Tag: Albert Pujols Page 2 of 4

TWIWBL 60.5: Marvin Miller Division

On June 4, 2024

#Birmingham Black Barons

Eddie Mathews smashed a ball 544 feet for his 5th homerun of the year, but it wasn’t enough as the Black Barons fell to the Gothams, 3-2. Matthews continued to mash, sending a ball 551 feet the next day, again in a losing effort. Bob Nieman and Jim Pagliaroni went deep twice each, but disastrous outings from both John Malarkey and Warren Spahn were too much to overcome as the Black Barons fell to the Gothams, 12-8.

Curtis Granderson and Albert Belle each had 3 hits and each went deep twice and Hank Aaron added a longball of his own as the Black Barons beat the Gothams 11-6. Jim Whitney continued his brilliant start to the season with 2 perfect innings, picking up his first victory of the year.

Gene Tenace, off to a great start at the plate, will miss about 2 weeks, with JP Arencibia being recalled from AAA to backup Pagliaroni. With Arencibia able to play 1B, the Black Barons demoted the mightily struggling Jake Beckley and brought up Frank Viola from AA to make a start. Viola was absolutely torched, giving up 4 homeruns in 2 innings, and heading back to AA after the game with Bill Phyle taking his roster spot.

Granderson went deep twice in a 6-2 victory over Ottawa, the second shot giving the Black Barons the lead in the top of the 12th. Perhaps as importantly, Sam Streeter, Lefty Gomez, Juan Rincón, Larry Benton, and Bruce Chen all put in strong shifts on the mound, holding the Mounties to only 5 hits.

Birmingham hit 5 homeruns in an inning, including four in a row, and still needed some late inning heroics to pull out a 12-10 win over Ottawa. Recently recalled Arencibia was the star of the show, going 4 for 4 with 2 homeruns in his first WBL game. Arencibia’s first followed consecutive homers from Mathews, Andy Pafko, and Adrián González. Pafko had 3 hits and Belle also went deep for the Black Barons.

#Houston Colt 45’s

Tony Gwynn and HR Johnson had 4 hits each and combined for 7 RBIs as Houston put a beating on Philadelphia, 13-4. Bret Saberhagen was a little shaky, but evened his record at 1-1 in a game where the Colt 45’s pounded out 19 hits and saw Johnson and Carlos Correa each go deep. Gwynn ended the day batting .536 on the year.

Andrés Galarraga hit his first 2 homeruns of the year, but it wasn’t enough as a poor showing by Billy Wagner led to a 6-5 loss to Philadelphia.

Russ Adams was a bit of an afterthought coming out of spring training, but he’s making a case for more playing time. Adams had 4 hits in a 12-6 victory over the House of David. Johnson and Galarraga each drove in 3 in the win, with Roger Clemens improving to 3-0 with a decent outing.

#Indianapolis ABC’s

Both Lefty James and Dick Tidrow were forced out of the game via injury in an 8-4 win over Kansas City. James was immediately placed on the DL, anticipated to miss about 2 weeks while Tidrow’s injury was less clear. Rob Murphy was recalled to take James’ spot in the pen.

Ed Charles broke out of a slump in a big way with 4 hits and his first homerun of the season, but the real star of the game was Luis Padrón, who drove in 4 and got the win with 6 solid innings on the mound. Johnny Bench drove in 3 and Padrón, Bench, Denis Menke, and Oscar Charleston all joined Charles in going yard in the 13-5 win over the Monarchs.

After the game, the ABC’s put Tidrow, who is expected to be out for just over a month, on the DL. Gorham Leverett was recalled from AAA to take Tidrow’s place.

#Kansas City Monarchs

Albert Pujols hit 2 solo shots, but it couldn’t overcome a poor start from Bob Gibson–who couldn’t make it out of the first inning–in a 13-5 loss to Indianapolis.

Smokey Joe Wood is the best pitcher in the WBL right now. He improved to 3-0 with a 2 hit shutout of the ABC’s. Dale Murphy went deep twice for the Monarchs in the game.

TWIWBL 60.1: Year 2 – Week 3

By mknn

On May 29, 2024

In TWIWBL

April 16

#Team News

The best record in the league falls to the Kansas City Monarchs, who have won 9 in a row and sit atop the Marvin Miller Division at 10-2. The Chicago American Giants are 9-3.

At the other end, the Portland Sea Dogs are off to a rough start at 4-10, and Birmingham and defending Whirled Champion Baltimore are barely better at 4-9. Very early days, of course.

#Player News

Kansas City’s Albert Pujols was the NL Player of the Week, hitting .500 (10 for 20) with 2 homers over the span. Miami‘s Jim Thome took home the honors in the AL, hitting .458 with 6 homeruns and 12 RBI for the week.

Some fun stat lines from the early going:

Gary Carter (OTT). 412/500/941. 5 HR.
Tony Gwynn (HOU). 510/527/804. 26 H; 1.2 WAR.
Joe Jackson (CAG). 510/547/878. 12 2B; 17 R; 1.2 WAR.
Ryne Sandberg (HOD). 465/478/1.093. 8 HR. 18 RBI.
Frank Thomas (CAG). 435/527/739.
Jim Thome (MCG). 372/500/884.

In case you missed it there, Sandberg’s SLG is over 1.000 at the moment.

On the mound, Smokey Joe Wood (KCM) hasn’t allowed an earned run and Memphis‘ Jon Lester has an ERA of 0.75. Kansas City’s Luke Hamlin, Waite Hoyt of the New York Black Yankees, and Jack Taylor of the House of David each have 3 wins, and San Francisco‘s Rod Beck and Detroit‘s Mike Henneman have 5 saves each.

#Injury Watch

A few important ones over the first couple weeks (only considering injuries that will last a couple of weeks at minimum):

Once more the House of David is without their offensive leader, as Pete Browning will miss about a month.
San Francisco’s Tim Hudson may have suffered a career-threatening shoulder injury; at a minimum he’ll miss about 4 months.
Miami’s Julio Rodríguez is out for 2 more weeks, as is Portland’s 2B Rogers Hornsby.
Joe Morgan of the Indianapolis ABC’s will miss about a month with a badly sprained ankle.

Some players are, of course, healing, with Baltimore’s Ned Garvin–the most dominant pitcher in the league when he went down last year–likely to begin a rehabilitation assignment sometime this week. Philadelphia‘s promising stud Aaron Judge should return this week, as will Portland’s young hurler, Walter Ball.

#Featured Series

This time we’re going to go with a 3 game set between the 6-5 Ottawa Mounties visiting the 10-2 Kansas City Monarchs.

We picked this series because the Monarchs have won 9 in a row and Ottawa is a shock in the young season, carrying a team OPS of 1.001–their overall slash line as a unit is 343/406/595, figures that easily lead the league (it’s not like the Monarchs are struggling at the plate, posting a 329/370/566 line as a team).

Ottawa was horrible on the mound last year, and really haven’t been much better so far, with a 6.14 team ERA while Kansas City’s hurlers have been, as you may guess from their record, excellent as a unit, one of only 2 teams with a sub-4.00 ERA at 3.83.

Probable Matchups:

Ottawa hurler listed first.

