Tag: Derek Lowe

TWIWBL 62.2: Bill James Division

On June 21, 2024

#Baltimore Black Sox

Something was clearly wrong with Mike Mussina all season. Turns out an elbow problem wen unnoticed until it forced him from the game in a 6-5 victory over Chicago. Mussina hit the DL and is expected to miss a few weeks, with the Black Sox finally, and excitedly, recalling Ned Garvin to take his place.

#Cleveland Spiders

Ron Blomberg went deep 3 times (including a 530 ft moon shot) and drove in 7 as the Spiders rolled over Baltimore, 8-4. Cy Young struggled a bit, but only allowed 1 earned run in 6 innings, improving to 3-1.

Lance Berkman matched Blomberg, going deep twice (including his own 550 ft. moon shot), but it wasn’t enough as the Spiders fell to Baltimore, 5-3.

Stan Coveleski hit the 10 day DL, with Hank Gastright being recalled from AAA.

The Spiders exploded for 16 runs and 21 hits in a 16-8 doubling of Detroit. Johnny Bates and Joe Sewell had 4 hits each, Bates and John Ellis drove in 4 runs, Bates scored 4 times and Bates and Ellis each went deep twice (with one of Bates’ shots being a nearly 540 ft. bomb). Gastright picked up the win in relief of a very ineffective Pat Malone, who couldn’t make it through 5 innings despite being staked to a 13-2 lead.

#Detroit Wolverines

Ty Cobb‘s 2 homeruns and 5 RBIs will grab the headlines, but the Wolverines don’t beat Portland 7-3 in 11 innings without Ed Bailey throwing out 6 runners trying to steal over the course of the ballgame. Mike Henneman threw 2 scoreless innings for the win, improving to 2-0 on the year.

#Memphis Red Sox

The Red Sox clubbed 6 homeruns, with both Billy Bryan and Bill White going yard twice, in a 15 to 8 romp over San Francisco. White drove in 4 and Ted Williams, White, and Dobie Moore had 4 hits each.

In what is likely a single-game maneuver, the Red Sox demoted Alex Johnson and recalled Carl Mays from AA for a start. Mays pitched well enough for the win, but not well enough to stick around, as the Red Sox beat the Sea Lions, 10-6 with Manny Ramírez going deep twice. David Ortiz and Wade Boggs had 3 hits each, and Williams also went deep in the victory.

Johnson was left at AAA, with Joe Rudi being recalled.

A 6-5 loss to the Black Yankees was especially costly, as both Skel Roach and Shane Bieber hit the DL. Roach is likely to be out a few weeks, while Bieber may miss only 1 or 2 starts at the most. Derek Lowe and Sadie McMahon were recalled from AAA New Orleans.

#New York Black Yankees

Babe Ruth hit 2 homeruns with the 2nd being a walkoff shot in the bottom of the 11th as the Black Yankees topped Chicago, 5-4. That gives New York 3 players tied for the league lead in homers with 11 in Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Mickey Mantle.

Mike Schmidt went deep twice as the Black Yankees built a lead, and then held on for a 9-5 win over the American Giants. Schmidt drove in 6 and Manny Sanguillén had 3 hits, while Ron Guidry improved to 3-1 with 11 strikeouts in just over 6 innings of work.

This team keeps hitting longballs: this time it was Mantle’s turn to go deep twice as the Black Yankees beat Memphis 6-3. Elliott Maddox had 3 hits and Jack Scott pitched a strong 8 innings in improving to 3-2.

Waite Hoyt was placed on the 10 day DL, with veteran AJ Burnett recalled from AAA.

TWIWBL 56.7: Spring Training Notes – Memphis Red Sox

By mknn

On February 24, 2024

In TWIWBL

Spring Training Questions

Half the staff is unknown, and while the OF is far too crowded, both C and the IF are still to be settled.

First round pick Carl Yastrzemski and fourth round pick Bill Lee have an outside shot at making the squad, although Yastrzemski is thoroughly blocked at both LF and 1B.

First Cuts

Not a lot clarified on the mound. Mike Witt and Turk Farrell were sent down, with Eddie Cicotte‘s struggles moving him close to the edge as well. The rest remains complicated: Len Barker and Sadie McMahon have pitched better than their numbers would indicate, while prize FA acquistion Shane Bieber, Jon Lester, and David Bush are struggling a bit.

C Charlie Bennett was sent down, and only Kurt Suzuki‘s arm prevented him from joining Bennett in the minors. Joe Cunningham and David Ortiz have torn the cover off the ball, maintaining quite a crowd at 1B where only George Scott heads off to minor league camp.

The Red Sox had hoped that DJ LeMahieu or Dustin Pedroia would provide some competition at 2B, instead each were sent down after woeful early performances, along with SS Francisco Lindor.

