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06-16-2018, 05:12 PM
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#441 |
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 3,860
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 It was another relatively quiet off-season, with just five trades that could be considered significant consummated. But a couple of exciting free agents that could have an immediate impact in the ULB were signed and a number of management changes took place. Still, perhaps the biggest shakeup in the Braeland is yet to come, as a national election needs to be called before the mandate of the incumbent Liberal government under Prime Minister Sir Douglas Avery expires in late summer of 1950. But with popular support at an all-time low, the Liberal government has been holding off calling an election for as long as possible. Nevertheless, expectations are that an election will be held early in the new year and that a seismic shift in Braeland’s government could be in the offing. Here are some of the noteworthy baseball developments this past off-season: Management Shakeups April 8 – Former United Cup Champion Takes Over in Wellington After five years at the helm, manager Tyler Baldry was fired on April 1 by the Wellington Athletics. The 54-year old led the team to just one winning season (78-76 in 1946-47) during that span (313-389, .446 PCT). On April 8, the Athletics hired 53-year old Eugene Rogge (787-907, .465 PCT) to take the reins. Rogge previously managed the Fort Richmond Generals to a United Cup championship in 1947-48 before being unceremoniously dumped immediately following the celebrations. He has a good reputation, but is often criticized for being too friendly with his players. Wellington is banking on good things to come: they gave Rogge a 3-year deal worth $12,868 per annum. Rogge earned just $3,570 in his last season with Fort Richmond.  ----------- April 9 – Most Dangerous Job in Baseball: Hespeler Stars Owner Dies Et tu, OOTP? Caesarian assassinations have got nothing on OOTP, as the owner ranks continue to be decimated by some malevolent code. The United Leagues lost two owners this off-season. The first one was 68-year old Travis Manton, the long-time owner of the Hespeler Stars. Manton witnessed just one winning season and no playoffs in his 12-years as head honcho. Taking over is his son, 39-year old Lloyd Manton, who is expected to follow in his father’s footsteps in both temperament and involvement with the club.  ----------- May 5 – Pulberry Trolleys ‘Go in a Different Direction’ – Hire New Manager Hall of Fame member Neil Guerin (211-251, .457 PCT) is out in Pulberry, as his contract was not renewed at the end of the season. The 46-year old former pitcher managed for three seasons, but the Trolleys regressed each year under his watch. To replace him, Pulberry has turned to another rookie manager: 55-year old Wildemar Aquino, who spent the past 12 seasons as the Cobourg Red Stockings’ hitting coach. Aquino is considered laid-back, so we’ll see how the club responds to his approach. He signed a 4-year deal worth $9,702 per year. To think that he earned all of $310 in his first year as a hitting coach back in 1937-38.  ----------- August 10 – Another One Bites the Dust: Sherburn Tigers Sees Ownership Change The United Leagues family lost another member when popular owner, 70-year old Efren Montemayor, succumbed to a lengthy illness. His youngest son, 37-year old Kyle Montemayor is now in charge. Montemayor is considered a patient man who nevertheless will be focused on money matters.  ----------- Trades and Signings April 19: The Fort Richmond Generals and Sherburn Tigers complete a bit of a surprising deal: To Fort Richmond – 30-year old RHP Roberto Taváres (OOTP 18: 78/78; OOTP19: 59/59) To Sherburn – 22-year old RHP Ben Buschlen (OOTP18: 49/76; OOTP19: 38/53) and four minor leaguers: • 20-year old CF Harold Sparkes (18: 22/57: 19: 20/39) • 19-year old LF Kevin Morse (18: 21/36; 19: 20/20) • 24-year old C Anthony Shipman (18:23/23; 19: 20/20) • 18-year old 2B Matt Mowry (18: 20/23; 19: 20/20) Knee-jerk reaction: One of the Generals’ formidable strengths gets even stronger, as they swing a deal to get former Satchel Paige Award winner Roberto Taváres from the Tigers. Taváres immediately becomes Fort Richmond’s No. 1 starter, ahead of this year’s Satchel Paige Award winner, Nicky Sherlock. Meanwhile, Sherburn decides to part with the 30-year old Taváres in a rebuilding move, getting young Buschlen in return. A former 88th overall pick from 1946-47, Buschlen moves into the No. 3 spot for now. Buschlen doesn’t have great stuff, but does have decent movement and control with three average pitches: 91-93 mph fastball, changeup and splitter. The rest of Sherburn’s ‘haul’ is merely warm bodies; only C Shipman has been invited to spring training.   ----------- April 19: The Cobourg Red Stockings and Kingston Pelicans complete a two-player deal: To Cobourg – 27-year old LHP William Say (18: 45/74; 19: 57/68) To Kingston – 20-year old minor league RF Hayden Bays (18: 22/39; 19: 20/20) Knee-jerk reaction: Kingston’s ‘rebuild’, if it can be called that, sees a still-promising reliever head to Cobourg for a young outfielder who may or may not reach the majors. Say, a 9th overall pick by Pulberry in 1944-45 has yet to put it all together, but he has a nice slider and above average stuff and great movement. Control can be problem however and he can get into trouble with opposite-handed hitters. He becomes the Red Stockings’ top middle reliever. Bays, a defensively-challenged (but excellent arm) outfielder, has top-notch speed, above average contact skills, a smooth swing and good pitch recognition. But his limited potential will be tough to overcome in trying to make it to the majors.  ----------- April 21: The Braeland City Monarchs and Stratford Barons agree to a two-player deal: To Braeland City – 29-year old OF Ricardo Castellanos (18: 33/37; 19: 44/44) To Stratford – 26-year old 1B Kyle Pryor (18: 38/38; 19: 38/38) Knee-jerk reaction: The two Eastern playoff teams complete a deal to shore up some respective weaknesses. Castellanos takes over centerfield from Curt Tiffany (28/28), who found himself somewhat overwhelmed in the everyday role. He becomes the No. 4 outfielder, while Castellanos, a 4-time all-star, brings his award-winning defense and respectable bat to Braeland City. He is ranked 4th overall among centerfielders in the ULB. In Stratford, Roberto Ríos moves back to leftfield, while 22-year old rookie New Zealander CF Elliot Geaner (20/45), a second-round pick from last season, will try to make the starting lineup. Kyle Pryor lost his 1B job permanently to Dean Witherden (52/52), so the Monarchs deemed Pryor expendable. With the Barons, he gets the starting job, replacing 29-year old León Rivera. Riveria (22/22) did a decent job at 1B in his rookie season (2.8 WAR), but is really more suited as a utility player. He is an excellent defender at 1B and in the outfield.   ----------- April 23: The Braeland City Monarchs and Queensland Eagles complete a two-player deal: To Queensland – 26-year old SS Luwen Rodenburg (18: 46/46; 19: 47/47) To Braeland City – 28-year old RHP Okura Suzuki (18: 68/70; 19: 55/55) Knee-jerk reaction: Another deal that looks to mutually benefit both teams. Queensland has witnessed the regression of 29-year old 2B Noah Wellings (25/26 – 0.6 WAR) over the past couple of seasons. To compensate, the Eagles have shifted 22-year old rookie IF Eric Maher (26/50 – 0.6 WAR) to 2B from SS and acquired Rodenburg from Braeland City. Rodenburg has some offensive capabilities, but his greatest strengths are his defense and blazing speed on the basepaths. The loss of Suzuki will be compensated by the addition of 23-year old RHP Logan Belsey (49/80), a 4th overall pick last season, and 21-year old RHP Stiofan Micklethwait (38/68), a 9th overall pick from 1946-47. With Braeland City, Suzuki is penciled in as the No. 2 starter, between two lefties, 29-year old Nicholas Grimes (57/57) and 39-year old David Cooling (49/49). 28-year old SS Simon Flatt (48/49 – 1.6 WAR) takes over shortstop full-time.   ----------- May 20: The Stratford Barons and Kingston Pelicans exchange a couple of starters: To Stratford – 31-year old RHP Charlie Gilbert (18: 58/58; 19: 47/47) To Kingston – 29-year old CF Won-ho Kim (18: 41/45; 19: 44/44) Knee-jerk reaction: On the surface, this transaction appears to be a step back for Stratford, as Kim is ranked 5th overall among centerfielders, while SP Gilbert may not crack their starting rotation. Nevertheless, the Barons have elected to go with an unproven Elliot Geaner at centerfield as mentioned previously in the April 21st deal. For Kingston, Kim is an upgrade, as 27-year old Glen Traill (32/35 – 0.7 WAR) appears more suited as a utility player. The Pelicans don’t really have anyone to replace SP Gilbert. But it doesn’t appear they are trying to contend this season, and at any rate, Gilbert’s continued presence in the rotation wouldn’t make much of a difference – no disrespect to Charlie.   ----------- May 24: The Cambria Cannons sign free agent 29-year old SS César Ruíz (18: 79/79; 19: 74/74) to a 1-year contract ($45,400). Knee-jerk reaction: If the rankings hold true, then the United Leagues immediately has a new No. 1 position player – and he has yet to play a game. The Colombian Ruíz is considered a franchise cornerstone player, with strength, bat speed and above average contact who will frustrate opposing pitchers. He is considered a superior defender to boot. Cambria has inserted him into the No. 3 spot in the batting lineup and will take over shortstop from 33-year old Wenceslas Jasmin (41/41 – 4.4 WAR), who moves over to 2B. Getting the short straw is 28-year old IF Neil Boyle (22/22 – 1.7 WAR), who is now buried in Cambria’s depth chart.   ----------- May 29: The Wolseley Unions sign free agent 27-year old RHP Shou-xin Chin (18: 74/74; 19: 76/76) to a 1-year contract ($27,200). Knee-jerk reaction: The Wolseley Unions also snag a No. 1 ranked player, as Chin, who hails from China, is considered the top reliever as the clubs head into the Coconut Leagues. He has good stuff and command and should be a reliable reliever for the Unions, based on talent. A few seasons ago, the Unions had the worst-ranked bullpen in the Western League. Last season, it was ranked 5th. If Chin delivers on his promise, the defending United Cup Champions should have an even more formidable relieving unit this season.   ----------- The War Gained chart below reflects of course, the signings of SP Roberto Taváres (Fort Richmond), SP Charlie Gilbert and 1B Kyle Pryor (both by the Stratford Barons) that should make those clubs even stronger for contending for the United Cup. But how will the free agent signings of Ruiz and Chin affect the balance of power for Cambria and Wolseley? Will the addition of SP Suzuki help the Braeland City Monarchs to finally win it all? The first step to answering those questions will be taken when the teams finally take to the field in the upcoming Coconut Leagues. 
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United Leagues of Braeland |
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06-17-2018, 11:37 PM
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#442 |
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Hall Of Famer
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Your offseason reporting is top notch.
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06-23-2018, 12:32 PM
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#443 | |
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 3,860
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Quote:
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United Leagues of Braeland |
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06-23-2018, 12:42 PM
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#444 |
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 3,860
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 From August 29 to September 29, Braeland enjoyed following all the Coconut League action, but Opening Day finally arrived on October 3. With roster decisions having been finalized and all 16 teams chomping on the bit to get things officially underway, the United Leagues embark on their thirteenth season. But first, let’s look at the final Coconut League standings and the projections for each League for the upcoming season. At the conclusion, I’ve posted the various player and team rankings, and a number of career leaderboards. Eastern League Results   After winning only 9 games in last season’s Coconut Leagues, the Wellington Athletics topped the Eastern League standings with 20 victories, second only to Fort Richmond. But the projections were not impressed by that, as the Athletics are expected to once again finish at the bottom of the standings in the regular season. So we’ll have to see where Wellington actually ends up. The projections are calling for a tight race between four teams. Three of those teams are no strangers to the playoffs: Braeland City, Stratford and Brunswick. However, for the third year in a row, the Downie Chiefs are projected to be a playoff contender. That has yet to materialize. Could this be the year the Chiefs finally makes some playoff noise? They have some dynamic players on offense, like 23-year old 3B Dominic Dudding (66/71) and 23-year old CF Alfonso León (68/74), although neither of them appear in the projected Top 10 Hitters list. On the other hand, 27-year old RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (51/51) makes his fourth consecutive appearance in the projected Top 10 Pitchers list. But he too has yet to come close to fulfilling those lofty projections. Nevertheless, he did earn his first trip to the all-star game last season and with the team around him slowing getting better, perhaps the Fijian workhorse will finally get to enjoy a break-out season and help his team end their playoff drought.  --------- Western League Results   There were no big surprises to come out of the West, as the two top teams over the past couple of years – the Fort Richmond Generals and Wolseley Unions – are once again projected to finish 1-2 in the standings. The Unions did struggle a bit in the Coconut Leagues, but they should be fine. The Kingston Pelicans are not the team they once were, but they refuse to completely fade away. That's understandable. They still have some quality talent on offense and if their pitchers, like 29-year old LHP Patrick Denman (55/55) and 29-year old RHP Ben Currall (52/52) can both bounce back from mediocre campaigns and injuries, then Kingston may be able to spoil someone’s party this year. But perhaps the most interesting name to appear on the Top 10 lists is Sherburn’s young leftfielder, 22-year old Noah Teale (43/54). A first-round pick back in 1946, Teale has yet to make an impression in the United Leagues. But the Tigers have inserted him into the No. 4 spot in the lineup behind another promising player, 22-year old 2B Jack Burt (52/69), who was a second overall pick back in 1947. If they both deliver on their promise, then there could be some real excitement generated in the heart of the Tigers’ batting order. That is definitely something to keep an eye on going forward.  --------- Uniform Update The Hespeler Stars have updated their logo and uniforms for the 1949-50 season.  --------- To round out the snapshot of the United Leagues, here are the top players and pitchers and top 20 prospects as updated on Opening Day. Also included are the latest leaderboards for a slew of offensive and pitching categories.      --------- Leaderboards          ---------    
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United Leagues of Braeland Last edited by reds1; 06-23-2018 at 01:41 PM. |
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06-29-2018, 10:30 PM
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#445 |
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 3,860
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December 1, 1949
Eastern League: Monarchs, Chiefs Duking It Out in Early Going    --------  Offense: .284/.367/.409 (2nd/1st/2nd) Pitching: 3.41/3.41/3.41 (1st/2nd/1st) Defense: .729 (1st) Chemistry: Ecstatic The Braeland City Monarchs are a model of consistency, as they are the only team in the United Leagues to maintain a plus-.600 winning percentage for both October and November. Nevertheless, the East is not a runaway as they enjoy just a half-game lead on the Downie Chiefs. At the end of October, they actually trailed the Chiefs by 2.5 games, but a strong November (highlighted by a 9-game winning streak against Western League clubs) kept them neck-and-neck with their newfound rivals. While the club is not a leader in HR (39-5th), stolen bases (9-6th) or HR allowed (37-6th), they are either 1st or 2nd in practically everything else. This is a club with very few weaknesses. The Monarchs are for real. Although they traded 27-year old Kyle Pryor to the Stratford Barons in the off-season, the Monarchs are not regretting turning the 1B reigns over to 25-year old Dean Witherden (.388/.446/.559, 5 HR, 36 RBI, 19 BB, 2.3 WAR) full-time, as he leads the team in a host of offensive categories (rivaling teammate 2B Patrick Lidgate). Originally a 14th overall pick by Kingston in 1943-44, Braeland City acquired Witherden in December 1944 for 1B Dean Bishop. While that trade paid immediate dividends for the Pelicans, it’s now starting to do the same for the Monarchs. Witherden is now rated 2nd overall among 1B in the ULB – behind Dean Bishop. 39-year old LHP David Cooling (9-1, 2.53 ERA, 0.98 WHIP) shows no sign of slowing down, as he leads the team in a number of pitching categories over the first two months. Cooling was acquired by the Monarchs way back in May 1939 from the Balmoral Giants for a young outfielder named Carlton Broadbent. Although Broadbent was a steep price to pay, Cooling was worth it, going on to earn 1 Satchel Paige Award, 1 Top Fielder Award and 9 all-star appearances. He just may add a 10th appearance this season. Also worthy of mention is 28-year old RHP Robin Medellin (8-1, 2.66 ERA, 1.32 WHIP), who is off to the best start of his 5-year career. He was a 2nd-round pick back in 1942-43. Player of the Week Awards: October 10 – C Christopher Dainty (.474, 9 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI) Noteworthy: October 17 – 27-year old C Christopher Dainty (.273/.405/.448, 6 HR, 23 RBI, 37 BB, 2.1 WAR) showed no mercy on Downie, going 5 for 5 in the Monarchs 16-4 drubbing of the Chiefs. Dainty singled in the 2nd & 3rd innings, doubled in the 5th and then singled again in the 6th & 7th. He contributed 3 runs as the Monarchs tallied 22 hits in all. November 28 – 24-year old utility infielder Derek Reed (.521/.520/.646, 4-2B, 4 RBI, 1 BB, 0.8 WAR) helped his team get past the Tigers at the Paramount in Sherburn, going 5 for 5 on the afternoon. Starting at shortstop and batting 4th on this day, Reed hit an RBI double in the 1st, a two-run double in the 2nd, then singled in the 4th, 7th & 9th innings. In all, he racked up 2 runs and 3 RBI. The Monarchs prevailed 9-8. October 23 – There were a few players that were expected to reach the 2000th career hit milestone this season and two of them reached it in the first month of the season. The second to do it was 36-year old IF/OF Adam Ashley (.287/.382/.320, 4-2B, 11 RBI, 18 BB, 0.5 WAR), who is no longer an everyday player. But in a game against the Brunswick Legends, Ashley notched his 2000th career hit on a first-pitch, one-out single in the 4th inning off of Brunswick’s RHP Dan Turner. It was Ashley’s second hit of the game. In all, he went 3 for 4 on the day with 3 singles, an RBI and a walk in the Monarchs’ 5-4 win at Kings Park in Braeland City.   