walk, and RBI. John Dibblee was 3-for-5 with 2 runs and an RBI. Vince York was 1-for-4 with a sac-fly, walk, and run scored. Dick Lyons picked up the win, 8 innings with 10 hits, 5 runs, 3 walks, and 2 strikeouts.

May 27th, 1930
Cleveland Foresters (21-20): 7
Chicago Cougars (20-21): 5

W: Joe McCoy (2-4)
L: Dick Kadlec (1-5)
SV: Jack Gunderson (3)


We dropped the second game of the series as Cleveland edged us 7-5. Russ Combs went 3-for-4 with a walk, steal, and RBI. John Dibblee was 3-for-5 with a run scored. Mack Deal was 2-for-3 with a double, 2 runs, and a sac-fly. Vince York was 2-for-4 with a walk and run scored. Fred Barrell was 1-for-4 with a walk and 2 driven in. Dick Kadlec allowed 12 hits and 7 runs (6 earned) with 2 walks and 5 strikeouts in 8 innings.

May 28th, 1930
Cleveland Foresters (21-21): 6
Chicago Cougars (21-21): 8

W: Chick Meehan (3-2)
L: Jack Gunderson (2-2)


We returned to .500 with a close 8-6 victory. Max Wilder got the start against his former team, 6 innings with 8 hits, 5 runs, 5 walks, and 3 strikeouts. Chick Meehan pitched the last 3 innings, allowing 3 hits and a run with 3 strikeouts. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-3 with a home run, walk, 3 runs, and 3 RBI's. John Dibblee was 2-for-4 with 2 runs scored. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a run scored. Fred Barrell was 2-for-3 with a walk, run scored, and RBI. Mack Deal was 1-for-1 with a sac-fly, 2 walks, and 3 RBI's. George Jordan was 1-for-2 with 2 walks and an RBI.

May 29th, 1930
Cleveland Foresters (21-22): 5
Chicago Cougars (22-21): 9

W: Ace McSherry (4-2)
L: Jack Thompson (3-6)


We took the finale and pushed our record over .500 and won the four game set. Ross Combs had an excellent game against his former team, going a perfect 4-for-4 with a triple, 2 doubles, 2 runs, a walk, and RBI. Vince York was 4-for-5 with a double, homer, 3 runs, and 2 RBI's. Fred Barrell was 2-for-5 with a triple, run scored, and 2 RBI's. Mack Deal was 2-for-5 with a double. George Jordan was 1-for-3 with a walk, sac-fly, and 2 RBI's. Ace McSherry went all nine, allowing 13 hits, 5 runs, and a walk with a pair of strikeouts.

May 30th, 1930
Toronto Wolves (10-33): 2
Chicago Cougars (23-21): 11
Game 1

W: Tommy Russell (5-2)
L: Bert Sweet (1-7)


The Wolves were in town today for a double header. The first game went our way, with a nice easy 11-2 victory. Tommy Russell had an excellent start and preserved the bullpen with a complete game. He allowed 9 hits and 2 runs with 3 strikeouts. He was a beast with the bat, 2-for-2 with 2 sac-bunts and a grand slam! It was the first home run of his career. Harry Simmons was 3-for-5 with 2 runs and an RBI. Vince York was 2-for-4 with a walk and two run homer. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-5 with a run scored and driven in. Cal Blackshear was 1-for-3 with a walk, RBI, and 2 runs scored. John Kincaid was 1-for-5 with a run scored, RBI, and two-bagger.

May 30th, 1930
Toronto Wolves (10-34): 5
Chicago Cougars (24-21): 6
Game 2

W: Len Moore (2-1)
L: Birdie Smith (0-7)


It took some late inning heroics, as we tied the game in the 8th and walked it off in the 9th as Harry Simmons sent the fans home with an RBI single. Simmons was 3-for-5 with a run scored as well. Dick Fessel was 1-for-3 with a triple, run scored, and driven in. Russ Combs as 2-for-5. Vince York was 1-for-4 with a double and run scored. Bill Miller was 1-for-4 with a run scored and driven in.

May 31st, 1930
Toronto Wolves (10-35): 6
Chicago Cougars (25-21): 10

W: Dick Kadlec (2-5)
L: Frank Howk (3-5)


SWWWWWEEEEEEEPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!

Honestly, I don't think we've had a sweep in almost two years and we finish May with a 10-6 win and sweep of the last place Wolves. Russ Combs was 3-for-5 with 2 runs, a steal, and RBI. George Jordan was 2-for-4 with a homer, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Bill Ashbaugh was 3-for-4 with a walk. Slick Hostetter was 1-for-3 with a walk, run scored, and 2 RBI's. John Kincaid was 1-for-5 with a three run homer. Harry Simmons was 1-for-4 with a run scored and RBI. Dick Kadlec was 3-for-4 with a run scored and tossed all 9 innings. He allowed 10 hits, 6 runs (4 earned), 3 walks, and struck out 2.

Junes 1st, 1930
Philadelphia Sailors (33-12): 5
Chicago Cougars (25-22): 3

W: Herm Lowman (6-0)
L: Max Wilder (4-3)


The Sailors stopped by for a quick one game series to end our homestand. We tried to mount a comeback in the 9th, but they stifled our attempts and won 5-3. Max Wilder went all 9, allowing 9 hits, 5 runs (4 earned), and a walk with 2 punch outs. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with a pair of solo homers. Vince York was 2-for-4 with a double. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-3 with a walk and solo homer.

Stars of the Week
Russ Combs : 31 AB, 16 H, 0 HR, 3 RBI, .516 AVG, 1.204 OPS
Bill Ashbaugh : 27 AB, 12 H, 2 HR, 9 RBI, .444 AVG, 1.321 OPS
Vince York : 30 AB, 12 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI, .400 AVG, 1.124 OPS

Weekly Summary
WE WENT 6-2 THIS WEEK AND GOT A SWEEP!!!

Wow

Okay

I think I can finish writing this:

It was an excellent month for us as we went 18-12 and now sit in third place, 9 games behind Philly. Yes, it's still really early, but I'm more then thrilled with how the first two months of the season have gone. This is our 4th winning week compared to two last season and I legitimately can't remember the last time we swept a team. Yes, it was the Wolves, but you have to beat the bad teams too (which we aren't always good at).

Looking at the team as a whole, we've done an excellent job improving our defense as we now sit 2nd in the CA. Our offense has really done well this season as we're leading the league in strikeouts. We're 2nd in batting average, run scored, hits, and steals. 3rd in WAR, OBP, OPS, wOBA, and base running and 4th in slugging. The pitching hasn't been too bad either, as we sit 2nd in strikeouts and 4th in both ERA and starter's ERA as well as WAR and opponent average. We're allowing a ton of homers and walks, as well as runs as a whole, but most of that has come from the pen and Dick Kadlec's rough start (his ERA is down 3 full points in 5 starts) to the season.

Some individual top performers include Vince York who's hitting an impressive .379/.417/.526 (129 OPS+) with 5 homers, 5 steals, and 27 RBI's and he has the 3rd highest batting average in the league. Harry Simmons is hitting .367/.407/.452 (110 OPS+) with 2 homers, 6 steals, and 27 RBI's. Max Wilder is 4-3 with a 2.94 ERA (160 ERA+), 1.20 WHIP, and 38 strikeouts. New starter Ace McSherry is 4-2 with a 3.34 ERA (141 OPS+), 1.37 WHIP, and 21 strikeouts.

We're off today, but will start a tough road trip tomorrow with 3 against Baltimore (23-23) and 4 against the red-hot Kings (30-16) who sit just 3.5 games out of first place. This week will likely be our hardest week of the season and will really test our guys, especially since we don't return home until June 19th.

Injury Report
SS Gary Sanders (Chicago Cougars): Mild hamstring strain (unknown)
RF Art Panko (Chicago Cougars): Returned from rehab assignment
LF Tom Thomas (AA Mobile Commodores): Returned from the DL
SP Hal Robinson (B San Jose Cougars): Tender shoulder (5 days)

Transactions
George Sanders will hit the DL as LF Art Panko returns from his rehab assignment.

Minor League Report

SP Jim Crawford (AAA Milwaukee Blues): He's done everything he can to separate himself from the bunch since coming over in the Independent league draft. In 8 starts with the Blues, he's 2-3 with a 2.55 ERA (165 ERA+), 1.30 WHIP, and 52 strikeouts in 53 innings. The 24-year-old is a groundballer who features a high 80s, low 90s cutter, curve, change, and forkball. The southpaw has excellent stuff and projects to be a top of the rotation arm. He's currently the 56th best prospect in the league, and he may find himself in the Cougars rotation before the year ends.

SP Bobby Love (A Lincoln Legislators): It's been an excellent season for former 2nd Rounder Bobby Love so far this season. He's gone 4-0 with a 2.20 ERA (193 ERA+), 1.15 WHIP, and 40 strikeouts in 41 innings with the Legislators. He just completed a 5-hit, 12 strikeout shutout of the Evansville Hawks as his first taste of the Heartland league has gone really well. The 21-year-old righty throws a low 90s fastball with a curve and forkball, with the fork his best pitch. He does have some trouble with walks, but it shouldn't prevent him from becoming a reliable starter.

C Billy Wiseman (C La Crosse Lions): A 13th Round Pick last season, Billy Wiseman had an excellent week in an excellent season, going 11-for-27 with 5 homers and 12 RBI's. He's been hitting everything in sight, going .423/.491/.918 (231 OPS+) with 11 homers and 43 RBI's in just 24 games. The 19-year-old only made 14 at bats last season, so this is really his first taste of professional ball. He's an average defender with great power, and he shouldn't be in La Crosse very much longer.

Amateur Report

3B Johnny Turner (George Fox Reds): They just managed to make the playoffs, and Johnny Turner has been one of the most productive hitters for the Reds. "Johnny on the Spot" hit .384/.440/.594 with 8 homers and 57 RBI's in his junior year. He's a reliable hitter and defender with above average contact potential and a good eye. He hit just 6 homers total his first two seasons, so the 8 homers could be an outlier or his power developing as he's gotten more experience. He has the defensive ability to man short and second as well, and Turner should be taken in the first five rounds of the draft this year.

RF Sam Brown (Pierpont Purple): One of the best freshman in the league last year, year two was another great performance for Sam Brown. It wasn't a good season for his team, but he hit .403/.470/.655 (180 OPS+) with 11 homers and 47 RBI's. One of the top prospects in next years class, Brown is an excellent hitter with 30 home run potential. He also took a step forward in the field, throwing out 10 runners without committing a single error. With another dominant season next season, Brown will likely be a first round selection.

SP George Andrews (Queens HS Islanders): After a shocking upset over the Atlanta HS Peaches, George Andrews and the Islanders are headed to the high school championships. The senior is pitching in his first season, and was an impressive 5-1 with a 2.98 ERA (134 ERA+), 1.31 WHIP, and 50 strikeouts in 57.1 innings. He doesn't throw too hard, hovering in the mid 80s, but he's been just as excellent in the postseason, 3-0 with a 1.01 ERA and 34 strikeouts. He's been the captain of the team and will be key to winning it all.

LF Larry Robison (Queens HS Islanders): Another member of the championship team, Robison is also in his first season with the team. He hit .395/.464/.667 (204 OPS+), 6 homers, 22 steals, and 24 RBI's in 184 trips to the plate. He's a prototypical lead off hitter who laces line drives all across the diamond. An excellent defender with excellent speed, he can man all three outfield spots. Unlike Andrews, he has more time in Queens, so he can do a lot more to boost his draft profile.
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Old 03-09-2020, 04:31 PM   #72
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Week 8: June 2nd-June 8th

June 3rd, 1930
Chicago Cougars (25-23): 6
Baltimore Cannons (24-23): 9

W: Rabbit Day (8-5)
L: Ace McSherry (4-3)
SV: Lee Drouillard (3)


Our road trip started in Baltimore where the Cannons topped us 9-6 in a close one. John Kincaid went 2-for-5 with 2 runs, a steal, and RBI. Russ Combs was 2-for-5 with a run scored and two driven in. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with 2 RBI's. Bob McCarty was 2-for-5 with a run scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-3 with 2 walks and an RBI. Ace McSherry had a rough start, 4.1 innings with 9 hits, 9 runs, and 7 walks.

June 4th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (26-23): 5
Baltimore Cannons (24-24): 4

W: Dick Lyons (5-6)
L: Ken Carpenter (4-6)
SV: Len Moore (3)


We evened the series up with a close 5-4 victory. Dick Lyons looked good, 8 innings with 9 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), a walk, and 4 strikeouts. Former Cannon Len Moore walked 1 in a scoreless ninth for the save. Russ Combs was 3-for-5 with a triple and RBI. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with 2 doubles, 2 RBI's, and a run scored. John Kincaid was 3-for-5 with a run scored. Mack Deal was 1-for-4 with a two run homer. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-3 with a walk and run scored.

June 5th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (26-24): 4
Baltimore Cannons (25-24): 6

W: Buzz Ham (3-0)
L: Tommy Russell (5-3)


After taking an early 4-0 lead, we slowly let the game get away with us and the Cannons took the finale and the series with a 6-4 win. Bill Ashbaugh went 2-for-4 with 2 runs and 2 RBI's. Ross Combs was 1-for-3 with a walk, run scored, and steal. John Dibblee was 1-for-3 with a double, walk, and run scored. George Jordan was 1-for-3 with a sac-fly. John Kincaid was 1-for-4 with a steal and run scored.

June 6th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (27-24): 6
Brooklyn Kings (30-20): 4

W: Dick Kadlec (3-5)
L: Clarence Flanders (0-2)


Our next stop was Brooklyn, where we opened the series with a 6-4 win. Dick Kadlec went the distance, allowing 10 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), and 4 walks with 5 strikeouts. Fred Barrell went 3-for-4 with a double, 2 runs, and an RBI. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-5 with a triple, run scored, and RBI. Vince York was 2-for-5 with a double, run scored, and RBI. John Dibblee was 2-for-4 with a walk and run scored. Bob McCarty was 1-for-3 with a walk and 2 RBI's. Harry Simmons was 1-for-4 with a double and RBI.

