From Worst to First

[NYY #23]

Starting Pitching (14th/14th)
Reb Russell (25) - 16-16, 2.97
Erv Kantlehner (22) - 4-8, 3.06
Jack Warhop (30) - 16-14, 3.34
Jeff Tesreau (26) - 13-16, 3.83
Elmer Steele (28) - 3-11, 3.03
Jesse Barnes (22) - 2-1, 5.32
George Chalmers (26) - 4-1, 3.30

We didn't make any changes to our rotation, which hurt the team. We saw some development amongst our starters, but we need some pitching help. Russell, Warhop, and Tesreau may be good enough to make up 75% of the rotation, but someone else needs to step up.

Catcher (3rd/5th)
Hank Severeid (23) - .299, 66 RBI, 55 R
Bunny Madden (32) - .200, 6 RBI, 5 R

Another position where we are in virtually the same shape as last year. I like Severeid a lot, but we do need a better backup, and to add some depth to the organization.

First Base (9th/10th)
Harry Heilmann (20) - .273, 65 RBI, 64 R
Frank Chance (38) - .216, 11 RBI, 14 R

Heilmann managed to claim the first base job, and Chance didn't manage to do much. Chance's time with the Cubs will come to an end one way or another this offseason, either by trade or release. 24 year old Mickey Keliher will get the chance to backup Heilmann.

Second Base (15th/1st)
Johnny Evers (33) - .217, 45 RBI, 72 R
Bill Wambsganss (20) - .238, 18 RBI, 9 R

Evers declined pretty fast this year, and I'm leaning towards moving him in the offseason. Wambsganss offers flexibility, as he is a capable second baseman and third baseman. I'm ready to see him play every day and see what he can do.

Third Base (16th/16th)
Joe Gedeon (20) - .258, 29 RBI, 20 R
Thomas Healy (18) - .000, 0 RBI, 0 R

For someone who has never collected a hit in the majors, the drafting of Healy changed the whole composition of my infield. Because we drafted him in the fourth round Hornsby moved over to shortstop, and I moved over Wambsganss to second. Healy has the glove to stay at third, but if he fails he could cause a lot of changes to the entire infield. Gedeon is young, and doesn't have a good glove, but if he does hit he can move into left field, where he is a slightly better fielder.

Shortstop (1st/5th)
Rogers Hornsby (18) - .340, 53 RBI, 47 R
Jimmy Austin (34) - .185, 17 RBI, 6 R
Bob Fisher (27) - .273, 19 RBI, 15 R

Hornsby is the obvious choice for starter, and we only need a backup shortstop. Austin had a big decline, with Fisher or 27 year old Ed Hearne waiting in the wings as a backup. Fisher was sent down last season to work on his fielding at second base. I'd like for him to backup both middle infield positions to give us some flexibility.

Left Field (10th/5th)
George Burns (24) - .316, 30 RBI, 50 R
Mike Fitzgerald (23) - .259, 16 RBI, 20 R
Jimmy Sheckard (35) - .256, 32 RBI, 29 R

My outfield is a mess. I might as well just say it and get it over with. Keeping three left fielders on the roster and trying to find what works best seemed to anger Sheckard, who wants to be traded. Burns did well when he played, so it looks like he'll be our starter by default. With three more left fielders in the minors I have plenty of choices, but it is quantity over quality.

Center Field (15th/15th)
Birdie Cree (32) - .236, 41 RBI, 40 R
Howard Lohr (22) - .160, 9 RBI, 11 R

Cree is not young, not durable, and not a long term solution. I'd describe Lohr as a AAAA player from what I've seen. He doesn't have good ratings, hits well in the minors, but struggles in the majors. My options are limited though, as my two other minor league center fielders don't have good ratings, and don't hit well in the minors.

Right Field (16th/4th)
John Potts (27) - .197, 26 RBI, 28 R
Benny Meyer (29) - .187, 11 RBI, 19 R
Frank Shulte (32) - .000, 0 RBI, 0 R
Tod Sloan (23) - 29-82 in AAA
Joe Schultz (21) - .310 in AAA

We saved the worst for last. Nobody could hit in the majors. Sloan and Schultz might get the call to see what they can do. I'm still baffled at the 4 rating, because I just don't see it. We let go Sam Crawford, and Potts and Meyer might be on the way out the door as well. Another case of quantity over quality.

[NYY #23]

After nine years as a GM I thought I'd take a look at my all-time team and some of the records set by players. Not a perfect method, but I took the top VORP for each position from each of my teams and kept the top one at each position.

