1987 Fightin' Phils!

[AlpineSK]

For the past month or so, I have been running a 2013 Boston Red Sox thread which has been a blast. In order to keep things fresh, I have decided to take a short step away from that and tackle a historical sim starting with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1987... I hope you all enjoy.

[AlpineSK]

Back in 1988, I was 10 years old. I took a trip to the airport with my mom to pick up my dad from a business trip and convinced her to buy me a magazine that was on sale that contained statistics from the 1987 season. It was one of those Sporting News Fantasy Baseball previews. I was captivated with the numbers.

I went home and fired up a computer game that none of my friends had heard of called MicroLeague Baseball on my Apple IIe and started feverishly playing my favorite team: the Philadelphia Phillies. I tracked stats, made strategy decisions, and my love of baseball sims was born.

I decided that now would be a terrific time to relive those historical years for me at the helm of one of my favorite Major League teams: the Philadelphia Phillies. It was a tough choice for me to make because that was back when the Bash Brothers were in Oakland, and I started following the A's during arguably their most successful era as a franchise. I felt, however, that the Phillies would be a bigger challenge.

I have turned OFF scouting, and turned ON coaching influence. Like my Red Sox sim, trades are set to HARD, but team preference is set to BALANCED since there really isnt much of a minor league system at this time.

Also, injuries are set to LOW. I will be monitoring this pretty closely to try and make things realistic but manageable for the entire league. Finally, Anyone under the age of 30 who sustains a "Career Ending" injury will have that injury reset to 12 months.

Then there's the Draft. I have set the Amateur Draft for March 1 with the list being released 10 days prior.

So without further delay, here we go.. The 1987 Phillies...

[AlpineSK]

January 1, 1987

A New Year Brings New Priorities

Not seeing much success since their 1983 World Series appearance, Phillies' principle owner William Giles decided it was time for a change. Gile, who had acted as the team's General Manager since the departure of Paul Owens in 1983, is handing the reins over to his Assistant GM, Scott Kier.

Kier, 35, had a short Minor League career as a first baseman with the Phillies in the late 70's and quickly developed a knack for the off the field activities of the Franchise. He retired at the age of 25, and moved on to scout for the team.

Over the last ten years, he has moved up through the organization ultimately being named as Assistant GM in 1985. He is credited as being behind the trade that brought closer Steve Bedrosian and outfielder Milt Thompson to town after the 1985 season.

"I am very hopeful for where we could head," Kier said during a team press conference. "We have come a long way over the years, and while we still have a long way to go, I feel like we have a solid foundation that will allow us to make moves."

When asked about any moves he might make in the dugout, Kier said, "We will have to wait and see. I am meeting with all of our coaches at every level to make sure everyone knows what is expected of them."

[AlpineSK]

January 3, 1987

Taking Stock of the Phillies

Let's take a trip around the team and see who is currently on the Philadelphia Phillies Roster:

C Lance Parrish - The 31 year old veteran Catcher was signed to a 2 year deal by the Phillies this past off season. He is coming off a sub-standard season that saw him limited to just 91 games, however he hit 22 HR's and knocked in 62 in 1986.

C Darren Dalton - Arguably the best prospect in the Phillies organization, the 25 year old left handed hitting Dalton will see his first full season with the big league team.

1B Von Hayes - With a number of players capable of playing first, Hayes is the best qualified. He is coming off the best season of his career that saw him hit .305 with 19 HRs and 98 RBI.

1B Rick Schu - Capable of playing either corner infield position, Schu adds flexibility to the team and gives them a solid right handed pinch hitting option.

2B Juan Samuel -He's fast, and he can hit with some pop. Although his range isnt quite what some would expect it to be, Samuel is a threat both at the plate and on the base paths.

3B Mike Schmidt -Michael Jack Schmidt. The heart and soul of the Phillies organization. He started his career as a Philly, and he'll most likely finish it as one. Schmidt is 37 years old, and his career is winding down. He has 495 career HR's leaving him just shy of that magic number of 500.

IF Luis Aguayo -Capable of playing 2B, 3B, or SS, Aguayo is purely a backup, although considering Steve Jeltz's bat, or lack of one, he might see some extra playing time.

SS Steve Jeltz - Some question if this guy even owns a bat. While he has a solid glove, the switch hitting Frenchman has always struggled at the plate.

