The Dead Zone: The Philadelphia Phillies (1984-

[The_Myth]

Jan. 16, 1986

Still waiting on news from reliever Bobby Castillo and outfielder Steve Kemp. We’re offering them minor league deals with conditional guarantees.

Otherwise, still just waiting on the markets. Dale Berra went to Baltimore. I still want Jerry Royster, but my other versatile infield target was German Barranca, and he should be available on a minor deal no problem. So we offer him one, with a conditional guarantee.

Also, another target, reliever Aurelio Lopez, got a major league deal from Kansas City. We weren’t willing to extend a major league deal there, so no biggie. That said, Bruce Berenyi - who is out eight months - is out there and wants a major league deal at around $300,000. Now, under normal circumstances I’d say no because I can’t promise a major league role; however, he wouldn’t even be ready to pitch until August, maybe September. Maybe it’s worth it to just offer a deal?

Well, weirdly, Berenyi won’t do a two-year deal (I’m offering a team option, but he doesn’t even want a guaranteed second year). I would think he’d want some insurance considering he might not be able to pitch until late in the season.

So, we pivot. A veteran arm in the Portland rotation, who might stick around, would be great, so we look into Steve Rogers. The former Expos ace wasn’t great last season (77.1 IP, 5.00 ERA, 36 K, 53 BB), but we’re looking at emergency fill-ins. Rogers fits the bill, so we offer a minor league deal with a $240,000 guarantee if promoted within 30 days. We might still offer something to Berenyi, but we’re going to wait him out a bit longer.

Jan. 17, 1986

Bruce Berenyi’s agent calls me back frantically, wondering if we can talk a bit more. Hmmm. I’ll give the guy until Monday.

Meanwhile, we had a great week with the minor league coaches. Again, Tim Terzic impresses, and I’m really looking forward to the year in Reading. One thing to think about: If we do start Gregg Jefferies in Reading, will we move any of those infielders up a level … or even down a level … to ensure everyone gets enough of a look out there? We’re still debating that.

Otherwise, speed, putting the ball in play, emphasizing strike zone approach and short swings … that’s our offensive game. On the mound it’s about velocity and strikeouts. Simplify the pitch repertoire and increase focus on what works best. Get those Ks. We hope to employ this throughout the system in 1986.

Before the coaches leave we host a nice dinner at one of the hotels in Center City. One of the invited guests is a guy about my age, Todd Burlingame, whose grandfather Mack, now 81, was nearly installed as commissioner of baseball before the 1952 season. He was ultimately denied because too many of the American League owners were worried about his radical plans for westward expansion and franchise movement. The ideas were ahead of their time, and I want to know more, especially since Mack hasn’t written memoirs. Todd sets up lunch between us and Mack; I’d love to pick the mind of a wild thinker.

Jan. 18, 1986

Shoot. The Dodgers got Bobby Castillo. That’s a decent loss for us.

So we pivot once again and offer a minor deal to Bob Galasso, a 35-year-old high-stuff guy with little control and some major league experience. It’s certainly not ideal, but at least we traded for Jay Howell.

I tell the team to start looking into trade options - guys who have options and wouldn’t cost much.

Jan. 19, 1986

We get a few names, and I key in on Manny Sarmiento in Minnesota. He put up a 7.7 K/9 last season between Cleveland and Baltimore, and he can slot into AAA Portland. I ask Mark Ezell in Minnesota what it would take, and he’s willing to take a filler-quality minor leaguer.

Let’s do it.

TRADE

To Minnesota Twins:
RP Ray Lloyd

To Philadelphia Phillies:
RP Manny Sarmiento

Jan. 20, 1986

An update on German Barranca: Good so far. Cool.

I’m glad we got Sarmiento. We just needed that last relief option, in case the young guys weren’t getting the job done. More depth is always good. And we still have a bunch of offers out there, so at this point I feel confident about our potential spring training roster.

Finally, we come back to Bruce Berenyi, and he’ll do $250,000 in year one with a second-year team option at $325,000. Worst comes to worst I can outright him in September. No shoo-in to even pitch for me.

SP Bruce Berenyi - 2Y/$575K including team option (considering)

Jan. 21, 1986

Steve Kemp update: Also good so far. Cool.

Meantime, no word yet on Tony Armas, who would net us a supplemental-round pick if someone takes him. At this point our net gain on 1986-87 draft picks is … 0.

Jan. 22, 1986

Hall of fame announcement day, and it’s going to be …

Nobody.

Seriously?

Willie McCovey got just 56.5 percent of the vote, while Hoyt Wilhelm, who earned 70 percent last year, only received 60.1 percent this time around. What a crock.

The top vote-getter, though? Jim Bunning! He got 72.3 percent of the vote! Wild. These sportswriters are just weird.

Jan. 23, 1986

Ugh. Steve Rogers’ agent lets us know they’re not picking us and instead going to … you guessed it … the Dodgers. Whatever. Enjoy your time there.

In better news, I have lunch with Todd and Mack Burlingame. Mack is fascinating. He wanted to keep all of the New York teams together, and he thought Philadelphia could sustain itself as a two-team city, “but the ownership was penny-cheap and meddlesome.” He felt there was a more practical way to handle westward expansion, utilizing the strength of the Pacific Coast League and not resorting to the half-measure of making it “open,” thus paving the way for it to be a simple feeder league.

Per Mack: “The problem with Major League Baseball, in capital letters, as we know these wealthy crooks, is that they run everything. There is no room for experiments. There is no room for bettering the sport, or exploring how to efficiently and correctly improve the project from the bottom up. They handled race in such a bewildering way, they handled free agency like buffoons. They give the player no voice, they give the under-represented man no voice. It’s a backwards organization run by the slimiest of the pack.”

I ask Mack if he could outline his 1952 plan for me, and we decide to take it to the bar for drinks.

Mack: “If you’re so interested, why don’t I just start from the top?”

And his story begins.

[The_Myth]

Jan. 24, 1986

German Barranca signs with us. An invite is yours.

