Baltimore Orioles 1973 (TWB)

[pat]

Time Warp Baseball is the only online league that I’ve stick with through thick and thin. It’s the only league I’ve won two championships – let alone one. I’ve tried a lot of dynasties ranging from fictional to real but my heart belongs to TWB.

I’ve attempted to do one but it was the time of hiatus.

So, I’ll try this one more time. Hopefully, it’s the last time and it would last.

Link for the website in my sig.

[pat]

I was the GM of the St. Louis Browns, now the Baltimore Orioles, since 1950. Two decades have come and go and I have two World Series rings to show up for it. The last one came in 1970. Anyway, here's the next year's story.

1971 season was one of the tightest races in the history of TWB. My team just fell short 2 games, to my rival, New York Yankees.

So, what did I do? Normally, you would just fill the holes and hope you’ll play the same level as last year. But I’m not your normal-type of GM.

I completely did a major overhaul in my lineup and rotation. Since we’re playing half of our games at Memorial Stadium (a hell of a launch pad), I gathered power hitters regardless of age. In my staff, I’ve amassed high movement (at least 8) pitchers.

We started it off with a trade in the off-season in the company of Atlanta Braves.

ATL gets 
OF George Jumper 7/7/5/6 
2B Joe Seiber 7/9/6/3 

BAL gets 
SP Shawn Craven 5/5/8 
2B/SS Renaldo Gre 7/6/4/5

Many criticized the trade on my part. I got a great defensive wizard on the infield. Atlanta got a good leadoff-man in Jumper. After a few days, they’ve traded Seiber to Wayne Utterback a SP which is at the time has 6/8/6 ratings. It has bumped up to 6/10/8 this season. (Dang, how could I miss that)

Next, we made a deal with the lowly Milwaukee Brewers:

MIL gets 
1B Nick Ayes 6/9/5/5

BAL gets 
CF Kent LaFleur 5/6/7/4

I added a defensive CF since Jumper is gone.

We made another trade, this time with the Cincinnati Reds:

CIN gets
LF Ted Walter 7/8/5/6
OF George Jozwiak 5/6/6/8

BAL gets
SS Alexander “Moses” Jones 5/7/10/6

“Moses” is limited defensively but I can’t pass up on his HR potential on my park. He has averaged 21 bombs in eight years with the Reds. Walter, meanwhile, is the center of this deal. He is a gold-glove leftfielder who hits consistently.

I’m not done trading that season, probably around 5 more. Subsequently, we contacted Texas about their starting pitcher.

TEX gets
C Bill Melancon 6/7/2/4
1B Jay Doerr 5/6/3/3

BAL gets
SP John Bass 6/9/8

A veteran ace which we got for a bargain, he’s a top commodity only if he was put on the block. But he never did. And I hunt for deals not search for it.

We hook up with Atlanta one more time, this time it’s a blockbuster.

BAL gets
C Walter “Big Wally” Hanham 7/5/9/6
OF Roger Hanham 4/6/4/7
SP Joe Irvin 5/7/8

ATL gets
C Joe Perez 5/6/7/5
SP Alex Childress 4/9/9
SS Edgar Dillon 7/7/7/8
SP Carl Bonin 7/6/5
OF George Justice 5/6/7/5 (talent)

I must have given a lot more than I should have but “Big Wally’s” power would work well in my park. Childress is already 33.

I’ve hooked up with Houston twice and this is the first of them.

HOU gets 
RF Stew Wilke 5/10/5/1
CF Gil Fadden 5/8/6/3

BAL gets 
RF Leroy "Ears" Darling 6/6/8/6

This deal bolstered my outfield with the acquisition of another veteran OF.

This is the second time working with the Astros:

HOU gets 

SP Shelby Parkhill 4/2/8
C Marlin Lee 6/6/6/5/6

BAL gets 

SP Perry Wanklen 9/9/8

Another addition to my rotation, Wanklen is already in his mid 30’s so I expect two to three years from him. Lee has developed nicely improving his contact and power to 8 this season. While Wanklen is now down to 8/8/7.

The trade deadline for 1972 wasn’t all that provocative. So, we made sure it does. We transact business with California Angels and here’s the result:

CAL gets
SP Joe Emig 4/7/10
SP Bobby Egger 9/5/7
MR Herb Garder 5/6/10 against LHB

BAL gets
RF Dusty Lane 7/10/10/6
SP John Foxx 9/4/9

Lane is struggling hitting for average but we’ll take it. Emig is a consistent winner and will bring his experience to the Angels.

And that’s all the trade I made in the 1972 season. It didn’t help as the chemistry may have been lacking for the team as we finished the season in 3rd place, 10 games back.

[pat]

The Orioles enter this season with a renewed optimism, primarily fueled by their major offseason acquisition: Leon Gamble.

The organization was reeling after having no threat on the base paths. It seemed the Orioles would never get that desired speedster to take their lineup to the next level. But suddenly, the high price for Gamble dropped and the Orioles acquired the inconsistent-yet-talented second baseman for Joe Irvin and two minor leaguers. Not to mention, they add a former 20-game winner to the rotation, in Ray Washington.

