1990 in the City of Brotherly Love

[AlpineSK]

As the 1989 baseball season started I turned 11 years old. It was a big year for the team met both with disappointment and milestones. At the end of may I watched my favorite baseball player break down as he told the tale of his "two bad knees" and his dream to become a major league baseball player. Mike Schmidt was calling it quits and I was devastated.

The '89 season also saw quite a few moves from the Phillies. Jeff Parrett and Floyd Youmans were acquired from Montreal for would-be "ace" Kevin Gross. Youmans didnt amount to much but Parrett was a solid piece of the team's bullpen. Then, on June 18th, GM Lee Thomas pulled the trigger on two trades that would change the Phillies forever. Closer and former Cy Young winner Steve Bedrosian was sent packing to San Francisco for lefties Dennis Cook and Terry Mulholland, and Charlie Hayes. Hours later the team dared to make a deal with their divisional rivals, the New York Mets, acquiring young outfielder Lenny Dykstra and closer Roger McDowell.

Those five players joined two other new Phils: Randy Ready, and my soon to be new favorite player (although he would never fill Schmidt's shoes) John Kruk, who had been acquired a few weeks earlier for OF Chris James.

Four days after the trade I was in the stands with my parents for a game against the St. Louis Cardinals. I remember Tug McGraw coming up to our section to do a story about the fans' reaction to the trade that had many of us cheering the new players on but in reality we were unsure.

I remember the contest pretty vividly (although Baseball-Reference helped me a long a bit.) Dennis Cook picked up the win, and Lenny Dykstra hit his first home run for Philadelphia sending a towering shot out to right center field. The Phillies picked up an easy 11-2 win and I was more hooked on baseball than I have ever been in my life.

As the team moved forward there were some continued ups and downs, with them ultimately making it to the World Series just three years later. Since this was such a pivotal year, I've decided to start my Dynasty Report at the start of the 1990 season with those key pieces from the ’89 season in place.

Full Minors are enabled, and the draft is set for the end of the season.
Let’s see how I do!

[AlpineSK]

February 24, 1990

Philadelphia, PA – Citing personal issues, Phillies GM Lee Thomas has stepped down after just one year in the front office with the Phillies. After making some of the most monumental trades in recent Phillies history, Thomas has decided that based on those building blocks and the time that he feels will need to be devoted to the team, it was time for him to step aside.

“I’ve given this franchse a strong base,” Thomas said,” But in order to make the Phillies into the franchise that I believe that they can be, this is going to be a longer rebuild and while I will be happy to watch from the side line, I do not feel that I am the man for the job.”

Former director of scouting and more recently Assistant GM to Thomas Scott Kier will take over. “Scott has a strong knowledge of what he has in the minors from his days as the director of scouting, and he was by my side for every move that we made last season.”

Kier expressed his excitement in taking the position. “As a life-long Philly fan this is the opportunity that I have always wanted. Lee and I discussed a move like this during the regular season, but I never expected it to come to fruition so soon. I am looking forward to this opportunity.” Kier added that the coaching staff will stay largely intact, for now. “Everyone in the organization, both on and off the field, will have their chance to prove their value to our franchise. “

[AlpineSK]

Interoffice Mail: FROM Scouting Department

Mr. Kier,

Here is an overview of the Minor League assets that we currently own the rights to. Currently, the OSA has our system ranked 22nd out of 26 teams which means that we have some work to do. I have gone ahead and ranked them in order of potential.

1. Mike Lieberthal (C) – Arguably the most promise in the system. Lieberthal is currently playing at the “A Ball” level. He has a great eye and will not strike out very often. His arm could use some work though.
2. Dave Hollins (3B) – Hollins is currently at AAA Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He has potential to contribute at 3B as a fill in for Charlie Hayes but his defensive abilities are lacking.
3. Mickey Morandini (2B) – Potential to be a #2 hitter at best, but more than likely he will fit into the lower part of the order. He makes good contact, and can find the gaps. His discipline at the plate gives him potential to be a good clutch hitter.
4. Andy Ashby (SP) – Currently ranked #42 by the OSA, however I do not value him quite as high. He is, however, our best pitching prospect. He might be worth moving if the deal is right.
5. Wes Chamberlain (OF) – Keep this guy around. He’s 23 and still a year away from being ready for the majors but he’s poised to be a contributor.
6. Jose De Jesus (SP) – We got him as a bargain at the end of last season, but De Jesus is a project player.

The Expendables – Jim Vatcher (2B), Gary Bennett (C), Steve Bieser (C), Jason Grimsley (SP)

These players are pretty far down on the depth chart and might be worth shopping around. Especially our catching prospects.

Best of luck, and I look forward to working with you.

