After the shocking performance of the #16 seeds in the first round, no reason to expect that to change as they now get lesser competition in the 2nd Round. The '88 Pirates continue their Cinderella run by taking care of the '89 Cubs in five games to advance to the Sweet 16. In fact no series in the N.L. East Quarters went further than five games with the '88 Mets sweeping the '82 Cardinals thus knocking off the lone World Champion remaining in the region/division.
Stat lines I throw in are combined for the first two rounds as I couldn't get seperate stat lines for each round. Well I could have but I wasn't Bored enough to do so. I'll get more detailed with these once I get down to the regional/division finals.
(16) 1988 Pittsburgh Pirates def. (9) 1989 Chicago Cubs 4-1
Game 1: Pirates 5, Cubs 1
Game 2: Pirates 3, Cubs 1
Game 3: Cubs 2, Pirates 0
Game 4: Pirates 2, Cubs 0
Game 5: Pirates 8, Cubs 4
Bobby Bonilla: 14-38, 11 RBI
Doug Drabek: 3-0, 1.14 ERA
(4) 1985 St. Louis Cardinals def. (12) 1981 St. Louis Cardinals 4-1
Game 1: '85 Cardinals 8, '81 Cardinals 5
Game 2: '81 Cardinals 9, '85 Cardinals 5
Game 3: '85 Cardinals 3, '81 Cardinals 0 12 innings
Game 4: '85 Cardinals 5, '81 Cardinals 3 12 innings
Game 5: '85 Cardinals 7, '81 Cardinals 4
Willie McGee: 17-50, 2 3B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 6 SB
John Tudor: 2-0, 1.42 ERA
(14) 1980 Montreal Expos def. (6) 1983 Philadelphia Phillies 4-1
Game 1: Expos 9, Phillies 6
Game 2: Phillies 4, Expos 3 11 innings
Game 3: Expos 5, Phillies 4
Game 4: Expos 5, Phillies 2
Game 5: Expos 4, Phillies 2
Andre Dawson: 15-42, 4 HR, 11 RBI
Scott Sanderson: 3-0, 2.63 ERA
(7) 1988 New York Mets def. (2) 1982 St. Louis Cardinals 4-0
Game 1: Mets 7, Cardinals 3
Game 2: Mets 5, Cardinals 4 13 innings
Game 3: Mets 6, Cardinals 5
Game 4: Mets 7, Cardinals 5
Lenny Dykstra: 17-43, 2 HR, 10 RBI
David Cone: 3-0, 2.08 ERA
N.L. East Semi-Finals
(16) '88 Pirates vs. (4) '85 Cardinals
(14) '80 Expos vs. (7) '88 Mets
Up Next: A.L. West Quarterfinals
After three #1's were bounced in the first round I guess it's not a surprise that the '88 Dodgers wouldn't last past the second round. What was a surprise was that all three Dodgers' teams that advanced were eliminated in this round including losing both match-ups to the hated Giants who unexpectedly become the first franchise with two teams into the Sweet 16. The '80 Astros cruised again as they needed just five games to beat the '83 Braves are now 8-1 so far.
Stats are for both rounds.
(9) 1987 San Francisco Giants def. (1) 1988 Los Angeles Dodgers 4-1
Game 1: Giants 4, Dodgers 0
Game 2: Dodgers 4, Giants 3
Game 3: Giants 6, Dodgers 5
Game 4: Giants 7, Dodgers 1
Game 5: Giants 9, Dodgers 3
Candy Maldonado: 14-40, 8 R, 2 HR, 8 RBI
Rick Reuschel: 3-0, 0.38 ERA (1 ER in 23 2/3 IP)
(13) 1985 Cincinnati Reds def. (12) 1980 Los Angeles Dodgers 4-2
Game 1: Reds 5, Dodgers 2
Game 2: Dodgers 2, Reds 0
Game 3: Dodgers 5, Reds 3
Game 4: Reds 7, Dodgers 3
Game 5: Reds 9, Dodgers 5
Game 6: Reds 8, Dodgers 6
Dave Parker: 14-44, 3 HR, 9 RBI
Tom Browning: 4-0, 1.71 ERA
(3) 1989 San Francisco Giants def. (6) 1985 Los Angeles Dodgers 4-3
Game 1: Dodgers 5, Giants 2
Game 2: Dodgers 4, Giants 2
Game 3: Giants 6, Dodgers 5
Game 4: Giants 2, Dodgers 0
Game 5: Giants 14, Dodgers 0
Game 6: Dodgers 10, Giants 4
Game 7: Giants 6, Dodgers 0
Robby Thompson: 17-50, 5 HR, 9 RBI
Don Robinson: 4-0, 1.55 ERA, 2 SHO
(7) 1980 Houston Astros def. (15) 1983 Atlanta Braves 4-1
Game 1: Astros 15, Braves 7
Game 2: Astros 5, Braves 3
Game 3: Braves 1, Astros 0
Game 4: Astros 3, Braves 1
Game 5: Astros 14, Braves 4
Joe Morgan: 14-38, 4 HR, 10 RBI
J.R. Richard: 2-0, 0.55 ERA
N.L. West Semi-Finals
(13) '85 Reds vs. (9) '87 Giants
(7) '80 Astros vs. (3) '89 Giants
Up Next: A.L. East Quarterfinals
We've had a ton of upsets in the first two rounds but one World Champion has survived to make it to the Sweet 16 and that is the '83 Orioles who took care of the '89 Blue Jays in five games and are on paper the tournament favorite now. The '86 Red Sox lost the '80 Yankees and no ball through Bill Buckner's legs although he did go 3 for 46 in the tournament. The upstart '86 Indians pushed the '88 Red Sox to seven games but they could not join the '88 Pirates as a 16th seed into the next round although there was one milestone in the series as Ken Schrom (!) pitched a shocking no-hitter in Game 2. Here's the boxscore:
BOXSCORE: 1986 Cleveland Indians At 1988 Boston Red Sox
Indians AB R H RBI AVG Red Sox AB R H RBI AVG
T.Bernazard 2B 5 2 3 1 .351 W.Boggs 3B 3 0 0 0 .360
B.Butler CF 4 0 0 1 .303 M.Barrett 2B 4 0 0 0 .290
J.Franco SS 5 1 3 2 .382 D.Evans RF 3 0 0 0 .143
J.Carter LF 4 0 0 0 .424 M.Greenwell LF 3 0 0 0 .360
A.Thornton DH 5 1 2 0 .281 E.Burks CF 3 0 0 0 .240
M.Hall RF 5 0 2 1 .226 T.Benzinger 1B 2 0 0 0 .250
P.Tabler 1B 3 1 1 1 .214 J.Rice DH 3 0 0 0 .250
B.Jacoby 3B 3 1 1 0 .379 J.Reed SS 2 0 0 0 .250
C.Bando C 4 0 1 0 .200 R.Gedman C 3 0 0 0 .136
-- -- -- --- -- -- -- ---
Totals 38 6 13 6 Totals 26 0 0 0
Indians......... 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 - 6 13 0
Red Sox......... 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 - 0 0 0
Indians (5-3) IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
K.Schrom WIN(2-1) 9 0 0 0 3 1 0 5.30
Totals 9 0 0 0 3 1 0
Red Sox (5-2) IP H R ER BB SO HR ERA
M.Boddicker LOSS(1-1) 7 9 5 5 3 5 0 3.94
D.Lamp 2 4 1 1 0 0 0 6.75
Totals 9 13 6 6 3 5 0
T- 2:50
LEFT ON BASE- Indians: 9 Red Sox: 2
DOUBLE PLAYS- Indians: 1 Red Sox: 1
DOUBLES- J.Franco(3rd), A.Thornton(1st)
STOLEN BASES- T.Bernazard(1st)
SACRIFICE HITS- P.Tabler
WALKS- B.Butler, J.Carter, B.Jacoby, W.Boggs, T.Benzinger, J.Reed
STRIKE OUTS- J.Franco, J.Carter, A.Thornton, P.Tabler, C.Bando, D.Evans
GIDP- J.Franco, J.Rice
BALKS- D.Lamp
Again stat lines are for both rounds.
(9) 1988 Boston Red Sox def. (16) 1986 Cleveland Indians 4-3
Game 1: Red Sox 8, Indians 1
Game 2: Indians 6, Red Sox 0
Game 3: Red Sox 3, Indians 2
Game 4: Indians 5, Red Sox 1
Game 5: Red Sox 2, Indians 1
Game 6: Indians 5, Red Sox 4
Game 7: Red Sox 5, Indians 1
Mike Greenwell: 15-42, 10 R, 4 HR, 8 RBI
Bruce Hurst: 2-0, 0.82 ERA
(13) 1987 Toronto Blue Jays def. (12) 1985 New York Yankees 4-2
Game 1: Yankees 7, Blue Jays 5
Game 2: Blue Jays 6, Yankees 2
Game 3: Blue Jays 6, Yankees 2
Game 4: Yankees 9, Blue Jays 4
Game 5: Blue Jays 7, Yankees 6 12 innings
Game 6: Blue Jays 5, Yankees 2
Lloyd Moseby: 15-53, 11 R, 3 HR, 7 RBI
Jimmy Key: 4-1, 2.57 ERA, 3 CG
(6) 1980 New York Yankees def. (3) 1986 Boston Red Sox 4-2
Game 1: Yankees 2, Red Sox 1
Game 2: Red Sox 2, Yankees 1
Game 3: Yankees 9, Red Sox 0
Game 4: Red Sox 2, Yankees 0
Game 5: Yankees 2, Red Sox 0
Game 6: Yankees 4, Red Sox 1
Willie Randolph: 15-35, 8 R, 4 2B, 2 3B, 8 RBI
Tommy John: 3-1, 1.17 ERA
(2) 1983 Baltimore Orioles def. (10) 1989 Toronto Blue Jays 4-1
Game 1: Blue Jays 5, Orioles 2
Game 2: Orioles 4, Blue Jays 1
Game 3: Orioles 9, Blue Jays 6 11 innings
Game 4: Orioles 3, Blue Jays 1
Game 5: Orioles 6, Blue Jays 5 11 innings
Eddie Murray: 13-45, 9 R, 2 HR, 5 RBI
Storm Davis: 2-1, 2.23 ERA, 34 SO, 2 BB
A.L. East Semi-Finals
(13) '87 Blue Jays vs. (9) '88 Red Sox
(6) '80 Yankees vs. (2) '83 Orioles
Up Next: National League Sweet 16
Finally after nine months I've completed the three World Series DVD boxsets that were released last year, concluding with maybe the two most forgotten games in World Series history.
1975 World Series Game 7 - Reds 4, Red Sox 3 (boxscore and play account)
-They have some cancer kid throw out the first pitch, or at least they say "represents kids with cancer" so I don't know if the kid actually had cancer or if it was just someone's kid from the Red Sox front office and they needed an excuse to let him throw the first pitch. If he actually did have cancer all I could think of was that was pretty fucked up to make the cancer kid wait until a possible Game 7 to throw the first pitch.
-Some guy named Ned Martin calls the first half of the game and he was a longtime announcer for the Red Sox but I've never heard of him. He seemed like a bit of a homer or at least more so than Dick Stockton or Marty Brennaman.
-Don Gullet had zero control in this one, walking in two runs with the bases loaded in the 3rd.
-Bill Lee shockingly almost comes up with a huge bases loaded hit with two outs in the 5th as he crushed one to center, catching the slick fielding Cesar Geronimo a bit off guard as he was obvioulsy playing shallow but recovers to get the final out and prevent the Red Sox from potentially blowing the game open.
-Lee made a fatal mistake in the 6th against Tony Perez. Lee would occasionally throw a slow moving, eephus type, curveball. In Perez's first at bat Lee would freeze him for a called strike with this pitch. It was the only time in the game he'd throw this pitch yet he throws it a second time to Perez in the 6th, who of course seeing it once had the timing down and launched it over the Green Monster to cut the Sox lead to one.
