The World Series League

[jaysdailydose]

OK, I'm testing it now, but with setting it to all 0.001 you DO NOT click the "Disable Player Development" because it grays out all of those settings. I am checking now to see if just having those settings in will enable you to keep going, and it appears to be working thus far.

[jaysdailydose]

I would just disable the player development and unretire players as they retire. It has to be easier than rebuilding the entire league... those development settings will slow things down a great deal, but players still do retire. If you disable the development, no one will improve/falter, and you can just unretire the players who do retire. I hope it works for you! Great league!

[abell1198]

There are only four teams to cover in the 1960's. One in the American League and three in the National League. The lone team to speak of in the American League is the 1969 Baltimore Orioles, who lead their division by 11 games. The Orioles cruised through July, posting a 20-9 record to pad their lead by five games over June. Winning their first seven games of the month was the key to that record, as they swept the 1940 Detroit Tigers and 1978 New York Yankees. Baltimore is 4th in the AL in average (.282), tied for 5th in home runs (131), tied for 10th in runs allowed (401, 12th in starter ERA (3.48), 20th in bullpen ERA (3.53) and 13th in overall ERA (3.49). 1B Boog Powell (.313, 31 HR, 89 RBI), 2B Davey Johnson (.313, 4 HR, 41 RBI) and RF Frank Robinson (.307, 31 HR, 81 RBI) are paving the way for this team at the plate. SP Jim Palmer (13-6, 2.52 ERA) and SP Dave McNally (14-3, 3.38 ERA) are the top pitchers. Another starter made news for the club, though. On July 2nd, SP Tom Phoebus (9-7, 4.69 ERA) pitched an 8-0 shutout against the 1940 Detroit Tigers (41-43). Phoebus allowed five hits, struck out five and walked two in the game.

In the National League, three teams are still fighting for the division. Leading the division are none other than the 1969 New York Mets at 71-40. The Mets are 3rd in the NL in runs against (354), 2nd in starter ERA (2.77), 4th in bullpen ERA (2.82), 1st in overall ERA (2.78) and 14th in defense. LF Cleon Jones (.336, 8 HR, 49 RBI) and RF Art Shamsky (.300, 24 HR, 78 RBI) lead the team in hitting. SP Jerry Koosman (14-5, 2.12 ERA) and CL Tug McGraw (5-4, 1.80 ERA, 31 Saves) lead the team on the mound. The Mets slipped this month, posting a 13-16 record, but fortunately only lost one game on their lead.

In second place are the 1966 Los Angeles Dodgers at 66-45, 5 GB. The Dodgers are 7th in the NL in runs against (371), 7th in starter ERA (2.94), 17th in bullpen ERA (3.25) and 7th in overall ERA (3.03). 2B Jim Lefebvre (.332, 13 HR, 65 RBI) and LF Lou Johnson (.307, 13 HR, 69 RBI) lead the team in hitting. Lefebvre has a 23 game hitting streak at the moment. SP Claude Osteen (13-3, 2.06 ERA), SP Don Drysdale (13-4, 2.90 ERA) and SP Sandy Koufax (9-7, 2.17 ERA) lead the team on the mound.

The 1962 San Francisco Giants are in third place at 63-48, 8 GB. The Giants are 7th in the NL in runs scored (577), 16th in average (.273), 20th in OBP (.339) and 2nd in home runs (142). CF Willie Mays (.309, 25 HR, 77 RBI) and 1B Orlando Cepeda (.289, 28 HR, 82 RBI) lead the team in the batter's box. SP Jack Sanford (9-4, 3.17 ERA) leads a below average staff, while CL Jim Duffalo (2-3, 2.34 ERA, 26 saves) leads the bullpen. Cepeda made headlines for the club on July 4th after he was 5 for 5 in a 3-0 loss to the 1957 Milwaukee Braves (33-53). Cepeda had three singles and two doubles in the game. Also making news were LF Willie McCovey (.279, 19 HR, 76 RBI) and RF Felipe Alou (.286, 18 HR, 60 RBI). On July 12th, both players went 5 for 6 in a 15-3 drubbing of the 1905 New York Giants (43-50). McCovey hit a single, a double and three home runs, including a grand slam in the 9th inning. McCovey had eight RBI. Alou hit two singles, two doubles and a home run in the game.

[abell1198]

There are eight teams to cover from the 1970's. Five from the American League and three from the National League.

In the American League, the 1970 Baltimore Orioles hold the division lead at 66-45. The Orioles are tied for 10th in the AL in runs scored (579), 15th in average (.277), 20th in OBP (.353) and 8th in home runs (128). The lineup is solid. Here are the 3-4-5 hitters:

LF Merv Rettenmund .329, 18 HR, 67 RBI
1B Boog Powell .301, 28 HR, 99 RBI
RF Frank Robinson .296, 21 HR, 75 RBI

SP Dave McNally (14-5, 3.75 ERA) and SP Jim Palmer (11-10, 3.11 ERA) lead the team on the mound. Making news for the team in July was LF/DH Don Buford (.263, 12 HR, 61 RBI). Buford was named Player of the Week on July 22nd after going 13 for 24 (.542) with four home runs, eight runs batted in and scoring seven times. Baltimore went 20-9 in July, taking over 1st place after being three games behind at the end of June. They swept the 1995 Cleveland Indians and 1911 Philadelphia Athletics this month.

In second place, we have a tie with two teams sitting a game back at 65-46. The first team is the 1971 Baltimore Orioles. The '71 squad is 18th in the AL in runs allowed with 436. DH Merv Rettenmund (.301, 8 HR, 59 RBI) and CF Paul Blair (.300, 9 HR, 62 RBI) lead the team at the plate. SP Jim Palmer (14-5, 2.78 ERA) and SP Pat Dobson (14-6, 2.80 ERA) lead the team on the mound. CL Eddie Watt (3-4, 3.13 ERA, 33 Saves) is tied for 2nd in the AL in saves. Dobson made headlines for the club on July 10th after pitching a 1-0 shutout against the 1916 Boston Red Sox (44-47). Dobson held the Sox to three hits, struck out six and walked two. Dobson is also currently 2nd in the AL in innings pitched with 183. The '71 Orioles had a seven game win streak and have won nine of their last ten games to end the month, sweeping the 1962 New York Yankees and 1959 Chicago White Sox in the process. The second team in this tie are the 1974 Oakland A's. The A's are 7th in the AL in runs allowed (386), 4th in starter ERA (3.08), 8th in overall ERA (3.23) and 14th in defense. There are no .300 hitters in the lineup. As a matter of fact, 1B Joe Rudi is the team's best hitter at .280, 18 HR, 74 RBI. RF Reggie Jackson is hitting .274, 25 HR, 68 RBI. The starting pitcher is a three headed dragon that will give teams fits in the playoffs if this team can get there. SP Ken Holtzman (13-8, 3.12 ERA), SP Vida Blue (11-7, 2.30 ERA) and SP Glenn Abbott (10-4, 2.65 ERA) lead the team on the mound. Blue made news for the team on July 11th after a 2-0 win over the 2001 New York Yankees (39-53). Blue held the Yankees to four hits, struck out nine and walked one. SP Catfish Hunter (8-12, 3.79 ERA) is having a rough year, but is ranked 3rd in the AL in walks per 9 with 1.03.

In fourth place are the 1979 Baltimore Orioles at 64-47, 2 GB. Baltimore is tieds for 13th in the AL in home runs with 121. There are no .300 hitters in the lineup. The story for this team is the pitching. SP Dennis Martinez (12-7, 3.01 ERA), SP Scott McGregor (12-5, 3.77 ERA) and SP Jim Palmer (13-6, 3.23 ERA) are all pitching well. CL Tim Stoddard (4-3, 1.90 ERA, 31 Saves) is slamming the door shut on the opposition. CF Al Bumbry made the press for the team on July 2nd after going 5 for 6 in a 13-0 blowout win over the 1938 New York Yankees (46-38). Bumbry (.256, 8 HR, 44 RBI) finished the game with three singles and two doubles. Also making news was Palmer, who on July 24th, pitched a 9-0 shutout against the 1911 Philadelphia Athletics (54-50). Palmer held the Athletics to two hits, struck out six and walked none.

