The battle for the best franchise ever - Page 14

jg2977 · 02-27-2009, 03:51 PM

Wednesday, June 18th, 2121: Angels Hurler Reaches Milestone
Tony Lugo of the Anaheim Angels nailed down his 200th career victory with a 8-2 win over the Kansas City Royals today. Lugo, 32, fired 8 strikeouts over 7 innings of work. He gave up no runs, no walks and allowed 3 hits.

"I feel great," Lugo said afterward. "I try not to get caught up in the moment. It's hard with so much press coverage these days, but I tune all that out when I go out there and pitch."

In his career stats Lugo has a record of 200 wins and 90 losses and a 2.54 ERA. He has struck out 2578 in 2716.2 innings.

jg2977 · 02-27-2009, 03:53 PM

Friday, June 20th, 2121: Number 2000 for Montoya
The box score from yesterday's game will show that Hartford beat the Boston Red Sox, 8-1. It will also show that catcher Alfredo Montoya went 1-for-3 for the Whalers. It will not show, however, that Montoya reached the 2000-hit mark for his career.

The 36-year-old Montoya reflected on the achievement after the game. He mused: "In one respect, it's a real milestone, I guess. Yet, it's just a base hit like any other base hit."

In his career Montoya is batting .274 with 2000 hits, 491 doubles, 39 triples and 266 home runs.

Friday, June 20th, 2121: Fleming Notches Number 200
What would you do after you had just won your 200th game? Run around XL Field doing cartwheels, jumping for joy and waving to the crowd? Well, maybe you and I would do that, but not Jon Fleming -- that's not his way.

After he notched number 200, the 33-year-old Hartford hurler spoke to the press like he always has -- in a soft, quiet voice. He wasn't doing any cartwheels or even anything resembling a jump for joy. "Obviously it feels very good," Fleming commented. "To win this many games, you've got to have a lot of help."

Fleming got his milestone victory by beating the Boston Red Sox 8-1. He held them to 4 hits in 8 innings and rung up 7 strikeouts with no walks.

After sharing his thoughts with the press, he went to the clubhouse. There he was greeted by the guys who had helped him get #200. His teammates showered him with champagne and then gave him a rousing round of applause. That got to him -- for the first time today, Fleming's face broke into a big smile.

In his career Fleming has notched 200 wins and 119 losses and compiled a 3.51 ERA.

jg2977 · 02-27-2009, 03:55 PM

Saturday, June 21st, 2121: Whitehead Beats White Sox for 200th Win
History was made today at Yankee Stadium -- Brooks Whitehead won game #200 to seal his name in the league record books. The New York ace downed the Chicago White Sox 11-3 to gain entrance into the elite 200 Club.

"I was wound up at first. I think I threw too hard," remarked Whitehead, "I had to calm down and go out there and pitch... not just throw. I think I got better as the game wore on. I started to think less about 200 wins and more about doing what I had to do."

During his career Whitehead has compiled a 200-180 record with a 3.75 ERA in 497 starts.

jg2977 · 02-27-2009, 03:57 PM

Tuesday, June 24th, 2121: Mets Ota Earns 200th Win
It was a great day for Yoshiyuki Ota today at Coors Field -- he picked up victory number 200 to join the great pitchers of the past in the exclusive 200 Club. The New York ace stopped the Colorado Rockies 11-4, yielding 8 hits and recording 4 strikeouts and 1 walk in his milestone game.

"200 wins puts you in some pretty good company," Ota told reporters. "I'm honored to be there."

In career numbers Ota has registered a 200-101 record with a 3.64 ERA.

Sunday, June 22nd, 2121: New York's Kirby Hammers #500
He has done it!
Mike Kirby has reached the 500 home run mark. He did it today, but the New York Mets still dropped the game to the Cincinnati Reds by the score of 12-3.

"#500 was hard to come by. I think the pressure was getting to me a little bit. I got a calls a few days ago from a couple of guys that have been through this and they just said, 'Keep going, have some fun. Just be you.' I think that helped me a little bit having those guys make a call to me and try to settle some of the nerves down."

On his historic day Kirby was 2-3 with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored.

Kirby is hitting the ball at a .326 clip over his career. In 1824 games he has delivered 2031 hits, 500 home runs with 1342 RBIs and scored 1387 times.

jg2977 · 02-27-2009, 03:58 PM

Monday, June 30th, 2121: Wooten Week's Top Player
His face might be sun-baked after all the years he's invested in this game, but 43-year-old Mike Wooten of the Cincinnati Reds is still playing a kid's game -- and getting paid for it. The veteran first baseman had a tremendous week and was named the National League Player of the Week.

Wooten drilled 12 hits in 20 at-bats and 5 home runs on his way to posting a .600 average. He also knocked in 8 runs and scored 11 times.

Currently Wooten is batting .506 with 117 hits and 35 home runs. He has knocked in 77 runs and scored 77 times.

jg2977 · 02-27-2009, 04:00 PM

Tuesday, July 1st, 2121: Lane June's Best Hurler in AL
Brennan Lane's been around the league long enough to appreciate the honor he received today. After going 5-0 in June, the 38-year-old Hartford hurler has been named American League Pitcher of the Month.

He fanned 65 in 48.2 innings, logged an ERA of 0.74 and allowed opponents to hit .168 against him.

This season Lane has 13 wins and 1 loss and a 0.95 ERA.

Tuesday, July 1st, 2121: NL's Best Batter Picked
There's nothing like putting up good, solid numbers in the last year of your contract. Today Mike Wooten helped his contract negotiations by nabbing June's National League Batter of the Month honors.

The Cincinnati first baseman put together a .500 batting average with 16 home runs, 34 RBIs and 30 runs scored.

Someone will surely be opening up the vault this offseason if Wooten continues at this brisk pace.

