Tag: Justin Verlander Page 3 of 4

This is only the 2nd featured series for the Detroit Wolverines, something that is a little unfair given they are in first place in the Bill James Division. Homestead has been featured twice before, despite languishing in last place in the Effa Manley Division, one of only two teams with a winning percentage under .400.

#Detroit Wolverines

Detroit is solid, top to bottom. They are a bit better offensively and defensively than on the mound, but they’ve earned their place atop the division. The heart and soul of the team is Oscar Gamble, who leads the group in HR (18) and RBI (63), although the trio of Hank Greenberg, Ty Cobb, and Bob Bailey have produced better numbers. Cobb is hitting .341, Baily has a .384 OBP, and Greenberg a .587 SLG. All four of them–plus OF Chili Davis–carry an OPS over .830.

The pitching staff is a work in progress, even at this stage of the season. Johnny Marcum (7-2) has been the best of the starters, but Hal Newhouser is quickly taking over as the ace of the staff. The wildcard here is Gene Conley, who was 8-1 out of the bullpen before being moved into the rotation at the all-star break. Mike Henneman has been spectacular as the closer, with 19 saves. There are a few pitchers–Justin Verlander, Kevin Hart, Buddy Napier–who have shown moments of greatness. If any of them take a big step forward, it could make all the difference for the Wolverines.

Detroit only made one move at the all-star break, bringing in Ernie Lombardi to platoon with Ed Bailey behind the plate. Lombardi has only played in 4 games for the Wolverines, with 1 HR.

#Homestead Grays

The Grays can hit a little, but they can’t pitch at all, ranking dead last in the league in runs against and starters’ ERA, and 19th out of 20 in bullpen ERA. It’s not pretty.

Vean Gregg (7-6, 3.95) has easily been the most reliable starter. Beyond that … Earl Hamilton, Stan Banhnsen, and Francisco Liriano have shown flashes of goodness, but none have managed an ERA under 4.60. The less said about the bullpen, the better.

Mike Epstein (335/439/530) and Josh Gibson (304/390/464) were both all-stars, and deservedly so. And, the OF trio of Roberto Clemente, Rick Reichardt, and Andrew McCutcheon have been solid. Add in Pops Stargell‘s 14 HRs and the occasional promise showed by Honus Wagner, and the Grays score enough to be a .500 team, which would be a huge improvement from their current state.

#Series Matchups

Detroit starter listed first

Si Johnson (3-4, 4.48) @ Earl Hamilton (1-2, 4.65)
Gene Conley (8-1, 3.59) @ Francisco Liriano (3-3, 5.08)
Hal Newhouser (4-3, 2.83) @ Vean Gregg (7-6, 3.95)
Johnny Marcum (7-2, 3.77) @ Stan Bahnsen (3-2, 4.64)

#Prediction

I mean … Detroit is just so much better, and the matchups line up well for them as well. I’m going to go ahead and predict a sweep for the Wolverines, prolonging the Grays’ misery.

TWIWBL 24.5: Mid-Seasons Review – Detroit Wolverines

By mknn

On February 25, 2022

In Team News, TWIWBL

Summary

Only 1 game behind in the Bill James Division, the Wolverines are still right in the hunt for the postseason.

What’s Gone Right

Power. Five batters have reached double-digits in homeruns, led by Hank Greenberg with 15 (the others are Bob Bailey, Ty Cobb, Oscar Gamble, and Chili Davis).

The Bullpen. Mike Henneman has 15 saves, but the real bullpen strength has been in the trio of Matt Anderson, Buddy Napier, and Gene Conley (who is a remarkable 7-1 out of the pen).

The Outfield. The trio of Gamble, Davis, and Cobb has been excellent, with Gamble leading the team in homeruns and RBIs.

What’s Gone Wrong

Half the Bailey Boys. Bob Bailey has held up his end of the deal, but Ed Bailey has been little more than adequate behind the plate, an issue magnified by Bill Carrigan’s injury.

