Impossible Dream???

[bigpapi]

April 2,3,4 at Baltimore Orioles (0-0)

April 2-Newcomers ruled the day for Baltimore as Rob Bellior and Bruce Miller went a combined 5-8 with 2 RBI and Tony Conigliaro added an RBI single in his first AB against his former club as Baltimore beat up on Fergie Jenkins and the Sox 5-1. (0-1)
W-Jim Palmer (1-0) L-Fergie Jenkins (0-1)

April 3-One again, the offseason acquisitions are making the Baltimore Front Office look like geniuses, as Tony Conigliaro went 3-4 with a HR and 4 RBI, and Rob Bellior and Bruce Miller each went 3-5 as Baltimore hammered Boston 9-1. (0-2)
W-Dave Roberts (1-0) L-Roger Moret (0-1)

April 4-George Brett and Gorman Thomas each hit solo HR's and Vern Ruhle pitched into the 9th inning, allowing just 1 run as Boston avoided the sweep, getting their first win of the year, beating the Orioles 4-1. Boston's own new pickup, Tom Hall, pitched the final 1 1/3 innings, striking out 3 to pick up his first save. (1-2)
W-Vern Ruhle (1-0) L-Wayne Garland (0-1) S-Tom Hall (1)

April 5,6,7 v Detroit Tigers (2-2)

April 5-A two run, Gorman Thomas homerun in the bottom of the 14th inning, gave Boston a 9-7 win over the Tigers. Detroit actually took the lead in the top of the 12th on an Adolpho Phillips double, but then Boston came back to tie it in the bottom of the inning on a sac fly, before eventually winning in the 14th. Ted Simmons and Billy Conigliaro each homered in the win (2-2)
W-John Montefusco (1-0) L-Fernando Arroyo (0-1)

April 6-Dan Driessen had a bases loaded, 2 run single in a 3 run 6th inning as Mike Flanagan battled through early trouble to pitched 6 2/3 innings of 2 run ball, and helped Boston beat Detroit 5-2. (3-2)
W-Mike Flanagan (1-0) L-Ken Forsch (1-1) S-Tom Hall (2)

April 7-Ted Simmons hit a pair of homeruns, and Billy Conigliaro added a 2 run shot in support of Fergie Jenkins who pitched 8 innings of 3 run ball, striking out 5 as Boston completed the sweep of Detroit, winning 6-3. (4-2)
W-Fergie Jenkins (1-1) L-Dave Lemanczyk (0-2) S-Tom Hall (3)

MLB Milestones:

Boog Powell of the Baltimore Orioles hit his 400th career HR, a 3 run HR off Charlie Hough in a 14-8 loss to the Texas Rangers

MLB Injuries:

Don Money of the Chicago Cubs will miss the next two months after suffering a broken leg sliding into 2nd base. The Newly signed Money was hitting .444 (8-18) in his short stint with Chicago. He had spent the previous 4+ years with the San Diego Padres.

The Houston Astros have suffered a big loss as Randy Jones will be out until the All-Star break after taking a line drive off his elbow. Jones had won his first two starts of the year, posting a 4.02 ERA in 17.2 innings thusfar.

MLB Contract News:

The Minnesota Twins have signed 1B Dave Kingman to a 1 year $530,000 deal. Kingman had been at his home trying to stay in shape, and surprisingly, the Twins came calling. Kingman hit .276 42-122 for the San Fransisco Giants. The rumor out of Minnesota is that the one year deal is just a precursor to a long term deal the two sides hope to hammer out.

Rick Reuschel and the LA Dodgers have come to terms on a 3 year extension that will pay the 26 year old $520,000 a year for the next 3. Reuschel lead the NL in ERA last year, posting a 3.14 mark to go along with a 13-8 record in just under 200 innings.

Philadelphia has signed 30 year old Rick Wise to a 4 year deal worth $349,000 per year. Wise struggled last year, posting 9-7 4.91 mark, but was sensational in 1974 when he went 16-8 2.95.

Chris Nelson and the New York Yankees have agreed on a new contract that will pay Nelson $410,000 per year for the next 4 seasons. Nelson was having a breakout season a year ago, going 7-0 1.60 before his year ended with a broken bone in his back. In 1974, his lone full season, Nelson was 15-12 3.97 for the Yankees.
The Yankees also came to terms with two other players this week. First signing P Bruce Kison to a 3 year deal worth $1.2 million dollars. Kison, brought over from Pittsburgh, was 5-3 2.79 a year ago. In 30 games, including 8 starts, Kison pitched 116 innings out of the Yankee pen.
Next they resigned star 2B Bobby Grich to a 4 year extension that will pay Grich $740,000 per year. Grich had a monster year in '75, hitting .259, but with 32 HR's and 109 RBI, as well as scoring 100 runs for the first time. The deal will keep him in pinstripes until he is 31.

Steve Garvey and Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed on a 6 year deal worth $5.8 million dollars. The 27 year old Garvey hit .339 34-124 a year ago and for his career is a .315 hitter with 214 HR's and 768 RBI. The deal makes him the 3rd highest paid player in the majors behind Tony Conigliaro and Doug Rader.

The California Angels have agreed to a new contract for P Andy Messersmith that will pay the righty $650,000 a year for the next 4 seasons. Messersmith was 14-7 3.53 a year ago for the Halos. He started 38 games, pitching 245 innings while striking out 174.

Up next for the Sox is a 3 game set at home against the New York Yankees followed by 3 games in Milwaukee to face the Brewers.

