The Pastime Baseball League

[EMSoccerCoach]

Pastime Baseball League


SPRING TRAINING 2013



Eastern Division

New York Heroes 14-10
Louisville Racers 13-11
Philadelphia Ringers 11-13
Charlotte Cougars 10-14
Boston Riders 9-15

Western Division

Sacramento Stingers 15-9
Chicago Hitmen 14-10
Indianapolis Engines 13-11
Milwaukee Bangers 11-13
Wichita Brigade 10-14




Eastern Division

Memphis Strummers 18-6
Orlando Orcas 14-10
New Orleans Knights 14-10
Alabama Airmen 12-12
St. Louis Tides 4-20

Western Division

Arizona Sandmen 17-7
San Antonio Sheriffs 15-9
Los Angeles Idols 10-14
Las Vegas Bosses 10-14
Oklahoma City Scorpions 6-18

[PWillisTheMan]

Excellent series, it pains me to see Jim Palmer in a Boston uniform and LOL at LA trying to kill me. Now they draft Tony Perez? Freaking first base factory. I don't want to see another Eddie Murray third base experiment.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Originally Posted by PWillisTheMan

Excellent series, it pains me to see Jim Palmer in a Boston uniform and LOL at LA trying to kill me. Now they draft Tony Perez? Freaking first base factory. I don't want to see another Eddie Murray third base experiment.

As of Spring Training, Murray has earned a platoon with Fred Tenney. Perez is slated to be the third baseman.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Pastime Baseball League

April Review
Standings as of May 1, 2013

East	W	L	PCT	GB
Louisville Racers	18	8	.692	-
New York Heroes	16	10	.615	2.0
Boston Riders	14	12	.538	4.0
Philadelphia Ringers	12	14	.462	6.0
Charlotte Cougars	11	15	.423	7.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Chicago Hitmen	17	9	.654	-
Sacramento Stingers	15	11	.577	2.0
Indianapolis Engines	14	12	.538	3.0
Wichita Brigade	9	17	.346	8.0
Milwaukee Bangers	5	21	.192	12.0

East	W	L	PCT	GB
Memphis Strummers	20	6	.769	-
New Orleans Knights	17	9	.654	3.0
Alabama Airmen	13	13	.500	7.0
Orlando Orcas	13	13	.500	7.0
St. Louis Tides	10	16	.385	10.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
San Antonio Sheriffs	14	12	.538	-
Arizona Sandmen	12	14	.462	2.0
Las Vegas Bosses	11	15	.423	3.0
Los Angeles Idols	11	15	.423	3.0
Oklahoma City Scorpions	8	18	.308	6.0

[EMSoccerCoach]

Pastime Baseball League

April Review
Leaders as of May 1, 2013

Batting AVG
P. Hines	CHA	.394
B. Leonard	BOS	.386
A. Dalrymple	IND	.368
I. Meusel	NY	.349
J. Beckwith	CHA	.324

Home Runs
J. Crede	MIL	9
E. Flick	IND	9
H. Richardson	LOU	8
J. Gibbons	WIC	7
F. Jones	NY	7

Runs Batted In
H. Richardson	LOU	23
H. Walker	SAC	21
I. Meusel	NY	20
J. Morneau	SAC	20
J. Beckwith	CHA	19

Runs
F. Jones	NY	24
P. Hines	CHA	21
D. Buford	SAC	19
J. Kelley	LOU	19
J. Beckwith	CHA	18

Stolen Bases
D. Buford	SAC	9
G. Beaumont	SAC	8
F. Jones	NY	8
J. Anderson	PHI	7
F. Chance	WIC	6

ERA
N. Cuppy	LOU	1.27
S. Chacon	LOU	1.55
J. Pineiro	PHI	1.66
C. Young	CHI	1.99
R. Sutcliffe	CHA	2.02

Wins
N. Cuppy	LOU	5
B. Byrd	NY	4
J. Pineiro	PHI	4
L. Barker	CHI	3
T. Breitenstein	WIC	3

Strikeouts
R. Waddell	WIC	58
B. Sheets	CHA	48
C. Marmol	SAC	47
A. Rusie	CHI	41
B. Donovan	PHI	37

