A .500 average and 3 homeruns was enough for Jeff Bagwell of the Houston Colt 45’s to win the NL Player of the Week Award while, in the AL, Portland‘s resurgent Buddy Bell took home the Award, doing even better over the span by hitting .522 with 4 dingers.
#Team Performance
The yawner is the Cum Posey Division, where San Francisco continues to coast with the best record in the league, leading the division by 15 games and going 8-22 over their last 10 contests.
In the Bill James Division, where the New York Black Yankees once looked as comfortable as San Francisco, the Cleveland Spiders have closed to within 2.5 games of New York. That’s the same margin the Brooklyn Royal Giants hold over Homestead in the Effa Manley Division while, over in the Marvin Miller Division, it’s a 3 team race between Kansas City, Indianapolis, and Houston with only 2.55 games separating those 3 franchises.
Baltimore continues to flounder with the worst record in the WBL at 41-58.
#Player Performance
#Batters
Returning to this, a few things stand out: Detroit‘s Ty Cobb has hit a little bit of a lull, pulling his average well below .400 while Babe Ruth keeps doing Babe Ruth things, but isn’t as dominant as he has been in past moments. All of this has allowed the exploits of Homestead’s Josh Gibson to come to the forefront.
Gibson was an all-star, but he was overshadowed by Cobb and Ruth until now. But he’s slashing 407/500/781, which may make the young backstop the most dangerous bat in the league at the moment.
As always, top 3 in most stats with the leaders in bold.
It’s an odd list, as the gap between the truly elite performers–essentially Gibson, Cobb, and Ruth and, maybe, Cleveland’s Tris Speaker–and the next group is pretty wide.
Ron Blomberg (CLE). 286/355/681. 38 HR, 101 RBI. José Canseco (MCG). 252/370/709. 42 HR. Oscar Charleston (IND). 345/390/639. 130 H, 11 3B. Ty Cobb (DET). 381/432/818. 130 H, 41 2B, 5.8 WAR. Kal Daniels (LAA). 331/434/626. Josh Gibson (HOM). 407/500/781. 1221 H, 6.5 WAR. Tony Gwynn (HOU). 366/406/563. 130 H. Rickey Henderson (SFS). 260/386/482. 63 BB, 69 SB. Joe Jackson (CAG). 362/407/592. 124 H, 44 2B. Stan Musial (KCM). 325/390/573. 40 2B. Mike Piazza (BRK). 313/350/709. 38 HR. Babe Ruth (NYY). 291/428/769. 47 HR, 108 RBI, 94 R, 78 BB, 6.0 WAR. Tris Speaker (CLE). 343/423/692. 81 R. Larry Walker (OTT). 274/355/669. 38 HR, 93 RBI. Ted Williams (MEM). 306/419/636. 81 R, 63 BB.
#Pitchers
#Starters
All 6 players with 12 or more wins are listed.
A. Rube Foster (KCM). 6-2, 2.48. 0.93 WHIP. Lefty Grove (SFS). 12-4, 3.86. 156 K. Ron Guidry (NYY). 8-6, 4.24. 169 K. Bump Hadley (SFS). 14-4, 3.62. 3.55 FIP. Orel Hershiser (BRK). 12-5, 3.76. José Méndez (MCG). 9-5, 4.12. 3.9 WAR. Luis Padrón (IND). 13-3, 3.70. 3.57 FIP, 4.4 WAR. Eddie Plank (SFS). 14-4, 3.90. Toad Ramsey (HOU). 13-5, 2.82. 175 K, 0.93 WHIP, 2.81 FIP, 6.1 WAR. Jim Whitney (MCG). 5-2, 2.88. 1 Sv, 2 H. 0.98 WHIP.
#Relievers
22 IP Min.
Rod Beck (SFS). 3-2, 3.58. 25 Sv, 1 H. 0.76 WHIP. Rheal Cormier (NYY). 0-2, 5.48. 12 H. Eric Gagne (BRK). 2-1, 3.14. 20 Sv. Eddie Guardado (KCM). 2-1, 1.87. 1 Sv, 6 H. Bob Howry (PHI). 3-1, 3.91. 13 Sv. 0.78 WHIP. Michael Jackson (HOM). 1-4, 3.48. 1 Sv, 14 H. Josh Lindblom (HOM). 4-3, 3.44. 25 Sv. Robb Nen (NYG). 3-2, 1.72. 10 Sv, 9 H. Lee Smith (KCM). 4-1, 2.37. 6 Sv, 6 H. 0.82 WHIP. Brian Wilson (NYG). 1-0, 1.19. 14 Sv.
#Injury Report
Detroit’s Mike Henneman may start a rehab assignment later in the week.
For each section, if a player doesn’t qualify for batting stats (roughly 270 PA), their G and PA are listed. Bold indicates a leader at that position for the stat; top 3 listed for most stats.
If you compare this with the prior post discussing the AL, the gap in offensive talent and pitching depth becomes apparent.
#C
Name
OPS
Slash
Reg Stats
Other
Josh Gibson (HOM)
1.234
390/481/754
27 2B; 23 HR; 79 RBI; 5.3 WAR
3.4 FRM
Gary Carter (OTT)
1.102
324/387/715
31 HR; 663 RBI; 3.9 WAR
48% RTO
Mike Piazza (BRK)
1.027
311/348/679
31 HR; 70 RBI; 2.9 WAR
Jim Pagliaroni (BBB)
.898
248/355/543
Buster Posey (NYG)
.894
291/344/550
Ted Simmons (KCM)
.880
285/314/565
25 2B
4.08 CERA
FRM = Framing Runs | RTO% = Runners Thrown Out | CERA = Catcher ERA
The only question here is whether the NL dips below the big 3. 21 Year old Josh Gibson will start, of course, with Gary Carter and Mike Piazza in reserve.
#1B
Name
OPS
Slash
Reg Stats
Other
Will Clark (NYG)
.989
302/381/608
56 RBI; 1.8 WAR
Mike Epstein (HOM)
.971
252/386/585
22 HR; 63 RBI; 1.7 WAR
.998 Fldg
Anthony Rizzo (HOD)
.964
278/402/561
Joe Harris (HOD)
.956
295/410/546
Jeff Bagwell (HOU)
.938
279/376/562
71 RBI
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
The NL has a totally different challenge to the AL: here, it is whether any of the natural 1B really deserve to make the team. Will Clark will start, with Mike Epstein on the bench. Joe Harris split his time between 1B and the OF, and may be selected in that role.
#2B
Name
OPS
Slash
Reg Stats
Other
Joe Morgan (IND)
1.101
324/425/676
50 RBI; 2.2 WAR
52 G / 221 PA
Roberto Alomar (OTT)
.972
312/391/581
22 2B; 18 HR; 65 RBI; 31 SB; 3.3 WAR
Ryne Sandberg (HOD)
.964
303/356/608
28 HR; 60 RBI; 2.7 WAR
.997 Fldg; 5.04 RF
Jackie Robinson (BRK)
.897
270/357/540
17 HR
Craig Biggio (HOU)
.837
267/371/466
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
Roberto Alomar and Ryne Sandberg are locks, with Alomar getting the nod as the starter. Beyond them, it gets interesting: Joe Morgan has been phenomenal, but missed a significant chunk of time while Jackie Robinson may deserve a spot, but has split his time between 2B and 1B. While Robinson is invaluable to Brooklyn, his offensive production is excellent for a 2B, but only solid for a 1B.
#SS
Name
OPS
Slash
Reg Stats
Other
Ernie Banks (HOD)
1.006
287/316/690
34 HR; 78 RBI; 1.7 WAR
Carlos Correa (HOU)
.931
322/396/535
20 2B; 13 HR; 40 RBI; 3.1 WAR
.981 Fldg; 4.2 ZR
Álex Rodríguez (OTT)
.899
260/322/577
25 HR; 45 RBI; 20 SB; 1.5 WAR
.974 Fldg
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
While some may suggest that Kansas City’s Ozzie Smith deserves to be listed here due to his defensive prowess (he leads all SS in Fldg, RF, and ZR), it’s a bit too much to imagine a sub-.700 OPS warranting an all star spot. Ernie Banks and Carlos Correa are in, with Álex Rodríguez on the bubble for a while.
#3B
Name
OPS
Slash
Reg Stats
Other
Albert Pujols (KCM)
1.003
314/381/622
32 2B; 60 RBI; 2.5 WAR
Ron Cey (BRK)
.978
278/375/602
22 HR; 2.6 WAR
.978 Fldg; 2.46 RF; 3.5 ZR
Eddie Mathews (BBB)
.917
222/345/572
27 HR; 56 RBI
2.76 RF
Scott Rolen (PHI)
.911
275/349/562
55 RBI; 2.1 WAR
.976 Fldg; 2.6 ZR
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
Albert Pujols is named the starter here (although he may end up shifting over to 1B in the game itself), with Ron Cey behind him. Eddie Mathews‘ best hope of making the cut is if he ends up being the leading candidate for Birmingham, but my guess is they find representation on the pitching staff first.
#LF/RF
As with the AL, we’ll treat the corner OF’s together.
Name
OPS
Slash
Reg Stats
Other
Larry Walker (OTT)
1.080
292/364/715
37 HR; 877 RBI; 2.5 WAR
3.97 RF
Rick Reichardt (HOM)
1.044
314/387/657
Tony Gwynn (HOU)
1.030
390/429/601
27 2B; 6 3B; 3.1 WAR
5 Kills
Aaron Judge (PHI)
.972
272/368/604
.993 Fldg
Stan Musial (KCM)
.964
329/392/573
37 2B; 2.2 WAR
5.7 ZR
Joe Rogan (PHI)
.958
296/341/617
Johnny Callison (NYG)
.913
272/333/580
.993 Fldg
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
Certainly Larry Walker, Rick Reichardt, and Tony Gwynn make it, with Gwynn and Walker earning the starting nods. It seems like Aaron Judge and Stan Musial should make the cut as well, and Rogan gets a roster spot for his combined effort on the mound and at the plate.
#CF
Name
OPS
Slash
Reg Stats
Other
Rick Monday (OTT)
1.207
305/397/809
46 G / 151 PA
Oscar Charleston (IND)
1.006
335/384/622
19 2B; 9 3B; 63 RBI; 25 SB; 2.7 WAR
Willie Mays (NYG)
.974
277/347/627
31 HR; 62 RBI; 3.1 WAR
8.5 ZR
Carlos Beltrán (OTT)
.860
253/326/534
63 RBI
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
Rick Monday can’t be a serious candidate, given his playing time, but wow are those numbers eye-popping.
Oscar Charleston gets the start at age 20, with Willie Mays also being named to the team. Carlos Beltrán is listed partially to show the gap between Mays and the next group of CFers. Rogan could also have been listed here.
#DH
Name
OPS
Slash
Reg Stats
Willie Stargell (HOM)
.954
270/348/606
14 2B; 27 HR; 60 RBI; 1.2 WAR
Albert Belle (BBB)
.884
256/313/571
15 2B; 26 HR; 59 RBI
Benny Kauff (NYG)
.869
261/315/553
19 2B
Duke Snider (BRK)
.771
226/262/509
25 HR; 54 RBI
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
Willie Stargell will start, but it’s not clear any of the rest of these make it: Mathews is a better selection for Birmingham if one is needed, and Benny Kauff and Duke Snider–while doing well–just aren’t quite all star material this year.
#SP
Now things get a lot tighter in the NL. Here is everyone with a sub 4.00 ERA and/or 10 or more wins, plus a few others.
