Tag: Emil Frisk Page 1 of 2

TWIWBL 72.8: Marvin Miller Division

On February 21, 2025

Team	W/L	Pct	GB
Kansas City Monarchs	49-41	.544	—
Indianapolis ABC’s	47-43	.522	2
Houston Colt 45s	43-46	.483	5.5
Wandering House of David	41-47	.466	7
Birmingham Black Barons	39-51	.433	10

Marvin Miller Division | 9 July

#Birmingham Black Barons

Birmingham named Sam Streeter to its rotation, and sent Fred Fussell to AAA, recalling Alex Malloy from his rehab assignment. They also shook up their bullpen, with all-star Harley Young taking over from Juan Ríncón as closer.

Richie Sexson steps into a platoon with Adrían González at 1B and Ryan Braun looks to take most of the time in LF, essentially pushing Bob Nieman to the bench.

#Houston Colt 45’s

Ice Box Chamberlain was added to the rotation. Rick Wise was returned to AAA as the Colt 45’s dropped back to a dozen pitchers and recalled Kirby Puckett, adding (yet another) OF possibility.

#Indianapolis ABC’s

With the arrival of Chris Sabo, Robin Ventura was returned to AAA after another failed chance.

Emil Frisk‘s strong start looks to keep Jake Stenzel at AAA even after his rehab assignment expires.

#Kansas City Monarchs

The Monarchs made some moves … the least noticed was sending promising Matt Morris on a rehab assignment. Dustin Hermanson, Steve Evans, and Jim King were all sent to AAA to make room for Lee Smith, Joe Harris, and Stan Musial‘s return from a rehab assignment. The choice to keep Cool Papa Bell instead of the far more experienced Evans is sure to cause some controversy.

Craig Kimbrel will be the closer from here on out, depending on Smith and Eddie Guardado to get him the ball, leaving Jeff Pfeffer to hopefully sort himself out in the middle innings.

Harris’ arrival will cut into Dale Murphy‘s playing time, but should strengthen the Monarchs’ offense overall.

Robinson Canó and Musial hit 2 out of the park and Ozzie Smith doubled 3 times as the Monarchs beat Houston, 10-4. Frank Castillo–who, it must be said, didn’t have the best of outings–improved to 11-1.

#Wandering House of David

Kyle Peterson and Larry Jackson were named to the House of David rotation while Jimmy Key was added to the bullpen. Bob Rush lost his rotation spot, but Jack Taylor holds on to his at least for the time being. Bruce Sutter was sent to AAA, leaving the team without a closer at all: we’ll see how that works out for them.

Craig Reynolds, Cap Anson, and Mark McGwire were all recalled as the team tries to sort out its future. Anson and McGwire will essentially rotate at 1B, while Frank Chance will see his playing time behind the plate rise as well.

McGwire went deep twice, but the House of David fell to Homestead, 9-5.

TWIWBL 71.2 Spotlight on the Indianapolis ABC’s

By mknn

On January 28, 2025

In TWIWBL

Indianapolis missed the playoffs last year. This season, they are neck-and-neck with Kansas City to lead the Marvin Miller Division, sitting currently at 5 games over .500. So something’s gotten better.

The ABC’s inherit players from a franchise with a long history, but surprisingly little actual success, the Cincinnati Reds.

HOME PAGE | ROSTER | POSITIONAL STRENGTH | LEADERS

This is a pitching-and-defense kind of team, but honestly it feels like they are sort of doing it with mirrors right now.

THE OFFENSE

The ABC’s are fast, but really aren’t a terribly imposing offense. It’s a reasonably standard problem: there is a handful of excellence surrounded by a lot of mediocrity.

Overall, the ABC’s–other than Oscar Charleston and Joe Morgan–just don’t hit very well, with only those two, Bob Bescher and Tommy Helms sporting batting averages over .260.

There is some power, with 6 batters in double-digits for HR, led by Adam Dunn‘s 24, but the offense is just shut down far too often.

#What’s Going Right

Oscar Charleston has blossomed, with the 20 year old OFer slashing 336/386/642 and leading the team in 2B, 3B, RBI, and R.

When healthy, Joe Morgan looks to have an argument to be the best 2B in the WBL, hitting over .300, drawing a ton of walks, and even flashing some power. But Little Joe has only played in roughly half Indianapolis’ games so far this season. So, we’ll see.

Adam Dunn and Joey Votto are eerie clones of each other, and they’re doing very well in terms of drawing walks and hitting for power (Dunn leads the ABC’s with 24 homers; Votto has added 16).

