The Bucs Start Here - A Pirates Do-Over

[luckymann]

604 down, 18 to go!

#601 v Cleveland 06/22 a solo shot in the 1st off Dean Chance.




#602 at Cleveland 06/30 a solo shot in the 1st off Al Downing.




#603 at Baltimore 07/01 with one on in the 4th off Sam McDowell.
#604 at Baltimore 07/01 a GRAND SLAM in the 5th off Sam McDowell.

[luckymann]

Just Pops for us this year. Rich Gossage can rightly feel hard done-by, although Dale Murray is having one heck of a season.


American League

• SP Bert Blyleven (MIN)* - 14-6, 2.83 ERA, 172.0 IP, 1.05 WHIP, 6.8 K/9, 4.5 WAR
• SP Mike Cuellar (CAL) - 10-6, 3.19 ERA, 155.0 IP, 1.34 WHIP, 4.9 K/9, 2.3 WAR
• SP Doc Medich (TEX) - 9-10, 2.40 ERA, 172.1 IP, 1.17 WHIP, 4.9 K/9, 4.1 WAR
• SP Andy Messersmith (KC) - 9-9, 3.53 ERA, 148.0 IP, 1.25 WHIP, 6.4 K/9, 3.8 WAR
• SP Vern Ruhle (NYY) - 7-6, 2.52 ERA, 121.1 IP, 1.18 WHIP, 2.9 K/9, 2.1 WAR
• SP Frank Tanana (DET) - 11-4, 2.71 ERA, 169.1 IP, 1.11 WHIP, 5.8 K/9, 3.5 WAR
• SP Rick Waits (NYY) - 11-4, 1.70 ERA, 137.2 IP, 1.09 WHIP, 4.6 K/9, 2.9 WAR (Injured)
• RP Jim Lonborg (TEX) - 4-2, 2.35 ERA, 80.1 IP, 1.28 WHIP, 3.4 K/9, 0.5 WAR
• RP Dave McNally (CLE) - 6-1, 2.19 ERA, 61.2 IP, 1.22 WHIP, 3.6 K/9, 0.3 WAR
• CL Dave Downs (CAL)* - 3-4, 18 SV, 2.34 ERA, 65.1 IP, 1.21 WHIP, 2.8 K/9, 1.3 WAR
• CL John Hiller (DET) - 6-3, 17 SV, 2.25 ERA, 64.0 IP, 1.09 WHIP, 4.9 K/9, 0.5 WAR
• C Darrell Porter (DET)* - .283/.398/.480, 269 AB, 13 HR, 1 SB, 149 wRC+, 3.0 WAR
• C Ellie Rodriguez (CLE) - .302/.424/.404, 235 AB, 2 HR, 3 SB, 143 wRC+, 3.2 WAR
• 1B Cecil Cooper (ML4)* - .307/.373/.495, 374 AB, 13 HR, 10 SB, 146 wRC+, 2.2 WAR
• 1B John Mayberry Sr. (NYY)* - .261/.357/.443, 341 AB, 16 HR, 4 SB, 130 wRC+, 2.2 WAR
• 1B Reggie Smith (BOS)* - .306/.407/.497, 330 AB, 12 HR, 2 SB, 157 wRC+, 3.8 WAR
• 2B Rod Carew (MIN)* - .369/.437/.505, 331 AB, 4 HR, 29 SB, 171 wRC+, 6.2 WAR
• 3B Sal Bando (OAK) - .276/.391/.469, 337 AB, 18 HR, 1 SB, 149 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
• 3B George Brett (KC) - .346/.389/.553, 309 AB, 8 HR, 8 SB, 163 wRC+, 3.5 WAR
• 3B Bill Madlock (ML4)* - .352/.385/.496, 383 AB, 8 HR, 25 SB, 152 wRC+, 3.8 WAR
• 3B Don Money (OAK) - .311/.378/.460, 350 AB, 10 HR, 9 SB, 144 wRC+, 3.6 WAR
• SS Robin Yount (ML4)* - .315/.352/.467, 321 AB, 2 HR, 13 SB, 128 wRC+, 2.5 WAR
• LF Henry Aaron (BOS)* - .292/.351/.517, 329 AB, 18 HR, 145 wRC+, 2.7 WAR (Injured)
• LF Al Ferrara (CAL) - .302/.395/.568, 222 AB, 16 HR, 173 wRC+, 3.5 WAR
• CF Cesar Cedeno (CLE)* - .285/.368/.466, 337 AB, 15 HR, 47 SB, 133 wRC+, 3.6 WAR
• CF Bill North (CAL) - .314/.419/.392, 344 AB, 2 HR, 71 SB, 139 wRC+, 4.6 WAR
• RF Jim Wynn (CAL) - .269/.413/.495, 305 AB, 18 HR, 24 SB, 163 wRC+, 3.8 WAR

