Strat

[DocTee]

You wood think that a bunch of Johnsons and (Wilbur) Wood would be memorable.

[Theoldmole]

Foto-Electric Football was one of my favorites. The electriv part was a light bulb.

[MFS62]

vtmet wrote: by the way...that field is the old Cosmiskey Park, right?

Looks like Wrigley Field to me.
The old Comiskey's outfield stands were uniformly deep, and did not taper off in thickness (number of rows of seats) as you got toward the foul lines like the bleachers in Wrigley.

Later

[Guest vtmet]

Wrigley had that huge scoreboard structure in centerfield? Plus I don't see any rooftops, etc...it looks like it could be Wrigley, but for some reason, I thought that it was Cosminskey or another stadium that is no longer used...

[Guest Edgy DC]

It's Wrigley. The surrounding buildings are cropped out.

[MFS62]

Who "owns" the statistics?

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/sfl-basestats16jan16,0,7384944.story?coll=sfla-sports-front

Implications for strat?

Later

[Guest Bret Sabermetric]

This was a major consideration when I was thinking of marketing my baseball game, because Strat (I think I'm remembering this right, though it was over 10 years back and I don't always remember last week very well) paid MLB a hefty fee for the use of the player's stats. Actually, the numbers are free--but to market their stats under their names and their teams' name is what the fee is for.

[Guest Edgy DC]

Kerblamm!

