Confederate Baseball Dynasty (fictional)

[jmm8356]

Bonus Insert - Organization-Wide Depth Chart

FA = Major League Free Agent next year
fa = minor league free agent next year
fa* = potential minor league free agent on 40-man roster

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXV, Issue 4 - April 10, 1972

Our Flyers are off to another fast start, winning five of six to take a half-game lead over Jacksonville. The team opens the home schedule tonight against Norfolk. After three games against the Clippers, the Atlanta Flames come to State Fair Park for a four-game set (including Baseball Cap Day on Friday).


Last Week's Results

Apr 3 - OFF

Apr 4 - at NOR - W 4-3

After scoring the game's first run with a solo shot in the 6th, Mike Weber (3 for 3) also scores the winning run, going home on a wild pitch in the 8th. Matt Halstead (6 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 4 K) takes a shutout into the 6th, but John Jahnke (1 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 1 K) picks up the win after blowing the save in the 7th.

W - Jahnke (1-0)
SV - Bingham (1)
HR - Weber (1)

Apr 5 - at NOR - W 1-0

Jeff Harvey's RBI-single with two out in the top of the 9th drives in Weber (1 for 3, 2 SB) for the game winner. Bill Morgan (6 1/3 IP, 3 H, 4 BB, 6 K) and Clippers starter Otto Kemper (8 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 2 K) duel to a draw in a tense contest where both managers are ejected, Carolina's Jeremy McGrath in the 5th and Norfolk's Mark Erwin in the 9th. George Thorn (1/3 IP) gets the final out in the 8th to win his eighth straight decision, a streak that began in September 1970.

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

Apr 6 - at NOR - L 3-5

Clippers 1B Tommy Quinn (3 for 4, 2 RBI) breaks a three-all tie with a solo shot in the 4th off Keith Becker (5 IP, 5 R, 4 ER, 7 H, 2 BB, 3 K), scoring what stands up as the losing run on a cold night at Harbor Stadium. Snow falls several times during the game, including a 51-minute snow delay in the 4th. Steven Robinson goes 2 for 3 with a run from the leadoff spot for the losing cause. Adding injury to insult, Dave Powell cries out after making a throw in the 8th and leaves the game. The diagnosis is a torn rotator cuff, ending Powell's season (and at age 38, possibly his career).

L - Becker (0-1)

After the game, Dave Powell is put on the 60-day DL, and LF Frank Thomas [6/4/5] (last year: .188 in 80 AB in bigs, .293 in 205 AAA AB) is recalled from AAA Winston-Salem.

Apr 7 - at TAM - W 3-1

Alan Bruns, in his first game as the starting shortstop, hits a two-run homer in the 2nd, handing the Tomahawks their first loss of the season (after a four-game sweep of Atlanta). Bud Fox (7 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 5 K) earns the first win by a Flyers starter this year; Terry Bingham (1 IP, 3 K) strikes out the side on thirteen pitches in the 9th for his third save.

W - Fox (1-0)
SV - Bingham (3)
HR - Bruns (1)

Apr 8 - at TAM - W 13-2

Bruns (3 for 6, 2B, R, 3 RBI), Steven Robinson (3 for 5, 3B, 2 R, 2 RBI, SB) and Paul LaFontaine (3 for 5, 2B, R, 2 RBI) each collect three of the Flyers' nineteen hits. Justin Nowlin (7 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 1 BB, 5 K) even gets into the action, hitting an RBI-double, drawing a walk and scoring twice.

W - Nowlin (1-0)

Apr 9 - at TAM - W 5-1

Halstead (9 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 H, 7 K) throws his first complete game in over three years to sweep the Tomahawks at Teflon Field, while Valentine Stephens goes 2 for 3 with a pair of two-baggers, including a three-run double in the 4th.

W - Halstead (1-0)

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


Who's Hot

Nobody!

Who's Not

Nobody!


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

I'm never posting another lineup in this paper again! Every time I do, within three games someone gets hurt, making that lineup invalid. This time, it bites Dave Powell bad... We'll end up paying $702,000 for each of his ten at-bats...

On the plus side, this gets Alan Bruns into the lineup, something I had wanted to but just couldn't figure out how to do it... Problem solved, I suppose...

Paul LaFontaine is struggling to find his stroke. He started the year 0 for 14 before going 4 for 10 over the weekend...

Of course, nobody was hitting the ball in the first few games, either for us or against us... but now the team batting average is .255 so I'm less concerned now...

On the flip side, the pitching staff is off to a super start, holding opposing batters to a .203 mark...

Can't wait to get to State Fair Park and raise that pennant! See you there!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXV, Issue 5 - April 17, 1972

Winning five of seven, the Flyers stretch their Eastern Division lead out to 1 1/2 games. The club finishes this homestand with three against Tampa (including Batting Glove Day on Wednesday), then visits Atlanta for three games after their first off day on Thursday.


Last Week's Results

Apr 10 - vs NOR - W 5-2

Bill Morgan (5 IP, 5 H, 3 BB, 6 K) throws five shutout innings despite putting the leadoff man on second in his first four frames, and the bullpen of Jahnke (1 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K), Thorn (1 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 1 K), Hodgkins (1 IP, 1 H, 1 K), Randolph (2/3 IP, 1 H) and Bingham (1/3 IP) hangs on for the Flyers' fourth straight victory. Paul LaFontaine goes 3 for 5, scoring two and driving in one, while Steven Robinson hits 2 of 4 with three RBIs. Clippers SS Alec Dew has a 4 for 4 night with two doubles and a run in a losing effort.

W - Morgan (1-0)
SV - Bingham (4)

Apr 11 - vs NOR - W 10-4

Mike Weber hits a three-run homer in the 8th, while Dale Francis goes 1 for 3 with two runs and two RBIs. Keith Becker (8 IP, 4 R, 1 ER, 8 H, 4 K) makes a solid start; Clark Davidson (0 for 2, 2 BB, 2 R) steals three bases, giving him seven swipes in this young season.

W - Becker (1-1)
HR - Weber (2)

Apr 12 - vs NOR - L 4-6

Bud Fox (2 2/3 IP, 3 R, 2 ER, 5 H) is hit hard before he doubles over in pain, leaving the game in the 3rd inning with a torn tricep. He is out for the year. Meanwhile, the bullpen of Randolph (1 1/3 IP, 1 R, 2 H), Houston (2 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 2 BB, 1 K), Thorn (2 IP, 1 H, 1 K) and Jahnke (1 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 1 K) does not fare much better, while the Flyers' bats manage just six hits. Alan Bruns (1 for 1, 3 BB, R, RBI) reaches base in all four plate appearances.

L - Fox (1-1)

After the game, Bud Fox is placed on the 60-day DL, while Bill Frazier [5/7/5] (last year: 0-3 in 4 GS, 6.66, WHIP 1.93) is recalled from Winston-Salem.

Apr 13 - vs ATL - W 6-1

Justin Nowlin (8 IP, 1 R, 8 H, 8 K) puts on a clinic, while Bruns (2 for 5, 2B, 2 RBI) is one of four Flyers with two hits on the night.

W - Nowlin (2-0)

Apr 14 - vs ATL - L 1-4

Entering a tie game with the bases loaded and two out, Terry Bingham (0 IP, 1 H, 1 BB) walks Flames C Carl Janke on his eleventh pitch to force in a run, then gives up a single to SS Mike Orton to score two more. Kevin Hodgkins (2/3 IP, 1 R, 0 ER) is hung with the loss, but his runner reaches base on an error by Bruns. After a fly out, George Thorn (1/3 IP, 2 R, 0 ER, 1 BB) beans former teammate 1B Chris Wayman (1 for 2, HR, 2 R) and walks the bases loaded after another fly out, setting the stage for Janke's marathon battle with Bingham. Matt Halstead (7 2/3 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 4 K) pitches well, holding another former teammate, 2B Russ Roderick, to an 0 for 4 night.

L - Hodgkins (0-1)

Apr 15 - vs ATL - W 9-5

A two-run homer by Weber (2 for 4, 2B) in the 6th and a grand slam by LaFontaine in the 7th give the Flyers a come-from-behind win. Morgan (5 1/3 IP, 4 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 8 K) struggles, but Randolph (1 1/3 IP, 1 K) earns the win by finishing the 7th and pitching a perfect 8th.

W - Randolph (1-0)
HR - LaFontaine (1), Weber (3)

Apr 16 - vs ATL - W 7-5

LaFontaine (3 for 4, 2 R) and Francis (2 for 3) both hit two-run homers in the 2nd. while Davidson scores twice on a 2 for 4 night. Becker (8 IP, 5 R, 10 H, 5 K) stumbles late, allowing four runs in his final three innings, but Bingham (1 IP, 2 K) closes it out for his fifth save.

