Jack Brady takes over in Boston

[Swami077]

September 10, 1990
For the first time in quite awhile, there is a buzz surrounding the Boston Red Sox. On Friday night, management made the long awaited move and promoted top prospects Jeff Bagwell and Phil Plantier to the Major League roster. They did not disappoint. Both in the starting lineup and hitting back-to-back in the 6 and 7 spots, they led Boston to a win over Seattle on Saturday. Bagwell went 2-for-3 with 3 RBI, while Plantier made the most of his lone hit, as it was a 3 run home run off Seattle’s Rick Balabon. While Plantier sat out on Sunday against lefty Randy Johnson, Bagwell kept his hit parade going with a carbon copy 2-for-3 effort with 3 more RBI.

Despite the excitement surrounding the Red Sox’ young players, Seattle wound up taking two out of three games in Boston, which was critical to keeping their postseason hopes alive. With Oakland currently riding a 4 game losing streak, Seattle has now closed the gap in the AL West to 3.5 games. Earlier in the week, Oakland also took two out of three in Boston in a series that was marred by inclement weather. Tuesday’s game was postponed due to rain, and rescheduled as a Wednesday doubleheader. However, a poor forecast only allowed the teams to get one of the two games in. Fortunately, the teams shared a mutual off day on Thursday and were able to wrap up the series while the Athletics were still in town.

The Gulf Coast League Red Sox fell to the Mets in the best of seven championship series. After dropping the first two games of the series, the Mets won four straight to close out the Red Sox in six games. “While we are obviously disappointed in the result, an opportunity to play in a tense playoff setting is a terrific experience for these young guys,” said Jack Brady.

A couple of other Red Sox minor league teams with get some playoff experience this year. In the Carolina League, the Lynchburg Red Sox finished with an 81-59 record and their championship series against the Peninsula Pilots is currently tied at two game apiece. The teams will play game five of the series against tonight in Lynchburg. Elsewhere, the Winter Haven Red Sox finished with a 71-60 record and currently waits to see who they will face when the Florida State League playoffs begin this week.

Around the League
Losers of four in a row, the Oakland A’s open a three game series tonight in Seattle. The A’s lead the Mariners by 3.5 games with three weeks remaining in the season. The pitching matchups are expected to feature Scott Sanderson against Seattle’s Greg Harris tonight, Ed Wojna opposed by Mike Gardiner tomorrow night, and then Matt Young squaring off against Erik Hanson in the finale of the series.

In the NL West, San Diego leads Cincinnati by just one game with 19 games remaining for each team. Both teams are at home to start the week with San Diego opening a three game series against the Dodgers tonight, and Cincinnati opposing the Houston Astros. Cincinnati did lose ace Jose Rijo to a six game suspension this week for throwing at the Dodgers’ Dave Hansen, which incited a bench clearing brawl.

The East divisions have been largely decided at this point in the season. Baltimore is likely to clinch the AL East early this week, as their magic number sits at 3. In the NL East, the Pirates have pulled away from the rest of the pack with an 8 game lead with 19 to play. Sid Bream has been a big part of Pittsburgh extending their lead, and he was named NL Player of the Week today, with a .469 average, 2 home runs and 8 RBIs in the past week. In the American League, Rafael Palmeiro of the Texas Rangers earned the award by hitting .536, with 3 home runs and 11 RBI.

After being named the most recent NL Player of the Week, outfielder Ron Gant of the Atlanta Braves saw his outstanding season come to an early end after sustaining a concussion during a game in Los Angeles last week. Gant finished his season tied for the NL lead in home runs with 37.

Week in Review

Pinch hitter Darren Lewis' RBI double in the 9th inning broke a 2-2 tie and proved to be the difference as Oakland won a hard fought battle against the Red Sox, 3-2. AL Cy Young contender Mike Moore started for the A's and pitched 7 strong innings, allowing 2 runs on 8 hits. He was matched by Boston's Tom Bolton, who allowed just 2 runs on 4 hits over his 6 innings of work. Al Bumbry brought his closer Jeff Reardon into a tie game with the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the 8th. Reardon was able to retire Mark McGwire to end the threat, but Oakland rallied in the 9th to push across the winning run. McGwire's two run homer in the 2nd inning provided all of Oakland's offense until Lewis delivered in the 9th. Catcher Tony Pena had 3 hits for Boston.


After yesterday's rain out, the Red Sox and Athletics play a day-night doubleheader today at Fenway Park. Oakland's Scott Sanderson opposed Wes Gardner in the first game, and pitched a 7 inning gem in a 14-0 thrashing. The Red Sox managed just 4 hits in the game. Mark McGwire got it started for Oakland with a 2 run homer in the first inning, and Russ McGinnis bookended that with a grand slam in the 9th. The Red Sox will try to salvage the final game of the series behind Roger Clemens in the second game of the doubleheader.


In a series interrupted by inclement weather, the Red Sox were able to salvage today's final game of the series. Red Sox starter Roger Clemens earned his 15th win of the season, firing 7 innings and allowing 3 runs (2 earned) on 4 hits. He struck out 6 batters in the game. The Red Sox offense jumped on A's starter Ed Wojna with 4 runs in the 3rd inning, and then knocked him out of the game with 4 more in the 5th. Mike Greenwell went 3-for-3 as part of Boston's 11 hit attack.

[Swami077]

Seattle got an elite pitching performance by Erik Hanson today, which resulted in the 5-0 shutout win at Fenway Park. Hanson went 8.1 innings and allowed just 4 hits while striking out 5. The Mariners scored 3 in the first inning off of Boston starter John Dopson, who pitched well otherwise. Dopson settled down and did not allow another run over 6 innings of work. Ken Griffey Jr. continued his assault on American League pitching with a 4-4 effort to raise his average to .354. Edgar Martinez chipped in 3 hits of his own for Seattle as well. The Red Sox removed outfielder Kevin Romine late in the game with an arm injury, but it isn't expected to be a long term concern. The big news of the day on Boston's side came after the game when they announced that top prospects Jeff Bagwell and Phil Plantier would be promoted from Double A and be available for tomorrow's game.


The Boston Red Sox got a glimpse into their future today, and it was the most exciting moment at Fenway Park in quite some time. Jeff Bagwell and Phil Plantier each made their Major League debuts today and provided quite a bit of excitement. Bagwell drove in runs in each of his first 3 at bats, finishing 2-for-3 on the day. Hitting behind Bagwell in the 7 hole, Plantier hit a 3 run home run in the 5th inning that broke the game open. Boston starter Dana Kiecker left with a 9-3 lead after allowing only 4 hits over 6 innings. Seattle had a furious rally with 5 runs in the 7th inning, but relievers Dennis Lamp, Rob Murphy and Jeff Reardon were able to close out the win. Interestingly, it was Murphy and not regular closer Reardon who started the 9th inning with 3 left handers due up for Seattle.


Seattle took the rubber match today in Boston with a 7-4 win over the Red Sox. Randy Johnson only lasted 5.2 innings and was removed after 107 pitches. His opponent, Tom Bolton, also was inefficient, lasting just 4 innings and throwing 100 pitches. The game was tied at 2 when Todd Worrell entered in the 8th and had a disastrous inning for the Red Sox. Worrell surrendered 5 runs in the inning, highlighted by a 3 run homer off the bat of Felix Jose. For the Red Sox, Jeff Bagwell was a bright spot for the second straight day. He went 2-for-3 and drove in 3 runs for the second time in as many days.

