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TWIWBL 92.4: Off Season Review – Miami Cuban Giants

On April 24, 2026

80 - 83, .491 pct.
2nd in Cum Posey Division, 23.5 GB

Overall

This was a surprising season for Miami–most pundits thought they were several years away from contention, so being in the race for a playoff spot into the last week of the season was quite the shock.

It’s not even so clear how the Cuban Giants did it: turns out a lot of homeruns, some strikeout pitchers, and some solid defense will win a few games. Miami still finished under .500, so it’s not like they’re about to contend for the championship, but still … it was a significant step forward.

There are some pieces here, but unless the pitching staff comes around, the nearly .500 finish is probably the best predictor of the future. So some moves may be made.

What Went Right

José Canseco‘s power is a thing to behold, demonstrated by 68 homeruns and 124 RBIs this year. A few dozen more hits would move him into the truly elite outfielders, but even without that, his 1.062 OPS make him a franchise cornerstone.

That said, it’s not like Jim Thome or Yasiel Puig are far behind. Puig’s 298/388/658 performance occurred in 100 games, so there are still some questions about his ability to perform next season, but Thome looked every bit the star, finishing the year with a 1.034 OPS, 59 homeruns, and 122 RBIs.

Julio Rodríguez was a surprise starter coming out of Spring Training and he delivered in the biggest of ways: 315/347/661 with 42 homeruns.

Gary Sheffield has a shot at being an offensive force, with 42 homeruns in what the team hopes is a sign of things to come.

Iván Rodríguez is one of the best young catchers in the league, managing an .840 OPS with elite defense as a 21 year old.

Joe Adcock, Al Oliver, and Andy Pafko were all remarkably effective as part-time contributors. At 40, Adcock may be just about done, but Oliver and Pafko certainly factor into the Cuban Giants’ plans next season.

At only 21, Alejandro Oms led the team with a .308 average while playing spectacular defense.

Robin Yount had an OPS over .800 at SS, and is just entering his prime.

And then there’s Martín Dihigo. Perhaps the worst offensively performing regular in the league last season, Dihigo slugged a still-not-great 246/291/429, but the increase in power is a great sign for Miami. Add to that Dihigo’s ability to play Gold Glove level defense at virtually every position, and the Cuban Giants have a fairly unique talent.

José Méndez is establishing himself as a WBL ace. This year, he went 13-6 with a 4.53 ERA over 37 starts, so most definitely a workhorse, with a chance at elite status.

But Méndez may not be the best starter on the staff: that honor may go to midseason acquisition Jim Whitney, who finished the year with a 3.83 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP over 200 innings.

Beyond that, though, the starters were not good. That’s not quite true–Hugh McQuillan was solid in 10 starts and Phenomenal Smith was, um, yes, that, in 5. But the rest … well, see below.

Ricky Nolasco was fine as the closer, finishing the year with 26 saves. The Cuban Giants obtained Jonathan Papelbon towards the end of the season, giving them excellent options at the end of the bullpen.

ALL STARS

José Canseco
Gary Sheffield

MAJOR AWARDS

José Méndez, All AL Team
Iván Rodríguez, AL C Gold Glove
Jim Thome, All AL Team
Jim Whitney, All AL Team

RECOGNITIONS

Martín Dihigo, AL 21 & Under Team
Kenshin Kawakami, AL All Rookie 2nd Team
José Méndez, AL Brock Rutherford Award 3rd Place; AL 25 & Under Team; AL 23 & Under Team
Alejandro Oms, AL 21 & Under Team
Andy Pafko, AL All Rookie Team
Jonathan Papelbon, All AL 3rd Team; AL Over 30 Team
Yasiel Puig, All AL 3rd Team
Iván Rodríguez, AL 23 & Under Team; AL 21 & Under Team
Julio Rodríguez, AL All Rookie 2nd Team
Jim Whitney, AL All Rookie Team; AL 25 & Under Team

ORGANIZATIONAL AWARDS

José Canseco, MVP
José Méndez, Pitcher of the Year
Alejandro Oms, Heart & Soul
Yasiel Puig, Fan Favorite

Lefty George, Minor League Pitcher of the Year
Bob Loane, Minor League Player of the Year

What Went Wrong

Cookie Rojas couldn’t get his OPS over .700, making him one of the weakest regulars in the league by WAR and likely moving him to a utility role next season.

Eustaquio Pedroso hit even worse than Rojas, eventually abandoning his role as a 2-way player.

Smoky Burgess, a key bat off the bench last year, slashed 226/304/315, and may have played himself to AAA.

Most of the starters were not good, with Cole Hamels and, notably, Ramón Martínez being especially weak despite a ton of opportunities. But Steven Wright, Freddie Fitzsimmons, and Camilo Pascual were all horrid in at least 5 starts (Pascual, it must be said, made only 5 starts before a severe knee injury sidelined him–he should be back in the Spring).

Barry Latman and Ed Brandt were pretty bad from the bullpen, and the rest of the contenders–most notably Pedroso and Braden Looper–barely any better. Middle relief is an area of strong concern going into next season.