The Middle Infield. That’s a little unfair: veteran Tony Phillips has been solid, usually at 2B. But the rest–George Davis at SS, Jimmy Collins at 3B, and Sparky Adams all over the place–have struggled.

The Back of the Rotation. Whitey Wilshire–expected to be one of their top starters–has just about pitched his way out of the rotation, and Si Johnson has been only a shade better.

Key Storylines

Can a team this top heavy and without a star pitcher make it to the end?

There are three intriguing questions on the mound for Detroit: two are whether Matt Anderson and Hal Newhouser can continue their success and the third is if Justin Verlander–who has been occasionally brilliant and often quite poor–can turn it around.

Cobb looks like the real deal–or as much as the real deal as a 20 year old can. So the real questions are some of the other contributors–especially Bob Bailey and the surprising–and currently injured–C Carrigan.

Trading Outlook

BUYING.

But there just isn’t a lot to sell. Maybe veteran minor leaguer Cecil Fielder?

AAA Shuttle

They’ve only really used it on the mound, with mixed results. Napier and Anderson have been excellent, but their efforts at finding starting pitchers have been far less successful.

Midseason Changes

Wilshire moves to the bullpen, and Conley gets a chance to see if he can win some more games as a starter.

Awards

All Stars: Bob Bailey (DH); Hank Greenberg (1B); Mike Henneman (P).

Pitcher of the Month: Johnny Marcum (May)
Player of the Week: Hank Greenberg (4/24)

Offensive MVP: Hank Greenberg (1B)
Pitching MVP: Hal Newhouser (SP)

Down on the Farm

AAA: Toronto Maple Leafs

Next to the Show: 1B Cecil Fielder, OF Ron LeFlore, 2B Robby Thompson, RP Jamie Walker.

Prospects: Al Kaline (20). George Mullin (22).

Projects: SP Mickey Lolich (26).

Suspects: OF Wes Covington (32), C Ramón Cabrera (25), IF Rob Picciolo (31), SS Damion Easley (27).

AA: Fort Wayne Daisies

Prospects: 3B Billy Nash (19), 2B Jorge Orta (22). SS Donie Bush (20), SS Ray Chapman (22).

Projects: P Jeremy Sowers (24), OF Johnny Jeter (25), 2B Charlie Gehringer (24), RP Willie Hernández (31), RP Alex Wilson (29).

Suspects: CF Herm Winningham (28), C Johnny Gooch (30), RP Brandon League (22).

TWIWBL 17.1: Series XIV Notes – Bill James Division

By mknn

On September 16, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Detroit Wolverines

Johnny Marcum combined with Matt Anderson on a 7-hit shutout as the Wolverines topped the Red Sox 7-0. Hank Greenberg had 2 hits and 3 RBI, giving him 51 on the season as Marcum improved to 6-1 and lowered his ERA to 2.41.

Ty Cobb and Bob Bailey each had 3 hits, with Cobb adding 3 RBIs, but the stars for Detroit were really Justin Verlander, Gene Conley, John Hiller, and Mike Henneman, who combined for over 5 innings of scoreless relief after starting pitcher Doyle Alexander couldn’t make it out of the 3rd inning as the Wolverines came from behind for a 7-6 win.

Alexander was sent to AAA to make way for the return of Hank Aguirre from his rehab assignment.

#Los Angeles Angels

Despite a mediocre outing, Gerrit Cole improved to 8-3 on the year, becoming the WBL’s first 8-game winner. Cole allowed 4 runs in under 6 innings, and was bailed out with excellent relief from Francisco Rodriguez and Jonny Venters, who earned his 3rd save in the 9-4 victory for the Angels. Bobby Grich had 3 hits, and Doug Rader and Elmer Valo drove in 2 runs apiece.