[bigpapi]

April 9,10,11 v New York Yankees (4-3)

April 9-Rico Petrocelli hit a 7th inning grand slam, and he drove in 5 for the game, in support of Roger Moret, who pitched 7 innings, allowing just 3 runs as Boston trounced the Yankees 10-3. (5-2)
W-Roger Moret (1-1) L-Mel Stottlemyre (1-1)

April 10-4 Yankee homeruns, including a 3 run shot from newly signed Davey Lopes, playing due to an injury to Bobby Grich, helped the Yankees come back from a 6-4 deficit to eventually beat Boston 10-7. (5-3)
W-Rick Sawyer (1-1) L-Gene Garber (0-1) S-Gray Thayer (1)

April 11-Dwight Evans hit a pair of 3 run homeruns, and Reggie Smith hit 2 solo HR's as Boston beat up on New York 12-6. Rico Petrocelli went 4-5 with 2 RBI in the win. (6-3)
W-Rick Mahler (1-0) L-Derek Pritchard (1-2)

April 12,13,14 at Milwaukee Brewers (1-8)

April 12-Fergie Jenkins pitched a complete game shutout, allowing just 2 hits, walking none and striking out 7 and he got all the offense he would need from George Brett who went 3-4 with a HR and 3 RBI, coming up a triple away from the cycle, and Reggie Smith who hit a 2 run HR as Boston blanked Milwaukee 7-0. (7-3)
W-Fergie Jenkins (2-1) L-Zack MacFadden (0-3)

April 13-Billy Conigliaro went 3-4 with a HR and 4 RBI, and Ted Simmons added 3 hits as Roger Moret struggled through 7 innings, but held on as Boston beat the Brewers 6-5. (8-3)
W-Roger Moret (2-1) L-Mike Marshall (0-1) S-Tom Hall (4)

April 14-Danny Godby hit a 2 out, 3 run HR off Vern Ruhle in the 7th inning as Milwaukee avoided the sweep, beating Boston 5-4. Gorman Thomas hit a 3 run HR, his 4th of the year in the loss. (8-4)
W-Mike Marshall (1-1) L-Vern Ruhle (1-1) S-Bill Campbell (1)

MLB Milestones:

Jim Fregosi of the California Angels picked up his 2,000th hit

MLB Contract News:

San Fransisco signed OF Mickey Rivers to a 1 year deal worth $85,000. Rivers played a backup role with the Houston Astros last year, hitting .292 3-16 with 3 steals in 106 AB's.

Philadelphia signed FA OF Lee Lacy to a 1 year deal that will pay Lacy $49,500 this year. Lacy played in 154 games a year ago for the Kansas City Royals, hitting .250 11-42 with 24 doubles and 16 steals. He will backup all three outfield positions for the Phillies.

Detroit has signed FA OF Richie Zisk to a one year contract worth $380,000. Zisk had played his entire career with the San Diego Padres, hitting .279 32-119 a year ago, and .288 with 147 HR and 536 RBI for his career. Zisk had been playing in Japan until signing this contract, where he was hitting .522 2-18 in 13 games.

Detroit also resigned P Mickey Lolich to a 3 year contract extension worth $610,000 per year. Lolich was 12-13 4.29 a year ago and has posted a career mark of 181-150 3.96 in 14 big league seasons, all with the Tigers. He has 12 straight seasons of 200+ IP, including a high of 271 in 1967.

Baltimore has signed P Paul Mitchell to a two year contract worth a total of $900,000. Mitchell was 16-8 3.31 a year ago, his first full season in the Orioles rotation. He has struggled this year, in two starts throwing just 6 2/3 total innings, allowing 12 hits and 9 runs.

Next for the Red Sox are 3 games in Cleveland against the Indians followed by 3 on the West Coast to face off against the surprising Oakland Athletics.

[bigpapi]

April 16,17,18 at Cleveland Indians (4-7)

April 16-Dan Driessen hit a 2 run double, and Rick Mahler pitched 7 innings of 3 hit ball, allowing 1 run while striking out 2 as Boston beat Cleveland 3-1. (9-4)
W-Rick Mahler (2-0) L-John Denny (0-2) S-Tom Hall (5)

April 17-A 7 run 6th inning, spearheaded by a pair of 3 run HR's, one each by Ted Simmons and Gorman Thomas lead Boston to a 11-7 win over the Indians. (10-4)
W-Fergie Jenkins (3-1) L-Ray Burris (2-1) S-Steve Foucault (1)

April 18-George Foster hit a 2 out RBI double off Tom Hall in the bottom of the 9th to help the Indians recover from blowing a 3-0 and 4-2 lead to beat Boston 5-4. Reggie Smith hit a two run HR in the top of the 9th, his 5th, to tie the game at 4. (10-5)
W-Ed Farmer (1-0) L-Tom Hall (0-1)

April 19,20,21 v Oakland Athletics (11-5)

April 19-Wayne Gross went 3-3 with 3 RBI, and Jerry Stephenson struggled through 6 innings, allowing 5 hits and 6 walks, but allowed just 3 runs as the A's beat Boston 5-3. (10-6)
W-Jerry Stephenson (1-2) L-Vern Ruhle (1-2) S-Larry Anderson (4)

April 20-Reggie Smith hit a solo HR, and Boston coaxed 10 walks out of Dave Stieb in 5 innings, allowing Boston to win 4-3 despite picking up just 3 hits. Rick Mahler pitched 7 solid innings for the win. (11-6)
W-Rick Mahler (3-0) L-Dave Stieb (0-1) S-Tom Hall (6)

April 21-Gorman Thomas and Ted Simmons each hit 2 run HR's, and Mike Flanagan pitched 7 innings, allowing 3 hits and 1 run while walking 2 and striking out 5 to help Boston take two of three from Oakland, winning easily 6-1. (12-6)
W-Mike Flanagan (2-0) L-Danny Fife (1-2)

MLB Trade News:

Kansas City sends OF Jim Hutto (81/82) P Ken Holtzman (69), P Jaime Cocanower (64/76)
San Diego sends RP Don Shaw (81/82), 1B Chris Chambliss (78/79)
Give the edge to the Royals here as they pick up two players who can help them immediately.

