Giants management announced their annual team awards last night with the winners as follows:
Most Valuable Pitcher: Barry Lersch (11-6, 1.87 era in 111 games). The ageless wonder continues to have an incredible career with little recognition. This is his year to get that recognition. In a career dating back to 1970, Barry has pitched in 605 games with a stellar 2.81 earned run average. He has struck out 630 batters in that time while only walking 183.
Most Valuable Everyday player: George Brett (.315/17/108) For the second year in a row, George has shown that all the hype regarding his talent was worth waiting for.
Biggest Disappointment: Mike Hedlund (4-10, 4.22 era in 74 innings) A 10 rated pitcher throughout most of his career, the Giants closer had a terrible year. One has to go back to 1971 to see him have a higher era.
Biggest Surprise: Joe Price (14-10, 3.79 era in a mostly starting role) The rookie fit right in in the starting rotation after being picked in the late first round of last years rookie draft. A ROY candidate, Price looks to have a great career ahead of him as a dominating strike out pitcher.
Most likely to be traded: Bobby Valentine (A six rated outfielder (.311 in 167 at bats) The solid hitter is the Giants fifth outfielder behind Lahoud, Rice, Richards and Beniquez. He needs to find somewhere to play fulltime.
Here they are...
American League:
Triples - 22 - Willie Wilson, Seattle
Strikeouts - 250 - Scott Northey, Chicago
Stolen bases - 99 - Rickey Henderson, Seattle
National League:
Triples - 18 - Garry Templeton, Atlanta
Stolen bases - 88 - Billy North, Pittsburgh
Team records
Atlanta:
Triples - 18 - Garry Templeton
Strikeouts (Batter) - 186 - Nate Colbert
Games pitched - 82 - John Gelnar
Baltimore:
Runs scored - 115 - Mitchell Page
Walks taken - 108 - Rusty Staub
Stolen bases - 48 - Mitchell Page
ERA - 2.18 - Steve Rogers
Boston:
Triples - 20 - Luis Salazar
Rookie HRs - 26 - Mark Brouhard
California:
Triples - 15 - Denny Walling
Walks taken - 131 - Jim Dwyer
Chicago White Sox:
Strikeouts (Batter) - 250 - Scott Northey
Chicago Cubs:
ERA - 1.93 - Denny Mclain
Wins - 17 - Denny Mclain
Cincinnati:
Games pitched - 101 - Mike Rowland
Cleveland:
Stolen bases - 63 - Pat Kelly
Detroit:
Saves - 43 - Tug Mcgraw
Houston:
Hits - 174 - Ozzie Smith
Kansas City:
No records broken
Los Angeles:
Runs scored - 98 - Bobby Bonds
Rookie HRs - 23 - Joe Charboneau
Games pitched - 103 - Paul Mirabella
Milwaukee:
Batting average - .317 - Dave Winfield
Hits - 202 - Mickey Rivers
RBI - 118 - Leroy Stanton
Runs scored - 116 - Dave Winfield
Minnesota:
Triples - 16 - Jorge Orta
RBI - 132 - Jorge Orta
Games pitched - 77 - Dyar Miller
Montreal:
Batting average - .315 - Joe Morgan
Stolen bases - 54 - Joe Morgan
New York Yankees:
Strikeouts (Batter) - 170 - Bill Sudakis
New York Mets:
Doubles - 44 - Fred Lynn
Triples - 10 - Larry Bowa
Games pitched - 101 - Lowell Palmer
Oakland:
No major records broke
Philadelphia:
At bats - 672 - Ron Leflore
Hits - 186 - Rich Dauer
Triples - 10 - Ron Leflore
Games pitched - 90 - Pedro Borbon
Pittsburgh:
Walks taken - 130 - Billy North
Strikeouts (Batter) - 184 - Mike Schmidt
Stolen bases - 88 - Billy North
San Diego:
Walks taken - 114 - Bobby Murcer
Hitting streak - 17 - Bobby Murcer
Games pitched - 96 - Jeff Jones
San Francisco:
Triples - 14 - George Brett
Stolen bases - 71 - Gene Richards
ERA - 1.94 - Joe Sambito
Games - 111 - Barry Lersch
Seattle:
Batting average - .285 - Jim Lyttle
Hits - 179 - Willie Wilson
Doubles - 40 - Jim Lyttle
Triples - 22 - Willie Wilson
Runs scored - 109 - Rickey Henderson
Walks taken - 123 - Rickey Henderson
Stolen bases - 99 - Rickey Henderson
Hitting streak - 20 - Jim Lyttle
ERA - 2.86 - Pat Underwood
Saves - 49 - Darryl Patterson
St. Louis:
Batting average - .305 - Pedro Guerrero
Hits - 193 - Pedro Guerrero
Walks taken - 110 - Dwight Evans
Texas:
Doubles - 40 - Ron Blomberg
Triples - 15 - Steve Henderson
Toronto:
At bats - 697 - Gene Clines
Triples - 10 - Gene Clines
HRs - 35 - Ken Phelps
Rookie HRs - 35 - Ken Phelps
Games pitched - 63 - Mike Kekich
The CDL said goodbye to one of their greats this year when Claude Osteen retired at the age of 41. Even at that age, Osteen was very effective winning 22 games last year with a solid 3.70 ERA. Many people around the CDL were surprised to see him retire eventhough he is over 40 most citing last season's success as reason to come back for one more year.
