The Bucs Start Here - A Pirates Do-Over

[luckymann]

Which active pitchers are leading the MLB in career saves?

• Tug McGraw, LAD, 247
• Rollie Fingers, CHC, 246
• Rich Gossage, PIT, 245
• Pedro Borbon, LVST, 203
• Sparky Lyle, SYCH, 200

All-time leader: Hoyt Wilhelm, 302

[luckymann]

So, who is the active leader in the MLB in career total bases?

• Pete Rose, CHC, 4583
• Willie Stargell, PIT, 4556
• Carl Yastrzemski, -, 4233
• Tony Perez, BOS, 4146
• Reggie Smith, BOS, 3984

All-time leader: Stan Musial, 6026

[luckymann]

My frail old heart doesn't need games like this, but I'll gladly take the result.

[luckymann]

Five nods for us this year.

American League

• SP Joaquin Andujar (ML4) - 7-5, 3.20 ERA, 123.2 IP, 1.21 WHIP, 4.5 K/9, 2.8 WAR
• SP Britt Burns (CWS) - 11-4, 2.46 ERA, 139.0 IP, 1.17 WHIP, 6.9 K/9, 4.0 WAR
• SP John Butcher (SEA)* - 8-5, 2.54 ERA, 131.0 IP, 1.27 WHIP, 5.2 K/9, 2.4 WAR (Injured)
• SP Marty Bystrom (MIN) - 11-5, 3.27 ERA, 135.0 IP, 1.29 WHIP, 4.3 K/9, 2.6 WAR
• SP Nolan Ryan (BOS) - 8-3, 2.39 ERA, 139.1 IP, 1.24 WHIP, 8.2 K/9, 3.3 WAR
• SP Craig Swan (MIN) - 10-5, 2.77 ERA, 130.0 IP, 1.09 WHIP, 4.4 K/9, 2.8 WAR
• SP Bob Welch (OAK) - 10-5, 3.23 ERA, 131.0 IP, 1.28 WHIP, 5.6 K/9, 1.5 WAR
• RP Bob Stoddard (BOS) - 6-3, 18 SV, 1.97 ERA, 64.0 IP, 1.08 WHIP, 3.1 K/9, -0.4 WAR
• CL Al Holland (TOR) - 5-3, 16 SV, 2.29 ERA, 59.0 IP, 1.14 WHIP, 5.3 K/9, 1.2 WAR
• CL Steve Howe (MIN)* - 2-2, 19 SV, 1.79 ERA, 40.1 IP, 1.21 WHIP, 4.2 K/9, 1.4 WAR
• CL Gary Lucas (BAL) - 6-4, 16 SV, 1.61 ERA, 61.1 IP, 1.14 WHIP, 3.7 K/9, 0.5 WAR
• C Tony Pena Sr. (KC) - .300/.318/.449, 227 AB, 4 HR, 119 wRC+, 1.8 WAR
• C Jim Sundberg (BAL)* - .288/.383/.401, 212 AB, 3 HR, 1 SB, 132 wRC+, 1.7 WAR
• 1B Willie Aikens (CWS)* - .297/.367/.513, 306 AB, 16 HR, 156 wRC+, 2.7 WAR
• 1B Rod Carew (MIN) - .330/.396/.486, 321 AB, 2 HR, 22 SB, 158 wRC+, 2.6 WAR
• 1B Reggie Smith (BOS)* - .317/.397/.520, 202 AB, 9 HR, 1 SB, 167 wRC+, 1.9 WAR (Injured)
• 2B Bobby Grich (CAL)* - .246/.365/.375, 240 AB, 5 HR, 2 SB, 122 wRC+, 2.8 WAR
• 3B George Brett (KC)* - .329/.388/.552, 286 AB, 11 HR, 11 SB, 175 wRC+, 3.8 WAR
• 3B Doug DeCinces (CWS) - .295/.385/.481, 264 AB, 10 HR, 151 wRC+, 3.8 WAR
• SS Rick Burleson (BOS)* - .293/.353/.334, 287 AB, 1 HR, 4 SB, 99 wRC+, 2.0 WAR
• SS Cal Ripken Jr. (BAL) - .279/.331/.493, 294 AB, 13 HR, 141 wRC+, 2.4 WAR
• LF Mike Easler (TEX) - .311/.350/.446, 289 AB, 5 HR, 5 SB, 122 wRC+, 2.2 WAR
• LF Rickey Henderson (OAK) - .250/.391/.354, 288 AB, 5 HR, 96 SB, 123 wRC+, 4.4 WAR
• LF Steve Kemp (MIN)* - .339/.446/.455, 224 AB, 4 HR, 9 SB, 161 wRC+, 2.7 WAR (Injured)
• LF Lee Lacy (BAL) - .311/.378/.408, 331 AB, 1 HR, 57 SB, 132 wRC+, 3.0 WAR
• CF Al Bumbry (BAL)* - .318/.380/.473, 258 AB, 6 HR, 16 SB, 146 wRC+, 2.7 WAR (Injured)
• CF Chili Davis (CAL) - .270/.344/.470, 304 AB, 15 HR, 27 SB, 131 wRC+, 2.7 WAR
• CF Chet Lemon (DET) - .291/.399/.439, 278 AB, 4 HR, 1 SB, 148 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
• RF Harold Baines (CWS) - .277/.326/.449, 296 AB, 10 HR, 9 SB, 126 wRC+, 2.5 WAR
• RF Dwight Evans (BOS)* - .307/.406/.530, 283 AB, 14 HR, 170 wRC+, 4.4 WAR (Injured)

