As a sidenote, Cat hasn't killed off any major leaguers yet. Do it to... Carew? Nah.
Printable View
As a sidenote, Cat hasn't killed off any major leaguers yet. Do it to... Carew? Nah.
So CK, about how do you feel about the Royals' showing against Detroit IRL this year? :D
Only five years until Barry dies! :DQuote:
Originally Posted by bwburke94
bwburke: Nah...not Carew. I'll look around for someone to kill for you though :) There actually HAVE been a few deaths in this dynasty...just all historical so far.
Imgran: I live in Cleveland now, so as a de facto Indians fan, anything that messes up the Tigers amuses me.
More seriously, I'm always a sucker for the underdog, and you don't get more underdog-ish than the KC Royals. I really hope they do well this year. It's great to see that they're able to humble a team that's supposed to contend for the playoffs!
Coach Owens: Why wait? Different universe. Maybe we'll take care of Barry early. *grin*
*******
October 16-17. 1971
I know it sounds cliche to say so, but my heart felt pretty heavy leaving the American League meeting. Bud Selig...won. I didn't mind so much that he would move to Milwaukee next year (after a general promise to play 20 games in Chicago for the duration of his contract at Comiskey), but I'd been blackmailed...and went along with it. Kauffman's orders - he didn't think Chicago worth having the Royals' name dragged through the papers. I don't know if it was the right call though.
I still have to talk to Andy. I wasn't much in the mood for baseball, so I let him have my complimentary tickets to the ALCS...with strict orders not to talk to anyone on the Athletics, from Finley down to his bat boy. You may say I'm rewarding bad behavior...and you may be right, but I don't think Ewing's going to let me get rid of him. Therefore I have to find a way for us to work together without him drugging my players...
NLCS Game 1
Two 'upstarts', the Braves and Cubs, met in Chicago to determine the fate of the National League. It'd been thirteen years since the Braves won the pennant, and no team in baseball could top the Cubs' futility streak: 26 years without a pennant, 63 without a championship. Cub fans talked about a curse involving a billy goat. I'm not clear on what they're talking about: In St. Louis we found Cubs fans a little strange, like that crazy cousin no one likes to talk about.
Ferguson Jenkins took the mound for Chicago against Atlanta's Ron Reed. Both teams only managed a single in the first. Rico Carty singled in the Brave second, Oscar Gamble walked for the Cubs. No runner made it past first.
Darrell Evans opened the game a crack with a solo shot to left center in the third. It would be the fifth before Chicago managed another runner: Roe Skidmore singled, then advanced on a balk and ground out, but two strike outs abandoned him at third.
Atlanta threatened in the sixth on an Evans single and Dusty Baker double, but Orlando Cepeda's groundout ended that. The Cubs fell in order, as did the Braves in the seventh.
With one out in the Cub seventh Ron Santo walked, then scored on Oscar Gamble's double with two outs to tie it at 1. In the eighth they opened it up against reliever Sal Campisi: Al Montreuil, Don Young and Adolfo Phillips all walked before Ron Santo hit a 2 RBI single with two outs putting the Cubs up 3-1.
Chicago turned to Diego Segui to put the game away. Hank Aaron and Tito Francona both singled, then Ralph Garr singled to make it 3-2. Earl Williams slammed a three-run blast into the left field bleachers to put Atlanta up 5-3.
Cecil Upshaw pitched the Cub ninth, and Chicago fell 1-2-3.
Atlanta Braves 5, Chicago Cubs 3
(Braves lead series 1-0)
WP: Campisi, LP: Segui, SV: Upshaw, HR: (ATL) Williams, Evans
*******
ALCS Game 1
And so to Oakland where Catfish Hunter began the A's defense of the AL pennant against Jim Palmer. The O's threatened immediately, putting runners on first and third before Boog Powell grounded into an inning ending double play. Bert Campaneris offered his own excitement in the bottom half, singling and stealing second before Reggie Jackson struck out to end the inning.
Paul Blair opened the second with a double, but again the O's couldn't do anything. Oakland only managed a single. Indeed, it wasn't until the third when Sal Bando hit a solo shot to right-center that the A's took a 1-0 lead.
