With an 8-2 record in their last 10 games, the Detroit Tigers have climbed into third place in the American League Eastern Division. Trailing the Brewers by 5.5 and the Orioles by 1.5, the Tigers have enjoyed one of the most exciting offenses in the league, although their usually stellar pitching staff has proven the team's weak spot so far this year.
The AL East, probably the toughest division in the majors, has 5 teams playing .500 ball or better. The Tigers had been hovering below the .500 mark all season, until finally a hot streak starting June (11-2) has moved them to a 35-30 record.
"We need to get our pitching staff back to where it's been the last couple of years. We need Dave Laroche and Dale Murray to get their acts together. They're excellent relievers who've started extremely cold this season. They need to set the table for Jesse Orosco, and so far have been very inconsistent getting the job done." Those were the words of GM Manuel Martínez, who's been hard at work putting a quality team together for the Detroit faithful. "We have an exciting offense, in my eyes the most exciting in the American League. We have 5 players in double figures in SB's already, we run, we bunt, we get men on base and make things happen. If our pitching gets their act together, as I know they will, we'll give the Brewers and Orioles a run for their money".
Detroit just called up rookie OF Terry Harper, who had been hitting .302 with 5 HR and 25 RBI in AAA. They demoted veteran slugger Gorman Thomas, who was hitting a paltry .172 with just 4 HR's. "Gorman's style of low average and high power was not a good fit with our style of play anymore. We had high hopes for him when he signed him as a free agent a couple of seasons ago, but I have to admit he's been a major disappointment", added Martinez as he announce Harper's promotion. Thomas, meanwhile, has demanded a trade and only went to AAA reluctantly. "I'm a major league HR hitter, the Tigers have never given me the chance to play on a regular basis. I should have signed someplace else..."
Thursday 6/15/1981 PHILADELPHIA - Montreal's third baseman Mike Schmidt once again displayed his tremendous ability to make contact with that little white ball. He tore up Philadelphia's pitching staff with a 5 hit performance on Thursday. A single in the 2nd off Ed Figueroa accounted for his 1st hit. A pitch from Ed Figueroa in the 3rd inning left his bat for a RBI double. Hit number 3 followed in the 5th inning, a RBI triple. In the 7th inning he unloaded a solo homerun off Pedro Borbon. That drive completed the cycle, causing a smile on his face! A single in the 8th off Pedro Borbon accounted for his 5th hit. Mike scored one run, and he collected 4 RBI as well! He is hitting .238 this season, with 15 HR and 55 RBI. He becomes the 5th player in league history collect at least a single, double, triple and a homerun in a single game. On 7/19/1980, Al Woods was the last player to hit for the cycle.
Tuesday 6/13/1981 CHICAGO (A) - Chicago (A)'s right-hander Tom Griffin experienced probably the worst case scenario for a pitcher, a season ending injury. After pitching in the 3rd inning of the game against New York (A), Griffin complained about serious pain in his throwing arm. He had to leave the game. Torn Bicep Muscle was the diagnosis after x-rays were taken in a near by hospital. The message shocked team mates and team officials. Opposing players hit .257 against Tom this season. While posting an ERA of 4.87 he went 0-4 in 14 starts, fanning 84 and walking 37 hitters.
Friday 6/9/1981 KANSAS CITY - New York (A)'s first baseman Jim Spencer had already some highlights in his career, and today he added another one, getting his 2000th career hit.
With no outs in the 9th inning, Jim drilled a two run homerun, causing a standing ovation from the crowd. In 13 years of big league action so far, Jim has compiled a batting average of .260, along with 242 homeruns and 1076 RBI. 'This day is special, I'll probably remember it my whole life. Thank god I'm blessed with the talent to play this game.'
Ron Leflore is alive and well and making plenty of noise in the city of brotherly love. Currently ranked in the top 10 in hitting (.313), triples (6), runs (32), and stolen bases (22 – tied for league lead), Ron is off to a great start to the 81 season, his 8th, and looks to have finally shaken off the doldrums of seasons past when injuries plagued him every time he got in a groove. “Not this year” says Ron. “I spent the off season working on my conditioning and showed up at training camp in the best shape of my career.”
The last time, and only time, Ron hit over .300 was way back in 76. Since then it’s been mediocrity, hitting .277 in 77, .248 in 78, .257 in 79, and bottoming out at .244 last year. He’s on track to steal 66 bases and record 195 hits at his current pace. Not too shabby for a 32 year old who most thought was washed up. “I figure I’ve got 5 very good years left and I intend to make the most of every single one” Said Ron.
The big question though, is just where Ron will finish them. With the Phillies looking at some lean years as they rebuild, could it be long before we see Ron’s name in the traded column? Only time will tell, but he’s sure to draw some interest from contending teams looking for a lead-off hitter.
