Tag: Dick Allen Page 1 of 7

98.1: Welcome to Week 1 & Opening Day Games

On August 16, 2026

8 April, 2002

Welcome to Year III! Woot woot!

The Whirled Baseball League opened its third season on the first of April, 2002, but the weather proved a mightier force than the ump crying Play Ball! Four of the ten scheduled openers were impacted by the wet — Houston at Homestead, Birmingham at Brooklyn, Chicago at Baltimore and Los Angeles at Cleveland all went to the tarp, and all four were made up as day-night doubleheaders the following afternoon. Of the six games that did get played, three were interrupted by rain anyway.

After the first week, The Detroit Wolverines sit alone at 6-1. Nobody else in the league has more than five wins. But Detroit is doing it with mirrors: they have scored 43 and allowed 39, which should put them at about 4-3. So we’ll see what holds.

Awards

American League Player of the Week: Dick Allen, Chicago American Giants.

The 24-year-old third baseman opened the year 11-for-27 with three home runs, nine runs batted in and nine runs scored, a .407/.467/.963 line across thirty plate appearances.

National League Player of the Week: Roberto Alomar, Ottawa Mounties.

Fifteen hits in thirty-one at-bats, with two home runs earned Alomar the Award. In one of those early season oddities, he didn’t draw a walk or reach base any other way, so both BA and OBP sit at .484.

Opening Day Games

Kansas City 5, Ottawa 4.

Not a single home run was hit in this one, and it was still the best game of the day. It opened messily on both sides: Kansas City scored twice in the first, one of the runs on a passed ball, and Ottawa gave one straight back in the bottom half on a wild pitch. The Mounties drew level in the third, and there it sat.

Then the sky opened. A thirty-eight minute delay in the fifth ended both starters’ afternoons — Roy Halladay had kept Ottawa in it to that point — and Kansas City came out of the break with two runs in the sixth to lead 4-2.

Ottawa’s answer in the eighth was what lifted the game above the level of the mundane: Eddie Guardado came on for the Monarchs and Roberto Alomar greeted him with a line-drive double. Gary Carter followed with a double of his own — an absolute rocket that left the bat at 111 miles per hour — and Carlos Beltrán scored Carter on a single to center. Tie game, and Kansas City called on Lee Smith to stop the bleeding (which he did).

The winning hit travelled about ninety feet in the air. Doug Rader walked to open the ninth and, after Ted Simmons grounded into a force play, Kolten Wong singled Simmons to second. Frankie Frisch came on to pinch-run from there, tagged up to third on an Ozzie Smith fly ball to right, and scored when Cool Papa Bell beat out a weakly hit infield chopper that left the bat roughly 50 mph slower than Carter’s smash.

Craig Kimbrel set Ottawa down in order in the ninth for the save; the win went to Lee Smith for the eighth.

Benny Kauff finished the day with three hits for the Monarchs.

KAN 5 (Smith 1-0; Kimbrel 1 Sv; Guardado 1 BSv) @ OTT 4 (Dempster 0-1)
HRs: none.
Box Score

San Francisco 5, New York Black Yankees 2.

For six innings this was the pitchers’ duel the marquee promised: Lefty Grove struck out twelve over six and a third — tying the Sea Lions’ franchise record for a single game — and Andy Pettitte matched him nearly stride for stride with six shutout innings and eight strikeouts of his own. Through four the scoreboard was blank in both directions.

Lou Gehrig broke the tie in the bottom of the fourth, taking Grove over the wall with one out for the season’s first run at Yankee Stadium. That held until the seventh, when New York summoned Hoyt Wilhelm to protect the one-run lead.

Whoops. Turkey Stearnes led off the seventh and tied the game on the spot with his opening dinger of the season, and although New York handed Wilhelm a fresh lead in the bottom half — Don Mattingly driving in the go-ahead run for 2-1 — he gave that one back too, and then some. San Francisco put up three in the eighth. Reggie Jackson added a solo shot off David Robertson in the ninth for good measure.

So: blown save, loss, and four earned runs across two innings for Wilhelm, and even on opening day the questions start being asked about the Black Yankees’ bullpen. Trevor Hoffman got the win in relief, Joe Nathan handled the 8th, and Rod Beck finished it off — the Sea Lions’ pen had no such queries asked.

SFS 5 (Hoffman 1-0; Beck 1 Sv) @ NYY 2 (Wilhelm 0-1, 1 BSv)
HRs: SFS – Stearnes (1), Jackson (1); NYY – Gehrig (1).
Box Score

New York Gothams 9, Indianapolis 6.

The week’s largest crowd — 54,814 — was treated to seven home runs (1 by a starting pitcher) and four lead changes. Don Buford led off the bottom of the first by putting a Luis Padrón offering into the seats, and Brandon Crawford did the same in the third.

Indianapolis finally solved Christy Mathewson in the fourth: Johnny Bench went deep with two out, and moments later, with a man aboard, Buddy Bell turned a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 lead. It lasted one inning. HR Johnson answered with a two-run homer in the fifth, and the Gothams tacked on a couple more in the sixth to lead 6-3 with nine outs to go.

Which is where it got strange. Luis Padrón, still in at the DH for the ABC’s, led off the seventh by homering off Masahiro Tanaka, and two batters later Oscar Charleston hit a two-run shot to tie it at six. Tanaka had blown the save and, in the way these things sometimes go, was about to be rewarded for it: New York retook the lead in the bottom half, and Buford’s second home run of the day, a two-run drive in the eighth, put it out of reach.

Mathewson struck out ten but walked five and got no decision. Tanaka got the win. Nobody got much peace, but the fans got a good show to start the season.

IND 6 (Mitchell 0-1) @ NYG 9 (Tanaka 1-0, 1 BSv; Wilson 1 Sv)
HRs: IND – Charleston (1), Bench (1), Bell (1); NYG – Buford (2), HR Johnson (1), Crawford (1).
Box Score

Detroit 7, Miami 5.

Charlie Root was the story at first — five and two thirds innings, no runs, no walks, and eleven strikeouts. Detroit’s lineup took its time with Miami starter José Méndez, opening with doubles from Bobby Wallace and Charlie Gehringer before Oscar Gamble finally got one out of the park in the fifth. Eustaquio Pedroso came on in relief of Méndez and it went no better — Al Kaline took him deep for two in the seventh, Gehringer in the eighth.

Miami got a two-run shot from Alejandro Oms and three hits from Gary Sheffield, but never was able to overtake the Wolverines.

MCG 5 (Méndez 0-1) @ DET 7 (Root 1-0; Henneman 1 Sv)
HRs: MCG – Oms (1); DET – Gamble (1), Kaline (1), Gehringer (1).
Box Score

Portland 7, Memphis 3.

Walter Johnson started, went three and a third (departing after a rain delay in the 4th), and hit a home run. Paul Molitor added a two-run shot of his own and Ken Griffey Jr had three hits and two runs batted in. Memphis answered through David Ortiz, who drove in three with a homer, and Johnny Briggs, who had three hits, but Portland held the lead throughout.

POR 7 (Trout 1-0) @ MEM 3 (Overmire 0-1)
HRs: POR – Molitor (1), Griffey Jr (1), Johnson (1); MEM – Ortiz (1).
Box Score

Philadelphia 9, Wandering House of David 5.

The ageless wonder that is Rico Carty opened the season by going 4-for-4 with a home run and Roger Peckinpaugh (sitting in at SS for Philadelphia for the suspended Jim Fregosi) drove in three, and Philadelphia was never really threatened once Hardie Henderson got through six. The House of David did get 2 homers from young John Beckwith and another from Anthony Rizzo. Jack Taylor gave up eleven hits in the loss.

PHI 9 (Henderson 1-0) @ HOD 5 (Taylor 0-1)
HRs: PHI – Carty (1), Peckinpaugh (1); HOD – Beckwith (2), Rizzo (1).
Box Score

Bits & Bobs

You Always Remember Your First
Houston’s Pete Hill is 0-for-17 with eight strikeouts. He posted a .800 OPS over 594 plate appearances last season, which makes him the furthest any regular has fallen from his own track. Memphis’s Herman Long is 0-for-10 since being signed to solve shortstop for the Red Sox, and Chicago’s Jay Bell and Birmingham’s Ron Fairly are also hitless.

The Root of Things
Nine and a third innings, seventeen strikeouts — the league lead — and not one walk for Detroit’s Charlie Root.

Singles? We Don’t Need No Stinking Singles.
Baltimore’s Gavy Cravath has six hits this season — three doubles and three home runs. Josh Gibson (Homestead), Manny Ramírez (Memphis), Oscar Gamble (Detroit) and Jack Clark (San Francisco) are also yet to hit a single this season.

Swing, miss, duck.
The Sea Lions’ Lefty Grove has sixteen strikeouts in eleven and a third innings — and a 6.35 earned run average and 0-1 record to show for it.

Who Needs the DH?
Five homeruns came from pitchers during the opening week. 2 came from Charles Rogan (Philadelphia), which isn’t terribly surprising, but Walter Johnson (Portland), Luis Padrón (Indianapolis), and Jim Whitney (Miami) all joined in as well.

Year III Season Preview: Chicago American Giants

By mknn

On August 7, 2026

In 2002 Season Previews, Team News

{ Whoops, one slipped out of alpha order here … }

State of the Franchise

Chicago reads offensive production better than almost anyone in the league, knows exactly what it lacks, and spends aggressively to fix it. And then it keeps betting on the wrong arm(s), with it not being clear if the issue is bad luck or poor pitching talent evaluation.

The offense is a genuine strength: a deep, patient, on-base machine built around a Big Four — Joe Jackson, Dick Allen, Eddie Collins, Frank Thomas — that is young, exceptional, and beloved. The willingness to open the checkbook is real too.

Underneath that runs a more dangerous habit: it is possible the organization totally misjudges its overall trajectory. The American Giants read a 2000 first-round playoff exit as leaving them one pitching-fix from a title and acted accordingly. Then 2001 ended 73-89, 4th in the Cum Posey Division, 30 games back, with Thomas’s knee blown out in September to cap it.