[Swami077]

September 17, 1990
While the 1990 season mercifully ticks toward its end for the Red Sox, the team’s recent youth movement has left fans with reason for optimism. Although he cooled off over the weekend in Chicago, Jeff Bagwell’s Major League career has gotten off to a dream start. He is hitting .414 with 11 RBI in his first 8 big league games. 21 year old outfielder Phil Plantier has a .286 average with 3 home runs and 9 RBI across six starts for Boston. With 11 games remaining in the season and the team 53 games below .500, the most exciting storyline for Red Sox fans to follow the development of these young players.

With the White Sox set to move into a new ballpark in 1991, Comiskey Park is set to be demolished after this season is wrapped up. The stadium on the South Side of Chicago has been the White Sox’ home since 1910. The Red Sox made their final visit this past weekend, dropping 3 out 4 during the weekend series. After winning the first game on Thursday night, the Red Sox lost each of the next three in dramatic walkoff fashion.


Boston’s final game at Comiskey Park on Sunday September 16, 1990

In minor league playoff action, the Lynchburg Red Sox of the Single A Carolina League won the championship in a 7 game series over the Peninsula Pilots of the Mariners organization. The series wrapped up in an epic 7th game won by Lynchburg 9-8 in 13 innings. Greg Blosser’s home run in the 13th proved to be the game winner after the teams each scored 3 in the 11th. Blosser had 3 homers in the series after leading the Carolina League with 26 dingers during the season. Catcher Paul Williams was named series MVP after going 8-for-30 with 3 homers and 8 RBI.

In the Florida State League, the Winter Haven Red Sox currently trail the Dunedin Blue Jays 3 games to 1 in their best of 7 semifinal series. After winning the first game of the series 8-7, the Red Sox have dropped three straight. Game five is tonight in Winter Haven. The winner of the series will go on to face the Fort Lauderdale Yankees who swept the Vero Beach Dodgers.

Around the League
The Baltimore Orioles wrapped up the American League East this week. They currently have 93 wins, and are the only team above .500 in the division. They will await the winner of the AL West in the ALCS. Oakland currently holds a 2.5 game lead, but is just 2-8 in their last 10 games. Early last week, the Mariners hosted Oakland at the Kingdome in Seattle and took two games out of three. The teams will not play again this season. Both teams are home this week with the A’s facing the White Sox and Tigers while the Mariners square off against the Rangers and White Sox.

In the National League, the Pirates magic number sits at 5 in the NL East. After a flurry of trades before the deadline, Pittsburgh has pulled away from the pack in the division. In the West, Cincinnati leads San Diego by 2 games. The two teams meet for a three game series in San Diego next weekend, and run it back with a three game series in Cincinnati to close the season.

Tony Fernandez of the Toronto Blue Jays was named AL Player of the Week going 12-for-27 with 2 home runs and 7 RBI. His week was highlighted by hitting for the cycle in a game against the Orioles. In the National League, Greg Vaughn of the Chicago Cubs earned the honor with 6 home runs and 14 RBI during the week. Of Vaughn’s 23 homers this season, 12 have come since the trade to Chicago on July 27th.

Week in Review

It was another big game for Boston's recent callups. Phil Plantier carried the offense for the Red Sox with two home runs and 4 RBI in an 8-4 win over Milwaukee. Jeff Bagwell got the Red Sox started with a double in the second inning, and he came around when Plantier blasted his first homer, a 3 run shot off Milwaukee starter Jamie Navarro. Wes Gardner started for the Red Sox and lasted 3.2 innings, and left before he could qualify for the win. Pedro Borbon got the win in relief, pitching 2.1 shutout innings. Mike Greenwell added 3 hits for the Red Sox, while Gary Sheffield tallied 3 hits to lead Milwaukee's offense.


This one got away from the Red Sox late, as Milwaukee pulled away in the late innings for a 10-3 win at Fenway Park. Entering the 8th inning with a 3-1 lead, Roger Clemens ran out of gas and allowed 3 runs in the inning. Clemens struck out 10 in his 8 innings of work, but ended up a tough luck loser. The Red Sox managed just 5 hits in the game. After Tim Watkins left the game after 5 innings, Cal Eldred came on for the Brewers and pitched 4 no hit innings in relief to earn the win. Jeff Bagwell was the offensive standout for Boston, going 2-for-4 including a 2 run triple in the 1st inning.


In a back and forth battle, it was the Milwaukee Brewers who wound up on top, 11-7, tonight against the Red Sox. An RBI single by Gerald Young in the 8th inning broke a 7-7 tie to put Milwaukee ahead for good. The Brewers jumped out 4-0 early against Boston starter John Dopson, who labored through 5 innings. After the Red Sox responded with two in the 2nd, two run homers in the 3rd for Ellis Burks and Dwight Evans put Boston on top and chased Brewers starter Chris Bosio. Milwaukee's attack was relentless with 19 hits, including 4 each for Young and B.J. Surhoff. Young drove in 4 runs, while Paul Molitor drove in 3 as well. Mike Greenwell and Mo Vaughn had 3 hits apiece for Boston. The Red Sox now head out on their final road trip of the season, which begins with their last series at Comiskey Park.

[Swami077]

In the opener of their final series at historic Comiskey Park, the Red Sox came away 6-1 winners over the White Sox. Boston started Dana Kiecker continued his recent excellent pitching with 7 innings of 2 hit ball to earn the win. Wade Boggs led off for Boston and had 3 hits to lead the Red Sox. Jeff Bagwell continued his RBI streak with a single in the 9th inning, as he has now driven in a run in each of his first 6 career games. He is hitting .524 since being promoted last weekend. Melido Perez took the loss for Chicago, allowing 5 runs on 10 hits over 5.1 innings.


Boston's 100th loss of the season came in memorable fashion as the Chicago White Sox won a thriller tonight over the Boston Red Sox, 8-6, on a walkoff home run by Ivan Calderon in the 10th inning. Boston reliever Jeff Gray was trying to finish off his second inning of work for the second consecutive day, when he left a pitch up to Calderon who deposited it 405 feet for his 22nd homer of the season. After trailing for most of the game, Red Sox pinch hitter Mo Vaughn tied the game in the 8th with a 2 out, 2 run single off Bobby Thigpen. Chicago starter went 7.2 innings, and was charged with all 6 Boston runs. Tom Bolton lasted just 4.1 innings for Boston, allowing 5 runs on 10 hits, but the team's rally got him off the hook and avoided his 17th loss of the season. Carlton Fisk went 4-for-5 with a home run for Chicago, while Boston's offense was led by Wade Boggs who had 3 hits for the second straight day.


For the second straight day, the White Sox walked off with a win in the 10th inning against the Red Sox. In the 5-4 win, outfielder Denny Gonzalez drove home the game winning run with a sacrifice fly. One day after hitting a walkoff homer, Ivan Calderon again had the most dramatic at bat of the game with a game tying single with two outs in the 9th off Boston's closer, Jeff Reardon. Dwight Evans went 3-for-4 for the Red Sox, and was a home run short of the cycle. Wes Gardner started for the Red Sox and threw 71 pitches in 3.2 innings of work, allowing 3 runs on 5 hits.


In their last game ever at historic Comiskey Park in Chicago, the Red Sox capped off a series that they would like to forget with their third consecutive walkoff defeat at the hands of the White Sox. Pinch hitting for Ozzie Guillen with the bases loaded and two outs in the 9th inning, Carlton Fisk hit an RBI single to left field to bring home Robin Ventura with the game winning run, as Chicago beat Boston 3-2. Roger Clemens was excellent once again, firing 7 innings and allowing just 2 runs on 3 hits. He was opposed by Alex Fernandez who pitched into the 8th inning, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits while striking out 8. Daryl Boston went 2-for-3 and drove in two runs for Chicago, while Dwight Evans led Boston with 2 hits of his own.

