Confederate Baseball Dynasty (fictional)

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXIV, Issue 18 - July 19, 1971

The Flyers lose ground in the East despite a short week. After splitting four games with Nashville, the club now finds itself two games behind Jacksonville. After an off day today, the team finishes its Western trip with three at Memphis and three at New Orleans.


Last Week's Results

July 12 - OFF

July 13 - ALL-STAR GAME

July 14 - OFF

The Flyers make a deal with the Hounds just before their trip to Nashville, sending top prospect starter Walt Russell and OF Lloyd Mitchell out West for RF Dale Francis [7/7/6] (.250, 11 HR, 39 RBI) and $2 million. Francis has not shown the same pop this season as he did the previous two; he drove in 101 runs while hitting .292 with twenty-seven doubles and nineteen homers last year.

July 15 - at NSH - W 5-3

Mike Weber hits a two-run homer in the 1st and scores again in the 5th after one of his three walks in the game, while Matt Kirk hits 3 of 4 with a run, an RBI and a stolen base in a solid victory for Bill Morgan (5 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 3 BB, 7 K). Francis goes 0 for 4 with three whiffs in his Flyers debut; his former manager, Blake Dotson, is ejected in the 8th for arguing balls and strikes.

W - Morgan (10-3)
SV - Hodgkins (21)
HR - Weber (11)

July 16 - at NSH - W 8-1

Kirk goes 4 for 6 with a triple, a run and an RBI, while Steven Robinson and Dave Powell both hit 3 of 5 with two RBIs. Every Flyers starter has at least one of the team's eighteen hits; even Matt Halstead (6 IP, 1 R, 7 H, 3 K) knocked his first double in three years.

W - Halstead (7-3)

July 17 - at NSH - L 2-4

The Flyers cannot solve Hounds southpaw Ron McKissick (W, 5-6, 8 1/3 IP, 2 R, 6 H, 2 BB, 6 K), and Keith Becker (7 1/3 IP, 4 R, 3 ER, 9 H, 5 K) gives up a pair of solo shots that comprise the margin of victory. Not all goes well for Nashville, though, as this year's #3 overall pick CF Adrian "Spooky" Johnson breaks his wrist diving for a ball. Johnson is out for at least two months and possibly the rest of the season after hitting .259 in 112 at-bats.

L - Becker (6-6)

July 18 - at NSH - L 3-6

Nashville starter Tom Autry (W, 4-7, 7 1/3 IP, 3 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 9 K) stymies the Flyers in front of 37,805 on Batting Glove Day at Capitol Field. Francis hits a two-run single in the 8th, but it is not enough to keep Bud Fox (5 IP, 4 R, 10 H, 1 K) from his second straight loss.

L - Fox (2-3)

After the game, SP Calvin Thayer's [6/6/3] (5-4 in 14 GS for Norfolk, 4.70, WHIP 1.72) contract is purchased from Winston-Salem, while C Gary Armitage (.310 in 29 AB) is demoted to open a slot on the roster.

Last week: 2 - 2
This month: 9 - 6
Overall: 53 - 40, 2nd, -2 of Jacksonville


Who's Hot

Matt Kirk
Last 5 games: 9-19 (.474), 0 HR, 2 RBI

Russ Roderick
Last 5 games: 7-19 (.368), 0 HR, 2 RBI

Matt Halstead
Last 3 games: 2-0, 0.98 ERA, 18 1/3 IP

Who's Not

Mike Sutton
Last 8 games: 1-22 (.045), 0 HR, 0 RBI

Bud Fox
Last 3 games; 1-2, 6.19 ERA, 16 IP


A Closer Look - Carolina's All-Stars

The Flyers had seven players named to the All-Star Game, the most since eight were tapped from Carolina in 1956.

Bill Morgan did not make an appearance in his third All-Star Game. Combining last year and this year, Morgan has struck out 302 batters in 308 innings. Bill has already equalled last season's nine wins with only three losses and a 3.72 ERA.

In his first All-Star Game, George Thorn allowed one hit in an uneventful 8th inning. After spending most of last season at AAA Greenville in the Atlanta organization, Thorn was picked up off waivers during the offseason and has gone on to post a 1.70 ERA in 47 2/3 innings of relief, including three wins. George has pitched in 57 games so far, leading the club in appearances.

Mike Weber, named to his first All-Star Game as a catcher, made the start at first base instead but committed his first error of the year, leading to an unearned run. However, Weber did redeem himself, drawing a walk and scoring in the 9th. In 61 starts behind the plate and 15 starts at first, Mike has been perfect defensively and has thrown out 22 of 71 base stealers. With the bat, he has hit .323 with twenty-one doubles, three triples and ten homers, scoring sixty-two runs and driving in forty-three. His fifty-eight walks mean an on-base percentage of .444, tops in the Eastern Division and third in the CBA.

Russ Roderick hit an RBI-single in the 9th inning of his first All-Star Game. Roderick has hit .305 this year, a twenty-point improvement on last season, but after hitting forty-nine extra base hits a year ago, he has just fifteen so far: ten doubles, two triples and three homers.

His sixth All-Star appearance, Dave Powell also singled in a run during the final frame. At age 37, Powell has hit .306 this season, scoring forty-two times and driving in forty-four.

Steven Robinson, in a pinch-hitting opportunity, grounded out to second for his first All-Star Game at-bat. Robinson had just 397 big league at-bats in his eleven-year career before this season but has hit .310 with nine doubles, two triples, seven homers, forty-nine runs and thirty-seven walks. His fifty-eight RBIs rank third in the Eastern Division.

Matt Kirk hit into a fielders' choice to end his first All-Star Game. At age 38, Kirk has hit .311 with seven doubles, six triples, eight homers, thirty-seven RBIs and fifty-one runs, along with outstanding defense in center this season after being acquired from Atlanta for 2B Elliott Suggs (.228 in 149 AB).


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

The editors told me to keep it short this week... too many column inches needed for all our All-Stars, I guess...

Dale Francis did not get off to the best start with us last week, hitting 3 of 14 with six strikeouts... but I think it has something to do with Capitol Field. He hit .195 at home this year, compared to .287 on the road, so I'm hoping a change of scenery will be just what the doctor ordered.

Gary Armitage is not the player I really wanted to send down to AAA, but Clark Davidson is my only backup in center, Darrel Robinson is my backup first baseman, and Jeff Harvey refused a minor-league assignment... not that I blame him. All I ask of him is to start at second twice a month and get on base a little bit as a pinch hitter, and while his pinch-hit on-base is just .270, overall he has a .371 OBP. It's not his fault he's the #3 second baseman at the moment. Armitage was probably going down anyway when Wayman returns in three weeks and Weber becomes a full-time catcher again.

Hopefully we'll do better than split the remainder of this road trip... see you back in Charlotte next week!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXIV, Issue 19 - July 26, 1971

The Flyers held station in the Eastern Division last week, still two games behind the Jacksonville Ospreys. The club opens their first homestand in two weeks with Retro Game Day today against Miami. After three games with the Meteors and an off day Thursday, a weekend set with Tampa rounds out the week.


Last Week's Results

July 19 - OFF

July 20 - at MEM - L 3-5

Miscues lead to four runs for the Blues in the decisive 7th inning. With the bases loaded and one out, Dave Powell makes a wild throw to the plate, a two-run error, followed with a passed ball by Jack Lowe and a wild pitch by Bill Morgan (7 IP, 5 R, 3 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 7 K) scoring two more. Dale Francis has a two-RBI night; Matt Kirk adds a solo shot in the 9th.

L - Morgan (10-4)
HR - Kirk (9)

After the game, the team announces that Dave Powell has come down with a viral infection and will be out of action for about a week. [No email and no note in Injury News... lucky I check the Roster Report for injuries every day.]

July 21 - at MEM - W 2-0

Matt Halstead (6 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 6 K) and the bullpen of Randolph (1 IP, 2 H, 1 K), Thorn (2/3 IP, 1 BB), Bingham (1/3 IP) and Hodgkins (1 IP, 1 H, 1 K) combine to shutout the Blues, while Kirk goes 2 for 4 with a run and an RBI.

W - Halstead (8-3)
SV - Hodgkins (22)

July 22 - at MEM - W 7-6 (10)

Russ Roderick's (3 for 6) second double of the night in the 10th scores Walt Finney to win this seesaw affair. Entering a one-run game with the bases loaded and two out in the 8th, Hodgkins (1/3 IP, 1 R, 2 H) gives up a three-run double to Blues 3B George Hecker, followed by a run-scoring single for a three-run deficit and Hodgkins' ninth blown save. In the 9th, Mike Weber (3 R) triples, Francis (2 for 6, 2 RBI) singles, Valentine Stephens hits a pinch-hit double, and Jack Lowe (2 for 4, 2 RBI) singles to tie the game, then Memphis manager Dave Boger is ejected arguing a caught stealing that ends the Blues' 9th. Finney draws a walk to leadoff the 10th, and Kirk bunts him over to second to set the stage for Roderick.

W - Bingham (3-1)
SV - Jahnke (2)

July 23 - at NWO - W 7-5

Another bullpen blowup and another comeback victory produced by the Flyers today. With a three-run lead in the 8th, Randolph (2/3 IP, 4 R, 2 ER, 4 H) allows two singles and a triple in between two outs. Then Francis muffs a fly ball in right, scoring the tying run, and Pelicans pinch-hitter Bill Waldrup smacks a double down the right-field line for a 5-4 New Orleans lead. In the 9th, Weber (2 for 5, 2B, 3B, 2 R, RBI) triples and Francis gets the free pass to put runners on the corners with one out. After Steven Robinson whiffs, a wild pitch ties the game and Finney hits a pinch-hit two-run homer for the win. Bud Fox (6 IP, 1 R, 8 H, 2 K) gets a tough no-decision; Alan Bruns hits 3 of 5, making him 5 for 14 while subbing for Powell.

W - Jahnke (3-2)
SV - Hodgkins (23)
HR - Stephens (4), Finney (4)

July 24 - at NWO - L 1-4

Pelicans starter Gene Arndt (W, 6-7, 8 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 4 K) gets his revenge on the Flyers after being waived last month, while Calvin Thayer (7 IP, 4 R, 6 H, 4 BB, 9 K) has a rocky debut for Carolina.

L - Thayer (5-5)
HR - Weber (12)

July 25 - at NWO - W 7-5

Every Flyers position player has at least one of their seventeen hits, led by Stephens (3 for 4, 2B, 2 R, RBI) and Kirk (2 for 5, HR, 2 RBI). Steven Robinson adds a two-run homer in the 5th, while Morgan (5 IP, 4 R, 3 H, 6 BB, 3 K) muddles his way to his eleventh win, one behind the league lead, disappointing a crowd of 32,763 for Mini Bat Day at Bridge Street Park.

W - Morgan (11-4)
SV - Hodgkins (24)
HR - Kirk (10), S. Robinson (8)

Last week: 4 - 2
This month: 13 - 8
Overall: 57 - 42, 2nd, -2 of Jacksonville


Who's Hot

Valentine Stephens
Last 5 games: 6-15 (.400), 1 HR, 3 RBI

Matt Halstead
Last 4 games: 3-0, 0.74 ERA, 24 1/3 IP

Calvin Thayer
Last 3 games: 2-1, 2.53 ERA, 21 1/3 IP

Who's Not

Bud Fox
Last 3 games: 0-2, 5.40 ERA, 15 IP


A Closer Look - AA Hickory

At 56-43, Hickory is just one loss behind the best record in AA. Top prospect 1B Everett Putman (age 22, .313, 4 HR, 37 RBI, 38 BB, 18 2Bs) has just about played his way out of town already, while SS Kyle Smith (age 29, .250, 15 HR, 46 RBI, 50 R, 70 BB, 14 2Bs) has been a pleasant surprise. Chase Nelson (age 24, 11-6, 2.96 ERA, WHIP 1.24) has thrown well, and Howard Terry (age 25, 4-0 in 6 GS, 2.03, WHIP 1.01) is also 4-0 in six starts at AAA Winston-Salem. This year's first rounder, leftie Johnny Westerman, (2.08 in 21 2/3 IP at A-ball, WHIP 1.11) was just promoted from Columbus this week.


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

We were very lucky to win four of six last week with all the mistakes and poor relief work. I'll be glad to see State Fair Park again... that's for sure.

Dave Powell should return for the Tampa series, but there's not a big rush, considering Alan Bruns hit .318 last week. I think he'll be in the mix for the starting third baseman job next year.

Chris Wayman could be back at first base by the middle of next week, but Roger Coomes is not healing well, so don't expect him until late August...

It's good to see a few balls leaving the park from our bats, for a change... now we just have to figure out how to do it when there are actually runners on base!

Not much activity on the trade front, but (a) there's plenty of time left and (b) I'm pretty happy with the roster, as is...

Today is the first home game since July 11, so c'mon down and see us!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXIV, Issue 20 - August 2, 1971

Though the Flyers won five of six last week, the Ospreys went 5-1 also, so Carolina only keeps pace with Jacksonville, still two games behind as the calendar turns to August. After finishing the homestand with three games against Atlanta (including Batting Glove Day on Wednesday), the club gets a day off before beginning a ten-game road trip with three at Tampa.


Last Week's Results

July 26 - vs MIA - W 4-2

Matt Halstead (6 IP, 2 R, 7 H, 1 BB, 4 K) wins his eighth straight decision on Retro Game Day at State Fair Park, while Dale Francis hits a homer in the 3rd that also scores Russ Roderick (3 for 5).

