Impossible Dream???

1973 World Series Game Four
San Fransisco Giants at Boston Red Sox

Billy Grabarkewitz went 2-4 with 2 homeruns, 6 RBI and 4 runs scored, and every Red Sox player except Dwight Evans drove in at least one run to support Fergie Jenkins who pitched a complete game shutout, striking out 11 and tying the Series at 2 as Boston destroyed the Giants 16-0.

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San Francisco Giants at Boston Red Sox
October 29, 1973

                    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
        Giants (SFG) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0    0  4  0
      Red Sox (BOS) 1 5 2 4 1 0 0 3 x  16 14  0

SAN FRANCISCO        ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb    avg
T. Fuentes (SS)      3  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .306
O. Brown (LF)        4  1  0  0  0  0  1  0    .281
B. Bonds (RF)        4  0  0  0  0  0  2  0    .310
D. Kingman (1B)      4  1  0  0  0  0  1  0    .275
W. McCovey (DH)      4  2  0  0  0  0  1  0    .242
R. Santo (3B)        4  0  0  0  0  0  2  0    .215
M. Jones (CF)        3  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .239
J. Ferguson (C)      3  0  0  0  0  0  2  0    .209
T. Kubiak (2B)        2  0  1  0  0  0  0  0    .289
TOTALS              31  4  1  0  0  0 11  0

  2B:  W. McCovey 2
  HBP:  T. Fuentes

  SAN FRANCISCO  ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
    S. McDowell  1.2  5  3  1  6  6  2  73  4.74
      J. Roland  1.1  2  2  1  2  2  0  34  3.05
        R. Jones  1.2  4  3  1  5  5  1  48  4.95
      J. Sparma  2.2  3  5  0  3  3  1  73  6.75
    B. Reynolds  0.2  0  0  0  0  0  0  5  3.96
          TOTALS  8.0 14 13  3 16 16  4 233

BOSTON              ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb    avg
R. Smith (DH)        3  2  3  3  1  1  0  0    .315
T. Harrah (2B)        5  2  1  1  0  2  2  0    .294
D. Baylor (LF)        4  1  2  0  0  2  0  0    .301
R. Petrocelli (3B)    5  2  1  1  0  2  1  0    .300
T. Simmons (C)        4  1  2  2  0  1  0  0    .327
D. Evans (RF)        3  1  2  3  0  0  1  0    .267
B. Grabarkewitz (1B)  4  2  1  3  2  6  0  0    .254
L. Bowa (SS)          5  2  0  2  0  1  0  0    .260
J. Ortiz (CF)        3  1  1  1  0  1  0  0    .252
TOTALS              36 14 13 16  3 16  4  0

  2B:  L. Bowa 2, R. Smith, R. Petrocelli, T. Simmons, D. Baylor
  HR:  R. Smith, B. Grabarkewitz 2
  GIDP:  T. Harrah

          BOSTON  ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
      F. Jenkins  9.0  4  1  0  0  0 11 132  4.01
          TOTALS  9.0  4  1  0  0  0 11 132

    WP: F. Jenkins
    LP: S. McDowell

    Temperature: 42F
    Wind: 2 MPH (left to right)
    Attendance: 33,379
    Time: 3:26

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1973 World Series Game Five
San Fransisco Giants at Boston Red Sox
Trailing 3-0 entering the 8th inning, Bobby Bonds hit a solo HR and former Sox Ron Santo hit a 2 run shot to tie the game at 3. In the bottom half of the 10th inning Toby Harrah drove in Don Baylor, who had walked and advanced to 3rd on a base hit by Rico Petrocelli to give Boston a 4-3 win and a 3-2 lead in the Series.

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San Francisco Giants at Boston Red Sox
October 30, 1973

                    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
        Giants (SFG) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0  3  8  0
      Red Sox (BOS) 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1  4 11  1

SAN FRANCISCO        ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb    avg
T. Fuentes (SS)      5  1  0  0  0  0  1  0    .306
O. Brown (LF)        5  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .281
B. Bonds (RF)        5  1  0  1  1  1  1  0    .310
D. Kingman (1B)      4  3  1  1  0  0  1  0    .275
W. McCovey (DH)      5  1  0  0  0  0  2  0    .242
R. Santo (3B)        4  1  0  1  1  2  1  0    .215
J. Ferguson (C)      2  0  2  0  0  0  0  0    .209
M. Stanley (CF)      4  0  0  0  0  0  2  0    .271
T. Kubiak (2B)        4  1  0  0  0  0  2  0    .289
TOTALS              38  8  3  3  2  3 10  0

  2B:  D. Kingman
  HR:  R. Santo, B. Bonds
  CS:  T. Fuentes

  SAN FRANCISCO  ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
        G. Perry  6.2  8  1  1  3  3  3 121  3.25
      D. McGinn  2.1  1  2  0  0  0  0  56  3.49
        F. Linzy  0.0  2  1  0  1  1  0  12  3.82
          TOTALS  9.0 11  4  1  4  4  3 189

BOSTON              ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb    avg
R. Smith (CF)        5  3  0  0  0  1  0  0    .315
T. Simmons (C)        4  0  0  0  0  1  0  0    .327
D. Baylor (LF)        4  2  1  1  0  0  0  0    .301
R. Petrocelli (3B)    5  2  0  1  1  1  1  0    .300
T. Harrah (2B)        5  1  0  0  0  1  0  0    .294
G. Brett (1B)        3  0  1  0  0  0  0  0    .270
D. Evans (RF)        3  1  1  1  0  0  0  0    .267
T. Muser (DH)        4  2  0  1  0  0  0  0    .300
B. Grabarkewitz (SS)  3  0  1  0  0  0  2  0    .254
TOTALS              36 11  4  4  1  4  3  0

  2B:  T. Muser
  HR:  R. Petrocelli
  GIDP:  T. Simmons

          BOSTON  ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
      R. Guidry  7.2  8  2  2  3  3  8 133  4.35
      C. Upshaw  2.1  0  1  0  0  0  2  28  3.36
          TOTALS 10.0  8  3  2  3  3 10 161

    WP: C. Upshaw
    LP: F. Linzy

    Temperature: 41F
    Wind: 4 MPH (left to right)
    Attendance: 33,379
    Time: 4:01

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1973 World Series Game Six
Boston Red Sox at San Fransisco Giants

Juan Marichal pitched 8 shutout innings and got RBI's form Joe Ferguson and a pinch hit sac fly from Willie McCovey as the Giants continued the streak of home teams winning every game and forcing a game 7 as the Giants blanked the Sox in Game Six, 2-0.

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Boston Red Sox at San Francisco Giants
November 1, 1973

                    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
      Red Sox (BOS) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0    0  5  0
        Giants (SFG) 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 x    2  5  0

BOSTON              ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb    avg
R. Smith (CF)        4  0  0  0  0  0  2  0    .315
T. Simmons (C)        4  1  0  0  0  0  1  0    .327
D. Baylor (LF)        4  2  0  0  0  0  1  0    .301
R. Petrocelli (3B)    4  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .300
T. Harrah (2B)        2  0  1  0  0  0  0  1    .294
D. Evans (RF)        3  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .267
T. Muser (1B)        3  1  0  0  0  0  0  0    .300
L. Bowa (SS)          3  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .260
R. Cleveland (P)      2  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .000
 G. Brett (P)        1  1  0  0  0  0  0  0    .270
 C. Upshaw (P)        0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
TOTALS              30  5  1  0  0  0  6  1

  2B:  D. Baylor 2
  GIDP:  L. Bowa
  CS:  G. Brett

          BOSTON  ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
    R. Cleveland  7.0  4  1  0  1  1  4  87  4.24
      C. Upshaw  1.0  1  0  0  1  1  0  15  3.36
          TOTALS  8.0  5  1  0  2  2  4 102

SAN FRANCISCO        ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb    avg
T. Fuentes (SS)      4  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .306
O. Brown (LF)        3  1  0  0  0  0  0  0    .281
B. Bonds (RF)        3  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .310
D. Kingman (1B)      2  2  1  1  0  0  0  0    .275
M. Jones (CF)        3  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .239
J. Ferguson (C)      3  1  0  0  0  1  1  0    .209
K. McMullen (3B)      3  1  0  1  0  0  0  0    .259
T. Kubiak (2B)        2  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .289
J. Marichal (P)      2  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .089
 W. McCovey (P)      0  0  0  0  0  1  0  0    .242
 F. Linzy (P)        0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
TOTALS              25  5  1  2  0  2  4  0

  2B:  D. Kingman, K. McMullen, O. Brown
  GIDP:  M. Jones

  SAN FRANCISCO  ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
    J. Marichal  8.0  4  1  0  0  0  6 114  3.13
        F. Linzy  1.0  1  0  0  0  0  0  19  3.82
          TOTALS  9.0  5  1  0  0  0  6 133

    WP: J. Marichal
    LP: R. Cleveland
    SV: F. Linzy

    Temperature: 36F
    Wind: 7 MPH (in from left)
    Attendance: 58,000
    Time: 2:17

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Game Seven is upcoming!

1973 World Series Game Seven
Boston Red Sox at San Fransisco Giants

Boston took a 3-0 lead in the 1st inning on a RBI groundout by Rico Petrocelli and a 2 run double by Dwight Evans. The Giants got one back in the 3rd on a single by former Sox Oscar Brown, but Boston got that run back on a solo HR by Reggie Smith in the 5th to give Boston a 4-1 lead. Oscar Brown then drove in pinch hitter Willie McCovey in the bottom of the 5th to bring San Fransisco back to within two again, at 4-2. In the bottom of the 6th, Joe Ferguson and Tito Fuentes each had RBI singles to tie the game at 4. It stayed tied at 4 until the 8th, when the Sox left Fergie Jenkins in the game too long when Mack Jones hit a leadoff HR to give the Giants a 5-4 lead. Sparky Lyle was brought into the game and promptly gave up a 2nd straight solo HR, this one to Joe Ferguson, which made the score 6-4 entering the 9th. The Red Sox first two hitters went quietly, then Reggie Smith and Toby Harrah went back to back with two outs in the 9th off Bob Reynolds to tie the game at 6. Cecil Upshaw came into the game in the bottom of the 9th inning and gave up a one out single to Dave Kingman, he then walked Ron Santo, and with two outs in the bottom of the 9th, Joe Ferguson came up and delivered an RBI single to right center, giving the Giants a 7-6 victory and their 2nd World Series title in 5 years! Dave Kingman was named World Series MVP, going 11-29 (.379) with 6 RBI.

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Boston Red Sox at San Francisco Giants
November 2, 1973

                    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
      Red Sox (BOS) 3 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2    6 10  1
        Giants (SFG) 0 0 1 0 1 2 0 2 1    7 15  0

BOSTON              ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb    avg
R. Smith (1B)        5  2  0  2  2  2  2  0    .315
T. Harrah (2B)        2  1  3  2  1  1  0  0    .294
D. Baylor (LF)        5  2  0  0  0  0  0  0    .301
R. Petrocelli (3B)    5  1  0  1  0  1  2  0    .300
T. Simmons (C)        4  1  0  1  0  0  0  0    .327
D. Evans (RF)        4  1  0  0  0  2  1  0    .267
G. Brett (CF)        4  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .270
L. Bowa (SS)          4  2  0  0  0  0  0  0    .260
F. Jenkins (P)        3  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .174
 S. Lyle (P)          0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
 B. Grabarkewitz (P)  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .254
 C. Upshaw (P)        0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
TOTALS              37 10  3  6  3  6  7  0

  2B:  D. Evans, D. Baylor 2
  HR:  T. Harrah, R. Smith 2

          BOSTON  ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
      F. Jenkins  7.0 11  0  1  5  5  9 120  4.01
        S. Lyle  1.0  2  0  1  1  1  2  15  3.67
      C. Upshaw  0.2  2  1  0  1  1  0  26  3.36
          TOTALS  8.2 15  1  2  7  7 11 161

SAN FRANCISCO        ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb    avg
T. Fuentes (SS)      5  3  0  0  0  1  1  0    .306
O. Brown (LF)        5  2  0  0  0  2  0  0    .281
B. Bonds (RF)        5  1  0  0  0  0  2  0    .310
D. Kingman (1B)      5  1  0  1  0  0  3  0    .275
R. Santo (3B)        4  1  1  1  0  0  1  0    .215
M. Jones (CF)        5  1  0  1  1  1  0  0    .239
J. Ferguson (C)      5  3  0  2  1  3  0  0    .209
D. Mason (2B)        4  2  0  1  0  0  1  0    .355
S. McDowell (P)      1  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .110
 W. McCovey (P)      1  1  0  1  0  0  0  0    .242
 D. McGinn (P)        1  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .000
 B. Reynolds (P)      1  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .000
TOTALS              42 15  1  7  2  7 11  0

  2B:  R. Santo, T. Fuentes 2, W. McCovey
  HR:  J. Ferguson, M. Jones

  SAN FRANCISCO  ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
    S. McDowell  5.0  5  2  1  4  4  5 106  4.74
      D. McGinn  2.0  1  1  0  0  0  1  34  3.49
    B. Reynolds  2.0  4  0  2  2  2  1  39  3.96
          TOTALS  9.0 10  3  3  6  6  7 179

    WP: B. Reynolds
    LP: C. Upshaw

    Temperature: 37F
    Wind: 3 MPH (in from right)
    Attendance: 58,000
    Time: 3:15

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San Fransisco Giants 1973 World Series Champions!!!

Final League Leaders up next!

