Seasons in Hell

David Watts · 05-20-2023, 10:18 AM

Wanted something to give me a break from my random debut league, so I've decided to take over the 1972 Texas Rangers. Manage only, so I'm at the mercy of my GM. I'm using historical minors, 3 year recalc without the double current year deal. I've enabled free agency early. Guessing I will be fired before the season ends, as this team is not exactly loaded with talent. My GM, some dude named Andy Payton has set my season thinks we should be able to play better than .500 ball. Andy is on crack.

Opening day roster

Starting Rotation
Bill Gogolewski
Dick Bosman
Pete Proberg
Rich Hand
Mike Paul

Bullpen
Horacio Pina Stopper
Paul Linblad Setup
Dick Kelley Middle Relief
Norm McRae Long Relief
Mike Thompson Long Relief

Catchers
Dick Billings
Ken Suarez

Infielders
Chuck Harrison 1B
Don Mincher 1B
Vic Harris 2B
Tom Ragland 2B
Dave Nelson 3B
Toby Harrah SS
Ted Kubiak SS

Outfielders
Larry Biittner LF
Jeff Burrougs LF
Frank Howard LF
Ted Ford CF
Elliot Maddox RF
Joe Patterson RF

David Watts · 05-20-2023, 10:35 AM

April 6th 1972-Opening Day

Kansas City-Paul Splittorf vs Texas-Bill Gogolewski

Rangers Win! 2-0

What a debut for the Rangers and little ole me as well. Bill Gogolewski got the season off to a great start throwing a complete game 7-hit shutout. Bill whiffed 6 batters and didn't walk a single batter. Gogo was never in any real danger all game. On the offensive side of the ledger the Rangers tallied 7 hits with the most one being a 2 run double by Vic Harris in the 2nd inning. Catcher Dick Billings went 3-4, 2 singles and a double. Billings also scored one of the Rangers runs.

David Watts · 05-20-2023, 11:02 AM

Game 2 Friday April 7th 1972 1-0

Kansas City Steve Busby vs Texas Dick Bosman

Rangers Lose 5-3

Ugh, Dick Bosman pitched a great today and the Rangers went into the top of the 9th leading 3-2. Once again the team had timely hitting from Dick Billings and Vic Harris. Billings hit the teams first home run of the season a game tying 2 run bomb in the Rangers half of the 4th. The score would remain 2-2 until Vic Harris(2-3) singled home Billings. The Rangers looked like they were well on to a 2-0 record, but Bosman surrendered a single to Lou Piniella to lead off the top of the 9th. I decided to pull Bosman and bring in Horatio Pena. Pena would walk the first batter he faced and then allow a run scoring single to Richie Scheinblum, 3-3. After getting the next 2 batters out, the Royals sent pinch hitter Joe Keough to the plate. Keough would drill a 1-0 Pena pitch for a 2 run double. 5-3 Royals. In the Rangers half of the 9th, Toby Harrah drew a 1 out walk from Mike Hedlund, but fell asleep on 1B, getting picked off for the second out. Elliott Maddox flew out to end the game.

David Watts · 05-20-2023, 12:06 PM

Game 3 Saturday April 8th 3:05et 1-1

Kansas City Dick Drago vs Texas Pete Broberg

Don't tell anyone, but I really can't see why my GM has placed Chuck Harrison and or Joe Patterson on my roster. Patterson can't is rated for RF and 1B with red 30's. His ratings at the plate are nothing to write mom about. Harrison is rated for 1B and also carries a raunchy red 25 at 3B. Of course, I'm typing this, hoping when I do use either one of them they prove me an idiot.

What the heck, Rangers Win! 16-7

This was a crazy one. The Rangers bats got the team out to a 4-0 lead in the 2nd inning, increased that lead to 5-0 in the 3rd and added 2 more runs in the bottom of the 5th. Problem is Pete Broberg was hellbent on keeping the game close giving up 6 runs over 5.2 innings. Broberg surrendered 6 hits, but he also gave out 6 free passes. In other words, he was awful. Paul Linblad took over for Broberg with 2 outs in the 6th. Paul pitched a scoreless 7th, but allowed a run in the 8th that knotted the game at 7. Then the Rangers bats went nuts in the bottom of the 8th, scoring 9 runs. Larry Biittner went 4-5 with 4 RBI. Vic Harris continued his hot start going 2-5 with 4 RBI, hitting the Rangers 2nd home run of the season. Dick Billings drove in 2 more runs going 2-5. I was really happy to see Dave Nelson end his hitless run with a 2-5 day.

