When It Was A Game

[GrimmyDee]

Thursday, April 7 - Blue Jays Win In Debut

Toronto right fielder Otto Velez (.750, 1 HR, 2 RBI) hits a two-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning to break a 3-3 tie and give the Blue Jays a win over Chicago in their very first major league game. For the record books, Dave Lemanczyk (1-0, 3.38 ERA) gets the first win in club history, Pete Vukovich (1 SV) records the first save and White Sox second baseman Jorge Orta (.500, 1 HR, 2 RBI) hits the first home run in Exhibition Stadium. It should also be noted that Thomas Langstorm became the first person to eat eight Exhibition Stadium hot dogs in a nine inning game - missing the final three innings while in the restroom when the hot dogs decided they wanted out - very quickly.

Ed Figueroa (1-0, 1.13 ERA) throws eight innings of four hit baseball in a 4-1 win in the season opener at Yankee Stadium over the Brewers. Catcher Thurman Munson (1.000) goes 3-for-3 and Reggie Jackson (.333, 1 HR, 3 RBI) hits his first home run as a Yankee. The first four hitters have all of the Yankees six hits.

Jack Clark (.250, 1 HR, 4 RBI) hits a three-run home run off of Doug Rau (0-1, 16.20 ERA) while Bill Madlock (.750) and Darrell Evans (.600, 1 HR, 1 RBI) each have three hits as San Francisco pounds out 16 hits in a 9-3 win over the Dodgers.

Cubs CF Greg Gross (.500, 1 RBI) sends a one-out single to left field off of Mets reliever Bob Apodaca (0-1, 6.75 ERA) in the bottom of the 12th inning to score Brian Downing from second base to give Chicago a 4-3 win.

Gaylord Perry (1-0, 1.13 ERA) gives up 11 hits, but only lets in one run as he outduels Jim Palmer (0-1, 2.08 ERA) as the Rangers beat Baltimore, 2-1. Texas CF Juan Beniquez (.333) steals four bases off of Orioles catcher Rick Dempsey in five attempts.

Other Scores
American League

Kansas City Detroit

6 3

Cleveland Boston

7 4

California Seattle

6 5

National League

San Francisco Los Angeles

9 3

St. Louis Pittsburgh

2 6

Trades

St. Louis trades 27-year-old 2B Mike Tyson ($60,000 for 1 year) and 22-year-old Double A SP Zhi Joe (Minor League Contract) to Cleveland, getting 25-year old 3B Buddy Bell ($162,000 for 1 year) and 22-year-old Double A SP Mathys Toupin (Minor League Contract) in return.

To Cleveland:

Mike Tyson 1976 Stats

AVG .286

AB 245

H 70

R 26

2B 12

3B 9

HR 3

RBI 28

BB 16

K 34

OBP .326

SLG .455

Zhi Joe 1976 Stats

W -

L -

SV -

ERA -

IP -

H -

R -

ER -

BB -

K -

WHIP -

AVG -

To St. Louis:

Buddy Bell 1976 Stats

AVG .286

AB 245

H 70

R 26

2B 12

3B 9

HR 3

RBI 28

BB 16

K 34

OBP .326

SLG .455

Mathys Toupin 1976 Stats

W -

L -

SV -

ERA -

IP -

H -

R -

ER -

BB -

K -

WHIP -

AVG -

Injuries

CF Jerry Mumphrey is expected to miss about 4 weeks with a torn groin muscle.

Major Transactions

RF Mike Easler optioned to Triple A Columbus. LF Ed Kirkpatrick (.000, 1 AB - AAA) recalled from Triple A Columbus.

RF Ron Pruitt optioned to Triple A Toledo. RF Charlie Spikes (.000, 4 AB - AAA) recalled from Triple A Toledo.

C Steve Swisher designated for assignment and placed on waivers. C George Mitterwald (0-0, 3.68 ERA, 7.1 IP - Majors) was designated for assignment and placed on waivers (from active). C Bill Nahorodny (.167, 6 AB - AAA) contract purchased from Triple A Wichita. C Brian Downing (.136, 1 HR, 6 RBI - AAA) contract purchased from Triple A Wichita. LF Nyls Nyman was designated for assigment and placed on waivers.

MR Randy Wiles was designated for assignment and placed on waivers.

Short Season Single A
Batavia Indians (1-1) at Jamestown Expos (1-1)

Batavia Jamestown

1 3

W: Bill Newton (1-0) L: Eric Huntzinger (0-1) S: Tim Taylor (1)
HR – None
POG: Bill Newton (JAM) 5 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 K

Juan Madrigal (.300, 2 RBI) and Alfredo Aranda (.308, 1 RBI) each have two hits and an RBI while starter Bill Newton goes five innings (thanks to that over cautious manager again) of four-hit baseball as we win our first series of the year. Our bullpen has thrown eight scorless innings in the last two games.

[GrimmyDee]

Friday, April 8 - Royals Trade Leonard to Tigers

In a move that has left Kansas City fans dumbfounded, the Royals traded popular starting pitcher and 17-game winner Dennis Leonard and AA pitcher Fred Poulin to Motown in exchange for RF Bob Molinaro and AA pitcher Jesus Flores. While the Tigers were desperate for starting pitching, scoring a top end pitcher like Leonard for a little used outfielder is a steal. From my sources, Kansas City was not going to be able to resign Leonard for next year, but pulling the trigger this early seems questionable. Leonard will take over the #1 spot in the Detroit rotation, as the Tigers sent Fernando Arroyo down to Evansville to make room. The Tigers also called up Mickey Stanley to keep the spot warm where Molinaro used to sit on the bench. In the Royals camp, Molinaro will become the new starting right fielder and as a result, Al Cowens is expected to be placed on waivers. Doug Bird makes the move to the rotation and George Throop was brought up from Omaha to fill the remaining roster hole.

California LF Don Baylor (.500, 1 HR, 9 RBI) hits a grand slam in the top of the ninth inning off of Mariners closer Enrique Romo (0-1, 108.11 ERA) to give the Angels a 6-3 victory over Seattle. Bruce Bochte (.400) collects three hits and 3B Ron Jackson (.500, 1 HR, 3 RBI) drives in two with his first home run of the year for the Angels. Ruppert Jones (.417, 2 RBI) goes 3-for-3 in a losing effort for the Mariners.

George Hendrick (.500) and Bobby Valentine (1.000, 1 RBI) each have three hits for the Padres but it still would not be enough as Cincinnati scores five times in the eighth inning sparked by doubles by pinch hitters Steve Henderson (.750, 1 RBI) and Bob Bailey (.500, 2 RBI) to give the Reds a 10-6 win.

While he didn't have his best stuff, Astros starter J.R. Richard (1-0, 3.38 ERA) had enough to defeat Phil Niekro (0-1, 5.63 ERA) and the Braves 5-3 in the Astrodome. Richard went eight innings giving up just four hits while striking out nine.

Other Scores
No Other Games Scheduled


Trades

Trade 25-year-old SP Dennis Leonard ($269,790 over 1 year) and 24-year-old Double A MR Fred Poulin (Minor League Contract) to Detroit for 26-year-old Bob Molinaro ($59,885 over 1 year) and 22-year-old SP Jesus Flores (Minor League Contract.

To Detroit:

Dennis Leonard 1976 Stats 1977 Stats

W 17 1

L 10 0

SV 0 0

ERA 3.51 3.38

IP 259.0 8.0

H 247 10

R 113 3

ER 101 3

BB 70 3

K 150 4

WHIP 1.22 1.63

AVG .251 .248

Fred Poulin 1977 Stats

W -

L -

SV -

ERA -

IP -

H -

R -

ER -

BB -

K -

WHIP -

AVG -

To Kansas City:

Bob Molinaro 1975 Stats 1976 Stats 1977 Stats

AVG .263 - 1.000

AB 19 - 1

H 5 - 1

R 2 - 0

2B 0 - 0

3B 1 - 0

HR 0 - 0

RBI 1 - 0

BB 1 - 0

K 0 - 0

OBP .300 - 1.000

SLG .368 - 1.000

Jesus Flores 1977 Stats

W -

L -

SV -

ERA -

IP -

H -

R -

ER -

BB -

K -

WHIP -

AVG -

Contract Signings

MR Tom Walker signs a 1-year free agent contract worth a total of $59,885. MR Roy Lee Lackson optioned to Triple A Tidewater.

Major Transactions

RF Al Cowens (.400, 1 RBI) is designated for assignment and placed on irrevocable waivers 2B Dave Nelson is designated for assignment and placed on irrevocable waivers. 3B Cookie Rojas (.500, 1 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Omaha. MR George Throop (0-1, 6.35 ERA - AAA) recalled from Triple A Omaha.

SP Fernando Arroyo optioned to Triple A Evansville. RF Mickey Stanley (.385, 1 HR, 5 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Evansville.

SS Tim Foli is designated for assignment and placed on irrevocable waivers. 3B Kurt Bevacqua (.000, 3 AB - AAA) contract purchased from Triple A Denver.

Short Season Single A
Jamestown Expos (2-1) at Utica Blue Jays (1-2)

Jamestown Utica

12 4

W: Juan Carlos Garcia (1-0) L: Si Xi (0-1)
HR – JAM: Juan Madrigal (2), Dave Kramer (1) / UTI: Chris Frank (1)
POG: Juan Madrigal (JAM) 4-4, 3 R, 2 RBI, 2B, HR

Juan Madrigal (.500, 4 RBI) leads the offense with four hits, including his second home run of the year and Jesus Rivera (.278, 3 RBI) drives in three runs with a bases loaded triple as we win our third in a row. Utica CF Pedro Ortiz (.375) has three hits and scores two runs for the Blue Jays in the loss. And for those of you keeping track, I let my starter Garcia go 7 1/3 innings (123 pitches).

[GrimmyDee]

Saturday, April 9 - McKay Wins It For Toronto

Toronto 1B Doug Alt (.556, 1 HR, 1 RBI) collects five hits in five at-bats, but it is the heroics of defensive replacment Dave McKay (1.000, 1 RBI) , who hits a one-out double in the bottom of the ninth to score pinch runner John Scott and give the Blue Jays an amazing 6-5 win over Chicago. Alt scores four times and CF Gary Woods (.750, 2 RBI) adds three hits and two RBI. White Sox LF Ralph Garr (.556, 2 RBI) has four hits - including two doubles - in the loss. As a result of his heroics, McKay has decided to put his plans of opening a moustache grooming school on hold until the offseason as he declares himself the future batting champion.

