The Field Of Dreams Project

[Nick Soulis]

Tournament Progress Report 160 Series Played

Every 10 series I will give a progress report on the competition including stats.

Leaders (single series)
Hits...................George Stone (1907 Browns) 17
Home Runs.......Andrew McCutchen (2014 Pirates) 6
RBI...................Dave Parker (1977 Pirates) 17
Strikeouts.........Smoky Joe Wood (1912 Red Sox) 36
Longest HR.......Billy Herman (1941 Cubs) 504 FT

Cumulative WAR leaders (ALL Players)
1. Kenny Lofton - 3.2
2. Al Lopez - 3.1
3. Mark Belanger - 3.1
4. Eddie Collins - 3.0
5. Mike Piazza - 2.9


Managerial Leaders
Most Wins...........Tony LaRussa - 26
Winning %...........Bill Virdon - 100%

Hall of Famers
Culminative leaders for all Hall of Famers for every series they play (includes Pujols, Rose, Bonds, Joe Jackson, Clemens, Trout, Verlander, Cabrera)
Avg..................Earl Averill (.500)
HR...................Jim Thome (10)
RBI..................Jim Thome (35)
Runs...............Jim Thome (28)
Hits.................Rickey Henderson (40)
SB..................Rickey Henderson (11)
2B...................Dave Winfield (9)
3B...................Pie Traynor (5)
AB...................Dave Winfield (137)
SLG................Gaby Hartnett (1.083)
Wins...............Jim Palmer (6)
IP....................Jim Palmer (88)
K.....................Gaylord Perry (55)
ERA................Whitey Ford (0.00)
K/9..................Juan Marichal (10.52)
BB/9................Christy Mathewson (0.00)
Saves..............Mariano Rivera (4)

Championship Clubs
1. 1959 Dodgers (defeated 1989 Dodgers 4-2 in prelim) Still Alive
2. 1908 Chicago Cubs (Lost to 1919 Giants 2-4 in prelim) ELIMINATED
3. 1985 Kansas City Royals (Lost to 1995 Padres 1-4 in Prelim) ELIMINATED
4. 1973 Oakland Athletics (defeated 1920 Braves in Prelim) Still Alive
5. 1919 Cincinnati Reds (Lost to 1973 Reds 3-4 in Prelim) ELIMINATED
6. 1998 New York Yankees (Defeated 1926 Cubs 4-2 in Prelim) Still Alive
7. 1991 Minnesota Twins (Defeated 1909 Highlanders 4-2 in Prelim) Still Alive
8. 1951 New York Yankees (Defeated 1923 Athletics 4-1 in Prelim) Still Alive
9. 1947 New York Yankees (Lost to 1914 Yankees 3-4 in Prelim) - ELIMINATED
10. 1912 Boston Red Sox (Defeated 2020 Rockies 4-3 in Prelim) Still Alive
11. 1993 Toronto Blue Jays (lost to 1953 Giants 3-4 in Prelim) - ELIMINATED
12. 1913 Philadelphia Athletics (Defeated 1988 Cardinals 4-0) - Still Alive
13. 1968 Detroit Tigers (Defeated 1901 Orphans 4-1) - Still Alive
14. 2008 Philadelphia Phillies (Lost to 1983 Yankees 1-4 in Prelim) - ELIMINATED
15. 1964 St. Louis Cardinals (Lost to 1995 Astros 1-4 in Prelim) - ELIMINATED

Incredible Comebacks (Teams down 0-3 to come back and win series)
1. 1912 Boston Red Sox (Defeated 2020 Rockies)


Franchise Records
Arizona Dbacks....................0-2
Atlanta/Mil Braves................4-4
Baltimore Orioles..................5-6
Boston Braves/Beans...........2-4
Boston Red Sox...................11-5
Brooklyn/LA Dodgers...........10-9
Chicago Cubs......................3-7
Chicago White Sox..............7-7
Cincinnati Reds...................10-10
Cleveland Indians/Naps......3-11
Colorado Rockies................0-2
Detroit Tigers......................8-10
Florida/Miami Marlins......... 1-0
Houston Astros....................4-2
KC Royals...........................3-2
Los Angeles Angels.............2-5
Milwaukee Brewers.............6-4
Minnesota Twins..................3-6
Montreal Expos...................5-0
New York Mets....................4-5
New York Yankees...............11-9
New York/SF Giants.............7-4
Philadelphia Phillies.............5-7
Philadelphia/Oak A's............10-10
Pittsburgh Pirates.................9-8
San Diego Padres................6-4
Seattle Mariners...................2-3
St. Louis Browns..................3-1
St. Louis Cardinals...............4-6
Tampa Bay Rays..................1-0
Texas Rangers.....................3-2
Toronto Blue Jays.................2-1
Washingtion Nationals..........0-0
Washington Senators...........6-4

Best Winning Percentage by Franchise:
Montreal Expos 100% (5-0)

Records By Decade
1900's.............................4-9
1910's.............................21-7
1920's.............................6-7
1930's.............................5-13
1940's.............................10-6
1950's.............................14-7
1960's.............................11-17
1970's.............................22-15
1980's.............................13-13
1990's.............................21-26
2000's.............................21-14
2010's.............................12-25

Most successful Season:
1977 is 4-0 (100%)


Achievements
Series 2 - Jim Longborg 19 scoreless innings pitched
Series 5 - Gil Hodges 5-5, 2 HR, 7 RBI in game 2 of series
Series 15 - Mark McGwire hits 3 HR in one game at Braves Field.
Series 48 - Ron Fairly goes 5-6 with 3 doubles and a home run in 13-10 win.
Series 62 - Joe Adcock hits three home runs in the deciding game seven with 5 RBI including the walk off series clinching winner.
Series 73 - Joey Medwick goes 4-5 with 3 HR and 7 RBI in game 4 of series. He hit 2 three run home runs.
Series 85 - Alex Rodriguez goes 6-6 with 3 2B and 4 runs in game six clinching win.
Series 91 - Noodles Hahn pitches to complete game shutouts in series sweep, one in game one and one in game 4.
Series 96 - Darryl Strawberry of the 1984 Mets goes 6-6 with 6 RBI in a 24 hit effort by the team in a win over the 1994 Expos.
Series 99 - Three home runs by Walker Cooper in a crucial 7-5 win in game 6 to keep the 1948 Giants alive and eventual winners.
Series 102 - Dave Parker hits 5 home runs in 4 games and drives in 17 runs.
Series 117 - Ed Konetcy goes 3-5 with 7 RBI for the 1909 Cardinals in a 16 run win.
Series 121 - Jim Palmer pitches a 13 inning shutout to beat Whitey Ford and the Yankees 1-0.
Series 133 - Roger Repoz hits a walk off grand slam to win the series for the 1967 Athletics.
Series 149 - Eddie Plank pitches two shutouts with 15 K and only 4 walks for 18 scoreless innings against the 1988 Cardinals.

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #161
2011 Cincinnati Reds (79-83) vs 2007 Houston Astros (73-89)

The 2011 Cincinnati Reds won 79 games but drew over 2 million fans and had intrigue and talent especially being led by the skipper known as Dusty. The issue with the Reds always seems to be their pitching, for a franchise that has never really had a dominant starter, this is nothing new. The best hope in the rotation was 25 year old Johnny Cueto who won 9 games and showed promise with a 2.31 ERA in 24 starts. Mike Leake lead the rotation in wins with 12 and his 3.86 ERA in 167 innings was decent but that is where the good news ends for the rotation. Bronson Arroyo had a 5.07 ERA in 32 starts and allowed in astounding 45 home runs. Homer Bailey lost much of his shine with a 5.71 ERA and a complete lack of command on the hill. Edison Volquez fought through injuries and did not contribute much with at 5.71 ERA while Travis Wood gave Dusty 18 starts going 6-6 with a 4.84. Dontrelle Willis also tried to crack to rotation but the going was tough as the club carried a 4.16 team mark. Francisco Cordero was an excellent closer saving 37 games with a 2.45 ERA but a much higher FIP at 4.02. Nick Massett and Logan Ondreusek were the main set up arms and a 23 year old that could throw 105 mph, Aroldis Chapman, was beginning to come of age. The Reds pen was impressive, but the lack of any anchor in the rotation left them hampered. The offense fared much better and right fielder Jay Bruce was the muscle at 24 years old. Bruce hit 32 home runs with 97 RBI fitting in well with the most talented bat in the lineup, first baseman Joey Votto. Votto hit .309 with a .416 OBP and 103 runs driven in. Votto had 40 doubles and played every day. Brandon Phillips was an excellent second baseman reminding some of Joe Morgan. Phillips hit .300 with 82 RBI and 14 steals. He doubled 38 times but was a great clubhouse leader fan favorite. Paul janish did most the work at short hitting just .214 with a .521 OPS and was an obvious weak link in the order. Scott Rolen at 36 years old still had a gold glove but played in just 65 games hitting .242 and Miguel Cairo was the more used player at the position. Ryan Hanigan was the backstop hitting .267 with a good .356 OBP and striking out just 32 times. Jonny Gomes was in left field hitting just .211 in 77 games and Chris Heisey who hit .254 was the better half of the platoon there Drew Stubbs was in center but struck out 205 times reminding many of Adam Dunn. Stubbs did dteal 40 bases and scored 92 runs while playing good defensive up the middle. Edgar Renteria was another cog off the bench playing short and providing needed depth as was a 25 year old Todd Frazier who went deep 6 times. Dusty will surely get the most out of this group, and in this particular series their hitting and defense likely should pull them through.

