1965 Season thread

[leecemark]

--Welcome to another exciting season of Classic Keeper League baseball. 1965 looks to be wide open, with no dominating team and almost everyone in a position to contend for the playoffs. Attached is the first month's schedule and the standings - you're all in first place! Opening Day is April 6 in real time. Good luck and have fun.

[J W]

Please confirm for the rules thread your current stadium:

William Hulbert Division
JW Skipjacks (JW) - Memorial Stadium
Lew's Legends (catcher24) - Shea Stadium
Shoeless Joes (jkc32) - Connie Mack Stadium
Papi's Pirates (EdgarToHOF) - Griffith Stadium

Ban Johnson Division
EB Gold Sox (Erik Bedard) - Wrigley Field (CHI)
Leecemark Knights (Leecemark) - Tiger Stadium
PAP Redbirds (Baseball PAP) - Fenway Park --> RFK Stadium
The Dude's Gamblers (Dudecar00) - Chavez Ravine

Alexander Cartwright Division
538280 Cannons (538280) - Crosley Field
ElHalo Diablos (ElHalo) - County Stadium
Mac's Hard Cider (mac195) - Yankee Stadium
Wasp Stingers (Wasp) - Metropolitan Stadium

...any predictions on how this season will turn out? More of the same? New blood?

[leecemark]

--Based on the sims I've run, it will be a major upset if the Hard Cider and Knights don't repeat as division champs. The Hulbert is much more up in the air. Any of the 4 teams could win it with a few breaks. The Wild Card is wide open too. The Diablos have been the most frequent winner, but everyone except the Redbirds and Stingers have contended. Those two teams are still in the rebuilding mode.

[Erik Bedard]

I confirm that I will stay in Wrigley Field in Chicago.

[The Dude]

The Gamblers will continue to play in Chavez Ravine. Heck, we spent a lot of money building that after the '61 season. ;)

[baseballPAP]

Rebuilding.....yep, thats us!
Fenway it is, although I might consider a move if I knew the league rules regarding this..... I have a couple decent lefties, and they'll get killed in Fenway!

[The Dude]

Here you go, straight from the rules thread.


VI. STADIUM MOVES

An owner gets one free stadium move over the life of their franchise. Moves may also be made with a change of ownership or if your stadium went inactive in real life. Any stadium move requests not covered by this section shall be dealt with on a case by case basis and may result in a salary cap deduction to pay for the move.


I think I'm the only one to date to make a stadium change. I was originally in Wrigely Field, LA, and the Dodgers switched to Chavez Ravine in 1962, so I was able to use a "Standard" stadium move.

[leecemark]

--the Legends used their free move, going from Forbes Field to Shea Stadium. Everyone else still has that option available to them.

[jkc32]

Shoeless will stay put at Connie Mack Stadium.

[Wasp]

The Stingers will stay in at Metropolitan Stadium

[ElHalo]

I'm happy with my team; offense is ok but not spectacular (weaknesses at SS and C, but who doesn't; everything else is strong). My pitching is absolutely extraordinary; dominance all around. Lack of innings might be a small problem in my bullpen, although the 165 1/3 relief innings put up by Eddie Fisher should alleviate most concerns, and I have another 51 innings of 111 ERA+ work from Wilbur Wood to call up if needed. All and all, I'm hopeful that the Diablos might make their first postseason this year.

Edit: After posting this, I got to thinking. SS and C are my weak positions offensively, but my two starters there (Roseboro and Aparicio) are earning a combined $17.25 million. So much for earning your pay.

[The Dude]

I have no idea what's going to happen this year. I've got 3 starters with about a 120 ERA+, and a bullpen full of really good pitchers. This is Cookie Rojas' best year at 2nd, but I'm platooning like 6 guys in the OF.

[baseballPAP]

In a move that may come back to haunt them, the Redbirds fly away from the Green Monster, and land in the cookie cutter stadium in DC.....

[leecemark]

--Your pitchers thank you. That takes alot of hits out of the division though. I expect it will probably cost 5 points off my team average...and 15-20 off yours.

[Erik Bedard]

I actually like this year's team better than last year's. No regular (75% or more) starter has a real life OPS+ below 100. After Tommy Harper, the lowest is Zoilo Versalles, who won the real-life MVP. Plus, Deron Johnson and Leon Wagner have career years, and 1964 CKL MVP runner-up Johnny Callison puts up a better real-life season. My pitching is also much improved. The Gold Sox now control future HoFers Sandy Koufax and Whitey Ford. Last year's ace, Tony Cloninger, also improves, and John Buzhardt puts up a solid year. And last but not least (OK, least) is rookie Jim Lonborg. My bullpen is a mess, though. Only Jim Owens and Tommie Sisk (who spent last year in the minors working on his mechanics) post ERA+ over 100 -- at 102 and 103, respectively. All in all, though, this team looks to be better than the team that made the playoffs last year.

[538280]

The Cannons will be staying in Crosley Field.

[ElHalo]

Mark;

I made one change on my managerial profile, moving "Use Closers" from "more" to "most."

[leecemark]

I actually like this year's team better than last year's. No regular (75% or more) starter has a real life OPS+ below 100. After Tommy Harper, the lowest is Zoilo Versalles, who won the real-life MVP. Plus, Deron Johnson and Leon Wagner have career years, and 1964 CKL MVP runner-up Johnny Callison puts up a better real-life season. My pitching is also much improved. The Gold Sox now control future HoFers Sandy Koufax and Whitey Ford. Last year's ace, Tony Cloninger, also improves, and John Buzhardt puts up a solid year. And last but not least (OK, least) is rookie Jim Lonborg. My bullpen is a mess, though. Only Jim Owens and Tommie Sisk (who spent last year in the minors working on his mechanics) post ERA+ over 100 -- at 102 and 103, respectively. All in all, though, this team looks to be better than the team that made the playoffs last year.

--Your rotation is pretty good, but I wouldn't be surprised if their numbers disappoint you some. Wrigley is going to hurt most of them. Koufax , for example, goes from a real life environment where his park held HRs down to 64% of league to a CKL park that allows them at 136% of league. Your defense won't help them either, with Callison, Johnson and Harper playing out of position and Wagner poor at his. As you mention, the bullpen isn't likely to bail them out of many jams either. The Gold Sox are going to need to put alot of runs on the board to get back tot he post season.

[J W]

Our team is obviously downgraded from last season, but has a shot at the playoffs like so many:

I'm very happy with our top 4 outfielders, SS and C/1B platoon... Pete Ward is a weak 3Bman this season and Glenn Beckert is glove only at 2B. Phil Gagliano will serve his role well enough... but our PHers really should be righties, not lefties, and the lineup will show weakness vs. LHP as the season moves along.

The starting rotation is average by this league's standards; but I have a number of inning-eaters on the staff and a strong defense up the middle along with our corner OFers Allison and Oliva. We'll find out through Sam McDowell this season if LHP won't survive in Memorial Stadium.

The bullpen lost depth, with McMahon and McDaniel leaving and Roebuck being sent down... hopefully with Linzy we can set up a platoon with Woodeshick, but Woodeshick is our only LHP in the 'pen. I'm surprised anyone wanted more than $10 mil for Don McMahon but he really has been crucial to our string of Hulbert Division Pennants.

Bottom line -- This team as is can certainly make the playoffs but once that starts, our weaknesses will be exploited. With $20 mil to spend, expect the Skipjacks to be buyers if they're close enough.

[The Dude]

Mark, I'll have to respectfully disagree. I believe the best part of the season is having 6 All-Stars from a 3rd Place team. :D

[leecemark]

--The season is underway, with the Hard Cider:grouchy and Gold Sox perfect after the first series. Team reports will star after series 2 and the first leaderboards will go up commencing with the 3rd series.

[mac195]

HC sign catcher Jerry May to a 3-year contract at 250K per year. He is assigned to the minor league roster.

[catcher24]

--The offseason is officially over. Please make all further posts in the season thread. Thanks everyone for another fun offseason. This is really the best part of the league.
--The Pirates have 26 players listed on their active roster. Since Don Zimmer was listed as "emergency only" he has been inactivated for the opening series. The Pirates also ended the offseason with only 35 players on their roster. They take a cap hit of 1.50 miillion to pay those vacant slots and will operate on a budget of 98.50M for the 1965 season.

Agreed, as always, that the off season is the most enjoyable part. I've always liked that part the best.

I think the cap hit on the Pirates for unfilled slots should only be 1.25M (250K X 5). The extra 250K probably won't bring much, but who knows?

Robert, I like the grading you did for your team. :applaud: I don't agree with all of them, but it was enjoyable reading them. Also interesting to note that three of your starting five came from the Legends - Marichal, Lopez and Culp. Sure hope I get decent players with the draft picks I got from you!:p

I ran several sims as well, and Mark is dead on with his assessment. The Hard Cider had the best record the vast majority of replays, and the Knights were close behind. I don't believe anyone ever won either of those divisions except those teams in all the replays I did. The Hulbert was a different story - every team won the division at least once, with the Skipjacks and Legends prevailing the most often. And the WC race WILL be wide open! Good luck to all!:gt

[J W]

Mark: could you perchance post the team rosters with ratings (steal, run, bunt, defense, etc)? Or at least point it out to me; I can't find it.

Edit - you know what I can wait until Lew's website is updated.

[catcher24]

As for the Legends, I expect them to be competitive in 1965, but not in the top three or four in wins. Due to the division I'm in, I could still take a division title and will almost certainly compete for a WC slot and be improved over last season. Catcher is in flux, but I do have a decent one for 1965, Billy Bryan, who has his best season and then flames out. McCovey at first and Santo and third are excellent, and I would go so far as to say both are the best at their positions this season. Lefebvre at second will be an improvement over last year, and Hansen at short was an absolute steal at 250K (89 OPS+ and a VG fielder, with 600+ PA). My OF of Staub, F. Alou and Skinner/Brandt is decent, but not outstanding. My starting staff will be weak, with Tiant, John, Downing being OK but none having an exceptional year, and Fisher/Monbouquette being inning eaters. The pen, though, is decent with Abernathy (143 ERA+, 136 IP), Kline (133 ERA+, 99 IP - but a high ratio), Osinski, Locker and Gardner.