Final League Batting Leaders:

AL BAA: Jose Morales (MIN) .337, Willie Horton (DET) .335, Carlos May (CHW) .334
NL BAA: Pete Rose (CIN) .352, Steve Garvey (LA) .338, Darrell Evans (ATL) .337

AL HR's: Don Baylor (BOS) 56, Willie Horton (DET) 39, Rick Monday (OAK) 39, Reggie Jackson (OAK) 39
NL HR's: Darrell Evans (ATL) 63, Bobby Bonds (SF) 47, Dave Kingman (SF) 41

AL RBI's: Willie Horton (DET) 162, Don Baylor (BOS) 146, Paul Blair (BAL) 133
NL RBI's: Darrell Evans 157, Bobby Bonds (SF) 130, Steve Garvey (LA) 127

AL Doubles: Paul Blair (BAL) 48, Tony Oliva (MIN) 48, Bob Christian (DET) 45
NL Doubles: Pete Rose (CIN) 45, Steve Garvey (LA) 40, Amos Otis (NYM) 40, Bob Boone (PHI) 40

AL Triples: George Scott (DET) 11, Reggie Smith (BOS) 8, 5 tied with 7
NL Triples: Bert Campaneris (NYM) 9, 4 tied with 7

AL Hits: Willie Horton (DET) 222, Manny Sanguillen (BAL) 221, Thurmon Munson (NYY) 205
NL Hits: Steve Garvey (LA) 221, Pete Rose (CIN) 200, Tito Fuentes (SF) 199

AL HBP: Rick Reichardt (CAL) 18, Bill Freehan (DET) 12, 3 tied with 8
NL HBP: Gene Tenace (SD) 14, Mike Epstein (STL) 12, Ron Hunt (CHC) 10

AL OBP: Rick Monday (OAK) .435, Carlos May (CHW) .422, John Lowenstein (CLE) .417
NL OBP: Darrell Evans (ATL) .479, Doug Rader (STL) .428, Ron Cey (LA) .418

AL SLG: Rick Monday (OAK) .657, Don Baylor (BOS) .647, Reggie Smith (BOS) .585
NL SLG: Darrell Evans (ATL) .744, Barry Bonds (SF) .604, Ron Cey 9LA) .592

AL OPS: Rick Monday (OAK) 1.092, Don Baylor (BOS) 1.042, John Lowenstein (CLE) .992
NL OPS: Darrell Evans (ATL) 1.223, Bobby Bonds (SF) 1.014, Ron Cey (LA) 1.010

AL Runs: Don Baylor (BOS) 138, Reggie Jackson (OAK) 128, Reggie Smith (BOS) 127
NL Runs: Darrell Evans (ATL) 134, Bobby Bonds (SF) 127, Rod Carew (SD) 125

AL Sac Hits: Dal Maxvill (CHW) 21, Bud Harrelson (BAL) 19, Davey Lopes (MIL) 18
NL Sac Hits: Ron Theobald (PHI) 22, Mark Belanger (MON) 21, Freddie Patek (PIT) 21

AL Steals: Davey Lopes (MIL) 57, Remy Hermoso (CHW) 26, Tommy Harper (CHW) 26
NL Steals: Freddie Patek (PIT) 60, Joe Morgan (HOU) 35, Bobby Bonds (33)

AL Strikeouts: Tommy Agee (CHW) 143, Reggie Jackson (OAK) 133, Roger Freed (BAL) 129
NL Strikeouts: Bobby Bonds (SF) 150, Ken Poulsen (NYM) 126, Doug Rader (STL) 114

AL Walks: Sal Bando (OAK) 106, John Mayberry (KC) 105, John Lowenstein (CLE) 103
NL Walks: Darrell Evans (OAK) 148, Doug Rader (STL) 110, Johnny Briggs (PHI) 109

Pitching Leaders next!

Final Pitching Leaders:

AL Wins: Catfish Hunter (CAL) 22, Jerry Reuss (TEX) 21, Mickey Lolich (DET) 20
NL Wins: Tom Seaver (NYM) 20, 4 tied with 18

AL Losses: Steve Rogers (KC) 23, Vida Blue (KC) 20, Mark Fidrych (TEX) 18
NL Losses: Bruce Houston (PIT) 19, 4 tied with 17

AL ERA: Catfish Hunter (CAL) 2.52, Tommy John (CHW) 2.73, Jerry Reuss (TEX) 3.22
NL ERA: Don Sutton (LA) 2.22, Monty Montgomery (STL) 2.98, Tom Seaver (NYM) 3.02

AL IP: Catfish Hunter (CAL) 296.2, Mel Stottlemyre (NY) 264.0, Mickey Lolich (DET) 258.1
NL IP: Don Sutton (LA) 279.1, Juan Marichal (SF) 275.2, Gaylord Perry (SF) 260.0

AL K's: Mickey Lolich (DET) 220, J.R. Richard (TEX) 205, Catfish Hunter (CAL) 194
NL K's: Gaylord Perry (SF) 224, Sam McDowell (SF) 222, Don Sutton (LA) 216

AL Complete Games: Derek Pritchard (NYY) 12, Catfish Hunter (CAL) 9, Reggie Cleveland (BOS) 8
NL Complete Games: Juan Marichal (SF) 10, Gaylord Perry (SF) 8, Don Sutton (LA) 7

AL Shutouts: Catfish Hunter (CAL) 4, 7 tied with 3
NL Shutouts: Don Sutton (LA) 4, Jack Fisher (NYM) 4, Gaylord Perry (SF) 4

AL Appearances: Gary Lavelle (KC) 71, Paul Lindblad (OAK) 68, Kent Tekulve (TEX) 65
NL Appearances: Bill Landis (CHC) 81, Bob Reynolds (SF) 80, Phil Hennigan (CHC) 76

AL HR's Allowed: Dave McNally (KC) 41, Charles Lemay (CLE) 37, Pat Dobson (DET) 34
NL HR's Allowed: Pete Richert (MON) 35, Larry Jaster (ATL) 30, Luis Tiant (CHC) 29

AL Saves: Sparky Lyle (BOS) 32, Bill Laxton (TEX) 23, Jan Dukes (BAL) 20
NL Saves: Gary Wagner (MON) 27, Tom Hilgendorf (STL) 25, Wayne Granger (CIN) 24

Post Season Awards are upcoming!

1973 Post-Season Awards

AL Gold Gloves:
P-Wayne Garland (BAL)
C-Ted Simmons (BOS)
1B-Reggie Smith (BOS)
2B-Remy Hermoso (CHW)
3B-Billy Grabarkewitz (BOS)
SS-Dwain Anderson (KC)
OF-George Foster (CLE)
OF-Paul Blair (BAL)
OF-Carlos May (CHW)

AL Rookie of the Year
Roger Freed (BAL) .287 20-74

AL Cy Young
Catfish Hunter (CAL) 22-8 2.52 296.2 IP 194 K

AL MVP
Don Baylor (BOS) .301 56-146

NL Gold Gloves
P-Marco Margues (SD)
C-Cliff Johnson (HOU)
1B-Tony Perez (CIN)
2B-Don Money (SD)
3B-Bob Bailey (LA)
SS-Tito Fuentes (SF)
OF-Joe Lahoud (PIT)
OF-Johnny Briggs (PHI)
OF-Amos Otis (NYM)

NL Rookie of the Year
Jim Geddes (ATL) 6-6 3.25 102.1 IP

NL Cy Young
Don Sutton (LA) 18-4 2.22 279.1 IP 216 K

NL MVP
Darrell Evans (ATL) .337 63-157 148 BB

Offseason contracts, free agency and trades next!

Contract News:

Tony Muser .300 2-26 Arbitration--Asked for $94,000/Offered $80,000--Awarded $94,000.
Ken Brett 1-0 3.59 42IP Arbitration--Asked for $88,000/Offered $75,000--Awarded $88,000
Gene Garber 4-1 4.78 40G Arbitration--Asked for $93,000/Offered $80,000--Awarded $80,000

Rollie Fingers decided to test the free agent market as he was tired of being the setup man for Sparky Lyle. Fingers was 5-4 3.40 last year before injuring himself. Bill Lee asked for 3 years, and after watching him rehab, we decided he was never going to be the same pitcher, so we politely declined. Lee was 2-2 4.12 in 6 starts last year. Jim York was buried in the Sox bullpen, so he too decided to test the free agent waters. York was solid last year posting a line of 2-1 2.22 in 34 games. Jim French was released after 7 season as a backup and mentor to Ted Simmons, but his time is past. Art Shamsky lost all bat speed last year as his .192 average showed so he was shown the door as well.

Up next will be the Free Agent news leaguewide!

Free Agent News:

The Sox made 3 moves in the Free Agent market this year. We decided that we didn't need to make any major changes, but we wanted to solidify the bench and bullpen. First, after letting Shamsky go, we needed another left handed bat off the bench so we went out and signed veteran Willie McCovey to a 2 year/ $500,000 deal. McCovey had spent his entire career with the San Fransisco Giants, and relegated to a pinch hitter role, hit .242 7-26 last year in 182 AB's. Next, we needed a backup C to replace Jim French, so we brought back former Sox farmhand Carlton Fisk to a 3 year deal worth $48,000 per year. Fisk spent last season with the Angels AAA team hitting .208 3-19. He won't play much, but should be able to spell Simmons once every couple weeks. The final Free Agent signing was to bring in RP Steve Mingori to a 2 year deal worth $205,000 per year. Mingori was 2-3 5.14 last year between Pittsburgh and Oakland. He moves into Jim York's role as middle relief.

Other Free Agent Signings:
Richie Hebner .323 22-90 (MIL) 5 years/$390,000 per
Ron Fairly .286 25-72 (MIL) 3 years/$308,000 per
Wayne Comer .287 12-46 (CIN) 5 years/$322,000 per
Tony Horton .287 29-109 (PIT) 5 years/$347,000 per
Bob Robertson .268 29-110 (CLE) 3 years/$334,000 per
Dick McAuliffe .282 11-63 (MIL) 3 years/$280,000 per
Norm Cash .265 22-67 (CHC) 2 years/$258,000 per
Marco Margues 13-13 3.79 (SF) 3 years/$317,000 per
Rollie Fingers 5-4 3.40 (SF) 3 years/$270,000 per
Chris Zachary 12-6 3.07 (PHI) 4 years/$295,000 per
Mike Marshall 7-3 2.92 (MIL) 4 years/$270,000 per
Bill Lee 2-2 4.19 (PHI) 3 years/$319,000 per
Jim York 2-1 2.22 (MIL) 3 years/$186,000 per
Gene Stone .277 9-61 (CHC) 4 years/$281,000 per

MLB Offseason Trade News:

The Sox made 3 trades during the offseason, including one major deal. First, the smaller trades. Boston sent backup 1B Tony Muser to the Cleveland Indians in exchange for minor league 1B Chris Chambliss. Chambliss is still a year or so away, but he hit .348 with 17 HR in AAA ball last year. Muser will hit for average as evidenced by his .300 average last year, but very little power. Chambliss is an upgrade there so we made the deal.

Next we traded OF Jose Ortiz to the Cincinnati Reds for prospect Jerry Royster. Ortiz wasn't happy being relegated to 4th/5th outfielder once the Conigliaro brothers came back, so we granted him his wish and sent him to Cincy. Ortiz hit .252 0-39 with 22 steals last year in 313 AB's. Coming back to Boston is the 21 year old Royster who hit .346 1-26 in A ball last year. He will start this year in AA.

The third, and largest deal saw the Sox send SP Reggie Cleveland to the Cincinnati Reds for former Rookie of the Year winner Gary Nolan. Cleveland wasn't happy being the 3rd starter on the Sox, so we sent him to the Reds where he will be the ace. Cleveland was tough to give up after going 15-11 4.24 last year, and leading the team, pitching 257 innings. In return, the Sox get Nolan, who went 8-12 3.63 for the Redlegs last year. He has a history of getting injured, but if he can stay healthy, this will be a very interesting trade to reevaulate in the future.

Other Offseason trade news:
California sends OF Tom Silverio (85/86)
Pittsburgh sends 2B Rennie Stennett (61/90)
Silverio was buried in the minors, and the one place the Pirates are solid is up the middle, so Stennett was expendable. Silverio will start in RF for the Pirates next year.

Montreal sends 2B Juan Bonilla (52/88) P Jim Kerrigan (71/87)
New York (NL) sends 1B Mike Jorgensen (90)
Montreal had been trying to pry Jorgensen, who is stuck behind Ed Kranepool in New York for sometime, and it took two B+ prospects to get it done.

Atlanta sends P Rick Camp (66/84) P Jamie Easterly (71/90)
San Diego sends OF Joe Rudi (85/86)
Atlanta desperately needed some help for Darrell Evans, and that help comes in the form of Joe Rudi who was stuck in AAA last year, hitting .294 14-69.

Baltimore sends P Tippy Martinez (78/93), OF Mike Shannon (75/76), Nate Snell (70/90)
Texas Rangers send OF Tom Grieve (86)
Baltimore needed an OF to outproduce Shannon, and Grieve, who missed all of last year with an injury will fit that bill. It was a heavy price to pay, but the Orioles feel that they aren't that far behind the Sox.

Cincinnati sends IF Phil Gagliano (78)
New York (AL) sends 3B Paul Schall (80)
Schall was stuck in AAA, so the Yankees did the veteran a favor and sent him someplace he can play everyday.

Up next are Offseason retirements!

Retirement News:

There were two major retirements this past offseason. First, Harmon Killebrew retired after 19 seasons. Killebrew played for the Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins (1954-1969), Boston Red Sox (1970-71), and Baltimore Orioles (72-73). He hit 443 career homeruns, which is good for 14th all time. He put up a career line of .265 443-1237. He also had 1607 hits in 1908 career games. He struck out 1335 times while walking 1105. His best year was 1961 when he hit .288 46-122 while posting a 1.011 OPS. Killebrew made 7 All-Star teams in his career (1959,1961,63,64,65,66,67).

The second major retirement was Bob Gibson. Gibson pitched for 14 season with the St. Louis Cardinals (1959-1970) and Philadelphia Phillies (71-73). His final line was 188-157 3.53 ERA. He pitched 3140 innings and struck out 2556. He pitched 152 career complete games and 36 shutouts. His best year was 1966 when he went 21-12 2.44 in 280 innings, he struck out 225 while pitching 20 complete games. Gibson was named MVP of the 1964 World Series, he also won 2 Gold Gloves (1965,66), and made 3 All-Star Games (1962,65,66).