At this point, let’s go over who is likely to be invited to spring training, position by position:

Catcher

1 Darren Daulton - age 24 - 48/67
2 Tommy Thompson - age 28 - 31/33
3 Mike LaValliere - age 25 - 39/49
4 Bruce Bochy - age 30 - 34/34
5 Ray Smith - age 30 - 28/28

First Base / Third Base

6 Mike Schmidt - age 36 - 59/59
7 Paul Molitor - age 29 - 58/59
8 Enos Cabell - age 36 - 43/43
9 Pat Adams - age 26 - 29/33
10 Rick Schu - age 23 - 31/39
11 Bill Lyons - age 27 - 34/37

Second Base / Shortstop

12 Juan Samuel - age 25 - 49/49
13 UL Washington - age 32 - 38/38
14 Steve Jeltz - age 26 - 30/36
15 Steve Kiefer - age 25 - 32/36
16 Greg Legg - age 25 - 30/35
17 German Barranca - age 29 - 20/20
18 Albert Hall - age 27 - 31/35
19 Gregg Jefferies -

Left Field / Right Field

20 Von Hayes - age 27 - 66/66
21 Glenn Wilson - age 27 - 46/46
22 Jeff Stone - age 25 - 38/38
23 Bruce Fields - age 25 - 33/35
24 Dan Norman - age 31 - 28/28
25 George Wright - age 27 - 27/30

Center Field

26 Rickey Henderson - age 27 - 80/80
27 Dave Stegman - age 31 - 36/36
28 Jim Eisenreich - age 26 - 34/46
29 Rick Manning - age 31 - 24/24
30 Luis Polonia

Starting Pitcher

31 John Denny - age 33 - 56/56
32 Charles Hudson - age 26 - 56/56
33 Kevin Gross - age 24 - 54/54
34 Steve Carlton - age 41 - 51/51
35 Scott Sanderson - age 29 - 53/53
36 Joe Johnson - age 24 - 39/39
37 Mike Maddux - age 24 - 37/44
38 Blaise Ilsley - age 21 - 36/36
39 Curt Young - age 25 - 37/37
40 Tim Belcher - age 24 - 32/46

Relief Pitcher

41 Larry Andersen - age 32 - 63/63
42 Donnie Moore - age 31 - 47/47
43 Jay Howell - age 30 - 50/50
44 Paul Assenmacher - age 25 - 41/54
45 Don Carman - age 26 - 51/51
46 Todd Worrell - age 26 - 52/52
47 Chuck Cary - age 25 - 38/38
48 Karl Best - age 26 - 32/32
49 Kenneth Walker - age 25 - 36/36
50 John McLarnan - age 24 - 38/38
51 Joe Boever - age 25 - 30/40
52 Rodger Cole - age 24 - 26/26
53 John Machin - age 23 - 31/31
54 Rich Devincenzo - age 26 - 25/25
55 Rich Gaynor - age 23 - 29/29
56 Darryl Menard - age 22 - 33/33
57 Roy Thomas - age 32 - 28/28
58 Manny Sarmiento - age 29 - 34/34
59 Jim Rasmussen - age 30 - 26/26
60 Brad Lesley - age 27 - 30/33

We still have three pending deals, and if they go through, we can make some easy subs.

Jan. 25, 1986

Taking a long weekend. Probably the last vacation I’ll take until spring training begins.

Jan. 26, 1986

We find out Jim Slaton, who we offered \minor league deal to, is going to Toronto on a guaranteed deal. No problem there.

Jan. 27, 1986

Reliever Bob Galasso is in and will get a spring training invite, probably knocking off Rodger Cole or Rich Devincenzo.

Jan. 28, 1986

Heading back from vacation.

Jan. 29, 1986

Still a bunch of free agents available, including Juan Beniquez, Dave Parker, Darrel Evans, and - sigh - Tony Armas. Terry Puhl is also out there.

Jan. 30, 1986

Meeting with the marketing team. It looks as if we’re going all the way with speed in 1986. Rickey, Juan, Von … the faces of the new-look Phillies. Oh, and the NL MVP will be doing some commercials, too.

Jan. 31, 1986

A quiet Friday ‘round these parts.

Feb. 1, 1986

Most of these veterans are budging from their demands, but 32-year-old Scott McGregor wouldn’t mind talking about a minor league deal. He put up a 5.50 ERA last season with the Cubs and could give us an early veteran option. He does give up a ton of home runs (a major league worst 36 last season), and none of his stats are trending well.

We decide to pass.

Feb. 2, 1986

A big trade today: The Dodgers send 1B Greg Brock to Kansas City for RP Dan Quisenberry and prospect John Morris. This seems like a way to free up the roster a bit, moving Sid Bream to first base. Maybe they’re thinking about bringing in someone like Beniquez?

Feb. 3, 1986

Good news: Steve Kemp signs with us. The outfielder will get a chance to win the last bench spot.

Feb. 4, 1986

Making our final lists for spring training groups and the 60-man major league roster.

Feb. 5, 1986

The Dodgers put John Morris on waivers, and the Astros swooped him up. I would’ve. Surprised the Dodgers did that.

Feb. 6, 1986

Finalizing plans for spring training. The trucks leave Friday.

[Syd Thrift]

You know who would really be the deciding factor on this team though? Angel Salazar.

[The_Myth]

Haha. Read back and you'll see him.

[The_Myth]

Feb. 7, 1986

The trucks leave Philadelphia in the morning. We have a big staff lunch to thank everyone for the hard work this offseason.

Later in the day we learn the Athletics have signed SS Hubie Brooks for three years and $2.64 million. Seems like a lot.

Feb. 8, 1986

We get an early morning call from infielder Jerry Royster’s agent. After weeks of going back and forth all ticky tacky, he says Royster will consider a minor league deal with a guarantee possibility, so I make it $275K and he says he’ll think it over. Awesome. He could be a dynamic player off the bench.

Meanwhile, owner Bill Giles has raised our offseason budget from $22 million to $25 million. We have the largest budget in baseball now, along with the second-largest payroll ($12.23M). Hey, the more money the better.

Feb. 9, 1986

Bruce Breyeni signs.

SIGNED

• SP Bruce Berenyi - 2Y/$575K (including team option)

If he isn’t healthy in time, we can cross that bridge when we get there. Or maybe he can pitch for us in 1986. It’s an easy gamble for us.

• SP Bruce Berenyi placed on 60-day disabled list

Feb. 10, 1986

Administrative meetings before we head to Clearwater.

Feb. 11, 1986

More administrative meetings.

But this is a good time to go over the record books, so we can see who’s the all-time leader in what right now. Highest non-top-5 active players also listed.

Hitting

Hits

1. Ty Cobb - 4,189
2. Pete Rose - 4,157
3. Hank Aaron - 3,771
4. Stan Musial - 3,630
5. Tris Speaker - 3,514
***
17. Rod Carew - 2,986
33. Tony Perez - 2,753
99. Reggie Jackson - 2,204

Home Runs

1. Hank Aaron - 755
2. Babe Ruth - 714
3. Willie Mays - 660
4. Frank Robinson - 586
5. Harmon Killebrew - 573
***
14. Reggie Jackson - 481
18. Mike Schmidt - 448
21. Tony Perez - 406
34. Dave Kingman - 357
37. Craig Nettles - 340
42. Greg Luzinski - 329
44. Jim Rice - 323
45. George Foster - 321
47. Darrell Evans - 316
52. Dave Winfield - 300

Stolen Bases

1. Lou Brock - 938
2. Billy Hamilton - 912
3. Ty Cobb - 892
4. Eddie Collins - 744
5. Artie Latham - 740
***
17. Rickey Henderson - 568
19. Davey Lopes - 553
23. Cesar Cedeno - 523
38. Omar Moreno - 449
42. Willie Wilson - 434