Innings Pitched
R. Waddell	WIC	52.1
F. Killen	NY	51.2
J. Whitney	WIC	51.1
B. Sheets	CHA	50.2
J. Pineiro	PHI	48.2

Saves
D. Martinez	BOS	10
F. Rodriguez	LOU	9
F. Schupp	IND	9
B. Lyon	CHI	5
J. Benz	SAC	4

Batting AVG
P. Rose	NO	.421
W. Stargell	MEM	.404
O. Charleston	MEM	.402
N. Lajoie	ORL	.361
C. Tracy	NO	.341

Home Runs
J. O'Rourke	NO	10
W. Stargell	MEM	9
J. Cantu	ALA	8
J. Clements	MEM	7
R. Jones	ARI	7

Runs Batted In
W. Stargell	MEM	37
J. Cantu	ALA	29
S. Thompson	NO	27
T. Wigginton	MEM	27
J. O'Rourke	NO	25

Runs
N. Johnson	MEM	36
O. Charleston	MEM	31
P. Rose	NO	23
C. Anson	ORL	21
W. Stargell	MEM	20

Stolen Bases
J. Reyes	ARI	11
J. Gathright	STL	6
H. Wagner	ORL	6
F. Carroll	NO	5
N. Lajoie	ORL	5

ERA
T. Bonham	SA	1.18
A. Sanchez	ARI	1.82
E. Rixey	ALA	1.91
T. Trent	SA	2.31
A. Javery	ORL	2.53

Wins
J. Clarkson	LA	5
A. Harang	ORL	4
J. Lackey	MEM	4
A. Reynolds	LV	4
E. Rixey	ALA	4

Strikeouts
T. Lincecum	MEM	52
E. Bedard	NO	34
S. Carlton	OKC	34
E. Rixey	ALA	33
J. Cruz	LV	31

Innings Pitched
S. Carlton	OKC	50.0
J. Clarkson	LA	47.0
T. Lincecum	MEM	46.2
T. Trent	SA	46.2
A. Javery	ORL	46.1

Saves
S. Comer	MEM	6
B. Donnelly	ALA	5
R. Russell	ORL	5
J. Sambito	STL	5
E. Blackwell	NO	4

[EMSoccerCoach]

Pastime Baseball League

April Review



EAST DIVISION

The Pastime Baseball League's fifth campaign started with the Louisville Racers jumping out to the division lead behind the duo of Nig Cuppy (5-0, 1.27) and Shawn Chacon (3-1, 1.55). While the Northern League has struggled offensively as a whole in the first month, batting only .248 collectively in the early going, the heart of Dan Brouthers (.320-5-16), Joe Kelley (.304-3-16) and a fast start by Hardy Richardson (.277-8-23) have put the Racers in the early driver's seat. It helps that closer Francisco Rodriguez has been perfect in 11 appearances thus far.

The New York Heroes sit two games back despite the loss of first-round pick Joe Morgan to a herniated disc. He'll be out until the end of May after hitting .438 in his first 10 games. Despite the blow, New York leads the Northern League in runs (133) and batting average (.272), led by Irish Meusel (.349) and David Wright (.302). Fielder Jones, who hit 13 homers last season, hit 7 in the first month. After a 7-9 start, the Heroes have won 9 of their last 10.

Three of the expansion clubs are in the cellar. The one who isn't? The Boston Riders, who have hammered 31 homers (second in the Northern League) and took a stunning three-game sweep in Wichita last week. Leading the pitching is Jim Palmer (3-1, 2.61), getting backing from Rube Foster (3-2, 3.41) and closer Dennis Martinez - perfect in 11 games with 10 saves. Harry Stovey and rookie Buck Leonard have each homered five times, while Jumbo Kimbro, Rick Reichardt and Dan Uggla have each hit four.

It's not what we're used to seeing from the Philadelphia Ringers, but at present their offense ranks ninth in the Northern League, while they have allowed the fewest runs in the league. Micah Owings (2-1, 2.90), Jeff Francis (2-2, 3.59) and a surprising Joel Pineiro (4-2, 1.66) have led the way there, while Charley Jones' five homers pace the struggling offense.