Transactions

March

IF Paul Molitor, OF Vladimir Guerrero, C Alan Ashby & 2nd Round Pick to POR for C Iván Rodríguez, P Jon Matlack, OF Adolis García, OF Al Oliver, 1st Round Pick & 4th Round Pick.

A huge deal, but looks pretty good quite honestly. Pudge is a great young talent, Oliver was useful at the WBL this year, Matlack has a future, plus the 2 picks … yes, Guerrero looks like a franchise outfielder, but that’s a pretty good deal imo.

July

OF Ryan Braun, IF Richie Sexson & 7th Round Pick to BBB for P Jim Whitney, OF Andy Pafko, OF José Cruz & 2nd Round Pick.

Looks good. Sure Braun is a solid talent, but power hitting corner OFers, even at his level, are less rare than possible aces, which Whitney sure looks like. Add in Pafko and the pick, and I like this for Miami.

August

P Josh Beckett, OF Roy Thomas & 3rd Round Pick to MEM for P Jonathan Papelbon & 4th Round Pick

This one looks fine now, but I suspect Miami may regret it once Beckett (and perhaps Thomas) are in the WBL full time.

Positional Overview

C

Pudge has this locked up.

Smoky Burgess and Chris Hoiles will likely compete for the backup role in the Spring.

1B

As long as Jim Thome‘s power holds out, his low average is fine.

It’s not clear who backs him up–a lot of people can play first if needs be, and Joe Adcock, at 40, may not hold onto his roster spot. Steve Balboni probably has the most power in the system, but his swing has some pretty big holes in it as well.

This is a position where Minnie Miñoso, the eternal prospect, may contribute as well.

2B

This is Dihigo’s primary position, with Cookie Rojas looking good as his backup. But Rojas was so poor this system, the door is open for Bert Campaneris, Nellie Fox, or Tito Fuentes to make some noise in the Spring.

Clete Boyer is the same age as Dihigo, but is a more usual prospect, and at 19 is probably still in need of a season or 4 in the minors.

SS

Robin Yount all day. Zoilo Versalles has some talent, and Alexei Ramírez seems to have some strong defensive talent, but this is Yount for now.

3B

Another position that moved from unknown to settled, with Gary Sheffield likely to get a lot of play here. Sheffield isn’t great with the glove–and in fact may be better suited for an OF role–so Miami is looking at options, with Russell Branyan, Willie Kamm, and Kevin Kouzmanoff being the primary short term options.

Carlos Morán may be a year away, but he is the most likely choice for Sheffield’s eventual successor.

LF/RF

There are a lot of options here, but it looks like Alejandro Oms and Yasiel Puig will see most of the time, with José Canseco getting some games as well. But Al Oliver and Andy Pafko had excellent seasons, and Jason Bay and Minnie Miñoso are waiting in the wings.

CF

J-Rod just never stopped performing, and the job is now his. Oliver will play here, as will Pafko, and there is some talent in the system, most notably in the form of José Cardenal and Marquis Grissom.

DH

José Canseco most days, with most everyone else filling in occasionally.

SP

Jim Whitney and José Méndez are a great top 2 to build around, but there are a ton of question marks beyond them. The next 2 slots are likely to go to Phenomenal Smith and Camilo Pascual, with Smith yet to complete a full season and Pascual trying to come back from knee surgery.

And then we have Cole Hamels, who hasn’t done much over 2 seasons; Kenshin Kawakami, who pitched well before getting injured; Ramón Martínez, who is looking to bounce back from a horrible season; plus a handful of prospects (Jason Hammel, Ed Whitson, Lefty George, Hugh McQuillan, Freddie Fitzsimmons, and a few more).

RP

Papelbon becomes the closer, with Nolasco sliding into a setup role (with some even arguing he try his hand in the rotation). Braden Looper will help out here, as will whomever doesn’t make the rotation.

Draft Outlook

DRAFT PICKS

1st Round: 2
2nd Round: 1
3rd Round: 0
4th Round: 3
5th Round: 0

Always nice to have the overall #1 pick. Given the state of pitching, look for Miami to lean towards Amos Rusie or Pedro Martinez, but the overall skill of Rod Carew and the sheer power of Jim Rice are both pretty enticing.

TWIWBL 87.12: The Relievers & the Setups

By mknn

On February 9, 2026

In TWIWBL

On to the pitchers! Same Tier system.

Here we have everyone with at least 30 IP, and no more than 2 games started or 5 saves: essentially, pitchers who got some usage, but were not used as swing-starters or closers. A few other relievers who were clearly not closers were added despite having more than 5 saves.

This is an incredibly volatile populations, and success in one year should not be seen as a predictor for future seasons. Ron Reed, I’m looking at you. It’s also hard to find good bullpen arms: there are a ton more names in Tiers C and D than above.

Our usual practices prevail: bold for top 3 and italics for bottom 3.

#S Tier

Lg	Tm	Name	Age	W-L	ERA	G	WHIP	Other
NL	KCM	Eddie Guardado	26	2-3	2.53	47	0.99	2 Sv; 10 H 1.7 BB/9 4.7 K/BB
NL	HOD/ KCM	Lee Smith	34	5-2	2.65	50	0.75	6 Sv; 12 H 2.78 FIP

Lee Smith was probably the best overall reliever in the game, obviously good enough to be a closer, but a devastating arm in the late innings. His teammate, Eddie Guardado, was just quietly undeniable all season.

