Worst to First - The Sequel

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by yougo1000

I see Starlin Castro on the all-time hit list. What has he done in his career?

Originally Posted by ShagVT

My guess is 2100 hits, 1200 strikeouts, and 12 walks. But really that's just a guess.

You really aren't too far off. He's got 2151 hits so far, and a .276 career batting average. He's also got 285 walks and 620 strikeouts and took a few more walks and cut down on strikeouts after several years. 1920 he actually walked 26 times and struck out 27 in 538 at bats.

He's also stole 274 bases, but was caught stealing 260 times. He's scored 988 runs and driven in 804 so far for his career.

It looks like he's past the point of being a full-time player now, so those should be pretty close to his final totals.

[NYY #23]

I pulled the trigger on a deal with the Braves, shipping SP Joe Coleman, LF Mike Greenwell, and RF Doug Loman and getting back CF Maurice Archdeacon and LF Hideki Matsui. Archdeacon was one of my favorite players on the Braves, so it is good to have him back to man center field, and Matsui will get a chance to play off the bench.

It's still real early, but the Phillies started off the year 7-6, with good hitting, good pitching, and questionable defense. Tom Seaver has gotten off to a nice start this season, going 3-1 with a 1.73 ERA.

Eddie Yost of the Pirates had a 21 game hitting streak end, while Willie Stargell of the Indians ended the month with a 20 game hitting streak.

Ray Fisher of the Robins and Jim Gardner of the Athletics each won the 200th game of their career.

Despite the short month, Eddie Collins moved up another two slots on the career hit list.

Career Hit List
1. Dick Allen #- 2911
2. Red Murray - 2573
3. Jerry Mumphrey - 2527
4. John McGraw - 2403
5. Rogers Hornsby - 2291
6. Larry Gardner - 2287
7. Home Run Baker - 2224
8. Starlin Castro #- 2157
9. Ken Hubbs #- 2137
10. Manny Jimenez #- 2023
11. Art Wilson - 2014
12. Bill Hinchman - 2000
13. Gus Williams #- 1987
14. Chipper Jones #- 1957
15. Lou Clinton - 1937
16. Pablo Sandoval #- 1926
17. Eddie Murphy #- 1890
18. Eddie Collins, Sr. #- 1861

[NYY #23]

Believe it or not, the Phillies started the month 10-2 and were in first place before dropping 14 of our next 18 games. The losing streak coincided with the injuries to Upton, Hauser, and Harbridge.

Hanley Frias won the Rookie of the Month award for the Phillies, hitting .281 with1 home run and 17 RBI.

Dick McBride of the Robins, and Ernie White of the Indians each won the 200th game of their career, and Willie Stargell saw his hitting streak stopped at 23 games.

The journey up the career hit list for Eddie Collins has been put on hold, as he is out for the rest of the season with injury. We'll check back in next year on Collins, and see if the 6 time Hitter of the Year can regain his form.

Career Hit List
1. Dick Allen #- 2911
2. Red Murray - 2573
3. Jerry Mumphrey - 2527
4. John McGraw - 2403
5. Rogers Hornsby - 2291
6. Larry Gardner - 2287
7. Home Run Baker - 2224
8. Starlin Castro #- 2202
9. Ken Hubbs #- 2137
10. Manny Jimenez #- 2030
11. Art Wilson - 2014
12. Bill Hinchman - 2000
13. Gus Williams #- 1993
14. Chipper Jones #- 1989
15. Lou Clinton - 1937
16. Pablo Sandoval #- 1965
17. Eddie Murphy #- 1890
18. Eddie Collins, Sr. #- 1883

[NYY #23]

The Phillies just stunk in June, going 9 -18, which means that we are 13-32 in our last 45 games. We are in the middle of a 9 game losing streak, and the losses are starting to frustrate me.

I'm not sure what is wrong with shortstop Spider Wilhelm, who has gone from a .300 hitter to a .190 hitter this season.

Following the month I decided to make a trade, sending starting 3B Rich Rollins and SS Henry Smoyer to the Washington Senators for 3B Kelly Gruber. It's time to start plugging the holes in our defense I think.

Jim Whitney of the Reds and Gus Williams of the Pirates each won the 200th game of their career and Chipper Jones collected the 2000th hit of his career.

[NYY #23]

After a rough stretch the Phillies went 20-8 for the month to move in to a second place tie, even though we are still 11 games behind the Brooklyn.