Bob Moose (1-0, 6.52) @ José Rijo (1-1, 8.68)
Randy Johnson (1-0, 7.71) @ Smokey Joe Wood (2-0, 0.00)
Old Hoss Radbourn (2-1, 2.61) @ Frank Castillo (2-0, 3.38)

Game One

The one game that seemed least likely to be a pitching duel was, in fact, a pitching duel. Both Ottawa’s Bob Moose (2 hits and 1 earned run in 6 innings) and Kansas City’s José Rijo (4 hits and 2 earned runs in 6 innings) were excellent, but Ted Simmons‘ second 500 foot plus moon shot of the year was a 2-run walkoff blast, propelling the Monarchs to victory in the opening game of the series.

OTT 2 (Hammaker 0-2) @ KCM 4 (DiPino 1-0)
HRs: OTT – Carter (6); KCM – Murphy (3), Simmons (4).
Box Score

Game Two

It didn’t take long for Ottawa to score off Smokey Joe Wood: Tim Raines doubled to lead off the game, stole third, and scored on a sac fly from Roberto Alomar, events made noteworthy as it was the first run off Wood all season. Ottawa would add 2 more in the inning, and then 3 more in the top of the 3rd behind a double from Larry Walker, a triple from Carlos Beltrán, and an inside the park homerun from Sam Thompson.

Randy Johnson was slated to start the game for the Mounties, but when he was unable to go, Ottawa turned to Clark Griffith. Griffith gave up a 3 run shot to Boog Powell in the bottom of the 3rd, halving Ottawa’s lead. Griffith didn’t pitch poorly, allowing only 5 hits in 5 innings, but the Monarchs have been masters of timely offense so far, converting those 4 hits into 5 runs.

Dupee Shaw relieved Griffith, giving up a long RBI double to Robinson Canó to tie the game.

An Adrian Beltré homerun off Bob Shawkey put Ottawa back in front, 8-6.

There was some more scoring–a solo shot from Walker in the 9th and Powell’s second of the game in the bottom of the frame–but Ottawa held on for the 10-7 win, evening the series.

Walker went 4 for 4 and scored 3 times and Thompson finished with 3 RBIs for Ottawa while Powell drove in 5 on 3 hits for the Monarchs.

OTT 10 (Shaw 1-1, 1 B Sv; Ryan 1 H; Dempster 2 Sv) – KCM 7 (Shawkey 1-1)
HRs: OTT – Thompson (3), Beltré (3), Walker (5); KCM – Powell 2 (4), Smith (1).
Box Score

Game Three

This is what Ottawa hoped for from Randy Johnson: 6 fairly dominant innings with 6 strikeouts and only 2 runs allowed. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough as some timely hitting from the Monarchs–a 2 run double from Willie McGee, a homerun from Ducky Medwick, and Lou Brock and Ozzie Smith scoring 3 runs from the bottom of the lineup as Kansas City took the rubber match, 4-2.

Frank Castillo was even better than Johnson, allowing only 3 hits in almost 7 innings, with Dustin Hermanson, Craig Kimbrel, and Jeff Pfeffer combining to allow a single hit in 2.1 innings of relief.

OTT 2 (Gregg 0-1) @ KCM 4 (Hermanson 1-0; Pfeffer 5 Sv; Kimbrel 4 H)
HRs: KCM – Medwick (1).
Box Score

TWIWBL 59.5: Marvin Miller Division

By mknn

On May 21, 2024

In TWIWBL

#Birmingham Black Barons

Both Steve Bedrosian and John Malarkey were injured on the mound, forcing Birmingham to turn to 1B Jake Beckley to close out the 17-7 drubbing at Houston’s hands. Neither Malarkey nor Bedrosian are expected to miss more than a week or so, but the team really can’t afford to carry both for that duration. Bedrosian was pushed to the DL, with Warren Spahn being recalled from AAA.

#Houston Colt 45’s

Craig Biggio had 2 triples, Andrés Galarraga 3 hits, and Grant Johnson 3 RBI’s as the Colt 45’s blew out Birmingham, 12-2. Toad Ramsey went the distance for Houston, improving to 1-1.

The Colt 45’s offense kept rolling as Tony Gwynn, Johnson, and Russ Adams had 3 hits each to lead Houston to a 17-7 win over Birmingham. Gwynn went 3-for-6, and say his BA go down, a testament to how strong his start to the year has been.

Two amazing performances from an 11-0 thrashing of the Gothams: Gwynn had 3 hits including 2 homeruns and drove in 5 and Ramsey was the first WBL hurler to notch double digit strikeouts in a game, ending with 11 whiffs in just over 7 innings of work. Ramsey had the knuckler working, but only walked 1 and Bones Ely finished the game by striking out 3 of the 5 batters he faced. HR Johnson, Biggio, Pete Hill, and Galarraga each went deep for the Colt 45’s. Perhaps most surprising of all, both Gwynn and Hill hit absolute bombs, Gwynn’s going 512 ft and Hill’s a whopping 538.

Roger Clemens delivered a complete game, 3-hit shutout as Houston beat the Gothams, 2-0. Jeff Bagwell showed signs of emerging from his slump with 3 hits and his first homerun of the year, and Clemens walked one and whiffed 5 in moving to 2-0 on the year.

#Indianapolis ABC’s

Joe Morgan will miss about a month with a sprained ankle. Tommy Helms was recalled from AAA.

#Kansas City Monarchs

Albert Pujols went deep twice, and he and Ducky Medwick drove in 4 runs each as the Monarchs topped the Grays, 10-6.

Boog Powell hit his first 2 homeruns of the year in a 12-6 victory over Birmingham. Stan Musial and Robinson Canó had 3 hits each for the Monarchs.

Smokey Joe Wood improved to 2-0 and has yet to allow an earned run as he delivered 8 innings of 2-hit ball in a 6-1 triumph over Homestead. Pujols had 4 hits and Willie McGee 3 hits and 2 RBIs for Kansas City.

#Wandering House of David

Just when things were looking up for the House of David: Pete Browning has once again hit the DL, this time for about a month with an oblique issue. 1B/OF Bob Robertson was promoted to take Browning’s roster spot.

George Stone had 3 hits and Bob Rush carried a shutout into the 9th inning as the House of David beat the ABC’s 6-2. Stone went deep, as did Ernie Banks, whose grand slam in the 4th was his first dinger of the year. Rush improved to 2-1.

WBL Year II Statistics

I needed a place to hold statistics that aren’t easily displayed in OOTP. Most of these are game-level performances.

For complete statistics, poke around on the WBL Stats Page.

Batting Statistics

2+ 3B Games

2. Bob Bescher (IND); Craig Biggio (HOU), Ty Cobb (DET); Willie McGee (KCM); Tim Raines (OTT).

3+ 2B Games

4. Chuck Knoblauch (CLE).
3. Craig Biggio (HOU); Curt Blefary (BAL); George Brett (HOU); Ron Cey (BRK); Cupid Childs (BBB); Ty Cobb (DET); Gavvy Cravath (BAL); Josh Gibson (HOM); Hank Greenberg (DET); Joe Jackson (CAG); Reggie Jackson (SFS); HR Johnson (NYY); Napoleon Lajoie (HOM); Herman Long (BBB); Don Mattingly (NYY); Willie McGee (KCM); Joe Morgan (IND); Frank Robinson (BAL); Jackie Robinson (BRK); Cookie Rojas (MCG); Pete Runnels (NYG); Ted Simmons (KCM); Reggie Smith (MEM); Mike Trout (LAA); Bill White (MEM).