Really hard to tell. Could go either way for the Legends.

[Edgartohof]

Mark, I was wanting one minor change to my profile:

I want to keep my steals at LESS, except for Vada Pinson, who I want it set for MORE. Thanks.

[The Dude]

Mark, I was just wondering. It shows Kaat as losing the first game for the Gamblers, but my rotation has him pitching 3rd in the Off-season thread. Likewise, Drysdale lost the 3rd game, but he's supposed to be pitching 2nd.

SP1: Larry Jackson
SP2: Don Drysdale
SP3: Jim Kaat
SP4: Mel Stottlemyre
SP5: Gary Wagner (SKIP)

[leecemark]

--Sorry, I did have the rotation order wrong. I fixed it and reset the usage for Jackson and Drysdale do they will be fresh in spots 1/2 when they come up again.

[ElHalo]

Edit - you know what I can wait until Lew's website is updated.

Could anybody post the link to this website? I don't have it.

[leecemark]

--Here you go...http://www.geocities.com/lougehrig24/

[ElHalo]

Thanks; just got a new computer as my six year old laptop overheated and... well... melted (the left half of the keyboard kind of turned into one big, misshapen key), and I lost all my links.

[catcher24]

melted (the left half of the keyboard kind of turned into one big, misshapen key), and I lost all my links.

That doesn't sound good at all!:faint:

I have the updated rosters ready to upload, but I'm waiting for Mark to send me the first file with game results so they can get uploaded as well (with the box scores, of course). Tomorrow probably.

[leecemark]

--2nd series is in the books and the Gold Sox remain undefeated. The Stingers also look good early, leading the Cartwright Division with a 5-1 record.

[The Dude]

Mark, it shows Wagner has pitched 2 games, but only started 1. In my staff, his only listed duty is as the 5th man in the rotation.

[leecemark]

--You used 6 pitchers in that game and the two relievers who didn't get used (Worthington and Duffalo) threw 52 and 68 pitches the day before. Wagner only threw 2 pitches in relief, so he shouldn't have any ill effects. Thanks for keeping a close eye on your team. I'm sure I've made a few data entry errors and I'd like to get things fine tuned for everyone before we get too deep into the season.

[538280]

I have a question as well. Dave Morehead started the 5th game of the season for me-I had him listed as a skipped 5th starter, at least at this point I would like him skipped and I would like to go with a 4-man rotation.

[leecemark]

--We haven't had any off days to set up a skip. If you want to go with a 4 man you can, but skip won't get you there. Over the course of a season a 5th starter on skip will start about 25 games, with the top 4 each picking up 2-3 extra starts.

[leecemark]

--The Knights sign Joey Amalfitiano to a 1 year 250K deal and Jose Pagan to a 3 year 250K deal. Both players are assigned to AAA Kalamazoo.

[catcher24]

OK, I have received the first league file from Mark. The stats and rosters will be up on the site by 3:00PM EST today. If anyone finds any errors, please let me know. I made a few adjustments to some of the reports. I included OPS in the primary stats for hitters and WHIP in the primary stats for pitchers. I don't know how many of the analytical stats you guys check out; I pretty much skip that one myself. Incidentally, if there is a stat NOT listed that someone would really like included, let me know. I can include it somewhere.

[leecemark]

--Another series run. The Gold Sox take their first loss, but still sport a CKL best 8-1 mark. The surprising Stingers still lead the Cartwright with a 7-2 record.

[leecemark]

--The Knights sign Del Crandell to a 2 yr/250k deal. Del is assigned as player-coach at Kalamazoo.

[ElHalo]

Ah, the early season. When fun things like my third stringer catcher being in a tie for third in the triples race can happen.

[The Dude]

I went for it all this year, and it seems like "all" is the worst record in the majors.

[catcher24]

Wasp's hot start is a real surprise. I ran off 15 sims yesterday. I intended to do some sorting in Excel with the text files I exported from DM, but the Excel file was inadvertently deleted :sorry: :nosleep: , and I just didn't have it in me to do it all again. However, I do recall in the vast majority of the replays (like 13 out of 15), the Stingers came in dead last, and usually by a LOT. So I don't expect this hot start to last long, but who knows?

Once again, Mark and Mac (the M & M boys of CKL:p ) won their divisions the vast majority of times (I think Jim beat out Mac once), while the Hulbert was the most wide open (each team won at least once). Mac had one season of 122 wins. Mays won the triple crown one season, and had 77 HR the same year.

It was also interesting to look at the CAREER records generated by 15 years' worth of 1965 replays! Mays had over 800 career HRs; three or four players had 3000+ hits; and one pitcher (sorry, can't remember who) had 300+ wins. Too bad I lost the files!

[leecemark]

--Another series in the books and the Stingers remain the biggest surprise, now owners of the league's best record.

[Erik Bedard]

I must say, I'm pleasantly surprised by my team. Especially my pitching (though Buzhardt and Cloninger need to pitch like they did last year).

[Edgartohof]

Well, other than my 3 game sweep in my second series, I feel pretty good so far. Hopefully as the season progresses my pitcihng will begin to shine more and more.

[catcher24]

And it's looking like another lloooonngg year for the Redbirds!:hp :eek:

And my Legends aren't looking much better. They did finish last in the division in two or three of the replays, when just about everything that could go wrong did. Sure hope that scenario doesn't play out!!

[leecemark]

--The Stingers continue to hold the leagues best record, but suffer the season's first serious injury as LFer Chuck Hinton goes down for 15 games.

[baseballPAP]

And it's looking like another lloooonngg year for the Redbirds!:hp :eek:

And my Legends aren't looking much better. They did finish last in the division in two or three of the replays, when just about everything that could go wrong did. Sure hope that scenario doesn't play out!!

Well....if we want to make that 1968 omelet, now is the time to break the eggs I guess. The goal coming in was to improve on last year. A modest goal :)

[Wasp]

The Stingers will put Hinton on the DL, and call up OF Johnny Briggs. My lineup should look like this:

CF Lou Brock
LF Albie Pearson (Johnny Briggs 10%)
3B Eddie Mathews
1B Gordy Coleman (Norm Sieburn 40%)
SS Charley Smith (Ken Hamlin 10%)
RF Bill Virdon (Manny Mota 10%)
2B Jerry Lumpe
C Bob Tillman (Elston Howard 40%)

EDIT: I'd like to change my setting of using closers from standard to more, thanks.

[catcher24]

Posted by Scott:
Well....if we want to make that 1968 omelet, now is the time to break the eggs I guess.

Forget 1968 Scott. That's MY year. I'll have a monster team that year!:laugh :nod:

[leecemark]

--The Hard Cider have reeled off an 8 game winning streak to claim the division lead and league's best record from the Stingers.

[J W]

Wow, what parity to start the season... other than the Yank... er, Hard Cider, and the Legends and Redbirds, every team is within single digits of zero run differential!

Mark and Lew were right, it looks like this will be a competetive year.

[The Dude]

One change mark
Steal: Less, for everyoen.

[catcher24]

Steal: Less, for everyoen.

Is he one of those Japanese players?:laugh :laugh

[The Dude]

Yeah. With all that Dice-K buzz this year, we only payed 30 Million to talk to him. :dance

[catcher24]

I updated the web site, but didn't add anything new to the News section, since the new file only added three games. Next time!

Good point regarding run differentials, JW. It does appear it'll be close this year, although Mac is starting his annual sprint to the top, and now that Mark is at .500 he'll probably take off, too. At this point, based on all the sims I ran, the Stingers are definitely the over performers so far:clapping , while my own Legends are definitely the worst under performers!:hp :shrug:

[ElHalo]

Wow, what parity to start the season... other than the Yank... er, Hard Cider, and the Legends and Redbirds, every team is within single digits of zero run differential!

Interesting note on that, though: because of the overwhelming dominance of the Hard Cider in the run differential department so far, only three teams in the league have positive run differentials (Hard Cider, Gamblers, Diablos)... and if the playoffs started today, only one of those teams (Hard Cider) would be making them.

[leecemark]

--The Hard Cider sweep the Stingers, running their winning streak to 11 and taking charge of the division race.

[catcher24]

Mark, I think you uploaded the wrong standings. Those are the standings from the prior series, I think, since it shows Mac with 8 wins in a row.

The Hard Cider sweep the Stingers, running their winning streak to 11 and taking charge of the division race.

Sure didn't take long for that to happen!:eek: :p

[leecemark]

--Even after being swept by the mighty Macmen the Stingers still have the league's second best record. I doubt they can hang with the Hard Cider over the course of a season, but they could keep their fans interested deep into the season. Except for Mac, parity is the story of the early season. Of course, I still hope to take some of the parity out of the Johnson Division:cap: :gt .

[Erik Bedard]

Even after being swept by the mighty Macmen the Stingers still have the league's second best record.

I beg to differ. My team is 13-8, the Stingers are 12-9.

[Wasp]

--The Hard Cider sweep the Stingers, running their winning streak to 11 and taking charge of the division race.

Oh well, it was fun while it lasted. :p

[leecemark]

--The Pirates take over the Hulbert Division lead and the Gold Sox and Hard Cider solidify their leads, as we complete the April schedule. The Diablos Tracy Stallard goes down for 21 days, in only the 2nd significant injury so far this season.

[leecemark]

--Here is the May schedule and some other assorted reports.

