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Old 07-01-2019, 01:08 AM   #21
The_Myth
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Join Date: Jun 2019
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Thanks! I'll post an update tomorrow; I've just been away for a few days.
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Old 07-02-2019, 12:44 AM   #22
The_Myth
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Join Date: Jun 2019
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June 25, 1984

Rookie ball gets going today, which means it’s time to clean up the minor league rosters and make some promotions, if necessary.
  • LF Keith Hughes promoted to AA Reading

The outfielder was electric in A Peninsula (301 PA, .316/.392/.506, 29 XBH, +3.5 ZR, .995 EFF, 3.3 WAR) and will take the starting job in Reading.
  • RF Kevin Ward promoted to AA Reading

Same idea here. Ward was awesome in Peninsula (303 PA, .322/.396/.468, 23 XBH, -0.3 ZR, 1.005 WFF, 2.9 WAR), adding speed, as well. The defense was about average. He’ll need to step that up in Reading, but the new Phillies outfield is Peninsula’s opening day group: Hughes, Todd Soares, and Ward.
  • LF Jerome Stone promoted to A Peninsula
  • RF Jim Vest promoted to A Peninsula

The former was a signee and will get to start his 1984 campaign, while the latter was down in extended spring training and needs to come out swinging.
  • RF Gib Siebert promoted to AAA Portland

The 23-year-old had a decent half-season in Reading (255 PA, .284/.349/.402, 20 XBH, -1.1 ZR, .984 EFF, 0.8 WAR); this is a pseudo-aggressive attempt to see if he can clean up the defense, mostly. We’ll see.

June 25, 1984

With the season starting to slip away, it’s time to make another change or two. And finally, I think I’m going to move on from John Wockenfuss. His numbers: 79 PA, .222/.282/.306, 2 XBH, 0.0 WAR. Looking at team strengths and weaknesses, I see the Royals could use a backup catcher with experience, so I offer Wockenfuss for a minor league reliever.


Game 1984-74: Veterans Stadium - Mets 4, Phillies 3 (10) / 30-44

Sheesh. A homer by Hubie Brooks off Don Carman in the 10th wins it for the Mets. Would be nice to get one of these Ws, but alas.

June 26, 1984

Kansas City rejects my trade offer for Wockenfuss, countering by wanting any number of decent but not top prospects. Meh. Meanwhile, Wockenfuss himself is angry that he’s not getting playing time. Get in line with the other guys who stink, John.

Going down the line, I can’t find a fair deal for Wockenfuss (essentially, I’m not trading additional players in a Wockenfuss deal). I’ll try again tomorrow, but if no dice, he’s heading to Portland (he has one option left).

Game 1984-75: Veterans Stadium - Mets 2, Phillies 1 (10) / 30-45

A recap of yesterday. Bleh. This time we have a 1-0 lead and Tug McGraw blows it in the eighth; of course, he’s not having a bad season otherwise (16.1 IP, 2.76 ERA). It’s just this time …

Also Kevin Gross leaves the game early with a sore back. Nothing major.

June 27, 1984

Late in the morning we hosted the USA baseball team, who played an exhibition against the South Korean amateur club. It’s a talented group, including likely top 1985 draft choices Barry Larkin, Will Clark, Pete Incaviglia, Bobby Witt, and probably the top draft prospect, North Carolina’s B.J. Surhoff. Plus, the team has a bunch of 1984 draftees, including Drew Hall with the Cubs, Norm Charlton with the Expos, and top prospect Mark McGwire with Oakland (hitting around .200 in AAA right now).

Game 1984-76: Veterans Stadium - Phillies 7, Mets 6 / 31-45

We finally get that comeback win I’ve been pining for. Down 6-4 in the eighth, we tie it with a throwing error and a Greg Gross single; then, we win it in the ninth with a Juan Samuel triple and Sixto Lezcano single.
  • C/1B John Wockenfuss demoted to AAA Portland
  • 1B/RF Mark Funderburk promoted to MLB Philadelphia

In this now lost season, it’s time for a pick-me-up. Mark Funderburk, who was out of baseball and looked finished before returning in our spring training camp, hit .275/.325/.546 with 17 home runs in AAA Portland. He makes it. Give him a hand.

June 28, 1984

Last series of June, and we’re getting to a turning point in this 1984 campaign. For now, let’s take on the Astros, see if we can win two, and get a good feeling.

Meanwhile:
  • SP Joe Cowley activated from 60-day disabled list; placed on irrevocable waivers

Cowley has no options remaining (he was a waiver claim back before spring training), so I’m going to try and get him through to get settled in AAA Portland.


Game 1984-77: Veterans Stadium - Phillies 8, Astros 5 / 32-45

Like clockwork, a 5-0 lead disappears almost immediately. But! The game holds steady for a few innings, with Tug McGraw doing yeoman’s work for two. And in the eighth we break through, as Len Matuszek singles home a hard-charging Mike Schmidt, and two batters later Gary Maddox (!) strikes a two-run single for his second and third RBI of the season.

The unfortunate thing is Kelly Downs now has a 6.39 ERA. His K/9 (3.9) and BB/9 (2.8) are in line with his norms, but his HR/9 (1.8) is much higher. Essentially his lack of movement isn’t playing against these better hitters. Once John Denny returns, I may decide to send Downs back to AAA Portland for a bit more seasoning, so he doesn’t ruin his confidence. That said, he’s a hard worker, so I believe in him either way.

June 29, 1984

Welp, just found out that Steve Carlton has a bruised thigh and may miss a start. With no days off until the all-star break (10 games), this might be a great time to give Lefty a breather. Downs will stay for now.
  • SP Steve Carlton placed on 15-day injured list
  • RP Jim Kern promoted to MLB Philadelphia

Basically, I’ll see how John Denny does in his rehab start tomorrow in Portland. If he’s ready to go I’ll just add him when Carlton’s number comes back around, and send Kern back down to AAA. If not, I’ll see who can take a start from Portland.

Game 1984-78: Veterans Stadium - Phillies 12, Astros 7 / 33-45

Schmidt snaps out of his funk with a 3-hit game, while Sixto Lezcano adds a home run, and Glenn Wilson strikes three hits.

June 30, 1984

The Cardinals have claimed Joe Cowley.

Game 1984-79: Veterans Stadium - Phillies 4, Astros 1 / 34-45

Four straight wins! Jerry Koosman pitches well (8.1 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 5 K), lowering his ERA to 4.67 and giving me second thoughts about cutting short his rotation time. Schmidt adds his 15th homer, and Von Hayes strikes his fifth. With a .279/.359/.391 line, he’s my first-half offensive MVP.

Last edited by The_Myth; 07-02-2019 at 12:54 AM.
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Old 07-03-2019, 02:19 AM   #23
The_Myth
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July 1, 1984

We have one more against the Astros, but first, there’s plenty of news.

First, Bill Giles checks in with a review of his goals. He’s glad about the Larry Andersen extension (his 3.94 ERA is looking better than it was in May), and he’s happy with Paul Owens, for now, but he hates that we’re well out of contention. Look, buddy, it wasn’t the best group to begin with.

Second, a bunch of coaches are in the last year of their contracts. I’m on the fence about extending Owens, as I might want to bring in some new blood. The guys in the minors - that’s a conversation for a little later in the season.

Third, the Cubs’ Leon Durham has overtaken Mike Schmidt for leading vote-getter among National League all star hopefuls. Gotta be a mild upset, but Schmidty also had a terrible June (118 PA, .210/.297/.343, 3 HR, 22 K, 13 BB).

Finally, the Red Sox are offering us SS Glenn Hoffman (age 25, 38/38) for Andersen and Mike LaValliere. No thanks.


Game 1984-80: Veterans Stadium - Phillies 6, Astros 3 / 35-45

A four-game sweep! Kevin Gross goes eight strong (9 H, 3 ER, 4 K), while Von Hayes continues his hot hitting (4-for-5, HR, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 R). We’re playing our best baseball of the season, and with the win, we pull ahead of the Cubs for fifth place in the NL East (13 back of first-place Pittsburgh).

By the way, we’re up to 16th in the latest power rankings. The top-five:

1. Toronto Blue Jays - 57-24
2. New York Mets - 46-32
3. Detroit Tigers - 49-29
4. Pittsburgh Pirates - 48-32
5. Kansas City Royals - 45-33

July 2, 1984
  • SP John Denny promoted to MLB Philadelphia
  • SP John Machin promoted to AAA Portland
  • RP Jim Kern released

Denny pitched well in his rehab start, going eight while striking out six. He comes up, Kern is gone (he refused to be demoted), and Machin, who was great in Reading (87.1 IP, 2.78 ERA, 6.4 K/9, 2.3 BB/9, 2.1 WAR), gets a shot in AAA. He’s not special by any means, but he harnesses six pitches, so maybe he’s a fill-in-type at some point.

And speaking of fill-ins, we’re at the Carlton turn in the rotation, and Denny isn’t 100 percent to go. Moreover, my option to sub in at AAA has an ERA over 7.00. So, I’m opting for a bullpen game to start the next series. Steve Mura will start the game, maxing out at 75 pitches. We’ll see where it goes from there.

Meanwhile, we’re at the halfway point of the season. Time to analyze the roster and give out some grades.

Catcher
  • Bo Diaz - 202 PA, .262/.280/.372, 6 HR, 9 XBH, 21 RBI, 34 K, 6 BB, +1.9 ZR, 1.062 EFF, 35.5% RTO, 1 PB 0.8 WAR (Grade: C-)
  • John Russell - 127 PA, .237/.283/.441, 6 HR, 12 XBH, 17 RBI, 40 K, 8 BB, +1.1 ZR, .981 EFF, 43.3% RTO, 0 PB, 0.7 WAR (Grade: C)
  • John Wockenfuss - 80 PA, .219/.278/.301, 2 HR, 2 XBH, 7 RBI, 9 K, 6 BB, +1.3 ZR, 1.062 EFF, 54.2% RTO, 0 PB, 0 WAR (Grade: D-)
  • Darren Daulton (AAA) - 252 PA, .249/.357/.413, 7 HR, 17 XBH, 29 RBI, 56 K, 36 BB, +0.4 ZR, .931 EFF, 34.4% RTO, 7 PB, 1.8 WAR (Grade: B)

Diaz has struggled at the plate but otherwise has been as advertised. Russell has played well behind the plate (eighth in runners thrown out percentage among those with at least 15 chances), but at the plate the discipline lacks a bit. Wockenfuss just hasn’t lived up to his end of the bargain, as he was supposed to be a solid bench bat. As for Daulton, he hasn’t been a world-beater in Portland, but he’s good enough now to reach Philly and not be too far behind.

Future outlook: I’d like to move Diaz at the deadline; once that happens, Daulton comes to Philly to work a pseudo-platoon with Russell for the rest of the season.

First Base
  • Len Matuszek - 282 PA, .277/.351/.430, 6 HR, 24 XBH, 37 RBI, 45 K, 28 BB, +1.6 ZR, 1.025 EFF, 1.6 WAR (Grade: B+)

Give it up for Matuszek, putting it all together in his first season as a full-time starter. Very happy with his game offensively and defensively.

Future outlook: Sadly, Matuszek will turn 30 in September, which means he could be peaking right now. Investing in a solid second option at first base for 1985 is a good idea.

Second Base
  • Juan Samuel - 353 PA, .264/.313/.401, 5 HR, 28 XBH, 20 RBI, 34 SB, 85 K, 23 BB, -11.6 ZR, .894 EFF, 0.9 WAR (Grade: C+)

I love watching Juan Samuel. He leads the National League in steals, trailing only Rickey Henderson for the major-league lead (37). His 17 doubles and six triples lead the team and are among NL leaders, and one would imagine as he strengthens, some of those extra-base hits become homers. But. He strikes out a ton and plays terrible defense.

Future outlook: I want to give the 23-year-old a chance to play every day up here. He could be a cornerstone piece for this franchise, and the excitement he brings proves that.

Third Base
  • Mike Schmidt - 336 PA, .241/.330/.446, 15 HR, 29 XBH, 44 RBI, 0 SB, 66 K, 40 BB, +0.9 ZR, 1.024 EFF, 2.2 WAR (Grade: B)
  • Mike Diaz (AAA) - 292 PA, .321/.373/.586, 17 HR, 36 XBH, 52 RBI, 0 SB, 38 K, 20 BB, +0.5 ZR, 1.031 EFF, 3.5 WAR (Grade: A-)
  • Chris James (AA) - 315 PA, .296/.332/.502, 12 HR, 33 XBH, 45 RBI, 13 SB, 38 K, 14 BB, -1.8 ZR, .982 EFF, 2.3 WAR (Grade: B)

The power is there, but Schmidty hasn’t been the same this season. His defense also hasn’t been exceptional, just slightly above average. Diaz has been outstanding, very similar to last season in AAA Iowa. And James needs to work on defense at third base, but he’s learning, and the offensive profile is strong.

Future outlook: Schmidt remains the starter, but Diaz needs some work in the majors this year. Is there a version of 1985 with Diaz at third and Schmidt at first? I don’t think so. James is still a year away, at least. For now, it’s still Schmidty’s world.

Shortstop
  • Ivan De Jesus - 256 PA, .225/.290/.281, 0 HR, 10 XBH, 16 RBI, 1 SB, 33 K, 22 BB, -11.1 ZR, .887 EFF, -1.1 WAR (Grade: F)
  • Kiko Garcia - 64 PA, .224/.270/.276, 0 HR, 3 XBH, 5 RBI, 0 SB, 12 K, 3 BB, +1.5 ZR, 1.078 EFF, 0.1 WAR (Grade: D)
  • Steve Jeltz (AAA) - 264 PA, .237/.333/.329, 2 HR, 12 XBH, 19 RBI, 5 SB, 48 K, 31 BB, +2.6 ZR, 1.044 EFF, 1.4 WAR (Grade: C+)

De Jesus has been atrocious out there - a bad fielder, and the bat hasn’t redeemed him at all. Garcia isn’t an everyday player, but I’ve used him a bit more lately because his glove plays. Jeltz utilizes his eye and speed, and his glove is good.

Future outlook: De Jesus is gone, and Garcia is probably gone, too. I’m thinking about upgrading at shortstop in free agency, but moreover, I need a good fielder out there. Jeltz has one option year remaining; chances are he uses it up this year, which means it’s do or die next year. At worst he’s probably a decent utility infielder off the bench, but I’m uncertain about his chances as an everyday guy beyond that.