#Memphis Red Sox

In a seesaw game, the Red Sox were rewarded with a walkoff victory when Mookie Betts singled in the bottom of the 10th. Bill White had 3 hits including a homerun, and Joe Beggs got his first win of the year.

#Wandering House of David

Phil Regan heads to the DL for a couple weeks with elbow inflammation, prompting the House of David to recall hard-throwing, thirty-three year old, Lee Smith from AAA.

A 5-run 7th inning propelled the House of David to a come-from-behind, 8-7 win over Chicago. Elrod Hendricks had 2 hits, including his 10th homerun of the year, and Ryne Sandberg added 3 hits as well as Rollie Fingers moved to 3-0 on the year and Bruce Sutter picked up his 3rd save.

TWIWBL 16.1: Series XIII Notes – Bill James Division

By mknn

On September 3, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Detroit Wolverines

Each player in Detroit’s starting lineup had 1 hit, with the biggest being a 2-run single by Oscar Gamble leading the Wolverines to a 4-2 win over the Black Yankees. Johnny Marcum moved to 5-1 with 7.2 strong innings, and Mike Henneman earned his 10th save of the season.

Mickey Lolich was sent to AAA to make room for Si Johnson‘s return from his rehab assignment. Johnson’s return pushes Justin Verlander back to the bullpen.

#Los Angeles Angels

The less said about the 18-3 loss to Miami, the better. Aaron Heilman hit the DL after the game, and Doc Gooden‘s 6th loss of the year–4 innings, 6 walks, 6 hits, 8 runs–sent him to AAA to see if he can work out his great promise. Sid Fernandez and Francisco Rodriguez were recalled from AAA Las Vegas.

AT LAST! After many attempts, Gerrit Cole became the WBL’s first 7 game winner, improving to 7-3 with 7 strong innings in an 8-3 victory for the Angels over Miami. Mike Trout led the way with 4 hits and Don Buford and Bobby Grich added 3 each.

Brett Anderson threw a 4-hitter, blanking Miami 5-0 in a complete game effort. Derrek Lee and Grich each went deep and had 2 hits for Los Angeles.

#New York Gothams

Al Mays will miss a couple weeks after straining his wrist in a 7-1 loss to Indianapolis. Pete Donohue was recalled from AAA to take Mays’s place.

The Gothams’ other Mays–Willie Mays–showed a flash of what the future might hold as the 23 year old hit 2 homeruns, drove in 4, and threw the tying run out at the plate to end the game as New York beat Indianapolis, 5-4. Juan Marichal improved to 6-1 and Brian Wilson, despite giving up 3 hits and a run, was bailed out by Mays’ throw to gain his 6th save.

John Kerins has been tearing up AAA on his rehab assignment, leading the Gothams to send down Joe Adcock, returning Kerins to the big league club as a 1B, and given them 3 catchers on the roster. Carson Smith was also recalled from a rehab assignment, with Carl Hubbell‘s recent injury landing him right back on the DL.

#Wandering House of David

Elrod Hendricks had 2 homeruns and he and Ernie Banks had 3 hits each to back a masterful performance from Jack Taylor, who spun a 2 hit shutout against Portland to improve his record to 3-5. Taylor walked 2 and struck out 6, lowering his ERA to 3.88.

Series XIII Featured Game: New York Black Yankees @ Detroit Wolverines

By mknn

On September 1, 2021

In Featured Games, Game Recaps

The final game between the New York Black Yankees and the Detroit Wolverines saw Justin Verlander make his 7th start of the year for the home team, while Dave Righetti would start for the visiting Black Yankees.

Verlander had been incredibly effective as a reliever to start the year, but less so as a starting pitcher, making this an important game for him as Detroit tries to sort out its pitching staff.

Hank Greenberg took Righetti deep in the bottom of the second for a 1-0 lead for the home team, but it was short-lived, as Thurman Munson continued his argument as the best catcher in the league with a homerun to lead off the 3rd off Verlander. Two outs later, Derek Jeter went deep as well, pushing New York out to a 2-1 lead.

