Just about the worst possible news: Frank Thomas tore a ligament in his knee and is out, hopefully to return before next year’s all star game. George Grantham was recalled, but this injury has profound implications for the American Giants’ off-season, especially given the trade of Paul Konerko.
#Los Angeles Angels
Ps Harry Howell, Luke Walker, and John Lackey were promoted to Los Angeles, along with Scott Rice, who wrapped up his rehab assignment. 3B David Wright was recalled from AAA as well.
Roy Patterson was named to the Angels’ rotation.
Freddie Freeman hit 2 out, giving him 4 since his late season acquisition, and the Angels came from behind to beat Memphis, 6-3. Another recent import, Gene Tenace, did the same, with 2 homeruns (the 2nd a walkoff grandslam) as Los Angeles again topped the Red Sox, this time, 7-4.
#Miami Cuban Giants
Miami will be without the services of Gary Sheffield for a couple of weeks as the Cuban Giants slugger strained his back in a loss to Portland. Sheffield heads to the DL with Kevin Kouzmanoff being recalled from AA (there were preferred targets at AAA, but with Orlando still in the playoffs, Kouzmanoff it is for the time being).
#Portland Sea Dogs
Hughie Jennings, who has been impressing of late, strained an abdominal muscle, earning a place on the 10 Day DL, prompting the recall of fan favorite Greg Litton from AAA.
Ken Griffey Jr. had 2 homeruns, 4 hits, and 5 RBIs, leading the Sea Dogs to a 13-6 romp over Miami. Buddy Belll added 2 homeruns of his own, and Kent Hrbek, Bobby Murcer, and the impressive newcomer Bobby Abreu also went deep for Portland.
Harry Matuzak–yet to give up a run across 4 bullpen appearances–will miss about a week, with Jack Wisner joining the Sea Dogs from AA.
#San Francisco Sea Lions
Jair Jurrjens was recalled from AAA, and both Lefty Grove and Frank Grant were recalled from rehab assignments.
Pennant race intrigue galore as we enter the final month of the season!
#Awards
#August Awards
Brooklyn‘s emerging stud Fernando Valenzuela went 5- 1 in August, earning the NL Rookie of the Month for August; in the AL, San Francsico‘s rookie superstar Turkey Stearnes hit .389 with 10 homers and 24 RBI’s during the month, taking home the AL Award.
Valenzuela was eclipsed by Indianapolis‘ Luis Padrón for the overall monthly award. Padrón went 5-0 in the month with a 3.09 ERA as he solidified his status as the best hurler in the WBL this season, winning the NL Pitcher of the Month for August. The AL Pitcher of the Month went to Andy Pettitte of the New York Black Yankees, who rode a 5-1 record to the Award.
Ernie Banks of the House of David had a torrid August, slugging 14–FOURTEEN–homeruns and hitting .370 as he was named the Batter of the Month in the AL. Over in the NL, the Batter of the Month Award went to Detroit‘s Ty Cobb, who hit .452 in August, reclaiming a shot at a .400 average for the season.
#Weekly Awards
Stearnes hit .435 with 4 homers over the final week of August, earning the rookie CF the AL Player of the Week while Brooklyn’s 3B Ron Cey hit .455 with 5 homers, earning him the NL Player of the Week Award.
#Team Performance
Here is where we are.
In the American League, The San Francisco Sea Lions are going to win the Cum Posey Division, and either the Cleveland Spiders or New York Black Yankees are going to win the Bill James Division (right now, the Spiders hold a 1.5 game edge). Whoever loses the Bill James will take one Wild Card spot, and either Detroit (8 gams back in the Bill James) or Miami (1.5 games behind Detroit) will take the other.
Over in the National League, it’s a lot more complicated. Brooklyn is running away with the Effa Manley Division, and right now Philadelphia–13 games behind the Royal Giants–is leading the Wild Card chase. The Marvin Miller Division is still tightly packed, with the Houston Colt 45’s holding a 2 game edge over Kansas City. However, 7 teams are within 5 games of the final Wild Card slot, so essentially, other than the Effa Manley crown, everything is left to play for in the NL.
#Player Performance
#Batters
This week, we have the story of 2 slumps. Josh Gibson has dipped below .400 for the first time in months and Babe Ruth has gone 10 games without a homerun (and only has 2 in his last 17 games). While Gibson has retained the BA lead, Ruth has surrendered the HR edge and is in fact closer, with 57, to Ernie Banks in 3rd place with 54 than José Canseco in 1st with 62.
Top 2 in most categories.