3+ HBP Games

3. Jack Doyle (CAG).

3+ HR Games

4. Tony Conigliaro (HOD); Larry Doby (CLE).
3. Jeff Bagwell (HOU); Ed Bailey (DET); Ernie Banks (HOD); Buddy Bell (POR); Carlos Beltrán (OTT); Lance Berkman x2 (CLE); Ron Blomberg (CLE); Ryan Braun (MCG); José Canseco x2 (MCG); Larry Doby (CLE); Gavvy Cravath (BAL); Larry Doby (CLE); Josh Gibson (HOM); Paul Goldshmidt (HOU); George Gore (HOD); Mark McGwire (HOD); Kevin Mitchell (CAG); Rick Monday (OTT); Stan Musial (KCM); Jim Pagliaroni (BBB); Manny Ramírez x2 (MEM); Álex Rodríguez (OTT); Babe Ruth (NYY); Ted Simmons (KCM); Sammy Sosa x2 (HOD); Gorman Thomas (HOU); Mike Trout (LAA); Larry Walker (OTT).

3+ OF Assists

4+ BB Games

4. Ed Bailey (DET); Eddie Collins (CAG); Mike Epstein (HOM); Rickey Henderson (SFS); Willie McGee (KCM); Andrew McCutchen (HOM), Joe Morgan (IND); Gorman Thomas (HOU); Joey Votto (IND).

4+ CS Games

6. Curt Blefary (BAL); Iván Rodríguez (MCG).
4. Brad Ausmus (OTT); Johnny Bench (IND); Curt Blefary (BAL); Gabby Hartnett (MEM); Jorge Posada (HOU); Mike Scioscia (PHI); Ted Simmons (KCM).

4+ Run Games

6. Ron Blomberg (CLE).
5. Chuck Knoblauch (CLE); Tris Speaker (CLE).
4. Roberto Alomar x3 (OTT); Jeff Bagwell x2 (HOU); Bob Bailey (DET); Ed Bailey (DET); Johnny Bates x2 (CLE); Albert Belle (BBB); Curt Blefary x2 (BAL); Dan Brouthers (BRK); Ron Cey (BRK); Roberto Clemente (HOM); Eddie Collins x2 (CAG); Tony Conigliaro (HOD); Gavvy Cravath (BAL); Ray Dandridge (BRK); Larry Doby (CLE); Mike Epstein (HOM); George Grantham (CAG); Rickey Henderson x2 (SFS); Pete Hill (HOU); Benny Kauff (NYG); Paul Konerko (CAG); Evan Longoria (CLE); Willie McGee (KCM); Kevin Mitchell (CAG); Rick Monday (OTT); Eddie Murray (BAL); Billy Nash (DET); Yasiel Puig (MCG); Charles Rogan (PHI); Cookie Rojas (MCG); Babe Ruth (NYY); Gary Sheffield (MCG); Chase Utley (PHI); Arky Vaughan (CLE); Larry Walker (OTT); Jim Wynn (HOU).

4+ SB Games

6. Rickey Henderson (SFS).
5. Roberto Alomar (OTT); Bob Bescher (IND).
4. Frank Chance (HOD); Rickey Henderson (SFS); Dick Lundy (SFS).

5+ Hit Games

5. Jeff Bagwell (HOU); Don Buford (LAA); Joe Jackson (CAG); Aaron Judge (PHI); Chuck Knoblauch (CLE); Jim Pagliaroni (BBB); Ichiro Suzuki (LAA); Mike Trout (LAA); Chase Utley (PHI).

5+ SO Games

6. Dale Murphy (KCM).
5. Beals Becker (BRK); Bobby Bonds (SFS); Ron Cey (BRK); Larry Doby (CLE); Mike Epstein x2 (HOM); Bryce Harper (BAL); Héctor López (NYY); Dale Murphy (KCM).

6+ RBI Games

8. Jeff Bagwell (HOU); Paul Konerko (CAG); Will Smith (HOU).
7. Jeff Bagwell (HOU); Ron Blomberg (CLE); Larry Doby (CLE); Carlton Fisk (CAG); Charlie Gehringer (DET); Hank Greenberg (DET); Evan Longoria (CLE); Manny Machado (BAL); Yasiel Puig (MCG); Manny Ramírez (MEM); Gary Sheffield (MCG).
6. Hank Aaron (BBB); Bob Bailey (DET); Ernie Banks (HOD); Albert Belle (BBB); Lance Berkman (CLE); Ron Blomberg (CLE); Johnny Callison (NYG); Carlos Correa (HOU); Gavvy Cravath (BAL); Kal Daniels (LAA); Chili Davis (DET); George Foster (IND); Josh Gibson (HOM); Kent Hrbek (POR); Joe Jackson (CAG); Aaron Judge (PHI); Tony Lazzeri (DET); Mickey Mantle (NYY); Kevin Mitchell (CAG); Rick Monday (OTT); Jim O’Rourke (HOU); Mike Piazza (BRK); Manny Ramírez (MEM); Babe Ruth x3 (NYY); Ryne Sandberg (HOD); Mike Schmidt (NYY); Ted Simmons (KCM); Roy White (BRK).

Cycles

Roberto Clemente (HOM; 4-5, 4 R, 3 RBI).
Ty Cobb (DET; 4-5, 3R, 2 RBI).
Goose Goslin (HOM; 4-5, 2 R, 2 RBI).

Longest HRs

{Note: OOTP clearly has something weird happening with overpowered HRs. It’s getting better, and, at some point, I’m going to reduce these by roughly 10%, which would leave the list at only 3 at 500 ft+ for the season so far, which seems much more realistic to me, but am waiting to see if I get any additional info/guidance from the game dev’s.}

595 ft. Dale Murphy (KCM).
558 ft. Aaron Judge (PHA).
555 ft. Albert Pujols (KCM).
551 ft. Eddie Mathews (BBB).
550 ft. Lance Berkman (CLE).
544 ft. Eddie Mathews (BBB).
542 ft. Ron Blomberg (CLE); Evan Longoria (CLE).
539 ft. Johnny Bates (CLE); Craig Biggio (HOU).
538 ft. Josh Gibson (HOM), Pete Hill (HOU); Buster Posey (NYG).
535 ft. Buster Posey (NYG).
534 ft. Robinson Canó (KCM).
533 ft. Oscar Charleston (IND).
530 ft. Dale Murphy (KCM).
528 ft. Johnny Callison (NYG); Willie Mays (NYG).
527 ft. Joe Adcock (NYG).
525 ft. Bullet Joe Rogan (PHI).
522 ft. Ron Blomberg (CLE).
519 ft. Babe Ruth (NYY).
518 ft. Willie Mays (NYG).
516 ft. Hank Aaron (BBB); Bob Nieman (BBB).
514 ft. Ron Cey (BRK); Oscar Gamble (DET).
512 ft. Tony Gwynn (HOU).
511 ft. Lance Berkman (CLE); Dan Brouthers (BRK).
510 ft. Ron Blomberg (CLE); Joe Harris (KCM).
509 ft. Johnny Callison (NYG); Jack Clark (SFS); Bryce Harper (BAL); Ted Simmons (KCM).
508 ft. Jeff Bagwell x2 (HOU); Ron Blomberg (CLE); Boog Powell (KCM); Travis Shaw (MEM).
507 ft. Bobby Grich (BBB); Ducky Medwick (KCM); Ted Simmons (KCM).
505 ft. Lou Gehrig (NYA).
503 ft. Larry Doyle (NYG); Joe Rogan (PHI); Ryne Sandberg (HOD); Oscar Gamble (DET).
502 ft. Ernie Banks (HOD); Albert Belle (BBB); Robinson Canó (KCM); Ray Dandridge (BRK); Mike Epstein (HOM).
501 ft. Gary Carter (OTT); Derek Jeter (NYA).
500 ft. Andrew McCutchen (HOM).