Left Field
  • Glenn Wilson - 184 PA, .256/.272/.347, 3 HR, 10 XBH, 25 RBI, 1 SB, 19 K, 5 BB, -1.7 ZR, .987 EFF, -0.2 WAR (Grade: D+)
  • Greg Gross - 126 PA, .235/.302/.270, 0 HR, 3 XBH, 3 RBI, 0 SB, 5 K, 11 BB, +1.0 ZR, 1.033 EFF, -0.1 WAR (Grade: C-)
  • Jeff Stone (AAA) - 307 PA, .270/.306/.353, 3 HR, 15 XBH, 27 RBI, 22 SB, 44 K, 14 BB, +5.2 ZR, .986 EFF, 1.1 WAR (Grade: C+)

Wilson has had a few moments, but mostly he’s been poor defensively and even poorer offensively, nowhere near the slugger we hoped to see. Gross isn’t having his usual solid season as a bench bat. I think we screwed around with Stone too much, as moving him to center field (to build his flexibility) caused his offensive numbers to crater.

Future outlook: Von Hayes is likely to slide over to left next season. That means Wilson really needs to show something to earn a starting job in the outfield in 1985. I think we’re likely to move on from Gross, as he’s a free agent. And going forward, we’re gonna keep our hands off Stone and let him stay comfortable in left field. In short: We need another outfield option for ‘85.

Center Field
  • Von Hayes - 339 PA, .288/.366/.411, 6 HR, 23 XBH, 32 RBI, 18 SB, 58 K, 38 BB, -9.8 ZR, .933 EFF, 1.5 WAR (Grade: B+)
  • Garry Maddox - 61 PA, .153/.164/.186, 0 HR, 2 XBH, 3 RBI, 0 SB, 8 K, 1 BB, +1.6 ZR, .994 EFF, -0.3 WAR (Grade: F)

If Hayes is just passable out in center field, we’re talking about a 3-win player right now; offensively he’s been terrific, and a change of position should really help. Maddox? Tough to watch.

Future outlook: With Hayes moving to left field in 1985, we’ll need a center fielder. Nobody in the system right now stands out, so we’re scouring the trade market as we speak.

Right Field
  • Sixto Lezcano - 214 PA, .220/.346/.384, 7 HR, 13 XBH, 22 RBI, 0 SB, 28 K, 35 BB, +1.4 ZR, 1.022 EFF, 1.0 WAR (Grade: C+)
  • Joe Lefebvre - 212 PA, .274/.344/.421, 3 HR, 20 XBH, 32 RBI, 2 SB, 35 K, 20 BB, +1.7 ZR, .995 EFF, 1.2 WAR (Grade: B)
  • Mark Funderburk (AAA) - 237 PA, .275/.325/.546, 17 HR, 24 XBH, 45 RBI, 1 SB, 26 K, 14 BB, +4.8 ZR, 1.003 EFF, 2.1 WAR (Grade: A-)

Lezcano lacks power but has set the table a little, and his defense is solid. Lefebvre does everything Lezcano can do but has more gap power. Funderburk lit up AAA for a while and was just promoted to the majors.

Future outlook: Lezcano is a free agent, and I might try to move him in a trade. Lefebvre is a free agent after 1986 and should be considered the favorite to start in right out of spring training next season (though an upgrade might be necessary). On his best days, Lefebvre makes a fine seven-hole hitter on a good team.

Starting Pitcher
  • Steve Carlton - 106.2 IP, 4-6, 3.80 ERA, 3.10 FIP, 71 K, 33 BB, 2.4 WAR (Grade: B)
  • John Denny - 88 IP, 4-3, 3.07 ERA, 2.42 FIP, 53 K, 17 BB, 2.9 WAR (Grade: B+)
  • Kelly Downs - 25.1 IP, 0-2, 6.39 ERA, 5.50 FIP, 11 K, 8 BB, -0.2 WAR (Grade: D-)
  • Kevin Gross - 102.1 IP, 10-4, 3.43 ERA, 3.57 FIP, 75 K, 28 BB, 1.6 WAR (Grade: B+)
  • Charles Hudson - 111.1 IP, 4-9, 3.80 ERA, 3.13 FIP, 68 K, 35 BB, 2.5 WAR (Grade: B)
  • Jerry Koosman - 98.1 IP, 3-9, 4.67 ERA, 3.37 FIP, 42 K, 16 BB, 1.8 WAR (Grade: C)
  • Curt Young (AAA) - 88 IP, 4-8, 4.81 ERA, 4.22 FIP, 49 K, 27 BB, 0.7 WAR (Grade: C-)
  • Mike Maddux (AA) - 96.1 IP, 6-5, 4.02 ERA, 4.38 FIP, 57 K, 32 BB, 1.1 WAR (Grade: C)

Carlton’s decline is happening, as all his numbers are on the downswing, though he’s still mid-rotation effective. Denny isn’t as dominant as last season, thanks in part to an injury, but he’s nevertheless been very good. Downs earned a promotion but hasn’t yet figured it out. Gross has been consistent, a mid-rotation stalwart. Hudson has shown flashes of brilliance but has otherwise been just a decent starter. Koosman’s 41 years shows, but to his credit, he was much better in June. Young has pitched like a spot starter. Maddux had a great June; hopefully he continues to play it crafty.

Future outlook: Lefty, Denny, Hudson, Gross, and Downs are all under team control in 1985. Koosman is if he reaches an innings threshold, and considering his improved play, there’s no reason to keep him from that at the moment. It’s a decent rotation on paper, but it could use another mid-rotation arm, as age (Carlton, Koosman) and inexperience (Downs) can be exploited. Young hasn’t yet shown he can grab a rotation spot, and Maddux needs to improve his movement before even getting to AAA.

Relief Pitcher
  • Al Holland - 29.2 IP, 3-2, 16 SV, 2.73 ERA, 3.46 FIP, 24 K, 10 BB, 0.3 WAR (Grade: B)
  • Bill Campbell - 41 IP, 3-3, 10 HLD, 2.63 ERA, 2.95 FIP, 23 K, 10 BB, 0.7 WAR (Grade: B+)
  • Tug McGraw - 19.1 IP, 2-2, 1 SV, 2 HLD, 2.33 ERA, 2.23 FIP, 14 K, 2 BB, 0.6 WAR (Grade: A-)
  • Larry Andersen - 29.2 IP, 2-2, 4 HLD, 3.94 ERA, 4.14 FIP, 22 K, 12 BB, 0.0 WAR (Grade: C)
  • Steve Mura - 36.2 IP, 0-1, 1 SV, 3.68 ERA, 3.35 FIP, 36 K, 20 BB, 0.3 WAR (Grade: C+)
  • Dave Wehrmeister - 30.2 IP, 0-1, 4.70 ERA, 4.52 FIP, 18 K, 15 BB, -0.1 WAR (Grade: D)
  • Don Carman - 4 IP, 0-1, 2.25 ERA, 3.85 FIP, 6 K, 1 BB, 0.0 WAR (Grade: C+)
  • John Flinn - 2.2 IP, 0-0, 13.50 ERA, 13.35 FIP, 3 K, 7 BB, -0.3 WAR (Grade: F)
  • Rich Gaynor (AAA) - 33 IP, 0-2, 1.91 ERA, 4.64 FIP, 21 K, 16 BB, -0.1 WAR (Grade: C+)
  • John McLarnan (AA) - 22.1 IP, 2-2, 13 SV, 1 HLD, 1.61 ERA, 3.14 FIP, 19 K, 4 BB, 0.5 WAR (Grade: B+)

Holland hasn’t been lights out, just effective enough. Campbell has done a nice job as the main setup man, while McGraw has done very well as a LOOGY. Andersen struggled early but has picked it up. Mura has held his own as a garden-variety middle reliever. Wehrmeister walked too many hitters, and Flinn really walked too many. Carman has mostly impressed in a small sample, while Gaynor is young and hungry, and still needing some work. McLarnan has potential, but the movement and control must improve.

Future outlook: Holland wants out, so I’m going to try to accommodate that; plus, the numbers tell me he’s not good enough to lock down those crucial, high-leverage situations. Either way I lack that fireballer in the majors, as Campbell and Andersen rate more as second fiddles, Carman still needs some polish, and McGraw is just a specialist at this point (he needs 30 innings to vest a 1985 contract, and he’s on his way). I’ll be on the hunt for a gas can this offseason, and maybe McLarnan shows something big next year in AAA.

Meanwhile, here’s where my guys rank in the National League:

Hitters

Home Runs
5. Mike Schmidt - 15

At Bats
5. Juan Samuel - 322

Triples
T3. Juan Samuel - 6

Stolen Bases
1. Juan Samuel - 34

Caught Stealing
T3. Von Hayes - 10

Strikeouts
2. Juan Samuel - 85

Bases on Balls
7. Mike Schmidt - 40

Sacrifice Hits
T4. Steve Carlton - 10

Isolated Power
4. Mike Schmidt - .204

Pitchers

Wins
T2. Kevin Gross - 10

Losses
T4. Charles Hudson - 9
T4. Jerry Koosman - 9

Saves
3. Al Holland - 16

Walks / 9 IP
3. Jerry Koosman - 1.5
5. John Denny - 1.7

Fielding Independent Pitching
6. John Denny - 2.42

Winning Percentage
7. Kevin Gross - .714

Holds
1. Bill Campbell - 10


Game 1984-81: Veterans Stadium - Reds 2, Phillies 1 / 35-46

The bullpen game works perfectly. Steve Mura pitches 3.1 innings and surrenders one run, and then Don Carman pitches 3.2 solid frames to bridge the game. Bill Campbell allows a run in the ninth, however, and we can’t score. Wish we could’ve found just another run or two in there.
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Old 07-04-2019, 02:50 AM   #24
The_Myth
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Join Date: Jun 2019
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July 3, 1984


Game 1984-82: Veterans Stadium - Phillies 4, Reds 2 / 36-46

Well this one is a doozy. Kelly Downs throws one pitch, then has to leave the game with a finger blister (he’s day-to-day). So, Paul Owens turns to Tug McGraw to throw more pitches than he has all season - 56 - over four innings. Then Larry Andersen hurls 1.1 innings, and Bill Campbell finishes the fifth. Don Carman - who threw 50 pitches yesterday - fires 10 more before being lifted, then Steve Mura - who threw 66 yesterday - tosses five pitches before being lifted. That leaves it all up to Al Holland, who guts through three innings and 65 pitches to finish the game. Insane.

Offensively, Mike Schmidt hits homer No. 16, while Glenn Wilson and Len Matuszek both pick up two hits. I can’t believe we won this game.

Meanwhile, late at night we receive news that the Cubs have traded pitcher Steve Trout and cash to the Indians for prospects Joe Carter, Joseph Kramer, and Mike Jeffcoat. It surprises me that the Indians - who are 14.5 in back of first-place Toronto - would make this deal, but good for the Cubbies to score some interesting young talent.

July 4, 1984

Happy Independence Day. I’m currently listening to this fantastic new album by Prince, Purple Rain. Can’t get enough of “Baby I’m a Star.”
  • RP Arturo Gonzalez promoted to MLB Philadelphia
  • 1B/OF Mark Funderburk demoted to AAA Portland

Our only available relievers seem to be Andersen and Campbell, and even the latter is a stretch. Thus, in comes Gonzalez, a 28-year-old who was out of baseball between 1981 and ‘83. He came back this year and put up a 1.69 ERA in AA Reading, then a 1.93 ERA in AAA Portland. He also has plenty of stamina. He might be used tonight.

Game 1984-83: Veterans Stadium - Phillies 4, Reds 3 / 37-46

Before a full house (the box score says 27,181 but I refuse to believe it) watches the traditional Independence Day fireworks above Veterans Stadium, we have our best win of the season. Charles Hudson pitches a tough but effective 7.1 innings, departing with a deficit at 3-2 (John Russell’s two-run homer is our offense to that point). Then, in the eighth, Joe Lefebvre slams a two-out, two-run double to pull us ahead at 4-3. Larry Andersen, who came on in the eighth for Hudson, slams the door, preserving the bullpen and wrapping up a series win. Wonderful.

July 5, 1984

One more series before the all-star break. I should probably vote for all-stars. My picks:

American League
  • SP - Dave Stieb - TOR - 10-5, 2.61 ERA, 7.4 K/9, 3.8 WAR
  • SP - John Butcher - MIN - 14-4, 2.18 ERA, 4.3 K/9, 3.1 WAR
  • SP - Floyd Bannister - CWS - 10-6, 3.29 ERA, 7.0 K/9, 2.2 WAR
  • RP - Tippy Martinez - BAL - 5-5, 14 SV, 2.49 ERA, 8.8 K/9, 0.2 WAR
  • RP - George Frazier - CLE - 7-4, 13 SV, 2.66 ERA, 6.1 K/9, 1.5 WAR
  • C - Dave Engle - MIN - .335/.373/.470, 7 HR, 144 wRC+, 2.8 WAR
  • 1B - Kent Hrbek - MIN - .310/.362/.541, 18 HR, 153 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
  • 2B - Hal McRae - KC - .283/.340/.427, 10 HR, 121 wRC+, 1.8 WAR
  • 3B - Wade Boggs - BOS - .368/.438/.476, 3 HR, 164 wRC+, 4.6 WAR
  • SS - Tony Fernandez - TOR - .377/.430/.513, 6 HR, 174 wRC+, 5.7 WAR
  • LF - Kirk Gibson - DET - .306/.401/.526, 14 HR, 163 wRC+, 4.1 WAR
  • CF - Lloyd Moseby - TOR - .330/.392/.500, 11 HR, 153 wRC+, 4.1 WAR
  • RF - Don Mattingly - NYY - .318/.369/.513, 14 HR, 157 wRC+, 2.2 WAR
  • DH - Greg Walker - CWS - .342/.413/.570, 11 HR, 179 wRC+, 2.7 WAR

National League
  • SP - John Candelaria - PIT - 10-2, 1.96 ERA, 7.8 K/9, 4.9 WAR
  • SP - Dwight Gooden - NYM - 9-4, 2.62 ERA, 10.1 K/9, 5.2 WAR
  • SP - Fernando Valenzuela - LAD - 5-7, 2.57 ERA, 7.0 K/9, 4.9 WAR
  • RP - Rich Gossage - SD - 0-2, 22 SV, 1.55 ERA, 10.0 K/9, 1.7 WAR
  • RP - Jeff Reardon - MTL - 2-0, 27 SV, 1.04 ERA, 8.2 K/9, 1.4 WAR
  • C - Jody Davis - CHC - .322/.347/.510, 9 HR, 141 wRC+, 1.7 WAR
  • 1B - Keith Hernandez - NYM - .358/.455/.485, 6 HR, 166 wRC+, 3.4 WAR
  • 2B - Bill Doran - HOU - .287/.342/.412, 3 HR, 118 wRC+, 2.5 WAR
  • 3B - Mike Schmidt - PHI - .241/.328/.449, 16 HR, 117 wRC+, 2.2 WAR
  • SS - Ozzie Smith - STL - .272/.326/.356, 2 HR, 92 wRC+, 2.9 WAR
  • LF - Dale Murphy - ATL - .281/.329/.452, 10 HR, 117 wRC+, 2.5 WAR
  • CF - Eddie Milner - CIN - .305/.363/.424, 4 HR, 125 wRC+, 2.8 WAR
  • RF - Jack Clark - SF - .300/.393/.495, 15 HR, 155 wRC+, 2.8 WAR

Schmidt has led NL third base ballots since the beginning, so he should make it. Otherwise, I could see either Bill Campbell or Al Holland sneaking in. Maybe Von Hayes as a dark horse? That’s probably it.


