Tag: Los Angeles Angels Page 7 of 8

Series preview here.

#Game 1: Doc Gooden @ Andy Pettitte

Things started well for Los Angeles, as Don Buford led off the game with a homerun to left off Andy Pettitte.

But that was about all that went well for him, as Pettite quickly settled down, allowing 5 hits over 8 innings, with Buford’s blast the only run he allowed.

The Angels’ starter, Doc Gooden, was nowhere near as good, allowing 8 runs–5 earned–in just under 3 innings to the potent Monarchs‘ offense. Albert Pujols had 3 RBIs and Lou Brock, Willie McGee, Gene Freese, and Ozzie Smith each chipped in with 2 hits for Kansas City as they cruised to a 10-1 win in the opening game of the series.

Gooden fell to 1-5 on the year, and his immediate future in the WBL has to be coming into question. Nolan Ryan and Armando Benitez combined for just over 5 innings of decent relief (1 earned run and a dozen strikeouts between them). Pettitte’s win improved his record to 3-2.

LAA 1 (Gooden 1-5) @ KCM 10 (Pettitte 3-2)
HRs: LAA – Buford (3)
Box Score

#Game 2: Gerrit Cole @ Frank Castillo

Gerrit Cole succeeded where so many others failed, becoming the WBL’s first 5-game winner, despite a rough outing against Kansas City in the second game of their series. Cole allowed 7 hits in 5.2 innings, with 4 runs scoring against him (1 unearned).

Los Angeles took the lead in the top of the 3rd on a triple by Don Buford that scored Jim Stephens and a single from Mike Trout, giving the Angels a 2-1 lead. Albert Pujols tied the game in the bottom of the inning with an RBI single.

The top of the 4th would see the Angels strike again against Frank Castillo, with an RBI single from Buford and a sacrifice fly from Kal Daniels giving them a 4-2 edge.

Cole would be chased from the game in the bottom of the 6th when, after giving up an RBI single to Gene Freese, he walked Ozzie Smith with the bases loaded. Aaron Heilman relieved Cole, and got out of the inning with the Angels ahead, 5-4.

Los Angeles would gain some buffer in the top of the 7th, with Derrek Lee leading the inning off with a homerun, and Doug Rader hitting a bases-loaded triple, putting the Angels up, 9-4.

The Monarchs scored 4 times in the bottom of the 8th, with RBIs from Fielder Jones, Smith, Boog Powell, and Pujols, but Jeurys Familia was able to close the door, and Los Angeles evened the series with the 1-run victory.

Buford had 3 hits for Los Angeles, and Pujols and Freese had 3 for Kansas City.

Cole moved to 5-1 on the year, with Familia picking up his first save. Castillo took the loss, falling to 2-3, and Connie Johnson got hit hard, giving up 5 runs in 1 innings. Adam Wainwright closed out the game for Kansas City with 3 hitless innings.

LAA 9 (Cole 5-1; Heilman 2 H; Familia 1 Sv) – KCM 8 (Castillo 2-3)
HRs: LAA – Lee (2)
Box Score

#Game 3: Brett Anderson @ Rube Marquard

Fresh off a shutout, Los Angeles’ Brett Anderson is hoping to keep improving on his year. He sits at 2-3 with an ERA just under 4 while his opposition, Rube Marquard, comes in with a 2-2 record and an ERA 2 runs higher.

It didn’t really work out for either of them. Both starters lasted 5 innings, with Anderson giving up 4 runs and Marquard 5. Kansas City beat up Armando Benitez, who followed Anderson, for 5 runs in under an inning, then tagged Chuck Finley for 3 more on the way to an 11-5 victory.

The Monarchs’ relievers–Trevor Rosenthal, Craig Kimbrel, and Frank DiPino–combined for 4 inning of scoreless, 2-hit relief, with Rosenthal getting the win.

Willie McGee, newly promoted Ducky Medwick, and Gene Freese each had 3 hits for Kansas City, with Medwick (who is now 6-for-11 in his WBL career) driving in 3.

For the Angels, Don Buford was 3-for-3, raising his average to .325.

