Impossible Dream???

[bigpapi]

MLB Retirement News:

Mike McCormick of the New York Yankees retired after 15 big league seasons spent with the San Fransisco/New York Giants (1956-1962), Baltimore (1963-64), Washington (1965-66), San Fransisco again (67-68) and the New York Yankees (1970-1974). He finishes with a career mark of 111-126 with a 4.79 ERA. In 502 games, he pitched 2329.2 innings with 1359 K's. He made 3 All-Star teams (1960,61,1972). His best season came in 1960 when he went 15-12 with a 2.70 ERA for the San Fransisco Giants, completing 15 games.

Chris Short retired after 15 years, all spent with the Philadephia Phillies. Short ended his career with a line of 129-123 with a 3.61 ERA. He made 3 All-Star teams (1964, 1972-73). His best year came in either 1965 when he was 18-11 with a 2.82 ERA pitching 297.1 innings and 237 strikeouts or 1966 when he was a 20 game winner, finishing 20-10 with a 3.54 ERA in 272 innings pitched.

Slugger Frank Howard retired after his contract was not renewed by the New York Yankees. Howard played for 17 years with Los Angeles (1958-1964), Washington (1964-67) and the Yankees (67-74). He hit a career .272 with 316 homeruns and 1243 RBI. His best season came in 1968 when he hit .278 40-148 for the Yankees. Howard was named the AL Rookie of the Year in 1960 when he hit .268 23-77 for the Dodgers. He made just one All-Star team (1968) in his career.

The most notable retirement this offseason was All Time homerun king Willie Mays retired after 23 big league seasons. The 43 year old Mays played for just two teams in his great career, the San Fransisco Giants (1951-1972) and the San Diego Padres (1973-74). He retires holding all sorts of career records, including Homeruns (767), RBI's (2239), AB's (11,714) and Extra Base Hits (1,541). He also finishes 6th all time in doubles (612), 3rd in Hits (3,612), 6th in Slugging % (.585), 2nd in Runs Scored (2235), 3rd in Strikeouts (1,535), and 10th in Walks (1453). He also retires with 363 stolen bases and a career OPS of .969. Mays won the 1951 Rookie of the Year award, hitting .274 20-68 for the then New York Giants. He played on 19 All-Star Teams (1954-71, 1974), won 10 Gold Gloves (1957-1966), and won 5 MVP's (1954, 1965, 1967, 1969, 1971).

Up next are the Post Season Awards, followed by the 1975 Team by Team Previews!

[bigpapi]

1974 Post Season Awards

AL Gold Gloves:
P-Jerry Reuss (TEX) (1st)
C-Ted Simmons (BOS) (4th)
1B-Reggie Smith (BOS) (2nd)
2B-Remy Hermoso (CHI) (2nd)
3B-Bill Melton (CHI) (2nd)
SS-Lou Camilli (CLE) (1st)
OF-Al Yates (NY) (1st)
OF-Curt Blefary (BAL) (1st)
Ron Fairly (MIL) (3rd)

AL Rookie of the Year:
Bruce Bochte (CAL) .270 15-87 27 doubles

AL Cy Young:
Fergie Jenkins (BOS) 28-8 2.55 325 IP 273 K

AL MVP:
Reggie Smith (BOS) .342 50-146 45 doubles 154 R

NL Gold Gloves:
P-Ross Grimsley (CIN) (1st)
C-Bob Boone (PHI) (1st)
1B-Dave Kingman (SF) (1st)
2B-Tom Heintzelman (STL) (1st)
3B-Bob Bailey (LA) (5th)
SS-Jim Kennedy (MON) (1st)
OF-Cleo James (MON) (1st)
OF-Ken Henderson (CHI) (1st)
OF-Amos Otis (NY) (6th)

NL Rookie of the Year:
Dick Baney (LA) 2-4 2.73 82.1 IP 68 K

NL Cy Young:
Gaylord Perry (SF) 24-6 2.55 275 IP 224 K

NL MVP:
Bobby Bonds (SF) .323 46-135 27 steals 122 BB 146 R

[bigpapi]

1975 Team by Team Previews

American League West

California Angels (projected 92-70)

C-Cliff Johnson (.246 16-69)
1B-Bruce Bochte (.270 15-87 4)
2B-Doug Griffin (.336 0-28 8)
3B-Graig Nettles (.246 13-59)
SS-Jim Fregosi (.280 16-82 5)
LF-Rick Reichardt (.281 25-110 9)
CF-Jarvis Tatum (.283 4-69 15)
RF-Carlos Lopez (.292 5-29 11)
DH-Chris Coletta (.231 2-7 in 59 AB)
SP1-Catfish Hunter (10-19 4.31)
SP2-Marcelino Lopez (13-10 4.31)
SP3-Andy Messersmith (17-9 4.05)
SP4-Carl Morton (16-9 3.72)
Closer-Tom Burgmeier (3-3 2.81 18/21 save chances)

A bit surprising to see them projected at the top of the AL West, although with the additions of Johnson and Nettles and the continued growth of Bochte, this lineup could be real solid. Also expect a return to form of Hunter, giving the Angels 4 legitimate starters.

Texas Rangers (projected 91-71)

C-John Wockenfuss (.185 4-10 1)
1B-Cecil Cooper (.324 25-110 1)
2B-Bob Johnson (.246 3-33 w/Pittsburgh)
3B-Al Gallagher (.294 2-54 3)
SS-Rafael Robles (.299 0-31 19)
LF-Lew Beasley (.254 856 4)
CF-Jimmy Wynn (.257 31-112 15)
RF-Rusty Staub (.277 16-78 2)
DH-Mike Cubbage (.334 7-75 1 in AAA last year)
SP1-Jerry Reuss (19-14 2.98)
SP2-J.R. Richard (10-16 5.47)
SP3-Jim Maloney (10-13 6.75)
SP4-Bill Moran (10-6 3.92)
Closer-Kent Tekulve (2-2 1.00 13/14 save chances)

This team will have no problem scoring runs, the question is can they stop them from scoring? Reuss is as solid as they come, but Richard can be all over the place. If Moran can continue to improve and Mark Fidrych can come back from his injury, this team could challenge.

