playoff update

Yankees and Mets leads are down to 4 over the Red Sox and the Pirates
While the Dodger lead is down to 3.5 over the Giants

Good pennant races shaping up... I'd be interested in a few more Dodgers players' stats, if/when you have time. Thanks

I will try to post team leaders for each of the playoff teams this year, in case any of you are curious as to how they got where they are


Red Sox 98-62
Yankees 96-64

Oakland A's have clinched

New York Mets have clinched

Dodgers 91-66
Astros 89-71 -2
Reds 89-71 -2

updated

Playoff matchups
 

Dodger vs Mets
A's vs Red Sox

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1337625223

World Series set
 

The Dodgers sweep the Mets as the Red Sox win in 5 over the A's

Dodgers have lost Don Sutton for 1 week

The Royals were offered an opportunity today by the Baltimore Orioles. Davey Johnson went to management and indicated he was no longer happy in an Oriole uniform. After a few hours of negotiating, the Royals offered 28 yr old SS Rich Severson and Bill Mazeroski for the 29 yr old 2B.

Severson performed well this season for the Royals hitting .267 while driving in 35 runs and playing in 96 games. Sadly, Mazeroski has seen such a decline in his skills that the Orioles GM was not interested in taking on his contract.

Sorry I forgot an important tidbit


This was somewhat eerie, in the last series of the season
Roberto Clemente collected his 3000th hit

In another weird stat Dave Kingman actually hit over .300 for the Giants, but, only in 82 AB's, he also managed 53 HR in 474 AB's in AAA

Dodgers crowned champs
 

The Dodgers have ousted the Red Sox in 5 games to capture the 1972 WS

Dodger pitcher Bill Singer was crowned MVP of the series

Singer hurled 2 complete game shutouts along the way to earning this award

He allowed 5 hits, 3 bb and fanned 10 over his 18 innings of domination, he also threw a CG shutout vs the Mets in the NLCS. Pretty incredible stuff from the 28 yr old starter

Singer has been a very consistent starter for the Dodgers, in fact his record has been 16-15, in each of the last 3 seasons.

In other news,
Royals manager Will Smith has stepped down, the team was in hopes of extending his contract, amid health related concerns brought on by the stress.
In a press conference at the construction site of Royals Stadium, to be completed in a few months, GM Lasher said, "Will has done a wonderful job for this organization, and the ownership down to the front office will sorely miss him. We respect and honor his decision, wishing him the best with all future endeavors."

A few hours later the team announced that Bubba Morton would become the teams 3rd manager in only 3 seasons. Morton, fresh off a career in the California Angels system, brings no experience, but, plans on picking up where Smith left off. Morton was considered a wonderful clubhouse influence in LA, and at the age of 40 is still a good fit for the younger Royals organization. Morton has agreed to a 3 yr deal, also the club has signed a new hitting coach, Larry Walden brings 25 years of experience with him. Most recently serving as the Pirates hitting coach.

With these new additions, along with the development of a large crop of rookies, the Royals are excited about the upcoming season. Come on out and welcome the Boys in Blue at the new, state of the art, Royals Stadium.

Rookies of note
Doug Bird, Frank White, Tom Poquette, Mark Littell
oh and some guy named Brett

Did Sutton recover in time to pitch in the World Series? Who else started on the mound for LA - Big D? Joe-Moe? - and how did they do? From the leaders a few posts above, I'm guessing LA's starting lineup was:

C - Haller
1b - Joe Pep
2b - Billy Grabs
ss - Russell
3b - Garvey
of -
of - Monday
of - Crawford

Who am I missing and what might be incorrect? Maybe Russell or Garvey is in the OF and Jim Lefebre or Ted Sizemore in the infield? What of Willie Davis & Billy Buck... I assume they were on the team in semi-key roles unless the AI traded them... Maybe Bobby V, Joe Ferguson, Von Joshua, Ron Cey, Lee Lacy? Is Davey Lopes still in the minors?

Which Dodger hitters stood out in the Series? ... Thanks!

