Impossible Dream???

[bigpapi]

June 30, July 1,2 at Kansas City Royals (27-51)

June 30-Brooks Robinson had a 2 run single, and the Royals banged out 15 hits and 9 runs as Kansas City beat Boston 9-7. (51-28)
W-Rick Folkers (3-2) L-Gary Nolan (7-7)

July 1-Tony Conigliaro had 3 hits including a 3 run HR and Dwight Evans added a solo shot as Boston nipped the Royals 4-3. (52-28)
W-Mickey Scott (3-0) L-Stan Thomas (1-5) S-Sparky Lyle (8)

July 2-Dwight Evans hit a tie breaking 2 run double in the 7th inning, and Fergie Jenkins pitched his 7th complete game of the year as Boston took two of three from the Royals, winning 5-2. (53-28)
W-Fergie Jenkins (13-4) L-Dave McNally (6-12)

July 3,4,5 at New York Yankees (48-36)

July 3-Billy Grabarkewitz hit a bases clearing double, and Tony C. and Gorman Thomas added 2 run shots as Boston beat up on the Yankees 9-3. (54-28)
W-Ron Guidry (5-2) L-Wayne Simpson (5-4)

July 4-A 7 run 4th inning, capped by Rico Petrocelli's 12th HR of the year, a grand slam helped Boston beat New York 8-1. (55-28)
W-Ken Brett (3-2) L-Tug McGraw (4-3)

July 5-Tony Conigliaro went 4-5 with a HR and 3 RBI, and Ted Simmons added 2 hits and 3 runs batted in as Boston won their 5th straight game, beating the Yankees 7-5. (56-28)
W-Steve Foucault (2-0) L-Ed Sprague (1-8) S-Mickey Scott (10)

MLB Trade News:

Kansas City came calling and made us an offer I felt we couldn't pass up. The Royals offered us SP John Montefusco (83) for RP Don Aase (64/82). Montefusco is only 25, and was 14-16 5.13 a year ago for the Royals in 223 innings covering 38 starts. He had been relegated to the bullpen this year, pitching 21 games and going 0-1 with a 4.98 ERA. While Aase may end up being better in the long run, we felt Montefusco could help solidify our bullpen and give us spot starts when needed.

MLB Milestones:

Brooks Robinson of the Kansas City Royals hit his 300th homerun

Tony Perez of the Cincinnati Reds drove in his 1000th run

Up next is the All-Star break Festivities!

[bigpapi]

1975 All-Star Festivites:

1975 Home Run Derby-

It was a matchup that featured two of the premier homerun hitters of the 70's thusfar as Bobby Bonds of the San Fransisco Giants defeated Tony Conigliaro of the Boston Red Sox 5-3 in the final round. Mike Schmidt had the most 1st round homers with 13 but appeared to tire, hitting just one in round two. Overall, Bonds outhomered Conigliaro 19-17. Complete totals below:

1975 Home Run Showdown

FIRST ROUND (10 Outs)

PLAYER                          HOMERS
Mike Schmidt (CHC)                  13
Tony Conigliaro (BOS)               11
Bobby Bonds (SFG)                   10
Bobby Grich (NYY)                    7
Joe Lahoud (PIT)                     6
Doug Rader (STL)                     5
Steve Garvey (LAD)                   4
George Foster (CLE)                  4
Jimmy Wynn (TEX)                     4
John Mayberry (KCR)                  4

SECOND ROUND (5 Outs)

PLAYER                          HOMERS
Bobby Bonds (SFG)                    4
Tony Conigliaro (BOS)                3
Bobby Grich (NYY)                    2
Mike Schmidt (CHC)                   1

FINAL ROUND (5 Outs)

PLAYER                          HOMERS
BOBBY BONDS (SFG)                    5
Tony Conigliaro (BOS)                3

     WINNER: Bobby Bonds

1975 All-Star Game-
The National League put on a show this year, battering the American League Pitchers, namely those from Baltimore to the tune of 22 hits and 15 runs, routing the American League 15-5. Johnny Briggs was named All-Star MVP, playing the whole game and going 5-6 with a solo HR. Red Sox to make the trip to the game as starters were Ted Simmons (1-3 HR 2 RBI), Tony Conigliaro (1-3 1 RBI) and George Brett (1-4). Fergie Jenkins made the team, but did not pitch. Boxscore below:

National League All Stars at American League All Stars
July 10, 1975

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
      All Stars (NL) 5 1 7 0 0 0 1 0 1   15 22  1
      All Stars (AL) 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 1    5 10  0

NATIONAL LEAGUE      ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb     avg
A. Otis (DH)          5  2  1  3  1  2  0  0    .312
J. Briggs (LF)        6  5  0  3  1  1  1  0    .340
B. Bonds (RF)         5  3  1  1  0  1  2  0    .345
J. Lahoud (CF)        6  4  0  2  0  2  0  0    .340
S. Garvey (1B)        6  3  0  2  0  3  0  0    .319
D. Rader (3B)         5  2  0  2  1  4  1  0    .378
 D. Evans (P)         1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .311
E. Williams (C)       5  1  0  1  0  1  1  0    .261
P. Rose (2B)          5  1  0  0  0  0  0  0    .306
D. Kessinger (SS)     4  1  1  1  0  1  0  0    .284
TOTALS               48 22  3 15  3 15  5  0

   2B:  S. Garvey, J. Briggs, E. Williams
   HR:  D. Rader, J. Briggs, A. Otis
   GIDP:  A. Otis

                   ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
        G. Perry  5.0  7  3  1  4  4  3 132   2.70
       T. Seaver  2.2  2  2  0  0  0  3  55   2.74
        F. Linzy  1.1  1  0  1  1  1  2  26   1.89
          TOTALS  9.0 10  5  2  5  5  8 213