Chicago White Sox (projected 90-72)

C-Johnny Edwards (.307 17-85 w/Texas)
1B-Cotton Nash (.285 9-74 5)
2B-Jorge Orta (.280 4-20 1)
3B-Billl Melton (.313 41-122 5)
SS-Jim Kennedy (.301 2-28 15 steals w/Montreal)
LF-Carlos May (.307 19-82 8)
CF-Tommy Agee (.310 31-102 10)
RF-Walt Williams .286 17-72 7)
DH-Bill Madlock (.282 3-27 3)
SP1-Tommy John (21-8 3.24)
SP2-Jim O'Toole (12-18 5.57)
SP3-Wilbur Wood (15-13 4.41)
SP4-Gary Peters (13-8 4.35)
Closer-Cy Acosta (5-3 1.60 17/20 save chances)

As good a pitching staff as any team in baseball, that also includes 11 game winner Mike Caldwell and his 2.46 ERA waiting his turn, and the potent lineup got better with the acquistion of the gold glover Kennedy. Youngster Bill Madlock should just make them even better.

Minnesota Twins (projected 75-87)

C-Ed Herrmann (.272 8-54 1)
1B-Roe Skidmore (.231 1-5 1 in 26 AB)
2B-Woody Woodward (.262 0-28)
3B-Van Kelly (.287 4-64 5)
SS-Bucky Guth (.224 0-44 6)
LF-Andy Kosco (.308 35-118 3)
CF-Adolpho Phillips (.251 18-57 25)
RF-Tony Oliva (.301 22-97 4)
DH-Steve Braun (.222 0-6 in 36 AB)
SP1-Jim McAndrew (9-8 4.33)
SP2-Jim Merritt (11-10 6.48)
SP3-Buzz Stephen (8-7 4.13)
SP4-Dean Chance (13-13 5.68)
Closer-Tom Hall (6-2 1.24 15/17 save chances)

This team will struggle this year. Outside of Kosco and Oliva, there isn't anything in the lineup that will scare people. The pitching isn't much better, although they do have a couple of young prospects in Stephen and Eddie Bane, who could make a difference.

Kansas City Royals (projected 66-96)

C-Vic Correll (.228 2-19)
1B-John Mayberry (.265 38-117)
2B-Tom Ragland (.224 1-20 9 w/Texas)
3B-Brooks Robinson (.317 12-61 w/Baltimore)
SS-Dwain Anderson (.243 1-40 12)
LF-Jim Hutto (.299 10-82 5)
CF-Jose Cardenal (.298 6-66 21)
RF-Johnny Callison (.251 10-66 5)
DH-Lee Lacy (.316 11-61 13)
SP1-Steve Rogers (12-18 6.07)
SP2-Dave McNally (12-16 5.72)
SP3-Mel Behney (18-8 4.14 w/Cincinnati)
SP4-Ken Holtzman (3-8 5.31 w/Chicago NL)
Closer-Greg Shanahan (5-0 0.88 16/19 save chances)

Alot of changes to this years Royals squad. Behney solidifies their rotation and Brooks Robinson will go for 3000 hits as a Royal. This team could surprise if some of their young pitching takes some steps forward. Greg Shanahan is dominating as a closer and should help KC win some 1 and 2 run games.

Oakland Athletics (projected 64-98)

C-Dave Rader (.226 1-10 w/San Fransisco)
1B-Andre Thornton (.202 17-81 2)
2B-Buddy Hunter (.248 1-15 5)
3B-Sal Bando (.266 11-50 4)
SS-Leon McFadden (.244 2-28 6 w/Houston)
LF-Dave Robinson (.279 7-66 4)
CF-Rick Monday (.287 33-122 6)
RF-Reggie Jackson (.198 4-23 2)
DH-Larry Fritz (.248 9-72 1)
SP1-Chuck Dobson (10-18 5.21)
SP2-Danny Fife (7-12 6.44)
SP3-Fred Newman (4-15 6.06)
SP4-Jerry Stephenson (5-11 7.64)
Closer-Jerry Crider (3-3 5.40 7/9 save chances)

The A's have a very solid lineup assuming everyone comes back from their various injuries strong. Reggie Jackson should rebound from a forgettable year for him and, between Dobson and Fife the A's have a good 1-2 punch at the top of their rotation. Unfortunately, there isn't much else. Look for another last place finish.

American League Eastern Division Previews are next!

[bigpapi]

American League East

Boston Red Sox (projected 96-66)

C-Ted Simmons (.351 35-104)
1B-Reggie Smith (.342 50-146 5)
2B-Toby Harrah (.290 25-106 11)
3B-George Brett (.294 15-93 9)
SS-Billy Grabarkewitz (.268 20-73 7)
LF-Tony Conigliaro (.258 29-114)
CF-Billy Conigliaro (.317 10-58)
RF-Dwight Evans (.287 25-91 1)
DH-Rico Petrocelli (.238 18-66)
SP1-Fergie Jenkins (28-8 2.55)
SP2-Roger Moret (13-7 3.88)
SP3-Gary Nolan (16-10 5.99)
SP4-Vern Ruhle (10-5 4.12)
Closer-Sparky Lyle (7-3 2.78 38/43 save chances)

The defending World Champions are stacked once again, both on offense and pitching. The only thing that could derail them are injuries to the pitching staff, or a continued decline of a couple of their older players, Tony Conigliaro and Rico Petrocelli.

