Rusty Priske - Future Hall of Famer

[rpriske]

As of getting big Baines wasn't enough, on New Year's Eve it was announced that the Giants signed Alvin Davis, formerly of the Mariners, to a SIX year deal for $10.5m!

I guess Keith won't be back, which is too bad, but this is big!

[rpriske]

1990

[rpriske]

Pretty big news in Giant-land was that Willie McCovey is going to be inducted into the Hall of Fame!

Phil Niekro and Jim Kaat are also going in!

[rpriske]

The Giants announced a trade with the Astros.

The main pickup was reliever Mark Ross, though was also got a minor leaguer named Troy O'Leary.

Three minor leaguers went the other way. Nobody I really knew.

[rpriske]

We have reported for Spring Training and we have heard something surprising. Apparently Bobby Thigpen might be replacing Mark Davis as our Closer.

Nothing against Bobby, but Mark did a pretty great job!

But the bigger news, for me, is that the team wants me to move to 3B!

I mean, I will play wherever works, but switching me and Tim Naehring?

Do they think he will be better at SS than me? I don't get it.

I need to talk to Jim...

[rpriske]

I talked it through with Jim Lowe and my Agent.

I think this is my last year with the Giants.

I am a Free Agent after this season and them moving me over to 3B while I am racking up the Gold Gloves only makes sense if they have no plans to keep me around. The need Tim Naehring to play, because he is my replacement.

This could hurt my Free Agency, but what would hurt m more would be to not give it my all.

So I am a 3Bman now? Okay. Let's get another gold glove.

And while we are at it, how about another World Series ring.

[rpriske]

SPRING TRAINING

Feb. 26, 1990

The Giants beat the Mets 6-3

I didn't start but came in late and played both 3B and SS. I went 1 for 1 with a single, a walk, and a stolen base.

Feb. 27

We lost 5-3 to the Dodgers.

I started at 3B and went 0 for 3.

Feb. 28

We lost 1-0 to the Expos in 11 innings.

I started at 3B and went 0 for 3.

March 1

We lost, 5-1 to the Padres.

I didn't start but came in and played 3B. I went 1 for 1 with a single and a run scored.

March 2

We beat the Pirates 4-2.

I didn't start but came in and played 3B. I went 1 for 1 with a single, a run scored, and a stolen base.

March 3

We beat the Braves, 4-1

I started at 3B and went 1 for 2 with a single, a walk, a run scored, and a stolen base.

March 4

We thumped the Cubs, 10-1.

I started at 3B and also played SS. I went 2 for 4 with a double, a single, 3 RBI, and a run scored.

March 5

We beat the Astros, 2-0.

I started at 3B and went 0 for 2 with a walk.

March 6

We lost, 3-0, to the Reds.

I started at 3B and went 1 for 4 with a single.

March 7

We beat the Phillies, 2-0.

I started at 3B and went 1 for 2 with a single, a walk, a stolen base, and a caught stealing.

March 8

We beat the Cardinals, 7-0.

I started at 3B and played some SS. I went 2 for 4 with two singles, a run scored, and three stolen bases.

March 9

We beat the Mets, 4-0.

I started at 3B and went 1 for 3 with a single, a walk, and RBI, a stolen base, and a caught stealing.

March 11

We beat the Dodgers 5-3.

I did not start and just got a pinch hitting opportunity. I went 0 for 1.

March 12

We lost to the Expos, 2-1 in 13 innings.

I didn't start but I came in and played SS. I went 1 for 3 with a single and a stolen base.

March 13

We lost, 3-2, to the Padres.

I started at 3B and went 1 for 3 with a single, a walk, and two caught stealings.

March 14

We beat the Pirates, 2-0.

I started at 3B and went 0 for 2 with a walk and a stolen base.

March 15

We beat the Braves, 6-1.

I started at 3B and went 0 for 1 with 3 walks, and RBI, and two stolen bases.

March 16

We lost, 3-2, to the Cubs.

I did not start but I came in and played 3B. I went 0 for 1.

March 17

We beat the Astros, 2-0.

I only pinch hit, and went 0 for 1.

March 18

We lost to the Reds, 3-1.

I played the full game at 3B and went 0 for 4 and made an error.

Then someone joined us in camp...

[rpriske]

Dale Murphy signed with us!

I don't know how a guy like him only got a minor league deal with a Spring invite, but the sooner he is with us in San Francisco, the better!

More Spring stuff...

March 19

We beat the Phillies, 5-3.

I started at 3B and went 2 for 3, with a triple, a double, two RBI, and two runs scored.

