Impossible Dream???

1971 Final League Pitching Leaders:

AL Wins: Dock Ellis (BOS) 27, Bill Lee (BOS) 24, 2 tied with 20
NL Wins: Don Sutton (LA) 21, Juan Marichal (SF) 20, Wade Blasingame (ATL) 19

AL Losses: Jerry Koosman (CLE) 19, 3 tied with 16
NL Losses: Derek Pritchard (MON), Fritz Peterson (ATL) 22, Joe Gast (SD) 21

AL ERA: Gary Peters (CHW) 2.57, Tommy John (CHW) 2.56, Bill Lee (BOS) 2.72
NL ERA: Don Nottebart (PHI) 2.56, Claude Osteen (LA) 2.62, Bill Singer (LA) 2.86

AL IP's: Catfish Hunter (CAL) 264.2, Jerry Reuss (WAS) 264.2, Tommy John (CHW) 260
NL IP's: Gaylord Perry (SF) 274.2, Mike Cuellar (PHI) 260, Derek Pritchard (MON) 259.2

AL Complete Games: Catfish Hunter (CAL) 8, Jim Palmer (BAL) 7, Tommy John (CHW) 7
NL Complete Games: Juan Marichal (SF) 11, Derek Pritchard (MON) 8, Claude Osteen (LA) 7

AL Shutouts: Tommy John (CHW) 4, 3 tied with 3
NL Shutouts: Juan Marichal (SF) 4, 4 tied with 3

AL Appearances: Gary Jones (NY) 79, Daryl Patterson (DET) 77, Hal Haydel (KC) 77
NL Appearances: Ed Sprague (NY) 81, Marcel Lachemann (LA) 78, Tom Hilgendorf (STL) 78

AL HR's Allowed: Steve Renko (CLE) 30, Dennis Ribant (OAK) 30, Catfish Hunter (CAL) 29
NL HR's Allowed: Joe Gast (SD) 29, Derek Pritchard (MON) 27, Hank Fischer (NY) 27

AL Saves: Sparky Lyle (BOS) 46, Bill Landis (BAL) 25, 2 tied with 21
NL Saves: Danny Frisella (NY) 25, Wayne Granger (STL) 25, 2 tied with 24

AL Strikeouts: Steve Carlton (BOS) 208, Jim Maloney (OAK) 208, Mickey Lolich (DET) 207
NL Strikeouts: Fergie Jenkins (CHI) 210, Tom Seaver (NY) 190, Tug McGraw (NY) 187

Offseason Transactions are next!

First things first, offseason awars were handed out and the results are as follows:

AL Gold Gloves:
P-Tommy John (CHW)
C-Duke Sims (CAL)
1B-Ossie Blanco (CHW)
2B-Bob Johnson (BAL)
3B-Bill Melton (CHW)
SS-Ron Hansen (CHW)
OF-Paul Blair (BAL)
OF-Ron Woods (DET)
OF-Johnny Callison (CAL)


AL Rookie of the Year:
Carlos May (CHW) .317 12-77 42 doubles

AL Cy Young:
Dock Ellis (BOS) 27-4 3.23 256 IP 156 K's

AL MVP:
Reggie Smith (BOS) .322 45-119 144 R 16 steals

NL Gold Gloves:
P-Claude Osteen (LA)
C-Johnny Bench (CIN)
1B-Steve Garvey (LA)
2B-Bill Mazeroski (PIT)
3B-Richie Hebner (PIT)
SS-Gene Alley (STL)
OF-Curt Flood (STL)
OF-Amos Otis (NY)
OF-Hank Aaron (MON)

NL Rookie of the Year:
Richie Zisk (SD) .272 26-100 26 doubles

NL Cy Young:
Gaylord Perry (SF) 18-6 2.88 274.2 IP 184 K's

NL MVP:
Willie Mays (SF) .331 40-128 44 doubles 12 steals

Up next are the offseason trades and free agency (which doesn't exist yet, but so what!!)