#A Tier

Lg	Tm	Name	Age	W-L	ERA	G	WHIP	Other
NL	PHI	Fred Cambria	23	5-1	3.04	39	1.14	2 Sv; 7 H 5.5 K/9
NL	HOU	Andrew Chafin	25	2-3	3.77	47	1.10	4 Sv; 7 H
NL	BRK	Terry Forster	22	1-2	4.25	47	1.21	2 Sv; 16 H 2.92 FIP
NL	NYG/ HOM	Robb Nen	32	4-5	3.32	55	1.02	10 Sv; 13 H

Terry Forster may have an argument to be nudged up, but that ERA is distracting. Andrew Chafin was steady all season in an otherwise tumultuous Houston pen, while Fred Cambria just ran under the radar end to end.

#B Tier

Lg	Tm	Name	Age	W-L	ERA	G	WHIP	Other
NL	PHI	Pedro Feliciano	33	0-2	4.66	41	1.04	9 H .200 BA 5.6 K/9
NL	BRK	Trevor Hildenberger	27	6-3	5.03	53	1.01	11 Sv; 7 H
AL	SFS	Ken Howell	24	5-1	2.79	52	1.26	6 Sv; 15 H
NL	PHI	Ted Kennedy	22	6-4	4.05	60	1.17	5 Sv; 15 H
NL	KCM	Mike Kume	30	4-1	1.95	22	1.08	.187 BA 0.3 HR/9 1.5 K/BB
NL	NYG	Mike Norris	36	4-5	4.34	52	1.24	6 Sv; 12 H
AL	MEM	Andrew Miller	23	8-8	4.21	74	1.29	6 Sv; 12 H
—	CAG/ BBB	Akinori Otsuka	33	8-3	2.50	45	1.25	7 Sv; 7 H
AL	LAA	Ross Reynolds	26	2-1	3.56	33	1.30	1 Sv; 6 H 0.2 HR/9 2.92 FIP
AL	CLE	Al Smith	26	0-0	2.87	33	1.47	6 H 0.3 HR/9 5.5 BB/9 3.07 FIP
NL	HOD	Karl Spooner	24	3-3	5.01	37	1.04	6 Sv; 6 H

Of this group, Mike Kume looks like the most likely to be a fluke–it’s hard to sustain that kind of success with that low of a K rate. Al Smith‘s debut was fantastic, but he may be more suited to be a lefty specialist. Ross Reynolds was strong all season, and should see an expanded role next season.

We should also mention Mike Norris, who followed last year’s stellar season with a very solid one and the eternally dependable Ken Howell.

#C Tier

Lg	Tm	Name	Age	W-L	ERA	G	WHIP	Other
NL	IND	Jack Billingham	24	5-2	5.15	52	1.38	2 Sv; 9 H
AL	MEM	Tommy de la Cruz	34	1-5	6.12	36	1.22	5 Sv; 3 H
NL	KCM	Frank DiPino	26	3-1	3.81	48	1.34	2 Sv; 9 H
NL	HOU	John Franco	27	3-3	4.83	56	1.37	1 Sv; 15 H
AL	CLE	Cory Gearrin	27	5-1	3.22	46	1.35	8 Sv; 10 H
NL	HOM	Michael Jackson	33	1-7	5.67	56	1.43	1 Sv; 21 H 2.0 BB/9
NL	PHI	Brad Kilby	27	3-3	6.20	49	1.24	2 Sv; 14 H 3.4 HR/9 1.2 BB/9 7.7 K/BB
AL	CLE	Firpo Marberry	28	7-0	4.83	51	1.33	3 Sv; 13 H
AL	DET	Buddy Napier	32	2-3	5.04	38	1.32	2 Sv; 8 H 6.0 K/9
AL	CLE	Ron Reed	34	4-6	4.71	44	1.26	2 Sv; 6 H
AL	MEM	Skel Roach	29	2-1	4.31	41	1.49	3 Sv; 12 H .143 BA 0 HR/9 9.1 BB/9 10 K/9 1.1 K/BB
NL	OTT	BJ Ryan	28	2-3	4.61	56	1.39	2 Sv; 16 H 10.2 K/9
AL	CAG/ NYY	Hoyt Wilhelm	31	4-4	4.72	59	1.35	3 Sv; 12 H

This group gets a little more interesting: Michael Jackson had a few horrible outings, but was otherwise quite steady for Homestead while Brad Kilby was only a few homeruns from moving up a level or 2.

And then there is Skel Roach. Unhittable. Dominant strikeout pitcher. And can’t find the strike zone ever, allowing over a walk per inning. That means there’s huge potential there, but how often does someone who throws this hard master their command?

