The New Federal League (1981 Strike Alternate History)

[PFellah]

Week 11 - June 14 to June 20

Monday (6/14) - vs CLE. Rich Dotson (5-3, 3.31) vs. Pascual Perez (7-3, 3.70)
A fairly non-descript win for the Greyhounds, as they put up five runs with only one extra-base hit. Pascual Perez helped his own cause with a leadoff single in a three-run 5th. Greyhounds 5, Cobras 3.

Tuesday (6/15) - vs CLE. Mario Soto (7-5, 2.88) vs. John Tudor (5-5. 3.66)
OK, that was bizarre. It was never close, as Cleveland entered the 9th with a 6-run lead. But then the Cobras jumped on Clear and Schatzeder for 11 runs in the top of the 9th. Not to be outdone, the Greyhounds pounded out 7 in the bottom of the 9th for a 17-7 loss. Amazingly Soto still went the distance on a semi-respectable 125 pitches, despite seeing his ERA climb to 3.22. Cobras 17, Greyhounds 7.

Wednesday (6/16) - vs CLE. Storm Davis (8-2, 2.12) vs. Scott McGregor (1-6, 5.01)
The Greyhounds accomplished both their major goals for the day -- they go a good start, taking some pressure off the weary bullpen, and they finally put some runs on Storm Davis. McGregor threw a complete-game six-hitter while Dale Murphy and Todd Cruz hit homers to power the offense. Greyhounds 5, Cobras 0.

Thursday (6/17) - no game scheduled

Friday (6/11) - at CLE. Steve Rogers (7-5, 2.75) vs. Bill Laskey (5-6, 2.55)
The home-and-home shifts up to the shores of Lake Erie, and Steve Rogers starts the series with a masterful two-hit shutout. U.L. Washington accounted for the offense, singling in Rogers in the 3rd and hitting a solo homer in the 6th. Greyhounds 2, Cobras 0.

Saturday (6/18) - vs CLE. Mike Moore (5-5, 3.44) vs. Rich Dotson (5-4, 3.25)
Back-to-back-to-back scoreless games for the Cobras... guess that 17 runs was their quota for the week. Moore scattered five hits and three walks over 8, and Gossage pitched a scoreless 9th for the save. On the downside, U.L. Washington injured himself running the basis, and his status is unknown at this point. Greyhounds 3, Cobras 0.

Sunday (6/20) - vs CLE. John Tudor (5-6, 3.70) vs. Mario Soto (8-5, 3.22)
Last time these guys got together a pretty good football game broke out. This time, things were a little more sane. Pittsburgh jumped out to a 6-0 lead and ran their scoreless streak into the 9th before Kent Hrbek singled in a meaningless (other than breaking the scoreless streak) pair in the bottom of the 9th. Greyhounds 6, Cobras 2.

Week Record: 5-1
Season Record: 40-30, 1st in division, 3.0 games ahead

[PFellah]

Week 11 - Around the League

HEADLINES

• All-Star rosters being selected, to be announced shortly.
• Greyhounds notch 35 straight scoreless innings against Cobras.
• Mustang Mutiny!: Grich, Sundberg reportedly demand trades out of Texas
• Georgia's Hammaker done for season with radial nerve compression.

STANDINGS


PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Eastern Association: LF Leon Durham (MTL) - .435, (10-23), 2 HR, 3 RBIs.
Western Association: 1B Jason Thompson (DEN) - .385 (10-26), 4 HR, 4 RBIs.

TRADES
NONE

MAJOR INJURIES (over 2 weeks)

• 6/15 - SP Atlee Hammaker (GA), radial nerve compression, 6 months
• 6/17 - SS Dale Berra (KC), fractured finger, 4 weeks

[PFellah]

All-Star Rosters

EASTERN ASSOCIATION
SP Bob Welch (NY) – 7-3, 2.17 ERA, 0.94 WHIP.
SP Dickie Noles (WDC) – 8-4, 1.93 ERA, 1.07 WHIP.
SP Larry Christenson (TOR) – 7-4, 2.53 ERA, 1.12 WHIP.
SP Steve Rogers (PIT) – 8-5, 2.53 ERA, 1.06 WHIP.
SP Britt Burns (WDC) – 7-5, 2.70 ERA, 1.21 WHIP.
SP Mike Witt (NY) – 6-3, 2.60 ERA, 1.14 WHIP.
CL Lee Smith (NY) – 2-1, 21 SV, 1.56 ERA, 0.98 WHIP.
CL Woodie Fryman (SBB) – 3-4, 17 SV, 1.87 ERA, 1.22 WHIP.
CL Rich Gossage (PIT) – 2-1, 18 SV, 2.79 ERA, 1.17 WHIP
CL Greg Minton (DET) – 4-3, 12 SV, 2.22 ERA, 1.09 WHIP.
CL Steve Howe (MON) – 2-4, 15 SV, 2.70 ERA, 1.14 WHIP.
CL Rick Camp (PHI) – 2-3, 17 SV, 3.99 ERA, 1.43 WHIP.
C Ted Simmons (CLE) -- .322/.357/.608, 14 HR, 36 RBI
C Tony Pena (MON) -- .321/.372/.415, 2 HR, 31 RBI
1B Eddie Murray (NY) -- .332/.418/.622, 20 HR, 57 RBI, 1.040 OPS
1B Wade Boggs (DET) -- .345/.405/.462, 3 HR, 23 RBI
1B Gary Roenicke (CIN) -- .299/.402/.446, 4 HR, 21 RBI (traded from LOU)
1B Andre Thornton (PIT) -- .273/.362/.498, 15 HR, 37 RBI
1B Reggie Smith (MON) -- .291/.353/.450, 10 HR, 40 RBI
2B Dave Stapleton (PHI) -- .287/.326/.481, 7 HR, 29 RBI
SS U.L. Washington (PIT) -- .301/.367/.462, 7 HR, 31 RBI, 20 SB
3B Ken Oberkfell (MON) -- .316/.369/.390, 0 HR, 22 RBI.
LF Leon Durham (MON) -- .284/.344/.470, 10 HR, 40 RBI, 13 SB
LF John Lowenstein (TOR) -- .299/.393/.494, 14 HR, 37 RBI
LF Wilie Wilson (PIT) -- .348/.393/.471, 0 HR, 19 RBI, 19 SB.
CF Jerry Mumphrey (TOR) -- .333/.407/.524, 9 HR, 40 RBI
CF Willie McGee (DET) -- .321/.341/.480, 5 HR, 31 RBI, 12 SB
RF Pedro Guerrero (WDC) -- .287/.343/.569, 13 HR, 32 RBI.