It was transition time for the 2007 Astros who were showing their age and would need to pivot to a rebuild within a few years. With Jeff Bagwell already gone, Craig Biggio stuck around for his age 41 season and hit .251 with 10 home runs and 50 RBI and his 3000th hit. Biggio wasn’t what he sued to be and neither was Morgan Ensberg who hit .232 with 8 home runs and 31 RBI lasting only 85 games at third, Adam Everett was the short stop for 66 games with a .599 OPS but Mark Loretta played most the time in the infield hitting .286 with 132 hits. Lance Berkman still could swing it at first base and drove in 102 runs with a 130 OPS+ and 95 runs scored. Brad Ausmus was in 117 games at 38 years old and held on mostly for his smarts as hit 67 OPS+ made him a big liability at the plate. In the outfield El Caballo Carlos Lee had a great season hitting .303 with 32 home runs and 119 RBI and even stealing 10 bases. Lee was as consistent a hitter as they come. Hunter Pence hit .322 in center with an .899 OPS aided by 17 home runs and 30 doubles. Luke Scott was in right field hitting .255 with 18 home runs and 64 RBI but was not fleet of foot. Chris Burke and Mile Lamb were the key pinch hitters while Ty Wigginton and Jason Lane filled out the offensive roster. Roy Oswalt was quite good and was the bonafide ace once again of the team with Roger Clemens gone. Oswalt won 14 games and held a 3.18 ERA over 212 innings. Woody Williams was hit hard for a 5.62 FIP in 31 starts and eventually was better in long relief. Wandy Rodriguez lost 13 games with a 4.58 ERA and a team lead in strikeouts with 158. Chris Sampson and Matt Albers were not the answer in their stints as starters and Jason Jennings was even worse in 18 starts and a 6.45 ERA. Brad Lidge was another player that was not really what he used to be but closed the door on 19 games with a 3.36 ERA and 11.8 K/9. Dan Wheeler had 11 saves of his own but ballooned his ERA to 5.07. Chad Qualls and Dave Borkowski were average at best in the setup role. The truth is that this Houston team was indeed one best to be blown up and dismantled. However for just one series, the Astros as hoping to make some noise against a Reds team that is far from a sure thing.


Game 1 At Great American Ball Park
Rain 48
2007 Astros.................6
2011 Reds...................4
WP: R. Oswalt (1-0) LP: A. Chapman (0-1) S: B. Lidge (1)
HR: C. Heisey (1), S. Rolen (1)
POG: Johnny Cueto
2007 Astros Lead Series 1-0
The Cincinnati bullpen blew a late lead and wasted a good performance by Johnny Cueto as the Astros scored three runs in the 7th and 8th innings and Aroldlis Chapman takes the loss in game one. Mark Loretta had 2 RBI and Scott Rolen made a rare error to keep Reds fans scratching their heads after game one.

Game 2 At Great American Ball Park
Clear 55
2007 Astros......................5
2011 Reds........................6
WP: H. Bailey (1-0) LP: W. Rodriguez (0-1) S: F. Cordero (1)
HR: J. Bruce (1), M. Ensberg (1)
POG: Jay Bruce
Series Tied At 1
A five run 5th inning broke a scoreless tie and woke up the 2011 Reds who saw Jay Bruce go deep and Brandon Phillips hit a two run double. Still in defeat the Astros made a game of it as Morgan Ensberg hit a two run home run late to cut the lead to one and Francisco Cordero was needed to close out the one run win in the 9th. Homer Bailey struck out seven and gets the win while the Astros left nine men on the bases in defeat. Destination now is Houston.

Game 3 at Minute Maid Park
Partly cloudy 62
2011 Reds......................8
2007 Astros....................6
WP: T. Wood (1-0) LP: B. Moehler (0-1)
HR: M. Ensberg (2), H. Pence (1)
POG: Travis Wood
2011 Reds Lead Series 2-1
A scrappy game with alot of clutch hits but men stranded on bases and in the end it is the Reds who take a leg up in the series. Travis Wood gets the win going seven inning and allowing two runs while striking out six. Drew Stubbs and Jay Bruce each drove in two and have 4 RBI in the series. The Astros used 8 pitchers and rallied in the 9th with two runs before Nick Masset closed the door with the tying run at the plate.

Game 4 At Minute Maid Park
Clear 77
2011 Reds...................3
2007 Astros.................8
WP: J. Jennings (1-0) LP: M. Leake (0-1) S: B. Lidge (2)
HR: L. Scott (1), A. Everet (1), L. Berkman (1), B. Phillips (1), S. Rolen (1)
POG: Adam Everett
Series Tied At 2
Adam Everett went 4-4 with a double, a triple, and an RBI as the Astros took advantage of two Reds errors and scored 8 times to even the series. Luke Scott ramped the home side up early with a 3 run home run in the first inning off loser Mike Leake and Jason Jennings held the lead until Brad Lidge closed out a rocky ninth. The game saw 6 home runs and up to this point both these clubs have been dead even as the series heads to the stretch run.

Game 5 At Minute Maid Park
Roof closed
2011 Reds....................2
2007 Astros..................5
WP: R. Oswalt (2-0) LP: J. Cueto (0-2)
HR: L. Berkman (2), S. Rolen (2)
POG: Roy Oswalt
2007 Astros Lead Series 3-2
Roy Oswalt pitched 8 strong innings to once again beat Johnny Cueto and send the Astros to Ohio with the series lead. Oswalt struck out six allowing only one earned and is making a case for series MVP. Lance Berkman had three hits including his second home run of the series.

Game 6 At Great American Ballpark
Cool 48
2007 Astros.........................2
2011 Reds...........................4
WP: H. Bailey (2-0) LP: W. Rodriguez (0-2) S: F. Cordero (2)
HR: None
POG: Homer Bailey
Series Tied At 3
Ryan Hannigan drilled a two run double in the bottom of the 5th to break a 2-2 tie in what was a well played pitchers duel. Homer Bailey would hold the lead and his bullpen would close it as Dusty's 2011 Reds force a game seven. Bailey struck out five over six innings winning for the second time while Wandy Rodriguez take his second loss. It has been a well played series and deserving of a decisive seventh and final game.

Game 7 At Great American Ballpark
Partly cloudy 46
2007 Astros....................4
2011 Reds......................9
WP: J. Horst (1-0) LP: J. Gutierrez (0-1)
HR: R. Hanigan (1), J. Bruce (2)
POG: Jay Bruce
Rayn Hanigan hit a two run home run in the third to put the Reds up in game seven for good as Travis Wood started only four innings but the Reds pen followed him up with quality work to eliminate the Astros. The Reds did a fine job winning the last two games of this series at home and being better when they had to be. Jay Bruce went 2-4 with 3 runs scored and 3 RBI including a long home run in the 6th. Juan Gutierrez takes the loss.

2011 Cincinnati Reds Win Series 4 Games To 3

Series MVP:

Scott Rolen
(.391, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 4 R, .464 OBP)

[Clovidequano Dovatha]

Two Series #160, Nick? Perhaps an accidental typo there? Just something I spotted here, that's all. CD out.

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #162
1975 Kansas City Royals (91-71) vs 1984 New York Yankees (87-75)

Just starting to climb the ladder of respectability, the Royals finished second in the AL West with 91 wins and were being molded by the style of manager Whitey Herzog. Young 22 year old star George Brett hit .308 with 195 hits and a .809 OPS in his coming out season leading the offensive charge. First baseman John Mayberry was the raw power in the lineup with 34 home runs and 106 RBI while holding an Impressive .416 OBP with 119 walks. Cookie Rojas played in 120 games at second hitting .304 and providing a good steady influence on the infield. Freddy Patek hit only .228 with 45 RBI and a .599 OPS and at 30 years old was not likely to improve. At catcher was 26 year old Buck Martinez who was smart and steady but couldn’t hit much at .226. Hal McRae had 71 RBI and hit .306 with 38 doubles proving he could really scold the ball and move the line. In center was Amos Otis who stole 39 bases and looked good on the turf but he hit only .247 when all was said and done. Jim Wohlford hit .255 in right with no home runs in 402 atbats leaving a significant hole in the lineup. At DH was 39 year old Harmon Killebrew who still hanging on and slugged 14 home runs and 44 RBI with a .199 average but a .317 OBP. Vada Pinson and Al Cowens were the usual reserves used with Cowens hitting .277 with a .742 OPS. Frank White showed potential as well and Fran Healy was the needed backup at catcher. Steve Busby headed the pitching staff and had a fine season with 18 wins and a 3.08 ERA throwing in a hitters park. Al Fitzmorris won 16 games also with a good 3.57 ERA and 3 shutouts matching Busby. Dennis Leonard made it a solid trio of KC as he went 15-7 with a 3.77 ERA and 146 strikeouts in 212 innings. Paul Splitorff lost 10 games but had 3.17 ERA and a 122 ERA+ making the lefty definitely important. Nelson Briles made 16 starts but also logged 2 saves in a duel role. And closer duties were shared as Doug Bird saved 11 games with a 3.25 ERA while Marty Pattin had an identical ERA with 5 saves. At 39 Lindy McDaniel threw 78 innings and was aided by Steve Mingori as both men worked well in relief. The Royals pitching was quite strong with a 3.47 team ERA. Any matchup with the Yankees should bring out the passion in this group, as the two franchises seem to have crucial and bitter battles every year during this stretch.

