Tag: Jason Vargas

TWIWBL 55.1: Offseason Notes – Bill James Division

On January 8, 2024

#Detroit Wolverines

P Alex Wilson retired.

#Los Angeles Angels

Both OF Jimmy Ryan and IF José Morales made decent contributions to AAA Las Vegas, but with each on the far side of 35, they could see the writing on the wall and retired at the end of the Aces’ season.

Jason Vargas had thought he had done enough to warrant a look for the rotation next season; instead, Los Angeles released the 34 year old lefty along with utility IF José Reyes.

32 year old 3B Tim Wallach tore the cover off the ball at AAA, with 20 homeruns in 74 games and a 1.019 OPS. But it netted him a grand total of 90 WBL at-bats where he looked totally overmatched. Wallach saw the writing on the wall and decided to call it a day, announcing his retirement.

#Memphis Red Sox

At 27, SS Glenn Hoffman still had time to find a career, but his inability to hit a lick made him decide to pursue another vocation.

Given how poor Memphis’ season was, there are clearly opportunities next year, making Dom DiMaggio and Tom Gordon‘s retirement announcements a bit of a surprise, as both seemed to have more to give. They join Mike Timlin in the ranks of players who won’t be participating in the WBL next season.

Vern Stephens did enough in his time in Memphis to earn a long term deal, with the Red Sox locking up the SS for the next 5 years on a $22M deal.

2B DJ LeMahieu won his arbitration case, earning the heretofore unproven infielder a contract of $1.2M for the upcoming season.

Somehow, the Red Sox won the free agent competition for perhaps the best arm on the market, 23 year old Shane Bieber. Bieber will compete for a roster spot for the upcoming season, adding to the growing optimism in Memphis.

The Red Sox also signed away OF Tom Brown from Homestead on a minor league deal.

#New York Gothams

The Gothams quickly moved to retain key pieces of their bullpen, signing Robb Nen to a 4 year, $11.2M deal and closer Brian Wilson to a 1 year extension. They also added hard throwing Troy Percival on a 3 year deal.

#Wandering House of David

37 year old 1B Jake Daubert had a decent year at AAA, slashing 275/301/400, but the writing was on the wall, and Daubert hung up his spikes for good at the end of the season.

George Gore lost his arbitration case, but is still one of the most expensive backups in the league, earning $850k next season.

While he’s still on the DL for another 4 months or so, RP Phil Reccius will be joining the House of David on a 3 year, $6.6M deal.

Series XXXVII Preview: Los Angeles Angels @ New York Black Yankees

By mknn

On August 14, 2023

In Featured Series, Series Previews

The Los Angeles Angels have only featured in 3 series (Series V, VIII, XXIII), but they head into the penultimate series of the season with a chance to play spoiler. We’ve seen the New York Black Yankees more often (Series XI, XV, XIX, XXIX), but after early season dominance, and despite an offense that is probably the best in the league, they are fighting for their playoff life.

#Los Angeles Angels

The Angels have some interesting pieces. For a while, Gerrit Cole (15-9, 4.30) was in the argument for the best starter in the league, and he still is an unquestioned ace. 3B Doug Rader (333/395/535, a league leading 128 RBI) will finish in the top 4 or 5 in the MVP race, and CF Mike Trout (315/383/492) is coming into his own. Trout leads the team in HR with 20 (Carlos Delgado has 21, but only 10 with LA), and while 6 other players are in double figures, there is an overall lack of power in the lineup. But they hit for average and they get on base, and especially with Delgado, Kal Daniels, and Elmer Valo, they are very strong against righties.

As the season winds down, the Angels are looking to get Wally Backman (a 1.244 OPS in his first dozen games) and Ps Mike Smith and Harry Howell some time in the field as well as they look to next year.

Brett Anderson has pitched almost as well as Cole, and his return from the DL is a welcome site. But beyond that, the pitching staff is a whole lot of potential, but little else: Chuck Finley, Nolan Ryan, Tom Seaver, Doc Gooden, and Pud Galvin have each had moments of promise, but on the whole, have been somewhere between mediocre and downright bad.

Francisco Rodríguez has done well in the bullpen, and an argument could be made that he should replace Joe Nathan as closer.

#New York Black Yankees

Let’s start with the new good news: the Black Yankees have run through something like 4 closers this season, but the position has finally been solidified with the acquisition of Aroldis Chapman. Chapman has a dozen saves and a 1.50 ERA for the Black Yankees, and 31 saves overall, and is the clear bright spot in the bullpen.

And then there is the old good news. This team can flat-out rake. We’ve spilled plenty of ink on Babe Ruth, but he deserves it, leading the league in OPS (1.095), HR (44), BB (104), and a few other things as well. Then there’s Mickey Mantle, who has taken over from Eric Davis as the second best hitter on the team. Mantle is slashing 323/424/555, and has only escaped being hailed as a superstar due to Ruth’s presence. 5 other regulars, plus 4th OF Albert Belle, all have OPS’ over .800. A mark of how deep the lineup is can be seen by Lou Gehrig (24 HR, .883 OPS) being criticized for an off year. Davis has 32 HR, and Mantle, Gehrig, Don Mattingly, and Mike Schmidt all have more than 20.