Not a lot of surprises here. There's a few pitcher omissions (Mario Soto, Storm Davis) and Pedro Guerrero is likely to miss the game with an injury, but these seem like mostly acceptable choices. Third base is kind of a black hole, as the homerless Oberkfell really is the best choice available.

Five Greyhounds make the cut. Steve Rogers and Goose Gossage aren't surprising. Willie Wilson is currently leading the league in batting average and has nine triples propping up his OPS, and Thornton is one of the top power hitters. U.L. Washington is the most surprising choice, but looking around the league, shortstop isn't a very deep position -- he may actually be the best shortstop available.

WESTERN ASSOCIATION
SP Steve Carlton (DEN) – 10-2, 2.32 ERA, 1.07 WHIP
SP Rick Rhoden (LA) – 7-4, 1.66 ERA, 0.98 WHIP
SP Charlie Hough (LOU) – 8-3, 2.07 ERA, 0.98 WHIP
SP Fernando Valenzuela (SD) – 5-5, 1.84 ERA, 1.05 WHIP
SP Dave Righetti (OKL) – 6-4, 2.21 ERA, 1.14 WHIP
SP Jerry Reuss (SEA) – 6-2, 2.41 ERA, 1.04 WHIP
SP Eric Show (GA) – 4-4, 2.74 ERA, 1.03 WHIP
CL Rollie Fingers (LOU) – 7-1, 16 SV, 0.86 ERA, 0.67 WHIP
CL Gary Lucas (SEA) – 4-2, 16 SV, 1.23 ERA, 1.01 WHIP
CL Ben Hayes (GA) – 5-2, 9 SV, 2.17 ERA, 1.10 WHIP
CL Manny Sarmiento (DEN) – 4-1, 9 SV, 2.38 ERA, 1.50 WHIP
CL Joe Sambito (OKL) – 1-3, 14 SV, 2.43 ERA, 1.11 WHIP
C Don Slaught (OKL) -- .321/.383/.427, 3 HR, 30 RBI
C Butch Wynegar (TEX) -- .264/.388/.355, 2 HR, 19 RBI
1B Al Oliver (SEA) -- .352/.393/.582, 9 HR, 32 RBI
1B Jason Thompson (DEN) -- .315/.395/.546, 18 HR, 47 RBI
2B Joe Morgan (LOU) -- .293/.427/.394, 5 HR, 36 RBI
2B Frank White (GG) -- .309/.338/.468, 4 HR, 21 RBI
SS Cal Ripken (LA) -- .228/.313/.378, 7 HR, 22 RBI
3B Paul Molitor (GA) -- .370/.429/.484, 6 HR, 26 RBI, 23 SB
3B Carney Lansford (TEX) -- .294/.341/.489, 10 HR, 42 RBI
3B Mike Schmidt (SEA) -- .264/.346/.504, 16 HR, 39 RBI
LF Lonnie Smith (OKL) -- .315/.379/.454, 5 HR, 29 RBI, 29 SB
CF Terry Puhl (LOU) -- .278/.347/.415, 3 HR, 21 RBI
CF Al Bumbry (TEX) -- .280/.326/.430, 6 HR, 26 RBI
CF Chet Lemon (GG) -- .245/.333/.398, 9 HR, 31 RBI
RF Jeff Burroughs (GG) -- .257/.336/.430, 11 HR, 39 RBI
RF Tony Armas (LA) -- .283/.314/.559, 10 HR, 22 RBI

The Western Association offers a few more head-scratchers, particularly the Georgia pitchers -- Eric Show (4-4) and Ben Hayes (5-2, 9 saves) hardly seem like they're cream-of-the-crop talents. On the other hand, there's a few nice stories -- the rookie Don Slaught and the 38-year-old Joe Morgan getting roster spots, Fernando getting recognized despite a mediocre W-L record (must not be getting much run support), and check out that 7-1 record for Rollie Fingers.

P.S. It doesn't look like the game does anything about "one player from every team", as KC doesn't have any selections. Something to look at for next year, I guess.

[PFellah]

To Trade Or Not To Trade

I find myself getting restless to do some roster rearrangement, but I'm not sure what to do about it, and when I'm in first place and on a recent role, I'm not even sure I should. I'd hate to make a bunch of trades for change's sake and then get hit with a rash of injuries that throws everything up in the air.

That said, things I could tinker with -- in no particular order -- are:

10th/11th Pitchers: Clear and Schatzeder both have ERA's over 6, though in fairness, both of them took beatings in that 17-run game last week. I've got three guys at AAA bucking for promotion -- Dave Beard, Joe Cowley, and Andy Hawkins. Even though things are going well, it might be worth making some tweaks. Schatzeder seems like a better bet to stick around as a) he's my long guy and b) I'd only have one lefty in the pen (Willie Hernandez) if I send him down. For the moment, Hawkins is the least likely callup -- I'd rather have him taking the ball every five days at AAA than languishing at the end of my pen.

Third Base: Don Money is 34 years old, and I don't really have a great option in the minors. If I could pick up a player for the future, that'd be cool. But it's a weak position in the draft this year, so maybe a trade is in order.

Second Base: Jim Gantner holds down the fort, but he's nothing special, and he's also done at the end of the year. One intriguing idea is that Bobby Grich wants out of Texas; maybe we see if anything can be done there.

Fifth Starter: McGregor hasn't been bad, but he hasn't been great either. At some point, if Hawkins continues to push, I might consider moving McGregor for some other need -- though it would be awkward, since I just signed him to an extension.

Brian Downing: It continues to vex me that we don't get much use out of Brian Downing. I keep exploring offers for him every so often, just to see what might be available, but so far, nothing great. Though it looks like I could do some sort of Grich-Downing swap if I was so inclined.

Washington Injury: The wild card in all of this is U.L. Washington. If he's just down for a week or two, I can probably gut it out with some combination of Todd Cruz and Joe Pittman. If it's a longer-term injury, I might want to add an asset there -- even if it's a depth signing for Cruz taking over short full-time.