MLB Milestones:

Denny McClain of the Baltimore Orioles picked up his 2000th strikeout

MLB Contract Info:

Detroit and P Dave Lemanczyk have agreed to a contract extension worth $540,000 per year. Lemanczyk is struggling this year with a 1-2 12.00 thusfar in 3 starts. Last year he went 13-12 with a 3.84 ERA and was 16-11 3.80 in his first full season as a starter.

The New York Yankees have agreed to a 4 year deal with P Derek Pritchard worth a combined 1.64 million dollars. Pritchard is 1-3 6.11 on the year, after going 13-11 with a 3.83 a year ago. Usually a very durable starter, Pritchard has pitched over 200 innings in all 7 of his big league seasons.

Up next for Boston is 3 games at home against the California Angels followed by 3 games on the road, in Kansas City to face the Royals.

[bigpapi]

April 23,24,25 v California Angels (8-10)

April 23-Thanks to sloppy late inning pitching, a 5-1 Red Sox lead after 8 innings turned into an 8-6 Red Sox win. This game had a little of everything as Fergie Jenkins struck out the first 5 Angels he faced en route to K'ing a career high 15 batters. He was allowed to stay in the game in the 9th to try to end it and proceeded to give up a game tying 3 run HR to Ron Swoboda. However, in the Boston half of the 9th, poor decision making allowed Vida Blue, who had already thrown over 100 pitches in relief was allowed to stay in the game, and gave up a game winning, 3 run HR to Ted Simmons to give Boston the win. (13-6)
W-Tom Hall (1-1) L-Vida Blue (0-2)

April 24-Vern Ruhle pitched 8 innings of 2 run ball, scattering 8 hits and no walks, while striking out 3 and Billy Conigliaro drove in a pair as Boston survived another Tom Hall meltdown in the 9th inning to beat California 5-4. (14-6)
W-Vern Ruhle (2-2) L-Larry Jaster (1-2) S-Tom Hall (7)

April 25-Boston completed the sweep of the Angels as Reggie Smith hit the first pitch he saw from closer Tom Burgmeier into the Red Sox bullpen in the 12th inning as Boston beat the Angels 4-3. Dwight Evans hit a 2 run HR in the 8th to tie it. (15-6)
W-Mickey Scott (1-0) L-Tom Burgmeier (0-1)

April 26,27,28 v Kansas City Royals (8-14)

April 26-Ray Knight went 2-4 with his first HR of the year, a 3 run shot, and also added an RBI single, as the Boston bullpen pitched 5 1/3 scoreless innings in relief of Mike Flanagan, who struggled, helping Boston pull away and eventually win easily 12-5. (16-6)
W-John Montefusco (2-0) L-Mike Paul (2-1)

April 27-Ted Simmons hit a 2 run HR in the top of the 8th inning and Ray Knight continued to break out of his season long slump, with 3 hits and an RBI as Boston outlasted the Royals 8-7. (17-6)
W-Fergie Jenkins (4-1) L-Stan Thomas (0-2) S-Tom Hall (8)

April 28-Every Red Sox hitter had at least 2 hits except Ken Griffey, George Brett went 3-4 with a HR and 4 RBI and Reggie Smith added 3 hits and 3 RBI as Boston obliterated the Royals, behind an 18 hit attack, 16-1. (18-6)
W-John Montefusco (3-0) L-Jim Slaton (1-3) S-Ken Brett (1)

MLB Milestones:

Johnny Briggs of the Philadelphia Phillies and Bobby Bonds of the San Fransisco Giants each scored their 1,000th runs this week.

MLB Contract News:

Newly signed OF Richie Zisk and the Detroit Tigers have already ripped up Zisk's one year deal and agreed on a new 4 year contract that will pay the 26 year old OF $770,000 per year. Zisk is hitting .260 2-15 in 14 games with the Tigers this year.

The Chicago White Sox and P Mike Caldwell have come to terms on a 4 year deal that will pay Caldwell a total of 2.36 million dollars. Caldwell has gone 3-1 3.32 this year after posting a line of 10-10 3.77 a year ago. Caldwell's best year, however, came in 1972, when he posted an amazing 21-1 mark with a 3.48 ERA in 204 1/3 innings.

MLB Injuries:

37 year old Ron Fairly of the Milwaukee Brewers may have played his final big league game as he will miss the remainder of the season after being hit by a pitch on his left wrist, breaking it. Fairly was hitting .243 1-5 at the time of the injury, and he hit .298 11-73 a year ago, his 9th straight year of 10+ homeruns and 14 of 15 seasons.

Ending April and into May for Boston is a visit from Tony Conigliaro and the Baltimore Orioles. This will be Tony C's first trip back to Boston since he signed with the O's in the offseason. After that, the Red Sox will travel to Cleveland to square off against the struggling Indians. There will also be end of the month team stats, league standings and a player profile of Gorman Thomas.