So who are they? And are the holes in the club — CF, SS, the mound — a whisker or a chasm away from being filled? 2002 is an evaluation year, shadowed by a franchise player who won’t be back until around June, and watched by a fanbase that has learned a hard lesson.

2001 Revisited

A year ago the verdict was confident: championship contention — the offense is just too good not to warrant it, even if moves need to be made in the pitching corps. Turns out, the offense was far more fragile than it seemed. Chicago scored 829 runs in 2000 and 824 in 2001 — flat, which sounds fine until you remember the whole league’s offense exploded last season, so flat meant a fall from 3rd in the league to 18th. The role-player career years (Mike Fiore anyone? How about Duffy Lewis?) that made the 2000 lineup deep rather than top-heavy regressed almost in unison.

Then the part we’d actually flagged went worse than anticipated. The pitching didn’t fail to improve; it collapsed — 156 more runs allowed, the ace Tricky Nichols gone to ineffectiveness and then a July injury, and then an outright release. The worst case we’d sketched, fringe-bat regression and pitching collapse, arrived together and louder than anyone could predict. Thomas’s ACL injury in September was the final indignity on a season already 30 games gone. There is hope, though: through all of it, Joe Jackson simply raked — 355/410/608 with 68 doubles — and, along with a strong season from Allen and a decent (but far from the heights of 2000) year from Collins, as well as Ed Walsh‘s maturation into a rotation anchor, kept a little hope alive for the future. Hard to hold onto as a team loses 89 games, though.

Key Changes

In: Jay Bell (FA); Travis Jackson (HOU)
Out: Ted Lilly (FA); Trea Turner (HOU)

Opening Day Rookies: Víctor Cruz; Travis Jackson; Alex Reyes; Wilbur Wood

Best Case for 2002

Thomas walks back in healthy around June and the Big Four do what they do, anchoring the contact-and-on-base lineup Chicago built on purpose. The shortstop competition produces a real bat, Cristóbal Torriente‘s season looks like his rookie promise instead of his sophomore crater, Chino Smith forces a constant flow of PA with his bat, and — the eternal if for this franchise — the arms Chicago acquired actually translate this time: Ed Walsh looks dependable as an ace, but they need Waite Hoyt and Mark Buehrle to hold the middle, and the rebuilt bullpen to cohere around A.J. Minter.

Worst Case for 2002

The signature failure repeats. The arms don’t translate — again — Torriente’s .485 sophomore line (that’s OPS, not SLG) turns out to be the real one, shortstop is a hole for the third straight year, and with Thomas out until midseason the offense can’t carry a staff that can’t prevent runs. The bridge collapses into another lost season, the 2003 window slides toward someday, and a fanbase that already spent-for-and-got-burned once loses a little more faith.

Key Questions

Can Chicago finally find the right arms? There is great hope that the acquisition of Waite Hoyt helps solidify this, but beyond that it’s largely the same names — Buehrle, Ben Sheets, Herb Pennock. Someone has to step up. The habit is old enough to have a founding scar: in 2000, Chicago dealt the franchise’s brightest light, A. Rube Foster, chasing arms that never delivered — and Foster promptly became exactly what they keep failing to buy, a 200-inning, sub-3.50 ace, these days anchoring a rotation in Kansas City.
Which Torriente is real? The 19-year-old is the franchise’s “fifth star” bet: elite outfield glove, a genuine shot at being a useful two-way player, and a bat that swung from real promise to a miserable dumpster fire of a sophomore season. The org wants him to be the answer, and continually resists the call for him to sort out his stroke in the minors.
Who plays shortstop? Brought over in trade, Travis Jackson seems to have the opening day spot, but FA signing Jay Bell had a stronger spring, and Freddy Parent remains in the wings.

Roster Evaluation

Tier = the player’s 2001 positional grade (S best → F worst; color coded S A B C D F). Bold names carry a substantive WBL track; italic names are pure projection — a hope, not a grade — with no qualifying track to anchor them.

Pos	Players
C	Fisk C · Nilsson · Doyle
1B	Vernon · Thomas A (IL)
2B	Collins B · Chino Smith
SS	Bell · T. Jackson
3B	Allen B · Lindstrom
LF	Joe Jackson A · Mitchell
CF	Torriente F · Stenzel (IL)
RF	Chino Smith · Colavito
DH	Mitchell · Thomas A (IL)
SP	Walsh B · Hoyt D · Buehrle F · Sheets D · Moyer · Streeter F · Pennock
RP	Minter D (CL) · Wood · Reyes · Cruz · W. Smith

It’s a lineup thick with proven bats and gaping holes. A lot rides on whether one of the SS and Chino Smith can fill those. And Thomas hangs over the whole thing in absentia — the captain whose June return reshuffles first base, designated hitter, and the mood of the season.

Talent Ratings

	WBL	Minors
Raw Power	SS Travis Jackson	2B George Grantham
Batting Eye	1B Frank Thomas	1B Mike Fiore
Contact	LF Joe Jackson	CF Lance Johnson
Running Speed	3B Dick Allen	CF Lance Johnson
Base Stealing	C Jack Doyle	SS Joe Sullivan
IF Defense	SS Travis Jackson	SS Art Fletcher
OF Defense	LF Cristóbal Torriente	RF Magglio Ordóñez; RF Mike A Marshall
Stuff	SP Sam Streeter	RP Jeff Nelson
Control	RP Wilbur Wood	RP Joe Edelen
Velocity	RP Alex Reyes	RP Raisel Iglesias; RP Josh Hader

Best In The Minors

Rank	Age	Pos	Name
1 (36)	25	SP	Jacob deGrom
2 (59)	21	3B	Freddie Lindstrom

Graduated to the active roster since the ranked list: Alex Reyes (31), Travis Jackson (64).

A thin list, but there is talent behind. On the mound, deGrom leads a strong contingent with Zack Greinke, Ted Lyons, Harry Buckner, Ricky Bones, and Josh Hader all developing.

A year ago this list ran 7 deep and led with outfielders (Walter Davis, Lenny Dykstra); Dykstra was traded to Birmingham, and only Lindstrom remains (acquired from the Grays last year). The dearth of offensive talent shouldn’t be an issue — shouldn’t.

Superlatives

	Most	Least
Age	Jamie Moyer, 37	Cristóbal Torriente, 19
Height	Jeff Nelson, 6’8″	Tommy Bond, 5’7″
OPS	Kevin Mitchell, 1.037	Cristóbal Torriente, .485
HR	Bill D Wilson, 47 (AAA)	José Tabata, 0 (AA)
SB	Eddie Collins, 73	–
WAR (bat)	Joe Jackson, 4.8	Duffy Lewis, −1.7
W	Waite Hoyt, 11	–
SV	Josh Zeid, 22 (AA)	–
ERA	Tommy Bond, 3.41 (A)	Ben Sheets, 5.88
WAR (pit)	Waite Hoyt, 3.1	Wayland Dean, −0.3 (A)

Stats across all levels, 2001 season. 200 PA / 75 IP minimum. Non-WBL levels tagged in parentheses.

TWIWBL 91.3: Off Season Review – Chicago American Giants

By mknn

On April 16, 2026

In TWIWBL

73 - 89, .451 pct.
4th in Cum Posey Division, 30 GB

Overall

Absolutely miserable year. Just awful, culminating in a bad injury to franchise stalwart Frank Thomas, who won’t be back until near midseason next year.

Some offensive highlights remain, but not enough, and the pitching staff was not only poor, but the organization’s roster moves rarely seemed coherent throughout the season. There are significant organizational concerns at SS, 3B, CF, and RF and everywhere on the mound except, perhaps, closer.

Even with all that, though, the team isn’t very far away from the playoff contender of last season, and the foursome of Eddie Collins, Joe Jackson, Dick Allen, and Thomas have the potential to be as good as any in the league.

But what a disappointing year.

What Went Right

Joe Jackson had another great year, slashing 355/410/608 with 68 doubles and 55 steals. He can just flat out hit.

Frank Thomas was doing Frank Thomas things before the injury, slashing 296/411/580 in 130ish games.

Dick Allen continues to be an excellent offensive force–a little below the other 2, but still, an OPS over .900 and a team leading 41 homeruns is nothing to sneeze at. Allen and Thomas led the team with 98 RBIs.

Eddie Collins fell off a bit from last year’s dizzying heights, but was stil excellent, posting an .800 OPS with 73 steals and 104 runs scored.

Kevin Mitchell emerged as an offensive force, delivering a 1.086 OPS in 250ish PAs. Rocky Colavito was less good, but still solid, about half that time. And Freddie Lindstrom was magnificent to the tune of a 1.114 OPS in even less time.

On the mound, last year’s Rookie of the Year, Ed Walsh, was excellent–far better than his 10-11 record–with a 3.94 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. And that ends our positive news from the pitching staff.

ALL STARS

Eddie Collins
Frank Thomas
Ed Walsh

MAJOR AWARDS

Eddie Collins, All AL First Team
Frank Thomas, AL 1B Silver Slugger

RECOGNITIONS

Rocky Colavito, AL All Rookie 2nd Team
Joe Jackson, All AL Second Team
Freddie Lindstrom, AL 21 & Under Team; AL All Rookie 2nd Team
Ed Walsh, All AL Third Team
Tom Williams, AL 21 & Under Team

ORGANIZATIONAL AWARDS

Joe Jackson, MVP
Ed Walsh, Pitcher of the Year
Eddie Collins, Heart & Soul
Dick Allen, Fan Favorite

Bill Husted, Minor League Pitcher of the Year
Bill Wilson, Minor League Player of the Year

What Went Wrong

Cristóbal Torriente was perhaps the worst regular offensive player in the WBL. posting a .485 OPS. That’s … horrible. Torriente is only 19, is a defensive whiz, and even had a solid few appearances on the mound. But that OPS is miserable.

