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1980/81 Rookie Draft & Legacy Players
Six new Legacies again this year including two of my personal faves as Marquees in a pretty interesting broader pool.
These are the Legacy Players for the 1981 Season: Baltimore Orioles: Cal Ripken jr (95.9; 3001 – one-club player MARQUEE) Chicago Cubs: Ryne Sandberg (67.9; 2151 MARQUEE (conceded)) Los Angeles Dodgers: Steve Sax (25.7; 1091) Minnesota Twins: Gary Gaetti (42.1; 1361) Philadelphia Phillies: Von Hayes (29.9; 1208) Toronto Blue Jays: Jesse Barfield (39.4; 1032) Kent Hrbek (38.6; 1747 – one-club player) was also eligible for the Twins, but Gaetti’s higher WAR makes him the selection. There are 184 rookies for this season (including some carry-over MiLBers from last year), and the Draft will consist of 7 rounds. The Draft order will be as follows (winning percentage from 1980 IRL season in brackets; bold indicates Legacy Pick in 1st Round): Round 1 1. Baltimore Orioles (617) 2. Chicago Cubs (395) 3. Minnesota Twins (478) 4. Toronto Blue Jays (414; dice roll) 5. Philadelphia Phillies (562) 6. Los Angeles Dodgers (564) 7. Seattle Mariners (364) 8. California Angels (406) 9. New York Mets (414; dice roll) 10. Chicago White Sox (438) 11. San Diego Padres (451) 12. St. Louis Cardinals (457) 13. San Francisco Giants (466) 14. Texas Rangers (472) 15. Cleveland Indians (494) 16. Atlanta Braves (503) 17. Oakland Athletics (512; dice roll) 18. Pittsburgh Pirates (512; dice roll) 19. Detroit Tigers (519; dice roll) 20. Boston Red Sox (519; dice roll) 21. Milwaukee Brewers (531) 22. Cincinnati Reds (549) 23. Montreal Expos (556) 24. Houston Astros (571) 25. Kansas City Royals (599) 26. New York Yankees (632) Rounds 2 thru 10 1. Seattle Mariners (364) 2. Chicago Cubs (395) 3. California Angels (406) 4. Toronto Blue Jays (414; dice roll) 5. New York Mets (414; dice roll) 6. Chicago White Sox (438) 7. San Diego Padres (451) 8. St. Louis Cardinals (457) 9. San Francisco Giants (466) 10. Texas Rangers (472) 11. Minnesota Twins (478) 12. Cleveland Indians (494) 13. Atlanta Braves (503) 14. Oakland Athletics (512; dice roll) 15. Pittsburgh Pirates (512; dice roll) 16. Detroit Tigers (519; dice roll) 17. Boston Red Sox (519; dice roll) 18. Milwaukee Brewers (531) 19. Cincinnati Reds (549) 20. Montreal Expos (556) 21. Philadelphia Phillies (562) 22. Los Angeles Dodgers (564) 23. Houston Astros (571) 24. Kansas City Royals (599) 25. Baltimore Orioles (617) 26. New York Yankees (632) Eligible PIT players: 3 position players + 5 pitchers = 8 As I mentioned in my previous post, we go into this Draft with a specific goal but are utterly dependent on things falling our way as to how we go. We’re slightly better positioned with our first pick around the middle of the order, so we have to ride 11 picks after the Legacies before we get our first crack at them. Fingers crossed, with slim pickings again among the eligibles this has got “hit or miss” written all over it. Our picks are as follows: 1. OF Dave Henderson, 22 (ineligible)
4. OF Gene Roof, 22 (ineligible) 5. IF Pedro Medina, 17 (ineligible) 6. P Dave Wilhelmi, 20 (ineligible) no relation to Hoyt, I’m afraid 7. C Jeff Remo, 19 (ineligible)
A close call but we got there. FULL DRAFT LOG https://i.imgur.com/fEO1Qh2.jpg |
Call from the Hall
One of the largest inductions I can remember sees five new additions to the HoF including our own mighty Roberto Clemente. The chisels will be busy in Cooperstown.
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1981 The First Time Around
On-field strikes give way to one off the field in the infamous “split season” that sees overall records thrown out the window and the Division Series make its first appearance.
In the wash-up, teams such as the Reds and Cardinals rightly feel hard done by, while the Expos make their sole playoff appearance as a result, losing out to Rick Monday’s famous curtain-raiser to Kirk Gibson’s a few years later. The World Series sees the Dodgers finally break through for their first title in 16 years. AL EAST / WEST CHAMPIONS: New York Yankees (59-48) / Oakland A’s (64-45) NL EAST / WEST CHAMPIONS: Montreal Expos (60-48) / Los Angeles Dodgers (63-47) ALCS: Yankees 3, A’s 0 NLCS: Dodgers 3, Expos 2 WORLD SERIES: Dodgers 4, Yankees 2 Pittsburgh Pirates: 46-56, 4th in NL East AL MVP: Rollie Fingers (Brewers) NL MVP: Mike Schmidt (Phillies) AL CYA: Rollie Fingers (Brewers) NL CYA: Fernando Valenzuela (Dodgers) AL RoY: Dave Righetti (Yankees) NL RoY: Fernando Valenzuela (Dodgers) Top Ten Lists (courtesy of thisgreatgame.com) NL Hitters 1. MIKE SCHMIDT, PHILADELPHIA
AL Hitters 1. DWIGHT EVANS, BOSTON
NL Pitchers 1. JERRY REUSS, LOS ANGELES
AL Pitchers 1. STEVE MCCATTY, OAKLAND
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1981 Preseason / Spring Training
Seems ‘tis the season to swap big-name OFs with a bunch changing clubs in a fairly active trade market. The FA action, as you can see from the list below, is even more frantic. Not much loyalty shown by the Cubs to WS hero Luis Aguayo as they trade him to the Phils for Pete Rose, while Mookie Wilson leaves the Mets and Smoke Stewart goes to the A’s.
We go 11-7 in Spring Training with a couple niggles but nothing more. The same, unfortunately, can't be said for a couple other clubs with the Dodgers losing Don Sutton for the mandatory 3-month Legacy count the big news. |
A Quick FYI
Two points.
Firstly, there'll be none of that strike nonsense in this timeline where players have been paid accordingly from the get-go, so a full 162-game schedule awaits. Also, my Stats+ annual subscription comes due soon and I won't be re-upping so I'll henceforth cull any future reference to that page and advise those following along when it has been switched off for good. Thanks G |
The View from the Gangplank Opening Day, 1981
Well we've somehow ducked and weaved our way into a pretty decent squad but, oh my, any injuries to the main guys will really cruel our chances as there's not much in back of them.
The boss ticked our Budget up a bit and we tried to acquire a FA outfielder - Lee Lacy and then Omar Moreno - just to help our shoddy depth at that position, but they were out of our price range for the designated role so we signed SS Freddie Taveras instead because to not sign anyone would be wasteful. We also did our usual MiLB trawl and picked up a few free eligibles including Mitchell Page, who will be with us on OD as our fifth OF. Call me an old softie but we're going to keep Frank at AAA to enable Pops to stay up, at least to begin with. He'll PH and rest Jason Thompson at 1B. Should that not end up being viable, I'll have no choice but to send him to Lincoln but I really want to avoid that if at all possible - I think he's earned that right. With Hitting Coach Joe Muffoletto turning 60 not long ago, the plan is to replace him with Pops when he retires as a player. Ken Oberkfell will lead off, while Wally Backman takes over everyday 2B duties and Craig Stevens will man the strong side of a platoon at SS with Dale Berra / Derrell Thomas. We’ve moved Jason to 3 and GT will hit clean-up. In the pitching department, John Tudor will come in as SP5 to begin with and we’ll use Larry McWilliams in the BP. Andy Hassler will get some spot starts but if he struggles changes will be wrought. Same deal with Lou Marone, who gets one more chance in the pen. Kent Tekulve – mainly because he has all his OY intact – will head to AAA with Odell Jones staying up. Here they are, your 1981 Pittsburgh Pirates! |
Cutlass Club / Financials Update 1981
This might well be our last hurrah for a wee while as a lot of the core guys who have been with us long-term age out or come to the end of their contracts over the next few years. We'll be assessing things over that period to see if we finally have to do the long-promised tear-down or can manage to navigate those stormy seas without capsizing or being submerged completely.
Gorman and - almost certainly - Derrell will walk at season-end, as will guys like Stennett and Taveras, and we expect Pops to call time. Our pitching is more a 4-6 year thing so we're fairly OK in that department but the position players we'll be left with for 1983 and thereabouts ain't pretty. The trade / FA limits mean we'll have to try pull some moves earlier than we otherwise might just to cushion the blow as much as possible. At some point in the not-too-distant future I'll tick up either the FA tickets from 1 to 2, the trade tickets from 3 to 4 or the ringer allotment from 3 to 4; perhaps even a couple of those. But I want to see what happens when Barry Bonds comes in as I don't want to go back to being dominant. Not that the early version of him was overpoweringly good, but I'd prefer to err on the side of conservatism for now. We've had a good old run although no titles in six seasons. Rebuilds are fun, anyway. Or perhaps challenging is the better word. Here's all of the financial details as at OD: |
Stat Check: RBI
So, who is the active leader in the MLB in career RBI?