Name
W-L; ERA
Reg Stats
Other
A. Rube Foster (KCM)
5-1, 2.20
.202 BABIP, 0.96 WHIP, 3.67 FIP
88% QS, 2 SHO
Toad Ramsey (HOU)
12-4, 2.60
163 K, 0.90 WHIP, 2.68 FIP, 5.8 WAR
72% QS, 2 SHO, 2.29 SIERA, 2.0 WPA
Fernando Valenzuela (BRK)
6-1, 2.66
0.87 WHIP; .176 BABIP
3 GS / 74 IP
Hardie Henderson (PHI)
10-6, 3.05
.214 BABIP
1.5 WPA
Jim Whitney
5-2, 3.11
1 Sv; 2 H, 1.02 WHIP
75% QS, 2.0 WPA
Roger Clemens (HOU)
10-4, 3.64
.210 BABIP
Smokey Joe Williams (BRK)
7-8, 3.64
3.4 WAR
Orel Hershiser (BRK)
11-4, 3.70
Luis Padrón (IND)
12-2, 3.87
3.44 FIP, 3.8 WAR
2 SHO
Smokey Joe Wood (KCM)
9-6, 3.95
J.M. Ward (PHI)
4-4, 3.99
Frank Castillo (KCM)
10-1, 4.43
2 SHO
Bullet Joe Rogan (PHI)
5-8, 4.46
2 SHO
FIP = Fielding Independent Pitching | BABIP = BA Allowed on Balls In Play | QS = Quality Starts | SHO = Shutouts | SIERA = Skill Interactive ERA | WPA = Win Probability Added
Toad Ramsey is the starter, with Luis Padrón and A. Rube Foster close behind. Hardie Henderson seems to be another required choice, with his ERA barely eclipsing 3.00.
After that choices, have to be made: Jim Whitney has been brilliant, but just barely qualifies for the ERA title. Fernando Valenzuela has been even better, but was used out of the bullpen for most of the season. And how do you ignore a starting pitcher with a 10-1 record? I don’t think you can, so we’ll add Valenzuela and Castillo, snubbing Brooklyn’s very strong duo of Orel Hershiser and Smokey Joe Williams.
#RP
Name
W-L; ERA
Reg Stats
Other
Harley Young (BBB)
0-1, 1.12
3 Sv; 6 H
1.87 FIP
Craig Kimbrel (KCM)
2-3, 1.85
2 Sv; 11 H
2.38 FIP; 15 SD; 2.88 SIERA
Robb Nen (NYG)
3-2, 1.89
9 Sv; 6 H
Tug McGraw (HOU)
3-3, 2.05
9 Sv
.90 Sv%
Eddie Guardado (KCM)
2-1, 2.05
1 Sv; 5 H
2.58 FIP
Lee Smith (HOD)
4-1, 2.65
6 Sv; 6 H
.198 BABIP; 0.771 WHIP; .86 Sv%; 2.89 SIERA
Eric Gagne (BRK)
2-1, 2.81
19 Sv
18 SD
Josh Lindblom (HOM)
4-2, 3.19
23 Sv
.96 Sv%; 18 SD
Ted Kennedy (PHI)
2-2, 3.47
4 Sv; 9 H
Rob Murphy (IND)
1-3, 3.55
1 Sv; 11 H
Michael Jackson (HOM)
1-4, 3.73
1 Sv; 12 H
Bob Howry (PHI)
3-1, 4.09
12 Sv
.172 BABIP; 0.82 WHIP
FIP = Fielding Independent Pitching | BABPI = BA Allowed on Balls In Play | SD = Shutdowns | SIERA = Skill Interactive ERA | Sv% = Save %
More hard choices. Harley Young and Craig Kimbrel have been essentially unhittable and Eric Gagne and Josh Lindblom have been the most effective closers. So those 4 for sure. Robb Nen has done everything the Gothams have asked, covering as closer while Brian Wilson was injured, and continuing to dominate after Wilson’s return (Wilson only misses the team through a lack of IP after his injury).
The real omission here seems to be Lee Smith, who has stepped into the closers role for the House of David with aplomb, reflected in his overall statistical performance.
#NL All Stars
It came down to Scott Rolen, Buster Posey, Smokey Joe Williams, and Jim Whitney for the NL’s final spot. We decided to honor their dominant pitching as a league, removing Rolen and Posey from consideration.
Williams has only pitched roughly a dozen innings more than Whitney, who has better numbers across the board. That leaves Smokey Joe on the outside looking in this year.
As with the AL, here are the highest ranked performers in various categories who missed the cut.
Hank Aaron (BBB). #4 in H (96); #6 in HR (29); #16 in SLG (.588). Joe Harris (HOD). #13 in BA (.295); #3 in OBP (.410); #18 in OPS (.956). Jeff Bagwell (HOU). #4 in RBI (71). Buster Posey (NYG). #13 in WAR (2.2). Nap Lajoie (HOM). #3 in 2B (28). Pete Hill (HOU). #1 in 3B (10). Tim Raines (OTT). #1 in SB (59).
Orel Hershiser (BRK). #3 in W (11). Christy Mathewson (NYG). #2 in IP (128); #2 in K (124). Smokey Joe Williams (BRK). #3 in WAR (3.4); #4 in FIP (3.73). Roger Clemens (HOU). #5 in ERA (3.64). J.M. Ward (PHI). #4 in WHIP (1.02). Rob Dibble (IND) and Jeff Pfeffer (KCM) are tied for #3 in Saves with 16, but neither have an ERA under 5.00.
The offensive players look fine. Mathewson and especially Smokey Joe have a right to feel aggrieved about this one.
Starters in bold.
C: Gary Carter (OTT), Josh Gibson (HOM); Mike Piazza (BRK). 1B: Will Clark (NYG), Mike Epstein (HOM). 2B: Roberto Alomar (OTT), Ryne Sandberg (HOD). SS: Ernie Banks (HOD), Carlos Correa (HOU). 3B: Ron Cey (BRK), Albert Pujols (KCM). LF: Tony Gwynn (HOU); Rick Reichardt (HOM). CF: Oscar Charleston (IND), Joe Rogan (PHI), Willie Mays (NYG). RF: Aaron Judge (PHI), Stan Musial (KCM), Larry Walker (OTT). DH: Willie Stargell (HOM). SP: Frank Castillo (KCM), A. Rube Foster (KCM), Hardie Henderson (PHI), Luis Padrón (IND), Toad Ramsey (HOU), Fernando Valenzuela (BRK), Jim Whitney (BBB). RP: Eric Gagne (BRK), Craig Kimbrel (KCM), Josh Lindblom (HOM), Robb Nen (NYG), Harley Young (BBB).
Selections are more consistently spread across the NL, with Homestead and Kansas City leading the way with 5 players each. All teams saw at least 2 players selected for the midsummer classic.
Brooklyn, with the best record in the league, may feel a bit hard done by, as both Smokey Joe Williams and Jackie Robinson are left off the squad. Indianapolis has a similar argument, with only 2 representatives despite being only a game out of 1st with a record over .500, but the omission of Joe Morgan due to playing time is more understandable.
Here they are by team
Homestead Grays (.535). Mike Epstein (1B), Josh Gibson (C), Josh Lindblom (P), Rick Reichardt (OF), Willie Stargell (DH). Kansas City Monarchs (.534). Frank Castillo (P), A. Rube Foster (P), Craig Kimbrel (P), Stan Musial (OF), Albert Pujols (3B). Brooklyn Royal Giants (.575). Ron Cey (3B), Eric Gagne (P), Mike Piazza (C), Fernando Valenzuela (P). New York Gothams (.494). Will Clark (1B), Willie Mays (OF), Robb Nen (P). Houston Colt 45’s (.494). Carlos Correa (SS), Tony Gwynn (OF), Toad Ramsey (P). Philadelphia Stars (.483). Hardie Henderson (P), Aaron Judge (OF), Joe Rogan (U/P). Ottawa Mounties (.460). Roberto Alomar (2B), Álex Rodríguez (SS), Larry Walker (OF). Indianapolis ABC’s (.523). Oscar Charleston (OF), Luis Padrón (P). Wandering House of David (.471). Ernie Banks (SS), Lee Smith (P). Birmingham Black Barons (.432). Harley Young (P), Jim Whitney (P).
The NL sees only 4 repeat all-stars: Mike Epstein, Josh Gibson, Willie Mays, and Stan Musial
We’ll preview the All Star selections, so this will be a bit of a longer entry.
#Awards
Lots of awards, as we moved into a new month!
First, the smaller ones. Houston‘s Jeff Bagwell was the National League Player of the Week, hitting .409 with 5 homeruns while Eric Davis of the juggernaut New York Black Yankees was the American League Player of the Week, hitting .481 with 5 homers in the same span.
In the monthly awards, the American League Rookie of the Month for June was San Francisco‘s Turkey Stearnes, who hit .378 with 11 homeruns in the month.
Kansas City‘s A. Rube Foster was both the National League Rookie of the Month and the NL Pitcher of the Month, going 3-1 with a 1.65 ERA, as the young hurler announced himself as, at least so far, a premier WBL starter. The American League Pitcher of the Month was Bump Hadley, Stearnes’ teammate in San Francisco. Hadley was 5-0 in June with a 2.66 ERA.
Ottawa‘s star backstop, Gary Carter, was the National League Batter of the Month, hitting .397 with 14 homeruns in June while in the American League, unsurprisingly, the award went to the stellar Ty Cobb. The Detroit OF hit .408 with 11 homers in June, which actually brought his overall average down in that span (Cobb is leading the WBL in BA at .418).
#Team Performance
Yawn.
The Black Yankees and the Sea Lions continue to be the 2 best teams in the league, leading their divisions by 5 and 11 games respectively.
The Effa Manley Division might offer some excitement in the second half, as Brooklyn still leads Homestead by 4 and the New York Gothams by 5.5. But the only true race is in the Marvin Miller Division, where Kansas City has overtaken Indianapolis, now leading the ABC’s by 2.5 games.
The Houston Colt 45’s are 8-2 over their last 10 games, but still sit 5 games under .500. Detroit and Philadelphia are moving in the other direction, with each team managing only 2 wins in their last 10 contests.
Birmingham still has the worst record in the league, but they have moved over .400, sitting at .410 (34-49).
#Player Performance
Batters
It’s still Ty Cobb’s world, although Babe Ruth is doing Babe Ruth things, and reached the 40 homerun plateau during the last week.
José Canseco (MCG). 254/375/734. 36 HR. Oscar Charleston (IND). 336/386/642. 103 H, 9 3B. Ty Cobb (DET). 416/464/885. 116 H, 37 2B, 8 3B, 5.8 WAR. Josh Gibson (HOM). 392/481/748. 5.1 WAR. Tony Gwynn (HOU). 389/425/601. 116 H. Pete Hill (HOU). 291/371/487. 10 3B. Joe Jackson (CAG). 356/398/588. 103 H, 39 2B. Stan Musial (KCM). 329/392/573. 37 2B. Babe Ruth (NYY). 292/426/775. 40 HR, 90 RBI, 82 R, 68 BB, 5.0 WAR. Larry Walker (OTT). 293/369/721. 36 HR, 85 RBI.
Rickey Henderson (San Francisco) and Tim Raines (Ottawa) continue to be 1-2 in the league in steals, but it’s getting closer, with Henderson’s edge now 60 to 53.
Pitchers
Starters
While his performance has been somewhat below par, the New York Gothams’ Christy Mathewson continues to be definition of workhorse, leading the WBL with 20 starts, 2 ahead of a bevy of hurlers with 18.
7 pitchers have reached double-digits in wins, with Luis Padrón (Indianapolis) leading the way at 11-2. All 7 are included below. Houston’s Toad Ramsey was so dominant for so long, he is still the top starter in the league despite a recent dip in form, but I would probably choose Lefty Grove of San Francisco or the emergent A. Rube Foster.