Pitching Statistics

80+ Game Scores

99. José Rijo (KCM).
97. JM Ward (PHI).
94. Steve Carlton (PHI).
93. Frank Castillo (KCM); Lefty Grove (SFS); Toad Ramsey (HOU); Jim Whitney (MCG).
92. Bump Hadley (SFS); Bullet Joe Rogan (PHI).
91. Frank Knauss (BRK); Christy Mathewson (NYG); Toad Ramsey (HOU)
90. Brett Anderson (LAA); A. Rube Foster (KCM); Bump Hadley (SFS); Alejandro Peña (BBB); Toad Ramsey (HOU); Joe Rogan (PHI).
89. Bump Hadley (SFS); Dennis Martínez (BAL); Gaylord Perry (NYG); Fernando Valenzuela (BRG); Smokey Joe Wood (KCM).
88. Don Newcombe (PHI); Stubby Overmire (MEM); Luis Padrón x2 (IND); Bill Steen (CLE); Justin Verlander (DET).
87. Ice Box Chamberlain (HOU); Roger Clemens (HOU); Lefty Grove (SFS); Carl Hubbell (NYG); Francisco Liriano (HOM); Dennis Martínez (BAL); José Méndez (MCG); Joseíto Muñoz (MCG); Old Hoss Radbourn (OTT); José Rijo (KCM); Jim Whitney (BBB).
86. Bartolo Colón (HOM); A. Rube Foster (KCM); Doc Gooden (LAA); Frank Knauss (BRK).
85. Roger Clemens (HOU); Gerrit Cole (LAA); Lefty Grove (SFS); Luke Hamlin (KCM); Hardie Henderson x2 (PHI); Luis Padrón (IND); Roy Patterson (LAA); Eddie Plank (SFS); Jameson Taillon (MEM); Ed Walsh (CAG); Cy Young (CLE).
84. Frank Castillo (KCM); Johnny Cueto (IND); Ron Guidry (NYY); Orel Hershiser (BRK); Ed Walsh (CAG); Smokey Joe Wood (KCM).
83. Bob Friend (HOM); Mike Mussina (BAL); Luis Padrón x2 (IND).
82. Mark Buehrle (CAG); Bill Doak (MEM); Connie Johnson (BAL); Frank Knauss (BRK); Toad Ramsey (HOU).
81. Bert Blyleven (POR); Ferguson Jenkins (HOD); Andy Pettitte (NYY); Stephen Strasbourg (HOU); Cy Young (CLE).
80. Frank Castillo (KCM); A. Rube Foster (KCM); Walter Johnson (POR); The Only Nolan (IND); Andy Pettitte (NYY); Toad Ramsey (HOU); José Rijo (KCM); Fernando Valenzuela (BRK).

10+ Strikeout Games

15. Joseíto Muñoz (MCG).
14. Frank Castillo (KCM); Roy Oswalt (HOU); Toad Ramsey (HOU).
13. Brett Anderson (LAA); Bob Feller (CLE); Ron Guidry (NYY); Toad Ramsey (HOU); Charlie Root (DET); Smokey Joe Wood (KCM).
12. Ice Box Chamberlain (HOU); Johnny Cueto (IND); Bob Feller (CLE); Doc Gooden (LAA); Lefty Grove (SFS); Bump Hadley (SFS); Frank Knauss (BRG); Mike Mussina (BAL); Toad Ramsey x2 (HOU); José Rijo (KCM); Bill Steen (CLE); JM Ward (PHI); Jim Whitney (MCG).
11. Len Barker (MEM); Johnny Cueto (IND); Paul Derringer (IND); Ned Garvin (BAL); Ron Guidry x2 (NYY); Ferguson Jenkins (HOD); Connie Johnson (BAL); Walter Johnson x2 (POR); Frank Knauss (BRG); Christy Mathewson (NYG); Joseíto Muñoz (MCG); The Only Nolan (IND); Luis Padrón (IND); Old Hoss Radbourn (OTT); Toad Ramsey x4 (HOU); José Rijo (KCM); Sam Streeter (CAG); Don Sutton (NYG); Justin Verlander (DET); Smokey Joe Williams (BRK); Cy Young (CLE).
10. Tony Brizzolara (NYY); Steve Carlton (PHI); Frank Castillo x2 (KCM); Watty Clark (SFS); Roger Clemens (HOU); Don Drysedale (BRK); Bob Feller (CLE); A. Rube Foster (KCM); Bob Friend (HOM); Ned Garvin x3 (BAL); Lefty Gomez (BBB); Doc Gooden (LAA); Lefty Grove x3 (SFS); Ron Guidry x3 (NYY); Bump Hadley (SFS); Hardie Henderson (PHI); Orel Hershiser (BRK); Connie Johnson (DET); Frank Knauss x2 (BRK); Dennis Martínez (BAL); Ramón Martínez (MCG); Hal Newhouser (DET); Luis Padrón x2 (IND); Alejandro Peña (BBB); Gaylord Perry x2 (NYG); Andy Pettitte (NYY); Billy Pierce (HOM); Toad Ramsey x5 (HOU); José Rijo (KCM); Charlie Root (DET); Bob Rush (HOD); Tom Seaver (LAA); Bill Steen (CLE); Stephen Strasbourg (HOU); Don Sutton (NYG); Fernando Valenzuela x2 (BRK); Jim Whitney (MCG); Smokey Joe Williams (BRK); Smokey Joe Wood (KCM).

8+ Walk Games

8. Ed Brandt (MCG); Hardie Henderson (PHI); Smokey Joe Williams (BRK).
9. Randy Johnson (OTT).

Shutouts

NO HITS. Steve Carlton (PHI); José Rijo (IND).
1 Hit. A. Rube Foster (KCM); Bump Hadley (SFS); Stubby Overmire (MEM) [5 inn]; Luis Padrón (IND); Toad Ramsey (HOU); Bullet Joe Rogan (PHI).
2 Hits. A. Rube Foster (KCM); Lefty Grove (SFS); Bump Hadley (SFS); Frank Knauss (BRK); Francisco Liriano (HOM); Dennis Martínez (BAL); José Méndez (MCG); Stubby Overmire (MEM); Luis Padrón (IND); Old Hoss Radbourn (OTT); José Rijo (KCM); Joe Rogan (PHI); Jim Whitney (MCG).
3 Hits. Frank Castillo (KCM); Roger Clemens (HOU); Bartolo Colón (HOM); Lefty Grove (SFS); Hardie Henderson (PHI); Carl Hubbell (NYG); Christy Mathewson (NYG); Don Newcombe (PHI); Luis Padrón (IND); Gaylord Perry (NYG); Eddie Plank (SFS); Toad Ramsey (HOU).
4 Hits. Bert Blyleven (POR); Frank Castillo (KCM); Gerrit Cole (LAA); Johnny Cueto (IND); Doc Gooden (LAA); Lefty Grove (SFS); Bump Hadley (SFS); Dennis Martínez (BAL); Luis Padrón (IND); Jim Whitney (BBB); Cy Young (CLE).