-It's amazing that a Game 7 that was decided in the 9th inning would be completely forgotten but because of Game 6 that's what happened. Joe Morgan hit a little bloop, similar to Luis Gonzalez's hit in Game 7 of 2001, off of Jim Burton to score Pete Rose with the winning run. Rose led off the inning with a walk, Geronimo sacraficed him to 2nd, pinch hitter Dan Driessen grounded one to the right side to advance Rose to 3rd, and then came Morgan's winning hit. I think it is this sequence that created the "manufacturing runs" monster that Joe Morgan is today.
-Nothing too interesting in the extras on this disk with no additional, original game clips like the other two sets. Only thing of note would be Carlton Fisk's postgame interview after Game 6 but not sure why they didn't just tack it on to the Game 6 disk. Here's a list of the extras:
1. Championship Rally
2. Pre-Game Introductions of the Reds (before Game 3)
3. Pre-Game 1: Pete Rose, Carl Yastrzemski
4. Pre-Game 3: Johnny Bench, Carlton Fisk
5. Pre-Game 7: Sparky Anderson, Darrell Johnson
6. Postgame 6: Carlton Fisk
7. Johnny Bench: The Big Red Machine
8. Pete Rose: Game 6
9. Pete Rose: Thrill of Game 7
10. Carlton Fisk: Homerun in Game 6
11. Carlton Fisk: Red Sox Beat Reds 3 Game to 4
12. Luis Tiant: Fisk's Homerun
13. Fred Lynn: Fisk's Homerun
14. Fred Lynn: Impact on Major League Baseball
15. Marty Brenneman: Game 6 the Best Ever
16. Joe Morgan: Game 6
17. Tony Perez: Reds Dominance
18. Tony Perez: Unmatchable World Series
19. Tony Perez: Game 7 Comeback
20. Tony Perez: Great Cincinnati Fans
21. Tony Perez: The Big Red Machine
1986 World Series Game 7 - Mets 8, Red Sox 5 (boxscore and play account)
-Game was delayed by rain for one day which appeared to be a big break for the Red Sox as it allowed them to bring back Bruce Hurst and skip over Oil Can Boyd.
-First time on the set the vid quality was some what poor for the first two innings but it is fine after that.
-Bill Buckner gets a loud ovation when he comes up for his first at bat. Now that's just mean.
-This was the postseason for homeruns off of outfielder's mits as Darryl Strawberry becomes the 3rd when a Rich Gedman shot in the 2nd goes off of his mit although it would have been a great catch by Strawberry if he had come up with it. Ron Darling hadn't allowed an earned run in his first two starts but was roughed up here as the Gedman homerun came right after a Dwight Evans homer.
-Back in Game 5 Gedman had seen six pitches from Sid Fernandez and swung and miss at all six. Here in the 5th inning against Fernandez again he swings and misses at his first and then takes strike three.
-Vin Scully mentions that Bruce Hurst had been named World Series MVP before the Mets miracle comeback in Game 6. This was kind of surprising to me as I figured Dave Henderson or Marty Barrett would gave won it although it would have been hard to argue with Hurst. It was just about after this conversation about Hurst that things come unraveled for him and the Red Sox in the 6th.
-Calvin Schiraldi was the real goat of this series as he follows up his awful performance in Game 6 with another one here. He pitches the 7th giving up a lead off homerun to Ray Knight to give the Mets the lead, a single to Lenny Dykstra, a wild pitch on a pitch out, which then would allow Dykstra to score on a hit by Rafael Santana.
-Red Sox stormed back in the 8th with two runs and had the tying run on 2nd with none out but Jesse Orosco, who was only about 51 at this time, saved the day to get the Mets out of the inning. Orosco would then have an rbi single in the bottom of the inning.
-Some idiot threw a smoke bomb on the field with two out in the 9th, delaying the final out for several minutes.
-All the extras were on a seperate bonus disk that I went over back in June.
That's it. Again it is good to see MLB actually doing something better than the NFL for once by releasing these sets. Although the two selections that have been announced so far for release this year (1987 & 1977) have been dissapointing choices, I'll definitely still be picking them up. Next up I'll try to start watching the Notre Dame set I picked up a couple of months ago but not sure yet how many writes up I'll do for that one, if any.
The '88 Pirates magical run that has captured the nation is finally over as they ran into buzzsaw in the '85 Cardinals. The series did have marathon 15 inning Game 1 that ended on a Jeff Robinson wild pitch to score Jack Clark from 3rd. The Expos may no longer exist but their 1980 team is still alive as they tossed aside the '88 Mets in five games. In the West the the the '80 Astros acutally had to sweat for once in this tournament after falling behind 2-1 to the '89 Giants but they won three straight to win the series. Unfortunately the Giants reign of terror is not quite over as the '87 Giants beat the '85 Reds in a seven game thriller in which five of the seven games were decided by one run.
Stat lines are for all three rounds.
N.L. East Semi-Finals
(4) 1985 St. Louis Cardinals def. (16) 1988 Pittsburgh Pirates 4-0
Game 1: Cardinals 1, Pirates 0 15 innings
Game 2: Cardinals 12, Pirates 3
Game 3: Cardinals 7, Pirates 1
Game 4: Cardinals 3, Pirates 2
Willie McGee: .368/.392/.559, 68 AB, 9 R, 25 H, 3 3B, 2 HR, 11 RBI, 7 SB
John Tudor: 2-0, 1.05 ERA, 42 1/3 IP, 23 H, 5 ER, 10 BB, 30 SO
(14) 1980 Montreal Expos def. (7) 1988 New York Mets 4-1
Game 1: Expos 4, Mets 3
Game 2: Mets 7, Expos 2
Game 3: Expos 7, Mets 3
Game 4: Expos 7, Mets 4
Game 5: Expos 9, Mets 5
Andre Dawson: .387/.400/.710, 62 AB, 12 R, 24 H, 4 2B, 2 3B, 4 HR, 15 RBI
Rodney Scott: .412/.446/.549, 51 AB, 7 R, 21 H, 3 2B, 2 3B, 12 RBI, 8 SB
-Rodney Scott hit .224 in 1980, odds are this won't keep up.
N.L. West Semi-Finals
(9) 1987 San Francisco Giants def. (13) 1985 Cincinnati Reds 4-3
Game 1: Reds 4, Giants 3
Game 2: Reds 5, Giants 4
Game 3: Giants 6, Reds 4
Game 4: Giants 6, Reds 3
Game 5: Giants 5, Reds 4
Game 6: Reds 5, Giants 4
Game 7: Giants 1, Reds 0
Candy Maldonado: .338/.353/.554, 65 AB, 10 R, 22 H, 2 3B, 3 HR, 11 RBI
Rick Reuschel: 4-0, 0.96 ERA, 47 IP, 43 H, 5 ER, 10 BB, 27 SO
(7) 1980 Houston Astros def. (3) 1989 San Francisco Giants 4-2
Game 1: Astros 5, Giants 3 11 innings
Game 2: Giants 6, Astros 5
Game 3: Giants 2, Astros 1
Game 4: Astros 6, Giants 5
Game 5: Astros 10, Giants 1
Game 6: Astros 3, Giants 2
Joe Morgan: .410/.486/.869, 61 AB, 13 R, 25 H, 8 2B, 6 HR, 19 RBI
Vern Ruhle: 5-0, 2.91 ERA, 43 1/3 IP, 45 HR, 14 ER, 4 BB, 18 SO
N.L. East Finals
(14) '80 Expos vs. (4) '85 Cardinals
N.L. West Finals
(9) '87 Giants vs. (7) '80 Astros
Up Next: A.L. Sweet 16
So we're now down to just eight teams and no World Champions as the '80 Yankees smacked the '83 Orioles around in four games, outscoring the O's 37-15. The '87 Blue Jays blew the division title the last weekend of the 1987 season but they aren't blowing it here as they took care of the '88 Red Sox in five games. In the West both series ended in thrilling Game 6's. The '88 Twins eliminated the '86 Angels on a Kent Hrbek homerun in the top of the 10th off of Doug Corbett. Then in the most improbable moment of the tournament, Jerry Dybzinski (3 homeruns in 909 career at bats) of the '83 White Sox hit a walkoff homerun against Dan Quisenberry in the 13th inning to eliminate the '84 Royals. With the elimination of the '83 Orioles, the '85 Cardinals are now the only World Series team to still be alive in the tournament.
Stats are for all three rounds.
A.L. West Semi-Finals
(12) 1988 Minnesota Twins def. (9) 1986 California Angels 4-2
Game 1: Angels 3, Twins 0
Game 2: Twins 5, Angels 2
Game 3: Angels 14, Twins 3
Game 4: Twins 9, Angels 4
Game 5: Twins 6, Angels 1
Game 6: Twins 5, Angels 2 10 innings
Gary Gaetti: .364/.395/.649, 77 AB, 15 R, 28 H, 2 3B, 5 HR, 19 RBI
Tom Herr: .333/.402/.469, 81 AB, 15 R, 27 H, 5 2B, 10 BB, 4 SB
(6) 1983 Chicago White Sox def. (10) 1984 Kansas City Royals 4-2
Game 1: White Sox 4, Royals 2
Game 2: Royals 6, White Sox 0
Game 3: White Sox 6, Royals 3
Game 4: White Sox 15, Royals 2
Game 5: Royals 4, White Sox 3 10 innings
Game 6: White Sox 5, Royals 4 13 innings
Rudy Law: .361/.411/.542, 83 AB, 20 R, 30 H, 5 2B, 5 3B, 11 RBI, 14 SB
Harold Baines: .363/.386/.550, 80 AB, 12 R, 29 H, 4 HR, 21 RBI
A.L. East Semi-Finals
(13) 1987 Toronto Blue Jays def. (9) 1988 Boston Red Sox 4-1
Game 1: Blue Jays 6, Red Sox 5
Game 2: Blue Jays 3, Red Sox 1
Game 3: Blue Jays 9, Red Sox 1
Game 4: Red Sox 6, Blue Jays 5
Game 5: Blue Jays 5, Red Sox 4
Lloyd Moseby: .270/.353/.514, 74 AB, 14 R, 20 H, 5 HR, 15 RBI
Jimmy Key: 5-1, 2.73 ERA, 3 CG, 56 IP, 50 H, 17 ER, 12 BB, 32 SO
(6) 1980 New York Yankees def. (2) 1983 Baltimore Orioles 4-0
Game 1: Yankees 13, Orioles 10
Game 2: Yankees 10, Orioles 4
Game 3: Yankees 5, Orioles 1
Game 4: Yankees 9, Orioles 0
Reggie Jackson: .339/.413/.857, 56 AB, 15 R, 19 H, 9 HR, 14 RBI
Willie Randolph: .396/.500/.642, 53 AB, 15 R, 21 H, 6 2B, 12 RBI, 11 BB, 4 SB
A.L. West Finals
(12) '88 Twins vs. (6) '83 White Sox
A.L. East Finals
(13) '87 Blue Jays vs. (6) '80 Yankees
Up Next: N.L. Elite Eight
Eigh teams left, three from 1980 with the possibility of an all 1980 match-up in the N.L. side of the Final Four. Here's a recap of the National League region/division finals.
N.L. East Finals: (14) 1980 Montreal Expos vs. (4) 1985 St. Louis Cardinals
Game 1: Cardinals 8, Expos 4
Cardinals jumped out to a 6-0 lead after three innings and Darrell Porter went 3 for 4 with a homerun (6th out the tournament) and 4 rbi.
Game 2: Cardinals 6, Expos 1
Andy Van Slyke hit a three-run homer in the first and Danny Cox pitched a complete game.
Game 3: Expos 4, Cardinals 1
Bill Gullickson and Woodie Fryman combined to keep the Cardinals bats in check and snap their nine game tournament winning streak.
