With the division locked up, look for Dickie Thon to see time this final week as he makes his way back from injury and Dick Redding to get some ABs as well as a start or 2.
George Hendrick hit 2 out, but Brooklyn fell to Ottawa, 10-7. Hendrick has been tearing the cover off the ball since he came over from Philadelphia, and is making a very strong case for a role in the postseason for the Royal Giants.
The Royal Giants hit four consecutive homeruns, but it wasn’t enough as they fell to Birmingham, 11-9. Ray Dandridge, John Briggs, Jackie Robinson, and Beals Becker all went deep in the 7th, part of an 8 run explosion that gave Brooklyn a 9-5 lead. The usually dependable Trevor Hildenberger imploded, however, leading to the surprising defeat.
#Homestead Grays
The Grays recalled Paul Waner, Sterling Marte, Moose Haas, and Ray Brown for the final few games of the season.
Josh Gibson hit 2 out and nudged his BA back up to .396 as he chases .400 over the last few games of the season, but Homestead fell to Birmingham, 6-5. 2 more hits from Gibson nudged his average back to exactly .400 with 2 games to play as the Grays fell to Ottawa, 10-3.
#Ottawa Mounties
Chris Bosio and Mike Sharperson were sent to AAA to clear room for Dave Gregg and Mike Dorgan‘s return from their rehab assignments.
Bill Crouch will miss the last few games of the season, with Mike Minor being recalled.
Josh Donaldson hit 2 out as the Mounties rolled over the Grays, 10-3.
#Philadelphia Stars
Harmon Killebrew hit 2 homeruns, but the Stars faltered, falling 15-8 to Indianapolis.
Sherry Magee and Charles Rogan each drove in 5 (Rogan on 4 hits) and Odúbel Herrera scored 4 times as the Stars put an old fashioned whupping on the Gothams, 16-1. Rogan and Herrera doubled twice and Bill Dickey, Aaron Judge, and Killebrew each went deep in support of an excellent start from Ray Collins, who pitched 7 shutout innings allowing only 3 hits.
Both Scott Rolen and Judge hit 2 homeruns on the final day of the season, leading the Stars to an 8-4 win over the New York Gothams.
With the American Giants still looking for some help at 1B going into next year, they recalled the newly signed Dick Wakefield. Michael McKenry was sent down to make room.
In their final game, Freddie Lindstrom went 4 for 4, driving in 4 with 2 homeruns leading the American Giants to a 10-5 victory over Portland. Joe Jackson, Dick Allen, and Kevin Mitchell each went deep for Chicago as well.
#Los Angeles Angels
The Angels will turn over starting duties to a bevy of new names this week, with Luke Walker, Julio Teheran (who has been impressive in a few starts after 56 bullpen appearances), Vic Willis, Harry Howell, and Nolan Ryan all expected to get a chance starting games.
Carlos Delgado hit 2 homers in a 5-3 loss to San Francsico.
#Miami Cuban Giants
Gary Sheffield‘s return from injury means less time for Andy Pafko, despite Pafko’s solid performance. Bert Campaneris was recalled for the final week of the season, although his appearances may be limited as the Cuban Giants push for a surprise Wild Card spot.
#Portland Sea Dogs
Bobby Murcer closed out his season strong, belting 2 homeruns as the Sea Dogs fell to Chicago, 10-5.
#San Francisco Sea Lions
Bump Hadley improved to 18-6 on the year, twirling a 1-hit shutout of New York. Jack Clark went deep twice, and Reggie Jackson, Bobby Bonds, and Rickey Henderson also homered in the 9-0 walkover.
Henderson hit 2 more out as the Sea Lions topped Los Angeles in their penultimate contest of the regular season, 5-3, with Rod Beck earning his league leading 41st save.
Look for the Black Sox to give Phil Bradley and Asdrúbal Cabrera a few starts over the final week of the season, with Dick Ellsworth and Kevin Tapani continuing to get extended looks on the mound.
Bradley and Cal Ripken, Jr. each hit 2 out, leading the Black Sox to a 10-6, come from behind victory over Portland.
#Cleveland Spiders
Joe Smith was sent down with Bob Tewksbury being recalled as the Spiders try to overtake the Black Yankees for the division title.
#Detroit Wolverines
JD Martinez has forced the Wolverines to give him more playing time with an OPS nearing 1.300 in 35 games. That means his OPS is–in limited appearances–higher than Ty Cobb‘s. I don’t care if you do that in 5 games or 35, that’s impressive.
Some notes as we move through the final week of the season.
#Monday
Miami moved in front of Detroit by a half game in the AL Wild Card race behind a great start from Phenomenal Smith, whose return may be a difference maker for the Cuban Giants. Smith gave up 1 run in 7 innings, moving to 4-0. Hal Newhouser was good for Detroit, but an early homer from Gary Sheffield and a late one from Joe Adcock sealed the game for Miami.