The Bronx can indeed be a hot place when you are not winning championships and George Steinbrenner is in charge. Such was the spot for manager Yogi Berra who lead the 1984 Yanks to a 3rd place finish ending with 87 wins. Yankee pitching was not as strong as it needed to be even with bright young closer Dave Righetti saving 31 games with a 2.34 ERA and 90 K. Bob Shirley and Jay Howell were good setup arms leading to Righetti and a 19 year old Jose Rijo along with Mike Armstrong rounded off a competent Yankee pen. Six men did their best to fill the rotation spots with Joe Niekro going 215 innings with a 16-8 record and 123 ERA+. The knuckle ball was working but for 33 year old Ron Guidry his best was past him. Guidry had a 4.51 ERA and lost 11 games allowing 24 home runs and not having the velocity he used to have. Ray Fontenot went 8-9 with a 3.61 ERA filling in as a decent third starter while in 24 starts Dennis Rasmussen had a 4.57 ERA and only completed one game. Joe Cowley and John Montefusco each had 11 starts with FIP's around 4 with Cowley having an impressive 9-2 record. Shane Rawley made 10 starts with an ugly ERA over six. Berra just couldn’t seem to find the consistency he needed and never really stopped tinkering with his pitching staff. The offense was filled with some interesting hitters with a wide range of talent and experience. Don Baylor was the regular DH hitting 27 home runs with 89 RBI and a .830 OPS showing he had a lot left in the tank at 35. Steve Kemp and Omar Moreno made up the less famous group of the outfield combing for only 11 home runs and a middle of the road OPS but Moreno did steal 20 bases. The fame belonged to Dave Winfield in right field who hit .340 with 19 home runs and an even 100 RBI. Winfield had 193 hits and really had one of his best overall seasons. A third Toby Harrah faced injury and hit just .217 in 88 games as Roy Smalley was used in a platoon. Bob Meacham was the 23 year old shortstop but was no Derek Jeter hitting .253 with an 81 OPS+ to try and make his case. Willie Randolph hit .287 with 162 hits and 24 doubles with a .377 OBP; Randolph was still getting it down with the glove as well. The sensation of the team other than Winfield was 23 year old Don Mattingly who burst onto the scene. Donny hit .343 and drove in 110 runs with 44 doubles and a.918 OPS. He added great intensity and a fabulous glove at first. Butch Wynegar hit .267 at catcher with 45 RBI and good enough work on defense. Ken Griffey was hanging on hitting .273 as the main utility bat while Mike Pagliarulo and Oscar Gamble tried to contribute but to limited effect. This Yankees team could play, and the matchup with the Royals by all indication should be a close one.


Game 1 At Royals Stadium
Clear skies 59
1984 Yankees...................8
1975 Royals......................2
WP: R. Guidry (1-0) LP: S. Busby (0-1)
HR: H. McRae (1)
POG: Ron Guidry
1984 Yankees Lead Series 1-0
Ron Guidry looked like his dominant t self as he spun 9 innings in the opening game to get the win. Guidry struck out five, walked none, and allowed only one earned run. Butch Wynegar had the Yankees on the right foot with a 2 run single in the 2nd off Steve Busby and New York scored two more in the sixt helped by an error from George Brett, the Royals made four errors in the loss and will need to play much cleaner going forward.

Game 2 At Royals Stadium
Rain 59
1984 Yankees...............6
1975 Royals..................4
WP: P. Niekro (1-0) LP: D. Leonard (0-1) S: D. Righetti (1)
HR: W. Randolph (1)
POG: Phil Niekro
1984 Yankees Lead Series 2-0
A scoreless game was broken up late by the Yankees as Omar Moreno and Ken Griffey each provided two run singles and Willie Randolph hit a home run as New York takes full advantage in the series as it head to New York. The Royals rallied for three runs in the ninth but a poised Dave Righetti came on to get the save after Niekro tired. New York has played flawless defense and has not trailed for a single inning in the two games.

Game 3 At Yankee Stadium
Clear 57
1975 Royals...............1
1984 Yankees.............2
WP: M. Bystrom (1-0) LP: M. Pattin (0-1) S: D. Righetti (2)
HR: None
POG: Marty Bystrom
1984 Yankees Lead Series 3-0
Toby Harrah hit a two out RBI double in the seventh inning to break a 1-1 tie and set the Yankees up for their third straight win. Marty Bystrom dueled with Marty Pattin in a tight affair but it was New York that found a way. In the 9th with runners on second and third and two out, Dave Righetti came on in relief got Jim Wolhford to fly out to right and end the dramatic game. Bystrom walked none and struck out two in the winning outing.

Game 4 At Yankee Stadium
Partly Cloudy 56
1975 Royals..................4
1984 Yankees...............3
WP: D. Bird (1-0) LP: D. Righetti (0-1) S; L. McDaniel (1)
HR: H. Killebrew (1), H. McRae (2)
POG: Hal McRae
1984 Yankees Lead Series 3-1
Hal McRae helped carry the Royals to a victory in a tight game against that will allow them to live another day in this series. McRae hit a solo home run in the top of the 8th off of Dave Righetti to break a 3-3 tie. McRae went 3-4 and drove in two runs while Jim Wohlford made up for his big out in game three with a 2-3 game and an RBI. Doug Bird threw seven strong innings with only one walk and two earned runs before Lindy McDaniel pitched a clean ninth. Also the Yankees turned a triple play in this game.

Game 5 At Yankee Stadium
Partly Cloudy 49
1975 Royals.........................2
1984 Yankees......................8
WP: R. Guidry (2-0) LP: S. Busby (0-2)
HR: D. Mattingly (1)
POG: Don Mattingly
Don Mattingly had his break out game of the series going 4-5 with a 2 run home run as the Yankees ran away from Steve Busby and the Royals to close out the series. Bob Meacham broke a 2-2 tie in the fourth inning with an RBI hit and in the 6th the Yankees scored three times to build their insurance and taking advantage of two more Royals errors. Ron Guidry won again going 9 complete allowing 8 hits and walking five but working well enough with the run support he had. Yogi Berra and his Yankees win this series in fairly simple fashion in five.

1984 New York Yankees Win Series 4 Games To 1

Series MVP:

Don Mattingly
(.474, 4 RBI, 1 HR, 5 R, 1.16 OPS)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #163
1988 New York Mets (100-60) vs 1968 New York Yankees (83-79)

Few teams in baseball history have as many stories as the 1980's Mets who had another dominant season in 1988, but the favored Mets were upset by the Dodgers in the NLCS. The core of the championship club was still there but of course was getting older. Gary Carter at 34 hit just .242 with 46 RBI and 110 hits but still was a strong presence in the clubhouse. Keith Hernandez hit .276 and played in just 95 games with a .750 OPS but keeping him on the field was half the battle. Wally Backman hit .303 as the regular second baseman and provided a steady glove but Tim Tuefel saw 90 games of action at the same position hitting .306. Howard Johnson was replacing Ray Knight at third and hit 24 home runs but hit just .230 with 104 strikeouts and his defense was below par. Kevin Elster hit just .214 with an 75 OPS+ at short making him a significant liability at the end of the order. Kevin McReynolds was producing quite well in the order with 99 RBI and a 142 OPS+ including 30 doubles and 27 home runs. Lenny Dysktra hit .270 with 30 steals but may have been growing thin on some of his teammates. Darryl Strawberry was still in his prime hitting 39 home rusn and with 101 RBI and 29 steals. Straw had a .911 OPS and almost 300 bases in what was one of his best seasons. Mookie Wilson contributed with 15 steals and a .296 mark remaining a very smart player at 32. Dave Magaden and Lee Mazzilli provided bench depth and a good core for pinch hit and clutch duties. The Mets had some issues on offense and definitely had to feed off of their strong pitching. The Mets team ERA was 2.91 and the starting rotation was likely the best in baseball. David Cone came on the scene in a huge way going 20-3 with a 2.22 ERA and striking out 213 hitters. Cone had four shutouts as did Ron Darling who went 17-9 with a 3.25 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP. Darling did allow 24 home runs but worked around lineups in an efficient controlled manner. Dwight Gooden was still in his prime going 18-9 and leading the team in innings. Doc had a 3.19 ERA with 10 complete games although his strikeout rate was a bit down sending some warning signs. Bob Ojeda somehow lost 13 games with a 2.88 ERA and Sid Fernandez made 31 starts winning 12 games with a 3.30 ERA and 189 strikeouts. Randy Myers closed out 26 games and looked dominant with 9.1 K per nine and a 1.72 ERA. Terry Leach, Roger McDowell and Rick Aguilera rounded off an excellent bullpen that added to a dominant pitching unit. As good as the 1986 team surely not, but much the same ingredients lead to a great team in 88.