The Charlotte Cougars have dropped 8 of 10 to fall into the Eastern cellar. They've had some good performances, though, as Ben Sheets (3-1, 2.49) and Rick Sutcliffe (2-2, 2.02) look formidable while on offense reigning Outstanding Hitter John Beckwith (.324-4-19) and Paul Hines (.394-6-15) lead the way.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Pastime Baseball League

April Review



WEST DIVISION

Try not to get TOO excited yet, Chicago fans, but your Chicago Hitmen have burst out of the gate to a 17-9 start, and that's without their offense even contributing. Hitting .235 as a team hasn't hurt the Hitmen, who have gotten strong rotation work from Cy Young (1.99), Joe Bush (3.03), Howie Pollet (3.73) and Amos Rusie (3.80). But the story here is the bullpen. Closer Brandon Lyon hasn't allowed a run in 7 outings, earning five saves. Setup man Bobby Jenks is 3-1 with a save and a 1.13 ERA. And Johan Santana has not allowed a run in 10 outings, a stretch of 18 1/3 innings in which he has allowed 7 hits, striking out 19. The promise for Santana may finally have arrived, as he's been dazzling and should get a rotation crack soon.

For a shock, look at the Sacramento Stingers. Bobby Cox has the Stingers playing smart baseball, getting timely hits including from Justin Morneau (.274-6-20) for an offense producing four runs a game for the first time in years, and doing so in a month where offense has been down from prior seasons considerably. Maybe that's pitching, and Sacramento shows plenty right now: Mark Mulder (3-2, 2.88), Carlos Marmol (3-0, 3.46) and Bronson Arroyo (2-1, 3.72) have been strong. And it seems last year's #1 draft choice, Mario Soto, will be back this week more than a year after Tommy John surgery.

Buoyed by a six-hit game, Abner Dalrymple is hitting .368. Problem is, nobody else on the Indianapolis Engines is hitting. Still, they are above .500 on the strength of four starters with sub-3.00 ERAs. Hank Wyse (2.59), Carl Weilman (2.79), Pud Galvin (2.88) and new addition after spending most of the month in the bullpen Hoss Radbourn (2.05). One nobody can explain is the continued demise of Stan Musial, who hit .103 in April.

A poor April last year but the Wichita Brigade in a hole they couldn't escape. But they're in the same boat here, starting 9-17, doomed by a brutal bullpen posting a 6.61 ERA. Al Orth has a 9.00 ERA and Jay Hughes an 8.31. And the offense hasn't been to form either. As a sign, despite a 2.58 ERA and on 0.90 WHIP, Rube Waddell is 2-3.

Taken in the third round of the expansion draft, Joe Crede knew he'd get the chance to play he got only briefly, in 2011, in Los Angeles. So far, he's hit .297 with 9 homers. Unfortunately for the expansion Milwaukee Bangers, the positives end there. They drafted Jason Marquis in the second round despite a back injury. He had a setback in spring training and is out until at least July. Edgar Gonzalez allowed a run over 7 2/3 in his first start for Milwaukee. He, too, went out with a back injury and is expected to be out until August. The injuries mean top choice Smokey Joe Williams will get a quicker chance than expected. He's starting as setup man, while Pete Redfern moves into the rotation.

[PhillieFever]

Charleston and Stargell have Memphis steamrolling through the Southern League,add to that a guy like Lincecum and I don't think there's any doubt who the favorite is.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Originally Posted by PhillieFever

Charleston and Stargell have Memphis steamrolling through the Southern League,add to that a guy like Lincecum and I don't think there's any doubt who the favorite is.

Yeah, Stargell has pretty much set it on fire since starting. This may actually be the best overall performance by rookies in PBL history. A lot of guys taken high in this class have started strong (Palmer, Carlton, Morgan and Rose to name just a few.)

[EMSoccerCoach]

Pastime Baseball League

April Review



EAST DIVISION

Apparently the Memphis Strummers haven't gotten the memo that offense is down around the league. Led by rookie stalwart Willie Stargell (.404-9-37) and the league's best player, Oscar Charleston (.402-2-22), the Strummers have posted 196 runs in 26 games for a 7.6 average. Ty Wigginton is hitting .340 and has already driven in 27 runs, and Nick Johnson, batting leadoff despite a complete lack of speed, has scored 36 runs. On the hill, Jesse Tannehill went down with a torn elbow ligament and will be out for the year. But Tim Lincecum (3-1, 3.28) and new acquisition John Lackey (4-1, 3.32) have led the staff during the strong start.

