{"id":7028,"date":"2025-01-27T12:26:13","date_gmt":"2025-01-27T18:26:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/?p=7028"},"modified":"2025-01-27T12:26:13","modified_gmt":"2025-01-27T18:26:13","slug":"twiwbl-71-1-year-2-week-14","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/2025\/01\/27\/twiwbl-71-1-year-2-week-14\/","title":{"rendered":"TWIWBL 71.1: Year 2, Week 14"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong><em>July 2nd<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We&#8217;ll preview the All Star selections, so this will be a bit of a longer entry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#Awards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Lots of awards, as we moved into a new month!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, the smaller ones. <a href=\"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/the-whirled-baseball-league\/marvin-miller-division\/houston-colt-45s\/\">Houston<\/a>&#8216;s <strong>Jeff Bagwell<\/strong> was the <em>National League Player of the Week<\/em>, hitting .409 with 5 homeruns while <strong>Eric Davis<\/strong> of the juggernaut <a href=\"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/the-whirled-baseball-league\/bill-james-division\/new-york-black-yankees\/\">New York Black Yankees<\/a> was the <em>American League Player of the Week<\/em>, hitting .481 with 5 homers in the same span.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the monthly awards, the <em>American League Rookie of the Month<\/em> for June was <a href=\"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/the-whirled-baseball-league\/cum-posey-division\/san-francisco-sea-lions\/\">San Francisco<\/a>&#8216;s <strong>Turkey Stearnes<\/strong>, who hit .378 with 11 homeruns in the month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/the-whirled-baseball-league\/marvin-miller-division\/kansas-city-monarchs\/\">Kansas City<\/a>&#8216;s <strong>A. Rube Foster<\/strong> was both the <em>National League Rookie of the Month<\/em> and the <em>NL Pitcher of the Month<\/em>, going 3-1 with a 1.65 ERA, as the young hurler announced himself as, at least so far, a premier WBL starter. The <em>American League Pitcher of the Month<\/em> was <strong>Bump Hadley<\/strong>, Stearnes&#8217; teammate in San Francisco. Hadley was 5-0 in June with a 2.66 ERA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/the-whirled-baseball-league\/effa-manley-division\/ottawa-mounties\/\">Ottawa<\/a>&#8216;s star backstop, <strong>Gary Carter<\/strong>, was the <em>National League Batter of the Month<\/em>, hitting .397 with 14 homeruns in June while in the American League, unsurprisingly, the award went to the stellar <strong>Ty Cobb<\/strong>. The <a href=\"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/the-whirled-baseball-league\/bill-james-division\/detroit-wolverines\/\">Detroit<\/a> OF hit .408 with 11 homers in June, which actually brought his overall average <em>down<\/em> in that span (Cobb is leading the WBL in BA at .418).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#Team Performance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Yawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>Effa Manley Division<\/em> might offer some excitement in the second half, as <a href=\"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/the-whirled-baseball-league\/effa-manley-division\/brooklyn-royal-giants\/\">Brooklyn<\/a> still leads <a href=\"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/the-whirled-baseball-league\/effa-manley-division\/homestead-grays\/\">Homestead<\/a> by 4 and the <a href=\"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/the-whirled-baseball-league\/effa-manley-division\/new-york-gothams\/\">New York Gothams<\/a> by 5.5. But the only true race is in the <em>Marvin Miller Division<\/em>, where Kansas City has overtaken <a href=\"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/the-whirled-baseball-league\/marvin-miller-division\/indianapolis-abcs\/\">Indianapolis<\/a>, now leading the ABC&#8217;s by 2.5 games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Houston Colt 45&#8217;s are 8-2 over their last 10 games, but still sit 5 games under .500. Detroit and <a href=\"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/the-whirled-baseball-league\/effa-manley-division\/philadelphia-stars\/\">Philadelphia<\/a> are moving in the other direction, with each team managing only 2 wins in their last 10 contests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/the-whirled-baseball-league\/marvin-miller-division\/birmingham-black-barons\/\">Birmingham<\/a> still has the worst record in the league, but they have moved over .400, sitting at .410 (34-49).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#Player Performance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Batters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s still Ty Cobb&#8217;s world, although <strong>Babe Ruth<\/strong> is doing Babe Ruth things, and reached the 40 homerun plateau during the last week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Jos\u00e9 Canseco<\/strong> (MCG). 254\/375\/734. 36 HR.<br><strong>Oscar Charleston<\/strong> (IND). 336\/386\/642. 103 H, 9 3B.<br><strong>Ty Cobb<\/strong> (DET). <strong>416<\/strong>\/464\/<strong>885<\/strong>. <strong>116 H<\/strong>, 37 2B, 8 3B, <strong>5.8 WAR<\/strong>.<br><strong>Josh Gibson<\/strong> (HOM). 