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March 1, 1990 • Draft Edition
March 1, 1990 • Draft Edition
ROOKIE DRAFT EDITION
1990 Draft Review
Or, I'd Buy That for a Dollar
by Sean Holloway, Beat Reporter
Everyone remember how this works? Risk level, fit, and value drive my final verdict of “GOOD,” “BETTER,” or “BEST.” Note there were some trades this draft round, and I will attempt to include in my analysis how these moves may impact the teams involved, although that is even more difficult than assessing one pick.
Note also that my self-described characterization as a “Super Genius” is one with which you may vehemently disagree, and that’s fine by me. Anyone who really thinks I’m a super genius is probably out drinking, drugging and whoring with me, so their faculties are most likely impaired, and they are not to be trusted. Speaking of impaired faculties, I also may have sorta kinda done this analysis on the back of a cocktail napkin (and Destiny’s thigh) at FLO GM Lima’s Festivus Party, so keep that in mind if it’s a bit incoherent. The ink kept rubbing off…..
1. FLO – 1B Frank Thomas
Did You Know?
Won four Silver Sluggers and was twice named AL MVP; 11 100+ RBI seasons.
Appeared in 1992’s Mr. Baseball and Married With Children in 1994.
HoF Class of 2014.
FUN FACT: Distant relative of both Dave Thomas (Take off, ya hoser!) and Dave Thomas (Where’s the beef?).
FUNNER FACT: Beat Reporter Holloway thought Griffey Junior had scary ratings; he saw Thomas’s and began drinking again.
We’ll start this analysis just like last year’s thoughts on Griffey Junior. According to Glen’s ratings of goodness for offensive stats, Thomas is 8/8/7 for 23. His defense is not the best a la Junior, but with an Eye rating of 10, he should be on base just about every at bat. Hell, I’m guessing if he bats five times a game, he will just walk straight from the on-deck circle to first base for two of those five PAs. With many picks, one must wait for them to develop, but with Thomas, GM Lima is sitting in his office like Palpatine saying to himself “Oh, I’m afraid Frank Thomas will be quite operational when the season arrives!”. Holy crap – this guy is awesome. Thomas is just what an expansion team needs as an offensive juggernaut.
Pick Quality: (BEST!)
2. KEY to DET – SP Randy Tomlin
Did You Know?
Nickname is “Whispers”.
Brought back into popularity the Vulcan Change, a forkball thrown between the middle and ring finger similar to the welcome sign by Spock from Star Trek. The pitch behaves much like the circle change with sinking action, tailing away from a righty.
FUN FACT: Also brought sexy back way before Justin Timberlake.
FUNNER FACT: His pitching coach at Liberty University would watch him throw while listening to Wham!; this is how Tomlin got his nickname, as his coach would always remind him during critical times with runners on base “don’t get Careless, Whispers”.
The other expansion team, Keystone, boasts a GM in Doug Aiton that took a different tack to building a team, one that focused on maximizing the number of high-level players he could immediately throw into his starting line-up. Aiton chose to trade the #2 pick of Tomlin to DET for IF Carlos Baerga at #10, 1B/LF David Segui at #17, and ATL’s 1992 2nd. While observers generally think that Tomlin was the best pitcher in the draft, these same observers also think that this year’s draft was weak, so the traditional wisdom of “draft the best SP available” if one has a top three pick may or may not have been the move. Aiton has had a busy offseason between the Expansion Draft, where he snagged some awesome players (check out his team) he intends to keep, while he’s been using others for numerous deals to acquire even better talent and more draft picks. With this deal, he gains two pos players that could be part of his infield for years. DET, if Tomlin performs well, will have added a strong SP to its rotation.
Pick Quality: BEST!
Deal Quality – KEY: BETTER but will upgrade to BEST if the players acquired pan out.
Deal Quality – DET: BETTER but will upgrade to BEST if Tomlin performs at a high level, as the Griffins desperately need SPs.
3. BRO to ATL – CF Ray Lankford
Did You Know?
First played with STL, where he replaced CF Willie McGee.
Six 20 HR seasons, five 20 HR/20 SB seasons, two 30+ HR seasons.
Three times achieved Platinum Sombrero (striking out five times in one game).
FUN FACT: Favorite movie is Three Amigos!.
And if you wanted more than one deal, we have just the thing for you!. With Griffey Junior chilling in CF in BRO, observers were flummoxed by the Lankford pick – until the deal between ATL and BRO was announced, where Lankford will head to ATL in exchange for 3B Robin Ventura and SP Steve Avery. GM Chaney has 17 amazing OFs, but it does behoove one to jump quickly if a potential awesome CF is available, and he’s done just that. With McReynolds being shopped, and Lankford able to play CF well and LF extremely well, Chaney is preparing for the future. The only concern I have is if ATL should have actually kept Avery and used the rookie to help The Toppers’ rotation. GM Widholm, trying to recover from the knocks his bevy of SPs received from Iron Mike, picked up arguably the 3rd best pitcher in the draft AND Ventura, so he is now flush at the 3B position with Robin and Matt Williams, which may open a potential deal for one or the other.
Pick Quality: BEST!
Deal Quality – ATL: BETTER but will upgrade to BEST if Chaney can find a place for Lankford.
Deal Quality – BRO: BETTER but will upgrade to BEST if Widholm can find a place for Ventura to play.
4. MON – LF Luis Gonzalez
Did You Know?
Teammate of Tino Martinez in high school.
Five-time NL All Star, one Silver Slugger; 11 seasons of 20+ HRs.
WS with Arizona in 2001.
FUN FACT: Beat reporter Holloway calls Gonzalez the Brady Anderson of the NL due to his one year of crushing 57 HRs and then never coming close to that mark again.
New GM Brian Gryka already has an established LF in Lonnie Smith, but at 33 years old, fans in MON have been wondering if the creaking noise they hear at the ballpark is coming from the stands or from Smith. To get ahead of the game, Gryka astutely chose Gonzalez, a LF whose offensive production could be the same or better as Smith’s as Gonzalez has more power. Also, Gonzalez is much better defensively than Smith. As Gryka attempts to find MON’s rotation some offense, Gonzalez is a fantastic pick.
Pick Quality: BEST!
5. DET – SP Chris Nabholz
Did You Know?
In 1989 he made his pro debut for the Rockford Expos.
FUN FACT: Favorite TV show is the Rockford Files.
FUNNER FACT: Still upset that Richie Brockelman, Private Eye, wasn’t picked up after its first five shows.
And we can start this analysis just like we did in 1988. Rumor has it that Griffins fans are not happy with GM Holloway and the team’s lackluster and uninspiring performance in 1989. While floating around the bottom of the League, fans are expecting much more out of the Griffins thanks to Holloway amassing 34 1990 picks. As it stands, Holloway – via trade and then with this pick – arguably drafted the top two pitchers of the 1990 class. Tomlin and Nabholz – should they live up to expectations – give the Griffins a potentially solid #1 and #2 to go along with Mathews, Benes and Banksy. But will the emphasis on pitching haunt DET? Could there have been an offensive player that may have helped DET’s weak offense? Time will tell on this pick.
Pick Quality: BETTER!
6. ATL – SP Steve Avery
Did You Know?
1991 NLCS MVP; threw 16 1/3 scoreless innings against the Pirates.
WS with ATL in 1995.
FUN FACT: Not related to Tex Avery, but does love Tex’s early cartoons.
With BRO in need of a stable SP, GM Widholm, as part of the Lankford deal, has found himself just that. Avery is nearly developed and should be able to eat up innings for the Superbas, and he was able to turn drafting Lankford into a two-player return. Nice!
Pick Quality: BETTER!
Deal Quality: BETTER to BEST if he sorts out what to do with Ventura.
7. HAV – LF Orlando Merced
Did You Know?
His high school had no baseball team so he played volleyball and basketball and ran track.
Was signed by scouts after they came to Puerto Rico to look at Roberto Clemente’s son, Luis.
Twice led the league in double plays turned by RFs.
FUN FACT: Now retired, he loves driving his 1989 Merced-Benz 560 SL he bought with his signing bonus.
With this year’s draft pool viewed as not one of the strongest, many GMs gave up and started ditching their picks, assuming there weren’t quality players worth the money of the First Round. GM Mueller proves that one can still find bargains. Merced is the proto-typical Mueller offensive player with above average contact, eye and avoid Ks. Follow that up with good intangibles and the fact that Merced is a Raumdeuter in both left and right fields and wow. 9/9 and 7/7/10 in the positions? Come on, man! e thinks the swoop train is heading ‘round the corner…..Daniels, Mack and Justice in the OF with Merced at 1B, or just switch Justice and Merced.
Pick Quality: BEST!
8. CHI – SP Charles Nagy
Did You Know?
Three-time All Star, six 15+ win seasons, six 200 IP seasons.
