Tag: Scott Rolen Page 3 of 4

{ With under three weeks until the All Star Teams are announced, we’re looking at what’s changed since our original previews. }

Preview I here.

#AL – Bill James and Cum Posey Divisions

Original selections: Doug Rader, Dick Allen, Pinky Higgins.

It’s a pretty clear top three right now, with one change from the above. Not only has Kansas City’s Albert Pujols forced himself into the conversation, he may be the starter for the AL, with a 303/365/514 line.

Chicago’s Allen and Los Angeles’ Rader are holding steady, Allen at 278/335/512 and Rader at 306/362/505. Each of them match Pujols’ 9 homeruns, and Rader has 54 RBIs.

Higgins of the New York Gothams is still in the conversation, he’s just fallen a bit off the pace with an OPS of .830.

None of the contenders are very good with the glove, with Higgins especially not showing much skill with the leather at the hot corner. But the best gloves in the league–Detroit’s Jimmy Collins and Baltimore’s Harlond Clift–aren’t hitting anywhere near enough to make it.

The AI picks Rader and Detroit’s Bob Bailey, but Bailey has spent only 44 innings at 3B, playing most of the time as a DH.

So, Pujols, Rader, and Allen it is.

#NL – Effa Manley and Marvin Miller Divisions

Original selections: Scott Rolen, Buddy Bell, Mike Schmidt.

Not much has changed in the NL: Portland’s Bell (312/382/540 with 10 homeruns) is head and shoulders above the rest, and Philadelphia’s Rolen (279/353/492) solidly behind him. But after that, it gets difficult.

Brooklyn’s Ron Cey, with an OPS just over .800, is the next best hitter. But Miami’s Manny Machado and the New York Black Yankees’ Schmidt are contributing a lot more defensively. Machado and Schmidt’s OPS’ are roughly equal, in the .780 range.

I continue to just have more faith that Schmidt will get hot, so we’ll keep going with him, but it really is likely to come down to which of those has a good rest of the month.

The AI shares the dilemma, picking only Bell and Rolen.

TWIWBL 15.3: Series XII Notes – Effa Manley Division

By mknn

On August 25, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Cleveland Spiders

Ron Blomberg had 3 hits and 4 RBIs, leading the Spiders to an opening game victory over the New York Gothams, 9-4. Cleveland OF Johnny Bates had an odd day: 3 walks and 2 sacrifice bunts, meaning he walked up to the plate 5 times without an official at-bat. The win went to Cy Young, now 3-2, and Doug Corbett pitched 2 scoreless innings to close it out for his first save.

Nap Lajoie and Evan Longoria were both sent to AAA to try to get their swings on track. IF Bobby Knoop and OF Kenny Lofton were recalled to Cleveland. The challenge for the Spiders remains juggling playing time at DH/C/1B, with Blomberg, Louis Santop, John Ellis, and Jake Stahl among their better contributors.

#Homestead Grays

Earl Hamilton moved into the starting rotation, but the fifth slot remains up in the air, with Carlos Zambrano recovering a bit from his early season struggles and John Candelaria not showing enough to stake a solid claim. Cliff Lee was sent to AAA. With a slash line of 162/311/216, Peaches Graham should be joining him, but there aren’t a lot of options in the minors, and Graham’s ability to get on base has some value, especially given how limited his role is as Josh Gibson‘s backup.

#Indianapolis ABC’s

Lefty James will miss about 3 weeks with a sore elbow, which is a blow to the Indianapolis bullpen as the lefty was 3-1 with a 2.36 ERA. Octavio Dotel was promoted from AAA to take James’ place.

Clay Carroll has been struggling in his bullpen role, but not enough to warrant demotion, at least not until the ABC’s learn more about what they have in Dotel. 3B has been a problem spot for Indianapolis all season. Chase Headley‘s demotion to AAA hands the fulltime job to Ed Charles, but it’s not clear that’s a long-term solution. Barry Larkin was recalled to take Headley’s spot, but he’s more likely to pressure Davey Concepcion at SS than to challenge for the 3B job.