Meanwhile, the defending champion New Orleans Knights are bracing for a challenge. They've started 17-9, but it seems clear Memphis is going to be formidable. Erik Bedard and Doc McJames have gotten off to rocky starts, but Dontrelle Willis (4-0, 3.52), Mark Prior (2-2, 3.26) and Rich Harden (1-0, 2.41). John O'Rourke is again leading the league in homers, with 10, while Sam Thompson is his usual steady self (.292-6-27).

Jorge Cantu (8) and Mike Tiernan (7) have hit 15 of the Alabama Airmen's 31 homers, but the story here is Eppa Rixey. Drafted in the second round of the 2009 Amateur Draft, Rixey languished on the reserve squad for two years before a rough year in the bullpen last season. But he's 4-1 with a 1.91 ERA to start 2013, and could make a solid 1-2 punch with Dan Haren. It's a tough division to make headway in, though.

The Orlando Orcas sit at .500, mediocre in all aspects. They are running, sending Nap Lajoie (.361-3-22, 5 SBs) and Honus Wagner (.234-2-13, 6 SB) often, and Cap Anson (.290-6-22) has gotten off well. But Sam Crawford has only 9 RBI thus far and the duo of Barry Zito and Red Munger are 2-6 with a 6.58 ERA. If either of them continue to struggle, explain recent draftee Denny McLain to get a call.

The St. Louis Tides lost 8 of their first 9, but have gone 9-8 since then despite a 3-game sweep against New Orleans. There's nothing great and nothing horrible thus far. First rounder Fergie Jenkins (3-3, 4.78) has been brilliant twice, hammered three times and adequate the other. Curtis Granderson has five homers, and Art Shamsky has four. Nobody else has more than two.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Pastime Baseball League

April Review



WEST DIVISION

Maybe the San Antonio Sheriffs front office knew something nobody else did. Because their trade of Jason Bay for Tiny Bonham looks great now. Bonham (2-2, 1.18) has largely been used in long relief, but has now made two starts, hurling a complete game shutout in one and allowing 2 runs over 8 in the other. Joe McGinnity's horrendous start (0-2, 11.77 in three starts) has seen him pulled for Bonham for the time being.

Jose Reyes is being given the green light and running with it, stealing 11 bases in April while hitting .307, but the Arizona Sandmen are still betting on pitching to carry them. Anibal Sanchez (3-1, 1.82) and Justin Verlander (3-1, 3.57) lead the way so far.

The Las Vegas Bosses have lost future closer Willie Hernandez for a couple of months after tearing his labrum. More crushing is the loss of first round draft pick Dick Allen to a back injury that will sideline him until mid-May. Though hitting only .237, Allen hit 3 homers in his first 70 ABs and had drawn 16 walks for a .379 OBP.

Coming out of spring training, the Los Angeles Idols seemed to be saying Fred Tenney was going to platoon at first base with Eddie Murray, while rookie Tony Perez played third. But a month into the season, Miguel Cabrera is getting the shot at third, Perez is back on the reserve squad and an experiment with Murray at shortstop was short-lived, though his .302 average is nice to have in the lineup. The Idols seem to be struggling to get all these bats they've stockpiled in, particularly at the corners, and are having a hard time doing it. Trading someone for pitching - where they rank last in the Southern League - would make sense.

Steve Carlton is 3-2 with a 2.70 ERA. Unfortunately, not much else has gone right for the expansion Oklahoma City Scorpions. Their offense ranks last in virtually every category, sputtering to 76 runs in 26 games, less than 3 runs a game. Carlos Quentin has five homers, but is hitting .218. Dave Rozema (1-1, 1.61) is an early surprise and has earned a rotation spot as skipper Charlie Manuel tries to cobble something together here.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Pastime Baseball League

April Review

AWARDS



Player of the Week

4/8 2B Hardy Richardson - Louisville Racers
4/15 CF Paul Hines - Charlotte Cougars
4/22 2B Bobby Lowe - Milwaukee Bangers
4/29 LF Adam Dunn - Chicago Hitmen

