The Bucs Start Here - A Pirates Do-Over

[luckymann]

[luckymann]

Maiden appearances for Rick Rhoden - doing pretty well in a relief role in his final year at the club - and Andy Van, who has been our best position player this year.


American League

• SP Bert Blyleven (CWS) - 10-3, 2.76 ERA, 143.2 IP, 1.16 WHIP, 6.3 K/9, 3.4 WAR
• SP Oil Can Boyd (TOR) - 10-6, 3.25 ERA, 135.2 IP, 1.30 WHIP, 4.5 K/9, 2.9 WAR
• SP Roger Clemens (BOS) - 13-4, 2.92 ERA, 169.2 IP, 1.24 WHIP, 7.4 K/9, 4.4 WAR
• SP Danny Cox (CWS) - 10-5, 2.25 ERA, 132.0 IP, 1.18 WHIP, 3.9 K/9, 2.7 WAR
• SP Jimmy Key (TOR) - 12-4, 2.59 ERA, 139.0 IP, 1.11 WHIP, 3.9 K/9, 2.0 WAR
• SP Bret Saberhagen (KC) - 9-8, 3.48 ERA, 150.0 IP, 1.19 WHIP, 5.3 K/9, 3.2 WAR
• SP Frank Tanana (TEX)* - 8-5, 1.72 ERA, 141.0 IP, 1.06 WHIP, 6.3 K/9, 4.5 WAR
• CL Ed Correa (SEA) - 1-2, 16 SV, 1.58 ERA, 45.2 IP, 1.31 WHIP, 8.5 K/9, 1.4 WAR
• CL Mark Eichhorn (CWS) - 5-3, 16 SV, 2.01 ERA, 53.2 IP, 0.99 WHIP, 5.9 K/9, 1.3 WAR
• CL Jay Howell (OAK)* - 4-3, 17 SV, 2.18 ERA, 45.1 IP, 1.12 WHIP, 5.4 K/9, 0.7 WAR
• CL Donnie Moore (KC) - 3-2, 16 SV, 1.80 ERA, 55.0 IP, 1.16 WHIP, 4.6 K/9, 1.5 WAR
• C Terry Kennedy (BOS)* - .316/.360/.504, 250 AB, 10 HR, 141 wRC+, 2.6 WAR
• C Tony Pena Sr. (KC) - .254/.310/.362, 240 AB, 5 HR, 10 SB, 92 wRC+, 1.4 WAR
• C Mickey Tettleton (NYY) - .256/.372/.467, 195 AB, 9 HR, 4 SB, 138 wRC+, 1.7 WAR
• 1B Don Mattingly (NYY)* - .316/.362/.511, 323 AB, 13 HR, 141 wRC+, 2.1 WAR
• 2B Bill Doran (BOS)* - .284/.359/.422, 320 AB, 9 HR, 17 SB, 121 wRC+, 2.0 WAR
• 3B George Brett (KC)* - .335/.422/.562, 281 AB, 12 HR, 1 SB, 173 wRC+, 3.7 WAR
• SS Tony Fernandez (TOR)* - .328/.373/.484, 314 AB, 6 HR, 15 SB, 139 wRC+, 4.1 WAR
• SS Ozzie Guillen (KC) - .311/.342/.420, 293 AB, 1 HR, 8 SB, 114 wRC+, 3.4 WAR
• SS Ernest Riles (TEX) - .350/.399/.502, 309 AB, 9 HR, 156 wRC+, 3.4 WAR
• SS Cal Ripken Jr. (BAL) - .278/.346/.477, 281 AB, 14 HR, 125 wRC+, 2.8 WAR
• LF Jose Cruz (CWS)* - .298/.344/.405, 299 AB, 4 HR, 7 SB, 111 wRC+, 1.4 WAR
• LF Jim Rice (BOS) - .312/.368/.506, 237 AB, 9 HR, 142 wRC+, 2.0 WAR
• CF Rickey Henderson (OAK)* - .295/.421/.421, 285 AB, 8 HR, 57 SB, 144 wRC+, 4.8 WAR
• CF Lloyd Moseby (TOR)* - .298/.397/.522, 339 AB, 16 HR, 34 SB, 159 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
• CF Gary Pettis (TOR) - .270/.389/.369, 263 AB, 2 HR, 52 SB, 115 wRC+, 4.2 WAR
• CF Kirby Puckett (MIN) - .339/.396/.474, 304 AB, 4 HR, 12 SB, 140 wRC+, 3.5 WAR
• CF Willie Wilson (KC) - .306/.338/.438, 333 AB, 3 HR, 44 SB, 120 wRC+, 3.2 WAR
• RF Jesse Barfield (TOR)* - .292/.372/.530, 298 AB, 15 HR, 14 SB, 156 wRC+, 4.3 WAR
• RF Dave Parker (OAK) - .312/.340/.477, 321 AB, 12 HR, 5 SB, 132 wRC+, 1.9 WAR