George Foster has hit for impressive power as a rookie, although the rest of his game needs some seasoning.

Barry Larkin, who was essentially awful last year, has slowly extended his claim on the starting SS spot.

Bob Bescher gets on base a lot and is very, very fast–a .359 OBP and 38 steals, with only 7 times being caught.

Luis Padrón has been something slightly above mediocre as a position player, allowing some roster flexibility.

#What’s Not Going Right

The biggest issue is Johnny Bench who, despite 21 dingers, is only slashing 2228/290/510. Now, he did hit 267/371/720 in June, so perhaps he is reverting to his form of last year, but overall it’s been a struggle, with Bench dropping down significantly in the lineup.

The rest of the roster–3B and all the reserves–have been quite poor with Robin Ventura being particularly disappointing to date.

THE PITCHING

The ABC’s are the only team in the WBL committed to a 6-man rotation, and while the top 3 or 4 slots tend to stay somewhat stable, the rest is in somewhat constant flux.

This year, it’s working more often than not, and the bullpen has been solid.

Still, there are causes for concern all over the place, as most everyone’s secondary numbers are a little weak.

#What’s Going Right

Johnny Cueto, Rube Foster, and Luis Padrón look set at the front of the rotation. Padrón has the best record in the league at 11-2, and Cueto and Foster both have sub-4.00 ERA’s. All three have decent peripherals, but Cueto and Padrón especially seem strong enough to carry a staff.

Rob Dibble has 16 saves despite being torched occasionally.

Jack Billingham has been excellent late in games, contributing across the board with a 4-1 record, 22 saves and 6 holds.

Rob Murphy is tied for the WBL lead with 11 holds.

#What’s Not Going Right

Last year’s darlings, Doc White and Willie Mitchell, are a combined 5-11 with ERA’s around 6.00.

The Only Nolan has hit a rough patch, putting what looked like a promising debut season in doubt.

Dick Tidrow has been atrocious, and is most likely not long for the WBL roster.

THE FARM SYSTEM

TOP PROSPECTS | MINOR LEAGUE SYSTEM

There is roster filler here, but little high end talent. 3B/SS Oliver Marcell is the highest rated prospect, but 19 year old Tom Glavine may have a higher ceiling. On the IF, Donie Bush and Matt Chapman have some promise, but other than that … Bob Ewing? Jim Maloney? Chris Hammond? Yeah, roster filler.

WHAT’S NEEDED

The top-end performers to keep doing their thing while everyone else takes small steps forward. That would be enough to at least keep Indianapolis in contention for the post-season, which would be a successful season.

Storylines to Watch

Key Questions from Spring Training

Who starts, and does the team retain its experimentation with a 6-man rotation? The answer to the second question is yes, yes they do and the answer to the first seems fine: Cueto, Padron, and Foster, and then a makeshift group as things unfold.
How do the uncertainties at SS/3B resolve? Still an issue. Larkin looks to have claimed SS, but 3B remains fairly open.

FEATURED SERIES

July starts with a four game series at Philadelphia, so that’s what we’ll focus on.

Projected Starters

Indianapolis starter listed first.

Luis Padrón (11-2, 4.21) @ Charles Rogan (4-7, 4.68)
Rube Foster (6-4, 3.80) @ J.M. Ward (3-4, 4.11)
Edward Nolan (3-4, 5.32) @ Steve Carlton (7-8, 5.47)
Willie Mitchell (1-5, 5.89) @ Ray Collins (1-4, 5.40)

Game One

Luis Padrón has struggled at the plate, so the ABC’s decided he would just concentrate in his pitching in this one; the Stars had no such concerns, and Bullet Joe Rogan would take the mound and serve as DH.

Through 4 innings, Rogan had allowed only 2 hits, but they were both solo homeruns (1 to Emil Frisk, the other to Joey Votto) while Padrón had kept the Stars hitless. So, 2-0 Indianapolis.

Frisk went deep again in the 5th, and Oscar Charleston drove in a run to extend the lead to 5-0.

Chase Utley broke up the no-hitter in the bottom of the frame, but that was really it: the Stars bullpen held until the 9th, but Padrón was just too good, dominating Philadelphia in a 2-hit shutout. He improved to 12-2 on the year, dropped his ERA below 4.00, and most likely cemented his position as the starting pitcher in the all-star game for the NL.