Never missed a start from late 1993 through mid-2000.
FUN FACT: one of only eight different pitchers to have batted more than once in a nine-inning game that used the designated hitter rule.
GM Haugh found himself in a bit of a pickle at #8. The Colts need SPs, but with the top three gone and the perceived drop-off to the remaining SPs fairly vast – at least on paper – it was a tough call deciding what to do. CHI has a fantastic OF and IF, and the reliever corps is also stacked. As such, Chicago Steve decided to grab the best SP available and pray to the baseball gods for some positive dings – and I cannot blame him for that one bit seeing how this draft just did not have the quality of players in the positions that CHI needed.
Pick Quality: BETTER!
9. BOS – OF Moises Alou
Did You Know?
Son of Felipe Alou.
Missed the 1999 season due to an injury received from falling off a treadmill during spring training.
Was the LF trying to make the catch during the infamous Bartman incident.
Didn’t use batting gloves; urinated on his hands to give them a rough texture.
FUN FACT: Got into a protracted disagreement with Ramses II because Ramses wouldn’t let his people go.
GM Hetzer found himself in a similar position to the Colts’ Haugh, but instead of rolling the dice on a SP, he settled on rolling the dice on another OF. With Puckett and Bonds already in the OF, can you imagine the addition of a fully-developed Moises? Burning bushes; plagues; seas parted. Dude! Opposing teams won’t know what hit them! That’s the upside. The downside is the Moises still has to spend 40 years wandering the desert and developing before leading BOS to the promised land. Lots of development risk, but the upside – especially in this draft – may be worth it.
Pick Quality: BETTER!
10. DET to KEY – IF Carlos Baerga
Did You Know?
Along with Sandy Alomar Jr. and Chris James, traded from the Padres to the Indians for Joe Carter.
Three-time all Star, two-time Silver Slugger, twice had over 200 hits.
In 1996 traded to the Mets for Jeff Kent.
Has broadcast games on ESPN Deportes.
FUN FACT: Catch phrase is for him to scream “Goooooooolllllllll!” every time a batter hits a HR.
Pick Quality: See commentary under #2, Randy Tomlin.
11. SF - 3B Travis Fryman
Did You Know?
Five-time All Star, GG in 2000, one SS, and seven 20+ HR seasons.
Managed the Mahoning Valley Scrappers from 2008 – 2010.
FUN FACT: Apparently Tonole agonized over this pick and spent many hours debating the best path; SF staff even heard him mumble to himself “Twelve Hours of work, and I still can’t sleep. Damn. Days go on and on. They don’t end.”
The draft pick changes, but the song remains the same. GM Tonole’s Spiders have two spots offensively – LF and 3B - where they could improve seeing how – again – pitchers were likely not the smart choice here. Tonole decided to place his bets on Fryman, hoping the nearly-developed rookie could make an immediate impact offensively. While not a true masher, Fryman should be an improvement over Tim “if I had a hammer” Hulett. Tonole filled a hole here, and finding someone in this draft that can start immediately is an astute pick.
Pick Quality: BEST!
12. DET – IF Craig Grebeck
Did You Know?
White Sox signed him as an undrafted free agent in 1986.
Spent 12 years in the league and had a solid career as a journeyman utility infielder.
FUN FACT: Although many vocalize a frog by saying “ribbit! ribbit”, the actual scientific and preferred vocalization is “Grebeck! Grebeck!”.
With a first round pick that Holloway actually chose to keep, the choice of a utility infielder has left many in Detroit befuddled. With Sweet Lou not getting any younger, was this an attempt to fill Whitaker’s cleats? Or is the Trammell hangover still affecting the Griffins? It’s clear that Grebeck won’t light the world on fire with his bat, but if we’re talking about his glove, that’s another story. The dude plays 2B, SS and 3B, and plays all three positions exceedingly well at 10/9/8 and 9/8/8/8. A bit pricey for sure, but with DET not needing OFs or corner IFs, and a dearth of pitching at this pick, this seems like a decent pick.
Pick Quality: BETTER!
13. CHI – OF Darren Lewis
Did You Know?
GG winner in 1994.
Played 392 consecutive games without an error.
FUN FACT: in 1995, had 527 PAs and only one HR.
GM Haugh at #13 again makes the best of a bad situation. CHI has plenty of OFs that can mash; Lewis won’t ever be confused for a masher. Like Grebeck, though, he plays three positions – just in the OF, and he plays all three exceedingly well (10/8/9). The dude is Glove with a capital “G”, and he’s got speed to boot. With what CHI needs and what the team already has, this is a solid pick.
Pick Quality: BETTER!
14. SEA – SP Scott Erickson
Did You Know?
Threw a perfect game in 1994.
Won a WS with the Twins in 1991.
Seven 200+ IP seasons, five 15+ win seasons.
BUMMER FACT: In 2020, was charged with reckless driving for participating in a street race in which the other driver killed two boys crossing the street at a pedestrian crosswalk.
And yet another instance of where the best pick for a team is likely pitching, but there is no real pitching available. GM Shoer has a solid line-up offensively; the question is who will step up to replace the injured and just signed Mike Morgan? SEA needs (without Morgan) another starter, and Shoer may have found that in Erickson, who should be decent once he develops, and that time can come none too soon for Shoer. I do wonder if – with Upshaw at 1B already 32 – a better move would have been to take Tino Martinez and look for starting pitching in 91.
Pick Quality: BETTER!
15. LA – 1B Tino Martinez
Did You Know?
1991 Pacific Coast League Calgary Cannons.
Two-time All Star, one SS, and six 100+ RBI seasons to go with 13 20+ HR seasons.
Four WS with NYY.
BUMMER FACT: Fired as Marlins hitting coach in 2013 for being verbally and physically abusive to players.
Speaking of Tino, GM Vays lands himself another solid pick way down in the round. With Cory Snyder at 1B already, this seems like a superfluous pick at first. With the staff and pen solid, and with a solid line-up, this pick makes the most sense for LA. Eddie Murray will one day get old and start losing his skills, and Snyder may be better suited as a back-up extraordinaire since he can play 19 positions.
Pick Quality: BEST!
16. TOR – SS Jose Offerman
Did You Know?
1990 Sporting News player of the year and MVP of the Pacific Coast League with the Albuquerque Dukes.
BUMMER FACT: In 2007, while playing for the Long Island Ducks, charged the mound with bat in hand, broke the pitcher’s finger, and gave the catcher a concussion. In 2010, while managing Tigres del Licey, assaulted an umpire. Major asshole here.
Going up to the Great White North, what the heck is Dr. Clemons planning? With pitching even sparser at this pick, the Doctor decided to pick yet another pos player that will help his team pulverize yours into oblivion. With an amazing offense that mashes teams out of the park, Clemons added another offensive player with above average contact, eye and avoid Ks. Jose ain’t the greatest glove, but if Clemons scores enough runs, he will have no reason to care.
Pick Quality: BETTER!
17. DET to KEY – 1B/LF David Segui
Did You Know?
Played 15 years but never played in the post-season.
FACT: In 2006 he admitted to using HGH and became part of the FBI’s investigation of PEDs in MLB. Segui used HGH per a doctor’s prescription and had become addicted, and he claims he does not understand why those addicted to socially acceptable drugs are supported while those using PEDs are outcasts.
Pick Quality: See commentary under #2, Randy Tomlin.
18. BOS – 2B Mickey Morandini
Did You Know?
Nickname is “Dandy little glove man”.
Turned an unassisted triple play vs the Pirates in 1992.
FUN FACT: Who in the hell gave this man such a nickname?
GM Hetzer makes a great pick at #18. He does have Velarde and Sax, but Morandini looks to be better than both, and Sax is also hurt and nearly 30. One could argue that another OF like Bernard Gilkey (who went at #19 overall) may have been a better pick, and I may have agreed with that had Hetzer not already picked Moises. With a need at 2B, and with Morandini already developed, this is a great addition to the Feds.
Pick Quality: BEST!