#D Tier

Lg	Tm	Name	Age	W-L	ERA	G	WHIP	Other
NL	HOD	Ed Bauta	28	4-5	3.41	55	1.45	8 Sv; 8 H
AL	DET	Chad Bradford	30	8-7	5.32	64	1.40	10 Sv; 10 H
NL	IND	Clay Carroll	31	1-3	4.66	53	1.41	2 Sv; 10 H
AL	NYY	Rheal Cormier	35	1-4	5.40	55	1.56	18 H
—	NYG/ DET	Steve Howe	27	2-1	6.02	64	1.39	9 H 4.4 K/BB
—	POR/ PHI	Mark Melancon	31	7-2	5.16	59	1.49	3 Sv; 7 H .310 BA .361 BABIP
AL	BAL	Gregg Olsen	24	3-4	5.44	41	1.72	4 Sv; 8 H .313 BA .379 BABIP
NL	HOM	Rick Ownbey	28	3-1	4.33	44	1.37	7 H
—	NYG/ DET	Troy Percival	32	3-4	5.99	64	1.40	1 Sv; 11 H 3.9 HR/9 7.74 FIP
AL	DET	Jack Wilson	23	6-1	5.43	38	1.57	5 H 5.6 BB/9 1.7 K/BB

Mark “The Vulture” Melancon continues to win at a rate his statistics don’t support while Rheal Cormier was another victim of a few poor outings in an otherwise solid season. You also see all of Detroit’s struggles here: while both Troy Percival and Steve Howe pitched better after their arrival, their pen remained weaker than hoped for even with the changes.

#F Tier

Lg	Tm	Name	Age	W-L	ERA	G	WHIP	Other
AL	MEM	Heath Bell	32	3-5	6.53	58	1.53	2 Sv; 8 H
NL	HOU	Brad Lidge	28	4-3	6.26	43	1.57	6 H
AL	MCG	Braden Looper	26	2-2	5.90	47	1.55	3 Sv; 10 H
NL	IND	Rob Murphy	27	3-8	5.66	50	1.62	2 Sv; 13 H 7.49 FIP
AL	NYY	David Robertson	25	3-3	6.94	44	1.73	5 H .311 BA .348 BABIP 9.4 K/9
AL	CLE/ SFS	Huston Street	24	6-3	6.27	44	1.50	1 Sv; 9 H
AL	BAL/ POR	John Wetteland	24	1-10	7.96	53	1.50	5 Sv; 9 H 3.5 HR/9 7.82 FIP

Why Portland kept trotting John Wetteland out there is a mystery that may remain forever unsolved. He was awful, despite an obviously live arm.

Huston Street pitched far better for San Francisco than Cleveland, and David Robertson‘s arm is clearly better than his initial WBL performance.

TWIWBL 64.4: Cum Posey Division

By mknn

On August 7, 2024

In TWIWBL

#Chicago American Giants

Ed Walsh allowed only 2 hits through 8 innings–both to Miami’s Julio Rodríguez as the American Giants blanked the Cuban Giants, 6-0. A rain delay forced Walsh, who improved to 3-1, out of the game in the 8th, but Tom Williams pitched a perfect 9th to preserve the shutout. Much ridiculed Jack Doyle was hit by a pitch 3 times in the game, which is, you know, something.

#Miami Cuban Giants

Lou Fette headed back to AAA with Braden Looper‘s activation from the DL. The promising Kenshin Kawakami will miss over a month with a sprained ankle, with Steven Wright recalled from AAA.

Ryan Braun went deep twice–giving him 20 on the year–as the Cuban Giants came from behind to beat Chicago, 4-3. José Méndez was fantastic, but didn’t figure in the decision while Sandy Consuegra was roughed up, but got the win with Ricky Nolasco earning his 7th save of the season.

#Portland Sea Dogs

Two homeruns from Gil Hodges and an excellent start from Walter Ball led Portland to an 11-1 win over the Black Yankees.

Last year’s reserve darling, Gary Pettis, was sent to AAA. No matter your speed and no matter your glove, a .400 OPS can do that. Jeff Burroughs was recalled from a rehab stint.

Rogers Hornsby and Bobby Murcer went deep twice as the Sea Dogs trounced the Angels, 11-4. Ken Griffey, Jr., Jim Fregosi, Kent Hrbek, and Joe Mauer also went deep for the Sea Dogs as Bert Blyleven improved to 2-1 on the year despite being roughed up for 9 hits and 4 runs in 6 innings.

#San Francisco Sea Lions

Reggie Jackson hit 2 homeruns and Denny Walling went 4 for 5 with a dinger in his WBL debut as the Sea Lions pounded out a 15-4 victory over the Wolverines. San Francisco had 6 homeruns among their 21 hits, with Jimmie Foxx, Mickey Cochrane, and Turkey Stearnes joining Walling and Jackson.

Not to be outdone, Jack Clark went deep 3 times, but it wasn’t enough as the Sea Lions fell to Detroit, 7-6.

Lefty Grove put it all together with a complete game, 4 hit shutout of Memphis, striking out 9 and improving his record to 5-4. The Sea Lions also only managed 4 hits, but managed to score twice, once on a 2-out RBI from Clark and once on a solo shot from Bobby Bonds to win the game, 2-0.

TWIWBL 62.3: Cum Posey Division

By mknn

On June 24, 2024

In TWIWBL

#Chicago American Giants

Eddie Collins had 4 hits (including his first homerun of the year) and Mike Fiore had a Mike Fiore day with 3 walks and a homerun leading the American Giants to a 6-3 win over Baltimore. Despite a decent outing, Mark Buehrle was thwarted in his attempt to win his 6th game of the year, with the victory going to Hoyt Wilhelm in relief while AJ Minter picked up his 5th save.