IND 6 (Padrón 12-2) @ PHI 0 (Rogan 4-8)
HRs: IND – Votto (17), Frisk 2 (3); PHI – none.
Box Score

Game Two

The ABC’s would face John M0ntgomery Ward in the middle game, which is sort of a mixed bag: Ward’s peripheral numbers are great, but his record is only 3-4 and he’s struggled to get his ERA below the magical 4.00 mark. Indianapolis would counter with Rube Foster, whose 3.80 ERA makes an argument for his inclusion in the all-star game.

And then game the first inning: Philadelphia batted around, scored 6 runs, and Foster’s ERA ballooned to 4.35. He settled down after that and–surprisingly–made it through 5 innings, bringing his ERA back down to 4.17. Still.

Ward was dealing, making much of the rest of the game moot. He was finally chased by a moonshot from Joe Morgan, which closed the score to 8-2. He was relieved by Brad Kilby, who promptly gave up a homerun to Emil Frisk.

But the game was over, ending up 9-3 behind Ward’s fine outing. Willie Davis and Chase Utley had 3 hits each for the Stars.

IND 3 (Foster 6-5) @ PHI 9 (Ward 4-4)
HRs: IND – Morgan (15), Frisk (4); PHI – none.
Box Score

Game Three

With the series tied at 1 each, game 3 would see The Only Nolan take the mound for Indianapolis, opposed by Philadelphia’s Steve Carlton.

The ABC’s took the early lead on a 2-run shot by Joey Votto in the top of the first, but RBI singles from Butch Wynegar and Jimmy Rollins tied it up in the bottom of the 2nd. Philadelphia then took the lead on Aaron Judge‘s 25th homer of the year in the following inning, making it 3-2 in favor of the Stars.

Indianapolis rebounded on George Foster‘s 15 homer of the year, a 2-run shot making it 4-3.

Nolan couldn’t get an out in the 6th, allowing a double to Rico Carty and a walk to to Ted Kluszewski before being replaced by Willie Mitchell. Mitchell got 2 outs, but then surrendered a game-tying single to Rollins.

Carlton lasted a little longer, but departed in the top of the 8th after surrendering a single to Luis Padrón and hitting Joe Morgan with a pitch. After a walk, Oscar Charleston and Joey Votto singled and eventually Ed Charles doubled, making the score 10-4 in favor of the ABC’s.

That’s how it would end, with Votto finishing the game with 4 RBI’s as Indianapolis took a 2-1 lead in the series.

IND 10 (Mitchell 2-5, 1 BSv) @ PHI 4 (Carlton 7-9)
HRs: IND – Votto (18), Foster (15); PHI – Judge (25).
Box Score

Game Four

The series would end with Indianapolis’ Doc White taking on Ray Collins.

George Foster opened the scoring in the 2nd with a solo shot, but Joe Rogan put Philadelphia on top an inning later, launching his 15th of the year with 2 runners on base. White would give up 2 more in the 4th on RBI hits from Chase Utley and Sherry Magee. Singles to open up the 6th by Ted Kluszewski and Mike Scioscia finally chased White and brought Mike LaCoss in for his WBL debut.

Collins was finally touched for another run in the 7th, but Fred Cambria was able to work out of a jam, preserving the Stars’ 5-2 lead.

Joey Votto launched his 19th of the year in the top of the 9th off Stars’ closer Bob Howry to close it to 5-4, but that was all the ABC’s could muster.

Joe Morgan had 3 hits for Indianapolis, but it wasn’t enough, and the series ends in an even split.

IND 4 (White 4-7) @ PHI 5 (Collins 2-4; Howry 12 Sv; Cambria 1 H; Kennedy 9 H)
HRs: IND – Foster (16), Votto (19); PHI – Rogan (15).
Box Score

It’s not bad, but if the ABC’s are going to solidify their position, they need to beat up on the weaker teams, like the Stars. But 3 homeruns for Votto and 2 for Frisk and Foster are decent signs, for sure.

TWIWBL 70.6: Marvin Miller Division

By mknn

On January 10, 2025

In TWIWBL

Team	W/L	Pct	GB
Indianapolis ABC’s	43-34	.558	—
Kansas City Monarchs	43-34	.558	—
Wandering House of David	35-41	.461	7.5
Houston Colt 45s	34-43	.442	9
Birmingham Black Barons	30-46	.395	12.5

Marvin Miller Division | 25 June

#Birmingham Black Barons

Jim Pagliaroni went deep twice and Birmingham got a good start from Lefty Gomez in a 6-4 win over the Gothams.

Troy Tulowitzki drove in 6 runs in a 9–2 win over the Gothams where Greg Maddux was solid for 7 innings, improving his record to 6-8.