Standings
Standings
Atlantic W L GB 2ndH R RA
Manhattan 84 78 - 39-43 2 13
Boston 79 83 5 36-47 5 14
Montreal 62 100 22 29-53 12 12
Brooklyn 62 100 22 32-50 15 16
Gulf W L GB 2ndH R RA
St. Louis 98 64 - 55-27 4 1
Washinton 96 66 2 55-28 9 2
Havana 72 90 26 36-47 7 15
Atlanta 71 91 27 35-47 10 11
Lakes W L GB Last R RA
Toronto 95 67 - 47-35 1 9
Chicago 87 75 8 47-36 16 3
Cleveland 76 86 19 40-43 14 6
Detroit 67 95 28 31-51 13 10
Pacific W L GB Last R RA
Los Angeles 91 72 - 46-36 11 4
Seattle 90 73 1 51-31 3 8
San Francisco 84 78 6½ 40-42 8 5
Denver 83 79 7½ 40-43 6 7
Overall W L GB
1 STL 98 64 +2
2 TOR 95 67 +8
3 LA 91 72 +1
4 MAN 84 78 +5
5 WAS 96 66 +5½
6 SEA 90 73 -
7 CHI 87 75 2½
8 SF 84 78 5½
9 DEN 83 79 6½
10 BOS 79 83 10½
11 CLE 76 86 13½
12 HAV 72 90 17½
13 ATL 71 91 18½
12 DET 67 95 22½
15 MON 62 100 27½
16 BRO 62 100 27½
Top seed - 1st round bye
Division winner
Wildcard
+GB refers to divisional lead
League Leaders
League Leaders
Batting Average
Tony Gwynn ATL .377
Wade Boggs WAS .367
Chris Brown SEA .350
Mark Grace SF .348
Willie McGee SEA .340
Willie Upshaw SEA .337
Kirby Puckett BOS .334
Barry Bonds BOS .334
Brian Harper SEA .332
Tim Raines WAS .329
Home Runs
Jose Canseco MAN 50
Rafael Palmeiro TOR 49
Ellis Burks TOR 44
Barry Bonds BOS 42
Sixto Lezcano DEN 42
Mark McGwire ATL 42
John Shelby SEA 42
Howard Johnson TOR 41
Eric Davis ATL 37
Rob Deer SF 36
Eddie Murray CLE 36
RBIs
Jose Canseco MAN 142
Rafael Palmeiro TOR 137
Eddie Murray CLE 131
Ellis Burks TOR 122
Barry Bonds BOS 121
Sixto Lezcano DEN 118
Wally Joyner TOR 116
Ruben Sierra MON 111
Chris Brown SEA 109
John Shelby SEA 109
bWAR
Barry Bonds BOS 10.2
Wade Boggs WAS 8.0
Ivan Calderon CHI 7.4
Ellis Burks TOR 6.9
Eric Davis ATL 6.7
Lenny Dykstra STL 6.5
Alan Trammell CHI 6.5
Chris Brown SEA 6.4
Kal Daniels HAV 6.3
Roberto Alomar TOR 6.3
Earned Run Average
Bret Saberhagen WAS 2.04
Joe Magrane CLE 2.41
Dwight Gooden TOR 2.46
Dave Schmidt STL 2.51
Ed Whitson STL 2.65
Stvn Ontiveros STL 2.86
Teddy Higuera WAS 3.02
Floyd Bannister WAS 3.07
Dave Beard LA 3.25
Fern Valenzuela ATL 3.33
Wins
Dwight Gooden TOR 20
Bret Saberhagen WAS 19
Ed Whitson STL 19
Greg Hibbard SF 18
Steven Ontiveros STL 18
Dave Schmidt STL 18
Tommy Boggs MAN 17
Don Robinson SEA 17
Mario Soto TOR 17
Floyd Bannister WAS 16
Rick Reuschel DEN 16
Strikeouts
Dwight Gooden TOR 271
Fern Valenzuela ATL 252
Dave Beard LA 235
Floyd Youmans MON 228
Teddy Higuera WAS 227
Jose Rijo SF 225
Rick Reuschel DEN 193
Jose DeLeon SF 191
Don Robinson SEA 191
Bret Saberhagen WAS 186
pWAR
Dwight Gooden TOR 11.3
Fern Valenzuela ATL 8.0
Bret Saberhagen WAS 7.6
Dave Beard LA 6.5
Bob Shirley ATL 5.4
Ed Whitson STL 5.3
Stvn Ontiveros STL 5.2
Tommy Boggs MAN 5.1
Dave Schmidt STL 5.0
Teddy Higuera WAS 5.0
Infield Zone Rating
Ozzie Smith DEN 15.2
Cal Ripken Jr. BOS 12.8
Ozzie Guillen SEA 8.8
Robin Yount WAS 8.8
Gary Gaetti DEN 8.5
Outfield Zone Rating
Stan Javier DEN 15.5
Tom Brunansky LA 14.9
Lloyd Moseby WAS 12.8
Andy Van Slyke LA 10.7
Ellis Valentine MAN 10.2
Awards
Awards
Batter of the Month
APR Barry Bonds BOS
MAY Rafael Palmeiro TOR
JUN Dave Winfield WAS
JUL John Shelby SEA
AUG Jose Canseco MAN
SEP Wally Joyner TOR
Pitcher of the Month
APR Dave Schmidt STL
MAY Ed Whitson STL
JUN Allan Anderson SEA
JUL Terry Mulholland CHI
AUG Dave Schmidt STL
SEP Steven Ontiveros STL
Rookie of the Month
APR Jeff M. Robinson CHI
MAY Steve Olin CLE
JUN Dwight Smith DET
JUL Ken Griffey Jr. BRO
AUG Greg Hibbard SF
SEP Scott Scudder HAV
Player of the Week
4/10 Lonnie Smith MON
4/17 Wally Joyner TOR
4/24 Brian Harper SEA
5/1 Barry Bonds BOS
5/8 Jose Canseco MAN
5/15 Jesse Barfield LA
5/22 Shane Mack HAV
5/29 Rafael Palmeiro TOR
6/5 Chris Brown SEA
6/12 Dave Winfield WAS
6/19 Terry Pendleton HAV
6/26 Ozzie Guillen SEA
7/3 Rafael Palmeiro TOR
7/10 Danny Tartabull MAN
7/17 Ivan Calderon CHI
7/24 Barry Bonds BOS
7/31 Barry Bonds BOS
8/7 Wade Boggs WAS
8/14 Tony Gwynn ATL
8/21 Jose Canseco MAN
8/28 Mark Grace SF
9/4 Mark McGwire ATL
9/11 Tony Gwynn ATL
9/18 Mike Stanley ATL
9/25 Barry Bonds BOS
Injuries
(playoff teams)
Injuries
(playoff teams)
LA SP Rick Camp (7 mo)
SEA SP Scott Garrelts (5 wk)
TOR SP Allen Ripley (10 mo)
TOR RP Michael Jackson (3 mo)
Team Capsules
Team Capsules
98-64 (-2)1st overall, 4th in runs, 1st in runs against
Glen Reed's charges finally captured the ring: the best pitching team in the league. After finishing second in runs allowed four times in the last five years—sometimes agonizingly close—the Maroons were the hurlers by a comfortable margin. And, oh yeah, they were the best team overall and won the Gulf Division for the fifth time in six years.
The star man was without a doubt Steven Ontiveros. Yes, Dave Schmidt was his usual stellar self (18-6, 2.51). But that's just it; Schmidt was just being Schmidt. The Dark Reds ace is 82-30, 2.63 since joining the St. Louis rotation in 1985. But Ontiveros was 18-7, 2.86 after never winning more than 12 games or posting an ERA under 3.28. He was both a workhorse (pitching
210 innings) and a clutch man, going 9-0 in the last two months.
Chris Welsh was stellar in the setup role (1.93 in 56 games) and Joe Sambito had the third best ERA of his 14-year career, notching 23 saves and knocking in an insurance run in the pennant clincher Sept. 29 with his fourth career hit.
The offense slipped a bit, and was only fourth, but got some stellar performances. Dan Pasqua led the club with 35 HR, Alvin Davis led with 107 RBI, Lenny Dykstra led with 203 hits. Rickey Henderson led with 111 SB. And then there is Kevin Seitzer, who didn't lead in anything yet batted .315-17-92, .867.
The Maroons now set their sights back-to-back UL titles.
Glen Reed's charges finally captured the ring: the best pitching team in the league. After finishing second in runs allowed four times in the last five years—sometimes agonizingly close—the Maroons were the hurlers by a comfortable margin. And, oh yeah, they were the best team overall and won the Gulf Division for the fifth time in six years.
The star man was without a doubt Steven Ontiveros. Yes, Dave Schmidt was his usual stellar self (18-6, 2.51). But that's just it; Schmidt was just being Schmidt. The Dark Reds ace is 82-30, 2.63 since joining the St. Louis rotation in 1985. But Ontiveros was 18-7, 2.86 after never winning more than 12 games or posting an ERA under 3.28. He was both a workhorse (pitching
210 innings) and a clutch man, going 9-0 in the last two months.
Chris Welsh was stellar in the setup role (1.93 in 56 games) and Joe Sambito had the third best ERA of his 14-year career, notching 23 saves and knocking in an insurance run in the pennant clincher Sept. 29 with his fourth career hit.
The offense slipped a bit, and was only fourth, but got some stellar performances. Dan Pasqua led the club with 35 HR, Alvin Davis led with 107 RBI, Lenny Dykstra led with 203 hits. Rickey Henderson led with 111 SB. And then there is Kevin Seitzer, who didn't lead in anything yet batted .315-17-92, .867.