#Los Angeles Angels

The Angels hit five homeruns to back another strong effort from Doc Gooden, who lowered his ERA under 2.00 in an 8-0 blanking of Miami. Doug Rader, Carlos Delgado, Eddie Joost, Kal Daniels, and Mike Trout all went deep for Los Angeles, while Gooden combined with Francisco Rodríguez on the 4 hit shutout.

#Miami Cuban Giants

Miami used back-to-back-to-back homeruns from Ryan Braun (his second of the game), José Canseco, and Jim Thome to surge ahead, then held on to escape with a 6-5 win over Los Angeles. Freddie Fitzsimmons was effective for the first time all year, improving to 2-3 and Sandy Consuegra continued to be borderline unhittable, picking up his 3rd save and lowering his ERA to 0.69.

Well this was a surprise. Kenshin Kawakami was recalled to make a start due to a lack of options. The 32 year old delivered 7 shutout innings, giving up only 3 hits and striking out 6, combining with 3 relievers on a 5 hit shutout as the Cuban Giants defeated the Angels 4-0.

Braden Looper was forced from a game with a sore shoulder, and would hit the DL. 25 year old Bob Gillespie–dominant at Orlando so far–was recalled to take his place.

#San Francisco Sea Lions

With Tommy Bridges headed to the DL, the Sea Lions recalled newly signed reliever Huston Street.

Reggie Jackson went deep twice, but it wasn’t enough as the Sea Lions fell to Memphis, 8-6. Jackson did it again, hitting 2 homeruns and driving in 4 in a 9-8 win over the Red Sox. Jimmie Foxx also hit 2 out as the Sea Lions went yard 7 times (Jack Clark, Bobby Bonds, and Mickey Cochrane also went deep) and held on despite giving up 5 runs in the last 2 innings.

Rickey Henderson stole 6 bases, overtaking teammate Dick Lundy for the league lead, but the Sea Lions fell to Portland, 5-3.

TWIWBL 60.3: Cum Posey Division

By mknn

On May 31, 2024

In TWIWBL

#Chicago American Giants

Ed Walsh finally had a solid outing–more than solid, as he twirled a 2 hit complete game victory over Portland. Paul Konerko had 3 hits and drove in 2 with his 2nd homerun of the year and Carlton Fisk also went deep for Chicago.

#Los Angeles Angels

George Wright will be out a week or two with a bruised knee. With Wright heading to the DL, the Angels recalled Eddie Joost, acquired in the off season for just such an eventuality.

#Miami Cuban Giants

Iván Rodríguez went deep twice, the second being a go-ahead shot in the 11th inning as Miami lost the lead, then won in extra frames against Memphis, 8-7. Pudge drove in 3 and Ryan Braun 2 in the win, and Braden Looper and Barry Latman combined for 5+ innings of 1 hit ball to end the game.

Veteran C Clyde Sukeforth confirmed that this season will be his last, with the 37 year old planning to retire once it’s done.

#Portland Sea Dogs

Jeff Burroughs went deep twice in support of a solid outing from Dizzy Trout as the Sea Dogs beat Chicago, 5-2.

#San Francisco Sea Lions

Reggie Jackson went deep twice but it wasn’t enough as the Sea Lions fell to Baltimore, 9-7. Turkey Stearnes was injured, but it looks like he won’t require a trip to the DL.

Bobby Bonds, mired in a massive slump to start the season, went deep twice, including a walkoff blast in the bottom of the 10th as the Sea Lions beat Los Angeles 5-3. Watty Clark struggled early, but settled down in his first start of the year, and Dennis Eckersley, Bobby Seay, and Rod Beck combined to allow 1 hit over 4 innings, with Beck getting the win.

TWIWBL 44.4: Series XXXVI Notes – Marvin Miller Division

By mknn

On August 11, 2023

In TWIWBL

#Birmingham Black Barons

4 hits from Curtis Granderson and Eddie Mathews‘ 24th homer of the year weren’t enough as the Black Barons fell to Houston, 4-3.

In the series finale, Bob Nieman, Hank Aaron, and Jim Pagliaroni had 3 hits and Nieman, Pagliaroni, and Adrián González all went deep as the Black Barons beat Houston, 10-6.

OF Ray Powell retired from AA.

#Miami Cuban Giants

Trying to pick which arm to demote to make room for Freddie Fitzsimmons‘ return from the DL is a bit rough for Miami: virtually everyone is struggling. But the final choice was Braden Looper–declared closer only a few weeks ago, but sporting a 7.31 ERA since then.

The challenge for the Cuban Giants as the season winds down is to spread around enough innings and plate appearances to get some more information on the quality of talent on their roster. It may be bleak.

Fitzsimmons, however: not bleak. The recent acquisition made his first start for Miami and turned in a complete game, 3 hit shutout of the House of David. The Cuban Giants pounded out 5 homeruns, with Smoky Burgess launching the first 2 of his career and Ryan Braun, Robin Yount, and also launching longballs.