Presently Wooten is batting .504 and has collected 35 home runs, 77 RBIs, .644 OBP and scored 77 runs.

jg2977 · 02-27-2009, 04:02 PM

American League Standings


Team	W	L	PCT	GB	Pyt.Rec	Diff	Home	Away	XInn	1Run	M#	Streak	Last10
Hartford Whalers	61	20	.753	-	57-24	4	29-10	32-10	5-2	17-6	77	W1	7-3
New York Yankees	56	25	.691	5.0	53-28	3	32-10	24-15	3-2	15-5		W1	3-7
Cleveland Indians	52	29	.642	9.0	54-27	-2	27-15	25-14	3-2	10-11		L1	8-2
Toronto Blue Jays	49	32	.605	12.0	46-35	3	27-12	22-20	4-2	10-13		W2	6-4
Kansas City Royals	46	35	.568	15.0	47-34	-1	26-16	20-19	6-1	12-16		W1	8-2
New Orleans Jazz	45	36	.556	16.0	43-38	2	20-19	25-17	5-4	7-8		L3	5-5
Anaheim Angels	43	38	.531	18.0	40-41	3	21-21	22-17	3-2	15-9		W1	5-5
Detroit Tigers	42	39	.519	19.0	43-38	-1	20-22	22-17	2-3	10-14		L1	8-2
Portland Pilots	40	41	.494	21.0	42-39	-2	14-22	26-19	2-3	6-8		W1	5-5
Seattle Mariners	40	41	.494	21.0	42-39	-2	21-18	19-23	0-4	9-15		W4	7-3
Baltimore Orioles	39	42	.481	22.0	38-43	1	22-20	17-22	4-5	15-13		L1	4-6
San Antonio Roadrunners	37	44	.457	24.0	37-44	0	19-23	18-21	2-4	10-8		L2	5-5
Minnesota Twins	36	45	.444	25.0	40-41	-4	18-24	18-21	7-3	12-14		W3	4-6
Tampa Bay Rays	35	46	.432	26.0	35-46	0	18-24	17-22	3-4	11-15		L5	2-8
Boston Red Sox	34	47	.420	27.0	37-44	-3	18-21	16-26	3-6	15-15		L2	3-7
Oakland Athletics	33	48	.407	28.0	34-47	-1	18-24	15-24	6-5	14-16		W2	4-6
Jacksonville Suns	32	49	.395	29.0	29-52	3	17-22	15-27	4-3	11-11		L1	4-6
Buffalo Wings	30	51	.370	31.0	34-47	-4	15-24	15-27	2-7	10-12		W2	4-6
Chicago White Sox	30	51	.370	31.0	26-55	4	15-24	15-27	2-3	9-7		L2	3-7
Texas Rangers	30	51	.370	31.0	30-51	0	18-24	12-27	2-3	11-13		L1	5-5

National League Standings


Team	W	L	PCT	GB	Pyt.Rec	Diff	Home	Away	XInn	1Run	M#	Streak	Last10
New York Mets	54	27	.667	-	53-28	1	28-14	26-13	2-3	12-8	82	W4	7-3
Washington Nationals	54	27	.667	-	49-32	5	30-12	24-15	5-3	21-11	82	L2	5-5
Cincinnati Reds	47	34	.580	7.0	49-32	-2	22-17	25-17	5-6	15-15		L3	4-6
Pittsburgh Pirates	47	34	.580	7.0	44-37	3	28-14	19-20	9-5	22-9		L1	6-4
Philadelphia Phillies	46	35	.568	8.0	45-36	1	22-17	24-18	5-3	13-10		W2	4-6
Houston Astros	43	38	.531	11.0	43-38	0	26-16	17-22	7-4	14-11		L1	7-3
Arizona Diamondbacks	42	39	.519	12.0	36-45	6	23-19	19-20	6-5	16-9		W1	5-5
Montreal Expos	42	39	.519	12.0	42-39	0	20-22	22-17	2-4	12-16		L1	5-5
St. Louis Cardinals	42	39	.519	12.0	41-40	1	23-19	19-20	3-4	16-16		W3	7-3
Atlanta Braves	39	42	.481	15.0	36-45	3	19-20	20-22	2-6	11-17		W1	4-6
San Diego Padres	39	42	.481	15.0	40-41	-1	21-21	18-21	5-8	15-15		L2	6-4
San Francisco Giants	39	42	.481	15.0	45-36	-6	21-21	18-21	5-8	14-20		W2	8-2
Utah Grizzlies	39	42	.481	15.0	35-46	4	26-16	13-26	8-4	18-13		L1	7-3
Las Vegas Aces	38	43	.469	16.0	43-38	-5	22-17	16-26	6-5	13-14		W5	5-5
Milwaukee Brewers	37	44	.457	17.0	37-44	0	21-18	16-26	3-5	9-12		L9	1-9
Chicago Cubs	36	45	.444	18.0	33-48	3	20-22	16-23	6-7	12-12		L5	2-8
Carolina Storm	34	47	.420	20.0	39-42	-5	19-20	15-27	4-5	11-22		W1	5-5
Florida Marlins	33	48	.407	21.0	34-47	-1	18-18	15-30	4-4	8-20		W1	4-6
Los Angeles Dodgers	31	50	.383	23.0	30-51	1	22-17	9-33	4-4	13-11		W1	4-6
Colorado Rockies	28	53	.346	26.0	30-51	-2	14-25	14-28	7-5	10-14		L1	4-6

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jg2977 · 02-27-2009, 04:04 PM

Friday, July 4th, 2121: Shimizu Tops Chicago for 200th Win
Hartford ace Sadao Shimizu solidified his place in league history with his 200th career victory today at XL Field. Shimizu and the Whalers bested Chicago 10-0. He checked the White Sox on 3 hits in 7 innings and finished the day with 13 strikeouts and no walks.

"I've worked hard for this day," Shimizu said. "Sometimes I didn't think it would happen. Most of the time it seemed so far off. Now it's here. It's like a dream!"

In his career Shimizu has gone 200-72 with an ERA of 2.38, picking up 3191 strikeouts in 2519.2 innings pitched.

jg2977 · 02-27-2009, 04:07 PM

Tuesday, July 22nd, 2121: Valdéz Raps 400th Roundtripper
New York's 4-1 victory over Pittsburgh was highlighted by Juan Valdéz's 400th career home run. His teammates congratulated him at home plate after he circled the bases.

"I didn't see all of them out there," Valdéz said with a chuckle, "until I rounded third base." He added sheepishly: "It was only a home run. It's not like I won us a World Series!"

In 3 at-bats the Mets center fielder collected 2 hits in his historic game, scored 2 runs, and had 1 run batted in.