National League

• SP Ken Forsch (CIN) - 10-4, 1.98 ERA, 145.1 IP, 1.16 WHIP, 4.1 K/9, 3.2 WAR
• SP Ken Holtzman (NYM) - 8-8, 2.66 ERA, 142.1 IP, 1.17 WHIP, 4.6 K/9, 3.2 WAR
• SP Sandy Koufax (LAD) - 11-7, 2.08 ERA, 168.2 IP, 0.94 WHIP, 8.6 K/9, 5.5 WAR
• SP Steve Rogers (MON) - 8-11, 2.48 ERA, 178.0 IP, 1.04 WHIP, 6.0 K/9, 5.0 WAR
• SP Tom Seaver (NYM)* - 8-7, 3.13 ERA, 164.0 IP, 1.22 WHIP, 8.3 K/9, 5.2 WAR
• SP Wilbur Wood (SF) - 9-7, 2.48 ERA, 170.1 IP, 1.15 WHIP, 6.1 K/9, 5.6 WAR
• RP Charlie Beamon (HOU)* - 0-4, 4.96 ERA, 32.2 IP, 1.41 WHIP, 8.0 K/9, 0.4 WAR
• RP Jim Derrington (HOU) - 1-2, 6 SV, 2.76 ERA, 32.2 IP, 1.29 WHIP, 9.1 K/9, 0.2 WAR
• RP Jim Perry (SD) - 4-2, 1.84 ERA, 63.2 IP, 1.13 WHIP, 3.7 K/9, 1.1 WAR
• CL Dale Murray (CIN) - 7-0, 15 SV, 0.78 ERA, 57.2 IP, 1.13 WHIP, 3.6 K/9, 1.4 WAR
• C Johnny Bench (CIN)* - .266/.370/.445, 263 AB, 11 HR, 1 SB, 136 wRC+, 4.6 WAR
• C Cliff Johnson (NYM) - .289/.387/.621, 256 AB, 23 HR, 180 wRC+, 2.8 WAR
• 1B Dick Allen (PHI)* - .307/.381/.517, 290 AB, 15 HR, 4 SB, 156 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
• 1B Keith Hernandez (STL) - .329/.422/.488, 334 AB, 8 HR, 155 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
• 2B Joe Morgan (CIN)* - .338/.473/.565, 308 AB, 16 HR, 39 SB, 200 wRC+, 6.3 WAR
• 3B Darrell Evans (SF)* - .239/.381/.423, 310 AB, 15 HR, 5 SB, 129 wRC+, 3.2 WAR
• 3B Steve Ontiveros (NYM) - .292/.408/.390, 318 AB, 6 HR, 133 wRC+, 2.4 WAR
• 3B Mike Schmidt (PHI) - .241/.361/.430, 328 AB, 17 HR, 22 SB, 129 wRC+, 3.9 WAR
• SS Dave Concepcion (CIN)* - .276/.313/.379, 391 AB, 2 HR, 42 SB, 97 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
• LF Gary Matthews (SD) - .332/.416/.457, 328 AB, 5 HR, 9 SB, 156 wRC+, 3.6 WAR
• LF Willie Stargell (PIT)* - .294/.353/.512, 320 AB, 18 HR, 147 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
• CF Bobby Bonds (SF)* - .289/.383/.447, 329 AB, 12 HR, 45 SB, 139 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
• CF Ken Henderson (CIN) - .302/.394/.479, 328 AB, 10 HR, 11 SB, 153 wRC+, 3.8 WAR
• CF Bake McBride (CHC) - .324/.377/.421, 340 AB, 5 HR, 30 SB, 125 wRC+, 4.1 WAR
• RF Ken Griffey (CIN)* - .299/.363/.429, 345 AB, 4 HR, 27 SB, 129 wRC+, 3.1 WAR

Doug Rader wins the HR Derby, beating Sal Bando 4-3 in the final, while the NL smashes the AL 8-0 in the big game, with Bobby Bonds winning the MVP. That's four in a row for the senior circuit, who now leads the running total 22-19.

[luckymann]

Things are still tight when we head to the comfy confines for four at the Cubs in mid-June, fresh from back-to-back extra inning home losses to the Dodgers. Ellis, having yet another underwhelming season, gets absolutley bombed in the opener but then – despite losing first Foli (for just a few days) and then Woodward (for a minimum IL stint), forcing us to call up Gene Alley – we win the next three.

By this stage the Phils have a good roll going, 9 straight wins and counting when they pay us a visit for our final series in June just one ahead of them in the standings. The opening game sees Jim Bibby drop his first decision of the season after 10 Wins and we split the other two to put us equal at 46-30 entering July, with the Cubs 3 GB.

We reach the midpoint at 48-33 but then, in a scratchy stretch, go 8-7 to reach the All-Star break at 56-40 and under some pressure as the Phillies are making a run for it and we are, so far at least, only just managing to keep up with them. Not helping matters is the fact that we can’t seem to keep any of our backup IFs on the park, with short-term injuries to both Woody Woodward, who hadn’t even made it back to us after his last IL stint, and his replacement Gene Alley, who suffers a finger fracture that will all but end his season. We are forced to call up ineligible Jerry Buchek, who we’ll run as a CC player and release at season’s end.

We remain inconsistent and injury-prone thru end-July, as Hebner is hurt just in time for a series against the Phillies. Thankfully it’s not serious, but they smash us in the two games he does miss while awaiting the diagnosis and beat us again with him in the lineup for good measure.

A really challenging middle section ends in almost appropriate fashion with Roberto Clemente injured again and set to miss at least 6 weeks. We are now 8 GB of Philly and if not done then close enough to.





It's funny, despite all the talk about this being a rebuild phase I can't help feeling disappointed about where we're at because for a while there it looked like we were going to make a good run at it.




Moderate underperformance from guys like Hendrick and Cash is as least partway offset by unexpected outperformance from both Foli and Bevacqua. But we still aren't scoring enough runs - especially with our pitching not quite as consistent as a couple years back.




No idea what's happened to Doc Ellis - maybe he hasn't been able to hook up with his dealer in this timeline or something. Whatever the reason, he's been poor.




It’s weird how in this timeline the Red Sox and Yankees seem to have swapped roles. The Yanks look to be running away with the AL East but then have a shocking 2-8 run that sees their 10-game lead quickly halved—a most IRL Red Sox way of going about things. Even Bucky Dent is a Red Sock in this universe! They do turn things around late in July with the help of the slumping Brewers, but they look the least comfortable of the four leaders.


News, Leaders and Top 20s











Monthly Award Winners

June

American League

• Batter – Bill Madlock (Brewers): 400 / 4 HR / 18 RBI
• Pitcher – Bert Blyleven (Twins): 4-1 / 1.98 / 34 K / 50 IP
• Rookie – Verne Ruhle (Yankees): 3-2 / 3.76 / 23 K / 40.2 IP

National League

• Batter – Joe Morgan (Reds): 489 / 6 HR / 21 RBI
• Pitcher – Dick Ruthven (Cardinals): 5-0 / 1.42 / 28 K / 44.1 IP
• Rookie – Tom Underwood (Dodgers): 3-2 / 2.49 / 41 K / 47 IP

July

American League

• Batter – Cesar Tovar (Twins): 417 / 2 HR / 12 RBI
• Pitcher – Jim O’ Toole (Angels): 5-0 / 1.47 / 28 K / 43 IP
• Rookie – Bill Castro (Twins): 1-2 / 0.69 / 7 SV / 14 K / 26 IP

National League

• Batter – Graig Nettles (Reds): 370 / 4 HR / 26 RBI
• Pitcher – Dave Goltz (Reds): 5-0 / 1.50 / 24 K / 48 IP
• Rookie – Dale Murray (Reds): 2-0 / 1.15 / 7 SV / 9 K / 15.2 IP

Milestones and Observations of Note

• 2500 Hits: Brooks Robinson
• A broken elbow bone shuts down Red Sox 2B Ted Sizemore for the rest of the season, while Braves Closer Mike Marshall will also miss the remainder thanks to a torn back muscle and San Diego pitcher Pete Broberg is done for ’74 as well courtesy of a shoulder impingement.
• Here are the notable trades from the Deadline period:

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Most HRs in Final Season

[luckymann]

610 down, 12 to go!

