A Royals Look-in..from the beginning again

[mcdswrkr]

Great job so far. I like the trades. They have all been pretty realistic.

[RoyalsBlue]

Originally Posted by mcdswrkr

Great job so far. I like the trades. They have all been pretty realistic.

Yeah, while I'm not sure about some of the trades, none have been just out and out ridiculously lopsided. Thanks for reading, mcdswrkr!

[RoyalsBlue]

04.11.1969
SP: KC – B. Butler OAK – R. Fingers
Game #003 @ Oakland L 10-3
WP – R. Fingers (1-0) LP – B. Butler (0-1)
HR – OAK: S. Bando (1), R. Jackson (1), J. Pagliaroni (1)

Sal Bando’s 2 run homer in the first inning set the tone for the day as the Royals continue to look for their first win in franchise history. If there was any doubt on who was going to win this game, they were dispelled after Oakland’s five run sixth inning. KC’s Ed Kirkpatrick was the only highlight for the Royals today as he went 3 for 5.

POG – Oakland’s Sal Bando – 3 for 4, 3 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI

“I pitched poorly,” said KC starter Bill Butler afterwards. “Felt fine in the pen before the game, but just couldn’t get in a groove out there. When I did throw strikes, they got hit hard.”

“I’d rather have won the game,” said Ed Kirkpatrick when asked about his three hit day. “Individual stats don’t mean anything without a notch in the win column.”

Other American League Results
Red Sox 4 @ Indians 1
WP – M. Nagy (1-0)
LP – S. Siebert (0-1)
SV – R. Jarvis (1)

Tigers 5 vs Yankees 3
WP – E. Wilson (1-0)
LP – M. Kekich (0-1)
SV – T. Timmermann (1)
HR – DET: W. Horton (2), J. Northrup (1)

White Sox 6 @ Mariners 1
WP – J. Horlen (1-0)
LP – M. Pattin (0-1)

Senators 6 @ Orioles 2
WP – B. Moore (1-0)
LP – N. Briles (0-1)
SV – J. Dukes (1)
HR – WAS: F. Howard (2)

Twins 5 @ Angels 4
WP – J. Kaat (1-0)
LP – R. May (0-1)
SV – A. Worthington (1)
HR – MIN: H. Killebrew (3), C. Tovar (2)

Harmon Killebrew hit homerun #400

National League Results
Mets 5 vs Cardinals 4
WP – G. Gentry (1-0)
LP – J. Reuss (0-1)
SV – T. McGraw (1)

Pirates 6 vs Phillies 3
WP – J. Bunning (1-0)
LP – C. Short (0-1)
SV – L. Marone (1)
HR – PIT: R. Clemente (1)

Expos 2 @ Cubs 1 (10 inn)
WP – D. McGinn (1-0)
LP – H. Aguirre (0-1)

Astros 5 vs Dodgers 0
WP – D. Lemaster (1-0)
LP – C. Osteen (0-1)

Braves 6 vs Reds 3
WP – G. Stone (1-0)
LP – J. Fisher (0-1)
SV – C. Upshaw (1)
HR – CIN: P. Rose (1) ATL: H. Aaron (1), C. Boyer (2), T. McCarver (1)

Giants 6 @ Padres 3
WP – R. Sadecki (1-0)
LP – C. Kirby (0-1)
HR – SD: N. Colbert (2)

[RoyalsBlue]

04.12.1969
SP: KC – R.Nelson OAK – J. Nash
Game #004 @ Oakland L 1-0
WP – J. Nash (1-0) LP – R. Nelson (0-1) SV – P. Lindblad (1)

Roger Nelson had KC’s best pitching performance of the season, holding Oakland to 1 run on 6 hits in 8 innings. Unfortunately, the lone run surrendered was the only one in the game as Oakland subdued the Royals offense. Three hits usually won’t win a game and it certainly didn’t tonight.

POG – Oakland’s Jim Nash – 8.1 IP, 3 H, O ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 124 pitches

“He had excellent stuff tonight,” said A’s catcher Jim Pagliaroni about starter Jim Nash. “Jim was really spotting his pitches tonight. His fastball, sinker and slider were all working tonight. You couldn’t ask for much more by a starter. Just a great game.”

Royals manager Carlos Ramirez couldn’t be reached for comment, but a loud disturbance was heard in the clubhouse as reporters were waiting to enter for some post-game comments.

Other American League Results
Red Sox 11 @ Indians 4
WP – L. Stange (2-0)
LP – S. Hargan (0-1)
HR – BOS: R. Petrocelli (1), R. Smith (2), C. Yastrzemski (2) CLE: D. Nelson (1)

Tigers 12 vs Yankees 3
WP – M. Kilkenny (1-0)
LP – F. Peterson (0-1)
HR – DET: I. Brown (1), A. Kaline 2(2), J. Northrup (2)

Senators 13 @ Orioles 1
WP – D. Bosman (1-0)
LP – D. McNally (0-1)
HR – WAS: M. Epstein (2), F. Howard (3) BAL: B. Powell (1)

Mariners 4 vs White Sox 3
WP – G. Timberlake (1-0)
LP – P Edmondson (0-1)
SV – J. Gelnar (1)
HR – SEA: M. Hegan (1)

Twins 3 @ Angels 1
WP – D. Boswell (1-0)
LP – T. Murphy (0-1)
SV – R. Perranoski (1)
HR – CAL: J. Johnstone (1)

National League Results
Mets 4 vs Cardinals 1
WP – J. McAndrew (1-0)
LP – S. Guzman (0-1)
HR – NY: J. Martin (1)