National League

• SP Dwight Gooden (NYM)* - 10-6, 2.80 ERA, 147.2 IP, 1.19 WHIP, 8.1 K/9, 4.7 WAR
• SP Moose Haas (CHC) - 12-2, 1.96 ERA, 105.2 IP, 1.07 WHIP, 4.7 K/9, 2.7 WAR
• SP Orel Hershiser (LAD) - 7-6, 4.73 ERA, 129.1 IP, 1.37 WHIP, 4.9 K/9, 2.1 WAR
• SP Joe Johnson (STL) - 12-4, 2.61 ERA, 131.0 IP, 1.08 WHIP, 4.2 K/9, 2.6 WAR
• SP J.R. Richard (HOU) - 7-8, 3.84 ERA, 136.0 IP, 1.46 WHIP, 7.3 K/9, 2.9 WAR
• SP Ron Robinson (MON) - 12-3, 2.47 ERA, 120.1 IP, 1.22 WHIP, 6.1 K/9, 2.0 WAR
• RP Tom Henke (CIN)* - 7-1, 3.02 ERA, 41.2 IP, 1.25 WHIP, 6.5 K/9, -0.0 WAR
• RP Rick Rhoden (PIT) - 2-3, 5 SV, 3.90 ERA, 30.0 IP, 1.43 WHIP, 6.9 K/9, 0.6 WAR
• CL John Franco (MON) - 9-3, 23 SV, 1.82 ERA, 74.1 IP, 1.08 WHIP, 5.6 K/9, 1.4 WAR
• CL Rob Murphy (ATL) - 1-2, 10 SV, 2.13 ERA, 55.0 IP, 1.16 WHIP, 5.6 K/9, 0.7 WAR
• C Gary Carter (MON)* - .298/.356/.574, 235 AB, 18 HR, 161 wRC+, 3.8 WAR
• C Rich Gedman (PHI) - .289/.332/.434, 249 AB, 7 HR, 114 wRC+, 0.9 WAR
• C Ron Hassey (CHC) - .284/.382/.474, 215 AB, 9 HR, 139 wRC+, 2.0 WAR
• 1B Jack Clark (SF)* - .310/.428/.627, 284 AB, 21 HR, 3 SB, 197 wRC+, 4.3 WAR
• 1B Glenn Davis (HOU) - .289/.382/.473, 294 AB, 12 HR, 143 wRC+, 2.0 WAR
• 1B Keith Hernandez (STL) - .304/.413/.429, 296 AB, 5 HR, 145 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
• 2B Ryne Sandberg (CHC)* - .303/.373/.503, 314 AB, 15 HR, 35 SB, 146 wRC+, 4.1 WAR
• 3B Hubie Brooks (SD) - .307/.330/.497, 306 AB, 13 HR, 2 SB, 132 wRC+, 2.5 WAR
• 3B Mike Schmidt (PHI)* - .184/.295/.339, 239 AB, 10 HR, 79 wRC+, 0.2 WAR
• SS Ozzie Smith (STL)* - .277/.343/.337, 300 AB, 26 SB, 95 wRC+, 2.2 WAR
• LF Pedro Guerrero (LAD) - .309/.407/.441, 256 AB, 8 HR, 5 SB, 143 wRC+, 3.1 WAR
• LF Jerry Mumphrey (CHC) - .338/.381/.486, 290 AB, 6 HR, 12 SB, 146 wRC+, 2.6 WAR
• LF Dan Pasqua (PHI) - .317/.401/.562, 249 AB, 16 HR, 171 wRC+, 3.0 WAR
• LF Tim Raines (MON)* - .349/.425/.534, 298 AB, 8 HR, 52 SB, 175 wRC+, 5.6 WAR
• CF Eric Davis (CHC)* - .270/.370/.559, 204 AB, 17 HR, 30 SB, 158 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
• CF Lenny Dykstra (CIN) - .373/.454/.570, 244 AB, 9 HR, 22 SB, 185 wRC+, 4.1 WAR
• CF Fred Lynn (STL) - .284/.357/.528, 282 AB, 19 HR, 2 SB, 150 wRC+, 3.6 WAR
• RF George Bell (PHI)* - .314/.364/.585, 299 AB, 21 HR, 13 SB, 167 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
• RF Mike Davis (SF) - .336/.395/.518, 301 AB, 12 HR, 24 SB, 162 wRC+, 4.6 WAR
• RF Andy Van Slyke (PIT) - .305/.399/.483, 269 AB, 9 HR, 21 SB, 151 wRC+, 2.9 WAR

Steve Balboni beats our own Tony Armas in the HR Derby final, with MVP Don Mattingly leading the AL to a 7-3 ASG win.

[luckymann]

The Angels become the first club since the 1963 Giants - who were on the wrong end of three! - to be no-hit more than once in a season.

[luckymann]

[luckymann]

We are heading the wrong way fast from the very start of June, losing five straight to slip under 500 as our offence completely dries up until we narrowly escape losing a sixth with a 7-run 9th in a game at Chicago.

Joe Orsulak is the next one we lose to injury, with a back injury keeping him on ice for a fortnight or so and with Gary Redus still not having returned, Bill Almon will get a bit more playing time as we still want to hold back from promoting Cangelosi.

By this stage we are a dozen off the pace and we’ve already turned our focus to trying to right the ship come ’86.

To which end, we sign a few more minor extensions: Neal Heaton (1/398), Larry McWilliams (1/190); Bill Almon (1/180) and Rod Scurry (1/290).

I fast-sim from July onwards (although I still do it day-by-day; I just take fewer notes is all). No point prolonging the agony.

Here, in bullet-point form, are the lowlights:

• We finally get Gary Redus back from the IL
• John Cangelosi is injured at AAA and misses 6 weeks
• Lance Parrish’s dirty year gets dirtier as he strains an oblique and needs a minimum IL stint, with Steve Nicosia called up to replace him
• We go 11-17 in June
• Joe Orsulak comes back, George Hendrick’s cameo comes to an end for now
• We win 8 straight to storm back into 4th place…
• We claim reliever Ted Power off the WW and stash him at AAA
• Another run of wins puts us at 46-40 when the ASB rolls around, tied for second but miles back from the all-conquering Expos
• We go 18-9 in July
• We make a few trade overtures at the Deadline but only in the search for an absolute bargain or two. As painful as it is to endure, this season is just one of those things and has been coming for a while. It notwithstanding, we actually think our squad is in pretty good shape moving forward and with the top pick in this year’s Draft, we should pick up at least two key guys and one or two other useful additions.

No stats rundown or any of that, as I want to keep things moving apace.

Just a bit of news below from around the league:

• The 25-42 Astros fire Manager Sandy Koufax, later replacing him with Charlie Maxwell
• While the Expos go from strength to strength and look set to cruise to the NL East title, the Jays moonwalk back to the pack and will have a fight on their hands down the stretch
• Reds veteran Joe Morgan tears his labrum in July and is done for the season
• Some deadline trades of note

Monthly Award Winners

June
American League

• Batter – Dave Parker (A’s): 388 / 6 HR / 18 RBI
• Pitcher – Charlie Hough (Tigers): 5-0 / 1.88 / 25 K / 48 IP
• Rookie – Teddy Higuera (Brewers): 4-1 / 2.41 / 27 K / 37.1 IP

National League

• Batter – Tim Raines (Expos): 404 / 3 HR / 15 RBI
• Pitcher – John Franco (Expos): 4-0 / 1.19 / 8 SV / 16 K / 22.2 IP
• Rookie – Joe Johnson (Cardinals): 5-1 / 2.42 / 22 K / 44.2 IP

July
American League

• Batter – Alvin Davis (Indians): 326 / 6 HR / 18 RBI
• Pitcher – Roger Clemens (Red Sox): 4-2 / 1.71 / 51 K / 52.2 IP
• Rookie – Ernest Riles (Rangers): 309 / 6 HR / 20 RBI

National League

• Batter – Tom Brunansky (Braves): 319 / 9 HR / 24 RBI
• Pitcher –JR Richard (Astros): 4-1 / 1.71 / 46 K / 47.1 IP
• Rookie – Kirk McCaskill (Expos): 3-0 / 1.78 / 28 K / 35.1 IP

Here are the standings and we're done for this report:

[luckymann]

[luckymann]

Our stacked AAA Lincoln squad dominate all year and win their 21st title in four against Moline.