National League

• SP Steve Carlton (CHC) - 9-5, 2.45 ERA, 146.2 IP, 0.95 WHIP, 7.1 K/9, 3.1 WAR
• SP Ron Guidry (PIT) - 12-1, 1.54 ERA, 140.2 IP, 0.90 WHIP, 6.7 K/9, 4.2 WAR
• SP Bill Gullickson (STL) - 10-6, 2.41 ERA, 145.2 IP, 0.95 WHIP, 5.6 K/9, 3.8 WAR
• SP Joe Niekro (HOU) - 9-5, 2.32 ERA, 143.1 IP, 1.05 WHIP, 4.1 K/9, 3.1 WAR
• SP Don Robinson (SD) - 9-3, 2.29 ERA, 121.2 IP, 1.04 WHIP, 6.4 K/9, 3.1 WAR
• SP Fernando Valenzuela (LAD)* - 9-4, 1.94 ERA, 139.0 IP, 1.12 WHIP, 6.7 K/9, 4.4 WAR
• RP Tug McGraw (LAD)* - 6-6, 15 SV, 4.21 ERA, 62.0 IP, 1.44 WHIP, 6.1 K/9, 1.1 WAR
• RP Manny Sarmiento (SF) - 1-1, 11 SV, 1.68 ERA, 59.0 IP, 1.19 WHIP, 4.0 K/9, 0.8 WAR
• RP Lee Smith (CHC) - 2-3, 2.96 ERA, 45.2 IP, 1.18 WHIP, 7.5 K/9, 1.6 WAR
• CL Tony Pierce (CIN) - 1-1, 15 SV, 1.33 ERA, 54.0 IP, 1.13 WHIP, 5.8 K/9, 1.1 WAR
• C Gary Carter (MON)* - .226/.295/.340, 235 AB, 8 HR, 73 wRC+, 0.8 WAR
• C Lance Parrish (PIT) - .252/.309/.322, 230 AB, 2 HR, 3 SB, 85 wRC+, 0.1 WAR
• 1B Mike Hargrove (LAD) - .335/.438/.429, 245 AB, 4 HR, 159 wRC+, 2.1 WAR
• 1B Keith Hernandez (STL) - .327/.426/.469, 294 AB, 5 HR, 7 SB, 165 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
• 1B Jason Thompson (PIT)* - .306/.406/.563, 252 AB, 17 HR, 182 wRC+, 3.2 WAR
• 2B Glenn Hubbard (ATL) - .253/.337/.438, 292 AB, 12 HR, 4 SB, 129 wRC+, 3.5 WAR
• 3B Tom Brookens (NYM) - .307/.357/.456, 261 AB, 7 HR, 6 SB, 138 wRC+, 2.1 WAR
• 3B Mike Schmidt (PHI)* - .209/.314/.443, 235 AB, 14 HR, 2 SB, 119 wRC+, 2.3 WAR (Injured)
• SS Garry Templeton (SD)* - .268/.271/.369, 287 AB, 3 HR, 18 SB, 84 wRC+, 0.7 WAR
• LF Al Oliver (PIT)* - .285/.329/.418, 263 AB, 4 HR, 116 wRC+, 1.7 WAR (Injured)
• LF Tim Raines (MON)* - .358/.444/.539, 293 AB, 4 HR, 71 SB, 189 wRC+, 5.3 WAR
• CF Fred Lynn (STL) - .278/.386/.500, 252 AB, 14 HR, 1 SB, 155 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
• CF Jerry Mumphrey (CIN) - .295/.351/.423, 298 AB, 6 HR, 35 SB, 129 wRC+, 3.4 WAR
• CF Gorman Thomas (PIT)* - .250/.360/.533, 240 AB, 20 HR, 161 wRC+, 2.3 WAR
• RF Jack Clark (SF) - .279/.360/.495, 283 AB, 17 HR, 1 SB, 147 wRC+, 2.3 WAR
• RF Pedro Guerrero (LAD)* - .324/.411/.526, 287 AB, 14 HR, 11 SB, 174 wRC+, 3.6 WAR
• RF Richie Zisk (STL) - .326/.391/.449, 267 AB, 7 HR, 142 wRC+, 1.8 WAR

Ron Cey beats Chili Davis in the final of the HR Derby, but Chili gets his own back as he leads the AL to a 4-1 win in the big game.

[luckymann]

A bit less frantic compared to this time a year ago, thank goodness.

We keep things ticking along in the early part of June, with the pitching remaining especially sharp including a Ron Guidry 1-hitter against San Diego. We reach the 60-game mark at 41-19 and four clear of the Mets.

When we do finally get Wally Backman back from the IL, I do sadly have to send Pops to AAA Lincoln. He’s not giving us much and as they say this ain’t show friends, it’s show business. He’ll come back up when rosters expand if not before and takes it like the pro he is.

One dilemma is the strong performance of Derrell Thomas this season. He offers better defence at 2B and with the offensive uptick is pressing for everyday usage. It’s a nice dilemma to have, no doubt, and should Wally’s performance slip then we may well make the switch or run a platoon of some sort.

We swap wins and losses over the next bit, including a split of four straight 4-3 scorelines, and there’s no doubt a the heat has come out of our bats ever so slightly for the moment.

We end June at 47-24 and five to the good of the Mets, with Ron Guidry announced as the month’s best pitcher in the NL.

July starts in ominous fashion as we lose Al Oliver for a month to a lat strain. With Mitchell Page still in the group and Derrel Thomas also able to play LF, we’ll start Tony Armas there and have the other two as backups, allowing us to recall Pops. Would love to be able to promote Kong, but rules are rules.

Then Ron Guidry loses his first decision of the season after 11 Wins. That happens in the first of a four-game series against the Mets that also features Gorman Thomas delivering us back-to-back walkoff wins as we split it 2-2.

We lose Ken Oberkfell – really solid for us so far although yet to homer – for a week to a biceps strain but, despite Gorman Thomas and Jason Thompson both enduring lean spells, we ride a Tony Armas explosion and a couple walkoffs in a 6-game string to hit the ASB at 56-28, 7 clear of the Mets.

With Tony doing so well, the news that Al Oliver will need another month’s recovery doesn’t bite as hard as it otherwise would but we need Gorman and Jason to find their mojo ahead of the stretch run in a crucial little period for us with few off days.

An injury to Edd Ott, on the other hand, is the last thing we need even if it is just an mild oblique strain that will sideline him for 3-4 weeks. Gary Alexander, the only other eligible Catcher we have at the club, gets the call-up.

In spite of which, along with a niggle that will keep Wally Backman on ice for a few days, we keep it going and enter the stretch run in the box seat with a 67-33 record and a handy lead over the Mets et al.




Just a really solid group effort so far this year, with few not pulling their weight. Craig Reynolds deserves special mention, he has been super handy for us in the 8 slot and with his glove. Reliever Rod Scurry has also impressed and he wins the July Rookie award for his efforts.

We extend reliever Odell Jones on a 1/275 deal, leaving Pops as the only unsigned player for 1982. He wants $450k for that season but we’ll just play it by ear for now.


If we play our cards right, we should hopefully be able to sit back, relax and watch the other three races - each of which looks set for yet more in the way of grandstand finishes - play out.




Monthly Award Winners

June

American League

Batter – George Brett (Royals): 376 / 8 HR / 25 RBI
Pitcher – Britt Burns (White Sox): 5-0 / 1.99 / 36 K / 45.1 IP
Rookie – Doug Potestio (Twins): 4-2 / 3.11 / 19 K / 46.1 IP (never made it to the MLB IRL)


National League

Batter – Tim Raines (Expos): 396 / 1 HR / 9 RBI
Pitcher – Ron Guidry (Pirates): 5-0 / 0.92 / 36 K / 49 IP
Rookie – Bryn Smith (Padres): 4-2 / 3.14 / 18 K / 43 IP


July

American League

Batter – Buddy Bell (Red Sox): 354 / 9 HR / 33 RBI
Pitcher – Marty Bystrom (Twins): 5-0 / 0.85 / 22 K / 42.1 IP
Rookie – Johnny Ray (Royals): 368 / 1 HR / 11 RBI


National League

Batter – Greg Luzinski (Phillies): 395 / 5 HR / 14 RBI
Pitcher – Jim Clancy (Braves): 5-1 / 1.57 / 27 K / 46 IP
Rookie – Rod Scurry (Pirates): 4-0 / 4.15 / 1 SV / 13 K / 8.2 IP



News, Leaders and Top 20s

Milestones and Observations of Note

2500 Hits: Tony Perez

200 Wins: Jerry Koosman (see below)

Rookie Padres OF Eddie Milner is the latest to catch the injury bug as a torn ACL ends his season, while the Red Sox lose Manny Trillo for 5 weeks to a knee injury and Expos rookie Pascual Perez also has his 1981 campaign brought to an end by a ruptured back disc.

