Tag: Jackie Robinson Page 1 of 3

TWIWBL 71.8: The NL All Stars

On February 5, 2025

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

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

TWIWBL 71.1: Year 2, Week 14

By mknn

On January 27, 2025

In TWIWBL

July 2nd

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.

TWIWBL 70.5: Effa Manley Division

By mknn

On January 9, 2025

In TWIWBL

Team	W/L	Pct	GB
Brooklyn Royal Giants	43-33	.566	—
Homestead Grays	41-35	.539	2
New York Gothams	40-37	.519	3.5
Philadelphia Stars	38-39	.494	5.5
Ottawa Mounties	35-40	.467	7.5

Effa Manley Division | 25 June

#Brooklyn Royal Giants

In a move long clamored for by the fans, the Royal Giants have replaced Sandy Koufax with Fernando Valenzuela in their rotation.

Roy White hit two out and Smokey Joe Williams did just enough to even his record at 7-7 as the Royal Giants topped Philadelphia, 11-5.

Mike Piazza hit 2 homeruns, edging towards 30 on the season, and White, Germany Smith, and Jackie Robinson also went yard, backing a strong outing from Frank Knauss, who improved to 8-4 in the 9-4 win over the Stars.

#Homestead Grays

The Grays have sent Carlos Zambrano to AAA, hopefully to get a bit more consistent work, and recalled Ricardo Rincón to give them a lefty from the bullpen.

Rey Sánchez has also been sent down, with teenager Judy Johnson being recalled into the utility IF role.

Roberto Clemente hit for the cycle in a 13-3 thrashing of Brooklyn, the first player in the WBL to do so this year.

#New York Gothams

Joe Adcock went deep twice and Benny Kauff delivered a key pinch hit homer as the Gothams beat Homestead, 9-5.

#Ottawa Mounties

The Mounties slugged 7 homeruns, going back-to-back and back-to-back-to-back in a 10-1 drubbing of Houston. Gary Carter had 2, and Rick Monday, Sam Thompson, Adrián Beltré, Roberto Alomar, and Álex Rodríguez each reached the seats as well. Old Hoss Radbourn improved to 9-5, allowing only 3 hits and 1 run in 8+ innings of work for Ottawa.

Bob Moose will miss the better part of a year with a torn labrum, just as the Mounties’ rotation looked like it was rounding into shape. Bryn Smith was recalled from AAA.

Carter hit another 2 homeruns (that’s 28 on the season) and Ottawa rolled over Kansas City, 10-0. Johnny Podgajny threw 8+ innings of 4-hit ball, improving his record to 2-1.

Thompson went yard twice in a 6-2 win over the Monarchs, backing an excellent effort from Bill Smith, who improved to 6-2 on the season.

TWIWBL 67.5: Effa Manley Division

By mknn

On October 14, 2024

In TWIWBL

Team	W/L	Pct	GB
Homestead Grays	33-25	.569	—
Brooklyn Royal Giants	30-26	.536	2
New York Gothams	29-28	.509	3.5
Philadelphia Stars	29-30	.492	4.5
Ottawa Mounties	28-29	.491	4.5

Effa Manley Division | 4 June

#Brooklyn Royal Giants

Beals Becker and Jackie Robinson each went deep twice, but the Royal Giants bullpen–usually a strength of the team–imploded in a see-saw affair as Brooklyn fell to Ottawa 13-11. The next day brought more of the same: John Briggs went deep twice and the Royal Giants hit 5 homeruns, but Ottawa won the game, 10-9 in another poor outing from Don Drysedale, who fell to 3-3.

#Homestead Grays

The Grays released the highly ineffective Del Crandall, recalling Rick Ferrell from AAA to serve as Josh Gibson‘s backup for a while.

Willie Stargell hit 2 out of the park, but the Grays’ bullpen couldn’t close the game out in a 10-9 loss to Ottawa.

#New York Gothams

Pinky Higgins hit 2 out as the Gothams topped Houston 6-4.

Christy Mathewson had one of the best outings of the year, twirling a 3 hit shutout while striking out 11 as the Gothams beat Houston, 3-0. Matty walked only 1 and needed only 99 pitches in improving his record to 3-5, backed by Willie Mays‘ 23rd homer of the year.

