Sam Streeter struck out 10 for the second time this year, but you wouldn’t know it from his ERA, which tops 7.00.
Los Angeles Angels
Richie Hebner hit 2 homeruns and drove in 4 in a 10-7 win at Portland.
Miami Cuban Giants
Robin Yount hit 2 out of the park in an 8-3 win over Los Angeles. It was a costly win for Miami, as Iván Rodríguez was hurt running the bases and will miss 5-6 weeks. Smoky Burgess was recalled from AAA to back up Chris Hoiles behind the plate.
A few days later Alejandro Oms joined the Cuban Giants on the DL, with Miami recalling reliver Aaron Barrett in hopes of lengthening their bullpen.
Portland Sea Dogs
Sure, Walter Johnson is the best SP in the league right now, but he’s hitting this year, too, sporting a .368 average on the young season.
Joseíto Muñoz struck out 11 in a 7-1 win over Los Angeles, with the Sea Dogs leaving the youngster in there for 142 pitches. That can’t be a great long term plan.
Chuck Klein had a hand in all 4 runs of a 4-3, 11-inning win over Baltimore: 2 solo homeruns, a 2-out single to tie it in the 8th, and scoring the winning run in the 11th. Klein is slugging over .500 as he adjusts to life in the WBL.
Jerry Blevins–hurt since well into last season–has begun a rehab assignment.
San Francisco Sea Lions
Some good pitching has brought San Francisco’s overall performance back towards expectations. Bump Hadley allowed 1 hit in 6 innings with 11 strikeouts, and then Lefty Grove struck out 13 in a 4-1 win over the Black Yankees.
Veteran Tim Hudson was injured while pitching and will miss about 2 weeks. The timing sped up Ron Robinson‘s return, with the reliever being welcomed back after an absence of close to a year.
Portland won the Cum Posey Division in 2000 and finished last there the following year, ending 2001 at 71-91, 32 games out. Nobody in the Pacific Northwest thought it could fall apart that fast, that hard.
The collapse was on the offensive side, and it wasn’t one man having a bad year. Gil Hodges led the club with 38 home runs and was worth −1.4 WAR, which takes some doing. Bobby Murcer hit 33 and finished at −0.4. Kiki Cuyler and Cliff Lee also went negative in real playing time. The Sea Dogs finished last in most offensive measures while 4 different men cleared 30 homers, empty totals boosted by the extreme nature of the league last season.
So they sold everything with an age on it. Rogers Hornsby went to the Black Yankees for Jake Peavy and a 1st. Buddy Bell went out for Robin Ventura and some arms. SS Jim Fregosi is gone, as are half the bullpen.
What’s left is young, perhaps recklessly so. Joseíto Muñoz is 20 and in the rotation. Walter Johnson (the clear ace) and Bert Blyleven are 21. Joe Mauer caught 125 games and took the organizational MVP at age 23. Ken Griffey Jr is 21 and already the best bat here.
Nobody in Portland is selling 2002 as a contention year, but getting back on track is the highest priority for the organization.
▌ 2001 Revisited
We opened last spring asking for a deep playoff run once again, with championship contention. They lost 91 games. There’s no reading of that which doesn’t make it the worst call we’ve ever printed.
The best case wanted everyone behind Johnson to step up — Blyleven as a real number 2, Dizzy Trout as a more consistent rotation option, even Elmer Brown converting into a starter out of the pen, and 1st-round pick Walter Ball stepping straight in. Ball delivered: a 4.26 ERA over 141 innings, which against a league that gave up 5.38 is genuinely good, and enough for the organizational Pitcher of the Year. But he missed half the season through injury. The rest were fine (Blyleven, Trout) or bad (Brown, others).
The worst case reads like it was written afterward. Hornsby and Hodges show the effects of age, and the OF regresses towards absolute mediocrity. Hodges hit 208/292/461. Murcer hit 250/311/489. Hornsby played well enough to be traded in July and is a Black Yankee now.
Johnson is the part nobody should skip past. He threw 214 innings with a 4.28 ERA and 182 strikeouts, led the club at 4.6 WAR, and won a Gold Glove on the mound. He is 21, and looks quite likely to dodge the standard concerns about consistency and injury that accompany young arms.
▌ Key Changes
In: Jack Billingham (IND); Royce Clayton (SFS); Robin Ventura (IND) Out: Buddy Bell (IND); Trevor Hoffman (SFS)
Opening Day Rookies: Chuck Klein; Willard Schmidt
▌ Best Case for 2002
The rotation arrives ahead of schedule. Johnson goes from very good to the best arm in the league. Ball’s 4.26 turns out to be who he is, over a full year this time. Muñoz holds a rotation spot and Peavy — who missed all of 2001 after coming over in the Hornsby trade — throws 150 healthy innings.
And, the bats do their part. Griffey starts taking a walk. Ventura steadies 3B. Abreu turns a 90-plate-appearance cameo into an everyday corner. And, perhaps, even Vladimir Guerrero, 21 and knocking from Vancouver, forces his way in.
Portland doesn’t win anything in 2002, but it could be a year the team can see the path back to where they were in 2000.
▌ Worst Case for 2002
Young pitching does what young pitching does. An elbow goes, Peavy’s lost year becomes a lost career, and Muñoz can’t stay healthy while Johnson drifts towards league average.
The bats stay put, which is the more likely problem, because there’s no internal fix waiting. SS is Hughie Jennings and Clayton and hope. 2B is Paul Molitor, who by common agreement can’t play there. Both corner OF spots are competitions between men who were below average last year.
And the real challenge is there isn’t much left to dump — this is the hand Portland drew, so regression can quite easily slide into apathy if no hope arrives.
▌ Key Questions
How long does this rotation stay together? Johnson, Ball, Blyleven and Muñoz are 21, 26, 21 and 20, and 3 of them have already thrown 140 or more WBL innings. That’s either the best young rotation in baseball or a list of injuries waiting to happen.
Does Griffey learn the strike zone? 292/326/568 with 33 homers at 21, and 23 walks in the whole season. He was worth 0.8 WAR while looking like the best hitter on the roster. This is an organization that has twice now chosen the on-base bat over the louder one — Mauer over Iván Rodríguez, Bell over Adrián Beltré, but Griffey remains on the periphery of that approach.
Who gets the ball in the 9th? Hoffman is in San Francisco. John Wetteland posted a 6.75 after arriving in Portland and a 9.90 before it. Huston Street was a waiver claim. Jack Billingham is the only reliever here who was reliably fine, and nobody has called him the closer.
▌ Roster Evaluation
Tier = the player’s 2001 positional grade (S best → F worst; color coded S A B C D F). Bold names carry a substantive WBL track; italic names are pure projection — a hope, not a grade — with no qualifying track to anchor them.
Pos
Players
C
Mauer C · Ashby
1B
Hrbek B · Hodges F
2B
Molitor C · Frey
SS
Jennings · Clayton
3B
Ventura · Garrett
LF
Murcer D
CF
Griffey Jr B
RF
Abreu · Klein
DH
Hodges F
SP
Johnson C · Ball C · Blyleven D · Muñoz D · Peavy
RP
Billingham C · Street F · Wetteland F · Springer · Schmidt
Mauer is the quiet argument for the whole approach: a catcher who hit 278/360/463 with 31 steals, made the AL All-Star team and took the organizational MVP on a last-place club, at 23. Portland kept him over Rodríguez and has had no reason to revisit it.
▌ Talent Ratings
WBL
Minors
Raw Power
SP Dizzy Trout
RF Hugh Duffy
Batting Eye
3B Wayne Garrett
2B Jack Crooks
Contact
SS Hughie Jennings
LF Riggs Stephenson
Running Speed
SP Walter Johnson
LF David Hulse
Base Stealing
SS Hughie Jennings
LF David Hulse
IF Defense
SS Hughie Jennings
SS Bobby Wine; 3B Lee Tannehill
OF Defense
RF Bobby Abreu
CF Gary Pettis
Stuff
RP John Wetteland
RP Harry Harper
Control
SP Bert Blyleven
RP Jack Wisner
Velocity
RP Huston Street; RP John Wetteland
RP Migel Puente; SP Joaquin Benoit
▌ Best In The Minors
Rank
Age
Pos
Name
1 (5)
21
RF
Hugh Duffy
Others: IF Jack Fournier, P José Berríos, P Harry Harper, C Frankie Hayes.