June 7th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (28-24): 12
Brooklyn Kings (30-21): 10

W: Chick Meehan (4-2)
L: Jack Wardle (2-2)


Both teams scored in three innings a piece, but the biggest inning was a 5 run 9th where we then could hold off the host Kings in the bottom half. It was a rare rough start for Max Wilder, who allowed 12 hits and 10 runs with 4 walks and just 1 strikeout in 6.2 innings as he watched his ERA jump a full point. Chick Meehan allowed 2 hits and 2 walks in his 2 innings of work. Vince York was 3-for-5 with a homer, 2 runs, and 3 RBI's. John Dibblee was 3-for-5 with 2 doubles, 2 runs, and 3 RBI's. Harry Simmons was 3-for-4 with 2 RBI's. Russ Combs was 2-for-6 with a solo homer and 2 runs scored. George Jordan was 2-for-5 with 3 RBI's. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with a walk and 2 runs scored. John Kincaid was 2-for-5 with a walk and 2 runs scored. Bob McCarty was 1-for-3 with a walk and run scored.

June 7th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (29-24): 19
Brooklyn Kings (30-22): 4

W: Dick Lyons (5-6)
L: Jim Langley (8-3)


We exploded for 22 hits (we had 20 the day before) and 19 runs as we set up a sweep of the second place Kings who just recently got swept at home by the Sailors. Former King prospect George Jordan led the charge, 4-for-5 with 2 doubles, a homer, 4 runs, and 6 RBI's. Bill Ashbaugh was 3-for-3 with 2 walks and 3 runs scored. Fred Barrell was 3-for-6 with 3 runs scored. Vince York was 2-for-6 with a homer and 4 RBI's. Mack Deal was 2-for-5 with a double, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Art Panko was 2-for-3 with a triple, 2 walks, 2 RBI's, and a run scored. John Kincaid was 2-for-7 with a double, triple, 2 runs, and an RBI. Starter Dick Lyons was 1-for-2 with a run scored, run driven in, and 4(!) sac-bunts. He pitched all 9, allowing 11 hits and 4 runs with 2 strikeouts.

Stars of the Week
Fred Barrell : 26 AB, 13 H, 0 HR, 5 RBI, .500 AVG, 1.115 OPS
Bill Ashbaugh : 19 AB, 10 H, 0 HR, 4 RBI, .526 AVG, 1.257 OPS
Vince York : 29 AB, 9 H, 2 HR, 8 RBI, .310 AVG, .885 OPS

Weekly Summary\
I can get used to winning weeks! I really though we'd do much better against the Cannons then the Kings, but I think we caught Brooklyn at the right time. They were really hot in May and they've now lost six straight. They're a young team like us (although their farm is much better) and I see them as our greatest future threat. They have a young ace in Tommy Wilcox who I was convinced we were going to draft two seasons ago before realizing it was the FA's turn to draft first (they traded for the pick) and a lot of good young hitters.

It was a rough week for the starters as Max Wilder and Ace McSherry had awful starts with Dick Kadlec surprisingly having the best start. The offense was solid all week, but just exploded in game three against the Kings. And it wasn't like it was against a bad pitcher. Langley was 8-2 with a 3.84 ERA before we came to town. Fred Barrell and George Jordan have started to hit better as of late and Barrell becomes the 7th Cougar starter hitting above .300 (.302). Bob McCarty, our 8th hitter, is the lone below and he still sits at .296. Technically, when Kadlec or Russell start we have 8 .300 hitters in the lineup and Art Panko is hitting .313 in 22 at bats so he could sub in for McCarty just so we boast an all .300 hitter lineup (like I will in the finale).

While Wilder fell off the pitching leader boards, Harry Simmons propelled himself to third in the league in batting average (.373) as year two has been even better then his rookie season. Simmons is hitting .373/.411/.459 (112 OPS+) with 2 homers, 6 steals, and 30 RBI's. He's done everything he can to prove he belongs as an FABL starter. This complicates things for Mack Deal, who I may look to move for starting pitching or a prospect at another position.

After finishing the Kings series (hopefully with a sweep), we have a quick trip to New York City to face the Stars (22-31) for four. We then head north of the border for four more with Montreal (25-27) before an off day ends our road trip. I think we can put together another winning week and possibly jump Brooklyn in the standings. At 30-22, they're just one and a half games ahead of us. Philly (38-13) has a now comfortable 8.5 game lead over them, and it'd be naive of me to think we can catch them. I'm more then thrilled with how the season has progressed and it's a refreshing change of pace to (hopefully) not finish in 7th or 8th.

Injury Report
CF Joe Johnson (A Lincoln Legislators): Sprained ankle (2 weeks)
RP Bill Hartfield (A Lincoln Legislators): Returned from the DL
CF Vince Myers (A Lincoln Legislators): Returned from the DL
SS Larry Burns (B San Jose Cougars): Sprained knee (3 weeks)
RP Bob Bliss (B San Jose Cougars): Returned from the DL
SP Pete Carey (B San Jose Cougars): Returned form the DL
SP Hal Robinson (B San Jose Cougars): Returned from the DL
SP Roy Byrd (C La Crosse Lions): Returned from the DL

Transactions
Our crosstown partners the Chicago Chiefs claimed Clyde Lincoln off waivers. I'm shocked, but I won't lose any sleep over losing him due to the OOTP minor league DL glitch.

Minor League Report

SP Tom Barrell (A Lincoln Legislators): Probably the most hyped college prospect in the FABL's history, it was obvious that if the Cougars were picking first in 1929, that they would go with Tom Barrell. And since we picked first, Barrell was the #1 pick of the 1929 draft. The 22-year-old has looked good in A ball, going 5-3 with a 3.09 ERA (135 ERA+), 1.12 WHIP, and 61 strikeouts in 55.1 innings. He's also hitting an impressive .348/.407/.522 (146 OPS+) with a homer and 2 RBI's in 23 at bats. I've promoting current 1B Charlie Steele to Mobile to let Barrell get reps in the field at first. At the plate he has excellent discipline, average power, and a capable defender. He's a prize on the mound, however, as the 22-year-old lives in the high 90s with his fastball and he has a dependable slider and change to go with it. He's going to strikeout a ton of batters and be one of (if not the best) players in the league.

Amateur Report
The Little Rock HS Pioneers (29-11) took down the Queens HS Islanders (28-12) in the best of three High School Finals. I did a recap of two of Queen's top prospects, and will look at the rest of the potential future draftees on the pennant winning teams:

RF Ed Strong (Queens HS Islanders): An Illinois native, Ed Strong will be eligible for next years draft and I'll have my eye on the slugger. He had a great season, batting .301/.382/.582 (159 OPS+) with 10 homers and 42 RBI's in 178 trips to the plate. The lefty slugger is one of those new breed of all-or-nothing hitters that have started to become popular in the FABL. His power potential is massive, and he can even hold his own in right. He's big, 6'3'', and can't run too well, but his last name is very fitting. He's a really strong player who can muscle balls out of any park.

SP Joe Diefenderfer (Queens HS Islanders): Eligible for this years' draft, the southpaw bounced back from a rough junior season, going 3-1 with a 2.93 ERA (136 ERA+), 1.28 WHIP, and 31 strikeouts in 46 innings. He's more of a swingman then a regular starter, but his career 3.43 (125 ERA+) and 1.48 WHIP aren't terrible, but his solid sophomore season seems like more of a peak then a baseline. He does do a good job of keeping the ball on the ground, but his sinker sits in the low to mid 80s. He can also throw a curve, slider, change, and forkball so he does do a good job mixing his pitches, but none of them are really that good. He's a late round pick at best, but will likely remain undrafted.

SP Ellis Allison (Queens HS Islanders): As a sophomore, Ellis Allison looked to be a future star, going 6-1 with a 2.13 ERA (211 ERA+), 0.96 WHIP, and 79 strikeouts in 67.2 innings. He saw his strikeouts plummet to 13 the year after, but his 1.85 ERA (179 ERA+) and 1.09 WHIP were extremely impressive. And while his strikeouts came back this year, with 40 in 46.1 innings, his ERA rose to 3.88 (103 ERA+) and his WHIP jumped to 1.42. Like Diefenderfer, he's a sinker baller who keeps the ball on the ground, but he does throw a little bit harder. He could end up a decent late round pick due to his slump, but Allison is a lottery ticket at best.

SP Dixie Lee (Little Rock HS Pioneers): The ace of a solid staff, this was the first season for junior Dixie Lee. He went 5-3 with a 2.94 ERA (136 ERA+), 1.24 WHIP, and 89 strikeouts in 70.1 innings. In the spring, he added a slider to his curve, change, and fastball. He doesn't throw too hard, but he gets a lot of swings and misses as he can bury his change up. After winning the championship this season, a strong senior year can propel Lee of draft boards as he looks to build his stock in his senior season.

1B Tony Hussey (Little Rock HS Pioneers): He's listed as a first basemen, but he's probably better as a starting pitcher. The sophomore went 5-0 with a 2.64 ERA (152 ERA+), 1.11 WHIP, and 45 strikeouts in 7 starts for the Pioneers while hitting .365/.365/.397 (106 OPS+) with 10 RBI's in 63 at bats. The southpaw has a really good curveball to go with a changeup and mid 80s fastball. At the plate, however, he really doesn't look like he does anything all that special. He's just 15, so he has a lot of time to add velocity before he become draft eligible, but like any prep pitcher, he could turn into a total scrub at any moment if his strong performance was just a lucky run.

SP Bert Finkelstein (Little Rock HS Pioneers): Another two way player, the southpaw Bert Finkelstein was 4-0 with a 1.91 ERA (210 ERA+), 1.09 WHIP, and 21 strikeouts with just 3 walks in 37.2 innings. He wasn't as good at the plate, hitting .320/.346/.320 (81 OPS+) with 3 RBI's, but he started at first in the postseason for the Pioneers. He's a small pitcher, 5'9'' 140, and he throws a low 80s cutter with a slider and change. Another youngster, the sophomore has a long time to grow and turn into a more reliable starter as I think his success might be short lived.

SP Tom Dunn (Little Rock HS Pioneers): Another sophomore starter, Dunn added a change up in March to his fastball and curve. The fastball can touch 88, and he's probably the reason Little Rock won it all. He went 3-0 with a 1.75 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 4 starts, including 6 innings in the game three win. He had a great regular season too, going 3-2 with a 2.86 ERA (140 ERA+), 1.11 WHIP, and 89 strikeouts in 50.1 innings. Dunn might be the best of the Little Rock rotation, as he racks up the strikeouts and was dominate in the games that mattered most. The righty also throws much harder then his teammates, and has the stuff of a reliever with the stamina of a starter.

SS Ducky Jordan (Little Rock HS Pioneers): The "Hot Springs Hotshot" Ducky Jordan is the best hitter on the team, but he actually missed the entire postseason with a fractured foot. While on the field, he hit .354/.441/.500 (154 OPS+) with 12 steals and 21 RBI's in his debut season. The switch hitter as a ton of talent including plus contact skills and excellent plate discipline. He's an excellent base runner, and where he lacks in home run power, he makes up in gap-to-gap power. The switch hitter sprays line drives all around the diamond. As long as he heals from his injury, Jordan will be crucial in the title defense and he'll look to build on a solid season.

LF Jerry Sorenson (Little Rock HS Pioneers): Jerry Sorenson really isn't that good of a baseball player. The junior hit just .192/.266/.295 (67 OPS+) last season with a homer and 12 RBI's. This year, his average wasn't very good (.212), but he had an impressive enough 122 OPS+. He decided to swing as hard as he could at any pitch in the zone, and launched 13 homers and drove in 29 RBI's. The power surge led to an increase in walks (11 to 23) and strikeouts (20 to 61) as the lefty developed into one of the best sluggers in the league. He also greatly improved his defense from a -8.2 ZR to a +1.4 in left. I don't really know what to make of him, but anyone who can hit the ball as hard and far as he can deserves a second look.
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Old 03-10-2020, 02:35 PM   #73
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Week 9: June 9th-June 15th

June 9th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (30-24): 11
Brooklyn Kings (30-23): 7

W: Ace McSherry (5-3)
L: Lyman Weigel (0-2)


SWWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This was a crazy one. We looked down and out, but rallied for 6 in the 8th to take the finale and finish off a four game road sweep of the 2nd place Kings. The all .300 lineup worked well, as we totaled 16 hits in the finale. Vince York was 2-for-5 with 2 runs scored and driven in. John Dibblee was 2-for-4 with a double, walk, and 3 RBI's. Art Panko was 2-for-5 with a triple and 2 runs scored. Russ Combs was 2-for-4 with a walk, steal, sac-bunt, and 2 RBI's. Fred Barrell was 2-for-5 with 2 RBI's. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-5 with 2 runs scored. Harry Simmons was 2-for-5 with a run scored. Ace McSherry was 2-for-3 with a triple, sac-bunt, RBI, and two runs scored. On the mound, he went 8 with 12 hits, 6 runs (4 earned), 3 walks, and a strikeout. Bill McLean allowed a run off 2 walks and a hit in the 9th.

June 10th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (30-25): 4
New York Stars (24-31): 7

W: Mutt Pharr (1-0)
L: Tommy Russel (5-4)
SV: Jack Carr (4)


It wasn't a far trip to New York, but our Brooklyn magic ran out and the Stars took the opener 7-4. Tommy Russel had a rough start, 6 innings with 9 hits, 7 runs, 4 walks, and 3 strikeouts. Russ Combs was 2-for-5 with a double, triple, and run scored. Harry Simmons was 2-for-4 with a double, run scored, and run driven in. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with a steal and RBI. John Kincaid was 1-for-4 with a double and sac-fly. Bob McCarty was 1-for-3 with a walk and RBI.