Rob Deer hits 40 HR, the most since Joe Pepitone's 41 in 1962.

[luckymann]

Will recap once again in precis form to keep us hurtling along, although there is so little to report on it wouldn’t take long either way:

We close out a 13-17 August with four losses including three straight walkoffs to sit 5th at 65-64.

A series sweep at the hands of Houston leaves our record against them for the year at 2-10.

Things get even uglier from there as the wheels fall off completely and we lose 10 of our first 12 in September including 8 straight.

We are eliminated in mid-September.

A run of 5 straight wins in the next-to-last week of the regular season briefly gets us back above 500 but lose our final three at Philly to finish 80-82, just the 9th losing season in club history.



At AAA, Zane Smith is hurt again and we decide to shut him down for the season to not risk further harm.


One of the more decisive and drama-free regular seasons in memory.

Montreal clinches first, by this stage some 15 games clear, finally delivering that long-awaited maiden playoff appearance after a few near-misses.

They do suffer a huge dent to their title aspirations, however, when Ron Robinson goes down for the remainder with a torn labrum.

The White Sox follow suit the very next day and the Blue Jays later that week, keeping the all-Canada decider on the table.

The Braves are the final piece to fall into place, making it two post-season runs in five years after having to wait nearly 50 the previous time.




Final Leaders and Top 20s

Batting titles to Tony Fernandez and Jerry Mumphrey, the first for each.

Glenn Davis leads the MLB with 39 homers, Jesse Barfield with 121 RBI.

While Vince Coleman and Juan Samuel tie as this year's Men of Steal with 94, Rickey Henderson adds 84 SB to his career total and closes the season at 845, within 200 of Lou Brock's all-time mark of 1016.

In this Golden Age of pitching, Doc Gooden just edges out Rocket Clemens 234-231 to be 1985's King of K.

Both of them, along with a few others, win 20 or more with Jimmy Key's 24 the most of any and the two Johnson-Waddell races this year will be fascinating to see.

Dave Righetti leads the MLB in Saves with 38, just one more than Mark Eichhorn.

Nolan Ryan's can only add 96 K to his career total, which puts him on 4824 and Sandy K might well have him covered.




Monthly Award Winners

August

American League

Batter – Howard Johnson (Mariners): 330 / 8 HR / 28 RBI
Pitcher – Frank Viola (Twins): 5-0 / 1.96 / 29 K / 46 IP
Rookie – Mark Portugal (Mariners): 4-1 / 2.14 / 22 K / 46.1 IP


National League

Batter – Darryl Strawberry (Mets): 375 / 10 HR / 28 RBI
Pitcher – Fred Kuhaulua (Cardinals): 5-0 / 1.06 / 19 K / 42.1 IP
Rookie – Kirk McCaskill (Expos): 4-2 / 3.18 / 25 K / 39.2 IP


September

American League

Batter – Lloyd Moseby (Blue Jays): 346 / 8 HR / 26 RBI
Pitcher – Jimmy Key (Blue Jays): 6-0 / 1.37 / 15 K / 46 IP
Rookie – Rick Aguilera (Red Sox): 5-0 / 4 SV / 1.33 / 6 K / 20.1 IP


National League

Batter – Glenn Davis (Astros): 319 / 12 HR / 31 RBI
Pitcher – Danny Jackson (Expos): 4-0 / 0.43 / 30 K / 42 IP
Rookie – Tim Burke (Braves): 2-0 / 3.66 / 6 SV / 9 K / 19.2 IP


Milestones and Observations of Note

2000 Hits: Dave Parker, Ted Simmons, Keith Hernandez

The Mets lose veteran Jon Matlack for a full year to elbow surgery, while the Twins will be without Steve Ontiveros for the rest of the campaign due to shoulder inflammation.

In AAA, Madisonville’s Kurt Kepshire spins a no-no against Auburn.

[luckymann]

American League
Toronto Blue Jays (105-57) v Chicago White Sox (97-65)

Note, the LCS are now best-of-seven.

Well if it’s true what they say, that you usually have to lose one to win one, then that’s just another reason to favour this really talented Blue Jays squad, whose 105 wins this season were the most by some margin.

They certainly look to have no obvious weakness and, while the White Sox are also replete with quality players, I think Toronto will go all the way this year.

Game 1 is a fantastic way to kick things off as the Jays rally with 4 in the 9th to tie it at 4-4 and then win it walkoff two frames later on a Johnny Bench single.

Game 2 is a more straightforward victory for the home side as Jimmy Key goes the distance, allowing just one run on 2 hits in a 9-1 cakewalk.

The White Sox ride a fine outing by Mike Moore to get on the board with a 2-1 win at Comiskey and in a classic Game 4 come all the way back from 7-2 down to win it 10-9 in 11 on a walkoff RBI double by Gary Alexander.

They pull a similar trick the next day as the Jays blow another lead and the White Sox prevail 4-3 in 13 and the Jays will look at this series as the one that got away as they blow yet another late lead and Chicago advances with yet another 4-3 win.

Harold Baines wins MVP honours.






National League
Montreal Expos (98-64) v Atlanta Braves (94-68)

What a fantastic playoff series for the neutrals. Four titles all told between the four remaining teams and just one in the past 50 seasons, two of them yet to win it all.

These two NL clubs have just one of those four: the Braves sole win in 1933 while still in Boston.

Point being, both should be well up for this one and it should be very tight especially with the Expos’ loss of Ron Robinson.

The Expos grind out a 4-2 win in Game 1, the first playoff game ever played in Montreal, but blow a lead late the next day and the Braves pounce, squaring the series with a 4-3 win.

A 6-hit shutout by Len Barker in a 1-0 win edges Montreal back ahead but Jay Tibbs returns serve the next day as the Braves tie it up at 2 look set the next day to take the series lead for the first time when they take a 5-1 lead into the top 9th. Montreal has other ideas, however, posting a 7-spot and then closing it out for a famous 8-5 victory, sending them back across the border needing just one win.

