APBA JOURNAL ARCHIVE: ISSUE 9, JANUARY 2014
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$2.00 JANUARY 1989 National League Rookie Report Who's Hot and Who's Not Among Newly APBA Carded Players by Eric Naftaly annually give us their assessments of the Nevertheless, bearing in mind that (as Bill game company's first-year carded players James demonstrated in his Baseball Ab he general opinion in the national -appears to concur. stract a couple of years back) a rookie crop's press last season was that the With a few notable exceptions, where the first-year performance is not a good predictor 1988 major league rookie crop last couple of seasons' players were being of ultimate career accomplishment, we pres T failed to measure up to the stan compared to Harmon Killebrew, Tony Perez, ent the 1989 rookie report: the National dards of past years. Joe Torre and Jerry Koosman, this year's League this month and the American in next For the most part, our APBA Journal Scout group inspired comparisons with Bruce month's issue. ing Bureau - nearly 100 correspondents Bochte, Wayne Krenchicki, Roger Freed and As our subscribers from past years are who closely follow major league teams and Jack Lazorko. prob~bly aware, we've pushed our deadline a month earlier for these reports in an at tempt to make them more timely. Since some of our usual reference sources for players' ages, roster status and so forth haven't been published yet, we may report that a few players are on clubs' 40-man winter rosters when in fact they have been outrighted to the minors since then; also, the players' ages below (theoretically, it's the age as of January 1, 1989) may be off by a JIPB.Pl Jouma{ few months. Please bear with us. Under each team, first Pitcfiing Contest !Jfonor !JW{{ year nonpitchers are listed first, in alphabeti 1988 cal order, followed by first-year pitchers. SttUlrt :foster o/a!paraiso, Ituf. Atlanta Braves (jreg Jofr.nson 'Wasli.ington, f}).C. Nick Byrd, Jim Riegert, Frank 1-fe.nry (joUfman Merion, Pa. Scozzarl Stan !Jlarmen (jartfiers6urg, Mi. Terry Blocker - Our observers agree that Jay !Moore Cliagri.n :Jaffs, Oli.io Blocker, a 29-year old lefty centerfielder out of the Mets' organization, isn't a good !MarK. 'BeaK_as 5tu6urn, Ituf. enough hitter to hold a regular major league Steven :Jucfts Cli.icago, J{L job for long. Nick describes him as "mar Paul !Mc'Evoy 'Braintree, Mass. ginal", Jim predicts he won't make the club this spring, Randy Reynolds calls him a .%6erto~ Miami, :f{a. "nonprospect" better suited for double-A ball, 'Wooay S tutfenmuntf Pasatfena, Calif. and Frank "can't see him as other than a plug to fill a hole for a year while the Braves ~ fJim 'Iromky 'FiK..fiilrt, I tuf. rebuild." 1@y'Brrufy Jose Alvarez - This righthanded long re !Mi~ Proffett liever is durable - Nick says it seemed as though he pitched or warmed up every day and he certainly is persistent -he last pitched (briefly) for the major league Braves in 1982.
(Rookies; continued on p. 4) APBA JOURNAL
Fielding Survey Unreliable up 217 times over 162 games. Of that total, a Ball or Strike should result 73 times while in the remaining 144 Just finished games through May 2 in both ALand NL for 1926. "The CMBA System" (sounds like the old times something else happens. And that something else is either a hit or an error or both over half the time with an shortstop for the Boston Braves) works well and now that average fielding team and it's even more with a poor I'm used to it, goes fairly smoothly. Two questions: Has anyone done a large sampling of hits taken away by good fielding team. That, by the way, is one of the contributing factors to the Master Game generally producing more pitchers per game? In my small sampling (30 games or so) it's between five and six a game. And has anybody offense than the Basic Game. With regard to the AJ Scouting Bureau's Re/ding Sur worked out a realistic pitcher fatigue system to work with CMBA? The SAMBO system works well for me with vey.. . I came up with the idea for having a Fielding and Rookie survey in the AJ after hearing APBA fans say regular Master play but with no upgrading allowed in when the cards came out that"APBA 's really blown it with CMBA the downgrading for fatigue means the pitcher nearly runs out of gas all at once, depending on his this guy• or words to that effect. I thought it would be possible to form a collection of APBA fans from Major percentage of complete games. Any info or thoughts? By now you know that the Mets Innings pitched wasn't League franchise areas who, as a result of seeing quite induded in the November issue. Also, you state in the a few games either in person or on local TV and having read extensive coverage of their team in the local news answer to Williams' letter that "Rare plays just ain't that rare". It seems to me that most rare play numbers occur papers, could provide us with some additional informa tion on the players. Even though it wouldn~ be "profes with none on base, so most 36-41 's become balls or strikes unless you have some method of randomizing for sional" information, I was confident that overall the re this. Eh? sults would be pretty good and that it would be interest One man's opinion but the the Annual Fielding Survey, ing and informative to others who didn~ have the same aside from involving some very earnest fans, is mostly access. I used myself as an example. Because 1have an opportunity to see every Boston game, I'm probably stnVI~g afterw1nd and