The Golden Age Draft League

[KG Erwin]

Pittsburgh June 10. The Braves' powerful lineup got 15 hits, including 2 HRs, and defeated the Bucs 7-1. Bill Kennedy (5-4) got the win, and Bob Lemon (8-1) took the loss.

The Braves have the top two batting leaders in MLB: Johnny Mize (.359/13/48) and Aaron Robinson (.356/8/42).

Tuesday, June 11. Pirates ace Warren Spahn will face the formidable Boston bats. Pirates' manager K G Erwin keeps changing batting orders, inserting players in and out of the lineup to limit chance of injury. As a result, his best men are ready to take the field today:





Johnny VanderMeer gets a 4-2 complete-game victory. Spahn takes the loss.

[KG Erwin]

On Wednesday Buddy Kerr's bottom-of-the-ninth GW RBI prevented Boston from getting the sweep. Pirates, 4-3. Milo Candini (4-1) got the win, and Carl Erskine (3-4) took the loss. Nice way to end the home stand.

The Bucs maintain an eleven-game lead over the Braves.

No games were scheduled for Thursday.

[KG Erwin]

Minor league stat update: I see that some adjustments need to be made, but the question is when?

[KG Erwin]

Philadelphia, June 15: After losing to the Phillies 9-5 yesterday, and winning 4-3 today, I was contacted this evening by the GM of the Cubs. They were interested in my ace reliever, Milo Candini, who had just earned his 12th save.

After looking over the list of players they would offer, I zeroed in on SP Virgil Trucks, who is 5-6 with a 4.00 ERA. However, in checking out his scouting ratings and his SO/BB ratio, that's the guy I wanted.

We consummated the deal, which is definitely a blockbuster. Trucks will move into the 3rd spot in the rotation, and Early Wynn goes to the bullpen. This gives me two proven spot-starters (including Joe Page).

The Cubs' GM considered it a great deal. I honestly think this will help both teams. The Cubs are in sixth place right now, 13.5 games behind the Pirates.

[KG Erwin]

Philadelphia, June 16: Double-header Sunday.

In Game 1, Joe Hatten pitched a 5-1 complete-game victory over us. Warren Spahn was knocked out after 4 innings, and took the loss. He's now 8-5, with a 2.16 ERA.

In Game 2, we also couldn't get any offense going. Phillies win, 4-1.

The temperatures have been in the 80s, but our bats were cold.

On the manager's birthday, June 17, we had the day off. I spent the day with the family.

Took a glance at the newspapers. The Dodgers and Braves are both still ten games behind, and we're playing in Brooklyn on Tuesday. Newly-acquired Virgil Trucks will start for us in Ebbets Field. Ashburn, Snider and Kryhoski are not hitting well. For Tuesday's game, Joe Kuhel will start at 1B.

[KG Erwin]

Brooklyn, June 18. Al Brazle beats us 3-2. We are hitting, but not driving in runs. We have lost three in a row for the first time this season.

I made some calls, and the Braves GM was willing to talk. We made a deal. I got hot-hitting 3B George Kell in exchange for Joe Page. He was thrilled, so I was assured that the deal was kosher.

This gives me three starting thirdbasemen. I decided to shop young Eddie Yost, and basically gave him to the Reds in exchange for a power-hitting left-handed pinch-hitter, RF Johnny Barrett. The Reds' GM was understandably thrilled with the deal.

George Kell moves up to the second slot in my batting order, and Buddy Kerr drops to 8th.

[CBeasley37]

Thanks for the updates KG.
Great Thread

Go Bucs!

[KG Erwin]

On Wednesday we lost our fourth in a row, with the Dodgers beating us 5-4. Bob Lemon lost, and is now 8-2.

On Thursday Warren Spahn brought us back with a complete-game 4-0 victory at Ebbets Field. He allowed just four hits, and the Bums also committed two fielding errors. The Bucs racked up 11 hits, including three doubles and a triple.

I realigned the starting nine once again, with Kell now leading off and Schoendienst batting second.

Statistics note: neither Snider nor Ashburn are hitting well lately, so I let them steal bases with a free rein if they reach. As a result, Snider now leads the majors with 24 SB, with Ashburn right behind at 23.

AL update: it's turning into a dogfight in the junior circuit. As of today, the Indians hold a one-game lead over the Red Sox, with the Tigers and Browns both 3.5 back.

[KG Erwin]

Boston, Friday June 21. The first day of summer in Beantown. It was a mild 69 degrees, with a brisk wind blowing in from right. This assisted the Braves' Charley Schanz in getting a 3-2 complete-game victory over the Pirates. Don Newcombe (7-3) took the loss, but one run was unearned as normally sure-handed 3B George Kell committed two errors.