#Ottawa Mounties

Roberto Alomar hit 2 homeruns while going 4 for 4, scoring 4 times, and driving in 5 in a come-from-behind, wild 13-11 win over Brooklyn. Álex Rodríguez won the game with a 2 run walkoff shot in the bottom of the 9th and both Rodríguez and Gary Carter, who also went deep, had 3 hits each.

Alomar hit another 2 homeruns and Larry Walker launched his 27th of the season in a 10-9 win over Brooklyn.

Backup C Brad Ausmus announced his retirement at the end of the season.

It was Carlos Beltrán‘s turn to hit 2 out, but it took a bases loaded walk to Alomar in the bottom of the 9th for the Mounties to eke out a 10-9 win over Homestead.

The Mounties pounded out 22 hits, including 8 homeruns, in a 20-8 plastering of Homestead. Walker went deep twice, reaching 30 on the year, and Bob Watson, Rick Monday, Rusty Staub, Beltrán, Rodríguez, and Carter all added longballs. The offense was well distributed with 3 players scoring 3 runs, 4 players amassing 3 hits, and Beltrán and Walker driving in 4 runs each.

#Philadelphia Stars

The Stars gave up on Sherm Lollar, sending him to AAA and recalling Butch Wynegar. It’s not clear if Wynegar will step into a platoon with Mike Scioscia or if Scioscia will be the everyday backstop.

Chase Utley took advantage of a chance to hit 2nd in the lineup, going deep twice and leading the Stars to an 8-1 win over Indianapolis behind another strong outing for JM Ward, who improved to 3-1.

TWIWBL 66.5: Effa Manley Division

By mknn

On September 24, 2024

In TWIWBL

Team	W/L	Pct	GB
Brooklyn Royal Giants	28-21	.571	—
Homestead Grays	29-22	.569	—
New York Gothams	26-25	.510	3
Ottawa Mounties	26-25	.510	3
Philadelphia Stars	25-27	.481	4.5

Effa Manley Division | 28 May

#Brooklyn Royal Giants

While the Royal Giants wait for Jackie Robinson‘s return, they swap out a couple of bench pieces, sending Frank Isbell to AAA in exchange for Matty Alou, a move facilitated by Germany Smith‘s slight uptick in offensive output (from miserable to merely below average). When Robinson was recalled from his brief rehab assignment, Art Griggs was sent to AAA.

#Homestead Grays

Daniel Hudson was sent to AAA as Doug Drabek was recalled from his rehab assignment, and slotted directly into the 3rd spot of the rotation.

#New York Gothams

Willie Mays hit 2 out, leading the Gothams to a 7-4 win over Brooklyn. Larry Doyle did the same (1 a 503 ft. bomb) in a 4-2 win over the Royal Giants.

#Ottawa Mounties

Bill Smith will spend a stint on the DL, with the Mounties recalling Chris Bosio for a look at the big league level.

Dave Gregg will miss about a month with a sore shoulder, with the Mounties recalling Jesse Crain from AA for a look in their bullpen.

Adrián Beltré went deep twice as Ottawa topped Philadelphia 10-8 in extra innings.

#Philadelphia Stars

With Bob Howry heading to the DL for about a week, the Stars recalled Pedro Feliciano from AAA.

TWIWBL 65.1: Year 2, Week 8

By mknn

On August 26, 2024

In TWIWBL

May 21st

We are roughly 1/4 through the season!

#Awards

Miami Cuban Giants OF Ryan Braun, who hit 6 homeruns with a .417 average, was the AL Player of the Week and Mike Epstein of the Homestead Grays took home the NL Player of the Week. Epstein hit .556 with 5 homeruns.

#Team Performance

It’s still far too early, of course, but there is a sliver of daylight emerging in 3 of the 4 divisions.

In the Bill James Division, the New York Black Yankees lead the Cleveland Spiders by 4 games; in the Cum Posey Division, the San Francisco Sea Lions have ridden an 8-2 streak to a 3 game lead over the Chicago American Giants, and in the Marvin Miller Division, the Kansas City Monarchs have opened up a 4.5 game edge over the Indianapolis ABC’s.

