Category: Team News Page 5 of 11

Season Review: Philadelphia Stars

On December 5, 2023

56 - 98, .363 pct.
5th in Effa Manley Division, 30 games behind.

What Went Right

Not a helluva lot.

CF Willie Davis, 1B Ted Kluszewski, OF George Hendrick, and 3B Scott Rolen were all solid, with Hendrick pushing into a consistent starting role by mid-season. Davis and Rolen were the only players with decent WAR (3.0 for Davis, 2.9 for Rolen). Only Kluszewski (25) and Buck Freeman (21) had more than 20 homeruns, and Klu led the team in RBI’s with 63 and Freeman in R with 71: scoring runs was just a struggle for the Stars all season long.

Three players made strong impressions late in the season led by a fair distance by OF Aaron Judge who managed a .900 OPS in 130 PA. IFs Juan Samuel and Roger Peckinpaugh impressed as well.

Rico Carty started strong, leading the lead in doubles the first few months of the season, but collapsed towards the end–that, combined with his age, puts Carty’s starting position (but not his roster spot) in question.

Ray Collins and Steve Carlton were decent enough in the rotation and the only pitchers with over 2 WAR (Collins 2.9, Carlton 2.3). They were the only pitchers with 30 starts and, even more depressingly, the only pitchers with more than 10 innings and ERA’s under 5.00.

ALL STAR SELECTIONS
P Ron Reed; 3B Scott Rolen

What Went Wrong

Everything else? The middle infield was pretty horrible all year, and nobody really could break out of thoroughly mediocre performances.

Carty ended weak, falling off a cliff on the final months of the season.

And the pitching was thoroughly horrid, from only Robin Roberts having a .500 record (5-5) among the starters to closer Bob Howry having 25 saves, but also getting rocked with an ERA over 6. Injuries didn’t help: Jaret Wright (probably the 3rd most effective starter), Roberts, and Pete Alexander (who was clearly overmatched by the WBL level at age 21, but also has a ton of promise) all missed significant time on the mound.

Trade Evaluations

March

3B Mike Schmidt, SP Cole Hamels to New York Black Yankees for C Bill Dickey, OF Aaron Judge, 1B Prince Fielder

Not bad. Moving Schmidt opened up room for Rolen and Judge looks like the real deal. Dickey was horrible, but at 22 is still a great prospect. Certainly, the loss of Hamels hurt, but he didn’t last with New York, being shipped to Miami in a separate deal.

June

RP Ron Reed to Cleveland for OF Andrew Payne, P Hardie Henderson, OF Darrell Miller, OF Gibby Brack

Reed was an all star for Philadelphia, but fell apart for the Spiders. Henderson looks good, and both Payne and Brack may see WBL time at some point.

July

OF Gavvy Cravath & 2nd Round Pick to Portland for 1B/3B Harmon Killebrew & 1st Round Pick {Dave Stieb}

P Rheal Cormier & 4th Round Pick to New York Black Yankees for P LaTroy Hawkins, P Fritz Coumbe, IF Mike Bordick & 3rd Round Pick {Bill Gatewood}

The Cravath deal was excellent: he was leaving after the season, and Killebrew is a great prospect and the pick turned into one of the better pitching prospects in the draft in Stieb. The other one is a little meh: Coumbe made the WBL by the end of the season, but was unimpressive, although Hawkins has a very live arm.

Looking Forward

SP

Carlton, JM Ward, and Alexander should eventually be a good top 3. They need more depth, both at WBL and throughout the organization.

RP

Howry’s job is in danger, but there are no obvious options. Brad Kilby was good at AAA and Scott Garrelts shows some promise.

C

The job is, once again, Dickey’s to lose, but perhaps another year in the minors is in store for him. If so, this is likely Mike Scoscia and Sherm Lollar splitting time once again.

1B

This is Klu’s until age catches up with him. Cecil Cooper dominated at AAA, and should see some time, especially if Carty’s decline continues.

2B

The Stars would love to see Chase Utley own this, but he’s struggled mightily so far. Juan Samuel‘s end of season heroics have earned him a close look in spring training.

3B

Rolen has this locked down, but the team will need to do something once Killebrew is ready, although Killer is probably more suited to 1B/DH in any case.

SS

Peckinpaugh will get a chance here, but again it’s a spot where the Stars need some more talent, especially if Jimmy Rollins doesn’t show more.

LF

Sherry Magee looks solid here.