And that brings us to Carl Yastrzemski, who has simply exploded onto the scene. It’s not clear where the 20 year old could fit in Memphis’ lineup, but if he keeps hitting like this, they’ll find a spot for him. Eddie Rosario, Tom Brown, and Lefty O’Doul were optioned to the minors.

These moves leave Memphis still needing to do a lot of work, primarily on the mound and in the outfield, positions that are crowded enough the Red Sox could be challenged in finding enough opportunities for the talent to be accurately evaluated.

Second Cuts

Some of Memphis’ best performers on the mound from last season (Heath Bell, Len Barker, and Bill Doak and, in a slightly lesser key, Tim Wakefield) have struggled mightily this Spring, but will be given some more time to work out the kinks. Tommy de la Cruz, Eddie Cicotte, Bill Hogg, and Sadie McMahon weren’t so lucky, with all four being sent to the minors.

Kurt Suzuki‘s defense again keeps him in camp, at least temporarily.

The IF remains a mess: Iván De Jesús, Wade Boggs and Bill White are all struggling and players considered long shots coming into camp–David Ortiz and Dobie Moore especially–have been jaw-droppingly good.

The situation is the same in the OF, where Yastrzemski and Alex Johnson are tearing the cover off the ball and Mookie Betts, Ted Williams, and David Justice are all mired in the muck of sub .500 OPS’. Look for both of these logjams to break over the next week.

Third Cuts

P remains a conundrum compounded by Bill Doak and Jon Lester (both stalwarts last season) struggling. For all his versatility, Tim Wakefield just can’t seem to get a feel for his knuckleball, and heads to AAA along with Derek Lowe.

Kurt Suzuki is fantastic defensively behind the plate, but his offense is just too weak for the WBL at this point. He joins Iván De Jesús, Mike Greenwell, Andrew Benintendi, Dwight Evans, and Candy Jim Taylor at AAA.

That sounds like a lot, but there are still a lot of roster questions to figure out. The odds are only one of Joe Cronin, Joe Cunningham, and Travis Shaw can make the roster, and it’s not clear if there is space for all three of Nomar Garciaparra, Dobie Moore, and Vern Stephens. Given that Bill White and Wade Boggs are entrenched as starters on the corners (with David Ortiz pushing White for time), there is a lot of pressure in the middle infield.

Even with the demotions of Joe Kelley and Hack Wilson, the Red Sox have eight OFers in camp, with established contributors Ted Williams (!), David Justice, and Mookie Betts all struggling to put the bat on the ball. This felt crowded even before camp started, with Manny Ramírez, Reggie Smith, Sammy Sosa, Williams, and Betts all but assured of spots. Add to that the stellar debuts from Carl Yastrzemski and Alex Johnson, and it’s all a bit of a mess.

Final Cuts

The acquisition of Gabby Hartnett leaves the C position pretty crowded, especially given Dobie Moore can fill in behind the plate in a pinch. As such, Bob Brenly heads to the minors despite a decent showing last season. He was joined by recent acquisition Rollie Fingers who needs another year of development at least.

The C position was finalized with Dave Engle‘s demotion, as Billy Bryan holds on to his roster spot behind Hartnett.

Moore’s presence also allows the Red Sox to keep only 1 of Claude Ritchey and Wayne Causey. Ritchey performed better both last season and in the Spring, so Causey finds himself on his way to AAA.

Young Jim Kaat impressed during the Spring, but will start the year at AAA, as will veteran IF Nomar Garciaparra, who again showed too little to warrant a WBL roster spot.

Despite showing some promise–certainly more than he showed in a disastrous 2000–Nixey Callahan will start the year at AAA, as will Jameson Taillon. 1B was always going to be crowded, when David Ortiz hit 6 homeruns during the Spring, it got ridiculous. That earned Ortiz a roster spot, with Joe Cronin and Joe Cunningham both heading to AAA, and Travis Shaw sticking with the Red Sox due to his ability to backup Wade Boggs at 3B.

And then there was one cut left to make.

The choices were Bill Doak (excellent last year, horrendous this Spring), Alex Johnson (a total unknown tearing the cover off the ball this Spring), or Carl Yastrzemski (a strong Spring, but no real place to get regular playing time). Memphis decided to get Yaz some regular at bats, making him the final cut of the Spring.

Season Review: Memphis Red Sox

By mknn

On December 14, 2023

In Season Reviews, Team News

71 - 83, .461 pct.
5th in Bill James Division, 18 games behind.

Overall

Memphis had a rough year: the pitching was never very good, and there were a ton of disappointments on the offensive side as well. If they can find some pitching, however, there may be no team in the league better positioned for a bounce back, and they ended the year on a 17-4 record, perhaps indicating better times are coming.

