Tag: Buddy Napier

TWIWBL 24.5: Mid-Seasons Review – Detroit Wolverines

On February 25, 2022

Summary

Only 1 game behind in the Bill James Division, the Wolverines are still right in the hunt for the postseason.

What’s Gone Right

Power. Five batters have reached double-digits in homeruns, led by Hank Greenberg with 15 (the others are Bob Bailey, Ty Cobb, Oscar Gamble, and Chili Davis).

The Bullpen. Mike Henneman has 15 saves, but the real bullpen strength has been in the trio of Matt Anderson, Buddy Napier, and Gene Conley (who is a remarkable 7-1 out of the pen).

The Outfield. The trio of Gamble, Davis, and Cobb has been excellent, with Gamble leading the team in homeruns and RBIs.

What’s Gone Wrong

Half the Bailey Boys. Bob Bailey has held up his end of the deal, but Ed Bailey has been little more than adequate behind the plate, an issue magnified by Bill Carrigan’s injury.

The Middle Infield. That’s a little unfair: veteran Tony Phillips has been solid, usually at 2B. But the rest–George Davis at SS, Jimmy Collins at 3B, and Sparky Adams all over the place–have struggled.

The Back of the Rotation. Whitey Wilshire–expected to be one of their top starters–has just about pitched his way out of the rotation, and Si Johnson has been only a shade better.

Key Storylines

Can a team this top heavy and without a star pitcher make it to the end?

There are three intriguing questions on the mound for Detroit: two are whether Matt Anderson and Hal Newhouser can continue their success and the third is if Justin Verlander–who has been occasionally brilliant and often quite poor–can turn it around.

Cobb looks like the real deal–or as much as the real deal as a 20 year old can. So the real questions are some of the other contributors–especially Bob Bailey and the surprising–and currently injured–C Carrigan.

Trading Outlook

BUYING.

But there just isn’t a lot to sell. Maybe veteran minor leaguer Cecil Fielder?

AAA Shuttle

They’ve only really used it on the mound, with mixed results. Napier and Anderson have been excellent, but their efforts at finding starting pitchers have been far less successful.

Midseason Changes

Wilshire moves to the bullpen, and Conley gets a chance to see if he can win some more games as a starter.

Awards

All Stars: Bob Bailey (DH); Hank Greenberg (1B); Mike Henneman (P).

Pitcher of the Month: Johnny Marcum (May)
Player of the Week: Hank Greenberg (4/24)

Offensive MVP: Hank Greenberg (1B)
Pitching MVP: Hal Newhouser (SP)

Down on the Farm

AAA: Toronto Maple Leafs

Next to the Show: 1B Cecil Fielder, OF Ron LeFlore, 2B Robby Thompson, RP Jamie Walker.

Prospects: Al Kaline (20). George Mullin (22).

Projects: SP Mickey Lolich (26).

Suspects: OF Wes Covington (32), C Ramón Cabrera (25), IF Rob Picciolo (31), SS Damion Easley (27).

AA: Fort Wayne Daisies

Prospects: 3B Billy Nash (19), 2B Jorge Orta (22). SS Donie Bush (20), SS Ray Chapman (22).

Projects: P Jeremy Sowers (24), OF Johnny Jeter (25), 2B Charlie Gehringer (24), RP Willie Hernández (31), RP Alex Wilson (29).

Suspects: CF Herm Winningham (28), C Johnny Gooch (30), RP Brandon League (22).

TWIWBL 18.1: Series XV Notes – Bill James Division

By mknn

On November 4, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Detroit Wolverines

Four Detroit pitchers combined to allow 6 hits and 1 run while striking out 10 as the Wolverines beat Los Angeles 5-1. Matt Anderson got his first win of the year, striking out 6 of the 9 batters he faced, and John Hiller picked up his first save. Chili Davis hit 2 homeruns, giving him 10 on the season.

The Wolverines scored 16 runs on 15 hits (Los Angeles pitchers allowed a stunning 14 walks) in a 16-5 drubbing of the Angels. Bob Bailey drove in 4 and Tony Phillips and George Davis each had 3 hits to lead the way.