Short answer: I think I'm going to send Clear down in favor of Beard or Cowley either way. Beyond that, I'm going to see what the official diagnosis on Washington is, and based on that, I may be doing some shopping.

[PFellah]

Week 12 - June 21 to June 27

Monday (6/21) - at PHI. Pascual Perez (8-3, 3.67) vs. Jerry Koosman (4-6, 3.95)
The Greyhound bats fall silent in the series opener as Koosman and two relievers combine to one-hit the visitors. A two-run homer by Dwight Evans in the 1st was Pascual Perez's only mistake, but today, one was more than enough. Patriots 2, Greyhounds 0.

INJURY UPDATE
Fairly good news on the injury front, as U.L. Washington will be out for two weeks. Given the delayed diagnosis, there was a feeling it could've been worse. Washington heads to the DL, and 3B Floyd Rayford gets the call from AAA, with Todd Cruz moving to SS for the forseeable future. (As a cascade move, Johnny LeMaster gets bumped from AA Erie to AAA Wheeling.)

Tuesday (6/22) - at PHI. Scott McGregor (2-6, 4.25) vs. Ron Guidry (7-7, 3.39)
Brutal game for the starters as Guidry was chased in the 2nd and McGregor followed him to the showers in the 3rd. The bullpens made the difference, as the Patriots managed to slow things down while the Greyhounds -- Schatzeder in particular -- continued to bleed runs. Patriots 10, Greyhounds 8.

TRADE PROPOSAL
The Georgia Tigers offer us 25-year-old lefty Jesse Orosco for prospects Don Mattingly and Brian Harper. Orosco's a decent arm, but I don't see how that helps us. Pass.

Wednesday (6/23) - at PHI. Steve Rogers (805, 2.53) vs. Floyd Bannister (5-2, 2.35)
Rogers' first start since making the All-Star team was a shaky one -- giving up 6 runs and 12 hits over 7.2 innnings. Dwight Evans and Rance Mulliniks each drove in a pair. Brian Downing got as far as second with the tying run in the 9th, but Tom Hume stranded him there for the save.Patriots 6, Greyhounds 5.

Thursday (6/24) - vs. CIN. Ed Whitson (6-4, 3.74) vs. Mike Moore (6-5, 3.15)
The Greyhounds head back home for a divisional series against the Cincinnati Knights, but the results are same in the opener. The teams take a 2-2 tie to the 9th, but the Knights small-ball a run across against Gossage. Knights 3, Greyhounds 2.

Friday (6/25) - vs. CIN. John Matlack (3-6, 3.36) vs. John Tudor (6-6, 3.55)
The Greyhounds finally stop the slide as Andre Thornton smacks a 3-run homer in the 1st and John Tudor and three relievers make it stand up. Tudor fans 10 and only allows four hits, though two of them are solo homers. Greyhounds 3, Knights 2.

Saturday (6/26) - vs CIN. Len Barker (3-4, 3.33) vs. Pascual Perez (8-4, 3.36)
The Knights jumped over Pascual Perez early, but the Greyhounds tried to make a game of it after a 66-minute rain delay that chased Barker from the game. The Greyhounds got the tying run to third with only one out, but Dale Murphy's fly to center wasn't deep enough to score Lance Parrish, and Jeffrey Leonard grounded out to end it. Bill Caudill had an exciting run of seven straight Ks before allowing a solo homer by Larry Herndon. Knights 7, Greyhounds 6.

STANDINGS NOTE
Cleveland moves into a tie for first, and Cincinnati is only half a game behind.

Sunday (6/27) - vs CIN. John Denny (6-6, 2.62) vs. Scott McGregor (2-6, 4.76)
And the Greyhounds' dismal week ends with a humiliating defeat that knocks them out of first place. Dave Kingman did the most damage with a pair of homers, but C Gene Tenace was the only starting position player without a hit. McGregor was shelled for seven runs, and Dave Beard's league debut led to another three-spot. Knights 11, Greyhounds 1.

Week Record: 1-6
Season Record: 41-36, t-2nd in division, 0.5 games behind

[PFellah]

Week 12 - Around the League

HEADLINES

• Three-way dogfight in Rust Belt Division -- Cinci leads both Pittsburgh and Cleveland by a half-game.
• Hot Stove Heats Up As Halfway Mark Approaches
• Take Glass Down, Pass Him Around: Georgia minor-leaguer traded three times, winds up back where he started.

STANDINGS


PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Eastern Association: LF John Lowenstein (TOR) - .474 (9-19), 3 HR, 7 RBI.
Western Association: RF Glenn Wilson (GA) - .481 (13-27), 1 HR, 8 RBI

TRADES

• 6/22 - PHI trades CL Rick Camp to GA for minor-league RF Michael Glass.
• 6/23 - PHI trades C Alan Ashby and minor-league RF Michael Glass to NY for SP Floyd Bannister
• 6/23 - NY trades 2B Ron Oester and minor-league RF Michael Glass to GA for SP Shane Rawley
• 6/23 - KC trades SP Bobby Castillo to TOR for minor-league SP Mike Boddicker.

Not sure what makes less sense. That Glass got traded three times within a day or so, that he ended up where he started, or that he isn't even all that good anyway.



Not sure what the fuss is about, really. Good glove, can play all three slots, runs a little... beyond that.... good table manners, maybe?

MAJOR INJURIES (over 2 weeks)

• 6/22 - CF Terry Puhl (LOU), separated shoulder, 3 weeks
• 6/23 - SP Tommy Boggs (KC), herniated disc, 3 weeks

[PFellah]

Week 13 - June 28 to July 4

Come on, guys! Maybe we're not as good as that 5-1 week we had two weeks ago, but we're also not as bad as that 1-6 we put up last week. Especially since 6 of the 7 were differences of two runs or less.

Monday (6/28) - vs SBB. Rick Mahler (4-5, 3.21) vs. Steve Rogers (8-6, 2.82)
Wild ride. The first nine innings ended in a 3-3 tie, so the game went to extra innings. In the 14th, the Barracudas roughed up Dave Beard for three, but then in the bottom of the frame, the Greyhounds returned the favor against Rick Langford. But then in the 15th, Floyd Rayford singled home Julio Cruz to give the home team a much-needed win. Greyhounds 7, Barracudas 6 (15 innings). As a footnote, Lee Lacy went 5-for-8 in the losing effort, falling a double short of the cycle.