June 11th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (31-25): 6
New York Stars (24-32): 4

W: Dick Kadlec (4-5)
L: Jim Cavender (0-2)


We evened the series up with a close 6-4 victory. Dick Kadlec was great on the mound, 9 innings with 10 hits, 4 runs (2 earned), 4 walks, and 2 strikeouts. He also went 2-for-3 with 2 doubles, a sac-bunt, and RBI. Vince York was 2-for-5 with a two run homer. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with an RBI and double. Mack Deal was 1-for-4 with a hit by pitch, run scored, and stolen base. George Jordan was 1-for-3 with a triple and run scored.

June 12th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (31-26): 1
New York Stars (25-32): 4

W: Moxie Nelson (7-3)
L: Max Wilder (4-4)
SV: Phil English (4)


The offense fell asleep in game three, as the Stars topped us 4-1 and would look to take the series tomorrow. Max Wilder went 8 with 10 hits, 4 runs, 2 walks, and 5 strikeouts. He was also 1-for-3 with the only run scored. Vince York was a perfect 3-for-3 with a walk. Fred Barrell was 1-for-3 with a triple. Harry Simmons was 1-for-3 with a walk.

June 13th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (32-26): 5
New York Stars (25-33): 3

W: Dick Lyons (6-6)
L: Skinny Foster (3-8)
SV: Len Moore (4)


We took the finale and left New York with a rather disappointing split in the four game set. Dick Lyons pitched well, 7.1 innings with 8 hits, 2 runs, a walk, and 2 strikeouts. Len Moore allowed an unearned run in 1.2 innings as he picked up the save. Russ Combs was 2-for-4 with a walk and 2 RBI's. John Kincaid was 2-for-5 with 2 RBI's. Harry Simmons was 1-for-2 with a sac-fly, sac-bunt, and run scored. Fred Barrell was 1-for-2 with a walk, hit by pitch, and run scored. Bob McCarty was 1-for-3 with a run scored and sac-bunt.

June 14th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (32-27): 1
Montreal Saints (28-30): 5

W: Dave Paynter (4-6)
L: Ace McSherry (5-4)


Our road trip ends north of the border, as we started four against the Montreal Saints with a 5-1 loss. The big news in this one was losing Ace McSherry one batter into the fifth. He strained his forearm and will miss 3 months. He allowed 4 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks, and a strikeout. Bill McLean tossed 3.1 innings with 5 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), 3 walks, and a strikeout. Chick Meehan finished the game, allowing a hit while getting the final two outs. Vince York was 1-for-3 with a double and hit by pitch. Cal Blackshear was 1-for-1 with a walk and RBI. Bob McCarty was 1-for-2 with a walk and run scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-3 with an RBI.'

June 15th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (32-28): 2
Montreal Saints (29-30): 3

W: Charlie Stedman (4-5)
L: Tommy Russel (5-5)


We were up 2-1 in the 9th, but they tied the game off the starter Russell and then Ed Pinkham sent the fans home happy with a walk-off single. Russel went 8.2 innings with 10 hits, 3 runs, and 3 strikeouts. Vince York was 2-for-4 with a triple, run scored, and RBI. Mack Deal was 1-for-3 with a double and walk. John Kincaid was 1-for-2 with a walk, sac-bunt, and steal. Fred Barrell was 1-for-4 with an RBI.

Stars of the Week
Vince York : 30 AB, 12 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI, .400 AVG, 1.104 OPS
Harry Simmons : 14 AB, 6 H, 0 HR, 2 RBI, .429 AVG, .938 OPS
John Kincaid : 29 AB, 7 H, 0 HR, 4 RBI, .241 AVG, .592 OPS

Weekly Summary
I was a little disappointing to finish the week 3-4, but the sweep of Brooklyn was really nice. I think the road trip was starting to take a tole in the Kings series and we are gassed for the Saints series. We have just two more games before finishing the road trip. Losing Ace McSherry was tough, but we won't need a 5th starter next week so I'll role with a four man rotation. I'm thinking of eventually calling up either Jim Crawford or Cotton Taylor after this week ends. It might cause us one game on short rest (depending on Milwaukee's schedule), but I'd rather have an extra arm and not have to keep them in the majors not pitching.

I'm hoping Bill Ashbaugh can start to pick things up soon. He's hitting a respectable .310/.399/.467 (109 OPS+), but that's nothing near his talent. He also has just 5 homers and 5 steals, but his 45 RBI's are impressive. He's a 20+ home run hitter, not a 10-15 home run hitter. Vince York is supplying the power, and he's on pace for 21 homers and 103 RBI's.

Another thing I want to mention is how clutch Len Moore has been. When the back of the bullpen was pitiful, he's come in and pitched really well. The waiver claim has a 2.31 ERA (206 ERA+) and 1.37 WHIP in 11.2 innings with 4 saves. He's been a lot better then Meehan was, but he's been excellent as a setup man. He's seen his ERA drop down to 5.58 and he's tallied 17 strikeouts in 30.2 innings. He had a 3.75 ERA in May and has been perfect in 4 innings half way through June.

After finishing the Saints series, we'll host the Cannons (30-29) for four followed by the Stars (26-34) for three and the Kings (32-27) for four. I'm hoping Brooklyn isn't too mad at us and rolls right through Chicago. We sit 11 out of first behind the Sailors (42-16) who don't really lose. Only the Foresters (6-8) have beat them more then twice and we're just 2-7 against the defending pennant winners.

Injury Report
SP Ace McSherry (FABL Chicago Cougars): Strained forearm (3 months)
SS George Sanders (FABL Chicago Cougars): Began rehab assignment with the AA Mobile Commodores
RP Elmer Wood (AA Mobile Commodores): Returned from the DL
RP John Peterson (A Lincoln Legislators): Strained hamstring (3 weeks)
CF Ken Allen (B San Jose Cougars): Finger blister (1 day)
RP Phil McNair (C La Crosse Lions): Mild hamstring strain (2 days)
RP Lee Ralph (C La Crosse Lions): Rotator cuff inflammation (3 months)

Transactions
We signed former Forester righty Karl Clasby to a 1-year, $3,880 contract. He was originally going to head to Milwaukee to be used as depth, but with the McSherry injury he'll join the active roster for the week. The Benton, Illinois native had a 5.32 ERA (86 ERA+), 2.00 WHIP, and 7 strikeouts in 22 innings across 12 games with Cleveland. He was also 3-1 with 4 saves, but he'll be used as an emergency arm before heading down to Milwaukee.

Minor League Report

2B Red Cowell (AA Mobile Commodores): It's been a rough season for the 25-year-old who's hitting just .246/.296/.310 (56 OPS+), but he started to turn things around with a nice 20 game hit streak after a really terrible start to the season. Cowell is a great runner and has excellent range in the infield, proven by his +7.2 ZR in 439 innings so far this season. He's nothing more then a depth piece, but guys like this always find a way to surprise you in this league.

SP Roy Byrd (C La Crosse Lions): For someone who was 5-1 with a 0.82 ERA (404 ERA+) and 0.65 WHIP with 60 strikeouts in 55 innings as a high school senior, you'd think he wouldn't have too much trouble at the lowest minor league level. It's been rough sailing for the 28th overall pick in last year's draft, as Roy Byrd has been hit hard all season. In his 9 starts, he has an awful 7.12 ERA (74 ERA+) and 1.79 WHIP with 37 strikeouts in 43 innings. A flyball pitcher, Byrd can hit 91 with his fastball and he looks to have a decent slider and change as well. The 19-year-old was a risky pick, as his first two seasons in high school weren't great, and perhaps last year's dominance was a fluke. We're hoping it wasn't, as Byrd looked to me to be a dependable rotation option in the future.

Amateur Report
The college championship will see the Garden State Redbirds (31-20) take on the Northern California Miners (33-17). Here's some of the highlights from that game:

SP George Budd (Garden State Redbirds): He won't be playing in the game due to injury, but the freshman Redbird ace was 9-1 with a 2.85 ERA (174 ERA+), 1.07 WHIP, and 51 strikeouts in 98 innings. His velocity is approaching the 90s, and he mixes a cutter, slider, and change really well. The changeup will determine if he remains a starter, but the early results have looked good. As long as his strained shoulder doesn't erode his skills, he could be a top pick when eligible in a few seasons.

RF Bill Butterfield (Garden State Redbirds): One of the better power hitters in the league, the sophomore hit 15 homers and drove in 52 RBI's while hitting .332/.380/.615 (144 OPS+) in 229 trips to the plate. He's a dependable defender in right unlike most big lefty sluggers. He's an above average contact hitter with 20+ home run potential. He also has an excellent eye and should see high on base percentages because pitchers won't want to pitch to him and he won't have to chase. He's young for his class, won't turn 20 until November, and will be eligible for next seasons draft. With a strong junior year, Butterfield should be a top 5 round selection.

SP Jim Hook (Garden State Redbirds): Another freshman pitcher, Jim Hook was 3-3 with a 3.36 ERA (148 ERA+), 1.17 WHIP, and 45 strikeouts in 59 innings. He hits 87-89 with his fastball and also features a curveball and slider. His curveball is his best pitch, and when he has control of it, he can get a lot of swing and misses. He will hang it occasionally, and better hitters will punish him for it. He is young, but with his small frame he may not add much more velocity. He profiles as a starter in the long run, however, and should see improvements next year with more experience.

SS Junior Scheel (Garden State Redbirds): The junior switch hitter Junior Scheel isn't known for his bat. He hit just .248/.327/.407 (96 OPS+) in his college career with 19 homers and 78 RBI's. But, he's an excellent defender who recorded an impressive +10.5 ZR this season. He's a great defender, but has a great sense of the strike zone as well. There is a little power, especially for his position, and in a relatively week draft class this year Scheel would be worth gambling on. A slick fielder with pop is hard to find at short, and Scheel looks promising in that aspect.

SP Bernie Johnson (Northern California Miners): Despite not pitching as a freshman, the sophomore Bernie Johnson broke out this season. He was 11-1 with a 3.32 ERA (156 ERA+), 1.35 WHIP, and 57 strikeouts in 103 innings pitched. The ace of the Miners is an extreme groundballer who can hit the 90s with his sinker. He also throws a slider, change, and circle-change, but the secondary offerings aren't quite there yet. He can pound college players with his sinker, but FABL players won't be dominated as easily. He needs to work on polishing the secondary pitches if he wants to be a big league starter, but his fallback as a reliever isn't bad.

1B Nick Shed (Northern California Miners): A young slugging first basemen, Nick Shed hit .379/.466/.641 (162 OPS+) as a freshman with 13 homers and 55 RBI's. His raw power is unmatched by most, and like most power hitters, he has an excellent eye at the plate. He also doesn't strike out too much and hits line drives instead of flyballs. He's young and has a lot of time to grow, but Shed looks to be one of the more promising prospects in a pretty deep 1932 draft class. Like most freshman, however, he'll have to be consistent if he wants a nice slot bonus.

2B Bill Perkins (Northern California Miners): Another freshman, the Miners seem to be set for a few years. Perkins hit .388/.451/.608 (150 OPS+) with 6 homers and 53 RBI's in 235 plate appearances. He doesn't have the power of Shed, but he's a much better defender and can hit from both sides of the plate. He has decent speed and he makes consistent contact from either side of the plate. He does have a tendency to pull, but that's not a bad tendency as a switch hitter. His upside isn't as high as Shed, but Perkins is a solid future FABL role player if not everyday starter.
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Old 03-11-2020, 03:06 PM   #74
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Week 10: June 16th-June 22nd

June 16th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (33-28): 10
Montreal Saints (29-31): 7

W: Chick Meehan (5-2)
L: John Barrie (3-5)
SV: Len Moore (5)


We stopped our little skid and topped the Saints in game three. John Dibblee was excellent, 4-for-5 with a double, run scored, and 5 RBI's. Russ Combs was 4-for-6 with 2 runs, a steal, and RBI. Mack Deal was 1-for-3 with a steal, sac-bunt, run, and RBI. Vince York was 1-for-4 with a double, walk, and 2 runs scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-3 with 2 walks, 2 runs, and an RBI. Dick Kadlec was a little unlucky in the start, 5 innings with 6 hits, 7 runs (3 earned), 4 walks, and 4 strikeouts. Chick Meehan picked up the win, 2 innings with a hit, walk, and strikeout. Len Moore picked up the save, 2 innings with 3 hits and a strikeout.

June 17th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (34-28): 4
Montreal Saints (29-32): 0

W: Max Wilder (5-4)
L: John Lizak (0-1)


Former Saint Max Wilder was unhittable as we shut out the Saints 4-0 to end our road trip with a series split. He allowed just 3 hits and 3 walks with 6 strikeouts in the complete game shutout. He also went 1-for-4 with a run scored. Russ Combs went 4-for-5 with a steal, run scored, and RBI. Vince York was 2-for-5 with a two run homer. George Jordan was 1-for-3 with a walk.

June 19th, 1930
Baltimore Cannons (33-30): 7
Chicago Cougars (35-28): 8

W: Dick Lyons (7-6)
L: Rabbit Day (10-7)
SV: Len Moore (6)


Fresh off a day off, we survived the visiting Baltimore Cannons 8-7 to start our homestand. Vince York was 2-for-3 with 2 walks, 2 RBI's, and his 10th home run of the season. He becomes the first Cougar to hit double digits for homers this year. Mack Deal went 3-for-4 with a double, run scored, and 2 RBI's. Fred Barrell was 3-for-5 with an RBI. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with a walk, run scored, and RBI. George Jordan was 1-for-3 with a sac-bunt and solo home run. John Dibblee was 1-for-4 with a double, 2 runs, and a walk. Russ Combs was 1-for-4 with a walk, run scored, and RBI. Lyons allowed a remarkable 17 hits with 7 runs, 2 walks, and 2 strikeouts in 6 innings. Chick Meehan pitched 2.1 innings with 2 hits, a walk, and 3 strikeouts. Len Moore got the final 2 outs for the save.