The 1972 Oakland A's are in fifth place at 63-48, 3 GB. The A's were tied for 1st place at the end of June, but a 14-15 month dropped them, for the moment, out of the lead. Oakland is tied for 18th in the AL in home runs with 117. RF Matty Alou (.311, 3 HR, 38 RBI) leads the team in average, while 1B Mike Epstein (.289, 27 HR, 74 RBI) and CF Reggie Jackson (.288, 26 HR, 82 RBI) provide the power. SP Catfish Hunter (11-6, 3.71 ERA) is the team's best pitcher. Two players made news for the team in July. On July 27th, SP Vida Blue (12-7, 4.80 ERA) pitched a 5-0 shutout against the 1982 Milwaukee Brewers (48-59). Blue allowed only one hit, struck out seven and walked none. On July 29th, Epstein hit for the cycle in a 4 for 4 performance in a 6-5 win over the 1981 New York Yankees (57-52). Epstein finished the game with four runs batted in and two runs scored. SS Bert Campaneris (.272, 8 HR, 38 RBI) currently has a 22 game hitting streak.

In the National League, the team at the top is the 1976 Cincinnati Reds at 75-36. The '76 Reds are 1st in the NL in runs scored (627), 3rd in average (.290), 1st in OBP (.367) and 7th in slugging (.431). RF Ken Griffey, Sr. (.362, 3 HR, 60 RBI) and LF George Foster (.357, 25 HR, 103 RBI) lead the team at the dish. Griffey Sr. is currently 2nd in the NL in hits (164). Foster made headlines for the team on July 15th when he was named Player of the Week. Foster was 16 for 29 (.552) with three home runs and 10 RBI. Foster is also currently 1st in the NL in RBI. 2B Joe Morgan (.318, 16 HR, 69 RBI) is 2nd in the NL in runs scored with 101. SP Pat Zachary (9-3, 2.59 ERA) is the team's best pitcher. The Reds put together nine and seven game win streaks this month en route to a 22-7 month, building their lead by three games.

The 1975 Cincinnati Reds are in second place at 71-40, 4 GB. They currently hold the first wildcard slot for the playoffs. The '75 Reds are 3rd in the NL in runs scored (597), 6th in average (.279), 7th in OBP (.350), tied for 10th in home runs (120) and 3rd in slugging (.439). The heart of the lineup, 3-6, looks like this:

2B Joe Morgan .293, 20 HR, 75 RBI
C Johnny Bench .306, 23 HR, 82 RBI
LF George Foster .300, 23 HR, 87 RBI
1B Tony Perez .289, 21 HR, 76 RBI

Foster was named Player of the Week on July 22nd after an 11 for 20 performance, with three home runs, nine RBI and five runs scored. SP Gary Nolan (16-2, 2.58 ERA) leads the team on the mound and is tied for the most wins in the National League. On July 22nd, SP Don Gullett (11-7, 2.86 ERA) made headlines after a 12-0 beat down of the 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates (45-37). Gullett held the Pirates to three hits, struck out five and walked one in the game.

In third place are the 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates at 70-41, 5 GB. The Pirates are currently the #2 wildcard. Pittsburgh is 4th in the NL in runs scored (596), 1st in average (.308), 4th in OBP (.359), 5th in home runs (132) and 1st in slugging (.487). Only one player in the lineup is hitting under .300. RF Roberto Clemente (.390, 9 HR, 77 RBI) and LF Willie Stargell (.323, 47 HR, 100 RBI) lead an all-star lineup. Clemente is currently 2nd in the NL in average and 1st in the Majors in hits (184). Stargell is currently 1st in the Majors in home runs and 2nd in the NL in RBI. SP Luke Walker (12-1, 3.02 ERA) leads the pitchers. Making news for the team was SP Bob Moose. On July 13th, Moose (13-5, 4.40 ERA) pitched a 9-0 shutout against the 1915 Philadelphia Phillies (47-47). Moose allowed only four hits, struck out three and walked none.

[abell1198]

There are eight teams still in the hunt in the 1980's divisions, five in the American League and three in the National League. The American League is led by the 1988 Oakland A's at 66-45. The A's are holding onto a two game lead, which is one more game than at the end of June. The A's are tied for 9th in the AL in home runs (120), 9th in runs allowed (397), 10th in starter ERA (3.35), 11th in bullpen ERA (3.20), 11th in overall ERA (3.32) and 10th in defense. RF Jose Canseco (.304, 38 HR, 93 RBI) is leading the team and continues to have a monster year. SP Dave Stewart (12-8, 2.61 ERA), SP Storm Davis (12-4, 2.98 ERA), SP Steve Ontiveros (13-5, 3.51 ERA) and CL Dennis Eckersley (5-2, 1.80 ERA, 21 Saves) continue to pitch well for the club.

In second place are the 1989 Oakland A's at 64-47, 2 GB. The '89 A's are tied for 10th in the AL in runs against (401), 3rd in bullpen ERA (2.78), 14th in overall ERA (3.51) and 5th in defense. The A's have no .300 hitters. 1B Mark McGwire (.279, 23 HR, 94 RBI) leads the team in hitting. SP Dave Stewart (13-7, 2.64 ERA) and SP Mike Moore (12-6, 2.89 ERA) lead the team on the mound. Stewart made headlines on July 17th after a 3-0 win over the 1908 Detroit Tigers (47-51). Stewart allowed four hits, struck out eight and walked two in the game.

The 1984 Detroit Tigers are in third place at 59-52, 7 GB. The Tigers are 9th in the AL in defense. Detroit has no .300 hitters and is 92nd in the AL with a team average of .252. CL Willie Hernandez (6-5, 2.89 ERA, 28 Saves) is having a good year in the bullpen.

In fourth place are the 1981 New York Yankees at 58-53, 8 GB. LF Dave Winfield (.321, 18 HR, 77 RBI) leads the team at the plate. Winfield made news for the club on July 23rd after a 13-2 win against the 1964 New York Yankees (44-59). Winfield was 5 for 5 in the game, with three singles, a double, a home run and three runs batted in. SP Rick Reuschel (11-11, 2.94 ERA) is the team's best starter, while CL Rich "Goose" Gossage (2-1, 2.27 ERA, 25 Saves) is performing well from the pen.

The 1986 Boston Red Sox are in fifth place and fading fast at 57-54, 9 GB. The Red Sox were 10-19 in July after being in contention for the division. They're going to have to turn things around if they want to see the post season. Boston is tied for 19th in the AL in runs scored with 558. 3B Wade Boggs leads the team and the American League with his .372 batting average. The starting pitching is below average, but CL Calvin Schiraldi (2-4, 2.85 ERA, 28 Saves) is doing well.

In the National League, the 1986 New York Mets have the lead at 68-43. The Mets lost a game on their lead this month, but are still up by six games. The Mets are 15th in the NL in runs allowed (394), 13th in starter ERA (3.05) and 12th in overall ERA (3.27). SS Kevin Mitchell (.321, 23 HR, 81 RBI) leads the team at the dish. SP Dwight Gooden (10-6, 2.83 ERA), SP Ron Darling (10-8, 2.52 ERA) and SP Bobby Ojeda (6-6, 2.66 ERA) are the club's best pitchers.

The 1985 St. Louis Cardinals are in second place at 62-49, 6 GB. The Cardinals are 4th in the NL in stolen bases with 165. CF Willie McGee (.351, 6 HR, 57 RBI) leads the team in average and leads the majors with 16 triples. SP John Tudor (13-7, 2.44 ERA) and SP Danny Cox (12-7, 3.03 ERA) lead the Cardinals on the mound. CL Ken Dayley (3-1, 1.60 ERA, 26 Saves) has been great at closing the door on the opposition.

In third place and on the edge of not being in contention are the 1980 Philadelphia Phillies at 58-53, 10 GB. 2B Manny Trillo (.299, 2 HR, 43 RBI), 1B Pete Rose (.294, 2 HR, 37 RBI) and LF Lonnie Smith (.290, 6 HR, 41 RBI) lead the team in hitting. SP Steve Carlton (9-10, 2.53 ERA) and SP Dick Ruthven (10-7, 3.60 ERA) are the best starters, while CL Tug McGraw (4-1, 2.96 ERA, 26 Saves) is slamming the door when he has the chance.