Ron Blomberg (CLE). 283/347/657. 126 RBI. José Canseco (MCG). 261/367/749. 62 HR. Oscar Charleston (IND). 338/382/619. 174 H. Ty Cobb (DET). 388/443/846. 189 H, 58 2B, 15 3B, 130 R, 8.6 WAR. Josh Gibson (HOM). 396/497/775. 9.1 WAR. Rickey Henderson (SFS). 251/382/439. 93 BB, 103 SB. Joe Jackson (CAG). 363/415/623. 64 2B. Babe Ruth (NYY). 266/400/689. 57 HR, 134 RBI, 121 R, 101 BB.
#Pitchers
#Starters
All 5 players with at least 16 wins are listed, as well as the top 2 in other categories.
A. Rube Foster (KCM). 10-6, 3.09. .205 BABIP, 0.98 WHIP. Ron Guidry (NYY). 8-7, 4.40. 222 K. Bump Hadley (SFS). 16-5, 4.06. Orel Hershiser (BRK). 17-5, 3.94. Luis Padrón (IND). 19-3, 3.49. 5.9 WAR. Eddie Plank (SFS). 16-7, 4.68. Andy Pettitte (NYY). 16-8, 4.28. Toad Ramsey (HOU). 15-9, 3.25. 240 K, 0.98 WHIP, 3.34 FIP, 7.1 WAR. Fernando Valenzuela (BRK). 12-5, 3.56. 1 Sv, 4 H, .218 BABIP. Smokey Joe Williams (BRK). 11-11, 3.93. 3.70 FIP.
#Relievers
Top 2 in most stats, top 3 in saves and holds.
28 Min IP.
Rod Beck (SFS). 4-4, 5.22. 33 Sv, 1 H. Rheal Cormier (NYY). 0-3, 5.34. 15 H. Eric Gagne (BRK). 2-3, 2.68. 31 Sv. Eddie Guardado (KCM). 2-1, 1.99. 1 Sv, 9 H. Bob Howry (PHI). 4-1, 3.27. 21 Sv. 0.85 WHIP. Michael Jackson (HOM). 1-7, 5.05. 1 Sv, 20 H. Josh Lindblom (HOM). 7-4, 3.62. 32 Sv. BJ Ryan (OTT). 2-3, 4.80. 1 Sv, 16 H. Lee Smith (KCM). 4-2, 2.81. 6 Sv, 12 H. 0.77 WHIP. Brian Wilson (NYG). 2-2, 2.51. 17 Sv.
#Streaks
Been a while since I checked in on these … and there is very little going on in terms of active streaks. George Gore of the House of David has reached base in his last 8 consecutive at bats, but that’s about it.
Houston’s Carlos Correa had a 29 game hitting streak earlier this season, and San Francisco’s Lefty Grove went 34 innings without allowing a run.
Billy Loes will miss the rest of the season, with the American Giants recalling knuckleballer Wilbur Wood.
Carlton Fisk hit 2 out as the American Giants topped the Black Yankees, 12-6.
#Miami Cuban Giants
Don Wilson and Lefty George were recalled from AA for the rest of the season and Phenomenal Smith and Eustaquio Pedroso were recalled from their rehab assignments. For the time being, both Pedroso and Smith will work out of the Cuban Giants’ bullpen.
Iván Rodríguez hit 2 out, but it wasn’t enough as the Cuban Giants fell to Los Angeles, 8-7.
#Portland Sea Dogs
Kent Hrbek hit 2 out, giving him 30 on the year and leading the Sea Dogs to an 8-6 win over Detroit.
#San Francisco Sea Lions
Frank Grant and Lefty Grove both started rehab assignments.
Turkey Stearnes hit 2 out–reaching 45 on the year–and the Sea Lions got a good spot start from Watty Clark, edging Portland 4-1.
Waite Hoyt was excellent in his first start for Chicago, blanking his old team 4-0. Hoyt combined with Herb Pennock and AJ Minter on the 5 hit shutout of the New York Black Yankees.
The American Giants recalled Rocky Colavito, Luke Appling, Freddie Lindstrom, and Michael McKenry along with pitchers Gavin Floyd, Joe Horlen, and Scott Radinsky. Ben Sheets was removed from the rotation as Chicago will use a committee approach at the end of their rotation.
Joe Jackson drove in 6 on 2 homeruns and 2 doubles and Eddie Collins added 4 hits of his own and scored 4 times as Chicago beat San Francisco 11-6. The offense continued to produce, this time with Frank Thomas driving in 6 and scoring 4 times in a 12-6 win over the Sea Lions. Collins again scored 4 times and McKenry went deep in his first WBL game in the victory.
