Tag: George Foster Page 1 of 2

TWIWBL 71.2 Spotlight on the Indianapolis ABC’s

On January 28, 2025

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

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

HOME PAGE | ROSTER | POSITIONAL STRENGTH | LEADERS

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

THE OFFENSE

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

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

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

#What’s Going Right

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

#What’s Not Going Right

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

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

THE PITCHING

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

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

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

#What’s Going Right

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

Rob Dibble has 16 saves despite being torched occasionally.

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

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

#What’s Not Going Right

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

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

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

THE FARM SYSTEM

TOP PROSPECTS | MINOR LEAGUE SYSTEM

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

WHAT’S NEEDED

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

Storylines to Watch

Key Questions from Spring Training

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

FEATURED SERIES

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

Projected Starters

Indianapolis starter listed first.

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

Game One

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

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

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

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

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

Game Two

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

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

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

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

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

Game Three

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Game Four

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TWIWBL 66.6: Marvin Miller Division

By mknn

On September 25, 2024

In TWIWBL

Team	W/L	Pct	GB
Kansas City Monarchs	29-21	.580	—
Indianapolis ABC’s	28-23	.549	1.5
Wandering House of David	23-26	.469	5.5
Houston Colt 45s	23-29	.442	7
Birmingham Black Barons	17-35	.327	13

Marvin Miller Division | 28 May

#Houston Colt 45s

Something is just not right with young Bret Saberhagen. The Colt 45s moved him down to AAA, hoping he can recover his command there. Needing a starter, they promoted teenage phenom Leon Day for his first taste of WBL action since last season.

Jim O’Rourke‘s strong performance since his recall meant that, when George Brett was available for recall from a rehab assignment, Russ Adams was the odd man out, heading to AAA.

Toad Ramsey improved to 9-2, allowing only 2 hits and 2 runs over 8 innings while striking out 14 in a 6-2 win over Birmingham. Ramsey became the first hurler in the WBL to eclipse 100 K’s on the season.

#Indianapolis ABC’s

Johnny Bench‘s poor start has finally impacted the ABC’s lineup construction, with the all-star catcher from last season dropping to 6th. It didn’t help, as Bench whiffed in all 4 of his at-bats, but Indianapolis used a solo homer from Oscar Charleston to edge Homestead 1-0 despite managing only 3 hits. Johnny Cueto, Sad Sam Jones, Rob Murphy, and Rob Dibble combined on the shutout, striking out 16.

Luis Padrón is dominating on the mound right now: the ABC’s scored 11 runs in the 3rd inning, but the story of the game was Padrón, who took a no-hitter into the 9th against the Grays, retired the first batter, gave up a single to Andrew McCutchen, and promptly induced a double-play for the 1-hitter. In doing so, Padrón dropped his ERA to 3.66 and improved his record to 9-1. Dave Henderson, Joey Votto, and Barry Larkin each drove in 3 while Larkin, Charleston, and George Foster each had 3 hits.

It wasn’t all good news for Indianapolis, however: Ed Charles headed to the DL, expected to miss a couple weeks with Robin Ventura being recalled from AAA.

#Kansas City Monarchs

A. Rube Foster moved into the Monarch’s rotation.

Despite a shaky outing, Smoky Joe Wood helped himself with his first homerun of the year, improving his record to 6-3 in a 14-6 win over the House of David. Stan Musial had 3 homeruns–one an inside the park job– and Willie McGee and Ted Simmons also went deep for the Monarchs. Musial has hit well this year, but without much power, having only one dinger coming into today’s game.

Two homeruns from Albert Pujols were enough to force extra innings, but not enough to win as the Monarchs fell to the House of David in 11 innings, 6-5.

#Wandering House of David

CC Sabathia replaced Frank Sullivan in the starting rotation for the House of David; one consequence of this is preserving Wade Miley as the sole lefty in their bullpen despite his recent struggles.

Sabathia rewarded the choice immediately, twirling a 5 hit shutout over Brooklyn in his first start. Sabathia walked 2 and fanned 3, leveling his record at 2-2 and supported by homeruns from Elrod Hendricks and Richie Hebner.

Ryne Sandberg went deep twice, but it wasn’t enough as the House of David fell to Brooklyn, 11-5. Hebner, recently installed as the House of David’s leadoff batter, did the same, going deep twice in a 9-4 loss to the Royal Giants.