The Maroons now set their sights back-to-back UL titles.
95-67 (+0)3rd overall, 1st in runs, 9th in runs against
Another year, another 95 wins, another first round bye. Such was the story of the 1989 Toronto Polar Bears. The Sailors of the Floe once again bludgeoned their opponents into submission, scoring 872 runs, 44 more than last year and 76 more than the next-best offense. Three players had at least 40 homers, a first since the '77 Gray Sox, and two of them were age 23.
Palmeiro (.305-49-137, .974) was the breakout player of the year, boosting his RBIs by 47 and his OPS by 130 points. The other U-23, Ellis Burks, hit exactly 44 dingers for the second straight year, walked more, struck out less, and ended fourth in bWAR. Wally Joyner and sophomore 2B Roberto Alomar each had over 200 hits, Alomar and Burks both swiped more than 50 bases, and Joyner and Mariano Duncan both had more than 30 doubles.
The pitching was roughly the same as last year, and the team 3.88 ERA was the franchise's best since its inaugural 1984 season. Dwight Gooden accounted for more than half of the team's pWAR. Doc went 20-8, 2.46 with 271 Ks and 11.3 WAR. He has won 20 games. His win against Detroit in his last start on Sept. 26 extended his run of 20-win seasons to four, putting him into Burdette/Conley/Antonelli territory. Even all-time win leader Larry Dierker has had only four 20-win seasons, spread across eight years.
Charlie Lea, Scott Sanderson, and Mario Soto all had WARs over 2.5, giving the P-Bears the rotation depth they have lacked in recent years.
GM Eric Clemons and the front office had the Midas touch. Free agent signing Charlie Lea (15-12, 3.80, 3.5 WAR) and midseason addition Scott Sanderson (10-3, 3.85, 3.0 WAR) had instant impact, and Mario Soto followed up his 20-win season last year with a 17-9 mark. The bullpen was the league's second worst, but with the second highest run differential in the league, it was rarely a factor (the club was 75-45 in non-one-run games). Rookie closer Jose Mesa had 14 saves with a 3.86 ERA.
As good as Toronto was, they got better as the season went on, going 35-19 in the final third, which bodes well as they try to avenge last year's five-game defeat by Seattle in the Semi Series.
Another year, another 95 wins, another first round bye. Such was the story of the 1989 Toronto Polar Bears. The Sailors of the Floe once again bludgeoned their opponents into submission, scoring 872 runs, 44 more than last year and 76 more than the next-best offense. Three players had at least 40 homers, a first since the '77 Gray Sox, and two of them were age 23.
Palmeiro (.305-49-137, .974) was the breakout player of the year, boosting his RBIs by 47 and his OPS by 130 points. The other U-23, Ellis Burks, hit exactly 44 dingers for the second straight year, walked more, struck out less, and ended fourth in bWAR. Wally Joyner and sophomore 2B Roberto Alomar each had over 200 hits, Alomar and Burks both swiped more than 50 bases, and Joyner and Mariano Duncan both had more than 30 doubles.
The pitching was roughly the same as last year, and the team 3.88 ERA was the franchise's best since its inaugural 1984 season. Dwight Gooden accounted for more than half of the team's pWAR. Doc went 20-8, 2.46 with 271 Ks and 11.3 WAR. He has won 20 games. His win against Detroit in his last start on Sept. 26 extended his run of 20-win seasons to four, putting him into Burdette/Conley/Antonelli territory. Even all-time win leader Larry Dierker has had only four 20-win seasons, spread across eight years.
Charlie Lea, Scott Sanderson, and Mario Soto all had WARs over 2.5, giving the P-Bears the rotation depth they have lacked in recent years.
GM Eric Clemons and the front office had the Midas touch. Free agent signing Charlie Lea (15-12, 3.80, 3.5 WAR) and midseason addition Scott Sanderson (10-3, 3.85, 3.0 WAR) had instant impact, and Mario Soto followed up his 20-win season last year with a 17-9 mark. The bullpen was the league's second worst, but with the second highest run differential in the league, it was rarely a factor (the club was 75-45 in non-one-run games). Rookie closer Jose Mesa had 14 saves with a 3.86 ERA.
As good as Toronto was, they got better as the season went on, going 35-19 in the final third, which bodes well as they try to avenge last year's five-game defeat by Seattle in the Semi Series.
91-72 (-1.5)4th overall, 11th in runs, 4th in runs against
On one level, the 1989 Los Angeles Outlaws season was their worst in a decade. On another level, the way the season ended made it one of the most dramatic and memorable seasons in club history.
Let's start with the former. The Outlaws run of seven years as the league's best pitching team came to an end and their offense ranked 11th—the lowest since 1979. L.A. was in last place most of June and July, and by Sept. 18, Seattle had the division won, with a four-game lead over Denver and five games over Los Angeles. Then the surge happened. Going 11-1 down the stretch, L.A. overtook their wildcard challengers and then snuck up on the division leaders, forcing a playoff, which they naturally won. Of all the statistics describing the insanity of Los Angeles' rise from the dead, this one perhaps captures it best: L.A. was in first place alone for five days all season; the first four were June 1-4 and the fifth was Oct. 1 —after game #163.
L.A. pitchers may have been unhittable down the stretch, but such was not the case in over the whole season. The club ranked 3rd in starters, 4th in runs against, and 11th in bullpen. Bruce Ruffin (3.15) was the only rotation regular with an ERA under 3.40. Three of the five most used relievers had ERAs over 4.00, including Bob Ojeda's 5.63.
The offense sank even lower. The team .251 average was the lowest in 13 years. Andy Van Slyke's .490 SLG led the team—and ranked 32nd in the league.
But none of that mattered in the end. And all fans will remember of the '89 season is that 11-1 surge and improbable climb at the end. Or perhaps the magic will extend into October?
On one level, the 1989 Los Angeles Outlaws season was their worst in a decade. On another level, the way the season ended made it one of the most dramatic and memorable seasons in club history.
Let's start with the former. The Outlaws run of seven years as the league's best pitching team came to an end and their offense ranked 11th—the lowest since 1979. L.A. was in last place most of June and July, and by Sept. 18, Seattle had the division won, with a four-game lead over Denver and five games over Los Angeles. Then the surge happened. Going 11-1 down the stretch, L.A. overtook their wildcard challengers and then snuck up on the division leaders, forcing a playoff, which they naturally won. Of all the statistics describing the insanity of Los Angeles' rise from the dead, this one perhaps captures it best: L.A. was in first place alone for five days all season; the first four were June 1-4 and the fifth was Oct. 1 —after game #163.
L.A. pitchers may have been unhittable down the stretch, but such was not the case in over the whole season. The club ranked 3rd in starters, 4th in runs against, and 11th in bullpen. Bruce Ruffin (3.15) was the only rotation regular with an ERA under 3.40. Three of the five most used relievers had ERAs over 4.00, including Bob Ojeda's 5.63.
The offense sank even lower. The team .251 average was the lowest in 13 years. Andy Van Slyke's .490 SLG led the team—and ranked 32nd in the league.
But none of that mattered in the end. And all fans will remember of the '89 season is that 11-1 surge and improbable climb at the end. Or perhaps the magic will extend into October?
84-78 (-5)7th-T overall, 2nd in runs, 13th in runs against
The boys completed the sweep. In the six years of the Atlantic Division, only won team raised the division pennant: the Manhattan Gray Sox. Having said that, the '89 flag is perhaps the least impressive of the bunch. The Sox won just 84 games and tied for seventh overall. But the most striking thing about the season is how the club completely flipped its profile from a pitching-dominant to a hitting-dominant in one season.
Last year, the Dingy Hose were 3rd in pitching and just 13th in hitting. This year, they were 2nd in hitting and 13th in pitching. The offense featured three 5-WAR players. Jose Canseco (.310-50-142) won the HR and RBI titles (throwing 41 stolen bases into the bargain), Ryne Sandberg (.273-32-86) regained some of his lost power, and Ellis Valentine (.316-22-88) set a career mark for batting and had the third highest WAR of his career. Add a .322 average for Scott Fletcher, 100 RBIs by Danny Tartabull, and 62 stolen bases by Roberto Kelly, and you have a run-scoring machine matched only by Toronto.
On the mound, however, it was a long season. Kelly Downs (15-9, 3.41) was the only starter under 3.50 in ERA. Tommy Boggs continued a five-year slide, with his ERA ballooning to 4.28. Dave Stieb had a negative WAR in 15 starts and 25 relief appearance. And closer Jeff Robinson posted a career-worst 3.36 ERA.
So the Sox go in as underdogs in their Hex Series clash with Washington, which will featured the 2nd best hitting against the second best pitching. But never count out a team that can score in bunches the way the mighty ManSox can.