Josh Walker
Scouting Director

[AlpineSK]

Interoffice Mail: FROM Nick Leyva

Scott,

Congratulations on your new job! I thought that I would share my feelings on some of our better players, and tell you what I feel that our needs as an organization are:

1. Lenny Dykstra (CF) – Lenny is by far our best player. The kid can hit, run, and field. We also need to think about locking him up to a long term deal as he is a free agent after this season.
2. Darren Daulton (C) – I think that Darren is a late bloomer. He is finally coming into his own and is ready to take on a full load as our starting catcher. I think that we could easily get 120-130 games out of him. Just watch his performance against lefties.
3. John Kruk (1B/OF) – Kruker can play the corner outfield positions, and while Daulton still has a little bit of development ahead of him, Kruk Is by far our best hitter. I’d expect him to put up .300/10/70 type numbers. He’ll fit well into our lineup.
4. Von Hayes (1B/OF) – Von is our Swiss Army Knife. He can play any of the three outfield positions and first base as well. He’s a left handed bat with some pop, and for a 31 year old he still have some decent wheels.
5. Charlie Hayes (3B) – He’s got big shoes to fill after Mike Schmidt retired last season, and I am not sure if he can fully fill the role. I’d recommend rookie Dave Hollins in a platoon situation with Hayes.
6. Dickie Thon (SS) – Dickie enjoyed a second coming of his career after a serious head injury a few years ago. If he can continue his upward progression he will be a valuable player.
7. Carmelo Martinez (LF/1B) – He’s no more than a role player with us. As a right handed bat he’ll be a useful pinch hitter and still has some pop, but I fear that he’s on the back end of his usefulness.
8. Tommy Herr (2B) – At 33, Herr is still doing a great job contributing to this team. He’s not the guy he was when he was in St. Louis, but he’s still a solid second baseman, and as a switch hitter, he’ll be valuable near the top of our lineup.

The rest of the team is currently uncertain and players will have to work for their positions. We can get together after Spring Training and discuss what decisions we should make for our final roster. Now, for the pitchers.
I see us having considerable needs at 3B, and a power hitter possibly in a corner outfield position.

ROTATION – Our current rotation is serviceable but has some holes. The biggest one is we lack the presence of a high quality right handed starter. Right now, Ken Howell is our best one, but I fear that last year might have been a flash in the pan.

1. Terry Mulholland (LHP) – We brought him along slowly last year and gradually introduced him into the starting rotation, but as it stands right now, this guy needs to be at the top of our rotation.
2. Ken Howell (RHP) – As previously stated, I have reservations as to whether or not he can duplicate his 12-12 3.44 performance of 1989. If his can, it will be a huge win for us.
3. Pat Combs (LHP) – I was really impressed with how Pat performed last season in his limited look in the majors. He was 4-0 with a 2.09 ERA in a September call-up. If he can be a .500 pitcher for us I would be thrilled.
4. Bruce Ruffin (LHP) – Bruce has to prove himself this season. He is 12-20 over the past two seasons and spent a lot of time in the bullpen two years ago. It’s time to step up.
5. Steve Ontiveros (RHP) – Ontiveros has a spot in the rotation simply to eat innings. He’s not an answer for any problems that our organization might have.

BULLPEN – Our bullpen is in better shape than our rotation. There might be a few guys who can slide into the starting rotation should we need them to but, again, pitching continues to be a weakness.

Dennis Cook (LHP) – He went back and forth between the rotation and the bullpen, and he could do the same this season. He has the length that can eat up a considerable number of innings.
Don Carman (LHP) – Last year was a touch one (5-15, 5.24 ERA) but once Carmen hit the bullpen he did a much better job. He’s shaping up to be a 7th inning guy, and can do well in that role.
Jeff Parrett (RHP) – It is not often that a pitcher ties for a team’s lead in wins but Jeff did that last season putting up his second consecutive 12 win season. He can pitch in the 7th or 8th, and occasionally fill in as the team’s closer.
Roger McDowell (RHP) – He’s the gem of our bullpen. He put up a 1.11 ERA with 19 Saves after coming over from New York in the Samuel deal. He’s the closer. Plain and simple.

We have some openings in the bullpen. Dickie Noles can fill one, and in a pinch so can Todd Frowirth but we should look to add one more guy if we are able to.

[AlpineSK]

Interoffice Mail: FROM Sam Wolfinger, Assistant GM

As we approach the regular season, he are a few things that I think you should be thinking about:

1. Lenny Dykstra contract – Both Nick Leyva and I agree that we need to resign Dykstra. He is a free agent after this season.

2. John Kruk arbitration – We should explore the options that we might have to avoid arbitration with Kruk, lock him up to a longer term deal, and free up some cash to spend elsewhere.

Immediate team needs: A middle of the rotation right handed starter. We need to get somebody in the door, preferably before the season starts. Otherwise, we will start the season behind everyone else.

I am looking forward to working with you. As we previously discussed, I will keep a close eye on our minor league system. I will handle promotions and emotions and our personnel. The major league team is all yours!

[AlpineSK]

February 27, 1990

Philadelphia, PA – Following in Lee Thomas’ footsteps, new Phillies GM Scott Kier has come out of the gate charging forward. The start of Spring Training also brought a 7 player deal with the Milwaukee Brewers.