8/1/2004, NYN69-StL67, Busch Stadium 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E LOB DP 1969 New York (N) 1 4 4 1 5 1 0 7 0 23 23 0 10 0 1967 St. Louis 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 5 10 0 5 0 New York (N) AB R H BI AVG St. Louis AB R H BI AVG Harrelson ss 2 0 0 0 .249 Brock lf 5 1 2 0 .286 Garrett ph 1 1 1 1 .200 Flood cf 4 0 0 0 .311 Agee cf 3 3 2 2 .244 Cepeda 1b 4 0 0 0 .295 Gaspar ph 1 2 0 1 .252 McCarver c 4 1 2 1 .289 Jones lf 3 1 2 1 .320 Shannon 3b 4 0 2 0 .257 Kranepool ph 2 1 0 0 .182 Tolan rf 4 0 0 0 .238 Clendenon 1b 3 2 1 1 .266 Javier 2b 4 2 2 1 .247 Martin ph 2 1 2 2 .257 Maxvill ss 4 0 1 1 .202 Swoboda rf 7 4 5 6 .230 Carlton p 1 1 1 2 .220 Grote c 7 4 4 3 .229 Cosman p 0 0 0 0 .200 Charles 3b 4 2 2 0 .188 Woodeshick p 1 0 0 0 .000 Collins ph 1 0 0 0 .250 Jackson p 0 0 0 0 .333 Boswell 2b 5 1 3 5 .231 Briles p 0 0 0 0 .000 Weis ph 1 1 1 0 .200 Spiezio ph 1 0 0 0 .194 Seaver p 4 0 0 1 .098 Lamabe p 0 0 0 0 .111 Shamsky ph 0 0 0 0 .289 Willis p 0 0 0 0 .000 Ryan p 0 0 0 0 .100 Hoerner p 0 0 0 0 .000 Cardwell p 0 0 0 0 .146 Johnson ph 1 0 0 0 .233 46 23 23 23 37 5 10 5 New York (N) INN H R ER BB K PCH STR ERA Seaver W 8-7 7.0 9 5 5 0 7 102 69 3.83 Ryan 1.0 1 0 0 0 1 14 10 3.07 Cardwell 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 8 4 2.97 9.0 10 5 5 0 8 124 83 St. Louis INN H R ER BB K PCH STR ERA Carlton L 5-13 2.0 7 6 6 0 2 54 35 6.00 Cosman 0.1 3 3 3 2 0 21 13 5.27 Woodeshick 2.0 1 2 2 2 0 42 19 5.23 Jackson 0.2 5 4 4 1 0 32 16 6.75 Briles 1.0 1 1 1 2 0 19 11 2.89 Lamabe 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 14 9 2.67 Willis 0.1 4 7 7 3 1 42 19 4.45 Hoerner 1.2 2 0 0 1 0 27 15 0.60 9.0 23 23 23 11 3 251 137 NYN: Garrett batted for Harrelson in the 6th Gaspar batted for Agee in the 6th Kranepool batted for Jones in the 6th Martin batted for Clendenon in the 6th Garrett moved to ss in the 6th Gaspar moved to cf in the 6th Kranepool moved to lf in the 6th Martin moved to 1b in the 6th Collins batted for Charles in the 8th Weis batted for Boswell in the 8th Shamsky batted for Seaver in the 8th Collins moved to 3b in the 8th Weis moved to 2b in the 8th StL: Spiezio batted for Briles in the 6th Johnson batted for Hoerner in the 9th 2B-Jones, Martin 2, Brock, McCarver, Shannon, Javier. 3B-Swoboda, Grote, Boswell, Brock. HR-Agee(18), Clendenon(18), Swoboda(9), Carlton(2). K-Clendenon, Swoboda, Collins, Brock, Cepeda, Shannon, Tolan 3, Javier, Woodeshick. BB-Harrelson 2, Jones, Clendenon, Charles, Garrett 2, Gaspar, Kranepool, Martin, Shamsky. SH-Seaver. SF-Agee, Gaspar. PB-Grote. GWRBI: Boswell Temperature: 79, Sky: cloudy, Wind: out to left at 17 MPH. .................................................................................................... 8/1/2004, NYN69-StL67, Busch Stadium 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E LOB DP 1969 New York (N) 1 4 4 1 5 1 0 7 0 23 23 0 10 0 1967 St. Louis 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 5 10 0 5 0 New York (N) -----A------ -----B------ -----C------ -----D------ -----E------ Harrelson ss 1>8 9 W W 6>Briles Garrett ph W Agee cf S HR Woodeshick Jackson note 1 54/f.B-1 Gaspar ph 36/f.B-1 Jones lf D.1-H 7 W.1-2 S.1-3 Kranepool ph 8 Clendenon 1b k 3>HR 7 W.1-2 Martin ph W.1-2 Swoboda rf k Cosman 4>HR note 2 S.2-H;1-3 S Grote c 2>S T.1-H 63 S.3-H;1-2 9 Charles 3b S.1-3 W 13 S.2-3;1-2 7>Lamabe 3/g Collins ph Boswell 2b T.3-H;1-H S.3-H;1-2 9 note 3 3/L Weis ph Seaver p 63.3-H note 4 5>8 43 4/L Shamsky ph Ryan p Cardwell p 1: 7/SF.3-H;2-3 2: S.3-H;2-H;1-3 3: S.3-H;2-H;1-3 4: 3/SH.2-3;1-2 St. Louis -----A------ -----B------ -----C------ -----D------ -----E------ Brock lf 1>D T 5>9 7>k 63 Flood cf 53 7 8 6 Cepeda 1b k 3>5/L 7 9 McCarver c pb.2-3 4 6>D 8>Ryan S.3-H 8 Shannon 3b k S 43.2-3 D Tolan rf 2>5 k k k Javier 2b S 4>k D.3-H 9 Maxvill ss 53.1-2 63 S.2-H 9>Cardwell 8 Carlton p HR.2-H Cosman p Woodeshick p k Jackson p Briles p Spiezio ph 64/f Lamabe p Willis p Hoerner p Johnson ph 8 .................................................................................................... New York (N) -----F------ -----G------ -----H------ -----I------ -----J------ Harrelson ss Garrett ph 8>Willis note 1 W Agee cf Gaspar ph W.1-2 9/SF.3-H Jones lf Kranepool ph W.2-3;1-2 6 Clendenon 1b Martin ph note 2 9>D.Bx3(845) Swoboda rf T.3-H;2-H 4 Grote c S.3-H 31 Charles 3b Collins ph k Boswell 2b Weis ph S.1-2 Seaver p Shamsky ph Hoerner W.2-3;1-2 Ryan p Cardwell p 1: S.3-H;2-3;1-2 2: D.3-H;2-H;1-3 St. Louis -----F------ -----G------ -----H------ -----I------ -----J------ Brock lf Flood cf Cepeda 1b McCarver c Shannon 3b Tolan rf Javier 2b Maxvill ss Carlton p Cosman p Woodeshick p Jackson p Briles p Spiezio ph Lamabe p Willis p Hoerner p Johnson ph New York (N) IN OUT ER St. Louis IN OUT ER Seaver A1 D3 5 W 8-7 Carlton A1 B4 6 L 5-13 Ryan D4 D7 0 Cosman B5 C1 3 Cardwell D8 E1 0 Woodeshick C2 D1 2 Jackson D2 D9 4 Briles E1 E6 1 Lamabe E7 E9 0 Willis F1 F8 7 Hoerner F9 G6 0 .................................................................................................... 8/1/2004, NYN69-StL67, Busch Stadium 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E LOB DP 1969 New York (N) 1 4 4 1 5 1 0 7 0 23 23 0 10 0 1967 St. Louis 1 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 5 10 0 5 0 Score O Rnr BS Event ----- - --- -- ----- ************** Top of the 1st inning, New York (N) batting 0-0 0 --- 11 Harrelson popped out to center (CBX) 0-0 1 --- 12 Agee lined a single to shallow left (CFBX) 0-0 1 1-- 22 Jones doubled deep to left center, Agee scored (CBSBFX) 1-0 1 -2- 02 Clendenon struck out (FCS) 1-0 2 -2- 12 Swoboda struck out (BFSS) ************** Bottom of the 1st inning, St. Louis batting 1-0 0 --- 22 Brock lined a double down the right field line (CFBBX) 1-0 0 -2- 21 Flood grounded out to third (BFb2BX) 1-0 1 -2- 22 Cepeda struck out (CCBBS) 1-0 2 -2- 01 Grote allowed a passed ball, Brock to third (SB) 1-0 2 --3 21 McCarver lined a single to right center, Brock scored (SB.BX) 1-1 2 1-- 02 Shannon struck out (FSS) ************** Top of the 2nd inning, New York (N) batting 1-1 0 --- 11 Grote lined a single down the right field line (BCX) 1-1 0 1-- 21 Charles lined a single down the right field line, Grote to third (CBB>X) 1-1 0 1-3 12 Boswell tripled deep to right center, Grote scored, Charles scored (1BFSFX) 3-1 0 --3 10 Seaver grounded out to short, Boswell scored (BX) 4-1 1 --- 32 Harrelson flied out to right (BBBCCX) 4-1 2 --- 00 Agee homered deep to left (X) 5-1 2 --- 32 Jones lined out to left (BCBFFBFX) ************** Bottom of the 2nd inning, St. Louis batting 5-1 0 --- 10 Tolan popped out to third (BX) 5-1 1 --- 22 Javier grounded a single up the middle (BBSSX) 5-1 1 1-- 01 Maxvill grounded out to third, Javier to second (CX) 5-1 2 -2- 21 Carlton homered deep to right, Javier scored (CBBX) 5-3 2 --- 22 Brock lined a triple to left center (BFBFX) 5-3 2 --3 11 Flood flied out to left (BFX) ************** Top of the 3rd inning, New York (N) batting 5-3 0 --- 31 Clendenon homered deep to left (BBCBX) Cosman now pitching 6-3 0 --- 02 Swoboda grounded a single between first and second (CFX) 6-3 0 1-- 01 Grote lined a triple to right center, Swoboda scored (CX) 7-3 0 --3 32 Charles walked (BFBFBFB) 7-3 0 1-3 01 Boswell lined a single to shallow center, Grote scored, Charles to second (FX) 8-3 0 12- 00 Seaver sacrifice bunted to first, Charles to third, Boswell to second (Xb) 8-3 1 -23 32 Harrelson walked (BBFBFB) Woodeshick now pitching 8-3 1 123 22 Agee hit a sacrifice fly to left, Charles scored, Boswell to third (BCBSX) 9-3 2 1-3 30 Jones walked, Harrelson to second (BBBB) 9-3 2 123 32 Clendenon flied out to left (CBBBF>X) ************** Bottom of the 3rd inning, St. Louis batting 9-3 0 --- 11 Cepeda lined out to third (CBX) 9-3 1 --- 11 McCarver popped out to second (CBX) 9-3 2 --- 00 Shannon lined a single between first and second (X) 9-3 2 1-- 22 Tolan struck out (BCSB1C) ************** Top of the 4th inning, New York (N) batting 9-3 0 --- 21 Swoboda homered deep to left center (BBCX) 10-3 0 --- 32 Grote grounded out to short (BCBBCX) 10-3 1 --- 11 Charles grounded out to the mound (CBX) 10-3 2 --- 31 Boswell flied out to right (BCBBX) ************** Bottom of the 4th inning, St. Louis batting 10-3 0 --- 12 Javier struck out (BCSS) 10-3 1 --- 11 Maxvill grounded out to short (BFX) 10-3 2 --- 12 Woodeshick struck out (CFBS) ************** Top of the 5th inning, New York (N) batting 10-3 0 --- 12 Seaver flied out to center (CBFX) 10-3 1 --- 31 Harrelson walked (CBBBB) Jackson now pitching 10-3 1 1-- 01 Agee grounded to third, forcing Harrelson at second, Agee to first (CX) 10-3 2 1-- 20 Jones grounded a single between first and second, Agee to third (BBX) 10-3 2 1-3 32 Clendenon walked, Jones to second (BFBBF> 10-3 2 123 31 Swoboda singled to left center, Agee scored, Jones scored, Clendenon to third (CBBBX) 12-3 2 1-3 22 Grote grounded a single up the middle, Clendenon scored, Swoboda to second (CBBFX) 13-3 2 12- 10 Charles reached on an infield single to the catcher, Swoboda to third, Grote to second (BX) 13-3 2 123 21 Boswell lined a single down the right field line, Swoboda scored, Grote scored, Charles to third (BBCX) 15-3 2 1-3 22 Seaver grounded out to second (BCBSX) ************** Bottom of the 5th inning, St. Louis batting 15-3 0 --- 00 Brock lined out to right (X) 15-3 1 --- 00 Flood flied out to center (X) 15-3 2 --- 01 Cepeda flied out to left (CX) ************** Top of the 6th inning, New York (N) batting Briles now pitching Garrett pinch hitting for Harrelson 15-3 0 --- 31 Garrett walked (BBCBB) Gaspar pinch hitting for Agee 15-3 0 1-- 01 Gaspar grounded to first, forcing Garrett at second, Gaspar to first (CX) Kranepool pinch hitting for Jones 15-3 1 1-- 01 Kranepool flied out to center (CX) Martin pinch hitting for Clendenon 15-3 2 1-- 32 Martin walked, Gaspar to second (BSBBC> 15-3 2 12- 00 Swoboda singled to right center, Gaspar scored, Martin to third (X) 16-3 2 1-3 02 Grote flied out to right (SCX) ************** Bottom of the 6th inning, St. Louis batting Garrett moved to shortstop Gaspar moved to center field Kranepool moved to left field Martin moved to first base 16-3 0 --- 01 McCarver doubled deep to left center (CX) 16-3 0 -2- 01 Shannon grounded out to second, McCarver to third (CX) 16-3 1 --3 22 Tolan struck out (FBBFS) 16-3 2 --3 11 Javier lined a double to left center, McCarver scored (BFX) 16-4 2 -2- 12 Maxvill lined a single to right center, Javier scored (FSBX) Spiezio pinch hitting for Briles 16-5 2 1-- 10 Spiezio grounded to short, forcing Maxvill at second (BX) ************** Top of the 7th inning, New York (N) batting Lamabe now pitching 16-5 0 --- 21 Charles grounded out to first (FBBX) 16-5 1 --- 32 Boswell lined out to first (CBBFBFFX) 16-5 2 --- 01 Seaver lined out to second (CX) ************** Bottom of the 7th inning, St. Louis batting 16-5 0 --- 22 Brock struck out (FBSFBFFS) 16-5 1 --- 00 Flood popped out to short (X) 16-5 2 --- 32 Cepeda flied out to right (BCSBBX) ************** Top of the 8th inning, New York (N) batting Willis now pitching 16-5 0 --- 32 Garrett walked (BCBBCFFB) 16-5 0 1-- 31 Gaspar walked, Garrett to second (CBBBB) 16-5 0 12- 32 Kranepool walked, Garrett to third, Gaspar to second (BBBCCB) 16-5 0 123 11 Martin doubled deep to left, Garrett scored, Gaspar scored, Kranepool to third (BCX) 18-5 0 -23 32 Swoboda lined a triple to right center, Kranepool scored, Martin scored (FSBBBX) 20-5 0 --3 31 Grote grounded a single between first and second, Swoboda scored (BFBBX) Collins pinch hitting for Charles 21-5 0 1-- 22 Collins struck out (BCBCC) Weis pinch hitting for Boswell 21-5 1 1-- 21 Weis grounded a single between third and short, Grote to second (CBBX) Shamsky pinch hitting for Seaver Hoerner now pitching 21-5 1 12- 32 Shamsky walked, Grote to third, Weis to second (CBBFBB) 21-5 1 123 11 Garrett reached on an infield single to short, Grote scored, Weis to third, Shamsky to second (BC+3X) 22-5 1 123 22 Gaspar hit a sacrifice fly to right, Weis scored (CBBFX) 23-5 2 12- 12 Kranepool popped out to short (BCCX) ************** Bottom of the 8th inning, St. Louis batting Collins moved to third base Weis moved to second base Ryan now pitching 23-5 0 --- 02 McCarver flied out to center (SFX) 23-5 1 --- 31 Shannon doubled deep to right (CBBBX) 23-5 1 -2- 12 Tolan struck out (BSCS) 23-5 2 -2- 01 Javier popped out to right (CX) ************** Top of the 9th inning, New York (N) batting 23-5 0 --- 11 Martin lined a double to right center, Martin out at third (BCX) 23-5 1 --- 20 Swoboda popped out to second (BBX) 23-5 2 --- 11 Grote grounded out to first (CBX) ************** Bottom of the 9th inning, St. Louis batting Cardwell now pitching 23-5 0 --- 31 Maxvill flied out to center (BFBBX) Johnson pinch hitting for Hoerner 23-5 1 --- 00 Johnson flied out to center (X) 23-5 2 --- 10 Brock grounded out to short (BX)

