Tag: Christy Mathewson Page 6 of 7

Series preview here.

#Game One: Don Newcombe @ Christy Mathewson

Chicago‘s recent acquisition, Don Newcombe, makes his first start for the American Giants. He’ll be facing Christy Mathewson, moving up a day to take the first game of the series for the New York Gothams.

A long homerun in the top of the 2nd by Dick Allen put Chicago up, 1-0.

And that was it for a while. Mathewson struggled with his control, walking 4 through 4 innings, but only giving up the homerun to Allen. Cristóbal Torriente led off the 5th with a single, but was stranded there as, reaching back for a little extra, Mathewson whiffed Duffy Lewis with his final pitch.

Newcombe, on the other hand, was giving up a hit per inning, but nothing else. Willie Mays led off the bottom of the 7th with a double and moved to 3rd on an infield hit by Johnny Callison. Mays would score to tie the game on a sacrifice fly from Willie McCovey.

The Gothams would take their first lead in the bottom of the 8th when Buster Posey singled home Jimmy Sheckard. Mike Norris gave up a 2-out single to Eddie Collins, but struck out Joe Jackson to end the game, earning his 2nd save in the process as the Gothams took the first of the four game series.

CAG 1 (Otsuka 3-5) @ NYG 2 (Smith 1-0; Norris 2 Sv)
HRs: CAG – Allen (14)
Box Score

#Game 2: Ben Sheets @ Sad Sam Jones

Duffy Lewis opened the scoring in the top of the first with an RBI single , but despite 2 hits and 2 walks, that was all Chicago could manage off of Sad Sam Jones in the frame.

Yasiel Puig doubled off Ben Sheets in the bottom of the 2nd, moved to third on a groundout, and scored on an RBI single by Wes Westrum to tie the game. Sheets would walk Pinky Higgins and give up a single to Brandon Crawford to load the bases, but a double play ball from Cookie Rojas left the game tied at 1.

Chicago would take the lead back in the top of the 4th on an RBI single by Freddy Parent. In the next inning, Dick Allen would triple in 2 more runs, extending the lead to 4-1. Allen would score on a single by Mike Fiore, chasing Jones and bringing in Don Sutton for the Gothams.

Johnny Callison made it 5-3 in the bottom of the 8th with a 2-run homerun off Herb Pennock.

Chicago would add a run in the top of the 9th, and their closer, AJ Minter, would work around an error to close it out in the bottom of the frame.

CAG 6 (Sheets 7-4; Minter 12 Sv; Condrey 1 H) @ NYG 3 (Jones 6-6)
HRs: NYG – Callison (10)
Box Score

#Game 3: Tricky Nichols @ Pete Donohue

Pete Donohue got himself into a bases loaded jam in the top of the 2nd, and got Dave Nilsson to hit a groundball. But New York only got one out, and a run crossed the plate for an early 1-0 lead for Chicago. They would double it in the 4th, taking advantage of a Carl Furillo error and a Magglio Ordóñez double to make it 2-0.

Meanwhile, Tricky Nichols was sailing along with a 3-hit shutout through five innings.

Donohue, who had only allowed 2 hits to that point, took a line drive off the leg in the top of the 5th and had to leave the game, replaced by Mike Norris.

The wheels came off for Nichols in the bottom of the 6th, when the home crowd’s fan favorite, Wes Westrum, took him deep with 2 men on, giving the Gothams a 3-2 lead.

Nichols was chased from the game by hits from John Kerins and Cookie Rojas in the bottom of the 7th, bringing Hoyt Wilhelm in from the bullpen to face the pinch-hitting Willie Mays. Mays singled, bringing in a run and extending the lead to 4-2, but Wilhelm got out of the inning without further damage.

The American Giants made a stand in the top of the 8th, first with an RBI single from Frank Thomas, and back-to-back doubles from Dick Allen and Mike Fiore and a pinch-hit single from Duffy Lewis that gave Chicago the lead again, 7-4.

Akinori Otsuka and AJ Minter would close out the game for Chicago with 2 perfect innings of relief.

