Tigers Trifecta

Granderson is just clobbering the ball in 2007 replay through 12 games.

The 2007 Detroit Tigers currently hold a 8-4 record in my 2007 Tigers Replay, their actual record at this point was 7-5, so I'm one game up. I started out of the gate 5-1, but then lost three straight and got behind pace & have now won three straight.

The starting pitching & pitching staff needs work, and I can tell you already that I'm going to over my innings pitched on pretty much the entire bullpen; I want to keep it as realistic as possible, but we all know in replays trying to keep things to innings counts & at-bats usually goes over in the APBA world due to many reasons. My starting pitching (especially Justin Verlander with a 7.27 ERA after three starts) is not helping matters, the only one in the rotation that has been effective on the most part has been Jeremy Bonderman (2-0, 3.50 ERA in 18 IP / 3 starts). "The Human Rollercoaster" Todd Jones (that was the Tigers' fans nickname for him, because of his up's & downs -- of course, all before Valverde) has already blown one save, in which Fernando Rodney saved his butt, and picked up a save in the process; Rodney has already exceeded his real-life save total of 1, with 2 saves this year -- Jones has 2 Saves as well. Jones will still have the closer role for now, I'm going to try to respect the real-life choice as long as humanly possible.

I also have had two injuries in a span of three games, in which I lost Carlos Guillen for two games (he returns for the next game, series opener against K.C.) & Ivan Rodriguez for five games. Omar Infante hit a rare HR in his first start replacing Guillen, and Mike Rabelo contributed with a two-run triple (in their performance during Game #11 vs. Toronto).

The best part of the team's season is the Tigers trifecta of Curtis Granderson, Magglio Ordonez & Placido Polanco who have all been on fire!

THROUGH 12 Games:

• GRANDERSON: 25-for-59 (.424 AVG/1.232 OPS), 4 HR, 14 RBI & 19 runs. Plus 5 2B's, 2 3B's & 6 stolen bases -- remember this was the season Granderson joined the 20-20-30-20 club (20 triples, 20 HR, 30 doubles & 20 steals), the last to do it was Wildfire Schulte in 1911.

• ORDONEZ: 18-for-51 (.353 AVG/1.097 OPS), 4 HR, 14 RBI, 9 runs, 3 2B's & drawing 9 BB's. Ordonez won the A.L. Batting Title in 2007 with a .363 Batting Average.

• POLANCO: 22-for-56 (.393 AVG/.917 OPS), 0 HR, 13 RBI, 4 2B's & triple, plus two steals. Had a career high 200 hits in 2007, plus a errorless steak of 144 consecutive games that helped him win his first of two Gold Gloves.

For the three stars, it was their best career seasons which helped make the 2007 Tigers lineup dangerous, while the pitching went down a bit from it's successful 2006 season -- It's a wonder what could have had happen in either 2006 or 2007 if the pitching & batting happened to be on the same page.

The Tigers' team ERA sits at 4.40, while the lineup is a hot .305!

Ichiro, Mariners with Second Best Record in 48's.

(Remainder of Game #22's)

                             R   H   E
2001 Mariners     5    7    0
1931 Athletics      2    3    3    F

Seattle (16-6) / Philadelphia (10-12)

WP- Panigua (1-0)
LP- Earnshaw (3-2)
SV- Sasaki (6)

INJURIES: Jaime Moyer (SEA) - 7 games (1 start)

Ichiro knocked in the runs when they counted, a two-run double, single & sac fly for a total of 3 RBI's for the night, as the Mariners improve to 16-6 (2nd best record out of 48 teams). Suzuki is 35-for-97 (.361) with 8 RBI's, 15 runs & 7 SB's for the season. Jaime Moyer got injured for the second time this season, with yet another line drive, he has already missed one other start in the season.

                          R   H   E
1953 Yankees   2    4    0
1984 Tigers       1    2    0     F

New York (14-8) / Detroit (12-10)

WP- Raschi (2-3)/ CG (1)
LP- Petry (3-3)

Yogi Berra & Hank Bauer hit solo HR's in the top of the 6th. Vic Rachi's no-hitter was broke up by Howard Johnson's single in the bottom of the 6th, while his shutout was broke up by Darrell Evan's solo HR during the bottom of the 8th.

                           R   H   E
1912 Red Sox    11  18   0
2002 Athletics     1    7    2    F

Boston (15-7) / Oakland (6-16)

WP- B.O'Brien (6-0)
LP- T.Hudson (0-5)

The Athletics now stand alone with the worst record of all the 48 teams, with Tim Hudson losing his fifth game. Duffy Lewis hit 2 two-run HR's for the Sox, while Tris Speaker tied his record (which is shared with 3 other players) with 5 hits in a single-game (he's the first to do it twice).

                           R   H   E
1971 Athletics    1    3    0
1980 Royals       4    5    0    F

Oakland (8-14) / Kansas City (9-13)

WP- De.Leonard (3-2)
LP- C.Hunter (1-4)
SV- Quisenberry (5)

Willie Aikens & John Wathan each had 2 RBI, while Dennis Leonard was in complete control, allowing only two hits & a run in 8 innings of work.
                   
                             R   H   E
1940 Reds            3    7    1
1971 Pirates         1    5    1    F

Cincinnati (9-13) / Pittsburgh (10-12)

WP- Derringer (3-2) / CG (1)
LP- D.Ellis (3-3)

Paul Derringer held the Bucs in check with a strong complete game performance, allowing only five hits & an earned run. Harry Craft hit a solo HR for the Reds.