Miami Cuban Giants
77-79
—
Detroit Wolverines
77-80
0.5
AL Wild Card
Cleveland was supposed to have an easy time of it, hosting the lowly Memphis Red Sox. But the Spiders’ bullpen collapsed, and they dropped a 9-8 decision to the visitors, who were powered by homers from Lefty O’Doul, Hack Wilson, and David Ortiz.
New York Black Yankees
89-67
—
Cleveland Spiders
87-69
2
Bill James Division
In a series that means more for Indianapolis than Philadelphia, the ABC’s opened with a decisive win, 15-8 over the Stars. Johnny Bench hit 2 out, and the game wasn’t as close as the score (Philadelphia tallied 5 in the 9th to make it more respectable).
Houston Colt 45s
81-75
—
Indianapolis ABC’s
78-79
3.5
Kansas City Monarchs
77-80
4.5
Marvin Miller Division
Indianapolis ABC’s
78-79
—
Kansas City Monarchs
77-80
1
Wandering House of David
76-81
2
NL Wild Card
#Tuesday
Detroit pulled back into a dead heat with Miami, pounding out 6 homeruns (2 from JD Martinez) in an 11-5 win. Ernie Lombardi, Tony Lazzeri, Oscar Gamble, and Ty Cobb also went deep for the Wolverines in an easy win for the visitors.
Detroit Wolverines
78-80
—
Miami Cuban Giants
77-80
0.5
AL Wild Card
Memphis did it again, beating Cleveland 4-2, and dropping the Spiders 2.5 games behind the Black Yankees. Homers from Reggie Smith and Wade Boggs backed a strong showing from Stubby Overmire, who moved to 13-9 on the year. The Spiders, however, remained only 2 games behind the Black Yankees as New York fell to San Francisco, 9-0, as Bump Hadley improved to 18-6 with a masterful 1-hitter.
New York Black Yankees
89-68
—
Cleveland Spiders
87-70
2
Bill James Division
Philadelphia stormed back from a 7-1 deficit, beating the ABC’s 8-7 on a pinch-hit walkoff shot from Aaron Judge–his 60th of the year–in a game that saw 2 grandslams, one from Indianapolis’ Ed Swartwood, the other from the Stars’ Charles Rogan. This was good news for Houston, who dropped a 9-8 decision to the New York Gothams, who were powered by 2 homeruns from Willie Mays. Houston remains 3.5 games ahead in the Marvin Miller Division.
Riding an excellent start from Rick Reuschel, the House of David pulled into a tie with Kansas City by defeating the Monarchs 3-1. Reuschel was supported by Ryne Sandberg‘s 40th homer of the year, and the win leaves both teams 1 game behind Indianapolis in the Wild Card race.
Houston Colt 45s
81-75
—
Indianapolis ABC’s
78-79
3.5
Kansas City Monarchs
77-80
4.5
Marvin Miller Division
Indianapolis ABC’s
78-80
—
Kansas City Monarchs
77-81
1
Wandering House of David
77-81
1
NL Wild Card
#Wednesday
What you see depends on where you stand: Miami fans will be miserable at their bullpen’s performance, as the Cuban Giants’ relievers surrendered 11 runs over the final 4 innings n an 11-8 loss to Detroit. Wolverines fans, of course, will be applauding the clutch performance of their team, led by Juan Beníquez‘ 4 hits and 3 RBI’s from Charlie Gehringer and Bob Bailey. The win moves Detroit 1.5 games up in the Wild Card chase.
Detroit Wolverines
79-80
—
Miami Cuban Giants
77-81
1.5
AL Wild Card
The Spiders are struggling, but they refuse to give up: a Larry Doby homerun and walkoff RBI single from John Ellis gave Cleveland a 9-8 win over Memphis, keeping them at least within touch of the Black Yankees for the Bill James Division crown. Willie McCovey hit his 15th homerun in 35 games, and Paul O’Neill (the first of his WBL career) and Ron Blomberg also went deep.
The Black Yankees fell to San Francisco, as Eddie Plank earned his 20th win of the season with 6 strong innings for the Sea Lions. San Francisco’s bullpen–Ken Howell, Joe Nathan, and closer Rod Beck–fanned 7 of the 9 batters they retired, with Beck earning his 40th save of the season.
New York Black Yankees
89-69
—
Cleveland Spiders
88-70
1
Bill James Division
Houston bounced back in a big way, using a phenomenal start from Ice Box Chamberlain and 7 homeruns to beat the Gothams, 9-2. Chamberlain allowed 1 hit in just under 8 innings, fanning 12 and 2 of the important cogs in the Colt 45’s late season surge–OF Gorman Thomas and C Will Smith–carried the team, twice launching back-to-back homeruns. Jim Wynn led off the game with a dinger, and Paul Goldschmidt and Jim O’Rourke also went deep.
