The AllTime Baseball Alliance

[EMSoccerCoach]

Wrote a preview for the Northern League Midwest...computer crapped and I lost it. I've done enough preview with the team previews and everything...it's time for the season.

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by EMSoccerCoach

Wrote a preview for the Northern League Midwest...computer crapped and I lost it. I've done enough preview with the team previews and everything...it's time for the season.

I've had that happen a few times but only in my boxing dynasty. Makes you sick in the stomach after and majorly pissed off. Looking forward to following the season.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

I've had that happen a few times but only in my boxing dynasty. Makes you sick in the stomach after and majorly pissed off. Looking forward to following the season.

It's my own fault, but the preseason, then spring training previews are overkill anyway. I'm killing time while I fix rosters, schedules, etc. Just stupid stuff.

I'll do season writeups in Word and transfer them in here...will make things much easier.

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by EMSoccerCoach

I'll do season writeups in Word and transfer them in here...will make things much easier.

Bes place to do writeups is in notepad. When you use word and transfer it oer the formating goes all screwy.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

Bes place to do writeups is in notepad. When you use word and transfer it oer the formating goes all screwy.

Good to know...thanks.

[kenyan_cheena]

Originally Posted by EMSoccerCoach

Good to know...thanks.

No problem. When you're doing the write-up it's best to select Format Word Wrap so it's easy to read each paragraph. Just make sure you highlight the text and deselect the Word Wrap before copying and pasting it to the message baord, otherwise the paragraphs get kind of chopped up.

[EMSoccerCoach]

OPENING DAY IN THE ABA

After months of anticipation, the AllTime Baseball Alliance kicked off its inaugural season today, with the ABA's Northern League getting things off first. The Southern League will get into action tomorrow.

As for today's action, we saw big names and lesser names contribute across the board, and on Opening Day, pitching was predominantly where things were at, as aces took the hill for the first time.

Columbus Explorers 6 - Louisville Racers 4
In Louisville, Columbus ace Lefty Leifield bent but wouldn't break as he outdueled Racers' hilltopper Carl Hubbell, who perhaps was left in a little too long. The Racers scored in the first inning when Ryan Howard singled to drive in shortstop Lou Boudreau. Hubbell would make that run stand until the 7th, when the Explorers' second baseman George Scales grounded out to drive in third baseman Harry Steinfeldt. Hubbell would stay in to pitch the 8th, and in the process would surrender four hits, including an RBI single to Jeff Heath, an RBI double to John Olerud and a two-run homer to Steinfeldt. Leifield would allow consecutive singles to Bourdreau, Mickey Mantle and Howard to start Louisville's 8th before striking out Tim Wallach. Brad Lidge would relieve Leifield and proceed to walk three straight hitters to bring the game to 5-4 before Ray Schalk lined into a double play to end the rally. Jack Quinn would replace Hubbell, and allow Columbus to tack on an insurance run in the 9th when an Eric Chavez single drove in Bobby Murcer. Dan Quisenberry would strand two to close it out in the 9th for the 6-4 Columbus victory.

Portland Metros 7 - Omaha Steers 1
In Portland, Omaha Steers ace Bill Gullickson imploded, surrendering 7 runs over 3 1/3 innings as the Metros banged out 12 hits on their way to a tidy 7-1 victory at Transit Field. Despite housing one of the ABA's smallest ballparks, the 20,000 in attendance were rowdy and ready to go after the Metros put up 3 runs in the second, 2 in the third and 2 more in the 4th, the last on a 2-run shot from Honus Wagner - who is expected by some to be a Triple Crown threat. The crowd was disappointed starting pitcher Dizzy Dean left one out shy of a complete game, but his 125 pitches - leading to 12 strikeouts - were deemed sufficient. Felix Rodriguez handled the last out. Larry Sorensen hurled 4 2/3 innings of scoreless ball for Omaha in relief of Gullickson.