W - Becker (2-1)
SV - Bingham (5)
HR - LaFontaine (2), Francis (1)

Last week: 5 - 2
This month: 10 - 3
Overall: 10 - 3, 1st, +1 1/2 on Jacksonville


Who's Hot

Paul LaFontaine
Last 7 games: 14-27 (.519), 2 HR, 9 RBI

Steven Robinson
Last 7 games: 10-27 (.370), 0 HR, 5 RBI
Currently on a 12-game hitting streak

Who's Not

Steve Brown
Last 5 games: 1-12 (.083), 0 HR, 1 RBI

Valentine Stephens
Last 5 games: 3-18 (.167), 0 HR, 3 RBI


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

Well, things are going great despite lackluster performance from Clark Davidson (.224, OBP .296) at the top of the order, plus Valentine Stephens (.229, OPS .559) and Steve Brown (.189, OPS .500) at the bottom of the lineup. It's still too early to evaluate, but these three need to show me something in the next couple weeks or else...

I'd say Paul LaFontaine found his groove! A .519 week is nothing to sneeze at...

Two season-ending injuries in two weeks reminds me just how lucky we were last year... Losing Bud Fox makes me even more glad we picked up Justin Nowlin. Otherwise, we'd have both Bill Frazier and Christopher Horan in the rotation, when I'm not convinced that either one is ready...

The pitching has been solid overall... except for John Jahnke. His season stats so far are not pretty: 6 G, 4 IP, 4 R, 8 H, 1 BB, 3 K ... That's a 9.00 ERA and a 2.25 WHIP!

Anyway, so far, so good... so c'mon down and cheer us on!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXV, Issue 6 - April 24, 1972

The Flyers continue to edge ahead of the Eastern Division pack, now two games clear of the Jacksonville Ospreys. The club returns to Charlotte today to host a trio of Western teams, Houston for two (including Mini Bat Day today), Dallas for two and Memphis for three (with Retro Game Day on Saturday).


Last Week's Results

Apr 17 - vs TAM - L 5-9

Entering the game with a two-run lead in the 7th, John Jahnke (0 IP, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 H, 1 BB) loads the bases with the help of Clark Davidson's error at second, one of four Flyers miscues on the night (two by Darrel Robinson at first). Kevin Hodgkins (1 IP, 1 R, 2 H) tries to salvage the situation but gives up a two-run double and a two-run single for the second bullpen loss of the season. Bill Frazier (6 IP, 3 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 5 K) makes a Quality Start by the barest of margins, throwing 115 pitches in just six innings.

L - Jahnke (1-1)

Apr 18 - vs TAM - L 2-3

Tomahawks CF David Powell, last year's MVP, hits a three-run homer in the 3rd off Justin Nowlin (5 2/3 IP, 3 R, 5 H, 4 BB, 7 K), while the Flyers manage just eight singles by eight different batters, their second straight game without an extra-base hit.

L - Nowlin (2-1)

Apr 19 - vs TAM - W 4-3

Steven Robinson (1 for 4, R, 2 RBI) extends his career-best hitting streak to fourteen games, while Dale Francis (2 for 4, SB) scores twice and Valentine Stephens drives in two as the Flyers make due with eleven singles, going without an extra-base hit in the entire series against Tampa. Matt Halstead (5 IP, 3 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 3 K) does not see the three-run Carolina 6th, so Justin Randolph (1 IP) earns his second win. Jahnke (2/3 IP), Thorn (1/3 IP, 1 H, 1 BB), Hodgkins (1 IP, 1 H) and Bingham (1 IP, 1 H) secure the victory on Batting Glove Day at State Fair Park.

W - Randolph (2-0)
SV - Bingham (6)

Apr 20 - OFF

Apr 21 - at ATL - W 2-1

Francis' two-out single in the 8th scores Davidson with the game winner. Bill Morgan (6 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 3 BB, 7 K) takes a shutout into the 6th, but Randolph (1 IP, 2 K) is again in the right place at the right time for his second win in as many games. Mike Weber's solo shot in the 6th put the first run on the board for either team.

W - Randolph (3-0)
SV - Bingham (7)
HR - Weber (4)

Apr 22 - at ATL - W 6-2

Stephens goes 3 for 4 with a double and three RBIs, while Steven Robinson (1 for 4, 2B) adds two runs and two RBIs, extending his hitting streak to sixteen games. Keith Becker (3 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 2 K) leaves the game with a sore shoulder but is not expected to miss his next start. Justin Randolph (2 IP, 2 BB, 1 K) earns his third win in as many games with help from Houston (2 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 1 K) and Jahnke (2 IP, 1 BB).

W - Randolph (4-0)

Apr 23 - at ATL - W 2-1

Steven Robinson, 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs from the leadoff spot, hits a solo homer in the 5th that holds up as the game winner and extends his hitting streak to seventeen games. Nowlin (7 IP, 1 R, 8 H, 2 BB, 3 K) completes the sweep of the Flames; Bingham (1 IP, 1 K) needs just nine pitches for his league-leading eighth save.

W - Nowlin (3-1)
SV - Bingham (8)
HR - S. Robinson (1)

Last week: 4 - 2
This month: 14 - 5
Overall: 14 - 5, 1st, +2 on Jacksonville


Who's Hot

Steven Robinson
Last 7 games: 11-26 (.423), 1 HR, 7 RBI

Valentine Stephens
Last 6 games: 8-21 (.381), 0 HR, 7 RBI

Justin Nowlin
Last 4 games: 3-1, 1.95 ERA, 27 2/3 IP

Keith Becker
Last 3 games: 2-0, 3.32 ERA, 19 IP

Justin Randolph
Last 7 games: 4-0, 0.00 ERA, 9 IP

Who's Not

Steve Brown
Last 5 games: 1-15 (.067), 0 HR, 0 RBI

Alan Bruns
Last 7 games: 3-22 (.136), 0 HR, 3 RBI


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

So far, so good... mostly due to the pitching. Our 2.44 staff ERA and .233 batting average against are best in the league... Three starters (Nowlin, Halstead, Morgan) and four relievers (Bingham, Randolph, Thorn, Hodgkins) have sub-2.00 ERAs...

There are still some conundrums looming in the lineup, though...

Clark Davidson's .278 OBP is not exactly what I need in a leadoff hitter... He'll probably end up batting eighth, rather than being benched, as Jeff Harvey is not much better (except with the glove) and twelve years older...

Steve Brown finally had an extra base hit last week, but he's still hitting .167 with a .466 OPS... The other options here aren't thrilling either... Darrel Robinson (3 for 15)? Weber to first and Lowe to catcher (1 for 11)? Call up Everett Putman (.274 at AAA) before he's really ready? I'm inclined to just wait it out a while, since we're winning and all...

On the plus side, Steven Robinson leads the East in batting average (.403)... If we drop Davidson to #8, Steven will probably be the new leadoff man...

Anyway, we're back home all next week... see you at the ballpark!

[jmm8356]

[Ed. Note: Patch 6.11 was installed prior to the April 28 game.]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXV, Issue 7 - May 1, 1972

The Flyers enter the month of May with a 3 1/2 game lead over Jacksonville and Tampa in the Eastern Division. After an off day today, the club begins a two-week trip to the West, beginning with three at both Dallas and Houston.


Last Week's Results

Apr 24 - vs HOU - W 4-3

With two out in the bottom of the 9th, Dale Francis (2 for 5, 2 RBI) hits a double that scores Mike Weber (2 for 3, 2 R, RBI) from first for a thrilling Flyers victory on Mini Bat Day at State Fair Park. Though Matt Halstead (6 2/3 IP, 3 R, 5 H, 1 BB, 3 K) and George Thorn (1 1/3 IP, 1 BB, 1 K) both throw well, it is Justin Randolph (1 IP, 1 H) who earns his fifth win; he now leads the league by two.

W - Randolph (5-0)

Apr 25 - vs HOU - W 9-8

After Randolph (0 IP, 2 R, 2 H) and Hodgkins (1 IP, 1 R, 2 H) allow a couple of taters to tie the game at eight in the top of the 8th, Francis hooks one around the pole in right to give the Flyers a two-game sweep of the Buffaloes. Paul LaFontaine (2 for 3, 2 R, 2 RBI), Alan Bruns (2 for 4, 2 R, RBI) and Jack Lowe (2 for 3, 2 RBI) each collect two of the team's fourteen hits. Bill Frazier (6 IP, 4 R, 3 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 2 K) gets in on the act with a two-run single in the 4th, his first big-league hit.

W - Hodgkins (1-1)
SV - Bingham (9)
HR - Francis (2), Stephens (1)

Apr 26 - vs DAL - W 7-0

Weber goes 3 for 4, scoring twice and driving in three, while Bill Morgan (6 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 5 K) and John Jahnke (3 IP, 2 H, 1 K) combine to shutout the defending champion Drifters. Steven Robinson goes 2 for 4 with a pair of runs, extending his hitting streak to nineteen games.

