Baseball The Way It Never Was

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TWIWBL 71.9: The Year II Futures Game

{ As always, the game does a really piss-poor job of picking the rosters, this time leaving the World Future Stars without anyone rated at C. }

The starting pitchers were selected as much from who was rested as anything else, with Nip Winters (AAA, HOM) starting for the USA and Mélido Pérez (A, PHI) for the International side.

Winters struggled immediately, with Asdrúbal Cabrera (AAA, BAL) and Melky Cabrera (A, BBB) starting the game with a double and a single, putting runners at 1st and 3rd with no outs. Jorge Orta (AAA, CAG) drove in one, and Xander Bogaerts (AA, LAA) 2 with a double, giving the World Team and early 3-0 lead.

Pérez pitched 2 scoreless, but José Lima (A, MCG) struggled in the 3rd, giving up an RBI double to Ed Delahanty (A, BRK), who came around to score on a passed ball (Bert Campaneris (AAA, MCG) started at C for the World Team, followed by Heliodoro Hidalgo (A, KCM)–they seemed to make the most sense).

That made it 3-2, but Campaneris–clearly trying to make up for his struggles as a backstop,–took Ed Seward (A, MCG) deep in the 4th, putting the World up, 4-2. Bobby Abreu (AAA, PHI) did the same to Al Orth (AA, OTT) in the 5th, and the lead was 5-2, with the World side seeming to be cruising.

But all-star games are odd, right? There’s no continuity on the mound, and a few bad pitches can change everything. Enter Tom Harrison (A, HOD) for the World Team. One run scored on a wild pitch and Dave Malarcher (AA, HOD) drove in another, and Harrison gave way to Luis Tiant, Sr (A, MCG). Tiant gave up back-to-back homeruns, the first a 3-run job by Ralph Kiner (A, HOM), followed by a solo shot from Joe Torre (AAA, BBB).

And the game flipped, with the USA now on top, 8-5.

And that was it. Bill Harper (AA, HOU) pitched 2 excellent innings, and Billy Muffett (AAA, CLE) worked out of a little trouble in the 9th, and the USA walked away with the win.

Led by Abreu and Bogaerts, who had 3 each, the World outhit the USA 13-7. But Kiner’s shot proved too much to overcome, and he walked away with the Game MVP honors.

USA 8 (Harper W; Muffett Sv) @ World 5 (Tiant Sr L)
HRs: USA – Torre, Kiner; World – Campaneris, Abreu
Box Score

TWIWBL 71.8: The NL All Stars

For each section, if a player doesn’t qualify for batting stats (roughly 270 PA), their G and PA are listed. Bold indicates a leader at that position for the stat; top 3 listed for most stats.

If you compare this with the prior post discussing the AL, the gap in offensive talent and pitching depth becomes apparent.

#C

NameOPSSlashReg StatsOther
Josh Gibson (HOM)1.234390/481/75427 2B; 23 HR; 79 RBI; 5.3 WAR3.4 FRM
Gary Carter (OTT)1.102324/387/71531 HR; 663 RBI; 3.9 WAR48% RTO
Mike Piazza (BRK)1.027311/348/67931 HR; 70 RBI; 2.9 WAR
Jim Pagliaroni (BBB).898248/355/543
Buster Posey (NYG).894291/344/550
Ted Simmons (KCM).880285/314/56525 2B4.08 CERA
FRM = Framing Runs | RTO% = Runners Thrown Out | CERA = Catcher ERA

The only question here is whether the NL dips below the big 3. 21 Year old Josh Gibson will start, of course, with Gary Carter and Mike Piazza in reserve.

#1B

NameOPSSlashReg StatsOther
Will Clark (NYG).989302/381/60856 RBI; 1.8 WAR
Mike Epstein (HOM).971252/386/58522 HR; 63 RBI; 1.7 WAR.998 Fldg
Anthony Rizzo (HOD).964278/402/561
Joe Harris (HOD).956295/410/546
Jeff Bagwell (HOU).938279/376/56271 RBI
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating

The NL has a totally different challenge to the AL: here, it is whether any of the natural 1B really deserve to make the team. Will Clark will start, with Mike Epstein on the bench. Joe Harris split his time between 1B and the OF, and may be selected in that role.

#2B

NameOPSSlashReg StatsOther
Joe Morgan (IND)1.101324/425/67650 RBI; 2.2 WAR52 G / 221 PA
Roberto Alomar (OTT).972312/391/58122 2B; 18 HR; 65 RBI; 31 SB; 3.3 WAR
Ryne Sandberg (HOD).964303/356/60828 HR; 60 RBI; 2.7 WAR.997 Fldg; 5.04 RF
Jackie Robinson (BRK).897270/357/54017 HR
Craig Biggio (HOU).837267/371/466
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating

Roberto Alomar and Ryne Sandberg are locks, with Alomar getting the nod as the starter. Beyond them, it gets interesting: Joe Morgan has been phenomenal, but missed a significant chunk of time while Jackie Robinson may deserve a spot, but has split his time between 2B and 1B. While Robinson is invaluable to Brooklyn, his offensive production is excellent for a 2B, but only solid for a 1B.

#SS

NameOPSSlashReg StatsOther
Ernie Banks (HOD)1.006287/316/69034 HR; 78 RBI; 1.7 WAR
Carlos Correa (HOU).931322/396/53520 2B; 13 HR; 40 RBI; 3.1 WAR.981 Fldg; 4.2 ZR
Álex Rodríguez (OTT).899260/322/57725 HR; 45 RBI; 20 SB; 1.5 WAR.974 Fldg
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating

While some may suggest that Kansas City’s Ozzie Smith deserves to be listed here due to his defensive prowess (he leads all SS in Fldg, RF, and ZR), it’s a bit too much to imagine a sub-.700 OPS warranting an all star spot. Ernie Banks and Carlos Correa are in, with Álex Rodríguez on the bubble for a while.

#3B

NameOPSSlashReg StatsOther
Albert Pujols (KCM)1.003314/381/62232 2B; 60 RBI; 2.5 WAR
Ron Cey (BRK).978278/375/60222 HR; 2.6 WAR.978 Fldg; 2.46 RF; 3.5 ZR
Eddie Mathews (BBB).917222/345/57227 HR; 56 RBI2.76 RF
Scott Rolen (PHI).911275/349/56255 RBI; 2.1 WAR.976 Fldg; 2.6 ZR
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating

Albert Pujols is named the starter here (although he may end up shifting over to 1B in the game itself), with Ron Cey behind him. Eddie Mathews‘ best hope of making the cut is if he ends up being the leading candidate for Birmingham, but my guess is they find representation on the pitching staff first.

#LF/RF

As with the AL, we’ll treat the corner OF’s together.

NameOPSSlashReg StatsOther
Larry Walker (OTT)1.080292/364/71537 HR; 877 RBI; 2.5 WAR3.97 RF
Rick Reichardt (HOM)1.044314/387/657
Tony Gwynn (HOU)1.030390/429/60127 2B; 6 3B; 3.1 WAR5 Kills
Aaron Judge (PHI).972272/368/604.993 Fldg
Stan Musial (KCM).964329/392/57337 2B; 2.2 WAR5.7 ZR
Joe Rogan (PHI).958296/341/617
Johnny Callison (NYG).913272/333/580.993 Fldg
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating

Certainly Larry Walker, Rick Reichardt, and Tony Gwynn make it, with Gwynn and Walker earning the starting nods. It seems like Aaron Judge and Stan Musial should make the cut as well, and Rogan gets a roster spot for his combined effort on the mound and at the plate.

#CF

NameOPSSlashReg StatsOther
Rick Monday (OTT)1.207305/397/80946 G / 151 PA
Oscar Charleston (IND)1.006335/384/62219 2B; 9 3B; 63 RBI; 25 SB; 2.7 WAR
Willie Mays (NYG).974277/347/62731 HR; 62 RBI; 3.1 WAR8.5 ZR
Carlos Beltrán (OTT).860253/326/53463 RBI
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating

Rick Monday can’t be a serious candidate, given his playing time, but wow are those numbers eye-popping.

Oscar Charleston gets the start at age 20, with Willie Mays also being named to the team. Carlos Beltrán is listed partially to show the gap between Mays and the next group of CFers. Rogan could also have been listed here.

#DH

NameOPSSlashReg Stats
Willie Stargell (HOM).954270/348/60614 2B; 27 HR; 60 RBI; 1.2 WAR
Albert Belle (BBB).884256/313/57115 2B; 26 HR; 59 RBI
Benny Kauff (NYG).869261/315/55319 2B
Duke Snider (BRK).771226/262/50925 HR; 54 RBI
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating

Willie Stargell will start, but it’s not clear any of the rest of these make it: Mathews is a better selection for Birmingham if one is needed, and Benny Kauff and Duke Snider–while doing well–just aren’t quite all star material this year.

#SP

Now things get a lot tighter in the NL. Here is everyone with a sub 4.00 ERA and/or 10 or more wins, plus a few others.

NameW-L; ERAReg StatsOther
A. Rube Foster (KCM)5-1, 2.20.202 BABIP, 0.96 WHIP, 3.67 FIP88% QS, 2 SHO
Toad Ramsey (HOU)12-4, 2.60163 K, 0.90 WHIP, 2.68 FIP, 5.8 WAR72% QS, 2 SHO, 2.29 SIERA, 2.0 WPA
Fernando Valenzuela (BRK)6-1, 2.660.87 WHIP; .176 BABIP3 GS / 74 IP
Hardie Henderson (PHI)10-6, 3.05.214 BABIP1.5 WPA
Jim Whitney5-2, 3.111 Sv; 2 H, 1.02 WHIP75% QS, 2.0 WPA
Roger Clemens (HOU)10-4, 3.64.210 BABIP
Smokey Joe Williams (BRK)7-8, 3.643.4 WAR
Orel Hershiser (BRK)11-4, 3.70
Luis Padrón (IND)12-2, 3.873.44 FIP, 3.8 WAR2 SHO
Smokey Joe Wood (KCM)9-6, 3.95
J.M. Ward (PHI)4-4, 3.99
Frank Castillo (KCM)10-1, 4.432 SHO
Bullet Joe Rogan (PHI)5-8, 4.462 SHO
FIP = Fielding Independent Pitching | BABIP = BA Allowed on Balls In Play | QS = Quality Starts | SHO = Shutouts | SIERA = Skill Interactive ERA | WPA = Win Probability Added

Toad Ramsey is the starter, with Luis Padrón and A. Rube Foster close behind. Hardie Henderson seems to be another required choice, with his ERA barely eclipsing 3.00.

