Earl Weaver Baseball League

Game 4

October 9th, 2008 by Admirals GM

1. How rested is Joe MacGregor?  Whether we go with him or Gustavo Chavez as our starter depends on MacGregor's rest percentage.

 

2. Place Artie Bicknell on the 15 day DL.  Again, it's unbelievable the injuries we've suffered.  We've had 4 major injuries in the playoffs alone: the Bicknell injury (our cleanup hitter), Jim Smith (our top pinch runner), Sergio Garcia (right in the middle of the series against Rob, when Garcia's health was crucial), and Dale Reinert (one of our few power hitters left, and again right in the middle of the series against Miami).  If there's any consolation with the latest, it may be that Bicknell had been playing so poorly, it's hard to say we'll miss him.  Or in other words: given that we've gotten as far as we have this playoffs with Bicknell playing so badly, maybe we can hope to continue on without him.  On the other hand, I had been sort of hoping all along that come the World Series, Bicknell would step up and shine, since we couldn't count on Porter Scott and Leo Kennedy to continue producing at the level we had been.

 

At any rate, this latest injury makes us just that much more of an underdog.  I don't think any realistic analyst could like our shot at coming back.

 

3. To replace Bicknell on the roster, call up CF Gustavo Rangel from AAA Tacoma.  Hopefully he can contribute as a pinch runner.  Our new OF depth chart is as follows...

 

LF: Escobido, Luna, Rangel

CF: Power, Rangel, Luna

RF: Henderson, Luna, Rangel

 

4. Our Game 4 Lineup is as follows...

 

  1. Roy Wilson, CF

  2. Ismael Escobido, LF [note: this is a position change from RF, where he had been]

  3. Porter Scott, 1B

  4. Dale Reinert, DH

  5. Leo Kennedy, C

  6. Daniel Smith, 2B

  7. Oliver Cole, SS

  8. Patrick Cole, 3B

  9. Mitchell Henderson, RF

 

That's a pretty crappy lineup, if you ask me.  For what it's worth: Mitchell Henderson hadn't played in a month prior to Game 3, when he replaced an injured Bicknell.  God knows when I traded Rob for him back in June, I never thought he would be my starting right fielder in the World Series.  Here's hoping he pulls a Mark Lemke.

 

5. Again, don't Sim the game until you let me know MacGregor's exact status.

World Series Game 3 Pitching Matchup

October 8th, 2008 by Banditos GM

Looks to be extraordinary.

Austin is going with Norman Banks:  3-0, 4 G, 1.72 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, .171 OAVG
Washington, Basket Case Garcia:  3-0, 4 G, 1.37 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, .214 OAVG

This is a huge game for Washingtion, in fact the cliched "must win game."  Washington can't afford to go down 3-0 AND go down 3-0 on a Garcia start.  Garcia needs to win the games he pitches for Washington to have it's best chance.  2-1 and going with MacGregor at home will give many an Admiral Fan a lot of hope.

1990 World Series Game 6: Miami Punked

June 13th, 2008 - 1990 by Banditos GM

Wednesday, October 24th, 1990

Dallas, TX - A crisp 59 degress with a stiff 15 mph wind out to right as Dallas fights to stay alive. Anthony Moran faced George Banks in a thrilling game.

In the top of the 3rd, with the game tied 2-2 Ken Hamilton hit a double.  Ken Bryant hit a crack single to score Hamilton and get the game to 3-2. It would remain 3-2 to the bottom of the 9th.  George Banks was removed from the game after pitching a gem, 8 IP 1 ER 6 HA.  In comes Julio "Punk" Perez, who has been great during the season and playoffs.  Perez was going to close this one out and Miami would celebrate their first World Series....only 3 outs away.

Leading off for Dallas, Carlos Perez. After hitting .370 during the season, Carlos was hitting .220 during the playoffs and was 0-3 tonight.

Perez fouls off the first fastball by "Punk",

0-1 Carlos Perez cracks a line drive into short center!  The tying run is on 1st,

Perez a notoriously bad baserunner will stay in the game,

Up to bat SS Jesse Martin, who hit .299/24/83 during the season and who has hit .293 during the playoffs with 6 homeruns,

First pitch, Martin watches the fastball for strike one!

Next pitch, High for ball 1  1-1 count,

Curveball for strike 2, Martin once again looking,

What a shot!  This could go,  HOMERUN for Martin over Carranza into the right field stands 394 feet.   The wind helped this ball out!  Martin Walks it off and the crowd is going crazy, the Brahmas are mobbing Martin at homeplate as Miami sprints for the clubhouse.

Folks what a game, we will be going to a game 7.  After the game Montgomery had few words most importantly he has not released who will start game 7.  It's between Davila who is on short rest,and the unpredictable Herrera who has yet to pitch in the World Series but pitched a gem to knockout LA.

What a series.

