OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - The Dead Zone: The Philadelphia Phillies (1984-

The_Myth · 10-29-2019, 10:05 PM

July 1, 1985

Now that it’s July, let’s talk trade deadline. This time around, I’m buying, though not a lot. Remember: My philosophy last year was not to sell too hard, as I felt many of my top-performing players could easily be part of a pennant-winning team within three years. Now, while the standings might suggest I have that pennant-winning group, I still keep the same perspective. I don’t want to make a big trade that compromises my farm system and brings in a bloated contract. I also feel that this group has overperformed to an extent (basically arriving sooner than I expected), so while I should buy, I shouldn’t think as if this is my only try at a championship.

So, while Juan Samuel and Darren Daulton struggle at the plate, and while I still haven’t seen Paul Molitor and Donnie Moore necessarily click in place, I’m not about to upgrade their roster spots.

Instead, I’m thinking about the margins. I could use a power-first bench bat, since my offense is first in literally every NL offensive category but home runs. Also, I know bullpen help is essential, but in the vein of an expiring contract and not a long-term solution. Can this pitcher be a closer? Heck yeah, but it only means Bill Campbell becomes a middle reliever, as he seems more suited for that role anyway (ironically, Campbell leads the majors in saves with 18). (I could also give Todd Worrell and Paul Assenmacher opportunities to pitch in higher-leverage moments.)

The trading block is deep right now, as Atlanta (25-48, 17.5 GB), Houston (31-44, 12.5 GB), Milwaukee (38-34, 12 GB), Chicago (31-41, 19 GB), and San Diego (36-39, 7.5 GB) are already in sell-mode, and a few other teams are dangling high-profile talent, too. But it’s not a deep block in regards to what I want.

The best power bat available is Tony Armas (Boston), who has hit 13 home runs in 241 PA, putting up a decent .224 ISO. There aren’t really any desirable relievers available, however, and at least on the block.

Any other power bats? Ruppert Jones (8 HR, .197 ISO) is a free agent after the season and currently with Houston. He has a down disposition, but he could be a good risk. And there’s Jim Morrison (9 HR, .196 ISO) in Pittsburgh, Jorge Orta (6 HR, .171 ISO) in Chicago, and Terry Kennedy (6 HR, .152 ISO) in San Diego.

What about relievers? The one big-time expiring contract: Lee Smith of Chicago (1.69 ERA, 7.9 K/9, 3.1 BB/9). He’s the target, and teams will be interested. I am, too. Also, Kent Tekulve of Pittsburgh may be out there, though right now it’s just rumor. Otherwise there are number of arb-eligible players that could be available, like Houston’s Dave Smith and the Yankees’ Dave Righetti - I’m not so enthusiastic about a player like that, as I already have a slew of young relievers to figure out.

And while he isn’t a reliever, I’m intrigued by Bert Blyleven (5.26 ERA, 6.7 K/9, 2.9 BB/9), who was a Cy Young finalist last year and hasn’t quite pitched so well in Baltimore. He’s a free agent after this season. Also, Houston’s Mike Scott (3.48 ERA, 7.3 K/9, 2.4 BB/9) is a free agent after the season and could work in a mercenary role. Though with both of these players, acquiring them to put them in the bullpen feels risky. And as far as expiring contracts go, that’s it.

Not ready to make a deal, but now we have some clarity.

Anyway, it’s Monday night and the Cubs are in town. School is out, and we have fireworks planned for both tomorrow and Wednesday. (By the way, we’ve averaged about 38,000 fans per game, and our total attendance is 1.485 million - both stats are tops in baseball.)

Game 1985-73: Veterans Stadium - Phillies 28, Cubs 3 / 51-22

Well.

Holy cow.

We’ve reached a new height this season. The Phillies tie the modern National League record (1900-present) for runs in a single game, set in 1929 by the St. Louis Cardinals (against us), and break the club record of 23 runs, set in 1900 against Pittsburgh.

This is just insane. We score six in the first, headlined by a three-run Mike Schmidt home run. In the second we score nine runs to go up 15-0. In that inning, our first 10 batters reach base safely (!). The capper here is a Paul Molitor two-run double.

Three more in the third thanks to a bunch of singles, including an RBI hit from John Denny. Then, in the fourth, Darren Daulton swats a two-run home run, and Glenn Wilson follows it up with a jack. Later, Von Hayes slams his own two-run bomb to put us up 23-2.