CF

This may be the most interesting choice in the organization. Davis was their best player, and 21 year old Richie Ashburn was probably their best prospect. Both are excellent defensively, so the odds are a trade is the most likely solution.

RF

Judge seems to have this locked down, but Bobby Abreu will see some time here as well.

The Rookie Draft

Rounds 1-4

Philadelphia led off the draft by selecting SP Bullet Joe Rogan, probably the single most WBL-ready prospect available. Rogan should step into the rotation right away. Their 2nd pick in the 1st round was harder, coming down to the future possibilities of IF Trea Turner and more help on the mound. They went with the latter, opting for young RHP Dave Stieb. They continued stockpiling arms, picking up teenager Bruce Hurst and 21 year old Bill Gatewood in the 3rd round.

With Gatewood, the Stars have made four selections, using all four of their franchise exemptions, meaning the rest of their picks for this draft will be players with some historical connection to their franchise.

Rounds 5-8

The Stars will be focusing on adding arms, although IF depth would be fine as well. Since they are out of exceptions, these will all be franchise selections, limiting some of the options. Their picks included OF Milt Thompson (5th), P Odúbel Herrera (6th), OF Rhys Hoskins (7th), and IF Nux James (8th).

Rounds 9-12

At the tail end of the draft, the Stars picked up a reserve C (Todd Pratt), P Chris Archer; P Mélido Pérez; and P Jim McElroy.

TWIWBL 48.8: The Playoffs! Wild Card Round, Day V– September 20

By mknn

On September 20, 2023

In 2000 Playoffs, 2000 Spring Training, Featured Games

Only 2 series left to play: Portland and Chicago are all tied up, and Baltimore holds a 3-1 edge over the House of David.

#Portland Sea Dogs v Chicago American Giants, Game 5

We’re down to the proverbial best of 3 here, with a rematch of the opening game of the series, Walter Johnson for Portland and Tricky Nichols for Chicago.

Johnson struggled in the bottom of the first, but escaped with only a single run scoring: Eddie Collins walked, but was thrown out trying to steal; then a Joe Jackson single and a walk to Frank Thomas were followed by a double by Duffy Lewis, scoring Jackson. Dick Allen lined a shot into the gap, but not only did Harry Hooper make the diving catch, he sprang to his feet and threw a strike to cut down Thomas trying to score.

So, 1-0 Chicago after 1.

Portland would respond: back to back doubles by Rogers Hornsby and Buddy Bell tied the game, and Jim Fregosi plated Bell with a single, putting the Sea Dogs ahead, 2-1. But this Chicago lineup is rough: hits by Collins, Jackson, and Thomas tied the game again in the bottom of the 3rd.

Nichols couldn’t make it out of the 5th, when a–and here’s a surprise–triple from Kent Hrbek scored Joe Mauer to put Portland back in front, 3-2. In came Don Newcombe, but Gavvy Cravath singled in Hrbek, and after a Hornsby hit, Bell drove in 2 more. That made it 6-2 in this key game 5.

Johnson gave up a homerun to Jackson, but did make it through the 5th inning.

The rest of the game was … odd. A lot of baserunners, a few more tallies for Portland, but nothing to really threaten the outcome. The American Giants left 11 runners on base, which meant Joe Jackson’s record-tying 5 hits were for naught.

Bell and Hrbek had 3 hits each for Portland, who now sit 1 win from advancing to the second round.

POR 8 (Johnson 2-0; Miller 1 H; Cuellar 1 H) @ CAG 3 (Nichols 0-2)
HRs: POR – Murcer (2); CAG – Jackson (1).
Box Score

#Baltimore Black Sox v Wandering House of David

While Baltimore isn’t too bothered by their loss in game 4, they certainly don’t want to give the House of David any real hope. Game 5 will be a rematch of game one: Bill Byrd for Baltimore and Jack Taylor for the House of David.

Sometimes, it’s the little things: a surprise double from Paul Blair, a sacrifice bunt from Bobby Wallace and a single through the drawn in infield by Dan McGann, hitting second with Larry Gardner out injured.

Sometimes, it’s the big things: Frank Robinson depositing a pitch into the left field stands, increasing the lead to 3-0.

Pete Browning drove in 2 with a double in the bottom of the frame, making it 3-2. Which is how it stayed through 6, as both Byrd and Taylor settled down.

Gregg Olson relieved Byrd in the bottom of the 7th., while Wade Miley came in for Taylor in the 8th. Olson gave way to Joe Beggs, and everything stayed the same: 3-2 Baltimore, heading to the 9th.

