From 1981...full simulation

[Sberl]

I will try again to sim many MLB years creating an alternative universe.
I choose 1981 because it's the oldest card set I'm trying to collect after a very long pause from the hobby (15 years).

Not too good with screenshot, I will try to sum every season going month for month with a final recap.

Let's start!

1981 SEASON

1981 SEASON PREVIEW

After the Phillies Triumph in 1980 World Series, teams are ready for a new battle in 1981. Opening day is settled for April 8th and as always it is fun to see preseason rankings.
For the AL East, it could be a great battle between Orioles, Yankees, Guardians and Brewers while in the west side, Royals are heavily favs for a back to back trip do playoffs and World Series. In the National League, on the East side the only team without playoff hopes seems to be the Expos while on the West side, Dodgers and Astros are the teams to beat.
Speaking about players, in March rookies are heavily scouted and the top ten says:
1 - Cal Ripken Jr. (Orioles)
2 - Wade Boggs (Red Sox)
3 - Mike Witt (Angels)
4 - Lenny Dykstra (Mets)
5 - Bob Ojeda (Red So)
6 - John Kruk (Padres)
7 - Mark Langston (Mariners)
8 - Jesse Barfield (Blue Jays)
9 - Bobby Bonilla (Pirates)
10 - Darryl Strawberry (Mets)

OPENING DAY
In the first game of the season, Cincinnati engaged Philadelphia in a long and tiring battle: after 16 innings, Phillies win 2-0 with a wonderful pitching performance (Carlton 8.1 IP, 9 K) and 2 RBI from Aviles. Also to note a great game by Soto for the Reds (8 IP, 9 K).
Other opening day games saw a great duel between Nolan Ryan and Fernando Valenzuela: no one loses, game went on extrainnings and game was decided in the 16th by Pepe Frias for a 3-2 Dodgers win; also to note a good Yankees win on Rangers (3-0), a 9-0 win for the Cubs against the Mets (with 3 HR), a pitching duel between Stieb and Morris (Blue Jays won 1-0), a stunning comeback for the Giants against the Padres (down 6-1 in the 7th, win 7-6 with a Chili Davis HR) and a walk-off win for the Cardinals thanks to Garry Templeton.

AL FIRST MONTH
In the East the battle is on, with all teams in a 2 and a half game span: Yankees lead with 10-8 record while Brewers are in last place with 7-10. Going west, there is a little gap already between the Chicago White Sox (12-5) and the rest of the division (Athletics in 2nd with 12-9). Despite not being in the lead, Angels bat had a torrid start with Don Baylor leading in Hits, HR, RBI and Doubles (29 H, 6 HR, 19 RBI, 9 2B) and Rod Carew leading in runs (19); a Young Ricky Henderson is already leading in stolen bases (12) while Willie Aikens (KC) is carrying a fantastic 1.143 OPS. In pitching, Mike Flanagan (BAL) carries a 0.28 ERA, but to note are the 4 starts with 4 complete games (and 4 W) for Blyleven (CLE).

NL FIRST MONTH
Big surprises in the NL during the first month, with defending WS Champions already 9 and a half game back the leading Chicago Cubs (13-4) in NL East; also Mets and Cardinals appear already out of contention while in NL West Giants and Dodgers lead the way, with Padres and Braves already carrying a 9 game gap.
First month was hot for Bill Madlock (.429 avg, 1006 OPS), but Dodgers duo Cey-Guerrero smashed through april with 33 combined RBI. Strong pitching performances for McGlothen (CHC) & Fryman (Mon), while in IP and strikeouts Nolan Ryan is leading the League.

TRADES/NOTABLE MENTIONS
Season is still Young but there were already two trades:
- Reds trade Scherrer (LHP - minors) and prospect Mike Knox (RHP) for Casey Parson (Mariners, CF, minors)
- Athletics acquire 27 year old RHP Steve Ratzer and 22 year old CF Terry Francona from Montreal Expos in Exchange for 21 year old minor leaguer RHP Dave Beard

MONTHLY AWARDS & NOTABLE PERFORMANCE
- Fred Lynn (CAL) against Athletics 5/5, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 4 RUNS
- Ellis Valentine (MON) against New York 3/5, 3 R, 3 HR, 5 RBI
- Charlie Hough (TEX) against Kansas City, 9 IP, 1 H, 10 K, 2 BB
- Jerry Koosman (MIN) against Seattle, 9 IP, 3 H, 8 K

AL Batter of the month: Don Baylor (CAL)
AL Pitcher of the month: Mike Flanagan (BAL)
AL Rookie of the month: Mike Witt (CAL)

NL Batter of the month: Darrell Evans (SF)
NL Pitcher of the month: Luis Tiant (PIT)
NL Rookie of the month: Jody Davis (CHC)

[Sberl]

MAY 1981

AL
After a first balanced month, things start to delineate in AL East with Baltimore Orioles on top (28-18), followed by Tigers (3 games back) and Indians (3 and a half). Brewers fell down in last place after a promising start, with Yankees also struggling, going under .500. West division saw the continuation of the duel between White Sox and Athletics, with 1 game gap. Royals in third place, with other teams in striking distance, except Twins and Rangers (8 and a half, 12 game back).
Batting stats saw the ascendance of Tony Armas (OAK) with 14 HR and 51 RBI at end of may. Also notable the 27 SB by Rickey Henderson (OAK) and the 190 OPS+ by Dwight Evans (BOS). In Pitching, Flanagan (BAL) continued to shine, carrying an ERA under 1.00 in June with 7 total wins and a 480 ERA+

NL
Entering into June Cubs are dominating the NL East, with a 31-15 record and 7 games advantage on Pittsburgh Pirates and 7 and a half over the Expos. Cardinals are trying to stay under 10 games distance while Phillies & Mets are going down. In the other division, Dodgers and Astros are battling, with Los Angeles half game ahead of Houston. Reds and Braves already over 10 games distance from the top.
In batting stats, Leon Durham (CHC) emerged as one of the best players in NL with a .960 OPS and 171 OPS+, with his teammmate Bill Buckner (CHC) leading in AVG. Ron Cey (LAD) continues to lead HR while his teammate Guerrero (LAD) leads the RBI stat (38). In Pitching Don Robinson (PIT) leads in ERA (1.63) but Carlton, despite a bad Philadelphia year so far, appears to be the best pitcher of the NL (3.3 WAR, 77 K, League best), 85.2 IP, only 1 less than Nolan Ryan)

TRADES/NOTABLE MENTIONS
No market movements in May

MONTHLY AWARDS & NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
- Eddie Murray (BAL) against Blue Jays, 4/5, 2 R, 6 RBI, 2 HR
- Pedro Guerrero (LAD) against Atlanta, 4/5, 3 R, 4 RBI, 2 HR
- Steve Carlton (PHI) against St. Louis, 9 IP, 4 H, 11 K, 2BB
- Rick Reuschel (CHC) against Cincinnati, ) IP, 3 H, 7 K

AL Batter of the month: Tony Armas (OAK)
AL Pitcher of the month: Atlee Hammaker (KC)
AL Rookie of the month: Atlee Hammaker (KC)

NL Batter of the month: Leon Durham (CHC)
NL Pitcher of the month: Joe Sambito (HOU)
NL Rookie of the month: Brad Mills (MON)

[Sberl]