#605 v California 07/13 a solo shot in the 7th off Ray Corbin.




#606 at Kansas City 07/15 a solo shot in the 8th off Dick Rustek.




#607 v New York 07/29 a solo shot in the 3rd off Dave Lemanczyk.




#608 at New York 08/05 a solo shot in the 2nd off Bill Butler.




#609 at California 08/13 a solo shot in the 6th off Mike Cuellar.




#610 at California 08/14 a GRAND SLAM in the 3rd off Nolan Ryan.

[luckymann]

Moline (the A's affiliate) wins just its second AAA title, beating Las Vegas in four.

[luckymann]

612 down, 10 to go!

#611 v Cleveland 09/30 with 1 one in the 3rd off Mike Torrez.




#612 v Cleveland 10/02 with 2 one in the 3rd off Everett Meggitt.




The Hammer misses 3 weeks, greatly ******ing his process, and will have to come back in '75 for a chance to take the crown.

[luckymann]

A bunch of stuff to report from what has turned out to be a thrilling final section of the 1974 MLB season.

We win our first four games in August to run our streak to six and creep up ever so slightly on the Phils, but then play terribly in a three-gamer at Cincy where we score just 2 runs total and are swept including two shutout losses.

Still, the lads keep coming at the Phils and when we host them for three in early September, the deficit has shrunk to 3½ games. When they leave town having lost all three, then lose again the following day while we’re not playing, we are all square and it is game well and truly back on.

The final stretch involves 26 games with just the one off-day. We have by this time called up Rick Rhoden from AAA and decide to operate a 6-man spin for the remainder with him in it. We’ve finally got Woodward back and promoted Dave Pagan as well. When Arriba returns just a couple days later, we are at full strength.

Not for the first time this season, that seems to harm more then help as we go on a ricketty old run, losing 7 of our next 10, including 2 of 2 in Philly. Then yet another injury sends Roberto to the IL, this time for what’s left of the year.

Suddenly we start winning again. It’s uncanny, as if our talisman for so long has now become an evil spirit. 8 of 9, in fact, and with ten to play we manage to retake top spot for the first time since early July.

We are still tied with six to play. Ours is by this time the only division left undecided.

After a split series with the Mets we lead by one with three to play—a home series against the Cubs. The Phils have theirs in New York. Our Magic Number is 3.

The opening game pits Doc Ellis against – would you believe it – Bill Singer. We score 3 in the 9th to extend the game but then lose it in the 10th on 4 walks by Gossage. With a 6-1 win the Phils draw level.

The next day, Joe Coleman holds his nerve to deliver us an 8-2 win. The Phils lose a walkoff heartbreaker. A win for us and / or a loss for them and we’ve done it.

Primary responsibility for the procurement of that win rests with Jerry Reuss. They have Fergie Jenkins going for them. Reuss shows nerves of steel and George Hendrick belts a slam to lead us to an 8-1 win and an epic and unexpected NL East title. The Phillies lose again as Seaver shuts them out to make the final margin two games.





As it needs to be, this is our most balanced performance in some time.




Scoop Oliver shows the way down the stretch, winning the September hitting award and once again runner-up (this time to Jose Ortiz's 347) in the NL betting title. Only pitchers and backups fail to finish WAR positive on the year.




Great to see Reuss keep coming along, and Bibby ends up going an impressive 18-4. Rhoden's late cameo shows he belongs in the bigs and we look forward to seeing what he can offer over a full year. No coincidence that us finishing top again coincides with a more robust and reliable BP performance, led by Gossage and Hernandez, with Griffin also handy.


None of the other races are even remotely close in the end.




Rod Carew wins another AL batting title, and his 10+ bWAR should make him a heavy favourite for that league's Wagner-Lajoie. A low-power year sees Lee May's 32 HR lead all of MLB, with only two other players hitting 30. Reggie Smith leads all players with 117 RBI.

Lou Brock's SB record lasts just a year and is smashed by Morris Nettles' 124 (he had just 40-odd in his IRL career...).

Bert Blyleven and Gary Nolan win 20 - the only players to do so - while the 2.10 ERA by Yankees rookie Rick Waits is the year's low. Sandy Koufax regains his strikeout title with 278 to Ryan's and Seaver's 254. Sparky Lyle leads all players with 43 Saves (Rich Gossage is next with 37).


Final Top 20s and Leaders








Monthly Award Winners

August

American League

• Batter – Rod Carew (Twins): 442 / 3 HR / 21 RBI
• Pitcher – Mike Torrez (Indians): 5-0 / 2.58 / 17 K / 38.1 IP
• Rookie – Ed Halicki (White Sox): 4-1 / 2.68 / 26 K / 40.1 IP

National League

• Batter – Richie Zisk (Expos): 337 / 7 HR / 22 RBI
• Pitcher – Don Sutton (Dodgers): 6-0 / 1.29 / 31 K / 48.2 IP
• Rookie – John Denny (Astros): 4-2 / 2.53 / 23 K / 46.1 IP

September

American League

• Batter – Jim Rice (Red Sox): 380 / 6 HR / 22 RBI
• Pitcher – Nolan Ryan (Angels): 4-0 / 0.62 / 51 K / 43.1 IP
• Rookie – Rick Waits (Yankees): 5-1 / 2.12 / 31 K / 51 IP

National League

• Batter – Al Oliver (Pirates): 411 / 3 HR / 17 RBI
• Pitcher – Nelson Briles (Reds): 5-0 / 1.72 / 23 K / 47 IP
• Rookie – John Montefusco (Padres): 3-1 / 1.59 / 34 K / 39.2 IP

Milestones and Observations of Note

• 2500 Hits: Orlando Cepeda
• A number of playoff-bound teams lose key pitchers for the remainder - Dave Goltz (Reds) UCL tear; Mel Stottlemyre (Yankees) UCL tear; Jim O’Toole (Angels) elbow.
• The Phils' race is certainly hindered by the loss of P Gary Nolan, while the Halos have to get it done for the most part without sparkplug Bill North.
• Tigers young gun Frank Tanana will have to sit out the maximum Legacy spell after tearing a labrum and won’t return until next year, while the Twins lose 1B Tom Hutton for the season with a broken kneecap.