Jimmy Collins hit a bases-loaded single in the bottom of the 9th, leading the Wolverines to a 3-2 victory over Los Angeles. The win went to Buddy Napier in relief of an excellent Si Johnson, who allowed only 4 hits and 2 runs through 7.

#Los Angeles Angels

Needing a fresh arm, the Angels sent Sid Fernandez to AAA, bringing Doc Gooden back up to the WBL for a start. It went better than could have been expected, with Gooden turning in his best performance of the year, allowing Detroit only 3 hits and 1 run through 6.2 innings in a game the Angels would eventually lose.

Gerrit Cole keeps doing just enough–despite giving up 5 walks and 6 hits in 6 innings, Cole became the WBL’s first 9 game winner, moving to 9-3 on the year in a 6-3 victory over Detroit. Francisco Rodriguez and Jeurys Familia combined for a hitless 3 innings of relief, and George Wright had 3 hits while Mike Trout and Doug Rader added 2 RBIs each in the victory.

#Memphis Red Sox

Joe Beggs gave up his first runs of the year, surrendering a 2-run homer to Philadelphia’s Scott Rolen in the bottom of the ninth, but it didn’t really matter, as 5 RBI’s from Wade Boggs (including a grand slam) powered Memphis to the 9-6 victory. Reggie Smith scored three times and Heath Bell got the win with 2.1 innings of perfect relief.

#Wandering House of David

Frank Sullivan and 2 relievers combined to allow only 4 hits in a 4-1 victory over the Gothams. Mark Grace went 3-for-5 with his 3rd homerun of the year, and George Stone also went deep for the 12th time on the season.

The House of David released Joakim Soria to make room for Scott Downs on the staff, and finally gave up on Sammy Sosa for the time being, sending the OF to AAA as Pete Browning was again welcomed back from the DL.

TWIWBL 15.1: Series XII Notes – Bill James Division

By mknn

On August 23, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Detroit Wolverines

Hal Newhouser allowed 1 hit and 1 run in 6 innings … along with a WLB record-tying 8 walks. But it was enough for a win, improving his record to 2-1 and lowering his ERA to 1.67. Gene Conley, Buddy Napier, John Hiller, and Mike Henneman combined to allow only 1 more hit over the rest of the ballgame, with Henneman picking up his 9th save in a 2-1 victory for Detroit over San Francisco.

Doyle Alexander was moved into the starting rotation, which may last only as long as Si Johnson‘s rehab assignment (by which point, the Wolverines are hoping the mix of Napier, Matt Anderson, and Mickey Lolich have worked themselves out in terms of who belongs at the big league level).

#Los Angeles Angels

Pud Galvin and Harry Howell have been replaced in the Angels’ starting rotation by Nolan Ryan and Chuck Finley; really the only surprise here is that Doc Gooden has retained his starting spot despite continuing to struggle. The Angels also made a shock move, replacing their entire catching corps by sending Jim Stephens and Brian Downing to AAA and promoting Ron Hassey and John Stearns, who are expected to platoon for the big league club. As part of this, the club recalled Rusty Staub to help fill in at RF, and waived Armando Benitez and his 8.00+ ERA. These moves also mean that Elmer Valo and Kal Daniels find spots in the lineup every day (Valo in RF, Daniels as the DH).

#Memphis Red Sox

Nomar Garciaparra‘s demotion to AAA from the disabled list was no surprise, but the choice to also send both Bob Brenly and Dustin Pedroia to New Orleans may have been. Billy Bryan was recalled from AAA, but Brenly’s demotion means Jim Pagliaroni becomes an everyday catcher. Iván de Jesus was recalled as well, mostly due to his defensive versatility.

#New York Gothams

Led by 3 hits apiece from Yasiel Puig and Pinky Higgins, the Gothams destroyed Cleveland 10-3. Juan Marichal improved to 5-1 with the victory.

Buck O’Brien‘s time in the WBL was very brief, as after being left as sacrificial arm in a blowout game, absorbing 11 hits in just over 2 innings pitched, O’Brien was returned to AAA with Carl Hubbell making his long awaited return from injury.