[abell1198]

Only six teams are in the running at this point of the season, with three from each league. The 1995 Cleveland Indians are in first place in the American League 1990's Division at 68-43. Although they have an eight game lead, the Indians are lucky they lost only two games after posting a 12-17 record in July. Cleveland is 3rd in the AL in runs scored (598), 3rd in batting average (.283), tied for 5th in home runs (131) and 14th in bullpen ERA (3.42). 3B Jim Thome (.335, 18 HR, 69 RBI) and 2B Carlos Baerga (.335, 18 HR, 73 RBI) lead the lineup at the plate. SP Dennis Martinez (12-5, 2.96 ERA) is the team's best starter, while CL Jose Mesa (0-2, 2.28, 33 Saves) is having a good year out of the bullpen. Mesa is tied for 2nd in the AL in saves. Martinez made headlines on July 10th after a 5-0 shutout of the 1952 New York Yankees (51-40). Martinez held the Yanks to three hits, while striking out two and walking three. CF Kenny Lofton (.295, 2 HR, 49 RBI) is 1st in the AL with 15 triples.

In second place are the 1999 New York Yankees at 60-51, 8 GB. SS Derek Jeter (.337, 10 HR, 53 RBI) leads the team in hitting. SP David Cone (11-8, 3.27 ERA) is the team's best starter, while CL Mariano Rivera (1-2, 2.38, 25 Saves) is doing well out of the pen. Cone made news for the club on July 21st with a 5-0 win over the 1938 New York Yankees (54-47). Cone held the '38 Yankees to five hits, struck out six and walked none.

Holding on to third place are the 1997 Cleveland Indians at 59-52, 9 GB. The Indians are 6th in the AL in bullpen ERA at 3.11. RF Manny Ramirez (.302, 10 HR, 53 RBI) and 1B Jim Thome (.271, 26 HR, 74 RBI) lead the team at the plate. SP Jeff Juden (12-8, 4.69 ERA) and John Smiley (11-6, 4.32 ERA) lead the pitching staff. Smiley made news on July 20th with a 4-0 win over the 1979 Baltimore Orioles (58-42). Smiley held the birds to three hits, struck out six and walked one in the game.

In the National League, the 1999 Atlanta Braves have the lead at 70-41. The Braves are 1st in the NL in runs allowed (344), 1st in starter ERA (2.73) and 2nd in overall ERA (2.89). 1B Ryan Klesko (.306, 18 HR, 72 RBI) leads the team in hitting, but this team is all about pitching. Here's the staff:

SP John Smoltz 7-7, 3.19 ERA
SP Kevin Millwood 12-6, 2.09 ERA
SP Greg Maddux 12-6, 2.67 ERA
SP Tom Glavine 13-7, 2.93 ERA
SP Terry Mulholland 13-6, 2.78 ERA
CL John Rocker 4-1, 1.22 ERA, 32 Saves

If Smoltz picks it up, I'm not sure who would want to face this staff in the playoffs. Atlanta was 20-9 this month and padded their lead by three games.

In second place are the 1997 Florida Marlins at 65-46, 5 GB. The Marlins are 20th in the NL in bullpen ERA (3.36) and 14th in overall ERA (3.31). 3B Bobby Bonilla (.320, 12 HR, 73 RBI) leads the lineup in hitting. SP Kevin Brown (14-2, 2.49 ERA) is the team's best starter, while CL Jay Powell (7-5, 2.43 ERA, 28 Saves) is performing well from the bullpen. Making headlines for the club this month was SP Alex Fernandez (9-8, 2.92 ERA). Fernandez pitched a 5-0 shutout against the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates (54-37) on July 10th, allowing only one hit, while striking out 14 and walking one.

In third place, and fading fast after a 12-17 month, are the 1992 Atlanta Braves, who are 60-51, 10 GB. The '92 Braves are tied for 13th in the NL in home runs (110) and are 13th in bullpen ERA (3.13). They have no .300 hitters and SP Charlie Leibrandt is their best pitcher at 11-9, 2.67 ERA.

[abell1198]

Twelve teams are still fighting for the chance to make the playoffs from the 2000's Division, six in each league. First up, the American League, where there is a tie at the top of the standings at 63-48. The first team is the 2004 Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox are 11th in the AL in runs scored (574), 19th in average (.276), 11th in OBP (.357), but 100th in defense. DH Manny Ramirez (.310, 26 HR, 100 RBI) leads the team at the plate. Ramirez made headlines for the club on July 31st by going 5 for 5 in a 9-3 win over the 1944 St. Louis Browns (51-60). Ramirez hit one single, three doubles and a home run. SP Curt Schilling (15-7, 3.15 ERA) leads the team on the mound. Schilling is tied for 2nd in the AL in wins. The second team tied at the top are the 2009 New York Yankees. The Yankees are 7th in the AL in runs scored (583), 10th in average (.279), 15th in OBP (.355) and tied for 18th in home runs (117). SS Derek Jeter (.333, 13 HR, 57 RBI) and 1B Mark Teixeira (.311, 17 HR, 81 RBI) lead the team in hitting. SP C.C. Sabathia (15-5, 2.69 ERA) leads the pitchers and is also tied for 2nd in the AL in wins. New York went 20-9 in July to gain three games and tie for the lead, sweeping the 2004 Boston Red Sox, 1948 Cleveland Indians and 1946 Boston Red Sox in the process.

Three teams are tied for third in the division at 59-52, 4 GB. The first team is the 2002 Anaheim Angels. The Angels are led by CF Garrett Anderson (.326, 13 HR, 62 RBI) and SP Kevin Appier (12-9, 3.58 ERA). Making headlines for the team was SP Ramon Ortiz (10-8, 3.80 ERA). On July 14th, Ortiz threw a 7-0 shutout against the 1917 Chicago White Sox (51-44). Ortiz held the Sox to five hits, struck out two and walked four. The second team is the 2007 Boston Red Sox. The Red Sox are 16th in the AL in bullpen ERA (3.46). CL Jonathan Papelbon (6-3, 1.90, 26 Saves) leads the way for the pitching staff. 2B Dustin Pedroia (.317, 5 HR, 48 RBI), DH David Ortiz (.290, 19 HR, 77 RBI) and LF Manny Ramirez (.299, 11 HR, 53 RBI) are tops in hitting in the lineup. The third team is the 2003 New York Yankees. The Yankees are tied for 9th in the AL in home runs with 126, but are 102nd in defense. The team has no .300 hitters and is led by SS Derek Jeter (.296, 7 HR, 37 RBI). SP Mike Mussina (13-9, 2.76 ERA) leads the pitchers. One player made headlines for the club in July. On July 2nd, 1B Nick Johnson (.282, 16 HR, 61 RBI) went 3 for 3 with three home runs and four RBI in an 8-2 win over the 1964 New York Yankees (35-49). On July 8th, Johnson was named Player of the Week after finishing 11 for 20 (.550) with 4 HR, 8 RBI and eight runs scored. The Yankees were a .500 club at the end of June, but went 18-11 this month to catapult themselves back into the race. Of course, they started July winning 9 of 10, so they made have ridden that wave and are coming back to being an average team.

In sixth place are the 2008 Tampa Bay Rays at 56-55, 7 GB. The Rays are 101st in the AL in runs scored (409), 107th in average (.233), 103rd in OBP (.305), 14th in runs against (407), 1st in bullpen ERA (2.55) and 12th in overall ERA (3.48). Needless to say, there are no .300 hitters. LF Carl Crawford actually LEADS the team with a .254 average!!! CL Grant Balfour (4-1, 1.11 ERA, 27 Saves) is the team's salvation out of the bullpen. Due to the lack of run support, all of the starting pitchers have losing records. SP James Shields (6-10, 2.99 ERA) is the team's best starter. The Rays are currently on a four game losing skid, prompted by being swept by the 1916 Boston Red Sox.

In the National League, the 2000's Division is led by the 2003 Florida Marlins at 65-46. The Marlins are 6th in the NL in runs allowed (365), 2nd in bullpen ERA (2.37) and 6th in overall ERA (3.02). CF Juan Pierre (.309, 0 HR, 34 RBI) leads the team in average, while 3B Mike Lowell (.261, 26 HR, 81 RBI) and 1B Derrek Lee (.257, 21 HR, 75 RBI) provide the power. SP Brad Penny (14-1, 3.01 ERA) is the best pitcher on the staff. Penny made headlines on July 3rd after pitching a 9-0 win over the 1958 Milwaukee Braves (38-47). Penny allowed only five hits, while striking out four and walking none. Also making news for the team was SP Mark Redman (9-8, 2.96 ERA). On July 8th, Redman threw a 5-0 shutout against the 1910 Chicago Cubs (54-35), holding them to two hits, striking out three and walking two.