Frank Castillo (KCM). 10-1, 4.22. A. Rube Foster (KCM). 5-1, 2.30. .203 BABIP, 0.98 WHIP, 3.70 FIP. Lefty Grove (SFS). 10-4, 3.71. 126 IP, 132 K, 3.1 WAR. Ron Guidry (NYY). 8-4, 3.86. 143 K, 3.80 FIP, 3.2 WAR. Bump Hadley (SFS). 11-4, 4.21, 3.50 FIP, 3.0 WAR. Orel Hershiser (BRK). 10-4, 3.87. Luis Padrón (IND). 11-2, 4.21. 3.57 FIP, 3.3 WAR. Eddie Plank (SFS). 11-3, 3.54. Toad Ramsey (HOU). 11-4, 2.77. 124 IP, 152 K, 0.89 WHIP, 2.80 FIP, 5.2 WAR. Ed Walsh (CAG). 6-3, 3.41. 1 Sv, .201 BABIP. Smokey Joe Williams (BRK). 7-7, 3.41. 3.66 FIP, 3.4 WAR.
Relievers
We’ve listed the top 3 leaders in saves, all 5 of the relievers who have reached double digits in Holds, as well as all 5 with an ERA below 2.00.
18 IP minimum.
Rod Beck (SFS). 3-2, 3.47. 21 Sv. Rheal Cormier (NYY). 0-2, 6.03. 11 H. Eric Gagne (BRK). 1-1, 2.92. 19 Sv. Ken Howell (SFS). 4-1, 1.72. 1 Sv, 4 H. Michael Jackson (HOM). 1-4, 4.13. 1 Sv, 10 H. Brad Kilby (PHI). 1-2, 4.39. 2 Sv, 10 H. Craig Kimbrel (KCM). 2-1, 1.14. 2 Sv, 11 H. Josh Lindblom (HOM). 4-2, 3.45. 20 Sv. Rob Murphy (IND). 1-3, 3.75. 1 Sv, 11 H. Robb Nen (NYG). 3-2, 1.95. 9 Sv, 6 H. Ron Robinson (SFS). 1-0, 1.64. 3 Sv, 3 H. BJ Ryan (OTT). 1-2, 4.15. 1 Sv, 10 H. Harley Young (BBB). 1-0, 1.23. 3 Sv, 5 H.
#Injury Report
Portland lost half of their backstop platoon as AJ Pierzynski will be out for close to a month. News was worse for Ottawa, as SP Bob Moose is out for close to a year.
Houston’s Casey Stengel and Kansas City’s Lou Brock are awaiting diagnosis on their current injuries.
Baltimore’s Bobby Wallace, Detroit’s Billy Hoeft, and the Black Yankees’ Dave Righetti should all begin rehab assignments this week.
#The All Star Candidates
We’ll look at these by position, mixing the two leagues for the time being.
For each position, we’ve included as many players as it takes to have at least 3-4 candidates from each league, highlighting some pretty severe disparities in talent between the AL and the NL.
If players don’t qualify for the batting stats, their playing time is noted, as are some other potentially influencing factors. This indicates a leader at that position among the players listed (but not necessarily overall).
Each league can only select 32 players for the All Star Game itself (usually 20 or 21 position players and 11 or 12 pitchers), so quite a few of the players listed here will be left on the outside looking in.
#C
The NL dominates here, with 3 catchers with an OPS over 1.000. That means some worthy candidates–most notably NYG’s Buster Posey –are likely to miss out.
Name
Tm / Lg
OPS
Reg Stats
Other
Josh Gibson
HOM / NL
1.229
5.1 WAR; 67 RBI
3.1 FRM
Gary Carter
OTT /NL
1.073
28 HR
47.1 RTO%
Mike Piazza
BRK / NL
1.042
29 HR; 65 RBI
4.87 CERA
Ed Bailey
DET / AL
.972
57 G/216 PA; 43.6 RTO%
Jim Pagliaroni
BBB / NL
.925
61 G/231 PA
Mickey Cochrane
SFS / AL
.917
10 SB; 4.39 CERA
Ted Simmons
KCM / NL
.900
63 G/256 PA; 4.15 CERA
Buster Posey
NYG / NL
.870
3.8 FRM
Joe Mauer
POR / AL
.856
14 SB
Curt Blefary
BAL /AL
.826
Carlton Fisk
CAG / AL
.800
67 G/254 PA; 11 SB
FRM = Framing Runs | RTO% = Runners Thrown Out | CERA = Catcher ERA
The other stalwart defensive catchers–Miami‘s Iván Rodríguez and Indianapolis’ Johnny Bench–just haven’t hit enough, although a late surge by Bench has moved him up these lists.
I don’t think there is any question in the NL, where it’s Gibson, Carter, and Piazza. Cochrane and Mauer should be in for the AL, with a question of whether you go with Bailey’s bat in more limited appearances or Blefary. Should the NL decide to carry 4 backstops, the choice between Pagliaroni and Simmons (and, perhaps, Posey) is close.
Gibson and Cochrane should be the starters.
#1B
The AL has a slight edge here, but there’s a lot of talent throughout.
Name
Tm / Lg
OPS
Reg Stats
Other
Lou Gehrig
NYY / AL
1.057
28 HR; 21 2B; 65 RBI
.995 Fldg
Will Clark
NYG / NL
1.006
Frank Thomas
CAG / AL
1.004
Hank Greenberg
DET / AL
.991
26 HR
.998 Fldg; 3.1 ZR
Mike Epstein
HOM / NL
.965
Anthony Rizzo
HOD / NL
.964
Lance Berkman
CLE / AL
.957
Jim Thome
MCG / AL
.927
28 HR; 64 RBI
Jeff Bagwell
HOU / NL
.923
66 RBI
.995 Fldg
Boog Powell
KCM / NL
.920
.995 Fldg; 9.23 RF; 2.9 ZR
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
Gehrig and Clark are almost certainly the starters, and the AL will likely take Thomas and Greenberg as well. In the NL, it gets a little trickier, as Powell (along with Greenberg) is one of the better 1B defensively. Epstein’s offense will carry him, but after that my guess is Rizzo gets the selection (but cannot participate via injury), and is replaced by Powell, with Bagwell having a legitimate complaint.
#2B
The NL is ridiculously stacked in terms of offensive-minded 2B.
Name
Tm / Lg
OPS
Reg Stats
Other
Joe Morgan
IND / NL
1.088
47 G/199 PA
Roberto Alomar
OTT/ NL
1.008
21 2B; 18 HR; 64 RBI; 31 SB; 3.5 WAR
Ryne Sandberg
HOD / NL
.995
28 HR; 60 RBI; 2.9 WAR
.997 Fldg; 5.00 RF
Jackie Robinson
BRK / NL
.938
Rogers Hornsby
POR / AL
.919
53 G/234 PA
Charlie Gehringer
DET / AL
.876
57 G/225 PA; .989 Fldg; 5.09 RF
Eddie Collins
CAG / AL
.850
36 SB
Bobby Grich
LAA / AL
.845
15 HR
Craig Biggio
HOU / NL
.841
Chase Utley
PHI / NL
.781
4.92 RF; 9.3 ZR
Cookie Rojas
MCG / AL
.766
27 2B
.987 Fldg
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
Joe Morgan is included just for interest–he missed too much time to injury to warrant serious consideration. Detroit’s Charlie Gehringer, on the other hand, probably makes the cut, despite starting the season in the minors.
In the NL, it’s pretty clear: Alomar, Sandberg, and Robinson, with the starter being decided between Sandberg and Alomar over the next week. The AL is trickier, but I think it ends up going according to form: Eddie Collins to start, with Gehringer and Hornsby behind him.
#SS
It’s pretty impressive there are this many shortstops that can hit, and Ernie Banks‘ production is incredible.
Name
Tm / Lg
OPS
Reg Stats
Other
Ernie Banks
HOD/ NL
.978
30 HR; 71 RBI
Cal Ripken, Jr.
BAL / AL
.967
39 G/140 PA; .993 Fldg; 4.90 RF
Carlos Correa
HOU/ NL
.929
18 2B; 2.8 WAR
Arky Vaughan
CLE / AL
.887
19 2B; 2.4 WAR
6.3 ZR
Álex Rodríguez
OTT / NL
.885
23 HR
Robin Yount
MCG / AL
.845
15 HR
5.8 ZR
Jim Fregosi
POR / AL
.793
Dick Lundy
SFS / AL
.783
7 3B; 2.1 WAR; 33 SB
Derek Jeter
NYY / AL
.762
Dobie Moore
MEM / AL
.750
22 SB
.983 Fldg
Ozzie Smith
KCM / NL
.672
19 2B; 25 SB
.994 Fldg; 6.3 ZR
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
Ripken, Jr. is really not a serious contender, but he has been impressive in the 40 G’s he’s played. That gives us Banks, Correa, and Rodríguez in the NL and Vaughan, Yount, and either Fregosi or Lundy in the AL.
Smith is included because of his superlative defense, but doesn’t probably make the cut.
This is an interesting position: Vaughan and Rodríguez changed teams in the off season, and Correa’s performance has been a bit of a shock.
#3B
The top 5 are locks, beyond that, it gets much trickier, especially in the NL.
Name
Tm / Lg
OPS
Reg Stats
Other
Albert Pujols
KCM / NL
1.046
32 2B; 60 RBI; 2.8 WAR
Ron Cey
BRK / NL
.967
2.4 WAR
.976 Fldg; 3.3 ZR
Gary Sheffield
MCG/ AL
.929
22 HR; 55 RBI; 15 SB
Evan Longoria
CLE / AL
.926
2.2 ZR
Mike Schmidt
NYY / AL
.926
23 HR; 55 RBI
2.59 RF
Scott Rolen
PHI / NL
.922
2.1 WAR
.974 Fldg; 2.7 ZR
Ron Santo
HOD /NL
.906
52 G/192 PA
Eddie Mathews
BBB / NL
.904
24 HR
.978 Fldg; 2.66 RF
Wade Boggs
MEM / AL
.896
26 2B
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
After Pujols and Cey, it’s hard in the NL. Matthews and Rolen edge ahead of Santo due to defense and Santo’s relative low usage, but picking between the two of them is very challenging, to the point the NL may go with 4 players at the hot corner.
#OF
All of the OF spots are a bit combined in the end, but we’re keeping them separate for the sake of comparison.
#LF
When Detroit’s Ty Cobb plays the OF, he plays here as well, making the AL selections pretty simple.
Name
Tm / Lg
OPS
Reg Stats
Other
Babe Ruth
NYY / AL
1.201
40 HR; 90 RBI; 5.0 WAR
.988 Fldg; 5.1 ZR
Ted Williams
MEM / AL
1.063
23 2B; 65 RBI
Frank Robinson
BAL / AL
1.035
24 HR; 64 RBI; 2.3 WAR
1.000 Fldg
Adam Dunn
IND / NL
.906
24 HR
.989 Fldg; 3.41 RF
Roy White
BRK / NL
.866
Oscar Gamble
DET / AL
.852
Rickey Henderson
SFS / AL
.840
2.8 WAR; 60 SB
7.2 ZR
Tim Raines
OTT / NL
.773
7 3B; 53 SB
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
So, Ruth, Williams, and Robinson are in, and perhaps Henderson’s 60+ SB warrant a spot. In the NL, it’s more challenging. Dunn seems to be a lock, and White is a bit of a sentimental choice. It may be just those 2 from this group.
#CF
Tris Speaker, as despicable of a human being as he is, is the best in the AL right now, especially considering the defensive contribution. Over in the NL, Willie Mays probably edges Oscar Charleston as the starter.