392\/<strong>481<\/strong>\/748. 5.1 WAR.<br><strong>Tony Gwynn<\/strong> (HOU). 389\/425\/601. <strong>116 H<\/strong>.<br><strong>Pete Hill<\/strong> (HOU). 291\/371\/487. <strong>10 3B<\/strong>.<br><strong>Joe Jackson<\/strong> (CAG). 356\/398\/588. 103 H, <strong>39 2B<\/strong>.<br><strong>Stan Musial<\/strong> (KCM). 329\/392\/573. 37 2B.<br><strong>Babe Ruth<\/strong> (NYY). 292\/426\/775. <strong>40 HR<\/strong>, <strong>90 RBI<\/strong>, <strong>82 R<\/strong>, <strong>68 BB<\/strong>, 5.0 WAR.<br><strong>Larry Walker<\/strong> (OTT). 293\/369\/721. 36 HR, 85 RBI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rickey Henderson<\/strong> (San Francisco) and <strong>Tim Raines<\/strong> (Ottawa) continue to be 1-2 in the league in steals, but it&#8217;s getting closer, with Henderson&#8217;s edge now 60 to 53.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pitchers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Starters<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>While his performance has been somewhat below par, the New York Gothams&#8217; <strong>Christy Mathewson<\/strong> continues to be definition of workhorse, leading the WBL with 20 starts, 2 ahead of a bevy of hurlers with 18.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>7 pitchers have reached double-digits in wins, with <strong>Luis Padr\u00f3n<\/strong> (Indianapolis) leading the way at 11-2. All 7 are included below. Houston&#8217;s <strong>Toad Ramsey<\/strong> 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 <strong>Lefty Grove<\/strong> of San Francisco or the emergent <strong>A. Rube Foster<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Frank Castillo<\/strong> (KCM). 10-1, 4.22.<br><strong>A. Rube Foster<\/strong> (KCM). 5-1, <strong>2.30<\/strong>. .203 BABIP, 0.98 WHIP, 3.70 FIP.<br><strong>Lefty Grove<\/strong> (SFS). 10-4, 3.71. <strong>126 IP<\/strong>, 132 K, 3.1 WAR.<br><strong>Ron Guidry<\/strong> (NYY). 8-4, 3.86. 143 K, 3.80 FIP, 3.2 WAR.<br><strong>Bump Hadley<\/strong> (SFS). 11-4, 4.21, 3.50 FIP, 3.0 WAR.<br><strong>Orel Hershiser<\/strong> (BRK). 10-4, 3.87.<br><strong>Luis Padr\u00f3n<\/strong> (IND). <strong>11-2<\/strong>, 4.21. 3.57 FIP, 3.3 WAR.<br><strong>Eddie Plank<\/strong> (SFS). 11-3, 3.54.<br><strong>Toad Ramsey<\/strong> (HOU). 11-4, 2.77. 124 IP, <strong>152 K<\/strong>, <strong>0.89 WHIP<\/strong>, <strong>2.80 FIP<\/strong>, <strong>5.2 WAR<\/strong>.<br><strong>Ed Walsh<\/strong> (CAG). 6-3, 3.41. 1 Sv, <strong>.201 BABIP<\/strong>.<br><strong>Smokey Joe Williams<\/strong> (BRK). 7-7, 3.41. 3.66 FIP, 3.4 WAR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Relievers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>We&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>18 IP minimum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Rod Beck<\/strong> (SFS). 3-2, 3.47. <strong>21 Sv<\/strong>.<br><strong>Rheal Cormier<\/strong> (NYY). 0-2, 6.03. <strong>11 H<\/strong>.<br><strong>Eric Gagne<\/strong> (BRK). 1-1, 2.92. 19 Sv.<br><strong>Ken Howell<\/strong> (SFS). 4-1, 1.72. 1 Sv, 4 H.<br><strong>Michael Jackson<\/strong> (HOM). 1-4, 4.13. 1 Sv, 10 H.<br><strong>Brad Kilby<\/strong> (PHI). 1-2, 4.39. 2 Sv, 10 H.<br><strong>Craig Kimbrel<\/strong> (KCM). 2-1, <strong>1.14<\/strong>. 2 Sv, <strong>11 H<\/strong>.<br><strong>Josh Lindblom<\/strong> (HOM). 4-2, 3.45. 20 Sv.<br><strong>Rob Murphy<\/strong> (IND). 1-3, 3.75. 1 Sv, <strong>11 H<\/strong>.<br><strong>Robb Nen<\/strong> (NYG). 3-2, 1.95. 9 Sv, 6 H.<br><strong>Ron Robinson<\/strong> (SFS). 1-0, 1.64. 3 Sv, 3 H.<br><strong>BJ Ryan<\/strong> (OTT). 1-2, 4.15. 1 Sv, 10 H.<br><strong>Harley Young<\/strong> (BBB). 1-0, 1.23. 3 Sv, 5 H.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#Injury Report<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/the-whirled-baseball-league\/cum-posey-division\/portland-sea-dogs\/\">Portland<\/a> lost half of their backstop platoon as <strong>AJ Pierzynski<\/strong> will be out for close to a month. News was worse for Ottawa, as SP <strong>Bob Moose<\/strong> is out for close to a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Houston&#8217;s <strong>Casey Stengel<\/strong> and Kansas City&#8217;s <strong>Lou Brock<\/strong> are awaiting diagnosis on their current injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Baltimore&#8217;s <strong>Bobby Wallace<\/strong>, Detroit&#8217;s <strong>Billy Hoeft<\/strong>, and the Black Yankees&#8217; <strong>Dave Righetti<\/strong> should all begin rehab assignments this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#The All Star Candidates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We&#8217;ll look at these by position, mixing the two leagues for the time being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For each position, we&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If players don&#8217;t qualify for the batting stats, their playing time is noted, as are some other potentially influencing factors. <strong>This<\/strong> indicates a leader at that position among the players listed (but not necessarily overall).