#Wandering House of David

In a see-saw game, the House of David relied on 4 hits from George Stone and Ryne Sandberg and 3 RBIs from Ron Santo in a 15-9 triumph over Kansas City. The Monarchs hit 4 homeruns, but the House of David responded by outhitting them, 22 to 13. After Wade Miley was hit hard, Bob Rush continued his great season with 4 innings, allowing only 1 run and improving his record to 4-1.

Rush has replaced Ferguson Jenkins in the House of David’s rotation and Bruce Sutter has been named the closer, with Tom Niedenfeuer out for several months. Jerry Mumphrey, Jung Ho Kang, and Bunny Downs were all sent down to AAA (essentially giving Sammy Sosa the job in CF for the time being). Dave Altizer was waived to make room for Craig Reynolds on the 40-man roster, and Jim Edmonds and Anthony Rizzo were recalled as well.

All of that results in Dan Ford parlaying his strong showing with the House of David into a starting job in RF.

TWIWBL 12.1: Series X Notes – Bill James Division

By mknn

On July 21, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Detroit Wolverines

Johnny Marcum‘s return to the rotation was a good sign for Detroit fans. Marcum combined with Mickey Lolich, Kevin Hart, and Mike Henneman, allowing 6 hits and 1 run in a 2-1 victory over Brooklyn. Marcum improved to 3-1, with Henneman picking up his 7th save.

All 7 of the Wolverines’ hits came from Tony Phillips (3) and Ty Cobb and Hank Greenberg (2 each).

Hank Aguirre will be on the DL for at least a 10 days, forcing the Wolverines into another change in their starting rotation. Buddy Napier was recalled from AAA to take Aguirre’s roster spot.

#Los Angeles Angels

Doc Gooden, Nolan Ryan, Jonny Venters, and Joe Nathan combined on a 5-hit shutout and Derrek Lee broke open a scoreless game with a 2-run double as the Angels triumphed over Chicago, 3-0. Gooden allowed only 2 hits in 4 innings before a rain delay forced him out of the game, a very positive sign for the struggling, young righthander.

Gerrit Cole joined the WBL’s group of 6 game winners with 7 innings of 4-hit, 1-run pitching against Chicago. Chuck Finley and Nathan finished the game off, with Cole’s record now 6-2 and Nathan picking up his 5th save. The difference in the game was Kal Daniels‘ 3rd homerun.

#Memphis Red Sox

During an 11-3 loss to the Gothams, Nomar Garciaparra was injured in a collision at home plate, and will miss at least a week. Wayne Causey was recalled from AA for infield depth.

#New York Gothams

4 hits from Willie Mays and 4 RBIs from Carl Furillo led the Gothams to an 11-3 win over Memphis, with a strong start from Juan Marichal moving the right-hander to 3-1 on the year.

Helped by back-to-back homeruns from Mays and Johnny Callison and 5 double plays, the Gothams rolled to a 9-2 victory in the second game of the series. Mickey Welch pitched 6 solid innings to improve to 4-1 and Al Mays earned his first save with 3 scoreless innings in relief.

Gaylord Perry‘s first start didn’t go so well. Then, Christy Mathewson was called into the game to replace an injured Carson Smith, who was put on the DL. All of that made the Gothams look for an SP to recall from AAA, and they settled on Buck O’Brien. Pete Donohue looks better right now, but after a recent start, Donohue would be unavailable for use for a few days, a luxury New York cannot afford.

#Wandering House of David

Closer Tom Niedenfuer, who’s been excellent all season, will miss about 3 months with shoulder inflammation. Bruce Sutter is likely to take over as closer with Phil Regan being recalled from AAA.