The Phillies will send Major League starter Bruce Ruffin and minor leaguers Jose De Jesus (SP), Mike Williams (RP) and Chris Knabenshue (OF) to Milwaukee for three players off of the Brewers major league roster: starter/reliever Chris Bosio, reliever Chuck Crim, and outfielder Glenn Braggs.

Milwaukee gets a middle of the rotation left handed starter in Bruce Ruffin who leaves Philadelphia to the pleasure of a number of critics. In 1989, Ruffin put up a 6-10 record in 24 games, 23 of them as a starter. The trio of minor leaguers represent a recently acquired project player in De Jesus, a promising reliever in Williams, and a decent center fielder in Knabenshue, who many think is major league ready.

In the acquisitions for Philadelphia, Kier addressed many of the team’s major needs all in one deal. Bosio is coming off of a 15 win season and will project as the team’s top right handed starter. He is also just 26 years old. Chuck Crim gives them one more bullpen piece, and takes some of the setup pressure of off Jeff Parrett. He has also proved himself to be durable as he has led the American League in appearances in each of the last two seasons. Glenn Braggs is a right handed bat with some pop.

In a lineup dominated by left handers like Lenny Dykstra, John Kruk, and Von Hayes a right handed bat was a definite need for this team.

All players will join their new teams later this week.

[AlpineSK]

Marh 15, 1990

Clearwater, Florida – Newly acquired outfielder Glenn Braggs will have to wait to make his major league debut in a Phillies uniform. The 27 year old outfielder tore a ligament in his thumb in training Wednesday afternoon. Early indications slate him to be out for possibly as long as three months.

“Of course we’re disappointed,” said Kier, when asked what the management team’s reaction was to the injury, “but its part of the game. We will have to look to other players to step up in Glenn’s absence, and we will look forward to his return.”

Prior to his injury, Braggs was having a terrific spring having put up a .349 average and 4 home runs in 17 games.

[AlpineSK]

April 2, 1990

Philadelphia, PA – Expectations are high for this year’s Phillies team. While they might not be playoff caliber yet, the team has taken some big steps forward over the last couple of seasons to move themselves closer to be a competing force in the NL East. Here is this year’s team preview:

PITCHING ROTATION

1. Terry Mulholland (LHP) – As expected, lefty Terry Mulholland will be the Phils’ opening day starter. He was 0-1 in 5 starts this spring.
2. Chris Bosio (RHP) – Acquired this Spring from Milwaukee, Bosio was 1-0 in Spring Training. The 26 year-old is ready for his new role in Philadelphia after being projected to be in the bullpen this season in Milwaukee.
3. Pat Combs (LHP) – The Phillies front office is excited about Combs who steps into the #3 starter role in what will be his rookie campaign. He was 2-1 in Spring Training, after going 4-0 as a September call-up in 1989.
4. Ken Howell (RHP) – Howell is the biggest wildcard in the Phillies rotation. He was 12-12 in his first full season as a major league starter. At 29 years old, the spotlight will be on him to duplicate last season’s success.
5. Dennis Cook (LHP) – The Phillies will carry 3 left handed starters into the 1990 season which is a very unusual move but one that is largely being made out of what they have on hand. Cook was 6-8 last season for Philadelphia and has the ability to eat a lot of innings in a starting role.

PITCHING BULLPEN

Roger McDowell (RHP) – Working from back to front, McDowell will try and fill the void left by the departure of Steve Bedrosian who was dealt to San Francisco last season.
Jeff Parrett (RHP) – Parrett is entering his second season in Philadelphia. His 12 wins tied him for the team lead with Howell last season.
Chuck Crim (RHP) – Crim is an iron man. He has pitched in 146 games over the last two seasons, putting up a record of 16-13 with 16 saves. He might just turn out to be the biggest acquisition in Kier’s 7 player deal with Milwaukee.
Don Carmen (LHP) – It is a safe bet that Don Carman will not make another appearance in a team’s starting rotation. As the lone lefty in the Phillies bullpen, expect him to be bounced between being a lefty specialist and a middle reliever.
Dickie Noles (RHP) – As the last remaining Philadelphia player from their 1980 World Series winning team, Noles beat out Todd Frowirth for a middle relief spot on this team. He will be under a microscope, however, as he has not pitched in the majors consistently since 1987.
Steve Ontiveros (RHP) – The final piece of the Phillies bullpen will be long reliever Steve Ontiveros. Expect him to get the first run in the starting rotation if there is an injury or if Cook or Howell underperforms.

STARTING LINEUP

1. Lenny Dykstra CF – No surprise here. He’s the team’s best overall player.
2. Tommy Herr 2B – Contact hitter who will help move Dykstra one way or another.
3. John Kruk 1B – Spray hitter who will get RBIs if Dykstra and Herr can get on base.
4. Von Hayes RF – While not a classic leadoff hitter, Hayes has some pop to his bat.
5. Dickie Thon SS – Thon will hit 5th to break up the left handed bats in the lineup.
6. Darren Daulton C – Hitting 6th will take some pressure off Daulton.
7. Carmelo Martinez LF – Filling Braggs’ spot until he’s ready to come back.
8. Charlie Hayes 3B – If he can hit, he’ll move up in the lineup.

