From Worst to First

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by joshbonds

Can't believe another game 7 world series loss!!!! You have a great team, hopefully this is your year...

I'm hoping! Brooklyn is definitely proving to be a challenge getting that World Series win. I feel like I've got the team to do it, but I shook things up as you'll soon see, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[NYY #23]

We made a couple of moves this offseason, shipping off 2B Bucky Harris to the Washington Senators for SP Byron Houck and C Harry McCurdy. Harris is good and young, but expendable. Neither Houck or McCurdy are top notch players, but McCurdy is just 25 years old, and Houck is 33, but was just 9-21 last season.

In another move with the Washington Senators we dealt our "ace" Dave Davenport for young prospect Lefty Grove. Hopefully we can give the young Grove some good run support and he'll be able to join our rotation.

Finally, we shipped off catcher Wally Schang to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for 27 year old shortstop Joe Dugan. Dugan is good defensively and hit .292 last season. With Dugan at short we'll move Dave Bancroft to third base, and let McCurdy and Tate battle it out at catcher. We've still got one good trade chip left, 2B Doc Gautreau, who we'll hold on to for now, and use him to fill any holes that develop.

My fans didn't like any of the moves, and we'll see how they work out for us. So far we are just struggling along at .500, but it is still very early. Hopefully I didn't do more harm than good with my moves.




Team info
April - 8-8
Season record: 8-8, 4 1/2 games back
Batting Average - .295 (3)
On Base Percentage - .367 (4)
Runs -75 (6)
Hits - 164 (4)
ERA - 4.40 (5)
Runs allowed - 80 (3)
Strikeouts - 40 (6)

[NYY #23]

The Boston Red Sox came calling and offered catcher Johnny Bassler in exchange for shortstop Ike Caveney. It was too good of an offer to pass up, as I wasn't too sold on my catcher situation, and Caveney is expendable.

We've been crushed with injuries so far, losing Jim Bottomley, Goose Goslin, Jimmy O'Connell, Bill Wambsganss, Lee Meadows, and Bill James. Bill James will be missing the entire year. Given all of our injuries, I should be happy that we are only 2 games back and within striking distance.




Team info
May - 17-12
April - 8-8
Season record: 25-20, 2 games back
Batting Average - .303 (3)
On Base Percentage - .376 (1)
Runs -244 (5)
Hits - 476 (5)
ERA - 4.24 (2)
Runs allowed - 224 (2)
Strikeouts - 125 (6)

[NYY #23]

We made up a half a game over the month, and are playing pretty well. With four guys out in addition to Dave Bancroft unable to play because of a cold, injuries are still hitting us pretty hard.

Drafting last is tough to get good talent. We took a chance on a couple of young starting pitchers, and selected a couple of position players. I'm not expecting much out of any of these guys, but we'll see and maybe we'll get lucky.

SP - Willis Hudlin
SP - Hal Goldsmith
C - Bill Moore
SS - Pat Veltman
1B - Lee Dunham



Team info
June - 15-11
May - 17-12
April - 8-8
Season record: 40-31, 1 1/2 games back
Batting Average - .293 (5)
On Base Percentage - .365 (3)
Runs -361 (6)
Hits - 731 (6)
ERA - 3.83 (2)
Runs allowed - 323 (2)
Strikeouts - 195 (6)

[NYY #23]

As the core of my team comes back from injury, we started playing well and moved into first place for the first time this year. While my offseason trades may not have totally paid off, at least they didn't hurt us too bad. Both Dave Davenport and Bucky Harris who we traded away are on the disabled list and expected to miss most of the year.

Even if Houck, McCurdy, and Grove haven't played too well at least they are still playing. Hopefully our hot streak can continue and we can get back (and win) the World Series.




Team info
July - 20-6
June - 15-11
May - 17-12
April - 8-8
Season record: 60-37, - games back
Batting Average - .297 (3)
On Base Percentage - .368 (2)
Runs -513 (7)
Hits - 1005 (7)
ERA - 3.74 (2)
Runs allowed - 432 (1)
Strikeouts - 271 (6)

[Vezna31]

Any report if that unknown pitcher named Babe Ruth did anything in his career? Would also like to see who won the MVP and Cy Young award each season.

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by Vezna31

Any report if that unknown pitcher named Babe Ruth did anything in his career? Would also like to see who won the MVP and Cy Young award each season.

Sure, I'll do the Babe first since he will be pretty easy to do unfortunately.

Ruth was drafted by the Boston Braves, and spent a couple years in the minors trying to make it as a pitcher, but never got the chance to start, picking up just 28 innings before he was released and picked up by the Washington Senators, who dumped him later that year, which was when I found him, changed him to a left fielder and assigned him to the Yankees.

His potential ratings were very good, good enough to be named the top prospect in baseball, but Ruth has hit just .235 with 6 home runs in 1521 at bats. Actually, his potential is still good, but Ruth just never developed - his power never got higher than 2 of 19, contact never was higher than 9 of 19, and eye 11 of 18. He definitely was a big bust, although he is hitting .335 in the minors, I don't think he'll ever make it in the majors, and definitely won't live up to his legacy.