Saturday: Pirates win, 5-4.

Sunday: the Braves take both ends of the doubleheader, winning 2-0 and 6-5. They and the Dodgers are now seven games back.

[KG Erwin]

New York, June 25. After an off-day on Monday, the Pirates got a much-needed 4-2 win over the Giants at the Polo Grounds. It was a test of endurance for both Don Newcombe and Hal Newhouser, but Newcombe prevailed, striking out 8 and issuing only one walk. He got the win, and Woody Abernathy worked the last two innings to save it for him.

The Pirates' batters were patient at the plate, even though Newhouser was throwing 100mph fastballs. He struck out 5, but issued 8 BB.

Vic Wertz hit his 5th HR, and the Giants' Johnny Rucker also hit his 5th.

[KG Erwin]

New York, June 26. Pirates' starter Virgil Trucks hit a HR off of the Giants' Dave Koslo. This only served to anger Koslo. He buckled down and completed the game. We lost 6-2.

Thursday was an off day.

[KG Erwin]

Pittsburgh, Friday June 28. After a disappointing road trip (4-9), we return to Forbes Field. Bob Lemon defeats the Cardinals 4-2, with Early Wynn getting his first save. It was the Redbirds' fifth straight loss.

The team gets a rare Saturday off.

Sunday June 30. Double-header with the Cardinals.

In Game 1, Warren Spahn outlasted Howie Pollet for his 10th win and 7th complete game. Pirates, 3-1.

Game 2 ended up being a nightmare. With the Bucs leading 4-2 going into the third, the dam burst. The Cardinals scored ten runs, knocking Don Newcombe out of the game. Early Wynn went the rest of the way, but the damage had been done. The final was 12-5. Bobo Newsom (4-8) got the complete-game victory. The only bright spot for the Pirates was Red Schoendienst, who went 4 for 5, including a HR.

The month ends with the Pirates at 48-26, 6.5 games ahead of the Braves. In the AL, the Red Sox (42-32) hold a one-game lead over the Indians.

The Tigers' Mickey Vernon still leads the majors in hitting, with a .359 avg. The Bucs' Snider and Ashburn lead in stolen bases, with 25 apiece.

The Athletics' Fred Hutchinson is the ERA leader ( 2.11, 8-5), with Warren Spahn right behind (2.21, 10-6).

[KG Erwin]

Chicago, July 1. Here's how my lineup currently looks:



The truly amazing thing is the age of these guys:

1. Schoendienst (23)
2. Kell (24)
3. Berra (21)
4. Wertz (21)
5. Snider (20)
6. Kerr (24)
7. Ashburn (19!!)
8. Kryhoski (21)

Note: I've got a couple of youngsters in the minors who could be ready in a couple of years, but seriously, the present lineup (barring injury), could provide a solid core for the next 8-10 years.

[KG Erwin]

And the pitching staff:



Their ages:

1. Spahn (25)
2. Newcombe (20)
3. Trucks (29)
4. Lemon (26)
5. Abernathy (31)
6. Trinkle (27)
7. Gables (27)
8. Dreisewerd (30)
9. Wynn (26)

Note: in the farm system, I've got a crop of guys between the ages of 17-23. Some will pan out, others won't.

[KG Erwin]

Chicago, July 1. Virgil Trucks (7-7) defeats Mel Parnell (7-4) in a 7-6 Pirates win. Ken Trinkle gets his 6th save.

July 2. The Pirates win their 50th game. Bob Lemon (10-3) bests Joe Beggs (8-7), and Early Wynn gets his 2nd save. Bucs, 5-2.

Wednesday, July 3. At Chicago. Not a good day. Warren Spahn (10-7) loses to Kirby Higbe (8-8). Cubs win, 6-3. Clem Dreisewerd, while pitching in relief for Spahn, suffers a calf injury. He has to be put on the 15-day DL. I call up RHP Pete Gebrian, (2-3, 3.24 in AAA) to temporarily fill his slot. This leaves me just one lefty in the bullpen (Woody Abernathy). Also, the team trainer informs me that both Berra and Snider look tired. As much as I hate to, I'll have to rest them for the double-header tomorrow. I tell Dixie Howell and Dick Lane that they will be starting both games.

Thursday, July 4. At Cincinnati (double-header). Pirates win game 1 in ten innings, 2-1. The Reds' Claude Passeau gets a 1-0 complete-game victory in game 2.