INJURY UPDATE
More good news for the Greyhounds overnight as 3B Don Money is ready to come back from the DL. Floyd Rayford will get the bus ticket to Wheeling despite playing well (.866 OPS in a brief 25 ABs).

Tuesday (6/29) - vs SBB. LaMarr Hoyt (3-8, 5.27) vs. Mike Moore (6-5, 3.11)
No extra innings, but another late win for the Greyhounds. Rain chased both starters early, though they were both pitching well. South Beach opened a 2-1 lead in the 7th off Willie Hernandez (back-to-back solo homers by Mike Easler and Bump Wills) but Pittsburgh scored a pair in the bottom of the 8th to retake the lead. Gossage then polished off the 9th for his 20th save. Don Money was 0-for-3, but drove in the game-winner with a sacrifice flyGreyhounds 3, Barracudas 2.

Wednesday (6/30) - vs. SBB. Burt Hooton (6-3, 3.91) vs. John Tudor (7-6, 3.48)
Today, Chuck Tanner needed to be a little quicker with the hook. John Tudor took a 5-2 lead into the 7th, but the Barracudas slapped him around for five in the inning to overtake the Greyhounds for the win. Barracudas 7, Greyhounds 5.

Thursday (7/1) - at NY. Pascual Perez (8-5, 3.59) vs. Mike Witt (8-3, 2.33)
That'd be newly minted Pitcher of the Month Mike Witt and the best-record-in-baseball Titans. However, the Greyhounds show no fear in the series opener, riding a 7-run 4th to a fairly easy win. Greyhounds 9, Titans 4.

Friday (7/2) - at NY. Scott McGregor (2-7, 5.40) vs. Frank Tanana (5-7, 3.79)
It wasn't pretty, but a win's a win. McGregor scatters 12 hits over 7 and the Titans leave 13 runners on base, while the Titans shoot themselves in the foot with a pair of errors. Greyhounds 3, Titans 2.

TRADE PROPOSAL
Washington offers us 26-year-old SP Jim Clancy for 17-year-old SP Freddy Roberts, my best pitching prospect. About 98% likely a no, but I might see if they have some other deal that might work.

Saturday (7/3) - at NY. Steve Rogers (8-6, 2.81) vs. Charlie Lea (7-5, 2.94)
Another doozy of a game, as the Greyhounds score seven of their 8 runs after the 6th inning. Lance Parrish was the game's big bat, going 3-for-3 with a pair of homers. Greyhounds 8, Titans 7.

SCHEDULE NOTE
July 4th is also the day for the first-year player draft, but I'll handle that as a separate post.

Sunday (7/4) - at NY. Mike Moore (6-5, 2.98) vs. Shane Rawley (6-5, 3.67)
The Greyhounds come within one inning of a series sweep, but it comes apart in the 9th when Gossage struggles to find the plate. Staked a 5-4 lead, Gossage allows two walks and a single to load the bases out of the gate, and then pinch-hitter Tony Perez drives in Rickey Henderson and Eddie Murray to win it. Titans 6, Greyhounds 5.

Week Record: 5-2
Season Record: 46-38, 1st in division, 1.0 games ahead

[PFellah]

First-Year Player Draft

Ed: Obviously I won't cover the whole thing, just the highlights.

Well, the Greyhounds are picking 17th, so I'm not going to go too far trying to predict who might be available when we pick.

ROUND 1 -- CF Dan Gladden (24)

First, here's the full first round.

1. Detroit - SP Tom Candiotti
2. KC - SS Tony Fernandez
3. WDC - SP Sid Fernandez
4. GG - SP Orel Hershiser
5. MTL - CF Phil Bradley
6. PHI - RF Darryl Strawberry
7. GA - SP Danny Jackson
8. LA - C Darren Daulton
9. DEN - LF Andy Van Slyke
10. TEX - P Jose DeLeon
11. OKL - 2B Juan Samuel
12. TOR - SP Danny Cox
13. SBB - SP Kevin Gross
14. CLE - MR Dan Morogiello (Ed: Really?)
15. SD - MR Dave Von Ohlen
16. CIN - SP Ray Fontenot
    
17. PIT - CF Dan Gladden
18. SEA - 3B Randy Ready
19. LOU - SP Matt Young
20. NY - MR Curt Brown

For our first round pick the choice really came down to Randy Ready vs. Dan Gladden. Ready plays the position of greater need (I'd expect to have CF Dale Murphy for a while, whereas Don Money at 3B is already 34), but Gladden seemed to have some elite tools (18 contact, 19 speed and baserunning). So even though my scouting director favors Ready, we went for the ceiling of Gladden and will figure out where to play him later. (Also, Ready wanted 100k over slot, while Gladden was only about 300k over, so he might be an easier sign).

ROUND 2 -- RF Mike Brown (22)
Scouting director likes Otis Nixon, but I'm not sure that's a good call when we just went Gladden in the first round. Looked pitching first, but there's no great arms -- a lot of three-pitch starters and middle relievers. At 3B, German Rivera has a lot going for him except he has absolutely no power; after that it drops into 2 and 3 star talents. Purely on potential, C Bill Schroeder offers the best pure power bat. RF Mike Brown has a decent package of rounded skills (12-14 potential across the board) and can play both corner OF positions. Brown seems like the safest play here.

OTHER NOTEABLES: Don Carman, Ron Darling, Nick Esasky, Craig McMurtry, Kevin McReynolds, Otis Nixon, Mitch Webster

ROUND 3 -- C Mike Fitzgerald (21)
Honestly, I messed up. I was going to take Rivera but screwed up and somehow took Fitzgerald, who was the scouting director's recommendation. Crap.

ROUND 4 -- SS Dave Anderson (21)
First, the pool is out of starting pitching. So I'm not getting any further rotation help in this draft. Scouting recommends MR Greg Booker, but I think I want to at least try and address third base. Between Darnell Coles and Dave Anderson, I think I like Anderson a touch better because he could also move to SS -- he plays both equally well.

ROUND 5 -- 3B Darnell Coles (20)
I probably shouldn't double-down at 3B, but Darnell Coles is still available and one of the best prospects on the board, so what the heck.