Bert Blyleven (1-0, 0.00 ERA) keeps Baltimore's bats quiet as he allows just four hits while striking out eight in the Rangers 5-0 win. Texas only musters seven hits, but five of those occur in the five-run fourth inning to provide the only scoring. Rudy May (0-1, 5.00 ERA) goes the distance in the loss for the Orioles.

Steve Carlton (1-0, 0.00 ERA) tosses a four-hitter and Greg Luzinski (.500, 3 RBI) drives in three as Philadelphia crushes the Expos 8-0. Carlton strikes out seven while walking just one on the win.

Behind 4-3 in the bottom of the eighth inning, New York's Graig Nettles (.286, 1 HR, 3 RBI) hits a three-run drive to right off of Jim Slaton to give the Yankees a 6-4 victory over Milwaukee. Reggie Jackson (.571, 2 HR, 4 RBI) has three hits for New York, including his second homer in as many games and Don Money (.500, 2 RBI) has three as well for the Brew Crew.

Pittsburgh LF Al Oliver (.444, 1 HR, 4 RBI) has three hits and three RBI on the day, but none as important as his walk off home run in the bottom of the 10th inning off of Cardinals closer Al Hrabosky to give the Pirates a 4-3 triumph over St. Louis.

Braves CF Rowland Office (.429, 2 RBI) drives in two with three hits and Andy Messersmith (1-0, 1.00 ERA) throws a complete game four-hitter as Atlanta crushes the Astros 9-1.

After coming in to pinch run in the eighth inning, Rob Wilfong (1.000, 1 HR, 3 RBI) sends a Dave Giusti fastball over the right field wall to turn a 1-1 tie ballgame into a 4-1 Twins win. Oakland only manages five hits in the game, with DH Jim Tyrone (1.000) having three of those.

The Dodgers score twice in the bottom of the ninth on a single by Steve Garvey (.250, 2 RBI) to tie the game, then win the game one inning later with three consecutive hits off reliever Gary Lavelle (0-1, 1 BS, 3.00 ERA) for a 4-3 victory over the Giants.

Other Scores
American League

Cleveland Boston

1 7

Kansas City Detroit

3 7

California Seattle

7 2

National League

New York Chicago

7 5

San Diego Cincinnati

2 6

Injuries

SS Ivan DeJesus is day-to-day for about a week with a pinched nerve (neck).

Major Transactions

2B Tim Johnson claimed off waivers from Milwaukee and placed on the active roster. 1B Jack Baker optioned to Double A Buffalo.

C Ron Hodges claimed off waivers from New York and placed on the active roster. C Larry Haney optioned to Double A Holyoke.

MR Ron Hodges claimed off waivers from Los Angeles and placed on the active roster. MR Doug Capllia optioned to Triple A New Orleans.

Short Season Single A
Jamestown Expos (3-1) at Utica Blue Jays (1-3)

Jamestown Utica

1 3

W: Thomas Bubser (1-0) L: Jeff Bradley (0-2) S: Salvador Navarro
HR – None
POG: Thomas Bubser (UTI) - 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 5 K

Jeff Bradley (5.40 ERA) had a much better start than his Opening Day debacle, but four errors from our infielders contributed to three unearned runs and another loss. Utica's Charles Benard (.250) has three hits and scored one run while Thomas Bubser (0.00 ERA) and three relievers kept us off the basepaths.

[GrimmyDee]

Sunday, April 10 - Jackson Homers In Third Straight

For the third straight game Reggie Jackson (.500, 3 HR, 5 RBI) homers and for the third straight game the New York Yankees win - this time a 4-3 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers at Yankee Stadium in front of 26,994. Graig Nettles (.455, 2 HR, 5 RBI) also homers as part of a three hit day while Ron Guidry (1-0, 3.38 ERA) goes eight innings, striking out eight for his first win of the year. Moose Haas (0-1, 4.50 ERA) goes the distance for the Brewers, Charlie Moore (.300, 1 RBI) hits two doubles and Cecil Cooper (.250, 1 HR, 1 RBI) hits his first home run of the year for the Brewers in the loss.

After both teams combine for eight runs in the ninth inning, Ed Armbrister (.667) triples off of Padres reliever Brent Strom and later scores the winning run on a Dave Concepcion sacrifice fly in the 10th inning to give the Reds a 6-5 win over San Diego. Ken Griffey (.333, 2 RBI) goes 3-for-3 with two runs scored for Cincinnati in the win.

Pittsburgh's Jerry Reuss (1-0, 0.00 ERA) and Kent Tukulve (2 SV, 0.00 ERA) combine to hold the Cardinals to four hits and use three hits from Dave Parker (.583, 2 RBI) to squeak out a 2-1 win.

After getting hit with a Rick Reed pitch with one out in the top of the ninth inning, Montreal's Andre Dawson (.375, 1 RBI) takes the game into his own hands as he steals second and third, then scores the winning run on a Wayne Garrett (.600, 1 RBI) single - his third hit of the game - for a 5-4 win over Philadelphia.

With two out in the top of the 10th inning, Roger Metzger (1st error) misplays a ground ball at third base hit by Tom Paciorek, enabling Gary Matthews to score from second and giving Atlanta a 7-6 win over the Astros. It was the very first inning Metzger has played at third in his career. Astros catcher Joe Ferguson (.200, 1 HR, 4 RBI) had tied the game in the seventh with a three-run home run.

Bobby Grich (.250, 1 HR, 1 RBI) and Tony Solaita (.444, 2 HR, 6 RBI) hit ninth inning home runs to give California a 7-3 win over the Mariners in Seattle. 39-year-old Mike Cuellar (3.52 ERA) pitches a solid game, scattering seven hits over 7 2/3 innings and giving up all three Seattle runs.

Wearing a huge brace that makes his left leg look twice as big as his right, Tigers starter Mark Fidrych (1.00 ERA) astounds the trainers by scattering nine hits in a complete game 7-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Fidrych threw 112 pitches in the game and was quoted afterward as saying "...tonight there is no pain - tomorrow might be another story."

Other Scores
American League

Cleveland Boston

3 6

Chicago Toronto

7 9

Minnesota Oakland

6 5

National League

San Francisco Los Angeles

7 1

New York Chicago

2 7

Cincinnati Los Angeles

3 5

Injuries

SP Francisco Barrios is expected to miss about 1-2 weeks with a dead arm. Placed on the 15-day disabled list. SP Mike Krukow (0-1, 6.92 ERA - AAA) contract purchased from Triple A Iowa. He will join the rotation in Barrios' spot.

Major Transactions

C Steve Swisher claimed from the Chicago Cubs and assigned to Triple A Spokane C George Mitterwald claimed from the Chicago Cubs and assigned to Triple A Spokane.

LF Nyls Nyman claimed from the Chicago Cubs and placed on the active roster, 1B Richie Hebner (.000, 8 AB) was designated for assignment and placed on irrevocable waivers.

LF Jake Lahoud (.000) is designated for assignment and placed on irrevocable waivers. CF Willie Wilson (.231, 3 RBI, 5 SB - AAA) contract purchased from Triple A Omaha. He will serve as the primary backup to Hal McRae in LF and Amos Otis in CF.

MR Randy Wiles clears waivers and is assigned to Triple A Wichita.

Short Season Single A
Jamestown Expos (3-2) at Utica Blue Jays (2-3)

Jamestown Utica

5 4

W: Aurelio Roman (1-0) L: Jeffrey Knight (0-2) S: Guaspar Hell (1)
HR – JAM: Bob Foster (1)
POG: Bob Foster (JAM) - 2-4, 2 R, 1 RBI, HR

Led by three hits from Jesus Rivera (.321, 4 RBI) and Bob Foster (.136, 1 HR, 2 RBI) who had two hits and scored two runs while blasting his first home run, we took advantage of three Utica errors and took the series from Utica. Starter Aurelio Roman (2.08 ERA) was unremarkable, giving up 11 hits and three runs, but once again the bullpen came through for us good guys. Dave Pierce (.333) and Javier Roman (.300) each had three hits for Utica while Charles Bedard (.292, 3 RBI) drove in two runs on two hits in the loss.

[GrimmyDee]

Monday, April 11 - May Powers Detroit Past Toronto

Detroit's Milt May (.385, 2 HR, 5 RBI) hits two home runs and three RBI, rookie LF Steve Kemp (.500, 2 HR, 2 RBI) has four hits and Jason Thompson (.533, 6 RBI) goes 3-for-3 with two RBI as the Tigers beat up on Toronto 6-2. Vern Ruhle (1-0, 1.04 ERA) is the benefactor of the offensive outburst, allowing just one earned run in 8 2/3 innings while striking out five. The loss is the first of the season for the upstart Toronto team as they had swept the White Sox over the weekend. Blue Jays 2B Steve Staggs (.333) gets a trio of hits in the loss.

Chicago starter Steve Renko (1-0, 1.00 ERA) scatters eight hits and allows just one run in a complete game victory as the Cubs defeat Philadelphia, 6-1. Phillies starter Jim Kaat (0-1) fails to make it out of the fourth inning as he gives up six earned runs.

With two outs in the bottom of the 10th inning and the score tied at two against the Reds, Enos Cabell (.313) triples off of the wall in left-center and scores the winning run one batter later on a single by Cesar Cedeno (.278, 5 RBI) - his third of the game. Cedeno drives in all three of Houston's runs in the win.

Behind four hits from SS Freddie Patek (.500, 1 RBI) and a complete game seven-hitter from Andy Hassler (1-0, 1.00 ERA) , the Royals crush New York, 8-1. Hassler quiets the mighty Yankee lineup, giving up seven hits while striking out three.

Other Scores
American League

Cleveland Texas

5 3

Minnesota Seattle

3 4

California Oakland

4 2

National League

Atlanta Los Angeles

3 11

Contract Signings

RF Otto Velez signed a 3-year extension worth a total of $2,387,160. He will earn $795,720 a year through 1980.

Major Transactions

SS Tim Foli claimed from Montreal and placed on the active roster. 2B Doug Griffin optioned to Triple A Pawtucket.