AMERICAN LEAGUE      ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb     avg
J. Fregosi (SS)       5  3  0  2  1  1  0  0    .236
G. Brett (3B)         4  1  1  1  0  0  0  0    .307
J. Mayberry (1B)      4  1  1  1  0  0  1  0    .310
T. Simmons (C)        3  1  2  1  1  2  1  0    .307
G. Foster (RF)        5  2  0  0  0  1  1  0    .351
T. Conigliaro (LF)    3  1  1  0  0  1  1  0    .320
R. Reichardt (CF)     4  1  0  0  0  0  1  0    .351
J. Wynn (DH)          3  0  0  0  0  0  2  0    .285
 T. Oliva (P)         1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .309
B. Grich (2B)         4  0  0  0  0  0  1  0    .264
TOTALS               36 10  5  5  2  5  8  0

   2B:  J. Fregosi, R. Reichardt
   HR:  T. Simmons, J. Fregosi
   GIDP:  G. Foster

                   ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
       J. Palmer  1.0  3  2  1  5  5  1  29   2.72
     P. Mitchell  4.1 11  1  1  8  8  3  82   2.88
      W. Garland  2.2  5  0  0  1  1  0  45   2.60
     L. Anderson  1.0  3  0  1  1  1  1  35   3.07
          TOTALS  9.0 22  3  3 15 15  5 191

     WP: G. Perry
     LP: J. Palmer

     Temperature: 70F
     Wind: 3 MPH (in from left)
     Attendance: 53,192
     Time: 3:58

Leading off the second half for Boston is their first home game in exactly 41 days as they head back to Boston for a homestand that starts with the Cleveland Indians coming to town for 3 games followed by the Minnesota Twins.

[bigpapi]

July 12,13,14 v Cleveland Indians (42-45)

July 12-Reggie Smith went 3-5 with 3 RBI and Dwight Evans hit a 2 run HR as Boston got past the Indians 8-5. (57-28)
W-Gene Garber (7-2) L-Rick Austin (4-5) S-Mickey Scott (11)

July 13-The Indians committed 4 errors, leading to 4 unearned runs, and Reggie Smith and Tobu Harrah each hit homeruns as Boston beat Cleveland 6-2. (58-28)
W-Ron Guidry (6-2) L-John Denny (5-8) S-Steve Foucault (2)

July 14-Dwight Evans and Ted Simmons each drove in 3 runs, and Roger Moret scattered 11 hits over 7 innings as Boston completed the sweep of the Indians, winning 8-5. (59-28)
W-Roger Moret (10-4) L-Charles Lemay (6-9) S-Mickey Scott (12)

July 15,16,17 at Minnesota Twins (34-50)

July 15-Tony Conigliaro went 3-5 with a homer and 3 RBI and Reggie Smith added 3 RBI as Boston hammered the Twins, winning 13-5. (60-28)
W-John Montefusco (1-1) L-Ray Corbin (0-1)

July 16-Tony C. went 2-4 with 3 RBI, and Fergie Jenkins pitched 7 innings, allowing just 3 runs as Boston beat the Twins again, today 6-4. (61-28)
W-Fergie Jenkins (14-4) L-Jim Merritt (7-8) S-Mickey Scott (13)

July 17-The Sox extended their winning streak to 11 games, as Tony Conigliaro, Tobby Harrah and Gorman Thomas each drove in 3 runs, and Ron Guidry pitched a complete game, allowing just 1 run as Boston ran all over the Twins, winning 11-1. (62-28)
W-Ron Guidry (7-2) L-Dean Chance (6-8)

MLB Trade News:

Chicago (NL) sends P Ralph Botting (63/75) and P Steve Senteney 49/78)
San Diego sends 2B Glenn Redmon (74/77)
Minor deal, would have to give the edge to the Cubs, as Redmon has a little big league experience.

MLB Retirements:

Couple of big names have decided to call it a career this past week. First Chicago Cubs 1B Norm Cash has retired after 17 major league seasons spent with Chicago (AL) (1958-59), Detroit (1960-1970), Philadelphia (1971), Atlanta (1971-1973), Chicago (NL) (1974-75). He retires with 422 homeruns (15th All-Time) and 1,312 RBI. His best season came in 1961, when he hit .361 with 41 HR's and 132 RBI for the Tigers. He made 3 All-Star teams in his great career (1961,66,1970), and Cash came up just 9 hits short of 2,000.

Orlando Cepeda retired this week after being released by the Milwaukee Brewers. The "Baby Bull", played for 3 teams in his great career, San Fransisco (1958-1966), St. Louis (1967-1973), and the Milwaukee Brewers (1974-75). He retires after 17 years, with a career line of .304/.351/.515 with 398 HR and 1382 RBI. He was the 1958 Rookie of the Year, when he hit .312 25-96 for the San Fransisco Giants. He made 8 All-Star teams (1959,1960,61,62,63,64,67,1970) and his best year came in 1961, when he hit .311 46-142 with the Giants.

MLB Contract News:

The Red Sox have made a couple of signings this week. First they have agreed to a 4 year deal worth $215,000 per year with OF Billy Conigliaro. Tony C's younger brother is hitting .291 5-31 on the year, and we hope that with Billy on board, that Tony will agree to resign here as well.

Second, Boston has agreed to a prorated deal worth about $130,000 with OF Merv Rettemund. Rettemund was released by the New York Mets this week and will provide the Sox with some backup offensive support needed as Dwight Evans has been lost for the year with injury.

MLB Injury News:

The Mets suffered a tough blow as 1B Ed Kranepool will be lost for the season after being hit on the wrist by a pitch. Kranepool was hitting .312 12-65 so far this year and is a career .284 hitter with 191 homeruns and 824 RBI in 1826 games.

Dwight Evans of the Boston Red Sox will miss the remainder of the year with an injured elbow. Evans was hitting .256 17-55 when he suffered the injury. Evans also missed 5 weeks a year ago with a similiar injury, when he hit .287 25-91.

Up next for the streaking Sox is 3 games at home against Detroit followed by 3 games in Baltimore to play the Orioles.