A bout of shoulder inflammation sidelines Indians pitcher Fred Kuhaulua for the remainder, while Phillies superstar Mike Schmidt misses a week thanks to a PCL strain.

Deadline trades of note:

[luckymann]

Our Links survive a tough pennant race only to lose again in three at the league stage and Syracuse eventually nails down the club's first-ever AAA Championship via a tough decider with Mount Vernon that goes the distance with Brock Davis winning the MVP.

[luckymann]

Not quite the drama of the past few seasons, but still...

We certainly don’t waltz into the new month like a team intent on nailing down the division and switching to cruise control as we lose 4 of our first 5 games with some pretty clumsy baseball.

We finally get Al Oliver back after his long injury layoff but send him to Lincoln for a spot of rehab before summoning him back into the fold in mid-month.

We stumble badly awaiting his return, with the bats going completely AWOL in three shutout losses over a 4-game span and we end up scoring just 9 runs over a 7-game span. Worse than that, four of those are losses to the Mets to cut our lead to an uncomfortable 8. Worse again, the dreadful form slump that has hit Ron Guidry, who has gone from 11-0 / 1.30 to 12-6 / 2.56 since the start of July.

We lose two more against the Expos before finally getting two lucky extra-inning walkoff wins that might prove to be the two most important of the season. Nonetheless, in our desperation I recall Al Oliver and send Mitchell Page to AAA.

Still, it proves only a temporary reprieve as the dreadful hitting and pitching deterioration continue with three straight losses at Wrigley. I can’t remember seeing such an acute drop in offensive output and streakiness is definitely the huge knock against this group just as we have seen at our club in recent years.

That leaves us at 4-13 so far in August. Just putrid. We’re just lucky the Mets also lose a few in a row and only pick up one game on us but this utter freefall is approaching panic stations. We hold the most nervy 7-game lead in MLB history.
We move Derrel Thomas into the everyday 2B role as Wally Backman has basically disappeared. We get Ed Ott back from the IL to return us to full strength.

We are truly flying by the seat of our pants with just two walkoff wins to show for the next little bit but the Mets also stay cold and we hold our ground in the standings. Jason Thompson is putting in one of the worst stretches by a supposed top-flight player that I can remember and we’re seriously considering pushing him down the order or even benching him for Pops if he can’t get it together. Problem is, Pops is on his last legs as well so it’s doubtful he would make an improvement so looks like we just have to sweat on Jason returning to form soon.

We kick off a crucial West Coast swing with a pair of 10-inning wins against the Jints, navigating those tricky rapids OK and are sitting a slightly more comfortable 10 ½ clear of the Mets when they come to town for three, with the Expos now tied with them as well.

We escape with a lucky 3-2 win in the opener as Dave Parker belts a walkoff 2-run blast to get us home and do so again the next day on an 11th-inning solo shot by an improving Jason Thompson – his second of the game – for a 4-3 victory, before copping our first loss in eight despite pops reclaiming his glory days with a 4-4 performance.

Our MN dips into the single figures with less than 20 to play but we’ve still some work to do with six fixtures all told – four with the Expos and two with the Mets – still to be played against our nearest rivals.

Our form tails off again as we lose 8 of our next 9 including Rich Gossage’s first blown Save in 26 attempts, but then win the ones that really matter, beating the Mets in both of two games at Shea, then – in arguably the game of the season for the neutrals – knocking off the Expos 7-6 in 13 at Olympic Stadium to clinch, the first club this season to do so.

We finish W-L. We’re unsure as to what will happen with Pops next year and so we make sure he gets the chance to say goodbye just in case by starting him in the final game of the regular season, which just happens to be a home game for us. Sadly he doesn’t get a hit but Gorman Thomas sends him off with a bang, walking it off for a 7-6 win with a grand slam, pushing himself over the 100 RBI mark for the year in the process.

Thus ends the most stressful and least convincing 8-game division title win in the history of baseball.


Here are our various reports:




The Braves doggedly hold off the Reds to lock down just the third playoff appearance for the franchise in all locations and their first since the Boston version won their one and only title in 1933.

Both of the AL races go down to the final day with the Red Sox and Twins holding a one-game lead over the Tigers and A’s. The Red Sox lose to Cleveland but the Tigers fail to take advantage, also losing 7-5 to Milwaukee to hand the title to Boston.

The A’s don’t make the same mistake when the Twins drop their game against Chicago, beating the Royals 9-3 to force a tiebreak decider. But the Twins come ready to play in that one, blowing the A’s out early and going on to cruise to a 15-1 win to get through.




Batting titles to Bake McBride - who will unfortunately not take part in the playoffs after suffering a concussion - and Tim Raines, with McBride just edging out Cecil Cooper by a few bips. Gorman's 38 homers lead all comers, as do Cecil's 127 RBI.

We get a doozy of a battle between Ron LeFlore, Tim Raines and Rickey Henderson for the steals crown, with LeFlore edging Raines by one to set a new all-time mark with 140. Rickey ends up with 137.

Bob Welch, with 21, is the league's only 20-game winner this season, while Don Robinson has the low ERA with 2.00 even. Nolan nabs himself another King of K and Rich Gossage has the most saves of any player with 41.


Monthly Award Winners

August

American League

Batter – Cecil Cooper (Tigers): 359 / 6 HR / 31 RBI
Pitcher – Len Barker (Tigers): 6-0 / 2.85 / 42 K / 53.2 IP
Rookie – Chili Davis (Angels): 341 / 7 HR / 19 RBI


National League

Batter – Bob Horner (Braves): 421 / 12 HR / 23 RBI
Pitcher – Rick Reuschel (Cubs): 5-1 / 1.70 / 24 K / 53 IP
Rookie – Rod Scurry (Pirates): 4-1 / 0.64 / 9 K / 14 IP


September

American League

Batter – Steve Kemp (Twins): 374 / 5 HR / 18 RBI
Pitcher – Lynn McGlothen (Red Sox): 6-0 / 1.40 / 23 K / 45 IP
Rookie – Chili Davis (Angels): 258 / 7 HR / 21 RBI


National League

Batter – Dale Murphy (Braves): 385 / 5 HR / 19 RBI
Pitcher – Rollie Fingers (Cubs): 4-1 / 2.14 / 7 SV / 15 K / 21 IP
Rookie – Danny Boone (Cardinals): 1-1 / 2.49 / 6 SV / 8 K / 21.2 IP


Final Leaders and Top 20s

Milestones and Observations of Note

200 Wins: Tom Seaver

400 HR: Reggie Jackson

2500 Hits: Rusty Staub

A big out for the Astros at the very start of August as they lose ace JR Richard for the year to shoulder inflammation, while Baltimore’s Pete Falcone will be out until the very late section of next season after blowing out his elbow.