                              R   H   E
1942 Cardinals      8   10   0
1969 Orioles          4    8    0    F

St. Louis (11-11) / Baltimore (9-13)

WP- Beazley (3-1)
LP- McNally (1-5)

Walker Cooper and Whitey Kurowski each hit two-run HR's, while Enos Slaughter went 3-for-4, with a 2B, 3B, 2 RBI's & 2 runs as the Cards rolled from the 4th inning on; Slaughter's recent tear has brought his average up to .299, with a Stars League-leading 26 RBI's (he also has a .540 SLG Pct). Johnny Beazley for the Cards pitched seven strong innings, allowing only 2 runs & 4 hits -- his 2 runs allowed came in the form of a Boog Powell two-run HR in the second.

*** CRAZY 48's STANDINGS (Below) ***

Crazy 48's Standings

LEAGUE STANDINGS
STARS I   (Ruth Division)	W	L	PCT	GB	Streak	Rdiff
1935 Crawfords	18	4	0.818	0	Lost 1	32
1929 Cubs	16	6	0.727	2	Won 1	42
1912 Giants	13	9	0.591	5	Won 3	36
1934 Cardinals	12	10	0.545	6	Won 1	3
1927 Yankees	12	10	0.545	6	Won 1	24
1931 Athletics	10	12	0.455	8	Lost 3	7
STARS II   (Musial Division)	W	L	PCT	GB	Streak	Rdiff
1937 Yankees	11	11	0.500	0	Lost 2	-1
1942 Cardinals	11	11	0.500	0	Won 1	-4
1944 Browns	9	13	0.409	2	Won 2	-5
1940 Reds	9	13	0.409	2	Won 1	-16
1946 Red Sox	7	15	0.318	4	Won 1	-15
1937 Giants	7	15	0.318	4	Won 1	-29
STARS III  (Clemente Division)	W	L	PCT	GB	Streak	Rdiff
1975 Reds	15	7	0.682	0	Won 3	36
1971 Pirates	10	12	0.455	5	Lost 1	-7
1969 Orioles	9	13	0.409	6	Lost 1	-23
1968 Tigers	8	14	0.364	7	Lost 1	-37
1962 Dodgers	7	15	0.318	8	Lost 1	-36
1971 Giants	7	15	0.318	8	Lost 4	-38
STARS IV   (Bobby Cox Division)	W	L	PCT	GB	Streak	Rdiff
2001 Mariners	16	6	0.727	0	Won 2	25
1998 Braves	14	8	0.636	2	Lost 1	16
1985 Blue Jays	12	10	0.545	4	Lost 2	16
1993 Phillies	11	11	0.500	5	Won 1	5
1981 Expos	10	12	0.455	6	Lost 1	-5
1999 Rangers	10	12	0.455	6	Lost 1	-23
STRIPES I   (Mathewson Division)	W	L	PCT	GB	Streak	Rdiff
1906 Cubs	15	7	0.682	0	Lost 1	32
1912 Red Sox	15	7	0.682	0	Won 3	15
1917 White Sox	14	8	0.636	1	Won 1	50
1904 Giants	13	9	0.591	2	Lost 3	12
1914 Braves	12	10	0.545	3	Lost 2	12
1925 Senators	11	11	0.500	4	Won 3	-9
STRIPES II   (Robinson Division)	W	L	PCT	GB	Streak	Rdiff
1953 Yankees	14	8	0.636	0	Won 2	21
1953 Dodgers	12	10	0.545	2	Won 1	26
1954 Indians	8	14	0.364	6	Won 1	-12
1960 Pirates	8	14	0.364	6	Won 2	-17
1971 Athletics	8	14	0.364	6	Lost 1	-24
1969 Mets	8	14	0.364	6	Lost 1	-30
STRIPES III   (Ripken Division)	W	L	PCT	GB	Streak	Rdiff
1977 Phillies	13	9	0.591	0	Lost 2	-11
1984 Tigers	12	10	0.545	1	Lost 4	7
1980 Royals	9	13	0.409	4	Won 1	-8
1976 Dodgers	9	13	0.409	4	Won 1	-11
1983 Orioles	8	14	0.381	5	Lost 3	-30
1986 Mets	7	15	0.318	6	Lost 1	-23
STRIPES IV    (Jeter Division)	W	L	PCT	GB	Streak	Rdiff
1998 Yankees	15	7	0.682	0	Won 1	24
1998 Padres	13	9	0.591	2	Won 5	2
1995 Indians	12	10	0.545	3	Won 4	3
1993 Giants	11	11	0.500	4	Lost 1	17
2007 Red Sox	10	12	0.455	5	Lost 2	-17
2002 Athletics	6	16	0.273	9	Lost 3	-26

Painting the Corner

2007 TIGERS Season Replay
I'm taking only a month off from the Crazy 48's to play the first-half season schedule of the Detroit Tigers' MLB Schedule. I always felt the Tigers could have won the American League Central, getting a shot to return to the World Series (that they lost in 2006 to St. Louis). Little did us Tigers fans know at the time, that it would actually take us five years to return to the post-season, we returned in 2011 in which we lost to Nelson Cruz and his Roids in the ALCS (yes.. I said it!) & would go on to lose the World Series in 2012 to the San Francisco Giants.

Mags won the A.L. Batting Title in 2007.

What I will be doing is only keeping my Tigers stats, and will make the differences of whatever the teams I play and adjust those to the overall standings, but besides that whatever happened between the Mariners & Indians (for example) in 2007 will stay exactly the same... if I place for the playoffs at the end, I go from there, if not we played our hearts out for 162 games.