What Went Right

There were some things. OF Reggie Smith and Ted Williams look like elite players, despite Williams’ late season slide. Smith is 23, Williams 21, so that should lock up 2 of the Red Sox’s OF slots for a while.

Billy Bryan hit very well in limited action, and both Bill White and Wade Boggs looked solid as well.

Sammy Sosa did very well after being obtained in a mid-season trade, posting a SLG of .551 with Memphis.

Stubby Overmire was a pleasant surprise after arriving from Houston, finishing 3rd in the WBL in ERA. He, Dean Chance and, when healthy, Bill Doak looked solid as starters and Jonathan Papelbon and Heath Bell were each fantastic in the bullpen.

ALL STARS
RP Craig Kimbrel; OF Reggie Smith; OF Ted Williams

What Went Wrong

Neither Mookie Betts nor Manny Ramírez did enough, both being surpassed by Sosa on the depth chart (and with even more OF talent in the minors, it’s not clear if their futures lie with Memphis).

The MI was a mess all year, although Claude Ritchey did well enough at the end of the season to lay a claim for next year. Francisco Lindor and Dustin Pedroia were especially disappointing, leaving the Red Sox far too reliant on Iván De Jesús throughout the season (a fine utility part, not a starter).

The rest of the starting staff was a mess, either far too inconsistent (Jon Lester and Tim Wakefield) or just plain bad (Nixey Callahan especially).

Trade Evaluations

March

None

June

P Roger Clemens to Houston for OF Hack Wilson, P Jim Kaat, 2B DJ LeMahieu, P Stubby Overmire & 5th Round Pick {Nathan Eovaldi}

Clemens was struggling mightily in Memphis, and this is a nice haul of talent in return.

P Joe Beggs to Baltimore for P Willie Sudhoff, OF Alex Johnson & 4th Round Pick {Bill Lee}

Beggs’ age (33) makes this OK, I guess.

OF Tony Conigliaro, OF Fred Lynn & 2nd Round Pick to House of David for OF Sammy Sosa & 5th Round Pick

Seemed quite questionable at the time, but Sosa’s performance since has made this look like a win for the Red Sox.

July

C Jim Pagliaroni & 4th Round Pick to Birmingham for IF Woody English & 3B Candy Jim Taylor

Taylor is the best player in the deal, which usually would mean Memphis wins this one.

Looking Forward

SP

There is just so little talent here long term. Derek Lowe? I guess. A real weakness.

RP

Not bad. Papelbon and Bell for now, along with help from Joe Kelly and the continued effectiveness of Tim Wakefield as a swingman.

C

An area of need, especially if Billy Bryan stumbles. Jason Varitek has some promise and Kurt Suzuki showed outstanding defensive potential in a short trial (although he couldn’t hit a lick).

1B

Bill White did fine here, but he’s really just warming the spot for prospect David Ortiz.

2B

The Red Sox would love to see either DJ LeMahieu or Dustin Pedroia make this position theirs long term.

3B

Wade Boggs should be good here for a long time, although room will eventually need to be made for Candy Jim Taylor.

SS

Vern Stephens was supposed to be the answer, and if not Stephens, Francisco Lindor. Neither showed much, so there is some concern here.

LF

Ted Williams for at least a decade.

CF

Reggie Smith has this locked down, although Hack Wilson looks intriguing down the road.

RF

OK, this just gets messy. Somehow, between RF and DH, the Red Sox need to find playing time for Sammy Sosa, Mookie Betts, and Manny Ramírez, with Dwight Evans coming right behind them.

The Rookie Draft

Rounds 1-4

The most confounding spot in the draft so far is Memphis at #6. The Red Sox don’t have a 2nd round pick, and Carl Yastrzemski is unlikely to be around by the 3rd round. But the team is so deep at 1B/OF right now … there are two options here: take Yaz and make it tomorrow’s problem, capitalizing on his franchise status or take one of the young pitchers who will help them sooner, likely either Tom Glavine or Zack Greinke.

At the end of the day, the team decided to draft on talent over need, selecting Yastremski.

The Red Sox were thrilled that Dobie Moore was still around in the 3rd round, and hope the 25 year old can step right into the starting role at SS.

They took Bill Lee with the final pick of the 4th round.

Rounds 5-8

While more arms are never a bad thing, the Red Sox system is fairly sparse in 1B and OFers. So their 5th round picks are 1B Joe Cunningham, P Nathan Eovaldi, and P Dick Drago. With Eovaldi and Drago being franchise picks, it’s not clear what will compel Memphis to use its remaining exceptions.