ROUND 6 AND BEYOND
Turning the rest of the draft over to the scouts nets me..

• LF Butch Davis (24)
• SS Ron Wotus (21)
• RF Wil Culmer (24)

CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

• Dan Gladden: asking 240k, offering 214k. Push comes to shove, I'll probably give him what he wants.
• Mike Brown: asking 140k, offering 137k. I assume we can get this done.
• Mike Fitzgerald: asking 130k, offering 68k. I'll try to do what I can, but since I took him by accident anyway, I'm not adverse to letting him walk.
• Dave Anderson: asking 120k, offering 43k. He and Coles represent the same problem. Chances are I'll have to let one sign and let the other walk.
• Darnell Coles: asking 110k, offering 32k. See Anderson above -- chances are I'll be able to sign one of the two.

[PFellah]

Week 13 - Around the League

HEADLINES

• Voodoo, Titans, Greyhounds, and Sharks lead at midpoint of season.
• Candy-gram for Detroit: SP Candiotti to Dragons #1 overall in amateur draft
• KC's Boddicker lost for 14 months with UCL injury.
• Voodoo's Cursed CFs -- Louisiana loses third CF to injury

STANDINGS


PLAYERS OF THE MONTH - JUNE


PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Eastern Association: LF Willie Wilson (PIT) - .429 (15-35), 1 HR, 6 RBI, 5 runs scored.
Western Association: CF Fred Lynn (SEA) - .444 (12-27), 2 HR, 3 RBIs.

TRADES

• 7/2 - MTL trades LF Champ Summers to LA for minor-league SS Donnie Werner and minor-league LF Nick Fox
• 7/3 - SEA trades 1B George Hendrick and minor-league LF Ron Kittle to OKL for LF Dusty Baker
• 7/3 - MTL trades MR Dave Smith to OKL for minor-league CF Ken Jones and minor-league LF Frank Armstrong
• 7/3 - LA trades SP John Montefusco to TOR for minor-league SP Shane Moore, minor-league CL Walt Terrell, minor-league CF Jim Finch, and minor-league RF Javier Pena
• 7/4 - PHI trades SP Ed Lynch to GG for minor-league LF Carl McElroy.
• 7/4 - PHI trades RF Don Baylor to OKL for MR John Martin and minor-league SP Francisco Gomez
• 7/4 - KC trades SP Bryan Clark to GA for minor-league LF Jon Holmes

MAJOR INJURIES (over 2 weeks)

• 6/28 - RF Tony Gwynn (DET), sprained ankle, 3 weeks
• 6/30 - SS Robin Yount (CIN), oblique strain, 4-5 weeks
• 7/2 - SS Bill Russell (CIN), oblique strain, 6 weeks
• 7/3 - CF Dwayne Murphy (WDC), fractured finger, 6 weeks
• 7/3 - CF Dave Davis (LOU), fractured thumb, 5-6 weeks
• 7/4 - 3B Glenn Gulliver (LOU), torn thumb ligament, 4 weeks

[PFellah]

Week 14 - July 5 to July 11

Last week before the All-Star break, and we finish with a home-and-home against last-place Detroit. Let's end the first half on a high note, shall we?

Monday (7/5) - at DET. John Tudor (7-7, 3.79) vs. Dave Stieb (4-10, 3.98)
Not how we wanted to start the week. The Dragons break open a 2-2 tie in the 6th with a three-spot, a Willie McGee triple accounting for what would be the eventual winning run. Dragons 5, Greyhounds 2.

TRADE UPDATE
Two more teams come knocking for Mattingly, both offering relievers (Philly offering Tom Hume; Detroit offering to send Sammy Stewart across the hall from the home locker room to the visitors.)

Tuesday (7/6) - at DET. Pascual Perez (9-5, 3.62) vs. Mike Scott (0-3, 4.08)
Pascual Perez becomes our first 10-game winner, going the distance on 132 pitches. The offense pounded out 6 runs on 14 hits, chasing Scott in the 6th. Greyhounds 6, Dragons 1.

INJURY UPDATE
U.L. Washington returns from the DL, putting us at full strength for the first time in a while. Just based on who has options/can't refuse the assignment, OF Randy Johnson draws the short straw and heads to AAA.

Wednesday (7/7) - at DET. Scott McGregor (3-7, 5.13) vs. Vida Blue (7-7, 4.67)
McGregor goes the distance on 99 pitches while the offense tags Blue for three and another pair against the bullpen. Greyhounds 5, Dragons 1.

DRAFT PICK NEGOTIATIONS
The good news is that 2nd-round pick Mike Brown signed. The bad news is that Fitzgerald (3rd) and Coles (5th) rejected their offers. I bump Fitzgerald to $80k and Coles to $45k for now. No word from Gladden (1st) or Anderson (4th).

Thursday (7/8) - no game scheduled

Friday (7/9) - vs DET. Allen Ripley (7-6, 3.46) vs. Steve Rogers (8-6, 3.01)
Rogers had struggled a little bit his last few starts, but other than a few extra walks, this was the staff ace we're used to seeing. Meanwhile, the offense took a few innings to get rolling but eventually racked up 9 runs on the day. Greyhounds 9, Dragons 1.

Saturday (7/10) - vs DET. Dave Stieb (5-10, 3.88) vs. John Tudor (7-8, 3.94)
And that's four in a row with only a run allowed. Tudor actually put 8 scoreless on the books; Gossage let the lone run score on a 9th-inning tuneup appearance. Greyhounds 5, Dragons 1.

DRAFT PICK NEGOTIATIONS
Fitzgerald threw another tantrum at $80k, but there's no way he's getting the $130k he's asking for. New offer is $95k, and we're getting toward the upper limit of what I want to pay for a backup catcher.

Sunday (7/11) - vs DET. Jack Morris (1-12, 5.01) vs. Mike Moore (6-5, 3.15)
Well, they finally put some offense together and got a win at the All-Star break. Both teams got a big inning early (4 in the 1st for Detroit; 6 in the 3rd for the Greyhounds). But the Dragons got 3 in the 7th and 2 in the 9th to salvage a little dignity on getaway day. Dragons 9, Greyhounds 8.

Week Record: 4-2
Season Record: 50-40, 1st in division, 1.0 games ahead

[PFellah]

Week 14 - Around the League

HEADLINES

• Nolan Ryan wins #200 against Louisiana.
• Toronto's losing skid hits seven straight.

