Impossible Dream???

[bigpapi]

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!

[bigpapi]

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!

[bigpapi]

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!

[bigpapi]

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!

[bigpapi]

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!

[bigpapi]

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!

[bigpapi]

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.

[bigpapi]

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.

[bigpapi]

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.

[bigpapi]

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.

[bigpapi]

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.

[bigpapi]

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

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

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

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

[bigpapi]

League Standings Through April 30-

[bigpapi]

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.

[bigpapi]

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.