W - Morgan (2-0)
SV - Jahnke (1)

Apr 27 - vs DAL - W 6-5

Weber's fly ball to left-center in the bottom of the 9th is deep enough to score a pinch-running Walt Finney from third with the game winner. After the bases are loaded by a pinch-hit walk by Clark Davidson, a pinch hit on an attempted sacrifice bunt by Frank Thomas and a walk by Steve Brown, Steven Robinson (2 for 5, R) singles home Davidson to tie the game. LaFontaine flies out to shallow right to bring Weber to the plate. Valentine Stephens (2B, 2 R, RBI) and Francis (R, RBI) both go 2 for 4 on the night, helping the Flyers win their eighth straight game despite Keith Becker (6 2/3 IP, 5 R, 8 H, 4 K) allowing four Dallas homers. Kevin Hodgkins (1 2/3 IP) earns his second win for ending the 8th with a GIDP and pitching a perfect 9th.

W - Hodgkins (2-1)

Apr 28 - vs MEM - L 4-12

Justin Nowlin (2/3 IP, 5 R, 6 H, 1 BB) does not last long after beginning the game with five straight singles and a walk, and the bullpen does not fare much better, including Darrel Robinson (1 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 1 BB) in his second career relief appearance. Francis goes 2 for 3 with a double, a run and two RBIs, as the Flyers get little for their twelve hits on the night, thanks to five double plays by the Blues.

L - Nowlin (3-2)

Apr 29 - vs MEM - W 9-0

Halstead (7 IP, 4 H, 6 K) and Kevin Hodgkins (2 IP, 1 K) combine to shutout the Blues, while Steven Robinson goes 4 for 4, scoring twice and driving in one. Francis (2 R, 2 RBI), Weber (2 R) and Steve Brown (2 for 2) each homer on a gusty Retro Game Day at State Fair Park.

W - Halstead (2-0)
HR - Weber (5), Francis (3), Brown (1)

Apr 30 - vs MEM - L 6-9

The Flyers take a 6-1 lead into the 6th before Frazier (6 IP, 5 R, 3 ER, 7 H, 3 BB), Thorn (0 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 1 BB), Jahnke (1 2/3 IP, 1 R, 0 H, 1 BB) and Randolph (1 1/3 IP, 2 R, 1 H, 2 BB, 1 K) allow eight runs in three innings. Steven Robinson hits a grand slam in the 1st but is ejected in the 3rd after striking out. The homer extends his hitting streak to twenty-three games, one shy of the team record set by Dave Powell last April.

L - Jahnke (1-2)
HR - S. Robinson (2)

Last week: 5 - 2
This month: 19 - 7 in April
Overall: 19 - 7, 1st, +3 1/2 on Jacksonville and Tampa


Who's Hot

Steven Robinson
Last 6 games: 11-19 (.579), 1 HR, 7 RBI
Named Eastern Division Batter of the Month! (.435, 2 HR, 22 RBI)

Dale Francis
Last 6 games: 8-17 (.471), 2 HR, 8 RBI
Named Eastern Division Player of the Week! (.455, 2 HR, 10 RBI)

Mike Weber
Last 6 games: 9-21 (.429), 1 HR, 6 RBI

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

Kevin Hodgkins
Last 6 games: 2-0, 1.17 ERA, 7 2/3 IP

Who's Not

Alan Bruns
Last 5 games: 3-18 (.167), 0 HR, 1 RBI


A Closer Look - Carolina

The Flyers' pitchers sport the best staff ERA (2.98) in the league while second-best in runs allowed (95). Both the rotation and the bullpen are a story of the hot and the not. Matt Halstead (2-0, 1.96, WHIP 0.68) and Bill Morgan (2-0, 1.57, WHIP 1.33) have started strong, while Keith Becker (2-1, 4.70, WHIP 1.27) and Justin Nowlin (3-2, 3.49, WHIP 1.38) have struggled a bit. Relievers Terry Bingham (9 SV, 0.00 in 8 IP, WHIP 0.50), Kevin Hodgkins (2-1, 1.46 in 12 1/3 IP, WHIP 0.81) and Justin Randolph (5-0, 2.89 in 18 2/3 IP, WHIP 1.02) have been nearly flawless, as opposed to John Jahnke (4.73 in 13 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.28), Robin Houston (3.09 in 11 2/3 IP, WHIP 1.89) and George Thorn (3.18 in 11 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.41).

Despite ranking ninth in home runs (15), Carolina's offense has been the most productive (137 runs) in the CBA, thanks to the third-best numbers in batting (.278) and walks (106). LF Steven Robinson (.435, 2 HR, 22 RBI, 6 SB), RF Dale Francis (.368, 3 HR, 19 RBI, 5 2Bs) and C Mike Weber (.317, 5 HR, 17 RBI) have led the hit parade, while 1B Steve Brown (.172), 2B Clark Davidson (.222) and SS Alan Bruns (.228) have lagged behind.


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

Even though we're winning ballgames, there are still tough decisions to be made. Some personnel are just not producing, and as we enter a new month, it seems like a good time to see if changes need to be made...

Steve Brown is hitting just as poorly as he did last year (.182 in 110 AB) but without any of the power he displayed here (5 2Bs, 4 HR) or at Winston-Salem (23 2Bs, 28 HR). We have an off day today to make some moves, and I think Brown will be the first casualty...

Walt Finney is starting to lose a step at age 38. He's still a solid defensive outfielder, but I'd like to see more offense (.222 in 18 AB), both from the fourth outfielder slot and from someone who's making $910,000 this year. A move here is still a few weeks away, as we need a bit more time to decide who to call up...

Bill Frazier (0-0, 3 GS, 4.50, WHIP 1.61) has not impressed either... plus with six off days in May, after he starts May 6, we won't need a fifth starter for two weeks... it may be a chance to shorten the pitching staff, and give another position player a look-see...

Enough lowlights... The big highlight of the month is Steven Robinson winning Batter of the Month! It's hard to figure... I've had two different scouting staffs between last year and this year, but they both rated Steven on the low end of major league hitters... You just never know, I guess...

Anyway, time to pack... we won't be home again until the 16th, so wish us luck!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXV, Issue 8 - May 8, 1972

While the Flyers split their six games last week, the Ospreys win six of seven, putting Jacksonville just one game back of Carolina's Eastern Division lead. The club has two off days this week, before both the two-game set at Memphis starting Tuesday and the three-game series at San Antonio beginning Friday.


Last Week's Results

May 1 - OFF

As the team heads for Dallas, they announce that 1B Steve Brown (.172 in 64 AB) has been designated for assignment, while OF Rick Roberts [5/4/8] is activated after being claimed via waivers from Miami last week. Roberts hit .280 with 16 homers and 102 walks for AAA Winston-Salem last year before becoming a minor league free agent. By moving Bruns to first and Francis to short, Roberts will be starting in right and batting leadoff, according to manager Jeremy McGrath.

May 2 - at DAL - W 7-4

The Flyers score four in the 8th to tie it up, then three more in the 9th to win this contentious battle at Mercury Field. Dale Francis is ejected in the 1st, Drifters RF Douglas Andre and manager Douglas MacFarlane are both tossed in the 3rd, and Carolina skipper Jeremy McGrath gets the heave-ho in the 7th, all for arguing balls and strikes. Meanwhile, Bill Morgan (6 IP, 4 R, 9 H, 1 BB, 4 K) has a lackluster outing, but the bullpen holds Dallas to just two hits over the final three frames. Rick Roberts goes 3 for 5 in his Flyers debut, while Darrel Robinson hits 2 for 3 with two runs and an RBI, batting fourth after Francis' departure. Steven Robinson draws a bases-loaded walk in the 8th while 0 for 3 on the night, but he gets up again in the 9th and smacks an RBI-single to right, tying the team record with his 24-game hitting streak.

W - Randolph (6-0)
SV - Bingham (10)

May 3 - at DAL - L 1-7

Two Flyers errors lead to three unearned runs in the Drifters' 6th to put the game out of reach. After a poor throw to first by Keith Becker (6 IP, 5 R, 2 ER, 5 H, 5 K), Alan Bruns (2 for 3) slips on wet grass (rain also caused a 54-minute delay in the 4th), committing his second error at first this year and putting two on with one out. Dale Francis (2 for 4) hits a double, driving in the sole Carolina tally; Steven Robinson goes 1 for 3 to set the new team record hitting streak at twenty-five and counting.

L - Becker (2-2)

May 4 - at DAL - L 2-3 (10)

With one out in the bottom of the 10th, George Thorn (2 IP, 1 R, 1 H) gives up a hit batsman and a single to put runners on the corners, then Drifters SS Wade Hudson drives a Kevin Hodgkins (0 IP, 1 H) pitch past the drawn-in infield for the game winner. Justin Nowlin (6 IP, 2 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 4 K) throws well, rebounding from last week's disasterous start. Paul LaFontaine goes 2 for 5 with a double and an RBI, while Clark Davidson hits 2 of 4, but Steven Robinson goes 0 for 4, snapping his hitting streak.