After that choices, have to be made: Jim Whitney has been brilliant, but just barely qualifies for the ERA title. Fernando Valenzuela has been even better, but was used out of the bullpen for most of the season. And how do you ignore a starting pitcher with a 10-1 record? I don’t think you can, so we’ll add Valenzuela and Castillo, snubbing Brooklyn’s very strong duo of Orel Hershiser and Smokey Joe Williams.

#RP

NameW-L; ERAReg StatsOther
Harley Young (BBB)0-1, 1.123 Sv; 6 H1.87 FIP
Craig Kimbrel (KCM)2-3, 1.852 Sv; 11 H2.38 FIP; 15 SD; 2.88 SIERA
Robb Nen (NYG)3-2, 1.899 Sv; 6 H
Tug McGraw (HOU)3-3, 2.059 Sv.90 Sv%
Eddie Guardado (KCM)2-1, 2.051 Sv; 5 H2.58 FIP
Lee Smith (HOD)4-1, 2.656 Sv; 6 H.198 BABIP; 0.771 WHIP; .86 Sv%; 2.89 SIERA
Eric Gagne (BRK)2-1, 2.8119 Sv18 SD
Josh Lindblom (HOM)4-2, 3.1923 Sv.96 Sv%; 18 SD
Ted Kennedy (PHI)2-2, 3.474 Sv; 9 H
Rob Murphy (IND)1-3, 3.551 Sv; 11 H
Michael Jackson (HOM)1-4, 3.731 Sv; 12 H
Bob Howry (PHI)3-1, 4.0912 Sv.172 BABIP; 0.82 WHIP
FIP = Fielding Independent Pitching | BABPI = BA Allowed on Balls In Play | SD = Shutdowns | SIERA = Skill Interactive ERA | Sv% = Save %

More hard choices. Harley Young and Craig Kimbrel have been essentially unhittable and Eric Gagne and Josh Lindblom have been the most effective closers. So those 4 for sure. Robb Nen has done everything the Gothams have asked, covering as closer while Brian Wilson was injured, and continuing to dominate after Wilson’s return (Wilson only misses the team through a lack of IP after his injury).

The real omission here seems to be Lee Smith, who has stepped into the closers role for the House of David with aplomb, reflected in his overall statistical performance.

#NL All Stars

It came down to Scott Rolen, Buster Posey, Smokey Joe Williams, and Jim Whitney for the NL’s final spot. We decided to honor their dominant pitching as a league, removing Rolen and Posey from consideration.

Williams has only pitched roughly a dozen innings more than Whitney, who has better numbers across the board. That leaves Smokey Joe on the outside looking in this year.

As with the AL, here are the highest ranked performers in various categories who missed the cut.

Hank Aaron (BBB). #4 in H (96); #6 in HR (29); #16 in SLG (.588).
Joe Harris (HOD). #13 in BA (.295); #3 in OBP (.410); #18 in OPS (.956).
Jeff Bagwell (HOU). #4 in RBI (71).
Buster Posey (NYG). #13 in WAR (2.2).
Nap Lajoie (HOM). #3 in 2B (28).
Pete Hill (HOU). #1 in 3B (10).
Tim Raines (OTT). #1 in SB (59).

Orel Hershiser (BRK). #3 in W (11).
Christy Mathewson (NYG). #2 in IP (128); #2 in K (124).
Smokey Joe Williams (BRK). #3 in WAR (3.4); #4 in FIP (3.73).
Roger Clemens (HOU). #5 in ERA (3.64).
J.M. Ward (PHI). #4 in WHIP (1.02).
Rob Dibble (IND) and Jeff Pfeffer (KCM) are tied for #3 in Saves with 16, but neither have an ERA under 5.00.

The offensive players look fine. Mathewson and especially Smokey Joe have a right to feel aggrieved about this one.

Starters in bold.

C: Gary Carter (OTT), Josh Gibson (HOM); Mike Piazza (BRK).
1B: Will Clark (NYG), Mike Epstein (HOM).
2B: Roberto Alomar (OTT), Ryne Sandberg (HOD).
SS: Ernie Banks (HOD), Carlos Correa (HOU).
3B: Ron Cey (BRK), Albert Pujols (KCM).
LF: Tony Gwynn (HOU); Rick Reichardt (HOM).
CF: Oscar Charleston (IND), Joe Rogan (PHI), Willie Mays (NYG).
RF: Aaron Judge (PHI), Stan Musial (KCM), Larry Walker (OTT).
DH: Willie Stargell (HOM).
SP: Frank Castillo (KCM), A. Rube Foster (KCM), Hardie Henderson (PHI), Luis Padrón (IND), Toad Ramsey (HOU), Fernando Valenzuela (BRK), Jim Whitney (BBB).
RP: Eric Gagne (BRK), Craig Kimbrel (KCM), Josh Lindblom (HOM), Robb Nen (NYG), Harley Young (BBB).

Selections are more consistently spread across the NL, with Homestead and Kansas City leading the way with 5 players each. All teams saw at least 2 players selected for the midsummer classic.

Brooklyn, with the best record in the league, may feel a bit hard done by, as both Smokey Joe Williams and Jackie Robinson are left off the squad. Indianapolis has a similar argument, with only 2 representatives despite being only a game out of 1st with a record over .500, but the omission of Joe Morgan due to playing time is more understandable.

Here they are by team

Homestead Grays (.535). Mike Epstein (1B), Josh Gibson (C), Josh Lindblom (P), Rick Reichardt (OF), Willie Stargell (DH).
Kansas City Monarchs (.534). Frank Castillo (P), A. Rube Foster (P), Craig Kimbrel (P), Stan Musial (OF), Albert Pujols (3B).
Brooklyn Royal Giants (.575). Ron Cey (3B), Eric Gagne (P), Mike Piazza (C), Fernando Valenzuela (P).
New York Gothams (.494). Will Clark (1B), Willie Mays (OF), Robb Nen (P).
Houston Colt 45’s (.494). Carlos Correa (SS), Tony Gwynn (OF), Toad Ramsey (P).
Philadelphia Stars (.483). Hardie Henderson (P), Aaron Judge (OF), Joe Rogan (U/P).
Ottawa Mounties (.460). Roberto Alomar (2B), Álex Rodríguez (SS), Larry Walker (OF).
Indianapolis ABC’s (.523). Oscar Charleston (OF), Luis Padrón (P).
Wandering House of David (.471). Ernie Banks (SS), Lee Smith (P).
Birmingham Black Barons (.432). Harley Young (P), Jim Whitney (P).

The NL sees only 4 repeat all-stars: Mike Epstein, Josh Gibson, Willie Mays, and Stan Musial

TWIWBL 71.7: The AL All Stars

For each section, if a player doesn’t qualify for batting stats (roughly 270 PA), their G and PA are listed. Bold indicates a leader at that position for the stat; top 3 listed for most stats.

One thing became quite clear through all this: the AL is far more potent at the plate than the NL. Here, the challenge is omitting some players with 30 homeruns or near 1.000 OPS.

#C

NameOPSSlashReg StatsOther
Ed Bailey (DET).985269/365/61920 HR; 46 RBI; 2.1 WAR62 G/230 PA
43.2 RTO%
Mickey Cochrane (SFS).899297/368/5311.9 WAR1.6 FRM; 4.31 CERA
Joe Mauer (POR).850297/373/4771.7 WAR2.7 FRM
Curt Blefary (BAL).814251/348/46516 HR; 47 RBI
Carlton Fisk (CAG).801222/285/51621 HR; 56 RBI40.2 RTO%; 2.2 FRM
FRM = Framing Runs | RTO% = Runners Thrown Out | CERA = Catcher ERA

Ed Bailey (whose defensive performance has been surprisingly good) and Mickey Cochrane are clearly in, with Bailey starting. That leaves Joe Mauer in a bit of no-man’s land: if the AL goes with 3 catchers, he’d be the 3rd. With Portland needing representation in the game, and a general desire for 3 backstops, Mauer makes the cut.

Iván Rodríguez has probably been the best defensive catcher in the AL (although Mauer has been quite good), but Pudge’s 237/272/448 slash line is just too weak to merit much consideration.

#1B

NameOPSSlashReg StatsOther
Lou Gehrig (NYY)1.029283/394/63528 HR; 67 RBI; 2.5 WAR.995 Fldg
Frank Thomas (CAG).994297/418/5761.8 WAR8.84 RF
Lance Berkman (CLE).980271/364/61528 HR; 69 RBI
Hank Greenberg (DET).976276/347/62928 HR; 2.0 WAR.998 Fldg; 3.1 ZR
Jim Thome (MCG).954231/352/60332 HR; 72 RBI8.84 RF
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating

It’s hard to imagine that 32 HR and 72 RBI at the all star game doesn’t make the roster, but that’s what Jim Thome is facing. Lou Gehrig and Frank Thomas clearly are on the roster and while Lance Berkman and Hank Greenberg have better overall numbers than Thome, his power is gaudy enough to have the 3 in a dead heat. Perhaps Greenberg’s defense edges him in front?

In the end, none of the 3 of them made it, which is remarkable.

#2B & SS

Because Dick Lundy and Bobby Grich–two strong contenders–essentially split their time between 2B and SS, we’ll consider the two positions together. First the 2Bs.