Up next will be the Team by Team 1974 previews!

National League East Previews

New York Mets (projected 93-69)
Offense-Amos Otis (.292 21-90), Ken Singleton (.281 22-102), and Ed Kranepool (.304 25-85) spearhead the offense. Ken Poulsen (.282 13-73 100 R) is the perfect #2 hitter.

Pitching-Tom Seaver (20-9 3.02 253.2 IP) is the ace. He is supported by Gary Gentry (14-6 3.14) and Jack Fisher (18-10 3.17 255.1 IP). Danny Frisella (5-4 2.08 23 saves is the closer.

St. Louis Cardinals (projected 92-70)
Offense-Doug Rader (.322 34-106 122 R) blossomed in his 5th season to lead the offense. Others helping out include Mike Epstein (.269 27-99), Dave Concepcion (.298 7-40 11 steals), and Tom Paciorek (.271 9-57)

Pitching-Mike Torrez (6-2 2.04) returns after missing most of last season with injury. Other members of the staff include Monty Montgomery (12-6 2.98), and former Sox starter Dock Ellis (12-9 5.40 w/Boston and St. Louis). Tom Hilgendorf (6-5 3.14 25 saves) closes down games.

Philadelphia Phillies (projected 88-74)
Offense-Solid offense lead by Dick Allen (.284 34-105), Johnny Briggs (.265 25-82), Bob Boone (.281 18-77), and Joe Lis (.274 27-107). Roberto Clements (.273 10-63) winds down his HOF career as the main bat off the Philly bench.

Pitching-Rick Wise (13-13 4.09 246 IP) and Don Nottebart (15-11 3.46) are the staff leaders. They get help from newcomer Chris Zachary (12-6 3.07 w/Houston), and Jerry Johnson (4-3 1.57 in 56 G).

Chicago Cubs (projected 82-80)
Offense-Lead by youngster Mike Schmidt (.257 27-73). There isn't much else, although Joe Campbell (.296 16-75) and Norm Cash (.265 22-77 w/ Atlanta) provide a bit of pop.

Pitching-Luis Tiant (8-16 4.35) is the staff ace. The rest, Jim Colborn (7-12 4.63), Mike Pazik (10-14 4.77) and former Sox prospects Bert Blyleven (2-8 5.58) and Dick Ruthven (12-4 3.42 in AA) fill out the rotation.

Pittsburgh Pirates (projected 73-89)
Offense-Offense is not the problem for the Pirates who are lead by Joe Lahoud (.262 29-97), Ranger transplant Tony Horton (.287 29-109 w/Texas), and Dick Smith (.337 21-106). Freddie Patek (.310 1-43 60 steals) is the perfect leadoff hitter.

Pitching-Bruce Houston (12-19 4.33) heads the staff, and he gets help from Jim McKee (12-5 3.89), and Gerry Schoen (10-11 4.40). Former Ranger Bill Laxton (6-7 3.46 23 saves w/Texas) is the closer.

Montreal Expos (projected 54-108)
Offense-Very good middle of the order with Mike Jorgensen (.349 11-32 w/New York NL), Hal McRae (.320 9-56), and Lee May (.292 25-97). There isn't much other than that. Earl Williams (.221 18-45) would be solid if he could make a bit more contact.

Pitching-Pete Richert (15-11 3.91) found the fountain of youth in Canada last year. He gets help from Steve Arlin (10-10 4.66), and youngster Bob Forsch (2-7 4.50). Gary Wagner (2-8 2.75 27 saves) lead the NL in saves a year ago.

NL West Previews are next!

National League West Previews

San Fransisco Giants (projected 96-66)
Offense-Two headed monster of Dave Kingman (.275 41-116) and Bobby Bonds (.310 47-130 33 steals) lead the offense of the defending World Champions. Tito Fuentes (306 10-64) has had over 195 hits in 5 of the last 6 seasons.

Pitching-Gaylord Perry (18-9 3.25) and Juan Marichal (17-9 3.13) are one of the best 1-2 combos in the league. Marco Margues (13-13 3.79 w/ San Diego) adds even more depth to the rotation.

Los Angeles Dodgers (projected 93-69)
Offense-3 players account for the majority of the offense. Steve Garvey (.338 38-127), Ron Cey (.317 38-113), and Jim Lefebvre (.290 25-80). Bob Bailey (.300 17-81) plays a solid 3B.

Pitching-Reigning Cy Young winner Don Sutton (18-4 2.22) is the ace. The ageless Don Drysdale (10-9 3.65) keeps going. They get help from young Rick Reuschel (12-13 4.15), and Tom Kelley (8-6 3.70). Jerry Cram (10-6 3.53 5 saves) is the new closer.

Atlanta Braves (projected 82-80)
Offense-Lead by one man, single season homerun champion Darrell Evans (.337 63-157). He gets help from Rico Carty (.334 25-117) and hopefully for the Braves, Joe Rudi (.193 4-31 w/ San Diego) can bounce back after a subpar year.

Pitching-Knuckleballer Phil Niekro (12-12 4.02) is the staff ace. The number 2 is Wade Blasingame (11-13 4.27). Pat Jarvis (8-17 4.42) and Larry Jaster (13-13 4.53) round out the rotation. Steve Simpson (6-5 4.31 22 saves) finishes ballgames for the Braves.

Houston Astros (projected 82-80)
Offense-5 players with between 12-18 homeruns include Bobby Tolan (.324 17-84), Bob Watson (.319 18-80), Cliff Johnson (.225 17-74), Ken Henderson (.221 12-40), and Joe Morgan (.221 12-62 33 steals) is the leadoff hitter.

Pitching-Larry Dierker (14-16 3.48) is the undoubtable ace. He gets help from former Sox pitcher Jim Lonborg (10-9 4.02), Steve Carlton (5-17 5.91 w/ Montreal and Houston), and Tom Griffin (9-6 2.52 110 IP) is the glue in the bullpen.

San Diego Padres (projected 73-89)
Offense-Very solid offense lead by Richie Zisk (.311 35-125), Don Money (/263 25-106), Gene Tenace (.219 29-87), and Al Ferrera (.251 25-62). Von Joshua (.284 13-68) is a big help if he can stay healthy. Rod Carew (.316 6-54 31 steals) had a big first year in the NL.

Pitching-Weak staff is lead by Jim Slaton (13-6 3.67). Others include Milt Pappas (1-1 6.43) in an injury plagued season, rookies Doyle Alexander (16-3 2.38 in AA), and Ben Quinn (0-2 7.88) round out the rotation. Nick Weatherspoon (3-7 5.20 15 saves) will close out games.

Cincinnati Reds (projected 64-98)
Offense-Power comes from 3 sources, Tony Perez (.318 26-92), Johnny Bench (.252 27-93) and Bernie Carbo (.295 21-68). The table setters are Pete Rose (.352 3-64), and newcomer Wayne Comer (.287 12-46 w/ Detroit). Jay Johnstone (.308 13-82) adds pop.

Pitching-Reggie Cleveland (15-11 4.24 w/Boston) is the new ace of the staff. He gets assistance from Ross Grimsley (12-17 4.70), Mel Behney (7-13 6.30), and Wayne Granger (1-5 2.235 24 saves) is one of the few solid arms in the bullpen.

American League West Previews next!

American League West Previews

California Angels (projected 94-68)

Offense-Rick Reichardt (.320 30-108) and Johnny Callison (.279 22-97) lead a weak offense. They get help from alot of slap hitters, like Jarvis Tatum (.315 8-66), Jim Hibbs (.281 6-71), and newcomer Carl Yastrzemski (.254 14-58).

Pitching-Reigning Cy Young winner Catfish Hunter (22-8 2.52) spearheads a very good rotation. Hunter gets help from Marcelino Lopez (19-11 3.84), Andy Messersmith (13-16 3.60) and Clyde Wright (12-7 2.70). Tom Burgmeier (3-3 1.84 16 saves) closes games.

Chicago White Sox (projected 94-68)

Offense-Solid lineup powered by Tommy Agee (.272 32-109), Bill Melton (.294 33-96), Carlos May (.334 15-98), and Walt Williams (.286 13-74). Cotton Nash (.308 14-79) has been a pleasant surprise, and Remy Hermoso (.281 0-36 26 steals) leads off.

Pitching-Powered by 5 lefties, the White Sox rotation is headed by Tommy John (17-7 2.73), Gary Peters (15-15 4.42), Jim O'Toole (12-13 4.63), and Wilbur Wood (15-12 4.19). Mike Caldwell (5-3 5.40) had a down year after going 21-1 3.48 the previous year.

Texas Rangers (projected 90-72)

Offense-Jimmy Wynn (.328 21-70) hopes to stay healthy in second season with the Rangers. He gets help from youngster Cecil Cooper (.345 11-46), Gene Stone (.277 15-78), and veteran Rusty Staub (.305 22-79). Al Gallagher (.325 3-56 105 R) is a fantastic #2 hitter.

Pitching-Rotation is spearheaded by lefty Jerry Reuss (21-10 3.22). Fireballer J.R. Richard (12-13 4.46 205 K) will be a force if he can ever harness his control. Kent Tekulve (7-4 2.74 10 saves) is the closer in a closer by committee bullpen.

Minnesota Twins (projected 81-81)

Offense-Tony Oliva (.322 24-111) is the only hitter that strikes fear into opposing pitchers. He gets help from Andy Kosco (.271 25-95), Adolpho Phillips (.273 18-98), and reigning batting champ Jose Morales (.337 7-78).

Pitching-Below average pitching staff is lead by Jim McAndrew (14-6 3.36), Bobby Bolin (15-11 4.31), and Dean Chance (10-11 5.52), Tom Hall (5-2 1.37 14 saves) is the dominating closer when he gets the chance.

Oakland A's (projected 64-98)
Offense-Revolves around 3 men, Reggie Jackson (.300 39-93), Rick Monday (.317 39-127), and Sal Bando (.296 26-106). Dave Robinson (.256 23-76) provides some pop from the 5th spot in the lineup. Beyond those 4, there isn't much more to speak of.

Pitching-Bad staff is headed by Chuck Dobson (10-10 4.69). Rest of the rotation is filled out by Steve Blass (10-12 5.69), Hank Fischer (9-10 4.14), Fred Newman (9-8 5.46) and former Sox pitcher Jerry Stephenson (4-13 6.30).

Kansas City Royals (projected 63-99)
Offense-Lineup is spearheaded by the improving John Mayberry (.272 26-97), and assisted by newcomer Graig Nettles (.243 23-81 w/Minnesota). Others include Jose Cardenal (.321 12-64 102 R), and youngster Lee Lacy (.284 9-53).

Pitching-Rotation ace is the young Steve Rogers (9-23 6.37) who has been forced into pitching way too early, but is showing signs of improvement. He gets help from veteran Dave McNally (4-20 7.92). Greg Shanahan (2-5 3.76 14 saves) is the closer in the rare instances the Royals are leading at the end of games.

Up next are the American League East Previews!

American League East Previews

Boston Red Sox (projected 93-69)

C-Ted Simmons (.327 29-116)
1B-Willie McCovey (.242 7-26)
2B-Toby Harrah (.294 23-99 22 steals)
3B-George Brett (.270 2-12)
SS-Rico Petrocelli (.300 19-86)
LF-Don Baylor (.301 56-146)
CF-Reggie Smith (.315 33-98)
RF-Dwight Evans (.267 9-54)
DH-Tony Conigliaro (.281 6-13)
SP1-Fergie Jenkins (13-13 4.01 w/ Chicago (NL) and Boston)
SP2-Ron Guidry (16-6 4.35)
SP3-Gary Nolan (8-12 3.63 w/Cincinnati)
Closer-Sparky Lyle (4-7 3.67 31 saves)

Detroit Tigers (projected 92-70)

C-Bill Freehan (.258 30-104)
1B-George Scott (.256 25-78)
2B-Joe Foy (.249 15-72)
3B-Bill Sudakis (.222 17-64)
SS-John Gamble (.271 1-17)
LF-Bob Christian (.314 14-93)
CF-Ron LeFlore (.343 0-13)
RF-Jim Northrup (.296 20-105)
DH-Willie Horton (.335 39-162)
SP1-Mickey Lolich (20-9 3.87)
SP2-Pat Dobson (13-14 4.54)
SP3-Mike Krukow (13-17 5.87)
Closer-Horatio Pina (4-1 1.89 19 saves in AAA)

New York Yankees (projected 87-75)

C-Thurmon Munson (.321 13-75)
1B-Bob Hansen (.332 10-96)
2B-Bobby Grich (.258 12-74)
3B-Jim Ray Hart (.268 20-81)
SS-Jerry Davanon (.260 1-35)
LF-Roy White (.283 17-100)
CF-Al Bumbry (.266 6-34 w/ New York and Pittsburgh)
RF-Al Yates (.303 5-52)
DH-John Young (.304 5-30)
SP1-Mel Stottlemyre (14-14 3.48)
SP2-Derek Pritchard (19-11 4.60)
SP3-Wayne Simpson (12-14 3.99)
Closer-Jack Aker (3-5 3.00 19 saves)

Baltimore Orioles (projected 81-81)

C-Manny Sanguillen (.328 8-84)
1B-Boog Powell (.275 30-105)
2B-Davey Johnson (.320 6-32)
3B-Brooks Robinson (.308 22-88)
SS-Bud Harrelson (.263 0-30)
LF-Curt Blefary (.287 35-98)
CF-Paul Blair (.313 29-133)
RF-Roger Freed (.287 20-74)
DH-Tom Grieve (.335 23-90 in 1972)
SP1-Jim Palmer (15-9 4.19)
SP2-Dave Roberts (19-9 4.31)
SP3-Wayne Garland (17-10 4.67)
Closer-Elias Sosa (3-3 3.56 4 saves)

Cleveland Indians (projected 71-91)

C-Ken Rudolph (.275 1-20)
1B-Bob Robertson (.268 29-110 w/Milwaukee)
2B-Billy Harris (.255 0-35)
3B-Kurt Bevaqua (.263 3-51)
SS-Lou Camilli (.227 1-31)
LF-George Foster (.314 38-128)
CF-Jim Qualls (.273 10-61)
RF-Champ Summers (.256 5-21)
DH-John Lowenstein (.321 36-132)
SP1-John Denny (6-14 7.32)
SP2-Steve Hargan (11-13 5.43)
SP3-Jerry Koosman (15-13 5.64)
Closer-Bob Terlecki (10-8 3.71 10 saves)

Milwaukee Brewers (projected 61-101)

C-Frank Estrada (.308 1-37 w/New York NL)
1B-Craig Kusick (.275 15-72)
2B-John Knox (.313 0-9)
3B-Richie Hebner (.323 23-90 w/Pittsburgh)
SS-Dick McAuliffe (.282 11-63 w/Detroit)
LF-Curtis Brown (.273 7-45 w/Texas)
CF-Mickey Rivers (.288 1-22)
RF-Ron Fairly (.286 25-72 w/Los Angeles)
DH-Jake Brown (.355 0-11)
SP1-Dennis Leonard (11-15 5.18)
SP2-Denny McClain (10-16 5.19)
SP3-Brian Mogford (9-13 6.15)
Closer-Lyle Richardson (3-2 5.47 15 saves)

Leading off 1974 for the Red Sox is 3 games in Texas against the Rangers, followed by 3 at home against the Kansas City Royals.