Game 1984-84: Veterans Stadium - Phillies 10, Braves 2 / 38-46

Heck yeah. Sixto Lezcano hits two home runs and drives in six, while Juan Samuel collects three hits, steals a base, and scores three runs. Jerry Koosman goes eight, giving up two runs, to continue his hot stretch.

Also tonight, Tommy John of the California Angels records his 250th win against the Red Sox. A highlight in an otherwise bad season for the 41-year-old (5.04 ERA).

July 6, 1984

Still 12 games behind first place, since the Pirates are now 50-34. Still in sell mode. And speaking of trades, Houston proposes one: They would send shortstop Dickie Thon and pitcher Vern Ruhle to us for pitcher John Denny.

Thon is a decent shortstop, hitting .292/.315/.416 with 16 extra-base hits in 260 plate appearances, plus swiping 12 bags. His 1.5 WAR is eighth among qualified shortstops. He’s 26 and in line for arbitration next season, then becomes a free agent after 1985.

Ruhle, 33, is a control-first reliever whose 4.55 ERA doesn’t tell the whole story, as he’s been hurt by a high BABIP (.315). He’s a free agent after this season.

Denny, meanwhile, is under contract through 1986 and having a nice sequel to his Cy Young 1983 season.

If I traded Denny I’m looking at a rotation of Carlton, Gross, Hudson, Koosman, and Downs for 1985. That isn’t enough to contend, especially as Lefty and Koos get another year older. Trading Denny isn’t good for short-term business, and Thon isn’t enough of a return. I’d need to get another starter back, and Houston doesn’t seem to want to do that. Hard pass.

Game 1984-85: Veterans Stadium - Braves 3, Phillies 1 / 38-47

Twenty-five-year-old Ken Dayley pitches a strong seven against us, while John Denny’s first start back from the injury list is a solid if unspectacular 7.1 IP, 9 H, 3 ER, 5 K performance. The offense doesn’t put up enough of a fight.

Later in the night, there was a brawl in the Oakland vs Milwaukee game at the Oakland Coliseum. Milwaukee pitcher Mark Ciardi plunked our old friend Ozzie Virgil, who stormed the mound and toppled the 22-year-old. Virgil is suspended four games, while Ciardi gets two. By the way, here are Virgil’s numbers this season: 203 PA, .314/.369/.524, 22 XBH, 2.6 WAR.

Yes, Virgil is having a better offensive season than anyone else on our club. That’s a thing that’s happening right now; what really irks me is he’s rated a 40 defensively, and yet he’s carrying a +1.1 ZR and 1.018 EFF. Just incredible.

Speaking of former Phils, Gary Matthews is in waivers. His numbers aren’t that bad (.250/.328/.433), but there’s apparently nowhere to play the 34-year-old in Chicago with Joe Carter now on board.
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Old 07-06-2019, 11:51 AM   #25
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July 7, 1984
  • 1B/OF Mark Funderburk promoted to MLB Philadelphia
  • RP Arturo Gonzalez demoted to AAA Portland

The bullpen mess has sorted itself out, and I want to get Funderburk a start up here. Against a lefty, it’s happening.


Game 1984-86: Veterans Stadium - Phillies 12, Braves 5 / 39-47

Von Hayes goes 4-for-4 with a home run, a walk, and a stolen base, raising his average to .294 in a rout. We bat around in the first, Juan Samuel his his sixth home run, Ivan De Jesus goes 3-for-3, and Kevin Gross gets through six while surrendering five runs. Also, Don Carman lowers his ERA to 0.93 (he also has 12 strikeouts to 3 walks).

July 8, 1984

First, another trade proposal, this time from Kansas City. Once again, another shortstop dangled our way, and this time it’s Onix Concepcion, who is basically Ivan De Jesus with more speed and defense (.248/.281/.280, 11 SB, +6.4 ZR, 1.074 EFF). The Royals want Larry Andersen and Mike LaValliere. I feel as if I’m giving up too much for simply a good defender with speed (plus, I can’t imagine Steve Jeltz in AAA Portland is much worse). For now I’ll reject, but I won’t forget Concepcion as an option down the line.

Meanwhile, all-star rosters have been finalized:

American League
  • * SP - Dave Stieb - TOR
  • SP - Floyd Bannister - CWS
  • SP - Bert Blyleven - CLE
  • SP - John Butcher - MIN
  • SP - Mark Langston - SEA
  • SP - Dan Petry - DET
  • SP - Frank Viola - MIN
  • RP - Willie Hernandez - DET
  • RP - Jim Barr - BAL
  • RP - Tippy Martinez - BAL
  • RP - Dave Schmidt - TEX
  • RP - Mike Stanton - SEA
  • * C - Dave Engel - MIN
  • C - Rich Gedman - BOS
  • C - Lance Parrish - DET
  • * 1B - Kent Hrbek - MIN
  • * 2B - Hal McRae - KC
  • * 3B - Wade Boggs - BOS
  • 3B - George Brett - KC
  • 3B - Carney Lansford - OAK
  • * SS - Tony Fernandez - TOR
  • SS - Alan Trammell - DET
  • SS - Cal Ripken Jr - BAL
  • SS - Robin Yount - MIL
  • * LF - Kirk Gibson - DET
  • LF - Rickey Henderson - OAK
  • * CF - Lloyd Moseby - TOR
  • * RF - Don Mattingly - NYY
  • RF - Jesse Barfield - TOR
  • * DH - Greg Walker - CWS

All stars by team: Detroit (5), Minnesota (4), Toronto (4), Baltimore (3), Boston (2), Chicago (2), Kansas City (2), Oakland (2), Seattle (2), Cleveland (1), Milwaukee (1), New York (1), Texas (1), California (0)

National League
  • * SP - John Candelaria - PIT
  • SP - Dwight Gooden - NYM
  • SP - Dave LaPoint - STL
  • SP - Tom Lollar - SD
  • SP - Larry McWilliams - PIT
  • SP - John Tudor - PIT
  • SP - Fernando Valenzuela - LAD
  • RP - Rich Gossage - SD
  • RP - Carlos Diaz - LAD
  • RP - Orel Hershiser - LAD
  • RP - Gary Lavelle - SF
  • RP - Jeff Reardon - MTL
  • * C - Gary Carter - MTL
  • C - Jody Davis - CHC
  • C - Danny Goodwin - ATL
  • * 1B - Keith Hernandez - NYM
  • 1B - Greg Brock - LAD
  • 1B - Leon Durham - CHC
  • * 2B - Bill Doran - HOU
  • 2B - Tommy Herr - STL
  • 2B - Johnny Ray - PIT
  • * 3B - Mike Schmidt - PHI
  • * SS - Ozzie Smith - STL
  • * LF - Dale Murphy - ATL
  • LF - Jose Cruz - HOU
  • LF - George Foster - NYM
  • * CF - Pedro Guerrero - LAD
  • CF - Von Hayes - PHI
  • * RF - Jack Clark - SF
  • RF - Darryl Strawberry - NYM

All stars by team: Los Angeles (5), New York (4), Pittsburgh (4), Saint Louis (3), Atlanta (2), Chicago (2), Houston (2), Montreal (2), Philadelphia (2), San Diego (2), San Francisco (2), Cincinnati (0)

Schmidt ran away with the fan vote at third base (second leading vote-getter among NL players), and Von Hayes! Awesome to see Stick make his first all-star team. Meantime, rough not to see one Red on the list (Eddie Milner or Ted Power should’ve made it), and sad that the Angels were shut out, too (Bruce Kison or Gary Pettis would’ve worked, or even Rod Carew).

Game 1984-87: Veterans Stadium - Braves 9, Phillies 6 / 39-48

Kelly Downs is having a poor start to his major league career. He raises his ERA to 7.36 after being shellacked for six runs on 10 hits in four innings. The score is never that close: Down 9-2 in the ninth, we load the bases with two outs, and Sixto Lezcano bashes a pinch-hit grand slam, his 10th homer of the season.

In the American League, Toronto’s Tony Fernandez has a 25-game hitting streak ongoing. He’s hitting .378 on the season with a .430 OBP. He’s the clear favorite for league MVP for a team that’s now a pretty remarkable 61-27 (that’s a 112-win pace, which would break the American League record of 111, set in 1954 by the Indians).

And finally, the power rankings. We’re in 18th this week. The top-five:

1. Toronto Blue Jays - 61-27
2. Detroit Tigers - 55-30
3. Kansas City Royals - 51-34
4. New York Mets - 50-35
5. Saint Louis Cardinals - 48-39
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Old 07-09-2019, 01:05 AM   #26
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July 9, 1984

As we enter the all-star break, it’s time to ramp up those trade discussions. A quick recap.

Players I’m looking to unload:
  1. C - Bo Diaz
  2. RF - Sixto Lezcano
  3. RP - Al Holland
  4. IF/OF - Greg Gross
  5. OF - Garry Maddox
  6. 1B/C - John Wockenfuss
Diaz, Lezcano, and Holland are my priority. I want Darren Daulton in the big leagues; Lezcano has value to me now (and none beyond a potential compensation draft pick once he becomes a free agent); and Holland is unhappy here (plus I don’t see him as a closer, and I can’t risk that kind of issue down the line).

Gross isn’t priority, but shedding him means freeing up more space in the outfield. Maddox is only gone if I can snare a playable center fielder, as I wouldn’t mind moving Von Hayes to left field before the year ends. And Wockenfuss is in the minors, so purging him isn’t a necessity, but he’d probably like to be somewhere else.

Meanwhile, here’s what I’d like to get:
  • Top-100 prospect (no position preference, but probably not a catcher)
  • Power-hitting corner outfielder
  • MLB-ready center fielder (good defense and contact)
  • MLB-ready relief pitcher (preferably young with high stuff ratings)
  • MLB-ready starting pitcher (good control and movement)

I’m not assuming I get all or even some of these parts, but it gives me targets. Otherwise I’d love cash, and minor league filler is acceptable in some situations.

So, let’s start with Diaz. Teams that may need a catcher include the Mets and Mariners. The Brewers, now 15.5 games behind Toronto, probably won’t be buying now. I’ll add Cincinnati, whose backup is Alex Trevino (37). And after scouting those teams, the only kind of player they have is the MLB-ready relief pitcher. They include:
  • NYM - Kevin Brown - 20 - 31/31 - 65/65 stuff, 35/35 movement, 25/25 control
  • NYM - Mitch Cook - 21 - 39/39 - 55/55 stuff, 35/35 movement, 45/45 control
  • SEA - Karl Best - 25 - 36/36 - 70/70 stuff, 35/35 movement, 30/30 control
  • SEA - Bill Mendek - 22 - 32/32 - 70/70 stuff, 35/35 movement, 20/25 control
  • CIN - Louie Trujillo - 24 - 28/28 - 70/70 stuff, 35/35 movement, 20/25 control

I like Cook and Best over the rest. So I call the Mets about Cook, and GM Jason Kincaid wants to think it over. I’d have to pony up $185K to make the numbers work (I have $346K available to trade). Then I call Seattle about Best, and GM Norm Willis says the same; for this deal, I’d have to pay nearly an additional $210K. Finally’ Reds’ GM Geoff Zubal echoes the other executives, and for that deal I’d have to pay $203K. I think I want to look further into Best, so I propose Diaz and the minimal cash amount, $205,555.

July 10, 1984

Norm Willis doesn’t like the proposed deal. He wants another prospect, and the only one I’d possibly surrender is infielder Ramon Henderson, a 20-year-old in A Peninsula who’s hitting well (.299/.347/.411) but apparently tinkers with his swing too much and lacks anything that makes him stand out. He feels like, at best, a utility guy, if he even gets there.

Still, I’d rather give up less. I instead offer infielder Dave Kennard, also in Peninsula, who has been blocked this year and needs a fresh start.


1984 Major League Baseball All-Star Game: Candlestick Park - National League 2, American League 1

A classic all-star game at Candlestick Park.

The AL had a 1-0 lead into the sixth, when Gary Carter (who won the MVP) struck a tying home run. In the seventh, Jack Clark doubled to score the winning run, who was .... Von Hayes! Stick walked (of course), stole second (naturally), then scored the eventual winner. It was his only plate appearance of the game, and it was huge. Meanwhile, Mike Schmidt hit in the cleanup spot and went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts.

July 11, 1984

The Tigers and Brewers make a deal, with the former sending outfielder Larry Herndon to the latter for pitcher Don Sutton. I imagine Detroit figured Herndon was extraneous, needing a starter to shore up the rotation.

Still no word from the Mariners. I’d love to get a deal done before the break ends.

July 12, 1984

The Mariners return with another rejection. They want Henderson, so I come back offering outfielder Tony Brown (24/33), who’s in A Peninsula and strikes out a bunch. He’s as good a prospect as Henderson, if not better, so I gotta believe Seattle is cool with this.

Thus, I ask for an additional player: an outfielder named Jay Erdahl, 25, playing in class-A. He’s a superior defensive player (55 in RF, +9.3 ZR, 1.048 EFF) with a decent eye (50/50) and speed (50), plus enough raw power to hack it (45/45). He belongs in AAA and could be a bench player down the line.