Before the trade to the Phillies, Kelly Gruber was hitting .265. Since coming to Philadelphia Gruber is hitting .239. So our success isn't do to our new addition. Tom Seaver showed why he was our number 1 pick in the amateur draft in a game against the Cardinals, striking out 6 and walking 0 while allowing just 1 hit in a 5-0 victory.

Josh Johnson of the Indians picked up win number 200, while Pablo Sandoval picked up the 2000th hit of his career.

[NYY #23]

After an 8-19 month I just want this season to be over. I thought we had turned a corner in July, but we quickly made a u-turn in August. We are experiencing the ups and downs of young pitching, but I still think we've got the core in place already that will be contenders. Exhibit A - Al Downing. I know that ERA isn't the best indicator, but by month his ERA has been 1.29, 6.65, 2.18, 3.12, and 4.14. But he is only 20, and has pitched real well at times. 23 year old Tom Seaver continues to get better and better. His ERA+ has gone from 95 his rookie season to 110 last year to 157 this season.

I was thinking that it's been a long time since I've seen a no hitter flash across the news. It looks like the last no hitter was back in 1919 when Mudcat Grant pitched one. There have been 16 no hitters, and 2 perfect games in the history of the league:

4/16/1904 - Buttons Briggs
9/22/1904 - Scott Baker (Perfect Game)
7/20/1905 - Roger Wolff
8/11/1905 - Mike Mussina
4/20/1906 - Jason Vargas
6/17/1907 - Ken Chase
8/7/1907 - Sandy McDougal
5/25/1908 - Tony Mullane
8/16/1908 - Vic Willis
9/17/1908 - Rube Waddell (Perfect Game)
9/12/1910 - The Only Nolan
8/14/1912 - Dan Wright
7/31/1913 - Paul Maholm
4/15/1915 - Toad Ramsey
5/3/1915 - Jim Gardner
5/29/1916 - Dick McBride
8/27/1918 - Jim Maloney
5/3/1919 - Mudcat Grant

[NYY #23]

Another month of up and down, as we went 21-5 in September, and 3-0 in October to finish the season 82-72 in 3rd place. A look at our monthly records:
April 7-6
May 14-16
June 9-18
July 20-8
August 8-19
September 21-5
October 3-0

The Cubs captured the World Series in a 7 game matchup with the Browns.

Randy Wolf of the Washington Senators won his 200th game. Teammate Gus Triandos was one of two players to hit for the cycle on September 30th, joining Babe Ruth of the Braves.

Bill Harbridge was the NL Hitter of the Month in September after hitting .352 with 1 homer, 13 RBI, and 29 runs scored. He also added a Gold Glove, to join Barry Bonds as the only Phillies with the honor. It's Bonds' 9th Gold Glove, and Harbridge's second.

Former Browns Manager and Pitching Coach Frank Selee joined the Phillies as our new pitching coach.

Peak-A-Boo Veach won the NL Pitcher of the Year award, going 26-9 with a 2.31 ERA.

Two more players were inducted into the Hall of Fame this year, pitchers Buttons Briggs and Scott Baker.





I wasn't too impressed with our amateur draft:
RF - Jeff Baker
2B - Kelvin Chapman
MR - Pedro Dibut
SS - Frank Betcher
MR - Frank McPartlin

Philadelphia Phillies - 61-93 (.396) 27 1/2 GB
1921 - Philadelphia Phillies 69-85 (.448) 11 1/2 GB (Season Score - 17)
1922 - Philadelphia Phillies 80-74 (.519) 7 GB (Season Score - 52)
1923 - Philadelphia Phillies 82-72 (.532) 6 1/2 GB (Season Score - 27)

[scott1964]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

I wasn't too impressed with our amateur draft:
RF - Jeff Baker
2B - Kelvin Chapman
MR - Pedro Dibut
SS - Frank Betcher
MR - Frank McPartlin

Who are those guys.

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by scott1964

Who are those guys.

Good question! That's what I was thinking when drafting them!

[yougo1000]

Why Jeff Baker? (Can't stand him in real life)

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by yougo1000

Why Jeff Baker? (Can't stand him in real life)

I'll generally let me scout make a recommendation and see if there is anyone better, or fits the team better. Unfortunately there wasn't. This was a pretty weak draft class, and based on his ratings I don't think Baker will have much of a role on the team, and if he does I'm likely in trouble.