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American League
California Angels (96-66) v New York Yankees (90-72)

The Halos get another bite of the cherry this year against a Yanks outfit that has a lot going for it provided it can sort out the inconsistency issues that plagued it through most of the season.

Nolan Ryan hurls a 1-hitter in Game 1 but from there it is all New York as they win three straight to reach the World Series for the first time since 1951. Roy White wins the MVP.




National League
Cincinnati Reds (101-61) v Pittsburgh Pirates (94-68)

We have our hands full here with a Reds unit that is clearly the dominant side of the four left. Six of their eight starters reached double digits in dingers and, while the loss of Goltz will hurt them, they still have a solid enough rotation—providing hteir bats can give them their share of runs to defend. They took 8 of our 12 regular season meetings (the only team to best us in this regard), but – even with no Clemente – we still give ourselves some chance to knock them off here.

Rightly so, as it turns out, with the boys digging deep to put the Reds away in 4 wild games after dropping the opener. The clincher is of particular note as they come back a number of times to nail down a 6-4 victory—all without Al Oliver, who picks up a niggle that may now also see him miss Game 1 of the WS. A magnificent effort from the lads, with Dave Cash deservedly named series MVP.

[luckymann]

Pittsburgh Pirates v New York Yankees
Best-of-seven, Pirates with the home-field advantage.


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NEW YORK YANKEES S+ PAGE

Not even in my wildest imaginings of how this season would play out did our club feature in this, its final act. That said, as I mentioned in one of the updates, once I saw how competitive we were I really wanted us to see it through. Well, now we have the chance to do just that.

A good chance, I believe, against a Yankees squad that is obviously talented or else it wouldn’t be here, but also one that has its shortcomings. As do we.

Our game plan here will be a fairly simple one: try and stay in the game and then hopefully get to their bullpen—easily the weakest part of their setup, even before Stottlemyre went down. Simple, yes. Straightforward, no. They have a great rotation and a lineup with many tentacles and many ways of beating you. We will have to be way more disciplined than we have been throughout the season, way more consistent, way more clinical. If we can find a way to do so then we are in this one right up to our eyeballs. If not, the Yanks will have their 7th World Championship.

Roberto Clemente rejoins the squad, but Scoop Oliver will likely play little of the first game or two.

[luckymann]

[luckymann]

Game 1 in Pittsburgh

Dock Ellis (9-15, 3.74) v Rick Waits (17-9, 2.10)

With Oliver still too proppy to play, we start Pops at 1B and Roberto comes in. We need Dock Ellis to come good here to get us off on the right foot against rookie sensation Rick Waits. A new record 70800 in attendance at Three Rivers to cheer us on.

They go home disappointed as Waits lives up to the hype, keeping us to a run on 6 hits. Ellis goes OK over his 8, but still we lose 3-1.

Game 2 in Pittsburgh

Joe Coleman (16-11, 2.60) v Jerry Koosman (13-15, 3.72)

Yankees lead series 1-0

Joe Coleman gets the chance to continue his fantastic playoff record here against tricky southpaw Jerry Koosman.

He makes no mistake in doing so, with another supremely confident and controlled performance over 7+ to get us back on even terms as we take this one 5-2. Pops knocks in 3 and Dave Cash stays hot with two doubles and a ribbie.

Game 3 in New York

Joe Horlen (18-10, 3.62) v Jerry Reuss (14-10, 2.64)

Series tied 1-1

We get Oliver back, although as to whether or not he is 100% remains uncertain. Fortunately, this is our first ever game involving the Designated Hitter, so to play it safe we park Scoop there and retain the formation from Games 1 and 2 in the field. Jerry Reuss is charged with trying to get us back to home-field advantage with a win here, taking on veteran righty Joe Horlen.

We do so, albeit in far from convincing fashion as the bats stake Reuss to an early 7-0 lead only for the BP to get the wobbles and allow the Yanks to get back in it. Thankfully, the bats keep the scorers busy throughout in an 18-hit barrage and we eventually take the game 11-7. Pops again leads the way with 3 hits and 3 RBI, while Cobra Parker triples and puts one in the seats.

Game 4 in New York

Vern Ruhle (15-9, 3.22) v Jim Bibby (18-4, 3.29)

Pirates lead series 2-1

What a season Jim Bibby has had and he is undoubtedly one of the main reasons we are even here, so it’s nice for him to get his chance on the big stage. Let’s hope he handles it well, taking on Vern Ruhle.

No such fairytale here as the Yanks get to him early, 5-0 ahead after just 2 innings and – while the bats make a valiant effort to chase them down, with Pops and Scoop each going yard – we just run out of outs and come up a run short.

Game 5 in New York

Rick Waits (1-1, 3.86) v Dock Ellis (0-1, 4.85)

Series tied 2-2

Ahhh the dreaded pivotal Game 5… Ellis needs to master his young adversary here or else we’ll be on the precipice heading back home.

Not much more Dock could have done as Waits once again keeps us quiet and they win it 2-1 walkoff in somewhat anticlimactic fashion when Gossage hits Oliva with the bases loaded. Not dead yet by any means, but neither do we have any more wiggle room.

Game 6 in Pittsburgh

Joe Coleman (2-0, 1.93) v Jerry Koosman (0-1, 7.94)

Yankees lead series 3-2

I’ll be greatly surprised if we handle Koosman anywhere near as easily as we did in Game 2, so once again it is up to Joe Coleman to deliver the goods.

And once again he does so with 5+ scoreless and the BP finishes off the shutout to send us to a Game 7 decider via a 4-0 win. We score 2 in each of the 3rd and 7th and never really look in danger of losing it, with Cash again providing the offence with 2 hits and 2 RBI.

Game 7 in Pittsburgh

Jerry Reuss (1-0, 6.00) v Joe Horlen (1-1, 9.00)

Series tied 3-3

A full house, a sunny and windless day, everything to play for—what else could you possibly want, other than to win it all. Even if we don’t, the long-term benefits from putting the guy we see as our long-time future ace in a situation like this means that, even in disappointment, there’ll be some upside. But still, win it all.