A winning record in 1968 was a step in the right direction for the Yankees and Ralph Houk. The days of domination were over and a club in transition took whatever it could get. Mel Stottlemyre anchored a good pitching staff winning 21 games with a 2.45 ERA and 1.105 WHIP. He had a very impressive six shutouts proving on any given day he could really perform. Stan Bahnsen at 23 years old went 17-12 to show great promise in 267 innings. He lead the pinstripes in strikeouts with 162 and was just slightly more impressive then third starter Fritz Peterson. The lefty came in a 2.63 and a 2.56 FIP with only 13 home runs allowed and all Yankee pitchers benefited from the deep pockets of Yankee Stadium. Steve Barber started 19 games with a 3.23 ERA but a 1.48 WHIP and Bill Monbouquette had a 4.43 ERA making him a likely arm not to see action in the series. Al Downing made 12 starts with a 3.52 ERA and Jim Bouton another 12 starts as the Yanks had plenty of options that could perform in their rotation. Steve Hamilton saved 11 games and Lindy McDaniel another 10 while Fred Talbot three the most innings in relief with 99. The offence just wasn’t as consistent as it needed to be. Andy Kosco roamed right field and hit .240 with 15 home runs and only 59 RBI leaving him with minimal impact as was the case with Joe Pepitone in center. Pepitone hit .245 but dod have an OPS of .714 and struck out only 37 times. Young Roy White was in left hitting .267 with 20 steals and 17 home runs. He had multiple tools even finishing with 7 triples. Bobby Cox was a weak third baseman hitting .229 in 139 games with a 91 OPS+. The infield did not get much better with Horace Clarke hitting .230 with 26 RBI in 148 games but did manage 20 steals when he actually made it on base. Jake Gibbs was the catcher hitting .213 with 12 doubles and 3 home runs and split some time with Frank Fernandez who hit worse at .170. Tom Tresh was the shortstop who fell off the map with a .195 average and a 90 OPS+ with 11 home runs and 52 RBI. Finally at first was the legend Mickey Mantle who was 36 years old and in his final season. Mick still walked 106 times but hit .237 with 18 home runs and could really barely run anymore. He did drive in 54 with 18 home runs. Bill Robinson hit .294 in reserve duty and Dick Howser was primarily used as a defensive replacement on the infield. Gene Michael and Rocky Colavito were two more veteran names that one could fins on this roster. A battle between Yankee and Met teams is always a treat although the Mets pitching should too much for this particular Yankee team to deal with.


Game 1 At Shea Stadium
Partly Cloudy 59
1968 Yankees..................5
1988 Mets........................3
WP: B. Monbouquette (1-0) LP: R. Myers (0-1) S: S. Hamilton (1)
HR: K. Elster (1)
POG: Dwight Gooden
1968 Yankees Lead Series 1-0
The Mets blew a great outing by Dwight Gooden and Randy Myers was the culprit collapsing in the ninth allowing 4 Yankee runs and letting game one slip away. A three run double by Horace Clarke was the definitive blow as the Yanks entered the ninth inning down by two runs. Gooden struck out six over 8 innings allowing only 4 hits and one earned run but Davey Johnson pulled him in the 9th and the Mets paid the price.

Game 2 At Shea Stadium
Rain 52 (20 min delay)
1968 Yankees..................0
1988 Mets........................6
WP: D. Cone (1-0) LP: A. Downing (0-1)
HR: K. McReynolds (1), D. Strawberry (1)
POG: David Cone
Series Tied At 1
A masterful effort by David Cone who goes the distance and shutout the Yankees on only two hits. Cone struck out 8 and really looked determined to not allow the Mets to lose again. At the plate Kevin McReynolds hit a home run early but the big blow was a 417 foot three run home run by Darryl Strawberry that set Shea on fire. Al Downing takes the loss and the series now heads to the Bronx becoming a best of five.

Game 3 At Yankee Stadium
Partly Cloudy 56
1988 Mets....................7
1968 Yankees..............8
WP: S. Bahnsen (1-0) LP: S. Fernandez (0-1) S: S. Hamilton (2)
HR: M. Mantle (1), H. Johnson (1), L. Dykstra (1)
POG: Howard Johnson
1968 Yankees Lead Series 2-1
With the tying run on third Steve Hamilton was able to close the deal as the Mets made a furious comeback late but the hole was just too large. Horace Clarke went 3-4 and made the play of the game with a diving catch in the ninth while Mickey Mantle hit a two run home run early and Stan Bahnsen gets the win in a start he wasnt particularly sharp. Yanks control the series.

Game 4 At Yankee Stadium
Partly Cloudy 55
1988 Mets................5
1968 Yankees..........8
WP: F. Talbot (1-0) LP: R. Aguilera (0-1)
HR: B. Cox (1), M. Mantle (2), S. Whitaker (1), M. Wilson (1)
POG: Fred Talbot
1968 Yankees Lead Series 3-1
Now on the verge of a major upset, the Yankees put 8 more runs on the board as Horace Clarke had another three hits and Mickey Mantle hit another home run. Again the Mets made a late run but came up short as Fred Talbot allowed just one earned run in seven plus innings of quality work. Now Dwight Gooden goes for Mets too try and keep them alive.

Game 5 At Yankee Stadium
Clear 57
1988 Mets..................4
1968 Yankees............1
WP: D. Gooden (1-0) LP: F. Peterson (0-1)
HR: T. Tuefel (1), G. Jeffries (1)
POG: Dwight Gooden
1968 Yankees Lead Series 3-2
Dwight Gooden goes into the ninth inning allowing a single earned run and striking out five as the Yanks managed only five hits against him. New York gets two home runs from Tim Tuefel and Greg Jeffries and do enough to send the series back to New York and hope David Cone can follow suit. Fritz Peterson takes the loss despite a good effort.

Game 6 At Shea Stadium
Partly Cloudy 53
1968 Yankees..................10
1988 Mets........................11
WP: T. Leach (1-0) LP: A. Downing (0-2)
HR: K. Hernandez (1), J. Pepitone (1), R. White (1)
POG: Roy White
Series Tied At 3
The Yankees looked to be closing in to a clinching victory behind Al Downing as they lead 4-1 heading into the 8th inning. However the fllod gates opened in that inning as the Mets scored 10 runs backed by a Keith Hernandez grand slam and proved once again they wont die easy. The Yanks rallied for six runs in the ninth to almost tie it but come up short. An epic game between these two sides now comes down to one more game.

Game 7 At Shea Stadium
Partly Cloudy 49
1968 Yankees.................7
1988 Mets.......................4
WP: M. Stottlemyre (1-0) LP: R. Myers (0-2) S: S. Hamilton (3)
HR: F. Fernandez (1), S. Fernandez (1), K. McReynolds (2)
POG: Roy White
What a dramatic night at Shea Stadium. Sid Fernandez gave the Mets everything he had including parking a home run as the home team held a one run lead into the 7th. Andy Kosco tied the game with a sac fly but in the bottom of the 8th Darryl Strawberry delivered a two run double to give the Mets the lead with three outs to go. Randy Myers came on, the man who had blown game one, and it was not mean to be again for him as he loaded the bases and then faced catcher Frank Fernandez. It was a majestic shot that went over the left field wall for a grand slam and the Yankees break the hearts of their rivals and win a very exciting series. Myers can not live this one down allowing 10 ER in 2.2 innings.

1968 New York Yankees Win Series 4 Games To 3


Series MVP:

Horace Clarke
(.393, 6 RBI, 3 R, 2 2B, .485 OBP)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #164
1934 St. Louis Cardinals (95-58) vs 2020 Chicago White Sox (35-25)

Game 1 At Sportsmans Park
Clear 75
2020 White Sox......................2
1934 Cardinals.......................1
WP: C. Rodon (1-0) LP: D. Dean (0-1)
HR: Y. Moncada (1)
POG: Carlos Rodon
2020 White Sox Lead Series 1-0
Carlos Rodon went toe to toe with Dizzy Dean in the opening game of this series. The game was in the balance tied at one all the way to the ninth inning before Yoan Moncada launched a shot over the right field wall to put the Sox ahead. Rodon closed the deal in an excellent performance walking none and striking out 8 while allowing only 5 hits. For the losing Dean, he struck out seven and walked none in the tough loss. A fine game of baseball to open the series between midwest rivals.