BENCH

C Steve Lake – He’s a right handed bat who will see time against lefties.
1B Ricky Jordan – Another right handed bat off the bench.
IF Keith Miller – He can play anywhere in the infield if needed.
IF/OF Randy Ready – He’ll platoon with Martinez in left field until Braggs is ready.
OF Ron Jones – Once a highly regarded prospect, he’ll be a backup outfielder this year.
OF Curt Ford – 25th man on the roster. Expect him to go to AAA once Braggs is ready.

It also bears mentioning that Curt Ford barely beat out Dave Hollins for the final roster spot. Kier and company felt that Hollins’ development would be better served with him getting more at bats at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Glenn Braggs is the only Phillies player to start the year on the DL. He is expected to be out until June.

The Phillies open their season tomorrow against the Chicago Cubs.

[PhillieFever]

Born and raised in South Philly, you are right in my wheelhouse. I was lucky enough to remember the glory days from 76-83(born in 71), which of course also means the majority of my youth was filled with bad, bad baseball. From '84 to 2001-02(the rising so to speak)there was not much winning going on, at all, and because of that the '93 season for me has always had that oasis in the desert feel lol. This should be fun!

[AlpineSK]

April 3, 1990

Philadelphia, PA – Just shy of 26,000 fans saw a terrific opening day display from the Philadelphia Phillies as they came back from a 4-0 deficit to beat the Chicago Cubs 7-6. Starter Terry Mulholland got knocked around in his first start of the season, giving up 6 runs on 8 hits in 5 innings.

It was the unlikely bat of Carmelo Martinez that produced virtually all of the offense for the Phillies. Martinez hit two 3 run home runs, first in the 4th inning, and then again in the 8th inning which ultimately put Philadelphia up 7-6. Dickie Thon went 4-4 and committed his first error of the season.

Dickie Noles was welcomed back to Philadelphia with his first win of the season after pitching an inning of relief. Roger McDowell gave up a hit and intentionally walked Shawn Dunston before striking out pinch hitter Dave Clark and getting Andre Dawson to fly out to left center field.

Wednesday night will feature the debut of Chris Bosio in a Phillies uniform as they return to the diamond for the second of three games against the Chicago Cubs.

[AlpineSK]

April 4, 1990

Philadelphia, PA – Chis Bosio’s debut did not go as well as Carmelo Martinez’s did a day before as the Phillies fell to the Cubs 6-3. Bosio lasted 5 innings and gave up 4 runs, 3 of them earned. Dickie Thon had another solid performance going 2-4, but his efforts were not enough to top the superior team from Chicago.

In other Major League news, Cal Ripkin, Jr suffered a strained quad that will keep him out for 4 weeks thus ending his consecutive game streak. Ripkin will miss his first game since 1982.

[AlpineSK]

April 5, 1990

Philadelphia, PA – The Philadelphia Phillies took their 2 of 3 from the Chicago Cubs as their opening series came to a close on Thursday afternoon. The Phillies batted around in the first putting 7 runs across the plate. Carmelo Martinez hit his third home run of the season, Tommy Herr went 4-5, and Lenny Dykstra stole two bases.

Rookie starting pitcher Pat Combs went the distance giving up 6 hits and striking out 9, as the Phillies pulled out the 11-2 victory.

The Phillies continue their 6 game home stand against the Montreal Expos this weekend.

[AlpineSK]

April 13, 1990

Philadelphia, PA – The 8-5 divisional win against the St. Louis Cardinals was bitter sweet as the team added Von Hayes to a growing list of serious injuries. First it was Glenn Braggs during Spring Training. He is out until June. Then, shortstop Dickie Thon injured his knee sliding into second base, which may end his season.

In Friday evening’s game against the Cardinals Von Hayes was injured while diving for a ball on the right field foul line. Preliminary reports project that Hayes will be out for close to six weeks. The veteran right fielder was off to a rough start, hitting just .138 through the first 10 games of the season. The Phillies recalled rookie Wes Chamberlain to take Hayes’ spot on the Major League roster.

Despite the injury, Terry Mulholland earned his first victory of the season pitching his way through an hour long rain delay. Steve Ontiveros gave up 4 runs in an inning’s worth of work, but Roger McDowell was able to mop things up despite being handed a bases loaded situation by Ontiveros.

The Phillies improved their record to 4-6 and currently sit 4 ½ games behind the first place Montreal Expos.

[AlpineSK]

May 1, 1990

Philadelphia, PA – As the first month of the 1990 baseball season comes to a close, the Philadelphia Phillies find themselves sitting in the basement of the NL East with a 10-14 record, 10.5 games behind the first place tie between the Pirates and Expos. If April of 1990 was asked to be described in just one word, that word would be “Injuries.” The Phillies currently find themselves without four of their top offensive ball players: Von Hayes, Tommy Herr, Glenn Braggs, and Dickie Thon. Braggs and Thon are currently on the 60-day DL, while Herr and Hayes should be back in the lineup in about 2 weeks.