LF Chris James - Another youngster will see playing time for the Phillies. James is a solid hitting right handed bat set to patrol the outfield.

CF Milt Thompson -Acquired with Steve Bedrosian after the 1985 season, Thompson is a quiet contributor who should see a considerable amount of playing time in center field.

RF Glenn Wilson -Here's where it gets complicated. Wilson is a solid outfielder, however things are getting crowded out there. His days a Philly could be numbered.

RF Mike Easler -A left handed bat capable of playing either corner outfield. Easler signed for a considerable amount of money but could find himself traded before long.

LF Jeff Stone -Another pure backup. Stone has wheels, and that is about it. Expect to see him pinch run for some of the less capable legs on the team.

The Phillies pitching staff is questionable. If the team wants to add something, this might be the place to do it.

LHP Don Carmen -Some question if Carmen has the "stuff" to be a big league starter, or if he is better suited for the bullpen. At 27 years old, this could be the last chance he has to prove his worth.

LHP Bruce Ruffin -Another left handed pitcher, Ruffin is a much more solid starter and at 23 has a potentially significant upside when compared to Carmen.

RHP Kevin Gross -Gross has been the team's most consistent pitcher for the last two years, however his control is spotty at times. He is coming off of a 12-12 season that saw him walk 94 batters.

RHP Freddie Toliver -Another young starter. Toliver basically has no major league experience.

LHP Shane Rawley -Rawley is the front runner for the #5 spot in the Phillies rotation. He would be the team's 3rd left handed starter if he wins the spot.

The team's bullpen has some impressive pieces, but it could use an infusion of youth.

RHP Doug Bair -Bair is 37 years old, and is entering his first season with Philadelphia. He struggled with injuries and made just 31 appearances in 1986.

LHP Jeff Calhoun -He will be the team's principle left handed reliever. He is capable, and will be pitching his first full season in the majors.

RHP Tom Hume -Hume had a solid year in Philadelphia last season. He put up a 4-1 record with a 2.77 ERA. The team will look for more of the same from their 33 year old reliever.

LHP Dan Schatzeder -He will start the year as the team's lefty specialist and be responsible for getting hitters like Darryl Strawberry out.

RHP Kent Tekulve -Teke was acquired a few years ago, and at 39 years old, he is at the end of his career. He will be the setup man for Bedrosian.

RHP Steve Bedrosian -Finally, the team's closer enters his second full season with the team. Bedrosian recorded 29 saves in his first year as the team's closer and showed quite a bit more control than he did in 1985.

When asked about immediate needs and moves, Kier said he is most likely going to "stand pat" until the 1987 entry draft happens on March 1st. come draft day though, anything could happen.

[AlpineSK]

February 19, 1987

Declaration Day Arrives

With 10 days to go until the Major League Amateur Draft, both college and high school players alike have declared themselves eligible for this year's draft pool. The Pittsburgh Pirates hold the number one pick in the draft, and are keeping their cards close, not releasing who they are expected to pick.

With the 19th pick in the Draft, the Phillies will be in a waiting game until things get down to them. They have immediate needs both in their starting rotation and in their bullpen, so picking the best available pitcher at that point is a distinct possibility.

The top 5 players in this year's draft are expected to be:

1. Roberto Alomar 2B - Young, fast, with a gold glove capable mit. Expect Alomar to go quickly.

2. Craig Biggio C - Just 21 years old, Biggio shows solid potential with his bat, and has been compared to Carlton Fisk but without quite as much power.

3. Randy Johnson LHP - Johnson is a monstrosity on the mound. Standing at 6'9" tall, this lefty throws hard.

4. John Smoltz RHP - The most capable right handed starter in the draft, Smoltz could potentially make an immediate impact at just 19 years old.

5. Gary Sheffield SS - he's got power, and a good glove. Sheffield can play the hot corner but his best position is definitely shortstop.

At 19, the Phillies expect to be looking potentially at a reliever like Rob Dibble or Gregg Olson, or potentially a starter like Tom Gordon or Brian Holman. With the draft just one week away, it remains to be seen who will fall where.