[bigpapi]

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

1976 Batting             Team    G   AVG    AB    H  2B  3B  HR   BB    K   SB  CS    R  RBI   SLG   OBP
Smith, Reggie             BOS   25  .273   110   30   5   2   7   18   15    1   0   20   19  .545  .380
Conigliaro, Billy         BOS   24  .230   100   23   5   1   4    6   21    0   0   16   17  .420  .275
Brett, George             BOS   25  .245    94   23   5   0   3   23    9    3   1   25   11  .394  .392
Simmons, Ted              BOS   22  .333    93   31   5   2   8   14    7    0   0   17   21  .688  .421
Evans, Dwight             BOS   25  .301    93   28   6   2   6   24   12    0   0   23   19  .602  .449
Knight, Ray               BOS   24  .275    91   25   4   2   1   11   10    0   0    9   14  .396  .365
Thomas, Gorman            BOS   24  .224    85   19   3   0   8   24   21    0   1   15   20  .541  .391
Grabarkewitz, Billy       BOS   19  .194    72   14   0   0   1    9   19    2   0    8    7  .236  .298
Petrocelli, Rico          BOS   17  .328    61   20   5   0   1    8   10    0   0    8   10  .459  .414
Driessen, Dan             BOS   12  .297    37   11   3   0   0    7    2    0   0    8    7  .378  .413
Winfield, Dave            BOS    4  .375    16    6   2   0   0    2    2    0   0    6    2  .500  .444
Fisk, Carlton             BOS    4  .154    13    2   0   0   0    3    2    0   0    1    1  .154  .313
Griffey, Ken              BOS    3  .111     9    1   0   0   0    2    2    0   0    0    1  .111  .273

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

1976 Pitching            Team     IP   ERA    G  GS   W   L  SV    K   BB   R/9
Scott, Mickey             BOS    6.0  1.50    6   0   1   0   0    4    0 10.50
Montefusco, John          BOS   15.0  1.80    7   1   3   0   0    9    4  9.60
Brett, Ken                BOS    4.0  2.25    2   0   0   0   1    2    0  9.00
Foucault, Steve           BOS   15.1  3.52   11   0   0   0   1    9    8 13.50
Hall, Tom                 BOS   15.0  3.60   12   0   1   1   8   13    5 10.80
Mahler, Rick              BOS   34.0  3.97    5   5   3   0   0   18    5 11.12
Jenkins, Fergie           BOS   45.2  4.14    6   6   4   1   0   41    7  9.46
Flanagan, Mike            BOS   17.1  4.15    3   3   2   0   0    8    7 12.46
Ruhle, Vern               BOS   39.1  4.35    6   6   2   3   0   12    6 13.73
Garber, Gene              BOS   11.1  4.76    9   0   0   1   0   11    4 11.12
Moret, Roger              BOS   26.2  5.40    4   4   2   1   0   11    8 13.50

League Standings up next!

[bigpapi]

Complete League Standings Through April 30-

[bigpapi]

James Gorman Thomas III

Born: December 12, 1950 in Charleston, South Carolina
Contract: $25,000 Until Arbitration in 1978
Debut: September 14, 1972 v. Chicago Cubs
How Acquired: Trade with St. Louis Cardinals July 17,1973--Gorman Thomas and Steve Foucault for Dock Ellis
First Hit: September 14, 1972 v. Chicago Cubs (Single)
First HR: September 9, 1974 v. Baltimore off Wayne Garland (2 run HR)

Gorman Thomas is in his second full season with the Red Sox, hitting .231 with 10 homeruns and 25 RBI. In 104 AB, covering 29 games, he has 24 hits, including 6 doubles, and a 26/23 BB/K ratio. Last year, his first full season with the Sox, Thomas hit just .193, but hit 29 homeruns and drove in 90. He also had an even 98/98 BB/K ratio. Thomas is known for his lumberjack size arms and even stronger swings.

On his extended playing time despite a .193 average a year ago-- "Hey, chicks dig the long ball, what can I say? My job is to drive in runs, not to hit singles, and you drive in runs with homeruns. No seriously, I am working to make more contact. I have always been of the school that you swing hard in case you make contact, and I need to tone that down a bit, especially with 2 strikes."

On having a great batting eye for a slugger-- "I'm not sure. I just seemed to always have the ability to lay off bad pitches, or the pitcher's pitches, ya know? I can see the spin of the ball out of the pitchers hand and I know what it is, so I know where it's going to end up."

On who helped him get used to the big leagues-- "It wasn't really one person, but that year ('74), we were in the middle of a pennant race and I got to see all the guys who had been there before and I watched how they acted. They were all having fun, but it was almost like the expected to be there, and I got alot from that. Rico told me a few days after I had been called up to enjoy it, because although we were in it that year, you never know what will happen. There are players who experience team success within their first year or two, but never again. I didn't want to be that guy, so I am always working to improve myself."

Greatest Individual Accomplishment--"Probably my first 2 homerun game (September 12, 1974 off Zack MacFadden), because it showed me that I belonged. People have always talked about my low averages, but if I can continue to hit homeruns, I should have a place here, and that excites me."

On his moustache-- "(Laughs) Ya, well everyone has to be their own person and make a statement and this is how I do it. Between the 'stache and the hair, I figure that if I am ever walking down an alley late a night, muggers will leave me alone. It's a little nuts, but I like it."

