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Tag: Carlos Beltrán

Series XX Best Game: New York Black Yankees @ Indianapolis ABC’s

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On June 16, 2022

In Featured Games, Game Recaps

The New York Black Yankees opened their series in Indianapolis with Jack Scott taking the mound while the ABC’s countered with David Price.

Indianapolis took the lead in the bottom of the first, with doubles from Joe Morgan, Johnny Bench, and Jake Stenzel (one run scored on Stenzel’s double, the other on a double-play ball from Oscar Charleston).

The 2-0 lead lasted until the top of the 3rd when Babe Ruth launched his 26th homerun of the year, and Mike Schmidt followed with a moon shot of his own. Both homers were 2-run jobs, moving New York ahead, 4-2.

Danny Hoffman scored on an unlikely event–a Hal Morris triple–in the bottom of the 4th, closing the game to 4-3.

Both starting pitchers left after 5 innings, but Schmidt greeted Price’s replacement, Clay Carroll, with his 2nd homerun of the day (an inside-the-park job at that!), re-establishing a 2-run lead for the Black Yankees.

Scott would likely have stayed in the game, but rain began to fall, delaying the bottom of the 5th nearly 90 minutes. This is an issue for New York, as their bullpen has struggled all year. Goose Gossage replaced Scott, giving up a homerun to Joey Votto (the first of his career) in the bottom of the 7th. Gary Lavelle–brought in specifically to help their bullpen–relieved Gossage and immediately got into trouble, walking 2 and giving up a single to Charleston to load the bases. Bench singled, driving in 2, giving Indianapolis their first lead and chasing Lavelle.

Willie Mitchell–stellar so far this season–shut down the Black Yankees while Ralph Citarella didn’t do much better than Gossage and Lavelle, giving up a 2-RBI double to Edd Roush in the bottom of the 8th to push the score to 8-5.

Rob Dibble closed it out, making the game really a battle of the bullpens: New York’s gave up 5 runs in 3 innings while Indianapolis’ only 1 run on 2 hits in 4.

NYY 5 (Lavelle 0-1, 1 BSv; Gossage 5 H) @ IND 8 (Mitchell 4-2; Dibble 14 Sv)
HRs: NYY – Schmidt 2 (12), Ruth (26); IND – Votto (1).
Box Score

#Other Games of Note

In the second game of the series between Portland and Baltimore, the Sea Dogs scored 5 runs in the last 2 innings to grab a come-from-behind 7-4 victory. Kent Hrbek hit 2 homeruns, giving him 25 for the season (2nd in the league), and Bobby Murcer hit a 3-run pinch-hit HR in the 9th to fuel the comeback. Baltimore’s Baby Doll Jacobson is slowly adjusting to WBL pitching after dominated AAA, homering twice and driving in 4 in the game in the losing effort.
POR 7 (Cuellar 6-4; Santana 23 Sv) @ BAL 4 (Miller 2-1; Bessent 2 BSv; Marshall 6 H)
HRs: POR – Hrbek 2 (25), Murcer (14); BAL – Jacobson 2 (4).
Box Score

Gary Peters, recalled from AAA earlier in the day, gave Ottawa 5 shutout innings in their series finale with Detroit, leaving with the Mounties up 5-0 thanks to 3 homeruns in the 3rd inning (Carlos Beltrán, Larry Walker, and Anthony Rendon). It didn’t last, as Detroit scored 4 times in the 7th and twice in the bottom of the 9th to send the game into extra innings tied at 6. In the top of the 11th, George Van Haltren (0-15 at that point), hit a game-winning homerun, and two starters–the much maligned Randy Johnson and the surprisingly effective Jim Clancy–closed it out in the bottom of the frame. Detroit’s Chili Davis tied a league record with 5 hits.