CAG 7 (Wilhelm 1-0; Minter 13 Sv; Otsuka 2 H) @ NYG 4 (Nen 2-4, 1 BSv)
HRs: NYG – Westrum (5)
Box Score

#Game 4: Mark Buehrle @ Juan Marichal

Up 2 games to 1, Chicago opened game 4 of the series with a double from Eddie Collins, who scored on a single from Joe Jackson. Jackson would score on a single by Dick Allen, and Duffy Lewis would come home on a soft single from Cristóbal Torriente. Allen would score on a wild pitch as Chicago tagged Juan Marichal for 4 runs in the top of the first.

The Gothams would get one back in the bottom of the 2nd, when a Mark Buehrle wild pitch allowed Yasiel Puig to score.

Marichal would give up 2 more runs, giving Chicago the 6-1 lead heading to the bottom of the 5th. New York closed to 6-2 in the bottom of the frame, but Buehrle escaped a bases-loaded jam to maintain a 4-run cushion.

A 2-run homerun from Jackson extended Chicago’s lead to 8-3 in the top of the 7th.

The Gothams’ most pleasant surprise of the year has been Wes Westrum, who continues to just mash the ball. Westrum doubled in 2 runs in the bottom of the 7th, closing the score to 8-5.

Chicago would add one more run on a double play in the top of the 9th for the final tally.

CAG 9 (Buehrle 6-7; Dixon 1 Sv; Pennock 1H) @ NYG 5 (Marichal 7-4)
HRs: CAG – Jackson (17)
Box Score

#Series Notes

These are two excellent teams, each leaving this series in 2nd place in their divisions. But the edge shown by Chicago does reflect a true difference in the two, and the 3-1 series result is well deserved.

Dick Allen, Joe Jackson, and Eddie Collins each had 5 hits for the American Giants and Cristóbal Torriente went 7-for-16 to lead their offense. For the Gothams, Buster Posey went 6-for-15, Cookie Rojas added 5 hits, and Wes Westrum had 4 in 3 games.

Series XX Preview: Chicago American Giants @ New York Gothams

By mknn

On June 13, 2022

In Featured Series, Series Previews

For Series XX, we’ll see the Chicago American Giants (featured in Series VI) visit the New York Gothams (Series II and Series XIV).

#Chicago American Giants

Chicago comes into Series XX 10 games over .500, but 4 games behind Baltimore, who lead the Cum Posey Division. The story for the American Giants remains the same: one of the best and deepest offenses in the league trying to carry a thoroughly mediocre pitching staff.

New additions Hoyt Wilhelm and Don Newcombe are trying to help with the latter, while Freddy Parent was brought in to address the one weakness–SS–in the starting lineup. Their best two starters–Ben Sheets and Tricky Nichols–will see action in the series, so Chicago needs to capitalize to hold pace with the Black Sox.

Chicago has juggled much of its bench, and early returns are not encouraging: the quartet of Jackie Hayes, José Abreu, Magglio Ordóñez, and Tom Brookens needs to do more to hold onto their roster spots, although none of them have more than 38 PA’s (Ordóñez).

#New York Gothams

The Gothams continue to cling to a slim lead–one game–over Detroit in the Bill James Division. They’re doing it with offense and their bullpen: like Chicago, the starters have been sufficient, but little more than that.

Willie Mays and Buster Posey continue to lead the way for the Gothams, and Wes Westrum has yet to cool off, slashing an impressive 327/410/654 and earning some more regular playing time in the process. The Gothams largely stood pat at the break, adding Don Sutton to their staff, initially in a long relief role, but clearly Sutton is on hand should one of the current starters falter.

#Pitching Matchups

Don Newcombe (2-9, 6.15) @ Pete Donohue (2-0, 4.11)
Ben Sheets (6-4, 3.66) @ Christy Mathewson (8-6, 4.82)
Mark Buehrle (5-7, 4.46) @ Sad Sam Jones (6-5, 4.20)
Tricky Nichols (8-3, 3.71) @ Juan Marichal (7-3, 4.99)

Clearly the Sheets v Mathewson matchup stands out.

#Predictions

It’s a close series. When in doubt, side with the offense. Chicago, 3-1.

TWIWBL 24.14: Mid-Season Reviews – New York Gothams

By mknn

On March 31, 2022

In Team News, TWIWBL

Summary

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

What’s Gone Right

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

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

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

What’s Gone Wrong

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

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

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

Key Storylines

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

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

Trading Outlook

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

AAA Shuttle

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

Midseason Changes

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

Awards

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

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

Down on the Farm

AAA: Hartford Dark Blues

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

Prospects: None.