WBL Year I 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. Oscar Charleston (HOM); Rickey Henderson (SFS); Pete Hill (HOU); Gary Pettis (POR); Rick Reichardt (HOM); Manny Sanguillen (NYY); Billy Southworth (BBB); George Stone (HOD)

3+ 2B Games

4. Stan Musial (KCM)
3. Bob Bailey (DET); Curt Blefary (BAL); Pete Browning (HOD); Rico Carty (PHI) x2, Rick Ferrell (HOM); Pinky Higgins (NYG); Baby Doll Jacobson (BAL); Davey Johnson (HOM); Scott Rolen (PHI); Jimmy Sheckard (NYG); Ozzie Smith (KCM); Roy White (BRK)

3+ HR Games

3. Joe Adcock (NYG); Gil Hodges (POR); Reggie Jackson (SFS); Yasiel Puig (NYG); Chase Utley (PHI)

3+ OF Assists

3. Jim Edmonds (HOD); Curtis Granderson (BBB)

4+ BB Games

4. Eddie Collins (CAG); Gavvy Cravath (PHI); Mickey Mantle (NYY); Joe Morgan (IND); Babe Ruth (NYY) x2; Reggie Jackson (SFS); Reggie Smith (MEM); Elmer Valo (LAA); Joe Votto (IND)

4+ Run Games

5. Don Mattingly (NYA)

4. John Briggs (BRK); Johnny Callison (NYG); Robinson Cano (KCM); Cupid Childs (BBB); Will Clark (MIA); Mark Ellis (LAA); Carlton Fisk (CAG); Dan Ford (HOD); Bryce Harper (BAL); Kent Hrbek (POR); Frank Isbell (BBB/BRK) x2; Joe Jackson (CAG); Reggie Jackson (SFS); Geoff Jenkins (DET); Eddie Mathews (BBB); Willie Mays (NYG); Andrew McCutcheon (HOM); Willie McGee (KCM); Boog Powell (KCM); Edd Roush (IND); Pops Stargell (HOM); Mike Trout (LAA) x2; George Wright (LAA)

4+ SB Games

4. Bobby Bonds (SFS); Lou Brock (KCM); Eddie Collins (CAG); Billy Southworth (BBB)

5+ Hit Games

5. Pete Browning (HOD); Robinson Cano (KCM); Ty Cobb (DET); Chili Davis (DET); Mark Ellis (LAA); Tom Herr (BBB); Frank Isbell (BBB); Stan Musial (KCM); Ken Singleton (BAL); Jim Stephens (LAA); Mike Trout (LAA); Andy Van Slyke (HOM); Jim Wynn (HOU)

5+ SO Games

5. Phil Bradley (OTT); Mike Piazza (BRK); Bobby Wallace (BAL)

6+ RBI Games

9. Jim Stephens (LAA)
7. Mickey Cochrane (SFS); Eric Davis (NYY) x2; Reggie Jackson (SFS); Doug Rader (LAA); Pete Runnels (MCG)
6. Bob Bailey (DET); Carlos Delgado (LAA); Rogers Hornsby (KCM); Jim Pagliaroni (MEM); Yasiel Puig (NYG); Honus Wagner (HOM)

Longest HRs

526 ft. Jim Thome (MCG)
525 ft. Albert Pujols (KCM)
524 ft. Frank McCormick (BBB)
515 ft. Carlos Correa (HOU)
514 ft. Casey Stengel (HOU)
511 ft. Boog Powell (KCM)
504 ft. Curt Blefary (BAL); Eugenio Suárez (NYG)
503 ft. Ernie Banks (HOD)
502 ft. Wally Moon (SFS)
501 ft. Curt Blefary (BAL)