Philadelphia Ringers 3 - Toronto Titans 2
North of the border, Cy Young was excellent for the Toronto Titans, going the distance and surrendering 3 runs on 5 hits, striking out 7. Only problem was that Philadelphia Ringers starter Jack Powell was better. Powell made back-to-back homers from 8 & 9 hitters Brad Wilkerson and Grady Hatton stand up, surrendering RBI doubles to Jeff Kent in the 5th and Wade Boggs in the 8th. Billy Wagner closed the door with a scoreless ninth for Philadelphia.

Sacramento Stingers 3 - Wichita Brigade 1
Wichita Brigade starter Pedro Martinez can sympathize with Young, as he suffered the same fate. Martinez struck out 10 and walked none in a complete game losing effort, marred by back-to-back homers. While Young faltered against the bottom of the order, Martinez at least surrendered his to the heart of Sacramento's: Stan Musial and Ken Williams. Frank Smith went 8 2/3 for the Stingers, giving up only one run, but gave way to Jose Mendez to close it out, getting pinch-hitter Gary Sheffield - the winning run - to fly out to end it.

Providence Whalers 2 - Virginia Beach Vipers 1
Providence starter Max Lanier was the first to face to feared Virginia Beach duo of Joe DiMaggio and Ted Williams, and he allowed the Vipers only 1 run on 7 hits over 8 innings. The only blemish on Lanier was a Tony Lazzeri home run in the third. Williams went 0-for-4, while DiMaggio went 1-for-3 with a walk. Eddie Plank started for the Vipers, dancing in and out of trouble for 7 2/3, allowing 13 hits but only 2 runs. Buddy Myer had 3 hits for the Whalers in the Providence victory, which was closed out by Bobby Ayala. Every Providence starter other than Jason Kendall - who left 6 on base - had a hit.

Indianapolis Engines 9 - Chicago Hitmen 3
The Chicago Hitmen opened on the road in Indianapolis with the promise of a great pitcher's duel, as Chicago sent Dwight Gooden to the mound to lock up with Engines' leader Christy Mathewson. "The Doctor" was out by the end of the 6th, unaided by poor defense and three errors on the day. But it wasn't all on the defense, as Gooden wasn't sharp, giving up 8 hits over 5 2/3, walking 3. Mike Schmidt and Jim Bottomley homered for Indianapolis, and Jim Kaat threw 2 1/3 scoreless in relief of Mathewson, who surrendered three runs - including 2 homers to Eric Davis - before a rain delay in the 7th ended his night.

Madison Lakers 4 - St. Paul Snowmen 3, 12 innings
The game of the opening day saw Madison win in 12 on an RBI single by Nomar Garciaparra off St. Paul's Danny Jackson, who relieved starter Jack Chesbro. Madison got a stellar effort from Bob Feller, who surrendered 3 runs - all in the second inning - over 8 innings of work. Jimmy Wynn hit a 2-run double off Feller in the second, and catcher Biz Mackey followed up with an RBI single to account for all of St. Paul's scoring. Bryan Harvey and Latroy Hawkins combined for 4 scoreless innings of relief, with Hawkins picking up the victory. Pete Reiser and Ron Santo homered for Madison.

New York Heroes 7 - Charlotte Cougars 0
The performance of the opening day, however, had to go to New York Heroes' pitcher Johnny Vander Meer. Facing a fearsome Charlotte lineup including Ty Cobb, Joe Jackson, Vlad Guerrero and Dick Allen, Vander Meer went the distance, hurling a complete game 3-hitter, striking out 14. Charlotte pitcher Vean Gregg was knocked out in the third, giving up 6 runs on 8 hits over 2 1/3. BUddy Lewis, Hanley Ramirez and Steve O'Neill had 2 hits apiece in the New York victory.

[kenyan_cheena]

Great start to the season, especially that effort from Vander Meer.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

Great start to the season, especially that effort from Vander Meer.