[patchyfogg]

smg58 wrote: I played a 40-game season with my brother and a friend of mine that actually survived through the playoffs (in which my 1984 Tigers overcame a mediocre regular season to kick some serious playoff butt). Otherwise I played a handful of games here and there (including with PatchyFogg), but something always kept getting in the way of seeing a season through from start to finish.

Yes, I had the dubious good fortune of being the mid 80's Padres in those games. Damn, that John Birch Society-loving Eric Show and all his poor outings for me. Damn him to hell*!

*I have no idea if that is where he is now. And, if he is, I had nothing to do with it. I swear.

[Guest Rotblatt]

Ah, baseball games. A friend of my dad's had what I thought was a homemade game, but sounds remarkably similar to strat. We were all Mets fans, so there was a lot of jockeying for Mets players.

Then I lost my heart to Head-to-Head baseball, as part of the computer revolution that cost Sal his shot at fame & fortune.

Sorry, Sal.


>

It had no players, teams or stats, but if you pushed the red button at the right time, you'd get a hit.

I was a simple boy.

[seawolf17]

I was a big fan of Mattel's handheld Baseball game.



I had a notebook where I would make lineups and keep score of games. It only allowed you to play five innings, but you could really rack up runs. Scores usually wound up being 35-22, even in five-inning games.

If any of you loved those old Mattel handhelds, and you have a Palm Pilot, I highly recommend LedHead. It's a handheld emulator for the Palm OS that includes Armor Battle, Auto Race, Baseball, Basketball, Football, Football II, Hockey, Hockey (Canadian), Ski Slalom, Soccer, Space Alert, and Sub Chase. Brilliant work.

(Every time I read this thread, I want to break out the cards and start playing SOM. I can't wait until we have this baby so I can stay home all day and play.)


edit: By the way, old-skool video arcade freaks will love LedHead's creator Peter Hirschberg's home arcade that he built. Photos are on that site: click "My Arcade" on the top bar.

[Benjamin Grimm]

seawolf17 wrote: I can't wait until we have this baby so I can stay home all day and play.)

I don't think it quite works that way.

[seawolf17]

Yancy Street Gang wrote: ="seawolf17"] I can't wait until we have this baby so I can stay home all day and play.) I don't think it quite works that way.

It doesn't?!?! Crap.

What do I do when the baby's sleeping? I figure that's Strat Time.

[Benjamin Grimm]

I liked to think of it as "nap" time. You'll be operating on short sleep; you'll probably want to nap when you can.

And if you don't nap during those few precious hours, you might want to spend some quality time with that baby's mother. She may be quite stressed out. The worst thing you can do is run off by yourself and play with a toy.

[DocTee]

]The worst thing you can do is run off by yourself and play with a toy.

Better that than running off to play with the nanny!

[Benjamin Grimm]

True.

The second worst thing you can do is run off and play with a toy.

[Guest ScarletKnight41]

There will be naptime. And there will be feeding time. And there will be the times that the baby has fallen asleep but you don't want to put him down for fear of waking him. seawolf will get his playtime in, I'm sure.

[Zvon]

="Rotblatt"] It had no players, teams or stats, but if you pushed the red button at the right time, you'd get a hit. I was a simple boy.

this was a neat game Rotblatt. Every baseball gamer had to have it that year.

I used to take anything and everything and turn it into a baseball game.

I had this small cheap round plastic hand held roulette wheel thing, where u pressed the button and it would make thing spin round until the ball fell by a number.
On road trips we'd take this in the car, and play CAREER HOMERUNS
Youd get 20 seasons and whatever number you landed on was how many homers you got that season. I even drew a lil pie like division thing on the plastic glass, with + bonus sections, so it was possible to hit over 60 homers. There was a real thin sliver for plus 26 homers.
Lol.
Wonder if my brothers remember that.

[Theoldmole]

And there'll be times when his grandparents have him.

Neat story, Zvon.

[Guest Edgy DC]

A cycle!