Then, in the sixth, Wilson leads off with his second homer of the game, and Hayes comes back with his second, a three-run shot. We go up 27-2. Our final run, which ties the record, is Schmidt’s second homer, a solo shot in the seventh.

Schmidt goes 3-for-5 with 2 HR, 1 BB, 5 RBI, 4 R. Molitor is all over the place, going 5-for-6 with a double, 2 R, 4 RBI. Hayes drives in six with a four-for-six game. Wilson is 4-for-5 with 2 HR and 5 R. Dave Stegman is 3-for-4 with a triple, 2 BB and 4 RBI. We score 28 on 24 hits (10 extra-base hits), plus 11 walks.

For the Cubs, Chuck Rainey allows six runs in 0.2 innings (he couldn’t get out of the first), Pete Falcone (who was in spring training with us) gives up eight in 0.1 innings (he finished the first but couldn’t get an out in the second), Don Schulze surrenders six in two innings, Mike Jeffcoat allows six in 2.1 frames, and Rich Thompson has the best day (two runs in 2.2 IP).

Individual NL records from this game: Juan Samuel ties most AB in a nine-inning game (7); Glenn Wilson ties second-most R in a game (5). Individual team records from this game: Samuel ties most AB in a nine-inning game (7); Molitor ties second-most H in a nine-inning game (5); Wilson ties most R in a game (5).

Simply unreal. So far this season we’ve scored, in one game, 18 runs, 17 runs, 14 runs twice, and 13 runs twice. And now 28.

And now, the most amazing thing about this: Back in the real 1985, and not even three weeks before, on June 11 at the Vet, the Phillies beat the Mets, 26-7, breaking the club record for runs in a game and coming two short of tying the National League record. Von Hayes also homered twice in this game (both were in the first inning).

July 2, 1985

Last night, a 25-game hitting streak by Kent Hrbek - now the longest in 1985 - was stopped by Cleveland.

Bad news from Bend: Gregg Jefferies is out for a week with patellar tendinitis. He’s hitting .344/.405/.656 in 37 PA there. I’ll let him recover and get back onto the field; after a few games at Bend, he’ll probably head to A Spartanburg or even Peninsula. And speaking of moving up, third-round pick Aubrey Waggoner is doing well at Bend, too (39 PA, .346/.564/.731, 12 BB, 7 K). He’ll head to A-ball at probably the same time.

Game 1985-74: Veterans Stadium - POSTPONED

For the first time this season we’re rained out, and sadly, we lose the fireworks. Doubleheader tomorrow. We plan another fireworks night on Friday, the night after Independence Day. We also tell fans who lost that game that they can get free tickets to another game later in the season.

Meanwhile, the Expos have now lost seven straight and are six behind us.

July 3, 1985

Doubleheader today, which means some lineup shuffling. Darren Daulton out for game one with Tommy Thompson getting the start. Kevin Gross on the hill.

Game 1985-74: Veterans Stadium - Cubs 4, Phillies 3 (10) / 51-23

We finally drop one. Kevin Gross gets a no-decision in an eight-inning performance. Von Hayes is on fire, going 4-for-5 with a double, while UL Washington, Tommy Thompson, and Mike Schmidt each collect two hits.

For game two, Paul Molitor goes back to the two-hole despite the lefty on the hill (Jamie Moyer). Dave Concepcion is at SS, and Bill Lyons starts in CF.

Game 1985-75: Veterans Stadium - Cubs 5, Phillies 3 / 51-24

Well, after the incredible win on Monday, this is a letdown. A doubleheader sweep thanks to Cubs’ pitcher Jamie Moyer, who strikes out eight in eight innings. It just wasn’t our day. Donnie Moore allows two crucial runs late, raising his ERA to 4.60. Also, Paul Assenmacher leaves the game with a finger blister. Getting another reliever for the stretch run may be necessary.

RP Paul Assenmacher placed on 15-day injured list
RP Chuck Cary promoted to MLB Philadelphia

Cary has had a solid year in Portland (21.2 IP, 2.49 ERA, 18 K, 8 BB).

Meanwhile in Reading, CF Luis Polonia has been tearing it up (65 PA, .426/.446/.525). The gap power isn’t there right now, but he is playing stellar defense in center. And I’m ready to move some second basemen up: In Spartanburg, Billy Bates - my fourth-round pick in 1985 - is at .308/.414/.430 with 16 XBH, 47 K, 30 BB, 13 SB and 2 CS in 292 PA, and he’s ready for Clearwater. And in Clearwater, Keith Miller is at .298/.424/.419 with 21 XBH, 59 BB, 34 K, 14 SB and 5 CS in 337 PA, and can head to Reading. Neither is playing terrific in the field, but I’m not very concerned just yet. I’ll probably make those moves after the weekend.

