Tag: Luke Hamlin Page 2 of 3

TWIWBL 24.9: Mid-Season Reviews – Kansas City Monarchs

On March 4, 2022

Summary

What a disappointment. And, perhaps more due to luck than anything else, as the Monarchs have underperformed their Pythagorean projection by a whopping 7 games. They are currently 8 games under .500 and 12 games off the pace.

What’s Gone Right

M&M&M. Stan Musial is only 21, and is leading the team offensively. ‘Nuff said. Willie McGee is one of the better CFs in the league, and Ducky Medwick has been fantastic since his callup from AAA.

The Bullpen. Closer Jeff Pfeffer, setup man Craig Kimbrel, and long reliever Connie Johnson have been among the best in the league. Johnson will move into the rotation after the break.

The Corners. Boog Powell and Albert Pujols have been excellent at 1B and 3B.

What’s Gone Wrong

Consistency. Especially from Luke Hamlin, who has some of the most dominant performances in the league, yet overall has an ERA over 5.00 and a losing record, but also more is needed from Frank Castillo and Rube Marquard.

Health. Both Andy Pettitte and Adam Wainwright are out at the moment, although Pettitte–arguably their best SP on the year–should be back after the break.

Gene Freese. Gene Freese was expected to solidify the IF, instead he’s basically blocked playing time for better players while hitting poorly.

Key Storylines

There is some great offense here, the challenge is for the pitching to come through. They are so far behind, however, that the Monarchs may decide to cash in some of their veterans–Rogers Hornsby most notably, but perhaps also Johnson and Pettitte and Medwick.

Trading Outlook

SELLING.

The question is how deep does it go. Hornsby may be the most valuable player available in the league, but Matt Kemp, Jack Rowe, and Medwick could all be useful as well.

AAA Shuttle

Medwick has been great since his recall, as has Robinson Canó–which may even open the door for Hornsby (33) to be traded away.

Midseason Changes

Johnson joins the rotation and Bob Gibson is recalled from AAA–once again–for the #5 spot.

Freese is likely to head to AAA in favor of Frankie Frisch.

Awards

All Stars: Rogers Hornsby (2B); Stan Musial (RF); Andy Pettitte (P).

Player of the Week: Robinson Cano (6/5)

Offensive MVP: Stan Musial (OF)
Pitching MVP: Andy Pettitte (SP)

Down on the Farm

AAA: St. Louis Blues

Next to the Show: OFs Matt Kemp & Steve Evans, IF Frankie Frisch, Ps Steve Hamilton & Jock Menefee.

Prospects: OF Steve Evans (25); IF Frankie Frisch (26).

Projects: C Johnny Bassler (18).

Suspects: SS Marty Marion (32), OF Omar Moreno (30), 1B Andre Thornton (29), SP Félix Hernández (31), RP Luis Vizcaíno (), RP Jesse Haines (41).

AA: Oklahoma City Redhawks

Prospects: 1B Greg Norton (24); 2B Kolten Wong (23), IF Dave Cash (22).

Projects: IF Edgar Rentería (22), OF Cool Papa Bell (20).

Suspects: OF Terry Moore (24).

Series XV Featured Game: Baltimore Black Sox @ Birmingham Black Barons

By mknn

On October 29, 2021

In Featured Games, Game Recaps

The opening and closing matches between the Baltimore Black Sox and the Birmingham Black Barons were both worthy of consideration as the Game of the Series.

The first game started with Birmingham taking it to the best team in the league, with the legend that is Tom Herr and Dale Murphy both going deep. Earlier in the season, Murphy was sent to AAA after an absolutely horrific start to the season, and while he’s not exactly setting the world on fire, he has been doing better since his recall.

A Frank Isbell homerun extended Birmingham’s lead to 4-3, but the Black Sox tied it up in the top of the 5th when Ken Singleton drove in 2 with a single.

And there it stayed until the bottom of the 7th, when there goes that man again as Herr doubled and scored on a single by Bob Nieman. But Bobby Wallace took Hoyt Wilhelm deep for a 2-run shot and for a brief moment, the world was normal once more, with Baltimore on top, 6-5.

I did say briefly. Hank Aaron led off the bottom of the inning against Mike Mussina with a solo shot of his own, knotting the contest at 6.

And there we stayed, until the top of the 13th, when Bryce Harper singled home Curt Blefary for a 7-6 lead for Baltimore. And with Don Bessent heading out for the bottom of the frame, Black Sox fans began to pack up … but Aaron would lead off with a single, moving to 3rd on a base-hit from Pie Traynor. He would score on a groundout by Del Crandall, which moved Traynor to third … and Curtis Granderson would deliver the walk-off base-hit for an improbable victory for The Black Barons.

But the series wasn’t done delivering the goods. Baltimore’s Bill Byrd threw a 3-hit shutout in game 2, and Birmingham rode big days from Aaron and Isbell to win game 3.

That brought us to what could be a great pitching matchup, with Baltimore’s Ned Garvin taking on Birmingham’s Tim Hudson. Neither pitcher were in their team’s rotations at the start of the year (Hudson was in AAA), and both were doing fantastically well.

Garvin came into the game at 5-2 with a 2.47 ERA and Hudson at 5-0 with a 2.70 ERA.

And, for once, the matchup held! Hudson had a shutout through 6 innings while Garvin’s line was only marred by a 2-run homerun from Granderson.

The 7th was definitive for the game: Hudson gave up a homerun to Blefary and an RBI single to tie the game in the top of the frame, but Garvin was touched for an RBI double from Murphy and a run-scoring single from Frank McCormick, extending the lead to 4-2.

