Tag: Joe Harris Page 2 of 3

The House of David were the wild card team with the worst regular season record, resulting in a matchup with the best team in the WBL, the Baltimore Black Sox.

#Wandering House of David

The House of David will turn to Jack Taylor (15-9, 3.42), Bob Rush (15-6, 4.39), and then either Frank Sullivan (9-10, 4.77) or CC Sabathia (13-13, 4.83). There’s quite a gap between Taylor and Rush and the rest, and Taylor’s fade–remember, after the all star break he was hailed as the best starter in baseball–is a cause for concern.

Tom Niedenfuer impressed enough to push Scott Downs off the playoff roster, and will, along with Ed Bauta and especially Lee Smith, try to get the ball to Bruce Sutter to close out ballgames. Look for Wade Miley to get the call from the pen when the House of David needs a lefty, with Sabathia being the other option.

But if the House of David are going to make some postseason noise, it’s going to fall on their offence. When they’re clicking on all cylinders, they can mash with the best of them. But its taken a lot of tinkering to make the engine hum: Jim Edmonds (293/348/576), Joe Harris (263/338/526), and Anthony Rizzo (247/346/515) were all in the minors at the start of the season. The key here is Pete Browning, who has to figure out a way out of his late season slump (Browning still finished the year at 331/370/591 after a protracted injury absence). Elrod Hendricks (41) and George Stone (30) lead the team in homeruns, but Browning, Ernie Banks, and Ryne Sandberg each added at least 20.

#Baltimore Black Sox

How do you finish with the best record in the WBL?

You boast a starting rotation where Connie Johnson (9-5, 3.65) is the 4th arm up, behind Bill Byrd (14-3, 3.33), Dennis Martínez (14-10, 3.80), and Mike Mussina (7-4, 4.08).

How do you finish with the best record in the WBL?

You can bring Buddy Groom, John Wetteland, and Joe Beggs out of the bullpen, none of which have an era over 3.60 or a WHIP over 1.25.

How do you finish with the best record in the WBL?

You do all of that while surviving injuries to Ned Garvin (9-4, 2.80) and Sean Marshall (whose injury prompted the acquisition of Beggs from Mephis).

How do you finish with the best record in the WBL?

You back that up with the duo of Frank Robinson (302/383/539 with 37 homeruns and 111 RBIs) and Curt Blefary (280/392/549). Perhaps more importantly–and perhaps a bit overlooked–you add the trio of Larry Gardner, Dan McGann, and Bobby Wallace, each of which have OBPs just shy of .400 to set the table for your big bashers. If there is a weak spot offensively, it’s in CF, but Paul Blair‘s OPS still hovers around .700 to support his excellent defense.

The playoff roster is a little odd–there are many players the Black Sox would rather have on than Brooks Robinson, whose struggles at the plate sent him to AAA for most of the season. But the options weren’t eligible for the post season, so look for Robinson to make a few late inning appearances as Manny Machado‘s glove.

#Prediction

Baltimore’s pitching is just too strong. Black Sox in 5.

TWIWBL 42.1: Series XXXIV Notes – Roster Expansion

By mknn

On July 10, 2023

In TWIWBL

Here are the call ups as rosters expanded from 24 to 32 for all teams.

#Baltimore Black Sox

Bob Miller was activated from the DL, and P’s Lindy McDaniel, Rafael Betancourt, and Milt Pappas; OF Chick Stahl; and IF Miller Huggins and Cal Ripken were all recalled.

#Birmingham Black Barons

OF Billy Southworth was recalled from a rehab assignment. With Birmingham’s AAA team in the playoffs, the Black Barons reached down to AA for P Eric Gunderson.

#Brooklyn Royal Giants

OFs John Briggs and Art Griggs were activated from the DL. With Queens still in the AAA playoff chase, other recalls will wait a few days.

#Chicago American Giants

Ps Nate Jones, Fernando Rodney, and Frank Smith; OF Magglio Ordóñez and Rocky Colavito; IF Luke Appling and Damian Jackson.

#Cleveland Spiders

IF Bill Dahlen was activated from the DL; Ps Tyler Walker, Stan Bahnsen, and Bob Feller; IF Hal Trosky and Evan Longoria; OF Larry Doby.