They don’t get it in Game 6, but rather pull a good old-fashioned choke as the Braves force a Game 7 with a comfortable 7-2 win.

They do, however, get it in Game 7 as this pretty epic contest ends in a 5-3 win for Les Expos.

Tim Raines is named MVP.

[luckymann]

[luckymann]

Montreal Expos v Chicago White Sox
Best-of-seven, White Sox with the home-field advantage.


I really cannot offer any pearls of wisdom here, both teams have their claims with the White Sox in my book just having the pitching edge and the Expos offence slightly superior.

I’m going to favour the White Sox ever so slightly, with the home-field advantage a factor, tipping them to win it in seven.

[luckymann]

Game 1 in Chicago

Mike Witt (18-10, 3.54) v Kirk McCaskill (22-6, 2.95)

A top-notch opening game sees Witt and McCaskill duke it out with Witt emerging victorious on a points decision as the home side gets its nose in front early and hangs on for a 3-2 win.




Game 2 in Chicago
Bert Blyleven (19-11, 3.23) v Walt Terrell (4-10, 5.33)
White Sox lead series 1-0

Bert Blyleven has plenty of playoff experience and he brings it to bear in a signature outing, going the distance as the Sox double their advantage with a pretty cushy 5-1 win.




Game 3 in Montreal
Danny Jackson (15-10, 2.96) v Danny Cox (18-8, 3.21)
White Sox lead series 2-0

It was the sequence of games rather than the split that worried me most about the Expos, as it meant they would very likely be in exactly the situation they now find themselves: down 0-2. This will test them.

The first World Series game ever held outside of the US showcases two of the best young arms in the league right now and both do themselves proud as the Montreal Danny just outshines his Chicago namesake to get the Expos their first win with a 3-1 decision.




Game 4 in Montreal
Len Barker (15-11, 3.82) v Mike Moore (12-16, 3.48)
White Sox lead series 2-1

A 4-hit game by talisman Tim Raines and a strong outing for Len Barker, who allows just 2 unearned runs over 6, drive Montreal to a comfortable series-levelling 7-2 win.




Game 5 in Montreal
Kirk McCaskill (2-1, 4.22) v Mike Witt (1-0, 9.72)
Series tied 2-2

Kirk McCaskill is fantastic again as the Expos make it three-from-three at home with a 4-0 win. McCaskill gives them 7 scoreless and the bats do just enough with Mike Witt to get them home.




Game 6 in Chicago
Bert Blyleven (1-0, 2.16) v Walt Terrell (0-2, 5.40)
Expos lead series 3-2

Well it all falls on the experienced shoulders of Bert Blyleven to force a Game 7 here, but it isn’t to be as the Expos get to him with a 5-run 4th and hang on for dear life as the Sox chip away at the lead, only to run out of outs still a couple short in a 5-3 final.

That man Raines is named series MVP.

[luckymann]

OUT & OUTS

No Managers fired for once but Hank Aguirre's contract is not renewed by the Phillies. They later sign Ken Boyer to the role.

I notice Jim Kaat is now the Yankees skipper.


ROSTER MOVES

We execute Lance Parrish's team option.

We non-tender Jerry Dybzinski and Miguel Dilone.

A fair chunk of payroll coming back to us with Rick Rhoden, Tony Armas, Dave Kingman, Steve Nicosia, UL Washington and a few MiLBers walking.

The following extensions of note were signed at other clubs:

2B Juan Samuel (Mariners) 4/4414
1B Pete O'Brien (A's) 4/9600
OF Mel Hall (Cardinals) 4/5704


SIM ACCURACY



*From here on in I'll provide the in-game comparison as well as my own with the edited LTMs.


HANGIN' THEM UP

More quality pitchers call time including the Ryan Express, who along with Don Sutton is the best hope for HoF consideration among this bunch.

[luckymann]

[luckymann]

So, who is the active leader in the MLB in career home runs?

• Johnny Bench, TOR, 404
• Mike Schmidt, PHI, 396
• Graig Nettles, HOU, 371
• Darrell Evans, TOR, 344
• John Mayberry Sr., ML4, 314

All-time leader: Mickey Mantle, 621

[luckymann]

Arguably the greatest draft pool in history to this point and it is an especially fascinating one because of the high number of quality players who don’t qualify as Legacies. Another interesting point is that the top three picks, despite having more than 330 WAR between them, are not Marquee Players.

These are the Legacy Players for the 1986 Season:

Cincinnati Reds: Barry Larkin (70.5; 2180 – one-club player) MARQUEE
Atlanta Braves: Greg Maddux (106.6; 363 GS)
California Angels: Chuck Finley (57.9; 379 GS)
Oakland Athletics: Mark McGwire (62.2; 1329)
Pittsburgh Pirates: Barry Bonds (162.8; 1010)
San Francisco Giants: Will Clark (56.5; 1160)
Seattle Mariners: Jamie Moyer (49.8; 323 GS)
Texas Rangers: Rafael Palmeiro (71.9; 1573)


Barry Bonds was also eligible for the Giants (1976 G), but the Pirates get him with the higher pick.

Greg Maddux was also eligible for the Cubs (298 GS), but the Braves get him with the higher pick.

Terry Steinbach (28.0; 1199) was also eligible for the A’s, but McGwire’s higher WAR makes him the selection.

Robby Thompson (33.8; 1304) was also eligible for the Giants, but Clark’s higher WAR makes him the selection.

Jay Bell (37.1; 1106) was also eligible for the Pirates, but Bonds’ higher WAR makes him the selection.


There are 179 rookies for this season (including some residual MiLBers from last year) and the Draft will consist of 6 rounds.