Jim Edmonds went deep twice and Sammy Sosa, who entered the game as a pinch-runner, delivered a walkoff shot in the bottom of the 10th in a 4-2 win over Kansas City.

TWIWBL 63.6: Marvin Miller Division

By mknn

On July 17, 2024

In TWIWBL

#Birmingham Black Barons

Jim Whitney replaces John Malarkey in the Black Barons’ rotation.

Birmingham has some infield questions to answer, but for the time being, will live with Hank Aaron (far better suited to the OF) being their only alternative at 2B to Cupid Childs.

Larry Benton will miss about a year with elbow surgery. Bill Phyle was recalled, assumedly for a longer period than the first time, during which he saw no action.

#Houston Colt 45’s

David Clyde–out since early last season–started an injury rehab assignment.

Roger Clemens had a poor start, leaving him unable to become the league’s first 6 game winner, but Jimmy Wynn‘s second dinger (and 4th run scored) of the game was a walkoff shot in the bottom of the 11th inning. It was a wild game, as homers by George Brett and Craig Biggio (pinch-hitting) kept the game going in the bottom of the 10th and 11th innings.

Wynn again hit 2, but this time, after a 7 run comeback, the Colt 45’s couldn’t pull it off, losing 11-9 to the House of David in another worryingly bad start from Roy Oswalt.

#Indianapolis ABC’s

George Foster‘s 4th homerun of the year was a grand slam in the top of the 9th, leading the ABC’s to a sudden 4-2 victory over Ottawa.

Oscar Charleston had 5 hits and Adam Dunn crushed a walkoff homerun in the bottom of the 10th as the ABCs came from behind to top Birmingham, 7-5.

#Wandering House of David

Kerry Wood took Wade Miley‘s spot in the House of David’s rotation, and Orlando Cabrera was moved to AAA to clear space for Frank Grant‘s return from a rehab assignment.

Frank Chance had 4 steals but the House of David was unable to hold onto several leads, falling to Houston in 11 innings.

Miley was pressed into an emergency start … and immediately made everyone question their decisions, allowing only 2 hits and 1 run in 7 innings in clearly his best start of the year. It was an encouraging game for the House of David: Grant had 2 hits in his debut, Anthony Rizzo went deep twice, and Elrod Hendricks (2 hits, 1 HR) and Sammy Sosa (2 hits) showed signs of breaking out of their funks.

Ernie Banks went deep twice and the House of David withstood a massive comeback by Houston, holding on for an 11-8 victory. After rough outings from Rick Reuschel and CC Sabathia, Fergie Jenkins, Ed Bauta, and Bruce Sutter shut it down, allowing only 2 hits over the last 3+ innings.

Banks did it again, hitting 2 homeruns in a 7-6 victory over the Gothams. Sosa had 2 homeruns as well, including the game winning shot in the bottom of the 10th. The House of David would be encouraged by Wood’s first start of the year, in which he pitched 6 innings, fanning 10. The victory went to Sutter, who improved to 1-1 with a perfect 1+ innings of relief.

TWIWBL 62.1: Year 2, Week 5

By mknn

On June 20, 2024

In TWIWBL

April 30

#Awards

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

Year II Season Preview: Indianapolis ABC’s

By mknn

On April 7, 2024

In Team News

Expectations

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

Best Case

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

Worst Case

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

Key Questions

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

Trade Bait

Not enough talent to really be active.

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

Roster Evaluation

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

New Addition | ~~Injured~~

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

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

Talent Ratings

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

Best In The Minors

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

Others: None.

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

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

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

TWIWBL 56.18: Spring Training Notes – Indianapolis ABC’s

By mknn

On March 6, 2024

In TWIWBL

Spring Training Questions

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

Injuries

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

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

First Cuts

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

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

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

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

Second Cuts

Tony Mullane and Eppa Rixey were sent to AAA.

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

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

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

Third Cuts

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

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

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

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

Final Cuts

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

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

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

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

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

Season Review: Indianapolis ABC’s

By mknn

On December 20, 2023

In Season Reviews, Team News

73 - 81, .474 pct.
3rd in Effa Manley Division, 13 games behind.

