|
1 Attachment(s)
Game 1 of the crucial 3 game set pitted Larry Gura vs Vida Blue, the two southpaws were both fairly sharp in the early going.
The A's scored first on Paul Blair's sac fly in the 2nd, a runner that was allowed by a George Brett throwing error. In the bottom of the frame the Royals lost a runner on a close play at the plate as Reggie Jackson threw out Johhny Bench at the plate as he tried to score on a double by Al Cowens. To the 9th it would remain 1-0 when Gene Tenace followed a 2 out Sal Bando single with a homer to make it 3-0. That would prove to be enough as Vida Blue capped off a 93 pitch, 5 hit shutout. Royals now trail by 2 full games In game 3 Steve Busby, the Royals only 20 game winner, would toe the slab against Catfish Hunter. Johnny Bench got things started with a solo shot to left, which certainly rattled Hunter who then allowed 2 more hits before escaping the inning with 2 men in scoring position. Busby proved to be equally elusive in the 3rd when he coaxed former Royal Richie Hebner into a groundout with the bases loaded. In the bottom of the 5th Frank White would crack a 1 out double, followed by a Pat Kelly walk, however, Hunter struck out Bostock. Leaving Brett at the plate with 2 on and 2 out, Brett singled to right scoring White. Cecil Cooper would also walk but Bench was unable to come through in the clutch stranding all 3 runners. After 5, KC 2- Oak 0 to the 6th, back to back singles by Poquette and Otis would allow Quirk the opportunity to sacrifice both men into scoring position. However, White and Kelly could not plate either runner, to the 7th we go. Busby would remain strong thru 7. Bottom of 7 would find Bostock and Brett offering back to back doubles to stretch the lead. Hunter then intentionally walked Cooper, struck out Bench, and lost Poquette on a very close full count pitch. Setting up a bases loaded situation for oft injured Amos Otis who doubled to seemingly blow the game wide open. Quirk would then walk, which brought on Glen Abbott in relief a sac fly by White would end the scoring. Royals lead 6-0 heading to the 8th There would be no more scoring as Busby finished off his own shutout allowing only 6 hits. A's lead back down to 1 Rubber match pits Carl Morton against rubber armed Wilbur Wood, the Royals have a tougher schedule over the last week of the season, therefore, if the Royals could exit the series tied they might have a slight edge. Johnny Bench would once again get things going with a solo shot to left, his 24th of the season. The score would remain that way as Wood and Morton kept putting up zeroes until Bench would come up with 2 down in the bottom of the 8th, Bostock who had doubled to start the frame was chased home as Bench planted a Wood knuckleball on the grassy hill in left. Morton would not be able to go the distance as manager Morton would bring on his closer Doug Bird with 2 on and 2 out and Sal Bando representing the tying run, Bird was able to pick up his 34th save as the Royals finish off the shutout 3-0 Now a dead heat for the division. As the series ended the KC faithful were informed that manager Bubba Morton had accepted a 4 year extension. Here is how the schedule plays out for the Royals and the A's KC will host the Rangers for 2 and the Twins for 2, before finishing up with 3 in Texas Oakland returns to the bay to host the Twins for 2, White Sox for 2 and will finish by hosting the Angels for 3 http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1343083547 |
1 Attachment(s)
|
With one game to play the Royals maintain a 1 game lead over the A's, therefore, the Royals do control their own destiny with team ace Steve Busby on the hill.
The Red Sox and Indians are now tied after the Sox have swept 3 straight from the Indians at Fenway. Eric Haich of the tribe will face Jim Lonborg in the division deciding game. In the NL the Astros have clinched and will now prepare their staff for a matchup agains the Pirates for the 1975 NL WS representative. |
Steve Busby tosses a 1 hit shutout to guide the Royals into their first ever playoff appearance. They actually embarrassed the Rangers with an 11-0 thrashing.