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

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

AA: Troy Trojans

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

Projects: C Steve O’Neill (21)

Suspects: OF Johnny Rucker (24).

TWIWBL 22.0 – Series XVIII Notes

By mknn

On January 28, 2022

In TWIWBL

June 16

Here we are at the all-star break in the inaugural WBL season!

Standings

After a slight dip, the Baltimore Black Sox have regained their position atop the league with 45 wins heading into the break. The Portland Sea Dogs have 44 wins, and the Chicago American Giants and New York Black Yankees have 43 each.

At the other side of things, we have the Homestead Grays and Miami Cuban Giants. The Grays are 26-48, already 17 games behind, as is Miami, although they have won one more game.

Bill James Division

The New York Gothams and Detroit Wolverines have both won 40 games. New York leads the division, having played two fewer games than the Wolverines. The Los Angeles Angels are at .500, 37-37, and sit 4 games back.

Cum Posey Division

Baltimore is hotly pursued by the American Giants, who sit only 2 games behind. It’s a two team race, as nobody else in the division is over .500. Mention should be made of the Kansas City Monarchs, who sit in last place at 33-41, but are 7 games under their Pythagorean Projection.

Effa Manley Division

The Black Yankees leading the division is no surprise; the Cleveland Spiders hanging with them, only 1.5 games behind, is quite a surprise. The Philadelphia Stars, in third place, have outperformed their Pythagorean by five games, so simple regression to the mean looks to confirm this as a two-team race as well.

Marvin Miller Division

Portland is trying to run away with it, but shaking both the Brooklyn Royal Giants (40-33, 3.5 games back) and the San Francisco Sea Lions (38-36, 6 games back) has proven difficult.

Performance

One would hope the best performers in the league were selected to the All Star Team. So we’ll look instead at the players having good–even great–years who were not selected to the mid-season classic.

Bold here indicates they lead that category in players not participating in the All Star game, not that they lead the league. League leaders are noted with {*}.

Best Batters

Perhaps the biggest All-Star snub was Tim Raines of the Ottawa Mounties. Raines has taken over the lead SB lead from Rickey Henderson–who was selected–while hitting 303/378/462. Willie Davis, Jimmy Sheckard, and Duke Snider would probably be the next three in line.

Albert Belle, whose numbers are great, suffers from not playing fulltime. Cleveland has three players (John Ellis, Louis Santop, and Jake Stahl) splitting two positions (1B and C), resulting in neither of the three having enough appearances to make the team.

Albert Belle (NYY). 317/381/554.
Rico Carty (PHI). 282/349/463. 25 2B *
Ty Cobb (DET). 325/364/531.
Willie Davis (PHI). 297/355/530. 6 3B.
John Ellis (CLE). 305/352/647. 16 HR.
Oscar Gamble (DET). 261/381/498. 16 HR, 57 RBI.
Larry Gardner (BAL). 296/411/435.
Gil Hodges (POR). 203/266/432. 17 HR, 53 RBI.
Mickey Mantle (NYY). 294/401/459.
Willie McGee (KAN). 327/376/487.
Tim Raines (OTT). 303/378/462. 53 SB *
Louis Santop (CLE). 297/333/446. 8 3B *
Jimmy Sheckard (NYG). 293/398/470. 2.5 WAR.
Duke Snider (BRK). 322/358/540. 89 H, 2.6 WAR.
Jake Stahl (CLE). 280/339/564.

Best Starting Pitchers

Roy Halladay and Walter Johnson probably have the best arguments to be on the team.

Tommy Bridges (MCG). 4-1, 3.26.
Bob Feller (CLE). 7-4, 4.07. 97 K.
Ron Guidry (NYY). 5-6, 4.27. 109 K *.
Roy Halladay (OTT). 3-6, 3.97. 1.15 WHIP.
Walter Johnson (POR). 7-3, 3.83. 2.8 WAR.
Jon Lester (MEM). 8-5, 3.66.
Johnny Marcum (DET). 6-2, 3.32. 1 H.
Christy Mathewson (NYG). 8-5, 4.48.
Alejandro Peña (BBB). 5-5, 3.83. 2.3 WAR.
Ben Sheets (CAG). 5-4, 3.87. 1.19 WHIP.

