Your Expansion Seattle Mariners!!!

[BoilerRocketScientist]

The Detroit Tigers beat the California Angels 8-5 today and tied up the ALCS at 1 game apiece as we head to California for Game 3. Down 1-0 in the 4th, Detroit put 4 runs on the board against Angels starter Dan Schatzeder on 4 straight homers from Harold Baines (1), Kevin McReynolds (1), Jason Thompson (1), and Larry Herndon (1). California responded adding 4 more runs of their own and chased Detroit starter Nino Espinosa who gave up 5 runs in 7 innings before giving way to Joe Sambito. Detroit immediately responded with 4 runs in the 8th inning off of Carlos Diaz (L, 0-1). Tiger closer Gary Lavelle closed out the 9th for the save giving Sambito (1-0) the win.

[BoilerRocketScientist]

The Cincinnati Reds took a commanding 2-0 lead and swept the first two games in New York’s home stadium. The Reds won 9-0 on a shutout by Tom Hume (1-0) who gave up only 5 hits and 2 walks while striking out 1 batter. The Reds smacked 13 hits with homers by Lee Mazzilli (1) and Leo Foster (1) and took 8 walks to score their 9 runs. Mets starter Pascual Perez (L, 0-1) took the loss giving up 4 runs in 8 innings. The game got out of hand in the 9th inning when New York reliever Joe Beckwith got rocked for 5 runs in his 1 inning of relief. The Reds were led by Mazzilli and Tony Fernandez who each had 3 RBI’s. The series will head to Cincinnati where the Reds hope to close out the series at home.

[BoilerRocketScientist]

The Detroit Tigers beat the California Angels 8-1 to take a 2-1 lead in the ALCS. Detroit jumped out front with a 3-run first inning and that would be all they needed behind a complete game by Dave Rozema (W, 1-0). Rozema gave up 7 hits with the only run coming on a solo homer from California’s Greg Brock. Detroit chased Angels starter Dennis Martinez (L, 0-1) after 5 innings and 7 runs. Detroit was led by Harold Baines who was 3/5 with a 2B, HR, and 2 RBI’s.

[BoilerRocketScientist]

With an 8-6 victory, the Cincinnati finished their sweep of the New York Mets and advanced to the World Series for the second straight year. The Reds got out to a 5-1 start at home and chased Mets starter Jack O’Connor (L, 0-1) after 2 innings. Doing the damage was Reds Larry Parrish who had 2 HR’s and 3 RBI’s off of O’Connor. Pat Zachary (W, 1-0) pitched 7 innings and gave up 5 runs on 15 hits before being relieved by Jeff Lahti who pitched the 8th inning. Britt Burns pitched the 9th getting the save and celebrated with Johnny Bench after the final out was made. Larry Parrish earned the NLCS MVP going 5/13 (.385/.429/1.154) with 3 HR’s and 5 RBI’s The Mets were done in again by giving up 8 walks to go along with 6 hits. This is the second straight year of getting bounced in the NLCS by Cincinnati. Their first order of business should find pitchers who throw strikes.

[BoilerRocketScientist]

The Detroit Tigers scored 2 runs in the top of the first inning off of California starter Wayne Garland, never looked back, and captured the ALCS in 4 games with a 4-1 victory over the Angels today. Dennis Leonard (W, 1-1) gave up only 1 run on 5 hits in 8 innings to earn the win. California’s only run came from a solo homer from Vance Law in the 3rd inning. Detroit was again led by Harold Baines who had 2 RBI’s and earned the ALCS MVP. For the series Baines was 6/14 (.429/.529/.929) with 2 HR’s and 6 RBI’s. In the end, California’s depleted starting pitching staff couldn't hold off Detroit’s offensive onslaught and gave up 21 run in the 4 games. Meanwhile, Detroit only needed 4.2 innings pitched from their relievers in the 4 games.

[BoilerRocketScientist]

The 1983 World Series will pit the Detroit Tigers (98-65) against the Cincinnati Reds (87-75). The Tigers come in with the best record in the Majors and are fresh off of a 3-1 ALCS victory over California. The Tigers will make their first World Series appearance since 1968 when they defeated the Cardinals. The NL representative will be the Cincinnati Reds who will make their second straight Series appearance after their surprising sweep of the New York Mets in a repeat of last year's NLCS. Last year the Reds lost the World Series to the Seattle Mariners in 6 games. Cincinnati last won the World Series in 1980 when they defeated the Minnesota Twins in 6 games.

