Tag: Homestead Grays

TWIWBL 2.0: Series I – Houston @ Homestead

On September 3, 2020

For each set of games played, we’ll go in-depth for one series, and then have an issue of TWIWBL with news and notes from around the league.

For the opening round of games, it’s the Houston Colt 45’s visiting Pittsburgh to play the Homestead Grays.

Houston is a dark horse pick to make some noise in the league, but like so many teams, there are questions on the mound. Roy Oswalt was virtually unhittable in Spring Training, but the names Toad Ramsey and Ice Box Chamberlain don’t exactly strike fear into the hearts of many. But they should score some runs with Jim Wynn, Tony Gwynn, and George Brett setting the stage for Lance Berkman, Paul Goldschmidt, and Jeff Bagwell.

But Homestead may be one of the favorites with a lineup anchored by Pops Stargell and wunderkid Josh Gibson. The question is if Mike Epstein and Rick Reichardt–both of whom hit well in the Spring–can continue to contribute. The rotation looks good, with Corey Kluber, Carlos Zambrano, and Vean Gregg leading the way.

And then they actually play the games …

Andrew McCutchen opened the season for the Grays by taking Oswalt 388 feet to left for a HR in his first at-bat. Houston would tie it up in the top of the 3rd on a bloop single to right by Gwynn, but at that point it was clear both pitchers were on their game.

The top of the 5th saw back-to-back doubles by Grant “HR” Johnson and Jorge Posada, giving the Colt 45’s a 2-1 lead, but an inning later Epstein would tie the game with a groundout, scoring Stargell from 3rd.

A Kluber wild pitch would prove decisive, scoring Johnson from 3rd. That was it: Gwynn would score Craig Biggio, but Michael Jackson would slam the door in the 8th and Brad Lidge would earn the save, giving Houston an opening day 4-2 win.

Game 2 was close for 7 innings, as Ramsey and Gregg traded zeros, each allowing only 1 run. But Daniel Hudson relieved Gregg and was torched for 4 runs in 1 inning, The big blow was a 3 run HR from Berkman that traveled nearly 500 feet, and Houston went on to win 7-1.

Zambrano struggled through 3 innings, giving up 3 runs on 6 hits, with doubles by Goldschmidt and Wynn knocking in the runs. Stephen Strasburg had no such issues, throwing 6 shutout innings. Each team would add a run in the 8th, but Houston won again, 4-1.

At this point, the home fans were getting restless. At the least, they wanted to see the Grays score more than 1 run. Which they did–9 of them, in fact. The question is, would it be enough?

It didn’t seem so early on, as Houston scored 3 in the 1st and another Berkman HR in the 3rd put the Colt 45’s up 4-0. But in the bottom of the 4th, back-to-back doubles by Stargell and Roberto Clemente scored the Grays’ 1st run, and consecutive sacrifice flies brought the score to 4-3.

It stayed that way to the 7th, when Houston finally knocked Homestead starter Francisco Liriano out of the game, and a Wynn double made the score 5-3. Houston would add 6 more in the 8th, with a 3 run double by Bagwell and a 2 run HR by Wynn accounting for most of the damage.

The Grays would score 2 in the 8th and 4 on the 9th, with a bases-loaded triple by Davey Johnson the big hit, but it wasn’t enough, and Houston held on for the 11-9 win.

The Grays would finally get their 1st victory of the year in the series finale, winning 10-5 behind a strong start from Ray Brown. Stargell and Reichardt each hit HRs, and Clemente chipped in with 3 hits and 3 RBIs.

The strong start from Oswalt was expected, but those from Ramsey and Strasburg were a pleasant surprise for Houston, who were led by Berkman and Wynn, who combined for 11 RBI and 3 HRs. Wynn also stole 5 bases in the 5 games.

Clemente started the year red-hot with 9 hits and 5 RBI in the series, but really their issues were on the mound. The starters were mediocre, but the bullpen finished the 5 games with a 9.89 ERA.

Both teams emerged largely unscathed in the opening series: Houston’s game 5 starter, Bret Saberhagen, will miss about a week, with Dock Ellis or Scott Erickson likely to get the start when his turn in the rotation comes up again.