One was spent on OF George Case in the 6th round, but franchise pitcher Mickey McDermott was the best arm available in the 7th round. While it’s not clear where he’ll actually play, it is obvious that Charlie Smith can hit, making him a potential steal in the 8th round with their final franchise exception.

Rounds 9-12

P Allen Russell; OF Troy O’Leary; P Dale Mohorcic; and P Connor Seabold.

TWIWBL 44.1: Series XXVI Notes – Bill James Division

By mknn

On August 7, 2023

In TWIWBL

#Detroit Wolverines

Hank Aguirre, Jason Schmidt, and Whitey Wilshire combined to allow only 2 hits in an 8-1 victory over Indianapolis (the run scored on 2 walks, a sac fly, and an RBI groundout). Hank Greenberg had 4 hits, including his 28th homerun, and Ty Cobb added 3 in the victory.

Greenberg continued his hot streak, with 3 more hits and his 29th homerun in a 3-2 win in 10 innings. Chad Bradford got the win over Indianapolis, improving his record to 4-0, and Mike Henneman maintained his league lead in saves, picking up his 36th of the year.

Detroit just continues to look strong as they push for the playoffs: homeruns from Cobb and Greenberg carried them to their 3rd win of the series. There was some concerning news, as reliever-turned-starter extraordinaire Gene Conley was forced out of the game with back stiffness, but it looks like he’ll only miss a few days of action.

#Los Angeles Angels

Jason Vargas has done enough to warrant getting a few starts as the Angel’s season winds down.

P Huck Betts retired from AA.

#Memphis Red Sox

Nixey Callahan was demoted, with Derek Lowe being brought up to Memphis.

After he was released by Ottawa, Memphis took a flyer on 42 year old Terry Mulholland, but it didn’t work out, and Mulholland announced his retirement after the AA season concluded.

This is what the Red Sox thought would happen all year: Memphis suddenly rallied, embracing their role as playoff spoiler in their series against the Black Yankees.

Mookie Betts had 2 homeruns and Ted Williams hit his 27th of the year in a 7-3 victory.

Reggie Smith had 4 hits and Claude Ritchey had 2 homeruns (!), leading Memphis to a 6-5 victory, sealed with Len Barker being called in to face Babe Ruth with the tying run on first in the top of the 9th. Barker got his first save as Stubby Overmire improved to 6-5 in his tenure in Memphis.

Two OF kills, one by Smith and one by Sammy Sosa, were crucial as Memphis held off the Black Yankees in the series finale, 4-3. Williams reached the century mark in RBIs, as he, Boogs, and Smith each had 2 hits in support of Dean Chance, who improved to 11-9 with 6 innings of 1-run ball.

#New York Gothams

Johnny Callison injured his elbow, with only an outside shot at returning before the end of the season. Callison hit the DL. This put the organization in a hard spot, as their AAA affiliate, Hartford, was in the playoffs. But the Gothams are in the mix for a wild card spot, so they recalled Benny Kauff, probably Hartford’s MVP with 39 HR and a 303/370/600 slash line at AAA.

The news on SP Pete Donohoe was not good, as a bum elbow will keep him out for the rest of the season. Edwin Jackson was recalled to take Donohoe’s place.

OF Dode Paskert retired from AA at the age of 40.

TWIWBL 26.1: Series XX Notes – Bill James Division

By mknn

On June 21, 2022

In TWIWBL

#Detroit Wolverines

Gene Conley‘s debut as a member of the rotation went as well as could be hoped: nearly 8 strong innings allowing only 1 run in a 7-1 victory over Ottawa. Seldom used 1B Greg Brock had easily his best game of the season, scoring 3 times, driving in 2, and hitting his first homerun of the year as Conley moved to 8-0 on the season.

#Los Angeles Angels

Derrek Lee hit a walk-off grand slam, leading the Angels to a 9-5 win over Brooklyn. Mike Trout hammered out 5 hits in 5 at-bats, driving in 2 and scoring 2.

#Memphis Red Sox

Len Barker returns from the DL with Derek Lowe heading back to AAA.

#Wandering House of David

Anthony Rizzo and Fred Lynn hit the first homeruns of their WBL careers, leading the House of David over Philadelphia, 7-4. Dick Tidrow, Lee Smith, and Bruce Sutter combined for 4 innings of hitless relief to seal the victory, which went to Frank Sullivan, who is now 5-6 on the season.

Elrod Hendricks and George Stone hit two homeruns each, leading the House of David to a come-from-behind, 7-6 win over the Stars. Bob Rush got the win and Sutter picked up his 9th save of the season.

TWIWBL 19.11: AAA Roundup

By mknn

On February 24, 2022

In TWIWBL, WBL Minor Leagues

{ It’s the first of June, so it’s time to look at the WBL Minor Leagues. Throughout, we identify both the AAA team and their WBL franchise. }

#Featured Team: The New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans, AA affiliate of the Memphis Red Sox, lead their division by 4 games with a 34-20 record.