Graduated to the active roster since the ranked list: Chuck Klein (83).
One ranked name, and he’s the 5th-best prospect in baseball. Hugh Duffy is 21 and slated as a WBL starter in a corner Portland can’t currently fill, which is convenient. Alongside him at Vancouver is Vladimir Guerrero, also 21, who came over in the Iván Rodríguez deal and is off the ranked list entirely — the kind of omission that either looks foolish in 2 years or explains itself. Fournier was a high draft pick, and should have a career, but he’s only 16 — child labor laws be damned.
▌ Superlatives
Most
Least
Age
Russ Springer, 38
Jack Fournier, 16
Height
Walt Bond, 6’7″
Nemo Leibold, 5’6″
OPS
Ernie Krueger, 1.059 (AAA)
Fred Dunlap, 0.500 (AA)
HR
Gil Hodges, 38
Gary Pettis, 1 (AA)
SB
Hughie Jennings, 45 (AAA)
–
WAR (bat)
Walt Bond, 3.9 (AAA)
Fred Dunlap, -1.8 (AA)
W
Walter Johnson, 13
–
SV
Harry Matuzak, 20 (AAA)
–
ERA
Joe H Coleman, 2.94 (A)
Kris Medlen, 6.60 (AAA)
WAR (pit)
Walter Johnson, 4.6
Kris Medlen, -1.0 (AAA)
Stats across all levels, 2001. 200 PA / 75 IP min (SV: all pitchers). Non-WBL levels tagged.
In this post, we’ll slowly carve people off those lists as we get younger, beginning with the under 25’s. As we get younger, future potential will begin to be more of a thing.
A full lineup, with DH, plus 3 starters and 3 relievers for each. We’ll start by relisting the overall selections, then new entries for each group will be bolded.
#WBL Teams of the Year
Pos
American League
National League
C
Ed Bailey (36, DET/CLE)
Josh Gibson (21, HOM)
1B
Jim Thome (28, MCG)
Paul Konerko (34, CAG/BBB)
2B
Eddie Collins (28, CAG)
Roberto Alomar (24, OTT)
SS
Arky Vaughan (27, CLE)
Ernie Banks (25, HOD)
3B
Evan Longoria (24, CLE)
Ron Cey (27, BRK)
LF
Babe Ruth (25, NYY)
Jim Wynn (23, HOU)
CF
Turkey Stearnes (22, SFS)
Oscar Charleston (21, IND)
RF
Mickey Mantle (22, NYY)
Aaron Judge (27, PHI)
DH
Ty Cobb (21, DET)
Willie Stargell (31, HOM)
SP
Lefty Grove (27, SFS) José Méndez (23, MCG) Jim Whitney (24, BBB/MCG)
Luis Padrón (22, IND) Toad Ramsey (23, HOU) A. Rube Foster (24, KCM)
RP
Ken Howell (24, SFS) Andrew Miller (23, MEM) Rod Beck (24, SFS)
Lee Smith (34, HOD/KCM) Eddie Guardado (26, KCM) Eric Gagne (27, BRK)
#WBL 25 & Under Teams
Pos
American League
National League
C
Mickey Cochrane (25, SFS)
Josh Gibson (21, HOM)
1B
Hank Greenberg (24, DET)
Jeff Bagwell (24, HOU)
2B
Grant Johnson (25, HOU/NYY)
Roberto Alomar (24, OTT)
SS
Cal Ripken, Jr (23, BAL)
Ernie Banks (25, HOD)
3B
Evan Longoria (24, CLE)
Albert Pujols (22, KCM)
LF
Babe Ruth (25, NYY)
Jim Wynn (23, HOU)
CF
Turkey Stearnes (22, SFS)
Oscar Charleston (21, IND)
RF
Mickey Mantle (22, NYY)
Larry Walker (23, OTT)
DH
Ty Cobb (21, DET)
Rick Monday (24, OTT)
SP
José Méndez (23, MCG) Jim Whitney (24, BBB/MCG) Bump Hadley (23, SFS)
Luis Padrón (22, IND) Toad Ramsey (23, HOU) A. Rube Foster (24, KCM)
RP
Ken Howell (24, SFS) Andrew Miller (23, MEM) Rod Beck (24, SFS)
Terry Forster (22, BRK) Andrew Chafin (25, HOU) Fred Cambria (23, PHI)
#WBL 23 & Under Teams
Pos
American League
National League
C
Iván Rodríguez (21, MCG)
Josh Gibson (21, HOM)
1B
Eddie Murray (22, BAL)
Rusty Staub (21, OTT)
2B
Frank Grant (22, HOD/SFS)
Joe Morgan (22, IND)
SS
Cal Ripken, Jr (23, BAL)
Carlos Correa (23, HOU)
3B
Jimmie Foxx (22, SFS)
Albert Pujols (22, KCM)
LF
Frank Robinson (22, BAL)
Jim Wynn (23, HOU)
CF
Turkey Stearnes (22, SFS)
Oscar Charleston (21, IND)
RF
Mickey Mantle (22, NYY)
Larry Walker (23, OTT)
DH
Ty Cobb (21, DET)
Richie Hebner (23, HOD)
SP
José Méndez (23, MCG) Bump Hadley (23, SFS) Brett Anderson (22, LAA)
Luis Padrón (22, IND) Toad Ramsey (23, HOU) Smokey Joe Wood (22, KCM)
RP
Andrew Miller (23, MEM) Goose Gossage (23, NYY) Julio Teheran (22, LAA)
Terry Forster (22, BRK) Fred Cambria (23, PHI) Ted Kennedy (22, PHI)
300 PA Minimums for batters, with 1 exception: Murray only had 145 PAs–1B in the AL just did not have a lot of youth.
#WBL 21 & Under
Pos
American League
National League
C
Iván Rodríguez (21, MCG)
Josh Gibson (21, HOM)
1B
—
Rusty Staub (21, OTT)
2B
Martín Dihigo (19, MCG)
—
SS
Dobie Moore (20, MEM)
Judy Johnson (18, HOM)
3B
Freddie Lindstrom (20, CAG)
Ron Santo (21, HOD)
LF
Alejandro Oms (21, MCG)
Sherry Magee (21, PHI)
CF
Ken Griffey Jr (20, POR)
Oscar Charleston (21, IND)
RF
Bryce Harper (20, BAL)
—
DH
Ty Cobb (21, DET)
—
SP
Walter Johnson (20, POR) Bob Feller (20, CLE) Joseíto Muñoz (20, POR)
Pete Conway (21, DET) Tom Williams (20, CAG) Billy Hoeft (19, DET)
Pete Donohue (21, NYG) Edward Nolan (19, IND) Vida Blue (21, HOU)
All praises to Ty Cobb, Josh Gibson, and Oscar Charleston for remaining on the list this far. The relievers dip into some rarely used arms, but of the rest, only Freddie Lindstrom was a late-season callup.
There really isn’t an all-teenager team: the only change from the teens above would be the addition of Chicago’s Cristóbal Torriente, perhaps the worst offensive player in the league this year in CF, but surprisingly effective in a few mound appearances.