The Draft order will be as follows (winning percentage from 1985 IRL season in brackets; bold indicates Legacy Pick in 1st Round):


Round 1

1. Pittsburgh Pirates (354)
2. Atlanta Braves (407)
3. Texas Rangers (385)
4. Cincinnati Reds (553)
5. Oakland Athletics (475; dice roll)
6. California Angels (556)
7. San Francisco Giants (383)
8. Seattle Mariners (457)
9. Cleveland Indians (374)
10. Milwaukee Brewers (441)
11. Philadelphia Phillies (463)
12. Minnesota Twins (475; dice roll)
13. Chicago Cubs (478)
14. Boston Red Sox (500)
15. San Diego Padres (512; dice roll)
16. Houston Astros (512; dice roll)
17. Baltimore Orioles (516)
18. Montreal Expos (522; dice roll)
19. Detroit Tigers (522; dice roll)
20. Chicago White Sox (525)
21. Kansas City Royals (562)
22. Los Angeles Dodgers (586)
23. New York Yankees (602)
24. New York Mets (605)
25. Toronto Blue Jays (615)
26. St. Louis Cardinals (623)


Rounds 2 thru 6

1. Pittsburgh Pirates (354)
2. Cleveland Indians (374)
3. San Francisco Giants (383)
4. Texas Rangers (385)
5. Atlanta Braves (407)
6. Milwaukee Brewers (441)
7. Seattle Mariners (457)
8. Philadelphia Phillies (463)
9. Oakland Athletics (475; dice roll)
10. Minnesota Twins (475; dice roll)
11. Chicago Cubs (478)
12. Boston Red Sox (500)
13. San Diego Padres (512; dice roll)
14. Houston Astros (512; dice roll)
15. Baltimore Orioles (516)
16. Montreal Expos (522; dice roll)
17. Detroit Tigers (522; dice roll)
18. Chicago White Sox (525)
19. Cincinnati Reds (553)
20. California Angels (556)
21. Kansas City Royals (562)
22. Los Angeles Dodgers (586)
23. New York Yankees (602)
24. New York Mets (605)
25. Toronto Blue Jays (615)
26. St. Louis Cardinals (623)


Eligible PIT players: 12 position players + 9 pitchers = 21


Clearly a watershed moment for the club, our first #1 pick that I can remember since we took Oscar Charleston in the 1910s.

Of almost equal importance to the 1st overall pick is the fact that we are in that slot throughout and, with this being a fairly deep pool with plenty of PIT eligibles, we go into it hopeful of picking up a couple more decent guys with our second and third rounders.

So while of course it is all about that #1, here’s who else comes with him:

1. OF Barry Bonds, 21 (PIT IRL: 1986-92)

• Little explanation needed other than to tell you that Barry – who only just qualified by 10 games as a Legacy for us – will be contracted thru 1997 on a deal worth in excess of $40m, during which period we cannot trade him. Given his yearly salary at the conclusion of this deal is $8.7m and our total payroll for 1986 is $18.6m, it is fair to say we won’t be extending him either unless he is much less money-oriented in this timeline than IRL. So, in other words, we get the Hall of Fame Barry rather than the Hall of Shame Barry.

2. SS Jay Bell, 20 (PIT IRL: 1989-96)

• We weren’t that far off having both Bobby Bo and Jay still available (Bobby, somewhat ironically, was taken 24th overall by the Mets...). Were that the case, we’d have almost certainly taken Bonilla but not by much. We’ve struggled to find a long-term solution at SS and this add now means we can move Scott Fletcher on at some point, a guy we should get a nice return for who is also taking up a CC slot. Doubt it’ll be this year as we’ll likely let Jay warm up at AAA for a season, but most likey in the 1986-87 offseason. We’ll see, Fletch is handy and not ridiculously expensive.

3. 3B Eddie Williams, 21 (PIT IRL: 1997)

• Slightly disappointing that none of the remaining guys we’d earmarked remained available by this point, but we could do worse than Eddie who’ll probably see some time with us after Rob Deer has whiffed out his welcome at the club.

4. P Barry Jones, 22 (PIT IRL: 1986-88)
5. C Mark Parent, 24 (PIT IRL: 1995)

• Fringy guys not without some hope of at least a cuppa.

6. OF Glen Braxton, 19 (MiLB ONLY)

• AAA depth, although you just never know.

A big shout-out to the IRL ’85 Pirates for being so terrible...

[luckymann]

If, as Aristotle famously said, all pure drama operates in three acts then the 1986 post-season was about as purely dramatic as is possible, with that World Series following those League Championship Series. Anyone who doubts baseball is a game of inches or that some supernatural force with a mischievous sense of humour controls the universe need look no further than the 20 games of baseball that comprised these playoffs or simply a montage of ABs from them.

1986 was the year I fell head over heels in love with baseball, a torrid affair that lasted until 2004 (with that year’s ALCS for mine the game’s absolute pinnacle) and was rekindled on a more platonic level a few years back. Were there a channel devoted purely to looped reruns of the ’86 playoffs, I would happily subscribe to the premium package and intersperse that with regular viewings of the ESPN 30-for-30 doco Four Days in October.


AL EAST / WEST CHAMPIONS: Boston Red Sox (95-66) / California Angels (92-70)
NL EAST / WEST CHAMPIONS: New York Mets (108-54) / Houston Astros (96-66)
ALCS: Red Sox 4, Angels 3
NLCS: Mets 4, Astros 2
WORLD SERIES: Mets 4, Red Sox 3

64-98, 6th in NL East (I had no idea "we" sucked so badly in this period…)

AL MVP: Roger Clemens (Red Sox)
NL MVP: Mike Schmidt (Phillies)

AL CYA: Roger Clemens (Red Sox)
NL CYA: Mike Scott (Astros)

AL RoY: Jose Canseco (A’s)
NL RoY: Todd Worrell (Cardinals)


Top Ten Lists (courtesy of thisgreatgame.com)

NL Hitters

1. MIKE SCHMIDT, PHILADELPHIA

• Key Numbers: .290 average, 97 runs, 29 doubles, 37 home runs, 119 RBIs, 89 walks, 25 intentional walks, .547 slugging percentage.
• Back home at third base a year after being manned at first, Schmidt responded with his last MVP—leading the NL in home runs and RBIs together for his third and last time.

2. TIM RAINES, MONTREAL

• Key Numbers: .334 average, 91 runs, 194 hits, 35 doubles, 10 triples, 9 home runs, 62 RBIs, 78 walks, 70 stolen bases, .413 on-base percentage.
• At the top of his game, Raines pulled in his only batting title in the midst of a three-year run in which he’d hit .329.

3. VON HAYES, PHILADELPHIA

• Key Numbers: .305 average, 107 runs, 186 hits, 46 doubles, 19 home runs, 98 RBIs, 24 stolen bases.
• Hayes finally had the kind of season that Phillies fans had booed him for not having since showing up in 1983.