#Los Angeles Angels
Mark Ellis was recalled from his rehab assignment and Nolan Ryan was recalled from AA.
#Miami Cuban Giants
Phenomenal Smith–who really was phenomenal last year in limited appearances–began a rehab assignment after a major injury.
Gary Sheffield and Jim Thome each had 2 dingers as the Cuban Giants edged Portland, 7-6.
#Portland Sea Dogs
Jeff Burroughs went deep twice, leading Portland to an 8-1 win over Memphis.
An error in the 9th opened the door for Joseíto Muñoz to face one more batter and, with that, he struck out his 15th batter of the night, setting a new WBL record. Muñoz got the win in the 8-2 triumph over Memphis, allowing 3 hits and walking 1. Gil Hodges had 3 hits and 5 RBIs for the Sea Dogs.
Walter Ball was recalled from his rehab assignment, replacing Jerry Koosman in the Sea Dogs’ rotation. Ps Harry Matuzak and Johan Santana–now fully committed to his long-term role as a starter–were recalled, along with Ernie Krueger, Miguel Sanó, Bobby Abreu, and Elvis Andrus.
Ken Griffey, Jr. hit 2 out, but Portland fell to Miami, 7-6.
#San Francisco Sea Lions
Lefty Grove will miss a couple starts, headed to the DL with a viral infection. The Sea Lions recalled Tim Hudson–out for many months–from a rehab assignment to see what the veteran has left in the tank.
Brian Downing hit his first 2 homeruns of the year, but the Sea Lions bullpen gave up the game in a 9-7 loss to Detroit. A few games later, Jack Clark also hit 2 out, giving him 42 on the year, but the Sea Lions fell to Chicago, 12-6.
A run through of the trading deadline, in no particular order. Over 50 players and almost 20 draft picks changed hands in the frenzy.
Hoyt There it Is!
P Waite Hoyt, 5th round pick from NYY to CAG for P Hoyt Wilhelm, IF Jorge Orta, 4th round pick.
The New York Black Yankees address a bullpen need by acquiring Hoyt Wilhelm from the Chicago American Giants, in exchange for young starter Waite Hoyt. Chicago will also send young IF Jorge Orta to New York, and the 2 teams exchanged draft picks, with New York getting a 4th and Chicago a 5th rounder.
It’s an odd trade for New York, as it’s not clear that Hoyt (Wilhelm) adds more to their bottom line of wins more than Hoyt (Waite). Chicago probably wins this one, just on the SP > RP evaluation. Orta should have a WBL career, but is not enough to balance the deal.
Now & Later
IF Paul Konerko, P Akinori Otsuka, OF Lenny Dykstra, 3rd round pick from CAG to BBB for P Sam Streeter, IF Trea Turner, 5th round pick.
Chicago officially closed the door on their performance for this season, sending 1B Paul Konerko and his .988 OPS along with Akinori Otsuka and his 1.07 WHIP to Birmingham, receiving P Sam Streeter and prospect Trea Turner in return. Chicago will also send OF Lenny Dykstra and a 3rd round pick, with Birmingham surrendering a 5th rounder to make it all work.
Konerko and Otsuka being on the wrong side of 30 makes this acceptable, and Chicago probably got peak value for them in a long-term starter and the talent of Turner. Birmingham is thrilled, as this addresses two of their most pressing needs for a playoff push: 1B and bullpen help.
The Wolverines Commit
P Gene Conley, P Bill Drake, P Emil Yde, OF Hub Collins from DET to BAL for SS Bobby Wallace, P Connie Johnson.
Detroit addressed two needs in a deal with Baltimore, sending struggling P Gene Conley (who is in search of a reboot to their career after an amazing start last season), promising young Ps Bill Drake and Emil Yde along with OF Hub Collins to Baltimore in exchange for SS Bobby Wallace and P Connie Johnson.
I mean … Detroit loves this for the immediate future. The key here is whether Yde, and especially Drake, ever amount to anything. This does remove any question about the infield of the future for the Black Barons, with Eddie Murray, Miller Huggins, Cal Ripken, Jr. and Manny Machado all but assured of starting roles.
Stars and Sea Dogs move a lot of Bodies
SS Jim Fregosi, P Mark Melancon, OF Harry Hooper, IF Rafael Palmiero from POR to PHI for OF Bobby Abreau, P Dave Stieb, P Jaret Wright, P LaTroy Hawkins, SS Pat Meares, 2nd round pick.