One more, largely for fun
#WBL Over 30 Team
Pos
American League
National League
C
Ed Bailey (36, DET/CLE)
Jim Pagliaroni (32, MEM/BBB)
1B
Carlos Delgado (32, LAA)
Paul Konerko (34, CAG/BBB)
2B
Rogers Hornsby (34, NYY)
Ryne Sandberg (33, HOD)
SS
Bobby Wallace (34, BAL/DET)
Ozzie Smith (30, KCM)
3B
—
Jim Ray Hart (30, NYG)
LF
Oscar Gamble (32, DET)
Don Buford (32, LAA/NYG)
CF
—
Dave Henderson (33, IND)
RF
Kiki Cuyler (32, POR)
Albert Belle (32, BBB)
DH
Gavvy Cravath (36, BAL)
Joey Votto (32, IND)
SP
Andy Pettitte (33, NYY) Connie Johnson (34, BAL/DET) Charlie Root (31, DET)
Gaylord Perry (33, NYG) Eppa Rixey (31, IND) Cliff Lee (30, HOM)
RP
Jonathan Papelbon (31, MEM/MCG) Joe Nathan (31, LAA/SFS) Buddy Groom (37, BAL)
Lee Smith (34, HOD/KCM) Bob Howry (34, PHI) Josh Lindblom (31, HOM)
Only 3 names from the All-League Teams (Baily, Konerko, and Lee Smith), reflecting on just how young the league is. This is a very wide range from some very strong performers who are expected to keep it up for a while (those 3, Pettitte, Hornsby, some others) to folks like Dave Henderson and Kiki Cuyler, who are just barely hanging onto their roster spots.
This is everyone who qualified for the ERA crown, plus a heaping handful of others who made at least 10 starts during the season. If a player had less than 162 innings, they are (a) probably knocked down a tier and (b) their name is prefaced by a * and italicized.
We’ve leaned on valuing IP in these rankings, perhaps a bit too much. But these are your starters, and they need to show up, game after game. It also means the Tiers are a little different: there are D-Tier pitchers here that you would welcome at the back end of your rotation, and it’s really only some of them, and the F Tier, that are truly an issue.
Our usual practices prevail: bold for top 3 and italics for bottom 3. Pitchers with below 162 IP aren’t included in the top/bottom markers.
#S Tier
Lg
Tm
Name
Age
W-L
ERA
IP
WHIP
Other
NL
KCM
A. Rube Foster
24
11-8
3.30
204
1.02
.189 BA .219 BABIP 0.7 HR/9 3.63 FIP
NL
IND
Luis Padrón
22
23-3
3.22
235
1.04
220 K .192 BA .225 BABIP
NL
HOU
Toad Ramsey
23
16-10
3.23
223
0.97
282 K .182 BA 11.4 K/9 3.8 K/BB 3.40 FIP
Just look at all that bold.
It’s been these 3 all year, and there’s a hair’s breadth between them. The analytics like Toad Ramsey, but Luis Padrón‘s record is stunning and while his ERA crown came by the absolute thinnest of margins, it did come.
Knuckleballers are always a bit unpredictable season-to-season, and it may very well be that A. Rube Foster has the best career of these three. But great things are expected of each of them.
#A Tier
Lg
Tm
Name
Age
W-L
ERA
IP
WHIP
Other
AL
SFS
Lefty Grove
27
16-6
4.40
209
1.15
230 K 2.2 BB/9 9.9 K/9 4.4 K/BB
AL
MCG
José Méndez
23
13-6
4.53
233
1.11
201 K 2.2 BB/9
NL
BRK
Fernando Valenzuela
24
14-5
3.69
163
1.08
1 Sv; 4 H
—
BBB/ MCG
Jim Whitney
24
10-7
3.83
202
1.10
1 Sv; 2 H
NL
BRK
Smokey Joe Williams
24
12-13
3.93
202
1.23
0.8 HR/9 3.55 FIP
NL
KCM
Smokey Joe Wood
22
15-12
4.11
191
1.13
Lefty Grove and Smokey Joe Williams each have an argument to move up a tier, but are held back, Grove’s instance by his ERA, in Williams’ by his record. Still, they are the class of this group.
If José Méndez hadn’t led the league in innings, he would probably drop down a level, but we’re nitpicking: these are staff aces on most teams. Note that Miami, Brooklyn, and Kansas City already have 2 pitchers each on this list.
#B Tier
Lg
Tm
Name
Age
W-L
ERA
IP
WHIP
Other
AL
LAA
Brett Anderson
22
11-6
4.34
189
1.12
NL
HOU
* Ice Box Chamberlain
19
4-4
3.56
109
1.13
1 Sv; 1 H
NL
HOU
Roger Clemens
25
17-10
3.71
211
1.13
AL
SFS
Bump Hadley
23
18-6
4.10
189
1.18
0.9 HR/9 4.2 BB/9
NL
PHI
Hardie Henderson
21
18-12
3.78
209
1.23
4.2 BB/9 1.7 KK/B
NL
BRK
Orel Hershiser
27
19-5
3.69
185
1.21
NL
HOD
* Kyle Peterson
22
8-3
3.80
107
1.16
AL
NYY
Andy Pettitte
33
18-9
4.43
201
1.21
AL
SFS
Eddie Plank
27
20-7
4.42
210
1.31
AL
CAG
Ed Walsh
25
10-11
3.94
205
1.15
1 Sv 201 K .225 BABIP
Hardie Henderson, Roger Clemens, and perhaps Eddie Plank (but that would be giving an awful lot of weight on 20 victories) could all be nudged up, but I’m comfortable with this. These are all front of rotation hurlers, with the only real surprise being Brett Anderson, who quietly excelled in a difficult year for Los Angeles. Ed Walsh, last year’s Rookie of the Year, avoided the sophomore slump entirely.
If you’re looking for skepticism, both Ice Box Chamberlain (due to age) and Kyle Peterson (due to coming out of nowhere) are decent bets to regress.
#C Tier
Lg
Tm
Name
Age
W-L
ERA
IP
WHIP
Other
AL
POR
Walter Ball
26
8-7
4.26
142
1.20
NL
PHI
Steve Carlton
25
12-13
5.05
187
1.24
NL
IND
Johnny Cueto
29
12-14
4.62
212
1.14
NL
HOM
* Doug Drabek
25
6-8
4.76
147
1.17
1 H
NL
BRK
Don Drysdale
22
11-8
5.66
186
1.28
AL
LAA
Dwight Gooden
22
11-11
4.36
194
1.29
AL
NYY
Ron Guidry
28
11-7
4.51
208
1.24
251 K 10.9 K/9
NL
OTT
Roy Halladay
29
15-9
5.17
195
1.26
2.2 BB/9
AL
POR
Walter Johnson
20
13-12
4.28
214
1.28
NL
BRK
* Sandy Koufax
21
6-3
4.93
119
1.16
2 H
AL
MEM
Stubby Overmire
25
13-10
4.72
212
1.26
6.1 K/9
NL
NYG
Gaylord Perry
22
12-15
4.34
189
1.12
NL
KCM
José Rijo
26
8-12
5.09
179
1.26
NL
PHI
Charles Rogan
27
12-9
4.51
188
1.24
AL
CLE
Bill Steen
26
13-10
4.71
193
1.33
1.9 K/BB
NL
NYG
Don Sutton
25
17-8
5.23
174
1.25
NL
PHI
JM Ward
20
6-10
5.01
196
1.16
Gaylord Perry and JM Ward were perhaps the unluckiest pitchers in the league this year: a bit of good fortune, and either could be several tiers above. If anyone is ranked too highly, it’s probably Bill Steen. There are a lot of names here that could easily take a step forward–Steve Carlton, Don Drysdale, and Walter Johnson especially.
Sandy Koufax blossomed in the bullpen after losing his rotation spot, but Brooklyn is likely to try him again as a starter next season.
Joe Rogan is just a remarkable talent. Everyone else here has great value solely from being on the mound: add Rogan’s bat and … yoikes.