The Red Sox would complete an unlikely sweep of the Indians to capture the AL East crown The Royals and Red Sox will face off for the AL and as the Pirates and Astros will face off in the NL |
Once again there were plenty of 20 game winners
17 to be exact 10 of which were first timers 4 became 2 time offenders (Wilbur Wood (OAK), Steve Busby (KC), Jim Lonborg (BOS), Vida Blue (OAK)) 3 for their 3rd time (Don Sutton (LA), Lynn McGlothen (BOS) and Jon Matlack (NYN)) McGlothen and Matlack are back to back and Matlack is three years straight. |
Playoff preview
4 Attachment(s)
The Red Sox appear in their 3rd ALCS, having made it to the WS in 72
The Royals are newbies The Pirates are in their 4th NLCS and 3rd in a row, having appeared in the WS 2 times winning it all in 71 The Astros appear in their 4th NLCS as well, they are 0 for 2 in WS appearances. These 2 teams also locked horns in the 71 NLCS. http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1343174831 http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1343174831 |
1 Attachment(s)
Pirates take a 1-0 lead
as do the Royals in a commanding fashion http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1343176911 |
1 Attachment(s)
|
1 Attachment(s)
Houston takes a 2-1 lead over the Pirates
Manager Bubba Morton, in an attempt to have a rested Steve Busby, ran Larry Gura out for game 3 and the Royals trailed all the way to shorten their lead, 2-1. Busby will be on the bump as they try to claim the AL title at Royals Stadium http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1343181676 |
1 Attachment(s)
Both series will go the distance
Busby was chased in the 2nd after a Steve Dillard grannie, Bench homered to try to keep it close, but they fell short. http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1343182073 |
1 Attachment(s)
The Astros have beaten the Pirates as JR Richard out duels John Candelaria in an all rookie matchup
In the AL the KC Royals are on their way to their first ever World Series Carl Morton was strong and Johnny Bench made it clear who the ALCS MVP would be delivering 2 homers including a grand slam. http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1343272923 |
World Series 1975 style
2 Attachment(s)
The Royals will have home field advantage in this years Fall Classic.
This will also be the first WS to be played entirely on artificial turf. Game 1 Steve Busby vs Larry Dierker Bottom of 2 Bench, Pat Kelly and Frank White all double Royals lead 2-0 Top of 3rd Bostock error leads to 2 Astros runs, sparked by Lou Piniella Tied 2-2 End of 7 Busby has been in and out of trouble, pitch count getting high Dierker has settled in Tied 2-2 Busby goes the distance as does Dierker Cecil Cooper hit a walk off home run to decide game 1 Royals lead series 1-0 Game 2 Paul Splittorff vs Jack Billingham Bottom of 1st The Royals pound out 4 hits and run allover catcher Carl Taylor on their way to a 4 run inning Royals lead 4-0 Bottom of 2nd Bench adds a 3-r homer Royals lead 7-0 Bottom of 3rd Bostock single scores White after a stolen base Royals lead 8-0 Top of 4th Quirk error allows Bob Watson to score Royals lead 8-1 Bottom of 5th Al Cowens solo homerun Royals lead 9-1 Top of 8th Joe Morgan triple scores Derrel Thomas, Greg Gross thrown out at the plate by Bostock Royals lead 9-2 Bottom of 8th Cecil Cooper single plates Bostock Royals lead 10-2, Niekro relieving Splittorff Top of 9th Cesar Geronimo homers, Astros load bases Lerrin LaGrow gets final out Royals lead WS 2-0 heading to the Astrodome http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1343334715 Game 3 Carl Morton vs JR Richard Game 4 and beyond tbd Let the games begin |
2 Attachment(s)
OOPs lost my play by play account
http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1343336382 Game 4 Steve Busby vs Larry Dierker Top 1st George Brett solo homerun Royals lead 1-0 Top of 6th Poquette triple scores 2, Quirk single plates Poquette Royals lead 4-0 Bottom of 7th Mayberry single scores Derrel Thomas, but Busby escapes a bases loaded jam Royals lead 4-1 Top of 8th Busby help his cause with a 2 out single scoring Bench Royals lead 5-1 Top of 9th Cooper double scores an insurance run Royals lead 6-1 Busby complete game Royals lead WS 3-1 http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1343337625 |
2 Attachment(s)
Game 5