The boys completed the sweep. In the six years of the Atlantic Division, only won team raised the division pennant: the Manhattan Gray Sox. Having said that, the '89 flag is perhaps the least impressive of the bunch. The Sox won just 84 games and tied for seventh overall. But the most striking thing about the season is how the club completely flipped its profile from a pitching-dominant to a hitting-dominant in one season.
Last year, the Dingy Hose were 3rd in pitching and just 13th in hitting. This year, they were 2nd in hitting and 13th in pitching. The offense featured three 5-WAR players. Jose Canseco (.310-50-142) won the HR and RBI titles (throwing 41 stolen bases into the bargain), Ryne Sandberg (.273-32-86) regained some of his lost power, and Ellis Valentine (.316-22-88) set a career mark for batting and had the third highest WAR of his career. Add a .322 average for Scott Fletcher, 100 RBIs by Danny Tartabull, and 62 stolen bases by Roberto Kelly, and you have a run-scoring machine matched only by Toronto.
On the mound, however, it was a long season. Kelly Downs (15-9, 3.41) was the only starter under 3.50 in ERA. Tommy Boggs continued a five-year slide, with his ERA ballooning to 4.28. Dave Stieb had a negative WAR in 15 starts and 25 relief appearance. And closer Jeff Robinson posted a career-worst 3.36 ERA.
So the Sox go in as underdogs in their Hex Series clash with Washington, which will featured the 2nd best hitting against the second best pitching. But never count out a team that can score in bunches the way the mighty ManSox can.
96-66 (+9)2nd overall, 9th in runs, 2nd in runs against
The Monuments were tied for the second-most improved club and will make their fourth playoff appearance in the last six years. They feature one of the most dominant starting duos in recent history. In fact, Bret Saberhagen and Teddy Higuera became the first teammates named to the All-UL Team in over 20 years.
Saberhagen won 19 games for the third straight year, and sliced his ERA nearly 150 points to 2.04, the fourth best ERA of the decade. It was his third straight year with a WHIP under 1.00, which must be some kind of record, and his 7.3 H/9 and 0.4 HR/9 were career bests. The sixth overall pick of the 1984 draft is now 99-58, 2.87 in 191 career starts. Oh, and he is only 25. Teddy Higuera did not pitch in the majors until he was 26. And his 5th UL season might have been his finest. The 30-year-old Mexican led the league with 0.88 WHIP and 6.8 H/9, and was second only to Gooden with three shutouts. Floyd Bannister exceeded expectations again, going 16-11, 3.07, and Carlos Diaz was a shut-down closer with 35 saves and 1.37 ERA.
With an offense that dominant, all you need is average offense, and the Monuments ranked 9th after three years in 10th. But look closely, and it is hard to imagine how eight teams outscored this bunch. Wade Boggs had 226 hits and hit .367, Dave Winfield had 34 HR and 107 RBI, Johnny Ray doubled 48 times, Tim Raines had a .404 OBP and swiped 109 bases. However, the rest of the lineup was subpar. Lloyd Moseby invented the role of designated fielder, while Cecil Fielder (.223, .679 OPS) was overmatched.
In a short series, the trio of Saberhagen, Higuera, and Bannister will be tough to beat. But finishing in the wildcard means the Monuments will need three series wins to recapture the title. Can they do it?
The Monuments were tied for the second-most improved club and will make their fourth playoff appearance in the last six years. They feature one of the most dominant starting duos in recent history. In fact, Bret Saberhagen and Teddy Higuera became the first teammates named to the All-UL Team in over 20 years.
Saberhagen won 19 games for the third straight year, and sliced his ERA nearly 150 points to 2.04, the fourth best ERA of the decade. It was his third straight year with a WHIP under 1.00, which must be some kind of record, and his 7.3 H/9 and 0.4 HR/9 were career bests. The sixth overall pick of the 1984 draft is now 99-58, 2.87 in 191 career starts. Oh, and he is only 25. Teddy Higuera did not pitch in the majors until he was 26. And his 5th UL season might have been his finest. The 30-year-old Mexican led the league with 0.88 WHIP and 6.8 H/9, and was second only to Gooden with three shutouts. Floyd Bannister exceeded expectations again, going 16-11, 3.07, and Carlos Diaz was a shut-down closer with 35 saves and 1.37 ERA.
With an offense that dominant, all you need is average offense, and the Monuments ranked 9th after three years in 10th. But look closely, and it is hard to imagine how eight teams outscored this bunch. Wade Boggs had 226 hits and hit .367, Dave Winfield had 34 HR and 107 RBI, Johnny Ray doubled 48 times, Tim Raines had a .404 OBP and swiped 109 bases. However, the rest of the lineup was subpar. Lloyd Moseby invented the role of designated fielder, while Cecil Fielder (.223, .679 OPS) was overmatched.
In a short series, the trio of Saberhagen, Higuera, and Bannister will be tough to beat. But finishing in the wildcard means the Monuments will need three series wins to recapture the title. Can they do it?
90-73 (-3.5)5th overall, 3rd in runs, 8th in runs against
A World Series team a year ago, the Rainiers looked all set to wrap up their second straight division title, with a five-game lead over Los Angeles with 12 games to go. Exactly how they squandered that huge lead and wound up in the last playoff spot is something that may haunt them, especially since they face their nemesis Los Angeles in the Hex Series.
But let's put the season in larger context. Seattle won 90 games for just the fourth time and secured back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time. They returned to the top 3 in scoring after a two-year absence and had four players in the top nine in batting.
Of those four hitter, Chris Brown was perhaps the most impressive. The 28-year-old third baseman hit .350 with 205 hits and a .913 OPS, leading the team with 6.4 WAR. Or maybe it was Willie McGee, who responded to his shift back from right to center field by batting a .340 with 228 hits and 64 stolen bases. But then again, maybe it was John Shelby, who hit a mere .291 but homered 42 times for 109 RBIs. No, it has to be Brian Harper, who led all catchers with a .332 average and drove in 72. You get the point...
The rotation resembled the Waltons, an intergenerational group home, with a pair of 24-year-old, a pair of 30-year olds, and a pair of 40-year olds. One of each proved to be the staff's most effective hurlers. Don Robinson, 30, led with team with 17 wins and 191 Ks. Allan Anderson, 24, had the best ERA (3.51) and win-loss record (15-7). And the ageless Larry Dierker, age 42, started all 33 games and added 13 to his career win tally, bringing it to 383. Dierker was particularly solid down the stretch, with three straight wins in September that helped build the insurmountable lead (which was later surmounted). Closer Luis DeLeon saved a club record 42 games, smashing a record set by Ray Crone in the Texan's inaugural season in 1962.
But getting back to that finish, the true test for this team will be psychological. To have success, they will have to put their huge collapse behind them, and start fresh at 0-0. Otherwise it will be "goodnight, John-Boy."
A World Series team a year ago, the Rainiers looked all set to wrap up their second straight division title, with a five-game lead over Los Angeles with 12 games to go. Exactly how they squandered that huge lead and wound up in the last playoff spot is something that may haunt them, especially since they face their nemesis Los Angeles in the Hex Series.
But let's put the season in larger context. Seattle won 90 games for just the fourth time and secured back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time. They returned to the top 3 in scoring after a two-year absence and had four players in the top nine in batting.
Of those four hitter, Chris Brown was perhaps the most impressive. The 28-year-old third baseman hit .350 with 205 hits and a .913 OPS, leading the team with 6.4 WAR. Or maybe it was Willie McGee, who responded to his shift back from right to center field by batting a .340 with 228 hits and 64 stolen bases. But then again, maybe it was John Shelby, who hit a mere .291 but homered 42 times for 109 RBIs. No, it has to be Brian Harper, who led all catchers with a .332 average and drove in 72. You get the point...
The rotation resembled the Waltons, an intergenerational group home, with a pair of 24-year-old, a pair of 30-year olds, and a pair of 40-year olds. One of each proved to be the staff's most effective hurlers. Don Robinson, 30, led with team with 17 wins and 191 Ks. Allan Anderson, 24, had the best ERA (3.51) and win-loss record (15-7). And the ageless Larry Dierker, age 42, started all 33 games and added 13 to his career win tally, bringing it to 383. Dierker was particularly solid down the stretch, with three straight wins in September that helped build the insurmountable lead (which was later surmounted). Closer Luis DeLeon saved a club record 42 games, smashing a record set by Ray Crone in the Texan's inaugural season in 1962.
But getting back to that finish, the true test for this team will be psychological. To have success, they will have to put their huge collapse behind them, and start fresh at 0-0. Otherwise it will be "goodnight, John-Boy."
