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Joy in Mudville · 06-18-2008, 09:29 AM

With right-hander Barry Lersch struggling mightily this season, the Philadelphia Phillies have abandoned their use of the five-man rotation for the September stretch run.

The Phillies, just two games behind first-place Pittsburgh in the Joy in Mudville National League East, have moved Lersch to the bullpen. Lersch, 28, had won 26 games two straight years. However, this season Lersch is 1-5 in 28 starts. Although his ERA is a respectable 2.64, the Denver native hasn't had the endurance to last deep in games this summer.

Thus, Philadelphia's rotation will comprise of right-handers Rick Wise (21-7), Steve Stone (14-8), Pat Dobson (14-9) and left-hander Woodie Fryman (6-8).

Trading Block
Although the trading deadline has passed, Cleveland management is reportedly shopping minor league infielder Frank Taveras. The asking price is said to be a quality pitcher.

Taveras, 23, was the 50th overall pick in the 1970 amateur draft. He is viewed as tradeable with the highly touted Robin Yount in place at short stop for the Indians.

San Diego Rising
An influx of youthful talent seems to have spurred the San Diego Padres' play. Recent draftees such as Dan Driessen, George Brett, Jim Rice and George Hendrick has the Padres on the rise.

San Diego posted its first winning month since May when it went 14-13 in August. The stretch included a six-game winning streak highlighted by series sweeps of New York and St. Louis.

30-Loss Season?
Atlanta Brave pitcher Phil Niekro has lost a JIM-record 29 games this season. One wonders if Braves' manangement will move the right-handed knuckleballer to the bullpen as a means of avoiding a 30-loss season.

Atlanta has just 39 wins as a team this season. The Braves can look forward to the No. 1 overall pick in next season's amateur draft.

AL Getting More Offensive
The implementation of the designated hitter has had a proven effect on offense in the American League.

A year ago, New York's Bobby Murcer won the batting title with a .319 average. Heading into the final full month of the regular season, Kansas City outfielder Lou Piniella tops the league with a .337 average. In fact, four hitters have averages higher than Murcer's title-winning total of a year ago.

Power numbers are also up. A season ago, Dick Allen won both the home run (38) and RBI (118) crowns. This summer, Detroit teammates Norm Cash and Dave Kingman are tied for the AL lead with 32 homers. Amos Otis, the man traded to Baltimore for Allen, has already driven home 118 runs.

League scoring and ERA numbers are also up.

06-18-2008, 09:29 AM	#1202
Joy in Mudville Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,591	JIM Notebook: Phillies Scrap Five-Man Rotation With right-hander Barry Lersch struggling mightily this season, the Philadelphia Phillies have abandoned their use of the five-man rotation for the September stretch run. The Phillies, just two games behind first-place Pittsburgh in the Joy in Mudville National League East, have moved Lersch to the bullpen. Lersch, 28, had won 26 games two straight years. However, this season Lersch is 1-5 in 28 starts. Although his ERA is a respectable 2.64, the Denver native hasn't had the endurance to last deep in games this summer. Thus, Philadelphia's rotation will comprise of right-handers Rick Wise (21-7), Steve Stone (14-8), Pat Dobson (14-9) and left-hander Woodie Fryman (6-8). Trading Block Although the trading deadline has passed, Cleveland management is reportedly shopping minor league infielder Frank Taveras. The asking price is said to be a quality pitcher. Taveras, 23, was the 50th overall pick in the 1970 amateur draft. He is viewed as tradeable with the highly touted Robin Yount in place at short stop for the Indians. San Diego Rising An influx of youthful talent seems to have spurred the San Diego Padres' play. Recent draftees such as Dan Driessen, George Brett, Jim Rice and George Hendrick has the Padres on the rise. San Diego posted its first winning month since May when it went 14-13 in August. The stretch included a six-game winning streak highlighted by series sweeps of New York and St. Louis. 30-Loss Season? Atlanta Brave pitcher Phil Niekro has lost a JIM-record 29 games this season. One wonders if Braves' manangement will move the right-handed knuckleballer to the bullpen as a means of avoiding a 30-loss season. Atlanta has just 39 wins as a team this season. The Braves can look forward to the No. 1 overall pick in next season's amateur draft. AL Getting More Offensive The implementation of the designated hitter has had a proven effect on offense in the American League. A year ago, New York's Bobby Murcer won the batting title with a .319 average. Heading into the final full month of the regular season, Kansas City outfielder Lou Piniella tops the league with a .337 average. In fact, four hitters have averages higher than Murcer's title-winning total of a year ago. Power numbers are also up. A season ago, Dick Allen won both the home run (38) and RBI (118) crowns. This summer, Detroit teammates Norm Cash and Dave Kingman are tied for the AL lead with 32 homers. Amos Otis, the man traded to Baltimore for Allen, has already driven home 118 runs. League scoring and ERA numbers are also up. Attached Images Last edited by Joy in Mudville; 06-18-2008 at 01:01 PM.