Pitching Statistics

80+ Game Scores

91. Sandy Koufax (BRK); Christy Mathewson (NYG)
89. Dave Righetti (NYY)
88. Bert Blyleven (POR); Bob Gibson (KCM); Ron Guidry (NYY); Bill Steen (CLE)
87. Pete Donohue (NYG); Jack Taylor (HOD); Jim Whitney (BBB).
86. Luke Hamlin (KCM); Mel Harder (CLE); José Rijo (KCM); Jack Taylor (HOD)
85. Freddie Fitzsimmons (MCG); Waite Hoyt (NYY)
84. Bert Blyleven (POR); Gene Conley (DET); Freddie Fitzsimmons (MCG); Ned Garvin (BAL); Lefty Grove (POR); Luke Hamlin (KCM); Harry Howell (LAA); Greg Maddux (BBB); Stubby Overmire (MEM); David Price (CAG); Frank Smith (CAG).
83. Jamie Moyer (OTT); Toad Ramsey (HOU).
82. Ned Garvin (BAL); Luke Hamlin (KCM); Walter Johnson (POR); Dutch Leonard (BRK); Tricky Nichols (CAG); Bob Rush (HOD); Stephen Strasburg (HOU); Jack Taylor (HOD); Jim Whitney (BBB); Cy Young (HOM)
81. Brett Anderson (LAA); Bert Blyleven (POR); Walter Johnson (POR); Tricky Nichols (CAG); Camilo Pascual (MCG); Whit Wyatt (CLE)
80. Brett Anderson (LAA); Bob Brown (OTT); Steve Carlton (PHI); Gerrit Cole (LAA); Lefty Grove (POR); Waite Hoyt (NYY), Ramón Martínez (MCG); Wade Miley (HOD); Old Hoss Radbourn (OTT); Charlie Root (DET)

10+ Strikeout Games

14. Bert Blyleven (POR)
12. Ed Walsh (CAG)
11. Bob Brown (OTT); Lefty Grove (POR) x2; Ron Guidry (NYY); Luke Hamlin (KCM); Tommy Hanson (BRK); Ramón Martínez (MCG); Christy Mathewson (NYG); Tricky Nichols (CAG); Dave Righetti (NYY); Bret Saberhagen (HOU); Ed Walsh (CAG)
10. Bob Feller (CLE); Lefty Grove (POR); Ron Guidry x2 (NYY) x2; Walter Johnson (POR); Mike Mussina (BAL); Frank Knauss (BRK).

8+ Walk Games

8. Ramon Martínez (MCG); Nolan Ryan (LAA); Carlos Zambrano (HOM)

Shutouts

1 H. Sandy Koufax (BRK); Christy Mathewson (NYG)
2 H. Luke Hamlin (KCM); Waite Hoyt (NYY) [7 Inn]; David Price (CAG); José Rijo (KCM); Frank Smith (CAG); Jack Taylor (HOD)
3 H. Brett Anderson (LAA); Pete Donohue (NYG); Freddie Fitzsimmons (MCG); Ned Garvin (BAL): Bob Gibson (KCM); Luke Hamlin (KCM); Mel Harder (CLE); Ron Guidry (NYY); Greg Maddux (BBB); Tricky Nichols (CAG); Stubby Overmire (MEM); Dave Righetti (NY); Bob Rush (HOD); Jack Taylor (HOD).
4 H. Brett Anderson (LAA); Bert Blyleven (POR); Gerrit Cole (LAA); Gene Conley (DET); Ned Garvin (BAL); Waite Hoyt (NYY); Wade Miley (HOD); Tricky Nichols (CAG); Old Hoss Radbourn (OTT); Toad Ramsey (HOU); Bill Steen (CLE); Jack Taylor (HOD); Cy Young (CLE)
5 H. Bert Blyleven (POR); Steve Carlton (PHI); Harry Howell (LAA); Walter Johnson (POR); Dutch Leonard (BRK); Ramon Martinez (MCG); Jamie Moyer (OTT); Milt Pappas (BAL); José Rijo (KCM); CC Sabathia (HOD); Sam Streeter (BBB)

Shutouts (Combined)

1 H. Luke Hamlin / Frank DiPino / Jeff Pfeffer (KCM)
3 H. Whit Wyatt / Chad Qualls / Chuck Porter (CLE); H. Newhouser / Gene Conley / Kevin Hart (DET); Stephen Strasburg / Billy Wagner (HOU); Mel Harder / Chuck Porter (CLE)
4 H. Hank Aguirre / Mike Henneman (DET); Dizzy Trout / Elmer Brown (POR); Vic Willis / John Malarkey (BBB); Doc Gooden / Mike Smith (LAA); Stubby Overmire / Lance Broadway / Heath Bell / Jonathan Papelbon (MEM); Willie Mitchell / Clay Carroll / Rob Dibble (IND)
5 H. Ray Collins / Rheal Cormier (PHI); Vean Gregg / Stan Bahnsen (HOM); Connie Johnson / Smokey Joe Wood / Jeff Pfeffer (KAN); Bob Rush / Rollie Fingers / Scott Downs / Lee Smith / Bruce Sutter (HOD); Francisco Liriano / Frank Linzy (HOM); Gene Conley / Buddy Napier / John Hiller; Jack Taylor / Scott Downs / Kerry Wood (HOD); Roenis Elías / Phenomenal Smith / Ed Bauta / Aroldis Chapman (MCG); Stephen Strasburg / Chad Qualls / Brad Lidge (HOU) / Eddie Plank / Dave LaRoche / Rob Beck (SFS); Jack Scott / Aroldis Chapman (NYY); Pat Malone / Chuck Porter / Cory Gearrin / Terry Adams (DET)