Neither starter would make it out of the 8th, as a solo shot from Frank Robinson chased Hudson. His replacement, Steve Bedrosian, was greeted by Blefary’s second homerun of the game, with the back-to-back jacks tying the game at 4.

Buddy Groom came in for Baltimore to start the bottom of the 8th, and gave up an RBI double to Aaron and a 2-run shot to Troy Tulowitzki, putting the Black Barons back in front, and their closer, Juan Rincon came on to shut the door on the 7-4 victory.

So, a great series with an especially thrilling two games.

BAL 7 (Bessent 1-2, 1 B Sv) @ BBB 8 (Benton 1-1; Wilhelm 1 B Sv) [13 Innings]
HRs: BAL – Wallace (4); BBB – Murphy (1), Herr (2), Aaron (8), Isbell (1)
Box Score

BAL 4 (Groom 1-1) @ BBB 7 (Bedrosian 1-0, 1 BSv)
HRs: BAL – Blefary 2 (18), Robinson (14); BBB – Granderson (7), Tulowitzki (7)
Box Score

Other Games of Note

That’s more like it. After struggling in his first start, Sandy Koufax delivered perhaps the finest start in the league so far, a 1-hit shutout of Kansas City. Koufax walked 2 and struck out 8 in the 3-0 victory. Brooklyn took the lead on a solo homerun from Roy White, and was helped out by2 hits from Duke Snider. Luke Hamlin pitched quite well, but still took the loss and Kansas City’s only hit was a double by Stan Musial in the top of the first.

KCM 0 (Hamlin 3-5) @ BRK 3 (Koufax 2-2)
HRs: BRK – White (7)
Box Score

The opening game of the Cleveland Spiders’ visit to Houston was an old-fashioned pitcher’s duel. For the Colt 45’s, Roy Oswalt‘s only error in 8 innings was a first inning homerun by Ron Blomberg as the Houston starter only allowed 5 hits and 2 walks in that span. But Cleveland’s Bob Feller was even better, throwing a 6-hit shutout with 9 whiffs over 7.2 innings. Trevor Hoffman came on in the top of the 9th, and Blomberg took him deep for his 2nd of the day, and the Spiders’ closer, Terry Adams, made it stand up.

CLE 3 (Feller 5-4; Gearrin 4 H; Adams 14 Sv) @ HOU 0 (Oswalt 5-4)
HRs: CLE – Blomberg 2 (15)
Box Score

The series closer between Indianapolis and Miami was notable for a few reasons. First, Miami’s Dontrelle Willis was making his first career start. It did not go well, as Willis was touched for 5 runs (4 earned) in 4 innings. But Indianapolis’ Red Faber fared little better, surrendering 7 runs in only 5 innings of work. The Cuban Giants’ Eustaquio Pedroso delivered 3 solid innings of relief en route to the victory for Miami, which also saw Alejandro Oms hit for the first cycle in WBL history. Jim Thome added 3 hits and 2 homeruns for Miami, and Oscar Charleston and Ed Charles had strong days at the plate for the ABC’s. Finally, Aroldis Chapman did indeed record his 11th save, but he did it in Chapman style, giving up 2 walks while walking his tightrope.

IND 6 (Faber 4-4) @ MCG 9 (Pedroso 3-4; Condrey 2 H; Bauta 8 H; Chapman 11 Sv)
HRs: MCG – Oms (2), Thome 2 (9)
Box Score

TWIWBL 17.0: Series XIV Notes

By mknn

On September 14, 2021

In TWIWBL

May 30

As May comes to a close, the Los Angeles Angels, Baltimore Black Sox, New York Black Yankees, and Portland Sea Dogs sit atop their respective divisions. Only LA is below .600, with Baltimore–yes, Baltimore–continuing to be the best team in the WBL at 37-21.

That said, the divisions continue to tighten: the four division leaders went 8-8 for the series.

Awards

The Houston Colt 45’s Tony Gwynn was selected as the Player of the Week, going 14-for-25 (.560), raising his average over .300.

Performances

Dennis Martinez remains, probably, the best starting pitcher in the league, but his teammate Ned Garvin is quietly having a spectacular year, as is the unheralded Johnny Marcum of the Detroit Wolverines.

The San Francisco Sea Lions‘ Reggie Jackson has surpassed the Black Yankees’ Babe Ruth as the best hitter in the league, leading in batting average, on base percentage, and OPS. Ruth’s teammate, Eric Davis, has led the league in RBI since week one, and has now tied Ruth for the homerun crown. But the New York Gothams‘ Willie Mays may be the league MVP: spectacular offense and a league-leading 10 assists from the outfield (he’s actually tied in that category with Ken Griffey, Jr. of the Ottawa Mounties).

Best Starting Pitchers.

Gerrit Cole (LAA): 8 – 3; 4.20 ERA; 2.0 WAR
Dennis Martinez (BAL): 7-2; 3.15 ERA; 1.11 WHIP
Red Ruffing (NYY): 7-1; 4.12 ERA
Johnny Marcum (DET): 6-1; 2.41 ERA; 1.09 WHIP
Ned Garvin (BAL): 5-2; 2.47 ERA; 0.93 WHIP
Ron Guidry (NYY): 5-5; 3.67 ERA; 89 Ks
Lefty Grove (SFS): 5-2; 3.23 ERA; 77 Ks
Walter Johnson (POR): 6-2; 3.75 ERA; 2.6 WAR
Cy Young (CLE): 5-2; 3.63 ERA; 2.1 WAR
Luke Hamlin (KCM): 3-4; 3.92 ERA; 2.1 WAR

Best Relievers.