[bigpapi]

April 30, May 1,2 v Baltimore Orioles (15-11)

April 30-Denny McClain continued his unusual mastery of his former team as the 32 year old righty, pitched a complete game, 2 hitter. McClain threw 152 pitches, walking just 3 and striking out 5 in the win. He got all the support he would need from Tony Conigliaro who, after a 2 minute standing ovation in his first AB back in Boston, hit an RBI double, driving in Boog Powell in the first inning as the Orioles blanked Boston 5-0. (18-7)
W-Denny McClain (4-2) L-Vern Ruhle (2-3)

May 1-Rookie Dave Winfield hit a 3 run opposite field HR in the 7th inning, and that was all the run support Rick Mahler would need as the rookie pitched his first career shutout, allowing just 5 hits and 1 walk, while striking out 4 as Boston returned the favor, shutting out Baltimore, 6-0. (19-7)
W-Rick Mahler (4-0) L-Dave Roberts (2-2)

May 2-Ted Simmons hit a 1st inning, 2 run HR and Baltimore would eventually tie the game at 2, and then in the bottom of the 9th inning, George Brett would come up and end the game with a 2 run blast of his own as Boston doubled up Baltimore 4-2. (20-7)
W-Tom Hall (2-1) L-Frank Bertaina (1-1)

May 3,4,5 at Cleveland Indians (10-18)

May 3-George Foster hit a tie breaking, 2 run HR in the 8th inning to make a winner of Dennis Eckersley, who pitched 2.1 innings, striking out 4 as Cleveland got past Boston 3-1. (20-8)
W-Dennis Eckersley (2-0) L-Fergie Jenkins (4-2)

May 4-All 9 Red Sox runs came via the homerun today as Boston blasted 7 homeruns, by 7 different players as they beat the Indians 9-7. Gorman Thomas and Ken Griffey each hit 2 run shots for Boston in the victory. (21-7)
W-Gene Garber (1-1) L-Don Carrithers (0-1) S-Tom Hall (9)

May 5-Rico Petrocelli and Gorman Thomas each hit 2 run homeruns, and Vern Ruhle pitched 7 1/3 innings of 1 run ball as Boston took two of three from Cleveland, winning 6-1. (22-7)
W-Vern Ruhle (3-3) L-Ray Burris (5-2) S-Steve Foucault (2)

MLB Contract News:

The last big free agent is off the market as the San Diego Padres and 1B John Mayberry have agreed on a one year deal worth just $360,000. Mayberry hit .288 37-106 a year ago for the Kansas City Royals. Most observers feel however, that this is a one year thing only, and Mayberry will be gone next season. He had been playing in the Mexican Leagues, where he was hitting .544 12-37 in 29 games.

Wayne Garland and the Baltimore Orioles have agreed on a 3 year deal worth $520,000. Garland has gone 1-2 3.32 this year after posting a mark of 12-9 3.07 a year ago.

MLB Injury News:

OF Lyman Bostock of the Minnesota Twins will miss the rest of the season after breaking his wrist crashing into the outfield wall. Bostock was having a fine season, hitting .353 1-10 for the Twins this year after hitting .324 1-33 in his rookie season a year ago.

Ron Swoboda of the California Angels will be out until the All-Star break with a torn ligament in his knee. Swoboda, in his first year in the AL after spending the last 10 years with the Mets, was hitting .269 3-9 in 70 AB at the time of the injury.

Up next for the Sox is a rare 4 game series at home against Dave Kingman and the Minnesota Twins. After that, Boston goes to Baltimore to play the first 3 of a 6 game roadtrip.

[bigpapi]

Update tonight hopefully after work. If anyone has any questions or comments feel free!

[bigpapi]

May 6,7,8,9 v Minnesota Twins (15-15)

May 6-Billy Conigliaro had a 2 run single, and rookie Rick Mahler continued his impressive start, throwing 7 innings, allowing just 5 hits and 1 run as Boston beat the Twins 3-1. (23-8)
W-Rick Mahler (5-0) L-Buzz Stephen (3-3) S-Tom Hall (10)

May 7-Dave Kingman went 3-5 with a pair of 3 run homeruns, driving in 6 for the game, and Dave Boswell pitched 7 2/3 innings of 1 run ball as Minnesota hammered Boston 14-1. Ollie Brown had 3 hits and 2 RBI in the win. (23-9)
W-Dave Boswell (2-4) L-Mike Flanagan (2-1)

May 8-Homeruns by Ted Simmons (12), Gorman Thomas (11) and Reggie Smith (10) helped Boston beat up on Minnesota 13-3. Fergie Jenkins struck out 12 in 8 innings and Billy Conigliaro added 2 RBI in the victory. (24-9)
W-Fergie Jenkins (5-2) L-Jim McAndrew (4-2)

May 9-Dwight Evans hit a 2 run HR, George Brett had 3 hits and and RBI and Billy Grabarkewitz hit a solo HR as Boston took three of four from the Twins, winning 7-5. (25-9)
W-Steve Foucault (1-0) L-Ray Corbin (3-2) S-Tom Hall (11)

May 10,11,12 at Baltimore Orioles (20-14)

May 10-Paul Blair had a 2 run double, and Dave Roberts pitched 8 innings, scattering 6 hits and 6 walks as Baltimore beat Boston in a pitchers duel 3-1. (25-10)
W-Dave Roberts (4-2) L-Vern Ruhle (3-4) S-Elias Sosa (5)

May 11-Reggie Smith hit a leadoff HR in the 6th inning, and that accounted for all the scoring as Rick Mahler and Wayne Garland engaged in a classic pitchers duel with Mahler and the Sox coming out on top 1-0. Mahler pitched 7 shutout innings, striking out 5 in the win. (26-10)
W-Rick Mahler (6-0) L-Wayne Garland (1-4) S-Tom Hall (12)

May 12-George Brett and Dan Driessen each had 3 hits and 2 RBI to help Boston take two of three from the Orioles, winning 7-5. Ted Simmons added a 2 run double in the win. (27-10)
W-Fergie Jenkins (6-2) L-Paul Mitchell (2-3) S-Tom Hall (13)

MLB Trade News:
Oakland sends P Jim Nash (62/63), P Jim Johnson (63/66), and P Wayne Granger (84)
Pittsburgh sends P Ed Sprague (81), 3B Enos Cabell (76/77), and OF Bobby Thompson (66/75)
Granger is the best talent here, but I think the Pirates gave up just a bit too much to get him.