[NYY #23]

I feel like the Phillies are heading in the right direction, but I've been really interested in two players lately, Babe Ruth and Eddie Collins. The Braves are rebuilding and I tried to get Ruth again, but the price was steep and I would have had to move Tom Seaver to get Ruth, along with a decent package of players, so I turned my attention to Eddie Collins of the Indians, who is returning from injury.

The Indians filled in last season with a middle infield of Tony Fernandez at second and Rico Petrocelli at short, and their big need is pitching. One of the three players was expendable. I ended up dealing Waite Hoyt (10-8, 3.81 ERA), Tom Zachary (8-2, 2.69 ERA),shortstop Tim Foli (.339 AVG) and Tony Gwynn, Jr. (.267) for Collins.

That depleted my pitching depth, and of course Bill Laskey went down with injury. We ended up going 9-6 for the month, led by our offense, but I hope I don't regret my impulse trade. Al Downing has been carrying my pitching staff, winning Pitcher of the Month after a 4-0, 2.25 ERA month.

Jack Smith of the Red Sox hit for the cycle in a 10-4 victory over the Yankees. Kila Ka'aihue won the Rookie of the Month award after hitting .517 with 2 home runs, 12 RBI, and 7 runs scored.

After missing most of last year Eddie Collins fell to 20th on the career hits list, and we'll resume the watch as a member of the Phillies.

Career Hit List
1. Dick Allen #- 2911
2. Red Murray - 2573
3. Jerry Mumphrey - 2527
4. John McGraw - 2403
5. Rogers Hornsby - 2291
6. Larry Gardner - 2287
7. Starlin Castro #- 2271
8. Home Run Baker - 2224
9. Chipper Jones #- 2142
10. Ken Hubbs - 2137
11. Pablo Sandoval #- 2071
12. Gus Williams #- 2033
13. Manny Jimenez - 2032
14. Art Wilson - 2014
15. Bill Hinchman - 2000
16. Jack Smith #-1981
17. Lou Clinton - 1937
18. Honus Wagner #-1937
19. Tom Sexton #- 1909
20. Eddie Collins, Sr. #- 1908

[NYY #23]

The Phillies finished with a 23-7 month to improve our record for the season to 32-13. We've scored 40 more runs than the second closest team, and we've won some high scoring affairs. We may give up a lot of runs, but we are scoring more for now. We've really seen improvements up and down the lineup though, including from some surprising players, like Upton (.360, 5 HR, 25 RBI).

Checking in with the Indians following the deal, Tom Zachary and Waite Hoyt became the Indians number 1 and 2 starters. Zachary has gone 7-5 with a 3.38 ERA, while Hoyt went 3-5 with a 3.05 ERA before getting some bad news with a shoulder injury. Tim Foli is hitting .291. Looking at the WAR of the deal Zachary (2.4), Hoyt (1.7), Foli (0.2) vs Collins (2.3) I at least feel like the Indians are getting their money's worth, or were at least before Hoyt got hurt.

Tom Seaver has been brilliant this month after a terrible start, going 7-0 with a 1.86 ERA to win the Pitcher of the Month Award. With Eddie Collins hitting .410 with 2 homers and 11 RBI the Phillies swept the awards this month.

Mike Mason of the Braves won his 200th game, while Jack Smith of the Red Sox got his 2000th hit. It was a big month in Boston.

With 50 hits this month Collins jumped back up three spots to 17th place on the career hit list.

Career Hit List
1. Dick Allen #- 2911
2. Red Murray - 2573
3. Jerry Mumphrey - 2527
4. John McGraw - 2403
5. Rogers Hornsby - 2291
6. Larry Gardner - 2287
7. Starlin Castro #- 2282
8. Home Run Baker - 2224
9. Chipper Jones #- 2185
10. Ken Hubbs - 2137
11. Pablo Sandoval #- 2094
12. Gus Williams #- 2036
13. Manny Jimenez - 2032
14. Jack Smith #-2015
15. Art Wilson - 2014
16. Bill Hinchman - 2000
17. Eddie Collins, Sr. #- 1958

[NYY #23]

June was a rough month, losing Barry Bonds, Bill Harbridge, and Tom Seaver to injury. Seaver will be the toughest to replace, but hopefully our offense can keep scoring runs and we can outslug our opponents when Al Downing isn't on the mound.

Mudcat Grant picked up his 200th win of his career, while Babe Ruth won the NL Hitter of the Month award after hitting .315 with 10 home runs, 30 RBI, and 21 runs scored.

Eddie Collins remained in 17th place, but appears poised to pass 2000 hits this month and move up the career hits list.

