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1977 RECAP
Record: 121-41, 1st in AL West
World Series
Cincinnati Reds defeat Baltimore Orioles 4-0
So, that happened. Like the Mariners and Cubs in real life, our fictional Rangers set the MLB record for wins only to lose in the postseason. It was a frustrating loss, as we went down 4 games to 1, but actually outscored them by 5 runs in the series. Every losing game was a 1-run loss, the definition of a lucky series for Baltimore. They ended up going on to get swept by the Reds in the World Series of course. It would have been a much better series with Texas in it!
I employed Bert Blyleven in a stopper role during the series, which he excelled at in shutting down the Orioles (besides the last game, but at that point it was too late anyway). I thought it was a good way to get all of my elite 5-man rotation into the series. They all pitched well, but our bats were a bit too cold. Speaking of Bly, he won the Cy -- the highlight of our awards.
MLB Awards
AL Cy Young: Bert Blyleven (TEX)
AL Manager of the Year: Me (TEX)
AL Silver Slugger: Al Oliver, LF (TEX)
AL Gold Glove: Gaylord Perry, P (TEX), Al Oliver, LF (TEX)
4 of our pitchers were in the mix for the Cy Young (see below), and I actually voted for Nolan Ryan. But Blyleven picks up his second top pitcher award, and at only 26 years old he's amassed 56 WAR. He's basically already a Hall of Famer.
Also see the attached stats for our batters and pitchers. Al Oliver was the standout among position players.
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