Game 4: Expos 1, Cardinals 0
Steve Rogers out duels John Tudor as the two staff aces surrender a combined seven hits. The lone run comes in the 2nd on an Ellis Valentine triple.
Game 5: Cardinals 5, Expos 2
Another strong outing by Cox (8 IP, 4 H, 2 ER) and another big game for Porter (4 for 4, HR, 4 RBI) help in handing the Expos their first home loss of the tournament.
Game 6: Expos 6, Cardinals 4
Rodney Scott hit a two out, bases loaded single off of Ricky Horton in the top of the 9th to break 4-4 tie and force a deciding Game 7.
Game 7: Expos 10, Cardinals 2
Expos hammer Tudor for 8 runs in 6 innings and Rogers strikes out 10 in a complete game victory as the 1980 Expos shock the world as a 14 seed to win the N.L. East Region to advance the 80's Final Four.
Expos win series 4 games to 3
N.L. East All-Region Team
C: Darrell Porter, '85 Cardinals
1B: Jack Clark, '85 Cardinals
2B: Tom Herr, '85 Cardinals
3B: Mike Schmidt, '83 Phillies
SS: Chris Speier, '80 Expos
LF: Barry Bonds, '88 Pirates
CF: Andre Dawson, '80 Expos
RF: Ellis Valentine, '80 Expos
SP: Steve Rogers, '80 Expos
RP: Woodie Fryman, '80 Expos
Region MVP: Andre Dawson - .368/.394/.655, 87 AB, 14 R, 32 H, 6 2B, 2 3B, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 3 SB
N.L. West Finals: (9) 1987 San Francisco Giants vs. (7) 1980 Houston Astros
Game 1: Astros 6, Giants 4
A four run 3rd for the Astros off of Dave Dravecky does the damage here.
Game 2: Astros 10, Giants 2
Enos Cabell goes 3-5 with a homerun and Joe Niekro pitches a complete game as the Astros cruise to the 2-0 lead.
Game 3: Astros 7, Giants 5 16 innings
After the Giants blew 4-2 lead in the 9th, in the 12th Jose Cruz hit an rbi double to give the Astros a 5-4 lead. In the bottom of the inning Chili Davis would answer with a solo homerun to tie the game back up. Finally in the 16th the Astros ended it with two runs, the critical blow coming on a Cesar Cedeno triple.
Game 4: Astros 5, Giants 2
Eight strong innings from J.R. Richard wraps up the sweep for the Astros as they go an amazing 16-3 through the N.L. West region.
Astros win series 4 games to 0
N.L. West All-Region Team
C: Alan Ashby, '80 Astros
1B: Will Clark, '89 Giants
2B: Joe Morgan, '80 Astros
3B: Kevin Mitchell, '87 Giants
SS: Jose Uribe, '87 Giants
LF: Kevin Mitchell, '89 Giants
CF: Chili Davis, '87 Giants
RF: Dave Parker, '85 Reds
SP: Vern Ruhle, '80 Astros
RP: Ted Power, '85 Reds
Region MVP: Joe Morgan - .370/.453/.765, 81 AB, 17 R, 30 H, 9 2B, 7 HR, 24 RBI, 13 BB, 4 SB
Soooo, was there something in the water in 1980? I'm going to have to chalk this up to just a bizarre fluke but with the way the Astros dominated and the way the 1980 Yankees have dominated so far I am wondering about the 1980 Strat-O-Matic set.
Final Four: N.L. Finals
'80 Expos vs. '80 Astros
Up Next: A.L. Elite Eight
Final Four: National League Finals: 1980 Montreal Expos vs. 1980 Houston Astros
Game 1: Astros 4, Expos 3
Astros come from behind with a three-run 9th, capped by an Enos Cabell two-run double for the win.
Game 2: Expos 4, Astros 1
Astros tried another 9th inning miracle by loading the bases with one out but Joe Morgan grounded into a game ending double play.
Game 3: Expos 8, Astros 6
Astros chased Bill Gullickson out of the game in the 4th, building a 6-1 lead, but the Expos score three in the 5th and four in the 6th to comeback for the win. Rodney Scott continues his shockingly good tournament going 4 for 5.
Game 4: Expos 3, Astros 1 12 innings
Chris Speier hits a walk off homerun off of Dave Smith in the 12th to move the Expos one win away from the finals.
Game 5: Expos 6, Astros 4
Montreal wraps up the N.L. title with another walk off homerun this time off the bat of Ellis Valentine. They are now a remarkable 14-1 at home in the tournament.
Expos win series 4 games to 1
Series Stars
Ellis Valentine: 9 for 24, 5 R, 2 HR, 5 RBI
Warren Cromartie: 9 for 20, 2 2B, 4 RBI
Woodie Fryman: 1-0, 3 G, 2 SV, 7 IP, 4 H, 0 ER
Final Four: American League Finals: 1988 Minnesota Twins vs. 1980 New York Yankees
Game 1: Yankees 9, Twins 8
The Yankees pound Frank Viola for 7 earned runs in 5 1/3 innings and hold off a late Twins rally for the win.
Game 2: Twins 10, Yankees 6
Twins return the favor by smacking around Ron Guidry to even the series. Tom Herr was 3 for 5 with a homerun.
Game 3: Yankees 10, Twins 2
Yankees bang out 13 hits and score nine runs in the final three innings to take back the series lead. Bobby Brown went 4 for 5.
Game 4: Yankees 13, Twins 11
There is no pitching to be found in this series as the two teams combine for 33 hits. The game is highlighted by a six run 8th inning by the Bombers to erase an 11-7 Twins lead. Kent Hrbek goes 3 for 3 with 5 rbi in the loss.
Game 5: Yankees 4, Twins 3
Finally we get some good pitching in this series but it fittingly ends on offense as Eric Soderholm’s three-run homer in the 9th sends the Yankees to the finals to set up an all 1980 final.
Yankees win series 4 games to 1
Series Stars
Rick Cerone: 9 for 21, 4 2B, 4 RBI
Eric Soderholm: 6 for 14, 1 HR, 7 RBI
Goose Gossage: 3 SV
Final Four: Championship
'80 Expos vs. '80 Yankees
Just a note, of course for the finals the DH is used in New York and the pitcher's hit in Montreal.
80's Tournament Finals: 1980 Montreal Expos vs. 1980 New York Yankees
Game 1: Expos 13, Yankees 3
Ellis Valentine homered twice off of Tommy John and went 4 for 5 on the day as the Expos bombed the Yankees in Game 1. Steve Rogers pitched a complete game in the win.
Game 2: Expos 8, Yankees 7
Goose Gossage blew the save as the Expos scored five in the 9th stealing both games in Yankee Stadium before heading back home where they are undefeated in the tournament. Andre Dawson sparked the rally with a two run homer and Larry Parrish eventually put them in front on an rbi double.
Game 3: Yankees 9, Expos 8
Yankees recovered from a five run 6th from the Expos to comeback to win and hand them their first defeat at Olympic Stadium. Yankees had built a 7-3 lead highlighted by a Bob Watson grand slam in the 2nd off Bill Gullickson before the Expos erased the deficit. Yankees tied it in the 7th and then Jim Spencer hit a pinch hit homerun in the 8th off Elias Sosa for the eventual winning run.
Game 4: Expos 8, Yankees 2
Expos once again rough up Tommy John and once again Steve Rogers goes the distance for the win. John didn’t get through the 2nd as the Expos scored six runs off him, the knockout blow coming on an Andre Dawson homerun.
Game 5: Expos 3, Yankees 2
Gary Carter is the hero as the tournament ends on a thriller. Yankees scored both their runs in the 4th on back-to-back homeruns by Rick Cerone and Graig Nettles off of Scott Sanderson. After the Expos scored a single run in the 6th, Carter tied the game up in 7th with homerun off of Ron Guidry. Then leading off in the 9th he launched one off of Goose Gossage, to cap a miserable series for him, into the leftfield stands for the championship.
The 1980 Montreal Expos are the Team of the ‘80s!?
Expos win the series 4 games to 1
All-Final Four Team
C: Rick Cerone, '80 Yankees
1B: Bob Watson, '80 Yankees
2B: Willie Randolph, '80 Yankees
3B: Larry Parrish, '80 Expos
SS: Bucky Dent, '80 Yankees
LF: Ron LeFlore, '80 Expos
CF: Andre Dawson, '80 Expos
RF: Ellis Valentine, '80 Expos
SP: Steve Rogers, '80 Expos
RP: Woodie Fryman, '80 Expos
Final Four MVP: Ellis Valentine, .383/.383/.809, 47 AB, 11 R, 18 H, 3 2B, 5 HR, 13 RBI
This past week has to be the most bizarre week I can remember in my sports lifetime. The Golden State Warriors upset of the Dallas Mavericks has made the Warriors the most talked about story by the national sports media, well until fat fuck Clemens signed with the Yankees today. Since I've been watching sports for the last 20+ years the only time the Warriors were ever the national conscious was when Latrell Sprewell choked P.J. Carlesimo almost 10 years ago. I have said in the past though that if the Warriors ever made a serious playof run that the Bay Area would go apeshit over it like nothing else and the crowds at The Oracle for those three games proved it. You have split fan bases in baseball and football, the Sharks have a nice hardcore base but hockey simply doesn't interest the moderate sports fan in the Bay Area, and pretty much only alumns get truly excited about Stanford and Cal sports. Hell the Warriors now even have bandwagon celebrity fans. It will be interesting to see if in the next round though as more bandwagon fans gobble up tickets if the crowds will be as insane as they were for the Dallas series. It's just crazy to think that if the Clippers don't lay an egg against the Kings at home on April 15th none of this might have happened.
Now of course the Mavericks became the 3rd #1 conference seed to lose in the first round to a #8 seed and only the 2nd overall #1 to lose in the first round since the NBA expanded the playoffs to 16 teams in 1984, joining the '94 Sonics. What's interesting it was only the 3rd time since '84 that the #1 overall didn't reach the conference the finals, the other being the '90 Lakers who were bounced by the Suns in the West semis that year. The Mavs are now part of trend where six of the last seven teams who had homecourt assured through out the playoffs has failed to make it to the NBA Finals. Before then 13 of the 17 overall #1's made it to the Finals, with 10 winning it all.
Now here is the random list with how each team who had homecourt assured through out the playoffs faired each year since 1984.
1984: Boston Celtics 62-20
-def. Lakers in NBA Finals 4-3
1985: Boston Celtics 63-19
-lost to Lakers in NBA Finals 4-2
1986: Boston Celtics 67-15
-def. Rockets in NBA Finals 4-2
1987: Los Angeles Lakers 65-17
-def. Celtics in NBA Finals 4-2
1988: Los Angeles Lakers 62-20
-def. Pistons in NBA Finals 4-3
1989: Detroit Pistons 63-19
-def. Lakers in NBA Finals 4-0
1990: Los Angeles Lakers 63-19
-lost to Suns in West Semis 4-1
1991: Portland Trail Blazers 63-19
-lost to Lakers in West Finals 4-2
1992: Chicago Bulls 67-15
-def. Blazers in NBA Finals 4-2
1993: Phoenix Suns 62-20
-lost to Bulls in NBA Finals 4-2
1994: Seattle Supersonics 63-19
-lost to Nuggets in First Round 3-2
1995: San Antonio Spurs 62-20
-lost to Rockets in West Finals 4-2
1996: Chicago Bulls 72-10
-def. Sonics in NBA Finals 4-2
1997: Chicago Bulls 69-13
-def. Jazz in NBA Finals 4-2
1998: Utah Jazz 62-20
-lost to Bulls in NBA Finals 4-2
1999: San Antonio Spurs 37-13
-def. Knicks in NBA Finals 4-1
2000: Los Angeles Lakers 67-15
-def. Pacers in NBA Finals 4-2
2001: San Antonio Spurs 58-24
-lost to Lakers in West Finals 4-0
2002: Sacramento Kings 61-21
-lost to Lakers in West Finals 4-3
2003: San Antonio Spurs 60-22
-def. Nets in NBA Finals 4-2
2004: Indiana Pacers 61-21
-lost to Pistons in East Finals 4-2
2005: Phoenix Suns 62-20
-lost to Spurs in West Finals 4-1
2006: Detroit Pistons 64-18
-lost to Heat in East Finals 4-2
2007: Dallas Mavericks 67-15
-lost to Warriors in First Round 4-2
Finally I have an excuse to update this dying blog as HardballTimes.com has release the first Win Shares of the year and I know you are all excited. Okay maybe not, but it least allows me to take my first look of the year at the MVP races in both leagues. Being that we're less than two months into the season you have to take most things so far with a grain of salt. Taking a look back at my first MVP Watch from last year only two players from each league were in my final fictional MVP ballot (Albert Pujols, Lance Berkman in the N.L. and Jim Thome, Travis Hafner in the A.L.).