Not AWOL, just really busy right now, will return shortly

I am enjoying reading your updates. Lol I also see that we love the same team and user id.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using Tapatalk 2

1972 Season: A Look Back
 

sorry Royalblue, that is pretty funny. I just noticed that you had posted, at a glance I did not think there had been any updates, bc I saw the Royalblue and assumed it was my last post

Anyhow, glad you are enjoying it

Royal review 72
 

Here is a look at the regulars for the Royals and the leaders in various stats

C-Tim McCarver
1B-Orlando Cepeda
2B-Felix Millan
3B-Richie Hebner .301 24HR, 90 RBI, 150hits
SS-Rich Severson
LF-Lou Piniella 26 2b
CF-Joe Keough
RF- Pat Kelly 10 3b, 90 bb, 39 sb, 95 k

Dick Drago 16 w, 2.45 era, 38 gs, 12 cg, 4 so, 294 ip, 1.11 whip
Paul Splittorff
Steve Busby 12cg, 176 k
Roger Nelson

Monty Montgomery 19 s

Not too hard to figure out the Royals offensive and defensive players of the year.

11 20 game winners, including 2 rookies, Doc Medich and Lynn McGlothen

2 for the 2nd straight year, Steve Blass and Don Sutton
Tom Seaver for the 3rd straight and most notably Dave McNally for the 5th straight season, WOW

Closer look at World Champs
 

The Dodgers

c-Tom Haller
1b-Joe Pepitone
2b-Billy Grabarkewitz
3b-Steve Garvey
ss-Bill Russell
LF-Rick Monday
cf-Willie Davis
rf-Bobby Darwin-since traded to the Cubs

Don Sutton
Bill Singer
Don Drysdale
Joe Moeller
Sandy Vance

Doyle Alexander
Joe Grzenda
Ray Lamb

It would take a lot more research to pull out individual stat leaders, amazingly only 1 or 2 had offensive stat lines that would crack the top 10 single season stats for the Dodgers. (My history goes back to 1960), I guess how I set it up.

Don Drysdale has retired
245-215 3.12 era 2870 k's (his stat line went back to 1956)

The Yankees have parted way with Fritz Peterson, Peterson had been very disappointed in the clubs use of him last season. By moving him to the bullpen they denied him a chance at a contract bonus for winning 20 games.
He was dealt to the KC Royals in exchange for oft injured Joe Foy and Mike Fiore.

in response to an earlier request, here is a bit of a preview of what the Dodgers will look like in the upcoming season

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1338212240

Steve Yeager was just traded to the Expos in exchange for Steve Renko

1973 preseason look by OOTP
 

Tom Seaver was lost for the season with an elbow injury

This season will also be the first in which the AL will be using the DH

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1338213150

early updates + prospects
 

Early milestone updates

Royals opened their new stadium with an impressive 16-4 win over Texas
Charlie Spikes (NYA) was the first DH, going 0-4
Garry Maddox (SF) goes for the cycle in a 14-13 loss to the Reds, pretty impressive considering he went 4-6 in a 9 inning game.

Boog Powell (Balt) hits HR #300

Ownership has set their expectation at playing over .500 ball
Joe Niekro was claimed off of waivers from the Giants

Top 10 prospects

Steve Rogers SP (Mont)
Frank Tanana SP (CAL)
Dick Ruthven SP (PHIL)
Randy Jones SP (SD)
George Brett 3B (KC)
Brian Downing C (CHW)
Bill Madlock 3B (TEX)
Ken Griffey Sr RF (CINC)
Otto Velez RF (NYA)
Dave Winfield RF (SD)

5/1/73 update
 

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1338293961

Bill Russell out of the Dodger lineup, also Willie Crawford has been dealt to the Yankees for Roy White

6/1/73 update
 

Nolan Ryan (NYN) impressive in 2-0 shutout, fanning 15
Harmon Killebrew (Tex) tags HR #500, he was picked up off waivers from MINN in early April
Jim Palmer (BAL) has been lost for the season with a torn rotator cuff
Bob Gibson (SL) picks up win #200
Oscar Gamble (CHN), early triple crown candidate, out for the season.