NameOPSSlashReg StatsOther
Rogers Hornsby (POR).867280/386/48111 HR; 33 RBI58 G / 254 PA
Bobby Grich (LAA).829238/367/46215 HR; 44 RBI; 1.8 WAR1.3 ZR
Eddie Collins (CAG).828310/404/42419 2B; 38 SB; 1.3 WAR4.60 RF
Charlie Gehringer (DET).823260/335/48811 HR; 34 RBI62 G / 242 PA; 4.96 RF
Cookie Rojas (MCG).800321/365/43629 2B.988 Fldg; 4.51 RF
Miller Huggins (BAL).795302/423/3721.9 WAR67 G / 241 PA; 6.4 ZR
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating

And now the SS

NameOPSSlashReg StatsOther
Cal Ripken, Jr. (BAL).926293/339/58745 G / 1655 PA
Arky Vaughan (CLE).906312/400/50619 2B; 44 RBI; 2.8 WAR6.7 ZR
Bobby Grich (LAA).829238/367/46215 HR; 44 RBI; 1.8 WAR
Robin Yount (MCG).828273/313/51516 HR; 42 RBI.983 Fldg; 4.42 RF
Dick Lundy (SFS).799296/357/44218 2B; 7 3B; 35 SB; 2.3 WAR4.40 RF; 5.9 ZR
Jim Fregosi (POR).795259/351/44416 2B.985 Fldg
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating

This is rough all around.

Arky Vaughan is just about the only clear choice here, with the best all around performance by a SS if you discount Cal Ripken, Jr., who just hasn’t played enough (likewise, a lack of playing time eliminates both Miller Huggins and, most controversially, Charlie Gehringer from consideration).

If we need 4 more middle infielders, they should come from Rogers Hornsby, Grich, Lundy, Eddie Collins, and Robin Yount.

Hornsby has been the best hitting 2B, which is no surprise, but he’s also missed some time and is somewhat of a liability defensively. Still, the best OPS of the group has to count for something, so he’s in as the starting 2B for the AL.

Eddie Collins is having a bit of an off year compared to last year season. Grich, Collins, and Yount are almost indistinguishable: as such, Grich’s versatility earns him a roster spot, and Collins edges Yount for the final spot, leaving Lundy in the cold as well.

#3B

NameOPSSlashReg StatsOther
Evan Longoria (CLE).958296/352/60626 2B; 55 RBI; 2.3 WAR.962 Fldg; 1.5 ZR
Mike Schmidt (NYY).951251/367/58426 HR; 60 RBI; 2.4 WAR2.57 RF; 2.2 ZR
Gary Sheffield (MCG).937281/327/61122 2B; 60 RBI; 2.0 WAR1.3 ZR
Wade Boggs (MEM).887325/396/49128 2B
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating

Wade Boggs is really just there for comparison. Mike Schmidt gets the starter’s nod over Evan Longoria, as much for his team’s performance as any discernable statistical edge.

#LF/RF

We’ll treat the corner OF’s together.

NameOPSSlashReg StatsOther
Babe Ruth (NYY)1.191288/428/76341 HR; 94 RBI; 5.4 WAR6.7 ZR
José Canseco (MCG)1.101258/378/72338 HR
Ted Williams (MEM)1.059310/425/63469 RBI
Frank Robinson (BAL)1.038305/398/6401.000 Fldg
Mickey Mantle (NYY)1.009270/380/62932 HR; 82 RBI
Joe Jackson (CAG).981354/397/58440 2B; 31 SB
Rickey Henderson (SFS).866264/386/47962 SB; 3.0 WAR7.3 ZR
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating

Babe Ruth, José Canseco, and Ted Williams are locks. After that, it would seem criminal to omit either Frank Robinson or Mickey Mantle, although it must be noted that Uncle Robbie’s performance is ever-so-stronger than Mantle’s, earning him one of the final spots.

That would leave the electric Rickey Henderson and the extraordinary Joe Jackson on the outside looking in.

#CF

NameOPSSlashReg StatsOther
Tris Speaker (CLE)1.113341/413/70032 2B; 64 RBI; 4.6 WAR6.2 ZR; 6 Kills
Eric Davis (NYY)1.080319/399/68129 SB45 G / 208 PA
Turkey Stearnes (SFS)1.063334/373/6909 3B; 24 HR; 61 RBI; 2.9 WAR
Julio Rodríguez (MCG)1.061346/369/69143 G/195 PA
Mike Trout (LAA).987309/389/59825 2B; 4 3B; 57 RBI; 3.0 WAR1.000 Fldg
Alejandro Oms (MCG).881344/406/474
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating

Look, I don’t like Tris Speaker either, but the man can flat out play. So, he’s in, as is Stearnes, perhaps the leading candidate for the AL Rookie of the Year. And neither Eric Davis nor the surprising Julio Rodríguez have played enough to make the cut. So that leaves Mike Trout as the open question: Trout is clearly deserving, so the question is whether the AL goes with 2 pure CF’s or 3.

Alejandro Oms misses out, despite being 3rd in the league in BA.

#DH

NameOPSSlashReg Stats
Ty Cobb (DET)1.299399/450/84938 2B; 9 3B; 75 RBI; 32 SB; 5.6 WAR
Ron Blomberg (CLE)1.032288/361/67132 HR; 85 RBI
Reggie Jackson (SFS)1.029300/422/60821 2B; 24 SB; 3.0 WAR
Kal Daniels (LAA)1.013326/425/58921 2B; 31 SB; 2.3 WAR
Ryan Braun (MCG).975280/327/64831 HR
Gavvy Cravath (BAL).956247/349/60723 2B; 28 HR; 71 RBI
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating

My lord. 31 homeruns at the all star break and a possibility of not being selected? Welcome to your life, Ryan Braun.

Obviously, Ty Cobb and Ron Blomberg are in. And it seems ridiculous to omit either Kal Daniels or Reggie Jackson.

#SP

And now we move into the AL’s weakness–there are strong top-end candidates here, but far less depth than over in the NL.

NameW-L; ERAReg StatsOther
Doc Gooden (LAA)7-6, 3.26.240 BABIP58% QS
Ed Walsh (CAG)6-3, 3.361.05 WHIP; .199 BABIP0.6 WPA
Eddie Plank (SFS)13-3, 3.730.5 WPA
Lefty Grove (SFS)10-4, 3.80140 K; 3.2 WAR3 SHO; 2.87 SIERA; 0.5 WPA
Andy Pettitte (NYY)10-5, 3.90
Brett Anderson (LAA)8-2, 3.931.05 WHIP; .234 BABIP
Bump Hadley (SFS)12-4, 3.983.67 FIP; 3.1 WAR58% QS
Cy Young (CLE)9-3, 4.373.81 FIP; 3.3 WAR2 SHO
Ron Guidry (NYY)8-5, 4.15150 K2.52 SIERA
FIP = Fielding Independent Pitching | BABPI = BA Allowed on Balls In Play | QS = Quality Starts | SHO = Shutouts | SIERA = Skill Interactive ERA | WPA = Win Probability Added

The spots fill up quickly. Eddie Plank will start the game for the AL, and his teammates Bump Hadley and Lefty Grove clearly belong. It seems silly to omit the ERA leader, Doc Gooden.

After that, it gets confusing. Ed Walsh has been almost unhittable, but is only 6-3. Andy Pettitte has 10 wins and a sub 4.00 ERA.

That would leave the overall WAR leader, Cy Young, the strikeout and SIERA leader, Ron Guidry, and the overall excellence of Brett Anderson missing out.

#RP

NameW-L; ERAReg StatsOther
Ron Robinson (SFS)1-0, 1.643 Sv; 3 H; 1.00 WHIP{ injured }
Ken Howell (SFS)4-1, 1.721 Sv; 4 H
Ross Reynolds (LAA)2-0, 2.301 Sv; 2 H; 1.88 FIP
Goose Gossage (NYY)2-3, 2.4110 Sv; 8 H.90 Sv%
Akinori Otsuka (CAG)3-1, 2.481 Sv; 5 H
Skel Roach (MEM)1-0, 2.627 H; .160 BABIP
Justin Hampson (BAL)0-0, 2.867 H; .159 BABIP; 1.05 WHIP
Rod Beck (SFS)3-2, 3.2023 Sv; .156 BABIP; 0.67 WHIP15 SD; 2.83 SIERA; .885 Sv%
Terry Adams (CLE)1-3, 3.8015 Sv; 2 H.882 Sv%
Sparky Lyle (NYY)2-1, 4.373 Sv; 8 H
Rheal Cormier (NYY)0-2, 5.7511 H
FIP = Fielding Independent Pitching | BABPI = BA Allowed on Balls In Play | SD = Shutdowns | SIERA = Skill Interactive ERA | Sv% = Save %

The AL is a little weak in bullpen depth as well. Rod Beck is easily the class of the closers, with Terry Adams close behind. The overall excellence of Ken Howell and Goose Gossage also merit a spot, leaving Ross Reynolds, Skel Roach, and Justin Hampson on the bubble.

Hampson gets the nod, both because of how surprising his season has been and as a nod to the paucity of lefties in the AL pen.

#AL All Stars

The final 2 spots came down to choices between Mike Trout, Reggie Jackson, Kal Daniels, Mickey Mantle, Eddie Collins, and Robin Yount. A fourth middle infielder seemed like a requirement, giving the nod to Collins.

So. Reggie or Kal. Kal or Reggie. I mean. Kal Daniels is having an incredible year. But there’s just no way to argue he is more deserving than Reggie.

There is an argument to be made that the AL should only take 2 3B, replacing Gary Sheffield with Daniels. But the final choice is always going to be onerous.

Some more arguments about who was wronged (these are the highest ranked layers in each stat not to make the game).

Joe Jackson (CAG). #2 in H (109); #1 in the league in 2B (40); #2 in BA (.354).
Mickey Mantle (NYY). #3 in HR (32); #3 in RBI (82).
Kal Daniels (LAA). #4 in OBP (.425); #11 in OPS (1.013).
Ryan Braun (MCG). #7 in SLG (.648).
Rickey Henderson (SFS). #1 in SB (62); #4 in WAR (3.0).
Dick Lundy (SFS). #3 in 3B (7).

And, on the mound

Cy Young (CLE). #5 in W (9); #2 in FIP (3.81); #1 in WAR (3.3).
Ron Guidry (NYY). #1 in K (150); #1 in SIERA (2.52).
Brett Anderson (LAA). #5 in ERA (3.93); #2 in WHIP (1.05).
Walter Johnson (POR). #2 in IP (125).
4 Players have 14 saves, tied for #3. Of those, Only Ricky Nolasco (MCG) has an ERA below 4.00.
Rheal Cormier (NYY). #1 in H (11).

Starters in bold.