New York Yankees (projected 89-73)

C-Thurman Munson (.290 12-74 2)
1B-Bob Hansen (.305 25-133 5)
2B-Bobby Grich (.255 19-68 2)
3B-Jim Ray Hart (.256 15-61)
SS-Frank Baker (.290 4-33 6)
LF-Roy White (.291 14-83 11)
CF-Al Bumbry (.249 13-67 16)
RF-Al Yates (.276 11-72 4)
DH-John Young (.298 17-105 2)
SP1-Mel Stottlemyre (20-9 3.66)
SP2-Chris Nelson (15-12 3.97)
SP3-Derek Pritchard (15-13 4.95)
SP4-Wayne Simpson (15-12 4.13)
Closer-Greg Thayer (2-1 3.67 2/3 save chances)

Solid lineup 1-9 with 8 players with at least 10 homeruns. If pitching staff can hold together, should be able to challenge Boston for the AL East crown. 5th starter, Tug McGraw comes back after missing all of last year with an injury to further solidify Yankee rotation.

Detroit Tigers (projected 89-73)
C-Bill Freehan (.300 21-73 1)
1B-George Scott (.269 18-78 2)
2B-Joe Foy (.233 14-69 11)
SS-Ken Szotkiewicz (.337 0-22 4)
3B-Bill Sudakis (.196 17-58 1)
LF-Bob Christian (.290 8-70 9)
CF-Ron LeFlore (.298 6-53 45)
RF-Jim Northrup (.304 17-79 4)
DH-Willie Horton (.304 41-140 2)
SP1-Mickey Lolich (14-11 4.54)
SP2-Pat Dobson (14-11 4.33)
SP3-Dave Lemanczyk (16-11 3.90)
SP4-Jim Rooker (3-6 5.09)
Closer-Horacia Pina (5-2 2.81 23/29 save chances)

The Tigers have as much talent as any team in baseball. Their lineup is strong 1-9. They have speed, average and power, but can they put it together long enough to stay close to Boston and New York?

Milwaukee Brewers (projected 75-87)

C-Steve Yeager (.253 11-43)
1B-Craig Kusick (.267 27-90 3)
2B-John Knox (.245 1-37 8)
3B-Richie Hebner (.328 8-29 2)
SS-Dick McAuliffe (.240 16-65 1)
LF-Gary Mathews (4-16 1 RBI w/New York NL)
CF-Cesar Cedeno (.250 0-8 7 in 56 AB)
RF-Ron Fairly (.306 19-74 1)
DH-Jake Brown (.293 10-62 4)
SP1-Dennis Leonard (13-15 4.83)
SP2-Denny McClain (9-15 5.27)
SP3-Zack MacFadden (11-12 5.37)
SP4-Joe Henderson (4-1 3.26)
Closer-Randy Moffitt (0-4 4.22 6/7 save chances in AAA)

Financial situation in Milwaukee is dire. The team could end up trading away most of it's talented players which is a shame because given a year or two, this team could be a player in the American League. They have some good young talent on offense and pitching, but will they be able to keep them around?

Cleveland Indians (projected 74-88)

C-Ken Rudolph (.262 2-32 2)
1B-Jim Hibbs (.287 13-61 4)
2B-Dan Monzon (.251 1-47 2)
3B-Buddy Bell (.259 5-26)
SS-Bert Campaneris (.347 1-8 8 w?New York NL)
LF-George Foster (.308 42-154 1)
CF-Jim Qualls (.283 7-63 20 w/California)
RF-Champ Summers (.176 2-3 in 17 AB's)
DH-John Lowenstein (.322 35-120 12)
SP1-John Denny (15-16 4.70)
SP2-Steve Hargan (11-12 5.09)
SP3-Jerry Koosman (7-14 7.06)
SP4-Charles Lemay (11-14 5.91)
Closer-Bob Terlecki (2-3 3.57 13/17 save chances)

Pretty good lineup offset by a bad pitching staff outside of Denny. Buddy Bell and Champ Summers will be given the chance to play everyday. It will be interesting to see how the Indians decide to work with your SP Jack Morris. Since being drafted 1st overall, he is 1-16 with a 9.57 ERA in 19 career starts. He starts the year as the #5 starter.

Baltimore Orioles (projected 70-92)

C-Manny Sanguillen (.339 9-76 3)
1B-Boog Powell (.295 30-100)
2B-Davey Johnson (.311 17-67 1)
3B-Aurelio Rodriguez (.242 13-66 1 w/California)
SS-Larry Bowa (.241 0-9 7 w/Boston)
LF-Curt Blefary (.242 24-80 1)
CF-Paul Blair (.342 13-73 9)
RF-Bernie Smith (.300 1-10 in 80 AB w/Detroit)
DH-Tom Grieve (.277 20-90 1)
SP1-Jim Palmer (17-10 3.94)
SP2-Dave Roberts (7-11 5.94)
SP3-Wayne Garland (8-12 4.58)
SP4-Paul Mitchell (8-12 4.81)
Closer-Elias Sosa (2-3 1.41 19/23 save chances)

Couple of big changes in Baltimore as the Orioles change the entire left side of their infield. However, their pitching staff is young and talented. If they are able to keep growing, Baltimore could surprise.

Leading off the 1975 season is a homestand that sees the Minnesota Twins come to Fenway for 3 followed by a visit from the California Angels.

