I guess that's why they call them
experts...
It's about a 72-25 split bad play to bad luck as we lose a bunch of position players - Maz, Gene Alley, Andy Rodgers, Don Demeter and Roberto, who is still out of action - to short IL stints, just as some key elements of our game hit a prolonged flat spot. The result? A 22-26 sectional that is actually enjoying a bit of an upswing these past couple weeks. At our worst, we fall seven games under 500.
No panic stations here just yet. Donn and Maz have been particularly slow out of the blocks but we retain our belief in them to turn things around. Pops goes from strength to strength, and is near the top of the HR table, while the Alou brothers have been solid as well. Bailey has struggled to contribute and is yet to go deep for us in 155 AB.
The rotation has been decent enough, but the BP has really struggled to get it done, with only Pizarro and Short holding it together. The 0-5 Brunet - who'll be leaving us at season's end at the latest after hitting us up for a fourfold raise to retain his services - has been unlucky, same with the 1-3 Veale. Clay Carroll isn't far from a call-up.
Chances aplenty with Cincy and the Cards each having an encouraging start to the year.
Monthly Award Winners
April
American League
- Batter Tony Conigliaro (Angels): 362 / 7 HR / 14 RBI
- Pitcher Jim Kaat (Twins): 4-0 / 1.12 / 24 K / 32 IP
- Rookie Catfish Hunter (Athletics): 2-1 / 3.00 / 21 K / 33 IP
National League
- Batter Jim Ray Hart (Giants): 384 / 10 HR / 20 RBI
- Pitcher Dennis Musgraves (Reds): 2-0 / 0.00 / 4 SV / 8 K / 13.1 IP
- Rookie Dennis Musgraves
May
American League
- Batter Tony Conigliaro (Angels): 359 / 13 HR / 34 RBI
- Pitcher Jim Bunning (Tigers): 5-1 / 2.50 / 47 K / 50.1 IP
- Rookie Ken Holtzman (Red Sox): 3-1 / 2.06 / 31 K / 43.2 IP
National League
- Batter Frank Robinson (Reds): 374 / 8 HR / 27 RBI
- Pitcher Jim Maloney (Reds): 6-0 / 2.77 / 37 K / 48.2 IP
- Rookie Jim Merritt (Mets): 2-0 / 1.53 / 36 K / 47 IP
News and Leaders
Milestones and Observations of Note
- 400 HR: Joe Adcock
- 200 Wins: Whitey Ford
- The Tribe loses highly-regarded rookie SP Dave Boswell until this time next year courtesy of a UCL tear.
- Baltimore rookie Jim Palmer loses his first six decisions before finally notching a win against Cleveland in late May.
- Last year it was Willie Mays, this season it is Angel Tony Conigliaro decimating the leagues pitching in the early going.
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