[Moriarty9]

Senior Circuit holds on to win
American League ninth inning rally falls short
July 7, 1998

PHOENIX - The National League All Star team squeaked out a 6-5 win over their American League counterparts at Bank One Ballpark tonight.

The two All Star squads matched one another in hits with eight each, but the National League jumped out to a 6-0 lead after five innings, and went into the ninth inning with a 6-1 advantage.

Scott Karl took over on the mound for the National League in the ninth inning, working with a five-run lead. After retiring Alex Rodriguez on a flyball to left field, Karl gave up a single to Rafael Palmeiro, walked Rusty Greer and gave up a single to Robin Ventura. With the potential tying run in the on deck circle, Karl was relieved by closer Rod Beck of the Giants to face power hitter Mark McGwire of the Oakland A's.

Beck fell behind, 2-1, before McGwire unleashed a 474-foot flyball to left field for a Grand Slam, putting the American League within one run of the Senior Circuit. Beck buckled down and struck out Chris Hoiles and John Jaha to retire the side and end the threat, securing the National League's victory.

[Moriarty9]

White Sox fire Bevington
Nossek to serve on interim basis
July 8, 1998

CHICAGO - With the season set to resume tomorrow, the White Sox made news today by firing manager Terry Bevington.

The White Sox entered the All Star break in fourth place at 38-50, 10 games behind the Minnesota Twins int he American League Central division.

During Bevington's time as manager in Chicago, the White Sox have gone 260-264, never finishing better than second place.

Bench Coach Joe Nossek will serve as manager on an interim basis while the front office interviews several candidates, likely including Nossek. Potential candidates with experience include Dusty Baker, Kevin Kennedy, Jeff Torborg and Buck Showalter.

Baker was fired by the San Francisco Giants earlier this season after starting 14-20. Kennedy last managed the Boston Red Sox in 1995 and 1996, winning the American League East in his first season with the club. Torborg managed the White Sox from 1989-1991, and has also managed the Cleveland Indians and New York Mets. Showalter was a finalist for the Arizona Diamondbacks managerial position last year and served as skipper of the New York Yankees from 1992-1995.

[Moriarty9]

ChiSox hire Baker to manage
Signs contract through 2001 season
July 9, 1998

CHICAGO - Just over 24 hours after firing Terry Bevington as manager, the White Sox have hired Dusty Baker to fill that role through for the next few seasons.

Baker was fired by the San Francisco Giants earlier this season after that team got off to a 14-20 start. The White Sox are 38-50 through the All Star break.

Joe Nossek will return to his bench coach duties after having been initially designated as interim manager until a replacement had been officially hired. The White Sox will play their first game under Baker tonight, at home against the Kansas City Royals.

[Moriarty9]

Frye single sends Rays home happy
Tampa Bay walkoff win comes in 11th inning
July 10, 1998

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - There was plenty of suspense and late drama before the Tampa Bay Devil Rays were able to bring an end to an 11-inning contest against the New York Yankees.

Devil Rays secondbaseman Jeff Frye was able to knock in the winning run with two out in the last of the 11th inning, but not before some late inning drama sent the game into extra innings and kept it going.

The Yankees entered the eighth inning with a 7-6 deficit, but Rafael Palmeiro tied the game with a solo home run to right field, his 23rd of the season. New York threatened to take the lead with a Tino Martinez single and Andy Fox walk, but a Paul Bako double play ball and Mark Whiten strikeout kept the game tied up at 7-7.

The Devil Rays roared back to regain their lead in the home half of the eighth inning against Yankees southpaw Mike Stanton. Ryan Radmanovich led off the inning with a single, but was erased when Damon Buford reached on a fielder's choice before Mike Cameron hit a two-run home run, knocking Stanton out of the game and giving Tampa Bay a 9-7 lead.

Danny Graves took the mound for the Devil Rays in an effort to close out the ballgame, but Derek Jeter and the Bronx Bombers had other plans. With one out and Ray Durham on second, Jeter took a 2-1 fastball to straightaway centerfield for a game-tying home run.

Tampa Bay put up little fight in the last of the ninth, sending four batters to the plate as Mariano Rivera escaped with no more than a walk, sending the game into extra innings.

Neither team had a significant scoring threat in the 10th inning, and New York went down 1-2-3 in the top of the 11th inning.