Valdéz boasts a career batting average of .313 with 1651 hits, 400 homers and 1164 RBIs.

jg2977 · 02-27-2009, 04:10 PM

Monday, July 28th, 2121: Number 400 for Valéncia
"I wasn't trying to hit a homer. I just wanted to make contact."
That's what Eduardo Valéncia told reporters after he made baseball history today at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. The prolific slugger belted home run #400 in the New York Yankees 12-3 victory over the Texas Rangers.

The standout catcher collected 1 hit in 1 at-bat with 2 runs batted in and 2 runs scored.

"I guess this puts me in baseball's elite," said Valéncia. "I don't feel any different. I probably should, but I don't. Still, it is a nice achievement. I did get a little excited, didn't I?"

His all-time numbers show Valéncia has compiled a .282 batting average and collected 1921 hits, 400 home runs and 1461 RBIs.

jg2977 · 02-27-2009, 04:13 PM

Friday, August 1st, 2121: July's Pitcher of the Month Goes to Uribes
José Uribes of New York excelled on the mound in July with a 5-0 record and was named the Pitcher of the Month in the National League.

Uribes restricted opposing batters to 31 base hits and a .215 batting average. He rang up 34 strikeouts in 40 innings of work, surrendered 10 walks, and fashioned a 2.92 ERA.

His record this season is 16-1 in 23 starts and Uribes has a 3.16 ERA.

Friday, August 1st, 2121: Lane Wins Best AL Pitcher
Brennan Lane took home the American League Pitcher of the Month honors in July. After all these years playing ball, the 38-year-old veteran still enjoys the game as though he'd just broken camp for the first time a month ago. He's a bit older now with a few more aches and pains, but the old man has reason to celebrate, having gone 5-0 for Hartford last month and claiming the Pitcher of the Month award.

He tacked up a 0.90 ERA in his 6 starts, tossing 50 innings and striking out 56.

In 23 starts this season, Lane has picked up 18 wins while suffering 1 loss. He has pitched 182 innings, allowed 108 hits, struck out 240 and posted a 0.94 ERA.

Friday, August 1st, 2121: Wooten Earns July's Top Batter Prize in NL
On the heels of a very productive July, Mike Wooten received National League Batter of the Month recognition today.

The battle-tested first baseman hit .442 for the Cincinnati Reds and racked up 7 home runs, 20 RBIs and 25 runs scored.

So far this year Wooten is batting .488 with 42 home runs.

Thursday, July 31st, 2121: Meléndez Untouchable, Tosses No-Hitter
It was a fantastic day for Ánibal Meléndez of the Las Vegas Aces and a lousy day for the Milwaukee Brewers. His pitching artistry completely befuddled and bewildered them in the 3-0 win. When it was over he was credited with one of the rarer feats in baseball -- a no-hitter.

"The ball was moving and darting, and best of all, going where I wanted it to go." Meléndez rang up 8 strikeouts and allowed 2 walks while shutting Milwaukee down at Ballpark of Las Vegas.

In 23 starts this year Meléndez has recorded a 6-7 record and a 3.26 ERA.

jg2977 · 02-27-2009, 04:14 PM

Saturday, August 2nd, 2121: 2500th Hit for García
New York right fielder Wilson "Ice Cream" García finished the day with 2 hits in 2 at-bats and 2500 career hits. The Yankees also finished off the Wings, 4-3. The 33-year-old García added his name to the list of players in the 2500-hit club.

In 2264 games García has a career .305 batting average and a .422 on-base percentage. He has hit 629 home runs with 1907 RBIs and 1822 runs scored.

jg2977 · 02-27-2009, 04:16 PM

Monday, August 4th, 2121: New York's Keller Reaches 3500 Hits
It was a day of mixed emotions for New York center fielder Mike Keller, who collected his 3500th hit in the club's 4-2 loss to Buffalo. Yankees and Wings fans alike cheered Keller as he reached base after his milestone hit.

"I wish the score had been different," Keller said after the game, "but it was a great moment. The standing ovation was really special... even the fans wearing Wings caps were cheering me."

Keller was 3-5 on the day.

In his career Keller has hit for a .326 average and totaled 3502 hits, 87 home runs and 1045 RBIs.

jg2977 · 02-27-2009, 04:23 PM

Tuesday, August 19th, 2121: Cantú Reaches 2000
Hartford's Tony Cantú got the standing ovation -- but the Detroit Tigers got the win.
It was a special day for him at XL Field. A day when Cantú notched hit #2000 of his career. The fans went wild when he did. Even the Tigers fans applauded.

The Whalers third baseman went 1-4 in a losing cause as Detroit spoiled the party with the 7-3 victory.
In the postgame interview, a downhearted Cantú told the media, "We lost -- It's not about individual accomplishments -- we lost."

When pressed further, he admitted his pride in reaching the 2000-hit mark, "A lot of great players never get there. I'm proud, but I would be happier if we had won."

His career numbers show Cantú is currently carrying a .291 lifetime batting average with 195 home runs and 1007 RBIs.

jg2977 · 02-27-2009, 04:26 PM

Monday, September 1st, 2121: Patterson Takes AL Top Starter Trophy
Whether Ralph Patterson stays in New York beyond this season remains to be seen, but while he's here he's making the most of it. In August the 39-year-old certainly pulled out all the stops by winning the American League Pitcher of the Month award.

He put up some fancy numbers with a 5-1 record and and an ERA of 2.28. In 47.1 innings he struck out 42, surrendered 36 hits, 10 walks and proved to be a solid performer in 6 starts last month.

This season to date, Patterson has fashioned a 15-7 mark and 4.47 ERA in 185.1 innings. Opposing clubs are batting .256 against him and he has logged 154 strikeouts.

Monday, September 1st, 2121: NL Top Batter Trophy Won by Wooten
Mike Wooten earned August's Batter of the Month honors in the National League by reeling off a .391 average, going 25 for 64 with 5 home runs, 24 RBIs and 26 runs scored.

The soon-to-be free agent was hitting with great urgency in an effort to bolster his asking price in the Cincinnati clubhouse and around the rest of the league.

This year Wooten is batting .472 with 47 home runs. He has scored 128 runs and driven in 121.

Monday, September 1st, 2121: García Gets AL Batter of the Month Trophy
When guys like New York's Wilson García win Batter of the Month awards, it just makes you feel good. In a productive August, the longtime American League veteran toyed with opposing pitchers all month long, collecting 38 hits in 100 at-bats.