#New York Black Yankees

Jack Scott opened the series against Houston with a 6-hit shutout victory, 4-0. Mickey Mantle, Albert Belle, and Thurman Munson each had 2 hits, with Munson extending his hitting streak to 21 games.

In a game that saw Munson’s hitting streak end at 22 games, the Black Yankees clawed their way back to a walk-off win in 12 innings. Babe Ruth plated Derek Jeter with a hit through the drawn-in infield to give Goose Gossage his 3rd victory on the season. Gossage, Ralph Citarella, and Dellin Betances combined for 5 innings of 1-hit relief after a strong start from Waite Hoyt. Belle had 3 hits, Ruth and Jeter 2 each.

The recent dip in form by the Black Yankees has revived the question of what to do with Willie Randolph and Craig Counsell, neither of whom are hitting well enough to justify a big league roster spot. The challenge is that there really aren’t any options, especially with New York carrying 12 pitchers. Aaron Hill was promoted to AAA, and if he does well there, he may replace Counsell on the big league roster shortly.

#Philadelphia Stars

Led by Buck Freeman‘s 7th homerun of the year and Robin Roberts‘ best start, the Stars put together walk-off, 3-2 victory over Brooklyn. The win went to Bob McClure in relief of Roberts, and was sealed by an RBI single from Sherm Lollar, scoring Scott Rolen.

The top of Philadelphia’s lineup–Chase Utley and Gavvy Cravath–went 5-for-9 with 3 runs scored and 5 RBIs, leading the Stars over Brooklyn, 11-3. Utley, Sherry Magee, and Rico Carty all homered, and Ray Collins improved to 5-2 on the season with John Montgomery Ward throwing 3+ scoreless innings for his second save of the season.

Philadelphia is in a hard situation with Bill Dickey at C and Mickey Doolin at SS, both of whom are stretching credulity on how much defensive value a player can add. Both Dickey and Doolin carry OPS’ below .500, but for now both retain their jobs. The Stars would love recently recalled Jimmy Rollins to show more offensively to push Doolin, but so far, no luck.

TWIWBL 13.3: Series XI Notes – Effa Manley Division

By mknn

On August 10, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Cleveland Spiders

The Spiders 8-3 win over Chicago could be important for their season. Whit Wyatt produced another fine performance, Stan Coveleski improved to 3-0 with 2.2 innings of perfect relief, Ron Blomberg continued his fantastic season with his 10th homerun and a 2-for-5 day at the plate, Louis Santop went 3-for-4, and, perhaps most importantly, Larry Doby also went 3-for-4, dragging his average closer and closer to .200.

2 hits and 2 RBIs from Jake Stahl backed another good start from Bill Steen in a 5-2 win for Cleveland. Steen had to leave with a back injury, but he looks like he won’t miss more than about a week. The win went to Hardie Henderson in relief, despite his allowing both of Chicago’s runs.

Steen was put on the DL, with Doug Corbett recalled from AAA.

#Homestead Grays

Hal Carlson and Bartolo Colon combined to blank the House of David on 6 hits, 5-0. The Grays were powered by an unlikely source, as Rick Reichardt went 3-for-5 with 4 RBIs, hitting 2 homeruns on the day. Davey Johnson had 2 hits, and Peaches Graham threw out 3 baserunners in the game.

2 homeruns, 3 hits, 4 runs, and 6 RBIs from Mike Epstein and a strong start from Vean Gregg led the Grays in an 11-2 romp over the House of David. Gregg improved his record to 3-4 with 7.2 strong innings, allowing 5 hits and 2 runs.

#Indianapolis ABC’s

It looked like a 3-run pinch-hit homerun by Portland’s Gil Hodges had resigned the ABC’s to defeat in the series opener, but they came back with 3 runs of their own in the bottom of the 8th for an 8-5 victory led by Jake Stenzel‘s 3 hits and 3 RBIs. Light hitting SS Davey Concepcion added a key 2-run double, and Lefty James–despite giving up a lead–got the win, moving to 3-1, with Rob Murphy picking up his 3rd save.