Offseason Trade News:

Per usual, the Red Sox were the only active team when it came to trades during the Winter Meetings, as the Montreal Expos came calling and made us an offer that was too tough to pass up. Boston sent P Steve Carlton and P Eddie Solomon north of the border in exchange for 20 year old righthander Bert Blyleven and swingman Reggie Cleveland. Carlton went 19-9 with a 4.07 ERA last year, but he is 27, and while not old, we had the opportunity to pick up the 20 year old Blyleven, who was 5-16 6.14 while pitching way over his head with the Expos last year. He will start the season in AA, while Cleveland becomes Boston's long man/spot starter after going 0-1 with a 3.41 ERA last year in 60 inning.

Offseason Free Agency News:

The Red Sox made just one free agent move this offseason, signing OF Art Shamsky from the Cincinnati Reds to a 2 year deal worth 522,000. He replaces Harmon Killebrew as our power hitting pinch hitter/backup outfielder.

Other offseason signings:
New York (AL) signed Horace Clarke (SS) 4 years/$277,000 per year
New York (AL) signed Frank Howard (LF) 3 years/$284,000 per year
Kansas City signed Ron Santo (3B) 4 years/$400,000 per year

Minnesota signs Andy Kosco (LF) 4 years/$309,000 per year
Philadephia signs Willie Crawford (OF) 4 years/$292,000 per year
Los Angeles signs Duke Sims (C) 4 years/$281,000 per year
San Diego signs Roger Repoz (OF) 4 years/$314,000 per year
Texas signs Ed Brinkman (SS) 4 years/$268,000
New York (NL) signs Tom Haller (C) 3 years/$294,000
St. Louis signs Dalton Jones (IF) 4 years/$271,000
New York signs Mike Andrews (2B) 4 years/$268,000
Texas signs Johnny Edwards (C) 3 years/$263,000
Montreal signs Wes Parker (1B) 4 years/$259,000
Texas signs Bill Mazeroski (2B) 3 years/$284,000
Minnesota signs Woody Woodward (2B) 4 years/$254,000
Detroit signs George Scott (1B) 4 years/$208,000
Philadephia signs Deron Johnson (1B) 3 years/$268,000
Texas signs Tom Tresh (LF) 3 years/$298,000
Cleveland signs Matty Alou (CF) 4 years/$258,000
Pittsburgh signs Frank Robinson (RF) 2 years/$258,000
Kansas City signs Felipe Alou (1B) 2 years/$286,000
San Diego signs Tommy McCraw (1B) 4 years/$257,000
Houston signs Ron Hansen (SS) 3 years/$259,000
Pittsburgh signs Ken Harrelson (1B) 4 years/$259,000
Kansas City signs Glenn Beckert (2B) 4 years/$249,000
Pittsburgh signs Bob Johnson (2B) 3 years?$260,000
Texas signs Dave Leonhard (RP) 3 years/$273,000
New York (NY) signs Pete Mikkelsen (RP) 3 years/$262,000
St. Louis signs Blue Moon Odom (SP) 3 years/$250,000
Minnesota signs Adolpho Phillips (OF) 4 years/$267,000
San Fransisco signs Willie Mays (OF) 1 year/$440,000

Team by Team previews are next!

American League East:

Baltimore Orioles (projected 97-65)
Offense-With the loss of Frank Robinson, Merv Rettemund (.251 1-14) moves into the starting RF position, but this team is still lead by Boog Powell (.302 31-111), Curt Blefary (.256 29-100), and C Manny Sanguillen (.317 4-47).

Pitching-Begins and ends with 3 time Cy Young winner Jim Palmer (20-5 2.96), Dave Roberts (7-6 3.80) and Woodie Fryman (11-14 4.80) are the 2 and 3 starters. Bill Landis (6-2 3.09 25 saves) closes out games.

Boston Red Sox (projected 93-69)
Offense-Lead by reigning MVP Reggie Smith (.322 45-119) and local hero Tony Conigliaro (.309 47-130). Don Baylor (.255 37-99) continues to improve, and Toby Harrah (.271 10-44 22 steals) is an up and coming infielder.