Game 2 At Sportsmans Park
Clear 66
2020 White Sox....................4
1934 Cardinals.....................14
WP: P. Dean (1-0) LP: L. Giolito (0-1)
HR: L. Garcia (1)
POG: Pepper Martin
Series Tied At 1
The Cardinals answer in a big way as the gashouse gang hammer Luca Giolito and the White Sox for 14 runs and 21 hits. Pepper Martin went 4-5 and Joey Medrwick drove in four runs as the Cards scored four runs in the bottom of the first and never looked back. In the losing effort Tim Anderson went a perfect 5-5 but the Sox never came close to making this a game. Paul Dean goes the distance for the win walking none and striking out six. The White Sox did have 13 hits.

Game 3 At Guaranteed Rate Park
Clear skies 64
1934 Cardinals...................11
2020 White Sox...................6
WP: T. Carleton (1-0) LP: D. Dunning (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Ripper Collins
1934 Cardinals Lead Series 2-1
The Cardinals once again ambushed the White Sox this time in their own park to take control of the series. Ripper Collins had 3 RBI proving his is a big game player and Spud Davis drove in four. Tex Carleton got the win striking out seven even though the Sox got him for six runs. Chicago made four errors that put them in a hole with short stop Tim Anderson making two of them. The Sox will look to even the series with young Dylan Cease on the mound.

Game 4 At Guaratneed Rate Field
Clear 68
1934 Cardinals....................2
2020 White Sox...................0
WP: B. Hallahan (1-0) LP: D. Cease (0-1)
HR: R. Collins (1)
POG: Bill Hallahan
1934 Cardinals Lead Series 3-1
Bill Hallahan threw a five hit shutout with perfect control walking none and striking out seven to take St. Louis one game away from taking the series. Jack Rothrock hit a run scoring double in the 5th and Ripper Collins hit a solo home run in the ninth as Dylan Cease is the hard luck loser as he also went the full nine. Carlos Rodon now will try and save the Sox from elimination in game five.

Game 5 At Guaranteed Rate Field
Clear 57
1934 Cardinals......................0
2020 White Sox.....................5
WP: C. Rodon (2-0) LP: D. Dean (0-2)
HR: None
POG: Carlos Rodon
1934 Cardinals Lead Series 3-2
Carlos Rodon did it again and has the Cardinals number. The hard throwing lefty once again completely shut down the gashouse gang striking out seven and walking none in a 104 pitch effort. The Sox pounded out 10 hits with Jose breu getting three of them and contributing with an RBI. Paul Dean will try to close out the series and avoid a game seven.

Game 6 At Sportsmans Park
Partly Cloudy 57
2020 White Sox........................1
1934 Cardinals.........................9
WP: P. Dean (2-0) LP: L. Giolito (0-2)
HR: R. Collins (2), J. Abreu (1)
POG: Paul Dean
The Cardinals slammed the door on the series winning it in six as Paul Dean pitched his second complete game of the series confounding Chicago hitters with fic strikeouts and again no walks. Jose Abreu broke up the shutout with a solo home run in the 6th. This time manager Frankie Frisch drove in three runs and Dean himself went 3-4 with 2 RBI.

1934 St. Louis Cardinals Win Series 4 Games To 2

Series MVP:

Ripper Collins
(.370, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 1.01 OPS, 1 2B, 1 3B)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #165
1929 Philadelphia Athletics (104-46) vs 2005 Milwaukee Brewers (81-81)

One of the greatest teams ever to take the field the 1929 Philadelphia Athletics won 104 games and were lead by some of the best stars of any era. Lefty Grove went 20-6 and lead the rotation with the help of Rube Walberg and 24 game winner George Earnshaw. Al Simmons and Jimmie Foxx caused tremendous damage in the middle of the order as both batters hit over 30 home runs and drove in a ton of runs; Simmons ended with 157 RBI. Mickey Cochrane was one of the very best behind the plate and ended up with a .331 average. A truly legendary team lead by and legendary manager, the Athletics are among the most storied teams in the annals of the game.

Just about as bad a draw as any club could get the 2005 Brewers will do what they can to compete against Philadelphia. The team hit 175 home runs and Carlos Lee was likely the leading bat on the club finishing with 114 RBI and an .811 OPS. Geoff Jenkins and Lyle Overbay were two more bats that swung for the fences but the club lacked speed and depended on the big hit. The pitching had no real direction as Doug Davis and Chris Capuano did their best to eat up innings. Ace Ben Sheets won 10 games in 22 starts but his arm was starting to betray him. Derick Turnbow was a dependable closer but the Brewers pen struggled beyond him. This series should be a no contest, but the Brewers surely have nothing to lose and will play like it.

Game 1 At Shibe Park
Partly Cloudy 61
2005 Brewers................4
1929 Athletics................2
WP: B. Sheets (1-0) LP: L. Grove (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Ben Sheets
2005 Brewers Lead Series 1-0
Lefty Grove allowed five hits and two runs in the top of the first inning and did not have his polished stuff to open the series. Opponent Ben Sheets was better holding off the talented Philly lineup and even frustrating them after Eric McNair was tossed in the 5th for arguing with the home plate umpire, he will be suspended for the remainder of the series. Milwaukee had 11 hits and played well with the gloves to show a determined effort in what they are determined to make a series of. Connie Mack and the A's have to be unsettled after their ace was beaten.

Game 2 At Shibe Park
Clear 70
2005 Brewers...................3
1929 Athletics...................6
WP: G. Earnshaw (1-0) LP: D. Davis (0-1)
HR: None
POG: George Earnshaw
Series Tied At 1
Loading the bases with no one out in the top of the first, George Earnshaw bogged down allowing only one run and giving his club a due confidence heading into the rest of the game. His mates would rally for six runs and Bing Miller and Al Simmons each drove in two and Brewer starter Doug Davis struggled walking six. Earnshaw went nine striking out eight and did well to earn the vital win despite not having his best stuff. A much needed win sends the series to Miller Park where there is all to play for.

Game 3 At Miller Park
Roof closed
1929 Athletics.....................3
2005 Brewers.....................7
WP: T. Ohka (1-0) LP: R. Walberg (0-1)
HR: B. Clark (1)
POG: Brady Clark
2005 Brewers Lead Series 2-1
Brady Clark went 4-4 with 3 RBI including a long home run and Milwaukee scored 5 runs in the bottom of the first and cruised to their second win of the series. Rube Walberg lasted only two innings while Tomo Ohka contained the Athletics who could never sustain a rally to make a real comeback. Now the Brewers really have a chance to put the favorites under the gun in game five.

Game 4 At Miller Park
Roof closed
1929 Athletics.......................4
2005 Brewers.......................5
WP: C. Capuano (1-0) LP: J. Quinn (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Chris Capuano
2005 Brewers Lead Series 3-1
Two big Athletic errors and a three run rally in the 6th inning is enough to put the Brewers one game away from completing the biggest upset we have seen so far. JJ Hardy drove in two runs and pitcher Chris Capuano had a 2 RBI single in the big 6th inning to help his own cause. Jack Quinn takes the important loss and Capuano goes the distance allowing four earned runs but pitching a shutout for the final 7 frames. Baseball is indeed an unpredictable game.

Game 5 At Miller Park
Roof Closed
1929 Athletics..................1
2005 Brewers..................3
WP: B. Sheets (2-0) LP: L. Grove (0-2)
HR: None
POG: Ben Sheets
Just like that one of the best teams of all time on paper are one and done in the prelim rounds in five short games. Ben Sheets won his second game of the series striking out seven and allowing only one earned run. Lefty Grove lost his second game allowing all three runs in the bottom of the first. The Brewers sweep the A's on their home field and prove once and for all that baseball is a funny game and anything can happen.

2005 Milwaukee Brewers Win Series 4 Games To 1

Series MVP:

Ben Sheets
(2-0, 18 IP, 11K, 1.50 ERA, 264 ERA+)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #166
1943 Brooklyn Dodgers (81-72) vs 1972 Cleveland Indians (72-84)

Few managers in the history of the game had the approach and success of Leo Durocher. Durocher helped turn around the Dodgers from the Bums to contenders and this particular team won 82 games. Billy Herman at 33 hit .330 and drove in 100 runs and Augie Galan was among the best all around players the game had at the time. Whit Wyatt won 14 games with a 2.49 ERA while Kirby Higbe and journey man Bobo Newsome helped round out the rotation. The Dodgers didnt score alot of runs, but some into this series as the favorites.

