Tag: Jerry Koosman

TWIWBL 7.4: Series VI Notes – Marvin Miller Division

On June 8, 2021

{With the day off on April 25th, it was a time of roster moves and lineup and pitching adjustments. As such, there are a few more notes for each team than usual.}

#Birmingham Black Barons

Omar Infante‘s first HR of the season was dramatic: a walk-off drive to LF off Indianapolis’ Rob Dibble that gave the Black Barons a 5-4 victory in 11 innings.

Birmingham totally overhauled its pitching staff, sending John Clarkson, Warren Spahn, and Jim Whitney to AAA Atlanta and bringing Larry Benton, Tim Hudson, and Vic Willis back the other way. Ken Griffery, Sr. was waived to make room for Benton on the 40-man roster.

Sam Streeter and Dick Rudolph have been named to the starting rotation, joining Alejandro Pena and Scott Baker, leaving one spot still up for grabs.

The Black Barons would love to send Dale Murphy (059/179/059) down, but the only C doing anything in their farm system is Earl Battey at AA. Murphy stays in the WBL for now, but Battey has been promoted to AAA, and is likely to come up if he shows much of anything there. Ginger Beaumont was demoted, with Bob Nieman coming up to the big leagues. 2B Tommy Herr and OF Curtis Granderson have moved into the starting lineup.

#Brooklyn Royal Giants

Dave Von Ohlen has been a bright spot in the Royal Giants’ bullpen, with 2 holds and an ERA of 2.02. He has a tight back now, and given the general bullpen pressure, Brooklyn will put him on the DL, even though he’s likely to be ready to go in under ten days. 20 year old Sandy Koufax was recalled from AAA in the meantime.

Don Drysedale may be the best pitcher in the league right now: he moved to 4-0 on the year with a complete game victory over Miami, allowing only 1 run in his 9 innings, maintaining his 1.00 ERA on the season.

Dick Redding will lose his spot in the rotation to Frank Knauss. OF Hi Myers and Jermaine Dye are tearing up AAA for Queens, but there’s really no room in the Brooklyn OF at this time.

#Miami Cuban Giants

Camilo Pascual delivered one of the better performances of the year with a 6-hit shutout of Brooklyn, improving his record to 3-1. Pascual struck out 9 while walking 3.

Miami’s bullpen has suffered, but it’s not clear who at AAA can help. Ryota Igarashi was demoted, with Jose Mendez recalled. Gary Sheffield is tearing up AAA, but the Cuban Giants are going to give struggling Jim Thome (149/270/257) a little more time before pulling the plug.

#Portland Sea Dogs

OF Jeff Burroughs (178/245/211) will head to AAA with 19 year-old P Joseito Munoz coming up to the big leagues to bolster the back end of the bullpen.

#San Francisco Sea Lions

Just recalled from AAA, Diego Segui was pressed into service, making his WBL debut and facing off against Portland’s Jerry Koosman. Segui was terribly impressive, and the game was one of the better pitching duels on the young season, but despite allowing only 2 hits and 2 runs in 7 innings, Segui was tagged with the loss. Still, it was enough that he should stick around.

The Sea Lions expect Dennis Eckersley to come off the DL tomorrow, so they cleared room for his arrival by sending Jim Shields down to AAA. Eddie Plank was moved into the rotation. Gene Oliver and Ron Hunt were both sent down to San Jose as well (John Beckwith at 182/258/291 and Eddie Joost at 162/287/309 are on the edge as well). Cy Perkins and Pedro Guerrero come back the other way (Bob Cerv has hit better than Guerrero, but there’s no room for him in LF in San Francisco).

Series IV Featured Matchup – Portland Sea Dogs @ Detroit Wolverines

By mknn

On May 10, 2021

In Featured Series, Game Recaps, TWIWBL

The Detroit Wolverines (6-8) host the Portland Sea Dogs (8-6) for four games (series preview here).

Game One: Bert Blyleven v Si Johnson

Game one pitted Portland’s Bert Blyleven against Detroit’s Si Johnson. The game was a blowout for a while, with the Sea Dogs leading 8-1 through 7 innings, led by HR’s from Kent Hrbek, Bobby Murcer, and Joe Mauer. Blyleven had easily his best start of the year, with Bob Bailey‘s double in the bottom of the 8th only the 4th hit he allowed. Johnson, on the other hand, was chased after 6 IP, replaced by Gene Conley, who was pretty miserable, giving up 3 runs in 1.2 IP.