#Detroit Wolverines

Ps Jason Schmidt, Roberto Hernández, and Whitey Wilshere; IF Robby Thompson and Cecil Fielder; OF Ron LeFlore and Jody Gerut.

#Homestead Grays

P Earl Hamilton was activated from the DL; Ps Babe Adams, Frank Linzy, and Mychal Givens; IF Kevin Young and Chris Sabo; OF Max Carey.

#Houston Colt 45’s

Ps Tom Sturdivant, Mike Hartley, and Scott Erickson; C Jason Castro, IF Paul Goldschmidt; OF Shin-Soo Choo and Hunter Pence.

#Indianapolis ABC’s

With AAA Cincinnati still in the playoff hunt, the ABC’s reached down to AA to recall P Chris Hammond and OF Adam Dunn.

#Kansas City Monarchs

P Frank Castillo was recalled from a rehab assignment; with St. Louis still in the hunt at AAA, P Evan Meek and IF Gene Freese were recalled from AA.

#Los Angeles Angels

P Brett Anderson was activated from the DL. Ps Jeurys Familia and Chuck Finley; IF Tim Wallach; OF Hi Myers.

#Memphis Red Sox

P Lance Broadway from AA with more to come after AAA New Orleans finishes their season.

#Miami Cuban Giants

IF Martín Dihigo was activated from a rehab assignment; Ps Steve Brown and Dontrelle Willis; C Smoky Burgess; IF Bert Campaneris; OF Yasiel Puig and Sandy Amorós.

#New York Black Yankees

Ps Bryan Hickerson, AJ Burnett, and Dave Righetti; IF Art Howe and Josh Harrison; OF Roger Maris.

#New York Gothams

P Carson Smith was recalled from a rehab assignment and P Brian Wilson was activated from the DL. With both Hartford (AAA) and Troy (AA) either in the hunt or in the postseason, the Gothams will wait to make further moves.

#Ottawa Mounties

P Ted Bowsfield, IF Álex Rodríguez, and OF Larry Walker were all activated from the DL. P Sean O’Sullivan from AA, with additional moves coming after Montréal’s season concludes.

#Philadelphia Stars

Ps Fritz Coumbe, Danny Barnes, Wayne Gomes, and J.M. Ward; IF Juan Samuel and Jimmy Rollins; OF Marlon Byrd.

#Portland Sea Dogs

Superhero Greg Litton and P Pascual Pérez were recalled from rehab assignments; Ps Frank Williams and Jerry Koosman; OF José González and Ruben Sierra; IF Rafael Palmiero.

#San Francisco Sea Lions

The Sea Lions are waiting until the AAA San Jose Bees complete their season to make their moves.

#Wandering House of David

IF Bunny Downs and OF Joe Harris were activated from the DL. Ps Rick Reuschel and Ferguson Jenkins, IF Jung Ho Kang and Cap Anson; OF Tony Conigliaro.

TWIWBL 39.1: Series XXXI Notes – Bill James Division

By mknn

On May 8, 2023

In TWIWBL

#Detroit Wolverines

The Wolverines scored 19 runs on 20 hits in a blowout of San Francisco. Bob Bailey had 4 hits and 6 RBIs, Geoff Jenkins scored 4 times, and Jenkins, Bailey, and Ernie Lombardi all went deep in support of Charlie Root‘s strong 8 innings in the rout.

Buddy Napier‘s return from the DL pushed Whitey Wilshere back to AAA.

#Memphis Red Sox

Mookie Betts had 4 hits in 4 at-bats, leading Memphis to an 8-2 victory over Miami.

Stubby Overmire had a 1-hit shutout heading into the 9th, and finished with a 3-hitter as Memphis blanked Miami 7-0. Billy Bryan had 4 hits, including his 7th homerun of the year, Manny Ramírez had 3 and Bill White drove in 3 in the victory.

#New York Gothams

Christy Mathewson became the league’s first 14 game winner, opening a doubleheader with a scoreless 7 innings against Cleveland in a 4-0 win for New York.