Current Injuries: RF Jesús Ortega – November 26 – elbow inflammation. Out for: 4 days. --------  Offense: .276/.345/.421 (3rd/4th/1st) Pitching: 3.44/3.37/3.78 (2nd/1st/4th) Defense: .725 (2nd) Chemistry: Happy After finishing above .500 last season for the first time since 1938-39, the Downie Chiefs are definitely taking it to the next level, tying Braeland City for most R/G scored in the East with 5.2 and second in fewest R/G allowed with 4.0 (the Stratford Barons lead with 3.8 and Braeland City is third with 4.1). And while both 23-year old 3B Dominic Dudding (.348/.409/.527, 5 HR, 32RBI, 22 BB, 2.1 WAR) and 23-year old CF Alfonso León (.298/.361/.470, 3 HR, 31 RBI, 22 BB, 1. 6 WAR) are not off to the torrid start they enjoyed last season (especially on defense), the team overall has been a very solid unit from top to bottom. Although they were slowed down a bit by Western League teams in November, they still took 5 of 8 series from them. There’s still a lot of season left, but it appears the Chiefs are finally losing their ‘sad-sack’ reputation. 26-year old C Jilenko Batiles (.331/.368/.651, 15 HR, 46 RBI, 10 BB, 2.7 WAR) is off to the best start of his 6-year career. He has already racked up more WAR in two months than he has in any previous entire season (2.2 in 1945-46). The former Rookie of the Year Award winner was acquired from the Cobourg Red Stockings back in May 1948 for RHP Chris Sappington – who was recently acquired on waivers by the Pulberry Trolleys. It seems the prognosticators finally got it right, as 27-year old RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (7-4, 2.00 ERA, 1.10 WHIP) is one of the top starting pitchers in the ULB after the first two months of the season. However, he is not alone on the Chiefs’ staff, as 29-year old RHP Bernie Knowles (6-3, 3.13 ERA, 1.16 WHIP) is bouncing back nicely after an injury-plagued season last year. Player of the Week Awards: November 7 – SP Bernie Knowles (2-0, 18 IP, 11 H, 6 BB, 4 K, 0.50 ERA) November 14 – 3B Dominic Dudding (.467, 14 H, 1 HR, 4 RBI) Current Injuries: None. --------  Offense: .247/.350/.348 (8th/3rd/8th) Pitching: 3.52/3.53/3.44 (3rd/3rd/2nd) Defense: .717 (4th) Chemistry: Happy The Stratford Barons started the season off slow, going 1-6 before recovering. While they definitely remain in contention, their offense is not what it once was, averaging just 4.2 R/G. But their ‘big three’ remain ‘big’: 30-year old C Aaron Skidmore (.308/.495/.476, 5 HR, 30 RBI, 54 BB, 2.9 WAR), 36-year old 2B Jake Walker (.354/.470/.469, 2 HR, 21 RBI, 42 BB, 2.2 WAR) and 26-year old LF Roberto Ríos (.282/.422/.450, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 49 BB, 2.4 WAR) remain a strong nucleus that should allow the Barons to remain within striking distance of the playoffs. Pitching is the Barons strongest unit right now, and No. 2 starter, 23-year old RHP Bill Wolf (7-4, 2.55 ERA, 1.28 WHIP), is enjoying the best start of his young career. He was a 15th overall pick by the Barons back in 1944-45. No. 5 starter, 31-year old Charlie Gilbert (4-3, 3.75 ERA, 1.40 WHIP), who was just acquired in the off-season from the Kingston Pelicans, has not been awful by any means. Nevertheless, the Barons placed him on the trading block on November 29. That might be due to their belief that 22-year old RHP Ted Smith (2-1, 3.50 ERA, 1.61 WHIP – 55/77), a second-round pick from 1945-46 and currently rated 13th overall among prospects, is ready to join the rotation. He is currently serving as middle relief. At any rate, making Gilbert available so soon after trading for him feels like a curious move. Gilbert quickly became one the team’s leaders to boot (Wolf is their captain). Current Injuries: None. --------  Offense: .265/.338/.383 (5th/6th/5th) Pitching: 4.04/3.97/4.58 (6th/5th/6th) Defense: .712 (5th) Chemistry: Happy The Queensland Eagles’ start to the season is very similar to their start last year – the majority of their games have been on the road and played in the West (40 road games, 13 home games). All-in-all, they have weathered it quite nicely and will now enjoy some home games in December. If they can take advantage of that, then they could make a run for the wild card. But while their overall offensive play has made modest improvements over last season, their pitching is in a bit of a transition. Indeed, the Eagles have two young pitching prospects in the rotation looking to establish themselves. If they can do that in the short term, then Queensland may make some noise before the season is through. But the Eagles are making some curious moves, at least to me. Particularly, No. 1 starter 30-year old RHP Aaron Saunderson (5-5, 3.31 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) was placed on the trading block twice in November. That strikes me as a bit odd, as he is rated 5th overall among starting pitchers in the United Leagues and he has been a steady presence for Queensland over the years. We’ll have to see what the Eagles have in mind (I just hope this isn’t a bug). 31-year old C Elijah Sheppard (.329/.443/.513, 7 HR, 26 RBI, 31 BB, 2.6 WAR) is off to his best start in three years. He earned all of 3.0 WAR last season. Now if the only rest of the offense can follow suit. 27-year old SS Luwen Rodenburg (.268/.317/.345, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 14 BB, 0.5 WAR), who was acquired from Braeland City in the off-season, got off to a particularly slow start in October (.532 OPS). He did improve in November however (.792 OPS). Queensland’s rotation has the potential to be one of the better ones in the ULB. In addition to No. 1 starter Aaron Saunderson, the Eagles have 32-year old RHP Pi-ao Quian (7-4, 3.11 ERA, 1.25 WHIP), 24-year old RHP Logan Belsey (6-4, 2.94 ERA, 1.26 WHIP – 56/80) and 22-year old RHP Stiofan Micklethwait (4-3, 3.53 ERA, 1.60 WHIP – 42/67). Belsey was 4th overall pick last year and Micklethwait a 9th overall pick back in 1946-47. Current Injuries: None. --------  Offense: .253/.345/.396 (6th/5th/4th) Pitching: 3.87/3.79/4.22 (4th/4th/5th) Defense: .704 (6th) Chemistry: Happy Last season, the Embro Suns had the worst ranked pitching staff in the entire United Leagues, at least in terms of overall ERA. But it appears the staff may soon become a strength. Like Queensland, two young starters have started to blossom, allowing the team to be more competitive. If the offense can warm up a bit more, then the Suns can entertain thoughts of competing for a playoff spot as well. That may be on their mind, as the Suns recently switched their focus from ‘Rebuild’ to ‘Neutral’ in late November. That may be a good thing, since Embro’s trading block has been used 18 times since August 5th, mostly posting the same three players: 31-year old RHP Jim Hogue (4-5, 3.96 ERA, 1.62 WHIP), 33-year old RHP Yin-ti Shih (3-2, 6 SV, 5.28 ERA, 1.70 WHIP) and 30-year old C Scott Weller (.238/.372/.422, 6 HR, 26 RBI, 32 BB, 1.4 WAR). Based on their performances thus far, that seems reasonable for a ‘rebuilding’ team. It will be interesting to see if the change in focus reduces the trading block’s hyperactivity. Drafted in the 2nd-round back in 1947-48, 24-year old South Korean 3B Keon-chae Cho (.329/.378/.604, 9 HR, 33 RBI, 12 BB, 2.2 WAR – 65/65) finished 2nd in last season’s Eastern League Rookie of the Year voting. But he has come into his own in the early going and is already rated 4th overall among third basemen. Also off to a nice start is 27-year old LF Rizalino Ringor (.296/.432/.513, 6 HR, 30 RBI, 37 BB, 1.9 WAR – 65/65). Ringor has really never recovered from his time spent serving in World War II. But he’s off to his best start since 1943-44, when he compiled 5.6 WAR. The pitching has been given a boost by two young promising starters: 23-year old LHP Carl Mc Broom (5-4, 3.58 ERA, 1.53 WHIP – 51/52) and 24-year old RHP Juan Rivas (4-3, 1 SV, 2.82 ERA, 1.40 WHIP – 35/47). Both are former 1st-round picks. Their continued progress brings optimism to Suns fans who hope to see a return of playoff action to Embro. Player of the Week Awards: October 24 – SS Conor Reddick (.440, 11 H, 3 HR, 6 RBI) November 21 – 1B Jim Friend (.444, 8 H, 3 HR, 7 RBI) Noteworthy: October 5 –35-year old LF Terence Durney (.247/.305/.368, 4 HR, 24 RBI, 15 BB, -0.4 WAR) has been one of the most consistent players in Braeland since the Leagues began back in 1937. In that time, the 11-time all-star has compiled almost 62 WAR. However, age and nagging injuries are beginning to catch up with him. Entering this season, he was sitting on 1996 hits. But just 3 games in, he collected his 2000th career hit. In the top of the 6th inning, facing Wellington’s RHP Wilfried Schop, Durney smacked a line-drive double into right-centerfield for his second hit of the day and 2000th of his career. Durney went 2 for 5 in the Suns’ 7-6 win over the Athletics.  Current Injuries: CF Terence Durney – November 28 – oblique strain. Out for: 4 weeks. --------  Offense: .289/.353/.408 (1st/2nd/3rd) Pitching: 5.02/5.03/4.98 (8th/8th/8th) Defense: .695 (7th) Chemistry: Happy It seems everything the Cobourg Red Stockings do on offense turns to gold, while everything they try to do with pitching falls like a lead balloon. Once again, the Red Stockings are one of the strongest units in the ULB at the plate and on the base paths, but are hampered by a pitiable pitching staff. Unfortunately, one reason is that it appears 40-year old RHP Lenny Freke (1-10, 6.72 ERA, 1.88 WHIP), who was such a steady, reliable presence, has reached the end of the line. 29-year old RHP Luis Cruz (6-4, 3.16 ERA, 1.45 WHIP – 43/43), a former minor league signing back in 1937 who finally reached the big club in 1945 is now holding down the top spot in the rotation. All this disarray cost 52-year old pitching coach Bryon Taylor his job on November 17, after 8+ mediocre seasons. He was replaced two days later with 55-year old Creedon Caton, a rookie coach. But for all of Cobourg’s recent panic, things may not be as bleak as they seem. 21-year old LHP Bill Budd (6-5, 2.32 ERA, 1.01 WHIP in AAA – 33/61) has just been called up to join the rotation. He is currently rated as the 10th overall prospect in the ULB. Also recently called up was 26-year old LHP Hank Bennett (3-0, 3.05 ERA, 1.60 WHIP – 33/35), a 2nd-round pick back in 1942-43. If Cruz, Budd and Bennett can provide some consistency, then the season may not be lost. Cobourg definitely has the offense to carry an average pitching staff. There’s no shortage of stars on offense, but 23-year old CF Raymond Williams (.392/.478/.691, 12 HR, 46 RBI, 33 BB, 5 SB, 3.6 WAR) is having an amazing season thus far. The former first overall pick from 1945-46, is considered the top centerfielder and 4th-best overall player in the ULB right now. Player of the Week Awards: October 17 – CF Raymond Williams (.458, 11 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI) October 31 – CF Raymond Williams (.500, 13 H, 2 HR, 7 RBI) Key Trade: October 25 with the Balmoral Giants: To Cobourg – 31-year old RHP Max Dunston (61/61) To Balmoral – 23-year old minor league LHP Lester Counsell (20/50) Knee-jerk reaction: With the worst-rated pitching staff in the entire United Leagues, the Red Stockings are in desperation mode, trying to shore things up. They have cast off the likes of 37-year old RHP Chris Sappington (subsequently claimed on waivers by Pulberry) and designated 39-year old LHP Max Littler for assignment as well. They have called up one of the top-rated pitching prospects in the ULB in 21-year old LHP Bill Budd (33/61), a 6th overall pick from last season. But in all of their frantic moves, it appears the Giants have taken advantage of them by off-loading Dunston. Dunston is an average middle reliever who has yet to live up to even that modest estimation. He slumped horribly at the end of last season (6 SV, 9.92 ERA in 15 games) and things really haven’t improved much since then. He’s tenacious and good at keeping the ball in the park, but he continues to be pounded by hitters. Meanwhile, the Giants receive a mid-level pitching prospect (49th overall) in Counsell that could soon settle into the back-end of their rotation. Counsell was quickly promoted to the Giants’ bullpen to serve as long relief. A 3rd-round pick from 1947-48, he is not blessed with great stuff, but has decent control and movement with an 88-90 mph fastball to along with a cutter and changeup.   Current Injuries: CF Bill Sharkey – November 29 – bronchitis. Out for: Dtd, 1 day. CF Raymond Williams – November 30 – asthma. Out for: Dtd, 3 days. --------  Offense: .248/.333/.370 (7th/7th/7th) Pitching: 4.93/4.96/4.83 (7th/7th/7th) Defense: .689 (8th) Chemistry: Feuding The Brunswick Legends have become a shell of their former selves, three years after their last playoff appearance. Overall, they can’t hit, pitch or play defense (they can still hit the long ball though – 45, tied for 2nd in the East). That doesn’t mean they are completely devoid of talent mind you, but to me it’s obvious that it’s time to use those remaining assets for acquiring prospects. The Legends are in the middle of the pack as to the strength of their farm system, and an infusion of more quality prospects would go a long way to accelerating their rebuild. 28-year old 3B Jorge Arredondo (.317/.432/.495, 8 HR, 31 RBI, 39 BB, 2.4 WAR) is the lone Legend appearing in the ULB’s Top 20 Position Players List (No. 9) and is second only to Downie’s Dominic Dudding among third basemen. He has been a model of excellence for Brunswick the past two seasons, and he is even better this year. 33-year old 1B Stuart Bentham (.350/.410/.536, 9 HR, 32 RBI, 22 BB, 1.6 WAR) continues to rake, but his defense is absolutely atrocious (even by his standards). 33-year old LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (8-4, 2.67 ERA, 1.21 WHIP) continues to set the standard among all pitchers in the ULB, but the stellar support that he had in years past are all gone. No. 2 starter 25-year old RHP Hyun-kyoo Sin (6-3, 4.22 ERA, 1.46 WHIP – 38/38) and No. 4 starter 21-year old RHP Kent Dundon (1-5, 6.14 ERA, 1.93 WHIP – 29/48) both have promise, but are still trying to find their game. Player of the Week Awards: November 28 – SS Jorge Arredondo (.500, 12 H, 2 HR, 8 RBI) Current Injuries: None. --------  Offense: .270/.328/.377 (4th/8th/6th) Pitching: 3.92/4.00/3.59 (5th/6th/3rd) Defense: .723 (3rd) Chemistry: Unhappy The Wellington Athletics are certainly not a powerhouse in the East, but at the same time, they actually are not as bad as their record would indicate. Thus far, they have been remarkably unlucky: 1-7 in extra-inning games and 3-16 in one-run games. That has led to a Pyt. Record of 26-28 – a difference of 7. That feels about right. So if the Athletics continue to slug it out, they may be able to even things out and get closer to the middle of the pack. Wellington has some really nice pieces that should make their lineup potent sooner rather than later. After lead-off hitter 25-year old CF Edgardo Barrón (.326/.386/.419, 9-2B, 16 RBI, 22 BB, 4 SB, 1.6 WAR), they have a 2-time Top Fielder Award winner in 26-year old Zhao-hui Qian (.287/.333/.405, 2 HR, 25 RBI, 15 BB, 4 SB, 1.5 WAR) batting second. Qian, a 2nd-overall pick back in 1945-46 is in his third full season in the United Leagues. Batting third is last year’s 1st overall pick in 22-year old LF Matthew Floyd (.276/.322/.439, 4 HR, 28 RBI, 14 BB, 1.0 WAR – 54/80), who won Rookie of the Month honors in October. And batting fourth is November’s Rookie of the Month: 22-year old C Declan Bugbie (.322/.363/.450, 3 HR, 16 RBI, 10 BB, 1.4 WAR – 44/55). He was a 2nd-round pick back in 1946-47. On the pitching staff, 27-year old RHP Scott Wheeler (6-2, 2.63 ERA, 1.30 WHIP – 48/48) has finally moved into the rotation, after spending the past 5 seasons in the bullpen. The 11th overall pick from 1943-44 appears to be thriving as Wellington’s No. 2 starter. Finally, the Athletics have high hopes for 24-year old LHP Jorge Ortíz (4-6, 4.02 ERA, 1.49 WHIP – 20/68) who is currently in AAA. Ortíz, a 4th-round pick from 1946-47 and acquired from Downie in a trade back in August 1948 is currently rated as the 9th overall prospect in the ULB. Key Trade: October 25 with the Sherburn Tigers: To Wellington – 32-year old RF Ron Westmacott (38/38) and 24-year old minor league C Ken Young (20/32) To Sherburn – 26-year old minor league 3B Fraser Rae (39/39) Knee-jerk reaction: The two bottom-dwelling clubs in their respective Leagues make a modest exchange. Westmacott joins his 5th team, as the Athletics look to him for a minor upgrade at rightfield. 28-year old OF Zhong-shu Wang (20/20), a former 2nd-round pick from 1942-43, has progressively gotten worse since his lone all-star season back in 1946-47. Westmacott is a team leader which should help things in the clubhouse and remains a good defender. But his ability to remain healthy has always been a concern and he is nowhere near the hitter he once was. Nevertheless, he was producing for the Tigers in the early going this season and the Athletics hope that continues. For Sherburn, 26-year old Louie Pate (.311/.388/.467, 4 HR, 23 RBI, 16 BB – 47/47) has settled in this season as the Tigers rightfielder for the present and foreseeable future, rendering Westmacott expendable. Pate was a 10th overall pick back in 1945-46. With Rae, Sherburn is now going with a platoon at 3B, with Rae facing RHP and 27-year old Tyler MacGugan (.252/.313/.348, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 10 BB – 31/34) now restricted to just LHP. MacGugan is a 3-time Top Fielder Award winner, but neither he nor Rae are long-term answers for the club.   Current Injuries: None. --------  
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06-29-2018, 11:46 PM
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#446 |
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,521
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I smile every time I see an update from the ULB. Never revealed this before but I'm a secret fan of the Pulberry Trolleys. They haven't done much historically, but gotta love the team name.
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07-04-2018, 12:46 AM
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#447 | |
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 3,860
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Quote:
I just wish I could offer some good news for the Trolleys. 
