The most disappointing news is Babe Ruth‘s absence, as the Black Yankees’ slugger is still recovering form a hip injury–hopefully Ruth will be available for the game itself.
Ruth was replaced by his teammate, Mickey Mantle, with the opening round matchups being Miami’s José Canseco and Birmingham’s Hank Aaron, the House of David’s Ernie Banks and Brooklyn’s Mike Piazza, Mantle and Cleveland’s Ron Blomberg, and the Gotham’s Willie Mays and Ottawa’s Larry Walker.
The match of the opening round was Canseco and Aaron, with Miami’s slugger winning, 11-10. Willie Mays had the most bombs in the opening round, beating walker 12-6. The other two matchups were close, but less thrilling: Banks beat Piazza 9-8 and Blomberg edged Mantle, 5-4.
Canseco did himself one better in the second round, leaving Banks with quite a challenge. The House of David shortstop could only manage 7, so Canseco advanced to the final, where he will face off with Mays, who edged Blomberg, 8-7.
Mays hit 9 out in the final round, quite a reachable target for Canseco. Canseco delivered his worst result of the day … but it was enough, and he took home the crown, 10-9, earning himself a hug from his pop star girlfriend.
#The 2001 All Star Game
The only bad news for the day: the Black Yankees’ superstar Babe Ruth will be sitting this one out as he’s still recovering from a bruised hip.
The NL will, as expected, start Toad Ramsey, planning to run the Houston starter for 2 innings. For the AL, San Francisco’s Lefty Grove insisted on taking the ball despite being a little short on rest; as such the Sea Lions’ hurler is likely to only throw 1 inning. He was followed by his teammate, Bump Hadley.
Hadley ran into trouble, with walks to Larry Walker (OTT) and Ernie Banks (HOD) sandwiched around an error by Mike Schmidt (NYY) at third. But Hadley struck out Willie Stargell (HOM) and induced a popup from Will Clark (NYG) to end the threat.
Kansas City’s A. Rube Foster‘s turn on the mound was a bit rougher: Arky Vaughan (CLE) greeted the WBL ERA leader with a double, followed by a single to Vaughan’s teammate, Tris Speaker. Vaughan scored on a double-play from Rogers Hornsby (POR), putting the AL up, 1-0.
In the bottom of the frame, Doc Gooden (LAA) got 2 quick outs before walking Josh Gibson (HOM). Charles Rogan (PHI) pinch-ran for Gibson, stole 2nd, and scored on a single from Walker. Rogan’s use meant we would not see the 2-way player on the mound during the contest.
Ron Blomberg (CLE) put the AL back on top, greeting Hardie Henderson (PHI) with a homer to left, but Stargell justified his inclusion in the game by taking Chicago’s Ed Walsh out to tie the score at 2.
The pattern continued: Evan Longoria (CLE) took Frank Castillo (KCM) deep, and the AL was back up, 3-2, but Rogan greeted Andy Pettitte (NYY) with a moonshot to center, tying us up again at 3. But this time, something different: Walker followed Rogan with a homerun of his own, and the NL led for the first time, 4-3.
It wasn’t to last. After a single by Blomberg, Boston’s Ted Williams took Jim Whitney (BBB) out of the park, and the AL was back on top, 5-4. A single from Aaron Judge and Longoria went deep for the 2nd time in the game, putting the AL up 7-4. Turkey Stearnes (SFS) added a 2 run shot, Ty Cobb (DET) a solo dinger, and Frank Thomas (CAG) a 3 run shot, and by the time the dust cleared, the AL had a 13-4 lead.
The NL scored a few more times–an RBI double from Judge, another homer from Rogan being the big hits–but it was never actually close.
ELEVEN homeruns. That’s a fun game, for sure.
Longoria was named the MVP, although Rogan’s performance–2 for 3 with 3 runs scored and 2 homers–certainly drew raves.
AL 13 (Pettitte W) @ NL 8 (Whitney L, B Sv) HRs: AL – Blomberg, Longoria 2, Williams, Thomas, Stearnes, Cobb; NL – Stargell, Walker, Rogan 2. Box Score
For each section, if a player doesn’t qualify for batting stats (roughly 270 PA), their G and PA are listed. Bold indicates a leader at that position for the stat; top 3 listed for most stats.
One thing became quite clear through all this: the AL is far more potent at the plate than the NL. Here, the challenge is omitting some players with 30 homeruns or near 1.000 OPS.
#C
Name
OPS
Slash
Reg Stats
Other
Ed Bailey (DET)
.985
269/365/619
20 HR; 46 RBI; 2.1 WAR
62 G/230 PA 43.2 RTO%
Mickey Cochrane (SFS)
.899
297/368/531
1.9 WAR
1.6 FRM; 4.31 CERA
Joe Mauer (POR)
.850
297/373/477
1.7 WAR
2.7 FRM
Curt Blefary (BAL)
.814
251/348/465
16 HR; 47 RBI
Carlton Fisk (CAG)
.801
222/285/516
21 HR; 56 RBI
40.2 RTO%; 2.2 FRM
FRM = Framing Runs | RTO% = Runners Thrown Out | CERA = Catcher ERA
Ed Bailey (whose defensive performance has been surprisingly good) and Mickey Cochrane are clearly in, with Bailey starting. That leaves Joe Mauer in a bit of no-man’s land: if the AL goes with 3 catchers, he’d be the 3rd. With Portland needing representation in the game, and a general desire for 3 backstops, Mauer makes the cut.
Iván Rodríguez has probably been the best defensive catcher in the AL (although Mauer has been quite good), but Pudge’s 237/272/448 slash line is just too weak to merit much consideration.
#1B
Name
OPS
Slash
Reg Stats
Other
Lou Gehrig (NYY)
1.029
283/394/635
28 HR; 67 RBI; 2.5 WAR
.995 Fldg
Frank Thomas (CAG)
.994
297/418/576
1.8 WAR
8.84 RF
Lance Berkman (CLE)
.980
271/364/615
28 HR; 69 RBI
Hank Greenberg (DET)
.976
276/347/629
28 HR; 2.0 WAR
.998 Fldg; 3.1 ZR
Jim Thome (MCG)
.954
231/352/603
32 HR; 72 RBI
8.84 RF
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
It’s hard to imagine that 32 HR and 72 RBI at the all star game doesn’t make the roster, but that’s what Jim Thome is facing. Lou Gehrig and Frank Thomas clearly are on the roster and while Lance Berkman and Hank Greenberg have better overall numbers than Thome, his power is gaudy enough to have the 3 in a dead heat. Perhaps Greenberg’s defense edges him in front?
In the end, none of the 3 of them made it, which is remarkable.
#2B & SS
Because Dick Lundy and Bobby Grich–two strong contenders–essentially split their time between 2B and SS, we’ll consider the two positions together. First the 2Bs.
Name
OPS
Slash
Reg Stats
Other
Rogers Hornsby (POR)
.867
280/386/481
11 HR; 33 RBI
58 G / 254 PA
Bobby Grich (LAA)
.829
238/367/462
15 HR; 44 RBI; 1.8 WAR
1.3 ZR
Eddie Collins (CAG)
.828
310/404/424
19 2B; 38 SB; 1.3 WAR
4.60 RF
Charlie Gehringer (DET)
.823
260/335/488
11 HR; 34 RBI
62 G / 242 PA; 4.96 RF
Cookie Rojas (MCG)
.800
321/365/436
29 2B
.988 Fldg; 4.51 RF
Miller Huggins (BAL)
.795
302/423/372
1.9 WAR
67 G / 241 PA; 6.4 ZR
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
And now the SS
Name
OPS
Slash
Reg Stats
Other
Cal Ripken, Jr. (BAL)
.926
293/339/587
45 G / 1655 PA
Arky Vaughan (CLE)
.906
312/400/506
19 2B; 44 RBI; 2.8 WAR
6.7 ZR
Bobby Grich (LAA)
.829
238/367/462
15 HR; 44 RBI; 1.8 WAR
Robin Yount (MCG)
.828
273/313/515
16 HR; 42 RBI
.983 Fldg; 4.42 RF
Dick Lundy (SFS)
.799
296/357/442
18 2B; 7 3B; 35 SB; 2.3 WAR
4.40 RF; 5.9 ZR
Jim Fregosi (POR)
.795
259/351/444
16 2B
.985 Fldg
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
This is rough all around.
Arky Vaughan is just about the only clear choice here, with the best all around performance by a SS if you discount Cal Ripken, Jr., who just hasn’t played enough (likewise, a lack of playing time eliminates both Miller Huggins and, most controversially, Charlie Gehringer from consideration).
If we need 4 more middle infielders, they should come from Rogers Hornsby, Grich, Lundy, Eddie Collins, and Robin Yount.
Hornsby has been the best hitting 2B, which is no surprise, but he’s also missed some time and is somewhat of a liability defensively. Still, the best OPS of the group has to count for something, so he’s in as the starting 2B for the AL.