Shutouts (Combined)

1 Hit. Justin Verlander / Mike Henneman (DET); Bill Steen / Terry Adams (CLE).
2 Hits. Jameson Taillon / Skel Roach / Andrew Miller (MEM); Ed Walsh / Tom Williams (CAG); Pud Galvin / Francisco Rodríguez / Joe Nathan (LAA); Brett Anderson / Ross Reynolds (LAA); Connie Johnson / Justin Hampson (BAL); Bob Feller / Ron Reed (CLE); Luke Hamlin / Craig Kimbrel (KCM).
3 Hits. Hardie Henderson / Robin Roberts (PHI); Orel Hershiser / Eric Gagne (BRK); Stephen Strasbourg / John Franco / Tug McGraw (HOU); Vean Gregg / Mike Norris / Brian Wilson (NYG); Justin Verlander / Billy Hoeft / Chad Bradford (DET); Stubby Overmire / Heath Bell / Jonathan Papelbon (MEM); Brett Anderson / Ross Reynolds / Joe Nathan (LAA).
4 Hits. Toad Ramsey / Bones Ely (HOU); Hardie Henderson / Brad Kilby / Tim Belcher / Ted Kennedy (PHI); Dwight Gooden / Francisco Rodríguez (LAA); Bump Hadley / Jim Devlin / Ken Howell / Rod Beck (SFS); Greg Maddux / John Malarkey / Bruce Chen / Juan Rincón (BBB); Johnny Podgajny / Tom Henke (OTT); Herm Wehmeier / Goose Gossage (NYY); José Rijo / Jeff Pfeffer (KCM); Smokey Joe Williams / Trevor Hildenberger (BRK); Kyle Peterson / Karl Spooner / Ed Bauta (HOD); Frank Knauss / Trevor Hildenberger (BRG); Ice Box Chamberlain / Andrew Chafin (HOU); Walter Ball / Johan Santana / Dick Jones (POR).
5 Hits. Kenshin Kawakami / Barry Latman / Ed Brandt / Sandy Consuegra (MCG); Len Barker / David Bush / Andrew Miller (MEM); Johnny Cueto / Sad Sam Jones / Rob Murphy / Rob Dibble (IND); Smoky Joe Wood / Mike Kume (KCM); Waite Hoyt / Herb Pennock / AJ Minter (CAG); Bob Feller / Whit Wyatt / Al Smith / Ron Reed (CLE).

Year II Season Preview: Kansas City Monarchs

By mknn

On April 7, 2024

In Team News

Expectations

This team was so lost last season, that anything could feel like progress. But a .500 finish would be a start.

Best Case

Bob Gibson explodes onto the scene and additional quality arms are found somewhere while the offense continues to build around the core of Stan Musial, Albert Pujols, Willie McGee, and Boog Powell.

Worst Case

This turns into the worst pitching staff in the league and the offense just can’t compensate enough, especially if Pujols doesn’t make a step forward.

Key Questions

Who is going to fill out the rotation and the bullpen?
3B looks unsettled.
How does the competition between Ducky Medwick and Steve Evans pan out?

Trade Bait

Not enough talent to really be active.

Roster Evaluation

POS	Elite	Strong	Solid	Meh	Weak	Unknown
C		Simmons				Ruel
1B		Powell				Murphy
2B				Canó	Frisch
3B			Pujols
SS				Smith
LF/ RF	Musial		Brock Evans Medwick			~~Rettenmund~~
CF				McGee
SP		Hamlin	Castillo	Rijo Wood		Gibson ~~Morris~~
End	Kimbrel	Pfeffer		DiPino
RP						A.R. Foster Guardado Hermanson Shawkey

New Addition | ~~Injured~~

It’s all pretty much apparent there: the offense, especially Albert Pujols, needs to shift left and the need for something positive to happen on the mound for the Monarchs to take a step forward. Gibson and A. Rube Foster becoming at least solid would be a huge boon.

Talent Ratings

	WBL	Minors
Raw Power	U Dale Murphy	1B Andre Thornton
Batting Eye	C Muddy Ruel	OF Fielder Jones
Contact	OF Stan Musial	IF Dave Cash
Running Speed	OF Lou Brock CF Willie McGee	OF Cool Papa Bell OF Jarrod Dyson U Rex Hudler CF Omar Moreno
Base Stealing	OF Lou Brock	OF Jarrod Dyson
IF Defense	IF Albert Pujols	IF Sam Mongin
OF Defense	OF Stan Musial	OF Fielder Jones
Stuff	P Smokey Joe Wood	P Larry French
Control	SP Luke Hamlin	P Jimmy Key
Velocity	RP Craig Kimbrel	P Giovanny Gallegos P Darren O’Day P Trevor Rosenthal

Best In The Minors

Rank	Age	POS	Name
1 (1)	21	OF	Wade Johnston
2 (6)	23	P	A. Rube Foster
3 (7)	20	OF	Cool Papa Bell
4 (11)	25	P	Jock Menefee
5 (35)	18	IF	Carlos Baerga
6 (41)	21	P	Matt Morris
7 (83)	22	IF	Sam Mongin
8 (97)	22	IF	Dink Mothel
9 (100)	25	OF	Merv Rettenmund
10 (116)	18	C	Johnny Bassler

Others: OFs Heliodoro Hidalgo, Earl Averill; IFs Dave Cash, Kolten Wong; Ps Bill Singer, Larry French.

Clearly one of the deeper systems in the league, but one that has some complications: Bell and Johnston are blocked, Morris is injured, and only Foster will start the season with the Monarchs. But the scouts are drooling over all these guys, and 9 in the top 100 is pretty incredible–and that doesn’t even include top draft pick Hilton Smith.

	Most	Least
Age	IF Jim Davenport, 37	C Johnny Bassler, 18 IF Carlos Baerga, 18
Height	P Adam Russell, 6’8″	OF Heliodoro Hidalgo, 5’6″
OPS	OF Stan Musial, .972 (WBL)	C Salvador Pérez, .572 (WBL)
HR	OF Merv Rettenmund, 28 (WBL/AAA)	C Muddy Ruel, 0 (—)
SB	OF Lou Brock, 49 (WBL)	Many with 0
WAR	OF Merv Rettenmund, 5.4 (WBL/AAA)	IF Ivy Olson, -1.4 (—)
W	Sheriff Blake, 16 (—)	AJ Schugel, 1 (—) Félix Hernández, 1 (WBL/AAA/AA)
SV	Adam Russell, 25 (WBL/AAA)
ERA	Sheriff Blake, 2.27 (—)	Dustin Hermanson, 15.35 (—)
WAR	Sheriff Blake, 5.2 (—)	AJ Schugel, -3.9 (—)

Stats are across all levels. 200 PA / 75 IP min. Non WBL leagues indicated by —.

TWIWBL 56.11: Spring Training Notes – Kansas City Monarchs

By mknn

On February 28, 2024

In TWIWBL

Spring Training Questions

Figuring out the staff is challenge number one. 2 second round picks–Matt Morris and Jack Quinn–have a shot at making the staff depending on their performance this Spring.