Pitching-Dock Ellis (27-4 3.23) and Bill Lee (24-4 2.72) provide the best 1-2 punch in the majors. Denny McClain (19-11 4.31) will try to rebound after a disappointing first year with the Sox while Roger Moret (12-3 3.29 in AAA) becomes the 4th starter.

Detroit Tigers (projected 87-75)
Offense-The only change to this offense is Boomer Scott (.184 1-8 in 41 AB's w/Los Angeles) becomes the starting 1B, while Willie Horton (.338 34-107) spearheads the offense which includes Dick McAuliffe (.231 19-74) and Bill Freehan (.274 15-70).

Pitching-Mickey Lolich (12-12 4.30) is considered the ace, but Pat Dobson (16-10 2.83) was the far superior pitcher last year. The rotation is filled out by Juan Pizarro (9-11 3.84) and Jim Rooker (5-8 4.96). Fred Gladding (8-5 2.74 17 saves) finishes the games.

New York Yankees (projected 86-76)
Offense-Roy White (.321 21-92) jumpstarts this offense which includes old timer Frank Howard (.280 18-93), Tony Solaita (.260 24-91), and youngster Bobby Grich (.230 10-71).

Pitching-Mel Stottlemyre (11-13 3.36) had a down year last year, but is still the ace of a rotation that includes Jim Bouton (14-13 3.95), Al Downing (7-12 5.90) and newcomers Joe Moeller (10-15 4.04/w Detroit) and Billy O'Dell (14-17 4.20 w/Pittsburgh).

Cleveland Indians (projected 70-92)
Offense-George Foster (.303 39-129) is the only power threat on a team that includes Jack Hiatt (.281 5-56 102 walks), newcomer Matty Alou (.286 5-51 w/Pittsburgh), and John Lowenstein (.308 15-51).

Pitching-Tom Kelley (9-16 4.19) and lefty Jerry Koosman (7-19 6.34) are the best of a mediocre starting staff that also includes Steve Hargan (8-9 3.77) and Mike Thompson (2-5 5.12). Phil Hennigan (3-2 1.29 14 saves) closes out any game that the Indians can get to him.

Milwaukee Brewers (projected 43-119)
Offense-A good young outfield which has Jose Cruz (.201 4-15), Mickey Rivers (.270 0-14 11 steals) and Jose Ortiz (.252 1-7 121 AB's) gives the Brew Crew a nice nucleus. Bob Robertson (.270 10-41) is the only player on the roster with more than 10 HR's last year.

Pitching-Things don't look much better on this side of the ball as they are lead by Dennis Bennett (7-11 5.28) and over their head youngsters Derek Maus (2-14 7-06) and Brian Mogford (4-11 6.35). Dennis Leonard (2-10 6.44) may well end up being the best of the bunch.

The American League West is next!

American League West:

Minnesota Twins (projected 97-65)
Offense-Rod Carew (.316 3-58) is closing in on 1000 hits at age 26. He gets lots of help from Tony Oliva (.348 20-108) and Andy Kosco (.288 24-96). A healthy Graig Nettles (.250 12-54) adds pop to the lineup.

Pitching-Dean Chance (17-10 3.24) had the best year of an underachieving Twins rotation which includes Jim McAndrew (10-13 4.17) and Dave Boswell (12-14 3.59). The bullpen is lead by flamethrower Tom Hall (2-1 4.06 21 saves), and setup man Mike Marshall 3-4 3.58).

Chicago White Sox (projected 95-67)
Offense-This high powered offense is lead by Tommy Agee (.226 36-95), Bill Melton (.283 33-113), the surprising Ossie Blanco (.340 21-87), and Jim Northrup (.284 22-104). Rookie Carlos May (.317 13-77) leads off.

Pitching-5 lefties make up this rotation in Tommy John (20-11 2.56), Gary Peters (14-5 2.37), Jim O'Toole (17-13 3.81). Wilbur Wood (8-9 3.38) and Mike Caldwell (11-2 2.53). Dennis Higgins (3-5 3.48) closes out games.

California Angels (projected 94-68)
Offense-Johnny Callison (.293 22-108) and Rick Reichardt (.301 21-72) lead this below average offense which includes Jim Fregosi (.275 6-48), and Don Mincher (.238 19-74).