April 4,5,6 at Texas Rangers (0-0)

April 4-Reggie Smith went 3-6 with a HR and 5 RBI as Boston outslugged the Rangers on Opening Day 10-7. (1-0)
W-Ron Guidry (1-0) L-Charlie Hudson (0-1) S-Sparky Lyle (1)

April 5-Jimmy Wynn went 3-5 with a HR and 4 RBI and Johnny Edwards had 3 hits and 2 RBI as Texas beat Boston 11-6. (1-1)
W-Jesse Jefferson (1-0) L-Fergie Jenkins (0-1) S-Tom Dukes (1)

April 6-Al Oliver hit a pinch hit 3 run HR and Johnny Edwards had 3 RBI for a 2nd straight day as the Rangers continued to pummel Boston pitching, winning 9-4. (1-2)
W-Joe Coleman (1-0) L-Gary Nolan (0-1)

April 7,8,9 v Kansas City Royals (1-5)

April 7-Reggie Smith homered and drove in 3, and Toby Harrah, Dwight Evans and Tony Conigliaro each drove in 2 runs as Boston hammered KC 14-4. (2-2)
W-Jonah Stickles (1-0) L-Wilco Rhodes (0-1)

April 8-Willie McCovey had 2 hits and 3 RBI, and Rico Petrocelli added 2 hits and 2 RBI as Boston beat Kansas City 5-2. (3-2)
W-Ron Guidry (2-0) L-John Montefusco (0-2) S-Sparky Lyle (2)

April 9-Reggie Smith hit a solo HR and Fergie Jenkins pitched a complete game, allowing 3 runs, no walks and striking out 6, as Boston swept the Royals, winning 4-3. (4-2)
W-Fergie Jenkins (1-1) L-Gary Lavelle (0-1)

MLB Milestones:

Roberto Clemente of the Philadephia Phillies scored his 1500th run

Dave Kingman of the San Fransisco Giants went 4-6 with 4 HR and 10 RBI in a 16-3 win over the Chicago Cubs.

MLB Injuries:

Jim Ray Hart of the New York Yankees will miss two months with a broken leg. Hart hit .268 20-81 last year and was injured on Opening Day this year.

Up next for the Sox is 3 games at home against the Texas Rangers followed by 3 games on the road to face the Minnesota Twins.

April 10,11,12 v Texas Rangers (3-3)

April 10-Tony Conigliaro went 2-4 with a HR and 4 RBI, and Gary Nolan picked up his first win as a Red Sox, going 7 innings, allowing just 1 run as Boston beat Texas 8-1. (5-2)
W-Gary Nolan (1-1) L-Joe Coleman (1-1)

April 11-Don Baylor hit a 3 run HR, and the Sox got excellent pitching for a 2nd straight game as Jonah Stickles pitched a complete game, allowing just 1 run, walking 1 and striking out 5 as Boston beat Texas 8-1 for a 2nd straight day. (6-2)
W-Jonah Stickles (2-0) L-Mark Fidrych (0-2)

April 12-Tony Conigliaro hit a 2 run single in a 3 run first, and Ron Guidry made it stand up, as Boston pitching allowed 3 runs in the 27 innings of this series, today with Guidry going 7 innings, allowing 1 run in the 3-1 win over the Rangers. (7-2)
W-Ron Guidry (3-0) L-J.R. Richard (0-1) S-Sparky Lyle (3)

April 13,14,15 at Minnesota Twins (1-8)

April 13-Ted Simmons and Dwight Evans each hit their first homeruns of the year, and for a 4th straight game, Boston allowed just 1 run, today it was Fergie Jenkins hurling the complete game, walking 2 and striking out 9 as Boston beat the Twins 5-1. (8-2)
W-Fergie Jenkins (2-1) L-Jim Merritt (0-1)

April 14-George Brett, Willie McCovey and Ted Simmons each had a pair of RBI, helping Boston beat the Twins 8-5. (9-2)
W-Sparky Lyle (1-0) L-Ray Corbin (0-2)

April 15-Toby Harrah homered and drove in 3, and Jonah Stickles improved to 3-0 on the year as Boston swept the Twins, and won their 8th in a row, with a 7-3 win. (10-2)
W-Jonah Stickles (3-0) L-Dave Boswell (0-3)

Around the MLB:

A couple of teams have gotten off to hot starts this year, lead by the defending Champs, the San Fransisco Giants who currently sit at 12-1. Others include the surprising Cleveland Indians who are 10-2, and the St. Louis Cardinals at 10-5. On the flip side, the Minnesota Twins are 1-12, the worst record in baseball. Other teams struggling thus far are the defending NL East champs, the New York Mets, who are sitting at 4-11. The Houston Astros are in last place, also at 4-11, and the Kansas City Royals continue to struggle, at 4-11.

MLB Trade News:

Montreal sends P Gary Wagner(81/82), P Gary Wheelock (74/77), LF Eric Elliot (61/63)
San Fransisco sends P Gary Arrigo (70/71), P Mike Cuellar (75), P Mike Davison (77/82)
The Expos win this deal as they give up their closer, but receive 2 average starters, and Davison is a good young talent.

MLB Injuries:

Reigning Rookie of the Year, Roger Freed of the Baltimore Orioles will miss the rest of the season after tearing a knee ligament chasing after a fly ball this week. Freed was hitting .182 0-5 in 10 games this year, but hit .287 20-74 in his ROY campaign.

Zoilo Versailles of the Minnesota Twins will be out unitl August with a broken ankle suffered in a collison at 2nd base. The 34 year old Versailles has played 16 years, all with the Twins, and was hitting .188 1-4 on the year.

Kurt Bevaqua of the Cleveland Indians will be out until at least the middle of June with a broken elbow he suffered getting hit by a pitch. Bevaqua was off to the best start of his career, hitting .385 0-8 on the year at the time of the injury. Rookie Buddy Bell will be called up to take his place.

Up next for the Sox is 3 games in Chicago to face the White Sox followed by 3 at home against the punchless Minnesota Twins.

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

April 16-Remy Hermoso went 3-5 with 2 RBI, and Tommy John pitched 7 innings of 2 run ball as Chicago beat Boston 4-2. (10-3)
W-Tommy John (2-1) L-Ron Guidry (3-1) S-Pedro Borbon (1)

April 17-Tony Conigliaro hit a grand slam, and Fergie Jenkins pitched 7 innings, allowing 1 unearned run as Boston hammered Chicago 8-1. (11-3)
W-Fergie Jenkins (3-1) L-Jim O'Toole (1-3)

April 18-On the first pitch Cecil Upshaw threw, Tommy Agee hit a game winning, 2 run HR in the bottom of the 10th giving the White Sox a 7-5 win over the Red. Carlos May also hit a 2 run homerun for the winners. (11-4)
W-Pedro Borbon (1-0) L-Gene Garber (0-1)

April 19,20,21 v Minnesota Twins (2-13)

April 19-Rico Petrocelli and Toby Harrah homered, and Reggie Smith went 3-6 with 3 RBI including the game winner in the bottom of the 10, an RBI single as Boston nipped the Twins 7-6. (12-4)
W-Sparky Lyle (2-0) L-Ray Corbin (0-3)

April 20-Reggie Smith went 2-4 with a HR and 4 RBI and Ron Guidry (in what will be his last start until next year, details to come) pitched 7 1/3 innings, allowing 2 runs and striking out 10, as Boston beat up Minnesota 8-2. (13-4)
W-Ron Guidry (3-1) L-Dave Boswell (0-4)

April 21-Fergie Jenkins continued his hot start, pitching a complete game, allowing 7 hits and 1 run while walking noone and striking out 10, and he got offensive help from Don Baylor who homered twice, and Reggie Smith who hit a 3 run blast as Boston swept the Twins, winning 9-1. (14-4)
W-Fergie Jenkins (4-1) L-Jim McAndrew (0-3)

MLB Trade News:

Minor deal today, as Montreal sends C Paul Casanova (76), P Gary Cuthbert (60/73) to Pittsburgh for P Jim Nelson (72/74).

MLB Milestones:

It was a big week for St. Louis Cardinals 1B Willie Stargell as Stargell both hit his 300th career HR and recorded his 1000th career RBI.

Hank Aaron of the Cincinnati Reds drove in his 2000th run this week. The 40 year old Aaron is currently 3rd all time in both homeruns and RBI.

MLB Injuries:

The big injury is out of Boston as young lefthander Ron Guidry suffered a torn rotator cuff in his last start against the Minnesota Twins and is expected to be out until May of 1975. Guidry had gotten off to a fast start, posting a 4-1 2.72 mark thusfar. He was 16-6 4.34 a year ago.

Up next for the Sox is 3 games on the road against the Oakland Athletics, followed by 3 at home against the California Angels.

April 22,23,24 at Oakland Athletics (6-12)

April 22-Reggie Smith went 2-4 with a HR and 3 RBI and Dwight Evans added a solo HR, helping Gary Nolan, who pitched 7 innings of 2 run ball win his 2nd of the year as Boston beat Oakland 8-2. (15-4)
W-Gary Nolan (2-1) L-Jerry Stephenson (0-3) S-Cecil Upshaw (1)

April 23-Billy Grabarkewitz went 2-2 with 2 runs and 3 RBI, and 3 other Sox drove in a pair of runs as, Jonah Stickles worked his way through 5 2/3 innings of ball, helping Boston outslug Oakland 10-6. (16-4)
W-Jonah Stickles (4-0) L-Fred Newman (0-2)

April 24-Billy Conigliaro did his best Tony C. impression, hitting a mammoth 3 run HR, and Billy Grabarkewitz hit a 2 run shot as Boston swept Oakland, winning 7-4. (17-4)
W-Ken Brett (1-0) L-Danny Fife (0-2) S-Sparky Lyle (4)

April 25,26,27 v California Angels (11-10)

April 25-Rico Petrocelli hit a pair of 2 run HR's and Don Baylor added a 2 run shot, helping Fergie Jenkins win his 5th straight start, a 6-2 thumping of the Angels. (18-4)
W-Fergie Jenkins (5-1) L-Catfish Hunter (0-4)

April 26-Larry Bowa went 3-3 with an RBI and Gary Nolan pitched 6 2/3 innings of solid ball, striking out 8, and 4 other Sox drove in runs as Boston beat California 6-5. (19-4)
W-Gary Nolan (3-1) L-Marcelino Lopez (0-4) S-Sparky Lyle (5)

April 27-Boston completed the sweep of the Angels, and won their 9th in a row as Willie McCovey hit his first HR as a member of the Red Sox, and Jonah Stickles improved to 5-0, throwing 7 innings as Boston won 5-3. (20-4)
W-Jonah Stickles (5-0) L-Andy Messersmith (5-1) S-Sparky Lyle (6)

Around the MLB:

In Ken Brett's last start for the Red Sox, Boston had two sets of brothers starting the game, Ken and George Brett along with Tony and Billy Conigliaro. (I couldn't find anything, I think this was the first time it's happened.)

It appears there is a drastic difference in the quality of the teams in the American League East vs. the West. Currently, the Chicago White Sox lead the AL West with a record of 11-12. The Minnesota Twins are 5-19 and only 6.5 games out. On the flip side, the Baltimore Orioles are the same 6.5 games out in the AL East, but they are 12-9.

MLB Injuries:

Bob Spence of the Chicago White Sox will miss the rest of the season with a broken wrist suffered when he was hit by a pitch. Spence was hitting .208 0-9 as the starting firstbaseman for the Sox. Cotton Nash moves into the starting lineup to replace him.

Ending April and into May for the Sox are 3 games at home against the improving Kansas City Royals, followed by 3 in Minnesota against the Twinkies. League Standings and Team Stats will follow the Royals series.