This replay could effect the Phillies & Mets outcome in the N.L. East since the Tigers played both teams in inter-league play. Remember the Mets would experience one of the biggest meltdowns in MLB history, as the Phillies caught the Mets at the very end. Plus Tigers could hope to play some of the Wild Card potentials better, to improve their chances in case they don't catch Cleveland. Cleveland was a really good ball-club, so it's going to be tough.

This project will only take a total of two months for the regular season (I will play the entire first half of my TIGERS replay in one month), I know that may sound crazy to some... but it's a cake-walk for me, who normally plays 96 games a month (24 games a week) for my Crazy 48's Baseball League. I will play the first-half during October, then leave it at the All-Star Break & will return to the season in a few months as I resume my Crazy 48's. Just think of it as a television show (say The Walking Dead) that plays it's first half of the television season & leaves you at the edge of your seats, making you wait for months, LOL! Sorry, I'm not trying to be cruel, I also want to keep my followers for the Crazy 48's satisfied too.

The Tournament of Champions will get some action again during the Spring as I buy Volume III of the Greatest Teams of the Past.

Don't think we had a shot for the division title in 2007, well I'll play to find out.. plus here is my article from March 4th, 2013 on OVER-UNDER.

Speaking of that...
OVER-UNDER - 2013 Edition (as of 9/24/2013)

As the season comes to an end, let's note the over-achievers & under-achievers of 2013. Everyone (or close to it) had the Washington Nationals going to the World Series. On paper how can you argue? In many ways, I looked at the preview magazines, the Nats' roster and saw a roster that in many ways could have mirrored Davey Johnson's peak-Mets rosters, great bench, bullpen, rotation, lineup and colorful characters (minus all the drug abuse).

Of course, overall -- despite what formulas say, the 2013 Washington Nationals under-achieved, but according to Baseball Reference's Pythagorean Record, the Nats have two more wins than they should have had, so they are "over-achieving" by two games. The Philadelphia Phillies should actually be even worse than they are now, they should be 64-91 & not 71-84 (a negative 7)!

The 2013 New York Yankees are still mathematically in the Wild Card hunt as of today, some of my friends who love the Pinstripes are still holding on to hope. How can I put it without sounding like a hater? They were completely lucky, their lucky that they got this far with a bunch of cast-offs -- Yes, they had many injuries, and a season of Derek Jeter among others would have likely made quite a difference. Who knew that Alfonso Soriano would smack 17 HR's after getting into a Yankees' uniform? We kind of knew they were doing better than expected & that's also proven in their Pythagorean Record of 77-79 record through 156 games, a five-game difference.

This picture says it all for the Yankees in 2013.

Other interesting notes, the Tigers have under-achieved by four games, while the Houston Astros should actually have 6 more wins than that of their 51-105 record. In the NL, not a good sign for the Pittsburgh Pirates & Los Angeles Dodgers, both going to the playoffs -- both have over-achieved, Pittsburgh by 6 games, and Los Angeles by 5; The St. Louis Cardinals should have four more wins.

I'm still sticking with my Tigers to win the World Series, but my pre-season pick of them over the Nationals will not come to life, my gut says it will be the Cards (statistically that would be the safe bet), but the Pirates will be the youthful, excited team that will run out of steam as the Tigers take them in 5 or 6.

WAR, What Is It Good For?!
Absolutely nothing? It may seem like that, or needs a bit of tweaking at least. Why do I say that? It came up on MLB Now on the MLB Network, the show co-hosted by ex-ESPN Sports Center anchor Brian Kenny & former big league Harold Reynolds.

According to the overall WAR formula, the best 3B in all of baseball is not Miguel Cabrera, but Josh Donaldson (right) of the Oakland Athletics.

SCOFFF!!!

Better than Cabrera?! I don't think so!

Yeah, that was pretty much both of their reactions, and only proves that WAR needs some tweaking, this also should finally shut up all the MLB fans (especially Angels fans, sorry Dan) that felt Mike Trout deserved the MVP award in 2012 over Miguel Cabrera.

Many of those fans were running with the WAR formula, when they should have never been ignoring the truly remarkable stat: First TRIPLE CROWN WINNER in 45 years! Discussion over, Cabrera wins, hands down... plus Miguel's Tigers went to the playoffs, Trout's Angels under-achieved in 2012 & once again in 2013.

Plus it's a no-brainer that Miguel Cabrera is certainly a better player than that of Donaldson, sure Cabrera won't win no Gold Glove, but he's a much-better defensive third baseman than given credit for. His negative 1.7 to Donaldson's positive 1.8 on WAR defense, was enough to get Donaldson a WAR that edges Cabrera's overall WAR of 7.7 to 7.6!

Big Train, Senators Roll Over Boston 10-1

(Game #22's)

Walter Johnson's Izzy Legends card.

                           R   H   E
2007 Red Sox    1    3    0
1925 Senators   10  14   0    F

Boston (10-12) / Washington (11-11)

WP- W.Johnson (5-0)
LP- Matsuzaka (3-2)

The Senators' winning percentage keeps climbing as they blow out Daisuke Matsuzaka & the Boston Red Sox. Matsuzaka allowed 8 runs & 10 hits in only two innings of work, while Walter "Big Train" Johnson got his 5th victory while getting two hits, 2 RBI's & a steal.






                          R   H   E
1914 Braves     5   11   0
1998 Padres      7    6    2   F

Boston (12-10) / San Diego (13-9)

WP- D.Wall (3-0)

The Padres sent five long-balls into the stands, two each from Greg Vaughn (10) and Ken Caminiti (5) -- Vaughn leads the Padres with 22 RBI's this season. Bill James of the Braves entered the game with a 3-1 record & an ERA of 2.41, including his no-hitter (shutout) -- but gets rocked for 7 ER's & 5 HR's in 7 2/3 innings. He also walked three, made an error & hit two batters with a pitch. Joe Connolly hit his 4th HR (including 22 RBI's). Second consecutive victory for San Diego reliever Donne Pall.