Blair added an insurance run with an RBI single in the top of the frame, meaning it all came down to these final three outs against Baltimore’s closer, Buddy Groom.

Groom was perfect, and the Black Sox were through!

This was a well pitched game, with Taylor just a shade less effective than Byrd, making all the difference. Baltimore’s bullpen threw 3 no-hit innings in relief, closing the door on any possible comeback.

This was the least surprising result, given how strong Baltimore was in the regular season, but still, it was good for the Black Sox to seal the deal.

BAL 4 (Byrd 2-0; Groom 3 Sv; Olson 1 H; Beggs 2 H) @ HOD 2 (Taylor 0-2)
HRs: BAL – Robinson (1); HOD – none.
Box Score

The MVP choice was weird: Dan McGann hit .412 with 2 homeruns and 4 RBIs, which is certainly good. But Ken Singleton had 2 HR and 8 RBI, Bill Byrd went 2-0 with a 1.35 ERA, and Buddy Groom had 3 saves, so McGann had significant competition.

TWIWBL 24.19: Mid-Season Reviews – Wandering House of David

By mknn

On May 6, 2022

In Team News, TWIWBL

Summary

The House of David is too good to tank for the season, but really don’t have a shot at catching the three teams ahead of them.

What’s Gone Right

Elrod & Stone. Probably the least likely dominant duo in the league. C Elrod Hendricks and OF George Stone are among the best in the league, with OPS’ approaching 1.000.

Pete Browning. Pete Browning has played in just over half of the House of David’s games. In that time he has been one of their dominant players, electrifying at the plate and on the basepaths.

Surprises on the Mound. The best arms for the House of David may not be who was expected, but that doesn’t mean the trio of SP Jack Taylor, RP Bob Rush, and closer Bruce Sutter haven’t been excellent.

What’s Gone Wrong

Pete Browning’s Health. Like I said, Browning has played in just over half of their games, making two trips to the DL.

Big Red. Mark McGwire puts on a great show in batting practice … but has hit himself down to AAA once the games start.

Not Enough Help. Dan Ford has been a pleasant surprise and Ryne Sandberg solid at 2B. Beyond that … it’s all pure mediocrity.

Key Storylines

The biggest is whether the pitching staff can come together. There have been moments when it seemed on the verge, but then C.C. Sabathia or Rollie Fingers or someone else would start to struggle.

Browning’s health is probably the most important thing, though. The performances of Hendricks and Stone have been excellent, if Browning is able to add to them, they House of David could move into contention.

Trading Outlook

BUYING.

Or maybe holding. Or buying.

How do they convert some of the aging value they have into talent without totally tanking the season? Players like Lee Smith, Sandberg, Sutter, and Ford would have value, but only if the House of David is no longer trying to compete this season … which makes it sound like they should stand pat until the later trading period.

AAA Shuttle

Ford has earned a starting OF role. Other than that, not a ton of help so far.

Midseason Changes

Frank Chance, McGwire, and Jim Edmonds all head back to AAA.

Awards

All Stars: Elrod Hendricks (C); George Stone (LF).

Player of the Week: Pete Browning (4/17); Elrod Hendricks (6/12)

Offensive MVP: Elrod Hendricks (C)
Pitching MVP: Bob Rush (SP)

Down on the Farm

AAA: Columbus Blue Birds

Next to the Show: 3B Jung Ho Kang, C Gabby Hartnett, 1B Anthony Rizzo

Prospects: C Frank Chance (22)

Projects: 3B Jung Ho Kang (28)

Suspects: P Wild Bill Hutchinson (35)

AA: Atlantic City Bacharach Giants

Prospects: Ps Joe Nuxhall (15) & Larry Dierker (17)

Projects: OF Danny Green (22), SS Luis Aparicio (22), 2B Billy Herman (23), OF Olaf Henriksen (23)

Suspects: P Justin Grimm (25), P Bob Shaw (26), OF John Shelby (31)

TWIWBL 24.18: Mid-Season Reviews – San Francisco Sea Lions

By mknn

On May 4, 2022

In Team News, TWIWBL

Summary

The Marvin Miller is a hard division. The Sea Lions are over .500, and within striking distance of Portland, but it will take some doing.

What’s Gone Right

REG-GIE REG-GIE. Those chants may turn into MVP MVP MVP by the end of the year. Reggie Jackson is threatening the triple crown and while that feels very unlikely, well, he’s got a shot.