Osteen's career numbers are very impressive! He won 343 games in his career with a 3.09 ERA. In the CDL's 12 seasons of play, he has been a 20 game winner 9 times, the other 3 seasons he won 14, 15, & 17 games respectively. There is no question he will go down as the greatest pitcher in CDL history and the CDL won't be the same with him not on the mound every 5 days.
The Detroit Tigers finally got it going in the Motor City. Winning a very respectable 92 games in the tough AL East division, the Tigers hope to begin a streak of solid performances on the field with hopes of bringing the fans back to Tiger Stadium.
Even with their strong performance, which would have been good enough to win the AL West or tie for the NL East lead, fans in Detroit don't seem to care much. Attendance dropped a little over 7% vs. 1979, with the team averaging only 26,793 per game, 21st in the majors. All for a team with a .560 home winning percentage.
"I'm baffled, and frankly a little upset", said owner and GM Manuel Martínez. "I've been busting my behind trying to bring in quality players, and the fans simply doesn't seem to care". Detroit's style of play (agressive on the basepaths, not much power, lots of pitching) perhaps lacks that sparkle and excitement fans are in the hunt for. "We have a solid nucleus of young, exciting players such as Willie Randolph, Jason Thompson, Ivan DeJesus, Jack Morris, Bob Stanley, just to name a few. Not many big names, but solid devoted players that give 100% when they're out there. But playing in front of such small, un-enthusiastic crowds gets to you after a while. I certainly hope fans support us a little more in '81 or I'll have to start working on other plans".
When asked about if what he meant by "other plans" was relocating the team someplace else, a visibly upset Martinez just said "I'm sure the fans will realize I'm in this to win but also to make a profit. If they don't come, they'll miss it... for good".
The reporter for the Montreal Post who was writing the previous article failed to finish it because of a mishap, so I will gladly give the rest of the story now....
As he was saying the Expos now boast a lineup with veteran superstars such as Willie Crawford, Joe Morgan, Gary Matthews and now Mike Schmidt. These go along greatly with powerful youngsters Lance Parrish, Tony Armas, and Bob Horner. Rounding out the lineup is a very solid Short Stop in Chris Speier. McFall just really didn't understand why his team didn't produce this past season because his lineup features some very highly touted veterans and prospects. At the same time he looks at his rotation that he is pleased with, led by Tom Hall with youngsters Pete Falcone, and Lary Sorenson, plus one of the most dominant up and coming starters in David Palmer. The pen which to McFall needs the most help was bolstered in the last off -season by first round draft pick AAA closer Lee Smith as well as second round draft pick MR Gary Lucas who finished his rookie season with an incredible 7-0 record and a low ERA to boot. So where are the weaknesses in the Expos? "You got me" the baffled GM said. I am on the lookout for a CY Young caliber pitcher to round out our rotation but even if I can't find someone, I still believe this team should be making much more of an impact than it is. Now with Mike Schmidt in the lineup if we don't dramatically improve, I won't know what to think. But for now I am on the lookout for any solid starting pitchers.
The Montreal Expos have tried everything they could think of to get themselves in the playoffs (except selling their souls to the devil) under the reign of GM Brian McFall. Now a new plan is in the process for the Moose men from the north. With new acquisition Mike Schmidt, the Expos have one of the most powerful lineups in CDL history. "The talent is most definitely there, I don't understand why we aren't winning." McFall stated.
When the White Sox packed it in during the middle of the season and traded Bill Sudakis and staff ace Bart Johnson, it looked like they were going to be starting a lengthy rebuilding period, but with 3 1st round picks this year, as well as the emergence of Steve McCatty, who won 15 games in 1980, things are looking promising for them. With a solid pitching staff, with only one starter over 30 and plenty of pitching prospects, it will leave the Sox able to concentrate on bulking up their run support, which in the last decade has been lackluster. This team's time may be a lot closer than a lot of people realize.
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"So I'm 1-1 with a 7.63 ERA, eh? That's motivation more than anything for me to pitch even better!!" said Busby after hearing Terry's Ladislas' comments. "I'm excited about being back in the playoffs and will guarantee that we will perform better than last time!"