4. ERIC DAVIS, CINCINNATI

• Key Numbers: 132 games, .277 average, 97 runs, 27 home runs, 71 RBIs, 80 stolen bases.
• The 24-year-old breakout star had the kind of season and five-tool skills that had Reds fans certain that the Second Coming of Willie Mays had arrived.

5. KEVIN MCREYNOLDS, SAN DIEGO

• Key Numbers: .288 average, 89 runs, 31 doubles, 6 triples, 26 home runs, 96 RBIs.
• As poker-faced as they came, the young Padre began a long, steady existence as Mr. .280-25-90-ish.

6. DARRYL STRAWBERRY, NEW YORK

• Key Numbers: 136 games, .259 average, 76 runs, 27 doubles, 5 triples, 27 home runs, 93 RBIs, 28 stolen bases.
• Teammates in a turbulent (but winning) clubhouse continued to tolerate Strawberry’s numbers, but were growing increasingly impatient with his growing substance abuse and attitude issues.

7. TONY GWYNN, SAN DIEGO

• Key Numbers: .329 average, 642-at-bats, 107 runs, 211 hits, 33 doubles, 7 triples, 14 home runs, 59 RBIs, 37 stolen bases.
• Gwynn’s shots at a second batting title faded with a subtle September showing; he finished five points behind NL leader Tim Raines.

8. KEITH HERNANDEZ, NEW YORK

• Key Numbers: .310 average, 94 runs, 171 hits, 34 doubles, 13 home runs, 83 RBIs, 94 walks.
• Status whoa: As consistent a .300 hitter as one would find, Hernandez for the third straight year hit .310, give or take a point.

9. STEVE SAX, LOS ANGELES

• Key Numbers: .332 average, 91 runs, 210 hits, 43 doubles, 6 home runs, 56 RBIs, 40 stolen bases.
• Sax began to put his past defensive problems at second base behind him, and they may have contributed to much improved hitting—which rose 60 batting points over his career average coming into the season.

10. GLENN DAVIS, HOUSTON

• Key Numbers: .265 average, 91 runs, 32 doubles, 31 home runs, 101 RBIs.
• Davis gave the Astros something they hadn’t seen in nearly a generation: A power hitter.

AL Hitters

1. DON MATTINGLY, NEW YORK

• Key Numbers: 162 games, .352 average, 677 at-bats, 117 runs, 238 hits, 53 doubles, 31 home runs, 113 RBIs, .573 slugging percentage.
• Mattingly was never more awesome—and never more adored by Yankees fans; he set season franchise records for hits and doubles—and struck out only 35 times over 742 plate appearances.

2. RICKEY HENDERSON, NEW YORK

• Key Numbers: .263 average, 130 runs, 31 doubles, 5 triples, 28 home runs, 74 RBIs, 89 walks, 87 stolen bases, 18 caught stealing.
• Despite all the runs, steals, walks—even home runs (a career-high 28)—Henderson didn’t attract a single vote in the AL MVP conversation. Even Dick Schofield and Scott Fletcher got some love over a shut-out Rickey.

3. KIRBY PUCKETT, MINNESOTA

• Key Numbers: .328 average, 680-at-bats, 119 runs, 223 hits, 37 doubles, 6 triples, 31 home runs, 96 RBIs, 20 stolen bases.
• From zero to 31 in two years flat: Puckett’s stunning surge in home run power—thanks to offseason tips from former Twins star Tony Oliva—transformed him into a genuine MVP-level threat.

4. JOE CARTER, CLEVELAND

• Key Numbers: 162 games, .302 average, 663 at-bats, 108 runs, 200 hits, 36 doubles, 9 triples, 29 home runs, 121 RBIs, 29 stolen bases.
• In helping to lead the Indians to their best record since 1968, Carter was omnipresent; he enjoyed the first of five career three-homer games, hit for his lone cycle, and three times had five hits in game—the only three of his career. It was enough for Sports Illustrated to assume he would elevate the Indians to a World Series in 1987. (They lost 101 instead.)

5. JESSE BARFIELD, TORONTO

• Key Numbers: .289 average, 107 runs, 170 hits, 35 doubles, 40 home runs, 108 RBIs.
• Barfield went homerless through his first 15 games with 21 strikeouts over 57 at-bats before turning the season around and becoming the first Blue Jay to go deep 40 times.

6. KIRK GIBSON, DETROIT

• Key Numbers: 119 games, .268 average, 84 runs, 28 home runs, 86 RBIs, 68 walks, 34 stolen bases.
• If not for a significant ankle injury that cost him over a month of play in midspring, Gibson would have easily set career highs in most major offensive categories.

7. WADE BOGGS, BOSTON

• Key Numbers: .357 average, 107 runs, 207 hits, 47 doubles, 8 home runs, 71 RBIs, 105 walks, .453 on-base percentage.
• The reigning and, still, AL batting champ retained a .400 average as late as June 7—the latest date of his career—before a July slide (.247) doomed any chance of maintaining the hallowed milestone to the end.

8. GEORGE BELL, TORONTO

• Key Numbers: .309 average, 641 at-bats, 101 runs, 198 hits, 38 doubles, 6 triples, 31 home runs, 108 RBIs.
• The steady maturation of the 27-year-old Dominican slugger continued, before exploding to MVP-level form the following year.

9. JIM RICE, BOSTON

• Key Numbers: .324 average, 98 runs, 200 hits, 39 doubles, 20 home runs, 110 RBIs.
• In his last truly productive year, Rice rekindled memories of younger days when a single in his last at-bat of the season gave him 200 for the first time since reaching the milestone in three successive seasons, 1977-79.

10. ROB DEER, MILWAUKEE

• Key Numbers: 134 games, .232 average, 75 runs, 33 home runs, 86 RBIs, 72 walks, 179 strikeouts.
• Criticized as an unapologetic all-or-nothing talent, it must be said that despite the low average and high strikeout total, Deer hit far more home runs than any other Brewer (Cecil Cooper was second with 12), and only Robin Yount had a better OPS—and barely (.838 to .830).

NL Pitchers

1. MIKE SCOTT, HOUSTON

• Key Numbers: 2.22 ERA, 18 wins, 10 losses, 37 starts, 5 shutouts, 275.1 innings, 306 strikeouts, 41 stolen bases allowed.
• Imagine how much better the Mets’ pitching would have been had they not traded the Cy Young Award winner for part-timer Danny Heep in 1983.