                           R   H   E
1960 Pirates       3    6    1
1983 Orioles       1    7    1    F

Pittsburgh (8-14) / Baltimore (8-14)

WP- V.Law (3-3)
LP- S.Davis (1-3)
SV- Face (3)

Vern Law pitched a strong game through 6 2/3 innings (1 ER allowed), while Roy Face pitched for a two-plus inning save; Gino Cimoli hit a two-run double in the top of the 3rd to make all the difference.

                            R   H    E
1934 Cardinals   12  17   3
1999 Rangers      4    5    1   F

St. Louis (12-10) / Texas (10-12)

WP- P.Dean (3-2)
LP- Sele (2-4)

The game was close after 7 innings, with St. Louis only leading 5-4. Joe Medwick would hit a two-run HR (for his first HR of the season) off of reliever Tim Crabtree; Cardinals would add four more runs in the top of the ninth.

                            R   H   E
1962 Dodgers     4    7    0
1937 Giants        5   15   3   F

Los Angeles ( 7-15) / San Francisco (7-15)

WP- Castleman (1-2)
LP- Roebuck (1-4)

Sam Leslie bails the Giants out of trouble with a walk-off single to win the ballgame, the Giants kept leaving men on base -- while the Dodgers were charged by two-run HR's by Tommy Davis & Jim Gilliam.

                             R   H   E
1927 Yankees      4    8    0
1998 Braves         2    6    1    F  / 10 Inn

New York (12-10) / Atlanta (14-8)

WP- Wi.Moore (2-1)
LP- Seanez (0-1)
SV- Shawkey (1)

The Yankees win in extras as Lou Gehrig hits a two-run triple in the top of the 10th; Tom Glavine (ATL) and Herb Pennock (NYY) pitched great in their no-decisions.

Big Red Machine destroy 37' Yankees

(Game #22's)

                        R   H   E
1937 Yankees  4    6    3
1975 Reds       16  20   0    F

New York (11-11) / Cincinnati (15-7)

WP- Billingham (3-1)
LP- Ruffing (4-1)

Red Ruffing entered the game with a 2.27 ERA & 4-0 record, but got slaughtered by the Big Red Machine, allowing 12 hits & 9 runs in 2 2/3 innings. Pete Rose & Dave Conception each tied the league record with four runs scored in a single game; Ken Griffey went 3-for-4, 2 2B's, SF & 5 RBI, as both Rose & Tony Perez made bids for the cycle. Conception hit his first HR of the season, and Jack Billingham keeps rolling with a 1.91 ERA in 33 Innings (5 starts) this season.

                         R   H   E
1906 Cubs         0    6    0
1998 Yankees   1    6    2    F

Chicago (15-7) / New York (15-7)

WP- D.Wells (2-1)/ CG (1)/ SHO (1)
LP- J.Taylor (4-1)/ CG (1)

The Yankees win with a walk-off HR by Scott Brosius, David Wells allows six hits in a complete game shutout as Jack Taylor suffers his first loss of the season. Yankees even series 1-1.

                         R   H   E
1912 Giants       8   12   0
1985 Blue Jays  0    2    0    F

New York (13-9) / Toronto (12-10)

WP- Marquard (2-3)/ CG (2)/ SHO (2)
LP- D.Alexander (3-1)

The Blue Jays really didn't show up, as the Giants got off to a 4-0 early lead in the fourth, Beals Becker would hit a Grand Slam later in the top of the 9th. Rube Marquard struck out 6 Jays and only allowed two hits, while Frank Doyle came up a double short of the cycle (despite hitting a HR in his first AB & triple in his second AB).

                           R   H   E
1969 Mets           4   11   2
1976 Dodgers     5   10   3    F

New York (8-14) / Los Angeles (9-13)

WP- Hough (2-2)
LP- R.Taylor (0-1)

A back & forth game that was highlighted by a stolen base record. Davey Lopes now stands alone with a record four stolen bases in a single-game record, which he held with 3 steals, along with the following players: Bill Dahlen (04' NYG), Sam Mertes (04' NYG), Beals Becker (12' NYG), Fred Merkle (12' NYG), Phil Rizzuto (53' NYY), Bert Campaneris (71' OAK), and Chipper Jones (98' ATL).

The Dodgers won with a walk-off single by Bill Russell.

                             R   H   E
1953 Dodgers       5   11   0
1977 Phillies         0    4    0    F

Brooklyn (12-10) / Philadelphia (13-9)

WP- Meyer (1-2)
LP- L.Christenson (3-3)

The Dodgers scored a quick three runs in the first with Roy Campanella's two-run HR leading the way, Gil Hodges would add a two-run double in the 8th. Russ Meyer pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing four hits & three walks, while striking out six batters.

                            R   H   E
1968 Tigers          5    8    0
1946 Red Sox      7   11   3    F

Detroit (8-14) / Boston (7-15)

WP- Hughson (3-2)
LP- Lolich (1-4)
SV- Klinger (3)

Bobby Doerr hit a two-run triple, while Lee Culberson (playing 3rd) hit a two-run HR to contribute in their six-run third inning. The Tigers would try to climb back, but the damage was done as Mickey Lolich would allow six runs in three innings; the Tigers bullpen (which has been a weakness) held their own in this one, allowing only a run during five innings to give the Tigers a chance.