Eddie Collins is having a bit of an off year compared to last year season. Grich, Collins, and Yount are almost indistinguishable: as such, Grich’s versatility earns him a roster spot, and Collins edges Yount for the final spot, leaving Lundy in the cold as well.
#3B
Name
OPS
Slash
Reg Stats
Other
Evan Longoria (CLE)
.958
296/352/606
26 2B; 55 RBI; 2.3 WAR
.962 Fldg; 1.5 ZR
Mike Schmidt (NYY)
.951
251/367/584
26 HR; 60 RBI; 2.4 WAR
2.57 RF; 2.2 ZR
Gary Sheffield (MCG)
.937
281/327/611
22 2B; 60 RBI; 2.0 WAR
1.3 ZR
Wade Boggs (MEM)
.887
325/396/491
28 2B
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
Wade Boggs is really just there for comparison. Mike Schmidt gets the starter’s nod over Evan Longoria, as much for his team’s performance as any discernable statistical edge.
#LF/RF
We’ll treat the corner OF’s together.
Name
OPS
Slash
Reg Stats
Other
Babe Ruth (NYY)
1.191
288/428/763
41 HR; 94 RBI; 5.4 WAR
6.7 ZR
José Canseco (MCG)
1.101
258/378/723
38 HR
Ted Williams (MEM)
1.059
310/425/634
69 RBI
Frank Robinson (BAL)
1.038
305/398/640
1.000 Fldg
Mickey Mantle (NYY)
1.009
270/380/629
32 HR; 82 RBI
Joe Jackson (CAG)
.981
354/397/584
40 2B; 31 SB
Rickey Henderson (SFS)
.866
264/386/479
62 SB; 3.0 WAR
7.3 ZR
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
Babe Ruth, José Canseco, and Ted Williams are locks. After that, it would seem criminal to omit either Frank Robinson or Mickey Mantle, although it must be noted that Uncle Robbie’s performance is ever-so-stronger than Mantle’s, earning him one of the final spots.
That would leave the electric Rickey Henderson and the extraordinary Joe Jackson on the outside looking in.
#CF
Name
OPS
Slash
Reg Stats
Other
Tris Speaker (CLE)
1.113
341/413/700
32 2B; 64 RBI; 4.6 WAR
6.2 ZR; 6 Kills
Eric Davis (NYY)
1.080
319/399/681
29 SB
45 G / 208 PA
Turkey Stearnes (SFS)
1.063
334/373/690
9 3B; 24 HR; 61 RBI; 2.9 WAR
Julio Rodríguez (MCG)
1.061
346/369/691
43 G/195 PA
Mike Trout (LAA)
.987
309/389/598
25 2B; 4 3B; 57 RBI; 3.0 WAR
1.000 Fldg
Alejandro Oms (MCG)
.881
344/406/474
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
Look, I don’t like Tris Speaker either, but the man can flat out play. So, he’s in, as is Stearnes, perhaps the leading candidate for the AL Rookie of the Year. And neither Eric Davis nor the surprising Julio Rodríguez have played enough to make the cut. So that leaves Mike Trout as the open question: Trout is clearly deserving, so the question is whether the AL goes with 2 pure CF’s or 3.
Alejandro Oms misses out, despite being 3rd in the league in BA.
#DH
Name
OPS
Slash
Reg Stats
Ty Cobb (DET)
1.299
399/450/849
38 2B; 9 3B; 75 RBI; 32 SB; 5.6 WAR
Ron Blomberg (CLE)
1.032
288/361/671
32 HR; 85 RBI
Reggie Jackson (SFS)
1.029
300/422/608
21 2B; 24 SB; 3.0 WAR
Kal Daniels (LAA)
1.013
326/425/589
21 2B; 31 SB; 2.3 WAR
Ryan Braun (MCG)
.975
280/327/648
31 HR
Gavvy Cravath (BAL)
.956
247/349/607
23 2B; 28 HR; 71 RBI
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
My lord. 31 homeruns at the all star break and a possibility of not being selected? Welcome to your life, Ryan Braun.
Obviously, Ty Cobb and Ron Blomberg are in. And it seems ridiculous to omit either Kal Daniels or Reggie Jackson.
#SP
And now we move into the AL’s weakness–there are strong top-end candidates here, but far less depth than over in the NL.
Name
W-L; ERA
Reg Stats
Other
Doc Gooden (LAA)
7-6, 3.26
.240 BABIP
58% QS
Ed Walsh (CAG)
6-3, 3.36
1.05 WHIP; .199 BABIP
0.6 WPA
Eddie Plank (SFS)
13-3, 3.73
0.5 WPA
Lefty Grove (SFS)
10-4, 3.80
140 K; 3.2 WAR
3 SHO; 2.87 SIERA; 0.5 WPA
Andy Pettitte (NYY)
10-5, 3.90
Brett Anderson (LAA)
8-2, 3.93
1.05 WHIP; .234 BABIP
Bump Hadley (SFS)
12-4, 3.98
3.67 FIP; 3.1 WAR
58% QS
Cy Young (CLE)
9-3, 4.37
3.81 FIP; 3.3 WAR
2 SHO
Ron Guidry (NYY)
8-5, 4.15
150 K
2.52 SIERA
FIP = Fielding Independent Pitching | BABPI = BA Allowed on Balls In Play | QS = Quality Starts | SHO = Shutouts | SIERA = Skill Interactive ERA | WPA = Win Probability Added
The spots fill up quickly. Eddie Plank will start the game for the AL, and his teammates Bump Hadley and Lefty Grove clearly belong. It seems silly to omit the ERA leader, Doc Gooden.
After that, it gets confusing. Ed Walsh has been almost unhittable, but is only 6-3. Andy Pettitte has 10 wins and a sub 4.00 ERA.
That would leave the overall WAR leader, Cy Young, the strikeout and SIERA leader, Ron Guidry, and the overall excellence of Brett Anderson missing out.
#RP
Name
W-L; ERA
Reg Stats
Other
Ron Robinson (SFS)
1-0, 1.64
3 Sv; 3 H; 1.00 WHIP
{ injured }
Ken Howell (SFS)
4-1, 1.72
1 Sv; 4 H
Ross Reynolds (LAA)
2-0, 2.30
1 Sv; 2 H; 1.88 FIP
Goose Gossage (NYY)
2-3, 2.41
10 Sv; 8 H
.90 Sv%
Akinori Otsuka (CAG)
3-1, 2.48
1 Sv; 5 H
Skel Roach (MEM)
1-0, 2.62
7 H; .160 BABIP
Justin Hampson (BAL)
0-0, 2.86
7 H; .159 BABIP; 1.05 WHIP
Rod Beck (SFS)
3-2, 3.20
23 Sv; .156 BABIP; 0.67 WHIP
15 SD; 2.83 SIERA; .885 Sv%
Terry Adams (CLE)
1-3, 3.80
15 Sv; 2 H
.882 Sv%
Sparky Lyle (NYY)
2-1, 4.37
3 Sv; 8 H
Rheal Cormier (NYY)
0-2, 5.75
11 H
FIP = Fielding Independent Pitching | BABPI = BA Allowed on Balls In Play | SD = Shutdowns | SIERA = Skill Interactive ERA | Sv% = Save %
The AL is a little weak in bullpen depth as well. Rod Beck is easily the class of the closers, with Terry Adams close behind. The overall excellence of Ken Howell and Goose Gossage also merit a spot, leaving Ross Reynolds, Skel Roach, and Justin Hampson on the bubble.
Hampson gets the nod, both because of how surprising his season has been and as a nod to the paucity of lefties in the AL pen.
#AL All Stars
The final 2 spots came down to choices between Mike Trout, Reggie Jackson, Kal Daniels, Mickey Mantle, Eddie Collins, and Robin Yount. A fourth middle infielder seemed like a requirement, giving the nod to Collins.
So. Reggie or Kal. Kal or Reggie. I mean. Kal Daniels is having an incredible year. But there’s just no way to argue he is more deserving than Reggie.
There is an argument to be made that the AL should only take 2 3B, replacing Gary Sheffield with Daniels. But the final choice is always going to be onerous.
Some more arguments about who was wronged (these are the highest ranked layers in each stat not to make the game).
Joe Jackson (CAG). #2 in H (109); #1 in the league in 2B (40); #2 in BA (.354). Mickey Mantle (NYY). #3 in HR (32); #3 in RBI (82). Kal Daniels (LAA). #4 in OBP (.425); #11 in OPS (1.013). Ryan Braun (MCG). #7 in SLG (.648). Rickey Henderson (SFS). #1 in SB (62); #4 in WAR (3.0). Dick Lundy (SFS). #3 in 3B (7).