Paul Splittorff vs Jack Billingham Bottom of 1st 3 hits and 1 walk lead to a big inning Astros lead 3-0 Bottom of 3rd Astros score 5 times on 3 hits, including 2 run double by Billingham Astros lead 8-0 Top 4th Bench 2r homerun, highlights 3 run inning Astros lead 8-3 Top 5th Bostock homerun and Poquette sac fly Astros lead 8-5 Bottom 7th Greg Gross single drives in an insurance run Astros lead 9-5 Bottom 8th Norm Miller collects 2 rbi's as Astros complete their victory Royals lead WS 3-2, headed back to KC http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1343338354 Game 6 Carl Morton vs JR Richard Bottom 2nd Jamie Quirk single scores Bench Royals lead 1-0 Top 3rd Morgan and Rader sac flies, along with a Mayberry single, as Astros score 3 Astros lead 3-1 Bottom 4th Pat Kelly double scores Cooper Astros lead 3-2 Top 5th 2r single by Bob Watson stretches Astros lead Astros lead 5-2 Bottom 5th Bostock steals home as part of double steal, Poquette drives in Brett Astros lead 5-4, Gura warming in pen Top 6th Doug Rader doubles in a run Astros lead 6-4, Gura into game Richard stays strong and Giusti picks up the save Series tied at 3 all http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1343339148 |
1 Attachment(s)
Game 7
Steve Busby vs Larry Dierker top 1st Bostock throws Thomas out at the plate 0-0 bottom 1st Bostock double, followed by Brett walk and Bench single Royals lead 1-0 top 2nd Steve Busby works around a Watson single Royals lead 1-0 bottom 2nd 3 up 3 down Royals lead 1-0 Top 3rd 3 up 3 down bottom 3rd Bench drives in Bostock, followed by a Poquette double scoring 2 Royals lead 4-0 4th both teams 3 up 3 down Top 5th Carl Taylor 2 out double, nothing more bottom 5th 3 up 3 down Top 6th Derrel Thomas stranded at third Bottom 6th 3 up 3 down 7th 3 up 3 down both teams top 8th Busby works out of trouble no runs scored bottom 8th Kelly drives in insurance run Royals lead 5-0 top 9th Doug Rader 2 out single, Busby finishes what he started Royals Win Royals Win Steve Busby wins MVP going 3-0 allowing 1 run over 27 innings, that is an ACE http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1343342363 |
nice job Busby!
And you gotta love a guy like Carl Morton...bigtime contributor in the playoffs...love that! |
That is so true, I was just thinking about the role he might play on the 76 team, should fit right in. Hopefully, Leonard will play a larger role as well.
Free agency will play a very big role as well, kind of excited to see how it works out. But, could stink if I am unable to keep the team together. |
Just days after the WS championship parade back in Kansas City, a new day of baseball is upon us.
The reserve clause era is over and free agency has begun. The Royals have 7 eligible players and have extended offers to 4 of them. Amos Otis, Mike Torrez, Joe Niekro and Dick Drago however, Pat Kelly believes he is worth superstar money, management does not agree Carl Morton a late season stud in the rotation and factor in the ALCS indicated that he would prefer to test the open market Gene Alley who was a big pickup in the middle infield will be allowed to move on, if for no other reason than the fact that he is 35 yrs old and the Royals believe they can improve upon him via free agency. I will keep you posted as to any major moves and also give some updates as to teams budget room in advance of their moves. The Reds have fired Joe Schultz, despite having been NL manager of the year the last two seasons The Angels fell short once again and it caught Ted Williams his job. The Phillies have let go of Earl Weaver as well The Mets, who traded Bud Harrelson to the Angels for Bruce Bochte, reacquire him in exchange for John Milner On the North side of Chicago, the Cubs welcome Gary Mathews to the club. |
The acquisition of John Milner has allowed the Angels to make a move
Angels send Lee May to the Yankees, while the Yankees part ways with veteran reliever Chris Short Davey Johnson has a new address in Cleveland as the Padres receive Duane Kuiper Not sure when the "upcoming Free agents" will file, maybe it will be after the 76 season, just don'e know what to expect from the game having never done a sim during this period before. Does anyone else know, there are certainly ALOT of talented players listed in "upcoming FA" and not many people resigning them. |
1975 a look back
4 Attachment(s)
|
1976 a Look ahead (predictions)
2 Attachment(s)
|
Bobby Murcer (NYA) broken ankle to miss 4-5 months
Mickey Lolich (Det) torn rotator cuff out 13 months, has won 61 games over last 3 years George Scott (TEX) ruptured achilles out 4 months Yankees ship Dave Kingman and his 42 HR to Houston for Bob Watson, look for Watson to take over at 1B for the Bombers A few big name players have begun to resign with their clubs, thus avoiding free agency |
Although the Royals seem to be physically healthy, there is definitely something wrong. Defending the AL crown will be very difficult for the boys in blue, especially after their 0-5 start averaging barely more that 2 runs per game.