8/15/2004, KC80-NYN69, Shea Stadium
 
                       1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9     R  H  E   LOB DP
1980 Kansas City       1  0  0  0  0  2  0  0  0     3  8  4     9  1
1969 New York (N)      5  1  2  1  3  0  1  0  x    13 17  0    11  1
 
Kansas City          AB  R  H BI   AVG    New York (N)         AB  R  H BI   AVG
Wilson            lf  4  1  0  0  .232    Boswell           2b  6  2  4  2  .245       
Brett,G           3b  5  0  3  1  .358     Charles       pr-3b  0  0  0  0  .195       
Aikens            1b  4  1  2  0  .253    Harrelson         ss  4  0  0  0  .250       
Hurdle            rf  3  0  0  0  .240     Swoboda          rf  1  0  1  0  .228       
Otis              cf  3  1  0  0  .227    Jones             lf  3  2  1  0  .319       
Porter            c   4  0  1  1  .190     Weis          pr-ss  1  1  0  0  .196       
Washington        ss  3  0  1  1  .237    Shamsky        rf-lf  5  3  3  1  .293       
White             2b  4  0  0  0  .219    Agee              cf  3  2  2  2  .240       
Gale              p   0  0  0  0  .053     Gaspar           cf  1  0  0  0  .248       
 Twitty           p   1  0  1  0  .125    Kranepool         1b  4  1  2  2  .197       
 Busby            p   1  0  0  0  .000    Dyer              c   3  0  2  2  .243       
 McRae            ph  1  0  0  0  .266     Koonce           p   1  0  0  0  .000       
 Martin           p   1  0  0  0  .000    Garrett        3b-2b  4  1  2  2  .201       
                     34  3  8  3          McAndrew          p   3  1  0  0  .037       
                                           Martin        ph-c   2  0  0  0  .238       
                                                               41 13 17 11             
 
Kansas City                      INN  H  R ER BB  K PCH STR   ERA
Gale             L 7-10          0.1  4  5  5  2  0  37  21  4.15
Twitty                           2.2  5  4  3  1  1  58  39  5.08
Busby                            2.0  3  3  3  3  0  44  23 10.55
Martin                           3.0  5  1  0  0  3  55  35  4.32
                                 8.0 17 13 11  6  4 194 118 
 
New York (N)                     INN  H  R ER BB  K PCH STR   ERA
McAndrew         W 9-5           6.0  5  3  3  4  2 106  61  3.46
Koonce           S 1             3.0  3  0  0  1  0  34  20  5.59
                                 9.0  8  3  3  5  2 140  81 
 
KC : McRae batted for Busby in the 6th
NYN: Martin batted for McAndrew in the 6th
     Gaspar inserted at cf in the 7th
     Martin moved to c in the 7th
     Weis ran for Jones in the 7th
     Swoboda inserted at rf in the 8th
     Weis moved to ss in the 8th
     Shamsky moved to lf in the 8th
     Charles ran for Boswell in the 8th
     Charles moved to 3b in the 9th
     Garrett moved to 2b in the 9th
 
E-Aikens, Hurdle 2, Washington. 2B-Brett,G, Boswell, Agee, Kranepool, Dyer. 
3B-Boswell. HR-Boswell(6). SB-Wilson(37), Harrelson(1). K-Wilson, Washington, 
Shamsky, Garrett, Martin, Koonce. BB-Wilson, Aikens, Hurdle, Otis, 
Washington, Harrelson, Jones 2, Agee, Kranepool, Dyer. SF-Garrett. 
WP-McAndrew. 
GWRBI: Agee
Temperature: 82, Sky: clear, Wind: in from center at 9 MPH.

....................................................................................................
8/15/2004, KC80-NYN69, Shea Stadium
 
                       1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9     R  H  E   LOB DP
1980 Kansas City       1  0  0  0  0  2  0  0  0     3  8  4     9  1
1969 New York (N)      5  1  2  1  3  0  1  0  x    13 17  0    11  1
 
 
Kansas City          -----A------ -----B------ -----C------ -----D------ -----E------
Wilson            lf 1>W            k            8          7>Koonce       43        
                                                              8                      
Brett,G           3b   SB2          13.1-2       8            S            D         
                       S.2-H                                                         
Aikens            1b   wp.1-2       S.2-3      6>W            S.1-2        9         
                       13                                                            
Hurdle            rf   53           W.1-2        4            643/gdp                
Otis              cf   63           53           W.1-2      8>9                      
Porter            c  2>8          4>6            S.2-H;1-3    63                     
Washington        ss   8            k            S.3-H;1-3    W                      
White             2b   8            4            7            64/f                   
Gale              p                                                                  
 Twitty           p  3>S                                                             
 Busby            p               5>7                                                
 McRae            ph                             5/L                                 
 Martin           p                                         9>63                     
 
 
New York (N)         -----A------ -----B------ -----C------ -----D------ -----E------
Boswell           2b 1>T          2>HR           note 1     5>13           7         
 Charles          pr                                                                 
Harrelson         ss   7            W            3/g.2-3      53         7>8         
 Swoboda          rf                                                                 
Jones             lf   W            9            7            W            S         
 Weis             pr                                                                 
Shamsky           rf   S.3-H;1-3    k          4>e6.B-1       S.1-2        S.1-2     
Agee              cf   S.3-H;1-2    SB2          Busby        D.2-H;1-3              
                                    e3.2-3;B-1   W.1-2                               
 Gaspar           cf                                                       9         
Kranepool         1b   W.2-3;1-2    7            8            D.3-H;2-H    note 2    
Dyer              c    note 3     3>D            W.2-3;1-2    8                      
 Koonce           p                                                        k         
Garrett           3b   Twitty       S.2-3        note 4     6>Martin     8>53        
                       S.3-H;1-2                              k                      
McAndrew          p    143/gdp      note 5       8                                   
 Martin           ph                                          k            53        
 
 1: S.2-H;1-H(e9/th);B-2  2: S.2-H;1-3;B-2(e9)  3: S.3-H;2-H;1-3  4: 8/SF.3-H;2-3 
 5: 12/b.3xH;1-2;B-1 
 
 

....................................................................................................
Kansas City          -----F------ -----G------ -----H------ -----I------ -----J------
Wilson            lf                                                                 
                                                                                     
Brett,G           3b                                                                 
                                                                                     
Aikens            1b                                                                 
                                                                                     
Hurdle            rf                                                                 
Otis              cf                                                                 
Porter            c                                                                  
Washington        ss                                                                 
White             2b                                                                 
Gale              p                                                                  
 Twitty           p                                                                  
 Busby            p                                                                  
 McRae            ph                                                                 
 Martin           p                                                                  
 
 
New York (N)         -----F------ -----G------ -----H------ -----I------ -----J------
Boswell           2b   D                                                             
 Charles          pr                                                                 
Harrelson         ss                                                                 
 Swoboda          rf   S.2-3                                                         
Jones             lf                                                                 
 Weis             pr   3                                                             
Shamsky           rf                                                                 
Agee              cf                                                                 
                                                                                     
 Gaspar           cf                                                                 
Kranepool         1b                                                                 
Dyer              c                                                                  
 Koonce           p                                                                  
Garrett           3b                                                                 
                                                                                     
McAndrew          p                                                                  
 Martin           ph                                                                 
 
 
Kansas City      IN OUT ER                  New York (N)     IN OUT ER                  
Gale             A1  A7  5 L 7-10           McAndrew         A1  C9  3 W 9-5            
Twitty           A8  C4  3                  Koonce           D1  E3  0 S 1              
Busby            C5  D7  3                                                              
Martin           D8  F3  0                                                              

....................................................................................................
8/15/2004, KC80-NYN69, Shea Stadium
 
                       1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9     R  H  E   LOB DP
1980 Kansas City       1  0  0  0  0  2  0  0  0     3  8  4     9  1
1969 New York (N)      5  1  2  1  3  0  1  0  x    13 17  0    11  1
 
Score O Rnr BS  Event
----- - --- --  -----
 
**************  Top of the 1st inning, Kansas City batting
 0-0  0 --- 32  Wilson walked (BBCFBB)
 0-0  0 1-- 00  Wilson stole second (>
 0-0  0 -2- 32  Brett,G lined a single to shallow left, Wilson scored 
                  (>B.B2CFBX)
 1-0  0 1-- 21  McAndrew threw a wild pitch, Brett,G to second (BBCB)
 1-0  0 -2- 31  Aikens grounded out to the mound (BBCB.X)
 1-0  1 -2- 32  Hurdle grounded out to third (BCCFFBBX)
 1-0  2 -2- 10  Otis grounded out to short (BX)
 