Albert Belle hit 2 homeruns, but Birmingham’s bullpen struggled–again–and the Black Barons dropped to the House of David, 5-4.

#Houston Colt 45’s

Needing a starter, the Colt 45’s sent struggling flamethrower Billy Wagner to AAA, recalling Rick Wise from AA. Wise came through with a solid outing, and Jeff Bagwell went deep twice as Houston walked over Ottawa, 13-3.

Craig Biggio reached double digits in homeruns on the season with 2 deep shots and Houston blew away Indianapolis, 19-1. Carlos Correa drove in 6 and Biggio 5 in the rout, and Pete Hill scored 4 times. Roger Clemens improved to 9-4 with a solid 6 innings.

Stephen Strasbourg finally got his first win of the season, combining with John Franco and Tug McGraw on a 3-hit blanking of Indianapolis. Strasbourg fanned 10 in 7 innings of work and Bagwell hit his 18th homer of the year in the 2-0 victory.

#Indianapolis ABC’s

Gorham Leverett was returned to the minors, with the ABC’s preferring a long reliever who can also start if needs be. They promoted Eppa Rixey, who fits the bill.

With Bob Bescher ready for recall from a rehab assignment, Emil Frisk‘s increased comfort at the WBL level was enough for the ABC’s to send Dave Henderson to AAA in an attempt to revive the veteran’s swing.

#Kansas City Monarchs

Albert Pujols hit 2 out, leading the Monarchs to a 4-3 win over Philadelphia.

Ted Simmons did Pujols 1 better, blasting 3 in an 11 inning, 12-6 win over Ottawa. Simmons drove in 6, with the win going to Craig Kimbrel who improved his record to 2-1 and lowered his ERA to a blistering 1.14.

Simmons hit another 2 (giving him 14 on the season) and Kansas City again beat the Mounties, this time 6-4.

#Wandering House of David

George Gore hit 2 out and the House of David came from behind to beat Indianapolis, 5-4.

Ryne Sandberg went deep twice, reaching 28 on the year, and carried the House of David to a 2-1 win over Birmingham. Kyle Peterson was excellent in his first start, but wasn’t involved in the decision, with the win going to Karl Spooner and Lee Smith picking up his 5th save.

Anthony Rizzo will miss about a month with a fractured finger, prompting the House of David to recall Jung Ho Kang from AAA.

TWIWBL 69.6: Marvin Miller Division

By mknn

On December 9, 2024

In TWIWBL

Team	W/L	Pct	GB
Indianapolis ABC’s	39-31	.557	—
Kansas City Monarchs	39-31	.557	—
Wandering House of David	31-38	.449	7.5
Houston Colt 45s	31-41	.431	9
Birmingham Black Barons	28-43	.394	11.5

Marvin Miller Division | 18 June

#Birmingham Black Barons

John Malarkey replaced Sam Streeter in the rotation for Birmingham.

Jim Whitney had easily his best outing of the year with a 4 hit shutout of Houston. He improved to 3-2 with the 1-0 victory, lowering his ERA to 3.55. Whitney followed that up with a masterful 8+ in a 5-1 win, again over Houston, adding another victory and shaving another 0.20 from his ERA.

#Houston Colt 45’s

Bones Ely heads to AAA with Ice Box Chamberlain coming back up for another stint. Johnny Damon was also sent down and while the Colt 45’s strongly considered recalling Roberto Osuna to help their bullpen, they settled instead on veteran OF Luis Gonzalez.

Toad Ramsey struck out 11 and allowed only 1 hit–that a homerun–in a 4-1 victory over Birmingham. The Colt 45’s scored 4 in the top of the 9th–2 on solo shots from George Brett and Jimmy Wynn and 2 on a double by Pete Hill–to help Ramsey improve to 10-4.

#Indianapolis ABCs

Emil Frisk was returned to AAA as Ed Charles was recalled from his rehab assignment.

Johnny Bench continues to emerge from a season long sense, hitting 2 out in an 8-6 loss to Brooklyn, giving him 17 on the year.

Jake Stenzel will miss about a week, warranting a trip to the DL with Frisk coming back up.

The Only Nolan put in his best start of the year, allowing 1 run in 8 innings and striking out 11 in an 8-2 win over the Gothams.

#Kansas City Monarchs

Boog Powell hit 2 out, but those were the only runs the Monarchs could manage in a 10-2 loss to Homestead.