[leecemark]

--With the Knights below .500 and last in the league in pitching, GM Smokey Braitwaite announced that pitching coach Johnny "Chin Music" Morgan was being let go. "We felt like it was time to make a change. We've had a number of pitchers crash after one big year with us and some of our younger pitchers haven't developed like we hoped. John drives people pretty hard and that may have taken a toll after 4+ years of running the staff. Of course, he has been a big part of our success and the Knights wish him well in his future endeavors."
--"Johnny Sain is being brought in from Kalamazoo to take on the job and he has a much gentler approach to handling his pitchers. We hope the new approach will yield immediate results. If it doesn't then Mr Sain will have the chance to work with some of his pupils fromt the Squires here in Detriot. The Knights are not prepared to let this season slip away from us."
--Manager Pop Oldfarte had litttle to say at the press conference and appeared uncomfortable. Rumors around the Knights organization say he objected strongly to Morgan's firing, but was told he could either go along or move along.

[catcher24]

Manager Pop Oldfarte had litttle to say at the press conference and appeared uncomfortable.

Uh-OH!! Is Pop Oldfarte going to get blown away by the top brass??:ughh :laugh :D

[catcher24]

And you stole the pitching coach I was courting!:thumbsdown: :mad:

When you see one of the new team pages I'm developing, you'll know what I'm talking about.:blah:

[leecemark]

And you stole the pitching coach I was courting!:thumbsdown: :mad:

When you see one of the new team pages I'm developing, you'll know what I'm talking about.:blah:


--Maybe Pop will have to coast into retirement quicker than planned before you steal away the real life manager I have in mind to replace him:waving : . The Knights will be shifting away from the ficticious staff which has run the team since 1961 to real managers/coaches/ex-players (once some Knights retire) from the period in the near future. There hasn't been much excuse for changes so far though.

[The Dude]

I think there should be some sort of rule, as whoever someone plays with their last year, that team has a 1 year right to put them on their staff before any other team gets a chance.

[Erik Bedard]

Wow, the Koufax trade has REALLY helped me. Without him and his 1.74 ERA, my team would be a lot higher than 4.30 as a team. We're in last anyway as it is. However, we're on top of the Johnson, which is all that really matters -- though it's pretty perplexing why. I guess we've been doing the little things, leading the league in triples, sac bunts, and tied for the lead in sac flies. Also, we've been stealing bases, something that was like a foreign language to last year's team (aside from Willie Davis). We're also leading the league in strikeouts (thanks in large part to Koufax and Cloninger), and the bullpen hasn't been the black hole I expected.

[leecemark]

--I don't know if a last year rule is something we would want to lock in. I'm not going to want to pay 12M for the 1973 (or probably 72) version of Willie Mays, but if somebody else has him riding their pine those years he'd still be a Knight legacy IMO. Who you have as your manager or on your coaching staff isn't going to make any difference in the standings. I would hope it will never be a real point of contention amoungst us.
--We can discuss this further in the Discussion Thread if anyone is interested. For now though, I'd say the signing of managers should be first come first served. If anyone wants to sign another team's coach (or minor league manager should anyone bother to appoint those) to be their manager they will be free to do so unless we agree on a rule against it later.

[The Dude]

I totally agree, but I think in a league like this, all the frivolties that go along with it make it more enjoyable (If you can't tell by my team thread. ;) I don't know whose Jersey number will be retired first).

[ElHalo]

The Diablos send down Stallard (who could honestly use a break anyway; he's short on innings this year) and recall Earl Wilson to fill his slot on the roste.r

[J W]

In response to the recent firing of "Chin Music" Morgan, questions were raised ragarding the struggling Skipjack bats... owner T.D. Dum however gave a vote of confidence to batting coach "Rainbows" Monahan stating, "I've never had a problem with him, he tells good stories--say, that's a sharp suit (interviewer)!"

In more sobering news, Skipjacks manager "Codfish" Spatz was hospitalized after last Tuesday's game. Rumors have it that the 71 year old is having trouble with his liver. In the meantime, pitching coach George "Butterfly" Carpenter will assume managerial duties: "I appreciate the organization's confidence in me but obviously we want Willie back as soon as he gets healthy. He's brought a sensibility to this team that will be missed."

Will Carpenter's added duties affect a pitching staff that set the league record for ERA and tied for wins last season? "Nah--Dean (Chance) and Joe (Horlen) are just having rough starts, we all know they'll turn around... and I've been working with our new additions (starters Dave McNally and Bob Friend) and they're looking real solid. There's not much left to do but keep the staff even-keel and let the veterans work their stuff."

[catcher24]

before you steal away the real life manager I have in mind to replace him

If that be the legendary Casey, have no fear, I'm not leaning in that direction. The new look homepage is about done - working on one issue I hope to resolve one way or another soon. Darned lack of HTML knowledge is a serious hindrance, but have located a couple of forums that I think will be most helpful. Working out a little problem with a DM report, too.
The first team page I design will be my own, and I'll put up a link to it so that everyone can look at it and see what info I'm putting on it, so you can each contribute as much (or as little!) as you feel like.

[leecemark]

--Casey? I want him as manager like I want Spahn acnhoring my rotation. This is 1965, not 55:rolleyes: .

[catcher24]

Well, Pop is 71. You seem to favor those old managers. Perhaps Leo Durocher would fill the bill!:laugh

[Edgartohof]

I believe that this is the first time that I've had the right-out lead in my division, and I hope for it to stay that way.

We've gotten this far not on hitting (which has been fairly abysmall - though my no hit/no field SS is hitting over .300!). But my pitching has been quite decent, led by Marichal (who has already had 3 SHO this season), and Wilhelm closing out the games.

This is what the team was looking for this season, to come out strong and get some results.

[leecemark]

--Some interesting developments in the series'. The Pirates swept the Legends to open some breathing room in the Hulbert. The Knights swept the Redbirds to break over .500 for the first time this season and pull within 2 of the division lead. The Diablos swept the Hard Cider, ending Mac's 11 game winning streak and serving notice the Cartwright was going to be the HC's private hunting ground this year. We also had our first rash of injuries.

[Edgartohof]

2nd best record in the league....I'll take it. Now I know this is early, but this is definitely better than I did last year.

[538280]

Until Buford comes back use these lineups, and also bring up Eddie Bressoud and send down Jose Tartabull, until Buford comes back:

Lineup vs. RHP
1. Campaneris, SS (Bressoud)
2. Wynn, CF (Hickman)
3. Aaron, RF (Hickman)
4. Tresh, LF (Hickman)
5. Whitfield, 1B (Harrelson 15%)
6. Pagliaroni, C (Lau 15%)
7. Weis, 2B (Bressoud 15%)
8. Jones, 3B (Hickman 15%)
PH: Harrelson, Lau, Hickman

Lineup vs. LHP
1. Campaneris, SS (Bressoud)
2. Wynn, CF (Hickman)
3. Aaron, RF (Hickman)
4. Tresh, LF (Hickman)
5. Hickman, 3B (Jones)
6. Harrelson, 1B (Whitfield)
7. Pagliaroni, C (Lau 15%)
8. Weis, 2B (Bressoud 15%)
PH: Jones, Whtifled, Lau

Also put Frank Carpin on the 15 day DL and call up Hal Reniff in his place, Reniff takes all the spots Carpin had.

[catcher24]

I am truly perplexed.:confused: :think: I really thought I would be in contention for at least the wild card, and out of all the replays I ran (around 30), I think I finished last in the division twice - and never came close the the league's worst record (yes, the Redbirds have the same record but my run differential is worse)! Can't figure out how everyone except a couple of part timers (Brandt and Skinner) could all tank together. It's still early May, so perhaps this team will turn it around yet. But they'd better start soon. Nine back the fourth week in the season isn't looking too good.:hp :hp

[Wasp]

Mark, I noticed that Pedro Ramos has been put as a closer on the website. Could you please make Ramos my LHSU, and put Don Dennis as the closer with Klippstein? Thanks.

[leecemark]

Max, that is how your relief roles are set up. Ramos position is listed as closer in the program, as that is what he did in real life. He will be listed that way in any reports that list position, regardless of how you assign him.

[Wasp]

Max, that is how your relief roles are set up. Ramos position is listed as closer in the program, as that is what he did in real life. He will be listed that way in any reports that list position, regardless of how you assign him.

Oh, okay. Thanks Mark. Then, I guess Dennis will a RHSU too.

[leecemark]

--Another series in and the pennant races are really heating up. The Knights have won 6 in a row to take a 1 game lead in the Johnson. The Shoeless Joes 5 in a row to pull into a tie in the Hulbert. The Diablos 8 0f 10 to pull withing one in the Cartwright and the Stingers took 2 0f 3 from the Hard Cider to get back within 2.

[Erik Bedard]

The Knights have won 6 in a row to take a 1 game lead in the Johnson.

It was fun while it lasted...

[J W]

Um, with Beckert and Fregosi down for 1 measly game, I can't put either of them on the DL... I wonder who the team is going to trot out at SS. :faint:

[catcher24]

I wonder who the team is going to trot out at SS.

Boog Powell?:eek: :ughh

[538280]

I am truly perplexed.:confused: :think: I really thought I would be in contention for at least the wild card, and out of all the replays I ran (around 30), I think I finished last in the division twice - and never came close the the league's worst record (yes, the Redbirds have the same record but my run differential is worse)! Can't figure out how everyone except a couple of part timers (Brandt and Skinner) could all tank together. It's still early May, so perhaps this team will turn it around yet. But they'd better start soon. Nine back the fourth week in the season isn't looking too good.:hp :hp

I expected my team to do better than we have so far as well, I was expecting to be at least .500. Hopefully I can turn it around.

[Wasp]

The Stingers will send down Johnny Briggs, and pull Chuck Hinton off the DL. My lineup should look like this:

CF Lou Brock
LF Chuck Hinton (Albie Pearson 10%)
3B Eddie Mathews
1B Gordy Coleman (Norm Sieburn 40%)
SS Charley Smith (Ken Hamlin 10%)
RF Bill Virdon (Manny Mota 10%)
2B Jerry Lumpe
C Bob Tillman (Elston Howard 40%)

[leecemark]

--Another series in and the Knights have run their win streak to 9. Not much other news.