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07-04-2018, 01:00 AM
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#448 |
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 3,860
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December 1, 1949
Western League: Unions, Generals Dominating the Rest    --------  Offense: .280/.366/.412 (1st/1st/2nd) Pitching: 2.89/3.19/1.25 (2nd/2nd/1st) Defense: .740 (1st) Chemistry: Content The Wolseley Unions have qualified for the playoffs for three straight seasons now, but have yet to finish in top spot in the West. Last season, they finished a distant second, 14 games behind the Fort Richmond Generals. But a 13-game winning streak to the end the season seemed to notify the League that the Unions were no long willing to play runner-up’s. That attitude propelled them to their first United Cup Championship and it continues this season. Wolseley sported the best record in the ULB in October and lead the equally formidable Generals by 3 games. The Unions are either first or second in EVERY single offensive and pitching category, except for four: Home runs (39 – 3rd), Stolen Bases (15 – 3rd), HR allowed (37 – 3rd) and strikeouts (227 – 3rd). No glaring weaknesses on this team. With so much going right, it’s hard to single any one player out. But I’ll do it anyway. 28-year old SS George Kimpton (.361/.418/.543, 6 HR, 44 RBI, 22 BB, 4 SB, 3.1 WAR) has already equalled his best season in terms of WAR after just two months (3.1 in 1947-48). The former 5th overall pick from 1943-44 is leading the Western League in hits (75) and singles (52). 31-year old RHP Bill Blair (7-1, 2.30 ERA, 0.97 WHIP) is enjoying the best start in his 9-year career. Acquired from the Stratford Barons in October 1948, Blair is currently the No. 2 starter. One interesting move made by the Unions is the demotion of 29-year old RHP Ian Peter (5-4, 3.51 ERA, 1.24 WHIP – 51/51) to AAA in late November. It seems they have decided to promote 24-year old LHP Axel Mackay (0-0, 3 SV, 3.14 ERA, 1.26 WHIP – 44/57) to the rotation after two unimpressive seasons in the bullpen (3-2, 4 SV, 5.42 ERA, 1.85 WHIP). Peter still appears to be an effective pitcher so perhaps Wolseley should consider moving him if he’s no longer in their plans. Player of the Week Awards: November 14 – LF Carlton Hawking (.522, 12 H, 2 HR, 7 RBI) Current Injuries: None. --------  Offense: .256/.328/.386 (5th/5th/4th) Pitching: 2.78/2.76/2.98 (1st/1st/2nd) Defense: .737 (2nd) Chemistry: Happy With the acquisition of 30-yer old SP Roberto Taváres in the off-season, the Fort Richmond Generals turned an already formidable pitching staff into the United Leagues’ best. Through the first two months, the Generals have averaged just 3.2 R/G allowed. But for all their dominance, Fort Richmond finds itself losing the battle for top spot in the West, as the Wolseley Unions are right behind them in pitching (3.3 R/G) and far outpacing them in offense (5.2 R/G to the Generals second-worst 3.8 R/G). It’s a startling power outage, as only one player, 25-year old RF Brandon Robinson, is hitting over .300 right now. 27-year old CF Dylan Moyne (.244/.304/.435, 9 HR, 24 RBI, 18 BB, 0.6 WAR – 69/69), a two-time All-Braeland Team member, has seen his production drop precipitously. He was worth 9.0 WAR last season. But he is not the only one. If the Generals want to keep pace with the Unions for top spot, their offense is going to have to turn on the switch pronto. Brandon Robinson’s (.315/.352/.511, 5 HR, 24 RBI, 11 BB, 1.7 WAR) fourth season in the ULB is shaping up to be his best, as is 25-year old 2B Nobuyoshi Yoshida (.288/.357/.419, 1 HR, 13 RBI, 19 BB, 1.3 WAR). But the rest of the lineup needs to step it up. There is a not a weak link in the rotation. But No. 1 starter 30-year old RHP Roberto Taváres (6-4, 2.29 ERA, 1.16 WHIP) and No. 2 starter 27-year old RHP Ch’ang-chieh Li (6-4, 2.30 ERA, 1.15 WHIP) both lead the team in ERA+ with 171 each. Player of the Week Awards: November 21 – RF Brandon Robinson (.462, 12 H, 1 HR, 4 RBI) Noteworthy: October 22 –After missing most of last season due to a partially torn UCL, 25-year old RHP Shinzo Okamoto (8-2, 2.50 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) returned this season and pitched the game of his life, as Fort Richmond’s No. 4 starter threw the 7th NO-HITTER in United Leagues history. He blanked the Pulberry Trolleys 3-0 in front of 24,389 fans at Generals Stadium. Okamoto faced just 28 batters in the masterpiece, surrendering 1 BB and striking out 3. He tossed 59 strikes on 88 pitches (Game score = 89).  Current Injuries: None. --------  Offense: .264/.358/.401 (3rd/2nd/3rd) Pitching: 4.64/4.80/4.14 (8th/8th/4th) Defense: .681 (8th) Chemistry: Happy The Cambria Cannons are the ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ of the Western League, playing as one of the top teams in the United Leagues in October and as the very worst in November. The Cannons were just a half-game back of Fort Richmond for the wild card and 2.5 games back of Wolseley for first place at the end of the first month when they suddenly stopped winning. That was largely due to their suspect pitching staff being exposed. The Cannons averaged 6.0 R/G in October, which more than ably supported a pitching staff that was surrendering 4.9 R/G. But in November, the offense cooled off, producing only 3.9 R/G while the pitching got worse (5.8 R/G). Cambria certainly needs an infusion of talented pitchers, but there’s nothing really on the horizon to offer hope, barring a trade. Until they fix that, the Cannons are in danger of falling further down the standings. 29-year old SS César Ruíz (.318/.433/.579, 12 HR, 45 RBI, 37 BB, 2.9 WAR) is the real deal, winning Batter of Month honors in October and dominating all rookie performances. 32-year old RF Nicky Willis (.326/.457/.481, 5 HR, 20 RBI, 46 BB, 1.9 WAR) enjoyed a nice bounce-back season last year and he is proving that it was no fluke. He is now rated as the No. 1 right fielder in the ULB. It’s been 8 seasons since 34-year old RHP Leon Hankey (5-3, 3.86 ERA, 1.37 WHIP) was an all-star pitcher and things haven’t changed much. Playing on a weak pitching staff, he is their ace by default. But he has not embarrassed himself. In fact, while the rest of the staff faltered in November, Hankey actually improved (2-2, 3.47 ERA in 5 starts). Current Injuries: None. --------  Offense: .270/.358/.433 (2nd/3rd/1st) Pitching: 3.99/3.90/4.39 (3rd/4th/5th) Defense: .713 (3rd) Chemistry: Happy The resurgence of some old stalwarts on offense has seen the fortunes of the Kingston Pelicans improve, particularly in November. The Pelicans have the top offense in the United Leagues after the first two months (5.6 R/G). But while their overall pitching performance has been marginally better than the other teams below them in the standings (4.5 R/G allowed); it is nowhere near the level of excellence of either Fort Richmond or Wolseley. Three veterans are enjoying career seasons, after having somewhat down seasons last year: 35-year old 1B Dean Bishop (.309/.449/.657, 15 HR, 58 RBI, 49 BB, 3.3 WAR) has re-emerged as the No. 1 first baseman in the ULB and could see his best season yet; 31-year old C Danny Trowbridge (.376/.463/.578, 4 HR, 31 RBI, 29 BB, 3.2 WAR) has returned to his otherworldly ways and regained his No. 1 status among catchers. Finally, 34-year old SS Katsunan Chikafuji (.305/.397/.483, 8 HR, 34 RBI, 27 BB, 4 SB, 2.3 WAR) is enjoying his best start since he earned 8.8 WAR in 1945-46. On the other hand, the pitching staff does not offer up anyone to match those outstanding offensive performances. Nevertheless, 25-year old LHP Dana Listman (5-5, 3.07 ERA, 1.50 WHIP) is off to the best start of his 4-year career. Player of the Week Awards: October 17 – 1B Dean Bishop (.500, 11 H, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 7 R) November 7 – 1B Dean Bishop (.455, 10 H, 3 HR, 9 RBI) November 28 – 2B Ryoma Hakui (.467, 7 H, 4 HR, 11 RBI) Noteworthy: October 6 –SS Katsunan Chikafuji became the latest player to reach 2000 career hits when he drilled a two-out single through the infield off Balmoral Giants LHP Sam Chapman in the bottom of the 3rd inning with the bases loaded. The single scored two runs giving the Pelicans a 6-0 lead. 1B Dean Bishop followed Chikafuji and promptly smacked a 3-run home run to make it 9-0. Kingston prevailed 9-3 for their first win of the season.  Current Injuries: None. --------  Offense: .252/.323/.36 (7th/7th/7th) Pitching: 4.56/4.68/3.94 (6th/7th/3rd) Defense: .702 (6th) Chemistry: Unhappy The Balmoral Giants appear to be fading in the West as the team as a whole is regressing. They have some talent in the pipeline (6th overall) but it doesn’t appear to be anywhere near enough to shore up Balmoral’s sagging fortunes. Their top two starters are off to disappointing starts: 29-year old LHP Ricardo Cruz (3-6, 4.90 ERA, 1.52 WHIP – 50/50) and 24-year old RHP Quintiliano Galeo (3-6, 4.35 ERA, 1.71 WHIP – 48/49). The Giants can only hope they’ll bounce back soon. But things aren’t any better on offense. 31-year old LF Carlton Broadbent (.240/.314/.491, 11 HR, 35 RBI, 18 BB, 0.3 WAR) can still hit the long ball, but he is off to his worst start since his rookie year 10 seasons ago. Only 26-year old 2B Sean Brearton (.311/.377/.485, 6 HR, 23 RBI, 22 BB, 2.4 WAR) is having a standout year in the early going. In fact, if he keeps up the pace, this could be his best season by far. 3.7 WAR in 1947-48 was his previous best. Player of the Week Awards: October 24 – 2B Sean Brearton (.455, 10 H, 3 HR, 6 RBI) Current Injuries: None. --------  Offense: .252/.325/.362 (6th/6th/8th) Pitching: 4.54/4.46/4.92 (5th/6th/6th) Defense: .708 (4th) Chemistry: Unhappy The Hespeler Stars are very much a carbon copy of the Balmoral Giants: they have some young talent on the roster but have stagnated. In fact, the Stars are loaded with quality players that should be producing. In the lineup, they have four first-round picks and four second-round picks, with seven of them under the age of 28. Only 1B Vic Weetman (.270/.329/.441, 7 HR, 20 RBI, 13 BB, 0.7 WAR) is over 30. They all appear to be building on previous seasons, but its rather incremental. There are no superstars on this squad, at least not yet. 27-year old C Enrique García (.266/.374/.357, 4 HR, 27 RBI, 28 BB, 1.4 WAR) is as good as it gets right now. Even their once promising pitching staff is struggling big time. 34-year old LHP Hirotada Fukushima (1-7, 4.36 ERA, 1.64 WHIP) if off to his worst start in 6 seasons. And both former first-round picks 25-year old RHP Stephen Tindall (3-7, 5.69 ERA, 1.68 WHIP – 46/50) and 23-year old LHP Larry Kovnats (3-6, 6.01 ERA, 1.88 WHIP – 42/71) are enduring terrible starts. Only No. 1 starter 24-year old RHP Paul Woodruff (7-3, 2.56 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) and 29-year old stopper RHP Brent Nix (2-2, 2 SV, 3.16 ERA, 1.24 WHIP) are delivering for Hespeler. Nix was claimed on waivers from the Wolseley Unions back on October 5. Noteworthy: November 29 – The Stars hosted the Queensland Eagles at the Fabulous Avalon in a game that saw the two clubs combine for 29 runs on 35 hits. The game was tied 8-8 after 9 innings. In the top of the 10th, the Eagles scored 9 runs on the strength of eight hits, including a two-run triple and a two-out Grand Slam by OF Weldon Walker. The Stars attempted to come back in the bottom of the 10th, scoring 4 runs on 3 hits, but it wasn’t enough as Queensland prevailed 17-12. Lost in the wild finish was the effort of 3B Oliver Pickford (.390/.420/.455, 3-2B, 15 RBI, 3 BB, 0.8 WAR – 48/48). Leading off for Hespeler, the 28-year old Pickford went 5 for 7, singling in the 1st and 3rd innings, hitting a two-run single in the 5th, singling in the 9th and hitting an RBI double in the 10th. In all, he scored 3 R and 3 RBI. A former second-round pick from 1940-41, Pickford has largely been a utility infielder, but now finds himself in the starting lineup. Current Injuries: RHP Rodney Gabrielson – November 11 – bone chips (elbow). Out for: 2 months. --------  Offense: .242/.314/.364 (8th/8th/6th) Pitching: 4.61/4.36/5.69 (7th/5th/7th) Defense: .688 (7th) Chemistry: Unhappy The Pulberry Trolleys are exactly where they should be in the standings as far as talent is concerned. There are only a few players on the entire 25-man roster that are having any impact. At least eight players (including 4 pitchers) are into negative WAR thus far. Add the fact that three of their top players are serving merely in a utility role and you have a mess of a team that needs to come up with a plan once and for all. Patchwork lineups and table scraps are not doing it. Its time to finally put a competitive team together. Trolley fans deserve better. 28-year old SS Roland Binns (.267/.313/.317, 3-2B, 6 RBI, 4 BB, 2 SB, 0.2 WAR – 60/60) is rated as the second-best player on the team, but he is now taking a back seat to the top-rated player: 24-year old SS Francis Jones (.331/.428/.558, 8 HR, 24 RBI, 28 BB, 2.2 WAR – 67/67). Jones deserves the playing time and both are shortstops only. But you still have to play your best players – or at least trade one of them and try and get a decent player in return that can help in another area. The same goes for 32-year old 3B Colin Strudwick (.283/.369/.416, 1 HR, 12 RBI, 16 BB, 0.5 WAR – 49/49) and 30-year old RF Jarod Dwyer (.284/.429/.522, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 17 BB, 0.9 WAR – 41/41). Both are rated as the Pulberry’s top players in their respective positions. But the Trolleys have elected to go with 22-year old 3B Makani Kahale (.180/.248/.258 1 HR, 10 RBI, 9 BB, -0.4 WAR – 35/77) and 26-year old RF Jon Pring (.218/.293/.313, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 15 BB, 2 SB, -0.1 WAR – 25/31) instead. Kahale is a future stud and can play anywhere in the infield or outfield. But something’s got to give. Either play your best players now or trade them for more prospects. If they do go that route, they can try and stock up on some young arms. The Trolleys are currently employing two starters recently picked up on waivers: 37-year old RHP Chris Sappington (3-2, 3.83 ERA, 1.37 WHIP) and 31-year old LHP Carlton Sherrell (4-3, 5.06 ERA, 1.67 WHIP). Sappington has not been all that bad since joining the club. But only 30-year old RHP Lee Dowdeswell (4-4, 3.57 ERA, 1.55 WHIP) can be said to be pitching with any degree of competence, especially since November. Current Injuries: RHP Reece Leavers – November 15 – sore elbow. Out for: 1-2 weeks. CF Tadamichi Matsumoto – November 26 – strained abdominal muscle. Out for: DtD, 1 week. --------  Offense: .256/.327/.370 (4th/5th/5th) Pitching: 4.33/3.77/7.03 (4th/3rd/8th) Defense: .702 (5th) Chemistry: Feuding The Sherburn Tigers endured a brutal October. After starting 3-1, the Tigers went on an eight-game losing streak and then a seven-game losing streak (1-15 during that stretch) before making a modest recovery. Sherburn is not poised to escape the second division this season and they currently have the worst-rated farm system, but they do have talent on their 25-man roster. Despite shipping out Roberto Taváres, the best pitcher in the ULB not named Anastasio Rodríguez, his replacement, 22-year old RHP Ben Buschlen (5-4, 2.56 ERA, 1.29 WHIP), has actually been Sherburn’s best pitcher in the early going. No. 4 starter, 23-year old RHP Bobby Hogg (4-4, 2.70 ERA, 1.38 WHIP) has also been a pleasant surprise. Hogg is in his second full season since being drafted in the 4th round in 1947-48. Waiting in the wings is 22-year old RHP Harry Dinsmore (0-0, 1 SV, 5.54 ERA, 1.69 WHIP – 47/70), a second-round pick last season. He is serving in long relief and should be a future starter. But the big story has unquestionably been 23-year old LF Noah Teale (.377/.439/.634, 9 HR, 40 RBI, 22 BB, 8 SB, 3.0 WAR – 74/74). Teale was projected to have a big season and he certainly started things off with a bang. Through the first four games of the season, Teale was declared Player of the Game in three of them, hitting .667, with 4 HR, 13 RBI and 7 R. He cooled down a little of course, but he has been Sherburn’s best player by far as well as the best leftfielder in the ULB after the first two months. He is also one the team’s leader. Leadership is desperately needed, as there is serious in-fighting taking place in the clubhouse. Player of the Week Awards: October 10 – LF Noah Teale (.481, 13 H, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 7 R) October 31 – LF Noah Teale (.385, 10 H, 3 HR, 7 RBI) Current Injuries: LHP Phil Wiebe – May 12 – torn elbow ligament - setback. Out for: 4 weeks. RHP Hyuk Kim – September 1 – torn elbow ligament. Out for: 1 week. --------  
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07-08-2018, 01:44 AM
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#449 |
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 3,860
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 EMBRO, Dec. 6 – Hope and optimism, not to mention tobacco smoke and chatter, filled the air at the Embro Civic Auditorium as representatives from all 16 teams of the United Leagues convened to conduct the 13th Annual Amateur Draft. Months of hard work by scouts and general managers all came down to this day, as teams hoped their selections would lead to future successes on the field. For the second straight year, the draft comprised of 10 rounds. The Hespeler Stars had the first overall selection this year, followed by the Wellington Athletics and Brunswick Legends. The following is a brief overview of the 16 players taken in the first round: 1st Pick – Hespeler Stars:   IF/OF John McMurray (28/80) – 22-years old; 5’-10”, 175 lbs.; Bats LH/Throws LH. Last year, the Wellington Athletics selected Matthew Floyd, a native of Hespeler. This year, the Hespeler Stars select the dynamic John McMurray from Wellington. Scouts hail the young McMurray as an outstanding potential 5-tool player: above average contact with power to go along with blazing speed, outstanding defense and a tremendous throwing arm. McMurray is a complete player that should become a multiple all-star. He has been assigned to Hespeler’s AA team, the Muir Electrics. -------- 2nd Pick – Wellington Athletics:   IF Carl Townsend (20/76) – 21-years old; 5’-6”, 160 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH. The Athletics select a California native, Carl Townsend, second overall. Townsend is blessed with plus-plus contact, a good eye and a smooth swing. That should allow him to hit for high average. As a second baseman, Townsend should be decent defensively and overall, an elite infielder for years to come. He will start things off with Wellington’s AA club, the Evansville Clowns. -------- 3rd Pick – Brunswick Legends:   C Robert Kersey (20/73) – 21-years old; 5’-9”, 185 lbs.; Bats LH/Throws RH. Brunswick goes with Kersey from Cambria, a catcher with the potential to be a .350 hitter with very good defensive skills and a strong arm. While base-stealing is not in his arsenal, he should be a tough out with some pop. He gets his start with the AA Jarvis Smokers. -------- 4th Pick – Pulberry Trolleys:   OF Cooper Tyson (20/73) – 22-years old; 5’-11”, 180 lbs.; Bats LH/Throws LH. The Trolleys take Tyson 4th overall, an incredibly gifted defensive outfielder with impressive speed. While Tyson has the makings of an award-winning defender, the Stratford-native also has the potential to be a well-round offensive player. He will make his way to the AA Hopetown Islanders to start his professional career. -------- 5th Pick – Sherburn Tigers:   OF Freddie Instone (20/80) – 18-years old; 5’-9”, 160 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws LH. Instone, a product of Birmingham, Dunwich, is projected to be a sensational contact hitter with decent power. Blessed with a strong arm and excellent speed, Instone should a starter for years to come. The Tigers have assigned him to their AA team, the Hannon Greyhounds. -------- 6th Pick – Cobourg Red Stockings:   IF Douglas Jones (20/71) – 18-years old; 5’-11”, 155 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH. Another well-rounded player gets selected, this time by the Red Stockings. Jones, a Hespeler native, should be a mainstay in the field with a great arm and solid baserunning ability. But scouts are also impressed by his work at the plate, with good pitch recognition and a sweet swing. He has been assigned to the AA Cardiff Crushers. 7th Pick – Embro Suns:   RHP George Carter (20/68) – 20-years old; 5’-11”, 180 lbs.; Bats LH/Throws RH. The Suns select the first pitcher in the draft, 20-year old Carter from Braeland City. While Carter’s stuff is not overwhelming, he will compensate that with great movement and pinpoint control. With five pitches in his repertoire at present, scouts feel that Carter has the potential to become a top of the rotation pitcher if he continues to develop. He makes his way to the AA Lythmore Atoms. -------- 8th Pick – Queensland Eagles:   IF/OF Perry Jordan (20/71) – 23-years old; 5’-7”, 160 lbs.; Bats RH/Throws RH. The Eagles liked what they saw in the Canadian-born Jordan and made him their first-overall pick. The scouts agree. Jordan has nice balance both at the plate and in the field. While he may not win many batting titles, he should still hit for high average with some power. Second base is his strongest position. With a good arm and decent speed, he should be a solid defender and steal a base or two. He heads to the AA Innerkip Oysters. -------- Here is the rest of the first round, selections 9-16: 9th Pick – Kingston Pelicans: C Gareth Mawle (20/67) – contact (50/65), gap power (50/65) and eye (40/55). 21-years old; 5’-11”, 200 lbs.; normal, line drive hitter; Bats RH/Throws RH. The second catcher selected in the first round, Mawle has the tools to be an everyday starter in the United Leagues, with good contact and promising pitch recognition skills. While he doesn’t have a ton of speed (40), he is above average at stealing bases (55). The Brunswick native Mawle will start things off with the AA Elgin Angels. -------- 10th Pick – Balmoral Giants: IF/OF Cedric Bristow (20/67) – contact (45/55), gap power (40/55) and eye (40/55). 22-years old; 5’-11”, 180 lbs.; normal, groundball hitter; Bats RH/Throws RH. The Cobourg-born Bristow is projected to be an absolute nightmare on the base paths with his incredible base-stealing abilities (80-80-80). At the plate, he should make consistent, hard contact. While able to play 1B (45) and 3B (30), his strongest position is in the outfield: LF (70), CF (65) and RF (55), with terrific range (70) and arm (55). He will play centerfield with the AA Georgetown Goldbugs. -------- 11th Pick – Downie Chiefs: IF Freddie Ogburn (20/60) – contact (40/60), gap power (40/60) and eye (30/50). 18-years old; 5’-10”, 160 lbs.; spray, flyball hitter; Bats RH/Throws RH. The young Ogburn has the makings of a reliable hitter, with decent judgment of the strike zone and quick bat. However, off-speed stuff can fool him at present. Not noted for his speed or position strength (35 at 3B is the best), he has really good defensive ratings: infield range (60) and infield arm (80). Hailing from Balmoral, Ogburn will now head to the AA Minto Tribe. -------- 12th Pick – Cambria Cannons: OF Calvin Hanbridge (20/65) – contact (35/60), gap power (45/60) and eye (35/70). 18-years old; 6’-1”, 180 lbs.; spray, flyball hitter; Bats LH/Throws LH. The Cannons takes the Australian Hanbridge from Brisbane. Hanbridge’s greatest strength is at the plate. Above average contact and patience should generate a high batting average and plenty of walks. While he has some speed (55) and can swipe a base or two (50), defense is not a strength (30 at LF/RF, 25 at CF). He heads to the AA Vandecar Spurs. -------- 13th Pick – Stratford Barons: OF Don North (20/61) – contact (30/50), gap power (35/55) and eye (35/60). 18-years old; 5’-10”, 160 lbs.; normal, flyball hitter; Bats LH/Throws LH. Don North’s calling card will be his bat, as he has the strength (30/55) to put a charge in the baseball every time he comes to the plate. He has good strike zone recognition and average contact potential. While he has very good speed (60), he is not adept to steal many bases yet. Also, while he has a good arm (60), his defensive positioning is not great (30 at RF is as good as it gets). The Fort Richmond born North will make his way to the AA Brockville Bears. -------- 14th Pick – Wolseley Unions: RHP Joseph Sellwood (24/62) – stuff (40/50), movement (55/65), control (40/65), stamina (50). 22-years old; 6’-0”, 185 lbs.; groundball pitcher; 89-91 mph velocity; Normal (3/4) slot; Bats LH The second pitcher and Birmingham native selected in the first round, Sellwood has the potential to be rotation anchor. He has good stuff and very good movement and control. He has five impressive pitches in the works: fastball (45/50), curveball (40/55), changeup (30/55), splitter (45/50) and forkball (40/45). He makes his first start with the AA Waterloo Whips. -------- 15th Pick – Fort Richmond Generals: RHP Kazurnori Fujimoto (20/53) – stuff (35/40), movement (60/70), control (40/60), stamina (45). 23-years old; 5’-11”, 185 lbs.; groundball pitcher; 89-91 mph velocity; Ove the top slot; Bats RH The Generals follow Wolseley with a pitcher selection of their own: 23-year old Fujimoto from the small town of Selby, Perth. Fujimoto has the tools to one become a No. 2 starter. While he doesn’t have great stuff, he has amazing movement and pinpoint control. He has three pitches, although none are extraordinary: fastball (45/45), curveball (40/450 and splitter (40/50). Fort Richmond has assigned him to the AA Marburg Mustangs. -------- 16th Pick – Braeland City Monarchs: RHP Taylor Folkard (20/52) – stuff (40/50), movement (55/65) and control (35/55); stamina (55). 21-years old; 5’-10”, 175 lbs.; groundball pitcher; 87-89 mph velocity; stamina (55); Bats RH. Rounding out the first round, the Monarchs take a pitcher as well. The Sherburn-native Folkard should be a useful arm in the rotation, with a four-pitch repertoire: fastball (40/45), slider (40/50), changeup (45/55) and splitter (35/40). He will pound the zone and has good movement that should help keep the ball in the park. He will get his start with the AA Kingsville Royals. -------- Here are the standings at the end of games on December 31:  