June 20th, 1930
Baltimore Cannons (34-30): 7
Chicago Cougars (35-29): 3

W: Ken Carpernter (9-6)
L: Tommy Russel (5-6)


The Cannons evened the series back up with a 7-3 win. As per usual, Tommy Russel pitched the entire game. He allowed all 7 runs (3 earned), with 8 hits, 2 walks, and 2 strikeouts. Harry Simmons was 3-for-4 with an RBI. Russ Combs was 2-for-3 with a sac-bunt. Art Panko was 2-for-4. John Kincaid was 1-for-4 with a run scored and RBI.

June 21st, 1930
Baltimore Cannons (34-31): 6
Chicago Cougars (36-29): 8

W: Dick Kadlec (5-5)
L: Bob Miller (7-8)


Despite a ninth inning rally, we held off the Cannons in an 8-6 victory. Vince York was a perfect 4-for-4 with a hit by pitch, run scored, and 2 RBI's. Russ Combs was 3-for-5 with 2 runs and 2 RBI's. Bob McCarty and Harry Simmons were both 2-for-4 with a run scored, walk, and RBI. Dick Kadlec was 1-for-3 with a run scored and sac-bunt. He also pitched to a complete game victory, allowing 13 hits and 6 runs with 2 walks and 2 strikeouts.

June 22nd, 1930
Baltimore Cannons (35-31): 5
Chicago Cougars (36-30): 4

W: Buzz Ham (5-1)
L: Len Moore (2-2)
SV: Lee Drouillard (6)


A 3 run 8th game the Cannons the finale as they left Chicago with a series split. George Jordan was 2-for-4 with 2 RBI's. Vince York was 2-for-5 with a run scored and two driven in. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-3 with a walk. John Kincaid was 1-for-4 with a walk and run scored. Max Wilder went 7+ with 5 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), 6 walks, and just 1 strikeout. Len Moore got the loss, 2 innings with 2 hits and a run.

Stars of the Week
Vince York : 25 AB, 12 H, 2 HR, 8 RBI, .480 AVG, 1.312 OPS
Russ Combs : 28 AB, 15 H, 0 HR, 5 RBI, .536 AVG, 1.087 OPS
John Dibblee : 9 AB, 5 H, 0 HR, 5 RBI, .556 AVG, 1.414 OPS

Weekly Summary
A 4-2 week puts us in 2nd place, 8 behind the Sailors and 1 ahead of the Cannons. We also finished our road trip 9-5 against Baltimore (35-31), Brooklyn (32-32), New York (29-37), and Montreal (33-33). I'm really happy with the results of this trip and 6 games over .500 towards the end of June is an awesome return from last year. We've already hit our half way win point far before the half way point in the season.

Vince York jumped up to third in the Continental Association (and the entire league) in batting average with a .383 mark. He's also the first of our hitters to reach the double digit mark for homers. He leads all rookies with that number, as well as OBP (.424), OPS (.989), WAR (2.4), hits (105), total bases (155), OPS+ (137), and wOBA (.423). He also sits second in WPA (2.22), RBI's (48), and slugging (.566).

In contrast to York, Dick Lyons has been enduring an awful season. He may be 7-6, but he has a 5.42 ERA (89 ERA+), 1.61 WHIP, and 38 strikeouts in 106.1 innings. The ERA, ERA+, and WHIP would be career worsts, and his 0.7 HR/9 is also the worst mark of his career. He's been overshadowed by Max Wilder, who is 5-4 with a 3.48 ERA (138 ERA+), 1.27 WHIP, and 51 strikeouts in 116.1 innings. Lyons really needs to step it up after we lost McSherry for most of the season last week.

Speaking of the McSherry injury, the FABL's 35th ranked prospect Jim Crawford will be set to make his debut in the first of a four game set with the Stars. Acquired from Sacramento in the Independent league draft, Crawford has been excellent with the Blues, going 4-4 with a 2.88 ERA (145 ERA+), 1.28 WHIP, and 76 strikeouts in 81.1 innings pitched. The lefty Crawford has top of the rotation potential and may be up to stay if he shows that he's ready for the majors.

The Stars series is a three game set followed by four more at home with the Brooklyn Kings. The homestand ends with three against the Saints before a travel day to Philadelphia. We'll start that series with a double header against the first place 43-21 Sailors.

Injury Report
LF John Dibblee (Chicago Cougars): Bruised shoulder (4 days)
2B Slim Bloom (AAA Milwaukee Blues): Finger blister (1 week)
CF Joe Johnson (A Lincoln Legislators): Returned from the DL
SP Lynn Albright (B San Jose Cougars): Fractured wrist (2 months)
RP Cy Plummer (B San Jose Cougars): Back tightness (1 week)
RP Phil McNair (C La Crosse Lions): Returned from the DL

Transactions
RP Karl Clasby was optioned to AAA Milwaukee. SP Jim Crawford was recalled from AAA Milwaukee. Clasby didn't get into a game with us this week, and will hang around Milwaukee as injury insurance. Crawford will make his major league debut the 23rd against the Stars in Chicago.

Minor League Report

CF Tom Thomas (AA Mobile Commodores): Currently our 16th ranked prospect, Tom Thomas was undrafted in 1925 and we signed him to fill the lower levels of our minor league system. He played a lot in 1926, but didn't produce much. He started 21 games with Lincoln last season, more then the following 2 combined, and hit an impressive .350/.435/.512 (151 OPS+) with 2 homers and 13 RBI's in 92 at bats. He also walked four times as much (12) as he struck out (3). He didn't maintain that ratio this season with Mobile, but he's hitting an equally impressive .372/.415/.574 (153 OPS+) with 8 homers and 29 RBI's in 159 trips to the plate. He's a patient hitter who makes a lot of contact, and has began to play left field as we work on his versatility. There's a long list of big league quality outfielders scattered in the farm, but Thomas' on field production has started to put himself on the map.

SP Jim Dyer (B San Jose Cougars): After splitting time between the rotation and bullpen last season, former 11th Round Pick Jim Dyer has gotten to start all but one of his appearances this season in San Jose. He's gone 4-4 with a 3.89 ERA (120 ERA+), 1.27 WHIP, and 61 strikeouts in 74 innings. His best start of the season was his last one, as he tossed a 5-hit shutout of the Salem Warriors. Dyer struck out 8 and walked just 2 in the 10-0 win. The righty does give up a lot of home runs being a flyball pitcher, but he has a great fastball that sits in the low 90s with a decent slider and change up. He throws from the side which can confuse batters and after an impressive college career, there's a chance Dyer develops into a big league starter.

SP Johnny Walker (A Lincoln Legislators): He's already climbed up from San Jose after going 4-0 with a 2.65 ERA (177 ERA+), 1.26 WHIP, and 34 strikeouts in 34 innings across 5 starts. He's been great in 7 starts with Lincoln as well, going 4-2 with a 2.92 ERA (147 ERA+), 0.96 WHIP, and 53 strikeouts in 52.1 innings. He added velocity to his fastball as it now sits in the 91-93 MPH range, and he's seen his velocity jump from the 80-83 MPH range sine his senior year of high school. A third round pick two drafts ago, Walker looks like future top of the rotation arm. He keeps the ball on the ground and strikes out a ton of hitters. The lefty is still young, but it's going to be hard to keep him from AA.


Amateur Report

With the college and high school seasons over after Garden State swept Northern California in the finals, I won't have amateur reports in every write up. In days where I have a lot of time to write my reports (like today) I'll still add prospects I find interesting. I'll try to cover mostly guys who are available in the upcoming draft, but also guys I've covered before and those who had excellent seasons.

SP Fred O'Dell (Liberty College Bells): Taken in the 3rd Round by the Foresters last season, Fred O'Dell failed to sign and instead headed to Liberty College. One of the better schools at the Collegiate level, O'Dell sat atop a Liberty rotation for a 30-21 playoff team. It wasn't a perfect season for the 19-year-old, who finished 3-4 with a 4.75 ERA (104 ERA+), 1.54 WHIP, and 53 strikeouts in 66.1 innings. O'Dell's high school numbers were much better, as he was 16-5 with a 2.61 ERA (177 ERA+), 0.98 WHIP, and 261 strikeouts in 203.1 innings with the Portland HS Lumberjacks. O'Dell throws a high 80s fastball, curve, and change and projects to be a top draft pick once he's a Junior. He will have to bounce back from a mediocre first season, or risk falling past the 3rd round once he becomes eligible again.

3B Charlie Dunham (Reading HS Reds): He won't be draft eligible until next season, but Charlie Dunham had one of the best seasons of any player this year, hitting .312/.387/.747 (200 OPS) with 20 homers and 35 RBI's in 173 plate appearances. After hitting just .192/.275/.301 (70 OPS+) with 3 homers and 24 RBI's as a sophomore, Dunham got the power stroke and exploded this season. He did see a huge increase in strikeouts as he bought into the all-or-nothing approach, but it seemed to suit him well. He's also an average defender, and with another big power season like this one, Duham should be on the radar of most FABL clubs.

SS Charlie Reed (Berkeley Bears): Eligible for this years' draft, Charlie Reed finished his high school career with an impressive .302/.424/.450 (154 OPS+) batting line with 10 homers, 29 steals, and 72 RBI's in 547 plate appearances. Senior year was actually his worst, as he had OPS+ of 155 and 181 as a sophomore and junior. This was his best year defensively, however, as he recorded his first positive season this year in terms of zone rating (+1.3) and efficiency (1.027). The switch hitter has an excellent eye and excellent speed and should be a great pickup for whoever selects him in the winter.
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Old 03-12-2020, 02:47 PM   #75
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Week 11: June 23rd-June 29th

June 23rd, 1930
New York Stars (30-37): 10
Chicago Cougars (36-31): 9
11 Innings

W: Phil English (2-3)
L: Chick Meehan (5-3)
SV: Boyd Harper (2)


We took a 7-5 lead into the 9th, and for some reason, Jim Crawford was still on the mound. He allowed 3 runs, but we managed to tie in the bottom half to force extras. Each team scored one in the 10th, but the Stars got one more in the 11th to take the opener 10-9. Crawford's 150 pitch debut (not at all what I imagined) went 8.2 innings with 11 hits, 8 runs, 5 walks, and 5 strikeouts. Chick Meehan went 2 innings with 2 hits, 2 runs, 3 walks, and 2 strikeouts. Harry Simmons was 3-for-5 with a double, sac-bunt, steal, run scored, and 2 RBI's. Bill Ashbaugh was 3-for-5 with a double, walk, 2 runs, and an RBI. John Kincaid was 3-for-7 with 2 doubles and 2 runs scored. Fred Barrell was 3-for-5 with a walk and 2 runs scored. Art Panko was 2-for-3 with a walk, run scored, and RBI.

June 24th, 1930
New York Stars (30-38): 4
Chicago Cougars (37-31): 5

W: Len Moore (3-2)
L: Skinny Foster (3-10)


We were down 4-0 headed to the 8th, but managed to tie the game up with a big 4 run 8th. Vince York ultimately was the hero, ending the game with a walk-off single in the 9th. He was 1-for-4 with a walk and the game winning RBI. Russ Combs was 3-for-4 with a double, walk, run scored, and RBI. Harry Simmons was 2-for-4 with a walk and run scored. Bob McCarty was 2-for-3 with a sac-bunt and run scored. Dick Fessel had a pinch-hit RBI single and scored. Dick Lyons made the start, 8 innings with 7 hits, 4 runs, 4 walks, and 2 strikeouts. Len Moore got the win, pitching a scoreless ninth with a hit and strikeout.

June 25th, 1930
New York Stars (30-39): 8
Chicago Cougars (38-31): 9

W: Tommy Russel (6-6)
L: Dick Richards (1-3)


This was not a close game for most of it, as the Stars rallied for 2 in the 8th and 4 more in the 9th before Tommy Russell completed his necessary complete game. He allowed 14 hits, 8 runs (6 earned), and 5 walks with just 1 strikeout. Every Cougar hitter had 2 hits in the game and each hitter scored a run or drove in a run, with most doing both. George Johnson was 2-for-4 with a triple and run scored. John Kincaid was 2-for-5 with a triple and run scored. Mack Deal was 2-for-4 with a double, run scored, and RBI. Harry Simmons was 2-for-4 with 2 steals, a run, and 2 RBI's. Ross Combs was 2-for-5 with a steal, run scored, and RBI. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with a steal and 2 runs scored. Vince York was 2-for-5 with a run scored and two driven in. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with an RBI.

June 26th, 1930
Brooklyn Kings (33-35): 3
Chicago Cougars (39-31): 13

W: Dick Kadlec (6-5)
L: Jim Langley (8-7)


The Brooklyn Kings were next, in town for four, and we decided that winning one run games was a little overrated and put up 13 in a 13-3 win. I think Jim Langley has nightmares of the Cougars, as he allowed 7 more runs in this one (although he got through 6) before Dick Lyons doppelganger Del Lyons allowed 6 in 1.2 innings. Bill Ashbaugh's home run drought ended, going 2-for-5 with the homer, 2 runs, and 3 RBI's. Vince York was 4-for-5 with a triple, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. George Jordan was 3-for-5 with a double and 2 RBI's. Art Panko was 2-for-4 with a triple, 2 runs, and an RBI. Russ Combs was 2-for-5 with 2 RBI's. Started Dick Kadlec was a perfect 3-for-3 with 2 doubles, a sac-bunt, and run scored. He also pitched a complete game, with 7 hits, 3 runs, 4 walks, and 3 strikeouts.