Pirates 4 vs Phillies 1
WP – L. Walker (1-0)
LP – J. James (0-1)
SV – L. Marone (2)

Reds 5 @ Braves 3
WP – J. Merritt (1-1)
LP – R. Reed (0-1)
SV – W. Granger (1)

Expos 2 @ Cubs 1
WP – M. Wegener (1-0)
LP – J. Niekro (0-1)
SV – S. Shea (1)

Giants 1 @ Padres 0
WP – G. Perry (1-0)
LP – J. Podres (0-1)

Dodgers 3 @ Astros 2
WP – J. Moeller (1-0)
LP – J. Ray (0-1)
SV – R. Lamb (1)

INJURY NEWS
Baltimore Orioles – P Marcelino Lopez – tender elbow – 2 weeks
St. Louis Cardinals – P Santiago Guzman – tender shoulder – 2 weeks

[RoyalsBlue]

04.13.1969 – DOUBLEHEADER
SP: KC – B. Miller (0-1 3.38) OAK – C. Dobson (0-1 5.14)
Game #005 @ Oakland L 12-8
WP – C. Dobson (1-1) LP – G. Cisco (0-1)

The Royals offense finally awakened from its slumber. Well one person did, as evidenced by Ed Kirkpatrick’s five rbi. Unfortunately, the KC pitching staff had it’s worst outing of the young season as the Royals went down to their fifth consecutive defeat.

POG – Kansas City’s Ed Kirkpatrick – 2 for 4, 2 R, 1 HR, 5 RBI

“We finally got the offense going,” said Royals pitching coach Joe Peterson. “Too bad the pitching took the game off. Actually, I thought the A’s did a good job of making our pitchers work. It seemed like every time I looked up the count was 2-0 or 3-1. We’ll shake ourselves off and try again.”

“Nobody likes to start out zero for five,” replied owner Ewing Kauffman. “But we’ve got a long way to go. There’s plenty of time to get things going and I’ve got every confidence in our coaching staff, front office and players. We’ll be alright.”

SP: KC – M. Hedlund (0-1 2.57) OAK – B. Odom (0-0 1.13)
Game #006 @ Oakland L 4-1
WP – E. Sprague (2-0) LP – G. Cisco (0-2) SV – P. Lindblad (2)

Apparently the eight run outburst in the first game exhausted the Kansas City supply of runs as the A’s swept the doubleheader. The pitching rebounded, but again the lack of run support is costly as the Royals lose their sixth straight game. The lone bright spot for KC in this game is Joe Foy, who goes 2 for 3 and collects 3 stolen bases while scoring their lone run.

POG – Oakland’s Blue Moon Odom – 6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 5 K, 106 pitches

For the second time in as many days, a disturbance was heard behind closed clubhouse doors. Nobody in the Royals organization is talking about it, but some reporters are under the impression that KC manager Carlos Ramirez could already be losing control of his team.

Other American League Results
Orioles 6 vs Senators 4 (game 1)
WP – M. Cuellar (1-0)
LP – J. Hannan (0-1)
HR – WAS: M. Epstein (3), K. McMullen (2) BAL: C. Salmon (1)

Senators 5 @ Orioles 2 (game 2)
WP – J. Coleman (1-1)
LP – J. Palmer (0-2)
SV – D. Knowles (1)
HR – WAS: M. Epstein (4)

Yankees 4 @ Tigers 1
WP – S. Bahnsen (1-0)
LP – D. McLain (1-1)
SV – L. McDaniel (1)

Mariners 7 vs White Sox 2
WP – S. Blass (1-1)
LP – G. Peters (1-1)
HR – CHI: E. Herrmann (1)

Red Sox 10 @ Indians 5
WP – R. Culp (1-0)
LP – S. McDowell (0-2)
HR – BOS: B. Conigliaro (1) CLE: B. Alyea (2), L. Maye (1)

Angels 4 vs Twins 3
WP – A. Messersmith (2-0)
LP – R.Perranoski (0-1)


National League Results
Braves 6 vs Reds 0 (game 1)
WP – P. Niekro (1-0)
LP – G. Arrigo (0-1)
HR – ATL: C. Boyer (3)

Braves 7 vs Reds 6
WP – C. Upshaw (2-1)
LP – C. Carroll (0-1)
HR – CIN: A Johnson 2(2) ATL: C. Boyer (4), R. Carty (2)

Phillies 9 @ Pirates 2
WP – G. Jackson (2-0)
LP – B. Moose (0-2)
HR – PHI: D. Allen (3), G. Jackson (1)

Cardinals 5 @ Mets 1
WP – B. Gibson (2-0)
LP – N. Ryan (0-2)
HR – NY: E. Kranepool (3)

Dodgers 5 @ Astros 2 (10 inn)
WP – R. Lamb (2-0)
LP – D. Womack (0-1)

Cubs 2 vs Expos 0
WP – F. Jenkins (1-1)
LP – P. Dobson (1-1)
HR – CHI: J. Hickman (2)

Padres 3 vs Giants 2 (10 inn)
WP – D. Roberts (1-0)
LP – F. Linzy (1-2)

INJURY NEWS
Montreal Expos – Rusty Staub – bruised wrist – 1 week

***My thoughts so far***
It’s been a rough start for the expansion Royals as they went winless in their first week. Guess the only way to go is up at this point.
Offensively, it’s been pretty bad. Only 3 regulars are hitting above .240, Ed Kirkpatrick (.304), Lou Piniella (.348), and Tom Tresh (.304). A team batting average of .219 is the worst in the AL and only the Pittsburgh Pirates (.204) have a poorer team average.