Busby also had this to say about San Francisco's Cecil Cooper wearing a Brewer hat and being criticized by some of his teammates. "Cooper has always been a man of class and good taste. I respect him alot for standing up for what he believes. Maybe someday we'll be teammates here in Milwaukee and he can have his dreams realized!"
TORONTO---In places north of the border, where losses are as frequent as wintertime snowflakes, the talk of playoffs and championships falls on deaf, cold ears. After losing 111 games in 1980, the Blue Jays have nowhere to look but up. Hopefully next season won't be so bitter.
It's been reported in the local papers that Mike Witt, one of the top prospects in the 1981 draft, has been seen in the presence of top Blue Jays executives, leading to speculation that the Blue Jays are entertaining the idea of making him their #1 pick.
"We're looking at a lot of guys, getting to know them, seeing which players will be a good fit. Mike is young, talented, and has all the tools to become a top pitcher in this league."
The Blue Jays GM would not comment on whether or not official contract talks had begun with any of the potential first picks.
"It's not really an issue right now. But it will be someday. And we'd like to get an idea of what it's going to take someday to keep one of these guys in Toronto for many years to come."
The Blue Jays made Ken Phelps their first pick in in 1980 (3rd pick overall), and he proceeded to finish in 2nd in the home run race in the AL, and is a favorite to become the 1980 ROY. Maybe Witt, or another of the top players available, can have the same success in 1981, helping the Blue Jays to improve on their dismal '80 performance.
The Los Angeles Dodgers long season came to an end this week. However, the teams has high hopes for next season due to a load of cash to spend in free agency, and this year's possible Rookie of the Year candidate in Joe Charboneau. The rookie LF batted .263 with 26 homers and 66 RBIs, including a torrid first month and a half of the season where he batted .343
The Dodgers GM said that he hopes to be VERY active in the free agent market this year, looking to spend some money to upgrade a couple of hitting positions.
It took 1941 games for the Angels to have something to celebrate, but on September 29th with a 9-5 win over the Seattle Mariners, the Halo's clinched their first division title in team history. No member of the 1980 team was with the organization when it all started back in 1969, with the last remaining player from that inaugral season, Nolan Ryan being traded to Houston in the off-season.
The previous best finish for the team was a 2nd place finish in 1975 and last year the club finished in 6th place with a 72-90 record. This season was meant to be a rebuidling one, with the team payroll the 2nd lowest in the league. With a major league roster made up of 14 players drafted by the organization, 6-1st round picks, 6-2nd round picks and 2-3rd round picks and 2 players pitchers Odom and Montefusco took up $20 million of the $43 million dollar payroll.
No player hit over .300, nobody hit more than 20 HR's or drove in more than a 100, no pitcher won more than 16 games and all 5 starters had double digits in loses, but they did what that had to do to win. What are their chances in the League Championship Series against the mighty Milwaukee Brewers? Well, when you look at Brewer pitcher Steve Busby, who is a lock to win his record 7th Cy Young Award with his record of 29-6 and an ERA of 1.97, you might say that chances are slim. Busby's record against the Angels this year, 1-1 with an ERA of 7.63. Now that might not convince Matt to skip Busby in the rotation, but as the saying goes, anything can happen. This might be a team of destiny, if there ever was a time to root for the underdog, this may be the time.
BOSTON - Boston's players had every reason to congratulate
Bobby Tolan, who reached a milestone today, collecting his 2000th career hit! In 15 years of big league action so far, Bobby has compiled a batting average of .256, along with 183 homeruns and 803 RBI. 'I guess I'll celebrate a bit today. But the most important thing is winning, and my whole career I gave everything I could to help my team.' He hit a double in the 1st off Len Barker for number 2000.
American League-Pitcher of the Month :
La marr Hoyt (CAL) !!
He had a record of 2-1 in 3 games started, with an ERA of 0.74.
American League-Batter of the Month :
Leroy Stanton (MIL) !!
He batted .336 in 113 AB, with 6 homers and 28 RBI.
National League-Pitcher of the Month :
Denny Mclain (CHN) !!
He had a record of 3-1 in 5 games started, with an ERA of 0.68 and 2 shutouts.
National League-Batter of the Month :
Marc Hill (PIT) !!
He batted .361 in 97 AB, with 7 homers and 24 RBI.
The Orioles picked up Claude Osteen as insurance last year in their playoff run that culminated in a World Series victory. Little did they realize that the now 41 year old starter would be leading their pitching staff in wins the following season.
Going into the last sim of the 1980 season, Osteen leads the Orioles with 21 wins (one more than teammate Steve Rogers) and marks the ninth time in his career that he has reached the 20 win plateau.