After Oakland stranded two runners in the fourth and one in the fifth, Gene Tenace extended the lead in the sixth with a three-run blast scoring himself, Jackson and Rick Monday. Baltimore's offense sputtered, only managing two hits during this time. In the seventh they threatened, putting two on with one out, but Catfish once more slammed the door in the O's face.
Joe Rudi hit a single with the bases loaded and two outs in the seventh to put Oakland up 6-0. Neither team could do anything with the eighth, and Hunter came back out in the ninth to try and wrap things up. Boog Powell and Paul Blair both flew out, bringing Lou Piniella up. Piniella doubled...then Brooks Robinson walked! For the third time the Orioles offered a credible threat...and for the third time they failed, as Johnny Oates hit a lazy popup to short.
Oakland Athletics 6, Baltimore Orioles 0
(Athletics lead series 1-0)
WP: Hunter (CG), LP: Palmer, HR: (OAK) Tenace, Bando
*******
NLCS Game 2
Chicago sought revenge after their game one defeat, not wanting to go to Georgia down 2-0. The Braves, meanwhile, hoped to slam the door on Chicago's playoff chances and turned to Phil Niekro who'd done just that to San Francisco.
Ken Holtzman took the mound for the Cubs and gave up a game opening double to Sonny Jackson, but escaped damage. Niekro walked Don Kessinger but similarly avoided trouble.
After a perfect second for Holtzman, Roe Skidmore singled, Oscar Gamble walked, then Paul Casanova singled to give the Cubs a 1-0 lead. They'd extend the lead in the third on a two-run shot to deep center by Billy Williams, Ron Santo's single, then back to back doubles by Gamble and Casanova. 5-0 Chicago.
Atlanta couldn't put anything together. After a walk in the third it would be the sixth before Holtzman hit Sonny Jackson with a pitch. In the bottom half two runs scored on a Williams sacrifice fly with the bases loaded(*) giving the Cubs a 7-0 lead.
Atlanta put runners on in the seventh and eighth, but double plays killed them. Finally in the ninth Darrell Evans homered to avoid the shutout, but Atlanta couldn't manage any more runs.
Chicago Cubs 7, Atlanta Braves 1
(Series tied 1-1)
WP: Holtzman (CG), LP: Niekro, HR: (ATL) Evans, (CHC) Williams
*******
ALCS Game 2
Oakland meanwhile wanted to complete the sweep at home and so go to Baltimore with the advantage. For this they turned to Jim Nash, while the O's stuck with Dave McNally.
Paul Blair hit a two-run shot in the top of the second to put Baltimore up 2-0. It would be the third before Oakland managed a runner, and that only a weak single by their pitcher!
The A's made up ground in the fourth: Reggie Jackson reached when McNally booted a routine grounder, then scored on Joe Rudi's double. He in turn scored on Gene Tenace's single tying the game at 2 a piece. Sal Bando gave his team the lead in the sixth with a solo shot.
In the seventh Baltimore grabbed the lead back. Lou Piniella hit a sacrifice fly with runners on first and third, then Johnny Oates did the exact same thing. Fred Beene pitched the Oakland seventh and shut them down.
Carroll Sembera pitched the Baltimore eighth and collapsed. Three singles a double and walk (including 2 RBIs by Blair and one by Bobby Grich) opened the inning before Lou Piniella flew to center for out # 1. Stan Williams took over and gave up a two-run RBI to Johnny Oates.
Oakland made one last stand in the ninth: With two outs Ted Kubiak singled, took second, then scored on Champ Summers' single. Too little, too late.
Baltimore Orioles 9, Oakland Athletics 4
(Series tied 1-1)
WP: McNally, LP: Nash, SV: Beene, HR: (BAL) Blair, (OAK) Bando
*******
*- there's a bug where apparently multiple runners can advance on a sacrifice (possible, just not very likely) and SCORE. Grr. If you haven't converted from 07/08 to 09 yet...you might want to wait til things stabilize more.
Looks like a couple of exciting LCS' going down to the wire. At least you got a shiny new extension!