W - Halstead (9-3)
SV - Hodgkins (25)
HR - Francis (12)

July 27 - vs MIA - L 3-4

After Keith Becker (3 1/3 IP, 3 R, 9 H, 1 BB, 4 K) makes an early exit, the bullpen of Houston (2/3 IP, 1 K), Jahnke (2 1/3 IP, 1 H, 2 K), Thorn (2/3 IP, 1 K) and Bingham (1 IP, 1 K) shut down the Meteors until Steven Robinson can tie the game in the 7th with a two-run single. Unfortunately, Justin Randolph (1 IP, 1 R, 2 H), making his sixth appearance in the last seven games, allows a single, a stolen base, and another single for a Miami run in the 9th. Francis goes 3 for 5 with an RBI in the losing effort.

L - Randolph (9-3)

July 28 - vs MIA - W 8-1

Alan Bruns (2B, 4 RBI) and Steven Robinson (2 R, RBI, 3 SB) both go 3 for 4, and Dale Francis extends a career-high twelve-game hitting streak with a 2 for 5 night, including a double, a run, and two RBIs. Fifteen Flyers hits provide plenty of scoring for Bud Fox (7 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 6 K) to get his third win of the season in a game where Meteors manager Curtis Flowers is ejected arguing a play at first in the 3rd inning.

W - Fox (3-3)

July 29 - OFF

July 30 - vs TAM - W 5-4

Francis extends his hitting streak to thirteen in style with a walkoff single to left that scores Roderick (2 for 5, 2B) from second with the game winner. After George Thorn (0 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 1 BB) put two on with nobody out in the 8th, Terry Bingham (2 IP, 1 H) does allow the single that scores the tying run but pitches a very quick 9th to give the Flyers a chance to win. Steven Robinson goes 3 for 4 with a double, scoring twice, while Matt Kirk is ejected in the 7th after he strikes out looking.

W - Bingham (4-1)

July 31 - vs TAM - W 1-0

Halstead (7 IP, 5 H, 3 K), Randolph (2/3 IP, 1 H, 1 K), Thorn (1/3 IP, 2 H) and Hodgkins (1 IP, 1 K) combine to hold the Tomahawks without a run or a walk, while Jack Lowe's RBI-single in the 2nd stands up as the game winner.

W - Halstead (10-3)
SV - Hodgkins (26)

Before Sunday's game, the CBA Press Office announces the monthly award winners, and Carolina's Matt Halstead is named Eastern Division Pitcher of the Month! Matt was 5-0 with a 0.96 ERA in his six July starts. In 37 1/3 innings, Halstead struck out twenty-seven and walked just four for a WHIP of 0.94 last month. Overall, his 2.47 ERA tops the league, while his ten wins puts him in a three-way tie for fifth.

In transaction news, the club announces two contract extensions: a one-year deal at $1.2 million for Matt Kirk, and a three-year deal at $8.0 million for Dale Francis.

Aug 1 - vs TAM - W 3-2

Becker (7 2/3 IP, 1 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 7 K) hurls a gem while Roderick goes 2 for 3 with a double, a run and an RBI, but it's an error by Tomahawks 3B Jack Thomas that scores Francis (2 for 4) with the eventual game winner in the 8th. Hodgkins (1 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 1 K) puts the tying run on second with nobody out in the 9th but manages to keep it there with a sacrifice fly, a punch out and a fly out to left.

W - Becker (7-6)
SV - Hodgkins (27)

Last week: 5 - 1
This month: 1 - 0 (17 - 9 in July)
Overall: 62 - 43, 2nd, -2 of Jacksonville


Who's Hot

Dale Francis
Last 6 games: 11-25 (.440), 1 HR, 6 RBI

Steven Robinson
Last 6 games: 9-21 (.429), 0 HR, 3 RBI

Alan Bruns
Last 6 games: 8-20 (.400), 0 HR, 5 RBI

Matt Halstead
Last 3 games: 3-0, 0.95 ERA, 19 IP

Calvin Thayer
Last 3 games: 2-1, 2.53 ERA, 21 1/3 IP

Who's Not

Mike Weber
Last 5 games: 2-18 (.111), 0 HR, 2 RBI

Dave Powell
Last 6 games: 3-21 (.143), 0 HR, 1 RBI


A Closer Look - Single-A Columbus

Columbus stands third amongst Eastern Division A-ball affiliates at 54-51. Anybody who could hit the ball is long since gone to Hickory, but the young pitchers are still looking good, led by left-handed starter Lowell Tincher (age 22, 8-9, 3.33, WHIP 1.27) and relievers Wilbert Cagle (age 21, 7-2, 24 SV, 2.26, WHIP 1.24) and Rick Wilhoit (age 20, 2.09 in 38 2/3 IP, WHIP 1.29).


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

I don't know what more we have to do to make up ground in this division! It's very frustrating to win, look up at the scoreboard, and see that Jacksonville won too... every... single... night!

Dale Francis is now on a fifteen game hitting streak that started in his second game with us. When we traded for him, he was hitting .220 in July with a .712 OPS, six runs and six RBIs. He finished July with a .290 average for the month, a .799 OPS, twelve runs and twenty-two RBIs. So I think he's worth a raise from $6.8 to $8 mil, don't you?

We also gave Matt Kirk an extension, just in case he decides not to retire. If he returns, that will be quite a bargain for $1.2 million...

Wayman and Roderick will both be free agents next year, but Putman will be starting at first in two years at most, while Davidson is the second baseman of the future.

Wayman will be returning from the DL this weekend, so we'll have all the batters healthy for the first time in a while... come down and see us before we hit the road again!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXIV, Issue 21 - August 9, 1971

After sweeping Atlanta and being swept in Tampa, the Flyers are now three games in back of Jacksonville. The club visits Atlanta for four and Miami for three before returning home next week.


Last Week's Results

Aug 2 - vs ATL - W 3-0

Bud Fox (7 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 3 K), George Thorn (2/3 IP, 1 H) and Justin Randolph (1 1/3 IP) combine to three-hit the Flames, while Dale Francis goes 2 for 4 with a double, scoring twice.

W - Fox (4-3)
SV - Randolph (1)

Aug 3 - vs ATL - W 5-2

A fifty-one minute rain delay cannot douse the Flyers bats, as four of their thirteen hits come in a three-run 8th that breaks a two-all tie. Matt Kirk (2 for 5, R, 2 RBI) and Alan Bruns (2 for 2, R, RBI) are two of the five Carolina starters that get a pair of hits on the night, while Thorn (2 IP, 1 BB, 3 K) strikes out the side in the 7th and pitches an uneventful 8th to earn the win.

W - Thorn (4-0)
SV - Hodgkins (28)

Aug 4 - vs ATL - W 15-3

A very successful Batting Glove Day for the Flyers, who put up four in the 1st, two in the 3rd, four in the 5th and five in the 7th to finish their sweep of the Flames. Every Flyers position player collects one of the team's twenty hits, led by Jack Lowe (3 for 5, HR, 4 RBI), Mike Weber (3 for 5, HR, 3 RBI) and Alan Bruns (3 for 4, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI). Bill Morgan's (6 IP, 3 R, 2 ER, 6 H, 2 BB, 8 K) twelfth win of the year ties him with Tampa's Derrick Real (12-4) for the most in the division.

W - Morgan (12-4)
HR - Kirk (11), Weber (13), Lowe (1)

Aug 5 - OFF

Aug 6 - at TAM - L 0-1 (12)

A sellout crowd of 41,952 at Teflon Field sees an old-fashioned pitcher's duel between Matt Halstead (8 IP, 2 H, 3 K) and Tampa's Don Tapper (7 IP, 6 H, 1 BB) end in a draw, then Kevin Hodgkins (2/3 IP, 1 R, 3 H) gives up three singles in the 12th for his sixth loss of the year.

L - Hodgkins (3-6)

After the game, Chris Wayman is activated from the DL, and Darrel Robinson is demoted to Winston-Salem after hitting 6 of 29 (.207) since July 1.

Aug 7 - at TAM - L 5-8

Though the Flyers score four in the top of the 7th to tie the game at five, Justin Randolph (1 2/3 IP, 3 R, 4 H, 2 BB, 2 K) allows two Tomahawks to score in the bottom half of the 7th and another in the 8th for the second straight bullpen loss. Carolina manages just five hits, compared to twelve for Tampa. Francis goes 0 for 4 with two whiffs, snapping his hitting streak at nineteen games.

L - Randolph (9-4)

Aug 8 - at TAM - L 4-5

Bud Fox (4 IP, 5 R, 8 H, 1 BB, 3 K) is hit hard, and Robin Houston (1 2/3 IP, 1 H, 1 K) leaves in the 6th with back pain as the Tomahawks edge the Flyers for the three-game sweep. Chris Wayman goes 2 for 4 with a run and two RBIs, and Alan Bruns leads off the 7th with his first big-league homerun in 307 career at-bats, but Tampa pitchers Brett Thomas (W, 9-6, 8 IP, 4 R, 9 H, 6 K) and Vince Morgan (SV, 19, 1 IP) do not allow another Carolina baserunner in the final three frames.

L - Fox (4-4)
HR - Bruns (1)

Robin Houston, diagnosed with back spasms, is put on the DL for an estimated seven week recovery. Leftie Bob Lamb [5/10/2] (1.73 in 26 IP at AAA, WHIP 0.92) is purchased from Winston-Salem to take Houston's spot.

Last week: 3 - 3
This month: 4 - 3
Overall: 65 - 46, 2nd, -3 of Jacksonville


Who's Hot

Alan Bruns
Last 6 games: 9-17 (.529), 1 HR, 4 RBI

Mike Weber
Last 5 games: 7-20 (.350), 1 HR, 5 RBI

Jack Lowe
Last 5 games: 6-17 (.353), 1 HR, 4 RBI

Matt Halstead
Last 4 games: 3-0, 0.67 ERA, 27 IP

Bud Fox
Last 4 games: 2-1, 2.63 ERA, 24 IP

Who's Not

Russ Roderick
Last 6 games: 4-25 (.160), 0 HR, 2 RBI


A Closer Look - Carolina

Carolina pitchers rank second in ERA (3.50) and third in both opponent's average (.255) and runs allowed (445). Matt Halstead (10-3, 2.33, WHIP 1.07), Keith Becker (7-6, 3.73, WHIP 1.11) and Bill Morgan (12-4, 3.86, WHIP 1.21) are still cruising along, while Bud Fox (4-4 in 12 GS, 3.33, WHIP 1.31) has kept the game close in most of his starts. John Jahnke (1.60 in 67 2/3 IP, WHIP 1.11) and George Thorn (1.71 in 58 IP, WHIP 1.16) have been the stars of the pen; Kevin Hodgkins (3-6, 28 SV, 9 BS, 4.18, WHIP 1.34) leads the league in both saves and blown saves.

The Flyers rank second in batting (.276) but fifth in scoring (536). A look at the regular lineup, now that everybody is healthy again:

CF Matt Kirk (.306, 11 HR, 47 RBI)
2B Russ Roderick (.307, 3 HR, 45 RBI)
C Mike Weber (.306, 13 HR, 55 RBI)
RF Dale Francis (.271, 12 HR, 55 RBI)
LF Steven Robinson (.307, 8 HR, 69 RBI)
SS Dave Powell (.302, 4 HR, 51 RBI)
1B Chris Wayman (.316, 4 HR, 35 RBI)
3B Alan Bruns (.333, 1 HR, 21 RBI)


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

Not a great start to this road trip, especially by the bullpen. If this keeps up, you should expect some big changes when Coomes returns off the DL in about three weeks.

Robin Houston's injury does not help either. He's just the mop-up man, but he has thrown well in that role all year long, posting a 3.19 ERA in 59 1/3 innings with a WHIP 1.18. Having a second lefty in the pen could be beneficial, though...

Chris Wayman has hit 3 for 7 with three RBIs in the two games since his return. Maybe I'll have to move him up in the order...

Personally, I think a trip to 36-75 Atlanta is just what the doctor ordered... wish us luck!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXIV, Issue 22 - August 16, 1971

Sweeps at both Atlanta and Miami pull the Flyers into a tie atop the Eastern Division standings, making up a three-game deficit to Jacksonville. The team returns home for three against Dallas (including Retro Game Day today), an off day Thursday, and a weekend series against San Antonio, winners of their last six and leaders of the West, opening with Mini Bat Day on Friday.


Last Week's Results

Aug 9 - at ATL - W 17-2

The Flyers rout the Flames on nineteen hits, including five doubles and two taters. Nine different Flyers drive in runs, led by Dale Francis (4 for 5, 2B, HR, 2 R, 5 RBI) and Matt Kirk (3 for 4, 2 R, 3 RBI); Chris Wayman (2 for 3, RBI) and Alan Bruns (2 for 4) both score three times. Atlanta's Danny Warfield (L, 2-15, 1 2/3 IP, 5 R, 5 H, 3 BB) loses his twelve straight decision, while Bill Morgan's (6 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 2 BB, 9 K) thirteenth win tops the Eastern Division. Bob Lamb (3 IP, 1 H) earns his second career save in his Flyers debut.

