Tag: Nellie Fox

TWIWBL 77.3: The Trade Market

On August 29, 2025

With the August trade deadline just around the corner, seemed to be a good time to take a look at the likely sellers and buyers, and some players that are likely to find new homes by the end of next week.

Some notes on these:

Needs reflect places where the minor league systems are thin on talent and the general shape of WBL level talent needed.
The second three bullets (Prospects, AAA Help, WBL Help) are possible players that could be available in the right context..

#BUYERS

These are teams looking to solidify their talent or make a push for the post-season. In a perfect world, they have some young talent to spare as well.

#Birmingham Black Barons

Yeah, they’re in 5th place, but they’re also only 4 games back, so there’s hope. The Black Barons have been ingenious at past deadlines, we’ll see if they can continue the trend.

Needs: IF, P, Minor League SS/3B

Prospects: OF Melky Cabrera, Curt Flood, Gary Matthews; IF Nate Colbert, Hal Trosky
AAA Help: P Tommy Bond; IF Pie Traynor
MLB Help: OF Bob Nieman

#Cleveland Spiders

Could use another SP, as well as a help in the middle infield–Chuck Knoblauch is skating along on last year’s performance, and there isn’t any depth to speak of at 2B/SS despite Steve Sax‘s excellent first 50 PA’s.

Needs: Minor League 2B/SS.

Prospects: OF Paul O’Neill, Kenny Lofton; IF Johnny Hodapp
AAA Help: P Chuck Porter, Claude Passeau; IF Bob Elliott, Brook Jacoby
MLB Help: IF Willie McCovey

#Homestead Grays

A Wild Card spot is likely for the Grays, who have a powerhouse offense and a desperate need for pitching. With some young talent blocked, they may be able to make some moves.

Needs: Bullpen is aging

Prospects: OF Max Carey, Paul Waner; IF Freddie Lindstrom
AAA Help: OF Starling Marte; IF Jeff Kent, P Brickyard Kennedy
MLB Help: OF Goose Goslin

#Houston Colt 45’s

Another team caught between a wild card chase and building for the future, the Colt 45’s would love to address their one ongoing need, which is a catcher to take over from the aging Jorge Posada, as some in the organization are not yet sold on Will Smith as the longterm solve behind the plate. There is a crunch at 1B/DH as well, as there really aren’t enough AB’s to go around for both Paul Goldschmidt and the recently demoted Andrés Galaragga.

Needs: Minor League C, SS.

Prospects: IF Bucky Dent, Travis Jackson, Wes Helms; OF César Cedeño, Hunter Pence, Shin-Soo Choo
AAA Help: P Mike Sirotka, Óscar Tuero; IF Carney Lansford, Aramis Ramírez, OF Gorman Thomas, Johnny Damon
MLB Help: Various bullpen pieces may be possible

#Indianapolis ABC’s

Another team riding the wild card roller coaster. The ABC’s are solid offensively, but struggle some behind their top end starters. There are some blocked players–perhaps most notably Jake Stenzel–so there are some pieces available.

Needs: Minor League OF

Prospects: OF Jim Eisenreich, IF Pokey Reese, Sean Casey, Hal Morris
AAA Help: P Johnny Vandeer Meer; OF Jody Gerut, Dave Henderson, Ed Swartwood; IF Dan Driessen
MLB Help: OF Jake Stenzel, Bob Bescher, IF Ed Charles

#Kansas City Monarchs

This Monarchs team will make the playoffs a year or two ahead of schedule so the choice of how much to surrender for immediate success is a bit challenging. At some point, some of the positional logjams need to be sorted out (Albert Pujols, Dale Murphy, and Ducky Medwick; Willie McGee and Cool Papa Bell), but it’s not clear that now is that time.

Needs: Minor League C; WBL Offense

Prospects: OF Wade Johnston, Earl Averill; IF Keston Hiura, Pat Burrell
AAA Help: P Adam Wainwright, Jack Quinn; IF Ken Boyer, Andre Thornton; OF Merv Rettenmund, Jim King
MLB Help: P Matt Morris, Luke Hamlin

#New York Black Yankees

Once again the Black Yankees are trying to find the right piece to extend their postseason run. At some point, they’ll need to solve their post Derek Jeter needs at SS, but this is probably not that time.

