Tag: Magglio Ordóñez

TWIWBL 24.3: Mid Season Reviews – Chicago American Giants

On February 22, 2022

Summary

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

What’s Gone Right

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

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

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

What’s Gone Wrong

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

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

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

Key Storylines

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

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

Trading Outlook

BUYING.

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

AAA Shuttle

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

Midseason Changes

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

Awards

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

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

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

Down on the Farm

AAA: Milwaukee Brewers

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

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

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

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

AA: Madison Black Wolf

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

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

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

TWIWBL 20.2: Series XVII Notes – Cum Posey Division

By mknn

On January 6, 2022

In TWIWBL

#Chicago American Giants

Frank Thomas hit 2 homeruns and drove in 4 runs supporting Mark Buehrle in a 9-1 victory over Kansas City. Buehrle allowed 1 run in over 7 innings, evening his record at 5-5 and Eddie Collins had 2 hits and scored 3 times for Chicago.

Recent call-ups Rocky Colavito and Magglio Ordóñez hit their first homeruns of the year, with Colavito going deep twice, leading the American Giants in a 7-3 victory over Kansas City. Tricky Nichols moved to 8-2 on the year with the complete game victory.

Fernando Rodney was returned to AAA to clear room for Cristóbal Torriente‘s activation from the DL.

#Houston Colt 45’s

Jim O’Rourke doubled home a run in the bottom of the 13th, giving Houston a 2-1 victory over Birmingham. Bret Saberhagen pitched fantastically over 8.2 innings, allowing only 1 run on 4 hits while striking out 8. The win went to Trevor Hoffman, who improved to 4-0 with 3 innings of perfect relief.

Dock Ellis was sent to AAA as Leon Day returned to Houston from the Disabled List.

#Kansas City Monarchs

Adam Wainwright was placed on the DL as a precautionary measure, with Joe Blong joining the Monarchs’ staff from AAA.

#Ottawa Mounties

Needing a starter, the Mounties returned Johnny Podgajny to AAA and recalled Gary Peters.

Thirty-five year old Jamie Moyer continued to impress, tossing a 5-hit, complete game shutout against Baltimore , improving his record to 4-3 and lowering his ERA under 4.00. Anthony Rendon and Gary Carter each homered and drove in 2 runs with 2 hits, leading the Mounties to the 6-0 win.

TWIWBL 18.2: Series XV Notes – Cum Posey Division

By mknn

On November 8, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Baltimore Black Sox

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

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

#Chicago American Giants

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

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

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

#Houston Colt 45’s

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

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

#Ottawa Mounties

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

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

TWIWBL 9.1: AA Roundup

By mknn

On June 26, 2021

In TWIWBL, WBL Minor Leagues

Featured Team: Madison Black Wolf (Chicago)

Chicago‘s AA affiliate in Madison started the year fine, with a 6-5 record after 11 games. Since then, they’ve lost fifteen consecutive games. They are certainly not that bad of a team, as 7 of the defeats have been by a single run. But still, 6-20–and 12 games back after a month–is not good.

No pitcher has more than a single win, with Harry “Green River” Buckner having probably been the best of them, despite a 1-4, 5.63 ERA showing so far. Ted Lyons (1-3, 5.52) and Sean Gallagher (0-3, 5.89) have pitched better than their records as well. Closer Scott Radinsky does have 2 saves and a 1.69 ERA but, as you may expect, has not had many opportunities.

The best offensive performer for the Black Wolf was OF Magglio Ordonez (320/397/660), but he was promoted to AAA Milwaukee. That leaves 20-year old SS/OF Jack Doyle (280/342/500) at the heart of Madison’s lineup. OF Henry Cotto has 7 HRs and 20 RBIs and is slashing 245/286/481. And there’s not a lot else.

Lyons, Gallagher, and Doyle are all under 22, and are currently the brightest prospects on the Black Wolf.

Top AA Performers

Jimmie Foxx (Sacramento/San Francisco) and Joe Rudi (Montgomery/Birmingham) have been the dominant offensive forces at AA, with both recently promoted to AAA. Foxx slashed 358/456/821 with 9 HRs at Sacramento and Rudi 359/400/859 for Montgomery. Atlantic City (Philadelphia)’s Prince Fielder leads AA with 13 HRs, and Fort Worth (Detroit)’s Bill Sweeney is hitting .400. More impressively, Oklahoma City (Kansas City)’s Johnny Bassler is keeping his OBP just shy of .500 at .495.

Of those, none are over the age of 22, and Bassler is only 17, so all should be considered prospects.

On the mound, three starters still have sub-2.00 ERAs: Sacramento (San Francisco)’s Turk Wendell at 2-0, 1.19; Charlotte (Baltimore)’s Dave Smith at 2-0, 1.64; and San Diego (Los Angeles)’s Sean O’Sullivan at 2-0, 1.71. Wendell also has a stellar 0.79 WHIP.

Syracuse (Homestead)’s Vern Law is 5-0 with a 2.97 ERA, but his future may be at 1B and not on the mound–clearly, though, if he keeps this up, he’ll progress as a hurler. Steve Bedrosian (Montgomery/Birmingham) and Mark Williamson (Charlotte/Baltimore) lead AA with 9 saves each.

Awards

AA Pitcher of the Month: Mark Williamson (Charlotte/Baltimore), 2-0, 9 Sv, 0.00 ERA.
AA Batter of the Month: Cy Williams (Albuquerque/House of David), .333, 9 HRs, 31 RBIs.

AA Player of the Week: Willie Crawford (Tulsa/Memphis); Richie Ashburn (Atlantic City/Philadelphia); Harry Stovey (Rochester/Cleveland); Adam Dunn (Nashville/Indianapolis).

Top Prospects

SP: Joe Nuxhall (15, Albuquerque/House of David), 3-0, 2.23 ERA; Larry Dierker (17, Albuquerque/House of David), 3-2, 2.51 ERA; Lew Krausse (21, Troy/New York Gothams), 2-2, 3.08 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, 44 K.
RP: Steve Bedrosian (24, Montgomery/Birmingham), 1-0, 9 Sv, 0.00 ERA; Rick Camp (23, Montgomery/Birmingham), 2-1, 4 H, 3.09 ERA.
C: Frankie Hayes (19, Vancouver/Portland), 314/407/771.
1B: Jimmie Foxx (20, Sacramento/San Francisco), 358/456/821.
2B: Wally Backman (22, San Diego/Los Angeles), 337/419/554.
3B: Bill Sweeney (22, Fort Worth/Detroit), 400/467/550.
SS: Bert Campaneris (22, Albuquerque/House of David), 375/432/675.
OF: Joe Kelley (20, Tulsa/Memphis), 323/404/646; Willie Crawford (17, Tulsa/Memphis), 344/447/583, 11 2B, 21 R; Richie Ashburn (21, Atlantic City/Philadelphia), 379/426/544, 39 H, 3 3B.

Bold indicates league leader.

Season Preview: Chicago American Giants

By mknn

On August 21, 2020

In Team News

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

Final Roster

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

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

Notes

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

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

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