The victory sealed the pennant for Houston, setting off raucous celebrations in the home dugout. It also meant all of the attention in the NL is now focused on the final Wild Card Spot, currently owned by Indianapolis, but with Kansas City and the House of David hot on their heels (and Homestead still hanging around with at least a mathematical chance).
After fighting back from a 6-1 deficit, Indianapolis suffered a gut-wrenching loss, falling to Philadelphia, 12-8. The Stars were led by homeruns from Sherm Lollar, Harmon Killebrew, Jung Ho Kang, and Sherry Magee.
Ryne Sandberg had 4 hits including a go-ahead solo homer in the bottom of the 8th as the House of David topped Kansas City, 6-5. Jack Taylor continued a late-season rebound with a solid start, but both bullpens struggled in this one. The victory moves the House of David into a dead heat with Indianapolis in the Wild Card chase, with Kansas City 1 game back.
Indianapolis ABC’s
78-81
—
Wandering House of David
78-81
—
Kansas City Monarchs
77-82
1
Homestead Grays
76-83
2
NL Wild Card
#Thursday
Miami just refuses to lose: Cleveland had taken the lead, 5-4 in the 6th inning, but the Cuban Giants scored 8 runs in their final 2 frames in a 12-6 victory. Miami pounded out 17 hits, led by 3 each from Jim Thome and Martín Dihigo. The game was never sure: Cuban Giants pitchers gave up 8 walks, so the Spiders had constant traffic on the basepaths. But they did just enough, with homeruns from Julio Rodríguez, Dihigo, Alejandro Oms, and Thome.
With the result, the Spiders drop to 1.5 games behind the Black Yankees and the Cuban Giants move to 1 game behind Detroit in the Wild Card race.
Detroit Wolverines
79-80
—
Miami Cuban Giants
78-81
1
AL Wild Card
Speaking of the Black Yankees … their bullpen continues to be their Achilles’ heel, with 4 relievers giving up 9 runs in 2.1 innings. Ouch. The big blows were homeruns from Jimmie Foxx and Bobby Bonds as San Francisco defeated New York, 13-10.
New York Black Yankees
89-70
—
Cleveland Spiders
88-71
1
Bill James Division
#Friday
The Black Yankees continue not to grab the Bill James Division by the throat, falling to lowly Baltimore 5-4 in the opening game of the final series of the season. Homers from Eddie Murray, Manny Machado, and a final go-ahead blast from Earl Averill gave the Black Sox the edge in another game that saw less than stellar performances from New York’s bullpen.
Two homers from Gary Sheffield carried Miami to a 5-4 win over Cleveland, preserving New York’s 1 game advantage, and keeping the pressure on Detroit. The Cuban Giants got another strong outing from Jim Whitney, and were able to fade a 9th inning comeback from the Spiders for the victory.
So what will Detroit do with their opportunity?
Play a game for the ages where they held leads of 3-1, 4-2, 9-5, and 10-6. And it was never enough as, after closer Mike Henneman was forced from the game with a back injury, Troy Percival came in and gave up a grand slam to Manny Ramírez and a walkoff shot to Gabby Hartnett. Both Ramírez and Hartnett had 2 homers in the game, while Al Kaline had 2 for Detroit. Kaline had 3 hits and 7 RBIs while Hartnett had 4 hits for Memphis. A true thriller of a game that leaves everything pretty much undecided.
New York Black Yankees
89-71
—
Cleveland Spiders
88-72
1
Bill James Division
Detroit Wolverines
79-81
—
Miami Cuban Giants
79-81
—
AL Wild Card
The House of David fell to Houston 8-2, as all eyes turned to the 4 game series between Indianapolis and Kansas City.
Kansas City’s Smokey Joe Wood and the ABC’s’ Luis Padrón squared off in the series opener and while each pitched well, neither were involved in the decision. Instead, after a 2 run shot from Ducky Medwick tied the game, Kansas City won it on a sacrifice fly from Dale Murphy in the bottom of the 9th. So Padrón fails in his attempt to win his 24th game of the year and, more importantly, Kansas City forces a 3 way dead heat for the final Wild Card spot.
Indianapolis ABC’s
78-82
—
Wandering House of David
78-82
—
Kansas City Monarchs
77-82
—
Homestead Grays
76-84
2
NL Wild Card
#Saturday
Memphis keeps embracing their role as spoiler while relying on a handful of late season call ups. In this case, Bucky Walters gave a good starting performance, Lefty O’Doul had 3 hits, and Wayne Causey drove in 2 with an 8th inning single for a 5-3 victory over Detroit.