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#C<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The NL dominates here, with 3 catchers with an OPS over 1.000. That means some worthy candidates&#8211;most notably NYG&#8217;s <strong>Buster Posey <\/strong>&#8211;are likely to miss out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Name<\/td><td>Tm \/ Lg<\/td><td>OPS<\/td><td>Reg Stats<\/td><td>Other<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Josh Gibson<\/strong><\/td><td>HOM \/ NL<\/td><td>1.229<\/td><td><strong>5.1 WAR<\/strong>; <strong>67 RBI<\/strong><\/td><td>3.1 FRM<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Gary Carter<\/strong><\/td><td>OTT \/NL<\/td><td>1.073<\/td><td>28 HR<\/td><td><strong>47.1 RTO%<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Mike Piazza<\/strong><\/td><td>BRK \/ NL<\/td><td>1.042<\/td><td><strong>29 HR<\/strong>; 65 RBI<\/td><td>4.87 CERA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ed Bailey<\/strong><\/td><td>DET \/ AL<\/td><td>.972<\/td><td><\/td><td>57 G\/216 PA; 43.6 RTO%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Jim Pagliaroni<\/strong><\/td><td>BBB \/ NL<\/td><td>.925<\/td><td><\/td><td>61 G\/231 PA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Mickey Cochrane<\/strong><\/td><td>SFS \/ AL<\/td><td>.917<\/td><td><\/td><td>10 SB; 4.39 CERA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ted Simmons<\/strong><\/td><td>KCM \/ NL<\/td><td>.900<\/td><td><\/td><td>63 G\/256 PA; <strong>4.15 CERA<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Buster Posey<\/strong><\/td><td>NYG \/ NL<\/td><td>.870<\/td><td><\/td><td><strong>3.8 FRM<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Joe Mauer<\/strong><\/td><td>POR \/ AL<\/td><td>.856<\/td><td><\/td><td>14 SB<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Curt Blefary<\/strong><\/td><td>BAL \/AL<\/td><td>.826<\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Carlton Fisk<\/strong><\/td><td>CAG \/ AL<\/td><td>.800<\/td><td><\/td><td>67 G\/254 PA; 11 SB<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">FRM = Framing Runs | RTO% = Runners Thrown Out | CERA = Catcher ERA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The other stalwart defensive catchers&#8211;<a href=\"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/the-whirled-baseball-league\/cum-posey-division\/miami-cuban-giants\/\">Miami<\/a>&#8216;s <strong>Iv\u00e1n Rodr\u00edguez<\/strong> and Indianapolis&#8217; <strong>Johnny Bench<\/strong>&#8211;just haven&#8217;t hit enough, although a late surge by Bench has moved him up these lists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I don&#8217;t think there is any question in the NL, where it&#8217;s Gibson, Carter, and Piazza. Cochrane and Mauer should be in for the AL, with a question of whether you go with Bailey&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gibson and Cochrane should be the starters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#1B<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The AL has a slight edge here, but there&#8217;s a lot of talent throughout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Name<\/td><td>Tm \/ Lg<\/td><td>OPS<\/td><td>Reg Stats<\/td><td>Other<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Lou Gehrig<\/strong><\/td><td>NYY \/ AL<\/td><td>1.057<\/td><td><strong>28 HR<\/strong>; <strong>21 2B<\/strong>; 65 RBI<\/td><td>.995 Fldg<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Will Clark<\/strong><\/td><td>NYG \/ NL<\/td><td>1.006<\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Frank Thomas<\/strong><\/td><td>CAG \/ AL<\/td><td>1.004<\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Hank Greenberg<\/strong><\/td><td>DET \/ AL<\/td><td>.991<\/td><td>26 HR<\/td><td><strong>.998 Fldg<\/strong>; <strong>3.1 ZR<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Mike Epstein<\/strong><\/td><td>HOM \/ NL<\/td><td>.965<\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Anthony Rizzo<\/strong><\/td><td>HOD \/ NL<\/td><td>.964<\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Lance Berkman<\/strong><\/td><td>CLE \/ AL<\/td><td>.957<\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Jim Thome<\/strong><\/td><td>MCG \/ AL<\/td><td>.927<\/td><td><strong>28 HR<\/strong>; 64 RBI<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Jeff Bagwell<\/strong><\/td><td>HOU \/ NL<\/td><td>.923<\/td><td><strong>66 RBI<\/strong><\/td><td>.995 Fldg<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Boog Powell<\/strong><\/td><td>KCM \/ NL<\/td><td>.920<\/td><td><\/td><td>.995 Fldg; <strong>9.23 RF<\/strong>; 2.9 ZR<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#2B<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The NL is ridiculously stacked in terms of offensive-minded 2B.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Name<\/td><td>Tm \/ Lg<\/td><td>OPS<\/td><td>Reg Stats<\/td><td>Other<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Joe Morgan<\/strong><\/td><td>IND \/ NL<\/td><td>1.088<\/td><td><\/td><td>47 G\/199 PA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Roberto Alomar<\/strong><\/td><td>OTT\/ NL<\/td><td>1.008<\/td><td>21 2B; 18 HR; <strong>64 RBI<\/strong>; 31 SB; <strong>3.5 WAR<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ryne Sandberg<\/strong><\/td><td>HOD \/ NL<\/td><td>.995<\/td><td><strong>28 HR<\/strong>; 60 RBI; 2.9 WAR<\/td><td><strong>.997 Fldg<\/strong>; 5.00 RF<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Jackie Robinson<\/strong><\/td><td>BRK \/ NL<\/td><td>.938<\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Rogers Hornsby<\/strong><\/td><td>POR \/ AL<\/td><td>.919<\/td><td><\/td><td>53 G\/234 PA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Charlie