Wins Above Replacement

1. Ty Cobb - 170.1
2. Babe Ruth - 156.2
3. Ted Williams - 141.4
3. Willie Mays - 141.4
5. Tris Speaker - 135.8
***
24. Mike Schmidt - 79.8
39. Reggie Jackson - 69.1
55. Rod Carew - 62.2
74. George Brett - 56.6
97. Carlton Fisk - 52.1
97. Bobby Grich - 52.1
97. Cesar Cedeno - 52.1

Pitching

Wins

1. Cy Young - 511
2. Walter Johnson - 417
3. Pete Alexander - 373
3. Christy Mathewson - 373
5. Pud Galvin - 364
***
10. Steve Carlton - 319
18. Don Sutton - 295
19. Tom Seaver - 293
21. Phil Niekro - 285
79. Bert Blyleven - 205

Saves

1. Rollie Fingers - 317
2. Goose Gossage - 283
3. Sparky Lyle - 238
4. Hoyt Wilhelm - 227
5. Bruce Sutter - 224
***
6. Dan Quisenberry - 198
7. Gene Garber - 194
8. Kent Tekulve - 193
14. Gary Lavelle - 153
19. Bill Campbell - 143

Strikeouts

1. Nolan Ryan - 4,005
2. Steve Carlton - 3,973
5. Tom Seaver - 3,456
6. Don Sutton - 3,293
9. Phil Niekro - 3,103
10. Bert Blyleven - 2,856
49. Frank Tanana - 1,790
86. Dennis Eckersley - 1,558
89. Ron Guidry - 1,551

Wins Above Replacement

1. Cy Young - 166.9
2. Walter Johnson - 159.0
3. Steve Carlton - 120.2
4. Pete Alexander - 118.9
5. Gaylord Perry - 113.4
***
8. Tom Seaver - 103.2
10. Don Sutton - 96.7
12. Bert Blyleven - 92.1
20. Nolan Ryan - 83.4
21. Phil Niekro - 82.4

Feb. 12, 1986

We’re boarding the plane this evening. Time to get to Clearwater.

[progen]

Impressive stats!

[moore4807]

Great read so far - The reason I know about Mr. Schu is when I used to go to Phillies games back then, there was a running joke about him, it's not true, but funny anyway...

There was a small hotel/restaurant in Cherry Hill NJ called "The Rickshaw Inn" and the rumor was that they approached Rick Schu (or his agent, whatever) to appear in commercials/ radio/print etc. "The top Phillies prospect stays at the Rickshaw Inn.. Make the Rick Schu Inn your place too..." and a group of us from the third base side of Veterans Stadium (the opponent's bench side) would shout that as he got announced to bat. "Rick Schu Inn!"

I wasn't there the night he apparently had enough and sent someone to ask what we were shouting about... He heard us but misinterpreted it as we were saying Rick Shoo- in....lol!!! We actually got to meet him and he denied the story (of course) but he got a good laugh out of it too,,, Very cool dude back then, sure he still is now.

[The_Myth]

Feb. 13, 1986

After a good night’s rest we awaken in Clearwater. My condo is secure for the next month and a half. Time for a big lunch with the team and greetings to all the folks. Pitchers and catchers arrive tomorrow.

The only two albums that matter right now are INXS’ “Listen Like Thieves” and Mr. Mister’s “Welcome to the Real World.” Just terrific stuff.

Feb. 14, 1986

Pitchers and catchers report today. Everyone’s amped up, and the media is here early to speak with Kevin Gross (coming off the injury), Steve Carlton (coming into the twilight of his career after a gutty NLCS), and Blaise Ilsley (the kid getting a shot).

I casually meet with the guys working out. The rest of the club shows up Wednesday. Meantime, Dick Howser and I get in a round of evening golf and chat about the season ahead. “We can win the whole damn thing,” he tells me. I know it.

After sinking a birdie on the 11th, a caddy retrieves me to say there’s a phone call for me at a call box. Turns out Jerry Royster is on board. A solid bench option if he’s needed.

Feb. 15, 1986

Plenty of golf, reunions, and meets cute today.

Feb. 16, 1986

Some of the hitters are getting in town today, including young guys like Greg Legg, Rick Schu, and Luis Polonia. The Rickey watch is on, and the media is hungry.

Feb. 17, 1986

The Red Sox pick up Terry Puhl on a minor league deal. Sheesh. He should get more than that.

More players come in today, including Mike Schmidt, Paul Molitor, and Von Hayes. They’re stars, looking sporty in fresh Polo shirts and Members Only jackets.

Feb. 18, 1986

Rickey arrives … and by himself, with no flash or pizzazz. He checks in early in the morning and hits the fields, and that’s it. We tell the writers he’ll be available whenever he finishes his workout, but instead he just screams to the reporters to bother him whenever. That stumps the assembled media, so they wait until he’s done anyway.

Jeff Stone makes a quick introduction and starts hanging around Rickey. Glenn Wilson seems to want in, too. Juan Samuel shows up soon after and shares some laughs with Rickey.

After the hitters finish their morning workouts, the media swarms in on Rickey. “There something going on here today?” he asks. He’s got them like putty.

Later, Mike Schmidt gets some media attention.

“Took everyone a while to get here, huh?” The reporters laugh. “Maybe I’ll get to relax this season.”

[The_Myth]

Feb. 19, 1986

Full workouts continue. We spend some time on the minor league fields.

Meanwhile, Pat Jordan from Sports Illustrated arrives to spend a few days in Clearwater. He’s interested in Rickey, naturally, but also Schmidty, Jeff Stone, Juan Samuel, Von Hayes, and Paul Molitor. But first, he speaks with me.

Jordan: Your club stole 244 bases last season, best in baseball. You let go of nobody of consequence in the stolen base department, then you add Rickey. The 1911 New York Giants stole a record, at least since 1900, of 347 bases. Do you think you can top that mark?

Me: Anything is possible. I know Oakland stole nearly as many just a decade ago, but times are a little different. Maybe we’ll give it a run.

Jordan: Are you trying to build the fastest team in modern National League history?

Me: I’m trying to build a champion. If we break some records along the way, that’s terrific, but the goal is another world championship in Philadelphia. Rickey, Paul, these guys are gold-medal players, not just gold-medal sprinters.

Jordan: Makes sense. But it’s gotta be nice having all that speed in your back pocket.

Me: Well yeah. Any advantage I can get, I’ll get it.

Feb. 20, 1986

Jordan interviews players today, going on an early morning golf outing with Mike Schmidt, Paul Molitor, and Von Hayes before returning to chat with Juan Samuel, Jeff Stone, UL Washington, Charles Hudson, and Rickey Henderson. For dinner he goes out with Rickey, Charles, and Glenn Wilson.

Workouts continue. Nothing else doing.

Feb. 21, 1986

After working the lines, we decide to make a few more offers: SS Craig Reynolds (minor league contract with $200K option within 30 days), C Alan Knicely (minor league contract), 3B Wayne Krenchicki (minor league contract), SP Mark Tunison (minor league contract), RP Daniel Roma (minor league contract), RP Walter Vanderbush (minor league contract), and a former Phillie, 2B Manny Trillo (minor league contract).