Yes, that was quite an effort. Struck Cobb out 3 times, Jackson twice and Allen twice. For a 4-year stretch in the late 30s and early 40s, VanderMeer was, for the era, a strikeout machine.

Tough losses for Pedro and Cy Young, too.

[Eugene Church]

Way to go Sacramento Stingers.

Way to go Stan the Man and Ken Williams.

Way to go EM.

[EMSoccerCoach]

OPENING DAY IN THE ABA - THE SOUTH HAS ITS DAY

Not all may have approved of the AllTime Baseball Alliance's decision to kick off its inaugural season on separate days for the two leagues. But ABA brass has tried to keep the Northern and Southern leagues as separate as possible, in line with the lack of interleague play. So each league gets its own start, and after watching a fun array of games from the North side, we look down for the Southern League's first day of action.

Los Angeles Idols 7 - Las Vegas Bosses 5
Las Vegas starter Lefty Grove was overwhelmed early, knocked out in the fourth inning after giving up 7 runs - 4 earned - on 10 hits that included first inning home runs from Dolph Camilli and Frank Robinson. In the meantime, Los Angeles starter Addie Joss cruised through 8 shutout innings before the Bosses mounted a fierce rally in the 9th. Joss would ultimately be charged with three runs, two scoring on a double by Cliff Floyd, hurt by Rob Nen's failure to close things out. Ultimately, Ed Reulbach came on to strike out the final batter, Todd Hundley, who took the Golden Sombrero while representing the lead run. Harvey Kuenn had three hits for the Idols in the win.

Oklahoma City Snakes 6 - New Orleans Nights 3
Down in Oklahoma City, the Snakes bit the New Orleans Knights on the strength of Sherry Magee's 3-hit, 3-run, 2-RBI effort that included a 2-run homer in the bottom of the 8th to seal the deal. New Orleans starter Andy Coakley gave up 6 runs, 5 earned, over eight innings in the loss, giving up 11 hits and striking out 9. For the Snakes, Glenn Liebhardt threw 8 innings of 3-run, 10-strikeout ball, surrendering a home run to New Orleans first baseman John Frye in the 8th that brought the game within one before Magee opened it up in the bottom of the inning.

San Jose Saints 6 - San Diego Seals 3
San Diego DH Lou Brock went 5-for-5, missing the cycle by only a double in the Seals' losing effort. Starter Chief Bender was roughed up for 5 runs in the fourth, as the Saints sent 9 men to the plate, 4 of the runs scoring with two outs. Bender would settle down, ultimately going 7 2/3 in the loss. San Jose starter Ed Walsh scattered 13 hits over 8 1/3 before giving way to Rollie Fingers to close it out. Alex Rodriguez hit a 2-run double in the fourth.

Austin Bullriders 5 - Arizona Sandmen 4
Austin starter Hal Newhouser almost saw his bullpen wipe out his 7 shutout innings, as reliever Billy Koch gave up 4 runs in the 8th, including a 2-run shot to Arizona's Andy Van Slyke. Arizona starter Jake Peavy gave up 5 runs over 7 2/3, including a solo shot by Prince Fielder and a 2-run blast by Yogi Berra as the Bullriders built a 5-0 lead. Byung-Hyun Kim threw a scoreless ninth for the save. Babe Ruth went 0-for-4 with 3 strikeouts for Arizona, and Sandmen catcher Thurman Munson left 7 on base on the day.