Let me put together the MVP's and Cy Young winners, and get them posted shortly. If there is anybody else you want me to post, lor other info you'd like let me know.

[NYY #23]

First the AL award winners:



Next the NL award winners:



With 7 MVP's, and five in a row, I never realized how much Tris Speaker was dominating.

[NYY #23]

A tough month for Brooklyn, but we managed to hang on to first place, clinging to a 1 1/2 lead over the Boston Braves. Its really turned into a two team race, but with one month left I feel like we are in pretty good shape.

Both of my second baseman are out with injury, but Max Bishop should be back soon and hopefully help us win the pennant.




Team info
August - 15-13
July - 20-6
June - 15-11
May - 17-12
April - 8-8
Season record: 75-50, - games back
Batting Average - .292 (7)
On Base Percentage - .368 (2)
Runs -659 (7)
Hits - 1286 (8)
ERA - 3.73 (3)
Runs allowed - 565 (1)
Strikeouts - 346 (6)

[Vezna31]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

Sure, I'll do the Babe first since he will be pretty easy to do unfortunately.

Ruth was drafted by the Boston Braves, and spent a couple years in the minors trying to make it as a pitcher, but never got the chance to start, picking up just 28 innings before he was released and picked up by the Washington Senators, who dumped him later that year, which was when I found him, changed him to a left fielder and assigned him to the Yankees.

His potential ratings were very good, good enough to be named the top prospect in baseball, but Ruth has hit just .235 with 6 home runs in 1521 at bats. Actually, his potential is still good, but Ruth just never developed - his power never got higher than 2 of 19, contact never was higher than 9 of 19, and eye 11 of 18. He definitely was a big bust, although he is hitting .335 in the minors, I don't think he'll ever make it in the majors, and definitely won't live up to his legacy.

Let me put together the MVP's and Cy Young winners, and get them posted shortly. If there is anybody else you want me to post, lor other info you'd like let me know.

Good stuff. Thanks!

[NYY #23]

We took care of business and finished the year strong to win the division by eight games over the Boston Braves.

We once again head to the World Series where we'll be taking on the St. Louis Browns, who finished at 93-61. We'll be making our third straight World Series appearance. Only two teams in real life have lost three straight World Series, the 1907-1909 Detroit Tigers and the 1911-1913 New York Giants. If I lose this one I think I'm going to move our team to Buffalo and start calling ourselves the Bills.

Team info
October - 2-1
September - 19-7
August - 15-13
July - 20-6
June - 15-11
May - 17-12
April - 8-8
Season record: 96-58, - games back
Batting Average - .296 (4)
On Base Percentage - .373 (1)
Runs -855 (4)
Hits - 1623 (5)
ERA - 3.75 (2)
Runs allowed - 701 (2)
Strikeouts - 435 (6)

[NYY #23]

Our third straight World Series, which should be pretty impressive. We "retooled" this season and made some changes and still managed to find our way back to the World Series, and hopefully the results would turn out differently this time.

Tony Kaufmann took the mound for Game 1, and settled down after giving up three runs in the top of the first. Unfortunately Ray Collins of the Browns allowed just 4 hits all night, and our only run was driven in by Homer Summa in the 4-1 loss which put us down 1 game to none.

We've been in this position before with the Robins, and faced an uphill battle in Game 2 with Walter Johnson on the mound for the Browns. We got to Johnson for 4 runs and took a 4-0 lead into the sixth inning, but a costly error by Max Bishop in the seventh led to seven unearned runs. A bad sign as we dropped the game 8-5 and put ourselves in a 2-0 series hole and will hit the road for games 3 through 5.

Game 3 was a pitching duel between Ray Collins and Lee Meadows, with only 1 run and 11 hits combined for both teams. Unfortunately for us, we were on the losing end of the stick, and fell behind in the series 3-0. In the back of my mind I'm already planning the 1926 season.

We avoided the sweep with a 3-1 victory in Game 4. Byron Houck picked up the win and Jim Bottomley drove in a pair of runs.

The inevitable became evitable(that just doesn't even sound right, but give me some leeway, I've now lost 3 straight World Series) in Game 5. A 2-1 loss. There really isn't much left to say. On to next year. I guess you can say my World Series luck has officially run out.