The Royals also lose a key player for a bit when George Brett is taken out of action for 5 weeks by an ankle sprain, although they are out of contention by this time.

The Red Sox aren’t, and will have to see things through without the services of veteran Tony Perez, who has his 1981 campaign ended early by a knee injury.

Same for the Braves and Twins, with Atlanta outfielder William Ewing done for the year courtesy of a hip strain and Minnesota’s Marty Bystrom gone as well due to shoulder problems, along with the aforementioned Bake McBride.

[luckymann]

American League
Boston Red Sox (94-68) v Minnesota Twins (92-71)

This year’s playoffs will almost be as much affected by those players not playing as those who are, this series in particular. The Red Sox are without both Reggie Smith and Tony Perez, but that is almost at full-strength compared to the poor old Twins, who go into it without Roy Smalley, Rick Manning, Marty Bystrom, Steve Howe and Bake McBride, among others. For them to have got past the A’s in the manner they did and get this far is an achievement in itself.

They keep it going with a comeback 7-3 win in 10 in the opening game at Fenway and push the Sox all the way in Game 2, which remains scoreless until Ruppert Jones walks it off for the home side with an RBI single in the 13th.

A walkoff 4-3 home win in 10 gets them within one of the Big Dance but a huge blowout 17-1 Boston win in Game 4 necessitates an elimination decider. In one of the best LCS we’ve seen, the Twinkies get it done with a thrilling 4-3 road win to take the club's 10th AL Pennant and move on.

MVP honours go to Gary Gaetti.





National League
Pittsburgh Pirates (95-67) v Atlanta Braves (82-80)

The Braves have also been decimated by injuries, with Doc Medich, William Ewing, Bobby Thompson, Pascual Perez and a few others all missing here. That, and their 82-80 regular season record, might make them seem vulnerable. I might agree with that if I had more confidence in my own group’s ability to deliver. But I honestly have absolutely no idea how we’ll go from here. We’re as likely to win it all without losing a game as we are being swept here and making an ignominious exit despite posting the best record of any club.

Case in point as we kick things off with a dreadful performance in a 7-1 loss, lose again 3-2 the next game and make that exit I spoke of with another lame effort in Game 3.

It honestly comes as no surprise to me at all. No doubt this club has lost that winning feeling for now.

Glenn Hubbard takes home the MVP.

[luckymann]

Minnesota Twins v Atlanta Braves
Best-of-seven, Cubs with the home-field advantage.


A decade ahead of their famous IRL meeting – are we going to see something similar here? Both clubs have to this point played like they have nothing to lose. Not so easy to pull off when you suddenly have the chance to win it all.

Should be a beauty and I am going for the slight upset—Braves in seven for mine.

[luckymann]

[luckymann]

Game 1 in Minnesota

Bob Forsch (12-6, 3.41) v D. Goltz (14-8, 2.91)

The Twins draw first blood with a 7-3 win, storming home from 3-2 down with a 5-spot in the 8th off Braves Closer Dave Beard after both starters do well.




Game 2 in Minnesota
Rich Nye (1-9, 6.18) v Frank Pastore (10-13, 3.67)
Twins lead series 1-0

This is where the Braves really need to take advantage, with Rich Nye looking somewhat out of his depth in this situation.

He actually goes better than I expected, but the visitors do indeed get the win as Pastore gives them 7 shutout frames and the bats do just enough.





Game 3 in Atlanta
J. Clancy (13-13, 2.86) v Bert Blyleven (13-19, 3.29)
Series tied 1-1

The city of Atlanta’s first-ever World Series game should be a tough one for the home side with the mighty Bert Blyleven on the mound for their opponents.

And so it proves as the Dutchman shuts them out with a fantastic 2-hitter, wasting a fine outing from Atlanta’s Jim Clancy in a 2-0 final that gets the Twins’ noses back in front.





Game 4 in Atlanta
Jim Willoughby (0-3, 3.78) v Doug Potestio (12-11, 3.80)
Twins lead series 2-1

The wild ride continues in this timeline for Doug Potestio, who never made the majors IRL and now has the chance to give his club a commanding 3-1 lead against wily veteran Jim Willoughby.

He does just that with 7 more than serviceable innings and gets the W as Julio Cruz leads the bats and the Twins win it 7-3. Dale Murphy is excellent in a losing cause, going 3-for-5 with a homer and 3 RBI.





Game 5 in Atlanta
D. Goltz (1-0, 1.35) v Bob Forsch (0-0, 2.92)
Twins lead series 3-1

All or nothing from here on out for the Braves as the Game 1 starters make their second appearance and one has to hope they at least give their long-suffering fans something to cheer about with one home win.

Sadly it’s not to be as the Twins kill them off easily with a 6-0 whitewash behind a dominant Bob Forsch that delivers the club their fourth title.

Bert Blyleven wins the MVP.

[luckymann]

OUT & OUTS

The Blue Jays franchise changes hands.

Marv Grissom of Texas is the only MLB Manager fired this time around, but Stan Musial is not retained as Astros skipper - then replaced by Sandy Koufax!


ROSTER MOVES

The long-overdue rebuild definitely begins in earnest from this point, with some set to go this year and more in '83. We've done everything we possible could to get a title these past three years without managing to do so and the time has come to take some necessary steps backward in order to hopefully move forward in a sustained way a few years down the track. We should start getting some help from the Draft with our IRL avatar "enjoying" a fairly lean spell the next few years, but we're ready to make some tough decisions to try and work in conjunction with the young guys we hope to get from the rookie influx.

We exercise Rich Gossage's final contract year and it will be his final one at this club, for now at least. We send Victor Cruz to arb and non-tender Gary Alexander and Mitchell Page.

Lou Marone, Rennie Stennett and both Derrel and Gorman Thomas all walk.

Around the clubs, the following extension of note were signed:

Bob Horner (Braves) 4/7340
Ron Oester (Cardinals) 4/3620
Glenn Hubbard (Braves) 3/3050
Lonnie Smith (Tigers) 4/3758
Julio Cruz (Twins) 4/2610
Floyd Bannister (Angels) 3/3900
Willie Aikens (White Sox) 4/7120
UL Washington (Cubs) 3/2080
Bobby Grich (Angels) 5/12200


SIM ACCURACY




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


HANGIN' THEM UP

A massive surprise with Pete Rose calling it quits well in advance of his IRL career, which never seemed to end and then ended horribly. He's just one of a few guys who are good chances of some C-Town love in a few years time, although it must be said none are an absolute lock, not even our own departing legend, in whose honour our club retires #6. He has joined the club in a coaching role and will serve as my Assistant GM next year then move to the Hitting Coach role the following year when our incumbent retires.