LAA 5 (Benitez 0-1) @ KCM 11 (Rosenthal 3-0; Kimbrel 5 H)
HRs: None
Box Score

#Game 4: Pud Galvin @ Luke Hamlin

Luke Hamlin has had some great starts and some rough ones, but overall he’s been solid for Kansas City, coming into the game with a 2-3 record and a 4.28 ERA. Pud Galvin has similar underlying numbers, sitting with a record of 1-1 and a 4.23 ERA.

Galvin struggled more, leaving the game after 5 innings, having given up 8 hits and 4 runs (3 earned), including a solo homerun to Lou Brock.

Hamlin lasted longer, but with similar results: 6.2 innings, 4 runs (3 earned), and a homerun to Brian Downing. Connie Johnson struggled again in relief, and after the top of the 7th, Los Angeles was in front, 5-4.

It was a sloppy game up to that point, with errors by Mike Trout and Bobby Grich for the Angels and two by Albert Pujols for Kansas City.

The score held, and when Joe Nathan retired the first two batters in the bottom of the 9th, all looked good for Los Angeles. But Stan Musial and Pujols singled, and Ducky Medwick scored Musial with a double. Nathan fanned Ted Simmons to end the inning, but we were tied at 5, and headed to extra innings.

In the top of the 10th, Kansas City’s Frank DiPino walked Tim Wallach. Don Buford was inserted as a pinch runner, and, after Jim Stephens bunted him to second, George Wright singled him home as a pinch-hitter. Wright would score on a single by Kal Daniels, giving Los Angeles a 2-run cushion at 7-5.

Despite giving up two walks in the bottom of the 10th, Jonny Venters managed to get Robinson Cano to ground into a game-ending double play to preserve the victory.

Elmer Valo, Trout, and Doug Rader each had 2 hits for Los Angeles. Pujols had 4 hits and 2 RBIs for Kansas City.

Nolan Ryan was the most effective pitcher all day, but his 3 innings of 1-hit relief resulted in a no-decision, with the victory going to Nathan, who improves to 3-1, and Venters picking up his 2nd save of the season. Dipino took the loss for Kansas City.

LAA 7 (Nathan 3-1, 1 BS; Venters 2 Sv) – KCM 5 (DiPino 0-2; Johnson 1 BS)
HRs: LAA – Downing (2); KCM – Brock (3)
Box Score

#Series Notes

A series split, with the two teams alternating victories.

For Kansas City, Gene Freese went 8-15 with 4 RBIs; Ducky Medwick was 5-for-11 with 4 RBIs; and Albert Pujols was 9-for-17 with 8 RBIs. Medwick’s start is demanding more playing time for the recently recalled rookie.

Los Angeles was led by Don Buford, who was 7-for-9 with 2 triples, 4 runs and 4 RBIs and Mike Trout, who had 7 hits in the 4 games. Trout’s emergence is probably the most important event for Los Angeles, as the infinitely talented CF is key to their success.

Previewing Series VIII: Los Angeles Angels @ Kansas City Monarchs

By mknn

On June 23, 2021

In Series Previews

This is the second featured series for Los Angeles, the first team to come through for a second round. The Angels come into the series with a 17-13 record, tied atop the Bill James Division with the Wandering House of David. They have won their last 4 games, a series sweep over the Homestead Grays.

Kansas City has an identical record, 17-13, but trail Chicago by 1 game in the Cum Posey Division. They split their 4 games with Memphis, and are struggling a little, only 4-6 over their last 10 games.

Anticipated pitching matchups are (LA first) Doc Gooden (1-4, 6.06) v. Andy Pettite (2-2, 4.30); Gerrit Cole (4-1, 4.04) v. Frank Castillo (2-2, 2.95); Brett Anderson (2-3, 3.93) v. Rube Marquard (2-2, 5.91); Pud Galvin (1-1, 4.23) v. Luke Hamlin (2-3, 4.28).

The Cole – Castillo is easily the most anticipated, as both have been quite good so far.

The Angels are led by SS George Wright (345/398/607) and the OF pair of Kal Daniels (329/441/579) and Elmer Valo (337/440/469). Daniels and Valo are a little susceptible to left-handed pitchers. Wright has 6 HRs and Doug Rader 5, but the team lacks power overall–partially because Mike Trout has struggled to hit for power, slashing 289/387/404. Rader has been their MVP so far, hitting 333/365/533 with 34 RBIs (which is tied for 2nd in the league).