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United Leagues of Braeland |
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07-09-2018, 07:45 PM
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#450 |
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 3,860
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January 10, 1950
Triple Threat: Eastern All-Stars ‘Cash In’ for Their Seventh All-Star Win   -------- Pulberry, Oxford (BP) – With views overlooking Pulberry’s skyline as well as the picturesque Amberg Inlet on Braeland’s south-west coast, Trolleys Stadium played host to the United Leagues’ 13th Annual All-Star Game. 28,100 baseball fans looked on as the Eastern League All-Stars capitalized on their scoring chances to win their 7th All-Star Game, 7-1. For the Western League All-Stars, it was a game of frustration, as on three separate occasions they managed to put runners on the corners, only to come up short each time. “We had our chances, but when the Eastern Leaguers needed an out, they got it”, shrugged Western League manager, Wolseley’s Tony Fay. “Give them credit. They hit the ball really well with runners on base and their pitchers beared down when they had to. That was the difference.” Indeed, although the Western League All-Stars outhit their Eastern counterparts 10-7, all their hits were singles. The East meanwhile, generated three triples and two doubles, with four of the ‘extra-baggers’ driving in runs. There were no home runs by either team for the second straight season. With the victory, the Eastern All-Stars halt their two-game losing skid and take a 7-6 lead in the annual affair. Player of the Game honours went to Embro Suns’ 3B Keon-chae Cho, who came into the game in the 6th inning as a pinch hitter for Brunswick Legends’ 3B Jorge Arredondo. The 24-year old Cho went 1 for 2, with a walk, a double, an RBI and a run scored. It was the South Korean product’s first selection to the All-Star Game. “It was pretty special, just to be here”, enthused Cho. “I’m just glad I was able to get into the game and contribute. Before the game, I was simply in awe of all of the talent in the room – old stars, young stars. So to be singled out in this way is just amazing.” Below is a summary of the notable plays: Top of the 1st: After Stratford’s LF Roberto Ríos strikes out swinging on a full count to start the inning, Jorge Arredondo gets plunked by Fort Richmond’s RHP Roberto Taváres on the second pitch. Next up is Cobourg’s CF Raymond Williams, who smacks a 1-0 pitch into deep centerfield for a run-scoring triple. Williams then comes in to score when Braeland City’s 2B Patrick Lidgate grounds out to the shortstop. Eastern League 2 – Western League 0 Bottom of the 4th: An error, a passed ball and a single put Wolseley’s CF Carlton Hawking and Kingston’s C Danny Trowbridge on the corners with one out. But Cambria’s SS César Ruíz hits a line drive straight to his Eastern League counterpart, Cobourg’s John Medley and Kingston’s 1B Dean Bishop then hits into a 6-4 fielder’s choice to end the inning. Eastern League 2 – Western League 0 Bottom of the 5th: Balmoral’s 2B Sean Brearton leads off with a single. Downie’s RHP Kelii Pelanekelina then gets two quick outs before Fort Richmond’s CF Dylan Moyne singles Brearton to 3B. But once again, the Western squad fails to capitalize when Fort Richmond’s 2B Nobuyoshi Yoshida grounds out to 2B for the third out. Eastern League 2 – Western League 0 Top of the 6th: With Wolseley’s RHP John Palm on the hill, POG Keon-chae Cho draws a four-pitch walk to lead things off. He is immediately followed by Brunswick’s rookie CF Cameron Osmotherley, who pounces on Palm’s first offering for the East’s second run-scoring triple. With two out, Stratford’s C Aaron Skidmore reaches base safely on an error (E6), allowing Osmotherley to come home. Eastern League 4 – Western League 0 Top of the 7th: Two Embro Suns’ players figure in the East’s next run. RF José Maldonado draws a full-count, two-out walk off of Fort Richmond’s RHP Shinzo Okamoto. Keon-chae Cho then follows and lines a full-count double into leftfield, scoring Maldonado. Eastern League 5 – Western League 0 Bottom of the 7th: Dean Bishop and Sean Brearton lead off with back-to-back singles and a one-out fielder’s choice at 2B by Sherburn’s Jack Burt puts runners on the corners for the West for the third time in the game. But Wolseley’s RF Howard Ockey flies out to deep RF to end the threat. Eastern League 5 – Western League 0 Top of the 8th: The Easterners add to their lead when Downie’s 3B Dominic Dudding singles off of Fort Richmond’s RHP Ch’ang-chieh Li with one out. Up next is Dudding’s teammate, SS Mac Medley, who cranks out a line-drive triple into right-centerfield for the East’s sixth run. Adding insult to injury, Medley scores the East’s final run on a wild pitch during Cobourg’s LF Fergus Thackwray’s subsequent at-bat. Eastern League 7 – Western League 0 Bottom of the 9th: Pulberry’s SS Francis Jones leads off with a single into rightfield off of Downie’s RHP Joong Ling. Dean Bishop then draws a full-count walk to advance Jones to 2B. But Wolseley’s C Éric Denis grounds into a 4-6-3 double play, as Jones advances to 3B. The West Leaguers finally get on the board when Sherburn’s 3B Fraser Rae singles home Jones. After Wolseley’s SS George Kimpton singles to put runners on first and second, Brunswick’s RHP Lao Chen comes in to try and close things out. He does, after inducing a 1-3 ground out from Howard Ockey to end the game. FINAL: Eastern League 7 – Western League 1 -------- Here are the complete All-Star rosters:  
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United Leagues of Braeland |
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07-17-2018, 09:45 PM
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#451 |
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Winnipeg
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February 1, 1950
Eastern League: Braeland City, Downie Playing Leapfrog    --------  Offense: .284/.364/.415 (2nd/1st/2nd) Pitching: 3.74/3.72/3.84 (3rd/2nd/3rd) Defense: .715 (3rd) Chemistry: Ecstatic The Braeland City Monarchs continue to be the class of the Eastern League, but it has not been easy, as they have frequently traded places with the Downie Chiefs. In early December, they trailed the Chiefs by three games. By the end of the December, they went up by three games. That lead reached four by mid-January before Downie surged up to get within two at month’s end. The Monarchs month-by-month record has followed an interesting pattern: 18-10, 17-9, 16-10 and 15-11. The move to the infield from CF has not hampered 24-year old 2B Patrick Lidgate (.293/.410/.494, 13 HR, 49 RBI, 75 BB, 4.7 WAR) by any means. The former 1st overall pick is rated the No. 1-2B in the ULB and leads the team in 14 offensive categories. 26-year old 1B Dean Witherden (.363/.424/.516, 8 HR, 60 RBI, 37 BB, 3.8 WAR) leads in nine categories. That just leaves two categories (sac hits and sac flies) that neither of them lead in. Six players represented the Monarchs at the All-Star game: SP David Cooling (10th), SP Robin Medellin (1st), RP Samuel Hollier (4th), C Christopher Dainty (2nd), 1B Dean Witherden (2nd) and 2B Patrick Lidgate (1st). Noteworthy: December 25 –Patrick Lidgate saw his 22-game hitting streak come to an end when he went 0-4 against the Cobourg Red Stockings. However, his teammates picked him up, holding on to a 3-2 win at Kings Park. Current Injuries: None --------  Offense: .269/.347/.401 (3rd/6th/3rd) Pitching: 3.47/3.54/3.16 (1st/1st/2nd) Defense: .721 (1st) Chemistry: Happy While they cooled off a little in November and December, the Downie Chiefs rebounded in January to get back within two games of the Monarchs. They have gone five straight months now with a winning record (since last season), which is not something the Chiefs were known for over the past decade. Their 3.46 team ERA this season is their best since the ULB’s inaugural year (3.07 ERA), and their team batting average (.269) is their best since the 1939-40 season. Pitching has been the standout thus far, but it has really come down to two pitchers in particular: 27-year old RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (12-9, 2.41 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, 165 ERA+) and 30-year old RHP Joong Ling (10-3, 2.65 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 150 ERA+). Ling has really found his groove after a bumpy October (2-1, 5.26 ERA). Ling was used mainly as a reliever by the Queensland Eagles, until he was traded to the Chiefs back in August 1948. He was immediately moved into the rotation at the start of last season and has responded in a big way. The Taiwanese Ling entered the United Leagues as a free agent back in April 1943. While there hasn’t been a standout on offense as there has been in the past couple of seasons, there are few weaknesses in the lineup either. That said, leadoff hitter 27-year old SS Mac Medley (.304/.405/.448, 10 HR, 55 RBI, 70 BB, 19 SB, 4.3 WAR) is enjoying the best season at the plate of his 7-year career and leads the team in WAR. Eight Chiefs were selected as All-Stars: SP Joong Ling (1st), SP Kelii Pelanekelina (2nd), RP Bill Lafontaine (1st), CL Carl Luscombe (7th), 1B Jilenko Batiles (1st), 3B Dominic Dudding (3rd), SS Mac Medley (3rd) and CF Alfonso León (3rd). Player of the Week Awards: January 23 – 3B Dominic Dudding (.433, 13 H, 1 HR, 12 RBI) Current Injuries: RHP Harley Bracher – January 31 – back spasms. Out for: DtD, one week. --------  Offense: .251/.352/.357 (8th/2nd/8th) Pitching: 3.67/3.76/3.10 (2nd/3rd/1st) Defense: .709 (4th) Chemistry: Happy Sensing their playoff window may be closing, the Stratford Barons switched their team focus from ‘neutral’ to ‘win now’, and made a major move to inject some life into their sluggish offense. The Barons have been treading water this season, sitting just 5 games above .500 and 8 games back of the wild card. But with two months still to go, Stratford feels it still has a chance. The pitching has led the way, but the Barons must be concerned how much longer they can expect to get elite pitching from this staff. Their top two pitchers, LHP Ryan Borden (10-10, 3.95 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 103 ERA+) and LHP Joel Fearn (10-10, 3.22 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 126 ERA+) are 41 and 39-years old respectively. They have a strong farm system (2nd overall) and that includes some promising arms, but it’s no surprise the Barons are making a push this season while this core is still effective. On offense, 30-year old C Aaron Skidmore (.309/.469/.472, 11 HR, 61 RBI, 94 BB, 5.4 WAR) continues to lead the team and is the top catcher in the ULB. Four Barons qualified for the all-star team: SP Bill Wolf (1st), C Aaron Skidmore (9th), 2B Jake Walker (10th) and CF Roberto Ríos (4th). Player of the Week Awards: January 30 – 3B Vincent Colón (.625, 10 H, 1 HR, 2 RBI) Noteworthy: December 30 – With a 3-2 win over the Wellington Athletics at Santop Stadium, LHP Ryan Borden became the fourth pitcher in United Leagues history to reach 200 wins in a career. Borden went 7 innings, surrendering 7 hits, 2 ER, 1 BB and 3 K.   December 31 – One day after Borden’s achievement, 36-year old 2B Jake Walker (.347/.459/.457, 5 HR, 54 RBI, 81 BB, 3.9 WAR) achieved a rare feat of his own. In the course of going 4 for 5 against the Wellington Athletics, Walker hit for the CYCLE. It was the 17th cycle in ULB history. Walker flied out in the 1st, doubled in the 3rd, hit a solo home run off Scott Wheeler in the 5th, tripled in the 7th and singled in the 9th. In all, he collected 1 RBI and 3 R in the Barons 8-3 victory.  January 31 – The Barons ended January with a bang, pummelling the Cambria Cannons 23-6 off 24 hits. While five of his teammates collected 3 hits or more, 23-year old CF Elliot Geaner (.296/.323/.430, 3 HR, 24 RBI, 9 BB, 0.7 WAR) went 5 for 6 on the day. Geaner flied out in the 1st, doubled in the 2nd, hit an RBI double in the 3rd, doubled in the 5th, hit a solo-shot off Quentin Teague in the 6th, singled in the 7th and walked in the 8th. Key Trade: January 31 with the Cambria Cannons: To Stratford – 33-year old RF Nicky Willis (76/76) and 22-year old minor league LF Robert Burgess (20/49) To Cambria – 20-year old minor league LHP Bill Southern (20/53), 24-year old minor league RHP Masami Fujihara (30/43) and 24-year old minor league SS George Lasseter (26/36). Knee-jerk reaction: The Barons make a major upgrade before the trade deadline, as they acquire the services of Willis (.295/.439/.454, 10 HR, 43 RBI, 95 BB, 3.1 WAR), who is enjoying his best season in 5 years. Willis is rated the 2nd overall RF in the ULB (behind Brunswick’s Marcus Peyto), and should help the Baron’s push for a playoff spot. He becomes their No. 4 hitter and replaces 28-year old Lyndon Inagaki (.192/.324/.298, 6 HR, 30 RBI, 40 BB, -0.3 WAR) who has slumped terribly over the past two seasons. Burgess has the potential to be a solid, if unspectacular outfielder. Sensing their season is lost, the Cambria Cannons exchange Willis for some young pitching depth. This is the second trade involving Southern, a former 15th overall pick by the Wolseley Unions in 1947-48. While not the highly-touted prospect he once was, he still has a chance to become a middle of the rotation starter, with some outstanding movement to go along with average stuff and control. Masami Fujihara is a former 8th-round pick from 1944-45 that may beat the odds. Cambria has already promoted him to their big-league roster and will use him in long relief. It’s the first time Fujihara has reached the majors. He earned it after enjoying a terrific first half in AAA (12-9, 2.53 ERA, 1.07 WHIP). While his pitches and overall stuff is pedestrian, he may be able to crack the rotation with his decent control and 92-mph fastball.  Current Injuries: LHP Ryan Borden – January 28 – finger blister. Out for: DtD, 2 days. --------  Offense: .255/.350/.391 (7th/3rd/5th) Pitching: 4.22/4.19/4.34 (5th/5th/5th) Defense: .699 (6th) Chemistry: Ecstatic Like the Barons, the Embro Suns have made moves before the trade deadline to strengthen their core, with the hopes of catching the Chiefs for the wild card. But their focus has been on the pitching staff. The Suns will to have to build on their performance in January if they are going to have any chance of catching them. They have been decidedly average overall, despite some fine performances. Although he started off slow in October, 35-year old 1B Jim Friend (.310/.436/.560, 17 HR, 80 RBI, 74 BB, 4.1 WAR) has led the team since then, and shows no signs of slowing down. The future Hall of Famer is enjoying his best season in three years. 34-year old ace RHP Myung-gu Son (12-9, 3.50 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, 116 ERA+) has been holding the fort on a staff that was uneven in December and January. But the Suns brought in some reinforcements for the rotation that may help solidify matters. Five Suns were selected as All-Stars: SP Myung-gu Son (6th), 1B Jim Friend (9th), 3B Keon-chae Cho (1st), LF Rizalino Ringor (3rd) and José Maldonado (2nd). Key Trade No. 1: January 6 with the Wellington Athletics: To Embro – 30-year old LHP Arthur Bence (50/50) and 19-year old minor league RHP Phil McKelvey (21/29) To Wellington – 26-year old 2B Connor Reddick (41/41) Knee-jerk reaction: The Suns make a couple of moves before the trade deadline as they look to make a push for the wildcard. The first one sees them acquire a serviceable starting pitcher for an underachieving former first-round pick. Bence (4-9, 3.52 ERA, 1.20 WHIP) enjoyed one incredible season back in 1946-47 when he won the Eastern League Triple Crown (22-10, 1.93 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, 173 ERA+). He’s come back down to earth since then, but under the right circumstances, he can still be an effective pitcher. Embro may be that right circumstance. He doesn’t have overpowering stuff and none of his four offerings are jaw-dropping (fastball-45/45, curve-45/45, changeup-40/40, splitter-45/45), but the Hobart, Tasmanian native has very good control and decent movement. Embro has inserted him into the No. 3 spot in the rotation, the same spot he occupied with Wellington. With Reddick (.328/.383/.469, 4 HR, 27 RBI, 14 BB, 1.4 WAR), the Athletics are taking a chance as he has not lived up to his initial lofting expectations. Drafted 5th overall in the 1944-45 draft by the Wolseley Unions, Reddick was released outright in 1946. The Fort Richmond Generals signed him to a minor league contract the same day, but exposed him in the Rule 5 draft a year later, where the Suns selected him. But he has terrific speed and is very versatile, as he is able to play the corner outfield spots, 2B, 3B and SS. Power is not part of his game, but he is good at getting on base. To me he should be a starter and lead-off, but he continues to be buried in the depth chart. Perhaps it’s his attitude that’s holding him back – scouts say he is too self-important.   Key Trade No. 2: January 28 with the Queensland Eagles: To Embro – 30-year old RHP Aaron Saunderson (56/56) To Queensland – 36-year old LF Terence Durney (52/52) The Queensland Eagles are going nowhere but down and went into rebuild mode two days after this trade was made. Perhaps that explains why they traded a franchise pitcher for another franchise player that is closer to the end of his career than for prospects. There’s no mystery on the Suns’ part. With Saunderson (11-9, 4.33 ERA, 1.47 WHIP), they get another serviceable starting pitcher who could get a boost with a more competitive team. Saunderson is now their No. 2 starter going forward. Like Bence, his stuff and four offerings are not overly impressive, but he has very good command and movement, great stamina and remarkably durable. Durney (.265/.350/.424, 8 HR, 45 RBI, 33 BB, 0.4 WAR), an 11-time all-star and 1-time Babe Ruth Award winner is a future Hall of Famer. But his time as an everyday starter is winding down. He still has great speed and can hit, but health is a real concern. All-in-all, the deal is a steal for Embro and a head-scratcher for Queensland.   