It sure looks like Miami has found a key part of their rotation: Phenomenal Smith improved to 5-0, combining with Ricky Nolasco on a 3 hit shutout of Cleveland. Smith struck out 10 before yielding to Nolasco, for the last 2 outs. Martín Dihigo drove in 2 runs, continuing his second half surge.
Miami moves a full game ahead of Detroit for the Wild Card slot, and Cleveland falls 1.5 games behind the Black Yankees for the Bill James Division title, with New York’s magic number reduce to 1.
And then it was none. New York topped Baltimore 11-7 behind homers from Mickey Mantle, Babe Ruth, and Roger Maris, giving the Black Yankees their first Bill James Division title.
Miami Cuban Giants
80-81
—
Detroit Wolverines
79-82
1
AL Wild Card
Oh boy … Indianapolis has nobody to blame but themselves.
Behind a great start from Johnny Cueto and 3 RBI’s from Oscar Charleston, the ABC’s took a 6-2 lead into the bottom of the 9th, with their closer, Rob Dibble, on the mound. Dibble got one out, and then 16 of his next 20 pitches missed the strike zone, resulting in 4 consecutive walks, scoring a run. Rob Murphy relieved Dibble, and an RBI groundout and 2 wild pitches later, the game was tied at 6.
Cool Papa Bell walked in the bottom of the 10th, stole second, and scored on a hit from Ozzie Smith, moving Kansas City a game ahead in the Wild Card race.
#Sunday
The final day of the season leaves both final Wild Card spots up for grabs: in the AL, Miami has a 1 game lead over Detroit and in the NL, Kansas City has the edge over both Indianapolis and the House of David.
Miami was unable to clinch it: Larry Doby became the 2nd player in WBL history (and the first in the AL) to hit 4 homeruns in a game, driving in 7 as Cleveland topped the Cuban Giants, 13-7. That leaves Miami’s fate in the hands of Detroit later in the day.
Detroit used a mix of the old reliable–2 homeruns from Al Kaline and 1 from Ty Cobb–and the newly acquired (a strong start from Connie Johnson and key innings from Steve Howe and Troy Percival) to beat Memphis, 8-4.
And so, we finish in a dead heat.
Miami Cuban Giants
80-82
—
Detroit Wolverines
80-82
—
AL Wild Card
Eppa Rixey combined with 4 relievers (including an important 1.2 innings from Doc Mitchell), leading the ABC’s to a 7-3 win over Kansas City, meaning Indianapolis and the Monarchs finish with identical 79-83 records. The only question is if the House of David will join them in a 3-way tie for the final playoff spot.
Nope.
The House of David tried valiantly, and even outhit Houston, 10-8, but they fell to the Colt 45’s, 10-9 in a game that saw Tony Gwynn rap out 3 hits, reaching 200 on the season. Richie Hebner, Ryne Sandberg, and Anthony Rizzo each had 2 hits, but they didn’t get enough support as the House of David season ends, falling just short of the postseason.
#Monday
So, two playoff games, winner makes the postseason.
#AL
First up, we have Miami visiting Detroit.
The Cuban Giants will turn to Hugh McQuillan who, despite being roughed up in his last start, has been solid for Miami. If he struggles early, look for Jim Whitney to try to give the team some innings on short rest. For Detroit, Pete Conway will take the mound, also on a pretty short leash.
Ty Cobb may be almost universally disliked, but his baseball talent cannot be denied: he launched a 3 run homer in the top of the first and a grand slam in the 2nd, helping Detroit to a 9-0 lead after 2 innings.
Conway, meanwhile, had allowed a single run on 3 hits through 5, and left after 6 with the score 13-2.
Miami scored 3 in the 9th, but fell well short, 14-5. In the end, a just result, as Detroit really feels like the better team. Still, the Cuban Giants went from being the worst team in the league to being this close to the playoffs: a good year for them.
Cobb finished with 2 homers and 7 RBIs, and Al Kaline, Charlie Gehringer, Ernie Lombardi, and Hank Greenberg each also went deep. There was some bad news on Greenberg, who will be out of action for a few days with a leg injury.
#NL
Indianapolis would turn to Doc White while Kansas City gave the start to young Matt Morris.
Kansas City took an early lead on Albert Pujols‘ second homerun of the game, pulling ahead 6-3 after 3 innings, with the ABC’s runs coming on longballs from George Foster and Chris Sabo.
Morris was OK–not great, but not bad–until Tommy Helms singled and scored on a double from Barry Larkin in the top of the 4th. A Bob Bescher walk put runners on the corner, and fetched Frank Castillo from the bullpen. The move backfired as Sabo and Oscar Charleston singled and, after a couple of outs, Johnny Bench brought home 2 with a single of his own, giving Indianapolis an 8-7 lead. Foster followed with his 2nd dinger of the game, extending the lead to 10-7 and chasing Castillo. His successor, Bob Shawkey, gave upa solo shot to Helms and when all of the dust settled, the ABC’s had scored 8 and were up 11-7.