Last season Pujols led the N.L. race wire to wire in my view but he of course lost out to Ryan Howard in the real vote. This year Pujols is off to a very slow start by his standards and is no where in the early MVP picture. Right now it is three players vying for the top spot in Barry Bonds, J.J. Hardy, and Jose Reyes. Hardy's fast start seems a bit fluky but Bonds and Reyes could both certainly be in the race the whole year.
10. Miguel Cabrera, Marlins
.316/.399/.536, 36 RC, 154 OPS+, .328 EQA, 19.4 VORP, 8.4 Win Shares
9. Carlos Beltran, Mets
.301/.385/.523, 34 RC, 147 OPS+, .316 EQA, 19.0 VORP, 8.9 Win Shares
8. Russell Martin, Dodgers
.314/.390/.468, 35 RC, 128 OPS+, .308 EQA, 16.7 VORP, 11.4 Win Shares
7. Todd Helton, Rockies
.361/.480/.538, 35 RC, 166 OPS+, .348 EQA, 23.5 VORP, 9.3 Win Shares
6. Prince Fielder, Brewers
.287/.370/.586, 38 RC, 153 OPS+, .313 EQA, 18.0 VORP, 10.2 Win Shares
5. Jake Peavy, Padres
235 ERA+, 4.05 K/BB, 0.98 WHIP, 25.3 VORP, 8.3 Win Shares
4. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins
.344/.420/.557, 36 RC, 166 OPS+, .341 EQA, 28.7 VORP, 9.2 Win Shares
3. J.J. Hardy, Brewers
.311/.353/.595, 39 RC, 150 OPS+, .310 EQA, 21.5 VORP, 12.4 Win Shares
2. Barry Bonds, Giants
.282/.503/.618, 36 RC, 200 OPS+, .381 EQA, 22.5 VORP, 10.4 Win Shares
1. Jose Reyes, Mets
.313/.392/.484, 38 RC, 140 OPS+, .315 EQA, 23.7 VORP, 11.5 Win Shares
In the A.L. last year there was the MVP race was a complete debacle...as I picked Derek Jeter as my clear choice for MVP and the world stood still. Oh and Justin Morneau won the real MVP despite being the 3rd best player on his own team. Jeter is off to great start and is in the Top 5 but the #1 spot at the moment was an easy choice although certainly not someone you would have thought of coming into the season. Might raise some eyebrows with two Yankees above two Red Sox on the ballot at the moment but it really gives you an idea of how bad the Yankees have been beyond A-Rod and Jeter.
10. Grady Sizemore, Indians
.270/.393/.454, 36 RC, 129 OPS+, .308 EQA, 18.0 VORP, 10.0 Win Shares
9. B.J. Upton, Devil Rays
.309/.391/.550, 32 RC, 146 OPS+, .314 EQA, 18.3 VORP, 10.4 Win Shares
8. Orlando Cabrera, Angels
.312/.360/.435, 32 RC, 116 OPS+, .281 EQA, 15.5 VORP, 11.3 Win Shares
7. Curtis Granderson, Tigers
.286/.347/.583, 36 RC, 144 OPS+, .305 EQA, 19.6 VORP, 9.9 Win Shares
6. Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox
.347/.429/.535, 39 RC, 154 OPS+, .322 EQA, 22.0 VORP, 9.3 Win Shares
5. David Ortiz, Red Sox
.319/.436/.596, 40 RC, 171 OPS+, .335 EQA, 23.6 VORP, 9.0 Win Shares
4. Derek Jeter, Yankees
.367/.444/.494, 45 RC, 157 OPS+, .319 EQA, 23.8 VORP, 10.8 Win Shares
3. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
.306/.396/.676, 46 RC, 187 OPS+, .340 EQA, 29.1 VORP, 10.1 Win Shares
2. Vladimir Guerrero, Angels
.335/.444/.613, 40 RC, 186 OPS+, .348 EQA, 28.1 VORP, 11.0 Win Shares
1. Magglio Ordonez, Tigers
.361/.441/.710, 48 RC, 203 OPS+, .365 EQA, 34.5 VORP, 12.3 Win Shares
Well Jose Reyes will not repeat Albert Pujols' feat last season of leading the race wire to wire, then losing the real MVP, but he's not far from the now much fatter top spot. To no surprise at all J.J Hardy's fast start has come crashing down to earth and he is no where to be seen this time around after competing for the top spot last time. Barry Bonds has also cooled off but his rate stats are still way too good to leave out of the Top 10. Russell Martin might be this year's Joe Mauer and I can only hope all around spaz Eric Byrnes' numbers fall off a cliff like they normally do. Also of note the Marlins lead the way in both leagues with three players in the Top 10 but mediocre pitching from both their rotation and bullpen have done them in so far.
10. Josh Willingham, Marlins
.267/.373/.475, 52 RC, 131 OPS+, .305 EQA, 15.6 VORP, 12.2 Win Shares
9. Barry Bonds, Giants
.282/.488/.564, 43 RC, 181 OPS+, .365 EQA, 24.5 VORP, 10.3 Win Shares
8. Eric Byrnes, Diamondbacks
.313/.375/.512, 40 RC, 129 OPS+, .302 EQA, 21.8 VORP, 12.1 Win Shares
7. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins
.321/.391/.496, 45 RC, 141 OPS+, .312 EQA, 27.9. VORP, 10.5 Win Shares
6. Chase Utley, Phillies
.302/.383/.551, 41 RC, 144 OPS+, .314 EQA, 25.3 VORP, 11.3 Win Shares
5. Adrian Gonzalez, Padres
.296/.358/.514, 51 RC, 138 OPS+, .308 EQA, 17.6 VORP, 12.6 Win Shares
4. Russell Martin, Dodgers
.297/.367/.474, 40 RC, 122 OPS+, .299 EQA, 20.6 VORP, 12.9 Win Shares
3. Miguel Cabrera, Marlins
.330/.398/.590, 49 RC, 167 OPS+, .329 EQA, 27.6 VORP, 12.0 Win Shares
2. Jose Reyes, Mets
.308/.394/.453, 50 RC, 132 OPS+, .304 EQA, 27.1 VORP, 14.0 Win Shares
1. Prince Fielder, Brewers
.294/.381/.645, 52 RC, 169 OPS+, .332 EQA, 29.4 VORP, 13.5 Win Shares
Magglio Ordonez still holds down the top spot in the A.L. but Vladimir Guerrero is right on his tail and A-Rod isn't too behind as well. There's a big drop off those three with the rest of the pack featuring Ichiro Suzuki making a potential MVP run just in time for free agency. Only thing else of note is that I will have all of Dan Haren's babies if he continues to pitch this way all season.
10. Kevin Youkilis, Red Sox
.338/.426/.529, 48 RC, 151 OPS+, .314 EQA, 27.0 VORP, 10.9 Win Shares
9. David Ortiz, Red Sox
.330/.444/.599, 50 RC, 173 OPS+, .336 EQA, 34.0 VORP, 11.0 Win Shares
8. Victor Martinez, Indians
.322/.382/.551, 48 RC, 148 OPS+. .308 EQA, 24.4 VORP, 13.6 Win Shares
7. Dan Haren, A's
272 ERA+, 3.62 K/BB, 0.86 WHIP, 36.0 VORP, 12.0 Win Shares
6. Orlando Cabrera, Angels
.333/.379/.449, 43 RC, 125 OPS+, .286 EQA, 23.0 VORP, 14.6 Win Shares
5. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners
.336/.388/.449, 52 RC, 128 OPS+, .298 EQA, 25.9 VORP, 13.2 Win Shares
4. Grady Sizemore, Indians
.283/.400/.485, 52 RC, 138 OPS+, .302 EQA, 25.2 VORP, 13.8 Win Shares
3. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
.300/.400/.648, 58 RC, 179 OPS+, .330 EQA, 35.2 VORP, 13.2 Win Shares
2. Vladimir Guerrero, Angels
.341/.444/.589, 57 RC, 178 OPS+, .342 EQA, 37.2 VORP, 16.0 Win Shares
1. Magglio Ordonez, Tigers
.367/.439/.668, 61 RC, 191 OPS+, .349 EQA, 41.9 VORP, 14.4 Win Shares
The NBA Draft is this week so time for a NBA Draftback. Now I've done this twice before for past NBA Drafts (1989 and 1993) but I do them differently from the NFL and MLB ones as I rank the players from the draft by their career totals in the basketball version of Win Shares. As always I have no idea how reliable the basketball version is but it is interesting way to compare the careers of players from an individual draft class.
Like when I chose the 1987 MLB Draft this year I picked the 1992 NBA Draft because most of these players careers are over or winding down. Also like the 1987 MLB Draft this draft featured one of the most hyped #1 picks ever and like Ken Griffey Jr. in 1987, Shaquille O'Neal in 1992 would go on to become an all-time great in his sport. Hey it also featured Baby Jordan!
1992 NBA Draft per Career Win Shares
1. Shaquille O'Neal, Orlando - 501 Win Shares (1st pick)
2. Alonzo Mourning, Charlotte - 262 (2nd)
3. P.J. Brown, New Jersey - 243 (29th)
4. Robert Horry, Houston - 199 (11th)
5. Christian Laettner, Minnesota - 176 (3rd)
6t. Doug Christie, Seattle - 167 (17th)
6t. Latrell Sprewell, Golden State - 167 (24th)
8. Clarence Weatherspoon, Philadelphia - 163 (9th)
9. Tom Gugliotta, Washington - 128 (6th)
10. Jim Jackson, Dallas - 112 (4th)
11. Jon Barry, Boston - 110 (21st)
12. Walt Williams, Sacramento - 97 (7th)
13. Anthony Peeler, L.A. Lakers - 94 (15th)
14. LaPhonso Ellis, Denver - 90 (5th)
15. Matt Geiger, Miami - 83 (42nd)
16. Bryant Stith, Denver - 79 (13th)
17. Hubert Davis, New York - 76 (20th)
18. Adam Keefe, Atlanta - 75 (10th)
19t. Tracy Murray, San Antonio - 66 (18th)
19t. Oliver Miller, Phoenix - 66 (22nd)
21. Popeye Jones, Houston - 57 (41st)
22. Malik Sealy, Indiana - 50 (14th)
23. Todd Day, Milwaukee - 48 (8th)
24. Sean Rooks, Dallas - 46 (30th)
25. Brent Price, Washington - 35 (32nd)
26. Don MacLean, Detroit - 27 (19th)
27. Lee Mayberry, Milwaukee - 21 (23rd)
28. Harold Miner, Miami - 13 (12th)
29. Sasha Donilovic, Golden State - 12 (43rd)
30. Byron Houston, Chicago - 11 (30th)
31t. Elmore Spencer, L.A. Clippers - 7 (25th)
31t. Chris Smith, Minnesota - 7 (34th)
33. Marlon Maxey, Minnesota - 6 (28th)
34. Tony Bennett, Charlotte - 5 (35th)
35. Litterial Green, Chicago - 4 (39th)
36t. Randy Woods, L.A. Clippers - 3 (16th)
36t. Chris King, Seattle - 3 (45th)
38t. Reggie Smith, Portland - 2 (31st)
38t. Robert Werdann, Denver - 2 (46th)
38t. Matt Fish, Golden State - 2 (50th)
41t. Dave Johnson, Portland - 1 (26th)
41t. Corey Williams, Chicago - 1 (33rd)
41t. Duane Cooper, L.A. Lakers - 1 (36th)
41t. Darren Morningstar, Boston - 1 (47th)
41t. Brian Davis, Phoenix - 1 (48th)
The Zero Club
Isiah Morris, Miami (37th)
Elmer Bennett, Atlanta (38th)
Matt Steigenga, Chicago (52nd)
Never Played in the NBA
Steve Rogers, New Jersey (40th)
Henry Williams, San Antonio (44th)
Ron Ellis, Phoenix (49th)
Tim Burroughs, Minnesota (51st)
Curtis Blair, Houston (53rd)
Brett Roberts, Sacramento (54th)
Most Win Shares with the Team they were Drafted by
1. Shaquille O'Neal, 142
2. Latrell Sprewell, 81
3. Alonzo Mourning, 73
4. Clarence Weatherspoon, 72
5. Byrant Stith, 64
6. Robert Horry, 59
7. LaPhonso Ellis, 57
8. Christian Laettner, 48
9. Hubert Davis, 46
10. Jim Jackson, 38
It's safe to say that the N.L. MVP race this year may end up being as wide open as the A.L. MVP race was most of last season. After never having a different #1 last season, I now place a 3rd different player at the top spot for this entry. I really didn't see it coming but the new #1 was the slam dunk choice this time around although I'm not sure if the media has noticed yet. For the rest of the list, Brad Penny rockets into the Top 5 and we'll see if he'll avoid a second straight, second half burnout. The previous #1 Prince Fielder is starting to level off which had to be expected but I think he'll keep himself in the Top 10 during the year. And my wire-to-wire MVP from last year Albert Pujols makes his first appearance in the Top 10 this season although he's still quite up to his usual level of greatness. Fantasy tip: If you have Edgar Renteria in your league sell now!
