It's a Philly Thing: A 1987 Phillies Save

[progen]

Decent trade for Tekulve. Looks like the Phils will be well represented at the All Star game. Like the breakdown too!

[frankgatti23]

I was happy with the return. I figure I will try to accumulate as many players as I can and hope 1 or 2 pan out. I try to look for high contact batters and good control pitchers.

The Phils are leading the NL in HRs, but at the bottom of most pitching categories.

[frankgatti23]

BNN Monthly MLB Report - 7/1/1987
Baseball Network News presents its monthly MLB report

AL Standings:
AL East: Boston 50-27, Milwaukee 43-30, Baltimore 41-35, Toronto 38-38, Detroit 36-38, NY Yankees 37-40,Cleveland 32-44,
AL West: Kansas City 42-33, Seattle 41-34, Texas 37-38, California 37-40, Oakland 34-40, Minnesota 35-42, Chicago WS 25-49

AL League Leaders:
Ave: Wade Boggs .400, Mike Greenwell .374, Don Mattingly .366
HR: Mark McGwire 27, Kent Hrbek 26, Joe Carter 26
RBI: Don Mattingly 70, Joe Carter 65, Mike Greenwell 64
SB: Rickey Henderson 41, Carney Lasford 29, Harold Reynolds 26
WAR: Wade Boggs 5.9, Fred Lynn 4.9, Don Mattingly 4.0

W: Mike Boddicker 14, Roger Clemens 14, Dave Stieb 12
SV: Calvin Schiraldi 19, Dan Plesac 15, DeWayne Buice 14
ERA: Roger Clemens 1.96, Teddy Higuera 2.35, Mike Witt 2.68
K: Roger Clemens 162, Mark Langston 152, Teddy Higuera 127
WAR: Roger Clemens 7.5, Mark Langston 5.4, Teddy Higuera 3.9

AL Awards:

• AL Player of the Month: Angels 1B, Wally Joyner, .433 with 7 home runs, 28 RBIs and 26 runs scored.
• AL Pitcher of the Month: Angels SP, Mike Witt, fanned 27 in 50.1 innings, logged an ERA of 1.79 and allowed opponents to hit .197 against him.
• AL Rookie of the Month: Brewers 3B, Gary Sheffield, .444 with 5 home runs and 19 runs batted in.

NL Standings:
NL East: Chicago Cubs 42-35, Pittsburgh 42-35, Montreal 39-36, St. Louis 37-39, NY Mets 36-40, Philadelphia 30-45
NL West: Cincinnati 47-29, San Diego 45-33, Los Angeles 42-36, Houston 36-40, Atlanta 31-44, San Francisco 31-46

NL League Leaders:
Ave: Tony Gwynn .436, Eric Davis .341, Gerald Perry .340
HR: Eric Davis 25, Howard Johnson 17, Sud Bream 16
RBI: Eric Davis 79, Andres Galarraga 62, Andy Van Slyke 61
SB: Eric Davis 33, Barry Larkin 31, Tony Gwynn 30
WAR: Eric Davis 5.5, Tony Gwynn 5.1, Johnny Ray 3.1

W: G. Mathews 11, Bob Welch 11, Jamie Moyer 11
SV: Lee Smith 20, Roger McDowell 19, Tim Burke 17
ERA: Bob Welch 1.13, John Tudor 2.96, Don Carmen 2.99
K: Bob Welch 127, Mike Scott 118, Fernando Valenzuela 111
WAR: Bob Welch 5.5, Mike Scott 4.3, Eric Show 3.5

NL Awards:

• NL Player of the Month: Mets 3B, Howard Johnson, .302 with 12 home runs, 37 RBIs and scored 24 runs
• NL Pitcher of the Month: Cubs CL, Lee Smith, threw 14 innings over 14 relief appearances and collected a 3-0 record with 15 strikeouts and 8 saves while etching his 0.64 ERA
• NL Rookie of the Month: Expos RF, Larry Walker, .329 with 5 doubles, 2 triples and 6 home runs, scored 16 times and drove in 23 runs.

Achievements:
6/1/1987 - Red Sox SP Roger Clemens strike out 17 Twins.
6/30/1987 - Tigers 2B Lou Whitaker hits 3 HR in game against the Brewers.

Power Rankings:

• Boston Red Sox (118.6, o)
• Cincinnati Reds (108.4, o)
• Milwaukee Brewers (107.5, o)
• Chicago Cubs (107.0, ++)
• Kansas City Royals (103.6, ++)
• Los Angeles Dodgers (103.5, +)
• Baltimore Orioles (102.3, ++)
• San Diego Padres (101.8, -)
• Seattle Mariners (97.6, --)
• Montreal Expos (97.2, +)

[progen]

I thought Ricky Jordan was going to be a stud for the Phils after hitting over .300 his rookie year in 1988, and had a nice 1992 season, but then by 1996(missed all of 1995?), his career was over. Finished with dreadful Seattle. What a way to end your career!

[frankgatti23]

Originally Posted by progen

I thought Ricky Jordan was going to be a stud for the Phils after hitting over .300 his rookie year in 1988, and had a nice 1992 season, but then by 1996(missed all of 1995?), his career was over. Finished with dreadful Seattle. What a way to end your career!

I was 10 in '88 and Ricky Jordan was a guy I really liked. I thought he was going to be great, but sadly it didn't work out that way.

[frankgatti23]

Phillies: Monthly Organizational Report - 7/1/1987
It is midseason for the full season leagues and as such, as part of evaluation, I will promote/demote some of the prospects based no their play.

