GRADES AND CRITIQUES: NorthEast Division
(Grades are based on how well the team was built as
well as current performance)
Sahara Jihad:
Strengths:
Drafted one of the best OF in the league.
The combination of Hafey-Herman- Rice has been the glue that
has held the Jihad attack together all season. That along with the
strong season of Willie Kamm has kept the Jihad on top.
Outstanding bench The Jihad get a lot of mileage out
of some lost names of baseball past. Beauty McGowan (.412)
Andy Reese (.391) and Doug Taitt (.292) have come through in the
clutch all season so far and filled in perfectly when starters have
needed a day off.
Best Lefthanded Pitching in the league � With the
exception of Lefty Grove, no team can throw so many lefthanders
at you. Garland Braxton was an exceptional pick and has been leading
the league in ERA all year. Combine Braxton, Herb Pennock
and Opening Day acquisition Waite Hoyt (OK he's a righty) and you
have a combined 29-10 staff
Weaknesses:
Poor 1st round picks Although the Jihad had the last
pick in the first round, they used it, along with the 1st pick in the second
to pick pitchers Larry Benton and Bill Sherdel. It raised eyebrows at the
time, considering that both pitchers have mediocre years next year.
Currently the two are a combined 13-17 and haven't performed as
well as the other members in the rotation.
Untested Bullpen - This one is a double edged sword.
The starters have been so dominant that there hasn't been a need for
much relief work. However, if the division race gets tight or someone
gets hurt, there may not be someone strong enough to step up.
Backstops � Muddy Ruel and Moe Berg. Really now,
was this the best the Jihad could do? Neither one of them are hitting
very well, fielding very well or staying healthy very well. This has been
the only questionable area of the Jihad's everyday lineup.
OVERALL GRADE: A
Harlem Knights:
Strengths:
Lefty Grove � Right now, there is no better long term
player in the league. A dominant player the likes of are rarely seen.
He may not be overwhelming this year, but wait.
Roster Depth � In all areas, this team is deep in talent.
Although some may not be ready to play everyday, they are serving their
apprenticeships.
Young Talent � Young studs coming into their own.
Hurst, Klein, O'Doul, Dickey, Cronin, Myer etc. This has the potential
to be a truly explosive team.
Weaknesses:
Young Talent � Rookie mistakes and lack of playing
time at time equate a plead for patience. The errors of today have the
ability to hang a plethora of pennants in the future.
Disappointing Starting Pitching � With the exception
of Grove, the rest of the staff has been inconsistent and erratic. Fred
Fitzsimmons and Red Lucas were expected to perform much better than
their current performances have indicated.
Lack of roles � Although it is clear who the players of
the future will be, the players of today are being used inconsistently.
A true closer as well as a full time catcher has failed to emerge, and
there hasn't been a consistently effective bat off the bench.
OVERALL GRADE: B
Hershey Squirts:
Strengths:
Solid Everyday Players. � How could you go wrong
with Gehrig, Gehringer, Muesel, Koenig, and surprise Lance Richbourg.
The consistency of these players has been the strength of the Squirts
The drafting of these players has given this franchise a
bright future.
Best Bullpen in the League � So far, the Squirts have
gotten a lot of mileage from guys like Carl Mays, Grady Adkins and the
"Weener" Doug McWeeny. Choosing these guys has given the Squirts
some stability when the rotation has broken down
Dazzy Vance � Vance has proven to be the stopper for
the Squirts. He is a horse who can stop a losing streak, and make a team
look very, very good. Although he is getting up in age, he is the perfect
type of pitcher for this team.
Weaknesses:
Erratic Starting Pitching � Most of the rotation has not
performed up to expectations. What's worse, the Squirts have the oldest
pitchers in the league. This may prove to be a serious long term concern.
Weak Bench � With so many quality starters, the bench
isn't much to be desired. With the exception of Ty Cobb, most are
have-beens or never-weres, and Cobb is no joy to have in the clubhouse.
OVERALL GRADE: B
Pawtuckett Flying Dutchmen
Strengths:
Solid Staff Aces - George Uhle and Sam Gray have
done more than what has been expected from them all season. Both are
workhorses, and have been among the league leaders in most pitching
categories all season.
Strong Bullpen � With a number of arms, the Dutchmen
have built up an exceptional pen. Overall they are 11-5 with 10 saves
and get the job in the clutch. However, most of them have poor seasons
next year, so this may be a concern.
Pleasant Surprises � Pinky Whitney, Glenn Myatt,
Ethan Allen, Bill Cissell. These guys have been doing a great job amist
little fanfare. These guys do "all the little things" to help a team win,
and make superstars out of guys like Hornsby, Heilmann, etc.
Weaknesses:
Other Starters � Take Uhle and Gray out of the
mix and Dutchman starters are 14-30 all season. Most of the starters
have been unimpressive and have put a strain on the usage of the bullpen
Injuries � Although no one can foresee such things,
many of these guys have traditionally had injury problems, or historically
never finished a full season. In a classic case, 1st round pick Rogers
Hornsby only played in 150+ games 4 times in a 23 year career.
Although awesome, Rajah will never be confused with Cal Ripken.
OVERALL GRADE: B+
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