#D Tier
Lg
Tm
Name
Age
W-L
ERA
IP
WHIP
Other
AL
MEM
Len Barker
25
11-12
4.99
180
1.44
AL
SFS
* Tommy Bridges
37
6-7
5.38
146
1.21
AL
POR
Bert Blyleven
21
10-11
5.03
204
1.32
NL
KCM
Frank Castillo
23
12-7
5.21
193
1.32
AL
SFS
* Watty Clark
26
6-4
4.02
134
1.30
2 H
NL
PHI
* Ray Collins
24
4-7
4.62
121
1.27
1 H
AL
CLE
* Bob Feller
20
13-3
4.30
153
1.34
NL
BBB
* Lefty Gomez
27
9-9
4.90
154
1.30
2 H
AL
NYY/ CAG
Waite Hoyt
24
11-4
4.89
169
1.44
4.1 BB/9
NL
BRK
Frank Knauss
23
12-6
4.55
180
1.34
NL
HOM
Francisco Liriano
23
10-12
5.03
181
1.38
NL
BBB
Greg Maddux
23
10-14
5.35
195
1.28
59 HRA .225 BABIP 6.50 FIP
AL
BAL
Dennis Martínez
24
12-8
5.12
202
1.42
NL
NYG
Christy Mathewson
22
7-16
5.61
210
1.40
207 K
AL
POR
* Joseíto Muñoz
20
4-4
4.56
101
1.37
1 Sv; 2 H
AL
BAL
* Jim Palmer
25
8-8
4.88
138
1.37
1 H
NL
BBB
Alejandro Peña
26
8-11
5.59
180
1.31
NL
HOM
Billy Pierce
30
10-11
5.77
173
1.36
NL
HOD
* Rick Reuschel
30
8-8
4.61
135
1.31
1 Sv; 1 H
NL
HOD
Bob Rush
24
11-9
5.28
186
1.32
2 H
NL
HOD
CC Sabathia
28
5-15
5.89
202
1.35
1 Sv; 1 H 64 HRA 3.2 HR/9 6.90 FIP
AL
CAG
Ben Sheets
27
6-12
5.88
165
1.32
1 H
NL
OTT
* Bill Smith
26
10-3
3.77
124
1.35
1 H
NL
HOU
Stephen Strasburg
25
9-10
5.87
169
1.37
NL
HOD
Jack Taylor
26
12-10
5.90
192
1.42
.291 BA 6.4 K/9
AL
CLE
Cy Young
25
15-9
5.38
199
1.39
.307 BABIP
There are some absolute conundrums here. Greg Maddux‘s issues are obvious in the final column: his BABIP is top-3 in the league, showing just how good his stuff is. But he has to keep the ball in the ballpark. At least once in a while.
Christy Mathewson and Cy Young seem like they could do more than be massive inning eaters, but they need to be harder to hit to make the jump forward. But pitching is weird: Jack Taylor and Gerrit Cole (see below) were among the best on the mound last season, and struggled mightily this.
Bob Feller would warrant a bump as well with a few more solid starts.
#F Tier
Lg
Tm
Name
Age
W-L
ERA
IP
WHIP
Other
AL
CAG
Mark Buehrle
31
8-12
5.11
185
1.38
6.3 K/9
AL
MEM
* David Bush
26
9-9
6.58
149
1.32
AL
LAA
Gerrit Cole
26
7-15
6.36
166
1.43
2.9 HR/9 6.52 FIP
AL
MCG
Cole Hamels
25
11-12
6.18
178
1.42
63 HRA .293 BA 3.2 HR/9 3.7 K/BB
NL
NYG
* Carl Hubbell
26
6-10
5.75
160
1.29
1 H
NL
HOM
* Cliff Lee
30
8-4
5.30
114
1.32
3 H
NL
HOU
Roy Oswalt
28
7-11
6.53
181
1.49
.295 BA .305 BABIP
NL
OTT
Charles Radbourn
27
12-13
5.89
202
1.35
AL
DET
Charlie Root
31
11-10
6.15
199
1.42
59 HRA
AL
LAA
Tom Seaver
23
7-8
5.81
164
1.44
—
BBB/ CAG
* Sam Streeter
25
3-11
5.63
123
1.34
AL
POR
Dizzy Trout
29
5-12
5.93
162
1.50
4.1 BB/9 1.8 K/BB
AL
DET
Justin Verlander
25
5-12
6.48
169
1.52
.310 BABIP
NL
IND
* Doc White
27
5-12
6.55
143
1.34
1 Sv; 3 H
Most of these issues are clear: too many homeruns, too many walks, way too many runners on the basepaths. Maybe Old Hoss Radbourn could argue to be one tier up. Maybe.
Other than that, it must be said there is a ton of talent here: Roy Oswalt, Tom Seaver, and Justin Verlander jump out as most likely to bounce back next year.
It must be said there are probably 2 dozen more names that could be listed in the F Tier. Check out the individual team maps as they are published for those, but suffice to say that, when a pitcher goes down in flames in the WBL, they burn awfully bright.
Waite Hoyt was excellent in his first start for Chicago, blanking his old team 4-0. Hoyt combined with Herb Pennock and AJ Minter on the 5 hit shutout of the New York Black Yankees.
The American Giants recalled Rocky Colavito, Luke Appling, Freddie Lindstrom, and Michael McKenry along with pitchers Gavin Floyd, Joe Horlen, and Scott Radinsky. Ben Sheets was removed from the rotation as Chicago will use a committee approach at the end of their rotation.
Joe Jackson drove in 6 on 2 homeruns and 2 doubles and Eddie Collins added 4 hits of his own and scored 4 times as Chicago beat San Francisco 11-6. The offense continued to produce, this time with Frank Thomas driving in 6 and scoring 4 times in a 12-6 win over the Sea Lions. Collins again scored 4 times and McKenry went deep in his first WBL game in the victory.
#Los Angeles Angels
Mark Ellis was recalled from his rehab assignment and Nolan Ryan was recalled from AA.
#Miami Cuban Giants
Phenomenal Smith–who really was phenomenal last year in limited appearances–began a rehab assignment after a major injury.
Gary Sheffield and Jim Thome each had 2 dingers as the Cuban Giants edged Portland, 7-6.
#Portland Sea Dogs
Jeff Burroughs went deep twice, leading Portland to an 8-1 win over Memphis.
An error in the 9th opened the door for Joseíto Muñoz to face one more batter and, with that, he struck out his 15th batter of the night, setting a new WBL record. Muñoz got the win in the 8-2 triumph over Memphis, allowing 3 hits and walking 1. Gil Hodges had 3 hits and 5 RBIs for the Sea Dogs.
Walter Ball was recalled from his rehab assignment, replacing Jerry Koosman in the Sea Dogs’ rotation. Ps Harry Matuzak and Johan Santana–now fully committed to his long-term role as a starter–were recalled, along with Ernie Krueger, Miguel Sanó, Bobby Abreu, and Elvis Andrus.
Ken Griffey, Jr. hit 2 out, but Portland fell to Miami, 7-6.
#San Francisco Sea Lions
Lefty Grove will miss a couple starts, headed to the DL with a viral infection. The Sea Lions recalled Tim Hudson–out for many months–from a rehab assignment to see what the veteran has left in the tank.
Brian Downing hit his first 2 homeruns of the year, but the Sea Lions bullpen gave up the game in a 9-7 loss to Detroit. A few games later, Jack Clark also hit 2 out, giving him 42 on the year, but the Sea Lions fell to Chicago, 12-6.
Jack Gleason was recalled to take Don Buford‘s roster spot. Buford’s absence means Kal Daniels becomes the Angels’ everyday LF with Elmer Smith entering a platoon with Steve Garvey at DH.
Mike Trout and Carlos Delgado hit back-to-back homeruns in the bottom of the 11th as the Angels beat Detroit, 9-8. Delgado’s was his 2nd of the day and the blasts left both him and Trout with 21 dingers each on the season.
#Miami Cuban Giants
Steven Wright was sent to AAA, clearing room for Jim Whitney, who moved directly into Miami’s rotation.
Whitney made a solid debut with just over 6 scoreless innings, but it took a walkoff homer from Iván Rodríguez in the bottom of the 10th for the Cuban Giants to triumph over Portland, 5-4. Jim Thome went deep twice in the game, giving him 34 on the year.
#Portland Sea Dogs
John Wetteland–despite his struggles with Baltimore–will join Portland’s bullpen with Bobby Witt returning to AAA. Additionally, Joseíto Muñoz was named to the rotation, with Jerry Koosman, who is returning from a rehab assignment, taking up the role of the departed Mike Cuellar in the Sea Dogs’ bullpen.