Reuss justifies our faith in him with a sublime performance, keeping the Yanks scoreless on 9 hits over 8 2/3, with Gossage coming in to get the final out and give us a 1-0 victory and one of the more celebrated titles of our franchise’s storied history. George Hendrick – preferred to Roberto Clemente in a nod to the future – provides the only run of the game in the 3rd with an RBI double that holds up all the way to the end.

Dave Cash (11-for-27 with 6 RBI) gets an MVP sweep after his NLCS heroics, but this was very much a team effort. And a magnificent one, simply magnificent.

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OUTS & OUTS

Not a one managerial firing this time around.


ROSTER MOVES

We execute the options for Ken Brett and Woody Woodward.

A fair few guys walking, including Dave Giusti, Clay Carroll, Woodie Fryman, Jerry Buchek and Gene Alley.

We re-up for a year on Tim Foli for $140k. That again leaves just Lou Marone off to arb; again, for depth purposes.

After 20 years' fantastic service as our Bench Coach, we let George Barnacle go as I just feel it's time for some younger blood for our run at '79. Al Smith, AKA "Fuzzy", will replace him. We also add Yogi Berra to the team as our 3B Coach.


SIM ACCURACY




*Ignore the SB figure, I always bump it up in the LTMs if I feel it's too low.


HANGIN' THEM UP

Hoot should get in, but he's no certainty and definitely won't go first-ballot. Killer should also slip in but Norm will need a lot to go his way if he's to get a plaque.

[luckymann]

AL 1974 HISTORY INDEX

NL 1974 HISTORY INDEX

AWARDS HISTORY


Unanimous Wagner-Lajoie wins as expected for Rod Carew and Joe Morgan, the first for each. Rick Waits just edges out Bert Blyleven for the AL Johnson-Waddell, with Sandy Koufax winning number 9 over in the NL. RoYs to Fred Lynn and Bake McBride, Paige Plates to Bill Castro and rookie Dale Murray.


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Seven Legacies join the league again this year, in an otherwise fairly nondescript rookie class.

These are the Legacy Players for the 1975 Season:

Baltimore Orioles: Mike Flanagan (25.5; 404 GS)
Detroit Tigers: Chet Lemon (55.6; 1203)
Minnesota Twins: Roy Smalley (27.9; 1148)
New York Yankees: Willie Randolph (65.9; 323 GS)
Oakland Athletics: Dennis Eckersley (62.1; 525 GP)
Pittsburgh Pirates: John Candelaria (41.9; 271 GS)
San Francisco Giants: Jack Clark (53.1; 1044)


Ron Guidry (47.8; 323 GS – one-club player) was also eligible for the Yankees, but Randolph’s higher WAR makes him the selection.


There are 130 rookies for this season, and the Draft will consist of 5 rounds.

The Draft order will be as follows (winning percentage from 1974 IRL season in brackets; bold indicates Legacy Pick in 1st Round):


Round 1

1. New York Yankees (549)
2. Oakland Athletics (556)
3. Detroit Tigers (444; dice roll)
4. San Francisco Giants (444; dice roll)
5. Pittsburgh Pirates (543; dice roll)
6. Minnesota Twins (506)
7. Baltimore Orioles (562)
8. San Diego Padres (370)
9. Chicago Cubs (407)
10. California Angels (420)
11. New York Mets (438)
12. Milwaukee Brewers (469)
13. Cleveland Indians (475; dice roll)
14. Kansas City Royals (475; dice roll)
15. Montreal Expos (491)
16. Philadelphia Phillies (494)
17. Houston Astros (500; dice roll)
18. Chicago White Sox (500; dice roll)
19. Boston Red Sox (519)
20. Texas Rangers (525)
21. St. Louis Cardinals (534)
22. Atlanta Braves (543; dice roll)
23. Cincinnati Reds (605)
24. Los Angeles Dodgers (630)


Rounds 2 thru 5

1. San Diego Padres (370)
2. Chicago Cubs (407)
3. California Angels (420)
4. New York Mets (438)
5. San Francisco Giants (444; dice roll)
6. Detroit Tigers (444; dice roll)
7. Milwaukee Brewers (469)
8. Cleveland Indians (475; dice roll)
9. Kansas City Royals (475; dice roll)
10. Montreal Expos (491)
11. Philadelphia Phillies (494)
12. Houston Astros (500; dice roll)
13. Chicago White Sox (500; dice roll)
14. Minnesota Twins (506)
15. Boston Red Sox (519)
16. Texas Rangers (525)
17. St. Louis Cardinals (534)
18. Atlanta Braves (543; dice roll)
19. Pittsburgh Pirates (543; dice roll)
20. New York Yankees (549)
21. Oakland Athletics (556)
22. Baltimore Orioles (562)
23. Cincinnati Reds (605)
24. Los Angeles Dodgers (630)


Eligible PIT players: 5 position players + 2 pitchers = 7.


With just the 7 eligible players in this pool, we’ll be looking for strategic adds with some potential trade value, along with AAA depth guys.

Here's our new batch of Buccos:

1. P John Candelaria, 21

• Not unlike Rick Rhoden last year, the Candyman may indeed see some MLB action before the year is out. Whatever the case, another piece in our ’79 drive falls into place.

2. IF Craig Reynolds, 21

• Hopefully his ratings around the D develop to make him a useful utility in that regard.

3. C Gary Alexander, 21
4. P Stan Wall, 23 (ineligible)
5. OF Don Hopkins, 22 (ineligible)

• AAA depth.

Sweet tooth satisfied.


FULL DRAFT LOG

[luckymann]

OK, so we cash in two of our unused 1974 trade tickets just before they lapse to just keep things moving along with the following swaps:

For now, Cash to Stennett is a marginal downgrade, but longer term that becomes the opposite. Rick Miller is an ineligible that we got to give us some better coverage at CF hitting from the LH side. He becomes our second CC player.

Kent is still on a minors deal and that works really well for us as we're OK for the moment with regard to RHRP. Dave Hamilton comes in as a LHRP and will hold down a MR slot ahead of Lou Marone. Candy will now take the swing slot vacated by Ken Brett.

[luckymann]

While it's close but no cigar again for Yogi and Robin Roberts, the HoF does have two new members.