The veteran right fielder hit for a .380 batting average and collected 13 home runs, 29 RBIs and 30 runs scored.

Batting .290 to date, García has 32 home runs and 106 RBIs.

jg2977 · 02-27-2009, 04:28 PM

American League Standings


Team	W	L	PCT	GB	Pyt.Rec	Diff	Home	Away	XInn	1Run	M#	Streak	Last10
Hartford Whalers	99	37	.728	-	97-39	2	50-20	49-17	8-5	24-15	18	W1	7-3
New York Yankees	90	46	.662	9.0	88-48	2	44-25	46-21	7-3	25-14		W1	6-4
Cleveland Indians	86	50	.632	13.0	89-47	-3	41-26	45-24	5-4	13-15		L1	7-3
Kansas City Royals	81	55	.596	18.0	84-52	-3	43-24	38-31	10-4	23-26		W4	8-2
Toronto Blue Jays	76	60	.559	23.0	72-64	4	40-26	36-34	8-5	20-22		W2	6-4
Anaheim Angels	75	61	.551	24.0	71-65	4	40-29	35-32	5-4	23-18		W2	5-5
Detroit Tigers	71	65	.522	28.0	73-63	-2	39-30	32-35	7-5	18-21		W5	6-4
New Orleans Jazz	70	66	.515	29.0	72-64	-2	34-32	36-34	6-9	14-15		L2	5-5
Seattle Mariners	65	71	.478	34.0	68-68	-3	36-34	29-37	2-8	19-27		W2	6-4
Baltimore Orioles	63	73	.463	36.0	62-74	1	34-33	29-40	5-8	22-21		L6	2-8
Boston Red Sox	63	73	.463	36.0	62-74	1	37-33	26-40	5-7	25-19		L1	7-3
Minnesota Twins	63	73	.463	36.0	67-69	-4	29-40	34-33	12-4	21-24		W2	5-5
Tampa Bay Rays	63	73	.463	36.0	62-74	1	32-35	31-38	7-6	20-22		L2	5-5
Portland Pilots	62	74	.456	37.0	65-71	-3	29-38	33-36	6-7	16-19		L8	1-9
Oakland Athletics	59	77	.434	40.0	56-80	3	28-41	31-36	8-7	22-23		W1	3-7
Texas Rangers	58	78	.426	41.0	57-79	1	34-35	24-43	4-7	21-19		L1	5-5
San Antonio Roadrunners	57	79	.419	42.0	57-79	0	28-39	29-40	4-6	16-12		L2	5-5
Chicago White Sox	54	82	.397	45.0	48-88	6	29-37	25-45	3-8	18-16		W1	3-7
Buffalo Wings	53	83	.390	46.0	60-76	-7	27-43	26-40	3-10	18-25		L1	4-6
Jacksonville Suns	52	84	.382	47.0	48-88	4	28-38	24-46	9-7	17-22		L3	4-6

National League Standings


Team	W	L	PCT	GB	Pyt.Rec	Diff	Home	Away	XInn	1Run	M#	Streak	Last10
New York Mets	85	51	.625	-	88-48	-3	46-21	39-30	4-5	21-15	25	W1	5-5
Washington Nationals	83	53	.610	2.0	79-57	4	44-23	39-30	6-4	27-22		W1	7-3
Pittsburgh Pirates	81	55	.596	4.0	74-62	7	47-22	34-33	11-8	34-14		L1	5-5
Cincinnati Reds	80	56	.588	5.0	84-52	-4	41-25	39-31	7-10	20-26		L1	5-5
Houston Astros	76	60	.559	9.0	76-60	0	43-26	33-34	12-7	20-18		L2	5-5
Philadelphia Phillies	75	61	.551	10.0	73-63	2	37-29	38-32	9-5	26-18		L1	6-4
Montreal Expos	72	64	.529	13.0	73-63	-1	37-32	35-32	8-9	23-25		W2	7-3
St. Louis Cardinals	68	68	.500	17.0	72-64	-4	37-30	31-38	7-7	25-26		W1	7-3
Arizona Diamondbacks	67	69	.493	18.0	60-76	7	36-31	31-38	10-8	25-18		W1	4-6
Florida Marlins	66	70	.485	19.0	68-68	-2	37-30	29-40	8-7	17-27		W3	6-4
Utah Grizzlies	66	70	.485	19.0	58-78	8	41-28	25-42	9-5	29-18		W1	5-5
Atlanta Braves	64	72	.471	21.0	64-72	0	32-38	32-34	5-9	16-27		L2	4-6
San Francisco Giants	64	72	.471	21.0	70-66	-6	32-35	32-37	8-10	23-30		W4	5-5
Los Angeles Dodgers	63	73	.463	22.0	57-79	6	40-30	23-43	7-4	25-18		W1	6-4
Chicago Cubs	62	74	.456	23.0	60-76	2	34-35	28-39	7-14	20-21		W3	6-4
Las Vegas Aces	62	74	.456	23.0	66-70	-4	34-36	28-38	6-7	20-20		L1	3-7
Milwaukee Brewers	62	74	.456	23.0	62-74	0	32-34	30-40	8-7	21-22		L4	2-8
San Diego Padres	62	74	.456	23.0	63-73	-1	33-36	29-38	9-12	22-26		L3	4-6
Carolina Storm	53	83	.390	32.0	58-78	-5	32-38	21-45	5-9	15-31		L1	4-6
Colorado Rockies	49	87	.360	36.0	50-86	-1	26-40	23-47	8-7	18-25		L1	4-6

jg2977 · 02-27-2009, 04:47 PM

Wednesday, October 1st, 2121: Tigers Pagé Takes AL Batting Crown
This year's American League batting champ was Patrice Pagé of the Tigers. His .323 batting average was the best in the league. The Detroit star won the honor with 190 hits in 589 at-bats. He also tallied 20 home runs, 71 RBIs and scored 98 runs.

Wednesday, October 1st, 2121: Wooten Bats .474
Mike Wooten joined a very select group today as he closed out 2121 with a torrid .474 batting average. It was a fantastic year for the Cincinnati first baseman as he became the newest member of baseball's .400 club.

During the season he stroked 213 hits, including 36 doubles, 4 triples and 53 home runs. Wooten also scored 158 times and drove in 137 runs.