STANDINGS


PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Eastern Association: LF Larry Herndon (CIN) - .600 (15-25), 1 HR, 4 RBIs.
Western Association: LF Dave Winfield (SD) - .500 (13-26), 0 HR, 2 RBs, 5 runs scored.

TRADES

• 7/6 - WDC trades minor-league SS Roy Smalley and minor-league C Harry Beck to LOU for C John Wockenfuss.
• 7/7 - PHI trades MR Tom Hume to MON for minor-league CF Don Wilson, minor-league SS Donnie Werner, and minor-league 3B Tracy Lindsay.
• 7/12 -TOR trades 1B Chris Chambliss to GA for MR Ron Reed and minor-league MR Andres Reyes.

MAJOR INJURIES (over 2 weeks)[LIST]
NONE

[PFellah]

Mid-Season Free Agency Preview

While we have dowtime this week, I wanted to start looking at some of my free agency decisions and maybe get a few of them taken care of.

2B Julio Cruz: Guy's hitting .227, isn't even the starter, and wants a $100k/year raise. And all he really has going for him is speed. Think I'll pass.

LF Brian Downing: Tough call. He's not as expensive as my other outfield FAs (700k per), and the versatility of being a backup catcher is worth something. On the other hand he's on the wrong side of 30, and if he's not starting, he'd be way too pricy for a 4th outfielder. Certainly not doing anything on him yet, maybe not at all. But if it becomes obvious I'm going to lose Willie Wilson, he'd be a good Plan B.

2B Jim Gantner: He ain't sexy, but his contract demands are an entirely reasonable $275k(ish) per year. Contract offered.

CL Rich Gossage: I love the Goose. I really do. But he wants $600k per, and I have a lot of arms down in the pen who could do his job 90% as well for a whole lot less money. Probably going to have to be no.

MR Willie Hernandez: Speaking of guys who will do it cheaper, Hernandez wants a perfectly reasonable extension in the 250k-275k range, and he's my only lefty in the pen. Offer extended.

C Buck Martinez: Not going to tie up flexibility on a backup catcher at this point. Pass.

CF Dale Murphy: 26, coming into his prime... I'm pretty much going to pay him what he wants. Which is 8 years, $950k per. That might get a little steep in the later years of the deal, but all in all, it seems like a reasonable price.

RF Gorman Thomas: I'd love to keep him, but he has pretty steep demands -- 6 years at $1.2M per year. Which would have him making premium money in his age 36 and age 37 seasons. That could get ugly fast, as much as I love his power bat. Pass for now, but if I get a nice budget bump, maybe I'd try throwing something at him with fewer years.

LF Willie Wilson: Having a great year, just trying to reconcile potentially paying 900k per year for a guy who doesn't hit for a lick of power but does just about everything else well. I'm going to wait for now just to keep my options open, but chances are I'll probably re-sign him.

I have enough extension money left ($1.9M) that I could sign either Wilson or Thomas, but probably not both.

[PFellah]

Federal League All-Star Game -- Western 7, Eastern 6

Going into the inaugural All-Star Game, most pundits seemed to like the Eastern Association roster a little better -- deeper, a more well-rounded offense, some head-scratching picks on the Western pitching staff.

And as a 5-run 4th unfolded against Georgia's Eric Show, it seemed like the pundits were on to something. Granted, two of the five runs were unearned, but they still left the Eastern squad sitting pretty with a 6-2 lead.

But then the West's bats came to life. In the 6th, a solo homer by Joe Morgan made the game competitive again. In the 7th, Jeff Burroughs hit a line-drive screamer out to left, making it a close game at 6-5. Finally, in the 8th, with Montreal's Steve Howe pitching, Golden Gate 2B Frank White went the other way with a double to right field, plating Jason Thompson and Don Slaught. In the 9th, facing a lefty-heavy lineup, the West went with Joe Sambito over Rollie Fingers, but the gambit paid off with a scoreless 9th and a Western Association win.

Greyhound Contributions: Gossage and Rogers pitched the 4th and 5th, respectively, both throwing scoreless frames. U.L. Washington (1-5) and Willie Wilson (1-3, 2 walks, 2 runs scored) both played the entire game. Andre Thornton did not make an appearance.

[PFellah]

Week 15 - July 12 to July 18

Back to work after the break. In a scheduling quirk, we get Detroit again, so that's nine straight games against the Dragons.

Monday (7/12) - NO GAMES - ALL-STAR BREAK

DRAFT-PICK NEGOTIATIONS
Dave Anderson, our 4th-round pick, broke off negotiations and will re-enter the draft. (After one round of negotiation... really? Temper, temper.) Oh well. (Ed. mail text said he was going to "continue education", but he was a college draftee. So... grad school?)

Meanwhile, Gladden came back asking for more money, but we're closer. I split the difference between his 240 and our 214 and offered 227.

Tuesday (7/13) - ALL-STAR GAME - WESTERN 7, EASTERN 6

TRADE OFFER
No Detroit, you're not getting Don Mattingly for Sammy Stewart. GO HOME DETROIT, YOU'RE DRUNK!

Wednesday (7/14) - NO GAMES - ALL-STAR BREAK

TRADE OFFER/CONTRACT UPDATES
Washington: Clancy for Mattlingy. Fairer than Detroit's offer, but still not happening.

Meanwhile, Jim Gantner (2 years, $560k) and Dale Murphy (8 years, $7.6M) signed contract extensions coming out of the break. The Murphy signing in particular has the fans excited.

Thursday (7/15) - no game scheduled
Back to league action, but a light slate of two games, and we're not one of them.

Friday (7/16) - at DET. John Tudor (8-8, 3.70) vs. Dave Stieb (5-11, 3.88)
The bats decided to take an extra-long All-Star break but the pitching got right back to it for both teams. Andre Thornton doubled in U.L. Washington for the game's only run; Tudor made it stand up for 8 innings before giving the ball to Gossage in the 9th. Greyhounds 1, Dragons 0.

Saturday (7/17) - at DET. Mike Moore (6-5, 3.30) vs. Vida Blue (7-8, 4.67)
Vida Blue turns the tables on the visitors, leading a 2-0 blanking of the Greyhounds. Blue fans 11 over 6.1 innings before giving way to the pen -- three more pitchers combine to finish the shutout. Offensively, Duane Walker scored on a passed ball in the 5th and Danny Heep launched a solo homer in the 6th -- not exactly Murderer's Row, but it got the job done. Dragons 2, Greyhounds 0.