Rob Dibble blew his second save of the year, but a key pinch single from Edd Roush set up a sacrifice fly from Hal Morris in the bottom of the 9th to give Dibble his second victory of the season. Johnny Cueto put in a strong shift: 7 innings, 4 hits, only 1 earned run, but wasn’t part of the decision.

In the series finale, Danny Hoffman hit 2 homeruns, Joe Morgan had 3 hits, and Oscar Charleston had 3 RBIs in a 10-2 victory. Rube Foster improved his record to 4-2 with 8 strong innings.

#Philadelphia Stars

The Stars blew open a tight game with 5 runs in the 7th en route to an 8-2 victory over Detroit. Philadelphia had 19 hits–16 of which were singles–with Sherry Magee going 4-for-6 with 3 RBIs and Buck Freeman, Scott Rolen, George Hendrick, and Jose Ramirez each adding 3 hits. Don Carman–hit pretty hard in his WBL debut–got the start, and did OK, giving up 7 hits, but only 1 run, in 4.2 innings. Rheal Cormier moved to 4-0 with 2.1 innings of 1 hit relief.

The middle of the Stars’ lineup–Rico Carty, Ted Kluszewski, and Freeman–powered the Stars to an 8-6 victory in the series finale. The trio went 8-for-14 with 6 runs scored and 6 RBIs, and Carty and Kluszewski both went deep. Pete Alexander struggled through 6 innings, but got the victory, and Bob Howry picked up his 12th save of the year.

TWIWBL Special Edition: All Star Preview – Third Basemen

By mknn

On July 28, 2021

In All Star Games, TWIWBL

{ The All-Star game is about a month away. We’ll post occasional articles about the contenders for participation in the mid-season classic. These are written “as of now,” so the final selections may vary dramatically, but hopefully these will add to the ongoing flavor of the league. }

#AL Third Basemen: Bill James & Cum Posey Divisions

Detroit’s Bob Bailey has been one of the surprise performers of the year so far, slashing 328/413/565. The problem is that he’s really been a DH for Detroit all season and, if he makes the all-star team, it should be at that position.

Doug Rader of the Los Angeles Angels merits strong consideration for the starting position. He’s second in the league in RBI with 49, and is hitting 317/365/511 to go with it.

The challenge is who the third selection could be. Kansas City’s Albert Pujols is hitting 304/368/492, but plays as much at LF, 1B, and DH as 3B. If either Chicago’s Dick Allen (253/302/482) or Ottawa’s Anthony Rendon (294/387/412) get hot, they could force their way into the conversation.

Perhaps the right selection is the New York Gothams’ Pinky Higgins, who has been very steady at 316/382/456.

Bailey’s teammate–and Detroit’s actual third baseman, Jimmy Collins, is hitting 236/284/401, which is nowhere near all-star levels. But he has been the best fulltime defensive 3B in the division (Baltimore’s Brooks Robinson has been even better with the glove, but absolutely putrid offensively), so perhaps that gives him a shot?

The AI prefers Bailey, Rader, and Pujols (as a LF). Removing Bailey from consideration here, I would select Rader, Allen (predicting he hits another hot streak and overtakes Rendon), and Higgins.

#NL Third Baseman: Effa Manley & Marvin Miller Divisions

The first two selections are pretty easy: Philadelphia’s Scott Rolen (306/373/556) and Portland’s Buddy Bell (325/388/537) should both make it, with Bell looking like the current starter. Rolen and Bell have also been the best defensive 3B, making the choice even easier.

After that, there are a lot of questions. Miami’s Manny Machado has 9 homeruns, but not much else, and New York’s Mike Schmidt has needed a recent surge to get his numbers up to 258/313/484.