Yasiel Puig is hitting over .500 with Miami. 3 more hits, including his first 2 homeruns for the Cuban Giants weren’t enough in an 8-6 loss to the House of David.

#Portland Sea Dogs

Pascual Pérez has returned to the rotation, meaning both Wade Miller and Jerry Koosman look to finish the year out of the bullpen for the Sea Dogs.

#San Francisco Sea Lions

As the AA season closed, 3B Ken Caminiti and OF Coco Crisp announced their retirement.

TWIWBL 42.5: Series XXXIV Notes – Marvin Miller Division

By mknn

On July 17, 2023

In TWIWBL

#Brooklyn Royal Giants

Jackie Robinson had 3 hits including his 13th homerun, driving in 3 and leading the Royal Giants to a 7-2 victory over the Monarchs. Don Drysedale was solid through 5 innings, evening his record at 8-8 and stopping a recent streak of poor starts.

Dave Von Ohlen was injured during the game, but it’s not clear how long he’ll be out.

#Miami Cuban Giants

Ramón Martínez tied a WBL record with 8 walks but a great debut performance by Yasiel Puig and José Canseco‘s 32nd homerun of the year were enough for Miami to top Indianapolis, 8-7. Puig’s Miami debut saw him go 4-for-4 with an RBI and 2 runs scored. Dontrelle Willis and Eustaquio Pedroso pitched well in relief of Martínez, and the win went to Bob Duliba as Braden Looper picked up his 5th save despite a rocky 9th.

#Portland Sea Dogs

3 hits from Gavvy Cravath and a grand slam from Buddy Bell (his 18th homerun of the season) were more than enough as the Sea Dogs beat Homestead, 10-0. The real story here was Walter Johnson, who allowed only 2 hits through 6 innings and finished with a 9 strikeout, 5 hit shutout, improving to 13-4 on the season.

Bert Blyleven evened his record at 10-10 on the year with a strong 7.2 IP in a 4-3 win over Homestead. Cravath hit his 9th homerun with Portland (his 22nd overall), and Bobby Murcer, Rogers Hornsby, and Jeff Burroughs each had 2 hits.

TWIWBL 38.4: Series XXX Notes – Marvin Miller Division

By mknn

On April 27, 2023

In TWIWBL

#Birmingham Black Barons

The Black Barons just keep rolling. This time, it was 5 RBIs from Herman Long and a strong 7 innings from Vic Willis in a victory over Kansas City.

#Brooklyn Royal Giants

4 hits from John Briggs were wasted as the Royal Giants lost 7-2 to Ottawa. That brought Briggs’ average up to over .350, and while it’s still early (his WBL career is only 23 games in), it certainly helps to silence the critics who were protesting that the 20 year old would be overmatched, despite his spectacular showing at AA.

Briggs was injured in the final game of the series, and will miss 2-3 weeks; Ty Cline was recalled from AAA.

#Miami Cuban Giants

Braden Looper has been named Miami’s closer for the time being.

#Portland Sea Dogs

Cliff Lee did well in his brief WBL debut (273/333/409), but with Joe Mauer‘s return from a rehab assignment, Lee heads back to AAA and the Sea Dogs once again find themselves with the conundrum of what to do with Mauer (313/389/504) and Pudge Rodríguez (331/350/512). There is a similar issue in CF with Bobby Murcer (316/400/555) and Gary Pettis (405/489/557 with great speed and defense). These are good problems to have.

For now, Mauer and Rodríguez return to their platoon arrangement, and Pettis continues to be the first man off the bench.

With Walter Johnson sidelined for another week or so, Atlee Hammaker has moved into the rotation.

TWIWBL 36.4: Series XXVIII Notes – Marvin Miller Division

By mknn

On March 23, 2023

In TWIWBL

#Birmingham Black Barons

The arrival of Jim Pagliaroni sent Del Crandall packing (he refused a demotion to AAA), with Gene Tenace being relegated to reserve duty.

Nate Colbert was the odd man out with Andy Pettitte‘s arrival prompting Birmingham to carry 12 pitchers. Colbert will be back when rosters expand if not sooner. Pettitte slides into the rotation, with Larry Benton heading to the bullpen. Optimistically, the trio of Alejandro Peña, Pettitte, and Greg Maddux are on par with any trio of starters in the league, but that depends on Maddux maintaining his current form and all three staying healthy.

Pettitte’s first start was a success: 6 shutout innings, and combining with Steve Bedrosian and Kent Mercker on a 10 hit blanking of Ottawa. The Black Barons turned a league record 6 double plays in the game, and Frank McCormick, Hank Aaron, and Bob Nieman all went deep.

Harley Young will miss about a month, a pretty big blow to the Black Barons bullpen. Jim Whitney was recalled to take Young’s place.

#Brooklyn Royal Giants

Art Griggs will miss about 2 weeks of action with an oblique strain. The Royal Giants recalled OF Matt Holliday from AAA.

#Miami Cuban Giants

Lots of roster juggling here …

Cole Hamels and Freddie Fitzsimmons join the big league roster, with Hamels sliding right into the rotation. José Méndez takes over the final rotation spot, pushing Eustaquio Pedroso back to the bullpen. Once Ozzie Canseco clears waivers, Sandy Consuegra will be recalled from AAA.