All-time leader: Babe Ruth, 2013 |
Hail to the Chief
Dennis "El Presidente" Martinez had to wait until 1991 IRL - worth the wait, however, as it was the 13th perfect game in MLB history - but he gets a garden-variety no hitter a decade earlier in this timeline with this beaut against Texas. Same scoreline, too, and same number of errors committed by his opponents. Cue the Scooby-Doo music...
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The View from the Gangplank June 1, 1981
All is travelling nicely early on as we win six of our first eight but then we lose Rick Rhoden for a minimum IL stint to a bout of plantar fascitis. We move Larry McWilliams into the rotation and call up Rod Scurry for his MLB debut. He ends up staying with us as Lou Marone gets up to his usual nonsense and we banish him hopefully for the last time to AAA. Led by a red-hot Gorman Thomas – who wins the April hitting prize – and some good pitching, and despite Al Oliver getting off to a very slow start, we look to be cruising but then go cold with a 4-game losing streak to sit at 12-8 after 20 games. We do send Lou Marone to Lincoln via the WW when Rhoden returns and keep Rod Scurry up with us, as Al Oliver finds his swing and we go on a nice little 14-1 run including 10 straight wins. We play well for the remainder but a really positive first sectional ends on a slightly sour note as Wally Backman goes down with a back injury and will need an IL stint, with Frank Taveras summoned to replace him. Still, at 30-14 and 2 ½ games clear on top of the divison, we’ve little to complain about for the moment. Extensions are signed with John Tudor (1/450), Ken Oberkfell (6/2700, very amenable), Larry McWilliams (1/375), Craig Reynolds (1/345), Ed Ott (1/295) and Tony Armas (3+1/2770). Most interestingly, Dave Knigman is still unsigned and we add him to AAA Lincoln on a minors deal with the view of hopefully extending him cheap and using him next year when the two CC slots free up. We sit straight down with him, explain our plan and he is amenable to it so we sign him on a very friendly 4/800 deal, along with fellow Lincolnites Frank Taveras (1/280) and Bruce Kison (1+1/310). Getting Kong back and seeing Rick Langford at AAA makes me feel much better about that trade, the results in its immediate aftermath notwithstanding of course. Beating them three of four at Wrigley in our first meeting of the season in late May doesn’t hurt, either. An incredibly even set of standings to this point, with just one club more than ten games out. Monthly Award Winners April American League Batter – Dwight Evans (Red Sox): 359 / 6 HR / 17 RBI Pitcher – Craig Swan (Twins): 3-0 / 1.64 / 18 K / 33 IP Rookie – Bud Black (A’s): 2-0 / 0.00 / 14 K / 23 IP National League Batter – Gorman Thomas (Pirates): 302 / 7 HR / 16 RBI Pitcher – Tug McGraw (Dodgers): 3-1 / 2.18 / 6 SV / 14 K / 20.2 IP Rookie – Atlee Hammaker (Mets): 2-1 / 2.96 / 17 K / 27.1 IP May American League Batter – Reggie Smith (Red Sox): 356 / 8 HR / 30 RBI Pitcher – Bob Stoddard (Red Sox): 2-1 / 1.29 / 8 SV / 8 K / 21 IP Rookie – Bob Stoddard National League Batter – Jason Thompson (Pirates): 380 / 7 HR / 16 RBI Pitcher – Ron Guidry (Pirates): 5-0 / 0.99 / 37 K / 45.2 IP Rookie – Tom Gorman (Expos): 5-2 / 3.47 / 4 SV / 14 K / 23.1 IP News and Leaders Milestones and Observations of Note 250 Wins: Steve Carlton 200 Wins: Gary Nolan Veteran pitcher Gaylord Perry, now with the Yanks, will miss a full year after tearing his UCL and, in his age-40 season, one has to wonder if he makes it back. At the other end of his career, White Sox rookie Mike Witt also goes down with a season-ending injury and will miss part of ’82 as well after he blows out his elbow. Nasty stuff. Mets young gun Leon Durham is forced to miss 6 weeks with a strained oblique and they also lose pitcher Rudy May for the season to an RC tear. The Expos will have to make do without budding superstar Andre Dawson for six weeks courtesy of a forearm strain. A rough start sees the Astros drop their first 8 games until we generously put them out of their misery. The Padres also drop nine of their first ten. We get two no-nos down in AAA—both buy a guy named Larry – Corr from El Paso and Kiser from Kinston – and both against Jacksonville. |
Stat Check: SV
Which active pitchers are leading the MLB in career saves?
All-time leader: Hoyt Wilhelm, 302 |
Stat Check: TB
So, who is the active leader in the MLB in career total bases?
All-time leader: Stan Musial, 6026 |
The White Knuckle Brothers
My frail old heart doesn't need games like this, but I'll gladly take the result.
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1981 MLB All-Star Game
Five nods for us this year.
American League
National League
Ron Cey beats Chili Davis in the final of the HR Derby, but Chili gets his own back as he leads the AL to a 4-1 win in the big game. |
The View from the Gangplank August 1, 1981
A bit less frantic compared to this time a year ago, thank goodness. We keep things ticking along in the early part of June, with the pitching remaining especially sharp including a Ron Guidry 1-hitter against San Diego. We reach the 60-game mark at 41-19 and four clear of the Mets. When we do finally get Wally Backman back from the IL, I do sadly have to send Pops to AAA Lincoln. He’s not giving us much and as they say this ain’t show friends, it’s show business. He’ll come back up when rosters expand if not before and takes it like the pro he is. One dilemma is the strong performance of Derrell Thomas this season. He offers better defence at 2B and with the offensive uptick is pressing for everyday usage. It’s a nice dilemma to have, no doubt, and should Wally’s performance slip then we may well make the switch or run a platoon of some sort. We swap wins and losses over the next bit, including a split of four straight 4-3 scorelines, and there’s no doubt a the heat has come out of our bats ever so slightly for the moment. We end June at 47-24 and five to the good of the Mets, with Ron Guidry announced as the month’s best pitcher in the NL. July starts in ominous fashion as we lose Al Oliver for a month to a lat strain. With Mitchell Page still in the group and Derrel Thomas also able to play LF, we’ll start Tony Armas there and have the other two as backups, allowing us to recall Pops. Would love to be able to promote Kong, but rules are rules. Then Ron Guidry loses his first decision of the season after 11 Wins. That happens in the first of a four-game series against the Mets that also features Gorman Thomas delivering us back-to-back walkoff wins as we split it 2-2. We lose Ken Oberkfell – really solid for us so far although yet to homer – for a week to a biceps strain but, despite Gorman Thomas and Jason Thompson both enduring lean spells, we ride a Tony Armas explosion and a couple walkoffs in a 6-game string to hit the ASB at 56-28, 7 clear of the Mets. With Tony doing so well, the news that Al Oliver will need another month’s recovery doesn’t bite as hard as it otherwise would but we need Gorman and Jason to find their mojo ahead of the stretch run in a crucial little period for us with few off days. An injury to Edd Ott, on the other hand, is the last thing we need even if it is just an mild oblique strain that will sideline him for 3-4 weeks. Gary Alexander, the only other eligible Catcher we have at the club, gets the call-up. In spite of which, along with a niggle that will keep Wally Backman on ice for a few days, we keep it going and enter the stretch run in the box seat with a 67-33 record and a handy lead over the Mets et al. https://i.imgur.com/6IPGDGN.jpg Just a really solid group effort so far this year, with few not pulling their weight. Craig Reynolds deserves special mention, he has been super handy for us in the 8 slot and with his glove. Reliever Rod Scurry has also impressed and he wins the July Rookie award for his efforts. We extend reliever Odell Jones on a 1/275 deal, leaving Pops as the only unsigned player for 1982. He wants $450k for that season but we’ll just play it by ear for now. If we play our cards right, we should hopefully be able to sit back, relax and watch the other three races - each of which looks set for yet more in the way of grandstand finishes - play out. https://i.imgur.com/IR7kXbK.jpg Monthly Award Winners June American League Batter – George Brett (Royals): 376 / 8 HR / 25 RBI Pitcher – Britt Burns (White Sox): 5-0 / 1.99 / 36 K / 45.1 IP Rookie – Doug Potestio (Twins): 4-2 / 3.11 / 19 K / 46.1 IP (never made it to the MLB IRL) National League Batter – Tim Raines (Expos): 396 / 1 HR / 9 RBI Pitcher – Ron Guidry (Pirates): 5-0 / 0.92 / 36 K / 49 IP Rookie – Bryn Smith (Padres): 4-2 / 3.14 / 18 K / 43 IP July American League Batter – Buddy Bell (Red Sox): 354 / 9 HR / 33 RBI Pitcher – Marty Bystrom (Twins): 5-0 / 0.85 / 22 K / 42.1 IP Rookie – Johnny Ray (Royals): 368 / 1 HR / 11 RBI National League Batter – Greg Luzinski (Phillies): 395 / 5 HR / 14 RBI Pitcher – Jim Clancy (Braves): 5-1 / 1.57 / 27 K / 46 IP Rookie – Rod Scurry (Pirates): 4-0 / 4.15 / 1 SV / 13 K / 8.2 IP News, Leaders and Top 20s Milestones and Observations of Note 2500 Hits: Tony Perez 200 Wins: Jerry Koosman (see below) Rookie Padres OF Eddie Milner is the latest to catch the injury bug as a torn ACL ends his season, while the Red Sox lose Manny Trillo for 5 weeks to a knee injury and Expos rookie Pascual Perez also has his 1981 campaign brought to an end by a ruptured back disc. A bout of shoulder inflammation sidelines Indians pitcher Fred Kuhaulua for the remainder, while Phillies superstar Mike Schmidt misses a week thanks to a PCL strain. Deadline trades of note: https://i.imgur.com/8asMQSf.jpg |
In a Minor Key
Our Links survive a tough pennant race only to lose again in three at the league stage and Syracuse eventually nails down the club's first-ever AAA Championship via a tough decider with Mount Vernon that goes the distance with Brock Davis winning the MVP.