87-75 (+25)6th overall, 16th in runs, 3rd in runs against
With a roster overhaul and an exciting young pitcher staff, the Colts were the most improved team in 1989, winning 25 more games and contending for a wildcard spot until the season's final days. A mid-June trade for Alan Trammell signalled GM Steve Haugh's intentions, and the Colts were53-40 after the trade, as Trammell hit .321 with a .869 OPS and +4.7 ZR in 86 games. RF Ivan Calderon (.328-30-91, .960) lit up the scoreboard with the third best WAR in the league and the highest OPS for a Colt in nearly 20 years. The rest of the offense was a non-factor, and the offense ranked dead last in scoring, though a 19-year-old rookie named Gary Sheffied hit .317/.429/.503 in 49 games.
The real story in Chi-Town was the return of Colt pitching. Historically a perennial pitching powerhouse, Chicago had lapses in recent years, ranking 12th in the last two seasons. But in 1989, the Colts staff sliced their team ERA by 75 points and ranked in the top 3 for the first time since 1981. The staff was led by a pair of 25-year-olds: lefthander Terry Mulholland (12-14, 3.55) and righthander Jamie Moyer (14-12, 3.47), and boasted the best bullpen in the league. Rob Dibble (36 saves, 0.82, 13.9 K/9) had one of the best seasons for a reliever of all time, with a 13.9 K/9, 0.2 HR/9 and 4.2 WAR. Dibble was supported by Ed Vande Berg (2.18 in 50 games) Jeff Montgomery (2.58 in 61).
Entering the last eight games tied for the last wildcard spot, the Ponies' playoff hopes were dashed by a pair of heartbreaking one-run losses in Toronto and a shutout by Detroit rookie Jimmy Jones.
With a roster overhaul and an exciting young pitcher staff, the Colts were the most improved team in 1989, winning 25 more games and contending for a wildcard spot until the season's final days. A mid-June trade for Alan Trammell signalled GM Steve Haugh's intentions, and the Colts were53-40 after the trade, as Trammell hit .321 with a .869 OPS and +4.7 ZR in 86 games. RF Ivan Calderon (.328-30-91, .960) lit up the scoreboard with the third best WAR in the league and the highest OPS for a Colt in nearly 20 years. The rest of the offense was a non-factor, and the offense ranked dead last in scoring, though a 19-year-old rookie named Gary Sheffied hit .317/.429/.503 in 49 games.
The real story in Chi-Town was the return of Colt pitching. Historically a perennial pitching powerhouse, Chicago had lapses in recent years, ranking 12th in the last two seasons. But in 1989, the Colts staff sliced their team ERA by 75 points and ranked in the top 3 for the first time since 1981. The staff was led by a pair of 25-year-olds: lefthander Terry Mulholland (12-14, 3.55) and righthander Jamie Moyer (14-12, 3.47), and boasted the best bullpen in the league. Rob Dibble (36 saves, 0.82, 13.9 K/9) had one of the best seasons for a reliever of all time, with a 13.9 K/9, 0.2 HR/9 and 4.2 WAR. Dibble was supported by Ed Vande Berg (2.18 in 50 games) Jeff Montgomery (2.58 in 61).
Entering the last eight games tied for the last wildcard spot, the Ponies' playoff hopes were dashed by a pair of heartbreaking one-run losses in Toronto and a shutout by Detroit rookie Jimmy Jones.
84-78 (+7)7th-T overall, 8th in runs, 5th in runs against
The Spids drastically improved their pitching and finished in the top half in both offense and defense for the first time in a decade. The result was their second winning season in the last nine years and a brief flirtation with a wildcard berth.
Alongside usual solid contributions from workhorses Jose Rijo (13-12, 3.86) and Jose DeLeon (11-15, 4.09), San Francisco coaxed a career year out of 30-year-old Walt Terrell (15-10, 3.45) and a Rookie of the Year-worthy performance from Greg Hibbard. The seventh overall pick was 18-7, 3.65, ranked 4th in wins, and 2nd in fewest HR/9. In the pen, Bobby Thigpen had 28 saves and both Mike Henneman and Terry Leach had 50+ appearances with sub-3.00 ERAs.
At the plate, last year's co-Rookie of the Year Mark Grace solidified his role as the key cog in the lineup, batting .348-13-82, .926 and finishing 4th in the batting race. Rob Deer had his second straight 35 HR/100 RBI year, and Jose Oquendo swiped 79 bases with a .378 OBP. On the downside Luis Aguayo slumped and LF Mike Aldrete was not quite ready for prime time.
Looking ahead, the upward swing projects forward. San Francisco has the second youngest roster among winning teams, and a decent stable of prospects, including 22-year-old SP Pete Harnish, who won 14-8 at Las Vegas.
The Spids drastically improved their pitching and finished in the top half in both offense and defense for the first time in a decade. The result was their second winning season in the last nine years and a brief flirtation with a wildcard berth.
Alongside usual solid contributions from workhorses Jose Rijo (13-12, 3.86) and Jose DeLeon (11-15, 4.09), San Francisco coaxed a career year out of 30-year-old Walt Terrell (15-10, 3.45) and a Rookie of the Year-worthy performance from Greg Hibbard. The seventh overall pick was 18-7, 3.65, ranked 4th in wins, and 2nd in fewest HR/9. In the pen, Bobby Thigpen had 28 saves and both Mike Henneman and Terry Leach had 50+ appearances with sub-3.00 ERAs.
At the plate, last year's co-Rookie of the Year Mark Grace solidified his role as the key cog in the lineup, batting .348-13-82, .926 and finishing 4th in the batting race. Rob Deer had his second straight 35 HR/100 RBI year, and Jose Oquendo swiped 79 bases with a .378 OBP. On the downside Luis Aguayo slumped and LF Mike Aldrete was not quite ready for prime time.
Looking ahead, the upward swing projects forward. San Francisco has the second youngest roster among winning teams, and a decent stable of prospects, including 22-year-old SP Pete Harnish, who won 14-8 at Las Vegas.
83-79 (+1)9th overall, 6th in runs, 7th in runs against
The 14ers were in the mix all year, and were tied for 1st overall as late as Aug. 17, but loss streaks of seven, five, and eight down the stretch, including the last eight games of the season, landed the preseason darlings in last place in the Pacific and ninth overall.
The 13-27 was only partly attributable to the loss of closer Tim Burke, who posted a 0.88 with 17 saves before a knee injury on July 31. Bill Swift had just two wins in his last 12 starts, and Mike Mason just two of his last eight. And the two relievers acquired at the deadline to compensate for Burke (Mike Maddux and Paul Assenmacher) had a combined 4.35 ERA and lost three key divisional games in the last two weeks.
Stan Javier had a breakout year, batting .295 with 49 stolen bases and narrowly edging teammate Ozzie Smith for the Willie Mays Award. Veteran RF Sixto Lezcano (.261-42-118) put up his best offensive numbers in nearly a decade, and Will Clark and Phil Bradley both hit over .300 with over 80 RBIs.
But the offense dried up when it was needed most, scoring just eight runs in the last eight games, including three shutouts, and leaving the Peaker high and dry in the cellar of the Pacific Division.
The 14ers were in the mix all year, and were tied for 1st overall as late as Aug. 17, but loss streaks of seven, five, and eight down the stretch, including the last eight games of the season, landed the preseason darlings in last place in the Pacific and ninth overall.
The 13-27 was only partly attributable to the loss of closer Tim Burke, who posted a 0.88 with 17 saves before a knee injury on July 31. Bill Swift had just two wins in his last 12 starts, and Mike Mason just two of his last eight. And the two relievers acquired at the deadline to compensate for Burke (Mike Maddux and Paul Assenmacher) had a combined 4.35 ERA and lost three key divisional games in the last two weeks.
Stan Javier had a breakout year, batting .295 with 49 stolen bases and narrowly edging teammate Ozzie Smith for the Willie Mays Award. Veteran RF Sixto Lezcano (.261-42-118) put up his best offensive numbers in nearly a decade, and Will Clark and Phil Bradley both hit over .300 with over 80 RBIs.
But the offense dried up when it was needed most, scoring just eight runs in the last eight games, including three shutouts, and leaving the Peaker high and dry in the cellar of the Pacific Division.
79-83 (-2)10th overall, 5th in runs, 14th in runs against
Contenders for most the year and within a half-game of first on June 30, the Feds faded away, as they did last year. A 2-22 skid in late August and early September knocked the team so far out of the playoff picture that they were not visible with a telephoto lens. A six-win streak Sept. 18-24 merely postponed Manhattan's pennant celebration.
But the story at Fenway continues to be LF Barry Bonds, who led the league in WAR for a second straight year with even more prodigious offensive stats. Bonds (.334-42-121, 1.075) led the league in OBP, SLG, OPS, and runs, and his 10.2 WAR was a full two points ahead of the field. Kirby Puckett set career marks with .504 SLG and 87 RBI, and Dion James hit .311 with a .382 OBP.