[bigpapi]

April 1,2,3 v Minnesota Twins (0-0)

April 1-The Red Sox offense picks up right where it left off last season as they pound out 10 runs and 16 hits, including 3 homeruns, 2 by Reggie Smith who drives in 5 as Boston beat up the Twins on Opening Day, 10-2. (1-0)
W-Fergie Jenkins (1-0) L-Jim McAndrew (0-1)

April 2-Trailing 7-1 entering the top of the 9th, the Twins scored 6 runs, capped by a 2 run single by Steve Brye off Sparky Lyle, tying the game at 7. It would remain tied at 7 until the bottom of the 12th, when Tony Conigliaro score Reggie Smith with a sacrifice fly, giving Boston an 8-7 win. (2-0)
W-Gene Garber (1-0) Vic Albury (0-1)

April 3-Gary Nolan pitched perhaps his best game as a member of the Red Sox, scattering 10 singles over 8 innings, while giving up just 2 runs and striking out 9, but he was overshadowed by Buzz Stephen, who held the Sox to just 1 run and 4 hits over 8 innings as Minnesota avoided the sweep, beating Boston 2-1. (2-1)
W-Buzz Stephen (1-0) L-Gary Nolan (0-1) S-Mark Wiley (1)

April 4,5,6 v California Angels (0-3)

April 4-Rick Reichardt had 2 hits and 3 RBI, and Jarvis Tatum hit a sac fly off Sparky Lyle in the top of the 11th inning to give the Angels their first win of the year, a 6-5 victory over the Red Sox. (2-2)
W-Tom Burgmeier (1-0) L-Gene Garber (1-1) S-Dave Sells (1)

April 5-4 Red Sox homeruns, including a 3 run blast by Dwight Evans, and Rico Petrocelli's 1st of the season helped Fergie Jenkins win his 2nd game as Boston beat the Angels 9-7. (3-2)
W-Fergie Jenkins (2-0) L-Gene Brabender (0-1)

April 6-George Brett hit 2 homeruns, driving in 3 and Billy Conigliaro hit a pair of solo blasts as Boston took two of three from California, winning 7-4. (4-2)
W-Roger Moret (1-0) L-John Strohmayer (0-1)

MLB Trade News:

It's been a busy first week of activity as the New York Mets and Yankees came together on a deal that would see the Mets send RP Ed Sprague (84) to the Bronx in exchange for RP Terry Ley (77/80). I think the Mets got the better of the deal, simply because they are so close, but Ley still has room to grow.

The big deal however went down between the Houston Astros and the Oakland Athletics:

Oakland sends OF Rick Monday (94) and 3B Sal Bando (86)
Houston sends 1B Bob Watson (88), 2B Joe Morgan (86), RP Jeff Reardon (58/77), C Alan Knicely (58/74), OF Bobby Brooks (70/71), OF Horace Speed (67/92), and P Mike Wegener (72/75)
This seems to be a very even deal as Monday is a superstar, and Bando is a All-Star caliber 3B. Watson and Morgan will give the A's a couple of players that are signed long term to decent deals, and they also pick up a couple of very nice prospects in Reardon and Speed. I think though Oakland wins out here as Morgan and Watson give the A's a little more balance in their lineup as they were very power oriented, now they have a little more speed and a little better batting average ability. Watson is a career .291 hitter with 111 HR and 590 RBI, while Morgan is a career .258 hitter with 159 HR 632 RBI and 370 stolen bases. On the Astros side, Monday has hit .277 with 219 homeruns and 762 RBI and Bando is a .271 hitter with 154 HR and 646 RBI.

MLB Injuries:

The $700,000 man, Gene Martin will miss the next month for the Cardinals with a broken finger suffered while being hit by a pitch. Martin was 3-11 so far in his first season in the NL.

MLB Milestones:

Dick Allen of the Philadelphia Phillies drove in his 1000th run

Other MLB News:

Preliminary talks with our main Free Agents, Toby Harrah and Tony Conigliaro have uncovered some ugly things. It seems the Gene Martin contract with the Cardinals have made players rethink their values. Harrah is asking for a 5 year deal worth $790,000 per year while Conigliaro is asking for 4 years at $750,000. Now, I know that most teams have increased ticket prices this past offseason, creating more money, but the players apparantely think all that money should go to them. If they don't come down from that, they could both be gone next year, and losing Conigliaro, the face of the franchise could cripple the Sox.

Up next for Boston is 3 games at home against the Texas Rangers followed by a 3 game set in Oakland against the new look Athletics!

[bigpapi]

April 7,8,9 v Texas Rangers (4-2)

April 7-In his first start as a member of the Sox, Lou Brock went 2-4 with a HR and 3 RBI and Ted Simmons added a solo shot, his 1st of the year as Boston got past Texas 7-4. (5-2)
W-Gary Nolan (1-1) L-Jim Maloney (0-1)

April 8-Tony Conigliaro went 2-5 with a HR and 5 RBI, and Reggie Smith added 2 hits, 2 runs score and 2 RBI as Boston doubled up the Rangers 12-6. (6-2)
W-Vern Ruhle (1-0) L-Charlie Hudson (0-1)

April 9-Tony C. had 4 hits and 4 RBI and Lou Brock hit his 2nd HR in as many starts, also driving in 4, supporting Fergie Jenkins with 17 runs as Boston swept Texas, running all over the Rangers 17-1. (7-2)
W-Fergie Jenkins (3-0) L-Mark Fidrych (0-1)

April 10,11,12 at Oakland Athletics (4-5)

April 10-George Brett and Rico Petrocelli each had 2 run doubles, and Roger Moret pitched 6 solid innings as Boston beat Oakland 8-3. (8-2)
W-Roger Moret (2-0) L-Chuck Dobson (0-1)

April 11-Leading 6-0 entering the bottom of the 8th inning, Gary Nolan and the Sox pen gave up 6 runs in the next 2 innings, capped by a 2 run blast by Andre Thornton to tie the game at 6. The score remained that way until the 11th, when Ted Simmons drove in Billy Conigliaro who had reached via error to give Boston the eventual 7-6 win. (9-2)
W-Gene Garber (2-1) L-Bob Gebhard (0-2)

April 12-Billy Grabarkewitz hit a 3 run HR to cap off a 4 run 10th inning, to give Boston a 9-5 win and sweep of the Athletics. Toby Harrah added 2 hits and 3 RBI in the win. (10-2)
W-Gene Garber (3-1) L-Larry Anderson (1-1)

MLB Contract News:

As salaries explode skyward, another player reaps the rewards as Tommy Agee and the Chicago White Sox agree on a deal that will pay Agee $750,000 per year for the next 5 years. The deal makes Agee the highest paid player in the history of the major leagues. Agee is hitting .286 4-13 on the year thusfar after hitting .310 31-102 last year. Agee has a career line of .288 with 252 HR and 918 RBI. The deal will take Agee until he is 36 years old.