The 1972 Indians really had a hard time scoring runs as Chris Chambliss and Graig Nettles joined a young lineup that included a 20 year old Buddy Bell and a 25 year old Ray Fosse. Cleveland just couldn't get much offense in the very spacious Cleveland Stadium. Ace Gaylor Perry is the star of the team with 24 wins even if he maybe didn't do it on the honest. Dick Tidrow and Milt Wilcox add to a good pitching staff. The series as a whole, should be a good battle of pitching and strategy.

Game 1 At Ebbets Field
71 Clear
1972 Indians.................6
1943 Dodgers...............8
WP: W. Wyatt (1-0) LP: G. Perry (0-1) S: B. Sayles (1)
HR: None
POG: Frenchy Bordagaray
1943 Dodgers Lead Series 1-0
Gaylord Perry didnt have his usual stuff in this one and his Indians committed three errors behind him as the Dodgers hang on to take game one. Whit Wyatt was the winner but allowed 16 hits and had to be replaced in the ninth by Bill Sayles who closed the door with the winning run at the plate. Frenchy Bordgaray was one of five Dodgers with two hits.

Game 2 At Ebbets Field
Clear 71
1972 Indians.....................2
1943 Dodgers...................8
WP: K. Higbe (1-0) LP: R. Lamb (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Arky Vaughan
1943 Dodgers Lead Series 2 Games To 0
Mora bad defense by the Indians and sixteen hits by the home Dodgers and game two became a laugher as Brooklyn has a firm grasp on the series. Kirby Higbe threw 147 pitches and went into the 9th walking five and striking out seven and laboring to the win. Arky Vaughan went 4-5 at the top of the Dodger order driving in 3 runs and hitting .600 in the first two games. Ray Lamb had very little for the Indians and in two games Dodger bats have been smoking, something many were not overly confident about going into the series.

Game 3 At Cleveland Stadium
Clear 63
1943 Dodgers....................7
1972 Indians......................0
WP: E. Head (1-0) LP: M. Wilcox (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Ed Head
1943 Dodgers Led Series 3-0
Ed Head made sure that the Dodgers did not slip in game three and pitched a shutout to set Brooklyn up for a series sweep. Head allowed four hits and struck out three in a valient effort and performance. First baseman Joe Orengo drove in four runs starting with a 2 run single in the 4th that broke open a scoreless tie. Bobby Bragan also had a two run hit as Brooklyn loser Milt Wilcox pitched in a game where he couldnt afford to make any mistakes. Now the Dodgers look for the kill and all bets are on that they can get it in four.

Game 4 At Cleveland Stadium
Clear 59
1943 Dodgers..................5
1972 Indians....................8
WP: D. Tidrow (1-0) LP: R. Melton (0-1) S: T. Hilgendorf (1)
HR: D. Unser (1), B. Bell (1)A. Vaughan (1)
POG: Frank Duffy
1943 Dodgers Lead Series 3 Games To 1
Frank Duffy drove in three runs and the Cleveland club avoided the sweep smacking 14 hits and getting the best of Rube Melton. Dick Tidrow gets the win allowing only two earned runs into the 7th inning. Del Unser and Buddy Bell went deep in the win.

Game 5 At Cleveland Stadium
Partly Cloudy 53
1943 Dodgers.........................3
1972 Indians...........................7
WP: G. Perry (1-1) LP: W. Wyatt (1-1)
HR: C. Chambliss (1)
POG: Gaylord Perry
1943 Dodgers Lead Series 3-2
The Indians are pushing to make a series of this as Gaylord Perry goes the distance striking out six and allowing five hits as Cleveland sends the series back to Flatbush. Del Unser continues his good series at the plate with 2 more RBI and Chris Chambliss goes deep in a game that the home team never trailed. Can they really come all the way back in this series?

Game 6 At Ebbets Field
Partly Cloudy 54
1972 Indians.....................4
1942 Dodgers...................1
WP: R. Lamb (1-1) LP: K. Higbe (1-1)
HR: J. Orengo (1)
POG: Ray Lamb
And we sit all even heading to a game seven as the Indians are now on a complete roll winning at Ebbets Field behind a steady performance by starter Ray Lamb. Lamb threw only 108 pitches in nine innings allowing only six hits and one run as the once confident Dodger bats are cooling off at the worst time. A scoreless game was broken open in the 5th when the Indians scored twice and Joe Orengo hit a home run. The Dodgers made two errors and Kirby Higbe takes the loss as the series sits balanced awaiting a game seven.

Game 7 At Ebbets Field
Clear 68
1972 Indians....................3
1942 Dodgers..................2 (14 inn)
WP: T. Hilgendorf (1-0) LP: C. Davis
HR: M. Owen (1)
POG: Milt Wilcox
For only the second time, we witness a club come back from three down to win a series. The final game of this series was a well played contest that went 14 innings. The Dodgers had dramatically tied the game in the bottom of the ninth when Mickey Owen tied the game with two outs. In the 14th however, 2 Dodger errors scored the go ahead run when Joe Orengo let a routine play get passed him. A stunning result for Durocher and his team as the Indians never quit, and played great baseball to the final out.

1972 Cleveland Indians Win Series 4 Games To 3

Series MVP:

Chris Chambliss
(.345, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 4 R, 3 2B, .907 OPS)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #167
1996 Chicago Cubs (76-86) vs 1956 Chicago Cubs (60-94)

The household names of Sammy Sosa, Mark Grace, and Ryne Sandberg did not translate to a winning season in Chicago in 1996 as manager Jim Riggleman had his real issues with the pitching staff. Jaime Navarro won 13 games and Steve Trachsel lead the team in ERA with 3.03 but that is where the floor falls off for the Chicago arms. Frank Castillo and Jim Bullinger were hit hard and there was little to no support behind them. Eccentric Turk Wendell became the closer with 18 saves and Terry Adams did well in setup but the Cubs pen was surely overworked. Sosa was coming into his own in a big way with 40 home runs and 100 RBI while stealing 18 bases. Grace hit .331 in one of his best seasons with an OPS of .851 while Sandberg drove in 92 runs and scored 85. Luis Gonzalez and Brian McRae were nice pieces in the outfield while the Cubs defense remained quite good. Still if you cant get anyone out, you can win.

The 1956 Cubs lost 90 games and were dead last in the National League lead by Stan Hack. Walt Moryn and a 37 year old Monte Irwin made a nice outfield combination while the center of attention was with 25 year old go lucky shortstop Ernie Banks. Ernie hit 28 home runs and had a 136 OPS+ staying among the very best players in the league. The remainder of the Chicago lineup was quite weak and may not be able to take advantage of their opponents weakness. Bob Rush is a good top of the line pitcher with a 120 ERA+ and Sam Jones pitched two shutouts as a decent #2. This Cubs staff had almost no support however and the likes of Warren Hacker went 3-13 while the pen was very hit or miss. Moe Drabowsky at 20 years old pitched 3 complete games in seven starts and may get a chance in the series. The battle will commence between two not very good Cubs teams.

Game 1 At Wrigley Field
Clear 61
1956 Cubs.....................3
1996 Cubs.....................4
WP: J. Navarro (1-0) LP: M. Drabowsky (0-1) S: B. Patterson (1)
HR: J. Hernandez (1)
POG: Jose Hernandez
1996 Cubs Lead Series 1-0
Jose Hernandez went 2-3 with a home run and three RBI to carry the 1996 Cubs to a tight win in the opening game. Jaimie Navarro was in trouble in and out of his seven innings of work but held the lead and allowed his bullpen to carry the win home. The 1956 Cubs stranded nine runners surprise starter Moe Drabowsky didn't have his best stuff walking five. Ernie Banks flied out deep to right with a man on to end the game.

Game 2 At Wrigley Field
Rain 47
1956 Cubs.....................1
1996 Cubs.....................3
WP: F. Castillo (1-0) LP: S. Jones (0-1) S: B. Patterson (2)
HR: None
POG: Frank Castillo
1996 Cubs Lead Series 2-0
Four errors but the 1956 Cubs wasted a good outing from Sam Jones and allowed the 1996 Cubs to get just enough to win their second game. Frank Castillo had a great mix of pitches to get the win going 8 innings and striking out 8. The visiting Cubs did have the tying runs on base in the ninth but Bob Patterson closed the door. Brian McRae had 2 RBI in the win.

At Wrigley Field
Rain 55 (Delay 45 min)
1996 Cubs..................3
1956 Cubs..................4 (12 inn)
WP: W. Hacker (1-0) LP: K. Bottenfield (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Bob Rush
1996 Cubs Lead Series 2-1
Ernie Banks ripped a walk off double in the 14th inning to get the 1956 Cubs on the board in this series. Gene Baker had tripled in two runs earlier as the home team would not quit behind starter Bob Rush and some fine bullpen work. Jim Bullinger struck out 8 for the 1996 club in the loss but Kent Bottenfield could not hold the tie in extras and takes the loss.