L - Thorn (1-1)
HR - Francis (4)

After the game, the team announces that LF Walt Finney (.222 in 18 AB this year, .219 in 274 AB last year) has been traded to Dallas for a player to be named later [read: a complete lamebrain of a minor leaguer ]. 1B Everett Putman [6/2/4] (.308 in 107 AAA ABs this year, .309 with 29 2Bs in 440 AA ABs last year) is purchased from Winston-Salem to fill the roster spot.

May 5 - at HOU - W 3-2 (15)

Clark Davidson needed seven at-bats to extend his career high seven-game hitting streak, but perhaps he was just waiting for the right moment. His single to left with two down in the 15th scores Rick Roberts from third with the game-winning run. George Thorn (2 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 1 K) picks up the win after snapping a eight-decision winning streak the previous day. Robin Houston (1 IP) throws a perfect 15th for his first save since 1969. LaFontaine goes 3 for 6 with a double and a two-run homer.

W - Thorn (2-1)
SV - Houston (1)
HR - LaFontaine (3)

May 6 - at HOU - W 2-0

Bill Frazier (7 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 4 K), Justin Randolph (1 1/3 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 2 K) and Kevin Hodgkins (2/3 IP, 1 K) combine to shutout the Buffaloes. Frazier even gets his second career hit and scores on one of Roberts' (2 for 4, R, RBI) two doubles on the night. Everett Putnam also collects career hit #2, going 2 for 3 in his first start at first base.

W - Frazier (1-0)
SV - Hodgkins (1)

May 7 - at HOU - L 0-1

Buffaloes SS Douglas Dewberry (2 for 4) homers off George Thorn (1/3 IP, 1 R, 1 H) in the 8th for the only run of the night. A stellar effort by Morgan (6 2/3 IP, 3 H, 2 BB, 9 K) is overshadowed by Houston's Ronnie Simpson (W, 3-3, 9 IP, 1 H, 2 BB, 3 K), who holds Carolina to just three baserunners in the game.

L - Thorn (2-2)

Last week: 3 - 3
This month: 3 - 3
Overall: 22 - 10, 1st, +1 on Jacksonville


Who's Hot

Nobody!

Who's Not

Steven Robinson
Last 5 games: 1-13 (.077), 0 HR, 0 RBI

Frank Thomas
Last 7 games: 1-12 (.083), 0 HR, 0 RBI

Valentine Stephens
Last 5 games: 2-19 (.105), 0 HR, 0 RBI

Mike Weber
Last 5 games: 2-17 (.118), 0 HR, 0 RBI


A Closer Look - AAA Winston-Salem

An 18-14 record has Winston-Salem tied for third amongst Eastern Division AAA teams. Even with the departure of Everett Putman (age 23, .308, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 8 2Bs), there is still plenty of hitting left on this club, such as LF John Trull (age 32, .350, 8 HR, 36 RBI, 8 2Bs), 2B Thomas Wilkins (age 27, .364, 4 HR, 19 RBI, 8 2Bs) and 3B Jeremy Coon (age 28, .326, 4 HR, 24 RBI). Top prospect C Tom VanWinkle (age 25, .293 in 58 AB, 3 HR, 8 RBI) is just returning from a strained abdominal muscle.

The pitching has been less impressive. Christopher Horan (age 21, 2-3, 4.50, WHIP 1.14) and Tom Merchant (age 28, 2-1 in 4 GS, 3.00, WHIP 1.30) are the only starters worth noting thus far, while the bullpen of Floyd Myers (age 25, 2.33 in 19 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.19), Dave Elliot (age 29, 3-1, 6 SV, 3.00 in 18 IP, WHIP 1.28), Chad Williams (age 34, 0.60 in 15 IP, WHIP 1.07) and Johnny Westerman (age 24, 1.42 in 6 1/3 IP, WHIP 0.79) has picked up the slack.


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

For some reason, our bats have gone completely dead, especially against Houston... With three days off out of the next eight, let's hope some R&R will help the hitters get back on track...

Steve Brown ended up being claimed on waivers by San Antonio... Not a big loss, as he's never shown that he can hit at this level... Walt Finney, on the other hand, I was hoping would make it through waivers, but Norfolk and Dallas both claimed him. Since Dallas was "outclaimed", I decided to see if they would give us anything for him, and "anything" was just about what we got... A fifth-round pick from last year who is 6-13 with a 4.99 ERA in 24 A-ball starts... He will be named later to spare him (and us) the embarrassment...

Roberts gives us a much better on-base from the leadoff spot than Davidson had shown thus far... The only trouble is, with Putman's promotion and Francis moving to short, Alan Bruns is odd man out yet again. He hasn't been especially productive (.239) but he's not going to get any better riding the pine...

Off days on the road are always a drag... what this team needs is a table tennis tournament! Anyway, wish us luck and see you next week!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXV, Issue 9 - May 15, 1972

Winning four of their five games last week, the Flyers stretch their Eastern Division lead out to 2 1/2 games over new second-place rival Tampa. After an off day today, the club finally returns to State Fair Park to play three against New Orleans (including Mini Bat Day on Wednesday), followed by three with Nashville.


Last Week's Results

May 8 - OFF

May 9 - at MEM - W 5-4 (11)

Alan Bruns' pinch hit with two down in the top of the 11th scores Mike Weber (0 for 2, 3 BB, 2 R) from second to win this seesaw game. Entering a two-all tie with one on and two out in the 8th, George Thorn (1/3 IP, 1 H) gives up a RBI-double. The Flyers score two in the top of the 9th to retake the lead, but Terry Bingham (1 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K) blows his first save of the year with a little help from Dale Francis (3 for 6, 2B, 2 R, RBI), who makes his first error at short. Keith Becker (7 2/3 IP, 3 R, 8 H, 2 K) throws well, but Kevin Hodgkins gets the win (1 IP, 1 H, 1 K); Justin Randolph (1 IP, 1 K) earns the save.

W - Hodgkins (3-1)
SV - Randolph (1)

May 10 - at MEM - W 17-3

With three runs in the 1st, five runs in the 3rd and six runs in the 9th, the Flyers top the Blues by two touchdowns for the two-game sweep. Seventeen hits and fourteen walks (including seven with the bases loaded) propel Carolina to victory. While Matt Halstead (7 IP, 2 R, 7 H, 4 K) is pitching a solid game, twelve different Flyers get a hit, led by Bruns (2 for 5, 3 R), Weber (2 for 3, 2B, 2 R, RBI), Rick Roberts (2 for 3, 4 BB, R, 2 RBI) and Everett Putman (1 for 5, 3 R, 2 RBI). Halstead even contributes, hitting a two-run double and scoring in the 3rd.

W - Halstead (3-0)
HR - LaFontaine (4)

May 11 - OFF

May 12 - at SAN - L 1-2

Talk about adding insult to injury! First, Bill Morgan (4 1/3 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 2 BB, 3 K) is hit by a line drive off the bat of Missions CF Paul Goode in the 5th, then he is hung with the loss when John Jahnke (1 2/3 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 1 BB, 2 K) allows Goode to score. Morgan leaves the game with a broken jaw; he may be out for as long as a month.

L - Morgan (2-1)

After the game, Morgan is put on the DL, but no immediate replacement is called up.

May 13 - at SAN - W 6-4

Frank Thomas goes 3 for 5, hitting his second career homer in the 4th. while Clark Davidson (2 for 5, R) and Jack Lowe (2 for 4, RBI) both add a pair of hits to the winning effort. Justin Nowlin (5 IP, 2 R, 4 H, 5 BB, 4 K) struggles with his control but gets the win.

W - Nowlin (4-2)
SV - Bingham (11)
HR - Thomas (1)

After the game, the team activates SP Ken Green [7/5/5] (3.52 in 15 1/3 IP this year, 9-13 with a 3.75 ERA in AA Daytona (DAL) last year), recently claimed on waivers from Memphis.

May 14 - at SAN - W 5-3

Valentine Stephens hits 3 for 5, including a three-run homer in the 3rd, while Weber's (1 for 2, 2 BB, 2 R) 443-foot shot to right scores two in the 1st. Becker (6 2/3 IP, 3 R, 5 H, 1 BB, 3 K) has a decent outing; Hodgkins (1/3 IP), Randolph (1 IP, 1 H) and Bingham (1 IP, 1 H, 1 K) close out the Carolina win.