So that leaves the Effa Manley Division, where all 5 teams are separated by only 5 games from the Grays on top to the Philadelphia Stars at the bottom. Here’s how it stacks up:

Team	W/L	PCT	GB
Homestead Grays	26-19	.578	–
Brooklyn Royal Giants	24-19	.558	1
New York Gothams	23-22	.511	3
Ottawa Mounties	22-22	.500	3.5
Philadelphia Stars	21-24	.467	5

Marvin Miller Division Standings

#Player Performance

Batters

Returning to normalcy: all the bold next to Babe Ruth.

But there are a ton of new storylines here as well: is Ty Cobb for real? Just how many doubles can he hit? Ruth tied for the league lead in homeruns isn’t news, but being joined by Ryan Braun and Larry Walker is (similarly, Ruth leading with 50 RBI’s is familiar; Walker joining him is not).

Also, Tony Gwynn hitting .421 is fun.

League leaders in bold, top 2 for most categories listed.

Ryan Braun (MCG). 320/366/765. 20 HR.
Ty Cobb (DET). 404/462/861. 61 H; 25 2B; 3.2 WAR.
Tony Gwynn (HOU). 421/456/679. 67 H; 40 R.
Rickey Henderson (SFS). 271/377/484. 34 SB.
Pete Hill (HOU). 286/356/539. 8 3B.
Joe Jackson (CAG). 365/416/591. 22 2B.
Reggie Jackson (SFS). 312/398/659. 40 R.
Babe Ruth (NYY). 316/443/770. 20 HR; 50 RBI; 43 R; 37 BB; 3.2 WAR.
Joey Votto (IND). 295/442/508. 31 BB.
Larry Walker (OTT). 342/423/770. 20 HR; 50 RBI.
Bobby Wallace (BAL). 250/387/342. 31 BB.

Pitchers

Starters

6 pitchers have 6 wins, but only 2 have 7 and of those only Kansas City’s Frank Castillo is undefeated.

Houston‘s Toad Ramsey has come back to the pack some, but all that bold shows just how far ahead of them he had gone. It’s no longer clear who the best starter in the league is at the moment, although Castillo certainly has a decent argument. But Ramsey’s teammate Roger Clemens is in there, as is Indianapolis’ Johnny Cueto, and it’s hard to ignore the ERA leader, Chicago’s Mark Buehrle.

League leaders in bold, top 2 for most categories listed.

Mark Buehrle (CAG). 5-2, 2.42.
Frank Castillo (KCM). 7-0, 2.85.
Watty Clark (SFS). 2-0, 5.21. 3.24 FIP.
Roger Clemens (HOU). 6-0, 3.47. 0.98 WHIP.
Johnny Cueto (IND). 7-1, 3.51.
Doc Gooden (LAA). 4-3, 2.60.
Lefty Grove (SFS). 5-4, 3.49. 67 IP.
Ron Guidry (NYY). 6-1, 3.52. 75 K; 2.0 WAR.
Walter Johnson (POR). 4-4, 2.94. 67.1 IP; 2.0 WAR.
Toad Ramsey (HOU). 6-2, 2.60. 81 K; 2.9 WAR; 0.88 WHIP; 2.52 FIP.

Relievers

Brooklyn‘s Trevor Hildenberger is probably the hottest reliever in the league, but really nobody is truly dominant from the pen so far, other than his teammate, Fernando Valenzuela, whose future is almost certainly as a starter.

12 IP minimum; league leaders in bold, top 2 for most categories listed.

Rod Beck (SFS). 2-2, 5.40. 12 Sv.
Rheal Cormier (NYY). 0-0, 3.38. 7 H.
Trevor Hildenberger 1-0, 1.20. 1 Sv, 5 H; 0.60 WHIP.
Ted Kennedy (PHI). 2-2, 3.48. 2 Sv, 7 H.
Josh Lindblom (HOM). 3-0, 2.55. 12 Sv.
Lee Smith (HOD). 1-0, 2.04. 1 Sv; 5 H; 0.57 WHIP.
Fernando Valenzuela (BRK). 2-0, 1.16. 4 H.