With Gamble, the Orioles have one of the most dangerous and potentially productive offenses in the game. He joins the quartet of Mike “The Duke” Maginnis, Dusty “Fast Lane” Lane, Walter “Big Wally” Hanham and Alexander “Moses” Jones for a formidable lineup. The question for Baltimore is how players such as Harmon Dego, Fred “King Kong” Karthen and LeRoy “Ears” Darling respond as potential role players.

As far as the starting rotation, there are serious questions. Perry Wanklen enters as the No. 1 starter and has been the team's steadiest pitcher over the past year. But what about Shawn Craven and Ray Washington? The back-end of the rotation is being watched keenly. And the team will expect increased production from a couple of John’s, John Foxx and John Bass.

The bullpen is the team's biggest strength, so games should be secure when the Orioles reach the seventh inning with leads. The confidence is there, but the Orioles’ critics say they will be hard pressed to make the American League East a three-team race because the Yankees and Tigers also improved. But they should be better and could push for a playoff spot.

BATTING ORDER
1. Leon Gamble, 2B: (7/6/3/10/8)
A former two-time all-star. Coming off a forgettable season and now faces the pressure of the management expectation to deliver right away. He’s potentially one of the best lead-off men if he’s consistent.

2. Mike Maginnis, RF: (7/6/7/10/5)
Emerged as a fantasy dream with sparkling discipline at the plate. He has walked 100+ times for the 12th consecutive year. He’s already 38 and will most likely be the crown holder for the most BB in a career. He’s closing in on 2000. Not to mention, he wanted a third ring badly.

3. Dusty Lane, LF: (8/10/10/6/7)
The team's heart and soul, Lane struggled in his first few months with Baltimore but this season, he’s looking to bounce back to his form.

4. Alexander Jones, DH: (5/7/10/6/6)
Jones is going to hit for power, but the club needs him to also hit for average and reduce strikeouts. He will put fans in the seats and bring an aura to Baltimore not seen ever.

5. Walter Hanham, C: (7/4/8/5/5)
Had an off year in 1972 and the question is whether he is in decline. After a vigorous workout regimen, Hanham said he will return to vintage form.

6. Harmon Dego, 1B: (7/5/8/4/8)
The club is hoping that a reduced workload in 1B will help Dego’s power numbers. He hit just .234 a couple of years after hitting .290. He’ll platoon with Mike Stevens at first.

7. Fred Karthen, 3B: (5/5/8/9/5)
Has to prove he is completely healthy and is the same player that hit 79 home runs in 1969 and '70 combined. There is a definite question about his defense at third base.

8. LeRoy Darling, CF: (6/6/8/6/5)
Coming off his second all-star appearance in the Major Leagues, the former top prospect must prove he can be a dependable against RHP.

9. Renaldo Gre, SS: (6/5/4/5/7)
There is the gifted Gre who gathers balls easily in short and there is the Gre who’s inconsistent at the plate. Which one will the O's get?

ROTATION
1. Perry Wanklen, RHP: (8/8/7)
Has emerged as the anchor of the rotation. He won 16 games last season, despite being shuttled from the National League to the American League. Wanklen is expected to be the team's most reliable starter and consistent winner.

2. John Bass, RHP: (6/9/8)
Has increased the velocity on his fastball to 94 mph and has shown poise and guile last year. He has won 18 games last season and many believed he can emerge as the team's most dominant starter by season's end.

3. John Foxx, RHP: (9/4/9)
After coming from California, Foxx has made great strides last season as he string an 11-consecutive winning decision. This spring, he focused on his control and will have to throw strikes and pitch deeper into games. If he puts it all together, he can be a 20-game winner.

4. Shawn Craven, LHP: (5/5/8)
After a dramatic off-season last year when he wanted to start and his wish was granted as the O’s acquire him, Craven was back and forth to the pen and in the rotation. No one was sure what to expect from the talented but inconsistent southpaw. Perhaps being moved in the rotation full-time will motivate him.

5. Ray Washington, LHP: (5/5/8)
A former all-star who happen to win 22 games that 1970 season is looking to do it once more in Baltimore. His talent is there as he on one occasion pitched a no-hitter in 1967. He has finally learned how to pitch and rely more on his stuff than his velocity.

BULLPEN
It is the team's deepest area, but the Orioles are expected to enter a season with a dogfight at closer. All indications are that John Aster will be given a shot at closer with Noel Menke becoming a setup man. Aster was the team's most dominant reliever last season as a setup man, after he closed for the team in the past couple of years. So there is no question as to whether he can handle the closer role. Menke has a golden arm, but command and lack of an effective slider have always been concerns. He should fare well against tough right-handed hitters.

The club boosted the bullpen by trading for Carl Zinnes from the Dodgers. Right-hander Joe Wood will serve as the team’s primary middle reliever.

OPENING DELAYED
Billy McGee (shoulder surgery) is expected to miss the first month but his defense is his only strength, so Baltimore wouldn’t miss him one bit.