Game 4 At Wrigley Field
Clear 60
1996 Cubs....................7
1956 Cubs....................2
WP: K. Foster (1-0) LP: D. Kaiser (0-1)
HR: W. Moryn (1)
POG: Kevin Foster
1996 Cubs Lead Series 3-1
More struggles for the 1956 Cubs at the dish as this time unheralded Kevin Foster pitches into the 9th inning for the win walking none and allowing just 2 earned runs. The 1996 offense was lead by Mark Grace who went 4-5 and Ryne Sandberg who went 3-4 with 2 RBI. Foster added an RBI triple with the bat in the lopsided win.

Game 5 At Wrigley Field
Clear 44
1996 Cubs....................3
1956 Cubs....................2
WP: J. Bavarro (2-0) LP: M. Drabowsky (0-2) S: B. Patterson (3)
HR: L. Gomez (1)
POG: Jamie Navarro
The series ends in five after a tight game that saw only nine hits combined and a good pitchers duel. Jamie Navarro goes seven and strikes out six before leaving with the lead and depending on a good Cubs pen to bring it home. Leo Gomez hit a solo home run in the 6th that would prove to be the difference Sammy Sosa drove in his first and only run in the five games but he wasnt needed as the 1996 Cubs pitching were just too good to be topped.

1996 Chicago Cubs Win Series 4 Games To 1

Series MVP:

Jamie Navarro
(2-0, 3.21 ERA, 11 K, 3 BB, 1.14 WHIP, 7.1 K/9)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #168
1978 Boston Red Sox (99-64) vs 1954 Brooklyn Dodgers (92-62)

A very difficult draw between two power house teams but at the same time two clubs that missed out on post season glory. The 1978 Red Sox of course lost to Bucky Dent and the Yankees in their one game playoff after winning 99 games. Jim Rice had an incredible MVP season with a .970 OPS with 46 home runs and 136 driven in. He was flanked by Fred Lynn and Dwight Evans who were at the peak of their games as well as catcher Carlton Fisk who had a 125 OPS+ with 88 RBI and one of the best defensive catchers anywhere. At 23 years old Dennis Eckersley won 20 games in a rotation that also had a 37 year old Luis Tiant as well as Mike Torrez and Bill Lee. Few threw harder then Dick Drago who had a 3.03 ERA and Bob Stanley lead the team in saves with 10. It will indeed be great to see this group of players take the field once again.

Legendary teams begin and end with the likes of the boys of summer and their run in the 1950's. The Dodgers fell short in their fight against the Giants but their ultimate glory was only one year away Duke Snider had an 8.1 WAR and a 1.071 OPS with 130 RBI while beloved Gil Hodges was right there with him driving in the same number. The one and only Jackie Robinson was slowing down a bit at 35 but still hit .311 and could almost play anywhere. Roy Campanella had a tough year hitting only .207 in just 111 games which was a big reason why this club did not take the pennant. Dodger pitching was not dominant although arms like Carl Erskine and Russ Meyer logged a good number of quality innings. Don Newcombe and Preacher Roe were two more veteran names that are perfect for a series such as this. In the end the matchup between two storied franchises can not get much better then this and is one of the best random matchup anyone could have hoped for.

Game 1 At Fenway Park
57 clear
1954 Dodgers...................10
1978 Red Sox....................4
WP: J. Podres (1-0) LP: D. Eckersley (0-1)
HR: J. Gilliam (1), D. Snider (1), C. Furillo 2 (2), R. Campanella (1)
POG: Carl Furillo
1954 Dodgers Lead Series 1-0
Carl Furillo hammered two home runs over the green monster and the 1954 Dodgers hit 5 long balls in all to pull away from the Red Sox in game one. Furillo went 4-5 and Roy Campanella hit a three run home run as Dennis Eckersley did not have his best stuff. Johnny Podres allowed one run over seven innings and a three run fifth followed by an 8 run 8th later made the day a breeze for Brooklyn.

Game 2 At Fenway Park
Partly Cloudy 46
1954 Dodgers......................3
1978 Red Sox......................1
WP: C. Erskine (1-0) LP: A. Hassler (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Carl Erskine
1954 Dodgers Lead Series 2-0
Carl Erskine was far from intimidated as he took the field at Fenway Park. The Dodger right hander pitched a complete game victory holding the Sox to one run on 8 hits as he help Boston stand 9 runners on the bases. Andy Hassler was also good in his outing but it didnt take much to lose this game and he allowed two runs in the 4th inning including two walks and a wild pitch that would give the visiting side the lead for good. Brooklyn played some fine defense and just seem like the smarter club as the series moves to Brooklyn.

Game 3 At Ebbets Field
Partly Cloudy 56
1978 Red Sox.....................1
1954 Dodgers.....................0
WP: L. Tiant (1-0) LP: B. Loes (0-1)
HR: F. Lynn (1)
POG: Luis Tiant
1954 Dodgers Lead Series 2 -1
Luis Tiant threw a complete game shutout on just 107 pitches striking out four and proving he was the perfect man for the job getting the Red Sox back in the series. The only run of the game came on a double by Fred Lynn in the second inning and a good home start by Bobby Loes was wasted. In the ninth the Dodgers had two runners on base with only one out but Pee Wee Reese lined out and Jim Gilliam flied out to right. A very well played game.

Game 4 At Ebbets Field
Partly Cloudy 54
1978 Red Sox......................7
1954 Dodgers......................11
WP: D. Newcombe (1-0) LP: J. Wright (0-1)
HR: J. Robinson (1), P. Reese (1), D. Snider (2), S. Amoros (1), C. Yastrzemski (1), G. Scott (1)
POG: Jackie Robinson
1954 Dodgers Lead Series 3-1
A different type of game then what we have seen in this series as the big bats came out and in the end the Dodgers hang to come one game away from ending the series. Carl Yastrzemski put the Sox up by two with a home run in the first but the Dodgers answered with 4 in their half of the inning on the strength of a three run home run by Jackie Robinson. The Dodgers added four more in the 7th and only a three run home run by pinch hitter George Scott in the 9th made the game closer. Duke Snider, Pee Wee Reese, and Sandy Amoros all went deep and drove in two in a celebratory game at Ebbets Field.

Game 5 At Ebbets Field
Clear 57
1978 Red Sox..................4
1954 Dodgers..................2
WP: D. Eckersley (1-1) LP: J. Hughes (0-1) S: B. Stanley (1)
HR: None
POG: Jerry Remy
1954 Dodgers Lead Series 3-2
A sacrifice fly and a Jerry Remy RBI singled broke a 2-2 in the 7th inning and the Red Sox would hold down the lead to win and send the series back to Boston for a game six. Dennis Eckersley pitched well over seven innings but handed the game over to Bob Stanley who worked two tense innings for the save. Remy went 4-5 at the top of the Boston order including three doubles.

Game 6 At Fenway Park
Clear 52
1954 Dodgers...................13
1978 Red Sox....................9
WP: C. Erskine (2-0) LP: A. Hassler (0-2)
HR: J. Rice (1), B. Hobson (1), C. Fisk (1), D. Evans (1), F. Lynn (2), C. Furillo (3), G. Hodges (1)
POG: Gil Hodges
The Dodgers put seven runs on the board in the second inning to knock out Andy Hassler and eventually hold on for the game six clinching win. Gil Hodges went 3-6 with 4 RBI including a three run home run while Sandy Amoros drove in another three runs. The Red Sox made a futile attempt to come back but the Dodgers kept pouring it on and the game was not well played with 5 errors between the sides. Brooklyn builds on their legend as they take out the 99 win Red Sox in six.

1954 Brooklyn Dodgers Win Series 4 Games To 2

Series MVP:

Carl Furillo
(.440, 3 HR, 3 RBI, 4 R, .920 SLG, 3 2B, .500 OBP)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #169
1966 Los Angeles Dodgers (95-67) vs 1926 Detroit Tigers (79-75)

1966 Dodgers Manager: Walter Alston
WAR Leader: Sandy Koufax (9.7)
Dodgers Franchise Record in Project: 11-10
In his final season Sandy Koufax left everyone breathless going 27-9 with a 1.73 ERA as the Dodgers won the pennant. Along with Koufax was the same back up arms in Don Drysdale and Clause Osteen but it was a 21 year old rookie that was getting some attention in Don Sutton. Sutton went 12-12 with a 2.99 ERA and showed real promise. Offensively of course these Dodgers were a product of their era and hit only .265 while scoring 606 runs,

1926 Tigers Manager: Ty Cobb
WAR Leader: Heinie Manush (5.3)
Tigers Franchise Record in Project: 8-10
A winning record but a 6th place finish in the American League, Ty Cobb was running out of time in Detroit. The legend at 39 was a partime player but had some real gem hitrters in Heinie Manush who hit .378 and Harry Heilmanm who hit .367. Also making a big impact was a 23 year old second baseman who had all the intangibles in Charlie Gehringer. The Detroit pitching struggled and was their downfall, Sam Gibson lead the rotation with a pedestrian 3.48 ERA. The series with the Dodgers offers extreme differences in era and type of game played, but the Dodgers lead by the great Koufax should be too much for Detroit to handle; one would think.