**************  Bottom of the 1st inning, New York (N) batting
 1-0  0 --- 22  Boswell grounded a triple down the first base line 
                  (CBFFBX)
 1-0  0 --3 12  Harrelson flied out to left (BFSX)
 1-0  1 --3 32  Jones walked (CBFFBFBB)
 1-0  1 1-3 32  Shamsky grounded a single between first and second, 
                  Boswell scored, Jones to third (CBFBFBX)
 1-1  1 1-3 01  Agee lined a single to shallow left, Jones scored, 
                  Shamsky to second (CX)
 1-2  1 12- 30  Kranepool walked, Shamsky to third, Agee to second (BBBB)
 1-2  1 123 22  Dyer lined a single to left center, Shamsky scored, Agee 
                  scored, Kranepool to third (CBSFBX)
                Twitty now pitching
 1-4  1 1-3 01  Garrett reached on an infield single to third, Kranepool 
                  scored, Dyer to second (CX)
 1-5  1 12- 11  McAndrew grounded into a double play, Twitty to White to 
                  Aikens (BCX)
 
**************  Top of the 2nd inning, Kansas City batting
 1-5  0 --- 21  Porter flied out to center (BCBX)
 1-5  1 --- 01  Washington flied out to center (SX)
 1-5  2 --- 12  White flied out to center (FSBX)
 
**************  Bottom of the 2nd inning, New York (N) batting
 1-5  0 --- 01  Boswell homered deep to right (CX)
 1-6  0 --- 32  Harrelson walked (CFBBBB)
 1-6  0 1-- 31  Jones flied out to right (BBCB11X)
 1-6  1 1-- 12  Shamsky struck out (CBFC)
 1-6  2 1-- 00  Harrelson stole second (>
 1-6  2 -2- 12  Harrelson to third, Agee to first on an error by the 
                  first baseman Aikens (>B.CCFFX)
 1-6  2 1-3 00  Kranepool flied out to left (X)
 
**************  Top of the 3rd inning, Kansas City batting
 1-6  0 --- 10  Twitty grounded a single between third and short (BX)
 1-6  0 1-- 32  Wilson struck out (BBCCFBS)
 1-6  1 1-- 00  Brett,G grounded out to the mound, Twitty to second (X)
 1-6  2 -2- 02  Aikens lined a single to right, Twitty to third (CCX)
 1-6  2 1-3 31  Hurdle walked, Aikens to second (CBB3BB)
 1-6  2 123 32  Otis grounded out to third (CBCFBFB>X)
 
**************  Bottom of the 3rd inning, New York (N) batting
 1-6  0 --- 02  Dyer grounded a double down the third base line (CFX)
 1-6  0 -2- 01  Garrett lined a single to right, Dyer to third (SbX)
 1-6  0 1-3 12  McAndrew bunted into an out to the mound, Dyer out at 
                  home, Garrett to second, McAndrew to first (FSBXb)
 1-6  1 12- 22  Boswell grounded a single between first and second, 
                  Garrett scored, McAndrew scored on an error by the 
                  right fielder Hurdle, Boswell to second (CFFFFBBX)
 1-8  1 -2- 32  Harrelson grounded out to first, Boswell to third (FFBBBX)
 1-8  2 --3 10  Jones flied out to left (BX)
 
**************  Top of the 4th inning, Kansas City batting
 1-8  0 --- 11  Porter popped out to short (BFX)
 1-8  1 --- 22  Washington struck out (CSFBBS)
 1-8  2 --- 01  White popped out to second (CX)
 
**************  Bottom of the 4th inning, New York (N) batting
 1-8  0 --- 21  Shamsky to first on an error by the shortstop Washington 
                  (BCBX)
                Busby now pitching
 1-8  0 1-- 32  Agee walked, Shamsky to second (CBB>FBFB)
 1-8  0 12- 32  Kranepool flied out to center (CCBBBX)
 1-8  1 12- 32  Dyer walked, Shamsky to third, Agee to second (BCBSBFB)
 1-8  1 123 01  Garrett hit a sacrifice fly to center, Shamsky scored, 
                  Agee to third (CX)
 1-9  2 1-3 11  McAndrew flied out to center (CBX)
 
**************  Top of the 5th inning, Kansas City batting
 1-9  0 --- 00  Busby flied out to left (X)
 1-9  1 --- 22  Wilson flied out to center (CBFBX)
 1-9  2 --- 01  Brett,G flied out to center (FX)
 
**************  Bottom of the 5th inning, New York (N) batting
 1-9  0 --- 21  Boswell grounded out to the mound (BCBX)
 1-9  1 --- 10  Harrelson grounded out to third (BX)
 1-9  2 --- 32  Jones walked (BFFBBB)
 1-9  2 1-- 00  Shamsky lined a single to shallow center, Jones to second 
                  (X)
 1-9  2 12- 21  Agee grounded a double down the first base line, Jones 
                  scored, Shamsky to third (BBSX)
 1-10 2 -23 00  Kranepool lined a double to left center, Shamsky scored, 
                  Agee scored (X)
 1-12 2 -2- 00  Dyer flied out to center (X)
 
**************  Top of the 6th inning, Kansas City batting
 1-12 0 --- 32  Aikens walked (BCBBSB)
 1-12 0 1-- 10  Hurdle popped out to second (BX)
 1-12 1 1-- 32  Otis walked, Aikens to second (BCBCFBB)
 1-12 1 12- 11  Porter singled to left center, Aikens scored, Otis to 
                  third (SBX)
 2-12 1 1-3 01  Washington lined a single down the left field line, Otis 
                  scored, Porter to third (CX)
 3-12 1 1-3 10  White flied out to left (BX)
                McRae pinch hitting for Busby
 3-12 2 1-3 10  McRae lined out to third (BX)
 
**************  Bottom of the 6th inning, New York (N) batting
                Martin now pitching
 3-12 0 --- 32  Garrett struck out (CBCBBC)
                Martin pinch hitting for McAndrew
 3-12 1 --- 12  Martin struck out (SSBS)
 3-12 2 --- 32  Boswell flied out to left (CBBFBX)
 
**************  Top of the 7th inning, Kansas City batting
                Gaspar now playing center field
                Koonce now pitching
                Martin moved to catcher
 3-12 0 --- 00  Wilson flied out to center (X)
 3-12 1 --- 11  Brett,G reached on an infield single to second (CBX)
 3-12 1 1-- 32  Aikens lined a single to shallow left, Brett,G to second 
                  (BBFBCX)
 3-12 1 12- 00  Hurdle grounded into a double play, Harrelson to Boswell 
                  to Kranepool (X)
 
**************  Bottom of the 7th inning, New York (N) batting
 3-12 0 --- 21  Harrelson flied out to center (BBCX)
 3-12 1 --- 01  Jones lined a single to right center (CX)
                Weis pinch running for Jones
 3-12 1 1-- 01  Shamsky grounded a single up the middle, Weis to second 
                  (CX)
 3-12 1 12- 21  Gaspar flied out to right (BCBX)
 3-12 2 12- 12  Kranepool lined a single to shallow right, Weis scored, 
                  Shamsky to third, Kranepool to second on an error by 
                  the right fielder Hurdle (CFBX)
 3-13 2 -23 12  Koonce struck out (BCCS)
 
**************  Top of the 8th inning, Kansas City batting
                Swoboda now playing right field
                Weis moved to shortstop
                Shamsky moved to left field
 3-13 0 --- 11  Otis flied out to right (BCX)
 3-13 1 --- 31  Porter grounded out to short (BBBCX)
 3-13 2 --- 31  Washington walked (BBBCB)
 3-13 2 1-- 01  White grounded to short, forcing Washington at second (CX)
 