W - Becker (3-2)
SV - Bingham (12)
HR - Weber (6), Stephens (2)

Last week: 4 - 1
This month: 7 - 4
Overall: 26 - 11, 1st, +2 1/2 on Tampa


Who's Hot

Frank Thomas
Last 5 games: 8-16 (.500), 1 HR, 2 RBI

Alan Bruns
Last 5 games: 4-12 (.333), 0 HR, 3 RBI

Matt Halstead
Last 3 games: 2-0, 1.35 ERA, 20 IP

Who's Not

Mike Sutton
Last 6 games: 2-14 (.143), 0 HR, 3 RBI


A Closer Look - AA Hickory

Hickory has the second-best record in Double-A, 22-15. The most impressive hitters thus far have been the team's catchers, Frank Saville (age 30, .348, 7 HR, 20 RBI, 7 2Bs, 23 BB) and Ron Ayres (age 32, .320 in 50 AB, 4 HR, 11 RBI, 12 BB). 2B Martin Sansone (age 25, .323, 3 HR, 23 RBI, 6 2Bs, 9 SB), SS Kyle Smith (age 30, .295, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 27 BB) and LF Clement Bodine (age 32, .281, 6 HR, 18 RBI, 26 BB) also contribute to this veteran squad. Starters Bryant Hamilton (age 31, 2-1, 3.34, WHIP 1.04) and Chase Nelson (age 25, 4-0, 2.44, WHIP 1.31) have thrown well, along with relievers Tim Pauly (age 35, 11 SV, 1.61 in 22 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.21) and Dave Reed (age 28, 3.32 in 21 2/3 IP, WHIP 1.11). Wilbert Cagle (age 22, 3-2 in 4 GS, 2 SV, 4.46 in 34 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.49) is just getting comfortable after making the transition from closer to starter.


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

See how lucky we were last year? Now half of the opening day rotation is on the disabled list! Ken Green is one of those guys who was a hot prospect, once upon a time, but he's been kicking around the minors for quite a while now... He's still just 26, though, and he's with his third team this year... Miami tried to send him down, but Memphis claimed him, then the Blues tried to send him down, but we claimed him! We probably would have tried to send him down too, but since we have a hole in the rotation, we might as well see what he can do...

It looks like the hitters got the memo, but Memphis pitching makes everybody look good... I mean, seven RBI-walks?! Enough said...

Everett Putman looks more and more like a guy who's not quite ready for the bigs... 1 for 11 last week makes him 3 for 18 (.167) overall... so Alan Bruns might break back into the lineup after all...

Robin Houston is skating on thin ice too... A 1.86 WHIP in 16 2/3 IP is not quite what I'm looking for, especially for $1.3 mil...

But besides all that, things are great! Back home again this week, so c'mon down to the ballpark!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXV, Issue 10 - May 22, 1972

By sweeping Nashville, the Flyers stretch their Eastern Division lead out to 3 1/2 games. The club has a day off today before finishing this homestand with three against San Antonio (with Batting Glove Day on Wednesday), then the team heads for a weekend set at New Orleans.


Last Week's Results

May 15 - OFF

May 16 - vs NWO - W 3-1

Alan Bruns (2B, RBI), Paul LaFontaine (RBI) and Frank Thomas (R) all hit 2 for 4, collecting six of the seven Flyers hits on the night. Matt Halstead (4 1/3 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 1 K) is inexplicably gassed after 62 pitches, so Houston (2/3 IP), Randolph (1 IP, 1 H), Thorn (1 IP, 2 K), Hodgkins (1 IP, 1 K) and Bingham (1 IP, 1 H, 2 K) hold the Pelicans scoreless for the final 4 2/3 innings.

W - Thorn (3-2)
SV - Bingham (13)

May 17 - vs NWO - L 3-11

Bill Frazier (5 IP, 7 R, 10 H, 2 BB, 6 K) is pounded all over the park, and Robin Houston (1/3 IP, 3 R, 1 H, 2 BB, 1 K) walks the bases loaded before giving up a grand slam to Pelicans 2B Matt Clayton, removing all doubt and sending the 35,099 fans home early on Mini Bat Day. Former Flyer Gene Arndt (6 1/3 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 1 BB, 2 K) continues last year's revenge; LaFontaine goes 2 for 3 with a run and an RBI.

L - Frazier (1-1)

May 18 - vs NWO - L 2-5

Justin Nowlin (6 IP, 5 R, 13 H, 2 BB, 7 K) is pounded even harder than Frazier as the Flyers lose the series to the Pelicans. Jack Lowe hits a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded in the 9th that scores two, but LaFontaine is thrown out trying to score from first.

L - Nowlin (4-3)

May 19 - vs NSH - W 8-2

A six-run Flyers 4th, keyed by Valentine Stephens' (2 for 3, 2B, 2 R) two-run triple, is more than enough to win this wet one at State Fair Park. A 63-minute rain delay in the 4th keeps Keith Becker (4 1/3 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 4 K) from going five, so John Jahnke (1 2/3 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 1 BB) picks up the win. Clark Davidson (R, 2 RBI) and Mike Weber (2 R, RBI) both go 2 for 4 on the night.

W - Jahnke (2-2)

May 20 - vs NSH - W 10-4

After a scoreless pitcher's duel between Ken Green (7 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 1 BB, 6 K) and Nashville's Rudy Barnard (L, 2-2, 6 1/3 IP, 5 R, 6 H, 5 BB, 2 K) through 5 1/2 innings, the Flyers open the floodgates with two in the 6th. The Hounds get one back in the top of the 7th, but Carolina plates three more in the bottom half. Kevin Hodgkins (2/3 IP, 3 R, 0 ER, 2 H, 1 BB) gives up a three-run homer (after an error by Stephens at third) to make it a one-run game once again in the 8th, but the home team puts up a five-spot to put the game away. Davidson goes 3 for 4 with a stolen base, an RBI and two runs, while Thomas (2 for 2, R), Dale Francis (2 for 4, R) and Lowe (pinch-hit 2B, R) each drive in a pair.

W - Green (1-0)

May 21 - vs NSH - W 4-3

A dramatic end to a exciting game at State Fair Park today. With the Flyers leading 3-1 in the 9th, Francis (2 for 3) makes a wide throw to first that puts the leadoff batter on base. Terry Bingham (1 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 H, 1 BB) then comes in and promptly gives up a triple and a two-out single to tie the game, his second blown save this year. However, Darrel Robinson (2 for 4, HR) leads off the bottom half with a double and is replaced by pinch-runner Steven Robinson. After an intentional walk to Everett Putman and a fielder's choice by Mike Weber, there are runners on the corners with one out. Mike Sutton hits a grounder to Hounds 3B Rudolph Pendergrass, who throws to second without checking the runner at third! The relay to first is not in time, Steven Robinson scores, and the assembled 30,897 go crazy as Carolina completes the sweep. Halstead (5 IP, 3 H, 1 K) pitches a great game but is again tired after just 62 pitches. Davidson goes 2 for 5 with a double, a stolen base, a run and an RBI.

W - Bingham (1-0)
HR - D. Robinson (1)

Last week: 4 - 2
This month: 11 - 6
Overall: 30 - 13, 1st, +3 1/2 on Tampa


Who's Hot

Paul LaFontaine
Last 5 games: 7-16 (.438), 0 HR, 2 RBI

Clark Davidson
Last 5 games: 8-19 (.421), 0 HR, 4 RBI

Dale Francis
Last 5 games: 8-20 (.400), 0 HR, 3 RBI

Who's Not

Rick Roberts
Last 6 games: 2-17 (.118), 0 HR, 2 RBI


A Closer Look - Single-A Columbus

At 25-18, Columbus is second amongst Eastern Division A-ball teams. The star of the show thus far has been SS Will Blazer (age 24, .292, 7 HR, 34 RBI, 31 R, 9 2Bs, 6 3Bs, 10 SB), though CF Patrick Sommer (age 26, .286 in 49 AB, 4 HR, 11 RBI) has also hit well after being demoted from Hickory. Also contributing are 3B Mike King (age 23, .280, 4 HR, 19 RBI, 27 R, 28 BB, 13 2Bs) and C James Rodgers (age 24, .277 in 65 AB, 2 HR, 12 RBI, 17 BB). As for pitchers, Bruce Ford (age 25, 4-0, 3.23, WHIP 0.96) is off to a fast start, along with Brian Skidmore (age 27, 1.59 in 22 2/3 IP, WHIP 1.15) and Rick Wilhoit (age 21, 1.80 in 20 IP, WHIP 1.10) out of the bullpen.


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

Another starter bites the dust! It was such a shock to see Matt Halstead laboring after 55 pitches on Tuesday... I was hoping it was just a fluke thing, but the same thing happened yesterday... The radar gun doesn't lie, and you can't throw 83 mph fastballs for too long and survive... The scouts gave me a couple warnings, but I didn't think his endurance would drop off _that_ much!

Well, I can't have a starter that can barely go four innings, so for now, I'm moving Halstead to the bullpen and Justin Randolph into the rotation... That gives me three weeks (until Morgan comes back from his injury) to figure out what to do with Robin Houston. Once Houston goes, Randolph will probably go back to the pen...