Name
Tm / Lg
OPS
Reg Stats
Other
Rick Monday
OTT /NL
1.172
41 G/136 PA
Tris Speaker
CLE / AL
1.088
31 2B; 4.0 WAR
2.68 RF; 5.1 ZR; 6 Kills
Turkey Stearnes
SFS / AL
1.065
7 3B; 24 HR
Eric Davis
NYY / AL
1.058
26 SB
41 G/188 PA; 1.000 Fldg
Julio Rodríguez
MCG / AL
1.052
39 G/177 PA
Oscar Charleston
IND / NL
1.027
9 3B; 60 RBI; 24 SB
Willie Mays
NYG / NL
.977
31 HR; 62 RBI; 2.9 WAR
.990 Fldg; 2.70 RF; 7.7 ZR
Mike Trout
LAA / AL
.965
24 2B; 2.8 WAR; 21 SB
1.000 Fldg
Carlos Beltrán
OTT / NL
.916
63 RBI; 21 SB
Alejandro Oms
MCG / AL
.883
5 3B
6.3 ZR
Curtis Granderson
BBB / NL
.876
26 HR
3.01 RF
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
Monday, Davis, and Rodríguez aren’t really in contention, but their performances in limited action have been pretty spectacular.
Speaker, Stearnes, and Trout are pretty much locks in the AL, with Oms being a hard luck case. Beltrán deserves the spot behind Mays and Charleston.
#RF
A deep, deep group, probably 4 deep in each league.
Name
Tm / Lg
OPS
Reg Stats
Other
José Canseco
MCG / AL
1.109
36 HR
Larry Walker
OTT / NL
1.090
36 HR; 85 RBI; 22.4 WAR
3.89 RF
Reggie Jackson
SFS / AL
1.027
63 RBI; 2.8 WAR; 24 SB
Tony Gwynn
HOU / NL
1.026
6 3B; 24 2B; 2.8 WAR
Aaron Judge
PHI / NL
.994
.992 Fldg
Mickey Mantle
NYY / AL
.993
30 HR; 76 RBI
Joe Jackson
CAG /AL
.986
39 2B; 27 SB
Stan Musial
KCM / NL
.964
37 2B
5.5 ZR
Johnny Callison
NYG / NL
.945
.993 Fldg
Mookie Betts
MEM / AL
.865
24 2B
1.000 Fldg
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
Canseco, Mantle, and the 2 Jacksons seem locks in the AL, with Walker, Gwynn, and Judge in the NL. It’s possible Musial misses the cut, as ridiculous as that sounds.
#DH
The pressure here is immense, given the competition for the other OF spots.
Name
Tm / Lg
OPS
Reg Stats
Other
Ty Cobb
DET / AL
1.350
37 2B; 8 3B; 26 HR; 73 RBI; 5.8 WAR; 31 SB
Kal Daniels
LAA / AL
1.023
21 2B; 2.3 WAR; 30 SB
Manny Ramírez
MEM / AL
.986
56 G/224 PA
Ryan Braun
MCG/ AL
.982
31 HR
Willie Stargell
HOM / NL
.980
27 HR
Gavvy Cravath
BAL / AL
.926
22 2B; 69 RBI
Benny Kauff
NYG / NL
.909
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
Cobb is, of course, a lock, and it would be hard to keep Daniels off the roster. Beyond that, though, it gets difficult to justify a pure DH, although Braun, Stargell, and Cravath all have decent arguments.
#P
Pitching is, of course, a constant crapshoot, and a lot could change in the outings this week.
All pitchers are sorted by ERA.
#SP
This list has everyone with an ERA under 4.00 or 10 or more wins.
Name
Tm / Lg
W-L; ERA
Reg Stats
Other
Toad Ramsey
HOU / NL
11-4, 2.77
152 K; 0.89 WHIP; 5.2 WAR; 2.80 FIP
71% QS; 5 CG; 2 SHO; 2.34 SIERA; 1.7 WPA
Doc Gooden
LAA / AL
7-5, 3.17
Hardie Henderson
PHI/ NL
9-6, 3.18
Smokey Joe Williams
BRK / NL
7-7, 3.41
3.4 WAR
Ed Walsh
CAG / AL
6-3, 3.41
1.06 WHIP
Eddie Plank
SFS / AL
11-3, 3.54
Roger Clemens
HOU / NL
9-4, 3.71
65% QS
Lefty Grove
SFS / AL
10-4, 3.71
132 K
4 CG; 3 SHO; 2.87 SIERA
Johnny Cueto
IND / NL
8-4, 3.75
67% QS
Rube Foster
IND / NL
6-4, 3.80
Ron Guidry
NYY / AL
8-4, 3.86
143 K
2.58 SIERA
Orel Hershiser
BRK / NL
10-4, 3.87
Brett Anderson
LAA / AL
7-2, 3.91
1.06 WHIP
Andy Pettitte
NYY / AL
9-5, 4.05
Bump Hadley
SFS / AL
11-4, 4.21
3.50 FIP
Luis Padrón
IND / NL
11-2, 4.21
3.3 WA; 3.57 FIP
Frank Castillo
KCM / NL
10-1, 4.22
3 CG; 2 SHO
José Méndez
MCG / AL
6-4, 4.45
FIP = Fielding Independent Pitching | QS = Quality Starts | SIERA = Skill Interactive ERA | WPA = Win Probability Added
Right now, I would guess the starting matchup is Toad Ramsey for the NL and Eddie Plank for the AL.
Beyond that, in the AL, I see Gooden, Walsh, and Grove as easy picks. Guidry is likely in as well, leaving Anderson and Hadley on the bubble.
The NL is much harder to figure out. Henderson, Hershiser, Padrón, and Castillo feel like they deserve selections, with Williams having a very strong case as well. That would leave some excellent performances–Clemens and Cueto especially–on the outside looking in.
#Swingmen / Long Relivers
These are players who are either swing starters or have seen more innings than the finishers below. As is often the case, there are a few folks here who, for whatever the reason, took a while to be inserted into the rotation.
Name
Tm / Lg
W-L; ERA
Reg Stats
Other
A. Rube Foster
KCM/ NL
5-1, 2.30
0.98 WHIP
7 GS; 90 IP; 86% QS; 2 SHO; 1.0 WPA
Jim Whitney
BBB / NL
4-2, 3.26
1 Sv; 2 H; 1.03 WHIP
11 GS; 94 IP; 73% QS; 1.9 WPA
Tom Brewer
SFS / AL
0-1, 2.33
1 Sv; 2 H
2 GS; 27 IP
Fernando Valenzuela
BRK / NL
5-0, 2.37
1 Sv; 4 H; 0.96 WHIP
1 GS; 60 IP; 1.0 WPA
Rheal Cormier
NYY / AL
0-2, 6.03
11 H
FIP = Fielding Independent Pitching | QS = Quality Starts | SIERA = Skill Interactive ERA | WPA = Win Probability Added
Foster and Valenzuela seem clear selections, with Brewer and Cormier missing the cut and Whitney being on the bubble.
#Closers & Setups
20 IP Minimum, with a possible exception for Brian Wilson of the New York Gothams.
Name
Tm / Lg
W-L; ERA
Reg Stats
Other
Brian Wilson
NYG/ NL
1-0, 1.08
11 Sv
17 IP
Craig Kimbrel
KCM / NL
2-1, 1.14
2 Sv; 11 H; 0.89 WHIP
15 SD; 5.6 IRS%; 2.90 SIERA; 2.0 WPA
Harley Young
BBB / NL
1-0, 1.23
3 Sv; 5 H
Ron Robinson
SFS / AL
1-0, 1.64
3 Sv; 3 H
Ken Howell
SFS / AL
4-1, 1.72
1 Sv; 4 H
Robb Nen
NYG / NL
3-2, 1.95
9 Sv; 6 H
Eddie Guardado
KCM / NL
2-1, 2.08
1 Sv; 5 H
2.92 SIERA
Tug McGraw
HOU / NL
3-3, 2.16
7 Sv
Ross Reynolds
LAA / AL
2-0, 2.19
1 Sv; 1 H
Goose Gossage
NYY / AL
2-3, 2.32
9 Sv; 8 H
.90 Sv%
Lee Smith
HOD / NL
4-1, 2.73
5 Sv; 6 H; 0.73 WHIP
Eric Gagne
BRK / NL
1-1, 2.92
19 Sv
17 SD
Justin Hampson
BAL / AL
0-0, 3.00
7 H; 0.95 WHIP
Terry Adams
CLE / AL
1-2, 3.18
15 Sv; 2 H
.94 Sv%
Josh Lindblom
HOM / NL
4-2, 3.45
20 Sv
.95 Sv%; 16 SD; 1.3 WPA
Rod Beck
SFS / AL
3-2, 3.47
21 Sv; 0.73 WHIP
15 SD
Rob Murphy
IND / NL
1-3, 3.75
1 Sv; 11 H
Michael Jackson
HOM / NL
1-4, 4.13
1 Sv; 10 H
BJ Ryan
OTT / NL
1-2, 4.15
1 Sv; 10 H
Brad Kilby
PHI / NL
1-2, 4.39
2 Sv; 10 H
2.73 SIERA
Rob Dibble
IND / NL
2-2, 5.25
16 Sv
Jeff Pfeffer
KCM / NL
1-3, 5.61
16 Sv
FIP = Fielding Independent Pitching | QS = Quality Starts | SIERA = Skill Interactive ERA | WPA = Win Probability Added
A difficult set of choices for sure. Of the true closers, Gagne, Lindblom, and Beck seem locks, with Kimbrel, Young, Howell, Nen, McGraw, Gossage, and Smith deserving nods as well.
That would give the NL 7 selections, likely keeping Wilson from making the team. It would also give the AL only 3, opening the door for Adams and even Reynolds or Hampson.
Today, we’ll check in on last year’s all stars from the National League, and next week review the candidates for this year’s midseason classic.
#Awards
Baltimore is starting to make some noise, led by Frank Robinson, who was the AL Player of the Week after hitting .409 with 3 homeruns. Boog Powell of the Kansas City Monarchs hit .522 with 4 homers, earning honors over in the NL.
#Team Performance
Other than a bit of separation in the Effa Manley Division, not a lot has changed.
The New York Black Yankees still lead the Bill James Division, but Cleveland has closed to within 4. San Francisco, tied with the Black Yankees for the best record in the league, is beginning to run away with the Cum Posey Division, leading Chicago (the only 2nd place team under .500) by 9.5 games.
Brooklyn tops the Effa Manley Division, but it’s still tight, with Homestead 2 and the New York Gothams 3.5 games back. A 2-8 record in their last 10 games has dropped Ottawa 7.5 games behind.
Finally, the Indianapolis ABC’s and the Kansas City Monarchs are in a dead heat in the Marvin Miller Division.
The Birmingham Black Barons retain the dubious honor of having the worst record in the league at 30-46.
#Player Performance
Batters
Detroit‘s Ty Cobb had fallen under .400, but a torrid streak has him back on top of the league in batting average at .409, edging in front of Houston‘s Tony Gwynn who sits at .404.
Cobb’s performance really deserves some attention: it’s not just the .409 average, it’s the league leading .861 SLG, driven by 36 doubles and 23 homers. He’s clearly the best hitter in the league so far, although Detroit’s overall performance may reduce his standing in the MVP race.
Roberto Alomar (OTT). 324/405/617. 67 R. José Canseco (MCG). 256/374/740. 33 HR. Oscar Charleston (IND). 330/381/642. 9 3B. Ty Cobb (DET). 409/460/861. 106 H, 36 2B, 5.1 WAR. Josh Gibson (HOM). 391/471/744. 4.7 WAR. Tony Gwynn (HOU). 404/436/632. 110 H. Pete Hill (HOU). 280/366/477. 9 3B. Joe Jackson (CAG). 372/416/613. 36 2B. Stan Musial (KCM). 329/392/573. 37 2B. Babe Ruth (NYY). 293/417/759. 36 HR, 85 RBI, 73 R. Larry Walker (OTT). 296/369/727. 33 HR, 77 RBI.
Rickey Henderson (San Francisco) and Tim Raines (Ottawa) continue to be 1-2 in the league in steals, 55 to 46.
Two batters (Indianapolis’ Adam Dunn and the Black Yankees’ Mickey Mantle) have struck out over 100 times, but with 16 others already over 80, they won’t be alone in the century club for long.
Pitchers
Starters
Indianapolis’ Luis Padrón continues to lead the league in wins with 11. The three other starters with double-digit wins are also included below.
