The ATR is so popular that people in other leagues are ripping of my idea and style. Never fear, despite other attempts to copy the ATR, the true ATR is back on the job. Not realizing that this many deals have been made since I’ve last written, leaves me wondering what else I might have missed these last few weeks. Anyway, on with the show.
Boston receives RF Brian Downing
Houston receives CF Cecil Espy
I know everyone was on edge, wondering which team won this blockbuster deal. Well, the Red Sox received a serviceable outfielder against lefthanders and has done well in that role this season. To expect more, would tax Downing beyond his limits. The Astros on the other hand received a very fast man and a gaping hole in their lineup. The Astros had to drag in Jerry Morales to fill the void left by Downing and he has been about as good as a corpse. Espy, is of course, the fast man that was received for Downing. Aside from his speed, there is no reason to think Espy will ever wear a major league uniform. Not the kind of deal one expects from a playoff contender.
Winner: Boston
Kansas City receives SP Floyd Bannister
San Diego receives SP Eric Rasmussen and Kansas City’s third round Amateur draft choice in 1985
Well, the Padres are going to get a very high third rounder out of this deal. Floyd Bannister looked great in Padre brown, having five straight seasons with an ERA under 3.60, including one season with an ERA of 2.23. He also made $2,500,000 less than Rasmussen and was signed long term. Of course, having left pitching-friendly San Diego, Bannister has struggled to keep his ERA under 5 this season. Rasmussen, who is older than Bannister, is coming off a season where he had an ERA of 4.23. Of course, some time in the warm California sun has done wonders for his numbers, as he sports a nifty 2.98 ERA this season. Along with the draft pick gravy and a judicious bit of waiting, it is clear who the winner is here.
Winner: San Diego
Montreal receives 3B/SS Howard Johnson and SP Atlee Hammaker
New York (A) receives 3B Mike Schmidt, RF Kevin McReynolds, OF Dion James and Montreal’s second round Amateur draft choice in 1985
Without looking at the history and only the players, which team won 101 games last season and which one finished with the second worst record in the CDL (Worst amongst competitive teams.) I would think that the Yankees were making a playoff push and the Expos were rebuilding. Not so, fair reader. The Yankees have managed to convert the pick used to acquire Bret Saberhagen (None of us really believe that the Pirates would rather have Saberhagen over Clemens) and the third pick overall in 1982, to obtain these players. Ponder that for a moment. Schmidt was a great player, in real life and in 1978 and 1979 in the CDL, but is now a one tool masher with limited value. McReynolds is a solid OF prospect, who needs a little seasoning and could be good for .280 with 20 HR a season. Dion James is young and might someday be a respectable fourth outfielder. The draft pick, will be at the end of the second round. Not what I would want to turn two star picks into. Howard Johnson is just another of the bumper crop of future star 3Bs in the CDL, along with Wallach, Boggs and Brook Jacoby. He is a player that any team would love to have. Atlee Hammaker is a maddening player, as he is weak against righthanders, but was once a high draft pick and has become the league’s town bicycle, being this is his fourth team in three seasons. I know which set of players I would rather have. And I also know which team is headed back to the playoffs and which team is not, though it was not evident from looking at the trade alone.
Winner: Montreal
Minnesota receives SP Jose Rijo and San Francisco’s first round Amateur draft choice in 1985
San Francisco receives SP Steve Stone, MR Juan Agosto and Minnesota’s first round Amateur draft choice in 1985
And you thought the last deal was bad. This deal looks like something out of the Groening brothers’ past. One brother, placing the other in a headlock, until the other brother says uncle. Chuck should have said uncle a lot sooner. Jose Rijo screams future ace. He might end up being the second best pitcher in the 1984 Amateur Draft, yet the Giants gave him up to move up ten spots in the Amateur Draft and add Steve Stone, who is basically equal to the guys in the Free Agent pool and Juan Agosto, a solid, but unspectacular reliever. I have a feeling that when Paul wins his third CDL title featuring a Rijo-led rotation, that Thanksgiving dinner won’t have that warm and loving feeling.