The New York Yankees also came to terms with 27 year old C Thurmon Munson on a 4 year contract worth a total of 1.68 million dollars. Munson is hitting .349 0-5 so far this year and is a career .299 hitter in 720 games, all with New York. This contract makes Munson the 2nd highest paid catcher in the game, behind Ted Simmons.

New York also signed 1B Bob Hansen to a 3 year deal worth $650,000 per year. Hansen had a breakout season last year, hitting .305 25-133 to go along with 45 doubles. He is down a bit this year, hitting just .262 2-6 on the young year.

The California Angels have agreed to a contract extension with CF Jarvis Tatum that totals $1,640,000 over 4 years. Tatum hit .283 4-69 last year for the Angels. He also stole 15 bases and is a career .298 hitter with 15 HR and 199 RBI over a 6 year career covering 563 games.

Lastly, Baltimore has agreed to terms with C Manny Sanguillen on a 5 year contract worth $490,000 per year. Sanguillen hit .339 9-76 last year, and is a career .320 hitter for Baltimore and Pittsburgh. He is hitting just .265 1-6 so far this year for the Orioles.

Next on tap for the Sox is a rematch of the American League Championship Series as they head to Chicago for 3 games vs. the White Sox followed by 3 games in Arlington to match up against the Texas Rangers.

[kevarms]

Interesting that salaries are so big. Is that just normal inflation or is there something programmed into the game for salaries to jump in the mid-70s? My dynasty is a few years behind but Bob Bailey (no superstar but worth $900k to the Dodgers apparently) is the only player getting over half a million.

[bigpapi]

Kevarms- I don't know really. Salaries just exploded this year. I think it has something to do with ticket prices increasing significantly in '75. Until this year, Rick Monday was the only player making $500,000. It will create some interesting decisions by the Red Sox and just about every other team though, so it should be fun!

[bigpapi]

April 13,14,15 at Chicago White Sox (7-5)

April 13-Fergie Jenkins pitched a complete game, 3 hit shutout, walking noone and striking out 9 as Reggie Smith provided the offense with 3 hits and 4 RBI, including a 3 run HR as Boston blanked Chicago 5-0. (11-2)
W-Fergie Jenkins (4-0) L-Tommy John (1-2)

April 14-Tony Conigliaro and Dwight Evans each homered and drove in 3 runs as Boston won 7-6 despite being outhit by the White Sox 10-6. (12-2)
W-Roger Moret (3-0) L-Jim O'Toole (0-2) S-Sparky Lyle (1)

April 15-In his first start for any team other than the Chicago Cubs, Billy Williams hit a first pitch grand slam off Gary Nolan, leading the White Sox to a 6-3 win over Boston, avoiding the sweep. (12-3)
W-Wilbur Wood (2-0) L-Gary Nolan (1-2) S-Roger Nelson (1)

April 18,19,20 at Texas Rangers (7-8)

April 18-Dwight Evans hit a 3 run HR, his 6th and George Brett hit a solo run, accounting for all of Boston's runs, but it was enough as the Red Sox beat the Rangers 4-3. (13-3)
W-Vern Ruhle (2-0) L-Bill Moran (1-1) S-Sparky Lyle (2)

April 19-Trailing 4-2 in the 8th, Tippy Martinez walked 4 straight Boston hitters, driving in a run before giving up a 2 run single to Billy Grabarkewitz, giving Boston a 5-4 lead, a lead they would not surrender. (14-3)
W-Fergie Jenkins (5-0) L-Tippy Martinez (0-1) S-Sparky Lyle (3)

April 20-Cecil Cooper hit a 2 run HR, and Jerry Reuss pitched a complete game, allowing just 1 run on 8 hits, walking 3 while striking out 5 as Texas avoided the sweep, beating Boston 5-1. (14-4)
W-Jerry Reuss (3-2) L-Roger Moret (3-1)

MLB Trade News:

Another large trade this week, this time betwee the Montreal Expos and San Fransisco Giants:

Montreal sends P Mike Davison, P Steve Bailey, P James Wilczewski, and 2B Jacob Gould
San Fransisco sends P Rollie Fingers, 3B Ken McMullen, LF Bernie Williams, P Gary Wheelock
Gotta give the edge to the Giants. As hard as Fingers was to give up, they got two solid pen arms to fortify their pitching staff in what looks to be a tough AL West this year. Fingers goes to Montreal and becomes the closer he's always felt he should be.

MLB Contract News:

In unexpected news, the Chicago Cubs and P Jim Colborn have come together on a deal that makes Colborn the highest paid pitcher in the league. They have agreed to a 4 year deal worth $500,000 per year. Colborn, currently on the DL with a bad back was 15-10 3.35 last year for the Northsiders. He will be out until August, but is expected to become their number 1 once he's back.

MLB Retirements:

Pete Mikkelsen retired this week after he was released by the New York Yankees. Mikkelsen had pitched for 11 years for New York (AL) (1964-65), Pittsburgh (1966-68), Oakland (1696-1971), and New York (NL) (1972-1974). He finishes his career 11th on the all time saves list with 150 in 175 chances. His best year came in 1967 for the Pirates when he was 2-0 1.41. In 39 games, he pitched 44 innings, giving up just 22 hits and 15 walks while striking out 31 and saving 27 games in 28 chances.

