OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - Pirates Play Moneyball 1951

Brad K · 06-28-2021, 11:07 AM

Surprise! Mid June found the Pirates in a tie for first place!!!

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Pirates Add Arm For Pennant Chase

June 15, 1965
Washington Observer
Pittsburgh, PA

After losing three stars to free agency many had 1965 figured as a nothing year for the Pirates. And certainly fans are making their views known. Attendance is down 27% compared with last year.

But yesterday found the Pirates, in a shock to many, in a tie for first with the Cubs. The 42 - 22 Bucs led the third place Braves by a substantial 6 1/2 games.

The weak spot of the team has been starting pitching, usually a club strong point. The the starters ERA ranks a mediocre fifth in the league. So the Pirates went looking for a starting pitcher.

"We expected to give up some young players for a veteran starting pitcher" said General Manager Anne Bonny. "Instead the best deal turned out to be an unknown, 19 year old starting pitcher Jim Palmer."

Palmer certainly isn't polished - he sometimes loses the plate - but he has decent stuff and three good pitches. Scouts suggest he's near his ceiling, but Bonny says it doesn't matter. "We traded for him because he can do now what we need done now".

To obtain Palmer the Pirates gave up third baseman Ken McMullen and minor league starting pitcher Steve Blass. McMullen is a capable third baseman but Bob Baily looks to have a lock on that position for several years. Blass is a highly rated prospect but has had a rough time the last two years in AA and AAA. Blass was unable to break into the major league rotation while Palmer is already penciled in as the #3 starter.

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Pirates' Bonny Is Dealing

June 16, 1965
Pittsburgh Press
Pittsburgh, PA

For the second day in a row the Pirates have announced a two for one trade. Yesterday second baseman Leo Cardenas was traded to Detroit with minor league center fielder Larry Elliot for second baseman Dick McAuliffe.

Unlike the previous day's trade which was ignored by the fans, this one caused significant grumbling. Cardenas had quickly become a fan favorite. He was obtained in a trade before last season fix the problem at shortstop caused by Dick Groat's departure. During spring training this year he moved to second base as the replacement for Bill Mazeroski.

The trade will cost McAuliffe an All Star Game appearance. McAuliffe leads all American League second basemen in votes. But National League President Warren Giles said the votes aren't transferable to the National League. "The leagues are separate" said Giles. "Those votes were not cast in competition with votes for other National League second basemen and will not be counted here."

Leo Cardenas is second in voting in the National League. American League President Joe Cronin has not yet stated whether he can represent the American League in the All Star Game.

06-28-2021, 11:07 AM	#38
Brad K Hall Of Famer Join Date: May 2016 Location: St Petersburg Florida USA Posts: 6,658 Infractions: 0/2 (3)	Surprise! Mid June found the Pirates in a tie for first place!!! -------------- Pirates Add Arm For Pennant Chase June 15, 1965 Washington Observer Pittsburgh, PA After losing three stars to free agency many had 1965 figured as a nothing year for the Pirates. And certainly fans are making their views known. Attendance is down 27% compared with last year. But yesterday found the Pirates, in a shock to many, in a tie for first with the Cubs. The 42 - 22 Bucs led the third place Braves by a substantial 6 1/2 games. The weak spot of the team has been starting pitching, usually a club strong point. The the starters ERA ranks a mediocre fifth in the league. So the Pirates went looking for a starting pitcher. "We expected to give up some young players for a veteran starting pitcher" said General Manager Anne Bonny. "Instead the best deal turned out to be an unknown, 19 year old starting pitcher Jim Palmer." Palmer certainly isn't polished - he sometimes loses the plate - but he has decent stuff and three good pitches. Scouts suggest he's near his ceiling, but Bonny says it doesn't matter. "We traded for him because he can do now what we need done now". To obtain Palmer the Pirates gave up third baseman Ken McMullen and minor league starting pitcher Steve Blass. McMullen is a capable third baseman but Bob Baily looks to have a lock on that position for several years. Blass is a highly rated prospect but has had a rough time the last two years in AA and AAA. Blass was unable to break into the major league rotation while Palmer is already penciled in as the #3 starter. -------------------------------- Pirates' Bonny Is Dealing June 16, 1965 Pittsburgh Press Pittsburgh, PA For the second day in a row the Pirates have announced a two for one trade. Yesterday second baseman Leo Cardenas was traded to Detroit with minor league center fielder Larry Elliot for second baseman Dick McAuliffe. Unlike the previous day's trade which was ignored by the fans, this one caused significant grumbling. Cardenas had quickly become a fan favorite. He was obtained in a trade before last season fix the problem at shortstop caused by Dick Groat's departure. During spring training this year he moved to second base as the replacement for Bill Mazeroski. The trade will cost McAuliffe an All Star Game appearance. McAuliffe leads all American League second basemen in votes. But National League President Warren Giles said the votes aren't transferable to the National League. "The leagues are separate" said Giles. "Those votes were not cast in competition with votes for other National League second basemen and will not be counted here." Leo Cardenas is second in voting in the National League. American League President Joe Cronin has not yet stated whether he can represent the American League in the All Star Game.