W - Morgan (13-4)
SV - Lamb (1)
HR - Francis (13), Lowe (2)

Aug 10 - at ATL - W 14-0

Calvin Thayer (9 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 4 K) throws his fifth career shutout, while the Flyers bats go crazy again. Carolina collects twenty hits, including four doubles and a homer, thanks to Dave Powell (4 for 6, 2B, 4 R, 2 RBI), Mike Sutton (4 for 6, 2 R, SB) and Valentine Stephens (3 for 6, 2B, 2 R, RBI). Both Jeff Harvey (1 for 4, R) and Chris Wayman (2 for 6, 2 R) drive in four runs apiece, with Wayman hitting a grand slam in a seven-run 8th.

W - Thayer (6-5)
HR - Wayman (5)

Aug 11 - at ATL - W 7-5

Stephens goes deep twice, driving in four, and Powell (2 for 4) hits a two-run shot as the Flyers come back from an early three-run deficit. Wayman goes 4 for 4 with two runs and an RBI, while Sutton adds a 3 for 4 night. Matt Halstead (4 IP, 4 R, 7 H, 1 BB, 2 K) cannot go five after a long 1st inning, so Lamb (1 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 2 K) picks up his third career win.

W - Lamb (1-0)
SV - Hodgkins (29)
HR - Powell (5), Stephens 2 (5,6)

Aug 12 - at ATL - W 4-0

Keith Becker (9 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 10 K) throws his third shutout of the year as the Flyers sweep the Flames for the second time in as many weeks. Mike Weber (2 for 5, HR, 2 RBI) and Kirk (2 for 4, 2 R, CS) are two of the five Carolina hitters that collect a pair of hits. A frustrated Atlanta skipper, Randy Gerry, is ejected after just one batter.

W - Becker (8-6)
HR - Weber (14)

Aug 13 - at MIA - W 2-0

The Flyers hurl their third shutout in four days, this time a group effort by Bud Fox (7 IP, 2 H, 3 BB, 7 K), Justin Randolph (1 IP, 1 H, 1 K) and Kevin Hodgkins (1 IP, 1 H). Russ Roderick and Francis both go 2 for 4 with an RBI in a game where both managers are ejected late, Miami's Curtis Flowers in the 8th and Carolina's Jeremy McGrath in the 9th. Chris Wayman leaves after being hit by a pitch in the 1st; he is listed as day-to-day with a bruised finger.

W - Fox (5-4)
SV - Hodgkins (30)
HR - Francis (14)

Aug 14 - at MIA - W 7-5

Meteors 2B Jonathan Ralls goes deep twice, once off Morgan (5 IP, 3 R, 6 H, 3 BB, 6 K) and once off Randolph (1/3 IP, 2 R, 2 H, 2 BB), but it is not enough to derail the Flyers' six-game winning streak. Kirk opens the game with a solo shot and drives in two more with a pair of sacrifice flies, while two more solo homers by Weber in the 8th and Stephens (3 for 4, 2B, 2 R) in the 9th provide the margin of victory. Thorn (2/3 IP) induces a line-drive double play to end the 7th, winning his sixth consecutive decision.

W - Thorn (5-0)
SV - Hodgkins (31)
HR - Kirk (12), Weber (15), Stephens (7)

Aug 15 - at MIA - W 9-4

Six different Flyers get at least two hits, including Roderick (3 for 5, 3B, HR, 2 R, RBI), Kirk (3 for 5, R, SB) and Powell (2 for 5, HR, 4 RBI), as Carolina sweeps Miami, extending their winning streak to seven games by scoring five runs in the final three innings. Thayer (5 2/3 IP, 4 R, 8 H, 4 BB, 3 K) struggles, but Lamb (1/3 IP) gets the final out of the 6th with two Meteors on base to earn his second win this week.

W - Lamb (2-0)
HR - Powell (6), Roderick (4)

Just before press time, the weekly award winners were announced, and the Eastern Division Player of the Week is Carolina's own Valentine Stephens! Valentine hit 13 of 25 (.520) with three doubles, three taters, and nine RBIs last week.

Last week: 7 - 0
This month: 11 - 3
Overall: 72 - 46, 1st, Tied with Jacksonville


Who's Hot

Valentine Stephens
Last 5 games: 10-19 (.526), 3 HR, 7 RBI

Dale Francis
Last 5 games: 10-21 (.476), 2 HR, 7 RBI

Matt Kirk
Last 7 games: 12-30 (.400), 1 HR, 6 RBI

Bud Fox
Last 5 games: 3-1, 2.03 ERA, 31 IP

Keith Becker
Last 3 games: 2-0, 2.49 ERA, 21 2/3 IP

Who's Not

Nobody!


A Closer Look - AAA Winston-Salem

At 85-33, Winston-Salem is twelve games clear of the AAA field. Some of the possibilities for a September callup include: RF/CF Rudy Olson (age 22, .313, 8 HR, 57 RBI, 60 R, 20 2Bs), OF Rick Roberts (age 28, .274, 11 HR, 42 RBI, 63 R, 92 BB), 1B Steve "The Sheriff" Brown (age 26, .256 in 270 AB, 23 HR, 73 RBI, 72 BB, 20 2Bs), C Gary Armitage (age 31, .262 in 225 AB, 6 HR, 21 RBI, 73 BB), LF Frank Thomas (age 32, .277 in 159 AB, 4 HR, 22 RBI, 34 BB), LF/RF Van Wright (age 37, .280 in 107 AB, 19 BB) and 3B Darrel Robinson (age 30, .368 in 106 AB, 7 HR, 28 RBI, 22 BB), along with starters Ray Oglesby (age 31, 7-12, 3.08, WHIP 1.07), Tom Merchant (age 28, 14-5, 2.89, WHIP 1.10), Bill McCue (age 27, 16-3, 2.85, WHIP 1.17), Bill Frazier (age 24, 15-4, 3.82, WHIP 1.38) and Christopher Horan (age 20, 8-4 in 13 GS, 4.07, WHIP 1.37) or relievers Mike McVicker (age 33, 2.96 in 54 2/3 IP, WHIP 1.12), Floyd Myers (age 25, 26 SV, 2.12 in 46 2/3 IP, WHIP, 0.94) and Dave Brown (age 30, 2.76 in 45 2/3 IP, WHIP 1.09).


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

Wow! Winning seven straight games on the road... that's huge!

Just when I had penciled in Alan Bruns as the starting third baseman, Valentine Stephens muscles his way back into the lineup... the hard part last week was figuring a way to get Stephens and Sutton in the lineup every day without benching the same regulars each time. Luckily, Dale Francis plays short in addition to left and right... in fact, he's probably a better fielding shortstop than Dave Powell and may be starting at short next season.

Bob Lamb has been a pleasant surprise so far, as well, considering he had a 6.43 ERA in 28 career big-league innings and similar minor-league numbers (5.68 in 12 2/3 AAA IP last season) before this year...

Let's see if we can keep this up against the top teams of the West this week... c'mon down to the ballpark and cheer us on!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXIV, Issue 23 - August 23, 1971

While the Ospreys are losing four of seven, the Flyers win four of six to take a 1 1/2 game lead of the Eastern Division. The club ends this homestand with three against Houston (with Bobblehead Doll Day on Wednesday), then takes a day off before beginning a nine-game Western trip with three in Dallas.


Last Week's Results

Aug 16 - vs DAL - W 7-5

An exciting Retro Game Day at State Fair Park, as Dallas ties the game at five with three runs in the top of the 8th off Justin Randolph (1 IP, 3 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 1 K), Bob Lamb (1/3 IP) and Terry Bingham (2/3 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 2 BB). Former Flyer Evan Becnel (L, 2-4, 0 IP, 1 R, 1 BB) walks Dale Francis to leadoff the bottom half, then another walk, a Valentine Stephens single, a bunt, and a Dave Powell (HR, 2 RBI) sac fly lead to two Carolina runs and their eighth straight victory. Matt Kirk goes 2 for 4 with a homer, two runs and two RBIs. Matt Halstead (6 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 4 K) outpitches former teammate Elmer Sexton (5 1/3 IP, 5 R, 7 H, 1 BB, 2 K); another ex-Flyer, Mark Johnson, makes a pinch-hitting appearance for the Drifters.

W - Bingham (5-1)
SV - Thorn (1)
HR - Kirk (13), Powell (7)

Elsewhere, Jacksonville loses at Tampa, 4-2, giving Carolina the outright division lead for the first time since mid-June.

Aug 17 - vs DAL - L 3-6

Keith Becker (5 IP, 4 R, 3 ER, 9 H, 2 BB, 5 K) is hit hard and brings home the losing run in the 3rd with a wild throw to first. Powell (2 for 4, 2B) drives in all three Flyers runs, twice in the person of Steven Robinson (2 for 4, 2B). Kevin Hodgkins (1/3 IP, 2 R, 2 H, 1 BB) cannot keep the game within one in the 9th; Carolina hitters #1 thru #4 hit a combined 1 for 15 on the night.

L - Becker (8-7)

Aug 18 - vs DAL - W 8-6

Steven Robinson hits 2 for 3 with a double, two runs, two stolen bases and three RBIs, while Bud Fox (7 IP, 4 R, 7 H, 1 BB, 1 K) throws better than his line indicates, taking a shutout into the 6th inning. Powell (2 for 4) drives in a pair, Mike Weber doubles and homers, scoring twice, and Clark Davidson goes 2 for 2 with a run, a stolen base and an RBI in his first start of the season at second. The bullpen makes the game a bit too exciting at the end, allowing two runs in the 8th and one in the 9th. Kevin Hodgkins (1/3 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 1 K) puts the tying run on first before Randolph (2/3 IP, 2 K) whiffs a pair of Drifters for his second save.

W - Fox (6-4)
SV - Randolph (2)
HR - Weber (16), Davidson (1)

Aug 19 - OFF

Aug 20 - vs SAN - L 6-8 (10)

Yet another bullpen implosion ruins Mini Bat Day in front of a sellout crowd of 41,796 at State Fair Park. Bingham (2/3 IP, 4 R, 4 H, 2 BB) cannot hold a four-run lead in the 9th, then Bob Lamb (1 IP, 2 R, 4 H, 1 BB) gives up two in the top of the 10th for the loss. Francis goes 2 for 4 with a double, a run and three RBIs; Stephens drives in a run as well on a 3 for 5 night.

L - Lamb (2-1)

Aug 21 - vs SAN - W 3-0

Halstead (8 IP, 5 H, 3 K) wins his tenth straight decision, and George Thorn (1 IP, 2 K) finishes the shutout for his second save of the season. Francis hits 3 of 4 with a double, a triple, a run and an RBI.

W - Halstead (11-3)
SV - Thorn (2)

Aug 22 - vs SAN - W 9-4

The Flyers jump on Missions starter Martin Wright (L, 11-8, 1/3 IP, 6 R, 7 H) early, scoring six runs in the 1st on seven consecutive hits, including a three-run homer by Francis. Weber (2 for 5, 2 R) hits a two-run shot in the 2nd; Russ Roderick (2 for 4) also drives in a pair. Keith Becker (6 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 4 K) has a stellar outing despite a hour-long rain delay in the 5th.

W - Becker (9-7)
HR - Weber (17), Francis (15)

Last week: 4 - 2
This month: 15 - 5
Overall: 76 - 48, 1st, +1 1/2 on Jacksonville


Who's Hot

Steven Robinson
Last 5 games: 7-18 (.389), 0 HR, 4 RBI

Valentine Stephens
Last 8 games: 12-31 (.387), 1 HR, 5 RBI

Dale Francis
Last 5 games: 7-19 (.368), 1 HR, 7 RBI

Mike Weber
Last 5 games: 7-20 (.350), 2 HR, 3 RBI

Keith Becker
Last 3 games: 2-1, 1.80 ERA, 20 IP

Who's Not

Nobody!


A Closer Look - AA Hickory

Hickory's 73-51 record is the best mark in AA. A trio of infielders has been key to the team's resurgence: 2B Gary Anderson (age 29, .268, 14 HR, 62 RBI, 67 R, 71 BB, 27 2Bs), 1B Everett Putman (age 22, .314, 6 HR, 50 RBI, 52 BB, 26 2Bs) and SS Kyle Smith (age 29, .274, 18 HR, 60 RBI, 62 R, 92 BB, 16 2Bs). The pitching has also improved, thanks to starters Jerry Thompson (age 32, 10-6 in 16 GS, 2.74, WHIP 1.15) and Bryant Hamilton (age 31, 5-1 in 6 GS, 2.05, WHIP 1.02) along with closer Dave Reed (age 27, 7-1, 24 SV, 2.68, WHIP 1.17). This year's first-rounder Johnny Westerman (age 23, 4.50 in 10 IP, WHIP 1.40) has settled after a rough introduction to Double-A.


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

While this has turned out to be a good week, I've finally seen enough drama out of the bullpen. Changes had to be made...

Kevin Hodgkins is out as our closer. After twelve blown saves last year and nine so far this season, I just don't think he has that "closer's mentality", but I believe he can be a great setup man.

Terry Bingham is the closer for the time being, though that four-run 9th on Friday does not inspire much confidence. I also hesitate to use him on back-to-back days, so expect Hodgkins, Thorn and Jahnke to get some odd save opportunities.

Justin Randolph will make his first start of the season on Tuesday. Though he hasn't thrown especially well since the All-Star break, this move is more about not giving Calvin Thayer another start. Randolph may get just the one start, since Roger Coomes is due back for the Dallas series, but if Justin throws well, Coomes may end up in the bullpen instead.