[luckymann]

Capped off by what is arguably the best World Series ever, won by what is arguably one of the greatest teams ever, 1975 marks the start of baseball's renaissance as the National Pastime—an era that by its end would leave the game virtually unrecognisable both on and off the field.


AL EAST / WEST CHAMPIONS: Boston Red Sox (95-65) / Oakland A’s (98-64)
NL EAST / WEST CHAMPIONS: Pittsburgh Pirates (92-69) / Cincinnati Reds (108-54)
Red Sox 3, A’s 0
NLCS: Reds 3, Pirates 0
WORLD SERIES: Reds 4, Red Sox 3

Pittsburgh Pirates: 92-69, 1st in NL East

AL MVP: Fred Lynn (Red Sox)
NL MVP: Joe Morgan (Reds)

AL CYA: Jim Palmer (Orioles)
NL CYA: Tom Seaver (Mets)

AL RoY: Fred Lynn (Red Sox)
NL RoY: John Montefusco (Giants)


Top Ten Lists (courtesy of thisgreatgame.com)

NL Hitters

1. JOE MORGAN, CINCINNATI

• Key Numbers: .327 average, 107 runs, 27 doubles, 6 triples, 17 home runs, 94 RBIs, 132 walks, 67 stolen bases, .466 on-base percentage.
• The above numbers should be enough hyperbole to describe Morgan’s well-deserved MVP effort.

2. GREG LUZINSKI, PHILADELPHIA

• Key Numbers: .300 average, 85 runs, 179 hits, 35 doubles, 34 home runs, 120 RBIs, 89 walks, 17 intentional walks, .540 slugging percentage.
• Last year it was Mike Schmidt’s turn; now it was the equally young and talented Luzinski, who showed how dominant he could be as long as injuries stayed out of the picture. It was his first of three straight .300 campaigns—the only three of his career.

3. MIKE SCHMIDT, PHILADELPHIA

• Key Numbers: .249 average, 93 runs, 34 doubles, 38 home runs, 95 RBIs, 101 walks, 180 strikeouts, 29 stolen bases.
• Twenty-six years before Bobby Abreu became the Phillies’ first 30-30 man (30 homers, 30 steals), Schmidt fell short of the achievement by one stolen base.

4. JOHNNY BENCH, CINCINNATI

• Key Numbers: .283 average, 83 runs, 39 doubles, 28 home runs, 110 RBIs, 11 stolen bases, 0 caught stealing.
• Odd stat of the year: Bench, a 50-50 proposition in those rare moments when he was called upon to steal a base, swiped 11 without once getting caught in 1975.

5. PETE ROSE, CINCINNATI

• Key Numbers: 162 games, .317 average, 662 at-bats, 112 runs, 210 hits, 47 doubles, 7 home runs, 74 RBIs, 89 walks, 11 hit-by-pitches, 0 stolen bases.
• Other odd stat of the year: Rose, well branded as Charlie Hustle, played 162 games in 1975 and, for the only time in his career, didn’t successfully steal a base.

6. TED SIMMONS, ST. LOUIS

• Key Numbers: .332 average, 80 runs, 193 hits, 32 doubles, 18 home runs, 100 RBIs.
• His subpar defense notwithstanding—he led the majors in stolen bases allowed (96) and passed balls (28)—Simmons was somehow spurned from the All-Star roster despite, among other exploits, setting the all-time season record for hits by a catcher.

7. DAVE PARKER, PITTSBURGH

• Key Numbers: .308 average, 172 hits, 35 doubles, 10 triples, 25 home runs, 101 RBIs, .541 slugging percentage.
• Even bigger and burlier (6’5”, 230 pounds) than star teammate Willie Stargell, Parker said he was done with being platooned and threatened a trade if the Pirates didn’t give him an everyday role. After the above numbers, any such discussion came to a quick end.

8. WILLIE STARGELL, PITTSBURGH

• Key Numbers: 124 games, .295 average, 32 doubles, 22 home runs, 90 RBIs.
• A broken rib suffered in midsummer put an end to what looked to be a typically Ruthian effort for Stargell; he bashed only two home runs over his final 38 games.

9. STEVE GARVEY, LOS ANGELES

• Key Numbers: .319 average, 85 runs, 210 hits, 38 doubles, 6 triples, 18 home runs, 95 RBIs, 11 stolen bases.
• Garvey’s harmless self-promotional character began to grate on Dodgers teammates, but his on-field play continued to justify his American idol status.

10. CESAR CEDENO, HOUSTON

• Key Numbers: 131 games, .288 average, 93 runs, 31 doubles, 13 home runs, 63 RBIs, 50 stolen bases, 17 caught stealing.
• A down year for the sixth-year Astro—still just 24 years of age—was redeemed as he hit .350 with seven of his home runs over his final 41 games after suffering a broken finger in midsummer.

AL Hitters

1. FRED LYNN, BOSTON

• Key Numbers: .331 average, 103 runs, 175 hits, 47 doubles, 7 triples, 21 home runs, 105 RBIs, 10 stolen bases, .566 slugging percentage.
• The remarkable Red Sox rookie statistically showed no mental first-year wilting under the pressure; he hit over .300 in each month of the season, and .389 with runners in scoring position.

2. JOHN MAYBERRY, KANSAS CITY

• Key Numbers: .291 average, 95 runs, 38 doubles, 34 home runs, 106 RBIs, 119 walks.
• While Lynn stole the headlines among AL hitters, Mayberry’s immense numbers undoubtedly made him the sleeper of the year.

3. ROD CAREW, MINNESOTA

• Key Numbers: .359 average, 89 runs, 192 hits, 14 home runs, 80 RBIs, 18 intentional walks, 35 stolen bases, .421 on-base percentage.
• The fact that the light-hitting Carew was just one home run off the team lead suggested this: How much more pumped up would his overall numbers been had he played with the more formidable Twins of a decade earlier, with peak-form Harmon Killebrew, Tony Oliva and Bob Allison surrounding him in the lineup?

4. TOBY HARRAH, TEXAS

• Key Numbers: .293 average, 81 runs, 20 home runs, 93 RBIs, 98 walks, 23 stolen bases.
• Just three years earlier a one-homer guy, Harrah opened his stance and ginned up the punch to become a more feared all-around offensive presence.