The AI goes with Rolen and Bell. I’m going to predict that Schmidt continues his improved performance, and forces himself into the conversation as well.

TWIWBL 11.3: Notes from Series IX – Effa Manley Division

By mknn

On July 11, 2021

In TWIWBL

#Cleveland Spiders

Both Phenomenal Smith and Nap Lajoie were eligible to return from the DL for the Spiders. Smith will head to AAA for a rehab assignment, but Lajoie rejoins the big league club, with Kenny Lofton heading back to Buffalo. Lofton was never really given a shot, which is puzzling given that Larry Doby is still struggling to get his OPS to .600.

A single by Bill Dahlen in the bottom of the 14th gave the Spiders a come from behind win over Kansas City. The player of the game was probably Stan Coveleski, who allowed 1 run in over 4 innings of relief, but he wasn’t involved in the decision with the win going to Chuck Porter, who improved his record to 3-2. Dahlen finished the game 3-for-6 with 2 RBIs, and Louis Santop had 3 hits as well.

Pinch-hitting in the bottom of the 9th, Ron Blomberg hit his 8th homerun of the year to give the Spiders a 4-3 victory in the 3rd game of the series with the Monarchs. Bob Feller earned the win with 4 innings of hitless relief, following a largely ineffective Cy Young, and Terry Adams picked up his 9th save.

The Spiders needed a starter, and sent the highly ineffective Chad Qualls to AAA in favor of Hardie Henderson.

On the one hand, once-time wunderkind Rowland Office, Sammy Strang, and Doby are all struggling, with OPS around .600; on the other, the Spiders are surging. So, for now, all 3 stay in the WBL, but the clock is ticking.

#Homestead Grays

Needing a starter, the Grays send Bartolo Colon back down to AAA after just 4 innings of work, bringing up 21 year-old John Candelaria to make the start in their final game against Indianapolis.

Candelaria was mediocre, allowing 10 baserunners over 7 innings, but only 4 runs. A long homerun by Pops Stargell, 3 hits from Davey Johnson, and 4 RBI’s from Roberto Clemente helped drive the Grays to an 11-4 victory.

Stan Bahnsen has allowed 4 hits and no runs in 8 innings, enough for him to slide into the rotation. Jeff Kent was sent to AAA with Phil Garner getting the call to the big leagues (Bill Mazeroski is hitting a little better than Garner, but Garner’s defensive versatility was probably the deciding factor).

#Indianapolis ABC’s

Jake Stenzel hit a grand slam, more than enough to support a fantastic outing by Red Faber against Homestead. Faber allowed 4 hits in the complete game effort as the ABC’s won easily, 9-1.

Looking for a way to get Edd Roush more playing time, the ABC’s have inserted him into a platoon with Dave Henderson in CF. Perhaps more importantly, Joe Morgan was finally cleared to return from the DL, waiving Lonny Frey.

#New York Black Yankees

The Eric Davis RBI engine just keeps on going–given a start against the Gothams, Davis went 3-for-4 with a double and a homerun and 4 RBIs in a 5-3 victory for the Black Yankees. The win went to AJ Burnett and the save to Sparky Lyle, his 4th.

Despite the win, Burnett was sent to AAA to straighten himself out, with Cole Hamels being recalled into New York’s bullpen. The Black Yankees would gladly move Craig Counsell (178/260/289), but their only real option is Aaron Hill, who isn’t hitting that well all the way down at AA, so for the time being, they’ll accept Counsell’s lack of offense in exchange for his defensive versatility.

#Philadelphia Stars

Ray Collins gave up 6 hits–3 to Alexei Ramirez–in a complete game shutout of Miami, improving his record to 4-0 and lowering his ERA to 2.57. Collins was helped by homeruns from Jose Ramirez–the first of his WBL career–and Sherm Lollar.

Trailing 9-5 after 5 innings, the Stars scored the next 5 runs in a 10-9 victory. Mickey Doolin and Buck Freeman had 3 RBIs each, and Scott Rolen had 4 hits. Each of the three of them hit homeruns, with the victory going to Rheal Cormier (3-0) and Bob Howry earning his 10th save.