10. Edgar Renteria, Braves
.328/.386/.502, 55 RC, 137 OPS+, .311 EQA, 30.9 VORP, 13.8 Win Shares
9. Albert Pujols, Cardinals
.298/.401/.527, 54 RC, 147 OPS+, .318 EQA, 24.3 VORP, 15.1 Win Shares
8. Russell Martin, Dodgers
.299/.365/.480, 51 RC, 121 OPS+, .294 EQA, 25.7 VOPR, 14.9 Win Shares
7. Eric Byrnes, Diamondbacks
.315/.368/.514, 54 RC, 125 OPS+, .294 EQA, 25.8 VORP, 16.3 Win Shares
6. Barry Bonds, Giants
.294/.504/.578, 55 RC, 187 OPS+, .373 EQA, 35.4 VORP, 13.2 Win Shares
5. Prince Fielder, Brewers
.282/.372/.622, 59 RC, 158 OPS+, .320 EQA, 31.2 VORP, 14.1 Win Shares
4. Brad Penny, Dodgers
213 ERA+, 2.50 K/BB, 1.13 WHIP, 41.6 VORP, 14.7 Win Shares
3. Jose Reyes, Mets
.314/.395/.447, 60 RC, 129 OPS+, .299 EQA, 32.5 VORP, 15.9 Win Shares
2. Miguel Cabrera, Marlins
.326/.392/.594, 64 RC, 163 OPS+, .330 EQA, 37.1 VORP, 15.5 Win Shares
1. Chase Utley, Phillies
.331/.413/.586, 62 RC, 159 OPS+, .331 EQA, 41.2 VORP, 17 Win Shares
It was about this time I thought Magglio Ordonez's shocking ressurection would be coming to an end but he's still holding the top spot over some very stiff competition. Ichiro's contract year goodness continues as he's seemingly on his way the best year of Major League career and if the Mariners continue to not suck a second writer's MVP could very well be in his future along with a $20 million/year contract. Alex Rodriguez continues to hold strong even if the Yankees are holding him back.
10. Orlando Cabrera, Angels
.334/.372/.446, 51 RC, 120 OPS+, .285 EQA, 28.6 VORP, 16 Win Shares
9. Derek Jeter, Yankees
.343/.418/.483, 66 RC, 143 OPS+, .300 EQA, 32.5 VORP, 14.8 Win Shares
8. David Ortiz, Red Sox
.319/.433/.573, 59 RC, 162 OPS+, .322 EQA, 35.0 VORP, 13.5 Win Shares
7. Grady Sizemore, Indians
.281/.395/.471, 63 RC, 131 OPS+, .302 EQA, 33.6 VORP, 16 Win Shares
6. Victor Martinez, Indians
.318/.379/.536, 60 RC, 142 OPS+, .304 EQA, 31.9 VORP, 16.7 Win Shares
5. Dan Haren, A's
224 ERA+, 3.21 K/BB, 0.94 WHIP, 44.6 VORP, 13.9 Win Shares
4. Vladimir Guerrero, Angels
.330/.424/.565, 67 RC, 165 OPS+, .325 EQA, 39.2 VORP, 18.6 Win Shares
3. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
.331/.429/.694, 79 RC, 198 OPS+, .350 EQA, 54.9 VORP, 17.4 Win Shares
2. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners
.364/.419/.466, 72 RC, 141 OPS+, .316 EQA, 42.9 VORP, 20.2 Win Shares
1. Magglio Ordonez, Tigers
.377/.453/.634, 80 RC, 185 OPS+, .352 EQA, 52.8 VORP, 19.2 Win Shares
It's the All-Star Break so might as well give out some mideason awards. I honestly haven't paid much attention to the Cy Young or Rookie of the Year races this year and when I did I realized I made a mistake on my last MVP Watch.
National League Midseason Awards
Starting of course with the MVP, since my last MVP Watch was just 10 days there isn't going to be much change. But there was a major change on the N.L. side as after dropping out of the Top 10 last time in this short span Hanley Ramirez has been on fire and makes a huge jump back into the race which also goes to show you how wide open the N.L. race is. To go along with Miguel Cabrera it is amazing that a team that his five games under .500 has two legit MVP candidates going into the break but neither has prayer for the writer's award if the Marlins don't make a second half run. The other major change was after looking at the Cy Young race I decided I overrated Brad Penny last time around so he's out of the Top 10. Other than that very little change, Chase Utley holds the top spot going into the break, Barry Bonds is slowly moving back up the rankings, and Prince Fielder continues to slowly move down the rankings. I'm going to start losing faith in Win Shares though if it continues to think Eric Byrnes has been the MVP on the N.L.
10. Edgar Renteria, Braves
.319/.384/.481, 63 RC, 130 OPS+, .304 EQA, 32.7 VORP, 15.6 Win Shares
9. Albert Pujols, Cardinals
.310/.411/.516, 61 RC, 146 OPS+, .319 EQA, 28.6 VORP, 16.3 Win Shares
8. Eric Byrnes, Diamondbacks
.306/.363/.496, 60 RC, 119 OPS+, .288 EQA, 25.4 VORP, 17.8 Win Shares
7. Russell Martin, Dodgers
.306/.374/.492, 60 RC, 125 OPS+, .300 EQA, 32.1 VORP, 17.0 Win Shares
6. Prince Fielder, Brewers
.284/.376/.620, 64 RC, 158 OPS+, .321 EQA, 35.5 VORP, 14.8 Win Shares
5. Jose Reyes, Mets
.307/.387/.439, 65 RC, 123 OPS+, .299 EQA, 35.2 VORP, 16.8 Win Shares
4. Barry Bonds, Giants
.295/.512/.589, 64 RC, 191 OPS+, .379 EQA, 41.6 VORP, 15.7 Win Shares
3. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins
.331/.388/.538, 68 RC, 148 OPS+, .318 EQA, 45.1 VORP, 16.0 Win Shares
2. Miguel Cabrera, Marlins
.324/.393/.576, 70 RC, 158 OPS+, .327 EQA, 39.5 VORP, 16.9 Win Shares
1. Chase Utley, Phillies
.325/.401/.571, 69 RC, 151 OPS+, .322 EQA, 42.7 VORP, 17.4 Win Shares
On to N.L. Cy Young, even though it is a close race it is hard to go against Jake Peavy at the moment. This was a really easy list to come up with as there's big drop off after the Top 3. Note Win Shares listed are pitching only.
3. Chris Young, Padres
202 ERA+, 2.75 K/BB, 1.06 WHIP, 35.6 VORP, 11.1 Win Shares
2. Brad Penny, Dodgers
183 ERA+, 2.42 K/BB, 1.19 WHIP, 41.7 VORP, 14.2 Win Shares
1. Jake Peavy, Padres
184 ERA+, 3.68 K/BB, 1.06 WHIP, 42.7 VORP, 12.6 Win Shares
N.L. Rookie of the Year is probably the easiest race to pick a winner at the moment as Hunter Pence is dusting the field. The question right now is if Ryan Braun got too late of the start to make a serious run but he takes the #2 spot despite having only 179 plate appearances. I went with Troy Tulowitzki over Josh Hamilton for the last spot simply due to Tulowitzki being really the only every day rookie in the N.L. since Opening Day and playing a pretty good shortstop for the Rockies.
3. Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies
.286/.358/.432, 40 RC, 103 OPS+, .268 EQA, 14.3 VORP, 10.1 Win Shares
2. Ryan Braun, Brewers
.350/.391/.663, 39 RC, 173 OPS+, .341 EQA, 27.2 VORP, 10.4 Win Shares
1. Hunter Pence, Astros
.342/.367/.589, 49 RC, 146 OPS+, .313 EQA, 30.7 VORP, 11.7 Win Shares
AMERICAN LEAGUE MIDSEASON AWARDS
Hardly any change at all from 10 days ago beyond dropping Dan Haren out of the Top 10. It continues to very much be a four player race but I still think there's little chance Magglio Ordonez holds down the top spot at the end of the year but I've yet not have him at #1.
10. Orlando Cabrera, Angels
.328/.366/.444, 58 RC, 118 OPS+, .282 EQA, 29.0 VORP, 18.4 Win Shares
9. Derek Jeter, Yankees
.336/.408/.463, 71 RC, 136 OPS+, .294 EQA, 33.4 VORP, 15.5 Win Shares
8. Gary Sheffield, Tigers
.303/.410/.560, 74 RC, 155 OPS+, .320 EQA, 38.2 VORP, 15.3 Win Shares
7. David Ortiz, Red Sox
.314/.434/.556, 65 RC, 159 OPS+, .323 EQA, 38.5 VORP, 13.9 Win Shares
6. Grady Sizemore, Indians
.280/.393/.471, 72 RC, 131 OPS+, .301 EQA, 35.8 VORP, 18.6 Win Shares
5. Victor Martinez, Indians
.324/.382/.553, 68 RC, 148 OPS+, .309 EQA, 38.7 VORP, 19.9 Win Shares
4. Ichiro Suzuki, Mariners
.359/.410/.459, 77 RC, 137 OPS+, .311 EQA, 44.0 VORP, 21.1 Win Shares
3. Vladmir Guerrero, Angels
.325/.416/.547, 75 RC, 158 OPS+, .321 EQA, 39.6 VORP, 21.6 Win Shares
2. Alex Rodriguez, Yankees
.317/.413/.665, 86 RC, 186 OPS+, .341 EQA, 54.5 VORP, 18.8 Win Shares
1. Magglio Ordonez, Tigers
.367/.446/.604, 84 RC, 177 OPS+, .346 EQA, 52.6 VORP, 20.0 Win Shares
For A.L. Cy Young Dan Haren is the easy choice for now but he's starting to comeback down to earth and in the end it will probably be once again Johan Santana's award to lose. One thing of note for both leagues with the whining by the media last year with their being no 20 game winners the writers will be falling over themselves to give the award to a 20 game winner this time around even if there are clearly better pitchers out there (C.C. Sabathia I'm looking at you).