Norm Willis says yes. I feel good about the deal; sure, I lose some money here, and I don’t get a great prospect, but I get an MLB-ready reliever (who will need some work) who needs a little change in locale, and a potential bench bat down the line. Diaz is a Type B free agent and could get me a supplemental draft pick, but I’d rather get value now for him, especially as it gives me the freedom to move Darren Daulton to the majors. Let’s do it.

TRADE

To Seattle Mariners:

Bo Diaz - C - 31
Tony Brown - LF - 22
Cash - $205,555

To Philadelphia Phillies

Karl Best - RP - 25
Jay Erdahl - RF/CF - 25

Corresponding moves:
  • RP Karl Best assigned to AAA Portland
  • RF/CF Jay Erdahl assigned to AAA Portland
  • C Darren Daulton promoted to MLB Philadelphia
  • RP John Poloni released

Good news: Team morale is now “happy” and not just “content.” Have no idea how this happened, but maybe my guys secretly didn’t like Bo Diaz.
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Old 07-09-2019, 09:47 PM   #27
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The only thing I remember about Bo Diaz is that shortly after his career ended, he died installing a satellite dish on his house. Make of that what you will.
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Old 07-10-2019, 12:06 AM   #28
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Yeah, poor Bo Diaz. RIP.
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Old 07-10-2019, 12:10 AM   #29
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Onto the second half of the season. Daulton is getting to Houston by late-afternoon, and with traffic, probably won’t be at the Astrodome until just before first pitch. John Russell will get the start at catcher, then.


Game 1984-88: Astrodome - Astros 5, Phillies 1 / 39-49

Charles Hudson pitches quite well (7.1 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 7 K, 2 BB), but the bullpen implodes in the eighth. Bill Campbell is tagged for four runs. Yuck. At least Juan Samuel hits two doubles.

July 13, 1984

Game 1984-89: Astrodome - Astros 6, Phillies 3 / 39-50

We can’t get enough big hits, while Jerry Koosman gives up five runs. Darren Daulton walks in his first game this season.

Meanwhile, congratulations to 40-year-old Joe Morgan. “Sweet Pea” strikes his 2,500th career hit while playing for the Athletics.

July 14, 1984

Game 1984-90: Astrodome - Phillies 4, Astros 2 / 40-50

Mike Schmidt hits homer 17, and I’m praying this is the start of a run. Something that happens frequently now: Juan Samuel doubles, steals third, and scores on the next play, in this case an infield single. His wheels get us an insurance run in the ninth. John Denny (6.2 IP, 9 H, 2 ER, 2 K, 2 BB) pitches well.

July 15, 1984

Steve Carlton is now eligible to come off the injured list, which means an unfortunate end to Kelly Downs’ first trip to the majors.
  • SP Steve Carlton recalled from injured list
  • SP Kelly Downs optioned to AAA Portland

Downs is carrying a 7.36 ERA in six starts, striking out just 12 while walking eight. He needs to improve his movement (35/45), as it led to eight opposing homers. The stuff (45/50) could also use some work. Also, the fastball (45/50). Movement is paramount, so we’ll see where he is if that advances.

Game 1984-91: Astrodome - Astros 6, Phillies 3 / 40-51

Kevin Gross gives up four in the first inning, sealing our fate. Von Hayes drives in three with a homer and a double.

Before the day ends, I shop around Sixto Lezcano. Interested parties:
  • For prospects: Boston, Detroit, Chicago Cubs, Houston, St. Louis
  • For veterans: Baltimore, Boston, Chicago White Sox, Detroit, Chicago Cubs, Houston, St. Louis
  • For regulars: Boston, Detroit, Chicago Cubs, Houston, St. Louis

I’m surprised Kansas City isn’t interested, and that so many bad teams are. But who am I to argue?

The best prospects offered to us are Detroit LF Bruce Fields (36/41) and Cubs LF Henry Cotto (32/41). Neither are top-100 prospects. As for veterans, there’s Detroit SP Pete Vuckovich (45/45), who’s a free agent after 1984, and Cubs SP Rick Reuschel (45/45), also a free agent after this season.

Boston is offering CF Reggie Whittemore (37/38), who has 50 defense in center and a +2.9 ZR, plus a decent bat with a good eye. Not much else worth thinking about, so this might either be a bulk trade or maybe I can score someone interesting by negotiating.

One last thing: power rankings time. We’re 19th. The top-five:

1. Toronto Blue Jays - 65-27
2. Detroit Tigers - 57-32
3. Saint Louis Cardinals - 52-39
4. Kansas City Royals - 53-36
5. New York Mets - 53-36
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Old 07-11-2019, 01:07 AM   #30
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July 16, 1984


Game 1984-92: Riverfront Stadium - Phillies 4, Reds 3 / 41-51

Hey, a good win. In his first start back from the IL, Steve Carlton goes six and gives up three runs late to put us down 3-2. In the ninth, Juan Samuel singles with two outs, then Glenn Wilson doubles him home. A Mike Schmidt intentional walk later, and double-switch replacement Garry Maddox strikes a big winning single. Phew.

Also, Darren Daulton hits his first major league home run. Heck yeah.

And also tonight, Tony Fernandez singles in the ninth inning against California to run his hitting streak to 30 games. He’s hitting .377. Something to watch.

July 17, 1984

Big news out of New York: Mets closer Ed Lynch is out for the season with a torn ulnar collateral ligament. He’d lost save opportunities to Doug Sisk, but the loss is big. Gives me another team to think about with an Al Holland trade, and I really don’t care if it’s the Mets. They have a farm system; time to look into it.

(I do, and they won’t part with anyone unless it’s for something big.)

So, let’s check in on contending bullpens to see who might be interested in Al Holland. First, let’s go over bullpen ERA needs:
  • Toronto - 4.24 bERA - Can really use a stopper to push Dennis Lamp to a setup role and move Jim Acker far away from the end of games.
  • Kansas City - 4.59 bERA - A better setup option than Joe Beckwith, or just a lefty change of pace, is needed.
  • Seattle - 4.38 bERA - Can use a better closer or stopper than Mike Stanton.
  • Atlanta - 4.06 bERA - A more reliable lefty than Terry Forster is necessary.

After checking in, nothing seems to work with either Kansas City, Seattle, or Atlanta.

Meanwhile, the call-back market for Al Holland, if we eat none of the contract, is the same as Lezcano’s market. If I eat 35 percent (which is what we can do without going over our cash flow), Kansas City enters the fray but not offering a top prospect; the best are Bill Pecota (30/40) and Mark Ryal (33/40). Both seem to be destined to be bench players, which isn’t enough here. The only regular being offered that’s interesting is Candy Maldonado in Baltimore, but he can’t play much defense (he’s supposed to be a RF) and he’s too much a liability against right-handed pitching.

Raising the “I’ll eat it” slider to 75 percent; that welcomes Toronto into the mix, and teams change the kind of prospect I could get, but it still seems not enough. Next, asking for regulars and not prospects … and finally, a bite in the form of a player I previously targeted, CF Rick Leach in Toronto. This at least tells me that if I ate fewer cash, Toronto would entertain this deal.

So, here is my center fielder group, which has changed in a month. In order of who I’d ask about first:
  1. CLE - Brett Butler - 27 - 49/56 (50 CF), 402 PA, .247/.305/.319, 22 XBH
  2. TOR - Rick Leach - 27 - 47/50 (65 CF), 110 PA, .221/.255/.404, 11 XBH, -0.4 ZR, .995 EFF
  3. CWS - Dave Stegman - 30 - 48/48 (60 CF), 294 PA, .226/.313/.362, 21 XBH, +3.6 ZR, 1.023 EFF
  4. PIT - Eddie Vargas - 25 - 48/48 (50 CF), 159 PA, .248/.333/.418, 11 XBH, +0.9 ZR, .995 EFF
  5. SD - Gerry Davis - 25 - 50/50 (50 CF), 223 PA, .194/.300/.272, 10 XBH, -0.4 ZR, .995 EFF
  6. SD - Alan Wiggins - 26 - 48/48 (50 CF), 293 PA, .264/.343/.319, 9 XBH
  7. CWS - Rudy Law - 27 - 47/47 (50 CF), 199 PA, .223/.265/.310, 11 XBH, -0.6 ZR, .980 EFF

I changed this around since Leach has shown more potential in the last few weeks, and his defense - while not great statistically this season - should be the best among his peers here. I’m also willing to bring Stegman back in here, as this season he’s been slugging, and he’s also having a good defensive season.

So I go to Cleveland for Butler, which means I have to add some cash to make Holland’s contract work over there. They won’t even hear of it unless I add Mike Diaz or John Russell, at least. Considering Butler’s still paltry numbers, I wouldn’t want to do that without a player in return, and there’s nothing else in that organization I like enough. Meh.

Moving to Toronto, they want Holland plus a prospect for Leach. That doesn’t sound right to me, even if we’re talking about something close to filler. I mean, I like Leach, but Holland is the prize here.

Then there’s Chicago, who would do Holland for Stegman one-for-one. Stegman is under control through 1986, which works with me; still, I’d love a prospect in the deal. Chicago has three top-100 prospects: CF Daryl Boston, P Doug Drabek, and CF Russ Morman. None are touchable here, but I could go after RP Dave White (age 22, 40/40, 55 stuff, 35 movement, 45 control) or RP Kenneth Walker (age 23, 38/38, 65 stuff, 35 movement, 35 control). I actually like Walker a bit more, as he has a fully-formed fastball (55/55) and slider (65/65). He could learn in the majors this season.

Interestingly, if I was to pivot, I could get Stegman and LF Ron Kittle (70 power) for Holland and John Russell, something my assistant loves. I’m not so sure - Kittle has to play left (where he’s a -8.7 ZR), which means Von Hayes in right, where we only hope he could be average. Plus, Kittle strikes out a ton, which doesn’t work in a lineup with Juan Samuel (22.7% K rate) and Mike Schmidt (19.2% K rate), and he has no other above-average traits. Essentially we’re talking about a guy with one skill, and that isn’t enough when trading Russell, who plays good defense, can be a backup catcher, and has nearly the same power potential (60). I can’t in good conscience do this.

Back to Stegman and Walker; I also ask for SP John Johnson (age 20, 34/34, 50 stuff, 35 movement, 40 control), and Chicago GM Matt Gillespie says he’ll think about it.

I turn to Pittsburgh, and the conversation for Eddie Vargas starts with me adding prospects. No thanks. Same idea in San Diego for Gerry Davis. Again, Holland is the prize in every deal (except maybe a Butler trade); I’m not gutting my team to get a fringe starter.

That said, I still like Leach enough to keep Toronto in the mix. Let’s compare Stegman (age 30) and Leach (age 27):
Overall: Stegman
Potential: Leach
Contact O/P: Leach / Leach
Gap: DRAW / DRAW
Raw: DRAW / DRAW
Eye: Stegman / Stegman
Avoid K: Leach / Leach
Against Lefties: Stegman
Against Righties: Leach
Speed: Stegman
Stealing: Stegman
Baserunning: Stegman
Outfield Range: Leach
Outfield Error: Stegman
Outfield Arm: Leach
CF Rating: Leach
Career wRC+: Leach (76 to 75)
Career WAR: Stegman (0.3 to -1.0)
So, Leach has more potential, but for 1984 and ‘85 it’s a pretty even comparison. I’ll get more contact with Leach, but he doesn’t have the speed to turn BABIP in his favor (this season .225, career .250, though Stegman is career .225). The issue for both is poor play in short-ish samples. Leach has 718 career PA (.233/.299/.346), while Stegman has 556 career PA (.206/.291/.334).

Defense is what I want most. Stegman makes 96.7% of routine plays, 79.6% likely, 69.2% even, 50% unlikely, and 25% remote. To compare: Chet Lemon (the best CF in the game defensively) makes 98.7% routine, 90.3% likely, 78.3% even, 80.8% unlikely, and 14.8% remote, and that’s in a huge outfield (Tiger Stadium). Leach’s numbers are unavailable, as he’s played just four games in center. (For further comparison, Von Hayes is 96.2% routine, 66.2% likely, 51.5% even, 33.3% unlikely, and 66.7% remote).

Stegman or Leach would be upgrades from Hayes in center, but neither is a slam dunk to hit well enough to stay starting in 1985. The only potential free agent who I’d consider for center in 1985 is Fred Lynn, though he’ll command a decent salary and is more playable in right field. Also, the only CF in my farm system who projects as a starter is Luis Polonia, who’s 20 and probably doesn’t make the majors until 1986. Point is, I need someone, and it’s gotta be either Stegman or Leach.

Toronto won’t budge, and they won’t offer me much in terms of prospects to balance out what they want. The White Sox, meanwhile, are willing to work, and the difference between Leach and Stegman is so small that the added players in a Chicago trade really sway me in that direction. I’ll see what they think about Stegman, Walker, and Johnson for Holland.

Game 1984-93: Riverfront Stadium - Phillies 6, Reds 5 / 42-51

Boy does Al Holland make it adventurous, allowing two runs in the ninth and putting the winning run on first. But we win. Charles Hudson goes 7.1 IP (9 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 4 K), while - and I’m burying the lede - Juan Samuel probably has his best pro game, but in typical fashion (4-for-4, BB, 2B, HR, 4 RBI, SB, CS, E). Sammy’s now at .286/.334/.439 with 40 steals, and that works.

Meanwhile, Tony Fernandez’s 30-game hit streak ends. Shoot.

July 18, 1984

Chicago rejects the offer and wants a prospect along with Holland, so I take out John Johnson and ask for SP Rich Devincenzo (age 24, 29/29, 50 stuff, 35 movement, 30 control), who has a strong changeup and working curve, plus a passable fastball. My guys love him, and I think he has to become a reliever immediately. Chicago GM Matt Gillespie says yes.

Let’s do it.

TRADE

To Chicago White Sox

Al Holland - RP - 31

To Philadelphia Phillies

Dave Stegman - CF - 30
Kenneth Walker - RP - 23
Rich Devincenzo - SP - 24

I have my baseline center fielder for 1985 and possibly 1986. I also have a reliever I can plug into the bullpen right now, giving him a shot to solidify a role for ‘85. I also get a bit more of a flier who could be in the majors next season. Is it a perfect deal? No. But I like it.
  • CF Dave Stegman assigned to MLB Philadelphia
  • RP Kenneth Walker assigned to AAA Portland
  • RP Rich Devincenzo assigned to AA Reading
  • RP Ben Hayes promoted to MLB Philadelphia
  • 1B Mark Funderburk demoted to AAA Portland
  • RF Gib Siebert demoted to AA Reading
  • RF Bobby Mitchell released

Necessary moves. Walker can immediately start in the majors, but he has an ERA just south of 8.00 in AAA, so I’d like to see him get some reps in Portland before I bring him up. He’ll be up, though. Ben Hayes, who had a 2.45 ERA, 17 K and 10 BB in Portland, comes to Philly. He’s 26 and is likely a blowout guy. Bill Campbell becomes the end-game reliever as a stopper, while Tug McGraw and Larry Andersen take on setup man duties.