Meanwhile, the starters and the offense have been awesome, which is why we've finally got the lead... but there's a lot of baseball left! Come cheer us on before we hit the road!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXIV, Issue 24 - August 30, 1971

Winning five of six, the Flyers stretch out their Eastern Division lead over Jacksonville to 3 1/2 games. The clubs completes its Western Division schedule with three at San Antonio, an off day Thursday, and three at Houston.


Last Week's Results

Aug 23 - vs HOU - W 4-2

Though the Flyers collect twelve hits to the Buffaloes' seven, it takes a three-run homer by Russ Roderick to put them over the top with a four-run 6th. Valentine Stephens drives in the first Carolina run with the first of his two doubles on the night. Bud Fox (8 IP, 2 R, 7 H, 1 BB, 4 K) three-hits Houston thru six, while Terry Bingham needs just six pitches to earn his first save since July 8. Alan Bruns fields the final out from third but winces as he throws to first; a tender shoulder will put him out of action for at least a week.

W - Fox (7-4)
SV - Bingham (4)
HR - Roderick (5)

Aug 24 - vs HOU - W 7-5

After Justin Randolph (3 IP, 5 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 1 K) is pounded in the 3rd, Calvin Thayer (3 IP, 1 BB) picks up the slack splendidly. Meanwhile, the Flyers score three in the 1st and four in the 3rd, with both Dale Francis (2 for 4, 2B, HR) and Steven Robinson (1 for 3, R, SB) driving in a pair.

W - Thayer (7-5)
SV - Bingham (5)
HR - Francis (16)

Aug 25 - vs HOU - W 11-1

Russ Roderick hits 3 of 4, going deep twice and driving in seven, as the Flyers sweep the Buffaloes, winning their fifth straight game on Bobblehead Doll Day. Clark Davidson also goes 3 for 4, scoring a run, while Mike Sutton ends up 2 for 3 with a triple, a run, and two RBIs. Bill Morgan (6 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 2 BB, 5 K) earns his fourteenth win, leading the Eastern Division.

W - Morgan (14-4)
HR - Roderick 2 (6,7)

Aug 26 - OFF

Aug 27 - at DAL - L 1-2

The Flyers nearly steal this pitcher's duel between Matt Halstead (6 2/3 IP, 1 R, 8 H, 2 K) and Drifters starter John Philips (7 2/3 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 H, 1 BB, 1 K) despite managing just four hits, but Kevin Hodgkins (1/3 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 2 BB, 1 K) gives up a single and two walks in the tied 9th before former Flyers C Mark Johnson gets his fourth hit of the game to score the game winner.

L - Hodgkins (3-7)

Aug 28 - at DAL - W 8-2

Mike Weber homers twice on a 3 for 4 night, scoring three runs and driving in three, while Dale Francis (2 for 3, 3B, 2 R) and Steven Robinson (2 for 5, HR) each add a pair of RBIs. Keith Becker (7 IP, 2 R, 9 H, 1 BB, 8 K) has a much more impressive outing than his former teammate, Elmer Sexton (L, 7-4, 6 IP, 5 R, 7 H, 4 BB, 3 K).

W - Becker (10-7)
HR - Weber 2 (18,19), S. Robinson (9)

Aug 29 - at DAL - W 6-2

Dave Powell goes 2 for 4 with a triple and three RBIs, while Fox (6 1/3 IP, 6 H, 1 BB, 2 K) pitches lights out before leaving in the 7th with a sore shoulder. He is listed as day-to-day but not expected to miss his next start.

W - Fox (8-4)

Last week: 5 - 1
This month: 20 - 6
Overall: 81 - 49, 1st, +3 1/2 on Jacksonville


Who's Hot

Russ Roderick
Last 5 games: 8-19 (.421), 2 HR, 9 RBI

Mike Weber
Last 5 games: 8-19 (.421), 2 HR, 4 RBI

Dale Francis
Last 5 games: 7-18 (.389), 1 HR, 4 RBI

Bud Fox
Last 4 games: 4-0, 1.91 ERA, 28 1/3 IP

Keith Becker
Last 4 games: 3-1, 2.00 ERA, 27 IP

Who's Not

Valentine Stephens
Last 5 games: 3-19 (.158), 0 HR, 2 RBI


A Closer Look - Single-A Columbus

At 69-61, Columbus stands third among Eastern Division A-ball affiliates. The hitting has picked up recently, thanks to SS Will Blazer (age 24, .288, 11 HR, 73 RBI, 72 R, 68 BB, 34 2Bs, 19 SB), OF Patrick Sommer (age 26, .274 in 270 AB, 9 HR, 49 RBI, 40 R, 34 BB, 21 2Bs) and 1B Christian Smithson (age 28, .266 in 143 AB, 4 HR, 25 RBI, 33 BB). The top pitchers include last year's first-rounder Herbert Baxley (age 20, 10-10, 3.87, WHIP 1.28) and reliever Rick Wilhoit (age 20, 2.42 in 44 2/3 IP, WHIP 1.28).


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

I don't know where to start! Other than being a little dinged up, things are going awfully well at the moment.

Roger Coomes will make his first start in over two months on Tuesday, Alan Bruns should be ready to go by the Houston series, and at most, Bud Fox's next start will be pushed back a day as a precaution. After that, the only name on the injury report will be Robin Houston, and it looks like he'll be 100% during the last week of the regular season. That'll just make my life difficult when I try to decide on a playoff roster!

Of course, with our 81st win, we've already done as well as I thought we would do when we started this season... and there's still a month to go! Wish us luck, and see you next week!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXIV, Issue 25 - September 6, 1971

Both Carolina and Jacksonville split their six games last week, so the Flyers continue to hold a 3 1/2 game lead in the Eastern Division race. The club returns to Charlotte this week to play two against Norfolk (including Batting Glove Day today), two against Atlanta, and three against Tampa (with Baseball Cap Day on Friday).


Last Week's Results

Aug 30 - at SAN - L 3-4

Bill Morgan (6 1/3 IP, 3 R, 2 ER, 5 H, 4 K) has a good night, both on the mound and at the plate (2 for 2, RBI), but Justin Randolph (1 1/3 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 2 K) cannot keep the Missions from scoring two in the 7th, turning a one-run Flyers lead into a one-run loss.

L - Randolph (9-5)

Aug 31 - at SAN - W 10-7

After giving up a pair of two-run homers in the 1st, Roger Coomes (6 IP, 4 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 2 K) settles into a groove in his first start in two months, and the Flyers score eight runs in the next four innings, thanks to Valentine Stephens (2 for 4, HR, 3 RBI), Dave Powell (2 for 5, R, 2 RBI) and Russ Roderick (2 for 5, 2 R). Coomes even drives in a pair with a single in the 2nd!

W - Coomes (5-7)
SV - Bingham (6)
HR - Stephens (8)

After the game, the team announced their September callups. From AAA Winston-Salem, SP Bill Frazier (17-5, 3.84, WHIP 1.37), RP Dave Brown [6/8/3] (2.73 in 52 2/3 IP, WHIP 1.12), C Gary Armitage (.278 in 237 AB, 7 HR, 26 RBI, 79 BB), 1B Steve Brown (.262 in 328 AB, 28 HR, 85 RBI, 78 BB, 23 2Bs), 3B Darrel Robinson (.342 in 152 AB, 8 HR, 38 RBI, 28 BB), LF Frank Thomas (.293 in 205 AB, 7 HR, 34 RBI, 45 BB) and CF Rudy Olson (.307 in 449 AB, 9 HR, 61 RBI, 20 2Bs, 12 SB) are all recalled. RP Chad Williams [4/6/4] (5.23 in 32 2/3 IP, WHIP 1.56), SS Bill Oliver [1/1/3] (.268 in 41 AB) and CF Danny Bowen [2/6/4] (.239 in 209 AB, 11 HR, 35 RBI, 42 BB) are called up from AA Hickory, and RP Robin Houston is activated from the DL, though the club says he likely will not throw at all until the final week of the season.

Sept 1 - at SAN - W 4-2

Chris Wayman (2 for 4) hits a two-run homer in the 5th, but it is Stephens' (2 for 4) two-run single in the 7th that provides the margin of victory. Matt Halstead (6 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 5 H, 5 K) wins his eleventh straight decision, while the bullpen of Dave Brown (1 IP, 1 K), Hodgkins (1 1/3 IP, 1 K), Thorn (1/3 IP) and Bingham (1/3 IP) no-hit the Missions in the final three frames. Walt Finney, in as a defensive replacement in the 9th, leaves the game in pain after making a play in right; a sore back will put him on the shelf for at least a week.

W - Halstead (12-3)
SV - Bingham (7)
HR - Wayman (6)

Sept 2 - OFF

Sept 3 - at HOU - L 5-7

Keith Becker (5 IP, 5 R, 7 H, 3 BB, 2 K) gives up three taters, while John Jahnke (1 IP, 2 R, 1 H, 1 BB) also allows a longball to give the Buffaloes a 7-3 lead in the 8th. The Flyers manage two runs on bases-loaded walks in the 9th, but Thomas strikes out swinging to end the threat and the game. Roderick hits 3 of 4, scoring twice in the losing effort.

L - Becker (10-8)

Sept 4 - at HOU - W 7-3

Steven Robinson goes 2 for 4 with two runs and four RBIs, including a two-run homer in the 8th as the Flyers come back from a 3-0 deficit to beat the Buffaloes. Carolina scores five in the 7th on four hits and four walks, with Powell contributing a two-run double. Bud Fox (5 IP, 3 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 2 K) does not see the comeback, so John Jahnke (1 IP) earns the win with a perfect 6th. Bingham (1/3 IP) comes in with two on and two out in the 9th and throws two pitches for the save.

W - Jahnke (4-2)
SV - Bingham (8)
HR - S. Robinson (10)

Sept 5 - at HOU - L 4-6

Morgan (4 2/3 IP, 5 R, 6 H, 4 BB) nearly escapes a poor outing with a chance for his fifteenth win until Buffaloes 1B Steven Wells hits a three-run shot down the line to right in the 5th for a 5-3 Houston lead. Matt Kirk hits a double, a triple, and a homer on the night, yet scores just twice and drives in only one run.

L - Morgan (14-5)
HR - Kirk (14), Stephens (9)

Last week: 3 - 3
This month: 2 - 2 (21 - 7 in August)
Overall: 84 - 52, 1st, +3 1/2 on Jacksonville


Who's Hot

Dave Powell
Last 5 games: 7-17 (.412), 0 HR, 4 RBI

Valentine Stephens
Last 6 games: 9-22 (.409), 2 HR, 6 RBI

Matt Kirk
Last 6 games: 7-23 (.304), 1 HR, 2 RBI

Matt Halstead
Last 3 games: 2-0, 0.87 ERA, 20 2/3 IP

Bud Fox
Last 3 games: 2-0, 2.33 ERA, 19 1/3 IP

Who's Not

Nobody!


A Closer Look - Carolina

With the September callups, the Flyers have thirty-six players on the roster at the moment (though Houston, Finney and Olson are unavailable due to injury):

SP Keith Becker (10-8, 3.62, WHIP 1.13)
SP Bill Morgan (14-5, 3.85, WHIP 1.25)
SP Matt Halstead (12-3, 2.28, WHIP 1.06)
SP Bud Fox (8-4 in 17 GS, 3.04, WHIP 1.24)
SP Roger Coomes (5-7 in 16 GS, 5.81, WHIP 1.51)
SP Bill Frazier (0-2 in 3 GS, 7.36, WHIP 1.98)

RP Justin Randolph (3.82 in 96 2/3 IP, WHIP 1.34)
RP John Jahnke (1.57 in 80 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.10)
RP Kevin Hodgkins (31 SV, 4.04 in 71 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.36)
RP Terry Bingham (8 SV, 3.44 in 68 IP, WHIP 1.13)
RP George Thorn (2.05 in 66 IP, WHIP 1.24)
RP Robin Houston (3.19 in 59 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.18)
RP Bob Lamb (5.06 in 10 2/3 IP, WHIP 1.88)
RP Dave Brown (9.00 in 8 IP, WHIP 1.25)
RP Chad Williams (0 IP in bigs this year, 3.38 in 8 IP last season)

C Mike Weber (.308, 19 HR, 69 RBI, 95 R, 82 BB, 28 2Bs, 6 3Bs)
C Jack Lowe (.270 in 126 AB, 2 HR, 17 RBI)
C Gary Armitage (.310 in 29 AB, 1 HR, 5 RBI)

1B Chris Wayman (.319 in 348 AB, 6 HR, 47 RBI, 62 R, 47 BB)
1B Steve Brown (.196 in 97 AB, 4 HR, 13 RBI, 19 BB)

2B Russ Roderick (.308, 7 HR, 66 RBI, 72 R, 20 2Bs, 5 3Bs)
2B Jeff Harvey (.241 in 79 AB, 1 HR, 12 RBI, 19 BB)
2B Clark Davidson (.314 in 35 AB, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 6 BB)

3B Valentine Stephens (.285 in 263 AB, 9 HR, 40 RBI, 19 2Bs)
3B/SS Alan Bruns (.330 in 185 AB, 1 HR, 22 RBI, 28 R, 24 BB, 6 2Bs)
3B Darrel Robinson (.206 in 180 AB, 5 HR, 32 RBI)

SS Dave Powell (.312, 7 HR, 76 RBI, 59 R, 12 2Bs)
SS Bill Oliver (0 AB in bigs this year, .250 in 172 AB last season)

LF Steven Robinson (.312, 10 HR, 85 RBI, 76 R, 61 BB, 17 2Bs, 28 SB)
LF Walt Finney (.215 in 256 AB, 4 HR, 36 RBI, 45 BB, 9 2Bs)
LF Frank Thomas (.164 in 61 AB, 1 HR, 7 RBI)

CF Matt Kirk (.307, 14 HR, 57 RBI, 77 R, 11 2Bs, 8 3Bs, 13 SB)
CF Rudy Olson (.125 in 16 AB, 0 HR, 1 RBI)
CF Danny Bowen (1 AB this season, .161 in 56 career at-bats)

RF Dale Francis (.289, 16 HR, 76 RBI, 84 R, 73 BB, 17 2Bs, 8 3Bs)
RF Mike Sutton (.288 in 215 AB, 3 HR, 27 RBI, 8 2Bs, 11 SB)


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

Well, that road trip went a bit too long, I think...