Asked by the media what's the hardest part of hitting .400, he glibly replied, "Getting 4 hits in every 10 at-bats." Then, speaking seriously, Wooten added, "Staying out of slumps is important. You have to be focused in every game and in every at-bat. Don't swing at anything but strikes... and stay away from any pitch you can't hit."

Wednesday, October 1st, 2121: MLB News: Playoffs begin
What began months ago as a dream is now reality. The trade deadline has passed, along with all of the GM wheeling and dealing. Contract negotiations are on hold until another time. Front office work is all but on the back burner. Now it's time for each club, player, coach and manager to put their own unique imprint on Major League Baseball history. Nobody will remember the free agent who got away last winter. No one will care about the trade that fell through right before the deadline. People will remember just one thing about the playoffs -- the team that wins the World Series crown. That's the reason they play the game. The First Round starts today with these match-ups:

Toronto Blue Jays versus Hartford Whalers, Cleveland Indians versus New York Yankees, Houston Astros versus New York Mets and Washington Nationals versus Cincinnati Reds.

jg2977 · 02-27-2009, 04:49 PM

American League Standings


Team	W	L	PCT	GB	Pyt.Rec	Diff	Home	Away	XInn	1Run	M#	Streak	Last10
Hartford Whalers	122	40	.753	-	118-44	4	60-21	62-19	9-5	28-15	Clinched	W10	10-0
New York Yankees	106	56	.654	16.0	107-55	-1	53-28	53-28	9-5	29-21		L2	5-5
Cleveland Indians	99	63	.611	23.0	103-59	-4	48-33	51-30	6-6	19-20		W2	7-3
Toronto Blue Jays	94	68	.580	28.0	87-75	7	50-31	44-37	9-5	24-24		W3	7-3
Kansas City Royals	92	70	.568	30.0	96-66	-4	48-33	44-37	10-4	24-30		W2	5-5
Anaheim Angels	90	72	.556	32.0	84-78	6	45-36	45-36	8-5	29-20		L3	4-6
New Orleans Jazz	84	78	.519	38.0	86-76	-2	44-37	40-41	9-11	19-20		W1	6-4
Detroit Tigers	83	79	.512	39.0	88-74	-5	43-38	40-41	8-7	19-27		L1	4-6
Seattle Mariners	77	85	.475	45.0	79-83	-2	42-39	35-46	4-8	22-30		W1	6-4
Portland Pilots	76	86	.469	46.0	80-82	-4	37-44	39-42	7-10	22-26		L1	6-4
Tampa Bay Rays	76	86	.469	46.0	76-86	0	39-42	37-44	9-7	22-26		W1	3-7
Minnesota Twins	75	87	.463	47.0	82-80	-7	36-45	39-42	12-7	24-31		L1	5-5
Boston Red Sox	74	88	.457	48.0	73-89	1	41-40	33-48	7-8	29-21		L1	3-7
Baltimore Orioles	73	89	.451	49.0	72-90	1	42-39	31-50	8-10	27-26		W1	3-7
Oakland Athletics	72	90	.444	50.0	67-95	5	36-45	36-45	8-7	29-25		L1	6-4
San Antonio Roadrunners	68	94	.420	54.0	67-95	1	34-47	34-47	5-6	18-15		L4	4-6
Texas Rangers	68	94	.420	54.0	67-95	1	40-41	28-53	5-9	24-23		W2	4-6
Buffalo Wings	66	96	.407	56.0	72-90	-6	32-49	34-47	4-11	22-27		W1	5-5
Chicago White Sox	63	99	.389	59.0	57-105	6	37-44	26-55	3-9	20-19		L2	2-8
Jacksonville Suns	62	100	.383	60.0	57-105	5	34-47	28-53	10-10	20-24		L2	5-5

National League Standings


Team	W	L	PCT	GB	Pyt.Rec	Diff	Home	Away	XInn	1Run	M#	Streak	Last10
New York Mets	104	58	.642	-	106-56	-2	57-24	47-34	6-6	25-16	Clinched	W1	6-4
Cincinnati Reds	97	65	.599	7.0	103-59	-6	52-29	45-36	7-13	22-32		W1	7-3
Washington Nationals	94	68	.580	10.0	90-72	4	50-31	44-37	7-4	28-25		L1	4-6
Houston Astros	93	69	.574	11.0	92-70	1	51-30	42-39	14-8	25-20		W1	7-3
Pittsburgh Pirates	92	70	.568	12.0	87-75	5	53-28	39-42	11-8	37-17		W2	3-7
Montreal Expos	88	74	.543	16.0	87-75	1	46-35	42-39	10-9	29-26		L1	6-4
Philadelphia Phillies	85	77	.525	19.0	82-80	3	41-40	44-37	12-5	30-22		L4	3-7
Florida Marlins	82	80	.506	22.0	83-79	-1	47-34	35-46	11-8	21-30		W3	7-3
Arizona Diamondbacks	79	83	.488	25.0	72-90	7	43-38	36-45	10-11	28-20		L2	7-3
Los Angeles Dodgers	78	84	.481	26.0	73-89	5	46-35	32-49	7-5	28-23		W2	5-5
San Francisco Giants	78	84	.481	26.0	83-79	-5	41-40	37-44	8-11	25-34		L1	5-5
St. Louis Cardinals	78	85	.479	26.5	83-80	-5	43-39	35-46	8-7	30-33		L5	3-7
Las Vegas Aces	76	86	.469	28.0	80-82	-4	41-40	35-46	7-7	23-24		W4	5-5
Milwaukee Brewers	76	86	.469	28.0	75-87	1	39-42	37-44	10-8	27-26		W1	5-5
Atlanta Braves	74	88	.457	30.0	74-88	0	40-41	34-47	5-11	19-32		L6	2-8
Chicago Cubs	74	88	.457	30.0	71-91	3	39-42	35-46	8-14	27-25		L1	4-6
San Diego Padres	74	88	.457	30.0	74-88	0	40-41	34-47	10-12	24-29		W6	7-3
Utah Grizzlies	73	89	.451	31.0	67-95	6	46-35	27-54	9-8	32-23		W1	5-5
Carolina Storm	63	99	.389	41.0	66-96	-3	38-43	25-56	5-10	19-35		L1	4-6
Colorado Rockies	63	100	.387	41.5	64-99	-1	35-46	28-54	8-8	22-29		W1	5-5

jg2977 · 02-27-2009, 06:33 PM

Cleveland Indians (99-63) vs. New York Yankees (106-56)
Cle 8 at NYY 4 (10)
Cle 10 at NYY 1
NYY 8 at Cle 4
NYY 8 at Cle 5
NYY 4 at Cle 5
Cle 2 at NYY 8
Cle 3 at NYY 4
New York wins series 4-3