Overall

Just a very average performance. There are some good pieces here, and the organization as a whole is quite young, but until the pitching is sorted, nothing else is going to really matter.

What Went Right

Most of all, Johnny Bench. Bench is a superstar C, giving Indianapolis an edge in a difficult position to fill.

Beyond that there were a few surprises–neither Jake Stenzel or Dennis Menke were on many preseason lists to be strong offensive players, and Joey Votto was excellent in limited action after being recalled from the minors–and there was some promise for the future, most of all in Joe Morgan and Oscar Charleston, who were fine this year, but were also quite young (Charleston began the season as a teenager).

Dave Henderson, Bob Bescher, and Danny Hoffman were all perfectly acceptable in the OF.

Robin Ventura finally showed some promise after arriving via trade.

Willie Mitchell and Doc White, both of whom started the season in the bullpen, were the ABC’s best pitchers by the end of the season. Johnny Cueto was fine as a starter as well.

Rob Dibble was a first rate closer for Indianapolis.

ALL STARS
C Johnny Bench

What Went Wrong

1B was a right mess until Votto showed up; 3B Ed Charles faded badly after promising starts. Barry Larkin and Davey Concepción–one of whom is supposed to be the SS of the future–were awful.

But most of what went wrong was on the mound. The trio of Red Faber, Rube Foster, and Dolf Luque were thoroughly mediocre as starters, and Rob Murphy and Lefty James the same out of the pen.

Transactions

March

IF Miller Huggins & OF Willie Montañez to Baltimore for P Rube Foster

Foster wasn’t great, but he was a WBL player all season, so this seems fine.

June

C Ernie Lombardi to Detroit for IF Donie Bush, IF Jorge Orta, P Brandon League, OF Gene Martin & 2nd Round Pick {Matt Chapman}

It looks like more than it is, but with Lombardi blocked by Bench in Indianapolis, moving him is fine.

July

P David Price and IF Jorge Orta to Chicago for 3B Robin Ventura, P Tyler Clippard, 4th Round Pick & 5th Round Pick {Pete O'Brien}

It all hinges on whether the Ventura who showed up for Indianapolis in September is a mirage or not.

Looking Forward

SP

Such a random assortment of good-but-not-great here. Luis Padrón, Eppa Rixey, and Dolf Luque should be the long term front of rotation guys, but that doesn’t exactly strike terror in the hearts of the opposing team. An area of need.

RP

Solid, with Rob Dibble at closer and some mix of Clay Carroll, Rob Murphy, Octavio Dotel, and Norm Charlton behind him.

C

For as long as he’s healthy, it’s all about Johnny Bench.

1B

Joey Votto did well, but he’s 31 and unlikely to improve making this an area of need long term.

2B

Joe Morgan should be here for quite some time.

3B

Unknown. If Robin Ventura shows up, it’s his; if not, this is a bit of a black hole.

SS

Right now, it’s Dennis Menke; longer term, this should be either Barry Larkin or Davey Concepción, with the other being expendable. My bet would be on Larkin, despite his struggles this year.

LF

Some mixture of Bob Bescher and Adam Dunn are keeping this spot warm for George Foster.

CF

This should be Oscar Charleston‘s home for a long time.

RF

Unknown, although many in the organization see Pete Rose stepping up here.

The Rookie Draft

Rounds 1-4

There are a few pitchers who look to be only a year or two from helping their WBL franchise, with Tom Glavine probably the best of them. That made the ABC’s pick in the first round pretty easy. In the 2nd round, franchise arm Jim Maloney was still available, who projects as a rotation starter, maybe.

Looking for some insurance in case Ventura doesn’t pan out, the ABC’s picked up 20 year old 3B Matt Chapman at the end of the 2nd round.

In the 3rd round, they took Maloney, version 2: another franchise arm with an outside shot at being useful, Bob Ewing; and in the 4th, slick fielding MI Leo Cardenas.

Rounds 5-8

These rounds should focus on position players: in the 5th round, 3B Oliver Marcell and OF Pete O’Brien; in the 6th, OF Chris Dickerson and C Admiral Schlei; OF Adam Duvall in the 7th, and IF Pokey Reese in the 8th.

Rounds 9-12

P Jack Billingham; Pete Schourek; C Patsy Gharrity; and P The Only Nolan.

