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Tag: Joe Lake

Year II Season Preview: Chicago American Giants

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On March 27, 2024

In Team News

Expectations

Championship contention. The offense is just too good not to warrant it, even if moves need to be made in the pitching corps.

Best Case

The offense continues as one of the very best in the league, and enough pitching is found to navigate the postseason.

Worst Case

The fringe of the offense–Freddy Parent, Mike Fiore, whomever is run out there in LF–reverts and the pitching collapses.

Key Questions

  • How is the rotation going to fall out? Can Ed Walsh handle a fulltime starting role, and can Mark Buehrle and Ben Sheets handle the back end of the rotation?
  • How long do the American Giants stick with Parent–he’s fine, but his level of play over the second half of the season (after the American Giants picked him up from Ottawa) was below championship.

Trade Bait

There are some pieces in the minors, and this is a team that needs pitching, so there is some potential here.

Roster Evaluation

POSEliteStrongSolidMehWeakUnknown
CFiskNilsson
1BThomasKonerko
2BCollins
3BAllen
SSParentJackson
LF/
RF		JacksonLewisMitchellDoyle
CFFioreTorrienteWells
SPNichols
Price
Walsh		SheetsBuehrle
EndMinterWilhelmOtsukaLoes
RPLillyTwitchell
New Addition | Injured

Table says it all: if the pitching comes through, this is a championship contender.

Talent Ratings

WBLMinors
Raw Power1B Frank ThomasOF Rocky Colavito
Batting Eye2B Eddie Collins3B Paul Schaal
ContactOF Joe JacksonOF Bibb Falk
Running Speed2B Eddie Collins
IF Damian Jackson		OF Mike Cameron
Base StealingU Jack DoyleOF Jack McGeachey
IF Defense1B Paul Konerko1B Ruben Amaro Sr
OF DefenseCF Vernon WellsCF Lance Johnson
StuffSP Ed WalshRP Bob Ferguson
ControlSP Ben SheetsRP Bob Bruce
VelocityRP Akinori OtsukaRP Alex Reyes

Best In The Minors

RankAgePOSName
1 (29)22OFWalter Davis
2 (69)21OFLenny Dykstra
3 (87)24PJacob deGrom
4 (110)22PDoc Sykes
5 (146)23PTed Lyons
6 (158)24PHarry Buckner
7 (175)23IFJorge Orta
Others: None.

The table says it all: this is a weak farm system in need of replenishment.

MostLeast
AgeOF Steve Braun, 36
P Jamie Moyer, 36		OF Cristóbal Torriente, 18
HeightP David Price, 6’6″OF Ned Cuthbert, 5’6″
OPSOF Carson Bigbee, 1.028 (—)C Tubby Spencer, .499 (—)
HROF Carson Bigbee, 42 (—)2B Danny Murtaugh, 0 (AAA/AA)
SB2B Eddie Collins, 61 (WBL)Many with 0
WAR2B Eddie Collins, 6.5 (WBL)C Tubby Spencer, -3.2 (—)
WTricky Nichols, 15 (WBL)Lee Meadows, 2 (WBL/AAA/AA)
SVRich Garces, 35 (WBL)
ERAFrank Smith, 3.01 (WBL/AAA)Lee Meadows, 7.48 (WBL/AAA/AA)
WARJoe Lake, 5.7 (WBL/AAA)Will Smith, -0.9 (—)
Stats are across all levels. 200 PA / 75 IP min. Non WBL leagues indicated by —.

TWIWBL 56.4: Spring Training Notes – Chicago American Giants

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On February 21, 2024

In TWIWBL

Spring Training Questions

Four to five bullpen spots are up for grabs, essentially every role outside of closer (AJ Minter) and everyman (Hoyt Wilhelm). On the other side, some questions persist about the OF, and especially how Mike Fiore, who lead the WBL in walks but seems to offer little else and seems to be shying away from CF, fits in.

First round pick Jacob deGrom may push for a rotation spot, which would be, honestly, great for Chicago.

First Cuts

Doc Sykes didn’t survive the first round of cuts, as the American Giants want a few more innings in their evaluation of Jacob deGrom and Joe Lake. But the real logjam for Chicago is in the bullpen candidates. That thinned out some, as the team saw enough of Skip Pitlock, Larry White, and Brett Myers to know they weren’t in their immediate plans. Nor is Don Newcombe, who continues to confound everyone by seeming to have great stuff, but also getting rocked every time he takes the mound: perhaps a stint at AAA is what Newk actually needs.

That still leaves 20 pitchers in camp, so more sifting will be needed over the next week.