[Swami077]

September 24, 1990
Just a week left in the season for the Red Sox, and they continue to have the worst record in the league. After taking 2 out of 3 this weekend at Yankee Stadium, they sit at 52-105, 1.5 games worse than the San Francisco Giants. They return home to wrap up their season against the Indians and Blue Jays.

Starting pitcher Dana Kiecker has turned his season around in a big way. Over his last 4 starts, he has pitched 28 innings and allowed just 4 earned runs on 11 hits. He has staked his claim to a rotation spot next season. He will make his final start of 1990 tomorrow night against Cleveland.

Winter Haven’s season came to an end this week, losing in 6 games to the Dunedin Blue Jays. Dunedin moved into the finals, where they currently trail Fort Lauderdale, two games to none.

Red Sox infielder John Malzone was named Gulf Coast League MVP this week. On the season, the 22 year old hit .395 with 9 home runs and 53 RBI over 172 at bats. Elsewhere, Lynchburg’s 22 year old pitcher Brian Conroy was named the Carolina League’s Reliever of the Year. Conroy went 8-9 with a 3.96 ERA and 1.09 WHIP. He struck out 68 batters in 75 innings.

Around the League
With a win over the Cubs on Thursday, the Pirates clinched the National League East. This will be their first playoff appearance since 1979. Cincinnati took two out of three games in San Diego this weekend to extend their lead in the NL West to two games. The teams will meet in Cincinnati next weekend to close out the season. Meanwhile, in the AL West, the A’s magic number to clinch the division over the Mariners is down to 4.

Seattle’s Tino Martinez was named AL Player of the Week, going 10-for-24 with 4 homers and 16 RBI this week. In the NL, Pedro Guerrero of the St. Louis Cardinals earned the award going 10-for-21 with 2 homers last week.


The Padres and Reds squared off in a critical NL West series in San Diego this weekend

Week in Review

The Orioles scored at least 1 run in every inning except the 1st and put a beating on the Boston Red Sox, winning 19-5 tonight at Memorial Stadium. Brady Anderson, Randy Milligan and Sam Horn hit back-to-back-to-back home runs as part of a 5 run 2nd inning against Red Sox starter John Dopson. Hitting in the 9 hole, catcher Doug Robbins went 5-for-6 and drove in 3 runs. Baltimore had 20 hits and Red Sox pitchers walked 12 Orioles in the dominant win. Ellis Burks went 3-for-3 with 3 RBI for the Red Sox. After starter Pete Harnisch was removed in the 4th inning after giving up 5 earned runs, the Orioles bullpen fired 5.1 shutout innings.


Dana Kiecker was outstanding for the Red Sox today. He pitched 8 innings of 2 hit ball, allowing 1 run and striking out 4. Kiecker has pitched very well for Boston down the stretch, winning his third consecutive start. Tim Naehring had 3 hits in the game and was a home run short of the cycle. Greg Maddux was a tough luck loser for the Orioles, as he pitched into the 8th inning and allowed 3 runs. Despite allowing a home run to Sam Horn in the 9th, Jeff Reardon picked up his 8th save of the season in the 3-2 Boston win.


Baltimore took the rubber match of this 3 game series against Boston, 6-3 today. John Mitchell got the win for the Orioles, going 8 innings and allowing 3 runs (1 earned) on 8 hits without walking any Red Sox. Gregg Olson tossed a scoreless 9th for his 32nd save in 36 opportunities. Doug Robbins continue wrapped up a great series with a 4-for-4 effort, including 2 RBI. Entering the series hitting under .200, he went 9-for-10 with 5 RBI against Boston. Cal Ripken and Billy Ripken had 3 hits apiece as well. Red Sox starter Tom Bolton took the loss, allowing 4 runs on 12 hits in 5.2 innings. He struck out 7. Offensively for the Red Sox, Ellis Burks went 3-for-4 with a double.

[Swami077]

Pinch hitting for Don Mattingly, Kevin Maas hit a lead off home run on the 9th against Red Sox reliever Jeff Gray to give the Yankees a 4-3 walkoff win tonight. New York jumped out to an early 3-0 lead, led by a 2 run homer in the 1st inning by Luis Polonia. Wes Gardner settled down from there for Boston, lasting 5 innings and allowing just 4 hits. His opposing starter, Dave LaPoint, threw just two pitches and was forced to leave with an injury. Sterling Hitchcock came on for the Yankees and threw 90 pitches in relief, while allowing just 1 run. All three Boston runs were driven in by Mike Greenwell, while Jody Reed and Wade Boggs added 3 hits apiece in the losing effort.


Roger Clemens earned his 16th win in a 2-0 victory over today at Yankee Stadium. He matched his season high with 131 pitches through 7.2 innings, striking out 7 and allowing 5 hits. Yankee starter Mark Leiter also tossed 7.2 innings, and wound up the tough luck loser. The teams were locked in scoreless tie when Phil Plantier's two out RBI single drove in the game's first run. They tacked on an insurance run in the 9th before Jeff Reardon retired the side in order for his 9th save of the season. Mike Greenwell had 3 hits for Boston.


A three run homer for Ellis Burks in the first inning was all that the Red Sox would get offensively today, but that proved to be enough in a 3-1 win over New York. John Dopson started for Boston and managed to throw 5 shutout innings, despite allowing 6 hits, walking 6 batters, and hitting one. We worked in and out of trouble in every inning. He was opposed by Sam Militello, who pitched well after the Burks blast. He allowed just 5 hits and struck out 9 over 6.1 innings.

[Swami077]

September 28, 1990
Heading into the final weekend of the season, there are still two division races that are yet to be decided.

Oakland’s magic number sits at two in the American League West, with a trip to Texas this weekend on deck. Meanwhile, Seattle travels to Chicago to close out Comiskey Park.



In the National League West, Cincinnati holds a 3 game advantage over a slumping San Diego team that has lost four straight. The Reds host the Padres for a three game series at Riverfront Stadium starting tonight. San Diego will need to sweep the series to keep their season alive and force a one game playoff.



Friday – Greg Harris (11-5, 2.17) at Ron Robinson (12-6, 3.46)
Saturday – Lance Painter (4-3, 3.55) at Chris Hammond (10-8, 3.50)
Sunday – Terry Gilmore (3-6, 4.75) at Tom Browning (16-9, 3.26)

[Swami077]

October 1, 1990
Red Sox wrapped up their season with a 1-4 homestand this week to finish with the worst record in baseball at 53-109. They will select first in the 1991 MLB amateur draft this December.

After finishing the season yesterday, the Red Sox wasted no time in dismissing the coaching staff earlier this morning. This comes as no surprise after manager Joe Morgan was fired in August. Al Bumbry went 11-26 as the interim manager and was never considered to be a serious candidate going forward. Pitching coach Bill Fischer and hitting instructor Richie Hebner were also informed that they would not return for next season.

Yesterday’s season finale proved to be an emotional affair at Fenway Park. Red Sox veteran outfielder Dwight Evans likely played his final game for the club yesterday. After ripping a two run triple in his final at bat yesterday, he was lifted for a pinch runner. The Fenway crowd gave Evans a prolonged standing ovation while Evans saluted them.

The Red Sox have a $1.5 million option on the soon to be 39 year old outfielder, which they seem likely to decline. Evans hit just .213 with 11 home runs this season in what was easily the poorest season in his 19 year career with the Red Sox. The three time All-Star earned 8 Gold Gloves in his career.

Lynchburg’s manager Mike Duran earned the Carolina League Manager of the Year award. Lynchburg finished the season 81-59, and won the league’s championship in an epic 7 game series against the Peninsula Pilots.