Two interesting newer names here: Rube Foster (Andrew Rube, not Rube) has just been impossible to hit, and now that he is safely over the IP threshold to qualify, it will be interesting to see how long he stays on the leaderboards. Brooklyn‘s Smokey Joe Williams has pitched excellently, despite a sub .500 record to show for it.
A. Rube Foster (KCM). 5-0, 2.22. 0.89 WHIP. Lefty Grove (SFS). 8-4, 3.54. 114 IP. Ron Guidry (NYY). 8-4, 3.77. 136 K, 3.1 WAR. Bump Hadley (SFS). 10-4, 4.34. 3.49 FIP. Luis Padrón (IND). 11-2, 4.22. Eddie Plank (SFS). 10-3, 3.57. Toad Ramsey (HOU). 10-4, 2.87. 116 IP, 145 K, 0.90 WHIP, 2.72 FIP, 5.0 WAR. Smokey Joe Williams (BRK). 6-7, 3.29. 3.1 WAR.
Relievers
We’ve listed the top 3 relievers in saves. We’re getting some separation here, but it’s still hard to really point to anyone–other than Kansas City’s Craig Kimbrel–as being lights-out dominant.
17 IP minimum.
Rod Beck (SFS). 3-2, 3.80. 19 Sv. Eric Gagne (BRK). 1-1, 3.18. 17 Sv. Ken Howell (SFS). 4-1, 1.32. 1 Sv, 4 H. Bob Howry (PHI). 3-1, 3.60. 10 Sv, 0.775 WHIP. Michael Jackson (HOM). 1-3, 3.62. 1 Sv, 10 H. Craig Kimbrel (KCM). 1-1, 1.31. 2 Sv, 10 H. Josh Lindblom (HOM). 4-2, 3.45. 20 Sv. Rob Murphy (IND). 1-1, 3.09. 1 Sv, 11 H. Lee Smith (HOD). 4-1, 2.97. 3 Sv, 6 H, 0.73 WHIP.
#Injury Report
The biggest injury to hit in a while is Kansas City’s Stan Musial, who will miss about a week.
Homestead’s Owen Wilson, Memphis‘ Skel Roach, and Miami‘s Al Oliver are all due to start rehab assignments this week.
#Last Year’s NL All-Stars
As we ramp up to this year’s all-star game, seemed a good time to check in on last year’s designees. This week, we’ll take a look at (what was last year) the AL.
#OBV
Rod Beck (SFS). Second in the league in saves, despite some rough other numbers. Should be enough.
José Canseco (MCG). A .256 average ain’t great … but 33 homers and a nearly 1.100 OPS is.
Lou Gehrig (NYY). A borderline choice last year, Gerhig has upped the power a notch this year.
Josh Gibson (HOM). Gibson has blossomed this year with an OPS over 1.200. He’s probably the best backstop in the WBL at 21 years old.
Lefty Grove (SFS). Doing even better than last season.
Ken Howell (SFS). Continues to be dominant in a support role.
Joe Mauer (POR). Mauer has a 302/383/502 slash line. Nuff said.
Scott Rolen (PHI). Rolen continues to deliver for the Stars.
Babe Ruth (NYY). Still leading the league in key categories, most notably HR and RBI.
#Mebbe
Terry Adams (CLE). A decent shot, sitting 5th in the league in saves with solid peripheral numbers.
Johnny Bench (IND). Bench was probably the best C in the league last season; this year he’s picked it up as of late, but still has fallen far short of last year’s levels.
Ron Blomberg (CLE). 1B is so hard … Blomberg has 27 homers and an OPS just shy of 1.000, yet may not make the midsummer classic.
Mike Epstein (HOM). See Blomberg above. Epstein has an OBP near .400 and a SLG near .600, and may be on the fringes as well.
Jim Fregosi (POR). Is an .800 OPS enough at SS? Maybe …
Rickey Henderson (SFS). A borderline choice last year as well … but a .400 OBP and over 50 SBs at the season midpoint is compelling.
Reggie Jackson (SFS). Jackson is no longer threatening the triple crown, but he’s still sporting an OPS of about .980. So mebbe.
Mickey Mantle (NYY). Mantle has an OPS just over 1.000, but the CF contenders are pretty thick. So we’ll see if it gets him in.
#Meh
Kent Hrbek (POR). A fringe MVP candidate last year, Hrbek has fallen to the ranks of the thoroughly average this year.
Derek Jeter (NYY). Jeter has more power this year, but is hitting under .250, moving him behind other contenders.
Thurman Munson (NYY). Munson may belong in the level below, having fallen dramatically from last year’s heights.
Bobby Murcer (POR). Murcer hasn’t been bad, with a 262/327/496 slash line. But it’s not all star material.
Ron Reed (CLE). Reed is effective this year, but not all-star material.
Cy Young (CLE). Still a workhorse, but not nearly as effective as last season.
#What Happened?
Buddy Bell (POR). Bell has been on fire as of late … which has raised his OPS to a not-so-robust .669.
Don Drysedale (BRK). From one of the better aces in the league to an ERA well over 6.00.
Tom Herr (NYY). Herr rode an all-star first half of last season to a trade to a contender, but has struggled since then, including a .655 OPS this year.
Chuck Knoblauch (CLE). Another hard collapse, with Knoblauch falling to a little below Tom Herr levels.
Charlie Root (DET). Made it as a reliver last year, now a full time starter and being no more than adequate.
#Other
Eric Davis (NYY). Solid, but missed too much time through injury.
Tim Hudson (SFS). Injured, and not doing well when not.
Red Ruffing (NYY). Doing well since his return from injury, but has only gotten a handful of starts.
Johan Santana (POR). No longer in the WBL after a horrifically ineffective return from long-term injury.
Roberto Alomar hit .500 on the week with 4 homeruns, earning the Ottawa 2B the National League Player of the Week. Over in the American League, Miami‘s José Canseco had 7 homeruns to go with a .417 average, earning the American League award.
#Team Performance
The New York Black Yankees and the Indianapolis ABC‘s have each gone 8-2 over their last 10 games. For New York, this has helped them extend their lead over Cleveland in the Bill James Division to 4 games, while Indianapolis has roared int 2nd place in the Marvin Miller Division, sitting 1.5 games behind Kansas City.
Birmingham and Detroit have each gone 2-8 over their last 10, with the Black Barons now 13 games behind Kansas City and the Wolverines falling to 10 games behind the Black Yankees.
#Player Performance
Batters
The changing of the guard continues: Ty Cobb leads the league in most things, and Larry Walker is ahead of Babe Ruth (and Canseco) in homers.
A sign that it’s still early in the season: 2 batters are still hitting over .400 (Cobb and Houston‘s Tony Gwynn); 2 have OBPs over .450 (Cobb and Ruth), and 4–FOUR–are still slugging over .800 (Cobb, Walker, Ruth, and Canseco).
José Canseco (MCG). 280/392/803. 24 HR. Oscar Charleston (IND). 314/361/581. 7 3B. Ty Cobb (DET). 420/471/882. 71 H, 28 2B, 3.6 WAR. Tony Gwynn (HOU). 417/447/669. 73 H. Rickey Henderson (SFS). 269/374/491. 39 SB. Pete Hill (HOU). 272/344/503. 8 3B. Joe Jackson (CAG). 366/411/579. 25 2B. Babe Ruth (NYY). 339/457/814. 24 HR, 62 RBI, 52 R, 41 BB, 3.8 WAR. Joey Votto (IND). 287/439/507. 36 BB. Larry Walker (OTT). 339/416/819. 26 HR, 61 RBI, 45 R.
Seems like a good time to check on the underperformers as well. Clearly a player who leads the league in whiffs can certainly have more value than someone who leads the league in worst OPS while still qualifying for the leaderboards.
Cupid Childs (BBB). 241/371/350. 6 RBI, 13 CS. Adam Dunn (IND). 242/349/571. 64 SO. Andrés Galarraga (HOU). 190/222/393. -1.1 WAR. Oscar Gamble (DET). 234/376/422. 10 GIDP. Mickey Mantle (NYY). 278/385/650. 65 SO. Tony Phillips (DET). 174/266/304. -1.2 WAR. Doug Rader (LAA). 249/305/379. 10 GIDP. Cristóbal Torriente (CAG). 187/228/253. 7 RBI.
It’s an interesting group, with only Galarraga, Phillips, and Torriente really in danger of losing their spots. Dunn and Mantle are clearly excellent players, they just strike out a lot. Childs’ OBP keeps him vital to the top of Birmingham’s lineup, and Gamble and Rader are clearly everyday players.
Pitchers
Starters
With a rain-shortened CG on Sunday, Houston’s Toad Ramsey became the first 8 game winner in the league. I’ve also included the four 7-game winners in the list, as well as the two other hurlers with sub 3.00 ERAs.
If you go by black ink, it remains Ramsey’s season.
Mark Buehrle (CAG). 5-3, 2.86. Frank Castillo (KCM). 7-1, 3.62. Roger Clemens (HOU). 6-1, 3.63. 1.01 WHIP. Johnny Cueto (IND). 7-1, 3.73. Doc Gooden (LAA). 4-3, 2.59. Lefty Grove (SFS). 6-4, 3.08. 3.36 FIP, 2.5 WAR. Ron Guidry (NYY). 7-1, 3.52. 82 K. Hardie Henderson (PHI). 6-3, 2.78. Luis Padrón (IND). 7-1, 3.45. Toad Ramsey (HOU). 8-2, 2.73. 94 K; 0.97 WHIP; 2.76 FIP; 3.4 WAR.
Relievers
Homestead‘s Josh Lindblom and San Francisco‘s Rod Beck continue to lead the league in saves with a dozen each, although Brooklyn‘s Eric Gagne (11 saves) has probably been more effective overall.
12 IP minimum.
Rod Beck (SFS). 2-2, 5.40. 12 Sv. Rheal Cormier (NYY). 0-0, 2.70. 8 H. Trevor Hildenberger (BRK). 1-0, 1.06. 1 Sv, 5 H, 0.65 WHIP. Eric Gagne (BRK). 1-1, 3.18. 11 Sv. Mike Henneman (DET). 4-0, 1.02. 8 Sv. Lefty James (IND). 1-0, 3.55. 1 Sv, 7 H. Ted Kennedy (PHI). 2-2, 3.18. 2 Sv, 7 H. Josh Lindblom (HOM). 3-1, 4.00. 12 Sv. Lee Smith (HOD). 1-0, 1.80. 1 Sv, 5 H, 0.60 WHIP.
#Injury Report
Kansas City’s Bob Gibson should start a rehab assignment later this week, as should Philadelphia‘s Jack Meyer, who has missed over a year of action.
#AA Check In
This week, it’s a look at AA, looking at both the best performers and the best prospects (24 and under) roughly 1/4 of the way through the season. 100 AA PA minimum for batters.
Pos
25+
< 25
C
Kelly Shoppach (28, BRK). 305/362/537.
Bill Dickey (22, PHI). 387/416/639.
1B
Del Bissonette (27, BBB). 337/456/675.
John Mayberry (20, OTT). 349/476/771).
2B
Steve Sax (25, CLE). 398/438/508.
Dario Lodigiani (20, SFS). 363/471/516.
SS
Jhonny Peralta (26, IND). 244/338/472.
Xander Bogaerts (23, LAA). 359/432/538.
3B
Brook Jacoby (29, CLE). 319/393/553.
Ryon Healy (20, OTT). 330/365/637.
LF
Earl Webb (28, POR). 322/386/644.
Andrew Benintendi (22, MEM). 340/447/551.
CF
Keon Broxton (26, CAG). 291/413/563.
Cool Papa Bell (21, KAN). 368/429/747.
RF
Roger Maris (27, NYY). 312/425/720.
Chuck Klein (22, POR). 282/339/602.