Best Relievers

Relievers are weird, right? Dave Von Ohlen and Watty Clark, both of Brooklyn, would be my next inclusions.

Elmer Brown (POR). 2-4, 2.30. 4 Sv, 9 H.
Watty Clark (BRK). 3-1, 1.66. 13 Sv.
Bob Howry (PHI). 2-3, 5.04. 16 Sv.
Willie Mitchell (IND). 2-2, 1.08. 1 Sv, 1 H.
Mike Mussina (BAL). 2-0, 2.20. 1 Sv, 1 H, 0.94 WHIP.
Dave Von Ohlen (BRK). 4-0, 1.48. 1 Sv, 3 H, 0.99 WHIP.
Vic Willis (BBB). 2-1, 0.70. 1 Sv.

Streaks

Philadelphia’s Willie Davis heads into the All-Star break with a 17 game hitting streak. More impressive is the Black Yankees’ Thurman Munson, who has reached base in 42 straight games.

Reliever AJ Minter (Chicago) hasn’t allowed a run in his last 17 appearances.

Series XVIII Results

Series XVIII Sweeps

None!

Taking 3 out of 4 in Series XVIII

Baltimore over Homestead
Cleveland over San Francisco
Detroit over Birmingham Black Barons
Gothams over Kansas City
Ottawa over Miami

Series XVIII Splits

Memphis Red Sox @ Brooklyn
Portland @ Chicago
Wandering House of David @ Houston Colt 45’s
Philadelphia @ Indianapolis ABC’s
Black Yankees @ Los Angeles

Series XIV Featured Matchup: Birmingham Black Barons @ New York Gothams

By mknn

On September 12, 2021

In Featured Series, Game Recaps

Preview here

#Game One: Scott Baker @ Sad Sam Jones

Win-Loss records can be so deceiving. Birmingham’s Scott Baker sits at 5-3, despite an ERA over 5.00 while the Gothams’ Sad Sam Jones is pushing for consideration as an all-star, despite a 3-3 record.

Bob Nieman took Jones deep in the top of the first for a 1-0 lead for Birmingham, and Omar Infante doubled home Billy Southworth in the second to double it. Jones wouldn’t get out of the 5th: Nieman led off with a double, went to third on a single from Eddie Mathews, and scored on a base hit from Hank Aaron. Del Crandall would plate another run with a sacrifice fly, and Carson Smith would relieve Jones. So much for the all star argument …

Baker, meanwhile, had allowed only 1 hit through 5 innings, and nothing else until Willie Mays doubled with 1 out in the bottom of the 7th. By that point, Birmingham had added 2 more runs, and led 6-0.

Yasiel Puig drove the ball deep to left field with 2 outs, where it took an odd bounce, eluding Southworth’s pursuit. Puig ended up with an inside-the-park homerun, and hits from Willie McCovey and Brandon Crawford chased Baker from the game.

Harley Young relieved him, and gave up RBI hits to Cookie Rojas and Jimmy Sheckard, closing the score to 6-5.

That was as close as it got, however, as Juan Rincon was able to close the door in the 9th, and the Black Barons opened the four game series with a victory.

Matthews and Aaron had 3 hits each for Birmingham, who outhit New York 14-9. Baker, who ended up allowing 4 runs in his 6.2 innings did in fact earn his 6th victory of the year.

After the game, Birmingham learned that Gene Tenace‘s injury will sideline him for 5 to 6 weeks. That was better news than the Gothams received, as they learned that Carl Hubbell would miss 2-3 months with his current DL stint.

BBB 6 (Baker 6-3; Young 5 H; Bedrosian 1 H; Rincon 3 Sv) @ NYG 5 (Jones 3-4)
HRs: BBB – Nieman (3); NYG – Puig (2)
Box Score

#Game Two: Dick Rudolph @ Christy Mathewson

While Birmingham has, in Tom Herr, undoubtedly the surprise performance by an infielder so far in the WBL, the Gothams’ Eugenio Suarez comes close with an OPS over .900. Suarez continued his strong season with a 2-run homerun off Dick Rudolph in the bottom of th 2nd.