Career Hit List
1. Dick Allen #- 2911
2. Red Murray - 2573
3. Jerry Mumphrey - 2527
4. John McGraw - 2403
5. Starlin Castro #- 2292
6. Rogers Hornsby - 2291
7. Larry Gardner - 2287
8. Home Run Baker - 2224
9. Chipper Jones #- 2214
10. Ken Hubbs - 2137
11. Pablo Sandoval #- 2131
12. Jack Smith #-2040
13. Gus Williams #- 2038
14. Manny Jimenez - 2032
15. Art Wilson - 2014
16. Bill Hinchman - 2000
17. Eddie Collins, Sr. #- 1998

[NYY #23]

With both our centerfielders out with injury, we were forced to make a minor deal with the Athletics, getting 33 year old starting pitcher Mario Soto and 35 year old centerfielder Sheldon Mallory, sending RF Jeff Baker, 2B Kelvin Chapman, and RF Fabian Gaffke. I'm not crazy trading last year's top pick, but we need some pitching depth and help in center, and while neither player we are getting back is that good it was the cheapest deal I could find to plug some holes.

We went 14-14 for the month, and our lead has shrunk to 4 games over the Cubs.

Dick Hahn of the Browns hit for the cycle on July 2nd, and Ken Raffensberger of the Red Sox picked up career win number 200.

Eddie Collins picked up the 2000th hit of his career the first game of the month and moved up to 14th on the career hit list.

Career Hit List
1. Dick Allen #- 2911
2. Red Murray - 2573
3. Jerry Mumphrey - 2527
4. John McGraw - 2403
5. Starlin Castro #- 2307
6. Rogers Hornsby - 2291
7. Larry Gardner - 2287
8. Chipper Jones #- 2243
9. Home Run Baker - 2224
10. Pablo Sandoval #- 2175
11. Ken Hubbs - 2137
12. Jack Smith #-2072
13. Gus Williams #- 2044
14. Eddie Collins, Sr. #- 2036

[NYY #23]

At one point this month we had 11 players out with injury, including three centerfielders, our starting right fielder, left fielder, catcher, first baseman, second baseman, backup second baseman, and Tom Seaver.

I'm thankful that we managed to go 12-15 for the month. The big blow is losing Eddie Collins for the year, along with catcher Jim Pagliaroni.

Javier Vazquez of the Red Sox won his 200th game.

Eddie Collins picked up the 2000th hit of his career the first game of the month and moved up to 14th on the career hit list.

Career Hit List
1. Dick Allen #- 2911
2. Red Murray - 2573
3. Jerry Mumphrey - 2527
4. John McGraw - 2403
5. Starlin Castro #- 2312
6. Rogers Hornsby - 2291
7. Larry Gardner - 2287
8. Chipper Jones #- 2274
9. Home Run Baker - 2224
10. Pablo Sandoval #- 2205
11. Ken Hubbs - 2137
12. Jack Smith #-2105
13. Gus Williams #- 2067
14. Eddie Collins, Sr. #- 2036

[dynaboyj]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

16. Bill Hinchman - 2000

How in the world do you retire with exactly 2000 hits? Timing? Did he die or something, like Roberto Clemente? What happened?

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by dynaboyj

How in the world do you retire with exactly 2000 hits? Timing? Did he die or something, like Roberto Clemente? What happened?

This was mostly bad timing. This was his 18th year in the league, and by this time he was a part-time player, appearing in just 47 games, at got 149 at-bats. He picked up his final hit on the last day of the season, and was released in the offseason then signed and released without playing the next season before he retired.

[ShagVT]

Originally Posted by NYY #23

18. Honus Wagner #-1937
20. Eddie Collins, Sr. #- 1908

I'm guessing that will be quite the race. How does Honus compare with Eddie in age at this point? In real life, Wagner won 3420-3315.

Curiously Collins finished #10 in career hits but never led the league in hits even once.

[NYY #23]

Originally Posted by ShagVT

I'm guessing that will be quite the race. How does Honus compare with Eddie in age at this point? In real life, Wagner won 3420-3315.

Curiously Collins finished #10 in career hits but never led the league in hits even once.

Honus is about 9 years older than Collins. Wagner really had a lot of bad luck with injuries in his career, missing 2 months his first year, five months his second, and during what should be his peak seasons. Seems they prevented him from fulling developing and he hit about 50 points lower for his career (so far). His best season was .331 vs .381. He certainly wasn't a bad player, but he wasn't as good as Honus Wagner either.