Pitching-wise, the Royals have been among the worst also, as they have the fourth highest team ERA (4.86) in the AL. The main culprits of this, however, have been the middle relievers. Four of the five starters have thrown fairly well, with the only exception being Bill Butler’s horrible outing at Oakland.

[darkcloud4579]

Nowhere to go but up, right?

[RoyalsBlue]

Originally Posted by darkcloud4579

Nowhere to go but up, right?

One can only hope so, DC. If not, it's going to be uggggg-leeeeee!

[RoyalsBlue]

Royal Ramblings
While the season certainly hasn’t started the way anyone would have wanted, it still has a long way to go. But for who? Tensions are already building in the clubhouse and if the team doesn’t get a victory soon, it could explode.

Owner Ewing Kauffman came out with a public show of support earlier this week, but my insider connections tell me that he is very close to pulling the plug on manager Carlos Ramirez. Ramirez was not Kauffman’s first choice for the job, but got the job on general manager Bob Spooner’s recommendation. It seems that Ramirez’s abrasive personality just isn’t meshing well at this point.

From a strategical standpoint, does anyone else think it odd that the backup catcher is also the starting centerfielder? No? Guess it's just me then. Especially since there's an outfielder on the roster that didn't play at all during the spring (Fred Rico) and a solid backup catcher down in the minors (Ellie Rodriguez).

AL Player of the Week
Boston’s Reggie Smith - .500/.591/.889, 2 HR, 6 RBI, 1 2B, 4 R

NL Player of the Week
Atlanta’s Tim McCarver - .684/.700/1.000, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3 2B, 3 R

Power Rankings (TOP 5 & KC)
1. Boston Red Sox – The only undefeated team left in the major leagues.
2. Oakland Athletics – Playing the Royals has really made the A’s look good early on.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers – The only NL team in the top 5 of the power rankings
4. Minnesota Twins – The Twins are powered by their pitching staff, with a ML leading 1.83 ERA.
5. Detroit Tigers – Detroit leads the majors with their .345 team batting average
24. Kansas City Royals – Well, it’s only right that the only winless team left is dead last in the rankings.

[CatKnight]

0-162! 0-162! 0-162!

:runs away from RoyalsBlue:

[RoyalsBlue]

Originally Posted by CatKnight

0-162! 0-162! 0-162!

:runs away from RoyalsBlue:

Well, at least I've got the guys who can't turn away from the crash scene interested. Hopefully we'll be able to disappoint you!

Thanks for reading, CatKnight.

[RoyalsBlue]

04.14.1969
SP: KC – J. Rooker (0-0 0.00) OAK – G. Brabender (0-1 2.25)
Game #007 @ Seattle W 8-6
WP – T. Burgmeier (1-0) LP – D. Segui (0-1) SV – D. Wickersham (1)

Finally! It took the Royals a week, but apparently the seventh time is the charm. Even this couldn’t come easily, though. KC scored 3 in the second, but the Mariners answered right back with 5 of their own and knocked out Royals starter Jim Rooker. This time, however, instead of folding like a cheap deck chair, Kansas City responded with two runs in the third and fourth to pretty much seal the deal as the relief corps held the M’s to 1 run over the remaining 7 plus innings.

POG – Kansas City’s Ed Kirkpatrick – 2 for 4, 2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R

“I’ll talk about the game,” replied manager Carlos Ramirez when asked about the rumors that he’s lost control of the team and the confidence of ownership. “We won today and that’s the most important thing. Anything else is of no consequence.”

“Maybe we can build some momentum off of this game,” said catcher Hawk Taylor, who went 1 for 3 with a homer. “Sometimes it’s just a matter of confidence and today’s win will help that.”

Other American League Results
Red Sox 7 vs Orioles 0
WP – L. Stange (3-0)
LP – W. Fryman (0-1)
HR – BOS: M. Andrews (1), K. Harrelson (1), R. Petrocelli (2), R. Smith (3)

White Sox 5 @ Angels 0
WP – T. John (1-1)
LP – J. McGlothlin (1-1)

National League Results
Montreal 2 vs Cardinals 0
WP – J. Robertson (2-0)
LP – S. Carlton (1-1)
SV – S. Shea (2)

Pirates 4 @ Cubs 1
WP – B. Veale (1-1)
LP – B. Hands (0-2)
HR – PIT: A. Oliver (2)

Giants 3 @ Reds 2
WP – B. Bolin (1-1)
LP – J. Maloney (0-2)
SV – F. Linzy (1)
HR – CIN: L. May (1)

Phillies 3 vs Mets 2
WP – A. Raffo (1-0)
LP – J. Koosman (0-2)
HR – PHI: D. Johnson (1)

Astros 5 vs Dodgers 4
WP – J. Ray (1-1)
LP – D. Sutton (1-1)
SV – W. Blasingame (1)
HR – LA: J. Lefebvre (1), W. Parker (1)

[RoyalsBlue]

04.15.1969 - Off Day
CONTRACT NEWS
Oakland and Sal Bando reached agreement on a 3 year extension worth over two million dollars.

ROYALS TRANSACTION NEWS
P Dave Wickersham was designated for assignment and placed on waivers by the Royals. P Don O’Riley was activated from the disabled list.

Curious timing since Wickersham got the save yesterday, but that’s the way things go. Perhaps he wasn’t getting along with Carlos Ramirez? Something to think about.