Meanwhile, Christy Mathewson had a no-hitter going until Hank Aaron led off the top of the 5th with a triple to centerfield over Willie Mays‘ head. Del Crandall followed with a fly to right field, but Carl Furillo‘s throw nailed Aaron trying to score from third.

Mathewson gave up 3 consecutive hits to start the 6th, with Bob Nieman driving in 2 with a double. That tied the game, and when Nieman scored on a sacrifice fly by Eddie Mathews, Birmingham took the lead, 3-2.

Yasiel Puig would tie the game in the bottom of the frame with an RBI double, placing the game firmly in the hands of the bullpens. Pete Donohue relieved Mathewson, and Larry Benton came on to pitch for Birmingham in the top of the 7th.

Furillo and Puig singled off Benton in the 8th, bringing in Steve Bedrosian for Birmingham in relief of Harley Young. Mark Loretta greeted Bedrosian with a 2-run double, and Suarez–there’s that man again–brought him home with a single to right. That gave the Gothams a 6-3 lead, with their closer, Brian Wilson, on the mound.

It was enough, as Wilson only allowed a walk in picking up his 7th save, with the win going to Donohue and Benton taking the loss. Puig had 3 hits and Suarez 3 RBIs for the Gothams as they evened up the series.

BBB 3 (Benton 0-1) @ NYG 6 (Donohue 1-0; Wilson 7 Sv)
HRs: NYG – Suarez (4)
Box Score

#Game Three: Tim Hudson @ Mickey Welch

Birmingham scored 2 in the top of the 2nd off Mickey Welch off an RBI single from Omar Infante, who later scored on an error by the Gotham’s shortstop, Eugenio Suarez. A Welch wild pitch would score Hank Aaron in the 3rd, and a Curtis Granderson homerun in the 6th would extend the lead to 4-0, chasing Welch from the game.

In the meantime, Birmingham’s Tim Hudson only allowed 1 hit through 5 innings. New York would break through in the 6th when a Jimmy Sheckard single plated Suarez, who had walked to leadoff the frame. Willie Mays would lead off the 7th with his 10th homerun of the year, cutting the lead in half to 4-2.

Hudson gave up another homerun, this one to Jimmy Sheckard, to leadoff the 9th, chasing Hudson and bringing in Juan Rincon. Rincon got one out, and then Willie Mays was injured beating a threw to first for the infield hit. Rincon got another out before giving up a single to Yasiel Puig, who took second when John Kerins–who replaced Mays as a pinch-runner–went first-to-third on the hit.

Willie McCovey grounded out to first to end the game, but all attention for New York was on the health of their young centerfielder.

Hudson moved to 5-0, keeping his ERA under 3.00, and Rincon picked up his 4th save.

BBB 4 (Hudson 5-0; Rincon 4 Sv) @ NYG 3 (Welch 5-3)
HRs: BBB – Granderson (5); NYG – Mays (10); Sheckard (6)
Box Score

#Game 4: Rain, Rain, Rain

The 4th game of the series was rained out, to be made up in mid-August. Which means the Black Barons come out with a 2-1 series win, quite an unexpected result.

#Series Notes

Omar Infante, Hank Aaron, Curtis Granderson, and Bob Nieman each had 4 hits for Birmingham, with Nieman adding 3 RBIs.

For the Gothams, Willie Mays went 5-for-11 and, more importantly, was declared healthy enough to play in New York’s next game. Yasiel Puig also had 5 hits in the three games.

Series XIV Preview: Birmingham Black Barons @ New York Gothams

By mknn

On September 10, 2021

In Featured Series, Series Previews

We last focused on the Birmingham Black Barons in Series III and on the New York Gothams in Series II.

Since then, their fortunes have diverged significantly, with Birmingham 12 games back in the Marvin Miller Division at 22-32 and the Gothams only 1/2 game behind Los Angeles in the Bill James Division at 28-25.

So we go into this series expecting a dominant performance from the Gothams.

#Birmingham Black Barons

The bright spots are, as you may guess from their record, few and far between.