Johan Santana (POR): 1-1; 18 Sv; 2.93 ERA
Rod Beck (SFS): 0-0; 14 Sv; 1 H; 0.66 ERA; 0.51 WHIP
Bob Howry (PHI): 1-2; 14 Sv; 4.58 ERA
Ron Reed (PHI): 0-2; 2 Sv; 11 H; 2.50 ERA
Craig Kimbrel (KCM): 2-1; 8 H; 2.88 ERA
Joe Beggs (MEM): 1-0; 8 Sv; 0.00 ERA
Aroldis Chapman (MCG): 2-0; 10 Sv; 0.63 ERA
Doc White (IND): 1-1; 1 Sv; 2 H; 1.76 ERA; 0.65 WHIP

Best Batters.

Reggie Jackson (SFS): 379/483/651
Willie Mays (NYG): 359/412/578; 80 H; 3.1 WAR
Eddie Collins (CAG): 327/446/569
Babe Ruth (NYY): 330/433/689; 19 HR; 51 R; 54 RBI; 3,3 WAR
Frank Thomas (CAG): 355/433/593; 76 H
Rico Carty (PHI): 328/392/520; 20 2B
Bobby Grich (LAA): 299/372/485; 20 2B
Louis Santop (CLE): 315/343/500; 8 3B
Eric Davis (NYY): 290/347/581; 19 HR; 59 RBI
Joe Jackson (CAG): 345/433/621; 46 R
Doug Rader (LAA): 309/364/505; 54 RBI
Rickey Henderson (SFS): 241/391/314; 47 BB; 41SB
Bryce Harper (BAL): 219/355/339; 40 BB
Tim Raines (OTT): 283/365/442; 39 SB

Streaks

The Chicago American Giants‘ Duffy Lewis has 6 homeruns in his last 8 games and his teammate, Joe Jackson, is slashing an insane 542/560/1042 over his last 25 at-bats. The House of David‘s Elrod Hendricks has 14 RBIs in his last 8 games, over which he’s hitting 448/469/1172.

Baltimore’s Ned Garvin is 5-1 with a 1.71 ERA over his last 11 games, including 5 starts: his time in the bullpen is clearly over.

Roberto Clemente of the Homestead Grays has a 16 game hitting streak while both Thurman Munson of the Black Yankees and Buster Posey of the Gothams have maintained their consecutive games reaching base (29 games for Munson, 23 for Posey).

San Francisco have won five in a row while the Grays have lost 6 straight, and have won only 2 of their last 10.

Series XIV Results

Series Sweeps

San Francisco over Brooklyn Royal Giants
Kansas City Monarchs over Homestead

Taking 3 out of 4 in Series XIV

Chicago over the House of David
Ottawa over Portland
Black Yankees over Philadelphia Stars
Cleveland Spiders over Miami Cuban Giants

Taking 2 out of 3 in Series XIV

Birmingham Black Barons over Gothams (1 game rained out)

Series Splits

Detroit @ Memphis Red Sox
Houston Colt 45’s @ Los Angeles
Indianapolis ABC’s @ Baltimore

TWIWBL 16.0: Series XIII Notes

By mknn

On September 2, 2021

In TWIWBL

May 26

There were no series sweeps in Series XIII, and half the matchups resulted in 2 game splits, leading most of the divisions to drawing closer together.

The best teams in the WBL continue to surprise, with only two teams playing over .600 ball: the Baltimore Black Sox lead the way at 35-19 and the Portland Sea Dogs are at 34-20. Baltimore leads the Cumberland Posey Division by 6 games; Portland is atop the Marvin Miller Division by 5.5. The other two divisions are much closer, with the Los Angeles Angels, New York Gothams, and Detroit Wolverines all within 1 game in the Bill James Division (the Angels lead the way at 29-25) and the New York Black Yankees ahead of the Philadelphia Stars by 3 in the Effa Manley Division.

Only 1 team–the Miami Cuban Giants–is playing under .400 ball, with Florida’s team managing only 21 wins so far on the season.

After a few weeks of trying, the WBL has its first two 7 game winners, with Los Angeles’ Gerrit Cole and Baltimore’s Dennis Martinez both reaching that mark.

Martinez has probably surpassed Walter Johnson as the best pitcher in the league right now, and the Black Yankees’ Ron Guidry is the only starter ranking 1st or 2nd in four major statistical categories.

Two closers, Aroldis Chapman of Miami and Joe Beggs of the Memphis Red Sox, have yet to give up a run in roughly 13 innings each.

Reggie Jackson‘s run at the triple crown continues: he leads the league in BA and OBP and is fifth in SLG. Jackson’s performance may be the most surprising, but catcher Louis Santop leading the league in triples has to be close, as is the continued excellence from Curt Blefary.

All that said, the Black Yankees’ Babe Ruth continues to be the most valuable offensive player in the league, followed closely by the centerfielder for the cross-town Gothams, Willie Mays.

Performances

Top Starting Pitchers.

Name	Tm	W-L	ERA	Other
Dennis Martinez	BAL	7-1	3.16	1.11 WHIP
Gerrit Cole	LAA	7-3	4.04
Don Drysedale	BRK	4-2	2.71
Ron Guidry	NYY	5-4	3.23	1.13 WHIP; *86 K*
Walter Johnson	POR	6-1	3.58	*2.5 WAR*
Luke Hamlin	KAN	3-4	3.92	2.1 WAR
Lefty Grove	SFS	5-2	3.23	77 K

Top Relievers.

Name	Tm	W-L	ERA	Sv	Hld	WHIP
Johan Santana	POR	1-1	3.00	17
Bob Howry	PHI	1-2	4.58	14
Aroldis Chapman	MIA	0-2	*0.00*	9
Joe Beggs	MEM	0-0	*0.00*	8
Ron Reed	PHI	0-2	2.83	2	11
Craig Kimbrel	KAN	1-1	3.09		8
Ned Garvin	BAL	5-1	2.09		2	*0.87*

Top Batters.