[bigpapi]

July 18,19,20 v Detroit Tigers (52-41)

July 18-Billy Conigliaro hit a 6th inning grand slam to help Boston come back from a 2-0 defecit to take a 4-2 lead and eventually beat the Tigers 6-2. Roger Moret pitched 7 innings, allowing 2 runs and striking out 7 in the win. (63-28)
W-Roger Moret (11-4) L-Ken Forsch (9-1) S-Steve Foucault (3)

July 19-Ted Simmons and Toby Harrah each hit 2 run HR's, and Tony Conigliaro added 2 hits and 2 RBI in support of Gary Nolan, who allowed just 1 run over 7 innings as Boston hammered the Tigers 9-1. (64-28)
W-Gary Nolan (8-7) L-Pat Dobson (7-7)

July 20-The Sox had a 3-0 lead after 5 innings as Lou Brock drove in a pair with a single, however the Tigers would take a 5-3 lead after 7 as they pushed across 5 runs, capped by a bases clearing double from former Sox 1B George Scott. The score would remain that way until the 9th, when Boston would tie the score on an RBI double from Brock and single from Ted Simmons. Boston would end the game in the 10th as Toby Harrah would hit his 13th HR of the year, a solo shot with noone out as Boston swept Detroit and extended their winning streak to 14 games, winning 6-5. (65-28)
W-John Montefusco (2-1) L-Fernando Arroyo (0-1)

July 21,22,23 at Baltimore Orioles (54-39)

July 21-Gorman Thomas, coming into the game hitting just .187 went 2-4 with a double and 2 RBI and Reggie Smith added a solo shot as Boston beat Baltimore 6-3. (66-28)
W-Fergie Jenkins (15-4) L-Paul Mitchell (13-5) S-Mickey Scott (14)

July 22-4 Red Sox homeruns, one each from Toby Harrah (14), Billy Grabarkewitz (11), Billy Conigliaro (8), and Gorman Thomas (9), helped Ron Guidry, who pitched 8 innings allowing just 2 runs and striking out 5 as Boston extended their win streak to 16 games, beating the Orioles 6-4. (67-28)
W-Ron Guidry (8-2) L-Jim Palmer (8-10) S-Mickey Scott (15)

July 23-Mickey Scott gave up back to back RBI singles in the 10th inning to Curt Blefary and Boog Powell as Baltimore ended Boston's win streak, beating the Red Sox 6-5 in 10 innings. Powell hit a 2 run HR to give the Orioles a 4-0 lead, but Boston would eventually tie the game at 5 on Rico Petrocelli's 3 run HR in the top of the 9th before the Orioles would win it in the 10th. (67-29)
W-John Lamb (1-1) L-Mickey Scott (3-3)

MLB Trade News:

As we approach the trade deadline, the first deal was consumated by the Phillies and KC Royals as Philadephia send P Keith Macwhorter (49/75), P Dickie Noles (49/76), and LF Dan Iorg (62/75) to the Royals for RP Rich Folkers (81). I like this deal from both ends actually. Folkers wasn't going to help the Royals compete this year so they move him for more depth in the minors. On the other hand, the Phillies help solidify their 'pen with a pitcher who was 4-2 4.06 on the year after going 13-13 4.79 for the St. Louis Cardinals a year ago in 80 games in relief.

MLB Retirements:

Felipe Alou of the Baltimore Orioles retired this week after being given his release from the team. Alou played 17 seasons for San Fransisco (1958-1963), Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves (1964-68), Los Angeles (1969-1071), Kansas City (1971-1973), Baltimore (1974-75). He ends his career with a .289 average, 292 HR and 1,080 RBI. He finshes with 2,101 hits, including 371 doubles. He also stole exactly 100 bases in his time. He was a 3 time All-Star (1962,66,1973) whose best season was the '66 campaign when he hit .327 31-74 and collected 218 hits while scoting 122 runs for the Atlanta Braves.

MLB Injuries:

George Brett of the Boston Red Sox will miss the next 4-6 weeks with a bum knee he twisted in an awkward slide into second base. Brett was hitting .302 13-72 with a league leading 33 doubles and also a major league leading 11 triples. He will be put on the DL and young prospect Ray Knight will be called up to take his spot and get his first real taste of major league action.

Bernie Carbo of the Montreal Expos will miss the remainder of the season after breaking his leg in a gruesome scene as he rounded first base. He fell to the ground in obvious pain and the cameras revealed that the kneecap had come dislocated. He will undergo surgery to repair it and will not be able to begin rehab for at least 2-3 months afterwards. Carbo, in his first season with the Expos was hitting .264 9-36 after being acquired from the Cincinnati Reds earlier in the year.

Oscar Brown of the San Fransisco continues to be an unlucky player as he suffered a season ending injury for a 2nd straight year. This year, he suffered a dislocated hip crashing into the LF wall. He was hitting .297 8-47 on the year after hitting .325 12-54 in an injury shortened year in '74. He will be replaced by veteran OF Tom Tresh in the starting lineup.

Up next for the injury depleted Sox are 6 games at home, the first three against the Detroit Tigers followed by 3 against the last place Kansas City Royals.

(Editors Note: Once I hit the Trade Deadline, I am going to try to change up the write ups a little bit and attempt to add a bit more of the human side to the players. I think I have my game recaps down as I want, but while I care about these players, having gone through 8 full seasons, I would like others to care about them as well. Not sure how good it will be at first as I am definitely not a writer, but we'll see!)