Toronto Blue Jays (94-68) vs. Hartford Whalers (122-40)
Tor 0 at Hfd 3
Tor 3 at Hfd 6
Hfd 3 at Tor 6
Hfd 3 at Tor 1
Hfd 3 at Tor 1
Hartford wins series 4-1

Washington Nationals (94-68) vs. Cincinnati Reds (97-65)
Wsh 6 at Cin 2
Wsh 9 at Cin 3
Cin 6 at Wsh 7 (13)
Cin 7 at Wsh 8 (10)
Washington wins series 4-0

Houston Astros (93-69) vs. New York Mets (104-58)
Hou 4 at NYM 5
Hou 3 at NYM 7
NYM 7 at Hou 3
NYM 5 at Hou 2
New York wins series 4-0

jg2977 · 02-27-2009, 07:23 PM

New York Yankees vs. Hartford Whalers
NYY 4 at Hfd 2
NYY 5 at Hfd 7
Hfd 4 at NYY 7
Hfd 3 at NYY 11
Hfd 4 at NYY 5
New York wins series 4-1

Washington Nationals vs. New York Mets
Wsh 2 at NYM 3
Wsh 3 at NYM 4
NYM 8 at Wsh 3
NYM 4 at Wsh 1
New York wins series 4-0

02-27-2009, 06:33 PM	#279
jg2977 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 26,106	2121 Playoffs: 1st Round Cleveland Indians (99-63) vs. New York Yankees (106-56) Cle 8 at NYY 4 (10) Cle 10 at NYY 1 NYY 8 at Cle 4 NYY 8 at Cle 5 NYY 4 at Cle 5 Cle 2 at NYY 8 Cle 3 at NYY 4 New York wins series 4-3 Toronto Blue Jays (94-68) vs. Hartford Whalers (122-40) Tor 0 at Hfd 3 Tor 3 at Hfd 6 Hfd 3 at Tor 6 Hfd 3 at Tor 1 Hfd 3 at Tor 1 Hartford wins series 4-1 Washington Nationals (94-68) vs. Cincinnati Reds (97-65) Wsh 6 at Cin 2 Wsh 9 at Cin 3 Cin 6 at Wsh 7 (13) Cin 7 at Wsh 8 (10) Washington wins series 4-0 Houston Astros (93-69) vs. New York Mets (104-58) Hou 4 at NYM 5 Hou 3 at NYM 7 NYM 7 at Hou 3 NYM 5 at Hou 2 New York wins series 4-0

02-27-2009, 07:23 PM	#280
jg2977 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 26,106	2121 League Championship Series New York Yankees vs. Hartford Whalers NYY 4 at Hfd 2 NYY 5 at Hfd 7 Hfd 4 at NYY 7 Hfd 3 at NYY 11 Hfd 4 at NYY 5 New York wins series 4-1 Washington Nationals vs. New York Mets Wsh 2 at NYM 3 Wsh 3 at NYM 4 NYM 8 at Wsh 3 NYM 4 at Wsh 1 New York wins series 4-0

02-27-2009, 03:51 PM	#261
jg2977 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 26,106	Wednesday, June 18th, 2121: Angels Hurler Reaches Milestone Tony Lugo of the Anaheim Angels nailed down his 200th career victory with a 8-2 win over the Kansas City Royals today. Lugo, 32, fired 8 strikeouts over 7 innings of work. He gave up no runs, no walks and allowed 3 hits. "I feel great," Lugo said afterward. "I try not to get caught up in the moment. It's hard with so much press coverage these days, but I tune all that out when I go out there and pitch." In his career stats Lugo has a record of 200 wins and 90 losses and a 2.54 ERA. He has struck out 2578 in 2716.2 innings.

02-27-2009, 03:53 PM	#262
jg2977 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 26,106	Friday, June 20th, 2121: Number 2000 for Montoya The box score from yesterday's game will show that Hartford beat the Boston Red Sox, 8-1. It will also show that catcher Alfredo Montoya went 1-for-3 for the Whalers. It will not show, however, that Montoya reached the 2000-hit mark for his career. The 36-year-old Montoya reflected on the achievement after the game. He mused: "In one respect, it's a real milestone, I guess. Yet, it's just a base hit like any other base hit." In his career Montoya is batting .274 with 2000 hits, 491 doubles, 39 triples and 266 home runs. Friday, June 20th, 2121: Fleming Notches Number 200 What would you do after you had just won your 200th game? Run around XL Field doing cartwheels, jumping for joy and waving to the crowd? Well, maybe you and I would do that, but not Jon Fleming -- that's not his way. After he notched number 200, the 33-year-old Hartford hurler spoke to the press like he always has -- in a soft, quiet voice. He wasn't doing any cartwheels or even anything resembling a jump for joy. "Obviously it feels very good," Fleming commented. "To win this many games, you've got to have a lot of help." Fleming got his milestone victory by beating the Boston Red Sox 8-1. He held them to 4 hits in 8 innings and rung up 7 strikeouts with no walks. After sharing his thoughts with the press, he went to the clubhouse. There he was greeted by the guys who had helped him get #200. His teammates showered him with champagne and then gave him a rousing round of applause. That got to him -- for the first time today, Fleming's face broke into a big smile. In his career Fleming has notched 200 wins and 119 losses and compiled a 3.51 ERA.

02-27-2009, 03:55 PM	#263
jg2977 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 26,106	Saturday, June 21st, 2121: Whitehead Beats White Sox for 200th Win History was made today at Yankee Stadium -- Brooks Whitehead won game #200 to seal his name in the league record books. The New York ace downed the Chicago White Sox 11-3 to gain entrance into the elite 200 Club. "I was wound up at first. I think I threw too hard," remarked Whitehead, "I had to calm down and go out there and pitch... not just throw. I think I got better as the game wore on. I started to think less about 200 wins and more about doing what I had to do." During his career Whitehead has compiled a 200-180 record with a 3.75 ERA in 497 starts.