Game 1984-94: Riverfront Stadium - Reds 11, Phillies 3 / 42-52

So Jerry Koosman doesn’t pitch well (5.1 IP, 10 H, 6 ER, 2 BB, 2 H), and his reinforcements don’t help. Not a great first outing for Ben Hayes (0.2 IP, 5 ER, 67.50 ERA). Joe Price, with nine strikeouts, make us look silly. Three Ks each by Juan Samuel and Len Matuszek.
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Old 07-12-2019, 01:10 AM   #31
The_Myth
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July 19, 1984

News that Texas traded LF Gary Ward to Toronto for two prospects, C Geno Petralli and SP Mark Clemons. I’m surprised by this trade, as Toronto doesn’t need more outfielders. But oh well - the return for Texas is fine, especially as Ward is a free agent after 1984. One more team off the Lezcano market, I guess (even though the Jays never really seemed in it).


Game 1984-95: Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium - Braves 3, Phillies 1 / 42-53

Like most of our games this year, we start out with a lead, then a home run flips the score. In this case it’s Dale Murphy hitting his 13th. Meanwhile Mike Schmidt’s numbers are getting more alarming (.236/.328/.431). He shouldn’t be declining this rapidly, and I’m thinking it’s time for a couple days off.

July 20, 1984

We have two games against lefties coming up, then two against righties, then back against a lefty. I’ll start Schmidt these next two, sit him against the righties, and then see what to do after that.

Game 1984-96: Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium - Braves 5, Phillies 3 / 42-52

Ken Dayley outclasses us in 7.2 innings. Dave Stegman’s first hit as a Phillie is an unimportant home run in the ninth inning.

July 21, 1984

The Cubs continue their tear-down, trading pitcher Rick Reuschel to St. Louis for fringe prospects Mark Dougherty, David Crossley, and Eddie Tanner.

Meantime, a trade proposal from the Blue Jays: Willie Upshaw would come our way, while Jerry Koosman, Chris James, and $119,000 in cash would head to Toronto.

Upshaw, 27 and a free agent after this year-

I’ll stop there.

I mean, OK, Upshaw is an upgrade over Len Matuszek, but he isn’t the meat-of-the-order thump we really need. And not for James, who at age 21 is hitting .291/.331/.475 with 37 XBH in 390 AA plate appearances. But, also, Upshaw is a free agent after this year.

Meanwhile, shopping Sixto Lezcano again, I get some pretty mild bites if retaining no salary. If I adjust to 50-50, the best return is 23-year-old SP Ken Dixon in Baltimore (43/45), who has a 3.58 ERA, 6.9 K/9 and 5.7 BB/9 this season. He’s better suited as a reliever, it seems, as he’s a two-pitch pitcher (fastball, curveball). But that isn’t the return I want. If I eat 80 percent, the returns don’t improve much. Eh.

One more idea: packaging Lezcano with Mike Diaz (who I’m 95 percent not trading as he’s the No. 69 prospect in the game, which is nice to have). That gives me some interesting results, including top Cardinals prospect Terry Pendleton (35/52). The Astros, Cubs (funny, as Diaz was a Cub), and Rangers become top suitors here, making me think I could figure something out, if just for Sixto.

To the Cardinals. I can probably trade any of their relief prospects for Sixto, one for one, except 21-year-old Jeff Fassero (34/47). It makes me think I’ll have to do a deal like Chicago’s recent trade with St. Louis, where the former received three fringe prospects with 30-39 potentials. Sample return: RP Joe Boever (31/39), RP Kevin Hagen (37/37), SS Jose Uribe (34/37). Fine, but I’d like one guy who could make more of an impact.

I try Texas, and I get close but there’s ultimately nothing that works. Same with Kansas City. It’s taking too much time; gotta quit for the night.

Game 1984-97: Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium - Phillies 6, Braves 1 / 43-54

A wire-to-wire win, one of the best of the year. Steve Carlton is his old self (7.2 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 9 K, 2 BB), while Schmidty goes 3-for-4 with a double. Juan Samuel, Glenn Wilson, and Len Matuszek each add two hits.

A quick note on Wilson. He’s hitting .251/.268/.336 with 13 XBH in 325 PA. Not good enough (it’s a 69 wRC+, which is nice if you’re a pitcher). However, he’s been good against lefties (.298/.326/.438), which makes me feel good about a platoon with Joe Lefebvre (.277/.342/.418 against righties), at least through the end of 1984. It won’t be good enough as an everyday middle-of-the-order player, though.

July 22, 1984

Greg Gross chimes in. He wants to be traded, too. Back to the drawing board; I group him and Lezcano in a deal to see what kind of bite I get, and Detroit would give up LF Bruce Fields (age 23, 36/41), who was originally a consideration when shopping around Lezcano a week ago. Fields is hitting .302/.358/.380 with 19 XBH in 413 PA in AAA. His defense? A +15.6 ZR and 1.066 EFF. He’s outstanding defensively (a 70 at LF).

I like this. Sure, I have too many outfielders at AAA, but I’ll be trading two from the majors. I’ll figure this out. I will, however, need a second (or third) prospect. So, continuing with my theme, I ask for RP Chuck Cary (age 24, 35/36), who has 55/55 stuff, 35/35 movement, and 35/40 control, and has a 4.44 ERA in 26.1 IP this season in AAA. Not great, but he’s still developing.

Also, I like 3B Kenneth Mahnken, who has no real discerning quality aside from hitting taters (55/55 raw power) and running (60 speed and stealing, 65 baserunning). He’s a 26/27 and age 23, so I’m not sure there’s a place for him to grow, but what the hell. I like a flier.

Plus, I get $269K back in this deal (wait, $319K, because I also asked for $50K). Nice. Let’s do it.

TRADE

To Detroit Tigers

LF Greg Gross
RF Sixto Lezcano

To Philadelphia Phillies

LF Bruce Fields
RP Chuck Cary
3B Kenneth Mahnken
$50,000
  • LF Bruce Fields assigned to AAA Portland
  • RP Chuck Cary assigned to AAA Portland
  • 3B Kenneth Mahnken assigned to A Peninsula
  • 3B Greg Jelks promoted to AA Reading
  • LF Keith Hughes demoted to A Peninsula
  • 1B/3B/LF/RF Mike Diaz promoted to MLB Philadelphia
  • 1B/RF Mark Funderburk promoted to MLB Philadelphia
  • RP John Flinn released

In Peninsula, Jelks was hitting .272/.335/.446 with 32 XBH in 412 PA and at this point needed a push. Hughes comes back to Peninsula, as the 20-year-old was hitting a paltry .189/.255/.278 in 98 PA.

As for tonight’s game, no Diaz or Funderburk, which means a skeleton crew. And trying not to play Schmidt tonight. Let’s pray.

Game 1984-98: Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium - Braves 5, Phillies 4 / 43-55

Bob Horner socks a two-run homer off Charles Hudson in the seventh to put the Braves up 5-3. But its not over - Mike Schmidt comes off the bench to deliver a pinch single that scores tw- no, one, because Dave Stegman is thrown out at the plate, naturally. That’s the end.

Another trade! The White Sox deal prospects Peter Venturini and Ed Sedar to Cleveland for veteran SP Jamie Easterly and cash. The Sox, by the way, are 16 games out of first. Weird stuff.

Power rankings! We’re 21st. The top-five:

1. Toronto Blue Jays - 68-31
2. Detroit Tigers - 63-33
3. Kansas City Royals - 58-38
4. Saint Louis Cardinals - 57-41
5. New York Mets - 56-40

The NL East is the best race there is, with the Mets, Cardinals, and Pirates all tied for first.
  1. Mets - 56-40
  2. Cardinals - 57-41
  3. Pirates - 57-41
  4. Expos - 52-46 (5 GB)

In the NL West, it’s a three-horse race, but separation remains:
  1. Dodgers - 56-44
  2. Reds - 51-49 (5 GB)
  3. Braves - 49-50 (6.5 GB)

The AL West isn’t much of a race right now:
  1. Royals - 58-38
  2. Twins - 51-46 (7.5 GB)
  3. Mariners - 51-48 (8.5 GB)

But the AL East is once again tight:
  1. Blue Jays - 68-31
  2. Tigers - 63-33 (3.5 GB)
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Old 07-12-2019, 01:22 PM   #32
hillm2ca
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Yeah, the trade logic that the AI uses does not always make sense. It seems to be focused more on whether a trade is fair more than, does it make sense for a non-contending teams to be trading for veterans in the first place,
many of whom are pending free agents?
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Old 07-16-2019, 12:50 AM   #33
The_Myth
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July 23, 1984

I have a trade proposal from Houston: SP Jerry Koosman for SS Craig Reynolds and CF Tracy Dophied.

This isn’t too bad a proposal. I need a shortstop for 1985, and Reynolds (age 31, 44/44) is a pretty good defender (60, +1.1 ZR, 1.032 EFF); plus, Dophied is a decent fourth outfielder type (age 24, 33/33). Plus-plus, it gets me out of the Koosman vesting option issue (he’s at 116 of a necessary 180 IP).

Still, I don’t know. I’d rather a bigger upgrade at shortstop for ‘85. This is a case of a deal that looks decent from the outside, but I know if I were to do it, I’d find myself wondering what the hell to do with Reynolds by next May. Pass.

I decide tonight I’ll start Mike Schmidt. He’s been hitting again. We’ll see how this Cubs series goes.


Game 1984-99: Veterans Stadium - Cubs 11, Phillies 4 / 43-56

Maybe I should trade Koosman after all; he gives up five earned, including a grand slam, in just 4.2 IP. Also, down 9-2 in the sixth but with the bases loaded and one out, Paul Owens keeps Steve Mura in the game to hit. I’m done with him. He’s gone after this season. Six strikes and you’re out.

July 24, 1984

Another trade overnight: Kansas City gets Cleveland RP George Frazier for SP Matt Crouch and 1B Joe Citari. Cleveland gets hosed. Woof.

Game 1984-100: Veterans Stadium - Cubs 7, Phillies 3 / 43-57

We’re starting to come completely undone. It’s tied in the ninth, but we give up four, and easily. Meanwhile, we constantly hit into double plays and fly outs, and make bad errors. It’s just maddening. A shame, too, because Juan Samuel hits two homers in this one.

July 25, 1984

Von Hayes and Juan Samuel are both getting tired; time to give them a rest. As for Schmidt, I’ll give him this last game against the Cubs, but I’m definitely sitting him one, if not two games after the off day. This lineup is fun:
  1. 3B Schmidt
  2. LF Diaz
  3. RF Wilson
  4. 1B Funderburk
  5. C Russell
  6. CF Stegman
  7. 2B Garcia
  8. SS de Jesus
  9. SP Gross

Why am I doing this? Why not.

Game 1984-101: Veterans Stadium - Cubs 18, Phillies 1 / 43-58

Unbelievable. Just unbelievable.

Let’s unpack this: Kevin Gross goes 4 IP and gives up five runs off eight hits. Then Ben Hayes comes in, because sure, and gives up four in two frames. Then comes Don Carman, who of course pitches as bad as he’s ever pitched (2 IP, 3 ER). Finally, Steve Mura allows six runs and records just two outs. My God.

More ridiculous is that we manage just two hits (!) against Jamie Moyer, who now has a 4.26 ERA. Those hits? A home run from Mark Funderburk (ha), and a John Russell single.

Look, I went with a weird lineup (sort of), but 18-1 is just unacceptable. Well, it’s time to do something.

July 26, 1984

It’s our off day. Texas has traded SP Frank Tanana to Cleveland for 3B Brook Jacoby and CF Bernardo Brito, which feels like a steal for the Rangers. And the Royals get RP Dan Spillner and cash from the Indians for SP John Davis. That’s a steal for Kansas City. No wonder Cleveland is in the basement.

Here’s the deal: Things aren’t good right now. We’ve been cratering while transitioning into the team I want to field for 1985. I’d like a new manager before then, but it feels slightly too early to dismiss Owens, though (I don’t know - the clubhouse is happy despite the losing, and we just made a slew of trades); instead, I feel like a coaching dismissal down the latter is a better first step. So I’ll be moving on from current hitting coach Juan Benavides (age 40, inexperienced). The team is hitting .241, dead last in the National League, while the OBP is .305 and 10th. We need to be better.
  • MLB Hitting Coach Juan Benavides fired
  • AAA Hitting Coach Bobby Hagan promoted to MLB Philadelphia
  • AA Hitting Coach Dave Charbonneau promoted to AAA Portland
  • Hitting Coach Chris Thomas offered position at AA Reading

As for Owens, I’ll give him another month. Then we’ll see where we’re at.

Meantime, I find out that, after last night’s drubbing, Juan Samuel called a players-only clubhouse meeting. “There are just some things that have been festering for a while that we need to take care of,” said Samuel, the only one to comment on the record about the meeting. This was before I made any moves with the coaching staff. Needless to say, I’m pretty proud of the rookie for stepping up like that. He’s impressing me more and more with each day.

Let’s talk the minors. At AAA Portland, Bruce Fields is already out to a hot start. He’s in center field instead of left, playing good defense, and hitting two home runs early. Meanwhile, Jeff Stone is hitting .280/.311/.371 with 22 XBH in 380 PA, plus 29 SB and 7 CS. And while he’s been just OK offensively, Steve Jeltz has a +6.8 ZR and 1.058 EFF at SS.

On the mound, Kelly Downs has gone right back to pitching well in Portland, but his movement rating remains a 35. No dice right now. Then there’s SP John Machin (25.2 IP, 0.70 ERA, 18 K, 9 BB), who is just 22 and could be a September callup (I’m leaning no, though, as he needs a healthy and full offseason). And RP Rip Rollins (39 IP, 2.77 ERA, 27 K, 21 BB) has been good, though with a few too many walks. September possibility.