[bigpapi]

July 24,25,26 v Detroit Tigers (53-46)

July 24-Bill Freehan hit a solo HR in the 11th inning off of Gene Garber to give the Tigers a 3-2 victory. Lerrin LaGrow pitched 3 scoreless innings to secure the victory. (68-30)
W-Lerrin LeGrew (1-1) L-Gene Garber (7-3)

July 25-Tony Conigliaro hit a 2 run HR, his 27th of the year in the bottom of the 10th inning to give Boston a 10-8 win over the Tigers. Reggie Smith (15), and Gorman Thomas (11) also homered in the victory. (69-30)
W-Steve Foucault (3-0) L-Lerrin LeGrew (1-2)

July 26-Rico Petrocelli homered twice, driving in 4, and Reggie Smith and Ted Simmons each drove in 3 runs as Boston hammered Detroit 12-1. Fergie Jenkins pitched a complete game 5 hitter, striking out 10 in the victory. (70-30)
W-Fergie Jenkins (16-4) L-Ken Forsch (9-3)

July 27,28,29 v Kansas City Royals (34-62)

July 27-Rookie Ray Knight, making just his 2nd career start, went 5-5 with a HR, 2 doubles and 3 RBI and Gorman Thomas added a 2 run HR as Boston piled up the runs again, beating the Royals 11-2. (71-30)
W-Ron Guidry (9-2) L-Dave McNally (7-14)

July 28-Tony Conigliaro went 4-5 with a HR and 5 RBI and Roger Moret pitched a complete game shutout, allowing just 2 hits, while walking 3 and striking out 5 as Boston blanked Kansas City 10-0. (72-30)
W-Roger Moret (12-4) L-Wilco Rhodes (3-2)

July 29-The Red Sox offense continued to pile on runs and hits as they collected 15 more hits and 9 more runs, lead by Billy Conigliaro who homered and drove in 4 as Boston swept the Royals 9-6. (73-30)
W-John Montefusco (3-1) L-Mike Paul (0-1) S-Mickey Scott (16)

MLB Trade News:

Lots of action as we approach the deadline:

Chicago (NL) sends P Alec Distaso (75/85) and P DeWayne Buice (60/79)
Milwaukee sends P Joe Henderson (83)
Another good trade for both teams as the Brewers continue to rebuild and Henderson makes the Cubs pitching staff that much stronger.

Baltimore sends P Mike Boddicker (60/84) P Bill Caudill (62/81) and P John Flinn (58/80)
Milwaukee sends P Denny McClain (84/85)
I think the O's gave up too much here as Boddicker should be very similar pitcher talent wise to McClain and the Brewers received two more solid prospects.

Houston sends P Larry Yount (66/83), Paul Seibert (73/86), P Bob Stanley (66/78)
Pittsburgh sends OF Angel Mangual (88/92)
I like this trade for the Astros as they get a big bat for their lineup and give up 3 pitchers, while solid are all at least a couple years away.

San Diego sends 1B Tom Robson (80/81)
Texas sends SS Ron Washington (61/82)
Good deal for the Padres as Robson has maxed out his talent and Washington can only get better.

Texas sends P Len Barker (62/78) and P Ray Fontenot (60/79)
Milwaukee sends 1B Craig Kusick (84)
Good deal for the Rangers as they solidify their lineup without giving up too much.

MLB Milestones:

Freddie Patek of the Chicago Cubs stole his 300th base

Tony Conigliaro of the Boston Red Sox drove in his 1000th run

MLB Injuries:

Joe Morgan of the Houston Astros will miss the next 2 months after suffering a broken forearm after being hit by a pitch. Morgan was hitting .257 9-23 for the Astros in 2 stints with the team this year and hit .219 2-8 for the Oakland Athletics in 39 games on the West Coast.

Up next will be an in depth report on OF Tony Conigliaro followed by 3 games in Cleveland against the Indians and 3 games in Detroit to face the Tigers and after will be a Trade Deadline update!

[bigpapi]

Tony Conigliaro

Born: January 7, 1945 in Revere, Mass.
Graduated from St. Mary's High School, Class of 1962 in Lynn, Mass
Contract: Making $305,000 Through 1975
Debut: April 16,1964 v. New York (1-5 1R)
First AB- Hit into a Double Play off Whitey Ford
First Hit-6th Inning Single off Ford
First HR-April 17, 1964 v. Chicago a solo HR off Joe Horlen

Tony C. lead the American League in homeruns for the first time in just his 2nd year, when he hit 32 homeruns in 1965. He also has lead the AL in homeruns two other times, in 1968 with 49 HR's, and 1971 when he hit 47. He also won the AL's MVP in 1968 when he hit .319 with 49 HR and 149 RBI. For his career, Conigliaro has hit 332 HR's which is good for 2nd on the team's all-time list, behind the great Ted Williams, who hit 521. He also just picked up his 1,000th RBI and currently sits on 1,003 for his career which is 3rd All-Time behind Williams and Bobby Doerr. Tony C. has made two All-Star games in his career (1968, 1975).

On playing for his hometown team: "It was always where I wanted to be. Many teams came calling when school was finishing up, but I never really put much thought into playing for anyone other than the Red Sox. It's a perfect situation although I am always having to get tickets for friends and family."

On playing with his brother, Billy: "I mean, Billy is such a great player in his own right. He has every bit as much talent, if not more than me and if given an everyday opportunity, will put up the same numbers I have no doubt. We have played together at every level, Little League, Pony League, High School and now here with the Red Sox. We are so competitive, and I have the advantage right now, but I don't expect it to last forever!"

On rumors that he has asked to be paid over 1.3 million dollars per year for the next 5 years: "I don't really want to get into contract specifics, but I will say that while the Boston organization has treated myself and my family fairly, this is a business and I have to try to get what I am worth as a ballplayer. I will not take advantage of the situation, but I will expect a fair deal."

On skeptics saying that he cannot stay healthy and isn't worth a long term deal: "Look at the stats. I have more than 500 AB in 7 of my 11 years, and the numbers I have amassed in that time compares to most others who have played full seasons every year. I work hard both during the season and even harder in the offseason, I just sometimes seem to be snakebitten. Hopefully, I can remain healthy the rest of this year, and I will worry about the future when it comes."

On playing DH most of the year vs. playing the outfield: "I will play wherever "Skip" wants me to play. Of course I prefer to play in the field, it keeps me more focused. Sitting on the bench for an hour in between at bats can be tough, but I will do whatever is best for the team. Everyone seems to think that not playing in the field will reduce the chances of my getting injured and playing a full year."