OTT 8 (Dempster 1-0, 1 B Sv; Clancy 1 Sv; Bowsfield 6 H; Johnson H 1) 8 @ DET 6 (Wilshere 6-6) [11 Innings]
HRs: Beltrán (1), Walker (7), Rendon (6), Van Haltren (1).
Box Score

TWIWBL 25.2: Series XIX Notes – Cum Posey Division

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On June 8, 2022

In TWIWBL

#Baltimore Black Sox

Despite a stellar showing, Bob Welch is sent to AA A to clear room on the roster for the arrival of Joe Beggs. Manny Machado steps into the starting lineup at 3B, sending Brooks Robinson back to AAA.

#Chicago American Giants

The pitching staff was overhauled in a big way, with Frank Smith, Ken Sanders, and Joe Horlen heading to AAA to clear room for newcomers Don Newcombe, Dick Rudolph, Clay Condrey, and Hoyt Wilhelm, with Newcombe and Rudolph joining the rotation. Freddy Parent steps right into the SS role, sending Luis Aparicio to AAA and clearing space on the roster for José Abreu, who looks to see a fair bit of time at 1B against lefties.

The new guys were good in their first game: Parent hit a homerun and Wilhelm was effective in relief. But it was the old guard who won the game, with Frank Thomas hitting a homerun and Dick Allen getting 3 hits in a 7-2 victory over Brooklyn to start the second half for the American Giants. After the game, Tom Brookens was promoted to Chicago as Jack Doyle was placed on the DL.

#Houston Colt 45’s

Everyone can play everywhere … which isn’t as big a deal as you might think. But, 17 year old Pete Hill, Paul Goldschmidt, and Lance Blankenship all move to Houston to fill out the roster. Roger Clemens slides directly into the rotation with Brad Lidge heading to AAA.

Hill hit a go-ahead homerun in his first start, helping Houston to a 4-3 win over Ottawa. Trevor Hoffman moved to 5-0, and Billy Wagner picked up his 5th save of the year.

#Kansas City Monarchs

Steve Evans and Frankie Frisch join the big league club. The pitching situation is a bit more interesting: Bob Gibson remains at AAA due to the arrival of Smoky Joe Wood and the return of Andy Pettitte from the DL.

#Ottawa Mounties

The Mounties have essentially tossed in the towel, looking to sort through some of their young talent with an eye towards next year. This means a return to the rotation for Johnny Podgajny, a return to Ottawa for Randy Johnson, and a debut for RP Bobby Castillo.

A similar bunch of changes offensively: Jim Stephens takes over for Emil Gross as the backup catcher, Rusty Staub moves into a platoon at 1B, Álex Rodríguez gets another shot as the full time SS, and Carlos Beltrán tries to solve the ongoing woes at CF for Ottawa.

Roberto Alomar had 4 hits and 5 RBIs and Rodriguez scored 4 times with 3 hits and 3 RBIs leading the Mounties in a 14-5 rout of Houston in the first game of a doubleheader. Rodriguez and Roy Sievers went deep and Clayton Richard put in a strong 7 innings for his second win.

TWIWBL 24.20: The All Star Trades

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On May 10, 2022

In TWIWBL

{The day after the All Star break is the first major trading period of the season, followed by the day before the trade deadline. Trades are somewhat randomized and limited in a variety of ways, basically an effort to ensure that, over time, they are at least approximately even in value.}

Portland signaled their commitment to this year, sending prized P prospect Smokey Joe Wood and Devin Mesoraco to Kansas City for all-star 2B Rogers Hornsby, OF Vince Coleman, and a 4th round draft pick.

Perhaps the prize pitching performer on the market, Birmingham‘s Tim Hudson, went to San Francisco in exchange for Rube Melton, Derrick May, and a 3rd round pick.

Brooklyn sends P Don Sutton to the New York Gothams for Ps Ray Lamb, Gil Heredia, and Lew Krausse, Jr., OF Don Mueller, and both a 1st and 8th round draft pick.

