Tag: Doc Hoblitzell

Year II Season Preview: Indianapolis ABC’s

On April 7, 2024

Expectations

Playing .500 ball would be a nice step; doing so while nurturing some talent for the future would begin to raise hopes in Indianapolis.

Best Case

Some starting pitching comes out of nowhere to support the continued development of Doc White and Willie Mitchell, Johnny Bench and Oscar Charleston anchor the offense, and some of the MI talent finally emerges fully onto the scene. The 6 man rotation turns out to be a thing of beauty, allowing the ABC’s to maximize their talent on the mound.

Worst Case

Only Bench remains as a real offensive force and the pitching stays totally muddled, with the 6 man rotation confusing fans, pundits, and players alike.

Key Questions

Who starts, and does the team retain its experimentation with a 6-man rotation?
How do the uncertainties at SS/3B resolve?

Trade Bait

Not enough talent to really be active.

Davey Concepción was sent to the Gothams in exchange for Sad Sam Jones, adding another arm to the pile and clearing one person from the MI crowd.

Roster Evaluation

POS	Elite	Strong	Solid	Meh	Weak	Unknown
C	Bench					Ritter
1B			Votto
2B			Morgan
3B				Charles
SS			Menke		Larkin
LF/ RF			Bescher Charleston			Dunn Foster Padrón
CF		Stenzel	Henderson
SP			Cueto	White Mitchell ~~Faber~~	Foster Jones	Padrón
End		~~Dibble~~	Carroll		James
RP				Tidrow		Bellingham Blackwell Nolan

New Addition | ~~Injured~~

That is a lot of new arms on the staff, and a lot of unknowns. But performance last year was so bad, you would think anything would be an improvement.

Some interesting things here, though: the continued use of the 6 man rotation, the emergence of Luis Padrón as a 2-way threat, the promise of some of the young talent, especially Oscar Charleston.

Talent Ratings

	WBL	Minors
Raw Power	C Johnny Bench	OF Wally Post
Batting Eye	IF Joe Morgan 1B Joey Votto	IF Edwin Encarnación
Contact	IF Joe Morgan	CF Edd Roush
Running Speed	OF Bob Bescher	IF Pokey Reese
Base Stealing	OF Bob Bescher	1B Doc Hoblitzell
IF Defense	IF Barry Larkin	3B Robin Ventura
OF Defense	OF Oscar Charleston	OF Curt Walker
Stuff	P The Only Nolan	P George Pipgras
Control	SP Johnny Cueto	SP Eppa Rixey
Velocity	RP Ewell Blackwell	RP Tyler Clippard

Best In The Minors

Rank	Age	POS	Name
1 (24)	19	P	Edward Nolan
2 (28)	19	P	Jim Maloney
3 (42)	22	3B	Oliver Marcell
4 (59)	24	3B	Robin Ventura
5 (101)	22	OF	George Foster
6 (105)	20	2B	Dario Lodigiani
7 (123)	19	P	Tom Glavine
8 (144)	23	1B	Sean Casey
9 (153)	25	P	Bob Ewing
10 (182)	25	P	Chris Hammond

Others: None.

Nolan and Foster start the year with the WBL club. There’s decent help on the mound working through the system, but little else, especially if Ventura ends up being a bust.

	Most	Least
Age	OF Harold Baines, 39	3B Bob Aspromonte, 18
Height	P Ewell Blackwell, 6’6″ OF Adam Dunn, 6’6″	SS Donie Bush, 5’6″
OPS	C Johnny Bench, .951 (WBL)	SS Walt Weiss, .441 (—)
HR	OF Adam Dunn, 35 (WBL/AAA/AA)	SS Walt Weiss, 0 (—)
SB	OF Bob Bescher, 37 (WBL)	Many with 0
WAR	C Johnny Bench, 6.0 (WBL)	SS Walt Weiss, -3.9 (—)
W	Eppa Rixey, 16 (WBL/AAA)	Joe Moeller, 3 (—) Teddy Higuera, 3 (—)
SV	Rob Dibble, 30 (WBL)
ERA	Jack Powell, 2.83 (—)	Joe Moeller, 7.11 (—)
WAR	Virgil Trucks, 7.0 (WBL/AAA)	Brad Radke, -1.1 (—)

Stats are across all levels. 200 PA / 75 IP min. Non WBL leagues indicated by —.