Phils' Mulholland Blanks Crawfords, 2-0

(Game #22's)

                             R   H   E
1993 Phillies        2    4    1
1935 Crawfords   0    8    0    F

Philadelphia (11-11) / Pittsburgh (18-4)

WP- Mulholland (2-2)/ CG (1)/ SHO (1)
LP- Matlock (4-2)/ CG (4)

Terry Mulholland pitched a complete game shutout, as John Kruk & Darren Daulton both provided the offense with solo HR's for the Phillies. Leroy Matlock only allowed four hits & the two HR's in nine innings for the Crawfords, the Crawfords had plenty of opportunities to score, leaving men in scoring position. Sam Bankhead & Bill Perkins both had two hits & a triple each.

                           R   H   E
1904 Giants        2    6    2
1995 Indians       9   11   0   F

New York (13-9) / Cleveland (12-10)

WP- De.Martinez (4-2)
LP- McGinnity (3-3)

The Tribe jumped all over the Giants, starting with Kenny Lofton's leadoff HR to start the game; Manny Ramirez batted 2-for-4, HR & 4 RBI, while Albert Belle (intentionally walked the prior two plate appearances) hit his 14th HR. Dennis Martinez wins his 4th, and has lowered his ERA to 3.09 after his rough start to the season.

                          R   H   E
1929 Cubs          8   15   0
1981 Expos        3   11   0    F 

Chicago (16-6) / Montreal (10-12)

WP- G.Bush (3-2)
LP- Gullickson (1-3)

Hack Wilson led the Cubs' offense going 2-for-4, with a HR & 4 RBI, while Riggs Stephenson went 2-for-5, 2B, HR & 2 RBI. Andre Dawson had a 3-for-5 day, HR, SB & 2 RBI in a losing effort, as the Cubs even the series a game a piece. The Cubs trail the Crawfords by only two games with the Crawfords loss to the 1993 Phillies.

                          R   H   E
1944 Browns      4    7    0
1971 Giants        2    5    0    F

St. Louis (9-13) / San Francisco (7-15)

WP- Potter (3-3)
LP- Marichal (1-3)
SV- Caster (6)

Vern Stephens hit his 3rd two-run HR of the young series, with solo HR's provided by Mark Christman & Frank Mancuso, as Nel Potter did his part by shutting down the Giants with eight strong innings (2 ER's & 4 hits allowed).

                          R   H   E
1954 Indians      6    5    1
1986 Mets          0    3    2    F

Cleveland (8-14) / New York (7-15)

WP- Wynn (1-5)/ CG (1)/ SHO (1)
LP- Darling (0-5)

INJURIES: Ray Knight (NYM) - 7 games.

Early Wynn makes his first win, a big one with a three-hit, 12 K shutout of the 1986 Mets. Bill Glynn knowing that he will be returning to the backup role, now that Vic Wertz returns from the Disabled List the next day -- took full advantage, as he hit 2 HR's & drove in 4 RBI's in 3 at-bats.



                           R   H   E
1917 White Sox  5    7    2
1993 Giants        2    3    0    F

Chicago (14-8) / San Francisco (12-10)

WP- Faber (4-1)
LP- Burkett (3-2)
SV- Re.Russell (3)

INJURIES: Robby Thompson (SF) - 5 Games, Matt Williams (SF) - 1 Game

The Giants squandered opportunities as the game was decided in a three-run fifth inning for the White Sox. Swede Risberg led the Sox charge from the #8 slot with a two-run triple & RBI single, plus a steal in 4 AB's.

Blair Breaks up No-No, Wins with Walk-Off!

(Game #21's)

Blair delivers the winner in Baltimore.

                            R   H   E
1942 Cardinals   0    8    0
1969 Orioles       1    3    1    F  / 11 Inn

St. Louis (10-11) / Baltimore (9-12)

WP- Watt (1-0)
LP- M.Cooper (2-3)/ CG (1)

Mort Cooper of the Cardinals took a no-hitter into the bottom of the ninth, when Paul Blair broke it up with a single in a scoreless ballgame, Boog Powell would get a single two batters later -- Mort stayed in the game and allowed a walk-off solo blast by Blair.

                          R   H   E
1953 Yankees   9   13   0
1984 Tigers       3    7    0    F

New York (13-8) / Detroit (12-9)

WP- W.Ford (1-4)
LP- J.Morris (5-1)

Jack Morris got his first loss, as Whitey Ford gets his first win of the season. Hank Bauer tore the leather off the ball with a 4-for-5 performance, which included 2 HR's, 4 RBI's & a stolen base. Gene Woodling & Yogi Berra added HR's, while Lance Parrish hit a two-run HR for the losing Tigers.

                          R   H   E
1971 Athletics   5   10   0
1980 Royals      2    4    0    F  / 10 Inn

Oakland (8-13) / Kansas City (8-13)

WP- Blue (2-2)
LP- R.Martin (0-2)
SV- Fingers (3)

The Athletics snapped a four-game losing streak by winning in extras, Sal Bando hit a two-run single & Rick Monday hit a RBI single in the top of the 10th. The game went to extras on George Brett's bottom of the 9th two-run HR off Vida Blue who pitched 8 scoreless innings prior to that.

                          R   H   E
2001 Mariners  6    7    0
1931 Athletics   3    4    0     F

Seattle (15-6) / Philadelphia (10-11)

WP- F.Garcia (4-0)
LP- L.Grove (0-4)

Freddy Garcia remains undefeated, while Lefty Grove can't get himself a victory. Bret Boone did the brunt of the damage with 2 two-run homers, David Bell continues his hot hitting going 2-for-4, with a two-run double. The Philadelphia A's overall has been a huge disappointment up to this point, as they sit alone in last place.