The fact that the Phillies have put up a record of 10-14 with players like Carmelo Martinez leading the way offensively, and journeymen like Rod Booker getting regular time is one that deserves credit to the coaching staff who has done the best that they can with a sub-par but healthy pitching staff and lacking offensive production.

The month was not without bright spots. While his 3 home runs came in the first week of the season, Carmelo Martinez currently leads the NL in batting average at .351. Terry Mulholland is currently 2-0 with a 2.63 ERA, and rookie Pat Combs has performed well putting up a 2-3 record with a 3.82 ERA and a team high 25 strikeouts in 30 innings.

OFFENSIVE PERFORMANCE

1. Lenny Dykstra CF - .263; 2 HR; 12 RBI; 18 R; 7 SB; 12 BB
2. Keith Miller SS - .298; 1 HR; 1 RBI
3. John Kruk RF - .263; 3 HR; 16 RBI; 18 R; 3 3B
4. Carmelo Martinez LF - .351; 3 HR; 18 RBI
5. Darren Daulton C - .192; 3 HR; 9 RBI
6. Ricky Jordan 1B - .219; 3 HR; 12 RBI
7. Charlie Hayes 3B - .237; 0 HR; 3 RBI
8. Randy Ready 2B - .250; 0 HR; 6 RBI; 9 BB

BENCH

SS Rod Booker - .227; 0 HR; 2 RBI in 9 games, 6 starts
2B Mickey Morandini - .083; 0 HR; 0 RBI in 3 games, 3 starts
OF Wes Chamberlain – No hits in 4 AB
OF Curt Ford - .500 (2-4); 0 HR; 0 RBI
OF Ron Jones – .182 (2-11 pinch hitting) 0 HR; 1 RBI
C Steve Lake - .263; 0 HR; 1 RBI in 5 games, 5 starts

STARTING ROTATION

1. Terry Mulholland (LHP) – 2-0; 2.63 ERA; 16 K; 4 BB
2. Chris Bosio (RHP) – 1-3; 4.58 ERA; 19 K; 13 BB
3. Pat Combs (LHP) – 2-3; 3.82 ERA; 25 K; 12 BB; 1 CG
4. Ken Howell (RHP) – 2-2; 7.52 ERA; 15 K; 12 BB
5. Dennis Cook (LHP) – 0-1; 2.19 ERA; 8 K; 5 BB in 2 STARTS

BULLPEN

Jeff Parrett (RHP) – 0-1; 3.00 ERA; 10 K; 4 BB; 11 Games
Chuck Crim (RHP) – 1-2; 6.75 ERA; 3 K; 0 BB; 10 Games
Don Carman (LHP) – 1-0; 3.09 ERA; 11 K; 1 BB; 10 Games
Dickie Noles (RHP) – 1-0; 7.88 ERA; 1 K; 4 BB; 9 Games
Steve Ontiveros (RHP) – 0-2; 8.62 ERA; 13 K; 15 BB; 8 Games
Roger McDowell (RHP) – 0-0; 5.00 ERA; 5 Saves; 6 K; 6 BB; 10 Games

ON THE DISABLED LIST

1B/OF Von Hayes – .138; 0 HR; 6 RBI in 10 Games OUT for 2 Weeks
2B Tommy Herr - .309; 0 HR; 7 RBI; 3 SB in 19 Games OUT for 1-2 Weeks
SS Dickie Thon - .667; 0 HR; 3 RBI in 5 Games OUT for 4 Months
OF Glenn Bragg – Has yet to play in the 1990 Season OUT for 6 Weeks

MINOR LEAGUE NOTES

Jason Grimsley (RHP) was due to be called up to make a Major League start when he injured his elbow. He is out for another 2 months.
Andy Ashby (RHP) is 1-2 with a 4.85 ERA in 9 games, all out of the bullpen for AA Reading. He has now been moved to the starting rotation.

[AlpineSK]

May 16, 1990

Philadelphia, PA – As the season passes by it has become clear that this is going to be a continuation of the franchise’s rebuild. The returns of Tommy Herr and Von Hayes and the expected debut of Glenn Braggs in about three weeks add some level of hope, but it does not seem to be quite enough. A terrible month of April landed Steve Ontiveros where he continues to struggle, and the Phillies just do not have a lot to offer other teams in the form of trade bait.

With the rebuilding efforts of Lee Thomas from the 1989 season, Terry Mulholland, Dennis Cook, and John Kruk are expected to be untouchable at this time. Kier, who is rumored to be one of the big players behind the Juan Samuel to New York deal, is a big fan of closer Roger McDowell and has already publically stated that Lenny Dykstra is not going anywhere. In fact, contract negotiations are underway to lock Dykstra up to a long term deal.