With a new month comes the NL leaderboards.

Hitters

Batting Average
1. Mike Schmidt - .361
3. Von Hayes - .333

Home Runs
T1. Mike Schmidt - 18

Runs Batted In
T1. Mike Schmidt - 68
5. Von Hayes - 47

On-Base Percentage
1. Mike Schmidt - .433
6. Von Hayes - .380

Slugging Percentage
1. Mike Schmidt - .643
3. Glenn Wilson - .527
6. Von Hayes - .506

WAR
1. Mike Schmidt - 4.3

Hits
1. Von Hayes - 106
7. Mike Schmidt - 96

Runs
T5. Von Hayes - 51
T5. Mike Schmidt - 51

Doubles
T4. Von Hayes - 20

Triples
T4. Juan Samuel - 6

Total Bases
2. Mike Schmidt - 171
3. Von Hayes - 161

Stolen Bases
4. Juan Samuel - 31
7. Von Hayes - 20

Walks
5. Darren Daulton - 38

Isolated Power
1. Mike Schmidt - .282
6. Glenn Wilson - .230

Pitching

Earned Run Average
1. Kevin Gross - 1.49
4. Charles Hudson - 1.74

Wins
T1. Kevin Gross - 11
T6. Charles Hudson - 9

Saves
2. Bill Campbell - 18

Strikeouts / Walks
5. Kevin Gross - 3.7

Walks / 9 IP
4. Kevin Gross - 1.6
5. Charles Hudson - 1.7

WHIP
1. Kevin Gross - 0.84

Fielding Independent Pitching
6. Charles Hudson - 2.61

Holds
T1. Larry Andersen - 8
T1. Donnie Moore - 8

Quality Starts
T2. Kevin Gross - 15

Mike Schmidt is still the NL MVP leader, with the Cubs’ Ryne Sandberg, the Cardinals’ Willie McGee, the Expos’ Tim Raines, and Von Hayes all in the mix for second place. If wins and ERA mean everything, then Kevin Gross is the Cy Young frontrunner, though the Dodgers’ Orel Hershiser is right there with him, along with the Mets’ Dwight Gooden and Montreal’s David Palmer.