The Rest of the Lineup. Bobby Bonds and AAA find Pedro Guerrero have OPS’ just under .900; Jimmy Bloodworth, Rickey Henderson, Jack Clark, and Wally Moon follow them without a real weak link.

High End Arms. Lefty Grove, Rod Beck, Ken Howell, Charlie Root, and Diego Seguí have all performed excellently in their roles.

What’s Gone Wrong

The Rest of the Arms. Jim Devlin and Cy Falkenberg have pitched themselves back to AAA, but it’s not clear who is there to replace them.

Achilles’ Heels. Henderson has 52 steals and an OBP around .400 … but little else. John Beckwith hits the ball as hard as anyone in the league … but only to a .700 OPS. Clark has power … but not much else. There are significant questions about many key contributors.

Shortstop. Dick Lundy solved this … and then he got hurt, putting San Francisco back in the hands of Eddie Joost, who has a good eye, some power, but cannot put it all together in a way that lifts his OPS over .600.

Key Storylines

Can the new players–Guerrero, Lundy, Seguí–keep up their torrid pace? And can a team likely to stay pat during the trading period improve in the second half?

The continued development of Grove bears watching, and the OF has storylines at all three spots: is Jackson’s triple crown pursuit for real? Can Henderson improve offensively to complement his unworldly base-stealing? And can Bonds continue to perform at a very high level?

Trading Outlook

HOLDING.

Bob Cerv and Moon could each move on in search of more playing time, but that’s about it.

AAA Shuttle

Guerrero and Seguí look to be true gems, as did Lundy before his injury, and both Cerv and Miguel Cairo have started very well. Overall, it’s been quite a success.

Midseason Changes

Falkenberg and Devlin head to AAA, with Nick Altrock coming back, as well as Dennis Eckersley, who struggled mightily to start the year with the big league club.

Awards

All Stars: Rod Beck (P); Lefty Grove (P); Rickey Henderson (LF); Ken Howell (P); Reggie Jackson (RF); Charlie Root (P).

Offensive MVP: Reggie Jackson (OF)
Pitching MVP: Lefty Grove (SP)

Down on the Farm

AAA: San Jose Bees

Next to the Show: P Nick Altrock, 2B Ron Hunt, 3B Sal Bando

Prospects: P Bump Hadley (21)

Projects: P Nick Altrock (28), 3B Sal Bando (25), Ron Hunt (29)

Suspects: P Rube Walberg (34)

AA: Atlantic City Bacharach Giants

Prospects: 1B Jimmie Foxx (20)

Projects: P Chad Gaudin (22), OF Dwayne Murphy (24), 2B Dick Green (23), SS Bill Russell (20), P Shawn Estes (35), RP Turk Wendell (28), RP Joe Klink (28), P Matt Barnes (25).

Suspects: C John Mizerock (22),

TWIWBL 24.17: Mid-Season Reviews – Portland Sea Dogs

By mknn

On May 2, 2022

In Team News, TWIWBL

Summary

It’s been an excellent year for the Sea Dogs, who look primed for a post-season run.

What’s Gone Right

Hrbek & Murcer. Kent Hrbek and Bobby Murcer have combined for 34 homeruns and 102 RBIs, anchoring a strong lineup.

Excess of Catchers. Joe Mauer and Iván Rodríguez are both putting up spectacular numbers from behind the plate. Mauer’s are slightly better (and he has played far more), but Rodríguez still has an OPS over .900. Mauer is 22, Rodríguez 20, and at some point you would think a blockbuster trade might happen around one of them.

That Staff. This maybe the strongest pitching staff, end-to-end, in the league, from starters Walter Johnson, Bert Blyleven, and the surprising Wade Miller to Elmer Brown and Johan Santana at the back of the bullpen to the amazing emergence of Joseíto Muñoz.

What’s Gone Wrong

2B, or not. Fred Dunlap is heading towards Greg Litton like numbers, and given those two are the options at 2 for the Sea Dogs, it’s not pretty. Litton’s versatility maintains his roster spot, but something must be done here.

The Allure of Power. Both Gil Hodges and Jeff Burroughs have power. Hodges is second on the team with 17 homeruns, Burroughs has 10. But neither can get their OPS over .700, which make them a bit one dimensional for a championship contender.

Putting the Train Back on Track. Nineteen-year old Walter Johnson started this year looking like the best arm in the WBL. Since then, he’s become merely good. If Portland can get the earlier version back, it would go a long way in the postseason.

Key Storylines

The pair of Murcer and Hrbek need to maintain their level of production and the Sea Dogs need another couple of players to step it up. Similarly, the rotation has the potential to be truly great–the closer they get to it, the further Portland will go.