Actually, we had a chance to win every game this week, but either the bullpen would give up an extra run or two, or we just couldn't get the clutch hit in the 9th. Those are two areas we'll need to improve if we want to win the championship.

Unlike most teams, everybody we called up was already under a major league contract, so we've gone from a middle-of-the-road payroll to the second-lowest current payroll in the league!

Speaking of money, we're on pace to bring 150,000 more fans to the park this year than last year, collecting nearly $2 million more in gate revenue. So we should be in very good financial shape this offseason and could be active in the free agent market, depending on how big a raise a few players (Steven Robinson, Weber, Becker, Thorn) get in arbitration.

To thank our fans for their great support, we have some terrific giveaways next week... come on out and cheer us to the pennant!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXIV, Issue 26 - September 13, 1971

The Flyers give one game back to the Ospreys this week, but Carolina still leads Jacksonville by 2 1/2 games with three weeks to go. The club takes an off day today before traveling to Norfolk for three and Tampa for three.


Last Week's Results

Sept 6 - vs NOR - W 9-6

Darrel Robinson hits a pinch-hit three-run walkoff homer to left-center with two out in the 9th as the Flyers win a very contentious Batting Glove Day at State Fair Park. Pinch-hitter Alan Bruns is ejected in the 4th, while manager Jeremy McGrath is tossed in the 7th, both for arguing balls and strikes. Norfolk ties the game in the top of the 9th off Terry Bingham (1 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 1 K), his sixth blown save of the season but just the first since he took over the closing duties. Mike Weber (4 for 5, 2B, 3 R, RBI), Russ Roderick (3 for 5, 2B, R, 2 RBI) and Steven Robinson (2 for 4, 3 RBI) each add to the team's total of eighteen hits.

W - Bingham (6-1)
HR - D. Robinson (6)

Sept 7 - vs NOR - L 2-5

A Weber two-run homer in the 1st provides all the scoring the Flyers can manage on nine hits, leaving eleven runners on base. Roger Coomes (6 1/3 IP, 4 R, 8 H) looks more like his pre-injury self in his second start back.

L - Coomes (5-8)
HR - Weber (20)

After the game, the team purchases this year's second round pick, southpaw SP Christopher Horan [3/9/7] (10-5 in 17 GS, 4.18, WHIP 1.37), from Winston-Salem and puts him on the active roster.

Sept 8 - vs ATL - W 4-2

The bullpen does its best to ruin a stellar performance by Keith Becker (7 IP, 5 H, 4 K), but the Flyers manage to hang on for the win. Bingham (0 IP, 2 H) comes in with two on and two out in the 9th but allows two runs on a pair of singles, then hits a batter to load the bases. George Thorn (1/3 IP) ends the drama, throwing just one pitch to get the game-ending ground out and his third save. Weber goes 3 for 4 on the night, including a solo shot in the 1st.

W - Becker (11-8)
SV - Thorn (3)
HR - Weber (21)

Sept 9 - vs ATL - W 8-3

Matt Kirk (R, 2 RBI) and Jack Lowe (2B, 2 R, RBI) both go 3 for 5, while Steven Robinson (2 for 5, 2B, R) and Dave Powell (1 for 3, R) both drive in a pair of Flyers as well for a comfortable sweep of the Flames. Bud Fox (5 2/3 IP, 2 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 4 K) has won half of his eighteen starts this season.

W - Fox (9-4)

Sept 10 - vs TAM - W 3-2

Steven Robinson hits a walkoff bases-loaded single with two out in the 9th to give the Flyers a victory on Baseball Cap Day. Bill Morgan (6 IP, 4 H, 7 K) does not earn his fifteenth win after Hodgkins (0 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 1 BB), Thorn (1 1/3 IP, 1 R, 1 K) and Randolph (2/3 IP, 1 H) give up runs in the 7th and the 8th. Bingham (1 IP, 1 BB, 2 K) throws a solid 9th, picking up his second win this week. Kirk hits 3 of 5 with a double, a triple and an RBI, scoring twice.

W - Bingham (7-1)

Sept 11 - vs TAM - L 1-2

Another bullpen loss ruins a decent outing by Matt Halstead (5 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 1 BB, 4 K). Hodgkins (1/3 IP, 1 R, 1 BB) issues a walk with two out in the 8th, then Jahnke (1 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 1 K) gives up a pair of singles to score the decisive run. Valentine Stephens goes 2 for 4, driving in the sole Flyers tally with a double in the 1st.

L - Hodgkins (3-8)

Sept 12 - vs TAM - L 2-4

Christopher Horan (6 2/3 IP, 3 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 3 K) gives the Flyers every chance to win in his major league debut, but the team manages just three hits off Tampa's Henry Talbott (W, 3-7, 7 2/3 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 1 K), also making his first start of the season.

L - Horan (0-1)

Last week: 4 - 3
This month: 6 - 5
Overall: 88 - 55, 1st, +2 1/2 on Jacksonville


Who's Hot

Mike Weber
Last 5 games: 12-20 (.600), 2 HR, 5 RBI
EDIT: Late word from the CBA Press Office... Mike Weber is named Eastern Division Player of the Week!

Steven Robinson
Last 6 games: 7-19 (.368), 0 HR, 6 RBI

Matt Kirk
Last 7 games: 11-29 (.379), 1 HR, 4 RBI

Bud Fox
Last 4 games: 3-0, 2.52 ERA, 25 IP

Keith Becker
Last 6 games: 4-2, 2.54 ERA, 39 IP

Who's Not

Russ Roderick
Last 5 games: 2-18 (.111), 0 HR, 0 RBI

Dave Powell
Last 5 games: 3-18 (.167), 0 HR, 4 RBI

Dale Francis
Last 6 games: 4-20 (.200), 0 HR, 0 RBI

Roger Coomes
Last 5 games: 1-3, 9.00 ERA, 22 IP


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

Scoring just six runs in the last three games would normally be troubling... but Saturday and Sunday's games were versus left-handed starters, so most of our best hitters had the day off.

Christopher Horan has earned himself at least one more start, I think... he's certainly a long way from the University of Buffalo now!

All the position players are now healthy, along with all the pitchers except Robin Houston... Houston's still at least two weeks away...

The only thing that really concerns me is the fact that we have only five home games left... but our road record (38-29) has improved greatly since our early troubles... Anyway, time to hit the road again, so wish us luck!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXIV, Issue 27 - September 20, 1971

Losing four of their last five games, the Flyers now hold the lead by just one game over Jacksonville. After visiting Atlanta for a pair, the club returns home to meet the Ospreys for a crucial two-game series (beginning with Mini Bat Day on Wednesday), followed by a three-game set against Miami.


Last Week's Results

Sept 13 - OFF

Sept 14 - at NOR - W 4-0

Keith Becker (5 IP, 1 H, 4 K) and Roger Coomes (4 IP, 3 H, 4 K) combine to four-hit the Clippers, while Mike Weber (3 for 5, 2 R) hits the longest homer of his career, a 452-foot blast to right in the 1st that also scores Chris Wayman (4 for 5).

W - Becker (12-8)
SV - Coomes (1)
HR - Weber (22)

Sept 15 - at NOR - L 4-5

After Bud Fox (1 1/3 IP, 5 R, 7 H) makes an early exit, Bill Frazier (3 2/3 IP, 5 BB, 1 K) does a great job of long relief as the Flyers nearly come back to win. Dave Powell goes 2 for 4, driving in two, while Frank Thomas adds a pinch-hit RBI-double in the 8th to make it a one run game. Carolina gets runners on the corners with two out in the 9th, but Valentine Stephens whiffs, the third inning-ending strikeout with runners in scoring position for the Flyers.

L - Fox (9-5)

Sept 16 - at NOR - L 4-5

Bill Morgan (5 IP, 5 R, 7 H, 1 BB, 7 K) gives up a pair of two-run blasts to Clippers 1B Ken Lennox, and the efforts of Steven Robinson (3 for 3, RBI, CS) and Weber (2 for 3, 2B, 2 R) are not enough for a comeback as the Flyers leave nine runners on base.

L - Morgan (14-6)

Sept 17 - at TAM - W 3-1

Matt Halstead (5 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 6 K) wins his twelfth straight decision, thanks to some stellar relief work by Hodgkins (1 IP, 1 K), Dave Brown (1 IP, 1 H, 1 K), Thorn (2/3 IP, 1 H), Coomes (1/3 IP) and Bingham (1 IP, 2 K). Solo shots by Weber in the 1st and Stephens in the 4th give the Flyers an early lead; Russ Roderick (2 for 4) adds an RBI-single in the 9th.

W - Halstead (13-3)
SV - Bingham (9)
HR - Weber (23), Stephens (10)

Sept 18 - at TAM - L 6-7

Kevin Hodgkins (2 IP, 3 R, 3 H, 1 BB) blows the same game twice, giving up a solo shot in the 7th to tie the game at five and a two-run homer in the 8th to give the Tomahawks the 7-6 lead. Becker (5 1/3 IP, 4 R, 6 H, 2 BB, 4 K) throws better than his line looks after Bob Lamb (2/3 IP, 1 H, 1 K) allows a two-run single in the 6th. Matt Kirk (3 for 5, 3 R), Wayman (3 for 4, R) and Dale Francis (3 for 5, R, 2 RBI, 2 SB) each collect three of the Flyers' thirteen hits.

L - Hodgkins (3-9)

Sept 19 - at TAM - L 5-7

A comedy of errors kills the Flyers' chances today. In the 6th, Jack Lowe (2 for 3) guns a throw into center field on a stolen base attempt with runners on the corners, leading to two unearned runs. John Jahnke (1/3 IP, 2 R, 2 H) later enters the inning with one on and two out, but promptly gives up an RBI-double followed by a two-run homer. In the 9th, the Flyers have a chance to come back when Steven Robinson gets a pinch hit with a runner on second and one out, but the rally is doused when Robinson tries to take second on the throw to the plate and is cut down by the cutoff man. Clark Davidson goes 2 for 4 with two runs and a stolen base from the leadoff spot, while Mike Sutton drives in three on a 1 for 3 night.

L - Fox (9-6)
HR - Stephens (11)

Last week: 2 - 4
This month: 8 - 9
Overall: 90 - 59, 1st, +1 on Jacksonville


Who's Hot

Mike Weber
Last 11 games: 20-39 (.513), 4 HR, 10 RBI

Steven Robinson
Last 5 games: 7-15 (.467), 0 HR, 2 RBI

Jack Lowe
Last 5 games: 7-19 (.368), 0 HR, 2 RBI

Keith Becker
Last 3 games: 2-0, 2.08 ERA, 17 1/3 IP

Who's Not

Dave Powell
Last 7 games: 4-27 (.148), 0 HR, 3 RBI

Bud Fox
Last 3 games: 1-2, 7.11 ERA, 12 2/3 IP

Bill Morgan
Last 3 games: 0-2, 5.74 ERA, 15 2/3 IP


A Closer Look - The Jacksonville Ospreys

Jacksonville is led by the all-time managerial wins leader, Lloyd Jorgensen, and has nearly identical home (45-30) and road (44-30) records this season. The Flyers have won ten of their thirteen games against the Ospreys so far this year.

Their pitching staff ranks first in ERA (3.44) and second in runs allowed (605). (Carolina ranks second in ERA (3.48) and first in runs allowed (582).) The rotation of George Russell (15-5, 2.74, WHIP 1.25), Jerry Salmons (14-9, 3.09, WHIP 1.33), Tim Duncan (11-2, 3.04, WHIP 1.25) and Frank Wilson (10-11, 3.52, WHIP 1.36) can stand up with any foursome in the league, while the pen features a strong, young, left-handed closer, Mark Endres (33 SV, 1.97 in 86 2/3 IP, WHIP 1.14).

The Ospreys' hitters are fourth in batting (.270) while second in walks (636) and runs scored (762). Their offense is led by RF Dave Trail (.339, 9 HR, 79 RBI, 75 R, 19 2Bs), 2B Lawrence "The Freak" Taylor (.265, 21 HR, 80 RBI, 91 R, 107 BB) and CF Matt Alexander (.272, 16 HR, 65 RBI, 82 R, 15 2Bs, 29 SB), though C George Clemons (.293, 15 HR, 88 RBI, 71 R, 24 2Bs) leads the team in RBIs.


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

Well, I blame myself for a couple of those losses last week... which I suppose is a common reaction when you lose a number of one-run games at once. Hard to resist playing "What if?"... For me, it's "What if I had pitched around Lennox on Thursday?" and "What if I had not let Lamb pitch to those right-handed hitters on Saturday?"

That said, it seems like we've been only playing well enough to lose. That baserunning by Steven Robinson yesterday was the worst yet... he'll get a day off tomorrow to think about it.