SP
Whitey Ford (25, NYY). 5-2, 2.92. 1.6 WAR. George Winter (27, HOU). 5-0, 2.34. 1.4 WAR.
Gary Lucas (24, HOM). 3-2, 3.42. 1.6 WAR. Masahiro Tanaka (24, NYG), 6-4, 4.40. 1.4 WAR.
RP
Rob Wooten (26, MEM). 2-2, 3.00. 11 Sv.
Oad Swigert (23, IND). 0-2, 3.45. 10 Sv.
Lots and lots of talent here, as to be expected. Dickey–part of the haul Philadelphia got for Mike Schmidt–may be recalled shortly, but most of the rest of these hitters are either blocked positionally (trade bait?) or need a year or 2 more in the minors before making their case for WBL time. Dickey, Bell, Klein, and Ford are probably the best long-term prospects.
The season is beginning to hit its stride, very rapidly approaching the quarter-pole. Clearly, the time from now through the all-star break is vital in defining how things fall out.
#Awards
Albert Pujols of the Kansas City Monarchs hit .650 for the week, winning the NL Player of the Week Award while Babe Ruth took home the AL Player of the Week, hitting .522 with 5 homeruns.
Pujols beat out the House of David‘s Ernie Banks, who had 7 homeruns and drove in 14, and Scott Rolen of the Philadelphia Stars who posted a 1.997 OPS, hitting .474 with 6 dingers and 8 RBIs.
#Team Performance
The New York Black Yankees (Bill James Division) and the Kansas City Monarchs (Marvin Miller Division) continue to be the only teams above .600, while Birmingham (in the basement of the Marvin Miller Division) and defending champs Baltimore are both at 13-26, tied for the worst record in the league, and a 1-9 record in their last 10 games has seen the Memphis Red Sox (in the Bill James Division along with Baltimore) plummet to a .378 percentage.
Usual stuff here–top 2 in most categories, league leaders in bold. Ruth’s performance is expected, but Detroit‘s young star, Ty Cobb, is far exceeding expectations at this point.
Lance Berkman (CLE). 326/393/803. 17 HR. Ty Cobb (DET). 400/463/846. 22 2B; 2.8 WAR. Tony Gwynn (HOU). 402/441/621. 53 H. Rickey Henderson (SFS). 294/386/515. 31 SB. Pete Hill (HOU). 273/356/531. 7 3B. Joe Jackson (CAG). 386/427/636. 54 H; 21 2B. Reggie Jackson (SFS). 308/386/664. 38 RBI; 34 R. Babe Ruth (NYY). 326/440/770. 17 HR; 42 RBI; 37 R; 28 BB; 2.7 WAR. Larry Walker (OTT). 357/431/754. 38 RBI. Bobby Wallace (BAL). 233/385/341. 30 BB.
Pitchers
Starters
Just look at that Toad go! Ramsey has been magnificent for the Houston Colt 45’s, although he’s struggled a little in his most recent starts. There are a few more pitchers with 6 wins, I’ve only included the two sitting at 6-1, plus Ramsey.
Johnny Cueto (IND). 6-1, 2.85. 0.91 WHIP. Doc Gooden (LAA). 4-2, 1.72. 2.80 FIP; 1.8 WAR. Ron Guidry (NYY). 5-1, 3.79. 66 K. Walter Johnson (POR). 4-3, 2.82. 60.2 IP; 1.8 WAR. Frank Knauss (BRK). 6-1, 2.19. Toad Ramsey (HOU). 6-2, 1.63. 60.2 IP; 74 K; 0.77 WHIP; 2.31 FIP; 2.9 WAR.
Relievers
12 IP Minimum.
None of the closers have really been dominant–Gagne had been, but his ERA has risen over the past few weeks.
Rod Beck (SFS). 1-2, 5.84. 12 Sv. Jack Billingham (IND). 0-1, 2.25. 2 H; 0.62 WHIP. Rheal Cormier (NYY). 0-0, 3.29. 6 H. Eric Gagne (BRK). 0-0, 2.51. 12 Sv. Bob Howry (PHI). 2-1, 3.29. 8 Sv; 0.51 WHIP. Kenshin Kawakami (MCG). 2-0, 1.02. Tim Lincecum (HOM). 0-0, 9.00. 1 H; 1.19 FIP. Ross Reynolds (LAA). 1-0, 0.75. 1 Sv; 1 H. Ron Robinson (SFS). 1-0, 1.38. 1 Sv; 3 H; 1.96 FIP.
2 Way Players
Not a ton of change here. Most of these guys are clearly contributing significantly more one side or the other, with only Luis Padrón of the Indianapolis ABC‘s and Philadelphia’s Joe Rogan really manifesting as 2-way contributors (indeed, those are the only players with positive WARs each way). Chicago’s Cristóbal Torriente saw his first time on the mound in a blowout, but has a ways to go before being listed here.
Player
Pitching
Batting
pWAR
bWAR
WAR
Luis Padrón (IND)
5-1, 4.04 (42 IP, 6 GS)
365/441/596 (59 PA)
1.2
0.6
1.8
Joe Rogan (PHI)
3-3, 4.50 (46 IP, 7 GS)
288/328/504 (134 PA)
0.4
0.5
0.9
J.M. Ward (PHI)
0-1, 3.43 (42 IP, 7 GS)
207/233/379 (30 PA)
0.7
-0.2
0.5
Jim Whitney (BBB)
1-0, 2.19 (37 IP, 16 G)
100/143/150 (21 PA)
0.8
-0.4
0.4
Eustaquio Pedroso (MCG)
0-0, 4.24 (23 IP, 13 G)
222/344/222 (32 PA)
0.1
-0.1
0.0
#Injury Report
Chicago’s Akinori Otsuka is out for about 2 weeks, weakening the American Giants’ bullpen significantly.
Detroit lost both Hal Newhouser and Johnny Marcum from their rotation this week.
Memphis may get some help on the mound this week, as both Shane Bieber and Skel Roach may return from injury.
Jimmy Bloodworth is out for over a month for San Francisco, which is not all bad news for the Sea Lions as it opens more playing time for the irrepressible Dick Lundy.
We’re slightly changing how TWIWBL works. Each week, we’ll focus on a new randomly chosen team in detail, and the featured series will be covered there, leaving this entry to focus on awards and individual performances.
#Awards
Houston‘s Jeff Bagwell used his 3 homerun game to take down the NL Player of the Week Award, hitting .381 with 11 RBI over the week. Over in the AL, Detroit‘s Ty Cobb, who is putting together a pretty special campaign so far, earned the AL Player of the Week with a .435 average and 6–SIX–homers and 14 RBI’s.
#Team Performance
The New York Black Yankees are clearly focused on erasing the poor memories of last season’s disappointments, leading the WBL with a .688 winning percentage and currently on a 6 game winning streak. Chicago and the surprising Kansas City Monarchs are the only other teams over .600, and each lead their divisions.
New York and the Detroit Wolverines are each 7-3 over their last 10 games.
At the other end, 3 teams are under .400, including the defending champion Baltimore Black Sox, along with Portland and the Birmingham Black Barons. Baltimore sits 11 games behind the Black Yankees, facing a significant uphill climb to get back into playoff position. It is, however, early May, so it’s certainly doable.
#Player Performance
Batters
Through the first month of the season, the WBL feels a little less like Babe Ruth‘s league offensively, as both Detroit’s Ty Cobb and Ottawa‘s Larry Walker are putting up numbers to rival the Babe, who doesn’t even lead the league in homeruns, sitting 1 behind teammate Mickey Mantle, Walker, and the House of David‘s Ryne Sandberg who all have 13. In addition to Ruth, another Black Yankee, Lou Gehrig, San Francisco‘s Jimmie Foxx, and Cleveland‘s Lance Berkman also have 12 dingers so far.
In fact, with his Player of the Week performance, it’s feeling a bit like Ty Cobb‘s world: Cobb leads the WBL in all 3 slash categories, as well as doubles and overall WAR, and is 2nd in hits and RBI.
Standard stuff: top 2 in most categories, leader in bold.
Ty Cobb (DET). 398/462/858. 45 H, 19 2B, 32 RBI, 2.6 WAR. Mickey Cochrane (SFS). 368/452/667. Eddie Collins (CAG). 311/438/485. 23 BB. Eric Davis (NYY). 274/358/581. 30 R. Tony Gwynn (HOU). 393/430/598. Rickey Henderson (SFS). 295/389/562. 23 SB. Pete Hill (HOU). 290/374/561. 5 3B. Joe Jackson (CAG). 383/422/617. 46 H, 17 2B. Reggie Jackson (SFS). 306/374/621. 32 RBI. Dick Lundy (SFS). 356/430/593. 2.3 WAR, 18 SB. Mickey Mantle (NYY). 313/406/704. 13 HR. Tim Raines (OTT). 286/385/545. 5 3B. Babe Ruth (NYY). 286/406/661. 33 RBI, 32 RBI, 29 R, 23 BB. Ryne Sandberg (HOD). 336/383/755. 13 HR. Turkey Stearnes (SFS). 312/359/667. 5 3B. Larry Walker (OTT). 374/433/776. 13 HR. Bobby Wallace (BAL). 243/391/336. 24 BB.
One thing obvious from this list: the Black Yankees and the San Francisco Sea Lions are both on fire offensively, at least in the top halves of their lineups.
Pitchers
Year 2 is a bit more pitcher friendly than last season, to the point where I would expect to end the year with a handful of sub 3.00 ERAs (last season, there Andy Pettitte, then with Birmingham, led the league with a 3.20 mark).
Starters
Eight pitchers are tied for the league lead in wins with 5 each; we’ve only included the 4 who are undefeated in the list below.
Houston’s rubber-armed Toad Ramsey is having quite a moment, but it’s unlikely the knuckleballer can maintain this level of performance.
Mark Buehrle (CAG). 5-0, 1.49. Frank Castillo (KCM). 5-0, 2.41. Roger Clemens (HOU). 5-0, 3.48. Johnny Cueto (IND). 5-1, 2.66. 0.93 WHIP. Hardie Henderson (PHI). 5-1, 2.17. 1.6 WAR. Christy Mathewson (NYG). 1-5, 4.47. 48 IP, 47 K. Luis Padrón (IND). 5-0, 2.35. Toad Ramsey (HOU). 5-2, 1.53. 53 IP, 65 K, 0.75 WHIP, 2.5 WAR.
Relievers
10 IP Minimum.
Rod Beck (SFS). 1-2, 7.20. 9 Sv. Sandy Consuegra (MCG). 1-1, 0.66. 3 Sv, 1 H, 0.59 WHIP. Mike Henneman (DET). 0-2, 0.77. 6 Sv. Bob Howry (PHI). 2-1, 3.75. 7 Sv, 0.58 WHIP. Eric Gagne (BRK). 0-0, 1.59. 9 Sv. Eddie Guardado (KCM). 1-0, 0.77. 1 H. Robb Nen (NYG). 1-0, 0.90. 8 Sv. Jeff Pfeffer (KCM). 0-0, 3.86. 8 Sv.
2 Way Players
A new section for the opening TWIWBL is a check in on the players doing it both on the mound and at the plate led, perhaps surprisingly, by Indianapolis‘ Luis Padrón.
Player
Pitching
Batting
pWAR
bWAR
WAR
Luis Padrón (IND)
5-0, 2.35 (38 IP, 5 GS)
400/455/625 (44 PA)
1.3
0.5
1.8
Joe Rogan (PHI)
1-3, 5.81 (31 IP, 5 GS)
297/343/515 (108 PA)
0.0
0.6
0.6
J.M. Ward (PHI)
0-1, 3.00 (36 IP, 6 GS)
192/192/385 (26 PA)
0.7
-0.1
0.6
Jim Whitney (BBB)
0-1, 1.88 (24 IP, 12 G)
143/200/214 (15 PA)
0.5
-0.1
0.4
Eustaquio Pedroso (MCG)
0-0, 4.26 (19 IP, 10 G)
208/345/208 (29 PA)
0.3
-0.1
0.2
Ted Williams (Memphis), Cristóbal Torriente (CAG), Martín Dihigo (Miami Cuban Giants), and Smokey Joe Wood (KCM) (among others) have yet to really be used in a 2-way capacity.