Injuries

Jim Bibby‘s hopes of making the team were dashed by a trip to the DL. Merv Rettenmund will miss about a month with a back injury, which is a shame, as he was making a strong case for a reserve OF spot.

First Cuts

Well … the pitching staff remains a bit of a mystery. Jim Bibby is hurt and Rube Marquard and Sheriff Blake were sent down, but other than that the competition for the starting slots remains tough: Bill Singer and Bob Shawkey have yet to give up a run and Félix Hernández and Rube Foster are better than their numbers may indicate. Larry French, Boone Logan, and Matt Thornton were also returned to minor league camp, at least reducing some of the bullpen congestion.

With that many pitchers still in camp, the Monarchs only moved one C to their minor leagues, Johnny Bassler. 1Bs Daryl Sconiers and Andre Thornton have forced their way into the conversation at 1B, especially as the two incumbents–Boog Powell and Albert Pujols–are struggling mightily to start camp. Over at the hot corner, though, a small handful of players have played their way out of camp: Heliodoro Hidalgo, Ken Boyer, Bill Bradley, and Gene Freese were all sent down, with Carlos Baerga barely holding on.

In the middle infield, the competition has been fierce with Dave Cash, Keston Hiura, and Frankie Frisch all hitting well and only Kolten Wong not showing enough to stick around.

Earl Averill‘s talent is undeniable, but his performance sent him back to the minors for a time. Neither Fielder Jones nor Cool Papa Bell have hit a lick so far, so the backup CF spot is still up for grabs. The surprises of the Spring so far have been Jim King and Merv Rettenmund, who are making strong arguments for a roster spot.

Second Cuts

Trevor Rosenthal has pitched as well as someone who has given up 12 hits in under 4 innings can, and remains in camp despite an ERA over 12.00. Félix Hernández and Jock Menefee weren’t as lucky, being reassigned to the minors.

C John Bateman was reassigned, and Salvador Pérez is in danger of losing his backup position with an OPS of .220 so far. Teenager Carlos Baerga and Sam Mongin were both demoted, leaving the Monarchs without a true 3B in camp.

OFers Fielder Jones and Tommy McCarthy were sent down as well, clearing the way for Cool Papa Bell to make the team as Willie McGee‘s backup in CF.

3rd Cuts

Even before the day off, the Monarchs had seen enough: something is wrong with Trevor Rosenthal. After a solid season last year, Rosenthal has been absolutely torched so far this Spring, giving up 15 hits in 4.1 innings and an ERA over 16. Rosenthal should figure it out, but he’ll start in minor league camp.

Muddy Ruel is really pushing to break camp ahead of Salvador Pérez as Ted Simmons‘ backup at C.

The rest of the roster remains a bit muddled, other than Cool Papa Bell and Keston Hiura being sent to AAA. The challenge is not unusual: presumed starters are struggling (Albert Pujols, Robinson Canó) and longshots to make the team are hammering the ball (Daryl Sconiers, Edgar Rentería, Jim King). Add Dale Murphy starting to come good on his promise, and there are still significant cuts to be made.

Final Cuts

Bill Singer must be wondering what he has to do to get an extended shot in the WBL. He’s only 20, so he’ll have some more chances, but for now he’ll ply his trade at AAA after a solid showing this Spring.

In a bit of a surprise, Muddy Ruel has beaten incumbent Salvador Pérez for the backup C job with the Monarchs, at least for now, with Pérez being moved to AAA.

The Monarchs are delaying some harder choices by sending RP Andrew Bailey to AAA. One of those is at 1B where young Daryl Sconiers refuses to stop pounding the ball in Spring Training. This has sent Andre Thornton to AAA, despite the veteran showing some nice pop at the plate. Sconiers is still likely to join him, but for now he’s remaining in big league camp.

Jack Rowe had a solid year last season behind Ozzie Smith, but he’ll have to work his way back from AAA this year, with Edgar Rentería looking likely to be Smith’s backup. OF Merv Rettenmund was placed on the DL.

The choice with Sconiers is mirrored by the choice with Jim King. Both have torn the cover off the ball all Spring, but both are really vying for a fringe roster spot with the Monarchs. Here, Sconiers’ age worked against him, as the Monarchs moved him to AAA for more regular playing time.

The Monarchs ducked one decision by placing Matt Morris on the DL. Bob Shawkey beat out Adam Wainwright for one spot on the staff.

The final 3 cuts were pretty brutal. Jim King, Edgar Rentería, and Dave Cash did absolutely everything asked of them all Spring, leading the team in most offensive measures and showing decent defensive versatility. In the end, Frankie Frisch‘s ability to play SS and the desire of the Monarchs to see if Dale Murphy can deliver on his Spring performance sent all three to the minors.

Season Review: Kansas City Monarchs

By mknn

On December 8, 2023

In Season Reviews, Team News

66 - 88, .428 pct.
5th in Cum Posey Division, 25 games behind.

Overall

What a miserable year for the Monarchs. They were expected to contend, and just collapsed, despite the presence of some elite offensive players (most notably, of course, Stan Musial).

They converted some key veteran talent into a lot of pieces, so perhaps the franchise can bounce back quickly, but for now they rival the Black Yankees for the biggest disappointment in the league.

What Went Right

The offensive core of this team is very solid. At 22, Stan Musial spent most of the season on the fringes of the MVP discussion and at 21, Albert Pujols showed the kind of potential that could put him there. Even though both hit late season slumps, Boog Powell and Ducky Medwick were both solid, and Lou Brock and Willie McGee were virtually interchangeable, each with OPS’ around .810 and over 40 steals. Add in Ted Simmons‘ above-average production as a C, and the Monarchs should continue to score runs for a while.

Steve Evans never stopped hitting, demanding a closer look with the team next year.

Luke Hamlin had some of the most dominant starts in the league. Bob Gibson and Adam Wainwright both showed some serious potential and Jeff Pfeffer impressed as a closer–a challenge on a team that was very rarely close at the end of games. Craig Kimbrel and Trevor Rosenthal were good out of the pen as well.

ALL STAR SELECTIONS
2B Rogers Hornsby; OF Stan Musial; SP Andy Pettitte

What Went Wrong

Robinson Canó cooled off after seeming to step directly into Rogers Hornsby‘s shoes. Ozzie Smith was the worst offensive performer in the league to qualify for the batting crown (although, it must be said, he was in the argument for the gold glove at SS).

Ultimately, the team lacked pop. They hit for average, but at the end of the day, there was a bit too much of the McGee / Brock, base-at-a-time model.

Luke Hamlin had some of the worst starts in the league, and the rest of the staff ranged from inconsistent to horrible.

A lot of top tier talent–most notably Hornsby and Andy Pettitte–was traded away.

Trade Evaluations

March

OF Jim Edmonds to House of David for IF Robinson Canó

Sure.

June

2B Rogers Hornsby, OF Vince Coleman & 4th Round Pick to Portland for P Smoky Joe Wood and C Devin Mesoraco

Troubling. Wood struggled a lot, although he is only 20, and Mesoraco is likely never more than a backup backstop.

July

P Connie Johnson & 5th Round Pick to Baltimore for OF Merv Rettenmund, P Gene Garber & 2nd Round Pick {Jack Quinn}

Johnson has a world championship ring, so we’re happy for him for that. Maybe Garber turns into something?