Both Chuck Finley (1-0, 3H, 2.35 ERA, 1.04 WHIP) and Nolan Ryan (4.80 ERA, 1.00 WHIP) have been fantastic out of the bullpen, and are in line for a spot start at some point. Closer Joe Nathan has been busy, with a record of 2-1 with 3 saves and a hold.

The Monarchs still feel like they are figuring themselves out offensively, but they are a solid ballclub top to bottom, ranked in the top half of the league in almost every category other than HRs (they do lack some in the power department). Stan Musial leads the way at 381/449/585, but Boog Powell, Albert Pujols, and Rogers Hornsby all have an OPS over .800 and the catcher platoon of Ted Simmons (356/408/578) and Salvador Perez (310/322/460) has been very productive. Musial has 5 HRs, with Powell, Pujols, and Perez adding 4 each.

TWIWBL 8.1: Series VII Notes – Bill James Division

By mknn

On June 18, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Detroit Wolverines

Hal Newhouser made his second appearance of the year (his first only lasted 1.2 IP before an elbow injury sent him to the DL). While a little wild (5 walks), he pitched 6.2 innings of 2-hit, shutout ball. Gene Conley and Kevin Hart finished off the 3-hit shutout in the 10-0 victory over Baltimore.

Tony Phillips suffered a concussion during the game, and was put on the 10 Day IL afterwards. 2B Robby Thompson, who has been tearing up AAA since being sent down, was recalled.

Whitey Wilshire joined the 4-game winner club with 6.1 scoreless innings against Baltimore. The game was a bit of a laugher, with Geoff Jenkins‘ 4 hits leading the Wolverines to an 8-1 victory.

#Los Angeles Angels

Brett Anderson tossed a brilliant 3-hit shutout, going the distance for an 8-0 victory over Homestead. Anderson improved to 2-3 on the year, with support from one expected source (Doug Rader going 3-for-4) and one unexpected (Derrek Lee driving in 3 runs).

Elmer Valo delivered an extra innings, walk-off victory in the final game of the series against the Grays. Valo singled in Mike Trout, who had walked to lead off the inning, and then gone to 3rd an a single by Bobby Grich. The hit gave the Angels a series sweep, with the win going to Jonny Venters, who pitched 1.2 scoreless innings in relief of a highly effective Harry Howell.

#Memphis Red Sox

Nixey Callahan was a hard-luck 0-4 on the season, despite better than average numbers. He took matter into his own hands, spinning 7.1 innings of 2-hit ball against Kansas City and earning his first victory of the season. Joe Beggs pitched a scoreless 9th for his 2nd save of the season, and the Red Sox won a well-pitched game, 3-1.

#New York Gothams

After the blowout 16-5 win over Philadelphia, the Gothams placed C John Kerins on the DL, calling up light-hitting Wes Westrum from AAA Hartford.

Rain setup a doubleheader to close out the series with Philadelphia. In the first game, Joe Adcock tripled in 2 runs to tie the game at 3 with 2 outs in the bottom of the ninth against Philadelphia’s closer, Bob Howry. Howry’s next pitch scooted under Bill Dickey for a passed ball, and a 4-3 improbable comeback win for the Gothams.

The Stars would win the second game, as Al Mays was shellacked for 6 runs in under 4 innings. The bright spot for the Gothams was a fantastic debut by recently recalled C Westrum, who went 3-for-4 with a grand slam. And I called him light-hitting above!

#Wandering House of David

Ernie Banks saw his 20-game hitting streak come to an end in a 9-5 victory over Indianapolis. The following day, Gabby Hartnett and Banks each hit pinch-hit HRs to lead the House of David to a come from behind victory over the ABC’s.

Frank Sullivan pitched a great game, allowing only 1 hit through 8 innings against Indianapolis. But the ABC’s scored in the 9th, sending the game to extra innings, and a Johnny Bench HR consigned the House of David to an extra-inning defeat.

Series VII Featured Game: Homestead Grays @ Los Angeles Angels, Game 3

By mknn

On June 16, 2021

In Featured Games, Game Recaps

Buckle up, y’all.