SP - George Winter - 1908 BOS (60.1) - 25-11, 1.79, 316 IP, 98 K
SP - Dutch Leonard - 1913 CLE (59.1) - 23-10, 2.41, 306 1/3 IP, 171 K
SP - Joe Harris - 1906 BOS - (56.9) - 19-15, 2.37, 311 1/3 IP, 116 K
SP - George Winter - 1907 BOS (56.3) - 20-12, 1.99, 316 1/3 IP, 101 K
SP - George Baumgardner - 1913 CLE (52.4) - 16-12, 2.66, 315 IP, 162 K
CL - Les Backman - 1912 CLE (19.4) - 5-4, 11 SV, 1.56, 63 1/3 IP, 29 K
C - Hank Severeid - 1914 CHN (35.2) - .299/.347/.408, 6 HR, 66 RBI, 55 R
1B - Dick Hobitzel - 1908 BOS (21.6) - .273/.333/.366, 3 HR, 82 RBI, 72 R
2B - Larry Doyle - 1913 CLE (60.0) - .326/.390/.477, 4 HR, 86 RBI, 87 R
3B - Stuffy McGinnis - 1911 CLE (23.9) - .307/.363/.384, 3 HR, 65 RBI, 74 R
SS - Donie Bush - 1908 BOS (43.1) - .300/.409/.358, 0 HR, 52 RBI, 94 R
LF - Gus Williams - 1911 CLE (41.6) - .338/.428/.496, 4 HR, 60 RBI, 81 R
CF - Clyde Milan - 1908 BOS (42.2) - .332/.396/.448, 9 HR, 103 RBI, 93 R
RF - Gus Williams - 1913 CLE (24.8) - .275/.358/.415, 8 HR, 75 RBI, 76 R

Records:
Runs - CF Max Carey - 1912 CLE - 111
Hits - SS Buck Weaver - 1912 CLE - 199
Double - 2B Larry Doyle - 1913 CLE - 40
Triples - LF Bob Bescher - 1908 BOS - 18
Home Runs - 2B Larry Doyle - 1912 CLE - 15
RBI - CF Clyde Milan - 1908 BOS - 103
Stolen Bases - LF Bob Bescher - 1908 BOS - 53
Walks - CF Max Carey - 1912 CLE - 87
AVG - 2B Larry Doyle - 1911 CLE - .337
OBP - 2B Larry Doyle - 1911 CLE - .418

Wins - Joe Harris - 1908 BOS - 26
Win PCT - Dutch Leonard - 1912 CLE - .833
Saves - John Raleigh - 1914 CHN - 21
IP - Joe Harris - 1908 BOS - 335
SO - Dutch Leonard - 1913 CLE - 171
ERA - George Winter - 1908 BOS - 1.79

[NYY #23]

We completed one trade in the offseason, sending second baseman Johnny Evers to the Boston Braves in exchange for right fielder Johnny Bates. Bates is a veteran (32 years old) and not as popular as Evers, and maybe not as good a player, but it was worth the risk I think. We took a big hit in fan interest by trading our most popular player, but Wambsganss will now get a chance to show what he can do.

We also released Frank Chance during the offseason, shortstop Jimmy Austin, and left fielder Jimmy Sheckard in an effort to get younger. Hopefully addition by subtraction. We signed several "catching prospects" in the offseason. Of course, they aren't really prospects, and I'm not even sure how well they can catch, but I'm looking for one of them to turn into a backup, and not much more.

We lost 8 of our first 11 games, but have won 4 of the last 5. Thank you Cincinnati, the only team worse than us!

Team info
April - 7-9
Season record: 7-9, 6 1/2 games back
Batting Average - .261 (2)
On Base Percentage - .320 (6)
Runs - 63 (5)
Hits - 147 (3)
ERA - 3.97 (8)
Runs allowed - 92 (8)
Strikeouts - 60 (6)

Team Leaders:
AVG:
Hank Severeid - .362
Rogers Hornsby - .328
Birdee Cree - .268
George Burns - .250
Joe Gedeon - .241

HR:
Hank Severeid - 2
George Burns - 1
Mike Fitzgerald - 1

RBI:
Hank Severeid - 14
Bill Wambsganss - 6
George Burns - 5
Mickey Keliher - 5

W:
George Chalmers - 2
Bunny Hearn - 1
Erv Kantlehner - 1
John Raleigh - 1

ERA:
Erv Kantlehner - 1.66
George Chalmers - 3.45
Jeff Tesreau - 4.44
Jack Warhop - 5.12
Reb Russell - 5.35

K:
Jeff Tesreau - 16
Reb Russell - 12
George Chalmers - 10
Erv Kantlehner - 10
Jack Warhop - 4

Who's hot:
None

Who's not:
None

Injuries:
SP - Erv Kantlehner (fractured hand) - out for 4 weeks
1B - Harry Heilmann (hip strain) - out for 4 months
RF - Johnny Bates (strained back) - out for 3 days

Power Rankings:
10 (Last Month - 16)

Minor League System:
4th (116 Points)

Financials:
Fan Interest: 57
Project Balance: -$112,666

[NYY #23]

This just wasn't a good month for Chicago if you are a Cubs fan. Our cross town rivals are winning the American League, and we've regressed to the worst team in the majors, at least for now.