March 20

We beat the Cardinals, 2-1

I started at 3B and went 0 for 1, with a walk, a sac fly, an RBI, and a stolen base.

March 21

We lost, 6-5, to the Mets in 13 innings.

I went 0 for 1 in pinch hitting duty.

March 22

MY BIRTHDAY! HAPPY 22nd!

We got thumped, losing 10-1 to the Dodgers.

I went 0 for 1 as a pinch hitter.

March 24

We lost, 2-0, to the Expos.

I played the whole game at 3B and went 0 for 4.

March 25

We beat the Padres, 3-2.

I started at 3B and went 0 for 3.

March 26

We lost, 5-3, to the Pirates.

I started at 3B and went 0 for 2 with a walk.

March 27

We beat the Braves, 5-4.

I started at 3B and went 0 for 2, with a walk, two runs scored, and two stolen bases.

March 28

We lost, 2-1, to the Cubs.

I started at 3B and went 0 for 3.

March 29

We lost, 6-4, to the Astros.

I started at 3B and went 0 for 3 with a run scored and two stolen bases.


We need the Spring schedule 16-14.

After starting hot, I hit .217.

Designated for Assignment and placed on waivers were some familiar names: Scott Service, Bryan HIckerson, Phil Ouellette, Scott Bradley, Jessie Reid, Fran Mullins, and Max Venable.

[rpriske]

Here is our team to start the season...

ROTATION

Frank Viola
Scott Garrett's
Bruce Ruffin
John Burkett
Rick Sutcliffe

BULLPEN

Bobby Thigpen
Mark Williamson
Mark Davis
Mark Ross
Willie Fraser
Mike Antle

BATTING ORDER

RUSTY PRISKE - 3B
Robby Thompson - 2B
Ruben Sierra - CF
Harold Baines - RF
Alvin Davis - 1B
Dale Murphy - LF
Alan Cockrell - C
Tim Naehring - SS

BENCH

Greg Myers - C
Butch Davis - IF/OF
Tom O'Malley - IF
Craig Grebeck - IF
Ryan Klesko - OF

The 'experts' say no repeat. In fact, they have us finishing 84-78, 13 games behind the Dodgers.

No way.

They have me as #3 position player in the league. Ruben is #9 and Frank is the #2 pitcher.

[Isotopecrunch]

Enjoying your thread. You should post your player's stats.

[rpriske]

Thanks! Here 'I' am...

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/ZJJVMGw/Screen-Shot-2022-02-11-at-7-31-15-AM.png" alt="Screen-Shot-2022-02-11-at-7-31-15-AM" border="0">

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/Jtkw3bg/Screen-Shot-2022-02-11-at-7-35-56-AM.png" alt="Screen-Shot-2022-02-11-at-7-35-56-AM" border="0">

<img src="https://i.ibb.co/GJGc28L/Screen-Shot-2022-02-11-at-7-37-33-AM.png" alt="Screen-Shot-2022-02-11-at-7-37-33-AM" border="0">

[rpriske]

Why are those pictures so large?

They aren't that big locally. Grrr...

[rpriske]

April 2nd, 1990

OPENING DAY

We are at home and ready to start our quest to repeat as World Series Champions!

The Giants are pitching Frank Viola (of course).

We are facing the Braves who are going with Tom Glavine.

I have done very well against Glassine, going 17 for 46, or .354, and I even have a home run!

I have to admit, Tim Naehring is playing very well at short. Not as good as ME, but what can you do?

I led off the home side by taking a walk.
Stolen base #1 of many.
I went to 3rd on a groundout by Robby Thompson and scored on a Ruben Sierra single.

Giants lead 1-0

In the 2nd, Alan Cockrell hit out first homer of the season - a solo shot.

Giants lead 2-0

The Braves tied it up in the 3rd with a two run dinger by rookie Steve Martin.

Game tied 2-2

I came up in the 3rd with Frank on 1st. I walked again.
Robby moved us both up with a sac bunt.
Frank scored and I went to 3rd on a sac fly by Ruben.
I was left there.

Giants lead 3-2

I made a great play for the 2nd out in the 4th on a Jeff Blauser grounder.

I led off in the 5th by walking yet again.
Robby replaced me with a fielder's choice.
He ended up scoring on a Harold Baines double.

Giants lead 4-2

I came up next with one out in the 7th. Brian Holton was now pitching. I finally didn't walk... but I grounded out to Martin at short.