[luckymann]

[luckymann]

I have made the executive decision to change the allowable trades structure a wee bit. Whereas previously we were permitted one FA signing and three trades per season, we will now be allowed to conduct four transactions in any combination. Still considering ticking this and / or the number of ringers allowed up but won't be doing so just yet.

G

[luckymann]

A fascinating group of seven new Legacies entering the league this year including arguably the two greatest contact hitters outside of the deadball era guys and a bunch of cult heroes.

These are the Legacy Players for the 1982 Season:

Boston Red Sox: Wade Boggs (91.4; 1625) MARQUEE
San Diego Padres: Tony Gwynn (69.2; 2440 – one-club player) MARQUEE conceded
Cleveland Indians: Julio Franco (43.6; 1088)
Houston Astros: Bill Doran (32.8; 1165)
Minnesota Twins: Frank Viola (47.0; 259 GS)
New York Yankees: Don Mattingly (42.4; 1785 – one-club player)
St. Louis Cardinals: Willie McGee (34.2; 1661)


There are 142 rookies for this season, and the Draft will consist of 5 rounds.

The Draft order will be as follows (winning percentage from 1981 IRL season in brackets; bold indicates Legacy Pick in 1st Round):

Round 1

1. Boston Red Sox (546)
2. San Diego Padres (373)
3. Minnesota Twins (376)
4. Cleveland Indians (505; dice roll)
5. New York Yankees (551; dice roll)
6. St. Louis Cardinals (578)
7. Houston Astros (555)
8. Toronto Blue Jays (349)
9. Chicago Cubs (369)
10. New York Mets (398)
11. Seattle Mariners (404)
12. Pittsburgh Pirates (451)
13. California Angels (464)
14. Atlanta Braves (472)
15. Kansas City Royals (485)
16. San Francisco Giants (505; dice roll)
17. Chicago White Sox (509)
18. Texas Rangers (543)
19. Detroit Tigers (550)
20. Philadelphia Phillies (551; dice roll)
21. Montreal Expos (556)
22. Baltimore Orioles (562)
23. Milwaukee Brewers (569)
24. Los Angeles Dodgers (573)
25. Oakland Athletics (587)
26. Cincinnati Reds (611)


Rounds 2 thru 5

1. Toronto Blue Jays (349)
2. Chicago Cubs (369)
3. San Diego Padres (373)
4. Minnesota Twins (376)
5. New York Mets (398)
6. Seattle Mariners (404)
7. Pittsburgh Pirates (451)
8. California Angels (464)
9. Atlanta Braves (472)
10. Kansas City Royals (485)
11. Cleveland Indians (505; dice roll)
12. San Francisco Giants (505; dice roll)
13. Chicago White Sox (509)
14. Texas Rangers (543)
15. Boston Red Sox (546)
16. Detroit Tigers (550)
17. Philadelphia Phillies (551; dice roll)
18. New York Yankees (551; dice roll)
19. Houston Astros (555)
20. Montreal Expos (556)
21. Baltimore Orioles (562)
22. Milwaukee Brewers (569)
23. Los Angeles Dodgers (573)
24. St. Louis Cardinals (578)
25. Oakland Athletics (587)
26. Cincinnati Reds (611)


Eligible PIT players: 9 position players + 6 pitchers = 15


Apart from a minor FA acquisition, we have deliberately refrained from doing any deals until we see how we go here. The main move we're looking to make is a big one and we need to ensure we get the right players according to what we need in return.

So we have one main guy we're keen to get here, after that it will all depend on how the ball bounces.

We end up picking the following players:

1. C Don Slaught, 23 (PIT IRL: 1990-95)

• We get our guy and he’ll spend 1982 at AAA toughening up before he steps up into the backup role at the parent club.

2. P Jim Gott, 22 (PIT IRL: 1987-89, 1995)
3. P Cecilio Guante, 21 (PIT IRL: 1982-86)

• Handy enough types who’ll be useful soon enough with most of our RHRP group set to be turned over these next few years.

4. OF Doug Frobel, 22 (PIT IRL: 1982-85)
5. SS Jim Smith, 27 (PIT IRL: 1982)

• AAA depth, although Frobel has some pop and might get a brief look-in.

All selections are eligible players, can’t remember that happening before. A nice enough Draft for us.

[luckymann]

OK, so we get things underway with a bang in the form of this blockbuster-ish deal with the Evil Empire:

I could say this was necessitated by us being left with two expensive 1B-only players in our group. Which it was, but I only ever saw Jason Thompson as one of the key pieces in us snagging the title in either '80 or '81. Neither happened and at age-34 the return on Al Oliver in the trade market was zero so that left Jason as the one to make way.

On the credit side of the ledger book, we get a guy who we'll start this season as our everyday CF in the strong side of a platoon with Hendu. The retention means he costs us next to nothing - $650k for two years that he should repay healthily.

The other two guys are more depth pieces but such is the dire state of the LH side of our BP that Will might very well be part of it next season.

The minor FA signing I mentioned in the Draft post is the return of Tim Foli to the fold, via a 1+1/400 tiddler of a deal.

[luckymann]

After last year's big intake, the players take an ohfer this time around.

• SP Jim O'Toole 71.1 (2nd year)
• RF Rocky Colavito 71.1 (6th year)
• LF Billy Williams 69.6 (1st year)
• SP Whitey Ford 68.9 (9th year)
• SP Juan Marichal 63.6 (3rd year)
• 1B Norm Cash 56.1 (3rd year)
• SS Rico Petrocelli 25.4 (2nd year)
• CF Vada Pinson 20.0 (2nd year)
• 3B Ron Santo 16.8 (2nd year)
• RF Tony Oliva 12.5 (1st year)
• 1B Orlando Cepeda 11.4 (2nd year)
• 1B Ernie Banks 11.4 (7th year)
• 2B Dick McAuliffe 9.6 (2nd year)
• CF Bob Allison 7.9 (7th year)
• CL Jim Brewer 5.4 (1st year)
• SP Chris Short 5.0 (3rd year)
• RP Lindy McDaniel 3.2 (1st year) Dropped
• SP Denny Lemaster 2.5 (1st year) Dropped
• SP Jim Perry 1.1 (1st year) Dropped
• SS Tom Tresh 0.7 (1st year) Dropped
• SP Al Downing 0.7 (1st year) Dropped
• SP Mike Cuellar 0.7 (1st year) Dropped
• CF Cesar Tovar 0.4 (1st year) Dropped
• 3B Pete Ward 0.0 (1st year) Dropped
• RP Charlie Beamon 0.0 (1st year) Dropped

[luckymann]

A rollercoaster season gets a fitting climax as the Cards finally see off the Brewers in a classic seven-game World Series. Cal Ripken starts his consecutive games streak that won’t end until 1998. Rickey Henderson breaks the all-time stolen bases record (as does John Wathan… for a catcher). Gaylord Perry finally gets caught in the act. Larry Parrish belts three grand slams in a week. Twas a big season.