02-27-2009, 03:57 PM	#264
jg2977 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 26,106	Tuesday, June 24th, 2121: Mets Ota Earns 200th Win It was a great day for Yoshiyuki Ota today at Coors Field -- he picked up victory number 200 to join the great pitchers of the past in the exclusive 200 Club. The New York ace stopped the Colorado Rockies 11-4, yielding 8 hits and recording 4 strikeouts and 1 walk in his milestone game. "200 wins puts you in some pretty good company," Ota told reporters. "I'm honored to be there." In career numbers Ota has registered a 200-101 record with a 3.64 ERA. Sunday, June 22nd, 2121: New York's Kirby Hammers #500 He has done it! Mike Kirby has reached the 500 home run mark. He did it today, but the New York Mets still dropped the game to the Cincinnati Reds by the score of 12-3. "#500 was hard to come by. I think the pressure was getting to me a little bit. I got a calls a few days ago from a couple of guys that have been through this and they just said, 'Keep going, have some fun. Just be you.' I think that helped me a little bit having those guys make a call to me and try to settle some of the nerves down." On his historic day Kirby was 2-3 with 3 RBI and 2 runs scored. Kirby is hitting the ball at a .326 clip over his career. In 1824 games he has delivered 2031 hits, 500 home runs with 1342 RBIs and scored 1387 times.

02-27-2009, 03:58 PM	#265
jg2977 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 26,106	Monday, June 30th, 2121: Wooten Week's Top Player His face might be sun-baked after all the years he's invested in this game, but 43-year-old Mike Wooten of the Cincinnati Reds is still playing a kid's game -- and getting paid for it. The veteran first baseman had a tremendous week and was named the National League Player of the Week. Wooten drilled 12 hits in 20 at-bats and 5 home runs on his way to posting a .600 average. He also knocked in 8 runs and scored 11 times. Currently Wooten is batting .506 with 117 hits and 35 home runs. He has knocked in 77 runs and scored 77 times.

02-27-2009, 04:00 PM	#266
jg2977 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 26,106	Tuesday, July 1st, 2121: Lane June's Best Hurler in AL Brennan Lane's been around the league long enough to appreciate the honor he received today. After going 5-0 in June, the 38-year-old Hartford hurler has been named American League Pitcher of the Month. He fanned 65 in 48.2 innings, logged an ERA of 0.74 and allowed opponents to hit .168 against him. This season Lane has 13 wins and 1 loss and a 0.95 ERA. Tuesday, July 1st, 2121: NL's Best Batter Picked There's nothing like putting up good, solid numbers in the last year of your contract. Today Mike Wooten helped his contract negotiations by nabbing June's National League Batter of the Month honors. The Cincinnati first baseman put together a .500 batting average with 16 home runs, 34 RBIs and 30 runs scored. Someone will surely be opening up the vault this offseason if Wooten continues at this brisk pace. Presently Wooten is batting .504 and has collected 35 home runs, 77 RBIs, .644 OBP and scored 77 runs.

02-27-2009, 04:04 PM	#268
jg2977 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 26,106	Friday, July 4th, 2121: Shimizu Tops Chicago for 200th Win Hartford ace Sadao Shimizu solidified his place in league history with his 200th career victory today at XL Field. Shimizu and the Whalers bested Chicago 10-0. He checked the White Sox on 3 hits in 7 innings and finished the day with 13 strikeouts and no walks. "I've worked hard for this day," Shimizu said. "Sometimes I didn't think it would happen. Most of the time it seemed so far off. Now it's here. It's like a dream!" In his career Shimizu has gone 200-72 with an ERA of 2.38, picking up 3191 strikeouts in 2519.2 innings pitched.

02-27-2009, 04:07 PM	#269
jg2977 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 26,106	Tuesday, July 22nd, 2121: Valdéz Raps 400th Roundtripper New York's 4-1 victory over Pittsburgh was highlighted by Juan Valdéz's 400th career home run. His teammates congratulated him at home plate after he circled the bases. "I didn't see all of them out there," Valdéz said with a chuckle, "until I rounded third base." He added sheepishly: "It was only a home run. It's not like I won us a World Series!" In 3 at-bats the Mets center fielder collected 2 hits in his historic game, scored 2 runs, and had 1 run batted in. Valdéz boasts a career batting average of .313 with 1651 hits, 400 homers and 1164 RBIs.

02-27-2009, 04:10 PM	#270
jg2977 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 26,106	Monday, July 28th, 2121: Number 400 for Valéncia "I wasn't trying to hit a homer. I just wanted to make contact." That's what Eduardo Valéncia told reporters after he made baseball history today at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. The prolific slugger belted home run #400 in the New York Yankees 12-3 victory over the Texas Rangers. The standout catcher collected 1 hit in 1 at-bat with 2 runs batted in and 2 runs scored. "I guess this puts me in baseball's elite," said Valéncia. "I don't feel any different. I probably should, but I don't. Still, it is a nice achievement. I did get a little excited, didn't I?" His all-time numbers show Valéncia has compiled a .282 batting average and collected 1921 hits, 400 home runs and 1461 RBIs.

02-27-2009, 04:13 PM	#271
jg2977 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 26,106	Friday, August 1st, 2121: July's Pitcher of the Month Goes to Uribes José Uribes of New York excelled on the mound in July with a 5-0 record and was named the Pitcher of the Month in the National League. Uribes restricted opposing batters to 31 base hits and a .215 batting average. He rang up 34 strikeouts in 40 innings of work, surrendered 10 walks, and fashioned a 2.92 ERA. His record this season is 16-1 in 23 starts and Uribes has a 3.16 ERA. Friday, August 1st, 2121: Lane Wins Best AL Pitcher Brennan Lane took home the American League Pitcher of the Month honors in July. After all these years playing ball, the 38-year-old veteran still enjoys the game as though he'd just broken camp for the first time a month ago. He's a bit older now with a few more aches and pains, but the old man has reason to celebrate, having gone 5-0 for Hartford last month and claiming the Pitcher of the Month award. He tacked up a 0.90 ERA in his 6 starts, tossing 50 innings and striking out 56. In 23 starts this season, Lane has picked up 18 wins while suffering 1 loss. He has pitched 182 innings, allowed 108 hits, struck out 240 and posted a 0.94 ERA. Friday, August 1st, 2121: Wooten Earns July's Top Batter Prize in NL On the heels of a very productive July, Mike Wooten received National League Batter of the Month recognition today. The battle-tested first baseman hit .442 for the Cincinnati Reds and racked up 7 home runs, 20 RBIs and 25 runs scored. So far this year Wooten is batting .488 with 42 home runs. Thursday, July 31st, 2121: Meléndez Untouchable, Tosses No-Hitter It was a fantastic day for Ánibal Meléndez of the Las Vegas Aces and a lousy day for the Milwaukee Brewers. His pitching artistry completely befuddled and bewildered them in the 3-0 win. When it was over he was credited with one of the rarer feats in baseball -- a no-hitter. "The ball was moving and darting, and best of all, going where I wanted it to go." Meléndez rang up 8 strikeouts and allowed 2 walks while shutting Milwaukee down at Ballpark of Las Vegas. In 23 starts this year Meléndez has recorded a 6-7 record and a 3.26 ERA.