Two teams are tied for second place in the division at 59-52, 6 GB. The first team is the 2000 New York Mets. The Mets are led by 2B Edgardo Alfonzo (.303, 9 HR, 47 RBI) in average and C Mike Piazza (.288, 23 HR, 62 RBI) in power. SP Al Leiter (12-5, 2.48 ERA) leads the team on the mound. Leiter made the news on July 23rd after an 11-0 win over the 1908 Chicago Cubs (51-52). Leiter held the Cubs to five hits, struck out seven and walked two. The Mets started the month rough, losing their first five, but have rallied to win eight of their last ten to end the month. Tied with the Mets are the 2002 San Francisco Giants. The Giants are 16th in the NL in bullpen ERA (3.18). LF Barry Bonds (.328, 33 HR, 79 RBI) leads the team in hitting. Bonds is 2nd in the NL in OBP (.467) and 3rd in Slg. (.681). SP Jason Schmidt (13-9, 3.78 ERA), SP Livan Hernandez (10-6, 3.28 ERA) and CL Robb Nen (1-2, 1.29 ERA, 33 Saves) are the top pitchers for the club. Nen is tied for 3rd in the NL in saves. Schmidt made the press for the team on July 31st after a 6-0 win over the 1943 St. Louis Cardinals (52-59). Schmidt held the Cards to five hits, struck out nine and walked three in the game.

Two teams are tied for fourth place in the division at 57-54, 8 GB. The first team is the 2007 Colorado Rockies. The Rockies are 6th in the NL in runs scored (580), 2nd in average (.291), 5th in OBP (.355), tied for 13th in HR (110), 98th in runs against (532, 106th in starting pitcher ERA (4.85), 99th in overall ERA (4.51) and 90th in defense. This lineup is a monster, but then again, it is Coors Field.

1B Todd Helton .355, 14 HR, 75 RBI
RF Brad Hawpe .347, 21 HR, 83 RBI
LF Matt Holliday .312, 22 HR, 58 RBI
SS Troy Tulowitzki, .297, 18 HR, 71 RBI
CF Willy Taveras .326, 2 HR, 42 RBI, 46 Stolen Bases (tied for 2nd in NL)

SP Jeff Francis (8-9, 3.44 ERA) is the team's best pitcher. Holliday made headlines on July 12th after an 11-7 loss (10 innings) to the 1928 St. Louis Cardinals (50-43). Holliday went 5 for 6 in the game, all singles. The next day, July 13th, it was Helton's turn to make headlines, as he went 5 for 6 in a 16-6 win over the 1936 New York Giants (36-58). Helton hit three singles and two doubles in the win. The second team in the tie are the 2004 St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals are 16th in the NL in home runs with 109. 1B Albert Pujols (.306, 28 HR, 75 RBI) leads the team at the plate, while SP Chris Carpenter (11-6, 3.04 ERA) leads the team on the mound. Making news for the club was CF Jim Edmonds. On July 29th, Edmonds (.226, 18 HR, 62 RBI) was named Player of the Week after hitting 14 for 26 (.538) with 4 HR and 9 RBI.

In sixth place are the 2005 Houston Astros at 56-55, 9 GB. The Astros have no .300 hitters, as most of the lineup is hitting below average. But pitching is what gets this team through. If this team got to the playoffs, this threesome of starters and the closer would make it rough for opponents.

SP Roger Clemens 10-8, 2.60 ERA
SP Andy Pettitte 11-7, 2.25 ERA
SP Roy Oswalt 12-9, 2.78 ERA
CL Brad Lidge 0-2, 1.87 ERA, 30 Saves

Making news for the team was CF Willy Taveras (.261, 4 HR, 32 RBI). Taveras went 5 for 5, all singles, on July 3rd in a 13-2 win over the 1933 New York Giants (35-50).

[abell1198]

Only four teams to talk about, two in each league. It's painfully apparent only the division winner will make the playoffs and push a more deserving team elsewhere in the league out of the playoffs. The American League 2010 Division leaders are the 2011 Texas Rangers at 55-56. The Rangers are 14th in the AL in average (.277) and 17th in home runs (118). But they're 101st in the AL in starter ERA (5.23), 95th on overall ERA (4.98) and 106th in defense. 1B Mike Young (.325, 7 HR, 53 RBI) and C Mike Napoli (.323, 29 HR, 78 RBI) lead the team in hitting. The pitching isn't even worth talking about. Napoli made headlines for the team on July 24th after he went 5 for 7 in a 5-4 win (16 innings) over the 1986 Boston Red Sox (54-50). Napoli hit four singles and a home run, including the game winning walk off single.

The 2012 Detroit Tigers are in second place at 51-60, 4 GB. The Tigers are 97th in the AL in runs scored (427), 98th in average (.248), 94th in OBP (.317) and 99th in defense. DH Miguel Cabrera (.317, 24 HR, 75 RBI) leads the lineup in hitting, while SP Drew Smyly (8-6, 3.78 ERA) is the team's best pitcher.

In the National League, the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals are in first place at 56-55. The Cardinals went 12-17 in July, which cut their lead in half to four games. RF Lance Berkman (.309, 22 HR, 71 RBI) leads the team at the plate, while SP Chris Carpenter (12-6, 3.64 ERA) leads the pitching staff on the mound. The Cardinals had losing streaks of six and seven games this month, losing 13 of 14 at one point.

The 2012 San Francisco Giants are in second place at 52-59, 4 GB. LF Melky Cabrera (.318, 4 HR, 42 RBI) leads the team in hitting, while SP Barry Zito (10-7, 3.27 ERA) leads the pitchers. Starting pitcher Ryan Vogelsong (6-10, 3.76 ERA) made headlines for the club on July 7th after a 5-0 shutout win over the 1982 St. Louis Cardinals (42-46). Vogelsong allowed six hits, struck out three and walked none in the game. Zito also made headlines on July 30th with a 7-0 win over the 1918 Chicago Cubs (48-62). Zito held the Cubs to four hits, struck out four and walked two.

[abell1198]

It's been a while since I've posted due to my newborn twins taking up most of my free time. Any other free time has been put into my new website, an endeavor which takes up much more time than I ever imagined. Regardless, the show must go on.

It's down to the homestretch for this season, as the teams entered the month of August. Only four teams, two from each league, to talk about from the 1900's Division. In the American League, the new division leaders are the 1909 Detroit Tigers at 70-69. The Tigers are 1st in the AL in runs scored (761) and stolen bases (275). Detroit is also 6th in the AL in batting average (.283). Unfortunately for the '09 Tigers, their pitching is terrible. They're ranked 96th in the AL in runs allowed (751), 103rd in starter ERA (5.24) and 97th in overall ERA (5.08). The Tigers put together a great month, posting a 19-9 record for August after entering the month nine games under .500. RF Ty Cobb (.371, 28 HR, 113 RBI) and CF Sam Crawford (.315, 22 HR, 126 RBI) lead the team in hitting. Cobb is 1st in the Majors in runs scored (137), 1st in the Majors in stolen bases (85), 1st in the AL in Hits (207) and 2nd in the AL in average. Crawford is 1st in the AL in RBI. Making headlines for the club were three people. On August 2nd, LF Matty McIntyre (.258, 3 HR, 63 RBI) went 5 for 5 in a 19-4 win over the 1922 New York Yankees (52-60). McIntyre finished the game with three singles, two doubles and two RBI. On August 22nd, SP George Mullin (11-14, 4.31 ERA) pitched a 5-0 shutout against the 1955 New York Yankees (65-66). Mullin allowed four hits, struck out seven and walked three. And finally, on August 31st, SP Ed Killian (11-7, 4.93 ERA) threw a 6-0 win over the 1992 Toronto Blue Jays (63-76). Killan held the Jays to four hits, while striking out one and walking one.

In second place in the division are the former leaders, the 1908 Detroit Tigers at 66-73, 4 GB. The '08 Tigers are 12th in the AL in average (.279) and 7th in the AL in stolen bases (184). Their lineup, 2-5, is something to worry about, so this team is still dangerous, despite their record.