**************  Bottom of the 8th inning, New York (N) batting
 3-13 0 --- 21  Garrett grounded out to third (BBCX)
 3-13 1 --- 12  Martin grounded out to third (CFBX)
 3-13 2 --- 11  Boswell doubled deep to right (FBX)
                Charles pinch running for Boswell
 3-13 2 -2- 21  Swoboda grounded a single between third and short, 
                  Charles to third (BBCX)
 3-13 2 1-3 12  Weis popped out to first (SBSX)
 
**************  Top of the 9th inning, Kansas City batting
                Charles moved to third base
                Garrett moved to second base
 3-13 0 --- 01  Martin grounded out to short (FX)
 3-13 1 --- 11  Wilson grounded out to second (FBX)
 3-13 2 --- 00  Brett,G grounded a double down the first base line (X)
 3-13 2 -2- 10  Aikens flied out to right (BX)

[MFS62]

I always thought McAndrew was a wimp. The guy couldn't go 9 with a ten run lead?
It was an August game, for goodness sakes. Was Gil saving him for the upcoming playoffs?

Oh, OK, nice job. It was good seeing those names again.
Thanks,

Later

[MFS62]

This may be helpful the next time you have to figure out some stats.

http://www.hypertextbook.com/chaos/

Later

[Zvon]

Boswell, of all people.
HA.

He did hit triples tho, and thats the hardest hit to get.
*Z heads to UMDB to see if Da Bos ever hit for the cycle.

[MFS62]

In case you haven't held your futures draft yet, here is the list of top prospects, by position, from Baseball America. Only Two Mets mentioned, Millege and Pelfrey. Interesting that while they mention another starter as "Maddux-type) (as in not great fastball), Petit doesn't make their list.

Later
**************************************************************************
CATCHER

Player, Org ETA
1. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Braves 2007
2. Russ Martin, Dodgers 2006
3. Jeff Clement, Mariners 2008
4. Neil Walker, Pirates 2007
5. Jeff Mathis, Angels 2006

Others to consider
Chris Iannetta, Rockies; Kelly Shoppach, Indians; Kenji Johjima, Mariners

Sleeper
J.R. Towles, Astros

It's really a two-way race, and Saltalamacchia gets the edge because of his offensive potential advantage over Martin. Saltalamacchia was touted as a high school player, but he was overshadowed in the Braves organization in 2004 by Brian McCann. Nagging injuries limited Saltalamacchia's playing time and doubts about his defensive ability persisted. McCann blossomed in 2005 in the big leagues, while three levels below, Saltalamacchia did the same at high Class A Myrtle Beach. He ranked third in the high Class A Carolina League in batting, a rarity for a catcher, while posting a .519 slugging percentage and improving his strikeout-to-walk rate. It's natural for a switch-hitting catcher to get compared to Jason Varitek, but scouts say Saltalamacchia also earned those comparisons for his Varitek-like professional approach and work ethic.

Martin has offensive potential but lacks Saltalamacchia's raw power, or that of Clement, for that matter. If he makes consistent enough contact, Clement could become the most prolific lefthanded-batting, power-home run-hitting catcher since Yogi Berra. Walker is the player least likely to catch on this list, more because of his high ceiling as a hitter. The Pirates may not have the patience to wait for his catching skills to catch up to his advanced bat. Two years ago, Mathis might have topped this list, but his offensive struggles at higher levels have scouts predicting an average big leaguer, rather than an exceptional one. Towles earns the sleeper tag for his athleticism and offensive potential.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FIRST BASE

Player, Org ETA
1. Prince Fielder, Brewers 2006
2. Conor Jackson, Diamondbacks 2006
3. Daric Barton, Athletics 2007
4. Justin Huber, Royals 2006
5. Wes Bankston, Devil Rays 2007

Others to consider
Kendry Morales, Angels; Ryan Shealy, Rockies; Eric Duncan, Yankees

Sleeper
Brandon Allen, White Sox

Perhaps the most disappointing position in the minor leagues, first base is not loaded with potential future stars, and that's after everyone on the list other than Fielder moved to first within the last two seasons. Fielder was pretty ready last year, and he may be the only sure bet to hit 25-30 home runs annually in this group. Jackson, a college third baseman who was an outfielder in 2004, and Barton, like Huber a former catcher, are notable more for their mature approaches and ability to draw a walk than their ability to mash home runs. Bankston moved to first out of the Devil Rays' crowded outfield picture and should benefit from the latest rebuilding movement in Tampa Bay.

Morales and Duncan also were reputed to be able to play third base, but neither has shown the defensive chops for the hot corner, and scouts have questions about their bats as well. While Duncan would have been blocked at third in New York by Alex Rodriguez anyway, his fringe-average arm led many to believe he would not be able to stick there even without the presence of A-Rod. Shealy is blocked by Todd Helton in Colorado at first and has added athleticism and the ability to play outfield in the last year. James Loney (Dodgers) and Travis Ishikawa (Giants) have shown flashes and are still young, but because scouts question their bat speed, it's difficult to project either one to be an above-average offensive big leaguer.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECOND BASE

Player, Org ETA
1. Howie Kendrick, Angels 2007
2. Marcus Sanders, Giants 2008
3. Dustin Pedroia, Red Sox 2006
4. Blake Dewitt, Dodgers 2008
5. Ian Kinsler, Rangers 2006
6. Josh Barfield, Padres 2006
7. Kevin Melillo, Athletics 2007
8. Kevin Frandsen, Giants 2006
9. Eric Patterson, Cubs 2007
10. Omar Quintanilla, Rockies 2006

Others to consider
Alberto Callaspo, Angels; Etanislao Abreu, Dodgers

Sleeper
Martin Prado, Braves

In contrast to first base, second base is deep in talented players who should be solid regulars. Kendrick could be much more, considering he's nearly a .360 hitter in the minor leagues. When a player hits .360 with authority--Kendrick is slugging .555 in his career--he doesn't need to draw a lot of walks. Sanders and DeWitt aren't second basemen yet; Sanders will be because he lacks the arm strength (due to injuries) to play short. As a second baseman, he'll be a dynamic leadoff hitter and is the best such prospect in the minors, an 80 runner with above-average instincts and, when healthy, enough power to keep pitchers honest. DeWitt likely will move to second because the Dodgers have other options at third base, and his bat should be a plus at second, rather than perhaps just average at third. Kinsler should get a shot at the everyday job with the Rangers this season, while Barfield appears ready but has more competition.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THIRD BASE


Player, Org ETA
1. Ryan Zimmerman, Nationals 2006
2. Alex Gordon, Royals 2007
3. Ian Stewart, Rockies 2007
4. Andy Marte, Indians 2006
5. Andy LaRoche, Dodgers 2007

Others to consider
Matt Moses, Twins; Ryan Braun, Brewers

Sleeper
Van Pope, Braves

While this position lacks depth, it has star power in spades, thanks in part to the three third basemen drafted among the first five picks in 2005. While the scouting consensus had Gordon ahead of Zimmerman, I went the other way because of Zimmerman's vastly superior defense and a gut feeling that his offense will be better than average. When both were with Team USA in the summer of 2004, Zimmerman was the better player in all phases, and the educated guess here is his total package will rival (though fall a bit short of) that of his former amateur teammate from Virginia’s Tidewater area, David Wright.