Current Injuries: None --------  Offense: .290/.349/.416 (1st/4th/1st) Pitching: 4.31/4.31/4.30 (6th/7th/4th) Defense: .696 (7th) Chemistry: Happy The pitching situation seems to have stabilized for the Cobourg Red Stockings, but it may be a case of too little, too late for this season. The major move was the trading away of 40-year old RHP Lenny Freke (6-14, 5.20 ERA, 78 ERA+) to the Sherburn Tigers for a young prospect (more on that in the Western League write-up) and the promotion of 22-year old RHP Fergus Hirst (3-6, 2.03 ERA, 1.37 WHIP – 35/57) from AAA. The former 2nd-round pick from 1947-48 is now Cobourg’s No. 3 starter and appears to be getting acclimated pretty quickly – all 5’-5”, 150 lbs. of him. The offense continues to shine, but 23-year old CF Raymond Williams (.381/.444/.658, 23 HR, 86 RBI, 46 BB, 11 SB, 6.9 WAR) is playing like he belongs in a higher league. He leads the Eastern League in nine offensive categories. Three Red Stockings qualified for the All-Star game: SS John Medley (5th), LF Fergus Thackwray (1st) and CF Raymond Williams (3rd). Player of the Week Awards: January 9 – CF Raymond Williams (.586, 17 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI) January 16 – CF Raymond Williams (.450, 9 H, 3 HR, 7 RBI) Current Injuries: None --------  Offense: .266/.348/.394 (5th/5th/4th) Pitching: 4.79/4.89/4.43 (8th/8th/6th) Defense: .692 (8th) Chemistry: Feuding While the offense has improved for the Brunswick Legends, the pitching has not. Thus, before the trade deadline, they went out and acquired some pitching depth. But like the Red Stockings, it may be too late to make a difference this season. But the Legends are enjoying some fine individual performances as evidenced by the Monthly Honors. Just a further reminder that had GM Reomel Buesa been more proactive in beefing up the pitching sooner, the Legends may have been in a better position to challenge for a playoff spot this season. Although his defense continues to regress, 33-year old 1B Stuart Bentham (.379/.449/.614, 24 HR, 85 RBI, 56 BB, 5.2 WAR) is on pace for the best season ever at the plate in his 12-year career, with the chance to establish a number of personal bests. For example, the most home runs he has hit in a season is 29 (1945-46 and 1947-48). He is on pace for 35 (the ULB record is 36). But even he is not leading the United Leagues in home runs. More on that in the Western League report. He may be a polarizing figure in the clubhouse, but 33-year old LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (16-5, 2.71 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 150 ERA+) is having a phenomenal season and is putting up a strong argument for his third Eastern League Satchel Paige Award. Six Legends were selected to the All-Star game: SP Anastasio Rodríguez (10th), CL Lao Chen (1st), 1B Stuart Bentham (9th), SS Jorge Arredondo (3rd), CF Cameron Osmotherley (1st) and RF Marcus Peyto (4th). Player of the Week Awards: December 5 – 1B Stuart Bentham (.632, 12 H, 2 HR, 6 RBI) December 12 – 3B Jorge Arredondo (.406, 13 H, 2 HR, 8 RBI) December 19 – 1B Stuart Bentham (.542, 13 H, 1 HR, 6 RBI) December 26 – 3B Jorge Arredondo (.500, 14 H, 6 RBI) Noteworthy: December 21 – Heading into the third game of a three-game set against the Wellington Athletics, Brunswick’s No. 3 hitter Stuart Bentham was sitting on Hit No. 1,999. It did not take long to get No. 2000, as Bentham singled of off RHP Scott Wheeler in the top of the first inning. But Bentham would not stop there, as he racked up 4 hits in 5 at-bats, collecting 3 RBI, 2 R and 1 BB, including a two-run homerun off Wheeler in the 7th. The Legends prevailed, 7-4. He becomes the sixth player in United League history to reach that milestone and currently sits fifth overall, ahead of Braeland City’s Adam Ashley.   Key Trade: January 18 with the Sherburn Tigers: To Brunswick – 34-year old LHP Daniel Pierson (50/50) and 22-year old RHP Harry Dinsmore (32/49) To Sherburn – 28-year old 1B Gary Therien (46/46) Knee-jerk reaction: Brunswick and Sherburn swap two Canadians. Less than a month after pitching a NO-HITTER, Daniel Pierson (9-8, 4.22 ERA, 1.34 WHIP) is shipped off to the Legends, while Therien (.256/.389/.459, 8 HR, 36 RBI, 38 BB, 1.1 WAR) returns to the Tigers. Brunswick acquired Therien from Sherburn back in August 1948 for Ron Westmacott. But when all is said and done, Dinsmore may be the real prize. Brunswick has the worst-rated pitching staff in the Eastern League, so Pierson and Dinsmore were acquired to plug some holes behind ace Anastasio Rodríguez. Pierson is a veteran pitcher who can have his moments, but is really a borderline starter. Still, he has elite command and control to compensate for mediocre stuff. He will be Brunswick’s No. 2 starter. But Dinsmore (2-1, 2 SV, 4.66 ERA, 1.51 WHIP) has the potential to become a solid starter with excellent movement and decent stuff and control. He’s the No. 5 starter for now. As for Therien, he must be thinking whether anyone really wants him. His Achilles heel has always been his woeful defense and that hasn’t changed much. So why Sherburn shipped out two decent starting pitchers for a back-up 1B is anybody’s guess. Some of these trades are making no sense to me.    Current Injuries: None --------  Offense: .262/.335/.381 (6th/7th/6th) Pitching: 4.33/4.21/5.12 (7th/6th/8th) Defense: .705 (5th) Chemistry: Content The Queensland Eagles have officially thrown in the towel, switching to ‘rebuild’ mode as of January 31st. And while they shipped out long-time team fixture 30-year old SP Aaron Saunderson, they strangely brought in 36-year OF Terence Durney. A curious move for a rebuilding team. Durney is a definite upgrade at LF but is more suited for a ‘win now’ team. Perhaps Queensland will be more ‘focused’ on the task ahead in the off-season. Their farm system is rated 5th overall and their top pick from this season, 24-year old 2B Perry Jordan (.299/417/.453, 1 HR, 23 RBI, 26 BB, 2.0 WAR), is off to a very promising start in AA. With the exception of 31-year old 31-year old CF Zak Kidd (.203/.293/.330, 8 HR, 24 RBI, 25 BB, 0.3 WAR), who lost his LF spot to recently acquired Terence Durney, there are no real glaring weaknesses in the lineup. But there aren’t any standouts either. 30-year old RF Jilenko Vergara (.282/.368/.464, 14 HR, 55 RBI, 45 BB, 2.0 WAR) and 25-year old 3B Alexander Crutcher (.289/.348/.425, 6 HR, 49 RBI, 33 BB, 1.5 WAR) are the only two Eagles who have been consistent this season. 31-year old C Elijah Sheppard (.272/.375/.423, 10 HR, 44 RBI, 52 BB, 2.7 WAR) started off on a tear, but cooled off considerably in December (.198) and January (.237). With Aaron Saunderson gone, 32-year old RHP Pi-ao Quian (11-11, 3.15 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 127 ERA+) is the lone remaining established pitcher in the rotation. With perhaps the exception of 24-year old RHP Logan Belsey (8-12, 3.67 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 109 ERA+), the rest of the starters are still struggling to find their footing. Two Eagles qualified for the All-Star game: SP Pi-ao Quian (4th) and RF Jilenko Vergara (4th). Player of the Week Awards: January 2 – 2B Noah Wellings (.750, 3 H, 1 HR, 6 RBI) Current Injuries: RHP Francisco López – January 16 – elbow strain. Out for: 4-5 weeks. --------  Offense: .268/.334/.369 (4th/8th/7th) Pitching: 4.22/4.02/5.08 (4th/4th/7th) Defense: .716 (2nd) Chemistry: Happy The Wellington Athletics made some modest strides in their play over the past two months, but it’s all essentially mute now as the team made a couple of moves before the trade deadline, singling their intent on rebuilding in earnest. Gone are SP Arthur Bence (discussed in the Embro entry) and SS Zhao-hui Qian (to be covered in the Western League report). In return, they got some interesting prospects. With the promising haul of this year’s Amateur Draft and their already No. 1-rated farm system, the Athletics’ future looks bright. With the lineup and pitching staff in flux, there are not a lot of highlights to choose from. But 27-year old RHP Scott Wheeler (10-6, 3.75 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 107 ERA+) still shows promise, despite a rough December (5.44), and 22-year old C Declan Bugbie (.306/.346/.426, 7 HR, 36 RBI, 20 BB, 2.7 WAR) is quietly enjoying a stellar rookie campaign. No Athletics were selected to the All-Star game this season. Current Injuries: None --------  
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United Leagues of Braeland |
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07-26-2018, 06:00 PM
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#452 |
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 3,860
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February 1, 1950
Western League: The Unions Assert Themselves    --------  Offense: .276/.363/.397 (1st/1st/2nd) Pitching: 2.77/2.95/1.75 (1st/2nd/1st) Defense: .726 (2nd) Chemistry: Content The Wolseley Unions are the class of the entire United Leagues and are on pace for 100 victories. They are dominating both sides of the ball and their pitching staff is on the verge of setting a new ULB record for lowest team ERA. Right now, it is 2.77. The lowest mark is currently 2.85, set by the Stratford Barons in 1943-44 and matched by the Kingston Pelicans in 1946-47. Not surprisingly, the Fort Richmond Generals are not far behind this season, as their team ERA is currently 2.91. With the exception of 28-year old Burt Willey (.248/.336/.334, 3 HR, 27 RBI, 43 BB, 0.5 WAR – 15th-rated 3B), the Unions have a Top-10 player at every position. Despite everything firing on all cylinders, it’s interesting to note that the clubhouse mood is merely content rather than ecstatic. That’s perhaps due to just having one captain/leader: 28-year old SS George Kimpton (.311/.382/.453, 10 HR, 80 RBI, 49 BB, 3.7 WAR). The Unions might be wise to acquire a couple of more players with leadership qualities in the near future, for when the team meets up with adversity. Wolseley has three starting pitchers rated in the Top 10: 31-year old RHP Bill Blair (13-2, 2.56 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 160 ERA+ - 3rd overall), 26-year old RHP Jeremy Albury (10-11, 2.70 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 151 ERA+ - 4th) and 30-year old RHP Kai Tosh (9-8, 2.89 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 142 ERA+ - 8th). Even 24-year old LHP Axel Mackay (5-0, 3 SV, 1.57 ERA, 1.09 WHIP) has found his groove, now that he is in the rotation. The pitching staff is so deep that even 29-year old RHP Ian Peter (7-4, 3.57 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 115 ERA+) is unable to find a regular spot on the major league staff. He is still very much an effective pitcher, so I was surprised Wolseley didn’t flip him for some prospects before the trade deadline. With a farm system rated 15th overall, they could use an infusion of talent. Nine players were selected to the All-Star game: SP Jeremy Albury (2nd), SP Bill Blair (2nd), SP Kai Tosh (4th), RP Shou-xin Chin (1st), CL John Palm (9th), C Éric Denis (3rd), SS George Kimpton (2nd), LF Carlton Hawking (5th) and RF Howard Ockey (1st). Player of the Week Awards: December 26 – C Éric Denis (.435, 10 H, 4 HR, 12 RBI) Noteworthy: December 24 – 25-year old C Éric Denis (.291/.354/.493, 15 HR, 65 RBI, 36 BB, 3.5 WAR) became the 7th player in the United Leagues to wallop 3 home runs in a single game. He did in the Unions 15-1 triumph over the Hespeler Stars. He went 4 for 4 with 2 BB on the day, scoring 4 R and cashing in a whopping 9 RBI. Denis hit a solo-shot off Troy Conlin in the 2nd, hit an RBI double in the 3Rd, hit a 3-run home run off Troy Conlin in the 4th, walked in the 6th, hit another 3-run home run in the 7th off Miles van den Bogaert and walked in the 8th. Current Injuries: None. --------  Offense: .263/.330/.387 (2nd/6th/4th) Pitching: 2.91/2.90/2.95 (2nd/1st/2nd) Defense: .737 (1st) Chemistry: Ecstatic The Fort Richmond Generals are no slouches themselves, but they have been unable to overtake the Unions for top spot in the West. They got to within half a game in mid-December, but cooled off a little in January to fall 4 games back. That is certainly due to their offence not being as productive as it could be. They’re still very good, but Wolseley has simply been better and more consistent. But the Generals have a pitching staff that can rival anything the Unions can offer, as Fort Richmond enjoys the services of four starting pitchers rated in the Top 10: 30-year old RHP Roberto Taváres (11-10, 2.53 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, 157 ERA+ - 2nd overall), 27-year old RHP Ch’ang-chieh Li (13-6, 2.99 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, 133 ERA+ - 6th), 27-year old RHP Nicky Sherlock (11-8, 3.15 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 126 ERA+ - 7th) and 25-year old Shinzo Okamoto (12-8, 2.58 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, 154 ERA+ - 9th). 25-year old 2B Nobuyoshi Yoshida (.309/.364/.435, 3 HR, 42 RBI, 32 BB, 3.5 WAR) is enjoying a break-out season in his third year in the ULB. He won a Top Fielder Award at shortstop last season. Since moving to second base this year, he has not missed a beat. In fact, it’s his strongest position and he may just add a second defensive award to his mantelpiece this year. Eight Generals were selected to this year’s All-Star game: SP Ch’ang chieh Li (2nd), SP Shinzo Okamoto (1st), SP Nicky Sherlock (4th), SP Roberto Taváres (7th), CL José Rodriguez (2nd), 2B Nobuyoshi Yoshida (1st), CF Dylan Moyne (4th) and RF Brandon Robinson (2nd). Player of the Week Awards: December 19 – SS Ninfa Puzon (.481, 13 H, 3 RBI) Current Injuries: January 31 – RF Brandon Robinson – Herniated disc. Out for: one week. --------  Offense: .261/.355/.411 (4th/2nd/1st) Pitching: 4.12/4.04/4.52 (3rd/4th/4th) Defense: .704 (6th) Chemistry: Happy The Kingston Pelicans continue to ride their high-octane offense that has seen them reverse a two-year downward trend in the standings, but with a pitching staff that cannot hold a candle to neither Wolseley nor Fort Richmond, the Pelicans will be hard-pressed to return to the playoffs. 35-year old 1B Dean Bishop (.277/.425/.617, 30 HR, 106 RBI, 96 BB, 5.5 WAR) has been the story, not only for Kingston, but for the entire United Leagues as well. Bishop has been on a tear all season and is on pace for 44 home runs. That would set a new record in the ULB, surpassing the current mark of 36, first set by Embro’s Jim Friend in 1940-41 and matched by Hall of Famer Jayden Tennant a year later. Bishop’s previous best was 25, two seasons ago. He has been ably supported by 31-year old C Danny Trowbridge (.346/.444/.534, 11 HR, 60 RBI, 61 BB, 5.2 WAR) and a surprising 28-year old LF Glen Traill (.305/.414/.473, 4 HR, 30 RBI, 41 BB, 10 SB, 2.3 WAR), who is enjoying the first substantial season of his 6-year career. He also earned his first all-star nod. The pitching staff is an entirely different matter. But 25-year old LHP Dana Listman (13-7, 3.55 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 115 ERA+) continues his decent play and the Pelicans recently promoted 24-year old RHP Kieran Bunce (6-6, 3.34 ERA, 1.41 WHIP, 123 ERA+) from the bullpen to be their No. 3 starter. Bunce was a 16th overall pick in 1947-48. Six players represented the Pelicans at the All-Star game: SP Dana Listman (1st), C Danny Trowbridge (9th), 1B Dean Bishop (6th), SS Katsunan Chikafuji (10th), LF Glen Traill (1st) and RF Luca Bewick (2nd). Player of the Week Awards: January 2 – RF Mo Spenceley (.800, 4 H, 1 RBI) Noteworthy: December 30 – Just 6 days after Wolseley’s Éric Denis accomplished it, another catcher belted 3 home runs in a single game. This time it was C Danny Trowbridge. Trowbridge hit a 3-run home run in the 1st, a solo-shot in the 2nd and a two-run home run in the 6th, all off Cambria Cannons’ RHP Alexander Ellacott. In all, he went 3 for 5 on the day, with 3 R, 6 RBI and 4 BB. However, the Cannons prevailed 13-12 in the 17 innings. Kingston led 10-5 until the bottom of the 8th inning, when the Cannons scored 2 runs off of a 2-run home run and another 3 runs in the bottom of the 9th off of a 3-run home run to tie the game up. Both teams exchanged a couple of runs each in the 13th to keep things even. But Cambria led off the bottom of the 17th inning with back-to-back singles and a bunt single to load the bases with nobody out. Edmond Boswell then drew a walk to drive in the winning run, ending the 5 hour, 44 minute marathon. Current Injuries: December 4 – RHP Ben Currall – hamstring strain. Out for: 1 more week. January 12 – SS Katsunan Chikafuji – fractured rib. Out for: 1 more day. --------  Offense: .262/.336/.369 (3rd/5th/8th) Pitching: 4.13/4.20/3.71 (4th/5th/3rd) Defense: .708 (3rd) Chemistry: Unhappy The Balmoral Giants picked things up in January, going 12-6 after the all-star break to take over fourth place in the West. That can be attributed to improved play all across the board as the offense, pitching and defense have all improved. They were also active on the trade scene. In addition to trading for SP Hirotada Fukushima (noted below), they also acquired 32-year old LHP Callum Stonehouse (8-9, 4.48 ERA, 1.64 WHIP, 87 ERA+) from the Cambria Cannons back in December as well as 25-year old RHP Bonie Bandong (2-0, 2 SV, 3.77 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 107 ERA+) from the Stratford Barons. Both trades saw minor league players go the other team. With Stonehouse occupying the No. 5 spot in the rotation and Bandong taking over the stopper role from 29-year old RHP Gerard Leese (5-2, 8 SV, 4.85 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, 83 ERA+), the Giants are no doubt looking for some modest improvements and see if they can overtake the Pelicans for third place. On offense, the Giants have inserted 23-year old CF Roy Belknap (.281/.337/.425, 3 HR, 18 RBI, 15 BB, 0.7 WAR) into the No. 3 spot in the lineup to face RHP. Belknap was a 12th overall pick from last season and is rated 22nd overall among all prospects in the ULB. The Giants sent two players to the All-Star game: RP Rodrigo González (1st) and 2B Sean Brearton (3rd). Player of the Week Awards: December 5 – RF Carlton Broadbent (.500, 8 H, 3 HR, 7 RBI) Key Trade: December 28 with the Hespeler Stars: To Balmoral – 34-year old LHP Hirotada Fukushima (50/50) To Hespeler – 25-year old IF Jake Hooper (36/45) Knee-jerk reaction: Fukushima’s (5-12, 4.29 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, 95 ERA+) two-year tenure with Hespeler is over, as the 5-time all-star, 5-time United Cup Champion is acquired by the Giants. Fukushima is not the pitcher he once was, however. While his stuff is decent (45/45) and movement great (65/65), his control is shaky (35/35). As a result, his walk rate has shot up the past couple of seasons. He becomes Balmoral’s No. 4 starter. Hooper (.301/.370/.397, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 7 BB, 0.5 WAR), a former second-round pick from 1944-45, is an elite fielder at both 2B and SS with excellent speed. However, his bat is only average, which will make it difficult for him to crack the starting lineup on a regular basis. He becomes the Stars’ starting shortstop – for now.   Current Injuries: January 30 – 2B Sean Brearton – Herniated disc. Out for: 4 days. --------  Offense: .260/.337/.379 (5th/4th/5th) Pitching: 4.18/3.97/5.24 (5th/3rd/7th) Defense: .705 (5th) Chemistry: Feuding Although the Sherburn Tigers picked things up in December and have escaped the basement in the West, there will always be a ‘what if’ attached to this club, as it seems the Tigers squandered an opportunity to push for a playoff spot when they shipped SP Roberto Taváres to the Fort Richmond Generals in the off-season. 23-year old RHP Ben Buschlen (10-9, 3.81 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 108 ERA+), who they got in return, has not been a bust, but he is simply not in the same league as Taváres. In fact, Buschlen has struggled over the past two months (5-5, 5.13 ERA, 1.62 WHIP). While the pitching staff has improved, it carries a distinct ragtag look to it (possibly because the GM doesn’t know what he’s doing). The offense has held steady, with 23-year old LF Noah Teale (.333/.415/.579, 14 HR, 69 RBI, 54 BB, 12 SB, 4.2 WAR) leading the way. 23-year old 2B Jack Burt (.312/.356/.420, 1 HR, 46 RBI, 27 BB, 2.1 WAR) started off slow in October, but has picked things up since then. 25-year old C Quim Cypriano (.277/.350/.401, 7 HR, 51 RBI, 34 BB, 2.1 WAR) continues to progress as Sherburn’s starting catcher. The Brazilian-born Cypriano was a second-round pick back in 1945-46 and took over the catcher’s spot full-time last season. That, I believe, is the crutch of the feuding going on in the clubhouse: 31-year old C Neil Voigt (.233/.304/.430, 8 HR, 20 RBI, 14 BB, 0.7 WAR) is not a happy camper and has fostered dissension. 26-year old RF Louie Pate (.281/.346/.435, 7 HR, 47 RBI, 29 BB, 1.0 WAR), a former 10th overall pick from 1945-46 who hits in the No. 4 spot has joined Voigt in creating friction as well. Voigt needs to go – pronto. The All-Star game saw three Tigers selected: 2B Jack Burt (1st), 3B Fraser Rae (1st) and LF Noah Teale (1st). Player of the Week Awards: December 12 – 3B Fraser Rae (.500, 12 H, 1 HR, 8 RBI) January 30 – RF Louie Pate (.389, 7 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI) Noteworthy: December 24 – For just the second time in ULB history, two NO-HITTERS are thrown in the same season. Two months and two days after Fort Richmond’s Shinzo Okamoto accomplished it against the Pulberry Trolleys, 34-year old LHP Daniel Pierson (9-8, 4.22 ERA, 1.34 WHIP, 96 ERA+) threw his no-no against the Kingston Pelicans, shutting them down 2-0. In front of 23,897 fans at The Paramount, Pierson threw 2 K against 3 BB on 98 pitches (61 for strikes). The game remained scoreless until the bottom of the 8th inning, when PH Conor Young singled in two runs with the bases loaded. That’s all Pierson needed to complete his masterpiece (Game score: 86). Less than a month later, Pierson was traded to the Brunswick Legends. January 8 – All good things must come to an end and on this day, Fraser Rae (.309/.360/.404, 5 HR, 44 RBI, 21 BB, 1.6 WAR) went 0 for 3, ending his 24-game hitting streak. Nevertheless, the Tigers still prevailed over the Hespeler Stars, 7-4. And despite being an all-star for the first time in his career, Rae is not a regular in the lineup. Key Trade: January 19 with the Cobourg Red Stockings: To Sherburn – 40-year old RHP Lenny Freke (46/46) To Cobourg – 21-year old minor league 3B Anthony Granier (20/40) Knee-jerk reaction: A simple question: if the Tigers are so desperate for pitching, why did they trade Satchel Paige Award winner Roberto Taváres to the Fort Richmond Generals in the off-season in the first place? Instead, they acquire a pitcher near the end of his career in 40-year old RHP Lenny Freke (8-14, 5.05 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 81 ERA+). Freke is a 6-time all-star and one-time Satchel Paige Award winner, but the glory days are now well behind him. Nevertheless, he has been pegged as Sherburn’s No. 3 starter. At least the Tigers did not give up much to get him, as Granier is an OK player in the field and at the plate, but is projected to be little more than a supplemental player in the ULB. But this looks more like addition by subtraction for Cobourg, as Freke was on pace to lose 23 games this season, despite Cobourg’s fire-power.  Current Injuries: None. --------  Offense: .256/.342/.388 (6th/3rd/3rd) Pitching: 4.70/4.73/4.60 (6th/8th/5th) Defense: .684 (8th) Chemistry: Happy Seeing their short term outlook bleak with a dearth of quality pitching, the Cambria Cannons have committed themselves to stocking their system with some young arms. In December and January, they made three trades that netted four young pitchers: 20-year old LHP Bill Southern (20/53), 24-year old RHP Masami Fujihara (30/43), 26-year old LHP Jamie Wigley (4-2, 4.98 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, 80 ERA+ - 37/37) and 22-year old RHP Mario Gallardo (20/48). Wigley and Fujihara are already in Cambria’s rotation and bullpen respectively, so it will be interesting to see if this infusion of talent will improve Cambria’s fortunes in the near future. 