TWIWBL 51.0: The Awards – The Minors

By mknn

On October 25, 2023

In TWIWBL

We’ll kick off Awards Week with a trip around the minor leagues.

This is being posted after the draft–meaning after a huge influx of unproven young talent. More on that shortly–much more. For the award winners listed here, I’ve included rankings on the top prospect list, but those numbers would, of course, been higher when these awards were bestowed (that is, before the draft).

And, of course, many of the award winners are too old to be considered prospects.

I’ve also included some notes about some of the winners, hopefully setting up some future storylines.

AAA

AAA Gold Gloves

P – Blondie Purcell (Seattle / Portland)
C – Hal King (Milwaukee / Chicago)
1B – Eddie Murray (Washington / Baltimore) [#26]
2B – Bobby Knoop (Buffalo / Cleveland)
3B – Tim Wallach (Las Vegas / Los Angeles)
SS – George McBride (Atlanta / Birmingham)
LF – Joe Rudi (Atlanta / Birmingham) [#200]
CF – Lance Johnson (Milwaukee / Chicago)
RF – Paul Waner (Louisville / Homestead) [#47]

AAA Reliever of the Year

Adam Russell (St. Louis / Kansas City) swept all 20 first place votes after posting 25 saves and a 1.42 ERA for St. Louis. Russell was passable in Kansas City, and should find a spot in their bullpen next season.

AAA Platinum Sticks

C – Cliff Lee (Seattle / Portland)
1B – Kevin Young (Louisville / Homestead)
2B – Juan Samuel (Norfolk / Philadelphia)
3B – Jung Ho Kang (Columbus / House of David)
SS – Cal Ripken, Jr. (Washington / Baltimore) [#29]
LF – Merv Rettenmund (St. Louis / Kansas City) [#71]
CF – Benny Kauff (Hartford / New York Gothams)
RF – Al Kaline (Toronto / Detroit) [#15]
DH – Chick Stahl (Washington / Baltimore)

An interesting list. Kaline has established himself at the WBL level and both Kauff and Samuel excelled in limited opportunities, making them likely to receive roster spots for the coming season.

Kang, on the other hand, struggled at the WBL over several opportunities.

Of the rest, Ripken is probably the most likely to see WBL time, although he is blocked at Baltimore at both SS and 3B.

AAA Pitcher of the Year

Virgil Trucks (Cincinnati / Indianapolis) swept the first place votes and dominated the award after going 10-8 with a 2.72 ERA at AAA. Unfortunately, he was hit pretty hard, with an ERA over 5.00, in 17 games for Indianapolis. Still, the talent is clearly there for the 26 year old.

AAA MVP

The MVP Award was a bit closer, with St. Louis’ Rettenmund and Montréal (Ottawa)’s Bob Watson [#52] having strong showings in the voting. But both were well out-distanced by Hartford’s Benny Kauff who slammed 39 homeruns and slashed 303/370/600 to take home the honor. Kauff is 28, clearly no longer a prospect, but he hit so well both over the final 2 weeks of the season and into the postseason that the Gothams are pretty much forced to find time for him.

AA

AA Gold Gloves

P – Ricky Bones (Tulsa/ Memphis)
C – Tucker Barnhart (Rochester / Cleveland) [#358]
1B – Mike Squires (Madison / Chicago)
2B – Dick Green (Sacramento / San Francisco)
3B – Lee Tannehill (Vancouver / Portland)
SS – Eddie Miller (Sacramento / San Francisco)
LF – Hub Collins (Fort Wayne / Detroit) [#451]
CF – Kirby Puckett (Vancouver / Portland) [#126]
RF – Darrell Miller (Madison/ Chicago)

AA Reliever of the Year

Bill Harper (Austin / Houston) [#202] had 14 saves and a 0.97 ERA at AA, earning the award as the league’s top reliever. He struggled a bit at AAA later in the season, but still did enough to dominate the lower level. At only 22, Harper probably has another year or two of minor league time ahead of him.