Closer Brian Wilson–perhaps the dominant closer in the league with 24 saves and an ERA of 1.00–will spend a stint on the 10 day DL with shoulder inflammation. Sergio Romo was recalled from AAA.

#Wandering House of David

Joe Harris was placed on the DL and is expected to miss about 2 weeks. IF Frank Grant, who started the year with the big league team, was recalled from AA.

Anthony Rizzo hit 2 homeruns, giving him 11 on the year (in under 150 ABs) to lead the House of David to an 8-3 win over Kansas City. Bob Rush turned in a solid 7 innings, improving to 12-5 on the season. In less positive news, reserve C Gabby Hartnett was injured, forcing him to the DL and opening a shot for Frank Chance‘s return to the WBL.

Chance hit his first career homerun in his first game back in support of a fine outing by Wade Miley, who improved to 7-4 on the year with over 7 innings of 1 run ball. Jim Edmonds and Rizzo went deep as well as the House of David beat Kansas City, 4-1.

TWIWBL 38.0: Series XXX Notes

By mknn

On April 20, 2023

In TWIWBL

August 9th

There was a single game on August 9th: the Indianapolis ABCs visited the House of David to makeup a game rained out earlier in the year. And what a game it was …

The ABCs Willie Mitchell has struggled a bit since joining the starting rotation, but he’s still been effective; here he would be opposed by the House of David’s Frank Sullivan.

Mitchell struggled early, giving up 4 runs in the first two innings on a 2-run single from Joe Harris and an RBI triple from Dan Ford. Both are stories of note: Harris, a 35 year old minor league veteran, has hit well over .300 since being recalled a few weeks ago and Ford, an injury fill in early in the season, has blossomed, keeping his average over .300 with some power in becoming the House of David’s starting RF.

But Mitchell settled down after that, not allowing a run through 7 innings.

In the meantime, the ABCs scratched and clawed their way back with 2 in the 6th, 1 in the 7th, and a solo homerun from Dave Henderson in the 8th to tie the game.

Anthony Rizzo singled home the go-ahead run in the bottom of the frame as the game was handed over to two expended bullpens.

Indianapolis would get a pinch-hit, 2-run shot in the top of the 9th from Bob Bescher to take the lead, but Harris would answer with a 2-out solo shot in the bottom of the frame to send us to extra innings.

The 10th was scoreless, but after Ford reached on an error, Harris doubled him home to win the game.

Harris drove in 4 on 4 hits, and Ryne Sandberg and Jim Edmonds added 3 hits apiece for the winning side. Pete Browning went 1 for 6, edging closer and closer to qualifying for the league lead in batting (he currently sits at .358).

IND 6 (Carroll 2-4, 2 B Sv) @ HOD 7 (Downs 3-2; Niedenfuer 3 H; Smith 1 B Sv) [11 Innings]
HRs: IND – Henderson (10), Bescher (14); HOD – Harris (4).
Box Score

Awards

The House of David’s Elrod Hendricks was named the WBL Player of the Week, hitting .474 with a whopping 5 homeruns during 19 at-bats over the past 7 games.

Performance

Some random statistical accomplishments …

The New York Black Yankees‘ Eric Davis leads the Power/Speed combos, with 30 homeruns and 57 steals. Five other players have at least 20 of each, with Brooklyn‘s Beals Becker (21 HRs and 42 SBs) being the next highest total.

Davis’ teammate Don Mattingly has 24 homers and only 26 strikeouts.

The New York Gothams‘ Jimmy Sheckard and Willie Davis of the Philadelphia Stars have yet to hit into a doubleplay.

The Chicago American Giants‘ Dick Allen is the only player in the league in double digits in doubles (21), triples (10), and homeruns (19).

Batters

Standard stuff: top 2 in all categories, leader in bold.

Babe Ruth of the New York Black Yankees has put some distance between the rest of the homerun hitters. He and the Los Angeles Angels‘ Doug Rader are the dominant offensive players, but Ruth is clearly the man.

