Tag: Frank Robinson

TWIWBL 10.2: Series VII Notes – Cum Posey Division

On July 4, 2021

#Baltimore Black Sox

Ned Garvin shut out Philadelphia on 3 hits, walking 1 and striking out 4, improving his record to 2-1 in easily his best performance of the year.

A pinch-hit grand slam from Frank Robinson helped power the Black Sox past the Stars in the second game. Dennis Martinez had another strong outing, improving to 3-1 and Ken Singleton also went deep.

#Chicago American Giants

Frank Thomas hit 2 homeruns, leading Chicago past the New York Black Yankees, 8-4. Ben Sheets moved to 4-1 on the year with a strong effort, and Carlton Fisk and Joe Jackson also went deep.

In game two of the series, down 4-2 in the top of the 7th, the American Giants responded with 6 runs, shocking the Black Yankees and providing the final score in the 8-4 victory. The inning started with hits from Luke Appling and Dave Nilsson, chasing New York’s starter, Jake Scott, from the game. He was relieved by A.J. Burnett, who allowed a run to score on a wild pitch, then surrendered a single to Jackson to tie the game … and then things got rough, with Dick Allen hitting a 2 run homerun and Mike Fiore scoring on a fielders’ choice. Thomas went 3-for-5, and both Adrian Gonzalez and Duffy Lewis hit homers as well. The win went to Ed Walsh, who struggled through 126 pitches over 7 innings, allowing 4 runs. Akinori Otsuka and A.J. Minter combined for 2 scoreless innings in relief.

#Houston Colt 45’s

Stubby Overmire got a spot start and made the most of it, allowing only 2 runs in 7 innings against Brooklyn in a game Houston eventually won in the bottom of the 9th, with the victory going to Andrew Chafin, who evened his record at 1-1.

Jeff Bagwell went deep twice–perhaps an indication he’s finding his swing at last–to lead Houston to a 6-2 victory in the 2nd game, with Tony Gwynn adding 3 RBI’s as well. Trevor Hoffman moved to 3-0 on the year, after a decent effort from Stephen Strasburg.

#Ottawa Mounties

Jamie Moyer‘s WBL debut was a thing of beauty: 7.2 innings, 6 hits, 4 strikeouts, and a single earned run. Tom Henke‘s total meltdown was not–4 runs on three hits in the 9th inning, turning a 2-1 lead into a 5-2 defeat to Indianapolis.

The question of what it would take for Ottawa to give up on Randy Johnson–at least for a while–was answered: 1-4 with an ERA approaching 9 and a WHIP over 2. It’s unclear what the long term plans are in Ottawa: for now, Monk Dubiel gets a start and a likely quick hook, with Greg Holland called up to the bullpen.

Holland did well: 3.1 innings in relief of Dubiel (who gave up 4 runs in 3 innings), allowing only 1 run. It was enough, as Ottawa took advantage of a total implosion by Rob Murphy that included 2 bases-loaded walks and a grand slam by the suddenly red-hot Freddy Parent. It all added up to an 8-5 victory for the Mounties.

TWIWBL 5.4: Series IV Notes – Cum Posey Division

By mknn

On May 14, 2021

In TWIWBL

Baltimore and Kansas City are tied atop the division at 12-6, with the Chicago American Giants a few games back at 9-9. Houston has lost 5 in a row, falling 4th, only a game ahead of cellar-dwelling Ottawa (6-12).

Leading Starter: Luke Hamlin, KAN, 2-1, 1.93 ERA, 1.07 WHIP.
Leading Reliever: Jeff Pfeffer, KAN, 5 SV, 0.90 ERA.
Leading Batters: Dan McGann, BAL, 358/443/623; Joe Jackson, CAG, 351/443/608, 5 HRs, 18 RBs; Frank Thomas, CAG, 343/425/600, 5 HRs, 21 RBIs; Eddie Collins, CAG, 343/470/552, 18 R, 11 SBs.

#Baltimore Black Sox

Bill Byrd was magnificent in Baltimore’s opening game against Brooklyn, allowing only 1 hit and 1 walk in 8 IP. Unfortunately, he left the game trailing 1-0, but was spared the loss when Frank Robinson tied it up in the 9th inning. A walk-off HR from Ken Singleton won the game for the Black Sox.