Around the League
Two division races came down to the final weekend. In the National League West, Cincinnati clinched the division on Friday night with a win over San Diego. The Padres finished the season on a disappointing 7 game losing streak. The teams had been nip and tuck for much of the last couple of months, with San Diego last holding a lead in mid-September. The NLCS will kick off on Wednesday.

In the AL West, Seattle made an inspired charge over the last two months. Oakland had held a lead as large at 11 games leading up to the trade deadline, but Seattle closed hard. Unlike San Diego, they finished the season strong, winning the last four games of the season. However, Oakland was able to hold them off and clinch with a win on Saturday over the Texas Rangers. Game one of the ALCS is set for tomorrow.




The playoffs are now set with the Baltimore Orioles taking on the Oakland Athletics in the American League Championship Series, while the Pittsburgh Pirates will be opposed by the Cincinnati Reds in the National League Championship Series.

Minnesota’s Shane Mack won the American League batting title, hitting .353 and finishing 6 points ahead of Seattle’s Ken Griffey Jr. On the NL side, it was Philadelphia’s Lenny Dykstra who hit. 356 to win the title. Toronto’s Fred McGriff finished with 50 home runs to lead the American League in homers, and his 141 RBI were good for the league lead as well.

On the pitching side, Boston’s Roger Clemens earned the ERA crown at 2.08, but had just 17 wins to go along with the sparkling statistics. Chuck Finley (CAL) and Erik Hanson (SEA) finished tied for the AL lead in wins with 21, while John Smiley of the Pittsburgh Pirates had 22 wins to lead all of baseball. David Cone of the New York Mets led baseball with 248 strikeouts, and Cincinnati’s Randy Myers led the league with 45 saves.

American League Leaders


National League Leaders


A major career milestone was reached this weekend by Houston’s Nolan Ryan. In a win over the Atlanta Braves, the surefire first ballot Hall of Famer earned victory #300 of his career. Ryan turned in a masterful performance in which he tossed 8.1 innings, allowing 1 run of 4 hits while striking out 11.

The final set of monthly awards were handed out this morning, with Detroit’s Cecil Fielder earning AL Player of the Month with an eye popping 12 home runs and 28 RBI in September. In the NL, Sid Bream of the Pittsburgh Pirates carried them to the finish line in September, hitting .411 with 8 home runs and 33 RBI. While Fielder’s season has come to an end, Bream will have an opportunity to continue his strong play in the NLCS against the Reds.

Erik Hanson earned AL Pitcher of the Month for September by going 5-1 with a 1.19 ERA. His efforts to lead Seattle to the playoffs came up short, but he finished the season with 20 wins and will have a strong case for the AL Cy Young award. Houston’s Jim Deshaies went 5-0 with a 2.06 ERA this month to earn the honor in the NL for the month of September.

Texas’ Rusty Greer was named AL Rookie of the Month, hitting .295 with 4 home runs. In the National League, Montreal’s Jerry Goff hit .337 with 5 home runs.

[Swami077]

The Indians took the first game of this brief two game series in Boston, 6-3. The knuckleballer Tom Candiotti earned the win, going 8 innings and allowing 3 runs. Dana Kiecker proved hard to hard yet again, allowing just 3 hits in his 6 innings of work, but he struggled with his control today, walking 7 Indians. Jeff Bagwell had a double and a two run triple for the Red Sox. Their first run came on a long 452 foot home run by Mike Greenwell in the 6th inning.


Cleveland beat up Boston right from the jump tonight, en route to a 13-2 win at Fenway Park. Tom Bolton started for the Red Sox and was knocked out of the game in the first inning. He was charged with 5 runs and left with the bases loaded. Turner Ward and Jeff Manto homered for the Indians, while Sandy Alomar had 4 hits and drove in 3 runs. After an off day tomorrow, the Red Sox will finish the season with a three game series against the Toronto Blue Jays.


The final series of the season opened in an 8-2 win for the Toronto Blue Jays tonight at Fenway Park. With the game tied at two in the 7th inning, pinch hitter Junior Felix hit a three run home run off Boston reliever Rob Murphy. The Red Sox managed just 5 hits in the game, with Todd Stottlemyre in control for Toronto throughout. He pitched 6.2 innings, and allowed 2 runs. Fred McGriff led the Blue Jays' offensive attack with 5 hits in the game. Boston pitcher Dennis Lamp was forced to leave the game with an ankle injury, and while it did not appear to be significant, it seems unlikely that Lamp would make another appearance this weekend.


Roger Clemens' final start of the season was a masterpiece. He staked his claim to the AL Cy Young award with an 8 inning performance in which he allowed 3 runs on 7 hits. The numbers don't do justice to the dominant performance, as he took a shutout into the 9th inning. Fred McGriff led off the 9th with his 50th home run of the season. Clemens wanted to finish the game, but after the next two hitters reached, Al Bumbry had no choice but to go to his bullpen. Jeff Bagwell hit the first home run of his young Major League career, and Tim Naehring went 3-for-5 and was drove in 3 runs in the 7-4 victory.


Boston's season came to an end today in much the same way that it has gone all season, in a lopsided defeat. In the 14-2 win, Brett Butler and Kelly Gruber had 4 hits apiece, and Gruber drove in 5 runs. Red Sox starter John Dopson did not make it out of the 2nd, and Boston was never able to get back in the ballgame. Jimmy Key went 7.1 innings for the Blue Jays, allowing two runs. There was a nice moment in the 4th inning when Dwight Evans hit a two run triple. He was pinch run for and the Fenway crowd gave him a standing ovation. It was likely Evans' final appearance in a Red Sox uniform after 19 seasons with the team.

[Swami077]

October 5, 1990
Oakland heads home up 2-0 in the American League Championship Series following two dominant pitching performances by Matt Young in Game 1 and Mike Moore in Game 2. Young fired 6 shutout innings in Oakland’s 4-2 victory in Game 1. In Game 2, Oakland jumped on Orioles’ starter Greg Maddux with 3 runs in the first inning, and Moore made that stand up with 7 outstanding innings, in which he allowed just 1 run on 5 hits.

The NLCS shifts to Cincinnati with the Reds leading the Pirates two game to none after sweeping the first two games in Pittsburgh. They won game 1 behind a 3 hit shutout from Jack Armstrong. When he walked Barry Bonds with 1 out in the 9th, he was replaced by closer Randy Myers, who induced Bobby Bonilla into a double play to earn the save.

Game 2 featured a pitching matchup of Jose Rijo and Mike Boddicker. Pittsburgh led 2-1 in the 8th inning, when Boddicker was replaced by closer Lee Smith, who was tasked with getting 6 outs for the save. Smith allowed the tying run to cross in the 8th, and he was removed following a one out walk in the 9th. Barry Larkin’s RBI single off Bill Landrum gave Cincinnati a 3-2 lead, and Rob Dibble got the final three outs for the save.


NLCS Game 2

Local News
In Boston, the Red Sox formally announced this week that they would decline their option on veteran outfielder Dwight Evans, making him a free agent. The 38 year old has never played for an organization besides the Red Sox. He was drafted by the team as a 17 year old in the 5th round of the 1969 amateur draft. After growing up in Santa Monica, California, moving to Boston was a bit of a culture shock for Evans. He made his Major League debut in September of 1972, spent part of the next season in the majors, and has been a fixture in Boston’s lineup ever since. If this is indeed the end of his Red Sox career, he finishes with a .270 batting average and 377 career home runs.

Other key decisions are needed by the club this offseason. It is widely expected that the Red Sox will be aggressive in their efforts to upgrade their starting pitching, which was sorely lacking after Roger Clemens this season. With some young position players seemingly poised to take on a role this season, it will be interesting to see how the Red Sox approach some of their veterans. Jeff Bagwell came through the minors as a third baseman, but with Wade Boggs seemingly entrenched at the position in Boston, Bagwell has made some appearances at first base as well. Fellow rookie Mo Vaughn has established himself as an elite first base prospect as well. As a result, there have been rumblings that Boston could look to move on from Boggs this offseason.