And, on the mound
Cy Young (CLE). #5 in W (9); #2 in FIP (3.81); #1 in WAR (3.3). Ron Guidry (NYY). #1 in K (150); #1 in SIERA (2.52). Brett Anderson (LAA). #5 in ERA (3.93); #2 in WHIP (1.05). Walter Johnson (POR). #2 in IP (125). 4 Players have 14 saves, tied for #3. Of those, Only Ricky Nolasco (MCG) has an ERA below 4.00. Rheal Cormier (NYY). #1 in H (11).
Starters in bold.
C: Ed Bailey (DET); Mickey Cochrane (SFS); Joe Mauer (POR). 1B: Lou Gehrig (NYY); Frank Thomas (CAG). 2B: Eddie Collins (CAG); Bobby Grich (LAA); Rogers Hornsby (POR). SS: Arky Vaughan (CLE). 3B: Evan Longoria (CLE); Mike Schmidt (NYY); Gary Sheffield (MCG). LF: Frank Robinson (BAL); Ted Williams (MEM). CF: Tris Speaker (CLE), Turkey Stearnes (SFS). RF: José Canseco (MCG), Babe Ruth (NYY). DH: Ron Blomberg (CLE); Reggie Jackson (SFS), Ty Cobb (DET). SP: Doc Gooden (LAA), Lefty Grove (SFS), Bump Hadley (SFS), Andy Pettitte (NYY); Eddie Plank (SFS), Ed Walsh (CAG). RP: Terry Adams (CLE); Rod Beck (SFS); Goose Gossage (NYY); Justin Hampson (BAL); Ken Howell (SFS).
And, by team. Unsurprisingly, the 3 American League teams with records over .500 (San Francisco, the Black Yankees, and Cleveland) are supplying 18 of the 32 players.
San Francisco Sea Lions (.625). Rod Beck (P), Mickey Cochrane (C), Lefty Grove (P), Bump Hadley (P), Ken Howell (P) Reggie Jackson (DH), Eddie Plank (P), Turkey Stearnes (OF). New York Black Yankees (.618). Lou Gehrig (1B), Goose Gossage (P), Andy Pettitte (P), Babe Ruth (OF), Mike Schmidt (3B). Cleveland Spiders (.558). Terry Adams (P), Ron Blomberg (DH), Evan Longoria (3B), Tris Speaker (OF), Arky Vaughan (SS). Chicago American Giants (.466). Eddie Collins (2B), Frank Thomas (1B), Ed Walsh (P). Miami Cuban Giants (.483). José Canseco (OF), Gary Sheffield (3B). Detroit Wolverines (.453). Ed Bailey (C), Ty Cobb (DH). Los Angeles Angels (.448). Doc Gooden (P), Bobby Grich (2B). Portland Sea Dogs (.438). Rogers Hornsby (2B), Joe Mauer (C). Baltimore Black Sox (.416). Justin Hampson (P), Frank Robinson (OF). Memphis Red Sox (.494). Ted Williams (OF).
A whopping 15 players are repeat all-stars from last season: Terry Adams, Rod Beck, Ron Blomberg, José Canseco, Eddie Collins, Lou Gehrig, Lefty Grove, Rogers Hornsby, Ken Howell, Reggie Jackson, Joe Mauer, Babe Ruth, Frank Thomas, and Ted Williams.
Buddy Groom started a rehab assignment, and should be joined at AAA by Bobby Wallace later in the week. Once Groom is ready, look for him to replace the struggling John Wetteland in the Black Sox bullpen.
Connie Johnson and Justin Hampson combined on a 2-hit shutout, blanking Portland 7-0. Johnson’s record improved to 5-6 and, perhaps more importantly, he made a strong argument for some more opportunities as a starter.
As expected, Wallace was able to start a rehab assignment at AAA, joining Groom, who still needs some time there before being recalled.
#Cleveland Spiders
Hank Gastright was returned to AAA, with Firpo Marberry being recalled from his rehab assignment.
Tris Speaker went deep twice, but Cleveland couldn’t hold off Miami, falling 11-7 to the Cuban Giants.
Needing a starter, the Spiders returned Sergio Romo to AAA, recalling Wilbur Cooper. Faced in the same situation later in the week, Cooper went back down with Steve Gromek recalled to make his WBL debut.
The Spiders had themselves a day, battering Miami 21-0. Cy Young threw the complete game shutout, allowing 7 hits while fanning 9. But the story really was the offense, led by Ron Blomberg, who had 4 hits (including his 30th and 31st homeruns), drove in 6, and scored a WBL record 6 times. Evan Longoria drove in 7, and Longoria and Larry Doby each also had 4 hits. In addition to Blomberg’s 2, Longoria, Doby, and Louis Santop also hit homeruns.
Lance Berkman slammed 3 homeruns for the second time this season, but the Spiders couldn’t preserve a lead in the top of the 9th, losing to Los Angeles, 8-7.
Berkman may be the hottest hitter in the league right now, as he hit another 2 out in a game Cleveland won in the bottom of the 12th on a solo shot from Johnny Bates, triumphing over Los Angeles, 6-5.
#Detroit Wolverines
Pete Conway will miss over a month with a strained oblique muscle. Claude Passeau returned to the Wolverines’ bullpen from AAA.
Both Billy Hoeft and Mike Griffin began rehab assignments, looking to return next week. Later in the week, Buddy Napier returned to the injured list, expected to miss about a month, opening a spot for Hoeft’s return.
Justin Verlander closed the first half out strong, combining with Hoeft and Chad Bradford on a 3-hit shutout of Memphis. Al Kaline and Bob Bailey went deep for the Wolverines, and Ty Cobb had 2 hits to nudge his average back over .400 in the 7-0 victory.
#Memphis Red Sox
Derek Lowe returned to AAA with Skel Roach‘s recall from a rehab assignment.
Gabby Hartnett went deep twice, leading Memphis to a 10-5 victory over the Black Yankees. Manny Ramírez did the same, homering twice in a 7-3 win over New York with Len Barker improving to 6-9 with a solid outing.
#New York Black Yankees
That was fast. There was a lot of optimism around Roy Evans‘ promotion to the Black Yankees. 3 games, 4 IP, and a 27.00 ERA later, he’s back in AAA with AJ Burnett returning to the fold.
Could the answer to the back end of the Black Yankees’ rotation be … Herm Wehmeier? Wehmeier combined with Goose Gossage on a 4-hit shutout of Memphis, improving to 4-0 on the year with Gossage picking up his 10th save in the 9-0 whitewashing.
Eric Davis hit 2 out and Babe Ruth added his league-leading 41st as the Black Yankees rode a strong outing from Andy Pettitte to beat Baltimore, 12-2. Pettitte improved to 10-5 on the year. However, Ruth was plunked on the hip in the game, and will miss some time–thankfully, it looks like only a few days.
Mike Schmidt went deep twice and Thurman Munson and Derek Jeter joined Schmidt with 3 hits each as the Black Yankees defeated Baltimore in 10 innings.
Don Mattingly will miss about a week, prompting the Black Yankees to place him on the DL and recall Josh Harrison from AAA.
We’ll preview the All Star selections, so this will be a bit of a longer entry.
#Awards
Lots of awards, as we moved into a new month!
First, the smaller ones. Houston‘s Jeff Bagwell was the National League Player of the Week, hitting .409 with 5 homeruns while Eric Davis of the juggernaut New York Black Yankees was the American League Player of the Week, hitting .481 with 5 homers in the same span.
In the monthly awards, the American League Rookie of the Month for June was San Francisco‘s Turkey Stearnes, who hit .378 with 11 homeruns in the month.
Kansas City‘s A. Rube Foster was both the National League Rookie of the Month and the NL Pitcher of the Month, going 3-1 with a 1.65 ERA, as the young hurler announced himself as, at least so far, a premier WBL starter. The American League Pitcher of the Month was Bump Hadley, Stearnes’ teammate in San Francisco. Hadley was 5-0 in June with a 2.66 ERA.
Ottawa‘s star backstop, Gary Carter, was the National League Batter of the Month, hitting .397 with 14 homeruns in June while in the American League, unsurprisingly, the award went to the stellar Ty Cobb. The Detroit OF hit .408 with 11 homers in June, which actually brought his overall average down in that span (Cobb is leading the WBL in BA at .418).
#Team Performance
Yawn.
The Black Yankees and the Sea Lions continue to be the 2 best teams in the league, leading their divisions by 5 and 11 games respectively.
The Effa Manley Division might offer some excitement in the second half, as Brooklyn still leads Homestead by 4 and the New York Gothams by 5.5. But the only true race is in the Marvin Miller Division, where Kansas City has overtaken Indianapolis, now leading the ABC’s by 2.5 games.
The Houston Colt 45’s are 8-2 over their last 10 games, but still sit 5 games under .500. Detroit and Philadelphia are moving in the other direction, with each team managing only 2 wins in their last 10 contests.
Birmingham still has the worst record in the league, but they have moved over .400, sitting at .410 (34-49).