Complete Team Batting Stats Through April 30-(team leaders in bold)

Code:

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1974 Batting            Team    G  AVG    AB    H  2B  3B  HR  BB    K  SB  CS    R  RBI  SLG  OBP
Baylor, Don              BOS  27  .381  113  43  6  2  7  13  15    0  0  24  24  .655  .457
Petrocelli, Rico          BOS  26  .250  112  28  7  1  5    7  22    0  0  15  18  .464  .289
Harrah, Toby              BOS  27  .241  108  26  4  0  3  14  11    3  0  18  15  .361  .328
Smith, Reggie            BOS  23  .400  100  40  6  1  8  14  18    0  0  27  31  .720  .474
Evans, Dwight            BOS  27  .270  100  27  5  1  2  17  23    0  0  20  12  .400  .378
Simmons, Ted              BOS  24  .323    99  32  10  0  4  13    9    0  0  21  18  .545  .400
Conigliaro, Tony          BOS  19  .253    79  20  6  2  5    9  17    0  0  13  25  .570  .330
Brett, George            BOS  20  .261    69  18  7  1  0    5    7    3  0  14    8  .391  .312
McCovey, Willie          BOS  19  .284    67  19  3  2  2  11  11    0  0    8    9  .478  .392
Grabarkewitz, Billy      BOS  19  .327    55  18  1  1  1  12  11  3   1  11    9  .436  .441
Conigliaro, Billy        BOS  12  .277    47  13  3  0  2    4  11    0  0    8    7  .468  .333
Bowa, Larry              BOS    8  .455    11    5  1  0  0    1    0    1  0    2    2  .545  .500
Fisk, Carlton            BOS    3  .333    9    3  1  0  0    1    1    0  0    1    0  .444  .400
Colavito, Rocky          BOS    1  .000    1    0  0  0  0    0    0    0  0    0    0  .000  .000

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Complete Team Pitching Stats Through April 30-(team leaders in bold)

Code:

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1974 Pitching            Team    IP  ERA    G  GS  W  L  SV    K  BB  R/9
Brett, Ken                BOS  16.0  7.31    3  3  1  0  0    5    6 15.19
Foucault, Steve          BOS    8.0  5.63    6  0  0  0  0    5    2 15.75
Garber, Gene              BOS  10.0  3.60    8  0  0  1  0  10    1  9.00
Guidry, Ron              BOS  36.1  2.72    5  5  4  1  0  29    9 11.64
Jenkins, Fergie          BOS  57.0  2.37    7  7  6   1  0  50    5  9.32
Lyle, Sparky              BOS  12.2  1.42  10  0  2  0  7   12    1  7.11
Mingori, Steve            BOS    7.0  2.57    5  0  0  0  0    3    1  6.43
Nolan, Gary              BOS  38.1  4.70    6  6  3  2  0  28  11 13.62
Stickles, Jonah          BOS  42.2  3.16    6  6  5  0  0  20  12 12.45
Upshaw, Cecil            BOS  13.2  4.61  13   0  1  0  1    9    3 13.17

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League Standings Through April 30-

Before we get to game results, shocking news out of Boston as LF Don Baylor has demanded a trade. Sources have Baylor quoted as saying, "I hit 56 homeruns last year, and Conigliaro (Tony) gets the largest standing ovation on Opening Day. No matter what I do, I am always going to play second fiddle to him and I shouldn't have to. I need to go someplace where I am appreciated."
Boston hasn't said whether or not they will honor Baylor's request. Onto game results:

April 28,29,30 at Kansas City Royals (11-13)

April 28-Don Baylor went 3-4 with a HR and 2 RBI the day of his trade demand, and Willie McCovey hit a tie breaking solo HR as Boston nipped the Royals 8-7. (21-4)
W-Cecil Upshaw (1-0) L-Stan Thomas (1-2) S-Sparky Lyle (7)

April 29-Fergie Jenkins pitched a complete game shutout, scattering 10 hits, and he got help from Toby Harrah, who went 3-5 with 3 RBI as the Sox blanked the Royals 8-0. (22-4)
W-Fergie Jenkins (6-1) L-Dave McNally (1-4)

April 30-Tony Conigliaro hit a pair of solo HR's, and Reggie Smith added a solo HR and kept his average at .400, but it wasn't enough as Tommy Davis hit a 2 run single in the 6th inning as Kansas City avoided the sweep, beating Boston 5-4. (22-5)
W-Wilco Rhodes (4-1) L-Gary Nolan (3-2) S-Gary Lavelle (5)

May 1,2,3 at Minnesota Twins (6-21)

May 1-Toby Harrah went 3-5 with 3 RBI, and Rico Petrocelli hit a solo HR, helping Jonah Stickles win his 6th as Boston beat KC 10-3. (23-5)
W-Jonah Stickles (6-0) L-Bobby Bolin (0-3)

May 2-Ted Simmons went 3-7 with a HR and 4 RBI, and Sparky Lyle pitched 4 scoreless innings, as Toby Harrah drove in the winning run in the 12th inning as Boston edged the Twins 12-11. (24-5)
W-Sparky Lyle (3-0) L-Tom Hall (1-1) S-Gene Garber (1)

May 3-Dwight Evans singled in the game winning run, driving home Larry Bowa, making a winner of Fergie Jenkins, and helping Boston sweep the Twins, winnint 2-1. (25-5)
W-Fergie Jenkins (7-1) L-Jim Strickland (1-1)

MLB Trade News:

Boston has honored the request of Don Baylor (95) and completed a trade with the Cincinnati Reds that sees Boston ship Baylor to Cincy in exchange for 4 minor leaguers. Coming back to Boston are SS Ozzie Smith (66/91) 1B/3B Dan Driessen (74/91), P Vern Ruhle (80/88) and P Rick Mahler (70/92). Smith was the key to this deal as he is now the replacement for Rico Petrocelli when his contract expires in '76. He hit .433 1-28 with a 32/10 BB/K ratio and 18 steals in A ball last year. He starts in AA for Boston. Driessen was hitting .400 2-21 in AA and is seen as a possible 1B starter in a year or two. Ruhle was with the big club this year, going 0-0 5.11 in 12 1/3 innings this year. He will go back to AAA to fine tune his skills, and Mahler is a few years away, but should make a fine addition to the rotation in 3-4 years. Baylor was hitting .381 7-24 for Boston and should make a fine addition to the Reds lineup for years to come.

MLB Injury News:

Johnny Bench of the Cincinnati Reds will be out until September with a torn knee ligament suffered in a home plate collision. Bench was hitting .273 6-17 on the year, and hit 27 HR's last year while driving in 83.

P Jim McKee of the Pittsburgh Pirates will miss the rest of the season with a torn rotator cuff. McKee was 1-2 5.20 this year, but was 12-5 3.89 in a solid campaign last year. He is joined by fellow P Gerry Schoen, who is also out for the year, with a torn ligament in his pushoff knee. Schoen was 1-5 with a 5.26 ERA this year after going 10-11 4.40 last season.

Former Sox starter and current Astro Jim Lonborg will miss the next 3-4 months after revealing he has been suffering from elbow tendonitis. Lonborg was 3-2 3.25 this year and has a career line of 114-97 3.54.

Up next for Boston is 6 games at home, the first three against the KC Royals followed by 3 against the Chicago White Sox.

May 4,5,6 v Kansas City Royals (14-16)

May 4-Gary Nolan pitched a complete game, 3 hit shutout, walking 3 and striking out 8, and Ted Simmons and Larry Bowa each had 2 RBI as Boston blanked KC 6-0. (26-5)
W-Gary Nolan (4-2) L-Wilco Rhodes (4-2)

May 5-Jose Cardenal went 4-6 with an RBI, and Glenn Beckert went 2-4 with 2 RBI as Kansas City outlasted Boston 8-6. (26-6)
W-John Montefusco (4-4) L-Doug Rau (0-1) S-Greg Shanahan (2)

May 6-Steve Rogers pitched a complete game, allowing just 2 unearned runs, striking out 5, and George Hendrick went 2-4 with an RBI as KC took two of three from Boston, winning 3-2. (26-7)
W-Steve Rogers (4-2) L-Ken Brett (1-1)

May 7,8,9 v Chicago White Sox (15-15)

May 7-Reggie Smith hit a pair of 2 run homeruns, and Billy Grabarkewitz added a 3 run shot in support of Fergie Jenkins, who pitched 7 innings, allowing just 1 run as Boston beat up on Chicago 8-1. (27-7)
W-Fergie Jenkins (8-1) L-Gary Peters (4-3)

May 8-In his first start in 6 months, Roger Moret ran into bad defense, allowing 4 runs, but just one earned and striking out 5 over 6 innings, and Chicago got RBI from 3 different players as the White Sox beat the Red 4-3. (27-8)
W-Wilbur Wood (2-5) L-Roger Moret (0-1) S-Cy Acosta (3)

May 9-Bill Melton hit 2 solo HR's, as Chicago pounded out 15 hits against Gary Nolan and the Boston bullpen, giving Chicago two of three in Boston, doubling up the Red Sox 8-4. (27-9)
W-Tommy John (6-1) L-Gary Nolan (4-3)

MLB Trade News:

Cincinnati sends LF Jeff Yurak (56/81)
Baltimore sends 2B Chris Arnold (80)
Eh, edge to Cincinnati as Yurak's peak is still years away.

MLB Retirements:

Earl Battey retired this week after 19 big league seasons. Battey played for the Chicago White Sox (1955-1959), Washington Senators/Minnesota Twins (1960-1968), Oakland (1969-1973). He retires with a career line of .264 155-722. His best year was 1963, when he hit .285 26-84. He won 3 Gold Gloves (1960,61,62) and played on 4 All-Star teams (1962, 63,65,68).

MLB Injury News:

Texas Rangers P Joe Coleman will be lost for the season with a torn ligament in his knee. Coleman 3-3 5.23 this year for the Rangers after going 8-7 5.16 last season. He will be replaced in the rotation by veteran Jim Maloney.

Up next for Boston is 3 games in Kansas City to face the Royals followed by our first series against an AL East opponent as the New York Yankees come to Fenway for a 3 game set.

Started reading from the start a few weeks ago and finally caught up, a great dynasty you got going here. Good job!:)

Overbay: Thanks :) I have enjoyed writing it. It's not as involved as yours, Cat or Petrel's, but I'm just not that imaginative!

May 10,11,12 at Kansas City Royals (17-19)

May 10-Rocky Colavito became just the 10th player in MLB history to hit his 500th career HR. Colavito, starting for the first time this year not only hit homer number 500, he also hit number 501, and Reggie Smith added a 3 run shot as Boston beat up on KC 12-3. (28-9) Boxscore below:

Code:

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Boston Red Sox at Kansas City Royals
May 10, 1974

                    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
      Red Sox (BOS) 1 0 5 1 0 0 2 0 3  12 17  0
        Royals (KCR) 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 1    3  7  1

BOSTON              ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb    avg
R. Smith (CF)        6  3  0  2  1  4  1  0    .389
T. Harrah (2B)        5  2  1  1  0  0  0  0    .252
T. Conigliaro (LF)    3  1  2  0  0  0  0  0    .248
T. Simmons (C)        5  1  0  1  0  0  0  0    .329
R. Colavito (DH)      4  2  0  2  2  3  1  0    .400
D. Evans (RF)        5  4  0  3  1  1  0  0    .299
W. McCovey (1B)      5  2  0  1  0  0  1  0    .275
G. Brett (3B)        4  1  1  1  0  1  1  0    .224
L. Bowa (SS)          5  1  0  1  0  1  1  0    .370
TOTALS              42 17  4 12  4 10  5  0

  2B:  D. Evans (8), W. McCovey (6)
  HR:  R. Smith (11), D. Evans (3), R. Colavito 2 (2)
  GIDP:  T. Simmons 2

          BOSTON  ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
    J. Stickles  8.1  7  1  0  3  3  3 118  3.26
      G. Garber  0.2  0  0  0  0  0  0  7  2.70
          TOTALS  9.0  7  1  0  3  3  3 125

KANSAS CITY          ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb    avg
D. Anderson (SS)      4  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .258
J. Cardenal (CF)      4  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .358
J. Hutto (LF)        4  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .274
J. Mayberry (1B)      4  1  0  1  0  0  0  0    .257
G. Hendrick (DH)      3  1  1  1  0  0  1  0    .287
L. Lacy (RF)          4  3  0  1  0  1  0  0    .303
G. Beckert (2B)      4  1  0  0  0  1  0  0    .330
W. Hriniak (C)        4  1  0  0  0  1  0  0    .200
J. Kenney (3B)        3  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .143
TOTALS              34  7  1  3  0  3  3  0

  2B:  G. Beckert (8), L. Lacy (3)

    KANSAS CITY  ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
      S. Rogers  2.2  8  3  0  6  4  2  79  5.46
      S. Thomas  3.1  5  0  2  3  3  1  51  6.00
      M. LaKosh  2.2  4  1  2  3  3  2  58  5.88
      H. Gilson  0.1  0  0  0  0  0  0  6  2.50
          TOTALS  9.0 17  4  4 12 10  5 194

    WP: J. Stickles (7-0)
    LP: S. Rogers (4-3)

    Temperature: 65F
    Wind: 3 MPH (in from left)
    Attendance: 29,610
    Time: 3:38

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May 11-A 4 run 10th inning, capped by a bases clearing double by Toby Harrah, broke open a 8-8 ballgame, as Boston beat the Royals 12-8 in extra innings. The Red Sox hit 4 homeruns (Reggie Smith, Dwight Evans, Tony Conigliaro and George Brett) (29-9)
W-Gene Garber (1-1) L-Stan Thomas (1-3)

May 12-John Mayberry hit a tie breaking 3 run HR in the 6th inning and 3 Boston errors in the 7th allowed 5 more to score as the Royals avoided the sweep, hammering the Sox 13-6. (29-10)
W-Wilco Rhodes (5-3) L-Roger Moret (0-2)

May 16,17,18 v New York Yankees (25-14)

May 16-George Brett went 2-3 with a HR and 3 RBI and Rocky Colavito hit number 502 to help Fergie Jenkins win his 9th as Boston beat up the Yankees 8-1. (30-10)
W-Fergie Jenkins (9-1) L-Wayne Simpson (6-2)

May 17-Tony Conigliaro and Willie McCovey each hit 3 run homeruns, and Roger Moret won his first game of the year, allowing 3 runs over 7 innings as Boston beat the Yankees again, today 10-3. (31-10)
W-Roger Moret (1-2) L-Chris Nelson (5-1)

May 18-Reggie Smith and Ted Simmons each had 2 hits and a homerun, and Gary Nolan pitched well, throwing 7 inning of 1 run ball as Boston swept New York, extending their AL East lead to 7 games, nipping the Yanks 4-3. (32-10)
W-Gary Nolan (5-3) L-Mel Stottlemyre (5-1) S-Sparky Lyle (8)

MLB Trade News:

Minor deal out of Boston as the Red Sox send minor league pitcher Rich "Goose" Gossage (75/77) to the San Diego Padres in exchange for minor league outfielder Ken Griffey (74/76). Gossage was 2-1 3.32 for the PawSox this year, and Griffey was hitting .301 4-28 in AA.