Proudest individual moment: "Probably hitting 49 in '68. Everything was clicking that year. I had missed most of the '67 season with that broken back, but when I came back, it looked like pitchers were throwing beach balls up there. I didn't have to make many adjustments all year. It all came very smoothly. Yeah, I was a little disappointed I couldn't reach 50, but hey 49 ain't bad!"

Proudest team moment: "Oh that's easy, the ring in 1971. I mean, we had gone 53 years since our last championship. It was such an amazing feeling to be able to win it in front of all my friends and family and be part of something that will live on for years. We had such a solid team one through 25, everyone chipped in and that is very similar to this year's club. Hopefully we can bring home a 4th title in '75!"

Editor's Note: If there is anything the readers would like to know about the players, I will do my best to bring it to life, just let me know!

[bigpapi]

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

1975 Batting             Team    G   AVG    AB    H  2B  3B  HR   BB    K   SB  CS    R  RBI   SLG   OBP
Smith, Reggie             BOS  100  .276   428  118  30   3  16   70   66    1   4   87   70  .472  .378
Conigliaro, Tony          BOS   93  .333   406  135  29   4  28   36   66    0   0   73  100  .631  .385
Brett, George             BOS   93  .302   377  114  36  11  13   48   29    4   5   67   72  .560  .386
Simmons, Ted              BOS   92  .317   372  118  24   5  13   69   19    0   0   84   56  .513  .423
Evans, Dwight             BOS   82  .256   316   81  17   1  17   63   49    1   0   58   55  .478  .381
Conigliaro, Billy         BOS   76  .305   305   93  19   0  10   24   67    0   0   51   46  .466  .357
Thomas, Gorman            BOS   81  .188   288   54  16   0  12   54   59    2   4   43   45  .368  .314
Grabarkewitz, Billy       BOS   72  .304   260   79   6   3  12   42   45    6   5   45   50  .488  .401
Petrocelli, Rico          BOS   71  .243   259   63   9   2  15   24   47    0   0   36   42  .467  .307
Brock, Lou                BOS   39  .287   136   39   6   1   4    9   37   16   3   31   23  .434  .336
McCovey, Willie           BOS   21  .205    73   15   3   1   2   12   14    0   0   14    8  .356  .326
Fisk, Carlton             BOS   14  .269    52   14   1   0   1    8    9    0   0    7    7  .346  .361
Sutherland, Gary          BOS    8  .273    33    9   1   0   0    1    3    0   0    5    3  .303  .294
Knight, Ray               BOS    7  .423    26   11   3   0   1    5    2    0   0    4    3  .654  .516
Rettenmund, Merv          BOS    4  .143    14    2   0   0   0    3    3    0   0    3    0  .143  .294
Scott, Mickey             BOS   38  .000     1    0   0   0   0    0    0    0   0    0    0  .000  .000

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

1975 Pitching            Team     IP   ERA    G  GS   W   L  SV    K   BB   R/9
Garber, Gene              BOS   44.0  2.05   33   0   7   3   0   36    7  9.00
Scott, Mickey             BOS   39.0  2.31   38   0   3   3  16   16    8  9.69
Foucault, Steve           BOS   30.0  2.70   25   0   3   0   3   23   12  8.70
Jenkins, Fergie           BOS  201.2  3.12   26  26  16   5   0  174   23  9.37
Guidry, Ron               BOS   96.0  3.47   14  14   9   2   0   73   38 13.97
Nolan, Gary               BOS  142.2  3.53   21  21   8   7   0   82   45 13.06
Moret, Roger              BOS  156.2  3.62   22  22  12   4   0  113   33 11.20
Ruhle, Vern               BOS   74.2  3.86   11  11   6   1   0   36   18 13.98
Montefusco, John          BOS   68.0  4.50   25   0   3   1   1   40   29 12.97
Quisenberry, Dan          BOS   15.2  4.60   15   0   1   0   0    3    3 17.23
Lyle, Sparky              BOS   46.1  5.24   41   0   1   3   8   37   17 14.96
Brett, Ken                BOS   51.1  5.79   12   8   3   3   0   27   16 12.97
Mingori, Steve            BOS   23.1  5.79   23   0   0   1   0   12    9 16.97
Flanagan, Mike            BOS    6.0  7.50    1   1   0   1   0    5    1 13.50
Rau, Doug                 BOS   12.0  9.75    6   1   0   1   0    8    6 17.25

League Standings Next!

[bigpapi]

League Standings Through July 31-

[bigpapi]

July 30,31 August 1 at Cleveland Indians (54-51)

July 30-John Lowenstien went 2-4 with a grand slam, driving in 5 for the game and Jim Qualls went 4-5 with 4 RBI as Cleveland ran up the score on Boston, winning 12-3. (72-31)
W-Charles Lemay (8-10) L-Ken Brett (3-3)

July 31-Ken Suarez hit a solo HR and Jerry Koosman pitched 6 1/3 innings, striking out 7 as the Indians nipped Boston 3-2. (72-32)
W-Jerry Koosman (12-5) L-Fergie Jenkins (16-5) S-Rick Austin (4)

August 1-Rico Petrocelli went 3-4 with a HR, triple and 3 RBI, and Billy Conigliaro hit a 2 run HR as Boston avoided the sweep, beating Cleveland 10-6. (73-32)
W-Ron Guidry (10-2) L-John Denny (7-9)

August 2,3,4 at Detroit Tigers (57-51)

August 2-Reggie Smith hit a tie breaking 3 run HR in the 7th inning, and Roger Moret pitched 7 innings allowing just 2 unearned runs as Boston squeaked past Detroit 7-5. (74-32)
W-Roger Moret (13-4) L-Mickey Lolich (10-9) S-Steve Foucault (4)

August 3-Paul Jata went 2-4 with a HR and 4 RBI, and Willie Horton added 2 hits and 2 RBI as the Tigers beat the Sox 9-5. (74-33)
W-Jim Foor (4-3) L-Gary Nolan (8-8) S-Horacio Pina (14)

August 4-Ron LeFlore went 2-4 with a tie breaking solo HR in the 7th inning, and Pat Dobson allowed just 4 hits over 7 innings as Detroit beat Boston 4-2. (74-34)
W-Pat Dobson (8-8) L-Gene Garber (7-4) S-Horacio Pina (15)


MLB Trade Deadline News:

There were only a couple of deadline deals this year, but one of them was pretty significant.