AA Platinum Sticks

C – Frankie Hayes (Vancouver / Portland)
1B – Prince Fielder (Atlantic City / Philadelphia) [#127]
2B – Dave Cash (Oklahoma City / Kansas City) [#101]
3B – Jimmie Foxx (Sacramento / San Francisco) [#211]
SS – Joe Sewell (Rochester / Cleveland) [#88]
LF – George Burns (Troy / New York Gothams)
CF – John Briggs (Jersey City / Brooklyn) [#80]
RF – Willie Crawford (Tulsa / Memphis) [#311]
DH – Billy Nash (Fort Wayne / Detroit) [#201]

Briggs shocked observers, excelling in Brooklyn after making the jump directly from AA. Of the rest of these, Foxx looks set to be a bench player for San Francisco and Burns may see time in the OF for Ottawa (he was traded to them mid season).

AA Pitcher of the Year

Jeremy Sowers [#271] of Fort Wayne was named the AA Pitcher of the Year after his 13-4, 3.05 season. He looks fine, but doesn’t project as much more than a back of rotation arm eventually.

AA MVP

Tulsa’s teenage sensation Willie Crawford (334/440/556) and Jersey City’s John Briggs, who basically matched his AA production of 315/437/518 after being recalled to Brooklyn, received more attention this season, but the MVP award for AA goes to Fort Wayne’s Billy Nash, who slashed 315/383/595 on the season.

Nash is only 20, so look for another year in the minors, perhaps on the fringes of Detroit’s WBL roster.

Troy’s George Burns and Nashville (Indianapolis)’s George Foster [#98] also received first place votes.

TWIWBL 24.8: Mid-Season Reviews – Indianapolis ABC’s

By mknn

On March 3, 2022

In Team News, TWIWBL

Summary

Another team hovering around .500. It feels like the ABC’s are a team of the future, and should treat the second half appropriately. That means some of their best players–Edd Roush, Dennis Menke–may be on their way out.

What’s Gone Right

Unexpected Arms. While most of the ABC’s pitching has been quite good, the biggest surprises have been pitchers whose role was uncertain at the start of the season, especially Doc White and Willie Mitchell. White has moved into the rotation, and Mitchell is making an argument to do so as well.

The Backstops. Most of all, Johnny Bench, who has been the best offensive player on the team. But also, Jake Stenzel and Ernie Lombardi who, splitting time behind the plate, at 1B, and in the OF, have been solid contributors.

No Roush. Giving Roush the fulltime CF job was a clear turning point for Indianapolis, and the 28 year-old has contributed an OPS over .800.

What’s Gone Wrong

The Hot Corner. Nothing’s really worked here, despite both Chase Headley and Ed Charles being given a lot of opportunity.

The Curse of Mediocrity. A lot of the ABCs have been, well, just fine through the first half of the year. But no better than that. This would extend from Hal Morris and Bob Bescher at bat to Red Faber and Johnny Cueto on the mound, among others.

Power Outage. Bench has 15 homeruns. Nobody else is in double digits (Morris and Danny Hoffman have 9, two others have 6). The team needs someone else that can send the ball over the wall.

Key Storylines

The big storyline is the development of the ABC’s youth. The core of this team–Oscar Charleston, Joe Morgan, Bench–are all young. Even some of the disappointments–Barry Larkin, Davey Concepción–have plenty of time to turn it around.

Trading Outlook

SELLING.

If they pull the trigger, how deep does the fire sale go? Currently, Roush, Menke, Hoffman, Dave Henderson, and Lombardi are all performing decently and over 26. Likewise on the mound, Cueto, Dolf Luque, David Price, and Faber could all be useful to a contender.

AAA Shuttle

Roush has been fantastic, little else has worked. Concepción was given every chance to grab the SS job, and has not.

Midseason Changes

Menke takes over as the everyday SS, with Tommy Helms coming up from AA to provide infield depth.

Awards

All Stars: Johnny Bench (C).

Player of the Week: Hal Morris (4/3)

Offensive MVP: Johnny Bench (C)
Pitching MVP: Rube Foster (SP)

Down on the Farm

AAA: Cincinnati Tigers

Next to the Show: Joey Votto, Bo Díaz, Pete Rose. Dan Spillner and Johnny Vander Meer on the mound.

Prospects: None, really.

Projects: 1B Joey Votto (30), C Bo Díaz (26), OF Pete Rose. Virgil Trucks and Octavio Dotel have been great at AAA, but hit hard at the big league level. OF Bobby Brooks (23). P Dixie Leverett (26), P Dan Spillner (27).

Suspects: C Al Todd (37), P Bill Bailey (21).