Offensively, the story of the year has to be 2B Tom Herr, who has come out of nowhere to lead the team regulars in all 3 categories of his 348/384/464 slash line. Other than Herr, there are some reasons for optimism, as Pie Traynor, Bob Nieman, Del Crandall, and Al Schweitzer have all hit well in very limited opportunities (Crandall and Traynor are recent recalls from AAA, Schweitzer has just returned from the DL).

Eddie Mathews has 9 homeruns to lead the team, while Hank Aaron has 28 RBIs.

Herr has a parallel on the mound, where Tim Hudson has moved from AAA into the rotation, going 4-0 with a 2.51 ERA, although in under 30 innings (3 relief appearances and 3 starts). Scott Baker leads the team in wins at 5-3, but has an ERA over 5. Alejandro Pena, with a 4-4 record and a 3.76 ERA, has probably been Birmingham’s most dependable starter.

#New York Gothams

The Gothams’ offense revolves around Buster Posey (347/433/568) and Willie Mays (354/408/561), but the surprise of the season is probably SS Eugenio Suarez, who continues to hit for power, at 304/349/506 on the season. Posey and Mays have 9 homeruns each, with Mays leading the team with 46 RBIs.

Two minor league callups have been impactful, with Wes Westrum (318/375/727) taking over the backup C role behind Posey and Yasiel Puig becoming a nearly everyday player, with an OPS just under .800.

The starting pitching has been a little uneven: while Juan Marichal (6-1), Mickey Welch (5-2), and Christy Mathewson (5-5) have a lot of victories, they all have pretty high ERA’s. New York’s best starter has probably been Sad Sam Jones, who is 3-3, but has an ERA of 3.49.

The bullpen has been excellent, with Mike Norris (2-1, 1 Sv, 3 H, 1.91 ERA) and Robb Nen (4 Sv) setting up Brian Wilson, who has 6 saves and a 2.40 ERA.

#Series Matchups

Birmingham’s projected starter first: Scott Baker (5-3, 5.08 ERA) @ Sad Sam Jones (3-3, 3.49 ERA); Dick Rudolph (3-4, 4.52 ERA) @ Christy Mathewson (5-5, 4.96 ERA); Tim Hudson (4-0, 2.51 ERA) @ Mickey Welch (5-2, 6.04 ERA); Sam Streeter (2-3, 5.00 ERA) @ Gaylord Perry (2-4, 3.56 ERA).

You have to think the Gothams will take this series, with a sweep a distinct possibility.

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.

TWIWBL Special Edition: All Star Preview – AL Starting Pitchers

By mknn

On July 13, 2021

In All Star Games, TWIWBL

{ The All-Star game is about a month away. We’ll post occasional articles about the contenders for participation in the mid-season classic. These are written “as of now,” so the final selections may vary dramatically, but hopefully these will add to the ongoing flavor of the league. }

We’ll start with the starting pitchers. Note that the AL is actually the Bill James & Cum Posey Divisions.

As the only 6-game winner in these divisions, Gerrit Cole (LAA) has the inside track on a spot, even if his performance may not strictly warrant it. Still, 6-2 with a WHIP under 1.3 and 1.8 WAR is pretty good, even if his ERA is slightly over 4.

CC Sabathia (HOD) has better numbers (2.73 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 1.9 WAR) and at 5-2 a very similar record. Chicago’s Tricky Nichols sits at 4-1 with a 3.93 ERA, and could certainly be selected if the wins keep piling up.

From there, it’s pretty wide open.

Baltimore’s Johnny Sain and Dennis Martinez are both at 4-1. Martinez has better numbers–a 3.42 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP–but the challenge is whether they can keep those levels up for the next month or so. Kansas City’s Andy Petite is 3-2, but with a 3.66 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP and is certainly in the conversation, as is Ben Sheets (CAG), whose 1.18 WHIP and 4-2 record are more impressive than his 3.98 ERA.

If you look past identical 2-3 records, Sad Sam Jones (NYG), Jack Taylor (HOD), and Hank Aguirre (DET) have good numbers. They sit second through fourth in ERA (from 3.15 for Jones to 3.44 for Aguirre) and WHIPs all at roughly 1.2. Aguirre is injured, but it’s currently unknown how much time–if any–he’ll miss.