AL EAST / WEST CHAMPIONS: Milwaukee Brewers (95-67) / California Angels (93-69)
NL EAST / WEST CHAMPIONS: St. Louis Cardinals (92-70) / Atlanta Braves (89-73)
ALCS: Brewers 3, Angels 2
NLCS: Cardinals 3, Braves 0
WORLD SERIES: Cardinals 4, Brewers 3

Pittsburgh Pirates: 84-78, 4th in NL East

AL MVP: Robin Yount (Brewers)
NL MVP: Dale Murphy (Braves)

AL CYA: Pete Vuckovich (Brewers)
NL CYA: Steve Carlton (Phillies)

AL RoY: Cal Ripken jr (Orioles)
NL RoY: Steve Sax (Dodgers)


Top Ten Lists (courtesy of thisgreatgame.com)

NL Hitters

1. DALE MURPHY, ATLANTA

• Key Numbers: 162 games, .281 average, 113 runs, 36 home runs, 109 RBIs, 93 walks, 23 stolen bases.
• Playing every game, hitting at least 36 home runs and driving in at least 100 runs for the first of four straight years, Murphy became the first Atlanta Brave to win the NL MVP. (Hank Aaron, in 1957, was the last Brave honored when the team was back in Milwaukee.)

2. MIKE SCHMIDT, PHILADELPHIA

• Key Numbers: .280 average, 108 runs, 26 doubles, 35 home runs, 87 RBIs, 107 walks, 14 stolen bases, .403 on-base percentage, .547 slugging percentage.
• Some Phillies fans might have found disappointment in Schmidt’s HR/RBI totals—which matched those of 1981, during a much shorter season—but he still had the league’s highest OPS (on-base + slugging percentages) at .950.

3. PEDRO GUERRERO, LOS ANGELES

• Key Numbers: .304 average, 87 runs, 175 hits, 27 doubles, 5 triples, 32 home runs, 100 RBIs, 22 stolen bases.
• Guerrero became the first Dodger to go .300-30-100 since Duke Snider and Roy Campanella both did it in 1955 for Brooklyn’s lone champions.

4. LONNIE SMITH, ST. LOUIS

• Key Numbers: .307 average, 120 runs, 182 hits, 35 doubles, 8 triples, 8 home runs, 69 RBIs, 9 hit-by-pitches, 68 stolen bases, 26 caught stealing.
• Ozzie Smith made his St. Louis debut, but it was another Smith, Lonnie, who for now had the better year at the plate, after falling out of favor with Phillies general manager Paul Owens.

5. AL OLIVER, MONTREAL

• Key Numbers: .331 average, 90 runs, 204 hits, 43 doubles, 22 home runs, 109 RBIs.
• Claiming to be 35 pounds lighter, Oliver said hello again to the NL after four years as a DH and skewered opposing pitchers like never before.

6. ANDRE DAWSON, MONTREAL

• Key Numbers: .301 average, 107 runs, 183 hits, 37 doubles, 7 triples, 23 home runs, 83 RBIs, 39 stolen bases.
• The Hawk went back to emphasizing speed over power, nabbing a career-high 39 bags while hitting fewer homers than during the strike-shortened 1981 campaign.

7. LEON DURHAM, CHICAGO

• Key Numbers: .312 average, 84 runs, 33 doubles, 7 triples, 22 home runs, 90 RBIs, 28 stolen bases.
• Twenty-five NL players received at least one MVP vote. Durham, continuing to impress in his second full year, was not one of them.

8. JASON THOMPSON, PITTSBURGH

• Key Numbers: .284 average, 87 runs, 32 doubles, 31 home runs, 101 RBIs, 101 walks.
• While fellow Pirates continued to disappoint (Dave Parker) or just grow too old (Willie Stargell, Bill Robinson), Thompson became the offensive savior with a strong effort that evoked his breakout years with the Tigers in the late 1970s.

9. BILL MADLOCK, PITTSBURGH

• Key Numbers: .319 average, 92 runs, 181 hits, 33 doubles, 19 home runs, 95 RBIs, 18 stolen bases.
• Madlock had one of the more curious box score lines on September 14 against the Cubs with the following line: 2-1-1-6. His one hit was a grand slam, and he knocked in two more runs on sacrifice flies.

10. BILL BUCKNER, CHICAGO

• Key Numbers: .306 average, 657 at-bats, 93 runs, 201 hits, 34 doubles, 5 triples, 15 home runs, 105 RBIs, 15 stolen bases.
• Buckner put aside trade rumors after patching up with manager Lee Elia after they fought in the middle of a game early in 1982. It was his first of two career 200-hit seasons.

AL Hitters

1. ROBIN YOUNT, MILWAUKEE

• Key Numbers: .331 average, 129 runs, 210 hits, 46 doubles, 12 triples, 29 home runs, 114 RBIs, 14 stolen bases, .578 slugging percentage.
• It what was clearly the best season of his Hall-of-Fame career, Yount floored it away from home (.347), against lefties (.357), with runners in scoring position (.375) and after July 1 (.350).

2. HAL MCRAE, KANSAS CITY

• Key Numbers: .308 average, 91 runs, 189 hits, 46 doubles, 8 triples, 27 home runs, 133 RBIs.
• McRae fattened up on his numbers after needed weight loss, knocking in 100-plus runs for the only time in his career.

3. DWIGHT EVANS, BOSTON

• Key Numbers: 162 games, .292 average, 122 runs, 178 hits, 37 doubles, 7 triples, 32 home runs, 98 RBIs, 112 walks, .402 on-base percentage.
• The 11th-year Red Sock followed a surprisingly productive 1981 campaign with yet another, further cementing a late-career blossoming.

4. RICKEY HENDERSON, OAKLAND

• Key Numbers: .267 average, 119 runs, 10 home runs, 51 RBIs, 116 walks, 130 stolen bases, 42 caught stealing.
• After averaging 25 steals a month and breaking Lou Brock’s season record before the end of August, Rickey cooled off and swiped a relatively few seven more bags over the A’s final 30 games.

5. EDDIE MURRAY, BALTIMORE

• Key Numbers: .316 average, 87 runs, 174 hits, 30 doubles, 32 home runs, 110 RBIs, 18 intentional walks.
• Shy but not combative with the press, Murray wore a necklace that spelled out his character: Just Regular. His idea of “regular” was the above numbers.