LF Matty McIntyre .325, 0 HR, 45 RBI
RF Ty Cobb .313, 10 HR, 77 RBI
CF Sam Crawford .320, 13 HR, 93 RBI
1B Claude Rossman .308, 9 HR, 90 RBI

SP Bill Donovan (10-8, 3.45 ERA) leads the staff, but another pitcher made headlines this month. On August 6th, SP George Winter (13-11, 4.78 ERA) pitched a 3-0 shutout win over the 1916 Boston Red Sox (59-57). Winter allowed only three hits, struck out five and walked two.

On an interesting side note, the 1908 club will travel to the 1909 Tigers for the final three games of the season!!!

In the National League, we have the current #1 ranked team in the power polls, the 1906 Chicago Cubs at 93-46. The Cubs magic number is down to 13. Chicago is currently 11th in the NL in runs scored (664), 15th in average (.275), 15th in OBP (.343), 3rd in stolen bases (214), 14th in runs allowed (486), 8th in starter ERA (2.91), 99th in bullpen ERA (5.14), 19th in overall ERA (3.36) and 2nd in defense. The Cubs went 21-7 in August, winning 11 in a row in the middle of the month. Their lineup 2-5 is definitely one to be feared.

C Johnny Kling .330, 10 HR, 65 RBI
1B Frank Chance .330, 9 HR, 63 RBI (3rd in NL in OBP .456)
RF Frank Schulte .282, 25 HR, 109 RBI
3B Harry Steinfeldt .369, 16 HR, 111 RBI

Steinfeldt made headlines for the team on August 8th, when he went 5 for 5 in a 10-8 win over the 1966 Los Angeles Dodgers (70-48). Steinfeldt hit three singles and two doubles in the victory. Here is a look at the Cubs' pitching staff.

SP Mordecai Brown 13-7, 2.80 ERA
SP Fred Beebe 16-7, 2.60 ERA (2nd in NL in Opp Avg .169)
SP Jack Pfiester 15-4, 2.82 ERA
SP Orval Overall 16-8, 2.95 ERA
SP Bob Wicker 16-5, 3.37 ERA
CL Ed Reulbach 1-11, 4.54 ERA, 46 Saves (1st in Majors)

Overall made the news on August 31st with a 5-0 shutout of the 1999 Atlanta Braves (86-53). Overall held Atlanta to two hits, struck out six and walked three in the game.

In second place are the 1909 Pittsburgh Pirates at 82-57, 11 GB. Being over ten games back, I normally wouldn't mention them, but the Pirates are in the middle of the playoff hunt, sitting three games back of the wild card race and the first team on the outside of the playoffs looking in. Pittsburgh is currently 12th in the NL in runs scored (661), 13th in average (.275), 14th in OBP (.343), 6th in stolen bases (186) and 19th in defense. SS Honus Wagner (.337, 15 HR, 83 RBI) and CF Tommy Leach (.285, 19 HR, 94 RBI) lead the team at the plate, while SP Nick Maddox (14-5, 3.01 ERA) is the team's best pitcher.

[YasielPuig]

Could Babe Ruth theoretically strike out Babe Ruth?

[abell1198]

Originally Posted by YasielPuig

Could Babe Ruth theoretically strike out Babe Ruth?

Yes. As a matter of fact, I looked up his stats against himself for this dynasty. The Babe faced himself in four games. In those games, he went 2-2 as a pitcher. Not bad. But as a hitter, he hit .400 (4 for 10) against himself, but all four hits were singles. He struck out four times, walked five times and was intentionally walked once.

[abell1198]

The 1910's Division has only a few teams worthy of discussion at this point. The American League 1910's Division is still led by the 1912 Boston Red Sox, who have compiled a record of 89-50. The Red Sox's magic number is at 20. Boston is currently 10th in the AL in stolen bases (155), 2nd in runs allowed (444), 2nd in starter ERA (2.83), 3rd in overall ERA (3.04) and 11th in defense. CF Tris Speaker (.365, 22 HR, 83 RBI) is the team's leading hitter, but this team's real strength is their pitching. Check out the rotation:

SP Smoky Joe Wood 17-7, 2.36 ERA
SP Eddie Cicotte 16-8, 2.92 ERA
SP Buck O'Brien 13-8, 2.85 ERA
SP Ray Collins 17-6, 2.82 ERA
SP Hugh Bedient 13-9, 3.19 ERA
CL Charley Hall 3-6, 2.25 ERA, 42 Saves (Leads the AL in Saves)

Making news for the club were two pitchers, Wood and Cicotte. On August 8th, Cicotte pitched a 4-0 shutout against the 1982 Milwaukee Brewers (54-68). Cicotte allowed five hits, struck out seven and walked one in the game. On August 16th, Wood threw a 5-0 win over the 1981 New York Yankees (63-62). Wood held the Yankees to three hits, struck out nine and walked four in the contest. And on August 23rd, Cicotte again threw a shutout, this time a 9-0 winner over the 1928 New York Yankees (64-68). Cicotte allowed only four hits, while striking out 11 and walking none.

In second place in the division and holding down the first wildcard slot are the 1913 Philadelphia Athletics at 85-54, 4 GB. The A's are 12th in the AL in runs scored (719), 13th in average (.278), 4th in OBP (.363), 2nd in stolen bases (271), 16th in runs allowed (539), 14th in starter ERA (3.49) and 5th in defense. 2B Eddie Collins (.331, 7 HR, 86 RBI) and 3B Home Run Baker (.310, 17 HR, 89 RBI) lead the team in hitting, while SP Eddie Plank (15-9, 2.23 ERA) and SP Bullet Joe Bush (16-6, 2.45 ERA) lead the team on the mound.

In the National League, the leader of the division is the 1910 Chicago Cubs at 92-47. The Cubs currently hold a 12 game lead in the division, while their magic number is also 12. The Cubs are 9th in the NL in runs scored (694), 7th in average (.280), 8th in OBP (.350) and are tied for 10th in stolen bases (157). The offense is led by four players; CF Solly Hofman (.309, 5 HR, 75 RBI), 1B Frank Chance (.308, 0 HR, 63 RBI), LF Jimmy Sheckard (.303, 14 HR, 84 RBI) and RF Frank Schulte (.289, 18 HR, 92 RBI). SP Ed Reulbach (18-7, 2.54 ERA) leads the pitching staff. Two players made headlines for the team in August. On August 4th, 2B Johnny Evers (.271, 0 HR, 59 RBI) went 5 for 5 in a 10-7 loss to the 1909 Pittsburgh Pirates (68-46). Evers hit three singles and two triples with two runs batted in. Schulte also made news on August 18th when he went 5 for 6 in a 14-8 win over the 2007 Colorado Rockies (64-63). Schulte hit three singles, a double and a grand slam, finishing the game with six runs batted in.

Two teams are in second place at 80-59, the 1912 and 1913 New York Giants. Both teams faltered this month and are on the outside of the wildcard looking in, two games back of the last wildcard spot.

[abell1198]

The 1920's Division in the American League is all but over. The 1927 New York Yankees lead the division at 93-46, 14 games over the next team, and are a lock for the playoffs. Their magic number is currently at 10. The Yankees are tied for 16th in the AL in runs scored (698), 13th in OBP (.358), 6th in runs allowed (476), 5th in starter ERA (3.11), 15th in bullpen ERA (3.47), 6th in overall ERA (3.18) and 6th in defense. 1B Lou Gehrig (.340, 34 HR, 111 RBI) and RF Babe Ruth (.291, 39 HR, 113 RBI), as expected, are powering the lineup. SP Waite Hoyt (16-5, 2.73) is the team's top pitcher. Making news for the club this month, however, was SP Herb Pennock (15-7, 2.99), who threw back-to-back-to-back shutouts. On August 6th, Pennock pitched a 5-0 gem over the 2007 Boston Red Sox (60-56), holding them to three hits, while striking out five and walking three. On August 11th, Pennock downed the 1960 New York Yankees (66-55) 4-0, again pitching a three hitter while striking out two and walking none. And on August 16th, Pennock defeated the 1936 New York Yankees (73-52) 10-0, allowing only five hits while striking out 11 and walking three. For the month, the '27 Yankees were 17-11.

In the National League, it is basically a two team race. In the lead are the 1929 Chicago Cubs at 76-63. The Cubs' magic number is at 22. Chicago is 20th in the NL in runs scored (619), 14th in average (.275), 10th in OBP (.348), but 100th in bullpen ERA (5.16). 2B Rogers Hornsby (.333, 29 HR, 94 RBI) is the team's best hitter, while SP Pat Malone has been the ace of the staff. Malone (15-5, 2.01) leads the NL in hits per 9 (5.10) and opponent average (.165) and is 2nd in the NL in strikeouts with 282.