Pitching-A teriffic 1 through 4 for the Angels is lead by Catfish Hunter (14-15 3.81), Clyde Wright (13-15 3.30), Andy Messersmith (12-12 3.76) and Marcelino Lopez (8-10 3.74). Tom Burgmeier (6-5 1.95) is the main man out of the bullpen.

Texas Rangers (projected 81-81)
Offense-The former Washington Senators are lead by Bobby Tolan (.310 13-87) and youngster Tom Grieve (.286 16-69). They get help from new acquistions Johnny Edwards (.262 3-51 w/Philadelphia and Cincinnati), Tom Tresh (.223 20-78 w/Houston) and Bill Mazeroski (.277 12-64 w/Pittsburgh).

Pitching-Possibly the best 1 through 5 in baseball is lead by Jerry Reuss (16-15 3.57) and gets help from J.R. Richard (5-16 4.88), Milt Pappas (12-9 3.84), Carl Morton (13-14 3.68) and Joe Coleman (2-3 4.81).

Oakland A's (projected 70-92)
Offense-The 3-4-5 hitters in Oakland are amongst the best in baseball as they are lead by Reggie Jackson (.292 26-68 in 104 games), Rick Monday (.268 15-49 in 81 games) and Sal Bando (.269 32-100) who blossomed with the injuries to Jackson and Monday.

Pitching-A below average rotation is lead by Jim Nash (11-14 4.57) and he gets a bit of help from Chuck Dobson (9-14 3.96), Jim Maloney (11-13 3.79) and Fred Newman (8-7 3.21).

Kansas City Royals (projected 58-104)
Offense-3 Newcomers lead this offense in Ron Santo (.311 29-99 w/Boston), Felipe Alou (.306 13-49 w/Los Angeles) and Glenn Beckert (.280 3-36 w/White Sox). Jim Nettles (.254 21-85) provides a combination of power and speed.

Pitching-Jonah Stickles (9-8 3.71) is the ace if he can stay healthy. He is supported by Peter Gardner (9-15 5.21), Tim Abbott (8-13 5.63), and Vida Blue (4-12 5.99). Steve Busby (10-3 3.31 in AA) is an ace in the waiting.

Up next, the National League East!

National League East:

New York Mets (projected 91-71)
Offense-Amos Otis (.325 30-113) finally blossomed into a full fledged star. He gets plenty of help from Ken Singleton (.276 22-113) and new acquistions Tom Haller (.288 18-73 w/San Fransisco) and Mike Andrews (.285 12-78 w/Atlanta).

Pitching-Tom Seaver (15-15 4.51) and Tug McGraw (13-10 3.62) are the best of a mediocre staff which includes Gary Gentry (12-5 2.85), and Hank Fischer (11-10 4.06). Danny Frisella (2-6 3.88 25 saves) closes down games.

St. Louis Cardinals (projected 90-72)
Offense-Lead by big bats Roberto Clemente (.336 34-139) and Willie Stargell (.288 39-120), but they get plenty of help from Curt Flood (.311 12-77), Tim McCarver (.328 2-25 in 54 games) and Jim Ray Hart (.263 21-88)

Pitching-Pretty good 1-2-3 consisting of Mike Torrez (14-9 3.10), Paul Splittorff (13-8 4.13), and Monty Montgomery (9-5 3.90). Excellent bullpen with Wayne Granger (5-2 2.85 25 saves) and Rich Folkers (6-11 2.69 17 saves with Milwaukee/St. Louis).

Chicago Cubs (projected 86-76)
Offense-Pretty average offense with the exception of Billy Williams (.269 17-71) and Bob Chance (.279 24-88). They should get some help from rookie Mike Schmidt (.371 47-147 in AAA) who ripped up the minors last year.

Pitching-The ace is Fergie Jenkins (15-10 2.99) but the 1A ace is Luis Tiant (12-15 3.65). They get some assistance from Ray Culp (10-15 4.08) and Ken Holtzman (6-6 4.84 in 22 starts).