3. Mark Buehrle, White Sox
149 ERA+, 3.18 K/BB, 1.10 WHIP, 34.7 VORP, 12.6 Win Shares
2. Johan Santana, Twins
161 ERA+, 4.17 K/BB, 1.03 WHIP, 38.0 VORP, 11.8 Win Shares
1. Dan Haren, A's
191 ERA+, 3.16 K/BB, 1.00 WHIP, 43.2 VORP, 14.1 Win Shares
Now for some CONTROVERSY~! Well not for the top spot as I think Jeremy Guthrie is clear choice for Rookie of the Year in the A.L. at the moment. But as you'll see there is no Daisuke Matsuzaka or Hideki Okajima on the list. I've said it before and I'll say it again, veteran players from Japan are not true rookies and should not be eligible for the ROY. That's just my opinion and right or wrong it isn't going to change.
3. Reggie Willits, Angels
.312/.408/.368, 40 RC, 113 OPS+, .288 EQA, 15.8 VORP, 9.8 Win Shares
2. Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox
.318/.400/.450, 43 RC, 124 OPS+, .287 EQA, 19.9 VORP, 11.4 Win Shares
1. Jeremy Guthrie, Orioles
159 ERA+, 4.00 K/BB, 0.91 WHIP, 32.5 VORP, 9.8 Win Shares
About four years out of Boredom I went on a binge of downloading roms to play old NES games. It was fun for a little while but playing on the keyboard got old fast. One of the games I downloaded of course was the favorite childhood video game of many men my age, Tecmo Super Bowl. A couple of weeks ago I finally had the itch again to play TSB but again playing on the keyboard just isn't nearly as fun as playing the original on the NES. So I decided for my next series of blog entires was to simulate a TSB season and track it here on my blog.
Yes I'm officially out of ideas.
Anyways I'll just be doing the quick simulation of each game. I thought about sitting through computer vs. computer games but that would take too damn long and get boring. Besides the computer can play really fucking stupid, like ignoring the wide open receiver streaking 50 yards down the field and throwing to tight end underneath who is covered. Maybe when I get to the playoffs I'll do that and add some screen captures.
For Week 1 the big game was obviously the rematch of the 1990 NFC Championship between the Giants and 49ers. Giants blew a 21-0 lead here in the 4th but prevailed in overtime 24-21. The big news of the week though is an upset win over the Redskins, the Lions lost Barry Sanders to injury. Randall Cunnigham, or better known as QB Eagles, went off against the Packers with 348 yards passing and 5 touchdowns.
Week 1 Scores
Seattle 27, New Orleans 21
-John L Williams: 5 catches, 121 yards
L.A. Rams 24, Phoenix 21 OT
-Henry Ellard: 5 catches, 147 yards
Philadelphia 38, Green Bay 24
-Randall Cunningham: 348 yards passing
San Diego 21, Pittsburgh 20
-Anthony Miller: 6 catches, 106 yards
N.Y. Jets 31, Tampa Bay 28 OT
-Jets: 176 yards rushing
N.Y. Giants 24, San Francisco 21 OT
-Phil Simms: 154 yards passing
Indianapolis 19, New England 14
-Steve Grogan: 16% comp pct, 46 yards
Denver 38, Cincinnati 14
-Bobby Humphrey: 14 rushes, 116 yards
Buffalo 24, Miami 21
-Thurman Thomas: 191 total yards
L.A. Raiders 30, Houston 21
-Oilers: 12 yards rushing
Detroit 17, Redskins 14
-Barry Sanders: 106 yards rushing, leaves injured
Dallas 24, Cleveland 10
-Jay Novacek: 4 catches, 102 yards
Minnesota 30, Chicago 17
-Wade Wilson: 204 yards passing
Kansas City 38, Atlanta 0
-Falcons: 64 total yards, 3 first downs
Leaders thru Week 1
As I get later into the season I'll add expanded leaders. I've never quite figured out what the hell formula Tecmo used for passing rating on the game as it is obviously not the standard NFL version.
Passing Leaders
Rating: Randall Cunnigham 302.0
Yards: Cunningham 348
TD: Cunnigham 5
Receiving Leaders
Receptions: Art Monk; Anthony Miller, 6
Yards: Henry Ellard; Fred Barnett, 147
TD: Many with 2
Rushing Leaders
Yards: Bobby Humphrey, 116
TD: Many with 2
Defensive Leaders
INT: Many with 2
Sacks: Richard Dent; Lawrence Taylor; Al Baker, 3
Two weeks in, two injured star running backs. In 35-3 blowout win over the Steelers, the Bills last their superstar Thurman Thomas to injury. The Lions so far have survived without Barry Sanders getting off to a 2-0 start after nipping the Packers 14-13. The big game of the week was the Rams upsetting the defending Super Bowl champion Giants 23-20 in overtime, and the Rams are now 2-0.
Week 2 Results
Seattle 20, N.Y. Jets 14
SEA: 2-0, NJY: 1-1
-Tommy Kane: 4 rec, 131 yards
Detroit 14, Green Bay 13
DET: 2-0, GB: 0-2
-Rodney Peete: 167 yards passing
L.A. Raiders 28, Denver 24
RAI: 2-0, DEN: 1-1
-Bo Jackson: 117 yards rushing
Minnesota 28, Atlanta 24
MIN: 2-0, ATL: 0-2
-Steve Jordan: 4 rec, 106 yards
Houston 23, Cincinnati 21
HOU: 1-1, CIN: 0-2
-Curtis Duncan: 5 rec, 117 yards
Cleveland 31, New England 14
CLE: 1-1, NE: 0-2
-Bernie Kosar: 313 yards passing
New Orleans 27, Kansas City 24
NO: 1-1, KC: 1-1
-Steve Walsh: 220 yards passing
Miami 28, Indianapolis 21
MIA: 1-1, IND: 1-1
-Dan Marino: 193 yards passing
San Francisco 34, San Diego 14
SF: 1-1, SD: 1-1
-Jerry Rice: 7 rec, 144 yards
L.A. Rams 23, N.Y. Giants 20 OT
RAM: 2-0, NYG: 1-1
-Jim Everett: 176 yards passing
Buffalo 35, Pittsburgh 3
BUF: 2-0, PIT: 0-2
-Thurman Thomas injured
Philadelphia 23, Phoenix 17
PHI: 2-0, PHX: 0-2
-Heath Sherman: 4 rushes, 73 yards
Chicago 20, Tampa Bay 19
CHI: 1-1, TB: 0-2
-Neal Anderson: 96 yards rushing
Washington 31, Dallas 14
WAS: 1-1, DAL: 1-1
-Earnest Byner: 130 yards rushing
Leaders thru Week 2
Passing Leaders
Rating: Randall Cunnigham, 235.0
Yards: Bernie Kosar, 519
TD: Cunnigham, 7
Receiving Leaders
Rec: Jerry Rice, 10
Yards: Rice, 248
TD: Many with 3
Rushing Leaders
Yards: Earnest Byner, 199
TD: Many with 3
Defensive Leaders
INT: Many with 2
Sacks: Michael Cofer; Al Baker, 5
The Bills didn't miss Thurman Thomas for long as he was already back in the line up as they dispatched Jets in easy fashion 31-14. They are one of only three unbeatens left after only three weeks along with the Raiders and Eagles. The Vikings starting quarteback Wade Wilson was knocked out in the second half of their game against the 49ers but back up Rich Gannon led them to a 4th quarter comeback and overtime win, sending the Niners to a dissapointing 1-2 start.
Week 3 Scores
Washington 35, Phoenix 17
WAS: 2-1, PHX: 0-3
-Earnest Byner: 199 yards rushing
Miami 42, Detroit 10
MIA: 2-1, DET: 2-1
-Dan Marino: 330 yards passing
Buffalo 31, N.Y. Jets 14
BUF: 3-0, NYJ: 1-2
-Thurman Thomas: returns from injury, 113 yards rushing
L.A. Raiders 24, Indianapolis 21
RAI: 3-0, IND: 1-2
-Mervyn Fernandez: 4 rec, 119 yards
San Diego 24, Atlanta 23
SD: 2-1, ATL: 0-3
-Billy Joe Tolliver: 157 yards passing
Philadelphia 28, Dallas 6
PHI: 3-0, DAL: 1-2
-Randall Cunnigham: 152 yards passing
Denver 28, Seattle 17
DEN: 2-1, SEA: 2-1
-Mark Jackson: 4 rec, 114 yards
Houston 21, Kansas City 17
HOU: 2-1, KC: 1-2
-Lorenzo White: 149 yards rushing
Cleveland 34, Cincinnati 31 OT
CLE: 2-1, CIN: 0-3
-Bernie Kosar: 321 yards passing
N.Y. Giants 33, Chicago 27 OT
NYG: 2-1, CHI: 1-2
-Phil Simms: 211 yards passing
Minnesota 27, San Francisco 24 OT
MIN: 2-1, SF: 1-2
-Anthony Carter: 5 rec, 164 yards
Green Bay 21, Tampa Bay 17
GB: 1-2, TB: 0-3
-Don Majkowski: 239 yards passing
New Orleans 35, L.A. Rams 14
NO: 2-1, RAM: 2-1
-Steve Walsh: 250 yards passing
Pittsburgh 27, New England 24
PIT: 1-2, NE: 0-3
-Merril Hoge: 125 yards rushing
Leaders thru Week 3
Passing Leaders
Rating: Dan Marino, 230.6
Yards: Bernie Kosar, 840
TD: Marino, 11
Receiving Leaders
Rec: Jerry Rice, 14
Yards: Rice, 364
TD: Many with 4
Rushing Leaders
Yards: Earnest Byner, 398
TD: Many with 4
Defensive Leaders
INT: Joey Browner; Barney Bussey, 4
Sacks: Many with 6
The massacre of star running backs continues into Week 4. The league's leading rusher Earnest Byner was injured in the Redskins' loss to the previously winless Bengles and Tecmo legend Bo Jackson was also hurt in the Raiders' win over the winless Falcons. Barry Sanders did return to action this week after missing two games and rushed for 179 yards but the Lions still lost to the Colts. In other action the Steelers knocked the Eagles from the ranks of the unbeaten and the lowly Patriots picked up their first win with a stunning blowout of the Oilers.