After breakfast, Jordan heads out. He says he could see a story in a mid-March Sports Illustrated. Meanwhile, it’s our annual visit from Robin Roberts and Jim Bunning. Kevin Gross continues his love affair with the former.

Feb. 22, 1986

Saturday at the park. Day off for most of the guys, though a few show up at the facility to get extra work in.

Feb. 23, 1986

Sunday off. A little cold today in Clearwater, with temperatures only maxing out in the high 40s.

Feb. 24, 1986

Topps comes by today for the annual photo shoot for its 1986 traded card set. They focus on the new guys (Rickey Henderson, Jay Howell, Enos Cabell, Jerry Royster) and potential rookies (Joe Johnson, Mike Maddux, Todd Worrell, Blaise Ilsley, Mike LaValliere, and maybe a little surprisingly, Gregg Jefferies).

That said, Jefferies is showing off a little this spring, hitting plenty of line drives and keeping up with our fastest guys in cobbled-together races. Okay, not Rickey.

Feb. 25, 1986

A couple pickup games played today. Blaise Ilsley strikes out Schmidty. Here we go.

Feb. 26, 1986

Another visitor: Dick Allen. The now-retired slugger does dinner with Schmidty, Dick Howser, and UL Washington. During the day the guys flock to him. Jeff Stone, more curious than ever this year, raps with him a bit. Rickey and Dick get along famously and, from what I hear, exchange information.

Feb. 27, 1986

Good news: We signed all the free agents to minor league deals, including Craig Reynolds (who we’ve been linked to for two years) and our old friend Manny Trillo. They could be here just for spring training, but we’ll see what happens.

I hop in the car and drive out to a secluded beach for my annual pre-preseason vacation.

Feb. 28, 1986

I’m away. It’s the last Friday before games begin, and Dick gives the guys the day off. Sports Illustrated is back, this time to take photos, I’m told. My assistant asked if we had a baton. … No.

Most still come in to get in some work. We have an experienced group that knows what’s at stake this year. They want to win.

March 1, 1986

Nope. Quiet. All is quiet.

March 2, 1986

I drive back to Clearwater for my evening of planning with Dick and the coaches. We finalize the 60-man roster for the exhibition season. Here we go:

Catcher

• C/1B - Darren Daulton - age 24 - 52/68
• C/1B/2B/3B - Tommy Thompson - age 28 - 29/31
• C/3B - Mike LaValliere - age 25 - 39/48
• C - Bruce Bochy - age 30 - 32/32
• C/1B/SS/LF - Ray Smith - age 30 - 25/25

The battle to watch is for the backup job. Thompson is the incumbent, but LaValliere could push himself through, as could Bochy. I imagine the two who don’t win the spot will be the Portland tandem, while Smith (more a body here) probably is released.

Corner Infield

• 1B/3B - Mike Schmidt - age 36 - 60/60
• 3B - Paul Molitor - age 29 - 60/60
• 1B/RF - Enos Cabell - age 36 - 41/41
• 3B/1B/2B/CF/SS - Bill Lyons - age 27 - 33/37
• 3B/1B/2B/SS - Rick Schu - age 24 - 33/38
• 1B - Pat Adams - age 26 - 29/33
• 1B/LF - Francisco Melendez - age 22 - 31/36

Schmidt, Molitor, Cabell and Lyons all have major league deals. I’m not sold on Lyons, though (that said he is out of options, so I could lose him if I try to send him down to AAA), but I will need a backup third baseman. That means Schu could force his way into the conversation. Adams and Menendez are more or less here to get some reps - both will be in the starting lineup in Portland.

Middle Infield

• 2B - Juan Samuel - age 25 - 49/49
• SS - UL Washington - age 32 - 36/36
• SS/2B - Craig Reynolds - age 33 - 41/41
• 2B/3B/SS/LF - Jerry Royster - age 33 - 41/41
• 2B/1B/3B - Manny Trillo - age 35 - 37/37
• 2B/1B/3B/SS - Steve Kiefer - age 25 - 33/36
• SS/2B/3B - Steve Jeltz - age 26 - 29/35
• SS/RF/LF/CF - Albert Hall - age 27 - 30/33
• SS/2B/3B - Gregg Jefferies - age 18 - 47/69

I imagine Samuel and Washington are set, but I’m not against healthy competition with Reynolds fighting UL for a job. The rest of the group (except Jefferies) is here to battle for at least one, maybe two bench spots. Kiefer is penciled in for a starting job in Portland, so he faces an uphill battle, while Jeltz is out of options, so he has the advantage among the middle infielders. Reynolds, Royster and Trillo are probably here to either win a major league job or move onward. Jefferies is going to get an early spring look. He won’t start 1986 in Philadelphia, but he could move his debut up a bit depending on his performance.

Corner Outfield

• LF/CF/RF - Von Hayes - age 27 - 66/66
• RF/LF - Glenn Wilson - age 27 - 45/45
• LF/RF/CF - Jeff Stone - age 25 - 37/37
• LF/RF/CF/1B - Steve Kemp - age 31 - 41/41
• LF/RF - Bruce Fields - age 25 - 34/34
• LF/1B/CF - Keith Hughes - age 22 - 31/37
• LF/RF/1B - Dan Norman - age 31 - 25/25
• LF/RF/CF - George Wright - age 27 - 22/27

Hayes and Wilson are obvious, and Stone is also much more secure than he was last spring. That means maybe one more open spot here, and you should add Royster to this group, as he can play left field. Fields and Hughes would start in Portland if they don’t make it.

Center Field

• CF/LF - Rickey Henderson - age 27 - 80/80
• CF/LF - Dave Stegman - age 32 - 34/34
• C/1B/CF - Alan Knicely - age 30 - 42/42
• CF/RF - Luis Polonia - age 22 - 32/47
• CF - Jim Eisenreich - age 26 - 35/47

Henderson is a lock. Stegman was a lock, but I figured why not get some competition for him, and that’s Knicely and Eisenreich, who by the way is out of options. So either Eisenreich is a trade candidate mid-spring, or he fights his way onto the 25-man roster, possibly at the mercy of Stegman. Polonia will just get a long look.

Starting Pitcher

• SP - John Denny - age 33 - 55/55
• SP - Steve Carlton - age 41 - 48/48
• SP - Charles Hudson - age 26 - 55/55
• SP - Kevin Gross - age 24 - 55/55
• SP - Scott Sanderson - age 29 - 52/52
• SP - Kelly Downs - age 25 - 44/46
• SP - Mike Maddux - age 24 - 37/45
• SP - Joe Johnson - age 24 - 37/37
• SP - Curt Young - age 25 - 36/36
• SP - Blaise Ilsley - age 21 - 36/36
• SP - Tim Belcher - age 24 - 31/46

The rotation remains the top five guys, but with Carlton now at age 41 and suffering the injury late last season, we’re a little more focused on the next group of guys on the list. We’re likely to add a long man via this list, too, and the leader might just be Young, who’s out of options. That would mean the Portland rotation is Downs, Maddux, Johnson, Ilsley, and maybe Belcher, though he could start in Reading. We’re also entertaining the option of Downs out of the bullpen, though that might be a more emergency issue.