If it weren't for Rogers Hornsby and Hank Severeid I wouldn't be surprised if we didn't win a game. We received the list of players who will be available in the draft, in which we pick fourth, and color me very unimpressed. There won't be much help coming in June, so we'll have to look from within. We went with youth, and it hasn't paid off just yet, but I've learned to be patient. I think we are a better team than we did this month. Not much better, but a little better at least.

Team info
May - 9-20
April - 7-9
Season record: 16-29, 14 games back
Batting Average - .233 (7)
On Base Percentage - .299 (8)
Runs - 165 (6)
Hits - 362 (5)
ERA - 3.50 (8)
Runs allowed - 227 (8)
Strikeouts - 164 (5)

Team Leaders:
AVG:
Rogers Hornsby - .322
Hank Severeid - .293
Joe Gedeon - .265
Birdee Cree - .256
Bill Wambsganss - .229

HR:
Hank Severeid - 3
Rogers Hornsby - 2
George Burns - 1
Birdie Cree - 1
Mike Fitzgerald - 1

RBI:
Hank Severeid - 32
Rogers Hornsby - 26
Bill Wambsganss - 17
Birdie Cree - 13
Joe Gedeon - 13

W:
George Chalmers - 3
Bunny Hearn - 3
Jeff Tesreau - 3
Reb Russell - 2

ERA:
Jeff Tesreau - 2.96
Jack Warhop - 3.79
Reb Russell - 3.91
George Chalmers - 4.52

K:
Jeff Tesreau - 41
Reb Russell - 35
George Chalmers - 33
Jack Warhop - 18
Erv Kantlehner - 10

Who's hot:
SS - Rogers Hornsby - .425, 2 HR in last 10 games

Who's not:
None

Injuries:
SP - Erv Kantlehner (fractured hand) - out for 1 week
1B - Harry Heilmann (hip strain) - out for 3 months

Power Rankings:
15 (Last Month - 10)

Minor League System:
4th (119 Points)

Financials:
Fan Interest: 62
Project Balance: -$88,802

[NYY #23]

We picked fourth in the amateur draft, and there were three starting pitchers I would have considered picking, and you guessed it, they were gone before we were on the board. There were four players I considered, SS Whitey Witt, C Val Picinich, RF George Harper, and LF Carson Bigbee. I ruled out both Witt and Harper because of poor defense, and it came down to another catcher, who is rated better and has more potential, and LF Carson Bigbee. I also like to draft the best available playerr, and there is a sharp drop off after the Picinich offensively, but we have so many needs I couldn't justify picking another catcher, because we'd need to trade one away.

My scout liked George Harper, but I went with Carson Bigbee for our first pick.

It almost wasn't worth making our second pick, but we selected a catcher, Walter Schmidt. Our third round we chose MR Joe Lotz, first baseman Babe Ellison in the fourth, and centerfielder Bob Gandy in the fifth to round out the draft.

On the field, well, another 9 win month. Five guys are hurt, but we are just 3 1/2 games behind the Reds, and have a better record than the Tigers. We've got a ways to go though.

Team info
June - 9-17
May - 9-20
April - 7-9
Season record: 25-46, 21 1/2 games back
Batting Average - .235 (8)
On Base Percentage - .301 (8)
Runs - 250 (7)
Hits - 575 (7)
ERA - 3.35 (7)
Runs allowed - 348 (8)
Strikeouts - 268 (4)

Team Leaders:
AVG:
Rogers Hornsby - .308
Birdee Cree - .267
Joe Gedeon - .242
Bill Wambsganss - .202
Mickey Keliher - .188

HR:
Rogers Hornsby - 3
Hank Severeid - 3
Birdie Cree - 2
Mike Fitzgerald - 2

RBI:
Rogers Hornsby - 38
Hank Severeid - 33
Bill Wambsganss - 24
George Burns - 20
Joe Gedeon - 19

W:
John Raleigh - 4
Jeff Tesreau - 4
George Chalmers - 3
Bunny Hearn - 3

ERA:
Jeff Tesreau - 2.88
Jack Warhop - 3.31
Reb Russell - 3.66
George Chalmers - 4.13