10-29-2019, 10:05 PM	#115
The_Myth Minors (Double A) Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: World Posts: 172	July 1, 1985 Now that it’s July, let’s talk trade deadline. This time around, I’m buying, though not a lot. Remember: My philosophy last year was not to sell too hard, as I felt many of my top-performing players could easily be part of a pennant-winning team within three years. Now, while the standings might suggest I have that pennant-winning group, I still keep the same perspective. I don’t want to make a big trade that compromises my farm system and brings in a bloated contract. I also feel that this group has overperformed to an extent (basically arriving sooner than I expected), so while I should buy, I shouldn’t think as if this is my only try at a championship. So, while Juan Samuel and Darren Daulton struggle at the plate, and while I still haven’t seen Paul Molitor and Donnie Moore necessarily click in place, I’m not about to upgrade their roster spots. Instead, I’m thinking about the margins. I could use a power-first bench bat, since my offense is first in literally every NL offensive category but home runs. Also, I know bullpen help is essential, but in the vein of an expiring contract and not a long-term solution. Can this pitcher be a closer? Heck yeah, but it only means Bill Campbell becomes a middle reliever, as he seems more suited for that role anyway (ironically, Campbell leads the majors in saves with 18). (I could also give Todd Worrell and Paul Assenmacher opportunities to pitch in higher-leverage moments.) The trading block is deep right now, as Atlanta (25-48, 17.5 GB), Houston (31-44, 12.5 GB), Milwaukee (38-34, 12 GB), Chicago (31-41, 19 GB), and San Diego (36-39, 7.5 GB) are already in sell-mode, and a few other teams are dangling high-profile talent, too. But it’s not a deep block in regards to what I want. The best power bat available is Tony Armas (Boston), who has hit 13 home runs in 241 PA, putting up a decent .224 ISO. There aren’t really any desirable relievers available, however, and at least on the block. Any other power bats? Ruppert Jones (8 HR, .197 ISO) is a free agent after the season and currently with Houston. He has a down disposition, but he could be a good risk. And there’s Jim Morrison (9 HR, .196 ISO) in Pittsburgh, Jorge Orta (6 HR, .171 ISO) in Chicago, and Terry Kennedy (6 HR, .152 ISO) in San Diego. What about relievers? The one big-time expiring contract: Lee Smith of Chicago (1.69 ERA, 7.9 K/9, 3.1 BB/9). He’s the target, and teams will be interested. I am, too. Also, Kent Tekulve of Pittsburgh may be out there, though right now it’s just rumor. Otherwise there are number of arb-eligible players that could be available, like Houston’s Dave Smith and the Yankees’ Dave Righetti - I’m not so enthusiastic about a player like that, as I already have a slew of young relievers to figure out. And while he isn’t a reliever, I’m intrigued by Bert Blyleven (5.26 ERA, 6.7 K/9, 2.9 BB/9), who was a Cy Young finalist last year and hasn’t quite pitched so well in Baltimore. He’s a free agent after this season. Also, Houston’s Mike Scott (3.48 ERA, 7.3 K/9, 2.4 BB/9) is a free agent after the season and could work in a mercenary role. Though with both of these players, acquiring them to put them in the bullpen feels risky. And as far as expiring contracts go, that’s it. Not ready to make a deal, but now we have some clarity. Anyway, it’s Monday night and the Cubs are in town. School is out, and we have fireworks planned for both tomorrow and Wednesday. (By the way, we’ve averaged about 38,000 fans per game, and our total attendance is 1.485 million - both stats are tops in baseball.) Game 1985-73: Veterans Stadium - Phillies 28, Cubs 3 / 51-22 Well. Holy cow. We’ve reached a new height this season. The Phillies tie the modern National League record (1900-present) for runs in a single game, set in 1929 by the St. Louis Cardinals (against us), and break the club record of 23 runs, set in 1900 against Pittsburgh. This is just insane. We score six in the first, headlined by a three-run Mike Schmidt home run. In the second we score nine runs to go up 15-0. In that inning, our first 10 batters reach base safely (!). The capper here is a Paul Molitor two-run double. Three more in the third thanks to a bunch of singles, including an RBI hit from John Denny. Then, in the fourth, Darren Daulton swats a two-run home run, and Glenn Wilson follows it up with a jack. Later, Von Hayes slams his own two-run bomb to put us up 23-2. Then, in the sixth, Wilson leads off with his second homer of the game, and Hayes comes back with his second, a three-run shot. We go up 27-2. Our final run, which ties the record, is Schmidt’s second homer, a solo shot in the seventh. Schmidt goes 3-for-5 with 2 HR, 1 BB, 5 RBI, 4 R. Molitor is all over the place, going 5-for-6 with a double, 2 R, 4 RBI. Hayes drives in six with a four-for-six game. Wilson is 4-for-5 with 2 HR and 5 R. Dave Stegman is 3-for-4 with a triple, 2 BB and 4 RBI. We score 28 on 24 hits (10 extra-base hits), plus 11 walks. For the Cubs, Chuck Rainey allows six runs in 0.2 innings (he couldn’t get out of the first), Pete Falcone (who was in spring training with us) gives up eight