AAA - Maine Guides (IL) Record: 18-51, Last place, 26.5 GB Power Ranking: 8/8
The Guides were brutal last month (5-20). They now rank last in all categories except Defensive Efficiency (5th). CL Jeff Calhoun,SP Tom Newell and SS Ron Jackson are out for the year. #4 prospect, Keith Miller, who has been their best hitter was called up to majors. Len Watts, has been their best pitcher so far this year. He is 4-8 with a 4.73 ERA, 4.42 FIP, 7.5 K/9, 4.5 BB/9 and 1.5 WAR. He has not been great, but not terrible either. Outside of Watts, only Joe Cowley has been serviceable in the rotation.

Rich Gale, a FA signee in April, has been terrible in 8 starts (1-6, 8.64 ERA, 7.1 BB/9, 0.9 K/9) and will be released. As will Juan Eichelberger (16.22 ERA, 10.1 BB/9 in 2.2 IP), a FA signee in June. Newly acquired Jose Bautista, who has picked up 2 saves in 3 games, will be moved into the rotation. Stan Kyles, (17.0 IP, 10.06 ERA, 7.50 FIP, 14 BB, 8 K) who was acquired in the John Russell trade, was demoted to AA Reading along with RP Bruce Long (47.1 IP, 8.56 ERA, 5.64 FIP, 5.1 K/9, 46 BB/9). John McLarnan, after his demotion from the majors came here instead of AA Reading, will be the new closer.

On the offensive side, FA signee, Rick Lancellotti, .239, 12 HR, 36 RBI, .796 OPS, 0.7 WAR has been their best batter. C Brian Harper, has struggled since coming over, goinvg 5 for 30, no XBH and 3 RBI. He's thrown out 3 of 9 would be base stealers. SS Brian Giles, .229, 3HR, 11 RBI, .723 OPS, 2 SB, 0 WAR, has also struggled. 3B Mike Gallego, .333, with a HR and 7 RBI and only 3 Ks in 33 PAs has done well since his trade.

CF Darrell Brown, a FA signee in April, .206, 2 HR, 13 RBI, 7 SB, 16 K/5 BB, -1.0 WAR in 161 PA; and 1B Tim Corcoran, .178, 0 HR, 7 RBI, 13 K/11 BB, .031 ISO in 145 PAs will be released.
Here are how the top prospects have done so far at AAA:

#5 Prospect - Gary Varsho - 3/5 .600, 1 HR, 1 RBi, 1 SB
#8 Prospect - Rob Nelson - 32 PA, .185, 3 HR, 3 RBI, 5 BB, 5 K, .831 OPS, 1.035 Def Eff,
#9 Prospect - Jim Olander .281, 3 HR, 24 RBI, 5 SB, .720 opS, .100 ISO, .356 BABIP, 1.004 Def Eff,
#17 Prospect - Ken Dowell .239, 0 HR, 11 RBI, 11 BB, .062 ISO, .605 OPS, 1.085 Def Eff, +4.5 ZR, 5.05 RNG.

AA - Reading Phillies (EL) Record: 45-24, 1st Power Ranking: 1/8
Reading has kept it up with another good month, going 16-8; they lead the league in the Runs, AVE, OBP and Defensive Efficieny. They are 2nd in HRs, 3rd in SB. They have been average on the pitching side: 4th in Runs Against and Bullpen ERA and 5th in Starter's ERA. They have some injury issues as SP Marvin Freeman (5-1, 5.74 FIP), is out 3-4 weeks, RF Kevin Ward, is still out another 2 weeks and CF Todd Soares ,.255 4 HR, 11 RBI, is out 8 weeks. 3B Howard Nichols is getting promoted to AAA Maine

#1 Prospect - Kevin Ward .315, 9 HR, 35 RBI, 5 SB, .580 SLG, .981 OPS, 2.5 WAR, +8 ZR in 43 Games
#3 Prospect - Walt Weiss .312,2 HR, 31 RBI, 13 2B, 3 SB, 33 K/16 BB, .763 OPS, .083 ISO, 1.8 WAR, +8.8 ZR
#6 Prospect - Steve De Angelis .298, 27 HR, 77 RBI, 7 SB, 34 BB/33 K, .366 ISO, 1.044 OPS, 2.8 WAR
#7 Prospect - Jose Leiva .245, 3 HR, 23 RBI, 22SB, .084 ISO, .647 OPS, -0.6 WAR
#10 Prospect - Tony Brown .260, 9 HR, 37 RBI, 6 SB, .147 ISO, .717 OPS, -0.1 WAR
#11 Prospect - Howard Nichols .384, 8 HR, 37 RBI, 7 SB, .550 SLG, 25 BB/24 K, .999 OPS, 2.8 WAR
#12 Prospect - Gib Seibert .247, 2 HR, 10 RBI, 1 SB, 19 BB/22 K, .082 ISO, .697 OPS, -0.1 WAR
#13 Prospect - Ricky Jordan .342, 18 HR, 56 RBI, 5 SB, 10 BB, .575 SLG, .936 OPS, 1.9 WAR, 10.4 RNG
#16 Prospect - Ken Jackson .216, 4 HR, 16 RBI, 23 BB/25 K, .127 ISO, .674 OPS .238 BABIP, -0.2 WAR

A - Clearwater Phillies (FSL - North) Record: 47-22, 2nd, 1.5 GB Power Ranking: 1/14
The Clearwater Phillies have been playing great this month (19-6) and they lead the league in Runs Against and Defensive Efficiency, 2nd in Starter ERA, 3rd in AVE and 4th in Runs score.

The offense is in the top half of the league in each category, Runs (4th), AVE (2nd), OBP (5th) and HR (5th). 3B Tom Schwarz, .326, 11 HR, 55 RBI, 30 K/31 BB, .910 OPS, +8.5 ZR, 3.5 WAR; has been tearing up A ball and will be promoted to AA Reading. Their top pitcher has been SP Scott Service, 9-3, 4.34 FIP, 111.1 IP, 6.8 K/9, 2.7 BB/9, 1.7 WAR.