Philadelphia, eyeing a potential playoff run, went shopping in Portland. They added a long-term solution at SS (Jim Fregosi), a much-needed bullpen arm (Mark Melancon), and some OF depth in the struggling Harry Hooper. That haul cost them 3 pitching prospects in Dave Stieb, Jaret Wright, and LaTroy Hawkins, as well as SS Pat Meares, and a 2nd round pick. The teams also swapped high-ceiling-but-blocked prospects, with Portland receiving Bobby Abreu and Philadelphia Rafael Palmiero.
Abreau for Palmiero is a wash. Of the rest, it’s sort of a classic now/later proposition. Fregosi and Melancon step directly into key roles for the Stars, but Hawkins, and especially Stieb, do look like excellent long term prospects.
The American Giants Do Some (More) Things
OF Jake Stenzel from IND to CAG for P Joe Lake.
IF Freddie Lindstrom, 2nd round pick from HOM to CAG for P David Price.
Chicago believes they can solve their pitching woes from within, sending 2 members of their rotation packing. First, they received CF Jake Stenzel from Indianapolis for Joe Lake; then they sent David Price to Homestead for Freddie Lindstrom and a 2nd round pick.
Stenzel steps into a crowded outfield, but should get a lot of play the rest of the season while the American Giants’ commitment to the struggling teen Cristóbal Torriente is tested. This basically decimates the American Giants’ rotation, leaving them with Ed Walsh and a lot of questions, but Lake and Price (who himself only arrived via trade earlier last season) were questions themselves. Lindstrom may step into a WBL role behind Dick Allen at 3B.
A Closer for Some Future
P Jonathan Papelbon, 4th round pick from MEM to MCG for P Josh Beckett, OF Roy Thomas, 3rd round pick.
Memphis sent Jonathan Papelbon to Miami, receiving minor leaguers Josh Beckett and Roy Thomas in return. The team also exchange draft picks, with Memphis surrendering a 4th in exchange for Miami’s 3rd round selection.
Fair enough. Miami desperately needed a dependable arm to join Ricky Nolasco in their pen, and Beckett has a ton of upside.
The Black Barons Upgrade
IF Bobby Grich, 3rd round pick from LAA to BBB for P Vic Willis, C Gene Tenace, 1st round pick.
Birmingham came into this trade period looking for a SS; they left with a 2B (who can play SS). In a bit of a surprise move, they convinced LA to part with Bobby Grich, sending Vic Willis, Gene Tenace, and a 1st rounder to the Angels, who also sent a 3rd round pick back their way.
Grich is a huge pickup for the Black Barons–an all star caliber who can get on base and play both middle infield positions is exactly what the doctor ordered in Birmingham. They gave up a lot–Tenace is excellent, some think Willis will eventually be a number one starter, and of course, the #1 pick is a lot. But it seems Birmingham is convinced they have a shot in the playoffs this year, and you can’t fault the ambition.
First Round Picks On the Move, or Freeman at Last, Freeman at Last
P Joe Beggs, 2nd round pick from BAL to KCM for OF Earl Averill.
IF Freddie Freeman, IF Eddie Miller from SFS to LAA for P Joe Nathan, IF Wally Joyner, 1st round pick.
Baltimore found a potential CF for the future in Earl Averill, who came over from Kansas City for a Joe Beggs and a 2nd round pick.
One of the more promising talents in the WBL may have found a home, as Los Angeles sent a 1st Round Pick, closer Joe Nathan, and Wally Joyner to San Francisco for Freddie Freeman and minor league SS Eddie Miller.
Both of these make some sense, as both Freeman and Averill were totally blocked where they were (Freeman by Jimmie Foxx and others, Averill by Willie McGee and Cool Papa Bell). Freeman should immediately see playing time in LA, while Averill looks to be in the mix for next season.
Gothams Going Gone
P Juan Marichal, P Robb Nen from NYG to HOM for IF Davey Johnson, IF Howard Johnson, 3rd round pick.
P Steve Howe, P Troy Percival from NYG to DET for IF Robby Thompson, P Dellin Betances, 3rd round pick.
The Gothams moved a few pieces around, sending Juan Marichal and Robb Nen to Homestead for 2B Davey Johnson, Howard Johnson, and a 3rd round pick. Then, they moved Steve Howe and Troy Percival to Detroit for 2B Robby Thompson, P Dellin Betances, and a 3rd round pick.