Other American League Results
Tigers 15 @ Indians 2
WP – M. Lolich (2-0)
LP – M. Paul (0-2)
HR – DET: B. Freehan 2(2), W. Horton (3), M. Lolich (1), J. Northrup (1)

Yankees 6 vs Senators 3
WP – A. Downing (2-0)
LP – C. Cox (0-1)
HR – WAS: K. Suarez (1)

Orioles 4 @ Red Sox 0
WP – N. Briles (1-1)
LP – J. Lonborg (0-1)
HR – BAL: B. Powell (2)

Athletics 5 vs Twins 2
WP – C. Hunter (1-0)
LP – T. Hall (1-1)
HR – MIN: T. Oliva (1)

National League Results
Expos 2 vs Cardinals 1
WP – B. Stoneman (1-1)
LP – M. Torrez (0-2)
SV – D. McGinn (2)
HR – STL: P. Gagliano (1) MON: B. Bailey (1)

Cubs 4 vs Pirates 2
WP – T. Abernathy (1-0)
LP – L. Marone (0-1)
HR – CHI: O. Gamble (1), B. Williams (2)

Reds 5 vs Giants 4 (11 inn)
WP – W. Granger (1-0)
LP – R. Herbel (0-1)
HR – SF: W. McCovey (3)

Phillies 7 vs Mets 5
WP – B. Champion (1-1)
LP – T. Seaver (1-1)
SV – T. Farrell (1)
HR – PHI: J. Briggs (1)

Braves 9 @ Astros 3 (11 inn)
WP – C. Upshaw (3-1)
LP – B. Watkins (0-1)
HR – ATL: H. Aaron (2), C. Boyer 2(6) HOU: D. Menke (1)

Padres 1 @ Dodgers 0
WP – A. Santorini (2-0)
LP – J. Brewer (0-1)
SV – L. Everitt (1)

INJURY NEWS
Atlanta Braves – P Sonny Jackson – strained elbow – 4 weeks

[RoyalsBlue]

04.16.1969
SP: KC – B.Butler (0-1 7.94) CHI – J. Horlen (1-0 0.00)
Game #008 @ Chicago W 13-10
WP – G. Cisco (1-2) LP – J. Horlen (1-1) SV – D. O’Riley (1)
HR – KC: M. Fiore (2), E. Kirkpatrick (4) CHI: B. Bradford (1)

Whoa! Look here, another win. Get another tomorrow boys and that’s called a winning streak! KC started off with 3 runs in the first and another 4 in the second. The Royals knocked out a team record 20 hits and had three players with three or more hits: Paul Schaal, Pat Kelly and Mike Fiore who was named the player of the game. A late meltdown by the pitching staff nearly surrendered the lead, but just recalled Don O’Riley managed to stave off the White Sox.

An injury to starting hurler Bill Butler could be a problem as he left the game in the third inning with tightness in his back. The team doctor doesn’t think it’s serious but an MRI will be done and he could be placed on the DL.

POG – Kansas City’s Mike Fiore – 4 for 4, 2 2B, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 3 R

“This was a fun game from a hitting standpoint,” replied Tom Tresh who went 2 for 4. “Everything seemed to click for us tonight and we took advantage of it.”

“He was released because it was the best thing to do for the team,” replied KC manager Carlos Ramirez when asked about Dave Wickersham. “Bob (Spooner, the KC general manager) and I made a decision. End of story.”

Other American League Results
Yankees 5 vs Senators 3
WP – M. Stottlemyre (1-1)
LP – J. Dukes (0-1)
HR – NY: G. Michael (2)

Orioles 5 @ Red Sox 2 (10 inn)
WP – D. McNally (1-1)
LP – L. Stange (3-1)
SV – D. Hall (1)
HR – BAL: F. Robinson (1) BOS: R. Smith (4)

Twins 7 @ Mariners 2
WP – J. Kaat (2-0)
LP – M. Pattin (0-2)

Tigers 6 @ Indians 5 (12 inn)
WP – J. Hiller (1-0)
LP – P. Hennigan (0-1)
SV – B. Reed (1)
HR – DET: D. McAuliffe (1) CLE: B. Alyea (3), L. Maye (2)

Norm Cash collected 5 hits against the Indians. “It really doesn’t matter if it’s sandlot, high school or college ball. Two hits in a game is good, three or four is even better, but five is out of sight!” said the Tigers slugger.

Angels 4 vs Athletics 3
WP – R. May (1-1)
LP – R. Fingers (1-1)
SV – K. Tatum (2)
HR – CAL: R. May (1)

National League Results
Mets 8 @ Pirates 6
WP – G. Gentry (2-0)
LP – J. Bunning (1-1)
SV – T. McGraw (2)
HR – NY: T. Agee (1)

Expos 14 @ Phillies 5
WP – C. Zachary (1-0)
LP – C. Short (0-2)
HR – PHI: D. Allen (4), J. Callison (1), T. Taylor (1)

Braves 7 @ Astros 2
WP – G. Stone (2-0)
LP – D. Lemaster (1-1)
SV – K. Johnson (1)
HR – ATL: H. Aaron (3)

Cubs 8 @ Cardinals 3
WP – J. Decker (1-0)
LP – J. Reuss (0-2)
SV – D. Lemonds (1)
HR – CHI: A. Phillips (2), W. Smith (2)

Padres 5 @ Dodgers 4
WP – S. Arlin (1-1)
LP – C. Osteen (0-2)
SV – A. McBean (1)
HR – LA: J. Lefebvre (2)

[RoyalsBlue]