SPRING CLEANING
The Orioles' off-the-field Spring Training was just as crucial as on the field. The club introduced Gamble as its lead off man and he took the spring getting acclimated with his new teammates. Chemistry is always a crucial issue when a star joins a new club but Gamble appeared to mesh well fellow stars The Duke and Fast Lane.

The club also learned that Craven and Washington have taken the next step and are prepared to be reliable starters. There was concern about whether the duo would lock down rotation spots but they eliminated any doubts with impressive springs. The club also learned that Aster is ready to assume the closer role and that Menke can provide added bullpen depth, making for one of the more formidable bullpens in the Majors.

BURNING QUESTION
Can the starting pitching be reliable enough to help the Orioles compete for a playoff spot? Those arms must produce if the Orioles are to remain competitive in the AL East.

ON THE RECORD
"I am sure if we are competing in July, if we are successful and in the race, that our owner will go out and give us that extra piece to get over the top. Our job is to get to that point." – Alexander Jones on his team’s bizarre trade tactics

[pat]

A Closer Look (April 6, 1973)

• Summary: In his first start of the season, the 36-year-old Baltimore ace, Perry Wanklen surrendered only a Bill McCaleb RBI double in his first complete game of the year, against the Brewers in the Orioles’ 11-1 win.

• Hero: As far as pitching goes, you can’t ask much more than what the old Perry Wanklen brought to the mound. Included in his three-hit performance were six strikeouts.

• Unsung Hero: The focus was all on Wanklen after the game, but lost in the lens was Orioles catcher Walter Hanham’s homer and four RBIs.

• Figure this: “If you watched him pitch out there tonight, you would have no idea he was 36. He looked like his pitching as a young one.” Hanham on Wanklen

A Closer Look (April 7, 1973)

• Summary: John Bass’ first outing is somewhat spectacular with a solid nine-inning showing. Bass allowed just one run and eights hits while striking out six in the Orioles 7-1 win over the Brewers.

• Hero: After going 0-for-4 in opening day, Fred Karthen followed it up with a 2-for-4 performance with a homerun, two runs and two RBIs.

• Figure this: Milwaukee has been outscored 18-2 in the first two games of the season. Ouch.

• Did you see that?: After Mike Maginnis struck out to lead off the 6th. Dusty Lane and Alexander Jones both got on base through free pass. Karthen, Harmon Dego and Mike Stevens each singled to score the first four runs of the game. Baltimore can play small-ball too.

A Closer Look (April 8, 1973)

• Summary: Dusty Lane and Alex Jones hit their first blasts this season as they pounded Brewers rookie Konrad Kiraly and the Milwaukee Brewers, 14-12.

• Hero: "Fast Lane’s" three-run round-tripper in the 5th helped Baltimore score five runs in the inning.

• Unsung Hero: John Foxx’s quality start was ruined by two errors, one from defensive wizard, Renaldo Gre and the other from superstar, Mike Maginnis.

• Figure this: “Will you be surprised if a pitcher throws an inning, give up five runs and still get the W?” John Foxx amazed by looking at the boxscore, when teammate Carl Zinnes got the win.

• Quotable: "For me, it's a matter of loosening up and chilling out. When you come to a new organization, sometimes you try to do too much, even though everyone knows you." – Dusty Lane, saying Baltimore is still a new organization to him, even though they got him at last season’s trade deadline.

Series at a Glance
Baltimore leads 3-0
Fri 4/6 MIL 1 @ BAL 11
Sat 4/7 MIL 1 @ BAL 7
Sun 4/8 MIL 12 @ BAL 14

[pat]

A Closer Look (April 10, 1973)

• Summary: With a one-run edge in the eight, Wade Allen surrendered two runs to the O’s, giving up the win, as they bow down to Baltimore, 2-1.

• Turning point: Renaldo Gre singled to the gap in right center opening the 8th inning, followed by a Leon Gamble’s sac bunt. See next.

• Hero: Mike Maginnis shifted the momentum after hitting a go-ahead two-run homer in the eight.

• Figure this: The O’s have scored two runs for the first time in four games.

• Quotable: "That's the story of our team. We just catch any break we could get and tonight we caught some." – Shawn Craven said after pitching eight-plus innings, allowing just four hits, one run and three walks while punching out four batters.

A Closer Look (April 12, 1973)

• Summary: Fred Karthen hit a tiebreaking two-run homerun in the second inning as the Baltimore Orioles shut out the Detroit Tigers, 2-0.

• Goat: Buck Shankster allowed two runs, nine hits and one walk over nine innings and struck out six. Honorable mention is given to the lacking offense of the Tigers who managed to get just four hits.

• Hero: Perry Wanklen struck out six, walked one and retired the last 10 consecutive batters. The burly right-hander beat the Tigers for the first time this season.

• Figure this: In the opening couple of games of the series, the O’s pitching held their opponents to one run or less. Only the Brewers have scored more than that in the third game of their series.