Gehringer<\/strong><\/td><td>DET \/ AL<\/td><td>.876<\/td><td><\/td><td>57 G\/225 PA; .989 Fldg; <strong>5.09 RF<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Eddie Collins<\/strong><\/td><td>CAG \/ AL<\/td><td>.850<\/td><td><strong>36 SB<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Bobby Grich<\/strong><\/td><td>LAA \/ AL<\/td><td>.845<\/td><td>15 HR<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Craig Biggio<\/strong><\/td><td>HOU \/ NL<\/td><td>.841<\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Chase Utley<\/strong><\/td><td>PHI \/ NL<\/td><td>.781<\/td><td><\/td><td>4.92 RF; <strong>9.3 ZR<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cookie Rojas<\/strong><\/td><td>MCG \/ AL<\/td><td>.766<\/td><td><strong>27 2B<\/strong><\/td><td>.987 Fldg<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Joe Morgan is included just for interest&#8211;he missed too much time to injury to warrant serious consideration. Detroit&#8217;s Charlie Gehringer, on the other hand, probably makes the cut, despite starting the season in the minors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the NL, it&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#SS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s pretty impressive there are this many shortstops that can hit, and <strong>Ernie Banks<\/strong>&#8216; production is incredible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Name<\/td><td>Tm \/ Lg<\/td><td>OPS<\/td><td>Reg Stats<\/td><td>Other<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ernie Banks<\/strong><\/td><td>HOD\/ NL<\/td><td>.978<\/td><td><strong>30 HR<\/strong>; <strong>71 RBI<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Cal Ripken, Jr<\/strong>.<\/td><td>BAL \/ AL<\/td><td>.967<\/td><td><\/td><td>39 G\/140 PA; .993 Fldg; <strong>4.90 RF<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Carlos Correa<\/strong><\/td><td>HOU\/ NL<\/td><td>.929<\/td><td>18 2B; <strong>2.8 WAR<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Arky Vaughan<\/strong><\/td><td>CLE \/ AL<\/td><td>.887<\/td><td><strong>19 2B<\/strong>; 2.4 WAR<\/td><td>6.3 ZR<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>\u00c1lex Rodr\u00edguez<\/strong><\/td><td>OTT \/ NL<\/td><td>.885<\/td><td>23 HR<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Robin Yount<\/strong><\/td><td>MCG \/ AL<\/td><td>.845<\/td><td>15 HR<\/td><td>5.8 ZR<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Jim Fregosi<\/strong><\/td><td>POR \/ AL<\/td><td>.793<\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Dick Lundy<\/strong><\/td><td>SFS \/ AL<\/td><td>.783<\/td><td><strong>7 3B<\/strong>; 2.1 WAR; <strong>33 SB<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Derek Jeter<\/strong><\/td><td>NYY \/ AL<\/td><td>.762<\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Dobie Moore<\/strong><\/td><td>MEM \/ AL<\/td><td>.750<\/td><td>22 SB<\/td><td>.983 Fldg<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ozzie Smith<\/strong><\/td><td>KCM \/ NL<\/td><td>.672<\/td><td><strong>19 2B<\/strong>; 25 SB<\/td><td><strong>.994 Fldg<\/strong>; <strong>6.3 ZR<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Ripken, Jr. is really not a serious contender, but he has been impressive in the 40 G&#8217;s he&#8217;s played. That gives us Banks, Correa, and Rodr\u00edguez in the NL and Vaughan, Yount, and either Fregosi or Lundy in the AL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Smith is included because of his superlative defense, but doesn&#8217;t probably make the cut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is an interesting position: Vaughan and Rodr\u00edguez changed teams in the off season, and Correa&#8217;s performance has been a bit of a shock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#3B<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The top 5 are locks, beyond that, it gets much trickier, especially in the NL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Name<\/td><td>Tm \/ Lg<\/td><td>OPS<\/td><td>Reg Stats<\/td><td>Other<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Albert Pujols<\/strong><\/td><td>KCM \/ NL<\/td><td>1.046<\/td><td><strong>32 2B<\/strong>; <strong>60 RBI<\/strong>; <strong>2.8 WAR<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ron Cey<\/strong><\/td><td>BRK \/ NL<\/td><td>.967<\/td><td>2.4 WAR<\/td><td>.976 Fldg; <strong>3.3 ZR<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Gary Sheffield<\/strong><\/td><td>MCG\/ AL<\/td><td>.929<\/td><td>22 HR; 55 RBI; <strong>15 SB<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Evan Longoria<\/strong><\/td><td>CLE \/ AL<\/td><td>.926<\/td><td><\/td><td>2.2 ZR<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Mike Schmidt<\/strong><\/td><td>NYY \/ AL<\/td><td>.926<\/td><td>23 HR; 55 RBI<\/td><td>2.59 RF<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Scott Rolen<\/strong><\/td><td>PHI \/ NL<\/td><td>.922<\/td><td>2.1 WAR<\/td><td>.974 Fldg; 2.7 ZR<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ron Santo<\/strong><\/td><td>HOD \/NL<\/td><td>.906<\/td><td><\/td><td>52 G\/192 PA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Eddie Mathews<\/strong><\/td><td>BBB \/ NL<\/td><td>.904<\/td><td><strong>24 HR<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>.978 Fldg<\/strong>; <strong>2.66 RF<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Wade Boggs<\/strong><\/td><td>MEM \/ AL<\/td><td>.896<\/td><td>26 2B<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>After Pujols and Cey, it&#8217;s hard in the NL. Matthews and Rolen edge ahead of Santo due to defense and Santo&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#OF<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>All of the OF spots are a bit combined in the end, but we&#8217;re keeping them separate for the sake of comparison.