MLB Retirements:

Gates Brown retired after 11 big league seasons spent with Detroit, Washington, San Fransisco and the Chicago Cubs. Brown hit .269 111-456 for his career in 3083 AB's. His best season was 1971 when he hit .282 17-62.

Don Buford retired this week after being released by the Houston Astros. Buford played for Houston and the Chicago White Sox in his 11 year career. He hit a career .261 85 HR and 442 RBI. He also stole 222 bases with a career high of 51 in 1966.

MLB Injuries:

Couple of big injuries this week, first Mark Fidrych will be lost for the year after being hit by a comebacker and breaking his wrist. "The Bird" was 2-6 4.58 this year after posting a line of 5-19 7.40 in his rookie campaign.

Richie Hebner's first year with the Milwaukee Brewers was a short one as the thirdbaseman will miss the remainder of the year with a torn ligament in his knee. Hebner was hitting .329 8-29 so far in his first year in the AL after hitting .323 22-90 last year for the Pirates.

Bob Watson of the Houston Astros will miss the rest of the season after being hit on the wrist while batting this past week. Watson had been a very consistent over his career, hitting between 11-19 homeruns for 7 straight years.

Up next for the Sox is their first extended road trip as they head to California to face the Angels for 3 games followed by 3 in Milwaukee to face the Brewers.

May 19,20,21 at California Angels (21-20)

May 19-Dwight Evans hit a 2 run HR off Dave Sells in the top of the 10th inning, giving Boston a come from behind 4-2 win over the Angels. The Sox had tied the game in the top of the 9th on an RBI single by Rico Petrocelli. (33-10)
W-Cecil Upshaw (2-0) L-Dave Sells (2-3) S-Sparky Lyle (9)

May 20-The Sox scored 3 runs on 3 solo HR's, 2 by Billy Grabarkewitz and one by Rico Petrocelli, and Fergie Jenkins made it stand up, scattering 10 hits and 1 run over 8 innings, becoming the majors first 10 game winner as Boston beat California 3-1. (34-10)
W-Fergie Jenkins (10-1) L-Clyde Wright (1-5) S-Sparky Lyle (10)

May 21-Chris Chambliss hit a 2 run double, and Roger Moret pitched 6 1/3 solid innings as Boston completed the sweep of the Angels, winning 6-2. Reigning Cy Young winner Catfish Hunter dropped to 0-8 on the year. (35-10)
W-Roger Moret (2-2) L-Catfish Hunter (0-8)

May 22,23,24 at Milwaukee Brewers (18-27)

May 22-Trailing 7-0 after 4 innings, Boston scored 7 times in the next 2 innings to tie the game, and then blew it open in the 8th and 9th with 5 unanswered runs, as Boston outlaster Milwaukee, winning 12-9. Reggie Smith lead the attack with 2 hits and 3 RBI and Chris Chambliss had his best game as a pro with 3 hits and 4 runs scored. (36-10)
W-Steve Mingori (1-0) L-Mike Marshall (0-1) S-Sparky Lyle (11)

May 23-Dwight Evans hit a 2 run HR and Reggie Smith continued his scorching start, hitting his 15th homerun of the year, upping his average to .409, as Boston beat Milwaukee 6-4. (37-10)
W-Steve Foucault (1-0) L-Lyle Richardson (0-3) S-Sparky Lyle (12)

May 24-Fergie Jenkins pitched his 6th complete game of the year, allowing 8 hits and 2 runs while walking none and striking out 5, and Rocky Colavito hit a 2 run HR as Boston beat the Brewers, and won their 9th straight game a 3-2 nailbiter over the Brewers. (38-10)
W-Fergie Jenkins (11-1) L-Brian Mogford (4-5)

MLB Milestones:

Ron Fairly of the Milwaukee Brewers knocked in his 1000th run.

Boog Powell of the Baltimore Orioles scored his 1000th run, and new teammate Vada Pinson stole his 300th base.

Tony Oliva of the Minnesota Twins scored his 1000th run.

Up next for Boston is more road games. First 3 in Detroit to face the 2nd place Tigers, followed by 3 more in Milwaukee against the Brewers.

May 25,26,27 at Detroit Tigers (27-21)

May 25-Willie Horton hit a pair of homeruns, driving in 3 and Bob Christian added a 2 run blast as the Tigers beat up on Gary Nolan and the Red Sox 8-3. (38-11)
W-Pat Dobson (7-4) L-Gary Nolan (5-4)

May 26-George Scott drove in the only run against his former team with an RBI single in the 2nd inning and Dave Lemaczyk made it stand up, as he pitched 7 shutout innings, and Ramon Hernandez finished off the last two as Detroit blanked the Sox 1-0. (38-12)
W-Dave Lemanzcyk (9-2) L-Jonah Stickles (7-1) S-Ramon Hernandez (2)

May 27-Billy Conigliaro hit a 3 run HR in the 10th inning off closer Horatio Pina and drove in 4 runs altogether, and his brother Tony also hit a solo HR as Boston avoided the sweep, doubling up the Tigers, 8-4. (39-12)
W-Sparky Lyle (4-0) L-Horatio Pina (1-1)

May 28,29,30 at Milwaukee Brewers (20-31)

May 28-Ron Fairly hit a sacrifice fly on the first pitch he saw from Cecil Upshaw in the bottom of the 9th inning, helping the Brewers beat the Red Sox 8-7. Dick McAuliffe homered and drove in 4 for Milwaukee in the win. (39-13)
W-Jim York (3-2) L-Steve Mingori (1-1)

May 29-The Red Sox hit 4 solo homeruns on the day, one each from Reggie Smith, Ted Simmons, Tony Conigliaro and Chris Chambliss, and Gary Nolan, along with 2 relievers made it stand up as Boston took the middle game of the series, winning 4-3. (40-13)
W-Gary Nolan (6-4) L-Denny McClain (3-6) S-Sparky Lyle (13)

May 30-Dick McAuliffe homered and drove in 3, and Jake Brown also drove in 3 runs as the Brewers took two of three from Boston, beating up on the Sox, knocking Jonah Stickles out of the game in the 3rd inning, scoring 8 times off him, in the 11-4 win. (40-14)
W-Zack MacFadden (3-2) L-Jonah Stickles (7-2)

Around the MLB:

A couple of contract extentions were signed this past week. First the Red Sox and P Sparky Lyle came to terms on a 5 year extention worth $298,000. Lyle was willing to take a little less to stay with the Sox. This is a nice deal as it locks up Lyle through his peak years, and keeps him in a Sox uniform until he is 34. Lyle has rebounded this year after an off year last season, going 4-0 2.33 with 13 saves in 14 chances.

Baltimore resigned OF Curt Blefary to a 5 year contract extenstion worth almost $400,000 per year. Blefary is the big gun in the Oriole lineup, hitting .244 9-32 this year after posting a line of .287 35-98 with 37 doubles a year ago. The Orioles also resigned Blefary's outfield partner Paul Blair to a 5 year contract worth a total of 2.5 million dollars. Blair is hitting .323 4-33, but really broke out last year, hitting .313 29-133 with 48 doubles.

On that note, Boston will have some interesting decisions to make this year as Ted Simmons, Toby Harrah and Cecil Upshaw are all up for new deals. Simmons is living up to his end of the deal, but Harrah is really struggling this year and I am not sure if it will play a part in whether we choose to resign him.

Ending May and into June for Boston is 6 games at home, finally. The first 3 are against the Oakland A's, and the last 3 are vs. the New York Yankees.

Complete Team Batting Stats Through May 31-(team leaders in bold)

Code:

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1974 Batting            Team    G  AVG    AB    H  2B  3B  HR  BB    K  SB  CS    R  RBI  SLG  OBP
Smith, Reggie            BOS  51  .377  223  84  14  3  18  35  36    3  0  56  56  .709  .461
Simmons, Ted              BOS  51  .350  220  77  17  1  10  16  21    0  0  41  40  .573  .397
Evans, Dwight            BOS  55  .295  207  61  11  2  6  36  40    0  0  44  27  .454  .397
Harrah, Toby              BOS  50  .245  204  50  9  0  3  28  16    6  2  25  31  .333  .335
Petrocelli, Rico          BOS  48  .215  200  43  10  1  8  15  39    0  0  24  26  .395  .267
Conigliaro, Tony          BOS  46  .259  193  50  11  2  11  23  33    0  0  31  44  .508  .335
Brett, George            BOS  46  .274  168  46  13  3  3  16  18    5  1  33  21  .440  .337
McCovey, Willie          BOS  37  .237  139  33  6  2  4  21  28    0  0  15  17  .396  .350
Grabarkewitz, Billy      BOS  32  .330  106  35  4  1  4  18  19    5  1  18  17  .500  .421
Conigliaro, Billy        BOS  26  .298    94  28  10  1  3  11  20    0  0  20  15  .521  .368
Bowa, Larry              BOS  21  .388    49  19  4  0  0    5    4  6   1    8    7  .469  .444
Chambliss, Chris          BOS  10  .341    41  14  1  0  1    2    4    0  0    7    3  .439  .372
Colavito, Rocky          BOS  10  .188    32    6  0  0  4    0    6    0  0    8    8  .563  .182
Fisk, Carlton            BOS    4  .231    13    3  1  0  0    2    3    0  0    1    1  .308  .313
Ruhle, Vern              BOS    5  .000    4    0  0  0  0    0    2    0  0    0    0  .000  .000

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Complete Team Pitching Stats Through May 31-(team leaders in bold)

Code:

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1974 Pitching            Team    IP  ERA    G  GS  W  L  SV    K  BB  R/9
Jenkins, Fergie          BOS  109.1  2.55  14  14  11  1  0  87  20 10.54
Lyle, Sparky              BOS  28.0  2.57  20  0  4  0  14   24    5  8.68
Guidry, Ron              BOS  36.1  2.72    5  5  4  1  0  29    9 11.64
Upshaw, Cecil            BOS  30.0  3.30  24  0  2  0  1  18    8 10.80
Mingori, Steve            BOS  23.0  3.52  15  0  2  1  0  17  11 12.91
Garber, Gene              BOS  25.1  3.55  19  0  1  1  1  16    8 10.66
Foucault, Steve          BOS  20.0  3.60  16  0  1  0  0  14    5 13.05
Stickles, Jonah          BOS  83.0  3.80  12  12  7  2  0  43  24 12.58
Moret, Roger              BOS  24.2  5.11    4  4  2  2  0  15    9 14.59
Ruhle, Vern              BOS  12.1  5.11    5  0  0  0  1    6    5 14.59
Nolan, Gary              BOS  75.0  5.28  12  12  6  4  0  54  26 13.92
Brett, Ken                BOS  34.1  7.60    8  7  1  1  0  19  18 19.40
Rau, Doug                BOS    6.1  8.53    2  1  0  1  0    1    8 25.58

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League Standings Through May 31- (Notice the Cubs are in 1st Place!)

May 31, June 1,2 v Oakland Athletics (20-31)

May 31-Toby Harrah, Dwight Evans and Tony Conigliaro each drove in a pair of runs, and Reggie Smith hit a solo HR as Boston outslugged Oakland 9-8 in a game that featured 26 hits. (41-14)
W-Steve Mingori (2-1) L-Bob Gebhard (1-2) S-Sparky Lyle (14)

June 1-Fergie Jenkins continued his path of destruction through the American League, throwing his 7th complete game of the year, allowing just 1 run while walking none and striking out 8, in winning his 12th game of the year. He got offensive support from Chris Chambliss and Ted Simmons who each drove in a pair in the 8-1 Red Sox win. (42-14)
W-Fergie Jenkins (12-1) L-Steve Blass (1-3)

June 2-The A's got to reliever Gene Garber for 5 runs in the top of the 8th inning, and 1 in the 9th to come back from a 5-0 deficit to win 6-5. Leading the comeback was Rick Monday who hit a game tying 2 run double in the 8th. (42-15)
W-Bob Gebhard (2-2) L-Gene Garber (1-2) S-Greg Washburn (5)

June 3,4,5 v New York Yankees (35-22)

June 3-John Young drove in Frank Baker with an RBI single off closer Sparky Lyle in the 9th inning to break a 5 all tie and give the Yankees a 6-5 win. Toby Harrah hit a 3 run HR in the loss. (42-16)
W-Dooley Womack (1-1) L-Sparky Lyle (4-1)

June 4-Rico Petrocelli broke out of a season long slump, going 3-3 with 3 RBI, and Toby Harrah added 2 RBI as Boston hammered the Yankees 11-2. Petrocelli came into the game hitting hitting .212 on the year and with this game upped it to .223. (43-16)
W-Ken Brett (2-1) L-Chris Nelson (6-4)

June 5-A 4 run bottom of the 8th inning, capped by a 3 run HR by Reggie Smith, gave Boston a come from behind 6-4 win and increased their lead in the AL East to 8 games.. Rico Petrocelli added 2 more hits raising his average to .230. (44-16)
W-Steve Mingori (3-1) L-Dooley Womack (1-2) S-Sparky Lyle (15)

MLB Retirements:

Al Kaline retired this week after being given his release by the New York Yankees. Kaline played for 21 seasons, for both the Detroit Tigers (1953-1970) and the Yankees (1971-1974). He retires with 2,991 hits 382 homeruns, and 1570 RBI's. He was a career .302 hitter in 9908 AB's. Kaline's best season was arguably 1967 when he hit .335 25-109 for the Tigers to go along with 215 hits and 51 doubles. He was a 13 time All-Star (1955-1968), and won 9 Gold Gloves (1957,58,59,1961,62,63,64,65,66).