The ABC’s coasted from there, riding additional homeruns by Ed Charles and Sabo to a 15-8 win, powering Indianapolis into the postseason. Sabo drove in 5 and Foster 4, with each of them notching 3 hits on the day.
Kansas City had ridden its pitching staff all year; here their arms betrayed them, surrendering 14 hits and 15 runs.
It’s been a good year for Kansas City: they are in the playoff hunt, and seem well positioned for the future, especially if they can address a highly imbalanced offense.
THE OFFENSE
There’s just a little too much mediocrity here–a lot of players that are solid pieces, but may not be strong enough for lead roles in this league.
#What’s Going Right
The offense revolves around 2 players: Albert Pujols and Stan Musial. Pujols has moved into the elite category this world, with the 22 year old maintaining an OPS over 1.000 with 40 homers and 113 RBIs, all of which lead the team. Musial is a more complicated case: a .900+ OPS is excellent, but 12 homers is just disappointing from Musial’s level of talent. His eye is still excellent, and 59 doubles makes his SLG impressive … but Musial has better seasons in him.
Smokey Joe Wood has an OPS of .887 in about 135 PA’s, making him one of the few 2-way players that actually contributes on both sides.
Ted Simmons remains one of the better hitting catchers in the league, with an OPS in the mid .800s.
Boog Powell is solid at 1B, drawing walks and adding a bit of power.
This team has a ridiculous amount of speed, led by Ozzie Smith‘s 59 SB, but Willie McGee, Frankie Frisch, and Musial each have over 30 steals, and rookie Cool Papa Bell has 15 in only 36 games.
Bell struggled initially, but his roughly 80 points of additional OPS has moved him ahead of McGee in the CF pecking order.
#What’s Not Going Right
Smith, for all his speed and his gold glove level defense, has an OPS well under .700. The value is still there, for sure, but if the Wizard of Oz could contribute just a little more offensively, it could be significant for KC.
Robinson Canó hits barely more than Ozzie, without the rest of the positives, making 2B a pretty sizable weakness for the Monarchs.
There’s nothing wrong with Ducky Medwick or Dale Murphy, but there’s little right as well. Each has power, but not a lot else–if either of them could take a big step forward, the Monarchs could find their 3rd dangerous bat.
THE PITCHING
This is a fantastic staff, top to bottom, with enough depth that some of these arms are likely to be dealt in the offseason as Kansas City tries to gain more offense.
#What’s Going Right
A. Rube Foster has emerged as a legitimate ace, at or near the top of the league in WHIP, BABIP, and most other advanced anlytics for starting pitchers. Foster started the year in the bullpen, but has now made 23 starts and should exceed 200 IP.
Smokey Joe Wood is a great #2, and both José Rijo (he of the first WBL perfect game) and Frank Castillo are far above average behind the top 2 starters.
Throw in youngsters Matt Morris and Adam Wainwright–both of whom have been quite impressive in a handful of starts–and you have a very deep crop of starters.
Craig Kimbrel continues to dominate since being moved into the closer role and Eddie Guardad0, Lee Smith, and the surprising Mike Kume are absolutely lights out in front of him: Kimbrel’s 1.14 WHIP is the worst of that group, as is his 3.48 ERA.
#What’s Not Going Right
Luke Hamlin and Jeff Pfeffer–last year’s #1 and closer respectively–have essentially pitched their way to the bottom of the staff. Hamlin has lost his spot in the rotation, and Pfeffer is essentially a mop-up arm at this point.
Bob Gibson continues to struggle to adapt to the WBL despite his eye-popping stuff.
But to give you a sense of how strong the staff is, those 3 (plus the newly acquired Joe Beggs) are the only hurlers with ERAs over 5.00.
It’s a good system, with some help available across the board.
Cool Papa Bell and Wade Johnston are highly rated in the OF and Sam Mongin (impressive in his first few games) will force himself into the conversation on the IF as soon as next season. Carlos Baerga, Dink Mothel, Dave Cash, Kolton Wong, or Keston Hiura should provide some options at 2B if the organization gives up on Canó. Baerga may be the best of that group, but at 18 is probably still a few years away.
On the mound, Hilton Smith, Bill Singer, Gene Garber, Joe Blong, and Jack Quinn should all have WBL careers, with Smith probably having the highest ceiling of the group.
WHAT’S NEEDED
Offense. Upgrades could be had everywhere except C and wherever Pujols or Musial end up.
Storylines to Watch
Key Questions from Spring Training
Who is going to fill out the rotation and the bullpen? This one was answered brilliantly, and the trade for Lee Smith only improved the situation.