[BoilerRocketScientist]

The Cincinnati jumped out to a 1-0 Series lead when they shutout the Tigers today by a score of 2-0. Reds starter Tom Hume (W, 2-0) pitched 7.1 IP of shutout ball giving up only 4 hits and 3 walks while striking out 3. Hume hasn’t given up a run in 16.1 innings in these playoffs. Hume gave way to 3 relievers with Al Olmstead pitching the last 1.1 innings for his first save in the playoffs. The Reds scored both runs off of Detroit starter Al Espinosa (L, 0-1). Espinosa pitched 7.1 innings and gave up 2 runs on 9 hits and 3 walks while striking out 4. Both Reds runs came in the 7th inning care of a Dan Ford double and a 1-out ground out by Johnny Bench that scored Dan Driessen. Ford led the team with 3 of their 11 hits while every starter except for Bench provided a hit. [CIN 1 | DET 0]

[BoilerRocketScientist]

The Tigers tied up their series against the Reds today in Detroit with an 11-4 victory in Game 2. Down 3-1 going into the bottom of the 4th inning, Detroit exploded for 8 runs including a grand slam by Harold Baines (3). That big inning was enough to chase Cincinnati starter Doug Rau (L, 1-1) who gave up 9 runs (3 earned) on 8 hits in 3.2 innings. The Tigers added 2 more runs off of relievers Don Hood and Max Leon to end their scoring. Cincinnati scored their 4 runs off of Detroit starter Dave Rozema (W, 2-0) who lasted 6 innings giving up 7 hits before being relieved by Bob Stanley who pitched the final 3 innings for his first save this postseason. The Tigers managed 15 hits off of Cincinnati including 3 apiece from Kevin McReynolds, Larry Herndon, and Roy Staiger. Along with Baines’ slam, Jason Thompson added his 3rd homer this postseason while Dan Driessen added his 2nd for Cincinnati. The Series moves now to Cincinnati where Detroit will be without the DH. [CIN 1 | DET 1]

[BoilerRocketScientist]

The Detroit Tigers went into Cincinnati and beat the Reds 5-4 to take a 2-1 lead in the World Series. Detroit starter Dennis Leonard (W, 2-1) earned the win pitching 8 strong innings giving up 4 runs on 6 hits and 4 walks. Closer Gary Lavelle pitched the 9th for his 3rd save this playoffs. The Tigers scored their 5 runs on 8 hits in the first four innings and chased Cincinnati starter Pat Zachary (L, 1-1). Reds relievers Gene Garber, Al Olmsted, and Britt Burns shutout Detroit for the final 5 innings while giving up only 3 hits to keep them in the game. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough as their offense only managed 6 hits. On this other side, Detroit was led by Jason Thompson whose 3 hits included a home run (4) and 2 RBI’s. Catcher Ike Hampton added 3 hits in 4 at-bats with a double and 2 RBI’s and Harold Baines went 2/3 with a run. [CIN 1 | DET 2]

[BoilerRocketScientist]

Hey! Our draft pick Gerald Perry won the AAA MVP award. We chose Perry in supplemental draft and he was the 45th pick overall. Perry hit .343/.464/.518 with 12 HR's and 73 RBI's. Perry was a September callup and he performed exceptionally well. In 15 games, Perry was 6/14 (.429/.529/.786) with 1 3B, 1 HR, 2 RBI's, and 6 R's. Perry's first hit was a solo home run against Mike Warren from the White Sox. Perry's strong performance gives Seattle's management confidence to count on Perry for the starting left field position in 1984.