Two Memphis hurlers, Roger Clemens and Nixey Callahan, have a shot as well, but you have to look pretty deep at the numbers. Clemens is 0-4 on the season with an ERA approaching 6, but his WHIP is under 1.4 and he has the 3rd lowest FIP at 3.63. Callahan is 3-4 with a far more acceptable 3.68 ERA and is holding opposition batters to a .230 BA.

Similarly, Kansas City’s Frank Castillo‘s record is only 2-4, and his ERA is pushing 4.00. But his FIP is 3.20 and he’s racked up 1.7 WAR, so a few wins could move him to the center of the contenders.

Two more long shots: Chicago’s Ed Walsh leads these divisions in strikeouts with 55, and the Gothams’ Christy Mathewson is third with 47. Walsh sits at 3-3 with a 4.00 ERA and Mathewson is 4-4 with a 4.62 ERA. Both have been hit hard, but if they can improve would have a strong argument.

The AI would select Jones, Martinez, Sabathia, Taylor, and, in a surprise, Stubby Overmire of Houston. Two things led to Overmire’s inclusion: first, the AI thinks he is Houston’s only player; second, he has pitched well: a 2.35 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP, but it’s only over 3 starts and an 0-1 record. So I doubt that happens.

My prediction would be … Cole, Sabathia, Nichols, Walsh, and Martinez.

Series IX Featured Game: New York Black Yankees @ New York Gothams

By mknn

On July 11, 2021

In Featured Games

The first subway series had seen the Gothams take 2 of the first 3 games. They would send an early season workhorse, Christy Mathewson, to the mound against the Black Yankees‘ Red Ruffing. Mathewson entered the game at 4-4 with a 4.69 ERA while Ruffing brought an undefeated record, at 4-0 with an ERA of 3.43.

The Gothams took the lead in the bottom of the 2nd, when Cookie Rojas delivered a bases loaded single, scoring Willie Mays. But a strong throw from Mickey Mantle in right field beat Yasiel Puig to the plate, keeping the lead 1-0.

Babe Ruth led off the top of the 4th with a line-drive double to left and Mantle walked. Both scored on a double by Albert Belle, putting the Black Yankees up by 2 runs, 3-1. The Gothams would tie it up in the bottom of the frame: Johnny Callison doubled and moved to 3rd on a sacrifice fly from Willie McCovey. Puig–who has hit very well since a recent promotion from AAA–was hit by a pitch from Ruffing. Brandon Crawford plated Callison with a sacrifice fly, and Puig scored on a wild pitch.

Ruffing and Mathewson found some consistency after that, until Ruffing was chased from the game in the bottom of the 7th, relieved by Dellin Betances. who promptly gave up 2 hits and a walk, with a single from McCovey plating Pinky Higgins and Buster Posey.

Mathewson was chased from the game in the top of the 8th by a long solo homerun by Belle, with Mike Norris coming in for the Gothams. Mike Schmidt greeted him with a single, and Thurman Munson followed with a deep shot to the upper deck in right field to put the Black Yankees up by a run, 6-5.

Goose Gossage took over for the Black Yankees in the bottom of the ninth with the 1 run lead, and induced flyball outs from Higgins and Posey. But Mays shot a ball just inside the RF foul pole to tie the game at 6. So … EXTRA INNINGS!

The deadlock lasted until the top of the 12th, when Ruth led off against Robb Nen by blasting a ball deep into the night. David Robertson closed it out in the bottom of the inning to preserve the victory–and the series split–for the Black Yankees.

Ruffing had a hard time with the strike zone, walking 6 in 6 innings, as did Mathewson, who walked 5 in 7.2 innings. Overall, the Black Yankees’ bullpen was just slightly more effective (3 hits and 2 runs in just under 6 innings), which–along with some timely longballs–was the difference maker.

Rojas and Higgins had 2 hits for the Gothams. For the Black Yankees, Derek Jeter went 3-for-6 and five players (Ruth, Davis, Belle, Schmidt, and Munson) had 2 hits each. Belle drove in 3, and Munson’s 2 homeruns gave him 5 on the year.

NYY 7 (Robertson 2-1; Citarella 6 H; Gossage 3 BS) @ NYG 6 (Nen 2-3; Norris 2 BS) [12 Innings]
HR: NYY – Belle (5), Munson 2 (5), Ruth (13); NYG – Mays (4)
Box Score

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)