#14 Prospect - Rick Parker .280, 4 HR, 30 RBI, 7 SB, .743 OPS, 28 K/28 BB, 1.3 WAR
#19 Prospect - Bill Stevenson .469, 6 HR, 15 RBI, 4 K/6 BB, 39 PA, 1.0 WAR

A - Spartanburg Phillies (SAL) Record:36-34, 3rd, 6.5 GB Power Ranking: 4/12
Spartanburg improved this month going 16-9. They have been led by the offense who are first in Runs, 2nd in AVE, 3rd in HR and 4th in OBP. They could run more (10th in SBs). LF Shawn Abner,2B Luis Iglesias and C Jeff Grotewold .303, 16 HR, 56 RBI, 1.7 WAR has been a big part of the offense.

A below average starting staff, 9th in runs against and ERA, has been anchored by Mark Sims (7-4, 3,75 FIP, 6.3 K/9) and Fred Christopher (7-3, 3.97 FIP, 8.2 K/9). Sims will be promoted to Clearwater. The bullpen, 2nd in ERA, has been much better. CL Robert Fingers, who came over in the Rawley trade, is 4-4 with 17 SV, 3.37 FIP, 7.3 K/9 has been better than expected. The 3.1 BB/9 is too high for him to elite.

#15 Prospect - Shawn Abner .318, 14 HR, 63 RBI, 4 3B, 9 SB, .600 SLG, .282 ISO, .960 OPS, 1.9 WAR
#20 Prospect - Luis Iglesias .300, 10 HR, 44 RBI, 33 K/28 BB, .181 ISO, .856 OPS, 1.8 WAR

B&C - Utica Blue Sox (NYPL-East) Record:21-13, 1st Power Ranking: 4/12
The Blue Sox offensive has been great over the first 6 weeks of the season. They are currently first in Runs, AVE and OBP, 3rd in SB and 5th in HR.2B Jim Vatcher has been the star and will be promoted to Spartanburg. 1B Jimmy Barragan .336 7 HR, 23 RBI, .948 OPS and C Doug Lindsay .330 4 HR, 23 RBI, 1.3 WAR and provided some fire power as well.

Even with SP Timothy Peek out for the season, the starting pitching has been good and they are 3rd in ERA and 4th in runs against; Andy Ashby (5-3, 4.26 FIP) and Andy Carter (2-2, 3.03 FIP) have lead the staff. The bullpen needs to improve though (10th in ERA).

#2 Prospect - Jim Vatcher .403 6 HR, 22 RBI, 5 SB, .667 SLG, 1.176 OPS, 15 K/29 BB, 2.4 WAR.

B&C - Bend Phillies (Northwest) Record:5-4, 2nd, .5 GB Power Ranking: 4/8
The season is only 9 games in so I will wait until the August report to do a mid-season analysis or make any transactions for this team.

#18 Prospect - Dave Willes .419, 2 HR 9 RBI, 4 SB, 2 K/5 BB in 37 PAs.

[frankgatti23]

Phillies Phodder: Weekly Report - 7/1/1987
Record: 30-45, 6th Place 11 GB (3-5)
Power Ranking: 24th, 68.5 pts
Fan Interest/Loyalty: 73/Below Average
Owner Mood: Ecstatic
Hot Players:

• SP Don Carman - 2-1, 33 IP, 19 K, 1.64 ERA
• 3B Mike Schmidt - 8-20 .400, 2 HR, 4 RBI

Cold Players:

• 1B Von Hayes - 3-20 .150, 0 HR, 3 RBI
• SP Craig McMurtry - 1-1, 18.1 IP, 12 K, 8.84
• 1B Rich Schu - 7-46 .152, 0 HR 1 RBI

Injuries:

• None

Transactions:

• Activate RP Doug Bair (20/20) from 60 Day DL
• Demoted RP Jon McLarnan (20/20) to AAA Maine
• Activate C Lance Parrish (65/65) from 15 Day DL
• Traded C Jamie Quirk (20/20) to Chicago for 2B Gary Varsho (30/30)
• Assigned 2B Gary Varsho (30/30) to AAA Maine

Notes:
The Phillies went 10-17 during the month June which prompted the fire sale of some of the veterans. There are still more pieces that will be sold off. Offensively, they have been middle of the ranking between 4th and 8th in most categories in the NL. They are 1st in HRs and next to last in Ks. THe pitching has been atrocious and the are last or next to last in each category exepct HRs allowed (7th) and Ks (t-10th). They are alos next to last in Defensive Efficency. The one positive so far is they are 21-19 at home.



Division Leaders:
AL East: Boston 50-27
AL West: Kansas City42-33
NL East: Pittsburgh & Chicago 42-35
NL West: Cincinnati 47-29

Notable MLB News:
Giants trade SP Atlee Hammaker (30/30) to Tigers for minor league SP Mike Wilkins (26/60)
Astros sign SP RP Bob Knepper (50/50) to 2 year extension worth 1.46 million per year
Angels SS Gary Pettis fractured knee, out for season
Pirates SP Rick Rueschel, torn archillies tendon, now out for season
Reds CL John Franco sore shoulder, out 6-7 weeks

All-Star Voting:
C Lance Parrish leads catchers
1B Von Hayes is 3rd for first base
2B Juan Samuel leads second base
3B Mike Schmidt leads third base

[frankgatti23]

Phillies Phodder: Weekly Report - 7/6/1987
Record: 34-36, 6th Place 9.5 GB (4-1)
Power Ranking: 18th, 82.5 pts
Fan Interest/Loyalty: 72/Below Average
Owner Mood: Delighted
Hot Players:

• SP Don Carman - 3-1, 41 IP, 25 K, 1.76 ERA
• 3B Mike Schmidt - 14-28 .500, 3 HR, 8 RBI

Cold Players:

• SP Craig McMurtry - 1-1, 18.1 IP, 12 K, 8.84
• LF Keith Miller - 2-21 .095, o HR 1 RBI

Injuries:

• None

Transactions:

• Added SP Joe Cowley (20/20) to 40 man roster
• Demoted LF Keith Miller (25/25) to AAA Maine
• Purchased contract of SP Joe Cowley (20/20) from AAA Maine
• Signed LF Ben Oglivie (20/2) to a minor league contract
• Signed RP Chris Cauley (20/20) to a minor league contract
• Assigned LF Ben Oglivie to AA Reading
• Signed RP Chris Cauley to B&C Bend

Notes:
This was a better week as the pitching improved somewhat. The free agent signings were organizational depth moves to cover injuries. I also shuffled some of the other FA signees to different levels. About half of my personnel contracts are expiring, I need to decide who to extend. I brought up an extra pitcher of the last before All-Start break.

Division Leaders:
AL East: Boston 51-31
AL West: Kansas City 45-35
NL East: Pittsburgh & Chicago 44-37
NL West: Cincinnati 49-32

Notable MLB News:
Tigers SP Steve Searcy fractured elbow,out for season
Cardinals 1B Jack Clark, torn labrum, out for season
Angels SP Willie Fraser, torn labrum, out for season
A's 2B Tony Phillips, concussion, out for season
Tigers CL Mike Henneman elbow imflammation, out 6-7 weeks

All-Star Voting:
C Lance Parrish leads catchers
1B Von Hayes is 3rd for first base
2B Juan Samuel leads second base
3B Mike Schmidt leads third base

[progen]

Gonna have to be patient with this team. Free agent signings really haven't panned out. Appears you have some decent prospects though. But will those Philly fans be patient?

[frankgatti23]

Phillies Phodder: Weekly Report - 7/13/1987
Record: 38-49, 6th Place 9 GB (4-3)
Power Ranking: 15th, 83.6 pts
Fan Interest/Loyalty: 73/Below Average
Owner Mood: Very Happy
Hot Players:

• SP Don Carman - 2-0, 14.1 IP, 15 K, 1.26 ERA
• SP Bruce Ruffin - 2-0, 17 IP, 6 K, 0.53 ERA
• 3B Mike Schmidt - 24-54 .444, 5 HR, 14 RBI

Cold Players:

• SP Craig McMurtry - 1-1, 25.1 IP, 14 K, 9.59 ERA

Injuries:

• None

Transactions:

• Activate RP Dan Schatzeder (35/35) from 15 Day DL
• Waived and designated SP Craig McMultry (20/20) for assignment

Notes:
The following Phillies made the All-Star teaam:

• C Lance Parrish - Starter
• 1B Von Hayes - Reserve
• 2B Juan Samuel - Starter
• 3B Mike Schmidt - Starter
• SP Don Carmen - Reserve

Division Leaders:
AL East: Boston 55-34
AL West: Kansas City 51-36
NL East: Pittsburgh 47-40
NL West: Cincinnati 54-34

Notable MLB News:
Minnesota trades SP Frank Viola (75/75) to Oakland for 1B Bill Madlock (44/45) and minor leaguer CF Henry Rodriguez (20/70)
Boston trades RF Dave Henderson (65/65) to the Mets for minor leaguers SP Pete Schourek (20/70), SP Reggie Dobie (20/35), CF Stanton Cameron (20/20) and C Todd Hundley (20/30)
Cleveland trades CF Brett Butler (70/70) to Oakland for C Mickey Tettleton (40/80) and minor leaguer SP Kevin Tapani (20/60)
Orioles sign Ss RP Cal Ripken (70/70) to 6 year extension worth 9.96 million total
Blue Jays 3B Kelly Gruber (60/70) broken bone in elbow, out for season

[frankgatti23]

Phillies Phodder: Weekly Report - 7/20/1987
Record: 40-51, 6th Place 9 GB (2-2)
Power Ranking: 18th, 80.1 pts
Fan Interest/Loyalty: 71/Below Average
Owner Mood: Very Happy
Hot Players:

• SP Don Carman - 2-0, 14.1 IP, 12 K, 0.63 ERA
• SP Bruce Ruffin - 2-0, 25 IP, 11 K, 0.72 ERA
• 3B Mike Schmidt - 12-25 .480, 2 HR, 5 RBI

Cold Players:

• None

Injuries:

• None

Transactions:

• Promoted RF Jeff Stone (20/20)) from AAA Maine
• Waived SP Joe Cowley (20/20)
• Demoted SP Joe Cowley (20/20) to AAA Maine
• Assigned SP Craig McMultry (20/20) to AAA Maine

Notes:
McMultry was terrible, 13.50 ERA, 10.18 FIP, 13 BB in 12 IP. I waived and DFA'd him. Noboby claimed him so I sent him to AAA Maine where I was hit with a lot of injuries. Cowley, was not very good either, in his 3 starts: 15.1 IP, 12 BB, 8.80 ERA, 6.88 FIP, 3 HR, 11 Ks. He was out of options so I had to waive him. Once he clear waivers, i sent him to AAA. I offered a few minor league contracts to pitchers because I was down to 9 healthy pitchers. I brought up Stone because I needed another OF and he was already on 40 man roster. With 10 days to trade deadline, I will start shopping my vets around, focusing on the Win Now teams.