This game saw 35 runs, 42 hits, an injury, a WBL debut, and each team spending at least 2 innings with a 90% likelihood of winning.

We join the game in the bottomof the 2nd, when Homestead’s Francisco Liriano was injured and unable to take the mound after a scoreless first. He was relieved by Cliff Lee, who promptly gave up 3 homeruns, with Bobby Grich and George Wright going deep back-to-back and Jim Stephens adding a 2 run shot. That gave the Angels a 4-0 lead.

Homestead would tie the game in the top of the 4th against Pud Galvin, scoring 4 times with 2 outs, 2 runs coming home on a double by Tom Brown, 2 more on a 2-run HR from Honus Wagner.

Stephens hit his second of the game in the bottom of the frame, a 3-run shot that chased Lee from the mound, to be replaced by Hal Carlson, who loaded the bases before giving up a run-scoring single to Doug Rader, making the score 8-4 in favor of Los Angeles.

Again, though, the Grays would strike back with 2 outs with a double from Davey Johnson scoring Rick Reichardt followed by a 2-run double by Arky Vaughan. That closed Los Angeles’ lead to 8-7.

The Angels extended it to 9-7 on a solo homerun from Don Buford in the bottom of the 6th.

Then things got exciting.

Aaron Heilman had pitched a scoreless 6th, but he would only last 2 batters in the 7th, giving up hits to Mike Epstein and Johnson. Jonny Venters would relieve him, and walk Vaughn to load the bases, and then hit Brown to force in a run. Los Angeles would turn to Jeurys Familia, who gave up a 2-run single to Wagner before registering the first 2 outs of the inning.

But the Grays again struck with 2 outs, with Willie Stargell doubling in Brown and Josh Gibson walking to load the bases. Los Angeles would again turn to its bullpen, bringing in Chuck Finley, who promptly walked Roberto Clemente to force in a run and gave up a 2-run single to Johnson.

By the time the inning ended, the Grays had scored 7 runs, taking the lead 14-9.

RBI doubles from Stephens and Kal Daniels would score 3 runs, so after 7 full innings, the score was 14-12.

Reichardt would add a 2-run HR in the top of the 8th. 16-12.

The Angels would rough up Kent Tekulve in the bottom of the frame, with a Mark Ellis double scoring 1 and a single by Stephens scoring 2 more. That made it a 1-run game, with Homestead ahead, 16-15.

After Stephens hit, Homestead turned to Stan Bahnsen, just called up from AAA. Bahnsen got out of the inning with no further damage.

The top of the 9th would see Homestead score another run with 2 outs, this one coming on a single from Chris Sabo, sending us to the end of the game with the Grays ahead by 2, 17-15.

The Grays closer, Josh Lindblom, took the mound and got 2 outs quickly, sandwiched around a single from Mike Trout. But Grich took Lindblom deep to tie the game, and then 3 consecutive hits ended it: a single by Wright, a double from Ellis, and a game-winning, walk-off RBI by, who else, Stephens.

Lots of records were touched in the game, led by Stephens 2 HRs and 9 RBIs. The Los Angeles catcher went 5-for-6 and scored 4 times. Ellis also went 5-for-6, and Grich had 3 RBIs. Ellis and Wright each scored 4 runs.

For the Grays, Johnson had 4 hits and 3 RBIs, Wagner had 4 RBIs, and Brown 3.

The real story, of course, was the implosion of both pitching staffs. Only Liriano, Bahnsen, and Joe Nathan held the opposing team’s scoreless, and they only combined for 2 innings.

Lee gave up 7 runs in 2 innings, Galvin 7 runs in 5, and Carlson 5 runs in 3.1.

HOM 17 (Lindblom 0-1, 1 BS; Tekulve 1H; Bahnsen 1H) @ LAA 18 (Nathan 2-1; Heilman 1H; Familia 2 Bs)
HRs: HOM – Reichardt (2), Wagner (1); LAA – Grich 2 (3), Stephens 2 (2), Wright (6), Buford (2)
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 V Featured Matchup – Wandering House of David @ Los Angeles Angels

By mknn

On May 20, 2021

In Featured Series, Game Recaps

Four games pitting the Wandering House of David against the Los Angeles Angels in a series between two of the better teams from the Bill James Division. See here for the series preview.