[BoilerRocketScientist]

Cincinnati score four runs in the bottom of the first inning and then held on for a 4-3 win over Detroit to tie the World Series at 2 games apiece. The Reds jumped all over Tigers starter Nino Espinosa (L, 0-2) though he settled down only allowing 2 more hits through the 7th inning. The Reds got a strong performance from starter John Martin (W, 1-0) who gave up 3 runs on 8 hits in 8 innings while striking out 3 and walking 3. Britt Burns pitched the 9th inning for his second save. [CIN 2 | DET 2]

[BoilerRocketScientist]

The Cincinnati exploded for 19 hits against Detroit and scored 8 runs to beat the Tigers 8-5 and take a 3-2 lead in the Series. The Reds benefitted from a 64 minute rain delay that sent Tigers starter Dave Rozema (4 IP, 3 Hits, 3 K’s, 2 BB’s) to the showers early. The Reds did their damage against 3 Detroit relievers – Bob Apodaca (L, 0-1; 1 IP, 5 Hits, 3 R’s), Elias Sosa (0.2 IP, 4 Hits, 3 R’s), and Bob Sykes (2 IP, 7 Hits, 2 R’s). The Reds were led by Howard Johnson (3/5, 1 HR, 3 RBI’s) and George Foster (3/5, 1 HR, 1 RBI). Detroit rapped out 10 hits to get their 5 runs against 6 Cincinnati pitchers with Jason Thompson leading the way with 2 HR’s (6) and 3 RBI’s. Reliever Don Hood (W, 1-0) pitched 2 innings in relieve for the win while Will McEnaney got the save (1) when forced a groundout from Bret Butler with men on first and second. The Series moves back to Detroit with the Tigers needing a win to stay alive. [CIN 3 | DET 2]

[BoilerRocketScientist]

The Cincinnati Reds blasted the Tigers in Detroit 7-1 and won the 1983 World Series 4 games to 2!!! The Reds busted through against starter Dennis Leonard (L, 2-2) scoring 2 runs in the 6th and 8th inning to take a 4-1 lead that they wouldn’t relinquish. They tacked on 3 more runs against reliever Bob Apodaca to finish the scoring. The Reds were led by right fielder Dan Ford who went 2/4 with 4 RBI’s. However the star for the day was starter Doug Rau (W, 2-1) who pitched a complete game giving up only 1 run on 8 hits and 3 walks while striking out 4. Rau’s only mistake was a solo homer to Kevin McReynolds (2). Dan Ford won the MVP award going 7/16 (.438) with 3 2B’s, and 7 RBI’s and he came up big in all 4 Reds victory. This is the Cincinnati’s 3rd World Series appearance in the last 4 years and they’ve won 2 of them. [CIN 4 | DET 2]

[BoilerRocketScientist]

Well, the 1983 season is over with Cincinnati's World Series victory over Detroit. Now we head into the off-season with awards, the draft, and the hot stove. I'll take the holiday season to get through the off-season and start 1984 after the new year.

[BoilerRocketScientist]

Kaat Joins HOF Immortals

Today, one of the legendary kings of the hill received his due recognition. Jim Kaat was enshrined into the Major League 1977 Hall of Fame. One of the most fearsome hurlers to ever take the mound, Kaat earned this coveted honor by dominating hitters with a 254-219 record over a 685-game career. In 4079 innings he fanned 2269 batters, walked 960 and compiled a fine 3.37 ERA. Kaat retired at the age of 44.

"My teammates did a lot for me over the course of my career and I wouldn't be here without their help," Kaat said as he stood before the large crowd of fans and diamond legends. "It's easy to rack up as many wins as I did when your teammates play such great defense and score as many runs as mine did. But in turn, when they weren't having a great day, I knew I had to return the favor and that's why we were all so successful. We played for each other."

McCovey Gets Call From Hall

Willie McCovey's dream finally came true today, as the talented and gifted first baseman was inducted into the Major League 1977 Hall of Fame.

"I really don't know what to say," he said to the large crowd attending his ceremony. "It's such an incredible honor. I always dreamed that this day would come, but now that it's finally here... Someone pinch me, so I know I'm not dreaming!"

Over the course of his 2441-game career, McCovey was a .278 hitter with 2201 hits, including 531 home runs. He drove in 1506 runs and also scored 1274 times as well. McCovey retired at 45.

[BoilerRocketScientist]

Seattle Free Agents

I’m not offering deals to four players and I’ll allow them to test free agency. My best hope is that some or all of them are signed giving my supplemental picks next year. All are in their mid-30’s and asking for deals that I’m not willing to give.

Don Gullet (32) has been with the team for 5 years now and was my first major free agent acquisition. He leaves the team as the franchise leader in wins in a season (21) & career (76), complete games (23), shutouts (6), and strikeouts in a season (193) & career (870). Gullet is asking for a 6-year, $4.5M deal.