Paul Linblad earned a blown save, picking up his first win.

Oh and the aforementioned Joe Patterson picked up a pinch hit single the 9 Rangers 9 run 8th inning. Patterson batted twice in the inning.

Once more game against the Royals. Another day game. Better enjoy the day games while I can as pretty soon it's sure to be a sweaty mess in Arlington.

Brad K · 05-20-2023, 01:37 PM

Glad you've stepped into the dugout.

David Watts · 05-20-2023, 04:41 PM

Game #4 Sunday April 9th 4:05 2-1

Kansas City Jim Rooker vs Texas Rich Hand

Rangers lose 5-3

Today we just fell too far behind and ran out of innings to come back. Rich Hand (0-1) took the loss. Hand allowed 5 runs(4 earned) over 7 innings. The Royals tagged him for 8 hits and picked up 2 free passes on the day. Amos Otis had hit a 2 run home run in the Royals half of the 3rd. Jim Rooker (1-0) picked up the win for the Royals with Roger Nelson earning the save(1). Toby Harrah had nice day at the plate for the Randers going 3-5 with 2 RBI. The Royals finally shut down Dick Billings and Vic Harris, the duo were 0-7 on the day

We are off to Oakland for a 3 game series vs A's.

Gogolewski (1-0 0.00) vs Vida Blue (0-0 1.29)
Paul (0-0 000) vs Joe Horlen (0-0 0.00)
Bosman (0-0 1.12) vs Blue Moon Odom (0-0 0.00)

Oakland is 2-1 so far this season.

David Watts · 05-20-2023, 05:07 PM

Game #5 April 11, 1972 7:05PT Texas 2-2

Texas (Gogolewski (1-0) vs Vida Blue (0-0)

Rangers WIN! 6-1

Wow, Bill Gogolewski was spectacular again today. Gogolewski tossed his second complete game in as many starts holding the A's to 1 unearned run. Bill walked 1 batter, whiffed 8 and scattered 5 hits over 125 pitches. Toby Harrah(5 and Vic Harris(9) both drove in 2 runs each today. The glass half empty part of todays game had to be our fielding. 3 errors, Harrah, Howard and Saurez had errors and I will have to keep an eye on Howard as he already has 2 on the season.

3-2

David Watts · 05-20-2023, 05:26 PM

Game #6 April 12, 1972

This one got ugly fast. Well, Dick Bosman was great in his first start, he wasn't even good in his second start. Bosman lasted 2 long innings today, giving up 7 runs, 7 hits and 1 home run(tTim Cullin, 1). I was really pleased with our bullpen today. Mike Thompson replaced Bosman and threw 3 scoreless innings. Mike whiffed 4 batters, didn't allow a hit and walked one batter. Dick Kelley threw the final 3 innings, giving up 1 run, 3 hits. I hand it to our hitters for trying to get us back in the game. Don Mincher had 3 hits on the day, while Harrah, Biittner and Kubiak had 2 hits each.

Bosman is now 0-1, 7.20.

Joe Horlen got the win for the A's.

David Watts · 05-20-2023, 06:05 PM

Game 7 April 13, 1972 Texas 3-3

Ugh, was thinking we would miss Catfish Hunter this trip, based on the dude that sends me the emails before each series. Not so fast. Todays game features Pete Broberg(0-0, 9.53) vs Catfish Hunter (1-0, 1.29). Please let the luck be with us.

This one hurts and now the wait begins to see just how much and how long it will hurt. Pete Broberg though he continued to hand out free passes, held the A's to only 1 run over 4 innings. Broberg drilled a run scoring double in the 5th inning, his 3rd hit over 4 at bats, but immediately motioned to the dugout upon reaching 2B. We had to replace Pete with a pinch runner and Norm Mcrae his replacement on the mound the next inning, pitched like a guy that hadn't pitched for a while. Which he hadn't and that's kind to fault of the guy writing this. McCrae lasted only 1 inning before being replace by Paul Linblad. Linblad would toss the last 3 innings allowing 3 runs. Linblad (1-1, 5.06) took the loss, but I put this one on myself and a rusty Norm McRae.

At the plate the star of the game was Don Mincher. Mincher went 2-4 with his first home run of the season. Catfish Hunter righted the ship after a shaky start and is now 2-0, 1.93 on the short season.

For the first time this season we are under .500 at 3-4.

