American League-Pitcher of the Month :
Frank Tanana (NY) !!
He had a record of 2-1 in 6 games started, with an ERA of 0.45 and 1 shutouts.
American League-Batter of the Month :
Jorge Orta (MIN) !!
He batted .408 in 103 AB, with 7 homers and 30 RBI.
National League-Pitcher of the Month :
Tom Hausman (LA) !!
He had a record of 4-0 in 6 games started, with an ERA of 0.24.
National League-Batter of the Month :
Lee May (CHN) !!
He batted .296 in 98 AB, with 5 homers and 21 RBI.
A little fun with Bill James' formula to figure out a player's chance of reaching a milestone...
Boog Powell
15% chance at 500 home runs
Rusty Staub
18% chance at 3000 hits
Reggie Jackson
97% chance at 500 home runs
91% chance at 600 home runs
30% chance at 700 home runs
27% chance at 710 home runs and the all time record
Rico Petrocelli
1% chance at 500 home runs
1% chance at 1823 walks and the all time record
Joe Morgan
13% chance at 1823 walks and the all time record
Billy North
97% chance at 787 stolen bases and the all time record
44% chance at 1000 stolen bases
11% chance at 1250 stolen bases
Claude Osteen (he hasn't retired?!?)
43% chance at 350 wins
Sam McDowell
97% chance at 300 wins
6% chance at 350 wins
Denny McLain
32% chance at 300 wins
Steve Busby (he hasn't retired yet?!? :-()
56% chance at 300 wins
24% chance at 350 wins
7% chance at 400 wins
1% chance at 425 wins
Rumors abound that the Texas Rangers have rejected trade offers from the Pittsburgh Pirates that would have sent closer Dan Quisenberry, along with outfielder Reggie Jackson, to Arlington in exchange for 1979 second round draft pick Danny Heep.
This writer was unable to obtain official confirmation of this trade proposal from either team. Mr. Sam Stauder, owner of the Pirates franchise, was unavailable for comment. His secretary, Ms. Mavis Kratchett, did respond to inquiries by stating: “You’re out of your mind.” Gabe Rivers, owner of the Texas Rangers, was reached, but his only response regarding these trade discussions were questions of his own, when he asked: “Quisenberries? Are they good on cereal?”
Sources deemed very reliable continue to insist, however, that the rumors regarding these trade offers are indeed true. Apparently, the plan was originated by Dr. Phil “Oprah” Winfrey, a consultant hired by the Pittsburgh organization to increase ticket sales. Dr. Winfrey, we are told, strongly believes that Heep would be a huge draw for the Pirates. He has suggested that the double “E” in Heep would provide a subliminal attraction to Pittsburgh fans, because it would subconsciously remind them of the “ee” in the word “steel”. When questioned about this, the only comments Reggie Jackson would make were: “Well, I’ve seen Danny Heep play. The only thing the word ‘heep’ makes me think of is ‘pile’, as in ‘heap of’ or ‘pile of …’.”
The outspoken Quisenberry is most recently known for his outburst in not having been selected as the 1979 Cy Young Award winner. Jackson is considered to be a more than adequate outfielder with some power. On the other hand, Heep is widely projected as a future star. After hitting .224 in AA ball this past season, most scouts agree that his talents are rated to be at least average. Texas catcher Johnny Bench had these comments regarding the proposed trade: “Danny Heep is bound to be a good ballplayer some day. In fact, he might even make it to the majors before he turns 30. I’d hate to lose him. But heck, both Quisenberry and Jackson are also pretty good ballplayers. If Mr. Rivers had accepted this deal, I’d probably understand why.”
Billy Bob Dalworth, Sports
Metroplex Gazette