Jack Doyle is hitless this Spring, but his defensive versatility keesp him in camp, with Hal King the only C being reassigned given the hot starts from both Michael McKenry and Glenn Borgmann.

1B was already overly crowded, so the inability of Earl Sheely or Ruben Amaro Sr. to hit helps reduce the logjam there. Danny Murtaugh was cut at 2B, while Jorge Orta‘s upside keeps him in camp despite his early struggles. Ozzie Guillen was also reassigned with Luke Appling‘s strong showing keeping him in the running for a roster spot.

In the OF, both Vernon Wells and Lance Johnson have impressed at CF, with the trio of Bibb Falk, Steve Braun, and Ned Cuthbert all heading to minor league camp along with–in a bit of a surprise–Avisaíl García.

Second Cuts

Rich Garces (deservedly) and Joe Lake (perhaps not so deservedly) are moved into the American Giants’ minor league camp.

C Michael McKenry was sent down as Chicago clearly believes Dave Nilsson will somehow regain his stroke as Carlton Fisk‘s backup.

Both Paul Schaal and Joe Crede were sent down, with Ray Jablonski being recalled to help fill out the position. 2B Jorge Orta also heads down to the minors, as do Magglio Ordóñez and Rocky Colavito.

Special mention has to be made of Jack Doyle, who has an OPS of .111, but stays in camp solely due to his defensive versatility. Tom McCreery was recalled to help fill in defensively as well, but neither of them are good bets to make the final roster, although Doyle being a serviceable C does carry some weight.

Third Cuts

Jacon deGrom, Gavin Floyd, Don Wilson, and Joe Horlen all were sent down, essentially clarifying the American Giants’ starting rotation.

José Abreu and Lance Johnson were also sent to minor league camp.

Doyle sticks around, but Chicago should actively be in the market for someone to help out at across the infield who can hit more than Doyle. The standout performances from Vernon Wells and Lenny Dykstra are putting Kevin Mitchell‘s job as the 4th OFer at risk, but Mitchell hit enough last season to most likely prevail.

Final Cuts

Alex Reyes and Ray Jablonski were demoted, and Tom McCreery‘s brief shot at being a utility player ended with his being sent to AAA.

All of that means that Jack Doyle–he of the .400 Spring OPS–is likely to make the team as the reserve 3B (among other positions–Doyle’s flexibility is useful, even if his bat is not).

20 year old Glenn Borgmann was excellent all Spring–a .300 average, 3 homeruns, and decent play behind the plate. But Dave Nilsson retains his spot with Borgmann heading to the minors. The American Giants ducked more difficult choices by placing OF Kevin Mitchell on the DL to get down to 30 players.

The final cuts on the mound were pretty hard: Herb Pennock, Frank Smith, and Mike Adams were the choices, but there was very little to choose from between them, Larry Tiwtchell, and Billy Loes.

Luke Appling had a great Spring, but in the end was moved to AAA. Appling has established himself as the likely successor to Freddy Parent at SS, though.

Lenny Dykstra and Vernon Wells had a great battle all Spring. Wells edged out Dykstra, making the initial roster.

TWIWBL 24.3: Mid Season Reviews – Chicago American Giants

By

On February 22, 2022

In Team News, TWIWBL

Summary

Given some injury issues (Eddie Collins‘ being the most impactful), the American Giants should be quite pleased to sit in 2nd place, only 2 games behind Baltimore. The team is an offensive powerhouse, trying to get enough pitching and defense to get by.

What’s Gone Right

The Big Five. This lineup is just a killer. No team in the league can match the top five batters: Collins, Joe Jackson, Frank Thomas, Duffy Lewis, and Dick Allen. The lowest slash line combined of the four is 296/353/543. All five are in double-digits in homeruns, led by Lewis’ 20.

Sheets & Nichols. Ben Sheets and Tricky Nichols have been very, very strong at the front of the rotation.

Backstops. Carlton Fisk and Dave Nilsson give the American Giants one of the better catching combinations in the league, at least offensively.

What’s Gone Wrong

Shortstop. Luke Appling‘s shortcomings are masked by the rest of the lineup, but he’s not a good enough fielder to compensate for a .550 OPS. Damian Jackson was offered every opportunity, but hit even worse than Appling.

Back of the Rotation. Mark Buehrle and Herb Pennock have been very mediocre, and the less said about the tryouts for the 5th spot, the better.

Help from Below. The AAA callups–Avisaíl García, Magglio Ordóñez, Adrián González–have done almost nothing to help. The only bright spot has been Rocky Colavito‘s power, but even he is struggling to bring his BA over .200.