Relief Pitcher

• RP - Larry Andersen - age 32 - 64/64
• RP - Donnie Moore - age 32 - 45/45
• RP - Don Carman - age 26 - 50/50
• RP - Jay Howell - age 30 - 50/50
• RP - Paul Assenmacher - age 25 - 41/54
• RP - Todd Worrell - age 26 - 53/53
• RP - Joe Boever - age 25 - 29/38
• RP - John McLarnan - age 24 - 37/37
• RP - Manny Sarmiento - age 30 - 39/39
• RP - Kenneth Walker - age 25 - 37/37
• RP - Karl Best - age 26 - 31/31
• RP - Chuck Cary - age 26 - 38/38
• RP - Rich Gaynor - age 23 - 34/34
• RP - Rodger Cole - age 24 - 31/31
• RP - Darryl Menard - age 22 - 32/32

Andersen, Moore, Carman, and Howell are likely locks (with Moore, that major league contract takes precedence, and with Carman, another guy without options). That means one spot (maybe two?) open. Assenmacher deserves a long look, as does Worrell. The other guys will fight.

Tomorrow we hop on that long road once again. We’re all juiced up. Let’s go.

[progen]

Hudson's going to have to have another stellar year. 18 last year, we'll see. Denny, maybe his swan song, although can't remember him ever having arm trouble. Gross, I just shrug my shoulders with him, but appeared he was heading for an awesome year. Sanderson always seemed a .500 pitcher to me, but 16 wins, not bad.

Didn't see if you got a closer or not? Could be an achilles heel for you. Cracks me up that the owner wants Carlton to get an extension. At 41. Is he talking to the press yet? Still remember his 27 wins on a team that won 59, and 346 innings pitched.

[Ajt1978]

Chris James for Lee Smith straight up I would do it.

Von Hayes, Rickey Henderson and Glenn Wilson are everyday players. Give Jeff Stone the 4th outfield job he is a good fill in.

Lee Smith in the 9th and Larry Andersen in the 8th will help you in the back end!

[The_Myth]

March 3, 1986

Dick Howser’s first spring lineup, which includes the starters, clues us into what opening day could look like:

• CF Rickey Henderson
• LF Von Hayes
• 3B Paul Molitor
• 1B Mike Schmidt
• C Darren Daulton
• 2B Juan Samuel
• SS UL Washington
• DH Jerry Royster
• RF Jeff Stone

Interesting to see Stone in the nine-hole, but I like this lineup. Mike Maddux is on the hill, as the second-tier starters get the first run through the rotation.

Game 1986-ST-1: Jack Russell Stadium - Padres 7, Phillies 5 / 0-1

Mike Maddux labors, and he, Chuck Cary and Joe Boever have a tough time out there early. Mike Schmidt hits his first spring homer.

March 4, 1986

Blaise Ilsley gets his first spring work as we head to Brandenton..

Game 1986-ST-2: McKechnie Field - Pirates 5, Phillies 1 / 0-2

This is how spring usually goes for us. Anyway, Ilsley does not pitch well (1.1 IP, 5 ER, 1 K, 4 BB). Our only run comes from a Gregg Jefferies hit.

March 5, 1986

Time to face the Dodgers for the first time this year. Tim Belcher on the hill.

Game 1986-ST-3: Jack Russell Stadium - Dodgers 8, Phillies 0 / 0-3

I think we’re the only team that throws our minor leaguers out there to start. Oh well. Belcher gives up three in two frames, while both Manny Sarmiento and Darryl Menard allow two. In typical “games against the Dodgers” fashion, we notch four hits.

March 6, 1986

Headed east to face the Expos.

Game 1986-ST-4: West Palm Beach Municipal Stadium - Expos 5, Phillies 1 / 0-4

It’s been a good start! Kenneth Walker is having a rough start, allowing three runs while getting just one out. Kelly Downs, though, pitches three scoreless. Rickey Henderson scores our only run, and it’s all him (pinch runner, steal, steal, scores on error).

March 7, 1986

Off to Sarasota to face the Giants.

Game 1986-ST-5: Payne Park - Giants 8, Phillies 7 / 0-5

Oh dag! Could’ve had this one. We go up 5-2 thanks to a Juan Samuel home run, but Curt Young has a tough run as the Giants it up. It’s tied 7-7 in the ninth when John McLarnan gives up the winning run.

March 8, 1986

Back home, still looking for that first spring win ...

Game 1986-ST-6: Jack Russell Stadium - Phillies 8, Reds 0 / 1-5

Hooray! Joe Johnson (delayed a day because of an injury) goes three solid frames to set the tone. Offensively, Jerry Royster homers, Jim Eisenreich continues a hot start with an RBI double, and Luis Polonia singles and steals a bag.

March 9, 1986

Over to St. Petersburg to face the Mets and Dwight Gooden. Our major league starters get going, starting today with Charles Hudson. He’s on a 50 pitch count.

Game 1986-ST-7: Al Lang Field - Mets 3, Phillies 1 / 1-6

The runs are not coming! Hudson allows two in 3.1 frames, while Blaise Ilsley walks three in 1.1. But we can’t get runs across despite nine hits.

March 10, 1986

Kevin Gross returns for his first outing since injuring himself in August 1985.

Game 1986-ST-8: Jack Russell Stadium - Phillies 2, Braves 1 (12) / 2-6

Gross pitches quite well (4 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 3K), and the bullpen is even better (Todd Worrell with three strikeouts in his inning). Our runs come on a sacrifice fly scoring Rickey Henderson, and an Albert Hall single in the 12th. Go home and rest.

After the game, we receive a big ol’ box of Sports Illustrated magazines. The cover is of Juan Samuel and Rickey Henderson in maroon pinstripes, in a mock starting gate, hunched over and ready to race. The headline is “Philly Phlash” and the drophed is “Rickey Henderson, Juan Samuel, and baseball’s fastest team.”

The guys pour over the thing, but some are hard-pressed to hang it up over last month’s cover of Elle Macpherson.

March 11, 1986

Scott Sanderson takes the hill today as we head back through town to St. Pete. They’re starting free agent pickup Bert Blyleven.

Game 1986-ST-9: Al Lang Field - Phillies 5, Cardinals 4 / 3-6

Joe Boever is probably our first pitching cut, as he allows two runs in 0.1 innings and has a 21.60 ERA. Darren Daulton walks twice and steals two bases (he has four on the spring), while Jim Eisenreich doubles, and Rickey Henderson triples.

March 12, 1986

Our first look at Houston. And our first look at Steve Carlton in his 22nd year in major league baseball.