Season Preview: Homestead Grays

By mknn

On August 18, 2020

In Team News

The Grays should hit, but the pitching staff is a bit patchwork. A lot hinges on whether Corey Kluber or Carlos Zambrano can establish themselves as an ace. Zambrano is the biggest surprise of the Spring, coming from nowhere to the front of the rotation. Josh Gibson‘s injury allowed Peaches Graham to show what he could do–not enough to unseat Gibson, but far more than was expected offensively.

Final Roster

SP: Corey Kluber, Carlos Zambrano, Vean Gregg, Francisco Liriano, Ray Brown.
RP: Bill Fischer & Hal Carlson; Daniel Hudzon & Frank Linzy; Michael Jackson & Kent Tekulve; Josh Lindblom.

C: Josh Gibson; Peaches Graham.
1B: Mike Epstein; Honus Wagner
2B: Davey Johnson; Jeff Kent
3B: Pedro Feliz
SS: Arky Vaughan
LF: Rick Reichardt
CF: Andrew McCutchen
RF: Roberto Clemente; Tom Brown
DH: Willie Stargell

Notes

Ray Brown recovered from injury to beat out Hal Carlson for the final rotation spot … Josh Lindblom‘s hold on the closer role is fairly tenuous … John Candelaria was the final cut on the pitching staff … Paul Waner came back from injury to hit decently, but with near-zero power, sending the 22 year old to AAA … the final cut for Homestead is a bit odd, as Khalil Greene goes back to AAA, leaving the Grays without a SS behind Arky Vaughan. The plan is to give Honus Wagner time as a reserve SS, but that’s quite a risk to take on the 24 year old.

36 year old reserve 2B Jeff Kent is the oldest player on the opening day roster, with 20 year old C Josh Gibson the youngest.

OF Paul Waner and P Babe Adams are the most likely to receive a call from AAA, with Phil Garner‘s versatility in the mix as well. Down at AA, three teenagers–pitchers Earl Hamilton and Catfish Hunter and 3B Freddie Lindstrom are held in high regard, while Andy Van Slyke looks impressive as well.

Getting to 30: Effa Manley Division

By mknn

On August 7, 2020

In 2000 Spring Training, Team News

#Cleveland Spiders

The pitching staff seems set with Hank Gastright and Firpo Marberry heading back to the minors. The only real question is the long reliever roles, where 1 or 2 of Hardie Henderson, Sudden Sam McDowell, and Stan Coveleski will make the roster. They’ve all struggled a bit, especially with their control.

Surprisingly, Jim Thome ends up losing the battle at 1B. But 5 players remain on the roster who can play 1B, and all of them were significantly better than Thome during the Spring.

SS is just a desolation for the Spiders: neither Bill Dahlen, Joe Sewell, or Tom Veryzer have hit over .133 or posted an OPS over .360 over the Spring games. Bill Knickerbocker has shown some spark, but it’s only been 10 ABs. Sewell and Veryzer are sent down for now, but a better performance has to come out eventually.

#Homestead Grays

Ray Brown and John Candelaria stay in camp as long relievers, which means Bartolo Colon and Babe Adams are off to the minors.

Josh Lindblom is holding on to the closer role, but Kent Tekulve and Michael Jackson are clearly poised to help out if he falters.

Khalil Greene impressed enough in his stint to beat out Jay Bell for the backup SS role behind Arky Vaughan. The final cut was rough, first of all because Paul Waner‘s short-term injury complicates the situation. Beyond that, Honus Wagner has struggled, but has shown some power, making Phil Garner the final cut for now.

#Indianapolis ABC’s

The ABC’s are one of the few teams to have an embarrassment of riches of starting pitching. It’s great for them, but makes the roster cuts rough. Rob Dibble and Lefty James in the bullpen are locks, as are Red Faber, Dolf Luque, and Johnny Cueto in the rotation. Paul Derringer joins as the 4th starter.

The 5th slot is between Virgil Trucks, David Price, and Bronson Arroyo. But Willie Mitchell and Dixie Leverett would have earned starting positions on other teams: look for their return or for them to be trade bait.