I think Ewing's right about Chicago: you shouldn't worry about it. I'm sure that Selig will screw this up some how... :D
Let's go Mariners! #2 draft pick! Draft Ecks!
PotatoofCouch: One can certainly hope so!
Coach Owens: Who are the Mariners?
*******
October 19-21
NLCS Game 3
Atlanta owned a slight advantage in that the next three games would be at home. Mickey Lolich and Chicago's Rick Reuschel began a pitching duel that lasted long into the Georgia night.
Each time managed a runner in the first, neither getting to second base. Chicago put two on next inning, but Al Montreuil's strikeout ended their threat. Atlanta met with similar results, stranding two after a 1-4-3 double play.
Each team managed only one runner in the next two innings, both thrown out at second. Both teams singled in the fifth, and neither runner made it to second.
Chicago finally opened the game in the sixth: Billy Williams doubled, then Ron Santo homered to make it 2-0 Cubs. Atlanta stranded runners in the sixth and seventh, while Chicago couldn't add to their lead.
Rick Reuschel finally faltered in the eighth: Gil Garrido, Tito Francona and Sonny Jackson loaded the bases for Atlanta. Darrell Evans then hit a 2 RBI single, followed by Hank Aaron's 3-run homer to deep right. Tom Walker came in to pitch and walked Dusty Baker, then Orlando Cepeda hit a two-run homer. Before the first out.
Chicago escaped further damage (barely), and Andre Thornton hit a towering fly to the left field upper deck for two more runs off Sal Campisi, but they couldn't catch the Braves.
Atlanta Braves 7, Chicago Cubs 4
(Braves lead series 2-1)
WP: Campisi, LP: Reuschel, HR: (CHC) Santo, Thornton (ATL) Cepeda, Aaron
*******
ALCS, Game 3
Like Atlanta, Baltimore owned a slight advantage going into game three and hoped to make the most of it. They turned to Mike Cuellar, who duelled Blue Moon Odom. Odom ran into early trouble throwing a wild pitch with runners on first and third to score Mark Belanger, then Paul Blair singled to bring in Bobby Grich and give Baltimore a 2-0 lead.
Oakland had runners in the first two innings, but neither scored. They went 1-2-3 in the third, while Boog Powell extended Baltimore's lead with a 2 RBI double scoring Belanger and Dave May.
The Athletics wouldn't get another runner on board until the ninth, by which time Paul Blair scored on a Brooks Robinson sacrifice fly. In the ninth Bert Campeneris singled, advanced to second when Piniella threw the ball away, went to third on a single, and scored on Reggie Jackson's groundout to prevent the shutout. Too little, too late.
Baltimore Orioles 5, Oakland Athletics 1
(Orioles lead series 2-1)
WP: Cuellar (CG), LP: Odom
*******
NLCS, Game 4
Reed and Jenkins fought a rematch of game 1, and Chicago jumped on the board immediately as Adolfo Phillips walked, and Billy Williams homered. Atlanta loaded the bases with one out, but Orlando Cepeda popped to short, and Rico Carty struck out to save Jenkins.
The game settled: Chicago had runners on first in the next two innings to no avail. Atlanta answered with one in the second, then Darrell Evans opened the third with a solo shot to right making it 2-1.
And that was it for a long time. Both teams put runners on in the fourth. Chicago put two on in the fifth and one in the sixth. Atlanta had runners on first and third in the seventh, but Evans flew out to end the inning.
Hank Aaron opened the Atlanta eighth with a double, then Dusty Baker slapped a homer to right center making it 3-2 Atlanta. Jenkins retired the side at that point. In the Cub ninth Roe Skidmore grounded to short, Oscar Gamble popped behind the plate, and after PH Andre Thornton walked, Al Montreuil flew to center ending the Cubs' dream for another year.