Long term, there’s a need to figure out the C question–Rodríguez is just too good to be a backup for too much longer, especially given the dearth of catching talent elsewhere in the league.

Trading Outlook

BUYING!

A few upgrades, and this could be a championship team. The catching deal is always out there in the shadows, but aside from that, it looks more like minor league parts on the market, unless Mike Cuellar gets some interest.

AAA Shuttle

Adrián Beltré is demanding more playing time since his recall. Couple his performance with that of Muñoz, and it’s been quite a success.

Midseason Changes

Muñoz joins the rotation, forcing Smokey Joe Wood to the bullpen on his return from injury. Jim Kern and Pascual Pérez head to AAA.

Awards

All Stars: Buddy Bell (3B); Jim Fregosi (SS); Kent Hrbek (1B); Joe Mauer (C); Bobby Murcer (CF); Johan Santana (P).

Offensive MVP: Kent Hrbek (1B)
Pitching MVP: Walter Johnson (SP)

Down on the Farm

AAA: Seattle Rainiers

Next to the Show: RPs Jeremy Blevins & Brian Duensing, C Cliff Lee, 1B Rafael Palmeiro

Prospects: C Cliff Lee (22)

Projects: 1B Rafael Palmeiro (30), 1B Mickey Vernon (24), P Bob Porterfield (34).

Suspects: Ps Al Worthington (37), Charlie Hough (40), Colby Lewis (30), 2B Connie Ryan (27), OF George Browne (32), SS Elvis Andrus (23).

AA: Atlantic City Bacharach Giants

Prospects: P Rick Wise (18), C Frankie Hayes (19)

Projects: RPs Matt Guerrier and Nick Goody (both 26), OF Kenny Hogan (18), 1B Buck Jordan (26), P Lefty George (24).

Suspects: None?

TWIWBL 24.16: Mid-Season Reviews – Philadelphia Stars

By mknn

On April 27, 2022

In Team News, TWIWBL

Summary

Meh. It feels like they Stars have underperformed all year, yet they set basically at .500, although with little chance to catch the Black Yankees in the Effa Manley Division.

If you believe that numbers don’t lie, the Stars should be in selling mode, as they rank in the bottom 25% in most categories.

What’s Gone Right

Setups. Ron Reed and Rheal Cormier have been spectacular out of the pen for the stars, with Reed probably the most effective reliever in the league.

The Outfield. Willie Davis has been fantastic in CF, and George Hendrick, Gavvy Cravath, and Rico Carty have been good around him. Cravath and Carty (and solid contributor Buck Freeman) are in their mid-30’s and may be attractive trade bait.

Rolen Along. The decision to trade Mike Schmidt in the preseason cleared the way for Scott Rolen, a decision that looks good right now, with Rolen posting an OPS in the mid .800s with great defense at 3B.

What’s Gone Wrong

The Final Two. The number 4 and 5 starters have been miserable all year. John Montgomery Ward has shown signs of turning it around, but Larry Jackson is really just a shot in the dark after the failures of Don Carman and, most disappointingly, Robin Roberts.

Catching. Bill Dickey was supposed to be the answer behind the plate. He’s at AAA now, and Sherm Lollar is barely acceptable as the full-time backstop.

MI, Oh My. Chase Utley at 2B has been in a mammoth slump, putting his position in doubt. Over at SS, it’s just not possible to field well enough to justify Mickey Doolin‘s offense, and Jimmy Rollins has been even worse as a potential replacement.

Key Storylines

This team is likely to look quite different after the early trades, so the storylines are likely to shift as well. But the pieces–Davis, Hendrick, Cravath, Rolen–are there.

Trading Outlook

SELLING.

This is more because the team feels like it wants a shakeup and there are enough veterans they could get some good talent in return. Just at the big league level, they could be looking to move Carty, Cravath, Cormier, Ron Reed, and Bob Howry.

AAA Shuttle

José Ramírez has done well since his callup, so that’s something. Dickey, Gene Demontreville, and Al Smith have all been sent down, with others to follow soon.

Midseason Changes

Larry Jackson moves into the rotation. OF Sherry Magee and IF Jimmy Rollins head to AAA with Roger Peckinpaugh coming all the way from AA.

Awards

All Stars: Ron Reed (P); Scott Rolen (3B).