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The View from the Gangplank: end of regular season, 1981
Not quite the drama of the past few seasons, but still... We certainly don’t waltz into the new month like a team intent on nailing down the division and switching to cruise control as we lose 4 of our first 5 games with some pretty clumsy baseball. We finally get Al Oliver back after his long injury layoff but send him to Lincoln for a spot of rehab before summoning him back into the fold in mid-month. We stumble badly awaiting his return, with the bats going completely AWOL in three shutout losses over a 4-game span and we end up scoring just 9 runs over a 7-game span. Worse than that, four of those are losses to the Mets to cut our lead to an uncomfortable 8. Worse again, the dreadful form slump that has hit Ron Guidry, who has gone from 11-0 / 1.30 to 12-6 / 2.56 since the start of July. We lose two more against the Expos before finally getting two lucky extra-inning walkoff wins that might prove to be the two most important of the season. Nonetheless, in our desperation I recall Al Oliver and send Mitchell Page to AAA. Still, it proves only a temporary reprieve as the dreadful hitting and pitching deterioration continue with three straight losses at Wrigley. I can’t remember seeing such an acute drop in offensive output and streakiness is definitely the huge knock against this group just as we have seen at our club in recent years. That leaves us at 4-13 so far in August. Just putrid. We’re just lucky the Mets also lose a few in a row and only pick up one game on us but this utter freefall is approaching panic stations. We hold the most nervy 7-game lead in MLB history. We move Derrel Thomas into the everyday 2B role as Wally Backman has basically disappeared. We get Ed Ott back from the IL to return us to full strength. We are truly flying by the seat of our pants with just two walkoff wins to show for the next little bit but the Mets also stay cold and we hold our ground in the standings. Jason Thompson is putting in one of the worst stretches by a supposed top-flight player that I can remember and we’re seriously considering pushing him down the order or even benching him for Pops if he can’t get it together. Problem is, Pops is on his last legs as well so it’s doubtful he would make an improvement so looks like we just have to sweat on Jason returning to form soon. We kick off a crucial West Coast swing with a pair of 10-inning wins against the Jints, navigating those tricky rapids OK and are sitting a slightly more comfortable 10 ½ clear of the Mets when they come to town for three, with the Expos now tied with them as well. We escape with a lucky 3-2 win in the opener as Dave Parker belts a walkoff 2-run blast to get us home and do so again the next day on an 11th-inning solo shot by an improving Jason Thompson – his second of the game – for a 4-3 victory, before copping our first loss in eight despite pops reclaiming his glory days with a 4-4 performance. Our MN dips into the single figures with less than 20 to play but we’ve still some work to do with six fixtures all told – four with the Expos and two with the Mets – still to be played against our nearest rivals. Our form tails off again as we lose 8 of our next 9 including Rich Gossage’s first blown Save in 26 attempts, but then win the ones that really matter, beating the Mets in both of two games at Shea, then – in arguably the game of the season for the neutrals – knocking off the Expos 7-6 in 13 at Olympic Stadium to clinch, the first club this season to do so. We finish W-L. We’re unsure as to what will happen with Pops next year and so we make sure he gets the chance to say goodbye just in case by starting him in the final game of the regular season, which just happens to be a home game for us. Sadly he doesn’t get a hit but Gorman Thomas sends him off with a bang, walking it off for a 7-6 win with a grand slam, pushing himself over the 100 RBI mark for the year in the process. Thus ends the most stressful and least convincing 8-game division title win in the history of baseball. Here are our various reports: https://i.imgur.com/acLPEXl.jpg The Braves doggedly hold off the Reds to lock down just the third playoff appearance for the franchise in all locations and their first since the Boston version won their one and only title in 1933. Both of the AL races go down to the final day with the Red Sox and Twins holding a one-game lead over the Tigers and A’s. The Red Sox lose to Cleveland but the Tigers fail to take advantage, also losing 7-5 to Milwaukee to hand the title to Boston. The A’s don’t make the same mistake when the Twins drop their game against Chicago, beating the Royals 9-3 to force a tiebreak decider. But the Twins come ready to play in that one, blowing the A’s out early and going on to cruise to a 15-1 win to get through. https://i.imgur.com/ARADwCC.jpg Batting titles to Bake McBride - who will unfortunately not take part in the playoffs after suffering a concussion - and Tim Raines, with McBride just edging out Cecil Cooper by a few bips. Gorman's 38 homers lead all comers, as do Cecil's 127 RBI. We get a doozy of a battle between Ron LeFlore, Tim Raines and Rickey Henderson for the steals crown, with LeFlore edging Raines by one to set a new all-time mark with 140. Rickey ends up with 137. Bob Welch, with 21, is the league's only 20-game winner this season, while Don Robinson has the low ERA with 2.00 even. Nolan nabs himself another King of K and Rich Gossage has the most saves of any player with 41. Monthly Award Winners August American League Batter – Cecil Cooper (Tigers): 359 / 6 HR / 31 RBI Pitcher – Len Barker (Tigers): 6-0 / 2.85 / 42 K / 53.2 IP Rookie – Chili Davis (Angels): 341 / 7 HR / 19 RBI National League Batter – Bob Horner (Braves): 421 / 12 HR / 23 RBI Pitcher – Rick Reuschel (Cubs): 5-1 / 1.70 / 24 K / 53 IP Rookie – Rod Scurry (Pirates): 4-1 / 0.64 / 9 K / 14 IP September American League Batter – Steve Kemp (Twins): 374 / 5 HR / 18 RBI Pitcher – Lynn McGlothen (Red Sox): 6-0 / 1.40 / 23 K / 45 IP Rookie – Chili Davis (Angels): 258 / 7 HR / 21 RBI National League Batter – Dale Murphy (Braves): 385 / 5 HR / 19 RBI Pitcher – Rollie Fingers (Cubs): 4-1 / 2.14 / 7 SV / 15 K / 21 IP Rookie – Danny Boone (Cardinals): 1-1 / 2.49 / 6 SV / 8 K / 21.2 IP Final Leaders and Top 20s Milestones and Observations of Note 200 Wins: Tom Seaver 400 HR: Reggie Jackson 2500 Hits: Rusty Staub A big out for the Astros at the very start of August as they lose ace JR Richard for the year to shoulder inflammation, while Baltimore’s Pete Falcone will be out until the very late section of next season after blowing out his elbow. The Royals also lose a key player for a bit when George Brett is taken out of action for 5 weeks by an ankle sprain, although they are out of contention by this time. The Red Sox aren’t, and will have to see things through without the services of veteran Tony Perez, who has his 1981 campaign ended early by a knee injury. Same for the Braves and Twins, with Atlanta outfielder William Ewing done for the year courtesy of a hip strain and Minnesota’s Marty Bystrom gone as well due to shoulder problems, along with the aforementioned Bake McBride. |
1981 League Championship Series
American League Boston Red Sox (94-68) v Minnesota Twins (92-71) This year’s playoffs will almost be as much affected by those players not playing as those who are, this series in particular. The Red Sox are without both Reggie Smith and Tony Perez, but that is almost at full-strength compared to the poor old Twins, who go into it without Roy Smalley, Rick Manning, Marty Bystrom, Steve Howe and Bake McBride, among others. For them to have got past the A’s in the manner they did and get this far is an achievement in itself. They keep it going with a comeback 7-3 win in 10 in the opening game at Fenway and push the Sox all the way in Game 2, which remains scoreless until Ruppert Jones walks it off for the home side with an RBI single in the 13th. A walkoff 4-3 home win in 10 gets them within one of the Big Dance but a huge blowout 17-1 Boston win in Game 4 necessitates an elimination decider. In one of the best LCS we’ve seen, the Twinkies get it done with a thrilling 4-3 road win to take the club's 10th AL Pennant and move on. MVP honours go to Gary Gaetti. https://i.imgur.com/GdoYcbL.jpg National League Pittsburgh Pirates (95-67) v Atlanta Braves (82-80) The Braves have also been decimated by injuries, with Doc Medich, William Ewing, Bobby Thompson, Pascual Perez and a few others all missing here. That, and their 82-80 regular season record, might make them seem vulnerable. I might agree with that if I had more confidence in my own group’s ability to deliver. But I honestly have absolutely no idea how we’ll go from here. We’re as likely to win it all without losing a game as we are being swept here and making an ignominious exit despite posting the best record of any club. Case in point as we kick things off with a dreadful performance in a 7-1 loss, lose again 3-2 the next game and make that exit I spoke of with another lame effort in Game 3. It honestly comes as no surprise to me at all. No doubt this club has lost that winning feeling for now. Glenn Hubbard takes home the MVP. https://i.imgur.com/5jwHUp9.jpg |
1981 World Series Preview