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#LF<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>When Detroit&#8217;s <strong>Ty Cobb<\/strong> plays the OF, he plays here as well, making the AL selections pretty simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Name<\/td><td>Tm \/ Lg<\/td><td>OPS<\/td><td>Reg Stats<\/td><td>Other<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Babe Ruth<\/strong><\/td><td>NYY \/ AL<\/td><td>1.201<\/td><td><strong>40 HR<\/strong>; <strong>90 RBI<\/strong>; <strong>5.0 WAR<\/strong><\/td><td>.988 Fldg; 5.1 ZR<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ted Williams<\/strong><\/td><td>MEM \/ AL<\/td><td>1.063<\/td><td><strong>23 2B<\/strong>; 65 RBI<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Frank Robinson<\/strong><\/td><td>BAL \/ AL<\/td><td>1.035<\/td><td>24 HR; 64 RBI; 2.3 WAR<\/td><td><strong>1.000 Fldg<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Adam Dunn<\/strong><\/td><td>IND \/ NL<\/td><td>.906<\/td><td>24 HR<\/td><td>.989 Fldg; <strong>3.41 RF<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Roy White<\/strong><\/td><td>BRK \/ NL<\/td><td>.866<\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Oscar Gamble<\/strong><\/td><td>DET \/ AL<\/td><td>.852<\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Rickey Henderson<\/strong><\/td><td>SFS \/ AL<\/td><td>.840<\/td><td>2.8 WAR; <strong>60 SB<\/strong><\/td><td>7.2 ZR<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Tim Raines<\/strong><\/td><td>OTT \/ NL<\/td><td>.773<\/td><td><strong>7 3B<\/strong>; 53 SB<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>So, Ruth, Williams, and Robinson are in, and perhaps Henderson&#8217;s 60+ SB warrant a spot. In the NL, it&#8217;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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#CF<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tris Speaker<\/strong>, 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, <strong>Willie Mays<\/strong> probably edges <strong>Oscar Charleston<\/strong> as the starter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Name<\/td><td>Tm \/ Lg<\/td><td>OPS<\/td><td>Reg Stats<\/td><td>Other<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Rick Monday<\/strong><\/td><td>OTT \/NL<\/td><td>1.172<\/td><td><\/td><td>41 G\/136 PA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Tris Speaker<\/strong><\/td><td>CLE \/ AL<\/td><td>1.088<\/td><td><strong>31 2B<\/strong>; <strong>4.0 WAR<\/strong><\/td><td>2.68 RF; 5.1 ZR; <strong>6 Kills<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Turkey Stearnes<\/strong><\/td><td>SFS \/ AL<\/td><td>1.065<\/td><td>7 3B; 24 HR<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Eric Davis<\/strong><\/td><td>NYY \/ AL<\/td><td>1.058<\/td><td><strong>26 SB<\/strong><\/td><td>41 G\/188 PA; <strong>1.000 Fldg<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Julio Rodr\u00edguez<\/strong><\/td><td>MCG \/ AL<\/td><td>1.052<\/td><td><\/td><td>39 G\/177 PA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Oscar Charleston<\/strong><\/td><td>IND \/ NL<\/td><td>1.027<\/td><td><strong>9 3B<\/strong>; 60 RBI; 24 SB<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Willie Mays<\/strong><\/td><td>NYG \/ NL<\/td><td>.977<\/td><td><strong>31 HR<\/strong>; 62 RBI; 2.9 WAR<\/td><td>.990 Fldg; 2.70 RF; <strong>7.7 ZR<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Mike Trout<\/strong><\/td><td>LAA \/ AL<\/td><td>.965<\/td><td>24 2B; 2.8 WAR; 21 SB<\/td><td><strong>1.000 Fldg<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Carlos Beltr\u00e1n<\/strong><\/td><td>OTT \/ NL<\/td><td>.916<\/td><td><strong>63 RBI<\/strong>; 21 SB<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Alejandro Oms<\/strong><\/td><td>MCG \/ AL<\/td><td>.883<\/td><td>5 3B<\/td><td>6.3 ZR<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Curtis Granderson<\/strong><\/td><td>BBB \/ NL<\/td><td>.876<\/td><td>26 HR<\/td><td><strong>3.01 RF<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Monday, Davis, and Rodr\u00edguez aren&#8217;t really in contention, but their performances in limited action have been pretty spectacular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Speaker, Stearnes, and Trout are pretty much locks in the AL, with Oms being a hard luck case. Beltr\u00e1n deserves the spot behind Mays and Charleston.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#RF<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>A deep, deep group, probably 4 deep in each league.