Besides that, it was a pretty good week... The only thing that bothers me is that we only hit one homer all week long... Nothing I can do about it, but it bugs me that we've hit just 22 longballs while allowing 32 taters against us...

Guess that's about it... see you at the ballpark!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXV, Issue 11 - May 29, 1972

The Flyers continue to stretch their Eastern Division lead, now 4 1/2 games ahead of Tampa. After an off day today, the club finishes their road trip with two games at Nashville, followed by a four-game set against Miami at State Fair Park.


Last Week's Results

May 22 - OFF

May 23 - vs SAN - W 5-3

Darrel Robinson's pinch hit in the 8th scores two, then Terry Bingham (1 IP) throws a six-pitch 9th for the Flyers' fourth straight win. Kevin Hodgkins (1/3 IP) picks up the win for getting the final out in the top of the 8th after Bill Frazier (7 2/3 IP, 3 R, 7 H, 6 BB, 1 K) gives up a two-out single. Everett Putman goes 3 for 3 with a run, taking his average from a .154 to a .241 mark, while Mike Weber scores twice and drives in two with a homer in the 4th.

W - Hodgkins (4-1)
SV - Bingham (14)
HR - Weber (7)

Before the next game, the club announces a trade with Memphis, sending SP Matt Halstead (3-0, 1.84, WHIP 0.79) and 3B Valentine Stephens (.263, 2 HR, 31 RBI, 10 2Bs) to the Blues. In return, the Flyers receive 3B Mike Schaaf [9/6/4] (.325 in 40 AB), RP Oscar Matthews [7/8/4] (3.10 in 29 IP, WHIP 1.24) and SP Jeremiah Davis [9/4/7] (15-9, 3.38, WHIP 1.36 last year). Davis ruptured a disc in April and is out for the season.

May 24 - vs SAN - W 4-3 (14)

The Flyers win an exciting and dramatic Batting Glove Day in front of 36,326 at State Fair Park. Down by two with two out in the 9th, an Putman pinch hit, Rick Roberts walk and Weber "pinch walk" load the bases. Pinch-hitter Steven Robinson hits an easy grounder to Missions 2B Dave Mikel, but he bobbles it and then throws it away, allowing the two tying runs to score. Leading off the bottom of the 14th, Dale Francis hits a single that gets past San Antonio RF Ed Jorge for an extra base. After an intentional walk to Alan Bruns, an out at third on the bunt by Jeff Harvey and a single by Putman, the bases are loaded again, this time for Roberts. With the infield back, Rick hits another grounder to Mikel at second but beats the relay throw to first, scoring Bruns with the game-winner. Though George Thorn (3 2/3 IP, 1 H, 2 K) is nearly perfect in the 10th through 13th, Oscar Matthews (1/3 IP, 1 H, 1 K) gets the win in his first appearance for the Flyers. Both managers are tossed for arguing some contentious calls behind the plate: San Antonio's Harry Easterday in the 9th and Carolina's Jeremy McGrath in the 12th.

W - Matthews (4-1)

May 25 - vs SAN - W 4-3 (12)

Dale Francis hits a walkoff solo shot with one out in the bottom of the 12th, ending another dramatic extra-inning affair and extending the Flyers' winning streak to seven games. Again both managers watch the finish from the clubhouse: Jeremy McGrath gets tossed in the 9th, while Harry Easterday gets the heave-ho in the 10th. Darrel Robinson breaks a two-two tie in the 8th with an RBI-double, but ex-Flyer C Mark Johnson (4 for 4) hits his second homer of the night off Hodgkins (2/3 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 1 BB) to begin the 9th. Clark Davidson goes 2 for 3 with a stolen base and a two-run homer.

W - Jahnke (3-2)
HR - Davidson (1), Francis (5)

May 26 - at NWO - L 5-6 (11)

A depleted Flyers bullpen finally loses in its third straight extra-inning game. Hodgkins (1 1/3 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 2 K), pitching for the fourth consecutive day, throws a perfect 10th but gives up a leadoff double to New Orleans pinch-hitter Weston McAbee in the 11th. After a sacrifice bunt, Bingham (1/3 IP) enters his fourth straight game but allows a fly ball off the bat of Pelicans SS Dave Brown that's deep enough to score McAbee from third. The Flyers take a 5-1 lead into the 8th, but Justin Nowlin (7 2/3 IP, 4 R, 7 H, 2 BB, 5 K) and Thorn (1 IP, 2 H, 1 K) give up three, then Robin Houston (0 IP, 1 R, 2 H) and John Jahnke (1/3 IP, 1 H) allow three two-out hits in the 9th to tie the game. Paul LaFontaine goes 3 for 6, scoring twice, while Francis hits 2 of 6 with a two-run double in the 4th.

L - Hodgkins (4-2)

After the game, the team announces that RP Robin Houston (5.40 in 20 IP, WHIP 1.90) has been designated for assignment, while RP Dave Elliot [7/6/6] (9 SV, 2.78 in 22 2/3 AAA IP, WHIP 1.32) has been purchased from Winston-Salem.

May 27 - at NWO - L 0-4

Pelicans starter Jim Wright (W, 3-1, 9 IP, 6 H, 3 BB, 3 K) shuts out the Flyers on six hits, all at the top of the order by Roberts (3 for 4, 2B), LaFontaine (2 for 4, 2B) and Francis (1 for 3). Justin Randolph (6 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 1 BB, 7 K) is hung with a tough loss in his first start of the year, while Dave Elliot's (1/3 IP, 2 R, 2 H, 1 K) debut does not go too well. Elliot's ERA stands at a healthy 54.00 mark.

L - Randolph (6-1)

May 28 - at NWO - W 6-5

Mike Schaff's three-run double in the 1st sets the Flyers on their way to a 6-0 lead. However, Frazier (6 1/3 IP, 3 R, 8 H, 3 K) gives up five hits for three Pelicans runs in the 6th, then Jahnke (2/3 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 1 BB) allows two more in the 8th to make it a one-run game. Hodgkins (1 1/3 IP, 1 BB), making his fifth appearance this week, closes out the 8th and throws a perfect 9th, earning the save and preventing a New Orleans sweep. Steven Robinson hits 2 for 5 with a run and an RBI, while Mike Weber (1 for 3, 2B, RBI) scores twice.

W - Frazier (2-1)
SV - Hodgkins (2)

After the game, the team announces that 2B Eddie Chaney [5/5/4] (.250 in 28 AB this year, .388 in 49 AB last year) has been claimed via waivers from Norfolk and assigned to the major league roster. 2B Jeff Harvey (.244 in 21 AB this year, .218 in 87 AB last year) is designated for assignment to free up a roster spot.

Last week: 4 - 2
This month: 15 - 8
Overall: 34 - 15, 1st, +4 1/2 on Tampa


Who's Hot

Darrel Robinson
Last 8 games: 7-17 (.412), 1 HR, 4 RBI

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

Jack Lowe
Last 7 games: 6-16 (.375), 0 HR, 4 RBI

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

Steven Robinson
Last 5 games: 5-16 (.313), 0 HR, 2 RBI

Who's Not

Alan Bruns
Last 6 games: 0-14 (.000), 0 HR, 0 RBI

Mike Sutton
Last 8 games: 1-11 (.091), 0 HR, 1 RBI

Mike Schaaf
Last 8 games: 3-23 (.130), 0 HR, 3 RBI

Frank Thomas
Last 5 games: 2-14 (.143), 0 HR, 0 RBI


A Closer Look - Carolina

The Flyers' pitching staff remains the best in the league, tops in ERA (2.96), opponent's average (.244) and runs allowed (178) while just seventh in homers (35). With Bill Morgan (2-1, 1.97, WHIP 1.27) still 7-10 days away from coming off the DL, new members of the rotation Ken Green (1-0 in 4 GS, 2.67, WHIP 0.96) and Justin Randolph (6-1, 1.66 in 38 IP, WHIP 1.11) have taken up the slack, though Keith Becker (3-2, 3.61, WHIP 1.12) has also begun to recover from his slow start (4.70 ERA in April, 2.56 ERA in May). Meanwhile, the bullpen of Terry Bingham (14 SV, 0.47 in 19 1/3 IP, WHIP 0.83), Kevin Hodgkins (2.25 in 24 IP, WHIP 1.17), George Thorn (2.30 in 27 1/3 IP, WHIP 1.13) and Oscar Matthews (2.81 in 32 IP, WHIP 1.22) has continued its dependable work.