Atlanta Braves 3, Chicago Cubs 2
(Braves win series 3-1)
WP: Reed (CG), LP: Jenkins (CG), HR: (CHC) Williams, (ATL) Evans, Baker
MVP: SP Ron Reed (2G, 1-0, 1.69 ERA, 16 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, 11K)
*******
ALCS, Game 4
Athletics' Reggie Jackson wasted no time making up for yesterday's disappointment by hitting a three-run shot to center in the first off Jim Palmer. Baltimore couldn't answer right away, and only put two runners on in the second before Brooks Robinson hit into a 3-6-3 double play.
Jackson doubled off the wall with two outs in the third but couldn't score. The O's put runners on second and third in the fourth, as well as first and second in the fifth but couldn't do anything either.
Oakland tore the game open in the sixth: Joe Rudi singled to score Rick Monday, then Gene Tenace homered to the right field upper deck with two on to make it 7-0. Finally Baltimore responded with a solo shot by Bobby Grich.
The Athletics weren't done yet: In the seventh it was Rudi's turn to homer for two more runs off reliever Roric Harrison. In the eighth Rich Reese took a turn. Finally he settled in the ninth, striking out the side.
Vida Blue pitched the Oriole ninth and proved somewhat sloppy: Paul Blair singled, Brooks Robinson walked, then PH Don Baylor doubled for one run. After loading the bases Blue threw a wild pitch for run # 2. That was all Baltimore could manage however, forcing game 5.
Oakland Athletics 10, Baltimore Orioles 3
(Series tied 2-2)
WP: Hunter, LP: Palmer, HR: (OAK) Tenace, Reese, Rudi, Jackson (BAL) Grich
*******
ALCS, Game 5
And so it came to this: Jim Nash against Dave McNally at Baltimore for the pennant and right to face Atlanta. Both American League teams won the pennant in the last two years, and both fell at the hands of their NL rivals. This year either one of them was heavily favored to take down the Braves.
The Orioles took an early 1-0 lead when Mark Belanger tripled to open the game, then scored on a Boog Powell single. They extended the lead when Belanger singled in the second to score Brooks Robinson.
Oakland's offense sputtered early, managing singles in the first and third. In the fourth Sal Bando, Joe Rudi and Gene Tenace all hit solo homers to put the Athletics up. Lou Piniella retaliated immediately , singling, then scoring on a Dave McNally hit.
Deadlocked at 3, Baltimore's Boog Powell hit a two-run blast in the fifth to put the O's ahead. The Athletics weren't done yet however: Gene Tenace walked, scored on Dave Duncan's double, and he in turn scored on a single by Bert Campaneris in the seventh to once more tie the game and finally chase McNally from the game. (Nash left after 4, replaced by Vida Blue.)
Carroll Sembera and Baltimore's Fred Beene took over. The O's put runners on first and third in the seventh but couldn't capitalize. Oakland fell in order in the eighth. Once more Baltimore put runners on first and third in their half, but two strike outs (Dave May and Bobby Grich) took care of that hope.
Baltimore's Pete Richert and Oakland's Stan Williams took over for the ninth. Each put one runner on, neither scored and so the deciding game of the AL pennant went into extra innings. Sal Bando singled with one out in the tenth, but Rick Monday grounded into a double play. Baltimore fell in order in their half.
Al Severinsen pitched the Athletic eleventh. Reggie Jackson struck out, but then Joe Rudi hit a towering fly that barely cleared the right field fence. Gene Tenace struck out, but Rich Reese singled. Kubiak flew out, and now it was all up to Williams and the Oriole offense.
Dave May grounded, and Bobby Grich lined out. Boog Powell walked, and Paul Blair doubled but the third base coach (perhaps foolishly) chose not to risk it. This brought in Tony Gonzalez PH for Piniella.
Gonzalez struck out.
Oakland Athletics 6, Baltimore Orioles 5 (11)
(Athletics win series 3-2)
WP: Williams, LP: Severinsen, HR: (OAK) Tenace, Bando, Rudi (2), (BAL) Powell
MVP: SP Catfish Hunter (2 G, 2-0 0.53 ERA, 17 IP 1 ER 14 H 9 K)
*******
Home Runs by Team by Game, AL/NLCS
A little high for 1971 (or 2001), non?Code:Game ATL CHC BAL OAK - T
1 2 0 0 2 - 4
2 1 1 1 1 - 4
3 2 2 0 0 - 4
4 2 1 1 4 - 8
5 - - 1 4 - 5
T 7 4 3 11 - 25 (2.78 per game)
*grumble*
I ran into FRS's corruption bug for 11.06. No, this isn't a joke.