San Antonio Sheriffs 8 - Mexico City Aztecs 7
In arguably the most exciting game of the day, Mexico City built a 5-0 lead after a scoreless first 5 innings, let it get to 5-4 but then scored 2 in the 9th to seemingly ensure the victory, only to see an error by catcher Ellie Rodriguez set up a 4-run inning for San Antonio against closer Dennis Eckersley, punctuated by a game-winning 3-run double off the bat of Rusty Staub. Starters Greg Maddux and Satchel Paige matched zeroes through 5 innings in front of more than 40,000 fans in San Antonio. But Paige would be scalded for 5 runs in the 6th, giving up back-to-back 2-out, 2-run doubles to Ray Lankford and Heinie Groh. San Antonio would get 1 in the 7th and 3 in the 8th to knock Maddux out. Though only one of the runs charged to Eckersley in the disasterous 9th was earned, he walked one and gave up three hits, including Staub's bases loaded double to drive in Herman Long, Tim Raines and Pete Rose with the game-winner.

Memphis Strummers 4 - Denver Snow Lions 3, 10 innings
Denver's Mordecai 'Three Finger' Brown and Memphis ace Walter Johnson locked up in a pitcher's duel that ended dramatically in extra innings, after both had departed. Brown surrendered single runs in the second - one an RBI single for Harold Baines - and the third - on an RBI double from Rogers Hornsby. But Luis Gonzalez slammed a 2-run double to tie it in the 6th, then poked an RBI single in the top of the 10th to make it a 3-2 ballgame. But with Stu Miller in his second inning of work for Denver, Memphis first baseman Dan Brouthers clubbed a 2-out, 2-run homer to send the fans home happy with a 4-3 victory. Bill singer took the win. The teams struck out 30 times combined, with Johnson striking out 14 and Brown striking out 11.

San Juan Suns 6 - Orlando Orcas 4
This matchup came down to a staredown between Rickey Henderson and Willie Mays to see who could make the grandest opening day splash. Harry Krause and Ewell Blackwell were splendid for the first five except for a 2-run Jackie Robinson homer for San Juan in the second. Henderson would answer with a 3-run shot in the 6th, only to have San Juan draw even with a Mays homer in the bottom of the 6th. Henderson would respond with a solo shot of Blackwell to give Orlando the lead in the 8th, only to have Mays hit a 2-run shot in the bottom of the 8th off Krause after Jeff Bagwell had tied the game with an RBI single. Tom Henke closed it out for San Juan with a perfect ninth.

Alabama Airmen 5 - Georgia Builders 2
The Alabama Airmen managed only 5 hits, but 7 walks from Georgia starter Rube Benton helped the Airmen mount sporadic offense behind the stellar work of starter Cy Blanton, who scattered 7 hits over 8 innings, striking out 8 and allowing only 1 earned run, a solo homer from Cesar Cedeno. Richard Hidalgo homered and drove in two for the Airmen, and Carlos Delgado had a pair of hits, scoring twice.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Originally Posted by Eugene Church

Way to go Sacramento Stingers.

Way to go Stan the Man and Ken Williams.

Way to go EM.

Thought of you when Musial hit the shot. Thanks for the interest...glad to finally be into the season.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Two weeks in, here's how we look:

Northern League Standings  

East W L PCT GB 
New York Heroes 12 0 1.000 - 
Charlotte Cougars 5 7 .417 7.0 
Virginia Beach Vipers 5 7 .417 7.0 
Providence Whalers 2 10 .167 10.0 
 
West W L PCT GB 
Portland Metros 10 2 .833 - 
Wichita Brigade 7 5 .583 3.0 
Sacramento Stingers 4 8 .333 6.0 
Omaha Steers 3 9 .250 7.0 
 
Central W L PCT GB 
Columbus Explorers 8 4 .667 - 
Toronto Titans 7 5 .583 1.0 
Philadelphia Ringers 6 6 .500 2.0 
Louisville Racers 3 9 .250 5.0 
 
Midwest W L PCT GB 
Indianapolis Engines 9 3 .750 - 
Madison Lakers 7 5 .583 2.0 
Chicago Hitmen 4 8 .333 5.0 
St. Paul Snowmen 4 8 .333 5.0 

Southern League Standings  

East W L PCT GB 
Alabama Airmen 8 4 .667 - 
Orlando Orcas 7 5 .583 1.0 
Georgia Builders 5 7 .417 3.0 
San Juan Suns 4 8 .333 4.0
 