04.17.1969 – RAIN OUT
Other American League Results
Tigers 9 @ Indians 5 (10 inn)
WP – D. Radatz (1-0)
LP – S. Williams (0-1)
HR – DET: B. Freehan (3), W. Horton (4), M. Stanley (2) CLE: S. Hargan (1), L. Maye (1)

Yankees 4 vs Senators 0
WP – F. Peterson (1-1)
LP – D. Bosman (1-1)

Orioles 4 @ Red Sox 3 (15 inn)
WP – P. Richert (1-1)
LP – F. Wenz (0-1)

National League Results
Padres 4 @ Giants 1
WP – C. Kirby (1-1)
LP – G. Perry (1-1)
SV – D. Roberts (1)
HR – SD: C. Kirby (1)

Pirates 4 vs Mets 2
WP – C. Hartenstein (1-0)
LP – J. McAndrew (1-1)
SV – L. Marone (3)

Expos 2 @ Phillies 1
WP – H. Reed (1-0)
LP – B. Wilson (0-1)
HR – MON: B. Bailey (2)

Astros 6 vs Braves 5
WP – B. Watkins (1-1)
LP – R. Reed (0-2)
SV – D. Womack (1)
HR – ATL: R. Carty (3) HOU: M. Martinez (1)

Atlanta’s Hank Aaron has a ten game hitting streak.

Cardinals 4 vs Cubs 3
WP – G. Hill (1-0)
LP – J. Niekro (0-2)
SV – C. Taylor (1)
HR – CHI: A. Spangler (1)

INJURY NEWS
St. Louis Cardinals – 1B Orlando Cepeda – strained MCL – 2 weeks
Boston Red Sox – P Ray Jarvis – tender shoulder – 2 weeks

[RoyalsBlue]

04.18.1969
SP: OAK – C. Dobson (1-1 3.86) KC – B. Miller (0-1 3.46)
GAME #009 vs Oakland L 5-2
WP – C. Dobson (2-1) LP – B. Miller (0-2)
HR – OAK: J. Pagliaroni (2), T. Uhlaender (1) KC: L. Piniella (1)

No winning streak for the boys in blue. The Royals only surrendered runs in one inning but when Bob Miller gave up 5 runs in the fourth it was too much to overcome. Lou Piniella’s sixth inning homerun got KC within three runs but Oakland’s Chuck Dobson was just too tough.

POG – Oakland’s Chuck Dobson – 9 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K, 119 pitches

“Dobson was really efficient out there tonight,” said Royals outfielder Pat Kelly, who went 1 for 4. “He mixed his pitches well and kept us off balance.”

“We tried to come back,” answered Carlos Ramirez. “We just dug ourselves too big of a hole.”

Other American League Results
Indians 5 @ Red Sox 1
WP – S. McDowell (1-2)
LP – R. Culp (1-1)
HR – CLE: T. Horton (1)

Twins 3 vs Angels 2
WP – M. Lachemann (1-0)
LP – H. Wilhelm (0-1)
HR – MIN: T. Oliva (2)

Senators 4 vs Orioles 1
WP – J. Coleman (2-1)
LP – M. Cuellar (1-1)
SV – J. Dukes (2)
HR – WAS: M. Espstein (5), E. Stroud (1)

White Sox 4 vs Mariners 3 (11 inn)
WP – W. Wood (1-0)
LP – D. Segui (0-2)
HR – CHI: G. Hopkins (1)

National League Results
Braves 3 @ Reds 1
WP – P. Niekro (2-0)
LP – J. Merritt (1-2)

Hank Aaron’s hitting streak ends at ten after going 0 for 4.

Phillies 4 vs Pirates 1
WP – G. Jackson (3-0)
LP – B. Moose (0-3)
SV – B. Wilson (1)

Mets 3 @ Cardinals 1
WP – N. Ryan (1-2)
LP – B. Gibson (2-1)
SV – T. McGraw (3)

Giants 6 @ Padres 5
WP – J. Marichal (1-0)
LP – D. Selma (0-2)
HR – SD: J. French (1) SF: D. Dietz (3)

Dodgers 12 vs Astros 8
WP – A. Foster (1-0)
LP – L. Dierker (1-1)
HR – HOU: J. Mayberry (1), D. Rader (1) LA: W. Crawford (1), R. Fairly 2(2)

Houston’s Denis Menke extends his hitting streak to 10 games.

INJURY NEWS
Los Angeles Dodgers – SS Ted Sizemore – tender elbow – 2 weeks

[RoyalsBlue]

04.19.1969
SP: OAK – B. Odom (0-0 1.29) KC - M. Hedlund (0-1 2.38)
GAME #010 vs Oakland W 4-3
WP – M. Hedlund (1-1) LP – B. Odom (0-1) SV – D. O’Riley (2)
HR – OAK: S. Bando (3), R. Jackson (2) KC: E. Kirkpatrick (5)

Could they actually be coming together? Too early to tell, but at least they finally beat the former KC team for the first time. Mike Hedlund pitched seven strong innings only allowing one run. The bullpen struggled a bit, but was able to hang on for the victory. Ed Kirkpatrick slugged another homer and knocked in two in support of Hedlund. Joe Foy also picked up another couple of hits and raised his average to .250.

Oakland’s Dick Green got a base hit in his tenth consecutive game when he went 1 for 4.

POG – Kansas City’s Mike Hedlund – 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 3 K, 1 HRA, 104 pitches

“It’s great to be here and contributing,” answered reliever Don O’Riley, who’s gotten two quick saves. “I wish it wasn’t under these circumstances because I’ve known Dave (Wickersham) for awhile. Hopefully he’ll catch on somewhere.”