Name	Tm	Slash	Other
Reggie Jackson	SFS	*376/485*/643
Willie Mays	NYG	354/408/561	*75 H*; 2.8 WAR
Mike Epstein	HOM	333/437/549
Babe Ruth	NYY	325/427/*685*	*19 HR; 48 R; 52 RBI; 3.0 WAR*
Curt Blefary	BAL	288/402/660	16 HR
Frank Thomas	CAG	353/430/607	71 H
Rico Carty	PHI	352/415/560	*20 2B*
Louis Santop	CLE	316/346/513	*8 3B*
Eric Davis	NYY	284/339/552	*54 RBI*
Jimmy Sheckard	NYG	309/418/470	41 R
Rickey Henderson	SFS	236/392/315	*45 BB; 39 SB*
Tim Raines	OTT	292/377/458	37 SB

Streaks

The Homestead Gray‘s Roberto Clemente has hit in 14 straight games, Baltimore’s Dan McGann has scored in 9 straight, and Detroit’s Oscar Gamble as hit a homerun in his last 3 games.

While there aren’t many hitting streaks of note, the Black Yankees’ Thurman Munson has reached base in 26 straight games, the Ottawa Mounties‘ Terry Puhl in 23, and the Gothams’ Jimmy Sheckard in 22.

Baltimore’s Ned Garvin hasn’t allowed a run in 15 innings, and his teammate Dennis Martinez has had 5 consecutive quality starts, as has the Kansas City Monarchs‘ Andy Pettite.

The Brooklyn Royal Giants‘ Raul Mondesi was an early season surprise, but the bloom is off the rose: he’s struggling at 115/164/135 over his last 14 games. Baltimore’s Brooks Robinson–122/170/134 over 35 games–is easily the coldest hitter in the WBL, to the point he’s no longer in the WBL, having been optioned to AAA.

Series XIII Results

Taking 3 out of 4 in Series XIII

Baltimore over Cleveland Spiders
Brooklyn over Homestead
New York Gothams over Indianapolis ABCs
Los Angeles over Miami
Portland over Wandering House of David

Splitting Series XIII 2-2

Chicago @ Birmingham
New York Black Yankees @ Detroit
Kansas City @ Ottawa
Memphis @ Houston
San Francisco @ Philadelphia

TWIWBL 15.2: Series XII Notes – Cum Posey Division

By mknn

On August 24, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Baltimore Black Sox

Ned Garvin kept Los Angeles’ Gerrit Cole from becoming the first 7 game winner in the WBL, spinning a brilliant 8 innings, allowing only 2 runs in a 4-2 Black Sox victory. Garvin moved to 4-1 on the year, and Bob Miller picked up his 4th save. Curt Blefary hit his 14th and Harlond Clift his 8th homerun of the year.

In the next game, Dennis Martinez moved to 6-1 on the year, allowing only 3 hits and 1 run in 7.2 innings. Bryce Harper drove in 2, and Harper, Ken Singleton, and Dan McGann all chipped in with 2 hits.

Bill Byrd pitched 8.1 innings of shutout ball before being relieved by Don Bessent, who finished the job in a 5-0 win for the Black Sox. Byrd brought his ERA under 4.00 and improved his record to 4-2, helped by 3 hits from Bobby Wallace and the suddenly resurgent Paul Blair, who even hit his 4th homerun of the year in the game.

Clearly not a fan of the if it ain’t broke school of thought, the team with the best record in the WBL shook its roster up some on the day off, demoting P Mark Baldwin, 3B Brooks Robinson, and SS Mark Belanger to AAA. Baldwin and Robinson had done very little in their opportunities, and Belanger had only played in 7 games all season. P Bob Welch, and IFs Cal Ripken, Jr. and Brian Roberts were recalled to the big league club.

#Chicago American Giants

Frank Thomas went 3-for-4 and Dick Allen had 3 RBI’s to lead Chicago to a 5-4 victory over Indianapolis. Herb Pennock survived 6 rocky innings to pick up his 2nd win, with AJ Minter pitching a perfect 9th for his 6th save.

Adrian Gonzalez was sent to AAA, ending his nightmare of a year so far in the majors; with Joe Horlen being promoted to fill out the bullpen and C Pop Snyder being waived.

All of that will result in Cristobal Torriente and Avisail Garcia seeing more time in the American Giants’ OF.

#Houston Colt 45s

Behind 3 hits and 3 RBIs from George Brett, including his 5th homerun of the year, the Colt 45s put away the Black Yankees, 9-4. It could be a difficult game for Houston, as Bret Saberhagen and Casey Stengel (who also hit his 5th homerun) both had to leave with injuries.

Bones Ely was recalled, and if you ignore a 499 foot homerun to Babe Ruth and one nearly as long to Lou Gehrig, he did alright, earning the save with 3 innings of work in a 13-5 blowout win. Craig Biggio drove in 4 and HR Johnson and Lance Berkman 3 each in support of Roy Oswalt, who moved to 5-2 on the year.

Brad Lidge was replaced by Billy Wagner as Houston’s closer, with Mike Hartley being sent to AAA. Carney Lansford was recalled from the minors to add another bat off the bench.

#Kansas City Monarchs

2 homeruns from Stan Musial helped the Monarchs overcome a 90 minute rain delay in an 11-5 win over the House of David. Musial drove in 4, and the win went to Connie Johnson, who pitched 3 scoreless innings after the rains came down.