JUNE

AL
Summer has begun and division battles started to heat up. In AL East Orioles still on top, but behind them the war is on with Red Sox and Yankees battling for 2nd place (43-30 Orioles record, 38-35 Red Sox, 39-37 Yankees); Brewers Always in last position while Tigers, Guardians and Blue Jays are on line for Anonymous season. In AL West 6 teams out of 7 are chasing the title: Royals lead with a 40-32 record, with White Sox 1 game back and Mariners 2 game back. Twins, which are in 6th place, are only 5 game back, so everything is open.
About stats, in batting Singleton (BAL) is leading in AVG while Luzinski (CWS) took the HR Lead after a hot month, with also a 176 OPS+; Henderson (OAK) has already 38 SB. In Pitching ERA rise for almost all pitcher, with Flanagan (BAL) still leading but in WAR, WINS and IP Blyleven got the edge (13 W, 3.2 WAR, 133 IP with 9 complete games)

NL
East division seems a three team battle: Pirates surpassed the Cubs, now 3 game back and Cardinals are approaching the leading duo, only 5 and a half game behind the Pirates. Expos and Mets are behind 9 and 10 games respectively, while Phillies are in last, 18 game back (25-48). In West division Astros are trying to escape, with a 5 and half game lead on the Dodgers and 7 game on the Padres. Giants, Reds and Braves appear already out.
Talking about players, Buckner is leading avg and OPS, trailing only Guerrero (LAD) and Mike Schmidt (PHI) in RBI. He is not a power guy, but is quest for MVP is on. In pitching, Nolan Ryan jumped on ERA lead, battling with Carlton (PHI) for the strikeouts lead (Carlton leads the WAR stat, with 5).

TRADES/NOTABLE MENTIONS
- Detroit acquired 38 year old LHP Jerry Koosman from the Twins in Exchange of 20 year old minor League RHP Randy O'Neal and 21 year old minor League Mark Lockenmeyer
- Chicago Cubs acquired 27 year old 2B lenn Sakata from the Orioles in Exchange for 31 year old RHP Lynn McGlothen
- San Diego Padres sent 17 year old SS Ozzie Guillen and 24 year old minor League LHP Mark Thurmond to California Angels for 26 year old minor League LF John Harris
- Cleveland Indians sent 30 year old LHP Sid Monge to Giants for 23 year old minor League CF Rich Murray and 23 year old 2B Doran Perdue
- San Diego sent 23 year old 2B Tim Flannery to New York Mets for 35 year old RHP Dyar Miller
- Cincinnati sent 21 year old RHP Kurt Kepshire and 22 year old RHP Frank DeJiulio to Chicago Cubs for 25 year old Jim Tracy (LF)

None of this trade seems relevant, even if Giants tried to reinforce their pitching staff with Monge.

Reggie Smith (LAD) hit his 300th HR on June 11th
Luis Tiant (SP - PIT) announced his retirement

MONTHLY AWARDS & NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
- Roy Smalley (MIN) against New York, 5/5, 4 R, 4 RBI, 1 HR
- Ron Jackson (MIN) against Chicago, 3/5, 2 R, 7 RBI, 2 HR
- Gaylord Perry (ATL) against Montreal, 9 IP, 1 H, 5 K
- Steve Carlton (PHI) against New York, 9 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 10 K

AL Batter of the month: Roy Smalley (MIN)
AL Pitcher of the month: Steve Stone (BAL)
AL Rookie of the month: Bill Laskey (KC)

NL Batter of the month: Dave Parker (PIT)
NL Pitcher of the month: Don Robinson (PIT)
NL Rookie of the month: Fred Kuhaulua (SD)

[Sberl]

JULY

AL
Ah, the Dog Days of Summer and the trading deadline. July is full of surprises, but in AL East there's one thing which doesn't change: Orioles leading, 60-42 and a 5 game advantage over Red Sox. Yankees and Tigers battle for the third place while Guardians, Blue Jays and Brewers are playing without objectives. Things are clearing also in AL West, with the White Sox taking an important lead over the slumping Royals, now 7 and a half game back. Little chances for Mariners and Twins, while Angels and Rangers are virtually out of the post-season.
Singleton (BAL) and Luzisnki (CWS) mantain the lead in AVG and HR (.352 and 25 HR), battling also for the OPS+ stat; Luzisnki is also battling per RBI Crown, tied at 80 with Brian Downing (CAL). Ricky Henderson (OAK) has 54 SB while Chet Lemon (CWS) leads the AL in WAR.
Mike Flanagan continues to thrive on the mound, mantaining an ERA under 2.00, sharing the lead in W with Blyleven, now in NL. To note also the 27 saves of Kevin Saucier (ATL)

NL
Despite a big add (Blyleven), the Expos still are in third position in NL East with Chicago and Pittsburgh battling for first. Cardinals and Mets are under 10 games, while the Phillies are still in last place, 17 games back (39-61). Going west, Houston mantain a confortable lead (6 games) over the Dodgers, with the Reds pushing but not gaining ground.
Buckner (CHC) mantains a wonderful .355 AVG while Cey (LAD) lose the HR lead in favor of Bob Horner (ATL), who has 25 HR. Pedro Guerrero (LAD) still in the lead for RBI; Steve Carlton maintains the highest WAR between pitchers (6.2 WAR) despite not being in top 5 for ERA (Don Robinson, Nolan Ryan e Soto carry an ERA under 2!). As in AL, 27 saves here for Enrique Romo (PIT), but with better stats than Saucier in AL.

TRADES/NOTABLE MENTIONS
July means trading deadline and this deadline was absolutey crazy! Keeping track of all movements it's nearly impossible, but let's try to recap the most important ones

- Houston sent 23 year old minor League 2B Bill Doran to Mets for bullpen depth, acquiring 38 year old Mike Marshall and also getting 19 year old minor League RHP Jay Tibbs
- Milwaukee sent 28 year old RHP Pete Vuckovich to Kansas for 21 year old LF Darryl Motley
- Yankees acquired 30 year old RHP Glenn Abbott from Seattle, in Exchange of two minor leaguers
- Milwaukee acquired 18 year old CF Todd Benzinger and 21 year old RHP Scott Gering from Boston in Exchange of 29 year old LHP Bob McClure and a minor leaguer. Red Sox try to add pitching depht for last two months of the season
- Phillies send 32 year old RF Bake McBride to Tigers for two minor leaguers
- Dodgers add pitching depth acquiring LHP Ed Glynn from the Guardians in Exchange of a minor leaguer
- Toronto shipped 31 year old RHP Dale Murray to Tigers for a 19 year old C, Bob Melvin
- Oakland add pitching depth with the 38 year old Fergie Jenkins from the Rangers (minor leaguer in return)
- In a surprising move, Cardinals sent 31 year old Bob Forsch to Cubs, receiving two minor leaguers
- Milwaukee continues the rebuilding sending 27 year old 3B Roy Howell to Padres for 23 year old 2B Jose Moreno and a minor leaguer
- Cubs adding pitching with the 31 year old LHP Larry Bradford from the Braves, in Exchange of 3 minor leaguers
- Orioles adding a reliever, RHP Bob Babcock from the Rangers for a minor leaguer; also they added 37 year old reliever Sparky Lyle from Phillies and 26 year old reliever Mike Norris from Oakland
- Yankees sent 24 year old 1B Steve Balboni to Phillies for Mike Proly, veteran reliever
- Indians and Dodgers Exchange prospects, most notables are Freddie Toliver to Los Angeles and CF Bobby Mitchell to Cleveland.
- Cardinals sent 29 year old C Darrell Porter to Houston for reliever Frank Lacorte and a minor leaguer, Glenn Davis
- Kansas City strike a deal with Rangers, landing star pitcher Charlie Hough in Exchange of 4 minor leaguer
- White Sox land 29 year old pitcher, Rick Langford, from Athletics (Greg Walker among the returns)
- Boston acquires 29 year old Dan Spillner from Cleveland, in Exchange of 21 year old minor League LF Steve Lyons; also they add a reliever, Greg Minton, from the Giants sending CF Chico Walker and 2 minor leaguers.
- Yankees acquire veteran catcher John Wockenfuss from Tigers for 22 year old Willie McGee and another minor leaguer
- Phillies acquire 24 year old pitcher Charlie Leibrandt for 30 year old pitcher Dick Ruthven
- Cubs acquire 26 year old RHP Mike Scott from Mets in Exchange of minor League CF Henry Cotto
- Astros acquire more pitching with 42 year old Gaylord Perry from Atlanta sending them two minor leaguers
- Detroit acquired veteran CF Garry Maddox from Phillies for a minor leaguer pitcher
- In one of the biggest trades of the season, Montreal acquired Cy Young Candidate Bert Blyleven from Cleveland, sending them 3 minor leaguers. Blyleven will be a free agent after the season
- Cincinnati get 26 year old 1B Ken Phelps from Kansas City for 2 minor leaguers
- Tigers get 26 year old CF Ken Landreaux from Dodgers for 24 year old RF Kirk Gibson and another minor leaguer
- Another big move, on deadline day: Angels sent 32 year old 1B Don Baylor to cincinnati for 2 minor leaguers (Gary Redus and Les Straker)