Philadephia Phillies (projected 77-85)
Offense-Terrific nucleus of Johnny Briggs (.293 17-77), Dick Allen (.322 25-99), new acquistion Willie Crawford (.307 14-60 w/Atlanta and San Diego) and youngster Larry Hisle (.259 7-29 in 75 games).

Pitching-Rick Wise (10-12 3.85) leads this rotation which includes the aging Bob Gibson (12-18 5.09) the consistent Mike Cuellar (12-11 3.74) and the reigning ERA leader Don Nottebart (8-7 2.56).

Montreal Expos (projected 70-92)
Offense-This offense could surprise with a few youngsters in Tom Paciorek (.340 18-82), Doug Rader (.233 15-39) and Joe Ferguson (.244 13-46). They get help from Hank Aaron (.292 19-77) who had a down year in his first year in Montreal and newcomer Wes Parker (.287 4-42 w/Washington and Milwaukee).

Pitching-2 pitchers who threw 250 innings last year lead this staff in Derek Pritchard (10-23 5.09) and Steve Carlton (19-9 4.07 w/Boston). They get help from signee Pete Richert (12-8 3.68 w/Atlanta) and Jim Hannan (12-14 3.80 w/Baltimore).

Pittsburgh Pirates (projected 41-121)
Offense-A few solid performers make this offense above average in Richie Hebner (.307 23-106), Al Oliver (.277 21-83), signee Frank Robinson (.268 17-80 w/Baltimore). Gene Clines (.341 0-43 in 94 games) has a high average potential again.

Pitching-Lead by Steve Blass (8-2 2.60 w/California) who returns to Pittsburgh after spending 3 years on the West Coast. The best of the rest include young Bruce Kison (6-14 5.56), Jim McKee (10-2 2.60 in AA), and the ageless Jim Perry (6-10 3.99).

Up next is the National League West!

Los Angeles Dodgers (projected 104-58)
Offense-Best 1-8 in the National League is lead by Steve Garvey (.302 34-133) and reigning batting champ Jim Lefebvre (.354 26-109). They get plenty of help from Ron Fairly (.301 25-94), young Ron Cey (.323 11-49 in 251 AB's), and Carl Yastrzemski (.292 26-89 w/Milwaukee and Los Angeles)

Pitching-Very solid staff lead by Don Sutton (21-11 3.46) and he is followed by Claude Osteen (16-10 2.62) the aging Don Drysdale (13-5 3.23) and Bill Singer (18-7 2.86). Rookie Rick Reuschel (14-3 2.24 in AAA) fills out the rotation.

San Fransisco Giants (projected 98-64)
Offense-Bobby Bonds (.274 51-130) and Willie Mays (.331 40-128) are the best 1-2 punch in the National League. young power hitter Dave Kingman (.267 21-61 in 319 AB's) takes over for Willie McCovey (.286 22-90) at firstbase. They get set up by Tito Fuentes (.325 8-66) and Dave Cash (.284 0-45).

Pitching-Gaylord Perry (18-6 2.88) is the ace, but gets plenty of help from Juan Marichal (20-9 3.26), Bobby Bolin (16-6 3.47), Dick Bosman (15-3 2.94) and Sam McDowell (11-7 5.14).

Atlanta Braves (projected 92-70)
Offense-Power up and down the lineup headed by Darrell Evans (.298 36-121), Joe Torre (.279 20-72), Rico Carty (.287 27-91), and Norm Cash (.275 26-91 w/Philadephia and Atlanta).

Pitching-Phil Niekro (6-2 1.92 in 11 starts) comes back from injury and will help Wade Blasingame (19-6 3.81), Pat Jarvis (15-9 3.60) and Fritz Peterson (2-22 6.87) who had a horror of a year.

Houston Astros (projected 90-72)
Offense-Jimmy Wynn (.253 36-102) finally blossomed into a true homerun threat. he gets help from Joe Morgan (.231 13-57 48 steals) at the top of the order. Also Bob Watson (.292 18-94), and Rusty Staub (.290 14-95) supply good bats in the middle of the order.