P Andy Pettitte to Birmingham for C Dale Murphy, P A. Rube Foster, 2nd Round Pick {Matt Morris}, 5th Round Pick {Heliodoro Hidalgo}

Absolute steal, just about makes up for the rest. Pettitte was fantastic for Birmingham, and won the ERA crown, but Murphy has the scouts drooling, even if C is unlikely to be his final home, and A. Rube Foster has a great arm.

Looking Forward

SP

The future holds Bob Gibson, Adam Wainwright, and A. Rube Foster, which could be excellent. Pair that with José Rijo and a resurgent Smoky Joe Wood and the rotation could be quite strong. Could be.

RP

Craig Kimbrel and Jeff Pfeffer are strong, and there is some talent–Gene Garber, Jeff Reardon–behind them.

C

Ted Simmons has this locked for a while, and between Devin Mesocoro and Salvador Pérez, there is some depth as well.

1B

On the one hand there is no real claim here; on the other Albert Pujols, Dale Murphy, and even Stan Musial will probably drift towards this as well.

2B

Canó is possible, but there is hope that he gets some competition from the group of Kolten Wong, Dave Cash, and Frankie Frisch.

3B

Albert Pujols for now, but this may be an area of need down the road.

SS

Ozzie Smith for a while, at least as long as his defense compensates for his weak bat.

LF

Lou Brock looks solid here.

CF

Willie McGee was great this year, and there are hopes that Cool Papa Bell emerges here eventually–but can a team really succeed with both Brock and Bell?

RF

Stan Musial forever.

The Rookie Draft

Rounds 1-4

A difficult choice. With the #3 overall pick, the Monarchs took a player who was a bit of a surprise, but also counts as a franchise selection, SP Hilton Smith. Smith sort of fit just right: he’ll help sooner than, say, Clayton Kershaw, but has a higher ceiling than most other pitching prospects.

With 3 picks in the 2nd round, the Monarchs started with the player least likely to stick around for a while, CF Earl Averill. It’s not clear how Averill fits into Kansas City’s plans, but his talent is undeniable. They followed that with 22 year old P Matt Morris, who (a) is a franchise pick and (b) may fight for a rotation spot this season. Finally, they added 25 year old Jack Quinn, who may join Morris at the WBL next season.

In the 3rd round, the Monarchs picked up IF Carlos Baerga, clearly believing that by the time he is ready for the majors, their 2B/3B situation will be clearer.

Rounds 5-8

Kansas City is looking to add some specific positional depth, specifically at 1B, SS, and CF.

With their final franchise exception, they take Heliodoro Hidalgo, who should help at CF. That begins to limit their options, making OF Wade Johnston a reasonable choice in round 6 and IF Polly Mongin a good fit in round 7. OF Ray Blades joins in the 8th round for some more OF depth.

Rounds 9-12

IF Dink Mothel; P Doug Bair; P Giovanny Gallegos; and P Larry French.

TWIWBL 46.3: Series XXXVIII Notes – September 12th (Day 4 of 4)

By mknn

On August 30, 2023

In Featured Games, Game Recaps, TWIWBL

The only thing left to play for is the final seeding of the Marvin Miller Division, where Birmingham–having clinched their playoff spot the day prior–is a game behind the Portland Sea Dogs.

Other than that, look for a final chance for late season call ups to make their impressions.

#Playoff Seeding

4 hits and 2 homeruns from Bob Nieman helped Birmingham take care of business, beating Philadelphia 7-2. The victory leaves the Black Barons 1/2 game behind Portland in the Marvin Miller Division, making the Sea Dogs final game of the season against the New York Gothams a meaningful one.

While Portland took an early 2-0 lead, they were unable to hold on, and their regular season ended in the oddest way: a bases loaded walk in the bottom of the 10th to Carl Furillo plated the winning run for the Gothams. Carson Smith, Mike Norris, and Steve Howe combine for 4 scoreless innings after a strong start from Don Sutton, with Smith improving to 3-0.

Which means Portland and Birmingham will meet in a 1-game playoff to determine the winner of the Marvin Miller Division.

#Everything Else

Miami’s Jim Thome hit the longest homerun in WBL history–526 feet and 1 foot longer than the prior record, held by Kansas City’s Albert Pujols–to lead the Cuban Giants to a 7-2 win over Homestead. Homestead’s Babe Adams got another few swings at DH and made the most of them, hitting his first career dinger. The win went to an effective José Méndez, and Miami’s Bert Campaneris made his pitching debut with 2 innings of 1-hit relief.

Rickey Henderson‘s quest for 100 steals fell one short, as he stole 2 and was caught once in the Sea Lions final game, a 4-3 defeat by Indianapolis, who used a walk off single from Joe Morgan to earn their 73rd and final victory of the season.

Like Baltimore needed more pitching: the Black Sox gave the ball to Milt Pappas for their final regular season game more to rest the rest of their staff than anything else. Pappas responded with a 5 hit shutout of Kansas City. Ken Singleton had 2 hits and 2 RBIs in the 3-0 victory.

The American Giants didn’t really mind the 9-1 loss to Brooklyn to close out their season; they were, however, hoping to escape with their playoff roster unscathed. Instead, teenage OF Cristóbal Torriente pulled up lame with a sore hamstring, and will miss about 3 weeks of action.

Mike Trout had 2 hits and reached the 100 RBI plateau, but Los Angeles fell to Memphis, 8-4. Mookie Betts had 3 hits and 2 RBI for the Red Sox, who overcame a substandard outing from Stubby Overmire in the win.

Series XXVIII Featured Series: Cleveland Spiders @ Kansas City Monarchs

By mknn

On March 10, 2023

In Featured Games, Featured Series

Series preview here.

#Game 1: Pat Malone @ Bob Gibson

Early on, it didn’t look good for either Cleveland’s Pat Malone‘s attempt at his 12th win of the year or for Kansas City’s Bob Gibson looking to establish himself in the Monarchs’ rotation.

Louis Santop tripled in Jake Stahl and scored on a groundout from Chuck Knoblauch to give the Spiders a lead in the top of the 2nd, but the game would be tight for a while as Lou Brock doubled in Robinson Canó and scored on a sacrifice fly from Frankie Frisch to tie it up.

Cleveland would retake the lead with a leadoff double from Johnny Bates and an RBI single from John Ellis, but again Kansas City would respond as an error in RF by Ron Blomberg allowed Boog Powell to score, and an RBI single from Canó gave the Monarchs their first lead, at 4-3.

Gibson would be chased in the 5th, surrendering 3 doubles and a walk to the first four batters, with Ellis driving in 1 and Stahl 2. Trevor Rosenthal came in and promptly gave away the store: 4 walks and an HBP and by the end of the inning, the Spiders were ahead, 9-4.

Malone had settled down at this point, and with the Monarchs’ getting a nice effort from Rube Marquard, the game stayed the same until the top of the 9th, when Marquard’s stuff ran out with Sammy Strang driving in 2 and Kenny Lofton 1. That made it 12-4, which was the final tally.

Malone is now tied for the league lead in victories. Ted Simmons had 3 hits for the Monarchs in a losing cause.

CLE 12 (Malone 12-5) @ KCM 4 (Gibson 0-2)
HRs: none.
Box Score

#Game 2: Bill Steen @ Luke Hamlin

A wild pitch by Cleveland’s Bill Steen allowed Ted Simmons (who had tripled) to score in the bottom of the 2nd. Steen walked 3 in the inning, but got Boog Powell to ground out, limiting the Monarchs to a single run.