#INJURY REPORT
Indianapolis’ Joe Morgan should start a rehab assignment mid-week, as should Miami’s José Méndez.
Willie Mays (RIP IRL) of the New York Gothams was the NL Player of the Week after hitting .417 with 3 home runs. Over in the AL, the AL Player of the Week Award went to Miami‘s Ryan Braun, who hit .471 with 5 dingers.
As the calendar flipped from April to May, we also have the first player of the month awards.
Award
Player
AL Player of the Month
Ty Cobb (DET)
.411; 5 HR; 23 RBI; 21 R
AL Pitcher of the Month
Mark Buehrle (CAG)
5-0, 1.24
AL Rookie of the Month
Turkey Stearnes (SFS)
.352; 6 HR; 18 8RBI
NL Player of the Month
Larry Walker (OTT)
.395; .454 OBP; 9 HR; 23 RBI; 22 R
NL Pitcher of the Month
Toad Ramsey (HOU)
5-1, 0.96
NL Rookie of the Month
Adam Dunn (IND)
.253; 5 HR; 13 RBI
#Team Performance
Look, it’s way too early for any of this to matter. But, currently, only 3 games separate the best team in the Effa Manley Division (the Brooklyn Royal Giants at 14-11) and the worst (the Philadelphia Stars mirroring them at 11-14). The Homestead Grays are 1/2 game behind Brooklyn, and the New York Gothams and Ottawa Mounties sit at .500.
Brooklyn, Homestead, and the San Francisco Sea Lions have all gone 7-3 over their last 10 games, while the House of David are in the roughest patch of any team in the league, at 2-8 over their last 10.
#Player Performance
Batters
Some things that jump out: the House of David’s Ryne Sandberg is having an incredible start, the first player in the league to 11 homeruns. Led by Sandberg, 5 players have SLG over .700 but “only” 2 have BA over .400.
Ty Cobb (DET). 389/451/756. 18 2B, 1.8 WAR. Carlos Correa (HOU). 420/474/659. Eric Davis (NYY). 306/373/612. 27 R. Lou Gehrig (NYY). 247/358/634. 10 HR. Josh Gibson (HOM). 379/426/793. Curtis Granderson (BBB). 256/330/654. 10 HR. Tony Gwynn (HOU). 416/442/629. Joe Jackson (CAG). 396/426/635. 38 H, 15 2B. Dick Lundy (SFS). 394/467/681. 4 3B, 15 SB, 2.3 WAR. Mickey Mantle (NYY). 274/361/621. 10 HR. Boog Powell (KCM). 268/344/622. 26 RBI. Tim Raines (OTT). 293/381/576. 5 3B. Babe Ruth (NYY). 308/430/659. 28 RBI, 24 R, 21 BB. Ryne Sandberg (HOD). 365/409/824. 11 HR. Bobby Wallace (BAL). 50/405/364. 22 BB.
Pitchers
Starters
Mark Buehrle (CAG). 5-0, 1.24. Johnny Cueto (IND). 4-1, 2.38. 0.88 WHIP. Bill Doak (MEM). 3-1, 2.76. 1.5 WAR. Lefty Grove (SFS). 2-3, 5.03. 39.1 IP. Frank Knauss (BRK). 5-1, 2.62. Christy Mathewson (NYG). 1-4, 4.15. 43.1 IP, 39 K. Toad Ramsey (HOU). 4-1, 1.19. 0.74 WHIP, 45 K, 1.7 WAR.
Relivers
Rod Beck (SFS). 1-2, 6.75. 7 Sv. Eric Gagne (BRK). 0-0, 1.74. 10 Sv. Craig Kimbrel (KCM). 1-0, 0.00. 1 Sv, 5 H. Troy Percival (NYG). 0-0, 5.40. 5 H. Jeff Pfeffer (KCM). 0-0, 4.32. 7 Sv.
#Featured Series
We’ll check in on a team that looks much improved over last season, the Homestead Grays. The Grays are hitting better than expected, but more importantly, are finally hitting enough to overcome their usual rough performances on the mound. They are visiting Indianapolis for a 4-game set, and are hoping to keep a recent slide by the ABC’s going.
Scheduled Starters
Homestead’s hurler listed first.
Billy Pierce (2-1, 6.55) @ Johnny Cueto (4-1, 2.38) Carlos Zambrano (0-4, 9.15) @ Luis Padrón (3-0, 2.38) Ray Brown (1-2, 6.28) @ Doc White (1-3, 4.93) Francisco Liriano (1-2, 4.36) @ Rube Foster (1-1, 3.86)
Cueto has performed fantastically so far this year, and Padrón, while no Joe Rogan, has been a decent 2-way threat all season.
Game One
With the announcement that the Grays have moved Zambrano out of the rotation, their starters for the series are all a bit up in the air. They’ll lead it off with Doug Drabek, who is taking Zambrano’s spot and will be making his first start of the year.
Drabek was fantastic, allowing 2 hits and 1 run in 7 innings, but Rick Ownbey couldn’t hold the lead, giving up Barry Larkin‘s first homer of the year, a 2 run shot to tie the game in the 8th. Luckily for the Grays, Willie Stargell‘s 2nd homerun of the game gave them the lead in the 10th, and Josh Lindblom was able to hold on for the 4-3 win in extra innings.
HOM 4 (Lindblom 3-0; Ownbey 3 B Sv) @ IND 3 (Murphy 0-1) HRs: HOM – Stargell 2 (10); Epstein (3); IND – Larkin (1). Box Score
Game Two
The Grays turned to Billy Pierce in game 2, putting their rotation back on its expected schedule. His mound opponent, Luis Padrón, tossed a masterful 8 innings in a 14-3 walkover, allowing 5 hits and 1 run while fanning 8. Padrón improved to 4-0 and Tommy Helms had 3 hits and 4 RBI and Helms and Jake Stenzel each scored 3 runs in the rout.
Helms, Stenzel, George Foster, Adam Dunn (fresh off being named Rookie of the Month for April), and Johnny Bench each went yard for Indianapolis as they evened the series at 1 game each.
HOM 3 (Pierce 2-2) @ IND 14 (Padrón 4-0) HRs: HOM – Clemente (3); IND – Helms (3), Foster (2), Stenzel (3), Dunn (6), Bench (7). Box Score
Game Three
Chris Sabo went deep twice, driving in 3, and the Grays held on to take the series lead with a 5-4 win. Ray Brown pitched very well, but the trio of Corey Kluber, Michael Jackson, and Josh Lindblom were all a bit shaky in relief. Still, they got the job done. Tommy Helms and Bob Bescher had 2 hits for the ABC’s and Joey Votto went deep in the losing effort.
Kluber–fresh off an injury–had to leave the game with an elbow issue, and headed to the DL afterwards. Cliff Lee was recalled.
HOM 5 (Brown 2-2; Lindblom 4 Sv; Jackson 2 H) @ IND 4 (White 1-4) HRs: HOM – Sabo 2 (5), Lajoie (2); IND – Votto (3). Box Score
Game Four
Homestead’s bullpen did the job, with Dave Giusti, Rick Ownbey, and Josh Lindblom combining for 3+ innings of 1 hit relief of an effective Francisco Liriano. Mike Epstein went deep for the Grays and Andy Van Slyke showed signs of breaking out of an early season slump with 3 hits. All the ABC’s could muster on the day was a 2 run shot from Adam Dunn to tie the game early.
Homestead takes the series, 3-1, continuing their surprising start to the season.
HOM 4 (Liriano 2-2; Lindblom 5 Sv; Giusti 3 H; Ownbey 2 H) @ IND 2 (Foster 1-2) HRs: HOM – Epstein (4); IND – Dunn (7). Box Score
Nobody comes close to matching House of David 2B Ryne Sandberg, whose slash line is a ridiculous 455/458/1.273, and he leads the league in homeruns (6) and RBIs (15). Ottawa‘s Larry Walker (11) and Birmingham‘s Albert Belle (10) are the other batters in double digits in RBI.
Houston’s Tony Gwynn is the sole player with a BA over .500, at .552. That’s only good enough to put Gwynn 3rd in the OBP rankings, behind Portland’s Harry Hooper (.577) and Indianapolis‘ Joey Votto (.571).
#Featured Series
Each week we’ll take a look at single series, preferring 4-game sets and teams we haven’t taken a close look at before.
This week, we’ll be focusing on Indianapolis’ visit to Brooklyn. The Royal Giants are 4-1, and the ABC’s started the season 5-0 before losing their last 2 contests.
For Brooklyn, Duke Snider, John Briggs, and Roy White have all started the season with OPS’ over 1.000 while offseason acquisition Pedro Guerrero is scuffling with a slash line of 143/250/214.
Bob Bescher and Joey Votto have been mashing the ball for the ABC’s while Ed Charles is still trying to get some traction going, slashing 190/308/238 over the opening half-dozen games.
Projected Starting Pitchers:
Johnny Cueto (1-0, 0.00) @ Frank Knauss (1-0, 3.38) Luis Padrón (1-0, 0.00) @ Orel Hershiser Sad Sam Jones (0-0, 6.75) @ Smokey Joe Williams (1-0, 1.50) Rube Foster (1-0, 3.00) @ Sandy Koufax (0-1, 2.45)
Game One
Both Johnny Cueto and Frank Knauss had good starts, but while Cueto blinked first (Maury Wills walked, stole a base, and scored on a John Briggs double), Knauss was hit harder, giving up a 2 run shot to Oscar Charleston in the 6th before an Ed Charles double chased him in the 7th. Burleigh Grimes relieved Knauss and gave up RBI doubles to Denis Menke and Joe Morgan.
Lefty James and Rob Dibble followed Cueto with just over 2 innings of hitless relief to seal the deal for Indianapolis. Johnny Bench had 3 hits for the ABC’s.
Pedro Guerrero launched a 3 run shot in the bottom of the 1st, but the Royal Giants couldn’t hold it with RBIs from Oscar Charleston and Jake Stenzel tying the game at 4 in the top of the 5th. After a brief rain delay in the bottom of the 8th, Mike Piazza and Ray Dandridge singled runs home, allowing Brooklyn to bring in their closer, Eric Gagne, with a 6-4 lead. Gagne set the side down in order, and Brooklyn evened up the series, 1-1.
We had a pitchers’ duel in game 3 of the series as Luis Padrón and Smokey Joe Williams were each excellent, but a bit unlucky: despite giving up only 1 earned run in over 6 innings, Williams took the loss and Padrón did not get the win, despite 5 scoreless. Joe Morgan went deep for the ABC’s.
IND 2 (Nolan 1-0; Dibble 3 Sv; James 3 H; Billingham 2 H) @ BRK 1 (Williams 1-1) HRs: IND – Morgan (2). Box Score
Game Four
It sure looked like the ABC’s would take the series: after scoring 6 in the 6th, they had surged to a 8-3 lead heading to the bottom of the 7th. But Art Griggs hit a key 2-run double in that frame, and the Royal Giants were able to rough up Indianapolis’ closer, Rob Dibble, in the bottom of the ninth, scoring runs on a sacrifice fly from Jackie Robinson, an RBI single from Pedro Guerrero, and a game-winning sac fly from Duke Snider.
Robinson hit his first homerun of the year and drove in 4 on the day, and Guerrero, Mike Piazza, and Beals Becker each had 2 hits. Both Brooklyn starter Sandy Koufax and the ABC’s Doc White pitched better than their scorelines represent, but the key was Dibble’s implosion (2 walks and 3 hits in 1/3 of an inning) and Brooklyn’s Darren Dreifort chipping in with 2 scoreless innings for the win.