Who knows what to make of Luke Hamlin? He seems to mix mediocre starts with absolute gems. This was one of the latter, as Hamlin had a no-hitter into the 7th and ended up with a 2-hit, complete game shutout to level his record at 3-3. 5 pitchers had thrown 3-hit shutouts, but this was the first game to go below that, and it was the 3rd best game score of the season at 86.

Willie McGee was 2-for-4 with 3 RBIs in the 6-0 victory. Hamlin’s performance was especially welcome, as the Monarchs’ bullpen was fairly decimated.

Jose Rijo lost his spot in the starting rotation in favor of Adam Wainwright, and McGee–who had been in a platoon with Fielder Jones–has become the everyday CF for the Monarchs.

#Ottawa Mounties

Greg Holland was sent to AAA with Ryan Dempster coming back the other way. Josh Donaldson–0-for-15 in his time in the big leagues–was returned to AAA as well, with Steve Garvey coming off the DL to return to Ottawa. The Mounties would like to promote Larry Parrish, who is playing very well at 3B, but haven’t found a corresponding move to free up room on the 40-man roster.

Series X Featured Matchup: Indianapolis ABC’s @ Kansas City Monarchs

By mknn

On July 15, 2021

In Featured Series, Game Recaps

Series preview here.

This was a very close series, with each game decided by a single run.

Game One: Johnny Cueto @ Luke Hamlin

A matchup of similar hurlers, each of which have turned in some strong starts and each of which have turned in some duds. Johnny Cueto comes in at 4-2 with a 4.60 ERA and Luke Hamlin 2-3 and 4.24.

A 2-run homerun by Stan Musial put the Monarchs up in the bottom of the first, but in the top of the 4th, Oscar Charleston both extended his hitting streak to fourteen games and cut the lead in half with a shot into the left field seats. Johnny Bench and Hal Morris followed with consecutive singles, and the game was tied when Edd Roush lined a pitch into centerfield, scoring Bench. Roush was thrown out trying to stretch the hit into a double, and a strikeout of Chase Headley got Hamlin out of the inning.

Cueto would give up one more run in the bottom of the sixth: Rogers Hornsby singled, moved to second on a passed ball, tagged up to take third on a fly to deep CF by Ducky Medwick, and scored on a single by Ted Simmons. The bottom of the seventh was more traditional: an infield single by Ozzie Smith and a smash into the left field stands by Boog Powell put Kansas City up 5-2 and chased Cueto from the mound, to be relieved by Lefty James.

Indianapolis scored once in the 8th on a triple by Joe Morgan (in his first game back from the DL) and a sac fly from Charleston, closing the score to 5-3.

That only served to setup the top of the 9th. Frank DiPino came in for Kansas City, and gave up a double to Roush. He was relieved by Craig Kimbrel, who induced a groundout from Ernie Lombardi before giving way to the Monarchs’ closer, Jeff Pfeffer. Pfeffer walked Bob Bescher, but got a flyout from Danny Hoffman for the second out, bring up Morgan once again.

Little Joe came through with a single, scoring Roush, and Charleston doubled down the right field line, scoring 2 and putting the ABC’s on top, 6-5.

It was enough as Doc White pitched a perfect 9th for his first save.

Morgan had 3 hits and Charleston 4 RBIs for Indianapolis; Hornsby, Simmons, and Lou Brock had 2 hits each for Kansas City.

IND 6 (James 2-0; White 1 Sv) @ KAN 5 (Pfeffer 3-1, 2 BS; Wainwright 1 H; Kimbrel 7 H)
HRs: IND – Charleston (2); KAN – Powell (5), Musial (6)
Box Score

Game 2: David Price @ Jose Rijo

Jose Rijo has struggled this year, with an ERA approaching 7 while David Price–despite only two decisions on the year–is dragging his down towards a sub-4.00 level.

Once more the Monarchs took the early lead: a double from Stan Musial and an RBI single from Albert Pujols made it 1-0 Kansas City after 1 inning. The ABC’s tied it up in the top of the second, but then both pitchers settled down, until, with 2 outs in the bottom of the fifth, Lou Brock and Ozzie Smith delivered back-to-back doubles against Price, putting Kansas City ahead, 2-1.

Rijo got out of a bases-loaded jam in the top of the 6th by striking out Ed Charles for the final out. That was it for the Kansas City hurler–6 innings, 5 hits, 1 run was a very good day for him, and the somewhat shaky Connie Johnson took over in the top of the 7th.

The score remained 2-1, and again the Monarchs turned to Jeff Pfeffer in the 9th. The big right-hander walked Edd Roush, got two batters to fly out to Willie McGee in center, and then walked Danny Hoffman. So, two on and two out, and once again Joe Morgan at the plate in a key situation. This time, a lazy fly ball to left ended the game, evening the series at one with the Kansas City victory.

Both starters were excellent: Price gave up 7 hits and 2 runs in 7 innings, but still took the loss.

Johnny Bench and Hal Morris had 2 hits each for Indianapolis and Oscar Charleston was hitless, ending his streak at 14 games. McGee and Musial had 2 hits apiece for Kansas City.

IND 1 (Price 1-2) @ KAN 2 (Rijo 3-2; Johnson 1 H; Pfeffer 6 Sv)
HRs: none
Box Score

Game 3: Rube Foster @ Andy Petite

An interesting game where Indianapolis took the lead without a hit (Bob Bescher walked, stole second, and scored on an error Kansas City’s Gene Freese at 3B). They doubled the lead when a Joe Morgan double scored a laboring Ernie Lombardi all the way from first in the top of the 4th.