Sunday (7/18) - at DET. Steve Rogers (9-6, 2.94) vs. Allen Ripley (7-7, 3.78)
Rogers goes for win #10 in the series finale and gets staked to a 3-0 lead early. The Dragons get back to 3-2, but then a 9th inning meltdown by the Dragon bullpen makes things look worse than they were. Greyhounds 7, Dragons 2.

Week Record: 2-1
Season Record: 52-41, 2nd in division, 0.5 games behind

[PFellah]

Week 15 - Around the League

HEADLINES

• Axe drops for Toronto's Bobby Cox; Billy Martin gets the call to stop the Rhinos' free-fall.
• Phil Niekro notches win #250 for Golden Gate.
• Greyhounds' Murphy signs 8-year extension.
• Texas Unrest Continues: Tekulve joins list of players asking for a trade

STANDINGS


PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Eastern Association: 3B Doug DeCinces (SBB) - .400 (6-15), 3 HR, 8 RBIs.
Western Association: RF Jeff Burroughs (GG) - .500 (7-14), 3 HR, 7 RBs, 4 runs scored.

TRADES

• 7/13 - DET trades minor-league SP Danny Darwin to OKL for minor-league MR Craig Flanigan.
• 7/13 - KC trades SP Tommy Boggs to GA for minor-league LF Eric Carter and minor-league 1B Mike Sellers.

MAJOR INJURIES (over 2 weeks)

• 7/16 - 3B Wayne Gross (WDC), strained quad, 5 weeks

[PFellah]

Week 16 - July 19 to July 25

Four-game set with the Northeast-leading New York Titans, followed by a three-game swing up to Toronto.

Monday (7/19) - vs. NY. Shane Rawley (6-5, 3.62) vs. Pascual Perez (10-5, 3.42)
Both starters were pretty dreadful, but New York was the team taking a 6-5 lead to the bottom of the 9th. Brian Downing led off with a short fly to right against Lee Smith, but then Buck Martinez walked and Lance Parrish ended the game with a walk-off two-run homer. Greyhounds 7, Titans 6.

DRAFT-PICK NEGOTIATIONS
Our #1 pick is signed! Gladden accepted the $227k compromise and reports to rookie ball. So 1st (Gladden) and 2nd (Brown) are signed, 4th (Anderson) broke off talks, leaving Fitzgerald (3rd) and Coles (5th) as the only picks up in the air.

TRADE OFFER
Now Detroit has moved to blatant salary dump -- trying to send me Pete Falcone and his 300k salary for deep-minors parts. Falcone isn't a BAD pitcher, but I don't really need him for anything.

Tuesday (7/20) - vs. NY. Frank Tanana (6-8, 3.66) vs. Scott McGregor (4-7, 4.68)
McGregor has his 4th straight solid start, and the Greyhounds jump all over New York's pitching staff with five homers. Brian Downing jacked a pair, but they were both solo shots -- Parrish, Money, and Julio Cruz also went deep. Greyhounds 9, Titans 2.

DRAFT-PICK NEGOTIATIONS
Darnell Coles broke off negotiations as well. Oh well. I would've liked one more run at him, because I was prepared to offer him some/all of Anderson's money, but his loss.

Wednesday (7/21) - Mike Witt (10-4, 2.34) vs. John Tudor (9-8, 3.49)
Willie Wilson scores the go-ahead run in the bottom of the 8th on a passed ball, and Gossage makes it stand up in the 9th. Greyhounds 4, Titans 3.

Thursday (7/22) - vs NY. Charlie Lea (7-7, 3.40) vs. Mike Moore (6-6, 3.26)
The Titans avoid the series sweep as Charlie Lea pitches six scoreless and Lee Smith registers his 30th save. Gorman Thomas was ejected in the 3rd for arguing balls and strikes. Titans 2, Greyhounds 1.

CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS
Willie Hernandez inked a 3-year, 750k extension overnight, so one more happy customer for the front office.

Friday (7/23) - at TOR. Steve Rogers (10-6, 2.90) vs. Larry Christenson (9-6, 2.43)
Toronto scores first with a pair in the 2nd (one earned, one unearned), but the Greyhounds answer with a vengeance. Willie Wilson's 3-run homer in the 3rd was the decider; the other four runs were just gravy. Greyhounds 7, Rhinos 2.

Saturday (7/24) - at TOR. Pascual Perez (10-5, 3.74) vs. Jim Palmer (9-10, 2.97)
Not even as close as the 10-5 final makes it look. The top third of the Greyhounds' order (Wilson, Washington, Thornton) was 10-for-15, and Perez cruised for 8 innings of one-run ball. The only reason it even looks close is that Hernandez's new contract must've gone to his head, as he allowed four runs in a garbage-time 9th. Greyhounds 10, Rhinos 5.

Sunday (7/25) - at TOR. Scott McGregor (5-7, 4.45) vs. Bobby Castillo (3-7, 3.30)
McGregor's run of good starts hits a wall in dramatic fashion, as the Greyhounds' hurler was tagged for 6 runs and 11 hits in 2.2 innings. Schatzeder poured another three runs worth of gasoline on the fire, and that's all she wrote. Overshadowed in all the Rhino offense was that Castillo and Mike Flanigan combined to throw a one-hitter, though the one hit was a solo homer by Lance Parrish. Rhinos 9, Greyhounds 1.

Week Record: 5-2
Season Record: 57-43, 1st in division, 2.0 games ahead

[PFellah]

Week 16 - Around the League

HEADLINES

• Nothing exciting to report this week, really.

STANDINGS


PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Eastern Association: 1B Wade Boggs (DET) .412 (14-34), 1 HR, 6 RBIs, 2 runs scored.
Western Association: 1B Jason Thompson (DEN) - .448 (13-29), 1 HR, 4 RBIs.

TRADES

• 7/22 - SBB trades LF Billy Sample to TEX for CF Al Bumbry.
• 7/23 - LOU trades LF Dane Iorg to WDC for MR Doc Medich and minor-league CL Jerry Dunbar.