With Mike Holtz taking over on the mound after two strong innings of work from Rivera, the Devil Rays struck. Jose Hernandez led off the inning with a single and scampered into third base on a Dan Wilson double. Radmanovich was intentionally walked, loading the bases with nobody out and Damon Buford due up. Tampa Bay manager Christian O'Neal called for a suicide squeeze, but Holtz was able to field the bunt and get Hernandez, the lead runner, at the plate for the first out. The speedy Cameron hit a hard groundball to second and, knowing a double play was unlikely, Durham threw home for the second out. The Yankees nearly escaped the jam but Frye hit a ball down the first base line but it was snagged on a dive by firstbaseman Ryan Jackson, who was unable to get to his feet or get the ball to anyone in time to record an out.

"Man, it feels good," Frye said of the walk off hit. "Of the wins we have, there have been a handful of these sort of games and that's really encouraging going forward."

Frye went 2-for-5 with a double, a run and two RBI in the game. Cameron, Will Clark and Paul Konerko had three hits each. Radmanovich, Cameron and Greg Vaughn each homered for the Devil Rays, while Palmeiro, Jeter, Durham and Bernie Williams went deep for the Yankees. Palmeiro had three hits on the day.

[Moriarty9]

Seattle star suffers season-ender
Martinez' career in doubt after achilles injury
July 11, 1998

SEATTLE - Veteran Mariners slugger Edgar Martinez is out for the season and will likely miss a portion of next season if he is able to return at all after rupturing his achilles tendon this afternoon.

Martinez, 35, suffered the injury as he ran to second base on a RBI double in the third inning against the Anaheim Angels.

"It's definitely a serious injury and we hope Edgar will have a speedy recovery," said Mariners General Manager Woody Woodward. "He's a big part of this lineup but also the clubhouse in general. We hope he can come back and play a big role for us next season."

Martinez' season ends with a .254 average, 10 home runs and 52 RBI through 331 at bats. A career .307 hitter, Martinez is signed through 2000. He is due just more than $12 million this season and nearly $12.9 million next season. The final year on his contract calls for almost $13.75 million.

[Moriarty9]

Yankees error leads to Rays win
Second straight night with walk off victory
July 11, 1998

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Tampa Bay Devil Rays did it again, defeating the visiting New York Yankees in extra innings with a walkoff win.

The Yankees and Devil Rays swapped single runs in the third inning, New York benefitting from an Andy Fox RBI single while Tampa Bay's Greg Vaughn responded with his 26th home run of the season.

The game would remain a pitchers' duel through nine innings, and for the second consecutive night, the two clubs faced off in extra innings.

It appeared the Yankees would avenge their previous night's 11-inning loss when Ryan Jackson hit a three-run home run to right field off Rich Garces, giving New York a 4-1 advantage. The Devil Rays fought back, however, as Mike Cameron led off the home half of the inning with a home run and was eventually followed by a two-run homer from Paul Konerko, tying and extending the game.

Devil Rays reliever Paul Quantrill shut the Yankees down in order in the 11th inning and Tampa Bay threatened in the bottom half of the inning. Ryan Radmanovich opened with a leadoff double and was soon joined on base after an intentional walk to Cameron, putting two men on with one out. Tripp Cromer hit a groundball through the left side of the infield and Radmanovich was sent home only to be called out at the plate after a strong throw by leftfielder Mark Whiten.

Tampa Bay took advantage of their threat in the 12th inning after Will Clark was walked and Paul Konerko singled off Mike Stanton, as Clark went from first to third. Jose Hernandez followed with a routine groundball to first base, but Jackson wasn't able to handle the grounder, allowing Hernandez to reach and Clark to score the winning run.

"This is exactly why you play hard from the first pitch to the final out of the game," said Devil Rays manager Christian O'Neal. "I'm proud of these guys. They don't give up, and it doesn't matter if we're playing the New York Yankees or a college team, we're going to fight all the way."

[Moriarty9]

Devil Rays, Mets swap infielders
Stocker heading to Shea Stadium
July 22, 1998

NEW YORK - The Mets and Tampa Bay Devil Rays agreed to a trade this morning, swapping a pair of infielders.

The Mets acquire Kevin Stocker, primarily a shortstop known for being a solid defensive ballplayer with good speed. Stocker hit .230 with five RBI in 87 at bats with Tampa Bay this season, and hit .337 with nine RBI in 101 at bats in AAA. Stocker, 28, hit .237 with five home runs and 28 RBI for the Anaheim Angels last season.