3B looks unsettled. Yeah, it still is. Or, more accurately, seems like it still will be. Pujols has played about 120 games there, but it really feels like his future is at a less demanding defensive position.
How does the competition between Ducky Medwick and Steve Evans pan out? Not very well for Evans, who played his way off the 40-man roster, spending most of the season at AAA.
Instead of a Featured Series, you can follow Kansas City’s exploits during the final week in tomorrow’s post.
Houston‘s Jim O’Rourke continues a great recovery from a disappointing performance last season with a National League Player of the Week Award. O’Rourke hit .550 in the penultimate week of the season as the Colt 45’s try to clinch their first Marvin Miller Division title.
In the AL, the often-overlooked Lou Gehrig picked up the Award with the Black Yankee‘s 1B hitting .400 with 6 homeruns.
#Team Performance
#AL
The Black Yankees had a good week in the Bill James Division, moving from a virtual tie with Cleveland into a 1.5 game lead. The Detroit Wolverines, however, have picked a bad time to struggle, and they now hold only a half-game lead over Miami for the final Wild Card spot.
It’s an interesting final week on the schedule: the Black Yankees visit San Francisco in a likely playoff series preview, and then close out the year against the much-improved of late Baltimore Black Sox. Cleveland probably has the easiest schedule, hosting the lowly Memphis Red Sox, and then ending the year at Miami, who play Detroit before that series with the Spiders.
Miami not only has their future in their own hands, they also could decide the Black Yankees / Spiders race.
#NL
With 96 victories in the Effa Manley Division, the Brooklyn Royal Giants have an outside shot at 100 and, with a 5 game lead, Philadelphia looks to have locked up a Wild Card spot.
Houston has a clear path to the Marvin Miller Division crown on paper, with a 4 game lead and series left against the New York Gothams and the Wandering House of David. The final Wild Card spot is likely to come down to the final series of the year, with Kansas City hosting Indianapolis, although the House of David are technically still in the race.
#Player Performance
#Batters
An overpowered year on offense comes to a close. This list has been fairly constant for a while, I’ve added a 2nd list with less desirable stats as well.
Top 2 in most categories.
Lance Berkman (CLE). 279/369/645. 141 RBI. José Canseco (MCG). 256/357/716. 66 HR. Oscar Charleston (IND). 336/377/618. 196 H. Ty Cobb (DET). 384/438/828. 214 H, 65 2B, 16 3B, 148 R, 9.4 WAR. Josh Gibson (HOM). 395/492/798. 10.7 WAR. Rickey Henderson (SFS). 248/378/421. 103 BB, 121 SB. Pete Hill (HOU). 270/345/449. 14 3B. Joe Jackson (CAG). 355/410/607. 67 2B. Tim Raines (OTT). 250/353/438. 111 SB. Babe Ruth (NYY). 282/416/745. 70 HR, 162 RBI, 142 R, 117 BB.
Here are some of the less positive performances. Only the leader is listed (although Dunn is 2nd in SO and Lajoie 2nd in negative WAR).
Cupid Childs (BBB). 222/343/327. Adam Dunn (IND). 207/341/468. 190 SO. Ted Kluszewski (PHI). 248/291/442. -1.5 WAR. Nap Lajoie (HOM). 232/254/407. -1.4 WAR. Manny Machado (BAL). 240/284/518. 24 GIDP. Mickey Mantle (NYY). 254/367/588. 214 SO. Doug Rader (LAA). 242/299/455. 24 GIDP.
This list is interesting, honestly. Childs’ OBP and Dunn’s power hide other clear faults, and it’s surprising that WAR sees Kluszewksi as that bad. Mantle is obviously the best of this group.
#Pitchers
#Starters
As it has been for most of the seasion, this list continues to be dominated by 3 names: A. Rube Foster, Luis Padrón, and Toad Ramsey. I’ve added some usage stats (GS, IP) to help fill out the picture as the season winds down, and, as with the batters, a 2nd list for some less desirable leaders (Hardie Henderson could be on both, given 18 wins and his league-leading walks number).
Top 2 in most categories.
A. Rube Foster (KCM). 11-7, 3.27. .187 BA, .217 BABIP, 1.01 WHIP. Ron Guidry (NYY). 11-7, 4.51. 251 K. Hardie Henderson (IND). 18-12, 3.78. 98 BB. Orel Hershiser (BRK). 18-5, 3.76. José Méndez (MCG). 13-5, 4.47. 35 GS. Luis Padrón (IND). 23-3, 3.20. 228 IP, 7.0 WAR. Andy Pettitte (NYY). 18-8, 4.26. Eddie Plank (SFS). 19-7, 4.46. Toad Ramsey (HOU). 16-10, 3.23. 223 IP, 282 K, .182 BA, 0.97 WHIP, 3.39 FIP, 7.9 WAR. Ed Walsh (CAG). 9-10, 3.84. .222 BABIP. Smokey Joe Williams (BRK). 12-12, 3.87. 3.58 FIP.