“I think we’re starting to get settled in a bit,” replied CF Ed Kirkpatrick who leads the Royals in virtually every offensive category so far. “As long as we play hard and smart, we’ll be able to take care of business.”

Other American League Results
Tigers 7 @ Yankees 5
WP – T. Timmermann (1-0)
LP – M. Kekich (0-2)
SV – D. McMahon (1)
HR – DET: B. Freehan (4)

Senators 7 vs Orioles 6 (10 inn)
WP – J. Dukes (1-1)
LP – E. Watt (0-1)
HR – BAL: F. Robinson (2)

Indians 5 @ Red Sox 4
WP – L. Tiant (1-0)
LP – L. Stange (3-2)
SV – P. Hennigan (1)
HR – CLE: B. Alyea (4), L. Maye (4) BOS: C. Yastrzemski (3)

Boston’s Reggie Smith extends his hitting streak to ten games.

Twins 3 vs Angels 1
WP – D. Boswell (2-0)
LP – J. McGlothlin (1-2)
HR – MIN: D. Boswell (1), T. Oliva (3)

White Sox 12 vs Mariners 2
WP – T. John (2-1)
LP – G. Brabender (0-2)
HR – SEA: D. Mincher (1) CHI: C. May (1), P. Ward (1)

Sox leftfielder Carlos May became the second person this year to knock five hits in one game as he went five for five. “My swing was really there today,” said May. “I made some good, sweet contact and good things happened. I could get used to this.”

National League Results
Braves 6 @ Reds 2
WP – P. Jarvis (2-0)
LP – J. Maloney (0-3)
SV – C. Raymond (1)
HR – ATL: H. Aaron (4) CIN: D. Clendenon (1)

Cubs 9 @ Expos 1
WP – F. Jenkins (2-1)
LP – P. Dobson (1-2)
HR – CHI: J. Hickman (3)

Giants 5 vs Padres 4
WP – M. McCormick (1-0)
LP – A. McBean (0-1)
HR – SD: N. Colbert (3) SF: J. Hart (1)

The Giants scored 3 in the bottom of the ninth to snatch victory away from the Padres, with the winning run being knocked in by Willie McCovey’s two run single.

Phillies 5 vs Pirates 3
WP – R. Wise (2-0)
LP – B. Veale (1-2)
HR – PHI: J. Grote (1)

Cardinals 3 vs Mets 2
WP – S. Carlton (2-1)
LP – R. Taylor (0-1)
HR – STL: L. Cardenas (1), B. Johnson (1)

Dodgers 4 vs Astros 3
WP – D. Sutton (2-1)
LP – W. Blasingame (0-1)
SV – P. Mikkelsen (1)
HR – HOU: D. Rader (2) LA: W. Davis (1), B. Russell (1)

Denis Menke’s hitting streak ends at 10 games after going hitless in three at bats.

INJURY NEWS
New York Yankees – P Mike Kekich – torn labrum – 13 months
Detroit Tigers – P Denny McLain – tender shoulder – 2 weeks
Washington Senators – 2B Bernie Allen – fractured wrist – 3 weeks
New York Mets – P Jerry Koosman – tender elbow – 2 weeks

[RoyalsBlue]

04.20.1969
Trade between Pittsburgh and New York
Pirates get:
P Ron Taylor (1.2 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 HRA)
Mets get:
C Manny Sanguillen (0 for 15 in 9 games)

A trade for a couple of guys that haven’t done much this season, although I’d put my money on Sanguillen doing more than Taylor.

SP: OAK – L. Krause (0-0 0.00) KC – J. Rooker (0-0 27.00)
GAME #011 vs Oakland W 8-1 Game 1
WP – J. Rooker (1-1) LP – L. Krause (0-1)
HR – KC: E. Kirkpatrick (6), M. Fiore 2(4), P. Kelly (1)

Jim Rooker was solid in the first game of the doubleheader, scattering nine Oakland hits over nine innings while striking out five in his first complete game of the season. The Royals offense wasn’t anything to sneeze at either though as Ed Kirkpatrick, Pat Kelly and Mike Fiore all homered in leading the Royals to the victory.

POG – Kansas City’s Mike Fiore – 2 for 3, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R

“I didn’t pitch well the last time out,” responded Jim Rooker when asked about his motivation. “I want to help this team win. It didn’t happen my last start, but it did this time.”

“Hey, even a blind squirrel finds an acorn every now and again,” joked Pat Kelly when queried about his homerun.

SP: OAK – J. Nash (1-0 0.00) KC – R. Nelson (0-1 1.13)
GAME #012 vs Oakland L 10-2 (13 inn) Game 2
WP – P. Lindblad (1-0) LP – T. Burgmeier (1-1)
HR – OAK: B. Brooks (1)

Ugh! Usually when a game goes to extra innings, you figure the losing team gets beat by one or two. Not today boys and girls, the Royals decided to just completely fall apart in extras, as Tom Burgmeier gave up a three run bomb to Bobby Brooks. Before the Royals could get out of the inning, Tommie Sisk came in and a total of eight runs were surrendered. The lone Royal highlight came from Tom Tresh who had two of KC’s four hits on the day.

So far in two starts against the Royals, Jim Nash has pitched 18.1 innings, giving up only 7 basehits and 2 runs while striking out 10. He just knows how to shut down the KC offense

POG – Oakland’s Jim Nash – 10 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 4 BB, 4 K, 119 pitches

“When do we play them again,” chuckled Oakland pitcher Jim Nash. “No offense intended, but if I pitched against them every game, I might win the Cy Young award.”