At a 50,000 foot view, that leaves players like Ken Howell, Tommy Herr, and more likely Von Hayes as potential trade pieces. In fact, a deal involving Hayes makes a lot of sense. Carmelo Martinez is playing well above his expected potential putting up a .350 average with 4 home runs and 18 RBI, and the team will have to make room for Glenn Braggs when he returns. This means that Kruk or Martinez will have to move to first base to open up a corner outfield spot. Barring a huge crash and burn by Martinez or (knock on wood) another injury, one might expect a platoon situation developing with Hayes who, like Kruk is a left handed bat, or at least he will see a significant reduction in playing time.

While the Major League team, at 17-20, is not having a bad season, they do not appear to have the makeup that they need to make it to the playoffs. They currently sit 7 games out of first place in the NL East, and if they don’t see some marked improvement soon, something is going to have to give. Nick Leyva could find himself on the hot seat, or some of his pet players, namely Hayes, Howell, and Herr could find themselves on their way out of Philadelphia.

[AlpineSK]

May 25, 1990

Philadelphia, PA – One major concern for the Phillies franchise was put to rest when GM Scott Kier signed Lenny Dykstra to an 8 year, $14.2 Million deal. The deal includes an “opt out” option for Dykstra after 5 seasons, and the 7th season is a team option and 8th is a player option.

The contract also includes bonuses for winning the MVP award, and being selected to the All-Star Team. It also carries a guarantee that Dykstra will be a starter in Philadelphia, which should not be a hard promise to deliver on.

Dykstra, who was acquired last season from the New York Mets in a 3 player deal, has performed well this season and has showed far more power than anyone expected him to have. His wheels continue to produce stolen bases, and although he has been moved down to the 3 spot in the lineup, the 27 year-old almost always has the green light both at the plate and on the base paths.

[AlpineSK]

June 1, 1990

Philadelphia, PA – With two months in the books in the 1990 season, the Phillies currently sit at 24-26 in 4th place in the NL East, 5.5 games behind the first place Pittsburgh Pirates who continue to battle with the Montreal Expos for first place. Overall, the team is performing as they would be expected to, and with the return and debut of Glenn Braggs expected this week, major changes could be on the horizon for the Phillies.

Head coach Nick Leyva made one major lineup change. When Von Hayes returned to the lineup, he moved him to the leadoff spot and bumped Lenny Dykstra down to 3rd in the order. Since the move, he has been hitting .226. This experiment might come to a conclusion soon.

Randy Ready has also been given a shot at the team’s starting third baseman.

LINEUP

1. Von Hayes RF - .198; 0 HR; 10 RBI; 1 SB
2. Tommy Herr 2B - .252; 0 HR; 10 RBI; 3 SB
3. Lenny Dykstra CF - .277; 5 HR; 21 RBI; 14 SB
4. John Kruk 1B - .277; 4 HR; 36 RBI; 38 Runs; 13 2B; 5 3B
5. Darren Daulton C - .234; 5 HR; 23 RBI
6. Carmelo Martinez LF - .324; 8 HR; 42 RBI
7. Randy Ready 3B - .232; 3 HR; 17 RBI; .946 Fielding Percentage
8. Rod Booker SS - .205; 0 HR; 3 RBI

BENCH

C Steve Lake - .250; 0 HR; 2 RBI in 9 Games, 9 Starts
1B Ricky Jordan - .259; 5 HR; 26 RBI in 39 Games, 24 Starts
IF Keith Miller - .256; 1 HR; 2 RBI in 34 Games, 22 Starts
3B Charlie Hayes - .254; 1 HR; 8 RBI; .905 Fielding Percentage in 41 Games, 33 Starts
OF Curt Ford - .333; 0 HR; 0 RBI in 10 Games, 1 Start
OF Ron Jones - .129; 0 HR; 1 RBI in 32 Games, 1 Start
ROTATION
1. Pat Combs (LHP) – 5-4; 2.56 ERA; 48 K; 31 BB; 1 CG
2. Terry Mulholland (LHP) – 3-2; 2.62 ERA; 43 K; 12 BB; 2 CG
3. Chris Bosio (RHP) – 2-5; 4.14 ERA; 44 K; 24 BB
4. Ken Howell (RHP) – 3-5; 6.06 ERA; 45 K; 24 BB; 1 CG
5. Dennis Cook (LHP) – 1-3; 3.14 ERA; 22 K; 17 BB in 7 Starts

BULLPEN

Chuck Crim (RHP) – 5-2; 6.75 ERA; 9 K; 2 BB in 19 Games
Don Carman (LHP) – 1-0; 5.02 ERA; 14 K; 5 BB in 14 Games
Dickie Noles (RHP) – 1-0; 5.84 ERA; 1 Save; 4 K; 6 BB in 14 Games
Todd Frohwirth (RHP) – 0-0; 10.38 ERA; 2 K; 3 BB in 4 Games
Darrel Akerfelds (RHP) – 0-0; 20.25 ERA; 1 K; 4 BB in 2 Games
Roger McDowell (RHP) – 3-1; 6.23 ERA; 7 Saves; 13 K; 10 BB in 20 Games

DISABLED LIST

Jeff Parrett (RHP) – 2-0; 2.75 ERA; 14 K; 7 BB in 17 Games; RETURNS IN 6 DAYS
Glenn Braggs (OF) – Has not played in 1990. RETURNS IN 6 DAYS
Dickie Thon (SS) - .667; 0 HR; 3 RBI in 5 Games. RETURNS IN 3 MONTHS

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I should add at this point that I have regressed to General Manager mode at this point, however I am probably going to influence the lineup a little bit more. I want to build this team, and will probably take full control back once I hit the 1991 season, and have a full offseason and draft under my belt.