Rogers Hornsby‘s departure is a little more complicated: Paul Molitor will take over most of the time at 2B, with Willie Randolph as his backup and Eddie Yost was recalled from the minors to provide some depth at 3B.
#San Francisco Sea Lions
Jimmy Bloodworth has gone from fan favorite to AAA as he was sent down to clear room for Frank Grant, who will take over as the everyday 2B.
Bump Hadley‘s first start of the second half was more of the same excellence: a 4-hit shutout of Chicago. Hadley, who improved to 13-4, fanned 10 in the 8-0 win, and Jack Clark went deep twice in support of the right-hander.
The American Giants continue to struggle with the back and of their roster, as neither George Grantham nor Damian Jackson have managed on OPS over .500. With Kevin Mitchell hitting well at AAA, they exchanged Grantham for him, retaining Jackson for his defensive versatility.
Frank Thomas went deep twice, but it wasn’t enough as the American Giants fell to the Red Sox, 6-2.
#Los Angeles Angels
AJ Pierzynski will miss about 3 weeks with a broken foot, prompting the Angels to recall Ron Hassey from AAA.
#Miami Cuban Giants
Ed Brandt and Bob Gillespie were sent to AAA in exchange for Jason Hammel and Hugh McQuillan.
Cole Hamels evened his record at 7-7 with a strong outing as the Cuban Giants pummeled the Black Yankees, 17-5. Yasiel Puig went deep twice, drove in 7, and scored 4 times and Puig, Gary Sheffield, and Ryan Braun each had 3 hits.
More injury news: Hammel was returned to AAA with Kenshin Kawakami returning to Miami and Al Oliver started a rehab assignment as he eases his way back from the DL.
Jim Thome hit homeruns in the 8th and 9th, leading Miami to an 8-4, come from behind win over Los Angeles.
#Portland Sea Dogs
Art Fowler was sent to AAA to clear the way for the long-anticipated return of Joseíto Muñoz, injured since last season. Muñoz was brilliant last year, and the Sea Dogs are hoping his return is the spark they need to turn their season around–perhaps too much to ask of the 19 year old, who will start out working out of Portland’s pen.
Jim Fregosi went deep twice and drove in 6, but the Sea Dogs couldn’t hold an early lead, falling 11-8 to San Francisco.
#San Francisco Sea Lions
Denny Walling was sent to AAA as Jimmy Bloodworth returned from an extended rehab stint.
Sal Bando went deep twice, leading the Sea Lions to a 55-4 win over Memphis. Eddie Plank improved to 11-3 and Rod Beck picked up his 20th save.
Reggie Jackson hit 2 out of the park and Bump Hadley improved to 11-4 on the season in a 10-2 victory over Memphis.
Bobby Bonds went deep twice as the Sea Lions edged out the Sea Dogs 4-3 in a see-saw affair.
Carlton Fisk went deep twice (one a grand slam) and drove in 7 as the American Giants beat Detroit 11-7 in 11 innings. Eddie Collins had 4 hits for Chicago as well.
#Los Angeles Angels
Bobby Grich hit his 14th homerun in the bottom of the 9th, giving the Angels an 8-6 walkoff victory over Memphis.
#Miami Cuban Giants
Ryan Braun hit 2 homeruns, but, despite several comebacks, the Cuban Giants fell to San Francisco in 10 innings.
José Méndez had a no-hitter through 7 and Gary Sheffield hit 2 out as the Cuban Giants beat the Sea Lions, 8-4.
#Portland Sea Dogs
Harry Hooper‘s struggles have led to Kiki Cuyler getting more and more playing time, essentially moving the two into a platoon in LF. More importantly, Joseíto Muñoz began his rehab from a long term injury, something that offers significant help to the Sea Dogs’ rotation.
Gil Hodges went deep twice, but the Sea Dogs fell to Cleveland, 11-6, in 13 innings. Jerry Koosman was forced from the game with a shoulder injury, earning himself a trip to the DL. Bobby Witt was recalled to take his place.
Hodges did it again, giving him 21 on the year, and Portland beat the New York Black Yankees despite an off day from Walter Johnson, who moved to 8-5 barely making 5 innings. Hooper, Paul Molitor, and Joe Mauer also went yard for the Sea Dogs in the win.
#San Francisco Sea Lions
Jimmy Bloodworth started his injury rehab, perhaps offering some help to the MI challenges faced by San Francisco.
Jack Clark hit out 2, reaching 20 on the year, and the Sea Lions edged Miami in 10 innings. Clark drove in 5 and Rickey Henderson scored 4 times for San Francisco.
We’re rounding the corner towards the selection of this year’s All-Star teams. Today, we’ll check in on last year’s all stars from the AL.
#Awards
Duke Snider hit .444 with 5 homeruns last week, earning the Brooklyn OFer the NL Player of the Week Award. In the other league, Detroit‘s irrepressible Ty Cobb was named AL Player of the Week. Cobb moved his average back over .400, finishing the week at .411 after hitting .579 with 5 homers.
And, over in the Effa Manley Division, 5.5 games separate Brooklyn in first and Ottawa at the bottom.
Memphis and Brooklyn have gone 8-2 over their last 10 games, while Miami has done the inverse, finishing 2-8 over their last week and a half.
#Player Performance
Batters
Someone poked Babe Ruth, insinuating that the Black Yankees’ OF might not be the dominant player in the league. Since then, he has been on fire, retaking the league lead in his usual categories.
Three batters sit over .400: Houston‘s Tony Gwynn at .427, Ty Cobb at .411, and Homestead‘s Josh Gibson at .402. Gwynn, predictably, is the only batter with over 100 hits so far in the season.
Oscar Charleston (IND). 328/380/626. 9 3B. Ty Cobb (DET). 411/462/864. 97 H; 34 2B; 4.9 WAR. Josh Gibson (HOM). 402/480/776. 4.5 WAR. Tony Gwynn (HOU). 427/460/668. 108 H. Joe Jackson (CHI). 368/417/611. 35 2B. Stan Musial (KCM). 329/394/573. 35 2B. Babe Ruth (NYY). 297/420/768. 34 HR; 81 RBI; 67 R; 55 BB. Larry Walker (OTT). 321/390/782. 32 HR; 73 RBI. Ted Williams (MEM). 306/425/624. 60 R; 48 BB.
San Francisco’s Rickey Henderson continues to lead the league in steals with 51, but Ottawa’s Tim Raines has recovered a bit offensively, and being on base more has allowed him to close the gap a bit, now sitting with 44 on the year.
Pitchers
Starters
Indianapolis’ Luis Padrón and San Francisco’s Bump Hadley are the only hurlers in double digits for wins. The three pitchers with 9 victories are also included below, as well as the usual statistical leaders. Of note is the appearance of Kansas City’s A. Rube Foster, who now has (barely) enough IP to qualify here.
The dominance of Kansas City and San Francisco is worth mentioning as well.
Frank Castillo (KCM). 9-1, 4.01. A. Rube Foster (KCM). 4-0, 2.44. 0.86 WHIP. Lefty Grove (SFS). 8-4, 3.19. 107 IP; 3.1 WAR. Ron Guidry (NYY). 8-3, 3.68. 116 K. Bump Hadley (SFS). 10-4, 3.81. 3.29 FIP. Luis Padrón (IND). 10-2, 3.90. Eddie Plank (SFS). 9-3, 3.65. Toad Ramsey (HOU). 9-4, 3.03. 107 IP; 134 K; 0.94 WHIP; 2.72 FIP; 4.6 WAR.
Relievers
Five relievers have 9 Holds at this point, and all of them are listed, making this a bit of a larger group than usual.