The AL beat the NLs 4-2, here is how my All-Stars performed:

• C Lance Parrish - 0-2, 2 K, 1 BB
• 1B Von Hayes - Defensive replacement
• 2B Juan Samuel - 0-1 1K, HBP, R
• 3B Mike Schmidt - 1-2, 2B, 2 BB
• SP Don Carmen - 1 IP, BB, K

Division Leaders:
AL East: Boston 58-35
AL West: Kansas City 54-37
NL East: Pittsburgh 49-42
NL West: Cincinnati 54-38

Notable MLB News:
Minnesota trades 1B Kent Hrbek (75/75) and 47K to the White Sox for SP Jack McDowell (35/65) and minor leaguers RP Ramon A. Garcia (20/55), SP Argenis Cortes (20/35), C Todd Trafton (20/20) and SP Doug Little (20/20)
The Dodgers trade CF Franklin Stubbs (40/40) to San Diego for minor leaguers LF Mark Gillaspie (30/30) and C Jim Tatum (20/55)

[frankgatti23]

Originally Posted by progen

Gonna have to be patient with this team. Free agent signings really haven't panned out. Appears you have some decent prospects though. But will those Philly fans be patient?

They are not known for patience!

[frankgatti23]

Phillies Phodder: Weekly Report - 7/27/1987
Record: 44-54, 6th Place 7 GB (4-3)
Power Ranking: 21st, 81.8 pts
Fan Interest/Loyalty: 69/Below Average
Owner Mood: Very Happy
Hot Players:

• SP Bruce Ruffin - 3-0, 34 IP, 16 K, 0.79 ERA
• 3B Mike Schmidt - 17-35 .486, 3 HR, 6 RBI

Cold Players:

• SP Craig McMulrtry - 1-1, 9.59 ERA, 25.1 IP, 14 K
• 1B Rick Schu - 3-20 .150, 0 HR 2 RBI

Injuries:

• LF Chris James (35/35), plantar fascitis, 2-3 weeks

Transactions:

• Placed LF Chris James on 15 day DL
• Placed LF Ben Oglivie (20/20) to 40 man roster
• Purchased contract of LF Ben Oglivie from AA Reading
• Signed RP Rusty Ford (20/20) to minor league contract and assigned him to AAA Maine
• Signed RP Odell Jones (20/20) to minor league contract and assigned him to AAA Maine
• Traded RP Doug Bair (20/20) to Toronto for SP Steve Cummings (25/25) and LF Ed Smith (20/20)
• Traded RP Dan Schatzeder (35/35) to Seattle for CL Ed Nunez (35/50), SP Jeff Nelson (20/20) and RF Dru Kosco (20/20)
• Placed SP Craig McMultry (20/20) to 40 man roster
• Placed SP Steve Cummings to 40 man roster
• Purchased contract of SP Craig McMultry (20/20) from AAA Maine
• Assigned SP Steve Cummings to AA Reading
• Signed CF Tim Corcoran (20/20) to minor league contract and assigned him to AA Reading
• Signed CF Darrell Brown (20/20) to minor league contract and assigned him to AAA Maine
• Assigned LF Ed Smith to B&C Utica
• Assigned RF Dru Kosco to B&C Utica
• Assigned SP Jeff Nelson to A Spartanburg

Notes:
Had a decent week due to good pitching from Bruce Ruffin, 9 IP, 1 R, 5 Ks, and Don Carman, 7 IP, 3 R, 7 Ks. Since the trade deadline was approaching, I needed to try and move some of the veterans. Even though I am only 7 GB, I was still the 10th best in the NL.

I shopped [B/]Bair[/B], who had a 8.53 ERA, 2.21 WHIP and 1 K/4 BB in 6.1 IP. Toronto offered Cummings, who was 3-3, 3.62 ERA, 4.11 FIP, 76 K/46 BB in 109.1 IP in AAA. The controls needs to improve, but he could be a quality RP in the bigs. Toronto had him on th 40 man, so I had to put him on mine. I assigned him to AA Reading. Ed Smith was 3-11 in the NYPL for Toronto. I asked for him as I needed bodies to play outfield in the minors. Toronto agreed to that and to pay 90% of Cummings salary.

Next I shopped Schatzader, who was 2-0, 4.58 ERA, 4.63 FIP, 47 K/35 BB in 17.2 IP. Seattle responded with Nunez, who was 2-7 with 15 Saves and 9.2 K/9. Control is an issue as he walked 25 in 37 IP. He is FA after the '88 season, so I have a year to decide to sign or trade him. He could slot into the closer's role if I trade Steve Bedrosian. I asked for [B]Nelson[B], who was 7-6 with 4.17 ERA, 5.20 FIP and 77 BB vs 46 Ks in 101.1 IP at A ball. He potential has a plus slider but he lack of control may make him a career minor leaguer. I also asked for Kosco as I needed another rookie ball OF. He was .302 with 17 HR and 49 RBI and a 1.7 WAR at A ball.

I brought McMultry up to fill the spot on the active roster vacated by Bair. He wasn't great in AAA; in 13 IP, he had 5 BB, 7 K, 6.92 ERA, 1.77 WHIP, but I didn't want to bring up Jim Corsi yet. I'm hoping for a good rest of the season from him to either increase his trade value or keep him as part of the pen next year.

I am working on a massive trade with Kansas City for prospect Kevin Appier (35/75) and others that would include Bedrosian and Carman.

I brought up Oglivie, who is 38 years old, and after going 2-2, he asked for a contract extension.