Now..the game's okay. Fortunately I'd read his report and manically backed up my .exe file and the .mog.
However, I think for my own sanity I need to take a break from BM09 and give this version a chance to stabilize over the next few patches. Therefore, I'm going to let the Royals rest for a bit and see how I feel about it in a few weeks or a month.
I'll be starting a new dynasty tonight with a version I always wanted to try and missed out on. I hope you'll stop by and cheer me on. I think I'll need it.
- Cat
Egad. (sighs)
I had been holding off on the new version until they got to at least the x.10 version, where I figure they'll have the bugs worked out.
You know you'll have a reader. I still have to catch up on "To Rule in Kansas City", so this enforced layoff will at least give me time to do that. I think I've overcome my burnt-out-ed-ness.
--Pet
*Sigh* You just attract too many problems, Cat! :p
petrel: Yes...unfortunately lesson learned. I figured BM09 would be a safe bet since it's almost identical to 08, but I guess there's behind the scenes stuff to work out. I should have just kept going in 08 for awhile yet.
Coach Owens: I know. I feel like a trouble magnet. :(
COMMENTS: I'm still waiting for the next patch, but no reason I can't get a little writing done.
*******
Late October 1971
"Andy. Come in." I looked up as my assistant breezed in, looking pleased with himself after watching all five games of the championship. I'd spent the morning in intense negotiations trying to avoid the arbitrators and, I felt, came out far better than I'd hoped to. Now that the Royals showed signs of competing people wanted to play for us. It was an odd sensation after last year's rejections.
"Hey, Chuck!" He sat down and opened his jacket - really a suitcoat.
We talked about his trip, my giving him a chance to relax as I struggled with what to say. He asked about the negotiations:
"Very well. Mike Fiore, Jim Rooker and Mike Hedlund want to see what the arbitrators have to say, but I have five commitments." I passed over the folders so he could read.
The first was Pat Kelly, my star center fielder. Kelly (87/94) [27] (.324 15-60 22) also proved the most expensive at $200,000 for two years plus a restrictive no-trade clause. I think he's worth it though.
Next came Ellie Rodriguez. Rodriguez (79) [25] (.309 0-34 2) may lose his position behind the plate to Martinez in coming years, but it won't be to Grote who I plan to deal away the second he's healed up. Ellie signed for $89,000 over two years plus a player's option in '74.
Backup Fred Rico also has up to three years. Rico (74/75) [27] (.277 4-21 3) is probably a bench player unless we get riddled with injuries. $60,000 for two plus a player's option in '74 is worth it.
After promising up and down he wouldn't go back to Omaha barring an injury, Bob Oliver (80) [28] (.199 10-35 0) signed as my backup first baseman. He's also earning a bencher's salary: $56,000 for two years.
Finally, reliever Rollie Fingers (85/87) [25] (5-7 4.54 15 SV) signed. I'm a little less sure of him. He has moments of brilliance - and some lamentable lapses. $92,000 for 2 years is a little high for what he's given us so far, but even if he becomes setup or short relief he can still give us solid outings.
That keeps us well under our payroll limit, but Ewing warned me our budget would probably take a hit this year. Apparently there's trouble at Marion Pharmaceuticals. I'll sign anyone who wants to be reasonable for now. If our budget gets hit too badly I may have to deal away contracts come spring.
"Cool, man! Looks like we keep everyone!"
"I hope so. Will it be enough to take Oakland though?"
Andy's eyes narrowed. "Don't know. They're tough. So's Baltimore, but the middle of the Green's lineup..."
"It's funny you should mention green." I opened my drawer and pulled out a folder. "I was wondering if you could explain this." Out spilled Selig's pictures.
His brows arched and he leaned forward, turning the pictures to face him. "What about it, man?"