Richie Sexson–at one point in consideration to make the big league roster–was demoted from AAA to AA Charlotte.

#Chicago American Giants

Just look at those leaders: Thomas, Jackson, and Collins are probably the hottest trio in the league right now.

#Houston Colt 45’s

Houston has a bit of a bullpen problem heading into their next series, leading to the Colt 45’s placing Mike Hartley on the IL and demoting Ice Box Chamberlain to AAA (he was quickly moved to AA by the management staff in San Antonio in favor of Boots Poffenberger–yep, Ice Box for Boots transaction there) with Stubby Overmire and Leon Day returning to the WBL. Ismael Valdez and Jim Kaat moved from AAA to AA as well.

The rotation is likely to be a bit up in the air over the next series or two.

#Kansas City Monarchs

Stan Musial hit 3 doubles in a game for the 2nd time this year, given him 8 on the season.

The Monarchs’ bullpen is pretty decimated, forcing two roster moves. First, Charles Comiskey was sent to AAA (instead of the injured list) to rest a sore elbow; second, Rex Hudler was sent down, likely only for a few days, as his demotion leaves Kansas City without an experienced SS behind Ozzie Smith. Bill Doak and Bob Gibson–who has pitched well since being demoted from Spring Training–were recalled from AAA.

#Ottawa Mounties

In his first AB of the season after an injury rehab stint at AAA, Larry Walker deposited Waite Hoyt‘s pitch over the LCF fence for a HR: that’s the way to get the home fans on your side!

More a victim of a lack of opportunity and a worn-out bullpen than anything else, Chris Leroux was sent to AAA with Jim Clancy being recalled to help shore up the rotation in the upcoming series. Reggie Cleveland was put on waivers to make room for Clancy on the 40 man roster.

Karl Spooner–who went into Spring Training as the closer–was released.

TWIWBL 3.1: Notes from Series II

By mknn

On September 12, 2020

In TWIWBL

#Baltimore Black Sox

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

#Birmingham Black Barons

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

#Chicago American Giants

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

#Cleveland Spiders

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

#Houston Colt 45’s

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

#Indianapolis ABC’s

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

#Kansas City Monarchs

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

#Los Angeles Angels

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

#Memphis Red Sox

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

#Miami Cuban Giants

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

#New York Black Yankees

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

#Ottawa Mounties

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

#San Francisco Sea Lions

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

#Wandering House of David

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

Season Preview: Baltimore Black Sox

By mknn

On August 18, 2020

In Team News

It’s hard to see Baltimore as contenders although, like many teams, the pitching will determine how far they go. The rotation could be quite strong, anchored by Johnny Sain and Mark Baldwin. The team is quite strong defensively; the question is if players like Bobby Wallace and Paul Blair will hit enough to keep their gloves on the field.

Final Roster

SP: Johnny Sain, Mark Baldwin, Dennis Martinez, Jim Palmer, Rube Foster.
RP: Bill Byrd & Ned Garvin; Buddy Groom, Lindy McDaniel & Gregg Olson; Don Bessant & Bob Miller.

C: Ramon Hernandez & Curt Blefary
1B: Dan McGann
2B: Brian Roberts & Larry Gadner
3B: Harlond Clift; Brooks Robinson
SS: Bobby Wallce; Mark Belanger
LF:Frank Robinson
CF: Paul Blair
RF: Bryce Harper
DH: Ken Singleton

Notes

All Milt Pappas had to do was be mediocre, and he would have a roster spot sewn up. Instead, he was pounded, as was Don Aase, leaving the Black Sox with only 10 pitchers deserving of WBL slots … Bill Byrd looks to be back from injury before opening day, so he’ll claim a spot. The other goes to veteran Buddy Groom, recalled from AAA to add some depth to the bullpen … Don Bessent and Bob Miller look to split the closer duties, with Bessant being slightly more effective at the moment … a few of the final cuts were determined more by age than performance: 21 year old Cal Ripken, Jr. and 22 year old Bill Sweeney each performed well enough to earn a roster spot, but will start the season in AAA … 19 year old Bryce Harper was just brought to camp to get a taste of it. Instead he hit 375/432/775 and will start the season in RF … Harper’s success prevents the Black Sox from keeping 3 Cs, leaving Tom Haller–who hit .412 in Spring Training–on the outside looking in behind both Ramon Hernandez and Curt Blefary on the depth chart … Harlond Clift edges out Brooks Robinson for the starting job at 3B

36 year old 1B Dan McGann is the oldest player on the opening day roster, with 19 year old OF Bryce Harper the youngest (Frank Robinson is 20).