The Gothams will need to totally redo their staff, but each move makes some sense. Between Johnson (Davey) and Thompson, they should now have a post-Larry Doyle plan at 2B.
The Black Yankees Find their SS of the Future?
P Sparky Lyle, IF Elliott Maddox, P Carlos Rodón, 2nd round pick, 4th round pick from NYY to HOU for IF Grant Johnson.
They hope so, sending Sparky Lyle, Elliott Maddox, pitching prospect Carlos Rodón, and a 2nd and a 4th round pick to Houston for Grant Johnson, who will rotate in with both Derek Jeter and Rogers Hornsby for now.
It’s a lot to give up, for sure. But Johnson is only 25, and an established WBL performer who will solve the Black Yankees’ long term needs at either 2B or SS. Lyle is solid, and fills a very strong need for Houston, but the rest of what they gave up was future potential, which is cheap for a team whose goal is to win now.
Other Deals
OF George Hendrick from PHI to BRK for 3rd round pick.
IF Joe Adcock from NYG to MCG for 5th round pick, cash.
Philadelphia sent OF George Hendrick to Brooklyn for a 3rd Round Pick.
Miami picked up Joe Adcock from the New York Gothams essentially for free: they sent the Gothams a 5th round pick, and the Gothams are covering Adcock’s salary for the rest of the year.
Each of these were essentially curtesy trades: having picked up Harry Hooper, Philadelphia had no place for Hendrick and Adcock, at 38, desperately wanted a chance to swing the bat for a contender in what may be his final season.
Summary
Minor Leaguers in italics.
Team
Coming
Going
Baltimore Black Sox
Earl Averill Gene Conley Hub Collins Bill Drake Emil Yde 2nd Round Pick
Joe Beggs Connie Johnson Bobby Wallace 1st Round Pick 2nd Round Pick
Birmingham Black Barons
Lenny Dykstra Bobby Grich Paul Konerko Akinori Otsuko 3rd Round Pick 4th Round Pick
The trade deadline is the biggest news, but the league rolls on into the pennant races.
#Awards
Homestead‘s Andy Van Slyke hit .500 with 7 homeruns over the past week, earning him the NL Batter of the Week Award. Over in the AL, it’s a familiar name, as Detroit‘s Ty Cobb rode a .556 average and 8 RBIs to the AL Player of the Week Award.
#Team Performance
Very little has changed.
San Francisco still dominates the league, with 80 wins, a .650 winning percentage, and a 21 game lead in the Cum Posey Division. The Sea Lions have a decent chance at clinching the division before the end of August.
Cleveland still leads the New York Black Yankees in the Bill James Division, now by 3 games, with both teams exceedingly likely to make the postseason.
And then there is the Marvin Miller Division, where last-place Birmingham is only 3.5 games behind first place Kansas City, with everything to play for over the last month-plus of the season.
#Player Performance
#Batters
Some fascinating changes here, led by Babe Ruth ceding the HR lead, at least temporarily (this happened last year as well before Ruth pulled away). Josh Gibson‘s attempt to stay over .400 is in danger, but he’s still the most formidable offensive force in the league, with Ty Cobb and Ruth close behind.
Only 4 players have a BA over .350: Gibson, Cobb, Daniels, and Chicago‘s Joe Jackson.
Ron Blomberg (CLE). 295/361/688. 125 RBI. José Canseco (MCG). 264/370/759. 58 HR. Oscar Charleston (IND). 340/381/634. 162 H, 12 3B. Ty Cobb (DET). 381/436/813. 169 H, 52 2B, 14 3B, 114 R, 7.3 WAR. Kal Daniels (LAA). 358/447/674. Josh Gibson (HOM). 401/500/781. 8.3 WAR. Rickey Henderson (SFS). 248/379/433. 84 BB. Joe Jackson (CAG). 351/402/598. 54 2B. Babe Ruth (NYY). 279/408/736. 56 HR, 132 RBI, 111 R, 89 BB.
#Pitchers
#Starters
All 5 players with at least 15 wins are listed, as well as the top 2 in other categories.
A. Rube Foster (IND). 8-5, 2.93. 0.97 WHIP. Lefty Grove (SFS). 15-5, 4.37. Bump Hadley (SFS). 16-5, 4.07. Orel Hershiser (BRK). 16-5, 3.82. José Méndez (MCG). 10-5, 4.36. Toad Ramsey (HOU). 13-9, 3.19. 217 K, 6.6 WAR, 0.97 WHIP. Luis Padrón (IND). 17-3, 3.57. 5.1 WAR. Eddie Plank (SFS). 15-5, 4.38.