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Name<\/td><td>Tm \/ Lg<\/td><td>OPS<\/td><td>Reg Stats<\/td><td>Other<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Jos\u00e9 Canseco<\/strong><\/td><td>MCG \/ AL<\/td><td>1.109<\/td><td><strong>36 HR<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Larry Walker<\/strong><\/td><td>OTT \/ NL<\/td><td>1.090<\/td><td><strong>36 HR<\/strong>; <strong>85 RBI<\/strong>; 22.4 WAR<\/td><td><strong>3.89 RF<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Reggie Jackson<\/strong><\/td><td>SFS \/ AL<\/td><td>1.027<\/td><td>63 RBI; <strong>2.8 WAR<\/strong>; 24 SB<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Tony Gwynn<\/strong><\/td><td>HOU \/ NL<\/td><td>1.026<\/td><td><strong>6 3B<\/strong>; 24 2B; <strong>2.8 WAR<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Aaron Judge<\/strong><\/td><td>PHI \/ NL<\/td><td>.994<\/td><td><\/td><td>.992 Fldg<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Mickey Mantle<\/strong><\/td><td>NYY \/ AL<\/td><td>.993<\/td><td>30 HR; 76 RBI<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Joe Jackson<\/strong><\/td><td>CAG \/AL<\/td><td>.986<\/td><td><strong>39 2B<\/strong>; <strong>27 SB<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Stan Musial<\/strong><\/td><td>KCM \/ NL<\/td><td>.964<\/td><td>37 2B<\/td><td><strong>5.5 ZR<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Johnny Callison<\/strong><\/td><td>NYG \/ NL<\/td><td>.945<\/td><td><\/td><td>.993 Fldg<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Mookie Betts<\/strong><\/td><td>MEM \/ AL<\/td><td>.865<\/td><td>24 2B<\/td><td><strong>1.000 Fldg<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Canseco, Mantle, and the 2 Jacksons seem locks in the AL, with Walker, Gwynn, and Judge in the NL. It&#8217;s possible Musial misses the cut, as ridiculous as that sounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#DH<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The pressure here is immense, given the competition for the other OF spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Name<\/td><td>Tm \/ Lg<\/td><td>OPS<\/td><td>Reg Stats<\/td><td>Other<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ty Cobb<\/strong><\/td><td>DET \/ AL<\/td><td>1.350<\/td><td><strong>37 2B<\/strong>; <strong>8 3B<\/strong>; 26 HR; <strong>73 RBI<\/strong>; <strong>5.8 WAR<\/strong>; <strong>31 SB<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Kal Daniels<\/strong><\/td><td>LAA \/ AL<\/td><td>1.023<\/td><td>21 2B; 2.3 WAR; 30 SB<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Manny Ram\u00edrez<\/strong><\/td><td>MEM \/ AL<\/td><td>.986<\/td><td><\/td><td>56 G\/224 PA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ryan Braun<\/strong><\/td><td>MCG\/ AL<\/td><td>.982<\/td><td><strong>31 HR<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Willie Stargell<\/strong><\/td><td>HOM \/ NL<\/td><td>.980<\/td><td>27 HR<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Gavvy Cravath<\/strong><\/td><td>BAL \/ AL<\/td><td>.926<\/td><td>22 2B; 69 RBI<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Benny Kauff<\/strong><\/td><td>NYG \/ NL<\/td><td>.909<\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fldg = Fielding % | RF = Range Factor | ZR = Zone Rating<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#P<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Pitching is, of course, a constant crapshoot, and a lot could change in the outings this week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All pitchers are sorted by ERA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#SP<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>This list has everyone with an ERA under 4.00 or 10 or more wins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Name<\/td><td>Tm \/ Lg<\/td><td>W-L; ERA<\/td><td>Reg Stats<\/td><td>Other<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Toad Ramsey<\/strong><\/td><td>HOU \/ NL<\/td><td>11-4, <strong>2.77<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>152 K<\/strong>; <strong>0.89 WHIP<\/strong>; <strong>5.2 WAR<\/strong>; <strong>2.80 FIP<\/strong><\/td><td><strong>71% QS<\/strong>; <strong>5 CG<\/strong>; 2 SHO; <strong>2.34 SIERA<\/strong>; <strong>1.7 WPA<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Doc Gooden<\/strong><\/td><td>LAA \/ AL<\/td><td>7-5, 3.17<\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Hardie Henderson<\/strong><\/td><td>PHI\/ NL<\/td><td>9-6, 3.18<\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Smokey Joe Williams<\/strong><\/td><td>BRK \/ NL<\/td><td>7-7, 3.41<\/td><td>3.4 WAR<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ed Walsh<\/strong><\/td><td>CAG \/ AL<\/td><td>6-3, 3.41<\/td><td>1.06 WHIP<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Eddie Plank<\/strong><\/td><td>SFS \/ AL<\/td><td>11-3, 3.54<\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Roger Clemens<\/strong><\/td><td>HOU \/ NL<\/td><td>9-4, 3.71<\/td><td><\/td><td>65% QS<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Lefty Grove<\/strong><\/td><td>SFS \/ AL<\/td><td>10-4, 3.71<\/td><td>132 K<\/td><td>4 CG; <strong>3 SHO<\/strong>; 2.87 SIERA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Johnny Cueto<\/strong><\/td><td>IND \/ NL<\/td><td>8-4, 3.75<\/td><td><\/td><td>67% QS<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Rube Foster<\/strong><\/td><td>IND \/ NL<\/td><td>6-4, 3.80<\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ron Guidry<\/strong><\/td><td>NYY \/ AL<\/td><td>8-4, 3.86<\/td><td>143 K<\/td><td>2.58 SIERA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Orel Hershiser<\/strong><\/td><td>BRK \/ NL<\/td><td>10-4, 3.87<\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Brett Anderson<\/strong><\/td><td>LAA \/ AL<\/td><td>7-2, 3.91<\/td><td>1.06 WHIP<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Andy