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8/1/1970 - Cito Gaston heads to All-Star Game
The Padres had two representatives at the All-Star game, RF Rusty Staub, and CF Cito Gatson. I'd be lying if I told you I expected big things from Gaston. I wasn't even sure he could handle being a fourth outfielder, and in all likelihood he isn't going to be any more than a fourth outfielder long term, but he is having a career year this year. After hitting .237 with 7 homers last season, Gaston is hitting .307 with 18 home runs at the end of July. His OPS has gone from .320 to .607 to .847 over the past three years, and his VORP increased from -4 to 32.5. I don't know how long he can keep this up, or if he will keep this up, but it sure has been fun to see him play so well. For whatever reason he is just one of those guys I like rooting for.
The Padres faltered a bit in July, going 12-14 and we sit 6 1/2 games out of first place. With five more wins we'll surpass last season's win total. Let's not forget we lost 104 games last year.
Team Leaders
Batting Average: Cito Gaston .307
Home Runs: Cito Gaston 18
RBI: Cito Gaston 66
Wins: Bert Blyleven 14
ERA: Bert Blyleven 2.82
Strikeouts: Bert Blyleven 161
Rotation:
Jon Matlock 8-1, 2.51
Bert Blyleven 14-9, 2.82
Larry Dierker 10-9, 3.38
Dave Roberts 4-8, 3.93
Bullpen:
3.57 ERA (4th in NL)
Closer:
We have too many starting pitchers, and with Dukes struggling in the closer position, I decided to make Lolich the new closer after we couldn't deal him at the deadline. It's only been one day, so the jury is still out.
Tom Dukes 2.59 ERA, 7 Saves
Mickey Lolich 4.59 ERA
Lineup:
SS - Larry Bowa .300, 1, 37 (8 SB)
CF - Cito Gaston .307, 18, 66
RF - Rusty Staub .288, 13, 45
1B - Nate Colbert .245, 11, 50
LF - Dave Kingman .217, 7, 29
C - Bill Freehan .237, 10, 40
3B - Ed Spiezio .227, 15, 49
2B - Denny Doyle .230, 3, 14
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