[AlpineSK]

March 1, 1987

Pitching, Pitching and More Pitching

In the 5 round entry draft, the Phillies showed their intentions: strengthen their pitching staff. This year, however, was not a strong class, but Scott Kier and his team did they best that they could:

1. Gregg Olson RHP - He was on the team's radar, and he was there when they got to pick #19. Olson is just 20 years old, and has potential to be a solid Major League bullpen piece. He will fight for a spot on the big league team this year in Spring Training.

2. Bob Milacki RHP - He's a local boy from Trenton, NJ so he's already a hit with the fan base. Milacki could be part of this team's pitching staff this year.

3. Don August RHP - Probably a couple years away, August has potential to be a bottom end major league starter.

4. Terry Taylor RHP - Another reliever was taken in the 4th round. His Major League projection is questionable at best, but Taylor could play a role if injuries rear their ugly head.

5. Jeff Shaver RHP - If Shaver makes it out of the minors, it will be a miracle. Plain and simple.

The First Five

This year's first five picks went almost as expected. here's how they panned out:

1. Pittsburgh Pirates - LHP Randy Johnson
2. Seattle Mariners - SS Gary Sheffield
3. Minnesota Twins - 2B Roberto Alomar
4. Chicago Cubs - C Craig Biggio
5. Chicago White Sox - CF Brady Anderson

[AlpineSK]

March 1, 1987

3 for 3: Phillies and Expos Make a Deal

It was bound to happen sooner or later. GM Scott Kier made his first trade in the team's leadership role, sending three players to the Montreal Expos.

The deal, completed on the Draft Day floor sends Glenn Wilson and two minor league pitchers to Montreal. Mike Maddux, older brother of Cubs phenom Greg Maddux and left handed reliever Wally Ritchie will pack their bags and head north of the border. Join the Phillies organization is minor league closer Jeff Parrett and two Major Leaguers: OF Reid Nichols, and starter Dennis Martinez.

Nichols is a utility outfielder who can play any of the three outfield positions. In Martinez, the Phillies secure themselves a front line starter. Martinez is 31 years old, and joined the Expos last year after spending ten seasons with the Baltimore Orioles. He is signed for two years.

Parting with Glenn Wilson almost makes this move budget neutral for the Phillies. Kier has been in talks with a few other teams, and he might not be done with his preseason moves.

[AlpineSK]

March 5, 1987

One More Trade for Phillies

In a phone interview, GM Scott Kier declared that "this is it, we have the team we want to go into Spring Training with." The Phillies finalized a deal today with the Minnesota Twins that brought some solid youth to their lineup.

The Phillies, however, gave up a little youth of their own sending Freddie Toliver as the key piece in the deal along with RF Mike Easler and Minor League 3B Gregg Jelks to the Minnesota Twins in exchange for 1B Kent Hrbek, RF Tom Brunansky and minor league catcher Tom Nieto to add a little depth to the deal.

Hrbek and Brunansky both carry hefty contracts but they are both 26 years old and can flat out hit. Hrbek has 30 HR power, and will be a key piece in their lineup against right handed pitching. Brunansky will step right into the starting role in right field. He has hit over twenty home runs in every season since 1982, and has a great arm.

Both players will join the team for the start of Spring Training on Saturday.

With just two trades, GM Scott Kier says that he has his team. At least for now. While some positional battles will continue, most of the team's offense at least is sorted out and barring any injuries, will be solidified through Spring Training and straight to opening day.

[AlpineSK]

Felt the need to share this...

March 27, 1987

SP Tommy John Hurt

The Yankees will be minus Tommy John for about 12 months after the starting pitcher suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament while throwing a pitch in a recent game against oakland. John and the New York skipper were hoping further examination might show there was less damage than originally thought and he would be absent a shorter duration.


That's right, folks.. at 43 years old, Tommy John is having Tommy John surgery.

[CatKnight]

You know, I've noticed in OOTP Tommy John gets his UCL torn A LOT. I'm starting to wonder if it's programmed in there :X

[AlpineSK]

April 6, 1987

Trade Trims Phillies Roster

Prior to opening day, the Phillies made a trade to trim their roster to 25 players. After waiving Greg Gross, they had two more spots to trim. Joe Cowley and Tom Hume were sent to the White Sox in exchange for pitchers Jim Winn and Joel Davis who were each optioned to AAA Louisville.

With that deal, the Phillies roster was set for opening day. Expectations are lofty with some thinking the team should make the playoffs.