The departure of Ed Bauta and Aroldis Chapman leave the Cuban Giants pretty weak at the back end of the pen, so they’re hoping some mix of Brown, Braden Looper, and Ricky Nolasco can handle closing games out.

Willie Kamm was promoted all the way from AA, and Jim Thome recalled from AAA to replace the departed Will Clark.

Fitzsimmons pitched in 2 games and then hit the DL with a hamstring problem, prompting Miami to recall Marcelino López to fill out the bullpen.

#Portland Sea Dogs

Hal Griggs and Frank Williams were sent to AAA to clear room for Trevor Hoffman and Mark Melancon and Dizzy Trout took the final spot in their rotation. Gavvy Cravath‘s arrival sent Ruben Sierra back as well. Cravath slides into RF, most likely reducing both Jeff Burroughs‘ and Greg Litton‘s playing time.

The Sea Dogs hit 6 homeruns in an 11-5 thrashing of Los Angeles, with Harry Hooper (a grandslam), Kent Hrbek (twice), Buddy Bell, Iván Rodriguez, and Rogers Hornsby all sending balls over the fence. Hrbek once again tied for the league lead with his 33rd of the season. Despite extreme wildness, Joséito Muñoz surrendered only 1 run in just over 5 innings, leveling his record at 5-5 on the season.

Walter Johnson will miss about a week, requiring a quick trip to the DL. The Sea Dogs recalled Ray Fontenot from AAA, but Atlee Hammaker is likely to get the nod for Johnson’s next start. Both Pascual Pérez and, more interestingly, Joe Mauer, began rehab assignments at AAA.

#San Francisco Sea Lions

Billy Taylor and Nick Altrock were promoted to San Francisco, with Altrock sliding right into the back of the rotation as the Sea Lions try to figure out just what they have in the 28 year old hurler.

Gene Oliver was brought up to platoon with Mickey Cochrane behind the plate, with Cy Perkins being let go. There may be more moves ahead, depending on the status of Dick Lundy‘s injury. San Francisco would really like to move Miguel Cairo down, but it’s not clear who is ready for big league minutes at SS, especially if Lundy is out for any length of time.

Lundy will miss about 2 weeks, prompting the Sea Lions to recall Roy Hartzell from AAA.

Hartzell started his WBL career with a bang, hitting a homerun in his first at-bat. Bobby Bonds and Bob Cerv also went deep, and Tim Hudson seems to have turned the corner in his time in San Francisco as the Sea Lions beat Baltimore, 6-2.

Two homeruns from Pedro Guerrero led the Sea Lions to a 6-5 victory over the Black Sox. Guerrero drove in 5, helping Eddie Plank move to 8-5 on the year with Rod Beck picking up his 22nd save.

Taylor appeared in one game and tore his rotator cuff, putting him out for about 10 months. Bump Hadley was recalled from AAA.

Series XXVII Featured Matchup: Detroit Wolverines @ Miami Cuban Giants

By mknn

On February 24, 2023

In Featured Series, Game Recaps

Series preview here.

Game 1: Gene Conley @ Roenis Elias

Detroit scored first after loading the bases in the 2nd, but only managed a single tally on an RBI groundout by Robby Thompson. Will Clark tied it in the bottom of the frame with his 18th homerun of the season.

Roenis Elias has been on a hot streak, and it continued here, as he settled down, allowing 3 hits while striking out 8 over 6 innings. Detroit’s Gene Conley has matched him frame for frame, allowing only 1 run on 2 hits in the same stretch.

In the bottom of the 6th, things took an unlikely turn: Martín Dihigo, he of the .170 average, launched a pitch from Conley nearly 450 feet into leftfield for his first homerun and a 2-1 lead for Miami. Gary Sheffield tripled home a run to make it 3-1, ending Conley’s day in favor of Mickey Lolich.

With 2 outs in the 7th, Elias gave up a solo shot to Al Kaline–the first of his WBL career. That brought in Chris Resop, who closed it out preserving the one run lead for Miami.

Alan Ashby led off the bottom of the 7th with a single, and Paul Molitor came on to run. Two outs later, and Dihigo was up again, this time against Detroit’s reliever Kevin Hart. With the lead, the Cuban Giants kept Dihigo in the game for his glove. He delivered a much more typical response, grounding out weakly to second to end the inning.

It all worked out: Resop and Ed Bauta passed the baton to Aroldis Chapman, who shut the door in the 9th.

DET 2 (Conley 10-3) @ MCG 3 (Elias 5-3; Chapman 19 Sv; Resop 1 H; Bauta 11 H)
HRs: DET – Kaline (1); MCG – Clark (18), Dihigo (1).
Box Score

Game 2: Si Johnson @ Rube Waddell

Detroit comes into the game with a bit of an infield crisis: Sparky Adams is carrying a knock, and both Bob Bailey and George Davis are showing signs of wear and tear. Since they all back each other up at 3B and SS, two of the three are going to forced into action: today, it’s Davis and Bailey.