Up next for the Sox is a 3 game set at home against the Texas Rangers followed by 3 on the road in California against the struggling Angels.

[bigpapi]

April 22,23,24 v Texas Rangers (8-10)

April 22-Gary Nolan pitched 8 shutout innings, allowing just 4 hits while walking 5 and striking out 5 and Billy Conigliaro went 3-3 with an RBI as Boston blanked Texas 6-0. (15-4)
W-Gary Nolan (2-2) L-Jim Maloney (1-2)

April 23-Rico Petrocelli went 2-4 with 2 HR and 4 RBI, and George Brett hit a 3 run bomb as Boston beat up Texas 9-2. (16-4)
W-Vern Ruhle (3-0) L-Bill Moran (1-2) S-Sparky Lyle (4)

April 24-Tony Conigliaro hit a 2 run HR, and little brother Billy had a 2 run single as Boston completed the sweep of Texas, winning 6-5. (17-4)
W-Gene Garber (4-1) L-Jesse Jefferson (0-1) S-Sparky Lyle (5)

April 25,26,27 at California Angels (7-14)

April 25-Bruce Bochte hit a 2 out, 3 run homerun off closer Sparky Lyle as California beat Boston 7-5. The Sox had taken a 5-4 lead in the top of the inning, scoring 3 times, twice on an RBI single by Billy Conigliaro. (17-5)
W-John Strohmayer (3-1) L-Sparky Lyle (0-1)

April 26-Rico Petrocelli hit a pair of solo HR's, and Ted Simmons went 3-5 with a HR and 2 RBI as Boston got past California, winning 6-3. (18-5)
W-Gary Nolan (3-2) L-Andy Messersmith (0-4) S-Sparky Lyle (6)

April 27-In a game featuring 31 hits and 23 runs, California outlasted Boston 13-11. The Angels were lead by Rick Reichardt, who went 4-5 with a HR and 4 RBI, and Carlos Lopez who had 3 hits and a pair of RBI. (18-6)
W-Tom Bradley (1-0) L-Doug Rau (0-1) S-Marty Pattin (1)

MLB Trade News:

Another big trade went down this week that involved 8 players. Cincinnati and Montreal came together on a deal that went as follows:
Montreal sends P Rollie Fingers, 1B Wes Parker, P Lowell Palmer, LF Bombo Rivera, and 3B Ken McMullen
Cincinnati sends OF Bernie Carbo, P Tim Plodinec and CF Wayne Comer

I really don't understand this one from the Reds perspective. Fingers solidifies the bullpen, but they traded away two of their big offensive performers. Edge goes to the Expos.

MLB Retirements:

Don Mincher retired this week after 15 big league seasons. Mincher spent time with Minnesota (1960-1966), California (1967-1972), and Baltimore (1973-74). He retires with 234 homeruns and 761 RBI to go along with a .249 average. He made one All-Star team (1967) in what was also his best year, hitting .272 39-112 for the Angels.

MLB Injuries:

Von Joshua of the San Diego Padres will miss the remainder of the year with a broken leg suffered while stealing second base. Joshua was hitting .306 0-1 in 21 games this year after hitting .288 3-50 a year ago with 29 doubles. Veteran Roger Repoz will move into the starting lineup in his place.

Chris Nelson of the New York Yankees will miss the next two months after suffering a shoulder separation in a collision fielding a ball hit back to him. Nelson was 4-0 2.47 so far on the year after going 15-12 3.97 a year ago, his first as a full time starter.

Ending April and into May for the Sox is 3 games at home against the Chicago White Sox followed by 3 games in Cleveland against the Indians. End of the month stats and league standings will follow the White Sox series!

[bigpapi]

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

1975 Batting             Team    G   AVG    AB    H  2B  3B  HR   BB    K   SB  CS    R  RBI   SLG   OBP
Brett, George             BOS   27  .278   115   32  12   5   4    9   10    1   1   23   22  .574  .331
Smith, Reggie             BOS   25  .266   109   29  11   0   5   15   16    0   1   22   16  .505  .352
Conigliaro, Tony          BOS   25  .271   107   29   4   0   7   15   26    0   0   23   22  .505  .355
Evans, Dwight             BOS   27  .302   106   32   6   0   9   20   19    0   0   18   28  .613  .413
Harrah, Toby              BOS   27  .204   103   21   2   0   2   16   13    1   2   14   17  .282  .301
Simmons, Ted              BOS   24  .260    96   25   5   1   2   19    6    0   0   21    9  .396  .385
Conigliaro, Billy         BOS   21  .289    83   24   5   0   2    9   16    0   0   14   13  .422  .372
Petrocelli, Rico          BOS   23  .325    83   27   3   1   6   10   14    0   0   11   17  .602  .398
Grabarkewitz, Billy       BOS   20  .268    71   19   2   1   4   12   12    1   1   10   15  .493  .369
Thomas, Gorman            BOS   11  .163    43    7   4   0   0    3    8    0   0    5    1  .256  .217
Brock, Lou                BOS    7  .320    25    8   1   0   2    1    9    4   0    7    9  .600  .346
McCovey, Willie           BOS    4  .154    13    2   1   1   0    2    2    0   0    5    0  .385  .313
Fisk, Carlton             BOS    3  .333     9    3   0   0   0    3    4    0   0    2    2  .333  .462
Sutherland, Gary          BOS    1  .500     4    2   0   0   0    0    1    0   0    0    2  .500  .500
Scott, Mickey             BOS   10  .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)