Right now, I have Kenneth Walker, Karl Best, and Chuck Cary each in Portland getting some reps, plus Rollins and 21-year-old standout Rich Gaynor (36.1 IP, 1.98 ERA, 22 K, 18 BB) all in line to reach the majors soon. We’ll see how it sorts out.

At AA Reading, outfielders Kevin Ward (131 PA, .310/.389/.474, 11 XBH) and Todd Soares (198 PA, .267/.348/.489, 17 XBH) have stepped it up after slow starts, while 3B Chris James (417 PA, .292/.329/.489, 40 XBH, 20 SB, 3 CS) has been good enough to move to AAA Portland around September callups. That might not stick to start 1985, but it’s a good push for him. And top catching prospect Mike LaValliere has 342 PA, and is hitting .255/.371/.381 with 24 XBH. Defensively he needs some work still, with a +0.1 ZR and just a 29.5% CS rate. That’ll be what he needs to work on next year in AAA.

SP Mike Maddux has been fine (131 IP, 4.33 ERA, 80 K, 41 BB) and should get to AAA Portland by 1985, at the latest. The rest of the rotation is meh. In the bullpen, John McLarnan has been effective (33.1 IP, 2.70 ERA, 26 K, 8 BB, 20 SV). He’ll get to Portland before the year is out, and is a candidate to be in the ‘85 bullpen. That’s about it.

A Peninsula’s lineup has been tremendous all season. CF Ramon Sambo has been there the whole time with contact, defense, and speed (439 PA, .319/.383/.375, 12 XBH, 22 SB, 9 CS, +4.2 ZR). Another one to point out: Wilfredo Tejada (321 PA, .318/.340/.457, 26 XBH), who has been at C and DH all season. He’ll start in Reading next season.

My most interesting pitcher here is Steve Witt (109.1 IP, 2.96 ERA, 57 K, 32 BB), who deserves a bump to Reading before 1985; the issue, three of his pitches are sitting at 35, and I’d like one to cross into 40. Just one. Also close is 19-year-old John Powell (97.1 IP, 2.59 ERA, 64 K, 27 BB). He’s young for the league, so I’m a little wary about pushing him yet. RP Tony Evetts (37.1 IP, 3.86 ERA, 32 K, 8 BB, 16 SV) needs to develop his movement; if he does, he’s ready for Reading.

Here’s the issue: Sambo could be the CF in Reading next season, but then there’s Luis Polonia, in A Spartanburg. My acquisition in the Ozzie Virgil trade is at 398 PA, .296/.354/.437, 29 XBH, 14 SB, 10 CS, +5.1 ZR, 1.015 EFF. He deserves to be the starting CF next year in AA. Sambo seems to profile more as a fourth outfielder, and that’s likely how it’ll work next year. Then there’s 19-year-old 1B Ricky Jordan, who’s at 400 PA, .345/.380/.541, 41 XBH. He can probably go to AA Reading next year, though because of his age, I might start him at A Peninsula. We’ll see.

On the mound, there’s Tim Belcher (129.1 IP, 2.37 ERA, 96 K, 40 BB). He’s 22 and should be ready for AA Reading, but his 25/45 control haunts me. Get it to 30, Tim, and you’re heading to Reading. Meanwhile, William Jester (117 IP, 2.54 ERA, 75 K, 29 BB) seems to be ready for Reading, as does Marvin Freeman (116 IP, 3.10 ERA, 86 K, 57 BB). Also: RP Darryl Menard (87.1 IP, 2.06 ERA, 55 K, 11 BB, 11 SV) Might have to make those moves.

Who needs to move up from the rookie leagues? There’s LF Shawn Dantzler (122 PA, .398/.451/.815, 20 XBH), CF Bart Kaiser (128 PA, .372/.445/.558, 11 XBH), plus most of the my pitching staff in Bend, and a few solid players including first-round draft pick Pete Smith (48.2 IP, 2.96 ERA, 32 K, 7 BB) and Michael Jackson (40.2 IP, 2.66 ERA, 20 K, 11 BB) in the GCL.

So then:
  • SP William Jester promoted to AA Reading
  • SP Harold Warner released
  • RP Darryl Menard promoted to AA Reading
  • RP Jim Reilly released
  • SP Shawn Barton promoted to A Spartanburg
  • SP Steve Labay promoted to A Spartanburg
  • RP Jeff Gray promoted to A Spartanburg
  • RP Scott Wright sent to A Peninsula
  • RP Walter Nesbitt sent to A Peninsula
  • SP Kevin Coker demoted to BC Bend
  • RP Ramon Caraballo released
  • RP George Creekmore released
  • LF Shawn Dantzler promoted to A Spartanburg
  • SS Sergio Perez promoted to A Spartanburg
  • LF Fernando Soto promoted to A Spartanburg
  • LF Todd Johnson released
  • 3B Henry Smith released
  • RF Wayne Dannenberg released
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Old 07-16-2019, 11:25 PM   #34
The_Myth
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July 27, 1984


Game 1984-102: Veterans Stadium - Expos 3, Phillies 0 / 43-59

At this point I don’t care about wins and losses, though it’s frustrating as hell. The offense should be better (I mean, Bryn Smith shut us out today). The pitching should be better. I’m banking on 1985 being much better. Trust the process.

July 28, 1984

Chris Thomas accepted the hitting coach position in Reading. But the bigger news, which affects my offseason plans, is that SS Ozzie Smith has signed a four-year extension (worth $3.26M) to stay with St. Louis. That means free agent shortstops for 1984-85 are:
  • Bill Almon - 44/44
  • Chris Speier - 44/44
  • Jerry Royster - 43/43
  • Dale Berra - 42/42
  • Garry Templeton - 40/42
  • UL Washington - 42/42

Not exactly inspired. I was banking on acquiring a huge upgrade for 1985; now, I’m potentially settling for a poor solution. That means I need to pivot and bank on defense at shortstop. Luckily I have a top defensive SS in the system in Steve Jeltz (55). But there are two short-term upgrades: Speier (who I might be able to get on a short-term deal, though his offense is really poor), and Kansas City SS Onix Concepcion (40/44, 70 def). He has been offered to me before in trades; the Royals today would take Len Matuszek for him. For now, not gonna do it. But I’ll keep him in mind this offseason.

Game 1984-103: Veterans Stadium - Phillies 6, Expos 2 / 44-59

It takes a while, but we get one. Juan Samuel continues his torrid rookie campaign with three hits including his ninth triple, plus his 43rd stolen base. Charles Hudson goes seven strong (7 K, 2 BB). Also, we commit three errors (we’re now at 102, which is third in baseball behind the Dodgers and Mets).

July 29, 1984

Putting Mike Schmidt back in the lineup tonight. Meanwhile, nothing on the trade front. I’m probably done anyway.

Game 1984-104: Veterans Stadium - Expos 10, Phillies 1 / 44-60

I think we’ve reached the end for Jerry Koosman. The 41-year-old starter surrenders seven runs in 5.2 innings, raising his ERA to 5.39. (Steve Mura is now holding a 5.05 ERA, and he’s close to finished, too).

Here are Koosman’s numbers: 127 IP, 5.39 ERA (3.70 FIP), 58 K, 24 BB. It bugs me that he is defense-reliant, and our defense stinks. Still, he isn’t striking anyone out, which means something. Anyway, the issue is he has a vesting option at 180 IP, and he’s currently on pace for 197.2 IP. I could fudge it by going six-man in September, or just putting him in the bullpen, but I could also get value for him now.

The problem with that is I have nobody to promote from AAA to take his place. Here are the ratings of my most likely starters to be promoted:
  • SP Kelly Downs - 45 stuff, 35 movement, 50 control
  • SP Kyle Money - 45 stuff, 35 movement, 35 control
  • SP Steve Fireovid - 35 stuff, 35 movement, 45 control

I can’t just trade Koosman and hope one of these three figures it out in the majors. So, let’s ask around to see if a general manager will take Koosman and give me back another starting pitcher … (and I just said I thought I was done trading ...)

Yes. Detroit would give me SP Pete Vuckovich (48/48, 37.2 IP, 5.50 ERA, 21 K, 12 BB), and Boston would trade me RP/SP Dick Ruthven (28.2 IP, 5.34 ERA, 7 K, 8 BB). I’d rather do Vuck, but we’ll go another day, maybe two. I’ll take this to the end.

The power rankings (we’re 23rd of 26):

1. Toronto Blue Jays - 72-33
2. Detroit Tigers - 68-36
3. Los Angeles Dodgers - 62-44
4. Saint Louis Cardinals - 61-43
5. Kansas City Royals - 60-42

July 30, 1984

Some trades to report:

The Astros get C Ron Hassey from Cleveland for 2B Michael Garner and SP Pedro DeLeon. Another deal where the Indians completely get taken. Meanwhile, Baltimore ships SP Scott McGregor to St. Louis for 2B Glenn Gulliver and C Steve Barnard. That’s much more even.

It makes me wonder if I can take advantage of Cleveland.

Meanwhile, I ask around again about Koosman, and Houston says they’ll now deal me Joe Niekro. The potential hall of famer is 39 (younger than Koosman), is a free agent after 1985, and has a 3.27 ERA with 91 K and 45 BB. Those are better numbers than Koosman’s. Now, he’d be on roster next season, but I’m not totally against that - I am against having Koosman on roster next season.

Or, St. Louis would flip me Scott McGregor, who’s a free agent after this season (138.2 IP, 4.22 ERA, 34 K, 35 BB). No thanks with that ratio.

Anyway, the Niekro thing feels like a trap. I have to pay Carlton, Denny, Hudson, and Gross already, and bringing in Niekro means having to pay five starters. That means a potential issue if I bring in someone through free agency (and someone will be available via that route). I’ll go one more day - if I can get a veteran who’s expiring, fine; otherwise, maybe I just release Koosman when the time is right.


Game 1984-105: Wrigley Field - Phillies 6, Cubs 5 (10) / 45-60

Down 5-4 in the eighth, Mike Schmidt knocks a solo shot to tie it up. In the 10th, Glenn Wilson homers to go ahead and, ultimately, win it.

July 31, 1984

Trade deadline day. I ask around about Koosman once more, and it’s still Houston (Niekro) and St. Louis (McGregor, plus now Rick Reuschel) offering anyone. Reuschel’s numbers: 114.1 IP, 4.01 ERA, 70 K, 41 BB. Not bad. Maybe I will, honestly. He gets a bonus for 180 IP, but it’s not a second year under contract.

So I go to St. Louis, who would do Reuschel with Todd Worrell (40/45, 65.1 IP, 2.48 ERA, 56 K, 29 BB in AAA). This is good. Over to Houston, who’d alternatively start a deal with Mark Knudson (42/43, 25.2 IP, 1.75 ERA, 8 K, 9 BB). The St. Louis deal sounds so much better - I’m doing it.

TRADE

To St. Louis Cardinals

SP Jerry Koosman - 41

To Philadelphia Phillies

SP Rick Reuschel - 35
RP Todd Worrell - 24
$25,000

And:
  • SP Rick Reuschel assigned to MLB Philadelphia
  • RP Todd Worrell assigned to AAA Portland
  • RP Ted Kromy released

Good deal.

My new-ish look Phillies, as of end-of-day July 31:

Batting Order

LF - Von Hayes
2B - Juan Samuel
RF/LF/3B - Joe Lefebvre
3B - Mike Schmidt
1B - Len Matuszek
CF - Dave Stegman
C - Darren Daulton
SS - Ivan de Jesus

Bench

C - John W. Russell
1B/RF - Mark Funderburk
3B/1B/OF - Mike Diaz
SS/2B - Kiko Garcia
LF/RF - Glenn Wilson
CF - Garry Maddox

Starting Rotation

SP - Steve Carlton
SP - John Denny
SP - Charles Hudson
SP - Kevin Gross
SP - Rick Reuschel

Bullpen

RP - Bill Campbell
RP - Larry Andersen
RP - Tug McGraw
RP - Steve Mura
RP - Don Carman
RP - Ben Hayes

Game 1984-106: Wrigley Field - Phillies 6, Cubs 3 / 46-60

Kevin Gross goes seven strong (6 H, 2 ER, 4 K, 3 BB), and Ben Hayes of all people closes it out (though he came in with a four-run lead, meaning he couldn’t earn his first career save). Also, Juan Samuel continues his scorching play, going 2-for-5 with a home run and a double. He’s now at .299/.346/.492 with 46 XBH in 460 PA. In July he’s hitting .402/.445/.765 with 8 HR and 20 RBI. Could he win National League Player of the Month?

Last edited by The_Myth; 07-17-2019 at 07:02 PM.
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Old 07-18-2019, 12:06 AM   #35
The_Myth
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Aug. 1, 1984

Nope. That went to Darryl Strawberry, who hit .330/.436/.701 in the month with 11 HR and 26 RBI. Hmmmph.

(Also, Sammy didn’t win NL Rookie of the Month, which made me look at his service time - sure enough, he wasn’t being considered a rookie in the game, so I went into commish mode and altered his service time to echo what it was in 1984, as he was actually a rookie then.)

So, among all National League rookies, here’s where Juan Samuel ranks:

AVG - 1st
HR - T-1st (Sid Bream)
RBI - 2nd (Sid Bream)
OBP - 3rd (Dave Magadan, Sid Bream)
SLG - 1st
OPS - 1st
WAR - T-1st (Joe Orsulak)
TB - 1st
SB - 1st
XBH - 1st
ISO - 2nd (Sid Bream)
OPS+ - 2nd (Sid Bream)

But Samuel probably won’t win Rookie of the Year, because every pitching category is being dominated by Mets rookie Dwight Gooden.

Meanwhile, baseball wasn’t busy on July 31, sans my last deal. In all, 52 players changed uniforms over the month of July - I traded six of them, and I received 10 of them. (Cleveland, who at 47-59 is basically the American League us, made the most trades: five.)
  • RP Kenneth Walker promoted to MLB Philadelphia
  • 1B/OF Mark Funderburk demoted to AAA Portland

My relievers are overworked, so we need reinforcements. Up comes Walker, who - since being traded to my organization - has this line: 6.1 IP, 1.42 ERA, 7 K, 1 BB. That’ll play.