Of concern for the ABC’s, 2B Joe Morgan had to be lifted for a pinch runner with an apparent elbow injury, but so far no further information is available as to his status.
IND 8 (Dibble 0-1, 1 BSv; Carroll 1 H) @ BRK 9 (Dreifort 1-0; Valenzuela 1 BSv) HRs: IND – Dunn (1); BRK – Robinson (1). Box Score
I needed a place to hold statistics that aren’t easily displayed in OOTP. Most of these are game-level performances.
For complete statistics, poke around on the WBL Stats Page.
Batting Statistics
2+ 3B Games
2. Bob Bescher (IND); Craig Biggio (HOU), Ty Cobb (DET); Willie McGee (KCM); Tim Raines (OTT).
3+ 2B Games
4. Chuck Knoblauch (CLE). 3. Craig Biggio (HOU); Curt Blefary (BAL); George Brett (HOU); Ron Cey (BRK); Cupid Childs (BBB); Ty Cobb (DET); Gavvy Cravath (BAL); Josh Gibson (HOM); Hank Greenberg (DET); Joe Jackson (CAG); Reggie Jackson (SFS); Napoleon Lajoie (HOM); Willie McGee (KCM); Joe Morgan (IND); Frank Robinson (BAL); Cookie Rojas (MCG); Pete Runnels (NYG); Ted Simmons (KCM); Reggie Smith (MEM); Mike Trout (LAA).
3+ HBP Games
3. Jack Doyle (CAG).
3+ HR Games
3. Jeff Bagwell (HOU); Ed Bailey (DET); Ernie Banks (HOD); Buddy Bell (POR); Carlos Beltrán (OTT); Lance Berkman x2 (CLE); Ron Blomberg (CLE); Ryan Braun (MCG); José Canseco x2 (MCG); Gavvy Cravath (BAL); Josh Gibson (HOM); George Gore (HOD); Stan Musial (KCM); Manny Ramírez x2 (MEM); Álex Rodríguez (OTT); Babe Ruth (NYY); Ted Simmons (KCM); Sammy Sosa x2 (HOD); Mike Trout (LAA); Larry Walker (OTT).
3+ OF Assists
4+ BB Games
4. Ed Bailey (DET); Eddie Collins (CAG); Mike Epstein (HOM); Willie McGee (KCM); Andrew McCutchen (HOM), Joey Votto (IND).
{Note: OOTP clearly has something weird happening with overpowered HRs. It’s getting better, and, at some point, I’m going to reduce these by roughly 10%, which would leave the list at only 3 at 500 ft+ for the season so far, which seems much more realistic to me, but am waiting to see if I get any additional info/guidance from the game dev’s.}
595 ft. Dale Murphy (KCM). 558 ft. Aaron Judge (PHA). 555 ft. Albert Pujols (KCM). 551 ft. Eddie Mathews (BBB). 550 ft. Lance Berkman (CLE). 544 ft. Eddie Mathews (BBB). 542 ft. Ron Blomberg (CLE); Evan Longoria (CLE). 539 ft. Johnny Bates (CLE); Craig Biggio (HOU). 538 ft. Josh Gibson (HOM), Pete Hill (HOU); Buster Posey (NYG). 535 ft. Buster Posey (NYG). 534 ft. Robinson Canó (KCM). 533 ft. Oscar Charleston (IND). 530 ft. Dale Murphy (KCM). 528 ft. Johnny Callison (NYG); Willie Mays (NYG). 527 ft. Joe Adcock (NYG). 525 ft. Bullet Joe Rogan (PHI). 522 ft. Ron Blomberg (CLE). 519 ft. Babe Ruth (NYY). 518 ft. Willie Mays (NYG). 516 ft. Hank Aaron (BBB); Bob Nieman (BBB). 514 ft. Ron Cey (BRK); Oscar Gamble (DET). 512 ft. Tony Gwynn (HOU). 511 ft. Lance Berkman (CLE); Dan Brouthers (BRK). 510 ft. Ron Blomberg (CLE); Joe Harris (KCM). 509 ft. Johnny Callison (NYG); Jack Clark (SFS); Bryce Harper (BAL); Ted Simmons (KCM). 508 ft. Jeff Bagwell (HOU); Ron Blomberg (CLE); Boog Powell (KCM); Travis Shaw (MEM). 507 ft. Ducky Medwick (KCM); Ted Simmons (KCM). 505 ft. Lou Gehrig (NYA). 503 ft. Larry Doyle (NYG); Joe Rogan (PHI); Ryne Sandberg (HOD); Oscar Gamble (DET). 502 ft. Ernie Banks (HOD); Albert Belle (BBB); Robinson Canó (KCM); Ray Dandridge (BRK); Mike Epstein (HOM). 501 ft. Gary Carter (OTT); Derek Jeter (NYA). 500 ft. Andrew McCutchen (HOM).
Pitching Statistics
80+ Game Scores
99. José Rijo (KCM). 97. JM Ward (PHI). 94. Steve Carlton (PHI). 93. Frank Castillo (KCM); Lefty Grove (SFS); Toad Ramsey (HOU). 92. Bump Hadley (SFS); Bullet Joe Rogan (PHI). 91. Frank Knauss (BRK); Christy Mathewson (NYG); Toad Ramsey (HOU) 90. Brett Anderson (LAA); A. Rube Foster (KCM); Alejandro Peña (BBB); Toad Ramsey (HOU); Joe Rogan (PHI). 89. Bump Hadley (SFS); Gaylord Perry (NYG); Fernando Valenzuela (BRG); Smokey Joe Wood (KCM). 88. Luis Padrón x2 (IND); Bill Steen (CLE); Justin Verlander (DET). 87. Roger Clemens (HOU); Lefty Grove (SFS); Carl Hubbell (NYG); Francisco Liriano (HOM); Dennis Martínez (BAL); José Méndez (MCG); Old Hoss Radbourn (OTT); Jim Whitney (BBB). 86. A. Rube Foster (KCM); Doc Gooden (LAA). 85. Roger Clemens (HOU); Gerrit Cole (LAA); Lefty Grove (SFS); Hardie Henderson (PHI); Eddie Plank (SFS); Jameson Taillon (MEM); Ed Walsh (CAG); Cy Young (CLE). 84. Frank Castillo (KCM); Johnny Cueto (IND); Ron Guidry (NYY); Orel Hershiser (BRK); Ed Walsh (CAG). 83. Bob Friend (HOM); Mike Mussina (BAL). 82. Mark Buehrle (CAG); Bill Doak (MEM); Connie Johnson (BAL); Toad Ramsey (HOU). 81. Bert Blyleven (POR); Ferguson Jenkins (HOD); Stephen Strasbourg (HOU); Cy Young (CLE). 80. Frank Castillo (KCM); Walter Johnson (POR); The Only Nolan (IND); Andy Pettitte (NYY); Toad Ramsey (HOU).
10+ Strikeout Games
14. Frank Castillo (KCM); Toad Ramsey (HOU). 13. Brett Anderson (LAA); Bob Feller (CLE); Ron Guidry (NYY); Charlie Root (DET). 12. Johnny Cueto (IND); Doc Gooden (LAA); Lefty Grove (SFS); Bump Hadley (SFS); Mike Mussina (BAL); Toad Ramsey x2 (HOU); José Rijo (KCM); Bill Steen (CLE); JM Ward (PHI). 11. Johnny Cueto (IND); Ron Guidry x2 (NYY); Ferguson Jenkins (HOD); Connie Johnson (BAL); Walter Johnson x2 (POR); Frank Knauss (BRG); Christy Mathewson (NYG); Joseíto Muñoz (MCG); The Only Nolan (IND); Old Hoss Radbourn (OTT); Toad Ramsey x3 (HOU); Don Sutton (NYG); Justin Verlander (DET); Smokey Joe Williams (BRK); Cy Young (CLE). 10. Steve Carlton (PHI); Frank Castillo x2 (KCM); Watty Clark (SFS); Don Drysedale (BRK); Bob Friend (HOM); Ned Garvin x2 (BAL); Doc Gooden (LAA); Lefty Grove x2 (SFS); Ron Guidry x2 (NYY); Bump Hadley (SFS); Hardie Henderson (PHI); Orel Hershiser (BRK); Frank Knauss (BRK); Ramón Martínez (MCG); Gaylord Perry x2 (NYG); Billy Pierce (HOM); Toad Ramsey (HOU); José Rijo (KCM); Charlie Root (DET); Tom Seaver (LAA); Bill Steen (CLE); Stephen Strasbourg (HOU); Don Sutton (NYG); Fernando Valenzuela (BRK); Smokey Joe Williams (BRK); Smokey Joe Wood (KCM).
8+ Walk Games
8. Ed Brandt (MCG); Hardie Henderson (PHI); Smokey Joe Williams (BRK). 9. Randy Johnson (OTT).
Shutouts
NO HITS. Steve Carlton (PHI); José Rijo (IND). 1 Hit. A. Rube Foster (KCM); Stubby Overmire (MEM) [5 inn]; Luis Padrón (IND); Toad Ramsey (HOU); Bullet Joe Rogan (PHI). 2 Hits. A. Rube Foster (KCM); Lefty Grove (SFS); Bump Hadley (SFS); Frank Knauss (BRK); Francisco Liriano (HOM); Dennis Martínez (BAL); José Méndez (MCG); Luis Padrón (IND); Old Hoss Radbourn (OTT); Joe Rogan (PHI). 3 Hits. Frank Castillo (KCM); Roger Clemens (HOU); Lefty Grove (SFS); Carl Hubbell (NYG); Christy Mathewson (NYG); Gaylord Perry (NYG); Eddie Plank (SFS); Toad Ramsey (HOU). 4 Hits. Bert Blyleven (POR); Frank Castillo (KCM); Gerrit Cole (LAA); Johnny Cueto (IND); Doc Gooden (LAA); Lefty Grove (SFS); Bump Hadley (SFS); Jim Whitney (BBB); Cy Young (CLE).
Shutouts (Combined)
1 Hit. Justin Verlander / Mike Henneman (DET); Bill Steen / Terry Adams (CLE). 2 Hits. Jameson Taillon / Skel Roach / Andrew Miller (MEM); Ed Walsh / Tom Williams (CAG); Pud Galvin / Francisco Rodríguez / Joe Nathan (LAA); Brett Anderson / Ross Reynolds (LAA); Connie Johnson / Justin Hampson (BAL); Bob Feller / Ron Reed (CLE). 3 Hits. Hardie Henderson / Robin Roberts (PHI); Orel Hershiser / Eric Gagne (BRK); Stephen Strasbourg / John Franco / Tug McGraw (HOU); Vean Gregg / Mike Norris / Brian Wilson (NYG); Justin Verlander / Billy Hoeft / Chad Bradford (DET); Stubby Overmire / Heath Bell / Jonathan Papelbon (MEM); Brett Anderson / Ross Reynolds / Joe Nathan (LAA). 4 Hits. Toad Ramsey / Bones Ely (HOU); Hardie Henderson / Brad Kilby / Tim Belcher / Ted Kennedy (PHI); Dwight Gooden / Francisco Rodríguez (LAA); Bump Hadley / Jim Devlin / Ken Howell / Rod Beck (SFS); Greg Maddux / John Malarkey / Bruce Chen / Juan Rincón (BBB); Johnny Podgajny / Tom Henke (OTT); Herm Wehmeier / Goose Gossage (NYY); José Rijo / Jeff Pfeffer (KCM); Smokey Joe Williams / Trevor Hildenberger (BRK). 5 Hits. Kenshin Kawakami / Barry Latman / Ed Brandt / Sandy Consuegra (MCG); Len Barker / David Bush / Andrew Miller (MEM); Johnny Cueto / Sad Sam Jones / Rob Murphy / Rob Dibble (IND); Smoky Joe Wood / Mike Kume (KCM).