Needs: Minor League OF; P; future SS.

Prospects: OF Rob Deer, Clyde Milan
AAA Help: OF Roger Maris; IF Tom Herr, Red Rolfe; P AJ Burnett
MLB Help: P Rheal Cormier, Red Ruffing, Waite Hoyt

#MEH

A mix of teams doing well enough not need anything (San Francisco) and those not willing to give up much because they like their current talent composition moving into Year 3. Never say never, as these teams do have some pieces, but they are far less motivated to get something done at the deadline.

#Brooklyn Royal Giants

This team is just beginning to gel, but they could use some offense and they are one of the few franchises with arms to spare.

Needs: SS if unconvinced by Vern Stephens; Minor League 1B

Prospects: OF Matty Alou, Raúl Mondesi, Don Mueller; IF Sonny Jackson, Ken McMullen, Maury Wills; P Doc Newton, Zach Britton
MLB Help: IF Germany Smith, Dick Bertell
AAA Help: IF Jim Gentile, Eric Karros; C Kelly Shoppach; P Ron Perranoski

#Detroit Wolverines

They’re in an odd spot: on the one hand, they are likely to be in the wild card chase; on the other, this is a team well positioned for the future, and eager to cement that status. There are a lot of pieces that are over 30, but none–other than perhaps Oscar Gamble–are key cogs in the Wolverines’ machine.

Needs: Minor League 3B; IF, esp SS; P.

Prospects: IF Wander Franco
MLB Help: OF Oscar Gamble
AAA Help: OF Brady Clark, Wes Covington; IF Jimmy Collins; P Dennis Rasmussen

#Miami Cuban Giants

The Cuban Giants have an outside shot at a wildcard slot, but this is a team building for the future. As such, I would expect them to stand pat, or perhaps move some end of roster pieces for minor league depth.

Needs: Minor League OF, 3B, 1B; WBL P.

Prospects: OF Roy Thomas, Carlos Morán
MLB Help: P Sandy Consuegra, Kenshin Kawakami; OF Andy Pafko
AAA Help: IF Nellie Fox

#Ottawa Mounties

Even though the Mounties have a shot at the playoffs, this is a team trying to position itself for the future, which basically means begging everyone and anyone for pitching.

Needs: Minor League SS, 3B, C. SP.

Prospects: OF Warren Cromartie, Willie Upshaw, Willie Keeler, Leon Roberts
MLB Help: P Bryn Smith; IF Roy Sievers; OF Rick Monday
AAA Help: IF John Olerud; OF Terry Puhl, Bob Allison; C Emil Gross; P Chris Bosio

#Philadelphia Stars

The Stars are on the fringe of the playoffs, but really this is a team aiming at cementing and building around its emerging nucleus. As such, some of its useful veterans may be available; at the same time, Philadelphia would love to add some pitching and address its issues in the middle infield.

Needs: MI, P, WBL Offense.

Prospects: ???
MLB Help: OF Rico Carty; P Bob Howry, Robin Roberts, Pedro Feliciano; IF Art Fletcher, Ted Kluszewski
AAA Help: OF Bobby Abreu; IF Jung Ho Kang, Dolph Camilli, Cecil Cooper; C Sherm Lollar

#San Francisco Sea Lions

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. That said, if an easy piece comes available, it’s unlikely the Sea Lions ignore the opportunity.

Needs: Minor League 1B

Prospects: OF Jules Thomas, Matt Holliday; IF Freddie Freeman; P Jair Jurrjens
MLB Help:
AAA Help: IF Dick Green, Denny Walling; OF Josh Reddick; P Rube Walberg

#Wandering House of David

Even the House of David isn’t convinced their playoff chances are real. Still … they might be. So it’s a bit of a quandary in terms of whether they should move some of their young talent or not. The challenge is the roster really doesn’t make a ton of sense: CF is overly crowded, 1B/DH as well, and there is an abundance of talent at 2B.