K:
Jeff Tesreau - 70
Reb Russell - 49
George Chalmers - 48
Jack Warhop - 35
Erv Kantlehner - 19

Who's hot:
None

Who's not:
None

Injuries:
CF - Birdie Cree (chronic back soreness) - out one week
3B - Joe Gedeon (fractured thumb) - out 5 weeks
1B - Harry Heilmann (hip strain) - out for 7 weeks
RF - Johnny Bates (fractured cheekbone) - out for 3 weeks

Power Rankings:
15 (Last Month - 15)

Minor League System:
9th (88 Points)

Financials:
Fan Interest: 66
Project Balance: -$64,443

[NYY #23]

I've just come to accept that this is not our year after another 8-14 month. With injuries galore, and too many different ways to lose a game we seem to have taken a giant step back this year. From trading Johnny Evers, who has rebounded with the Boston Braves, for Johnny Bates, who is rehabbing for the Cubs, none of my moves has worked out this year.

We made just one move at the deadline, trying to shake things up just a little bit. It wasn't a popular move, but we sent P Bunny Hearn and CF Birdie Cree to the New York Giants for 3B Joe Evans and CF Hub Northen. We got a little bit younger as a team, and we'll see how that works out.

Team info
July - 11-17
June - 9-17
May - 9-20
April - 7-9
Season record: 36-63, 27 games back
Batting Average - .233 (8)
On Base Percentage - .300 (8)
Runs - 358 (7)
Hits - 790 (7)
ERA - 3.25 (7)
Runs allowed - 468 (7)
Strikeouts - 369 (5)

Team Leaders:
AVG:
Rogers Hornsby - .307
Hank Severeid - .293
George Burns - .269
Bill Wambsganss - .210
Mickey Keliher - .184

HR:
Hank Severeid - 6
Rogers Hornsby - 3
George Burns - 2
Birdie Cree - 2
Mike Fitzgerald - 2

RBI:
Hank Severeid - 46
Rogers Hornsby - 39
Bill Wambsganss - 37
George Burns - 31
Mickey Keliher - 28

W:
Al Demaree - 5
Reb Russell - 5
George Chalmers - 4
John Raleigh - 4
Jeff Tesreau - 4

ERA:
Jeff Tesreau - 2.94
Reb Russell - 3.44
Jack Warhop - 3.82
George Chalmers - 3.88

K:
Jeff Tesreau - 87
Reb Russell - 66
George Chalmers - 57
Jack Warhop - 44
Erv Kantlehner - 35

Who's hot:
None

Who's not:
None

Injuries:
CF - Ed Mensor (oblique strain) - out for one day
SS - Rogers Hornsby (strained oblique) - out for two weeks
3B - Joe Gedeon (fractured thumb) - out 3 days
1B - Harry Heilmann (hip strain) - out for 1-2 weeks
SP - Jeff Tesreau (strained shoulder) - out for 1 weeks

Power Rankings:
16 (Last Month - 15)

Minor League System:
10th (91 Points)

Financials:
Fan Interest: 61
Project Balance: -$58,511

[joshbonds]

I think this is the type of team that will just explode one year seemingly out of the blue. All it takes is a couple of the youngsters you've got breaking out in the same year, and some luck with injuries, and I could see them making a serious run. It looks like you are putting the right pieces together.

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by joshbonds

I think this is the type of team that will just explode one year seemingly out of the blue. All it takes is a couple of the youngsters you've got breaking out in the same year, and some luck with injuries, and I could see them making a serious run. It looks like you are putting the right pieces together.

I hope your right! I always love to see when a group of young players suddenly comes together at the same time.

[NYY #23]

Our first winning month this season, and just my second in Chicago. I guess I'm finding out why they call the Cubs the lovable losers.

Rogers Hornsby came back from injury, and went right back out with injury. My fascination with having a true superstar is waning just a little bit, since he has missed so much time due to injury. Hopefully this is just a one time bout of bad luck, and he will come back strong next year.

The recently acquired Joe Evans is also out with injury. We still have an outside shot of having a better record than last season with a good September and October.