Cleveland made a clear sign of intent to compete this year, sending four players (P Hardie Henderson and OFs Jap Payne, Darrell Miller, and Gibby Brack) to Philadelphia for all-star reliever Ron Reed.

The Spiders also picked up Houston‘s struggling OF Lance Berkman to add more pop to their lineup, sending OF Harry Stovey, IF Charlie Grimm, P Chad Qualls, and a 3rd round pick to the Colt 45’s.

Media darling Tom Herr has a shot at a championship after Birmingham shipped the all-star 2B to the New York Black Yankees in exchange for a haul of talent, including IFs Moose Skowron and Reddy Mack, OFs Bill Buckner and Charlie Keller, P Heathcliff Slocumb, and a 10th round draft pick.

The Black Yankees also picked up some help on the mound, sending IF Dick Bartell, OF Sam Thompson, and a 4th round pick to Ottawa for Gary Lavelle and Jamie Moyer.

Addressing an area of clear need, Baltimore traded for Miami‘s everyday 3B, Manny Machado. The Black Sox sent a package of P Mike Morgan, 1B Richie Sexson, 3B Joe Dugan, and C Chris Hoiles to the Cuban Giants.

The Black Sox also shored up their bullpen, bringing in Memphis‘ closer, Joe Beggs, in exchange for P Willie Sudhoff, OF Alex Johnson, and a 4th round pick.

Ottawa and Los Angeles pulled off a complicated deal, with the Angels receiving 1B Carlos Delgado, IF Steve Garvey and OF Spud Johnson, sending OF Rusty Staub and Carlos Beltrán, C Jim Stephens, and Ps Dave Bennett and Sean O’Sullivan to the Mounties.

The Chicago American Giants added two of the better starting pitchers on the market, acquiring Don Newcombe from Miami and Dick Rudolph from Birmingham. The American Giants also received RP Clay Condrey and a 4th round draft pick for Minnie Miñoso from Miami, and sent Melky Cabrera, A. Rube Foster, Adrián González, and a 2nd round pick to Birmingham for Rudolph and Hoyt Wilhelm.

The American Giants also brought in SS Freddy Parent, who is expected to step right into the starting lineup. To do so, they sent IFs Sibby Sisti and Rickie Weeks and OF Bob Watson to Ottawa.

Miami’s other significant trade piece, Tommy Bridges, heads to San Francisco for two minor league pitchers, Shawn Estes and Turk Wendell, and a 5th round draft pick.

Los Angeles picked up some outfield help in the form of San Francisco’s Wally Moon. Moon heads south along with OF Dwayne Murphy and 2 draft picks (one 4th round, one 6th) in exchange for C Brian Downing, IF Kurt Stillwell, and P Dave LaRoche.

Detroit looked to improve their position behind the plate, obtaining Ernie Lombardi from Indianapolis for IFs Donie Bush and Jorge Orta, OF Gene Martin, P Brandon League, and a 2nd round pick.

Brooklyn added another versatile piece, sending OF Curt Flood, IF Manny Trillo, and a 6th round pick to Birmingham for IF Frank Isbell.

Two clubs looking towards the future made a big move, with Houston sending a 5th round pick, P Stubby Overmire, 2B DJ LeMahieu, P Jim Kaat, and OF Hack Wilson to Memphis for P Roger Clemens.

Sammy Sosa struggled so much for the House of David, it was decided the young OF could do with a change of scenery, going (along with a 5th round draft pick) to Memphis in exchange for OFs Fred Lynn and Tony Conigliaro and a 2nd round pick.

Finally, in easily the most minor deal of the day, Homestead picked up a 2nd round pick and IF Steve Hertz from San Francisco in exchange for Phil Garner.

TWIWBL 24.10: Mid-Season Reviews – Los Angeles Angels

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On March 7, 2022

In Team News, TWIWBL

Summary

Not bad. Not great, but not bad. A .500 record and only 4 games back, the Angels have some talent, and are close enough to try to make a push this season.