The A's have resigned Sal Bando Top 10 prospects for 1976 Mark Fidrych SP (DET) Mike Krukow SP (CHC) Andre Dawson OF (MON) Len Barker SP (TEX) Dale Murphy C (ATL) Willie Randolph 2b (PITT) Moose Haas SP (MIL) Bob Knepper SP (SF) Gary Roenicke OF (MON) Jason Thompson 1B (DET) |
5/1/76 update
3 Attachment(s)
Well the Royals are playing a bit better, after winning 5 in a row, they have begun to struggle again. Manager Morton is preaching to the club, "this is a marathon not a sprint, steady the course and we will be fine."
Reggie Jackson has accepted a new contract in Oakland as Charlie Finley continues to try to secure many of his stars. http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1343737729 |
4 Attachment(s)
|
5/16/76 musings from the weekend
Resignings
Oscar Gamble (CHC) Steve Carlton (SL) No-hitters Steve Carlton (SL)-the day before he re-signed, interesting, huh Jim Palmer (Balt) Milestones Boog Powell (Balt) 2000 hits Carl Yastrzemski (Bos) 300 HR Injuries Mark Fidrych (DET) 8 months, the Bird was winless at the time Trades Richie Zisk heads to Texas in exchange for Jeff Burroughs, who heads to Pittsburgh. Wow, Burroughs in LF and Parker in RF, that is some beef Royals are playing much better, as all cylinders are currently firing, now a respectable 15-16 record |
6/1/76 update
4 Attachment(s)
Well the Royals are definitely back to hitting the baseball, much like they were the end of last season
The Pirates acquire yet another OF, trading Gene Garber to the Tigers in exchange for Ben Ogilvie. Andy Messersmith avoids playing a season with no contract by resigning with the Angels Bill Russell (LAN) will miss 4 months with a strained hip http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1344172778 http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1344172778 http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1344172778 http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1344172778 |
4 Attachment(s)
Just how many at bats can Enos Cabell go without reaching via a walk?
http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1344173042 |
Dodgers might need to check out their training staff, in the last week
Roy White and Rick Rhoden have been lost for at least 2 months Mickey Rivers (LAA) lost for 6-7 weeks with a bad hammy Alan Bannister (PHI) lost for 9 months Dan Ford (MINN) out 7 months with broken bone Tigers trade Willie Horton to Oakland for Archie Reynolds, it is Hortons 4th team in 3 years. Jack Billingham headed to Pittsburgh for Ken McMullen, who is headed to Houston The Royals move awful OBP guy Enos Cabell and last years ALCS hero, Carl Morton to the Yankees, in exchange the Royals get lefty reliever Tippy Martinez. The club has decided for now, to continue to work with Jamie Quirk at SS, Frank White just went to the DL, which will allow Gene Alley more at bats. It is rumored that the GM is in negotiations with the Dodgers for SS Ivan DeJesus, however, it would cost the Royals their top prospect Ruppert Jones. stay tuned..... |
been out of town, will resume shortly
|
7/1/76 update
3 Attachment(s)
|
4 Attachment(s)
|
1 Attachment(s)
Tommy Davis (NYN) and Rusty Staub (MON) reach the 2000 hit plateau
Reggie Smith has resigned with the Red Sox, it is a 6 year deal Amos Otis, Al Cowens and Lyman Bostock all down with injuries for 2-4 weeks http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1344992163 |
Johnny Bench...still going strong
|
1 Attachment(s)
yeah and Hebner has slipped a bit this season. He has also been a thorn in the Royals side, with some clutch hits
http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1345157285 |
just a bit of an update
The Royals are continuing their hot play, going 10-4 in July to creep to within 3 games of the A's. Speaking of the A's they have dealt 3B Richie Hebner to the White Sox for starter Bart Johnson, that will make the fifth team for Hebner, quite a few for a 4 time All Star Reggie Jackson (OAK) hit his 300th HR Carl Yastrzemski (BOS) picked up his 2500th hit congrats to both |
Just catching up on this thread... The acquisitions of Cooper and Bostock appear to be strokes of genius that already paid immediate dividends and should - along with Bench & Brett - keep the Royals' offense potent for quite some time (if KC can hang onto them all).
|
Yes with FA looming it will get interesting.