I slammed the drawer shut. "You drugged Blyleven. You fed him greenies."
"Yeah?"
I grit my teeth over such a cavalier admission. "Did he ask you to get them for him?"
"Nope." He leaned back and grinned. "None of 'em did."
"None of them?"
"Yeah! Al, Wally, Jim. Would have got them for Paul too, but he was already hurt."
Fitzmorris, Bunker and Rooker. My starters. "WHY?"
"What's wrong, man? You're turning red."
I rose, fighting a losing battle NOT to strangle him. Or at least beat him very badly. "I said 'Why?'"
He shrugged. "'Cause of you."
"PARDON?"
"Don't you remember? You told Satch he was being too rough on the pitchers, that they were getting hurt. So I thought about it. Greenies help your endurance, right? They also take away pain. Let them have some greens, then they can do Satch's exercises and not get sore!"
"And you didn't think maybe if they stopped doing the exercises they'd be okay!?"
He shrugged. "Satch knows what he's doing."
"Satch is gone!" I roared. "His exercises kept half our staff on the disabled list!"
Andy jumped to his feet. "Don't blame him, man!"
"Sit down before I make you!"
"What, you think you can take me, old man?" He leaned across my desk. "I'd like to see..."
So I punched him. By the time he scrambled to his feet I'd circled my desk. He backed away, hands raised defensively.
"That's Mister Old Man," I told him, continuing my advance. "And you may think you know better than me, but you don't know jack."
"You hit me!" he protested. One hand went to his nose. "I'm bleeding!"
"You'll live. Which is more than I can promise if you ever help dope up the players again! The only reason I don't take those pictures to the cops is that I don't feel like bothering Ewing with your dirt!" We now stood nearly nose to nose. "He thinks you have promise, but that you have a lot to learn. If you want to learn, fine. I'll teach you. But that means you do what I say, when I say. You don't breathe in this clubhouse without my permission! Do you understand?"
I didn't wait for an answer. I didn't trust myself if he pulled some wisecrack out of his hat. I picked up the folders of our five players. "Give these to Marcie. Tell her I want their contracts in the mail before the evening pickup."
He took the folders, looked down at them and up at me, stunned. Scared. Fine. Fear I can work with.
"GO!"
Kansas City Star
October 22, 1971
SON OF BASEBALL STAR KILLED IN VICIOUS ATTACK
BRISBANE, Australia: Following the Giants' stunning defeat in a one game playoff against the Braves, outfielder Bobby Bonds thought a vacation would be a good way to relieve a year's worth of stress and disappointment.
Tragically, while camping on an escorted expedition, a wild emu attacked and bit off the head of his son Barry. He was 7.
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x...Royals/emu.jpg
Face of a Killer
Emus are large, flightless birds distantly related to ostriches. They can reach up to 6 1/2 feet in height and generally avoid populated areas. They can run at speeds up to 30 miles per hour.
Unofficial statements from Brisbane police say that Barry was allegedly throwing emu eggs in the air and hitting them with a stick, mimicking his father's baseball stance, when the bird attacked. Mr. Bonds, through his agent Scott Boors, denies this.
"Mister Bonds believes the emu was jealous of his son's baseball skills," Boors told reporters in San Francisco. "Our hearts go to him during his time of suffering. We also note that, sadly, while Mr. Bonds is dealing with the heartache of losing his son he also has to deal with the stress of approaching the last year of his contract. We call on the San Francisco Giants to deal with this oversight in an expeditious manner conducive to his outstanding play."
Most of the baseball world reacted with horror and sadness to this news. There were, however, notable exceptions.
"It was divine will," remarked Brave outfielder Hank Aaron.
"Who's Bobby Bonds?" asked White Sox owner Bud Selig.
Charlie Finley, owner of the Oakland Athletics, noted that he might want to sign the emu to a minor league contract.
"We're always looking for players whose bite is bigger than their bark."
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x...oyals/emu2.jpg
Yeah, so now everyone else is going to see Andy looking terrified and streaming blood from his nose running out of your office. This will go well.
LOL@the emu
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahahahahahahahaha! :D