Short Season Single A
Jamestown Expos (4-2) at Niagara Falls Pirates (4-2)

Jamestown Niagara Falls

11 2

W: Bill Newton (2-0) L: Ramon Sanchez (0-2) S: Guaspar Hell (1)
HR – JAM: Richard Adams (1)
POG: Richard Adams (JAM) - 2-5, 3 R, 4 RBI, HR

No need to rely on the bullpen today as the offense was powered by multiple players. Richard Adams (.250, 1 HR, 7 RBI) hits a three-run blast and drives in four on the day and scoring three times, Bob Foster (.214) has three hits and scores three times while Jesus Lorenzo (.800, 4 RBI) drives in four runs with four singles. Bill Newton (0.73 ERA) pitches well, allowing four hits in just over seven innings and giving up two unearned runs thanks to two SS Mark Hutchinson errors (his third and fourth of the season).

[GrimmyDee]

Tuesday, April 12 - McCovey Leads By Example

39-year old Willie McCovey (.263, 5 RBI) drives in four runs on three hits - including a triple, Jack Clark (.400, 8 RBI) has two doubles, scores three runs and drives in three on his three hit day and Rob Andrews (.500, 2 RBI) adds three hits of his own as the Giants punish San Diego 15-3. Giants starter Jim Barr (2-0, 2.65 ERA) cruises to an easy complete game win, giving up seven hits and two earned runs while strike out four. Padres LF George Hendrick continues to deliver as he has three more hits, raising is batting average to a robust .563 while starter Randy Jones (0-2) doesn't make it out of the second inning - allowing eight earned runs.

Boston starter Luis Tiant (1-1, 4.73 ERA) holds the White Sox to four hits in 8 1/3 innings as the Red Sox shut Chicago out 6-0. Tiant leaves with two out in the ninth inning after a 35-minute rain delay. White Sox CF Chet Lemon (.308) has two of the five Chicago hits.

Steve Yeager (.278, 2 HR, 7 RBI) has three hits, scores three runs and drives in three more as Los Angeles destroys the Braves 13-1 in Dodger Stadium. CF Rick Monday (.429) adds three hits of his own and Steve Garvey (.400, 1 HR, 5 RBI) has three RBI to help pace the offense while Doug Rau (1-1, 5.11 ERA) throws his 22nd complete game of his career, scattering nine Atlanta hits while just giving up one run. Atlanta 2B Rod Gilbreath (.353) shines in defeat with three hits.

It took 16 innings, but Toronto finally defeats the Tigers when Steve Staggs (.360, 4 RBI) hits a two-out triple off of Bruce Taylor (0-1, 1.59 ERA) that scores Bob Bailor from second and gives the Blue Jays a 4-3 win. Taylor holds Toronto to three hits in 5 2/3 innings of relief until the 16th. The Blue Jays have a 3-2 lead going into the ninth inning until Detroit pinch-runner Mark Wagner scores on a single by pinch-hitter Willie Horton (.250, 4 RBI) that sent the game into extra innings.

Houston scores three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, thanks in part to a two-run double by Bob Watson (.278, 1 RBI), to get past the Reds 4-3 in the Astrodome. J.R. Richard (2-0, 2.81 ERA) collects his second win of the season and closer Joe Sambito (4.50 ERA) gets his second save.

Other Scores
American League

Baltimore Milwaukee

3 5

California Oakland

5 2

Minnesota Seattle

6 5

National League

Montreal Pittsburgh

9 1

St. Louis New York

4 1

Short Season Single A
Jamestown Expos (5-2) at Niagara Falls Pirates (4-3)

Jamestown Niagara Falls

3 5

W: Dan Davis (1-0) L: Sandro Duarte (0-1) S: Steven Garland (2)
HR – Saikaku Watanabe (1)
POG: Dan Davis (NF) 8.2 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 5 K

With all of our starters pretty fatigued (we only have four on the club), Sandro Duarte (0-1, 3.95 ERA) gets the spot start. While he was not terrible by any means - allowing eight hits and three runs over 6 2/3 innings - he just did not get the outs when he needed them most. Our late rally in the ninth falls short as Davis (3.18 ERA) and Garland (0.00 ERA) holds us to just five hits as a team.

[CatKnight]

Incredible detail. I'm really enjoying this, Grimmy!

[GrimmyDee]

Wednesday, April 13 - All-Star Boone Traded To LA

Just one day after having a career game against the Braves, Steve Yeager finds himself behind the plate of the Triple A Albuquerque Dukes once Los Angeles sends 29-year old 2B Lee Lacy (.267, 1 HR, 3 RBI) to the Phillies for 29-year old catcher Bob Boone (.250). Boone solidifies the catcher position for LA, and Johnny Oates will remain the backup - sending Yeager on the bus ride to New Mexico. In Philadelphia, Lacy goes back to his natural position at second after splitting time with Rafael Landestoy at shortstop as a Dodger. Terry Harmon, the second baseman before the trade, will move to the bench, ready to spell Lacy at second, Mike Schmidt at third or Craig Robinson at short.

Gaylord Perry (2-0) and his "alleged" spitball holds the Indians to just two hits as Texas blanks the Tribe 4-0. Perry strikes out five and lowers his earned run average to 0.53 amidst allegations from Cleveland manager Frank Robinson of using illegal substances on the baseball. None were found. "Listen, if Ellis can't even get it back to the pitcher because it's so gooped up, don't you think you should look into it?" Robinson said afterwards.

Yankees 3B Graig Nettles (.500, 4 HR, 9 RBI) hits two home runs and drives in four while Lou Pinella (.400) delivers four hits as New York crushes the Royals 12-2. Ed Figueroa (1.59 ERA) goes the distance giving up eight hits and both earned runs for his second win of the season.

Pittsburgh starter Jim Rooker (1-0, 0.00 ERA) holds the Expos to a Gary Carter (.375) single through eight innings as the Pirates blank Montreal 6-0. Rooker is lifted in the eighth for a pinch hitter as the Expos score four runs in the inning. Pittsburgh also steals five bases on Carter on the day.

For the second straight day, the Blue Jays and Tigers go into extra innings and once again Toronto comes out on top as Otto Velez (.333, 4 HR, 9 RBI) hits his third home run in as many days in the bottom of the 11th inning off of Detroit reliever Jim Crawford (0-1) to give the Blue Jays a 7-5 victory. Steve Staggs (.433, 5 RBI) has four more hits after hitting the game-winner yesterday and Bob Bailor (.300) adds three more.

Starter Pete Falcone (0-1, 3.38 ERA) throws a complete game four-hitter, but gives up three runs as St. Louis falls to the Mets 3-0. Nino Espinosa (1-0, 0.00 ERA) and Skip Lockwood (2 SVs) combine to throw a six-hitter for New York.

Oakland's Vida Blue (1-1, 1.02 ERA) scatters eight hits and strikes out nine in a 3-0 complete game shutout against the Angels. Rodney Scott steals three bases for the A's and now has seven for the season.

Minnesota scores three times in the top of the ninth inning off of Mariners closer Enrique Romo (0-2, 2 BS, 31.50 ERA) to beat Seattle 5-4. Butch Wynegar (.400, 8 RBI) clinches it with a two-RBI single.

Other Scores
American League

Boston Chicago

1 4

National League

San Francisco San Diego

4 3

Chicago Philadelphia

6 4

Cincinnati Houston

4 1

Atlanta Los Angeles

6 4

Trades

Philadelphia deals 29-year-old C Bob Boone ($101,250 over 1 year) to Los Angeles for 29-year-old 2B Lee Lacy ($84,750 over 1 year).

To Philadelphia:

Lee Lacy 1976 Stats 1977 Stats

AVG .269 .267

AB 338 15

H 91 4

R 42 3

2B 11 0

3B 3 0

HR 3 1

RBI 34 3

BB 22 0

K 25 2

OBP .314 .267

SLG .346 .467

To Los Angeles:

Bob Boone 1976 Stats 1977 Stats

AVG .271 .250

AB 361 8

H 98 2

R 40 1

2B 18 1

3B 2 0

HR 4 0

RBI 54 0

BB 45 0

K 44 1

OBP .348 .250

SLG .366 .375

Injuries

	MR Warren Brusstar is expected to miss about 1-2 weeks with a dead arm. He is placed on the 15-day disabled list. 1B Richie Hebner placed back on the active list from waivers.

C Biff Pocoroba is day-to-day for about 4 days with a strained hamstring.

Contract Signings

C Darrell Porter signs a 3-year extention worth a total of $558,000. He will earn $186,000 a year through 1980.

Major Transactions

2B Lee Lacy placed on the active roster (from trade). C Tim Blackwell (.300, 6 RBI) contract purchased from Double A Reading. 3B Jim Morrison optioned to Triple A Oklahoma City.

C Bob Boone placed on the active roster (from trade). SS Bill Russell (.260, 5 RBI) recalled from Triple A Albuquerque. C Steve Yeager (.278, 2 HR, 7 RBI) optioned to Triple A Albuquerque.

Short Season Single A
Jamestown Expos (5-3) at Niagara Falls Pirates (5-3)

Jamestown Niagara Falls

11 5

W: Jeff Bradley (1-2) L: Martin Stevenson (0-1)
HR – Juan Madrigal (3)
POG: Juan Madrigal (JAM) 2-5, 2 R, 4 RBI, 2B, HR

A seven run second inning helped us cruise to an easy victory as Richard Adams (.273, 8 RBI), Mark Hutchinson (.265, 2 RBI) and Dave Kramer (.350) each has three hits while Alfonzo Aranda (.270, 6 RBI) and Robinson Diaz (.320, 4 RBI) drive in two runners each. Not to mention the fantastic display from Juan Madrigal (.344, 3 HR, 9 RBI) - who when he hits the ball, he hits the ball REALLY hard.

[GrimmyDee]

Thursday, April 14 - Ross Twirls A Shutout

California starter Gary Ross (2-0, 0.50 ERA) holds the A's offense to just a first inning single by Wayne Gross (.200) and strikes out five as he shuts out Oakland 5-0 at the Oakland Coliseum. Ross then retired the next 22 straight batters before allowing a ninth inning walk to Rodney Scott. Angels leadoff hitter Jerry Remy (.410, 1 HR, 5 RBI) collects three singles and his first home run of the year while scoring three of the Angels five runs. Bobby Bonds (.179), Don Baylor (.351), Ken Landreaux (.438, 4 RBI) and Thad Bosley (.500, 2 RBI) each have a pair of hits in California's 13-hit attack.