[AlpineSK]

June 5, 1990

Philadelphia, PA – Catchers experience a lot of wear and tear. High volume catchers like the Phillies’ Darren Daulton face a lot of it. A hamstring strain suffered in Tuesday’s 11-5 loss to the Cardinals will sideline the Phillies backstop for 6-7 weeks.

The team has recalled Tom Nieto who will serve as a backup to Steve Lake.

Randy Ready is also finding himself making his way to the disabled list. The utility man will spend about 4 weeks on the DL. To fill his spot, rookie Dave Hollins will get his first opportunity to play in the majors. Hollins will share time with Charlie Hayes at the hot corner.

[AlpineSK]

June 17, 1990

Philadelphia, PA – On the day before the one-year anniversary of the two trades that changed the direction of the Phillies last season, new General Manager Scott Kier made two trades of his own. While they did not carry the level of magnitude that last season’s deals did, the moves saw the departure of a fan favorite with the hopes of improving the team for tomorrow.

Since 1983, Von Hayes has been a constant presence in the Phllies lineup. He’s played in the outfield, at first base, and for a short time at third while Mike Schmidt was injured. In 1986, he led the National League with 107 runs and 46 doubles. Last season he put up a career high 26 home runs. His 1990 campaign, however, has not been going as well. Hayes has averaged just .217, and has just one home run. 68 games into the season. His hefty $2 million contract put him at the top of the Phillies payroll, and his performance and price tag made his resigning a big question mark.

With the Phillies posting a record of 34-32 and currently sitting just 2.5 games out of first place in the NL East, Von Hayes was sent along with minor leaguers Jim Vatcher and Jason Backs to the Seattle Mariners. In return, the Phillies get young, slick fielding shortstop Omar Vizquel, minor league reliever Mike Gardiner, and pitching prospect Dave Fleming.

Vatcher and Backs are fringe players who have an outside chance of making the majors, however Vatcher currently sits a few spots down on the team’s depth chart because of Lenny Dykstra in CF and Mickey Morandini at 2B. Backs, a starting pitcher, has a 5-5 record with a 4.35 ER and 53 K’s for the AA Reading Phillies.

While Vizquel made his major league debut last season playing in 143 games, he has spent the entire season at AAA Calgery, hitting .341 in 32 games. He has just 2 errors on the season, and has produced a .986 fielding percentage, a marked improvement from his .971 percentage and 18 errors of the season before. Vizquel will join the Phillies and become their starting shortstop. His arrival most likely marks the end of Dickie Thon’s time in Philadelphia. Thon has played just five games in a Phillies uniform this season. He has spent the rest of his time on the disabled list.

Mike Gardiner will start the season in Scranton. He has yet to make a major league appearance in his career but he has a 1-3 record with a 2.86 ERA in 23 games in his first season in AAA. Dave Fleming is 5-4 with a 4.01 ERA for the A-Level Peninsula Pilots. He has shown some control issues but if he continues to develop, he shows a lot of progress.

In Philadelphia’s second deal, the Phillies sent OF Ron Jones and minor league pitcher Gary Wilson to the California Angels for reliever Mark Eichhorn. Jones was once thought to be one of the best young players in the Phillies organization until an injury early last season which sidelined him for the season raised questions about his durability. Jones has spent most of this year as a pinch hitter. He has a .146 average in 41 at bats. Defensively he is a sound outfielder and can play any of the three outfield positions.

Gary Wilson is an A-Ball project who converted from starter to reliever two seasons ago. He has a 2-3 record this year with a 4.58 ERA in 15 games at Batavia of the New York-Pennsylvania League.

Mark Eichhorn is a 29 year-old arbitration eligible relief pitcher who was acquired this past off season by California from the Atlanta Braves. He initially projected to be their closer but Bryan Harvey beat him out for the job in Spring Training. This season, Eichhorn is 4-5 with 3 saves and a 3.00 ERA in 27 games. He also has 24 K’s and a 1.19 WHIP. He joins a deep right handed bullpen where he will fight for innings with Chuck Crim, Jeff Parrett, and Roger McDowell.

Despite the trades, General Manager Scott Kier insists that the team is still playing for this season, “We have in no way blown this team up. Glenn Braggs is looking promising in the outfield, and Carmelo Martinez is having a great season. I am just as sad as everyone else to see Von (Hayes) go, but unfortunately it was time. He has been a terrific representative for this team. We were given the option, however, to pick up a top flight prospect in Omar (Vizquel) and that was a move that we just could pass up.

Reliever Todd Frohwirth was optioned to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. To add outfield depth, Curt Ford was recalled.