6. CECIL COOPER, MILWAUKEE

• Key Numbers: .313 average, 104 runs, 205 hits, 38 doubles, 32 home runs, 121 RBIs.
• Cooper maintained good contact hitting—becoming part of the first trio of AL teammates (Robin Yount, Paul Molitor) to each collect 200 hits in the same year since the 1937 Tigers, while turning up the power to a career-high total in home runs.

7. PAUL MOLITOR, MILWAUKEE

• Key Numbers: .302 average, 666 at-bats, 136 runs, 201 hits, 26 doubles, 8 triples, 19 home runs, 71 RBIs, 41 stolen bases.
• Along with Robin Yount—with whom he’d be Brewers in arms for 15 years—Molitor made a quantum leap toward future Hall-of-Fame consideration.

8. TOBY HARRAH, CLEVELAND

• Key Numbers: 162 games, .304 average, 100 runs, 183 hits, 29 doubles, 25 home runs, 78 RBIs, 84 walks, 12 hit-by-pitches, 17 stolen bases.
• The ornery Harrah lived a bittersweet year that started by hitting close to .400 well into June while criticizing the Indians for not improving the team around him.

9. FRED LYNN, CALIFORNIA

• Key Numbers: 138 games, .299 average, 89 runs, 38 doubles, 21 home runs, 86 RBIs.
• After an awful (.131) second half in his first year at Anaheim, Lynn rebounded back to All-Star form, earning his eighth straight Midsummer Classic roster spot.

10. REGGIE JACKSON, CALIFORNIA

• Key Numbers: .275 average, 92 runs, 39 home runs, 101 RBIs, 85 walks, 156 strikeouts.
• A Toronto writer spoiled Robin Yount’s bid for a unanimous AL MVP by giving Jackson, at long last free of George Steinbrenner and Billy Martin, a first-place vote.

NL Pitchers

1. STEVE ROGERS, MONTREAL

• Key Numbers: 2.40 ERA, 19 wins, 8 losses, .704 win percentage, 35 starts, 277 innings, 24 grounded into double plays.
• Once paying his dues with 22 losses for the fledgling 1974 Expos, Rogers finally got some well-deserved payback in 1982.

2. JOE NIEKRO, HOUSTON

• Key Numbers: 2.47 ERA, 17 wins, 12 losses, 35 starts, 5 shutouts, 19 wild pitches, 27 stolen bases allowed.
• The best pitcher amid a sterling and veteran (Nolan Ryan, Don Sutton) Astros staff, the 37-year-old Niekro produced his best ERA within a 22-year career.

3. FERNANDO VALENZUELA, LOS ANGELES

• Key Numbers: 2.87 ERA, 19 wins, 13 losses, 37 starts, 18 complete games, 285 innings.
• A superb sophomore campaign after his storied 1981 breakout, though there was disappointment in that he failed to win either of his last three starts to earn a 20th win.

4. STEVE CARLTON, PHILADELPHIA

• Key Numbers: 3.10 ERA, 23 wins, 11 losses, 38 starts, 19 complete games, 6 shutouts, 295.2 innings, 286 strikeouts, 9 balks, 25 grounded into double plays.
• Carlton continued to amaze and took his fourth and final Cy Young Award, even after handicapping himself with a 0-4 start. Had the rest of the Phillies’ staff pitched as well against the Cardinals as he did (5-1, 2.37 ERA in six starts), the Phillies might have taken the NL East instead.

5. JOAQUIN ANDUJAR, ST. LOUIS

• Key Numbers: 2.47 ERA, 15 wins, 10 losses, 37 starts, 5 shutouts, 265.2 innings, 50 walks.
• One of the reasons the Cardinals did win the NL East was because of Andujar, who in his first full year at St. Louis went 4-0 with a 1.43 ERA against the Phillies in five assignments.

6. JERRY REUSS, LOS ANGELES

• Key Numbers: 3.11 ERA, 18 wins, 11 losses, 37 starts, 254.2 innings, 50 walks.
• Two years after throwing a no-hitter, Reuss completed a pair of one-hitters—with the lone hits each coming in the first inning.

7. DON SUTTON, HOUSTON

• Key Numbers: 3.00 ERA, 13 wins, 8 losses, 27 starts, 195 innings, 25 stolen bases allowed.
• The latter, transitory stage of Sutton’s career was status quo as the 37-year-old ace was dealt to the contending Brewers in late August—helping them with a 4-1 record down the stretch to win the AL East.

8. MARIO SOTO, CINCINNATI

• Key Numbers: 2.79 ERA, 14 wins, 13 losses, 34 starts, 257.2 innings, 274 strikeouts, 24 stolen bases allowed.
• While the Reds were stuck in Baseball 101 (as in 101 losses), Soto showed he was more master than student.

9. GREG MINTON, SAN FRANCISCO

• Key Numbers: 1.83 ERA, 10 wins, 4 losses, 30 saves, 7 blown saves, 78 appearances, 123 innings, 17 intentional walks.
• The Moon Man’s five home runs were the first he’d given up since 1978—but from June 22 on, he didn’t give up much of anything else, going 7-0 with a 1.13 ERA and 19 saves.

10. PHIL NIEKRO, ATLANTA

• Key Numbers: 3.61 ERA, 17 wins, 4 losses, .810 win percentage, 35 starts, 234.1 innings.
• The 43-year-old knuckler was no longer exhausting himself with 300-plus innings like the late 1970s—but he didn’t need to anyway as he was given the best run support (5.4 runs per start) of his career.

AL Pitchers

1. JIM PALMER, BALTIMORE

• Key Numbers: 3.13 ERA, 15 wins, 5 losses, .750 win percentage, 1 save, 36 appearances, 32 starts, 227 innings.
• An initially iffy but ultimately satisfying last hurrah for Palmer, who was demoted to the bullpen early in the year before storming back to win 13 of 14 decisions in a late stretch.

2. DAN QUISENBERRY, KANSAS CITY

• Key Numbers: 2.57 ERA, 9 wins, 7 losses, 35 saves, 9 blown saves, 72 appearances, 136.2 innings, 12 walks.
• A Kent Tekulve disciple with his submarine-style delivery following shoulder problems in college, Quisenberry became the AL’s premier closer.

3. DAVE STIEB, TORONTO

• Key Numbers: 3.25 ERA, 17 wins, 14 losses, 38 starts, 19 complete games, 5 shutouts, 288.1 innings.
• The efforts of Stieb were good enough to help ascend the Blue Jays out of expansionist futility, if not yet out of the AL East cellar.

4. BOB STANLEY, BOSTON

• Key Numbers: 3.10 ERA, 12 wins, 7 losses, 14 saves, 2 blown saves, 48 appearances, 0 starts, 168.1 innings, 24 grounded into double plays.
• The ultra-long reliever; 11 of Stanley’s appearances lasted five innings or longer. Of those games, he won eight and lost only once.

