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June 15
Pirates have a 1/2 game lead over Milwaukee.
Recent scouting gives never was in the majors and minor league career .325 hitter 3B Gilbert Watts 2.5 stars, same as 3B Don Hoak. On the details Watts is a bit better so he is now the starting 3B.
I'm hesitant to trade Hoak due to him his local "Extremely Popular" rating. He's worth fans in the stands even if he doesn't play.
Willie Stargell is a Columbus Jet and his ratings have improved to 2.0 stars. He and Clendenon would make a slightly better platoon in LF (L/R) than the current Clendenon and Post home and away platoon.
I shopped Post (the Reds are playing 45% of his $200k salary). I got offers but nobody with a future who I could send to AAA.
June 16
In one day Post is suddenly worth a lot less. Instead of a scrolling page of offers I got three. (News of the recent road trip must have gotten out. He hit .172 in 29 ABs.)
Anyway, traded him and minor league (A level) C 1B Gary Rushing for 1B LF RF Lee Walls. This allows me a slight advantage in performance by moving Stargell into a LF platoon with Clendenon. Also there is a money savings. That probably sounds strange for this save but while the owner is providing a lot of money it isn't unlimited. Lots of teams get buried in long term contracts and I've made some moves to win now that could result in that.
Important money point here is I owed Post $303k for 63, 64, and 65 (55% of $560k). Walls is making 26k.
Walls can optioned this year although he appears he might be better the Gino Cimoli as a corner OF backup. I'll get a new scouting report on both and see. However the assistant GM advised Joe Brown "We'll look like idiots if we do this deal!"
Wally Post, Lee Walls
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