But the Wolverines are a decent team, and they fought back with an RBI single from Chili Davis in the bottom of the 4th that left 2 on and 2 out. However, Righetti retired Geoff Jenkins on a flyball to right to end the threat.

The same New York duo struck in the 5th when Jeter singled home Munson to edge the Black Yankees back in front, 3-2.

That lasted until Righetti–who was perhaps left in a few batters too long–gave up a 3 run home run to Bill Carrigan, scoring Greenberg and Ty Cobb and moving Detroit into the lead, 5-3. A solo homerun by Lou Gehrig made it 5-4, with the Wolverines trying to hold on for the victory.

In the top of the 9th, Detroit had its closer–Mike Henneman–on the mound, and made three defensive substitutions, including putting Greg Brock at 1B in place of Greenberg. Remember that.

Henneman gave up a single to Albert Belle, who was replaced at first by Eric Davis. Davis promptly stole 2nd and 3rd, and scored, after a walk to Munson, on a single by Mike Schmidt. That tied the game, and when Jeter again brought Munson home with a single, the Black Yankees moved in front.

With usual closer Sparky Lyle a bit tired, New York turned to Goose Gossage to face a Detroit lineup weakened by their defensive substitutions. The first of them, Sparky Adams, led off with a walk, and was bunted to second by Jimmy Collins. Cobb singled him to third, bringing up Brock … who promptly whiffed, making the Wolverine faithful question the choice to replace Greenberg.

But, with 2 outs, Oscar Gamble took Gossage’s second pitch deep into the night for a walkoff, 3-run homerun giving Detroit the 8-6 win. This marked the second consecutive game both Greenberg and Gamble went deep for the Wolverines.

It was one of those odd nights for relievers, as Henneman picked up both a blown save and a victory, and Gossage a blown save and a loss.

NYA 6 (Gossage 3-2, 4 BSv) @ DET 8 (Henneman 1-2, 2 BSv)
HRs: NYA – Jeter (4), Munson (6), Gehrig (12); DET – Gamble (13), Carrigan (3), Greenberg (14)
Box Score

Other Games of Note

The third game between New York and Detroit–the one preceeding the above–was memorable for its shenanigans, as Whitey Wilshire plunked Albert Belle, resulting in a bases-clearing brawl. Belle was suspended for 4 games; Wilshire for 6. Additionally, New York’s David Robertson was injured while pitching, leading to the recall of OF Sam Thompson from AAA. The game itself was never really in doubt as New York led wire-to-wire in an 8-4 victory.

NYA 8 (Ruffing 6-1) @ DET 4 (Wilshire 6-3)
HRs: NYA – Ruth (19), Mantle (6); DET – Greenberg (13), Gamble (12)
Box Score

Indianapolis outhit the New York Gothams 16 to 9, and scored 4 runs in the final 2 innings … but it was all for naught, as the Gothams rode an early 8-1 lead to an 8-6 victory. Jimmy Sheckard had 3 hits, 3 runs, and 3 RBIs for the Gothams. Edd Roush had 4 hits for the ABCs, raising his average to .352 on the season.

NYG 8 (Perry 2-4; Norris 1 Sv) @ IND 6 (Luque 3-5)
HRs: NYG – Sheckard (5), Mays (7)
Box Score

Sandy Koufax, who had impressed mightily from the bullpen, took the mound for Brooklyn for his first start of the season against Homestead. It didn’t go great, as Koufax gave up 5 runs in 5 innings before giving way to Dick Redding. Redding and Dave Von Ohlen combined for 5 innings of 2-hit relief. Brooklyn needed all of that, as the Grays had a 5-1 lead after 5 innings behind 2 homeruns from Davey Johnson. But the Royal Giants came back to tie the game, and Mike Piazza–he of the sub .200 average–won it in the bottom of the 10th with a solo shot against Homestead’s closer, Josh Lindblom.