David Watts · 05-20-2023, 06:19 PM

Well the wait didn't last long. Pete Broberg sustained a sprained ankle and will miss 6-7 weeks.

Broberg is off to the IL and 30 year old Casey Cox has been promoted. Cox was for the Denver Bears(AAA) so far this season. He has seen action in 5 games tossing 7.2 inning 3.52. Cox has a 0-0 record and no saves.

To start Casey Cox will replace Norm McRae in the bullpen, with Norm moving into the rotation. Again, don't tell anyone, but I sure hope we have tons of off days and can roll with 4 starters more often than not.

Meanwhile Scout Anderson has previewed the upcoming series against the Angels. Is his name really Scout Anderson? Whatever it is, I'm not going to put much weight behind his speculated matchups, as he was 1 out of 3 for the last series. That being said, if he is correct we will have to face Rudy May and Nolan Ryan, but do miss Andy Messersmith. Lets all keep our fingers crossed that we get the walk happy Nolan Ryan.

Reed · 05-21-2023, 07:59 AM

When you say you are in manager mode; are you full in (calling for pitchouts, walks, steals, etc.) or semi manager; (setting lineups, pulling pitcher, etc but letting AI handle the individual At Bats)?

David Watts · 05-21-2023, 08:05 AM

Off to play the Angels for the next 3. California is off to a great start this season, go 5-1. In the first game we face left hander Rudy May. May threw a 3 hit shutout in his first outing of the season striking out 12. We counter with Mike Paul making his first start of the young season.

Game #8 April 14, 1972

Rangers Win! 1-0

What a game. A pitchers duel for the ages. Not often one wins a game while getting only 1 hit, but that's what Rangers did today. Rudy May didn't allow a baserunner until he walked Dick Billings with one out in the 5th inning. The next batter Ted Ford would ground out to second moving Billings to 2B . Vic Harris the teams RBI leader was next in line and drilled a 2 out run scoring single off May to bust up the no-hitter and the shutout at the same time. Harris now has 10 RBI. Mike Paul battled Rudy May to the end. Paul held the Angels to just 3 hits over 9 innings pitched. He walked 1 and tallied 5 strikeouts on the day. I didn't see this one coming and sure was nice to see after losing Pete Broberg to a bad ankle in the last game.

Back to .500 4-4

David Watts · 05-21-2023, 08:26 AM

Game 9 April 15 1972

What's good for the goose is good for the ..... well yesterday we beat the Angels 1-0, today we lose 1-0. For the second day in a row the Rangers got a lights out pitching performance from their starting pitcher. Today it was Rich Hand threw 8.2 innings of 4 hit ball walking 2. Hand got into trouble in the 9th, but I just couldn't bring myself the pull him from the game. Figured he deserved to finish what he started. Hand walked Sandy Alomar to start the 9th, a single to Vada Pinson and then walked Mickey Rivers. Yup, I will here from the owner and GM Payton, but it's my decision, so I left Rich in. The next batter would hit a fly ball that was deep enough to score Alomar. Game over 1-0. Rich Hand is now 0-2, 2.87.

For the Angels Tom Murphy threw 8 innings of scoreless ball, but it was reliever Eddie Fisher that picked up the win with a scoreless 9th.

David Watts · 05-21-2023, 09:01 AM

Game 10 April 16 1972

Bill Gogolewski vs Nolan Ryan.

Guess what? Yup for the third day in a row, we are locked in pitcher's duel. 0-0 after 9. Ryan is on the mound to start the 10th. 14 strikeouts so far for Frypan and only 3 hits allowed. Ryan has only one walk on the day. Jeff Burroughs starts the 10th off with a single. The Angels remove Ryan form the game and replace him with Eddie Fisher. Dick Billings follows with his 2nd hit of the game, a single moving Burroughs to 2B. Elliott Maddox tries to bunt the runners over, but pops out. Vic Harris steps to plate. Harris hits a slow grounder to the 1B side and manages to leg it out for an infield single. Bases loaded one out. Ted Kubiak is next up and he drills a single to center, scoring Burroughs and a wild throw from Pinson allows Billings to score and puts runners at 2B and 3B with 1 out. Tough decision time as Gogolewski is next up, do I pinch hit or let Gogo try for his 3rd complete game in a row. I go with the pinch hitter, Joe Patterson. Patterson strikes out. Toby Harrah flies out to end the inning. Horacio Pina takes the mound for the bottom of the 10th and put the Angels away for the save.