Key Storylines

The big question here is just how far the offense can carry them, and how the Big Five continue to evolve.

Cristóbal Torriente has caught some eyes as an all-use OF, and, perhaps, on the mound as well.

Trading Outlook

BUYING.

3B Robin Ventura and 1B Bob Watson are blocked at the WBL level, and so could be on the move.

AAA Shuttle

It’s the same names. José Abreu, Kevin Mitchell, Ventura, and Watson have been the best performers at AAA, although each have struggled in the WBL.

Midseason Changes

Joe Lake and Fernando Rodney are back in the minors, with Frank Smith being recalled into the 5th rotation spot.

Awards

All Stars: Dick Allen (3B); Eddie Collins (2B); Joe Jackson (RF); Duffy Lewis (LF); AJ Minter (P); Tricky Nichols (P); Frank Thomas (DH).

Player of the Week: Duffy Lewis (5/8)

Offensive MVP: Frank Thomas (1B)
Pitching MVP: Tricky Nichols (SP)

Down on the Farm

AAA: Milwaukee Brewers

Next to the Show: 1B José Abreu, OF Minnie Miñoso, RP Nate Jones (30), RP Eddie Fisher (36).

Prospects: OF Minnie Miñoso (23), 3B Robin Ventura (23), 1B Bob Watson (22).

Projects: 1B José Abreu (30), P A. Rube Foster (22).

Suspects: P Buddy Black (33), Wally Moses (32), Steve Braun (36), Ozzie Guillén (33), P Lee Meadows (33).

AA: Madison Black Wolf

Prospects: RP Víctor Cruz (21), RP Scott Radinksy (23).

Projects: Melky Cabrera (22), P Harry Buckner (23), 3B Sibby Sisti (19), P Walt Craddock (23), P Sean Gallagher (21).

Suspects: 1B Mike Squires (26), 3B Danny Murtaugh (24), OF Henry Cotto (25), P Dick Erickson (28).

TWIWBL 18.2: Series XV Notes – Cum Posey Division

By

On November 8, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Baltimore Black Sox

Bill Byrd allowed 3 hits (2 by Tom Herr, who continues to impress) in a complete-game shutout of Birmingham. The 7-0 win moved Byrd to 5-2 and lowered his ERA to a sparkling 3.16. Curt Blefary, Larry Gardner, and Dan McGann had 2 hits each in support of Byrd, with McGann and Bryce Harper driving in 2 each.

The Black Sox finally ran out of patience with Miller Huggins, sending the struggling 2B to AAA in favor of OF Baby Doll Jacobson, who had been absolutely demolishing minor league pitching.

#Chicago American Giants

Shoeless Joe Jackson took Jimmy Key‘s first ever pitch in the WBL out of the ballpark for the first of his 2 homeruns on the day, setting the tone for a blowout victory for the American Giants over Ottawa. Damian Jackson–who started the day hitting .165–went 4-for-5 and six–yes, six–Chicago batters had 3 hits (Shoeless Joe, Frank Thomas, Eddie Collins, Duffy Lewis, Dick Allen, and Carlton Fisk). Thomas drove in 4, and Tricky Nichols improved to 6-2 with 7 solid innings on the mound.

Not all news was good for Chicago, as Cristobal Torriente had to leave the game with a leg injury that landed him on the DL. Rocky Colavito was recalled from AAA in his place.

As the American Giants try to solve their bullpen, Frank Smith was returned to AAA, with Joe Lake coming up to Chicago to compete with Joe Horlen for the final rotation spot. Despite his good day detailed above, The Damian Jackson experiment is clearly on its way out. While Jackson stays with the big league club–someone has to play 2B when Collins is out–Jack Doyle, way down in AA, provides the same defensive flexibility, and cannot hit any worse. Avisail Garcia was also sent down, with Magglio Ordonez coming up to the big leagues. Jim Davenport and Nellie Fox were both released to make room on the 40-man roster.

#Houston Colt 45’s

Mark Melancon picked up his 5th victory from the bullpen when Lance Berkman won the ballgame with a walk-off homerun against Cleveland. Jorge Posada also went deep and Jeff Bagwell and HR Johnson added 2 hits in the 4-3 victory.

Melancon did it again, moving to 6-1 when Jim O’Rourke provided a walk-off hit in the bottom of the 10th. Felipe Alou–perhaps playing to remain in the league–had 3 hits and 2 RBIs and Melancon, Dock Ellis, and Trevor Hoffman combined for 3.2 innings of 2-hit, shutout relief of an effective Stephen Strasbourg.