There were also many other moves with minor leaguers or bench players in a really crazy deadline with some major moves (Blyleven and Baylor mostly).

Rod Carew recorded his 2500 hit on July 29th

Midseason prospect ranking has been published with Jesse Barfield (TOR) claiming the top spot, followed by John Kruk (SD) and Mark Langston (SEA). Other notables are Julio Franco (2B) at 9th spot, Don Mattingly in 12th and Tony Gwynn in 14th.

Luzinski (CWS) won the HR Derby beating Eddie Murray (BAL), Ron Cey (LAD) and Jeff Burroughs (SEA) in the final round while NL All-Star triumphed in All-Star game 6-1 (MVP Pedro Guerrero)

MONTHLY AWARDS & NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
- Joe Ferguson (LAD) against Montreal, 5/5, 3 R, 3 RBI, 1 HR
- Brian Downing (CAL) against Kansas City, 4/5, 2 R, 5 RBI, 1 HR
- Jerry Reuss (LAD) against Philadelphia, 9 IP, 2 H, 7 K
- Mario Soto (CIN) against Pittsburgh, 9 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 7 K

AL Batter of the month: Willie Wilson (KC)
AL Pitcher of the month: Mike Flanagan (BAL)
AL Rookie of the month: Cal Ripken Jr. (BAL)

NL Batter of the month: Bob Horner (ATL)
NL Pitcher of the month: Ron Reed (PHI)
NL Rookie of the month: Danny Boone (SD)

[Sberl]

AUGUST

AL
September is approaching and competition become tight. In AL East the Red Sox catched the Baltimore Orioles and entering september they're even! Other teams can think about next year while in AL West the White Sox enter september with a confortable 9 game lead on Minnesota Twins and 10 game lead on Kansas City Royals.
Singleton continues to lead in batting avg and his teammate, Eddie Murray, took the lead in HR and RBI with 35 and 105. Fred Lynn (CAL) emerges as the best all-round player, with 6.9 WAR while Rickey Henderson continues to dominate the stolen bases stat. In pitching Mike Flanagan is still thriving with an eye on a 20 Win season; however Eckersley is doing a great campaign for the Red Sox, topping the WAR and FIP category.

NL
Entering last month of the season, the Pirates edged the Cubs in NL East and they must protect a 5 and half game lead. Expos are in third place, but it will be hard coming back a 10 and half game delay. In West Astros sail through the division with a 7 game lead on Dodgers and 12 game lead on Cincinnati.
Despite his team being outdueled by Houston, Bill Buckner (CHC) continues to lead in AVG, OPS and OPS+ while Bon Horner maintains the HR lead and Mike Schmidt (PHI) battles Pedro Guerrero (LAD) for RBI crown. Looking at WAR, Lee Lacy (PIT) is the best all-round player so far
In pitching Danny Boone (SD) emerged with the best ERA, but Steve Carlton (PHI) still is the best one despite not a great record (he topped the 200 K mark, leading the League in FIP).

TRADES/NOTABLE MENTIONS
No significant moves in August

Graig Nettles (NYY) hit his 300th HR on August 9th
Mike Schmidt (PHI) hit his 300th HR on August 13th

MONTHLY AWARDS & NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
- Fred Lynn (CAL) against Cleveland, 4/5, 4 R, 5 RBI, 2 HR
- Doug Decinces (BAL) against Boston, 3/4, 3 R, 6 RBI, 1 HR, 1 BB
- Bert Blyleven (MON) against Cincinnati 9 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 10 K
- Jerry Koosman (DET) against Minnesota 9 IP, 1 H, 3 K

AL Batter of the month: Fred Lynn (CAL)
AL Pitcher of the month: Dennis Eckersley (BOS)
AL Rookie of the month: Atlee Hammaker (KC)

NL Batter of the month: Bill Madlock (PIT)
NL Pitcher of the month: Ron Reed (PHI)
NL Rookie of the month: Danny Boone (SD)

[Sberl]

SEPTEMBER (END OF REGULAR SEASON)

AL
And here we are...end of regular season, so playoff are set and the chase for the pennant is on. Baltimore edges the Red Sox in the East after a tight battle while Yankees gain the third place. Not much battle in the west division, with White Sox clinching early, closing the regular season with a 9 game lead on Twins and Royals.

COMPLETE STANDINGS

AL EAST AL WEST
1) Baltimore Orioles 95-67 1) Chicago White Sox 95-67
2) Boston Red Sox 93-69 2) Minnesota Twins 86-76
3) New York Yankees 86-76 3) Kansas City Royals 86-76
4) Detroit Tigers 83-79 4) California Angels 80-82
5) Milwaukee Brewers 68-94 5) Seattle Mariners 80-82
6) Cleveland Indians 67-95 6) Texas Rangers 77-85
7) Toronto Blue Jays 66-96 7) Oakland Athletics 72-90

NL
No surprises in last month, with Pirates in NL East being no match for other teams. They clinch easily while the Cubbies fade away, finishind behind the Expos. Philadelphia, after months in last place, rode to a last month winning streak and left the Cardinals alone in last. In West, Houston gain the post-season without problems, mantaining an 8 game lead on Dodgers.

COMPLETE STANDINGS

NL EAST NL WEST
1) Pittsburgh Pirates 93-69 1) Houston Astros 97-65
2) Montreal Expos 81-81 2) Los Angeles Dodgers 89-73
3) Chicago Cubs 80-82 3) Cincinnati Reds 81-81
4) New York Mets 78-84 4) San Francisco Giants 76-86
5) Philadelphia Phillies 76-86 5) San Diego Padres 76-86
6) St. Louis Cardinals 73-89 6) Atlanta Braves 72-90

So the playoffs are set

AL: Chicago White Sox vs Baltimore Orioles
NL: Pittsburgh Pirates vs Houston Astros

TRADES/NOTABLE MENTIONS
Gaylord Perry (HOU) notches his 300th win on september 13th
Reggie Jackson (NYY) got his 2000th hit on september 14th

MONTHLY AWARDS & NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
- Ken Landreaux (DET) against Texas 5/5, 4 R, 3 RBI, 1 HR
- Bobby Grich (CAL) against Toronto, 4/4, 2 R, 6 RBI, 1 HR
- Lee Smith (CHC) against Montreal, 8.1 IP, 1 H, 11 K, 1 BB
- Mike Flanagan (BAL) against New York, 9 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 10 K

AL Batter of the month: Ken Landreaux (DET)
AL Pitcher of the month: John Montefusco (CAL)
AL Rookie of the month: Atlee Hammaker (KC)

NL Batter of the month: Dale Murphy (ATL)
NL Pitcher of the month: Gaylord Perry (HOU)
NL Rookie of the month: Tom Niedenfuer (LAD)