1975 Pitching            Team     IP   ERA    G  GS   W   L  SV    K   BB   R/9
Foucault, Steve           BOS   11.1  0.79    9   0   0   0   0   10    2  7.15
Scott, Mickey             BOS   10.1  1.74   10   0   0   2   0    5    2  7.84
Jenkins, Fergie           BOS   56.0  3.21    7   7   5   1   0   54    7  8.68
Garber, Gene              BOS   12.2  3.55   11   0   4   1   0   15    1  7.82
Nolan, Gary               BOS   49.0  3.67    7   7   3   3   0   37   20 12.49
Moret, Roger              BOS   44.0  4.70    7   7   3   2   0   33   11 13.30
Ruhle, Vern               BOS   40.0  4.73    6   6   3   0   0   18   10 14.40
Lyle, Sparky              BOS   15.0  4.80   12   0   0   1   6   15    5 15.60
Mingori, Steve            BOS    7.1  7.36    9   0   0   0   0    3    3 14.73
Rau, Doug                 BOS    5.1 11.81    4   0   0   1   0    4    4 18.56
Brett, Ken                BOS    5.0 19.80    3   0   0   0   0    4    5 27.00

[bigpapi]

League Standings Through April 30-

[bigpapi]

April 28,29,30 v Chicago White Sox (13-11)

April 28-Johnny Edwards went 3-4 with a HR and 4 RBI as Chicago battered Fergie Jenkins around for 10 hits and 6 runs over 7 innings, en route to a 11-1 win over Boston. (18-7)
W-Tommy John (4-2) L-Fergie Jenkins (5-1)

April 29-Walt Williams went 3-4 with a 2 run HR, and Bill Melton added 2 hits and 2 RBI as the White Sox got past the Red 4-1. (18-8)
W-Jim O'Toole (11-4) L-Roger Moret (3-2) S-Cy Acosta (6)

April 30-Tommy Agee had 3 hits, including a 3 run HR, and Walt Williams and Bill Melton each hit 3 run homeruns as Chicago completed the sweep of Boston, beating up on the Sox 15-1. (18-9)
W-Wilbur Wood (5-0) L-Gary Nolan (3-3)

May 2,3,4 at Cleveland Indians (18-13)

May 2-George Foster hit a 2 run HR and Lou Camilli drove in a pair of runs with a double in the 6th inning as Cleveland beat Boston 7-5. (18-10)
W-Ray Burris (2-2) L-Vern Ruhle (3-1)

May 3-7 runs over the last 3 innings, lead by a Billy Conigliaro 2 run HR helped Boston break their 5 game losing streak, beating Cleveland 7-1. (19-10)
W-Fergie Jenkins (6-1) L-Charles Lemay (2-2)

May 4-Toby Harrah, hitting .200 for the year, came up with two outs in the top of the 9th, with Boston trailing 6-5, promptly hit a 2 run blast to left field, giving Boston a 7-6 win over the Indians. (20-10)
W-Steve Foucault (1-0) L-Bob Terlecki (2-1) S-Sparky Lyle (7)

MLB Trade News:

With the Boston bullpen short on the year, the Red Sox have made a move to hopefully strengthen the back of the pitching staff. Boston sent SP LaMarr Hoyt (66/76) and OF Dave Collins (69/78) to the San Diego Padres for RP Mickey Scott (79/80). It was a tough deal to make, but sometimes you have to give up a little more than normal to improve your team. Scott had gone 0-2 2.16 in 8 games this year with the Padres after going 5-3 4.05 in 59 games a year ago. He struck out 41 and walking 21 in 66.2 innings.

MLB Retirements:

Deron Johnson retired this week after being given his release from the California Angels. Johnson hit a career .259 with 214 homeruns and 824 RBI in 1524 games with New York (AL) (1961-62), Kansas City (1961-62), Cincinnati (1964-67), Cleveland (1967-69), Philadelphia (1969-1974), California (1975). His best year came in 1965 with Cincinnati when he hit .287 32-130 with 30 doubles and 7 triples. He made one All-Star Team in 1969.

Up next for Boston is a familiar face as Boston have a home and home series with the Cleveland Indians, first in Cleveland, then in Boston.

[bigpapi]

May 6,7,8 at Cleveland Indians (19-14)

May 6-Jim Hibbs doubles in Jim Qualls in the bottom of the 9th, helping Cleveland beat Boston 4-3. Reggie Smith hit a 2 run HR, his 6th in the loss. (20-11)
W-Ed Farmer (2-1) L-Gene Garber (4-2)

May 7-Dan Monzon and Jim Qualls drove in runs in the 4th inning, and the Indians staff made it stand up as Cleveland beat Boston 2-1. Jerry Koosman gave up 1 run in 6 innings and Ray Burris pitched the last 3 scoreless to help Cleveland to the victory. (20-12)
W-Jerry Koosman (4-1) L-Fergie Jenkins (6-2) S-Ray Burris (1)

May 8-Gorman Thomas, hitting .137 on the year, hit a clutch 2 out grand slam homerun, his 1st of the year, off Charles Lemay, helping Boston take the last game of the series, beating Cleveland 6-1. Ron Guidry, in his first start in over a year, went 6 scoreless innings, allowing 4 hits and 4 walks while striking out 5, throwing 113 pitches. (21-12)
W-Ron Guidry (1-0) L-Charles Lemay (2-3)

May 10,11,12 v Cleveland Indians (21-15)

May 10-George Foster hit a first inning grand slam, and it was more than enough for John Denny, who pitched 8 innings of 2 run ball, as Cleveland beat up on the Red Sox 6-2. (21-13)
W-John Denny (4-1) L-Roger Moret (3-3)

May 11-Dwight Evans hit his 12th HR of the year, a 2 run shot, and Tony Conigliaro added a 2 run HR, his 8th as Boston beat Cleveland 6-2. (22-13)
W-Vern Ruhle (4-1) L-Steve Hargan (3-4)

May 12-Trailing 5-3 entering the top of the 9th inning, the Indians scored 3 times off closer Sparky Lyle, capped by an RBI single from George Foster, as Cleveland came back to beat Boston 6-5. (22-14)
W-Rick Austin (2-1) L-Sparky Lyle (0-2)

MLB Notes:

The Red Sox have announced that Sparky Lyle will be removed from the closers role until they are able to work out some kinks in his pitching motion. Lyle has really struggled this year to the line of 0-2 6.11. In 17.2 innings, covering 15 games, he has allowed 27 hits and 7 walks while striking out 16. He has also saved just 7 games in 11 chances. Newcomer Mickey Scott will take over his role as closer for the time being. Since being acquired from the San Diego Padres, Scott has pitched in 7 games, covering 7.2 innings. He has allowed 5 hits, no walks, and 2 strikeouts, while allowed just 1 unearned run.