Roger Coomes seems to be taking quite well to the bullpen... My only concern is that, next year, $6.2 million will be a lot to pay my fifth starter / fourth reliever... On the other hand, there's no such thing as "too much pitching"...

Both Becker and Fox pitched twice last week on three days rest. That was done to set up the rotation for our five remaining games with Jacksonville. Before the short starts, our #5, Christopher Horan, would have gone in two of the five games. It's a bit early in his career to put him into that situation...

Luckily, we get to face 57-92 Atlanta before we face the Ospreys... If that doesn't get us out of this funk, I don't know what will! Come down to the park and cheer us over Jacksonville! We need your help!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXIV, Issue 28 - September 27, 1971

After splitting the pair of games with Jacksonville, the Flyers still hold a slim one game lead over the Ospreys entering the final week of play. Three crucial games at Jacksonville begin today, then an off day before the final series of three at Miami.


Last Week's Results

Sept 20 - at ATL - W 8-0

Christopher Horan (7 IP, 4 H, 1 BB, 2 K) will never forget his first big-league victory, as not only does he pitch seven shutout innings but also scores the first two Flyers runs after being hit by a pitch and reaching base on one of Atlanta's four errors. Roger Coomes (1 IP, 1 K) and Chad Williams (1 IP, 2 H) finish off the shutout after a six-run Flyers 8th, including a three-run double by Mike Weber. Jack Lowe is hit by a pitch in the 9th; he is out for the remainder of the season with a broken hand.

W - Horan (1-1)

After the game, the team places Jack Lowe on the 60-day DL and purchases C Matt Thompson [4/2/3] (.269 in 182 AB at A-ball) from Single-A Columbus.

Sept 21 - at ATL - W 7-2

Chris Wayman (3 for 5, 3B, R), Weber (2 for 3, 2B, R) and Valentine Stephens (1 for 4, HR) each drive in two runs, while Matt Kirk (3 for 5, CS) scores twice, finally giving Bill Morgan his fifteenth win, tied for tops in the Eastern Division.

W - Morgan (15-6)
HR - Stephens (12)

Elsewhere, Jacksonville sweeps their two-game series at Norfolk, staying just one game behind the Flyers.

Sept 22 - vs JAX - L 1-3

Ospreys starter George Russell (W, 16-5, 7 1/3 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 2 BB, 6 K) outduels Matt Halstead (6 2/3 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 7 H, 2 K), though Weber's wild throw to second on a stolen base attempt with two out in the 7th leads to an unearned run. Stephens drives in the sole Flyers tally with a double in the 4th.

L - Halstead (13-4)

Sept 23 - vs JAX - W 7-4

Stephens hits a pair of two-run doubles, while Dale Francis (2 for 4, 2 R), Dave Powell (2 for 4, R) and Russ Roderick (2 for 4, 2 2B, R, RBI) also get two hits apiece. Keith Becker (5 IP, 3 R, 6 H, 5 K) allows two solo shots; Roger Coomes (1 IP) enters with two on and no outs in the 9th to earn his second save, matching his career high.

W - Becker (13-8)
SV - Coomes (2)

Sept 24 - vs MIA - L 3-8

Skipper Jeremy McGrath's ejection in the 5th fails to inspire the bullpen of Jahnke (1 IP, 3 R, 4 H) and Randolph (3 IP, 2 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 K) to keep the Meteors from scoring five runs in the final four frames. Bud Fox (5 IP, 3 R, 8 H, 3 K) allows a leadoff single in his first four innings of work, while the Flyers manage just six hits, two by Roderick (2 for 3, RBI).

L - Fox (9-7)

Sept 25 - vs MIA - W 11-7

Mike Sutton goes 3 for 3 with three doubles, scoring three runs and driving in five, while Stephens hits 2 for 3 with three runs and Roderick goes 2 for 4 with an RBI and two runs. Every Flyers position player gets one of the team's fourteen hits on the night. Christopher Horan (4 2/3 IP, 4 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 1 K) cannot quite go five, so Chad Williams (1 1/3 IP) earns his second career win, the first since his original stint with Carolina in 1964. Bill Frazier (0 IP, 3 R, 1 H, 2 BB) does not find mop-up work to his liking, walking two and then giving up a three-run homer in the 9th, throwing just two strikes (including the homer) in eleven pitches.

W - Williams (1-0)

Sept 26 - vs MIA - L 0-6

The Flyers manage just three hits off Meteors' starter George Lair (W, 9-13, 9 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 1 K), while Morgan (5 IP, 3 R, 2 H, 6 BB, 4 K), Thorn (0 IP, 1 R, 1 H) and Jahnke (2/3 IP, 1 R, 2 H) give up a five-run 6th.

L - Morgan (15-7)

Last week: 4 - 3
This month: 12 - 12
Overall: 94 - 62, 1st, +1 on Jacksonville (Magic Number: 6)


Who's Hot

Russ Roderick
Last 8 games: 10-27 (.370), 0 HR, 5 RBI

Valentine Stephens
Last 7 games: 8-25 (.320), 2 HR, 8 RBI

Who's Not

Alan Bruns
Last 5 games: 2-13 (.154), 0 HR, 2 RBI

Bud Fox
Last 3 games: 0-3, 8.25 ERA, 12 IP

Bill Morgan
Last 3 games: 1-2, 5.40 ERA, 15 IP


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

A three-hit shutout is not exactly the note I wanted to strike heading into Jacksonville... but what can you do?

Talk about a critical series... If we win two out of three, we'll have a two game lead with three to play... but if they win two out of three, it'll be all tied up.

Did you know that 94 wins ties the best Carolina record ever? The 1954 Flyers went 94-68 before losing a one-game playoff at Norfolk.

Overall, I like our chances... wish us luck!

[gordyhulten]

Jeremy,

I just found this thread about a week ago, after you posted in my Republican League dynasty. It took me a while to catch up, by this is a neat project that just keeps getting more interesting.

Good luck heading into the last week!

[jmm8356]

[Thanks, Gordy! I think that makes a grand total of four people reading this. ]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXIV, Issue 29 - October 4, 1971

The Flyers win the pennant! The Flyers win the pennant! Next stop for Carolina: The Confederate Series! Games 1 and 2 are in Dallas, then Games 3 and 4 will be at State Fair Park this weekend.


Last Week's Results

Sept 27 - at JAX - W 4-1

A little rain cannot douse Matt Halstead's (6 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 5 K) red-hot pitching, despite a forty-five minute delay in the 3rd. Halstead also hits a single and scores on Matt Kirk's two-run homer in the 5th. The bullpen of Houston (1 1/3 IP, 2 K), Thorn (1/3 IP), Hodgkins (1/3 IP, 1 H) and Bingham (1 IP) allow just one Ospreys baserunner in the final three frames.

W - Halstead (14-4)
SV - Bingham (10)
HR - Kirk (15)

Magic Number: 4 (Two games ahead, five to play)

Sept 28 - at JAX - W 4-2

Kirk goes 2 for 5 with three RBIs and a stolen base, while Russ Roderick scores twice on a 1 for 2 night with two walks. Keith Becker (5 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 4 K) barely finishes five to earn the win after rain stopped play for sixty-six minutes in the 4th. Valentine Stephens leaves the game in the 5th after a throw; he is listed as day-to-day with a blister on his throwing hand.

W - Becker (14-8)
SV - Bingham (11)

Magic Number: 2 (Three games ahead, four to play)

Sept 29 - at JAX - L 1-3

The Ospreys stay alive as the Flyers manage just five hits off Jacksonville starter Jerry Salmons (W, 15-10, 8 2/3 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 1 K). Bud Fox (6 IP, 3 R, 7 H, 1 BB, 4 K) pitches well until allowing a two-run homer by SS Jonathan Hodges. Steven Robinson's solo shot in the 2nd scores the sole Carolina run, and Chris Wayman hits 2 of 4 in the losing effort. Weber and Francis combined hit 0 for 7 from the heart of the order.

L - Fox (9-8)
HR - S. Robinson (11)

Magic Number: 2 (Two games ahead, three to play)

Sept 30 - OFF

Jacksonville - OFF
Magic Number: 2 (Two games ahead, three to play)

Oct 1 - at MIA - W 4-2

Mike Weber, not in the starting lineup against Meteors leftie Don Robinson (7 1/3 IP, 2 R, 7 H, 3 BB, 2 K), hits a pinch-hit two-run homer in the 9th to clinch at least a tie for the Eastern Division for the Flyers. Bill Morgan (6 IP, 2 R, 6 H, 3 BB, 6 K) makes his eighteenth Quality Start in thirty-four outings, but John Jahnke (1 1/3 IP) earns the win for finishing the 7th and throwing a perfect 8th. Both Roderick and Powell hit 2 for 3 with an RBI but commit an error, Roderick's 16th and Powell's 18th.

W - Thorn (6-0)
SV - Bingham (12)
HR - Weber (24)

Jacksonville - 5-4 W at TAM
Magic Number: 1 (Two games ahead, two to play)

Oct 2 - at MIA - W 4-2

Roderick's (2 for 4, 2B) two-run single to left in the 8th ends up becoming the pennant-clinching hit, sending the Flyers to their second Confederate Series in four years. Halstead (5 IP, 1 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 2 K) throws well, but it falls to the bullpen of Randolph (1 IP, 2 H, 1 K), Jahnke (1/3 IP, 1 H, 1 K), Thorn (0 IP), Hodgkins (2/3 IP), Coomes (2/3 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 1 K) and Bingham (1 IP, 1 H) to finish the job. Kirk goes 3 for 4 and drives in a run; Powell opens the scoring with a solo shot in the 4th.

W - Randolph (10-5)
SV - Bingham (13)
HR - Powell (8)

Jacksonville - 14-11 W at TAM

Oct 3 - at MIA - L 0-4

Meteors starter Rick Parker (9 IP, 6 H, 6 K) shuts out the Flyers' "B-squad", though Matt Thompson does go 3 for 4, hitting a single in his first three big-league at-bats. Bill Frazier (6 IP, 3 R, 6 H, 4 BB) improves to a 6.66 ERA on the year.

L - Frazier (0-3)

Jacksonville - 4-0 W at TAM

Last week: 4 - 2
This month: 2 - 1 (14 - 13 in September)
Overall: 98 - 64, 1st, +1 on Jacksonville


Who's Hot

Dave Powell
Last 5 games: 6-14 (.429), 1 HR, 3 RBI

Russ Roderick
Last 9 games: 13-31 (.419), 0 HR, 6 RBI

Matt Kirk
Last 5 games: 7-18 (.389), 1 HR, 6 RBI

Who's Not

Gary Armitage
Last 8 games: 1-13 (.077), 0 HR, 2 RBI

Mike Weber
Last 7 games: 2-23 (.087), 1 HR, 2 RBI

Dale Francis
Last 6 games: 2-19 (.105), 0 HR, 0 RBI

Chris Wayman
Last 5 games: 4-23 (.174), 0 HR, 1 RBI

Bud Fox
Last 4 games: 0-4, 7.00 ERA, 18 IP


A Closer Look - The Dallas Drifters

At 97-65, Dallas won the Western Division by three games, their first pennant in ten years. Led by 1969 Manager of the Year Douglas MacFarlane, Dallas only won three of their twelve meetings with Carolina this season.

The Drifters led the CBA in batting (.292) and scoring (899). Their lineup is incredibly deep: CF Henry Pate (.357, 28 HR, 119 RBI, 110 R, 25 2Bs, 23 SB), C Mark Johnson (.368, 13 HR, 81 RBI, 76 R, 64 BB, 12 2Bs, 5 3Bs), 2B Royce "Pudge" Kain (.313, 33 HR, 131 RBI, 111 R, 92 BB, 14 2Bs), RF Douglas "Bingo" Andre (.367, 15 HR, 81 RBI, 104 R, 18 2Bs), SS Wade "Merlin" Hudson (.308, 11 HR, 66 RBI, 89 R, 20 2Bs, 11 3Bs, 35 SB), LF Glenn Pitzer (.325, 12 HR, 99 RBI, 21 2Bs) and 1B Kevin "Lucky" Riles (.239, 21 HR, 82 RBI, 23 2Bs).

Dallas' pitchers ranked sixth in ERA (4.13) and runs allowed (740). Kevin Badgett (20-4, 2.62, WHIP 1.17) seems a shoo-in for Hurler of the Year; John Philips (14-8, 3.49, WHIP 1.34) and Paul Palen (13-9, 4.41, WHIP 1.46) round out the rotation. Ron Stewart (9-2, 9 SV, 3.06, WHIP 1.19) has been very effective since replacing Jack Reynolds (3-5, 24 SV, 3.26, WHIP 1.30) as the closer in late August.


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

We made it! Frankly, the playoffs did not seem to be in the cards for this team back in April... at least, not to me... but a lot of pleasant surprises from guys like Matt Kirk, Steven Robinson, Valentine Stephens, George Thorn and Robin Houston really went a long way...

Now it's off to Dallas, a tough matchup. They stole 176 bases and hit 148 homers, both fourth-most in the league and both areas that we're not great at defending. On the plus side, they're just an average pitching team, especially with control (573 walks, 6th), so we should be able to get baserunners without too much trouble.