                        R   H   E
1940 Reds       2    5    0
1971 Pirates    5   11   1   F

Cincinnati (8-13) / Pittsburgh (10-11)

WP- Blass (2-3)
LP- B.Walters (1-4)
SV- Bo.Miller (2)

Roberto Clemente finished a triple short of the cycle, including a two-run HR & 3 runs scored; Willie Stargell had a two-run HR.

                                       **** LEAGUE STANDINGS Below ****

Crazy 48's Standings

LEAGUE STANDINGS
STARS I   (Ruth Division)	W	L	PCT	GB	Streak	Rdiff
1935 Crawfords	18	3	0.857	0	Won 2	34
1929 Cubs	15	6	0.714	3	Lost 1	37
1912 Giants	12	9	0.571	6	Won 2	28
1927 Yankees	11	10	0.524	7	Lost 1	22
1934 Cardinals	11	10	0.524	7	Lost 2	-5
1931 Athletics	10	11	0.476	8	Lost 2	10
STARS II   (Musial Division)	W	L	PCT	GB	Streak	Rdiff
1937 Yankees	11	10	0.524	0	Lost 1	11
1942 Cardinals	10	11	0.476	1	Lost 3	-8
1944 Browns	8	13	0.381	3	Won 1	-7
1940 Reds	8	13	0.381	3	Lost 1	-18
1946 Red Sox	6	15	0.286	5	Lost 1	-17
1937 Giants	6	15	0.286	5	Lost 4	-30
STARS III  (Clemente Division)	W	L	PCT	GB	Streak	Rdiff
1975 Reds	14	7	0.667	0	Won 2	22
1971 Pirates	10	11	0.476	4	Won 1	-5
1969 Orioles	9	12	0.429	5	Won 2	-19
1968 Tigers	8	13	0.381	6	Won 1	-35
1962 Dodgers	7	14	0.333	7	Won 1	-35
1971 Giants	7	14	0.333	7	Lost 3	-36
STARS IV   (Bobby Cox Division)	W	L	PCT	GB	Streak	Rdiff
2001 Mariners	15	6	0.714	0	Won 1	22
1998 Braves	14	7	0.667	1	Won 4	18
1985 Blue Jays	12	9	0.571	3	Lost 1	24
1993 Phillies	10	11	0.476	5	Lost 1	3
1981 Expos	10	11	0.476	5	Won 1	0
1999 Rangers	10	11	0.476	5	Won 1	-15
STRIPES I   (Mathewson Division)	W	L	PCT	GB	Streak	Rdiff
1906 Cubs	15	6	0.714	0	Won 4	33
1912 Red Sox	14	7	0.667	1	Won 2	5
1917 White Sox	13	8	0.619	2	Lost 1	47
1904 Giants	13	8	0.619	2	Lost 2	19
1914 Braves	12	9	0.571	3	Lost 1	14
1925 Senators	10	11	0.476	5	Won 2	-18
STRIPES II   (Robinson Division)	W	L	PCT	GB	Streak	Rdiff
1953 Yankees	13	8	0.619	0	Won 1	20
1953 Dodgers	11	10	0.524	2	Lost 1	21
1971 Athletics	8	13	0.381	5	Won 1	-17
1969 Mets	8	13	0.381	5	Won 2	-29
1954 Indians	7	14	0.333	6	Lost 4	-18
1960 Pirates	7	14	0.333	6	Won 1	-19
STRIPES III   (Ripken Division)	W	L	PCT	GB	Streak	Rdiff
1977 Phillies	13	8	0.619	0	Won 1	-6
1984 Tigers	12	9	0.571	1	Lost 3	8
1976 Dodgers	8	13	0.381	5	Lost 4	-12
1980 Royals	8	13	0.381	5	Lost 1	-15
1983 Orioles	8	13	0.381	5	Lost 2	-28
1986 Mets	7	14	0.333	6	Won 1	-17
STRIPES IV    (Jeter Division)	W	L	PCT	GB	Streak	Rdiff
1998 Yankees	14	7	0.667	0	Lost 2	23
1998 Padres	12	9	0.571	2	Won 4	0
1993 Giants	11	10	0.524	3	Won 2	20
1995 Indians	11	10	0.524	3	Won 3	-4
2007 Red Sox	10	11	0.476	4	Lost 1	-8
2002 Athletics	6	15	0.286	8	Lost 2	-16

Maddux Outlasts Hoyt, Braves Win 1-0

(Game #21's)

                           R   H   E
1927 Yankees   0    2    1
1998 Braves      1    3    1     F

New York (11-10) / Atlanta (14-7)

WP- Maddux (2-3)
LP- Hoyt (2-3)/ CG (1)

The definition of a pitcher's duel, as Greg Maddux (ATL) & Waite Hoyt (NYY) shined for their teams. Maddux would break up Hoyt's bid for a no-hitter with a single in the bottom of the sixth, in which Maddux would late score on the error by Tony Lazzeri (which would be the difference).

Maddux would go on to pitch 8 innings of two-hit, scoreless ball; while Hoyt pitches 8 innings of three-hit ball, allowing no earned runs. Maddux had 5 K's, Hoyt had 6 K's.

It has been an up-and-down season for both the 1927 Yankees & the Braves' Greg Maddux -- who both while on top of their games, are the most dangerous to face in the entire history of the game.

                           R   H   E
1934 Cardinals   2    5    1
1999 Rangers     9   13   0    F

St. Louis (11-10) / Texas (10-11)

WP- Helling (3-2)
LP- D.Dean (4-1)

Dizzy Dean gets rocked by the Rangers' big bats, allowing eight hits & six earned runs in four innings, walking four -- while experiencing his first loss of the season as his ERA gets bumped up to 1.72. Rafael Palmerio hit his 10th HR of the season, in a 3-for-5 performance, while Lee Stevens hit his 5th.