A. Rube Foster was magnificent, spinning a 2-hit shutout in a 10-0 win over Homestead. Ted Simmons had 3 doubles and Powell and Lou Brock each went deep in the victory.

The Monarchs’ best hitter, Stan Musial, will miss about a week as a strained groin will send him to the DL. Jim King was called up from AAA.

#Wandering House of David

Bruce Sutter and Lee Smith swapped roles, with Smith becoming the designated closer for the House of David.

Ernie Banks went deep twice and drove in 5 as the House of David pounded Ottawa, 15-4. Anthony Rizzo, Joe Harris, and Frank Grant also went deep for the home team.

TWIWBL 68.6: Marvin Miller Division

By mknn

On November 4, 2024

In TWIWBL

Team	W/L	Pct	GB
Indianapolis ABC’s	36-28	.563	—
Kansas City Monarchs	36-28	.563	—
Wandering House of David	28-34	.452	7
Houston Colt 45s	29-36	.446	7.5
Birmingham Black Barons	25-39	.391	11

Marvin Miller Division | 11 June

#Birmingham Black Barons

Andy Pafko went deep twice, reaching 11 on the year, but those were the only runs Birmingham could manage as they fell, 3-2 to Brooklyn in 14 innings.

Hank Aaron hit 2 out, giving him 24 on the year, and the Black Barons beat Homestead 9-4. Aaron drove in 5, and Curtis Granderson and Eddie Mathews each hit their 22nd dinger of the year in support of Sam Streeter.

#Houston Colt 45s

Tony Gwynn went had 3 hits, pushing his season total over 100 and raising his average to .429 in a 7-2 victory over Philadelphia. Roger Clemens improved to 8-2 with a strong 7 plus innings.

#Indianapolis ABC’s

The ABC’s will be without their sparkplug, as Bob Bescher heads to the DL with a bruised knee. Emil Frisk was recalled from AAA. They also exchanged the struggling Sad Sam Jones for the return of Gorham Leverett from a rehab assignment.

Oscar Charleston went deep twice, leading the ABC’s to a 7-5 win over Kansas City.

Luis Padrón increased his win total to a league-leading 11 in an 8-2 victory over Kansas City. Padrón was solid through 7-plus, moving to 11-2 on the year and lowering his ERA to 3.90 while Joey Votto went deep twice for the ABC’s.

#Kansas City Monarchs

Jock Menefee, who had pitched well over a half-dozen appearances, will miss 3-4 months with a shoulder injury. Mike Kume was recalled from AAA.

Dale Murphy went deep twice as the Monarchs pounded out 20 hits in a 17-3 win over Indianapolis. Frank Castillo improved to 9-1, striking out 10 in 7 solid innings of work.

#Wandering House of David

The House of David shook up their staff, sending Wade Miley and Kerry Wood to AAA, and moving Rick Reuschel out of the rotation. Kyle Peterson and Jim Clinton were recalled from the minors.

George Gore would not be who you would have picked: he entered the day with only 3 homeruns and ended it having doubled his total to 6. It was not enough, however, as the House of David fell to the Gothams 10-9 in extra frames.

Sammy Sosa hit 3 solo homers, giving him 17 on the season. The last one gave the House of David the lead in the top of 9th, with Lee Smith earning his 2nd save in a 4-3 victory over the Gothams.

Needing a starter, the House of David sent the mightily struggling Frank Sullivan to AAA with Karl Spooner being recalled.

Clinton’s time in the WBL only lasted 2 appearances. He was effective across his 6 innings of work, but came down with a sore shoulder. Bob Shaw was recalled.

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 15.4: Series XII Notes – Marvin Miller Division

By mknn

On August 27, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Birmingham Black Barons

The Black Barons may have found something with Tim Hudson. The recent callup improved to 3-0 with 8 strong innings against Portland, allowing 4 hits and 2 runs. Birmingham scored 5 runs against Walter Johnson in the 3rd inning in the 6-2 victory, preventing Johnson from notching his 7th win of the year. Tommy Herr–he of the .354 average–hit his first homerun of the season.

Not all the news was great for Birmingham, as Hoyt Wilhelm had to leave the game injured in the 9th inning. It looks like Wilhelm will miss about 5 days, leaving it up in the air whether the Black Barons will put him on the DL.

Playing .400 ball, the Black Barons made some major changes. Greg Maddux and Warren Spahn were both sent to AAA, as was closer Carlos Diaz, with Fred Fussell returning to Birmingham after injury rehab and Steve Bedrosian being recalled all the way from AA, where he had allowed only 8 hits in 22 innings. Juan Rincon will take over as closer from Diaz. Additionally, Chipper Jones and Emil Frisk were both waived, and 3B Pie Traynor was recalled into a platoon with struggling Eddie Matthews.