A scouting report: The 23-year-old reliever starts with a good, close to plus fastball that goes straighter than one would like but sits around 91-93, topping out around 94. He mixes that with a plus slider that rates as an out pitch, when he has command of it. Essentially Walker will have trouble with walks, though his career 2.3 BB/9 is nearly outstanding. His career 9.0 K/9 is also great. If he can harness his stuff, we’re talking about a high-leverage reliever. As of right now, he’s 65/65 stuff, 35/35 movement, and 35/35 control, with a 55/55 fastball and 65/65 slider.


Game 1984-107: Wrigley Field - Cubs 5, Phillies 4 / 46-61

Welp. We claw back to take a 4-3 lead in the top of the ninth, then Bill Campbell promptly gives up four hits, all with two outs. I’d say it’s the most frustrating loss of the year, but then again we’ve had our share.

On to St. Louis.

Aug. 2, 1984


Game 1984-108: Busch Stadium - Phillies 6, Cardinals 3 / 47-61

Charles Hudson goes eight and gives up just two earned, while we steal four bases off Darrell Porter, and Darren Daulton slams his third home run of the season.

Aug. 3, 1984

Ooh. Today’s matchup: Rick Reuschel (PHI) vs Jerry Koosman (STL). As Mel Allen would say: How about that? Also, these are two veterans, with Reuschel carrying a lifetime 141-131 record over 2383.2 innings, and Koosman sitting at 206-203 over 3643 innings. Special stuff.

Game 1984-109: Busch Stadium - Phillies 8, Cardinals 2 / 48-61

We win the all-important battle between players traded for one another a few days previously. Mike Schmidt socks a two-run homer off Koosman in the third, then with the sacks jacked in the sixth, Ivan de Jesus rips a two-run single. To cap it off, Reuschel goes the distance, and puts a feather in his cap by slamming his third-career home run - his first since 1977. Hell yeah, boys.

Aug. 4, 1984

Coming off the high of one of his best starts this season (during which he hit a home run), Rick Reuschel wants to talk contract extension. He would take one year for $310K, which is slightly more than he’s making this season ($287.5K). No, as I really want to upgrade for 1985. That said, I like his guile and finesse (50/55 movement, 50/60 control). Let’s see what he does with a few more starts before I even consider him for the future.

Game 1984-110: Busch Stadium - Cardinals 9, Phillies 4 / 48-62

A bullpen meltdown was coming. Here it’s Bill Campbell (once again), who is proving he’s not a stopper by any means. We give up six runs in an eighth inning that seals our fate. Juan Samuel hits homer No. 14 and steals base No. 44; he’s great.

Aug. 5, 1984

Reading RP John McLarnan goes down for a few weeks with elbow inflammation. I still might push him to AAA Portland when he returns, but it depends on numbers.

Game 1984-111: Busch Stadium - Phillies 13, Cardinals 10 / 49-62

This has to be the ceremonial ritual “bash the crap out of our problems” game. We go up 12-3 (then give up seven in the eighth) before finishing it off. Doing damage: Von Hayes (4-for-6, HR), Glenn Wilson (2-for-5, HR), Mike Schmidt (2-for-4, 2B), Len Matuszek (2-for-4, HR), Darren Daulton (3-for-4, 3B, HR). Eighteen hits total. Errors continue to be a problem (Juan Samuel now has committed 18), and Steve Mura is on his last legs (0.2 IP, 1 H, 4 R, 0 ER, 3 BB).

Before the week ends, the power rankings (we’re 18th):

1. Toronto Blue Jays - 75-36
2. Detroit Tigers - 74-38
3. Pittsburgh Pirates - 65-46
4. Los Angeles Dodgers - 66-46
5. Seattle Mariners - 61-51

The Tigers are just 1.5 behind the Blue Jays in the AL East; it’s amazing that only one of these teams can make the postseason. Meanwhile Seattle is creeping behind the Royals (just 3 back) in the AL West. The Dodgers have all but sewn up the NL West (up 12 on Cincinnati), while things remain tight in the NL East (Pirates by 2 over the Cardinals - you’re welcome Pittsburgh - and 3.5 over the Mets).

As for major leaguers we surrendered in trades - an update:
  • Bo Diaz (SEA) - 40 PA, .275/.326/.450, 3 XBH - Hitting better, of course, since moving to the Northwest.
  • Ozzie Virgil (OAK) - 257 PA, .284/.339/.500, 28 XBH - Well, good for him, I suppose.
  • Sixto Lezcano (DET) - 31 PA, .321/.355/.357, 1 XBH - Getting on base as usual.
  • Greg Gross (DET) - 12 PA, .300/.417/.400, 1 XBH - Small sample. He’s angry about playing time, of course.
  • Jerry Koosman (STL) - 6 IP, 7.50 ERA, 5 K, 2 BB - Against us.
  • Al Holland (CWS) - 7.1 IP, 0.00 ERA, 2 K, 1 BB, 6 SV - Just wait for the meltdown, Chicago.

Finally, great news: Juan Samuel has been named National League Player of the Week. He went 12-for-34 with 3 HR and 10 RBI this week. Just an outstanding rookie campaign.
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Old 07-18-2019, 11:19 PM   #36
The_Myth
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Aug. 6, 1984


Game 1984-112: Olympic Stadium - Expos 12, Phillies 3 / 49-63

Steve Carlton opens by allowing five first-inning runs. Don Carman doesn’t do much better. Ben Hayes - well, he’s on his way out. Kenneth Walker gets his first taste of the majors, however, and while he has trouble with Hayes’ mess, he does strike out three, including Tim Raines, in 1.2 innings.

Aug. 7, 1984

Game 1984-113: Olympic Stadium - Expos 3, Phillies 1 / 49-64

I swear we’re cursed. While every Expos hit finds a hole, we keep hitting into double plays, including the one by Mike Schmidt that ends the game.

Anyway, today the boys were listening to the radio reports about the U.S. baseball team’s tournament final against Japan. The kids lost, 6-3, in a shocker, but we’re all pretty excited about the prospect of baseball as an Olympic sport (this year it was merely a demonstration sport). Also, great performances by Will Clark and B.J. Surhoff.

Aug. 8, 1984

Game 1984-114: Olympic Stadium - Expos 11, Phillies 6 / 49-65

After a great series in St. Louis, a real turd against the Expos. Steve Mura (0.2 IP, 3 H, 4 ER) has outlived his welcome. Darren Daulton goes 3-for-4 with two doubles.
  • RP Arturo Gonzalez promoted to MLB Philadelphia
  • RP Ben Hayes placed on waivers

Gonzalez, 28, had a cup of coffee with us earlier this season, but will get more a shot to show off here. In 17.2 IP in AAA, he’s put up a 1.53 ERA with 6 K and 6 BB. Not great or anything, but he’s stayed consistent.

Aug. 9, 1984


Game 1984-115: Veterans Stadium - Phillies 4, Cardinals 3 / 50-65

We pick up our 50th win of the season (we’re on pace to finish 70-92) after scoring four runs in the sixth and seventh innings. Mike Schmidt, who doesn’t start, comes off the bench to strike a big RBI double, while Juan Samuel hits his 12th triple of the season. (He also commits two errors.)

Aug. 10, 1984

Game 1984-116: Veterans Stadium - Cardinals 8, Phillies 5 / 50-66

Okay.

Maybe the most stunning thing I’ve ever seen, and for certain the nadir of this lost season. We’re up 5-0 with two outs in the ninth, and Kevin Gross, going for a complete game, gives up a triple to Andy Van Slyke? No big deal, right?

Steve Mura comes in with two outs. He proceeds to throw a wild pitch, then give up a double, a walk, and a single. Then comes Bill Campbell: double, single, single, home run. 5-0 becomes 8-5, all with one out left in the game.

Mura is done. Can’t do it anymore. And Campbell has to move to some lower-leverage spots.
  • RP Dave Wehrmeister promoted to MLB Philadelphia
  • RP Steve Mura demoted to AAA Portland

Also, I’m not sure why it’s Mura there and not, say, Kenneth Walker or Larry Andersen. Just an embarrassment.

Aug. 11, 1984

Game 1984-117: Veterans Stadium - Phillies 6, Cardinals 3 / 51-66

Boy, what stinks is we could’ve just taken three straight in this series. Anyway, Steve Carlton does it himself by going all nine, improving to 6-8. Len Matuszek socks a home run in the sixth to put it away, while Lefty registers a two-run double. Mike Schmidt adds a triple.

Aug. 12, 1984

Game 1984-118: Veterans Stadium - Phillies 2, Cardinals 1 / 52-66

Man, if only we won that ridiculous 8-5 game. Charles Hudson pitches a sterling 7.1 innings of four-hit ball, while Larry Andersen cleans it up. Our runs come from Mike Schmidt’s 20th home run. One freaking out from a four-game sweep of the first-place Cardinals.

The power rankings are in. And we’re 17th. The top five:

1. Toronto Blue Jays - 80-37
2. Detroit Tigers - 78-41
3. New York Mets - 67-49
4. Los Angeles Dodgers - 70-49
5. Kansas City Royals - 68-49

Thanks to our three of four against St. Louis, and a stumble from Pittsburgh, the Mets jump the line and take the one-game lead in the NL East. The Expos are back in it, too, just four behind New York. Otherwise, Toronto is up three on Detroit in the AL East, and Kansas City is holding five on Seattle and six on Minnesota in the AL West. The Dodgers are cruising, up 10 in the NL West.
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Old 07-23-2019, 02:37 AM   #37
The_Myth
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Aug. 13, 1984

At AAA Portland, SP Steve Fireovid has an elbow injury that will sideline him for two weeks. This gives me an opportunity to push a prospect or three:
  • SP Mike Maddux promoted to AAA Portland
  • SP Marvin Freeman promoted to AA Reading
  • SP Pete J Smith to A Spartanburg

Some big promotions here. Maddux in Reading (150 IP, 4.38 ERA, 92 K, 46 BB). He could bring down the walks a bit, but he deserves a seven-start tryout up in AAA. Freeman in Spartanburg (129.2 IP, 3.47 ERA, 92 K, 62 BB). Again, walks, but he has improved his control quite a bit this season. Smith in the GCL (66.2 IP, 2.70 ERA, 43 K, 9 BB). Very good.

Aug. 14, 1984


Game 1984-119: Jack Murphy Stadium - Padres 5, Phillies 3 / 52-67

We rally in the ninth, but Ivan de Jesus hits into a double play. Would’ve loved to have reversed that Cardinals outcome from a couple days ago.

Aug. 15, 1984

Game 1984-120: Jack Murphy Stadium - Padres 3, Phillies 0 / 52-68

Dave Dravecky throws a three-hit complete-game shutout. John Denny isn’t bad, either (7 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 4 K, 3 BB).

Aug. 16, 1984

Game 1984-121: Jack Murphy Stadium - Padres 3, Phillies 2 / 52-69

Swept in San Diego. Yuck. Eric Show goes eight strong for them, while we can only muster a Mike Schmidt home run and a couple more hits. Of course, the Padres only have four hits but win. We can’t buy a good swing of games.

Aug. 17, 1984


Game 1984-122: Dodger Stadium - Dodgers 6, Phillies 2 / 52-70

At least Juan Samuel steals his 48th base and hits his 28th double. Otherwise there isn’t much to write about. Would be nice to get a win or two out west.

Aug. 18, 1984

Game 1984-123: Dodger Stadium - Dodgers 7, Phillies 5 / 52-71

Well here we have a 5-3 lead before Los Angeles gets four against Charles Hudson and Tug McGraw.

Aug. 19, 1984

Game 1984-124: Dodger Stadium - Dodgers 2, Phillies 0 / 52-72

0-6 on the West Coast trip. Fernando Valenzuela strikes out 13; only Mike Diaz (2-for-4) has a good day against him.

The power rankings have us 25th. One from the bottom. Yikes. The top-five:

1. Toronto Blue Jays - 83-41
2. Los Angeles Dodgers - 75-50
3. Kansas City Royals - 74-50
4. Detroit Tigers - 80-45
5. St. Louis Cardinals - 70-54

With the recent losses we have the worst record in the National League, 0.5 games behind the Giants, who we play next. We’re just in front of California, Oakland, and Texas league-wide.
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Old 07-24-2019, 12:12 AM   #38
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Aug. 20, 1984


Game 1984-125: Candlestick Park - Giants 13, Phillies 1 / 52-73

This isn’t getting better. John Denny allows seven runs. Dave Wehrmeister gives up six. We only get one. Chili Davis goes 3-for-5 with 6 RBI including a home run. Brutal.

Aug. 21, 1984

Bad news from Reading. CF Toss Soares is out for the season, it seems, with a fractured wrist. His final AA numbers: 282 PA, .254/.333/.444, 21 XBH. Not bad, and his defense improved. He might start the season back in Reading, though it may be in left field to accommodate Luis Polonia.
  • CF Dion Lowe promoted to AA Reading

Paper move to keep that roster in decent shape.

Meanwhile, I’m wondering if this is when I move on from manager Paul Owens. On July 26 I said to give it a month. It’s been 26 days since the 18-1 drubbing against the Cubs, and we’re at 9-15 since that day. Not exactly inspired. It would be nice to get the ball rolling now for a new skipper. Sigh. I hate blowing things up because it’s not going well, but at this point, it’s ridiculous.

Game 1984-126: Candlestick Park - Phillies 7, Giants 6 / 53-73

Boy, oh boy. Tie game at 4-4 and then the Giants score two in the seventh off Kevin Gross, who now totes a 4.08 ERA. Then we tie it in the hardest way possible in the eighth before Von Hayes doubles home the go-ahead run in the ninth. Larry Andersen ends it cleanly. We scrape for this one.

Aug. 22, 1984

Game 1984-127: Candlestick Park - Giants 2, Phillies 1 / 53-74

Come on. A ninth-inning sacrifice fly walks it off for San Francisco, who is up on us by 1.5 games. Sheesh.

Aug. 23, 1984

After sleeping on it, I’ve decided not to make any moves with the coaching staff and let Paul Owens play out the rest of the season. Essentially there’s no better solution at the moment (what’s available in the personnel market is fair, at best), and bench coach J.P. Dissmore needs much more seasoning before he gets a managerial job.

Aug. 24, 1984


Game 1984-128: Veterans Stadium - Dodgers 6, Phillies 2 / 53-75

Fernando Valenzuela does his usual thing against us (7.1 IP, 8 H, 2 ER, 8 K, 1 BB). Mike Schmidt and Juan Samuel contribute two hits.

Aug. 25, 1984

Game 1984-129: Veterans Stadium - Dodgers 8, Phillies 2 / 53-76

Greg Brock goes 4-for-5 with a HR in another schelaking. Just not our year.