The rest of the cuts were pretty pedestrian, if a little surprising: Barry Larkin was eliminated from the crush of options at SS, Charlie Hemphill just couldn’t do enough in the OF.

#New York Black Yankees

Like Indianapolis, too much starting pitching is a blessing in disguise. Ron Guidry is a lock, along with Red Ruffing and Dave Righetti. Beyond that, 5 pitchers are competing for 4 spots: 2 in the rotation, 2 in the pen. AJ Burnett, Lady Baldwin, Waite Hoyt, and Whitey Ford all deserve another start, while Jack Scott should get some more bullpen innings before the final decision.

It’s complicated by Sparky Lyle and Goose Gossage both being sidelined with injury.

Luckily 4 of the 6 remaining cuts are clear, as Joe Harris, Chris Brown, Hardy Richardson, and Aaron Hill head to AAA. Sam Thompson will join them, but the final cut is difficult, especially as both Red Rolfe and Moose Skowron have torn the cover off the ball in limited action. Skowron has the biggest challenge to make the team, as 1B is well blocked, so he also returns to the minors.

#Philadelphia Stars

There are 2 pending questions on the pitching staff: first, while Monte Ward, Jack Katoll, and Pete Alexander are all on the roster, it’s not clear who starts the season as the 5th starter. Second, Brad Kilby, Rheal Cormier, and Pedro Feliciano are 3 hurlers trying to fill 2 spots.

Mickey Doolin can’t return from injury soon enough; in the meantime, Larry Bowa will start at SS, backed up by Roger Peckingpaugh, with Pat Meares heading to the minors.

Sending both Bobby Abreu and Dusty Baker to AAA clears up a crowded OF, and Cecil Cooper will join them after failing to displace Ted Kluszewski at 1B.

This Week In Whirled Baseball: Spring Training Update I

By mknn

On June 30, 2020

In TWIWBL

Welcome to the very first installment of TWIWBL, 10 days into Spring Training. Each team’s individual Spring Training Preview page has been updated, and here are some highlights from around the league, focusing on injuries and performances that have shuffled depth charts.

#BALTIMORE BLACK SOX

When Bill Byrd went down, Mike Mussina was called up and his early performances have moved the 23 year old into the competition for the end of the rotation spots.

#BROOKLYN ROYAL GIANTS

Closer Watty Clark has been nearly unhittable with 3 saves in 3 chances in the Spring.

#CLEVELAND SPIDERS

CF Tris Speaker is out for several months with a torn calf muscle, throwing the Spiders OF into some chaos, and opening the door for both Larry Doby and Kenny Lofton to see more playing time.

#HOMESTEAD GRAYS

C Josh Gibson will miss most of Spring Training, but should be back for Opening Day. His absence, however, has revealed a paucity of talent at C, both at the WBL level and throughout the organization. Hobie Landrith and Blake Swihart will see some time during the Spring in support of Peaches Graham and the GM has begun scouring the land to help fill up the Grays’ roster of minor league backstops.

#INDIANAPOLIS ABC’S

Some of the best battles of the Spring are in the infield in Indianapolis, where Jake Stenzel and Johnny Bench are both hitting incredibly well at C, and there’s barely a hair’s width difference between Joe Morgan and Miller Huggins at 2B and Piggy Ward and Ed Charles at 3B.

#MEMPHIS RED SOX

With projected front of rotation SPs Sadie McMahon, Roger Clemens, and Nixey Callahan all posting ERA’s over 8, and Jon Lester‘s 7.00 ERA the best of other options, the starting rotation is a mess in Kansas City. Luckily, they’re only 10 games in.

#NEW YORK BLACK YANKEES

One thing is constant in the WBL: Babe Ruth leads the league in HR, with 5 in 9 games. He, Mickey Mantle, Eric Davis, and Aaron Judge may be the best 4 man OF in the league.

#NEW YORK GOTHAMS

The trio of Christy Mathewson, Gaylord Perry, and Mickey Welch are having a remarkable Spring, with 5 wins and only 5 ER in over 30 IP between them.

#SAN FRANCISCO SEA LIONS

The Sea Lions are committed to the running game, with Pete Browning and Rickey Henderson tied for the Spring league with 5.