in 0.1 innings (he finished the first but couldn’t get an out in the second), Don Schulze surrenders six in two innings, Mike Jeffcoat allows six in 2.1 frames, and Rich Thompson has the best day (two runs in 2.2 IP). Individual NL records from this game: Juan Samuel ties most AB in a nine-inning game (7); Glenn Wilson ties second-most R in a game (5). Individual team records from this game: Samuel ties most AB in a nine-inning game (7); Molitor ties second-most H in a nine-inning game (5); Wilson ties most R in a game (5). Simply unreal. So far this season we’ve scored, in one game, 18 runs, 17 runs, 14 runs twice, and 13 runs twice. And now 28. And now, the most amazing thing about this: Back in the real 1985, and not even three weeks before, on June 11 at the Vet, the Phillies beat the Mets, 26-7, breaking the club record for runs in a game and coming two short of tying the National League record. Von Hayes also homered twice in this game (both were in the first inning). July 2, 1985 Last night, a 25-game hitting streak by Kent Hrbek - now the longest in 1985 - was stopped by Cleveland. Bad news from Bend: Gregg Jefferies is out for a week with patellar tendinitis. He’s hitting .344/.405/.656 in 37 PA there. I’ll let him recover and get back onto the field; after a few games at Bend, he’ll probably head to A Spartanburg or even Peninsula. And speaking of moving up, third-round pick Aubrey Waggoner is doing well at Bend, too (39 PA, .346/.564/.731, 12 BB, 7 K). He’ll head to A-ball at probably the same time. Game 1985-74: Veterans Stadium - POSTPONED For the first time this season we’re rained out, and sadly, we lose the fireworks. Doubleheader tomorrow. We plan another fireworks night on Friday, the night after Independence Day. We also tell fans who lost that game that they can get free tickets to another game later in the season. Meanwhile, the Expos have now lost seven straight and are six behind us. July 3, 1985 Doubleheader today, which means some lineup shuffling. Darren Daulton out for game one with Tommy Thompson getting the start. Kevin Gross on the hill. Game 1985-74: Veterans Stadium - Cubs 4, Phillies 3 (10) / 51-23 We finally drop one. Kevin Gross gets a no-decision in an eight-inning performance. Von Hayes is on fire, going 4-for-5 with a double, while UL Washington, Tommy Thompson, and Mike Schmidt each collect two hits. For game two, Paul Molitor goes back to the two-hole despite the lefty on the hill (Jamie Moyer). Dave Concepcion is at SS, and Bill Lyons starts in CF. Game 1985-75: Veterans Stadium - Cubs 5, Phillies 3 / 51-24 Well, after the incredible win on Monday, this is a letdown. A doubleheader sweep thanks to Cubs’ pitcher Jamie Moyer, who strikes out eight in eight innings. It just wasn’t our day. Donnie Moore allows two crucial runs late, raising his ERA to 4.60. Also, Paul Assenmacher leaves the game with a finger blister. Getting another reliever for the stretch run may be necessary. RP Paul Assenmacher placed on 15-day injured list RP Chuck Cary promoted to MLB Philadelphia Cary has had a solid year in Portland (21.2 IP, 2.49 ERA, 18 K, 8 BB). Meanwhile in Reading, CF Luis Polonia has been tearing it up (65 PA, .426/.446/.525). The gap power isn’t there right now, but he is playing stellar defense in center. And I’m ready to move some second basemen up: In Spartanburg, Billy Bates - my fourth-round pick in 1985 - is at .308/.414/.430 with 16 XBH, 47 K, 30 BB, 13 SB and 2 CS in 292 PA, and he’s ready for Clearwater. And in Clearwater, Keith Miller is at .298/.424/.419 with 21 XBH, 59 BB, 34 K, 14 SB and 5 CS in 337 PA, and can head to Reading. Neither is playing terrific in the field, but I’m not very concerned just yet. I’ll probably make those moves after the weekend. With a new month comes the NL leaderboards. Hitters Batting Average 1. Mike Schmidt - .361 3. Von Hayes - .333 Home Runs T1. Mike Schmidt - 18 Runs Batted In T1. Mike Schmidt - 68 5. Von Hayes - 47 On-Base Percentage 1. Mike Schmidt - .433 6. Von Hayes - .380 Slugging Percentage 1. Mike Schmidt - .643 3. Glenn Wilson - .527 6. Von Hayes - .506 WAR 1. Mike Schmidt - 4.3 Hits 1. Von Hayes - 106 7. Mike Schmidt - 96 Runs T5. Von Hayes - 51 T5. Mike Schmidt - 51 Doubles T4. Von Hayes - 20 Triples T4. Juan Samuel - 6 Total Bases 2. Mike Schmidt - 171 3. Von Hayes - 161 Stolen Bases 4. Juan Samuel - 31 7. Von Hayes - 20 Walks 5. Darren Daulton - 38 Isolated Power 1. Mike Schmidt - .282 6. Glenn Wilson - .230 Pitching Earned Run Average 1. Kevin Gross - 1.49 4. Charles Hudson - 1.74 Wins T1. Kevin Gross - 11 T6. Charles Hudson - 9 Saves 2. Bill Campbell - 18 Strikeouts / Walks 5. Kevin Gross - 3.7 Walks / 9 IP 4. Kevin Gross - 1.6 5. Charles Hudson - 1.7 WHIP 1. Kevin Gross - 0.84 Fielding Independent Pitching 6. Charles Hudson - 2.61 Holds T1. Larry Andersen - 8 T1. Donnie Moore - 8 Quality Starts T2. Kevin Gross - 15 Mike Schmidt is still the NL MVP leader, with the Cubs’ Ryne Sandberg, the Cardinals’ Willie McGee, the Expos’ Tim Raines, and Von Hayes all in the mix for second place. If wins and ERA mean everything, then Kevin Gross is the Cy Young frontrunner, though the Dodgers’ Orel Hershiser is right there with him, along with the Mets’ Dwight Gooden and Montreal’s David Palmer.