Freddy Parent was barely better, and even gold glove level defense doesn’t make up for a 229/272/292 slash line.

Duffy Lewis lost all of the power he showed last year, slugging .331.

And, none of the initial replacements for these players–Mike Cameron, Vernon Wells, Luke Appling–did much either.

And then the pitching … last year’s ace, Tricky Nichols, was miserable until derailed via injury. But a 7.27 ERA over just over 100 IP is not only not good enough for a front of rotation starter, it’s not enough to stay in the WBL.

None of the other starters–Mark Buehrle, Jamie Moyer, Sam Streeter, and Ben Sheets–approached an average level of performance. And the relievers–especially Fernando Rodney, Herb Pennock, and Billy Loes, were equally poor.

Transactions

March

None. Optimism reigned supreme.

July

None. They were too shell shocked to make any moves.

August

At this point it was clear that the season was lost, so a bit of panic set in: starting pitching and future talent, our country for starting pitching and future talent!

IF Jorge Orta, P Hoyt Wilhelm, & 4th Round Pick to NYY for P Waite Hoyt & 5th Round Pick.

Sure. Waite Hoyt looks like a solid WBL starter, making him more valuable than the occasionally unreliable Hoyt Wilhelm.

P Akinori Otsuka, IF Paul Konerko, OF Lenny Dykstra & 3rd Round Pick to BBB for P Sam Streeter, IF Trea Turner & 5th Round Pick.

Very understandable: Streeter and, especially, Turner, hold immense promise and while Konerko and Otsuka were fantastic, they are more likely to decline than improve.

P Joe Lake to IND for OF Jake Stenzel.

CF was such a black hole that this act of desperation makes some sense.

P David Price to HOM for IF Freddie Lindstrom & 2nd Round Pick.

This could be a huge win: a somewhat inconsistent veteran arm for what looks like a fantastic IF prospect plus the pick.

Positional Overview

C

Carlton Fisk is above average here, and likely to remain the backstop for a while.

However, Dave Nilsson was pretty bad as his backup, so look for that to be a bit of an open competition. Michael McKenry hit extremely well in the minors this year, but flopped in a late season callup, Bennie Tate offers a defensive minded option, and the organization still has hopes for the versatility of young Jack Doyle.

1B

This is a challenge. Thomas is supposed to be back around the All Star Break, and clearly takes over here once again. But what do the American Giants do between now and then?

There are a number of 1B who could be available in trade as short-term solutions, so there’s that.

Internally, Chicago signed Dick Wakefield pretty much for this eventuality, but Carlos May, Mike Fiore, and perhaps even Bibb Falk or Walter Davis may offer alternatives.

They could also slide Joe Jackson here–he’s no worse than Thomas defensively–opening an OF spot, specifically RF for Chino Smith.

2B

Eddie Collins all day, even with the dip in performance.

Chino Smith may see some time here, and both Doyle and Turner could fill in as wide-ranging utility players.

Damian Jackson is the best glove in the system, but has struggled in the WBL.

SS

Who knows.

Freddy Parent has been a massive disappointment, despite excellent glove work. But it’s unclear what to do.

My guess is Parent, Joe Sullivan, Danny Murtaugh, and Luke Appling fight it out in the Spring, with Trea Turner a bit of dark horse.

A trade could also be attractive here.

3B

Dick Allen is the incumbent, but Freddie Lindstrom‘s showing last fall could push Allen to either DH or LF.

Joe Crede is a reasonable alternative for depth here as well.

LF/RF

This could be pretty unstable. The contenders are clear: Jackson and Allen and Kevin Mitchell and Chino Smith, as well as Rocky Colavito, with Duffy Lewis still sticking around.

For the first half of the season, assuming Jackson plays a bit at 1B, this is probably Mitchell and Smith, although the better Freddie Lindstrom plays, the more complicated this gets.

Those are the best players in the system, but Bibb Falk, Carson Bigbee, Walter Davis, and Magglio Ordóñez each have some promise.

CF

Long term, perhaps for inexplicable reasons, the American Giants are still committed to Cristóbal Torriente. But they need some help until the teenager is ready. That’s why they brought in Jake Stenzel. But Stenzel was pretty awful in his 30 games, managing only a 240/296/394 slash line.

So if he falters, one of the corner OFers could slide over or Chicago could turn to Lance Johnson, Mike Cameron, or Henry Cotto.

DH

Whichever OFer isn’t on the field, most likely.

SP

Hoo boy.

We have Ed Walsh, and then we have an abyss of question marks.

Waite Hoyt and Ben Sheets are likely to make the rotation. Beyond that, both Mark Buehrle and Sam Streeter have talent but a horrid track record, and Herb Pennock and Joel Horlen are untested. Throw Tricky Nichols, Tom Williams, and Jacob deGrom into the mix as well, and we’ll see what happens during the Spring.

That covers most of the organization, although Harry “Green River” Buckner and the ageless Jamie Moyer may get some looks as well.

RP

AJ Minter should come back as the closer, and Fernando Rodney did enough to hold onto a spot. Beyond that, it’s all a bit jumbled. Clearly the long relievers will come from the list above, but for the rest … Raisel Iglesias, Will Smith, Paul Assenmacher, and Bob Locker could all see some time. None of those four have seen WBL time, so we’ll see.

Draft Outlook

DRAFT PICKS

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

It could be a decent draft, or this capital could be spent plugging some of the roster holes. It’s not clear which way Chicago will go.

TWIWBL 87.7: The Third Basemen

By mknn

On February 4, 2026

In TWIWBL

3B is weird.

We have a half-dozen A-Tier performances, but no really clear demarcation between those and the lower ranks, and then another half-dozen C-Tier performers struggling to prove they deserve their place in the league.

And, oh yeah, a couple superlative players and a few true duds.

Balance?

#S Tier

Lg	Tm	Name	Age	Slash	Other	Def
NL	BRK	Ron Cey	27	291/381/656	47 HR 105 RBI	.975 fPct 6.0 ZR
NL	KCM	Albert Pujols	22	316/375/645	44 HR 122 RBI	2.16 RF -5.3 ZR .950 dEff

These top 2 are clear, as is the likelihood that 3B isn’t Albert Pujols‘ final position.

Obviously, you would rather build around Pujols given his age, but Ron Cey really did have a season for the ages, a key cog in Brooklyn’s championship team.

#A Tier

Lg	Tm	Name	Age	Slash	Other	Def
AL	SFS	Jimmie Foxx	22	232/348/578	49 HR
NL	HOM	Richie Hebner	23	284/373/594		1.000 fPct
AL	CLE	Evan Longoria	24	287/351/578	36 HR 33 SB
NL	PHI	Scott Rolen	27	264/347/570	42 HR	1.055 dEff
AL	NYY	Mike Schmidt	29	239/350/564	45 HR	5.3 ZR
AL	MCG	Gary Sheffield	24	279/336/610	42 HR 27 SB	1.046 dEff

I don’t know what to do with any of these guys.

Evan Longoria is the biggest surprise here, moving from a struggle to find playing time to a legit power threat for a playoff team. Richie Hebner has the highest OPS, but played under 100 games, so he may even belong in the B Tier. And where is the line? There’s roughly a 50 point gap in OPS in this group, but are you really going to argue that Mike Schmidt isn’t an A Tier player?

Yah, me neither.

Jimmie Foxx played more at 3B than 1B, although perhaps he shifts across the diamond as time goes by.

#B Tier

Lg	Tm	Name	Age	Slash	Other	Def
AL	CAG	Dick Allen	23	253/342/562	41 HR	.940 fPct 2.13 RF
NL	BBB	Eddie Mathews	23	224/339/537	46 HR	.976 fPct
NL	HOM	Andy Van Slyke	24	289/366/528	101 R 64 SB	2.53 RF -4.2 ZR .944 dEff

All solid performers, each with a significant weakness: Dick Allen and Andy Van Slyke are weak defensively (that’s not quite fair to Van Slyke, who looks excellent in the OF, just not at the hot corner) and Eddie Mathews‘ inability to make contact works against his immense power.

#C Tier

Lg	Tm	Name	Age	Slash	Other	Def
AL	DET	Bob Bailey	29	253/345/506	30 HR	-3.8 ZR
AL	SFS	Sal Bando	26	247/355/503
NL	OTT	Adrían Beltré	26	242/289/545	39 HR	.974 fPct 2.56 RF
AL	MEM	Wade Boggs	26	287/351465	50 2B
AL	BAL	Manny Machado	24	241/289/520	44 HR	2.58 RF
NL	HOD	Ron Santo	21	244/311/518		.948 fPct 1.92 RF

Perhaps Adrían Beltré‘s defense should move him up (and perhaps Ron Santo‘s should move him down), but I’m good with this for now. Sal Bando isn’t a fulltime player, but his offense sure makes that argument. It’s hard to see a world where Beltré and Wade Boggs don’t improve, and at 21 Santo should, as well.

#D Tier

Lg	Tm	Name	Age	Slash	Other	Def
AL	POR	Buddy Bell	26	274/304/487		8.0 ZR 1.051 dEff
NL	IND	Chris Sabo	29	246/295/559		.937 fPct .953 dEff

This may be a little unfair to Buddy Bell, who is fantastic with the glove and improved as the season went on.

This may be a little unfair to Chris Sabo: that’s a lot of offense to relegate to the D Tier.

#F Tier

Lg	Tm	Name	Age	Slash	Other	Def
NL	HOU	George Brett	23	227/272/469
AL	LAA	Doug Rader	25	241/297/451		4.10 RF -19.8 ZR .917 dEff

Doug Rader was in the MVP conversation last year, now he truly belongs here. Ouch. George Brett, on the other hand, overcame a miserable start to the season, and seems very likely to move dramatically up this list.

#Rookies

Jimmie Foxx (A Tier) and Chris Sabo (D Tier).