Hitter of the Month

CF Paul Hines - Charlotte Cougars

Pitcher of the Month

Nig Cuppy - Louisville Racers

Rookie of the Month

1B Buck Leonard - Boston Riders




Player of the Week

4/8 CF Oscar Charleston - Memphis Strummers
4/15 3B Jimmy Williams - San Antonio Sheriffs
4/22 2B Pete Rose - New Orleans Knights
4/29 RF Sam Thompson - New Orleans Knights

Hitter of the Month

LF Willie Stargell - Memphis Strummers

Pitcher of the Month

Eppa Rixey - Alabama Airmen

Rookie of the Month

LF Willie Stargell - Memphis Strummers

[EMSoccerCoach]

Pastime Baseball League

May Review
Standings as of June 1, 2013

East	W	L	PCT	GB
New York Heroes	34	21	.618	-
Louisville Racers	30	25	.545	4.0
Philadelphia Ringers	28	27	.509	6.0
Boston Riders	26	29	.473	8.0
Charlotte Cougars	26	29	.473	8.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
Indianapolis Engines	36	19	.655	-
Chicago Hitmen	32	23	.582	4.0
Sacramento Stingers	27	28	.491	9.0
Wichita Brigade	24	31	.436	12.0
Milwaukee Bangers	13	42	.236	23.0

East	W	L	PCT	GB
New Orleans Knights	34	21	.618	-
Orlando Orcas	34	21	.618	-
Memphis Strummers	32	23	.582	2.0
Alabama Airmen	27	28	.491	7.0
St. Louis Tides	24	31	.436	10.0
West	W	L	PCT	GB
San Antonio Sheriffs	29	26	.527	-
Las Vegas Bosses	27	28	.491	2.0
Arizona Sandmen	26	29	.473	3.0
Los Angeles Idols	23	32	.418	6.0
Oklahoma City Scorpions	18	37	.327	11.0

[PWillisTheMan]

LOL at shortstop for Eddie, that must have produced quite a few errors.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Originally Posted by PWillisTheMan

LOL at shortstop for Eddie, that must have produced quite a few errors.

He made 2 errors in 58 innings there. The kind of move that makes me want to manage the rosters myself, it would just take too much time to do. I like that I can get through the seasons pretty quickly and still detail them. If I start doing management that's shot.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Pastime Baseball League

May Review
Leaders as of June 1, 2013

Batting AVG
B. Leonard	BOS	.379
J. Beckwith	CHA	.324
P. Hines	CHA	.319
J. Anderson	PHI	.314
I. Meusel	NY	.313

Home Runs
J. Morneau	SAC	14
R. Repoz	WIC	14
E. Flick	IND	12
J. Hamilton	CHI	12
F. Jones	NY	12

Runs Batted In
J. Burkett	NY	48
F. Jones	NY	42
R. Connor	NY	41
J. Morneau	SAC	41
R. Repoz	WIC	36

Runs
F. Jones	NY	50
J. Burkett	NY	39
J. Anderson	PHI	37
J. Hamilton	CHI	35
B. Kerr	WIC	35

Stolen Bases
J. Anderson	PHI	19
S. Podsednik	MIL	16
F. Jones	NY	15
H. Ramirez	IND	13
G. Beaumont	SAC	11

ERA
J. Benz	SAC	1.95
S. Chacon	LOU	2.43
R. Waddell	WIC	2.55
M. Mulder	SAC	2.69
J. Pineiro	PHI	2.70

Wins
B. Drake	NY	7
P. Galvin	IND	7
J. Santana	CHI	7
J. Taylor	IND	7
C. Weilman	IND	7

Strikeouts
R. Waddell	WIC	118
B. Sheets	CHA	89
C. Marmol	SAC	85
A. Rusie	CHI	77
S. Paige	PHI	68

Innings Pitched
R. Waddell	WIC	102.1
J. Whitney	WIC	99.1
M. Stottlemyre	MIL	98.0
B. Sheets	CHA	97.2
J. Peavy	CHA	94.0

Saves
F. Schupp	IND	17
D. Martinez	BOS	14
B. Lyon	CHI	12
C. Lee	CHA	11
A. Orth	WIC	11