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1338728814

Here is a closer look at the troubles of the defending World Champs
http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1338728988

And lastly, a look at the 1973 Royals through June, 1st



http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1338729138

Need help
 

I know this is a no brainer question, but, for the integrity of the game I would like some help on something. Not sure if I can resist temptation regardless of your suggestions.

With the recent oncoming of 3B George Brett, my need for Richie Hebner is less and less. Therefore, I shop him around with some regularity, while he is at his peak. Today the Reds offered me Johnny Bench for Hebner, I would most likely include McCarver in the deal.

What do you think

Richie Hebner is a nice player, and has certainly started off well in your 1973 season. But in this trade proposal, for the long-term, the word "fleece" comes to mind ;-)

If you don't mind an iconic - one-team-for-his-career - kind of player moving to a different team in your sim, then I'd do the trade but also throw in (in addition to McCarver) a top prospect and/or another solid role player or two to approach some semblance of fairness...

Yes, I do agree. The word fleece is also what brought me to question the integrity of this deal. I have trades set to few/difficult or whatever, so I am kind of surprised this is even available.

Thanks for your feedback

Blockbuster
 

In a HUGE move the Royals and Reds have come to an agreement

The Royals have parted ways with
3B Richie Hebner
C Tim McCarver
RP Mark Littell

for
C Johnny Bench

Bench is off to a very slow start hitting only .189, which is a bit off of what Hebner has offered at .346

"At the end of the day, this was just too good of an opportunity to improve our club on defense. Pitching coach Michael Hilliard is ecstatic, Bench is such a quality leader, his game calling abilities are truly amazing."

Hebner will be missed, however, the emergence of George Brett certainly played a big role in this deal.

Willie McCovey (SF) out for 4 months with torn ankle ligaments
Paul Splittorff (KC) herniated disc out for 3 months
Amos Otis (KC) out for 1 month

Dick Allen (PHIL) hammers HR#300

As the second half of June unfolds the Royals have caught the A's, and begin a 3 game home stand against them.

Tony Oliva continues to hit .402, the latest (6/18) a player has been above that mark.

7/1/73
 

Reggie Jackson (OAK) has been lost for 3 weeks
Bob Oliver (KC) out for 6 weeks
Johnny Bench (KC) out 1 week

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1339382173

8/1/73
 

The Royals were an awful 6-21 for the month of July. They blew leads, blew opportunities with RISP, they just flat blew. In a public statement the teams GM said, "it was just really hard to watch, there was no bright spot, everyone played their part. We saw averages drop rapidly and era's rise like the temperature, this was a month we would all like to forget rather quickly."

around the league
Carl Yastrzemski (BOS) hammered out hit #2000
Jim Kaat (MINN) picked up win # 200

The Pirates lost Pops Stargell for 6 weeks

a look at the standings
http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1339749616

and a look at the Royals as well as last seasons champs


http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1339749616

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1339749616

Leaders for the division leaders
 

9/1/73 update
 

The rough play has continued as the Royals struggle to stay around .500, a few disgruntled players have been moved. Wally Bunker was given his release and Roger Nelson was shipped to Cleveland for lefty reliever Rick Austin.

Boots Day (DET) went 6-6 in a 9 inning game, pretty tough feat.

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1339916629

playoff chase
 

With a week to go there are still 2 races to decide
Charley Hustle has collected hit # 2000
Rookie George Brett has a chance at collecting 200 hits this season, needing only 3 more

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1340193509

Final standings
 

Final look at the Royals
 

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1340228213


http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1340228217

Playoff preview
 

So how did Hebner do with the Reds? Did he continue his hot season?

I predict O's over A's, 3-1; Bucs over Astros, 3-2... O's over Bucs in 6.

Hebner/ Bench
 

Well Richie Hebner continued to "rake" for the Reds.
However, Bench was pretty solid and that Brett kid, might win ROY.

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1340242402

A's beat the Orioles 3 games to 1

Astros beat the Pirates 3 games to 1

Astros blow a 3-0 lead to the A's, who win 4 straight to capture the 1973 World Series Championship


12 20 game winners, all were first timers, except for 3.