Jack Easton was sent to the IL with a burnt hand, having not really done enough to guarantee a return to Philadelphia when he becomes eligible. Larry Jackson was recalled to take his place.

Another ineffective outing by Pedro Feliciano has ended his time in the WBL for now, with the reliever unable to get his ERA into single digits. Don Carman was promoted to take his spot in the bullpen, and Feliciano was eventually waived to clear room on the 40-man roster for other transactions.

Jackson was quickly returned to AAA, with Bob McClure moving to Philadelphia and 37-year old Ken Forsch being released. The Stars have declined to indicate whether Jaret Wright or JM Ward will take the final rotation spot.

Gene DeMontreville has some value with his glove, but hitting 156/156/178 is rough, and his defense means less on a team with Doolin already at SS. DeMontreville was sent to AAA, with 22-year old Jimmy Rollins recalled from AA to backup Doolin.

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)

Previewing Series VI – Chicago American Giants @ Philadelphia Stars

By mknn

On May 27, 2021

In Series Previews

The featured matchup of Series VI will see the Philadelphia Stars (13-9) hosting the Chicago American Giants (12-10). Having the misfortune to be in the same division as the New York Black Yankees, the Stars are more games behind their division leaders (5) than the American Giants (3), despite having the better record.

Chicago comes in to the game having taken 3 out of 4 from Detroit, and 7-1 over their last 8 games. Philadelphia lost 3 out of 4 to Portland, and is playing .500 ball over their last eight.

Series pitching matchups (Chicago SP listed first) are currently Mark Buehrle (1-2, 3.20) v. Robin Roberts (2-1, 6.30); Joe Lake (0-1, 7.71) v. Ray Collins (3-0, 3.66); Tricky Nichols (3-0, 2.97) v. Steve Carlton (1-3, 3.72); and Ben Sheets (3-0, 4.11) v. Pete Alexander (1-4, 6.00). It should be an interesting series for the starters: three of the games pit someone pitching well against someone struggling in the start of the year, while the third game–Nichols versus Carlton–may be the best matchup of them all.

Chicago’s bullpen has been strong up to the very end of games, where A.J. Minter has struggled, allowing 9 hits in only 3 IP. But the trio of Ken Sanders, Akinori Otsuka, and Koji Uehara have been excellent in getting the ball to Minter. LHP Lee Meadows has struggled mightily, including taking losses in his last 3 appearances, and is likely to be sent to AAA after this series.

Philadelphia’s bullpen has been fantastic, top to bottom, led by closer Bob Howry‘s 7 saves along with excellent work from Pedro Feliciano (5 holds), Ron Reed, and Rheal Cormier. Feliciano’s 1.12 ERA is the worst of that bunch.

Offensively, though, Chicago hold the clear edge; indeed, short of the Black Yankees, no team in the league can match the trio of OF Shoeless Joe Jackson (353/446/624), 1B Frank Thomas (325/419/588), and 2B Eddie Collins (320/469/507). Those three have combined for 14 HRs and 56 RBIs. There are concerns about the starts of both 1B Adrian Gonzalez (176/232/284) and Luke Appling (169/219/220; .114 BA over his last 12 games), however.

Overall, Philadelphia’s offense has sputtered. Rico Carty (338/380/592) has been fantastic, and both Willie Davis (294/351/574) and Scott Rolen (275/338/580) solid, but 4 starters have failed to raise their OPS to .600 (OFers Sherry Magee and Al Smith, C Bill Dickey, and SS Mickey Doolin).