Minnesota Twins v Atlanta Braves Best-of-seven, Cubs with the home-field advantage. A decade ahead of their famous IRL meeting – are we going to see something similar here? Both clubs have to this point played like they have nothing to lose. Not so easy to pull off when you suddenly have the chance to win it all. Should be a beauty and I am going for the slight upset—Braves in seven for mine. https://i.imgur.com/AiAsKAo.jpg |
In a Minor Key - Major AAA Awards, 1981
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1981 World Series Recap
Game 1 in Minnesota Bob Forsch (12-6, 3.41) v D. Goltz (14-8, 2.91) The Twins draw first blood with a 7-3 win, storming home from 3-2 down with a 5-spot in the 8th off Braves Closer Dave Beard after both starters do well. https://i.imgur.com/Hxa7wh7.jpg Game 2 in Minnesota Rich Nye (1-9, 6.18) v Frank Pastore (10-13, 3.67) Twins lead series 1-0 This is where the Braves really need to take advantage, with Rich Nye looking somewhat out of his depth in this situation. He actually goes better than I expected, but the visitors do indeed get the win as Pastore gives them 7 shutout frames and the bats do just enough. https://i.imgur.com/iRa2dVd.jpg Game 3 in Atlanta J. Clancy (13-13, 2.86) v Bert Blyleven (13-19, 3.29) Series tied 1-1 The city of Atlanta’s first-ever World Series game should be a tough one for the home side with the mighty Bert Blyleven on the mound for their opponents. And so it proves as the Dutchman shuts them out with a fantastic 2-hitter, wasting a fine outing from Atlanta’s Jim Clancy in a 2-0 final that gets the Twins’ noses back in front. https://i.imgur.com/FxTOAIp.jpg Game 4 in Atlanta Jim Willoughby (0-3, 3.78) v Doug Potestio (12-11, 3.80) Twins lead series 2-1 The wild ride continues in this timeline for Doug Potestio, who never made the majors IRL and now has the chance to give his club a commanding 3-1 lead against wily veteran Jim Willoughby. He does just that with 7 more than serviceable innings and gets the W as Julio Cruz leads the bats and the Twins win it 7-3. Dale Murphy is excellent in a losing cause, going 3-for-5 with a homer and 3 RBI. https://i.imgur.com/VBFyvtf.jpg Game 5 in Atlanta D. Goltz (1-0, 1.35) v Bob Forsch (0-0, 2.92) Twins lead series 3-1 All or nothing from here on out for the Braves as the Game 1 starters make their second appearance and one has to hope they at least give their long-suffering fans something to cheer about with one home win. Sadly it’s not to be as the Twins kill them off easily with a 6-0 whitewash behind a dominant Bob Forsch that delivers the club their fourth title. Bert Blyleven wins the MVP. https://i.imgur.com/gKyxkWF.jpg https://i.imgur.com/hh7ZJBd.jpg |
1981 Offseason
OUT & OUTS The Blue Jays franchise changes hands. Marv Grissom of Texas is the only MLB Manager fired this time around, but Stan Musial is not retained as Astros skipper - then replaced by Sandy Koufax! ROSTER MOVES The long-overdue rebuild definitely begins in earnest from this point, with some set to go this year and more in '83. We've done everything we possible could to get a title these past three years without managing to do so and the time has come to take some necessary steps backward in order to hopefully move forward in a sustained way a few years down the track. We should start getting some help from the Draft with our IRL avatar "enjoying" a fairly lean spell the next few years, but we're ready to make some tough decisions to try and work in conjunction with the young guys we hope to get from the rookie influx. We exercise Rich Gossage's final contract year and it will be his final one at this club, for now at least. We send Victor Cruz to arb and non-tender Gary Alexander and Mitchell Page. Lou Marone, Rennie Stennett and both Derrel and Gorman Thomas all walk. Around the clubs, the following extension of note were signed: Bob Horner (Braves) 4/7340 Ron Oester (Cardinals) 4/3620 Glenn Hubbard (Braves) 3/3050 Lonnie Smith (Tigers) 4/3758 Julio Cruz (Twins) 4/2610 Floyd Bannister (Angels) 3/3900 Willie Aikens (White Sox) 4/7120 UL Washington (Cubs) 3/2080 Bobby Grich (Angels) 5/12200 SIM ACCURACY https://i.imgur.com/EXjLKk7.png https://i.imgur.com/gaBLDG4.jpg *Ignore the SB figure, I often bump it up in the LTMs if I feel it's too low. HANGIN' THEM UP A massive surprise with Pete Rose calling it quits well in advance of his IRL career, which never seemed to end and then ended horribly. He's just one of a few guys who are good chances of some C-Town love in a few years time, although it must be said none are an absolute lock, not even our own departing legend, in whose honour our club retires #6. He has joined the club in a coaching role and will serve as my Assistant GM next year then move to the Hitting Coach role the following year when our incumbent retires. https://i.imgur.com/4DjDdJG.jpg https://i.imgur.com/TvJ2Y2S.jpg |
1981 MLB Awards
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A Quick Sidebar
I have made the executive decision to change the allowable trades structure a wee bit. Whereas previously we were permitted one FA signing and three trades per season, we will now be allowed to conduct four transactions in any combination. Still considering ticking this and / or the number of ringers allowed up but won't be doing so just yet.
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1981/82 Rookie Draft & Legacy Players
A fascinating group of seven new Legacies entering the league this year including arguably the two greatest contact hitters outside of the deadball era guys and a bunch of cult heroes.
These are the Legacy Players for the 1982 Season: Boston Red Sox: Wade Boggs (91.4; 1625) MARQUEE San Diego Padres: Tony Gwynn (69.2; 2440 – one-club player) MARQUEE conceded Cleveland Indians: Julio Franco (43.6; 1088) Houston Astros: Bill Doran (32.8; 1165) Minnesota Twins: Frank Viola (47.0; 259 GS) New York Yankees: Don Mattingly (42.4; 1785 – one-club player) St. Louis Cardinals: Willie McGee (34.2; 1661) There are 142 rookies for this season, and the Draft will consist of 5 rounds. The Draft order will be as follows (winning percentage from 1981 IRL season in brackets; bold indicates Legacy Pick in 1st Round): Round 1 1. Boston Red Sox (546) 2. San Diego Padres (373) 3. Minnesota Twins (376) 4. Cleveland Indians (505; dice roll) 5. New York Yankees (551; dice roll) 6. St. Louis Cardinals (578) 7. Houston Astros (555) 8. Toronto Blue Jays (349) 9. Chicago Cubs (369) 10. New York Mets (398) 11. Seattle Mariners (404) 12. Pittsburgh Pirates (451) 13. California Angels (464) 14. Atlanta Braves (472) 15. Kansas City Royals (485) 16. San Francisco Giants (505; dice roll) 17. Chicago White Sox (509) 18. Texas Rangers (543) 19. Detroit Tigers (550) 20. Philadelphia Phillies (551; dice roll) 21. Montreal Expos (556) 22. Baltimore Orioles (562) 23. Milwaukee Brewers (569) 24. Los Angeles Dodgers (573) 25. Oakland Athletics (587) 26. Cincinnati Reds (611) Rounds 2 thru 5 1. Toronto Blue Jays (349) 2. Chicago Cubs (369) 3. San Diego Padres (373) 4. Minnesota Twins (376) 5. New York Mets (398) 6. Seattle Mariners (404) 7. Pittsburgh Pirates (451) 8. California Angels (464) 9. Atlanta Braves (472) 10. Kansas City Royals (485) 11. Cleveland Indians (505; dice roll) 12. San Francisco Giants (505; dice roll) 13. Chicago White Sox (509) 14. Texas Rangers (543) 15. Boston Red Sox (546) 16. Detroit Tigers (550) 17. Philadelphia Phillies (551; dice roll) 18. New York Yankees (551; dice roll) 19. Houston Astros (555) 20. Montreal Expos (556) 21. Baltimore Orioles (562) 22. Milwaukee Brewers (569) 23. Los Angeles Dodgers (573) 24. St. Louis Cardinals (578) 25. Oakland Athletics (587) 26. Cincinnati Reds (611) Eligible PIT players: 9 position players + 6 pitchers = 15 Apart from a minor FA acquisition, we have deliberately refrained from doing any deals until we see how we go here. The main move we're looking to make is a big one and we need to ensure we get the right players according to what we need in return. So we have one main guy we're keen to get here, after that it will all depend on how the ball bounces. We end up picking the following players: 1. C Don Slaught, 23 (PIT IRL: 1990-95)
3. P Cecilio Guante, 21 (PIT IRL: 1982-86)
5. SS Jim Smith, 27 (PIT IRL: 1982)
All selections are eligible players, can’t remember that happening before. A nice enough Draft for us. https://i.imgur.com/xb92Gtw.jpg |
The Wheeling and the Dealing
OK, so we get things underway with a bang in the form of this blockbuster-ish deal with the Evil Empire:
I could say this was necessitated by us being left with two expensive 1B-only players in our group. Which it was, but I only ever saw Jason Thompson as one of the key pieces in us snagging the title in either '80 or '81. Neither happened and at age-34 the return on Al Oliver in the trade market was zero so that left Jason as the one to make way. On the credit side of the ledger book, we get a guy who we'll start this season as our everyday CF in the strong side of a platoon with Hendu. The retention means he costs us next to nothing - $650k for two years that he should repay healthily. The other two guys are more depth pieces but such is the dire state of the LH side of our BP that Will might very well be part of it next season. The minor FA signing I mentioned in the Draft post is the return of Tim Foli to the fold, via a 1+1/400 tiddler of a deal. |
(No) Call from the Hall
After last year's big intake, the players take an ohfer this time around.