Even the backup catcher, Manny Sanguillén, has an OPS over .800.

And then the old meh news. The rotation is … fine? I mean, it’s fine, right? The quartet of Waite Hoyt (10-6, 3.95), Ron Guidry (7-12, 4.51), Jack Scott (14-5, 4.46), and Red Ruffing (13-9, 4.15) are … OK? Guidry’s secondary numbers (a 3.91 FIP, a 1.24 WHIP) are good, Scott’s aren’t. So … fine?

And then there is the Achilles’ heel of this club: the bullpen. Another midseason acquisition, Rheal Cormier, has been decent. But the rest–Dick Tidrow, Goose Gossage, Ralph Citarella–have fallen short again and again and again throughout the season. Gossage has shown signs of turning it around, even replacing Citarella as the primary RH setup man, but still … for a team that may need to win 6 of their final 8 games to make the postseason, the bullpen must be solid.

#Projected Starters

Los Angeles pitcher listed first.

Gerrit Cole (15-9, 4.30) @ Waite Hoyt (10-6, 3.95)
Pud Galvin (6-7, 4.75) @ Jack Scott (14-5, 4.46)
Jason Vargas (1-2, 3.03) @ Jamie Moyer (6-8, 5.05)
Brett Anderson (7-7, 3.75) @ Ron Guidry (7-12, 4.51)

TWIWBL 44.1: Series XXVI Notes – Bill James Division

By mknn

On August 7, 2023

In TWIWBL

#Detroit Wolverines

Hank Aguirre, Jason Schmidt, and Whitey Wilshire combined to allow only 2 hits in an 8-1 victory over Indianapolis (the run scored on 2 walks, a sac fly, and an RBI groundout). Hank Greenberg had 4 hits, including his 28th homerun, and Ty Cobb added 3 in the victory.

Greenberg continued his hot streak, with 3 more hits and his 29th homerun in a 3-2 win in 10 innings. Chad Bradford got the win over Indianapolis, improving his record to 4-0, and Mike Henneman maintained his league lead in saves, picking up his 36th of the year.

Detroit just continues to look strong as they push for the playoffs: homeruns from Cobb and Greenberg carried them to their 3rd win of the series. There was some concerning news, as reliever-turned-starter extraordinaire Gene Conley was forced out of the game with back stiffness, but it looks like he’ll only miss a few days of action.

#Los Angeles Angels

Jason Vargas has done enough to warrant getting a few starts as the Angel’s season winds down.

P Huck Betts retired from AA.

#Memphis Red Sox

Nixey Callahan was demoted, with Derek Lowe being brought up to Memphis.

After he was released by Ottawa, Memphis took a flyer on 42 year old Terry Mulholland, but it didn’t work out, and Mulholland announced his retirement after the AA season concluded.

This is what the Red Sox thought would happen all year: Memphis suddenly rallied, embracing their role as playoff spoiler in their series against the Black Yankees.

Mookie Betts had 2 homeruns and Ted Williams hit his 27th of the year in a 7-3 victory.

Reggie Smith had 4 hits and Claude Ritchey had 2 homeruns (!), leading Memphis to a 6-5 victory, sealed with Len Barker being called in to face Babe Ruth with the tying run on first in the top of the 9th. Barker got his first save as Stubby Overmire improved to 6-5 in his tenure in Memphis.

Two OF kills, one by Smith and one by Sammy Sosa, were crucial as Memphis held off the Black Yankees in the series finale, 4-3. Williams reached the century mark in RBIs, as he, Boogs, and Smith each had 2 hits in support of Dean Chance, who improved to 11-9 with 6 innings of 1-run ball.

#New York Gothams

Johnny Callison injured his elbow, with only an outside shot at returning before the end of the season. Callison hit the DL. This put the organization in a hard spot, as their AAA affiliate, Hartford, was in the playoffs. But the Gothams are in the mix for a wild card spot, so they recalled Benny Kauff, probably Hartford’s MVP with 39 HR and a 303/370/600 slash line at AAA.

The news on SP Pete Donohoe was not good, as a bum elbow will keep him out for the rest of the season. Edwin Jackson was recalled to take Donohoe’s place.

OF Dode Paskert retired from AA at the age of 40.

TWIWBL 43.1: Series XXXV Notes – Bill James Division

By mknn

On July 26, 2023

In TWIWBL

#Detroit Wolverines

Roberto Hernández‘ stay was brief, as he returns to AAA with Bob Bailey‘s return from the DL. Bailey will step back into the starting role, but Olmedo Sáenz’ hot start will force him into the lineup from time to time as well.

#Los Angeles Angels

Jeromy Burnitz was recalled from AAA to provide some depth in RF.