Carolina's offense ranks fourth in scoring (240) and second in walks (223) but has lost ground in batting (.268), steals (34) and homers (25). The heart of the order in CF Paul LaFontaine (.332, 4 HR, 25 RBI, 31 R, 27 BB, 7 2Bs), SS Dale Francis (.340, 5 HR, 29 RBI, 28 R, 10 2Bs) and C Mike Weber (.282, 7 HR, 27 RBI, 35 R, 28 BB) have led the way, while LF Steven Robinson (.357, 2 HR, 30 RBI) has cooled in May (.236) after a torrid April (.435). 2B Clark Davidson (.237, 24 R, 14 SB) and 1B Everett Putman (.227 in 44 AB) continue to struggle at the plate, but newcomer RF Rick Roberts (.294 in 85 AB, 19 BB) has stepped into the leadoff spot with a .423 on-base percentage.


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

A lot of changes to the roster this week... That might seem strange, considering our success so far, but you have to keep an eye on next year and an eye on the bottom line, even if you're winning this year...

After some hesitation, we realized that paying Matt Halstead $8.6 mil for the next four years to be our #4 or #5 reliever was not really in our best interest. Oscar Matthews had been the Memphis closer, while Mike Schaaf is just 21 and one of the league's top prospects. He's off to a slow start with us, but he could easily be a .330 to .350 hitter before too long... Valentine Stephens became the odd man out, and $1.2 mil is a bit much for a backup... As for Jeremiah Davis, he basically just evens up the financials a bit... Rather than sending $4 million in cash to Memphis, instead we take $4 mil in dead salary off their hands and get a solid starter for next season...

Eddie Chaney is not a big difference from Jeff Harvey, but he's a little cheaper, a little faster, and a little better with the leather...

Robin Houston was getting $1.3 mil after a breakout year last season, which was already a lot for a mop-up man... but now he can't pitch an inning or two without giving up a run, and I can't have that...

With Houston gone, there's nobody left in the bullpen that Justin Randolph can displace, so I guess he'll have to stay in the rotation with Frazier being optioned down when Morgan returns...

Well, I've got about a hundred amateurs to scout for Thursday's draft... so see you at the ballpark!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXV, Issue 12 - June 5, 1972

After winning five of six last week, the Flyers hold a commanding seven game lead over Tampa for the Eastern Division pennant. After a day off today, the team wraps up this homestand with two games against Jacksonville before hitting the road for four at Norfolk.


Last Week's Results

May 29 - OFF

May 30 - at NSH - W 2-1

Mike Weber and Mike Schaaf both hit RBI-singles in the 8th to give the Flyers a comeback win. Following a stellar performance from Keith Becker (6 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 3 K), Oscar Matthews (1 IP, 2 H, 1 K) pitches out of trouble in the 7th but walks to the dugout very gingerly. Matthews may miss as much as a month with back spasms. Clark Davidson hits 2 of 4 but is caught stealing; Terry Bingham (1 IP, 1 K) needs just seven pitches to earn his league-leading fifteenth save.

W - Matthews (5-1)
SV - Bingham (15)

After the game, Oscar Matthews is put on the disabled list, and RP Dave Brown [5/8/3] (1-1 in 2 GS for Tampa this year, 3.60 in 10 IP, WHIP 1.70) is purchased from Winston-Salem, where he has a 2.70 ERA in 16 2/3 innings of relief with a 1.14 WHIP.

May 31 - at NSH - W 4-0

Ken Green (9 IP, 2 H, 4 BB, 4 K) throws a two-hit shutout, the first of his career, while Everett Putman goes 3 for 4 with a run. Schaaf adds a two-run triple with two down in the 8th and scores on a wild pitch to secure the two-game sweep of the Hounds.

W - Green (2-0)

June 1 - vs MIA - L 1-8

Justin Nowlin (4 1/3 IP, 8 R, 7 H, 4 BB, 3 K) is hit hard, while the Flyers manage just four hits off Meteors starter Rick Parker (6 2/3 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 5 BB, 3 K) and friends. As for bright spots, Putman goes 2 for 4, improving his average to .291, and Dave Elliot (2 2/3 IP, 1 H, 3 K) throws great in long relief.

L - Nowlin (4-4)

June 2 - vs MIA - W 5-1

Justin Randolph (8 2/3 IP, 1 R, 0 ER, 4 H, 4 K) puts on a clinic but cannot quite go the distance, so Bingham (1/3 IP, 1 K) gets the game-ending whiff after the Flyers' third error loads the bases in the 9th. Paul LaFontaine goes 4 for 5 with two runs, while Dale Francis hits 3 of 4 with an RBI before making his 5th error in the 9th.

W - Randolph (7-1)
SV - Bingham (16)

June 3 - vs MIA - W 6-3

Mike Sutton hits an RBI-triple and scores on Putman's pinch hit, breaking a three-all tie with a two-run 6th. Bill Frazier (6 IP, 3 R, 6 H, 3 BB, 3 K) throws a solid game, then Jahnke, Hodgkins and Thorn close out the win. Frank Thomas goes 1 for 4, scoring once and driving in two.

W - Frazier (3-1)
SV - Thorn (1)

June 4 - vs MIA - W 12-0

Becker (8 IP, 6 H, 4 K) and Dave Brown (1 IP, 1 H, 1 K) combine to shutout the Meteors on Batting Glove Day at State Fair Park, while the 40,092 assembled Flyers fans are treated to twelve runs on sixteen hits led by Alan Bruns (3 for 5, 2B, HR, 3 R, RBI), Thomas (3 for 5, R, 2 RBI), LaFontaine (2 for 4, 2 RBI) and Schaaf (3 for 4, R, RBI). A three-run homer by Jack Lowe followed by a back-to-back shot by Bruns in the 8th is the icing on the cake.

W - Becker (4-2)
HR - Lowe (1), Bruns (2)

After the game, the club sends RF Mike Sutton (.200 in 60 AB) down to Winston-Salem and purchases the contract of LF John Trull [5/6/5] (.325 in 212 AAA AB, 15 HR, 60 RBI).

Last week: 5 - 1
This month: 3 - 1 (17 - 8 in May)
Overall: 39 - 16, 1st, +7 on Tampa


Who's Hot

Paul LaFontaine
Last 5 games: 8-19 (.421), 0 HR, 3 RBI

Ken Green
Last 3 games: 2-0, 1.13 ERA, 24 IP

Who's Not

Mike Sutton
Last 5 games: 1-14 (.071), 0 HR, 1 RBI

Mike Weber
Last 5 games: 1-11 (.091), 0 HR, 1 RBI

Justin Nowlin
Last 3 games: 0-2, 8.50 ERA, 18 IP


A Closer Look - The Amateur Draft

1st Round - 1B John Radcliffe, 18 [6/6/8] - $171,000
A left-handed pull hitter, Radcliffe hit .476 at St. Paul Central (Minnesota).

2nd Round - RP Warren Spellman, 18 [7/8/7] - $35,000
Spellman, a rightie, struck out 50 batters in 48 2/3 innings for Kempner HS (Georgia).

3rd Round - 3B Charlie Flanagan, 19 [6/3/6] - $25,000
Flanagan hit .508 at Alpena HS (Arkansas).

4th Round - RP Bob Allen, 23 [4/9/8] - $25,000
Allen may develop into a right-handed starter after going 10-3 with a 2.74 ERA for Morehead State.

5th Round - 2B Mark Gott, 18 [6/2/5] - $25,000
From Kickapoo HS (Missouri), Gott hit .516 last year.


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

Pretty good, eh? I never would have expected a seven game lead in the first week of June...

Bill Morgan is due back by the weekend, so I think we're gonna see if Justin Nowlin can clear waivers after some recent sub-par performances... Justin Randolph is throwing too well to go back to the pen, while Bill Frazier has won his last two starts...

We ended up releasing Jeff Harvey after he cleared waivers but refused a minor league assignment... Guess I'll have to be more careful with my free agency offers in the future...

I wasn't really planning on taking so many teenagers in this year's draft, but it just kinda worked out that way... Unlike last year, everybody in this year's draft class is starting out in Single-A...

Anyway, c'mon out to the ballpark and see us while we're hot!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXV, Issue 13 - June 12, 1972

Both the Flyers and Tomahawks won five of their six games last week, so Carolina does not add to their seven game lead over Tampa. The club plays four at Atlanta before returning to State Fair Park for a three-game set with Norfolk.


Last Week's Results

June 5 - OFF

June 6 - vs JAX - W 6-4

Paul LaFontaine goes 3 for 4 with a double, a run and an RBI, while Ken Green (7 1/3 IP, 2 R, 8 H, 4 BB, 3 K) helps his own cause with a 3 for 3 night, scoring twice. Steven Robinson (1 for 4, R) drives in two; Terry Bingham (1/3 IP) throws just one pitch for his league-leading 17th save after Dave Brown (2/3 IP, 2 R, 1 H, 1 BB) gives up a two-run homer in the 9th.