C: Ed Bailey (DET); Mickey Cochrane (SFS); Joe Mauer (POR).
1B: Lou Gehrig (NYY); Frank Thomas (CAG).
2B: Eddie Collins (CAG); Bobby Grich (LAA); Rogers Hornsby (POR).
SS: Arky Vaughan (CLE).
3B: Evan Longoria (CLE); Mike Schmidt (NYY); Gary Sheffield (MCG).
LF: Frank Robinson (BAL); Ted Williams (MEM).
CF: Tris Speaker (CLE), Turkey Stearnes (SFS).
RF: José Canseco (MCG), Babe Ruth (NYY).
DH: Ron Blomberg (CLE); Reggie Jackson (SFS), Ty Cobb (DET).
SP: Doc Gooden (LAA), Lefty Grove (SFS), Bump Hadley (SFS), Andy Pettitte (NYY); Eddie Plank (SFS), Ed Walsh (CAG).
RP: Terry Adams (CLE); Rod Beck (SFS); Goose Gossage (NYY); Justin Hampson (BAL); Ken Howell (SFS).

And, by team. Unsurprisingly, the 3 American League teams with records over .500 (San Francisco, the Black Yankees, and Cleveland) are supplying 18 of the 32 players.

San Francisco Sea Lions (.625). Rod Beck (P), Mickey Cochrane (C), Lefty Grove (P), Bump Hadley (P), Ken Howell (P) Reggie Jackson (DH), Eddie Plank (P), Turkey Stearnes (OF).
New York Black Yankees (.618). Lou Gehrig (1B), Goose Gossage (P), Andy Pettitte (P), Babe Ruth (OF), Mike Schmidt (3B).
Cleveland Spiders (.558). Terry Adams (P), Ron Blomberg (DH), Evan Longoria (3B), Tris Speaker (OF), Arky Vaughan (SS).
Chicago American Giants (.466). Eddie Collins (2B), Frank Thomas (1B), Ed Walsh (P).
Miami Cuban Giants (.483). José Canseco (OF), Gary Sheffield (3B).
Detroit Wolverines (.453). Ed Bailey (C), Ty Cobb (DH).
Los Angeles Angels (.448). Doc Gooden (P), Bobby Grich (2B).
Portland Sea Dogs (.438). Rogers Hornsby (2B), Joe Mauer (C).
Baltimore Black Sox (.416). Justin Hampson (P), Frank Robinson (OF).
Memphis Red Sox (.494). Ted Williams (OF).

A whopping 15 players are repeat all-stars from last season: Terry Adams, Rod Beck, Ron Blomberg, José Canseco, Eddie Collins, Lou Gehrig, Lefty Grove, Rogers Hornsby, Ken Howell, Reggie Jackson, Joe Mauer, Babe Ruth, Frank Thomas, and Ted Williams.

TWIWBL 71.6: Marvin Miller Division

TeamW/LPctGB
Kansas City Monarchs47-37.560
Indianapolis ABC’s44-39.5302.5
Wandering House of David39-43.4767
Houston Colt 45s39-44.4707.5
Birmingham Black Barons34-49.41012.5
Marvin Miller Division | 2 July

#Birmingham Black Barons

JP Arencibia continued to grow in Black Barons’ folklore, tying the league record with 3 homeruns in a 13-5 victory over Brooklyn. Albert Belle went deep twice and Bob Nieman, Gene Tenace, and Adrían González each homered once for Birmingham. John Malarkey was decent, improving to 5-2 on the season.

#Houston Colt 45’s

With Casey Stengel set to miss over a month, the Colt 45’s made 2 moves, first sending struggling 1B/DH Andrés Galarraga to AAA in exchange for Paul Goldschmidt, who will slide into the same role and then also recalling closer Roberto Osuna to help out in the bullpen.

George Brett had 3 doubles and Tony Gwynn added 3 hits of his own as the Colt 45’s topped Kansas City, 10-7. After a(nother) poor start from Roy Oswalt, Houston’s bullpen finally delivered up to expectations, with Dock Ellis getting the win and John Franco, Brad Lidge, and Tug McGraw closing out the contest.

#Indianapolis ABC’s

The ABC’s finally ran out of patience with Dick Tidrow, and when the veteran refused to be demoted, Indianapolis released him. The ABC’s recalled Mike LaCoss from AAA.

OF Jake Stenzel started a rehab assignment, although it’s not clear where Stenzel fits in once he’s recalled to the WBL.

Joe Morgan went deep twice, but a late comeback was thwarted as the ABC’s fell to Birmingham, 9-8.

#Kansas City Monarchs

Bad news for the Monarchs, as Lou Brock will miss 6-7 months with a broken bone. With Kansas City struggling, the Monarchs decided to reach down to AA and give the awfully impressive Cool Papa Bell a chance. Bell–perhaps even faster than Brock–was slashing 376/428/656 at Oklahoma City before his recall. It’s a bold move, but one that perhaps overlooks what Merv Rettenmund has done at AAA.

José Rijo continues to run hot and cold in the extreme: the owner of the WBL’s only no-hitter combined with Jeff Pfeffer on a 4 hit shutout of Houston. Rijo whiffed 10 and Ducky Medwick tripled and homered in the 3-0 victory.

The Monarchs demolished Houston behind a complete game effort from Smokey Joe Wood, who improved his record to 10-6. Both Ted Simmons and Willie McGee had 3 doubles and Medwick drove in 5 as Kansas City pounded out 19 hits in the 14-1 win.

#Wandering House of David

Sammy Sosa went deep 3 times (for the 2nd time this season) and Ernie Banks twice as the House of David overcame a rough start to beat Homestead, 12-6. Banks and Sosa drove in 4 runs each, and Ron Santo added 3 RBI’s, with the win going to Bob Rush, who improved to 7-6 despite giving up 6 runs in 5 innings.

Ferguson Jenkins put on what was easily his best outing of the year, allowing 3 hits in 7 shutout innings while fanning 11 in a 5-2 win over Homestead.

TWIWBL 71.5: Effa Manley Division

TeamW/LPctGB
Brooklyn Royal Giants47-34.580
Homestead Grays43-38.5314
New York Gothams43-41.5125.5
Philadelphia Stars39-44.4709
Ottawa Mounties38-44.4639.5
Effa Manley Division | 2 July

#Brooklyn Royal Giants

The much maligned Pedro Guerrero had himself a day, hitting 3 homeruns and delivering the walk-off RBI single in the bottom of the 11th as Brooklyn topped Birmingham, 8-7.

Beals Becker went deep twice and Fernando Valenzuela was fantastic as the Royal Giants beat the House of David, 4-1. Valenzuela improved to 6-1 with the complete game effort, allowing only 2 hits while whiffing 10.

Mike Piazza hit 2 out, giving him 33 on the year, and, in fantastically welcome news for Brooklyn, Don Drysedale put in his best start of the season as the Royal Giants topped the House of David, 9-1.

#Homestead Grays

Reliever Dave Giusti was sent to AAA, with Russ Kemmerer recalled to take his place in the bullpen.

Rick Reichardt hit two homeruns, including a grand slam, and Josh Gibson had 4 hits, raising his average to .399 as we hit the all star break. All in all, the Grays pounded out 23 hits in a 12-4 thumping of Ottawa.

#New York Gothams

Vean Gregg–called into emergency duty as a starter–turned in a great effort, combining with Mike Norris and Brian Wilson on 3-hit shutout of Ottawa. Pinky Higgins delivered all of the runs with a 3-run shot, his 9th of the year and Gregg fanned 9 in his 6+ innings of work. Norris picked up his 7th hold and Wilson his 12th save of the season.

Buster Posey hit 2 homeruns, but the Gothams fell to Ottawa, 7-5. This unfortunate pattern repeated as Larry Doyle hit his 10th and 11th of the year in an 11-9 loss to the Stars.

#Ottawa Mounties

Ottawa firmly believes in the talent of Randy Johnson. But there’s just so many unsuccessful attempts to move his ERA under 9.00 they can stomach. So they’re sending The Big Unit to AAA in hopes he can harness his immense talent. Clark Griffith–not exactly successful historically with the Mounties–was recalled. Bob Watson also headed to AAA after a mostly unsuccessful few months with Roy Sievers returning to WBL action.

The Rick Monday parade continues, with the shocking performance of the rookie continuing with 2 homeruns in a 4-1 win over the Gothams, giving him 18 on the year. As importantly for Mounties’ fans, Roy Halladay turned in a good performance, improving to 8-6, and Tom Henke picked up his 5th save of the season.

Monday did it again, hitting out 2 for 20 on the year and Gary Carter also went yard twice (giving him 30) as the Mounties beat the Gothams, 7-5.

Tim Raines–of all people–went deep twice, but it wasn’t enough as Ottawa fell to Homestead, 8-5.

#Philadelphia Stars

Bullet Joe Rogan was masterful, hitting his 16th homerun and tossing a 1 hitter as the Stars beat the Gothams, 3-0. Rogan walked 1 and whiffed 8 in the complete game effort, improving his record to 5-8 on the year.

Chase Utley hit a 2-run walkoff homer in the bottom of the 10th, giving the Stars an 11-9 win over the Gothams. Scott Rolen went deep twice, and Aaron Judge, Rico Carty, Ted Kluszewski, and Mike Sciosia also sent balls over the fence.

TWIWBL 71.4: Cum Posey Division

TeamW/LPctGB
San Francisco Sea Lions51-32.614
Chicago American Giants40-43.48211
Miami Cuban Giants40-43.48211
Los Angeles Angels37-45.45113.5
Portland Sea Dogs36-477.43415
Cum Posey Division | 2 July

#Miami Cuban Giants

Carlos Morán did fine in a brief trial with Miami, but Al Oliver‘s return from injury forces Morán back to AAA. Barry Latman was demoted as well, with Jason Hammel being recalled.

Kenshin Kawakami was named to the rotation for Miami, leaving only the final spot vacant for the time being.

Jim Thome went deep twice, giving him 30 for the season and leading Miami to a 6-4 win in a rain-shortened game against Cleveland. José Méndez gave up 4 runs, but fanned 11 in his 6 innings of work, improving to 7-4.

Thome did it again, increasing his total to 32, and he and José Canseco drove in 4 runs each as the Cuban Giants beat Portland, 12-2 behind a solid outing from Cole Hamels.

#Los Angeles Angels

Mike Trout hit 2 homers, but the Angels’ bullpen sort of collapsed, and Los Angeles fell to Detroit, 7-5.