Series at a Glance
Baltimore leads 2-0
Tue 4/10 BAL 2 @ DET 1
Thursday 4/12 BAL 2 @ DET 0

[pat]

A Closer Look (April 13, 1973)

• Summary: John Bass threw seven-plus sterling innings to win his second game, and Dusty Lane along with Alexander Jones each had two homeruns and Lane scored five runs, setting a new single-game AL-record for Runs, as the Orioles mauled the Brewers 16-4.

• Turning point: Mike Maginnis walked in his first plate appearance, then steal second and scored on Dusty Lane’s single off Brian Cofer in a 5-run first inning and Baltimore never looked back.

• Goat: Cofer’s ERA skyrocketed to 16.44 as he gave up 7 runs (again) in one inning. In his first start, also against the Orioles he allowed the same runs but lasted six-plus innings.

• Figure this: Dusty Lane, Alexander Jones and Fred Karthen had three homers each after the game. Lane and Jones hit it out of the park twice this game.

• Quotable: "It's one of those weird things in baseball. I wish I could hit like this forever." – Dusty Lane on his terrific combination of contact and power.

A Closer Look (April 14, 1973)

• Summary: Orioles pitcher John Foxx gave up six hits and two runs in eight innings of work to notch his first win. On the other side of the mound, Brewers pitcher Konrad Kiraly gave up five runs (including two home runs) in four innings of work.

• Unsung hero: Dusty Lane hit a solo home run in the first inning and LeRoy Darling added another solo tater in the third inning as the Orioles knocked around Kiraly. Alexander Jones chipped in, too, going 2-for-4 with two RBIs.

• Figure this: The Brewers’ pitchers allowed fiver runs Saturday after having given up just two runs in their previous two games combined.

• Figure this II: Orioles shortstop Renaldo Gre went 0-for-3 today and is off to a slumping start (.167). Gre hit .249 last season.

A Closer Look (April 15, 1973)
Double-Header

1st game

• Summary: Harmon Dego homered twice and drove in three, as the Orioles picked up their eight straight win with a 10-4 beating of the Brewers.

• Reality stat: Dego doesn’t look like a 36-year-old slugger. In his first 8 games this season, Dego posted three homers, ten RBIs with a .344 batting average.

• Unsung hero: O’s catcher Walter Hanham posted a four-hit game, going 4-for-5 with three RBIs.

• Figure this: Milwaukee starter Reggie Williams allowed six runs in four-plus innings, making them fell to a dismal 0-6 against the Orioles.

• Did you see that?: Swimming superstars, Mark Spitz and Suzy Spitz were in the Baltimore dugout prior to the game.

2nd game

• Summary: Baltimore starting pitcher Ray Washington baffled the Brewers by allowing just six hits and a lone run in a complete game Sunday while Dusty Lane provided some timely hitting in a 4-1 Orioles victory.

• Mental mistake: In the bottom of the eight, with two outs, Fred Karthen speared a grounder from Elijah Moring but never got his hand at the ball. "You can't just take your eye off the ball. You can make physical mistakes but you can't make mental mistakes like that," Karthen admitted. Washington got out of the trouble by inducing a ground out from Bill McCaleb to end the inning.

• Unsung hero: Ray Washington’s first start of the season came in just at a right time. His control may be shaky (67 strikes out of 122 pitches, 4 BBs) but he escaped unscathed, running the O’s streak to 9 games.

• Figure this: The win by Washington is his first as a starter in nearly a few months. Last season, he played in 51 games, in which he started in only 5 games.

Series at a Glance
Baltimore leads 4-0
Fri 4/13 BAL 16 @ MIL 4
Sat 4/14 BAL 5 @ MIL 2
Sun 4/15 BAL 10 @ MIL 4
Sun 4/15 BAL 4 @ MIL 1

Season Series
Baltimore leads 7-0
Fri 4/6 MIL 1 @ BAL 11
Sat 4/7 MIL 1 @ BAL 7
Sun 4/8 MIL 12 @ BAL 14
Fri 4/13 BAL 16 @ MIL 4
Sat 4/14 BAL 5 @ MIL 2
Sun 4/15 BAL 10 @ MIL 4
Sun 4/15 BAL 4 @ MIL 1

[pat]

A Closer Look (April 17, 1973)

• Summary: The Bronx Bombers took control of the game with a four-run first inning en route to spoiling Perry Wanklen’s quest for his third win.

• Turning point: Tommy Mickelsen drilled an RBI double to start the game-deciding offensive stretch in the first.

• Quotable: "To come out and contribute felt great," said Jim Alan, Yanks 38-year-old DH, who’s currently hitting .412. "Many said that I’m done and I should retire but I just ignore them.”

• Figure this: Dennis Rutland lowered his ERA to 1.75 and finished with nine strikeouts and one base on balls on the way to winning his second game of the year, halting the 9-0 run by their rival, Baltimore.

A Closer Look (April 18, 1973)

• Summary: Down 3-2, the O’s scored seven times in the eighth inning to complete a rally that lifted Baltimore to a 9-4 victory over the New York Yankees.

• Unsung hero: Mike Stevens was a big part of the O’s comeback for their tenth victory in eleven games. Stevens, who started in place of starting catcher Walter Hanham who was injured last game after a home plate collision, singled home two runs off Bill Kees.