Week 4 Scores
Miami 35, Green Bay 14
MIA: 3-1, GB: 1-3
-Miami Defense: 5 interceptions
Indianapolis 17, Detroit 14
IND: 2-2, DET: 2-2
-Jeff George: 207 yards passing
Dallas 24, Phoenix 7
DAL: 2-2, PHX: 0-4
-Troy Aikman: 220 yards passing
Kansas City 17, Seattle 7
KC: 2-2, SEA: 2-2
-Christian Okoye: 171 yards rushing
Chicago 42, N.Y. Jets 3
CHI: 2-2, NYJ: 1-3
-Ken O’Brien: 7% comp pct, 34 yards, 4 int
Buffalo 28, Tampa Bay 20
BUF: 4-0, TB: 0-4
-Jim Kelly: 196 yards passing
Pittsburgh 27, Philadelphia 10
PIT: 2-2, PHI: 3-1
-Bubby Brister: 213 yards passing
Cincinnati 21, Washington 14
CIN: 1-3, WAS: 2-2
-Earnest Byner: leaves injured
New England 35, Houston 17
NE: 1-3, HOU: 2-2
-Irving Fryar: 6 rec, 157 yards
N.Y. Giants 35, Cleveland 10
NYG: 3-1, CLE: 2-2
-Mark Ingram: 4 rec, 145 yards
Minnesota 24, New Orleans 16
MIN: 3-1, NO: 2-2
-Saints: 16 yards rushing
L.A. Raiders 27, Atlanta 20
RAI: 4-0, ATL: 0-4
-Bo Jackson: leaves injured
San Diego 23, Denver 14
SD: 3-1, DEN: 2-2
-Anthony Miller: 4 rec, 109 yards
San Francisco 35, L.A. Rams 21
SF: 2-2, RAM: 2-2
-Jerry Rice: 6 rec, 196 yards
Leaders thru Week 4
PASSING LEADERS
Rating
1. Phil Simms, 213.3
2. Dan Marino, 205.6
3. Randall Cunnigham, 196.8
Yards
1. Joe Montana, 1085
2. Bernie Kosar, 1037
3. Marino, 918
Touchdowns
1. Marino, 14
2t. Montana, 10
2t. Simms, 10
RECEIVING LEADERS
Receptions
1. Jerry Rice, 20
2t. Henry Ellard, 14
2t. Anthony Miller, 14
Yards
1. Rice, 560
2. Irving Fryar, 392
3. Ellard, 386
Touchdowns
1. Rice, 6
2t. Andre Rison, 5
2t. Mark Duper, 5
RUSHING LEADERS
Yards
1. Earnest Byner, 449
2. Christian Okoye, 360
3. Neal Anderson, 347
Touchdowns
1t. Tom Rathman, 5
1t. Anderson, 5
3. Many with 4
DEFENSIVE LEADERS
Interceptions
1. Many with 4
Sacks
1. Lawrence Taylor, 10
2t. Michael Cofer, 7
2t. Simon Fletcher, 7
SPECIAL TEAMS LEADERS
Field Goals: Jeff Jaeger, 6
Putning Avg: Mark Saxson, 53.1
Punt Return Avg: Terrance Mathis, 17.5
Kick Return Avg: Chris Warren, 24.0
Without Bo Jackson the Raiders still remained undefeated after beating the surprisingly mediocre 49ers 21-14. The Bills also are still unscathed as they slaughtered the Bears 38-7. The Cardinals, Bucs, and Falcons all picked up their first wins of the season and now every team in the league has at least one win. The big performance of the week came from Mark Duper who scorched the Jets secondary for 217 yards receiving in the Dolphins' 31-21 win.
Week 5 Scores
L.A. Raiders 21, San Francisco 14
RAI: 5-0, SF: 2-3
-Marcus Allen: 88 yards rushing
Seattle 30, Indianapolis 14
SEA: 3-2, IND: 2-3
John L Williams: 236 total yards
Miami 31, N.Y. Jets 21
MIA: 4-1, NYJ: 1-4
-Mark Duper: 6 rec, 217 yards
Phoenix 28, New England 10
PHX: 1-4, NE: 1-4
-Johnny Johnson: 210 total yards
Denver 17, Minnesota 14 OT
DEN: 3-2, MIN: 3-2
-John Elway: 196 yards passing
San Diego 28, Kansas City 7
SD: 4-1, KC: 2-3
-Marion Butts: 137 yards rushing
Atlanta 28, New Orleans 27
ATL: 1-4, NO: 2-3
-Chris Miller: 237 yards passing
Washington 21, Philadelphia 14
WAS: 3-2, PHI: 3-2
-Art Monk: 5 rec, 143 yards
Buffalo 38, Chicago 7
BUF: 5-0, CHI: 2-3
-Jim Kelly: 285 yards passing
Tampa Bay 20, Detroit 17
TB: 1-4, DET: 2-3
-Vinny Testaverde: 216 yards passing
L.A. Rams 24, Green Bay 16
RAM: 3-2, GB: 1-4
Jim Everett: 179 yards passing
N.Y. Giants 24, Dallas 16
NYG: 4-1, DAL: 2-3
-Phil Simms: 210 yards passing
Bye Weeks: Cincinnati (1-3), Cleveland (2-2), Houston (2-2), Pittsburgh (2-2)
Leaders thru Week 5
PASSING LEADERS
Rating
1. Dan Marino, 219.1
2. Phil Simms, 205.6
3. Steve Walsh, 165.4
Yards
1. Marino, 1262
2. Joe Montana, 1254
3. Walsh, 1154
Touchdowns
1. Marino, 18
2t. Many with 12
RECEIVING LEADERS
Receptions
1. Jerry Rice, 26
2. Mark Duper, 19
3t. Many with 18
Yards
1. Rice, 680
2. Duper, 546
3. Art Monk, 480
Touchdowns
1. Rice, 7
2t. Many with 6
RUSHING LEADERS
Yards
1. Earnest Byner, 449
2. Thurman Thomas, 399
3. Bobby Humphrey, 392
Touchdowns
1t. Dalton Hilliard, 6
1t. Marcus Allen, 6
3t. Many with 5
DEFENSIVE LEADERS
Interceptions
1t. Many with 4
Sacks
1. Lawrence Taylor, 13
2. Simon Fletcher, 8
3t. Many with 7
SPECIAL TEAMS LEADERS
Field Goals: Steve Christie, 7
Punting Avg: Mark Saxon, 53.1
Punt Return Avg: Henry Ellard; Johnny Bailey, 13.0
Kick Return Avg: Chris Warren, 23.0
For the first time in a while I actually felt like writing a real blog entry and doing one of my favorite, but time consuming, series of entries the "Where'd The Go?" series. This time around I picked a Brewers team since they are finally relevant again. While the Brewers do have the Cubs breathing down their necks in their attempt to break the franchise's 25 year postseason drought, they at least do appear to finally be on their way to their first winning season in 15 years so I will look back at that team.
The 1992 Milwaukee Brewers have always stuck in my mind only because that season they were the only team during the regular season to have a winning record against the A's as County Stadium was always house of horrors for Oakland for whatever reason. The Brewers won 92 games that year under first year manager Phil Garner, finishing four games behind the eventual World Champion Blue Jays in the East. That on the surface would make it sound like a close race but in reality the Brewers were never a serious factor and it was 20-7 September when the Blue Jays were comfortably ahead already that propelled them up the standings. Between June 6th and September 18th the Brewers spent just one day in 2nd place in the East before finally overtaking the Orioles for good on September 19th. This team would have almost the last remnants of the 1982 Harvey's Wallbangers as it would be both Paul Molitor and Jim Gatner's last year with the team and Robin Yount would retire after the following season.
C: B.J. Surhoff (.252/.314/.321, 1.9 VORP, 16.2 Win Shares) - This was Surhoff's final season as a regular catcher as he would only play 33 more games behind the plate, the last coming in 1995 which was also his last year with the club. Signed as a free agent with Baltimore where he'd be a remarkably consistent if not great hitter. They traded him in a deadline deal to the Braves in 2000 but he'd return to the Orioles in 2003 playing his final three years there.
1B: Franklin Stubbs (.229/.297/.368, -2.8 VORP, 6.8 Win Shares) - Stubbs was a former big time prospect for the Dodgers who never lived up to the hype and was toast by age 30. He was actually even worse in '91 (.213/.282/.359) but the Brewers were stuck with him after signing him to a two year contract after his one good season in 1990 while in Houston. Played one more year in the Majors with Detroit. His #1 similarity score is Ken "The Hawk" Harrelson so maybe he has a future as a god awful announcer.
2B: Scott Fletcher (.275/.335/.360, 12.5 VORP, 17.4 Win Shares) - A slick fielding second baseman, this was Fletcher's only year in Milwuakee. Signed as a free agent with the Red Sox where he spent two years and then had his final year in 1995 with Detroit. His main claim to fame is he was a part of the Harold Baines/Sammy Sosa trade in 1989.
3B: Kevin Seitzer (.270/.337/.367, 11.7 VORP, 15.6 Win Shares) - Seitzer had an odd career as his best season's where his rookie year (1987) and his next to last year (1996). Could hit for average, draw a walk, and played a decent third base but never really stood out partly because he had almost no power. Signed with the A's following this year, which I now just remembered, where he struggled. They gave up on him quickly by releasing him in July and went right back to Milwaukee where he started hitting again. Traded to the Indians during his shockingly good age 34 year in '96 in a waiver deadline deal for Jeromy Burnitz and would retire after the following season.
SS: Pat Listach (.290/.352/.349, 36.4 VORP, 20.7 Win Shares) - One of the great mystery Rookie of the Year winners who people years from now, and maybe even today, who look back at old award winners and will ask "Who the hell was Pat Listach?" He beat out Kenny Lofton for the award despite Lofton having the better season and well it would be understatement to say Listach didn't do much of anything else after 1992. Brewers traded him to the Yankees in late 1996 as part of a Graeme Lloyd/Bob Wickman swap but he never played for them. Played one season in Houston before being out of the Majors.
LF: Greg Vaughn (.228/.313/.409, 5.7 VORP, 15.6 Win Shares) - Vaughn was the only legit power threat in the '92 Brewers line up as he led the team with 23 homeruns, Paul Molitor being the only player on the team with more than 10. His breakout year would be the followings season but he was wildly inconsistent for most of his career. Traded in a deadline deal to the Padres in 1996 where he'd have his best year in 1998 when he hit 50 homeruns and finished 4th in the MVP voting. He was then traded after that season to the Reds where he spent one year there, played three seasons in Tampa Bay, and one partial season in Colorado in 2003 before retiring.
CF: Robin Yount (.264/.325/.390, 14.4 VORP, 20.1 Win Shares) - As already mentioned this was Yount's next to last season and he was still a decent enough player but had clearly declined quite a bit since his second MVP season of 1989. Probably could have hung on a couple of more years past 1993 as a back up but decided to retire at age 37. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.
RF: Darryl Hamilton (.298/.356/.400, 27.0 VORP, 18.0 Win Shares) - Dante Bichette actually played more games in right field than any other Brewer but was more of a platoon player as Hamilton saw more action playing all three outfield positions. Adequate hitter, good glove centerfielder, Hamilton spent seven years in Milwaukee. Signed as a free agent with Texas after 1995 where he spent just one season and then signed with the Giants. They traded him a deadline deal ('92 Brewers: Deadline Deal Kings) in 1998 to the Rockies for Ellis Burks which ended being a really stupid trade for Colorado. He'd be traded in yet another deadline deal in 1999 to Mets where he accoding to his Wiki entry he didn't get along with Bobby Valentine and put a "hex" on the Mets after being released in 2001. Now works in the Commissioner's Office shining Bud Selig's shoes or something.
DH: Paul Molitor (.320/.398/.461, 58.7, 28.4 Win Shares) - Still an excellent hitter at age 35, I placed him 4th in my 1992 A.L. MVP Redo. After 15 years in Milwaukee he departed thru free agency to Toronto in 1993 where he had even a better season and placed 2nd in the MVP voting that year. He would have one of the great postseason performances of all-time leading the Blue Jays two a second straight World Championship and winning the World Series MVP. Signed with his hometown Twins after 1995 to finish out his career, retiring after 1998. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004.
Starting Rotation
Bill Wegman (120 ERA+, 48.2 VORP, 15.5 Win Shares) - Wegman pitched 261 2/3 innings in 1992 which I'm guessing didn't do wonders for his arm as he didn't pitch that many combined the next two seasons. Couldn't find much of anything on him but I assume he had problems previously as he made only 13 starts in 1989 and 1990. Out of the Majors after 1995.
Jaime Navarro (115 ERA+, 45.7 VORP, 15.4 Win Shares) - Very erratic, innings eater this was one of Navarro's best years. After a poor year in 1994 he was picked up by the Cubs where he put together a couple of decent seasons. This led the White Sox to sign him to a four year deal after 1996 which ended up being a disaster as he posted ERA's of 5.79, 6.36, and 6.09 the next three seasons. They got the Brewers to take him them off their hands in 2000 but in five starts he had an ERA of 12.74 before they released him. Picked up by the Rockies and was sent to Triple-A but they released him a month later then the Indians gave him a shot but obviously he hadn't had anything left. Bounced around the minors thru 2003.