[Swami077]

October 8, 1990
Baltimore wins Game 3 at home behind Pete Harnisch. Mickey Tettleton’s 3 run homer in the first inning set the tone against Oakland starter Scott Sanderson. In Game 4, Ben McDonald outdueled Ed Wojna as Baltimore evened up the series. After McDonald worked 6 innings and Mitch Williams pitched out of trouble in the 7th, Gregg Olson earned a two inning save while striking out three.

With the series tied at 2, the pivotal Game 5 in Oakland was an instant classic. Sam Horn hit a two run homer for Baltimore in the first inning off Matt Young. Young, who threw 6 shutout innings in Game 1, settled down from there and pitched 7 innings, allowing no more runs and just 3 total hits. Oakland evened up the game with 2 runs off John Mitchell in the bottom of the 2nd, and the game would remain tied all the way until the 12th inning. Baltimore never mounted much of a threat in the late innings, while they needed some outstanding defensive plays to keep Oakland off the scoreboard. CF Mike Deveraux and SS Cal Ripken each cut down the winning run at the plate in the 8th and 9th innings, respectively. However, Ripken made two errors in the game, with the last one leading to the game winning run in the 12th inning. Stan Javier reached on an error by Ripken to lead off the inning, and he came around to score on a Walt Weiss single to end the game.


ALCS Game 5

Oakland will have an opportunity to close out the series tomorrow night in Baltimore with a rematch of Game 2’s pitching matchup of Mike Moore and Greg Maddux.

In Game 3 of the NLCS at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati, the Pittsburgh Pirates jumped out to an early 5-0 lead and cruised to a 9-4 win to get back in the series. The feeling was short lived, with the Reds taking Game 4, 6-2, behind starter Chris Hammond. It was Cincinnati’s stars who did the damage offensively, with MVP candidate Chris Sabo notching 3 hits, and slugger Eric Davis breaking the game open with a 3 run homer. Cincinnati will try to advance to the World Series in front of their home fans in Game 5 tonight.

Local News
In an update to their managerial search, the Red Sox have conducted several interviews, with Joe Torre and Jim Fregosi emerging as favorites for the opening. Despite their record this past season, management feels that the team is not far away from returning to being a contender. As a result, they prefer a veteran presence with prior managerial experience. Both Torre and Fregosi check that box, and it is believed that either would accept the job if offered. It’s expected that the team will be ready to announce their next manager at some point this week.

[Swami077]

October 12, 1990
The Red Sox held a press conference this morning at Fenway Park to introduce Jim Fregosi as the 43rd manager in their franchise’s history. The 48 year old Fregosi was most recently fired by the Chicago White Sox after the 1988 season. He has spent the last two seasons as a TV analyst. Prior to managing the White Sox, Fregosi spent 4 seasons as manager of the California Angels. His overall managerial record is 430-474 across 7 seasons, with one playoff appearance with the Angels in 1979.

“We are excited to bring someone like Jim into our organization,” said President of Baseball Operations Jack Brady. “He brings a veteran presence to our team, and we are looking forward to having him work with our players.”

When asked about potential coaches, Brady and Fregosi were both non-committal. They noted that they would be working together in the coming days to reach out to potential candidates.

Fregosi played 18 seasons in the majors, and was a 6 time All-Star. He spent time with the Angels, Mets, Rangers, and Pirates.

Playoff Update
In a thrilling Game 5, the Cincinnati Reds beat the Pittsburgh Pirates, 6-5, to advance to their first World Series since 1976. Trailing 5-2 late, Cincinnati used the long ball to get back in the game and ultimately win it. Light hitting catcher Terry McGriff hit a 3 run home run in the 7th inning off Doug Drabek to tie the game. That set the stage for Chris Sabo to be the hero, as he hit a walkoff home run off Pirates closer Lee Smith, who suffered his second loss of the series. Sabo, an MVP candidate, was named the Most Valuable Player of the series, hitting .500 with 3 home runs in the 5 games.



In the ALCS, Baltimore, having been playing catch up the entire series, completed their comeback by winning Games 6 and 7 at home in Baltimore to advance to the World Series, and eliminate the defending champion Oakland Athletics. They staved off elimination in Game 6 behind 7 strong innings from Greg Maddux. They finally got to Oakland starter Mike Moore, who couldn’t make it through 5 innings for the Athletics. In Game 7, it was Oakland who was forced to play from behind, as they scored early and often, winning 11-0 with Pete Harnisch pitching 7.2 shutout innings, striking out 9.

Baltimore DH Sam Horn was named the MVP of the series, hitting .346 with 2 home runs and 6 RBI.


ALCS Game 7 at Memorial Stadium

The World Series kicks off tonight in Cincinnati with Jose Rijo taking the ball for the Reds against Ben McDonald.

[Swami077]

October 20, 1990
The Cincinnati Reds won Game 6 of the World Series tonight at Riverfront Stadium, taking the series 4 games to 2 against the Baltimore Orioles.

“Hitting, pitching, fielder; those are all things you need to win, but most importantly you need a team, a team that works together toward the same collective goal,” said Cincinnati manager Lou Piniella. “Our players felt that way all year and they played that way. When one guy had an off day, 24 others stepped up their game and filled the void.”

Evidence of that team aspect is in 2B Keith Lockhart who was named World Series MVP after going 9-for-21 during the series, including 5 doubles and 4 RBI. His RBI single in the 6th inning of Game 6 broke the 2-2 tie, and his two run double in the 8th inning gave Cincinnati some much needed breathing room.

Series Recap
Eric Davis hit two home runs in support of starter Jose Rijo, as the Reds defeated the Orioles 5-4 in Game 1 at Riverfront Stadium. Rijo allowed two runs and struck out 9 over 6 innings. Taking the mound with one out in the ninth inning, a one run lead, and the tying run on third base, Tim Layana retired Leo Gomez and Mickey Tettleton to end the ballgame and earn the save.


Game One of the World Series in Cincinnati

Baltimore battled back to win Game 2 with John Mitchell besting Jack Armstrong. Mitchell went 8 innings, allowing just 1 run in the 5-1 win. Trailing 1-0 in the 4th, it was an RBI single by Leo Gomez that tied the game, followed immediately by a Mickey Tettleton home run to give Baltimore a lead that they would never surrender.

Cincinnati’s Game 3 starter Tom Browning struggled again. He couldn’t get out of the 4th inning for the second consecutive postseason start, while Baltimore’s Greg Maddux pitched 7 strong innings in the 13-1 Orioles win. Randy Milligan hit two home runs and drove in six for Baltimore, as part of their 18 hit attack.

Cincinnati bounced back in Game 4 with a 7-0 shutout win in Baltimore. Chris Hammond pitched 8.1 shutout innings for the Reds. Leading 1-0 in the 6th inning, the Reds hung a 6 spot on Baltimore’s Pete Harnisch. The biggest blow was a bases loaded triple from Lance Johnson which broke the game open and knocked Harnisch out of the game.

Game 5 was a rematch of the Game 1 pitching matchup of Rijo and McDonald. Unlike Game 1, neither starter could get through 4 innings, while each surrendered 5 earned runs. With the game locked at 5 entering the 9th inning, the Reds turned to a man who has shown a flair for the dramatic this postseason. Catcher Terry McGriff hit a two run home run off Baltimore’s Gregg Olson to break the tie and send Cincinnati home with a 3-2 series lead.