TWIWBL 56.18: Spring Training Notes – Indianapolis ABC’s

By mknn

On March 6, 2024

In TWIWBL

Spring Training Questions

All the focus will be on the pitching staff, with the reserve positions also taking some attention.

Injuries

CF Edd Roush is doubtful for opening day with a back injury.

Hal White saw his slim hopes of making the ABC’s roster dashed as a torn labrum will keep him out of action for around 4 months.

First Cuts

Some of the pitching clarified: Tom Glavine, Paul Derringer, and Chris Hammond were each sent down to the minors. That leaves a lot of arms in camp, but the next week should sort out quite a few of them.

Cs Larry Pratt and Admiral Schlei were sent down as well, along with corner IFs Hal Morris, Edwin Encarnación, and Dan Driessen, clearing up a lot of the logjam at 1B. Tommy Helms and Buddy Myer were also moved out of camp.

In the middle infield, Dario Lodigiani and Davey Concepción have both been turning heads at 2B and SS respectively, while Lonny Frey, hitless over 6 games, was sent down.

Joe Keough has been quite impressive, but the other longshot OFers (Emil Frisk, Charlie Hemphill, and Curt Walker) were all sent down after the first week.

Second Cuts

Tony Mullane and Eppa Rixey were sent to AAA.

The ABC’s still believe in Robin Ventura, preferring to keep him in camp over teenager Bob Aspromonte, despite the latter having a slight edge in performance.

Nobody is hitting at 2B, with Joe Morgan and Denis Menke combining to go zero for 30. Their performance last year keeps them around, but Craig Counsell, lacking that pedigree, cannot overcome his sub .400 OPS.

The OF remains overcrowded, with 10 players still in camp. The bottom performers–Danny Hoffman, Jake Stenzel, and the injured Edd Roush–did enough last year, and the newcomers–Adam Dunn, George Foster, Pete Rose, and Joe Keough–are all hitting well.

Third Cuts

The pitching staff is very slowly coming into focus, with Virgil Trucks‘ and Jim Maloney‘s demotion. Maloney pitched well but at 19 needs some more seasoning–especially to master his control issues–before joining the WBL club.

Bo Díaz, Sean Casey, and Pete Rose were sent to AAA.

It was assumed that Denis Menke would be the opening day SS–and he likely will be–but his inability to hit combined with decent performances from both Barry Larkin and Davey Concepción are pushing him.

Three presumed OF contributors–Jake Stenzel, Edd Roush, and Danny Hoffman–are all struggling, while George Foster and Joe Keough are playing very well, throwing the ABC’s reserve OF situation into some chaos (Oscar Charleston, Dave Henderson, and Bob Bescher are all solid as starters).

Final Cuts

Tony Mullane was returned to AAA to clear some space in the rotation. Mullane refused to head to the minors, and ended up being released–making him immediately perhaps the best arm in the FA market.

The battle to carry Johnny Bench‘s glove is reduced by one, as Bo Díaz heads to the minors. Robin Ventura continues to fumble every opportunity, and with Ed Charles mashing the ball, Ventura will start this season at AAA.

Edd Roush started excellently last season but faded mightily at the end of the year. An injury in Spring Training has limited Roush’s time and effectiveness. Essentially, the ABC’s were looking to retain only one of Roush and Danny Hoffman at the big league level: it’ll be Hoffman as Roush heads to AAA.