They would shake it up more, but the minor league talent that is performing well largely duplicates the only bright spots at the big league level–OFs Bob Nieman and Billy Southworth and IFs Frank McCormick, Frank Isbell, and Herr are playing too well to be replaced at the moment.

#Brooklyn Royal Giants

Brickyard Kennedy and Smokey Joe Williams were both sent to AAA, with Dave Von Ohlen completing his rehab assignment and Tommy Hanson being recalled. Sandy Koufax moves into the starting rotation, taking Kennedy’s slot. Additionally, Pee Wee Reese was released and Hobe Ferris demoted to AAA, with Ray Dandridge and Hi Myers coming to Brooklyn. Mike Piazza lost his starting role, and is on the verge of demotion as well.

#Miami Cuban Giants

Alejandro Oms and Will Clark each hit homeruns (Oms’ first of the year) and Charlie Bennett added a key long ball to blow the game open as Miami beat Memphis, 8-4. Don Newcombe got his 2nd win on the year. Not all the news was good for the Cuban Giants, as Carlos Moran had to leave the game with an apparent elbow injury.

Sandy Consuegra was sent to AAA with Steve Brown receiving the call to Miami, a move that necessitated Yonder Alonso‘s being waived. 17 year old Martin Dihigo has struggled since returning from the DL, but his defensive versatility keeps him in Miami for the time being.

#Portland Sea Dogs

Kent Hrbek had 4 hits and Jim Fregosi–who had stranded 6 runners on base earlier in the game–delivered a walk-off sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 10th inning to lead the Sea Dogs over the Black Barons 3-2. Portland pitchers only allowed 4 hits in the game (all from starter Jerry Koosman, who gave up 2 earned runs in 8 innings of work). Johan Santana picked up the win to even his record at 1-1.

The Sea Dogs have some good decisions to make on the mound. Wade Miller‘s fantastic turns in the starting rotation mean that Smokey Joe Wood returns from injury to the bullpen instead of his starting spot. Bob Porterfield and Randy Myers both did well in Portland, but Wood and Jim Kern‘s return send them back to AAA, along with Frank Williams.

On the bench, the Greg Litton question persists: Litton serves as a reserve at a ton of positions, but is struggling to reach a .400 OPS. He remains for now, but the team is considering a bench shake up, returning Litton, Jeff Burroughs, and Gary Pettis to AAA due to their offensive struggles.

#San Francisco Sea Lions

The Sea Lions overcame a 5 run deficit, winning the game against Detroit 8-7 with a walk-off homerun from Jack Clark in the bottom of the 10th. Jimmy Bloodworth homered and had 4 RBIs and Reggie Jackson continued his torrid season going 3-for-5. The win went to Ron Robinson, who is now 3-1.

Dennis Eckersley was returned to AAA to try to find his rhythm on the mound again, with Huston Street being recalled to shore up the middle of the bullpen. Charlie Root will replace Eckersley in the rotation.

In a somewhat surprising move, Charlie Reilly was sent to AAA, while Eddie Joost and Mickey Cochrane remain on the roster. Bob Cerv, who had impressed in a brief stint with the Sea Lions, was recalled into a very crowded OF.

TWIWBL 2.1: Notes From The Opening 5 Games

By mknn

On September 4, 2020

In TWIWBL

All 20 teams opened with 5 game series this week. Some notes from around the league.

First, the WBL Player of the Week went to Indianapolis’ Hal Morris, Morris did hit 450/476/1000 with 3 HRs and 8 RBIs. Still, Lou Gehrig of the New York Black Yankees (538/600/1154, 2 HRs, 6 RBIs) and the Portland Sea Dog’s Buddy Bell (412/444/1059 with 3 HRs) had to deserve significant consideration as well.

#Birmingham Black Barons

SP Fred Fussell and DH Emil Frisk will both miss about a month with injuries to start the season, with Greg Maddux returning to the WBL to replace Fussell.

The Black Barons’ starter’s ERA of 11.84 is the biggest contributor to their 0-5 start to the season.

#Brooklyn Royal Giants

Dutch Leonard tossed a 5 hit shutout in his 1st start of the year, and teammates Don Drysdale and Brickyard Kennedy only allowed 1 run in their starts, leading the Royal Giants to a 4-1 start. Dickie Thon–handed the starting SS role despite not playing in Spring Training–hasn’t embarrassed himself, hitting .250 so far.