HOM 5 (Lindblom 0-2; Jackson 4 H; Tekulve 1 BSv) @ BRK 6 (Von Ohlen 3-0)
HRs: HOM – Johnson 2 (6), Epstein (9); BRK – Cey (9), Robinson (6), Piazza (4)
Box Score

TWIWBL 7.1: Series VI Notes – Bill James Division

By mknn

On June 5, 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.}

#Detroit Wolverines

Bob Bailey had four hits including a HR and Hank Greenberg added a grand slam, powering the Wolverines over the New York Gothams.

To clear room for Hal Newhouser‘s return from a rehab stint in AAA, Long Tom Hughes was demoted. Justin Verlander was moved into the starting rotation as well, despite some recent struggles.

Ty Cobb‘s 397/453/655 line is demanding more playing time, despite a crowded Detroit lineup.

#Los Angeles Angels

RP Larry Anderson, highly effective in 6 appearances, will miss a couple months with a sprained ankle. Armando Benitez was recalled from AAA to take his roster spot.

Doug Rader had two HRs including a grand slam to lead Los Angeles to a 10-inning 11-6 win over Ottawa. Rader drove in 7 in the game on 3 hits.

The Angels left a dozen runners on base in the final game of their series with Ottawa, losing 5-1 despite 12 hits, 11 of which were singles.

The C platoon of Brian Downing and Jim Stephens is really not working out, but options aren’t terribly available. OF Rusty Staub‘s 151/252/237 start did earn him a trip to AAA Las Vegas with 3B Tim Wallach joining the Angels.

#Memphis Red Sox

The Red Sox turned five double-plays in the final game of their series with Homestead, en route to a 6-2 victory. 2B Dustin Pedroia was part of each one, 3B Wade Boggs had 4 hits, and Ted Williams and Bob Brenly both went deep in support of Dean Chance, who moved to 4-1 on the year.

Tim Wakefield‘s consistent bullpen performances have warranted his move into Memphis’ starting rotation.

OF Freddie Lynn and C Billy Bryan are destroying AAA pitching, but there is no room for them in Memphis as of yet.

#New York Gothams

Both C Buster Posey‘s 14-game and OF Willie Mays‘ 12-game hitting streaks came to an end in the same contest, but–perhaps surprisingly given that–it was a dramatic victory for the Gothams, 12-8 over Detroit in 10 innings. New York scored 4 runs in the top of the 9th to tie it and 4 more in the 10th to win. Johnny Callison had 3 hits, scored 4 times, and drove in 5 only to be outdone by Pinky Higgins who had 6 RBIs on his 3 hits.

RP Marcel Lachemann was sent to AAA to clear room for Carson Smith‘s return from a rehab assignment. SS Art Fletcher was released–he refused to go to AAA, despite hitting 224/250/318–setting up a platoon between Eugenio Suarez and the newly-recalled Brandon Crawford.

#Wandering House of David

When Jerry Mumphrey was sent up to pinch-hit for Sammy Sosa with the bases loaded, the House of David were hoping for a hit to get them back in the ballgame. Instead, Mumphrey wrapped Cory Gearrin‘s pitch around the right field foul pole for a grand slam, and a 6-4 lead in the bottom of the 9th against Cleveland. The lead held, and the House of David emerged victorious.

IF Frank Grant and C Gabby Hartnett are both struggling, but the House of David wants to wait before making any moves. 3B Jung Ho Kang was promoted to take the place of the recently injured George Gore.