Bert Blyleven (2-0, 0.53 ERA) throws eights innings of four-hit ball as the Rangers beat Cleveland 4-1. Dennis Eckersley (0-2) pitches a complete game for the Tribe, lowering his ERA to 8.03.

For the third straight day, the Blue Jays score late to defeat the Tigers - this time 2-1. Gary Woods (.227, 1 HR, 3 RBI) hits a home run in the bottom of the eighth inning off of Dave Rozema (1-1) for the game-winner. Toronto starter Jeff Bryd (1.93 ERA) gives up no earned runs in eight innings but leaves the game with a finger blister.

Other Scores
American League

Baltimore Milwaukee

7 9

Minnesota Seattle

1 11

National League

San Francisco San Diego

3 1

St. Louis New York

4 3

Injuries

	SP Jeff Byrd is expected to miss about 1-2 weeks with a finger blister. He is placed on the 15-day disabled list. SP Jesse Jefferson (1-1, 5.06 ERA - AAA) recalled from Triple A Beloeil. Jefferson will assume Byrd's spot in the starting rotation.

Short Season Single A
Virginia Beach Toreadors (4-5) at Jamestown Expos (6-3)

Virginia Beach Jamestown

6 3

W: Alex Cholmeley (1-0) L: Guaspar Hell (0-1) S: Gulussa Alami (2)
HR – None
POG: Ron Tankersley (VB) 3-5, R, RBI

Our starter Aurelio Roman (2.66 ERA) left the game after giving up two runs in 7 1/3 innings with a runner on second and me thinking our awesome bullpen can pull this out. Wrong. Brian Little (1 BS) lets in that tying run and our "awesome" closer Guaspar Hell (0-1, 11.57 ERA) manages just one out in allowing three runs in the top of the 10th. Nice work closer. Tankersley (.273, 5 RBI) and Julian Urmston (.333) each have three hits for Virginia Beach. Good luck getting to the bigs with a name like Julian, Julian.

[GrimmyDee]

Originally Posted by CatKnight

Incredible detail. I'm really enjoying this, Grimmy!

I didn't forget about you Cat, as I truly appreciate your comments. I am getting a kick out of your fictional Giants dynasty as well!

Now that I have gotten through two weeks of birthday parties and a few formatting issues I should be churning these out more often.

Hopefully this formatting shows up OK with all of the browers, if not please let me know.

[GrimmyDee]

Friday, April 15 - Wills Hits For Cycle Against Baltimore

Texas 2B Bump Wills (.464, 1 HR, 7 RBI) accomplished a rare feat when he hits for the cycle in a 12-6 win over Baltimore. Wills goes 4-for-4 on the day, scoring three runs while driving in another three. He doubled in the first inning, singled in the third, walked in the fourth, tripled in the sixth, then finished things off with a three-run blast off of Scott McGregor in the seventh inning. C John Ellis (.450, 3 RBI) has four hits while Jim Fregosi (.333, 1 RBI) and Roy Howell (.133, 1 RBI) have three each in a Rangers 20-hit barrage. Pat Kelly (.320, 3 RBI) and Doug DeCinces (.174) each have a trio of hits in the loss.

Oakland starter Doc Medich (2-0, 3.45 ERA) scatters eight hits and strikes out four while blanking the Twins 7-0 at Metropolitan Stadium. C Manny Sanguillen (.292, 1 HR, 6 RBI) delivers four hits to lead the offense.

Pittsburgh's Bruce Kison (1-0, 1.53 ERA) gives up eight hits, but no runs while striking out five in leading the Pirates to a 5-0 win over the Cardinals. Kison goes 8 2/3 innings before Pittsburgh manager pulls him for closer Kent Tekulve, who gets his third save.

Steve Carlton (0.53 ERA) goes eight innings to get his second win and Expos starter Steve Rogers (0-2, 4.91 ERA) strikes out nine over 8 1/3 innings, but it is an RBI single by newly acquired Lee Lacy (.273, 4 RBI) in the top of the eighth that decides it as Philadelphia slips by Montreal.

Detroit's Mark Fidrych (2-0, 2.50 ERA) pitches his second complete game, LF John Wockenfuss (.429) delivers three hits and Jason Thompson (.343, 11 RBI) drives in five runs as the Tigers take advantage of four Kansas City errors - two by George Brett - to beat the Royals 12-4.

Pete Rose (.290) has three hits and Ed Armbrister (.571, 3 RBI) knocks in three runs as Cincinnati hands San Diego it's eighth consecutive loss, 8-3. San Diego and Baltimore (0-6) are the only winless team in the league to date.

Other Scores
American League

New York Milwaukee

10 2

Toronto Chicago

2 1

Seattle California

4 5

National League

Los Angeles San Francisco

7 2

Chicago New York

6 1

Houston Atlanta

6 1

Contract Signings

MR Darold Knowles (5-7, 9 SV, 2.89 ERA - 1976) signed a 3-year extension worth a total of $2,387,160. He will earn $286,000 a year through 1979.

Major Transactions

SS Bill Russell was designated for assignment and placed on waivers. 2B Ted Martinez (.267, 2 HR, 5 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Albuquerque. Martinez will assume the starting SS position, Rafael Landestoy (.167, 2 RBI) moving to the bench.

MR Bill Butler optioned to Triple A Tacoma. MR Jim Shellenback (2.08 ERA - AAA) recalled from Triple A Tacoma. Shellenback will replace Butler in the bullpen in a middle relief role.

Short Season Single A
Virginia Beach Toreadors (5-5) at Jamestown Expos (6-4)

Virginia Beach Jamestown

1 6

W: Bill Newton (3-0) L: Christian Cowan (1-1)
HR – None
POG: Bill Newton (JAM) 8.2 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K

I know, how could I pull a starter with one out to go for a complete game when I have a five run lead? I don't even have a good answer for that. Newton (0.86 ERA) pitched outstanding and has quickly shown to be the front runner on our rotation. Jesus Rivera (.300) has a pair of hits, Paco Bruno scores twice and Robinson Diaz (.313, 6 RBI) drives in two as we cruise to victory after a five-run third inning.

[captaincarl]

I was in my senior year in high school when the expansion of '77 was done.

The write ups are nice. Keep up the good work.

[GrimmyDee]

Saturday, April 16 - Krukow Mystifies Everyone

Just five days after being brought up from Triple A Iowa, White Sox pitcher Mike Krukow (1-0, 0.00 ERA) shuts out Toronto 6-0 on four hits and six strikeouts while walking none in his first major league start. The problem lies in the fact that there is nobody that actually knows how Krukow arrived in Iowa. "Hey, I don't handle the contracts and stuff like that. People show up to play and I play 'em." White Sox manager Bob Lemon said afterward. "The better they are, the more they play. Krackow just showed up one day and I threw him out there because we were short on arms." Little is known just how Krukow came to be in the White Sox organization, but many believe he took the wrong train out of Chicago after spring training and nobody noticed. When asked for information on the loss of Krukow, sources from the Cubs front office have been quoted as saying "Mike who?"

With two out in the top of the ninth, the Dodgers Davey Lopes (.361, 4 SB) steals second then scores two pitches later as newly acquired C Bob Boone (.273, 2 RBI) singles to right for the game winner.

Expos starter Jackie Brown (2-0, 1.13 ERA) strikes out 11 in eight innings as he leads Montreal to a 3-0 win over the Phillies. Brown allows only five hits, but is pulled for a pinch hitter in the ninth.

Jim Colbrun (1-1, 4.11 ERA) holds Detroit to only three hits in a complete game effort and Bob Molinaro (.375, 2 RBI) has three hits and three steals as the Royals beat Detroit 6-1. Kansas City steals six bases as a team off of Tigers catcher Milt May. New starting catcher John Wathan (.400, 5 RBI) has three RBI and hits his first home run of the year.

Cubs starter Bill Bonham (0.73 ERA) and New York's Craig Swan (0.00 ERA) both throw shutout baseball for eight innings but both get no-decisions when C John Sterns (.207, 2 RBI) doubles home pinch-runner Pepe Mangual in the bottom of the ninth to give the Mets a 1-0 win over Chicago.

Baltimore wins thier first game of the season with a 2-1 squeaker over the Rangers - leaving San Diego as the only winless team so far this season. Mike Flanagan (1-0, 1.13 ERA) gives up seven hits over eight innings while Texas starter Nelson Briles (0-2, 3.24 ERA) throws a complete game in the loss, giving up six hits and striking out eight.

Dave Collins (.327, 7 RBI) leads off the top of the 10th inning with a triple off of California reliever Don Kirkwood (0-1), then scores soon after as Kirkwood uncorks a pitch to the screen to give the Mariners a 2-1 victory. Angels starter Frank Tanana (1.05 ERA) goes 8 2/3 innings, giving up an unearned run and striking out eight while scattering six hits. SS Jimmy Sexton (.300) has three hits for Seattle.

Other Scores
American League

Boston Cleveland

2 1

New York Milwaukee

1 2

National League

Pittsburgh St. Louis

7 4

Houston Atlanta

2 6

Cincinnati San Diego

7 5

Trades

Baltimore trades 34-year-old 1B Lee May ($214,000 over 1 year) to Kansas City in exchange for 25-year-old catcher Darrell Porter ($145,000 over 1 year).

To Baltimore:

Darrell Porter 1976 Stats 1977 Stats

AVG .208 .455

AB 389 22

H 81 10

R 43 2

2B 14 1

3B 1 0

HR 5 0

RBI 32 1

BB 51 2

K 61 3

OBP .298 .500

SLG .288 .500

To Kansas City:

Lee May 1976 Stats 1977 Stats

AVG .258 .222

AB 530 9

H 137 2

R 61 0

2B 17 0

3B 4 0

HR 25 0

RBI 109 0

BB 41 0

K 104 2

OBP .312 .222

SLG .447 .222

Injuries

SS Alan Trammell is expected to miss about 2-3 months with a torn back muscle. He is placed on the 15-day disabled list. SS Tom Veryzer (.152, 3 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Evansville. Veryzer will take over the everyday SS duties.