Braun ranks behind Zimmerman and Gordon because of his lesser defensive skills and his less orthodox swing, but his amazing bat speed makes him as dangerous offensively as those ranked ahead of him. Pope has raw tools to rival any of the top five players but needs polish and patience at the plate. If he learns to control the strike zone, his ceiling is very high.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORTSTOP

Player, Org ETA
1. Justin Upton, Diamondbacks 2008
2. Brandon Wood, Angels 2007
3. Stephen Drew, Diamondbacks 2006
4. Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies 2007
5. Hanley Ramirez, Marlins 2006
6. Erick Aybar, Angels 2007
7. Elvis Andrus, Braves 2008
8. Cliff Pennington, Athletics 2007
9. Chin-Lung Hu, Dodgers 2007
10. Ronny Cedeno, Cubs 2006

Others to consider
Joaquin Arias, Rangers; Asdrubal Cabrera, Mariners; Tony Giarratano, Tigers

Sleeper
Audy Ciriaco, Tigers

No other position has better competition at the top; any of the first four players could be stars. Wood only had the best season of any minor leaguer in the last 50 years with more than 100 extra-base hits in the regular season and 58 homers between the regular season, Arizona Fall League and Team USA's Olympic regional qualifier. But shortstop is about athleticism, and no minor leaguer--not even older brother B.J., who has too many big league at-bats to qualify for the list but would check in at No. 2 if he were eligible--has more athletic ability than Justin Upton. The No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 draft didn't get a signing-bonus record of $6.1 million for nothing. Both Uptons are erratic with their throws from shortstop and perhaps that should give Wood the edge. But as good as Wood is offensively, both Uptons can be better.

Drew had an impressive pro debut, and Tulowitzki is a more athletic player who may just fall a tick shy at the plate in comparison. Ramirez has the athleticism to rival the Uptons but lacks their offensive potential, plus makeup or work ethic. Andrus might be the biggest wild card, just 17 and yet to play above the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League, but Edgar Renteria should get to know his eventual replacement in Atlanta.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CENTER FIELD

Player, Org ETA
1. Lastings Milledge, Mets 2007
2. Chris Young, Diamondbacks 2007
3. Cameron Maybin, Tigers 2008
4. Felix Pie, Cubs 2007
5. Adam Jones, Mariners 2007

Others to consider
Brian Anderson, White Sox; Javi Herrera, Athletics; Andrew McCutchen, Pirates; Denard Span, Twins

Sleeper
Brett Gardner, Yankees

Here's another position that's top-heavy but not necessarily deep in the minors currently. Maybin's development with the bat--and whether or not he can reach the big leagues as a center fielder--is a crucial question. Early reports have been positive on both fronts for a player whose athleticism rivals that of Justin Upton. Milledge and Young are a tossup at No. 1, and Young has produced more power at higher levels. Milledge still merits an edge, though, as he's two years younger, more athletic and has the bat speed to hit more home runs if his plate discipline improves even modestly.

All three are among the game's elite prospects, and Pie could be as well with more polish to his toolsy, raw game. Jones has similar tools but is still new to center field after a recent move from shortstop. Gardner has the overall package to become a top-flight leadoff man if he proves he can make the transition from metal to wood.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CORNER OUTFIELDERS

Player, Org ETA
1. Delmon Young, Devil Rays 2006
2. Jeremy Hermida, Marlins 2006
3. Billy Butler, Royals 2007
4. Nick Markakis, Orioles 2006
5. Carlos Quentin, Diamondbacks 2006
6. Carlos Gonzalez, Diamondbacks 2008
7. Joel Guzman, Dodgers 2007
8. Brad Snyder, Indians 2007
9. Jason Kubel, Twins 2006
10. Elijah Dukes, Devil Rays 2007

Others to consider
Cory Hart, Brewers; Adam Lind, Blue Jays; Eddy Martinez-Esteve, Giants; Hunter Pence, Astros; Nolan Reimold, Orioles

Sleeper
Jose Tabata, Yankees

The Minor League Player of the Year, Young is big league ready, and it's not unfair to him to throw the Albert-Belle-with-good-makeup comparison at him. He can handle it. Hermida will be an even better hitter when he learns when not to take a walk; maybe he and Young, who could use a bit more patience, should have a talk. Butler may end up at DH, and hits enough to be an asset even if he's a butcher in left. Dukes has the best tools on the list but also has the biggest red flag with his uneven temperament and repeated run-ins with umpires, managers and the law. The Yankees can't contain their excitement about Tabata, but let's wait for him to make it out of Rookie ball, just to make sure he's not Rudy Guillen.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RIGHTHANDED STARTERS

Player, Org ETA
1. Chad Billingsley, Dodgers 2006
2. Justin Verlander, Tigers 2006
3. Matt Cain, Giants 2006
4. Joel Zumaya, Tigers 2006
5. Mike Pelfrey, Mets 2007
6. Dustin McGowan, Blue Jays 2006
7. Anthony Reyes, Cardinals 2006
8. Jonathan Papelbon, Red Sox 2006
9. Anibal Sanchez, Marlins 2007
10. Phillip Hughes, Yankees 2007
11. Homer Bailey, Reds 2008
12. Mark Rogers, Brewers 2008
13. Anthony Lerew, Braves 2006
14. Adam Miller, Indians 2007
15. Jeff Niemann, Devil Rays 2006

Others to consider
Collin Balester, Nationals; Clint Everts, Nationals; Jason Hammell, Devil Rays; Yovani Gallardo, Brewers; Jason Hirsh, Astros; Edison Volquez, Rangers; Jered Weaver, Angels

Sleepers
Wade Davis, Devil Rays; Blake Johnson, Dodgers; Justin Orenduff, Dodgers

The top three arms, for me, have separated themselves from the group. Billingsley's durable body, improved command, makeup and athleticism earn the nod here. It's crucial for righthanders to have a quality breaking ball; unless they have 80 fastball command and an amazing changeup in the Pedro Martinez or Greg Maddux blueprint, they must be able to throw a swing-and-miss breaking ball. Billingsley has two, throws both with authority and maintains his stuff deep into games. Verlander has the edge in raw stuff, and the Tigers deserve kudos for unlocking his potential so quickly. The doubts scouts had about his makeup as an amateur--not that he wouldn't make it, but that he lacked the intangibles to be a No. 1 starter despite his amazing fastball and curveball--still resonate. Cain's command is a step behind Billingsley's, and his stuff is a shade behind Verlander's. The Giants will still take him.

Niemann could move to the top of the list if he can stay healthy, and Rogers' raw stuff rivals that of Verlander. He's immensely athletic, but with all his gifts, he had little success in low Class A ball in 2005. Hughes is the anti-Rogers, though his stuff is far from pedestrian. A healthy season also could catapult him up the list and perhaps to an early arrival in New York. Pelfrey would rank even higher if his breaking ball were better than a third pitch, but if he proves he can pitch off his fastball like he did in college, he won't be in the minors long.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEFTHANDED STARTERS

Player, Org ETA
1. Francisco Liriano, Twins 2006
2. Jon Lester, Red Sox 2007
3. Scott Olsen, Marlins 2006
4. Adam Loewen, Orioles 2007
5. Jeremy Sowers, Indians 2006
6. Scott Elbert, Dodgers 2008
7. Cole Hamels, Phillies 2006
8. Troy Patton, Astros 2008
9. Gio Gonzalez, Phillies 2007
10. Glenn Perkins, Twins 2006

Others to consider
John Danks, Rangers; Dana Eveland, Brewers; Tom Gorzelanny, Pirates; Chuck James, Braves; Ricky Romero, Blue Jays; Chuck Tiffany, Devil Rays

Sleepers
Matt Harrison, Braves; Jonathan Sanchez, Giants

Again, the pecking order is fairly clear at the top with Liriano and Lester, who both have plus stuff, outstanding performances at upper levels of the minors and youth on their side. Also, neither has had a major injury, though Liriano did have shoulder issues two years ago. Lester's stuff took a full-grade jump in 2005, and Boston's big league pitching depth should allow him a year to consolidate his gains. Hamels might have ranked atop this list two years ago but has had well-documented injury problems, some of them of his own making.