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1982 The First Time Around
A rollercoaster season gets a fitting climax as the Cards finally see off the Brewers in a classic seven-game World Series. Cal Ripken starts his consecutive games streak that won’t end until 1998. Rickey Henderson breaks the all-time stolen bases record (as does John Wathan… for a catcher). Gaylord Perry finally gets caught in the act. Larry Parrish belts three grand slams in a week. Twas a big season.
AL EAST / WEST CHAMPIONS: Milwaukee Brewers (95-67) / California Angels (93-69) NL EAST / WEST CHAMPIONS: St. Louis Cardinals (92-70) / Atlanta Braves (89-73) ALCS: Brewers 3, Angels 2 NLCS: Cardinals 3, Braves 0 WORLD SERIES: Cardinals 4, Brewers 3 Pittsburgh Pirates: 84-78, 4th in NL East AL MVP: Robin Yount (Brewers) NL MVP: Dale Murphy (Braves) AL CYA: Pete Vuckovich (Brewers) NL CYA: Steve Carlton (Phillies) AL RoY: Cal Ripken jr (Orioles) NL RoY: Steve Sax (Dodgers) Top Ten Lists (courtesy of thisgreatgame.com) NL Hitters 1. DALE MURPHY, ATLANTA
AL Hitters 1. ROBIN YOUNT, MILWAUKEE
NL Pitchers 1. STEVE ROGERS, MONTREAL
AL Pitchers 1. JIM PALMER, BALTIMORE
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1982 Preseason / Spring Training
A fairly quiet offseason, but it’s nice to see one-club guys like Joe Morgan and Reggie Smith stay put. JR Richard also extends his stay at the Astros, Jerry Koosman heads to the Mets and Tom Seaver signs a 1-year cheapie with the astute World Champs. Here are the transactions of note. P Bert Blyleven: Cubs, 4 years / $11.8m / AAV $2.96m OF Oscar Gamble: Dodgers, 4 years / $11.7m / AAV $2.92m 2B Joe Morgan: Reds, 2 years / $4.6m / AAV $2.28m (extension) P Luis Tiant: Orioles, 3 years / $6.8m / AAV $2.28m OF Steve Kemp: Red Sox, 7 years / $14.0m / AAV $2m C Rick Dempsey: White Sox, 5 years / $9.8m / AAV $1.96m 1B Reggie Smith: Red Sox, 2 years / $3.9m / AAV $1.94m (extension) Greg Luzinski: Yankees, 7 years / $12.2m / AAV $1.74m P John Montefusco: Dodgers, 1 year / $1.56m C John Wockenfuss: Twins, 3 years / $4.6m / AAV $1.52m OF Gorman Thomas: Yankees, 4 years / $6.0m / AAV $1.50m OF Ken Singleton: Mariners, 4 years / $5.9m / AAV $1.48m P Burt Hooton: Cardinals, 2 years / $2.9m / AAV $1.44m P Joaquin Andujar: Giants, 3 years / $4.3m / AAV $1.42m OF Richie Zisk: Twins, 3 years / $4.3m / AAV $1.42m 1B Andre Thornton: Giants, 5 years / $6.8m / AAV $1.36m 2B Bump Wills: Brewers, 3 years / $3.9m / AAV $1.31m OF Hal McRae: Orioles, 2 years / $2.6m / AAV $1.3m 1B Mike Hargrove: Orioles, 4 years / $4.9m / AAV $1.22m OF Lee Mazzilli: Twins, 3 years / $3.4m / AAV $1.14m OF Jose Cruz: Brewers, 3 years / $2.7m / AAV $0.9m 3B Bill Madlock from Brewers to Padres for OF Lyman Bostock and 3B Clint Hurdle P Bob Walk from Indians to Twins for OF Johnny Grubb (retaining 90%) 1B Bill Buckner from Brewers to A’s for OF Charlie Moore (retaining 45%) and P Bob Ojeda C Mike Scioscia and C Rich Gedman from Astros to Braves for 1B John Milner and P Frank Pastore 3B Larry Parrish (retaining 80%) from Astros to Indians for 2B Chico Walker OF Reid Nichols from White Sox to Expos for OF Dusty Baker P Shane Rawley from Rangers to A’s for 1B John Mayberry (retaining 50%) 3B Eric Soderholm and SS Scott Fletcher from Cubs to Tigers for C Darrell Porter 2B Paul Runger and OF Mel Hall from Braves to Cardinals for P Jack Morris P Steve Trout from Royals to Padres for P Don Robinson OF Dwayne Murphy from Royals to Padres for OF Rick Leach, P Juan Agosto, 2B Shooty Babbitt and 1B Kenneth Foster We go 10-8 in Spring Training with no major injuries to speak of. BNN believes the Tigers and White Sox should do it fairly easily this year, with the Reds just getting home in the NL West and madness in our division. They have us at 86-76 and two back, which seems about right but might be a bit bullish. Then again, I always say that, don't I... https://i.imgur.com/LoIfHN2.jpg |
The View from the Gangplank Opening Day, 1982
I honestly have no idea how we’re going to go this season, our standard deviation in this regard is massive. If Dave Kingman can go on a home run tear and the others hold their ground, our chances improve exponentially. We have picked up a few eligible guys in our annual MiLB trawl including Phil Garner on a minors deal and we might bring him up briefly just to deploy the contract rather than have him walk as he has two OY left. I see Johnny Ray as our longer-term 2B but despite numerous entreaties, KC refuses to part with him. We’ll revisit later. For OD, it will be Scoop at 1B, Dave Kingman at LF and Sixto at CF, with all other starters as per last season. Hendu will as foregrounded cover the soft side of a CF platoon, with Tony Armas and Dick Davis the other depth OF and Dale Berra - who will start at SS v LHP - the main IF utility with Tim Foli in support. Larry McWilliams moves into the SP3 slot with John Tudor out of the BP and working spot starts for now. Kent Tekulve remains at AAA with he and Bruce Kison the first guys to be called upon if needed. We’re almost convinced we’ll look to trade Rich Gossage while the going’s still good and that will free up a spot if it happens. https://i.imgur.com/Ghu44ZD.jpg |
Cutlass Club / Financials Update 1982
A few decisions to be made over the course of this season and its immediate aftermath. We've spoken about Goose Gossage and we'll be looking to re-up on Larry McWilliams, Gene Garber, Victor Cruz and try to lock John Tudor down for a few years. Hassler, Jones and McEnaney are question marks. Probably the biggest decision involves Al Oliver. We'd love to keep him but $1.5m is just too big a price tag in my book for an age-36 1B only. So I doubt we'll exercise the team oppy for 1983. Ed Ott will walk and we'll try to extend Dale Berra as long as the price is right. Not sure yet about Craig Reynolds - again it will almost certainly be price-dependent. We have a decent amount of cash and will be looking to continue the rebuild with some younger troops. All of our CC slots are filled and we still have two transactions to avail ourselves of. https://i.imgur.com/ZrAOZL3.jpg |
The Hitman Cometh
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Stat Check: SLG
So, who is the active leader in the MLB in career slugging percentage?