Chris Bosio (106 ERA+, 34.4 VORP, 13.1 Win Shares) - This was Bosio's last year in Milwaukee. For some reason I remember not liking him and I have no idea why. Anyways he would sign a big money, four-year deal with the Mariners after this season. While he'd be decent the first couple of seasons he was plauged with injuries most of his stay in Seattle and once the contract was up after 1996 so was his career.
Ricky Bones (84 ERA+, 5.6 VORP, 4.1 Win Shares) - Was acquired shortly before the season from the Padres in the Gary Sheffield trade. Played on seven teams in 11 years, Milwaukee was the only place that Bones had an extended stay. Had one good season as a starter in 1994 but by 1996 he was so bad that he was a PTBNL in the before mentioned trade with the Yankees that had Pat Listach thrown in. Pitched just seven innnings down the stretch for the Yankeess giving up 11 runs. Bounced around from Cincinnati, Kansas City (decent year as a short reliever in '98), Baltimore, and finally Florida.
Closer: Doug Henry (95 ERA+, 2.5 VORP, 5.7 Win Shares) - Brewers had a great bullpen in '92 but for whatever reason stuck with Henry as their closer. A late bloomer, Henry made his MLB debut at age 27 the year before and the following season would be his last as a closer. Spent the rest of his career as your typical journeyman, middle reliever as he'd be good one year and bad the next. Traded to the Mets after 1994, went to the Giants in 1997, then to the Astros, back to the Giants, and finally finishing out his career in 2001 with the Royals.
Nearing the midway point of the season and the Bills and Raiders still can't be beat. Bills had a lackluster effort against the lowly Colts but still prevailed 31-23 while the Raiders beat the Seahawks 24-14 to now take a commanding three game lead in the AFC West. Even with their dominance the Bills aren't running away with their division as the Dolphins are right on their heels, improving to 6-1 after a 27-24 win over the Chiefs. Earnest Byner returned to action for the Redskins and nearly returned to the top of the league's leading rushers but it wasn't enough to beat Byner's former team the Browns as they downed the Skins 17-16.
Week 7 Scores
San Francisco 31, Atlanta 14
SF: 3-3, ATL: 1-5
-Joe Montana: 232 yards passing
L.A. Rams 24, San Diego 6
RAM: 4-2, SD: 4-3
-Willie Anderson: 6 rec, 178 yards
L.A. Raiders 24, Seattle 14
RAI: 7-0, SEA: 4-3
-Marcus Allen: 85 yards rushing
Minnesota 20, Phoenix 14
MIN: 5-2, PHX: 1-6
-Herschel Walker: 116 yards rushing
Philadelphia 28, New Orleans 14
PHI: 5-2, NO: 2-4
-Randall Cunningham: 225 yards passing
N.Y. Giants 21, Pittsburgh 6
NYG: 6-1, PIT: 3-3
-Giants: Win despite only 165 yards of offense
Miami 27, Kansas City 24
MIA: 6-1, KC: 2-5
-Mark Clayton: 6 rec, 153 yards
Cleveland 17, Washington 16
CLE: 4-2, WAS: 4-3
-Reggie Langhorne: 3 rec, 92 yards
Cincinnati 21, Dallas 14
CIN: 2-4, DAL: 3-4
-Troy Aikman: 35% comp pct, 2 int
Houston 30, N.Y. Jets 24 OT
HOU: 4-2, NYJ: 1-6
-Warren Moon: 270 yards passing
Buffalo 31, Indianapolis 23
BUF: 7-0, IND: 2-5
-Thurman Thomas: 109 yards rushing
Bye Weeks: Chicago (2-4), Denver (3-3), Detroit (2-4), Green Bay (1-5), New England (1-5), Tampa Bay (1-5)
Leaders thru Week 7
PASSING LEADERS
Rating
1. Phil Simms, 210.6
2. Dan Marino, 201.6
3. Jim Kelly, 171.5
Yards
1. Marino, 1727
2. Kelly, 1600
3. Joe Montana, 1486
Touchdowns
1. Marino, 21
2t. Simms, 16
2t. Kelly, 16
RECEIVING LEADERS
Receptions
1. Jerry Rice, 29
2t. Anthony Miller, 24
2t. Mark Duper, 24
Yards
1. Rice, 790
2. Duper, 657
3. Jay Novacek, 584
Touchdowns
1. Rice, 8
2t. Henry Ellard, 7
2t. James Lofton, 7
RUSHING LEADERS
Yards
1. Christian Okoye, 574
2. Earnest Byner, 572
3. Thurman Thomas, 570
Touchdowns
1. Marcus Allen, 10
2t. Many with 7
DEFENSIVE LEADERS
Interceptions
1. Eddie Anderson, 6
2t. Many with 5
Sacks
1. Lawrence Taylor, 13
2. Chris Doleman, 11
3t. Many with 10
SPECIAL TEAMS LEADERS
Field Goals: Steve Christie, 9
Punting Avg: Mark Saxon, 51.1
Punt Return Avg: Henry Ellard, 12.8
Kick Return Avg: Chris Warren, 20.2
And then there was one. The Raiders suffered their first loss of the season in the Battle of Los Angeles to the Rams 35-31. Rams now improve to a surprising 5-2 and maintain their one game lead on the 49ers in the NFC West. The Bills hit the halfway point and their bye week undefeated as they cruised to another win over the Bengals. The Vikings blew out the Patriots 37-10 and continue their large lead the NFC Central.
Week 8 Scores
Buffalo 31, Cincinnati 14
BUF: 8-0, CIN: 2-5
-Thurman Thomas: 127 yards rushing
Indianapolis 28, N.Y. Jets 21
IND: 3-5, NYJ: 1-7
-Jeff George: 254 yards passing
Minnesota 37, New England 10
MIN: 6-2, NE: 1-6
-Anthony Carter: 6 rec, 158 yards
New Orleans 27, Tampa Bay 0
NO: 3-4, TB: 1-6
-Buccaneers: 78 yards of offense
Houston 35, Miami 14
HOU: 5-2, MIA: 6-2
-Warren Moon: 291 yards passing
Pittsburgh 14, Seattle 10
PIT: 4-3, SEA: 4-4
-Dave Krieg: 36% comp pct, 86 yards
Kansas City 31, Denver 20
KC: 3-5, DEN: 3-4
-Stephone Paige: 6 rec, 170 yards
L.A. Rams 35, L.A. Raiders 31
RAM: 5-2, RAI: 7-1
-Jim Everett: 309 yards passing
Phoenix 31, Atlanta 24
PHX: 2-6, ATL: 1-6
-Timm Rosenbach: 266 yards passing
San Francisco 28, Detroit 3
SF: 4-3, DET: 2-5
-Joe Montana: 252 yards passing
Cleveland 23, San Diego 20
CLE: 5-2, SD: 4-4
-Eric Metcalf: 5 rec, 115 yards
Chicago 28, Green Bay 17
CHI: 3-4, GB: 1-6
-Neal Anderson: 122 yards rushing
Bye Weeks: Dallas (3-4), N.Y. Giants (6-1), Philadelphia (5-2), Washington (4-3)
Leaders thru Week 8
PASSING LEADERS
Rating
1. Phil Simms, 210.6
2. Dan Marino, 197.5
3. Jim Kelly, 176.9
Yards
1. Marino, 1954
2. Kelly, 1771
3. Joe Montana, 1738
Touchdowns
1. Marino, 23
2t. Jim Everett, 18
2t. Kelly, 18
RECEIVING LEADERS
Receptions
1. Jerry Rice, 33
2. Anthony Miller, 27
3. Many tied with 26
Yards
1. Rice, 881
2. Duper, 709
3. James Lofton, 635
Touchdowns
1. Rice, 9
2t. Henry Ellard, 8
2t. James Lofton, 8
RUSHING LEADERS
Yards
1. Thurman Thomas, 697
2. Neal Anderson, 685
3. Christian Okoye, 657
Touchdowns
1. Marcus Allen, 10
2. Neal Anderson, 9
3t. Many tied with 8
DEFENSIVE LEADERS
Interceptions
1. Joey Browner, 7
2t. Many with 6
Sacks
1t. Lawrence Taylor, 13
1t. Bruce Smith, 13
3t. Many tied with 12
SPECIAL TEAMS LEADERS
Field Goals: Steve Christie, 9
Punting Avg: Mark Saxon, 51.1
Punt Return Avg: Henry Ellard, 12.8
Kick Return Avg: Tim Brown; Danny Peebles, 19.2
Warren Moon is the star of the week as he scorched the Bengals for 450 yards passing, which is pretty damn high for a simmed game on Tecmo, and helped the Oilers take sole possesion of first place in the AFC Central. The Browns lost their share of the lead after getting murdered by the league's best defense, the Steelers 41-0. In the NFC Central, the Vikings avoided an embarrasing loss to the Cardinals and in the process took an almost insurmountable four game lead as the Bears continue to struggle dropping one to the Saints this week 14-10.
Week 9 Scores
Atlanta 30, L.A. Rams 27 OT
ATL: 2-6, RAM: 5-3
-Mike Rozier: 115 yards rushing
Houston 44, Cincinnati 24
HOU: 6-2, CIN: 2-6
-Warren Moon: 450 yards passing
Seattle 24, San Diego 14
SEA: 5-4, SD: 4-5
-Dave Krieg: 195 yards passing
Minnesota 21, Phoenix 20
MIN: 7-2, PHX: 2-7
-Wade Wilson: 147 yards passing
New Orleans 14, Chicago 10
NO: 4-4, CHI: 3-5
-Dalton Hilliard: 97 yards rushing
Washington 21, N.Y. Giants 14
WAS: 5-3, NYG: 6-2
-Ricky Sanders: 6 rec, 122 yards
San Francisco 27, Philadelphia 9
SF: 5-3, PHI: 5-3
-Joe Montana: 201 yards passing
Dallas 24, Detroit 21
DAL: 4-4, DET: 2-6
-Emmitt Smith: 99 yards rushing
Kansas City 27, L.A. Raiders 10
KC: 4-5, RAI: 7-2
-Stephone Paige: 5 rec, 171 yards
Tampa Bay 14, Green Bay 9
TB: 2-6, GB: 1-7
-Bucs Defense: 4 interceptions
Pittsburgh 41, Cleveland 0
PIT: 5-3, CLE: 5-3
-Browns Offense: 77 total yards
New England 16, Denver 14
NE: 2-6, DEN: 3-5
-Steve Grogan: 162 yards passing
Bye Weeks: Buffalo (8-0), Indianapolis (3-5), Miami (6-2), N.Y. Jets (1-7)
Leaders thru Week 9
PASSING LEADERS
Rating
1. Dan Marino, 197.5
2. Phil Sims, 194.4
3. Jim Kelly, 176.9
Yards
1. Warren Moon, 2109
2. Marino, 1954
3. Joe Montana, 1939
Touchdowns
1. Marino, 23
2. Montana, 21
3. Jim Everett, 20
RECEIVING LEADERS
Receptions
1. Jerry Rice, 37
2. Anthony Miller, 32
3. Henry Ellard, 30
Yards
1. Rice, 977
2. Ellard, 761
3. Miller, 713
Touchdowns
1. Rice, 10
2t. Many tied with 8
RUSHING LEADERS
Yards
1. Johnny Johnson, 777
2. Christian Okoye, 775
3. Neal Anderson, 766
Touchdowns
1. Johnson, 11
2t. Anderson, 10
2t. Marcus Allen, 10
DEFENSIVE LEADERS
Interceptions
1t. Joey Browner, 7
1t. Kevin Ross, 7
3t. Many tied with 6
Sacks
1. Lawrence Taylor, 14
2t. Bruce Smith, 13
2t. Simon Fletcher, 13
SPECIAL TEAMS LEADERS
Field Goals: Many tied with 9
Punting Avg: Sean Landetta, 51.0
Punt Return Avg: Henry Ellard, 12.8
Kick Return Avg: Danny Peebles, 20.6