Colophon

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Banner images in random rotation are

A close-up of Oscar Charleston‘s face.
Pictures of Cy Young, Honus Wagner, Willie Keeler, Satchel Paige, Pete Hill, Rube Foster, and Effa Manley.
Four players from the All American Girls Professional Baseball League.
The 1932 Negro League All Star team.
3 players from the House of David baseball team.
A shot of 5 players from the Homestead Grays, including Josh Gibson and Buck Leonard (2nd and 3rd from L).
King Tut, Oscar Charleston, and Connie Morgan.
The 1891 Black Stockings Nine.
Bob Motley, the longest-surviving NeL umpire.
A shot of Lou Gehrig, Tris Speaker, Ty Cobb, and Babe Ruth.

Spring Training Preview: Homestead

By mknn

On June 19, 2020

In 2000 Spring Training, Team News

The rotation is pretty much set: it would take a stellar spring for the most likely candidates of Carlos Zambrano, John Candelaria, or Bartolo Colon to break through.
- Best laid plans and all that. Billy Pierce and Babe Adams have both been hit hard, with Pierce especially ineffective. So more SPs are being looked at. Zambrano, Carlson, and Francisco Liriano look to be firmly in the mix.
  - Pierce is off to AAA. Carlson has moved into the starting rotation, joining Zambrano, Corey Kluber, Vean Gregg, and Liriano. Barring a collapse, that’s the starting rotation right there. The question for them then becomes whether Brown, Adams, Colon, and Candelaria are better served in long relief in MLB or starting at AAA.
That said, that trio along with Hal Carlson and Ray Brown have a decent shot at a bullpen role, especially if Frank Linzy or Kent Tekulve struggle.
- Linzy has, but Tekulve–along with closer Josh Lindblom and Michael Jackson–have been excellent.
  - Bill Fischer and Will Thompson are struggling at the back end of the bullpen.
The backup 2B job is up for grabs between Jeff Kent and Phil Garner, as is the starter at 3B, between Chris Sabo and Pedro Feliz.
- At 2B, Kent is pushing Davey Johnson for the starting role, while Garner has yet to show anything of note, although his defensive flexibility is useful.
  - Kent has the clear edge at 2B, while Sabo has moved ahead of Feliz.
The biggest mess is in the OF, where Roberto Clemente and Paul Waner are both guaranteed slots and both strongest at RF. How that plays out, with Rick Reichardt, Tom Brown, Pops Stargell, Andrew McCutcheon, and Max Carey all vying for 3 roster spots, will go a long way to determining the opening day lineups.
- While Waner has done well, Clemente has hit poorly enough to throw his starting position in doubt. Brown, Stargell, and McCutcheon are all excelling.
Josh Gibson is out for a few weeks, prompting Homestead to add Hobie Landrith and Blake Swihart to the roster to support Peaches Graham at C.
- Swihart and Graham would make the roster at this point.
Jay Bell hasn’t shown enough to lock down the backup SS role, so Khalil Greene has been recalled from AAA as a possibility.
- Perhaps most surprisingly, right now Honus Wagner and Andy Van Slyke are likely to start at AAA.

	Near Definite	Likely	Possible	Long Shot
Starting Pitchers		Corey Kluber Carlos Zambrano Vean Gregg Francisco Liriano Hal Carlson		John Candelaria Ray Brown Bartolo Colon Babe Adams
Middle Relievers		Daniel Hudson	Bill Fischer Will Thompson	Frank Linzy
Setup		Michael Jackson Kent Tekulve
Closer		Josh Lindblom
C	~~Josh Gibson~~	Peaches Graham	Blake Swihart	Hobie Landrith
1B	Mike Epstein			Honus Wagner
2B		Davey Johnson	Jeff Kent	Phil Garner
3B		Chris Sabo	Pedro Feliz	Andy Van Slyke
SS	Arky Vaughan		Jay Bell Khalil Greene
OF	~~Goose Goslin~~	Pops Stargell Andrew McCutcheon Tom Brown	Rick Reichardt Paul Waner Roberto Clemente	Max Carey Jack Cust