Team info
August - 17-12
July - 11-17
June - 9-17
May - 9-20
April - 7-9
Season record: 53-75, 22 1/2 games back
Batting Average - .237 (8)
On Base Percentage - .302 (8)
Runs - 555 (7)
Hits - 1046 (6)
ERA - 2.98 (6)
Runs allowed - 555 (7)
Strikeouts - 488 (4)

Team Leaders:
AVG:
Hank Severeid - .299
George Burns - .271
Bill Wambsganss - .216

HR:
Hank Severeid - 7
Joe Evans - 3
Rogers Hornsby - 3
George Burns - 2
Birdie Cree - 2
Mike Fitzgerald - 2

RBI:
Hank Severeid - 56
Bill Wambsganss - 50
Rogers Hornsby - 41
George Burns - 35
Mickey Keliher - 28

W:
Reb Russell - 8
George Chalmers - 7
Al Demaree - 7
Erv Kantlehner - 6
Jeff Tesreau - 6

ERA:
Al Demaree - 2.44
Jeff Tesreau - 2.67
Reb Russell - 3.39
George Chalmers - 3.42
Jack Warhop - 3.82

K:
Jeff Tesreau - 107
Reb Russell - 86
George Chalmers - 78
Erv Kantlehner - 51
Al Demaree - 46

Who's hot:
None

Who's not:
None

Injuries:
SS - Rogers Hornsby (pinched nerve neck) - out for two weeks
3B - Joe Evans (sprained ankle) - out for two weeks

Power Rankings:
15 (Last Month - 15)

Minor League System:
10th (72 Points)

Financials:
Fan Interest: 58
Project Balance: -$53,712

[NYY #23]

It wasn't much of an improvement, but we did finish with a better record than last season, even if it was just by one game. Our record from August first on was 35-21, so there is a little bit of hope for next season.

Team info
October - 3-0
September 15-9
August - 17-12
July - 11-17
June - 9-17
May - 9-20
April - 7-9
Season record: 70-84, 19 games back
Batting Average - .241 (7)
On Base Percentage - .307 (8)
Runs - 572 (6)
Hits - 1273 (7)
ERA - 2.96 (6)
Runs allowed - 649 (6)
Strikeouts - 577 (4)

Team Leaders:
AVG:
Hank Severeid - .297
George Burns - .274
Bill Wambsganss - .229

HR:
Hank Severeid - 7
Rogers Hornsby - 4
George Burns - 3
Joe Evans - 3
Mike Fitzgerald - 3

RBI:
Hank Severeid - 69
Bill Wambsganss - 62
Rogers Hornsby - 51
George Burns - 41
Mickey Keliher - 30

W:
Reb Russell - 13
Jeff Tesreau - 9
George Chalmers - 8
Al Demaree - 8
Erv Kantlehner - 7

ERA:
Jeff Tesreau - 2.48
Erv Kantlehner - 2.92
Al Demaree - 3.01
Reb Russell - 3.12
George Chalmers - 3.20

K:
Jeff Tesreau - 130
Reb Russell - 107
George Chalmers - 83
Erv Kantlehner - 69
Al Demaree - 54

Who's hot:
None

Who's not:
None

Injuries:
None

Power Rankings:
7 (Last Month - 15)

Minor League System:
10th (81 Points)

Financials:
Fan Interest: 57
Project Balance: -$55,023

[NYY #23]

Starting Pitching (12th/12th)
Reb Russell (26) - 13-18, 3.12
Erv Kantlehner (23) - 7-7, 2.92
Jeff Tesreau (27) - 9-18, 2.48
Elmer Steele (29) - 7-8, 2.35
Jesse Barnes (22) - 4-4, 3.36
George Chalmers (27) - 8-7, 3.20
Al Demaree (31) - 11-8, 3.01
Jack Warhop (31) - 3-10, 3.82

I don't know what to say about out pitching other than it is problematic. I don't have much faith in any of these guys, but we have some young guys that hopefully can find a way to turn it around.

Catcher (3rd/4th)
Hank Severeid (24) - .297/.335/.387, 69 RBI, 58 R
Earl Blackburn (23) - .333/.373/.410, 9 RBI, 9 R

This is one position where I feel good about, as Blackburn has turned into a decent backup, and Severeid was my best player last season, is young, and one of the leaders of the team.

First Base (3rd/4th)
Harry Heilmann (21) - .311/.358/.388, 24 RBI, 21 R
Mickey Keliher (25) - .181/.242/.224, 28 RBI, 27 R

I'm comfortable with Heilmann is the starter, despite an injury plagued season. Keliher struggled quite a bit at the plate, but if he doesn't play too much I think we'll be alright.

Second Base (16th/16th)
Bill Wambsganss (21) - .229/.280/.297, 62 RBI, 52 R
Jack Hammond (24) - .231/.272/.321, 27 RBI, 17 R

Maybe moving Wambsganss to second base wasn't one of my best ideas, but he is still young, and I haven't lost faith in him just yet. Especially since I don't have any better options.