even unreliable, insofar as it goes; 11 be1ng extremely subjective and with, often, personal '!"'re of an •expert" on the Red Sox than someone living bias, favorable or otherwise, coming into play. It reminds m Montana. Sure, I've got prejudices like everyone else me of many call-in talk shows on radio where the strong and I will miss on some but I try to be objective and it seems op1mons, after careful scrutiny by the host, show the that's the way it is with most of those who help out. caller to have incomplete data for his grandiose and It must be added, though, that when it comes to evaluat mostly negative opinion. ing baseball players . I've noticed that snobbery is often rampant ... "they are hopelessly prejudiced while /,on the For instance, I score 50 to 60 Mets games from my box seat behind third base each season for Project other hand, am very objective. • Scoresheet. I don't have a broadcaster or telecaster to In the beginning I tried to get draft leaguers involved tell me how great a throw or wonderful a play was or because they seem to pay the closest attention to the indeed how unfortunate someone looked striking out for current players. After that I opened it up to all fans so the third time or if a manager's neglect in removing the everyone can chip in with his or her views. pitcher was stupid or canny. I can see for myself and 1 Overall,/ think it has been successful and fun, although it's been difficult to find enough people to report on some hope with balanced acumen, try to evaluate even as I root for my guys. It isn't always easy but I work at it. For the of the teams. I wish this weren't so and that more would get involved since that reduces the chance that one fan's most part, these are professional men doing professional work damn well and as parity has evened out the talent views can dominate a team report. If 4 or 5 APBA fans at least in the NL, the games are better for it. ' have the same view of a player, I'm pretty confident that As I stumble off my soap-box, I should (having said the they've got in right. In that regard, I wish that you'd con above) comment on the comments for the Mets of '88. 1 ~acted the AJ before the survey was published, Jay, agrejl except Sasser has a better am1 than Carter (now) mstead of after. Obviously if you observe the Mats a but his technique needs work. Backman much under closely as you apparently do and believe that you have a seems rated, should be an 8 (we'll miss him) and Johnson had perceptive baseball eye as it you do, you could a much better fielding year at third and has one of the beat really help us out. As with others who have voiced similar arms extent (a 4). Jeffries has much to learn at third (a views about the Scouting Bureau report in the past, I'll send you a form next year. By the way, based on his 3) and Strawberry with a lesser club would be a 1. This is not to say the Game Co. will award what I believe they stars, I know Backman's got to be an 8 to reproduce his deserve. That's another deal. 4 errors in 84 starts and I've never been to Shea Stadium Jay Gregory in my life. Error totals can sometimes be overlooked New York City, NY when assigning a fielding grade ... but only up to a point. Glad that things appear to be going well using the CMBA pitching system in your 1926 replay, Jay. I don't Hasn't Received December Issue use a formal fatigue system with my CMBA play instead After receiving my initial subscription issue in Novem opting to let the rate of hits in the late innings determine ber, I never received the December issue and this is whether or not the starter is tiring. It's primarily a matter December 29th. of r_wr wanting to keep up with the "bookkeeping" that a James Kelley fat1gue system usually entails especially when it comes to Tampa, Fla the bullpen. But I would welcome a fan coming up with For the benefit ofnew subscribers, the APBA Journal is something and sharing it with us. Actually one has and normally mailed between the 22nd and 25th of the cover we'll be presenting that at sometime in the future. I've month. For example, the December 1988 issue was Moving? always thought it is better to use the average batters mailed on December 24th. That schedule "Window" was Please send your change of address faced as a determiner of fatigue rather than innings maintained for all1988 issues except August when the pitched and also that it's equally (if not more) important to printer took almost two weeks to print instead ofone. For to the AJ as soon as possible. have control influenced by fatigue as well as the grade. that reason (and an accumulation of others) he became The Bases Empty Rare Plays, compared to the overall my ex -printer. Thank you incidence of Rare Plays, occur approximately 55% of the Some readers have asked why we don't adjust the tJme, the frequency of that on-base situation. While it is schedule so the AJ is mailed earlier in the month. The true th~t the majority of the time the bases are empty and reason is that we cannot do the November statistics issue Subscription Expiring ?? the mB}Onty of the Rare Play results with the bases empty until we get the statistics and carded player list from are either a Ball, Strike, or Foul Ball, on the average, these APBA so that issue sets the schedule for the entire year. If your mailing label reads 1189 this three results will occur in a replay approximately 34% Some have also suggested that we simply change the Is the last Issue of your current percent of the time. To put it into raw numbers I've cover month of the stat issue from November to Decem- calculated that if someone replays one team fro~ the subscription. 