Series IV Featured Matchup – Portland Sea Dogs @ Detroit Wolverines

By mknn

On May 10, 2021

In Featured Series, Game Recaps, TWIWBL

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

Game One: Bert Blyleven v Si Johnson

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

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

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

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

Game Two: Smokey Joe Wood v Whitey Wilshire

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

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

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

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

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

Game Three: Walter Johnson v Long Tom Hughes

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

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

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

Game Four: Jerry Koosman v Hank Aguirre

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

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

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

Previewing Series IV – Portland Sea Dogs @ Detroit Wolverines

By mknn

On October 8, 2020

In Series Previews, TWIWBL

The Portland Sea Dogs (8-6) travel to Detroit to take on the Wolverines (6-8) in a 4 game series.

Game 3 may be the one to watch, as both scheduled starting pitchers head into the contest with records of 2-0. Portland’s Walter Johnson (2-0, 3.05) has pitched far better than Detroit’s Tom Hughes (2-0, 5.19), which would seem to give the Sea Dogs the edge.

Portland is hitting well: their .391 team OBP is 1st in the league, and their .879 OPS is 2nd. The Sea Dogs are led by 3B Buddy Bell (362/444/745 with 5 HRs), C Joe Mauer (353/463/676) and CF Bobby Murcer (378/481/600). Bell and Murcer have 12 RBIs, with 1B Gil Hodges leading the team with 13.

Bert Blyleven–who will start the opening game–has struggled in his 2 starts, sporting an ERA of 10.32. Other than Johnson, all of Portland’s SPs have issues, but the bullpen has been fantastic, with the trio of Johan Santana, Frank Williams, and Elmer Brown combining to allow only 3 ERs in 17 IP. Santana leads the league with 6 saves.

Detroit’s offense has been solid, but their pitching has struggled quite a bit. It is unlikely that Hal Newhouser recovers from his injury in time to start game 4 of the series, so Detroit will try to limit Justin Verlander‘s relief appearances so he can take that start. Verlander has been so dominant out of the bullpen, however, that the start may go to Jason Schmidt instead.

Offensively, OF Oscar Gamble (304/458/609) has been the Wolverines’ best hitter, leading the team with 4 HRs. Ty Cobb–kept on the roster despite a horrid Spring Training–is pushing for more playing time as the 20 year old is now hitting 346/370/538 as a reserve. The Bailey Boys–3B Bob and C Ed–continue to impress, with each maintaining an OPS around .900.

TWIWBL 2.1: Notes From The Opening 5 Games

By mknn

On September 4, 2020

In TWIWBL

All 20 teams opened with 5 game series this week. Some notes from around the league.

First, the WBL Player of the Week went to Indianapolis’ Hal Morris, Morris did hit 450/476/1000 with 3 HRs and 8 RBIs. Still, Lou Gehrig of the New York Black Yankees (538/600/1154, 2 HRs, 6 RBIs) and the Portland Sea Dog’s Buddy Bell (412/444/1059 with 3 HRs) had to deserve significant consideration as well.

#Birmingham Black Barons

SP Fred Fussell and DH Emil Frisk will both miss about a month with injuries to start the season, with Greg Maddux returning to the WBL to replace Fussell.

The Black Barons’ starter’s ERA of 11.84 is the biggest contributor to their 0-5 start to the season.

#Brooklyn Royal Giants

Dutch Leonard tossed a 5 hit shutout in his 1st start of the year, and teammates Don Drysdale and Brickyard Kennedy only allowed 1 run in their starts, leading the Royal Giants to a 4-1 start. Dickie Thon–handed the starting SS role despite not playing in Spring Training–hasn’t embarrassed himself, hitting .250 so far.

#Chicago American Giants

Ticky Nichols threw a 3 hit shutout on 111 pitches to start the season.

#Cleveland Spiders

With John Ellis out about a week, the Spiders sent Hardie Henderson to AAA and recalled Harry Bemis to spell Andy Etchebarren at C. Ellis is still on the active roster, but Detroit has a league-leading 7 players on the DL, but Whit Wyatt, Doug Corbett, and Bill Steen should all be back within about a week.