• Figure this: Stevens has only 30 career homers but the Orioles took the risk in acquiring this 27-year-old who’ll play as backup C/1B and will platoon at DH.

• Turning point: Renaldo Gre and pinch-hitter Walter Hanham each hit singles. Mike Maginnis and Dusty Lane reached base due to a couple of errors. That’s when the rally started.

A Closer Look (April 19, 1973)

• Summary: John Foxx and three relievers combined on a ten-hitter the day after rallying from New York, to lead the Orioles to a 6-3 triumph.

• Turning point: After Dusty Lane was ejected in the very first inning for arguing a strike three call, Alexander Jones hit a two-run shot down the right field line, giving the O’s a 2-0 lead.

• Figure this: Charley Harrington struck out one, in his effort to get to 3500 Ks, he’s missing 113 more.

• Quotable: "I see more guys rooting for each other and now I think they have more confidence. I like what I see right now." -- Orioles manager Jake Shorkey

Series at a Glance
Baltimore leads 2-1
Tue 4/17 NYY 4 @ BAL 1
Wed 4/18 NYY 4 @ BAL 9
Thu 4/19 NYY 3 @ BAL 6

[metsgeek]

Pat, I went back and looked over your older dynasties and it's pretty cool how we can see your writing style emerge. You've definitely become one of the dynasty writers that people should hold up as a model.

Keep up the good work!

[pat]

Originally Posted by metsgeek

Pat, I went back and looked over your older dynasties and it's pretty cool how we can see your writing style emerge. You've definitely become one of the dynasty writers that people should hold up as a model.

Keep up the good work!

Wow. Thanks for the kind words, Pete.

I actually do not think of me as a role model since I haven't finished or at least have a long storied dynasty -- like yours. I'll make sure this one will, though.

[pat]

A Closer Look (April 20, 1973)

• Summary: Not that Shawn Craven is off the hook, because he allowed 10 hits and nine runs in 7 innings, but the O’s bullpen shut out Detroit in the last two innings, making them a 10-9 victor.

• Turning point: The eighth inning, when the O’s plated four runs via six hits to go up 10-9. Ugh.

• Goats: The two Tigers relievers, who each permitted two runs, in one-plus inning.

• Figure this: The Tigers’ 3B Halan Edwards, who hit a three-run-bomb, needs just six more homeruns to join the 300-HR club.

• Quotable: "It's only 12 games. We're not going to panic." – Tigers’ Harry Hinze, on the team's 6-6 start, this because Detroit has won 90 or more games in the past four years.

A Closer Look (April 21, 1973)

• Summary: The O’s scored three runs in the first and second inning as the offense took its cue from home runs by Dusty Lane and Alexander Jones silencing Detroit, 9 to 3.

• Unsung hero: Ray Washington pitched eight innings, allowing three runs and nine hits while striking out five. He has notched his second win in his second start.

• Worth noting: Jerry Hormann’s home run was his first since last season. He has averaged one homer each year since 1971. He has been in the minor leagues for most of the time since then.

• Quotable: "A multi-homer game is rare. A two three-run shot is even rarer." – Alexander Jones said after finishing 3-for-5 with two runs and six RBIs.

A Closer Look (April 22, 1973)

• Summary: O’s right-hander Perry Wanklen threw a complete game of two-run baseball, scattering nine hits to lead Baltimore to a three-game sweep of the Tigers, 6-2.

• Hero: Wanklen was a stud on the mound, and his remarkable outing came to life in the ninth inning when he yielded three hits to open the inning, he got the next batter to pop out, then the next two hit singles each. That’s when Wanklen decided it’s over, he got out of a bases-loaded jam after striking out and grounding out the last two Detroit Tiger he faced.

• Figure this: Buck Shankster allowed six runs and eight hits over four innings which ballooned his ERA from 2.77 to 4.15. He hasn’t won facing off against Wanklen this season (0-2).

• Figure this II: Tigers catcher Ernie Zalewski was 0-for-11 in the series and reached first base only twice, through a free pass and a fielder’s choice. He’s a career .220 hitter so be easy on him.

• Quotable: "We need to have somebody who could pick up the struggling players and step up." -- Tigers manager Carmack Alford, a former skipper of Baltimore in which he won a World Series with them in 1960.

Series at a Glance
Baltimore leads 3-0
Fri 4/20 DET 9 @ BAL 10
Sat 4/21 DET 3 @ BAL 9
Sun 4/22 DET 2 @ BAL 6

Season Series
Baltimore leads 5-0
Tue 4/10 BAL 2 @ DET 1
Thu 4/12 BAL 2 @ DET 0
Fri 4/20 DET 9 @ BAL 10
Sat 4/21 DET 3 @ BAL 9
Sun 4/22 DET 2 @ BAL 6

[Special K 9274]

Very nice job on this Pat. I feel the same way, my Nationals team is the only one I've ever really stuck with through and through. Good luck this season.

[pat]

Originally Posted by Special K 9274

Very nice job on this Pat. I feel the same way, my Nationals team is the only one I've ever really stuck with through and through. Good luck this season.