Pettitte<\/strong><\/td><td>NYY \/ AL<\/td><td>9-5, 4.05<\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Bump Hadley<\/strong><\/td><td>SFS \/ AL<\/td><td>11-4, 4.21<\/td><td>3.50 FIP<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Luis Padr\u00f3n<\/strong><\/td><td>IND \/ NL<\/td><td><strong>11-2<\/strong>, 4.21<\/td><td>3.3 WA; 3.57 FIP<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Frank Castillo<\/strong><\/td><td>KCM \/ NL<\/td><td>10-1, 4.22<\/td><td><\/td><td>3 CG; 2 SHO<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Jos\u00e9 M\u00e9ndez<\/strong><\/td><td>MCG \/ AL<\/td><td>6-4, 4.45<\/td><td><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">FIP = Fielding Independent Pitching | QS = Quality Starts | SIERA = Skill Interactive ERA | WPA = Win Probability Added<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Right now, I would guess the starting matchup is <strong>Toad Ramsey<\/strong> for the NL and <strong>Eddie Plank<\/strong> for the AL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The NL is much harder to figure out. Henderson, Hershiser, Padr\u00f3n, and Castillo feel like they deserve selections, with Williams having a very strong case as well. That would leave some excellent performances&#8211;Clemens and Cueto especially&#8211;on the outside looking in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#Swingmen \/ Long Relivers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Name<\/td><td>Tm \/ Lg<\/td><td>W-L; ERA<\/td><td>Reg Stats<\/td><td>Other<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>A. Rube Foster<\/strong><\/td><td>KCM\/ NL<\/td><td>5-1, 2.30<\/td><td>0.98 WHIP<\/td><td>7 GS; 90 IP; <strong>86% QS<\/strong>; <strong>2 SHO<\/strong>; 1.0 WPA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Jim Whitney<\/strong><\/td><td>BBB \/ NL<\/td><td>4-2, 3.26<\/td><td>1 Sv; 2 H; 1.03 WHIP<\/td><td>11 GS; 94 IP; 73% QS; <strong>1.9 WPA<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Tom Brewer<\/strong><\/td><td>SFS \/ AL<\/td><td>0-1, 2.33<\/td><td>1 Sv; 2 H<\/td><td>2 GS; 27 IP<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Fernando Valenzuela<\/strong><\/td><td>BRK \/ NL<\/td><td><strong>5-0<\/strong>, 2.37<\/td><td>1 Sv; 4 H; <strong>0.96 WHIP<\/strong><\/td><td>1 GS; 60 IP; 1.0 WPA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Rheal Cormier<\/strong><\/td><td>NYY \/ AL<\/td><td>0-2, 6.03<\/td><td><strong>11 H<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">FIP = Fielding Independent Pitching | QS = Quality Starts | SIERA = Skill Interactive ERA | WPA = Win Probability Added<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Foster and Valenzuela seem clear selections, with Brewer and Cormier missing the cut and Whitney being on the bubble.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">#Closers &amp; Setups<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>20 IP Minimum, with a possible exception for <strong>Brian Wilson<\/strong> of the New York Gothams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-regular\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Name<\/td><td>Tm \/ Lg<\/td><td>W-L; ERA<\/td><td>Reg Stats<\/td><td>Other<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Brian Wilson<\/strong><\/td><td>NYG\/ NL<\/td><td>1-0, 1.08<\/td><td>11 Sv<\/td><td>17 IP<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Craig Kimbrel<\/strong><\/td><td>KCM \/ NL<\/td><td>2-1, 1.14<\/td><td>2 Sv; <strong>11 H<\/strong>; 0.89 WHIP<\/td><td>15 SD; <strong>5.6 IRS%<\/strong>; 2.90 SIERA; <strong>2.0 WPA<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Harley Young<\/strong><\/td><td>BBB \/ NL<\/td><td>1-0, 1.23<\/td><td>3 Sv; 5 H<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ron Robinson<\/strong><\/td><td>SFS \/ AL<\/td><td>1-0, 1.64<\/td><td>3 Sv; 3 H<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ken Howell<\/strong><\/td><td>SFS \/ AL<\/td><td><strong>4-1<\/strong>, 1.72<\/td><td>1 Sv; 4 H<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Robb Nen<\/strong><\/td><td>NYG \/ NL<\/td><td>3-2, 1.95<\/td><td>9 Sv; 6 H<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Eddie Guardado<\/strong><\/td><td>KCM \/ NL<\/td><td>2-1, 2.08<\/td><td>1 Sv; 5 H<\/td><td>2.92 SIERA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Tug McGraw<\/strong><\/td><td>HOU \/ NL<\/td><td>3-3, 2.16<\/td><td>7 Sv<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Ross Reynolds<\/strong><\/td><td>LAA \/ AL<\/td><td>2-0, 2.19<\/td><td>1 Sv; 1 H<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Goose Gossage<\/strong><\/td><td>NYY \/ AL<\/td><td>2-3, 2.32<\/td><td>9 Sv; 8 H<\/td><td>.90 Sv%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Lee Smith<\/strong><\/td><td>HOD \/ NL<\/td><td><strong>4-1<\/strong>, 2.73<\/td><td>5 Sv; 6 H; <strong>0.73 WHIP<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Eric Gagne<\/strong><\/td><td>BRK \/ NL<\/td><td>1-1, 2.92<\/td><td>19 Sv<\/td><td><strong>17 SD<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Justin Hampson<\/strong><\/td><td>BAL \/ AL<\/td><td>0-0, 3.00<\/td><td>7 H; 0.95 WHIP<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Terry Adams<\/strong><\/td><td>CLE \/ AL<\/td><td>1-2, 3.18<\/td><td>15 Sv; 2 H<\/td><td>.94 Sv%<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Josh Lindblom<\/strong><\/td><td>HOM \/ NL<\/td><td>4-2, 3.45<\/td><td>20 Sv<\/td><td><strong>.95 Sv%<\/strong>; 16 SD; 