Dick Allen (CAG). 303/371/538. 10 3B.
Johnny Bench (IND). 302/410/598. 5.4 WAR.
Ty Cobb (DET). 343/388/562.
Mike Fiore (HOM). 241/403/396. 89 BB.
Bobby Grich (LAA). 288/377/483. 40 2B.
Rickey Henderson (SFS). 253/383/338. 80 SB.
Kent Hrbek (POR). 305/378/594. 34 HR.
Joe Jackson (CAG). 333/418/586. 92 R.
Reggie Jackson (SFS). 327/444/605.
Willie Mays (NYG). 327/392/526. 147 H.
Stan Musial (KCM). 333/396/585. 40 2B.
Doug Rader (LAA). 340/393/553. 153 H, 115 RBI.
Tim Raines (OTT). 297/372/442. 78 SB.
Babe Ruth (NYY). 320/435/675. 39 HR, 108 RBI, 99 R, 87 BB, 6.7 WAR.
Louis Santop (CLE). 298/327/457. 11 3B.

Pitchers

Same as the batters: top 2 in all categories, leader in bold.

Starters

Pitchers keep passing up their opportunities to lead the league in wins: currently 3 are tied with 13 wins each. Jack Taylor of the House of David is emerging as perhaps the best starter in the league.

Bill Byrd (BAL). 12-3, 3.18.
Gerrit Cole (LAA). 13-6, 4.40.
Don Drysedale (BRK). 7-6, 3.59. 1.16 WHIP.
Lefty Grove (SFS). 11-7, 3.74. 169 Ks, 9.7 K/9.
Ron Guidry (NYY). 6-10, 4.67. 162 Ks, 9.2 K/9, 3.5 K/BB.
Luke Hamlin (KCM). 7-10, 4.99. 1.8 BB/9, 3.1 K/BB.
Pat Malone (CLE). 13-6, 3.89.
Christy Mathewson (NYG). 13-7, 3.90.
Alejandro Peña (BBB). 10-7, 3.28. 4.8 WAR; 3.13 FIP.
Eddie Plank (SFS). 9-5, 4.08. 3.28 FIP.
Stephen Strasburg. 7-6, 3.26. 3.9 WAR.
Jack Taylor (HOD). 12-8, 2.98. 1.12 WHIP.
Cy Young (CLE). 9-7, 4.50. 1.8 BB/9.

Relievers

Relievers are weird, right? The Gothams’ Brian Wilson has been the most dominant. Baltimore‘s Sean Marshall will miss the rest of the season through injury, but may still end up leading the relievers in WHIP at the end of the season.

33 minimum IP for rate stats.

Terry Adams (CLE). 2-6, 3.26. 27 Sv; 1 H.
Watty Clark (BRK). 3-2, 1.82. 21 Sv. 1.01 WHIP.
Mike Henneman (DET). 1-5, 4.50. 32 Sv.
Sean Marshall (BAL). 5-0, 1.79. 1 Sv; 8H. 0.98 WHIP.
Mike Norris (NYG). 4-3, 1.47. 4 Sv; 12 H.
Ron Reed (PHI/CLE). 0-5, 4.12. 3 Sv; 16 H.
Ron Robinson (SFS). 5-3, 3.59. 1 Sv, 16 H.
Brian Wilson (NYG). 1-0, 1.02. 24 Sv.

Streaks

The king is dead! Long live the king! Boog Powell of the Kansas City Monarchs‘ has now reached base in 48 straight games, surpassing the Black Yankees’ Thurman Munson‘s mark of 43 games.

Ryne Sandberg‘s hitting streak ended at 22, tying him with Munson for 2nd place behind Ruth’s 23. During that streak, Sandberg scored in 15 straight games, setting the league record, but Ruth has scored in his last dozen contests, so we’ll see if he can reclaim that particular mark.

Baltimore’s Frank Robinson has hit a homerun in 4 consecutive games, 1 shy of the league record.

Two pitchers are threatening the Black Yankees’ Red Ruffing‘s league record of 24 consecutive innings without allowing an earned run. The House of David’s Jack Taylor has a 21 inning streak and Birmingham‘s Greg Maddux is at 20 innings.