In exchange, the Devil Rays were sent secondbaseman Jerry Hairston. The 22-year-old hit .249 with three home runs and 28 RBI in 269 at bats with the Mets this year. He hit .256 with six home runs and 29 RBI in 84 games with New York last year.

[Moriarty9]

Marlins, Yanks make surprising swap
Floyd, Cone to change clubs after trade
July 24, 1998

NEW YORK - Players on both teams seemed a bit stunned as they cleared out their lockers this afternoon. They had just learned that the Florida Marlins and New York Yankees had just concluded a blockbuster trade sending outfielder Cliff Floyd and reliever Scott Service to the Bronx for pitcher David Cone.

"Baseball is a business," Cone said of the trade. "I know that it is but it doesn't make the jolt of being traded any less painful."

Both the Yankees and Marlins are in contention for the playoffs. New York is currently 1 1/2 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League East, 4 games behind the Anaheim Angels in the Wild Card race. Florida currently leads the National League East by a half game over the Philadelphia Phillies.

Cone, 35, is in the second year of a four-year deal that will pay him just under $8 million this season, more than $8.5 million next season, and just less than $9.1 million in 2000. The veteran has gone 10-4 with a 3.52 ERA in 20 starts with the Yankees this season, most recently holding the Detroit Tigers to two runs on two hits and three walks over eight innings just two days ago.

Floyd, 25, has 14 home runs, 42 RBI, 53 runs and 16 stolen bases in 302 at bats with Florida, and is hitting a career-high .298. He is expected to bat in the middle of the New York lineup and play left field.

Service, 31, will work as a setup man to closer Mariano Rivera. The right-handed reliever was 5-3 with three saves, a 2.97 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 33 1/3 innings with the Marlins.

[Moriarty9]

Busy day in trade front
Deadline for deals looming
July 29, 1998

With the deadline for non-waiver trades rapidly approaching, three trades were announced across Major League Baseball today.

In one deal, the Cleveland Indians acquired closer Rod Beck from the San Francisco Giants for infielder Dave Berg. Beck had gone 1-4 with 16 saves for the Giants and a 2.48 ERA in 38 games. Berg, primarily a secondbaseman, hit .246 with six home runs and 27 RBI in 264 at bats with Cleveland.

Veteran reliever Jesse Orosco and minor league pitcher Radhames Dykhoff were packaged by the Philadelphia Phillies in a deal for Raul Ibanez from the Minnesota Twins. Orosco, 41, is 2-3 with 10 saves and a 1.66 ERA in 43 1/3 innings this year; one of the best seasons of his 19-year-career. Dykhoff, a lefty like Orosco, has gone 1-3 with three saves and a 4.98 ERA in 35 relief appearances in AAA. Ibanez, 26, had spent much of the beginning of the season in the minor leagues, but has hit .314 with two home runs and 11 RBI in 70 at bats with Minnesota. The outfielder and firstbaseman is projected to be a solid contributer as he develops.

The Baltimore Orioles acquired corner infielder Mike Blowers from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for pitcher Dave Mlicki. Blowers, 33, hit .287 with four home runs and 21 RBI in 58 games with Seattle, spending the majority of his time at third base with considerable time at first base as well. Mlicki is having a career year, going 11-5 with a 4.07 ERA in his first 23 starts. The 30-year-old right hander went 15-15 with a 3.49 ERA in 34 starts with Baltimore and the New York Mets last season.

[Moriarty9]

Devil Rays, Braves make big deal
Big names change uniforms in eight-player deal
July 30, 1998

ATLANTA - Fighting for a playoff spot, the Braves this morning dealt two promising young players for six players, including slugger Greg Vaughn and southpaw Jeff Fassero.

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays agreed to send Vaughn, Fassero, left-handed reliever Greg Cadaret, right-handed pitcher Mark Gubicza, and minor league hurlers Mitch "Wild Thing" Williams and Armando Reynoso to the Braves for outfielder Andruw Jones and pitcher Kevin Millwood.

"Both Andruw and Kevin have high ceilings on their potential, but adding a bat like Greg Vaughn to the middle of the lineup and shoring up our pitching staff with the lefties Fassero and Cadaret, it really gives us a shot at gaining the ground we need to make the playoffs and make a run at the World Series," said Braves General Manager John Schuerholz.

Devil Rays GM Shaun Moriarty said the decision was a tough one, but with Tampa Bay sitting 10 1/2 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League East and finances being tight, the deal was too good to pass up.