2. FERNANDO VALENZUELA, LOS ANGELES

• Key Numbers: 3.14 ERA, 21 wins, 11 losses, 34 starts, 20 complete games, 269.1 innings, 14 wild pitches.
• Valenzuela had his one and only 20-win season of his 17-year career—and is the last pitcher to-date to go the distance 20 or more times.

3. BOB OJEDA, NEW YORK

• Key Numbers: 2.57 ERA, 18 wins, 5 losses, .783 win percentage, 30 starts, 217.1 innings, 52 walks, 27 stolen bases allowed.
• After struggling to fit in with Boston, the southpaw was dealt to the rowdy Mets and enjoyed a career effort that included two solid World Series starts against…the Red Sox.

4. DWIGHT GOODEN, NEW YORK

• Key Numbers: 2.84 ERA, 17 wins, 6 losses, .739 win percentage, 33 starts, 250 innings, 33 stolen bases allowed.
• Dr. K ran his career ledger to-date to 58-19 and batters hit just .169 against him with runners in scoring position, even as substance-abuse intake emerged as one of his more active hobbies.

5. MIKE KRUKOW, SAN FRANCISCO

• Key Numbers: 2.94 ERA, 20 wins, 9 losses, .690 win percentage, 34 starts, 245 innings, 55 walks, 23 stolen bases allowed.
• Fleetingly free of injuries and hard luck, the veteran righty and future Giants broadcaster bolted to 20 wins after never coming close before or since.

6. RICK RHODEN, PITTSBURGH

• Key Numbers: 2.84 ERA, 15 wins, 12 losses, 34 starts, 253.2 innings.
• From Rick Rhoden to Rick Reuschel to Rick Rhoden; this year, it was Rhoden’s turn to singularly hold up the fort of the Pirates’ staff, bouncing back from a miserable 1985 campaign while the rest of the rotation (a slumping Reuschel included) combined for a 28-56 record.

7. BOB KNEPPER, HOUSTON

• Key Numbers: 3.14 ERA, 17 wins, 12 losses, 40 appearances, 38 starts, 5 shutouts, 258 innings, 24 grounded into double plays.
• Knepper was lost in the shadows of Mike Scott’s unbelievable output, but continued to make headlines for his criticism of female reporters.

8. DANNY COX, ST. LOUIS

• Key Numbers: 2.90 ERA, 12 wins, 13 losses, 32 starts, 220 innings.
• Cursed by a slow start and a suddenly AWOL Cardinals offense, Cox regrouped and went 9-5 with a 2.04 ERA after July 22.

9. JOHN TUDOR, ST. LOUIS

• Key Numbers: 2.92 ERA, 13 wins, 7 losses, 30 starts, 219 innings.
• Tudor was luckier than Cox on the support front; he remained stellar despite a shutout total that went from 10 in 1985 to zero.

10. ROGER MCDOWELL, NEW YORK

• Key Numbers: 3.02 ERA, 14 wins, 9 losses, 22 saves, 6 blown saves, 75 appearances, 128 innings.
• Sharing closer duty with Jesse Orosco, the second-year righty won enough games to be confused for a Mets starter—and achieved later claim as the ‘second spitter’ on a popular Seinfeld episode with teammate Keith Hernandez.

AL Pitchers

1. ROGER CLEMENS, BOSTON

• Key Numbers: 2.48 ERA, 24 wins, 4 losses, .857 win percentage, 33 starts, 254 innings, 238 strikeouts, 11 wild pitches.
• Maybe this is why pitchers win MVPs: In one 3-10 stretch for the Red Sox, Clemens won all three games. One more statistical curio: After his 20-K masterpiece against Seattle on April 29, Clemens didn’t strike out more than 11 batters in any other start in 1986.

2. MIKE WITT, CALIFORNIA

• Key Numbers: 2.84 ERA, 18 wins, 10 losses, 34 starts, 269 innings, 28 grounded into double plays.
• Born, raised and schooled through college near Anaheim Stadium, Witt didn’t have to travel far to tell friends and family he’d made it as an Angels All-Star.

3. MARK EICHHORN, TORONTO

• Key Numbers: 1.72 ERA, 14 wins, 6 losses, .710 win percentage, 10 saves, 3 blown saves, 69 appearances, 157 innings, 14 intentional walks.
• Not content with his tryout as a starter late in 1985, the Blue Jays considered Eichhorn as a long reliever instead—and the technically qualified rookie responded by sharing the team lead in wins with rotation guys Jim Clancy and Jimmy Key.

4. TED HIGUERA, MILWAUKEE

• Key Numbers: 2.79 ERA, 20 wins, 11 losses, 34 starts, 15 complete games, 248.1 innings.
• In the second-year Higuera, Brewers fans boasted of a better Mexican pitching sensation than Fernando Valenzuela. No pitcher in Milwaukee has since won 20 games.

5. KIRK MCCASKILL, CALIFORNIA

• Key Numbers: 3.36 ERA, 17 wins, 10 losses, 33 starts, 246.1 innings, 10 wild pitches.
• A good enough hockey player that he played professionally in an NHL developmental league, the Canadian-born McCaskill skated through an impressive sophomore effort at Anaheim.

6. DAVE RIGHETTI, NEW YORK

• Key Numbers: 2.45 ERA, 8 wins, 8 losses, 46 saves, 10 blown saves, 74 appearances, 106.2 innings.
• Rags earned saves in both ends of a doubleheader during the season’s final weekend to become the latest to break—for the moment—the all-time saves record.

7. DANNY JACKSON, KANSAS CITY

• Key Numbers: 3.20 ERA, 11 wins, 12 losses, 1 save, 32 appearances, 27 starts, 185.2 innings, 24 grounded into double plays.
• The hard-luck pitcher of the year award goes to the lefty who received only 17 total runs of support in his 12 losses.

8. JACK MORRIS, DETROIT

• Key Numbers: 3.27 ERA, 21 wins, 8 losses, .724 win percentage, 35 starts, 6 shutouts, 267 innings, 21 stolen bases allowed, 20 grounded into double plays.
• Morris arguably had the best year of his Hall-of-Fame career—though some would debate why a guy with a lifetime 3.90 ERA gets into Cooperstown, but never mind. The Detroit ace set career marks in wins, shutouts, consecutive scoreless innings (32)—and interestingly enough, home runs allowed (40).