They are, simply, the best offensive team in AAA. And, as you may guess from that line, they struggle a bit on the mound. But the real challenge for the Pelicans is coping with the talent they’ve lost to Memphis.

Billy Bryan, Wayne Causey, and Fred Lynn had combined for 32 homeruns for the Pelicans, and they’ve all moved on to the Red Sox, along with infielder Iván De Jesus. The players coming back the other way–Nomar Garciaparra, Bob Brenly, and Dustin Pedroia–have done very little to help (although Brenly has shown surprising power). And Larry Hisle, signed after he was let go by Houston, has struggled as well.

But the Pelicans keep scoring runs, with a lineup anchored by OFs David Justice (295/370/625) and Tony Conigliaro (286/331/563) and IF Francisco Lindor (299/352/528). Add in Dwight Evans‘ 12 homeruns and 30 RBIs and the Pelicans still have a fair bit of firepower.

The pitching is … confusing. Norwood Gibson and Ellis Kinder are each 5-2, with ERAs over 6.00. Eddie Cicotte, sent down from Memphis a few weeks ago, has won all 4 of his starts. And their best starter has probably been Joe Kelly, who has a 3.23 ERA, but only a 3-3 record.

Luiz Gohara and Derek Lowe have been solid at the end of games, but it’s pretty clear that unless they get some better performances from Gibson and Kinder (and Jeff Locke, who also has a winning record with an ERA over 6.00), the Pelicans fortunes could change dramatically.

#Checking In On …

The Atlanta X-Giants were the subject of last month’s update. They still have the best record in the league, although like New Orleans, they have clearly lost their best players to promotions to Birmingham.

But in their case, Greg Maddux and Warren Spahn have pitched well since their demotion, joining Kent Mercker and Jim Whitney in a very strong rotation.

We mentioned Joe Rudi last time, and the 22 year-old has impressed in his first taste of AAA, slashing 281/323/537.

AAA Leaders

Of the players profiled last time, only Joey Votto (Cincinnati/Indianapolis) remains at AAA, with Hi Myers (Brooklyn), Gary Sheffield (Miami), Fred Lynn (Memphis), and Robinson Canó (Kansas City) all now holding down a roster spot in the show.

In addition to Votto, who continues to produce, hitting at a 324/459/580 clip, the dominant players at AAA are

Baby Doll Jacobson. Leading AAA with 19 homeruns, Jacobson is slashing 343/389/725 for Washington (Baltimore) and pulling off his best Babe Ruth imitation on the leaderboards. Even with the best record in the league and Paul Blair hitting better in Baltimore, it’s not clear how long the Black Sox can keep Jacobson at AAA.
Louisville (Homestead)’s OF pair of Paul Waner (306/401/591) and Max Carey (357/441/473) are probably the best hitting tandem in the league.
Virgil Trucks has done nothing but impress since his demotion, sitting with a 6-1 record and a 1.59 ERA since being sent to Cincinnati after struggling in Indianapolis in the early going.
San Jose (San Francisco)’s Nick Altrock leads the league in wins at 7-2 with a 2.22 ERA.
In the bullpen, St. Louis (Kansas City)’s Adam Russell (16 saves, 1.71 ERA) and Queens (Brooklyn)’s Darren Dreifort (15 saves, 1.40 ERA) lead the way.

Awards

AAA Player of the Month: Baby Doll Jacobson (Washington/Baltimore)
AAA Pitcher of the Month: Nick Altrock (San Jose/San Francisco)

AAA Players of the Week: Tommie Agee (Orlando/Miami); Robin Ventura (Milwaukee/Chicago); Jackie Jensen (Montreal/Ottawa); Sam Thompson (Newark/New York Black Yankees)

Hottest Prospects (24 years and younger)

SP: Mike Griffin (23, Toronto/Detroit) 6-2, 1 Sv, 4.84 ERA; Jock Menefee (24, St. Louis/Kansas City) 4-3, 3.27 ERA [*]; George Mullin (22, Toronto/Detroit) 4-3, 3.49 ERA.
RP: Luiz Gohara (20, New Orleans/Memphis) 1-1, 8 Sv, 3 H, 3.60 ERA; George Murray (23, Atlanta/Birmingham) 1-1, 1 Sv, 1 H, 2.28 ERA.