Bobby Thigpen made his first appearance as our closer, coming on in the 9th.
His first appearance quickly turned into his first blown save.
Still with on out, Ken Griffey Jr. and Blauser scored on a Johnny Ray double to tie the game.
I dealt with a Martin grounder for the 1st out, but Ray moved to 3rd.
A couple of walks loaded the bases.
Alvin Davis dealt with a Gary Sheffield grounder to get Ray at the plate but then Bobby uncorked a wild pitch which scored Gary Redus.
He got the strikeout to end it, but...

Braves lead 5-4

And the game ended with me standing on deck.

Wow.

Nothing against Bobby, but I sure would have felt better with Mark Davis on the mound there.

There is tinkering going on where no tinkering is needed. I got moved off short and Mark isn't the closer. Did everyone forget that we won the World Series last year?

I went 0 for 1 with three walks, a run scored, and a stolen base.

[rpriske]

April 3rd, 1990

After a disappointing loss on Opening Day, we want to bounce back.

Today the Giants have Scott Garrelts.

The Braves are going with Brian Holman.

I have gone 5 for 21, or .238, against Holman.

I got the first man, Gary Sheffield, taking care of his ground ball.
I also got the 2nd out, off a fielder's choice by Andres Galarraga.
And then... why not? I took care of a Ron Want grounder for the 3rd out.

After all that business, I led off the home side by taking a walk.
Stolen base #2.
I went to 3rd on a groundout by Robby Thompson and scored on a Ruben Sierra sac fly.

Giants lead 1-0

In the top of the 2nd, Jerome Walton scored on a Steve Martin single.

Game tied 1-1

I came up in the 3rd with one out and Scott on 1st. I was hit by a forkball from Holman.
Robby hit into a double play to end it.

In the 5th, Chris Jelic scored on a Sheffield double.
Then Martin and Sheffield scored on a double by Ken Griffey Jr.

Braves lead 4-1

I came up in the 5th with one out, Alan Cockrell on 2nd, and Tim Naehring on 1st. I hit it to Galarraga at 2nd but was safe not eh fielder's choice. Alan went to 3rd.
We were left on.

I made a nice play on a Walton grounder for the 1st out in the 6th.

The bottom of the 6th went... well.

Ruben Sierra - single.
Harold Baines - walk
Alvin Davis - walk
Dale Murphy - GRAND SLAM
Alan - strikeout
Tim - double
Scott - fly out
ME - walk
Robby - walk
Ruben - 2 run single
Harold - RBI double
Alvin - fly out

Giants lead 9-4

With two out and a man on in the 7th, Jim went to Mike Antle.
I took care of a Galarraga grounder to get him the third out.

With one out in the bottom of the 7th, Greg Myers hit a pinch-hit, RBI double!
I came up next, with Tim on 3rd and Greg on 2nd. John Dodd was the pitcher. I struck out.

Giants lead 10-4

Mark Ross came in to pitch for us in the 8th.

In the bottom half, Harold scored on a double by Dale.

Giants lead 11-4

The Braves loaded the bases in the 9th against mark, but did not score and we got our first win.

I went 0 for 2 with two walks, two runs scored, and a stolen base.

[rpriske]

April 4th, 1990

We split the first two games and now we want to grab the series victory.

The Braves are pitching Bob McDonald.

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin.

I have gone only 2 for 12 against McDonald.

I led off for the home side by grounding out to Steve Martin at short.

I took care of a Ken Griffey Jr. bunt attempt for the 2nd out in the 2nd.

I led off the bottom of the 4th, with no hits yet recorded by either team. I didn't change that and grounded out to Jeff Blauser at 2nd.

But do you know who DID change it? Alvin Davis. He tripled and the scored on a Ruben Sierra sac fly.

Giants lead 1-0

Griffey led off the 5th with his team's first hit - a home run.

Game tied 1-1

In the 6th I started a Priske - Thompson - Davis double play to get Jerome Walton and Andres Galarraga.

I led off the bottom of the 6th by reaching on an infield hit.
Stolen base #3.
I was left.

In the 7th, Ron Gant scored on a single by Blauser.
Then Griffey scored on a sac fly by Nelson Santovenia.

Braves lead 3-1

In the 8th, Bruce walked Griffey with the bases loaded.
Then Blauser hit a grand slam.

Mike Antle relieved for us after that.

Braves lead 8-1

I was lifted for a pinch hitter in the 8th, with the game effectively out of reach.

We lost, 9-2.

I went 1 for 3 with a single and a stolen base.

Now we have a travel day as we head down the coast to L.A.

[rpriske]

April 6th, 1990

We are in L.A. to face the team we supposedly need to beat to repeat.

The Dodgers are pitching Dennis Rasmussen.

The Giants have John Burkett.

Rasmussen has spent the last bunch of years with the Yankees, so I have never faced him.