#San Francisco Sea Lions

Eddie Plank became the WBL’s first 12 game winner despite one of his worst starts of the season in an 8-5 win over Chicago. Plank gave up all 5 runs in his 5 innings of work, but Mel Stottlemyre Sr. and Rod Beck were perfect in relief. Bobby Bonds‘ 23rd homer of the year was a grand slam which, combined with Reggie Jackson‘s 3 doubles, was enough to guide the Sea Lions to victory.

TWIWBL 71.3: Bill James Division

TeamW/LPctGB
New York Black Yankees52-32.619
Cleveland Spiders45-35.5635
Memphis Red Sox40-42.48811
Detroit Wolverines36-45.44414.5
Baltimore Black Sox35-48.42216.5
Bill James Division | 2 July

#Baltimore Black Sox

Buddy Groom started a rehab assignment, and should be joined at AAA by Bobby Wallace later in the week. Once Groom is ready, look for him to replace the struggling John Wetteland in the Black Sox bullpen.

Connie Johnson and Justin Hampson combined on a 2-hit shutout, blanking Portland 7-0. Johnson’s record improved to 5-6 and, perhaps more importantly, he made a strong argument for some more opportunities as a starter.

As expected, Wallace was able to start a rehab assignment at AAA, joining Groom, who still needs some time there before being recalled.

#Cleveland Spiders

Hank Gastright was returned to AAA, with Firpo Marberry being recalled from his rehab assignment.

Tris Speaker went deep twice, but Cleveland couldn’t hold off Miami, falling 11-7 to the Cuban Giants.

Needing a starter, the Spiders returned Sergio Romo to AAA, recalling Wilbur Cooper. Faced in the same situation later in the week, Cooper went back down with Steve Gromek recalled to make his WBL debut.

The Spiders had themselves a day, battering Miami 21-0. Cy Young threw the complete game shutout, allowing 7 hits while fanning 9. But the story really was the offense, led by Ron Blomberg, who had 4 hits (including his 30th and 31st homeruns), drove in 6, and scored a WBL record 6 times. Evan Longoria drove in 7, and Longoria and Larry Doby each also had 4 hits. In addition to Blomberg’s 2, Longoria, Doby, and Louis Santop also hit homeruns.

Lance Berkman slammed 3 homeruns for the second time this season, but the Spiders couldn’t preserve a lead in the top of the 9th, losing to Los Angeles, 8-7.

Berkman may be the hottest hitter in the league right now, as he hit another 2 out in a game Cleveland won in the bottom of the 12th on a solo shot from Johnny Bates, triumphing over Los Angeles, 6-5.

#Detroit Wolverines

Pete Conway will miss over a month with a strained oblique muscle. Claude Passeau returned to the Wolverines’ bullpen from AAA.

Both Billy Hoeft and Mike Griffin began rehab assignments, looking to return next week. Later in the week, Buddy Napier returned to the injured list, expected to miss about a month, opening a spot for Hoeft’s return.

Justin Verlander closed the first half out strong, combining with Hoeft and Chad Bradford on a 3-hit shutout of Memphis. Al Kaline and Bob Bailey went deep for the Wolverines, and Ty Cobb had 2 hits to nudge his average back over .400 in the 7-0 victory.

#Memphis Red Sox

Derek Lowe returned to AAA with Skel Roach‘s recall from a rehab assignment.

Gabby Hartnett went deep twice, leading Memphis to a 10-5 victory over the Black Yankees. Manny Ramírez did the same, homering twice in a 7-3 win over New York with Len Barker improving to 6-9 with a solid outing.

#New York Black Yankees

That was fast. There was a lot of optimism around Roy Evans‘ promotion to the Black Yankees. 3 games, 4 IP, and a 27.00 ERA later, he’s back in AAA with AJ Burnett returning to the fold.

Could the answer to the back end of the Black Yankees’ rotation be … Herm Wehmeier? Wehmeier combined with Goose Gossage on a 4-hit shutout of Memphis, improving to 4-0 on the year with Gossage picking up his 10th save in the 9-0 whitewashing.

Eric Davis hit 2 out and Babe Ruth added his league-leading 41st as the Black Yankees rode a strong outing from Andy Pettitte to beat Baltimore, 12-2. Pettitte improved to 10-5 on the year. However, Ruth was plunked on the hip in the game, and will miss some time–thankfully, it looks like only a few days.

Mike Schmidt went deep twice and Thurman Munson and Derek Jeter joined Schmidt with 3 hits each as the Black Yankees defeated Baltimore in 10 innings.

Don Mattingly will miss about a week, prompting the Black Yankees to place him on the DL and recall Josh Harrison from AAA.

TWIWBL 71.2 Spotlight on the Indianapolis ABC’s

Indianapolis missed the playoffs last year. This season, they are neck-and-neck with Kansas City to lead the Marvin Miller Division, sitting currently at 5 games over .500. So something’s gotten better.

The ABC’s inherit players from a franchise with a long history, but surprisingly little actual success, the Cincinnati Reds.

HOME PAGE | ROSTER | POSITIONAL STRENGTH | LEADERS

This is a pitching-and-defense kind of team, but honestly it feels like they are sort of doing it with mirrors right now.

THE OFFENSE

The ABC’s are fast, but really aren’t a terribly imposing offense. It’s a reasonably standard problem: there is a handful of excellence surrounded by a lot of mediocrity.

Overall, the ABC’s–other than Oscar Charleston and Joe Morgan–just don’t hit very well, with only those two, Bob Bescher and Tommy Helms sporting batting averages over .260.

There is some power, with 6 batters in double-digits for HR, led by Adam Dunn‘s 24, but the offense is just shut down far too often.

#What’s Going Right

Oscar Charleston has blossomed, with the 20 year old OFer slashing 336/386/642 and leading the team in 2B, 3B, RBI, and R.

When healthy, Joe Morgan looks to have an argument to be the best 2B in the WBL, hitting over .300, drawing a ton of walks, and even flashing some power. But Little Joe has only played in roughly half Indianapolis’ games so far this season. So, we’ll see.

Adam Dunn and Joey Votto are eerie clones of each other, and they’re doing very well in terms of drawing walks and hitting for power (Dunn leads the ABC’s with 24 homers; Votto has added 16).

George Foster has hit for impressive power as a rookie, although the rest of his game needs some seasoning.

Barry Larkin, who was essentially awful last year, has slowly extended his claim on the starting SS spot.

Bob Bescher gets on base a lot and is very, very fast–a .359 OBP and 38 steals, with only 7 times being caught.

Luis Padrón has been something slightly above mediocre as a position player, allowing some roster flexibility.

#What’s Not Going Right

The biggest issue is Johnny Bench who, despite 21 dingers, is only slashing 2228/290/510. Now, he did hit 267/371/720 in June, so perhaps he is reverting to his form of last year, but overall it’s been a struggle, with Bench dropping down significantly in the lineup.

The rest of the roster–3B and all the reserves–have been quite poor with Robin Ventura being particularly disappointing to date.

THE PITCHING

The ABC’s are the only team in the WBL committed to a 6-man rotation, and while the top 3 or 4 slots tend to stay somewhat stable, the rest is in somewhat constant flux.

This year, it’s working more often than not, and the bullpen has been solid.

Still, there are causes for concern all over the place, as most everyone’s secondary numbers are a little weak.

#What’s Going Right

Johnny Cueto, Rube Foster, and Luis Padrón look set at the front of the rotation. Padrón has the best record in the league at 11-2, and Cueto and Foster both have sub-4.00 ERA’s. All three have decent peripherals, but Cueto and Padrón especially seem strong enough to carry a staff.

Rob Dibble has 16 saves despite being torched occasionally.

Jack Billingham has been excellent late in games, contributing across the board with a 4-1 record, 22 saves and 6 holds.

Rob Murphy is tied for the WBL lead with 11 holds.

#What’s Not Going Right

Last year’s darlings, Doc White and Willie Mitchell, are a combined 5-11 with ERA’s around 6.00.

The Only Nolan has hit a rough patch, putting what looked like a promising debut season in doubt.

Dick Tidrow has been atrocious, and is most likely not long for the WBL roster.

THE FARM SYSTEM

TOP PROSPECTS | MINOR LEAGUE SYSTEM

There is roster filler here, but little high end talent. 3B/SS Oliver Marcell is the highest rated prospect, but 19 year old Tom Glavine may have a higher ceiling. On the IF, Donie Bush and Matt Chapman have some promise, but other than that … Bob Ewing? Jim Maloney? Chris Hammond? Yeah, roster filler.

WHAT’S NEEDED

The top-end performers to keep doing their thing while everyone else takes small steps forward. That would be enough to at least keep Indianapolis in contention for the post-season, which would be a successful season.

Storylines to Watch

Key Questions from Spring Training

  • Who starts, and does the team retain its experimentation with a 6-man rotation? The answer to the second question is yes, yes they do and the answer to the first seems fine: Cueto, Padron, and Foster, and then a makeshift group as things unfold.
  • How do the uncertainties at SS/3B resolve? Still an issue. Larkin looks to have claimed SS, but 3B remains fairly open.

FEATURED SERIES

July starts with a four game series at Philadelphia, so that’s what we’ll focus on.

Projected Starters

Indianapolis starter listed first.

Luis Padrón (11-2, 4.21) @ Charles Rogan (4-7, 4.68)
Rube Foster (6-4, 3.80) @ J.M. Ward (3-4, 4.11)
Edward Nolan (3-4, 5.32) @ Steve Carlton (7-8, 5.47)
Willie Mitchell (1-5, 5.89) @ Ray Collins (1-4, 5.40)

Game One

Luis Padrón has struggled at the plate, so the ABC’s decided he would just concentrate in his pitching in this one; the Stars had no such concerns, and Bullet Joe Rogan would take the mound and serve as DH.

Through 4 innings, Rogan had allowed only 2 hits, but they were both solo homeruns (1 to Emil Frisk, the other to Joey Votto) while Padrón had kept the Stars hitless. So, 2-0 Indianapolis.

Frisk went deep again in the 5th, and Oscar Charleston drove in a run to extend the lead to 5-0.