All-time leader: Lou Gehrig, .598 |
The View from the Gangplank June 1, 1982
Phil Garner does come up early, although not in the way we wanted as we lose Dale Berra for a couple weeks to an intercostal strain. Craig Reynolds is also struggling healthwise and needs a week on ice to shake it off. When Dale comes back, we keep Scrap up and send Dick Davis to Lincoln. We start the year pretty much as we envisage it will go in its entirety, namely with good and bad performance intermingled. We go 11-9 for April and Wally Backman’s hot start is rewarded with that month’s batting award. Craig Reynolds back flares up a second time and he’ll miss 4 weeks and Jim Morrison takes some time off from the Doors to make his Pittsburgh debut. As we trundle along I decide it’s now or never to clean house with a couple of the walk guys. There’s only one position player we really want at the moment but his current employers are playing hardball. Eventually, we get it done as follows: https://i.imgur.com/X2086tE.jpg I hate trading for single players but,with still two transaction tickets up our sleeve, I relent in this case because it frees up a bunch of cash for us to apply toward the future and gets us a good young infielder. We’ll switch him across to SS as we feel Dale Berra is much better used in a roving IF commission. Kison was the hard one to give up. We saw him as a cheap insurance policy if we have some pitching injuries. Now that final ticket will need to be kept safe for that eventuation should it happen. We bring Kent Tekulve up from AAA and he’ll go to a MR role with a Closer-by-committee employed for now. It’s a risk as Gossage was a lock so far this year and Tekulve has proven anything but in past seasons. Even at this early stage it is clear that how well our pitching holds up will be a decisive factor in how far we diverge from 500 this year and on which side of it we finish. This move puts even more pressure on the staff, for sure. And boy do we take a whack at the turnstiles. We finish this opening section at 25-22 and just a couple off the pace. https://i.imgur.com/2LIRtKg.jpg We sign extensions with John Tudor (1/900), Larry McWilliams (2+1/4200) and Gene Garber (2+1/1380). https://i.imgur.com/u2odcOx.jpg The Tigers and Reds looking strong but what is going on in the Bay Area? Monthly Award Winners April American League Batter – Doug DeCinces (White Sox): 351 / 7 HR / 18 RBI Pitcher – La Marr Hoyt (White Sox): 4-1 / 2.03 / 24 K / 44.1 IP Rookie – Frank Viola (Twins): 3-1 / 2.13 / 24 K / 38 IP National League Batter – Wally Backman (Pirates): 463 / 1 HR / 11 RBI Pitcher – Steve Carlton (Cubs): 5-0 / 1.54 / 36 K / 46.2 IP Rookie – Tom Henke (Reds): 3-0 / 1.46 / 4 SV / 6 K / 12.1 IP May American League Batter – Dwight Evans (Red Sox): 386 / 8 HR / 22 RBI Pitcher – Frank Tanana (Tigers): 5-0 / 2.77 / 21 K / 39 IP Rookie – Frank Viola (Twins): 5-1 / 4.75 / 31 K / 41.2 IP National League Batter – Howard Johnson (Cubs): 340 / 8 HR / 20 RBI Pitcher – Jim Clancy (Braves): 5-0 / 1.80 / 28 K / 45 IP Rookie – Tom Henke (Reds): 4-0 / 1.23 / 5 SV / 15 K / 22 IP News and Leaders https://i.imgur.com/zGymYXV.jpg Milestones and Observations of Note 200 Wins: Bert Blyleven 2000 Hits: Cesar Cedeno The Mets lose pitcher Atlee Hammaker for the season to an RC tear. Another rough start for the Astros sees them at an ugly 5-20 early on. The Tribe, meanwhile, look good early and a 10-game win streak takes them to the top of the AL East in mid-May before just cooling off a tad. The Dodgers extend local fave Steve Garvey with a 2/1200 deal. |
No Oil Painting
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1982 MLB All-Star Game
Little surprise we don't get much love this time around, with Lance Parrish our only representative, his second appearance. Wally Backman should consider himself unlucky not to be among them.
American League
National League
Jason Thompson wins his first HR Derby, beating Graig Nettles 5-3 in a low-scoring final, while Cal Ripken takes home MVP honours as the AL wins the big game 2-1. |
The View from the Gangplank August 1, 1982
A poor start to June sees us shut out in our first two games of the month by the Dodgers and from there the inexorable weight of gravity drags us back to 500. We’re not playing particularly badly but nor are we playing especially well—it’s just the sort of club we are right now. To the boys’ credit, they don’t let us dip under break-even and after 60 games we sit at 31-29 and 5 back of the Cubs. A nice little string of five wins – including back-to-back 13-2 and 17-3 victories over the Phils and the 12-2 Steve Carlton’s Cubs – takes us safely back into the black for the time being and shows just what this lineup is capable of at its best, but our pitching struggles flare up again with Ron Guidry having his worst season for us to date and we regress once more. Only a couple lucky late wins against the Expos keep us from falling under 500 but doing so eventually seems inevitable to me. I say that just as the lads rattle off five straight wins. It’s going to be that sort of season, methinks. After yet another horror show in which he helps us blow a 7-run lead to the Cubs, Odell Jones and his 7+ ERA are banished to AAA via the WW as he’s out of OY. We shop him first but it’s still a bit early to use that last transaction pass on a nothing trade, so we run the gauntlet and he gets taken by the Phillies. Young Cecilio Guante comes up for his MLB debut. We reach the All-Star break at 46-41 and, after after we finish July with a nifty 7-1 flourish, enter August at a surprisingly competitive 56-46 and just 3 ½ back of the Expos. https://i.imgur.com/Ssxwkrs.jpg Just one more extension signed, as we re-up with reliever Victor Cruz on a 1/245 deal. The Tigers ride an 11-game win streak to take control of the AL East, although they slip up late just to let the others catch up a wee bit and so all four races are still very much undecided. https://i.imgur.com/XGo6j31.jpg Monthly Award Winners June American League Batter – George Hendrick (Royals): 480 / 5 HR / 17 RBI Pitcher – Bob Knepper (Yankees): 5-0 / 2.25 / 24 K / 48 IP Rookie – John Stuper (Orioles): 3-1 / 2.22 / 10 K / 28.1 IP National League Batter – Greg Walker (Mets): 412 / 7 HR / 21 RBI Pitcher – Larry Christenson (Phillies): 4-1 / 1.26 / 35 K / 50 IP Rookie – Greg Walker July American League Batter – Jason Thompson (Yankees): 343 / 11 HR / 27 RBI Pitcher – Ray Burris (Indians): 4-0 / 1.08 / 19 K / 41.2 IP Rookie – Pete O’Brien (Angels): 345 / 6 HR / 15 RBI National League Batter – Dale Murphy (Braves): 330 / 8 HR / 19 RBI Pitcher – Eric Show (Cardinals): 4-0 / 1.58 / 32 K / 51.1 IP Rookie – Tim Conroy (Phillies): 3-0 / 1.65 / 23 K / 32.2 IP News, Leaders and Top 20s https://i.imgur.com/UpvQQtY.jpg Milestones and Observations of Note 250 Wins: Phil Niekro 2500 Hits: Reggie Smith 2000 Hits: Cecil Cooper The Tigers lose pitcher Rick Sutcliffe for the season to a UCL tear, while a nice move by the Cubs faces some headwinds in the form of an injury to young gun Ryne Sandberg, who will have to take the maximum Legacy Player stretch on the sidelines after suffering a fractured knee. An ACL tear ends the season early for Giants catcher Ernie Whitt and fellow backstop Tim Laudner of the Brewers will also miss the rest of the campaign thanks to a concussion. Teammate Robin Yount suffers a broken foot that keeps him on ice for a month or so, while O’s veteran Lee Lacy (elbow break) and Montreal outfielder Reid Nichols (labrum) are also done for the year. Doc Medich pitches a no-hitter for our AAA Lincoln club against Ottawa. Deadline trades of note: https://i.imgur.com/1zKCxPw.jpg |
In a Minor Key
Our Links dominate in the regular season then survive two tough series that each go the distance to take out their 20th title but first since 1978.
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The View from the Gangplank: end of regular season, 1982
Never a dull moment it seems in the good old NL East and this year is no exception. The lads keep themselves in the mix with a strong start to August, winning nine of their first 12 and the good performances continue late into the month including one 5-for-5 / 3 doubles / 7 RBI game by Dave Parker. On the back of some inspired offensive performances that cover some iffy pitching, we close in on the Expos and cut their lead to one game a couple of times before losing Ken Oberkfell to back problems that require a minimum IL stint to heal. This sees us drop two straight for the first time since early July but we’re still only a couple back with 30 to play. We then lose John Tudor for three weeks to a lat strain and call up Will McEnaney, and a 3-7 run drops us back off the pace a bit again. We keep nipping at the Expos’ heels as we enter September and then, on the back of five straight games in which we only give up one run in each, find ourselves just a half-game back of them with 15 to play. We catch them a couple days later with a comeback win at Philly that comes at a huge cost with Lance Parrish knocked out for the rest of the season by a knee injury. Don Slaught is summoned for his MLB debut in the keenest of circumstances and will immediately take over everyday duties—a handy fallback option indeed but it’s a big ask of a rookie. The 150th game – a messy 9-6 win at Wrigley – sees us in sole top spot for the first time all season and we still lead by that margin when we head to Montreal for three, with another three at home our final series scheduled for the regular season. It’s like deja-vu all over again. Larry McWilliams gives us a gem in the opener with 10+ shutout innings but we almost waste it before finally winning it 1-0 in 13. We drop the middle game in a 6-5 heartbreaker after coming back late from 5-1 down but they lose Gary Carter in the process and that could have a huge bearing on what happens from here. Still, they best us in the final game to get level in the standings as John Candelaria’s record in important games takes another hit. As this has been playing out, the Mets and Cubs have been steadily gaining on ourselves and Montreal and when we head to Shea for a pair of games they are just 3 and 4 off the pace, respectively. We split that series and the next one at home to the Cards to leave us 2 clear of the Mets and Expos as the latter comes to town for that final three-gamer. The Mets are in Philly for their final three. The Expos’ challenge comes up short as Dave Parker has a remarkable five doubles and drives in 8 in a heroic performance to almost single-handedly lead us to an otherwise unconvincing 10-6 win. The Mets lose as well and just like that we have won ourselves another – and most unexpected – NL East title. We win the final two for good measure to finish at 92-70 