1981 STATS

AL NL

AVG
1) Ken Singleton (BAL) .326 1) Bill Buckner (CHC) .336
2) Hal McRae (KC) .323 2) Bill Madlock (PIT) .312
3) Al Oliver (TEX) .321 3) Broderick Perkins (SD) .311

HR
1) Eddie Murray (BAL) 41 1) Bob Hoerner (ATL) 36
2) Greg Luzinski (CWS) 31 2) Mike Schmidt (PHI) 31
3) Tony Armas (OAK) 29 3) Pedro Guerrero (LAD) 29
3) Reggie Jackson (NYY) 29

RBI
1) Eddie Murray (BAL) 130 1) Mike Schmidt (PHI) 111
2) Brian Downing (CAL) 120 2) Pedro Guerrero (LAD) 101
3) Tony Armas (OAK) 115 3) Bob Hoerner (ATL) 100

OPS+
1) Brian Downing (CAL) 164 1) Mike Schmidt (PHI) 139
2) Fred Lynn (CAL) 162 2) Bill Buckner (CHC) 136
3) Eddie Murray (BAL) 161 3) Pedro Guerrero (LAD) 135

SB
1) Rickey Henderson (OAK) 85 1) Tim Raines (MON) 59
2) Julio Cruz (SEA) 57 2) Lonnie Smith (PHI) 50
3) Miguel Dilone (TOR) 50 3) Bill North (SF) 49

HITS
1) Gary Ward (MIN) 201 1) Bill Buckner (CHC) 204
2) Cecil Cooper (MIL) 200 2) Claudell Washington (ATL) 189
3) Mickey Rivers (TEX) 197 3) Gene Richards (SD) 182

BASE BALLS
1) Dwight Evans (BOS) 113 1) Lee Mazzilli (NYM) 96
2) Dwayne Murphy (OAK) 109 2) Bill North (SF) 95
3) Oscar Gamble (NYY) 88 3) Joe Morgan (SF) 94

WAR
1) Dwight Evans (BOS) 7.5 1) Garry Templeton (STL) 7.7
2) Gary Ward (MIN) 7.4 2) Lee Lacy (PIT) 6.8
3) Fredd Lynn (CAL) 7.2 3) Pedro Guerrero (LAD) 6.4

ERA
1) Atlee Hammaker (KC) 2.59 1) Mario Soto (CIN) 2.14
2) Mike Flanagan (BAL) 2.76 1) Nolan Ryan (HOU) 2.14
3) Fergie Jenkins (OAK) 2.81 2) Doug Bair (CIN) 2.16

WINS
1) Mike Flanagan (BAL) 21 1) Don Robinson (PIT) 20
2) Floyd Bannister (SEA) 19 2) Craig Swan (NYM) 20
2) Roger Erickson (MIN) 19 3) Nolan Ryan (HOU) 19
2) Jack Morris (DET) 19

STRIKEOUTS
1) Len Barker (CLE) 186 K 1) Steve Carlton (PHI) 230
2) Ron Guidry (NYY) 185 K 2) Mario Soto (CIN) 212
3) Floyd Bannister (SEA) 183 3) Fernando Valenzuela (LAD) 211

FIP
1) Ron Guidry (NYY) 2.9 1) Steve Carlton (PHI) 2.49
2) Dennis Eckersley (BOS) 2.9 2) Doug Bair (CIN) 2.61
3) Rudy May (NYY) 2.98 3) Fernando Valenzuela (LAD) 2.73

SAVES
1) Dan Quisenberry (KC) 34 1) Joe Sambito (HOU) 40
2) Don Aase (CAL) 32 2) Tug McGraw (PHI) 37
3) Rollie Fingers (MIL) 30 2) Enrique Romo (PIT) 37

[Sberl]

1981 PLAYOFF

AL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Chicago White Sox vs Baltimore Orioles

Game 1: Britt Burns (CHW, 14-10 4.06 ERA) vs Scott McGregor (13-14, 3.55 ERA)
Opening game of the series saw the White Sox scoring early in the 2nd with a solo shot by Jim Morrison while Britt Burns, their starter, kept the Orioles bats silent. In the 5th inning Lemon and Luzinski added 1 RBI each and in the 7th the score is 4-0, thanks to a sac fly by Greg Pryor. Burns continued to pitch well, but with two outs in the ninth Eddie Murray hit a solo shot and next batter, Gary Roenicke hit a single. Tony La Russa, the Young Chicago manager, decided that it was time for a pitching change and he was right: Ed Farmer made the last out and White Sox win 4-1.

Game 1: Lamarr Hoyt (CHW, 15-16 3.73 ERA) vs Mike Flanagan (BAL, 21-10 2.76 ERA)
One of the best pitchers in 1981 on the field for the Orioles to even the series. Like game 1, Chicago pitching plays fiercely and the offense is able to strike first: it's Jim Morrison going long again, with a 2 run shot for a 2-0 lead. In the bottom half of the inning Baltimore scores the first run of the series with a RBI single by Lowenstein, before being silenced again. The 7th inning is the key one: after the stretch, Cal Ripken opens with a single, followed by a double from Lowenstein. 2 on, nobody out and Baltimore capitalise with a single by Roenicke and a sac fly by Crowley: 3-2. Both starters don't go into the 8th and the bullpens do their job, with Tippy Martinez gaining a save for the Orioles. 3-2 and series tied!

GAME 3: Lynn McGlothen (BAL, 16-10, 3.35) vs Dennis Lamp (CHW, 18-8, 3.41 ERA)
For the first game in Comiskey Park, Baltimore gave the nod to McGlothen, acquired in June from the Cubs via trade, while the White Sox turns to a solid Dennis Lamp. Bats came alive early, with Chicago opening the score in the 1st (RBI by Luzinski). Baltimore answers in the third (RBI by Bumbry) but Carlton Fisk gave a 2-1 lead to White Sox in the bottom half of the inning. Pitchers aren't very effective and Baltimore stormed back in the fourth, scoring two and taking a 3-2 lead. After a couple of scoreless inning, White Sox tied it in the 6th and exploded in the 7th, scoring 4 runs (highlight: 3 RBI triple by Jerry Hairston). Baltimore tried to come back, but scored a run only in the 9th, with the final score 7-4 for the White Sox.

GAME 4: Mike Norris (BAL, 15-9, 3.60 ERA) vs Ken Forsch (CHW, 6-10, 4.67 ERA)
Another midseason acquired pitcher got the nod for the Orioles, trying to bring back the series to Baltimore while Chicago hoped for a good start by Forsch, not so brilliant during the season. White Sox opened the score early with a RBI double by Luzisnki and Forsch was able to keep Orioles bat quiet till the 5th, when a sac-fly by Dempsey tied the game. In the bottom half of the 5th Chicago bats came alive again: triple by Almon, squeeze bunt failed but two singles in a row by Morrison and Baines gave the White Sox a 3-1 lead. Forsch continued to impress, pitching into the 7th and the bullpen did the rest, with Barrios closing the 7th and the 8th (Baltimore with 3 left on base in the 8th!) and Farmer pitching a 1-2-3 ninth inning. 3-1 the final score, Chicago White Sox headed to the World Series!

SERIES MVP: 3B Jim Morrison (CHW) --> .333 avg, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R

NL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES

Pittsburgh Pirates vs Houston Astros

Game 1: Don Robinson (PIT, 20-6 2.48 ERA) vs Don Sutton (HOU, 6-3, 1.80 ERA)
First game of the series at Astrodome, with a wonderful pitching duel between the starters. The game was still scoreless trough 8 innings and in the ninth Pittsburg stroke first. With 2 out, Jason Thompson broke the tie with a solo shot, sending also Don Sutton to the bench, with Astros manager calling Joe Sambito for the last out. But after a Bill Robinson single, an error kept the inning open and Pittsburgh capitalised scoring 4 more runs. In the last half inning the confortable lead put on Kent Tekulve on the mound and the game was closed on 5-0 for the Pirates.