C: Cliff W. Lee (22, Seattle/Portland). 329/374/647.
1B: Anthony Rizzo (22, Columbus/House of David). 277/395/576. [*]
2B: Roberto Alomar (23, Montreal/Ottawa). 301/338/436, 5 3B.
3B: Chris Brown (22, Newark/New York Black Yankees). 288/402/477.
SS: Francisco Lindor (24, New Orleans/Memphis). 299/352/528.
OF: Baby Doll Jacobson (24, Washington/Baltimore) 343/389/725, 71 H, 18 2B, 19 HR, 53 RBI, 42 R, 2.7 WAR; Paul Waner (23, Louisville/Homestead) 306/401/591 [*]; Minnie Miñoso (23, Milwaukee/Chicago) 272/370/589, 16 HR.

Bold indicates league leader; * indicates a player selected for April’s list as well.

Ps Hardie Henderson (Cleveland) and Matt Anderson (Detroit); C Mike Scioscia (Brooklyn); IFs Robinson Canó (Kansas City), Gary Sheffield (Miami), and Cal Ripken, Jr. (Baltimore); and OF Yasiel Puig (New York Gothams) were all listed in April and now are in the big leagues.

TWIWBL 20.1: Series XVII Notes – Bill James Division

By mknn

On January 5, 2022

In TWIWBL

#Los Angeles Angels

With an exhausted staff, Jeurys Familia was sent to AAA with Ron Romanick coming up to the big leagues to make a start. It didn’t go particularly well, as Romanick gave up 6 runs in 4 innings. But Kal Daniels hit 2 homeruns, and Doc Gooden continued his revival with 2.2 innings of scoreless relief, picking up the win in the 8-6 victory over San Francisco.

#Memphis Red Sox

Young Roger Clemens clearly has talent. But a 1-5 with an ERA over 6, it’s time for him to get some seasoning at AAA before trying his stuff against WBL hitters once again. Joe Kelley was promoted to Memphis, with 35 year-old Nomar Garciaparra being released.

Kelly’s start was unsuccessful–8 hits and 5 runs in just over 3 innings–sending him right back to AAA, with Derek Lowe returning to Memphis. Still needing a starter, Memphis brought Clemens back with Wayne Causey moving down to AAA.

3 hits from Wade Boggs and a 3-run inside-the-park homerun from Claude Ritchey provided more than enough support as Jon Lester improved to 7-5 with 6 innings of 4-hit ball without allowing an earned run as the Red Sox beat the Black Yankees, 6-1. Len Barker was injured on the mound, and will spend 10 days on the DL. Sadie McMahon was released and Bill Doak promoted to the big leagues.

#Wandering House of David

The House of David are thrilled to have Pete Browning back. Their star OF went 2-for-4 with his 8th homerun to support nearly 7 strong innings by Jack Taylor, who improved his record to 5-6. Scott Downs and Rollie Fingers bridged the way to Bruce Sutter, who picked up his 5th save in the 3 to 1 victory over Miami.

Wade Miley allowed 3 hits and 1 run in 7.2 innings and Elrod Hendricks hit his 14th and 15th homeruns of the year, leading the House of David to a 9-1 victory over Miami. Ron Santo, Ryne Sandberg, and Richie Hebner went deep as well in the rout.

Ferguson Jenkins‘ continued ineffectiveness finally landed him in AAA, with Phil Regan coming back to the team after his rehab assignment.

TWIWBL 3.1: Notes from Series II

By mknn

On September 12, 2020

In TWIWBL

#Baltimore Black Sox

Frank Robinson went 9 for 19 with 2 HRs and 5 RBIs as Baltimore took 3 out of 4 from Chicago.

#Birmingham Black Barons

The Black Barons remain winless on the season after dropping 4 to the New York Black Yankees … Warren Spahn and Scott Baker have both been torched in their 2 starts. Both are 0-2, with Spahn’s ERA ballooning above 20 … Dale Murphy is hitless on the year, starting the season 0 for 14; while Eddie Mathews and Chipper Jones went hitless for the series … Gene Tenace at 286/400/714 is about the only bright spot for Birmingham offensively.

#Chicago American Giants

RP Ken Sanders has yet to allow a hit over 4 appearances … Shoeless Joe Jackson hit .500 in the 4 game series against Baltimore.

#Cleveland Spiders

The Spiders sent SP Hardie Henderson to AAA to make room for Bill Steen‘s return from the DL, but the injuries kept coming as OF Rowland Office will be unavailable for the next 2 weeks and SS Bill Dahlen was put on the 10 Day DL … Rick Burleson was recalled to take Dahlen’s place … Larry Doby–considered a key to the Spiders’ success this year–went 3 for 18 in the 4 game split with Los Angeles … looking for some more flexibility, the Spiders recalled Tom Brookens from AAA, sending down Robby Thompson.

#Houston Colt 45’s

3B George Brett went 9 for 19 with 5 RBIs in a 4 game series with Homestead, but Houston only managed a single victory.