#Ottawa Mounties

Just another day for Tim Raines: 2 hits, 3 runs scored, 3 stolen bases to lead Ottawa to a 7-2 win over Chicago. Freddy Parent added his 9th homerun of the year and Jim Clancy pitched well, allowing 5 hits and 2 runs in just over 5 innings, moving to 3-2 on the season.

Jimmy Key was waived and Clark Griffiths returned to AAA to make room for Ted Bowsfield and Steve Howe‘s return from injury. More dramatically, the Mounties sent down Steve Garvey, Ken Griffey, Jr., and Alex Rodriguez to AAA in an effort to jump start their offense. Rick Monday, Larry Parrish, and–surprisingly, all the way from AA–Harry Easterday were recalled, with Felix Hernandez being waived. The end result of all this is that Jackie Jensen and Roy Sievers will get a lot of at-bats for a while.

TWIWBL 7.2: Series VI Notes – Cum Posey Division

By

On June 6, 2021

In TWIWBL

{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.}

#Baltimore Black Sox

P Lindy McDaniel, massively ineffective over 7 appearances, was sent down to AAA with Mike Mussina coming back the other way. Chick Stahl is tearing up AAA, and if Paul Blair–currently slashing 205/287/337–continues to struggle, he may get a call-up in the next few weeks.

#Chicago American Giants

P Lee Meadows was waived and Joe Lake was sent down to AAA Milwaukee, with Sonny Dixon and Frank Smith joining Chicago. Herb Pennock will join the rotation, replacing Lake.

#Houston Colt 45’s

The final slot in the Colt 45’s rotation remains a mystery, with the team hoping someone from Stubby Overmire, Leon Day, and Dock Ellis steps forward.

Larry Hisle‘s continued struggles (194/275/222) sent him down to AAA San Antonio. 37 year-old Ken Caminiti was waived to make room for DJ LeMahieu‘s promotion to Houston.

Paul Goldschmidt‘s 176/300/265 line sees him likely getting much less playing time in the near future.

#Kansas City Monarchs

After a heart-breaking loss to the Black Yankees, the Monarchs had to do some roster juggling, both to help with bullpen fatigue and to bring in some help for Ozzie Smith at SS. Bob Gibson was sent back to AAA and Bill Doak was waived to free up roster space for RP Adam Russell and SS Jack Rowe.

But the Monarchs fought back, defeating the Black Yankees, first 8-3 and then on a walk-off 5-4 victory powered by Boog Powell‘s 2 HRs and Stan Musial‘s 4 hits in 4 at-bats.

The Monarchs ended up splitting the four game set with the Black Yankees–no mean feat.

1B Andre Thornton‘s slow start (139/333/250) earned him a trip to AAA St. Louis with 2B Robinson Cano, who was tearing up the league at 423/461/634 coming up to Kansas City. The roster still needed a RH OF, so Russell was sent back down after only a few days with the big league team in favor of Ducky Medwick.

#Ottawa Mounties

Randy Johnson may have done just enough–barely–to stay in the big leagues with a decent 5 inning performance against Los Angeles. After the game, RP Greg Holland hopped back on the AAA express, with the Mounties in desperate need for depth at 2B. They recalled George Cutshaw to help there (Cutshaw would have a nice debut, going 1-for-3 with a grand slam HR).

Freddy Parent delivered a 2-0ut, 2-run single that scored Carlos Delgado and Terry Puhl, giving Ottawa a walk-off victory against Los Angeles’ closer Joe Nathan, who fanned the first two batters before collapsing and giving up a three run lead.

Recently recalled Jim Clancy was called into duty as an emergency starter, and the jury is still out. On the one hand, 5 innings, only 1 run, and the victory in a 5-1 win over Los Angeles is great; on the other hand, the traffic on the basepaths was nonstop, with Clancy giving up 10 hits and 2 walks in the 5 innings. Gary Lavelle pitched 2.2 scoreless innings for his second hold, and Tom Henke finished it out for his 7th save.

The Mounties pitching staff is a mystery. They are committed to Johnson, despite the 25 year-old’s 7.27 ERA, as well as to 19 year-old Ken Griffey, Jr, who is only slashing 205/253/217 to date. Gary Peters has been very ineffective, and will spend some time at AAA trying to work out his kinks, joining John Olerud in Montreal with veteran 1B/OF Roy Sievers and P Jamie Moyer heading to the big time (Terry Mulholland was waived to make room for Moyer).