Game One: Jack W. Taylor v. Pud Galvin

Game one was dominated by Pud Galvin, who pitched 7 innings giving up only 1 run on 6 hits to lead the Angels to a 5-1 victory. Galvin’s opposite number, Jack W. Taylor, gave up 5 runs in 6 innings.

Both bullpens were stellar: Rollie Fingers threw 2 innings of scoreless relief for the House of David and Jeurys Familia, Larry Anderson, and Joe Nathan allowed only one hit behind Galvin.

Mike Trout and Doug Rader combined for 6 hits and all 5 RBIs for Los Angeles, with Trout hitting his second HR of the year. Don Buford added 2 hits and scored twice.

HOD 1 (Taylor 2-1) @ LAA 5 (Galvin 1-1)
HRs: Trout (LAA, 2)
Box Score

Game Two: Frank Sullivan v Harry Howell

The game itself was overshadowed by an injury to Pete Browning, who was put on the DL by the House of David, and is expected to miss between one and two weeks. Dan Ford was recalled from AAA after the game to take Browning’s spot on the roster.

That compounded a bad day, as Los Angeles moved to a 2-0 lead in the series with a walk-off victory. The House of David scored 4 times in the first two innings to take an early lead, led by HRs from Browning and Sammy Sosa, but a 3-run 6th inning keyed by a 2-run 2B from George Wright, tied the game at 5.

The score would stay that way until the bottom of the 9th, when Wright led off with a single against Joakim Soria. Kal Daniels followed with a single, with Wright heading to third, and Elmer Valo scored him with a hard single through the right side, sending the home crowd happy with a 6-5 walk-off win for Los Angeles.

Daniels and Wright had 3 hits each, with Wright scoring 3 times and driving in 2, and Derrek Lee looked to break out of his slump, going 2-for-2. For the House of David, both Ryne Sandberg and Mark Grace went 2 for 4.

Chuck Finley continued his strong start to the year for Los Angeles, with 3 innings of scoreless relief, while Aaron Heilman pitched a scoreless ninth for the victory, his first of the year. For the House of David, Dick Tidrow, who had been fantastic to date, was roughed up for 2 earned runs in 1.2 innings, earning his second blown save of the year.

HOD 5 (Soria 0-1) @ LAA 6 (Heilman 1-0)
HRs: Browning (HOD, 4); Sosa (HOD, 2)
Box Score

Game Three: CC Sabathia v Doc Gooden

The House of David look to get back into the series without their leading hitter, Pete Browning, who was placed on the DL.

Both CC Sabathia and Doc Gooden struggled early, but Sabathia got on track, allowing four hits over 7.1 innings to lead the House of David to a 4-1 victory. Gooden was not nearly as good, walking 5 and allowing 6 hits in 4.1 innings, giving up four runs in the process.

Both bullpens excelled: Nolan Ryan followed Gooden with 3.2 hitless innings while striking out four, while for the House of David, Bruce Sutter got his second hold of the year and Tom Niedenfuer pitched a scoreless 9th for his 4th save.

Richie Hebner drove in 2 runs with a bases loaded single in the top of the 2nd, and Mark McGwire and Mark Grace drove in runs with walks in the top of the 5th.

For Los Angeles, the offense was highly concentrated in two batters: Mike Trout went 3-for-4 and Bobby Grich 2-for-4.

HOD 4 (Sabathia 3-2; Niedenfuer 4 Sv) – LAA 1 (Gooden 1-3)
HRs – None.
Box Score

Game Four: Fergie Jenkins v Gerrit Cole

Sabathia and Gooden were a good matchup, but this one was even better. Fergie Jenkins comes into the game with a 2-1 record and a 4.50 ERA and Cole with an identical record and a 3.90 ERA. Both have shown flashes of brilliance, however, Cole especially, whose year started with 3 consecutive solid starts before being roughed up by Kansas City his last time out. Jenkins was masterful his last time out, allowing only 3 hits and 1 run over 7 innings in a victory over Memphis.

Sometimes, though, a game just comes down to a single swing. With the House of David up 2-0 in the bottom of the 5th, singles by George Wright and Don Buford scored the Angels’ first runs. Mike Trout walked to load the bases, and Doug Rader deposited a Jenkins fastball into the left field seats for a grand slam. That put the Angels up, 6-2.