Results

Series XXX Sweeps

Indianapolis ABCs over Portland Sea Dogs

Taking 3 out of 4 in Series XXX

Baltimore over Memphis Red Sox
Detroit Wolverines over Philadelphia
Los Angeles over New York Gothams
New York Black Yankees over Miami Cuban Giants

Series Splits

Birmingham @ Kansas City
Brooklyn @ Ottawa Mounties
Cleveland Spiders @ Chicago
House of David @ Homestead Grays
Houston Colt 45s @ San Francisco Sea Lions

TWIWBL 36.1: Series XXVIII Notes – Bill James Division

By mknn

On March 16, 2023

In TWIWBL

#Detroit Wolverines

The Wolverines welcome Charlie Root and Chad Bradford to their staff, but perhaps the return of Tony Phillips is even more important for Detroit’s push down the stretch. Mickey Lolich and Si Johnson were sent to AAA, although both pitched decently. Robby Thompson was sent down on Phillips’ return.

Mike Henneman was the first in the league to notch 30 saves, reaching the milestone in a 7-6 victory over Houston. Sparky Adams and Ed Bailey each had 2 doubles in the contest.

An injury to Buddy Napier forced Detroit to put the effective reliever on the DL for 10 days, recalling Jason Schmidt.

#Los Angeles Angels

Pud Galvin and Harry Howell moved into the Angels’ rotation.

#Memphis Red Sox

Jim Paglioroni‘s departure cleared the way for young Kurt Suzuki‘s promotion to Memphis, where he’ll platoon with Billy Bryan behind the plate. Nixey Callahan was returned to AAA to make room for Turk Farrell‘s return from a rehab assignment.

#New York Gothams

Vean Gregg and Steve Howe lengthen the Gothams’ bullpen, and Rube Waddell replaces Don Sutton in the rotation. But the real changes have occurred offensively. 38 year old Joe Adcock is pounding the ball, and will become the full-time DH. Pete Runnels and Will Clark step right into the lineup. Overall, New York is worse off defensively, but may generate more consistent offense. A lot depends on whether Adcock and fan favorite Wes Westrum can continue their levels of production. George Van Haltren will lose playing time coming to the Gothams to serve as a reserve OFer, but he is now in the midst of a pennant race instead of languishing in Ottawa, so there’s that.

Christy Mathewson, helped by a perfect 1.2 IP of relief from Mike Norris, improved to 12-6 on the season in an 8-4 victory over their crosstown rivals. Norris picked up his 4th save, and Jimmy Sheckard, Johnny Callison, and Willie Mays each went deep for the Gothams.

#Wandering House of David

Tweak, tweak, tweak.

Bunny Downs can’t hit any worse than Craig Reynolds and Jung Ho Kang have, and by adding him to the roster, the House of David could also promote veteran Joe Harris as a bat off the bench.

Jack Taylor twirled a 3-hit, complete game shutout as the House of David beat Brooklyn 6-0. Elrod Hendricks went deep twice and drove in 5 in support of Taylor, who improved to 11-8 on the season while lowering his ERA to 3.15, good for tops in the WBL.

Series XXVIII Best Games

By mknn

On March 9, 2023

In Featured Games, Game Recaps

Four games this time out, without a clear theme, so we’ll just take them in the order they happened.

#Brooklyn Royal Giants @ Wandering House of David, Game 1

Brooklyn’s Frank Knauss and the House of David’s Bob Rush came into this one as two of the hottest arms in the league … so naturally, they lasted under 5 innings combined, giving up 7 runs each. Brooklyn got a 2-run homerun from Beals Becker and a 2-run hit from Pete Browning en route to its touchdown while the House of David benefitted from a 3-run shot from Elrod Hendricks and a 2-run blast from Duke Snider.

Brooklyn’s John Briggs homered in the top of the 5th for an 8-7 lead for Brooklyn, but the House of David came back with 5 in the bottom of the 8th, keyed by Ernie Banks‘ 3-run shot and a solo shot from Joe Harris in his first WBL start. That made it 12-8 and set the stage for an entertaining 9th inning.

2 singles and a walk loaded the bases and brought in the House of David’s closer, Bruce Sutter. Sutter was off, giving up hits to Becker and Roy White, but escaped by getting the final 2 outs with the bases loaded.

Ed Bauta got rocked in his debut for the House of David and Trevor Hildenberger‘s collapse overshadowed good work by Brooklyn’s Ralph Branca and Orel Hershiser, who combined for 6 innings of 1-hit relief.