June 27th, 1930
Brooklyn Kings (33-36): 2
Chicago Cougars (40-31): 16

W: Max Wilder (6-4)
L: Mickey Beavers (2-5)


Game two was even better, and we picked up win 40 on the season with a 16-2 blowout victory. John Kincaid exploded for 5 hits, going a perfect 5-for-5 with a walk, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. The ageless John Dibblee was 4-for-5 with a double, 3 runs, and 3 RBI's. Fred Barrell was 3-for-5 with a home run, double, and 4 RBI's. Vince York was 3-for-6 with a homer, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Bill Ashbaugh was 3-for-4 with a triple, 2 runs, and an RBI. Mack Deal was 1-for-4 with a run scored, walk, and RBI. Max Wilder was 1-for-4 with a sac-bunt and 2 runs scored. He also pitched a complete game, allowing 8 hits and 2 runs with 3 strikeouts.

June 28th, 1930
Brooklyn Kings (33-37): 1
Chicago Cougars (41-31): 5

W: Jim Crawford (1-0)
L: Tommy Wilcox (8-7)


We extended our win streak to 5 and pushed our record to 10 over .500 with a 5-1 victory. Jim Crawford was excellent in the victory, tossing a complete game with just 6 hits, 1 run, 2 walks, and a strikeout. He was also 1-for-3 with a sac-bunt. John Kincaid was 3-for-4 with a triple and 2 runs scored. George Jordan was 2-for-3 with a solo homer and walk. Vince York was 2-for-4 with a run scored and driven in. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with a three run homer.

June 29th, 1930
Brooklyn Kings (34-37): 12
Chicago Cougars (41-32): 1

W: Jim Crawford (1-0)
L: Tommy Wilcox (8-7)


The Kings took out all their anger in the finale, preventing the sweep and ending our win streak with a 12-1 blowout win. Dick Lyons allowed 13 hits and 7 runs with 2 walks in 8.1 innings. Bill McLean allowed 4 more hits and 5 more runs with 2 walks in 0.2 innings. Vince York was 3-for-3 with a walk and RBI. Russ Combs was 2-for-4 with a run scored. Mack Deal was 2-for-4. Harry Simmons was 1-for-4 with a double.

Stars of the Week
Vince York : 33 AB, 16 H, 1 HR, 10 RBI, .485 AVG, 1.181 OPS
John Kincaid : 30 AB, 15 H, 0 HR, 3 RBI, .500 AVG, 1.216 OPS
Bill Ashbaugh : 30 AB, 12 H, 2 HR, 10 RBI, .400 AVG, 1.119 OPS

Weekly Summary
It was an excellent week as we sandwiched a five game winning streak with losses on Monday and Sunday. The offense exploded in the Kings series and the pitching was excellent until the finale. The Stars series was a little too close for comfort, and we probably should've won all three by more then just a one run. Luckily, we only dropped the opener and managed to not shoot ourselves in the foot too much.

This week also reminded me how gifted a player John Dibblee is and makes me wish I got to have him in his prime. Now 42, he's still hitting .363/.417/.466 (113 OPS+) with 2 homers and 31 RBI's. He's approaching 4,000 career hits, up to 3,815, and he still hasn't really shown any signs of slowing down. The "Top Cat" likely won't reach Powell Slocum's all-time record of 4,144, but he should be the second FABL hitter to reach 4.000. I'll keep playing him as long as he wants to keep going. He's just 35 at bats away from Slcoum's at bat record. He's the all time run scored leader with 1,896 and total base leader with 5,632. For his career, he owns a .346/.426/.511 (171 OPS+) career batting line with 540 doubles, 511 triples, 85 homers, 1,468 RBI's, and 751 stolen bases which works out to a 171.4 WAR. He was also an excellent center fielder in his prime, with a career zone rating of +200. He's an awful defender now, even in left, but what can you expect from a 42-year-old?

Turning to someone almost two decades younger then him, Jim Crawford's first week went a lot better then it looks. Obviously, his second start was excellent, but I can't believe manager Dick Pozza made him throw 150 pitches after never reaching 130 in the minors and most starts in the 100-110 range. We would have won that game had he brought Len Moore in to start the 9th instead of keeping Crawford on the mound. Even if he was awful both starts, I'd at least give him four, but I won't hold his debut against him. Even with that outing, he has a 4.58 ERA (105 ERA+), 1.36 WHIP, 6 strikeouts, and 7 walks in 17.2 innings.

Another starter, Dick Kadlec, finished an excellent June, a perfect 4-0 with a 3.73 ERA (129 ERA+), 1.56 WHIP, and 16 strikeouts in 41 innings. After an awful April, his May was much better and he looked excellent in June. With the other Dick, Dick Lyons' struggles, Kadlec has been a dependable #5 who may move his way up in the rotation.

Vince York is on the attack for the batting title as his .394 average is second to just Brooklyn's Doug Lightbody's .396 tally. He's riding a 24 game hit streak as well, the best active hit streak in the FABL. Right behind him is Harry Simmons who's hitting an impressive .387. In part to those two, we now lead the CA in batting average (.324), on base percentage (.373), runs scored (452), hits (868), strikeouts (210), stolen bases (52), and base-running (+19.4). Our middle of the road pitching is all that's keeping us from being a serious contender, but I'm not sure one or two starters can make up 7.5 games. Although if Dick Lyons was pitching like himself, who knows how much closer we'd be.

Our homestand finished with three against the Montreal Saints (36-37) before a travel day to Philly. The Sailors (47-23) host us for three in two days before four in Cleveland (37-36). I'd love to add an established starter (checked in on one yesterday), but there really isn't much available. I think I'll have to rely on my young guys unless someone decides to sell closer to the July deadline.

Injury Report
SS George Sanders (Chicago Cougars): Returned from rehab assignment
SS Slim Bloom (AAA Milwaukee Blues): Returned from the DL
SP Art Black (AA Mobile Commodores): Returned from the DL
SS Larry Burns (B San Jose Cougars): Returned from the DL
RP Mule Daughtry (B San Jose Cougars): Returned from the DL
RP Cy Plummer (B San Jose Cougars): Returned from the DL
LF Juan Valquez (B San Jose Cougars): Back spasms (4 days)
LF Dave Ward (B San Jose Cougars): Sore back (2 days)

Transactions
1B Bill Miller was optioned to AAA Milwaukee. He was hitting just .211/.273/.316 (42 OPS+) off the bench with 2 RBI's.

I'll finish this up later with minor league report, amateur report, and stats

Minor League Report

RF Howard Moss (A Lincoln Legislators): Howard Moss did not imagine himself in Class A to start the season. The former 4th Round selection was hitting just .293/.372/.354 (89 OPS+) in 99 at bats before losing a starting spot once Tom Thomas came back form the DL. He's responded well since the demotion, hitting .293/.445/.576 (170 OPS+) with 7 homers and 19 RBI's in 119 trips to the plate. It's been a huge increase in production for Moss, and he was named Heartland player of the week. He hit .417 with 2 homers and 6 RBI's. He's unfortunately stuck here as I want to give him more at bats, but it will be hard to keep him down here.

SP George DeForest (A Lincoln Legislators): Currently the #67 prospect in all of baseball, George DeForest is having an excellent season in an excellent Legislators rotation. DeForest is 6-4 with a 2.30 ERA (185 ERA+), 1.16 WHIP, and 88 strikeouts in 94 innings pitched. He's one of four Lincoln starters with ERA's below 3.50. The other three being Tom Barrell (2.73, 155 ERA+), Gordie Thompson (3.38, 126 ERA+), and Johnny Walker (2.76, 154 ERA+). DeForest is the most experienced of the bunch as the others were selected in either of the last two drafts. This is his third professional season and he's the most polished of the gifted bunch. He throws a 91-93 MPH fastball with a curve, change, and knuckle curve. He does experience some command issues, but his stuff is downright nasty and he'll strike out a ton of hitters.
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Old 03-13-2020, 02:44 PM   #76
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Week 12: June 30th-July 6th

June 30th, 1930
Montreal Saints (37-37): 10
Chicago Cougars (41-33): 9

W: John Lizak (1-1)
L: Chick Meehan (5-4)


The first of three hosting the Saints ended in a 10-9 loss that should have been a 9-2 victory. Tommy Russel allowed 8 unearned runs, 4 walks, and 9 hits in 6 innings. Chick Meehan allowed 2 hits and the only 2 earned runs in 2 innings. Russ Combs was 3-for-4 with a homer, walk, 3 runs, and 2 RBI's. Mack Deal was 3-for-4 with a run scored. John Kincaid was 2-for-5 with a double, 2 runs, and 3 RBI's. John Dibblee was 2-for-4 with 2 doubles and an RBI. He did leave this game with an injury, but he didn't miss any additional time. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-3 with 2 walks, a run scored, and RBI.

July 1st, 1930
Montreal Saints (38-37): 15
Chicago Cougars (41-34): 8

W: Walker Moore (8-5)
L: Dick Kadlec (6-6)
SV: Jack Barnet (7)


July ended how June began, and this time the Saints topped us 15-8 to set up the road sweep. Dick Kadlec allowed 10 hits, 9 runs (6 earned), and 4 walks with 5 strikeouts in 6.1 innings. Len Moore was roughed up for 6 runs on 7 hits with 2 walks in 1.1 innings. If there's any time for him to give up 6 runs, it's in a game where we were losing not leading. Bill Ashbaugh was a perfect 3-for-3 with 2 runs and 2 walks. John Dibblee was 3-for-4 with a double, run scored, and 3 RBI's. Vince York was 2-for-5 with a double, run scored, and two driven in. John Kincaid was 2-for-3 with a triple, 2 walks, and 2 runs. Russ Combs was 2-for-5 with a run scored. George Jordan was 1-for-4 with a walk, run scored, and two driven in.

July 2nd, 1930
Montreal Saints (39-37): 3
Chicago Cougars (41-35): 4

W: Rich Fisher (6-1)
L: Max Wilder (6-5)
SV: John Lizak (1)


The only consolation about today's game is we're off tomorrow before we likely find the same fate against the Sailors. Montreal took a 4-3 lead in the 7th and didn't look back as they swept us out of our home. Max Wilder had a decent start, 8 innings with 7 hits, 4 runs (3 earned), 3 walks, and 3 strikeouts. John Kincaid was 2-for-3 with a double, run scored, walk, and 2 RBI's. Vince York was 2-for-3 with 2 walks and 2 runs. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-5.

July 4th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (42-35): 5
Philadelphia Sailors (49-26): 3
Game 1

W: Dick Lyons (8-7)
L: Rollie Beal (11-3)


The off day served us well, as we took the first game of the double header in Philly 5-3. It's already one more win then I expected, especially after getting swept at home by Montreal. I'm hoping this is a turnaround for Dick Lyons, who looked excellent in the complete game shutout. He allowed just 8 hits, 3 runs, and a walk. He didn't have a strikeout, but I'll take the win against the league leader. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-3 with 2 triples, a walk, and 2 runs scored. George Sanders was 1-for-3 with a double, walk, and run scored. Harry Simmons was 1-for-3 with a triple, walk, and run scored. Vince York was 1-for-4 with a double and 2 RBI's. We actually didn't have a single the entire game, with all 5 of our hits for extra bases.

July 4th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (43-35): 8
Philadelphia Sailors (49-27): 2
Game 2

W: Jim Crawford (2-0)
L: Russ Reel (7-5)


Not sure how we did it, but we kept the Sailors in check twice in one day to sweep the double header with an 8-2 win. Jim Crawford was excellent again, 6 hits, 2 runs (1 earned), 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts in the complete game victory. Vince York was 2-for-5 with 2 runs, 2 RBI's, and a triple. Harry Simmons was 2-for-4 with a triple, 2 runs, walk, and RBI. Mack Deal was 2-for-4 with a double and 2 RBI's. George Jordan was 1-for-4 with a run scored and two driven in. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-2 with a walk, hit by pitch, RBI, and 2 runs scored.

July 5th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (44-35): 3
Philadelphia Sailors (49-28): 1

W: Tommy Russel (7-6)
L: Herm Lowman (9-3)


SSSSSSSSSSSSSWWWWWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEEEPPPPPPPPP

Does this give me unnecessary confidence about competing this season?

Most definitely!

6 games out doesn't seem like too many...

Anyways, the pitching was excellent and we held the Sailors below 50 wins and allowed just 5 runs in three games as we finished an impressive road sweep. Tommy Russel was brilliant, allowing just 3 hits and one run in the complete game victory. He was also 1-for-3 at the plate. Russ Combs was 2-for-4 with a run scored and triple. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with a double and RBI. Vince York was 1-for-3 with a sac-fly.

July 6th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (44-36): 6
Cleveland Foresters (40-40): 9
10 Innings

W: Ed Smith (2-2)
L: Dick Kadlec (6-7)


We really let this one get away from us... After adding two insurance runs in the 9th, we allowed 3 in the bottom half to force extras and 3 more in the 10th as former Cougar Barney Green hit a walk-off three run homer as the Foresters took the first of a four game set. It was more unearned runs, as 5 of Dick Kadlec's 9 runs were unearned. It's not like he pitched well, however, as he allowed 15 hits and 2 walks with just 1 strikeout in 9.1 innings pitched. Former Forester Russ Combs was 3-for-6 with a steal, double, run scored, and RBI. Dick Fessel was 3-for-4 with a homer, walk, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Vince York was 2-for-4 with a triple, walk, and two runs scored. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-5 with a double and 2 RBI's. Mack Deal was 1-for-4 with a steal, walk, run scored, and RBI. Fred Barrell was 1-for-3 with a double and 2 RBI's.