RP Octavio Dotel, C/1B Patsy Gharrity, 1B Dick Hoblitzell, and 2B Dario Lodigiani were all sent to AAA to bring the ABC’s to 30.

The next decisions were easy, with both Red Faber and Rob Dibble going on the 10 Day DL, with Faber likely to miss 4 months of time with a knee issue. Additionally Dolf Luque was moved to AAA, as was OF Joe Keough. With the ABC’s planning to keep George Foster with the team, that meant one more OF had to go and, after much deliberation, Danny Hoffman was deemed the odd man out.

TWIWBL 40.3: Series XXXII Notes – Effa Manley Division

By mknn

On June 6, 2023

In TWIWBL

#Cleveland Spiders

Ron Blomberg went deep twice, giving him 36 on the year (tying him for 2nd in the league) and his 4 RBIs eclipsed the century mark, giving him 101 on the season. It wasn’t enough, as Mel Harder, the disappointing trade acquisition Ron Reed, and Chuck Porter were all hammered in a 13-6 loss to Baltimore.

#Indianapolis ABCs

Oscar Charleston will miss close to a week with a foot injury, prompting the ABC’s to place the teenage outfielder on the DL. Doc Hoblitzell was recalled.

#New York Black Yankees

Red Rolfe‘s offensive struggles forced him back to AAA, with Pee Wee Reese being recalled. Reese struggled mightily for Brooklyn, was released, and has performed well at AAA since signing with New York.

#Philadelphia Stars

Pete Alexander returned (again) from injury (again) and J.M Ward was demoted to AAA–at some point, being able to pinch hit doesn’t warrant carrying an ERA over 6.00. Mickey Doolin was waived and Roger Peckinpaugh returns to Philadelphia, likely to step into a platoon at SS with Pinky Whitney.

TWIWBL 36.3: Series XXVIII Notes – Effa Manley Division

By mknn

On March 22, 2023

In TWIWBL

#Cleveland Spiders

Mel Harder moves into the rotation, replacing the injured Whit Wyatt, a move which is sure to disappoint the fan base that was hoping for a major pitching acquisition at the deadline. They’ll have to be satisfied with the recall of Bob Feller, who is far, far too good for AAA, with Ken Schrom being returned.

The fan base may be appeased by the arrival of SS Arky Vaughan from Homestead, who may give the Spiders the best top-to-bottom lineup in the league. Vaughan’s arrival sent Bill Knickerbocker to AAA and moved Bill Dahlen to the role of defensive replacement.

Sudden Sam McDowell was returned to AAA as Yordano Ventura was recalled from a rehab assignment after missing a couple months through injury.

#Homestead Grays

John Candelaria and Ray Brown were recalled from AAA, with Candelaria sliding into the rotation. More dramatically, Arky Vaughan‘s departure means the team is committing to the idea that Honus Wagner can make the transition to SS, which also opens the door for Andy Van Slyke and Chief Wilson to see more time, given how well they have hit over recent weeks (Van Slyke is currently slashing 404/436/649, Wilson 392/395/747–clearly neither is sustainable).

Tom Brown was sent to AAA, as the Grays needed another SS (Jack Wilson).

Rick Reichardt had 2 homeruns and 5 RBIs in a topsy-turvey, 8-6 win over Indianapolis. Mike Epstein and Wagner also went deep in the contest.

#Indianapolis ABC’s

Doc Hoblitzell was returned to AAA with Virgil Trucks, Francisco Cordero, and Octavio Dotel heading up to AAA. The ABC’s have quite a few pitchers who have struggled in Indianapolis and dominated in Cincinnati, so we’ll see how that goes.

Oscar Charleston had 3 hits, 2 of which were triples, but the ABC’s were unable to hold on to several leads, losing 8-6 to Homestead.