#Fielding Notes

We have our standard defensive stats here, with the leaders in bold and the worst performers in italics. Range Factor (RF) measures the number of plays made per game–the higher the better. Zone Rating (ZR) attempts to credit players for plays other fielders missed and ding them for plays other fielders made–the higher the better, and it has the benefit of being comparative across the position. Defensive Efficiency (dEff) measures the rate at which an individual fielder contributes to outs being made on balls put into play, with any score over 1.000 being a net positive impact. Finally, Fielding Percentage (fPct) reflects the percentage of times a chance was handled without a mistake–if someone made no errors, their fPct would be 1.000.

Of these, Range Factor is the most susceptible to the impact of the pitching staff and the ballpark, although none of these defensive ratings are perfect.

TWIWBL 83.5: Cum Posey Division

By mknn

On December 30, 2025

In TWIWBL

Team	W/L	Pct	GB
San Francisco Sea Lions	99-57	.635	—
Miami Cuban Giants	76-79	.490	22.5
Los Angeles Angels	71-85	.455	28
Portland Sea Dogs	70-86	.449	29
Chicago American Giants	69-87	.442	30

Cum Posey Division | 23 September

#Chicago American Giants

With the American Giants still looking for some help at 1B going into next year, they recalled the newly signed Dick Wakefield. Michael McKenry was sent down to make room.

In their final game, Freddie Lindstrom went 4 for 4, driving in 4 with 2 homeruns leading the American Giants to a 10-5 victory over Portland. Joe Jackson, Dick Allen, and Kevin Mitchell each went deep for Chicago as well.

#Los Angeles Angels

The Angels will turn over starting duties to a bevy of new names this week, with Luke Walker, Julio Teheran (who has been impressive in a few starts after 56 bullpen appearances), Vic Willis, Harry Howell, and Nolan Ryan all expected to get a chance starting games.

Carlos Delgado hit 2 homers in a 5-3 loss to San Francsico.

#Miami Cuban Giants

Gary Sheffield‘s return from injury means less time for Andy Pafko, despite Pafko’s solid performance. Bert Campaneris was recalled for the final week of the season, although his appearances may be limited as the Cuban Giants push for a surprise Wild Card spot.

#Portland Sea Dogs

Bobby Murcer closed out his season strong, belting 2 homeruns as the Sea Dogs fell to Chicago, 10-5.

#San Francisco Sea Lions

Bump Hadley improved to 18-6 on the year, twirling a 1-hit shutout of New York. Jack Clark went deep twice, and Reggie Jackson, Bobby Bonds, and Rickey Henderson also homered in the 9-0 walkover.

Henderson hit 2 more out as the Sea Lions topped Los Angeles in their penultimate contest of the regular season, 5-3, with Rod Beck earning his league leading 41st save.

TWIWBL 80.3: A Preliminary Look at the Gold Gloves

By mknn

On October 12, 2025

In TWIWBL

{Every year towards the end of the season, I do some legwork so when the awards roll around, it’s not as burdensome. This week, the fielders, next week, the rookies.}

We’re going to do this position by position, mixing the leagues, with the candidates listed alphabetically. 600 IP minimum, unless otherwise noted.

Last year, only 1 set of awards were given; this year, with the creation of the NL, there will be 2 at each position.

Some of the positions have their own things, but a note about some of the standard fielding statistics. Range Factor measures the number of plays made per game–the higher the better. Zone Rating attempts to credit players for plays other fielders missed and ding them for plays other fielders made–the higher the better, and it has the benefit of being comparative across the position. Defensive Efficiency measures the rate at which an individual fielder contributes to outs being made on balls put into play, with any score over 1.000 being a net positive impact.

Of these, Range Factor is the most susceptible to the impact of the pitching staff and the ballpark, although none of these defensive ratings are perfect.

#C

Name	Tm	Lg	IP	A	E	PB	ZR	RTO%	cERA	FRM
Johnny Bench	IND	NL	967	112	4	10	3.5	40%	5.26	7.6
Curt Blefary	BAL	AL	937	103	2	4	2.0	38%	5.68	1.6
Gary Carter	OTT	NL	900	114	5	9	4.3	42%	6.15	4.9
Josh Gibson	HOM	NL	973	102	3	6	-1.5	30%	5.98	7.7
Elrod Hendricks	HOD	NL	825	104	4	7	4.6	41%	5.47	3.9
Joe Mauer	POR	AL	974	129	5	6	2.7	37%	5.36	4.9
Thurman Munson	NYY	AL	957	91	6	2	3.0	36%	5.29	3.0
Mike Piazza	BRK	NL	966	88	2	12	-2.8	31%	4.62	4.5
Buster Posey	NYG	NL	933	100	4	9	2.6	39%	5.43	8.0
Iván Rodríguez	MCG	AL	917	116	2	14	5.3	47%	5.61	1.8
Ted Simmons	KCM	NL	907	108	5	5	2.4	37%	4.31	-2.3

IP = Innings Played; A = Assists; E = Errors; PB = Passed Balls; ZR = Zone Rating; RTO% = Runners Thrown Out%; cERA = Catcher’s ERA; FRM = Framing Runs Saved

Catcher’s stats are just all over the place.

It’s hard to take cERA and FRM all that seriously when they fall so far outside the bounds of the rest of the information at our disposal–although, to be fair, cERA is clearly tied to the quality of the staff and, as such, perhaps is best viewed as a net difference from the overall team ERA. Perhaps I’ll look at that for the actual awards.

Regardless, it feels like, if you look at a catcher’s primary job of making plays and keeping the opposition running game under control, Carter in the NL and Pudge in the AL are the frontrunners. The argument against each, if there is one, would have to focus on their league-leading (in the wrong way) PB numbers.

But this one doesn’t really feel close at this point.

Last year’s winner, Cleveland’s Louis Santop, has struggled so much offensively this year that his playing time has really dropped him out of contention, although his defensive performance remains top-notch.

#1B

Name	Tm	Lg	IP	TC	A	DP	E	RNG	ZR	Eff
Mike Epstein	HOM	NL	957	952	56	80	4	8.93	3.0	1.016
Hank Greenberg	DET	AL	973	891	58	74	4	8.20	2.7	1.022
Kent Hrbek	POR	AL	884	846	45	79	5	8.57	1.8	1.028
Don Mattingly	NYY	AL	710	642	40	54	5	8.07	1.8	1.031
Dan McGann	BAL	AL	879	887	66	69	6	9.02	-1.9	.978
Boog Powell	KCM	NL	978	998	56	80	4	9.15	3.0	1.016
Joey Votto	IND	NL	942	863	62	76	0	8.25	4.5	1.040
Bill White	MEM	AL	793	812	35	66	6	9.15	0.4	1.007

IP = Innings Played; TC = Total Chances; A = Assists; DP = Double Plays; E = Errors; RNG = Range Factor; ZR = Zone Rating; Eff = Defensive Efficiency

The 2 best defensive 1Bs in the league–Kansas City’s Boog Powell and Indianapolis’ Joey Votto–are both in the NL. So the competition there is clear, as is, ultimately, the current frontrunner in Powell. Votto’s edge in the digital measures–ZR and Efficiency–may make this a more challenging choice at the end of the year.

In the AL, it’s far more confusing, but it feels like the discussion is between Detroit’s Hank Greenberg and the Black Yankees’ Don Mattingly. Mattingly hasn’t played a ton, so perhaps Greenberg edges him? Portland’s Kent Hrbek could probably edge into the discussion as well.

Will Clark of the New York Gothams, who won it last year, has been fine, but falls just short of contention.

#2B

Five 2B had only 3 errors, but 2 of them–Brooklyn’s Jackie Robinson and Boston’s DJ LeMahieu–have under 700 innings at the position. LeMahieu is the leader in Defensive Efficiency, so he made the list, but Robinson did not.

Name	Tm	Lg	IP	TC	DP	E	RNG	ZR	Eff
Roberto Alomar	OTT	NL	1035	511	62	10	4.36	-3.1	.978
Robinson Canó	KCM	NL	994	524	76	5	4.70	9.7	1.060
Eddie Collins	CAG	AL	995	528	77	11	4.67	-7.6	.943
Miller Huggins	BAL	AL	796	383	50	5	4.27	9.1	1.097
Chuck Knoblauch	CLE	AL	951	443	64	3	4.16	-9.6	.926
Nap Lajoie	HOM	NL	876	485	66	4	4.94	7.3	1.049
DJ LeMahieu	MEM	AL	644	345	53	3	4.78	7.7	1.110
Cookie Rojas	MCG	AL	738	363	62	3	4.39	-3.6	.965
Ryne Sandberg	HOD	NL	863	489	60	3	5.07	5.4	1.035
Chase Utley	PHI	NL	988	538	61	2	4.88	13.8	1.081

IP = Innings Played; TC = Total Chances; A = Assists; DP = Double Plays; E = Errors; RNG = Range Factor; ZR = Zone Rating; Eff = Defensive Efficiency

Ryne Sandberg and Napoleon Lajoie have had fine years at 2B, but Philadelphia’s Chase Utley has been fairly spectacular, leading the world in Zone Rating with excellent numbers across the board.

The AL is more confusing, as the best fielders–Miller Huggins and DJ LeMahieu–have yet to hit 800 innings in the field. But there really aren’t a lot of other contenders: Eddie Collins, who won it last year, has amassed a ton of time at 2B, and hence is among the leaders in the counting stats, but his other numbers are surprisingly bad.