Contract Signings

RF Ken Singleton (.407) signs a 4-year extension worth a total of $9,408,000. He will earn $2,352,000 a year through 1981. He has a $100,000 Most Valuable Player incentive.

Major Transactions

1B Lee May is placed on the active roster (from trade). 1B Pete LaCock (.167) is designated for assignment and placed on waivers. 3B Cookie Rojas (.000, 1 AB) is designated for assignment and placed on waivers. C Buck Martinez (.360, 2 HR, 12 RBI - AAA) recalled from triple A Omaha. Martinez will backup starting catcher John Wathan. RF Al Cowens assigned to Triple A Omaha (from waivers). LF Joe Lahoud assigned to Triple A Omaha (from waivers). 2B Dave Nelson placed on the active roster (from waivers).

C Darrell Porter placed on the active roster (from trade). C Dave Skaggs optioned to Triple A Rochester. Porter will take over as starting catcher with Rick Dempsey as the backup. MR Earl Stephenson optioned to Triple A Rochester. MR Ed Farmer (1-0, 4.05 ERA - AAA) recalled from Triple A Rochester. Farmer will take over for Stephenson in the bullpen. 2B Rich Dauer (.413, 2 HR, 9 RBI - AAA) contract purchased from Triple A Rochester.

SS Rob Picciolo optioned to Triple A San Jose. C Tim Hosley (.100, 1 HR, 4 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A San Jose. Hosley will serve no real purpose aside from great comic relief.

Short Season Single A
Virginia Beach Toreadors (5-6) at Jamestown Expos (7-4)

Virginia Beach Jamestown

0 6

W: Juan Carlos Garcia (2-0) L: Manny Infante (0-1)
HR – JAM: Robinson Diaz (1)
POG: Juan Carlos Garcia (JAM) 9 IP, 7 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 K

While I could say alot about the timely hitting or the three-run blast by Robinson Diaz (.306, 1 HR, 9 RBI), the story tonight was really all about Juan Carlos (1.10 ERA), who once again left me breathe a little easier as a manager. My only fear is that with continued success, he will be shipped up to Single A West Palm Beach soon, leaving me with just three starters - because you know damn well they won't ship any down here.

[GrimmyDee]

Who's Hot

Name

Since

Team

G

AB

R

H

HR

RBI

SB

AVG

OBP

SLG

Tony Solaita George Hendrick Bump Wills Steve Kemp Al Oliver

4/6 4/6 4/9 4/7 4/7

CAL SD TEX DET PIT

9 7 6 6 6

26 21 23 25 23

4 4 5 8 5

11 10 12 12 11

2 1 1 3 1

7 5 7 4 7

0 0 1 0 4

.423 .476 .522 .480 .478

.545 .500 .538 .567 .520

.731 .762 .826 .880 .826

Who's Not

Name

Since

Team

G

AB

R

H

HR

RBI

SB

AVG

OBP

SLG

Gary Woods Ray Fosse Omar Moreno Al Woods Richie Zisk

4/10 4/7 4/7 4/10 4/9

TOR CLE PIT TOR CWS

6 6 6 6 5

20 22 23 23 21

1 1 2 0 1

1 2 3 3 2

1 0 0 0 0

1 1 1 1 0

0 0 1 0 0

.050 .091 .130 .130 .095

.050 .087 .130 .200 .095

.200 .136 .130 .130 .190

League Leaders

AL Batting Average

NL Batting Average

1 3 4 5 6 7 8

Name Graig Nettles Carl Yastrzemski Jim Spencer Bump Wills Ralph Garr Don Money Steve Kemp Ken Singleton

Tm NYY BOS CWS TEX CWS MIL DET BAL

AVG .500 .500 .458 .452 .444 .435 .414 .407

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Name Manny Trillo Al Oliver Terry Puhl Dave Parker Bill Madlock Phil Gardner Ken Griffey Darrell Evans

Tm CUB PIT HOU PIT SF PIT CIN SF

AVG .526 .444 .435 .433 .406 .400 .387 .375

AL Home Runs

NL Home Runs

1 2 5 7

Name Otto Velez Larry Hisle Reggie Jackson Graig Nettles Glenn Adams Steve Kemp Bobby Bonds Pat Kelly

Tm TOR MIN NYY NYY MIN DET CAL BAL

HR 5 4 4 4 3 3 2 2

1 3

Name Reggie Smith Bob Watson Jack Clark Jerry Davanon Rick Monday Doug Rader Gary Thomasson Steve Yeager

Tm LA HOU SF STL LA SD SF AAA

HR 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2

AL Runs Batted In

NL Runs Batted In

1 3 5 8

Name Don Baylor Jason Thompson Reggie Jackson Otto Velez Graig Nettles Tony Solaita Butch Wynegar Glenn Adams

Tm CAL DET NYY TOR NYY CAL MIN MIN

RBI 11 11 10 10 9 9 9 8

1 2 4 7

Name Johnny Bench Jack Clark Al Oliver Steve Garvey Reggie Smith Steve Yeager Cesar Cedeno Willie McCovey

Tm CIN SF PIT LA LA AAA HOU SF

RBI 11 8 8 7 7 7 6 6

AL Stolen Bases

NL Stolen Bases

1 3 5 8

Name Jerry Remy Rodney Scott Bobby Bonds Dave Collins Thad Bosley Larry Lintz Mitchell Page Juan Beniquez

Tm CAL OAK CAL SEA CAL OAK OAK TEX

SB 9 9 6 6 5 5 5 4

1 2 3 8

Name Joe Morgan Phil Garner Cesar Cedeno Davey Lopes Al Oliver Frank Tavares Gary Templeton Enos Cabell

Tm CIN PIT HOU LA PIT PIT STL HOU

SB 10 5 4 4 4 4 4 3

AL On-Base + Slugging

NL On-Base + Slugging

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Name Graig Nettles Reggie Jackson Steve Kemp Jim Spencer Carl Yastrzemski Bump Wills Tony Solaita Glenn Adams

Tm NYY NYY DET CWS BOS TEX CAL MIN

OPS 1.645 1.279 1.259 1.230 1.193 1.148 1.145 1.125

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Name Al Oliver Manny Trillo Darrell Evans Jerry Davanon Rick Monday Dave Parker Ken Griffey Mike Schmidt

Tm PIT CUB SF STL LA PIT CIN PHI

OPS 1.223 1.177 1.111 1.042 1.039 1.035 1.021 1.012

AL VORP

NL VORP

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Name Graig Nettles Steve Kemp Bump Wills Mitchell Page Tony Solaita Reggie Jackson Glenn Adams Jim Spencer

Tm NYY DET TEX OAK CAL NYY MIN CWS

VORP 8.1 7.6 7.3 7.0 6.9 6.8 6.2 5.9

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Name Al Oliver Ken Griffey Manny Trillo George Hendrick Bobby Valentine Bill Madlock Rick Monday Bob Watson

Tm PIT CIN CUB SD SD SF LA HOU

VORP 6.7 5.8 5.7 5.4 5.3 5.1 5.0 4.9

AL Earned Run Average

NL Earned Run Average

1 2 3 5 6 7

Name Mike Krukow Gary Ross Gaylord Perry Bert Blyleven Vida Blue Frank Tanana Ken Kravec Mike Flanagan

Tm CWS CAL TEX TEX OAK CAL CWS BAL

ERA 0.00 0.50 0.53 0.53 1.02 1.05 1.13 1.13

1 5 6 7 8

Name Craig Swan Jim Rooker Bob Knepper Nino Espinosa Steve Carlton Bill Bonham Steve Renko Jackie Brown

Tm NYM PIT SF NYM PHI CUB CUB MON

ERA 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.53 0.73 1.00 1.13

AL Wins

NL Wins

1

Name Doyle Alexander Bert Blyleven Jim Clancy Dock Ellis Mark Fidrych Ed Figueroa Doc Medich Gaylord Perry

Tm TEX TEX TOR NYY DET NYY OAK TEX

W 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

1 8

Name Jim Barr Jack Billingham Jackie Brown Steve Carlton Fred Norman Jerry Reuss J.R. Richard Don Sutton

Tm SF CIN MON PHI CIN PIT HOU LA

W 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

AL Saves

NL Saves

1 2 3 7 8

Name Dick Drago Tom Johnson Bill Castro Dave LaRoche Sparky Lyle Pete Vukovich Adrian Devine Doug Bair

Tm CAL MIN MIL CLE NYY TOR TEX OAK

SV 5 4 3 3 3 3 2 1

1 2 3

Name Kent Tekulve Rawly Eastwick Charle Hough Al Hrabosky Joe Kerrigan Gary Lavelle Skip Lockwood Joe Sambito

Tm PIT CIN LA STL MON SF NYM HOU

SV 4 3 2 2 2 2 2 2

AL Strikeouts

NL Strikeouts

1 3 4 6 7 8

Name Nolan Ryan Frank Tanana Vida Blue Jeff Byrd Dave Goltz Bert Blyleven Nelson Briles Dennis Leonard

Tm CAL CAL OAK TOR MIN TEX TEX DET

K 21 21 14 13 13 12 11 11

1 2 5

Name Jackie Brown Bruce Kison J.R. Richard Tom Seaver Joaquin Andujar John Denny Jerry Koosman Bob Owchinko

Tm MON PIT HOU NYM HOU STL NYM SD

K 16 12 12 12 11 11 11 11

AL Walks + Hits per IP

NL Walks + Hits per IP

1 2 4 5 6 7

Name Mike Krukow Ken Kravec Reggie Cleveland Gary Ross Bert Blyleven Ed Figueroa Dave Rozema Gaylord Perry

Tm CWS CWS BOS CAL TEX NYY DET TEX

WHP 0.44 0.50 0.50 0.61 0.65 0.76 0.88 0.88

1 2 3 4 5 6 8

Name Steve Carlton Ken Forsch Andy Messersmith Jack Billingham Don Stanhouse Jim Rooker Pete Falcone Jerry Reuss

Tm PHI HOU ATL CIN MON PIT STL PIT

WHP 0.71 0.75 0.83 0.84 0.86 0.88 0.88 0.93

AL VORP

NL VORP

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Name Frank Tanana Gary Ross Gaylord Perry Bert Blyleven Vida Blue Fergie Jenkins Ed Figueroa Mark Fidrych