West W L PCT GB 
San Diego Seals 9 3 .750 - 
Las Vegas Bosses 6 6 .500 3.0 
San Jose Saints 5 7 .417 4.0 
Los Angeles Idols 4 8 .333 5.0 
 
Central W L PCT GB 
San Antonio Sheriffs 8 4 .667 - 
Austin Bullriders 7 5 .583 1.0 
Mexico City Aztecs 6 6 .500 2.0 
Arizona Sandmen 3 9 .250 5.0
 
Midwest W L PCT GB 
Oklahoma City Snakes 10 2 .833 - 
Denver Snow Lions 5 7 .417 5.0 
Memphis Strummers 5 7 .417 5.0 
New Orleans Knights 4 8 .333 6.0

[kenyan_cheena]

Those Heroes are kicking @$$.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

Those Heroes are kicking @$$.

Yup, and they're doing it with the next to last number of homers (8) in the Northern League. Pitching is carrying the day, as Vander Meer has been on fire, posting an 0.34 ERA in his first 3 starts. Despite the lack of homers, though, they hit and get on base. I hope to start my first edition of The ABA Report later today, which will go team-by-team through the league.

[EMSoccerCoach]

The ABA Report - April 21, 2008

New York Heroes (12-0, 1st place, Northern League East Division)

The Heroes couldn't have started hotter, rattling off 12 victories in a row to kick off the ABA's inaugural season. Lacking the perceived powerful lineup of many of the league's other teams, the Heroes pieced together rallies driven by singles and extra-based hits in the yard, and let their pitching carry the day. The team leads the Northern League with a .309 batting average, is 4th in OBP and slugging percentage, and third in runs despite being next to last in the league in homers with only 8.

Nobody has been more responsible for the Heroes' success, though than
Johnny Vander Meer (3-0, 0.34 ERA). In three starts Vander Meer has given up only 1 run, an RBI single from Providence's Hubie Brooks in the 9th inning of his second start. He's struck out 33 over 26 1/3, while allowing only 12 hits. In his most recent start, he went the distance, outdueling Eddie Plank in a 1-0 game. While each of his starts have come at home, he'll head onto the road this coming week in Virginia Beach.

Offensively, Hanley Ramirez leads the way, batting .408 with 14 RBI, but he's gotten support. Eddie Collins is batting .383, while catcher Steve O'Neill has gotten off quickly, batting .350.


Charlotte Cougars (5-7, 2nd place, 5 GB)
The Cougars have seen their pitching staff tattered in the first two weeks of the season, their starting rotation putting forth a 6.75 ERA. Ace Vean Gregg's ERA stands at 5.68, George McQuillan is at 6.52, Lew Burdette at 8.27, Mike Garcia at 6 and Gary Peters at 6.75. The bullpen has held up its end of the bargain with a 3.26 ERA, but the team has been behind the 8-ball to start much of the time and the offense hasn't been powerful enough to overcome it.

The rotation's problems could lead to the call-up of either Jim Merritt or Erik Hanson - or both - who are posting sub-2 ERAs in the early going at AAA. In fact, while the big club's pitching staff ranks 14th out of 16 teams in the Northern League, the AAA and AA squads each lead their respective leagues in ERA. So a movement could be coming, and coming soon.

In the midst of all of this, Ty Cobb has done what Ty Cobb was expected to do. Hitting .412 with 2 homers and a team leading 12 RBI, Cobb has also racked up 5 stolen bases in the season's first two weeks. While the Cougars offense is 4th in the league with 74 runs in its first 12 games, nearly a third of those runs came in one affair - a 23-5 drubbing of Providence in which Cobb went 4-for-4, with a double, triple, 2 homers, two walks, 6 runs scored and 7 RBI, tacking on a stolen base for good measure.