What’s Gone Right

The Rooster. Doug Rader has been a force, leading the Angels with 12 homeruns and leading the league with 73 RBIs.

No Weak Links. Behind Rader, no fewer than seven players (eight if you count the recently recalled Ron Hassey) have OPS’ between .830 and .720. None of them are spectacular, but none of them are a weak link, either. It makes the lineup very challenging to navigate.

Front of the Rotation. Gerrit Cole has gotten the attention with his 11-3 record, but Brett Anderson has probably been more effective over the front half of the season.

What’s Gone Wrong

Moving From the Pen. Both Chuck Finley and Nolan Ryan were pretty spectacular (especially Finley) coming out of the pen. The results have been much shakier since they moved into the rotation

Backstops. Brian Downing and Jim Stephens were so bad the Angels replaced both of them. John Stearns has struggled as half their replacement (although he’s doing better than they were), and the jury is still out on Hassey.

Power. It’s a familiar story, but the Angels are 19th in the WBL in homeruns. Rader leads the way with 12, but nobody else is in double digits (Kal Daniels and George Wright have 9). The Angels have hit enough doubles to keep their SLG up decently, but still some more longballs would be a welcome sight.

Key Storylines

Can they find enough pitching, and do they have any value to offer to try to improve the team?

The commitment to the left-handed duo of Daniels and Elmer Valo seems to be working out, as the pair have hit consistently.

Mike Trout has consistently improved, but he has yet to really show the potential he has–if he does, the lineup would move from good to frightening.

Trading Outlook

BUYING?

It’s a matter of fit. Many of the current contributors are in their early 30s, making it a win now sort of moment. There is a lot of talent at AA, but it’s not clear there is enough to bring in strong enough talent.

That may result in the Angels holding pat until the later trade deadline.

AAA Shuttle

Francisco Rodríguez has played at all three levels, and looks to be a solid addition. He and Hassey have been the decent call-ups.

Midseason Changes

Pud Galvin moves to AAA for reasons of general ineffectiveness, as do Andrelton Simmons and Tim Wallach. Dave LaRoche and Anthony Young join the big league pitching staff. José Reyes is recalled to replace Simmons on the roster, and High Pockets Kelly is added to the bench to provide some power.

Awards

All Stars: Gerrit Cole (P); Doug Rader (3B).

Player of the Week: Doug Rader (6/19)

Offensive MVP: Doug Rader (3B)
Pitching MVP: Gerrit Cole (SP)

Down on the Farm

AAA: Las Vegas Aces

Next to the Show: IF José Reyes, RP Dave LaRoche

Prospects: Tom Seaver (22).

Projects: 1B Wally Joyner and High Pockets Kelly (both 29). SP Sid Fernandez and Brian Anderson (both 25). P Anthony Young (29), P Dave LaRoche (28).

Suspects: SS Kevin Elster (29), OF Kevin McReynolds (34), OF Carlos Beltrán (24), P Huck Betts (36).

AA: San Diego Padres

Prospects: 2B Tyler Pastornicky (22), OF Norm Miller (22), 3B Xander Bogaerts (22), 2B Wally Backman (22). RP Dave Bennett (18), C Mark Salas (23), P Sean O’Sullivan (28).

Projects: 2B Cookie Lavagetto (25), P/OF Mike Smith (24), OF Bill Lamar (27), Blue Moon Odom (19).

Suspects: Skip Lockwood (18), OF Billy Hamilton (23).

TWIWBL 23.0: All-Star Weekend – The Futures Game

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On February 8, 2022

In All Star Games, TWIWBL

This game looks to be a bit of a mismatch: the sheer volume of talent on team USA is a bit overwhelming.

Tony Solaita of the World Team led off the inaugural Futures Game with a single up the middle off Bob Gibson, but a popout and a double play would end the inning without damage.