#Detroit Wolverines

OF Oscar Gamble was hot out of the gates, with 3 HRs and 7 RBIs in the 1st 5 games. Hal Newhouser lasted less than 2 innings before his elbow gave out, sidelining him for a couple weeks. With Claude Passeau also injured, it’s not clear who will get Newhouser’s starts between Gene Conley, Johnny Marcum, and Justin Verlander.

#Kansas City Monarchs

Stan Musial is as hot as any player in the league, opening the season at a 455/500/773 clip. Jose Rijo fanned 10 in 8 IP in a strong 1st start.

#Miami Cuban Giants

Camilo Pascual only allowed 3 hits in 8.2 IP in a strong opening start for the Cuban Giants.

#New York Black Yankees

Eric Davis leads the league with 11 RBI. Both Willie Randolph and Mike Schmidt are still looking for the 1st hits on the season.

#New York Gothams

It’s been a rough 5 days to be a Gothams pitcher: Carl Hubbell is out for over a month, Carson Smith for a few weeks, and Al Mays will be out about a week. Mat Latos (freshly returned from the injury list himself), Al Spalding, and Gaylord Perry are on hand to pick up the starts.

Brian Wilson has 2 saves in the Gothams’s 3 wins.

#Portland Sea Dogs

Mike Cuellar is the 1st 2-game winner in the league, picking up 2 victories in relief and Johan Santana leads the league with a save in each of the Sea Dogs’ 3 wins.

#San Francisco Sea Lions

Lefty Grove only gave up 3 hits and 1 run in a complete game win in his 1st start of the year. Jack Clark is hitting 417/417/750 with 10 RBI, leading the Sea Lions to a 5-0 record. Newly acquired Dick Lundy proved a sparkplug off the bench for San Francisco, even managing a steal of home in his first appearance.

Season Preview: Detroit Wolverines

By mknn

On August 20, 2020

In Team News

It’s hard to see the Wolverines making a lot of noise. The pitching staff-at least after Hal Newhouser–is pretty nondescript, and right now the offense is dependent on the Bailey Boys–Ed and Bob, that is. Still, if Jimmy Collins and Hank Greenberg can perform at their peak potential, and if Ty Cobb does anything at all, maybe there is something here.

Final Roster

SP: Hal Newhouser, Whitey Wilshere, Si Johnson, Tom Hughes, Hank Aguirre.
RP: Johnny Marcum & Gene Conley; John Hiller & Jason Schmidt; Kevin Hart & Justin Verlander; Mike Henneman.

C: Ed Bailey; Bill Carrigan
1B: Hank Greenberg
2B: Tony Phillips; Robby Thompson
3B: Jimmy Collins
SS: George Davis; Sparky Adams
LF: Oscar Gamble
CF: Chili Davis
RF: Geoff Jenkins; Ty Cobb
DH: Bob Bailey

Notes

Mark Dewey was set down, which juggled the bullpen quite a bit, and allowed John Hiller–despite only 2 IP on the Spring–to make the opening day roster … it’s unclear if Si Johnson will be healthy in time for his first start; if not look for Justin Verlander or Johnny Marcum to get the ball … despite a horrid Spring slump, the Wolverines maintain faith in Ty Cobb, although the 20 year old has slid down the depth chart. Still, he is retained on the roster over Jody Gerut … Hank Greenberg finally showed signs of recovery this Spring, retaining the starting role at 1B … while the Wolverines don’t have any true platoons, Tony Phillips will move between 2B and LF, allowing Robby Thompson and Geoff Jenkins to play.

37 year old 2B/LF Tony Phillips came out of nowhere to earn a starting spot. Two 20 year olds made the roster in rotation ace Hal Newhouser and OF Ty Cobb.

1B Nate Colbert and P Clyde Passeau are most likely to help from AAA. There’s not a lot at AA: perhaps 2 of the young SS, 20 year old Donie Bush or 18 year old Alfredo Griffin will turn into something.