Steen continued to struggle with his control, but made it through 5 innings only surrendering the 1 run.

You never know which Luke Hamlin will show up for Kansas City. This was the good one, as he spun a 2-hit shutout through 5 innings. The Monarchs do know which Louis Santop shows up, though, as the 19 year old continues to make a name for himself. Here, in the bottom of the 6th, his snap throw to first picked off Ozzie Smith, who had walked.

John Ellis led off the 7th with a double, and moved to 3rd on a single from Lance Berkman, chasing Hamlin from the mound. Santop tied the game with a sacrifice fly, but Frank DiPino was able to get out of the inning without further damage.

Cleveland fans love to disparage Sammy Strang, but the 3B has had a decent year, especially in terms of getting on base. Power has been an issue, but here he led off the 8th with his 2nd homerun of the year, putting the Spiders up, 2-1. The lead was short-lived, as consecutive pinch-hits by Steve Evans and Jack Rowe tied it up in the bottom of the 8th. Ron Reed, who was shaky all inning, got Stan Musial to fly out with 2 on, leaving the game tied heading into the 9th.

And it stayed that way, sending us to extra innings.

In the top of the 11th, Berkman chipped a one-out single into RF, and was replaced by Bill Dahlen. Dahlen moved to second on the 2nd out of the inning and scored on a single by Chuck Knoblauch.

The Monarchs tried to duplicate the pattern: Musial opened the inning with a hit, and was replaced by the pinch-running Frankie Frisch. Terry Adams walked Albert Pujols, prompting Cleveland to go to their bullpen for Bob Feller. Feller could not do it: Ducky Medwick, who had 3 hits on the day, drove home a run with a single, and Willie McGee won the game with a sacrifice fly to deep LF.

CLE 3 (Adams 2-6; Feller 1 B Sv) @ KCM 4 (Pfeffer 5-2; DiPino 2 B Sv) [11 Innings]
HRs: CLE – Strang (2); KCM – none.
Box Score

#Game 3: Stan Coveleski @ Adam Wainwright

Adam Wainwright has been struggling of late, and it continued, although he escaped damage until the 3rd, when Ron Blomberg singled in a run. John Ellis drove in a 2nd with a sacrifice fly giving the Spiders an early 2-0 lead. Wainwright settled down until Blomberg took him deep in the top of the 6th, increasing Cleveland’s lead to 3-0 and forcing Kansas City to bring in Joe Blong from the pen.

That didn’t work so well: Blong gave up a walk and 5 consecutive hits, pushing the lead to 6-0 and bringing in Adam Russell in relief, who gave up a sacrifice fly before bringing the inning to a close.

Stan Coveleski, on the other hand, went to the bottom of the 6th with the 7-0 lead nursing a 4-hit shutout. The shutout lasted into the 7th, when Lou Brock took Coveleski deep.

Each team added a run, but the outcome was never really in doubt. Blomberg ended with 4 hits for Cleveland while Willie McGee and Brock had 3 hits each for Kansas City in the losing cause.

CLE 8 (Coveleski 11-2) @ KCM 4 (Wainwright 1-5)
HRs: CLE – Blomberg (32); KCM – Brock (9).
Box Score

#Game 4: Cy Young @ Frank Castillo

Neither Cy Young nor Frank Castillo were very good, with each team scoring in the first frame. Cleveland used doubles from Ron Blomberg and Kenny Lofton and Kansas City RBI singles from Stan Musial and Robinson Canó, and we came out of the first inning with the Spiders leading, 3-2.

But, despite allowing a lot of traffic, only one more run crossed the plate until a 3-run shot by Lance Berkman made it 7-2 in favor of Cleveland in the top of the 7th.

Kansas City made it close with a 2 run single from Albert Pujols and a 2 run jack from Ducky Medwick making it a 1-run game at 7-6, but the Spiders’ Terry Adams pitched a perfect 9th for his 25th save giving Cleveland the 3-1 edge in the series.

CLE 7 (Young 9-7; Adams 25 Sv; Porter 11 H) @ KCM 6 (Castillo 6-9)
HRs: CLE – Berkman (8); KCM – Medwick (11).
Box Score

Series XXVIII Preview: Cleveland Spiders @ Kansas City Monarchs

By mknn

On March 7, 2023

In Featured Series, Series Previews

We focused on the Cleveland Spiders in Series VII and Series XIX and on the Kansas City Monarchs way back when in Series VIII and Series X. Since then, a lot has changed: Cleveland sits atop the Effa Manley Division and Kansas City has, effectively, given up on the early promise of their season.

Cleveland Spiders

The Spiders have a 4.5 game lead heading into August, and have gone from “a decent enough team” to a favorite to make the post-season. They’ve retooled their infield, bringing in Arky Vaughan, but will continue to depend on excellent starting pitching and a balanced offense to carry them through.

On the mound, they’ve lost Whit Wyatt, which will hurt, but the trio of Cy Young (8-7, 4.68), Pat Malone (11-5, 3.84), and Stan Coveleski (10-2, 3.55) has been excellent (if, in Young’s case, a bit erratic), and the back of the bullpen–closer Terry Adams (24 saves) and the duo of Cory Gearrin and Chuck Porter–is as good as there is. Ron Reed has struggled some since being brought in at the all-star break, which is something to watch, as is the progress of Bob Feller, recently recalled from AAA.

Offensively, it’s all about Ron Blomberg, who leads the team across the board with a 338/407/649 slash line, 31 homeruns, 80 runs scored, and 87 RBIs. Jake Stahl and John Ellis have been spectacular, and Johnny Bates, Chuck Knoblauch, Louis Santop, and Lance Berkman (slashing 287/439/500 since arriving in Cleveland) excellent. If Vaughan can have a similar impact to Berkman, the Spiders may be spinning a web towards a championship.

Kansas City Monarchs

The Monarchs may have a huge impact on the postseason through the talent they’ve let go: Rogers Hornsby (Portland), Andy Pettitte (Birmingham), and Connie Johnson (Baltimore) all have shot at dramatically impacting their new homes fortune in the postseason.

The team that remains is still solid. The occasionally-brilliant Luke Hamlin leads the starters with 7 wins, and there is literally no ceiling on what Bob Gibson may do now that he’s part of the rotation. Jeff Pfeffer has 15 saves, and the bullpen has been strong getting him the ball.

Stan Musial leads the offense, slashing 332/391/594 with 21 homeruns. Albert Pujols is tied with Musial in RBIs with 77, and second in homeruns with 17. Boog Powell has been quietly spectacular, with an OBP over 400. Throw in Ducky Medwick, Robinson Canó, and Willie McGee, and this offense will continue to score runs.

Projected Starters

Cleveland’s starter listed first.

Pat Malone (11-5, 3.84) @ Bob Gibson (0-1, 3.68)
Bill Steen (8-2, 3.83) @ Luke Hamlin (7-9, 5.04)
Mel Harder (3-1, 3.95) @ Rube Marquard (4-9, 6.12)
Stan Coveleski (10-2, 3.55) @ Adam Wainwright (1-4, 5.70)

Prediction

The strengths of each team collide head-on: Cleveland’s starting pitching against the Monarchs’ bats. But Cleveland can hit a bit, too, so I think they take 3 out of 4.