Pitching-Larry Dierker (12-10 3.15) was down a bit last year, but along with Jim Lonborg (8-13 3.65), Don Wilson (13-14 4.37), and Chris Zachary (3-6 4.61 in 14 starts) provide a pretty good rotation.

Cincinnati Reds (projected 70-92)
Offense-excellent offense lead by catalyst Pete Rose (.295 7-63). The power comes from Tony Perez (.318 33-114). Others helping out will be young Johnny Bench (.249 11-54), Hal McRae (.424 in 31 AB's), and Vada Pinson (.270 13-54).

Pitching-a struggling staff has a couple of pretty good arms, lead by Gary Nolan (6-15 5.36), Wayne Simpson (8-11 4.61), and Sammy Ellis (5-11 4.91). Games are closed out by Dan McGinn (5-4 4.91 24 saves).

San Diego Padres (projected 61-101)
Offense-Excellent outfield including ROY Richie Zisk (.272 26-100), Joe Rudi (.230 17-60), and Von Joshua (.368 3-31 in 70 games). Leading off will be new comer Tommy McCraw (.251 20-73 w/Kansas City).

Pitching-Marco Margues (5-19 4.77), and Jim Slaton (8-11 4.80) lead this improving staff which includes Jason Snell (5-13 5.50), Joe Gast (3-21 6.67), and bullpen arm Mike Strahler (3-3 2.47 in 54 games).

Up next is the Opening Day roster for the Boston Red Sox!

The 1972 Defending World Series Champion Boston Red Sox!

Starting Lineup:
1B-Reggie Smith (94)
CF-Joe Lahoud (87/96)
RF-Tony Conigliaro (90/94)
LF-Don Baylor (90/96)
3B-Rico Petrocelli (93)
2B-Toby Harrah (86/93)
C-Ted Simmons (82/94)
SS-Larry Bowa (83/85)

Bench:
OF-Oscar Brown (80/92)
C-Jim French (68)
IF-Joe Foy (76)
1B-Tony Muser (79/81)
IF-Gary Sutherland (73/75)
LF-Art Shamsky (78)

Rotation:
Dock Ellis (93)
Bill Lee (89)
Denny McClain (91/92)
Roger Moret (81/93)

Bullpen:
Closer-Sparky Lyle (90/91)
Setup-Rollie Fingers (89)
Short-Cecil Upshaw (82/86)
Short-Jim York (85/86)
Middle-Ken Brett (75/77)
Long-Reggie Cleveland (81/89)
Mopup-Larry Jaster (81)

Leading off the season for the Sox are 3 games in Oakland against the A's followed by 3 at home against the California Angels.

April 4,5,6 at Oakland A's (0-0)

April 4-Bill Lee gave up a 2 run HR to new A's firstbasemen Joe Hague in the bottom of the 8th, giving the A's a 3-2 victory on Opening Day. (0-1)
W-Chuck Dobson (1-0) L-Bill Lee (0-1) S-Bob Gebhard (1)

April 5-Ted Uhlaender doubled and Bert Campaneris singled him in in the bottom of the 10th inning as the A's won in their last at bat for a 2nd straight day, today 5-4. (0-2)
W-Dave Morehead (1-0) L-Rollie Fingers (0-1)

April 6-A 5 run 5th, capped by a grand slam from Rico Petrocelli helped Boston avoid the sweep, as they held off Oakland 5-4. (1-2)
W-Dock Ellis (1-0) L-Fred Newman (0-1) S-Sparky Lyle (1)

April 7,8,9 v California Angels (2-4)

April 7-In his first start of the year, Art Shamsky hit a 3 run HR, supporting Roger Moret, who pitched 5 innings of 1 run ball as Boston beat the Angels 6-1. (2-2)
W-Roger Moret (1-0) L-Andy Messersmith (0-1)

April 8-For a second straight day, Art Shamsky was the hero, as he hit a pinch hit 2 run HR in the 5th inning capping a wild start to a eventual 9-7 Red Sox win. (3-2)
W-Bill Lee (1-1) L-Ken Tatum (0-1) S-Sparky Lyle (2)