"A few weeks ago we really began talking to Greg (Vaughn) about a new contract and it just wasn't going to work out with our budget. At that point, we knew it was best for us to sell high," Moriarty said. "We weren't going to re-sign him, so we may as well get something for him. We spoke with many teams about trades these last couple weeks, and this deal developed slowly."

Vaughn was signed by the Devil Rays in late April, having been cut by the San Diego Padres in the spring. He signed for little money in an effort to prove himself, and did just that. In 79 games with Tampa Bay, Vaughn hit .237 with 29 home runs and 67 RBI. While his average is low and his strikeouts (78) high for 312 at bats, his power production was impressive.

"This is a great opportunity for me," Vaughn said by phone. "I can showcase my talents on a brighter stage, hopefully do something in the playoffs, and show the league what I can do when it matters."

Vaughn is expected to take over in left field for Armando Rios, who will likely share time with Michael Tucker in right field. He is also expected to bat fifth, behind Chipper Jones and Fred McGriff.

Fassero, 35, signed a two-year deal with a mutual option for a third season this winter after going 20-5 with a 3.18 ERA for the Seattle Mariners last year. This season, he has pitched admirably for the expansion Devil Rays, going 8-8 with a 4.31 ERA in 21 starts. He will likely make his Braves debut in the next few days, taking Millwood's spot in the rotation.

Jones, 21, has shown power at times, is a strong defensive outfielder and has great speed in the field and on the bases. In 301 at bats with Atlanta, Jones hit .249 with 10 home runs, 39 RBI, 47 runs, and has stolen 17 bases. He will likely replace Mike Cameron in centerfield, though Cameron is expected to remain in the starting lineup somewhere. The Devil Rays currently have outfielders Ryan Radmanovich and Darryl Hamilton on the disabled list, providing some time to figure out their new outfield situation.

Millwood, 23, surprised many by going 10-4 with a 3.49 ERA as a rookie last season, starting 22 of his 33 appearances with Atlanta. This year, Millwood has gone 7-5 with a 4.67 ERA in 21 starts. He will replace Fassero in the rotation and will pitch in the next few days.

Cadaret, a free agent at season's end, has struggled in the Tampa Bay bullpen. In 36 appearances, the southpaw is 0-1 with a 5.63 ERA. He will work with fellow lefty Mike Magnante and right-hander Matt Herges as the primary bridges to closer Kerry Ligtenberg.

The Devil Rays will fill the two remaining roster spots from within, likely calling up a pitcher, ideally a left-hander, for the bullpen, and either a 12th pitcher or an extra-player off the bench. Those decisions had not been made by press time.

[Moriarty9]

Devil Rays claim infielder Berg
Utility man taken off waivers from Cleveland
August 1, 1998

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Tampa Bay Devil Rays claimed utility infielder Dave Berg off waivers from the Cleveland Indians this morning. He has been sent to AAA Akron.

Berg, 27, was hitting .246 with six home runs and 27 RBI in 264 at bats with Cleveland. He is owed the league minimum for this year and will remain under Tampa Bay's control financially for the next several seasons.

[Moriarty9]

Martinez dominates Tribe
Devil Rays ace fans 18 in 8-1 victory
August 7, 1998

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Pedro Martinez used every pitch in his arsenal tonight as he shut down the Cleveland Indians lineup at Tropicana Field.

Martinez threw a complete game in which he gave up one run on four hits with one walk, striking out 18 Cleveland batters.

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays batting order provided support for Martinez, putting up eight runs against Indians pitching. Paul Konerko and Mike Cameron each hit two-run home runs with Konerko and Wilton Guerrero picking up two hits each to lead the way.

With the win, Martinez improved to 8-10. Orlando Hernandez fell to 9-9 with a loss, giving up three runs in 4 1/3 innings.

[Moriarty9]

Devil Rays sting Twins in marathon
Tampa Bay tops Minnesota in seventeenth innings
September 1, 1998

MINNEAPOLIS - Its a good thing rosters across Major League Baseball expanded today because the Minnesota Twins and Tampa Bay Devil Rays needed a little flexibility as the two clubs fought in an exciting 17-inning game.

The Devil Rays eventually won the game, which lasted nearly 5 1/2 hours, by a final score of 8-6. Fifteen pitchers were used between the two teams as well as 31 position players.