#Player Performance
Batters
It’s still Ty Cobb’s world, although Babe Ruth is doing Babe Ruth things, and reached the 40 homerun plateau during the last week.
José Canseco (MCG). 254/375/734. 36 HR. Oscar Charleston (IND). 336/386/642. 103 H, 9 3B. Ty Cobb (DET). 416/464/885. 116 H, 37 2B, 8 3B, 5.8 WAR. Josh Gibson (HOM). 392/481/748. 5.1 WAR. Tony Gwynn (HOU). 389/425/601. 116 H. Pete Hill (HOU). 291/371/487. 10 3B. Joe Jackson (CAG). 356/398/588. 103 H, 39 2B. Stan Musial (KCM). 329/392/573. 37 2B. Babe Ruth (NYY). 292/426/775. 40 HR, 90 RBI, 82 R, 68 BB, 5.0 WAR. Larry Walker (OTT). 293/369/721. 36 HR, 85 RBI.
Rickey Henderson (San Francisco) and Tim Raines (Ottawa) continue to be 1-2 in the league in steals, but it’s getting closer, with Henderson’s edge now 60 to 53.
Pitchers
Starters
While his performance has been somewhat below par, the New York Gothams’ Christy Mathewson continues to be definition of workhorse, leading the WBL with 20 starts, 2 ahead of a bevy of hurlers with 18.
7 pitchers have reached double-digits in wins, with Luis Padrón (Indianapolis) leading the way at 11-2. All 7 are included below. Houston’s Toad Ramsey was so dominant for so long, he is still the top starter in the league despite a recent dip in form, but I would probably choose Lefty Grove of San Francisco or the emergent A. Rube Foster.
Frank Castillo (KCM). 10-1, 4.22. A. Rube Foster (KCM). 5-1, 2.30. .203 BABIP, 0.98 WHIP, 3.70 FIP. Lefty Grove (SFS). 10-4, 3.71. 126 IP, 132 K, 3.1 WAR. Ron Guidry (NYY). 8-4, 3.86. 143 K, 3.80 FIP, 3.2 WAR. Bump Hadley (SFS). 11-4, 4.21, 3.50 FIP, 3.0 WAR. Orel Hershiser (BRK). 10-4, 3.87. Luis Padrón (IND). 11-2, 4.21. 3.57 FIP, 3.3 WAR. Eddie Plank (SFS). 11-3, 3.54. Toad Ramsey (HOU). 11-4, 2.77. 124 IP, 152 K, 0.89 WHIP, 2.80 FIP, 5.2 WAR. Ed Walsh (CAG). 6-3, 3.41. 1 Sv, .201 BABIP. Smokey Joe Williams (BRK). 7-7, 3.41. 3.66 FIP, 3.4 WAR.
Relievers
We’ve listed the top 3 leaders in saves, all 5 of the relievers who have reached double digits in Holds, as well as all 5 with an ERA below 2.00.
18 IP minimum.
Rod Beck (SFS). 3-2, 3.47. 21 Sv. Rheal Cormier (NYY). 0-2, 6.03. 11 H. Eric Gagne (BRK). 1-1, 2.92. 19 Sv. Ken Howell (SFS). 4-1, 1.72. 1 Sv, 4 H. Michael Jackson (HOM). 1-4, 4.13. 1 Sv, 10 H. Brad Kilby (PHI). 1-2, 4.39. 2 Sv, 10 H. Craig Kimbrel (KCM). 2-1, 1.14. 2 Sv, 11 H. Josh Lindblom (HOM). 4-2, 3.45. 20 Sv. Rob Murphy (IND). 1-3, 3.75. 1 Sv, 11 H. Robb Nen (NYG). 3-2, 1.95. 9 Sv, 6 H. Ron Robinson (SFS). 1-0, 1.64. 3 Sv, 3 H. BJ Ryan (OTT). 1-2, 4.15. 1 Sv, 10 H. Harley Young (BBB). 1-0, 1.23. 3 Sv, 5 H.
#Injury Report
Portland lost half of their backstop platoon as AJ Pierzynski will be out for close to a month. News was worse for Ottawa, as SP Bob Moose is out for close to a year.
Houston’s Casey Stengel and Kansas City’s Lou Brock are awaiting diagnosis on their current injuries.
Baltimore’s Bobby Wallace, Detroit’s Billy Hoeft, and the Black Yankees’ Dave Righetti should all begin rehab assignments this week.
#The All Star Candidates
We’ll look at these by position, mixing the two leagues for the time being.
For each position, we’ve included as many players as it takes to have at least 3-4 candidates from each league, highlighting some pretty severe disparities in talent between the AL and the NL.
If players don’t qualify for the batting stats, their playing time is noted, as are some other potentially influencing factors. This indicates a leader at that position among the players listed (but not necessarily overall).
Each league can only select 32 players for the All Star Game itself (usually 20 or 21 position players and 11 or 12 pitchers), so quite a few of the players listed here will be left on the outside looking in.
#C
The NL dominates here, with 3 catchers with an OPS over 1.000. That means some worthy candidates–most notably NYG’s Buster Posey –are likely to miss out.
Name
Tm / Lg
OPS
Reg Stats
Other
Josh Gibson
HOM / NL
1.229
5.1 WAR; 67 RBI
3.1 FRM
Gary Carter
OTT /NL
1.073
28 HR
47.1 RTO%
Mike Piazza
BRK / NL
1.042
29 HR; 65 RBI
4.87 CERA
Ed Bailey
DET / AL
.972
57 G/216 PA; 43.6 RTO%
Jim Pagliaroni
BBB / NL
.925
61 G/231 PA
Mickey Cochrane
SFS / AL
.917
10 SB; 4.39 CERA
Ted Simmons
KCM / NL
.900
63 G/256 PA; 4.15 CERA
Buster Posey
NYG / NL
.870
3.8 FRM
Joe Mauer
POR / AL
.856
14 SB
Curt Blefary
BAL /AL
.826
Carlton Fisk
CAG / AL
.800
67 G/254 PA; 11 SB
FRM = Framing Runs | RTO% = Runners Thrown Out | CERA = Catcher ERA
The other stalwart defensive catchers–Miami‘s Iván Rodríguez and Indianapolis’ Johnny Bench–just haven’t hit enough, although a late surge by Bench has moved him up these lists.
I don’t think there is any question in the NL, where it’s Gibson, Carter, and Piazza. Cochrane and Mauer should be in for the AL, with a question of whether you go with Bailey’s bat in more limited appearances or Blefary. Should the NL decide to carry 4 backstops, the choice between Pagliaroni and Simmons (and, perhaps, Posey) is close.
Gibson and Cochrane should be the starters.
#1B
The AL has a slight edge here, but there’s a lot of talent throughout.
Name
Tm / Lg
OPS
Reg Stats
Other
Lou Gehrig
NYY / AL
1.057
28 HR; 21 2B; 65 RBI
.995 Fldg
Will Clark
NYG / NL
1.006
Frank Thomas
CAG / AL
1.004
Hank Greenberg
DET / AL
.991
26 HR
.998 Fldg; 3.1 ZR
Mike Epstein
HOM / NL
.965
Anthony Rizzo
HOD / NL
.964
Lance Berkman
CLE / AL
.957
Jim Thome
MCG / AL
.927
28 HR; 64 RBI
Jeff Bagwell
HOU / NL
.923
66 RBI
.995 Fldg
Boog Powell
KCM / NL
.920
.995 Fldg; 9.23 RF; 2.9 ZR
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
Gehrig and Clark are almost certainly the starters, and the AL will likely take Thomas and Greenberg as well. In the NL, it gets a little trickier, as Powell (along with Greenberg) is one of the better 1B defensively. Epstein’s offense will carry him, but after that my guess is Rizzo gets the selection (but cannot participate via injury), and is replaced by Powell, with Bagwell having a legitimate complaint.
#2B
The NL is ridiculously stacked in terms of offensive-minded 2B.
Name
Tm / Lg
OPS
Reg Stats
Other
Joe Morgan
IND / NL
1.088
47 G/199 PA
Roberto Alomar
OTT/ NL
1.008
21 2B; 18 HR; 64 RBI; 31 SB; 3.5 WAR
Ryne Sandberg
HOD / NL
.995
28 HR; 60 RBI; 2.9 WAR
.997 Fldg; 5.00 RF
Jackie Robinson
BRK / NL
.938
Rogers Hornsby
POR / AL
.919
53 G/234 PA
Charlie Gehringer
DET / AL
.876
57 G/225 PA; .989 Fldg; 5.09 RF
Eddie Collins
CAG / AL
.850
36 SB
Bobby Grich
LAA / AL
.845
15 HR
Craig Biggio
HOU / NL
.841
Chase Utley
PHI / NL
.781
4.92 RF; 9.3 ZR
Cookie Rojas
MCG / AL
.766
27 2B
.987 Fldg
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
Joe Morgan is included just for interest–he missed too much time to injury to warrant serious consideration. Detroit’s Charlie Gehringer, on the other hand, probably makes the cut, despite starting the season in the minors.