Third Base (11th/12th)
Joe Gedeon (21) - .244/.324/.305, 30 RBI, 42 R
Joe Evans (20) - .266/.352/.379, 23 RBI, 26 R
Thomas Healy (20) - .194/.241/.226, 8 RBI, 20 R

With three young third baseman I'm letting them battle it out and see who deserves to become the starter. Evans has the edge so far based on his playing, but Healy is still the highest rated of the trio.

Shortstop (1st/4th)
Rogers Hornsby (19) - .307/.380/.448, 51 RBI, 49 R
Ed Hearne (28) - .125/.120/.125, 2 RBI, 2 R

Hornsby is definitely the starter when healthy. Based on how Hearne played last year the team might have a better shot with me playing shortstop. If Hornsby misses significant time because of injury we'll need to find a better shortstop, but it isn't high on my priority list right now.

Left Field (15th/5th)
Mike Fitzgerald (24) - .202/.293/.282, 30 RBI, 20 R
Carson Bigbee (20) - .229/.291/.306, 23 RBI, 27 R

Not much to say about left field except we either need an improvement from outside the organization or one of these guys needs to step it up. I think Bigbee is capable, just a little bit young.

Center Field (12th/14th)
Hub Northen (29) - .234/.299/.203, 46 RBI, 34 R
Ed Mensor (22) - .187/.241/.203, 7 RBI, 11 R

One thing I enjoy about the end of year position by position wrap up is it really forces you to look at your team closely. Of course that isn't always a good thing. Another area of weakness, and at an important position none the less. It doesn't make me feel real good about my team.

Right Field (12th/2nd)
George Burns (26) - .274/.375/.379, 41 RBI, 67 R
John Potts (28) - .248/.345/.297, 9 RBI, 11 R
Joe Schultz (22) - minors

Upon further review, Burns had one of the better seasons from any of the Cubs for the second year in a row in limited playing time. His ratings are poor, both offensively and defensively though, so I don't know if he is the real deal, or just getting lucky. I guess the jury is still out, but he'll keep getting the chance to play until he proves he can't.

[NYY #23]

It wasn't a bad month, finishing .500. Harry Heilmann led our offense, and won the NL Batter of the Month award. Our pitching has been both good and bad. Reb Russell and Erv Kantlehner are both pitching well, and Jeff Tesreau and George Chalmers are both pitching bad. Its early though, so we'll see how May goes.

Team info
April - 8-8
Season record: 8-8, 2 games back
Batting Average - .245 (4)
On Base Percentage - .306 (4)
Runs - 63 (2)
Hits - 147 (3)
ERA - 3.67 (8)
Runs allowed - 84 (8)
Strikeouts - 70 (4)

Team Leaders:
AVG:
Harry Heilmann - .348
Carson Bigbee - .311
George Burns - .271
Rogers Hornsby - .250
Bill Wambsganss - .230

HR:
Harry Heilmann - 1
Rogers Hornsby - 1

RBI:
Harry Heilmann - 14
Rogers Hornsby - 8
George Burns - 6
Mike Fitzgerald - 5
Bill Wambsganss - 5

W:
Jesse Barnes - 3
Reb Russell - 3
George Chalmers - 1
Erv Kantlehner - 1
Jeff Tesraeu - 1

ERA:
Erv Kantlehner - 1.61
Reb Russell - 2.31
George Chalmers - 4.13
Jeff Tesreau - 6.82

K:
Erv Kantlehner - 18
Reb Russell - 14
Jeff Tesreau - 14
George Chalmers - 13
Jesse Barnes - 8

Who's hot:
None

Who's not:
None

Injuries:
CF - Ed Mensor (sprained finger - out for 1-2 weeks)

Power Rankings:
7 (Last Month - 7)

Minor League System:
10th (78 Points)

Financials:
Fan Interest: 57
Project Balance: -$97,928

[bubba22plus]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

It wasn't a bad month, finishing .500. Harry Heilmann led our offense, and won the NL Batter of the Month award. Our pitching has been both good and bad. Reb Russell and Erv Kantlehner are both pitching well, and Jeff Tesreau and George Chalmers are both pitching bad. Its early though, so we'll see how May goes.