Eddie Murray and Mike Mussina were both expected to make the opening day roster: the pair of 21 year olds are still expected to return to Baltimore quickly after starting the season at AAA. There’s not a lot of talent at AA: perhaps the best is 2B Asdrubal Cabrera.

Spring Training Preview: Baltimore

By mknn

On June 19, 2020

In 2000 Spring Training, Team News

Ned Garvin and Mark Baldwin are pretty much set, as much from their ability to eat innings as anything else.
It is likely that Rube Foster, Bob Welch, and Johnny Sain fill out the rotation, but Bill Byrd, Dennis Martinez, and Jim Palmer each could force their way into the conversation.
- 10 games in, Foster and Welch have struggled, Sain has been magnificent, and Palmer has impressed. Byrd will miss the rest of Spring Training, and both Mike Mussina and McDaniel have joined Martinez in the back of rotation competition.
  - Sain & Baldwin are set, with Martinez, Garvin, and Palmer the most likely behind them, with Foster having an outside chance. Mussina and Welch were sent to minor league camp, with Milt Pappas being recalled in case an emergency SP is needed.
Similarly, both John Wetteland and Lindy McDaniel‘s role to start the season is likely to be determined by their Spring performance.
- B.J. Ryan has struggled so far, and Bob Miller may push him on the closer role, with newly promoted Gregg Olsen also an outside possibility.
  - Ryan has lost the closing role, but nobody else has really jumped forward. Miller and Don Bessent have been the best, but the rest have been miserable, with Wetteland and Don Aase possibly pitching themselves off the roster.
The other major Spring contests are at SS, where both Bobby Wallace and Cal Ripken, Jr. look good enough to start and the OF, where the roles behind Merv Rettenmund and Frank Robinson need to be settled.
- SS is just weird. The presumed starter, Wallace, hasn’t been able to hit; Ripken hasn’t shown any power, and defensive whiz Mark Belanger is hitting well over .500.
  - Belanger has cooled off: now he’s only hitting exactly .500. Nothing clarified here.
- Right now, Ken Singleton, Alex Johnson, and Paul Blair are in the lead for the rest of the OF slots.
  - The OF is still a bit unsettled, but Jesse Burkett and Chick Stahl have been returned to AAA and 19 year old Bryce Harper recalled.
C is far too crowded. The problem is that the weaker candidates–Rick Ferrell and Ramon Hernandez especially–are performing as well as the presumed frontliners. Still, something must be done to free up playing time, sending Ferrell back to AAA.
- Chris Hoiles is sent to AAA, reducing the Cs in camp to 3.
3B is now difficult, as Brooks Robinson is struggling and both Harlond Clift and Bill Sweeney are knocking the cover off the ball.

	Near Definite	Likely	Possible	Long Shot
Starting Pitchers	Johnny Sain Mark Baldwin	Ned Garvin Dennis Martinez Jim Palmer	Rube Foster ~~Bill Byrd~~
Middle Relievers		Rafael Betancourt	Don Aase John Wetteland Lindy McDaniel	Milt Pappas
Setup			Gregg Olson
Closer			BJ Ryan Bob Miller Don Bessent
C	Curt Blefary	Tom Haller Ramon Hernandez
1B			Dan McGann Eddie Murray	Richie Sexson
2B			Larry Gardner Brian Roberts
3B		Brooks Robinson	Harlond Clift Bill Sweeney
SS		Bobby Wallace Cal Ripken, Jr.	Mark Belanger
OF	Frank Robinson	Ken Singleton Paul Blair	Merv Rettenmund Alex Johnson	Baby Doll Jacobson Ron Northey Bryce Harper

Baltimore Black Sox

Baltimore Orioles / St. Louis Browns / Baltimore Black Sox / Baltimore Elite Giants

AAA: Washington Senators
AA: Charlotte Hornets
A: Philadelphia Pythians

Cum Posey Division

The Orioles–and yeah, the Browns too, I guess–stay put, but embrace an early NeL team. The banner was a challenge, but eventually Frank Robinson felt right.