Their big strength is in defense, especially at the corners. 3B Raymond Thigpen has won 13 Slick Fielders, and 1B Kevin Riles has 6 Slicks, so I don't think the drag bunt will be too successful against the Drifters. (Kirk hit just .271 against Dallas this year.) Therefore, a little lineup juggling for the playoffs:

(Stats versus Right-handers)

LF Steven Robinson (.314, 11 HR, 95 RBI, 29 SB) (up from #5)
1B Chris Wayman (.328, 5 HR, 50 RBI)
C Mike Weber (.325, 24 HR, 84 RBI)
RF Dale Francis (.289, 15 HR, 74 RBI)
3B Valentine Stephens (.272, 11 HR, 51 RBI) (up from #6)
SS Dave Powell (.313, 8 HR, 74 RBI) (up from #7)
2B Russ Roderick (.305, 4 HR, 60 RBI) (up from #8)
CF Matt Kirk (.311, 15 HR, 66 RBI) (down from #1)

As for the rotation:

Game 1 (and 5): Bill Morgan (15-7, 3.82)
Game 2 (and 6): Matt Halstead (14-4, 2.32)
Game 3 (and 7): Keith Becker (14-8, 3.49)
Game 4: Bud Fox (9-8, 3.60)

I have a feeling this series could go the distance... wish us luck and see you Saturday!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXIV, Issue 30 - October 11, 1971

The Flyers win one of the first two games in Dallas, but the Drifters win one of the first two games in Charlotte, turning a seven-game series into a three-game set for all the marbles. Today's contest is the final game of the year at State Fair Park before the series returns to Mercury Field on Wednesday (and Thursday, if necessary).


Last Week's Results

Oct 4 - OFF

The club had to drop twelve players from the active roster to get back to twenty-five for the playoffs. RP Dave Brown, SS Bill Oliver and LF Danny Bowen were released, while SP Bill Frazier, SP Christopher Horan, RP Chad Williams, 1B Steve Brown, 3B Darrel Robinson and LF Frank Thomas were all assigned to AAA Winston-Salem. C Matt Thompson was returned to Single-A Columbus.

Oct 5 - OFF

SP/RP Roger Coomes was claimed by New Orleans via waivers, while RP Bob Lamb was picked up by Jacksonville.

Oct 6 - at DAL - W 4-1

Bill Morgan (5 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 4 BB, 7 K) pitches well but throws 96 pitches, so the bullpen of Thorn (1/3 IP, 2 H), Hodgkins (2/3 IP), Jahnke (1 1/3 IP, 3 H, 1 K), Randolph (2/3 IP) and Bingham (1 IP) shuts out the Drifters in the final four frames. Dale Francis gets things started with a two-run single in the 1st, after the first of three wild pitches by Dallas starter Kevin Badgett (L, 7 IP, 3 R, 8 H, 4 BB, 2 K) put runners on second and third. Chris Wayman hits an RBI-single in the 7th, while Russ Roderick adds a solo shot in the 8th, his first homer in over a month.

W - Morgan (1-0)
SV - Bingham (1)
HR - Roderick (1)

Oct 7 - at DAL - L 7-8

A heartbreaker at Mercury Field today, as Bingham (L, 1 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 1 K) gives up a solo shot by Drifters pinch-hitter Dan Hagler in the bottom of the 8th, spoiling the Flyers' second comeback of the night. Down 1-0 in the 2nd, Carolina scores four runs on six singles (including a two-run knock by Matt Kirk), but Matt Halstead (3 IP, 5 R, 6 H, 2 BB, 3 K) gives those four right back in the bottom of the inning. After two Dallas runs in the 7th, the Flyers are down 7-4 but tie the game at seven in the top of the 8th, thanks to three hits and a two-base error by Drifters LF Glenn Pitzer. Former Flyers C Mark Johnson gets his revenge, hitting 3 for 4 including a two-run triple and scoring twice. Adding injury to insult, Russ Roderick (2 R, RBI) leaves the game after a throw in the 8th; a strained back will likely keep him out of action for the remainder of the series.

L - Bingham (0-1)

Oct 8 - OFF

Oct 9 - vs DAL - L 1-2

A pitcher's duel results in no-decisions for both Keith Becker (8 IP, 1 R, 7 H, 7 K) and Dallas' John Philips (6 2/3 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 3 K) as the Flyers' bullpen loses its second straight game. Entering a tie game in the top of the 9th, Randolph (1/3 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 1 K) gives up a leadoff double to Drifters 2B Royce Kain. After a strikeout, George Thorn comes in to face left-handed LF Glenn Pitzer but allows a first-pitch bloop single that scores the decisive run. Dave Powell hits 2 of 4 with a double, while Jeff Harvey goes 2 for 3 in his first game subbing for the injured Roderick. Mike Sutton drives in the tying run with a pinch-hit in the 8th. Both Weber and Francis go 0 for 4; they are a combined 3 for 25 (.120) with two RBIs thus far in the postseason.

L - Randolph (0-1)

Oct 10 - vs DAL - W 1-0

Drifters SS Wade Hudson muffs a grounder, leading to an unearned run in the 3rd for the Flyers. After a Jeff Harvey (3 for 3) leadoff single and a Bud Fox (6 IP, 5 H, 7 K) bunt, Steven Robinson hits a ground ball to Hudson, ending up on first and advancing Harvey to third on the error. Chris Wayman then hits a sacrifice fly, driving in the only run of the game. Jahnke (1 IP, 1 K), Hodgkins (1 IP, 1 H, 1 K) and Bingham (1 IP) complete the shutout. Mike Weber goes 0 for 4; he is 1 for 16 (.063) for the series.

W - Fox (1-0)
SV - Bingham (2)

Playoffs: 2 - 2


Who's Hot

Dave Powell
Last 6 games: 10-20 (.500), 1 HR, 3 RBI

Matt Kirk
Last 5 games: 5-17 (.294), 0 HR, 3 RBI

Keith Becker
Last 3 games: 2-0, 2.50 ERA, 18 IP

Who's Not

Mike Weber
Last 5 games: 1-20 (.050), 0 HR, 0 RBI

Dale Francis
Last 7 games: 3-24 (.125), 0 HR, 2 RBI

Steven Robinson
Last 6 games: 3-18 (.167), 0 HR, 1 RBI

Valentine Stephens
Last 5 games: 3-17 (.176), 0 HR, 0 RBI


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

Well, I think we're very lucky to still be in this series, considering the heart of our order is hitting 7 for 47... that's a .149 from our #3, #4 and #5 hitters! And if you're thinking that switching the lineup back would help, Matt Kirk has hit 2 for 13, while Steven Robinson has hit 2 for 14. At least Robinson has drawn a couple walks...

The one possible benefit to reverting to the "usual" lineup is that it would move the two guys who are actually hitting the ball closer together: Dave Powell (7 of 15) and Jeff Harvey (5 for 6). Chris Wayman (5 for 15) has been the only decent batter near the top of the order so far. I'm going to leave the lineup as is, and hope that Weber snaps out of this funk soon...

Actually, we could have won all four games if not for a awful cold streak by George Thorn. Two runs on five hits and a walk in 2/3 of a inning equals a postseason ERA of 27.00! So it's unlikely you'll see him again, outside of a mop-up situation...

At least our starters are in their normal routine, with four days rest, while Dallas is using a three-man rotation... That could pay dividends as we get deep into this series...

Anyway, last chance to see the Flyers this year is tonight! Come cheer us on!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXIV, Issue 31 - October 18, 1971

The Flyers drop Games 5 and 6, losing the Confederate Series for the first time in three trips. A tough way to end a successful first year for Jeremy McGrath, the first time in CBA history that a rookie manager led his team to the postseason.


Last Week's Results

Oct 11 - vs DAL - L 6-8

Skipper Jeremy McGrath's ejection in the 8th inspires the team to score three in the bottom of the 9th, but the Flyers still fall two runs short. Bill Morgan (4 2/3 IP, 6 R, 8 H, 2 BB, 5 K) is hit hard, while Thorn (1 1/3 IP, 1 R, 1 H) and Jahnke (1 IP, 1 R, 3 H) give up two runs in the 8th. The Flyers get the tying run on first in the 9th, but Valentine Stephens (0 for 5) grounds out to end the game. Dale Francis goes 3 for 5 with a double and a run, driving in two; Matt Kirk adds a 3 for 4 night with a run and an RBI.

L - Morgan (1-1)

Oct 12 - OFF

Oct 13 - at DAL - L 2-5

The third bullpen loss of the series puts the Flyers out of their misery, as Kevin Hodgkins (1 IP, 1 R, 1 H) gives up a solo shot to ex-Flyers C Mark Johnson in the 7th that breaks the two-all tie. Matt Halstead (6 IP, 2 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 3 K) keeps the game close against Drifters starter John Philips (6 2/3 IP, 2 R, 0 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 3 K), but the same cannot be said for Hodgkins, Justin Randolph (1/3 IP, 2 R, 2 H) and Robin Houston (1/3 IP, 2 H). Francis drives in both Carolina runs with a single in the 3rd.

L - Hodgkins (0-1)

Playoffs: 2 - 4


Who's Hot

Matt Kirk
Last 7 games: 9-25 (.360), 0 HR, 4 RBI

Keith Becker
Last 3 games: 2-0, 2.50 ERA, 18 IP

Who's Not

Mike Weber
Last 5 games: 1-21 (.048), 0 HR, 1 RBI

Steven Robinson
Last 5 games: 2-20 (.100), 0 HR, 2 RBI


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

Well, the haunting thought for me will be "What if I hadn't fiddled with the lineup?"... but even though Matt Kirk (6 for 21) outperformed Steven Robinson (3 for 23, 2 BB), I feel like it was actually a positive to have Kirk near the other guys who actually hit the ball, namely Dave Powell (9 for 23) and Jeff Harvey (5 for 11).

Chris Wayman had an OBP of .481 (7 for 20, 6 BB) for the series, but without Mike Weber (2 for 24) contributing, Dale Francis (7 for 26, 3 2B) couldn't make up the difference, though he did end up with six RBIs...

I don't know who to focus on for the pitching side of the ledger... The only performances I could call "great" was Bud Fox's Game 4 start (W, 6 IP, 0 R, 5 H, 0 BB, 7 K) and Keith Becker's Game 3 start (8 IP, 1 R, 7 H, 0 BB, 7 K). George Thorn (4 G, 2 IP, 3 R, 6 H, 1 BB) is obviously the worst offender, but no one in the bullpen was really on the ball...

On the other hand, asking all the relievers to be perfect, because the starters are only going five innings and the offense is only going to put up two runs, isn't really fair either...

All in all, we went a lot further than I thought we would, and I had a lot more fun than I ever had up north... so let's do it again next year!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXIV, Issue 32 - October 25, 1971

Final Report Card Edition

Awards and Honors

Jeremy McGrath is named Eastern Division Manager of the Year for guiding the Flyers to a 98-win season and the pennant after the team finished 80-82 last year.

Matt Halstead wins his second Hurler of the Year award. Matt went 14-4 with a 2.32 ERA on the year, walking just twenty batters in 197 2/3 innings for a 1.09 WHIP. His ERA was second-best in the league, while 0.9 walks per nine tops the CBA.

Russ Roderick wins his first Slick Fielder award at second base. While his sixteen errors tied for the league lead amongst second basemen, his 837 chances (.981 fielding percentage) tops the league by almost 40.


Starting Pitchers - Grade: A-

It'd be hard to ask for a better threesome than Matt Halstead (14-4, 2.32, WHIP 1.09), Keith Becker (14-8, 3.49, WHIP 1.09) and Bill Morgan (15-7, 3.82, WHIP 1.26). Bud Fox (9-8 in 22 GS, 3.60, WHIP 1.32) was a solid #4 once he was given the chance. Calvin Thayer (2-1 in 4 GS, 3.03, WHIP 1.22) has departed, but Christopher Horan (1-1 in 3 GS, 3.44, WHIP 1.25) also looked good in a short stint. The remaining starters were a mess: Roger Coomes (5-8 in 17 GS, 5.34, WHIP 1.43), Gene Arndt (2-4 in 10 GS, 4.96, WHIP 1.78) and Bill Frazier (0-3 in 4 GS, 6.66, WHIP 1.93). Luckily, only the latter of the three remain with the team.


Relief Pitchers - Grade: A

Terry Bingham (6-0, 12 SV, 2.63 in 41 IP, WHIP 1.15) was an effective closer, despite taking a loss in the postseason, while Kevin Hodgkins (3-9, 31 SV, 4.07 in 84 IP, WHIP 1.36) seemed to settle into the set-up role in September (WHIP 1.13). John Jahnke (4-2, 2 SV, 2.10 in 90 IP, WHIP 1.22) was a key free agent pickup; George Thorn (6-0, 3 SV, 2.19 in 74 IP, WHIP 1.20), Robin Houston (3-1, 3.25 in 61 IP, WHIP 1.16) and Justin Randolph (10-5, 2 SV, 3.68 in 110 IP, WHIP 1.35) all turned out surprisingly good, considering they were claimed on waivers. Bob Lamb (2-1, 1 SV, 2.70 in 20 IP, WHIP 1.40) impressed when called up but is now with Jacksonville. Evan Becnel (1-1, 1 SV, 5.32 in 22 IP, WHIP 1.86), traded to Dallas, will not be missed.


Catchers - Grade: A+

Mike Weber (.315, 24 HR, 86 RBI, 108 R, 92 BB, 32 2Bs, 7 3Bs) was clearly the team's MVP and would have been a good choice for Eastern Division MVP as well. Jack Lowe (.280 in 125 AB, 2 HR, 17 RBI) and Gary Armitage (.238 in 42 AB, 1 HR, 7 RBI) are adequate backups, though neither is great defensively. Mark Johnson (.333 in 99 AB, 3 HR, 24 RBI) could not sit on the bench forever, even though Dallas turned out to be not quite far enough away.