Doc Medich (NYA) 2 for 2 as a pro
Joe Coleman (TEX) did it in '70 for the Senators and this year for the Rangers
Dave McNally (BALT) has done it yet again, that makes 6 straight seasons

Steve Busby (KC) becomes the Royals first to win 20, going 21-12.

1973 a look back
 

I will offer up a closer look at some pretty impressive numbers being put up, as you can tell I am pretty impressed with Dave McNally, however, Cesar Cedeno (HOU) is also tearing it up of late. Only to be overshadowed by teammate John Mayberry

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1340244604

1974 preseason predictions
 

Also, lmk if those of you who are reading this are curious about any certain team or players. I will do my best to answer your questions.

Also, I am in need of a longterm answer at 1B, obviously I will not be able to repeat history and land John Mayberry, any ideas as to who I should pursue??

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1340314143

preseason news
 

The Royals will be without the services of the following players
Frank White 3 weeks
Maury Wills 1 week
Amos Otis 2 weeks
Larry Gura 1 week

ownership has set an expectation of at least .500 ball

In other news around the league:
Dodger lose Bill Singer and Angels lose Al Bumbry each for 6 months

The Cardinals have sent Wilbur Wood to the
Athletics for Joe Rudi

The White Sox have sent Joe Torre to the
Orioles for Jim Northrup

Red Sox have sent Ben Ogilvie to
Detroit for Bobby Cox

Angels send Rudy May to
Twins for Bob Montgomery

Royals have lost their all time saves leader Monty Montgomery for 7 weeks

Rod Carew (MINN) lost for 7 months ruptured medial collateral ligament

Sonny Siebert (CLEV) tosses a no-hitter vs Yankees

Top 10 prospects:

John Montefusco (SF)
Ed Halicki (SF)
Larry Christenson (PHI)
Fred Lynn (BOS)
Jim Rice (BOS)
Keith Hernandez (SL)
Dennis Leonard (KC)
John Denny (SL)
Mike Hargrove (TEX)
Gary Carter (MON)

plus one
Robin Yount (MIL)

5/1/74
 

Here is a look at the opening month, including the player, pitcher and rookie of the month from each league.

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1340370617

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1340370744

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1340370832


http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1340370836

How did the Royals solve the 1B issue? I was going to point out that the flip-side of not having Mayberry is that you are going to be pretty steady and productive behind the dish for several years (assuming Bench is kept), and that you might be able to solve - for the short-term - the 1B issue by shifting Davey Johnson there and putting Frank White in as the everyday secondbaseman a little earlier that happened in real life... Just a thought.

Yeah I thought about that, however, I have a massive hole at SS. Maury Wills skill set has slipped so much that he is no longer an option. In fact, he was just claimed off of waivers by the Tigers. It is currently a work in progress to say the least. Bench will be a solid contributor for many years, and with free agency looming who knows what might happen.

Bob Gibson (SL) has been lost for 9 months, at 38 yrs of age, this might be the end for Gibson.

Amos Otis has been lost for 3 weeks with a strained hamstring
Lou Piniella and Felix Millan are both unhappy with their limited role, the club is actively shopping each of them in hopes of filling the SS or 1B holes

Dave Parker (PITT) was lost for 3 months

The Royals might be beginning to take shape, injuries have healed and the team is starting to take better shape

C-Bench (duh)
1B-Davey Johnson, or Bob Oliver
2B- Felix Millan
SS-Frank White
3B-George Brett
LF-Pat Kelly
CF-Amos Otis, or Bob Oliver, or Tommie Agee waiver from MIL, b/c of oft injured Amos Otis
RF-Al Cowens, or Joe Keough

Steve Busby
Dick Drago
Dennis Leonard
Al Fitzmorris

Carl Morton also getting some starts
Mike Torrez claimed off waivers from Tex and Joe Niekro developing for long relief/starters/trade bait

Splittorff and Gura are waiting in AAA

6/1/74 update
 

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1340768178

http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1340768181