Game 2: Jim Bibby (PIT - 14-10 3.21 ERA) vs Nolan Ryan (HOU, 19-9, 2.14 ERA)
Houston need to win to even the series and with Nolan Ryan on the mound, this seems possible. The games is a pitcher's duel, with Jim Bibby battling hard with Nolan Ryan. Few chances for scoring, but in the seventh Pittsburgh creates one: Milner singles, Bibby bunted him into second and then Bill Madlock finally hit a good one, an RBI triple that gave Pirates a small lead. Last two innings are for the bullpens, with Hrabosky good for the Astros and Romo also good despite the high leverage situation in the ninth: Denny Walling doubles with 1 one out and Romo strikes out the next two batters, ending the game and putting the Pirates one win away from the World Series.

Game 3: Gaylord Perry (HOU, 13-11, 3.10 ERA) vs Rick Rhoden (PIT, 16-10, 3.06 ERA)
With the season on the line, Houston turns to the old Perry for keeping Pirates bat silent and try to live another day. And he delivers, despite a sloppy defense (2 errors), throwing 7.1 innings with 3 hit and 1 unearned run leaving the game on the 4-1 score for his team. Houston bats finally came alive, tallying 11 hits (3 by Reynolds), an HR, 2 doubles and a triple: 5 run total, but in baseball nothing is safe. Sambito, the Houston reliever, got a very bad 8th inning, but Pittsburgh was not able to capitalise, scoring only 2 --> 5-3 the final score, Pirates still one win away from the world series

GAME 4: Joe Niekro (HOU, 15-7, 2.38 ERA) vs Luis Tiant (PIT, 17-10, 3.06 ERA)
For trying to take the series back to Houston, the Astros chose Joe Niekro while Pittsburgh gave the nod to the retiring Luis Tiant. Both offered a good outing, but Niekro did better than Tiant, with 7 innings of 1 run ball (unearned) while Tiant conceded 1 more run. The game itselfs was tight, with teams tied after 6 innings. In the 7th Niekro hit a double and he went home thanks to a Terry Puhl double and in the 8th Pittsburgh defense let another run score --> 3-1 With both starters out, in the bottom of the 8th Pittsburgh cut the lead but Sambito was able to get a 1-2-3 ninth inning, sending the series to a win or go home game 5.

GAME 5: Don Robinson (PIT, 20-6 2.48 ERA) vs Don Sutton (HOU, 6-3, 1.80 ERA)
Same game 1 matchup for the winner takes all game. Astrodome was full, the atmosphere electric but in the first inning almost 49 thousand people were held in silence: Parker brought home Madlock and Thompson brought home Parker for a 2-0 Pirates lead. Robinson started to work in the first, but in the second Houston scored a run. People started to cheer again, but another RBI by Parker made it a 3-1 game. Craig Reynolds gave some hope in the 4th, making it 3-2 with an RBI double and while Sutton learned to control Pirates bat, Houston offense exploded in the 6th with 4 runs (2 RBI single by Leonard and 2 RBI single by Cruz). Other 2 runs in the 7th make it 8-3 Houston (2 RBI triple by Reynolds) and the last 2 innings went without problems for Astros Bullpen, sending them to the World Series after coming back from 2 game to nothing in the series!

SERIES MVP: SS Craig Reynolds (HOU) --> .375 AVG, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 2 RUNS

So world series are set, HOUSTON ASTROS @ CHICAGO WHITE SOX

[Sberl]

WORLD SERIES

GAME 1: Nolan Ryan (HOU) vs Britt Burns (CHW)
A clear, cold sky with 6 Celsius degrees welcome the start of 1981 World Series in Comiskey Park. Pitchers are both hot while bats really cold and the game become quickly a pitchers duel. In the 6th Chet Lemon opens the inning with a single and La Russa decides to go with the small ball again (he tried it some innings before): sacrifice bunt and a grounder move Lemon to third. With Luzisnki at bat and a 0-2 count, here comes a passed ball...1-0 White Sox! Houston tries a comeback in the 7th with a leadoff triple, but Britt is wonderful: ground-out, fly out and strike out, score still 1-0. After a leadoff single in the 8th, LaRussa calls Farmer from the bullpen and Houston bats can't do any more damage. In the bottom half of the 8th Chicago opens with a single by Almon, then another sac bunt put him on second with Lemon at bat --> intentional walk to Lemon for trying the double play and things go wrong for Houston: Base ball to Baines and Wild Pitch on Luzisnki --> 2-0! In the ninth the only scare for Farmer is a walk, but a double play sealed the win for the White Sox, 2-0 and up 1-0 in the series!

GAME 2: Gaylord Perry (HOU) vs Lamarr Hoyt (CHW)
Rain and cold the main dish for Game 2, with Houston choosing the old Perry to even the Series. Despite the weather, Houston bats come alive early with a RBI double by Cruz in the first and an RBI single by Puhl plus another 2 RBI double for Cruz: 4-0 Houston after 2 innings. Perry throws well into the 5th, when he is hit hard by Chet Lemon: solo shot and Chicago opens his scoring. Perry remain calm and continues to pitch without problems the 6th inning. In the 7th Chicago tries to comeback: lead off double by Leflore, RBI single by Prior and we are 4-2; with 2 on and 1 one out, the game on the line, Perry made some magic: strikeout on Morrison and Baines, inning over. Sambito replaces him in the 8th, while in the ninth Chicago tries to comeback again with a double by Wiggins followed by a RBI triple by Chet Lemon and only one out. Sambito breaths and forced Morrison to ground out for the second out without letting the run score, then he stroke out Johnson at the plate for last out: 4-3 Houston, series tied!

GAME 3: Dennis Lamp (CHW) vs Don Sutton (HOU)
After the split in Chicago, we are in Houston for game 3. No weather problems, but the main issue could be the Astroturf. This time is Chicago opening the score early: in the 2nd the pitcher, Lamp, hit a 2 run single for the lead but Houston answers immediately with a 2 run double by Kiko Garcia. In the third Chet Lemon give Chicago a 3-2 lead with a solo shot and Houston can't answer this time. Lamp help himself with a sac fly in the 4th and Carlton Fisk adds another run in the 5th: 5-2 White Sox after five innings. Lamp finishes his game with the 5th inning, while Sutton continues completing seven innings. In the 8th Fisk hit a solo shot and Pryor hit an RBI single for the 7-2 lead. Houston can only score a run in the ninth, but the game was not in discussion. 7-3 White Sox, 2-1 in the series

GAME 4: Ken Forsch (CHW) vs Joe Niekro (HOU)
Entering game 4, the main news came from Chet Lemon, who signed an 8 year contract extension just after game 3. After a quiet top of the 1st, Houston hit hard in the bottom part, with 2 runs (RBI Double by Cedeno, RBI single by Porter), giving Niekro a lead. The veteran pitcher does his job, inning after inning. Only a bad Astros defense keeps White Sox in the game: in the Sixth an error gave White Sox a run, but Niekro was not in panic mode. He continued to pitching as a star, completing 7 innings with only 2 hits conceded. Sambito enters the game in the 8th and cruises through the last 2 innings despite giving up a single and a base on ball: he will thank his catcher, Darrell Porter, who gains two out via pick off, freezing LeFlore in the 8th and Wiggins in the 9th for the last out. 2-1 Houston, series tied!