#Relievers
The top 3 in the league remain Josh Lindblom, Rod Beck, and Eric Gagne, who have 30, 29, and 26 saves respectively. Of those, Gagne has been the most dominant, and is probably only challenged by Kansas City’s Craig Kimbrel, who had 11 holds before being named their closer, and has posted 9 saves since. The other 3 relievers with 20-plus saves are listed as well.
28 Min IP.
Terry Adams (CLE), 1-5, 4.28. 21 Sv, 2H. Rod Beck (SFS). 4-3, 5.05. 29 Sv, 1H. Rheal Cormier (NYY). 0-2, 5.07. 14 H. Eric Gagne (BRK). 2-2, 2.39. 26 Sv. Eddie Guardado (KCM). 2-1, 2.06. 1 Sv, 8 H. Michael Jackson (HOM). 1-7, 5.15. 1 Sv, 19 H. Craig Kimbrel (KCM). 3-4, 2.10. 9 Sv, 11 H. Josh Lindblom (HOM). 7-4, 3.86. 30 Sv. Joe Nathan (LAA/SFS). 5-5, 4.31. 20 Sv, 1H. Jonathan Papelbon (MEM/MCG). 3-5, 4.71. 20 Sv. BJ Ryan (OTT). 2-3, 5.24. 1 Sv, 14 H.
#Down On the Farm
As roster expansion looms, a look at the best AAA and AA performers of the year so far. We’re listing the slash, homerun, and stolen base leaders for hitters, wins, ERA, and saves for pitchers, and WAR for both.
#AAA Batters
Jack Hannifin (26, LVA / LAA). 267/327/706. 54 HR. Kenny Lofton (27, BUF / CLE). 277/345/482. 72 SB. Jerry Mumphrey (29, CBB / HOD). 321/377/564. 4.0 WAR. Elmer Valo (35, LVA / LAA). 343/430/583.
AAA Pitchers
Mark Baldwin (29, WAS / BAL). 10-8, 3.58. 4.5 WAR. Al Brazle (28, CBB / HOD). 10-2, 3.54. John Denny (34, QUE / BRK). 13-6, 4.32. Red Ehret (24, SJB / SFS). 13-10, 4.54. George Jeffcoat (26, HRT / NYG). 4-7, 3.23. 28 Sv. Dick Redding (21, QUE / BRK). 13-6, 3.71.
#AA Batters
Andrew Benintendi (23, TUL / MEM). 343/450/572. Lorenzo Cain (28, ABS / HOU). 333/382/554. 4.3 WAR. Rajai Davis (29, ASN / BBB). 278/315/396. 34 SB. Cy Williams (26, ALI / HOD). 306/361/716. 44 HR.
#AA Pitchers
Ping Gardner (24, SYR / HOM). 10-1, 2.67. Art Johnson (22, JCS / BRK). 10-4, 3.45. Lew Krausse, Jr. (22, JCS / BRK). 8-6, 3.99. 3.6 WAR. Doc Newton (21, JCS / BRK). 10-0, 2.86. 3.6 WAR. Lance McCullers (20, CCH / HOU). 3-5, 3.50. 24 Sv. Mike Minor (25, 6-4, 2.58. Masahiro Tanka (24, TRO / NYG). 10-12. 4.28.
More due to a lack of decent options, David Price was named as the American Giants’ fifth starter.
In what is most likely his final game with Chicago, trade target Paul Konerko hit 2 out as the American Giants came from behind to top Miami, 13-7.
Dick Allen hit 2 homers and the American Giants withstood a fierce comeback to edge Miami, 9-8.
#Los Angeles Angels
Doug Rader went deep twice, giving him 21 for the season, but the Angels fell to Baltimore, 6-5.
It looks like the Angels will close by committee for the rest of the season as they don’t really make a move to replace the departed Joe Nathan. They do bring newly obtained Vic Willis directly into the WBL bulllpen. Brian Giles and Freddie Patek were recalled from the minors, and John Lackey, AJ Pierzynski, Derrek Lee, and Jack Gleason were all demoted to AAA.
#Miami Cuban Giants
Eustaquio Pedroso heads to the DL for a couple of weeks with Ray Lamb being recalled from AAA to take his place, at least on the mound. Hugh McQuillan replaced Ramón Martínez in the rotation as the Cuban Giants try to find some solutions to their ongoing struggles at the back of their rotation.