#Indianapolis ABC’s

With Joe Morgan out for 10 days, the ABC’s recalled Lonny Frey from AAA … Hal Morris continued his hot start, going 7 for 15 with 2 HRs and 5 RBIs as Indianapolis swept a 4 game series from Memphis.

#Kansas City Monarchs

The Monarchs relievers have been fantastic, with Frank DiPino, Craig Kimbrel, and Adam Wianwright combining for 7 scoreless IP out of the pen and Jeff Pfeffer has 3 saves … Albert Pujols led the Monarchs to 3 victories in 4 games against Houston with 9 hits in 15 ABs, including 3 2Bs and a HR.

#Los Angeles Angels

Larry Anderson and Chuck Finley have been great out of the bullpen, each going 1-0 without giving up a run in a combined 10.2 IP, placing Finley in line for the next spot start … Don Buford had a rough series, going 1 for 14.

#Memphis Red Sox

When David Bush went on the DL, the Red Sox had to scramble a bit, resulting in Tim Wakefield and Eddie Cicotte joining the WBL roster and Derek Lowe being sent back down to AAA … Joe Beggs, Dean Chance, Turk Farrell, and Wakefield have combined for just shy of 20 bullpen innings, giving up a total of 8 hits and 0 runs, which you would think would result in better results than being swept in 4 games against Indianapolis … 3B Wade Boggs, Vern Stephens, and Ted Williams combined to go 5 for 46 (.109) in the 4 games.

#Miami Cuban Giants

Eustaquio Pedroso has been absolutely rocked in 2 starts, giving up 13 hits and 9 runs in only 4 IP and–not surprisingly–going 0-2.

#New York Black Yankees

The Black Yankees scored 42 runs in sweeping a 4 game series from Birmingham … Babe Ruth went 9 for 18 in the series, which is nothing compared to Eric Davis‘ 7 for 16 with 3 HRs and 12 RBIs.

#Ottawa Mounties

The injury to Gary Peters–and general overusage of the bullpen–led to the Mounties’ recalling Felix Hernandez for a start, then sending him down in exchange for Monk Dubiel. Hernandez did well, giving the Mounties 7 decent innings, keeping him in line for future promotions. Dubiel was better, keeping the Mounties in the final game of the series, allowing 3 runs in 7.2 IP … Old Hoss Radbourn has been spectacular in 3 relief appearances covering 8.2 IP, putting him in line for a start in the near future … there was plenty of blame to go around as Ottawa was swept by Philadelphia in a 4 game series, but much of it goes to 1B Carlos Delgado and OF Terry Puhl, who combined for only 4 hits in 25 ABs.

#San Francisco Sea Lions

Jack Clark struggled in a series against the Wandering House of David, managing only 2 hits in 17 ABs … at the other side of the spectrum, Bobby Bonds is on fire, going 8 for 13 with 5 RBIs in the same series.

#Wandering House of David

The House of David’s bullpen has been pretty fantastic, with Tom Niedenfuer, Joakim Soria, Bruce Sutter, and Dick Tidrow combining for 11 IP without giving up a run and Rollie Fingers managing a 1.69 ERA in 5.1 IP … Elrod Hendricks cooled off significantly as the House of David took 3 out of 4 games from San Francisco, managing only 1 hit in 12 ABs.

Season Preview: Memphis Red Sox

By mknn

On August 23, 2020

In Team News

Memphis, like many teams, will go as far as their SP can carry them. There is great potential here, especially with 23 year old Roger Clemens at the back of the rotation. But all of their starters are under 25, and its not clear that Sadie McMahon, David Bush, or Nixey Callahan are really cut out for the WBL. The offense features 20 year old emerging star Ted Williams along with a host of talent in the OF. The key may be if Reggie Smith can produce enough to be respectable in CF, and if Dustin Pedroia and Vern Stephens can become a reliable combination in the middle infield.

Final Roster

SP: Sadie McMahon, David Bush, Jon Lester, Nixey Callahan, Roger Clemens.
RP: Dean Chance; Turk Farrell & Heath Bell; Jonathan Papelbon & Derek Lowe; Joe Beggs.