Chad Ogea made his Devil Rays debut as the starting pitcher and was in line for a win after holding Minnesota to three runs on six hits and three walks over eight innings of work. Reliever Rich Garces was given the opportunity to close out the ballgame but was relieved after giving up back-to-back singles to Marty Cordova and Jose Valentin to open the inning. With two of the next three scheduled hitters being left-handed, Tampa Bay manager Christian O'Neal brought southpaw Joey Long into the game. Long walked pinch-hitter Todd Greene to load the bases and watched as Cordova scored on a wild pitch before walking John Valentin to reload the bases. Left-handed hitter Todd Walker hit into a double play, but the Twins benefitted as Jose Valentin scored from third base to tie the game at 5-5.

The Devil Rays regained the lead in the top of the 12th inning, when Ryan Radmanovich hit a RBI single off Gregg Olson, making it 6-5 Tampa Bay. With two of the three scheduled hitters in the last of the 12th being left-handed hitters, it was lefty Gabe White's turn to try and close the door. After striking out Bob Hamelin to lead off the inning, White surrendered a solo home run to catcher Mike Macfarlane, tying the game at 6-6.

Tampa Bay took the lead once again in the 17th inning, striking against veteran southpaw Jesse Orosco. With men on first and second and two outs, Jeff Frye knocked Orosco out of the game with a two-run double. Now working with a two-run lead, Danny Graves became the fourth Devil Rays pitcher of the night to come on in a save opportunity and retired the side in the last of the 17th inning with a double play and a groundout.

Kevin Millwood, making his first relief appearance of the season, earned the win with three innings of shutout ball, improving to 10-7. The save was the third of the year for Graves. Orosco falls to 3-5 with the loss.

Frye and Jose Hernandez had four hits each for the Devil Rays while Todd Walker and Javier Valentin has three hits apiece for Minnesota. Tampa Bay catcher Charles Johnson went 0-for-6 with three strikeouts and three men left on base.

[Moriarty9]

Jones, Key lead Rays over A's
Oakland leaves tying run on base in ninth
September 5, 1998

OAKLAND - The Athletics had the tying run on base with slugger Mark McGwire at the plate in the last of the ninth inning this afternoon, but the expansion Tampa Bay Devil Rays managed to hold on to their lead and pick up the win.

The Devil Rays went into the bottom of the ninth inning with a 6-3 lead and southpaw Gabe White taking the mound. White walked left-handed hitter Brent Mayne to open the inning and then gave up a single to Patrick Lennon, advancing pinch-runner Mark Bellhorn to second base and bringing the tying run to the plate in left-handed hitter Mike Darr. White was able to get Darr to ground into a double play but then gave up a RBI triple to Ronnie Belliard. Orlando Palmeiro, another left-handed hitter, engaged White in a nine-pitch at bat before drawing a walk and putting the tying run on first base with McGwire - who has 44 home runs and 104 RBI this season - coming to the plate. Tampa Bay manager Christian O'Neal brought Danny Graves to face McGwire, who represented the potential winning run. McGwire fouled a couple pitches off before taking a called strike three to end the game.

"Danny really looked good out there today," O'Neal said. "He's been successful against McGwire in the couple of previous matchups they've had and we were comfortable he was the right guy to face him in that situation. He proved us right."

Graves picked up his fourth save of the season, helping Jimmy Key improve to 9-8 on the year. Key held the Athletics to three runs on nine hits and one walk over seven innings of work. Rookie reliever Tanyon Sturtze threw a scoreless eighth inning for the Devil Rays.

Offensively, Andruw Jones led the way with a couple hits, including a two-run home run off Oakland starter Brad Rigby. Rookie slugger Erubiel Durazo went 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored while catcher Charles Johnson picked up two hits, including a double. Oakland catcher Brent Mayne went 3-for-3 with a walk, a run scored and a run batted in.

[Moriarty9]

Athletics can manager Howe
Oakland GM mum on potential replacements
September 15, 1998

KANSAS CITY - Art Howe is out of a job.

The Oakland Athletics fired Howe this morning, a move they reportedly told the now ex-manager after last night's loss to the Kansas City Royals. The loss was the team's fifth in a row, and eighth loss in nine games.

"It's a decision we didn't take lightly, but it had become clear to us as the season progressed," said Oakland General Manager Billy Beane. "We wish Art the best of luck in his future endeavors."