Briggs had 4 hits and scored 4 times while Ray Dandridge and Becker had 3 hits each, with Becker driving in 4. For the House of David, Banks had 3 hits and everybody else had at least one in a balanced onslaught.

BRK 11 (Hildenberger 3-1, 1 B Sv) @ HOD 12 (Downs 2-1, Sutter 16 Sv)
HRs: BRK – Becker (17), Snider (25), Briggs (3); HOD – Hendricks (27), Harris (1), Banks (19).
Box Score

#Indianapolis ABC’s @ Homestead Grays, Game 1

Indianapolis’ Doc White has wobbled a little since being inserted into the rotation, but here he was brilliant, with a 4-hit shutout through 8 innings. Surprisingly, though, Homestead’s pitching was nearly matching them: Bob Friend gave up only a single unearned run through 6 innings–a solo homerun by Joey Votto after a dropped foul ball–and the duo of Dave Giusti and Rick Ownbey–fantastic since their joint recall from AAA–chipped in with 5 innings of 2-hit relief.

Which, for those of you paying attention, means we went into extra innings.

A walk to Josh Gibson in the top of the 9th chased White from the game. Rob Dibble came in, walked Davey Johnson, and gave up a game-tying double to Roberto Clemente to tie the game.

And that’s where we stayed until the top of the 12th, when Ownbey gave up a single to Danny Hoffman and a pinch-hit, inside-the-park-homerun to Bob Bescher. Clay Carroll was perfect through 2 1/3, picking up the victory for the ABC’s.

Andy Van Slyke went 2-for-5, keeping his average above the .400 mark.

IND 3 (Carroll 2-3; Dibble 4 B Sv) @ HOM 1 (Lindblom 2-5)
HRs: IND – Votto (4), Bescher (13); HOM – none.
Box Score

#Houston Colt 45’s @ Detroit Wolverines, Game 3

Detroit’s Hal Newhouser and Houston’s Bones Ely were both strong. Ely had a 1-hit shutout through 6, but 6 walks drove his pitch count way up, chasing him from the game while Newhouser allowed 2 runs over the same span on RBI singles by Tony Gwynn and Jeff Bagwell before exiting.

2 homeruns in the 8th put Detroit in front: a 3-run shot from Oscar Gamble and a 2-run dinger from Ernie Lombardi. Both came against Houston’s Brad Lidge who had, until this outing, looked better in his return to the WBL.

The Colt 45’s made it close: with 2 outs, Craig Biggio singled and Bagwell walked, bringing Pete Hill–recently and somewhat controversially installed as the cleanup hitter–to the plate. Hill promptly tripled, making it a 1 run game at 5-4, but John Hiller was able to get Gwynn to ground out weakly to end the game.

HOU 4 (Lidge 1-5, 3 B Sv; McGraw 3 H; Qualls 1 H) @ DET 5 (Bradford 1-0; Hiller 2 Sv; Napier 7 H)
HRs: HOU – none; Gamble (22), Lombardi (3).
Box Score

#Birmingham Black Barons @ Ottawa Mounties, Game 4

Birmingham just keeps rolling. This game is illustrative of their sweep of Ottawa: here, the Mounties’ Bob Moose was excellent in his first start for the team, allowing only 1 earned run through 7 innings. Birmingham’s Vic Willis was solid, and each team had fielding miscues that contributed to runs, but we ended the 7th with Ottawa leading, 5-3, with Ottawa’s Roy Sievers and Birmingham’s Jim Pagliaroni going deep.

The Black Barons tied the game in the top of the 8th on a 2 run homerun by Curtis Granderson. And it stayed that way for another 5 innings, until Troy Tulowitzki doubled home 2 runs in the top of the 13th.

Scott Baker, Larry Benton, Steve Bedrosian, and Kent Mercker combined for 7 innings of 2-hit relief and the two staffs combined to whiff 27 batters combined, with Ottawa’s Ryan Dempter fanning 5 of the 7 batters he faced.

The Mounties’ Larry Parrish had 3 hits in the losing cause.