5. BOBBY BONDS, NEW YORK

• Key Numbers: .270 average, 93 runs, 26 doubles, 32 home runs, 85 RBIs, 89 walks, 30 stolen bases.
• Off of two new Yankees (Catfish Hunter being the other) transplanted from the Bay Area, Bonds began a period in his career with occasional production, constant frustration, and the moving company’s phone number always on speed dial.

6. REGGIE JACKSON, OAKLAND

• Key Numbers: .253 average, 91 runs, 39 doubles, 36 home runs, 104 RBIs, 17 stolen bases.
• In his ninth and last year at Oakland—at least, until a 1987 swan song to mentor Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire—Jackson led the AL in home runs for the second of four times.

7. KEN SINGLETON, BALTIMORE

• Key Numbers: .300 average, 88 runs, 176 hits, 37 doubles, 15 home runs, 55 RBIs, 118 walks.
• Though his power numbers were subpar by his standards, Singleton proved his first-year value with the Orioles by reaching base safely (295 times) more than any other AL player.

8. GEORGE BRETT, KANSAS CITY

• Key Numbers: .308 average, 634 at-bats, 84 runs, 195 hits, 35 doubles, 13 triples, 11 home runs, 90 RBIs, 13 stolen bases.
• Only Rod Carew would hit more triples among AL players during the 1970s than Brett—even as he didn’t begin playing every day until 1974. The second-year Royal led the circuit in three-baggers for the first of three times over a five-year period.

9. BOOG POWELL, CLEVELAND

• Key Numbers: 134 games, .297 average, 27 home runs, 86 RBIs.
• Master of the Comeback Player of the Year award, Powell joined former teammate Frank Robinson (now managing the Indians) and came alive once more after a couple seasons of assumed fadeout.

10. JIM RICE, BOSTON

• Key Numbers: .309 average, 92 runs, 174 hits, 29 doubles, 22 home runs, 102 RBIs, 10 stolen bases.
• Fred Lynn was not a unanimous Rookie of the Year choice, as one voter split his first-place vote between Lynn and co-rookie teammate Rice.

NL Pitchers

1. RANDY JONES, SAN DIEGO

• Key Numbers: 2.24 ERA, 20 wins, 12 losses, 36 starts, 18 complete games, 6 shutouts, 285 innings, 56 walks, 35 grounded into double plays.
• Randy Jones’ luck went in reverse, winning 20 after losing 22 the year before as his improved sinker raised the Padres out of last place for the very first time.

2. ANDY MESSERSMITH, LOS ANGELES

• Key Numbers: 2.29 ERA, 19 wins, 14 losses, 1 save, 42 appearances, 40 starts, 19 complete games, 7 shutouts, 321.2 innings, 24 grounded into double plays.
• Messersmith pitched like a million—and that’s what he’d soon be worth after playing out his famous option year that the Lords would later regret.

3. TOM SEAVER, NEW YORK

• Key Numbers: 2.38 ERA, 22 wins, 9 losses, .710 win percentage, 36 starts, 280.1 innings, 243 strikeouts, 24 stolen bases allowed, 15 caught stealing/picked off.
• On September 24 at Chicago, Seaver—who won his third and last Cy Young Award—came within an out of nine no-hit innings, but not a no-hitter as a scoreless game continued into extra innings.

4. JERRY REUSS, PITTSBURGH

• Key Numbers: 2.54 ERA, 18 wins, 11 losses, 32 starts, 6 shutouts, 237.1 innings, 29 grounded into double plays.
• For the fifth straight year, Reuss dropped his ERA from the previous season—and this was his biggest one yet, shaving a run off his 3.50 figure of 1974.

5. BURT HOOTON, CHICAGO-LOS ANGELES

• Key Numbers: 3.07 ERA, 18 wins, 9 losses, 33 starts, 234.2 innings.
• Hooton finally fulfilled high expectations in Los Angeles after an early-season trade from Chicago, where he experienced several years of frustration.

6. DOUG RAU, LOS ANGELES

• Key Numbers: 3.11 ERA, 15 wins, 9 losses, 38 starts, 257.2 innings, 61 walks.
• The Texan southpaw broke away from a mundane season to date on August and went 6-0 over his final 10 decisions.

7. DON GULLETT, CINCINNATI

• Key Numbers: 2.42 ERA, 15 wins, 4 losses, .789 win percentage, 22 starts, 159.2 innings.
• What should have been an easy 20-win campaign for Gullett was interrupted by a broken thumb from a comebacker that forced a two-month hiatus upon him.

8. AL HRABOSKY, ST. LOUIS

• Key Numbers: 1.66 ERA, 13 wins, 3 losses, .813 win percentage, 22 saves, 6 blown saves, 65 appearances, 97.1 innings.
• Hrabosky emerged as one of baseball’s more theatrical closers, stalking behind the mound between batters to psyche up himself—and psyche out his opponents.

9. BOB FORSCH, ST. LOUIS

• Key Numbers: 2.86 ERA, 15 wins, 10 losses, 34 starts, 230 innings, 26 grounded into double plays.
• In his first full season, Forsch showed strong athleticism on the mound with the above numbers—and at the plate with a .303 average within 78 at-bats with three doubles, three triples and a home run.

10. DON SUTTON, LOS ANGELES

• Key Numbers: 2.87 ERA, 16 wins, 13 losses, 35 starts, 254.1 innings.
• Calmed by hypnosis and enriched with the largest contract ($312,000 over two years) given by the Dodgers to date, Sutton pitched well enough to finally secure a 20-win record—but was denied mostly by a DOA Dodgers offense that gave him only 2.3 runs per start when he didn’t get the victory.

AL Pitchers

1. JIM PALMER, BALTIMORE

• Key Numbers: 2.09 ERA, 23 wins, 11 losses, .676 win percentage, 1 save, 38 starts, 25 complete games, 10 shutouts, 323 innings, 29 stolen bases allowed, 32 grounded into double plays.
• After his 1974 campaign was derailed by a sore arm, Palmer returned to world-class standing with his second AL Cy Young Award and 10 shutouts—the last American Leaguer to reach double-digits.

2. CATFISH HUNTER, NEW YORK

• Key Numbers: 2.58 ERA, 23 wins, 14 losses, 39 starts, 30 complete games, 7 shutouts, 328 innings.
• Catfish Hunter took his act from the Oakland Circus to the Bronx Zoo, and skipped nary a beat to the elation of Yankees fans.