When told about Nash’s comments, KC’s Lou Piniella wasn’t very happy. “Hey, give him credit, he’s pitched well twice against us, but we’ll remember those remarks. We’ll remember.”

Other American League Results
Tigers 6 @ Yankees 5 (11 inn) Game 1
WP – J. Hiller (2-0)
LP – S. Hamilton (0-1)
HR – DET: W. Horton (5), C. Laboy (2) NY: J. Ellis (1)

Yankees 9 vs Tigers 5 Game 2
WP – M. Stottleymyre (2-1)
LP – E. Wilson (1-1)
SV – D. Nottebart (1)
HR – DET: W. Horton (6) NY: J. Pepitone (3)

Orioles 5 @ Senators 0 Game 1
WP – N. Briles (2-1)
LP – C. Cox (0-2)
HR – BAL: N. Briles (1), F. Robinson (3)

Orioles 7 @ Senators 2 Game 2
WP – D. McNally (2-1)
LP – D. Kelley (1-1)
SV – J. Hardin (1)
HR – BAL: B. Powell 2(4)

White Sox 5 vs Mariners 2 Game 1
WP – P. Edmondson (1-1)
LP – G. Timberlake (1-1)
HR – SEA: J. Bouton (1), S. Whitaker (1) CHI: C. May (2)

White Sox 3 vs Mariners 1 Game 2
WP – B. Wynne (1-0)
LP – S. Lockwood (0-1)
SV – B. Locker (1)
HR – SEA: S. Whitaker (2)

Indians 11 @ Red Sox 7
WP – L. Burchart (1-0)
LP – J. Lonborg (0-2)
SV – V. Romo (1)
HR – CLE: J. Cardenal (1), T. Horton (2) BOS: M. Andrews (2), B. Conigliaro 2(3), R. Smith (5)

Reggie Smith extends his hitting streak to 11 games.

Twins 6 vs Angels 5 (10 inn)
WP – R. Perranoski (1-1)
LP – H. Wilhelm (0-2)

Curt Flood went five for six while leading the Twins to their victory over the Angels. “I just tried to get myself in a good count and put a good swing on the ball. That’s all I can control,” Flood replied when asked about his success.

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Expos 4 vs Cubs 2 – Game 1
WP – J. Robertson (3-0)
LP – B. Hands (0-3)
SV – D. McGinn (3)
HR – CHI: O. Gamble (2) MON: J. Edwards (1)

Expos 3 vs Cubs 2 – Game 2
WP – M. Grant (1-0)
LP – K. Holtzman (1-1)
HR – CHI: O. Gamble (3)

Pirates 4 @ Phillies 1
WP – D. Ellis (2-0)
LP – B. Champion (1-2)
SV – L. Marone (4)

Braves 8 @ Reds 2
WP – M. Pappas (1-0)
LP – J. Fisher (0-2)

Cardinals 5 vs Mets 1
WP – M. Torrez (1-2)
LP – T. Seaver (1-2)
SV – J. Hoerner (1)
HR – STL: M. Shannon (2)

Giants 7 vs Padres 6
WP – F. Linzy (2-2)
LP – L. Everitt (0-1)
HR – SD: I. Murrell (1) SF: J. Hiatt (1), D. Marshall (1)

Giants outfielder Wayne Comer extends his hit streak to 10 games.

Astros 9 @ Dodgers 4
WP – T. Griffin (2-0)
LP – D. Drysdale (0-1)
HR – HOU: D. Rader (3), J. Wynn (3) LA: R. Fairly (3)

INJURY NEWS
New York Yankees – P Lindy McDaniel – damaged meniscus – 6 weeks
Chicago White Sox – P Billy Wynne – tender elbow – 2 weeks

[RoyalsBlue]

AL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Cleveland Indians – RF Lee Maye - .429, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 5 R

NL PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Atlanta Braves – 3B Clete Boyer - .385, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 7 R

04.21.1969
SP - SEA: M. Pattin (0-2 8.38) KC: B. Miller (0-1 6.23)
GAME #013 vs Seattle W 4-3 (11 inn)
WP – M. Drabowsky (1-0) LP – J. Gelnar (0-1)
HR – SEA: M. Hegan (2), D. Mincher (2) KC: H. Taylor (2)

Bob Miller struggled as he gave up three runs in only four innings, but the bullpen held the Pilots to two hits the rest of the way. KC’s offense managed to tie the game and Hawk Taylor was named the player of the game for his game winning solo homer in the eleventh.

POG – Kansas City’s Hawk Taylor – 2 for 5, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 R

Tom Tresh, whose three hits raised his average to .326, has been a pleasant surprise for the Royals. “I just want to contribute and help the team succeed. I think we’ve got a good group of guys here.”

Other American League Results
Yankees 4 @ Red Sox 2
WP – S. Bahnsen (2-0)
LP – M. Nagy (1-1)
SV – D. Nottebart (2)
HR – BOS: R. Smith (6)

Boston’s Reggie Smith extends his hit streak to 12 games after an eighth inning homerun

Athletics 12 @ Twins 2
WP – R. Fingers (2-1)
LP – J. Kaat (2-1)
HR – OAK: R. Jackson 2(4) MIN: C. Tovar (3)

Tigers 4 @ Senators 3 (10 inn)
WP – T. Timmermann (2-0)
LP – J. Dukes (1-2)
HR – DET: D. McAuliffe (2) WAS: D. Bosman (1)

Orioles 4 vs Indians 1
WP – J. Palmer (1-2)
LP – S. Siebert (0-2)
HR – CLE: B. Alyea (5) BAL: C. Dalrymple (1)

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Reds 8 @ Astros 5
WP – G. Arrigo (1-1)
LP – D. Lemaster (1-2)
SV – C. Carroll (1)
HR – CIN: A. Johnson (3), T. Perez (1), P. Rose (2)

Mets 6 vs Phillies 5
WP – D. Cardwell (1-0)
LP – A. Raffo (1-1)
HR – PHI: E. Hendricks (1), D. Money (1) NY: D. Cardwell (1)

The Mets win on a gamewinning homerun by the pitcher, Don Cardwell, in the bottom of the ninth.