Chicago’s Dick Allen comes into the series having driven in a run in 5 consecutive games, and Shoeless Joe has been successful on his last 4 SB attempts

TWIWBL 1.0: Final Preseason Notes

By mknn

On August 23, 2020

In TWIWBL

#BAL

Bill Byrd was moved from the DL to the 5th rotation spot as expected–we’ll see if the risk pays off for the Black Sox. Miller Huggins, acquired from Indianapolis, steps into most of the playing time at 2B (Larry Gardner will play there some as well). Huggins cost Baltimore Rube Foster in a league where pitching is at a premium, so there’s some risk there.

Rick Ferrell, Don Aase, Jesse Burkett, and Bill Sweeney were all designated for assignment to make space on the 40 man roster.

#BBB

Birmingham has had to rejuggle some key parts of their roster as DH Emil Frisk, one of their standout Spring performers, will miss about 5 weeks with a concussion. The Black Barons have recalled Billy Southworth from AAA Atlanta.

#BRK

Tommy Corcoran showed enough to play at the WBL, but he still has minor league options, so along with Pee Wee Reese, untested Dickie Thon breaks camp at SS for Brooklyn.

#CAG

Julio Gotay went from competing for a WBL role at SS to being waived, as Chicago broke camp with Damian Jackson as a reserve IF instead.

#CLE

The Spiders picked up 3B Evan Longoria from Miami. Longoria will pair with Ken Keltner, sending Bob Elliott to AAA. Whit Wyatt will likely miss his first start of the season, with Stan Coveleski most likely to take his place.

#DET

The Wolverines made a minor deal coming out of Spring Training, picking up RP Ron Perranoski and 3B Billy Nash. Perranoski may see the big leagues this season; Nash is several years away. Si Johnson has some elbow tenderness, putting his first start in doubt: Detroit has 4 SP in their bullpen, so there are plenty of candidates to take his place.

#HOD

House of David RP Lee Smith was sent to AAA after he came off the DL. In a smaller deal, they obtained CF Jim Edmonds, who will start the year in the minors.

In a much bigger deal, the HoD picked up CF Pete Browning, Ps Rollie Fingers and Eddie Rommel, SS Bert Campenaris, and 1B Mark McGwire. All but

#IND

15 year old Piggy Ward was waived. The ABC’s added Rube Foster to their pitching staff from Baltimore, pushing Virgil Trucks to the bullpen to open the season.

#MIA

With 2 separate deals, Miami welcomed 1B/3B Jim Thome, CF Gus Bell, 1B Will Clark, C Harry Danning, and OF Carlos Moran to the club. It’s a little bit of a confusing haul, but a couple of things are clear from it: first, the club’s commitment to Martin Dihigo is solidified by clearing the way for the versatile 17 year old; secondly, Paul Molitor was recalled to Miami, presumably to play 2B while Dihigo develops.

Moran makes the roster as well, but Danning and Bell are both players for the future at this point.

#NYA

A bit of a blockbuster brought 27 year old Mike Schmidt–who had a historically bad Spring–over from Philadelphia. Schmidt steps into a lineup with no pressure, moving ahead of Doug DeCinces in the pecking order.

#NYG

The Gothams gained a starting 2B in Cookie Rojas and some veteran offense at 1B in Joe Adcock in a a trade with Miami. OF Yasiel Puig and P Livan Hernandez were also acquired in the deal, and moved to the minors.

#OTT

The most surprising news to come out of Ottawa is that SS Freddy Parent–considered one of the prizes on the market–remains with the team. Despite talent to offer at 1B as well, the Mounties were quiet on the preseason trading front.

#PHI

Moving Schmidt not only cleared the way for Scott Rolen at 3B, it also netted Philadelphia 2 big league talents in C Bill Dickey and OF Aaron Judge, as well as prospect 1B Prince Fielder. Dickey steps into a platoon with Sherm Lollar while Judge will begin the season in the minors.

3 P’s were released: Bob Moose, Edwin Jackson, and Hal Kelleher.

#SFS

The Seals made a deal that left their fan base scratching their head. But they’re confident that 20 year old SS Dick Lundy has a great future, OF Bobby Bonds will step right in at the WBL level, and Nick Altrock will prove a useful arm to have around. All 3 made the roster, sending Eddie Miller to the minors.