Offensive MVP: Willie Davis (CF)
Pitching MVP: Ron Reed (RP)

Down on the Farm

AAA: Norfolk Tides

Next to the Show: RPs Claude Jonnard & Minnie Rojas, 1B Cecil Cooper, OF Aaron Judge, 3B Pinky Whitney

Prospects: OF Bobby Abreu (24)

Projects: 1B Cecil Cooper (31), OF Aaron Judge (26)

Suspects: P Tim Belcher (27), SS Johnny Mitchell (27), P Bronson Arroyo (31).

AA: Atlantic City Bacharach Giants

Prospects: P Ron Tompkins (20), P Scott Garrelts (22), 1B Prince Fielder (21), OF Richie Ashburn (21), SS Roger Peckinpaugh (22)

Projects: C Tom Egan (20).

Suspects: P Pete Mikkelsen (29), OF Earl McNeely (28)

TWIWBL 24.15: Mid-Season Reviews – Ottawa Mounties

By mknn

On April 26, 2022

In Team News, TWIWBL

Summary

Ottawa is a team in constant struggle without enough talent to maintain much optimism for the second half.

What’s Gone Right

When It Raines. Tim Raines was probably the most egregious omission from the all-star game, hitting over .300 and leading the league in steals.

The Corners. Carlos Delgado and Anthony Rendon have been quite solid at the corners, even with a slump from Rendon towards the end of the first half.

Top Two, Eventually. Roy Halladay has been consistent from the get-go, but it took a while for the Mounties to realize what they had in veteran Jamie Moyer. Now, the two of them form a solid top of the rotation for a pitching staff that has struggled otherwise.

What’s Gone Wrong

Larry Walker. The fantastically talented outfielder has been a one man wrecking crew, with an OPS around 150 points above the next best on the team (see below). So why is Larry Walker listed here? He’s hit the DL twice, only appearing in 16 games for the Mounties so far.

Backstops. Gary Carter has improved lately, but still the backstop duo of him and Emil Gross has struggled all season.

Cutting Losses. The raw talent of Álex Rodríguez and Ken Griffey, Jr. is obvious to anyone that watches them. But they just aren’t ready for the WBL yet and it took Ottawa a long time to decide to send them to AAA. CF remains an issue for the team, although Freddy Parent has done well at SS.

Key Storylines

Tom Henke‘s injury has opened up the door for Gary Lavelle to serve as a closer for Ottawa–or for someone else.

Two players–Raines and Halladay–are on the verge of establishing themselves as true stars in the league, and with little on the line for the team, individual stories will dominate the second half for Ottawa.

Trading Outlook

SELLING. Selling, selling, selling.

The fire sale is on as the Mounties look to the future. Moyer, Lavelle, and Delgado are the biggest chips they have to cash in, but there are some others, including perhaps all-star shortstop Parent.

AAA Shuttle

Not great. Jackie Jensen did well, but this is a team with revolving doors at a lot of positions.

Midseason Changes

Gary Peters goes back to AAA as Monk Dubiel returns from the injured list.

Roy Sievers, George Cutshaw, and Rick Monday all head to AAA with John Olerud, George Van Haltren, and Roberto Alomar coming up to the big leagues.

Awards

All Stars: Freddy Parent (SS).

Offensive MVP: Tim Raines (2B)
Pitching MVP: Roy Halladay (SP)

Down on the Farm

AAA: Montréal Expos

Next to the Show: OFs Jackie Jensen, George Van Haltren, and Jesse Burkett.

Prospects: 3B Steve Garvey (20), OF Rick Monday (23).

Projects: OF George Van Haltren (26), SS Álex Rodríguez (20), OF Ken Griffey, Jr. (19), OF Jackie Jensen (31), P Randy Johnson (25).

Suspects: C Brad Ausmus (35), OF Spud Johnson (33), C Jeff Reed (21), P Kirk McCaskill (31), RP Juan Cruz (33).

AA: Edmonton Trappers

Prospects: OF Lloyd Moseby (20), 1B John Mayberry (19)

Projects: OF Otto Briggs (26), 1B Tino Martinez (24), RP Joel Hanrahan (30).

Suspects: P Chuck Crim (29), 3B Glenn Williams (27), P Andy Lapihuska (19), RP Doug Henry (28).

TWIWBL 24.14: Mid-Season Reviews – New York Gothams

By mknn

On March 31, 2022

In Team News, TWIWBL

Summary

For a team that still feels like it’s putting it all together, the Gothams are doing very well–first place in the Bill James Division and 8 games over .500.