Cardinals 4 vs Expos 3
WP – J. Reuss (1-2)
LP – C. Zachary (1-1)
HR – MON: M. Mota (1) STL: W. Mays 2(2)

Padres 5 vs Braves 1
WP – S. Arlin (2-1)
LP – G. Stone (2-1)

Dodgers 5 vs Giants 4 (10 inn)
WP – R. Lamb (3-0)
LP – F. Linzy (2-3)
HR – LA: C. Osteen (1)

Los Angeles wins on a bases loaded single by Bill Russell in the tenth.
San Francisco’s Wayne Comer goes zero for four and ends his hitting streak at ten.

[RoyalsBlue]

04.22.1969
SP – SEA: S. Blass (1-1 3.68) KC: M. Hedlund (1-1 1.96)
GAME #014 vs Seattle W 6-2
WP – T. Burgmeier (2-1) LP – D. Baney (0-1)
HR – KC: E.Kirkpatrick (7)

It was supposed to be Bill Butler’s turn to pitch today, but his strained back forced the Royals to use Mike Hedlund on two days rest in what has to be considered yet another questionable decision by the KC manager. Luckily, the offense was up to the task as they scored four runs in the eighth to salt the game away, highlighted by the two run scoring single by Tom Tresh.

Ed Kirkpatrick started the scoring with a two run homer in the second inning. This lead lasted until the seventh inning when the Pilots scratched across two of their own on a pair of bases loaded walks by Galen Cisco

POG – Kansas City’s Ed Kirkpatrick – 1 for 3, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 R

“Hey, I was as surprised as you were,” chuckled starting pitcher Mike Hedlund. “But, I’m a pitcher and when the manager tells me to pitch, that’s what I do.”

“He was our best option for a victory,” replied Carlos Ramirez when asked why he started Hedlund on two days rest. “As long as I’m the manager, I’ll make the lineups the way I want.”

OTHER AMERICAN LEAGUE RESULTS
Red Sox 6 vs Yankees 0
WP – F. Wenz (1-1)
LP – F. Peterson (1-2)
HR – BOS: M. Andrews (3), K. Harrelson (2), R. Petrocelli (3), C. Yastrzemski (4)

Boston’s Reggie Smith keeps his hit streak alive at 13 games after a fifth inning rbi triple.

White Sox 6 vs Angels 3
WP – J. Horlen (2-1)
LP – R. May (1-2)
SV – D. Osinski (1)
HR – CAL: R. Reichardt (1)

Athletics 3 @ Twins 2
WP – C. Hunter (2-0)
LP – A. Worthington (0-1)
SV – P. Lindblad (3)
HR – OAK: B. Brooks (2)

The game winning blow was a mammoth ninth inning homer by Oakland’s Bobby Brooks that traveled 450 feet.

Senators 6 vs Tigers 3
WP – J. Coleman (3-1)
LP – J. Sparma (0-1)
SV – J. Dukes (3)
HR – DET: D. McAuliffe (3)

Indians 7 @ Orioles 5
WP – S. Hargan (1-1)
LP – M. Cuellar (1-2)
SV – V. Romo (2)
HR – CLE: C. Hinton (1) BAL: C. Dalrymple (2)

NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS
Pirates 3 vs Cubs 1 – Game 1
WP – J. Bunning (2-1)
LP – J. Decker (1-1)
HR – PIT: D. Cash (2)

Pirates 7 vs Cubs 4 – Game 2
WP – T. Dukes (1-0)
LP – J. Niekro (0-3)
SV – B. Dal Canton (1)

Pittsburgh’s Dave Cash extends his hitting streak to 10 games.

Mets 6 vs Phillies 1
WP – J. McAndrew (2-1)
LP – J. James (0-2)
HR – NY: J. McAndrew (1)

Cardinals 7 vs Expos 4
WP – G. Hill (2-0)
LP – M. Wegener (1-1)
SV – J. Hoerner (2)
HR – MON: M. Jones (1)

Astros 6 vs Reds 0
WP – J. Billingham (1-0)
LP – T. Cloninger (0-1)
HR – HOU: J. Morgan (2)

Braves 7 @ Padres 4 (17 inn)
WP – C. Raymond (1-0)
LP – D. Roberts (1-1)
HR – ATL: R. Reed (1) SD: C. Kirby (2)

Atlanta catcher Tim McCarver had a good day against the Padres as he rapped out 5 hits in the Braves victory. “I had some real good at-bats today. I made good, solid contact and luckily no one caught’em.”

Dodgers 5 vs Giants 1
WP – J. Moeller (2-0)
LP – G. Perry (1-2)
HR – LA: W. Crawford (2)

CONTRACT NEWS
San Francisco and pitcher Frank Linzy agreed to an extension which will keep him in the Giants uniform for three more years.

The Expos have signed Mudcat Grant to a one year extension. No financial terms have been released.

[majormet]

I'll take Manny Sanguillen for Ron Taylor anyday, that guy was a better trainer than pitcher.