But the Monarchs answered immediately, with a leadoff homerun from Albert Pujols and then, after two quick outs, five consecutive hits: a double from Freese and singles from Fielder Jones, Lou Brock, Ozzie Smith, and Ted Simmons. Those hits scored 2, with the inning ending when Bescher gunned down Brock at the plate. The Monarchs were now ahead, 3-2.

Rube Foster gave up 10 hits in 6 innings, but only 3 runs while Andy Petite was spectacular, allowing 4 hits and only 2 earned runs in just over 7 innings.

Careful readers would know, then, that Indianapolis would score again: after Dave Henderson walked with 2 outs in the top of the 7th, Johnny Bench was sent to the plate to pinch-hit for Davey Concepcion. Bench sliced a triple down the right-field line, scoring Henderson and tying the game at 3.

It stayed that way to the bottom of the 9th, when Kansas City scored a run in what has become a bit of a trademark style: Brock reached on a walk (OK, that’s not so common), stole second, moved to third on a soft single to CF by Smith, and scored on a fly ball to right by Simmons, ending the game.

Willie Mitchell pitched well, but took the loss, with Craig Kimbrel earning the victory with 1.2 innings of hitless relief.

IND 3 (Mitchell 1-1) @ KAN 4 (Kimbrel 1-1)
HRs: KAN – Pujols (6)
Box Score

Game 4: Red Faber @ Frank Castillo

Attempting to gain a series split, Indianapolis jumped on Frank Castillo quickly, with consecutive doubles by Oscar Charleston and Johnny Bench and a single from Joe Morgan leading to an early 3-0 lead. After a Boog Powell RBI put Kansas City on the board, the ABC’s used an unexpected source to re-establish their 3-run lead when light-hitting Chase Headley doubled home Jake Stenzel.

Red Faber sailed along until the fifth, when another RBI from Powell–this one a double that scored Ozzie Smith–opened the floodgates. Albert Pujols singled home Powell, and then Rogers Hornsby hit a long homerun to right-center, putting the Monarchs in front, 5-4. That meant that, despite a subpar performance, Castillo turned the game over to Trevor Rosenthal with the lead and a chance for a victory.

Rosenthal allowed a run on a wild pitch, tying the game at 5, and putting the match in the hands of the two bullpens. Kansas City would strike first, with a 2-run homerun from Willie McGee putting them up, 7-5. But Rosenthal would be unable to hold it, allowing consecutive doubles to Bob Bescher and Hal Morris before giving way to Adam Wainwright. Wainwright would allow one more run on a sacrifice fly, so once again we were tied, this time 7-7.

Once again the ABC’s found success from an unlikely source, as Dennis Menke–called on to pinch hit for Bescher–delivered a single to center to score the go-ahead run. The ABC’s Rob Murphy, who has struggled most of the year, retired Kansas City in order in the bottom of the 8th. That setup Indianapolis’ closer, Rob Dibble, to face the heart of Kansas City’s lineup in the bottom of the 9th.

Stan Musial walked, and was replaced at first by pinch-runner Fielder Jones. Pujols whiffed, but Hornsby lifted a ball to shallow center. It fell for a single, putting runners on 1st and 2nd with one out. Dibble induced a groundball to second base by Lou Brock, but Headley–called into emergency service at shortstop–couldn’t handle the throw, loading the bases for Ducky Medwick, hitting .359 since being recalled from AAA a few weeks back.

Medwick lifted it deep enough into the OF for Jones to score easily, tying the game. Dibble struck out Salvador Perez, sending us into extra innings.

It was the bottom of the 11th, and Medwick once again: he delivered a single, scoring Jones to win the game–and the series–for Kansas City. Hornsby had 3 hits for the Monarchs.

The win went to Jeff Pfeffer, who moved to 4-1 on the year, with Lefty James suffering the loss.

IND 8 (James 2-1; Murphy 3 H; Dibble 1 BS) @ KAN 9 (Pfeffer 4-1; Rosenthal 4 BS; Wainwright 1 BS)
HRs: KAN – McGee (3), Hornsby (4)
Box Score

Series Notes

Joe Morgan returned from the DL in strong form, going 5-for-18 and Hal Morris went 6-for-17. But the offensive leader for Indianapolis was Johnny Bench, who had 6 hits in 13 at-bats.

Ted Simmons led the way for the Monarchs, with 6 hits in 11 at-bats. Ozzie Smith went 6-for-17 and Rogers Hornsby 5-for-14. Jeff Pfeffer was involved in the decision in all four games, going 2-0 with 1 save and 1 blown save.

Series X Preview: Indianapolis ABC’s @ Kansas City Monarchs

By mknn

On July 12, 2021

In Featured Series, Series Previews

This is our first featured series with Indianapolis. Kansas City was featured in Series VIII, where they split 4 games with Los Angeles.

The ABC’s come into the game with a record of 17-20, putting them 7.5 games behind the Black Yankees in the Effa Manley division while Kansas City is at .500, 19-19, 4 games back of Chicago in the Cum Posey division.

Both teams have decent potential to be better than their records, predictably given that, there are a few strong perofrmances, but the teams need more players to step forward.

For the ABC’s, the best of them has been C Johnny Bench, who is hitting at a 281/383/596 clip while adding great defense behind the plate. Nineteen year old Oscar Charleston looks like the real deal as well, slashing 337/360/494 with speed and defense in the outfield. Indianapolis is looking to the return of Joe Morgan from the DL and the institution of Edd Roush into the lineup on the regular to fire up the offense.

But the pitching needs to improve as well: all five starters have an ERA between 3.98 (Rube Foster, 3-2 on the year) and 4.99 (Dolf Luque, 2-4). That means they’ve all been solid, but none spectacular. Rob Dibble has been great on the back end of the bullpen, but Rob Murphy hit hard setting him up.