The fifth rotation slot is still unsettled, with Moyer, Clancy, and Monk Dubiel all in play.

Series VI Featured Matchup- Chicago American Giants @ Philadelphia Stars

By

On June 1, 2021

In Featured Series, Game Recaps

The American Giants (12-10) head to Philadelphia to take on the Stars (13-9) in a four game series. Series preview here.

Game 1: Mark Buehrle v Robin Roberts

Mark Buehrle brings a 1-2 record and a 3.20 ERA into his matchup with Robin Roberts who is at 2-1 with an inflated ERA of 6.30. Roberts has pitched better than his ERA would indicate, for sure.

Still, the American Giants have a heckuva lineup. Roberts would give up three runs four innings, first on an RBI single by Dick Allen, then twice when Duffy Lewis scored without a hit (first on a Luke Appling double play, then, in the top of the fourth, on a wild pitch).

Buehrle sailed along for five innings, but the Stars broke through in a big way in the bottom of the sixth with George Hendrick, Sherry Magee, and Rico Carty all hitting doubles to cut the lead to 3 to 2. Ted Kluszewski–gaining some redemption on his return from AAA–then took Buehrle deep for a 3-run HR, putting Philadelphia on top, 5-3, and chasing Buehrle from the game, relieved by Koji Uehara.

The lead was short-lived: Roberts would walk Adrian Gonzalez and give up a single to pinch-hitter Kevin Mitchell before giving way to Rheal Cormier. Brought in to face three consecutive left-handed batters, Cormier was hit hard despite getting a few outs, with Dave Nilsson hitting a deep fly to score Gonzalez, Eddie Collins doubling, and Shoeless Joe Jackson plating Mitchell with a groundout. Jack Meyer relieved Cormier and got Frank Thomas to popout to 1B for the final out with the score tied at 5.

Philadelphia’s strategy in the top of the eighth was a bit of a surprise: when Meyer couldn’t come out due to injury, the Stars turned to Jaret Wright, just recalled from AAA. It was a mistake: Allen greeted him with a triple, Mike Fiore walked, and Wright was pulled midway through Duffy Lewis’ AB in favor of Pedro Feliciano, who had been fantastic so far this season. Feliciano gave up a single to Lewis, scoring Allen and then a 2-run double to light-hitting Damian Jackson. An RBI groundout from Eddie Collins pushed the score to 9-5.

Philadelphia would claw back one run, but that was it, and Chicago had the victory in hand.

Carty had three hits, all doubles, for Philadelphia. Lewis went four-for-four and scored 3 runs for Chicago.

CAG 9 (Uehara 1-0; Minter 3 Sv) @ PHI 6 (Wright 0-1; Cormier 1 BS)
HRs: Kluszewski (PHI, 5)
Box Score

Game 2: Joe Lake @ J.M. Ward

John Montgomery Ward gets a spot start for Chicago, his first of the year. Ward has pitched 7 times in relief, with a 1-0 record and 4.50 ERA. Joe Lake is just trying to get on track, coming in with an 0-1 record and an ERA approaching 8.

It was a rough day for everyone who took the mound …

Chicago roared out of the gate, taking a 7-1 lead into the bottom of the fifth, but Philadelphia would at least make a game of it, starting the frame off with five consecutive hits and a sacrifice fly, closing the gap to two runs at 7-5.

But Shoeless Joe Jackson would hit two homeruns in the later innings, and Herb Pennock would throw a perfect 2.2 IP to close it out. Pennock was the only successful hurler for either team: Ward was rocked for 7 runs in under 4 innings, and Rheal Cormier and Pedro Feliciano gave up 6 more in 4 innings in relief. Lake was hit hard as well, surrendering 5 runs and 9 hits in 5 innings, and Lee Meadows gave up 3 more in just over an inning of relief.

Meadows and Lake are unlikely to be in Chicago much longer, as today’s performances were no worse than they’ve shown all season.

Shoeless Joe went 3-for-6 with 4 RBIs, and Mike Fiore added 3 hits and scored 3 times as the American Giants pounded out seventeen hits, with only Dick Allen failing to get a hit on the day.

For Philadelphia, Buck Freeman, Rico Carty, Chase Utley, and Mickey Doolin each had two hits apiece.

CAG 14 (Lake 1-1; Pennock 1 Sv; Meadows 1 H) @ PHI 8 (Ward 1-1)
HRs: Jackson 2 (CAG, 8); Lewis (CAG, 3)
Box Score

Game 3: Tricky Nichols @ Ray Collins

Because of the surprise start of JM Ward last game, game three of the series features the first matchup of two 3-0 pitchers on the season, with Chicago’s Tricky Nichols facing Philadelphia’s Ray Collins. Both pitched well for a while, and then ran out of gas.