Season Preview: Philadelphia Stars

By mknn

On August 23, 2020

In Team News

The pitching staff looks good, but struggled all Spring. The performances of Steve Carlton and Pete Alexander at the back of the rotation will tell a lot about how far Philadelphia can go. Mike Schmidt‘s demotion to AAA may be the absolute shock of the Spring: he was expected to pair with Gavvy Cravath and Buck Freeman to anchor the Stars’ offense. The team is especially light up the middle, and could try to engineer a trade.

Final Roster

SP: Robin Roberts, Ray Collins, Larry Jackson, Steve Carlton, Pete Alexander.
RP: Monte Ward; Pedro Feliciano & Jack Meyer; Rheal Cormier & Ron Reed; Bob Howry.

C: Mike Scioscia & Sherm Lollar
1B: Ted Kluszewski
2B: Chase Utley & Gene DeMontreville
3B: Scott Rolen; Al Smith
SS: Larry Bowa
LF: Rico Carty; Sherry Magee
CF: Willie Davis & George Hendrick
RF: Buck Freeman
DH: Gavvy Cravath

Notes

All of the rotation starters for the Stars can through a ton of innings, allowing Philadelphia to enter the season with 11 pitchers, sending both Brad Kilby and Jack Katoll to the minors … there are questions about Jack Meyer‘s control in pressure situations, leading to him and Rheal Cormier trading roles, but aside from that the staff looks solid … opening with 1 less arm wasn’t enough to save Mike Schmidt‘s roster spot as the 27 year old 3B struggled through a miserable Spring, although he did show some power. Instead, 3B will fall to a mixture of Scott Rolen and Al Smith to start the season … SS Mickey Doolin‘s return from injury will probably shake things up a bit … the Stars’ lineup will probably change: the platoons between Mike Scioscia and Sherm Lollar at C, Chase Utley and Gene DeMontreville at 2B, and Willie Davis and George Hendrick in CF could resolve if either player really seizes the opportunity.

36 year old professional hitter Rico Carty is the oldest player on the roster while a pair of 19 year olds–OF Sherry Magee and P Monte Ward–are the youngest.

It’s hard to see either 1B Cecil Cooper or 3B Mike Schmidt staying at AAA for long, but there’s not a lot of help on the mound there. LF Dan Pasqua and 3B Jose Ramirez are the brightest prospects at AA.

This Week In Whirled Baseball: Spring Training Update II

By mknn

On July 27, 2020

In TWIWBL

{ We’re 2/3 through Spring Training–20 games. Some notes from around the league. }

#Chicago American Giants

The bullpen foursome of Ken Sanders, Akinori Otsuka, Koji Uehara, and A.J. Minter have been lights-out for Chicago … Rube Foster had seemed a lock to make the rotation, but got absolutely rocked in his last start, which may put that in doubt … The American Giants have been absolutely crushing the ball, other than at SS, where the 3 contenders (Julio Gotay, Luke Appling, and Chico Carrasquel) have been equally incompetent.

#Detroit Wolverines

23 year old Charlie Gehringer and 20 year old Al Kaline have been totally overmatched this Spring, and look likely to start the year at AAA … at the other end of the scale, 37 year old Tony Phillips was recalled for roster flexibility, and is forcing himself into the conversation for a roster spot … Whitey Wilshere started the Spring as the closer, he’s ending it as a front-of-rotation starter … nobody has claimed the closer slot in his absence: Roberto Hernandez was the most likely, but he’s struggled, leaving people like Mark Dewey and Tom Hughes in the mix.

#Houston Colt 45’s

Dan Quisenberry and Billy Wagner are in the midst of pitching themselves off the roster entirely … Pete Hill‘s struggles (195/233/268) are likely sending the 17 year old to AAA for some seasoning … It’s really not clear where HR Johnson will play, but if you hit 367/457/600, they’ll find a place for you.