and four clear of the Mets. Our shortage of lefties and his solid showing this season lead to us extend Andy Hassler for a year at a cost of $172k. https://i.imgur.com/2IpsgMD.jpg Our race is the only close one of the four. The Tigers are the first to clinch but will have to make their title run without SP Roger Weaver after he suffers a season-ending RC tear. The Royals are the next into the playoffs, the franchise’s first-ever postseason appearance. The Dodgers run away with the NL West, winning 13 straight in August and never looking back despite a late charge by the Reds including 10 wins on the trot. The Friars also finish with a flourish, storming into third place with 10 wins from their final 11 games and a promising 84-78 finish. It has, on the whole, been a good year for the expansion clubs. https://i.imgur.com/hf3glWZ.jpg Batting titles to Lonnie Smith and Bill Madlock. Eddie Murray leads the league with 42 homers and Cal Ripken's 137 RBI are the most. Anyone who doubts good pitching plays a huge role in team success, take note: between the two of them, these two guys combined for 81 dingers and 253 ribbies and the O's finished dead last at 78-84. Rickey Henderson just misses the record with his 136 steals the year's high. The two Steves - Carlton with 22 and Rogers with one fewer - are the only 20-game winners this season. Lefty also has the low ERA with 2.23 but misses the TC by a dozen strikeouts to Mario Soto's 265. Willie Hernandez and Lee Smith tie for the most saves this year with 33. Final Leaders and Top 20s Monthly Award Winners August American League Batter – Larry Herndon (White Sox): 408 / 6 HR / 26 RBI Pitcher – Pete Broberg (Red Sox): 4-0 / 2.81 / 5 SV / 18 K / 25.2 IP Rookie – Frank Viola (Twins): 4-1 / 2.49 / 38 K / 47 IP National League Batter – Leon Durham (Mets): 406 / 6 HR / 16 RBI Pitcher – Jerry Reuss (Pirates): 6-0 / 1.37 / 14 K / 46 IP Rookie – Tony Gwynn (Padres): 414 / 2 HR / 13 RBI September American League Batter – Eddie Murray (Orioles): 409 / 12 HR / 24 RBI Pitcher – Britt Burns (White Sox Sox): 3-0 / 1.71 / 6 SV / 16 K / 26.1 IP Rookie – Lee Tunnell (A’s): 2-0 / 0.00 / 3 SV / 13 K / 12 IP National League Batter – Keith Hernandez (Cardinals): 385 / 5 HR / 19 RBI Pitcher – Carlos Diaz (Mets): 3-0 / 1.71 / 6 SV / 16 K / 26.1 IP Rookie – Carlos Diaz Milestones and Observations of Note 2500 Hits: Joe Morgan 2000 Hits: Bobby Murcer 300 Saves: Rich Gossage, who finishes the season with 302 and tied with Hoyt Wilhelm as the all-time leader in this category. The Cubs lose Rick Reuschel for the rest of the season to an elbow blowout and only his Legacy status keeps him from being absent for a good portion of next year as well. Montreal’s Walt Terrell has no such luxury and will miss a full year to a UCL tear. |
1982 League Championship Series
American League Detroit Tigers (104-58) v Kansas City Royals (88-74) The Tigers were clearly the beast side this season and have a beast of a squad but the injuries to Whitaker, Rick Sutcliffe and Roger weaver undoubtedly mean this should be a tighter tussle than might otherwise have been the case. As we saw a couple seasons back with an ever more dominant Dodgers squad, nothing can be taken for granted at this point in the season and the Royals have plenty of quality at their disposal as well, even without injured outfielder Jim Eisenreich. Don’t be surprised if this series goes longer than you expect. KC pushes the Tigers in the opening game but the Tigers dig deep and grind out a 7-3 win with Bruce Bochte and Lonnie Smith leading the way, and a blowout 8-2 victory to the visitors squares things up. Detroit returns the favour in Game 3, belting the hosts 13-4 as Art Howe drives in 5 runs and then finish it off in style with another comfortable 10-3 win. Chet Lemon is named MVP. National League Los Angeles Dodgers (94-68) v Pittsburgh Pirates (92-70) Happy to admit I am as surprised as anyone that we are where we are and, as I have previously stated in this type of situation that affords us a certain freedom in how we play this thing out. Obviously we want to win and will be doing everything we can to do so. While the loss of Lance Parrish is a big one, Don Slaught showed he can handle this level. No other changes to the squad. The Dodgers are at full strength and a quality squad in both hitting and pitching against whom we’ll need to be at our absolute best to be competitive. A late rally capped by a 2-run Dave Henderson homer in the top 9th gives us a comeback 4-3 win in the opener as Al Oliver goes 4-for-5 and Don Slaught also drives in a pair. We look headed for another win in Game 2 at 5-2 thru the middle 6th before Jerry Reuss tires and they get at our bullpen to eventually overrun us 8-6. Al Oliver has another 4-hit game and Sluggo another 2 RBI. A Guidry-Sutton matchup back in Pittsburgh turns out to be an unexpected run-fest that we win 9-5 as Wally Backman has 3 hits and 3 ribbies and Dave Kingman belts a 2-run jack and this surprise season continues into an unlikely World Series appearance as we clinch at home with one of our best performances of the year in a 10-0 whitewash with Larry McWilliams superb and the bats staying hot in a 13-hit onslaught led by Don Slaught (nice!) who makes it 7 RBI for the series with 3 more here. It is, however, Al Oliver – who goes 11-for-20 - who takes home the MVP award. https://i.imgur.com/7Ol18I5.jpg |
1982 World Series Preview
Detroit Tigers v Pittsburgh Pirates Best-of-seven, Pirates with the home-field advantage. I do believe I have said everything I have to say (you're welcome). This has been a great ride and the thought that it could end up in us winning it all is, I must say, somewhat surreal. https://i.imgur.com/Kdo8QOT.jpg |
1982 World Series Recap
Game 1 in Pittsburgh John Candelaria (13-11, 3.91) v Len Barker (18-10, 3.81) Our simple philosophy for this series is one of my favourite all-time sayings: Scared money never wins. Sadly, said philosophy doesn’t seem to be carried onto the field as we play very tentatively and drop a 1-0 squeaker with Len Barker just outduelling John Candelaria and we are shut out on 7 singles. https://i.imgur.com/IqQQIxV.jpg Game 2 in Pittsburgh Jerry Reuss (15-10, 2.75) v Frank Tanana (19-8, 4.16) Tigers lead series 1-0 Jerry Reuss gets us home in another well-pitched and low-scoring affair with a final score of 2-1, going the distance and allowing just 3 hits in a fine performance. Wally Backman goes 3-for-3 and Dave Kingman mashes a solo tater. https://i.imgur.com/lrPqSF9.jpg Game 3 in Detroit Charlie Lea (17-11, 4.53) v Ron Guidry (11-15, 3.61) Series tied 1-1 DHs employed for the next three games in Detroit, with Tony Armas in that role for us here as Ron Guidry takes on the underrated Charlie Lea. The third one-run game of the series sees us blow a 3-0 lead to eventually lose 4-3. Kong goes yard again, as does Dave Parker, but our generally light hitting continues with just 7 hits all told. https://i.imgur.com/oT6ZVNg.jpg Game 4 in Detroit Dan Spillner (13-6, 4.05) v Larry McWilliams (13-6, 3.30) Tigers lead series 2-1 A bit of a must-win game for us given Barker awaits us tomorrow and it is up to Larry McWilliams – who has been good, if somewhat inconsistent this season – to procure it for us, as our bats seem to have gone AWOL for now. Hendu in at CF for this one and Sixto Lezcano moves to DH. Larry does well, allowing just one unearned run on five hits over six, and the bats awaken just a smidge to get us a 5-2 win that guarantees us a return to Pittsburgh. Dave Kingman hits his third homer of the series and Sixto goes 3-for-4 with a walk and a triple. https://i.imgur.com/ayZhkxJ.jpg Game 5 in Detroit Len Barker (2-0, 2.13) v John Candelaria (0-1, 2.45) Series tied 2-2 Candy has so far put the lie to his inability to deliver in big games and we just need one more good’un from him in his final start for 1982. He gives us one, but it goes unrewarded as Barker stymies our offence again – limiting them to just 4 hits – and the Tigers get their noses back in front with a hard-fought 2-1 win. https://i.imgur.com/Qc8w42M.jpg Game 6 in Pittsburgh Jerry Reuss (1-0, 2.93) v Frank Tanana (0-2, 4.61) Tigers lead series 3-2 Jerry Reuss is the only thing standing between us an elimination here and we simply need to find a way to support him with some runs or we are toast. It’s not to be as the Tigers wear him down and our bats stay cold, with a 6-2 win earning Detroit their 7th MLB Championship. A valiant effort by our guys all year and no shame in bowing out in the way we have to a really strong club that looks set to be competitive for a few years yet. Tigers outfielder George Wright is named series MVP. https://i.imgur.com/xfdoO7l.jpg https://i.imgur.com/pHbsX1d.jpg |
In a Minor Key - Major AAA Awards, 1982
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1982 Offseason
OUT & OUTS The Cubs is the latest MLB franchise to change ownership. Just one MLB Manager fired again this season - Baltimore's John Fitzgerald - and I notice that Stretch McCovey doesn't have his contract renewed as Hitting Coach for the Reds. The A's also cut GM Jack Fisher. ROSTER MOVES The pivot continues as we void Al Oliver's final contract year. We keep Tim Foli on as a cheap IF backup option and will need a further reshuffle in this department as we certainly don't have the desired mix with both Johnny Ray and Wally Backman only usable at 2B. We retain the services of Phil Garner for two additional years at a total cost of around $1.35m as he offers decent offence and solid D around the bases. Dale Berra wants a mid-priced long-term contract but we don't see him in that light and will just walk him though his arb years on an annual basis. We also send Will McEnaney to arb purely on the basis of our LHRP shortage. Scoop, minor-leaguer Jim Morrison and Ed Ott all walk. As expected, Hitting Coach Jim Muffoletto retires and we move Pops Stargell into that role. Around the clubs, I note Jason Thompson, Steve Carlton, Amos Otis and Larry Hisle (who subsequently announces his retirement) all have their contact options voided, while the following extensions of note were signed: Pedro Guerrero (Dodgers) 4/11620 Leon Durham (Mets) 5/9700 Pascual Perez (Braves) 4/7010 Marty Bystrom (Twins) 4/3890 SIM ACCURACY https://i.imgur.com/EXjLKk7.png https://i.imgur.com/jIaQJ8Q.jpg *Ignore the SB figure, I often bump it up in the LTMs if I feel it's too low. HANGIN' THEM UP A fairly low-key retirement group this time around. Tom Seaver wasn't so terrific in this timeline, barely winning 200, and I doubt he or any of these will get a plaque at C-Town. https://i.imgur.com/BvB5LbM.jpg |
1982 MLB Awards
Almost impossible to believe that, after 287 career Wins, this is Lefty's first Johnson-Waddell.