#SS

Name	Tm	Lg	IP	TC	DP	E	RNG	ZR	Eff
Jim Fregosi	POR/PHI	AL/NL	1077	497	60	8	4.09	-10.6	.940
Derek Jeter	NYY	AL	1061	504	67	16	4.14	-19.0	.911
Barry Larkin	IND	NL	705	380	49	9	4.74	8.3	1.085
Dick Lundy	SFS	AL	838	411	46	6	4.35	8.2	1.057
Freddy Parent	CAG	AL	888	508	56	11	5.04	13.2	1.058
Ozzie Smith	KCM	NL	1019	543	67	5	4.75	11.0	1.068
Arky Vaughan	CLE	AL	940	444	53	8	4.17	10.4	1.085
Robin Yount	MCG	AL	952	473	59	6	4.41	8.3	1.052

IP = Innings Played; TC = Total Chances; A = Assists; DP = Double Plays; E = Errors; RNG = Range Factor; ZR = Zone Rating; Eff = Defensive Efficiency

It feels like the choices here are pretty clear: Ozzie Smith in the NL and Freddy Parent in the AL. Smith should be uncontroversial, but Parent is subject to some discussion, as he is getting less and less playing time for the American Giants. If it’s not Parent, it is probably Arky Vaughan or Robin Yount, with the question being whether Yount’s surer hands outweigh Vaughan’s greater range.

George Davis, who won it last year, logged just under 50 games with Detroit before being sent to AAA and suffering a significant injury.

#3B

Name	Tm	Lg	IP	TC	DP	E	RNG	ZR	Eff
Dick Allen	CAG	AL	1046	260	24	15	2.11	0.5	1.010
Buddy Bell	POR	AL	1045	296	23	8	2.48	7.9	1.054
Adrián Beltré	OTT	NL	936	272	6	7	2.55	0.3	1.007
Ron Cey	BRK	NL	956	278	24	7	2.55	4.7	1.035
Manny Machado	BAL	AL	857	259	14	10	2.61	0.9	1.013
Eddie Mathews	BBB	NL	1014	291	29	8	2.51	-2.6	.986
Doug Rader	LAA	AL	1047	287	26	13	2.35	0.9	1.021
Scott Rolen	PHI	NL	973	265	16	7	2.39	4.0	1.050

IP = Innings Played; TC = Total Chances; A = Assists; DP = Double Plays; E = Errors; RNG = Range Factor; ZR = Zone Rating; Eff = Defensive Efficiency

Portland’s Buddy Bell has probably been the best 3B in the WBL this season, so he should take the award in the AL. In the NL, it currently comes down to Scott Rolen and Ron Cey, whose numbers are pretty indistinguishable at this point, perhaps with a slight edge to Cey.

#LF

For the OF, DP is replaced by Outfield Kills, and we introduce ARM, a measurement of how many runs have resulted from runners taking extra bases on balls hit to the that fielder. Note that positive ARM ratings are relatively rare: runners do tag up.

Name	Tm	Lg	IP	TC	K	E	RNG	ZR	Eff	ARM
Johnny Bates	CLE	AL	1006	205	4	2	2.09	7.0	1.053	-1.0
Bob Bescher	IND	NL	681	149	1	2	1.94	-4.3	.950	-2.1
Don Buford	LAA/NYG	AL/NL	705	127	0	1	1.61	-2.8	.957	-0.6
Rickey Henderson	SFS	AL	1040	199	3	4	1.69	10.0	1.104	-2.8
Sherry Magee	PHI	NL	658	127	1	0	1.74	3.7	1.046	-1.9
Bob Nieman	BBB	NL	720	145	4	2	1.79	-1.0	.961	-1.6
Frank Robinson	BAL	AL	897	184	4	2	1.83	0.3	.998	-1.8
Babe Ruth	NYY	AL	627	128	1	2	1.81	5.7	1.084	-1.3
Roy White	BRK	NL	1006	213	5	2	1.89	9.3	1.075	-1.2
Jim Wynn	HOU	NL	755	140	0	2	1.64	-4.4	.955	3.3

IP = Innings Played; TC = Total Chances; A = Assists; K = Outfield Kills; E = Errors; RNG = Range Factor; ZR = Zone Rating; Eff = Defensive Efficiency

It feels like Roy White has a shot at being the first repeat winner as he has once again proven incredibly dependable in LF for Brooklyn, while adding more Kills and excellent supporting numbers.

In the AL, It feels like it’s the range of Rickey Henderson against the overall dependability of Johnny Bates–who actually makes more plays the Rickey, but some of that is down to staff effects.

Have to call out the nutty ARM rating for Jim Wynn, which is as flukish as fluke can be.

#CF

Name	Tm	Lg	IP	TC	K	E	RNG	ZR	Eff	ARM
Paul Blair	BAL	AL	838	251	3	2	2.73	10.4	1.084	-2.3
Chili Davis	DET	AL	979	283	13	8	2.53	-12.5	.928	1.5
Willie Davis	PHI	NL	898	287	4	3	2.85	15.2	1.109	-2.0
Curtis Granderson	BBB	NL	974	317	1	5	2.88	4.8	1.030	-4.6
Pete Hill	HOU	NL	800	222	2	2	2.47	0.7	.997	-2.8
Willie Mays	NYG	NL	1065	327	3	4	2.73	11.3	1.046	-4.2
Willie McGee	KCM	NL	845	261	10	7	2.71	-5.9	.963	-1.4
Mike Trout	LAA	AL	940	282	2	1	2.69	-0.2	1.006	-3.3
Vernon Wells	CAG	AL	624	209	2	3	2.97	-5.2	.968	-2.6

IP = Innings Played; TC = Total Chances; A = Assists; K = Outfield Kills; E = Errors; RNG = Range Factor; ZR = Zone Rating; Eff = Defensive Efficiency

Not a lot to pick from in the AL, which increases Paul Blair‘s chance at a repeat selection. It probably comes down to Blair’s overall excellence against the spectacular highlight reel nature of Chili Davis‘ year: Davis hasn’t made all the plays, but has thrown out 13 runners. Mike Trout is in the conversation, but Blair edges him across the board, and is the likely frontrunner.

In the NL, things are much deeper, and we run into the question of how to weigh playing time. Willie Mays has similar numbers to Willie Davis, but over 200 more innings in the field, which I think is enough to give him the edge. Some mention should be made of the steady Curtis Granderson and the surprising 10 kills from Kansas City’s Willie McGee.

#RF

Name	Tm	Lg	IP	TC	K	E	RNG	ZR	Eff	ARM
Beals Becker	BRK	NL	1022	233	7	3	2.03	3.0	1.007	0.7
Mookie Betts	MEM	AL	775	166	1	0	1.93	6.8	1.076	-3.7
Roberto Clemente	HOM	NL	973	243	8	6	2.19	5.6	1.050	-3.1
Larry Doby	CLE	AL	768	186	1	7	2.10	5.0	1.064	-4.2
Stan Musial	KCM	NL	801	157	2	4	1.72	7.0	1.072	0.8
Ichiro Suzuki	LAA	AL	1035	227	5	0	1.97	5.4	1.036	-2.4

IP = Innings Played; TC = Total Chances; A = Assists; K = Outfield Kills; E = Errors; RNG = Range Factor; ZR = Zone Rating; Eff = Defensive Efficiency

This is very close in both leagues.

In the NL, you could make an argument for all 3 of the contenders: Brooklyn’s Beals Becker has been steady across the board; Stan Musial covers a huge amount of ground for Kansas City and has a higher ARM than Becker; and Roberto Clemente makes the most plays and has the most Kills. I think it’s Clemente or Musial, with Musial slightly in front, maybe?

Over in the AL, it’s between Mookie Betts and Ichiro Suzuki, neither of whom have made an error in RF this season. Betts has been slightly better with the glove, Suzuki slightly better with the arm. Perhaps Suzuki, partially because he has played more innings in RF than anyone.

Last year’s winner, Johnny Callison, has done well this season, but is just out of the conversation. Mention should be made of Ottawa’s Larry Walker as well: Walker doesn’t cover a ton of ground, but has only made a single error in RF this season.

#P

125 IP minimum.

A few additional stat for hurlers, including the number of steal attempts and the % thrown out as well as the number of runs gained through their catcher’s ability to frame strikes. Obviously, both of these are highly dependent on the quality of backstop, but they also do impact the evaluation of the pitcher.

We’ve also taking out E and DP as stats, as odd as that may seem, as there is just not enough variance to really make much of them.

Name	Tm	Lg	IP	TC	RNG	ZR	Eff	SBA	RTO%	FRM
Roger Clemens	HOU	NL	183	13	0.64	-3.0	1.659	61	25	-0.4
Gerrit Cole	LAA	AL	155	21	1.22	0.5	1.438	44	32	0.4
Pud Galvin	LAA	AL	130	24	1.66	1.3	1.149	31	39	-0.7
Bump Hadley	SFS	AL	164	30	1.65	-0.3	.996	62	34	0.5
Walter Johnson	POR	AL	189	19	0.91	4.8	1.217	28	61	0.3
José Méndez	MCG	AL	200	20	0.90	4.4	1.086	43	56	-0.7
Stubby Overmire	MEM	AL	175	21	1.08	2.2	.853	16	63	-0.0
Gaylord Perry	NYG	NL	185	31	1.51	-0.3	.996	35	29	0.7
Toad Ramsey	HOU	NL	196	18	0.78	1.0	.913	42	41	-0.5
Bob Rush	HOD	NL	156	26	1.44	3.3	.996	19	63	0.0
Jack Taylor	HOD	NL	163	19	1.05	5.6	.996	41	63	0.0
Doc White	IND	NL	130	8	0.55	1.8	.996	18	50	1.9

IP = Innings Played; TC = Total Chances; A = Assists; DP = Double Plays; E = Errors; RNG = Range Factor; ZR = Zone Rating; Eff = Defensive Efficiency; SBA = Stolen Bases Attempted; RTO% = Runners Thrown Out%; FRM = Framing Runs

Who knows? Small sample sizes are rough, although it is nice to see last year’s winner, Jack Taylor, make a return appearance.

Taylor makes a lot of plays, and is very hard to run on, both of which count for quite a bit. I think an argument could be made for Pud Galvin, as well as for Taylor’s teammate, Bob Rush, but I would expect a fair bit of this to change over the final month of the season.

TWIWBL 78.3: August Trades

By mknn

On September 14, 2025

In TWIWBL

A run through of the trading deadline, in no particular order. Over 50 players and almost 20 draft picks changed hands in the frenzy.