The A's are currently sitting in last place in the American League West at 67-82, 18 games behind the Seattle Mariners. The season is a disappointment for a team that made the playoffs as the American League Wild Card last year at 95-67.

Howe was in his third year as Oakland skipper and had amassed a 240-233 record with one playoff appearance. Howe previously managed the Houston Astros from 1989-1993, going 392-418 during that time. In his managerial career, Howe has gone 632-651 with one playoff appearance.

Beane offered only a "no comment" when asked about potential replacements for Howe. Oakland management would not confirm, nor deny, whether bench coach Brad Fischer would serve as interim manager until a manager was hired.

[Moriarty9]

Devil Rays, White Sox make deal
Beltran coming to Tampa Bay, Holt to Chicago
September 16, 1998

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Chicago White Sox agreed to terms on a surprise trade today, sending pitcher Chris Holt to the Windy City and outfielder Carlos Beltran to Florida.
"We see a great deal of upside and potential in Carlos," said Devil Rays General Manager Shaun Moriarty. "He's a young kid with speed and power and he'll be under our financial control for a little while."

Beltran, a 21-year-old rookie, is a switch-hitter that has hit .268 with with 25 doubles, five triples, 15 home runs, 69 RBI, 74 runs and 22 stolen bases in 549 at bats with Chicago.

White Sox General Manager Ron Scheuler thinks Holt is a pretty good pickup as well.

"We have some flexibility with Albert Belle and Magglio Ordonez patrolling the corners of the outfield and see Chris Holt as a good, young arm to help our rotation going forward," Scheuler said. "Our scouts were really enamored with him when they saw him pitching in AAA this season, and they saw a good deal of upside in his starts with Tampa as well, regardless of what kind of results he had in those games."

Holt, 26, has gone 0-1 with one save and a 10.97 ERA in three games, two starts, with the Devil Rays. That's a far cry from his minor league season, in which he went 19-6 with a 2.28 ERA in 28 starts with AAA Akron. Holt also has big league experience with the Houston Astros (1996-1997) and Cleveland Indians (1997), and owns an 0-8 record with a 7.28 ERA in 22 games, 17 of which were starts.

[Moriarty9]

Crosby hired as A's manager
Rookie manager replaces veteran Howe
September 16, 1998

KANSAS CITY - Just three hours before game time, the Oakland Athletics announced Daryl Crosby would be the club's new manager.

Crosby, 42, has spent the last two seasons managing in the St. Louis Cardinals organization. As a minor league manager, Crosby owns a 128-112 record and led the Youngstown Fire, St. Louis's AA affiliate, to a division title last year.

The A's surprisingly signed Crosby to a five-year contract for his first big league managerial job.

[CatKnight]

Hey, Moriarty!

I love the newspaper articles. Well done!

I was wondering how the D-Rays are doing. What's their record? Who are your/the league leaders?

[mgom27]

How about posting a League file of it like at the start of League?

[Moriarty9]

After the final out of Sunday, September 20 was recorded, leaving just a week left in the season, we take a look around Major League Baseball to see how everything and everyone stands.


AMERICAN LEAGUE EAST
NEW YORK YANKEES
The Yankees sit atop the AL East at 87-69, chipping away at their magic number of 3 to clinch the division.

BALTIMORE ORIOLES
The Orioles are clinging to hope that they can make the playoffs, but their chances are fading quickly. At 82-73, Baltimore is 4 1/2 games back in the division, 5 games out in the Wild Card race.

TORONTO BLUE JAYS
Toronto sits 5 games behind the Yankees with an 82-74 record.

TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS
The expansion Devil Rays are surprisingly sitting in fourth place in AL East, ahead of the disappointing Boston Red Sox. Tampa Bay (75-80) will finish without a losing record if they can win at least five of their last seven games.

BOSTON RED SOX
The Red Sox were a surprise stinker this season, dropping to the bottom of the division with a 69-86 record.


AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL
KANSAS CITY ROYALS
The Royals are in a battle for the Central crown with a 76-79 record. The team has won four straight games and six of their last ten as they try to fight off the Minnesota Twins.

MINNESOTA TWINS
The Twins, at 76-79, are tied with the KC Royals for first place in the Central. With a losing record for both teams, its the division crown or nothing at all as they each sit 11 games back in the Wild Card.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Its not often a 73-83 team can be still in the picture for a playoff spot, but that is the case in the weak AL Central. The White Sox are 4 games behind the Royals and Twins and are hoping to surprise everyone with a last minute rally.