AA: Nashville Sounds

Prospects: P Dick Joyce (21), OF Adam Dunn (21), 1B Bill Windle (23), OF George Foster (21), SS Buddy Myer (22)

Projects: Ps Michael Lorenzen (23) and Chris Hammond (24), C Rollie Hemsley (20).

Suspects: RP Gene Lambert (21), 3B Jim Finigan (26), SS Doc Farrell (23).

TWIWBL 23.1: AA & AAA All-Star Rosters

By mknn

On February 9, 2022

In All Star Games, TWIWBL

Because they deserve some love, too …

Note that these are all AI selections, so some may be weird (like Joe Harris playing 2B at AAA). The first time an affiliate is listed, I’ve also listed their WBL organization. All-Star Game starters are bold.

AAA All-Star Rosters

In a rich-get-richer moment, the New York Black Yankees lead the way, with 6 selections for the visitors coming from the Newark Eagles. For the Home team, the Memphis Red Sox affiliate, the New Orleans Pelicans, send 6 players and the Cincinnati Tigers (Indianapolis ABC’s) have 5.

Visiting Team

C: Smoky Burgess (Newark/New York Black Yankees); Andy Etchebarren (Buffalo/Cleveland Spiders); Butch Wynegar (Norfolk/Philadelphia Stars).
1B: Cecil Cooper (Norfolk); Carlos Peña (Orlando/Miami Cuban Giants).
2B: Bobby Knoop (Buffalo).
3B: Chris Brown (Newark); Art Devlin (Hartford/New York Gothams).
LF: Matt Holliday (Queens/Brooklyn Royal Giants); Joe Rudi (Atlanta); George Van Haltren (Montréal).
CF: Curt Flood (Queens); Benny Kauff (Hartford); Andy Pafko (Atlanta/Birmingham Black Barons); Chick Stahl (Washington/Baltimore Black Sox).
RF: Joe Harris (Newark); Jackie Jensen (Montréal/Ottawa Mounties); Aaron Judge (Norfolk); Al Kaline (Toronto/Detroit Wolverines); Merv Rettenmund (Washington).

SP: George Blaeholder (Washington); AJ Burnett (Newark); Jim Clinton (Newark); Bill Laskey (Norfolk); George Mullin (Toronto); Johnny Podgajny (Montréal).
RP: Darren Dreifort (Queens); Mike Griffin (Toronto); Bryan Hickerson (Newark); Mickey Lolich (Toronto).

Home Team

C: Gabby Hartnett (Columbus/Wandering House of David); Hal King (Milwaukee/Chicago American Giants); Cliff W. Lee (Seattle/Portland).
1B: Wally Joyner (Las Vegas/Los Angeles Angels); Anthony Rizzo (Columbus); Joey Votto (Cincinnati/Indianapolis ABC’s); Kevin Young (Louisville/Homestead Grays).
2B: Ron Hunt (San Jose/San Francisco Sea Lions); DJ LeMahieu (San Antonio/Houston Colt 45’s).
3B: Sal Bando (San Jose); Jung Ho Kang (Columbus)
SS: Francisco Lindor (New Orleans/Memphis Red Sox)
LF: Bob Watson (Milwaukee)
CF: Charlie Hemphill (Cincinnati)
RF: Dwight Evans (New Orleans); Pete Rose (Cincinnati); Paul Waner (Louisiville).

SP: Nick Altrock (San Jose); Joe Blong (St. Louis/Kansas City Monarchs); Bob Friend (Louisville); Joe Kelly (New Orleans); Jock Menefee (St. Louis); Billy Pierce (Louisville); Eppa Rixey (Cincinnati); Frank Smith (Milwaukee); Virgil Trucks (Cincinnati).
RP: Bill Doak (New Orleans); Luke Gregerson (San Antonio); Tug McGraw (San Antonio); Mike Timlin (New Orleans).

Joe Rudi would lead the visitors to a 6-2 victory with a 3-run homerun.