3. FRANK TANANA, CALIFORNIA

• Key Numbers: 2.26 ERA, 16 wins, 9 losses, 33 starts, 257.1 innings, 269 strikeouts, 20 caught stealing/picked off.
• “Second Banana Tanana,” playing the role of Nolan Ryan’s protégé, ended up winning the AL strikeout crown over Ryan—who missed the season’s last six weeks to deal with postseason bone chip surgery.

4. MIKE TORREZ, BALTIMORE

• Key Numbers: 3.06 ERA, 20 wins, 9 losses, .690 win percentage, 36 starts, 270.2 innings, 133 walks, 12 wild pitches, 35 grounded into double plays.
• Along with Ken Singleton, Torrez’s first-year presence made it easy to declare the Orioles’ trade to get them both from Montreal for a fading Dave McNally as the steal of the year.

5. GOOSE GOSSAGE, CHICAGO

• Key Numbers: 1.84 ERA, 9 wins, 8 losses, 26 saves, 5 blown saves, 62 appearances, 141.2 innings.
• It seemed almost amazing that the White Sox would even need a closer with Wilbur Wood and Jim Kaat engorging on innings, but they got a real good one in Gossage—who broke out after three infuriating first years (4.93 ERA) with in Chicago.

6. VIDA BLUE, OAKLAND

• Key Numbers: 3.01 ERA, 22 wins, 11 losses, 1 save, 38 starts, 278 innings, 23 stolen bases allowed, 26 grounded into double plays.
• With Catfish Hunter snatched away to New York on a technicality, Blue picked an excellent time to put together his best numbers since his memorable full-season debut in 1971.

7. JIM KAAT, CHICAGO

• Key Numbers: 3.11 ERA, 20 wins, 14 losses, 41 starts, 303.2 innings, 31 grounded into double plays.
• The 36-year-old southpaw continued his second wind in the Second City, accumulating more innings than even ironman teammate Wilbur Wood.

8. RUDY MAY, NEW YORK

• Key Numbers: 3.06 ERA, 14 wins, 12 losses, 31 starts, 212 innings, 99 walks.
• Left for dead by the Angels after nearly a decade with the organization, the Yankees took a chance on May and he responded, thanks to adjustments to both his pitching mechanics and his mental health.

9. KEN HOLTZMAN, OAKLAND

• Key Numbers: 3.14 ERA, 18 wins, 14 losses, 38 starts, 266.1 innings, 108 walks.
• Holtzman was one out away from a third career no-hitter on June 8 when the Tigers’ Tom Veryzer doubled against him at Oakland.

10. GAYLORD PERRY, CLEVELAND-TEXAS

• Key Numbers: 3.24 ERA, 18 wins, 17 losses, 37 starts, 25 complete games, 305.2 innings.
• A very productive but short tenure in Cleveland came to an end for Perry as he clashed with manager Frank Robinson; he found solace in Texas after a midseason trade to the Rangers.

[luckymann]

The Red Sox lead the way with a couple big deals for pitchers as the salaries continue to accelerate. A rather ignoble way for the Dodgers to offload Don Drysdale is among the other notable transactions from the break.

• P Andy Messersmith: Red Sox, 6 years / $4710000
• P Tommy John: Red Sox, 5 years / $3930000
• OF Bob Watson: Dodgers, 5 years / $3910000
• C Ellie Rodriguez: Padres, 4 years / $3430000
• P Ron Reed: Rangers, 4 years / $2840000
• 1B John Mayberry: Yankees, 4 years / $2782000 (extension)
• OF Oscar Gamble: Mets, 3 years / $2380000
• 1B George Scott: White Sox, 4 years / $1912000
• OF Jose Ortiz: Giants, 3 years / $1770000
• P Dave Goltz: Reds, 5 years / $1626000 (extension)
• 2B Davey Johnson: Indians, 3 years / $1434000
• 3B Bill Melton: Red Sox, 3 years / $1434000
• OF Jeff Burroughs: Expos, 4 years / $1382000 (extension)
• OF Del Unser: Astros, 3 years / $1152000
• OF Billy Williams: Tigers, 2 years / $1140000
• P Burt Hooton: White Sox, 5 years / $1138000 (extension)
• OF Willie Crawford: White Sox, 3 years / $1096000
• OF Hal McRae: Cardinals, 2 years / $1080000

• OF Joe Lahoud from Indians to Padres for P Wayne Carlander, OF Thomas Smith and P Ray Burris
• OF Lou Brock (retaining 80%) from Angels to A’s for P Ernie Mcanally and OF Gary Thomasson
• C Milt May and 3B Ken Reitz from Angels to Astros for P Al Hrabowsky and P David Clyde
• P Don Gullett from Brewers to White Sox for C Carlton Fisk
• C Marc Hill from Angels to Dodgers for P Don Drysdale (retaining 100%)
• P Craig Swan and OF Juan Beniquez from Twins to Mets for OF Rusty Staub (retaining 50%)
• OF Bernie Carbo (retaining 85%) from Royals to Twins for OF Terry Whitfield
• OF Morris Nettles from Brewers to Braves for P Bruce Von Hoff (retaining 15%) and P Randy Jones
• 1B Mike Ivie from Tigers to Indians for P Blue Moon Odom and 3B Ray Knight

ALL TRANSACTIONS

Our 7-11 ST transpires without any injuries of note.

The BNN crew sees the status quo holding across all four divs, although it is tipping one heck of a close-run thing in our NL East.

FULL PRESEASON PREDICTIONS

[luckymann]

We once again go into the new season as the reigning Champs and with the sense of liberty that affords. The moves we have made are again designed to allow us to keep progressing and recycling without a huge dropoff in performance.

Sadly, we do so without beloved Owner Jonathan Lusty, who passed away suddenly just a couple days before OD. His son Zac, who has been closely involved with the running of the club for some time, has taken over the reins.

The only meaningful position player change from a year ago is that Stennett comes in for Cash at 2B. We are convinced this will be Arriba's final season, and we will keep him at the parent club for it - albeit now in a backup role with Parker taking full possession of the everyday RF role. Pops shifts to 1B, Scoop to CF and George Hendrick to LF this year - an improved alignment as far as we see it. Nevertheless, defense remains a big problem for us, along with depth.

We've promoted Jerry Reuss to the top of the rotation, with the other incumbents moving down a slot and Rhoden coming in as SP5. Candy will be our ESP / LR. All else remains basically unchanged from '74.