Needs: P

Prospects: OF Tony Conigliaro; IF Billy Herman
MLB Help: OF Jim Edmonds, George Gore; IF Mark McGwire, Richie Hebner
AAA Help: P Joaquín Andújar; IF Tom Hutton, Mark Grace; OF Tracy Jones

#SELLERS

Teams with either an excess of talent, or who have thrown in the towel on the season and have some veteran pieces that may be attractive.

#Baltimore Black Sox

Last year’s champs, this year’s dunces. Baltimore believes in its young core, a belief that may see them retain FA acquisition Gavvy Cravath, but even he may be had for the right price.

Needs: all P, Minor League OF.

MLB Help: IF Bobby Wallace, Dan McGann; P Buddy Groom, Connie Johnson, Joe Beggs
AAA Help: P Ken Johnson, Kevin Tapani, Christhian Martínez; OF Ken Griffey, Sr; IF Brian Roberts

#Chicago American Giants

The season cannot end soon enough. Chicago has talent to be a contender, but nothing has gone right for them this season. They are willing to blow up their pitching staff, from a how much worse could it be perspective.

Needs: Minor League OF, C; prime P

Prospects: IF Jorge Orta; OF Walter Davis, Lenny Dykstra
MLB Help: P Akinori Otsuka, Joe Lake, Mark Buehrle, Hoyt Wilhelm, David Price; IF Paul Konerko, Freddy Parent; OF Vernon Wells
AAA Help: OF Rocky Colavito, Magglio Ordóñez; C Michael McKenry

#Los Angeles Angels

It hasn’t been a bad year for the Angels, but they are still a player or three away. There is a lot of mound talent in the organization, but they could use some long term solutions at SS, 3B, and C.

Needs: Minor League OF, C, 2B; WBL Offense.

Prospects: OF Norm Miller
MLB Help: IF Eddie Joost
AAA Help: OF Elmer Valo; IF Mark Ellis; P Rich Hill

#Memphis Red Sox

There is hope in Beantown. Just not for this year. There also are some pieces that may hold attraction for contenders, most notably 1B Bill White (with the Red Sox happy to turn 1B over to David Ortiz) and closer Jonathan Papelbon. There is a lot of congestion at various positions that needs to clarify over time.

Needs: Minor League C, SS; SP; 2B/SS

Prospects: IF Dustin Pedroia, OF Joe Rudi, Dwight Evans, Lefty O’Doul, Candy Jim Taylor, P Jim Kaat
MLB Help: P Tommy de la Cruz, Jonathan Papelbon; IF Bill White, DJ LeMahieu, Iván De Jesús, Nomar Garciaparra
AAA Help: IF George Scott, Dustin Pedroia

#New York Gothams

With this season pretty much scrapped, the Gothams are looking to the future. Which puts them in an interesting spot, as they have a fair number of useful parts on the wrong side of 30. But it’s not a total fire sale, as the team isn’t that far away from competing.

Needs: Minor League SS, C, 2B; SS

Prospects: OF Rick Manning
MLB Help: P Mike Norris, Juan Marichal, Troy Percival, Gaylord Perry; IF Joe Adcock, Larry Doyle, Terry Turner
AAA Help: OF Carl Furillo, Steve Kemp, Charlie Hamburg; IF George Kell; P Liván Hernández, Wei-Yin Chen, Tony Mullane, Guy Hecker

#Portland Sea Dogs

In some sense, the Sea Dogs did their selling already, both during the offseason and the all star break. But this year is still a wash for Portland, so anything they can do to help build for the future will be worthwhile.

Needs: 2B/SS, overall WBL Offense.

Prospects: ???
MLB Help: OF Kiki Cuyler, Harry Hooper; IF Gil Hodges; P Mark Melancon
AAA Help: IF Don Baylor, Rafael Palmeiro; OF Walt Bond, Jerald Clark

Year II Season Preview: Miami Cuban Giants

By mknn

On March 27, 2024

In Team News

Expectations

To no longer be considered one of the absolute worst teams in the league would be a nice start.

Best Case

Camilo Pascual, Freddie Fitzsimmons, and José Méndez form a strong front of the rotation and Cole Hamels joins them, fulfilling the promise he showed early in the season with the Black Yankees. Offensively, José Canseco repeats, but is joined by … someone–~~Paul Molitor~~ or Gary Sheffield or Alejandro Oms or even Yasiel Puig–as a formidable offensive force, with Cookie Rojas recovering the form he showed with the Gothams, and and and … you get the idea. Everyone improves in every way.