BBB 7 (Bedrosian 3-1; Mercker 2 Sv) @ OTT 5 (Clancy 5-6; Affeldt 1 B Sv; Dubiel 1 H) [13 Innings]
HRs: BBB – Pagliaroni (1), Granderson (14); OTT – Sievers (6).
Box Score

TWIWBL 27.3: Series XXI Notes – Effa Manley Division

By mknn

On July 11, 2022

In TWIWBL

#Cleveland Spiders

Tris Speaker, injured since spring training, comes off the disabled list for a rehab assignment at AAA. Speaker represents an interesting challenge for the Spiders, as Kenny Lofton has really claimed the CF job for his own.

#Homestead Grays

Billy Pierce heads back to AAA as Hal Carlson comes back from the DL, stepping into the rotation with Ray Brown moving to the bullpen.

#Indianapolis ABC’s

The ABC’s will be without one of their better players as 19 year old Oscar Charleston will miss a few weeks with plantar fasciitis. Pete Rose was recalled to take his place on the roster.

Indianapolis has decided to make an unusual move, turning to a 6-man rotation as a way to get Willie Mitchell some starts. It could be interesting, as it also means all of the rotation may be available in relief between starts.

#New York Black Yankees

The staff stays the same, but some roles change: Cole Hamels takes Jamie Moyer‘s spot in the rotation and Gary Lavelle was announced as the new closer for the Black Yankees, taking over from Sparky Lyle.

Still desperate to solve some issues on the infield, the Black Yankees released both OF Joe Harris and utilityman Craig Counsell, recalling the two Reds, Red Schoendienst and Red Rolfe. The roster construction is a bit fragile, so we’ll see how long it lasts.

#Philadelphia Stars

Steve Carlton threw a complete game, 5-hit shutout and Sherm Lollar went 4-for-4 with 4 RBI’s as the Stars blanked Ottawa, 6-0. Carlton improved to 5-6 on the season, striking out 7 and walking 4. Ted Kluszewski had 3 hits and the other 2 RBI for Philadelphia.

Larry Jackson and Bill Laskey both returned to AAA, with Pete Alexander returning from his rehab assignment and Minnie Rojas being promoted. Alexander moves back into the starting rotation. Roger Peckinpaugh returned to AAA, with Pinky Whitney coming to Philadelphia. Whitney will step into the starting lineup as the Stars have finally given up on Mickey Doolin‘s bat. The problem is that Whitney fields as well as Doolin hits.

TWIWBL 25.3: Series XIX Notes – Effa Manley Division

By mknn

On June 9, 2022

In TWIWBL

#Cleveland Spiders

The Spiders’ two main acquisitions at the break should both see quite a bit of action, Ron Reed out of the bullpen and Lance Berkman at 1B, LF, and DH. Whether Berkman can shake the offensive slump that plagued him in Houston is another question altogether.

#Homestead Grays

Bill Mazeroski moves up to the WBL to provide depth at second base.

Four Grays–Roberto Clemente, Josh Gibson, Arky Vaughan, and Chief Wilson–drove in 3 runs each with Wilson and Andy Van Slyke rapping out 3 hits apiece in a 17-6 drubbing of Miami.

#New York Black Yankees

After refusing a demotion to AAA, SP Jack Chesbro was released. Newcomer Jamie Moyer moves into the starting rotation, and Gary Lavelle heads to the back of the bullpen with Dellin Betances heading to the minors. Sparky Lyle retains his closing role, but that may be in jeopardy rather quickly in the second half of the season.

With Tom Herr‘s arrival, Willie Randolph is the odd man out, heading back to AAA, and–somehow–preserving Craig Counsell‘s role on the team. Veteran OF Joe Harris comes up as a reserve OF.

#Philadelphia Stars

Claude Jonnard comes up to Philadelphia to replace Ron Reed‘s very large shoes, and Cecil Cooper is brought up to add another bat from the bench.

Willie Davis went 0-for-4, ending his 17-game hitting streak as the Stars lost their first game of the second half, 7-3 to Birmingham.

Ray Collins and Rheal Cormier combined on a 5-hit shutout of Birmingham. José Ramírez and Davis went deep in the 7-0 Stars’ victory.