29-year old SS César Ruíz (.313/.415/.554, 22 HR, 86 RBI, 66 BB, 5.1 WAR) continues to dominate the Western League, winning both Batter of the Month and Rookie of the Month honors in January. Although his numbers are down from previous years, 32-year old C Heung-su Park (.329/.422/.446, 7 HR, 34 RBI, 51 BB, 4.2 WAR) is still performing at a high level and is considered one of the top catchers in the ULB (3rd overall). Three Cannons headed off to the All-Star game: C Heung-su Park (4th), SS César Ruíz (1st) and RF Nicky Willis (8th). Player of the Week Awards: January 23 – SS César Ruíz (.400, 14 H, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 2 R) Noteworthy: January 22 – Although the Hespeler Stars still prevailed, 10-9, 23-year old 1B Carlos Correa (.276/.358/.443, 9 HR, 26 RBI, 26 BB, 0.8 WAR) was hot at the plate, going 5 for 7. Correa singled in the 1st, singled in the 4th, singled in the 5th, hit an RBI single in the 6th, flied out in the 8th, singled in the 10th and grounded out in the 13th. In all, he collected 2 R and 1 RBI. The Cannons led 8-4 until the top of the 8th inning, when the Stars scored 5 runs (off of a 3-run home run and a 2-run home run) to take the lead. Cambria managed to tie things up in the bottom of the 9th, but a HBP, two walks and sac fly pushed across the go-ahead run for the Stars in the top of the 13th. That’s the way it would end. Current Injuries: None. --------  Offense: .247/.323/.372 (8th/8th/6th) Pitching: 4.71/4.65/5.02 (7th/6th/6th) Defense: .706 (4th) Chemistry: Unhappy The Hespeler Stars are in a tough spot right now as they continue to slide down the standings with little optimism for a quick turnaround. The majority of the players are underperforming and the farm system needs a shot in the arm (now 11th overall). It’s especially disheartening to see young pitchers such as 25-year old RHP Stephen Tindall (8-11, 4.57 ERA, 1.48 WHIP, 90 ERA+) and 23-year old LHP Larry Kovnats (6-14, 6.07 ERA, 1.89 WHIP, 68 ERA+) struggling. If they can somehow find their groove again, then things wouldn’t be so depressing in these parts. Although he slumped in December (2-3, 5.57 ERA, 1.93 WHIP), 25-year old RHP Paul Woodruff (12-7, 3.48 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 118 ERA+) rebounded somewhat in January (3-1, 2.93 ERA, 1.67 WHIP) and continues to be Hespeler’s best pitcher. But there are a couple of bright spots on offense. 27-year old RF Kominiko Hokulani (.263/.373/.443, 10 HR, 36 RBI, 59 BB, 2.6 WAR) is enjoying a solid year, his first as a full-time starter. The Samoan-born Hokulani was drafted 4th overall back in 1945-46 and is now the Stars’ lead-off hitter. Also, 28-year old 3B Oliver Pickford (.330/.399/.493, 7 HR, 35 RBI, 22 BB, 2.6 WAR) has started to blossom, after two previous mediocre campaigns. So perhaps there’s still hope for the other young players to ‘flick the switch’. 3B Oliver Pickford (1st) was the lone Star to earn a selection to the All-Star Game. Player of the Week Awards: January 16 – 3B Oliver Pickford (.600, 9 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI) Key Trade: January 18 with the Wellington Athletics: To Hespeler – 26-year old SS Zhao-hui Qian (51/63) To Wellington – 25-year old RHP Troy Conlin (40/42) and 24-year old minor league LF Jim Mars (20/65) Knee-jerk reaction: Two teams with no playoff aspirations make an intriguing trade. Hespeler makes an upgrade at SS for the second time this season, as Qian (.253/.300/.366, 6 HR, 42 RBI, 28 BB, 8 SB, 1.9 WAR) is rated 10th overall among shortstops in the United Leagues. He will take over from Jake Hooper (13th overall), who was acquired from Balmoral back on December 5. Qian, a second-overall pick back in 1945-46 is an award-winning defensive player with incredible speed and a good judge of the strike zone. He has been up-and-down over his career, however, so the Stars hope he can be more consistent for them. For Wellington, they apparently felt that 25-year old SS Rupert Bricknell (.299/.450/.470, 5 HR, 27 RBI, 36 BB, 1.7 WAR), a former third overall pick in 1944-45, was ready to take over from Qian. He is rated 5th overall among SS and will lead off for the Athletics. In return for Qian, Wellington receives the young Conlin, who in reality is barely a spot starter. Although he boasts six pitches (his sinker is rated 50/50), he has trouble throwing strikes, leading to walks and high pitch counts. He has been installed as Wellington’s No. 5 starter. But the Athletics also receive the dynamic Mars, who can play anywhere in the outfield. The former second-round pick from last season, Mars has very good speed, bunting skills, excellent defense and a tremendous eye at the plate. Scouts suggest that he could hit .360 one day and flourish in the majors.   Current Injuries: None. --------  Offense: .253/.324/.370 (7th/7th/7th) Pitching: 4.92/4.68/6.04 (8th/7th/8th) Defense: .699 (7th) Chemistry: Unhappy The Pulberry Trolleys hit rock bottom in December before recovering somewhat in January. Yet, they allowed the trade deadline to pass without addressing the problems this team is facing. The Trolleys continue to sit three of their top-rated players: 28-year old SS Roland Binns (.245/.294/.318, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 8 BB, 2 SB, 0.2 WAR – 57/57), 32-year old 3B Colin Strudwick (.284/.357/.400, 1 HR, 21 RBI, 26 BB, 1.0 WAR – 47/47) and 31-year old RF Jarod Dwyer (.280/.405/.515, 6 HR, 22 RBI, 29 BB, 1.2 WAR – 42/42). Only Binns taking a back seat is justifiable, as 24-year old SS Francis Jones (.322/.426/.480, 11 HR, 42 RBI, 61 BB, 3.2 WAR) is earning his starting role. In fact, the 7th overall pick from 1945-46 is rated 14th overall among all position players and is easily Pulberry’s best player. But that’s no excuse for the GM sitting on his hands while he had a chance to reconfigure this team and eliminate the logjams before the trade deadline. Marcus Dejyothin has been Pulberry’s GM since Day 1, and this team has done NOTHING under his watch. This will be the club’s 13th straight losing season. And yet his reputation is ‘excellent’? And he’s got three more years left on his contract? I’d hate for the ‘Commissioner’ to interfere with internal team matters, but perhaps an unofficial visit to Pulberry to meet with owner Paul Winterackley may be in order, to see at least if the club has a game plan for getting out of their unacceptable rut. SS Francis Jones (1st) represented the Trolleys at this year’s All-Star Game in Pulberry. Player of the Week Awards: January 9 – LF Ellis Dibble (.379, 11 H, 2 HR, 9 RBI) Current Injuries: None. --------  
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United Leagues of Braeland Last edited by reds1; 07-27-2018 at 12:13 AM. |
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07-29-2018, 10:51 PM
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#453 | |
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 3,860
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February 25, 1950
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United Leagues of Braeland |
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08-06-2018, 06:48 AM
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#454 |
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 3,860
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March 27, 1950
Eastern League: Chiefs Capture Top Spot for First Time    --------  Offense: .270/.346/.410 (3rd/5th/2nd) Pitching: 3.40/3.47/3.10 (1st/1st/2nd) Defense: .725 (1st) Chemistry: Happy The Downie Chiefs are heading to the playoffs for the very first time and they will be doing it in style, as they finished in first place, thus earning home field advantage for the Eastern League Pennant Series. While the Braeland City Monarchs faded in the final two months, the Chiefs finished strong, winning 32 games, tied with the Wolseley Unions for most victories during that stretch. Downie is a remarkably balanced team. They finished second in the East in offensive R/G (5.2), just behind Braeland City’s 5.3 and led the East in run prevention (4.0 R/G). The Stratford Barons were next with 4.3. Also, they won as many games in the first half of the season as they did in the final three months, going 48-32 from October to December and 48-26 from January to March. There is no shortage of team leaders responsible for the Chiefs finally becoming relevant. 24-year old CF Alfonso León (.328/.386/.506, 17 HR, 106 RBI, 62 BB, 8 SB, 7.0 WAR) and 24-year old 3B Dominic Dudding (.324/.395/.520, 19 HR, 105 RBI, 74 BB, 5 SB, 6.1 WAR) are the heart and soul of the lineup, batting in the No. 3 and No. 4 spot respectively. But Downie also benefitted from 27-year old SS Mac Medley (.291/.388/.429, 13 HR, 78 RBI, 99 BB, 21 SB, 4.7 WAR) and 26-year old C Jilenko Batiles (.274/.315/.500, 25 HR, 90 RBI, 24 BB, 3.4 WAR), who both contributed their best seasons in years, although Batiles did struggle at the plate down the stretch. But the pitching staff just seemed to gel this season, finishing first in a host of categories. 27-year old RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (19-11, 2.82 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 141 ERA+) emerged as a legitimate ace and 29-year old RHP Bernie Knowles (16-11, 3.48 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 115 ERA+) enjoyed a nice bounce-back year. Furthermore, Downie boasts two of the best relievers in the United Leagues: 32-year old stopper RHP Carl Luscombe (7-6, 15 SV, 2.59 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 154 ERA+) and 26-year old RHP Bill Lafontaine (5-4, 9 SV, 2.96 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 134 ERA+). Luscombe was originally drafted by the Chiefs 10th overall in 1939-40, before being traded to the Cambria Cannons in November 1941. Downie wisely re-acquired him from Cambria back in January 1948. He is rated No. 1 overall in the ULB, while Lafontaine was a 13th overall pick in 1942-43. Biggest Surprise: He’s was talked about in the previous Eastern League report, but nothing in his past indicated the kind of season he would enjoy. 30-year old RHP Joong Ling (18-5, 2.86 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 139 ERA+) is only in his second season as a starter, after pitching out of the bullpen for the Queensland Eagles from 1943 to 1947. Last year, he went 14-11, 4.05 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 101 ERA+. Now, he is solidly entrenched as Downie’s No. 2 starter and is rated 16th overall among starters in the ULB.  Player of the Week Awards: March 20 – 3B Dominic Dudding (.538, 14 H, 2 HR, 9 RBI, 8 R) Noteworthy: February 26 –CF Alfonso León accomplished the rare feat of hitting 6 hits in a game. He did it against the Brunswick Legends at Babe Ruth Park, helping Downie to a 13-8 triumph. León went 6 for 6, hitting a 3-run home run off Daniel Pierson in the 1st, singled in the 2nd, hit a solo-shot in the 5th off Daniel Pierson again, hit an RBI single in the 6th and singled in the 8th and 9th innings. Current Injuries: March 25 – RHP Harley Bracher – mild shoulder inflammation. Out for: DtD, one week; eligible for return after Eastern League Pennant Series. --------  Offense: .282/.363/.416 (1st/1st/1st) Pitching: 3.98/3.99/3.91 (4th/5th/3rd) Defense: .712 (3rd) Chemistry: Ecstatic At first, it seemed the final two months of the regular season would offer a fantastic duel between the Braeland City Monarchs and Downie Chiefs for first place in the East, as both teams had battled back and forth in the first four months. Alas it was not to be, as Braeland City quickly faltered and could only tread water while the Chiefs pulled ahead and never let up. Braeland City’s struggles are certainly the result of a fading pitching staff. Last year it was tops in the East, but this season it appears cracks are starting to form in what was once a formidable unit. Which leads to the question: Is their window of opportunity closing sooner than expected? 29-year old LHP Nicholas Grimes (16-15, 4.01 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, 102 ERA+) was hot and cold all season and 40-year old LHP David Cooling (16-11, 3.67 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 112 ERA+), while still effective, is now their No. 4 starter. The trade for 29-year old RHP Okura Suzuki (17-9, 3.52 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 117 ERA+) back in April 1949 is now seen as fortuitous, as without him the Monarchs may have been in even worst straits. There is no such concern for the offense, as 24-year old 2B Patrick Lidgate (.297/.410/.517, 21 HR, 74 RBI, 107 BB, 8 SB, 7.0 WAR) was simply dominant and got stronger as the season wore on. He was ably supported by the likes of 26-year old 1B Dean Witherden (.351/.409/.479, 8 HR, 76 RBI, 48 BB, 4.3 WAR) and 27-year old C Christopher Dainty (.279/.383/.438, 15 HR, 62 RBI, 83 BB, 4.3 WAR), although Dainty’s performance was a step down from last season (6.3 WAR). Biggest Disappointment: He’s still only 24-years old so its too soon to panic, but the Monarchs must be wondering when RHP Freddie Trerise (5-10, 5.18 ERA, 1.92 WHIP, 79 ERA+) will take his place in the rotation. A former 8th overall pick in 1945-46, Trerise struggled all season and is now reduced to pitching long relief in the playoffs. For a team that will soon need their young hurlers to step up and take over from the aging veterans so as to remain competitive, its understandable if they’re starting to become concerned.  Player of the Week Awards: February 6 – 2B Patrick Lidgate (.542, 13 H, 1 HR, 10 RBI) March 6 – LF Dan Tantoco (.667, 10 H, 1 HR, 5 RBI) Current Injuries: February 15 – SS Simon Flatt – strained rib cage muscle. Out for: DtD, 6 days. --------  Offense: .255/.357/.365 (8th/2nd/8th) Pitching: 3.69/3.85/2.75 (2nd/3rd/1st) Defense: .705 (4th) Chemistry: Happy Despite bringing on board 33-year old RF Nicky Willis (.296/.433/.467, 17 HR, 77 RBI, 130 BB, 5.3 WAR) at the trade deadline, it was not enough for the Stratford Barons to make as serious challenge for the wild card. In fact, in early February, Stratford lost ground to the Embro Suns until catching them again on the very last day of the season. The Barons are approaching a crossroads, as a few of their key players are getting closer to the end of their career, such as 41-year old LHP Ryan Borden (14-13, 3.70 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 110 ERA+), 39-year old LHP Joel Fearn (15-14, 3.81 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 106 ERA+) and 37-year old 2B Jake Walker (.345/.453/.466, 8 HR, 86 RBI, 110 BB, 5.7 WAR). All three are still producing at a high level, but the clock is ticking. But the Barons are in a great position to make a quick transition. They have the second deepest farm system in the ULB and two of their promising starters are currently being eased in. 23-year old RHP Magtanggol Jaojoco (3-2, 15 SV, 3.46 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 117 ERA+ - 52/64) was recently promoted to the No. 3 spot in the rotation, while future starter 22-year old RHP Ted Smith (6-3, 1 SV, 3.23 ERA, 1.65 WHIP, 125 ERA+ - 55/77) finished the season as the club’s stopper. With young talent like that plus players in their peak such as 30-year old C Aaron Skidmore (.310/.478/.454, 14 HR, 79 RBI, 141 BB, 7.7 WAR), the Barons should be great shape to remain a player in the Eastern League for several years yet. Biggest Disappointment: They acquired him in the off-season to shore up a weakness as first base, but 27-year old Kyle Pryor (.260/.359/.387, 9 HR, 59 RBI, 59 BB, 1.1 WAR) was not the answer. Pryor remained their starting 1B until January 1, when he was benched in favor of 26-year old Rafael Meléndez (.216/.299/.351, 5 HR, 25 RBI, 18 BB, 0.3 WAR), but he wasn’t much better either. Pryor took over 1B in February before being benched again in March. It appears the search for a solid first baseman continues.  Current Injuries: March 17 – LHP Ryan Borden – tired arm. Out for: one week. March 5 – 2B Jake Walker – sprained knee. Out for: DtD, suffered setback; 1 more day. --------  Offense: .258/.351/.397 (7th/3rd/4th) Pitching: 4.14/4.07/4.44 (6th/6th/6th) Defense: .702 (6th) Chemistry: Ecstatic The Embro Suns made a serious push in February, putting the second-best record that month in the United Leagues (behind’s Downie’s 18-6), but could get no closer than 7 games to the wildcard, despite Braeland City’s struggles. But even if the Suns remained hot in March, it’s highly unlikely they would have caught the Monarchs anyway. But like the Barons, Embro appears to be in a good position to make a challenge for the playoffs next season, with a strong farm system and a still solid core to build around. The trades the Suns made to strengthen their pitching staff, like 30-year old LHP Arthur Bence (9-13, 3.57 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 114 ERA+) and 30-year old RHP Aaron Saunderson (15-13, 4.55 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 90 ERA+) should help solidify the rotation with a full-season under their belt. But soon the rotation may also have to make room for 24-year old LHP Carl McBroom (13-9, 4.03 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, 101 ERA+) and 24-year old RHP Juan Rivas (9-5, 1 SV, 3.65 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 111 ERA+) as they continue to develop. McBroom finished the season as their No. 5 starter. Biggest Surprise: Up until this season, 23-year old RF José Maldonado (.300/.410/.476, 16 HR, 63 RBI, 90 BB, 9 SB, 4.3 WAR – 61/61) was a solid bench player. But at the start of this season, Embro made him their everyday right fielder. The move was an unqualified success, as the young Columbian went from being an unknown quantity to being regarded as the 6th best right fielder in the ULB. Maldonado originally signed a minor league contract with the Cambria Cannons back in August 1942 but was released in May 1945. Embro signed him a few days later and brought him up to the big leagues full-time in 1946. It will be interesting to see how his career unfolds going forward. He already is a two-time all-star.  Player of the Week Awards: February 13 – SS Rafael De La Cruz (.520, 13 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI) February 20 – 3B Keon-chae Cho (.480, 12 H, 2 HR, 7 RBI) Current Injuries: None --------  Offense: .282/.346/.408 (2nd/6th/3rd) Pitching: 4.02/3.96/4.32 (5th/4th/5th) Defense: .700 (7th) Chemistry: Happy After being nine games below .500 at the end of December, the Cobourg Red Stockings fought back to finish even at season’s end. Its just the second time in their history where they avoided finishing with a losing record (they went 81-73 in 1946-47). Much of that can be attributed to the much-improved play of the pitching staff, particularly the rotation. Once considered a train wreck, the staff is showing signs of being a strength, something unthinkable just a few months ago. That bodes well for the club, as they cannot expect the offense to continually play at a high level indefinitely. 23-year old CF Raymond Williams (.353/.421/.618, 29 HR, 112 RBI, 68 BB, 18 SB, 8.4 WAR) had a season for the ages and is now ranked No. 2 overall among position players in the United Leagues. He was head and shoulders above his teammates. 27-year old C Jason Lymer (.299/.334/.427, 10 HR, 67 RBI, 28 BB, 3.5 WAR) and 24-year old 1B Harry Doxey (.313/.363/.457, 13 HR, 79 RBI, 43 BB, 3.5 WAR) were a distant second in WAR. No doubt the Red Stockings are hoping for a more balanced lineup in terms of production next season, so that no one player has to carry the team on their shoulders. Biggest Surprise: This goes to three unheralded pitchers, who essentially salvaged what might have been a disastrous season for Cobourg. 29-year old RHP Luis Cruz (13-12, 3.30 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 124 ERA+) stepped into the No. 1 spot early in the season after 40-year old RHP Lenny Freke (11-19, 4.96 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 82 ERA+), 40-year old LHP Max Littler (6-14, 5.98 ERA, 1.83 WHIP, 68 ERA+) and 38-year old RHP Chris Sappington (12-12, 3.63 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 112 ERA+) faltered. Freke, Littler and Sappington would soon be gone. Replacing them alongside Cruz were two young rookies: 21-year old LHP Bill Budd (8-4, 3.61 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 113 ERA+ - 46/60) and 22-year old RHP Fergus Hirst (8-10, 2.73 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, 150 ERA+ – 39/57). Despite their inexperience, all played admirably the rest of the way and give Cobourg a legitimate hope heading into next season.    Player of the Week Awards: March 13 – 1B Harry Doxey (.458, 11 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI) Noteworthy: March 4 – The Red Stockings derailed the Suns 7-1 at Speaker Stadium in Embro. 28-year old 3B Alexander Tolmie (.279/.355/.406, 15 HR, 76 RBI, 72 BB, 2.9 WAR) was the stand-out collecting 5 hits in 5 AB. Tolmie singled in the 2nd, hit an RBI double in the 3rd, then singled in the 5th, 7th and 8th innings. Current Injuries: None --------  Offense: .264/.346/.392 (5th/4th/5th) Pitching: 4.54/4.65/4.13 (8th/8th/4th) Defense: .695 (8th) Chemistry: Feuding They improved their record by 10 games over last season, but that is small comfort for Brunswick Legends as this will be their third season in a row missing the playoffs. But they do have some young talent on the roster and in the pipeline, but whether it will be sufficient to give a much-needed boost to the pitching next season remains to be seen. 33-year old LHP Anastasio Rodríguez (22-8, 2.76 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 148 ERA+) was just outstanding. His 22 wins are the most of his career and it moves him into second place on the all-time wins list with 222 (Stratford’s Joel Fearn leads with 227). Rodríguez would have to be considered the odds-on favorite to win his third Satchel Paige Award. It would be his first in seven years. Now the task is to bolster the rest of the rotation. The offense was led by 33-year old 1B Stuart Bentham (.356/.434/.570, 30 HR, 111 RBI, 83 BB, 6.5 WAR) and 28-year old 3B Jorge Arredondo (.333/418/.506, 18 HR, 98 RBI, 87 BB, 6 SB, 6.6 WAR). Both enjoyed the best seasons of their respective careers based on WAR; Bentham also won his first Eastern League Batting Title.  Biggest Disappointment: He earned his fourth trip to the All-Star game this season, so its not as though 29-year old RF Marcus Peyto (.286/.410/.492, 23 HR, 92 RBI, 112 BB, 3.4 WAR – 72/72) is playing bad, but the former 2nd overall pick from 1941-42 still seems a bit of a disappointment. After finishing runner-up to Stratford’s LF Roberto Ríos for the Babe Ruth Award and earning a selection to the All Braeland Team two seasons ago, Peyto has regressed significantly, both on offense and defense (.976 PCT, 2.66 RNG, -14.7 ZR, .978 EFF). He did improve a little at the plate this season, but it’s a far cry from what you would expect from a once elite player.  