MLB Injury News:

Oakland has lost P Paul Lindblad for the next 9-10 weeks with a bad shoulder. Lindblad had been a key part of a surprising Oakland team thusfar, going 1-0 1.66 in 21.2 innings after going 7-4 2.89 in 57 games a year ago.

Philadelphia will be without the services of ace Rick Wise until August as Wise tore a ligament in his elbow. Wise was 4-1 2.95 this year, a nice comeback after struggling to a 9-7 4.91 mark a year ago.

The San Diego Padres lose P Frank Tanana for the foreseeable future as Tanana suffered a broken ankle in a collision and first base. Tanana has struggled since the Padres brought him up 3 years ago, posting a line of 1-7 8.50 this year after leading the NL in losses a year ago, going 5-25 with a 7.89 ERA in 39 starts.

Up next for the Sox is a 3 game series in Cleveland against the Indians followed by a 3 game set in the Bronx against the Yankees.

[bigpapi]

May 13,14,15 at Cleveland Indians (13-24)

May 13-Four Red Sox homeruns, one each from Reggie Smith, George Brett, Gorman Thomas and Billy Congiliaro powered the Boston offense to a 9-1 win over the Indians. Roger Moret pitched a complete game, 3 hitter to pick up his 3rd win of the year. Jack Morris picked up the loss (0-9) and fell to 2-37 on his career. (28-10)
W-Roger Moret (3-1) L-Jack Morris (0-9)

May 14-Bob Robertson hit a 3 run HR and George Foster added a 2 run shot as the Indians, who had jumped to a 5-0 lead, held on to beat the Sox 6-5. Carlton Fisk hit a 3 run HR in the loss. (28-11)
W-John Denny (1-4) L-Vern Ruhle (3-5) S-Ed Farmer (1)

May 15-Dan Driessen hit a 2 run double and George Brett added a solo HR to support Rick Mahler, who improved to 7-0 as Boston doubled up the Indians 6-3. (29-11)
W-Rick Mahler (7-0) L-Ray Burris (6-3) S-Tom Hall (14)

May 17,18,19 v New York Yankees (24-18)

May 17-Dan Driessen drove in Ted Simmons, who had reached on an error by CF Al Bumbry, against closer Greg Thayer as Boston got past the Yankees 6-5 in 10 innings. Bobby Grich hit 3 solo HR's in the loss. The story of the game however was off the field as Sox 1B Reggie Smith was ejected from the bench after running into the stands and attacking a fan in the 6th inning. Smith tried to drag the fan back onto the field before he was restrained by teammates. Apparantely, the fan, who has not been identified had been heckling Smith all game long. Disciplinary action is expected to be taken against Smith by the team and the league. (30-11)
W-Mickey Scott (2-0) L-Greg Thayer (1-1)

May 18-Doug Rader homered and drove in 4 runs, and Dave Coleman added 3 hits and a solo HR as New York squeaked past Boston, winning 7-6. Gorman Thomas homered, but also struck out 3 tmes in the loss. (30-12)
W-Derek Pritchard (6-4) L-Roger Moret (3-2) S-Greg Thayer (4)

May 19-Ray Knight hit a bases clearing double in a 4 run 6th inning to make a winner of Vern Ruhle, who pitched 6 innings, allowing just 2 runs as Boston beat the Yankees 4-2. (31-12)
W-Vern Ruhle (4-5) L-Wayne Simpson (4-2) S-Tom Hall (15)

MLB Injury News:

Texas lost C John Wockenfuss for the rest of the year with a broken leg he suffered in a home plate collision this week. Wockenfuss was hitting .229 4-15 this year after hitting just .195 a year ago, but with 26 homeruns. Randy Brown, a FA pickup from the Angels will start in his place.

Minnesota has lost starting 2B Cookie Rojas for the next 8 weeks with a broken ankle. Rojas, a surprise starter this year for the Twins, was hitting .287 0-11 and playing stellar defense, committing just 1 error all year long. Rojas spent last season with Atlanta where he hit .400 (40-100) all in pinch hitting appearances.

Baltimore will be without the services of RP John Lamb until next season as Lamb tore a ligament in his elbow during a relief outing last week. Lamb was 1-0 4.91 this year after going 1-4 6.18 in 23 games a year ago.

Detroit will be without newly signed OF Richie Zisk until September as Zisk broke his wrist crashing into the OF wall. Zisk was hitting .280 with 9 HR and 38 RBI in just 31 games with the Tigers. George Scott moves back into the lineup to replace Zisk.

Texas will be without 3B Mike Cubbage until after the All-Star break as Cubbage hurt his rotator cuff. Cubbage was hitting .331 6-36 in his Sophomore season after hitting .294 9-52 in an injury shortened rookie campaign.

MLB Retirements

Milt Pappas retired officially this week after not being signed by anyone in the off-season. Pappas, a veteran of 19 big league seasons, played for Baltimore, Cincinnati, Seattle/Milwaukee, Washington/Texas, and San Diego. Perhaps best known as the man traded for Frank Robinson, Pappas had a solid career, going 206-155 with a 3.41 ERA. He pitched in 522 games, 488 of the starts, throwing 3,332.2 innings, and posting a 996/2,027 BB/K ratio. He completed 126 games, including 51 shutouts. He made 4 All-Star Games (1962,65,67,1971). His finest year came in 1967 for Cincinnati, when he had his only 20 win year (20-10) with a 2.81 ERA. He pitched 282.1 innings that year, completing 8 games and pitching 5 shutouts while striking out 187 and limiting opponents to hit just .221 off him.