Scott Rolen capped a come-from-behind victory with a 2-run walk-off homerun as the Stars took the third game of the series with Birmingham, 9-7. Rico Carty had 4 hits including 3 doubles, and Rolen drove in 3.

Looking to break out of a brutal slump, Chase Utley delivered a walk-off single to win the final game of the series with Birmingham. Buck Freeman and George Hendrick had 2 hits each, and perhaps more importantly, John Montgomery Ward threw a strong 7 innings, although he didn’t figure in the decision, with the win going to Bill Laskey.

TWIWBL 24.13: Mid-Season Reviews – New York Black Yankees

By mknn

On March 28, 2022

In Team News, TWIWBL

Summary

The Black Yankees are one of the dominant teams in the league, although some cracks have appeared, especially on the mound.

What’s Gone Right

Quite Offensive. The Black Yankees are top 3 in most offensive categories, and are 1st in most of those. They hit for power, they take walks, and the lineup is deep, deep, deep.

The MVP(s). Look, this Babe Ruth kid can hit, but the real MVP of the Black Yankees has been Thurman Munson, who heads into the break having reached base in over 30 straight games.

The 900 Club. Five hitters have an OPS over .890 (I rounded up). Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Munson, Albert Belle, and Eric Davis are a fearsome … dare I say it … Murderer’s Row.

What’s Gone Wrong

The Middle Infield. Derek Jeter is doing alright, but 2B has been a real struggle. Willie Randolph has been much better of late, and still has an OPS around .650, and the less said about Craig Counsell‘s performance, the better.

Back of the Bullpen. Ralph Citarella has been quite good, but both Sparky Lyle and Goose Gossage have struggled.

Guidry’s Fall. Ron Guidry looked like one of the best pitchers in the league for the first few months; while he still leads the WBL in strikeouts, his overall performance has suffered, with only a 5-6 record and an ERA over 4.00.

Key Storylines

The Black Yankees look likely to sit pat: they have the talent to compete just as they are, although pitching is always welcome.

There are some things to watch for in the second half, from whether Ruth’s slight slump is anything to worry about to whether they can continue to carry both 2B as a position and, to a lesser degree, Don Mattingly at 1B.

The most likely thing here is that some of these things break well and some don’t, and overall the team remains a powerhouse.

Trading Outlook

BUYING.

But it’s not clear what they need. Bullpen help for sure, and a solve to 2B could be useful as well.

AAA Shuttle

They haven’t used it a lot. Cole Hamels and Sam Thompson have been fine.

Midseason Changes

Cole Hamels joins the rotation.

Awards

All Stars: Eric Davis (CF); Lou Gehrig (1B); Derek Jeter (SS); Mickey Mantle (RF); Thurman Munson (C); Red Ruffing (P); Babe Ruth (LF).

Player of the Month: Babe Ruth (April)

Offensive MVP: Babe Ruth (OF)
Pitching MVP: Red Ruffing (SP)

Down on the Farm

AAA: Newark Eagles

Next to the Show: SP AJ Burnett & Jake Peavy, RP Bryan Hickerson, OF Joe Harris.

Prospects: SP Jake Peavy (23), C Smoky Burgess (22), 3B Chris Brown (22).

Projects: SP Whitey Ford (24), OF Sam Thompson (26), OF Nick Swisher (29), RP Bryan Hickerson (27), 1B Hal Chase (27), SP Jim Clinton (25).

Suspects: 1B Moose Skowron (29), OF Hank Bauer (31), IF Aaron Hill (23), OF Charlie Keller (33), RP Fritz Coumbe (24).

AA: Hudson Valley Renegades

Prospects: 2B Dick Bartell (20).

Projects: P Joba Chamberlain (25), P LaTroy Hawkins (22), P Art Ditmar (26), OF Roger Maris (26), OF Héctor López (25), Kevin Pillar (27).

Suspects: None, really.

TWIWBL 23.1: AA & AAA All-Star Rosters

By mknn

On February 9, 2022

In All Star Games, TWIWBL

Because they deserve some love, too …

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

AAA All-Star Rosters

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

Visiting Team

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

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

Home Team

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

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

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

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

AA All-Star Rosters

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

Visiting Team

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

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

Home Team

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

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

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

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