#Chicago American Giants

Ticky Nichols threw a 3 hit shutout on 111 pitches to start the season.

#Cleveland Spiders

With John Ellis out about a week, the Spiders sent Hardie Henderson to AAA and recalled Harry Bemis to spell Andy Etchebarren at C. Ellis is still on the active roster, but Detroit has a league-leading 7 players on the DL, but Whit Wyatt, Doug Corbett, and Bill Steen should all be back within about a week.

#Detroit Wolverines

OF Oscar Gamble was hot out of the gates, with 3 HRs and 7 RBIs in the 1st 5 games. Hal Newhouser lasted less than 2 innings before his elbow gave out, sidelining him for a couple weeks. With Claude Passeau also injured, it’s not clear who will get Newhouser’s starts between Gene Conley, Johnny Marcum, and Justin Verlander.

#Kansas City Monarchs

Stan Musial is as hot as any player in the league, opening the season at a 455/500/773 clip. Jose Rijo fanned 10 in 8 IP in a strong 1st start.

#Miami Cuban Giants

Camilo Pascual only allowed 3 hits in 8.2 IP in a strong opening start for the Cuban Giants.

#New York Black Yankees

Eric Davis leads the league with 11 RBI. Both Willie Randolph and Mike Schmidt are still looking for the 1st hits on the season.

#New York Gothams

It’s been a rough 5 days to be a Gothams pitcher: Carl Hubbell is out for over a month, Carson Smith for a few weeks, and Al Mays will be out about a week. Mat Latos (freshly returned from the injury list himself), Al Spalding, and Gaylord Perry are on hand to pick up the starts.

Brian Wilson has 2 saves in the Gothams’s 3 wins.

#Portland Sea Dogs

Mike Cuellar is the 1st 2-game winner in the league, picking up 2 victories in relief and Johan Santana leads the league with a save in each of the Sea Dogs’ 3 wins.

#San Francisco Sea Lions

Lefty Grove only gave up 3 hits and 1 run in a complete game win in his 1st start of the year. Jack Clark is hitting 417/417/750 with 10 RBI, leading the Sea Lions to a 5-0 record. Newly acquired Dick Lundy proved a sparkplug off the bench for San Francisco, even managing a steal of home in his first appearance.

TWIWBL 1.0: Final Preseason Notes

By mknn

On August 23, 2020

In TWIWBL

#BAL

Bill Byrd was moved from the DL to the 5th rotation spot as expected–we’ll see if the risk pays off for the Black Sox. Miller Huggins, acquired from Indianapolis, steps into most of the playing time at 2B (Larry Gardner will play there some as well). Huggins cost Baltimore Rube Foster in a league where pitching is at a premium, so there’s some risk there.

Rick Ferrell, Don Aase, Jesse Burkett, and Bill Sweeney were all designated for assignment to make space on the 40 man roster.

#BBB

Birmingham has had to rejuggle some key parts of their roster as DH Emil Frisk, one of their standout Spring performers, will miss about 5 weeks with a concussion. The Black Barons have recalled Billy Southworth from AAA Atlanta.

#BRK

Tommy Corcoran showed enough to play at the WBL, but he still has minor league options, so along with Pee Wee Reese, untested Dickie Thon breaks camp at SS for Brooklyn.

#CAG

Julio Gotay went from competing for a WBL role at SS to being waived, as Chicago broke camp with Damian Jackson as a reserve IF instead.

#CLE

The Spiders picked up 3B Evan Longoria from Miami. Longoria will pair with Ken Keltner, sending Bob Elliott to AAA. Whit Wyatt will likely miss his first start of the season, with Stan Coveleski most likely to take his place.

#DET

The Wolverines made a minor deal coming out of Spring Training, picking up RP Ron Perranoski and 3B Billy Nash. Perranoski may see the big leagues this season; Nash is several years away. Si Johnson has some elbow tenderness, putting his first start in doubt: Detroit has 4 SP in their bullpen, so there are plenty of candidates to take his place.

#HOD

House of David RP Lee Smith was sent to AAA after he came off the DL. In a smaller deal, they obtained CF Jim Edmonds, who will start the year in the minors.

In a much bigger deal, the HoD picked up CF Pete Browning, Ps Rollie Fingers and Eddie Rommel, SS Bert Campenaris, and 1B Mark McGwire. All but

#IND

15 year old Piggy Ward was waived. The ABC’s added Rube Foster to their pitching staff from Baltimore, pushing Virgil Trucks to the bullpen to open the season.