Current Injuries: None --------  Offense: .267/.335/.369 (4th/8th/7th) Pitching: 3.91/3.75/4.64 (3rd/2nd/7th) Defense: .720 (2nd) Chemistry: Happy The Wellington Athletics are another team in the East that are a candidate for breaking through next season. Although they spent most their time in the cellar, they finished strong, taking 3 of 4 games from Braeland City and 2 of 3 from Downie in the final seven games of the season – both playoff-bound teams. The Athletics have the strongest farm system in the United Leagues with six of their prospects already on the major league roster. With a fresh start with all this talent, Wellington might finish closer to the top of the standings than the bottom next season. But that’s assuming the young ones all blossom at once. In addition to 27-year old RHP Scott Wheeler (16-9, 3.45 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 116 ERA+ - 50/50) who finished the last two months strong, the rotation is actually led by 23-year old RHP Bert Morrow (13-12, 3.55 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 113 ERA+ - 54/54). Morrow was a third-round pick in 1946-47 and made is major league debut last season. Wellington did not get a ‘super-star’ season from any of their offensive players but a few players possibly gave a hint of things to come. Former 1st overall pick 22-year old RF Matthew Floyd (.289/.343/.463, 14 HR, 69 RBI, 48 BB, 12 SB, 3.5 WAR) is poised for greatness and 22-year old C Declan Bugbie (.287/.327/.394, 9 HR, 54 RBI, 29 BB, 2.8 WAR) enjoyed a strong first-half in his rookie season. He was a 2nd-round pick in 1946-47. Biggest Surprise: 25-year old SS Rupert Bricknell (.302/.434/.431, 9 HR, 49 RBI, 73 BB, 5 SB, 3.4 WAR – 58/62) spent four seasons in the minor leagues before reaching the majors last season. He started off slow this year serving as a back-up to 26-year old SS Zhao-hui Qian. But when Qian was traded to the Hespeler Stars on January 18, Bricknell immediately stepped in and made the position his own. The former 3rd overall pick is now rated 5th overall among shortstops in the ULB – two spots higher than Qian.  Player of the Week Awards: February 27 – LF Matthew Floyd (.421, 8 H, 2 HR, 5 RBI) Noteworthy: February 19 – The Athletics prevailed over the Fort Richmond Generals 5-4 in 13 innings at Santop Stadium, and Declan Bugbie enjoyed a memorable day at the plate. Bugbie went 5 for 7, striking out in the 1st, singled in the 4th, 6th and 8th innings, hit an RBI double in the 9th, grounded out in the 12 and singled in the winning run in the 13th. Current Injuries: None --------  Offense: .261/.336/.377 (6th/7th/6th) Pitching: 4.35/4.27/4.91 (7th/7th/8th) Defense: .705 (5th) Chemistry: Content Unlike the other non-playoff teams in the East, it appears that the Queensland Eagles are not looking to improve in the short-term, as the team embarks on a rebuild starting in the off-season. There is still some talent on this club with a bevy of prospects finding their footing on the major league roster. But overall the Eagles just don’t have the horses to make a run for a spot in the first division as yet. There were simply no standouts on offense again this season. 30-year old RF Jilenko Vergara (.290/.380/.459, 20 HR, 82 RBI, 67 BB, 3.5 WAR) and 31-year old C Elijah Sheppard (.264/.365/.397, 13 HR, 60 RBI, 74 BB, 3.5 WAR) was as good as it got. A far cry from their performances just a few seasons ago when Queensland won the United Cup (when they compiled 6.1 and 6.9 WAR respectively). The pitching staff however does show some promise, as 24-year old RHP Logan Belsey (12-16, 3.95 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, 102 ERA+ - 54/80) and 22-year old rookie RHP Stiofan Micklethwait (11-12, 3.64 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 110 ERA+ - 49/66) appear poised to settle into the rotation. Belsey was 4th overall pick in 1948-49 and Micklethwait a 9th overall pick in 1946-47. Biggest Disappointment: For the first two months of the season, it appeared that 25-year old 3B Alexander Crutcher (.279/.333/.411, 9 HR, 71 RBI, 42 BB, 5 SB, 1.7 WAR – 42/60) was embarking on a long-awaited break-out season, but that was quickly dashed when the former 11th overall pick fell into a prolonged slump the rest of the way. Crutcher is described as a hard worker with outstanding contact skills, speed and defense but the results are just not there. This was his fourth season in the United Leagues and supposedly, his best yet. Here’s hoping he delivers on his promise soon.  Current Injuries: None --------  
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United Leagues of Braeland Last edited by reds1; 08-06-2018 at 03:43 PM. |
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08-12-2018, 12:48 AM
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#455 |
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 3,860
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March 27, 1950
Western League: Unions, Generals ‘Check In’, Pulberry Owner ‘Checks Out’    --------  Offense: .280/.368/.399 (1st/1st/2nd) Pitching: 2.97/3.09/2.18 (1st/1st/1st) Defense: .726 (2nd) Chemistry: Happy After three straight second place finishes and 80-something win seasons, the Wolseley Unions powered their way into first place with 101 victories, easily outpacing the Fort Richmond Generals. There was very little they didn’t excel in other than perhaps home runs (100 – 5th in WL) and stolen bases (41 – 6th). Playing away from home didn’t faze them either, as they did better on the road (52-25) than at home (49-28). With their 101 victories, the Unions overall record now stands at 1000-1002 (the Queensland Eagles stand at 1001-1001). The Kingston Pelicans have the most wins in the ULB after 13 seasons, with 1166, while the Pulberry Trolleys have the fewest (856). Although the Unions didn’t break the record for lowest team ERA (which still stands at 2.85), they came close, and were the only team in the United Leagues to finish below 3.00. There were standout performances on both sides of the ball. 28-year old LF Carlton Hawking (.350/.480/.519, 14 HR, 89 RBI, 138 BB, 6.7 WAR) and 25-year old C Éric Denis (.308/.373/.490, 19 HR, 89 RBI, 53 BB, 5.6 WAR) were both their usual outstanding selves, with Carlton winning his second consecutive Western League Batting Title. But they weren’t the only ones who were terrific. Both 28-year old SS George Kimpton (.305/.385/.439, 13 HR, 101 RBI, 80 BB, 9 SB, 5.1 WAR) and 27-year old RF Howard Ockey (.307/.400/.426, 6 HR, 64 RBI, 69 BB, 7 SB, 4.5 WAR) each enjoyed the best season of the careers.  The pitching was second-to-none, which is saying something, considering some of the outstanding pitching staffs in the ULB. 31-year old RHP Bill Blair (21-4, 2.87 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 143 ERA+) led the way, setting a new record for winning percentage, with .8400. That beat Raúl Lucero’s nine-year old mark of .8333 (15-3, 3.70 ERA in 1940 with the Wellington Athletics). But Blair is ably supported by 26-year old ace RHP Jeremy Albury (18-12, 2.74 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 150 ERA+) and 30-year old RHP Kai Tosh (13-13, 3.11 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 132 ERA+). Wolseley also hit the jackpot when they signed free agent pitcher 28-year old RHP Shou-xin Chin (10-2, 7 SV, 1.23 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 2.23 FIP). Chin was rated as the No. 3 reliever in the United Leagues at season’s end. Biggest Surprise: The Unions now have four starting pitchers rated in the Top 20, as 25-year old LHP Axel Mackay (12-1, 3 SV, 2.31 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 177 ERA+) is now listed #19 overall. MacKay was simply outstanding after being installed in the rotation in late December. His previous two seasons in the majors were unremarkable. He has moved into the No. 4 spot, bumping 32-year old RHP Hun Park (8-9, 4.46 ERA, 1.39 WHIP, 92 ERA+) into the bullpen.  Player of the Week Awards: March 13 – RF Howard Ockey (.474, 9 H, 1 HR, 7 RBI) March 20 – LF Carlton Hawking (.640, 16 H, 8 RBI) Current Injuries: None. --------  Offense: .265/.333/.397 (2nd/6th/3rd) Pitching: 3.25/3.28/3.05 (2nd/2nd/2nd) Defense: .729 (1st) Chemistry: Ecstatic The Fort Richmond Generals remain a formidable team but fell into a funk in the second-half of the season, where they could only manage a 37-38 record (after starting 50-29). It’s not as if they are bad in any one area. But they just could not keep up with Wolseley. As good as they are on offense and pitching, they appear to be just a step below the Unions. The Generals also received some unfortunate news. Their top offensive player this season, 25-year old 2B Nobuyoshi Yoshida (.301/.345/.441, 9 HR, 71 RBI, 38 BB, 7 SB, 5.0 WAR), was injured in a game against the Cambria Cannons when legging out a double in the General’s 3-0 win. He is gone for the playoffs, dealing a bit of a blow to the club. That’s because the rest of the offense was having a bit of a down year while the club was easing in some new players. One example is 23-year old 1B Daniel Paterson (.302/.344/.544, 7 HR, 31 RBI, 11 BB, 1.2 WAR), a third-round pick from 1946-47. Paterson was installed as Fort Richmond’s starting 1B in the last two weeks of the season, taking over from 28-year old 1B Brian Earle (.298/.346/.434, 7 HR, 64 RBI, 29 BB, 1.9 WAR). Both appear capable starters, so Fort Richmond will have decision to make in the off-season. As it is, Paterson is rated 5th overall among all 1B in the ULB. The pitching staff is rock-solid, but 27-year old RHP Ch’ang-chieh Li (21-8, 2.90 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, 137 ERA+) enjoyed his best season thus far in his 4-year career. Biggest Disappointment: It’s hard to single out any one player for a disappointing season on a playoff-bound club, but 27-year old CF Dylan Moyne (.273/.335/.456, 24 HR, 83 RBI, 54 BB, 10 SB, 3.4 WAR) got off to a terribly slow start (batting .180/.255/.270 in December) before coming alive in the second half (.352/.412/.557 in March). His defense was also down from his established level of excellence (.984 PCT, 3.84 RNG, -0.4 ZR, 1.005). His drop-off is especially notable when you compare his WAR from his previous two seasons: 7.6 in 1947-48 and 9.0 last year.  Player of the Week Awards: February 6 – C Louis Wearne (.400, 10 H, 4 HR, 9 RBI) February 13 – RF Dylan Moyne (.520, 13 H, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 6 R) March 6 – RF Dylan Moyne (.444, 12 H, 1 HR, 7 RBI) Noteworthy: February 12 – SS Ninfa Puzon (.273/.371/.363, 4 HR, 35 RBI, 84 BB, 9 SB, 2.6 WAR) saw his 27-game hitting streak, the longest in the United Leagues this season, come to end in a game against the Embro Suns. Puzon went 0 for 1 when he entered the game as a pinch hitter in the 10th inning. Nevertheless, his Generals still prevailed when they scored two runs in the top of the 10th inning to pull out a 4-2 victory at Embro’s Speaker Stadium. Current Injuries: March 23 – 2B Nobuyoshi Yoshida – strained abdominal muscle. Out for: five weeks. --------  Offense: .261/.351/.403 (4th/2nd/1st) Pitching: 4.39/4.36/4.50 (5th/5th/4th) Defense: .696 (7th) Chemistry: Happy The Kingston Pelicans appeared poised to challenge Fort Richmond for the wild card in the last two months of the season, but their pitching just could not hold up and by mid-February, they quickly became an also-ran and just barely avoided their second sub-.500 season. The pitching staff overall endured another down year, as 25-year old LHP Dana Listman (15-15, 4.06 ERA, 1.56 WHIP, 101 ERA+), who was steady through most of the season, completely collapsed in the final two months (2-8, 5.34 ERA, 1.64 WHIP). The offense was led by two genuine superstars: 31-year old C Danny Trowbridge (.344/.447/.519, 15 HR, 74 RBI, 92 BB, 7.0 WAR) and 35-year old 1B Dean Bishop (.268/.405/.572, 39 HR, 144 RBI, 126 BB, 6.8 WAR). Bishop earned just 2.9 WAR last season. Biggest Surprise: It may not look like much, but 28-year old LF Glen Traill (.297/.393/.457, 7 HR, 43 RBI, 55 BB, 12 SB, 2.7 WAR) enjoyed his best season by far. Originally drafted by the Wolseley Unions 8th overall in 1942-43, Traill had been underwhelming up to this point. But his trade to Kingston last season appears to have put him on the right track at last.  Noteworthy: March 21 – On March 3, Dean Bishop hit his 36th home run against the Fort Richmond Generals, tying him with Embro’s Jim Friend and Hall of Famer Jayden Tennant for most home runs in a season in the ULB. Then for next 15 excruciating games, Bishop went homerless. Finally, in Game 149 played against the Hespeler Stars, Bishop went 1 for 4. That lone hit was a 2-run shot in the top of the 5th inning against RHP Dominic Whitmore, breaking the old mark. Bishop would wallop two more homers before season’s end to establish the new record of 39.  Current Injuries: None. --------  Offense: .261/.338/.370 (3rd/3rd/6th) Pitching: 4.14/4.18/3.89 (3rd/4th/3rd) Defense: .706 (4th) Chemistry: Unhappy The Balmoral Giants made some player moves before the deadline in an attempt to move up in the standings, but it didn’t work out. The Giants collapsed in March to finish ten games below .500. Just like last season, they finished 29 games out of first place in the West. Long-time GM Victor Lynch may have to rethink his strategy, as Balmoral needs much more than just a complementary player or two to compete. They need to reboot as the team is quickly going to seed. 27-year old 2B Sean Brearton (.291/.366/.426, 12 HR, 69 RBI, 67 BB, 5.0 WAR) and 24-year old C Dominic Pipard (.288/.392/.369, 4 HR, 65 RBI, 81 BB, 3.7 WAR) each enjoyed their best seasons in the United Leagues so far, but neither are players capable of carrying a team. The rest of the lineup either had down seasons or have their best years behind them. No. 1 starter 30-year old LHP Ricardo Cruz (15-16, 3.45 ERA, 1.37 WHIP, 117 ERA+) enjoyed a respectable sophomore season, but the rest of the staff was inconsistent. 35-year old LHP Hirotada Fukushima (6-18, 4.95 ERA, 1.71 WHIP, 82 ERA+), the former 5-time all-star and 5-time United Cup winner, was acquired from the Hespeler Stars in late December. But he was an outright bust (4-8, 6.04 ERA, 1.83 WHIP, 67 ERA+) after the trade. Biggest Disappointment: Just as there’s not a lot of standouts, neither are there any huge disappointments. So this took some thinking. Ultimately, I went with 26-year old LF Clyde Whitaker (.236/.358/.343, 8 HR, 34 RBI, 83 BB, 14 SB, 1.3 WAR). Whitaker was a 9th overall pick back in 1942-43 and joined the big-league club in late 1944, but he had not done a lot since then. This season was one of his poorest. He has good plate discipline, tremendous fielding capabilities and blinding speed. And yet, he is only rated 13th overall among leftfielders in the ULB. He does have reputation of being a procrastinator (I know the feeling), so perhaps that’s preventing him from reaching his potential.  Current Injuries: None. --------  Offense: .256/.336/.389 (6th/4th/4th) Pitching: 4.66/4.65/4.72 (7th/7th/6th) Defense: .687 (8th) Chemistry: Happy The Cambria Cannons lost 12 more games than they did last season, but no doubt the team viewed this season as one of transition. The Cannons have some talented young players that joined the big league roster this year and are eager to see how they will fare next season. Certainly, this club could use a jolt in all facets of the game, as most of the pitchers and position players were not able to keep up with the Unions and Generals of the League. How bad this team would have been without 30-year old SS César Ruíz (.310/.414/.541, 31 HR, 116 RBI, 97 BB, 7.2 WAR) leaves one to shudder, as seldom has a player made an entrance into the United Leagues as has Ruíz. He is a lock for the Rookie of the Year in the West and is rated the No. 1 player in the entire ULB. Only one other player approached his excellence on the Cannons’ squad and that was 32-year old C Heung-su Park (.325/.412/.460, 12 HR, 58 RBI, 68 BB, 6.0 WAR). Park enjoyed his best season at the plate since the 1946-47 season. Biggest Surprise: Although he only joined Cambria in late December after being traded from Fort Richmond, 27-year old LHP Jamie Wigley (11-4, 3.93 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 102 ERA+) immediately found a home in the Cannons’ rotation and got better as the season wore on. Drafted in the 6th round in 1942-43, the tall, lanky Australian won a United Cup with the Generals in 1947-48, going 1-1, 1 SV, 7.11 ERA, 1.50 WHIP in his first taste of the majors. The Cannons sure hope he has more pleasant surprises in store in the years to come.  Player of the Week Awards: February 20 – CF Brian Cosey (.444, 8 H, 2 HR, 4 RBI) Current Injuries: March 26 – RHP Rizal Doctolero – rotator cuff strain. Out for: two weeks. --------  Offense: .259/.336/.367 (5th/5th/7th) Pitching: 4.23/4.06/5.07 (4th/3rd/7th) Defense: .706 (3rd) Chemistry: Feuding Like the Cannons, the Sherburn Tigers are at a crossroads, but unless their young studs already on the major league roster can establish themselves, then things could be going south very soon. Sherburn has the weakest farm system in the United Leagues and long-time GM Gareth Danior has made some head-scratching moves over the past year. And the jury is still out on those trades. The Tigers are now 4-years removed from their last playoff appearance when they won 91 games. There’s no evidence that they are on track to get back to that anytime soon. The pitching relied heavily on 26-year old RHP Jesús Chapa (12-15, 3.82 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 107 ERA+), who had a down year overall, and 23-year old RHP Ben Buschlen (17-12, 3.82 ERA, 1.42 WHIP, 107 ERA+). Buschlen finished the year strong in March, winning Pitching of the Month honors. The offense had only one standout. 23-year old LF Noah Teale (.313/.395/.507, 16 HR, 97 RBI, 78 BB, 18 SB, 4.4 WAR) enjoyed a break-out season, but others need to step up as well if the Tigers are going be relevant. 23-year old 2B Jack Burt (.318/.364/.434, 1 HR, 75 RBI, 45 BB, 3.5 WAR) was terrific at the plate, but struggled defensively (.966 PCT, 5.66 RNG, -5.4 ZR, .978 EFF). Biggest Disappointment: 30-year old SS Otton Overbeek (.237/.318/.332, 4 HR, 35 RBI, 42 BB, 0.9 WAR) is a 6-time all-star but his performance at the plate fell off a cliff this season. He’s still solid defensively, but manager Lewis Trueman had to bury him in the No. 8 spot in the lineup all season. The Tigers can only hope he rebounds, as they have no prospect in the pipeline to step in.  Current Injuries: None. --------  Offense: .247/.323/.373 (8th/7th/5th) Pitching: 4.58/4.57/4.67 (6th/6th/5th) Defense: .706 (5th) Chemistry: Unhappy The Hespeler Stars finished the season with a 24-24 record in February and March, which must count for something. Hespeler has for years now been seeing one prospect after another fail to live up to their full potential. They have captains and leaders in abundance, but the roster is without any true superstars. I don’t think GM Roy King has necessarily done anything wrong in his draft selections over the years; they just haven’t panned out. This is a team that could be a powerhouse right now if all their prospects lived up to their initial hype. Hopefully, things will turn around soon for this hard-luck team. On the pitching side of things, only 25-year old RHP Paul Woodruff (15-22, 3.99 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, 102 ERA+) could be said to have had a respectable season. The workhorse pitched 268.2 innings this season, the most on the team. His previous best was 199.0. 28-year old 3B Oliver Pickford (.322/.393/.497, 11 HR, 50 RBI, 37 BB, 3.7 WAR) was as good as it got for the Stars. But the former 2nd-round pick from 1940-41 had essentially done nothing in his previous three seasons (a grand total of 0.7 WAR), so his emergence this year is encouraging. The performance of 27-year old RF Kominiko Hokulani (.252/.355/.421, 15 HR, 48 RBI, 80 BB, 6 SB, 3.1 WAR) in his first full season as a starter was also a cause for optimism. Hokulani was a 4th overall pick in 1945-46. Lastly, 27-year old C Enrique García (.253/.363/.377, 14 HR, 68 RBI, 77 BB, 3.5 WAR) continues to progress with each passing season, albeit modestly. He was a 2nd-round pick from 1944-45. Biggest Disappointment: As mentioned earlier, Hespeler is rife with young, promising players that haven’t lived up to their potential. But at least most them are contributing something. That cannot be said of 26-year old CF Jacob Pate (.235/.293/.340, 11 HR, 56 RBI, 46 BB, 6 SB, -0.2 WAR). Pate was drafted 6th overall in 1942-43, with a reputation of a decent bat, great speed and way above-average defense. So far, he has failed to deliver in all three aspects. Over the past four seasons, he has averaged just over 1.0 WAR. This past season was his worst yet, with a lacklustre effort both at the plate and in the field (.988 PCT, 3.65 RNG, -5.9 ZR, .996 EFF). He is described as ‘thick-headed’, so there you go.  Current Injuries: None. --------  Offense: .253/.321/.366 (7th/8th/8th) Pitching: 5.01/4.87/5.70 (8th/8th/8th) Defense: .702 (6th) Chemistry: Feuding The season has mercifully come to an end for the Pulberry Trolleys and perhaps a new era will soon begin, as the club saw new ownership take over as of March 3. Hopefully the new regime will put a fire under management so that long-standing issues plaguing this team will be finally addressed. For all their dysfunction, the Trolleys’ future is not all bleak. Their farm system is rated 4th overall and that doesn’t include their most recent 1st-round draft pick, 23-year old CF Cooper Tyson (.280/.400/640 – 27/70), who finished the year in AAA and appears to be the real deal. Another 1st-round draft pick, 22-year old 3B Makani Kahale (.245/.284/.393, 8 HR, 38 RBI, 22 BB, 3 SB, 0.9 WAR – 45/73) began getting into the major league lineup more frequently in January and finished the season hitting in the No. 2 spot. He looks to be a candidate for having a break-out season next year. And of course, the Trolleys assured themselves the first overall pick in next year’s draft. But the lack of impact players on the pitching staff and in most of the lineup, not to mention the backlog of front-line players languishing on the bench (as discussed in the previous Western League report) really needs to be addressed before next season rolls around. Biggest Surprise: There’s little point of harping on the negatives all the time, so I thought I would focus on a positive here. 24-year old SS Francis Jones (.331/.430/.502, 17 HR, 72 RBI, 88 BB, 7 SB, 5.6 WAR) is that rare player on Pulberry’s roster that blossomed into a legitimate star this season. He is the No. 2 shortstop in the ULB (after Cambria’s César Ruíz) and is now listed 11th overall among all position players, the only Pulberry player to make an appearance. The Trolleys finally have a cornerstone player they can build around.  Player of the Week Awards: February 27 – C Gareth Kody (.583, 7 H, 2 HR, 8 RBI) Noteworthy: March 3 – Well, at the very least, the ‘Commissioner’ will have to be careful next time not to think out loud. Not long after he publicly expressed concern over the Pulberry Trolleys’ continued struggles on the field, long-time owner Paul Winterackley died. It was announced a short time later that his son, Steven, would be taking the wheel. So we’ll just have to see whether the Trolley’s fortunes will improve under the younger Winterackler’s watch.  Current Injuries: None. --------  
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08-13-2018, 02:09 AM
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#456 |
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 2,521
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Won't get to excited but perhaps the Trollyes future just became slightly brighter. Thanks for pointing out some positives in an otherwise tough season for Pulberry. Go Trolleys!