GAME 5: Britt Burns (CHW) vs Nolan Ryan (HOU)
Last game of the season in Houston and we have the same game 1 matchup. As in game 1, he seems to be a pitcher's duel but in the top 3rd Chicago solves Nolan Ryan: a series of singles give the White Sox a 2-0 lead while Burns continues to keep Astros quiet. Top of the 6th, Ryan concedes Fisk a base on balls and Fisk was brought home by a Almon single, followed by a Pryor's triple: other 2 runs for the White Sox, 4-0 lead. Houston bats continues to remain silent, even when Burns steps out in the 8th: Jim Barr replaces him and he survives a 2-run double by Art Howe. 9th innings is Farmer's Job, done with some problems, but done: 4-0 Chicago, 3-2 lead and one win away from celebrations!

GAME 6: Gaylord Perry (HOU) vs Lamarr Hoyt (CHW)
As in the League Championship Series, to extend the season Houston turns to the old Perry in a game 2 rematch. But Chicago starts hot with a solo shot by Morrison in the first. Crowd is electric, Perry reestablishes himself while Hoyt is throwing much better than game 2. Game remains 1-0 till the 5th, when Chicago adds two more runs: Solo HR by Chet Lemon and RBI single for Luzinski, 3-0 lead. The 6th innings seals the day for Chicago, who hits Perry hard: 2-RBI for Almon, RBI for Pryor and solo shot by Morrison, 7-0 White Sox, 2 HR game for Morrison. Houston avoids the shutout in the 8th, add another run in the top of the 9th but without worrying Hoyt, who pitches a complete game with his team Winning the World Series. 7-2 the final score, CHICAGO WHITE SOX ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS!.

Series MVP: SS Bill Almon (CHW) .455 AVG, 2 RBI


Before going into season 1982, there will be a quick season recap for all teams...open for hints and similar!

[Sberl]

A LOOK AT EVERY TEAM SEASON

BALTIMORE ORIOLES
A very good season for the Orioles, winning the AL East riding the great form of pitcher Mike Flanagan and 1B Eddie Murray with his 41 HR and 130 RBI. The team was first in On base PCT, OPS and HRS, 1st for Bullpen ERA and 3rd for starters ERA. A Young Cal Ripken completed his first full-time season in the majors, ranking 8th between shortstops.

BOSTON RED SOX
Second place in AL East after a bad start with Dennis Eckersley being the team MVP without any doubts. In hitting, very good season by RF Dwight Evans and the team was 1st in base running and 2nd in FIP and pitching WAR, with John Tudor being particular unlucky on the field. Also to note the great season of reliever Tom Burgmeier, one of the most efficient in the League, and the first full season of Wade Boggs, even if he is still not an everyday player.

NEW YORK YANKEES
Never easy playing in the big apple, where everybody wants to win, especially after a great 1980 campaign. They finish in 3rd place, but never contending the title. Reggie Jackson put good Numbers despite a woeful batting average while the pitching was not so lucky, with being the 1st in FIP but only 12th in starters ERA and 10th in bullpen ERA.

DETROIT TIGERS
Far from the division title at the end of the season, Detroit experienced a similar 1980 campaign, finishing 83-79 this year against a 84-78 last year. The good was the bullpen, 2nd in the majors, but the team excelled in nothing, except for Jack Morris (19 Wins). The good is Alan Trammell, who is one of the best SS in the League at only 23.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Horrible. They had some good season in last Years, even without winning the division, but in 1981 they finished with a 68-94 record without any particular joy. Their most representive men all played a down season (Cooper/Simmons/Molitor/Yount) and they need to bounce back next year.

CLEVELAND INDIANS
After a bad 1980, they did worse this year going 67-95. Team can smile only in strikeouts, 2nd in the League, but it's hard to find a good point for smile. Even in the minors their best prospect did not play well and it will be key for them making good moves in off-season

TORONTO BLUE JAYS
4th last place in a row, almost last in all stats and no signs of improvement. Times are tough in Toronto, but they could build on Dave Stieb, Joey McLaughlin and Jim Clancy, three Young pitchers with decent season and on Miguel Dilone, 26 year old LF with a good baserunning instinct. In the minors, they have Jesse Barfield, already called up, which could be an asset for the future.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX
There is not much to say about the 1981 World Champions. They did a wonderful rebound after some down seasons with a solid team play. Carlton Fisk, Chet Lemon and Greg Luzinski contribute greatly at bat while Lamp and Hoyt were the best team pitchers. It will be hard to repeat, but with Luzinski in prime age, Lemon growing, Fisk at his best and some younger pitchers developing, never say never

MINNESOTA TWINS
They gained second place despite not being able to compete for first all year, but they started a growth process and hope for even better going forward. Gary Ward and Roy Smalley starred in lineup while Roger Erickson had a breakout year with a 19 win season, but they will need more if they want to contend.

KANSAS CITY ROYALS
Tied in 2nd place with the Twins, for Kansas this was a down year after a great 1980 campaign. Team biggest star, George Brett, had a "down year" at the plate and rest of the batting team was not able to keep things rolling. However, Kansas can smile with the rise of ROY candidate Atlee Hammaker, one of the best pitchers in the League and the great season in the minors of their best prospect, Mark Gubicza.

CALIFORNIA ANGELS
After a rough 1980, they bounced back without being able to contend in the division. They close near .500 and they traded away one of their best players at the deadline (Don Baylor). Fred Lynn excelled at the plate while veteran Don Carew saw a drop in his plate efficiency, despite having not so bad Numbers. In Pitching, team was not so good (11th in FIP), off-season will be fundamental for next year ambitions.

SEATTLE MARINERS
Finished tied with the Angels, a small forward step after a brutal 1980 season. The step is small because no one really emerged as a team leader, to note is the continuos improvement by pitcher Floyd Bannister and team really hopes that prospects Mark Langston (P), Mike Moore (P) and Dave Henderson (CF) can breakout soon, improving the team.

TEXAS RANGERS
Similar record to 1980, with many problems in batting while pitchers were able to post good Numbers. Veteran Al Oliver was the better player and pitcher Doug Bird had a nice ride after being acquired from the Yankees. They need a really good off-season for trying to be competitive next season

OAKLAND ATHLETICS
After a good 1980 campaign, the board hoped for another good effort, but everything went bad. Last place, 90 losses and the only smiles were Rickey Henderson with his 85 stolen bases (but a drop in batting average) and defensive stats, best in the League. Won't be easy trying to rebound, especially if starting pitching continues to be no good (FIP > 4) and lineup does not hit (last pace in AL in almost every batting stat)

NL

PITTSBURGH PIRATES
After the 1979 Triumph and a positive record in 1980, the Pirates established themself as one of the top franchises in the majors. They went so close to World Series after being up 2-0 in the series with the Astros and top many batting stats in National League. Lee Lacy has been the team MVP in batting while Don Robinson has been the best pitcher, even if he was a bit lucky. To note also the presence of two great prospects, 3B Bobby Bonilla and P Cecilio Guante for what it seems a bright future

MONTREAL EXPOS
.500 record, worse than previous Years, with a good start and then a progressive decline despite pushing hard with the acquisition of Bert Blyleven, one of the top starters in the League. The team is solid and the franchise hopes to improve with the arrival of top prospect Andres Galarraga, but pitching will Always be the key.

CHICAGO CUBS
They improved a lot, going almost .500 and being able to contend for a while during the season. Bill Buckner and Leon Durham were the workhorses for this team, with a little bit of missing luck for pitching. It they do the right moves in the off-season, could stand a chance to compete next season

NEW YORK METS
Despite a 20 win season for starter Craig Swan, the record was under .500 and the team not able to contend. They improved, but lineup remains the weak part of the team (last in NL for Runs scored, batting avg, OBP, OPS). However, they have the number 1-5-9 prospect in the majors, Lenny Dykstra, Darryl Strawberry and Kevin Mitchell so the future could be bright for them.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
The defending Champs were one of the worst teams in NL for a good part of the season. Failure, this is the right word. Mike Schmidt had a decent season but the rest of lineup was not good at all; pitching was very good, with Steve Carlton being a legitimate candidate for Cy Young. From the minors, Julio Franco could be a great upgrade in the lineup.