DETROIT TIGERS
The Tigers have not quite been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, despite their 71-85 record, putting them 5 1/2 games back in the division.

CLEVELAND INDIANS
The Tribe has not fared well in 1998, putting up just 66 wins to this late point in the season. At 66-90, the Indians are 10 1/2 back in the division and show no signs of stopping their slide as they've lost three straight.


AMERICAN LEAGUE WEST
ANAHEIM ANGELS
The Angels lead the West with an 88-67 record, but have just a slim one game lead over the Seattle Mariners. The Angels have won their last three while the Mariners have lost their last four.

SEATTLE MARINERS
Despite their four-game slide, the Mariners are in excellent shape in terms of being a playoff contender. The Wild Card leading M's are only one game back in the division and have a magic number of 3 to clinch a playoff spot.

TEXAS RANGERS
The 72-83 Rangers have lost three in a row, seven of their last ten, and sit 16 back in the AL West.

OAKLAND ATHLETICS
The 71-84 A's are looking to avoid a last place finish as they sit 17 out in the West, one behind the Rangers. The A's have won four in a row.


NATIONAL LEAGUE EAST
FLORIDA MARLINS
The Marlins are clutching to a 1/2-game lead over the perennial division leaders from Atlanta. At 86-70, Florida's best bet is the division, but a Wild Card spot could happen if they lose their division lead.

ATLANTA BRAVES
The 86-71 Braves are just a 1/2 game out in the East, 3 1/2 behind in the Wild Card race. Can Atlanta secure yet another playoff spot?

NEW YORK METS
While most eyes are on the Marlins and Braves, the 84-73 Mets are quietly lurking on the outside, just 2 1/2 games out in the division, and on life support in the Wild Card race, 5 1/2 behind.

MONTREAL EXPOS
The 81-76 Expos have a mathematical shot to make the postseason, sitting 5 1/2 behind the first-place Marlins.

PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
The 78-77 Phillies hope to make the NL East a division of winners if they can finish the year with a winning record, making it the only division in baseball with winning records from top to bottom.

NATIONAL LEAGUE CENTRAL
HOUSTON ASTROS
The Astros have their magic number down to 2 as they try to wrap up a division championship. At 94-63, Houston has the second best record in baseball and a 4 1/2 game lead over the surging Brewers.

MILWAUKEE BREWERS
The 89-67 Brewers have come out of nowhere to make one last run at the division title by winning 10 straight and 12 of their last 13 games. Milwaukee is 4 1/2 out in the division and lead the Wild Card race by 3 1/2 games over the Braves.

ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
At 79-78, St. Louis is hoping a winning season is in the cards. The team is 15 back in the division and in the middle of a three-game losing streak.

CINCINNATI REDS
At 73-83, the Reds are 20 1/2 games back in the NL Central. If only they were in the AL Central, where they'd be in the thick of a playoff race.

CHICAGO CUBS
Those lovable losers sit in fifth place at 70-87, 24 games behind the Astros. The Cubs have lost nine of their last 10 games, 13 of their last 18.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES
The Pirates are bringing up the rear in the Central with a 68-87 record, 25 games back in the division. Pittsburgh has won just five of their last 21 games.

NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST
LOS ANGELES DODGERS
At 94-62, the Dodgers own baseball's best record and are the only team in baseball to have clinched a division title. The Astros are the only other team to have clinched a playoff spot, having already earned at least the Wild Card as they work on the division crown.

SAN DIEGO PADRES
The Padres, 81-76, will likely have a winning season, but it will not be enough to make the playoffs this year. San Diego is 13 1/2 behind the Dodgers, 8 1/2 back in the Wild Card.

COLORADO ROCKIES
The 75-82 Rockies are 19 1/2 back in the West, 14 1/2 out in the Wild Card race.

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
The expansion Diamondbacks will avoid a 100-loss season and may avoid last place as well. Arizona is 65-92, 29 1/2 games behind the Dodgers, but sit with a three-game pad over last place. The DBacks need to be careful though, they've lost their last three games.

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
The Giants own baseball's worst record at 61-94. As if this wasn't bad enough, they did so in a division with baseball's best team, putting San Francisco an embarassing 32 1/2 games out in the division.




Once the regular season ends, I'll be going team-by-team once again to point out the surprises on each club (good and bad), who did what, etc.
If anyone has a particular player they'd like to see stats or information on, please let me know.