Tm CAL CAL TEX TEX OAK BOS NYY DET

VORP 10.5 8.9 8.5 8.3 7.8 6.7 6.5 5.4

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Name Steve Carlton Fred Norman Bruce Kison Andy Messersmith Jackie Brown Bill Bonham Don Sutton Jim Rooker

Tm PHI CIN PIT ATL MON CUB LA PIT

VORP 8.4 7.2 6.7 6.4 6.3 5.9 5.5 4.5

Standings
American League Eastern Division

Name	W	L	PCT	GB	G	L10	STR	POW	LW
Toronto Blue Jays New York Yankees Boston Red Sox Detroit Tigers Cleveland Indians Milwaukee Brewers Baltimore Orioles	7 5 3 4 3 3 1	2 2 3 5 4 4 6	.778 .714 .500 .444 .429 .429 .143	-- 1.0 2.5 3.0 3.0 3.0 5.0	9 7 6 9 7 7 7	7-2 5-2 3-3 4-5 3-4 3-4 1-6	L1 L1 L2 L1 W1 W1 W1	4 6 14 15 17 16 25	4 5 12 11 15 23 21

American League Western Division

Name	W	L	PCT	GB	G	L10	STR	POW	LW
California Angels Texas Rangers Minnesota Twins Kansas City Royals Oakland Athletics Chicago White Sox Seattle Mariners	9 6 5 3 3 2 3	2 2 4 4 6 5 8	.818 .750 .556 .429 .333 .286 .273	-- 1.5 3.0 4.0 5.0 5.0 6.0	11 8 9 7 9 7 11	8-2 6-2 5-4 3-4 3-6 2-5 3-7	L1 L1 W1 W1 L1 W1 W1	2 5 10 18 21 22 23	1 6 8 18 19 22 26

National League Eastern Division

Name	W	L	PCT	GB	G	L10	STR	POW	LW
Pittsburgh Pirates Chicago Cubs Montreal Expos New York Mets Philadelphia Phillies St. Louis Cardinals	6 5 3 3 2 2	1 2 3 5 4 6	.857 .714 .500 .375 .333 .250	-- 1.0 2.5 3.5 3.0 4.5	7 7 6 8 6 8	6-1 5-2 3-3 3-5 2-4 2-6	W3 L1 W1 W1 L1 L2	1 7 11 19 20 24	3 14 20 13 7 24

National League Western Division

Name	W	L	PCT	GB	G	L10	STR	POW	LW
Cincinnati Reds Los Angeles Dodgers San Francisco Giants Atlanta Braves Houston Astros San Diego Padres	7 5 5 4 4 0	2 3 3 4 4 9	.778 .625 .625 .500 .500 .000	-- 1.5 1.5 2.5 2.5 7.0	9 8 8 8 8 9	7-2 5-3 5-3 4-4 4-4 0-9	W3 W2 L2 W1 L1 L9	3 8 9 12 13 26	2 10 17 9 16 25

[GrimmyDee]

Sunday, April 17 - Yaz Slam Crushes Tribe

Carl Yastrzemski (.481, 2 HR, 8 RBI) hits a ninth inning grand slam to help lead Boston over the Indians 8-0 in the first game of a doubleheader. Luis Tiant (2-1, 3.00 ERA) scatters nine hits, but gives up no runs over 7 2/3 innings and Bill Campbell (0.00 ERA) picks up his second save by getting the final four outs on 12 pitches. In game two, Yaz delivers again with two doubles and another key single as the Red Sox hold off the Tribe 9-6. Yaz scores two runs and drives in another while Jim Rice (.313, 9 RBI) gets drives in a pair of runners with a single and double. Rico Carty (.310, 2 HR, 9 RBI) hits a grand slam of his own and drives in five runners on the day in the loss.

Andy Hassler (2-0, 0.50 ERA) continues to pitch well, holding the Tigers to four hits and striking out five in a 5-0 win - ruining the return of Dennis Leonard (1-1) to Royals Stadium. Bob Molinaro steals three more bases off of Tigers C Milt May - giving him six in the last two days.

Mets starter Tom Seaver (1-1, 2.74 ERA) goes eight strong innings in beating Chicago 7-1 at Shea Stadium. Seaver gives up just three hits and a unearned run while striking out eight Cubs hitters. Mike Phillips (.214, 4 RBI) has three RBI, but also commits his fifth error of the season at third base.

Pat Kelly (.333, 6 RBI) hits a bases loaded, two-out double in the top of the 14th inning to give Baltimore a 6-4 win over the Rangers and an actual two game winning streak. Newly acquired C Darrell Porter (.433, 1 HR, 5 RBI) has three hits and three RBI for the Orioles, including his first home run of the season. Texas 3B Roy Howell (.216) connects on four hits in the loss.

Milwaukee SS Robin Yount (.314) has four hits - three of them doubles, his last coming in the bottom of the 16th inning to set up a game-winning single by Don Money (.414, 6 RBI) for a 9-8 victory over the Yankees. Cecil Cooper (.265) also has four hits for the Brewers and Jim Wohlford (.211, 5 RBI) drives in four runners for the home team. American League hitting leader Graig Nettles (.481) has three more hits for New York.

The Dodgers score three run in the top of the eigth inning to take the lead then hang on to defeat San Francisco, 7-6. Davy Lopes (.400, 7 RBI) has three hits for Los Angeles and Bob Boone (.296, 3 RBI) hits a key double with two runners on in the eighth.

Cincinnati's Gary Nolan (1-0, 1.62 ERA) outduels Randy Jones (0-3, 5.79 ERA) of the Padres as the Reds win 2-1. Jones pitches all nine innings, giving up four hits and both runs, but Nolan was a bit better, giving up two hits in eight innings and allowing one earned run.

Other Scores
American League

Toronto Chicago

1 3

Oakland Minnesota

5 4

Seattle California

2 5

National League

Pittsburgh St. Louis

5 3

Houston Atlanta

5 6

Philadelphia Montreal

7 5

Injuries

SP John Candelaria is expected to miss about 2 weeks with a dead arm. He is placed on the 15-day disabled list. MR Tim Jones (1-0, 1 SV, 1.47 ERA - AAA) contract purchased from Triple A Evansville. Jones will report to the bullpen while Terry Forster will make any starts if needed.

LF Jim Wohlford is expected to miss about 1 week with a fractured finger. He is placed on the 15-day disabled list. LF Dick Davis (.390, 4 HR, 13 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Spokane. Davis will be in the outfield ... in between innings playing catch with the right fielder.

Short Season Single A
No Game Scheduled

[GrimmyDee]

Just realized I skipped Saturday before the Weekly Stats. Fixed. More to come soon.

[GrimmyDee]

Monday, April 18 - Padres Streak Ends At Ten


The winless streak is finally over at 10 for San Diego as Bob Shirley (1-0, 2.84 ERA) throws eight innings of shutout baseball, giving up just two hits while striking out five and the Padres beat Atlanta 6-1. Gary Sutherland (.160, 3 RBI) had two hits, including a two-run double in the fifth inning that gave San Diego a three run lead they would not give up. Phil Niekro (1-2) of the Braves allows five hits and strikes out nine, but six walks help contribute to six runs (four earned) in the loss.

"It feels good to get this albatross off of our backs." manager John McNamera said afterward. "Now if we can just string a few wins together so we don't get left behind in the pennant race."

Bill Pocoroba (.278, 4 RBI) provided the only bright spot for the Braves, hitting his second home run of the year to lead off the ninth inning against Rollie Fingers.



Tigers rookie LF Steve Kemp (.455) has three hits and Phil Mankowski (.250, 2 HR, 7 RBI) drives in four with a triple and a home run to lead Detroit to a 7-5 win over the Red Sox. Dwight Evans (.313) has three hits for Boston.


Nino Espinosa (2-0, 0.00 ERA) scatters nine hits over 8 1/3 innings and the Mets score three runs in the final two innings off of St. Louis reliever Clay Carroll (0-1) to beat the Cardinals, 3-0. Starter Pete Falcone (1.80 ERA) held New York to just four hits over seven innings before being replaced for a pinch-hitter.


Chris Chambliss (.235, 1 HR, 6 RBI) hits a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to brak a one-all tie and give the Yankees a 3-1 win over division leading Toronto. Chambliss and Reggie Jackson (.395) combine for six of New York's nine hits.


In an anticlimatic ending to an otherwise exciting game, Greg Gross (.192, 5 RBI) brings home Manny Trillo with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Cubs a 5-4 victory over Philadelphia. Chicago loads the bases with nobody out off of Phillies closer Gene Garber (0-1, 3.38 ERA) before the sacrific ends it.


Baltimore scores two runs in the bottom of the first inning then holds on to defeat the Tribe 2-1 and win their third consecutive game after losing thier first six. Scotty McGregor (1-0, 3.38 ERA) goes eight innings for his first win and Wayne Garland (1-2, 3.38 ERA) goes the distance for Cleveland in the loss.


Other Scores
American League

Minnesota Kansas City

2 5

Texas Seattle

1 5

National League

Los Angeles Cincinnati

5 3

Pittsburgh Montreal

9 5

Injuries

MR Terry Forster is day-to-day for about 2 days with a migrane. Having to move from the bullpen to the rotation would give me a headache too.

Major Transactions

SS Bill Russell is claimed from Los Angeles and placed on the active roster. SS Matt Alexander (.143, 1 RBI) optioned to Triple A San Jose. Russell will take over as starting SS for Rodney Scott, who will move to 2B. Larry Lintz is the odd man out, taking his .429 average to the bench.

3B Tommy Helms (.000, 2 AB) is designated for assignment and placed on waivers. LF Mike Easler (.175, 1 RBI) recalled from Triple A Columbus. Easler will perform backup duties to the corner outfield spots.