Up next is the 1974 Amateur Draft!

1974 Amateur Draft

1) Kansas City- (P) Bob Welch
2) Oakland- (P) Charlie Leibrandt
3) Cincinnati- (P) Mario Soto
4) Chicago (NL)- (OF) Dale Murphy
5) Montreal- (3B) Paul Molitor
6) Cleveland- (C) Jody Davis
7) Milwaukee- (C) Lance Parrish
8) Pittsburgh- (P) Rod Scurry
9) Atlanta- (OF) Gary Cooper
10) Houston- (C) George Bjorkman
11) San Diego- (1B) Eddie Murray
12) Philadelphia- (C) Ozzie Virgil
13) Texas- (P) Rick Sutcliffe
14) Baltimore- (C) Terry Kennedy
15) Detroit- (P) Larry Pashnick
16) New York (AL)- (1B) Pedro Guerrero
17) Minnesota- (C) Butch Wynegar
18) St. Louis- (P) Mark Clear
19) Chicago (AL)- (SS) Gary Templeton
20) Los Angeles- (P) Kevin Saucier
21) California- (P) John Martin
22) New York (NL)- Hubie Brooks
23) Boston- (P) Bob Walk (49/85)--5-1 1.81 in 53.2 IP in his senior year with a 53/10 K/BB ratio. Allowed opponents to hit just .181 off him after allowing a BA of just .190 as a Junior. Needs lots of time in the minors, but should be a solid starter.
23) San Fransisco- (P) Moose Haas

Rest of the Red Sox Picks:

2nd Round (4th overall)- RP Andy McGaffigan 51/82)--3-1 2.25 in 32 IP with 4 saves as a senior. Struck out 26 and walked 8 in his final season, while striking out 34 and walking 9 as a Junior. Started one game as a Senior and pitched a shutout.

3rd Round (71st overall)- OF Gary Redus (54/77)--Speed demon that stole 41 bases in 52 total attempts in H.S. Hit .366 with 7 HR and 25 RBI with a 34/16 BB/K ratio. Very exicted about Redus, we feel he could end up being our best pick in this draft.

4th Round (95th overall)- 2B Tom Herr (55/77)-- Solid infield prospect hit .402 (43-107) as a Senior with 1 HR and 27 RBI. Along with a good eye (111/45 BB/K ratio in H.S.) he can steal a base too (17 steals in 21 attempts).

5th Round (119th overall)- 3B Ken Oberkfell (55-68)-- Terrific Senior year, hitting .455 (55-121) with 1 HR and 21 RBI while walking 33 times and striking out only eight. Was very consistent as he hit .384 as a Junior with 30 walks and only 7 K's.

6th Round (143rd overall)- P Ed Lynch (49-79)--4-2 2.89 as Senior. In 43.2 innings, he struck out 27 and walked just 4. Throughout his High School career, he displayed fantastic control, striking out 87 and walking only 17 in 24 career starts.

Up next for the Sox is 3 games at in Oakland to face off against the A's followed by 3 at home against the California Angels.

June 6,7,8 at Oakland Athletics (22-35)

June 6-Trailing 5-0 after 2 and 7-2 after 5, Boston scored 2 runs each in the 6th, 7th and 8th, capped by a 2 run HR by Dwight Evans in the 8th inning, as Boston completed the comeback and won 8-7. (45-16)
W-Cecil Upshaw (3-0) L-Ralph Garcia (0-1) S-Sparky Lyle (16)

June 7-Reggie Smith had 2 hits and 3 RBI, and Dwight Evans had 2 hits, 2 RBI and 3 runs scored as Boston beat up on Oakland 9-3. (46-16)
W-Roger Moret (3-2) L-Hank Fischer (6-4)

June 8-Dwight Evans hit a solo HR, and George Brett drove in a pair in support of Jonah Stickles who pitched 7 innings of 1 run ball, as Boston completed the sweep of the A's, winning 4-1. (47-16)
W-Jonah Stickles (8-2) L-Chuck Dobson (4-9) S-Sparky Lyle (17)

June 9,10,11 v California Angels (27-36)

June 9-Marty Perez had 2 hits and 3 RBI, and Johnny Callison added 3 hits and 2 RBI as California took advantage of bad Red Sox defense, to beat Fergie Jenkins and Boston 7-3. (47-17)
W-Andy Messersmith (8-5) L-Fergie Jenkins (12-2)

June 10-Jim Hibbs hit a 2 run HR and Carl Yastrzemski added his 2nd HR of the year, both against the Sox as the Angels beat up the Sox, 6-1. (47-18)
W-Carl Morton (2-4) L-Gary Nolan (6-5)

June 11-Catfish Hunter pitched 8 2/3 innings of shutout ball, allowing 7 hits, walking 4 and striking out 5 en route to his first win of the year as the Angels swept the Sox in Boston, winning 4-0. (47-19)
W-Catfish Hunter (1-9) L-Roger Moret (3-3)

MLB Milestones:

Ron Fairly of the Milwaukee Brewers scored his 1000th run

MLB Injuries:

The Red Sox will be without the services of short reliever Steve Mingori until September as he is suffering from elbow tendonitis and the team feels rest is the only option. Mingori had pitched well thusfar in his first season with the Red Sox, going 3-1 with a 2.96 ERA. In 27 innings, he had allowed 26 hits while walking 13 and striking out 19.

Vada Pinson of the Baltimore Orioles will be out until at least September with a torn knee ligament suffered sliding into 2nd base this week. Pinson, in his first year with the Orioles was hitting .253 1-10 in a part time role. He is a career .299 hitter with 250 career homeruns.

The Oakland Athletics will have to do without RF Reggie Jackson until sometime in August. Jackson was really struggling this year, hitting only .203 with 4 homeruns and 23 RBI, after hitting .300 39-93 a year ago. Team doctors feel his bad knee contributed to the off year thusfar and have decided to shut him down for up to 12 weeks.

Up next for the Sox is another roadtrip. This one starts out in Chicago to face the White Sox for 3 games, followed by 3 games in Detroit to square off against the Tigers.

Wow. I should have been reading this earlier.

--Pet

I hope that means you like it Pet :)

June 12,13,14 at Chicago White Sox (36-30)

June 12-Toby Harrah hit a lead off HR off Dave Freisleben in the 10th inning to break a 3 all tie and give Boston the 4-3 victory. Billy Grabarkewitz had 2 RBI in the victory. (48-19)
W-Sparky Lyle (5-1) L-Dave Freisleben (0-1)

June 13-Fergie Jenkins pitched his league leading 8th complete game of the year, shutting out the White Sox on 8 hits while walking none and striking out 8, and Billy Conigliaro hit a solo HR as the Red Sox beat the White 2-0. (49-19)
W-Fergie Jenkins (13-2) L-Dave Caldwell (2-2)

June 14-Billy Grabarkewitz went 3-3 with a HR, 3 RBI and 3 runs scored, and Tony C. hit a 2 run HR to back Gary Nolan, who pitched 7 innings of 1 run ball, helping Boston sweep Chicago, winning 8-1. (50-19)
W-Gary Nolan (7-5) L-Paul Edmondson (1-2)

June 15,16,17 at Detroit Tigers (37-29)

June 15-Jim Northrup had 2 hits and 4 RBI and Boomer Scott hit a 3 run HR off his former team as the Tigers outlasted Boston, winning 8-7. (50-20)
W-Dave Lemanczyk (11-4) L-Roger Moret (3-4) S-Horatio Pina (7)

June 16-Willie Horton hit a 2 run HR and Paul Jata had 2 hits and 2 RBI, as Detroit beat Boston for a 2nd straight day, today 5-3. (50-21)
W-Mickey Lolich (6-2) L-Jonah Stickles (8-3) S-Horatio Pina (8)

June 17-The Red Sox offense came alive today, scoring 10 runs on 15 hits, lead by Billy Grabarkewitz, who hat 2 hits a HR and 4 RBI, and Dwight Evans who hit a 3 run HR in the first inning as Boston avoided the sweep, beating the Tigers 10-4. (51-21)
W-Fergie Jenkins (14-2) L-Pat Dobson (8-7)

MLB Trade News:

Chicago (NL) sends P Larry Rothschild (63/78), P Jim Umbarger (65/80)
Houston sends OF Ken Henderson (83)
Edge to the Cubbies here as they attempt to bolster their offense and break their 14 game losing streak without giving up much talent in return.

MLB Contracts:

It appears as though Tony Oliva will finish his career where it started, with the Minnesota Twins, as they resign Oliva to a 3 year extention worth $380,000 per year. The 35 year old Oliva is hitting .247 7-42 on the year, but is a career .320 hitter who needs just 35 hits to reach 2000. Oliva has hit 20+ homeruns for 8 straight years and 9 of the last ten while also driving in over 100 runs in 6 of the previous 7 seasons.

MLB Injuries:

Johnny Briggs of the Philadelphia Phillies will miss the next 7-8 weeks with bum shoulder. Briggs was hitting .314 10-43 on the year after hitting .265 25-82 last year. This injury is going to severly hurt the Phillies as every team in the NL East is within 8 games of one another.

Up next for the Sox is 3 games on the road against the Texas Rangers followed by a trip back to Boston to welcome the New York Yankees.

June 18,19,20 at Texas Rangers (34-38)

June 18-Johnny Edwards homered and drove in 3 runs and Lew Beasley added a pair of homeruns helped Texas overcome 4 Red Sox homeruns and beat Boston 8-7. (51-22)
W-Kent Tekulve (2-0) L-Vern Ruhle (0-1)

June 19-Tom Tresh homered twice and drove in 3, and Jimmy Wynn added a 3 run HR as Texas beat up on Boston 11-7. (51-23)
W-J.R. Richard (6-8) L-Roger Moret (3-5)

June 20-Boston hit 5 homeruns, 2 by Toby Harrah, and one each from Rico Petrocelli, Billy Grabarkewitz and George Brett as Boston avoided the sweep, beating Texas 9-7. (52-23)
W-Vern Ruhle (1-1) L-Charlie Hough (2-1) S-Sparky Lyle (18)

June 24,25,26 v New York Yankees (46-29)

June 24-Tony Conigliaro (16) and Toby Harrah (10) each hit 3 run homeruns as Boston took the first game from the Yankees, winning 6-2. Fergie Jenkins pitched his 9th complete game of the year, striking out 9 in the win. (53-23)
W-Fergie Jenkins (15-2) L-Mel Stottlemyre (10-2)

June 25-George Brett went 3-5 with a HR, triple and 4 RBI, and 4 other Sox drove in a pair of runs as Boston hammered New York, pounding out 20 hits winning 15-6. (54-23)
W-Gary Nolan (8-5) L-Derek Pritchard (7-5)

June 26-Toby Harrah hit his 11th homeruns of the year, a 2 run shot, driving in 3 for the day, leading Boston to the sweep of the Yankees, winning 5-3. (55-23)
W-Cecil Upshaw (4-0) L-Ron Klimkoswki (0-3) S-Sparky Lyle (19)

MLB Trade News:

The Red Sox and Yankees completed a trade of minor leaguers during their series this week as Boston sent 1B Ken Phelps to the Bronx for CF Willie Wilson. Boston was in dire need of speed from a minor league depth perspective and the Yankees needed some power. It is rare that these two teams will deal with each other, but it made sense. Phelps was hitting .299 6-25 in A ball and Wilson was hitting .397 0-30 11 steals in A ball.

Cleveland sends P Scott MacGregor
Minnesota sends 2B Dan Monzon
Monzon isn't much of a offensive threat, although he can play a little defense, I'd have to give the edge to Minnesota here.

MLB Contract News:

The White Sox and Carlos May have agreed to a 3 year contract extension, worth $350,000 per year. May is hitting .308 11-44 this year, and put up a line of .334 15-98 a year ago. May also has a great eye, putting up a 290/233 BB/K ratio.

The Mets have also signed two of their major players to contract extensions this week as the New York have signed their big bat, Amos Otis to a 6 year deal worth $410,000 per year. Otis .319 12-49 this year and hit .292 21-90 and is a career .303 hitter with 140 homeruns and 603 RBI.
They also signed Ed Kranepool to a 6 year deal worth a total of 2.25 million dollars. Kranepool is hitting .271 10-41 on the year and has a total of 166 HR's and 704 RBI for his 13 year career.

MLB Injury News:

The Mets have lost OF Ron Swoboda until August as he suffers from a bulging disc in his back. Swoboda was hitting .276 6-21 on the year to go along with 13 doubles. George Theodore (.275 5-15) was called up to replace him.

New York (NL) has also lost starting pitcher Peter Gardner for the year with a blown knee ligament. Gardner was 5-8 4.10 on the year and went 7-17 6.40 a year ago, his first year with New York.

Ending June and leading into July for Boston is 3 games against the Indians in Cleveland followed by 3 games in Baltimore against the Orioles.