Bill Gogolewski's 1972 so far 3-0, 0.00 27 innings pitched, 15 hits allowed. 19 strikeouts, 3 walks. 0.67 WHIP.

5-5 after the first 2 weeks of the season.

We have Monday off, followed by a 2 game series in Chicago 4-7 5th place.

David Watts · 05-21-2023, 10:18 AM

The first game in Chicago ends in walkoff fashion as Horatio Pina imploded on the mound picking up his second blown save of the season. Pina has been a rollercoaster ride so far this season and right now I'm debating whether I can trust him late. Pina is now 0-2, 13.50 On the bright side Dick Bosman pitched better today going 7 innings, 3 runs, 7 hits. He did hand out 3 free passes though, so I need him to tighten that up some. At the plate Dave Nelson hit a 3 run home run, his first of the season and Toby Harrah and Dick Billings each had 2 hits. Nelson has been cold as Ice at the plate, so I hope his long ball signals the end of his struggles. Dick Allen was the hero for the Sox with a walk off home run. His 4th of the season.

Back under .500 at 5-6.

Pelican · 05-21-2023, 10:38 AM

Really enjoying your accounts. I too like to choose a mediocre team and try to do better; but I have never done this without acting as GM as well as Manager. Playing the hand dealt, so to speak. How can you look at good prospects stuck in the minors, possible trades to improve the team, even free agents? I salute your patience.

David Watts · 05-21-2023, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pelican

Really enjoying your accounts. I too like to choose a mediocre team and try to do better; but I have never done this without acting as GM as well as Manager. Playing the hand dealt, so to speak. How can you look at good prospects stuck in the minors, possible trades to improve the team, even free agents? I salute your patience.

Plus, I have the added fear of at some point my GM is going to send me Lenny Randle and I will have to worry each and every day about getting my butt kicked. I've actually been taking karate lessons to try and prepare myself.

David Watts · 05-21-2023, 12:37 PM

The second game against Chicago was a disaster. Our bats were hot to start off, as we jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning. We would extend that lead to 5-0 with a 2 run 4th inning. Mike Paul was cruising right along till through 6, throwing shutout ball. Then in the 7th the White Sox bats came to life, scoring 3 runs off Paul (7 innings, 8 hits, 3 runs, 4 walks, 2 strikeouts), but I was confidant we had things under control. We still had a 2 run lead. I removed Paul and inserted Paul Linblad for the 8th. Linblad did his best Horatio Pina impression allowing 3 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks. The lead was no more and we went down quietly in the 9th. Dick Allen once again was the Sox hitting star going 3-3 driving in 2. Crazy thing is, the White Sox had 11 total hits, all singles.

For us, Dick Billings continues to hit, going 4-5 today Billings is hitting .395 this season. Glad to see Elliott Maddox get a couple hits to get his average above the .100 mark, but sad to see Frank Howard go hitless and replace Maddox on the below .100 club.

5-7 now

Off on Thursday and then back home to Arlington for a 4 game series against the Angels. Game one looks like it could be a Nolan Ryan/Bill Gogolewski rematch. Praying we get to see a wild sloppy Frypan this time around.

italyprof · 05-21-2023, 06:06 PM

Very cool to read your recaps on managing a team. I don't think I could do manage only - I would want to try to tinker with the roster. So you have more courage than I.

Anyway, you have Toby Harrah who is good, and Burroughs and Elliott Maddox. So some makings of a team that can compete.

JerryShoe · 05-21-2023, 09:11 PM

I admire your heart. Dick Billings as your catcher reminded me that he complained to Billy Martin about his slot in the batting order, saying "Ted Williams used to bat me cleanup", to which Martin said "Maybe that's why Ted Williams isn't here anymore". The year after your project this team was managed by 2 of the best managers in the next decade and change, Whitey Herzog and Martin, for a combined 56-105...but professional backup catcher Del Wilbur was undefeated (at 1-0).