April 9-Johnny Callison hit a 2 out 2 run HR off Denny McClain in the top of the 8th inning, but a 2 run shot by Don Baylor and a solo shot by Rico Petrocelli in the bottom of the inning, gave Boston a 6-3 win and sweep of California. (4-2)
W-Denny McClain (1-0) L-Tom Burgmeier (0-2) S-Sparky Lyle (3)

MLB Milestones:
Billy Williams of the Chicago Cubs scored his 1000th run

Up next for the Sox is 3 games at home against the 8-1 Minnesota Twins followed by 3 on the road against the Kansas City Royals!

April 10,11,12 v Minnesota Twins (8-1)

April 10-Tony Conigliaro hit a grand slam and Don Baylor hit a 3 run shot as the Sox pounded Minnesota pitching for 10 runs in a 10-1 win. (5-2)
W-Dock Ellis (2-0) L-Dave Boswell (0-2)

April 11-Rico Petrocelli capped a 7 run 6th with a grand slam, and Roger Moret pitched 6 innings of 1 run ball, giving Boston an 8-4 win. (6-2)
W-Roger Moret (2-0) L-Dean Chance (1-1)

April 12-Boston completed the sweep of the Twins, as Art Shamsky hit a 2 run HR to tie the game in the 7th, and Rico Petrocelli won it in the 13th with an RBI double, giving the Sox a 4-3 win. (7-2)
W-Sparky Lyle (1-0) L-Jim Roland (1-1)

April 13,14,15 at Kansas City Royals (4-8)

April 13-Ted Simmons tied the game with a solo HR in the top of the 9th inning, and Toby Harrah drove in the lead run with an RBI double as Boston nipped the Royals 2-1. (8-2)
W-Sparky Lyle (2-0) L-Bill Zepp (1-1)

April 14-Ed Hermann hit a pair of solo HR's and Dick Kenworthy hit an inside the park, 3 run HR as Kansas City beat Boston 5-4. (8-3)
W-Gary Neibauer (1-1) L-Rollie Fingers (0-2)

April 15-Don Baylor hit a solo HR and drove in 2 and Joe Lahoud hit his first HR of the year, a solo shot as Boston took two of three from Kansas City, winning 5-4. (9-3)
W-Jim York (1-0) L-Matt LaKosh (0-2) S-Sparky Lyle (4)

Up next for the Sox is a rematch of the ALCS as they host the Chicago White Sox for 3 games followed by 3 more in Fenway against the KC Royals!

April 16,17,18 v Chicago White Sox (8-4)

April 16-Toby Harrah drove in Reggie Smith in the bottom of the 9th inning with an RBI single as Boston beat Chicago 5-4. (10-3)
W-Rollie Fingers (1-2) L-Clay Carroll (1-2)

April 17-Don Baylor hit a 2 out 2 run HR off Dennis Higgins in the bottom of the 9th to give Boston its 2nd straight come from behind win in the 9th inning as the Sox topped Chicago 7-6. (11-3)
W-Cecil Upshaw (1-0) L-Dennis Higgins (0-1)

April 18-The Red Sox completed the sweep of the White Sox as Toby Harrah, Tony Conigliaro, and Ted Simmons each hit homeruns in the 8-7 win. (12-3)
W-Dock Ellis (3-0) L-Gary Peters (1-2) S-Sparky Lyle (5)

April 19,20,21 v Kansas City Royals (7-11)

April 19-Reggie Smith homered and drove in 4, and Don Baylor had 2 hits and 3 RBI as Boston beat the Royals 9-4. (13-3)
W-Reggie Cleveland (1-0) L-Peter Gardner (0-2)

April 20-Tony Conigliaro hit a 3 run HR and Joe Foy added a solo shot as Boston won its 6th in a row, a 8-4 decison over Kansas City. (14-3)
W-Bill Lee (2-1) L-Vida Blue (1-2)

April 21-Entering the bottom of the 9th trailing 7-5, Reggie Smith hit a solo HR, and Art Shamsky did it again with a 2 run HR to send Boston off with a 9-7 win and sweep of the Royals. (15-3)
W-Jim York (2-0) L-Hal Haydel (0-1)

MLB Trade News:

During the series with Kansas City, Boston and the Royals came to terms on a deal that would send prospects each way. Headed to KC is 1B John Mayberry, and coming back to Boston are RF Dwight Evans and 3B George Brett. Mayberry moves right into the Royal lineup at 1B while Evans and Brett are still a couple of years away. All three players were former first round, top 6 selections.