Dropping a game farther back, but still only 2 GB, are the 1928 St. Louis Cardinals at 74-65. The Cardinals are 18th in the NL in runs scored (630) and 17th in OBP (.340). LF Chick Hafey (.318, 33 HR, 91 RBI) leads the team at the plate. Starting pitchers Syl Johnson (9-8, 2.33), Pete Alexander (16-7, 3.50) and Jesse Haines (15-9, 3.12) are all pitching well for the team. Haines made headlines for the team on August 12th after throwing a 5-0 shutout against the 1911 New York Giants (54-68). Haines held the Giants to four hits, struck out five and walked one. On August 24th, Alexander grabbed the headlines after a 10-0 win over the 1926 St. Louis Cardinals (57-76). Alexander allowed five hits, struck out six and walked none.

[abell1198]

There are five teams between the two leagues from the 1930's who still have a shot at the playoffs. In the American League, the 1930's Division is still led by the 1939 New York Yankees at 90-49. The '39 Yankees were 19-9 in August, with a seven game win streak early in the month and a current five game win streak. New York put six more games between themselves and second place and their magic number is 17. The Yankees are 4th in the AL in runs scored (753), 2nd in OBP (.365), 5th in runs allowed (473), 7th in starter ERA (3.14), 10th in bullpen ERA (3.27), 5th in overall ERA (3.17) and 1st in defense. CF Joe DiMaggio (.348, 22 HR, 107 RBI) is the team's best hitter, while SP Lefty Gomez (15-9, 1.88) and SP Atley Arnold (18-4, 2.72) lead the team on the mound. Gomez made headlines for the team twice in August. The first was on August 7th, as Gomez held the 1951 New York Yankees (59-58) to only one hit in a 1-0 win. Gomez struck out 12 and walked none. On August 30, Gomez again made the news after a 7-0 win over the 1935 Detroit Tigers (57-81). Gomez held the Tigers to four hits, while striking out 10 and walking two.

In second place are the 1932 New York Yankees at 83-56, 7 GB. The '32 Yankees currently hold the second wildcard spot. New York is 10th in the AL in OBP (.360), 10th in runs allowed (501), 8th in starter ERA (3.25) and 9th in overall ERA (3.33). 1B Lou Gehrig (.323, 22 HR, 90 RBI) and RF Babe Ruth (.311, 31 HR, 93 RBI) lead the team in hitting. SP Red Ruffing (14-8, 2.37), SP Johnny Allen (14-9, 2.85) and SP Lefty Gomez (16-8, 3.14) are all pitching well for the club. New York is currenly on a five game win streak.

The 1936 New York Yankees are in third place in the division at 82-57, 8 GB. 1B Lou Gehrig (.311, 22 HR, 95 RBI) leads the team at the dish, while SP Lefty Gomez (14-7, 2.75) is the team's ace. Making headlines for the club was 2B Tony Lazzeri (.230, 6 HR, 50 RBI), who on August 4th, went 5 for 5 against the 1946 Boston Red Sox (56-58) in a 16-7 victory. Lazzeri had five singles in the contest.

The National League 1930's Division is still led by the 1935 Chicago Cubs at 78-61. 2B Billy Herman (.331, 3 HR, 53 RBI) leads the team in average, while RF Chuck Klein (.252, 19 HR, 75 RBI) leads the lineup in power numbers. SP Larry French (16-7, 3.25) is the team's best pitcher. Making headlines for the team was SP Tex Carleton (11-12, 3.53). On August 16th, Carleton pitched a 10-0 win over the 1957 Milwaukee Braves (55-70), allowing only four hits, striking out 12 and walking one.

In second place are the 1934 St. Louis Cardinals at 74-65, 4 GB. The Cardinals posted a 17-11 record in August, but made no gains on the Cubs in the standings. St. Louis won 8 of 9 games to start the month, but faltered the rest of the way. The 3-4-5 part of the lineup is performing well for the team, featuring 1B Ripper Collins (.303, 23 HR, 91 RBI), C Bill DeLancey (.308, 13 HR, 62 RBI) and LF Joe Medwick (.337, 15 HR, 91 RBI). SP Paul Dean (14-8, 2.52) leads the team on the mound.

[abell1198]

In the American League, only two teams remain in competition for the division title. Leading the 1940's Division in the AL are the 1941 New York Yankees, who are 86-53. The '41 Yankees' magic number is currently 20. New York is 4th in the AL in runs against (470), 4th in SP ERA (3.10), 3rd in bullpen ERA (2.77), 2nd in overall ERA (3.03) and 3rd in defense. CF Joe DiMaggio (.336, 16 HR, 106 RBI) is the team's best hitter, while DH Tommy Henrich (.276, 30 HR, 94 RBI) boosts the lineup with his power. SP Marius Russo (21-2, 1.93) is the team's top pitcher and he leads the Majors in Wins. Making headlines for the team were three pitchers. On August 4th, SP Marv Breuer (11-10, 3.50) pitched a 6-0 win over the 2008 Tampa Bay Rays (56-58). Breuer allowed four hits, struck out 11 and walked one. On August 19th, SP Red Ruffing (13-11, 4.12) threw a 4-0 shutout win over the 1929 Philadelphia Athletics (66-64). Ruffing held the A's to three hits, while striking out three and walking one. On his next start on August 24th, Ruffing pitched an 8-0 win over the 1938 New York Yankees (71-62). Ruffing allowed four hits, struck out seven and walked five in the game. Finally, on August 28th, Russo threw a 4-0 win over the 1996 New York Yankees (66-70), allowing six hits, striking out 10 and walking two.

In second place, and 4 GB, are the 1943 New York Yankees at 82-57. The '43 Yankees are currently the #4 Wild Card, two games ahead of the nearest challenger. New York is 1st in the AL in runs against (415), 1st in SP ERA (2.62), 9th in bullpen ERA (3.22) and 1st in overall ERA (2.71). Here's a look at the rotation:

SP Spud Chandler 15-7, 1.34 1st in Majors in ERA, Shutouts (6)
SP Butch Wensloff 15-8, 2.64
SP Hank Borowy 16-9, 3.69
SP Tiny Bonham 14-8, 3.01
SP Bull Zuber 14-11, 2.52

CF Roy Weatherly (.302, 2 HR, 71 RBI) leads the team in average, while LF Charlie Keller (.279, 23 HR, 70 RBI) provides the power numbers. Making news for the team this month were two pitchers. On August 2nd, Chandler pitched a 1-0 win over the 1976 New York Yankees (46-66), allowing four hits, striking out seven and walking two. On August 30th, Bonham threw a 10-0 win over the 1919 Chicago White Sox (73-65). Bonham held the Black Sox to six hits, struck out two and walked two.

In the National League, the 1944 St. Louis Cardinals have all but secured the division title. At 93-46, they currently hold a 13 game lead. St. Louis' magic number is 11. The Cardinals are tied for 1st in the NL in runs against (429), are 1st in SP ERA (2.73), 12th in bullpen ERA (3.12), 1st in overall ERA (2.81) and 12th in defense. While CF Johnny Hopp (.345, 16 HR, 60 RBI) leads the team at the plate, the real success for this team has to do with their pitching staff.

SP Max Lanier 16-5, 1.72 1st in the NL in Shutouts (5)
SP Mort Cooper 12-9, 2.66
SP Harry Brecheen 14-6, 2.34
SP Ted Wilks 13-7, 3.88
SP Harry Gumbert 13-7, 3.22

Three players made headlines for the club this month. On August 11th, Lanier pitched a 4-0 shutout against the 1987 St. Louis Cardinals (51-70). Lanier allowed four hits, struck out 10 and walked one. On August 16th, Gumbert pitched a 4-0 win over the 1985 St. Louis Cardinals (70-55). Gumbert allowed three hits, struck out four and walked one. On August 22nd, Lanier threw an 11-0 win over the 2005 Houston Astros (68-63). Lanier held the 'Stros to three hits, struck out eight and walked three. On August 25th, RF Augie Bergamo (.232, 2 HR, 12 RBI) went 5 for 5 in a 7-5 loss to the 1976 Cincinnati Reds (90-44). Bergamo hit four singles and a triple. The following day, August 26th, against the same Reds team (90-45), Gumbert pitched a 5-0 shutout, allowing only three hits, striking out five and walking two.