Stars of the Week
Bill Ashbaugh : 25 AB, 12 H, 0 HR, 5 RBI, .480 AVG, 1.301 OPS
Vince York : 29 AB, 11 H, 0 HR, 9 RBI, .379 AVG, 1.079 OPS
Russ Combs : 29 AB, 12 H, 1 HR, 3 RBI, .414 AVG, 1.054 OPS

Awards
Rookie of the Month: Vince York (.413, 6 HR, 33 RBI, 22 R)

Weekly Summary
It was a mixed week as we were 3-0 against the first place Sailors and 0-4 against everyone else. Montreal, who swept us, is now 41-39 and sitting in third just three back of us. Cleveland is a game behind them and sitting at an even 40-40.

Vince York was deservedly named Rookie of the Month as he recorded a hit in every single June contest. His hit streak is now up to 31 games and his .393 batting average is the best in baseball. This isn't the first time York has flirted with the elusive .400 mark, as he hit .407 two years ago in 113 games with the AA Mobile Commodores. York has fully developed into one of the best hitters in the league, and at just 24, the sky is the limit for the switch hitting superstar. He has a lot more hitting to reach the FABL hit streak record (Rich Rowley, 47 games for Toronto in 1900), but he could be the first FABL hitter to hit .400 since legendary Max Morris hit .418 in 1925. There's a lot of baseball left to be played, but York has a legitimate chance to etch his name into the record books.

We also now have a total of four hitters, including York, batting above .370. Joining him are Russ Combs (.379), John Dibblee (.373), and Harry Simmons (.372). The offense (excluding power and walking) has been a huge strength for us so far, but there is one spot I may look to upgrade. Both Bob McCarty (69 OPS+) and George Jordan (77 OPS+) have struggled at the plate. Our top prospect, Joe Johnson, is a center fielder, but we might need to find a player to bridge the gap. I'm not ready to give up on either guy, and I may look to Milwaukee to give either Joe Davis or Mike Smith a chance to get more at bats.

The pitching against the Sailors was just downright impressive as well. Dick Lyons, Jim Crawford, and Tommy Russel pitched every inning of the series and allowed just 5 runs in total. Crawford has looked amazing since his promotion and Tommy Russel has seen his ERA drop a ton. Russel now owns a 4.68 ERA (102 ERA+) despite just 1 strikeout in his last three starts. Our starter's ERA is actually now 3rd in the league, and maybe I just have to find some new arms for the pen. I think Bill McLean may be at the end of his Cougar tenure, and one of Gus Cain, Milt Nelson, or Cotton Taylor will take his roster spot. He'll have least the week to keep his roster spot.

My pitching coach Pete Powers' contact is expiring at the end of the season. While he is an average pitching coach, my AAA Pitching Coach Samuel Clark is much better. I plan on letting Powers' contract expire, and then replace him with either Clark or an outside hire if a better pitching coach becomes available. Clark is "Great" and in his third year in our organization. He's now signed through 1932.

We still have three more left in Cleveland before a pair of off days. Our road trip continues, starting with four in Baltimore (42-40) and four in Brooklyn (36-42) who followed a 21-8 May with a 5-22 June. We're on the road most of July, and won't return home until July 28th.

Injury Report
RF Ray Ross (AAA Milwaukee Blues): Back stiffness (5 days)
RF Ed Rhoden (AA Mobile Commodores): Herniated disc (2 weeks)
2B Slim Welsh (AA Mobile Commodores): Back stiffness (3 days)
RF Howard Moss (A Lincoln Legislators): Rotator cuff strain (3 weeks)
RP John Peterson (A Lincoln Legislators): Returned from the DL
CF Buck Waldrop (C La Crosse Lions): High ankle sprain (6 weeks)

Minor League Report

SP Milt Nelson (AAA Milwaukee Blues): One of the AAA arms I'm considering bringing up to Chicago, Milt Nelson has pitched well out of the Blues rotation. He's 6-2 with a 2.92 ERA (141 ERA+), 1.43 WHIP, and 103 strikeouts in 77 innings. He's got a solid three pitch mix with a cutter, change, and splitter. Nelson also brings the heat, sitting in the 94-96 MPH range with the cut and he can blow it right past hitters. He does an excellent job keeping the ball on the ground, and he'd see a nice velocity boost if he does move to the pen. We still envision him a starter long term, and he can end up replacing Dick Kadlec in the five spot.

SP Mike Murphy (AA Mobile Commodores): The 2nd Overall Pick in 1928 out of Brooklyn State, the lefty Mike Murphy returned to AA this season and he's pitched really well for the Commodores. He's 3-5 with a 3.66 ERA (124 ERA+), 1.58 WHIP, and 26 strikeouts in 64 innings. He has elite stuff, headlined by a dominant curveball that gets a ton of swings and misses. He sits in the low 90s with his fastball and his sidearm windup makes him really hard to track. We view him as a starter in the future, but Murphy may be called upon this season to pitch innings out of the pen, especially in September. He's the first man up from AA if I decide to cut McLean and add an arm from Milwaukee.

CF Ken Allen (B San Jose Cougars): Joe Johnson is the center fielder that all the pundits mention when looking at Cougar prospects. And who could blame them? He's a top 20 prospect and was taken 17th overall last season. A few rounds later came Ken Allen, who's having a solid season down in San Jose. He's hitting .344/.387/.503 (129 OPS+) with 7 homers and 45 RBI's. If it wasn't for Johnson ahead of him, Allen would be up in Lincoln, but we view Allen as a center fielder and don't want to move him to a corner. He's a defensive asset and speedy runner with the ability to track down a lot of flyballs. He doesn't steal many bases, but he makes a lot of contact and does a better job taking an extra base then stealing one once on. He looks to be a future everyday starter and a down junior year helped him drop into our laps.

Amateur Report

SP Lew Spruill (Louisville HS Titans): A senior out of Louisville HS, Lew Spruill finished his high school career 10-7 with a 2.45 ERA (172 ERA+), 1.12 WHIP, and 192 strikeouts in 172.2 innings pitched. His senior season was the best of the three, as he went 4-2 with a 1.97 ERA (200 ERA+), 0.99 WHIP, and 65 strikeouts in 50.1 innings pitched. The righty is an extreme groundballer who features a 83-85 MPH sinker, a curve, and a change. He's got the potential to rack up the strikeouts as his sinker has some really good downward bite on it. He comes with his risk, as any prep pitcher may, but in a relatively week class of high school arms, Spruill has a track record that most do not.

C Buster Farrar (Brooklyn State Bears): There's a really good catcher eligible for this years draft in Jack Flint, but a guy to look at in the future is Buster Farrar. The Brooklyn State freshman hit about as good as Flint, with a .332/.393/.556 (130 OPS+) batting line to go with 11 homers and 45 RBI's in 219 trips to the plate. He also threw out 44.4% of base stealers and he should be a decent defensive catcher in the big leagues. At the plate, he's got a great hit tool with above average power that is hard to find in catchers. He can also hit from both sides of the plate which makes his bat even that much more valuable. He's got two seasons to develop, but he already looks like the best hitter on his team and one of the best catchers of his class.

C Walter Smith (Little Rock HS Pioneers): Sticking with backstops, a promising prospect who is draft eligible is Little Rock HS's Walter Smith. He finished his high school career with a .306/.365/.461 (131 OPS+) batting line with 11 homers and 70 RBI's. He boasted a little more power this year then most, hitting 6 out and driving in 26 in his third straight above average offensive season. I actually forgot to include him in my Little Rock team preview, but Smith shouldn't be overlooked come draft day. He may not have the best arm, but he calls a good game and is a solid defender. I find catchers are the toughest position to draft high, and you can find a lot of lower round steals like Smith in most years. He could be a Ben Richardson type pickup, or the dime a dozen filler catchers.
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Old 03-13-2020, 04:49 PM   #77
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Trade News!

The Chicago Cougars have agreed to send SP Lou Gaffin and LF Earl Johnson to the New York Gothams for SP Dick Leudtke. Despite being the two worst teams in baseball last year, the Cougars sit at 44-36 and 7 games out of first in the CA while the Gothams are 46-34 and 6 games out of first in the FA.

Leudtke, 28, is a late bloomer who my scout absolutely loves. He's split time in the Gothams rotation and bullpen, going 8-5 with a 3.18 ERA (143 ERA+), 1.07 WHIP, and 43 strikeouts in 119 innings pitched.This is his first extended stint in the FABL (pitched 33.1 innings last season) and while I'd be naive to think that he can keep up this impressive production, there are a lot of raw tools that inspire confidence in the future. The 6'2'' righty averages in the 93-95 MPH range with his cutter, one of his five pitches. He's got excellent command and of his 11 starts, only one saw him exit before the 8th inning. As a starter alone, he's 7-4 with a 3.41 ERA (133 ERA+), 1.08 WHIP, and 31 strikeouts in 92.1 innings and he'll check in right behind Max Wilder and Dick Lyons (for now) in the rotation.

This trade makes the future of Dick Kadlec in the rotation a little grim. I think with his velocity, Kadlec can be an excellent stopper and he can pitch multiple innings if we see ourselves in a close, high scoring affair in the 7th or 8th inning. Unless Jim Crawford has an awful 4th big league start, Kadlec's last start of the season will be the 9-6 10 inning loss against the Foresters. Since we don't need a 5th starter this week, he'll head to the bullpen early.

Both players I gave up, Earl Johnson and Lou Gaffin, have a few things in common. Both are big league ready, but stuck in a logjam of pitchers and outfielders that are in the upper minors. Moving them helps free up space for some of the younger guys that I feel have more upside.

Starting with the 25-year-old Gaffin, he's been pitching well in Milwaukee for the Blues. He's 7-1 with a 3.27 ERA (126 ERA+), 1.35 WHIP, and 83 strikeouts in 93.2 innings, but is behind the recently promoted Crawford, Milt Nelson, Gus Cain, and Cotton Taylor. He's looked fine since his arthritic elbow injury and setback, but we're a little concerned that he may not be able to start in the majors anymore. He still has a ton of potential and ranks as our current #10 prospect, but I'm comfortable sending him away before he runs out of options.

Johnson, 23, checks in at 28th in our top 30, and the former 12th Round Pick is hitting an impressive .318/.380/.524 (141 OPS+) with 8 homers and 37 RBI's in just under 300 plate appearances for the Blues. With John Dibblee not showing his age and both Art Panko and Dick Fessel on the big league roster, there just isn't room for another all bat, no glove corner outfielder on the bench. Johnson has a ton of speed, can work the pitcher, and make consistent contact at the plate, but he doesn't have the upside of some of our younger corner outfield prospects such as George Alt, Ed Rhoden, and Howard Moss.
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Old 03-16-2020, 04:45 PM   #78
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Week 13: July 7th-July 13th

July 7th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (45-36): 6
Cleveland Foresters (40-41): 4

W: Max Wilder (7-5)
L: George Barker (6-7)
SV: Len Moore (7)


We evened up the four game set with a nice 6-4 win to start the week. Max Wilder pitched fine, 7.1 innings with 7 hits, 4 runs, 2 walks, and an impressive 7 strikeouts. Len Moore picked up the save, 1.2 innings with 2 hits and a strikeout. It'll be one of his last save opportunities once Dick Kadlec transitions into the stopper role. Vince York continued his hit streak, going 3-for-5 with a double, triple, 2 runs, and 3 RBI's. Harry Simmons was 3-for-4 with a double and run scored. Mack Deal was 2-for-4 with an RBI. John Dibblee was 1-for-3 with a walk and RBI before leaving with plantar tendinitis. Russ Combs was 1-for-4 with a walk and 2 runs scored.

July 8th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (45-37): 6
Cleveland Foresters (41-41): 7
11 Innings

W: Felix Dent (2-0)
L: George Barker (3-3)


It was our second extra inning loss of the series as the Foresters scored a run in the 8th and two in the ninth to force extras. Bobby Allen hit a sac-fly off Len Moore in the 11th to send the Foresters home winners. Dick Lyons made the start, 8 innings with 11 hits, 5 runs (3 earned), 2 walks, and 2 strikeouts. Dick Kadlec got into the game despite just 1 day of rest, allowing a hit, run, walk, and strikeout in the 9th. Moore allowed 2 hits, a run, and walk in 1.2 innings. Fred Barrell was 2-for-4 with a double and 4 RBI's. Vince York was 2-for-4 with a triple, walk, 2 runs, and a sac-bunt. Mack Deal was 3-for-5. Art Panko was 1-for-3 with a triple and run scored. Bob McCarthy was 1-for-4 with a walk, run scored, and RBI.

July 9th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (45-38): 3
Cleveland Foresters (42-41): 6

W: Jack Thompson (9-10)
L: Jim Crwaford (2-1)


The finale was rough, as the Foresters held our offense in check and took three out of four after a 6-3 win. Jim Crawford allowed 14 hits and 6 runs with a walk and 2 strikeouts in 8 innings. Fred Barrell was 2-for-3 with a walk. John Kincaid was 1-for-3 with a sac-fly and solo homer. George Jordan was 1-for-3 with a walk. Vince York was 2-for-4. Russ Combs was 1-for-5 with a triple, run scored, and RBI.

July 12th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (45-39): 8
Baltimore Cannons (45-41): 9
10 Innings

W: Paul Reed (4-8)
L: Len Moore (3-4)


After two days off, we were out in Baltimore to face the Cannons in a four game set. Late game scoring did us in again, as the Cannons tied the game at 8 in the 9th and then won it in the 10th after a bases loaded walk to Joe Welsh ended the game. Max Wilder made the start, 6 innings with 10 hits, 6 runs, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts. Dick Kadlec allowed 5 hits and 2 runs in 3 innings. Len Moore allowed a hit, run, and walked three while getting just one out. Mack Deal was 2-for-3 with a walk, run scored, and RBI. Vince York was 2-for-5 with a run scored. John Kincaid was 1-for-2 with a walk, run scored, RBI, and sac-bunt. Dick Fessel was 1-for-4 with a triple, walk, run scored, and RBI. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-5 with a triple, run scored, and 5 RBI's. Fred Barrell was 1-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored.