Gerrit Cole (LAA). 7-15, 6.45. Walter Johnson (POR). 13-11, 4.10. 91 BB. Christy Mathewson (NYG). 7-15, 5.58. 36 GS.
#Relievers
Top 2 in most stats, top 3 in saves. 35 Min IP for rate stats.
Rod Beck (SFS). 4-4, 5.09. 39 Sv, 1 H. Bruce Chen (BBB). 2-4, 6.71. 4 Sv, 11 H, 67 G. Rheal Cormier (NYY). 1-3, 4.93. 17 H. Eric Gagne (BRK). 3-3, 3.12. 37 Sv. Eddie Guardado (KCM). 2-3, 2.27. 2 Sv, 10 H. Bob Howry (PHI). 4-1, 3.32. 24 Sv, 0.89 WHIP. Michael Jackson (HOM). 1-7, 5.81. 1 Sv, 20 H. Josh Lindblom (HOM). 8-4, 3.52. 33 Sv. Andrew Miller (MEM). 7-8, 4.42. 4 Sv, 12 H, 71 G. Akinori Otsuka (CAG/BBB). 8-3, 2.26. 7 Sv, 5 H. Lee Smith (KCM/HOD). 4-2, 2.75. 6 Sv, 12 H, 0.76 WHIP.
Jim Pagliaroni hit out 2 as the Black Barons topped Ottawa, 8-5.
#Indianapolis ABC’s
The ABC’s got some very bad news as they struggle to hold onto the final NL Wild Card spot: 2B extraordinaire Joe Morgan is done for the season with a muscle strain. Denis Menke was recalled, and is likely to split time at second with Tommy Helms for the rest of the way.
#Kansas City Monarchs
Smokey Joe Wood returned to starting duties with a bang, allowing only 2 hits and 1 run in a complete game, 6-1 win over Birmingham. The win pulls the Monarchs into a dead heat with Indianapolis for the final NL Wild Card spot.
#Wandering House of David
Kerry Wood‘s season is over, as the swing starter will be out of action for a few months with a shoulder strain. Claude Osteen was recalled, giving the House of David another lefty option as the season winds down.
Dickie Thon was recalled from a rehab assignment, along with Dick Redding, Eric Karros, and Raúl Mondesi. With Brooklyn having clinched the pennant, look for Karros and Jim Gentile to platoon at 1B, and for Redding to get a few starts in the final 2 weeks of the season.
Redding pitched well in his first start, but wasn’t around for the decision in a 5-4, 12 inning win over Kansas City. Ron Cey went deep twice, as the victory went to Trevor Hildenberger, who improved to 6-2 on the year.
With Dan Brouthers‘ return from injury, Karros was returned to the minors.
John Briggs hit 2 out, giving him 30 on the year, as the Royal Giants beat the Gothams, 7-6 in 10 innings.
#Homestead Grays
David Price will miss most of the reset of the season with young Tim Lincecum being recalled for a few more WBL innings.
#New York Gothams
Despite a decent showing in his last outing, the Gothams sent Guy Hecker down to take a look at young Masahiro Tanaka, who impressed all season at AA.
While Christy Mathewson and Gaylord Perry may each get a start or 2 as the year winds down, the Gothams are looking at the last 2 weeks as a time to audition arms for next year. With that in mind, OFs George Van Haltren and Ben Oglivie were traded out for Wally Berger and Fred Lewis.
Benny Kauff hit 2 out and Tanaka had a solid debut as the Gothams edged Homestead, 8-7.
#Ottawa Mounties
Clark Griffith was sent back to the minors, allowing the Mounties to take a look at Billy Koch, who has a chance at a bullpen role next year.
Larry Walker‘s magnificent season may be over, as the OF/1B with a near 1.000 OPS heads to the DL. Mike Sharperson was recalled from AAA for the final 10 days of the season.
Max Scherzer strained a hamstring, landing the young right-hander on the 60 Day DL. Chris Bosio was recalled for the final week.
#Philadelphia Stars
With AAA club Norfolk being knocked out of the playoffs, the Stars recalled Ps Don Newcombe and John Burkett, IFs Jung Ho Kang and Harmon Killebrew, C Sherm Lollar, and OF Odúbel Herrera.
Harry Hooper–who has struggled since joining the Stars–will miss the rest of the season with a foot injury. Rafael Palmiero was recalled, creating even more of a logjam at 1B for the Stars.
With Bill Gatewood‘s return from injury, Burkett was returned to the minors.