1.3 WPA<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Rod Beck<\/strong><\/td><td>SFS \/ AL<\/td><td>3-2, 3.47<\/td><td><strong>21 Sv<\/strong>; 0.73 WHIP<\/td><td>15 SD<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Rob Murphy<\/strong><\/td><td>IND \/ NL<\/td><td>1-3, 3.75<\/td><td>1 Sv; <strong>11 H<\/strong><\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Michael Jackson<\/strong><\/td><td>HOM \/ NL<\/td><td>1-4, 4.13<\/td><td>1 Sv; 10 H<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>BJ Ryan<\/strong><\/td><td>OTT \/ NL<\/td><td>1-2, 4.15<\/td><td>1 Sv; 10 H<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Brad Kilby<\/strong><\/td><td>PHI \/ NL<\/td><td>1-2, 4.39<\/td><td>2 Sv; 10 H<\/td><td><strong>2.73 SIERA<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Rob Dibble<\/strong><\/td><td>IND \/ NL<\/td><td>2-2, 5.25<\/td><td>16 Sv<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Jeff Pfeffer<\/strong><\/td><td>KCM \/ NL<\/td><td>1-3, 5.61<\/td><td>16 Sv<\/td><td><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">FIP = Fielding Independent Pitching | QS = Quality Starts | SIERA = Skill Interactive ERA | WPA = Win Probability Added<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>July 2nd We&#8217;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&#8216;s Jeff Bagwell was the National League Player of the Week, hitting .409 with 5 homeruns while Eric Davis of the juggernaut [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[416],"tags":[342,549,992,1885,626,229,203,689,106,15,417,547,775,1726,146,866,35,847,147,53,897,383,407,36,704,169,348,181,308,155,403,222,173,505,783,437,235,918,109,1537,699,473,447,785,2241,436,803,550,799,110,224,268,72,38,453,811,226,570,720,476,360,643,90,277,171,506,593,708,371,426,898,88,121,119,557,495,841,215,8,486,1499,2250,65,387,182,207,102,805,77,245,1635,338,487,389,548,889,957,564,624,527,441,129,894,75,183,402,739,914,399,963,901,197,227,386,524,845,851,232,998,615,1884,27,540,612,563,272,515,510,625,365,196,681,2252,186,464,166,623,479,906,258,404,50],"class_list":["post-7028","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-twiwbl","tag-a-rube-foster","tag-aaron-judge","tag-adam-dunn","tag-aj-pierzynski","tag-albert-pujols","tag-alejandro-oms","tag-alex-rodriguez","tag-andy-pettitte","tag-anthony-rizzo","tag-arky-vaughan","tag-b-j-ryan","tag-babe-ruth","tag-benny-kauff","tag-billy-hoeft","tag-bob-moose","tag-bobby-grich","tag-bobby-wallace","tag-boog-powell","tag-brad-kilby","tag-brett-anderson","tag-brian-wilson","tag-bump-hadley","tag-buster-posey","tag-cal-ripken-jr","tag-carlos-beltran","tag-carlos-correa","tag-carlton-fisk","tag-casey-stengel","tag-charlie-gehringer","tag-chase-utley","tag-christy-mathewson","tag-cookie-rojas","tag-craig-biggio","tag-craig-kimbrel","tag-curt-blefary","tag-curtis-granderson","tag-dave-righetti","tag-derek-jeter","tag-dick-lundy","tag-dobie-moore","tag-doc-gooden","tag-ed-bailey","tag-ed-walsh","tag-eddie-collins","tag-eddie-guardado","tag-eddie-mathews","tag-eddie-plank","tag-eric-davis","tag-eric-gagne","tag-ernie-banks","tag-evan-longoria","tag-fernando-valenzuela","tag-frank-castillo","tag-frank-robinson","tag-frank-thomas","tag-gary-carter","tag-gary-sheffield","tag-gavvy-cravath","tag-goose-gossage","tag-hank-greenberg","tag-hardie-henderson","tag-harley-young","tag-ivan-rodriguez","tag-jackie-robinson","tag-jeff-bagwell","tag-jeff-pfeffer","tag-jim-fregosi","tag-jim-pagliaroni","tag-jim-thome","tag-jim-whitney","tag-joe-jackson","tag-joe-mauer","tag-joe-morgan","tag-johnny-bench","tag-johnny-callison","tag-johnny-cueto","tag-jose-canseco","tag-jose-mendez","tag-josh-gibson","tag-josh-lindblom","tag-julio-rodriguez","tag-justin-hampson","tag-kal-daniels","tag-ken-howell","tag-lance-berkman","tag-larry-walker","tag-lee-smith","tag-lefty-grove","tag-lou-brock","tag-lou-gehrig","tag-luis-padron","tag-manny-ramirez","tag-michael-jackson","tag-mickey-cochrane","tag-mickey-mantle","tag-mike-epstein","tag-mike-piazza","tag-mike-schmidt","tag-mike-trout","tag-mookie-betts","tag-orel-hershiser","tag-oscar-charleston","tag-oscar-gamble","tag-ozzie-smith","tag-pete-hill","tag-reggie-jackson","tag-rheal-cormier","tag-rick-monday","tag-rickey-henderson","tag-rob-murphy","tag-robb-nen","tag-roberto-alomar","tag-robin-yount","tag-rod-beck","tag-roger-clemens","tag-rogers-hornsby","tag-ron-cey","tag-ron-guidry","tag-ron-robinson","tag-ron-santo","tag-ross-reynolds","tag-rube-foster","tag-ryan-braun","tag-ryne-sandberg","tag-scott-rolen","tag-smokey-joe-williams","tag-stan-musial","tag-ted-simmons","tag-ted-williams","tag-terry-adams","tag-tim-raines","tag-toad-ramsey","tag-tom-brewer","tag-tony-gwynn","tag-tris-speaker","tag-tug-mcgraw","tag-turkey-stearnes","tag-ty-cobb","tag-wade-boggs","tag-will-clark","tag-willie-mays","tag-willie-stargell"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7028","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7028"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7028\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7208,"href":"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7028\/revisions\/7208"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7028"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7028"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wbl.dmlco.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7028"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}