The pitching regressed, even discounting the midseason trade of Dave Beard. Both the rotation and bullpen ranked third from bottom, with Bob Sebra (7-18, 6.14) having a particularly ghastly campaign. Rookie Juan Nieves exceeded expectations with a 3.13 ERA in 53 appearances out of the bullpen.
Contenders for most the year and within a half-game of first on June 30, the Feds faded away, as they did last year. A 2-22 skid in late August and early September knocked the team so far out of the playoff picture that they were not visible with a telephoto lens. A six-win streak Sept. 18-24 merely postponed Manhattan's pennant celebration.
But the story at Fenway continues to be LF Barry Bonds, who led the league in WAR for a second straight year with even more prodigious offensive stats. Bonds (.334-42-121, 1.075) led the league in OBP, SLG, OPS, and runs, and his 10.2 WAR was a full two points ahead of the field. Kirby Puckett set career marks with .504 SLG and 87 RBI, and Dion James hit .311 with a .382 OBP.
The pitching regressed, even discounting the midseason trade of Dave Beard. Both the rotation and bullpen ranked third from bottom, with Bob Sebra (7-18, 6.14) having a particularly ghastly campaign. Rookie Juan Nieves exceeded expectations with a 3.13 ERA in 53 appearances out of the bullpen.
76-86 (+5)11th overall, 14th in runs, 6th in runs against
GM Charlie Qualls' shift to power and away from defense paid some dividends, but not enough to make the Barons a contender, as young stars Tom Glavine and B.J. Surhoff failed to progress.
The offense inched up to 4.0 runs per game, the highest in six years. New first baseman Eddie Murray's 131 RBIs set the club record and his 36 homers were the most for a Baron in a dozen years. Another former Outlaw, Dwayne Murphy, contributed 20 homers, and sophomore 2B Mark McLemore (.285-8-70, .741) had a breakout year. However, SS Garry Templeton became an automatic out, and RF Tracy Jones and 3B B.J. Surhoff proved to be both offensive and defensive liabilities. Cleveland's de-emphasis on defense resulted in the first negative team zone rating since the stats began in 1976. Cleveland ranked 10th and was hurt especially by Jones' -5.8 and Surhoff's -3.3 ZR.
Joe Magrane (10-7, 2.41) finished 2nd in ERA and 5th in WHIP and took a step toward elite ace status. The rest of the starters were just okay, and the rotation ranked a disappointing 7th in ERA. Bill Wegman (4.86) and John Smoltz (4.81) both regressed from a year ago. Rookie closer Steve Olin was the star of the pen, with 31 saves and a 2.10 ERA, while Ricky Horton and John Dopson both appeared in 80+ games.
GM Charlie Qualls' shift to power and away from defense paid some dividends, but not enough to make the Barons a contender, as young stars Tom Glavine and B.J. Surhoff failed to progress.
The offense inched up to 4.0 runs per game, the highest in six years. New first baseman Eddie Murray's 131 RBIs set the club record and his 36 homers were the most for a Baron in a dozen years. Another former Outlaw, Dwayne Murphy, contributed 20 homers, and sophomore 2B Mark McLemore (.285-8-70, .741) had a breakout year. However, SS Garry Templeton became an automatic out, and RF Tracy Jones and 3B B.J. Surhoff proved to be both offensive and defensive liabilities. Cleveland's de-emphasis on defense resulted in the first negative team zone rating since the stats began in 1976. Cleveland ranked 10th and was hurt especially by Jones' -5.8 and Surhoff's -3.3 ZR.
Joe Magrane (10-7, 2.41) finished 2nd in ERA and 5th in WHIP and took a step toward elite ace status. The rest of the starters were just okay, and the rotation ranked a disappointing 7th in ERA. Bill Wegman (4.86) and John Smoltz (4.81) both regressed from a year ago. Rookie closer Steve Olin was the star of the pen, with 31 saves and a 2.10 ERA, while Ricky Horton and John Dopson both appeared in 80+ games.
72-90 (+9)12th overall, 7th in runs, 15th in runs against
It is somehow fitting that Bill "Garage" Doran is Havana's longest-serving regular, because the Leones have been stuck in park for six years. After winning 77 games in a promising first year, Havana has never again reached that high-water mark, though this year they emerged from the Gul Division cellar for the first time.
Beginning as a weak hitting team with league-average pitching, the Leones have flipped their emphasis with similar results. This year, Havana ranked in the top half in offense for the first time, while their pitching sank to 15th. 2-3 hitters Shane Mack and Kal Daniels again provided the Leone's share of the offensive punch. Mack (.312-11-51, .965) improved his OPS by over 100 points, and Daniels, while well off his 1987 MVP peak, hit .309 with 82 RBIs and OPSed .934. New 1B Tim Teufel (.277-21-98) led the team in RBIs, Bill Doran lead in hits, Terry Pendleton in doubles, and Vince Coleman in steals.
So how did a team that ranked 8th in pitching drop to 15th in two short years? The short answer is Mark Davis and Mike LaCoss. The staff has yet to recover from the loss of these two stars. Davis' career was essentially ended with a ruptured ligament in mid-1987, while LaCoss was traded in early '88 for Pendleton and a first (which turned into Jaime Navarro).
Jose Guzman was the workhorse, with 238 innings, but his 4.98 ERA and 1.45 WHIP were far from elite. Kirk McCaskill was servicable, but has yet to trim his ERA below 4.40. As for Navarro, he struggled mightily in his first campaign, losing 15 with a 5.22 ERA in 28 starts, though he pitched much better out of the pen. If there is a pitching bright spot, it is Scott Scudder. The 20-year-old rookie and 76th overall pick was 4-1, 2.60 in 7 starts and was an improbable Rookie of the Month in September.
It is somehow fitting that Bill "Garage" Doran is Havana's longest-serving regular, because the Leones have been stuck in park for six years. After winning 77 games in a promising first year, Havana has never again reached that high-water mark, though this year they emerged from the Gul Division cellar for the first time.
Beginning as a weak hitting team with league-average pitching, the Leones have flipped their emphasis with similar results. This year, Havana ranked in the top half in offense for the first time, while their pitching sank to 15th. 2-3 hitters Shane Mack and Kal Daniels again provided the Leone's share of the offensive punch. Mack (.312-11-51, .965) improved his OPS by over 100 points, and Daniels, while well off his 1987 MVP peak, hit .309 with 82 RBIs and OPSed .934. New 1B Tim Teufel (.277-21-98) led the team in RBIs, Bill Doran lead in hits, Terry Pendleton in doubles, and Vince Coleman in steals.
So how did a team that ranked 8th in pitching drop to 15th in two short years? The short answer is Mark Davis and Mike LaCoss. The staff has yet to recover from the loss of these two stars. Davis' career was essentially ended with a ruptured ligament in mid-1987, while LaCoss was traded in early '88 for Pendleton and a first (which turned into Jaime Navarro).
Jose Guzman was the workhorse, with 238 innings, but his 4.98 ERA and 1.45 WHIP were far from elite. Kirk McCaskill was servicable, but has yet to trim his ERA below 4.40. As for Navarro, he struggled mightily in his first campaign, losing 15 with a 5.22 ERA in 28 starts, though he pitched much better out of the pen. If there is a pitching bright spot, it is Scott Scudder. The 20-year-old rookie and 76th overall pick was 4-1, 2.60 in 7 starts and was an improbable Rookie of the Month in September.
71-91 (-4)13th overall, 10th in runs, 11th in runs against
What happens when a top-3 offense suddenly goes fallow, while its pitching only improves around the margins? Just two years off back-to-back 90-win seasons, the Toppers suffered a 90-loss season and were never in playoff contention. Two years ago, the Red Blobs batted .296, averaging 5.4 runs. This year, those numbers were .253 and 4.2. What explains the sudden drop?
In 1987, Atlanta's top four hitters combined for 30.7 WAR. This year, that number was down to 20.1. Part of the decline is due to career 10+ WAR seasons by Eric Davis and Tony Gwynn two years ago. The two outfielders from L.A. were still top-tier hitters. Gwynn won his fourth batting title and Davis had his third straight 30/100 season. But look closer and you'll see that Gwynn's average dipped to .377 and his OBP to .410, 70 and 60 points off his peak year, and Davis' slugging was down 110 points.
Also, Bob Horner's decline accelerated. The 31-year-old 3B hit just .235 with a .713 OPS, easily his worst year. When Bump Wills wrenched his knee five weeks into the season, his replacements (Spike Owen and Ken Williams) were both unripe and unready, batting .210 and .206 respectively as defensive liabilities.