Lineup vs RHP

1. Milt Thompson CF
2. Juan Samuel 2B
3. Kent Hrbek 1B
4. Mike Schmidt 3B
5. Tom Brunansky RF
6. Von Hayes LF
7. Lance Parrish C
8. Steve Jeltz SS

Lineup vs LHP

1. Juan Samuel 2B
2. Von Hayes CF
3. Mike Schmidt 3B
4. Tom Brunansky RF
5. Lance Parish C
6. Chris James LF
7. Kent Hrbek 1B
8. Steve Jeltz SS

Bench Players

C - Darren Dalton
1B/3B - Rick Schu
IF - Luis Aguayo
OF - Reid Nichols

Rotation

1. Dennis Martinez RHP
2. Bruce Ruffin LHP
3. Bob Milacki RHP
4. Kevin Gross RHP
5. Don Carmen LHP

Bullpen

MR - Kent Tekulve RHP
MR - Jeff Calhoun LHP
MR - Doug Bair RHP
LR - Shane Rawley LHP
vsL - Dan Schatzeder LHP
SU - Gregg Olson RHP
CL - Steve Bedrosian RHP

[AlpineSK]

April 10, 1987

Milacki Flirts With No-No

As he walked to the mound for the first time in his major league career, Bob Milacki never saw what was coming for the next 8 innings of the game. Milacki walked three and struck out four in his first 8 innings of work and did not give up a hit. Then, Bob Dernier stepped up to the plate to pinch hit for Jamie Moyer.

Denier, who was tremendous speed, beat a ground ball towards short that Luis Aguayo charged. Despite his best effort, Dernier beat the run out by a half a step. Leon Durham was next to the plate and he delivered a two run home run ultimately bringing Milacki's day to an end.

Steve Bedrosian came in to record the save and preserve the 3-2 win.

[jaa36]

This was the first baseball team that I paid attention to- I was 8 years old, went to a game with my dad, got the Yearbook, and was addicted. A few things I remember about the team, admittedly colored by years of reminiscence:

-The top four starters were incredibly average. How odd is it that four starters (Rawley, Carman, Gross, and Ruffin) would make 139 starts and all have an ERA between 4.22 and 4.39?
-How bizarre is it that Steve Bedrosian won the Cy Young Award that year? Couple that with Andre Dawson's MVP and you had some crazy award voters in 1987.
-Steve Jeltz had 12 RBI in 337 plate appearances. He was truly the worst hitter ever, and sadly for him, Fangraphs even puts his defense as -5 runs that year.

Good luck, I'll be rooting for these guys!

[AlpineSK]

April 20, 1987

3 Run 9th Pushes Phils Past Pirates

It was a battle of cross state rivals as the Phillies came into their Sunday night matchup with the Pirates looking to sweep the series. The team got off to a slow start, recording just three hits as Bob Walk pitched 8 shutout innings. The Phillies prevailed though, thanks to some 9th inning heroics.

Mike Schmidt started the inning with a double to right, and then scored on a Lance Parrish double. The Pirates looked like they would remain in control though until Darren Dalton took first on a two out walk.

Trailing by a score of 2-1, lead off hitter Milt Thompson stepped to the plate. Thompson hit a chopper down the third base line that looked like it would end the game. Jim Morrison fielded the ball on a high hop, and then sailed the throw to first over Sid Bream's head, and into the stands. Brunansky and Parrish scored on the error to put the Phillies up 3-2.

Gregg Olson faced 4 batters in the 9th to record his second save of the year.

The Phillies have performed admirably through their first 12 games. They are a half game behind the Expos, and are headed to Montreal for a three game season with the division leaders.

Lance Parrish has been one of the main reasons for Philadelphia's success. The 30 year old catcher is hitting .302 with a league leading 6 HR's and 17 RBIs.

The heart and soul of the Phillies, Michael Jack Schmidt continues to chase the 500 HR club. Schmidt has hit 3 HR's this season leaving him just two shy of the milestone.

[BradC]

Thanks for posting this. As a fellow Phillies fan, I always find these fun to read. My Dad and I went to tons of games at the Vet in the early 80s - In 1983, I got to see Game 4 of the NLCS and Games 3 and 4 of the World Series. The WS was a letdown, but it was still a blast to be there. Fond memories.