Virginia Beach Vipers (5-7, 2nd place, 5 GB)
If there's a competitive spirit among teammates Joe Dimaggio and Ted Williams, Dimaggio has won a few more steak dinners in the early going. Williams has been solid, batting .256 with 4 homers and 12 RBI. But Dimaggio has been unconscious at the start, hitting .469 while belting 7 homers and driving in 18 over the first 12 games. In addition, Dimaggio has struck out only twice in his first 53 plate appearances.

So with the offense performing adequately, the pitching staff is ranked second in the league - shocking for a team with a losing record. Eddie Plank has been stellar, posting a 1.99 ERA thus far, and Tom Seaver (2.84) and Dolf Luque (3.00) have been strong as well. But the team is 0-5 in 1-run games, including a 1-0 complete game loss by Plank his last time out when he dueled New York's Johnny Vander Meer in a losing effort.


Providence Whalers (2-10, 4th place, 10 GB)
It's hard to be double digits out of first 12 games into a season. But the Whalers have done it, posting the next to worst offense in the league and the worst pitching staff...by far. Hurt largely by the 23-run hammering by Charlotte, the Whalers' team ERA through 12 games is an unfathomable 8.19. Their opponents are hitting .342, and the team has been outscored 105 to 43. Even with the Charlotte massacre removed, they have still given up more than twice as many runs as they have scored.

Down at AAA, the Whalers have started strong (8-4), with Buck Weaver second in the league in hitting, and Keith Hernandez, Craig Biggio and Al Oliver all off to good starts. Mariano Rivera has a 1.32 ERA and has been doing multiple innings out of the bullpen, a sign he could come up in short order. But the pitching hasn't been strong, and that seems to be the greatest need.

Each of the aforementioned hitters could come up if things continue as they have. Buck Weaver could come on to take the shortstop position held precariously by Hubie Brooks, hitting a paltry .167. While 1B George Sisler has been strong, DH John Mayberry is hitting only .226, which could make room for Hernandez's callup. 2B Buddy Myer is hitting .231 and could make way for Biggio. Either Cool Papa Bell (.217) or Babe Herman (.238) could make way for Oliver - most likely Bell, who is immensely talented but only 20.

[kenyan_cheena]

Hope you haven't given up on this. You made a great start.

[Eugene Church]

Originally Posted by kenyan_cheena

Hope you haven't given up on this. You made a great start.

I agree.

Hope you will continue it.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Not at all, guys, but thanks for the interest. Actually finally have a little time tonight so hope to bang out a bit of it. I have just been buried with work lately. Hope to get a few divisions done tonight.

[EMSoccerCoach]

Portland Metros (10-2, 1st place, Northern League West Division)

The season started for the Metros on an interesting note. Dizzy Dean got the honor of the opening day start, and hurled 8 2/3 innings of 1-run ball, striking out 12 while walking only one - his lone blemish an Ed Bailey solo shot in the 7th. All good, right? Not quite. When Geoff Jenkins hit a double with 2 outs in the 9th, Dean was pulled in favor of closer Felix Rodriguez. The logic was that Rodriguez would get into a game situation with a runner in scoring position, a warm-up of sorts. It's worked, as Rodriguez has converted all 3 save opportunities this year, without giving up a run. Dean, however, was reportedly livid at being taken out a mere one out away from a complete game victory. Is it coincidence Dean has been hit hard in his two starts since, most recently surrendering 8 runs and 14 hits over 6 innings in an 11-9 loss to Wichita?

You can't ask for more than Sammy Sosa has given the Metros to start the season. Slammin' Sammy has 4 homers and 21 RBI in his first 12 games. But this lineup as a whole right now is incredibly tough to pitch around. Buck Leonard (.442), Goose Goslin (.333), Tommy Holmes (.325) and Honus Wagner (.320, 4 HR) have made it virtually impossible to get through the lineup unblemished, as their 82 runs - 2nd in the Northern League - would indicate.