Game 1986-ST-10: Jack Russell Stadium - Astros 10, Phillies 8 / 3-7

Not a good first look, as Lefty allows five runs in two frames. Also, five hits and five walks. Gruesome. On a good note, we steal three bags in this game - I really think our speed is going to be something else this season. Also, Jim Eisenreich hits another home run. He has no options left, so he’s fighting.

March 13, 1986

Another one at home, this time with John Denny on the hill.

Game 1986-ST-11: Jack Russell Stadium - Phillies 9, Cubs 4 / 4-7

Manny Trillo and Dan Norman homer, while Darren Daulton goes 3-for-4. John Denny with a solid 3.1 frames (1 ER, 1 H, 3 K, 1 BB).

March 14, 1986

Final game before a day off, and we’re back around to Charles Hudson, who will now have 65 pitches to work with.

Game 1986-ST-12: Payne Park - Phillies 6, Padres 5 / 5-7

After an 0-5 start, we’ve gone 5-2. Not a great outing for Hudson (3.2 IP, 5 ER, 5 H, 2 K), but the bullpen of Tim Belcher, Larry Andersen, and Jay Howell clean it up. Two-hit games for Jim Eisenreich (who also swipes two bags) and Juan Samuel.

[progen]

Originally Posted by Ajt1978

Chris James for Lee Smith straight up I would do it.

Von Hayes, Rickey Henderson and Glenn Wilson are everyday players. Give Jeff Stone the 4th outfield job he is a good fill in.

Lee Smith in the 9th and Larry Andersen in the 8th will help you in the back end!

Not sure what Chris James has done in this game, but to trade a below average player straight up for a Hall of Fame closer would be hard for me to do in good conscience, and not feel I was taking advantage of the AI. In real life James somehow retired with a .261 BA, and a pathetic .307 OBP. I guess for an undrafted free agent, that's not bad, but nobody cried in Philly when he left.

[The_Myth]

Originally Posted by Ajt1978

Chris James for Lee Smith straight up I would do it.

Von Hayes, Rickey Henderson and Glenn Wilson are everyday players. Give Jeff Stone the 4th outfield job he is a good fill in.

Lee Smith in the 9th and Larry Andersen in the 8th will help you in the back end!

Well I never got James for Smith straight up, it was always James plus a top prospect like Luis Polonia. That was too much for me. Scouting reports say Smith may have peaked, and while the way down can still be great, two solid prospects ... ehh ...

James for Howell, essentially, seems about equal and makes sense for me.

And no, I didn't get a closer, sticking with Andersen, who has shown me he deserves the title with a bunch of young guys in back. I'm hoping the younger bullpen develops into something that can not only help in '86, but far into the future. If I need to take a small hit this year, so be it.

[The_Myth]

March 15, 1986

Time to make a good first round of cuts.

• SP Tim Belcher reassigned to minor league camp
• SP Blaise Ilsley reassigned to minor league camp
• RP Joe Boever reassigned to minor league camp
• RP Rodger Cole reassigned to minor league camp
• RP Kenneth Walker reassigned to minor league camp
• C Ray Smith reassigned to minor league camp
• 1B Francisco Melendez reassigned to minor league camp
• 2B Steve Kiefer reassigned to minor league camp
• SS Gregg Jefferies reassigned to minor league camp
• CF Luis Polonia reassigned to minor league camp

I suppose Ilsley is a little surprising, but I didn’t think he was ready yet anyway. He needs probably another 10 or so minor league starts, limiting those walks. Still not there with the control, and it showed this spring.

Walker has the same problem. As for Jefferies and Polonia, they just need more time in the minors is all.

A day off for everyone. Good time to rest.

March 16, 1986

Back at it today against the Buccos.

Game 1986-ST-13: Jack Russell Stadium - Phillies 5, Pirates 0 / 6-7

Dan Norman hits his second homer of the spring, Mike LaValliere adds two hits including a double, and Glenn Wilson adds his first shot. Kevin Gross pitches four strong, while Kelly Downs strikes out three in 2.1 innings. He’s been quite effective.

Meanwhile, Darrell Evans finally agrees to a free-agent contract, and it’s with Oakland: one year, $720K.

Also, the Cubs propose a trade. They would send 2B Gary Varsho our way for Gib Siebert. It’s a fair deal, but I don’t know - not sure I want to trade just to make a trade. These are even-ish players, and Siebert has a bit more position flexibility. I think I’ll pass.

March 17, 1986

Over to Vero Beach to face the Dodgers. And, oh look, it’s Fernando.

Game 1986-ST-14: Holman Stadium - Phillies 2, Dodgers 0 (16) / 7-7

Why, oh why did they make us play 16 innings? It’s scoreless until then, when Mike Schmidt homers and Steve Jeltz scores on a wild pitch. By the way, Fernando does no-hit us through 4.1 innings (four walks, though).

I'm tired.

March 18, 1986

Time for Lefty to bounce back.

Game 1986-ST-15: Jack Russell Stadium - Expos 7, Phillies 2 / 7-8

Carlton leaves in the second with a finger blister. He allows a walk and a hit, then gets an out, before leaving. Then Rich Gaynor allows a three-run homer. It goes south from there.

March 19, 1986

Denny day.

Game 1986-ST-16: Jack Russell Stadium - Giants 6, Phillies 4 / 7-9

Denny allows five runs in 2.2 innings. Not great. Steve Kemp and Glenn Wilson both homer.

Meanwhile, let’s go through the stats and dig up some good numbers.

• CF Jim Eisenreich - 28 PA, .370/.393/.667, 2 2B, 2 HR, 3 SB

He’s playing for his life, and he’s currently winning. Eisenreich has been my top hitter and might find his way on the major league bench as my top lefty hitter.

• C Darren Daulton - 30 PA, .273/.467/.384, 2 2B, 8 BB, 5 K, 4 SB

Should Daulton hit higher in the batting order? Kid just gets on base, and he’s been running, too!

• RF Dan Norman - 20 PA, .222/.250/.556, 2 HR

All power. He needs to show me more (and not strike out four times to one walk).

• 2B Juan Samuel - 22 PA, .250/.273/.500, 1 3B, 1 HR, 1 SB, 2 CS

The power is nice (small sample obviously), but just one steal? What gives?

• RP Don Carman - 5.2 IP, 0.00 ERA, 6 K, 3 BB

Good to see.

• RP Larry Andersen - 10.2 IP, 0.84 ERA, 11 K, 3 BB

Great to see.

• SP Kevin Gross - 8 IP, 1.13 ERA, 6 K, 1 BB

Continuing to pitch well.

• RP Darryl Menard - 5.1 IP, 6.75 ERA, 7 K, 2 BB

Interesting. The ERA is higher than it should be (FIP is 4.70), and I’m really liking the Ks.

With Steve Carlton out for another few days, we’re likely to start Kelly Downs in his place, and we might delay Carlton’s first start past opening day. Still not sure - we need to see how everything lines up.

