51.1 Black Sox Farm Report, Part Two: The Carolina Flight (AAA)

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51.1 Black Sox Farm Report, Part Two: The Carolina Flight (AAA)

Post by tylertoo » Tue May 17, 2022 5:35 pm

Black Sox Farm Report
Part Two: The Carolina Flight (AAA)


Editor's Note:
A few weeks ago we presented an overview of the Chicago farm system, noting that each of the five teams finished above .500. Now we begin our detailed looks at each team, starting with the oddly-named Carolina Flight:


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2050 Results:
79-65, 2nd in East Coast Division, missed the playoffs
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McKeon is now in the bigs for good

Top Position Players:
The offense of the Carolina club was above average, ranked around 5-8 in most offensive categories in the Granville League. The bats revolved around 1B/DH Michael McKeon, who led the club in eleven offensive categories: average, OBP, slugging, OPS, wOBA, runs, total bases, doubles, triples, HR, RBI (as well as the dubious lead in strikeouts). All of this output came despite a late-season demotion the big league club as he became the Black Sox starting first baseman, following the trade of DH Ismael Alfonzo to Portland.

Also notable: Four other players formed the nucleus of the Carolina offense: 3B Bruce 'Saving Grace' Tyler, a September call-up, 1B Dave Oglethorpe, RF Asmara Rais, and LF Juan Lizarazo.

Starting Rotation:
"Thick as a" Brick Pollitt had a superb year, mostly in AA before a late season call-up to Carolina. Brick's nickname is for real -- a recent inquiry into his intelligence level showed he is truly the anti-Mensa. But that has stopped him from overpowering batters, with a sub 3.00 era in 28 starts in AA and AAA. Pollitt, a first round pick in '46, is expected to start the year in AAA but don't be surprised to see him make his big league debut in '51.

Also notable: The entire Carolina rotation was solid, with a 3.17 collective ERA. Clay Bingham, a second round pick in '46, was particularly promising, with a 2.88 ERA in 22 starts in Carolina before being promoted to the majors late in the season. And in the bigs he will stay, because he was even more impressive in five starts for Chicago.

Bullpen:

All eyes are on Carolina closer Mike Baker, just 24 years old, who notched 40 saves -- best in the entire league -- and a 2.96 ERA during the '50 campaign. This despite having only one decent pitch -- a fastball that tops 100. His other pitch, a changeup, is still in development, and that means Baker is likely to remain in AAA for the '51 campaign as the front office vows patience with their young arms.

Likely 2051 promotions: In addition to the already-promoted McKeon and and Bingham, SPs Pollitt and Mrej Stavnicky, as well as SS Asil Colasan, will get ST invites and chances to win roles on the big league club.
Mike Dunn
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