Division Leaders:
AL East: Boston 62-37
AL West: Kansas City 56-42
NL East: Pittsburgh & Chicago 51-47
NL West: Cincinnati 58-41

Notable MLB News:
Blue Jays RF Jesse Barfield (60/65), setback in recovery, out 2-3 months
The Pirates trade RF R.J. Reynolds (25/25) to Montreal for RP Joe Hesketh (35/50) and SP John Dopson(30/50) and $32K

[frankgatti23]

BNN Monthly MLB Report - 8/1/1987
Baseball Network News presents its monthly MLB report

AL Standings:
See screen shot below

AL League Leaders:
AVE: Wade Boggs .396
HR: Mark McGwire 37
RBI: Don Mattingly 98
SB: Rickey Henderson 60
WAR: Wade Boggs 7.0

W: Mike Boddicker & Roger Clemens 18
SV: Calvin Schiraldi 27
ERA: Roger Clemens 1.73
K: Roger Clemens 213
WAR: Roger Clemens 9.6

AL Awards:

• AL Player of the Month: Orioles 1B, Eddie Murray, .404 average, 11 HRs, 33 RBIs and 25 runs scored
• AL Pitcher of the Month: Angels SP, Mike Witt, fanned 50 in 50.1 innings, logged an ERA of 1.43 and allowed opponents to hit .182 against him.
• AL Rookie of the Month: Brewers 3B, Gary Sheffield, .327 with 7 home runs and 26 runs batted in and 24 runs scored

NL Standings:
See screen shot below

NL League Leaders:
AVE: Tony Gwynn .417
HR: Eric Davis 36
RBI: Eric Davis 108
SB: Eric Davis 50
WAR: Eric Davis 8.1

W: Bob Welch 14
SV: Lee Smith, Roger McDowell and Tim Burke 24
ERA: Bob Welch 1.75
K: Bob Welch 162
WAR: Bob Welch 6.5

NL Awards:

• NL Player of the Month: Reds CF, Eric Davis, .367 with 11 home runs, 29 RBIs and scored 30runs
• NL Pitcher of the Month: Phillies SP, Bruce Ruffin, went 4-1 with a 2.00 ERA, 27 Ks in 45 innning and held batters to .232 average.
• NL Rookie of the Month: Mets 2B, Gregg Jefferies, .263 with 3 HRs, 12 RBIs and 12 runs scored.

Achievements:
None.

Power Rankings:

• Cincinnati Reds (115.5, +)
• Kansas City Royals (113.5, +)
• Boston Red Sox (113.2, -)
• Baltimore Orioles (109.4, ++)
• Milwaukee Brewers (109.0, --)
• New York Yankees (108.1, ++)
• Los Angeles Dodgers (103.1, ++)
• Pittsburgh Pirates(98.2, o)
• San Diego Padres (97.2, --)
• Texas Rangers (96.1, +)

[frankgatti23]

Phillies: Monthly Organizational Report - 8/1/1987
I pulled the trigger on a trade with Kansas City that netted me 5 propsects. I will detail that trade in the Weekly Report on 8/3.

AAA - Maine Guides (IL) Record: 33-64, Last place, 34.5 GB Power Ranking: 8/8
The Guides went (15-13) in July, which was their first winning month. They currently have 12 players on the DL, with 5 of them being done for the season: CL Jeff Calhoun - 7 months ,SP Tom Newell - 11 months, SS GAry Templeton - 3 months, SP Wally Ritchie - 4 months and SS Ron Jackson - 2 months.

Any pitcher of note has been promoted to the bigs after the run of trades by GM Davos Seaworth. Here are how the top prospects have done so far at AAA:

#4 Prospect (MLB Rank #163)- Keith Miller (30/30) - 3.287, 5 HR, 26 RBI, 6 SB, .814 OPS, 1.4 WAR
#5 Prospect (#170)- Gary Varsho (20/20) - .274, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 6 SB, .759 OPS, 0.7 WAR
#9 Prospect - Rob Nelson (30/30) - .272, 12 hR, 26 RBI, .958 OPS, 1.2 WAR
#10 Prospect - Jim Olander (20/20) .272, 4 HR, 32 RBI, 7 SB, .705 OPS, -0.3 WAR
#12 Prospect - Howard Nichols (20/20) .299, 4 HR, 18 RBI, 1 SB, .871 OPS, 0.9 WAR
#18 Prospect - Ken Dowell (20/20) .239, 0 HR, 11 RBI, .610 OPS, 0.3 WAR

AA - Reading Phillies (EL) Record: 63-36 1st Power Ranking: 1/8
Reading has kept it up with another good month, going 18-12. Many of the new pitching propsects ended up here including starters: Israel Sanchez, Steve Cummings and Jose DeJesus; along with CL Greg Hibbard

#1 Prospect (MLB Rank #102)- Kevin Ward (20/25) .310, 9 HR, 40 RBI, 6 SB, 951 OPS, 2.5 WAR
#3 Prospect (#129)- Walt Weiss (25/35) .316, 3 HR, 47 RBI, 6 SB, .778 OPS, 3.1 WAR
#6 Prospect - Steve De Angelis (30/30) .310, 35 HR, 110 RBI, 8 SB, 1.030 OPS, 3.8 WAR - Promoted to AAA Maine
#8 Prospect - Jose Leiva (20/20) .251, 3 HR, 40 RBI, 36 SB, .652 OPS, -1.2 WAR
#11 Prospect - Tony Brown (20/20) .273, 12 HR, 53 HR, 8 SB, .772 OPS, 0.2 WAR. Out for 4 weeks
#13 Prospect - Gib Seibert (20/20) .264, 4 HR, 21 RBI, 2 SB, .732 OPS, 0.0 WAR
#14 Prospect - Ricky Jordan (25/25) .349, 22 HR, 83 RBI, 8 SB, 942 OPS, 3.2 WAR
#17 Prospect - Ken Jackson (20/20) .230, 4 HR, 21 RBI, 2 SB, .697 OPS, 0.1 WAR

A - Clearwater Phillies (FSL - North) Record: 63-36 , 2nd, 6 GB Power Ranking: 4/14
The Clearwater Phillies went (16-14) this month

#15 Prospect - Rick Parker (20/20) .292, 8 HR, 46 RBI, 13 SB, .770 OPS, 2.4 WAR
#20 Prospect - Bill Stevenson (20/20) .353, 16 HR, 34 RBI, 1.173 OPS, 2.3 WAR

A - Spartanburg Phillies (SAL) Record:49-50, 4th, 11 GB Power Ranking: 9/12
Spartanburg fell back this month going 13-16. SP [B]Jason Grimsley[/] and RP Clifton Walker are out for the year and their top two prospects will miss most of the season.