#Injury Report

Brooklyn’s Jackie Robinson is expected back this week, as is Detroit‘s SS George Davis.

The New York Black Yankees hope to send Red Ruffing–out for nearly a year–on a rehab assignment later in the week.

#AAA Check In

We’ll take a little look at AAA, both in terms of the best performers and the best prospects (24 and under) roughly 1/4 of the way through the season.

Pos	25+	< 25
C	John Stearns (26, LAA). 266/380/587.	Darrin Fletcher (23, NYY). 383/408/742.
1B	Fred Luderus (32, PHI). 336/375/734.	Eddie Murray (22, BAL). 321/389/629).
2B	DJ LeMahieu (28, MEM). 377/417/521.	Jorge Orta (23, CAG). 216/250/405.
SS	Bill Dahlen (34, CLE). 250/325/519.	Travis Jackson (22, HOU). 331/358/559.
3B	Jung Ho Kang (29, HOD). 313/361/701.	Chris Brown (23, HOD). 346/452/731.
LF	Lefty O’Doul (26, MEM). 385/416/644.	Starling Marte (24, HOM). 341/410/609.
CF	Kenny Lofton (26, CLE). 354/424/599.	Jack Gleason (23, LAA). 257/361/478.
RF	Elmer Valo (35, LAA). 397/484/733.	Tony Conigliaro (23, HOD). 299/361/649.
SP	Cliff Lee (29, HOM). 3-2, 1.67. 1.8 WAR. George Bechtel (28, DET). 402, 2.38. 2.2 WAR.	Dick Redding (21, BRK). 6-2, 2.93. 2.6 WAR. Kyle Peterson (22, HOD). 4-3, 3.38. 1.8 WAR.
RP	Roberto Osuna (22, HOU). 1-1, 3.86. 8 Sv.	George Jeffcoat (26, NYG). 0-1, 2.57. 9 Sv.

For the batters, the dominance of players from Las Vegas (Los Angeles‘ AAA franchise) and Columbus (the AAA home for the House of David) is striking. Of these, Stearns may get a look soon given the Angels’ current struggles behind the plate and Valo’s performance may force himself back to the WBL. With both Kang and Brown blocked by Ron Cey–having a great season with the House of David–perhaps those 2 end up as trade bait?

Pitchers are highly unpredictable, of course. Redding and Peterson are doing excellently and seem destined for great things; at the same time, both Lee and Bechtel have struggled with their big league clubs.

TWIWBL 64.5: Effa Manley Division

By mknn

On August 8, 2024

In TWIWBL

#Brooklyn Royal Giants

Two homeruns from Ron Cey helped bust a game wide open as the Royal Giants pummeled the House of David, 15-4. The win was costly for Brooklyn, as Jackie Robinson was forced to the DL with a sprained ankle. Veteran Frank Isbell was recalled from AAA.

Ray Dandridge went deep twice, but it wasn’t enough as the House of David prevailed over the Royal Giants 6-5 in 10 innings. Mike Piazza duplicated Dandridge’s feat, homering twice in a loss, as the House of David triumphed once more, 9-6.

#Homestead Grays

Mike Epstein went deep twice and Josh Gibson added a grandslam as the Grays built a big lead against the Colt 45’s and held on for a 15-10 victory. Gibson drove in 6 and Epstein scored 4 times and Bob Friend pitched barely well enough to even his record at 2-2.

Rick Reichardt went deep twice leading the Grays to a 9-6 win over the Gothams.

#New York Gothams

The Gothams made some changes on the mound, deciding that Rube Waddell and Don Sutton just allow far too many homeruns. Waddell was moved to AAA with Sutton being removed from the rotation. Tony Mullane was recalled to take Waddell’s spot.

The Gothams were more reluctant to pull the trigger on the other saide of the roster, but with the quartet of Jimmy Sheckard, Eugenio Suárez, Carl Furillo, and Wes Westrum all struggling mightily, their hand may be forced soon enough.

#Ottawa Mounties

Roberto Alomar homered twice, each shot giving Ottawa the lead after scores from Philadelphia and the Mounties edged the stars, 5-3. Old Hoss Radbourn had a good outing, improving his record to 5-3, and Clark Griffith earned his first save.