Batting AVG
W. Stargell	MEM	.353
P. Rose	NO	.351
B. Murcer	MEM	.344
C. Anson	ORL	.343
O. Charleston	MEM	.342

Home Runs
W. Stargell	MEM	15
J. O'Rourke	NO	14
M. Donlin	LA	13
J. Cantu	ALA	12
J. Clements	MEM	12

Runs Batted In
W. Stargell	MEM	61
S. Thompson	NO	53
C. Anson	ORL	47
J. Cantu	ALA	46
T. Wigginton	MEM	44

Runs
N. Johnson	MEM	60
O. Charleston	MEM	50
C. Anson	ORL	43
F. Carroll	NO	37
G. Johnson	LV	37

Stolen Bases
J. Gathright	STL	16
J. Reyes	ARI	15
J. Tyner	SA	13
E. Delahanty	ALA	12
W. Taveras	OKC	12

ERA
T. Trent	SA	2.42
A. Javery	ORL	2.45
A. Sanchez	ARI	2.65
D. Rudolph	SA	2.72
S. Carlton	OKC	2.92

Wins
J. Clarkson	LA	7
A. Harang	ORL	7
M. Prior	NO	7
E. Rixey	ALA	7
D. Rudolph	SA	7

Strikeouts
T. Lincecum	MEM	83
R. Munger	ORL	76
M. Prior	NO	70
E. Bedard	NO	66
T. Trent	SA	66

Innings Pitched
D. Rudolph	SA	96.0
A. Javery	ORL	95.1
B. Sanders	ARI	94.1
S. Carlton	OKC	92.1
E. Rixey	ALA	92.0

Saves
B. Donnelly	ALA	12
J. Sambito	STL	12
R. Russell	ORL	10
E. Blackwell	NO	8
S. Comer	MEM	8

[EMSoccerCoach]

Pastime Baseball League

May Review

Nothing To Shout About
Rudolph throws first no-hitter in PBL history

One of the great mysteries of the Pastime Baseball League's first four seasons is that with all these great pitchers, and great performances, nobody had thrown a no-hitter.

That changed with San Antonio's Dick Rudolph, who held Oklahoma City hitless, and missed a perfect game only by virtue of hitting Josh Willingham with one out in the fourth. Rudolph walked no one, and struck out only one in the swift 88-pitch effort.

The Scorpions had 17 fly ball outs, 9 ground outs and the strikeout, as the punchless crew offered little resistance to Rudolph's off-speed - and some say spitball-laden arsenal.

"Everything danced," said Richie Scheinblum, the Scorpions' leading hitter at .299. "He knew where it was going, but we had no clue."

"Nothing out of the ordinary," Rudolph said afterward. "I didn't feel anything different. Things just went my way."

The winningest pitcher from the 2009 Amateur Draft, Rudolph improved to 5-2 on the year and 50-43 for his career.

[PhillieFever]

I'm a big fan of the no-hitter,and during beta,I did a lot of testing to check on the frequency of them as well as perfect games,and I came away impressed.Perfect games are so rare in fact,that the majority of users will never have one thrown in their league.By my calculations,they average roughly 5 every 100 years.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Originally Posted by PhillieFever

I'm a big fan of the no-hitter,and during beta,I did a lot of testing to check on the frequency of them as well as perfect games,and I came away impressed.Perfect games are so rare in fact,that the majority of users will never have one thrown in their league.By my calculations,they average roughly 5 every 100 years.

Yeah, I was just surprised a no-hitter never occurred in the PBL's first four seasons. I suppose with all the good pitchers being balanced out by the good hitters, it kind of explains it. I would NOT have picked Rudolph to be the first, though. But that's why they play 'em.

[PhillieFever]

Originally Posted by EMSoccerCoach

Yeah, I was just surprised a no-hitter never occurred in the PBL's first four seasons. I suppose with all the good pitchers being balanced out by the good hitters, it kind of explains it. I would NOT have picked Rudolph to be the first, though. But that's why they play 'em.

HaHa,tell me about it.My first no hitter was thrown by that legendary fireballer of the early 70's......Wayne Twitchell.He remained the only one of my pitchers to do it until Lefty this past season.