On the pitching side, perennial ace Fernie Valenzuela set career marks with 10.5 K/9 and 8.0 WAR, despite a lackluster 14-13 record and 1.30 WHIP. Bob Shirley (12-7, 3.69), acquired from Detroit, was the most effective starter, and Steve Howe led the team in saves for a ninth year before being shipped to St. Louis for cash.
What happens when a top-3 offense suddenly goes fallow, while its pitching only improves around the margins? Just two years off back-to-back 90-win seasons, the Toppers suffered a 90-loss season and were never in playoff contention. Two years ago, the Red Blobs batted .296, averaging 5.4 runs. This year, those numbers were .253 and 4.2. What explains the sudden drop?
In 1987, Atlanta's top four hitters combined for 30.7 WAR. This year, that number was down to 20.1. Part of the decline is due to career 10+ WAR seasons by Eric Davis and Tony Gwynn two years ago. The two outfielders from L.A. were still top-tier hitters. Gwynn won his fourth batting title and Davis had his third straight 30/100 season. But look closer and you'll see that Gwynn's average dipped to .377 and his OBP to .410, 70 and 60 points off his peak year, and Davis' slugging was down 110 points.
Also, Bob Horner's decline accelerated. The 31-year-old 3B hit just .235 with a .713 OPS, easily his worst year. When Bump Wills wrenched his knee five weeks into the season, his replacements (Spike Owen and Ken Williams) were both unripe and unready, batting .210 and .206 respectively as defensive liabilities.
On the pitching side, perennial ace Fernie Valenzuela set career marks with 10.5 K/9 and 8.0 WAR, despite a lackluster 14-13 record and 1.30 WHIP. Bob Shirley (12-7, 3.69), acquired from Detroit, was the most effective starter, and Steve Howe led the team in saves for a ninth year before being shipped to St. Louis for cash.
67-95 (-23)14th overall, 13th in runs, 10th in runs against
The Griffins dynasty is officially over. After a five-year decline that saw the team go from dominant to great to merely good, the Flyin' Lions fell of a cliff in 1989, winning 23 fewer games and missing the playoffs for the first time since 1980. If you had to carve a date into the tombstone, it would be June 16. That's the day GM Sean Holloway traded away franchise man Alan Trammell to Chicago, signalling the full-scale rebuild that began with trades of Scott Sanderson, Rickey Henderson, and Bob Horner in recent years.
The '89 Griffins dropped from 5th to 13th in scoring, lacking both power and team speed. Nevertheless, three youngsters arrived on the scene that could be cornerpieces for the Motown rebuild: Sophomore LF Chris James (.320-13-85) led the team in bWAR, RF Dwight Smith hit .315 with a .370 OBP, and rookie Pat Borders (.312-9-58) was second among catcher in batting and OBP. On the down side, Fred McGriff's development continued to stall (.244, .707 OPS) and Lou Whitaker turned into all-glove, no-bat.
On the pitching side, the team was about where it was last year, which is to say below average. Greg Mathews (11-12, 3.65), undisputed ace, trimmed his ERA by 70 points while reducing his walks and increasing his strikeouts.
A pair of 20-year old rookies offered a glimpse of the staff of the future. Fifth overll pick Andy Benes (9-13, 4.21) had a solid rookie campaign, with 162 Ks and a 3.0 WAR, while closer Mike Stanton notched 30 saves with a 2.75 ERA and 1.02 WHIP.
Next up is the 1990 rookie draft, in which Detroit will have 10 picks in the first two rounds.
The Griffins dynasty is officially over. After a five-year decline that saw the team go from dominant to great to merely good, the Flyin' Lions fell of a cliff in 1989, winning 23 fewer games and missing the playoffs for the first time since 1980. If you had to carve a date into the tombstone, it would be June 16. That's the day GM Sean Holloway traded away franchise man Alan Trammell to Chicago, signalling the full-scale rebuild that began with trades of Scott Sanderson, Rickey Henderson, and Bob Horner in recent years.
The '89 Griffins dropped from 5th to 13th in scoring, lacking both power and team speed. Nevertheless, three youngsters arrived on the scene that could be cornerpieces for the Motown rebuild: Sophomore LF Chris James (.320-13-85) led the team in bWAR, RF Dwight Smith hit .315 with a .370 OBP, and rookie Pat Borders (.312-9-58) was second among catcher in batting and OBP. On the down side, Fred McGriff's development continued to stall (.244, .707 OPS) and Lou Whitaker turned into all-glove, no-bat.
On the pitching side, the team was about where it was last year, which is to say below average. Greg Mathews (11-12, 3.65), undisputed ace, trimmed his ERA by 70 points while reducing his walks and increasing his strikeouts.
A pair of 20-year old rookies offered a glimpse of the staff of the future. Fifth overll pick Andy Benes (9-13, 4.21) had a solid rookie campaign, with 162 Ks and a 3.0 WAR, while closer Mike Stanton notched 30 saves with a 2.75 ERA and 1.02 WHIP.
Next up is the 1990 rookie draft, in which Detroit will have 10 picks in the first two rounds.
62-100 (-15)15th-T overall, 12th in runs, 12th in runs against
The 13-year Jo Lima era came to an end on a low note, at the Canoeists lost 100 for the first time in club history. But Lima's inheritance includes one of the best young pitching staffs in the league, with Floyd Youmans, Jim Abbot, and the league's #1 prospect Curt Schilling.
The four main starters were all 25 or under, but despite its youth, the rotation ranked 9th in ERA. Youmans (6-10, 4.11) took a step backwards, but still led the team in WAR. Abbott led the staff with 12 wins and Bosio had a 3.74 ERA. Veteran Mike Morgan was leading the team with a 3.61 ERA before an injury in early June ended his season.
The offense regressed a bit, dropping three spots to 9th, with the second fewest home runs, despite the emergence of two new stars. 22-year-old Ruben Sierra (.311-34-111, 4.0 WAR) established new career highs with 186 hits, 27 doubles, and a .917 OPS. And 3B Jeff Blauser had a monster rookie season, batting .284-17-75 and solid defense to lead the team with 5.4 WAR. But veterans Lonnie Smith, Kent Hrbek, and Dick Schofield Jr. all slumped, and a 9-19 August buried all hope of a respectable finish.
The 13-year Jo Lima era came to an end on a low note, at the Canoeists lost 100 for the first time in club history. But Lima's inheritance includes one of the best young pitching staffs in the league, with Floyd Youmans, Jim Abbot, and the league's #1 prospect Curt Schilling.
The four main starters were all 25 or under, but despite its youth, the rotation ranked 9th in ERA. Youmans (6-10, 4.11) took a step backwards, but still led the team in WAR. Abbott led the staff with 12 wins and Bosio had a 3.74 ERA. Veteran Mike Morgan was leading the team with a 3.61 ERA before an injury in early June ended his season.
The offense regressed a bit, dropping three spots to 9th, with the second fewest home runs, despite the emergence of two new stars. 22-year-old Ruben Sierra (.311-34-111, 4.0 WAR) established new career highs with 186 hits, 27 doubles, and a .917 OPS. And 3B Jeff Blauser had a monster rookie season, batting .284-17-75 and solid defense to lead the team with 5.4 WAR. But veterans Lonnie Smith, Kent Hrbek, and Dick Schofield Jr. all slumped, and a 9-19 August buried all hope of a respectable finish.
62-100 (+0)15th-T overall, 15th in runs, 16th in runs against
The blossoming of RF Mike Greenwell and a strong final month could not compensate for a feeling of despondency and malaise in Red Hook, as the Superbas fans suffered through a fourth straight losing campaign and a second straight 100-loss season.
Randy Johnson, David Cone, and Kevin Brown all broke into the rotation, and the Big Unit had the most success (8-7, 3.40, 109 K). But it was #1 starter Britt Burns who most typified Brooklyn's pitching, going 5-19 and avoid 20 losses with a gem on the final day.
Other than Greenwell, the batting stars were Matt Williams (26 HR, 68 RBI), and Ken Griffey Jr., the 18-year-old wunderkind who joined the big club after just six weeks in Triple-A. Griffey hit .327-19-58, .924 and was a leading Rookie of the Year candidate.
The blossoming of RF Mike Greenwell and a strong final month could not compensate for a feeling of despondency and malaise in Red Hook, as the Superbas fans suffered through a fourth straight losing campaign and a second straight 100-loss season.
Randy Johnson, David Cone, and Kevin Brown all broke into the rotation, and the Big Unit had the most success (8-7, 3.40, 109 K). But it was #1 starter Britt Burns who most typified Brooklyn's pitching, going 5-19 and avoid 20 losses with a gem on the final day.
Other than Greenwell, the batting stars were Matt Williams (26 HR, 68 RBI), and Ken Griffey Jr., the 18-year-old wunderkind who joined the big club after just six weeks in Triple-A. Griffey hit .327-19-58, .924 and was a leading Rookie of the Year candidate.
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