Editors Note: I really struggled with making this deal because I know how easy it is to rip off the AI. I finally decided to make the deal simply because Mayberry is currently rated an 81/96 with 76 contact, 90 power and a 98 eye, not to mention 80 health and above average fielding. He immediately gives KC a threat in their lineup, and while Boston will end up with the best of this deal in the end, they wont see it for a few years.

Up next for Boston is 3 more games at home, playing host to the Oakland A's, followed by 3 on the road against the Chicago White Sox!

What are some of your other noteworthy prospects, aside from Brett? Also wondering how many records Willie Mays is gonna break at that pace...
Keep it coming...best dynasty read here...

Currently at age 40, Willie Mays is hitting .388 with 7 HR's and 16 RBI in 67 AB's, and his career line looks like this:

2937 Games, 11116 AB's, 2149 Runs, 3461 Hits, 584 Doubles, 155 Triples, 743 Homeruns, 2135 RBI, 1390 BB, 1427 K's, 355 steals, .311/.387/.592, 5 MVP's, 10 Gold Gloves, 1 Triple Crown...and obviously still going strong. I could see 800 HR's, 2500 RBI, possibly 4000 hits.

Other main prospects in my system other than Brett (72/94) are:
Dwight Evans (74/95)
Billy Conigliaro (73/94)
Ray Knight (55/89)
Ernie Whitt (62/89)
Jeff Burroughs (63/86)

Ron Guidry (79/93)
Bert Blyleven (68/83)--He plummeted after the 10.29 patch, he needs some work now.
Mike Flanagan (72/90)
Dick Ruthven (71/90)
Dan Quisenberry (66/81)

I can post some minor league stats for them if you so desire!

April 22,23,24 v Oakland A's (11-7)

April 22-Ted Simmons went 3-4 with 5 RBI, and Reggie Smith hit a HR and drove in 4 as Boston hammered Oakland 13-1. (16-4)
W-Dock Ellis (4-0) L-Jerry Stephenson (0-2)

April 23-Jim French went 2-4 with 2 RBI, and Roger Moret improved to 3-0 as Boston beat Oakland 6-3. (17-4)
W-Roger Moret (3-0) L-Bill Stafford (0-1) S-Sparky Lyle (6)

April 24-Sal Bando hit an RBI double in the 1st inning, and Fred Newman pitched a complete game shutout, striking out 4 as the A's blanked Boston 1-0. (17-5)
W-Fred Newman (2-3) L-Reggie Cleveland (1-1)

April 25,26,27 at Chicago White Sox (11-10)

April 25-Ossie Blanco hit a 2 run HR, and Tommy John pitched 7 innings of 3 run ball as the White Sox beat the Red 5-3. (17-6)
W-Clay Carroll (3-2) L-Bill Lee (2-2)

April 26-Don Baylor hit a 3 run HR, and Joe Foy added an RBI single in a 4 run 4th as Denny McClain pitched 7 innings of 1 run baseball as Boston beat Chicago 4-1. (18-6)
W-Denny McClain (2-0) L-Gary Peters (2-3) S-Sparky Lyle (7)

April 27-Jim Northrup went 3-4 with a homer and 3 RBI, and Chicago scored 2 off Rollie Fingers in the bottom of the 8th as Chicago beat Boston 5-4. (18-7)
W-Roger Nelson (1-0) L-Rollie Fingers (1-3)

Around the MLB:

Carl Yastrzemski of the Los Angeles Dodgers drove in his 1000th run

Finishing up April and starting May for the Sox is 3 games in Texas against the Rangers followed by 3 at home vs. the Indians.