Up next for the Sox is 3 games at home against the Cleveland Indians followed by a trip to Milwaukee to square off against the Brewers.

[bigpapi]

Smith Designated for Assignment

Boston, MA-Two time MVP Reggie Smith was designated for assignment by the Red Sox today, stemming from his May 17th fight with a fan during the Red Sox 6-5 win over the Yankees.

Smith, who had the day off was sitting on the top step of the dugout when a Yankee fan allegedly harassed him throughout the game. In the top of the 6th inning, 37 year old Michael Dooley and Smith had an exchange that lead to Smith racing into the stands, attacking Dooley, grabbing him, hitting him repeatedly and trying to drag him back onto the field before Smith was restrained by teammates. Smith was ejected from the game, and Dooley was arrested for attempted assault.

"It's a shame it had to end this way, it really is." Said Red Sox Manager Darrell Johnson. "With that said however, the way Reggie acted is against everything that this franchise stands for, and unfortunately for him, he's got to pay the price."

Johnson said that Smith had been becoming increasingly disgruntled with his contract status, and that frustration may have boiled over on Monday. "There had been alot of talk, inside the clubhouse between the Reggie and the other players, that Reggie wanted out. He was upset that the team locked up Billy (Conigliaro) and Tom (Hall), but weren't willing to negotiate with him."

"We apologize to Mr. Dooley and his family." said GM Dick O'Connell. "As a fan, he is entitled to saying what he feels, and should be able to feel safe at a baseball game. There is no place for that kind of action in this game, especially here at Fenway Park and we have acted accordingly. Mr. Smith will be missed on the field, but his actions have made it impossible for us to look the other way."

Smith's only comment on the incident was, "I know in my heart I was right in my actions. He (Dooley) crossed the line with some of his comments, and I reacted. I thank the Red Sox organization for giving me the opportunity in the major leagues. However, now I turn the page, end this part of my career and look forward to starting over someplace else and showing the Boston management that they made a mistake."

The Red Sox now have 10 days to either place Smith on waivers, where someone could pick him up, paying the rest of his salary for the year, about $322,000, trade him, or release him, paying Smith the rest of his 1976 salary. This will be a sizeable blow to the Sox lineup, as Smith was hitting just .269 but with 12 homeruns and 29 RBI. His 334 career homeruns place him 3rd on the Sox all time list behind Ted Williams and Tony Conigliaro.

(Editors Note: While I put my own spin on this, this did actually happen, in 1981. Smith ran into the stands in San Fransisco, while playing for the Dodgers and attacked Dooley, who had actually thrown a batting helmet at him. The following year, Smith signed with the Giants.)

[bigpapi]

May 20,21,22 v Cleveland Indians (15-29)

May 20-Buddy Bell had 3 hits and 2 RBI, and George Foster hit a solo HR as AL ERA leader Ray Burris shut down the Sox offense, limiting them to a solo HR from Dwight Evans over 8 innings as Cleveland beat Boston 5-1. (31-13)
W-Ray Burris (7-3) L-Rick Mahler (7-1)

May 21-George Foster went 3-7 with a 2 run HR in the top of the 13th inning, giving him 5 RBI for the game, and helping Cleveland to a 10-8 win over the Sox. Dan Driessen had 2 homeruns in the loss for Boston. (31-14)
W-Rick Austin (2-1) L-Tom Hall (2-2) S-Dennis Eckersley (2)

May 22-The Red Sox hit 6 homeruns, including 3 run shots from Dan Driessen and Billy Conigliaro, who also had 4 hits as Boston avoided the sweep, hammering Cleveland 12-2. (32-14)
W-Fergie Jenkins (7-2) L-Jack Morris (0-11)

May 24,25,26 at Milwaukee Brewers (11-35)

May 24-Dan Driessen hit a 3 run HR, his 3rd straight game with 3 RBI and new acquisition Rico Carty went 3-5 with a HR as Boston outslugged the Brewers 8-6. (33-14)
W-Roger Moret (4-2) L-Bob Knepper (1-9) S-Tom Hall (16)

May 25-A 0-0 pitchers duel after 7 innings turned into a rout as Dan Driessen drove in 3 more runs with a 8th inning HR and Gorman Thomas hit his 17th shot of the year, also a 3 run bomb as Boston beat Milwaukee 8-1. Ron Guidry, making his first start of the year, pitched 7 2/3 innings, allowing 1 run while striking out 5 in the win. (34-14)
W-Ron Guidry (1-0) L-Pete Vuckovich (0-1)

May 26-Dennis Leonard pitched a complete game shutout, allowing 6 hits and 2 walks while striking out 5, and Dan Ford hit a solo HR as the Brewers avoided the sweep, blanking Boston 3-0. Rick Mahler, who started the season 7-0 has now lost his last 2 starts after pitching 6 1/3 innings, allowing 3 runs. (34-15)
W-Dennis Leonard (3-6) L-Rick Mahler (7-2)

MLB Free Agent News:

The Minnesota Twins surprised everyone by claiming former Sox 1B/CF Reggie Smith off waivers from Boston. Smith will bat after Tony Oliva and before Dave Kingman giving the Twins a suddenly scary lineup. The Twins are on the hook for the rest of Smith's contract on the year, totalling $318,500.