What’s Gone Right

Dynamic Duo. Willie Mays and Buster Posey look to be the heart of this franchise for years to come, with OPS’ nearing 1.000 and solid defense to boot.

Help From Below. The performances of Yasiel Puig and, especially, Wes Westrum, have been fantastic, and unexpected. Westrum actually has the highest OPS on the team (a SLG over .750 will do that) and Puig is solidly in the mid .800’s. John Kerins has been solid as well.

The Back End. Brian Wilson, Carson Smith, and Mike Norris have been great shutting down teams at the end of games.

What’s Gone Wrong

Mound Mediocrity. Christy Mathewson eats innings. Sad Sam Jones has been decent, and both Gaylord Perry and Juan Marichal a little more than that. But a team hoping to go far in the postseason needs more than that.

Not So Long Ball. There’s not a lot of homerun power here, once you get past Mays and Posey (and, in limited at-bats, Westrum). Much of the blame falls on Willie McCovey, who may lose his starting spot.

Reserve Infielders. I mean, they’ve been fine but I’m looking for 3 things, so … the performances of Mark Loretta and Brandon Crawford leave a bit to be desired.

Key Storylines

The biggest question is if the Gothams can keep on keeping on? Right now, it looks like they will go as far as the duo of Mays and Posey will take them. That said, the Gothams do need a pitcher or two to step up on the staff–two of Mathewson, Marichal, and Perry need to emerge as a legitimate front of the rotation for them to go far.

Puig is unlikely to keep up his current level of performance, but there are some players who are likely to improve (Carl Furillo, Johnny Callison), so that may even out.

Trading Outlook

BUYING, if they can, but it’s not really clear where the pieces are they can offer.

AAA Shuttle

It’s been a key part of their success: Puig, Kerins, and Westrum have all excelled, and Crawford seems to have solidified the backup SS role.

Midseason Changes

Mickey Welch and Mat Latos move down to AAA with Pete Donohue taking Welch’s spot in the rotation. Bob Moose comes up.

Awards

All Stars: Willie Mays (CF); Buster Posey (C); Brian Wilson (P).

Offensive MVP: Willie Mays (OF)
Pitching MVP: Juan Marichal (SP)

Down on the Farm

AAA: Hartford Dark Blues

Next to the Show: P Edwin Jackson, OF Benny Kauff, C Dick Dietz, OF Jo-Jo Moore

Prospects: None.

Projects: P Willie Banks (26), OF Benny Kauff (27), OF Jo-Jo Moore (26), C Dick Dietz (28).

Suspects: P Liván Hernández (29), SS Chico Carrasquel (28), Dan Johnson (35)

AA: Troy Trojans

Prospects: P Lew Krausse, Jr. (21), OFs Don Mueller & Mike Shannon (both 22)

Projects: C Steve O’Neill (21)

Suspects: OF Johnny Rucker (24).

TWIWBL 24.13: Mid-Season Reviews – New York Black Yankees

By mknn

On March 28, 2022

In Team News, TWIWBL

Summary

The Black Yankees are one of the dominant teams in the league, although some cracks have appeared, especially on the mound.

What’s Gone Right

Quite Offensive. The Black Yankees are top 3 in most offensive categories, and are 1st in most of those. They hit for power, they take walks, and the lineup is deep, deep, deep.

The MVP(s). Look, this Babe Ruth kid can hit, but the real MVP of the Black Yankees has been Thurman Munson, who heads into the break having reached base in over 30 straight games.

The 900 Club. Five hitters have an OPS over .890 (I rounded up). Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Munson, Albert Belle, and Eric Davis are a fearsome … dare I say it … Murderer’s Row.

What’s Gone Wrong

The Middle Infield. Derek Jeter is doing alright, but 2B has been a real struggle. Willie Randolph has been much better of late, and still has an OPS around .650, and the less said about Craig Counsell‘s performance, the better.

Back of the Bullpen. Ralph Citarella has been quite good, but both Sparky Lyle and Goose Gossage have struggled.

Guidry’s Fall. Ron Guidry looked like one of the best pitchers in the league for the first few months; while he still leads the WBL in strikeouts, his overall performance has suffered, with only a 5-6 record and an ERA over 4.00.

Key Storylines

The Black Yankees look likely to sit pat: they have the talent to compete just as they are, although pitching is always welcome.

There are some things to watch for in the second half, from whether Ruth’s slight slump is anything to worry about to whether they can continue to carry both 2B as a position and, to a lesser degree, Don Mattingly at 1B.

The most likely thing here is that some of these things break well and some don’t, and overall the team remains a powerhouse.