Nichols was cruising with a 4-1 lead heading into the bottom of the 6th, but a 3-run HR by Chase Utley and a solo shot by Bill Dickey chased him from the game giving Philadelphia a 5-4 lead.

Collins left after 7 innings with the 1 run lead, but Ron Reed immediately gave it up, surrendering a 2-run blast to Mike Fiore to give the American Giants the edge, 6-5. But, an error by Dick Allen allowed a run to score in the bottom of the 8th, tying it up at 6.

Bob Howry–fantastic so far on the season–came in for Chicago and promptly gave away the farm: Allen atoned for the error with a leadoff shot, and after an RBI single from Duffy Lewis, Shoeless Joe Jackson capped off a 4-for-4 day with a 3-run shot to RF. Ken Sanders mowed through the Philadelphia lineup in the bottom of the 9th, giving Chicago the 12-6 victory and a 3-0 lead in the series.

CAG 12 (Sanders 2-0, 1 BSv) @ PHI 6 (Howry 0-1; Reed 2 BSv)
HRs: Dickey (PHI, 2); Utley (PHI, 1); Jackson (CAG, 9); Fiore (CAG, 3); Allen (CAG, 4)
Box Score

Game 4: Ben Sheets @ Steve Carlton

Despite similar numbers, Ben Sheets comes into the game with a 3-0 record while Steve Carlton sits at 1-3 on the season.

Each pitched a strong game. Sheets looked sharper, but he had one bad inning–with Chicago ahead 2-1 heading into the bottom of the 6th, the big righthander made three mistakes in the span of six pitches, with Buck Freeman, Gavvy Cravath, and Sherry Magee each blasting solo HRs, giving the Stars a 4-2 lead.

Carlton left after getting one out in the seventh, with the Stars having to bring in SP Pete Alexander because their bullpen was so depleted. It worked: Alexander pitched 2.2 perfect innings, and the game ended 4-2 with Carlton picking up the win and Alexander the save for Philadelphia’s first win in the series.

The three homeruns were half the hits Sheets surrendered, but he still went down to his first loss on the year.

CAG 2 (Sheets 3-1) @ PHI 4 (Carlton 2-3; Alexander 1 Sv)
HRs: Freeman (PHI, 4); Kluszewski (PHI, 6); Magee (PHI, 2); Cravath (PHI, 5).
Box Score

Series Notes

For Chicago, Shoeless Joe went 9-for-16 in the series with 3 HRs and 9 RBIs and Fiore went 6-for-13.

Despite going hitless at AAA, Kluszewski found his stroke immediately on his promotion, going 5-for-15 with 2 HRs and 5 RBI’s for Philadelphia.

Chicago looks to have a shot at being a real contender, something that will elude Philadelphia until they find some more consistency on offense.

Previewing Series VI – Chicago American Giants @ Philadelphia Stars

By

On May 27, 2021

In Series Previews

The featured matchup of Series VI will see the Philadelphia Stars (13-9) hosting the Chicago American Giants (12-10). Having the misfortune to be in the same division as the New York Black Yankees, the Stars are more games behind their division leaders (5) than the American Giants (3), despite having the better record.

Chicago comes in to the game having taken 3 out of 4 from Detroit, and 7-1 over their last 8 games. Philadelphia lost 3 out of 4 to Portland, and is playing .500 ball over their last eight.

Series pitching matchups (Chicago SP listed first) are currently Mark Buehrle (1-2, 3.20) v. Robin Roberts (2-1, 6.30); Joe Lake (0-1, 7.71) v. Ray Collins (3-0, 3.66); Tricky Nichols (3-0, 2.97) v. Steve Carlton (1-3, 3.72); and Ben Sheets (3-0, 4.11) v. Pete Alexander (1-4, 6.00). It should be an interesting series for the starters: three of the games pit someone pitching well against someone struggling in the start of the year, while the third game–Nichols versus Carlton–may be the best matchup of them all.

Chicago’s bullpen has been strong up to the very end of games, where A.J. Minter has struggled, allowing 9 hits in only 3 IP. But the trio of Ken Sanders, Akinori Otsuka, and Koji Uehara have been excellent in getting the ball to Minter. LHP Lee Meadows has struggled mightily, including taking losses in his last 3 appearances, and is likely to be sent to AAA after this series.