July 13th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (45-40): 2
Baltimore Cannons (46-41): 6
10 Innings

W: Buzz Ham (6-4)
L: Tommy Russel (7-7)


Our rough patch continued as we lost our 4th in a row to finish the week just 1-4. Tommy Russel pitched all nine, allowing 11 hits, 6 runs (3 earned), and 2 walks with 3 strikeouts. Vince York was 2-for-4 with a steal and RBI. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a triple, steal, and run scored. George Jordan was 1-for-4 with a steal and run scored.

Weekly Summary
This was an awful week... The only positives are we're still in second (tied with Baltimore and 8.5 out of first) and Vince York's hit streak is up to an impressive 36 games. His average is just a point shy of .400 and he is still leading the CA. He *might* be the best right fielder in the game right now, but there are a ton of talented players in right like Tom Taylor, Lou Kelly, Al Wheeler, Moxie Pidgeon, and Doug Lightbody. But if you ask a Chicago fan, they're going to pick the 24-year-old switch hitter.

We will have Dick Luedtke on hand for this week, and he's set to make his Cougar debut in the finale against the Cannons. With the Gothams, he was 9-5 with a 3.09 ERA (147 ERA+), 1.05 WHIP, and 45 strikeouts in 128 innings pitched. His last start came in a 5-2 win over the Chiefs, where he allowed 6 hits and 2 runs with 2 walks and 2 strikeouts in a complete game. With the struggles of Dick Lyons, Leudtke will temporarily slot in the #2 spot in the rotation, although this is subject to change.

A little injury news as we will be without John Dibblee for the week. It's not worth sending him to the DL, but he likely won't play for at least four games. Art Panko will get more starts with him out and I might throw Mack Deal in left some more as well.

We have to win the final two against Baltimore as our road trip continues to progress. We then have four with Brooklyn (38-45), four with Montreal (44-42), three with the Stars (39-47), and then a single game with Cleveland (44-42). We finally return home on the 28th for two with the Foresters. I'm afraid that we end up below or at .500 once we return home.

Injury Report
LF John Dibblee (Chicago Cougars): Patellar tendinitis (4 days)
RF Ray Ross (AAA Milwaukee Blues): Returned from the DL
CF Ken Allen (B San Jose Cougars): Elbow strain (4 weeks)
RP Cy Plummer (B San Jose Cougars): Torn elbow ligament (11 months)

Transactions
Returned RHP Bill McLean to the Washington Eagles. McLean was 1-0 with a 5.94 ERA (81 ERA+), 2.06 WHIP, 26 walks, and 16 strikeouts in 36.1 innings pitched. Placed RHP Dick Leudtke on the active roster.

Minor League Report

SP Ed Stevens (AAA Milwaukee Blues): Our 3rd Round pick in 1927, Ed Stevens has worked himself all the way up to AAA. The 24-year-old has made just 2 starts with the Blues, but is 2-0 with a 1.06 ERA (382 ERA+), 1.00 WHIP, and 14 strikeouts in 17 innings. His most recent start was a 9-hit, 4 strikeout shutout of the Fort Wayne Warriors as he looks up to the task of the highest level of the minor leagues. He throws in the low 90s with a fastball, slider, and change and he has both average stuff and control. Currently ranked as the #25 prospect in our system, Stevens' coaches love him due to his leadership skills and he's excellent for the clubhouse. He's not Rule-5 eligible yet, so I doubt he makes his FABL debut this season, but expect to see him in a Cougar uniform next year.

SP Bobby Love (A Lincoln Legislators): Taken the round before Ed Stevens, we grabbed Bobby Love out of high school with our second round pick. He's been in Lincoln all season, going 6-3 with a 3.36 ERA (125 ERA+), 1.24 WHIP, and 87 strikeouts in 93.2 innings. Since being selected (and throughout high school) Love has never had an ERA+ below 100 and other then a stint with San Jose last season, he's struck out 7.5 or more batters at each stop. The 21-year-old righty sits in the low 90s with a fastball, curve, and forkball. His forkball is the best of his three pitches, and he generates a lot of swings and misses. The only thing stopping him from being a big league starter is his control, as he does have the occasional issue with walks.

Amateur Report

SP Pat Martin (Travis College Bucks): After being a mediocre starter as a freshman and sophomore, Pat Martin burst on to the scene as a junior, going 5-1 with a 2.87 ERA (176 ERA+), 1.14 WHIP, and 34 strikeouts in 53.1 innings. His college career line isn't too bad either, 7-9 with a 4.02 ERA (122 ERA+), 1.26 WHIP, and 126 strikeouts in 170.1 innings pitched. There are concerns if Martin can stick in a rotation, but he sits in the 92-94 MPH range with his fastball, and a move to the pen would increase that velocity. He's working on making his slider, change, and forkball enough of a secondary offering to stick in the rotation, but he's seen his velocity jump from 86-88 during the season. If he continues on this path, he could be an intriguing late round arm.

LF Jim Mason (Ellery Bruins): Was it a mistake to let him go to college? We may never know, but Jim Mason had a productive season where he hit .393/.434/.659 (160 OPS+) with 11 homers and 55 RBI's in his final college season. He finished with a .389/.440/.608 (170 OPS+) career line in 697 plate appearances. He launched 29 homers, stole 15 bases, and drove in 146 RBI's in 150 games. Mason has outstanding bat to ball skills and he'll hit for above average power as he showed with the Bruins. He was taken with the first pick in the third round last year, and I expect him to work his way into the first round with a much weaker draft class. I won't select him, but whoever does will get a future big league corner outfielder.

3B Tom Eggleton (New Orleans HS Cavailers): His best offensive season was as a sophomore when he hit .417/.463/.750 (221 OPS+) in just 72 at bats, but his .290/.359/.496 (128 OPS+) line as a senior is more then solid. He also added 5 homers and 21 RBI's while excelling on the mound. In 9 starts, he was 3-3 with a 2.73 ERA (147 ERA+), 1.18 WHIP, and 42 strikeouts in 62.2 innings. It was his best season on the mound, and second year in a row with a sub 2.80 ERA, sub 1.20 WHIP, and 30 ore more strikeouts. The "Reverend" is a reliable lefty hitter who's patient and makes consistent contact while also providing value on defense. On the mound, he doesn't throw too hard, but projects to be a future bullpen arm. He's got a lot of potential, but a long way to grow, but he has the benefit of being able to play the field and pitch.
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Old 03-17-2020, 06:49 PM   #79
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Week 14: July 14th-July 20th

July 14th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (45-41): 2
Baltimore Cannons (47-41): 3

W: Lee Drouillard (2-1)
L: Dick Leudtke (0-1)


Tied at 2 in the 9th, Dick Luedtke's Cougar debut was ruined after Jim Lutz ended the game with a walk-off single. He pitched 8.1 innings with 9 hits, 3 runs, a walk, and 3 strikeouts. Vince York's hit streak was also snapped as he was 0-for-3 with a walk in the loss. Bob McCarty was 2-for-3 with a walk and RBI. John Kincaid was 2-for-5 with a steal. Harry Simmons was 2-for-5. Fred Barrell was 1-for-4 with a run scored, hit by pitch, and RBI. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-3 with a walk, run scored, and hit by pitch.

July 15th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (46-41): 6
Baltimore Cannons (47-42): 3

W: Dick Lyons (9-7)
L: Ken Carpenter (11-8)
SV: Dick Kadlec (1)


It looked like the sweep was inevitable until a Bill Ashbaugh three run homer in a 4 run 8th game us a 6-3 lead we could hold on to. Dick Lyons made the start, 7 innings with 6 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), and 4 strikeouts. Dick Kadlec picked up his first big league save, allowing a hit and a walk with a strikeout in 2 innings. Mack Deal was 2-for-4 with a RBI and two steals. Harry Simmons was 2-for-4 with a run scored and driven in. Fred Barrell was 1-for-4 with a double, run scored, and RBI. John Kincaid was 1-for-4 with a double and run scored. Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with the three run homer.

July 16th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (47-41): 9
Brooklyn Kings (40-47): 8
10 Innings

W: Len Moore (4-4)
L: Del Lyons (1-1)
SV: Chick Meehan (1)


It was a crazy back-and-forth game where we scored three runs in the 5th, 8th, and 10th and held of a late Kings comeback in the bottom half of the 10th to take the opener in Brooklyn. Vince York had a bounce back game, 3-for-6 with a three run homer. Russ Combs was 2-for-5 with a double, sac-bunt, and run scored. Harry Simmons was 2-for-5 with a double and run scored. Art Panko was 1-for-3 with a steal, RBI, 2 runs, and 2 walks. George Jordan was 1-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored. John Kincaid was 1-for-5 with a steal, run scored, and 2 RBI's. Jim Crawford made the start, 6.2 innings with 10 hits, 5 runs, 2 walks, and 3 strikeouts. Len Moore blew the save, but got the win, 2 innings with a hit, unearned run, and walk. Chick Meehan picked up his first save of the season, allowing 3 hits and 2 runs in the 10th.

July 17th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (47-42): 6
Brooklyn Kings (41-47): 7

W: Tommy Wilcox (10-9)
L: Max Wilder (7-6)


We tried the late comeback, scoring 2 in the top of the 9th, but the Kings held on to even the series with a 7-6 win. We really should have won this game, as half of Max Wilder's 6 runs were unearned. In his 6 innings, he did walk 6 and allow 12 hits with just 1 strikeout so it wasn't like he pitched a quality game. Dick Kadlec pitched 2 innings, allowing 3 hits, a run, 2 walks, and a strikeout. Harry Simmons was 2-for-4 with a double, run scored, and RBI. Fred Barrell was 1-for-4 with a two run homer. John Kincaid was 1-for-3 with a double, run scored, and sac-fly. Bill Ashbaugh was 1-for-4 with a triple, run scored, and run driven in. Dick Fessel was 1-for-3 with a walk and double. Vince York was 1-for-4 with a run scored and driven in.

July 18th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (47-43): 3
Brooklyn Kings (42-47): 5

W: Lyman Weigel (3-4)
L: Tommy Russel (7-8)


Another close defeat as the Kings secured a split in the series after a three run 7th gave them a 5-3 lead. Tommy Russel pitched 8, allowing 9 hits, 5 runs, and 2 walks with just 1 strikeout. John Kincaid was 2-for-4 with a run scored. Mack Deal was 2-for-4. Vince York was 1-for-5 with a steal and 2 RBI's.

July 19th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (48-43): 10
Brooklyn Kings (42-48): 9
11 Innings

W: Len Moore (5-4)
L: Gordie Woods (3-4)
SV: Chick Meehan (2)


Another crazy extra inning game that started like a blow-out win for us. We scored 6 quick runs in the 2nd off none other then Jim Langely, who ended up settling in and not allowing another run through the 7th. The Kings, however, scored 2 in the 6th, 3 in the 7th, and 2 more in the 8th to take the lead before we took a 9-8 lead in the 9th. They tied in the bottom half, but we managed one in the 11th to leave Brooklyn with a split. Dick Luedtke was roughed up in this one, allowing 14 hits and 8 runs with 2 walks and strikeouts in 7.1 innings. Len Moore allowed 4 hits, a walk, and a run in 2 innings. The now healthy John Dibblee was 4-for-6 with 2 triples, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Harry Simmons was 3-for-6 with a double, walk, run scored, and RBI. Art Panko was 3-for-6 with a triple, run scored, and RBI. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with a steal, 2 walks, and 2 runs. Russ Combs was 2-for-6 with a double, walk, RBI, and 2 runs scored. Dick Fessel had a clutch pinch-hit two run double in the 9th and later scored what could have been the winning run had we not blown it in the 9th.

July 20th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (48-44): 3
Montreal Saints (49-44): 4

W: Charlie Stedman (9-7)
L: Dick Lyons (9-8)


There was no time for rest, as right after the extra inning affair we had to head to Montreal where we started a four game set. The Saints won a close opener 4-3. Fred Barrell was 3-for-4 with a double and 2 RBI's. John Dibblee was 2-for-4 with a run scored. Vince York was 2-for-3 with 2 steals and a hit by pitch. Dick Lyons went 8 innings with 10 hits, 4 runs, a walk, and 2 strikeouts.

Weekly Summary
I can't wait for this road trip to end... We actually made a game up in the standings despite going 3-4, but both Baltimore and Montreal passed us in the standings. We can hop past Montreal if we split the four game set, but the Cannons now sit just 5.5 out of first. We're actually 7-9 on the road trip which isn't bad at all, but we're at game 10 in 18 consecutive games without a day off and only the final two will be at home. The road-trip contains the last three in Montreal, three with the Stars (43-49), and one with Cleveland (46-47) before the final two games get played out in Chicago. Two off days will end July before 28 games in 31 days of August.

Vince York's hit streak ended at the start of the week and his average dropped to .389, which is still the best in baseball. Doug Lightbody is catching up as his average is up to .384 after taking home Player of the Week in the CA. York also sits one RBI behind John Lawson for second most in the CA.

The hardest part about this week was that all the losses were either a one or two run loss. Games so close that little things could have made the difference and there really isn't an easy person to blame for the losses. I also have very few spots I can upgrade at, with center field the only position I'm actively pursuing right now, however, it's tough to add a new player at the same position as our top prospect. That would be Joe Johnson, who's hitting just .257/.332/.397 (94 OPS+) with 4 homers, 10 steals, and 49 RBI's in A Lincoln. At 22 years and 22 days, he's not too far from the big leagues so it's going to be hard to find a stopgap player that won't cost too much as no one really is selling.