05-20-2023, 10:18 AM	#1
David Watts Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Looking for a place called Leehofooks Posts: 9,876 Infractions: 0/1 (1)	Seasons in Hell Wanted something to give me a break from my random debut league, so I've decided to take over the 1972 Texas Rangers. Manage only, so I'm at the mercy of my GM. I'm using historical minors, 3 year recalc without the double current year deal. I've enabled free agency early. Guessing I will be fired before the season ends, as this team is not exactly loaded with talent. My GM, some dude named Andy Payton has set my season thinks we should be able to play better than .500 ball. Andy is on crack. Opening day roster Starting Rotation Bill Gogolewski Dick Bosman Pete Proberg Rich Hand Mike Paul Bullpen Horacio Pina Stopper Paul Linblad Setup Dick Kelley Middle Relief Norm McRae Long Relief Mike Thompson Long Relief Catchers Dick Billings Ken Suarez Infielders Chuck Harrison 1B Don Mincher 1B Vic Harris 2B Tom Ragland 2B Dave Nelson 3B Toby Harrah SS Ted Kubiak SS Outfielders Larry Biittner LF Jeff Burrougs LF Frank Howard LF Ted Ford CF Elliot Maddox RF Joe Patterson RF

05-21-2023, 08:05 AM	#12
David Watts Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Looking for a place called Leehofooks Posts: 9,876 Infractions: 0/1 (1)	Off to play the Angels for the next 3. California is off to a great start this season, go 5-1. In the first game we face left hander Rudy May. May threw a 3 hit shutout in his first outing of the season striking out 12. We counter with Mike Paul making his first start of the young season. Game #8 April 14, 1972 Rangers Win! 1-0 What a game. A pitchers duel for the ages. Not often one wins a game while getting only 1 hit, but that's what Rangers did today. Rudy May didn't allow a baserunner until he walked Dick Billings with one out in the 5th inning. The next batter Ted Ford would ground out to second moving Billings to 2B . Vic Harris the teams RBI leader was next in line and drilled a 2 out run scoring single off May to bust up the no-hitter and the shutout at the same time. Harris now has 10 RBI. Mike Paul battled Rudy May to the end. Paul held the Angels to just 3 hits over 9 innings pitched. He walked 1 and tallied 5 strikeouts on the day. I didn't see this one coming and sure was nice to see after losing Pete Broberg to a bad ankle in the last game. Back to .500 4-4 Last edited by David Watts; 05-21-2023 at 08:07 AM.

05-21-2023, 09:01 AM	#14
David Watts Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Looking for a place called Leehofooks Posts: 9,876 Infractions: 0/1 (1)	Game 10 April 16 1972 Bill Gogolewski vs Nolan Ryan. Guess what? Yup for the third day in a row, we are locked in pitcher's duel. 0-0 after 9. Ryan is on the mound to start the 10th. 14 strikeouts so far for Frypan and only 3 hits allowed. Ryan has only one walk on the day. Jeff Burroughs starts the 10th off with a single. The Angels remove Ryan form the game and replace him with Eddie Fisher. Dick Billings follows with his 2nd hit of the game, a single moving Burroughs to 2B. Elliott Maddox tries to bunt the runners over, but pops out. Vic Harris steps to plate. Harris hits a slow grounder to the 1B side and manages to leg it out for an infield single. Bases loaded one out. Ted Kubiak is next up and he drills a single to center, scoring Burroughs and a wild throw from Pinson allows Billings to score and puts runners at 2B and 3B with 1 out. Tough decision time as Gogolewski is next up, do I pinch hit or let Gogo try for his 3rd complete game in a row. I go with the pinch hitter, Joe Patterson. Patterson strikes out. Toby Harrah flies out to end the inning. Horacio Pina takes the mound for the bottom of the 10th and put the Angels away for the save. Bill Gogolewski's 1972 so far 3-0, 0.00 27 innings pitched, 15 hits allowed. 19 strikeouts, 3 walks. 0.67 WHIP. 5-5 after the first 2 weeks of the season. We have Monday off, followed by a 2 game series in Chicago 4-7 5th place. Last edited by David Watts; 05-21-2023 at 09:04 AM.

05-21-2023, 10:38 AM	#16
Pelican Hall Of Famer Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Wilmington, Delaware Posts: 2,964	Really enjoying your accounts. I too like to choose a mediocre team and try to do better; but I have never done this without acting as GM as well as Manager. Playing the hand dealt, so to speak. How can you look at good prospects stuck in the minors, possible trades to improve the team, even free agents? I salute your patience. __________________ Pelican OOTP 2020-? ”Hard to believe, Harry.”

05-20-2023, 10:35 AM	#2
David Watts Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Looking for a place called Leehofooks Posts: 9,876 Infractions: 0/1 (1)	April 6th 1972-Opening Day Kansas City-Paul Splittorf vs Texas-Bill Gogolewski Rangers Win! 2-0 What a debut for the Rangers and little ole me as well. Bill Gogolewski got the season off to a great start throwing a complete game 7-hit shutout. Bill whiffed 6 batters and didn't walk a single batter. Gogo was never in any real danger all game. On the offensive side of the ledger the Rangers tallied 7 hits with the most one being a 2 run double by Vic Harris in the 2nd inning. Catcher Dick Billings went 3-4, 2 singles and a double. Billings also scored one of the Rangers runs.