[abell1198]

As the season is winding down, the American League 1950's Division is a four team race. The National League 1950's Division is down to two. Let's look at the AL first.

Two teams are tied for first place at the end of August with a record of 79-60. The first team is the 1952 New York Yankees. The '52 Yankees had a two game lead at the end of July, but a poor performance cost them sole possession of 1st place. The '52 squad is 10th in the AL in defense and is led by DH Gene Woodling at the plate. Woodling is hitting .301 for the club, with 17 HR and 87 RBI. The real strength of the team is their pitching, with SP Allie Reynolds (12-7, 2.58), SP Vic Raschi (18-6, 3.48) and SP Eddie Lopat (17-7, 3.38) all throwing well. Lopat made headlines for the club on August 3rd with a 1-0 win over the 1928 New York Yankees (52-61), where he allowed only one hit, while striking out 10 and walking none. The second team in the tie for 1st are the 1953 New York Yankees. The '53 club is 18th in the AL in runs scored (695), 20th in OBP (.352), 15th in runs allowed (534), 15th in overall ERA (3.60), 12th in bullpen ERA (3.40) and 9th in defense. C Yogi Berra (.289, 22 HR, 84 RBI) leads the team at the dish. SP Vic Raschi (17-5, 2.46) and SP Johnny Sain (12-7, 2.80) lead the team on the mound.

In third place, and one game back at 78-61, are the 1958 New York Yankees. CF Mickey Mantle (.301, 35 HR, 83 RBI) leads the team in hitting and SP Bobby Shantz (11-7, 2.91) leads the club in pitching.

The fourth place team are the 1954 Cleveland Indians, who are 77-62 and two games back. The Indians are 108th in the AL (dead last) in stolen bases with 7!!! Really, how do you only steal 7 bases in 139 games? Regardless, Cleveland is 14th in runs allowed (528), 9th in starter ERA (3.27) and 12th in overall ERA (3.50). 1B Al Rosen (.303, 25 HR, 88 RBI) leads the team at the plate and SP Early Wynn (15-8, 2.73) is the best pitcher on the mound for the Tribe.

In the National League, the division is led by the 1953 Brooklyn Dodgers at 79-60. The Dodgers are 1st in the NL in runs scored (785), 3rd in average (.289), 1st in OBP (.366) and 1st in home runs (178). However, their starters are also 98th in ERA (4.33) and their defense is ranked 99th! RF Carl Furillo (.363, 25 HR, 96 RBI) leads a lineup with three other .300+ hitters. I would be four, but C Roy Campanella is sitting at .299. SP Carl Erskine (15-4, 2.45) is the lone bright spot for the pitching staff. Erskine made news on August 22nd, after a 7-2 win over the 1984 San Diego Padres (53-78). Erskine allowed six hits, struck out 17 and walked three in the game.

In second place, and four games back at 75-64, are the 1954 New York Giants. The Giants are 4th in the NL in home runs with 171. CF Willie Mays (.342, 44 HR, 103 RBI) leads the team in hitting, while SP Johnny Antonelli (13-7, 2.84) is the team's best pitcher. On August 9th, RF Don Mueller (.338, 4 HR, 46 RBI) made headlines for the club after a 5 for 6 performance against the 1928 St. Louis Cardinals (64-55). Mueller hit five singles in the Giants' 9-8 win (in 10 innings). On August 16th, Antonelli made the news after pitching a 5-0 victory over the 1927 Pittsburgh Pirates (57-68). Antonelli held the Pirates to six hits, struck out seven and walked two.

[abell1198]

The American League 1960's Division has all but been officially decided, as the 1969 Baltimore Orioles have a 13 game lead in the division. At 92-47, the Orioles are second only to the 1927 New York Yankees by one game. Baltimore's magic number is 11. The Orioles are 6th in the AL in runs scored (737), 1st in average (.291), 7th in OBP (.362), tied for 5th in home runs (167), 11th in runs against (504), 10th in starter ERA (3.38) and 11th in overall ERA (3.45). 1B Boog Powell (.335, 40 HR, 120 RBI) and RF Frank Robinson (.313, 36 HR, 102 RBI) lead the way at the plate. Baltimore's pitching staff is a three headed monster, with SP Mike Cuellar (11-9, 2.84), SP Jim Palmer (16-7, 2.65) and SP Dave McNally (20-3, 3.00) all pitching well. The Orioles were in the news multiple times in August. On August 5th, SP Jim Hardin (16-7, 4.10) pitched a 6-0 shutout over the 1922 New York Yankees (53-62). Hardin allowed only two hits, struck out six and walked five in the game. The following day, August 6th, was an offensive display in hitting, as the Orioles destroyed the 1922 New York Yankees (53-63) by a score of 24-3. Powell went 6 for 7 in the game, all singles, with two RBI. C Elrod Hendricks (.265, 18 HR, 58 RBI) went 5 for 6, with three singles, a double and a home run, resulting in four RBI. Two days later, on August 8th, Powell is at it again, going 5 for 6 in a 21-3 bombing of the 2000 New York Yankees (44-74). Powell hit four singles and a three run home run, with five RBI. On August 19th, CF Paul Blair made headlines when he was named Player of the Week. Blair (.288, 18 HR, 59 RBI) finished the week 16 for 27 (.593) with four home runs and six RBI. The next week, on August 26th, Powell is named Player of the Week after going 14 for 26 (.538) with five home runs and 15 RBI. And if that wasn't enough, at the end of the month, McNally was named Pitcher of the Month after posting a 6-0 record and a 1.71 ERA. McNally pitched 47.1 innings and struck out 39 hitters.

It's a two team race in the National League. The 1966 Los Angeles Dodgers and the 1969 New York Mets are tied at the top at 85-54, with the Mets blowing a five game lead after having their second mediocre month.

The Dodgers are tied for 4th in the NL in runs against (450), 5th in starter ERA (2.85), 11th in bullpen ERA (3.08) and 5th in overall ERA (2.91). 2B Jim Lefebvre (.319, 16 HR, 83 RBI) and LF Lou Johnson (.305, 15 HR, 84 RBI) lead the way for Los Angeles in hitting. But their pitching is where it's at, as four of the five starters are pitching well.

SP Sandy Koufax 12-7 2.17
SP Don Sutton 11-7, 3.60
SP Claude Osteen 14-5, 2.07
SP Don Drysdale 15-6, 2.64
CL Phil Regan 7-7, 2.28, 41 Saves (tied for 3rd in the NL)

On August 2nd, Lefebvre made headlines when his 23 game hitting streak came to an end during a 14-8 win over the 1929 Chicago Cubs. RF Ron Fairly (.299, 13 HR, 55 RBI) made news on August 22nd after a 5 for 5 day at the plate in a 15-8 win over the 1918 Chicago Cubs (56-75). Fairly had five singles and three RBI.

As for the Mets, they need to find a way to pull it together, as they could find themselves out of the playoffs with another sub par performance in September. New York is tied for 4th in the NL in runs against (450), 6th in starter ERA (2.86), 6th in bullpen ERA (3.03), 3rd in overall ERA (2.90) and 9th in defense. LF Cleon Jones (.328, 9 HR, 59 RBI) is the team's best hitter, but RF Art Shamsky (.299, 28 HR, 91 RBI) is the team's best power hitter. Another three headed monster for the starting rotation.

SP Jerry Koosman 15-7, 2.30
SP Tom Seaver 13-8, 2.32
SP Nolan Ryan 14-6, 3.06
CL Tug McGraw 5-4, 1.82, 41 Saves (tied for 3rd in the NL)

The only thing that worries me for the Mets, if they make the playoffs, is Nolan Ryan is listed as the 5th starter. It's debatable whether or not one of their best pitchers will pitch in the postseason, as OOTP tends to gravitate toward pitcher stamina when determining the starting rotation. Of course, if the Mets continue their poor 2nd half play, Ryan, along with the rest of the staff, won't be pitching in the playoffs anyway.

[abell1198]

Well, the American League 1970's Division has changed dramatically in the last month and is nearly out of reach. The 1970 Baltimore Orioles are sitting at the top at 87-52 after going 21-7 in August. The Orioles, who only had a one game lead at the beginning of August, have built their lead to an eight game lead with 23 games left to go. The Orioles will face the second place team, the 1974 Oakland Athletics in Oakland for three games September 3-5, so the A's could potentially close the gap. The Orioles magic number is 16.