The alleged Dizzy Dean drama somewhat overshadowed a great start from Ron Guidry, who has throw 3 quality starts, posting a 1.69 ERA, topped by a complete game shutout at Omaha in which he struck out 10, scattering 4 hits and walking only 2.


Wichita Brigade (7-5, 2nd place, Northern League West Division)

Ace Pedro Martinez got roughed up in Portland after two solid starts, giving up 7 earned runs on 13 hits over 6 2/3 innings - ironically, matched up with Dizzy Dean in what turned out to be an 11-9 Wichita victory. "Just one of those days," Martinez said. "I won't have many of them." Now 2-1 with a 4.24 ERA, Martinez has struck out 27 over 23 1/3 innings, but giving up a shocking 31 hits in the process. The odds that opponents will keep putting up a .406 BABIP? Not likely. Pedro will be fine.

Offense throughout the league has been above expectations, but don't tell that to Wichita, which is hitting .250 as a team, a number raised only by Ted Kluszewski's .319 and George Brett's .294. Everyone else is below .260.

At some point soon, the Wally Moses experiment will end. Batting .121 and with the offense struggling, it seems likely that Gary Sheffield or Carl Furillo will be soon getting increased playing time. Moses hit .328 in spring training with 5 homers, giving him the starting nod. But he hasn't been able to carry it over to the regular season.


Sacramento Stingers (4-8, 3rd Place, Northern League West Division)

It has been feast or famine for the Stingers' bats during the first two weeks of the season. Feasting you have Ken Williams (.385, 6 HR, 14 RBI), Stan Musial (.425, 3 HR) and Carlos Baerga (a league leading .490, 2 HR). Then comes starvation: Bill Carrigan (.031), Joe Sewell (.167), Baby Doll Jacobson (.220) and Harlond Clift (.130). While Hank Aaron has struggled early (.118), expect him to replace Jacobson every day in the near future. Were it not for Baerga's torrid start, Sacramento could be dwelling in the cellar.

Clift's struggles have placed the Stingers in a real bind, as there is nobody in the organization considered ready yet to replace him. The hope is for Ken Caminiti to become that player, but he's hitting .235 in the early going at AAA. The likely call-up if Clift's struggles continue is Jimmy Dykes, hitting .375 at AAA.

If Baerga is the surprise at the plate, Nip Winters leads the way on the mound. Only 22, Winters was known to have to good stuff, but lacks seasoning. Through three starts, he's dispelled that notion, posting a 1.46 ERA, losing a 3-2 duel to Wichita's Jack Pfeister before beating him 4-2 in the rematch the next week and then throwing a complete game 14 strikeout, 3-hit shutout against Omaha.


Omaha Steers (3-9, 4th place, Northern League West Division)

A lineup including Albert Pujols, Nap Lajoie and Reggie Jackson. A rotation led by a 1-2 of Pete Alexander and Bert Blyleven. No wonder it shocks people that the only thing working right on the Steers right now is the bullpen, which has thrown a league best 1.57 ERA in the early going. Mike Holtz, Wes Ferrell, Luis DeLeon and Mark Buehrle have yet to allow a run in 17 innings of work. Lary Sorensen has put forth a 2.53 ERA, and Jim Colborn the worst of the pen at 4.05.

The Steers are hitting .218 as a team. The next lowest in the Northern League? Wichita, at .250. Pujols, at .302, is the only regular hitting better than .250. Frank Howard? .188. Reggie Jackson? .152. "They have no reason to pitch to Albert at this point," one unnamed teammate said. "Everyone else stinks right now."

Hitters may be looking over their shoulders, as Omaha's AAA team leads its league in slugging and OBP, is second in average and third in runs. Pete Incaviglia, Mule Suttles, Matt Holliday and Marty McManus are all hitting over .340. Pitchers on the other hand have some time, because the outlook on the farm is no better: the AAA team's ERA is 7.91, worst in the league.