March 20, 1986

Across the bridge to Tampa to take on the Reds. Charles Hudson has 80 pitches to work with today.

Game 1986-ST-17: Al Lopez Field - Reds 5, Phillies 0 / 7-10

Hudson gives up three runs in four innings. Joe Johnson pitches well, however (2 IP, 4 K). The offense is not very good, though Rick Schu, Steve Kemp, and Alan Kniceley all get two hits.

March 21, 1986

We’re a day from another cut day, a big one. Guys need to show us something.

Game 1986-ST-18: Jack Russell Stadium - Phillies 2, Mets 1 / 8-10

Kevin Gross with another good start (4 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 3 K, 1 BB). More good relief pitching from Paul Assenmacher, Larry Andersen and Todd Worrell. Juan Samuel goes 1-for-3 with 2 RBI.

March 22, 1986

Scott Sanderson on the mound today. After the game, more cuts. I’m bringing out the VO.

Game 1986-ST-19: West Palm Beach Municipal Stadium - Phillies 6, Braves 2 / 9-10

The awesome relief pitching continues with Curt Young, Jay Howell, Manny Sarmiento and Don Carman. Mike Schmidt homers, and Mike LaValliere smacks two doubles. Jim Eisenreich pinch hits and singles home two.

And now another cut day.

• SP Mike Maddux reassigned to minor league camp
• RP Chuck Cary reassigned to minor league camp
• RP Rich Gaynor reassigned to minor league camp
• RP Darryl Menard reassigned to minor league camp
• RP Manny Sarmiento reassigned to minor league camp
• 1B Pat Adams reassigned to minor league camp
• SS Craig Reynolds reassigned to minor league camp
• LF Steve Kemp reassigned to minor league camp
• RF Dan Norman reassigned to minor league camp
• LF Keith Hughes reassigned to minor league camp

For long man (or fifth starter, depending on Steve Carlton’s injury), it’s Kelly Downs vs Curt Young vs Joe Johnson. We’re narrowing down relief candidates, and now we’re at a really good 10. Bill Lyons is going to have to show us something, though Jerry Royster isn’t quite lighting it up, either. Steve Jeltz is also short on offense.

As for the outfield, it’s Jim Eisenreich vs Alan Kniceley, though there could be a scenario where both make the team.

[moore4807]

Enjoying the posts, keep up the good work!

[The_Myth]

March 23, 1986

Tough news from the White Sox: Floyd Bannister is out for the year with a torn rotator cuff. So we kick the tires with Chicago - no dice.

Kelly Downs starts for Lefty today. Looks like Steve Carlton can come back tomorrow, so we may just push everyone back, which will keep us in line.

Game 1986-ST-20: Jack Russell Stadium - Phillies 6, Cardinals 3 / 10-10

We go up 6-1. Kelly Downs is good: 4 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 5 K, 2 BB. He’s more and more looking like the first starter up in an injury. Maybe he’s the long man. Meanwhile, Rick Schu triples, Bruce Bochy homers, and Mike Schmidt adds his fourth dinger of the spring.

March 24, 1986

Off to Kissimmee to face the Astros. We’re waiting a day on Steve Carlton, so he can pitch at home.

Game 1986-ST-21: Osceola County Stadium - Phillies 5, Astros 4 / 11-10

Two earned runs allowed in four for John Denny. More solid innings from Don Carman and Larry Andersen. Offensively, Jim Eisenreich with a two-run double. Another notch in his belt.

Todd Worrell hurts his shoulder. We won’t put him on the IL, but he’ll be sent down to Portland. Then he’ll be put on the IL.

March 25, 1986

Home against the Cubbies. Steve Carlton heads out there.

Game 1986-ST-22: Jack Russell Stadium - Phillies 2, Cubs 1 / 12-10

Good job by Lefty (4 IP, 1 ER, 2 H, 1 K, 2 BB) in a savvy outing. Juan Samuel homers.

And not sure if this is alarming, but we have 36 stolen bases this spring … and we’ve been caught 20 times. Seems a little high. But we are running, which is good.

March 26, 1986

Another home game. Padres in town.

Game 1986-ST-23: Jack Russell Stadium - Phillies 3, Padres 2 / 13-10

Paul Molitor quietly with a good spring (.321/.444/.357), and he adds two hits today. Karl Best (9 IP, 11 K, 4 BB) is dark-horsing it into that last bullpen spot. We’ll see.

March 27, 1986

Getting there. We’re now in “it’s still spring?” mode.

Game 1986-ST-24: McKechnie Field - Pirates 2, Phillies 0 / 13-11

Just three hits in this one. Kevin Gross (4 IP), Kelly Downs (3 IP), and Donnie Moore (1 IP) pitch just fine.

March 28, 1986

Another cut day is upon us. One more day before we bring it down from 40 to 30. We make arrangements to come back to Philadelphia in a week.

March 29, 1986

Scott Sanderson on the hill against the Dodgers’ Orel Hershiser. Final game before a big cut.

Game 1986-ST-25: Jack Russell Stadium - Dodgers 6, Phillies 4 / 13-12

We can’t get to Hershiser, and they score two each off Sanderson, John McLarnan and Joe Johnson. Jerry Royster hits a big two-run triple - is it enough to keep him from being cut?

• SP Joe Johnson reassigned to minor league camp
• RP Todd Worrell reassigned to minor league camp
• RP John McLarnan reassigned to minor league camp
• C Bruce Bochy reassigned to minor league camp
• 2B Manny Trillo reassigned to minor league camp
• SS Albert Hall reassigned to minor league camp
• SS Jerry Royster reassigned to minor league camp
• LF George Wright reassigned to minor league camp

No. Also, McLarnan and Johnson gave it a good camp. Tough to cut them.

The battles left:

• RP (LONG MAN) - Kelly Downs vs Curt Young
• RP - Karl Best vs Paul Assenmacher
• C - Mike LaValliere vs Tommy Thompson
• INF - Rick Schu vs Bill Lyons vs Steve Jeltz
• OF - Jim Eisenreich vs Alan Kniceley vs Bruce Fields

We’re keeping the roster at 32, not 30, for the final couple days.

[The_Myth]

March 30, 1986

Five games to go. All the battles are out there. Also, it’s Easter Sunday - really early for it this year.

Game 1986-ST-26: West Palm Beach Municipal Stadium - Expos 3, Phillies 2 (11) / 13-13

A tough loss with Larry Andersen giving up a leadoff double in the 11th, then Kelly Downs allowing the single to win it. Mike Schmidt homers again, though.

March 31, 1986

Jack Morris (age 30) has signed a six-year extension with Detroit that starts after this season. It’s a $9.38M extension. I’m a bit surprised, but the Tigers just wanted to lock him up.

Game 1986-ST-27: Payne Park - Giants 12, Phillies 7 / 13-14

Steve Carlton allows two runs in four frames. Meanwhile, both Paul Assenmacher and Karl Best look terrible, canceling each other’s performance out. Another home run by Mike Schmidt (his sixth), while Jim Eisenreich hits safely twice.