Back in Baltimore, the Orioles turned to John Mitchell to help them stave off elimination. However, he sustained a wrist injury and was forced from the game in the 4th inning with the game tied at 2. From there, Cincinnati got to Baltimore’s bullpen, which included Game 4 starter Pete Harnisch. It was Keith Lockhart who drove in the final three runs in the 5-2 win, one with a single in the 6th and two more with a double in the 8th.

[Swami077]

October 25, 1990
With the offseason getting underway this week, the Red Sox have already made several decisions, and still have several key decisions left to make. They wasted no time in making it official, as they declined the $1.5 million option on Dwight Evans, making him a free agent. The team instead paid Evans a $200,000 buyout.

The Red Sox have two players that are expected to file for free agency next month; catcher Rich Gedman and pitcher Wes Gardner. Neither player is likely to return to Boston. While they have several players eligible for minor league free agency as well, there is one that they are working hard to retain. They are said to be very high on 23 year old pitcher Josias Manzanillo, who impressed the staff with his stuff during spring training. His control remains a work in progress, but he seems to have a relatively high ceiling.

The team avoided arbitration with three players last week, agreeing to one year contracts with LF Mike Greenwell, and RPs Rob Murphy and Todd Worrell. After a strong season in which he hit .311 with 16 home runs and 86 RBI, Greenwell earned a raise to $1.55 million in 1991. He will be arbitration eligible for the final time after next season. Murphy will make $825k, and Worrell $161k in 1991. Murphy will be eligible for free agency after next season.

Word also leaked out this week that the team had approached 26 year old CF Ellis Burks about a long term contract extension that would buy him out of at least one of his free agent years. He is arbitration eligible for the first time this winter, and is under team control through the 1993 season. It is said that Burks is not considering a long term deal with the team, and would prefer to go year to year at this stage of his career. Timing-wise this would make sense on his end after he had a mediocre 1990 season, hitting .264 with 10 home runs.

While the contracts of the entire coaching staff expired, there is one member of the organization that the team is working to bring back. Head scout Eddie Kasko has been with the organization since 1966 as a player, minor and Major League manager, team scout, and has been the team’s scouting director for the last 14 years.

The team’s coaching staff should being coming into focus over the coming days as well, with Jack Brady and Jim Fregosi having been conducting interviews for much of the past two weeks. They have kept this close to the vest, but it seems likely that the team will be announcing their new staff within the next week.

Around the League
A couple of managers were shown the door last week with the New York Mets opting to move on from Davey Johnson after seven seasons, while the Cleveland Indians fired John McNamara after posting a 56-106 record in his only season at the helm. Johnson, 47, won a World Series with the Mets in 1986, and figures to be a hot name to resurface in the Major League. Johnson’s opponent in that 1986 World Series was the Boston Red Sox, who were managed by none other than McNamara. At 58 years old and after having mixed results in his most recent seasons, it’s possible that McNamara has managed his final Major League game.

[Swami077]

October 29, 1990
The Red Sox avoided arbitration with centerfielder Ellis Burks, agreeing to a $570k salary in 1991. This was his first year being eligible for arbitration, and Burks remains under ream control through the 1993 season,

The Red Sox announced that they hired Mel Stottlemyre as their pitching coach. The 48 year old served in the same role for the New York Mets this past season. He was dismissed along with the entire coaching staff when Davey Johnson was fired after the season. Stottlemyre presided over a Mets pitching staff led the league in ERA in 1990. His addition to new manager Jim Fregosi’s staff seems to be a nice coup for Boston.

The biggest news around the league came out of Baltimore when catcher Mickey Tettleton agreed to re-sign with the Orioles, signing a 5 year, $8.9 million deal. He had a rather disappointing season, hitting just .196, though he did tally 16 home runs. This move was largely expected following Baltimore’s trade of Chris Hoiles in exchange for Greg Maddux.
All of the major awards in the majors will be handed out over the next week. Here is the schedule of announcements for the coming week:

Monday October 29 – Gold Glove Awards
Tuesday October 30 – Rolaids Relief Man of the Year
Wednesday October 31 – Silver Slugger Awards
Thursday November 1 – Rookie of the Year
Friday November 2 – Manager of the Year
Saturday November 3 – Cy Young Awards
Sunday November 4 – Most Valuable Players

Red Sox 1990 Report Card
We graded each of the significant contributors to the Red Sox’ season, following their disappointing 1990 campaign.

A+
None – nothing worthy of an A+ on a 109 loss team.

A
SP Roger Clemens – The clear bright spot in this season to forget, Clemens was simply dominant. He went 17-7 in his 33 starts, while leading the majors in ERA. Clemens struck out 220 batters in 242 innings, and is a top Cy Young candidate. His candidacy would be a slam dunk if the team had performed better to increase his win total.

LF Mike Greenwell – The unquestioned star offensively for the Red Sox this season. He was a rock in the middle of the lineup, finishing by hitting .311 with 16 home runs and 86 RBI. Greenwell carried the team offensively at times, and posted his fourth consecutive outstanding season.

A-
3B Jeff Bagwell – After an elite season in AA which earned him Eastern League MVP honors, the consensus top 5 prospect in the game made his debut in September and did not disappoint. In an otherwise lost season, Bagwell provided reason for optimism heading in 1991.

B+
IF Tim Naehring – Promoted in mid-April following an injury to Marty Barrett, Naehring made sure he would remain in the lineup. Hitting mostly out of the 9 spot in the order, the 23 year old hit .271 with 12 home runs. After struggling defensively at shortstop, he was moved to second base where the results were much better for Naehring.

OF Phil Plantier – Displaying elite power at AA New Britain, he was promoted to the Major League roster in September. The 21 year old quickly endeared himself to Red Sox fans by showing off his major league power. He figures to be a big part of the future for Boston.

1B Mo Vaughn – He broke into the Majors in a big way this season, smacking 18 home runs. He was making a case for himself as Rookie of the Year with 11 home runs during the month of June, when a herniated disc in his back sidelined him. He didn’t show the same power down the stretch, going homerless in September.

B
RP Jeff Gray – Gray emerged as Boston’s best relief prospect this season. The 27 year old flashed mid-90s velocity to go with good command of his pitches.

IF Jody Reed – Hitting atop the Boston order, Reed proved to be a decent leadoff hitter for the Red Sox. He hit .278 and posted a .358 on base percentage. Splitting time between second base and shortstop, Reed’s steady defense was an asset to the club, as he made just six errors all season.

B-
SP Dana Kiecker – After being called up in June, Kiecker struggled early before settling in and becoming a reliable starter late in the season. His September numbers were elite, posting a 1.59 ERA and 1.00 WHIP while going 3-2 over 5 starts. His finish to the season likely assures Kiecker of a rotation spot in 1991.

C Tony Pena – Signing in Boston with the reputation of an elite defensive catcher, Pena came as advertised. He did commit 7 errors on the season, but gunned down 31% of runners trying to steal. He also chipped in 7 home runs offensively.

RP Jeff Reardon – Taking off as the team’s closer following the trade of Lee Smith in July, Reardon tallied 10 saves, but also blew 6 saves as well.

C+
CF Ellis Burks – A solid, if unspectacular season for the 26 year old. He was a steady presence in the middle of the Red Sox order, with a .322 OBP to go along with 37 extra base hits.

3B Scott Cooper – The 23 year old had a solid season in Pawtucket with a .260 average and 14 home runs. However, he struggled in a July call up, showing that he needed additional seasoning in the minors.

C Rich Gedman – You could certainly do worse than a backup catcher who hits .242 and throws out 30% of runners attempting to steal.

C
RP Blaine Beatty – Appeared in 6 games and was an innings eater. His season ended prematurely when he suffered a torn rotator cuff.