	Camden Yards (45,971) HR: .924 \| BA: 1.019
	Nationals Park (41,922) HR: .939 \| BA: 1.003
	Truist Park (10,200) HR: .1.013\| BA: .994
	National League Park (17,000) HR: 1.143 \| BA: .925

2000: 1st place Cum Posey Division; WHIRLED CHAMPIONS.

2001 Projections

As of the end of Spring Training.


C	Curt Blefary Tom Haller	Ramón Hernández Brook Fordyce Phil Masi	Billy Earle George Gibson	Bob Brady Paul Cook Joe Holden
1B	Dan McGann	Dave Altizer Jim Bottomley Eddie Murray	Wheeler Johnson Willie Montañez	Jack Burns Álex Hernández
2B	Larry Gardner Miller Huggins	Julian Javier Brian Roberts	Chino Smith Ken Aspromonte Asdrúbal Cabrera	Nate Oliver Remy Hermoso
SS	Bobby Wallace	Mark Belanger Cliff Pennington	Bob Heise	Dave Anderson Jerry Schypinski Roy Smalley, Jr.
3B	Manny Machado	Cal Ripken, Jr. Brooks Robinson	Harlond Clift Don Hoak Piggy Ward	gunnar henderson Matt Carpenter
OF	Frank Robinson Paul Blair Gavvy Cravath Bryce Harper Ken Singleton Baby Doll Jacobson	Ken Griffey, Sr. Gene Clines Chick Stahl Phil Bradley Cliff Floyd ~~steve brodie~~	Bruce Bochte Sam West Ron Northey Larry Sheets Mike Devereaux Billy Hulen Burt Shotton	Aaron Clapp Paul Hines Ángel Mangual Farmer Weaver Stan Spence Jim Jackson John Wojcik homer smoot
SP	Dennis Martínez Bill Byrd ~~Ned Garvin~~ Connie Johnson Mike Mussina Jim Palmer Joe Beggs	Mark Baldwin Ken Johnson Bob Veale Bob Welch Chien-Ming Wang	Dick Ellsworth Milt Pappas Mike Flanagan Bruce Kison Erik Bedard	jack kramer Joe Dobson Phil Ortega Matt Wagner Bobby Mathews
RP	Buddy Groom John Wetteland ~~Sean Marshall~~ Gregg Olson Don Bessent	Joe Cascarella Kevin Tapani Scott Williamson Jackie Brown	Frank Francisco Lindy McDaniel Dan Wheeler Cy Sneed Tony Watson Craig Stammen Christhian Martínez	Ken Cloude Kelvin Herrera Bob Miller Francis Beltrán Jay Howell Hector Noesi Steve Kline
UP	Johnny Sain John Tudor	TJ Tucker Rafael Betancourt Ray Kremer RA Dickey George Blaeholder ~~Kirk Saarloos~~	Francisco Cordero Rick Langford Justin Hampson Jim Mecir	Jeff Karstens Tim Dillard Walt Tauscher Matt Albers George Frazier Blake Hawksworth

5+ Year Contracts; 2-4 year contracts; future rights; ~~Injured~~

Most Recent Content

TWIWBL 68.3: Bill James Division (10/30/2024)
TWIWBL 68.2 Spotlight on the San Francisco Sea Lions (10/29/2024)
TWIWBL 67.3: Bill James Division (10/10/2024)
TWIWBL 66.3: Bill James Division (9/20/2024)
TWIWBL 65.3: Bill James Division (8/28/2024)
TWIWBL 64.3: Bill James Division (8/6/2024)
TWIWBL 63.3: Bill James Division (7/12/2024)
TWIWBL 63.2: Spotlight on the Detroit Wolverines (7/11/2024)
TWIWBL 62.2: Bill James Division (6/21/2024)
TWIWBL 61.2: Bill James Division (6/11/2024)

	Camden Yards (45,971) HR: .924 \| BA: 1.019
	Nationals Park (41,922) HR: .939 \| BA: 1.003
	Truist Park (10,200) HR: .1.013\| BA: .994
	National League Park (17,000) HR: 1.143 \| BA: .925