San Fransisco sends P Don Collins (65/80)
Milwaukee sends OF Jake Brown (81)
Good deal here for the Giants as they get someone to help shore up an injury depleted outfield.

Chicago (NL) sends P Jim Clancy (69/92), P Dave Dravecky (60/90), and P Sammy Stewart (73/92)
Boston sends 2B Toby Harrah (93)
Obviously, this trade made some people scratch their heads, but the trade was made for a few reasons. First, Harrah was asking for over $700,000 per year, and for someone whose OPS, between .806 and .844 every year of his career is very good, isn't enough to be one of the highest paid players in the league. Second, we received 3 excellent pitching prospects in return, all of which will make major contributions within the next 2-3 years. Harrah was also having a down year for his standards, hitting just .279 with 15 HR and 67 RBI, after hitting .290 25-106 a year ago. Billy Grabarkewitz will move to 2nd and Rico Petrocelli regains his starting SS position even though he continues to decline.

MLB Retirements:

Jack Aker retired this week after being given his release by the New York Yankees. Aker finished his career 37-52 4.16 with 195 saves, good for 3rd on the all-time list, behind Ron Perranoski and Sparky Lyle. Aker played for the Kansas City A's (1964-1967), and the New York Yankees (1967-1974) in his 11 seasons. His best year came in 1966 for the A's, when he went 8-4 with a 1.99 ERA and 32 saves.

MLB Injuries:

Jim Northrup of the Detroit Tigers will miss the remainder of the year with a broken hip. Northrup, who has suffered through an injury plagued season, hitting .268 5-23, and appears to be on the downswing of a great career as he hit .304 17-79 a year ago.

Dick Smith of the Pittsburgh Pirates will miss the next two months with a broken ankle suffered rounding third base. Smith, who had been relegated to a back-up, pinch hit role for the Pirates this year, was hitting .345 4-52 in 223 AB's.

Up next for the Sox is 3 games in Detroit to square off against the Tigers followed by 3 games at home against the California Angels.

[bigpapi]

August 8.9.10 at Detroit Tigers (59-56)

August 8-Merv Rettemund scored the winning run on a throwing error from 2B Joe Foy in the top of the 9th inning, making a winner of Fergie Jenkins, who pitched 8 innings, allowing just 2 runs as Boston squeaked past Detroit 3-2. (75-34)
W-Fergie Jenkins (17-5) L-Fernando Arroyo (1-2) S-Mickey Scott (17)

August 9-The Red Sox scored the first 5 runs of the game, capped by a 3 run HR by Gorman Thomas, but it fell apart after that as the Tigers put the next 14 runs on the board, lead by former Red Sox Boomer Scott and Joe Foy, who each drove in 4 runs as Detroit hammered Boston 14-5. (75-35)
W-Lerrin LaGrow (2-2) L-Ron Guidry (10-3) Les Cain (1)

August 10-6 different Red Sox drove in single runs, and Roger Moret pitched 6 2/3 solid innings as Boston took two of three from the Tigers, winning 6-4. (76-35)
W-Roger Moret (14-4) L-Dave Lemanczyk (8-8) S-Mickey Scott (18)

August 11,12,13 at California Angels (60-51)

August 11-Graig Nettles hit a 3 run HR, and Bruce Bochte added a 2 run shot as the Angels withstood a furious Sox rally to beat Boston 8-7. (76-36)
W-Tom Bradley (4-4) L-Gary Nolan (8-9) S-John Strohmayer (6)

August 12-Tony Conigliaro singled in Reggie Smith in the bottom of the 11th inning after Ted Simmons had sacrificed him to 2nd to give Boston a 5-4 win over the Angels. Simmons had earlier in the game hit a 2 run HR to start the scoring. (77-36)
W-Sparky Lyle (2-3) L-Dave Sells (3-8)

August 13-Carlton Fisk, playing DH only due to various Red Sox injuries, hit a tie breaking grand slam in the 8th inning, and Gorman Thomas hit his 16th HR of the year, despite hitting just .179 on the season as Boston beat the Angels 7-5. (78-36)
W-Steve Foucault (4-0) L-John Strohmayer (6-7) S-Mickey Scott (19)

MLB Injuries:

The Chicago Cubs playoff outlook took a major hit this week as star 3B Mike Schmidt will miss the remainder of the regular season with a bad shoulder. Schmidt was hitting .266 36-101 on the year after putting up a monster season a year ago when he hit .271 44-131. 25 year old Ken Reitz will take Schmidt's place in the lineup. Should the Cubs make the playoffs, Schmidt may be able to return.

Up next for the Sox is 6 straight games in Milwaukee to face the last place Brewers. Also after the series recap will be a player preview on reliever Sparky Lyle. Hearing what he has to say about losing his closing job should be interesting, stay tuned!

[bigpapi]

Editors Note: I have been doing some research on revenue sharing and how it currently works. I think my plan following the 1975 season will be:

First, there is a "Commissioner's Discretionary Fund" in the current labor agreement which is a pool of $10 million, with no more than $3 million to any single club. For inflation's sake, those numbers will be adjusted to (currently, and this will change as payrolls increase) a pool of $500,000 with no more than $133,333 to any one team. This money will be handed out at the end of the World Series and prior to any contract negotiations.