3B Wade Boggs – While it wasn’t a terrible season for the 5 time Silver Slugger, his .280 batting average paled in comparison to the mid-.300s numbers that Red Sox fans had grown used to. For a team in desperate need of a spark, Boggs was unable to provide one.

RP Dennis Lamp – Solid, but unspectacular. The veteran logged 12 holds as a setup man for the Red Sox.

RP Rob Murphy – The top lefty in the bullpen, Murphy had an up and down season. At times, he looked unhittable, and he struggled mightily at others.

1B Carlos Quintana – Bouncing between first base and right field, Quintana hit well for stretches but was overall nothing more than an adequate piece of the puzzle. He did author one of the season’s most memorable moments with a walk off 3 run homer against Kansas City at Fenway Park.

OF Kevin Romine – The backup outfielder hit .232 in his 190 at bats, never doing much to earn additional playing time.

RP Todd Worrell – The 31 year old veteran signed a minor league deal with the Red Sox and joined the bullpen in June.

C-
SP Steven Bast – He was tasked to temporarily fill a spot in the rotation and made a total of 5 starts, going 0-4.

RP Pedro Borbon – Acquired in a mid-season trade, the 22 year old Borbon made his Major League debut in July. He struggled with his command, but Red Sox management are said to be excited about his future as a left handed reliever.

D+
P Wes Gardner – Gardner opened the season in the bullpen before being moved to the rotation in June. He was unable to throw more than 5 innings in any of his starts, but provided the Red Sox with an adequate option every 5th day. He is a free agent this offseason.

D
2B Marty Barrett – Reduced to a part time role, the long time Red Sox second baseman struggled to the tune of .225 this season. He is owed $1.2 million next season and it is far from assured that he will return.

DH Dwight Evans – Evans may have finally hit the wall at 38 years old after a great career with the Red Sox.

D-
SP John Dopson – In Boston’s rotation to open the year, he was demoted to AAA mid-season. A 2.17 WHIP across 13 starts shows that he was fortunate to end up at 3-8 on the season.

IF Randy Kutcher – He didn’t get much playing time, and didn’t produce in the little playing time he received.

RP Steve Howe – The Steve Howe experiment did not work out for Boston. After the team took a low risk flyer on the former Rookie of the Year, he allowed 5 hits and walked 8 batters in just 3.2 innings.

RP Jeff Plympton – Not expected to be much more than a mop up man, Plympton started his career strong, but struggled mightily down the stretch

IF Luis Rivera – Given an opportunity early in the season, Rivera disappointed early and was quickly demoted to AAA Pawtucket where he spent the majority of the rest of the season.

F
SP Tom Bolton – Bolton was perhaps the worst full time starter in the Majors this season, going 4-18 with a 7.05 ERA. He had poor command, walking 102 batters in 163 innings. When he found the strike zone, he was also hittable, as he allowed 213 hits. It would not be a surprise to see Boston non-tender Bolton this offseason.

RP Daryl Irvine – The 25 year old was promoted in July to be a mop up man in the bullpen, but struggled mightily to the tune of an 8.60 ERA and 2.08 WHIP in 20 appearances.

SP Kevin Ritz – The Red Sox claimed the 25 year old off waivers from Detroit at the start of the season. Ritz proved to be incapable of throwing strikes, as he walked 49 in just 40 innings.

SP Bob Tewksbury – An unmitigated disaster for Boston, Tewksbury was on his way to a 20 loss season before he was shut down in August with a sore shoulder. He posted a 7.13 ERA in 22 starts. Not exactly what the Red Sox were hoping for when they traded their top pitching prospect for him before the season.

[Swami077]

November 5, 1990
As expected, the Red Sox were able to agree to terms with long time scouting director Eddie Kasko. Retaining Kasko to continue leading the team’s scouting department was considered to be a priority for the organization this offseason.

Boston also announced that new manager Jim Fregosi’s staff would include Cookie Rojas as a hitting instructor and former Red Sox third baseman Butch Hobson as bench coach. The Cuban-born Rojas last served as manager of the California Angels during the 1988 season, after a 16 season Major League playing career. Hobson spent six seasons as Boston’s primary third baseman, and most recently served as the manager of the New Britain Red Sox for the last two seasons.

Red Sox ace Roger Clemens was announced as the American League Cy Young award winner for the third time, earning 18 of a possible 26 first place votes. Clemens was easily the most dominant pitcher in the league this season, going 17-7 with a 2.08 ERA for the last place Boston Red Sox. Seattle’s Erik Hanson finished second after posting a 20 win season and leading the AL in strikeouts. Chuck Finley of the California Angels finished third.

All of the other major awards were handed out across the league this week as well. Dwight Gooden of the New York Mets earned the NL Cy Young award, going 20-10 with a 2.29 ERA. St Louis’s Jose DeLeon finished second in the voting, while Bruce Hurst of San Diego was third.

The Most Valuable Player awards went to Oakland’s Rickey Henderson in the American League, and Pittsburgh’s Barry Bonds in the National League. Henderson was a unanimous winner after posting one of the greatest seasons of all time, hitting .315 with 43 home runs, while also stealing 52 bases. He provided spectacular defense in left field as well, earning his second Gold Glove. Bonds earned all but two first place votes in the NL, posting a season strikingly similar to Henderson’s. He hit .311 with 41 home runs and 58 stolen bases, and he too won the Gold Glove for left fielders in his league. The other two first place votes went to his Pirates teammate Bobby Bonilla and Philadelphia’s Lenny Dykstra.

No surprises in the Rookie of the Year voting, with Chicago’s Frank Thomas earning the AL award. Thomas hit .300 with 20 home runs and 88 RBI. Baltimore’s Leo Gomez finished second after hitting 27 homers, while Tino Martinez Mariners finished third, hitting .300 with 17 home runs for Seattle. In the National League, Montreal’s Delino DeShields was a unanimous winner. DeShields, who also earned the Silver Slugger award for NL second basemen, hit .349 and stole 58 bases this season.

Dennis Eckersley of the Oakland Athletics earned the Rolaids Relief Man of Year award in the American League. Eckersley tallied 37 saves, while posting an elite 1.31 ERA. His WHIP was 0.74 and he struck out more than a batter per inning. In the National League, this award went to Cincinnati’s Randy Myers. Myers posted 45 saves, along with a 0.70 ERA and 0.72 WHIP. He struck out 104 batters in his 76.2 innings of work.

Baltimore’s Frank Robinson took home the American League Manager of the Year award. Under Robinson’s guidance, the Orioles posted a 101-51 record, easily winning the AL East crown. In the National League, Cincinnati Reds’ manager Lou Piniella earned the honor after winning the NL West with a 97-65 season that culminated in a World Series championship.

AL Silver Slugger Awards
C Carlton Fisk (CHW) - .299, 13 HR, 51 RBI
1B Cecil Fielder (DET) - .288, 45 HR, 135 RBI
2B Julio Franco (TEX) - .280, 14 HR, 64 RBI, 48 SB
3B Edgar Martinez (SEA) - .326, 13 HR, 92 RBI
SS Alan Trammell (DET) - .323, 13 HR, 70 RBI, 14 SB
LF Rickey Henderson (OAK) - .315, 43 HR, 123 RBI, 52 SB
CF Ken Griffey Jr (SEA) - .347, 31 HR, 121 RBI, 18 SB
RF Jose Canseco (OAK) - .299, 39 HR, 129 RBI, 40 SB
DH Fred McGriff (TOR) - .301, 50 HR, 141 RBI

NL Silver Slugger Awards
P Kevin Gross (MTL) - .292, 1 HR, 8 RBI
C Jerry Goff (MTL) - .302, 20 HR, 54 RBI
1B Dave Magadan (NYM) - .352, 8 HR, 76 RBI
2B Delino DeShields (MTL) - .349, 7 HR, 78 RBI, 58 SB
3B Bobby Bonilla (PIT) - .328, 36 HR, 145 RBI
SS Ozzie Smith (STL) - .274, 0 HR, 53 RBI, 34 SB
LF Barry Bonds (PIT) - .311, 41 HR, 112 RBI, 58 SB
CF Lenny Dykstra (PHI) - .356, 16 HR, 78 RBI, 25 SB
RF Larry Walker (MTL) - .292, 26 HR, 112 RBI, 29 SB

The Gold Glove awards were highlighted by St. Louis SS Ozzie Smith winning his 11th consecutive award in the National League.