Larry Walker and Carlos Beltrán each went deep twice as the Mounties beat Philadelphia, 10-3. Walker did it again, going deep twice in support of another strong start from Bill Smith in a 6-1 victory over Houston. Walker now has 20 on the season, tying him for the league lead.

#Philadelphia Stars

Young Bill Gatewood was sent to AAA to work out his command with Fred Cambria being recalled. José Ramírez and Sherm Lollar retain their roster spots for now, but both may see their playing time reduced due to their offensive struggles.

TWIWBL 62.4: Effa Manley Division

By mknn

On June 25, 2024

In TWIWBL

#Brooklyn Royal Giants

Frank Isbell‘s struggles finally earned him a trip to AAA with the Royal Giants needing a starter. Frank Miller was recalled from AAA to make the start, and returned afterwards with, ultimately, Dan Brouthers taking Isbell’s roster spot.

2 homeruns from Jackie Robinson and a strong start from Orel Hershiser led Brooklyn over Philadelphia 6-1. Hershiser improved to 3-1, allowing 4 hits and 1 run over 8 innings.

#Homestead Grays

The Grays moved Carlos Zambrano–0-4 with an ERA over 9.00–into the bullpen, with Doug Drabek taking his spot in the rotation. Drabek has been excellent so far in a relief role, with a 2.45 ERA over 9 games.

#New York Gothams

The Gothams welcomed back closer Brian Wilson. They hadn’t really missed him, as Mike Norris and Robb Nen combined for 9 saves, but it does extend what might be the best bullpen in the league. Guy Hecker was returned to AAA.

Buster Posey and Johnny Callison hit monstrous homeruns, backing a 3 hit shutout from Carl Hubbell as the Gothams topped the Monarchs, 7-0. Posey had 3 hits and Hubbell improved to 4-2 with the win.

Callison had another 2 homeruns, but the Gothams gave up an 8-3 lead before losing to Ottawa, 9-8.

#Ottawa Mounties

Larry Walker went deep twice and Bill Smith excelled in a spot start as the Mounties topped Houston 6-3.

Cannonball Sam Thompson homered twice leading the Mounties to a come from behind, 9-8 win over the Gothams. Mike Dorgan had 3 hits and 5 relievers (Smith, Dave Gregg, BJ Ryan, Clark Griffith, and Ryan Dempster) combined to allow only 1 hit in over 5 innings of relief of a terribly ineffective Roy Halladay. Smith got the win, strengthening his case to be moved into a full time rotation spot for Ottawa.

#Philadelphia Stars

Scott Rolen went deep twice as the Stars triumphed over Brooklyn, 8-5. Hardie Henderson won his 5th game of the year with 6 decent innings and 5 Stars hurlers combined to close out the victory.

TWIWBL 59.1: Year 2 – Week 2

By mknn

On May 15, 2024

In TWIWBL

Welcome to the first general issue of TWIWBL for Season 2!

April 9th

#Team Starts

3 teams have a single loss–Chicago, Brooklyn, and the House of David, each at 4-1–and 3 teams have a single victory on the year (Los Angeles is 1-4 while both Philadelphia and Houston are 1-6).

#Individual Starts

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.

IND 4 (Cueto 2-0; Dibble 2 Sv; James 2 H) @ BRK 1 (Knauss 1-1)
HRs: IND: Charleston (1).
Box Score

Game Two

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.

IND 4 (Tidrow 0-1) @ BRK 6 (Mateo 1-0; Gagne 2 Sv)
HRs: IND – Menke (1); BRK: Guerrero (1).
Box Score

Game Three

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

Year II Season Preview: Brooklyn Royal Giants

By mknn

On April 6, 2024

In Team News

Expectations

Improvement, meaning again being in the playoff hunt at the end, but perhaps it being far less of a longshot/surprise.

Best Case

The juggling of the pitching staff works perfectly, with Smokey Joe Williams and ~~Watty Clark~~ Orel Hershiser joining Don Drysedale and Frank Knauss to provide a dependable, top of the league rotation helped by a continually improving Sandy Koufax. This implies that Eric Gagne‘s conversion to closer goes well.