#New York Black Yankees

Well, we’ll see. They certainly added some bullpen arms, whether it’s enough quality is yet to be determined. Lady Baldwin and Dave Righetti were returned to AAA, clearing the room for Aroldis Chapman (who slides directly into the closer slot), Dick Tidrow, and Rheal Cormier. Jamie Moyer slides into the back of the rotation.

Waite Hoyt broke out of a slump in a big way, with a complete game victory over the Gothams, allowing 4 hits and 1 run while striking out 3 and not walking a batter. Mickey Mantle and Eric Davis went deep for the Black Yankees as Hoyt improved to 9-6.

#Philadelphia Stars

As important as any trade, the Stars will get Pete Alexander back from injury at some point in the next week after a quick rehab assignment. In the meantime, Hardie Henderson was brought up to deepen the bullpen and Tim Belcher may get another start or two until Alexander returns.

Slugging OF Aaron Judge was recalled from AAA. Wayne Gomes was sent to AAA, with Alexander making his long awaited return.

TWIWBL 30.3: Series XXIII Notes – Effa Manley Division

By mknn

On December 15, 2022

In TWIWBL

#Cleveland Spiders

Stan Coveleski moved to 9-2 with over 6 innings of scoreless ball as the Grays beat the ABC’s 6-1. Ron Blomberg homered twice, giving him 26 for the season and Jake Stahl added 3 hits.

#Homestead Grays

Hal Carlson, Ray Brown, and Frank Linzy allowed 1 hit each, and Michael Jackson pitched a perfect 9th to earn his 6th save. Carlson moved to 5-3 in the 4-3 victory over San Francisco in which Andy Van Slyke had 3 hits.

Where has this pitching been all year? The Grays lost Earl Hamilton for 6 weeks, but he, Carlos Zambrano, Josh Lindblom, and Jackson combined to allow only 3 hits in a 2-1 win over the Sea Lions. The win went to Lindblom, now 1-4, and Jackson picked up save number 7. Chief Wilson broke a 1-1 deadlock with his 6th homerun of the year, a solo shot in the top of the 9th.

Van Slyke had 5 hits to fuel an impressive comeback by the Grays that fell just short, as they fell to the Sea Lions 10-9 in the series closer, despite trailing 9-1 heading into the 7th inning. Mike Epstein drove in 5, and Bob Friend put in nearly 5 innings of solid relief after Francisco Liriano was rocked as the starter. Liriano didn’t make it out of the 2nd inning, falling to 5-4 on the season.

#Indianapolis ABC’s

Joe Morgan is back on the DL, pulling a hamstring while legging out a triple in a 6-1 loss to Cleveland. Doc Hoblitzell was called up from AAA.

#New York Black Yankees

Ron Guidry put in his best work in a while, allowing 1 earned run in 7 innings against Ottawa. Guidry wasn’t part of the decision, as Ralph Citarella surrendered the lead before the Black Yankees came back for the victory. Gary Lavelle, elevated to closer earlier in the day, picked up his first save for New York.

TWIWBL 28.0 – AAA Roundup, July 1st

By mknn

On July 14, 2022

In TWIWBL, WBL Minor Leagues

Another month, another quick trip through the minor leagues!

Featured Team: New Orleans Pelicans

The AAA affiliate of the Memphis Red Sox has the second best record in AAA, leading their division by 6 games. They’ve managed to keep their lead despite a fairly constant amount of churn as players move up and down with the parent club.

The Pelicans lead with their offense, with the near-constant presence of veteran Joe Cronin at 1B, 2B Dustin Pedroia, and OF Joe Kelley. Bob Brenly, Eddie Rosario, and Wayne Causey have all been strong contributors who, like Pedroia, spent a fair bit of time in Memphis.

Cronin leads the team in homeruns with 13, followed by Brenly with 11. Brenly has the most impressive slash line of the regulars, with his 299/342/664 giving him an OPS just over 1.000.