Worst Case

Ouch. Everyone with high expectations becomes Martín Dihigo from last year, a continual disappointment showing just enough promise to keep from being jettisoned. One issue here is that a significant amount of the talent on the roster is very, very young and therefore several years away from really showing their true potential (for example, Dihigo is 18, Oms 20)

Key Questions

How does the rest of the staff fill out?
Can the continued development of Eustaquio Pedroso and Dihigo as two way players bear enough fruit to warrant continuing the experiment?

Trade Bait

I mean … maybe? The problem is that a team building for the future whose best assets are its young talent will often find it difficult to locate a good trading partner.

Yeah … so … that happened. It’s hard to boil the trade down: the Cuban Giants gave up Molitor, top draft pick Vladimir Guerrero, and some stuff, getting back Iván Rodríguez and a few useful possibilities (Al Oliver, Jon Matlack, Adolis García). So, this year, it’s Molitor for Pudge. But losing Guerrero is a potential big deal.

Roster Evaluation

POS	Elite	Strong	Solid	Meh	Weak	Unknown
C		Rodríguez				Burgess
1B				Thome		Miñoso
2B					Dihigo Rojas
3B					Sheffield
SS			Yount
LF/ RF		Canseco	Puig	Braun		Oliver Rodríguez
CF					Oms
SP		Pascual	~~Smith~~	Hamels Martínez Méndez		Fitzsimmons
End					Consuegra	Nolasco Terry
RP					Looper Pedroso	Latman

New Addition | ~~Injured~~

Doesn’t look like a playoff contender to me. Pudge really does help, though, and .500 might–might–be within reach.

Talent Ratings

	WBL	Minors
Raw Power	IF Jim Thome	1B Willie McCovey
Batting Eye	IF Jim Thome	U Carlos Morán
Contact	U Cookie Rojas	2B Nellie Fox
Running Speed	OF Alejandro Oms	IF Charlie Briggs OF Bert Campaneris IF Luis Castillo OF Marquis Grissom OF Eddie Milner
Base Stealing	OF Alejandro Oms	IF Jiggs Donahue OF Marquis Grissom
IF Defense	U Martín Dihigo	3B Willie Kamm
OF Defense	OF Yasiel Puig	OF Tony González
Stuff	P Adonis Terry	P Gary Gentry
Control	P Freddie Fitzsimmons	P Dale Murray
Velocity	SP Cole Hamels	P Brad Brach

Best In The Minors

Rank	Age	POS	Name
1 (22)	20	P	Josh Beckett
2 (103)	20	CF	Julio Rodríguez
3 (111)	18	P	Jon Matlack
4 (142)	24	P	Freddie Fitzsimmons
5 (159)	23	C	Smoky Burgess
6 (184)	23	U	Bert Campaneris

Others: None

On the one hand, the cupboard is pretty bare; on the other hand, the Cuban Giants are among the youngest teams in the league, so many of their “prospects” are already in Miami, joined this year by Rodríguez, Burgess, and Fitzsimmons.

	Most	Least
Age	C Clyde Sukeforth, 37	P Ed Seward, 17
Height	1B Richie Sexson, 6’8″	P Phenomenal Smith, 5’6″ U Carlos Morán, 5’6″
OPS	OF Carlos Quentin, 1.381 (—)	1B Julio Becquer, .504 (AA)
HR	OF Carlos Quentin, 81 (—)	OF José Tartabull, 0 (AAA/AA) OF Carlos Morán, 0 (WBL) IF Luis Castillo, 0 (AA)
SB	OF José Canseco, 29 (WBL) OF Marquis Grissom, 29 (—)	Many with 0
WAR	OF Carlos Quentin, 6.7 (—)	IF Russell Branyan, -2.2 (—)
W	Camilo Pascual, 12 (WBL) Ed Brandt, 12 (—-) Denny Lemaster, 12 (—-) Marcus Stroman, 12 (—-)	Johnny Murphy, 3 (AAA/AA)
SV	Bob Gillespie, 19 (—) Jim Roland, 19 (—)
ERA	John Boozer, 2.26 (—)	Mike Morgan, 6.67 (AAA/AA)
WAR	Marcus Stroman, 5.1 (—)	Nick Strincevich, -0.6 (AAA/AA)

Stats are across all levels. 200 PA / 75 IP min. Non WBL leagues indicated by —.