Chase Utley broke up the no-hitter in the bottom of the frame, but that was really it: the Stars bullpen held until the 9th, but Padrón was just too good, dominating Philadelphia in a 2-hit shutout. He improved to 12-2 on the year, dropped his ERA below 4.00, and most likely cemented his position as the starting pitcher in the all-star game for the NL.

IND 6 (Padrón 12-2) @ PHI 0 (Rogan 4-8)
HRs: IND – Votto (17), Frisk 2 (3); PHI – none.
Box Score

Game Two

The ABC’s would face John M0ntgomery Ward in the middle game, which is sort of a mixed bag: Ward’s peripheral numbers are great, but his record is only 3-4 and he’s struggled to get his ERA below the magical 4.00 mark. Indianapolis would counter with Rube Foster, whose 3.80 ERA makes an argument for his inclusion in the all-star game.

And then game the first inning: Philadelphia batted around, scored 6 runs, and Foster’s ERA ballooned to 4.35. He settled down after that and–surprisingly–made it through 5 innings, bringing his ERA back down to 4.17. Still.

Ward was dealing, making much of the rest of the game moot. He was finally chased by a moonshot from Joe Morgan, which closed the score to 8-2. He was relieved by Brad Kilby, who promptly gave up a homerun to Emil Frisk.

But the game was over, ending up 9-3 behind Ward’s fine outing. Willie Davis and Chase Utley had 3 hits each for the Stars.

IND 3 (Foster 6-5) @ PHI 9 (Ward 4-4)
HRs: IND – Morgan (15), Frisk (4); PHI – none.
Box Score

Game Three

With the series tied at 1 each, game 3 would see The Only Nolan take the mound for Indianapolis, opposed by Philadelphia’s Steve Carlton.

The ABC’s took the early lead on a 2-run shot by Joey Votto in the top of the first, but RBI singles from Butch Wynegar and Jimmy Rollins tied it up in the bottom of the 2nd. Philadelphia then took the lead on Aaron Judge‘s 25th homer of the year in the following inning, making it 3-2 in favor of the Stars.

Indianapolis rebounded on George Foster‘s 15 homer of the year, a 2-run shot making it 4-3.

Nolan couldn’t get an out in the 6th, allowing a double to Rico Carty and a walk to to Ted Kluszewski before being replaced by Willie Mitchell. Mitchell got 2 outs, but then surrendered a game-tying single to Rollins.

Carlton lasted a little longer, but departed in the top of the 8th after surrendering a single to Luis Padrón and hitting Joe Morgan with a pitch. After a walk, Oscar Charleston and Joey Votto singled and eventually Ed Charles doubled, making the score 10-4 in favor of the ABC’s.

That’s how it would end, with Votto finishing the game with 4 RBI’s as Indianapolis took a 2-1 lead in the series.

IND 10 (Mitchell 2-5, 1 BSv) @ PHI 4 (Carlton 7-9)
HRs: IND – Votto (18), Foster (15); PHI – Judge (25).
Box Score

Game Four

The series would end with Indianapolis’ Doc White taking on Ray Collins.

George Foster opened the scoring in the 2nd with a solo shot, but Joe Rogan put Philadelphia on top an inning later, launching his 15th of the year with 2 runners on base. White would give up 2 more in the 4th on RBI hits from Chase Utley and Sherry Magee. Singles to open up the 6th by Ted Kluszewski and Mike Scioscia finally chased White and brought Mike LaCoss in for his WBL debut.

Collins was finally touched for another run in the 7th, but Fred Cambria was able to work out of a jam, preserving the Stars’ 5-2 lead.

Joey Votto launched his 19th of the year in the top of the 9th off Stars’ closer Bob Howry to close it to 5-4, but that was all the ABC’s could muster.

Joe Morgan had 3 hits for Indianapolis, but it wasn’t enough, and the series ends in an even split.

IND 4 (White 4-7) @ PHI 5 (Collins 2-4; Howry 12 Sv; Cambria 1 H; Kennedy 9 H)
HRs: IND – Foster (16), Votto (19); PHI – Rogan (15).
Box Score

It’s not bad, but if the ABC’s are going to solidify their position, they need to beat up on the weaker teams, like the Stars. But 3 homeruns for Votto and 2 for Frisk and Foster are decent signs, for sure.

TWIWBL 71.1: Year 2, Week 14

July 2nd

We’ll preview the All Star selections, so this will be a bit of a longer entry.

#Awards

Lots of awards, as we moved into a new month!

First, the smaller ones. Houston‘s Jeff Bagwell was the National League Player of the Week, hitting .409 with 5 homeruns while Eric Davis of the juggernaut New York Black Yankees was the American League Player of the Week, hitting .481 with 5 homers in the same span.

In the monthly awards, the American League Rookie of the Month for June was San Francisco‘s Turkey Stearnes, who hit .378 with 11 homeruns in the month.

Kansas City‘s A. Rube Foster was both the National League Rookie of the Month and the NL Pitcher of the Month, going 3-1 with a 1.65 ERA, as the young hurler announced himself as, at least so far, a premier WBL starter. The American League Pitcher of the Month was Bump Hadley, Stearnes’ teammate in San Francisco. Hadley was 5-0 in June with a 2.66 ERA.

Ottawa‘s star backstop, Gary Carter, was the National League Batter of the Month, hitting .397 with 14 homeruns in June while in the American League, unsurprisingly, the award went to the stellar Ty Cobb. The Detroit OF hit .408 with 11 homers in June, which actually brought his overall average down in that span (Cobb is leading the WBL in BA at .418).

#Team Performance

Yawn.

The Black Yankees and the Sea Lions continue to be the 2 best teams in the league, leading their divisions by 5 and 11 games respectively.

The Effa Manley Division might offer some excitement in the second half, as Brooklyn still leads Homestead by 4 and the New York Gothams by 5.5. But the only true race is in the Marvin Miller Division, where Kansas City has overtaken Indianapolis, now leading the ABC’s by 2.5 games.

The Houston Colt 45’s are 8-2 over their last 10 games, but still sit 5 games under .500. Detroit and Philadelphia are moving in the other direction, with each team managing only 2 wins in their last 10 contests.

Birmingham still has the worst record in the league, but they have moved over .400, sitting at .410 (34-49).

#Player Performance

Batters

It’s still Ty Cobb’s world, although Babe Ruth is doing Babe Ruth things, and reached the 40 homerun plateau during the last week.

José Canseco (MCG). 254/375/734. 36 HR.
Oscar Charleston (IND). 336/386/642. 103 H, 9 3B.
Ty Cobb (DET). 416/464/885. 116 H, 37 2B, 8 3B, 5.8 WAR.
Josh Gibson (HOM). 392/481/748. 5.1 WAR.
Tony Gwynn (HOU). 389/425/601. 116 H.
Pete Hill (HOU). 291/371/487. 10 3B.
Joe Jackson (CAG). 356/398/588. 103 H, 39 2B.
Stan Musial (KCM). 329/392/573. 37 2B.
Babe Ruth (NYY). 292/426/775. 40 HR, 90 RBI, 82 R, 68 BB, 5.0 WAR.
Larry Walker (OTT). 293/369/721. 36 HR, 85 RBI.

Rickey Henderson (San Francisco) and Tim Raines (Ottawa) continue to be 1-2 in the league in steals, but it’s getting closer, with Henderson’s edge now 60 to 53.

Pitchers

Starters

While his performance has been somewhat below par, the New York Gothams’ Christy Mathewson continues to be definition of workhorse, leading the WBL with 20 starts, 2 ahead of a bevy of hurlers with 18.

7 pitchers have reached double-digits in wins, with Luis Padrón (Indianapolis) leading the way at 11-2. All 7 are included below. Houston’s Toad Ramsey was so dominant for so long, he is still the top starter in the league despite a recent dip in form, but I would probably choose Lefty Grove of San Francisco or the emergent A. Rube Foster.

Frank Castillo (KCM). 10-1, 4.22.
A. Rube Foster (KCM). 5-1, 2.30. .203 BABIP, 0.98 WHIP, 3.70 FIP.
Lefty Grove (SFS). 10-4, 3.71. 126 IP, 132 K, 3.1 WAR.
Ron Guidry (NYY). 8-4, 3.86. 143 K, 3.80 FIP, 3.2 WAR.
Bump Hadley (SFS). 11-4, 4.21, 3.50 FIP, 3.0 WAR.
Orel Hershiser (BRK). 10-4, 3.87.
Luis Padrón (IND). 11-2, 4.21. 3.57 FIP, 3.3 WAR.
Eddie Plank (SFS). 11-3, 3.54.
Toad Ramsey (HOU). 11-4, 2.77. 124 IP, 152 K, 0.89 WHIP, 2.80 FIP, 5.2 WAR.
Ed Walsh (CAG). 6-3, 3.41. 1 Sv, .201 BABIP.
Smokey Joe Williams (BRK). 7-7, 3.41. 3.66 FIP, 3.4 WAR.

Relievers

We’ve listed the top 3 leaders in saves, all 5 of the relievers who have reached double digits in Holds, as well as all 5 with an ERA below 2.00.

18 IP minimum.

Rod Beck (SFS). 3-2, 3.47. 21 Sv.
Rheal Cormier (NYY). 0-2, 6.03. 11 H.
Eric Gagne (BRK). 1-1, 2.92. 19 Sv.
Ken Howell (SFS). 4-1, 1.72. 1 Sv, 4 H.
Michael Jackson (HOM). 1-4, 4.13. 1 Sv, 10 H.
Brad Kilby (PHI). 1-2, 4.39. 2 Sv, 10 H.
Craig Kimbrel (KCM). 2-1, 1.14. 2 Sv, 11 H.
Josh Lindblom (HOM). 4-2, 3.45. 20 Sv.
Rob Murphy (IND). 1-3, 3.75. 1 Sv, 11 H.
Robb Nen (NYG). 3-2, 1.95. 9 Sv, 6 H.
Ron Robinson (SFS). 1-0, 1.64. 3 Sv, 3 H.
BJ Ryan (OTT). 1-2, 4.15. 1 Sv, 10 H.
Harley Young (BBB). 1-0, 1.23. 3 Sv, 5 H.

#Injury Report

Portland lost half of their backstop platoon as AJ Pierzynski will be out for close to a month. News was worse for Ottawa, as SP Bob Moose is out for close to a year.

Houston’s Casey Stengel and Kansas City’s Lou Brock are awaiting diagnosis on their current injuries.