First Basemen - Grade: B+

Chris Wayman (.324 in 444 AB, 6 HR, 52 RBI, 73 R) could have scored 100 runs if he had not missed seven weeks to injury. Steve Brown (.111 in 45 AB, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 10 BB) never found the stroke he had in AAA (.262 in 328 AB, 28 HR, 85 RBI, 78 BB, 23 2Bs).


Second Baseman - Grade: B

Russ Roderick (.313, 7 HR, 77 RBI, 83 R, 24 2Bs) lost some power but gained batting average, along with winning a Slick Fielder. Jeff Harvey (.218 in 87 AB, 1 HR, 12 RBI, 22 BB) had nine pinch-hits and ten "pinch-walks". Clark Davidson (.293 in 58 AB, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 20 R, 12 SB) showed he was ready to start next season and was a key pinch-runner down the stretch.


Third Basemen - Grade: C

Valentine Stephens (.283 in 311 AB, 12 HR, 52 RBI, 23 2Bs) was another key waiver acquisition, while Darrel Robinson (.206 in 199 AB, 6 HR, 35 RBI) was a less impressive pickup.


Shortstops - Grade: B-

Dave Powell (.309, 8 HR, 86 RBI) is beginning to show his age at 37 but still contributes. Alan Bruns (.316 in 209 AB, 1 HR, 24 RBI) hit well but cannot find a way to break through at either short or third. We prefer to forget that Ed Rooker (.174 in 23 AB) existed.


Left Fielders - Grade: A

Steven Robinson (.311, 11 HR, 96 RBI, 84 R, 20 2Bs, 29 SB) was a big surprise, playing his first full season in the bigs at age 34. Walt Finney (.219 in 274 AB, 4 HR, 38 RBI) struggled at the plate but was the best defensive outfielder on the bench after Mitchell was traded. Frank Thomas (.170 in 53 AB, 1 HR, 5 RBI) was disappointing after some good AAA numbers (.293 in 205 AB, 7 HR, 34 RBI, 42 R, 45 BB).


Center Fielders - Grade: B-

Matt Kirk (.305, 15 HR, 66 RBI, 87 R, 12 2Bs, 9 3Bs) was another pleasant surprise, likely making his curtain call at age 38. Rudy Olson (.111 in 27 AB) has not shown he's ready to take over here.


Right Fielders - Grade: B+

Dale Francis (.320 in 256 AB, 5 HR, 42 RBI, 42 R, 14 2Bs) was a key pickup, leading the August push that gave the Flyers the division lead. Mike Sutton (.297 in 239 AB, 3 HR, 38 RBI, 11 2Bs, 12 SB) became a solid bench player, leading the team with ten pinch hits. Lloyd Mitchell (.265 in 68 AB) was a good backup but improved greatly with more regular playing time with Nashville (.302).


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

Despite the disappointing end, I think you'd have to call this season a success. Going from 80-82 to 98-64 is nothing to sneeze at, plus we got the financial situation back in order...

Speaking of the bottom line, with the nearly $2.3 million in postseason money, we ended up with total revenues of $85.2 mil, up from $79.5 last year. The rest of the increase is due to increased attendance; we drew 2,776,709 to the park this year, compared to 2,607,280 last season, and bumped ticket prices up a couple times when the park was filling up...

More importantly, we cut expenses from $96.5 mil a year ago to $71.3 mil this year, for a net profit of nearly $14 million (and $1.4 mil cash on hand). This should allow us to pick up a free agent or two, though I expect our current payroll of nearly $60 mil will jump $8 to $10 mil with Steven Robinson, Sutton, Becker, Houston, Hodgkins, Randolph, Thorn and Weber headed to arbitration.

Another plus is that most of the team will be back next year... Kirk has said he'll be retiring, which is a shame, while Wayman, Roderick and Harvey are our only free agents. Davidson will be the new second baseman, but first base is wide open. If Putman isn't ready to jump from AA, that leaves Steve Brown, Darrel Robinson or even Alan Bruns... Bruns doesn't play first, technically, but did play a few games there this year without incident.

So knowing now what this team can do, I see no reason why we can't do it again (and one better!) next season... The only problem is... it's a long time to wait! See ya next spring!

[gordyhulten]

Congrats on a great season, and good job with the postseason write-up.

[jmm8356]

[Thanks, Gordy. Not only did I have to wait for the update to come out, but then I had to wait until I had signed a new Scout before I could do this season preview... I dunno what I'm going to do when I have to send my laptop away next week for the cow people to fix the LCD backlight... have to break out my APBA cards or something. ]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXV, Issue 1 - January 23, 1972

Hot Stove Issue

Four members of last year's pennant winning Flyers squad have departed:

CF Matt Kirk retired at age 38. A three-time Slick Fielder, Matt experienced a resurgence last year, making his first All-Star Game and hitting .305 (his previous career best was .280) with 15 homers, 66 RBIs and 87 runs. In his eighteen year career (including eleven years in Atlanta), Kirk hit .258 with 108 triples, good for seventh on the all-time triples list.

Meanwhile, 1B Chris Wayman, 2B Russ Roderick and 2B Jeff Harvey will all test the free agent market, leaving gaping holes at their respective positions as you can see in this year's Winter Organization-Wide Scouting Report:

Starting Pitchers

Matt Halstead [6/10/8] (14-4, 2.32, WHIP 1.09) won his second Hurler of the Year award last season, while Bill Morgan [10/7/6] (15-7, 3.82, WHIP 1.26), Keith Becker [8/10/3] (14-8, 3.49, WHIP 1.09) and Bud Fox [4/10/6] (9-8 in 22 GS, 3.60, WHIP 1.32) round out one of the top rotations in the league. The #5 starter's job is wide open, with young southpaw Christopher Horan [2/9/6] (1-1 in 3 GS, 3.44, WHIP 1.25), Bryant Hamilton [4/6/6] (5-10 in 19 AAA GS, 4.10, WHIP 1.31) and Bill Frazier [4/6/5] (0-3 in 4 GS, 6.66, WHIP 1.93) being the likely candidates.

Relief Pitchers

Terry Bingham [9/8/3] (7-1, 13 SV, 6 BS, 3.24 in 75 IP, WHIP 1.15) is still penciled in as the closer, and the rest of the bullpen is returning as well: leftie George Thorn [6/7/6] (2.19 in 74 IP, WHIP 1.20), John Jahnke [5/6/8] (2.10 in 90 IP, WHIP 1.22), Kevin Hodgkins [7/8/8] (3-9, 31 SV, 10 BS, 4.07 in 84 IP, WHIP 1.36), Justin Randolph [6/7/7] (3.68 in 110 IP, WHIP 1.35) and Robin Houston [6/7/4] (3.25 in 61 IP, WHIP 1.16). Acquired via postseason waivers from Atlanta, Dave Elliot [7/6/6] (15 SV, 7.59 in 85 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.80) will be looking to break through in spring training. Last year's first rounder, portsider Johnny Westerman [5/5/3] (2.08 in 21 2/3 A IP, 4.50 in 14 AA IP) will likely return to AA Hickory.

Catchers

Mike Weber [7/9/7] (.315, 24 HR, 86 RBI, 108 BB, 92 BB, 32 2Bs) should have won Eastern Division MVP last year. Jack Lowe [5/6/5] (.276 in 145 AB) and/or Gary Armitage [4/2/9] (.238 in 42 AB) will back up Weber. Tom VanWinkle [4/2/2] (.274 in 310 AA ABs), picked up on postseason waivers from Nashville, is now widely seen as the team's top prospect.

First Basemen

Currently, a platoon of Steve "The Sheriff" Brown [5/7/7] (.182 in 110 AB) and Darrel Robinson [5/6/6] (.206 in 228 AB) seems likely, unless young prospect Everett Putman [5/2/3] (.309 in 440 AA ABs, 29 2Bs) looks especially strong in the spring.

Second Basemen

Clark Davidson [5/4/6] (.293 in 58 AB) will be handed the keys to the starting job, after hitting .300 with 13 doubles and 12 homers in 327 at-bats for AAA Winston-Salem last season. With just three second basemen in the entire organization, no viable backup for Davidson exists at the moment.

Third Basemen

Valentine Stephens [5/7/5] (.275 in 335 AB, 12 HR, 54 RBI, 24 2Bs) looks to have the inside track, though he will be pushed by Alan Bruns [6/2/7] (.316 in 209 AB).

Shortstops

Dave Powell [7/3/5] (.309, 8 HR, 86 RBI) is in a contract year, but Alan Bruns will also see time here.

Left Fielders

Steven Robinson [4/5/5] (.311, 11 HR, 96 RBI, 20 2Bs, 29 SB) had a career year last season. Walt Finney [5/6/8] (.219 in 274 AB) is currently penciled in as the backup, but both Frank Thomas [6/4/5] (.188 in 80 AB) and John Trull [6/6/5] (.228 in 158 AB), another postseason waiver wire pickup from Atlanta, will have something to say about it.

Center Fielders

A big hole here with Kirk's departure after Rudy Olson [5/3/2] (.111 in 27 AB) showed no indication of being ready to play every day. This position should be the team's first priority in free agency.

Right Fielders

Dale Francis [7/6/6] (.282, 16 HR, 81 RBI, 94 R, 18 2Bs, 9 3Bs) is locked up through 1974, and Mike Sutton [6/4/4] (.297 in 239 AB) returns as the team's top pinch-hitter.


Financial Report

After posting a $17 million loss two years ago, new skipper Jeremy McGrath righted the ship for a nearly $14 million profit last season on revenues of $85.2 million (including $2.3 million from the playoffs) and expenses of $71.3 million.

Currently the payroll stands at just under $69 million, led by SP Matt Halstead ($8.6 M), RF Dale Francis ($8.0 M), SS Dave Powell ($7.0 M, contract year) and SP Bill Morgan ($5.8 M, contract year).

Eight Flyers received million-dollar arbitration awards: SP Keith Becker ($4.9 M), C Mike Weber ($4.1 M), RP Kevin Hodgkins ($3.1 M), SP Bud Fox ($3.0 M), LF Steven Robinson ($2.2 M), RP Justin Randolph ($2.2 M), RP George Thorn ($2.1 M) and RP Robin Houston ($1.3 M).

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXV, Issue 2 - March 6, 1972

Spring Training Edition

Not a lot of new faces are heading to camp in Columbus this year. A look back at the key transactions:

February 4 - After testing the market, 2B Jeff Harvey [5/4/7] (.218 in 87 AB) returns to the club for another year at $500,000.

February 5 - The big news for Flyers fans last month is the signing of LF Paul LaFontaine [8/5/3] (.368, 11 HR, 76 RBI, 94 R, 27 2Bs) to a five-year deal at $8.0 million. Though Paul is just 27 years old, he has won three championship rings with San Antonio. He also made the All-Star Game the past two years and was awarded the Western Division's Slick Fielder in left last season. The team is likely to start LaFontaine in center, a position he has not played much since winning a everyday job in right with the Missions three years ago.

The Flyers' schedule opens on Tuesday, April 4 at Norfolk; the home opener is Monday, April 10 against those same Clippers. See you there!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXV, Issue 3 - April 3, 1972

The Flyers begin their defense of the Eastern Division crown tomorrow night against the Norfolk Clippers at Harbor Stadium. The club plays three at Norfolk, followed by three at Tampa before opening the home slate next week.

And now... your 1972 Carolina Flyers!

( * = Bats Left, # = Bats Both)

Opening Day Lineup

2B Clark Davidson
CF Paul LaFontaine *
C Mike Weber #
RF Dale Francis #
3B Valentine Stephens
1B Steve Brown *
SS Dave Powell
LF Steven Robinson *

Bench

C Jack Lowe #
1B Darrel Robinson
2B Jeff Harvey #
SS Alan Bruns
LF Walt Finney
RF Mike Sutton

Lineup v/s LHP

2B Clark Davidson
LF Walt Finney
1B Darrel Robinson
3B Valentine Stephens
RF Mike Sutton
SS Alan Bruns
CF Paul LaFontaine *
C Jack Lowe #

Starting Rotation

RHP Matt Halstead
RHP Bill Morgan
RHP Keith Becker
RHP Bud Fox
LHP Justin Nowlin

Bullpen

RHP Terry Bingham
RHP Kevin Hodgkins
LHP George Thorn
RHP John Jahnke
RHP Justin Randolph
RHP Robin Houston


The View From The Top (The Manager's Column)

Tomorrow cannot get here fast enough for my taste! Let's play some ball already!

The powers-that-be are giving us the chance to see what our new #5 starter, Justin Nowlin (acquired via waivers from Houston), can do right away, as we start the year with sixteen straight games, then an off day followed by ten more contests. It was just a little too soon for Christopher Horan, but he'll get more regular work at Winston-Salem anyway.

Paul LaFontaine will be roaming the pasture at State Fair Park for quite some time. He's already an outstanding hitter (.354 and .368 the past two seasons), but with a little more experience, he could become a 30 homer guy too.

Everybody else on the squad you already know... Not a lot of changes needed to a 98-win team, after all...

Financially, we're in good shape with a current payroll of $76.4 mil... I'm figuring on about $80 mil in revenues for around $3 million in profit.

Well, let's get this show on the road! Come on down next week and watch us raise the pennant!