TWIWBL 56.14: Spring Training Notes – Miami Cuban Giants

By mknn

On March 2, 2024

In TWIWBL

Spring Training Questions

There are a lot of open competitions this Spring: will Alan Ashby or Smoky Burgess seize the C position? Where, if anywhere, will Minnie Miñoso play? How does the OF resolve, without a true CF on the roster at the moment.

Speaking of CF … last year’s primary starter, Carlos Morán, has been working out at 3B, clearing the way for 3rd round pick, Roy Thomas, to have a shot at the starting job out there.

First Cuts

Marcus Stroman, Gary Gentry, and Scott Linebrink all exited camp while Barry Latman, Sandy Consuegra, Ed Brandt, and Josh Beckett all improved their chances of making the opening day roster.

Behind the plate, Alan Ashby‘s performance last season keeps him in camp while Joe Oliver heads back to the minors. Oliver is the only departure, as Harry Danning, and especially Clyde Sukeforth, are hitting too well so far to be sent down.

The Cuban Giants are going to wait before making decisions at 1B, as they still hope that either Richie Sexson or veteran Willie McCovey can provide some much-needed power. But right now, the only 1B who is hitting is the one nobody expected, Ramón Webster. 3B Joe Dugan was sent down.

Miami is ecstatic over what Cookie Rojas and Martín Dihigo have shown so far, especially Dihigo who may have been the worst hitting regular in the WBL last season. Luis Castillo has done enough to warrant some more opportunities, but Nellie Fox will head back to minor league camp along with SS Zoilo Versalles and Alexei Ramírez. Bert Campaneris has hit worse than either of those two, but will be given a few more shots to make the roster.

In the OF, neither Vladimir Guerrero nor Julio Rodríguez were given much chance to make the team, and while Guerrero will head back to the minors, Rodríguez has shown more than enough to stick around for a little while. Jason Bay, José Tartabull, Mike Brown, Tommie Agee, Hideki Matsui, and Marquis Grissom join Guerrero in minor league camp, but that still leaves Miami with over a dozen OFers in camp, with the pressure especially high on José Cardenal and Roy Thomas to show more than they have so far.

Tony González, Sandy Amorós, and Bob Loane join Rodríguez as early surprises.

Second Cuts

Adonis Terry is the only arm sent to minor league camp as the Cuban Giants hope the quartet of Chris Resop, Freddie Fitzsimmons, Eustaquio Pedroso, and Camilo Pascual can recapture their form from last season.

Alan Ashby and Chris Hoiles were assumed to be set for roster spots, but both need to step up their game, especially Ashby, who has started Spring Training hitless in 12 at-bats.

Richie Sexson was the odd man out at 1B, heading to minor league camp. He was joined by Bert Campaneris and Eddie Milner, but the Cuban Giants really need some of their offensive talent to sort itself out, with a dozen OFers and 10 IFers still in camp.

Third Cuts

Chris Resop and Marcelino López were sent to AAA as the staff starts to round into shape for Miami. Adonis Terry, who was sent to minor league camp, hid in a locker for a couple days, and is still around.

Harry Danning‘s departure still leaves four catchers in camp (five if you count Eustaquio Pedroso, who can fill in there as well). Smoky Burgess has clearly claimed the starting spot, but last year’s contributors–Chris Hoiles and Alan Ashby–are struggling to hit while dark horse Clyde Sukeforth is doing OK with the stick.

Nellie Fox, Sandy Amorós, Tony González, and Bob Loane were all sent to AAA.

This pattern repeats throughout the roster: Willie McCovey and Ramón Webster are knocking the cover off the ball while the more established players at 1B (Jim Thome and Minnie Miñoso) continue to struggle, although Thome’s clear moon-shot power does give him a leg up.