In the NL, it’s pretty clear: Alomar, Sandberg, and Robinson, with the starter being decided between Sandberg and Alomar over the next week. The AL is trickier, but I think it ends up going according to form: Eddie Collins to start, with Gehringer and Hornsby behind him.
#SS
It’s pretty impressive there are this many shortstops that can hit, and Ernie Banks‘ production is incredible.
Name
Tm / Lg
OPS
Reg Stats
Other
Ernie Banks
HOD/ NL
.978
30 HR; 71 RBI
Cal Ripken, Jr.
BAL / AL
.967
39 G/140 PA; .993 Fldg; 4.90 RF
Carlos Correa
HOU/ NL
.929
18 2B; 2.8 WAR
Arky Vaughan
CLE / AL
.887
19 2B; 2.4 WAR
6.3 ZR
Álex Rodríguez
OTT / NL
.885
23 HR
Robin Yount
MCG / AL
.845
15 HR
5.8 ZR
Jim Fregosi
POR / AL
.793
Dick Lundy
SFS / AL
.783
7 3B; 2.1 WAR; 33 SB
Derek Jeter
NYY / AL
.762
Dobie Moore
MEM / AL
.750
22 SB
.983 Fldg
Ozzie Smith
KCM / NL
.672
19 2B; 25 SB
.994 Fldg; 6.3 ZR
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
Ripken, Jr. is really not a serious contender, but he has been impressive in the 40 G’s he’s played. That gives us Banks, Correa, and Rodríguez in the NL and Vaughan, Yount, and either Fregosi or Lundy in the AL.
Smith is included because of his superlative defense, but doesn’t probably make the cut.
This is an interesting position: Vaughan and Rodríguez changed teams in the off season, and Correa’s performance has been a bit of a shock.
#3B
The top 5 are locks, beyond that, it gets much trickier, especially in the NL.
Name
Tm / Lg
OPS
Reg Stats
Other
Albert Pujols
KCM / NL
1.046
32 2B; 60 RBI; 2.8 WAR
Ron Cey
BRK / NL
.967
2.4 WAR
.976 Fldg; 3.3 ZR
Gary Sheffield
MCG/ AL
.929
22 HR; 55 RBI; 15 SB
Evan Longoria
CLE / AL
.926
2.2 ZR
Mike Schmidt
NYY / AL
.926
23 HR; 55 RBI
2.59 RF
Scott Rolen
PHI / NL
.922
2.1 WAR
.974 Fldg; 2.7 ZR
Ron Santo
HOD /NL
.906
52 G/192 PA
Eddie Mathews
BBB / NL
.904
24 HR
.978 Fldg; 2.66 RF
Wade Boggs
MEM / AL
.896
26 2B
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
After Pujols and Cey, it’s hard in the NL. Matthews and Rolen edge ahead of Santo due to defense and Santo’s relative low usage, but picking between the two of them is very challenging, to the point the NL may go with 4 players at the hot corner.
#OF
All of the OF spots are a bit combined in the end, but we’re keeping them separate for the sake of comparison.
#LF
When Detroit’s Ty Cobb plays the OF, he plays here as well, making the AL selections pretty simple.
Name
Tm / Lg
OPS
Reg Stats
Other
Babe Ruth
NYY / AL
1.201
40 HR; 90 RBI; 5.0 WAR
.988 Fldg; 5.1 ZR
Ted Williams
MEM / AL
1.063
23 2B; 65 RBI
Frank Robinson
BAL / AL
1.035
24 HR; 64 RBI; 2.3 WAR
1.000 Fldg
Adam Dunn
IND / NL
.906
24 HR
.989 Fldg; 3.41 RF
Roy White
BRK / NL
.866
Oscar Gamble
DET / AL
.852
Rickey Henderson
SFS / AL
.840
2.8 WAR; 60 SB
7.2 ZR
Tim Raines
OTT / NL
.773
7 3B; 53 SB
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
So, Ruth, Williams, and Robinson are in, and perhaps Henderson’s 60+ SB warrant a spot. In the NL, it’s more challenging. Dunn seems to be a lock, and White is a bit of a sentimental choice. It may be just those 2 from this group.
#CF
Tris Speaker, as despicable of a human being as he is, is the best in the AL right now, especially considering the defensive contribution. Over in the NL, Willie Mays probably edges Oscar Charleston as the starter.
Name
Tm / Lg
OPS
Reg Stats
Other
Rick Monday
OTT /NL
1.172
41 G/136 PA
Tris Speaker
CLE / AL
1.088
31 2B; 4.0 WAR
2.68 RF; 5.1 ZR; 6 Kills
Turkey Stearnes
SFS / AL
1.065
7 3B; 24 HR
Eric Davis
NYY / AL
1.058
26 SB
41 G/188 PA; 1.000 Fldg
Julio Rodríguez
MCG / AL
1.052
39 G/177 PA
Oscar Charleston
IND / NL
1.027
9 3B; 60 RBI; 24 SB
Willie Mays
NYG / NL
.977
31 HR; 62 RBI; 2.9 WAR
.990 Fldg; 2.70 RF; 7.7 ZR
Mike Trout
LAA / AL
.965
24 2B; 2.8 WAR; 21 SB
1.000 Fldg
Carlos Beltrán
OTT / NL
.916
63 RBI; 21 SB
Alejandro Oms
MCG / AL
.883
5 3B
6.3 ZR
Curtis Granderson
BBB / NL
.876
26 HR
3.01 RF
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
Monday, Davis, and Rodríguez aren’t really in contention, but their performances in limited action have been pretty spectacular.
Speaker, Stearnes, and Trout are pretty much locks in the AL, with Oms being a hard luck case. Beltrán deserves the spot behind Mays and Charleston.
#RF
A deep, deep group, probably 4 deep in each league.
Name
Tm / Lg
OPS
Reg Stats
Other
José Canseco
MCG / AL
1.109
36 HR
Larry Walker
OTT / NL
1.090
36 HR; 85 RBI; 22.4 WAR
3.89 RF
Reggie Jackson
SFS / AL
1.027
63 RBI; 2.8 WAR; 24 SB
Tony Gwynn
HOU / NL
1.026
6 3B; 24 2B; 2.8 WAR
Aaron Judge
PHI / NL
.994
.992 Fldg
Mickey Mantle
NYY / AL
.993
30 HR; 76 RBI
Joe Jackson
CAG /AL
.986
39 2B; 27 SB
Stan Musial
KCM / NL
.964
37 2B
5.5 ZR
Johnny Callison
NYG / NL
.945
.993 Fldg
Mookie Betts
MEM / AL
.865
24 2B
1.000 Fldg
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
Canseco, Mantle, and the 2 Jacksons seem locks in the AL, with Walker, Gwynn, and Judge in the NL. It’s possible Musial misses the cut, as ridiculous as that sounds.
#DH
The pressure here is immense, given the competition for the other OF spots.
Name
Tm / Lg
OPS
Reg Stats
Other
Ty Cobb
DET / AL
1.350
37 2B; 8 3B; 26 HR; 73 RBI; 5.8 WAR; 31 SB
Kal Daniels
LAA / AL
1.023
21 2B; 2.3 WAR; 30 SB
Manny Ramírez
MEM / AL
.986
56 G/224 PA
Ryan Braun
MCG/ AL
.982
31 HR
Willie Stargell
HOM / NL
.980
27 HR
Gavvy Cravath
BAL / AL
.926
22 2B; 69 RBI
Benny Kauff
NYG / NL
.909
Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating
Cobb is, of course, a lock, and it would be hard to keep Daniels off the roster. Beyond that, though, it gets difficult to justify a pure DH, although Braun, Stargell, and Cravath all have decent arguments.
#P
Pitching is, of course, a constant crapshoot, and a lot could change in the outings this week.
All pitchers are sorted by ERA.
#SP
This list has everyone with an ERA under 4.00 or 10 or more wins.