9. BRUCE HURST, BOSTON

• Key Numbers: 2.99 ERA, 13 wins, 8 losses, 25 starts, 174.1 innings.
• Following three years of common results, Hurst burst after spending nearly two months on the shelf with a groin injury; postseason included, he was 11-3 with a 2.57 ERA from July 21 on.

10. MARK GUBICZA, KANSAS CITY

• Key Numbers: 3.64 ERA, 12 wins, 6 losses, 35 appearances, 24 starts, 180.2 innings, 15 wild pitches.
• Demoted to the bullpen late in June after a rough start, Gubicza returned to the rotation a month later and flourished toward better times.

[luckymann]

Not a lot of changes needed for '86 but we do have a fair bit of movement expected a bit beyond that and need to keep using our limited wherewithal wisely at all points along the continuum.

So we sign Don Robertson on a 4+1/4250 deal that brings him back to the club on much friendlier terms (for us) than his first go-around. He'll operate from the BP the first couple of those seasons unless injury / form dictate otherwise and will probably share SP6 duties with Dave LaPoint.

With Barry not really a power hitter just yet and Wheel in his walk year, we felt we needed some added pop moving forward, something this trade with the Tigers hopefully delivers:

I'll happily admit that, in an ideal world, we do a trade in 12 months time that brings Bobby Bo to the club, with Scott Fletcher in all likelihood part of the package going in the opposite direction. For now, Steve gives us the traditional sort of corner power guy to bookend Rob Deer at 1B.

Mitch provides a bit more depth at CF and is in our mind a better long-term proposition than Terry, especially with him being 4 years Terry's junior.

Randy is AAA depth only unless all hell breaks loose in our LHRP ranks.

[luckymann]

Rocky Colavito goes oh so close on his final ballot but misses out and will have to see if the Centennial Committee looks favourably on him in their 2000 vote.

[luckymann]

More short-term veteran deals, continuing the pattern from the previous year in an otherwise fairly uneventful offseason.

OF Pedro Guerrero: Dodgers, 7 years / $31.0m / AAV $4.43m (extension)
C Mike Scioscia: Mets, 4 years / $16.2m / AAV $4.04m
1B Kent Hrbek: Red Sox, 3 years / $11.4m / AAV $3.81m
1B Keith Hernandez: Dodgers, 5 years / $16.6m / AAV $3.31m
P Jack Morris: Reds, 5 years / $16.2m / AAV $3.25m
3B Davey Lopes: Astros, 2 year / $6.0m / AAV $3.00m
C Gary Carter: Expos, 6 years / $17.8m / AAV $2.96m (extension)
3B Johnny Bench: Tigers, 1 year / $2.7m / AAV $2.72m
P Bert Blyleven: Cardinals, 2 years / $5.4m / AAV $2.72m
P Bob Ojeda: Phillies, 6 years / $14.3m / AAV $2.39m
P Rick Rhoden: Cardinals, 4 years / $9.4m / AAV $2.36m
2B Hubie Brooks: White Sox, 1 year / $2.3m / AAV $2.28m
2B Toby Harrah: Dodgers, 1 year / $2.2m / AAV $2.20m
P Fred Kuhaulua: Expos, 2 years / $4.0m / AAV $2.00m
1B Bruce Bochte: Tigers, 1 year / $2.1m / AAV $2.08m
OF Mookie Wilson: Dodgers, 3 years / $5.7m / AAV $1.90m
P Steve Carlton: Mets, 1 year / $1.9m / AAV $1.90m
C Ernie Whitt: Rangers, 1 year / $1.7m / AAV $1.72m
P Charlie Leibrandt: Dodgers, 3 years / $5.0m / AAV $1.66m
P Charlie Hough: Reds, 3 years / $4.8m / AAV $1.59m
OF Hal McRae: Royals, 1 year / $1.5m / AAV $1.52m
P Bill Gullickson: Brewers, 4 years / $5.8m / AAV $1.46m
2B Joe Morgan: Giants, 1 year / $1.4m / AAV $1.42m
OF Claudell Washington: Reds, 1 year / $1.4m / AAV $1.42m
OF Jim Dwyer: Yankees, 3 years / $4.1m / AAV $1.38m
3B Carney Lansford: Reds, 3 years / $4.1m / AAV $1.37m
1B Bob Horner: Twins, 3 year / $3.8m / AAV $1.27m
P Bob Shirley: Tigers, 3 years / $3.8m / AAV $1.26m
OF Mike Marshall: Cubs, 3 years / $3.7m / AAV $1.12m
P Dave Stewart: Cubs, 3 years / $3.3m / AAV $1.08m
3B Buddy Bell: Cardinals, 2 years / $2.2m / AAV $1.08m


OF Daryl Boston and 1B David Green from Cubs to Expos for P Al Holland and 3B Jim Presley
P Ken Howell, SS Curtis Wilkerson, P Mitchell Johnson and 3B Rick Schu from White Sox to Reds for P Tom Henke
P Mark Lee and C Jeff Reed from Yankees to Phillies for OF Milt Thompson
OF Sixto Lezcano (retaining 35%) and OF Darnell Coles from Royals to Blue Jays for P Dennis Miscik
SS Spike Owen, P Charlie Mitchell and OF Henry Cotto from Padres to A’s for P Bryn Smith
P Rich Gossage from Tigers to Giants for OF Doug Loman
2B Fred Manrique and P Jeff Russell from White Sox to Padres for P Tom Henke
OF Lee Lacy from Cubs to Indians for 1B Jason Thompson and P Kevin Gross
P Jay Tibbs from Braves to Giants for 1B Jack Clark (retaining 90%)
P Mark Portugal from Mariners to Giants for P Mike Krukow (retaining 15%)
P Mike Flanagan and C Mark Salas from Orioles to Blue Jays for OF Devon White
1B Steve Balboni from Mariners to Giants for P Jim Hughes and 1B Andres Galarraga
P Jose Guzman from White Sox to Angels for 3B Doug DeCinces (retaining 90%)


We go 13-5 in Spring Training and look raring and ready to go.

BNN see the Red Sox, Rangers, Expos and Reds prevailing. They see our division as a three-way tussle between Montreal, the Cards and ourselves.

Over in the AL they think the Bash Brothers are off and running, predicting 32 homers apiece for Canseco and McGwire (although only an 81-81 finish for their A’s).