On the IF, both Robin Yount and Paul Molitor are struggling mightily, while Martín Dihigo is absolutely ripping the cover off the ball. With Cookie Rojas, Gary Sheffield, and Ryan Braun also in the mix, something needs to give for Miami.

In the OF, Miami had anticipated coming out of camp with a new starting CF, but they thought it would be Roy Thomas, whose eye is impressive, but has shown little else. With Julio Rodríguez hitting everything in sight, the CF competition remains fierce.

Final Cuts

Newly acquired Adolis Garcia was the first to be sent down and the acquisition of Pudge allowed the Cuban Giants to move Clyde Sukeforth to the minors.

Carlos Morán is learning a new position at 3B, a spot quite crowded for Miami. Morán will start the season at AAA learning the hot corner. Likewise, Ramón Webster, despite a nice showing this Spring, heads to AAA, leaving only 5 players in camp capable of playing first.

The Cuban Giants demoted three players to get to 30: C Chris Hoiles, 1B Willie McCovey, and 2B Luis Castillo. Pudge and Al Oliver‘s arrival allows the first two moves, Castillo’s poor Spring the final one.

The Cuban Giants are desperate for pitching so Spring performances may be more impactful than they should. Ps Ed Brandt and Roenis Elías were easy choices, along with OF José Cardenal.

Roy Thomas was drafted with the hope he could potentially take over in CF, providing a high OBP option at the top of Miami’s lineup. Julio Rodríguez was brought to Spring Training as a way to give the 20 year old a taste of big league pitching. Instead, Thomas heads to AAA and Rodríguez is breaking camp with the team.

That leaves one, and the choice is between Yasiel Puig and his horrible Spring after an electric debut with Miami last fall and the wildness and potential of young Josh Beckett. The Cuban Giants think Beckett will benefit from regular starts, and send him to AAA, keeping Puig.

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 8.2: Series VII Notes – Cum Posey Division

By mknn

On June 20, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Baltimore Black Sox

Curt Blefary hit 2 HRs, bringing his season total to a whopping 12, in an 8-4 loss to the Detroit Wolverines.

#Chicago American Giants

Cristobal Torriente was placed on the DL after severely twisting an ankle in the American Giants‘ 7-6 victory over San Francisco, a game won on a walk-off HR by Dick Allen. It could be a hard game for Chicago: Herb Pennock was injured as well, but may be able to make his next start and, more importantly, superstar 2B Eddie Collins left the game favoring his leg. His diagnosis is currently unknown.

Avisail Garcia was promoted from AAA Milwaukee to take Torriente’s place.

Collins will miss about 2 weeks: Nellie Fox was called up from AAA, but the bulk of the 2B duties will fall to Damian Jackson.

#Houston Colt 45’s

Casey Stengel–yes, Casey Stengel–hit the second longest HR in WBL history when he launched a 517ft mammoth shot off Miami‘s Bill Landrum, leading Houston to a 4-1 victory over the Cuban Giants.

Only slightly less improbably than the above paragraph: Toad Ramsey, who has been thoroughly mediocre at best, delivered a 4-hit shutout against Miami in a 3-0 Houston victory. Ramsey walked 7, so it wasn’t exactly a dominant performance; still, a 4-hitter is a 4-hitter.

#Kansas City Monarchs

How do you win a game when you give up 10 walks? By pounding out 23 hits and scoring 17 runs … the Monarchs blew away Memphis 17-3, led by Rogers Hornsby‘s 2 HRs and 6 RBIs. Hornsby, Stan Musial, and Ozzie Smith scored 3 runs each, and recently recalled Robinson Cano added 4 hits. Jose Rijo pitched well enough for the win, improving to 2-1, and Trevor Rosenthal and Craig Kimbrel provided 4 innings of scoreless, one-hit relief.

#Ottawa Mounties

OF Larry Walker is heading back to the DL with a sprained wrist, leaving the Mounties without one of their only 2 higher end offensive performers so far (the other being Tim Raines). Rick Monday was recalled from AAA, increasing the pressure on Ken Griffey, Jr. to come out of his slump.

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.