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
Pre-season rankings saw them among the favorites, but the field told another story. Pitching penalised the RedBirds, while they had been average in batting. They had one of the best shortstops in the League, Terry Templeton, but there are many holes to fill with some talent being almost ready in the minors (Jim gott, Andy Van Slyke)

HOUSTON ASTROS
They confirmed themselves, with another playoff run which ended in game 6 of the World Series. The best part of the team was pitching, with three pitchers with an ERA under 3 and Nolan Ryan flirting with a 20 win season. Batting was solid, not spectacular and only a spirited team like the White Sox stopped them. Not much talent in the minors, we'll see if they can improve in the off-season

LOS ANGELES DODGERS
Like in the 1980, they fought all season but in the end Houston won and they came in 2nd place. Very solid team in pitching, with a stellar bullpen, but they could have done better in batting, especially behind the star duo Pedro Guerrero and Ron Cey. Rookie Steve Sax, who tasted the majors in 1981, could be a factor in next season

CINCINNATI REDS
Despite being third, 16 games back, they confirmed to be one of the best franchises in NL West. They had a stellar pitching, with Mario Soto being a Cy Young candidate and the problem was in the lineup. Minor League talent seems to be far from the majors, so if they do not right in the off-season, their ability to contend could fall next year

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
Mediocre season in the Bay, with a subpar record and a little smile coming from Young pitching development. Fred Breining and Joe Beckwith had good seasons behind veteran Vida Blue while the lineup did not perform well. Off-season will be important because there are not major League ready talents at bat.

SAN DIEGO PADRES
Same as the San Francisco Giants, mediocre season, subpar record with some smiles coming from Young pitchers like Danny Boone and Tim Lollar. Also to note a very good defense, while the lineup was not able to support. If Giants have no talent in the minors, here there are two men who deserve a look: John Kruk and Tony Gwinn.

ATLANTA BRAVES
Bad, really really bad season even with the best starters FIP of all the National League. Bullpen was a key problem and also the lineup, despite Bob Horner hitting 36 HR/100 RBI, was not able to help. In the minors pitcher Ken Dayley could be a factor next year, but an off-season shakeup seems necessary.

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SEASON AWARDS

AL GOLD GLOVES - PLATINUM STICK
P - Rick Langford (CWS)
C - Jim Sundberg (SEA) - Brian Downing (CAL)
1B - Carl Yastrzemski (BOS) - Eddie Murray (BAL)
2B - Lou Whitaker (DET) - Bobby Grich (CAL)
3B - George Brett (TOR) - Graig Nettles (NYY)
SS - Tony Phillips (OAK) - Roy Smalley (MIN)
LF - Fred Lynn (CAL) - Fred Lynn (CAL)
CF - Chet Lemon (CWS) - Jerry Mumphrey (NYY)
RF - Dwight Evans - Dwight Evans (BOS)
DH - Champ Summers (DET)

NL
P - Phil Niekro (HOU) - Joe Niekro (HOU)
C - Gary Carter (MON) - Johnny Bench (CIN)
1B - Keith Hernandez (STL) - Bill Buckner (CHC)
2B - Mike Phillips (SD) - Joe Morgan (SF)
3B - Mike Schmidt (PHI) - Mike Schmidt (PHI)
SS - Garry Templeton (STL) - Garry Templeton (STL)
LF - George Foster (CIN) - Tm Raines (MON)
CF - Lee Lacy (PIT) - Andre Dawson (MON)
RF - Terry Puhl (HOU) - Lonnie Smith (PHI)

AL
Reliever of the year: Don Aase (CAL)
ROY: Atlee Hammaker (SP, KC)
Manager: Tony LaRussa (CHW)
CY YOUNG: Mike Flanagan (BAL)
MVP: Eddie Murray (BAL)

NL
Reliever of the year: Al Holland (SF)
ROY: Tony Pena Sr. (SS, PIT)
Manager: Bill Virdon (HOU)
CY YOUNG: Mario Soto (CIN)
MVP: Lee Lacy (PIT)

MLB DRAFT

1) Toronto Blue Jays: Dwight Gooden (SP)
2) Cleveland Guardians: Mike Greenwell (3B)
3) Milwaukee Brewers: Kirby Puckett (LF)
4) Atlanta Braves: Kal Daniels (LF)
5) Oakland Athletics: Alvin Davis (1B)
6) St. Louis Cardinals: Bip Roberts (2B)
7) San Diego Padres: Jose Canseco (3B)
8) San Francisco Giants: Cecil Fielder (1B)
9) Philadelphia Phillies: Kevin McReynolds (RF)
10) Texas Rangers: Danny Jackson (P)
11) New York Mets: Mariano Duncan (SS)
12) Seattle Mariners: Chris Bosio (P)
13) Chicago Cubs: Dan Pasqua (LF)
14) California Angels: David Wells (P)
15) Cincinnati Reds Floyd Youmans (P)
16) Montreal Expos: Roberto Kelly (SS)
17) Detroit Tigers: Larry Sheets (1B)
18) Minnesota Twins: Chris James (3B)
19) Kansas City Royals: Ed Correa (P)
20) New York Yankees: Terry Pendleton (2B)
21) Los Angeles Dodgers: Kenny Rogers (P)
22) Pittsburgh Pirates: Duane Ward (P)
23) Boston Red Sox: Randy Myers (P)
24) Chicago White Sox: Jimmy Key (P)
25) Baltimore Orioles: John Habyan (P)
26) Houston Astros: Steve Buechele (2B)

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OFF-SEASON NOTABLE MOVEMENTS
- Mike Flanagan, current Cy Young, signs a 5.880.000 dollars 7 Years contract with the Pirates
- Baltimore extended OF Terry Crowley for 2 Years
- Pirates traded for 1B Mike Hargrove, sending a minor leaguer to Cleveland
- Phillies acquired SS Garry Templeton from St. Louis for 20 year old Kevin Gross and two other minor leaguers in a blockbuster trade
- Cleveland acquired Manny Trillo from Phillies
- Baltimore send OF Benny Ayala to Texas for a veteran and minor leaguers
- Giants acquired prospect Eric Plunk from the Yankees for a veteran catcher
- Texas acquired veteran Tom Seaver from Cincinnati
- Minnesota acquire OF Dale Murphy from the Braves
- San Francisco inked SP Vern Ruhle
- Tigers sign LF Sixto Lezcano to a 6 year contract (4.270.000 dollars)
- Cleveland sign OF Cesar Cedeno
- Angels sign OF Tom Paciorek
- Giants ink C John Wockenfuss
- Dodgers make a big splash, inking 2B Bobby Grich on a 5-year contract Worth 6.580.000 $
- Angels ink 3B Bill Madlock to a 5 year contract
- Toronto acquired RF Claudell Washington from Braves for 1B John Mayberry and a minor leaguer
- Giants ink Vida Blue for 2 Years
- Indians got RF Tony Armas from Oakland for 3 minor leaguers
- Expos ink Rod Carew
- Baltimore signs current MVP Lee Lacy for 4.550.000$ for 5 Years
- Dodgers acquire Ozzie Smith from Padres for prospects
- Reds sign RP Tug McGwraw
- Dodgers sign RF Al Oliver
- Phillies ink Bert Blyleven with a 4 year contract Worth 4720000$
- Phillies ink OF Reggie Smith
- Angels ink C Jim Sundberg
- Giants signs veteran catcher Joe Ferguson
- Dennis Eckersley signs 4 year contract with the Mariners (just under 5 millions)
- Robin Young signs an 8 year contract with the Pirates, Worth 10.500.000 $
- Toronto Inks RF Warren Cromartie
- Boston inks 2B Willie Randolph
- Cincinnati inks Dilone and Ken Griffey Sr.