The House of David closed the gap to 6-5, but the Angels’ Joe Nathan pitched a perfect 9th for his 3rd save, preserving the win for Cole, who struck out 10 in 7 strong innings.

HOD 5 (Jenkins 2-2) – LAA 6 (Cole 3-1; Nathan 3 Sv)
HRs: Rader (LAA, 3)
Box Score

Series Notes

Rader had 6 RBIs in the 4 games, but the hitting star was Trout, who went 8 for 14 in the four games, effectively breaking out of his early season slump. Richie Hebner and George Stone had 5 hits each for the House of David.

The Angels took 3 of the 4 games, but they still trail the House of David by 1 game in the Bill James Division.

The key storylines were Browning’s injury and Trout’s emergence–the former a significant challenge for a suddenly struggling House of David; the latter a ray of hope for the Angels.

Previewing Series V – Wandering House of David @ Los Angeles Angels

By mknn

On May 17, 2021

In Series Previews

For Series V, we’ll take a closer look at the Wandering House of David‘s four game road trip to the left coast to face the Los Angeles Angels in a matchup of the top two teams in the Bill James Division. At 12-6, The House of David, fresh off a four game sweep in Series IV, lead the Angels, who sit at .500 with nine wins and nine losses by three games.

The matchups of the series are (House of David SP first) Jack W. Taylor (2-0, 3.54 ERA) v. Pud Galvin (0-1, 4.34); Frank Sullivan (2-1, 5.31) v. Harry Howell (1-1, 3.18); CC Sabathia (2-2, 4.23) v. Doc Gooden (1-2, 5.92); and Fergie Jenkins (2-1, 4.50) v. Gerrit Cole (2-1, 3.90).

As those numbers suggest, the SP for each of these teams has been solid, but not spectacular. The same cannot be said of the House of David’s bullpen, which leads the WBL with a 1.36 ERA. Bruce Sutter has yet to give up a run, and Rollie Fingers, Joakim Soria, Dick Tidrow, and Tom Niedenfuer have each allowed only a single earned run on the season. Niedenfuer leads the team with three saves, with Sutter adding two.

The Angels’ bullpen has been less spectacular but still quite solid, led by Larry Anderson–yet to give up a run–and Joe Nathan‘s 2 saves. Chuck Finley looks to get a shot at starting soon, giving up only 2 runs in over 9 IP with 15 strikeouts.

Kal Daniels has been the best hitter for the Angels in the early going, slashing a 348/474/652 line. Don Buford (308/410/415) and Doug Rader (289/333/461 with 16 RBIs) have been their other key producers, with both Mike Trout and Derrek Lee mired in significant slumps. Lee, Rusty Staub, and Brian Downing all have OPS below .600, meaning they are likely to see a trip to AAA if they don’t pick up the pace soon.

For the House of David, it’s all been about reigning WBL Player of the Week Pete Browning, who is hitting at a 467/484/717 clip to go with 15 runs scored and 9 SBs. George Stone has been their second best hitter at 373/429/627, but the whole offense has been solid. Five players have three HRs each: Browning, Stone, Ryne Sandberg, Mark McGwire, and Ernie Banks. At the other end, Ron Santo, Sammy Sosa, and Frank Grant have all struggled mightily out of the gate, with BAs hovering around .200 and OPS under .600 each.

TWIWBL 5.3: Series IV Notes – Bill James Division

By mknn

On May 13, 2021

In TWIWBL

At 12-6, the Wandering House of David lead the division, with only the Los Angeles Angels at 9-9 also at .500. Having lost 7 in a row, Memphis trails the division, already 8 games behind with a 4-14 record.

Leading SP: Harry Howell, LAA. 1-1, 3.18 ERA, 1.01 WHIP.
Leading RP: Chuck Finley, LAA. 1-0, 2H, 1.86 ERA, 0.83 WHIP in 5G.
Leading Batters: Buster Posey, NYG. 433/486/731; Pete Browning, HOD. 467/484/717, 9SB; Chili Davis, DET. 329/376/506, 20RBI.