Injury Report
RF Hank Mitchell (AA Mobile Commodores): Shoulder tendinitis (one week)
LF Dave Ward (B San Jose Cougars): Knee tendinitis (4 days)

Minor League Report

SS Slim Bloom (AAA Milwaukee Blues): With Clyde Hinzman in AAA with him, Slim Bloom has shifted to second base. It hasn't gone well defensively, but Bloom's bat was hot this week as he took home Player of the Week. He hit .556 (10-for-18) with 3 homers and 9 RBI's. The season hasn't gone as good for him as he's hoped, as he's hitting just .265/.331/.381 (91 OPS+) with 4 homers and 29 RBI's. I'd like to see him in the majors, but there aren't enough at bats for him with Mack Deal already rotating into the lineup relatively regularly. I do expect this to be his last season in the minors, as he should spend the entire 1931 season with Chicago.

3B John Kane (B San Jose Cougars): Last season when the major league team was awful, I spent a lot of time tinkering with minor league lineups. Benching guys who were struggling, and expanding the versatility of guys who were hitting. This year, however, I have focused much more on the major leaguers and just the progress of our top prospects and John Kane hasn't seen much action all year. This will change, however, as we are starting to work him out in left field as he already has experience in center and right. He's only made 30 plate appearances, but he has a healthy .364/.533/.727 (219 OPS+) batting line with 2 homers and 5 RBI's. With expanded playing time, he won't be able to keep this up, but he's likely to continue to be an above average hitter. He does an excellent job of walking as evidenced by 88 walks compared to just 39 strikeouts in 112 games with La Crosse last season.

SP George Hill (C La Crosse Lions): One of the many undrafted free agent pitchers I signed that I would have loved to draft, George Hill has had an excellent first 8 starts in his professional career. Hill is 4-2 with a 3.46 ERA (152 ERA+), 1.19 WHIP, and 16 strikeouts in 52 innings. Hill will never strike many hitters out, as he just sits in the 83-85 MPH range, but the 19-year-old is more of a finesse pitcher then a power pitcher. He has a fastball, slider, and curve that he mixes well together. And despite a rough senior season that led to him getting undrafted, his 3.11 ERA (138 ERA+), 1.40 WHIP, and 68 strikeouts in 153.1 innings weren't terrible by any means. He likely won't progress very far, but if he strings together a few seasons of effective performance in the low minors he's bound to open eyes up.

Amateur Report

LF Al Horton (College of San Diego Friars): Just a two year starter, Al Horton hit .378/.420/.596 (165 OPS+) with 17 homers, 26 steals, and 88 RBI's in 100 games for the Friars. He has a profile similar to Jim Mason last year, a two year starter who decided to come back for his senior season. The difference is Horton's OPS+ dropped from 193 last year to 138 this year and his walks plummeted from 19 to just 9. The switch-hitter is talented, mixing solid power with dazzling speed and a decent contact tool. He's never going to walk much and the strikeouts will pile up, but he's more then capable out in left and he can easily fill in at the other two spots in a pinch. I think any hopes Horton had coming into the season of being a first rounder is gone, but he may benefit with a third year of stats and a return for his senior season.
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Old 03-18-2020, 06:13 PM   #80
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Week 15: July 21st-July 27th

July 21st, 1930
Chicago Cougars (49-44): 3
Montreal Saints (49-45): 2

W: Jim Crawford (3-1)
L: Walker Moore (9-8)
SV: Dick Kadlec (2)


We just love close games, as we took game two 3-2. Jim Crawford was excellent on the mound, 7.2 innings with 7 hits, 2 runs, 3 walks, and 5 strikeouts. Dick Kadlec walked 1 and struck out 1 in 1.1 hitless innings. Bill Ashbaugh was 3-for-4 with a double and solo homer. Mack Deal was 1-for-3 with a double and RBI. Russ Combs was 1-for-4 with a double and run scored. George Jordan was 1-for-4 with a double.

July 22nd, 1930
Chicago Cougars (49-45): 5
Montreal Saints (50-45): 8

W: Gil Kern (3-2)
L: Dick Kadlec (6-8)


The Saints beat us to 50 wins by scoring 3 in the bottom of the 8th after we scored 3 in the top half to tie it. Vince York was 4-for-5 with a double and RBI. Mack Deal was 2-for-4 with a double, walk, and RBI. Harry Simmons was 2-for-4 with a run scored, sac-bunt, and RBI. George Jordan was 2-for-5 with a run scored. John Kincaid was 1-for-4 with a sac-fly and run scored. Max Wilder, a former Saint, made the start, allowing 13 hits and 5 runs (4 earned) with 2 walks and 4 strikeouts in 7 innings. Dick Kadlec picked up the loss, allowing 3 runs off 2 hits and 2 walks in the 8th.

July 23rd, 1930
Chicago Cougars (49-46): 8
Montreal Saints (51-45): 9
12 Innings

W: Jack Barnet (7-6)
L: Dick Kadlec (6-9)


A big 6 run 4th gave us the lead until the 8th where we allowed the Saints to score 3 to tie it at 6. We managed to score a run in the 10th, but gave it right back in the bottom half. We scored another in the 12th, but felt a little more generous and let the Saints walk it off with a Felix Bradford pinch-hit RBI single. I won't blame Kadlec for the loss, as he allowed 2 unearned runs with a hit and walk in 0.2 innings. It was also the fourth time he pitched in 5 games. What really lost us the game is how long Tommy Russel pitched. He went 11 with 13 hits, 7 runs (5 earned), 3 walks, and a strikeout. I would have loved to see Kadlec come in for the 10th, but instead, Russel let the Saints tie it. Offensively, Dick Fessel was 4-for-5 with a sac-bunt, steal, 2 doubles, an RBI, and 2 runs scored. Bob McCarty was 3-for-6 with 2 doubles, 2 runs, and 2 RBI's. Vince York was 2-for-6 with a double and run scored. Harry Simmons was 2-for-7 with a run scored and driven in. John Kincaid was 2-for-6 with a double and run scored. Ross Combs was 1-for-5 with a triple, 2 walks, a run, and RBI.

July 24th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (50-46): 10
New York Stars (45-52): 7

W: Dick Luedtke (1-1)
L: Moxie Nelson (10-4)
SV: Dick Kadlec (3)


We hit the road again after an extra inning affair, but opened the Stars series with a 10-7 win. It was another rough start for Dick Luedtke, who allowed 13 hits, 7 runs, and 2 walks with 2 strikeouts in 8 innings. At the plate, he was 2-for-3 with a double, sac-bunt, run scored, and 2 RBI's. Dick Kadlec picked up the save, allowing 2 hits in what was his 4th straight game on the mound. John Dibblee was 3-for-5 with a double, run scored, and two driven in. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with a walk, RBI, and two runs scored. Russ Combs was 2-for-4 with a run scored and driven in. Bob McCarty was 1-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored. Harry Simmons was 1-for-5 with a base clearing triple.

July 25th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (50-47): 3
New York Stars (46-52): 4

W: Phil English (4-3)
L: Len Moore (5-5)


Back in the loss column as the Stars squeaked out a 4-3 victory. Dick Lyons almost lowered his ERA below 5 with this start, going 7 innings with 10 hits, 3 runs, a walk, and 2 strikeouts. Len Moore picked up the loss, allowing a hit and unearned run in the 8th. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-3 with a walk, steal, double, and run scored. Art Panko was 2-for-4 with a double and 2 driven in. Ross Combs was 2-for-5 with a double. Vince York was 1-for-4 with a double and run scored.

July 26th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (50-47): 4
New York Stars (46-52): 6

W: Dick Richards (5-4)
L: Jim Crawford (3-2)


The Stars picked up the rubber match as our rough week continued with a 6-4 loss. Jim Crawford tossed 8 innings with 10 hits, 6 runs (4 earned), and 2 walks. Russ Combs was 3-for-5. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-5 with a triple. Fred Barrell was 1-for-4 with a triple, run scored, and RBI. John Dibblee was 1-for-4 with a double and run scored. Vince York was 1-for-4 with a run scored and RBI.

July 27th, 1930
Chicago Cougars (51-47): 5
Cleveland Foresters (49-51): 4

W: Max Wilder (8-6)
L: George Barker (7-8)


Our road trip *finally* ended today as we beat the Foresters 5-4 in a quick and useless one game series. Max Wilder looked great, just 1 earned (4 total) with 8 hits and 7 strikeouts in a complete game victory. He was also 1-for-3 with a sac-bunt and walk. Harry Simmons was 3-for-5 with an RBI. Mack Deal and John Kincaid were both 2-for-5 with a double and RBI. Bill Ashbaugh was 2-for-4 with a triple, walk, run scored, and RBI. Russ Combs was 1-for-4 with a triple, sac-bunt, walk, and run scored. George Jordan was 1-for-3 with a walk and sac-bunt.

Stars of the Week
Bill Ashbaugh : 25 AB, 12 H, 1 HR, 4 RBI, .480 AVG, 1.392 OPS
Russ Combs : 31 AB, 10 H, 0 HR, 2 RBI, .323 AVG, .933 OPS
Harry Simmons : 25 AB, 8 H, 0 HR, 7 RBI, .320 AVG, .720 OPS

Weekly Summary
We are 10-15 in July, easily our worst month of the season. All but two of those games (ironically which we lost) were on the road. Finishing a 23 game road trip 10-13 isn't terrible at all. Especially with only two days off that happened to be back-to-back. It's been an exhausting stretch for the team, but at least we get the 30th and 31st off.

Vince York's average dropped to.381 as Doug Lightbody's jumped up to .392. Third in the the FABL? A three way tie between St. Louis' Max Morris and Carl Caufman as well as our very own Harry Simmons. They are all hitting .368, although Morris is leaps and bounds better then the guys he's tied with.

It's been a tough adjustment to the CA for Dick Luedtke who's gone just 1-1 with a 6.85 ERA (70 ERA+), 1.73 WHIP, and 7 strikeouts in 23.2 innings across his three starts. He'll pitch our second home game since July 2nd, and while I'm upset with the early performances, I can't make a fair judgement on just 3 starts. Dick Kadlec, on the other hand, as kind of struggled since the move to the pen. I really don't want to burn an option year on him so he will have all of August to work things out, but he may drop out of the stopper role once rosters expand.

We do, however, have to finish July first, and we will end the month with two games against the Foresters (49-51) in Chicago before the previously mentioned off days. We'll get to stay home as we host the struggling Sailors (58-41) for three. They've dropped 6 of their last 10 and hold just a 2 game lead over the surging Cannons (57-44). We're only 7 games back of the Sailors with Montreal (54-56) 4.5 back. We're off after that series before hitting the road to head to Toronto (34-65) as the Wolves are currently in the midst of a 10 game losing streak.

The deadline will pass next sim, but I don't expect any last minute deals to occur. Really no one is selling and I'm not sure I want to make any more roster adjustments.

Injury Report
RF Earl Rhoden (AAA Milwaukee Blues): Returned from the DL
2B Hank Mitchell (AA Mobile Commodores): Returned from the DL
SS John Barnard (AA Mobile Commodores): Quadriceps strain (1-2 weeks)
LF Dave Ward (B San Jose Cougars): Returned form the DL
2B Bill Rose (B San Jose Cougars): Shoulder tendinitis (3 weeks)
LF Billy Marshall (C La Crosse Lions): Concussion (3 weeks)

Minor League Report

CF Tom Thomas (AA Mobile Commodores): Undrafted in the 1925 draft, Tom Thomas signed a minor league deal with us and played a lot his first season with San Jose. It went pretty poorly, and he basically never played again, but stuck around in the organization. Last year, in 21 games with Lincoln he hit an impressive .350/.435/.512 (151 OPS+) with 2 homers and 13 RBI's. This year (mostly in left), he moved up to Mobile and has a nearly identical .368/.419/.534 (146 OPS+) with 9 homers and 51 RBI's in just under 300 plate appearances. He's just started playing in right field, and while it's too early to judge those results, his bat hasn't slipped one bit. He was a perfect 5-for-5 and just a homer away from the cycle in a 6-5 win over Chattanooga. He's currently our 18th ranked prospect and my scout thinks he can develop into an average big leaguer. It's hard not to get excited by his gaudy batting numbers, but Thomas looks like he can hit any pitcher and he'll only get better.

C Ken Wyatt (A Lincoln Legislators): It hasn't been a great season for the former 4th Rounder, who reached AA Mobile last season, but found himself in Lincoln to start the year. He's still there, as his .289/.315/.398 (90 OPS+) batting line hasn't inspired much confidence. He had a big game against the Terre Haute Brewers, going 5-for-5 with 4 doubles in an 8-6 win. The 23-year-old looks like a potential big league backup, but this year he's seen his strikeout soar and his walks fall.

Amateur Report

SP Pete Vaughn (Bayou State Cougars): Last year as a sophomore, Pete Vaughn had an impressive 2.54 ERA (185 ERA+), 1.06 WHIP, and 132 strikeouts in 85 innings. He didn't have quite as high numbers this year, but he'll finish his college career 15-5 with a 3.03 ERA (158 ERA+), 1.23 WHIP, and 228 strikeouts in 190.1 innings pitched. He's short, just 5'6'', but that doesn't stop him from hitting 94 with his fastball. He's got a plus curve and an average change up, and he has a future in a big league rotation because he can effortlessly set batters down. His stuff is his highlight, and has someone who loves pitchers that can strike batters out, Vaughn is likely to be one of my draft day targets once the talent starts to wither out a bit.

SP Ken Bliss (Golden Gate Grizzlies): You know your team is bad when you have a 2.17 ERA (233 ERA+) and 1.16 WHIP and you finish the season 0-4. Ken Bliss, a southpaw sophomore from Tuscon, Arizona, has to be one of the unluckiest pitchers in the league. Lucky for him he'll be back for a junior season, and he'll have a chance to build on his second straight dominate season in the Grizzlies rotation. He's not the hardest thrower, with his cutter sitting in the high 80s and low 90s, but he did an excellent job cutting down on walks this season, with his BB/9 cut almost in half. His strikeout rate did as well, but he found himself pitching deeper into games and getting more batters out. With another season like this year, he may work his way into the top five rounds of the draft.
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