MLB Retirements:

Bob Miller retired this week after being released from the Detroit Tigers AAA team in Toledo. Miller had pitched for 18 years, with St. Louis (1957-1961), New York (NL) (1962), Los Angeles (1963-1972) and Detroit (1973-74). He finishes with a career mark of 80-77 3.04 in 704 games. He made 5 All-Star teams (1967,68,1970, 1972,73) and his best season came in 1972, his last with the Dodgers, when he went 12-4 1.75. In 103.2 innings that year, he gave up just 63 hits while striking out 58.

MLB Injury News:

Tito Fuentes of the San Fransisco Giants will be out until August with a broken ankle suffered rounding 1st base. He was batting .328 1-16 so far on the year, batting leadoff for the Giants. His loss will be devastating for San Fransisco as Fuentes had recorded over 190 hits for 5 straight years, and 6 of the last 7. 30 year old Rich Seversen will take over for Fuentes.

The Chicago White Sox have suffered a blow as Tommy Agee will miss the next 3 months with a broken elbow he suffered banging into the wall chasing a fly ball. Agee was hitting .225 6-22 on the year, but hit .310 31-102 a year ago and had just signed a contract making him the highest paid big leaguer ever. 32 year old Angel Bravo finally gets a chance to show what he can do after 8 seasons as a part time/AAA player.

Up next for the Red Sox is 3 games at home against the Chicago White Sox followed by a 3 game set in Kansas City to face the Royals.

[bigpapi]

May 16,17,18 v Chicago White Sox (25-14)

May 16-George Brett and Ted Simmons each had 3 RBI, combined with 11 walks from starting pitcher Kyle Becker 4.2 innings, helped Boston defeat Chicago 10-7. (23-14)
W-Ron Guidry (2-0) L-Kyle Becker (0-2) S-Mickey Scott (1)

May 17-Billy Grabarkewitz went 2-4 with a grand slam, driving in 5 altogether, and George Brett added a HR and 3 RBI as Boston beat up Chicago 12-7. (24-14)
W-Roger Moret (4-3) L-Dave Freisleben (0-2) S-Steve Foucault (1)

May 18-Tony Conigliaro hit a solo HR off Jim Magnuson in the bottom of the 10th inning to help rescue Mickey Scott who had blown the save in the 9th,
and help Boston sweep Chicago, winning 4-3. (25-14)
W-Mickey Scott (1-0) L-Jim Magnuson (2-2)

May 19,20,21 at Kansas City Royals (17-25)

May 19-5 different Sox drove in 2 runs, lead by Tony Conigliaro who hit his 10th homerun of the year as Boston outlasted KC 10-7. (26-14)
W-Fergie Jenkins (7-2) L-Dave McNally (5-5) S-Mickey Scott (2)

May 20-The struggles for Sparky Lyle continue as he came on in the bottom of the 10th inning in a 2-2 game and gave up a leadoff walk to Jose Cardenal who was sacrificed to 2nd and then Rich Morales came up and laced a double to left center to give the Royals a 3-2 win. (26-15)
W-Wilco Rhodes (1-0) L-Sparky Lyle (0-3)

May 21-Roger Moret came within one out of a shutout before tiring and giving up 5 runs, but he received plenty of offensive support, lead by George Brett who had 4 RBI and Toby Harrah who continued to break from his early season slumber with his 7th HR of the year as Boston hammered Kansas City 15-5. (27-15)
W-Roger Moret (5-3) L-Ken Holtzman (2-5)

MLB Trade News:

Houston sends P P Bob Watkins (74/86)
Oakland sends 2B Joe Morgan (86)
Houston reacquires Morgan for a middle reliever, albeit a middle reliever with some potential. Edge Houston as their lineup is now as formidable as any in the majors. They have given themselves an excellent chance to contend for the NL West title this year. Currently, they sit 2 games behind the San Fransisco Giants.

MLB Milestones:

Ron Fairly of the Milwaukee Brewers picked up his 2000th hit

MLB Injuries:

The New York Yankees have lost OF Al Yates for the year with a broken leg. Yates suffered the injury falling into the stands trying to catch a foul ball. Yates was hitting .315 7-31 on the year and is a career .304 hitter with 40 HR and 250 RBI in 512 games. The rich Yankees minor league system will plug in OF Jerry Morales (87/88) into Yates place.

Kansas City will be without the services of SS Dwain Anderson for the remainder of the year. Anderson torn a ligament in his left knee turning a double play this week. Anderson was hitting .267 0-5 with 8 steals at the top of the Royals lineup. He hit .243 1-40 and was 12/12 in steal chances a year ago.

(Editors Note: I am really excited about the way the year is shaping up. First and 5th place in the AL East is separated by 5 games. First and 5th in the NL East by 5 games, 1st and 4th in the NL West by just 4 games. There are also teams near the top of their divisions that haven't been there in a while. Which ones? You will have to wait until the end of May to see League Standings!!!)

Next on the schedule for the 2nd place Red Sox are 6 games at home, the first three against the Kansas City Royals followed by the Oakland A's coming to Fenway for a 3 game set.