#2 Prospect (MLB Rank: #124)- Jim Vatcher (35/35) .297, 5 HR, 21 RBI, 5 SB, 1.039 OPS, 1.1 WAR - Out 4-5 weeks
#16 Prospect - Shawn Abner (20/20) .330, 4 HR, 20 RBI, 3 3B, 3 SB, .947 OPS, 0.9 WAR - Out 4 weeks

B&C - Utica Blue Sox (NYPL-East) Record:34-27, 1st Power Ranking: 2/12
They 16-11 in July to stay in 1st place by 2 games. With 3 weeks left in the season, the following players will not return this year: SP Timothy Peek (20/20), SP Royal Thomas (20/20) and CF Joe Williams (20/20)

#7 Prospect - Kevin Appier (25/70) - Has yet to make an appearance.

B&C - Bend Phillies (Northwest - North) Record:22-15, 2nd, 1.5 GB Power Ranking: 2/8
TThey have gone 17-11 in July and are being powered by the offense, which ranks 1st or 2nd in all categories but Ave (5th), Hits (5th) and strikeouts (last). Their pitching is in the bottom half of th eleague in all categories except for Home runs allowed (3rd)

#19 Prospect - Dave Willes (20/20) .383, 8 HR, 34 RBI, 7 SB, 1.115 OPS, 2.2 WAR - Promoted to B&C Utica

[frankgatti23]

Phillies Phodder: Weekly Report - 8/3/1987
Record: 47-57, 6th Place 8 GB (3-3)
Power Ranking: 18th, 84.3 pts
Fan Interest/Loyalty: 69/Below Average
Owner Mood: Very Happy
Hot Players:

• SP Bruce Ruffin - 3-2, 46.1 IP, 23 K, 1.55 ERA

Cold Players:

• SP Craig McMulrtry - 1-1, 9.88 ERA, 27.1 IP, 17 K
• LF Carmelo Martinez - 2-23 .087, 0 HR, 0 RBI

Injuries:

• 1B Von Hayes (60/70), intercostal strain, out 3 weeks

Transactions:

• Placed 1B Von Hayes (60/70) on 15 Day DL
• Traded RF Mike Easler (55/55), RP Steve Bedrosian (55/60), SP Don Carman (50/50), RP Tom Hume (35/35) and minor leaguer SP Bob Scanlan (20/35)
  to Kansas City for SP Kevin Appier (25/70), minor leaguers CL Greg Hibbard (30/60), RP Jim Campbell (30/60), SP Jose De Jesus (20/35) and SP Israel Sanchez (25/25)
• Placed RF Rick Lancellotti (20/20) on the 40 man roster
• Placed RP Jim Corsi (25/50) on the 40 man roster
• Placed SP Kevin Appier (25/70) on the 40 man roster
• Placed RP Jim Campbell (30/60) on the 40 man roster
• Purchased contract of RF Rick Lancellotti (20/20) from AAA Maine
• Purchased contract of RP Jim Corsi (25/50) from AAA Maine
• Purchased contract of RP John McLarnan (20/20) from AAA Maine
• Purchased contract of SP Joe Cowley (20/20) from AAA Maine
• Purchased contract of SS Mike Gallego (20/20) from AAA Maine
• Signed 2B Ron Oester (20/20) to minor league contract and assigned him to AAA Maine
• Assigned SP Kevin Appier (25/70) to B&C Utica
• Assigned RP Jim Campbell (30/60) to A Spartanburg
• Assigned CL Greg Hibbard (30/60) to AA Reading
• Assigned SP Jose De Jesus (20/35) to AA Reading
• Assigned SP Israel Sanchez (25/25) to AA Reading

Notes:
Went 3 and 3 this week, taking 2 of 3 from Chicago after dropping 2 of 3 to Pittsburgh. 3B Mike Schmidt (75/75) his currently hitting .326 with 22 HR and 62 RBIs but as good as he has been, he's a longshot to repeat as MVP as the Reds CF Eric Davis (80/80) is hitting .350 with 38 HR, 113 RBI and 50 SB and 8.5 WAR. He is having an insane season.

I had been working on a blockbuster trade with Kansas City for some time as they currently have a 2 game lead, they have great prospects and a the payroll to take on the contracts i was looking to unload.

We had the framework of Bedrosian and Easler for Hibbard, Campbell and Sanchez, but I really wanted Appier who would instantly be my best pitching prospect. The only way KC would include him was if I give them Carman. I like Carman alot and he is having a great year, but at 27 and with him being a free agent after 1988, I felt he was worth giving up for Appier. There's a good chance that this a career year for Carman and if he crashes next year, I'd get next to nothing for him. I throw out the idea of them taking Hume's contract and they countered with Hume's contract, a low level prospect, De Jesus for Scanlan, who was out best pitching prospect. I agreed.

Bedrosian slots in as their closer and gives tham a 1-2 punch with Dan Quisenberry at the back of the bullpen. Easler allows them to push the ineffective Lonnie Smith to the bench. Hume is just another middle releiver for them. Carman is an upgrade as their number 5 starter and Scanlan is most likely a career minor leaguer.