Fernando Valenzuela‘s opening frame didn’t go as well: Art Devlin singled and stole second, and then attempted to score on a base hit from Charlie Gehringer, but César Hernández‘ throw home was strong enough to nail him at the plate. Gehringer would score on a base-hit from Jimmie Foxx to put the USA up, 1-0.

Foxx was at it again in the bottom of the 3rd, scoring Devlin with a mammoth shot to left field, increasing the lead to 3-0.

Roberto Alomar greeted A. Rube Foster in the top of the 4th with a leadoff double. Alomar moved to third on a flyball to center by Shin-Soo Choo, and scored on a soft single from Sammy Sosa. Despite loading the bases, however, that was all the World team could muster, leaving the score 3-1.

Gehringer would drive in 2 more in the bottom of the frame upping the lead to 5-1.

And that would be it.

For the USA, Terry Forster, Frank Smith, Smokey Joe Williams, Jake Peavy, and Mike Adams combined for 5.1 innings of scoreless relief, while for the World, Steve Chitren, Jesse Crain, Moe Drabowsky, Arodys Vizcaíno, and Luiz Gohara closed the game without allowing a hit over the final 4 innings.

Foxx’s homerun and 3 RBIs were enough to walk away with the MVP Award, although Gehringer (2-for-4 with a run and 2 RBIs) and Devlin (2-for-2 with a run scored) each had an argument.

For the World, Tip O’Neill reached base 4 times, with 2 hits and 2 walks. It was a much worse day at the plate for Sosa and Hernández, each of whom struck out 3 times.

The idiotic choice by the AI to not select a catcher was impactful, as Abreu split time behind the plate with Jorge Orta, combining for 5 passed balls.

World 1 (Valenzuela 0-1) @ USA 5 (Maddux 1-0)
HRs: USA – Foxx (1).
Box Score

Roster Notes

The Wandering House of David and the Brooklyn Royal Giants each have 7 representatives in the game, and the Chicago American Giants have 5. Time will tell if that is an indicator of a strong talent pipeline or not.

Two of the players–the House of David’s Sosa and Los Angeles’ Carlos Beltrán–were traded over the all-star break. Both of them, along with San Francisco’s Sal Bando, Ottawa’s Alex Rodríguez and Roberto Alomar, and Birmingham’s Greg Maddux were recalled to the big leagues over the break.

Here are the full rosters, listing the level and WBL organization. Starters are listed in bold.

World Team Roster

Abreu was drafted in to catch, O’Neill as the DH, and López at 3B.

C: None. Whoops.

1B: Tip O’Neill (AA, Ottawa); Tony Solaita (AAA, Cleveland)

2B: Roberto Alomar (AAA, Ottawa); Jorge Orta (AA, Detroit)

3B: None, but both López and Hernández can play here.

SS: Luis Aparicio (AA, House of David); Bert Campaneris (AA, House of David, suspended); Jhonny Peralta (AAA, Indianapolis)

LF: Shin-Soo Choo (AAA, Houston)

CF: Carlos Beltrán (AA, Los Angeles); Héctor López (AA, New York Black Yankees); César A. Hernández (AA, Philadelphia)

RF: Bobby Abreu (AAA, Philadelphia); Willie Montañez (AA, Baltimore); Sammy Sosa (AAA, House of David)

P: José Capellán (AA, Memphis); Steve Chitrin (AAA, Brooklyn); Jesse Crain (AA, Ottawa); Víctor Cruz (AA, Chicago); Moe Drabowsky (AA, New York Gothams); Luiz Gohara (AAA, Memphis); Tom Harrison (AA, House of David); Fergie Jenkins (AAA, House of David); Sergio Valdéz (AA, Homestead); Fernando Valenzuela (AAA, Brooklyn); Arodys Vizcaíno (AA, Cleveland)

Team USA Roster

C: Cliff Lee (AAA, Portland); Mike Piazza (AAA, Brooklyn)

1B: Cap Anson (AA, House of David); Jimmie Foxx (AA, San Francisco)