Kansas City’s record has been more disappointing in some ways: the Monarchs are top 8 in almost all offensive categories in the league (except homeruns, which, of course, matters), and they are first in the advanced pitching metrics–WAR and FIP. They really have two flaws: not enough homeruns, and a defense that has continually let them down.

The Monarchs knew they had a “Big Three” coming into the year, and Stan Musial (380/448/570), Albert Pujols (320/380/503), and Rogers Hornsby (283/367/467) haven’t disappointed. Boog Powell‘s contribution (300/423/473) has been unexpected, and the real key to the offense is if their speedsters–Willie McGee, Lou Brock, Ozzie Smith–can get on base enough to keep the innings going.

The pitching has been a bit less consistent. Frank Castillo (2-4, 3.62) has pitched far better than his record and Andy Pettite (3-2, 3.83) has been solid. But both Rube Marquard and Jose Rijo are in danger of moving out of the rotation, with ERA’s of 5.67 and 6.63 respectively. The bullpen has been pretty fantastic, with the closing trio of Frank DiPino (1 Sv, 1 H, 1.62), Craig Kimbrel (6 H, 2.65), and closer Jeff Pfeffer (3-0, 5 Sv, 2.16) nearly unmatched in the league.

Projected Series Matchups

Indianapolis first: Johnny Cueto (4-2, 4.60) @ Luke Hamlin (2-3, 4.24); David Price (1-1, 4.15) @ Jose Rijo (2-2, 6.63); Rube Foster (3-2, 3.98) @ Andy Pettite (3-2, 3.83); Red Faber (3-2, 4.71) @ Frank Castillo (2-4, 3.62).

The Foster v Pettite matchup is clearly the most intriguing, but there are important questions to be answered about Rijo (can he keep his rotation spot?) and Castillo (can he move into the elite starts in the league?) as well.

Series VIII Featured Series: Los Angeles Angels @ Kansas City Monarchs

By mknn

On June 28, 2021

In Featured Series, Game Recaps

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.

WBL Year I Statistics

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. Oscar Charleston (HOM); Rickey Henderson (SFS); Pete Hill (HOU); Gary Pettis (POR); Rick Reichardt (HOM); Manny Sanguillen (NYY); Billy Southworth (BBB); George Stone (HOD)

3+ 2B Games

4. Stan Musial (KCM)
3. Bob Bailey (DET); Curt Blefary (BAL); Pete Browning (HOD); Rico Carty (PHI) x2, Rick Ferrell (HOM); Pinky Higgins (NYG); Baby Doll Jacobson (BAL); Davey Johnson (HOM); Scott Rolen (PHI); Jimmy Sheckard (NYG); Ozzie Smith (KCM); Roy White (BRK)

3+ HR Games

3. Joe Adcock (NYG); Gil Hodges (POR); Reggie Jackson (SFS); Yasiel Puig (NYG); Chase Utley (PHI)

3+ OF Assists

3. Jim Edmonds (HOD); Curtis Granderson (BBB)

4+ BB Games

4. Eddie Collins (CAG); Gavvy Cravath (PHI); Mickey Mantle (NYY); Joe Morgan (IND); Babe Ruth (NYY) x2; Reggie Jackson (SFS); Reggie Smith (MEM); Elmer Valo (LAA); Joe Votto (IND)

4+ Run Games

5. Don Mattingly (NYA)

4. John Briggs (BRK); Johnny Callison (NYG); Robinson Cano (KCM); Cupid Childs (BBB); Will Clark (MIA); Mark Ellis (LAA); Carlton Fisk (CAG); Dan Ford (HOD); Bryce Harper (BAL); Kent Hrbek (POR); Frank Isbell (BBB/BRK) x2; Joe Jackson (CAG); Reggie Jackson (SFS); Geoff Jenkins (DET); Eddie Mathews (BBB); Willie Mays (NYG); Andrew McCutcheon (HOM); Willie McGee (KCM); Boog Powell (KCM); Edd Roush (IND); Pops Stargell (HOM); Mike Trout (LAA) x2; George Wright (LAA)

4+ SB Games

4. Bobby Bonds (SFS); Lou Brock (KCM); Eddie Collins (CAG); Billy Southworth (BBB)

5+ Hit Games

5. Pete Browning (HOD); Robinson Cano (KCM); Ty Cobb (DET); Chili Davis (DET); Mark Ellis (LAA); Tom Herr (BBB); Frank Isbell (BBB); Stan Musial (KCM); Ken Singleton (BAL); Jim Stephens (LAA); Mike Trout (LAA); Andy Van Slyke (HOM); Jim Wynn (HOU)

5+ SO Games

5. Phil Bradley (OTT); Mike Piazza (BRK); Bobby Wallace (BAL)

6+ RBI Games

9. Jim Stephens (LAA)
7. Mickey Cochrane (SFS); Eric Davis (NYY) x2; Reggie Jackson (SFS); Doug Rader (LAA); Pete Runnels (MCG)
6. Bob Bailey (DET); Carlos Delgado (LAA); Rogers Hornsby (KCM); Jim Pagliaroni (MEM); Yasiel Puig (NYG); Honus Wagner (HOM)

Longest HRs

526 ft. Jim Thome (MCG)
525 ft. Albert Pujols (KCM)
524 ft. Frank McCormick (BBB)
515 ft. Carlos Correa (HOU)
514 ft. Casey Stengel (HOU)
511 ft. Boog Powell (KCM)
504 ft. Curt Blefary (BAL); Eugenio Suárez (NYG)
503 ft. Ernie Banks (HOD)
502 ft. Wally Moon (SFS)
501 ft. Curt Blefary (BAL)