Hoyt There it Is!

P Waite Hoyt, 5th round pick from NYY to CAG for P Hoyt Wilhelm, IF Jorge Orta, 4th round pick.

The New York Black Yankees address a bullpen need by acquiring Hoyt Wilhelm from the Chicago American Giants, in exchange for young starter Waite Hoyt. Chicago will also send young IF Jorge Orta to New York, and the 2 teams exchanged draft picks, with New York getting a 4th and Chicago a 5th rounder.

It’s an odd trade for New York, as it’s not clear that Hoyt (Wilhelm) adds more to their bottom line of wins more than Hoyt (Waite). Chicago probably wins this one, just on the SP > RP evaluation. Orta should have a WBL career, but is not enough to balance the deal.

Now & Later

IF Paul Konerko, P Akinori Otsuka, OF Lenny Dykstra, 3rd round pick from CAG to BBB for P Sam Streeter, IF Trea Turner, 5th round pick.

Chicago officially closed the door on their performance for this season, sending 1B Paul Konerko and his .988 OPS along with Akinori Otsuka and his 1.07 WHIP to Birmingham, receiving P Sam Streeter and prospect Trea Turner in return. Chicago will also send OF Lenny Dykstra and a 3rd round pick, with Birmingham surrendering a 5th rounder to make it all work.

Konerko and Otsuka being on the wrong side of 30 makes this acceptable, and Chicago probably got peak value for them in a long-term starter and the talent of Turner. Birmingham is thrilled, as this addresses two of their most pressing needs for a playoff push: 1B and bullpen help.

The Wolverines Commit

P Gene Conley, P Bill Drake, P Emil Yde, OF Hub Collins from DET to BAL for SS Bobby Wallace, P Connie Johnson.

Detroit addressed two needs in a deal with Baltimore, sending struggling P Gene Conley (who is in search of a reboot to their career after an amazing start last season), promising young Ps Bill Drake and Emil Yde along with OF Hub Collins to Baltimore in exchange for SS Bobby Wallace and P Connie Johnson.

I mean … Detroit loves this for the immediate future. The key here is whether Yde, and especially Drake, ever amount to anything. This does remove any question about the infield of the future for the Black Barons, with Eddie Murray, Miller Huggins, Cal Ripken, Jr. and Manny Machado all but assured of starting roles.

Stars and Sea Dogs move a lot of Bodies

SS Jim Fregosi, P Mark Melancon, OF Harry Hooper, IF Rafael Palmiero from POR to PHI for OF Bobby Abreau, P Dave Stieb, P Jaret Wright, P LaTroy Hawkins, SS Pat Meares, 2nd round pick.

Philadelphia, eyeing a potential playoff run, went shopping in Portland. They added a long-term solution at SS (Jim Fregosi), a much-needed bullpen arm (Mark Melancon), and some OF depth in the struggling Harry Hooper. That haul cost them 3 pitching prospects in Dave Stieb, Jaret Wright, and LaTroy Hawkins, as well as SS Pat Meares, and a 2nd round pick. The teams also swapped high-ceiling-but-blocked prospects, with Portland receiving Bobby Abreu and Philadelphia Rafael Palmiero.

Abreau for Palmiero is a wash. Of the rest, it’s sort of a classic now/later proposition. Fregosi and Melancon step directly into key roles for the Stars, but Hawkins, and especially Stieb, do look like excellent long term prospects.

The American Giants Do Some (More) Things

OF Jake Stenzel from IND to CAG for P Joe Lake.

IF Freddie Lindstrom, 2nd round pick from HOM to CAG for P David Price.

Chicago believes they can solve their pitching woes from within, sending 2 members of their rotation packing. First, they received CF Jake Stenzel from Indianapolis for Joe Lake; then they sent David Price to Homestead for Freddie Lindstrom and a 2nd round pick.

Stenzel steps into a crowded outfield, but should get a lot of play the rest of the season while the American Giants’ commitment to the struggling teen Cristóbal Torriente is tested. This basically decimates the American Giants’ rotation, leaving them with Ed Walsh and a lot of questions, but Lake and Price (who himself only arrived via trade earlier last season) were questions themselves. Lindstrom may step into a WBL role behind Dick Allen at 3B.

A Closer for Some Future

P Jonathan Papelbon, 4th round pick from MEM to MCG for P Josh Beckett, OF Roy Thomas, 3rd round pick.

Memphis sent Jonathan Papelbon to Miami, receiving minor leaguers Josh Beckett and Roy Thomas in return. The team also exchange draft picks, with Memphis surrendering a 4th in exchange for Miami’s 3rd round selection.

Fair enough. Miami desperately needed a dependable arm to join Ricky Nolasco in their pen, and Beckett has a ton of upside.

The Black Barons Upgrade

IF Bobby Grich, 3rd round pick from LAA to BBB for P Vic Willis, C Gene Tenace, 1st round pick.

Birmingham came into this trade period looking for a SS; they left with a 2B (who can play SS). In a bit of a surprise move, they convinced LA to part with Bobby Grich, sending Vic Willis, Gene Tenace, and a 1st rounder to the Angels, who also sent a 3rd round pick back their way.

Grich is a huge pickup for the Black Barons–an all star caliber who can get on base and play both middle infield positions is exactly what the doctor ordered in Birmingham. They gave up a lot–Tenace is excellent, some think Willis will eventually be a number one starter, and of course, the #1 pick is a lot. But it seems Birmingham is convinced they have a shot in the playoffs this year, and you can’t fault the ambition.

First Round Picks On the Move, or Freeman at Last, Freeman at Last

P Joe Beggs, 2nd round pick from BAL to KCM for OF Earl Averill.

IF Freddie Freeman, IF Eddie Miller from SFS to LAA for P Joe Nathan, IF Wally Joyner, 1st round pick.

Baltimore found a potential CF for the future in Earl Averill, who came over from Kansas City for a Joe Beggs and a 2nd round pick.

One of the more promising talents in the WBL may have found a home, as Los Angeles sent a 1st Round Pick, closer Joe Nathan, and Wally Joyner to San Francisco for Freddie Freeman and minor league SS Eddie Miller.

Both of these make some sense, as both Freeman and Averill were totally blocked where they were (Freeman by Jimmie Foxx and others, Averill by Willie McGee and Cool Papa Bell). Freeman should immediately see playing time in LA, while Averill looks to be in the mix for next season.

Gothams Going Gone

P Juan Marichal, P Robb Nen from NYG to HOM for IF Davey Johnson, IF Howard Johnson, 3rd round pick.

P Steve Howe, P Troy Percival from NYG to DET for IF Robby Thompson, P Dellin Betances, 3rd round pick.

The Gothams moved a few pieces around, sending Juan Marichal and Robb Nen to Homestead for 2B Davey Johnson, Howard Johnson, and a 3rd round pick. Then, they moved Steve Howe and Troy Percival to Detroit for 2B Robby Thompson, P Dellin Betances, and a 3rd round pick.

The Gothams will need to totally redo their staff, but each move makes some sense. Between Johnson (Davey) and Thompson, they should now have a post-Larry Doyle plan at 2B.

The Black Yankees Find their SS of the Future?

P Sparky Lyle, IF Elliott Maddox, P Carlos Rodón, 2nd round pick, 4th round pick from NYY to HOU for IF Grant Johnson.

They hope so, sending Sparky Lyle, Elliott Maddox, pitching prospect Carlos Rodón, and a 2nd and a 4th round pick to Houston for Grant Johnson, who will rotate in with both Derek Jeter and Rogers Hornsby for now.

It’s a lot to give up, for sure. But Johnson is only 25, and an established WBL performer who will solve the Black Yankees’ long term needs at either 2B or SS. Lyle is solid, and fills a very strong need for Houston, but the rest of what they gave up was future potential, which is cheap for a team whose goal is to win now.

Other Deals

OF George Hendrick from PHI to BRK for 3rd round pick.

IF Joe Adcock from NYG to MCG for 5th round pick, cash.

Philadelphia sent OF George Hendrick to Brooklyn for a 3rd Round Pick.

Miami picked up Joe Adcock from the New York Gothams essentially for free: they sent the Gothams a 5th round pick, and the Gothams are covering Adcock’s salary for the rest of the year.

Each of these were essentially curtesy trades: having picked up Harry Hooper, Philadelphia had no place for Hendrick and Adcock, at 38, desperately wanted a chance to swing the bat for a contender in what may be his final season.

Summary

Minor Leaguers in italics.