Name
Tm / Lg
W-L; ERA
Reg Stats
Other
Toad Ramsey
HOU / NL
11-4, 2.77
152 K; 0.89 WHIP; 5.2 WAR; 2.80 FIP
71% QS; 5 CG; 2 SHO; 2.34 SIERA; 1.7 WPA
Doc Gooden
LAA / AL
7-5, 3.17
Hardie Henderson
PHI/ NL
9-6, 3.18
Smokey Joe Williams
BRK / NL
7-7, 3.41
3.4 WAR
Ed Walsh
CAG / AL
6-3, 3.41
1.06 WHIP
Eddie Plank
SFS / AL
11-3, 3.54
Roger Clemens
HOU / NL
9-4, 3.71
65% QS
Lefty Grove
SFS / AL
10-4, 3.71
132 K
4 CG; 3 SHO; 2.87 SIERA
Johnny Cueto
IND / NL
8-4, 3.75
67% QS
Rube Foster
IND / NL
6-4, 3.80
Ron Guidry
NYY / AL
8-4, 3.86
143 K
2.58 SIERA
Orel Hershiser
BRK / NL
10-4, 3.87
Brett Anderson
LAA / AL
7-2, 3.91
1.06 WHIP
Andy Pettitte
NYY / AL
9-5, 4.05
Bump Hadley
SFS / AL
11-4, 4.21
3.50 FIP
Luis Padrón
IND / NL
11-2, 4.21
3.3 WA; 3.57 FIP
Frank Castillo
KCM / NL
10-1, 4.22
3 CG; 2 SHO
José Méndez
MCG / AL
6-4, 4.45
FIP = Fielding Independent Pitching | QS = Quality Starts | SIERA = Skill Interactive ERA | WPA = Win Probability Added
Right now, I would guess the starting matchup is Toad Ramsey for the NL and Eddie Plank for the AL.
Beyond that, in the AL, I see Gooden, Walsh, and Grove as easy picks. Guidry is likely in as well, leaving Anderson and Hadley on the bubble.
The NL is much harder to figure out. Henderson, Hershiser, Padrón, and Castillo feel like they deserve selections, with Williams having a very strong case as well. That would leave some excellent performances–Clemens and Cueto especially–on the outside looking in.
#Swingmen / Long Relivers
These are players who are either swing starters or have seen more innings than the finishers below. As is often the case, there are a few folks here who, for whatever the reason, took a while to be inserted into the rotation.
Name
Tm / Lg
W-L; ERA
Reg Stats
Other
A. Rube Foster
KCM/ NL
5-1, 2.30
0.98 WHIP
7 GS; 90 IP; 86% QS; 2 SHO; 1.0 WPA
Jim Whitney
BBB / NL
4-2, 3.26
1 Sv; 2 H; 1.03 WHIP
11 GS; 94 IP; 73% QS; 1.9 WPA
Tom Brewer
SFS / AL
0-1, 2.33
1 Sv; 2 H
2 GS; 27 IP
Fernando Valenzuela
BRK / NL
5-0, 2.37
1 Sv; 4 H; 0.96 WHIP
1 GS; 60 IP; 1.0 WPA
Rheal Cormier
NYY / AL
0-2, 6.03
11 H
FIP = Fielding Independent Pitching | QS = Quality Starts | SIERA = Skill Interactive ERA | WPA = Win Probability Added
Foster and Valenzuela seem clear selections, with Brewer and Cormier missing the cut and Whitney being on the bubble.
#Closers & Setups
20 IP Minimum, with a possible exception for Brian Wilson of the New York Gothams.
Name
Tm / Lg
W-L; ERA
Reg Stats
Other
Brian Wilson
NYG/ NL
1-0, 1.08
11 Sv
17 IP
Craig Kimbrel
KCM / NL
2-1, 1.14
2 Sv; 11 H; 0.89 WHIP
15 SD; 5.6 IRS%; 2.90 SIERA; 2.0 WPA
Harley Young
BBB / NL
1-0, 1.23
3 Sv; 5 H
Ron Robinson
SFS / AL
1-0, 1.64
3 Sv; 3 H
Ken Howell
SFS / AL
4-1, 1.72
1 Sv; 4 H
Robb Nen
NYG / NL
3-2, 1.95
9 Sv; 6 H
Eddie Guardado
KCM / NL
2-1, 2.08
1 Sv; 5 H
2.92 SIERA
Tug McGraw
HOU / NL
3-3, 2.16
7 Sv
Ross Reynolds
LAA / AL
2-0, 2.19
1 Sv; 1 H
Goose Gossage
NYY / AL
2-3, 2.32
9 Sv; 8 H
.90 Sv%
Lee Smith
HOD / NL
4-1, 2.73
5 Sv; 6 H; 0.73 WHIP
Eric Gagne
BRK / NL
1-1, 2.92
19 Sv
17 SD
Justin Hampson
BAL / AL
0-0, 3.00
7 H; 0.95 WHIP
Terry Adams
CLE / AL
1-2, 3.18
15 Sv; 2 H
.94 Sv%
Josh Lindblom
HOM / NL
4-2, 3.45
20 Sv
.95 Sv%; 16 SD; 1.3 WPA
Rod Beck
SFS / AL
3-2, 3.47
21 Sv; 0.73 WHIP
15 SD
Rob Murphy
IND / NL
1-3, 3.75
1 Sv; 11 H
Michael Jackson
HOM / NL
1-4, 4.13
1 Sv; 10 H
BJ Ryan
OTT / NL
1-2, 4.15
1 Sv; 10 H
Brad Kilby
PHI / NL
1-2, 4.39
2 Sv; 10 H
2.73 SIERA
Rob Dibble
IND / NL
2-2, 5.25
16 Sv
Jeff Pfeffer
KCM / NL
1-3, 5.61
16 Sv
FIP = Fielding Independent Pitching | QS = Quality Starts | SIERA = Skill Interactive ERA | WPA = Win Probability Added
A difficult set of choices for sure. Of the true closers, Gagne, Lindblom, and Beck seem locks, with Kimbrel, Young, Howell, Nen, McGraw, Gossage, and Smith deserving nods as well.
That would give the NL 7 selections, likely keeping Wilson from making the team. It would also give the AL only 3, opening the door for Adams and even Reynolds or Hampson.
Mike Mussina returns to the Black Sox rotation, but the severe underperformance of its back end has left Baltimore in a quandary. For now, they are going with Dennis Martínez, Ned Garvin, and Mussina as regular options, with the final spots pretty much up for grabs, with even current closer Joe Beggs in the mix.
Baltimore hit 7 homeruns, including 2 from Bryce Harper, as the Black Sox ran rampant over Chicago, 12-3.
#Cleveland Spiders
Tris Speaker went deep twice, leading the Spiders to a 10-6 win over Los Angeles.
#Detroit Wolverines
With George Davis ready to return from injury, the Wolverines pulled a surprise move, sending veteran Tony Phillips–a key sparkplug for last year’s success–to AAA. This move frees up room for more time for Juan Beníquez in LF and cements the platoon between Charlie Gehringer and Joe Wood at 2B. It also leaves the Wolverines without a true backup CF behind Chili Davis, so we’ll see how that works out.
Needing a starter, the Wolverines exchanged Claude Passeau for Si Johnson. Johnson’s stay was short, as Johnny Marcum was recalled from his rehab assignment after Johnson put in a mediocre start where Hank Greenberg went deep twice, but it wasn’t enough to keep the Wolverines from dropping their 6th straight, 7-5 to the Black Yankees.
Bob Bailey went deep twice and Pete Conway pitched a complete game in an 11-4 win over Portland. Bailey drove in 6 and Greenberg went deep as well for the Wolverines.
Billy Hoeft will miss the better part of a week, earning himself a trip to the DL with Felipe Vázquez being recalled to maintain a left-handed weapon in the pen. George Bechtel was returned to AAA with Si Johnson being recalled once more for a spot start. The hits kept coming for the Wolverines: Johnson’s performance was fine, but with Jack Wilson heading to the DL, not only does Johnson retain his spot, but Bechtel was recalled immediately to Detroit.
#Memphis Red Sox
The merry-go-round continues: Nixey Callahan and Eddie Cicotte head to AAA with Skel Roach and Shane Bieber being recalled from their rehab assignments. Joe Rudi was sent down as well, with OF Jack McAleese being recalled.
Travis Shaw went deep twice, driving the Red Sox to a 10-7 win over Miami. Later in the week, Reggie Smith did the same, homering twice in an 11-3 win over Baltimore.
#New York Black Yankees
The Black Yankees recalled Red Ruffing from a rehab assignment, with Noah Syndergaard heading to AAA.
Ruffing had a scoreless debut in relief of a dominant Ron Guidry as the Black Yankees beat Detroit, 11-1. Guidry improved to 8-1 on the year and Hank Bauer went deep twice for New York.
Mickey Mantle went deep twice and the Black Yankees beat Detroit 7-5 behind an excellent 8 innings from Andy Pettitte, who improved to 6-2.
Baby Doll Jacobson was activated from the IL, with Cal Ripken, Jr. shuttling back to AAA. Connie Johnson‘s recent hot streak keeps him in the rotation, but Jim Palmer moves to the bullpen with the surprising John Tudor taking Palmer’s spot. Johnson is still on the edge, sitting with an ERA over 7.00 at the moment, but the real question for Baltimore is how Ned Garvin‘s return impacts their overall performance.
Don Bessent was sent to AAA to get his stuff back together, with Justin Hampson being recalled.
Garvin’s first start was a little rough, but it got the job done as the Black Sox beat Miami 4-3. Garvin gave up 8 hits and 3 runs in 6+ innings, but Gregg Olsen, Buddy Groom, and Joe Beggs allowed only 1 hit in relief with Beggs notching his 5th save of the season.