Thanks. Good luck on your team too. I just saw it and it must have been hard rebuilding in those years. But looks like it's been paying off now.

[pat]

A Closer Look (April 24, 1973)

• Summary: John Bass surrendered just four singles and a sole double in his second complete game of the young season to lead the Orioles past the Angels 7-0.

• Figure this: Only one Baltimore starter never threw a shutout last season. Ray Washington started only five games but that’s not an excuse. Meanwhile, Bass lead the team with 6 shutouts of his own.

• #3 rotation guy?: Angels starter Bobby Egger has lost his first start this season to his former team.

• Reality stat: In the four games John Bass (3-0) has started, all of those matches have been won by Baltimore.

A Closer Look (April 24, 1973)

• Summary: John Foxx held the Angels to three runs in six-plus innings and Renaldo Gre was 2-for-4 with four RBIs in the Orioles 7-3 victory.

• Goat: Joe Emig, the Angels struggling starter, gave up four runs and seven hits in 6 1/3 innings.

• Figure this: Centerfielder Mike Davis is hitting .231 with four RBIs for California in almost a month worth of games. Where’s the .318 guy last season?

• Quotable: "I was never really worried about who will come out of the bullpen. I trust them down there." – Foxx, when asked about their bullpen situation.

Series at a Glance
Baltimore leads 2-0
Tue 4/24 BAL 7 @ CAL 0
Wed 4/25 BAL 7 @ CAL 3

[pat]

A Closer Look (April 27, 1973)

• Summary: The A’s Ben Carstarphen had a RBI double in the seventh inning and the Oakland 'pen pitched flawlessly as they give the Orioles their second loss in eighteen games and cut short the seven-game winning streak of Baltimore, as they defeated them, 1-3.

• Unsung heroes: Alan Strong and Andy Beacham each went 2-for-4 from the plate while Jack Kawczynski was great from the mound in relief, allowing just a hit to earn his fifth save in five tries.

• Figure this: Mike Maginnis earned a walk for the Orioles, giving him 1963 in his career. Maginnis is now in first place, earning his first in the career leader board.

• Quotable: "There are certain days you go out there and nothing seem to work. You can't just throw in the white flag. You've got to find a way to still get outs and I was able to do that.'' – Greg Harris, reliever of the A’s who notched the win despite allowing two walks in two innings.

A Closer Look (April 28, 1973)

• Summary: The O’s rebounded from an anemic performance last night to close out a 3-2 win for starter Shawn Craven and Baltimore.

• Figure this: John Aster tossed a flawed ninth, giving up two hits, but he escaped the threat to earn his sixth save this season and the 113th of his career.

• Unsung hero: Craven had a string of retiring 9 batters in a row, earning his third win in four tries.

• Overdue: Baltimore lead-off man Leon Gamble is still looking for his first homerun this season. He may be looking for his bat altogether as he’s having a worst start, his line: .222, 0 HR, 2 RBI.

• Series look-ahead: A’s #2 man Gary Blaise takes on O’s vet John Bass in the series finale on Sunday.

A Closer Look (April 29, 1973)

• Summary: Alan Strong combined with Ben Carstarphen for back-to-back RBI double in the first inning to lift the Oakland Athletics to a 5-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles.

• Hero: Sophomore catcher Gayle Hull of the A’s scored two runs as he finished with a line of: 2-for-3, two runs, one walk.

• Unsung hero: Second baseman Joe Nicol, who’s hitting .179, hit a go-ahead RBI single in the eighth, connecting for his first hit of the game.

• Figure this: Gary Blaise efficiently shut down the O’s as Oakland let Baltimore lose its first series this month. They took two of three in the teams' first 1973 meeting.

• Quotable: "If you look up and down on our lineup, we have a bunch of guys who are capable of hitting the ball. We just have to keep hitting the ball, and hope to hit as many as we can." – Strong, on his team’s inconsistent offense.

Series at a Glance
Oakland leads 2-1
Fri 4/27 BAL 1 @ OAK 3
Sat 4/28 BAL 3 @ OAK 2
Sun 4/29 BAL 4 @ OAK 5

[fhomess]

Pat, this looks like it'll be a great dynasty thread. I really like the game-by-game summaries. One comment, though. I would personally like to see the score of the game included in the date header as well as the summary line. I think it'll give kind of a preview of what to come in the summary. KUTGW!

[pat]

Originally Posted by fhomess

Pat, this looks like it'll be a great dynasty thread. I really like the game-by-game summaries. One comment, though. I would personally like to see the score of the game included in the date header as well as the summary line. I think it'll give kind of a preview of what to come in the summary. KUTGW!

Thanks Frank.

It's already included in the summary line. I'll just need to add it in the date header. Thanks again.

[pat]

This just in: The first month is over and don't even ask us what to make of it.

The Rangers had a better record than the Angels. The old Cincinnati had a better record than the Braves. No first-place team in either league had a bigger lead than the Orioles.