[J W]

Yeech. Our offense is really struggling early this season. I can take solice, however, in that several of my players are waaay under their '65 averages... even if they never reach the average, their numbers will improve. Joe Torre is a notable slow starter for me--I think every season he's had a bad spring followed by a torrid summer.

Meanwhile, with the Hard Cider going 4-6 in their last ten the standings at the top have really closed up. But, the two big names are still at the top so we'll see.

[ElHalo]

How many games are there in the season again? I might need to tweak my usages to keep some of my guys on pace not to exceed.

[The Dude]

168 games a season.

[ElHalo]

Ah, ok. Need to make some tweaks, especially to Jim Brewer (fantastic season, way too few innings).

EDIT: Ok, I need to make one minor change. Apparently, the current setup isn't using Bill Pleis at all and is using Jim Brewer too much; I'll switch Pleis and Brewer as my lefthanded setup guys, making Pleis the number one option and Brewer the number two.

[leecemark]

--Another series in the books

[538280]

Making some changes here, some players are being used too much.

Lineup vs. RHP
1. Buford, 2B (Weis)
2. Wynn, CF (Tartabull)
3. Aaron, RF (Tartabull)
4. Tresh, LF (Hickman)
5. Whitfield, 1B (Harrelson 15%)
6. Pagliaroni, C (Lau 22%)
7. Campaneris, SS (Weis)
8. Jones, 3B (Hickman 25%)
PH: Harrelson, Lau, Hickman

Lineup vs. LHP
1. Buford, 2B (Weis 20%)
2. Wynn, CF (Tartabull 8%)
3. Aaron, RF (Tartabull)
4. Tresh, LF (Tartabull 5%)
5. Hickman, 3B (Jones)
6. Harrelson, 1B (Whitfield)
7. Pagliaroni, C (Lau 20%)
8. Campaneris, SS (Weis)
PH: Tartabull, Weis, Jones

Pitching
SP1 Barber
SP2 Grant
SP3 Ellsworth
SP4 Morehead
SP5 Perry (skip)
Spot starter: Perry, Washburn
Mop up: Perry, Gatewood
Long man: Washburn, Gatewood
LH set up: Perranoski, Carpin
RH set up: McMahon, Gatewood
LH closer: Perranoski, McMahon
RH closer: Perranoski, McMahon

[Wasp]

The Stingers announce some changes(in bold.)

Lineup:

CF Lou Brock
LF Chuck Hinton (Albie Pearson 10%)
3B Eddie Mathews
1B Gordy Coleman (Norm Sieburn 50%)
SS Charley Smith (Ken Hamlin 10%)
RF Bill Virdon (Manny Mota 30%)
2B Jerry Lumpe
C Bob Tillman (Elston Howard 40%)

Pitchers:

Rotation:

Bob Shaw
Claude Osteen
John O'Donoghue
Turk Farrel
Curt Simmons (skip)

Bullpen:

Spot Starter: Cal Koonce
Long man: Bob Sadowski
Mopup: Denny Lemaster
RHSU: Phil Niekro
LHSU: Don Dennis
CL: Johnny Klippstein, Pedro Ramos

[The Dude]

Few changes

Lineup Vs RHP:
1.CF-Curt Flood
2.2B-Cookie Rojas
3.LF-Mickey Mantle (Gates Brown-45%)
4.3B-Harmon Killebrew (Ken Boyer-30%)
5.1B-Bill Skowron
6.RF-Wes Covington (Jose Cardenal-35%, Rico Carty-25%)
7.SS-Jerry Adair (Rico Petrocelli-15%, Roy McMillan-10%)
8.C-Buck Rodgers (Doug Camilli-15%)
9.Pitcher
Pinch Hitter: Default

Lineup VS LHP:
1.CF-Curt Flood
2.2B-Cookie Rojas
3.LF-Mickey Mantle (Gates Brown-10%)
4.3B-Harmon Killebrew (Ken Boyer-10%)
5.1B-Bill Skowron
6.RF-Rico Carty (Jose Cardenal-5%)
7.SS-Rico Petrocelli (Jerry Adair-45%)
8.C-Doug Camilli (Buck Rodgers-10%)
9.Pitcher
Pinch Hitter: Default

[leecemark]

--Great races developing in all 3 divisions. Afew injuries starting to pile up.

[ElHalo]

Eddie Fisher's right arm has asked me to move "Use Closers" from "Most" to "Normal."

[J W]

Eddie Fisher's right arm has asked me to move "Use Closers" from "Most" to "Normal."

Much to the chagrin of his left arm, who felt Fisher could handle the increased workload. :D

[Erik Bedard]

Mark, for the two games that Robinson's out, please start Johnson at third and Bond at first.

[Edgartohof]

Just have a couple changes if you don't mind.

vs. LHP
1B - Joe Adcock 100%
RF - Jim King 50%, Jerry Lynch 50%
C - Earl Battey 85%, Jim Coker 15%

Reliever Usage: Standard

Closer Usage: Most

[catcher24]

Excellent races, indeed! :clapping And if this keeps up all season long, the WC race will turn into a real donnybrook!:nod:

And poor Eddie Fisher's arms are still arguing!:debate: That left arm DOES want to try!!:laugh

[ElHalo]

And poor Eddie Fisher's arms are still arguing!:debate: That left arm DOES want to try!!:laugh

Ah, Fisher's a trooper, tossing 165 1/3 real life relief innings this season. The 48 innings in the first 36 games he's tossed so far, though, put him a bit ahead of that pace. Maybe his left arm will get a say when it learns a curveball.

Although as he is currently third in the ERA race, I'll try and keep him qualified so he can attempt to do the impossible, and lead the league in ERA without a single start.

[catcher24]

I'll try and keep him qualified so he can attempt to do the impossible, and lead the league in ERA without a single start.

He should be able to get the requisite number of innings, since he had enough in real life. With our 125% usage limit, he could pitch as many as 206 innings without going over the limit!

[leecemark]

--The pirates swept the Skipjacks to claim sole possesion of the Hulbert and push the defending champs into the cellar. We're now 1/4 of the way through the season, so time to review your playing time.

[Edgartohof]

I'm very happy with the way my teams been playing.

Really, it's been my pitching keeping me in it.

Wilhelm has been a great anchor for my games, posting a nice 1.00 ERA, and Marichal has definitely been leading by example, with 6 CG and 3 SHO

Unfortunately, my offense which wasn't that great to begin with has a couple key guys who are underperforming. Earl Battey my catcher, and Vada Pinson. And this is supposed to be Pinson's last great year.


Either way, I'm at the top of my division, and tied for 2nd in the league, and I'm happy with it.

[Edgartohof]

Well, Jim King has gooten a lot of use, but too much if I want him for the season, so in my Lineup vs. RHP, could you make a small change:

RF - Willie Davis - [Jim King - 15%]

[Erik Bedard]

Mark, send down Lonborg and call up Swoboda. I'll go with a four-man rotation. New lineups:

SS Versalles (Groat)
2B Harper (Groat 25%)
CF Callison (Harper 5%)
RF Wagner (Swoboda 10%, Kuenn 10%)
LF Conigliaro (Swoboda 20%, Kuenn 10%)
1B Johnson (Bond 15%)
3B Robinson (Johnson 10%)
C Dalrymple (Orsino 35%, Stephenson 10%)
Pitcher

[Erik Bedard]

I'm not all that happy with where my team is right now. Of course, they started 16-23 last year and made the playoffs. And the phone lines are always open, especially if you need a 1B and have an extra pitching.

[catcher24]

and Marichal has definitely been leading by example, with 6 CG and 3 SHO

He never did anything for me. :rant: :grouchy Must have been the pitching coach or manager. They'll both be gone soon :waving the way the team is performing anyway!

[ElHalo]

I'll put Mr. Stallard back in the rotation, now that he's off the DL.

[catcher24]

Mark, all I can say is Camilo Pascual must love pitching for the Knights. Back in the fold as a free agent pickup, he's currently 6-1 with a 1.37ERA!!

Incidentally, I don't know how many check the website regularly, but please let me know if you have any problems. I've viewed it with both IE 6 and Firefox 2 without any trouble.

[leecemark]

--Lew, the site is working fine for me. If anyone is not checking it regularly you are missing some good info. The is alot more info available there than I manage to get posted in the thread and it generally isn't more than one series behind for timeliness.

[catcher24]

Glancing down through quickly, I see the following players are at or above 40%:
Cannons - Al Weis, JIm Perry (well, 39%)
Shoeless Joes - Ed Bailey
Legends - Jackie Brandt,Rob Gardner, Tommy John
Redbirds - Tony Gonzalez, Woodie Held, Billy Hoeft, Bruce Howard
Pirates - Jim King, Don Mincher
Gamblers - Wes Covington, Rico Petrocelli, Jim Duffalo (71%)

[catcher24]

Mark - I try to get the info up on the site as soon as I get the file from you. Had a bit of a problem today - power supply on my PC bit the dust. Got it replaced and am now back in business!

[leecemark]

--Well since I'm only sending the file every other series you are going to be behind 50% of the time. If you want I could start sending every series. It isn't much extra work to e-mail the league file when I'm posting the other reports here.
--As for Pascaul, I resigned him mostly for sentimental reasons from his past glories with the Knights. I did have a side goal of getting him 15 wins this year to be our first 100 game winner. I never expected this kind of performance though! He will have be rested at some point though. His current IP pace will burn him out before the finish line.

[leecemark]

--Another series in, with nothing really changed.

[catcher24]

If you want I could start sending every series

If everyone else thought that was a good idea it wouldn't be much work for me. It takes all of about ten minutes to generate and upload the files. What takes a bit more time is choosing the batter/pitcher of the week, and running the box scores through Trilogy to pick out exceptional single game performances, but I could still just do that every other series.

What does everyone think? Does anyone even bother to read the News, or should I drop it?

Incidentally, the website remake has hit a major snag - GOOD WEATHER!! It finally stopped snowing and warmed up here, so this project will go onto the back burner, at least for a while.