Getting to 30: Cum Posey Division

By mknn

On August 6, 2020

In 2000 Spring Training, Team News

#Baltimore Black Sox

John Wetteland and BJ Ryan have been miserable, and are on their way to AAA. That hurts, as Ryan was the predicted closer for the Black Sox. That leaves the team really without a closer, with Don Bessent and Bob Miller most likely to get the initial opportunities. Rafael Betancourt looked like a contender, but he couldn’t stop tossing gopher balls, leading him to AAA to see if he can keep the ball in the park.

Ned Garvin and Rube Foster are still battling for the final rotation slot. It’s not clear if Bill Byrd‘s return from injury will impact the situation or not.

The biggest surprise may be the failure of 21 year old Eddie Murray to make the roster. On the other hand, teenage phenom Bryce Harper has earned a chance to prove his worth over the final week of Spring Training, costing Baby Doll Jacobsen a spot.

Ramon Hernandez and Curt Blefary look set to platoon behind the plate. Final distribution of playing time between Merv Rettenmud, Ken Singleton, and Alex Johnson is yet to be figured out.

3B continues to be a cloudy position, as Harlond Clift and Bill Sweeney have hit the best, but Brooks Robinson continues to show power and the best defense of the trio.

#Chicago American Giants

The front end of the pitching staff is pretty settled, but the back end is a mess. Mark Buehrle has nailed down the #4 starting spot, but the final spot is a toss-up between Ed Walsh, Herb Pennock, and Tricky Nichols. The challenge is only 2 of those make the opening day roster at all. Rube Foster will start the year at AAA, but should be back in the big leagues relatively quickly.

Ultimately, Rickie Weeks‘ bat doesn’t outweigh Nellie Fox‘s glove to backup Eddie Collins at 2B, so Weeks joins Minnie Minoso and Chico Carrasquel in AAA.

Frank Thomas has shown signs of emerging from his struggles, sending Jose Abreu to the minors, but the final cut is quite difficult for the American Giants. Ultimately, Robin Ventura‘s glove gave him the edge over Joe Crede.

#Houston Colt 45s

Billy Wagner has been historically bad, punching his ticket for AAA, where he’ll be joined by Dan Quisenberry. Both of them showed some potential, and may be back up quickly.

Scott Erickson, Bret Saberhagen, and Dock Ellis are battling for the final starting spot, with the other 2 likely to still make the opening day roster.

The rest of the cuts were really quite simple: the gap between Morgan Ensberg, Gorman Thomas, Shawon Dunston, Pete Hill, Felipe Alou, and Lance Blankenship and the rest of the roster was significant, so all 6 of them head to AAA. At 17, Hill should be back, while at 36, Alou may be done.

#Kansas City Monarchs

In one of the biggest surprises of the Spring, Bob Gibson heads to AAA. Walking 15 batters in 17 innings will do that. He’ll be back as soon as his command returns. Connie Johnson takes one long relief role, with Adam Wainwright edging out Jock Menefee for the other.

Jeff Pfeffer and Trevor Rosenthal will split the closing duties, but the middle of the bullpen remains a bit of a mystery.

Ted Simmons and Ducky Medwick were lucky to stay in camp, and have about a week to show they belong. Frankie Frisch, surprisingly, has headed back to AAA, along with Cool Papa Bell and Steve Evans, to try to get something going. All of these moves are related to Gene Freese, Ken Oberkfell, and Salvador Perez absolutely pounding the ball all Spring.

#Ottawa Mounties

Either Old Hoss Radbourn or Randy Johnson will be the 5th starter with Felix Hernandez heading to AAA, but neither have pitched well at all. Nor, honestly, has Ted Bowsfield, yet he retains his position as closer.

The other cuts should have been easy. Jackie Jensen, and Brant Alyea have done virtually nothing all Spring. George Van Haltren and John Olerud belong in that group as well, but are needed for depth at 1B and in the OF, especially with Larry Walker out injured for a couple more weeks.

The real challenge is at 2B, where all 4 contenders have played well, led by Tim Raines. George Cutshaw provides decent defense, so he’s in. Kirt Manwaring–yet to find a single hit–should really be the final cut, but he has to be kept to maintain 3 C’s on the roster. That leaves Bernie Allen and Roberto Alomar. Right now, Allen is the better player, so despite Alomar’s much higher upside, he goes to AAA.