Short Season Single A
Jamestown Expos (8-4) at Geneva Cubs (4-8)

Jamestown Geneva

2 3

W: Mike Champagne (2-2) L: Sandro Duarte (0-2)
HR – None
POG: Mike Champagne (GEN) 9 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 7 K

Jeff Bradley (3.60 ERA) pitched beautifully for us, throwing eight shutout innings going into the ninth. Alas, he gave up two runs (one earned) without recording an out - I had to make the change. Unfortunately, I made the change to Sandro Duarte (2 BS, 4.61 ERA), who proceeded to finish things off by allowing three more hits - still without getting anyone out - and watching our great effort go down the tubes. Alfredo Aranda (.280) and Mark Hutchinson (.298) each have a pair of singles and Bob Foster (.235, 5 RBI) drives in two runs but a loss is a loss - and this one hurts.

[GrimmyDee]

Tuesday, April 19 - Oglivie Powers Detroit


Detroit RF Ben Oglivie (.209, 4 HR, 9 RBI) hits two home runs and drives in five runs while C John Wockenfuss (.354, 1 HR, 3 RBI) adds three more RBI as the Tigers beat Boston 9-4. Wockenfuss opens the scoring in the second inning after a Jason Thompson (.306, 1 HR, 12 RBI) double, driving him home with his first home of the year. In the fourth, Ron LeFlore (.320) starts the inning with a single, then Oglivie and Thompson go back-to-back blasts to give the Tigers a 5-0 lead. After an RBI single by Butch Hobson (.250, 6 RBI) gets Boston on the board, Oglivie puts the nail in the coffin the following frame with a three-run shot that just cleared the right field wall for a seven run lead. Rick Burleson (.163, 5 RBI) tries to get the Sox back into it as he smacks a two-run triple to score Carlton Fisk (.357) and George Scott - then scores himself on a single by Carl Yastrzemski (.438, 9 RBI). Oglivie finishes the scoring in the eighth, coming home on a Wockenfuss ground out for the final score.

The win may come at a cost for Detroit, as starter Dave Rozema (2.50 ERA) leaves the game in the second inning with an undisclosed back injury.


The duo of Dave Winfield (.133, 1 HR, 7 RBI) and George Hendrick (.371, 3 HR, 8 RBI) lead San Diego to a 11-10 slugfest win over the Braves. Winfield drives in five Padres and Hendrick homers twice to drive in three more as San Diego hits five home runs as a team, however it is Mike Ivie (.211, 3 RBI) who singles home Gene Tenace in the top of the ninth inning for the game-winner. CF Rowland Office (.333, 7 RBI) and 3B Junior Moore (.438, 7 RBI) each have four hits for Atlanta in the loss.


Pittsburgh scores three runs in the final two innings to come from behind and beat the Expos 5-3. LF Bill Robinson (.273, 1 RBI) has three hits for the Pirates, including a key RBI single in the eighth that tied the game. Warren Cromartie (.250) has three base knocks for Montreal.


Cleveland tees off on the Orioles bullpen as they score five runs in the ninth inning off of closer Tippy Martinez (0-1, 2 BS, 31.50 ERA) and Mike Parrott (13.51 ERA) to defeat Baltimore 7-4. Bill Melton (.182, 1 RBI) has three hits for the Tribe and Baltimore's Ken Singleton (.425) collects four hits in the losing effort.


The Angels get three solo home runs from Ike Hampton (.417, 2 HR, 3 RBI), Tony Solaita (.447, 4 HR, 12 RBI) and newly acquired Ted Martinez (.167, 1 HR, 1 RBI) while starter Paul Hartzell (2-1, 3.00 ERA) holds Chicago to five hits and two runs over eight innings while striking out four as California wins, 3-2. White Sox starter Ken Kravec (1-1) throws his second career complete game in the loss.


The Dodgers have reached a deal that will send 29-year old SS Ted Martinez - who has had fewer than 100 at-bats since 1974 to California in exchange for 27-year old American League RBI leader Don Baylor. No word on whether the trade had any impact on contract negotiations with SP Don Sutton.


Other Scores
American League

Toronto New York

5 2

Milwaukee Oakland

7 2

Minnesota Kansas City

3 5

Texas Seattle

4 3

National League

San Francisco Houston

9 8

Philadelphia Chicago

2 0

New York St. Louis

1 4

Trades

California trades 27-year-old LF Don Baylor ($1,468,800 over 3 years) to Los Angeles in exchange for 29-year-old SS Ted Martinez ($161,160 over 2 years).

To California:

Ted Martinez 1976 Stats 1977 Stats

AVG --- .143

AB -- 14

H -- 2

R -- 3

2B -- 0

3B -- 1

HR -- 0

RBI -- 1

BB -- 2

K -- 3

OBP --- .250

SB -- 0

To Los Angeles:

Don Baylor 1976 Stats 1977 Stats

AVG .247 .326

AB 595 43

H 147 14

R 85 8

2B 25 4

3B 1 0

HR 15 1

RBI 68 11

BB 58 0

K 72 6

OBP .329 .356

SB 52 1

Injuries

SS Craig Reynolds is expected to miss about 8 months with a torn back muscle. He is placed on the 60-day disabled list. 3B Juan Bernhardt (.239, 9 RBI) recalled from Triple A Sidney. Newly recalled Larry Milbourne will be Seattle's new SS this season with Bernhardt as backup infielder.

2B Bobby Grich is day-to-day for about 2 weeks with a damaged meniscus (knee).

MR Bob Stanley is expected to miss about 2-3 months with a torn back muscle. He is placed on the 60-day disabled list. SP Don Aase (1-1, 2.93 ERA) recalled from Triple A Pawtucket. Aase will fill the Stanley void in the bullpen.

SP Dave Rozema is expected to miss about 8 weeks with a back weeks. He is placed on the 15-day disabled list. MR Steve Grilli (2-2, 4.11 ERA) recalled from Triple A Evansville. Milt Wilcox moves into the rotation and Grilli will cover his spot in the pen.

Contract Signings

CL Rawly Eastwick (0-1, 4 SV, 6.75 ERA) signs a 1-year extension worth a total of $472,000.

SP Don Sutton (2-0, 1.76 ERA) signs a 3-year extension worth a total of $4,707,000. He will earn $1,569,000 a year through 1980.

Major Transactions

SS Ted Martinez is placed on the active roster (from trade). 3B Dave Chalk (.071) is designated for assignment and placed on irrevocable waivers. SS Mario Guerrero (.389, 9 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Salt Lake City. Martinez will be used as a DH and get some work in at 3B behind Ron Jackson. Guerrero will backup Martinez as the backup infielder in the land of a thousand SS. C Terry Humphrey (.227, 3 RBI) optioned to Triple A Salt Lake City. C Andy Etchebarren (.250, 4 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Salt Lake City. Different name, but still a backup to Ike Hampton behind the plate.

LF Don Baylor is placed on the active roster (from trade). LF Dusty Baker (.308, 2 RBI) optioned to Triple A Albuquerque. SS Ron Washington (.154, 1 HR, 1 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A Albuquerpue. LA settles on Rafael Landestoy as their SS after axing Bill Russell and Ted Martinez. Washington will be the middle infield backup and will be lucky to get any at-bats.

3B Cookie Rojas claimed off waivers from Kansas City and placed on the active roster. 2B Larry Lintz (.429, 1 RBI) optioned to Triple A San Jose. Lintz is sent down because you should never have a .429 guy sitting on the pine. Jeez. Rojas may get some at-bats, but the pickings will be slim. C Tom Hosley optioned to Triple A San Jose. SS Matt Alexander (.500, 1 RBI - AAA) recalled from Triple A San Jose, Just a day after being sent to San Jose, Alexander is back - behind Russell at short.

1B Pete LaCock is claimed off waivers from Kansas City. He is placed on the active roster. SS Bobby Valentine (.500, 2 RBI) optioned to Triple A Hawaii. With Mike Ivie and Gene Tenace sharing 1B, hard to see where LaCock fits in.

C Bob Stinson (.242, 4 RBI) is designated for assignment and placed on waivers (from active). SS Larry Milbourne (.317, 2 HR, 12 RBI) recalled to Triple A Sidney. With todays injury to Craig Reynolds, Milbourne will become the everyday SS. Larry Cox will inherit the starting catcher spot, with Joe Lis serving as backup. SP Glenn Abbott (1-1, 5.00 ERA) optioned to Triple A Sidney. CL Dave Pagan (0-2, 13.50 ERA - AAA) recalled from Triple A Sidney. The Mariners need bullpen help, but Pagan and is 13.50 ERA going to help? RF Leroy Stanton (.172, 2 HR, 3 RBI) optioned to Triple A Sidney. RF Carlos Lopez (.301, 2 HR, 8 RBI) recalled from Triple A Sidney. Lopez will get a try-out for the new starting RF with Tom Grieve and Tommy Smith.

Short Season Single A
Jamestown Expos (9-4) at Geneva Cubs (4-9)

Jamestown Geneva

12 3

W: Aurelio Roman (2-0) L: Juan Torres (0-2)
HR – None
POG: Ed Hansen (JAM) 3-5, 4 RBI, 2 2B

This game was over fairly quickly has we amassed a 7-1 lead after four innings. Bob Foster (.268) has three hits and scores three runs, Juan Madrigal (.298, 12 RBI) drives in three and Ed Hansen (.364, 4 RBI) drives in four more on his three hit day as we get back in the win column. I took Roman (2.49 ERA) out after just five innings, leaving some of my weaker bullpen players to get some work in. They were successful, together going four innings allowing just one one run.

[GrimmyDee]

Wednesday, April 20 - Splittorff Leaves Minnesota Hitless


In 39 degree temperatures at Royals Stadium, starter Paul Splittorff (1-2, 4.42 ERA) got his first win of the season - by throwing a no-hitter against Minnesota and leading Kansas City to a 5-0 win. Splittorff strikes out five and walks two in the gem and SS U.L. Washington (.313, 3 RBI) comes within a home run of hitting for the cycle while going 3-for-3 on the day.

In the second inning, Washington triples home John Mayberry (.176) and one out later, scores on a single by Bob Heise (.281, 2 RBI) to give the Royals a 2-0 lead. That lead grows to 3-0 the following inning as Washington doubles home George Brett (.333) from second base. The action would settle until the eighth, when Lee May (.308, 1 HR, 3 RBI) sends the second pitch from Jeff Holly 406-feet into the right-center field bleachers for a two-run shot to close out the scoring.

The last no-hitter was by San Francisco's John Montefusco on September 29th of last year against Atlanta.