05-20-2023, 11:02 AM	#3
David Watts Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Looking for a place called Leehofooks Posts: 9,876 Infractions: 0/1 (1)	Game 2 Friday April 7th 1972 1-0 Kansas City Steve Busby vs Texas Dick Bosman Rangers Lose 5-3 Ugh, Dick Bosman pitched a great today and the Rangers went into the top of the 9th leading 3-2. Once again the team had timely hitting from Dick Billings and Vic Harris. Billings hit the teams first home run of the season a game tying 2 run bomb in the Rangers half of the 4th. The score would remain 2-2 until Vic Harris(2-3) singled home Billings. The Rangers looked like they were well on to a 2-0 record, but Bosman surrendered a single to Lou Piniella to lead off the top of the 9th. I decided to pull Bosman and bring in Horatio Pena. Pena would walk the first batter he faced and then allow a run scoring single to Richie Scheinblum, 3-3. After getting the next 2 batters out, the Royals sent pinch hitter Joe Keough to the plate. Keough would drill a 1-0 Pena pitch for a 2 run double. 5-3 Royals. In the Rangers half of the 9th, Toby Harrah drew a 1 out walk from Mike Hedlund, but fell asleep on 1B, getting picked off for the second out. Elliott Maddox flew out to end the game.

05-20-2023, 12:06 PM	#4
David Watts Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Looking for a place called Leehofooks Posts: 9,876 Infractions: 0/1 (1)	Game 3 Saturday April 8th 3:05et 1-1 Kansas City Dick Drago vs Texas Pete Broberg Don't tell anyone, but I really can't see why my GM has placed Chuck Harrison and or Joe Patterson on my roster. Patterson can't is rated for RF and 1B with red 30's. His ratings at the plate are nothing to write mom about. Harrison is rated for 1B and also carries a raunchy red 25 at 3B. Of course, I'm typing this, hoping when I do use either one of them they prove me an idiot. What the heck, Rangers Win! 16-7 This was a crazy one. The Rangers bats got the team out to a 4-0 lead in the 2nd inning, increased that lead to 5-0 in the 3rd and added 2 more runs in the bottom of the 5th. Problem is Pete Broberg was hellbent on keeping the game close giving up 6 runs over 5.2 innings. Broberg surrendered 6 hits, but he also gave out 6 free passes. In other words, he was awful. Paul Linblad took over for Broberg with 2 outs in the 6th. Paul pitched a scoreless 7th, but allowed a run in the 8th that knotted the game at 7. Then the Rangers bats went nuts in the bottom of the 8th, scoring 9 runs. Larry Biittner went 4-5 with 4 RBI. Vic Harris continued his hot start going 2-5 with 4 RBI, hitting the Rangers 2nd home run of the season. Dick Billings drove in 2 more runs going 2-5. I was really happy to see Dave Nelson end his hitless run with a 2-5 day. Paul Linblad earned a blown save, picking up his first win. Oh and the aforementioned Joe Patterson picked up a pinch hit single the 9 Rangers 9 run 8th inning. Patterson batted twice in the inning. Once more game against the Royals. Another day game. Better enjoy the day games while I can as pretty soon it's sure to be a sweaty mess in Arlington.

05-20-2023, 01:37 PM	#5
Brad K Banned Join Date: May 2016 Location: St Petersburg Florida USA Posts: 6,693 Infractions: 0/2 (4)	Glad you've stepped into the dugout.

05-20-2023, 04:41 PM	#6
David Watts Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Looking for a place called Leehofooks Posts: 9,876 Infractions: 0/1 (1)	Game #4 Sunday April 9th 4:05 2-1 Kansas City Jim Rooker vs Texas Rich Hand Rangers lose 5-3 Today we just fell too far behind and ran out of innings to come back. Rich Hand (0-1) took the loss. Hand allowed 5 runs(4 earned) over 7 innings. The Royals tagged him for 8 hits and picked up 2 free passes on the day. Amos Otis had hit a 2 run home run in the Royals half of the 3rd. Jim Rooker (1-0) picked up the win for the Royals with Roger Nelson earning the save(1). Toby Harrah had nice day at the plate for the Randers going 3-5 with 2 RBI. The Royals finally shut down Dick Billings and Vic Harris, the duo were 0-7 on the day We are off to Oakland for a 3 game series vs A's. Gogolewski (1-0 0.00) vs Vida Blue (0-0 1.29) Paul (0-0 000) vs Joe Horlen (0-0 0.00) Bosman (0-0 1.12) vs Blue Moon Odom (0-0 0.00) Oakland is 2-1 so far this season.