The Phillies return to action tomorrow at home against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

[AlpineSK]

July 1, 1990

Record – 39-39; 4th Place in the NL East 6 Games Back

Philadelphia, PA – The month of June saw a real upswing for the Phillies. They put up their second consecutive over .500 month with a record of 15-13. A few major trades were made, mainly with the acquisitions of Mark Eichhorn and Omar Vizquel. Injury troubles continued with Lenny Dykstra, Randy Ready, and Darren Daulton injured at different times during the month. Dave Hollins made his major league debut but he has been able to almost guarantee a trip back to the minors once Ready returns.

The Phillies have successfully signed Ken Howell to a two-year deal, the second year being a team option with a buyout. The total value of the deal is approximately $1.3. million. They are also reportedly close to signing a contract extension with catcher Darren Daulton.

Early discussions to avoid arbitration with John Kruk have yet to be fruitful. The team and the player’s agent appear to be around $300,000 apart at this time. In other news, a reliable clubhouse source has stated that contract extension talks with Roger McDowell have completely fallen through. McDowell wants a long term deal locking him up until his mid to late 30’s, but Kier has been unwilling to offer him the years or amount of money that he demands. Some think that the recent acquisition of Mark
Eichhorn has lowered McDowell’s value to the team.

In transaction news the St. Louis Cardinals sent OF Milt Thompson and OF Brian Jordan to the Cubs for Ryne Sandberg. The Phillies at one point had been in talks with the Cubs for Sandberg but they could not come to an agreement.

MAJOR TRANSACTIONS
June 17 – OF Ron Jones and RP Gary Wilson to the California Angels for RP Mark Eichhorn
June 17 – OF Von Hayes, SP Jason Backs, and 2B Jim Vatcher to the Seattle Mariners for SS Omar Vizquel, RP Mark Gardiner, and SP Dave Fleming

LINEUP

1. Tommy Herr 2B - .276; 0 HR; 15 RBI
2. John Kruk RF - .287; 8 HR; 58 RBI; 20 2B; 6 3B; 63 Runs
3. Glenn Braggs LF - .195; 2 HR; 11 RBI
4. Carmelo Martinez 1B - .279; 14 HR; 67 RBI
5. Dave Hollins 3B - .063; 1 HR; 3 RBI (2 for 32) 13 Games 7 Starts
6. Wes Chamberlain CF - .281; 0 HR; 4 RBI in 14 Games 7 Starts
7. Steve Lake C - .243; 0 HR; 6 RBI in 32 Games 30 Starts
8. Omar Vizquel SS - .250; 0 HR; 1 RBI in 11 Games 10 Starts

BENCH

C Tom Nieto - .133; 0 HR; 2 RBI in 8 Games 3 Starts
1B Ricky Jordan - .255; 6 HR; 32 RBI in 64 Games 26 Starts
IF Keith Miller - .288; 1 HR; 7 RBI in 54 Games 28 Starts
3B Charlie Hayes - .253; 4 HR; 20 RBI in 63 Games 48 Starts
IF Rod Booker - .226; 2 HR; 10 RBI in 45 Games 36 Starts
OF Curt Ford - .300; 0 HR; 2 RBI in 19 Games 3 Starts

ROTATION

1. Pat Combs (LHP) – 7-5; 3.25 ERA; 73 K; 47 BB; 1 CG
2. Terry Mulholland (LHP) – 6-4; 2.33 ERA; 67 K; 19 BB; 3 CG; 1 SHO
3. Ken Howell (RHP) – 7-6; 4.51 ERA; 79 K; 39 BB; 2 CG
4. Chris Bosio (RHP) – 5-6; 3.93 ERA; 71 K; 41 BB
5. Dennis Cook (LHP) – 1-6; 4.84 ERA; 33 K; 25 BB

BULLPEN

Chuck Crim (RHP) – 7-4; 6.14 ERA; 14 K; 5 BB in 29 Games
Dickie Noles (RHP) – 1-1; 4.56 ERA; 2 Saves 8 K; 8 BB in 22 Games
Jeff Parrett (RHP) – 0-2; 3.00 ERA; 15 K; 12 BB in 20 Games
Don Carman (LHP) – 1-0; 3.79 ERA; 19 K; 7 BB in 18 Games
Mark Eichhorn (RHP) – 0-1; 1.29 ERA; 3 K; 5 BB in 6 Games
Roger McDowell (RHP) – 4-2; 4.65 ERA; 13 Saves 21 K; 15 BB in 36 Games

DISABLED LIST

C Darren Daulton - .250; 5 HR; 25 RBI in 49 Games. RETURNS IN 3 WEEKS
OF Lenny Dykstra - .285; 6 HR; 24 RBI; 22 SB; 31 BB in 65 Games. RETURNS IN 5 DAYS
IF/OF Randy Ready - .242; 3 HR; 20 RBI in 51 Games. RETURNS IN 6 DAYS
SS Dickie Thon - .667; 0 HR; 3 RBI in 5 Games. RETURNS IN 2 MONTHS