American League-Pitcher of the Month :
Steve Renko (SEA) !!
He had a record of 4-1 in 6 games started, with an ERA of 1.88.
American League-Batter of the Month :
Bill Sudakis (NY) !!
He batted .323 in 99 AB, with 10 homers and 30 RBI.
National League-Pitcher of the Month :
Lary Sorensen (MON) !!
He had a record of 2-0 in 4 games started, with an ERA of 0.87.
National League-Batter of the Month :
Dan Ford (CHN) !!
He batted .324 in 111 AB, with 8 homers and 27 RBI.
"Yes, it was me. He thought he could grow flamboyant locks of upper lip hair that gently trickled down his cheeks but he was wrong."
"WRONG, I say, for he was not able to hold Rollie's jock when it came to facial hair."
"WRONG because his money went to his head but not his 'stache."
"WRONG because he must know that shaving a 'stache does not a fastball returneth."
"Yes it was I, and I would do it again the preserve the sanctity of the 'stache."
"Skutley and Marshall can eat crow, for without a 'stache they hold no power over me. They can caw and peck all they want, but the power of the facial hair shall overcome all and remain triumphant."
"The Catfish should crawl back to the sordid ooze, the pistulant much. he crawled out of, back to his roots, nack to his momma's moustache."
"And I, The Quiz, will stand tall."
ASSOCIATED PRESS: Giants management hotly denied any involvement whatsoever in the recent news out of southern California that injured pitcher, Catfish Hunter, was a trouble maker in the clubhouse. At a hastily called news conference in downtown San Fransisco, GM Chuck "Catfish" Groening, suggested that reports out of several news sources that he was trying to cause trouble in L.A. were simply false. Groening did acknowledge that he was angry and may or may not have (he couldn;t remember) said something about setting up a situation where Catfish might get injured after failing to sign the star pitcher this spring. Groening also denied that he had paid catcher Milt May several million of dollars to spread ugly gossip about the pitcher. In fact, Groening stated, "Those who suggest Milt received any money from me are the same ones who keep saying that Americans don;t value freedom and democracy.....in other words, they are just trouble makers themselves...".
While reliable news sources suggested there was actual evidence of tampering, no one was prepared to bring forth anything outside of rumor and suspicion. It was not known at press time whether the commissionars office was aware of the potential scandal or, for that matter, if they cared.
A close reliable source has informed this reporter that Catfish Hunter, who is out for the season with torn bicep is and I quote "not a well liked man". Sources say that on several occasions since joining the team prior to the beginning of the 1981 season, he has had run ins with fellow team members and some of the media. Lamarr Hoyt who was bumped out of the starting rotation with the acquisition of Hunter is very vocal in his ctriticism of him saying "the 16 million dollar man thinks he is running the show". Hoyt also stated that on several occasions Hunter missed practice, showed up late and doesn't seem to give a damn about anything but himself. Hunter at first had "no comment" to Hoyt's remarks but then added "maybe if Lamarr would pull the ball out of his a** he might earn a spot in the rotation. Dennis Lamp, the 6'5" 225 pound middle reliever has also stated that Hunter has on occasion made a few finger gestures and stare downs to teammates during some clubhouse altercations. The media has seen its good and bad side also since joining the Angels. One reporter has stated that "Catfish plays the part of a nice guy when he is on camera, but he has been rude when he is not", telling some media members to "get out my site, I don't want to hear any more stupida** questions from you". After the Angels won their first division championship last year, they are off to one of their worst starts in history in 1981. This is a team that never gives up, it has battled back before and it will again, the question is "if the fish ain't bitin' will it be time to change the bait".
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced the signing and callup of SP Steve Stone. The Dodgers 4 man rotation was wearing out, and Stone will be a welcome addition for the year.
San Diego followers voiced concern over the recent deal that sent fan favorite Cesar Cedeno recently to the Kansas City Royals of the American League. Cedeno, who was in his 11th season wearing the Padre uniform, posted a .262 average for the club. Cesar spent much of his time in the leadoff spot, and swiped 287 bases for the team during his tenure.
Cedeno was dealt for Kansas City's 3rd round pick in the next draft, as well as pitching prospect Len Barker. Barker has had no success at the major league level, posting a disturbing 6.51 ERA in 222.2 innings of work. When GM Brian Wohldmann was asked what motivated this trade, he replied "Are pitching staff is one of the oldest around, and former ace Grant Jackson has lost a lot of his luster in recent years. Barker has dominated so far in AAA this season, and we hope to see similar results when we bring him up to the big club." Barker's stats have been impressive for the Hastings Senators: 29.1 IP, 15 BB, 51 K, .187 OAVG. Angry fans in San Diego feel if Barker doesn't perform, then Wohldmann should be looking for a new job. Even angrier fans believe this should have happend a few seasons back.