Team info
April - 8-8
Season record: 8-88, 2 games back
Batting Average - .245 (4)
On Base Percentage - .306 (4)
Runs - 63 (2)
Hits - 147 (3)
ERA - 3.67 (8)
Runs allowed - 84 (8)
Strikeouts - 70 (4)

Team Leaders:
AVG:
Harry Heilmann - .348
Carson Bigbee - .311
George Burns - .271
Rogers Hornsby - .250
Bill Wambsganss - .230

HR:
Harry Heilmann - 1
Rogers Hornsby - 1

RBI:
Harry Heilmann - 14
Rogers Hornsby - 8
George Burns - 6
Mike Fitzgerald - 5
Bill Wambsganss - 5

W:
Jesse Barnes - 3
Reb Russell - 3
George Chalmers - 1
Erv Kantlehner - 1
Jeff Tesraeu - 1

ERA:
Erv Kantlehner - 1.61
Reb Russell - 2.31
George Chalmers - 4.13
Jeff Tesreau - 6.82

K:
Erv Kantlehner - 18
Reb Russell - 14
Jeff Tesreau - 14
George Chalmers - 13
Jesse Barnes - 8

Who's hot:
None

Who's not:
None

Injuries:
CF - Ed Mensor (sprained finger - out for 1-2 weeks)

Power Rankings:
7 (Last Month - 7)

Minor League System:
10th (78 Points)

Financials:
Fan Interest: 57
Project Balance: -$97,928

I'm guessing the bolded is a typo.

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by bubba22plus

I'm guessing the bolded is a typo.

Oops, that would have been a bad month...Thanks for catching that.

[NYY #23]

A Pitcher of the Month award for Jeff Tesreau, who was 5-1 with a 2.91 ERA in 8 starts was the highlight of the month for our pitching staff. We are hanging around in second place, but we don't feel like a second place team. Pitching is still my number one worry, even though we are pitching pretty decent.

Team info
May 18-11
April - 8-8
Season record: 27-20, 2 1/2 games back
Batting Average - .255 (1)
On Base Percentage - .316 (3)
Runs - 189 (1)
Hits - 407 (1)
ERA - 3.14 (7)
Runs allowed - 180 (7)
Strikeouts - 191 (2)

Team Leaders:
AVG:
Harry Heilmann - .376
Carson Bigbee - .269
Hank Severeid - .268
Rogers Hornsby - .263
Hub Northen - .231

HR:
Rogers Hornsby - 2
Hub Northen - 2
Hank Severeid - 2
Harry Heilmann - 1

RBI:
Harry Heilmann - 33
Rogers Hornsby - 22
Hub Northen - 22
Hank Severeid - 21
Carson Bigbee - 15

W:
Reb Russell - 7
Jeff Tesraeu - 6
George Chalmers - 4
Al Demaree - 4
Jesse Barnes - 3

ERA:
Reb Russell - 2.16
George Chalmers - 3.12
Erv Kantlehner - 3.41
Jeff Tesreau - 4.22

K:
Jeff Tesreau - 46
Erv Kantlehner - 40
Reb Russell - 38
George Chalmers - 36
Jesse Barnes - 14

Who's hot:
1B - Harry Heilmann - .488, 0 HR last 10 games

Who's not:
None

Injuries:
RF - George Burns (oblique strain - out for 1 week)

Power Rankings:
3 (Last Month - 7)

Minor League System:
10th (80 Points)

Financials:
Fan Interest: 59
Project Balance: -$48,858

[NYY #23]

Finishing on the low end of the league gives us a high draft pick, as we selected fifth overall. With a weak draft class we needed to make the most of our picks and I really wanted to add a good young pitcher. We selected starting pitcher Hal Carlson with our first pick, and another starting pitcher Roy Sanders with our second pick of the draft.

Second baseman Mike Massey was our third round pick and another second baseman Patsy McGaffigan with our fourth pick. Reliever Red Hill was our fifth and final pick. It is too early to judge, but I'm not too excited about our draft class.

We seem to be hanging around in second place, which is surprising because our pitching is weak. I certainly don't feel like we are the second best team in baseball, that is for sure. We'll be playing without our best pitcher this season, Reb Russel for the next three weeks, and without Harry Heilmann for the next week. July will be an important month for us.

Team info
June 13-12
May 18-11
April - 8-8
Season record: 40-32, 2 games back
Batting Average - .246 (4)
On Base Percentage - .308 (5)
Runs - 272 (2)
Hits - 605 (4)
ERA - 2.92 (6)
Runs allowed - 258 (6)
Strikeouts - 274 (4)

Team Leaders:
AVG:
Harry Heilmann - .351
Rogers Hornsby - .267
Carson Bigbee - .265
Hank Severeid - .248
Hub Northen - .225

HR:
Rogers Hornsby - 4
Hub Northen - 4
Harry Heilmann - 2
Hank Severeid - 2

RBI:
Harry Heilmann - 41
Hub Northen - 34
Rogers Hornsby - 33
Hank Severeid - 29
Carson Bigbee - 19

W:
Reb Russell - 9
George Chalmers - 8
Jeff Tesraeu - 7
Al Demaree - 6
Jesse Barnes - 4

ERA:
Reb Russell - 1.77
George Chalmers - 3.07
Erv Kantlehner - 3.18
Jeff Tesreau - 4.24