C: Bob Brenly; Jim Pagliaroni
1B: Bill White & George Scott
2B: Dustin Pedroia; Pete Runnels
3B: Wade Boggs
SS: Vern Stephens; Nomar Garciaparra
LF: Eddie Rosario
CF: Reggie Smith
RF: Ted Williams; Mookie Betts
DH: Manny Ramirez

Notes

The biggest news from the final week of Spring Training is a devastating injury to closer Eddie Watt that will cause him to miss the entire season. Joe Beggs slides into the closer role, with Jonathan Papelbon and Derek Lowe setting him up … the battle of young OFs between Manny Ramirez (24), Tony Conigliaro (21) and Mookie Betts (22) ended with Ramirez out-hitting the other 2 and Betts’ defensive versatility preserving his position and sending Conigliaro to AAA … the final cut is risky for Memphis, as the struggling Eddie Cicotte was sent down, leaving them with only 11 arms on the pitching staff … Boomer Scott and Bill White form a platoon at 1B, and essentially Eddie Rosario and Betts are platooning, although they are rotating with Ted Williams and Ramirez in LF, RF, and DH … Look for the Red Sox to find lots of ways to get Pete Runnels into the lineup v RHP and Nomar Garciaparra against LHP.

At 35, Nomar Garciaparra is the veteran of the roster, while 20 year old Ted Williams is the youngest of the Red Sox.

The scouts still hold high hopes for 20 year old RP Luiz Gohara, who flamed out during the Spring. 2B Claude Richey is also at AAA if reinforcements are needed. 17 year old OF Willie Crawford and 20 year old 2B Ozzie Albies are the most heralded prospects at AA.

Spring Training Preview: Memphis

By mknn

On June 21, 2020

In 2000 Spring Training, Team News

The back of the rotation is pretty open, with 2 spots up for grabs and a competition between Len Barker, Dean Chance, and Jon Lester.
- With Barker out for quite some time, and with literally no SP performing even adequately, this is wide open. Look for David Bush to be considered as well.
  - Bush and McMahon are the only SPs showing much promise. Assuming they make it, the other 3 slots are between Chance, Nixey Callahan, Eddie Cicotte, Roger Clemens, and Lester (all of whom have had highly mediocre Springs). The shock here is Clemens, who came in as the presumed #1 starter. Tim Wakefield has been sent back to AAA.
Luiz Gohara looks to be the closer, with Heath Bell and Derek Lowe behind him. It’s not clear beyond that, with Joe Beggs, Jonathan Papelbon, and Eddie Watt all in the running.
- Gohara has lost the inside track on the closer job, with Papelbon and Watt now competing for it.
  - Watt–yet to allow an earned run–will close for now, with Papelbon and Beggs setting things up for him.
  - Ellis Kinder has been called up for some bullpen depth.
None of the IF jobs are up for grabs, although it’s not clear if Dustin Pedroia or Pete Runnels will backup Claude Richey at 2B, and Vern Stephens, Wayne Causey, and Nomar Garciaparra are all trying to make case to be Francisco Lindor‘s backup at SS.
- 2B got more interesting, as Ritchey is mired in a horrible slump while Pedroia is hitting .500. Lindor is playing fine, but Causey, Stepehns, and Garciaparra are all playing better at this point. Something has to give here, with 3B Bill Melton the odd man out right now.
  - Pedroia has earned the starting nod right now, but none of the 2B are performing terribly.
  - Bill White would be the starter at 1B right now, with George Scott struggling to stay on the roster, given the other players who could fill in at 1B.
  - The SS situation hasn’t really changed. Stephens is doing best right now, and Lindor has to improve quite a bit to make the roster at all.
There may be 2 roster spots open for David Justice, Eddie Rosario, Joe Kelley, Fred Lynn, Dwight Evans, and Manny Ramirez to compete over.
- Kelly, Ramirez, Mookie Betts, and Lynn are playing themsleves out of consideration while Tony Conigliaro and Rosario are moving up the chart.
  - The OF is pretty dire. Conigliaro and Rosario are hitting best. The assumption is that Ted Williams will come around, but aside from that it’s wide open. Right now, Lynn has been sent to AAA, and Justice is in danger of missing the roster cut for sure.
Jim Pagliaroni is hitting well enough to lay claim to the starting C job, with Bob Brenly‘s defense giving him the edge over Billy Bryan as the reserve.

	Near Definite	Likely	Possible	Long Shot
Starting Pitchers	Sadie McMahon	David Bush	~~Len Barker~~ Nixey Callahan Roger Clemens Dean Chance Jon Lester Eddie Ciccotte
Middle Relievers			Heath Bell Derek Lowe Luiz Gohara Turk Farrell	Ellis Kinder
Setup		Jonathan Papelbon Joe Beggs
Closer		Eddie Watt
C			Jim Pagliaroni Bob Brenly Billy Bryan
1B	Bill White		George Scott
2B		Dustin Pedroia Pete Runnels	Claude Richey
3B	Wade Boggs		Bill Melton
SS		Vern Stephens	Wayne Causey Francisco Lindor Nomar Garciaparra
OF	Ted Williams	Eddie Rosario Tony Conigliaro	Reggie Smith David Justice Dwight Evans Mookie Betts Joe Kelley Manny Ramirez