AL EAST          W    L   PCT   GB
Baltimore       17    3   .850  --
New York (A)    13    7   .650  4
Detroit         12    8   .600  5
Cleveland       12    9   .571  5.5
Milwaukee        6   15   .285  11.5
Boston           5   15   .250  12

AL WEST          W    L   PCT   GB
Texas            14    6   .700  --
Chicago (A)      10    9   .526  3.5
California       9    10   .473  5.5
Minnesota        9    10   .473  5.5
Oakland          9    12   .428  6.5
Kansas City      4    17   .190  10.5
 
NL EAST          W    L   PCT   GB
Philadelphia     14   5    .736  --
Chicago (N)      14   8    .636  1.5
New York (N)     11   10   .523  3.5
Pittsburgh       9    11   .450  5.5
St. Louis        8    11   .421  6
Montreal         4    15   .210  10

NL WEST          W    L   PCT   GB
Cincinnati      15    7   .681  --
San Francisco   13   11   .541  2.5
Atlanta         11   10   .523  3.5
Los Angeles     11   11   .500  4
Houston         10   11   .476  4.5
San Diego        8   15   .347  6.5

So does anything that happened in April mean anything? Your brain might tell you no. But history tells us yes.

Mario Cato/Cato Images
Mack Alford practices his swing
There's no joy in the Twins clubhouse. Minnesota is torn in second place after talking of rebuilding in the off-season.

April matters.

It might not matter as much maybe a few decades in the future as it used to matter. So teams such as the Tigers, Braves, Yankees and Mets may not have buried themselves yet. But it does matter. And because it does, the odds that those teams are going to right the ship and play in October are longer than they think.

April matters.

Elsewhere in April

Player of the month: Andre Lasaros, Philadelphia Phillies. Hey, you were expecting maybe Alexander Jones? The Philadelphia left fielder had the first .400 month after a long time. Lasaros is still on pace for 25 homers, 128 RBIs, 93 runs scored and 39 doubles.
Apologies to: Alexander Jones, Stew Voeks, Buster Domenech, Freddy Tomas, Al Smith

Starting pitcher of the month: Ramon Iglesias, Texas Rangers. He became the first pitcher this season to start the year with five straight starts of eight innings or more, while allowing one run or none in each. Iglesias still finished April unblemished 5-0, with a miniscule 0.41 ERA. "Best pitcher I've seen all month," says one scout.
Apologies to: Joe Cardinan, Bill Melson, Eldon Holmes, Shawn Davidson.

Relief pitcher of the month: John Aster, Baltimore Orioles. Talk about authority. Faced 27 hitters in April, gave up a hit to five. So, would they even think of moving him out of his preferred closer role?
Apologies to: Brian Scala, Rodney Hughes, Alan Stiff.

Rookie of the month: Neal Sorco, Cleveland Indians. Remember, this guy had only 48 professional innings last season. Then, in April, he out won their team’s ace (3-1). He leads all major league rookies in wins (3), strikeouts (23) and ERA (1.95)
Apologies to: Will Cleaton, Tim Dames, Diego Reyes.

Greatest offensive feat: At April 9, Edgar Dillon had gotten himself in a predicament. Against 225-game winner Theo Torbett, he hit a three-run shot in the first inning. He’s not yet finished as he closed the game going 5-for-6, two runs scored and set a personal career-high with 7 RBIs.

Injury of the month: Mets starter Tom Glenn pulled his bicep muscle in the seventh inning of their April 25 game against Houston.

Messiest box score line of the month: California’s Len Makolinski, April 21 versus the Athletics: 6.2 IP, 7 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 7 BB, 6 K. That even made him a winner, thanks to the amazing run support (13) given by the lineup.

Most spectacular box score line of the month: No, it's not Shawn Davidson's no-hitter. It's Giants starter Sal Fernandez's eye-popping April 24 start against Chicago: 9 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 12 K. What the box score didn't tell you: The Cubs were retired 9 straight in the middle innings. The two hits they’ve collected were just two singles. No one could do that to a potent Cubs lineup, having Leo Santiago out for the year shouldn’t be an excuse.

Pitcher who deserves a written apology from his team: Why are "wins" the most misleading stat in baseball? Because of pitchers like Dale Britty. That's why. This rookie has converted all but one of his four starts into a quality one. Yet somehow, poor Dale Britty is 1-2 for the season (despite a 2.51 ERA), and the Padres have managed to lose two of the four games he's started. In his last two starts, he has given up just three runs combined. And the Padres still found a way to lose both of them (via poor run support – 0 and 1 respectively). Wickedly sick.

Weirdest division of the month: As some loyal reader points out, until the end of the month the Philies were the only team in the NL East to have been outscored by three of its rival (Mets, Cubs and Pirates). And they were sitting atop first place.

Walk-this-way stat of the month: Another Loyal reader noticed that heading into the final day of April, Edgar Dillon and Rich Stanley lead the majors in walks (18). A few years ago, both are member of the Baltimore Orioles with all-time walks leader Mike Maginnis.