Gary Sheffield and Jim Thome each hit 2 out of the park, and the Cuban Giants survived a horrible day from their bullpen to beat Detroit, 16-11. Cole Hamels, who improved to 10-9 on the year, left the game in the 7th with a 13-3 lead, and Miami held on for dear life from there.
Yasiel Puig and Andy Pafko repeated the feat, each going deep twice, but this time it wasn’t enough as Miami fell to Detroit, 11-5. Puig did it again the next day, reaching 20 on the season, as Miami felled the Wolverines, 10-1 behind an excellent start from José Méndez.
Thome did it again, going deep twice in a loss, as the Cuban Giants fell to Detroit, 8-6.
More of the same: 2 more for José Canseco, giving him 55 for the year, but another loss as Miami’s bullpen fell apart in a 13-7 loss to Chicago.
Dale Murray and Lamb were sent to AAA, clearing the way for newly acquired Jonathan Papelbon and Joe Adcock.
Another 2 for Canseco, another loss to Chicago, this one 9-8. With 57 on the year, Canseco temporarily took over the league lead in homers.
#Portland Sea Dogs
Kent Hrbek hit 2 out, but the Sea Dogs fell to the Spiders, 13-4. Paul Molitor repeated the dubious feat, hitting his 7th and 8th homeruns of the year as the Sea Dogs fell, 8-3 to Cleveland.
As the Sea Dogs try to figure out their future, they recalled Jim Golden and Dick Jones onto their pitching staff, and Hughie Jennings to share time at SS with Molitor. Jerry Koosman was named to the rotation staff, and the various trades Portland made will lead to significantly more playing time for Willie Randolph and perhaps Eddie Yost.
#San Francisco Sea Lions
Dennis Eckersley was sent to AAA with the arrival of Joe Nathan in the Sea Lions’ bullpen.
Frank Grant will spend a couple weeks on the DL, with the Sea Lions recalling IF Wayne Gross from AAA.
Chicago’s season is done at this point, so they have turned their focus to next year. The immensely talented Chino Smith was recalled from AAA. While Smith won’t unseat Eddie Collins at 2B, it’s hoped that, by shifting Joe Jackson to LF, the American Giants can see what they have in Smith in RF.
Despite his obvious power, Rocky Colavito was sent to AAA to clear room for Smith.
Chicago also recalled Danny Murtaugh from AA, sending Damian Jackson down, giving them a chance to see what the young IF can do, both at SS and as Dick Allen‘s backup at 3B.
Jackson tied the game with a 2 run pinch-hit shot in the 9th and won it with another 2 run homerun in the 11th as the American Giants beat Memphis, 8-6 in 11 innings.
The American Giants exploded for 15 runs over the last 3 innings, turning a 5-5 tie into a 20-6 rout of Los Angeles. Kevin Mitchell had 3 homeruns and Paul Konerko and Duffy Lewis each hit grandslams in the game, with Konerko driving in 8–the most in the WBL this season–and Mitchell 6. Collins, Konerko, and Mitchell each scored 4 times.
#Los Angeles Angels
John Stearns was sent to AAA with AJ Pierzynski returning from his rehab assignment. With Ron Hassey‘s strong showing, look for Pierzynski to be more in a backup role than a platoon.
Doug Rader and Carlos Delgado each hit 2 homeruns and Doc Gooden put in a solid start as the Angels trounced Portland, 11-2.
Kal Daniels is having himself a season. Los Angeles, unfortunately, isn’t, and his 5 hits weren’t enough as the Angels fell to the Sea Dogs, 10-6 in 10 innings. Things got a little worse for the Angels after the game as Ross Reynolds–perhaps the most dependable arm in their bullpen all year–will miss about a week with a stiff back. John Lackey was recalled from AAA.
#Miami Cuban Giants
Julio Rodríguez hit two homeruns, giving him 30 on the year, but the Cuban Giants’ bullpen imploded in a 14-7 loss to the Black Yankees. The next day, Rodríguez did it again: 2 homeruns in another loss to New York, this one by a 14-5 tally.
Jim Whitney continued to shine as a trade acquisition for the Cuban Giants, twirling a 2-hitter against the Black Yankees in a 4-0 victory. Helped by homeruns from Yasiel Puig and Gary Sheffield, Whitney improved to 3-1 for Miami, whiffing a dozen and walking 2 in the complete game effort.
#Portland Sea Dogs
Art Fowler was sent to AAA with Tom Zachary being recalled from his rehab assignment. The next day, Walter Ball was forced from his start and will miss about a week with inflammation. Ball hits the DL with Fowler being immediately recalled. And then Fowler was injured; however, as he will miss about 3 months, the yo-yo stops here. Bill Monbouquette was recalled for his WBL debut.