5. MIKE WITT, CALIFORNIA

• Key Numbers: 3.51 ERA, 8 wins, 6 losses, 33 appearances, 26 starts, 179.2 innings, 47 walks, 2 stolen bases allowed, 11 caught stealing/picked off.
• Might as well finish what you started; Witt only won two of his 24 starts in which he didn’t go the distance.

6. DAN PETRY, DETROIT

• Key Numbers: 3.22 ERA, 15 wins, 9 losses, 35 starts, 246 innings, 100 walks, 26 grounded into double plays.
• Though all those Jack Morris wins in the 1980s got abundant praise, it could be argued that the underrated Petry was actually the better Tigers pitcher early in the decade.

7. GEOFF ZAHN, CALIFORNIA

• Key Numbers: 3.73 ERA, 18 wins, 8 losses, .692 win percentage, 34 starts, 229.1 innings, 32 grounded into double plays.
• The 36-year-old southpaw earned much of his three-year, $1.2 million contract with, easily, his best year as an Angel.

8. BILL CAUDILL, SEATTLE

• Key Numbers: 2.35 ERA, 12 wins, 9 losses, 26 saves, 6 blown saves, 70 appearances, 95.2 innings.
• Nicknamed “Inspector” for his penchant of imitating a detective, Caudill solved many a tight game in Seattle’s favor.

9. RICK SUTCLIFFE, CLEVELAND

• Key Numbers: 2.96 ERA, 14 wins, 8 losses, 1 save, 34 appearances, 27 starts, 216 innings, 26 stolen bases allowed, 17 caught stealing/picked off.
• The former Rookie of the Year whose stock with the Dodgers fell so low that he once angrily tore apart manager Tommy Lasorda’s office, Sutcliffe finished a wonderful comeback effort in Cleveland by sending a “How Am I Doin’ Now!” postcard to Los Angeles.

10. LAMARR HOYT, CHICAGO

• Key Numbers: 3.53 ERA, 19 wins, 15 losses, 39 appearances, 32 starts, 239.2 innings, 48 walks, 24 stolen bases allowed.
• Hoyt rose to prominence after being among the first of George Steinbrenner’s minor-league giveaways that netted him veterans (in this case, the Yankees got Bucky Dent in return).

[luckymann]

A fairly quiet offseason, but it’s nice to see one-club guys like Joe Morgan and Reggie Smith stay put. JR Richard also extends his stay at the Astros, Jerry Koosman heads to the Mets and Tom Seaver signs a 1-year cheapie with the astute World Champs.

Here are the transactions of note.

P Bert Blyleven: Cubs, 4 years / $11.8m / AAV $2.96m
OF Oscar Gamble: Dodgers, 4 years / $11.7m / AAV $2.92m
2B Joe Morgan: Reds, 2 years / $4.6m / AAV $2.28m (extension)
P Luis Tiant: Orioles, 3 years / $6.8m / AAV $2.28m
OF Steve Kemp: Red Sox, 7 years / $14.0m / AAV $2m
C Rick Dempsey: White Sox, 5 years / $9.8m / AAV $1.96m
1B Reggie Smith: Red Sox, 2 years / $3.9m / AAV $1.94m (extension)
Greg Luzinski: Yankees, 7 years / $12.2m / AAV $1.74m
P John Montefusco: Dodgers, 1 year / $1.56m
C John Wockenfuss: Twins, 3 years / $4.6m / AAV $1.52m
OF Gorman Thomas: Yankees, 4 years / $6.0m / AAV $1.50m
OF Ken Singleton: Mariners, 4 years / $5.9m / AAV $1.48m
P Burt Hooton: Cardinals, 2 years / $2.9m / AAV $1.44m
P Joaquin Andujar: Giants, 3 years / $4.3m / AAV $1.42m
OF Richie Zisk: Twins, 3 years / $4.3m / AAV $1.42m
1B Andre Thornton: Giants, 5 years / $6.8m / AAV $1.36m
2B Bump Wills: Brewers, 3 years / $3.9m / AAV $1.31m
OF Hal McRae: Orioles, 2 years / $2.6m / AAV $1.3m
1B Mike Hargrove: Orioles, 4 years / $4.9m / AAV $1.22m
OF Lee Mazzilli: Twins, 3 years / $3.4m / AAV $1.14m
OF Jose Cruz: Brewers, 3 years / $2.7m / AAV $0.9m


3B Bill Madlock from Brewers to Padres for OF Lyman Bostock and 3B Clint Hurdle
P Bob Walk from Indians to Twins for OF Johnny Grubb (retaining 90%)
1B Bill Buckner from Brewers to A’s for OF Charlie Moore (retaining 45%) and P Bob Ojeda
C Mike Scioscia and C Rich Gedman from Astros to Braves for 1B John Milner and P Frank Pastore
3B Larry Parrish (retaining 80%) from Astros to Indians for 2B Chico Walker
OF Reid Nichols from White Sox to Expos for OF Dusty Baker
P Shane Rawley from Rangers to A’s for 1B John Mayberry (retaining 50%)
3B Eric Soderholm and SS Scott Fletcher from Cubs to Tigers for C Darrell Porter
2B Paul Runger and OF Mel Hall from Braves to Cardinals for P Jack Morris
P Steve Trout from Royals to Padres for P Don Robinson
OF Dwayne Murphy from Royals to Padres for OF Rick Leach, P Juan Agosto, 2B Shooty Babbitt and 1B Kenneth Foster


We go 10-8 in Spring Training with no major injuries to speak of.

BNN believes the Tigers and White Sox should do it fairly easily this year, with the Reds just getting home in the NL West and madness in our division.

They have us at 86-76 and two back, which seems about right but might be a bit bullish. Then again, I always say that, don't I...

[luckymann]

I honestly have no idea how we’re going to go this season, our standard deviation in this regard is massive. If Dave Kingman can go on a home run tear and the others hold their ground, our chances improve exponentially.

We have picked up a few eligible guys in our annual MiLB trawl including Phil Garner on a minors deal and we might bring him up briefly just to deploy the contract rather than have him walk as he has two OY left. I see Johnny Ray as our longer-term 2B but despite numerous entreaties, KC refuses to part with him. We’ll revisit later.

For OD, it will be Scoop at 1B, Dave Kingman at LF and Sixto at CF, with all other starters as per last season. Hendu will as foregrounded cover the soft side of a CF platoon, with Tony Armas and Dick Davis the other depth OF and Dale Berra - who will start at SS v LHP - the main IF utility with Tim Foli in support.

Larry McWilliams moves into the SP3 slot with John Tudor out of the BP and working spot starts for now. Kent Tekulve remains at AAA with he and Bruce Kison the first guys to be called upon if needed. We’re almost convinced we’ll look to trade Rich Gossage while the going’s still good and that will free up a spot if it happens.