Human transaction of the month: Just a day after April, pitchers Carl Zinnes, Ralph Tester and Darry Brooks were either the most unwanted men of the month, or the most wanted. We can't figure out which. Zinnes, was acquired by Baltimore in the off-season from the Dodgers, then was traded to Cleveland for Tester and Brooks. Meanwhile, Tester and Brooks were claimed off waivers from Philadelphia and California, respectively. It could be argued that Cleveland got Zinnes for free.

[pat]

April 1973

17-3, 1st in division, 0 GB
It has been a surprising start to say the least. The offense clicked and the pitching emerged. The split record is 9-2 away, 8-1 at home. What more can we ask for? Only Oakland got our number by beating us in the final series of the month, our first series lost in April. The other loss was attributed to the Yanks.

The Good
The hammer was pounded hard as the O’s rank 1st with 39 total homers, 10 coming from slugger, Dusty Lane. He’s living on the fast lane, just like his nickname, after finishing the month hitting .317, 10 HR, 22 RBI and 22 runs.

The Bad
Leon Gamble’s trade hasn’t paid off that much in April. His hitting just above the Mendoza line (.209) but he walked fourteen times, enabling him to score 15 runs.

The Ugly
Last year all-star, LeRoy Darling had hit .275+ in the first half, during the second half, he faltered, finishing just .249. This year, he continued the hitting woes, with a .182 average. The DH is now up for platoon together with “Ears” is Mike Stevens.

Who’s hot?
Dusty Lane
.317 BA, 10 HR, 22 RBI, 22 R

Who’s not?
Javier Diez
.189 BA, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 4 R

Our Man of the Month
Alexander Jones
.313, 9 HR, 28 RBI
-- Jones’ hot start may be contributed to the DH rule in effect. He doesn’t need to worry about his dreadful defense.

Lines of the Month

Hitting
Dusty Lane
4/13/73: 4-for-5, 2 HR, 5 R, 4 RBI
-- Lane’s almost flawless hitting was complemented by John Bass’ pitching.

Pitching
Perry Wanklen
4/12/73: 9 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K
-- Wanklen shutout Detroit on four hits in which he retired the last 10 batters he faced.

Spoken
“Winning is nice, but we shouldn’t be overconfident and become complacent against opposing teams. All are capable of beating any team – including us.”
-- O’s manager Jake Shorkey, on their opening month.

Transactions

Trade with San Francisco

San Francisco gets:
SS Renaldo Gre (6/5/4/5/7)
MR Joe Wood (9/3/7)

We get:
1B John Koepp (5/7/8/6/6) talent
SS Arnold Gaddy (5/7/2/6/5) talent

-- Wood is getting old and we thought downgrading our defense wouldn’t matter anyway. I got two prized prospects which I can use as trade bait, if not, they’ll be serviceable guys, anyway.

Trade with Cleveland:

Cleveland gets:
MR Carl Zinnes (5/5/8)
SP Alton Taylor (5/4/3)

We get:
MR Ralph Tester (5/5/8)
SP Darryl Brooks (5/4/9)

-- It’s hard to give up on Zinnes, a 25-year-old lefty specialist but Tester (35) will give some insurance this season and Brooks (29) will lurk in the pen as I’m having assurance if ever Wanklen (36) free falls.

[pat]

A Closer Look (May 1, 1973)
BAL 4 - CHW 2

• Summary: John Foxx improved his record to 4-0 by throwing eight innings allowing two runs (one earned) were all O’s needed to top the White Sox at Comiskey Park, 4 to 2.

• Turning point: Baltimore opened the scoring in the second inning when Fred Karthen hit a two-run blast to left field off loser Pat Ditty (1-4).

• Goat: Sox third baseman Jim Gore mishandled the ball in the second, permitting Walter Hanham to reach base. A couple of batters subsequently, a homerun was handed out. If not for the error, the game could have been tied in the seventh when Chicago scored two runs.

• Figure this: John Aster now has seven saves in seven tries after throwing a perfect ninth, striking out two.

• Quotable: "You can't put people on base for free because they'll make you pay." – Sox’ Pat Ditty, talked about the error by Jim Gore, which led to two runs.

A Closer Look (May 2, 1973)
BAL 1 – CHW 0

• Summary: Perry Wanklen allowed five hits in a complete game shutout as the O’s held off the Chicago White Sox, 1-0.

• Hero: Wanklen struck out four, walked two and didn’t allow a run. The right-hander has allowed just two earned runs over 16 1/3 innings in his previous two starts.

• Turning point: The O’s broke through in the fifth after a slicing blooper in the left, just past Chicago’s shortstop, by Mike Stevens who drove in Fred Karthen with a single.

• Figure this: The shutout was Wanklen’s second time this season. The same number of shutouts he had all year.

• Quotable: "I don't like to make excuses, but it's a little tough to read the ball off the bat." – White Sox 3B Otis Sales on his error in the eight inning.

Series at a Glance
Baltimore leads 2-0
Tue 5/1 BAL 4 @ CHW 2
Wed 5/2 BAL 1 @ CHW 0

With a couple of trades made by Baltimore on the dawn of May 1st, many believe it hasn't stopped there. According to one source, they are going to get a veteran catcher.

[fvamos]

Great stuff Pat! Very enjoyable read