The Black Sox imploded, given up an 8-1 lead over the final 2 innings of a 9-8 loss to Miami. This wasted 2 homeruns from Manny Machado and a grand slam by Gavvy Cravath and, perhaps more concerning, saw Beggs depart with an undiagnosed injury.
#Cleveland Spiders
Mel Harder and Yordano Ventura were named to the Spiders’ rotation, with Bob Feller retaining his spot in the bullpen for now.
Lance Berkman went deep twice, leading the Spiders to a 9-4 victory over the Black Yankees. With 14 homeruns, Berkman now leads the WBL in dingers.
Tris Speaker had 4 hits (including 2 homeruns), scored 5 runs, and drove in 4 and Berkman added 5 ribbies as Cleveland topped Memphis in a roller coaster affair. The Spiders had 17 hits in the 17-11 win, which went to Firpo Marberry, who improved to 2-0.
Berkman continued to absolutely mash the ball with 3 homeruns in a 12-4 win over Memphis, giving him 17 on the year, and the league lead. Chuck Knoblauch had 5 hits, scored 5 runs, and drove in 3 with a WBL record 4 doubles.
Ron Blomberg took over for Berkman, homering twice in a 7-5 win over Memphis.
#Detroit Wolverines
Vernon Wilshere was sent to AAA, with Buddy Napier recalled from his rehab assignment.
Al Kaline went deep twice as the Wolverines downed Chicago, 8-6.
Staff ace Hal Newhouser will miss about 6 weeks with elbow discomfort with George Bechtel being recalled once again. Things got worse as Johnny Marcum was also sent to the DL, expected to miss at least 2 starts. Jack Wilson was recalled from AAA.
#Memphis Red Sox
Dean Chance was recalled from his injury rehab, with Sadie McMahon heading back to AAA. The Red Sox have still refused to name a 5th starter to their rotation.
It was an unearned run, but it was all they needed, as Travis Shaw–pinch running for Wade Boggs–scored on a single to CF by Ted Williams in the bottom of the 9th, giving the Red Sox a 1-0 win over Portland. Len Barker, David Bush, and Andrew Miller combined to allow the Sea Dogs only 5 hits, with Miller evening his record at 2-2.
#New York Black Yankees
Eric Davis–11 homeruns, 24 RBI, 30 R–will miss 5-6 weeks with a torn abdominal muscle. The Black Yankees recalled veteran OF Hank Bauer to take his place on the roster, with Héctor López expected to get more time (some in CF, some in LF with Babe Ruth shifting to CF) in Davis’ absence.
The Black Yankees struck out 16 Angels in a 4-2 victory, although a poor outing by Aroldis Chapman eliminated the chance at a combined shutout. Ron Guidry improved to 5-1, allowing 2 hits in 7 plus innings while fanning 13, and Ruth launched his league leading (for the moment) 17th homerun of the year.
Gavvy Cravath hit his 5th and 6th homerun of the year, driving in 4 and leading Baltimore to a 9-7 victory over San Francisco. Dennis Martínez pitched well to improve to 2-1, with Buddy Groom earning his first save of the year in relief of an injured Joe Beggs, who will be unavailable for a few days with an oblique strain.
Connie Johnson finally had a good start: 7 innings, 3 hits, 1 run, and 11 strikeouts. It resulted in his first win of the year, a 2-1 victory over Cleveland. Johnson had been so poor so far that his ERA only dropped to 9.50 with the superlative effort.
#Cleveland Spiders
With Whit Wyatt ready for recall from his rehab assignment, the Spiders had a choice between Bob Feller and Huston Street, both of whom have been absolutely battered in the early going. They opted to waive Street and retain Feller, but will ask the 20 year old to throw from the bullpen for a while, with his roster slot taken by either Wyatt or Mel Harder.
Jake Stahl had 4 hits and Tris Speaker drove in 3 as the Spiders beat Detroit, 9-6. Stan Coveleski got the victory with 6 solid innings and Terry Adams picked up his 3rd save.
Ron Blomberg had 3 hits and drove in 5 as Cleveland came from behind to beat Detroit in 11 innings. 7-5. Yordano Ventura got the win with 2 scoreless innings of relief and Cory Gearrin, filling in for the injured Adams, got his 2nd save with a perfect inning.
Speaker hit 2 homeruns–one in the 9th as Cleveland came from behind to tie the game and one in the 10th to go ahead–as the Spiders topped Baltimore 6-5.
Evan Longoria doubled his homerun total with 2 longballs in a 5-4 win over Baltimore.
#Detroit Wolverines
Buddy Napier was put on the DL (against his protests that he would be fine in a day or three), with Ray Sadecki being promoted to the big league club for the time being.
Sadecki was magnificent, allowing 1 hit in 7 innings. He walked a man to lead off the 8th and was relieved by Chad Bradford … who promptly, with a little help from Billy Hoeft, blew a 3-0 lead. Whatever else happens, Sadecki’s performance guarantees his time with the Wolverines for a little while at least.
Chili Davis went deep twice, but the Wolverines’ bullpen got hit hard, giving up a late lead in 7-5 loss in 11 innings. Ty Cobb had 3 hits and Tony Phillips led off the game with his 2nd homerun of the season.
Charlie Root fanned 13 in 7 innings, but it wasn’t enough as he gave up 5 earned runs in a 6-2 loss to the Black Yankees.
#Memphis Red Sox
Despite a better showing than 2000, Eddie Cicotte was the first to go when the Red Sox needed a starter with Jameson Taillon being recalled from AAA. Taillon was magnificent, clearly earning a chance to stick around, tossing 8 innings of 2 hit ball with 8 strikeouts in his WBL debut. Skel Roach and Andrew Miller combined for a 3-0 shutout win over Miami. Wade Boggs had 3 hits for the Red Sox.
Travis Shaw hit two homeruns as the Red Sox beat Miami 5-1. Len Barker got his first victory of the year with 8 strong innings.
#New York Black Yankees
The Black Yankees hit 5 solo homeruns and Dave Righetti moved to 2-0 with 6.2 solid innings as New York downed Miami 7-5. Derek Jeter, Babe Ruth, Don Mattingly, Mike Schmidt, and Eric Davis each went deep and, perhaps as important for New York, Sparky Lyle threw a perfect 2.1 in relief, whiffing 4.
Righetti tossed 7 innings of 2-hit relief in the completion of a suspended game, leading the Black Yankees to a 9-3 win. Righetti improved to 3-0 on the year, and Davis failed to homer, ending his consecutive game streak at 6 (four of his teammates did go yard: Jeter, Mattingly, Thurman Munson, and Mickey Mantle). Lou Gehrig went deep twice (including a 500+ ft moon shot) in the “regular” game, leading New York to an 8-6 victory.
Ruth went deep twice and, perhaps more importantly for New York, Ron Guidry threw 6 shutout innings, allowing only 2 hits, as the Black Yankees topped the Wolverines 6-2.
Dennis Martínez spun a masterful 2-hit shutout and Baltimore sent 13 people to the plate in a 9 run 6th inning as they demolished Detroit 12-0. Martínez fanned 4 without giving up a walk in the complete game effort, evening his record to 1-1. Frank Robinson and Manny Machado had 3 hits each for Baltimore.
Curt Blefary went deep twice, including a long grand slam, as the Black Sox topped the Wolverines, 14-6. Blefary scored 4 times, drove in 5, and had 3 hits total.
#Cleveland Spiders
Lance Berkman went deep twice, driving in 4, and Evan Longoria delivered a walkoff blast as Cleveland beat Portland 8-7. Johnny Bates and Tris Speaker had 3 hits each for the Spiders.
Speaker drove in 4 and Berkman 3 as the Spiders took a 10-0 lead, and then held on for dear life in a 10-8 victory over Memphis. Berkman would continue his hot start the following day, driving in the winning run in the 10th in a 3-2 win for the Spiders.
#Detroit Wolverines
Ty Cobb had 4 hits–3 of which were doubles–leading the Wolverines to a 7-6 victory over Chicago. Mike Henneman continued his perfect start to the year, earning his 4th save.
Whitey Wilshere was sent to AAA temporarily as the Wolverines needed a starter. George Bechtel was recalled for the start, with an expectation that Wilshere would be recalled shortly after the game. Bechtel did fine and got the victory, but was returned to AAA that evening.
#Memphis Red Sox
Reggie Smith went deep twice, but those were the only runs Memphis could score in a 3-2 loss to Cleveland.
#New York Black Yankees
Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle each had 2 homeruns as the Black Yankees outslugged Baltimore 14-11. Ruth drove in 6–his 2nd 6 RBI game of the young season–and Mantle and Manny Sanguillén had 3 hits each for New York.