Gil Hodges hit 2 out of the park, giving him 30 on the year, as the Sea Dogs held on for a 10-7 win over Memphis.
#San Francisco Sea Lions
Watty Clark was recalled from his rehab assignment, with Bobby Seay being returned to AAA. With Tom Brewer‘s impressive start, for now, Clark will work out of the bullpen.
Turkey Stearnes launched 2 out of the ballpark, but Miami prevailed over the Sea Lions, 6-4. Different day, same song: Jack Clark hit 2 out but again Miami triumphed over the Sea Lions, this time 9-7.
Tricky Nichols, who has struggled all year, finally revealed a possible cause, and will miss the rest of the season with shoulder inflammation. The American Giants hope to have him back for the Spring, and recalled Billy Loes from a rehab assignment to take Nichols’ roster spot.
#Miami Cuban Giants
José Canseco hit 2 out of the ballpark, leading the Cuban Giants to a 12-9 win over San Francisco.
But it doesn’t always work: Jim Thome, Andy Pafko, and Julio Rodríguezeach hit 2 homeruns in a game the Cuban Giants’ bullpen blew as Miami fell to San Francisco, 9-8 in 10 innings.
Canseco continued his charge, hitting out 3 and reaching 50 on the year as Miami beat the Black Yankees, 7-3. It was the second time this season Canseco has walloped 3 homers in a single game.
Kenshin Kawakami will miss about 6 weeks with shoulder stiffness, warranting a trip to the DL and prompting the Cuban Giants to recall Dale Murray from AAA.
#Portland Sea Dogs
Kent Hrbek went deep twice and drove in 6 as the Sea Dogs topped Memphis, 10-5.
#San Francisco Sea Lions
Watty Clark began a rehab assignment.
The Sea Lions tweaked their bench, sending down Gene Oliver and bringing back Brian Downing for another try as the backup catcher.
Turkey Stearnes went deep twice, giving the impressive rookie 32 on the year, but the Sea Lions fell to Miami, 12-9. Then it was Jimmie Foxx‘s turn, but his 2 homers were enough to carry San Francisco to a come-from-behind win over the Cuban Giants, 10-6. And then it was time for Jack Clark to hit 2 out, but this time the Sea Lions bullpen lost a late lead as San Francisco feel to Los Angeles, 10-9.
In what may be a preliminary move to more significant changes, the American Giants moved Joe Lake into the starting rotation, sending last season’s ace Tricky Nichols to the bullpen. The also moved AJ Minter out of the closers role, replacing him with Akinori Otsuka. For now, however, both Nichols and Minter stay with the WBL club.
Frank Thomas had himself a day, hitting 2 homeruns and going 5-for-5, but it wasn’t enough as the American Giants fell to Detroit, 8-6.
#Los Angeles Angels
With Mark Ellis out for about a month, the Angels recalled Jay Bell from AAA. Bell will see some time at SS, with Bobby Grich returning fulltime to his 2B spot.
Elmer Smith replaced Pud Galvin at the end of the Angels’ rotation for the time being. Smith has been struggling at the plate, so his time in the OF will probably be reduced, but Los Angeles does still plan to use have him hit on the days he pitches.
Mike Trout went deep twice, but it wasn’t enough as the Angels fell to Cleveland, 7-5.
Kal Daniels and Ron Hassey each hit 2 out and the Angels’ bullpen held on as Los Angeles topped Cleveland, 11-8. Then they battered the Spiders, 14-3, as Ichiro Suzuki had 5 hits, Hassey 4, and Daniels drove in 6.
#Miami Cuban Giants
José Canseco went deep twice, but Miami fell to Baltimore, 5-3.
#Portland Sea Dogs
Tom Zachary will miss over a week and, with Scott Terry‘s fate still unknown, is hurt enough to warrant a trip to the DL. Art Fowler was recalled to take Zachary’s spot in the bullpen.
The news on Terry wasn’t good: he’ll be out for 9 months (Tommy John surgery) and the Sea Dogs recalled Heath Hembree from AAA.
#San Francisco Sea Lions
Turkey Stearnes went deep twice and Eddie Plank fanned 10 in 7+ innings, improving to 15-4 on the year in a 6-4 victory over the New York Black Yankees. And then it was Bobby Bonds‘ turn, as he hit his 27th and 28th homer of the year in another win over New York, this one by a margin of 7-4 as Bump Hadley won his 15th of the year.