1990 World Series Game 5: Montgomery's Love Affair with Hartley

June 13th, 2008 - 1990 by Banditos GM

Dallas wins Game 5 7-2, series is 3-2 Miami.  Hartley goes 7.1 Innings and pitches 144 pitches, Montgomery refuses to pull the guy.  Soon GM RobM will have to consider instituting a mandatory pitch count for Hartley.

Game 6, back to Dallas.  George Banks will go vs Anthony Moran again.

1990 World Series Game 4: Opportunities Lost

June 13th, 2008 - 1990 by Banditos GM

Exciting Game, Carlos Perez continues his choke job.  Miami wins 4-2.  Check box and game log for recap.

Game 5  Ed Hartley vs. Michael Bowden

1990 World Series Game 3: Return to the Polo Grounds

June 13th, 2008 - 1990 by Banditos GM

Saturday, October 20th, 1990

Miami, FL - The World Series comes back to Miami for the first time since 1988.  After losing game 2 in Dallas the Banditos will try to exact revenge in their vaunted Polo Grounds.  The other "return" everyone is speaking of is the return of George "Slider" Banks for Miami.  When Banks was injured many discounted Miami's chances at the World Series, however the staff has really picked it up.  Now can Banks come off an injury and launch Miami to a 2-1 lead?

Facing Banks will be Anthony Moran a 23 year old fireballer that consistently hits 98-100 mph.  Moran unquestionably has a lot of talent but he is still raw.  Plus, will he be able to deal with the intense pressure of a World Series game IN Miami.  Robinson considered arranging his rotation to allow Moran a start at home, however, with the Banks injury he wanted to nail down the first two in Dallas.  Unfortunately his plan failed with Miami taking game 1 and now Moran pitching in the Polo Grounds.

The forecast called for a rainy South Florida night, however the game was able to start on time.  Both pitchers looked like they had their stuff tonight.

It wasn't until the bottom of 2nd before we saw any offense.  Cesar Martinez drew a 2 out walk for Miami bringing up Anthony Pryor.  Pryor gets his 1st start since recently coming off the DL and bangs out a run scoring double for Miami.  Henderson flew out after that and Miami takes a 1-0 lead.

In the top of the 4th George Banks started off the inning by blowing away the first two batters.  Then in typical Bandito fashion he gives a 4 pitch walk to Jon Young, then walks Jared Roberts.  So with two on and two outs, Pedro Luna hits an 0-1 fastball for a single, Jon Young scores easily. Banks snaps out of it and whiffs the next batter.  Game tied 1-1.

To the bottom of the 6th.  To this point both pitchers have pitched extremely well, striking out quite a few.  Dave Todd would lead of the inning by grounding out for the 1st out.  Delzoppo drew a walk and then Carranza strikes out. 
So Delzoppo on first 2 outs,
Ken Hamilton up to bat, facing Moran who is nearing 100 pitches,
Full Count,
Walked!

Now we have runners on 1st and 2nd,
AL MVP contender Ken Bryant steps to the plate,
Bryant has been clutch all year and great in the playoffs,
Takes the 1-1 pitch and hits a ground ball to the right side,
it gets through for a single and Delzoppo scores! 2-1!

Kim proceeded to hit a 2 run double over LF Jon Young's head,
Next batter Martinez hits a weak single to right,
2 on 2 out, 5-2 Miami, Anthony Pryor up to bat,

AND IT STARTS POURING!
Pryor KO's to end the inning.

The 7th inning was delayed for 36 minutes till the rain stopped. Montgomery was not concerned and still sent Banks out despite the delay.  Banks first pitch to Jared Roberts is hit like a rocket!   That ball is Gone!  Hit 451 ft into the deepest recesses of the Polo Grounds.  Banks is yanked for Earl Boyle.  Amazingly Montgomery yanks a pitcher under 100 pitches who hasn't given up 6 ER's.

In the bottom of the 7th Moran is pulled for Bob Peterson.  Perez came in the 9th and got the save for Miami who closed out the win and took a 2-1 series lead.

Notes:

Carlos Perez is hitting .239 during playoffs and was 0-4 in game 3
Banks finished with 9 k in 6 IP
Moran 7 k in 6 IP

World Series 1990 Game 1: Hamilton's Hello Shot

June 13th, 2008 - 1990 by Banditos GM

Dallas, TX-  22,000+ fans came out on this mild Dallas night to watch their beloved Brahmas battle the Miami Banditos in Game 1 of the Earl Weaver Baseball World Series.  Dallas brought stud Steven Ferfuson to the mound.  Ferguson is a front runner for the NL Bob Gibson Award and is sporting a 3-1 record in the playoffs this year.  Miami, missing star George "Slider" Banks, started Ed Hartley. 

Hartley was brought on late season by the Banditos through the waiver wire.  He played the majority of the season in AAA Little Rock and was brought up in September.  He has been a vital part of the Bandito playoff run, going 2-1 with a big win against LA.  In other news, Anthony Pryor, the Banditos starting SS is back off the DL.  However, Henry Morrow got the start in game 1 due to his great hitting in the playoffs.  Pryor will most likely resume the starting pitching due to Morrow's bad defense and strength off the bench in a pinch hitting role.