Team	Coming	Going
Baltimore Black Sox	Earl Averill Gene Conley Hub Collins Bill Drake Emil Yde 2nd Round Pick	Joe Beggs Connie Johnson Bobby Wallace 1st Round Pick 2nd Round Pick
Birmingham Black Barons	Lenny Dykstra Bobby Grich Paul Konerko Akinori Otsuko 3rd Round Pick 4th Round Pick	Sam Streeter Gene Tenace Trea Turner Vic Willis 1st Round Pick 5th Round Pick
Brooklyn Royal Giants	George Hendrick	3rd Round Pick
Chicago American Giants	Waite Hoyt Freddie Lindstrom Jake Stenzel Sam Streeter Trea Turner 2nd Round Pick 5th Round Pick 5th Round Pick	Lenny Dykstra Paul Konerko Joe Lake Akinori Otsuko David Price Hoyt Wilhelm Jorge Orta 3rd Round Pick 4th Round Pick
Cleveland Spiders
Detroit Wolverines	Steve Howe Connie Johnson Troy Percival Bobby Wallace	Dellin Betances Gene Conley Hub Collins Bill Drake Robby Thompson Emil Yde 2nd Round Pick 3rd Round Pick
Homestead Grays	Juan Marichal Robb Nen David Price	Davey Johnson Howard Johnson Freddie Lindstrom 2nd Round Pick 3rd Round Pick
Houston Colt 45’s	Sparky Lyle Elliott Maddox Carlos Ródon 2nd Round Pick 4th Round Pick	Grant Johnson
Indianapolis ABC’s	Joe Lake	Jake Stenzel
Kansas City Monarchs	Joe Beggs 2nd Round Pick	Earl Averill
Los Angeles Angels	Freddie Freeman Eddie Miller Gene Tenace Vic Willis 1st Round Pick	Bobby Grich Wally Joyner Joe Nathan 1st Round Pick 3rd Round Pick
Memphis Red Sox	Josh Beckett Roy Thomas 3rd Round Pick	Jonathan Papelbon 4th Round Pick
Miami Cuban Giants	Joe Adcock Jonathan Papelbon 4th Round Pick	Josh Beckett Roy Thomas 3rd Round Pick 5th Round Pick
New York Black Yankees	Grant Johnson Jorge Orta Hoyt Wilhelm 4th Round Pick	Waite Hoyt Sparky Lyle Elliott Maddox Carlos Rodón 2nd Round Pick 4th Round Pick
New York Gothams	Dellin Betances Davey Johnson Howard Johnson Robby Thompson 3rd Round Pick 3rd Round Pick 5th Round Pick	Joe Adcock Steve Howe Juan Marichal Robb Nen Troy Percival
Ottawa Mounties
Philadelphia Stars	Jim Fregosi Harry Hooper Mark Melancon Rafael Palmiero 3rd Round Pick	Bobby Abreu LaTroy Hawkins George Hendrick Pat Meares Dave Stieb Jaret Wright 2nd Round Pick
Portland Sea Dogs	Bobby Abreu LaTroy Hawkins Pat Meares Dave Stieb Jaret Wright 2nd Round Pick	Jim Fregosi Harry Hooper Mark Melancon Rafael Palmiero
San Francisco Sea Lions	Wally Joyner Joe Nathan 1st Round Pick	Freddie Freeman Eddie Miller
Wandering House of David

TWIWBL 77.5: Cum Posey Division

By mknn

On August 31, 2025

In TWIWBL

Team	W/L	Pct	GB
San Francisco Sea Lions	75-42	.641	—
Miami Cuban Giants	57-61	.483	18.5
Los Angeles Angels	55-63	.466	20.5
Portland Sea Dogs	55-64	.462	21
Chicago American Giants	52-66	.441	23.5

Cum Posey Division | 12 August

#Chicago American Giants

More due to a lack of decent options, David Price was named as the American Giants’ fifth starter.

In what is most likely his final game with Chicago, trade target Paul Konerko hit 2 out as the American Giants came from behind to top Miami, 13-7.

Dick Allen hit 2 homers and the American Giants withstood a fierce comeback to edge Miami, 9-8.

#Los Angeles Angels

Doug Rader went deep twice, giving him 21 for the season, but the Angels fell to Baltimore, 6-5.

It looks like the Angels will close by committee for the rest of the season as they don’t really make a move to replace the departed Joe Nathan. They do bring newly obtained Vic Willis directly into the WBL bulllpen. Brian Giles and Freddie Patek were recalled from the minors, and John Lackey, AJ Pierzynski, Derrek Lee, and Jack Gleason were all demoted to AAA.

#Miami Cuban Giants

Eustaquio Pedroso heads to the DL for a couple of weeks with Ray Lamb being recalled from AAA to take his place, at least on the mound. Hugh McQuillan replaced Ramón Martínez in the rotation as the Cuban Giants try to find some solutions to their ongoing struggles at the back of their rotation.

Gary Sheffield and Jim Thome each hit 2 out of the park, and the Cuban Giants survived a horrible day from their bullpen to beat Detroit, 16-11. Cole Hamels, who improved to 10-9 on the year, left the game in the 7th with a 13-3 lead, and Miami held on for dear life from there.

Yasiel Puig and Andy Pafko repeated the feat, each going deep twice, but this time it wasn’t enough as Miami fell to Detroit, 11-5. Puig did it again the next day, reaching 20 on the season, as Miami felled the Wolverines, 10-1 behind an excellent start from José Méndez.

Thome did it again, going deep twice in a loss, as the Cuban Giants fell to Detroit, 8-6.

More of the same: 2 more for José Canseco, giving him 55 for the year, but another loss as Miami’s bullpen fell apart in a 13-7 loss to Chicago.

Dale Murray and Lamb were sent to AAA, clearing the way for newly acquired Jonathan Papelbon and Joe Adcock.

Another 2 for Canseco, another loss to Chicago, this one 9-8. With 57 on the year, Canseco temporarily took over the league lead in homers.

#Portland Sea Dogs

Kent Hrbek hit 2 out, but the Sea Dogs fell to the Spiders, 13-4. Paul Molitor repeated the dubious feat, hitting his 7th and 8th homeruns of the year as the Sea Dogs fell, 8-3 to Cleveland.

As the Sea Dogs try to figure out their future, they recalled Jim Golden and Dick Jones onto their pitching staff, and Hughie Jennings to share time at SS with Molitor. Jerry Koosman was named to the rotation staff, and the various trades Portland made will lead to significantly more playing time for Willie Randolph and perhaps Eddie Yost.

#San Francisco Sea Lions

Dennis Eckersley was sent to AAA with the arrival of Joe Nathan in the Sea Lions’ bullpen.

Frank Grant will spend a couple weeks on the DL, with the Sea Lions recalling IF Wayne Gross from AAA.

TWIWBL 76.4: Cum Posey Division

By mknn

On August 7, 2025

In TWIWBL

Team	W/L	Pct	GB
San Francisco Sea Lions	72-39	.649	—
Miami Cuban Giants	54-58	.482	18.5
Portland Sea Dogs	52-60	.464	20.5
Los Angeles Angels	51-61	.455	21.5
Chicago American Giants	49-63	.438	23.5

Cum Posey Division | 5 August

#Chicago American Giants

Chicago’s season is done at this point, so they have turned their focus to next year. The immensely talented Chino Smith was recalled from AAA. While Smith won’t unseat Eddie Collins at 2B, it’s hoped that, by shifting Joe Jackson to LF, the American Giants can see what they have in Smith in RF.

Despite his obvious power, Rocky Colavito was sent to AAA to clear room for Smith.

Chicago also recalled Danny Murtaugh from AA, sending Damian Jackson down, giving them a chance to see what the young IF can do, both at SS and as Dick Allen‘s backup at 3B.

Jackson tied the game with a 2 run pinch-hit shot in the 9th and won it with another 2 run homerun in the 11th as the American Giants beat Memphis, 8-6 in 11 innings.

The American Giants exploded for 15 runs over the last 3 innings, turning a 5-5 tie into a 20-6 rout of Los Angeles. Kevin Mitchell had 3 homeruns and Paul Konerko and Duffy Lewis each hit grandslams in the game, with Konerko driving in 8–the most in the WBL this season–and Mitchell 6. Collins, Konerko, and Mitchell each scored 4 times.

#Los Angeles Angels

John Stearns was sent to AAA with AJ Pierzynski returning from his rehab assignment. With Ron Hassey‘s strong showing, look for Pierzynski to be more in a backup role than a platoon.

Doug Rader and Carlos Delgado each hit 2 homeruns and Doc Gooden put in a solid start as the Angels trounced Portland, 11-2.

Kal Daniels is having himself a season. Los Angeles, unfortunately, isn’t, and his 5 hits weren’t enough as the Angels fell to the Sea Dogs, 10-6 in 10 innings. Things got a little worse for the Angels after the game as Ross Reynolds–perhaps the most dependable arm in their bullpen all year–will miss about a week with a stiff back. John Lackey was recalled from AAA.

#Miami Cuban Giants

Julio Rodríguez hit two homeruns, giving him 30 on the year, but the Cuban Giants’ bullpen imploded in a 14-7 loss to the Black Yankees. The next day, Rodríguez did it again: 2 homeruns in another loss to New York, this one by a 14-5 tally.

Jim Whitney continued to shine as a trade acquisition for the Cuban Giants, twirling a 2-hitter against the Black Yankees in a 4-0 victory. Helped by homeruns from Yasiel Puig and Gary Sheffield, Whitney improved to 3-1 for Miami, whiffing a dozen and walking 2 in the complete game effort.

#Portland Sea Dogs

Art Fowler was sent to AAA with Tom Zachary being recalled from his rehab assignment. The next day, Walter Ball was forced from his start and will miss about a week with inflammation. Ball hits the DL with Fowler being immediately recalled. And then Fowler was injured; however, as he will miss about 3 months, the yo-yo stops here. Bill Monbouquette was recalled for his WBL debut.

Gil Hodges hit 2 out of the park, giving him 30 on the year, as the Sea Dogs held on for a 10-7 win over Memphis.

#San Francisco Sea Lions

Watty Clark was recalled from his rehab assignment, with Bobby Seay being returned to AAA. With Tom Brewer‘s impressive start, for now, Clark will work out of the bullpen.

Turkey Stearnes launched 2 out of the ballpark, but Miami prevailed over the Sea Lions, 6-4. Different day, same song: Jack Clark hit 2 out but again Miami triumphed over the Sea Lions, this time 9-7.

TWIWBL 73.2 Spotlight on the Chicago American Giants

By mknn

On February 27, 2025

In TWIWBL

The American Giants were a strong playoff team last year. At the halfway mark this season, they find themselves 14 games back in the Cum Posey Division, but only 2.5 games back in the Wild Card race.

But, it’s not enough: this team should be doing better.

HOME PAGE | ROSTER | POSITIONAL STRENGTH | LEADERS

The problems are clear: an offense that falls off dramatically after its top half, struggles on the mound, and issues at a couple key positions (CF and SS). The solutions aren’t so obvious, and if things aren’t better by mid-August, the American Giants are a candidate to mortgage their future to address those shortcomings.

THE OFFENSE

The top end–Frank Thomas, Joe Jackson, Eddie Collins, and the surprising Paul Konerko are all excellent and, especially if Dick Allen regains his stroke, may be enough to carry Chicago in a playoff run. But Chicago regularly trots out 5 starters with OPS’ below .750, leaving too many holes.