Second I will use the same model that the current labor agreement uses for determining who owes what in payroll tax. Currently, the first time a team crosses the "threshold" they are subject to a 22 1/2% tax, 30% tax the second time and 40% tax everytime thereafter. The "threshold" is $155 million in 2008, $162 in 2009, $170 in 2010, and $178 in 2011. Reducing those numbers due to BM inflation, that works out to a threshold of $6.7 million dollars in 1975, $7.1 million in 1976, $7.5 million in 1977, and $7.9 million in 1978. These numbers will probably change however as it appears that contracts are about to explode here in between the 1975 and 1976 seasons, so I may have to recalculate the thresholds at the beginning of the '76 seasons once everyone is signed.

I am also going to take a flat rate, starting at 10%, and raising that 3% per year, until I hit 25% from each teams total revenue at the end of the season and adding it to the pool.

The money taken will be pooled and handed out to the teams, in order of lowest revenue (YTD) to highest. I will attempt to make it fair, but since I am not a math expert, I am not real sure how I will hand out the pooled money until I see how much is actually there. Any tips here would be extremely welcome. I haven't hit the Y4 issue as of yet, and I am in Y8, but I am starting to see a few teams just fall off more and more each year and I want to try to stop it before it gets too bad.

Any advice on how to divvy out the money or any thoughts about how I plan on going about this would be extremely welcome!

[bigpapi]

August 14,15,16 at Milwaukee Brewers (41-70)

August 14-Willie McCovey homered and drove in 3 and Rico Petrocelli went 4-6 with a pair knocked in as Boston outslugged Milwaukee 13-8. (79-36)
W-Ron Guidry (11-3) L-Zack MacFadden (6-11)

August 15-Dick McAuliffe went 3-4 with a HR, 5 RBI and 3 runs scored, and Cesar Cedeno hit a 3 run blast as the Brewers hammered Boston 11-3. Bob Knepper pitched 8 innings, allowing just 3 runs in the win. (79-37)
W-Bob Knepper (4-7) L-Gary Nolan (8-10)

August 16-Tony Conigliaro (29), Ted Simmons (16) and Ray Knight (2) each hit homeruns as Boston took two of three from Milwaukee, winning easily 6-1. Roger Moret pitched a complete game, 5 hitter striking out 8 in the victory. (80-37)
W-Roger Moret (15-4) L-Pete Vuckovich (2-2)

August 20,21,22 at Milwaukee Brewers (44-73)

August 20-The Brewers scored two times on three hits against Mickey Scott, capped by a game winning RBI single from Dick McAuliffe as Milwaukee came form behind to beat Boston 5-4. (80-38)
W-Jim York (5-6) L-Mickey Scott (3-4)

August 21-Tony Conigliaro hit a 3 run HR in the 4th inning, and Ron Guidry made it stand up, allowing just 1 run over 7 1/3 innings, striking out 10 as Boston beat Milwaukee 3-1. (81-38)
W-Ron Guidry (12-3) L-Dennis Leonard (10-13) S-Steve Foucault (5)

August 22-Bill McNulty went 2-4 with a HR, 3 RBI and 3 runs scored, and Richie Hebner had 2 hits and 2 RBI as Milwaukee took two of three from the Red Sox, winning handily 9-4. (81-39)
W-Zack MacFadden (7-11) L-Roger Moret (15-5)

Up next is a player preview of Sparky Lyle!

[bigpapi]

Albert Walter "Sparky" Lyle

Born July 22, 1944 in DuBois, Pennsylvania
Contract: Making $290,000 through 1978
Debut: September 6, 1967 v Minnesota Twins (1 IP, 1H 1K)
1st Save: September 16, 1967 v New York Yankees


Sparky Lyle is currently the Major League All Time saves leader with 322, which is more than 100 more than the 2nd place pitcher, Ron Perranoski. Lyle's line currently stands at 33-27 2.91. In 493 games, covering 528 innings, he has allowed just 476 hits, walking 149 while striking out 383. He has lead the majors in saves from 1968 through 1974 with totals of 42,52,47,46,48,32 and 38. He has made 2 All-Star teams (1972 and 1974) and was named 1968 Rookie of the Year when he put up a line of 3-4 3.58 and was 42/48 in save opportunities. He finest year, however, came in 1972, when he went 4-2 with a miniscule ERA of 1.55, when he also saved 48 games in 52 chances. This year, however has been a struggle for Lyle as he has posted a mark of 2-3 5.82 with 8 saves in 14 chances and lost his closers job to Mickey Scott at the end of May.

On losing his closers job: "I am a closer, my numbers speak for themselves. I fully expect to be closing next year, whether it's here or someplace else. I want to stay in Boston, but if they don't need me as a closer, then I would prefer to be elsewhere."

On setting the All-Time saves mark: "Well, I came up at a good time to be a closer. There were so many great relief pitchers before me, Roy Face, Firpo Marberry, Jim Konstanty, but saves were an unknown thing back then. It really is a testament to the teams I have played for, they gave me enough opportunities to set this record."

On having the right makeup to be a closer: "Well, I can't let what happens to me affect what happens the following night. If I blow a save, I have to put it out of my mind as soon as the game is over. If I couldn't do that, I would fail as a big league closer. My teammates are also great about picking me up when I blow a game, they never let me get too down, or too up for that matter because anyone can beat anyone any given night."

On rumors he once sat naked on Rico Petrocelli's birthday cake in the clubhouse after a game: "Yeah, I did that (Laughing), but (Ron) Swoboda got be back when he crapped, can I say crapped? on my birthday cake and had it delivered to me a few years back! We like to have fun in the clubhouse, it keeps things loose over such a long season." (This is true by the way, whether he did it to Petrocelli remains to be seen however, but the rest is accurate.)

Up next for the Sox an extended homestand for the Sox that starts out with 3 games at home against the Yankees followed by 3 vs the Detroit Tigers.