K:
Jeff Tesreau - 62
George Chalmers - 60
Erv Kantlehner - 58
Reb Russell - 43
Jesse Barnes - 23

Who's hot:
None

Who's not:
None

Injuries:
RF - George Burns (shoulder inflammation - out for 3 months)
SP - Reb Russell (intercostal strain - out for 2-3 weeks)
1B - Harry Heilmann (lacerated finger - out for 1 week)

Power Rankings:
5 (Last Month - 3)

Minor League System:
8th (93 Points)

Financials:
Fan Interest: 63
Project Balance: -$28,873

[NYY #23]

That about says it all. It seems like whatever could go wrong this season has gone wrong, yet we are two games back. Reb Russell is out again for the rest of the year, Hub Northen has stepped up and played some decent centerfield, but will miss the rest of the year. George Burns has a shoulder injury, and I just found out his career is over.

On top of that injuries to Rogers Hornsby (my franchise player hasn't really lived up to that name with his multiple injuries), catcher Hank Severeid and first baseman Harry Heilmann have left me constantly shuffling the roster trying to fill holes from within.

The trading deadline has come and gone, and we stood pat. I don't feel like we are close (despite the standings), and I don't have any moveable parts. I keep thinking if we can go on a little run and get a lot of luck I can get out of Chicago, but realistically it doesn't feel we are close.

Team info
August 16-11
July 12-16
June 13-12
May 18-11
April - 8-8
Season record: 68-59, 2 games back
Batting Average - .251 (2)
On Base Percentage - .312 (3)
Runs - 498 (2)
Hits - 1085 (1)
ERA - 2.74 (6)
Runs allowed - 488 (7)
Strikeouts - 514 (4)

Team Leaders:
AVG:
Harry Heilmann - .336
Rogers Hornsby - .302
Carson Bigbee - .278
Joe Evans - .272

HR:
Rogers Hornsby - 5
Harry Heilmann - 4
Hub Northen - 4
Benny Meyer - 3
Hank Severeid - 3

RBI:
Harry Heilmann - 71
Rogers Hornsby - 60
Carson Bigbee - 36
Hank Severeid - 36
Joe Evans - 35

W:
Reb Russell - 11
Al Demaree - 11
Jeff Tesraeu - 11
George Chalmers - 10

ERA:
Reb Russell - 1.76
Erv Kantlehner - 2.97
Jeff Tesreau - 3.05
George Chalmers - 3.41

K:
Jeff Tesreau - 115
George Chalmers - 87
Erv Kantlehner - 86
Jack Warhop - 51
Reb Russell - 48

Who's hot:
Jesse Barnes - 1 SV, 0.43 ERA last 8 games
Jeff Tesreau - 2-0, 0.35 last 3 games

Who's not:
None

Injuries:
SP - Reb Russell (torn flexor tendon - elbow - out for 7-8 months)
RF - George Burns (shoulder inflammation - career over)
RF - Benny Meyer (ankle soreness - out for 3 days)
CF - Hub Northen (fractured ankle - out for 7 weeks)

Power Rankings:
2 (Last Month - 8)

Minor League System:
8th (99 Points)

Financials:
Fan Interest: 71
Project Balance: $17,819

[NYY #23]

We finished September with our third winning month of the season, a 14-12 record to put our record for the year at 82-71. We have one game left to play against the St. Louis Cardinals and have a 1/2 game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies, who play four games against the Boston Braves. A weird schedule. We aren't in the driver's seat, but if we win we'll be in a pretty good position, so to speak.

In a weird season of parity we have the best record in all of baseball. Maybe we can just squeak by and get a cheap World Series in our third season with the Cubs.

But speaking of a good pennant race, we should talk about the American League, where Cleveland, Detroit, and the St. Louis Browns are all tied in first with a 82-71 record, all with one game to play. Our cross town rivals, the White Sox, have been eliminated with just one game to play, despite being 2 games out. The White Sox can play spoiler with a game against the Indians. The Tigers and Browns will face off against each other in their final game of the season. Talk about an exciting finish.

[NYY #23]

We've done all we can in Chicago, winning our final game of the season 2-1 against the St. Louis Browns, while the Phillies sat idol. We now have a one game lead, while the Phillies have four move to play against the Braves. Once again I say what a weird schedule.

The Browns knocked off the Tigers 5-3 while the White Sox took out their frustrations on the Indians with a 12-3 route. The Browns will be waiting for either us or the Phillies in the World Series. We'll be rested at least, one way or another. Time to become a Braves fan!

[HGVoyager]

I'm already a Braves fan, so that shouldn't be too hard.