#What’s Going Right

The big 4 are stunning. Thomas and Shoeless Joe are virtually tied in OPS around .975, with Konerko not too far behind.

Carlton Fisk lags behind in OPS, but as a C, he’s well above average, and leads the American Giants with 21 homers. Thomas leads in RBIs and Jackson has an incredible 41 2Bs.

Collins isn’t the all around leader of last season, but 309/406/418 with 41 SBs from a middle infielder is nothing to sneeze at.

#What’s Not Going Right

The 2 obvious problems are SS and CF. Freddy Parent, picked up at last year’s All-Star break, has been thoroughly disappointing, with an OPS under .550 (although he has flashed some decent leather). Damian Jackson has been given some opportunities, but has fared even worse offensively.

In CF, 18 year old Cristóbal Torriente is clearly still a large part of Chicago’s future. But he may not be part of their present: 188/235/245 won’t cut it, no matter how fast you are or how good you are in the field. This issue has gotten better: Vernon Wells has taken over for Torriente, and is doing alright.

I have no idea how to evaluate Mike Fiore. He’s hitting .181, but his OBP is .340, and he has 12 homers. Is that going right? Going wrong? No idea, but I think going wrong.

Duffy Lewis was injured at the start of the year, and hasn’t clicked since, and is increasingly losing time to Kevin Mitchell in LF.

THE PITCHING

It’s not bad. And some of it–Ed Walsh, Akinori Otsuka–is downright excellent. But everything else needs to step forward.

#What’s Going Right

Last year’s Rookie of the Year, Ed Walsh, is pitching fantastically, despite a modest 6-4 record, sporting a 3.55 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP.

Akinori Otsuka, Tom Williams, and Hoyt Wilhelm are a very solid trio in the bullpen, especially Otsuka and Williams.

#What’s Not Going Right

Last year’s ace, Tricky Nichols, has struggled mightily, with an ERA approaching 7.00, and is in danger of losing his spot in the rotation.

The trio of Jamie Moyer, Ben Sheets, and Mark Buehrle have been … thoroughly meh. Just meh. Meh not’s good enough for the playoffs.

AJ Minter has a dozen saves, but also an ERA of roughly 6.50.

THE FARM SYSTEM

TOP PROSPECTS | MINOR LEAGUE SYSTEM

The jewel of the system is the much-traveled Chino Smith. What’s not clear is if Smith will be used as trade bait at the deadline or be asked to move to SS–he’s not going to unseat Collins at 2B.

There is some decent OF talent here: Lenny Dykstra, Walter Davis, Henry Cotto, and Jorge Orta has the bat, if not the glove, to help a WBL team.

On the mound, Jacob deGrom, Harry Buckner, Scott Radinsky, and Ted Lyons all have some ceiling.

So, yeah, some help here.

WHAT’S NEEDED

The bottom of the lineup to step forward, and the pitching overall to improve a shade across the board.

Storylines to Watch

Key Questions from Spring Training

How is the rotation going to fall out? Can Ed Walsh handle a fulltime starting role, and can Mark Buehrle and Ben Sheets handle the back end of the rotation? Still a question, with Walsh, Buehrle, and Sheets now being asked to move up in the rotation.
How long do the American Giants stick with Parent–he’s fine, but his level of play over the second half of the season (after the American Giants picked him up from Ottawa) was below championship. How long, indeed.

FEATURED SERIES

The American Giants start the week hosting Memphis for 4 games, so we’ll look at those.

Projected Starters

Memphis’ starter listed first.

David Bush (5-3, 5.98) @ Tricky Nichols (4-8, 6.89)
Jameson Taillon (2-3, 5.12) @ Ben Sheets (4-9, 5.69)
Stubby Overmire (8-6, 4.70) @ Ed Walsh (6-4, 3.55)
Jon Lester (5-4, 5.61) @ Mark Buehrle (6-8, 4.61)

So. Much. Mediocrity. Although the Overmire-Walsh tilt should be a good one. Both teams can score a lot of runs, so let’s say this one goes 2-2.

Before the first game, the American Giants made a move, promoting Rocky Colavito to the big leagues to take the place of Mike Fiore. Colavito and Mitchell will split time in LF, with Duffy Lewis taking on an unfamiliar bench role.

Game One

Carlton Fisk put the American Giants up 1-0 in the 2nd with a solo shot to left. Joe Jackson added to the lead the next inning with a sacrifice fly to deep center, scoring Freddy Parent. Fisk would add a 3rd run in the most unlikely of ways: a walk, a stolen base, and then crossing the plate on a single from Vernon Wells, and Dick Allen would go deep in the 4th, increasing the lead to 4-0.

Tricky Nichols recaptured some of his form from last year, holding the Red Sox scoreless until Gabby Hartnett hit a 2-run shot in the top of the 7th, closing gap to 4-2 and chasing Nichols from the mound in favor of Hoyt Wilhelm. Wilhelm got through the inning without further damage, other than a double from Dobie Moore.

A homer from Wells was offset by a sacrifice fly from Ted Williams, so the lead was still 2, at 5-3 in favor of Chicago.

The American Giants added a couple in the 8th with the key hits being a triple from Jackson and another RBI hit form Fisk. It turned out to matter, as David Ortiz took AJ Minter deep with 2 on and 2 out in the top of the 9th, bringing Memphis within 1 run at 7-6. Minter was able to induce a groundout from Wade Boggs, bringing home the victory for Chicago.

MEM 6 (Feliciano 0-1; Kennedy 6 BSv; Kilby 2 BSv) @ CAG 7 (Ryan 2-2)
HRs: MEM – Hartnett (18), Ortiz (20); CAG – Fisk (22), Allen (17), Wells (8).
Box Score

Game Two

Game 2 will pit Memphis’ Jameson Taillon against Chicago’s Ben Sheets in a matchup of end-of-rotation starters.

Memphis took the lead in the 3rd, scoring 1 on a Wade Boggs double and 2 more on a two-bagger from Bill White. Dobie Moore added a solo shot in the 4th, making it 4-0.

Taillon was sailing along, holding Chicago scoreless through 6. But Joe Jackson singled and Frank Thomas went deep, halving the deficit and chasing Taillon. Sheets, who calmed down after Moore’s shot, lasted until 1 out in the 7th, when a double from Reggie Smith sent him to the showers.

Joe Lake, Sheets’ replacement, gave up an RBI single to Ted Williams, increasing Memphis’ lead to 5-2, cut to 5-3 when Jackson tripled home Eddie Collins. Dave Nilsson singled in one in the 8th, but Andrew Miller got Collins to groundout with the bases loaded, keeping the Red Sox up by 1, 5-4.

An RBI from Smith sent us to the bottom of the 9th with the Red Sox up, 6-4, with their closer, Jonathan Papelbon, coming in from the bullpen.

Papelbon whiffed 2, and the series was tied at a game apiece.

Moore and Smith had 3 hits each for the Red Sox.

MEM 6 (Taillon 3-3; Papelbon 14 Sv; de la Cruz 1 H; Roach 9 H; Miller 8 H) @ CAG 4 (Sheets 4-10)
HRs: MEM – Moore (8); CAG – Thomas (20).
Box Score

Game Three

Tied at one, we get the premier pitching matchup of the series, with Memphis’ Stubby Overmire taking on Chicago’s Ed Walsh. It’s a bit of an odd game for the American Giants, with several regulars getting the day off, resulting in a bit of a patchwork lineup. So, we’ll see.

Walsh gave up 2 in the 2nd on 2-out RBI’s from DJ LeMahieu and Billy Bryan. Reggie Smith hit his 23rd homer of the year in the 5th, extending the lead to 3-0. Meanwhile, Overmire was dealing, holding Chicago scoreless through 5 on only 2 hits. despite loading the bases in the 2nd.

Overmire departed in the 7th after surrendering his 6th walk, to Rocky Colavito, and an infield hit to Freddy Parent. Heath Bell loaded the bases, but escaped without damage.

That was it, really: Bell pitched well in the 8th and Jonathan Papelbon shut the door in the 9th on a combined 3 hit shutout.

MEM 3 (Overmire 9-6; Papelbon 15 Sv; Bell 5 H) @ CAG 0 (Walsh 6-5)
HRs: MEM – Smith (23); CAG – none.
Box Score

Game Four

The American Giants will try to salvage a split behind Mark Buehrle who will be opposed by Memphis’ Jon Lester.

The full strength lineup for the American Giants came through immediately, as Frank Thomas launched a 3 run homerun in the bottom of the 1st. But Jack McAleese–who seems to have locked down the utility OF spot for the Red Sox–drove home 2 in the 2nd and scored on a base hit from Dobie Moore, tying the game at 3.

Ted Williams launched his 25th of the year in the 3rd, giving Memphis a 1 run lead. Chicago evened the score the following inning on a sacrifice fly from Paul Konerko. That lasted into the top of the 5th, when Williams went deep again, this time with a man on. 6-4 Memphis. Buehrle made it into the 6th but a DJ LeMahieu double chased him from the game. His relief, David Price, allowed 2 more runs, making the edge 8-4, Red Sox.

Lester got through the 5th, but by that point he had given up 7 walks and was clearly fatigued. Then, suddenly and surprisingly, the relievers figured out how to pitch, keeping it scoreless until Memphis added a few more in the top of the 9th.

Just about the only bad news for Memphis was Moore having to leave the game after being hit on the hand with a pitch: his ultimate injury status is yet to be known.

MEM 11 (Lester 6-4; Roach 1 Sv) @ CAG 4 (Buehrle 6-9)
HRs: MEM – Williams 2 (26); CAG – Thomas (21).
Box Score

This is emblematic of everything disappointing about Chicago’s year so far: loss after loss and question after question of what if and what’s next. This team needs some help: immediately, they are looking at sending AJ Minter down to AAA and installing Akinori Otsuku as the closer, but it’s going to take more than that.