Pitching Statistics

80+ Game Scores

91. Sandy Koufax (BRK); Christy Mathewson (NYG)
89. Dave Righetti (NYY)
88. Bert Blyleven (POR); Bob Gibson (KCM); Ron Guidry (NYY); Bill Steen (CLE)
87. Pete Donohue (NYG); Jack Taylor (HOD)
86. Luke Hamlin (KCM); Mel Harder (CLE); José Rijo (KCM); Jack Taylor (HOD)
85. Freddie Fitzsimmons (MCG); Waite Hoyt (NYY)
84. Bert Blyleven (POR); Gene Conley (DET); Freddie Fitzsimmons (MCG); Ned Garvin (BAL); Lefty Grove (POR); Luke Hamlin (KCM); Harry Howell (LAA); Greg Maddux (BBB); Stubby Overmire (MEM); David Price (CAG); Frank Smith (CAG).
83. Jamie Moyer (OTT); Toad Ramsey (HOU).
82. Ned Garvin (BAL); Luke Hamlin (KCM); Walter Johnson (POR); Dutch Leonard (BRK); Tricky Nichols (CAG); Bob Rush (HOD); Stephen Strasburg (HOU); Jack Taylor (HOD); Cy Young (HOM)
81. Brett Anderson (LAA); Bert Blyleven (POR); Walter Johnson (POR); Tricky Nichols (CAG); Camilo Pascual (MCG); Whit Wyatt (CLE)
80. Brett Anderson (LAA); Bob Brown (OTT); Steve Carlton (PHI); Gerrit Cole (LAA); Lefty Grove (POR); Waite Hoyt (NYY), Ramón Martínez (MCG); Wade Miley (HOD); Old Hoss Radbourn (OTT); Charlie Root (DET)

10+ Strikeout Games

14. Bert Blyleven (POR)
12. Ed Walsh (CAG)
11. Bob Brown (OTT); Lefty Grove (POR) x2; Ron Guidry (NYY); Luke Hamlin (KCM); Tommy Hanson (BRK); Ramón Martínez (MCG); Christy Mathewson (NYG); Tricky Nichols (CAG); Dave Righetti (NYY); Bret Saberhagen (HOU); Ed Walsh (CAG)
10. Bob Feller (CLE); Lefty Grove (POR); Ron Guidry (NYY) x2; Walter Johnson (POR); Mike Mussina (BAL); Frank Knauss (BRK).

8+ Walk Games

8. Ramon Martínez (MCG); Nolan Ryan (LAA); Carlos Zambrano (HOM)

Shutouts

1 H. Sandy Koufax (BRK); Christy Mathewson (NYG)
2 H. Luke Hamlin (KCM); Waite Hoyt (NYY) [7 Inn]; David Price (CAG); José Rijo (KCM); Frank Smith (CAG); Jack Taylor (HOD)
3 H. Brett Anderson (LAA); Pete Donohue (NYG); Freddie Fitzsimmons (MCG); Ned Garvin (BAL): Bob Gibson (KCM); Luke Hamlin (KCM); Mel Harder (CLE); Ron Guidry (NYY); Greg Maddux (BBB); Tricky Nichols (CAG); Stubby Overmire (MEM); Dave Righetti (NY); Bob Rush (HOD); Jack Taylor (HOD).
4 H. Brett Anderson (LAA); Bert Blyleven (POR); Gerrit Cole (LAA); Gene Conley (DET); Ned Garvin (BAL); Waite Hoyt (NYY); Wade Miley (HOD); Tricky Nichols (CAG); Old Hoss Radbourn (OTT); Toad Ramsey (HOU); Bill Steen (CLE); Jack Taylor (HOD); Cy Young (CLE)
5 H. Bert Blyleven (POR); Steve Carlton (PHI); Harry Howell (LAA); Walter Johnson (POR); Dutch Leonard (BRK); Ramon Martinez (MCG); Jamie Moyer (OTT); Milt Pappas (BAL); José Rijo (KCM); CC Sabathia (HOD); Sam Streeter (BBB)

Shutouts (Combined)

1 H. Luke Hamlin / Frank DiPino / Jeff Pfeffer (KCM)
3 H. Whit Wyatt / Chad Qualls / Chuck Porter (CLE); H. Newhouser / Gene Conley / Kevin Hart (DET); Stephen Strasburg / Billy Wagner (HOU); Mel Harder / Chuck Porter (CLE)
4 H. Hank Aguirre / Mike Henneman (DET); Dizzy Trout / Elmer Brown (POR); Vic Willis / John Malarkey (BBB); Doc Gooden / Mike Smith (LAA); Stubby Overmire / Lance Broadway / Heath Bell / Jonathan Papelbon (MEM); Willie Mitchell / Clay Carroll / Rob Dibble (IND)
5 H. Ray Collins / Rheal Cormier (PHI); Vean Gregg / Stan Bahnsen (HOM); Connie Johnson / Smokey Joe Wood / Jeff Pfeffer (KAN); Bob Rush / Rollie Fingers / Scott Downs / Lee Smith / Bruce Sutter (HOD); Francisco Liriano / Frank Linzy (HOM); Gene Conley / Buddy Napier / John Hiller; Jack Taylor / Scott Downs / Kerry Wood (HOD); Roenis Elías / Phenomenal Smith / Ed Bauta / Aroldis Chapman (MCG); Stephen Strasburg / Chad Qualls / Brad Lidge (HOU) / Eddie Plank / Dave LaRoche / Rob Beck (SFS); Jack Scott / Aroldis Chapman (NYY); Pat Malone / Chuck Porter / Cory Gearrin / Terry Adams (DET)