Joe Kelly (the other one–note only a single e in the last name) leads the way on the mound with a 6-3 record and a 3.36 ERA. Andrew Miller is 5-0 since his promotion from AA with an ERA of 3.03. The bullpen is anchored by Luiz Gohara, who has 14 saves and an ERA under 3. Gohara and Kelly each started the year in Memphis.

#AAA Leaders

If you are a devotee of OPS, the best batters in AAA have been Baby Doll Jacobson (Washington / Baltimore Black Sox; 1.114); Jung Ho Kang (Columbus / Wandering House of David; 1.042), and Joey Votto (Cincinnati / Indianapolis ABC’s; 1.000). Jacobson and Votto are both with their WBL clubs now. Those 3 are closely trailed by Merv Rettenmund (Washington; .996) and Al Kaline (Toronto / Detroit Wolverines; .984).

Kaline is 3rd in AAA in BA and OBP, and 2nd in hits while Rettumund is tied for the lead with 21 homeruns, and leads in RBIs and Rs. Aaron Judge (Norfolk / Philadelphia Stars), Jacobson, Benny Kauff (Hartford / New York Gothams), and Kevin Young (Louisville / Homestead) each have 21 HRs as well.

Finally, along with Kaline (3.3) and Rettenmund (3.1), Max Carey (Louisville) and Cliff Lee (Seattle / Portland) are the other AAA players with a WAR over 3.

Cincinnati’s Virgil Trucks has been, by far, the dominant starting pitcher, leading the league with a 2.05 ERA and a 10-3 record. Trucks also leads the league with 8 complete games and a 0.94 WHIP, and is second in the league with 167 strikeouts. Bob Gibson (St. Louis / Kansas City) trails Trucks with a 2.36 ERA and 9 victories and two other starters, AJ Burnett (Newark / New York Black Yankees) and St. Louis’ Jock Menefee also have ERA’s under 3.00. Burnett’s teammate, Lefty Gomez, leads AAA with 181 strikeouts in 115 innings.

San Jose’s Billy Taylor (San Francisco Sea Lions) and St. Louis’ Adam Russell lead AAA in saves with 21 and 20, respectively.

#AAA Awards

Rube Melton (Atlanta / Birmingham Black Barons) was the AAA Pitcher of the Month, going 4-0 with a 2.58 ERA, striking out 53 in under 40 innings; while Cincinnati’s Doc Hobitzell was the AAA Player of the Month, hitting .426 with 11 home runs in June.

AAA Players of the Week: Hobitzell twice, along with Steve Garvey (Montréal / Ottawa Mounties [since traded to the Los Angeles Angels]) and Cincinnati’s Jhonny Peralta.

#AAA Hottest Prospects (24 Years and Younger)

100 AAA PA/50 AAA IP minimum; must be in AAA now, or only recently promoted.

C: Cliff W. Lee (22, Seattle). 318/359/624. 20 HR, 56 RBI.
1B: Doc Hoblitzell (23, Cincinnati). 331/361/647.
2B: Juan Samuel (23, Norfolk). 294/347/569.
3B: Charlie Reilly (23, San Jose). 315/343/622.
SS: Asdrúbal Cabrera (22, Washington). 282/309/550.
LF: Joe Kelley (20, New Orleans). 261/379/523.
CF: Rick Monday (23, Montréal). 275/381/584.
RF: Al Kaline (20, Toronto). 340/410/574.

SP: Jake Peavy (23, Newark). 5-2, 3.44, 1.08 WHIP. Jock Menefee (24, St. Louis). 5-4, 2.75, 1.11 WHIP. Sam McDowell (24, Buffalo / Cleveland Spiders). 9-4, 4.80, 1.26 WHIP. Ralph Branca (22, Quebec / Brooklyn. 7-4, 3.43, 1.17 WHIP).

RP: Luiz Gohara (20, New Orleans). 3-1, 14 Sv, 2.73, 1.33 WHIP. Al Spalding (24, Hartford). 1-0, 4 Sv, 3.00, 1.00 WHIP.