Game 1 At Dodger Stadium
Partly Cloudy 67
1926 Tigers.....................1
1966 Dodgers..................9
WP: S. Koufax (1-0) LP: E. Whitehill (0-1)
HR: L. Johnson (1)
POG: Sandy Koufax
1966 Dodgers Lead Series 1-0
As expected Sandy Koufax was as good as his reputation says he is going nine innings and allowing one earned runs on six hits with 10 strikeouts while his offense had a nice night scoring nine times. Lou Johnson hit a three run home run in the first inning off of Earl Whitehill and the home team was on its way. Maury Wills also went 3-5 with 3 RBI and a stolen base in a festive evening in Chavez Ravine.

Game 2 At Dodger Stadium
Clear 71
1926 Tigers.........................3
1966 Dodgers.....................4
WP: B. Singer (1-0) LP: K. Holloway (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Sam Gibson
1966 Dodgers Lead Series 2-0
A dramatic rally with three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning topples the Tigers and could be a breaking point in the series. Down 3-1 in the 9th, the Dodgers put together their rally against Ken Holloway. Tommy Davis singled to cut the lead to one and Maury Wills followed later with a single to left that walked the game off. Sam Gibson had pitched excellent ball for Detroit but Ty Cobb pulled him in the 8th and Holloway blew the save. Bill Singer gets the win striking out 8 and going the distance.

Game 3 At Navin Field
Partly Cloudy 58
1966 Dodgers.....................7
1926 Tigers.........................5
WP: D. Sutton (1-0) LP: R. Collins (0-1) S: P. Regan (1)
HR: None
POG: Maury Wills
1966 Dodgers Lead Series 3-0
The Dodgers banged out 13 hits and outpaced the Tigers for the third straight game to set themselves up in the penthouse with a three games to none lead. Maury Wills had three hits and drove in two runs and LA hammered seven doubles including two by Willie Davis. Ty Cobb drove in two and Detroit did have 11 hits but it was not the home debut that Tigers starter Rip Collins was looking for as he was knocked out in the 5th. Don Sutton gets the fortunate win and Phil Regan closed the door late as the Tigers made noise in the 8th and the 9th.

Game 4 At Navin Field
Partly Cloudy 63
1966 Dodgers....................5
1926 Tigers........................7
WP: E. Wells (1-0) LP: D. Drysdale (0-1) S: K. Holloway
HR: J. Lefebvre (1)
POG: Ed Wells
1966 Dodgers Lead Series 3-1
A six run 4th inning lift the Tigers out of the doldrums as Dodger Don Drysdale gets roughed up and leaves in the 4th inning. Ty Cobb and Charlie Gehringer both had RBI hits and would have 2 RBI in the game, Cobb is hitting .429 for the series. Two Dodger errors did not help the cause and Ed Wells worked into the 8th inning striking out five and then allowing Ken Holloway to get the save.


Game 5 At Navin Field
Rain 47
1966 Dodgers..................2
1926 Tigers......................3
WP: E. Whitehill (1-1) LP: S. Koufax (1-1) S: K. Holloway (2)
HR: B. Fothergill (1)
POG: Earl Whitehill
1966 Dodgers Lead Series 3-2
A shocking three run home run by Bob Fothergill in the 5th inning off of Sandy Koufax to the opposite field broke a scoreless tie and set the stage for another Tiger win. Earl Whitehill held the lead and took things into the 8th inning where the Dodgers rallied but Ken Holloway rebounded and shut the door for the save. The series is much more interesting now as it head back to LA for its conclusion.

Game 6 At Dodger Stadium
Partly Cloudy 65
1926 Tigers.........................2
1966 Dodgers.....................3
WP: B. Singer (2-0) LP: S. Gibson (0-1) S: P. Regan (2)
HR: None
POG: Bill Singer
Bill Singer allows only 5 hits over 8 innings striking out seven pitching a quality game when his team needed it the most. The Tigers took a 2-0 lead in the 5th inning but in the bottom of the inning Jim Gilliam tied the game with a 2 run double and Maury Wills gave the Dodgers the lead they would not give up. In the 9th Ty Cobb was hit by a pitch to get on base and cause some drama on the field but a smooth double play to end the game and the series was turned as Phil Regan earned the save.

1966 Los Angeles Dodgers Win Series 4 Games To 2

Series MVP:

Maury Wills
(.400, .464 OBP. 7 RBI, 10 H, 1 SB, 4 R)

[Nick Soulis]

PRELIMINARY ROUND
Series #170
1955 Washington Senators (53-101) vs 1970 Chicago White Sox (56-106)

1955 Senators Manager: Chuck Dressen
WAR Leader: Mickey McDermott (2.9)
Senators Franchise Record in Project: 6-4
Washington baseball in the mid 50's was not the greatest place to be and going along with the script they lost 101 games in 1955. As luck would have it, they drew with a club that performed even worse then they did. Roy Sievers lead the offense with 25 home runs and 106 RBI but the team OPS was only .672. Eddie Yost and Mickey Vernon are two more names that in the lineup that the White Sox should worry about. Bob Porterfield lost 17 games while Mickey McDermott was the most efficient starter with a 105 ERA+. Overall 9 different players had 14 starts or more making the decision of who to start in this series interesting.

1970 White Sox Manage: Don Gutteridge
WAR Leader: Tommy John (5.7)
White Sox Franchise Record in Project: 7-8
One of the worst clubs in White Sox history couldn't be happier about their draw against the almost just as adept Senators. Chicago just didnt have the horses in 1970 with 36 year old Luis Aparicio still anchoring the middle of the infield well past his best. Bill Melton did hit some bombs out of Comiskey Park and drove in 96 runs while hard hitting catcher Ed Hermann was a lefty who hit 19 home runs. Tommy John may very well be the best pitcher on either team with a 3.27 ERA but like the Senators the Sox would mix and match most of the remainder of their rotation and hope for the best. One can only hope for some good baseball between two clubs that made losing a hard habit.

Game 1 At Griffith Stadium
Clear 59
1970 White Sox...................3
1955 Senators.....................2
WP: W. Wood (1-0) LP: C. Pascual (0-1)
HR: C. May (1), R. Mickinney (1)
POG: Wilbur Wood
1970 White Sox Lead Series 1-0
Carlos May launched a two run home run in the first inning and the visiting Sox would hang on for the opening win behind starter Wilbur Wood. Wood allowed two earned runs in his complete game walking only one. Mickey Vernon went 3-3 for the home team but as was feared could not muster enough offense to get the extra run they needed and were shut out in 8 of the 9 innings. Camilo Pascual takes the loss.

Game 2 At Griffith Stadium
Partly Cloudy 63
1970 White Sox......................6
1955 Senators........................3
WP: T. John (1-0) LP: M. McDermott (0-1)
HR: R. Sievers (1), J. Groth (1)
POG: Tommy John
1970 White Sox Lead Series 2-0
Down 3-1 the Sox rallied and put five runs past the Senators to turn the game and the win around and are in the drivers seat after two games. Gal Hopkins had three hits and Luis Aparicio found the fountain of youth with three runs scored and some fine defense with the glove at short. Tommy John settled down well throwing 131 pitches over nine inniings allowing only 5 hits, two of them early home runs. Mickey McDermott walked seven in his losing effort but it is the Senator bats that have yet to showup as the series moves to Chicago.

Game 3 At Comiskey Park
Clear 70
1955 Senators...................9
1970 White Sox................11
WP: F. Weaver (1-0) LP: J. Schmitz (0-1) S: B. Wynne (1)
HR: None
POG: Bill Melton
1970 White Sox Lead Series 3-0
Eddie Yost hit a bases clearing double in a six run 4th inning and it appeared that the Senators would get back into the series but the Sox had other ideas. A five run bottom of the 4th put them back ahead and Chicago ended with 17 hits on the day. Bill Melton went 4-5 with 3 RBI but with the game in the balance it was a Syd O'Brien pinch hit RBI single that put the Sox up in the 8th. They now look for the sweep in a resurgent series.

Game 4 At Comiskey Park
Clear 64
1955 Senators......................1
1970 White Sox....................6
WP: J. Horlen (1-0) LP: B. Porterfield (0-1)
HR: K. Berry (1), W. Williams (1)
POG: Joe Horlen
A perfect afternoon in Chicago ends with a perfect sweep of the White Sox in a very well played series. Joe Horlen pitched with confidence going 8 innings and allowing only one earned run while striking out five and the White Sox offense battered Senator pitching again. This time it was 14 hits and Bob Porterfield the culprit as he just didn't have command in this one. Walt Williams and Ken Berry both went deep and drove in two runs in what was as good an all around series win as we have seen anyother team play.

1970 Chicago White Sox Win Series 4 Games To 0

Series MVP:

Gail Hopkins
(8/14, 3 R, 3 RBI, .684 OBP, 1.26 OPS)

[igor7111]

Nick, are you there?


Concerned.