Osteen has entertained thoughts of retirement, but his continued success has made the decision difficult. "I feel like I could pitch for another ten years, but family and life outside of baseball are a major factor in what I decide to do..." says Osteen.
In the meantime the Orioles will gladly have him take the mound every fourth day...
9 back with 14 to play. Will update as soon as games are simmed!
EDIT: We are out. Who knew?
Associated Press: Infielder, Terry Puhl, today confirmed what many had already known for some time, Terry is a born again flat earther. In a rare interview with a local reporter, Terry spoke of his passion for the the land we all walk on and the need to spread the word of truth to all those who have bought into the " foolishness of thinking round". It was not known when the entire interview would be reported however, the free lance reporter who did the story offered a few quotes from the often slightly odd Puhl.
"Ya know, you can drive as far as the eye can see and the ground still stays level"
"The landing on the moon is a hoax. In the coming years, it will be revealed that Armstrong was, in fact, a clever C.I.A. agent."
"If you look at an apple, you can see it round but when you look across a baseball field, you can plainly see it is flat..how much clearer does it have to get for you round earthers?"
At press time, there was no reaction from Giants Management.
Associated Press: At least 2 and perhaps as many as 5 Giants players were involved in a melee outside a local night club last night. At press time, the only 2 Giants named were first baseman, Cecil Cooper and rookie pitcher, Joe Price. Neither of the two players were charged and it was unclear whether charges were pending. Price, a hot tempered young man and avid Star Trek fan, had arrived at the night club at about 11 p.m. according to witnesses. Cooper arrived some time after, wearing a Brewers baseball cap. Witnesses said that Price met up with Cooper inside and insulted Cooper about wearing "that disgusting cap" in Giant country. Cooper was heard to respond that Price "should push up his black rimmed glasses and go home to his mom's basement". It was unclear as to who threw the first punch. Other Giants present at the night club got involved and gradually the fight spilled out into the street. There was no word from management if either player would be disciplined.
In a remarkable statement yesterday to the Pittsburgh press, Pirate closer Dan Quisenberry claimed that he was the 1980 American League Rookie of the Year.
"After I got shafted in last year's NL vote," said the Quiz, gently twirling his luxurious, ginger brown moustache, "it's only fair that I be named the AL ROY. Why all this fuss in Boston and Toronto when it's obvious that The Quiz is the AL ROY."
When asked by reporters why he should be considered for the AL ROY, when he was in fact in his second year in the league and had played his whole career with the Pirates, a NL team, Quiz said "Well it's my turn. I deserve to get some ROY award. NL, AL -- who cares! Just give me the trophy. After all, I'm The Quiz, and I rock!"
TORONTO---Despite recent efforts by the Red Sox management to further the chances of their talented rookie, it's quite obvious which player actually deserves the ROY award. Without further ado, I'll simply list the numbers, and those, my friends and fellow voters, should be all that's needed:
Advantage
AVG: Phelps .244 Brouhard .242 EVEN
OBA: Phelps .370 Brouhard .282 PHELPS
SLG: Phelps .505 Brouhard .456 PHELPS
HR: Phelps 33 Brouhard 24 PHELPS
RBI: Phelps 73 Brouhard 85 BROUHARD
RUNS:Phelps 70 Brouhard 61 PHELPS
DEFENSE: BROUHARD
And as far as the platoon comment, Phelps has made 521 plate appearances, Brouhard 475.
Case closed. Ken Phelps is the 1980 ROY.
In what otherwise has been a disappointing season in Boston, a quartet of Red Sox are vying for the American League Rookie of the Year Award. LF Mark Brouhard, 1B Dave Revering, 3B Luis Salazar and RF Leon Durham, along with Toronto's 1B Ken Phelps, are the main candidates for AL ROY.
Brouhard leads all AL rookies in RBIs, is second in homers, and fourth in average and doubles. Brouhard also gets it done with the glove where he is second in fielding for all AL left fielders.
Revering leads all AL rookies in average and hits, is second in doubles, RBIs, triples, and in runs scored.
Salazar is tied for the major-league lead in triples, and leads all AL rookies in runs scored, is second in average, hits and steals.
Durham leads AL rookies in doubles, and is in the top five in average, hits, runs, homers, and triples.
Phelps of Toronto leads all rookies in homers, but is strictly a platoon player with only 11 at bats against lefthanders this year.
As a sidenote to the AL ROY race, Brouhard is only two homers away from the Boston team rookie record." We're going to give him as many at-bats as possible to break the record," said Manager Ted Williams."He deserves this record. " the current record of 26 was set by Ben Oglivie in 1973.
In a recent poll, the majority of Boston beat writers believe the AL ROY should go to Brouhard. "He has the best combination of offense and defense of any of the candidates," said an unnamed Boston Globe editor. "Baseball is not a one-dimensional sport so its award winners should not be one-dimensional. "