[BoilerRocketScientist]

Contract extensions were offered to closer Rich Gossage and utility player Larry Milbourne. I also locked up star center fielder Ruppert Jones for 4 years. Trades and free agent pickups included catchers John Stearns and Barry Foote and outfielder Otto Velez. There were no pitchers I was willing to pay for and/or give up draft picks as compensation.

My draft position was #17. It was likely that any starting pitchers (e.g. Atlee Hammaker, Bob Walk, Mike Witt) would be available. So, I was hoping to fill a void at either SS or 3B (Steve Braun is in the last year of his contract). Unfortunately for me, Cal Ripken was selected at spot #16 ... DAMMIT! So again, I am forced to draft middle relievers and very marginal starting pitchers. My draft picks are below.

1st Round (17): Tom Gorman (MR, LHP)
2nd Round (82): Greg Harris (SP, RHP)
3rd Round (112): Bob Tufts (MR, LHP)
4th Round (138): Mark Mercer (MR, RHP)

So, yet again, I can't add anyone of any import to my bench, fill positional holes, or add starting pitching. So, I'm entering 1981 the same as before ... with marginal pitching. After the draft, I did send Dan Meyer (1B) and Wayne Twitchell (SP) to the New York Mets for Tim Wallach. I can use Wallach as backup to starting third baseman Steve Braun and then he can move into the starting role as I don't plan to offer an extension to Braun as he enters the final year of this contract.