2B: Charlie Gehringer (AAA, Detroit)

3B: Sal Bando (AAA, San Francisco); Art Devlin (AAA, New York Gothams)

SS: Ray Chapman (AA, Detroit); Alex Rodríguez (AAA, Ottawa)

LF: Bob Watson (AAA, Chicago)

CF: John Briggs (AA, Brooklyn); Kirby Puckett (AA, Portland)

RF: Dwight Evans (AAA, Memphis); Al Kaline (AAA, Detroit); Merv Rettenmund (AAA, Baltimore)

P: Mike Adams (AAA, Chicago); Terry Forster (AAA, Brooklyn); A. Rube Foster (AAA, Chicago); Bob Gibson (AAA, Kansas City); Greg Maddux (AAA, Birmingham); Jake Peavy (AAA, New York Black Yankees); Chris Short (AA, Brooklyn); Frank Smith (AAA, Chicago); Karl Spooner (AA, House of David); Smokey Joe Williams (AAA, Brooklyn).

Season Preview: Los Angeles Angels

By

On August 22, 2020

In Team News

The presence of Mike Trout will cover a host of sins, but unless he gets some help from the likes of Derrek Lee or Bobby Grich, it could be a long year in the city of angels. The pitching staff could be solid, especially up front behind Doc Gooden and Gerrit Cole.

Final Roster

SP: Doc Gooden, Gerrit Cole, Brett Anderson, Pud Galvin, Harry Howell.
RP: Nolan Ryan & Chuck Finley; Aaron Heilman & Jeurys Familia; Jonny Venters & Larry Anderson; Joe Nathan.

C: Brian Downing; John Stearns
1B: Derrek Lee
2B: Bobby Grich; Mark Ellis
3B: Doug Rader
SS: George Wright; Andrelton Simmons
LF: Don Buford; Kal Daniels
CF: Mike Trout
RF: Rusty Staub
DH: Elmer Valo

Notes

SP Mike Smith just didn’t do enough to earn a bullpen spot, but Darren Holmes‘ demotion to AAA came as more of a surprise, a factor of the numbers game more than Holmes’ performance … it also speaks to Los Angeles’ faith that both Nolan Ryan and Chuck Finley will contribute from the bullpen … OFs Carlos Beltran and Jeromy Burnitz were the final roster cuts, but there really wasn’t a lot to choose from between them, Kal Daniels, and Elmer Valo … that leaves the Angels without a real backup at 3B: Don Buford has taken some reps here, but that’s it behind Doug Rader … Rusty Staub, Valo, and Daniels rotate through DH and the OF, leaving the Angels susceptible to RHP: a RH DH candidate would be a welcome addition … while not in a platoon, Brian Downing and John Stearns should split the C duties, with Downing also seeing occasional time in the OF.

At 34 years old, Elmer Valo is the oldest Angel while, at 19, Rusty Staub is the only teenager on the roster (Mike Trout is 20).

Most of the talent likely to help from AAA saw some action in the Spring, with SP Tom Seaver and Mike Smith and C Jim Stephens topping the list. At AA, 18 year old P Blue Moon Odom and a pair of 22 year old IF, Wally Backman and Xander Bogaerts head the prospect list.

This Week In Whirled Baseball: Spring Training Update II

By

On July 27, 2020

In TWIWBL

{ We’re 2/3 through Spring Training–20 games. Some notes from around the league. }

#Chicago American Giants

The bullpen foursome of Ken Sanders, Akinori Otsuka, Koji Uehara, and A.J. Minter have been lights-out for Chicago … Rube Foster had seemed a lock to make the rotation, but got absolutely rocked in his last start, which may put that in doubt … The American Giants have been absolutely crushing the ball, other than at SS, where the 3 contenders (Julio Gotay, Luke Appling, and Chico Carrasquel) have been equally incompetent.