In the 8th, Blyleven retired Jimmy Collins, and was then relieved by Frank Williams, who came in to face Chili Davis … who took him deep for a 2 run HR.

Detroit would add 2 more in the bottom of the 9th, but it wasn’t enough, and Portland opened the series with a win. Mauer ended the day 3-4 with 2 runs and 3 RBIs, with Harry Hooper, Hrbek, Murcer, and Jeff Burroughs each chipping in with 2 hits apiece. Detroit’s Geoff Jenkins had 2 hits and 2 runs scored.

Blyleven finished with a Game Score of 71 (7.2 IP, 4 hits, 10 strikeouts), upping his record to 2-1 and Johan Santana got the final out for his 7th save.

Game Two: Smokey Joe Wood v Whitey Wilshire

Detroit would look to Whitey Wilshire to even up the series against Smokey Joe Wood. Oscar Gamble would put the Wolverines in front in the bottom of the first, ripping a double that scored Jim Fregosi and Gil Hodges. They would double their lead in the bottom of the 4th when Hank Greenberg took Wood deep for a 2-run HR.

Portland would finally break through in the top of the 5th on back to back singles from Kiki Cuyler and Fregosi. They pulled off a double steal, allowing Cuyler to score on a groundout by Hodges. But Jimmy Collins and Chili Davis would hit back-to-back HR’s in the bottom of the inning, pushing Detroit’s lead to 6-1.

Wilshire was replaced by John Hiller and Kevin Hart, who were pretty rough, giving up 3 runs in the 9th. But it was enough to close out the game with Detroit winning 6-4.

Hodges was the offensive star, finishing the game 2-3 with 4 RBIs. Ivan Rodriguez and Fred Dunlap added 2 hits each. For Detroit, Collins continued his strong start with a 2-3 day, 2 runs, and 1 RBI.

Wilshere did well for the win, allowing only 1 run in 6.2 IP, improving his record to 2-1 while Wood fell to 1-2. Mike Cuellar and Jim Kern were good for Portland in relief of Wood, combining for over 3 IP of scoreless relief.

Game Three: Walter Johnson v Long Tom Hughes

With the series tied 1-1, Portland turned to Walter Johnson, who came into the game with a 2-0 record, against Long Tom Hughes for Detroit. This was an old-fashioned blowout with Portland scoring 13 times on 17 hits. Buddy Bell went 5-6 with 2 runs scored, Bobby Murcer went 2-4 with 4 RBIs, Jeff Burroughs scored 3 times, and Smokey Joe Wood atoned some for his pitching performance the previous day, walloping a 3 run HR as a pinch hitter.

Hughes gave up 6 runs in 3 IP, and while Gene Conley bounced back with a scoreless 3 IP, Justin Verlander–who had been fantastic so far this season–gave up 7 runs (3 earned) in 1.1 IP.

Johnson improved his record to 3-0 with 7.2 dominant IP, allowing only 3 hits while fanning 7.

Game Four: Jerry Koosman v Hank Aguirre

In the final game, Detroit will look to Hank Aguirre (1-2) to even the series against Portland’s Jerry Koosman (1-1). Both starters struggled over 4 innings, but Aguirre managed to skate through, allowing a single run in 4 IP despite walking 4. Koosman was far less effective, given up 10 hits and 6 runs in his time.

Frank Williams and Elmer Brown followed Koosman, with each of them giving up runs as well, while Johnny Marcum and John Hiller combined for 5 innings of 3 hit, shutout ball for Detroit. Marcum got the win, giving the Wolverines the series split.

Bob Bailey and Chili Davis had 3 hits and 3 RBIs each, with Bailey and Ty Cobb hitting HRs. Ivan Rodriguez had 2 hits for Portland.

This Week In Whirled Baseball: Spring Training Update II

By mknn

On July 27, 2020

In TWIWBL

{ We’re 2/3 through Spring Training–20 games. Some notes from around the league. }

#Chicago American Giants

The bullpen foursome of Ken Sanders, Akinori Otsuka, Koji Uehara, and A.J. Minter have been lights-out for Chicago … Rube Foster had seemed a lock to make the rotation, but got absolutely rocked in his last start, which may put that in doubt … The American Giants have been absolutely crushing the ball, other than at SS, where the 3 contenders (Julio Gotay, Luke Appling, and Chico Carrasquel) have been equally incompetent.