[J W]

I still read the news Lew, but if it's too much don't worry about it... websites take a lot to maintain and I'm sure you don't need me telling you that!

If this dismal performance keeps up, the Skipjacks are going to be sellers by around the all-star break. In any case we're going to need some managerial adjustments this weekend. :pray:

[Erik Bedard]

Lew, I read the news pretty much every week, and I have no problems with it remaining just every week.

[catcher24]

No, the news isn't too much to do, and I'm very happy that at least a couple enjoy (well, at least read, anyway) my disjointed ramblings!

I think the other question is, would it benefit the managers more to have the stats updated after every series, rather than every two? I would still do the news weekly, but it's a quick upload to put the stats up after every series, and Mark was wondering about that, too.

[ElHalo]

The only real benefit to having every series instead of every two would be if your team went into a weird stretch where a backup player with little real life playing time got used A LOT in a couple of straight series... i.e., you've got a backup pitcher with 40 real world innings, but due to random computer reasons he ends up pitching 20 innings in six games. In that kind of a situation, it would be helpful to make changes immediately. Otherwise, really don't think it's that big a deal.

[catcher24]

It might become a bit more important near the end of the season, when players are approaching the limit, especially for platoon players when facing right handed starters six games in a row might put a lefty swinging platoon man over if he's close. Actually, I was going to suggest to Mark that if the races continue to be close into early October, perhaps the final week should be done a day at a time in case of injury. But if history is any indicator, by that point the Mac men and the Knights will be out of sight, leaving the Hurlbert and the WC - but it still might be worth doing if they're close.

[leecemark]

--The Knights and Hard Cider meet for the 2nd time this season and for the 2nd time the HC break out the broom.

[mac195]

http://www.wfrfire.com/website/misc/tools/broom_big.jpg

:thumbsup: :happy: :thumbsup:

[catcher24]

Now Mac, that was just downright MEAN!:dismay:

[mac195]

...just illustrating Mark's post above. :) I'm sure he will return the favor at some point this season.

[catcher24]

Only if he figures out a way to beat you!:crossfingers:

[leecemark]

--Two months in now and the biggest surprise for me is the Hulber, which I expected to be the most competitive divison, has by far the biggest gap. The Pirates have run their win streak to 8 games, taking over the league's best record. meanwhile the Shoeless Joes have run their losing streak to 6, falling 9 games back.

[Edgartohof]

Well, I am happy with things so far. This is what I was hoping for. Unfortunately, I may have sacrificed some immediate future prosperity, due to draft picks traded away.

[leecemark]

--Sorry, attachments didn't take earlier

[catcher24]

Hey Mark,you forgot to point out that it was the Pirates sweeping the Shoeless Joes! The Pirates have been a big surprise. But to me the biggest surprise still is the continued fine performance of the Stingers! This is a team that in the majority of my preseason sims had the worst record in the league - and by quite a bit usually! Yet they're still only four games out in the tough Cartwright Division.

And Jim has to be a little disgruntled with his team. The Mac men get swept, Diablos have a great opportunity to close, and they get swept by the Stingers!

[ElHalo]

And Jim has to be a little disgruntled with his team. The Mac men get swept, Diablos have a great opportunity to close, and they get swept by the Stingers!

That certainly is upsetting, but I've been gunning for the WC all season, which I'm still in decent shape for. The big surprise to me is Jack Fisher, a guy I believe I released last season, being the best pitcher in the league. Go Lew.

A couple of usage changes to keep my outfielders from wearing down completely by the end of the year: I'll move McMullen up to 15% at third base and 15% in LF, and I'll move Lou Johnson up to 30% in CF.

Mark: Is Aparicio still set to "more" for SB's? I know his OBP isn't high, but he's only attempted four steals this year, which doesn't seem right.

[leecemark]

--Aparicio is set for more - but he can't steal firstbase.

[mac195]

Swept by the Cannons... jinxed by the broom?

[leecemark]

--The Cannons follow up their sweep of the Diablos with one of the Knights. Is it too late to wake up and contend in their division?

[baseballPAP]

Mark, please disable Duliba, calling up May to take his slot in the rotation. I'll let the sim handle the other slot for another start or 2. When Duliba is back, he'll go down for a "rehab" start or 5 :)

[J W]

Wow, I knew this team would be a step back for the Skipjacks but I didn't expect to be on track for the 1st pick! :crazy I have no idea what to do to fix the team until some positive trends develop, somewhere.

It's a long season but it looks like we may finally have some changing of the guard... someome still needs to get past the Knights but the division is tight at the moment and you never know. The thing I notice is how well all the expansion teams are doing in their 2nd year. And cap trouble still hasn't really kicked in yet for most teams, so the expansion teams haven't really had that advantage.

[ElHalo]

And cap trouble still hasn't really kicked in yet for most teams, so the expansion teams haven't really had that advantage.

It's gonna be an issue for me. I've got Pappas' $13 mill coming off the books this season, but the entirely unproductive Aparicio and Roseboro are on the hook for around $18 mill (I at least have the excuse of having traded for Roseboro; I have nobody but myself to blame for Aparicio). Throw in the mega money I'm paying Roberto Clemente and Al Kaline and Roberto Clemente in their thirties, and I might start to have some issues. Thankfully, I have tons of cheap pitching in the pipeline (including Wilbur Wood, whom I drafted in the initial draft in '61 but have yet to see a single inning from).

[catcher24]

mega money I'm paying Roberto Clemente and Al Kaline and Roberto Clemente in their thirties

Jim, you'd better have someone in the front office investigated for fraud and/or theft if Clemente is drawing two salaries!:rant: :choke: He's good, but he isn't that good. :laugh

[catcher24]

but I didn't expect to be on track for the 1st pick! I have no idea what to do to fix the team until some positive trends develop, somewhere.

Believe me, JW, I know the feeling well!!:hp :shrug: :confused:

[leecemark]

--Another series in and the division races are starting to open up a little. All three leaders are now up by 5-6 games.

[Edgartohof]

Jim, you'd better have someone in the front office investigated for fraud and/or theft if Clemente is drawing two salaries!:rant: :choke: He's good, but he isn't that good. :laugh


I noticed that as well, but I figured that if that was the problem, I'd let him figure it out (no need to help the competition, it's hard enough as it is) :)

[ElHalo]

Jim, you'd better have someone in the front office investigated for fraud and/or theft if Clemente is drawing two salaries!:rant: :choke: He's good, but he isn't that good. :laugh

And in other news: While no news was forthcoming regarding the rumored dismissal of Diablos' GM Todd Stottlemyre (whose hiring has been questioned ever since rookie pitcher Mel Stottlemyre's son was hired to lead the team mere hours after his birth), the Diablos did announce today that they have removed and replaced their entire typing pool. No further comment was given by the team's representatives. When asked about the typing shakeup, Stottlemyre was quoted as saying: "Wahhhhhhhh."

[leecemark]

--Still looking to be our most competitive season ever. Only 8 games between the Wild Card leading Stingers abd the league's worst record and none of the division races exactly a blowout either. No team is more than a hot streak away from comtention.

[mac195]

some adjustments:

Lineup vs. RHP
1 Fairly CF (Green)
2 Morgan 2B (Mazeroski DR)
3 Allen 3B (Mazeroski)
4 Cash 1B (Fairly)
5 Robinson LF (Green)
6 Colavito RF (Maris)
7 Romano C (Haller 40%, Haller DR)
8 Brown SS (Rodgers)
PH vs RHP: Maris, Green, Haller
PH vs LHP: Maris, Rodgers
Lineup vs. LHP
1 Morgan 2B (Mazeroski DR)
2 Allen 3B (Mazeroski)
3 Robinson LF (Green)
4 Colavito RF (Maris)
5 Cash 1B (Fairly)
6 Romano C (Haller)
7 Fairly CF (Green)
8 Rodgers SS (Brown 50%, Brown DR)

[The Dude]

SP1: Larry Jackson
SP2: Don Drysdale
SP3: Jim Kaat
SP4: Gaylord Perry
SP5: Gary Wagner (SKIP)
Spot: Mel Stottlemyre
Mop: Bill Faul
Long: Gary Wagner
RH Setup: Al Worthington, Jim Duffalo
LH Setup: Gordie Richardson, Bob Lee
Closer: Bob Lee, Al Worthington

[leecemark]

--The Hard Cider have reeled off another 6 game winning streak to open a sizable gap in the Cartwright, as well as in the race for the league's best record.

[Wasp]

Some changes.

Lineup:

CF Lou Brock
LF Chuck Hinton (Albie Pearson 10%)
3B Eddie Mathews
1B Gordy Coleman (Norm Sieburn 50%)
RF Bill Virdon (Manny Mota 30%)
2B Jerry Lumpe
C Bob Tillman (Elston Howard 40%)
SS Ken Hamlin

LHSU: Pedro Ramos
CL: Klippstein, De

[leecemark]

--The Legends have run off a 7 game winning streak to climb back into contention. Meanwhile the Gamblers have dropped 9 in a row to fall into a tie for the league's worst record.

[The Dude]

Meanwhile the Gamblers have dropped 9 in a row to fall into a tie for the league's worst record.

Why am I not suprised.

[catcher24]

--The Legends have run off a 7 game winning streak to climb back into contention.

I AM surprised, but pleasantly so!:clapping :gt :dance I thought I had a better team than what they've been showing so far and maybe my guys are starting to play up to their ability.

[leecemark]

--The Knights now have the league's longest winning streak (a modest 5) and have opened up a 6 game bulge in the Johnson, while claiming the league's 2nd best record. Their sweep of the Redbirds in this series was highlighted by a perfect game for Sonny Seibert.

[Erik Bedard]

Their sweep of the Redbirds in this series was highlighted by a perfect game for Sonny Seibert.

Congratulations to Siebert! :party: :applaud: :party: :applaud:

[catcher24]

Marvelous! I'll expand on Sonny's amazing performance in the notes when I get the file from Mark and can look at the box score. And of course it'll be uploaded along with the rest so everyone can give it a look if they want.