The offense finds its soul, helped by the acquisition of Pedro Guerrero.

Worst Case

Knauss, ~~Clark~~, and Koufax regress and Williams doesn’t step up, leaving only Drysedale as a dependable starter and the offense continues to just meander along without any real oomph. The acquisition of Guerrero fails to deliver.

Key Questions

In addition to the pitching staff changes mentioned above, the rest of the roster is very much in flux.
Can John Briggs continue to set the world on fire?
Will Mike Piazza finally take hold of the starting C role?

Trade Bait

Unsure? There is a bit of a logjam in the OF right now, maybe that could be solved.

Instead, the Royal Giants doubled down on the logjam, adding Guerrero to the mix. It’s unlikely Clark’s value is ever higher than it is right now, so it’s not a bad moment to make the move.

Roster Evaluation

POS	Elite	Strong	Solid	Meh	Weak	Unknown
C				Piazza		Bertell
1B			Robinson
2B			Isbell
3B			Cey
SS			~~Smith~~	Dandridge		Wills
LF/ RF		Becker Guerrero
CF			Briggs Snider White	Griggs
SP	Drysedale	Knauss		Hershiser Koufax		Williams
End		Gagne ~~Hildenberger~~	Dreifort Von Ohlen
RP						Forster Grimes Mateo Valenzuela

New Addition | ~~Injured~~

Very middle of the road imo. There is a lot of uncertainty on the mound, with a bunch of new faces and others whose ability to replicate their success from last season remains firmly in doubt.

Talent Ratings

	WBL	Minors
Raw Power	OF Duke Snider	1B Jim Gentile
Batting Eye	OF John Briggs	C Jim French
Contact	OF Pedro Guerrero	1B Dan Brouthers
Running Speed	SS Maury Wills	SS Sonny Jackson
Base Stealing	2B Frank Isbell	2B Davey Lopes
IF Defense	IF Jackie Robinson	1B Eric Karros
OF Defense	OF Roy White	OF Chicken Wolf
Stuff	SP Sandy Koufax	RP Lefty Thomas
Control	CL Eric Gagne	RP Trevor Hildenberger
Velocity	CL Eric Gagne	SP Walker Buehler

Best In The Minors

Rank	Age	POS	Name
1 (3)	20	2B	Ed Delahanty
2 (5)	23	P	Smokey Joe Williams
3 (15)	21	P	Doc Newton
4 (51)	22	P	Walker Buehler
5 (84)	21	OF	John Briggs
6 (108)	22	P	Dazzy Vance
7 (125)	24	OF	Terry Moore
8 (147)	24	P	Fernando Valenzuela
9 (162)	24	P	Dustin McGowan
10 (165)	20	OF	Al Simmons

Others: RP Jesús Colome, P Chris Short.

Williams, Briggs, and Valenzuela all break camp with the WBL team. Given the scarcity of offense in the system, both Delahanty and Simmons may see time this season.

	Most	Least
Age	2B Julio Franco, 39	P Odalis Pérez, 19 P Hilly Flitcroft
Height	P Don Drysedale, 6’6″ P Tommy Hanson, 6’6″	P Bobby Shantz, 5’6″
OPS	1B Justin Smoak, 1.101 (—)	SS César Izturis, .527 (AAA/AA)
HR	1B Justin Smoak, 64 (—)	SS César Izturis, 0 (AAA/AA) OF Art Griggs, 0 (WBL/AAA)
SB	OF Beals Becker, 49 (WBL)
WAR	1B Jim Gentile, 5.0 (—)	SS Germany Smith, -1.0 (WBL/AAA)
W	Josh Outman, 14 (—) Jordan Zimmerman, 14 (AAA)	Tom Phoebus, 2 (—) Dick Redding, 2 (WBL/AAA)
SV	Red Evans, 23 (—)
ERA	Darren Dreifort, 2.03 (WBL/AAA)	Tom Sullivan, 8.09 (—)
WAR	Bobby Shantz, 5.9 (—)	Tom Sullivan, -2.0 (—)

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