Trading Outlook

BUYING.

But it’s not clear what they need. Bullpen help for sure, and a solve to 2B could be useful as well.

AAA Shuttle

They haven’t used it a lot. Cole Hamels and Sam Thompson have been fine.

Midseason Changes

Cole Hamels joins the rotation.

Awards

All Stars: Eric Davis (CF); Lou Gehrig (1B); Derek Jeter (SS); Mickey Mantle (RF); Thurman Munson (C); Red Ruffing (P); Babe Ruth (LF).

Player of the Month: Babe Ruth (April)

Offensive MVP: Babe Ruth (OF)
Pitching MVP: Red Ruffing (SP)

Down on the Farm

AAA: Newark Eagles

Next to the Show: SP AJ Burnett & Jake Peavy, RP Bryan Hickerson, OF Joe Harris.

Prospects: SP Jake Peavy (23), C Smoky Burgess (22), 3B Chris Brown (22).

Projects: SP Whitey Ford (24), OF Sam Thompson (26), OF Nick Swisher (29), RP Bryan Hickerson (27), 1B Hal Chase (27), SP Jim Clinton (25).

Suspects: 1B Moose Skowron (29), OF Hank Bauer (31), IF Aaron Hill (23), OF Charlie Keller (33), RP Fritz Coumbe (24).

AA: Hudson Valley Renegades

Prospects: 2B Dick Bartell (20).

Projects: P Joba Chamberlain (25), P LaTroy Hawkins (22), P Art Ditmar (26), OF Roger Maris (26), OF Héctor López (25), Kevin Pillar (27).

Suspects: None, really.

TWIWBL 24.12: Mid-Season Reviews – Miami Cuban Giants

By mknn

On March 11, 2022

In Team News, TWIWBL

Summary

Miami is probably the worst team in the league. Not much else to say.

What’s Gone Right

José Can You See. José Canseco has been their best player … even with a SLG just under .500.

The Starters. Actually, the Cuban Giants rotation has been decent, especially up front with Camilo Pascual and Tommy Bridges. Add in the surprising performances from Roenis Elías and José Méndez, and there are some reasons for optimism if they could just score some runs.

The Callups. In addition to Elias, Marcelino López has been strong on the hill, and both C Alan Ashby and IF Gary Sheffield have made an impact. Add to that 2B Pete Runnels, picked up off the waiver wire, and the team has done well adding parts throughout the first half.

What’s Gone Wrong

The Offense. Canseco is the only regular with an OPS over .800. That just hurts.

1B/3B/DH. The trio of Will Clark, Manny Machado, and Jim Thome were supposed to provide heart-of-the-order threats for Miami. Instead–despite combining for a respectable 31 homeruns–that trio has struggled to do much else offensively, with OPS within 30 points of .700.

Injuries. Talk about a team that can’t really handle them. Martín Dihigo, Rube Waddell, Ramón Martínez, Carlos Morán and Paul Molitor (plus some others) have all spent significant time on the DL.

Key Storylines

The question is how much they can sell off.

Trading Outlook

SELLING.

And likely to be in the same mode for a few years. This organization needs talent, top to bottom.

There are some useful parts here: on the mound, Clay Condrey, Don Newcombe, and especially Bridges and Waddell.

AAA Shuttle

See above–it’s actually been OK, especially with the pickup of Runnels.

Midseason Changes

Elias and Méndez join the rotation.

Awards

All Stars: José Canseco (RF).

Offensive MVP: José Canseco (OF)
Pitching MVP: Camilo Pascual (SP)

Down on the Farm

AAA: Orlando Rays

Next to the Show: RP Sandy Consuegra, P Steve Brown, 1B Carlos Peña, OF Tony González.

Prospects: Ah, if only …

Projects: 3B Willie Kamm (23), 2B Tony Taylor (24), RP Steve Brown (27), 1B Carlos Peña (32), OF José Tartabull (25).

Suspects: SS Julio Lugo (30), C Clyde Sukeforth (36), OF Gee Walker (36), P Bobby Locke (30), RP Ryoto Igarashi (33).

AA: Havana Industriales

Prospects: RP Glenn Spencer (22), SS Zoilo Versalles (19), C Harry Danning (23), SP George Lauzerique (21).

Projects: Jorge Rubio (21), Big Jeff Pfeffer (26), Clete Boyer (18), 2B Tito Fuentes (26).

Suspects: 1B Julio Becquer (27), 2B Luis Castillo (24).