SONNY! SONNY! SONNY!:hyper: :dance

[mac195]

Sonny Siebert was my favorite player when I first started following baseball as an 8-year-old in 1971. He got off to a great start for the Red Sox that year... neck and neck with Vida Blue in the first half. I remember talking with my dad about what a great matchup it was going to be when the Sox faced the A's.

[catcher24]

Hearkening back to my youth, I still remember the Strat cards for the 1965 Cleveland Indians, and more particularly those of Siebert and McDowell. Both had numerous strikeout readings on their cards, since both had more K's than IP. I used to love throwing those two guys at an opponent - and then whimper when I had to go to the rest of the staff, although in retrospect Tiant wasn't terrible, about league average. BB-ref shows McDowell's ERA+/WHIP of 166/1.14 and Siebert's of 144/0.98, Tiant's 99/1.18 - so he looks sad in comparison. But on the pitcher's cards, McDowell had hardly any hits allowed (Lots of walks, though) and Siebert had few of either - and oh, all those strikeout spots!

[leecemark]

--The Pirates have dropped 5 in a row while the Shoeless Joes have won 6 to close the gap in the Hulbert to 2 games. In fact, the gap between first and last in the division is only 6 games, as pre-season predictions of a dog fight for the title appear to be accurate.

[leecemark]

--Another series in and the things keep tightening up, especially in the wild card race. 7 teams are within 5 games of each other for that spot. Please check your usage, as a number of players are way ahead of the pace to go over.

[catcher24]

I think it's incredible - and a good reflection on ALL of our owners and league competitiveness - that we are now 45% of the way through the season and the WORST team at present is only 9 games back in the WC race, with (as Mark said) the third worst team (yeah, that'd be me) only 5 back. One good winning streak has virtually any team back into at least the WC race. And with 55% of the season remaining, and the largest division lead being 7 games, anyone is still within decent range of a playoff spot.

It may be difficult for ANY team to offer somebody to the leaders by the trading deadline, because it looks like everyone will still have a shot at a playoff spot. Great going, everyone!:clapping :gt

[catcher24]

IN regards to Mark's mention of playing time issues, I know I'm a prime offender this year, and knew going in that I'd have some issues, especially in the outfield. Anyway, with 45% of the season now gone, below is a list of all players who are at 55% or more of usage, just as a reminder. I have some moves to make very soon, and I think some others do as well.
CHRIS - SEND AL WEIS DOWN; HE'S AT 114%. DON'T WANT TO SEE YOU LOSE ANOTHER ROOKIE DRAFT PICK!!

Cannons: Al Weis, 114
Gold Sox - John Buzhardt, 55
Diablos - Eddie Fisher, 55
Shoeless Joes - Ed Bailey, 79
Skipjacks - Carl Yastrzemski, 56
Knights - Camilo Pascual, 57
Legends - Jackie Brandt, 101; Bob Skinner, 55; Rusty Staub, 59 (see what I meant about those outfielders?); Rob Gardner, 77; Tommy John, 55
Hard Cider - Andre Rodgers, 63
Redbirds - Horace Clarke, 58; Vic Davalillo, 60; Tony Gonzalez, 77; Woodie Held, 78; Tony Horton, 68; Bob Uecker, 55; Terry Fox, 58; Billy Hoeft, 64; Bruce Howard, 63; Ralph Terry, 65
Scott, thanks for making me look good - and it'll sure get ugly for you before the end of this year!:(
Pirates - Earl Battey, 58; Jimmie Coker, 59; Don Demeter, 64; Jim King, 56; Jerry Lynch, 66; Don Mincher, 64; Robin Roberts, 61
Gamblers - Jim Duffalo, 103
Stingers - Turk Farrell, 55; Bob Shaw, 58

Looks like no one was immune this time, although some teams are in much better shape than others. Any players between 55 and 60 will probably be OK until perhaps the very end.

[538280]

Please do send Al Weis down and call up Jimmy Stewart to take his place. Give Stewart 5% usage vs. lefties to spell Buford vs. the 20% I had Weis at.

[Wasp]

Lineup change:

CF Lou Brock
LF Chuck Hinton (Albie Pearson 10%)
3B Eddie Mathews
1B Gordy Coleman (Norm Sieburn 50%)
SS Charley Smith (Ken Hamlin 10%)
RF Bill Virdon (Manny Mota 30%)
2B Jerry Lumpe
C Bob Tillman (Elston Howard 40%)

[leecemark]

--We now have 3 teams tied for the WC lead and FIVE within 1 game. The Hulbert is also tightening even more, with the Joes pulling to within 1 of the lead and the red hot Skipjacks, winners of 8 of their last 10, to within 2.

[mac195]

Seems like there have been fewer injuries this year.

[mac195]

Mark, I'm wondering why Hamilton got a start and complete game. He should be assigned only in the bullpen.

Pitching
SP1: Bunning
SP2: Richert
SP3: Ellis
SP4: Lolich
SP5: Stange (skip)
Spot: Stafford
Mop up: Murakami, Stafford
Long man: Radatz, Humphreys, Murakami
LH set up: Hamilton, Jaster
RH set up: Miller, Humphreys
LH closer: Hamilton, Miller
RH closer: Miller

[leecemark]

Seems like there have been fewer injuries this year.


--It seems that way to me too. I've only had a few short ones and I don't recall too many league wide that required a DL stint.

[leecemark]

Mark, I'm wondering why Hamilton got a start and complete game. He should be assigned only in the bullpen.



Hamilton is only assigned to the bullpen. Not sure when this game happened (without searching the boxscores I only have 5 games of pitching history available and it wasn't then). My guess is you needed a spot starter and Stafford was unavailable (injury, heavy relief duties in the preceding days?) so the CM picked Hamilton. You might assign a 2nd spot starter to reduce the chances of that happening again.

[J W]

Yay! Back to .500 :cap:

Torre's numbers have marginally improved and will likely look closer to .270/.350/.450 by season's end... but I'm still going to increase Edwards' work load a bit:

Lineup vs. RHP
1) CF - Yastrzemski* (Jones* )
2) SS - Fregosi (Gagliano)
3) RF - Oliva* (Jones* )
4) 1B - Torre (Powell* 15%)
5) C - Edwards* (Torre 5%)
6) LF - Allison (Jones* 20%)
7) 3B - Ward* (Gagliano 5%)
8) 2B - Beckert (Gagliano 5%)

PH vR - Jones*, Gabrielson*, Robinson*
PH vL - Gagliano, Powell*

Lineup vs. LHP
1) LF - Allison (Jones* 20%)
2) CF - Yastrzemski* (Jones* 20%)
3) C - Torre (Edwards* 25%-DR)
4) 1B - Powell* (Torre 25%-DR)
5) 3B - Gagliano (Ward* 10%)
6) RF - Oliva* (Jones* 20%)
7) SS - Fregosi (Gagliano)
8) 2B - Beckert (Gagliano)

PH vR - Robinson*, Gabrielson*
PH vL - comp control

[catcher24]

I would say very definitely we've had fewer injuries this year, and a lot fewer really severe injuries. Season's almost half over, and I've only had one guy (Tiant) go on the DL at all. Can't remember how many I had last year, but it was a lot more than that!

[J W]

'Course you know what that means... look out for injuries the second half. :silent:

[Erik Bedard]

The only injury I've had all year was two days to Brooks Robinson. Don't know why that is.

[ElHalo]

Mark:

Very very very confused. Tracy Stallard was supposed to be my number three starter this year; he got sent down to the DL, and Earl Wilson took his place for a couple of starts. I called Stallard back up after his stint was done.

However... Stallard only has five starts on the year, and Wilson only has two. I know the problem isn't that Wilson has just been taking Stallard's place in the rotation (i.e., Stallard was never called back up), because he only has two starts. I know it's not a matter of a fifth starter getting skipped, as he's my number three starter. Could you tell me what's going on with that?

[leecemark]

--I think what happened is when he got hurt you called up Wilson in his place and made him the 5th starter. When he came off you just said put put him in for Wilson, so Stallard became the 5th starter at that point. Your current rotation is Pappas, Cardwell, Newman, Brunet and Stallard. Your 4th starter is due up next and Stallard is rested if you want to get him out of the 5th slot.

[ElHalo]

--I think what happened is when he got hurt you called up Wilson in his place and made him the 5th starter. When he came off you just said put put him in for Wilson, so Stallard became the 5th starter at that point. Your current rotation is Pappas, Cardwell, Newman, Brunet and Stallard. Your 4th starter is due up next and Stallard is rested if you want to get him out of the 5th slot.

Ok; I'll put him in the fourth slot, and could you make sure that I'm not on skip? Thanks.

[Edgartohof]

Just wanting to address some of my usage issues.

Could you send down Jim Coker and Bring up Gus Triandos

Move Robin Roberts to the 5th starter position (whenever that's possible).

And I want a couple more changes as well if you don't mind.

Vs. RHP:
RF - Jim King - 50% [Willie Davis - 50%]
1B - Mincher - 70% [Adcock - 30%]
C - Battey - 75% [Triandos - 25%]

Vs. LHP:
1B - Joe Adcock - 80% [Don Mincher - 20%]
C - Battey - 75% [Triandos - 25%]

[catcher24]

Mark - I sent you an email with an updated MP, but just to make it official, I'll be farming Jackie Brandt (and his 110% usage) and promoting Art Shamsky. Thanks!

[mac195]

Hamilton is only assigned to the bullpen. Not sure when this game happened (without searching the boxscores I only have 5 games of pitching history available and it wasn't then). My guess is you needed a spot starter and Stafford was unavailable (injury, heavy relief duties in the preceding days?) so the CM picked Hamilton. You might assign a 2nd spot starter to reduce the chances of that happening again.

Please designate Murakami as the second option at spot starter.