Baltimore’s Bobby Wallace, Detroit’s Billy Hoeft, and the Black Yankees’ Dave Righetti should all begin rehab assignments this week.

#The All Star Candidates

We’ll look at these by position, mixing the two leagues for the time being.

For each position, we’ve included as many players as it takes to have at least 3-4 candidates from each league, highlighting some pretty severe disparities in talent between the AL and the NL.

If players don’t qualify for the batting stats, their playing time is noted, as are some other potentially influencing factors. This indicates a leader at that position among the players listed (but not necessarily overall).

Each league can only select 32 players for the All Star Game itself (usually 20 or 21 position players and 11 or 12 pitchers), so quite a few of the players listed here will be left on the outside looking in.

#C

The NL dominates here, with 3 catchers with an OPS over 1.000. That means some worthy candidates–most notably NYG’s Buster Posey –are likely to miss out.

NameTm / LgOPSReg StatsOther
Josh GibsonHOM / NL1.2295.1 WAR; 67 RBI3.1 FRM
Gary CarterOTT /NL1.07328 HR47.1 RTO%
Mike PiazzaBRK / NL1.04229 HR; 65 RBI4.87 CERA
Ed BaileyDET / AL.97257 G/216 PA; 43.6 RTO%
Jim PagliaroniBBB / NL.92561 G/231 PA
Mickey CochraneSFS / AL.91710 SB; 4.39 CERA
Ted SimmonsKCM / NL.90063 G/256 PA; 4.15 CERA
Buster PoseyNYG / NL.8703.8 FRM
Joe MauerPOR / AL.85614 SB
Curt BlefaryBAL /AL.826
Carlton FiskCAG / AL.80067 G/254 PA; 11 SB
FRM = Framing Runs | RTO% = Runners Thrown Out | CERA = Catcher ERA

The other stalwart defensive catchers–Miami‘s Iván Rodríguez and Indianapolis’ Johnny Bench–just haven’t hit enough, although a late surge by Bench has moved him up these lists.

I don’t think there is any question in the NL, where it’s Gibson, Carter, and Piazza. Cochrane and Mauer should be in for the AL, with a question of whether you go with Bailey’s bat in more limited appearances or Blefary. Should the NL decide to carry 4 backstops, the choice between Pagliaroni and Simmons (and, perhaps, Posey) is close.

Gibson and Cochrane should be the starters.

#1B

The AL has a slight edge here, but there’s a lot of talent throughout.

NameTm / LgOPSReg StatsOther
Lou GehrigNYY / AL1.05728 HR; 21 2B; 65 RBI.995 Fldg
Will ClarkNYG / NL1.006
Frank ThomasCAG / AL1.004
Hank GreenbergDET / AL.99126 HR.998 Fldg; 3.1 ZR
Mike EpsteinHOM / NL.965
Anthony RizzoHOD / NL.964
Lance BerkmanCLE / AL.957
Jim ThomeMCG / AL.92728 HR; 64 RBI
Jeff BagwellHOU / NL.92366 RBI.995 Fldg
Boog PowellKCM / NL.920.995 Fldg; 9.23 RF; 2.9 ZR
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating

Gehrig and Clark are almost certainly the starters, and the AL will likely take Thomas and Greenberg as well. In the NL, it gets a little trickier, as Powell (along with Greenberg) is one of the better 1B defensively. Epstein’s offense will carry him, but after that my guess is Rizzo gets the selection (but cannot participate via injury), and is replaced by Powell, with Bagwell having a legitimate complaint.

#2B

The NL is ridiculously stacked in terms of offensive-minded 2B.

NameTm / LgOPSReg StatsOther
Joe MorganIND / NL1.08847 G/199 PA
Roberto AlomarOTT/ NL1.00821 2B; 18 HR; 64 RBI; 31 SB; 3.5 WAR
Ryne SandbergHOD / NL.99528 HR; 60 RBI; 2.9 WAR.997 Fldg; 5.00 RF
Jackie RobinsonBRK / NL.938
Rogers HornsbyPOR / AL.91953 G/234 PA
Charlie GehringerDET / AL.87657 G/225 PA; .989 Fldg; 5.09 RF
Eddie CollinsCAG / AL.85036 SB
Bobby GrichLAA / AL.84515 HR
Craig BiggioHOU / NL.841
Chase UtleyPHI / NL.7814.92 RF; 9.3 ZR
Cookie RojasMCG / AL.76627 2B.987 Fldg
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating

Joe Morgan is included just for interest–he missed too much time to injury to warrant serious consideration. Detroit’s Charlie Gehringer, on the other hand, probably makes the cut, despite starting the season in the minors.

In the NL, it’s pretty clear: Alomar, Sandberg, and Robinson, with the starter being decided between Sandberg and Alomar over the next week. The AL is trickier, but I think it ends up going according to form: Eddie Collins to start, with Gehringer and Hornsby behind him.

#SS

It’s pretty impressive there are this many shortstops that can hit, and Ernie Banks‘ production is incredible.

NameTm / LgOPSReg StatsOther
Ernie BanksHOD/ NL.97830 HR; 71 RBI
Cal Ripken, Jr.BAL / AL.96739 G/140 PA; .993 Fldg; 4.90 RF
Carlos CorreaHOU/ NL.92918 2B; 2.8 WAR
Arky VaughanCLE / AL.88719 2B; 2.4 WAR6.3 ZR
Álex RodríguezOTT / NL.88523 HR
Robin YountMCG / AL.84515 HR5.8 ZR
Jim FregosiPOR / AL.793
Dick LundySFS / AL.7837 3B; 2.1 WAR; 33 SB
Derek JeterNYY / AL.762
Dobie MooreMEM / AL.75022 SB.983 Fldg
Ozzie SmithKCM / NL.67219 2B; 25 SB.994 Fldg; 6.3 ZR
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating

Ripken, Jr. is really not a serious contender, but he has been impressive in the 40 G’s he’s played. That gives us Banks, Correa, and Rodríguez in the NL and Vaughan, Yount, and either Fregosi or Lundy in the AL.

Smith is included because of his superlative defense, but doesn’t probably make the cut.

This is an interesting position: Vaughan and Rodríguez changed teams in the off season, and Correa’s performance has been a bit of a shock.

#3B

The top 5 are locks, beyond that, it gets much trickier, especially in the NL.

NameTm / LgOPSReg StatsOther
Albert PujolsKCM / NL1.04632 2B; 60 RBI; 2.8 WAR
Ron CeyBRK / NL.9672.4 WAR.976 Fldg; 3.3 ZR
Gary SheffieldMCG/ AL.92922 HR; 55 RBI; 15 SB
Evan LongoriaCLE / AL.9262.2 ZR
Mike SchmidtNYY / AL.92623 HR; 55 RBI2.59 RF
Scott RolenPHI / NL.9222.1 WAR.974 Fldg; 2.7 ZR
Ron SantoHOD /NL.90652 G/192 PA
Eddie MathewsBBB / NL.90424 HR.978 Fldg; 2.66 RF
Wade BoggsMEM / AL.89626 2B
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating

After Pujols and Cey, it’s hard in the NL. Matthews and Rolen edge ahead of Santo due to defense and Santo’s relative low usage, but picking between the two of them is very challenging, to the point the NL may go with 4 players at the hot corner.

#OF

All of the OF spots are a bit combined in the end, but we’re keeping them separate for the sake of comparison.

#LF

When Detroit’s Ty Cobb plays the OF, he plays here as well, making the AL selections pretty simple.

NameTm / LgOPSReg StatsOther
Babe RuthNYY / AL1.20140 HR; 90 RBI; 5.0 WAR.988 Fldg; 5.1 ZR
Ted WilliamsMEM / AL1.06323 2B; 65 RBI
Frank RobinsonBAL / AL1.03524 HR; 64 RBI; 2.3 WAR1.000 Fldg
Adam DunnIND / NL.90624 HR.989 Fldg; 3.41 RF
Roy WhiteBRK / NL.866
Oscar GambleDET / AL.852
Rickey HendersonSFS / AL.8402.8 WAR; 60 SB7.2 ZR
Tim RainesOTT / NL.7737 3B; 53 SB
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating

So, Ruth, Williams, and Robinson are in, and perhaps Henderson’s 60+ SB warrant a spot. In the NL, it’s more challenging. Dunn seems to be a lock, and White is a bit of a sentimental choice. It may be just those 2 from this group.

#CF

Tris Speaker, as despicable of a human being as he is, is the best in the AL right now, especially considering the defensive contribution. Over in the NL, Willie Mays probably edges Oscar Charleston as the starter.

NameTm / LgOPSReg StatsOther
Rick MondayOTT /NL1.17241 G/136 PA
Tris SpeakerCLE / AL1.08831 2B; 4.0 WAR2.68 RF; 5.1 ZR; 6 Kills
Turkey StearnesSFS / AL1.0657 3B; 24 HR
Eric DavisNYY / AL1.05826 SB41 G/188 PA; 1.000 Fldg
Julio RodríguezMCG / AL1.05239 G/177 PA
Oscar CharlestonIND / NL1.0279 3B; 60 RBI; 24 SB
Willie MaysNYG / NL.97731 HR; 62 RBI; 2.9 WAR.990 Fldg; 2.70 RF; 7.7 ZR
Mike TroutLAA / AL.96524 2B; 2.8 WAR; 21 SB1.000 Fldg
Carlos BeltránOTT / NL.91663 RBI; 21 SB
Alejandro OmsMCG / AL.8835 3B6.3 ZR
Curtis GrandersonBBB / NL.87626 HR3.01 RF
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating

Monday, Davis, and Rodríguez aren’t really in contention, but their performances in limited action have been pretty spectacular.

Speaker, Stearnes, and Trout are pretty much locks in the AL, with Oms being a hard luck case. Beltrán deserves the spot behind Mays and Charleston.

#RF

A deep, deep group, probably 4 deep in each league.