#MIA

With 2 separate deals, Miami welcomed 1B/3B Jim Thome, CF Gus Bell, 1B Will Clark, C Harry Danning, and OF Carlos Moran to the club. It’s a little bit of a confusing haul, but a couple of things are clear from it: first, the club’s commitment to Martin Dihigo is solidified by clearing the way for the versatile 17 year old; secondly, Paul Molitor was recalled to Miami, presumably to play 2B while Dihigo develops.

Moran makes the roster as well, but Danning and Bell are both players for the future at this point.

#NYA

A bit of a blockbuster brought 27 year old Mike Schmidt–who had a historically bad Spring–over from Philadelphia. Schmidt steps into a lineup with no pressure, moving ahead of Doug DeCinces in the pecking order.

#NYG

The Gothams gained a starting 2B in Cookie Rojas and some veteran offense at 1B in Joe Adcock in a a trade with Miami. OF Yasiel Puig and P Livan Hernandez were also acquired in the deal, and moved to the minors.

#OTT

The most surprising news to come out of Ottawa is that SS Freddy Parent–considered one of the prizes on the market–remains with the team. Despite talent to offer at 1B as well, the Mounties were quiet on the preseason trading front.

#PHI

Moving Schmidt not only cleared the way for Scott Rolen at 3B, it also netted Philadelphia 2 big league talents in C Bill Dickey and OF Aaron Judge, as well as prospect 1B Prince Fielder. Dickey steps into a platoon with Sherm Lollar while Judge will begin the season in the minors.

3 P’s were released: Bob Moose, Edwin Jackson, and Hal Kelleher.

#SFS

The Seals made a deal that left their fan base scratching their head. But they’re confident that 20 year old SS Dick Lundy has a great future, OF Bobby Bonds will step right in at the WBL level, and Nick Altrock will prove a useful arm to have around. All 3 made the roster, sending Eddie Miller to the minors.

Season Preview: Birmingham Black Barons

By mknn

On August 22, 2020

In Team News

There are the makings of a good offense here, but the pitching is riddled with question marks, and the defense is easily the worst in the league. Still, Hank Aaron and Eddie Mathews look solid, and if Emil Frisk can continue to hit like he has this Spring, they should score their share of runs.

Final Roster

SP: Alejandro Pena, Fred Fussell, Scott Baker, Dick Rudolph, Warren Spahn.
RP: John Clarkson & Jim Whitney; Hoyt Wilhelm & Sam Streeter; Juan Rincon & Harley Young; Carlos Diaz.

C: Gene Tenace; Dale Murphy
1B: Frank McCormick
2B: Frank Isbell; Tom Herr
3B: Eddie Mathews; Chipper Jones
SS: Omar Infante; Troy Tulowitzki
LF: Hank Aaron
CF: Ginger Beaumont
RF: Al Schweitzer
DH: Emil Frisk

Notes

The bullpen has an interesting construction for Birmingham. With 3 starters unlikely to go deep in ballgames (Alejandro Pena, Fred Fussell, and Scott Baker), there is a need to eat innings, meaning the Black Barons may turn quite often to the quartet of Hoyt Wilhelm (who has struggled all Spring), Sam Streeter, John Clarkson, and Jim Whitney … Dale Murphy had a horrible Spring, but Del Crandall was even worse, preserving Murphy’s spot on the roster behind Gene Tenace at C … another team struggling at SS, where Omar Infante came out of nowhere to win the starting job, with Troy Tulowitzki‘s glove edging out Herman Long in reserve … it wouldn’t be surprising for Birmingham to make some trades as, in addition to SS, LF is an area of real need. Currently, Hank Aaron looks like the starter, but he’s better suited to RF than LF … that said, the severity of Emil Frisk‘s yet-to-be-diagnosed injury could have an impact here as well … Ginger Beaumont held off Curtis Granderson to keep the starter’s role in CF.

39 year old IF Chipper Jones is winding down his career and is the oldest player on the roster by 7 years (ahead of P Fred Fussell and 1B Frank McCormick). OF Hank Aaron and 3B Eddie Mathews both look to have long careers ahead of them, projected as starters at 21 years old each.

There is some decent talent at AAA, led by 21 year old C phenom Earl Battey. At the same age, both Greg Maddux and Vic Willis could help on the mound, although John Malarkey may be more polished. 19 year old 3B Billy Nash is the brightest light at AA.