Loewen and Sowers are a wonderful study in contrasts, a power pitcher will all the stuff who's still learning how to pitch versus a craftsman with the savvy of a big league veteran. The Braves' Harrison could be another Sowers with slightly less command but better stuff. Perkins and Eveland don't have prototypical bodies, yet both throw three-to-four pitches for strikes with some power and precision.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RELIEVERS

Player, Org ETA
1. Bobby Jenks, White Sox 2006
2. Jonathan Broxton, Dodgers 2006
3. Craig Hansen, Red Sox 2006
4. Joey Devine, Braves 2006
5. Chris Ray, Orioles 2006

Others to consider
Fernando Cabrera, Indians; Santiago Casilla, Athletics; Hong Chih Kuo, Dodgers; Chad Orvella, Devil Rays; Rafael Perez, Indians

Sleepers
Tony Sipp, Indians

Putting ETA 2006 for five players who pitched in the majors in 2005 seems, well, weird, though none of these players has fully established himself as a big leaguer. Jenks clearly arrived in the postseason, though makeup questions will follow him until he stays out of trouble for an extended period of time. Broxton has similar stuff and a similar background as a starter, but while his stuff is a full grade (or even two) below Jenks', makeup is not a question. Hansen's raw stuff might be a shade better than Broxton’s but he's a long way from St. John's. Devine will have to show he can recover from the devastating home run he gave up to Chris Burke in the playoffs, and the Braves may give him plenty of opportunities to do that in 2006 in Atlanta.

[MFS62]

from s-o-m stratosphere

Strat-O-Matic creator Hal Richman is among the nominees for election to the Baseball Reliquary’s Shrine of the Eternals, an annual election that honors, in the words of the organization, “individuals – from the obscure to the well known – who have altered the baseball world in ways that supersede statistics.”



Twenty-one honorees have been inducted over the past seven years and three more will be chosen this year.



Membership in the Baseball Reliquary – and the voting rights that come with it – is open to the public. To be eligible to vote, you must pay $25 annual membership dues by March 31. Election packets, containing ballots and biographical profiles of all candidates, will be mailed to Baseball Reliquary members on April 1.



Strat-O-Matic fans could make a difference in this voting. Reliquary Executive Director Terry Cannon said that 184 ballots were cast last year, with a bit more than 200 expected this time.



The Shrine of the Eternals already includes Baseball Hall of Fame inductees Roberto Clemente, Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige and Bill Veeck, Jr. It also includes such baseball “characters” as Jim Bouton, Mark Fidrych, Bill “Spaceman” Lee and Jimmy Piersall. And such non-players as union leader Marvin Miller, umpire Pam Postema, long-time Southern California coach Rod Dedeaux and former Daily Worker sports editor Lester Rodney.



This year, Richman is one of 50 nominees who include Yogi Berra, Dizzy Dean, Ryne Duren, Tug McGraw, Rusty Staub and Casey Stengel and such non-players as Negro Leagues team owner Effa Manley, photographer Charles M. Conlon, announcer Ernie Harwell and writer Bill James. (See the full list of nominees below).



Some of these nominees have been on the Reliquary’s ballots all eight years. Richman is one of 12 first-year nominees.



Here is the ballot biography for Richman:



HAL RICHMAN – as a precocious teen, Richman devised a baseball card game that would evolve by the early 1960s into Strat-O-Matic Baseball, a tabletop baseball simulation that swiftly captured the hearts and imaginations of baseball enthusiasts everywhere, from little leaguers to big leaguers and beyond, including the likes of pro players Keith Hernandez, Len Dykstra, Ken Singleton, announcer Jon Miller, and thousands of more adherents, each attracted to the game’s playability, superior statistics, and devotion to Richman as a square-shooter.



The Baseball Reliquary describes itself as “a Southern California-based organization dedicated to fostering an appreciation of American art and culture through the context of baseball history.”




For additional information on the Shrine of the Eternals, contact Terry Cannon, Executive Director of the Baseball Reliquary, at P.O. Box 1850, Monrovia, CA 91017; by phone at (626) 791-7647; or by e-mail at terymar@earthlink.net.

[Guest Edgy DC]

I Don't Want the Responsibility, Part II

9/26/2004, Bos75-NYN69, Shea Stadium
 
                       1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9     R  H  E   LOB DP
1975 Boston            0  0  0  0  0  0  0           0  0  2     4  1
1969 New York (N)      0  0  0  2  1  0              3 10  1     7  1
 
Boston               AB  R  H BI  D  T HR BB  K SB CS IW HP SH SF   AVG   PO  A  E PB
Miller            lf  3  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  .134    1  0  0  0
Yastrzemski       1b  3  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  .214    6  0  0  0
Lynn              cf  2  0  0  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  .300    2  0  0  0
Carbo             rf  2  0  0  0  0  0  0  1  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  .198    0  0  0  0
Beniquez          3b  3  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  .249    0  2  0  0
Doyle             2b  3  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  .261    3  3  0  0
Blackwell         c   2  0  0  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  .205    4  1  0  0
Burleson          ss  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  .222    2  2  2  0
Tiant             p   2  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  .114    0  2  0  0
                     21  0  0  0  0  0  0  4  4  0  0  0  0  0  0         18 10  2  0
 
New York (N)         AB  R  H BI  D  T HR BB  K SB CS IW HP SH SF   AVG   PO  A  E PB
Boswell           2b  4  0  2  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  .252    1  1  0  0
 Weis             2b  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  .218    0  1  0  0
Harrelson         ss  3  1  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  .240    1  5  0  0
Jones             lf  3  0  2  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  .318    0  0  0  0
Shamsky           rf  3  1  1  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  .293    4  0  0  0
Agee              cf  3  1  2  3  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  .234    4  0  0  0
Dyer              1b  3  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  .267    5  1  1  0
 Gaspar           rf  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  .234    1  0  0  0
Grote             c   3  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  0  .235    4  0  0  0
Collins           3b  3  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  .208    0  1  0  0
Ryan              p   3  0  1  0  0  0  0  0  2  0  0  0  0  0  0  .125    1  0  0  0
                     28  3 10  3  0  1  1  0  4  0  1  0  0  0  0         21  9  1  0
 
Boston                           INN  H  R ER BB  K PCH STR   BF HR IW HP WP DP   ERA
Tiant                            6.0 10  3  2  0  4 101  67   28  1  0  0  0  1  4.28
                                 6.0 10  3  2  0  4 101  67   28  1  0  0  0  1 
 
New York (N)                     INN  H  R ER BB  K PCH STR   BF HR IW HP WP DP   ERA
Ryan                             7.0  0  0  0  4  4 103  61   25  0  0  0  0  1  2.93
                                 7.0  0  0  0  4  4 103  61   25  0  0  0  0  1 
 
NYN: Jones moved to 1b in the 6th
     Shamsky moved to lf in the 6th
     Gaspar inserted at rf in the 6th
     Jones moved to lf in the 6th
     Shamsky moved to 1b in the 6th
     Weis inserted at 2b in the 7th
 
Temperature: 66, Sky: clear, Wind: left to right at 14 MPH.

[Guest Edgy DC]

In my half of the seventh, Cleon Jones reached on an error, but Art Shamsky erased him on a double play. I'm sending Amos Otis out to left for defense and bringing Cleon in to play first. Ed Kranepool and Donn Clendenon have both been overused, and Jones has the same rating (Average) as they do.

[Guest Edgy DC]

First pitch of the eighth, Rick Burleson drives a single over Bud Harrelson's head. @#$%!!

[Guest Edgy DC]

End up with a two-hitter shared by Nolan Ryan and Jack DiLauro.