I may do an update regarding some of the key FA's as the season winds down, I hope that the league does not have too much shake up. It will also be time for the expansion draft Stay tuned and thanks for checking it out |
8/1/76 update
4 Attachment(s)
|
3 Attachment(s)
|
1 Attachment(s)
http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1345685137
Willie McCovey (SF) gathers hit #2000 Billy Williams (CHC) picks up hit #2500 Reggie Jackson (OAK) to miss 2 weeks with a strained shoulder from a car accident Fred Lynn (BOS) to miss 2 weeks with strained hamstring Graig Nettles (MINN) to miss 3 weeks with concussion Dodgers send Bill Buckner to the Bronx for Otto Velez |
that outfield still seriously lacks power...would be nice to get one slugger there....just sayin'...lol
|
Yeah, I thought about making some moves with my depth to kind of load up on some power. However, with the looming expansion draft, I thought depth would make it much easier to stock my unprotected list.
Free Agency could also be very helpful, there has also been somewhat of a power shortage throughout the league this season For those of you enjoying my attempt at reliving my ball card collection checkout the following book, I found it on ibook "Big Hair and Plastic Grass" by Dan Epstein it is a look at the decade of the 70's in baseball Good stuff |
9/1/76 update
5 Attachment(s)
Rookie of the month and AL hitter of the month are one in the same as Jason Thompson takes home the honors
http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1345986849 |
2 Attachment(s)
http://www.ootpdevelopments.com/boar...1&d=1345987321
Royals most likely out of contention for the season, now attempt to play spoiler. injuries Don Sutton (LAN) 3 months torn triceps Dave Goltz (MINN) 4 months torn labrum Ken Griffey Sr (CIN) 5 weeks broken finger Al Oliver (PITT) broken ribs 5-6 weeks Frank Tanana (CAL) tired arm out 2 weeks Steve Renko (LAN) 4-5 months with sore shoulder milestones Dick Allen (PHI) HR # 400 Pete Rose (CIN) hit # 2500 key signing Jim Palmer (BALT) signs extension Will Vida Blue win 30, how high can Madlock get his average and if Madlock goes 0 for September George Brett has an outside chance at the triple crown These questions along with 3 pennant races will play out in the final months, before the free agency frenzy. |
Mid September update
Well the Royals are making it a bit interesting, having gone 10-5 in September which has cut the lead to 3.5 by the Angels, however, the A's are in 2nd only 1 game back
Boston maintains a 3 game lead over Detroit and 6 game over the Yankees The Pirate lead is at 7.5 over the Cubs and the Cardinals The Giants have a 1.5 game lead of the Dodgers, while the Astros remain only 2.5 back George Foster has resigned with the Giants, but is also out of action for the next few weeks 37 year old Phil Niekro is out with a torn rotator cuff, he will miss 12 months Dick Allen (PHI) gets hit # 2000 Brett has lost his grip on the HR race to teammate Johnny Bench, but is almost a lock to win the RBI crown. Bill Madlock seems untouchable at a .376 clip Vida Blue is winless in September, stuck on 25 wins |
1 Attachment(s)
|
Dodgers and Red Sox clinch
Angels lead the A's and Royals by 2 Pittsburgh Pirates will host the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS |
Dennis Leonard became the Royals 2nd 20 game winner as the team closed its AL West deficit to 1 game.
The Angels maintain a 1 game lead going into their final game at Oakland, while the Royals will send 21 game winner Steve Busby to the mound in a must win situation. Manager Bubba Morton stated that all players would be available for this, the most important game of the 1976 season. The best the club can hope for is a 1 game playoff with the Angels, in an attempt to defend their WS crown. Jerry Reuss (SL) has been lost for 4 weeks Gaylord Perry (SF) picks up win # 200 Cesar Cedeno (HOU) has hit for the cycle |
John Milner homered and drove in 3 runs as Andy Messersmith out dueled Catfish Hunter to clinch it for the Angels with a 7-4 victory.
Steve Busby and the Royals did their part blasting the Twins 8-1 to complete the sweep, but it would not be enough. Good Luck to the Angels as they will take on Boston in the ALCS |
| All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:42 PM. |
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.10
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Copyright © 2024 Out of the Park Developments