Winner: Minnesota
Houston receives LF Jerry Morales
Minnesota receives Houston’s third round Amateur draft choice in 1985
Well, Morales might be the most useless player in anyone’s starting lineups around the league. He makes $1,500,000 and is hitting a robust .140 this season. To top that off, he is hitting leadoff for the Astros. Looks like someone is trying to miss the playoffs. The Twins are rewarded by getting $1,500,000 in cap room back and get a third round pick. Which considering the production that Morales offers, should be regarded as quite the haul for the Twins.
Winner: Minnesota
Outfielders Dave Henderson (Tigers) and Eric Davis (Braves) were named rookies of the month in May in their respective league.
The 25 years old Henderson hit an impressive ,296/,386/,612 in 98 AB, with 10 homers and 34 RBIs. Henderson was the 21st player picked in the 1981 draft.
Alvin Davis (,272-7-23) of the Twins, winner in April, was a strong runner up. Brewers' closer John Franco (1-1, 7 saves, 3,68) also received consideration.
Eric Davis, only 22, was a very productive hitter in May despite a ,224 batting average. He had a ,353 OBP and a ,506 SLG. He hit 7 homers and collected 22 RBIs, along with 11 stolen bases. Davis was the 7th player selected in the last Amateur Draft.
Giants' shortstop Tony Fernandez (,366-0-12) and Phillies' reliever Steve Crawford (1-0 1,65) were also considered.
Wednesday 6/1/1984 :
American League-Pitcher of the Month :
Steve Busby (MIL) !!
He had a record of 5-1 in 7 games started, with an ERA of 1.99 and 2 shutouts.
American League-Batter of the Month :
George Brett (OAK) !!
He batted .414 in 116 AB, with 4 homers and 17 RBI.
National League-Pitcher of the Month :
Al Hrabosky (SF) !!
He had a record of 5-0 in 4 games started, with an ERA of 1.38.
National League-Batter of the Month :
George Hendrick (HOU) !!
He batted .374 in 99 AB, with 5 homers and 29 RBI.
Sunday 5/7/1984 CINCINNATI - Jerry Reuss had some fun again. REAL fun. Chicago (N) hitters did not. Cincinnati's left-hander fired a no-hitter in his 1st shutout of the season. He now has 30 career shutouts in 417 games started. Larry Harlow spoiled the bid for a perfect game when he walked with 1 away in the 6th inning. 'They took some ugly cuts at my breaking stuff, so I kept throwing it. Fortunately they were not able to adjust in time.' Reuss (3-3) struck out 1 and walked 2, throwing 43 of 79 pitches for strikes. Bobby Grich helped Reuss at the plate, he finished 2 for 4, and collecting 3 RBI. Cincinnati scored 8 runs on 15 hits.
Sunday 5/7/1984 KANSAS CITY - Kansas City's ace Mike Norris experienced probably the worst case scenario for a pitcher, a season ending injury. After pitching in the 8th inning of the game against Toronto, Norris complained about serious pain in his throwing arm. He had to leave the game. Doctors examined him after the game and diagnosed a Ruptured Disc Back which will require surgery. Opposing players hit .272 against Mike this season. While posting an ERA of 5.40 he went 2-3 in 7 starts, fanning 17
and walking 24 hitters. He has one complete game and one shutout.
Thursday 5/4/1984 MONTREAL - Houston's centerfielder Reggie Jackson had already some highlights in his career, and today he added a historic one, unloading for his 600th career homerun. Perhaps his best year so far was 1977 where he hit .287 with 49 homeruns and 110 RBI. Reggie has
managed to hit 30+ homeruns in a season 12 times, and he topped 40 homeruns 7 times. 'This day is special, I'll probably remember it my whole life. Thank god I'm blessed with the talent to play this game.' In the 9th inning he unloaded his 600th blast off Mac Scarce. It's no secret that he will once be in the Hall of Fame! He is now the 5th member of the 600 HR club having joined Willie Mays (626), Hank Aaron (688), Frank Robinson (692), and Harmon Killebrew (709). The next highest active HR total belongs to Bill Sudakis at 401.