#Detroit Wolverines

23 year old Charlie Gehringer and 20 year old Al Kaline have been totally overmatched this Spring, and look likely to start the year at AAA … at the other end of the scale, 37 year old Tony Phillips was recalled for roster flexibility, and is forcing himself into the conversation for a roster spot … Whitey Wilshere started the Spring as the closer, he’s ending it as a front-of-rotation starter … nobody has claimed the closer slot in his absence: Roberto Hernandez was the most likely, but he’s struggled, leaving people like Mark Dewey and Tom Hughes in the mix.

#Houston Colt 45’s

Dan Quisenberry and Billy Wagner are in the midst of pitching themselves off the roster entirely … Pete Hill‘s struggles (195/233/268) are likely sending the 17 year old to AAA for some seasoning … It’s really not clear where HR Johnson will play, but if you hit 367/457/600, they’ll find a place for you.

#Kansas City Monarchs

Bob Gibson‘s stuff is undeniable. But 15 BB in 17 IP is unacceptable, and may be enough for the 25 year old to start the year at AAA … It was clear at the start of the Spring that the Monarchs were unlikely to carry both Lou Brock and Cool Papa Bell into opening day. With Brock beginning to hit a bit, it looks like the teenage Bell will head to AAA to work on his swing … Salvador Perez and Lew Brown are hammering the ball, and threatening to move Ted Simmons to AAA to start the year.

#Los Angeles Angels

Joe Nathan has yet to give up a run and has 5 saves in 6 ST games, setting up as one of the elite closers in the league … In a league dominated by youth, 34 year old Elmer Valo has an almost guaranteed roster spot for the Angels, slashing 432/580/541. Having an OBP > SLG is usually a bad thing, but if your OBP is close to .600 … At the other end of the scale, Carlos Beltran is 3rd on the team in RBI with 10, despite a slash line of 150/186/350, and may be forced to AAA.

#Miami Cuban Giants

The surprise of the pitching staff has been Eustaquio Pedroso, who has been Miami’s best starting pitcher, despite a rough start recently. Given the struggles of Jose Mendez, Don Newcombe, and Camilo Pascual (all of whom have ERA’s over 7), Pedroso’s potential to help the rotation is important for the Cuban Giants … the shock of the Spring is Willie Kamm, who has seized the 3B job with a 320/414/600 Spring … Kamm’s success has put Gary Sheffield‘s role in doubt, with Sheff managing only a 188/350/281 Spring … When does a .292 BA with 0 walks and 0 extra-base hits earn you a roster spot? When you’re Martin Dihigo and you can play numerous positions at a very high level. Still, a walk or a double once in a while sure would help.

#Ottawa Mounties

Randy Johnson and Old Hoss Radbourn are both prodigious talents. But they both look like some time at AAA may be needed … Freddy Parent (372/386/651) and Alex Rodriguez (375/447/525) are neck and neck in the race to start at SS … Phil Bradley, Terry Puhl, and Steve Garvey were supposed to be on the fringes of the roster; instead the worst of them is Garvey at 421/439/632. It’s not clear how this impacts the roster, but it’s certainly bad news for Brant Alyea, Jackie Jensen, and George Van Haltren, who are all struggling.

#Philadelphia Stars

The pitching surprise of the Spring has been Larry Jackson forcing himself into the rotation … at the other end, Jack Easton, Pete Alexander, and Steve Carlton have had very poor Springs: if at least 2 of those don’t turn it around, it could be a long Summer in Philadelphia … the story of the Spring has to be Scott Rolen‘s 400/457/633 performance threatening to unseat Mike Schmidt at 3B. Schmidt is showing some signs of life, but is only managing a 132/209/316 line so far … With Mickey Doolin‘s injury, the lack of backup talent at SS has been exposed, as the thought of going for a long period with Roger Peckinpaugh, Larry Bowa, or Pat Meares is quite depressing. Luckily, Doolin should be back around the start of the regular season.

#Portland Sea Dogs

Johan Santana has been virtually unhittable as the closer, and Jerry Koosman and Smokey Joe Wood look like a pair of aces for the rotation … The Sea Dogs offense looks to revolve around the 1B/DH pair of Kent Hrbek and Gil Hodges and the surprising Jim Fregosi … The biggest surprise of the Spring has been Walter Johnson‘s struggles. The 19 year old has massive potential, but may need some time at AAA first.