Philadelphia’s bullpen has been fantastic, top to bottom, led by closer Bob Howry‘s 7 saves along with excellent work from Pedro Feliciano (5 holds), Ron Reed, and Rheal Cormier. Feliciano’s 1.12 ERA is the worst of that bunch.

Offensively, though, Chicago hold the clear edge; indeed, short of the Black Yankees, no team in the league can match the trio of OF Shoeless Joe Jackson (353/446/624), 1B Frank Thomas (325/419/588), and 2B Eddie Collins (320/469/507). Those three have combined for 14 HRs and 56 RBIs. There are concerns about the starts of both 1B Adrian Gonzalez (176/232/284) and Luke Appling (169/219/220; .114 BA over his last 12 games), however.

Overall, Philadelphia’s offense has sputtered. Rico Carty (338/380/592) has been fantastic, and both Willie Davis (294/351/574) and Scott Rolen (275/338/580) solid, but 4 starters have failed to raise their OPS to .600 (OFers Sherry Magee and Al Smith, C Bill Dickey, and SS Mickey Doolin).

Chicago’s Dick Allen comes into the series having driven in a run in 5 consecutive games, and Shoeless Joe has been successful on his last 4 SB attempts

Series V Featured Game: Chicago visits Detroit

By

On May 21, 2021

In Featured Games, Game Recaps

The featured game of Series V saw Detroit‘s Joe Lake taking on Si Johnson of the visiting Chicago American Giants in the opening match of the four game set.

The game was scoreless until the top of the 4th, when Dick Allen led off with a solo HR to give Chicago a 1-0 lead. It was short-lived, as a 2-run HR from Geoff Jenkins and an RBI double by Bob Bailey put Detroit up 3-1 in the bottom of the frame.

A 3-run blast from 1B Hank Greenberg extended the Detroit lead to 6-1 in the bottom of the 5th, and the Wolverines looked in good shape.

However … this is The Featured Game, right?

Mike Fiore led off the top of the 7th with a leadoff HR, and when Duffy Lewis followed with a sharp single, Johnson was chased from the game, to be replaced by Doyle Alexander, who fanned the first batter he faced, but then gave up a single to light-hitting Damian Jackson, turning over the fearsome Chicago lineup to the top.

It delivered: Shoeless Joe Jackson singled in Lewis, and, after Cristobal Torriente hit into a fielders’ choice, Frank Thomas slammed a 3-run HR to tie the game at 6.

Damian Jackson would strike again in the top of the 8th, singling in two runs with Kevin Hart on the mound for Detroit to give Chicago the lead again, at 8-6.

But the home team still had some fight in them, with Chili Davis tagging Ken Sanders for a solo HR and Greenberg adding an RBI single in the bottom of the 8th to tie the game.

Detroit would keep Hart in the game for the top of the 9th, and Thomas would greet him with a leadoff HR to give the lead back to Chicago, 9-8.

The American Giant’s beleaguered closer, AJ Minter, would take the mound in the bottom of the frame. After George Davis flied out, Tony Phillips would single against Minter, bringing up Detroit’s DH Bob Bailey, who launched a ball deep to LF. Torriente took off at a full sprint and, far in the LF corner, made a tumbling catch. Phillips tagged up from first in a desperate attempt to get into scoring position, but Torriente somehow rolled to his feet, stopped his momentum, whirled, and threw a rope to 2B, just beating Phillips to end the game.

Thomas drove in 4, going 3-for-5, and Allen and Lewis added 2 hits each for Chicago, while Davis, Phillips, and Greenberg had 3 hits each for the home team. Hart took the loss, falling to 0-2, and Akinori Otsuka picked up the win, improving his record to 2-3 (Otsuka wasn’t terribly effective–he gave up 1 hit in one-third of an inning, and picked up a blown save as well), with Minter getting his first save in–by far–his most effective outing of the year.

Box Score | Game Log

Season Preview: Chicago American Giants

By

On August 21, 2020

In Team News

This Chicago team looks dangerous. The pitching staff is deep with an impressive front 3 in Ben Sheets, Lee Meadows, and Joe Lake and the offense has a ton of top tier talent, especially if Mike Fiore or Duffy Lewis can continue their Spring production.

Final Roster

SP: Ben Sheets, Lee Meadows, Joe Lake, Mark Buehrle, Tricky Nichols.
RP: Herb Pennock & Ed Walsh; Koji Uehara; Akinori Otsuka & Ken Sanders; AJ Minter.