Will Clark‘s 19th homerun of the year put Miami up 3-0 in the bottom of the first. And that was it through 5 innings. Si Johnson had settled down after Clark’s blast, and Miami’s starter, Rube Waddell had yet to give up a hit.

Geoff Jenkins broke up the no-no with a single to lead off the 6th for Detroit, and singles from Bailey and Hank Greenberg put the Wolverines on the board.

In the bottom of the frame, Johnson issued a walk to load the bases, bringing in Mickey Lolich, who promptly forced in a run with a walk to Carlos Morán, increasing Miami’s lead to 4-1.

Waddell got one out on the 7th, but a hit from Davis and a walk to Robby Thompson turned the game over the Cuban Giants’ bullpen. Phenomenal Smith whiffed Jenkins, but immediately grabbed his left shoulder, and had to leave the game.

José Méndez replaced Smith, and shut down Detroit. He gave up a hit in the 9th, giving way to Ed Bauta, who completed the victory, giving Miami a surprising 2-0 lead in the series.

DET 1 (Johnson 4-7) @ MCG 4 (Waddell 4-6; Bauta 1 Sv; Smith 4 H; Méndez 2 H)
HRs: Det – none; MCG – Clark (19).
Box Score

Game 3: Hal Newhouser @ Eustaquio Pedroso

The matchup certainly favors the Wolverines to get back into the series, with Hal Newhouser and his sub-3.00 ERA going against Eustaquio Pedroso, who is in real danger of losing his rotation spot.

And, you know, just because … Pedroso gets through the top of the first without damage, and Newhouser walks Pete Runnels, Minnie Miñoso, and Gary Sheffield to start the bottom of the frame. But José Canseco whiffed and Ryan Braun grounded into a double play, so we stay scoreless.

Geoff Jenkins took Pedroso deep for a 1-0 Detroit lead in the second, but Sheffield sent a Newhouser pitch in the 3rd deep into the night, putting Miami up 2-1.

Martín Dihigo was forced out of the game with a back injury in the 6th after a hard slide into second and Paul Molitor, who replaced him, scored on a single by Runnels. Miami loaded the bases again, but again Canseco and Braun failed to deliver, so we headed to the 6th with the Cuban Giants ahead, 3-1.

That was it for Pedroso, who had pitched gamely in one of his better outings of the year. His reliever, Braden Looper, gave up a leadoff double to Chili Davis, but escaped with only 1 run scoring, making it a 1 run game at 3-2.

Newhouser didn’t finish the 6th, but Justin Verlander escaped without giving up a run. Looper, on the other hand, gave up a double to Robby Thompson and a single to Bob Bailey to lead off the 7th. Looper was relieved by Chris Resop who gave up a single to Ty Cobb to tie the game at 3. An RBI double from Hank Greenberg and a sacrifice fly by Davis put the Wolverines up, 5-3.

Cobb took Aroldis Chapman deep in the top of the 9th, giving Mike Henneman the ball with a 3-run lead, 6-3. Which seemed plenty for the WBL’s save leader, but Canseco and Robin Yount each hit solo homeruns, closing it to 6-5. Alan Ashby‘s soft line was speared by Thompson, though, to end the game.

Cobb ended the day with 4 hits, 2 runs, and 2 RBI’s, raising his league-leading average to .351.

After the game, Dihigo was placed on the DL, with Tony Taylor being recalled.

DET 6 (Verlander 8-3; Henneman 28 Sv; Napier 6 H) @ MCG 5 (Looper 1-1; Resop 1 BSv)
HRs: DET – Jenkins (9), Cobb (16); MCG – Sheffield (6), Canseco (26), Yount (9).
Box Score

Game 4: Johnny Marcum @ Camilo Pascual

Before the game, Miami continued to get bad news from their medical staff as Phenomenal Smith–excellent in his early time with the Cuban Giants–will miss about a year with an elbow injury. That prompted the recall of Ricky Nolasco from AAA.

The pitching matchup of the series finale was the best of the four games, with Johnny Marcum (10-2, 3.38) taking on Camilo Pascual, Miami’s most consistent starter all season.

Detroit pushed across a run in the opening inning on a wild pitch, but Miami tied it up in the bottom of the second with Alan Ashby‘s 7th homerun of the year. The Wolverines regained the lead on a deep sacrifice fly from Hank Greenberg, scoring George Davis. But again Miami would reply in the next inning, tying the game on a triple from José Cardenal, scoring Will Clark. Cardenal would score on a single from Robin Yount, giving the Cuban Giants their first lead of the day, 3-2.

Each team would score a run on a sacrifice fly in the 5th, making it 4-3 in favor of Miami.

Marcum was the first starter to be chased from the game, giving way to Matt Anderson in the bottom of the 6th, but Anderson was able to close the door with runners on base, keeping the score 4-3.

José Méndez relieved Pascual in the top of the 8th and retired Cobb, Greenberg, and Oscar Gamble–no mean feat. Chili Davis led off the 9th against Méndez with a single, but Detroit was unable to bring him around, and Miami emerged with the victory and the very surprising series win.

DET 3 (Marcum 10-3) @ MCG 4 (Pascual 7-10; Méndez 1 Sv)
HRs: DET – none; MCG – Ashby (7).
Box Score