Newcombe made a statement in his first start of the year, twirling a 3-hit, complete game shutout of Ottawa. Powered by a grandslam from Scott Rolen as well as homeruns from Aaron Judge and Chase Utley, the Stars rolled to a 7-0 win. Newcombe fanned 7 and didn’t walk anyone, showing the promise that made him so highly rated before a disastrous season last year when he led the WBL in losses. Perhaps now, on his 3rd franchise, the 31 year old is finally set to deliver.
George Grantham hit 2 homeruns and scored 4 times as the American Giants topped Cleveland 8-7 in 15 innings, as Chicago continued to play spoiler to the teams vying for postseason spots.
#Los Angeles Angels
Scott Rice, who has been useful as a lefty from the pen, is done for the season, heading to the DL with a strained shoulder. Ross Reynolds was recalled from a rehab assignment to take his place.
Eddie Joost hit a walkoff homerun as the Angels edged Baltimore, 4-3. But the real story was Julio Teheran who allowed only 3 hits over 7 innings in his first career start.
#Miami Cuban Giants
Gary Sheffield was activated from the DL as Miami makes an improbable push for the final AL Wild Card spot.
#Portland Sea Dogs
Walter Ball looks to be fully recovered, combining with Johan Santana and Dick Jones on a 4-hit shutout of San Francisco. The Sea Dogs were led by 3 hits and 3 RBI’s from Ken Griffey, Jr. in the 7-0 win.
Elvis Andrus‘ time in the WBL came to an end with Hughie Jennings‘ return from the DL.
#San Francisco Sea Lions
With San Jose knocked out of the playoffs at AAA, the Sea Lions were able to fully expand their roster, recalling P Red Ehret, OF Josh Reddick, 1B Wally Joyner, and C Gene Oliver.
With expectations high for the postseason, look for the Sea Lions to limit the remaining starts of their big 3 of Lefty Grove, Eddie Plank, and Bump Hadley.
Oliver hit 2 out, helping Plank win his 19th game of the season as San Francisco topped Detroit, 9-5.
Turkey Stearnes went deep twice, but the Sea Lions fell to Detroit, 5-4. The loss left San Francisco sitting on 99 victories on the year, with a week left to see how far over a century they can go.
Justin Hampson and, perhaps more importantly, Gavvy Cravath have been recalled from rehab assignments. Without much to play for, Baltimore may limit Cravath’s appearances as they look to next season. Rafael Betancourt and Ken Griffey Sr were returned to the minors.
With RA Dickey‘s retirement, Baltimore decided to take a look at Dick Ellsworth, removing Dickey from the roster, although they have allowed him to remain with the team as he decides whether or not he has a career in coaching.
Dennis Martínez will get 2 more starts over the final 2 weeks of the season, and Ned Garvin will, as he continues his return from injury, take his regular turn: aside from that, it’s a bit of a free for all, although Kevin Tapani‘s strong debut guarantees him a few starts as well.
Ellsworth’s debut was fantastic: 6 plus innings and only a single run in a 4-2 victory over Los Angeles. Hampson also made his return with a scoreless 8th inning.
Sean Marshall was recalled from the DL with Joe Cascarella heading back to AAA.
#Cleveland Spiders
Lance Berkman and Ron Blomberg each went deep twice as the Spiders dominated Chicago, 13-6. The win (along with a victory in the resumption of a suspended game) pulled Cleveland, at least temporarily, 1/2 game ahead of New York.
#Detroit Wolverines
Wes Covington–coming off a 50 HR season at AAA–was recalled, along with IF Damion Easley and lefty Wilson Álvarez. Logan Hensley was returned, clearing room for Hank Aguirre‘s return from the DL.
JD Martinez went deep twice and the Wolverines edged in front of Miami for the final Wild Card spot with a 5-4 win over San Francisco.
#New York Black Yankees
Jorge Orta did nothing wrong to be sure, but with Grant Johnson due back from a rehab assignment, he was the odd man out, heading back to AAA. Ultimately, Johnson’s return means a reduction in time for quite a few players, most notably Derek Jeter, Don Mattingly, and Nick Etten.
Mattingly and Lou Gehrig had 2 homers each, and Johnson had 4 hits, including 3 doubles, as the Black Yankees overcame a poor start from Ron Guidry to beat Detroit, 11-8 in 10 innings.
The Black Yankees clinched their expected playoff spot in dramatic fashion, scoring 6 in the top of the 9th to top Detroit, 9-6. The win puts New York in a dead heat with Cleveland atop the Bill James Division and, as importantly, drops Detroit into a tie with Miami for the final AL Wild Card spot.
Gehrig hit 2 more out, reaching 62 for the season, and Babe Ruth added his WBL record 70th, as the Black Yankees beat Cleveland, 7-2. The win means New York will go into the final week of the season with a 1.5 game lead over the Spiders.