MAJOR INJURIES (over 2 weeks)

• 7/20 - CF Fred Lynn (SEA), separated shoulder, 4-5 weeks
• 7/24 - CF Eddie Milner (KC), sprained elbow, 6 weeks

[PFellah]

Pittsburgh Acquires Lansford, Wilson

There's a thought progression here, but it's a bit of a crooked line.

Let's start with the fact that we're probably going to re-sign Willie Wilson. OK, he doesn't hit for raw power, but he's currently on his way to a batting title, and does everything other than hit the ball out of the park.

So, OK, that means that Brian Downing is pretty much expendable. He's too expensive for next year, and he's not even doing much for us this year, so we decided to shop him. I was probably willing to settle for the Bobby Grich deal; however, this time, Texas has Carney Lansford on the block. We missed our chance to get him in the initial draft by a round, but this gives us a chance to fix that -- Money will be 36 next year and can ease out of the starting lineup.



While I was exploring, I decided I'm tired of Julio Cruz. He's done at the end of the year, the Gantner extension means Cruz doesn't really have a role to play, so I'll see what I can get for him as well. Georgia RF Glenn Wilson is interesting because it's becoming fairly apparent I won't have the budget to re-sign Gorman Thomas, so Wilson gives me a RF for next season.



Lansford reports to the big club right away and will probably bump Don Money to the bench. Wilson, however, will report to AAA, with Randy Johnson getting the call to the majors -- I'd rather have Wilson playing every day than riding pine in the Show.

[PFellah]

Week 17 - July 26 to August 1

On the road all week. A short two-gamer in Cleveland, followed by four games in Philadelphia.

Monday (7/26) - no game scheduled

TRADE OFFERS
Washington is offering reliever Luis Sanchez for minor-league OF Brian Harper. Texas wants to double-down on their salary dump and send us Bobby Grich for Buck Martinez and Freddy Roberts (my best pitching prospect). I'll keep an eye on Grich in case I start slipping in the standings, but for now, no.

Tuesday (7/27) - at CLE. John Tudor (10-8, 3.48) vs. Bill Laskey (10-8, 2.55)
Pittsburgh puts the wood to the Cobras in the opener of the short series, pounding out 20 hits. It could've been far worse (15 LOB), but even what it is was dismal for Cleveland. LAnsford went 4 for 6 in his Pittsburgh debut. Greyhounds 7, Cobras 0.

TRADE UPDATE
Texas finally moved Bobby Grich... to South Beach, for Johnny Bench.

Wednesday (7/28) - Steve Rogers (11-6, 2.81) vs. Rich Dotson (8-6, 3.14)
It took 12 innings, but the Greyhounds pulled out another win against their division rivals. The Cobras got a run in the 9th to force extra frames, but Dale Murphy smacked a three-run homer in the 12th to ice the game. Greyhounds 7, Cobras 5 (12 innings).

Thursday (7/29) - at PHI. Mike Moore (6-7, 3.11) vs. Dennis Eckersley (5-7, 5.64)
Philly has been resurgent lately (8-2 in their last 10) but they're still a sub-.500 team. Pittsburgh slaps Eck around for 4-spots in consecutive innings, and the rout is on. Greyhounds 9, Patriots 1.

TRADE UPDATE
Detroit keeps trying to get me to take Pete Falcone. I finally just put him on the "not interested" list so they can stop pestering me.

Friday (7/30) - at CLE. Pascual Perez (11-5, 3.58) vs. Ron Guidry (10-8, 3.25)
Gorman Thomas launches a pair of solo homers and the Greyhounds turn three double-plays to help Pascual Perez out. Perez efficiently goes the distance on 102 pitches. Greyhounds 4, Patriots 1.

Saturday (7/31) - at PHI. Scott McGregor (5-8, 4.91) vs. Floyd Bannister (8-3, 2.83)
It's a battle of crafty lefties, and McGregor comes up on the short end. A four-run third was the big innings, but the Patriots had his number all day, including Bannister helping his own cause with a solo homer.Patriots 8, Greyhounds 2.

Sunday (8/1) - at PHI. John Tudor (11-8, 3.32) vs. Steve Renko (5-8, 5.17)
Pittsburgh crawls out of an early hole to tie the game 3-3 in the 6th, but the Patriots pull away down the stretch. Patriots 6, Greyhounds 4.

Week Record: 4-2
Season Record: 61-45, 1st in division, 3.5 games ahead

[PFellah]

Week 17 - Around the League

HEADLINES

• Oscar Gamble suffers MCL rupture, out 9 months.
• Detroit's Boggs wins third straight Rookie of the Month award.
• KC's Pastore fires one-hitter against Admirals.
• Voodoo's Cursed CFs -- Louisiana loses third CF to injury

STANDINGS


PLAYERS OF THE MONTH - JULY


PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Eastern Association: 3B Carney Lansford (PIT) - .600 (12-20), 0 HR, 5 RBIs, 5 runs scored.
Western Association: CF Kirk Gibson (TEX) - .520 (13-25), 1 HR, 7 RBIs.

TRADES

• 7/26 - PIT trades C/LF Brian Downing to TEX for 3B Carney Lansford.
• 7/26 - PIT trades 2B Julio Cruz to GA for RF Glenn Wilson.
• 7/28 - TEX traded 2B Bobby Grich to SBB for C Johnny Bench and minor-league closer Leonel Perez.
• 7/30 - DET trades MR Doug Corbett to GA for minor-league LF Albert Hall.
• 7/30 - GA trades CF Rick Miller to TEX for MR Kent Tekulve and minor-league CL Leonel Perez.

MAJOR INJURIES (over 2 weeks)

• 7/27 - 2B Tom Herr (LA), strained rib cage muscle, 3-4 weeks
• 7/27 - LF Tony Gwynn (DET), chronic back soreness, 4 weeks
• 7/27 - CF Chet Lemon (GG), sprained ankle, 3-4 weeks
• 7/28 - LF Oscar Gamble (DEN), ruptured MCL, 9 months
• 7/30 - SS Jerry Royster (TOR), intercostal strain, 3 weeks
• 7/30 - MR George Frazier (WDC), bone bruise (knee), 7 weeks (Ed. Missed a high-five with a teammate! How the hell do you ding your knee?)
• 7/31 - 2B Lou Whitaker (OKL), elbow sprain, 3 weeks