#Kansas City Monarchs

Bob Gibson‘s stuff is undeniable. But 15 BB in 17 IP is unacceptable, and may be enough for the 25 year old to start the year at AAA … It was clear at the start of the Spring that the Monarchs were unlikely to carry both Lou Brock and Cool Papa Bell into opening day. With Brock beginning to hit a bit, it looks like the teenage Bell will head to AAA to work on his swing … Salvador Perez and Lew Brown are hammering the ball, and threatening to move Ted Simmons to AAA to start the year.

#Los Angeles Angels

Joe Nathan has yet to give up a run and has 5 saves in 6 ST games, setting up as one of the elite closers in the league … In a league dominated by youth, 34 year old Elmer Valo has an almost guaranteed roster spot for the Angels, slashing 432/580/541. Having an OBP > SLG is usually a bad thing, but if your OBP is close to .600 … At the other end of the scale, Carlos Beltran is 3rd on the team in RBI with 10, despite a slash line of 150/186/350, and may be forced to AAA.

#Miami Cuban Giants

The surprise of the pitching staff has been Eustaquio Pedroso, who has been Miami’s best starting pitcher, despite a rough start recently. Given the struggles of Jose Mendez, Don Newcombe, and Camilo Pascual (all of whom have ERA’s over 7), Pedroso’s potential to help the rotation is important for the Cuban Giants … the shock of the Spring is Willie Kamm, who has seized the 3B job with a 320/414/600 Spring … Kamm’s success has put Gary Sheffield‘s role in doubt, with Sheff managing only a 188/350/281 Spring … When does a .292 BA with 0 walks and 0 extra-base hits earn you a roster spot? When you’re Martin Dihigo and you can play numerous positions at a very high level. Still, a walk or a double once in a while sure would help.

#Ottawa Mounties

Randy Johnson and Old Hoss Radbourn are both prodigious talents. But they both look like some time at AAA may be needed … Freddy Parent (372/386/651) and Alex Rodriguez (375/447/525) are neck and neck in the race to start at SS … Phil Bradley, Terry Puhl, and Steve Garvey were supposed to be on the fringes of the roster; instead the worst of them is Garvey at 421/439/632. It’s not clear how this impacts the roster, but it’s certainly bad news for Brant Alyea, Jackie Jensen, and George Van Haltren, who are all struggling.

#Philadelphia Stars

The pitching surprise of the Spring has been Larry Jackson forcing himself into the rotation … at the other end, Jack Easton, Pete Alexander, and Steve Carlton have had very poor Springs: if at least 2 of those don’t turn it around, it could be a long Summer in Philadelphia … the story of the Spring has to be Scott Rolen‘s 400/457/633 performance threatening to unseat Mike Schmidt at 3B. Schmidt is showing some signs of life, but is only managing a 132/209/316 line so far … With Mickey Doolin‘s injury, the lack of backup talent at SS has been exposed, as the thought of going for a long period with Roger Peckinpaugh, Larry Bowa, or Pat Meares is quite depressing. Luckily, Doolin should be back around the start of the regular season.

#Portland Sea Dogs

Johan Santana has been virtually unhittable as the closer, and Jerry Koosman and Smokey Joe Wood look like a pair of aces for the rotation … The Sea Dogs offense looks to revolve around the 1B/DH pair of Kent Hrbek and Gil Hodges and the surprising Jim Fregosi … The biggest surprise of the Spring has been Walter Johnson‘s struggles. The 19 year old has massive potential, but may need some time at AAA first.

#Wandering House of David

CC Sabathia has been dominant, and looks to be at the front of the rotation along with Nick Altrock … Cap Anson, Dave Altizer, and Gabby Hartnett all look likely to start the season at AAA … The House of David’s 2 best hitters in the Spring have been Ernie Banks (333/378/810), which is no surprise, and Elrod Hendricks (393/438/893), which is a huge shock (and has contributed to the challenge of keeping Hartnett on the roster).