16 IP minimum.
Rod Beck (SFS). 2-2, 3.79. 19 Sv. Rheal Cormier (NYY). 0-1, 3.72. 9 H. Ken Howell (SFS). 4-1, 1.46. 3 H. Michael Jackson (HOM). 1-3, 3.55. 1 Sv; 9 H. Craig Kimbrel (KCM). 1-0, 0.92. 2 Sv; 9 H; 0.71 WHIP; 2.07 FIP. Josh Lindblom (HOM). 3-2, 4.01. 18 Sv. Rob Murphy (IND). 1-1, 2.70. 1 Sv; 9 H. Ross Reynolds (LAA). 2-0, 1.93. 1 Sv; 1 H; 2.02 FIP. BJ Ryan (OTT). 1-2, 4.85. 1 Sv; 9 H. Lee Smith (HOD). 4-1, 2.97. 3 Sv; 6 H; 0.73 WHIP.
#2 Way Players
It’s been a while, so figured we should check back in on these guys. Here’s the list:
Name
Team
Batting
Pitching
Total WAR
Charles Rogan
PHI
311/356/605. 1.8 WAR.
4-5, 4.55. 1.8 WAR.
3.6
Luis Padrón
IND
252/331/390. 0.1 WAR.
11-2, 3.90. 2.9 WAR.
3.0
Smokey Joe Wood
KCM
263/364/526. 0.1 WAR.
8-3, 3.41. 2.1 WAR.
2.2
JM Ward
PHI
158/186/246. -0.7 WAR.
3-2, 3.68. 1.8 WAR.
1.1
Jim Whitney
BBB
140/178/256. -0.4 WAR.
2-2, 4.00. 1.1 WAR.
0.7
Elmer Smith
LAA
323/462/387. 0.2 WAR.
0-1, 6.46. -0.1 WAR.
0.1
Eustaquio Pedroso
MIA
210/312/296. -0.3 WAR.
2-1, 6.11. -0.2 WAR.
-0.5
Wood has received very little time in the field, so we’ll see how he does as that expands. It looks like Ward should stay on the mound, and that really, it’s only Rogan and Padrón as truly valuable 2-way talents.
#Injury Report
Cleveland’s Mel Harder, Detroit’s Hal Newhouser, Miami’s Kenshin Kawakami and perhaps most importantly, Portland’s Joséito Muñoz should all start injury rehabs later this week. Should those go well, all four teams should receive rotation boosts in the near future.
#Last Year’s All-Stars
As we ramp up to this year’s all-star game, seemed a good time to check in on last year’s designees. This week, we’ll take a look at (what was last year) the AL.
#OBV
Bob Bailey (3B, DET). Just a dependable offensive machine at the hot corner.
Rod Beck (RP, SFS). Still racking up the saves, and doing better than last season otherwise.
Hank Greenberg (1B, DET). Keeps pounding the ball.
Mike Henneman (RP, DET). Remains dominant from the bullpen.
Rogers Hornsby (2B, POR). Keeps rolling along with better numbers than last season.
Joe Jackson (OF, CAG). This year’s version is a doubles machine without nearly the homerun power, but still maintaining on OPS over 1.000.
Craig Kimbrel (RP, KCM). Dominant, and really making the argument to be moved into the closer slot for Kansas City.
Willie Mays (OF, NYG). Somehow underappreciated despite his stellar performance.
Andy Pettitte (SP, NYY). Just keeps rolling. Like the whole league, his ERA is a little higher, but his peripheral numbers are strong.
Buster Posey (C, NYG). More power than last year, a little less of everything else, but still elite.
Frank Thomas (1B, CAG). Significantly better offensively across the board, which is a truly frightening statement.
Ted Williams (OF, MEM). A borderline selection last year, he’s upped his game significantly this season, with an OPS of 1.049.
#Mebbe
Curt Blefary (C, BAL). Nowhere near as good as last season, but still a good offensive player, showing both power and control of the strike zone.
Eddie Collins (2B, CAG). Power output has fallen off, and while he’s still a top performer, is not the MVP candidate of last season.
Mike Epstein (1B, HOM). The shape of his production has changed, as his BA has dropped 80 points. But he’s slugging .570 and his OPS is virtually the same as last season.
Dan McGann (1B, BAL). At 37, he’s performing better than last season, but remains under the radar for some reason.
Stan Musial (OF, KCM). He’s hitting almost exactly the same as he did last year, but has struggled with the longball. That may be enough to nudge him off the team, unfair as that may be.
#Meh
Dick Allen (3B, CAB). Not doing badly, but clearly a long wasy from an all star at this point.
Gerrit Cole (SP, LAA). May be pitching better than last season, but without the dominant W/L record, should fall far short of the all-star game.
Mark Melancon (RP, POR). Perhaps a stretch choice last year due to a ridiculous number of wins for a reliever, is doing fine this year, but far from all-star levels.
AJ Minter (RP, CAG). Still the American Giants’ closer, but no longer among the best in the league.
Reggie Smith (OF, MEM). Other than a boost in power, struggling a bit across the board.
Bobby Wallace (SS, BAL). Injured and not performing nearly as well regardless, Wallace is still an on base machine, and clearly has value.
Brian Wilson (RP, NYG). Injured and limited to 13 games so far, but dominant in those appearances, so there’s a chance.
#What Happened?
Bill Byrd (SP, BAL). Well below average so far this season.
Elrod Hendricks (C, HOD). Last year’s magnificent performance looks more and more like a mirage. Hendricks still has power, but is no longer elite among league backstops.
Duffy Lewis (OF, CHI). Struggling, especially in the power department.
Tricky Nichols (SP, CAG). An ERA over 6.00 and a ton of HR’s allowed.
Freddy Parent (SS, CAG). Parent rode his All Star selection–deserved at the time–to a trade to a contender, and then lost the ability to hit for power at all. Without that, he’s a mediocre SS.
Doug Rader (3B, LAA). A stunningly productive 2000 has been followed with … very little.
George Stone (OF, HOD). Significantly worse across the board. Stone looked like a budding star last year, now he looks like a decent 4th OFer.
#Other
Ned Garvin (SP, BAL). Garvin was the dominant pitcher in the league last year when he got injured. He’s been fine since his return, but has yet to find the same level.
Sean Marshall (RP, BAL). Hit by a long-term injury, Marshall is due to return to Baltimore’s bullpen by the all-star game.
I needed a place to hold statistics that aren’t easily displayed in OOTP. Most of these are game-level performances.
For complete statistics, poke around on the WBL Stats Page.
Batting Statistics
2+ 3B Games
2. Bob Bescher (IND); Craig Biggio (HOU), Ty Cobb (DET); Willie McGee (KCM); Tim Raines (OTT).
3+ 2B Games
4. Chuck Knoblauch (CLE). 3. Craig Biggio (HOU); Curt Blefary (BAL); George Brett (HOU); Ron Cey (BRK); Cupid Childs (BBB); Ty Cobb (DET); Gavvy Cravath (BAL); Josh Gibson (HOM); Hank Greenberg (DET); Joe Jackson (CAG); Reggie Jackson (SFS); HR Johnson (NYY); Napoleon Lajoie (HOM); Herman Long (BBB); Don Mattingly (NYY); Willie McGee (KCM); Joe Morgan (IND); Frank Robinson (BAL); Jackie Robinson (BRK); Cookie Rojas (MCG); Pete Runnels (NYG); Ted Simmons (KCM); Reggie Smith (MEM); Mike Trout (LAA); Bill White (MEM).
3+ HBP Games
3. Jack Doyle (CAG).
3+ HR Games
4. Tony Conigliaro (HOD); Larry Doby (CLE). 3. Jeff Bagwell (HOU); Ed Bailey (DET); Ernie Banks (HOD); Buddy Bell (POR); Carlos Beltrán (OTT); Lance Berkman x2 (CLE); Ron Blomberg (CLE); Ryan Braun (MCG); José Canseco x2 (MCG); Larry Doby (CLE); Gavvy Cravath (BAL); Larry Doby (CLE); Josh Gibson (HOM); Paul Goldshmidt (HOU); George Gore (HOD); Mark McGwire (HOD); Kevin Mitchell (CAG); Rick Monday (OTT); Stan Musial (KCM); Jim Pagliaroni (BBB); Manny Ramírez x2 (MEM); Álex Rodríguez (OTT); Babe Ruth (NYY); Ted Simmons (KCM); Sammy Sosa x2 (HOD); Gorman Thomas (HOU); Mike Trout (LAA); Larry Walker (OTT).