History (4 down, 26 to go):
1906 - Boston Americans 74-80, 15 GB (Season Score - 6)
1907 - Boston Americans 79-75, 8 GB (Season Score - 30)
1908 - Boston Red Sox 106-48, Won World Series 4-2 over New York Giants (Season Score - 77)
1909 - Cleveland Naps 69-85, 21 GB (Season Score - 22)
1910 - Cleveland Naps 79-75, 11 GB (Season Score - 30)
1911 - Cleveland Naps 73-81, 26 GB (Season Score - 2)
1912 - Cleveland Naps 95-59, 1 GB (Season Score - 43)
1913 - Cleveland Naps 98-56, Won World Series 4-3 over the Pittsburgh Pirates (Season Score - 70)
1914 - Chicago Cubs 69-85, 21 GB (Season Score - 22)
1915 - Chicago Cubs 70-84, 19 GB (Season Score - 22)
1916 - Chicago Cubs 83-71, Lost World Series 4-2 to the St. Louis Browns (Season Score - 47)
1917 - Chicago Cubs 88-66, Won World Series 4-1 over the St. Louis Browns (Season Score - 86)
1918 - Philadelphia Phillies 82-72, 18 GB (Season Score - 32)
1919 - Philadelphia Phillies 80-60, Won World Series 5-2 over the St. Louis Browns (Season Score - 86)
1920 - Brooklyn Robins 71-83, 18 GB (Season Score - 23)
1921 - Brooklyn Robins 96-58, 3 GB (Season Score - 44)
1922 - Brooklyn Robins 85-69, 8 GB (Season Score - 35)
1923 - Brooklyn Robins 106-48, Lost World Series 4-2 to the Philadelphia Athletics (Season Score - 64)
1924 - Brooklyn Robins 95-59, Lost World Series 4-3 to the Cleveland Indians (Season Score - 54)
1925 - Brooklyn Robins 96-58, Lost World Series 4-1 to the St. Louis Browns (Season Score - 57)

[NYY #23]

Another year down, another World Series loss. Its getting to be routine now, which isn't a good thing.

Let's start with the good first - Jim Bottomley won the batting title after hitting .380, and also the Outstanding Hitter of the Year adding 26 home runs, 110 RBI, and 114 runs to his totals.

Rookie of the Year went to Freddie Fitzsimmons won Rookie of the Year, after going 11-5 with a 2.90 ERA. Yours truly won Manager of the Year, which truly is a pet peeve of mine. We have a manager, its not me, I'm functioning as a General Manager, so thanks for the 'Outstanding Skipper Award', but you've got the wrong guy. End of rant…

You already know the bad, losing our third straight World Series. For awhile I felt bad about those "cheap" World Series wins with the Cubs and Phillies, but not anymore.

Rotation
We had four starters win 15 games or more with Houck, Grove, Meadows, and Kaufmann. With the second best ERA in the league I don't anticipate too many changes to the rotation. We'll continue to look for ways to get a little younger, but only if it makes sense.

Bullpen
With Fitzsimmons pitching out of the bullpen and winning the Rookie of the Year our bullpen did pretty well overall.

Catcher
We turned the page at catcher with the addition of Bassler who hit .292 for the year with a .396 OBP. With Schang gone McCurdy slid into the roll of backup and catcher appears to be a position of strength.

Infield
Another great year for Bottomley, who continues to lead our offense. Max Bishop had another solid year at second, with Joe Dugan taking over at shortstop.

Outfield
We'll go into another year with an outfield of Goose Goslin, Maurice Archdeacon, and Bing Miller. Jimmy O'Connell and Homer Summa will be the backup outfielders. Playoffs aside, things are working pretty well, so no major changes are planned.

[bwburke94]

Technically, GMs used to be simply called managers. The first to be called a "general manager" was in 1929.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Ouch, three straight losses in the World Series is brutal. Hopefully you can finally break through and win in the next season.

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by bwburke94

Technically, GMs used to be simply called managers. The first to be called a "general manager" was in 1929.

True, and there wasn't a manager of the year award until the 80's. Just bitter ramblings from someone who lost 3 straight World Series.

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by KuwabaraTheMan

Ouch, three straight losses in the World Series is brutal. Hopefully you can finally break through and win in the next season.

Thanks, I'm really hoping. It definitely is a pretty brutal experience. I guess the only benefit is that I don't have to wait an actual year to get another shot.

[Jestor]

Have you considered trading Archdeacon? He's missed what, 2 or 3 of the 3 WS losses? Get a more durable CF in there and see how that goes possibly?

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by Jestor

Have you considered trading Archdeacon? He's missed what, 2 or 3 of the 3 WS losses? Get a more durable CF in there and see how that goes possibly?

I have definitely considered it, and tried to work something out during the offseason, but couldn't find another center field option. I'm having trouble even getting a bad center fielder, so I think I'm stuck with Mr. Durable, at least for the time being.

[NYY #23]

I don't know if it is World Series fatigue or what, but we had a terrible month in Brooklyn to start the season. Bad pitching, bad hitting, and injuries to 2/3 of my starting outfielders with Goslin and Archdeacon both out. Its got to get better...




Team info
April - 6-11
Season record: 6-11, 6 games back
Batting Average - .286 (7)
On Base Percentage - .345 (7)
Runs -78 (7)
Hits - 172 (5)
ERA - 4.40 (6)
Runs allowed - 79 (3)
Strikeouts - 58 (2)