I led off the game by changing that with an infield hit.
I went to 3rd on an Alvin Davis single.
With one out, Harold Baines walked to load them up.
Somehow, we were unable to score.

The Dodgers did a little better in their half when Bill Spiers scored on a Kent Hrbek sac fly.
Then Phil Planter and Tim Wallach scored on a Benito Santiago double.

Dodgers lead 3-0

It got worse in the 2nd when John Wehner scored on a Spiers single.
Spiers scored on a Planter single.

Dodgers lead 5-0

I led off the 3rd with another infield hit.
I scored on a Ruben Sierra double.

Dodgers lead 5-1

In the bottom of the 3rd Santiago scored on a Wehner sac fly.

With two out in the 3rd, Jim finally pulled the plug and replaced John with Mike Antle.

Dodgers lead 6-1

In the 4th they hit us again, as Chili Davis scored on a Santiago single.
Plantier scored on a Gene Larkin sac fly after a dirty collision with Alan Cockrell at the plate.

Doing the when you are pounding us? Not cool.

Dodgers lead 8-1

I led off the 5th, grounding out to Spiers at short.

With one out and a man on in the 6th, Jim went to Mark Davis.
Things didn't get better as Hrbek ended up scoring on a Larkin single.

Dodgers lead 9-1

I was lifted for a pinch hitter in the 8th.

The score did not change.

What the hell.

We got crushed and now we have a bit of beef after that bull play by Plantier.


Big news out of San Diego. Tony Gwynn tore something and will miss four months. You hate to see that from a great player like him.

[rpriske]

April 7th, 1990

We need to bounce back from that beating by the Dodgers.

Today L.A. is bringing Ken Howell (1-0, 2.70).

The Giants have Frank Viola (0-0, 2.25).

I have gone 6 for 21, or .286), against Howell.

I kicked things off by grounding out to Bill Spiers at short.

The Dodgers struck in the 1st, when Kent Hrbek scored on a Chill Davis double.
Then Davis scored on a Candy Maldonado sac fly.

Dodgers lead 2-0

Dale Murphy cut the lead in half with a home run in the 2nd.

Dodgers lead 2-1

L.A. got it right back in the bottom half when Dan Wilson scored on a Howell single.

Dodgers lead 3-1

I came up with one out in the 3rd and dropped one into right for a single.
Stolen base #4.
Alvin Davis walked.
Stolen base #5.
Left on base.

I came up next with two out in the 5th and this time I went to left for a single.
Stolen base #6.
I scored on a single by Alvin.

Dodgers lead 3-2

Once again, they got it right back as Hrbek scored on a Spiers double.

Dodgers lead 4-2

In the 6th Phil Planter scored on a John Wehner single.
After that Willie Fraser and Butch Davis entered the game in a double switch, replacing Frank and Dale.

Dodgers lead 5-2

I came up with two out in the 7th, now facing Steve Farr. I singled through the right side.
I was left on.

With two out and a man on in the 8th, Jim went to Mark Ross. He got the 3rd out.

The game ended with me on deck.

We are now 1-4.

I went 3 for 4 with three singles, a run scored, and three stolen bases. I am hitting .462.
I would rather win a few games.

[rpriske]

April 8th, 1990

Yea re trying to salvage a win in the series today.

The Dodgers are pitching Mike Witt (0-1, 2.25).

The Giants have Scott Garrelts (1-0, 5.40).

I have done well against Witt, going 12 for 30, or .400.

I led things off by dropping one into left for a single.
I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd. I ran into a pitchout.

In the 2nd we got on the board when Robby Thompson scored on a Tim Naehring single.

Giants lead 1-0

I came up with one out in the 3rd and grounded out to Tim Wallach at 3rd.

The Dodgers event up in the 3rd when Bill Spiers scored on a Benito Santiago double.
hHen Santiago scored on a Paul Faries groundout.

Dodgers lead 2-1

I came up in the 5th with two out and Greg Myers on 2nd. I grounded out to Kent Hrbek at 1st.

The 6th went well for us. First Alvin Davis led off with a home run. Then Harold Baines scored on a double by Robby. Then Rob Deer hit a two run dinger.

Giants lead 5-2

The Dodgers came back right away, as Hrbek hit a two run homer in the bottom of the 6th.

Giants lead 5-4

I came up with one out in the 7th. Steve Farr was pitching. I struck out.

After that, though, Alvin scored on a Ruben Sierra single.

Giants lead 6-4

Bobby Thigpen came in to pitch for us in the 8th. Craig Grebeck also replaced Tim on a double switch.
I took care of a Faries grounder for the 1st out.