[leecemark]

--Nearly to the halfway point and most teams are still tightly packed. Five days until the All Star break. I'll get the ballot thread up tonight. Votes are due in by midnight Sunday. We'll take Monday and Tuesday off, with a 3 day break in CKL time, to allow managers who wish to do so to realign their pitching. And maybe make some trades.
--All the talk about a lack of injuries may have jinxed it. Three players went down for at least 9 games each in todays action.

[catcher24]

Simply amazing. With my sweep of the Sox, there are now SEVEN teams within FOUR games of the WC lead! Mark was right - this looks like our best race yet, at least for now!

[J W]

We'll live with 24 players for a while since we're carrying 6 OFs. Please make Tony Oliva the backup in CF:

Lineup vs. RHP
1) CF - Yastrzemski* (Jones*, Oliva*)
2) SS - Fregosi (Gagliano)
3) RF - Oliva* (Jones* )
4) 1B - Torre (Powell* 10%)
5) C - Edwards* (Torre 5%)
6) LF - Allison (Jones* 20%)
7) 3B - Ward* (Gagliano 5%)
8) 2B - Beckert (Gagliano 5%)

PH vR - Jones*, Gabrielson*, Robinson*
PH vL - Gagliano, Powell*

Lineup vs. LHP
1) LF - Allison (Jones* 20%)
2) CF - Yastrzemski* (Jones* 20%, Oliva*)
3) C - Torre (Edwards* 10%-DR)
4) 1B - Powell* (Torre 5%-DR)
5) 3B - Gagliano (Ward* 10%)
6) RF - Oliva* (Jones* 20%)
7) SS - Fregosi (Gagliano)
8) 2B - Beckert (Gagliano)

PH vR - Robinson*, Gabrielson*
PH vL - comp control

[leecemark]

--We're at the halfway point. Take a look at anybody over 60% of their real life playing time.

[The Dude]

Duffalo Sent down. Mossi Brought up.



Lineup Vs RHP:
1.CF-Curt Flood
2.2B-Cookie Rojas
3.LF-Mickey Mantle (Gates Brown-45%)
4.3B-Harmon Killebrew (Ken Boyer-30%)
5.1B-Bill Skowron
6.RF-Wes Covington (Jose Cardenal-25%, Rico Carty-20%)
7.SS-Jerry Adair (Rico Petrocelli-15%, Roy McMillan-10%)
8.C-Buck Rodgers (Doug Camilli-15%)
9.Pitcher
Pinch Hitter: Default


Pitching Rotation:
SP1: Larry Jackson
SP2: Don Drysdale
SP3: Jim Kaat
SP4: Gaylord Perry
SP5: Gary Wagner (SKIP)
Spot: Mel Stottlemyre
Mop: Bill Faul
Long: Gary Wagner,
RH Setup: Al Worthington, Don Mossi
LH Setup: Gordie Richardson, Bob Lee
Closer: Bob Lee, Al Worthington

[Wasp]

Eight losses in a row... I sure hope my team can make a comeback.

[leecemark]

--Still tightly bunched. Three days left to cast your All Star ballots.

[catcher24]

Posted by Wasp:
Eight losses in a row... I sure hope my team can make a comeback.

Sorry, Max, looks like reality is catching up with your team.:(

[catcher24]

My apologies to my fellow league owners for the late posting of the most recent stats. I had to work, and when I got home my wife and daughter had commandeered the computer, and had it pretty much all evening - and you know we don't mess with the women!:rolleyes: :dismay: Everything is updated now.

[leecemark]

--Two days and one series to go until the All Star break. The Shoeless Joes have separated from the WC pack a little, as only they and the division leaders are currently over .500.

[leecemark]

--We're at the All Star break. Ballots are due by midnight EST tomorrow. 3 days off in both CKL and real time to make any moves you like.

[catcher24]

Mark - The only scores that came through were Chris's. I always check the scores (then the boxes when I upload to the website; I check those on the site, rather than the game, believe it or not - more room!), the standings and the injuries (always FORGET to check those in the game or on the site:confused: ) on all of your posts. I check the player stats from within the game itself, because I have some customized reports that I use for that. So I do make good use of the info you upload!

[leecemark]

--This should be the most recent series for all teams.

[leecemark]

--Games are back underway. The Knights swept the Gold Sox to move 11 games ahead in the Johnson and tie the Hard Cider for the league's best record. The Skipjacks have won 4 straight to get over .500 and with 4 of the division lead. The Cannons have won 3, pulling up to .500 and into 2nd place in the Cartwright.
--The trade deadline is fast approaching. If you're working on a deal it needs to be posted and confirmed by midnight EST on Thursday, as the next series will take us to July 31.

[Erik Bedard]

I guess it's time to declare the season lost and become a seller. So here are a few names that are sure to generate some interest:

Johnny Callison, Sandy Koufax, Leon Wagner, Whitey Ford, Brooks Robinson, and Deron Johnson are on the block. Looking for prospects and draft picks.

5,000th post!

[leecemark]

--The Cartwright division teams battered their Hulbert opponents, sweeping 3 series and winning all 4. The Knights swept the 2nd half of a home/away series with the Gold Sox, streching their division lead to 14 games.
--24 Hours to the trade deadline.

[catcher24]

So the mighty Legends :laugh :D have the "honor" of winning the only game out of twelve played by the Hulbert in this game cycle.

Incidentally, if anyone needs a very good starter for the remainder of the season Bill Monbouquette would be available. He's currently 10-5 with a 3.50 ERA and 1.19 WHIP - all at a 2.5M salary. I also have Ron Kline available as a reliever. He's having an admittedly horrible season, but could turn it around yet as his ERA+ was 133 for 1965. If interested, let me know.

[Erik Bedard]

The Gold Sox announce a trade with the Skipjacks:

The Gold Sox will receive:

The Skipjacks' first-round pick in 1965
The Skipjacks' second-round pick in 1965
INF Paul Schaal

The Skipjacks will receive:

SP Sandy Koufax
The Gold Sox's second-round pick in 1965
The Gold Sox' fourth-round pick in 1965

JW, please confirm.

[leecemark]

--With the Koufax deal unconfirmed the trade deadline passes without activity.

[J W]

With their owner back from Virginia, the Skipjacks will confirm anyway. :faint:

[leecemark]

--Koufax pitched a game for the Gold Sox after the trade deadline and before I read JW's post. It was an interesting one, with Sandy breaking up a scoreless tie - and Sonny Seibert's no hit bid - with an unlikely HR. That makes it harder to allow an exception to the deadline, but if a majority of owners are willing to endorse allowing the trade to go forward then its okay by me. I'll assume the Gold Sox and Skipjacks would like to see the deal go through and I'll add my own yes. If 4 more owners vote for an exception before another series is played the Koufax can move to the Skipjacks.

[Edgartohof]

That's fine with me if you make the trade.

[Edgartohof]

Since Triandos is hurt, could you put him on the DL and call up Coker. And I would like Coker to get 10% of the playing time against both LH and RH pitcher if you don't mind.

[catcher24]

Well, I know for sure I'm going to regret this when the Skipjacks are beating me again next year and being led by Koufax, but I have no problem with this trade being approved. I understand how this could happen, and there did seem to be less time between the All Star break and the trade deadline this year, although I could be wrong about that.

However, I think the draft picks should be corrected to 1966, since the 1965 draft is history!:happy:

[Erik Bedard]

Oh, right. This coming offseason. :o

[Wasp]

I'm fine with the trade going through.

[J W]

Thanks; I had sent a PM to Mark indicating I would be out of state on business for a week with no internet access (unless I paid extra to the hotel).

Incidentally the site I went to was a continuing soil investigation, and about 110,000 tons of contaminated dirt had already been hauled out... leaving a hole just about the right size for a minor league ballpark. (:lightbulb:)

[leecemark]

--Okay I've executed the trade. Koufax is inactive for tonight's series. JW, you'll need to send someone down and pick a slot for Koufax. EB, you are at 24 players pending a call up. You'll want to address this ASAP since you are still running a 4 man rotation and your #1 guy is gone from it. Koufax started the GS last game so he wasn't going to be pitching this series anyway.

[leecemark]

--Another series in the books. No change at the top of the divison standings. The Joes and cannons are tied for the WC, as the only non-leaders over .500. The Skipjacks are only 3 back in the WC and 4 in the divison and adding Sandy Koufax could make the differenece in those races. The Redbirds hard luck season continues with 3 players now down for extended periods of time.

[Erik Bedard]

Call up Jim Lonborg and put him in Koufax's spot.

[leecemark]

--Dan, You might want to reconsider that 4 man rotation while you're making adjustments. All your SP are underperforming by at least a run in ERA (over 2 for Cloninger). Some of that is park and defense, but some has to be going on short rest most of the time.

[catcher24]

We are now 61% of the way through the season, and usage issues will start to crop up more frequently. I have listed below anyone who is presently at 80% usage or higher. If they have already been farmed out, I marked them with an f.
Cannons: Al Weis (f) 122 (pretty much done for the year)
Gold Sox: John Buzhardt 84
Diablos: NONE :thumbsup:
Shoeless Joes: Ed Bailey 113 (You might want to farm him very soon, Joe!)
Skipjacks: NONE :thumbsup:
Knights: NONE :thumbsup:
Legends: Jackie Brandt 110 (f), Art Shamsky 98 (f)
Hard Cider: NONE :thumbsup:
Redbirds: Tony Gonzalez 94, Woody Held 99, Tony Horton 93, Billy Hoeft 86, Ralph Terry 86
Pirates: Don Demeter 92, Jerry Lynch 98
Gamblers: Jim Duffalo 105 (f)
Stingers: Chuck Hinton 80

These guys would be the most likely risks to go over. However, several players were in the upper 70% range, so check the usage reports to see if there are any moves you wish to mark.

Mark, I am farming out Art Shamsky and promoting Matty Alou. I did send you an updated MP, but this is just to let everyone else know.

[leecemark]

--Another series in. The Hulbert division continues to muddle along. The Cannons surge continues as they claim sole possesion of the WC race. Sandy koufax has yet to report to the Skipjacks following the deadline deal.