#Wandering House of David

CC Sabathia has been dominant, and looks to be at the front of the rotation along with Nick Altrock … Cap Anson, Dave Altizer, and Gabby Hartnett all look likely to start the season at AAA … The House of David’s 2 best hitters in the Spring have been Ernie Banks (333/378/810), which is no surprise, and Elrod Hendricks (393/438/893), which is a huge shock (and has contributed to the challenge of keeping Hartnett on the roster).

Spring Training Preview: Portland

By mknn

On June 19, 2020

In 2000 Spring Training, Team News

The final rotation spot should come down to Bert Blyleven, Atlee Hammaker, and Wade Miller.
- While Walter Johnson has struggled a bit, he, Dizzy Trout, and Smokey Joe Wood are still in the front of the rotation. Pascual Perez, however, may lose his spot, with Miller, Blyleven, Hammaker, and Jerry Koosman all in the mix.
  - Portland’s SP continues to be quite strong, with the biggest surprise being Johnson’s continued struggles. Right now, Koosman, Wood, Miller, and Mike Cuellar would join him in the rotation, but Miller and Cuellar are under pressure form Trout, Perez, and Blyleven and even Fontenot could make an argument. Hammaker’s ERA is nearly 8, but his secondary stats are good, so he’s still in the mix as well.
The most likely bullpen competition will be between Elmer Brown and Ray Fontenot.
- Randy Myers has struggled, but is still the leading candidate to close. Jim Kern, Brown, Johan Santana, and Frank Williams have all been excellent, while Fontenot has probably pitched himself out of contention.
  - Myers–assumed to be the closer–is on his way to AAA with Santana likely to take over. Kern and Brown will be the setup arms.
C is wide open, with 2 of Joe Mauer, Devin Mesoraco, and Ivan Rodriguez making the opening day roster.
- Rodriguez has had an excellent Spring, with Mauer close behind.
  - It’s still up in the air, with Mauer looking the likely starter at this point.
Buddy Bell has a shot at unseating Adrian Beltre at 3B, but it’s a longshot.
- Beltre has done very little, allowing not just Bell but also Harmon Killebrew to move into the mix. Greg Litton, who can fill in at 3B, SS, and 2B has been called up as well.
  - Litton is pounding the ball, which is unlikely to continue, but it does put Connie Ryan‘s roster spot in jeopardy.
  - Beltre has slipped behind both Bell and Killebrew, to the point where he has been moved to AAA to try to gain some clarity.
1 of Don Baylor, Marty Cordova, and Kiki Cuyler is likely to make the roster, with either Gary Pettis or Kirby Puckett potentially forcing their way into the conversation with a stellar Spring.
- Cordova has been great, Pettis has not, and there’s not much else to go on after 10 games.
  - Pettis, George Browne, and Baylor look likely to move to AAA unless they catch fire. Ruben Sierra has been recalled.
1B has become crowded. The favorite, Gil Hodges, has been fine, but Rafael Palmiero and Kent Hrbek have been outstanding. Similarly, Hughie Jennings has closed the gap with Jim Fregosi at SS.
- 1B is still a logjam. Hodges and Hrbek are pounding the ball, and Palmiero and Killebrew are just a hair behind them.
- Jennings has gone ice cold while Fregosi has been on fire, moving into the lead at SS.

	Near Definite	Likely	Possible	Long Shot
Starting Pitchers	Walter Johnson Smokey Joe Wood	Jerry Koosman Mike Cuellar Wade Miller	Dizzy Trout Bert Blyleven Atlee Hammaker Pascual Perez	Ray Fontenot
Middle Relievers			Frank Williams Bob Porterfield
Setup		Jim Kern Elmer Brown
Closer		Johan Santana
C		Joe Maurer	Ivan Rodriguez Devin Mesoraco
1B		Kent Hrbek Gil Hodges	Rafael Palmiero
2B		Fred Dunlap	Greg Litton	Connie Ryan
3B			Buddy Bell Harmon Killebrew
SS		Jim Fregosi	Hughie Jennings
OF	Bobby Murcer	Jeff Burroughs Harry Hooper Kirby Puckett	Marty Cordova Kiki Cuyler	George Browne Gary Pettis Ruben Sierra Don Baylor