April 1, 1986

Game 1986-ST-28: Jack Russell Stadium - Reds 3, Phillies 1 (10) / 13-15

Charles Hudson’s final tune-up is solid (4 IP, 2 H), while Jay Howell gives up three in the 10th. Juan Samuel hits two doubles.

April 2, 1986

Game 1986-ST-29: Al Lang Field - Phillies 11, Mets 1 / 14-15

Good to see this one. Another homer from Mike Schmidt, while Enos Cabell strikes three hits to raise his average to .222.

April 3, 1986

Final spring game. It’s nice to be done.

Game 1986-ST-30: Jack Russell Stadium - Braves 4, Phillies 1 / 14-16

Was hoping to get to .500, but oh well. Two hits: Juan Samuel and Paul Molitor.

April 4, 1986

We’re all packed and heading to the airport. Philly for a couple days.

Time to finalize the roster. Let’s go over the final battles, and I’m adding someone into this (see outfield):

RP (LONG MAN) - Kelly Downs vs Curt Young

• SP/RP Downs: 19.1 IP, 1.40 ERA, 3.25 FIP, 15 K, 7 BB
• SP/RP Young: 14 IP, 2.57 ERA, 1.56 FIP, 16 K, 4 BB

By numbers, you give the edge to Young. I’m edging toward him, too. Gonna do it. But Downs is absolutely the first guy up when a starter goes down, because I want him starting.

RP - Karl Best vs Paul Assenmacher

• RP Best: 11.1 IP, 3.18 ERA, 5.05 FIP, 13 K, 7 BB
• RP Assenmacher: 9 IP, 6.00 ERA, 4.31 FIP, 9 K, 5 BB

What to believe: ERA or FIP? I’d say FIP, but also, Best didn’t do enough to sway my opinion, and Assenmacher only struggled in the last few days. That’s not enough for me to think differently. Going with him.

C - Mike LaValliere vs Tommy Thompson

• C/3B LaValliere - 46 PA, .263/.341/.395, 5 2B, 4 K, 5 BB
• C/1B/2B/3B Thompson - 32, .226/.250/.258, 2B, 4 K, 1 BB

LaValliere is the better player and, by numbers alone, should be in the majors. That said, he’s 25 and could play every day. So …

INF - Rick Schu vs Bill Lyons vs Steve Jeltz

• 1B/3B/2B/SS Schu: 30 PA, .308/.400/.385, 1 3B, 5 K, 4 BB, 1 SB, 2 CS
• 3B/CF/1B/2B/SS Lyons: 59 PA, .160/.271/.160, 8 K, 6 BB, 3 SB, 5 CS
• SS/2B/3B Jeltz: 44 PA, .152/.364/.242, 3 2B, 8 K, 11 BB, 1 SB

While Schu plays four positions, he’s only really adept at first base. Lyons, meanwhile, can play just about every position well, sans shortstop. Jeltz is good at his positions, too. Of the two, I like Jeltz’s bat better at this point.

OF - Jim Eisenreich vs Alan Kniceley vs Bruce Fields vs Dave Stegman

• CF Eisenreich: 52 PA, .333/.346/.529, 4 2B, 2 HR, 10 K, 1 BB, 3 SB, 1 CS
• CF/1B/C/3B Knicely: 18 PA, .353/.389/.353, 5 K, 1 BB
• LF/RF/CF Fields: 18 PA, .294/.333/.412, 2 2B, 2 K, 1 BB
• CF/LF Stegman: 22 PA, .222/.364/.278, 1 2B, 6 K, 4 BB

Yes, Eisenreich had a lot more plate appearances, but he earned those as he came out of the box playing well. He also has the most complete line, though the strikeouts are a tad high. Knicely can play a decent catcher and first base, too, so I’m partial to considering him for that reason. Fields and Stegman (who I added late because I’m not convinced he’s an automatic add) are more limited in their defense, but of the two, I’d rather keep Stegman because he’s on a guaranteed deal.

So now what? Enos Cabell (1B/RF) and Jeff Stone (LF/RF) are ensured spots on my bench. I need backups at catcher, second base, third base, shortstop, and center field, and I have four spots to fill. I also could use a good lefty bat, and those out there include Jeltz (switch), Eisenrech, Fields, LaValliere, and Thompson.

Finally, I need to think about options, usually what determines these things in the end. The players out of options are Eisenreich, Lyons, and Jeltz.

So I’ll be honest: I’m preferring Eisenreich, Lyons, and Jeltz. Eisenreich becomes a bat who can back up at center field, Lyons is a utility guy who can play a bunch of positions well, and Jeltz gets spot starts in the middle infield. That all seems right.

That brings me to catcher … and it’s a hard one, but I’m going with Thompson. Essentially, while he’s not the best offensive player, I’d rather keep LaValliere in a starting job for now. He might be a trade chip by midseason, so I can’t let him languish.

I think it’s probably right to find a trading partner concerning Stegman. If he can have a major league job, he should get one. Everything else will fall where it may.

[The_Myth]

April 5, 1986

Two days from opening day (we begin in Cincinnati, so we’re first up), and it’s time to hopefully move Stegman. So we shop him …

And Milwaukee is interested. They’d take Stegman and SS Craig Reynolds (who we’re not holding onto past 30 days anyway) for SP Dennis Cook (25/31, an already developed fastball, slider, and changeup) and RP Dave Stapleton (36/36, a flier with a decent curveball).

We decide to do it.

TRADE

To Milwaukee Brewers:

• CF Dave Stegman
• SS Craig Reynolds

To Philadelphia Phillies:

• SP Dennis Cook
• RP Dave Stapleton

Baseball America’s top-100 prospects list has been published. Our showing:

4. Gregg Jefferies - SS
57. Mike LaValliere - C
62. Kelly Downs - SP
78. Mike Maddux - SP
82. Tim Belcher - SP
87. Luis Polonia - CF
93. Carlos Baerga - 2B

Six prospects in the top-100. Awesome. Our system is ranked eighth - not bad. Oakland is tops, and with top prospects including Gary Sheffield (1st), Mark McGwire (3rd), Rafael Palmeiro (6th), and Mickey Tettleton (9th), they kind of deserve it. Boy might they be a force by, say, 1989.

April 6, 1986

The following moves:

• SP Kelly Downs optioned to AAA Portland
• RP Karl Best optioned to AAA Portland
• C Mike LaValliere optioned to AAA Portland
• 1B Rick Schu optioned to AAA Portland
• LF Bruce Fields optioned to AAA Portland
• CF Alan Kniceley optioned to AAA Portland

I think we’re good. Time to fly out to Cincinnati for opening day.

[omg_pwnasaurus]

Very much enjoying this sim thread. I started a league (with inaugural draft) from 1984 so I have often gone back and referenced this thread when doing my ammy draft prep as I'm slightly behind you at this point.

Good luck with the upcoming season.