                           R   H   E
1962 Dodgers     7   11   0
1937 Giants        0    4    2     F

Los Angeles (7-14) / New York (6-15)

WP- Drysdale (2-2)/ CG(1)/ SHO (1)
LP- Hubbell (1-3)

Don Drysdale was in the driver's seat, as he dominated the Giants for his first complete game & shutout of the season. Tommy Davis gone 3-for-5, with a HR & 2 RBI, while Johnny Roseboro went 2-for-4, HR & 3 RBI for the night.

                           R   H   E
1912 Red Sox    3    6    1
2002 Athletics    2    5    0    F   /  10 Inn

Boston (14-7) / Oakland (6-15)

WP- J.Wood (2-4)/ CG (4)
LP- Zito (2-4)/ CG (3)

Both pitchers for the most part were dominant (despite their walks totals) go the distance, as Heinie Wagner's clutch two-run double in the top of the 10th secured the victory for the Red Sox.

                          R   H   E
2007 Red Sox    3    7    0
1925 Senators   9    8    0    F

Boston (10-11) / Washington (10-11)

WP- Coveleski (2-2)
LP- Beckett (1-3)

The majority of the Senators' offense came in their six-run 7th Inning off of Boston's bullpen, as the Senators' Joe Judge added a three-run HR, with Ossie Bluege adding a two-run double. Stan Coveleski had his strongest outing of the season with one earned run allowed in seven innings -- who entered the game with a 8.03 ERA.

Dyer, Mets Defeat Dodgers in Extras.

(Game #21's)

                         R   H   E
1969 Mets       5    6    1
1976 Dodgers  2    2    2    F  / 10 Inn

New York (8-13) / Los Angeles (8-13)

WP- McGraw (3-1)
LP- Rhoden (2-2)
SV- R.Taylor (1)

The game was a low-offensive game as the Mets & Dodgers were tied 2-2 and went to extras, the Mets brought in Duffy Dyer to replace J.C. Martin in the top of the 10th, when he hit a three-run HR to take a 5-2 lead. Ron Cey went 2-for-3 with a double & HR for the Dodgers. Tom Seaver (2 ER's in 8 IP) & Don Sutton (0 ER's/2 runs in 9 IP) pitched excellent games.

                           R   H   E
1953 Dodgers    4    9    2
1977 Phillies     10  10   1    F

Brooklyn (11-10) / Philadelphia (13-8)

WP- Carlton (3-2)
LP- Erskine (4-2)

The Phillies lived by the long-ball as Mike Schmidt, Jay Johnstone, Jerry Martin & even Steve Carlton all homered in a fairly lopsided game.

                              R   H   E
1968 Tigers           4    8    2
1946 Red Sox        3    5    0    F

Detroit (8-13) / Boston (6-15)

WP- McLain (2-1)
LP- Ferriss (0-5)
SV- Hiller (2)

Willie Horton hit his 7th HR (2-run HR), Northrup had a solo (2) & Bill Freehan hit his 10th HR of the season, he happens to have more than the entire 46' Red Sox (8 HR's). Rudy York (BOS) got three total RBI's on three different plays: Sac Fly, Fielder's Choice & double -- doing every which way he possibly can, but it wasn't enough.

                               R   H   E
1906 Cubs              10  14   1
1998 Yankees         2    6    1    F

Chicago (15-6) / New York (14-7)

WP- Mo.Brown (4-2)/ CG (5)
LP- Cone (4-1)

David Cone was handed his first loss of the season, as the Cubs' utility specialist Art Hoffman (starting for the injured Joe Tinker) went 2-for-5 with a two-run homer. Frank Chance added three hits, three runs & a ribbie, while Harry Steinfeldt keeps rolling by getting two hits, 2 RBI & a triple.

Oh, and that "Three Finger" Brown guy is pretty good too, pitching his fifth complete game -- allowing two earned runs & six hits.

                             R   H   E
1914 Braves         2    6    0
1998 Padres         3    4    0     F

Boston (12-9) / San Diego (12-9)

WP- D.Wall (2-0)
LP- T.Hughes (0-1)

Boston pulled Dick Rudolph early after six innings, which would go on to be a mistake, as Tom Hughes would walk the first two batters in the ninth & give up a walk-off HR to Greg Vaughn (his 8th) -- his second walk-off HR of the season.

Clemente has been heating up for 60' Pirates.

                          R   H   E
1960 Pirates     6    15   0
1983 Orioles     5    11   1    F  / 11 Inn

Pittsburgh (7-14) / Baltimore (8-13)

WP- Face (1-2)
LP- Tp.Martinez (3-2)

Roberto Clemente shined in this game that kept going back & forth, even in extras; Clemente gone 4-for-5 with 2 HR's & 4 RBI. The Orioles' Ripken, Murray & Bumbry each homered as well.

Good Day / Bad Day for Mathewson

(Game #21's)

                         R   H   E
1904 Giants      7    6    1
1995 Indians     9    9    1     F

New York (13-8) / Cleveland (11-10)

WP- Tavarez (3-0)
LP- Mathewson (3-3)
SV- Mesa (7)

Besides giving up back-to-back HR's to Jim Thome & Albert Belle during the 1st Inning, the Giants' Christy Mathewson cruised through the next six scoreless innings. The Giants entered the bottom of the 8th with a 6-2 lead, when the wheels came off -- Mathewson walked Kenny Lofton (who then stole 2nd), walked Carlos Baerga, Mathewson then fielded a grounder from Thome, in which he pulled the first baseman off the bag with a bad throw, loading them up for Albert Belle, walks Belle (runner scores), Manny Ramirez hits into a Fielder's Choice, which they got the lead runner out at home -- then 39 year-old (almost 40) Eddie Murray hits a three-run triple, Sorrento follows with RBI double, and two-run HR by Tony Pena capped it all off; seven runs in the inning, nine runs allowed in 7 1/3 innings for Mathewson -- bumping his ERA up to 4.47!