AL Gold Glove Awards - P Bret Saberhagen (KC), C Jesse Levis (CLE), 1B Tino Martinez (SEA), 2B Harold Reynolds (SEA), 3B Gary Gaetti (MIN), SS Cal Ripken Jr (BAL), LF Rickey Henderson (OAK), CF Devon White (CAL), RF Joe Orsulak (BAL)

NL Gold Glove Awards - P Joe Magrane (STL), C Don Slaught (PIT), 1B Mark Grace (CHC), 2B Robby Thompson (SF), 3B Terry Pendleton (STL), SS Ozzie Smith (STL), LF Barry Bonds (PIT), CF Lenny Dykstra (PHI), RF Tony Gwynn (SD)

[Swami077]

November 10, 1990
The Red Sox dealt away one of their veterans this week, as 2B Marty Barrett is now a member of the Detroit Tigers. In exchange, they received 27 year old catcher Matt Nokes. Nokes burst onto the scene in 1987, hitting 32 home runs as a rookie. However, he has since been relegated to backup duty. He hit just .196 in 153 at bats this past season. The Red Sox avoided arbitration with Nokes by agreeing to a $840,000 salary next season. He will be a free agent after the 1991 season.

Barrett is due $1.2 million next season, and the Red Sox will retain about $840k of that salary on their books. He hit .225 in mostly part time duty last season, and became expendable with the emergence of rookie Tim Naehring.

The Red Sox also agreed to terms with infielder Jody Reed. He will earn a nice raise to $935k next season. Reed hit .278 last season while serving as Boston’s primary leadoff hitter.

With arbitration hearings set for tomorrow, the Red Sox were unable to come to terms and will be heading to arbitration with three of their players; 1B Carlos Quintana, SP Bob Tewksbury and OF Kevin Romine. They elected to non-tender SP Tom Bolton, RP Steve Howe, IF Randy Kutcher, and IF Luis Rivera. All four of those players will become free agents.

There was another trade of note this week, with the Cubs sending left handed relief pitcher Steve Wilson to San Diego in exchange for two minor leaguers, headlined by SS Jose Valentin. Valentin is a consensus top 100 prospect and represents a nice return for Chicago. The 25 year old Wilson had a solid season out of the Cubs’ bullpen, posting a 3.50 ERA and 1.17 WHIP across 59 appearances.

[Swami077]

November 12, 1990
The team went undefeated in its 3 arbitration cases. Carlos Quintana, arbitration eligible for the first time, was awarded the $160,000 contract offered by the team. He had been seeking $250k. Quintana is not believed to be happy with his situation in Boston, and would welcome a trade. Pitcher Bob Tewksbury was awarded $210k in his second time eligible for arbitration. The arbiter ruled in favor of the team, with Tewksbury having requested $260k. Lastly, outfielder Kevin Romine was seeking $330k in his third and final time through the arbitration process, but was awarded the $280k offer from the team.

In other news, the Red Sox were unable to come to terms with minor league pitcher Josias Manzanillo, who was seeking a Major League contract. The 23 year old will elect to become a minor league free agent. Boston is expected to continue keeping the dialogue open with him in an effort to have him return to the organization. Boston’s only Major Leaguers filing for free agency are 31 year old catcher Rich Gedman and 29 year old pitcher Wes Gardner. Neither player qualify to have return compensation tied to them if they sign with another team.

With the arbitration process finished across the league, all attention now turns to free agency. The Red Sox are expected to be very aggressive in their pursuit of starting pitching. With the first pick in the upcoming amateur draft protected, the signing of a Type A free agent would result in the team forfeiting the first pick in the second round. This will be a key consideration for the team in the coming weeks and months.

The most coveted free agent pitcher is expected to be 25 year old Jose Rijo. Coming off of a World Series championship with Cincinnati, Rijo’s stock is very high. Hitting free agency at such a young age, he has not yet hit his ceiling and realized his enormous potential. It will be interesting to see if this is a player targeted by Boston, given the need to surrender a draft pick for the Type A free agent.

Other veteran free agent pitching options include Jack Morris (35), Fernando Valenzuela (30), Zane Smith (29), Matt Young (32) and Nolan Ryan (43).

Offensively, the biggest prize figures to be 28 year old outfielder Darryl Strawberry. Power bats like Strawberry don’t often hit free agency at such a young age, and he possesses massive long term potential. He has already tallied 241 home runs in his Major League career with the Mets.

Other veteran free agents include 1B Jack Clark (35), CF Brett Butler (33), 1B Sid Bream (30), OF Joe Orsulak (28), OF Rob Deer (30), and OF Harold Baines (31).

[Swami077]

November 18, 1990
With free agency underway, the Red Sox have zeroed in on some pitching targets. Most notably, they are said to have contacted Nolan Ryan’s agent. A sticking point there is likely to be in the length of the deal. Ryan is thought to be seeking at least a 3 year commitment, while it’s unlikely that the Red Sox will add a third year for the soon to be 44 year old pitcher.

Boston is also involved with several lower tier options, as they are trying to avoid Type A free agents. Relief pitcher Steve Farr is a name that has surfaced this week. The 33 year old racked up 26 saves last season between Kansas City and San Diego. He would likely slot in a right handed set up man in front of closer Jeff Reardon.

There were also a couple of trades executed this week. Pittsburgh sent 1B Gary Redus to Philadelphia in exchange for backup catch Brian Dorsett. Redus hit .237 with 11 home runs for Pittsburgh last season. He is owed $1.5 million in the final year of his deal this season.

Atlanta sent closer Joe Boever to the California Angels, while receiving two minor leaguers in return. Boever, who had 25 saves last year, will be a free agent at season’s end.

[Swami077]

November 25, 1990
The free agent market has been slow to develop this year, with really only one significant deal being handed out so far. The Oakland Athletics signed second baseman Wally Backman to a 5 year deal worth $9.8 million. Backman spent last year with the Pirates, where he hit .315. He will become the A’s everyday second baseman, after Mike Gallego struggled last season. It seems likely that Gallego will be put on the trading block. With the winter meetings set to get started late next week, it seems likely that business will pick up in the coming week.

In Boston, there hasn’t been much chatter regarding the team’s pursuit of free agents. They did agree to minor league contracts with a few players, however. 1B Oresdes Destrade, P Jeff Nelson and P Josias Manzanillo all agreed to minor league deal with the organization. Destrade, a 28 year old veteran, spent last year in the Cardinals organization. Jeff Nelson, 24, was in the San Diego Padres organization. Manzanillo had just filed for minor league free agency after spending the year with the New Britain. He made 14 starts for New Britain, posting a 4.63 ERA.

There were a couple of trades finalized this week. 39 year old veteran 1B was traded by Milwaukee to the New York Yankees. Parker hit .293 with 11 home runs for the Brewers last season. Milwaukee received two low level minor leaguers from the’ Yankees system. The Brewers also sent relief pitcher Mark Knudson to Kansas City in exchange for 19 year old catching prospect Andy Stewart and 23 year old outfielder Kevin Long.