#Detroit Wolverines

With very few rested arms, Detroit sacrificed some of its infield depth in preparation for its next series, sending Robbie Thompson to AAA and promoting Doyle Alexander. Alexander gave up 3 runs and 4 hits in his debut inning, so he may be heading back to AAA shortly.

#Los Angeles Angels

Highly touted closer Francisco Rodriguez was promoted from AA to AAA.

#Memphis Red Sox

There may be some hope for Memphis, as the combination of Roger Clemens (3.54 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 8.4 K/9) and Dean Chance (1.93 ERA, 1.18 WHIP) looks quite strong at the top of their rotation. With a 2-1 record, Chance has the only victories by a SP for the Red Sox (Clemens is 0-1 and fellow current rotation members Nixey Callahan, Sadie McMahon, and Jon Lester are a combined 0-9).

#New York Gothams

Willie McCovey led a 15-3 clobbering of Miami with a 4 hit, 2 HR, 4 RBI effort. SP Carson Smith began a rehab stint at AAA Hartford, hoping to rejoin New York in short order.

TWIWBL 4.2: A Day Off!

By mknn

On October 1, 2020

In TWIWBL

Wednesday, April 12th is an off-day throughout the league, allowing all 20 teams to review their rosters, lineups, and pitching staffs. Some things changed (actually, lots of things changed, here are some notable ones).

#Chicago American Giants

Lee Meadows‘ horrific start to the season–32 hits in 12 innings leading to an 0-3 record and a 16.05 ERA has cost Meadows his spot in the rotation. He’ll be replaced by Ed Walsh, and Meadows may find himself at AAA if he can’t contribute from the bullpen.

#Houston Colt 45s

Ice Box Chamberlain is trying to pitch himself out of the rotation, allowing 26 hits in 15 IP with an ERA of 8.80. The problem is neither of the options on the roster–Scott Erickson (11.42 ERA) and Dock Ellis (15.43)–have done anything of note. Clearly, some roster juggling may be on tap, but those 3 are going to get another appearance or 2 before that happens.

#Los Angeles Angels

Brian Downing and John Stearns have combined for 3 hits in 54 ABs at C for the Angels. Downing retains a roster spot due to his defensive flexibility, but Stearns is sent down to AAA with Jim Stephens–who has started red hot at 429/500/1048 in the minors–coming up to the big leagues.

#Miami Cuban Giants

Sandy Consuegra has put up eye-poppingly bad numbers so far: 17 hits in 6 IP, with opposing hitters managing a .593 average against him. That moves him out of a setup role in Miami’s bullpen, all the way down to AAA. Alex Colome has been recalled to take his place. Don Newcombe and Eustaquio Pedroso have swapped places, with Newk taking Pedroso’s spot in the rotation.

#Ottawa Mounties

Larry Walker was recalled from his rehab assignment, with Rick Monday heading down to AAA. Greg Holland has a 2-0 record, but he’s been absolutely hammered in his 5 appearances, giving up 13 hits in 4.2 IP for a 17.36 ERA with opposing batters hitting .500 against him. That sends him to AAA despite the victories with Chris Leroux hoping to help out in Ottawa in return.

TWIWBL 3.2: Previewing Series III

By mknn

On September 13, 2020

In TWIWBL

Series III has all teams playing 5 games.

We’re going to focus on two struggling teams in the 3rd series, as the Memphis Red Sox (3-6) host the Birmingham Black Barons (0-9) for 5 games.

Clearly, the question here is when Birmingham will get their 1st win of the year. As a team, the Black Barons are at 220/283/383, giving them the 2nd worst OPS in the league (ahead of only Los Angeles), but it’s not like Memphis is tearing the cover off the ball at 250/342/377. The real struggle for Birmingham is the team ERA of 9.24, easily the worst in the league. Now, that’s a bit inflated coming off a horrible series against the Black Yankees, but still.

Memphis’ pitching has been a little bit better than league average, led by their bullpen, which has been fantastic, posting the 2nd best ERA in the WBL. If the starters can improve on their 5.94 mark, the Red Sox should recover nicely.

Elsewhere, we’ll see if the Wandering House of David (6-3) can do anything to slow down the New York Black Yankees (8-1) as they pay a visit to the Bronx. The Kansas City Monarchs, sporting the 2nd best record in the league at 7-2, host the Detroit Wolverines.