                           R   H   E
1912 Giants        2    7    0
1985 Blue Jays  1    5    0     F  / 10 Inn

New York (12-9) / Toronto (12-9)

WP- Mathewson (4-1)/ CG (4)
LP- Stieb (1-2)/ CG (2)

The good part of the day for all things Mathewson, a 10-inning complete game allowing only five hits and a run, as Larry Doyle's two-run double in the top of the 10th spoiled a productive day for Jays' Dave Stieb.

                        R   H   E
1944 Browns  17  18   1
1971 Giants     5    6    1     F

St. Louis (8-13) / San Francisco (7-14)

WP- Kramer (2-1)
LP- G.Perry (1-4)

The Browns unloaded on the Giants & Gaylord Perry, scoring 14 runs in between the 5th & 8th innings. The Browns attack was led by Vern Stephens (2 HR's & 4 RBI) and Milt Brynes (tying the league record) with 3 doubles; Alex Zarilla & Red Hayworth added four RBI's each.

                           R   H   E
1937 Yankees    2    9    1
1975 Reds          4    5    2    F

New York (11-10) / Cincinnati (14-7)

WP- Nolan (4-0)
LP- L.Gomez (3-2)
SV- Eastwick (6)

Gary Nolan kept getting the outs when he needed to, allowing only two runs (one earned run) in nine innings of work, as Pete Rose went 2-for-4, RBI triple & 2 runs -- plus two RBI singles from Joe Morgan. George Selkirk went 3-for-4, two doubles & RBI in a losing effort. This should be an exciting series with two of the most explosive lineups of all-time.

                        R   H   E
1929 Cubs       2    5    0
1981 Expos     4    6    1    F

Chicago (15-6) / Montreal (10-11)

WP- S.Rogers (2-3)
LP- Root (3-1)
SV- Reardon (6)

Charlie Root (Cubs) was handed his first loss of the season, as the Expos' Steve Rogers held the Cubs' sluggers in check, allowing only five hits & an earned run in seven innings; Rogers also had a two-run double at the plate. Gary Carter got things started early with a two-run HR. The Cubs' Kiki Cuyler & Hack Wilson combined for 4 of the team's 5 hits.

                         R   H   E
1954 Indians    2    6    0
1986 Mets       4    2    0     F

Cleveland (7-14) / New York (7-14)

WP- Gooden (2-2)
LP- Newhouser (0-1)
SV- Orosco (5)

Larry Doby was the Indians' offense with a two-run HR, Bob Lemon had a solid six inning performance allowing only one hit & one run. Hal Newhouser blown the 2-1 lead by allowing a three-run triple to Gary Carter, which would be clutch. Kevin Mitchell had the Mets' other hit (in the 6th) with a solo HR off Lemon.

                              R   H   E
1917 White Sox    1    3    0
1993 Giants          2    3    0    F

Chicago (13-8) / San Francisco (12-9)

WP- Swift (4-1)
LP- Cicotte (2-3)
SV- Beck (4)

In a game that had two offenses coming in rolling, both came up quiet -- the only noise? A two-run HR by Matt Williams that proved to be the difference, who also had a double in 3 AB's.

Satchel's Season of Dominance

Satchel Sets League Record with 16 K's in Single Game!

                             R   H   E
1993 Phillies        1    5    1
1935 Crawfords   5   11   0    F

Philadelphia (10-11) / Pittsburgh (18-3)

WP- Paige (6-0)/ CG (6)
LP- Schilling (0-3)

The only blemish during Satchel Paige's latest masterpiece was a two-out, ninth inning solo HR by Dave Hollins, just missing his 3rd shutout of the season. You knew it was going to be a long day for the Phillies' batters when Paige struck out the first five consecutive batters he faced at the start of the game. He would go on and strike out John Kruk all four times at the plate, Daulton would have a hat trick as well; in fact every Phillie got rung up by Paige.

Paige tied the record in the top of the 7th, by striking out Jim Eisenreich (tying the record with former record holder, Kevin Brown of the Padres), he would break the record later in the inning against Kevin Stocker. John Kruk & Darren Daulton would follow in the 9th.

Satchel Paige is the front-runner (hands down) for the Star League's Cy Young Award, here is his stats below (Red indicates League Lead, Red Italic indicates League Lead/tied & Black Bold indicates team lead & Black Bold Italic/ team lead tied).

Paige, with the St. Louis Browns, much later in his career.

SATCHEL PAIGE's Season to date:

Games: 9

Games Started: 6

Innings: 57

Complete Games: 6

Victories: 6

Shutouts: 2

Saves: 3

Strikeouts: 50

Earned Run Average: 0.95*

* Among starting pitchers, at least

WHIP: 0.526**

** Not sure where he ranks here, but very impressive, possible leader here.

Pitched a no-hitter in his 2nd start of the season (Game #5) against the 1942 St. Louis Cardinals.

Satchel Paige has the Pittsburgh Crawfords off to a league best 18-3 record (.857), and are on pace for a 137-23 record for the 160-game season. The Crawfords are without star slugger Josh Gibson, who will be out for another 29 games, and currently have a three-game lead over 2nd place 1929 Chicago Cubs in the Stars I (Ruth) Division.