Pirates Play Moneyball 1951 - ????

[luckymann]

Originally Posted by Brad K

Thank you.

Have visitors now so things will be slow but not completely stopped for a couple of weeks.

My absence was due to attending the birthday party of a couple born on the same day but different years. He is 90 and she is 85.

Nice!

[Brad K]

He still drives (and he's good) and has a sports car.

[luckymann]

Originally Posted by Brad K

He still drives (and he's good) and has a sports car.

My hero!

[Brad K]

Ryan was in AAA on rehab and when the AAA season ended...

[splat58]

On to the Hall of Fame

[Brad K]

Originally Posted by splat58

On to the Hall of Fame

I wonder what the percentage will be.

BTW, I don't vote on Hall of Fame or awards.

[Brad K]

Made it

[Brad K]

And the pennant

[luckymann]

You getting Barry back for the WS bud?

[Brad K]

Bonds will be available for WS. He'll have been off three weeks. I'm concerned about rust. A lesser player I probably wouldn't start after being off three weeks. I think Bonds is good enough that even with rust he'll still be OK to start.

[luckymann]

Originally Posted by Brad K

Bonds will be available for WS. He'll have been off three weeks. I'm concerned about rust. A lesser player I probably wouldn't start after being off three weeks. I think Bonds is good enough that even with rust he'll still be OK to start.

G'luck!

[Brad K]

Yep

[Brad K]

Here we go again

[italyprof]

Originally Posted by Brad K

Frank Thomas
Finished As A Pirate?

Oct 10 1962
Washington Observer
Pittsburgh Penn

The career of the only Pirate to play every year from their inception in 1951 may be over. The Observer has learned the Pirates have declined to exercise Frank Thomas' contract option for 1963.

Thomas is a four time All Star and led the National League in home runs in 1959 with 36. He is the Pirates' all time leader in Games Played, At Bats, Runs, Total Bases, Home Runs, and RBIs.

In recent years Thomas has mostly played third base although not a stand out fielder there. Now the Pirates consider Bob Bailey as their third baseman of the future and the competition at Thomas' other positions, first base and left field, is strong.

Thomas saw little playing time in 62 after losing the job at third base in Spring Training. Dick Stuart started 158 games at first base and led Major League Baseball with 47 home runs. Left fielder Felipe Alou started 153 games and led the National league in Runs Scored.

While he functioned as a backup for these positions in 62, the Pirates decision indicates they believe that role does not exist for him in 63. AAA players Donn Clendenon and Willie Stargell should be major league ready next year. Each can play either first base or left field. And Joe Christopher will reprise his 62 role as a backup corner outfielder.

Thomas remains a capable player and is likely to sign with another team. Although unconfirmed, rumor is that Thomas' contract buyout cost the Pirates $10,000. "It would be super strange to be paid not to play" he said. Pirates GM Anne Bonny declined comment on the Thomas' situation.

Frank Thomas, Joe Christopher

Frank Thomas, the Ed Kranepool of the Pittsburgh Pirates...

[Brad K]

Welcome to the thread!

Over time I developed a better article format.

Happy reading.

[Brad K]

Early season woes

[Brad K]

And at All Star time...

[Brad K]

And at the trade deadline, trying to improve the team.

[Brad K]

Leibrandt did great

[italyprof]

Originally Posted by Brad K

Things go fast when you sim the games!!!

Hey you did it! Well done and Congratulations! Can we get a screenshot of the roster of the world champions?