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Franchise Leaders
82 seasons completed now, which is roughly two-thirds of the way on this timeline, so I thought it as good a juncture as any to take a look at the stat leaders for each MLB franchise. Nice to see some of the NeLers - all pitchers - featuring here: Bombin Pedroso and Bullet Rogan at the Braves; Smoky Joe Williams at the O's / Browns; Satch at the Red Sox; Cannonball Redding at the Twins / Senators; Jose Mendez at the Cards; and Willie Foster for us. https://i.imgur.com/lxFyFPT.jpg |
The Wheeling and the Dealing
We open our main offseason roster management program with a bit of a blockbuster with the Cubbies:
It might seem odd that, in the middle of a purported rebuild, we swap two younger guys for two older guys. To a point, actual age means very little to me in and of itself. The four main things I look for in a player are talent, cost, future value and suitability. The outgoing guys are talented and cheap, no doubt. But they fell short in the latter two departments for one reason or another: Harper is still a fair way off being of much use in the bigs, Backman is too one-dimensional defensively at a position we have too many players, Guidry still has some good years left but was taking up a CC slot I feel we could do with having up our sleeve and Sixto is pretty much done. With Bert we get a slight upgrade to Ron now and three full years of use, one more than we would have had with Ron on his extant contract. UL was a reluctant offload a couple seasons back and we prefer having him as our starting SS and Dale Berra in a roaming IF backup role with Phil Garner and, to a lesser extent, Tim Foli. In the end, the retentions and cash mean the net increase to our payroll from this deal over the next three years is minimal, especially with Wally entering his arb period. With Kong moving to everyday 1B duties now that Al Oliver is gone, the exit of Soxto leaves us a couple OFs short. We'll be getting one in the Draft as you'll see in a bit, but we still needed a three-slot depth guy and acquire a cheap one via the FA market on a 2+1 contract with an AAV of less than $300k: Purely a low-cost glove-based depth signing and nothing more. Little chance of that third year ever coming to pass but thought it worth a $30k buyout risk. Finally, we make a fairly sizeable investment in an SP. Jerry Reuss is in his walk year and won't be renewed and this acquisition will allow us some short-term flexibility and long-term stability in our pitching staff. Don will hopefully give us exactly what we need from him: multiple seasons of solidly unspectacular mid-low rotation innings. So just the one transaction ticket left and we'll almost certainly be saving it for a rainy day. |
1982/83 Rookie Draft & Legacy Players
Five new legacies entering the league, no HoFers among them but some big and popular names from this era all the same.
These are the Legacy Players for the 1983 Season: Los Angeles Dodgers: Orel Hershiser (56.0; 309) New York Mets: Daryl Strawberry (42.2; 1109) Philadelphia Phillies: Darren Daulton (22.9; 1109 – on-club player (conceded)) Pittsburgh Pirates: Andy Van Slyke (41.3; 1057) Toronto Blue Jays: Tony Fernandez (45.3; 1450) Sid Fernandez (32.7.5; 250 GS) was also eligible for the Mets, but Strawberry’s higher WAR makes him the selection. There are 157 rookies for this season, and the Draft will consist of 6 rounds. The Draft order will be as follows (winning percentage from 1982 IRL season in brackets; bold indicates Legacy Pick in 1st Round): Round 1 1. Los Angeles Dodgers (543) 2. Toronto Blue Jays (481; dice roll) 3. New York Mets (401) 4. Pittsburgh Pirates (519) 5. Philadelphia Phillies (549; dice roll) 6. Minnesota Twins (370) 7. Cincinnati Reds (377) 8. Texas Rangers (395) 9. Oakland Athletics (420) 10. Chicago Cubs (451) 11. Seattle Mariners (469) 12. Houston Astros (475) 13. Cleveland Indians (481; dice roll) 14. New York Yankees (488) 15. San Diego Padres (500) 16. Detroit Tigers (512) 17. Montreal Expos (531) 18. San Francisco Giants (537; dice roll) 19. Chicago White Sox (537; dice roll) 20. Atlanta Braves (549; dice roll) 21. Boston Red Sox (549; dice roll) 22. Kansas City Royals (556) 23. St. Louis Cardinals (568) 24. California Angels (574) 25. Baltimore Orioles (580) 26. Milwaukee Brewers (586) Rounds 2 thru 6 1. Minnesota Twins (370) 2. Cincinnati Reds (377) 3. Texas Rangers (395) 4. New York Mets (401) 5. Oakland Athletics (420) 6. Chicago Cubs (451) 7. Seattle Mariners (469) 8. Houston Astros (475) 9. Cleveland Indians (481; dice roll) 10. Toronto Blue Jays (481; dice roll) 11. New York Yankees (488) 12. San Diego Padres (500) 13. Detroit Tigers (512) 14. Pittsburgh Pirates (519) 15. Montreal Expos (531) 16. San Francisco Giants (537; dice roll) 17. Chicago White Sox (537; dice roll) 18. Los Angeles Dodgers (543) 19. Philadelphia Phillies (549; dice roll) 20. Atlanta Braves (549; dice roll) 21. Boston Red Sox (549; dice roll) 22. Kansas City Royals (556) 23. St. Louis Cardinals (568) 24. California Angels (574) 25. Baltimore Orioles (580) 26. Milwaukee Brewers (586) Eligible PIT players: 16 position players + 6 pitchers = 22 We get our first Legacy in quite some time and for once have a decent selection of players from which to choose. Here are the new Bucco boys: 1. OF Andy Van Slyke, 23 (PIT IRL: 1987-94)
2. OF Joe Orsulak, 20 (PIT IRL: 1983-86)
3. P Mark Huismann, 24 (PIT IRL: 1990-91) 4. IF Bill Lyons, 24 (INELIGIBLE) 5. C Jamie Nelson, 23 (INELIGIBLE) 6. 3B Cliff Pastornicky, 24 (INELIGIBLE)
We really thought this Draft would afford us an opportunity to stock up on eligible players. Sadly, it didn’t but we’ve still added some important pieces to our puzzle. https://i.imgur.com/P1Jmv37.jpg |
(No) Call from the Hall
Another dry run for C-Town as Billy Williams comes agonisingly close but misses out and Whitey Ford's time on the ballot ends unsuccessfully.
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1983 The First Time Around
One of the more fascinating regular seasons in MLB history features three clubs – the creaky “Wheeze Kids” Phillies, with a bunch of veterans enjoying a swansong; the fast-finishing “Winning Ugly” White Sox, who go an astonishing 50-16 down the stretch; and a stacked Dodgers squad finally free of Steve Garvey’s hypocritical pontificating – who each struggle early before winning their divisions. But it is the thoroughbred Orioles, under new skipper Joe Altobelli who replaced club legend Earl Weaver at the helm and with Eddie Murray and Cal Ripken as cornerstones, who eventually prevail above them all, seeing off the Phils in five.
AL EAST / WEST CHAMPIONS: Baltimore Orioles (98-64) / Chicago White Sox (99-63) NL EAST / WEST CHAMPIONS: Philadelphia Phillies (90-72) / Los Angeles Dodgers (91-71) ALCS: Orioles 3, White Sox 1 NLCS: Phillies 3, Dodgers 1 WORLD SERIES: Orioles 4, Phillies 1 Pittsburgh Pirates: 84-78, 2nd in NL East AL MVP: Cal Ripken jr (Orioles) NL MVP: Dale Murphy (Braves) AL CYA: LaMarr Hoyt (White Sox) NL CYA: John Denny (Phillies) AL RoY: Ron Kittle (White Sox) NL RoY: Darryl Strawberry (Mets) Top Ten Lists (courtesy of thisgreatgame.com) NL Hitters 1. DALE MURPHY, ATLANTA
AL Hitters 1. EDDIE MURRAY, BALTIMORE
NL Pitchers 1. JOHN DENNY, PHILADELPHIA
2. MARIO SOTO, CINCINNATI
3. BOB WELCH, LOS ANGELES
4. ATLEE HAMMAKER, SAN FRANCISCO
5. ALEJANDRO PENA, LOS ANGELES
6. STEVE ROGERS, MONTREAL
7. JESSE OROSCO, NEW YORK
8. CRAIG MCMURTRY, ATLANTA
9. NOLAN RYAN, HOUSTON
10. STEVE CARLTON, PHILADELPHIA
AL Pitchers 1. DAN QUISENBERRY, KANSAS CITY
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