The Orioles are 9th in the AL in runs scored (723), 15th in average (.277), 15th in OBP (.355), 7th in home runs (165), tied for 19th in runs against (550), 15th in starter ERA (3.56) and 17th in overall ERA (3.66). The 3-4-5 batters in the lineup are as formidable as any:

LF Merv Rettenmund .321, 26 HR, 85 RBI
1B Boog Powell .301, 33 HR, 116 RBI
RF Frank Robinson .298, 25 HR, 93 RBI

The pitching staff will be a tough one to face in the postseason:

SP Jim Palmer 13-12, 3.08
SP Mike Cuellar 15-9, 4.18
SP Dave McNally 17-6, 3.57
SP Jim Hardin 14-7, 3.24
CL Pete Richert 8-2, 1.35, 25 Saves

Making news for the club this month was the #5 pitcher, SP Tom Phoebus (8-10, 3.68), who pitched a 6-0 shutout against the 1982 Milwaukee Brewers (51-65). Phoebus allowed six hits, struck out five and walked none.

In the National League, the 1970's Division is arguably the best in the league, with three teams slated to make the playoffs right now. Leading the division are the 1976 Cincinnati Reds at 92-47. The Reds magic number is at 20. The '76 club is 2nd in the NL in runs scored (758), 4th in average (.288) and 2nd in OBP (.363). RF Ken Griffey Sr. (.361, 6 HR, 74 RBI) leads the team in average, but LF George Foster (.348, 31 HR, 136 RBI) is the monster at the plate. Foster leads the Majors in RBI. Three pitchers are throwing well for the Reds:

SP Pat Zachry 12-5, 2.48
SP Fred Norman 14-8, 3.32
SP Don Gullett 14-6, 3.93

Making headlines for the team was none other then 3B Pete Rose (.314, 7 HR, 51 RBI). On August 21st, Rose had his 20 game hit streak ended in a 6-3 loss to the 1987 St. Louis Cardinals (54-76).

In second place are the 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates at 88-51, 4 GB. The Pirates currently hold the first wild card spot in the National League. Pittsburgh is 4th in the NL in runs scored (741), 1st in the Majors in average (.308), 4th in the NL in OBP (.360) and are tied for 5th in the NL in home runs (159). RF Roberto Clemente (.396, 11 HR, 98 RBI) leads the team in average and ranks 2nd in the NL. LF Willie Stargell (.323, 59 HR, 129 RBI) is the team's power hitter and leads the Majors in home runs and is 2nd in the NL in RBI. The Pirates have two good pitchers on the mound for them in SP Luke Walker (15-3, 3.48) and SP Bob Moose (18-6, 3.96). Plenty of headlines for this team in August. On August 9th, Moose threw a 9-0 win over the 1957 Milwaukee Braves (54-65), allowing five hits, striking out seven and walking none. The following day, August 10th, C Manny Sanguillen (.336, 10 HR, 66 RBI) went 5 for 6 against the same team in a 15-6 win. Sanguillen hit four singles, a double and had two RBI. On August 20th, Clemente made the news after a 5 for 6 performance in a 9-3 win over the 1931 St. Louis Cardinals (53-76). Clemente had four singles, a triple and two RBI. At the end of the month, Stargell was named NL Batter of the Month. Stargell hit .326 in 27 games, with 12 home runs, 29 RBI and 24 runs scored.

In third place, and holding down the #2 wild card spot for the NL, are the 1975 Cincinnati Reds at 86-53, 6 GB. The '75 Reds are 3rd in the NL in runs scored (742), 6th in average (.280), 9th in OBP (.349), 13th in home runs (143) and 17th in stolen bases (131). SS Dave Concepcion (.324, 6 HR, 50 RBI) leads the club in average, but C Johnny Bench (.303, 29 HR, 112 RBI) and LF George Foster (.280, 29 HR, 110 RBI) are the ones putting up power numbers. SP Gary Nolan (19-2, 2.39) is having an outstanding season and leads the NL in Wins. Nolan made headlines on August 28th after an 8-0 win over the 1941 Brooklyn Dodgers (71-65). Nolan held the Dodgers to six hits, struck out four and walked none. The Reds have a three game set against the 1971 Pirates from September 6-8.

[abell1198]

The American League 1980's Division is basically down to two teams, with a third team on the fringe. Problem is, none of these teams seems to want the division, playing at or around .500 ball this month. The 1988 Oakland A's lead the division with a record of 80-59, maintaining their two game lead. The '88 Athletics are tied for 16th in the AL in home runs (149), 9th in runs against (497), 11th in starter ERA (3.38), 7th in bullpen ERA (3.17), 10th in overall ERA (3.34) and 17th in defense. RF Jose Canseco (.301, 44 HR, 109 RBI) is the team's best hitter. SP Dave Stewart (15-9, 2.73) is the ace on the mound, while CL Dennis Eckersley (6-2, 1.53, 26 saves) is successfully slamming the door shut for the club.

In second place are the 1989 Oakland A's at 78-61, 2 GB. The '89 squad is tied for 15th in stolen bases (118), 12th in runs against (509), 1st in bullpen ERA (2.70), 13th in overall ERA (3.53) and 4th in defense. 3B Carney Lansford (.298, 0 HR, 32 RBI) leads the team in average, while 1B Mark McGwire (.270, 25 HR, 112 RBI) provides the power. SP Mike Moore (14-8, 2.74) and SP Dave Stewart (16-7, 2.72) lead the starters on the mound, while CL Dennis Eckersley (6-5, 2.62, 31 saves) is shutting it down in the 9th.

The 1984 Detroit Tigers are in third place at 74-65, 6 GB. The Tigers gained one game on the A's this month, but would really have to go on a streak to take the division. This team really isn't that good from a numbers perspective, so I don't see them making a run.

The National League 1980's Division is all but done. The 1986 New York Mets lead the division at 86-53 and they currently hold a nine game lead, up three games from last month. The Mets are 13th in the NL in runs against (485), 11th in starter ERA (3.02) and 12th in overall ERA (3.21). SS Kevin Mitchell (.309, 26 HR, 95 RBI) is the team's best overall hitter. The Mets starters will be dangerous in the post season, that is, assuming they give Bobby O some run support.

SP Sid Fernandez 13-4, 3.06
SP Dwight Gooden 14-7, 2.65
SP Bob Ojeda 8-10, 2.59
SP Ron Darling 14-9, 2.47

[abell1198]

In the 1990's Division, it's down to three teams, one in the American League and two in the National League. The American League leader is the 1995 Cleveland Indians, who at 84-55, have a 10 game lead over their division. The Indians magic number is down to 14. Cleveland is 5th in the AL in runs scored (739), 7th in average (.282), 11th in home runs (159) and 8th in bullpen ERA (3.18). 2B Carlos Baerga (.345, 18 HR, 84 RBI) leads a lineup with seven players who have 10+ homers. SP Dennis Martinez (14-8, 3.26) is the team's ace, while CL Jose Mesa (1-2, 2.01, 38 Sv) is ranked 3rd in the AL in saves.

In the National League, it is a two team race. Leading the division at the end of August are the 1999 Atlanta Braves at 86-53. The Braves' magic number is 18. Atlanta is tied for 1st in the NL in runs against (429), 2nd in starter ERA (2.74), 16th in bullpen ERA (3.25) and 2nd in overall ERA (2.86). 1B Ryan Klesko (.310, 20 HR, 98 RBI) and 3B Chipper Jones (.292, 22 HR, 65 RBI) power the lineup. On the mound, well, just check them out:

SP John Smoltz 10-9, 3.10
SP Kevin Millwood 16-8, 2.16
SP Greg Maddux 14-7, 2.51
SP Tom Glavine 15-9, 2.87
SP Terry Mulholland 15-8, 3.12
CL John Rocker 4-2, 1.16, 38 Sv

Millwood made news for the club on August 7th with a 6-0 shutout of the 1974 Los Angeles Dodgers (59-58). Millwood held the Dodgers to two hits, struck out 11 and walked none.

In second place are the 1997 Florida Marlins, who are 80-59 and 6 GB. The Marlins are fading, dropping a game further back this month. 3B Bobby Bonilla (.300, 13 HR, 88 RBI) leads the lineup and SP Kevin Brown (18-3, 2.62) is the team's ace, ranking 2nd in the NL in Wins.