Complete Team Batting Stats Through June 30-(team leaders in bold)

Code:

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1974 Batting            Team    G  AVG    AB    H  2B  3B  HR  BB    K  SB  CS    R  RBI  SLG  OBP
Smith, Reggie            BOS  78  .351  336  118  24  4  23  56  58    3  0  80  75  .652  .442
Evans, Dwight            BOS  82  .288  316  91  18  3  12  51  64    0  0  66  46  .478  .385
Simmons, Ted              BOS  72  .343  309  106  23  2  14  30  28    0  0  58  53  .566  .403
Harrah, Toby              BOS  75  .278  306  85  17  0  12  40  31    8  2   53  57  .451  .364
Conigliaro, Tony          BOS  69  .263  289  76  15  2  16  31  51    0  0  46  61  .495  .341
Petrocelli, Rico          BOS  70  .236  280  66  13  2  9  29  53    0  0  37  34  .393  .307
Brett, George            BOS  71  .266  259  69  14  7  6  25  26    5  1  45  36  .444  .337
Grabarkewitz, Billy      BOS  55  .317  189  60  5  2  9  31  32    5  2  30  33  .508  .408
McCovey, Willie          BOS  45  .226  168  38  7  2  5  28  38    0  0  21  21  .381  .347
Conigliaro, Billy        BOS  35  .300  130  39  11  1  5  15  30    0  0  27  22  .515  .370
Chambliss, Chris          BOS  30  .336  128  43  8  2  2    6  10    0  0  20  23  .477  .366
Bowa, Larry              BOS  27  .319    69  22  6  0  0    7    5    6  2   9    7  .406  .382
Colavito, Rocky          BOS  12  .205    39    8  0  1  5    1    6    0  0  10    9  .641  .238
Fisk, Carlton            BOS  11  .111    36    4  1  0  0    4    9    0  0    1    3  .139  .190
Ruhle, Vern              BOS  12  .000    4    0  0  0  0    0    2    0  0    0    0  .000  .000

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Complete Team Pitching Stats Through June 30-(team leaders in bold)

Code:

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1974 Pitching            Team    IP  ERA    G  GS  W  L  SV    K  BB  R/9
Lyle, Sparky              BOS  40.0  2.03  31  0  5  1  20  32  10  9.23
Jenkins, Fergie          BOS  157.1  2.35  20 20  15  2  0  130   26  9.72
Foucault, Steve          BOS  29.1  2.45  24  0  1  0  0  19    8 11.66
Guidry, Ron              BOS  36.1  2.72    5  5  4  1  0  29    9 11.64
Upshaw, Cecil            BOS  37.0  2.92  31  0  5  0  1  21    9 10.22
Mingori, Steve            BOS  27.1  2.96  18  0  3  1  0  19  13 12.84
Stickles, Jonah          BOS  123.1  4.16  18  18  8  4  0  61  34 12.92
Ruhle, Vern              BOS  27.0  5.33  12  0  1  1  2  13    8 14.67
Garber, Gene              BOS  36.2  5.40  29  0  1  2  1  21  15 13.99
Nolan, Gary              BOS  116.1  5.49  19  19  9  5   0  82  42 14.70
Brett, Ken                BOS  51.2  5.92  12  9  3  1  0  29  23 16.37
Moret, Roger              BOS  56.1  6.23  10  10  3  5  0  37  21 15.66
Rau, Doug                BOS    8.1  8.64    5  1  0  1  0    2  10 23.76

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League Standings next!

Complete League Standings Through June 30-

June 27,28,29 at Cleveland Indians (39-39)

June 27-An error by Billy Grabarkewitz allowed Dan Monzon score from thrid base in the bottom of the 8th inning, helping the Indians squeak past the Red Sox 4-3. (55-24)
W-Chuck Machemahl (4-5) L-Jonah Stickles (8-4) S-Bob Terlecki (7)

June 28-Chris Chambliss went 3-5 with 4 RBI, and Ken Brett came up with 7 solid innings, allowing just a pair of runs as Boston beat the Indians 7-3. (56-24)
W-Ken Brett (3-1) L-Steve Hargan (7-6)

June 29-Reggie Smith and Ted Simmons went a combined 9-12 with 6 runs scored and 3 RBI, and Billy Conigliaro (5) and Chris Chambliss (2) each hit 2 run homeruns as Boston doubled up Cleveland 12-6. (57-24)
W-Gary Nolan (9-5) L-John Denny (4-12) S-Vern Ruhle (1)

June 30, July 1,2 at Baltimore Orioles (37-44)

June 30-Rico Petrocelli and Dwight Evans each drove in runs in the top of the 9th to break a 7-7 tie, helping Boston beat Baltimore 9-7. Chris Chambliss added 3 more RBI, giving him 9 in the last 3 games. (58-24)
W-Cecil Upshaw (5-0) L-Daryl Patterson (2-7) S-Sparky Lyle (20)

July 1-Brooks Robinson had 3 hits, and an RBI single in the bottom of the 10th inning off Steve Foucault, helping the Orioles beat Boston 5-4. Ted Simmons hit a 2 run HR (15) in the loss. (58-25)
W-Daryl Patterson (3-7) L-Steve Foucault (1-1)

July 2-Davey Johnson hit a pinch hit, 3 run HR off Fergie Jenkins in the 7th inning, breaking a 3 all tie, and leading the Orioles to a surprising victory over Jenkins and the Sox, winning 6-3. (58-26)
W-Wayne Garland (6-4) L-Fergie Jenkins (15-3) S-Elias Sosa (13)

MLB Injury News:

More bad news for the Houston Astros, who are mired in last place in the NL West, losers of 10 of their last 12 games, as they lost OF Bobby Tolan for the year with broken wrist suffered after being hit by a pitch last week. Tolan was hitting .275 10-45 this year, after 3 straight years over .315, including a line of .324 17-74 with 31 steals a year ago.

Up next for Boston is 3 last games before the All-Star Break at home against the Texas Rangers.

July 3,4,5 v Texas Rangers (39-45)

July 3-Reggie Smith hit a leadoff homerun, and Doug Rau pitched 7 innings of 1 run ball, striking out 7 as Boston beat Texas 4-1. (59-26)
W-Doug Rau (1-1) L-Bill Moran (0-3) S-Sparky Lyle (21)

July 4-Tony Conigliaro lit off some fireworks of his own today as he hit a go ahead grand slam in a 6 run 7th inning, helping Boston overcome a 3-0 defecit en route to a 6-4 win. (60-26)
W-Roger Moret (4-5) L-Jim Maloney (4-8) S-Sparky Lyle (22)

July 5-Tony C. continued his hot hitting with 2 hits and 3 RBI and George Brett, after changing his batting stance added 3 hits, including 2 doubles and 2 RBI (Editors Note: His hitting ratings increased) as Boston entered the All-Star Break with a 7-6 win and a sweep of the Rangers. (61-26)
W-Steve Foucault (2-1) L-Tom Dukes (1-1)

Up next is the All-Star Break report!

1974 Home Run Derby

The Red Sox were well represented in this years Derby as Reggie Smith put on an excellent show reaching the finals before losing to Dave Kingman in "Extra Innings". Kingman followed up his opening round of 14 homeruns with 7 in the 2nd round, and after tying with Smith with 4 homeruns in the finals, beat Smith 3-2 in extra innings for the win. Complete totals below:

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1974 Home Run Showdown

FIRST ROUND (10 Outs)

PLAYER                          HOMERS
Dave Kingman (SFG)                  14
Mike Schmidt (CHC)                  10
Bill Melton (CHW)                    8
Reggie Smith (BOS)                  7
George Foster (CLE)                  6
Bobby Bonds (SFG)                    6
John Mayberry (KCR)                  4
Willie Horton (DET)                  4
Earl Williams (MON)                  4
Joe Lis (PHI)                        1

SECOND ROUND (5 Outs)

PLAYER                          HOMERS
Dave Kingman (SFG)                  7
Reggie Smith (BOS)                  4
Bill Melton (CHW)                    3
Mike Schmidt (CHC)                  3

FINAL ROUND (5 Outs)

PLAYER                          HOMERS
Dave Kingman (SFG)                  3
Reggie Smith (BOS)                  3

EXTRA INNINGS (3 outs)

PLAYER                          HOMERS
DAVE KINGMAN                        3
Reggie Smith                        2

    WINNER: Dave Kingman

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1974 All-Star Game

In a wild game, featuring 26 hits and 15 runs, the National League, lead by a 3 run HR by MVP Tony Perez, nip the American League 8-7. Ted Simmons (0-4 1BB) was named to the team as a starter, and Reggie Smith (0-1), Fergie Jenkins (2 IP 4 H 3 R), and Sparky Lyle (1/3 IP 1 K) were also named to the team. Boxscore below:

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American League All Stars at National League All Stars
July 10, 1974

                    1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
      All Stars (AL) 1 0 0 1 2 2 0 0 1    7 14  2
      All Stars (NL) 0 1 0 3 0 0 1 3 x    8 12  0

AMERICAN LEAGUE      ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb    avg
J. Fregosi (SS)      5  1  0  0  0  0  0  0    .267
R. Monday (CF)        4  3  1  2  1  3  1  2    .294
T. Simmons (C)        4  0  1  0  0  0  1  0    .336
J. Mayberry (1B)      4  1  1  1  1  2  1  0    .292
G. Foster (RF)        5  2  0  0  0  0  0  0    .326
W. Horton (LF)        5  3  0  2  2  2  2  0    .315
B. Melton (3B)        2  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .296
 B. Hansen (P)        3  1  0  0  0  0  0  0    .317
D. Johnson (2B)      5  2  0  1  0  0  0  0    .311
 J. Lowenstein (P)    0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0    .367
 R. Smith (P)        1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .356
 H. Hill (P)          1  1  0  1  0  0  0  0    .297
 R. Fairly (P)        1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .316
 M. Sanguillen (P)    1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .362
TOTALS              41 14  4  7  4  7  6  2

  2B:  D. Johnson, W. Horton
  HR:  J. Mayberry, W. Horton 2, R. Monday

                  ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
        J. Reuss  1.0  1  0  0  0  0  0  10  2.88
    D. Lemanczyk  3.0  3  1  0  1  0  2  54  3.27
      F. Jenkins  2.0  4  0  1  3  3  1  48  2.56
  J. Strohmayer  1.2  4  2  1  4  4  2  45  1.80
        S. Lyle  0.1  0  0  0  0  0  1  8  1.88
          TOTALS  8.0 12  3  2  8  7  6 165

NATIONAL LEAGUE      ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb    avg
B. Bonds (CF)        3  3  2  0  0  1  0  0    .331
 W. Mays (P)          0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .289
J. Lefebvre (2B)      5  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .269
D. Kingman (1B)      5  0  0  0  0  0  3  0    .290
 E. Williams (P)      0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .228
D. Baylor (RF)        4  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .357
M. Schmidt (3B)      4  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .284
H. McRae (LF)        4  1  0  1  0  0  1  0    .392
T. McCarver (C)      3  2  1  2  0  0  0  0    .301
D. Menke (SS)        4  3  0  2  0  1  0  0    .296
 J. Lahoud (P)        1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .272
 T. Perez (P)        1  1  0  1  1  3  0  0    .335
 J. Lis (P)          1  1  0  1  1  1  0  0    .310
 J. Morgan (P)        1  1  0  1  0  0  0  0    .282
TOTALS              36 12  3  8  2  6  6  0

  2B:  D. Menke, B. Bonds, H. McRae
  HR:  T. Perez, J. Lis
  GIDP:  J. Lefebvre, D. Menke

                  ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
      E. Sprague  2.0  2  2  1  1  1  3  38  1.59
    J. Marichal  2.0  2  1  1  1  1  0  34  4.15
        D. Ellis  2.0  7  0  1  4  4  2  41  3.19
      D. Bosman  1.0  2  0  0  0  0  0  19  2.45
    P. Gilliford  1.0  0  1  0  0  0  1  19  1.92
    T. Plodinec  1.0  1  0  1  1  1  0  18  3.05
          TOTALS  9.0 14  4  4  7  7  6 169

    WP: P. Gilliford
    LP: J. Strohmayer
    SV: T. Plodinec

    Temperature: 68F
    Wind: 10 MPH (in from left)
    Attendance: 50,235
    Time: 3:24

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Boston did not stand pat during the All-Star break, ensuing that a couple of key components would be in Boston for years to come. First, expecting the loss of Cecil Upshaw after this year, Boston has come to terms with RP Gene Garber on a 3 year contract extention worth $111,000 per year. The Sox ripped up Garber's 1 year $80,000 deal to sign him through the 1976 season. Garber has struggled at times this year, going 1-2 5.40. In 29 games, he has pitched 26 innings, allowing 42 hits while walking 16 and striking out 29.

The big deal however was announced prior to the All-Star Game as Ted Simmons and the Red Sox have agreed to make Simmons the 4th highest paid player in the game and the highest paid catcher ever as Simmons and the Red Sox agreed to a 5 year deal worth 2.44 million dollars. Simmons is the games premier offensive catcher, hitting .336 16-56 on the year with 25 doubles and a 33/28 BB/K ratio after hitting .327 29-116 a year ago. His signing means he will be locked up through 1978 when he is 29 years old.

MLB Trade News:

There was one deal that went down this week and it saw the Houston Astros send disappointing P Steve Carlton (89) to the San Fransisco Giants for prospect P Randy Jones (81/94). I'd have to give the edge to Houston here as Carlton was only 2-11 with a 7.90 ERA and was 4-17 7.04 in just under a season for the Astros. Jones was 11-5 2.78 in AAA this year and is expected to move right into the Astros rotation.

Leading off the 2nd half of the season for Boston is 6 games on the road, the first three in Cleveland against the Indians followed by 3 against the Orioles in Baltimore.

I'm shocked that Carlton's fizzling out so badly. I guess this version is going to have trouble making the HoF. :(

A great show by the BoSox in the All Star Game! It's a shame Smith couldn't quite take the HR Derby

Cat: There have been a couple of players in my world that are nowhere close to how they performed in real life. Carlton is career 60-86 4.93 ERA, but he was 41-33 in 3 years in Boston, so 19-53 elsewhere. The other one is Carlton Fisk, who until this year, never made it out of the minors, and he's gone 5-40 3 RBI so far as Simmons backup. However, that's one of things I love about BM, you just never know.