[bigpapi]

August 23,24,25 v New York Yankees (68-52)

August 23-15 batters came to the plate in a 6 hit, 12 run inning, capped by George Brett's grand slam and 5 walks as the Red Sox destroyed the Yankees 19-8. Rookie Ken Griffey went 4-4 with 4 singles and 3 runs scored in the win. (82-39)
W-Steve Foucault (5-0) L-Don Gullett (4-4)

August 24-George Brett hit a solo HR and his brother Ken pitched 6 shutout innings as Boston outlasted New York 3-2. (83-39)
W-Ken Brett (4-3) L-Derek Pritchard (11-11) S-Mickey Scott (20)

August 25-Rico Petrocelli went 2-4 with 3 RBI, and in a spot start, John Montefusco allowed just 2 runs over 6 innings as Boston completed the sweep of the Yankees winning 6-2. (84-39)
W-John Montefusco (4-1) L-Tug McGraw (7-4)

August 26,27,28 v Detroit Tigers (68-61)

August 26-George Scott hit a bases clearing double and Joe Foy added a 2 run single as Detroit beat the Red Sox 7-2. Les Cain pitched 3 hitless innings to pick up the save.(84-40)
W-Pat Dobson (10-9) L-Ron Guidry (12-4) S-Les Cain (3)

August 27-Trailing 2-0 entering the 8th inning, Ken Szotkiewicz hit a 2 run double tying the game, and Bob Christian gave Detroit the lead with a double, and after Boston tied it in their half of the 8th, Detroit retook the lead for good as Bill Freehan drove in the eventual game winning run in the top of the 9th with an RBI single, as Detroit beat Boston 4-3. (84-41)
W-Ramon Hernandez (4-5) L-Steve Foucault (5-1) S-Horacio Pina (18)

August 28-Boomer Scott homered and drove in 3 runs, and Wayne Twitchell pitched 4 shutout innings in relief of Mickey Lolich as Detroit completed the sweep of Boston, winning 6-4. (84-42)
W-Wayne Twitchell (5-2) L-Mickey Scott (3-5) S-Horacio Pina (19)

MLB Injuries:

Jim Ray Hart's leg issues continue as the Yankee third sacker will miss the rest of the season as he reinjured his right leg, breaking the ankle of his right leg, a leg he has previously injured twice, breaking both the tibula and fibula. Hart had appeared in just 42 games for New York this year, hitting .250 9-31 after suffering through an injury plagued 1974 season when he hit .256 15-61.

Ending August and into September is 3 games at home against the New York Yankees followed by a trip to Detroit to face off against the Tigers.

[bigpapi]

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

1975 Batting             Team    G   AVG    AB    H  2B  3B  HR   BB    K   SB  CS    R  RBI   SLG   OBP
Smith, Reggie             BOS  114  .284   483  137  32   5  17   83   70    5   5   97   76  .476  .389
Conigliaro, Tony          BOS  112  .325   480  156  32   4  34   52   84    1   0   87  118  .621  .391
Simmons, Ted              BOS  115  .304   460  140  28   5  18   88   30    0   0  101   73  .504  .414
Brett, George             BOS  105  .299   422  126  36  14  16   54   35    4   6   75   80  .564  .381
Conigliaro, Billy         BOS   97  .308   389  120  21   2  15   31   81    0   1   65   62  .488  .364
Thomas, Gorman            BOS  106  .188   384   72  19   0  20   69   80    2   6   59   62  .393  .310
Grabarkewitz, Billy       BOS   97  .276   362  100   7   4  14   54   66   10   5   60   57  .434  .369
Petrocelli, Rico          BOS   88  .249   321   80  12   3  16   33   59    0   0   44   51  .455  .318
Evans, Dwight             BOS   82  .256   316   81  17   1  17   63   49    1   0   58   55  .478  .381
Brock, Lou                BOS   46  .276   163   45   8   1   4   11   43   17   3   34   29  .411  .322
Knight, Ray               BOS   26  .299    97   29  13   0   2   16   12    0   0   16   12  .495  .400
McCovey, Willie           BOS   26  .209    91   19   3   1   3   19   19    0   0   20   12  .363  .351
Fisk, Carlton             BOS   19  .275    69   19   1   0   2   10   12    0   0    9   14  .377  .366
Sutherland, Gary          BOS   18  .239    67   16   2   0   0    5    5    0   0    7    7  .269  .288
Griffey, Ken              BOS   14  .392    51   20   1   0   0    5    6    4   0   11    7  .412  .431
Rettenmund, Merv          BOS   13  .208    48   10   0   0   0    5    9    2   0    6    2  .208  .283
Scott, Mickey             BOS   47  .000     1    0   0   0   0    0    0    0   0    0    0  .000  .000

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

1975 Pitching            Team     IP   ERA    G  GS   W   L  SV    K   BB   R/9
Foucault, Steve           BOS   46.1  2.53   37   0   5   2   5   38   13  7.58
Jenkins, Fergie           BOS  231.1  3.15   30  30  17   5   0  195   31  9.53
Scott, Mickey             BOS   50.0  3.24   47   0   3   5  20   20   11 10.80
Moret, Roger              BOS  199.0  3.44   28  28  16   5   0  149   43 11.08
Guidry, Ron               BOS  137.0  3.81   20  20  12   4   0  108   56 13.86
Ruhle, Vern               BOS   74.2  3.86   11  11   6   1   0   36   18 13.98
Garber, Gene              BOS   55.1  3.90   43   0   7   4   0   47   12 11.87
Nolan, Gary               BOS  170.1  4.12   26  26   8  10   0   93   56 13.42
Quisenberry, Dan          BOS   15.2  4.60   15   0   1   0   0    3    3 17.23
Brett, Ken                BOS   69.1  4.67   15  11   4   3   0   32   22 12.33
Montefusco, John          BOS   81.2  5.29   31   1   4   1   1   47   38 14.44
Lyle, Sparky              BOS   56.1  5.75   48   0   2   4   8   42   19 14.06
Mingori, Steve            BOS   25.2  6.31   25   0   0   1   0   13   11 18.23
Flanagan, Mike            BOS    6.0  7.50    1   1   0   1   0    5    1 13.50
Rau, Doug                 BOS   12.0  9.75    6   1   0   1   0    8    6 17.25

League Standings are next!