02-27-2009, 04:14 PM	#272
jg2977 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 26,106	Saturday, August 2nd, 2121: 2500th Hit for García New York right fielder Wilson "Ice Cream" García finished the day with 2 hits in 2 at-bats and 2500 career hits. The Yankees also finished off the Wings, 4-3. The 33-year-old García added his name to the list of players in the 2500-hit club. In 2264 games García has a career .305 batting average and a .422 on-base percentage. He has hit 629 home runs with 1907 RBIs and 1822 runs scored.

02-27-2009, 04:16 PM	#273
jg2977 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 26,106	Monday, August 4th, 2121: New York's Keller Reaches 3500 Hits It was a day of mixed emotions for New York center fielder Mike Keller, who collected his 3500th hit in the club's 4-2 loss to Buffalo. Yankees and Wings fans alike cheered Keller as he reached base after his milestone hit. "I wish the score had been different," Keller said after the game, "but it was a great moment. The standing ovation was really special... even the fans wearing Wings caps were cheering me." Keller was 3-5 on the day. In his career Keller has hit for a .326 average and totaled 3502 hits, 87 home runs and 1045 RBIs.

02-27-2009, 04:23 PM	#274
jg2977 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 26,106	Tuesday, August 19th, 2121: Cantú Reaches 2000 Hartford's Tony Cantú got the standing ovation -- but the Detroit Tigers got the win. It was a special day for him at XL Field. A day when Cantú notched hit #2000 of his career. The fans went wild when he did. Even the Tigers fans applauded. The Whalers third baseman went 1-4 in a losing cause as Detroit spoiled the party with the 7-3 victory. In the postgame interview, a downhearted Cantú told the media, "We lost -- It's not about individual accomplishments -- we lost." When pressed further, he admitted his pride in reaching the 2000-hit mark, "A lot of great players never get there. I'm proud, but I would be happier if we had won." His career numbers show Cantú is currently carrying a .291 lifetime batting average with 195 home runs and 1007 RBIs.

02-27-2009, 04:26 PM	#275
jg2977 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 26,106	Monday, September 1st, 2121: Patterson Takes AL Top Starter Trophy Whether Ralph Patterson stays in New York beyond this season remains to be seen, but while he's here he's making the most of it. In August the 39-year-old certainly pulled out all the stops by winning the American League Pitcher of the Month award. He put up some fancy numbers with a 5-1 record and and an ERA of 2.28. In 47.1 innings he struck out 42, surrendered 36 hits, 10 walks and proved to be a solid performer in 6 starts last month. This season to date, Patterson has fashioned a 15-7 mark and 4.47 ERA in 185.1 innings. Opposing clubs are batting .256 against him and he has logged 154 strikeouts. Monday, September 1st, 2121: NL Top Batter Trophy Won by Wooten Mike Wooten earned August's Batter of the Month honors in the National League by reeling off a .391 average, going 25 for 64 with 5 home runs, 24 RBIs and 26 runs scored. The soon-to-be free agent was hitting with great urgency in an effort to bolster his asking price in the Cincinnati clubhouse and around the rest of the league. This year Wooten is batting .472 with 47 home runs. He has scored 128 runs and driven in 121. Monday, September 1st, 2121: García Gets AL Batter of the Month Trophy When guys like New York's Wilson García win Batter of the Month awards, it just makes you feel good. In a productive August, the longtime American League veteran toyed with opposing pitchers all month long, collecting 38 hits in 100 at-bats. The veteran right fielder hit for a .380 batting average and collected 13 home runs, 29 RBIs and 30 runs scored. Batting .290 to date, García has 32 home runs and 106 RBIs.

02-27-2009, 04:47 PM	#277
jg2977 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 26,106	Wednesday, October 1st, 2121: Tigers Pagé Takes AL Batting Crown This year's American League batting champ was Patrice Pagé of the Tigers. His .323 batting average was the best in the league. The Detroit star won the honor with 190 hits in 589 at-bats. He also tallied 20 home runs, 71 RBIs and scored 98 runs. Wednesday, October 1st, 2121: Wooten Bats .474 Mike Wooten joined a very select group today as he closed out 2121 with a torrid .474 batting average. It was a fantastic year for the Cincinnati first baseman as he became the newest member of baseball's .400 club. During the season he stroked 213 hits, including 36 doubles, 4 triples and 53 home runs. Wooten also scored 158 times and drove in 137 runs. Asked by the media what's the hardest part of hitting .400, he glibly replied, "Getting 4 hits in every 10 at-bats." Then, speaking seriously, Wooten added, "Staying out of slumps is important. You have to be focused in every game and in every at-bat. Don't swing at anything but strikes... and stay away from any pitch you can't hit." Wednesday, October 1st, 2121: MLB News: Playoffs begin What began months ago as a dream is now reality. The trade deadline has passed, along with all of the GM wheeling and dealing. Contract negotiations are on hold until another time. Front office work is all but on the back burner. Now it's time for each club, player, coach and manager to put their own unique imprint on Major League Baseball history. Nobody will remember the free agent who got away last winter. No one will care about the trade that fell through right before the deadline. People will remember just one thing about the playoffs -- the team that wins the World Series crown. That's the reason they play the game. The First Round starts today with these match-ups: Toronto Blue Jays versus Hartford Whalers, Cleveland Indians versus New York Yankees, Houston Astros versus New York Mets and Washington Nationals versus Cincinnati Reds.