De Jesus and Sanchez will join the AA Reading rotation and Hibbard will be the closer there. Jim Campbell will go to A Spartanburg and be the closer there. For some reason, KC had him on the 40 man roster, so I had to add him to ours. Appier had an era over 5 in limited time with Kansas City, but I assigned him to B&C Utica because he needs to develop for the rest of this year and some of next year. I envision joining the Phils in July or August of 1988 if all goes well.

Since I received all minor leaguers in the trade, I needed to promote some players to the bigs. John McLarnan, Jim Corsi and Joe Cowley replaced the 3 departing pitchers. Corsi was pitching great at AAA and the other two were already on the 40 man roster. Gallego brought up to platoon at SS and backup the other IF positions. This will be audition for him to be the utiltiy infielder next year.

After Hayes injury, I brought up Lancellotti as there were no minor league OFs currently on the 40 man roster and he can play CF.

Division Leaders:
AL East: Boston 66-40
AL West: Kansas City 55-46
NL East: Pittsburgh 55-50
NL West: Cincinnati 65-41

Notable MLB News:
Yankees CL Dave Righetti (65/65), forearm inflammation, out 5 weeks
Cleveland CF Joe Carter (65/65), ruptured MCL, out for season
Dodgers C Mike Scioscia (75/75), strained oblique, out 6-7 weeks
White Sox SS Ozzie Guillen, grumbled about lack of playing time and was tried for high reason, conduct detrimental to the team and serious foot odor by a kangaroo court. He was found guilty and fined $100 and 1 day of charity work.
The Cardinals trade SP Bob Forsch (50/50) to Milwaukee for LF Mike Felder (45/45)
The Indians trade RP Scott Bailes (45/50) to Texas for minor league SP Kenny Rogers (20/55) and minor league RP Robb Nen (20/25)

[frankgatti23]

8/3/1987

[frankgatti23]

Phillies Phodder: Weekly Report - 8/10/1987
Record: 48-63, 6th Place 11 GB (1-6)
Power Ranking: 23rd, 72.8 pts
Fan Interest/Loyalty: 69/Below Average
Owner Mood: Very Happy
Hot Players:

• SP Bruce Ruffin - 0-1, 14.2 IP, 4 K, 1.23 ERA

Cold Players:

• SP Craig McMulrtry - 0-0, 9.56 ERA, 16 IP, 10 K
• LF Carmelo Martinez - 6-45 .133, 0 HR, 1 RBI
• SP Joe Cowley - 0-2, 12.46 ERA, 8.2 IP, 15 K

Injuries:

• None

Transactions:

• Activated LF Chris James (35/35) from 15 Day DL
• Demoted RF Jeff Stone (20/20) to AAA Maine
• Demoted RP Michael Jackson (25/70) to AAA Maine
• Purchased contract of SP Odell Jones (20/20) from AAA Maine

Notes:
The Phillies had a tough getting swept by the Mets who outscored them 23-2. Then they lost 3 of 4 to St. Louis with getting the only when Ruffin pitched. Jackson had been struggling recently (5 ER in last 6.1 IP), so I demoted him to AAA to get more consistent work. In his place I purchased the contract of Jones who had been pitching well since I signed him in July. 3-0, 2.48 ERA, 3.45 FIP, 8.1 K/9, 1.14 WHIP in 29 IP. I moved him and Mike Maddux back into the rotation and moved Dave Romeza and Cowley back to the pen.

With James coming off the DL, I demoted Jeff Stone as he was hitting .206 with 3 HR and 16 RBIs in 35 games.

Division Leaders:
AL East: Milwaukee 67-42
AL West: Kansas City 61-47
NL East: New York 59-52
NL West: Cincinnati 68-44

Notable MLB News:
A's CF Brett Butler (70/70), strained groin, out 5 weeks
Padres CF Shane Mack(45/60), setback in rehab, out for 6-7 weeks
Cubs 2B Ryne Sandberg (70/80), back spasms, out 6 weeks
Braves SP Charlie Puleo (25/25), radial nerve compression, out for season

[frankgatti23]

8/10/1987

[frankgatti23]

Phillies Phodder: Weekly Report - 8/17/1987
Record: 51-67, 6th Place 12.5 GB (3-4)
Power Ranking: 22nd, 77.8 pts
Fan Interest/Loyalty: 69/Below Average
Owner Mood: Very Happy
Hot Players:

• SP Bruce Ruffin - 4-3, 2.60 ERA, 65.2 IP, 35 K
• CL Ed Nunez - 7 Saves, 0.60 ERA, 15 IP, 11 K

Cold Players:

• SP Craig McMulrtry - 0-0, 10.19 ERA, 17.2 IP, 12 K
• SP Joe Cowley - 0-2, 12.46 ERA, 8.2 IP, 5 K

Injuries:

• None

Transactions:

• Signed assistant GM Paul Owens to 3 year extension

Notes:
The Phillies went 3-4 this week, losing 2 of 3 to the Cubs and splitting a four game set with St. Louis. I reassigned some minor leaguers to other levels since some of my teams were beset with injuries. I went through and offered contract extensions to my minor league managers and coaches that had their contracts up. All but two (AA Reading pitching coach and A Clearwater pitching coach) accepted. I did not offer the AAA hitting coach an extension.

Division Leaders:
AL East: Milwaukee 74-42
AL West: [COLOR="Royal Blue"]Kansas City[/COLOR] 68-49
NL East: New York 63-54
NL West: Cincinnati 70-49

Notable MLB News:
Twins SP Ron Musselman (20/20), torn labrum, out for season
Cubs C Jody Davis (70/70), broken kneecap, out for season
A's LF Jose Canseco (80/80), broken kneecap, out for season
Royals 3B George Brett (65/65), sprained ankle, out for 5 weeks