#Detroit Wolverines

23 year old Charlie Gehringer and 20 year old Al Kaline have been totally overmatched this Spring, and look likely to start the year at AAA … at the other end of the scale, 37 year old Tony Phillips was recalled for roster flexibility, and is forcing himself into the conversation for a roster spot … Whitey Wilshere started the Spring as the closer, he’s ending it as a front-of-rotation starter … nobody has claimed the closer slot in his absence: Roberto Hernandez was the most likely, but he’s struggled, leaving people like Mark Dewey and Tom Hughes in the mix.

#Houston Colt 45’s

Dan Quisenberry and Billy Wagner are in the midst of pitching themselves off the roster entirely … Pete Hill‘s struggles (195/233/268) are likely sending the 17 year old to AAA for some seasoning … It’s really not clear where HR Johnson will play, but if you hit 367/457/600, they’ll find a place for you.

#Kansas City Monarchs

Bob Gibson‘s stuff is undeniable. But 15 BB in 17 IP is unacceptable, and may be enough for the 25 year old to start the year at AAA … It was clear at the start of the Spring that the Monarchs were unlikely to carry both Lou Brock and Cool Papa Bell into opening day. With Brock beginning to hit a bit, it looks like the teenage Bell will head to AAA to work on his swing … Salvador Perez and Lew Brown are hammering the ball, and threatening to move Ted Simmons to AAA to start the year.

#Los Angeles Angels

Joe Nathan has yet to give up a run and has 5 saves in 6 ST games, setting up as one of the elite closers in the league … In a league dominated by youth, 34 year old Elmer Valo has an almost guaranteed roster spot for the Angels, slashing 432/580/541. Having an OBP > SLG is usually a bad thing, but if your OBP is close to .600 … At the other end of the scale, Carlos Beltran is 3rd on the team in RBI with 10, despite a slash line of 150/186/350, and may be forced to AAA.

#Miami Cuban Giants

The surprise of the pitching staff has been Eustaquio Pedroso, who has been Miami’s best starting pitcher, despite a rough start recently. Given the struggles of Jose Mendez, Don Newcombe, and Camilo Pascual (all of whom have ERA’s over 7), Pedroso’s potential to help the rotation is important for the Cuban Giants … the shock of the Spring is Willie Kamm, who has seized the 3B job with a 320/414/600 Spring … Kamm’s success has put Gary Sheffield‘s role in doubt, with Sheff managing only a 188/350/281 Spring … When does a .292 BA with 0 walks and 0 extra-base hits earn you a roster spot? When you’re Martin Dihigo and you can play numerous positions at a very high level. Still, a walk or a double once in a while sure would help.

#Ottawa Mounties

Randy Johnson and Old Hoss Radbourn are both prodigious talents. But they both look like some time at AAA may be needed … Freddy Parent (372/386/651) and Alex Rodriguez (375/447/525) are neck and neck in the race to start at SS … Phil Bradley, Terry Puhl, and Steve Garvey were supposed to be on the fringes of the roster; instead the worst of them is Garvey at 421/439/632. It’s not clear how this impacts the roster, but it’s certainly bad news for Brant Alyea, Jackie Jensen, and George Van Haltren, who are all struggling.

#Philadelphia Stars

The pitching surprise of the Spring has been Larry Jackson forcing himself into the rotation … at the other end, Jack Easton, Pete Alexander, and Steve Carlton have had very poor Springs: if at least 2 of those don’t turn it around, it could be a long Summer in Philadelphia … the story of the Spring has to be Scott Rolen‘s 400/457/633 performance threatening to unseat Mike Schmidt at 3B. Schmidt is showing some signs of life, but is only managing a 132/209/316 line so far … With Mickey Doolin‘s injury, the lack of backup talent at SS has been exposed, as the thought of going for a long period with Roger Peckinpaugh, Larry Bowa, or Pat Meares is quite depressing. Luckily, Doolin should be back around the start of the regular season.