I came up in the 9th with one out and Greg on 1st. Tom Henke was pitching. I hit it to Hrbek for a fielder's choice.
I was left on.

It was far from done as the bottom of the 9th saw Phil Planter scoring on a Candy Maldonado single.
Bobby left two men on and got out of it, giving us the 6-5 win.

I went 1 for 5 with a single and a caught stealing.

Tomorrow is a travel day as we head to Atlanta.

[rpriske]

April 10th, 1990

We are in Atlanta, trying to turn around our rough start.

The Braves are pitching Ben McDonald (1-0, 2.16).

The Giants have Bruce Ruffin (0-1, 9.82).

I have gone 3 for 15 against McDonald.

I led off the game by grounding out to Steve Martin at short.

In the 2nd, Ron Gant scored on a sac fly by Jeff Blauser, before either team had recorded a hit.

Braves lead 1-0

I came up with two out in the 3rd and worked a walk.
I was thrown out trying to steal 2nd, for the 2nd day in a row.

As if that weren't bad enough, in the bottom of the 3rd I made a fielding error!
I caught an Andres Galarraga pop for the 3rd out, so thankfully the error didn't cost us a run.

I took care of a Jerome Walton grounder for the 2nd out in the bottom of the 5th.

I came up with one out in the 6th and grounded out to Blauser at 2nd.

In the bottom half, Gant scored on a Chris Jelic double.

Braves lead 2-0

Mark Ross relieved for us in the 7th.

I came up in the 8th with two out and Tim Naehring on 3rd. They brought Duane Ward in to face me.
I lined an RBI single to left field.
Alvin followed with a two run homer!

Giants lead 3-2

Bobby Thigpen came in to pitch for us in the 8th.
Bobby dropped his second save in three chances when Blauser hit one over the left field wall.

Game tied 3-3

Bobby let the first runner on in the 9th and Jim went to Mark Williamson.

I came up in the 10th with two out and Tim on 2nd. Norm Charlton was pitching. I was given the intentional walk.
Alvin made them pay for that decision, in the form of a three-run homer!

Giants lead 6-3

Willie Fraser came in to nail down the extra inning save.
I got the first out off a Jelic grounder.
With two out, Gary Redus hit a pinch hit home run.
That was all, though, and we won, 6-4.

I went 1 for 3 with a single, two walks, two runs scored, an RBI, and a caught stealing.

We heard the the team made a trade that evening. Minor leaguers. Scott Cepicky to the Phillies for Rod Nichols.

It has been three years since Nichols was in the Majors.

[rpriske]

April 11th, 1990

Another day in Atlanta - my least liked place to play in the league.

The Braves are pitching Scott Lewis (0-0, 3.86).

The Giants are going with John Burkett (0-1, 20.25).

Lewis only has 15 big league innings under his belt, and none were against us.

I kicked things off by scooting one through the right side for a single.
Stolen base #7.
I went to 3rd on a Ruben Sierra groundout and scored on an infield hit by Harold Baines.

Giants lead 1-0

Andres Galarraga got the run right back with a 1st inning home run.

Game tied 1-1

We got the lead right back in the 2nd when Dale Murphy hit a homer of his own!

Giants lead 2-1

Once again, the lead was short lived as Chris Jelic scored on the bottom of the 2nd, off a Steve Martin double.

Game tied 2-2

I led off the 3rd by taking a walk.
I was replaced with a fielder's choice by Alvin Davis.
Alvin and Harold ended up scoring on a double by Alan Cockrell.

Giants lead 4-2

I led off the 5th by grounding out to Jeff Blauser at 2nd.

I got the last out if the inning off a grounder by Ken Griffey Jr.

I did the same for the last out in the 6th - this time it was a Blauser grounder.

I came up in the 7th with two out and Dale Murphy on 2nd. Mike Bormann was pitching.
RBI single! I went to 2nd on the throw home.
I scored on a single by Alvin.

Giants lead 6-2

With a man on in the 8th, Jim went to Mark Williamson.
I took care of a Ron Gant grounder for the 3rd out.

In the 9th Rob Deer hit a pinch hit home run.
I came up with two out and Brian Holton pitching.
After Rob homered, the very next pitch hit me in the ribs! The hell with that!

I CHARGED THE MOUND!

BENCHES CLEARED!

After all settled out, both Holton and I were ejected.

We ended up winning 7-2.

I went 2 for 3 with a pair of singles, a walk, two runs scored, an RBI, a stolen base, and an ejection.

We both got suspended. For some reason, we got the same amount of time, even though he clearly was the instigator.

Five games.