Onto the second half of the season. Daulton is getting to Houston by late-afternoon, and with traffic, probably won’t be at the Astrodome until just before first pitch. John Russell will get the start at catcher, then.
Game 1984-88: Astrodome - Astros 5, Phillies 1 / 39-49
Charles Hudson pitches quite well (7.1 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 7 K, 2 BB), but the bullpen implodes in the eighth. Bill Campbell is tagged for four runs. Yuck. At least Juan Samuel hits two doubles.
July 13, 1984
Game 1984-89: Astrodome - Astros 6, Phillies 3 / 39-50
We can’t get enough big hits, while Jerry Koosman gives up five runs. Darren Daulton walks in his first game this season.
Meanwhile, congratulations to 40-year-old Joe Morgan. “Sweet Pea” strikes his 2,500th career hit while playing for the Athletics.
July 14, 1984
Game 1984-90: Astrodome - Phillies 4, Astros 2 / 40-50
Mike Schmidt hits homer 17, and I’m praying this is the start of a run. Something that happens frequently now: Juan Samuel doubles, steals third, and scores on the next play, in this case an infield single. His wheels get us an insurance run in the ninth. John Denny (6.2 IP, 9 H, 2 ER, 2 K, 2 BB) pitches well.
July 15, 1984
Steve Carlton is now eligible to come off the injured list, which means an unfortunate end to Kelly Downs’ first trip to the majors.
- SP Steve Carlton recalled from injured list
- SP Kelly Downs optioned to AAA Portland
Downs is carrying a 7.36 ERA in six starts, striking out just 12 while walking eight. He needs to improve his movement (35/45), as it led to eight opposing homers. The stuff (45/50) could also use some work. Also, the fastball (45/50). Movement is paramount, so we’ll see where he is if that advances.
Game 1984-91: Astrodome - Astros 6, Phillies 3 / 40-51
Kevin Gross gives up four in the first inning, sealing our fate. Von Hayes drives in three with a homer and a double.
Before the day ends, I shop around Sixto Lezcano. Interested parties:
- For prospects: Boston, Detroit, Chicago Cubs, Houston, St. Louis
- For veterans: Baltimore, Boston, Chicago White Sox, Detroit, Chicago Cubs, Houston, St. Louis
- For regulars: Boston, Detroit, Chicago Cubs, Houston, St. Louis
I’m surprised Kansas City isn’t interested, and that so many bad teams are. But who am I to argue?
The best prospects offered to us are Detroit LF Bruce Fields (36/41) and Cubs LF Henry Cotto (32/41). Neither are top-100 prospects. As for veterans, there’s Detroit SP Pete Vuckovich (45/45), who’s a free agent after 1984, and Cubs SP Rick Reuschel (45/45), also a free agent after this season.
Boston is offering CF Reggie Whittemore (37/38), who has 50 defense in center and a +2.9 ZR, plus a decent bat with a good eye. Not much else worth thinking about, so this might either be a bulk trade or maybe I can score someone interesting by negotiating.
One last thing: power rankings time. We’re 19th. The top-five:
1. Toronto Blue Jays - 65-27
2. Detroit Tigers - 57-32
3. Saint Louis Cardinals - 52-39
4. Kansas City Royals - 53-36
5. New York Mets - 53-36