3+ OF Assists
4+ BB Games
4. Ed Bailey (DET); Eddie Collins (CAG); Mike Epstein (HOM); Rickey Henderson (SFS); Willie McGee (KCM); Andrew McCutchen (HOM), Joe Morgan (IND); Gorman Thomas (HOU); Joey Votto (IND).
6. Ron Blomberg (CLE). 5. Chuck Knoblauch (CLE); Tris Speaker (CLE). 4. Roberto Alomar x3 (OTT); Jeff Bagwell x2 (HOU); Bob Bailey (DET); Ed Bailey (DET); Johnny Bates x2 (CLE); Albert Belle (BBB); Curt Blefary x2 (BAL); Dan Brouthers (BRK); Ron Cey (BRK); Roberto Clemente (HOM); Eddie Collins x2 (CAG); Tony Conigliaro (HOD); Gavvy Cravath (BAL); Ray Dandridge (BRK); Larry Doby (CLE); Mike Epstein (HOM); George Grantham (CAG); Rickey Henderson x2 (SFS); Pete Hill (HOU); Benny Kauff (NYG); Paul Konerko (CAG); Evan Longoria (CLE); Willie McGee (KCM); Kevin Mitchell (CAG); Rick Monday (OTT); Eddie Murray (BAL); Billy Nash (DET); Yasiel Puig (MCG); Charles Rogan (PHI); Cookie Rojas (MCG); Babe Ruth (NYY); Gary Sheffield (MCG); Chase Utley (PHI); Arky Vaughan (CLE); Larry Walker (OTT); Jim Wynn (HOU).
4+ SB Games
6. Rickey Henderson (SFS). 5. Roberto Alomar (OTT); Bob Bescher (IND). 4. Frank Chance (HOD); Rickey Henderson (SFS); Dick Lundy (SFS).
5+ Hit Games
5. Jeff Bagwell (HOU); Don Buford (LAA); Joe Jackson (CAG); Aaron Judge (PHI); Chuck Knoblauch (CLE); Jim Pagliaroni (BBB); Ichiro Suzuki (LAA); Mike Trout (LAA); Chase Utley (PHI).
5+ SO Games
6. Dale Murphy (KCM). 5. Beals Becker (BRK); Bobby Bonds (SFS); Ron Cey (BRK); Larry Doby (CLE); Mike Epstein x2 (HOM); Bryce Harper (BAL); Héctor López (NYY); Dale Murphy (KCM).
6+ RBI Games
8. Jeff Bagwell (HOU); Paul Konerko (CAG); Will Smith (HOU). 7. Jeff Bagwell (HOU); Ron Blomberg (CLE); Larry Doby (CLE); Carlton Fisk (CAG); Charlie Gehringer (DET); Hank Greenberg (DET); Evan Longoria (CLE); Manny Machado (BAL); Yasiel Puig (MCG); Manny Ramírez (MEM); Gary Sheffield (MCG). 6. Hank Aaron (BBB); Bob Bailey (DET); Ernie Banks (HOD); Albert Belle (BBB); Lance Berkman (CLE); Ron Blomberg (CLE); Johnny Callison (NYG); Carlos Correa (HOU); Gavvy Cravath (BAL); Kal Daniels (LAA); Chili Davis (DET); George Foster (IND); Josh Gibson (HOM); Kent Hrbek (POR); Joe Jackson (CAG); Aaron Judge (PHI); Tony Lazzeri (DET); Mickey Mantle (NYY); Kevin Mitchell (CAG); Rick Monday (OTT); Jim O’Rourke (HOU); Mike Piazza (BRK); Manny Ramírez (MEM); Babe Ruth x3 (NYY); Ryne Sandberg (HOD); Mike Schmidt (NYY); Ted Simmons (KCM); Roy White (BRK).
{Note: OOTP clearly has something weird happening with overpowered HRs. It’s getting better, and, at some point, I’m going to reduce these by roughly 10%, which would leave the list at only 3 at 500 ft+ for the season so far, which seems much more realistic to me, but am waiting to see if I get any additional info/guidance from the game dev’s.}
595 ft. Dale Murphy (KCM). 558 ft. Aaron Judge (PHA). 555 ft. Albert Pujols (KCM). 551 ft. Eddie Mathews (BBB). 550 ft. Lance Berkman (CLE). 544 ft. Eddie Mathews (BBB). 542 ft. Ron Blomberg (CLE); Evan Longoria (CLE). 539 ft. Johnny Bates (CLE); Craig Biggio (HOU). 538 ft. Josh Gibson (HOM), Pete Hill (HOU); Buster Posey (NYG). 535 ft. Buster Posey (NYG). 534 ft. Robinson Canó (KCM). 533 ft. Oscar Charleston (IND). 530 ft. Dale Murphy (KCM). 528 ft. Johnny Callison (NYG); Willie Mays (NYG). 527 ft. Joe Adcock (NYG). 525 ft. Bullet Joe Rogan (PHI). 522 ft. Ron Blomberg (CLE). 519 ft. Babe Ruth (NYY). 518 ft. Willie Mays (NYG). 516 ft. Hank Aaron (BBB); Bob Nieman (BBB). 514 ft. Ron Cey (BRK); Oscar Gamble (DET). 512 ft. Tony Gwynn (HOU). 511 ft. Lance Berkman (CLE); Dan Brouthers (BRK). 510 ft. Ron Blomberg (CLE); Joe Harris (KCM). 509 ft. Johnny Callison (NYG); Jack Clark (SFS); Bryce Harper (BAL); Ted Simmons (KCM). 508 ft. Jeff Bagwell x2 (HOU); Ron Blomberg (CLE); Boog Powell (KCM); Travis Shaw (MEM). 507 ft. Bobby Grich (BBB); Ducky Medwick (KCM); Ted Simmons (KCM). 505 ft. Lou Gehrig (NYA). 503 ft. Larry Doyle (NYG); Joe Rogan (PHI); Ryne Sandberg (HOD); Oscar Gamble (DET). 502 ft. Ernie Banks (HOD); Albert Belle (BBB); Robinson Canó (KCM); Ray Dandridge (BRK); Mike Epstein (HOM). 501 ft. Gary Carter (OTT); Derek Jeter (NYA). 500 ft. Andrew McCutchen (HOM).
Pitching Statistics
80+ Game Scores
99. José Rijo (KCM). 97. JM Ward (PHI). 94. Steve Carlton (PHI). 93. Frank Castillo (KCM); Lefty Grove (SFS); Toad Ramsey (HOU); Jim Whitney (MCG). 92. Bump Hadley (SFS); Bullet Joe Rogan (PHI). 91. Frank Knauss (BRK); Christy Mathewson (NYG); Toad Ramsey (HOU) 90. Brett Anderson (LAA); A. Rube Foster (KCM); Bump Hadley (SFS); Alejandro Peña (BBB); Toad Ramsey (HOU); Joe Rogan (PHI). 89. Bump Hadley (SFS); Dennis Martínez (BAL); Gaylord Perry (NYG); Fernando Valenzuela (BRG); Smokey Joe Wood (KCM). 88. Don Newcombe (PHI); Stubby Overmire (MEM); Luis Padrón x2 (IND); Bill Steen (CLE); Justin Verlander (DET). 87. Ice Box Chamberlain (HOU); Roger Clemens (HOU); Lefty Grove (SFS); Carl Hubbell (NYG); Francisco Liriano (HOM); Dennis Martínez (BAL); José Méndez (MCG); Joseíto Muñoz (MCG); Old Hoss Radbourn (OTT); José Rijo (KCM); Jim Whitney (BBB). 86. Bartolo Colón (HOM); A. Rube Foster (KCM); Doc Gooden (LAA); Frank Knauss (BRK). 85. Roger Clemens (HOU); Gerrit Cole (LAA); Lefty Grove (SFS); Luke Hamlin (KCM); Hardie Henderson x2 (PHI); Luis Padrón (IND); Roy Patterson (LAA); Eddie Plank (SFS); Jameson Taillon (MEM); Ed Walsh (CAG); Cy Young (CLE). 84. Frank Castillo (KCM); Johnny Cueto (IND); Ron Guidry (NYY); Orel Hershiser (BRK); Ed Walsh (CAG); Smokey Joe Wood (KCM). 83. Bob Friend (HOM); Mike Mussina (BAL); Luis Padrón x2 (IND). 82. Mark Buehrle (CAG); Bill Doak (MEM); Connie Johnson (BAL); Frank Knauss (BRK); Toad Ramsey (HOU). 81. Bert Blyleven (POR); Ferguson Jenkins (HOD); Andy Pettitte (NYY); Stephen Strasbourg (HOU); Cy Young (CLE). 80. Frank Castillo (KCM); A. Rube Foster (KCM); Walter Johnson (POR); The Only Nolan (IND); Andy Pettitte (NYY); Toad Ramsey (HOU); José Rijo (KCM); Fernando Valenzuela (BRK).