[J W]

Please put Koufax in the #1 slot (aka-next game) and move everyone down one. Farm out Dean Chance... that last game he pitched earned him a ticket to the minors:

1) Koufax
2) McDowell
3) Horlen
4) McNally
5) Friend - skip

[Erik Bedard]

Go with the same rotation that I mentioned earlier, only insert Pizarro into the fifth starter role. Not a great option, considering his ERA is over 6, but I need to take some innings off of Buzhardt, who just became my most reliable starter.

[538280]

Couldn't be happier with my team's performance right now. But I'm just wondering why Don Buford isn't playing more. Maybe it's a mistake on my part but I want him set as my 2Bman all the time, with Jimmy Stewart as the backup but without a % of his playing time.

[leecemark]

--Sorry, Al Weis was still set as the starter vs RHP even though he was sent down quite awhile ago. Ed Bressard was set as the backup. Buford is now starting vs both RHP and LHP and the backups are set for zero percent playing time. Buford should start every game he is healthy at 2B with those settings in place.

[leecemark]

--The Shoeless Joes have pulled into a tie for the lead in Hulbert, while the Cannons have run off a 6 game win streak to lead the WC.

[jkc32]

Please farm Bailey. Promote Cannizzaro, starting him in Bailey's batting spot and behind the plate.

[leecemark]

--Two more series in and the Hulbert, as usual, is the lone division with a race still going. The WC field is also narrowing some, with the runner-up in the Hulbert likely battling the Cannons down the strech.

[catcher24]

The Legends have announced major changes in their staff. See News and Views for details!

[J W]

Aha, here comes Joe Torre's late summer surge right on schedule. :applaud:

We'll make the new leaders of the Hulbert earn their first pennant if anything. :crossfingers: Oh, and thanks for the sweep Lew. (Legends management = "What do we have to do here?" :crazy )

If it makes you feel any better, my real-life team is about ready to implode for another season after they should've reached 19-19 and 2nd place in the AL East.

[catcher24]

Oh, and thanks for the sweep Lew.
Yeah, any time Jason.:mad: :rant: :grouchy It's been broom city for me three series in a row now!:cry:

[leecemark]

--Another series in the books......

[leecemark]

--The Cannons sweep the Hard Cider to take a 4 game lead in the WC and make the Cartwright Division race at least a little bit interesting. The Skipjacks fireballing lefty duo of Koufax and McDowell toss back to back shutouts at the Knights.

[Edgartohof]

The Hulbert Division is a tight race to be sure. The Pirates have a slim lead of only 2 games over 2nd place, and only 3 games over 3rd place!!!

The other 2 division leaders have leads of 8 games and 16 games respectively. :thumbsdown:

[The Dude]

Sent down Kaat and Wagner, brought up Spahn and Blasingame

SP1: Larry Jackson
SP2: Wade Blasingame
SP3: Warren Spahn
SP4: Mel Stottlemyre
SP5: Don Drysdale (SKIP)
Spot: Gaylord Perry
Mop: Bill Faul
Long: Bill Faul, Gaylord Perry
RH Setup: Al Worthington, Don Mossi
LH Setup: Gordie Richardson, Bob Lee
Closer: Bob Lee, Al Worthington

[catcher24]

We're now 71% of the way through the season. Below are listed all players at or above 90% usage. It would be wise to keep a close eye on any player listed the remainder of the season. As usual, an f after a player indicates he is presently in the minors and not a problem.
Cannons: Al Weis, 122 (f)
Gold Sox: John Buzhardt, 96
Diablos: George Brunet
Shoeless Joes: Ed Bailey, 122 (f); Frank Howard, 92
Skipjacks: NONE :thumbsup:
Knights: Camilo Pascual, 90 (So close, Mark!)
Legends: Jackie Brandt, 110 (f); Art Shamsky, 106 (f); Bob Skinner, 90; Rusty Staub, 96
Hard Cider: Norm Cash, 90 (Very close also, Mac)
Redbirds: Tony Gonzalez, 100 (f); Woodie Held, 99 (dl); Tony Horton, 94 (dl); Billy Hoeft, 92 (f); Ralph Terry, 90 (f)
Pirates: Don Demeter, 106; Jerry Lynch, 118; Robin Roberts, 94
Gamblers: Cookie Rojas, 93; Jim Duffalo, 105 (f); Gary Wagner, 95
Stingers: Chuck Hinton, 94; Bob Shaw, 90

[leecemark]

--The Knights PR department would like to point out that defending MVP Willie Mays is having an even better season this year. If the season ended today he would be our second Triple Crown winner. They would also like to direct your attention to Rookie of the Year candidate Willie Horton. Willie the Wonder has become an instant fan favorite in Motown and is in the top 10 in the Triple Crown stats while playing a suprisingly good LF.

[catcher24]

Yeah, I noticed Mays was leading in the triple crown categories. And I saw that Horton was tearing it up as well. Too bad Pascual doesn't have more innings - you might sweep the post season awards! At this point Staub or Abernathy would be my outstanding rookie. Abernathy is leading the league in saves and is second in appearances, so he may yet receive a homer vote from yours truly. And Staub has put together a great rookie season, but he can't compete with Horton.

[Erik Bedard]

Wow, 21 weeks into the season, and I finally got my first player/pitcher of the week (Deron Johnson, who up to now has been the biggest disappointment on an exceptionally disappointing team). This means that both Johnny Callison and Leon Wagner might finish in the top ten of the MVP voting despite never having been named Player of the Week (or month).

[leecemark]

--The Pirates sweep the Skipjacks, running their winning streak to 5 games and opening a 4 game lead in the Hulbert - the most breathing room they've had in quite awhile. The Cannons have opened a slightly bigger gap in the WC race, now holding a 5 game lead. The pressure is on the Shoeless Joes and Skipjacks now.

[catcher24]

Posted by Erik Bedard:
Wow, 21 weeks into the season, and I finally got my first player/pitcher of the week (Deron Johnson, who up to now has been the biggest disappointment on an exceptionally disappointing team). This means that both Johnny Callison and Leon Wagner might finish in the top ten of the MVP voting despite never having been named Player of the Week (or month).

Not to worry, Dan. It never happens to some of the best players at all. They just put up good to very good numbers week after week, but never have the huge week. And sometimes a real bum has a great week and takes a player of the week. Also, remember that it is still somewhat subjective, even though I try to base it on the stats. If two players are very close, I usually take the one who hasn't been a player of the week/month yet. But that wasn't the case with Deron Johnson - he was actually one of the easier picks I've had this season!

[The Dude]

I think we should have a new award. Most dissapointing team of the year. I think I'd have 5 on my shelf. My pitching staff always seems to fall apart.

[catcher24]

The pressure is on the Shoeless Joes and Skipjacks now.

And they'd better watch out for sure. The Legends do have a habit of playing lousy all season and then doing better in September - thus ruining my chance at a top draft pick!:rolleyes:
But it does get the fans to come back again in the spring - they remember that hot September run!:happy:

[Edgartohof]

Could you send Lynch and Demeter to the minors and call up Dave Wickersham and Russ Snyder.

I would like Snyder to take over 50% of the playing time in RF with Jim King, and have Willie Davis play 100% of the time in LF.

I also would like Roberts to be my #5 starter, the next chance you get, and also make sure he's on skip.

I think this should cover me for the time being.

[leecemark]

--russ synder is not on your roster. i called up wickersham and sent down lynch.

[Edgartohof]

--russ synder is not on your roster. i called up wickersham and sent down lynch.

Could you call up Mike Shannon then?

[J W]

Yeah, the sweep sure hurts, and puts the pressure on. 6th place is not where we want to be and there's not much more we can do. How many games left until September call-ups?

[leecemark]

--Two more series until playoff rosters need to be set. We'll play one today and one tommorrow and take a day off on Sunday. Playoff rosters need to be set by midnight EST on Monday (the 25 men active then plus anybody on the DL will be eligible for playoff action). After the Monday series you'll be able to call up additional players.

[leecemark]

--The Pirates take 2 of 3 from the Joes, while the Skipjacks are dropping 2 to the Legends. Those same matchups go in the next series and the JKC and JW squads will need to do better or Papi will be taking a commanding lead into September. The Cannons also continue to play well, making the WC less of an opportunity for the Hulbert runnerup.

[The Dude]

Roy McMillan has replaced Cookie Rojas as the starting 2B in both lineups.

[leecemark]

-Today's series' pit the first and second place teams in each division against one another. The Shoeless Joes could get to within 2 games with a sweep of the Pirates or fall as far back as 8 by getting swept, making this the first real must win series of the season. The Cannons could get to within 5 with a sweep of the Hard Cider or fall back to 11 behind if they get the broom. A series win is crucial for 538280 to stay in the division race, although the WC is their best bet for the playoffs either way.

[leecemark]

Roy McMillan has replaced Cookie Rojas as the starting 2B in both lineups.

--McMillan was not on the 25 man roster so I farmed Rojas to accomplish this switch. The limp bat of McMillan also assumed Rojas spot batting 2nd in both lineups for now. Let me know if further moves are needed.

[leecemark]

--The Shoeless Joes took 2 of 3 from the Pirates, while the Skipjacks swept the Legends, restoring some excitement to the Hulbert race as we head into September. Meanwhile, the Hard Cider swept the Cannons removing pretty much all the suspense from the Cartwright race. It did tighten the WC some though. For those teams still looking toward the postseason, you've got til midnight EST on Monday to make roster adjustments for post-season eligibility.

[catcher24]

Sorry the web update was so late this time guys. My daughter graduated from college yesterday, so that was pretty busy with everything. I tried to do it first thing this morning, but had a plumbing problem that took a while to resolve. The update is now done. Note that boxscores for games of August 22,23,24 didn't come through on Mark's file for some reason, although the games for August 25,26,27 did, so only the latter three dates have boxscores available. Sorry about that!