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08-13-2018, 06:25 PM
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#457 |
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Join Date: May 2002
Location: Winnipeg
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Your welcome, DreamTeams!
I only sim as much as I need to in order to write up my reports. So when I took Pulberry management and ownership to task, I had no idea that the owner was going to kick the bucket just a few weeks later (OOTP strikes again). They were right about it being 'God mode'. 
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08-13-2018, 08:35 PM
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#458 |
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Minors (Rookie Ball)
Join Date: Aug 2014
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Sending my sincerest kudos for keeping this going, reds1. Have enjoyed it for years, and your skill in storytelling and scene-setting *away* from the straight baseball is one of a kind on this board. I always enjoy the cut-in stories immensely.
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08-14-2018, 07:56 AM
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#459 | |
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Join Date: May 2002
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 3,860
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Quote:
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08-15-2018, 10:16 PM
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#460 |
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Hall Of Famer
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Winnipeg
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 Downie Chiefs (96-58) vs. Braeland City Monarchs (90-64) Season Matchup: 9-6 in favor of Downie Downie: Runs scored – 796 (2nd in East); runs against – 623 (1st) Braeland City: Runs scored – 819 (1st); runs against – 719 (6th) After nine straight losing seasons, the Downie Chiefs ended last year with a 79-75 record – just the third time they finished above .500. This year, they proved it was no fluke. The Chiefs secured their first playoff appearance back on March 14 and locked up first place on March 21, six days before the end of the regular season. Downie is now entering uncharted territory for them but they will do so with home field advantage, at least for the Pennant Series. Their rival for the Eastern League Pennant is no stranger to the playoffs, having qualified for the third straight year and fifth overall. The Braeland City Monarchs have won the Pennant twice, in 1939-40 and 1947-48, but are still looking for their first Championship. So if the United Cup comes to the Eastern League this year, a first-time champion will be crowned. Both clubs are dealing with injuries as they look to the first game of the Series. Downie is without the services of 34-year old veteran RHP Harley Bracher (18-9, 4.69 ERA, 1.58 WHIP, 85 ERA+), who suffered mild shoulder inflammation while pitching against the Wellington Athletics on March 25. The injury is considered minor, but Downie elected to place him on the disabled list as they are going with a 4-man rotation anyway and are already carrying 12 pitchers into the playoffs. Bracher will be available following the Pennant Series. Braeland City’s 28-year old SS Simon Flatt (.249/.353/.333, 4 HR, 48 RBI, 72 BB, 1.5 WAR) has been nursing a strained rib cage muscle ever since he was injured in a collision at 2B during an unsuccessful steal attempt by Wolseley Unions’ George Kimpton back on February 15. However, he remained in the lineup and will lead off for Braeland City in Game 1. For 54-year old Bill Bouchet – the only manager the Downie Chiefs have ever known – and the rest of his club, the spotlight of the playoffs will be a new experience. But for Braeland City’s 52-year old Toby Reakes and company, they are looking to finally go all the way after coming up short on four previous occasions. Thus, fans in the nation’s capital are excited over yet another chance for glory, while Downie fans are still processing the fact that their Chiefs are actually in the playoffs. This is what baseball fans dream about. Let the games begin! -------- Game 1 – March 28 Gibson Ballpark sees its first post-season action and 29,804 are on hand to witness it. Clear, balmy skies (77F) with just a slight breeze blowing in from left (10 mph) set the scene. 27-year old RHP Kelii Pelanekelina (19-11, 2.82 ERA, 1.23 WHIP) makes his first career playoff start, while Braeland City’s No. 2 starter, 29-year old RHP Okura Suzuki (17-9, 3.52 ERA, 1.30 WHIP) will pitch in his 5th playoff game. He previously pitched for the Queensland Eagles in their Championship run three seasons ago. Bottom of the 1st: The Chiefs waste no time seizing the momentum. 1B Robin Duerden singles with one out and advances to 3B when CF Alfonso León connects for a line drive double into the gap in left-centerfield. Next up is 3B Dominic Dudding. Dudding battles Suzuki to a full-count, then crushes a 3-run home run, 334 ft. into rightfield to open the scoring. C Jilenko Batiles immediately follows and stings Suzuki as well, sending a 0-1 pitch 337 ft. into rightfield for a solo home run. Suzuki surrenders two more singles but is able to strike out SP Pelanekelina to end the inning without further damage. Braeland City 0 – Downie 4 Top of the 2nd: The Monarchs put runners on the corners when C Christopher Dainty leads off with a single and CF Ricardo Castellanos follows with a double. With one out, RF Jesús Ortego grounds out to the shortstop. Dainty comes home safely on the play, getting Braeland City on the board. Braeland City 1 – Downie 4 Bottom of the 2nd: SS Mac Medley and Robin Duerden lead off with back-to-back singles, putting runners on 1B and 2B. After Alfonso León advances the runners on a 5-3 groundout, Dominic Dudding collects his fourth RBI of the game when he too hits into a 5-3 groundout, scoring Medley. Braeland City 1 – Downie 5 Bottom of the 7th: With RHP Lee Corp taking over from Okura Suzuki, Dominic Dudding and Jilenko Batiles lead off with back-to-back singles. RF Nathan Ashman and 2B Francis Burrow both hit into fielder’s choices at 2B, allowing Dudding to advance and score. Looking to finish the game in the top of the 9th, Pelanekelina strikes out Jesús Ortego and induces a 4-3 ground out from PH Jorge Valentín for two quick outs. Pelanekelina then hits SS Simon Flatt on his first offering. But the game ends when 2B Patrick Lidgate flies out to deep centerfield on the next at-bat. The Chiefs take Game 1. FINAL: Braeland City 1 – Downie 6  Player of the Game: Dominic Dudding made quite the impression in his first playoff game, going 3 for 5, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R. Kelii Pelanekelina was impressive as well, going 9.0 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 5 BB, 4 K, 134 PI (1-0, 1.00; Game Score: 72). For Braeland City: Okura Suzuki had that rough 1st inning. In all, he went 6.0 IP, 10 H, 5 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 2 HR, 108 PI (0-1, 7.50 ERA; GS: 33). -------- Game 2 – March 29 The Monarchs and Chiefs return to Gibson Ballpark, with 29,959 giddy fans looking to see if Downie can take both games before heading to Braeland City. It’s cooled off just a little (70F) with partly cloudy skies and a soft breeze (11 mph) blowing out to right. 30-year old RHP Joong Ling (18-5, 2.86 ERA, 1.05 WHIP) will make his first career playoff start. Braeland City responds with their ace, 29-year old LHP Nicholas Grimes (16-15, 4.01 ERA, 1.32 WHIP). This will be Grimes’ third career playoff start and he is still looking for his first win (0-1, 5.52 ERA, 1.98 WHIP). Top of the 4th: Ling and Grimes exchange zeros until the fourth inning, when Ling runs into some trouble. After getting two quick outs, Ling gives up a single to LF Daniel Tantoco. Up next is C Christopher Dainty, who turns on a 1-2 pitch and crushes a line drive 2-run home run 407 ft. to the left-centerfield bleachers, giving the Monarchs the lead. Braeland City 2 – Downie 0 Bottom of the 7th: Grimes keeps Downie’s hitters at bay until 3B Dominic Dudding leads off the bottom half of the 7th. Working the count full, Dudding then connects for a solo home run, sending it 352 ft. in the leftfield stands and getting the Chiefs on the board. Braeland City 2 – Downie 1 Bottom of the 8th: 2B Francis Burrow leads off with a single but is thrown out at 2B when PH Connor Buswell hits into a fielder’s choice. Buswell then reaches second on a SS Mac Medley ground out. RF Nathan Ashman singles into left field. Buswell advances to 3B and is waved home. LF Curt Tiffany throws home but Buswell beats out the throw to tie the game. With the lead lost, SP Grimes next faces CF Alfonso León. León immediately jumps all over Grimes’ first pitch, sending it 346 ft. in the rightfield bleachers for a 2-run homer, giving Downie the lead. RP Carl Luscombe relieves Joong Ling to start the top half of the 9th. But Luscombe gives up back-to-back walks to C Alexander Pyatt and CF Ricardo Castellanos with nobody out. 3B Dennis Borton then lays down a sac bunt to advance the runners 90 ft. With both runners in scoring position Luscombe comes up big, striking out both RF Jesús Ortego and PH Jorge Valentín to end the threat and the game. FINAL: Braeland City 2 – Downie 4  Player of the Game: Joong Ling earned game honors. He went 8.0 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 K, 1 HR, 113 PI (1-0, 2.25 ERA; GS: 66). Dominic Dudding stayed hot for the second game in a row, going 2 for 4, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 R. For Braeland City: Nicholas Grimes’ winless streak in the playoffs continues, as he went 8.0 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 2 HR, 120 PI (0-1, 4.50 ERA; GS: 54). -------- Game 3 – March 31 The Monarchs look to some ‘home cooking’ to try and get into the win column. The Series shifts to Kings Park in the nation’s capital with Braeland City down 2 games to none. But 26,751 fans have packed the stadium to cheer on their club. Weather won’t be a factor once again, as clear skies, warm sunshine (77F) and a gentle breeze (12 mph) blowing out to left make it a great afternoon for baseball. Taking the hill for Braeland City is 29-year old RHP Robin Medellin (12-12, 4.11 ERA, 1.56 WHIP). This will be Medellin’s third career start in the playoffs, after starting two games last season (1-1, 6.75 ERA). Downie will be countering with 29-year old RHP Bernie Knowles (16-11, 3.48 ERA, 1.32 WHIP). This will be Knowles’ first appearance in the playoffs since 1945 when he was with the Kingston Pelicans and will mark his first career start. Top of the 1st: 1B Robin Duerden wastes little time opening the scoring, as he slams a one out solo home run, 399 ft. to right-centerfield. Downie 1 – Braeland City 0 Top of the 4th: 3B Dominic Dudding doubles Downie’s lead when he crushes a lead off solo home run 426 ft. to dead centerfield. It’s his third home run in as many games. Downie 2 – Braeland City 0 Bottom of the 4th: The Monarchs are held hitless until the 4th inning, when they get to Bernie Knowles big time. LF Daniel Tanoco and C Christopher Dainty bang out back-to-back singles with one out. After CF Ricardo Castellanos flies out to centerfield, 3B Andy Mack lines a triple to the gap in left-centerfield, scoring both runners to tie the game. Downie elects to intentionally walk RF Jesús Ortega, to face SP Robin Medellin. But Medellin drives a 2-2 pitch into the gap in right-centerfield, scoring both Mack and Ortega, giving the Monarchs the lead. Downie 2 – Braeland City 4 Top of the 7th: Medellin gets two quick outs to start the inning but then runs into trouble. Downie loads the bases on a single by Robin Duerden, a walk by CF Alfonso León and a single by Dominic Dudding. C Jilenko Batiles and LF Howard Dumbrill battle Medellin for back-to-back walks. That forces in two runs, tying up the game. That ends Medellin’s afternoon. RHP Samuel Hollier takes over but RF Nathan Ashman connects on a long single to deep centerfield. Dudding scores to give the Chiefs the lead once again. Batliles is waved home on the play and beats out Ricardo Castellanos’s throw home. 2B Francis Burrow follows with a single of his own that just gets past the shortstop. Nathan Ashman races home from 2B and also beats out Castellanos’ throw home. In the bottom of the 9th, Bernie Knowles looks to complete his first playoff start. After getting a ground out and strikeout to start the inning, SS Simon Flatt and 2B Patrick Lidgate crank out back-to-back singles, bringing the tying run to the plate. But Knowles induces a 3-1 groundout from 1B Dean Witherden to end the game, giving the Chiefs a commanding 3 games to none lead in the series. FINAL: Downie 7 – Braeland City 4  Player of the Game: Dominic Dudding remained on fire for the third consecutive game and won his second PotG honor in the series. Today he went 3 for 4, with 1 HR, 1 R, 2 R, 1 BB. Robin Duerden went 3 for 5, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 R. Bernie Knowles just had that one rough inning. In all, he went 9.0 IP, 8 H, 4 ER, 4 BB, 3 K, 132 PI (1-0, 4.00 ERA, GS: 54). For Braeland City: Robin Medellin got roughed up by the red-hot Chiefs, going 6.2 IP, 8 H, 7 ER, 6 BB, 4 K, 2 HR, 130 PI (0-1, 9.45 ERA, GS: 28). -------- Game 4 – April 1 It’s ‘do or die’ time for Braeland City as they have been unable to halt the steamroller that is the Downie Chiefs. Kings Park once again will host the two clubs with 26,734 fans hoping against hope that their team can keep their season alive. The setting is perfect for an afternoon of baseball: partly cloudy, warm (75F) with a slight breeze blowing out to right (12 mph). A pair of No. 4 pitchers will face each other. 40-year old LHP David Cooling (16-11, 3.67 ERA, 1.23 WHIP) has been given the task of ‘cooling down’ Downie’s hot bats, while the Chiefs counter with 30-year old RHP Donn Griffin (10-8, 3.70 ERA, 1.42 WHIP). Cooling is a seasoned veteran, having started 11 previous playoff games, all for the Monarchs (3-8, 3.01 ERA). Griffin pitched for the Stratford Barons in the playoffs a few years ago and started one game (0-1, 14.14 ERA). Top of the 2nd: Downie strikes first when 1B Robin Duerden leads off with a single. After LF Howard Dumbrill strikes out, C Whatahui Inoke takes Cooling yard, sending a 1-1 pitch 395 ft. to the left-centerfield stands for a 2-run home run. Downie 2 – Braeland City 0 Bottom of the 5th: Braeland City gets something going with a couple of Downie miscues. 3B Andy Mack reaches 1B safely on an error (E4). After RF Jesús Ortega draws a full count walk, David Cooling lays down a sac bunt to advance the runners. Donn Griffin is clearly having control issues as he throws three straight balls to SS Simon Flatt before throwing a wild pitch. That allows Mack to score Braeland City’s first run. Simon Flatt ultimately draws a walk but 2B Patrick Lidgate hits into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning. Downie 2 – Braeland City 1 Top of the 6th: The Monarchs return the favor by committing three errors in the inning. Both Whatahui Inoke and 2B Francis Burrow reach base safely on back-to-back errors (E8 and E6) to start the inning. Donn Griffin slaps a ground ball towards 3B and reaches safely on Braeland City’s third straight error (E5). That allows Inoke to come home, restoring Downie’s 2-run lead. Downie 3 – Braeland City 1 Bottom of the 6th: LF Daniel Tantoco punches a one-out single through the hole into shallow leftfield. Next up is C Christopher Dainty who puts a charge into Donn Griffin’s first offering and sends it 356 ft. into the raucous leftfield stands for a 2-run home run, tying the game. Downie 3 – Braeland City 3 Bottom of the 9th: In the bottom of the 9th, RHP Bill Lafontaine, who took over from Donn Griffin in the 8th, gets the Monarchs to go down in order, sending the game into extras. Downie 3 – Braeland City 3 Top of the 10th: PH Connor Buswell leads off and reaches safely on an error (E6). Just after SS Mac Medley is intentionally walked, Buswell steals 3B. Six pitches later, Medley steals 2B without a throw just as RF Nathan Ashman strikes out for the first out. With two out, 3B Dominic Dudding is intentionally walked to load the bases. But RHP Samuel Hollier gets PH Jilenko Batiles to fly out to centerfield to preserve the tie. Downie 3 – Braeland City 3 Top of the 11th: With RHP Lee Corp taking over from Samuel Hollier, Howard Dumbrill leads off with a double. Then with one out, Francis Burrow comes through with a double down the leftfield line, scoring Dumbrill for the go-ahead run. LHP Carl Luscombe follows and hits for himself, drawing a 4-pitch walk. But Mac Medley grounds into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning. Downie 4 – Braeland City 3 Bottom of the 11th: Down to their last three outs, Braeland City makes things interesting. Patrick Lidgate leads off and strikes out swinging. Dean Witherden then singles into rightfield. After Daniel Tantoco flies out to centerfield for the second out, Christopher Dainty draws a four-pitch walk. Witherden, now in scoring position, is replaced by PR Curt Tiffany. Ricardo Castellanos follows and draws a walk off of Carl Luscombe, loading the bases. Next up is Andy Mack, who line drives the first pitch he sees. But it’s hit straight to SS Mac Medley and he hangs on to snuff out the threat, ending the game and the series. The Downie Chiefs win the Eastern League Pennant in impressive fashion and now move on to the United Cup! FINAL: Downie 4 – Braeland City 3   Player of the Game: Donn Griffin pitched a fine game, although he did not get the win. In all, he went 7.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 1 HR, 107 PI (0-0, 2.57 ERA; GS: 59). Whatahui Inoke went 2 for 5, with 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 R, 1 BB. For Braeland City: David Cooling battled like a pro (and perhaps pitched his last playoff game), although it was not enough. He went 8.2 IP, 11 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K, 1 HR, 140 PI (0-0, 2.08 ERA; GS: 51) -------- 
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United Leagues of Braeland Last edited by reds1; 08-18-2018 at 08:44 PM. |
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