Spring Training Preview: Detroit

By mknn

On June 21, 2020

In 2000 Spring Training, Team News

Spring training will determine if Whitey Wilshere ends up in the rotation or the bullpen, but either way he’ll probably make the roster. Gene Conley, Hank Aguirre, Tom Hughes, Si Johnson, and Johnny Marcum are also in the race for the back-end of the rotation.
- Jason Schmidt and Claude Passeau have struggled mightily (Passeau especially has put himself in danger of not making the team at all), opening up more competition for starting spots. Wilshere is almost guaranteed one, and Marcum has impressed as well.
  - Passeau has moved down to AAA. Newhouser and Wilshere have spots in the rotation, but the rest is unsettled. If Johnson has a decent 2nd start, he is in, but nobody else has shown enough, leaving eight pitchers vying for the final 2 spots.
- Wilshere moving to the rotation opens up a lot of room in the bullpen, with Mike Henneman joining Buddy Napier as candidates to close.
  - Napier has been rocked hard, moving him to the edge of the roster entirely. Henneman is the closer, with Mark Dewey the only other decent bullpen performer so far.
Robby Thompson and Charlie Gehringer are competing to start at 2B, and Ray Chapman and Sparky Adams to backup George Davis at SS.
- Thompson is far ahead of Gehringer at this point, and Chapman is even outperforming Davis at SS so far.
  - It’s all so confusing. Phillips was brought in just for flexibility, and he’s outperforming everyone. Thompson and Adams continue to impress, while both Davis and Gehringer are edging towards demotion. Jorge Orta has been recalled.
Only 2 of Al Kaline, Wes Covington, and Jody Gerut will make the roster in all likelihood.
- Right now, it’s Covington and Gerut, as Kaline–along with Ty Cobb–are the worst performing OFers of the Spring. Veteran utility player Tony Phillips has been called up to add some roster flexibility as well.
  - Cobb has recovered slightly, but Kaline has just about lost his roster slot. Geoff Jenkins has been recalled to add some competition here as well.
Ed Bailey has closed the gap with Bill Carrigan at C, and Phil Roof has been added as a 3rd option.
- Bailey is hitting better than Carrigan, leaving open the possibility of a platoon situation.
Hank Greenberg is struggling, opening the door for Nate Colbert to push him at 1B and Bob Bailey has hit enough to make a strong case for a roster spot.
- Even Greg Brock is outhitting Greenberg at this point.

	Near Definite	Likely	Possible	Long Shot
Starting Pitchers	Hal Newhouser Whitey Wilshere	Si Johnson	Jason Schmidt Johnny Marcum Gene Conley Hank Aguirre Tom Hughes Red Ehret Justin Verlander Mickey Lolich
Middle Relievers		Kevin Hart
Setup		Mark Dewey	Buddy Napier Roberto Hernandez
Closer			Mike Henneman
C		Ed Bailey Bill Carrigan		Phil Roof
1B		Hank Greenberg	Nate Colbert Greg Brock
2B		Robby Thompson	Tony Phillips Charlie Gehringer	Jorge Orta
3B	Jimmy Collins	Bob Bailey
SS		George Davis	Ray Chapman Sparky Adams
OF		Ty Cobb Chili Davis	Wes Covington Oscar Gamble Jody Gerut Al Kaline	Geoff Jenkins