Eric Davis went deep twice and Elliott Maddox had 3 hits as the Black Yankees beat up on San Francisco, 12-4. Waite Hoyt had a decent 8 innings, moving to 3-0 on the year and Lou Gehrig and Mantle each also had homeruns for New York.
This is a hard one. Cleveland was one of the best teams in the league last season, but they also got a few career years which are unlikely to duplicate (Ron Blomberg for sure, but also perhaps Bill Steen and Pat Malone). On the other hand, they discovered some elite talent that will be available all year (Tris Speaker and Bob Feller). So maybe that balances out, and a championship push is possible?
Best Case
Blomberg remains an MVP candidate (unlikely) and the offense solidifies behind Speaker, Chuck Knoblauch, and Lance Berkman and the pitching staff is a net gain (perhaps Steen or Malone regress, but Cy Young steps forward, for example).
Worst Case
Blomberg collapses, leaving only Speaker as a true offensive force (if he actually is one) with the rest of the big bats from last season (John Ellis, Jake Stahl, Knoblauch, Johnny Bates) all regressing towards mediocrity. There is a lot of pitching depth here, but of course there is the danger of injury or total collapse, but it feels like someone will produce here.
Key Questions
Who plays 3B? This is a question of scarcity: nobody has seemed able to step up.
What happens in the OF? Both Speaker and Kenny Lofton offer strong defense, is it possible to move one of them to LF or RF effectively?
Trade Bait
Sure. One way to solve the OF situation is to trade some of them for a 3B.
Roster Evaluation
POS
Elite
Strong
Solid
Meh
Weak
Unknown
C
Santop
1B
Blomberg
Stahl Ellis
Berkman
2B
Knoblauch
3B
Strang
Longoria
SS
Vaughan
Sewell
LF/ RF
Bates
Doby
CF
Speaker
SP
Malone Young
Coveleski Steen
Feller
End
Adams
Gearrin Reed
RP
Harder Wyatt
Street Marberry Ventura
New Addition | Injured
Pretty accurate, and pretty optimistic: especially if Speaker performs anywhere like he did in his debut 100 PA’s. The Spiders just need a few players to lean left, and they have a shot at a championship.
Talent Ratings
WBL
Minors
Raw Power
1B/OF Ron Blomberg 1B/OF Lance Berkman
1B/OF Paul O’Neill
Batting Eye
IF Sammy Strang
IF Bobby Avila
Contact
OF Tris Speaker
OF Kenny Lofton
Running Speed
2B Chuck Knoblauch
OF Kenny Lofton OF Randy Winn 1B Bill Phillips
Base Stealing
OF Johnny Bates
OF Kenny Lofton
IF Defense
3B Evan Longoria
IF Jim Gantner
OF Defense
OF Tris Speaker
OF Rowland Office
Stuff
P Bob Feller
P Billy Gumbert P Wes Whisler
Control
P Mel Harder
P Edward Mujica
Velocity
RP Cory Gearrin
RP Joe Smith
Best In The Minors
Rank
Age
POS
Name
1 (45)
22
1B
Aubrey Huff
2 (93)
21
P
John Keefe
3 (96)
26
P
Hank Gastright
4 (99)
23
SS
Joe Sewell
5 (133)
20
1B
Bill Phillips
6 (186)
23
P
Huston Street
7 (194)
24
P
Wade LeBlanc
Others: None.
This is a barren system, probably one of the worst in the WBL. Sewell and Street start the season in Cleveland. Beyond them, especially given that Huff is blocked positionally, it’s not clear where help might come from.
Most
Least
Age
P Stan Coveleski, 37
IF Johnny Hodapp, 18
Height
P Toby Borland, 6’6″ P Ron Reed, 6’6″
OF Herbie Moran, 5’5″
OPS
1B/OF Ron Blomberg, 1.061 (WBL)
IF Brandon Phillips, .468 (—)
HR
IF Roy Howell, 49 (—)
IF Rick Burleson, 0 (WBL/AAA)
SB
OF Johnny Bates, 41 (WBL)
Many with 0
WAR
1B/OF Ron Blomberg, 5.8 (WBL)
IF Brandon Phillips, -3.7 (—)
W
Pat Malone, 17 (WBL)
Ron Reed, 1 (WBL)
SV
Stew Cliburn, 39 (—)
ERA
Bill Steen, 2.93 (WBL)
Willis Hudlin, 6.41 (AAA/AA)
WAR
Pat Malone, 5.0 (WBL)
Willis Hudlin, -0.8 (AAA/AA)
Stats are across all levels. 200 PA / 75 IP min. Non WBL leagues indicated by —.
A couple bullpen slots are available, but most of the focus will be on the 3B and OF.
Injuries
Justin Speier will miss the start of the season with an elbow issue.
First Cuts
Cleveland removed a few arms from its big league camp, sending General Crowder, Eric Wilkins, and Steve Gromek to the minors. Both John Keefe and Sudden Sam McDowell are still around, but neither have impressed, and need to improve if they want to survive the next round of cuts.
Sal Butera has been hitting well, and Victor Martinez has done enough to stick around, sending Ray Fosse and Andy Etchebarren down to the minors. They’ll be joined by James Loney, Aubrey Huff, Don Kessinger, and Jim Gantner (surpassed by Bobby Avila in the depth chart). Bill Phillips really hasn’t hit enough to stick around, but his defensive versatility keeps him in camp.
At SS, Bill Dahlen‘s glove continues to keep him in camp, but Joe Sewell–no slouch with the leather himself–is hitting well enough that Dahlen needs to show some improvement at the plate to survive the next round.
Which brings us to the confusion at 3B. Evan Longoria and Bob Elliott have hit well; Brandon Drury has been OK, and neither Ken Keltner nor Sammy Strang have shown much at all. In other words, nothing is much more clear than when camp opened: working this out over the next week is key for the Spiders.
The OF picture has gotten a bit clearer as four of the contenders (Luis Olmo, Randy Winn, Trot Nixon, and Bruce Campbell) combined to hit well under .200, earning a group ticket back to the minors. At the other end, Larry Doby may finally be living up to his scouting hype, starting out on fire in early action.
Second Cuts
John Keefe and Sudden Sam McDowell were unable to improve enough to stay in camp.
Hal Trosky mashed the ball in a brief WBL appearance last year, but hasn’t done enough to preserve his place with the Spiders. Trosky refused to head to minor league camp, earning him his release. Bill Phillips, Bob Elliott, Ken Keltner, and Rick Burleson were all demoted.
SS remains a concern: Joe Sewell has been fine, but both Bill Dahlen and Arky Vaughan are hitting well under .200.
Third Cuts
Sergio Romo‘s performance in a handful of games last season keeps him in camp, but he’s on the edge for sure. Balor Moore was not as lucky, as the lefty headed to minor league camp. Justin Speier, currently injured, was sent down as well.
Louis Santop has struggled, but is clearly the starting C. The battle between Victor Martinez and Sal Butera to be his backup is fierce, however.
1B is a total logjam, and a likely source of trade bait. Jake Stahl, Lance Berkman, and John Ellis are all locks, and Paul O’Neill has been the Spiders’ best hitter in camp. With Ron Blomberg slotted in as the DH, one of these four probably needs to move on.
Over at 3B, Evan Longoria may be finally delivering on his promise, and is pushing Sammy Strang as the presumed starter. Strang continues to not be able to hit, but his ability to get on base and his defense clearly have some value. That leaves the injured Brandon Drury the odd man out.
The OF is slowly clearing out, but remains overcrowded especially as Berkman and O’Neill should see some time here as well. Elmer Flick heads to AAA. A key here is the ability of Tris Speaker, Rowland Office, Peanuts Lowrey, and Johnny Bates to all develop some positional flexibility. The battle between Office and Lowrey is key, and likely to come down to whether Lowrey batting right handed means more or less than Office’s better defense and greater flexibility.
The Final Cuts
Bobby Avila was the first odd man out, a move that essentially assures Sammy Strang his spot as a reserve 2B if nothing else. Sal Butera won the competition with Victor Martinez to break camp as the backup backstop–and with John Ellis able to play there as well, there was no need for Martinez to stay in camp.
In a bit of a surprise, Peanuts Lowrey, who was useful for Cleveland last season, heads to AAA. The Spiders may regret moving out Lowrey’s right-handed bat, but the OF situation just didn’t have any remaining room. Less surprising, but still unexpected, it looks like Joe Sewell has won the backup SS role, with veteran Bill Dahlen heading to AAA.
The Spiders needed 2 cuts to make it to 30. Those were C Sal Butera and P Wilbur Cooper.
Al Smith and Sergio Romo were the final cuts from the staff, meaning both Firpo Marberry and Yordano Ventura made the roster. From there on, it was all surprises and hard choices. Kenny Lofton lost not only the starting CF spot but his roster spot, and the Spiders were unable to find a roster spot for Paul O’Neill despite him being among the Spring batting leaders. Finally, Rowland Office was squeezed out, as the Spiders’ OF was just too crowded.