Bruce Kison (33) was signed in 1982 to a 2-year deal. He pitched well in ’82 with a 13-10 record but missed most of 1983 with rotator cuff problems making only 8 appearances (5 starts) going 1-2 with a 6.84 ERA. Kison is asking for a 3-year, $700K deal.

Andre Thornton (34) was a trade deadline deal in 1979. He was an immediate boost to the team but not enough to overtake Minnesota that year. In a little over 4 seasons with Seattle, Thornton leaves 2nd on the franchise list for OB% (.367), 2nd in home runs (99), 3rd in walks (375), first in HBP (56), and fourth in many other offensive categories. Thornton is asking for a 5-year, $4.5M deal.

Richie Zisk (34) wasn’t re-signed after last season but was added for insurance in late-May when Tim Wallach went on the disabled list. Zisk is asking for a 4-year, $1.5M deal. He’s a candidate for being brought back on the cheap again next year.

[BoilerRocketScientist]

10/22/1983 - Pirates Send Parker to Mets

Everybody is overjoyed with a trade consummated today by the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Mets. In the deal Pittsburgh got 35-year-old second baseman Eric Soderholm from New York and dealt 32-year-old right fielder Dave Parker to the Mets. The general managers that made the swap are happy and the players are happy, too. One of the GMs commented, "This was a good swap for all concerned."

In his career Parker has hit .311 with 1439 hits, 235 doubles, 56 triples and 177 home runs. His totals also include 764 RBIs and 717 runs scored.

During his career Soderholm has hit for a .269 average and totaled 1339 hits, 167 home runs and 691 RBIs.

[BoilerRocketScientist]

10/31/1983 - Orioles Trade Closer to Cleveland

The Baseball News Network is reporting that the Orioles and Indians have consummated a trade. Cleveland will receive 30-year-old closer Mark Littell in a swap for 24-year-old closer Karl Best and 23-year-old minor league catcher Doug Gwosdz. A league analyst called the trade a "pretty even transaction".

Littell has a career ERA of 2.39 in 439 games. In 545.1 innings he has allowed opposing hitters a .202 batting average and chalked up a 32-38 won-lost mark with 573 strikeouts.

[BoilerRocketScientist]

American League

Pitcher: Scott Sanderson (Baltimore Orioles)
Catcher: Jim Sundberg (Kansas City Royals)
First Baseman: Nick Esasky (Texas Rangers)
Second Baseman: Lou Whitaker (Kansas City Royals)
Third Baseman: George Brett (New York Yankees)
Shortstop: Dave L Stapleton (Seattle Mariners)
Left Fielder: Brett Butler (Detroit Tigers)
Center Fielder: Kevin McReynolds (Detroit Tigers)
Right Fielder: Leon Durham (Toronto Blue Jays)

National League

Pitcher: Craig McMurtry (Montreal Expos)
Catcher: Gary Carter (Montreal Expos)
First Baseman: Gary Thomasson (San Francisco Giants)
Second Baseman: Harold Reynolds (New York Mets)
Third Baseman: Wade Boggs (Pittsburgh Pirates)
Shortstop: Kiko Garcia (San Diego Padres)
Left Fielder: George Vukovich (Houston Astros)
Center Fielder: Mookie Wilson (St. Louis Cardinals)
Right Fielder: Jack Clark (San Francisco Giants)

[BoilerRocketScientist]

American League

He was a "talented and gifted ballplayer." That the way one BNN writer described the rookie left fielder for Kansas City in the article announcing him as the AL Newcomer of the Year Award recipient. Carmelo Martinez came on the scene this year and quickly established himself as player to be reckoned with.

The 23-year-old Royals newcomer took the trophy by hitting .282/.354/.511 in 154 games this season and finished with 168 hits, 32 home runs, 112 RBIs and 78 runs scored.

National League

A fine inaugural season has paid off handsomely for Tony Fernandez of the New York Mets. The 21-year-old topped off his debut year with the 1983 NL Newcomer of the Year Award.

The Mets shortstop took the trophy by hitting .316/.363/.439 in 157 games and finished with 197 hits, 8 home runs, 81 RBIs and 100 runs scored.