The Angels pounded out 22 hits and 15 runs, beating Philadelphia 15-8. Doug Rader had 4 hits, Wally Backman 3 (maintaining his .500 average), and Mike Trout scored 4 times. Jason Vargas picked up the first save of his career, dropping his ERA to 3.21 with 3 scoreless innings of relief.

The offense rolled on with 16 hits and 9 runs, led by a 4-hit day from Kal Daniels and 3 from Don Buford. Trout added his 19th homerun of the year as Gerrit Cole improved to 15-9 with a solid outing.

#Memphis Red Sox

Vern Stephens drove in 5 and Bill White had 3 hits as the Red Sox survived a poor 9th inning to beat San Francisco, 10-7. Stephens, Ted Williams, and Manny Ramírez all went deep with the win going to Stubby Overmire and Heath Bell picking up his 2nd save of the year.

With C Billy Bryan out for–most likely–the rest of the year, the Red Sox recalled Bob Brenly from AAA.

#Wandering House of David

Pete Browning hit a grand slam for his 25th homerun of the year, keying a comeback 8-6 victory over Baltimore. Ernie Banks added 3 hits for the House of David in a game where Rick Reuschel picked up his first career win and Bruce Sutter his 23rd save of the season.

TWIWBL 37.1: Series XXIX Notes – Bill James Division

By mknn

On April 4, 2023

In TWIWBL

#Detroit Wolverines

Kevin Hart will be out about 4 weeks, meaning a trip to the DL is in order. Mickey Lolich was recalled–again.

Oscar Gamble went deep twice, giving him 25 on the season, and drove in 4, leading Detroit to a 6-4 win over Brooklyn. Ty Cobb added 3 hits, including his 18th dinger of the season, and 7 decent innings from Hank Aguirre (now 5-9) set the stage for Mike Henneman‘s league-leading 32nd save of the season.

#Los Angeles Angels

2 homeruns and 5 RBIs from Don Buford led Los Angeles to an 11-4 thrashing of Chicago. Doug Rader had 3 hits and upped his league leading RBI total to 109 with 4. Jason Vargas–knocked around in his first few appearances–picked up the win with 4.1 innings of 2-hit ball.

Gerrit Cole finally got his 13th win of the year as the Angels shellacked the American Giants, 12-3. Carlos Delgado had a grand slam and a ground rule double for 6 RBIs and Ron Hassey added 3 hits as Cole improved to 13-6.

#Memphis Red Sox

Norwood Gibson, ineffective all year, was sent to AAA with Nixey Callahan (also, you know, ineffective all year) brought back up for the start.

Sammy Sosa‘s talent has been undeniable–the ball just explodes off the 24 year old’s bat. But he hasn’t put much together, and while he’s hitting more with Memphis than he did with the House of David, he’s still not doing much. So perhaps his 3 hit game with a double and a homerun in an 8-6 win over the Gothams is the start of something for Sosa.

#New York Gothams

Christy Mathewson became the WBL’s first 13 game winner, allowing 1 unearned run over 6+ innings in a 10-1 victory over Memphis.

#Wandering House of David

Bob Rush was masterful, tossing a complete game, 3-hit shutout in a 9-0 win over Ottawa. Pete Browning had 4 hits including 3 doubles, and Dan Ford and Richie Hebner added 3 hits each.

Elrod Hendricks went deep twice, giving him 31 on the year, but it wasn’t enough as the House of David lost 8-5 to Ottawa.

TWIWBL 34.1: Series XXVII Notes – Bill James Division

By mknn

On March 1, 2023

In TWIWBL

#Los Angeles Angels

The Angels have been desperate for starting pitching for a while, behind the hard-throwing duo of Gerrit Cole and Nolan Ryan. In a somewhat desperate move, they sent Chuck Finley, Tom Seaver, and Mike Smith to AAA, bringing back up Harry Howell, Sid Fernandez, and Jason Vargas.

Homeruns from Mike Trout and Carlos Delgado powered the Angels to a 12-1 victory over Kansas City in a game which, perhaps more importantly, both Doc Gooden and Fernandez pitched well.

#Memphis Red Sox

Wade Boggs hit a mammoth homerun to lead off the bottom of the 10th giving the Red Sox a 6-5 win over Portland.

#New York Gothams

The Gothams hit 5 homeruns in a 16-7 rout of San Francisco. Joe Adcock started it with a grandslam, and Jimmy Sheckard, Willie Mays, Eugenio Suárez, and Johnny Callison all going deep as well. Mays and Callison had 4 hits each; Adcock and Callions each drove in 4, and Mays scored 4 times as New York pounded out 21 hits in helping Juan Marichal improve to 9-6.

#Wandering House of David

Dan Ford had 4 hits–2 of which were homeruns–and 5 RBI, leading the House of David to a 9-5 victory over surging Birmingham. Ryne Sandberg also had 4 hits, including his 16th homerun of the year, as Bob Rush threw 7 strong innings moving to 9-5 on the year.