HALL OF FAME VOTING
4 new inductees in HOF:
- Frank Robinson (1st year, 98.6%)
- Hank Aaron (1st year, 97.6%)
- Bob Gibson (1st year, 95.7%)
- Harmon Killebrew (1st year, 75.5%)

Juan Marichal missed by 0.1%

[Sberl]

1982 SEASON PREVIEW

Looking at off-season transactions, it seems that Phillies and Blue Jays made the most notable additions without losing so much. Phillies add star SS Garry Templeton via trade and FA Bert Blyleven, Denny Walling, Reggie Smith and Frank La Corte while Toronto gained Claudell Washington (via trade) and inked SP Pete Buckovich, CF Dave Collins, RF Warren Cromartie and also traded for RP Bo McLaughlin. Good moves also by Seattle, adding Eckersley and Haas for the mound while in RF they traded for Joel Youngblood; very aggressive off-season for the Indians, with pitcher Koosman and Jenkins and OF Tony Armas and Cesar Cedeno while losing starters Len Barker and John Denny. Teams on paper which did worse seems to be the Montreal Expos (losing Blyleven, Bailor, Cromartie and Speier), the Cardinals (the Templeton Trade, but also Tony Scott, Sixto Lezcano and Frank Lacorte) and the Red Sox with the loss of Eckersley and Tanana

Looking at Predictions, analyst see a tight race in AL East, with Toronto prevailing on Orioles by only one game, with Tigers/Yankees/Red Sox also contending. In AL West Mariners seems the team to beat, with Royals/Angels/Athletics trying to battle; it will be hard for White Sox to repeat themselves. For National League, despite a severe injury that will sideline ace Steve Carlton for 15 months, analyst see Phillies way ahead the rest of NL East; the race will be open in the West, with Astros favorites over the Dodgers (they will start the season without star Pedro Guerrero).
Speaking about singles, analysts predict a breakout season for Fernando Valenzuela, Cal Ripken Jr. and Lance Perrish, Tigers catcher.

TOP 10 PROSPECTS
1) 3B Mike Greenwell (CLE)
2) RF Kal Daniels (ATL)
3) 3B Kevin Mitchell (NYM)
4) RHP Dwight Gooden (TOR)
5) RF Lenny Dykstra (NYM)
6) LF Darry Strawberry (NYM)
7) LHP Danny Jackson (TEX)
8) RHP Chris Bosio (SEAA)
9) 3B Bobby Bonilla (PIT)
10) 2B Kelly Gruber (CLE)

[Sberl]

APRIL

AL
A brilliant first month by the Jays put the on first after 22 games (15-7) with a small advantage on Cleveland Guardians. To note the bad start from the Orioles, close to last place (8-11) with only the Brewers behind them (8-12). In the west, the Champs started well, going tied at the end of April with the Angels. Rangers and Mariners very close, last place at the moment for the Twins
Looking at individual stats, Jim Rice (BOS) leads the way with above .400 in avg and 25 RBI while Tom Brunanski (CAL) exploded with 8 HR. In pitching, strong start for Fergie Jenkins (5-0, 2.32 ERA) but also good Numbers for Jim Beattie (DET) with a 2.05 ERA.

NL
Tight start in NL East, with Mets e Phillies tied at first, with Pirates and Cardinals really near them. Cubs and Expos with bad starts, both way under .500 (8-13 and 5-15); in West Padres, Astros and Giants try to gain an early lead on the rest of the division, but the race is very long.
Looking at stats, the first month by Terry Kennedy (SD) was terrific: .482 avg, 1.333 OPS! Also notable are the 8 HR by Foster (NYM) with 21 RBI and the 11 stolen bases by Dilone (CIN). In Pitching, three pitcher with an ERA under 2: Larry McWilliams (ATL), Lee Smith (CHC) and Vida Blue (SF); also to note the 8 saves by Bruce Sutter (STL) and the 39 K by Mario Soto in 39 IP.

TRANSACTIONS/NOTABLE MENTIONS
No Trades in the first month

- Willie Horton (NYM) gets hit number 2000 and decided to retire at end of the season

MONTHLY AWARDS & NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
- George Foster (NYM) against Giants, 4/5, 3 R, 7 RBI, 2 HR
- Alan Trammell (DET) against Toronto, 4/5, 4 R, 5 RBI, 3 HR
- Don Sutton (HOU) against Atlanta, 9 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 7 K
- John Candelaria (SD) against Atlanta, 9 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 6 K

AL Batter of the month: Jim Rice (BOS)
AL Pitcher of the month: Fergie Jenkins (CLE)
AL Rookie of the month: Kent Hrbek (MIN)

NL Batter of the month: Terry Kennedy (SD)
NL Pitcher of the month: Pat Underwood (SD)
NL Rookie of the month: Steve Sax (LAD)

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MAY

AL
Entering June, the great Jays' start continues as they still lead going 30-19, with a small 1 and half game lead on the Indians. Orioles, after a really bad start, went hot and close the month 27-21, 2 and half game back of the Jays. Red Sox and Tigers are in position to contend while Brewers and Yankees appear already out (Yankees last with 18-30 record).
In the west it seeems a 4 team battle, with Mariners in the lead and the defending Champs White Sox half game back. Athletics and Rangers very close with the Angels 4 game back. Despite a 20-31 record, last place Twins can still ride a hot streak for trying to come back in contention.
On the statistical side, things are getting normal in avg, with Ray Knight (DET) leading by a small gap on Rickey Henderson. Eddie Murray (BAL) took the lead in HR (15) and he is 2 RBI behind the leader, Dave Henderson (SEA). Fergie Jenkins (CLE) continues his terrific start, with a 9-1 record and 2.05 ERA; to note also the 13 saves by Mike Stanton (CLE)

NL
May was a good month for Phillies, they lead the NL east with a small gap on the Mets (2 and a half game) and a wider one on Cardinals (4 games). Cubs and Pirates still battling while the Expos, in last position seem not a contention team.
Tight race also in NL West, with Padres leading 1 game over the Astros and 2 games over the Reds. 6 and a half game back for Giants and Dodgers, but the race is far from over.
Robin Yount (PIT) take the lead on AVG while George Foster (NYM) leads the HR category with 12. David Green (STL) is a surprise lead on RBI, ahead of his teammate Gene Tenace

TRANSACTIONS/NOTABLE MENTIONS
No significant trades

Rick Wise (BOS) and Nolan Ryan (HOU) gain the W number 200
Reggie Smith (PHI) reached 2000 hits in career
Gary Matthews (PHI) decided to retire from baseball at 31 Years old after failing to recovery from a broken elbow

MONTHLY AWARDS & NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
- Billy Sample (TEX) against Chicago, 6/6, 4 R, 3 RBI, 1 HR
- Wayne Nordhagen (CWS) against Kansas City, 3/5, 3 R, 5 RBI, 3 HR
- Rudy May (NYY) against Oakland, 9 IP, 3 H, 5 K
- Mario Soto (CIN) against Montreal, 8 IP, 3 H, 7 K

AL Batter of the month: Eddie Murray (BAL)
AL Pitcher of the month: Luis Leal (TOR)
AL Rookie of the month: Mike Boddicker (OAK)

NL Batter of the month: Dwayne Murphy (PHI)
NL Pitcher of the month: Mario Soto (CIN)
NL Rookie of the month: Neal Heaton (NYM)