C: Carlton Fisk; Dave Nilsson
1B: Adrian Gonzalez
2B: Eddie Collins; Damian Jackson
3B: Dick Allen; Robin Ventura
SS: Luke Appling
LF: Duffy Lewis; Kevin Mitchell
CF: Mike Fiore; Cristobal Torriente
RF: Shoeless Joe Jackson
DH: Frank Thomas

Notes

It’s not clear how permanent it is, but for now Tricky Nichols will fill the 5th spot in the rotation … in a shock move, the American Giants promoted IF Damian Jackson from AAA to the big league roster despite him not seeing a single AB in the Spring: the performances of 2B Nellie Fox and SS Julio Gotay were that bad … Bob Watson did well, the problem for him was he offered little Kevin Mitchell didn’t, and Mitchell hit just that much better … the final position player was harsh, as Avisail Garcia did everything asked of him all Spring, slashing 326/408/372. But he was at the bottom of the OF pack, with Cristobal Torriente offering more both at bat and with the glove … Victor Cruz pitched quite well, but was sent down with Chicago’s decision to go with 11 pitchers …

RP Koji Uehara is one of the oldest players in the league at 39 while OF Cristobal Torriente is one of the youngest at 17.

Frank Smith is likely to be recalled if the pitching staff needs reinforcements while Bob Watson would be first in line to help offensively from AAA. Three players have been turning heads at AA: 21 year old 2B Rickie Weeks, who got an extended look in Spring Trianing, and a pair of 23 year olds, OF Magglio Ordonez and RP Scott Radinsky.

Spring Training Preview: Chicago

By

On June 21, 2020

In 2000 Spring Training, Team News

  • The last spot in the rotation will probably come down to either Tricky Nichols or Herb Pennock, with Rube Foster, Mark Buehrle, Lee Meadows, and Ted Lyons as outside candidates.
    • Ed Walsh and Joe Lake still look like the middle of the rotation, but they need to improve, but none of the above have really made their argument, with Buehrle likely falling out of contention.
      • Ben Sheets, Meadows, Lake, and Foster look set for the rotation. But Frank Smith has been horrible, and Lyons is on his way to AAA. Foster could stumble, and Smith could still pull it out, but any of the others could step up as well for that 5th slot.
  • The final bullpen slots will be between that group, Victor Cruz, and Wilbur Wood.
    • Cruz has struggled, and Wood has impressed, as have Koji Uehara, Fernando Rodney, and Ken Sanders, but nothing is settled in the bullpen behind AJ Minter.
      • Uehara and Akinori Otsuka have been very strong, and Wood is off to AAA. This has the makings of a very fine bullpen.
  • Carlton Fisk is set at C, but it’s not clear if Hal King, Dave Nilsson, or (less likely) Pop Snyder back him up.
    • Snyder was sent down to AAA.
  • SS is pretty open, with Chico Carrasquel holding a slight edge over Luke Appling and Julio Gotay.
    • If any of these could hit a lick, they could seize the role.
  • Not all of Rocky Colavito, Cristobal Torriente, Avisail Garcia, and Minnie Minoso will make the team, but at least 2 of them should.
    • Colavito has struggled mightily, earning a move to AAA. Of this group, Minoso has probably impressed the most.
      • Ah, Spring Training! Minoso is now struggling to make the roster.
  • Frank Thomas has struggled mightily, allowing both Adrian Gonzalez and Bob Watson to push into the conversation.
    • 1B continues to be a muddle: Thomas is hitting better, but both Gonzalez and Jose Abreu are smacking the ball.
  • With a need for additional bodies to play 2B and 3B (and a real possibility of edging Nellie Fox as the reserve 2B), Chicago recalled Rickie Weeks and Joe Crede from AAA Milwaukee.
    • Weeks has moved up in the pecking order, with both Fox and Crede likely to start the season in AAA.
Near DefiniteLikelyPossibleLong Shot
Starting PitchersBen Sheets
Joe Lake
Lee Meadows		Rube FosterEd Walsh
Frank Smith
Tricky Nichols
Herb Pennock
Mark Buehrle
Middle RelieversVictor Cruz
SetupAkinori Otsuka
Koji Uehara
Ken Sanders		Fernando Rodney
CloserAJ Minter
CCarlton FiskHal King
Dave Nilsson
1BFrank ThomasAdrian Gonzalez
Jose Abreu
2BEddie CollinsRickie WeeksNellie Fox
3BDick AllenRobin VenturaJoe Crede
SSChico Carrasquel
Luke Appling
Julio Gotay
OFJoe Jackson
Mike Fiore		Kevin Mitchell
Duffy Lewis
Cristobal Torriente
Avisail Garcia
Bob Watson		Minnie Minoso

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