05-20-2023, 05:07 PM	#7
David Watts Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Looking for a place called Leehofooks Posts: 9,876 Infractions: 0/1 (1)	Game #5 April 11, 1972 7:05PT Texas 2-2 Texas (Gogolewski (1-0) vs Vida Blue (0-0) Rangers WIN! 6-1 Wow, Bill Gogolewski was spectacular again today. Gogolewski tossed his second complete game in as many starts holding the A's to 1 unearned run. Bill walked 1 batter, whiffed 8 and scattered 5 hits over 125 pitches. Toby Harrah(5 and Vic Harris(9) both drove in 2 runs each today. The glass half empty part of todays game had to be our fielding. 3 errors, Harrah, Howard and Saurez had errors and I will have to keep an eye on Howard as he already has 2 on the season. 3-2

05-20-2023, 05:26 PM	#8
David Watts Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Looking for a place called Leehofooks Posts: 9,876 Infractions: 0/1 (1)	Game #6 April 12, 1972 This one got ugly fast. Well, Dick Bosman was great in his first start, he wasn't even good in his second start. Bosman lasted 2 long innings today, giving up 7 runs, 7 hits and 1 home run(tTim Cullin, 1). I was really pleased with our bullpen today. Mike Thompson replaced Bosman and threw 3 scoreless innings. Mike whiffed 4 batters, didn't allow a hit and walked one batter. Dick Kelley threw the final 3 innings, giving up 1 run, 3 hits. I hand it to our hitters for trying to get us back in the game. Don Mincher had 3 hits on the day, while Harrah, Biittner and Kubiak had 2 hits each. Bosman is now 0-1, 7.20. Joe Horlen got the win for the A's.

05-20-2023, 06:05 PM	#9
David Watts Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Looking for a place called Leehofooks Posts: 9,876 Infractions: 0/1 (1)	Game 7 April 13, 1972 Texas 3-3 Ugh, was thinking we would miss Catfish Hunter this trip, based on the dude that sends me the emails before each series. Not so fast. Todays game features Pete Broberg(0-0, 9.53) vs Catfish Hunter (1-0, 1.29). Please let the luck be with us. This one hurts and now the wait begins to see just how much and how long it will hurt. Pete Broberg though he continued to hand out free passes, held the A's to only 1 run over 4 innings. Broberg drilled a run scoring double in the 5th inning, his 3rd hit over 4 at bats, but immediately motioned to the dugout upon reaching 2B. We had to replace Pete with a pinch runner and Norm Mcrae his replacement on the mound the next inning, pitched like a guy that hadn't pitched for a while. Which he hadn't and that's kind to fault of the guy writing this. McCrae lasted only 1 inning before being replace by Paul Linblad. Linblad would toss the last 3 innings allowing 3 runs. Linblad (1-1, 5.06) took the loss, but I put this one on myself and a rusty Norm McRae. At the plate the star of the game was Don Mincher. Mincher went 2-4 with his first home run of the season. Catfish Hunter righted the ship after a shaky start and is now 2-0, 1.93 on the short season. For the first time this season we are under .500 at 3-4.

05-20-2023, 06:19 PM	#10
David Watts Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Looking for a place called Leehofooks Posts: 9,876 Infractions: 0/1 (1)	Well the wait didn't last long. Pete Broberg sustained a sprained ankle and will miss 6-7 weeks. Broberg is off to the IL and 30 year old Casey Cox has been promoted. Cox was for the Denver Bears(AAA) so far this season. He has seen action in 5 games tossing 7.2 inning 3.52. Cox has a 0-0 record and no saves. To start Casey Cox will replace Norm McRae in the bullpen, with Norm moving into the rotation. Again, don't tell anyone, but I sure hope we have tons of off days and can roll with 4 starters more often than not. Meanwhile Scout Anderson has previewed the upcoming series against the Angels. Is his name really Scout Anderson? Whatever it is, I'm not going to put much weight behind his speculated matchups, as he was 1 out of 3 for the last series. That being said, if he is correct we will have to face Rudy May and Nolan Ryan, but do miss Andy Messersmith. Lets all keep our fingers crossed that we get the walk happy Nolan Ryan.