After waiving Smith, Boston moved quickly in signing his replacement as Rico Carty was brought in to fill the void. Carty had been playing in the Dominican Republic, where he hit .449 5-51 in 185 AB covering 49 games. Carty will play DH and a little first base against lefties to give Dan Driessen a break. The deal calls for Carty to be paid $150,000 for the rest of this year and gives Boston a player option for 1977 at a mark of $250,000.

MLB Milestones:

Curt Flood of the Detroit Tigers picked up his 1,000th RBI

MLB Retirements:

Roger Repoz retired this week after being released by the San Diego Padres. Repoz played for 12 seasons, where he hit a career .235 with 151 homeruns. His best year came in 1971 for the Washington Senators, when he hit .250 26-95 with 18 steals in 152 games.

Ron Hansen also retired from the Padres this week. Hansen hit a career .235 with 159 homeruns. He played for 4 teams in his career (Baltimore, Chicago (AL), Houston and San Diego). Hansen was named 1960 AL Rookie of the Year when he hit .255 22-86 for the Orioles. He made 3 All-Star Teams (1960,68,69) and won two Gold Gloves (1968,1971). His best year came in 1969 when he hit .268 20-70 for the Chicago White Sox.

MLB Injuries:

The Cleveland Indians suffered a major blow this week as they lose OF George Foster for the next 8-10 weeks with a broken leg. Last year, he hit .320 45-136 in 153 games. Foster was the lone bright spot in a weak Indian offense, hitting .263 15-39 and the 27 year old has a career BA of .313 to go along with 245 homeruns.


The Cincinnati Reds lost Pete Rose for the rest of the year with a broken wrist suffered after being hit by a pitch. Rose was hitting .321 1-15 for the Reds and had been closing in on 2,500 hits for his career, currently standing at 2,442. He is a career .307 hitter over 14 seasons, all with Cincinnati.

St. Louis will lose C Tim McCarver for the 6th year in a row to a serious injury. McCarver broke his leg in a home plate collision and will be out until August. McCarver was hitting .286, but had hit just 7 homeruns in 177 games since the start of the 1975 season. For his career, he has hit .300 in 18 years, all with the Cardinals.

Ending May and into June for the Sox are 3 games in New York to face the Yankees followed by 3 games at home against the Detroit Tigers. End of the month stats and league standings are also upcoming as well as the 1976 Amateur Draft Preview and results!

[bigpapi]

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

1976 Batting             Team    G   AVG    AB    H  2B  3B  HR   BB    K   SB  CS    R  RBI   SLG   OBP
Brett, George             BOS   53  .290   214   62  13   4   7   34   21    4   2   40   26  .486  .386
Simmons, Ted              BOS   48  .338   195   66  12   3  15   31    9    0   0   35   37  .662  .424
Conigliaro, Billy         BOS   48  .269   193   52   9   1   9   16   42    0   1   34   32  .466  .325
Evans, Dwight             BOS   52  .242   190   46   9   2  11   51   30    0   0   40   29  .484  .403
Thomas, Gorman            BOS   51  .224   183   41   9   0  19   47   36    0   1   34   43  .585  .379
Grabarkewitz, Billy       BOS   46  .203   177   36   2   0   3   14   50    3   1   17   17  .266  .268
Knight, Ray               BOS   43  .238   168   40   7   2   1   19   19    0   0   17   20  .321  .326
Driessen, Dan             BOS   35  .306   121   37  12   1   7   19   14    0   0   24   33  .595  .401
Petrocelli, Rico          BOS   27  .283    99   28   5   0   3   10   13    0   0   12   14  .424  .355
Carty, Rico               BOS   10  .326    43   14   4   0   1    4    8    0   0    7    4  .488  .383
Winfield, Dave            BOS    8  .485    33   16   4   0   2    3    4    1   0   11    9  .788  .553
Fisk, Carlton             BOS    8  .259    27    7   1   0   1    4    6    0   0    3    4  .407  .355
Griffey, Ken              BOS    8  .231    26    6   2   0   1    5    2    2   0    4    3  .423  .355
Sutherland, Gary          BOS    2  .167     6    1   0   0   0    3    0    0   0    1    0  .167  .444

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

1976 Pitching            Team     IP   ERA    G  GS   W   L  SV    K   BB   R/9
Guidry, Ron               BOS   14.2  0.61    2   2   2   0   0    8    4  9.20
Montefusco, John          BOS   25.0  1.08   12   1   3   0   0   16    7  7.92
Scott, Mickey             BOS   15.2  1.72   13   0   2   0   0   10    2 10.34
Foucault, Steve           BOS   35.2  2.78   27   0   1   0   2   24   16 11.36
Mahler, Rick              BOS   75.2  3.21   11  11   7   2   0   41   19 11.89
Hall, Tom                 BOS   29.2  3.94   25   0   3   2  17   32   11 13.65
Jenkins, Fergie           BOS   91.2  4.03   12  12   7   3   0   74   16  9.72
Ruhle, Vern               BOS   68.2  4.33   11  11   4   5   0   25   17 14.42
Moret, Roger              BOS   57.2  5.31    9   9   4   3   0   30   19 13.42
Brett, Ken                BOS   12.2  5.68    6   1   0   0   1    6    8 15.63
Flanagan, Mike            BOS   31.2  5.97    6   6   2   1   0   14   15 15.35
Garber, Gene              BOS   23.0  6.26   18   0   1   1   0   24    7 14.48

I would like to point out the start that Dave Winfield has gotten off to, hitting an insane .485 2-9 in 33 AB. His splits are even more crazy as he is hitting just .154 (2-13) off righties and an spectacular .700 (14-20) off lefties.

League Standings up next!

[bigpapi]

Complete League Standings Through May 31--