NameTm / LgOPSReg StatsOther
José CansecoMCG / AL1.10936 HR
Larry WalkerOTT / NL1.09036 HR; 85 RBI; 22.4 WAR3.89 RF
Reggie JacksonSFS / AL1.02763 RBI; 2.8 WAR; 24 SB
Tony GwynnHOU / NL1.0266 3B; 24 2B; 2.8 WAR
Aaron JudgePHI / NL.994.992 Fldg
Mickey MantleNYY / AL.99330 HR; 76 RBI
Joe JacksonCAG /AL.98639 2B; 27 SB
Stan MusialKCM / NL.96437 2B5.5 ZR
Johnny CallisonNYG / NL.945.993 Fldg
Mookie BettsMEM / AL.86524 2B1.000 Fldg
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating

Canseco, Mantle, and the 2 Jacksons seem locks in the AL, with Walker, Gwynn, and Judge in the NL. It’s possible Musial misses the cut, as ridiculous as that sounds.

#DH

The pressure here is immense, given the competition for the other OF spots.

NameTm / LgOPSReg StatsOther
Ty CobbDET / AL1.35037 2B; 8 3B; 26 HR; 73 RBI; 5.8 WAR; 31 SB
Kal DanielsLAA / AL1.02321 2B; 2.3 WAR; 30 SB
Manny RamírezMEM / AL.98656 G/224 PA
Ryan BraunMCG/ AL.98231 HR
Willie StargellHOM / NL.98027 HR
Gavvy CravathBAL / AL.92622 2B; 69 RBI
Benny KauffNYG / NL.909
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating

Cobb is, of course, a lock, and it would be hard to keep Daniels off the roster. Beyond that, though, it gets difficult to justify a pure DH, although Braun, Stargell, and Cravath all have decent arguments.

#P

Pitching is, of course, a constant crapshoot, and a lot could change in the outings this week.

All pitchers are sorted by ERA.

#SP

This list has everyone with an ERA under 4.00 or 10 or more wins.

NameTm / LgW-L; ERAReg StatsOther
Toad RamseyHOU / NL11-4, 2.77152 K; 0.89 WHIP; 5.2 WAR; 2.80 FIP71% QS; 5 CG; 2 SHO; 2.34 SIERA; 1.7 WPA
Doc GoodenLAA / AL7-5, 3.17
Hardie HendersonPHI/ NL9-6, 3.18
Smokey Joe WilliamsBRK / NL7-7, 3.413.4 WAR
Ed WalshCAG / AL6-3, 3.411.06 WHIP
Eddie PlankSFS / AL11-3, 3.54
Roger ClemensHOU / NL9-4, 3.7165% QS
Lefty GroveSFS / AL10-4, 3.71132 K4 CG; 3 SHO; 2.87 SIERA
Johnny CuetoIND / NL8-4, 3.7567% QS
Rube FosterIND / NL6-4, 3.80
Ron GuidryNYY / AL8-4, 3.86143 K2.58 SIERA
Orel HershiserBRK / NL10-4, 3.87
Brett AndersonLAA / AL7-2, 3.911.06 WHIP
Andy PettitteNYY / AL9-5, 4.05
Bump HadleySFS / AL11-4, 4.213.50 FIP
Luis PadrónIND / NL11-2, 4.213.3 WA; 3.57 FIP
Frank CastilloKCM / NL10-1, 4.223 CG; 2 SHO
José MéndezMCG / AL6-4, 4.45
FIP = Fielding Independent Pitching | QS = Quality Starts | SIERA = Skill Interactive ERA | WPA = Win Probability Added

Right now, I would guess the starting matchup is Toad Ramsey for the NL and Eddie Plank for the AL.

Beyond that, in the AL, I see Gooden, Walsh, and Grove as easy picks. Guidry is likely in as well, leaving Anderson and Hadley on the bubble.

The NL is much harder to figure out. Henderson, Hershiser, Padrón, and Castillo feel like they deserve selections, with Williams having a very strong case as well. That would leave some excellent performances–Clemens and Cueto especially–on the outside looking in.

#Swingmen / Long Relivers

These are players who are either swing starters or have seen more innings than the finishers below. As is often the case, there are a few folks here who, for whatever the reason, took a while to be inserted into the rotation.

NameTm / LgW-L; ERAReg StatsOther
A. Rube FosterKCM/ NL5-1, 2.300.98 WHIP7 GS; 90 IP; 86% QS; 2 SHO; 1.0 WPA
Jim WhitneyBBB / NL4-2, 3.261 Sv; 2 H; 1.03 WHIP11 GS; 94 IP; 73% QS; 1.9 WPA
Tom BrewerSFS / AL0-1, 2.331 Sv; 2 H2 GS; 27 IP
Fernando ValenzuelaBRK / NL5-0, 2.371 Sv; 4 H; 0.96 WHIP1 GS; 60 IP; 1.0 WPA
Rheal CormierNYY / AL0-2, 6.0311 H
FIP = Fielding Independent Pitching | QS = Quality Starts | SIERA = Skill Interactive ERA | WPA = Win Probability Added

Foster and Valenzuela seem clear selections, with Brewer and Cormier missing the cut and Whitney being on the bubble.

#Closers & Setups

20 IP Minimum, with a possible exception for Brian Wilson of the New York Gothams.

NameTm / LgW-L; ERAReg StatsOther
Brian WilsonNYG/ NL1-0, 1.0811 Sv17 IP
Craig KimbrelKCM / NL2-1, 1.142 Sv; 11 H; 0.89 WHIP15 SD; 5.6 IRS%; 2.90 SIERA; 2.0 WPA
Harley YoungBBB / NL1-0, 1.233 Sv; 5 H
Ron RobinsonSFS / AL1-0, 1.643 Sv; 3 H
Ken HowellSFS / AL4-1, 1.721 Sv; 4 H
Robb NenNYG / NL3-2, 1.959 Sv; 6 H
Eddie GuardadoKCM / NL2-1, 2.081 Sv; 5 H2.92 SIERA
Tug McGrawHOU / NL3-3, 2.167 Sv
Ross ReynoldsLAA / AL2-0, 2.191 Sv; 1 H
Goose GossageNYY / AL2-3, 2.329 Sv; 8 H.90 Sv%
Lee SmithHOD / NL4-1, 2.735 Sv; 6 H; 0.73 WHIP
Eric GagneBRK / NL1-1, 2.9219 Sv17 SD
Justin HampsonBAL / AL0-0, 3.007 H; 0.95 WHIP
Terry AdamsCLE / AL1-2, 3.1815 Sv; 2 H.94 Sv%
Josh LindblomHOM / NL4-2, 3.4520 Sv.95 Sv%; 16 SD; 1.3 WPA
Rod BeckSFS / AL3-2, 3.4721 Sv; 0.73 WHIP15 SD
Rob MurphyIND / NL1-3, 3.751 Sv; 11 H
Michael JacksonHOM / NL1-4, 4.131 Sv; 10 H
BJ RyanOTT / NL1-2, 4.151 Sv; 10 H
Brad KilbyPHI / NL1-2, 4.392 Sv; 10 H2.73 SIERA
Rob DibbleIND / NL2-2, 5.2516 Sv
Jeff PfefferKCM / NL1-3, 5.6116 Sv
FIP = Fielding Independent Pitching | QS = Quality Starts | SIERA = Skill Interactive ERA | WPA = Win Probability Added

A difficult set of choices for sure. Of the true closers, Gagne, Lindblom, and Beck seem locks, with Kimbrel, Young, Howell, Nen, McGraw, Gossage, and Smith deserving nods as well.

That would give the NL 7 selections, likely keeping Wilson from making the team. It would also give the AL only 3, opening the door for Adams and even Reynolds or Hampson.

TWIWBL 70.6: Marvin Miller Division

TeamW/LPctGB
Indianapolis ABC’s43-34.558
Kansas City Monarchs43-34.558
Wandering House of David35-41.4617.5
Houston Colt 45s34-43.4429
Birmingham Black Barons30-46.39512.5
Marvin Miller Division | 25 June

#Birmingham Black Barons

Jim Pagliaroni went deep twice and Birmingham got a good start from Lefty Gomez in a 6-4 win over the Gothams.

Troy Tulowitzki drove in 6 runs in a 9–2 win over the Gothams where Greg Maddux was solid for 7 innings, improving his record to 6-8.

Albert Belle hit 2 homeruns, but Birmingham’s bullpen struggled–again–and the Black Barons dropped to the House of David, 5-4.

#Houston Colt 45’s

Needing a starter, the Colt 45’s sent struggling flamethrower Billy Wagner to AAA, recalling Rick Wise from AA. Wise came through with a solid outing, and Jeff Bagwell went deep twice as Houston walked over Ottawa, 13-3.

Craig Biggio reached double digits in homeruns on the season with 2 deep shots and Houston blew away Indianapolis, 19-1. Carlos Correa drove in 6 and Biggio 5 in the rout, and Pete Hill scored 4 times. Roger Clemens improved to 9-4 with a solid 6 innings.

Stephen Strasbourg finally got his first win of the season, combining with John Franco and Tug McGraw on a 3-hit blanking of Indianapolis. Strasbourg fanned 10 in 7 innings of work and Bagwell hit his 18th homer of the year in the 2-0 victory.

#Indianapolis ABC’s

Gorham Leverett was returned to the minors, with the ABC’s preferring a long reliever who can also start if needs be. They promoted Eppa Rixey, who fits the bill.

With Bob Bescher ready for recall from a rehab assignment, Emil Frisk‘s increased comfort at the WBL level was enough for the ABC’s to send Dave Henderson to AAA in an attempt to revive the veteran’s swing.

#Kansas City Monarchs

Albert Pujols hit 2 out, leading the Monarchs to a 4-3 win over Philadelphia.

Ted Simmons did Pujols 1 better, blasting 3 in an 11 inning, 12-6 win over Ottawa. Simmons drove in 6, with the win going to Craig Kimbrel who improved his record to 2-1 and lowered his ERA to a blistering 1.14.

Simmons hit another 2 (giving him 14 on the season) and Kansas City again beat the Mounties, this time 6-4.

#Wandering House of David

George Gore hit 2 out and the House of David came from behind to beat Indianapolis, 5-4.

Ryne Sandberg went deep twice, reaching 28 on the year, and carried the House of David to a 2-1 win over Birmingham. Kyle Peterson was excellent in his first start, but wasn’t involved in the decision, with the win going to Karl Spooner and Lee Smith picking up his 5th save.

Anthony Rizzo will miss about a month with a fractured finger, prompting the House of David to recall Jung Ho Kang from AAA.

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