#Portland Sea Dogs

Johan Santana has been virtually unhittable as the closer, and Jerry Koosman and Smokey Joe Wood look like a pair of aces for the rotation … The Sea Dogs offense looks to revolve around the 1B/DH pair of Kent Hrbek and Gil Hodges and the surprising Jim Fregosi … The biggest surprise of the Spring has been Walter Johnson‘s struggles. The 19 year old has massive potential, but may need some time at AAA first.

#Wandering House of David

CC Sabathia has been dominant, and looks to be at the front of the rotation along with Nick Altrock … Cap Anson, Dave Altizer, and Gabby Hartnett all look likely to start the season at AAA … The House of David’s 2 best hitters in the Spring have been Ernie Banks (333/378/810), which is no surprise, and Elrod Hendricks (393/438/893), which is a huge shock (and has contributed to the challenge of keeping Hartnett on the roster).

Spring Training Preview: Los Angeles

By

On June 19, 2020

In Team News

  • The 5th starter role is up for grabs between Mike Smith, Brett Anderson, and Nolan Ryan. Smith may have an edge, as he could be a useful OF as well.
    • Harry Howell has been decidedly average and Gerrit Cole worse, making the rotation more open than expected. Chuck Finley and Tom Seaver join Ryan in the mix (Anderson and Smith have both eliminated themselves from serious contention).
      • Cole has recovered a bit, and he, Howell, and Pud Galvin look solid behind ace Doc Gooden. Smith, Ryan, Anderson, Seaver, and Finley all deserve another start or 2 to see how it shakes out (Anderson has gone to AAA).
  • The 2 pitchers that don’t make the rotations should still make the team, with the competition between Aaron Heilman and Jonny Venters determining the rest of the staff.
    • In the bullpen, Venters, Jeurys Familia, and Larry Anderson are excelling, with Heilman, Dave LaRoche, and Darren Holmes solid in the middle innings.
  • John Stearns could be unseated at C, but it’s more likely he remains the starter with the Spring determining whether Ron Hassey or Jim Stephens emerges as the backup.
    • Stephens and Brian Downing are playing the best, with Hassey demoted to AAA.
      • Stearns has gone from presumptive starter to in danger of not making the roster.
  • Both 3B and SS are open competitions with Tim Wallach and Doug Rader competing for the former and George Wright, Andrelton Simmons, and Kevin Elster for the latter.
    • Both are still open, but for different reasons: Wright and Rader are both playing well (and David Wright has been called up to give another option at 3B), but none of the SS’s are doing much. Forced to pick, Simmons is in the lead right now.
      • Elster is clearly trailing the other 2 options at SS.
  • The OF is crowded, with only 2-3 of Kal Daniels, Elmer Valo, Jeromy Burnitz, Norm Miller, and Rusty Staub likely to make the final roster.
    • Both Valo and Staub are knocking the cover off the ball, while Burnitz and Miller are having a hard time of it.
      • Carlos Beltran is at the bottom of the OF list, but he’s not performing horribly, so there are decisions to make here.
  • Wally Joyner has been recalled to add some depth in the 1B competition.
Near DefiniteLikelyPossibleLong Shot
Starting PitchersDoc GoodenPud Galvin
Harry Howell
Gerrit Cole		Chuck Finley
Tom Seaver
Nolan Ryan
Mike Smith
Brett Anderson
Middle RelieversDave LaRoche
Aaron Heilman
Darren Holmes
SetupJeurys Familia
Larry Anderson
Jonny Venters
CloserJoe Nathan
CBrian Downing
Jim Stephens		John Stearns
1BDerek Lee
High Pockets Kelly		Wally Joyner
2BBobby GrichMark Ellis
3BDoug RaderTim WallachDavid Wright
SSAndrelton Simmons
George Wright		Kevin Elster
OFMike TroutDon Buford
Elmer Valo		Kal Daniels
Rusty Staub
Jeromy Burnitz
Norm Miller		Carlos Beltran

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