The All-Star Teams are announced. The Pirates are well-represented:

[KG Erwin]

The pitchers for the All-Star Teams:

[KG Erwin]

Cincinnati, July 5. Pittsburgh held a 5-4 lead going into the 8th, when Early Wynn came in to relieve Bob Lemon. Wynn gave up the tying run in that inning, and the winning run in the 9th. Reds win, 6-5. Paul Erickson (5-3, 2.04) got the victory.

St. Louis, July 6. The Pirates rout the Cardinals 8-0 at Sportsman's Park. Warren Spahn (11-7, 2.12) pitches his 8th complete game and 3rd shutout. Nels Potter (4-10, 2.59) takes the loss.

St. Louis, July 7. Sunday double-header. Don Newcombe (9-4, 3.18) gets a 2-1 win over Howie Pollet (5-11, 4.32) in Game 1. Early Wynn pitched the ninth for his 3rd save.

In Game 2, Virgil Trucks gave up a HR to Whitey Kurowski in the first inning, and suffered a wrist sprain. Early Wynn came in and pitched 6 2/3 innings, getting a 4-3 win. Woody Abernathy earned his 3rd save. Jake Wade (1-2, 3.72) took the loss.

Trucks had to be put on the 15-day DL, and Wynn will take his spot in the rotation. This leaves the bullpen very thin. To fill the roster spot, the Bucs called up C Don Wheeler ( .336/1/14 in AAA).

After the All-Star break, the Pirates will return to Forbes Field on Thursday the 11th.

The current standings:

[KG Erwin]

Before Thursday's game, I made a trade with the Braves.  I sent 2B-PH Billy Goodman to Boston in exchange for LHP Bill Kennedy.  It's anticipated that Kennedy will be sent down to AAA for further seasoning when Trucks and Dreisewerd are taken off the DL.

A further note: I hated to part with Goodman. He was an extarordinary pinch-hitter, and helped me win several games. Under the circumstances, though, I had to shore up the bullpen. I'd hate to get caught short-staffed in an extra-inning game, so I had to let him go.

[KG Erwin]

Pittsburgh, July 11. The Pirates win their fourth in a row, beating the Phillies 4-1. Bob Lemon (11-3, 2.99) got the win, and Larry Jansen (7-7, 3.83) took the loss. Woody Abernathy earned his 4th save.

Buc manager KG Erwin briefly spoke to the press: "Lemon is one of those guys that can give a manager ulcers. He leads the majors in walks issued (92), but somehow finds a way to get out of a hole. Several times this year he's loaded the bases, only to leave them stranded. No, he's NOT on the trading block. Bob is an integral part of the Pirates' rotation."

July 12. Warren Spahn faces Randy Gumpert. Gumpert got run support, Spahn didn't. Phillies win 3-1. Ed Bahr got the save for the Phils.

[KG Erwin]

July 13. A heartbreaker. The Phils came back to win in the ninth, 7-6.

The Giants are moving up --they've won 5 in a row.

July 14. Double-header Sunday. Victories over the Braves, 6-3 and 7-2. In game 2, Bob Lemon wins his twelfth game. The Pirates hold an eight-game lead over the Giants.

LHP Clem Dreisewerd was released from the DL. He returns to the bullpen, and Bill Kennedy was sent to AAA.

July 15. A complete-game shutout for Warren Spahn. The Pirates down the Braves 3-0.

July 16 was an off-day. The Giants have now won eight in a row, and are seven and a half games behind the Bucs. They visit Forbes Field Wednesday and Thursday for a short two-game series.

July 17. Don Newcombe (10-5) and Warren Abernathy earned his sixth save as the Pirates win 6-4.

July 18. The Giants' Hal Newhouser was simply overpowering in a 2-1 complete game victory.

July 19 was an off-day. Virgil Trucks was released from the DL. He will resume the third spot in the Pirates' rotation, and Early Wynn will go back to the bullpen. Pete Gebrian, who didn't pitch a single inning in his brief visit to the majors, returns to AAA.

Saturday, July 20. The Dodgers visit Forbes Field. Hank Greenberg has 19 HR for the Brooklynites. The Pittsburgh manager has already stated that he's instructed his pitchers to "give him nothing to hit".

Dutch Leonard (9-6, 3.94) ends up going the distance for the Dodgers, beating Bob Lemon (12-4, 3.12). Brooklyn, 5-2.

Sunday, July 21. The current homestand ends with a doubleheader against Brooklyn.

The Dodgers shocked the Pirates by shutting them out in both games, 1-0 and 5-0. The Bucs have lost four in a row for the first time this season.

The Giants are now just 5 and a half games behind. The Braves and Dodgers are climbing the ladder, each having won six straight. The NL pennant race is starting to tighten up.

After an off day on Monday, we travel to Shibe Park, beginning a 12-game road trip.