Miami's Dave Todd opened the Series off in a slash of excitement.  Todd ripped a line drive in the first at bat to deep center field.  Todd with his blazing speed turned the shot into a triple.  Miami looked ready to score with a runner on 3rd and the heart of their lineup due up, Delzoppo, Carranza and Hamilton.  However, Delzoppo grounded out to the pitcher, Carranza flied out to shallow left, and Hamilton struck out looking.  Montgomery was furious at the wasted opportunity.  He stated in the postgame, "It takes a lot of effort to NOT score with 0 outs and a runner on 3rd!"

Hartley and Ferguson both looked good in the early innings, as they went through the opposing lineups.  In the bottom of the 4th Hartley began to show the control problems that would haunt him this game.  He opened the inning by getting Carlos Perez to ground out, but then walked Wilson.  With Wilson on 1st, Martin grounded out on a FC sending Wilson to 2nd.  Hartley then walked two straight batters.  With the bases loaded and 2 outs Hartley was to face 2B John Kelly, Kelly had the opportunity to break this stalemate open. Montgomery stayed with Hartley despite the problems.

Strike 1!
Strike 2!
Kelly whiffs at Pitch 3!  KO, inning over!

Hartley gets himself out of a self made jam, but many Banditos Fans were wondering if he would get any more innings.  Ferguson, meanwhile, was still cruising as the Banditos were not getting much going.  In the bottom of the 5th, blood was struck by Dallas.  Ferguson led off with a K, Sinclair was walked, and Young grounded out in a FC.  So with 2 outs and Sinclair on 2nd, Carlos Perez strolled to the plate.  In All Star fashion he bombed a 366 foot homerun to take a 2-0 lead.  Would this finally be it for Hartley? NO! He got the 3rd out and continued on.

In the mid to late innings Ferguson kept Miami in check.  Montgomery left Hartley in despite struggling with his control, Hartley would give up 7 walks in 8 IP. 

In the top of the 9th the outcome looked bleak for Miami.  Down 2-0 and unable to hit Ferguson, they led off at the bottom of their lineup.  Marcus Farmer would lead off the inning , pinch hitting for Cesar Martinez.  Farmer hit a shot to Left field for a lead off double!  Hope remained with the tying run at the plate. Hartley was finally yanked as Joe Young came in to pinch hit but struck out.  This brought up Dave Todd who had a leadoff triple in the 1st. Once again Todd smacked it hard for another triple!  Bringing in Farmer and making the game 2-1.  With Todd at 3rd and 1 out, Frank Robinson pulled Ferguson bringing in Mauro Medina, their esteemed closer.

Miami hoped this would not repeat the 1st inning, especially when Delzoppo came up and hit another infield ground out stranding Todd.  2 outs, top of 9, game tying run on 3rd and up comes Luis Carranza, Bandito favourite.  Carranza takes the 1-1 fastball by Medina and lifts it over the second baseman's head!  Todd scores and game is tied.  Hamilton grounds out and we go to the bottom of the 9th.

Julio "Punk" Perez comes in the game for Miami.  3 UP 3 DOWN, we head to extra innings!  Neither team was able to get anything going in the 10th.  In the top of the 11th Medina was pulled and Tony "Fury" Valenzuela would come in.  "Fury" was able to get pinch hiter Pryor and leadoff hitter, triple threat Todd out.  With 2 outs Tom Delzoppo came up.  Delzoppo had not had a hit yet this game however he wouldn't need one, as Valenzuela walked him.  2 outs, Delzoppo on 1st and Carranza hits a full count groundball single in between 1st and 2nd, Delzoppo advances to 2nd.  Hamilton faces "Fury", with the count at 1-2 Hamilton rips a shot 358 feet to left field FOR A 3 RUN HOMERUN IN THE TOP OF THE 11TH IN GAME 1 OF THE WORLD SERIES!!!!!

Novak immediately comes in for the yanked Valenzuela and ends the Banditos inning.  Stephen Miles is brought in to close the game out.  However Miles has been bad these playoffs sporting a 7.00+ ERA.  Miles strikes out the first two batters but then walks a batter to skip the hearts of Banditos worldwide.  Sinclair then singles!  So Dallas looks like they may have a chance.

Runner on 1st and 2nd,

Down by 3

2 outs

CF Jon Young up to bat.  Hit .292 this year,

0-2 counts

STRIKES OUT SWINGING!  MILES SAVES THE GAME AND BANDITOS TAKE GAME 1 IN DALLAS.

Despite the win, many criticized Montgomery for letting Hartley go 8 innings with a pitch count of 138!  The Banditos have a strong bullpen, with as many walks as Hartley gave up he should've been yanked in the 5th.

Game 2 in Dallas will match Dallas Ace Michael Bowden vs. Juan "Thrillseeker" Herrera.  Herrera, who spent time in bullpen during season due to struggles, is coming off his brilliant game against LA. We'll see if he can keep it up.  In other news, Banks will return to pitch Game 3.

Stay tuned........