It’s definitely the tale of two ballclubs with my two league teams right now. In the inaugural season of the Boys of Summer APBA League (BBW based on 2012 season), my Urbana Locomotives have exceeded all expectations. We’ve already clinched our division with a 100-57 record, 25 games ahead of second place Hannibal Caveman.
Meanwhile, the Twin City Thunderchickens of the Illowa APBA League (Basic Game), languish in 9th place with a 39-57 record after a rough August.
I’ve come to the conclusion that pitching alone doesn’t win you ballgames. The Thunderchickens have one of the better pitching staffs in the IAL but without much of an offense and we just can’t win. Homer Bailey has a 3.68 ERA in a hitting-heavy league but sports a 6-8 record. Even my only D pitcher Scott Diamond has a decent enough 4.46 ERA but suffers from a 1-9 mark for his effort.
Interesting to see these two Thunderchickens’ stats compared
Albert Pujols: .223, 6 HR, 23 rbis, 175 AB
Jose Tabata: .296, 5 HR, 28 rbis, 230 AB
It’s worthy of note that Tabata has power numbers 3-5-6. Pujols has been my pride and joy on the Thunderchickens since I drafted him as rookie. Since he got picked up by the Angels in real life though, he hasn’t been the same.
Being a dice player all my life, I was a bit skeptical playing in the BBW Boys of Summer league but once I got past the idea of comparing the idea of “computer vs. dice”, it’s been a incredibly fun year. Now it probably helps that I can’t hardly lose a series (props to Randy Woolley’s Hannibal Cavemen who finally brought us down a notch by defeating us four games to one last week). I can’t understand why I have a better record on the road than at home. C’mon Locos! Let’s please the fans!
Some updated Locos stats with just one more series left
David Price is 22-4 with a 2.41 ERA (leading the entire league in both categories. Adrian Beltre still leads the BoS in hitting (.350) and rbis (133) as well as hits (205). His 37 homers are nine behind Edwin Encarnacion for the league lead though so a Triple Crown is pretty much out of the question.
I love Carlos Ruiz behind the plate and even more standing at it. He’s hitting .350 with a .601 slugging percentage. Aaron Hill (25 HR, 98 runs, 96 runs) and Alex Rios (28 homers, 87 rbis) have both contributed in the shadow of Beltre.
While Cole Hamels (18-10, 2.70, 227 K) and Hiroki Kuroda (19-11, 3.19) have done their job well, I am continually surprised by Colby Lewis who is a 9Z pitcher. Currently, he sports a 11-1 record with a 2.01 ERA in spot starter role. Finally, stopper Jonathon Papelbon is on a 22 save streak and has a microscopic 0.57 ERA to go with that.
What now?
The BoS will its conduct postseason soon and once that’s over, we will start the process to begin the new season. Since our current year is based on the 2012 season, we can delve right into the new year. Free Agency and draft will commence soon.
As for the Illowa APBA League, we are planning our annual All-Star weekend. I just got the ballot in my inbox from commissioner, Mike Bunch. We just passed our midpoint in the season and while I never say never, I’m already looking to improve my team for next season.
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU AND THE LOCOS, TOM!
And, BIG PROPS Tom, for forging ahead with the T-chicks!.. I remember many years ago I was in an old snail mail league. 1962 season..I took the CUBBIES. .Anyway,they finished in last (59-103)..the Colt .45’s and the NYM finished ahead of my beloved CUBBIES!…Still, I enjoyed the team..Focused on the various players having good years, etc..I think those METS chalked up 62 wins!
Nice job on triple digits. Hoping you can keep the momentum in the post season. I don’t know if you mentioned it at some point, but is this a keeper league?
you bet it is!