10+ Strikeout Games
15. Joseíto Muñoz (MCG). 14. Frank Castillo (KCM); Roy Oswalt (HOU); Toad Ramsey (HOU). 13. Brett Anderson (LAA); Bob Feller (CLE); Ron Guidry (NYY); Toad Ramsey (HOU); Charlie Root (DET); Smokey Joe Wood (KCM). 12. Ice Box Chamberlain (HOU); Johnny Cueto (IND); Bob Feller (CLE); Doc Gooden (LAA); Lefty Grove (SFS); Bump Hadley (SFS); Frank Knauss (BRG); Mike Mussina (BAL); Toad Ramsey x2 (HOU); José Rijo (KCM); Bill Steen (CLE); JM Ward (PHI); Jim Whitney (MCG). 11. Len Barker (MEM); Johnny Cueto (IND); Paul Derringer (IND); Ned Garvin (BAL); Ron Guidry x2 (NYY); Ferguson Jenkins (HOD); Connie Johnson (BAL); Walter Johnson x2 (POR); Frank Knauss (BRG); Christy Mathewson (NYG); Joseíto Muñoz (MCG); The Only Nolan (IND); Luis Padrón (IND); Old Hoss Radbourn (OTT); Toad Ramsey x4 (HOU); José Rijo (KCM); Sam Streeter (CAG); Don Sutton (NYG); Justin Verlander (DET); Smokey Joe Williams (BRK); Cy Young (CLE). 10. Tony Brizzolara (NYY); Steve Carlton (PHI); Frank Castillo x2 (KCM); Watty Clark (SFS); Roger Clemens (HOU); Don Drysedale (BRK); Bob Feller (CLE); A. Rube Foster (KCM); Bob Friend (HOM); Ned Garvin x3 (BAL); Lefty Gomez (BBB); Doc Gooden (LAA); Lefty Grove x3 (SFS); Ron Guidry x3 (NYY); Bump Hadley (SFS); Hardie Henderson (PHI); Orel Hershiser (BRK); Connie Johnson (DET); Frank Knauss x2 (BRK); Dennis Martínez (BAL); Ramón Martínez (MCG); Hal Newhouser (DET); Luis Padrón x2 (IND); Alejandro Peña (BBB); Gaylord Perry x2 (NYG); Andy Pettitte (NYY); Billy Pierce (HOM); Toad Ramsey x5 (HOU); José Rijo (KCM); Charlie Root (DET); Bob Rush (HOD); Tom Seaver (LAA); Bill Steen (CLE); Stephen Strasbourg (HOU); Don Sutton (NYG); Fernando Valenzuela x2 (BRK); Jim Whitney (MCG); Smokey Joe Williams (BRK); Smokey Joe Wood (KCM).
8+ Walk Games
8. Ed Brandt (MCG); Hardie Henderson (PHI); Smokey Joe Williams (BRK). 9. Randy Johnson (OTT).
Shutouts
NO HITS. Steve Carlton (PHI); José Rijo (IND). 1 Hit. A. Rube Foster (KCM); Bump Hadley (SFS); Stubby Overmire (MEM) [5 inn]; Luis Padrón (IND); Toad Ramsey (HOU); Bullet Joe Rogan (PHI). 2 Hits. A. Rube Foster (KCM); Lefty Grove (SFS); Bump Hadley (SFS); Frank Knauss (BRK); Francisco Liriano (HOM); Dennis Martínez (BAL); José Méndez (MCG); Stubby Overmire (MEM); Luis Padrón (IND); Old Hoss Radbourn (OTT); José Rijo (KCM); Joe Rogan (PHI); Jim Whitney (MCG). 3 Hits. Frank Castillo (KCM); Roger Clemens (HOU); Bartolo Colón (HOM); Lefty Grove (SFS); Hardie Henderson (PHI); Carl Hubbell (NYG); Christy Mathewson (NYG); Don Newcombe (PHI); Luis Padrón (IND); Gaylord Perry (NYG); Eddie Plank (SFS); Toad Ramsey (HOU). 4 Hits. Bert Blyleven (POR); Frank Castillo (KCM); Gerrit Cole (LAA); Johnny Cueto (IND); Doc Gooden (LAA); Lefty Grove (SFS); Bump Hadley (SFS); Dennis Martínez (BAL); Luis Padrón (IND); Jim Whitney (BBB); Cy Young (CLE).
Shutouts (Combined)
1 Hit. Justin Verlander / Mike Henneman (DET); Bill Steen / Terry Adams (CLE). 2 Hits. Jameson Taillon / Skel Roach / Andrew Miller (MEM); Ed Walsh / Tom Williams (CAG); Pud Galvin / Francisco Rodríguez / Joe Nathan (LAA); Brett Anderson / Ross Reynolds (LAA); Connie Johnson / Justin Hampson (BAL); Bob Feller / Ron Reed (CLE); Luke Hamlin / Craig Kimbrel (KCM). 3 Hits. Hardie Henderson / Robin Roberts (PHI); Orel Hershiser / Eric Gagne (BRK); Stephen Strasbourg / John Franco / Tug McGraw (HOU); Vean Gregg / Mike Norris / Brian Wilson (NYG); Justin Verlander / Billy Hoeft / Chad Bradford (DET); Stubby Overmire / Heath Bell / Jonathan Papelbon (MEM); Brett Anderson / Ross Reynolds / Joe Nathan (LAA). 4 Hits. Toad Ramsey / Bones Ely (HOU); Hardie Henderson / Brad Kilby / Tim Belcher / Ted Kennedy (PHI); Dwight Gooden / Francisco Rodríguez (LAA); Bump Hadley / Jim Devlin / Ken Howell / Rod Beck (SFS); Greg Maddux / John Malarkey / Bruce Chen / Juan Rincón (BBB); Johnny Podgajny / Tom Henke (OTT); Herm Wehmeier / Goose Gossage (NYY); José Rijo / Jeff Pfeffer (KCM); Smokey Joe Williams / Trevor Hildenberger (BRK); Kyle Peterson / Karl Spooner / Ed Bauta (HOD); Frank Knauss / Trevor Hildenberger (BRG); Ice Box Chamberlain / Andrew Chafin (HOU); Walter Ball / Johan Santana / Dick Jones (POR). 5 Hits. Kenshin Kawakami / Barry Latman / Ed Brandt / Sandy Consuegra (MCG); Len Barker / David Bush / Andrew Miller (MEM); Johnny Cueto / Sad Sam Jones / Rob Murphy / Rob Dibble (IND); Smoky Joe Wood / Mike Kume (KCM); Waite Hoyt / Herb Pennock / AJ Minter (CAG); Bob Feller / Whit Wyatt / Al Smith / Ron Reed (CLE).