Visitors 6 (Lolich 1-0; Blaeholder 1 H) @ Home 2 (Timilin 0-1, 1 BSv)
HRs: Home – Rudi (1); Visitors – Lee (1)
Box Score

AA All-Star Rosters

The Sacramento Solons (San Francisco Sea Lions) dominate the AA team for the visitors, with 7 players, while the Albuquerque Isotopes (Wandering House of David) have 6 and the Jersey City Skeeters (Brooklyn Royal Giants) 5. For the home team, both the Oklahoma City Redhawks (Kansas City Monarchs) and Montgomery Biscuits (Birmingham Black Barons) have 7 players in the game and the Austin Black Senators (Houston Colt 45’s) 5.

Visiting Team

C: Frankie Hayes (Vancouver/Portland Sea Dogs); Phil Lombardi (Jersey City/Brooklyn Royal Giants); Steve O’Neill (Troy/New York Gothams); Mark Salas (San Diego/Los Angeles Angels).
1B: Jimmie Foxx (Sacramento/San Francisco Sea Lions); Charlie Grimm (Rochester/Cleveland Spiders); Tim Harkness (Syracuse/Homestead Grays); Buck Jordan (Vancouver).
2B: Wally Backman (San Diego); Dick Green (Sacramento); Cookie Lavagetto (San Diego); Tyler Pastornicky (San Diego); Ed Romero (Jersey City).
3B: Xander Bogaerts (San Diego); Ken Keltner (Rochester); Hank Majeski (Jersey City); Mike Moustakas (Sacramento).
SS: Luis Aparicio (Albuquerque/Wandering House of David); Bert Campaneris (Albuquerque); Jack Wilson (Syracuse).
LF: Morrie Arnovich (Jersey City).
CF: John Briggs (Jersey City); Otto Briggs (Edmonton); Kevin Pillar (Hudson Valley).
RF: Danny Green (Albuquerque); Don Mueller (Troy).

SP: Dwight Bernard (Hudson Valley); Larry Dierker (Albuquerque); Matt Guerrier (Vancouver); Don Hood (Hudson Valley); Lew Krausse, Jr. (Troy); Jack Neagle (Rochester); Joe Nuxhall (Albuqueque); Al Spalding (Troy).
RP: Matt Barnes (Sacramento); Chad Gaudin (Sacramento); Joe Klink (Sacramento); Marty Kutyna (Jersey City); James Russell (Albuquerque); Turk Wendell (Sacramento).

Home Team

C: Josh Billings (Madison/Chicago American Giants); Rick Cerone (Austin/Houston Colt 45’s); Phil Masi (Charlotte/Baltimore Black Sox); Abe Wolstenholme (Nashville/Indianapolis ABC’s).
1B: Prince Fielder (Atlantic City/Philadelphia Stars); Greg Norton (Oklahoma City/Kansas City Monarchs); David Ortiz (Tulsa/Memphis Red Sox).
2B: Ken Boswell (Tulsa); Dave Cash (Oklahoma City); Charlie Gehringer (Fort Wayne/Detroit Wolverines); Jorge Orta (Fort Wayne); Kolten Wong (Oklahoma City).
3B: Joe Crede (Madison); Butch Hobson (Tulsa); Billy Nash (Fort Wayne); Candy Jim Taylor (Montgomery/Birmingham Black Barons).
SS: Woody English (Montgomery); Zoilo Versalles (Havana/Miami Cuban Giants).
LF: George Foster (Nashville); Pete Hill (Austin); Johnny Jeter (Fort Wayne).
CF: Richie Ashburn (Atlantic City); Bama Rowell (Austin).
RF: Adam Dunn (Nashville); Tommy McCarthy (Oklahoma City); Larry Sheets (Charlotte).

SP: Frank Bertaina (Charlotte); Lefty Clarke (Montgomery); Dick Jones (Montgomery); Jim Kaat (Austin); Kyle Kendrick (Austin); Andrew Miller (Tulsa); Bill Singer (Oklahoma City); Jeremy Sowers (Fort Wayne).
RP: John Anderson (Montgomery); Dick Coffman (Montgomery); Al Hrabosky (Oklahoma City); Ben Johnson (Montgomery); Mike Kume (Oklahoma City); Dave Smith (Charlotte).

Bama Rowell drove in 3 runs with a bases-loaded triple, leading the home team to a 10-2 victory in the All-Star Game. Richie Ashburn had 2 hits as well.

Visitors 2 (Nuxhall 0-1) @ Home 10 (Kendrick 1-0)
HRs: Visitors – Danny Green (1), Foxx (1); Home – Boswell (1)
Box Score