05-21-2023, 07:59 AM	#11
Reed Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 2,339	When you say you are in manager mode; are you full in (calling for pitchouts, walks, steals, etc.) or semi manager; (setting lineups, pulling pitcher, etc but letting AI handle the individual At Bats)?

05-21-2023, 08:26 AM	#13
David Watts Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Looking for a place called Leehofooks Posts: 9,876 Infractions: 0/1 (1)	Game 9 April 15 1972 What's good for the goose is good for the ..... well yesterday we beat the Angels 1-0, today we lose 1-0. For the second day in a row the Rangers got a lights out pitching performance from their starting pitcher. Today it was Rich Hand threw 8.2 innings of 4 hit ball walking 2. Hand got into trouble in the 9th, but I just couldn't bring myself the pull him from the game. Figured he deserved to finish what he started. Hand walked Sandy Alomar to start the 9th, a single to Vada Pinson and then walked Mickey Rivers. Yup, I will here from the owner and GM Payton, but it's my decision, so I left Rich in. The next batter would hit a fly ball that was deep enough to score Alomar. Game over 1-0. Rich Hand is now 0-2, 2.87. For the Angels Tom Murphy threw 8 innings of scoreless ball, but it was reliever Eddie Fisher that picked up the win with a scoreless 9th.

05-21-2023, 10:18 AM	#15
David Watts Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Looking for a place called Leehofooks Posts: 9,876 Infractions: 0/1 (1)	The first game in Chicago ends in walkoff fashion as Horatio Pina imploded on the mound picking up his second blown save of the season. Pina has been a rollercoaster ride so far this season and right now I'm debating whether I can trust him late. Pina is now 0-2, 13.50 On the bright side Dick Bosman pitched better today going 7 innings, 3 runs, 7 hits. He did hand out 3 free passes though, so I need him to tighten that up some. At the plate Dave Nelson hit a 3 run home run, his first of the season and Toby Harrah and Dick Billings each had 2 hits. Nelson has been cold as Ice at the plate, so I hope his long ball signals the end of his struggles. Dick Allen was the hero for the Sox with a walk off home run. His 4th of the season. Back under .500 at 5-6.

05-21-2023, 12:37 PM	#18
David Watts Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Looking for a place called Leehofooks Posts: 9,876 Infractions: 0/1 (1)	The second game against Chicago was a disaster. Our bats were hot to start off, as we jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning. We would extend that lead to 5-0 with a 2 run 4th inning. Mike Paul was cruising right along till through 6, throwing shutout ball. Then in the 7th the White Sox bats came to life, scoring 3 runs off Paul (7 innings, 8 hits, 3 runs, 4 walks, 2 strikeouts), but I was confidant we had things under control. We still had a 2 run lead. I removed Paul and inserted Paul Linblad for the 8th. Linblad did his best Horatio Pina impression allowing 3 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks. The lead was no more and we went down quietly in the 9th. Dick Allen once again was the Sox hitting star going 3-3 driving in 2. Crazy thing is, the White Sox had 11 total hits, all singles. For us, Dick Billings continues to hit, going 4-5 today Billings is hitting .395 this season. Glad to see Elliott Maddox get a couple hits to get his average above the .100 mark, but sad to see Frank Howard go hitless and replace Maddox on the below .100 club. 5-7 now Off on Thursday and then back home to Arlington for a 4 game series against the Angels. Game one looks like it could be a Nolan Ryan/Bill Gogolewski rematch. Praying we get to see a wild sloppy Frypan this time around.

05-21-2023, 06:06 PM	#19
italyprof All Star Starter Join Date: Feb 2014 Posts: 1,024	Very cool to read your recaps on managing a team. I don't think I could do manage only - I would want to try to tinker with the roster. So you have more courage than I. Anyway, you have Toby Harrah who is good, and Burroughs and Elliott Maddox. So some makings of a team that can compete.

05-21-2023, 09:11 PM	#20
JerryShoe Minors (Double A) Join Date: Aug 2021 Posts: 122	I admire your heart. Dick Billings as your catcher reminded me that he complained to Billy Martin about his slot in the batting order, saying "Ted Williams used to bat me cleanup", to which Martin said "Maybe that's why Ted Williams isn't here anymore". The year after your project this team was managed by 2 of the best managers in the next decade and change, Whitey Herzog and Martin, for a combined 56-105...but professional backup catcher Del Wilbur was undefeated (at 1-0).