Aug. 26, 1984

Game 1984-130: Veterans Stadium - Phillies 7, Dodgers 6 / 54-76

Despite Mike Marshall’s four-hit game, we do enough offensively to take it. Dave Stegman hits a triple and a homer, while John Denny gives up four runs in six innings.

Meanwhile, AA Reading SP William Jester has a shoulder injury, taking him out for the rest of the season. He was pitching well, too (47.2 IP, 2.83 ERA, 29 K, 7 BB).
  • SP William Jester placed on 15-day injured list
  • SP Steve Witt promoted to AA Reading

I wanted just one of Witt’s secondary pitches to reach a 40 rating, and his forkball did just that. His numbers at A Peninsula: 139.2 IP, 3.48 ERA, 71 K, 44 BB. Still needs work, and he’ll start 1985 in Reading.

Power ranking time, and somehow we’re just 22nd. The top-five:

1. Toronto Blue Jays - 87-43
2. St. Louis Cardinals - 76-55
3. Pittsburgh Pirates - 75-54
4. Los Angeles Dodgers - 79-52
5. Detroit Tigers - 84-47

Baltimore has been eliminated from the postseason race, primarily because Toronto has a 33-game lead on them. We’re down by 21.5. Still another three weeks, probably.
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Old 07-25-2019, 01:11 AM   #39
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Aug. 27, 1984


Game 1984-131: Veterans Stadium - Padres 3, Phillies 2 / 54-77

We rally to take a 2-1 lead in the sixth, then Kevin Gross promptly surrenders it in the seventh. Glenn Wilson with two hits including a double.

Aug. 28, 1984

Game 1984-132: Veterans Stadium - POSTPONED

Rainout. Doubleheader tomorrow.

Aug. 29, 1984

Game 1984-132: Veterans Stadium - Phillies 9, Padres 3 / 55-77

We blast the Padres early. Mike Schmidt, John Russell, and Von Hayes each homer, with Russell going 2-for-4 with 4 RBI. Steve Carlton goes eight and strikes out eight.

Game 1984-133: Veterans Stadium - Phillies 3, Padres 2 / 56-77

Charles Hudson secures the doubleheader sweep with eight strong. Mike Diaz drives in two. Glenn Wilson’s fifth-inning RBI single puts us ahead for good.

Aug. 30, 1984

It’s a day off. Rosters are about to expand. Considering my minor league teams are still playing, I won’t promote too many players right away. Probably two or three, at most. Here are the candidates:
  • SP John Machin - 22, 31/31 - 78.1 IP, 2.64 ERA, 53 K, 24 BB (AAA)
  • SP Kelly Downs - 23, 40/41 - 29.1 IP, 7.36 ERA, 12 K, 8 BB (MLB)
  • SP Curt Young - 24, 34/34 - 155 IP, 4.94 ERA, 72 K, 54 BB (AAA)
  • RP Todd Worrell - 24, 40/45 - 9.2 IP, 7.45 ERA, 13 K, 8 BB (AAA)
  • RP Karl Best - 25, 37/37 - 10.1 IP, 1.74 ERA, 12 K, 9 BB (AAA)
  • RP Chuck Cary - 24, 37/38 - 9 IP, 2.00 ERA, 5 K, 0 BB (AAA)
  • RP Rich Gaynor - 22, 34/34 - 51 IP, 3.18 ERA, 29 K, 26 BB (AAA)
  • SS Steve Jeltz - 25, 35/42 - 464 PA, .238/.329/.319, 19 XBH (AAA)
  • OF Bruce Fields - 23, 37/41 - 543 PA, .316/.374/.409, 31 XBH (AAA)
  • OF Jeff Stone - 23, 37/37 - 492 PA, .288/.321/.387, 32 XBH (AAA)
  • OF Larry Ray - 26, 38/40 - 335 PA, .230/.301/.357, 26 XBH (AAA)

I’ll probably promote one reliever and one outfielder at first - likely Best and Stone - but everyone has a case. Meanwhile, the GCL Phillies are in the league championship series against the GCL Rangers - it’s tied 1-1!

Aug. 31, 1984

This morning, I wake up to find out RP Kenneth Walker is suffering from complications from asthma. He saw a doctor late last night, who wants him resting for a couple days. No IL for him, but we’ll sit him until he feels better.


Game 1984-134: Veterans Stadium - Giants 4, Phillies 2 / 56-78

It’s a war between the last-place teams, and we lose the first battle. Atlee Hammaker remains unsolvable for us, as he spins seven strong innings. Rick Reuschel goes 6.2 and allows three runs on eight hits and two walks. Juan Samuel doubles, Ivan de Jesus makes an error, and the clocks keep moving.

Sept. 1, 1984

But in good news, we find out that Juan Samuel has been named National League Rookie of the Month! He hit .303 with 2 HR and 18 RBI. Solid job by the kid.

Speaking of Samuel, let’s handicap the regular season awards, at this point:

American League MVP: It’s Wade Boggs vs Tony Fernandez. The former is hitting .365 with a .437 OBP, but the latter is just behind him (.351, .405). Similar-ish players, so I’d give a slight edge to Boggs.

American League Cy Young: Probably Dave Stieb of Toronto, who has a 2.63 ERA (third, AL) and 18 wins, which is tied for the league lead. He also leads the league in strikeouts (177).

American League Rookie of the Year: Fernandez. But shoutout to two in Seattle: Danny Tartabull (.305/.363/.494, 22 HR, 94 RBI), who’s having a great first season; and Mark Langston (17-5, 2.56 ERA, 119 K), who should get a couple Cy Young votes.

American League Manager of the Year: It’s a two-man race between Toronto’s Bobby Cox and Detroit’s Sparky Anderson. The Jays have a 2.5-game lead over the Tigers. For the Jays, it would be their first playoff berth, and for Detroit, it would be the first since 1972. Outside shot of Seattle’s Del Crandall taking it, just because they’ve stuck through.

American League Rolaids Relief Man of the Year: Probably Kansas City’s Dan Quisenberry, whose 31 saves leads the league. Also, he’s walked just six batters all season.

National League MVP: Might be New York’s Darryl Strawberry, who came alive in the last few months (.307/.384/.578, 40 HR, 117 RBI). Yup, 40 HR. Behind him is teammate Keith Hernandez, Chicago’s Leon Durham, and St. Louis’ Ozzie Smith.

National League Cy Young: I have to think Mets rookie Dwight Gooden gets it (15-6, 2.17 ERA, 241 K). Good years from the Dodgers’ Alejandro Pena (17-8, 2.60 ERA, 152 K) and the Pirates’ John Candelaria (16-4, 2.42 ERA, 158 K), as well.

National League Rookie of the Year: Samuel is up against Gooden. It’s Gooden.

National League Manager of the Year: The Dodgers were supposed to be great, so it might just be whoever wins the East. Maybe it’s the Mets’ Davey Johnson, who would take New York to its first LCS since 1973. Or maybe the Cardinals’ Whitey Herzog, just for bouncing his team back. Or maybe Pittsburgh’s Chuck Tanner, who always finds a way to keep his team competitive.

National League Rolaids Relief Man of the Year: Nice year for Montreal’s Jeff Reardon, who has 42.0 saves and a 0.69 ERA.

Roster moves on expansion day:
  • OF Jeff Stone promoted to MLB Philadelphia
  • RP Karl Best promoted to MLB Philadelphia

Game 1984-135: Veterans Stadium - Giants 3, Phillies 1 / 56-79

Gah. A 1-0 lead in the eighth goes away. Joe Lefebvre homers. John Denny pitches well. Why can’t we score?

And Dwight Gooden just struck out 17 Padres tonight. Okay then.

Sept. 2, 1984

Game 1984-136: Veterans Stadium - Giants 7, Phillies 5 / 56-80

I’m at the point where I’m worried we’ll lose 100. We have a 5-4 lead heading into the ninth, then Bill Campbell (pitching because Larry Andersen was bad in the eighth) blows it. So tired of the bullpen. Mike Schmidt hits his 23rd homer, but oh well.

And new power rankings have us at 22nd. The top-five:

1. Detroit Tigers - 88-49
2. Toronto Blue Jays - 89-47
3. Pittsburgh Pirates - 80-56
4. St. Louis Cardinals - 79-57
5. Seattle Mariners - 77-60

The Tigers are within 1.5 games! The Mariners are still four behind the Royals.
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Old 07-26-2019, 12:25 AM   #40
The_Myth
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Sept. 3, 1984

Gonna give Jeff Stone a start in left field, so Von Hayes can sit a game. Just hoping for a win.


Game 1984-137: Veterans Stadium - Phillies 5, Cubs 1 / 57-80

Steve Carlton turns us around with nine strikeouts in six frames. Kenneth Walker pitches two innings of one-hit, three-strikeout ball - that’s my boy. And Jeff Stone’s first plate appearance this year? A triple. His second? A double.

Sept. 4, 1984

Game 1984-138: Veterans Stadium - Phillies 5, Cubs 1 / 58-80

Yes. Get us to 63 wins. Charles Hudson pitches well (6.2 IP, 9 H, 1 ER, 6 K, 3 BB). Schmidty hits his 24th. Samuel steals his 57th.

Sept. 5, 1984

Great news from Florida: The GCL Phillies have won the Gulf Coast League! They beat the Gulf Coast Rangers in the best-of-seven championship series four games to two. Catcher Bob Gsellman hit three home runs and drove in eight, but our series MVP was Scott Hufford. The left fielder hit .421/.560/.842 with 7 RBI. Also a good series for pitcher Bob Scanlan, who put up a 2.53 ERA in 10.2 innings (shortened because of an injury in his first start).

The GCL Phillies also won the regular season crown, going 35-19 on the short season. Top hitters included LF Keith Ross (190 PA, .295/.405/.513, 16 XBH), Hufford (217 PA, .291/.396/.503, 25 XBH), RF Rodney Wheeler (237 PA, .332/.422/.400, 11 XBH), and Gsellman, a catcher (182 PA, .226/.308/.503, 17 XBH). Gsellman’s 13 home runs led the GCL.

Scanlan was tops on the mound (90.2 IP, 2.88 ERA, 43 K, 39 BB), while Mike Miller also performed well (77.1 IP, 3.96 ERA, 39 K, 17 BB). An abbreviated season for prospect Michael Jackson (46.2 IP, 3.09 ERA, 22 K, 15 BB), but he should nonetheless move to Spartanburg to start 1985.

Meanwhile, my A squad Peninsula Pilots is facing the Hagerstown Suns (Orioles) in the Carolina League’s championship series. Best of seven begins today, with our Scott Madden (120.2 IP, 2.39 ERA, 70 K, 37 BB) facing Hagerstown’s Mark Leiter (80.1 IP, 2.91 ERA, 63 K, 34 BB).

And when the Northwest League season ends, it’ll be our Bend Phillies against the Bellingham Mariners for that league’s title. Suffice it to say, our rookie leagues have been outstanding this season.


Game 1984-139: Busch Stadium - Cardinals 4, Phillies 3 / 58-81

Yet another blown bullpen loss. We’re up 3-2 in the eighth, but doubles off Larry Andersen end it. Obviously we need some reinforcements in 1985. Juan Samuel hits his 15th triple of the season and drives in two.

And with that loss, we have been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. For just the third time since 1976, we’re staying home this October.

Sept. 6, 1984

Game 1984-140: Busch Stadium - Cardinals 3, Phillies 1 / 58-82

Danny Cox schools us with a complete game, while John Denny just gives up too much (but really not that much). Von Hayes provides all the offense with a home run, one of our three hits.

Sept. 7, 1984


Game 1984-141: Olympic Stadium - Phillies 3, Expos 2 (12) / 59-82

Paul Owens tries to give Kevin Gross a complete game, but Gary Carter hits a leadoff homer against him in the ninth to tie it up. Good relief follows from Tug McGraw, Larry Andersen and Don Carman, who registers his first career save. We win it with a Glenn Wilson RBI single in the 12th. Len Matuszek adds a homer, and Von Hayes notches three hits.

Meanwhile, a big series happening in Toronto. Detroit took the first game of this three-game set, putting them 0.5 ahead of the Blue Jays in the AL East. Yup, after absolutely throttling the American League all season, the Jays are suddenly on the outside looking in. Incredible.

Sept. 8, 1984

Game 1984-142: Olympic Stadium - Phillies 9, Expos 6 / 60-82

Our 60th win comes after a huge eighth inning. Down 3-1, we score eight to put us ahead for good. (Arturo Gonzalez makes it interesting by allowing three in the ninth). In that inning, we bring 13 men to the plate. Darren Daulton hits both an RBI double and a single; Jeff Stone notches two singles; and Mike Schmidt hits an RBI double. Ten hits total in the inning.

Meanwhile, Toronto beats Detroit thanks to a go-ahead Jesse Barfield homer in the eighth. They’re now up 0.5 games.

Sept. 9, 1984

Game 1984-143: Olympic Stadium - Phillies 7, Expos 5 / 61-82

A sweep in Montreal! We effectively end the Expos’ season, as they’re now 11 back of the Pirates (who are basically battling with the Cardinals for the flag) with 19 to play.

We start Jeff Stone in center field for the second-consecutive day, and he comes through, going 3-for-4 with a double and a triple, plus his first stolen base of the season. At this point I’ll find ways to get him more playing time (sitting Von Hayes a little more often; giving Dave Stegman periodic rests, as well). Our makeshift bullpen is able to hold it together late.

New power rankings have us 20th. The top-five:

1. Detroit Tigers - 93-50
2. St. Louis Cardinals - 84-59
3. Toronto Blue Jays - 92-50
4. Los Angeles Dodgers - 86-58
5. Pittsburgh Pirates - 85-58

Detroit took the last game in that big series against Toronto; the teams will meet one last time next weekend (Sept. 14-16) in the Motor City. The Jays have the easier schedule down the stretch - both teams play a lot of Milwaukee, but Toronto also gets the bad Red Sox, while the Tigers have to take on the above-.500 Yankees.

In the NL East, the Pirates hold a one-game lead over St. Louis. The Mets are 6.5 out and on their last legs. And in the AL West, Kansas City is holding tight to a three-game lead over Seattle. We have some good races!

Finally, tomorrow is game five of the Carolina League championship series, and Peninsula can put it away! They won games one, two and four by 15-5, 5-3, and 11-4, losing game three 2-1. Let’s go Pilots!
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