W - Green (3-0)
SV - Bingham (17)

June 7 - vs JAX - L 4-6 (10)

Taking over a 4-2 game in the 9th, Bingham (1 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 2 K) gives up a single, a triple, and a double for two Ospreys runs and a tie game. In the 10th, John Jahnke (1 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 1 K) allows two singles and a double to score two more for a series split with Jacksonville. Everett Putman hits 2 of 4 and scores a run; Justin Randolph (5 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 3 BB, 4 K) pitches effectively but throws too many pitches to go six innings.

L - Jahnke (3-3)

June 8 - at NOR - W 4-3 (13)

Clark Davidson's (2 for 6) single down the left field line with two out in the top of the 13th scores Mike Schaaf from second to win the game for the Flyers. The Clippers tied it up with a two-run 8th off Bill Frazier (7 2/3 IP, 3 R, 5 H, 2 BB, 4 K) and Kevin Hodgkins (0 IP, 2 H), but Thorn (2 1/3 IP, 2 H, 1 K), Brown (2 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K) and Elliot (1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K) held the home team scoreless for the final four frames. Frank Thomas hits 3 of 6 and drives in one, while Mike Weber goes 2 for 5 with a double, a run and an RBI.

W - Brown (2-1)
SV - Elliot (1)

June 9 - at NOR - W 6-1

Keith Becker (7 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 1 BB, 8 K) stymies the Clippers for seven solid innings, while Dale Francis goes 2 for 5 with a run and an RBI.

W - Becker (5-2)

After the game, SP Bill Morgan (2-1 in 8 GS, 1.97, WHIP 1.27) is activated from the DL, while RP Dave Brown (3.95 in 13 2/3 IP, WHIP 1.61) is sent to AAA Winston-Salem.

June 10 - at NOR - W 13-7

Schaff goes 3 for 5, scoring once and driving in four as the Flyers collect seventeen hits while thumping the Clippers at Harbor Stadium. LaFontaine hits 4 of 5 with a run and an RBI, while Weber ends up with a triple, three runs and two RBIs. Bill Morgan (4 2/3 IP, 3 R, 2 ER, 4 H, 5 BB, 4 K) cannot make it five innings in his first start back, so Dave Elliot (1 1/3 IP, 1 K) picks up the win.

W - Elliot (1-0)

After the game, the team announces that SP Justin Nowlin (4-4, 5.34, WHIP 1.69) has been traded to Houston for a player to be named later. RP Dave Brown is recalled to the active roster to take his place.

June 11 - at NOR - W 7-1

Green (9 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 4 BB, 8 K) throws his second complete game in his last three starts to complete a four-game sweep of the Clippers. Even a 27-minute rain delay could not cool the Flyers' red-hot bats, led by Schaaf (2 for 3, HR, 2 RBI), LaFontaine (1 for 3, 2 R, RBI) and Thomas (1 for 4, 2 RBI).

W - Green (4-0)
HR - Schaaf (1)

Last week: 5 - 1
This month: 8 - 2
Overall: 44 - 17, 1st, +7 on Tampa


Who's Hot

Paul LaFontaine
Last 9 games: 21-40 (.525), 0 HR, 7 RBI

Frank Thomas
Last 6 games: 10-22 (.455), 0 HR, 5 RBI

Clark Davidson
Last 5 games: 6-19 (.316), 0 HR, 4 RBI

Keith Becker
Last 5 games: 2-0, 0.84 ERA, 32 1/3 IP

Ken Green
Last 3 games: 3-0, 1.07 ERA, 25 1/3 IP

Who's Not

Rick Roberts
Last 6 games: 3-23 (.130), 0 HR, 2 RBI

Dale Francis
Last 5 games: 4-21 (.190), 0 HR, 3 RBI


A Closer Look - AAA Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem leads all Eastern Division AAA affiliates with a 38-23 record. Swinging the hottest bat at the moment is CF John Swanson (age 26, .303 in 119 AB, 4 HR, 29 RBI, 17 2Bs), but this team is solid throughout the lineup: 2B Thomas Wilkins (age 28, .285, 8 HR, 35 RBI), 3B Jeremy Coon (age 28, .308, 7 HR, 40 RBI), OF John Tidwell (age 25, .277, 4 HR, 23 RBI, 44 R, 35 BB, 12 SB), 2B Jonah Carwile (age 27, .277 in 177 AB, 3 HR, 20 RBI, 13 2Bs, 4 3Bs), C Tom VanWinkle (age 25, .337 in 175 AB, 4 HR, 18 RBI), RF Rudy Olson (age 23, .312 in 125 AB, 2 HR, 21 RBI, 10 2Bs) and C Gary Armitage (age 32, .297 in 101 AB, 41 BB). 1B Steve Brown (age 27, .359 in 64 AB, 8 HR, 15 RBI, 7 2Bs) is again swinging a big bat in AAA that he has not yet been able to find in the majors. In comparison, the pitching staff does not have impressive numbers. Tom Merchant (age 28, 6-1 in 9 GS, 2.06, WHIP 1.07) and Christopher Horan (age 21, 6-5, 4.43, WHIP 1.27) top the rotation, along with Floyd Myers (age 25, 2.61 in 31 IP, WHIP 1.16), Chad Williams (age 35, 0.50 in 18 IP, WHIP 1.11) and Robin Houston (age 29, 2.25 in 4 IP, WHIP 1.25) out of the pen.


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

You know, I usually find some negatives to complain about here, even when we're winning... but I'm having a hard time coming up with any...

How about the fact that we're going to get killed in arbitration next year when Justin Randolph comes in with a record like 15-6? Of course, the arbitrator won't notice that his first six wins were in relief!

Justin Nowlin refused assignment to the minors, so I was just going to stick him in the pen for long relief, but some teams were actually willing to give up something to get him... Not a lot, mind you... we ended up with a young not-quite-prospect catcher for AA Hickory... which is better than nothing, I guess...

Frank Thomas has played his way into the lineup, at least for the time being... Steven Robinson has really gone cold after that insane April...

Again almost went a whole week without a homer... We're just one tater ahead of ranking last in the league, and after four games against us next week, I'm sure Atlanta will pull ahead of us too... Avoiding homers is the one thing our pitchers can't do very well...

Well, we'll be home next weekend, so c'mon down and cheer us on!

[jmm8356]

Flyers Weekly, Volume XXV, Issue 14 - June 19, 1972

The Flyers now lead the Eastern Division by 9 1/2 games after winning six of seven last week. The club finishes this homestand with three against Atlanta (including Baseball Cap Day today), then take a day off before hitting the road for three at Miami.


Last Week's Results

June 12 - at ATL - W 6-5

After skipper Jeremy McGrath is ejected in the bottom of the 8th for arguing a call at second base, Kevin Hodgkins (1 1/3 IP, 2 R, 3 H, 2 BB, 2 K) gives up two runs for a 5-3 Flames lead. However, with two down in the 9th, Mike Schaaf (3 for 5, 4 RBI) hits a three-run shot to right-center, his second tater of the game, giving the Flyers a lead that Terry Bingham (1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K) closes out for the fifth straight Carolina win. Justin Randolph (6 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 3 H, 1 BB, 5 K) throws a good game; Rick Roberts and Paul LaFontaine each go 2 for 5 with a run on the night.

W - Hodgkins (5-2)
SV - Bingham (18)
HR - Schaaf 2 (2,3)

June 13 - at ATL - W 12-9

LaFontaine goes 4 for 6 with two runs and three RBIs, while Dale Francis (3 for 4, 2 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI) hits an RBI-double and scores in the 8th to give the Flyers the edge in this slugfest at Lexus Park. Bill Frazier (4 2/3 IP, 6 R, 5 ER, 7 H, 4 BB, 4 K) gives up two Flames runs apiece in the 3rd, 4th and 5th, but John Jahnke (1 IP, 2 H) throws a scoreless 6th for the win. Dave Brown (2 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K) earns his second career save; Schaaf adds three RBIs and a run on a 2 for 5 night.

W - Jahnke (4-3)
SV - Brown (1)
HR - S. Robinson (3)

June 14 - at ATL - W 8-1

Keith Becker (7 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 3 BB, 5 K) hurls a great game to extend the Flyers' winning streak to seven. Everett Putman (2 for 3, R, 3 RBI), Schaaf (3 for 4, R) and Roberts (R, 2 RBI) each hit a double on the night.

W - Becker (6-2)

June 15 - at ATL - W 10-3

Francis (2 for 4, 2 R, 4 RBI) hits a three-run homer in the 7th and Jack Lowe adds a two-run shot in the 8th as the Flyers pound the Flames for the four-game sweep and their eighth straight win. Bill Morgan (6 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 2 BB, 3 K) finds his rhythm in his second start off the DL.

W - Morgan (3-1)
HR - Francis (6), Lowe (2)

June 16 - vs NOR - W 4-3

Clark Davidson hits 2 for 4, driving in three Flyers and extending the winning streak to nine. Lowe also goes 2 for 4 and scores on Davidson's two-out, two-run single in the 6th that gives Carolina the lead after Ken