Greg Luzinki (.378, 4 HR, 13 RBI) hits a pair of three-run home runs to lead the Phillies to a 14-2 crushing of Chicago. With the score 11-0 in the sixth, Luzinski is lifted for a pinch-runner as manager Danny Ozark replaces many of his starters with reserves. 1B Richie Hebner (.192, 4 RBI), who was placed on waivers just a week ago by Philadelphia, gets three hits in the win.


California DH Ken Landreaux (.435, 3 HR, 10 RBI) hits two home runs and drives in four, but it takes a two-out single by Bobby Grich (.250, 3 RBI) to score Thad Bosley in the bottom of the 10th inning to give the Angels a 6-5 victory over Chicago. Starter Gary Ross (3-0, 1.93 ERA) throws all 10 innings to get his third win of the year.


Toronto gets three hits apiece from Sam Ewing (.308, 1 RBI) and Gary Woods (.256, 6 RBI) and eight good innings from Jim Clancy (3-0, 2.70 ERA) to ease by the Yankees 4-2 and maintain a two-game lead over Detroit in the AL East.


Cincinnati's Jack Billingham (3-0, 2.01 ERA) outduels Don Sutton (2-1, 1.93 ERA) and the Dodgers, 2-0 to give the Reds their sixth straight victory. Sutton gives up seven hits and strikes out seven while Billingham strikes out only two Reds hitters while scattering seven hits.


Oakland scores in the bottom of the eighth inning when 3B Sal Bando (1st error) misplays a ground ball to give the Athletics a 3-2 win over Milwaukee. Recently recalled Matt Alexander (.250) has three hits for Oakland as Bando (.205) and DH Dan Thomas (.281) each have three for the Brewers.


Bake McBride (.300, 5 RBI) squeaks his third single of the game past a diving Dave Kingman (playing 2B) in the bottom of the 10th to bring home Mike Anderson and give the Cardinals a 3-2 win over New York.


Mark Fidrych (3-0, 2.33 ERA) and his braced up left leg throws his third consective complete game victory - this time a 7-2 win over the Red Sox - and continues to show no ill effects of the ripped cartilage in his knee.


Other Scores
American League

Cleveland Baltimore

10 6

Texas Seattle

3 4

National League

San Francisco Houston

1 6

Pittsburgh Montreal

2 6

San Diego Atlanta

5 8

Short Season Single A
Jamestown Expos (10-4) at Geneva Cubs (4-9)

Jamestown Geneva

7 6

W: Darwin Marsh (1-0) L: Jose Gonzalez (1-2)
HR – None
POG: Dave Kramer (JAM) 4-5, 1 R, 2 RBI, 2B

After we took the lead in the third inning on a Juan Madrigal (.288, 13 RBI) RBI-single to score Jesus Rivera (.270), Geneva comes right back and scores three off of Billy Newton (2.33 ERA) in the bottom of the frame as Newton gives up two singles, a double, a walk and a hit batter. Newton again ran into trouble the next inning as he gives up three consecutive singles for yet another run - putting us in a 4-1 hole. We would chip away in the sixth as Dave Kramer (.355, 4 RBI) drives in Robinson Diaz (.333) with his second single of the game before Geneva chases Newton in the seventh and gets to Brian Little (1.80 ERA) for three consecutive hits and two runs. In the eighth, Kramer and William Turner (.259, 6 RBI) hit back-to-back doubles with Turner's bringing in two runs and Daron Hurley (.273, 2 RBI) singles Turner home to cut the lead to 6-5. Little and Darwin Marsh (1.50 ERA) hold Geneva to just a single in the inning to set up our final rally. Richard Adams (.250) opens the inning reaching second on a ground ball when shortstop Jing-bo Au-Yang sails his throw into the stands behind first base. Madrigal would move Adams to third with a ground out, then after a Diaz strikeout, Mark Hutchinson (.321, 7 RBI) just misses a home run as he doubles off of the left field wall for his third hit to tie the game. Kramer then follows with his fourth hit of the game, an RBI-single that scores Hutchinson to give us the lead and the win.

[GrimmyDee]

Thursday, April 21 - Henderson Leads Texas Rout


Texas RF Ken Henderson (.348, 1 HR, 3 RBI) has three hits and three runs batted in, Bert Campaneris (.173, 3 SB) has three hits and streal three bases, Juan Beniquez (.298, 6 SB) delivers three singles and Claudell Washington (.241, 11 RBI) drives in three more as they lead the Rangers on a 19-hit attack and a 13-2 rout of Minnesota. Every Texas starter in the opening lineup managed at least one hit and six hitters had two or more.

"It feels good to be able to coast once in awhile." Texas starter Nelson Briles (1-2) said afterward. Briles went seven innings giving up eight hits and one earned run while striking out four.

Minnesota starter Paul Thormodsgard (1-2) did not come out for the fourth inning as the Texas offense KO'd him for four runs in the third thanks to a solo home run by Washington and a two-run blast by Henderson. Thormodsgard allowed six runs (four earned) on nine hits in his three innings and his replacements fared little better. Jim Shellenback gave up three earned runs in two innings and Jim Hughes allowed four runs in 2.1 innings of work - including home runs to Toby Harrah (.265, 2 HR, 6 RBI) and Bill Fahey (.333, 2 HR, 4 RBI).

Butch Wynegar (.317) has two singles and a double for the Twins in the loss.



Vern Ruhle (2-1, 2.70 ERA) pitches seven shutout innings, giving up five hits and striking out four before a rain delay forces his exit in a 3-2 Detroit victory over the Red Sox. Detroit survives a late rally as Bernie Carbo (.214, 1 HR, 3 RBI) hits a two-run, two-out home run off of Tigers closer John Hiller (2 SV, 3.00 ERA) in the ninth to pull Boston within one. Bob Montgomery (.286) then singles but Hiller gets George Scott to ground out to second to end the game. Five of Boston's eight hits are for extra bases.


California continues to win behind their fantastic pitching staff - this time Frank Tanana (3-0, 1.34 ERA) quiets the White Sox 5-2. Tanana goes eight innings giving up six hits and striking out six while allowing both earned runs. The Angels have their track shoes on as they steal seven bases off of Chicago catcher Jim Essian with Jerry Remy (.379, 15 SB) leading the way with three.


Toronto scores three times in the top of the ninth inning to defeat the Yankees 5-4 and take three of the four games at Yankee Stadium. Yankees starter Ron Guidry (2.89 ERA) strikes out nine over eight innings, but closer Sparky Lyle (0-1, 1 BS, 4.05 ERA) gives up four hits in the ninth - the last being a two-run double by Bob Bailor (.224, 5 RBI). Doug Ault (.346, 4 RBI) paces the division leading Blue Jays with three hits, while Mickey Rivers (.250, 4 RBI) does the same for New York.


Other Scores
American League

No Other Games

National League

No Games Scheduled

Trades

Texas trades 29-year-old RF Tom Grieve ($301,920 over 2 years) and 20-year old Double A 1B Jerry Kirk (Minor League Contract) to Seattle, getting 25-year-old SS Jimmy Sexton ($59,885 over 1 year) in return.

To Seattle:

Tom Grieve 1976 Stats 1977 Stats

AVG .255 .389

AB 546 18

H 139 7

R 57 3

2B 23 4

3B 3 0

HR 20 0

RBI 81 5

BB 35 2

K 119 1

OBP .301 .450

SLG .418 .611

Jerry Kirk 1977 Stats (AA)

AVG .214

AB 70

H 15

R 9

2B 2

3B 1

HR 0

RBI 8

BB 6

K 11

OBP .282

SLG .271

To Texas:

Jimmy Sexton 1977 Stats

AVG .273

AB 22

H 6

R 4

2B 2

3B 1

HR 0

RBI 0

BB 0

K 1

OBP .273

SLG .455

Contract Signings

CL Mark Littell (0-0, 2 SV, 0.00 ERA) signed a 2-year extension. He will earn $479,000 a year through 1979 for a total worth of $958,000.

SP Jim Colborn (1-1, 4.11 ERA) signed a 2-year extension. He will earn $113,000 a year through 1979 for a total worth of $226,000.

Major Transactions

SS Jimmy Sexton placed on the active roster (from trade). 3B Len Randle (.333, 3 AB) is optioned to Triple A Tucson. SP Tommy Boggs (2-2, 3.18 ERA - AAA) contract purchased from Triple A Tucson. Sexton will back up Bert Campaneris at SS while Boggs joins the Rangers bullpen. Pothead Randle gets a trip to Tucson.

RF Tom Grieve placed on the actove roster (from trade). RF Carlos Lopez (.333, 1 RBI, 3 AB) is optioned to Triple A Sidney. 3B Tommy Helms claimed from Pittsburgh and placed on the active roster. Grieve will be handed the starting RF spot with Helms being an emergency infielder.

SS Roy Smalley is activated from the disabled list. SS Leo Gomez (.069, 1 RBI) is optioned to Triple A Tacoma.

Short Season Single A
Auburn Phillies (9-6) at Jamestown (11-4)

Auburn Jamestown

2 3

W: Juan Carlos Garcia (3-0) L: Reynaldo Aguilar (3-1)
HR – None
POG: Casey Williams (AUB) 2-4, R, RBI, 2 2B

In a game with two undefeated pitchers starting the day, we struck blood first as Juan Rivera (.273) and Paco Bruno (.243, 4 RBI) led off the bottom of the first inning with singles and Juan Madrigal (.286, 14 RBI) would score Rivera from second with a one-out single of his own. Auburn's star player Casey Williams (.462, 4 RBI) would tie the game up in the fourth with the first of two doubles after fouling off three full count pitches (bastard!). In the fifth, we managed to score twice without ever getting a hit as William Turner was hit by a pitch and Daron Hurley reached on an error. After a Rivera sacrifice bunt - yes, he can do it all - Auburn center fielder Larry Henderson flat out drops a Bruno fly ball that ends up scoring both Turner and Hurley and gives us a 3-1 lead. After Williams hits his second double to lead off the sixth, I took Juan Carlos Garcia (1.69 ERA) out and his replacement Darwin Marsh (1.08 ERA) greets me with a wild pitch on his first toss - moving Williams to third where he would score on a ground out. Marsh recovers and along with Brian Little (1 SV, 1.35 ERA) would leave Auburn hitless the rest of the way.