1987 National League, a Rare Play number should come ( Letters; continued on p. 3) , 2 (Letters; continued from p. 2) (neither of which I take it is your cup of ber (thereby skipping November) some year. I wouldn't tea). However, if an AL pitcher has a do this for a ccuple of reasons. First, due to tradition and card reflecting NL play or actual at bats, editorial ccnvenience, it's best if the stat issue is the I use their actual card. November issue. Seccnd, that would mean everyone's Basically, the generic NL card pro- I!L o< "'''''''/o·''·" subscription would be moved up one month, causing the vides a little better offense and sacrific AJ to lose a month of revenues and that's not in the best ing ability over what APBA gives AL interest of the paper. pitchers and in a sense, is somewhat !!! ? ? JOr.tl1eA Again, to repeat something I've said several times. more "reality based" than APBA's. Newstand publications must publish in advance (some I didn't mean to imply than NL manag times far in advance) of the ccver date so it appears ers hit-and-ran with pitchers on base current even if it sits on the shelf for sometime. Publica although I suppose someone has done tions which are sold solely through mail subscription, such it. Some APBA managers I know do it, as the AJ, don1 need to do that and I've noticed that most though, and they are the ones I had in of them don't. mind. Now with regard to when you receive your AJ ... that Finally, I'd like to take a survey of AJ depends on the Postal Service. Sometimes the delivery readers to determine the best APBA time is good -and based on what I've been told here in teams of all time. If readers are inter Greenfield, that means it took about twice the time of first ested they can send me their personal clas~ and sometimes it isn1 good and that probably top 10 teams of all time and I'll award means it gets caught up with the 3rd dass mail. And from points based on a 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 what I gather there's not a heckuva Jot that can do about basis just like they do with college foot it if this happens. Normally, James, I'd expect an AJ ball polls. mailed on the 24th to get to you in Tampa about the 30th. If I get a sufficient response, I'll send However, with Christmas and the possibility of bad the tabulated results on to the AJ. weather, it may have ccme a bit later. Steve Braun 35-17 Quail Ridge Dr. Plainsboro, NJ 08536 A No-Hitter and Hitting For the O.K. I see what you had in mind with Cycle In the Same Game the generic NL pitchers card, Steve. At In a recent F-T-F game between Chris Stinson's KC the risk of alienating many readers who Chipmunks and Tom Jordan's Louisville Sluggers in the erJoy what I call the "ultimate APBA Motor City League, Frank Viola pitched a no-hitter. What fantasy•, you're right inter-league play with all the excitment, no-one noticed that Dale Murphy hit or inter-ERA doesn'tdomuchforme. In for the cycle. My buddies tell me that hitting for the cyde fact, the only APBA baseball product I in as rareaspitchingano-hitter. So my question is ... had haven't purchased over the past 15 anyone (real-life or APBA had a no-hitter and a "cyde" in years is the OFAS. One of my good the same game? APBA buddies, Ron Dean, is really into Tom Jordan that (the OFAS is his favorite APBA Royal Oak, Mich product) and whenever I ask him what Your friends were pretty close to on target with regard to he's doing APBA-wise he11 say "I'm the rarity of no-hitters and cycles, Tom. Through 1987, playing an all-Dodger team tournament" the cycle (one player hitting a single, double, triple, and or something like that. Can'tget into that homer in one game) has been achieved 193 times in the for some reason. history of major league baseball while there have been On to another subject ... you touched tremendous power 204 no-hitters. I don1 know if each has occurred in the on something that's rather interesting ::; . ~;i:iul .:::>t~ you to cciwer. same game. Perhaps one of our readers knows. and that's the question of sacrificing ability with pitchers. I've brought up this give me the tater . subject before in the Letters to the Editor iffs; much later. Wants To See 31/2 Inch Disks for but I'll mention it again. There's a real Computer Game need for an innovation here since, as we I had an enjoyable Christmas but two things were a know, APBA doesn1 recognize bunting · ·· ~~d speed .(... / disappointment. First, although I have an order in with ability when ccnstructing cards. Some e, you plead. • ·· StatMaster since early last summer, I have yet to receive players who are excellent bunters have to.behold ·· my 3 1/2 inch disk so that I can begin keeping statistics poor sacrificing cards while others who with my PS/2 IBM computer. I cannot understand the are poor bunters have good cards. In delay since the APBA Journal keeps hinting that the new the former case, I'm thinking of a pitcher disks are ready and available. who finishes the season with 90 at bats, rebuilding year is ahead 5 hits and 45 strikeouts for a .056 batting Seccnd, I recently received a flyer from the APBA Game not bad, farfrom dead. ... Company stating that games with a 3 1/2 inch disk are average, not too atypical in the modem now available for sale. What I had hoped to receive was era when most pitchers don1 even try to .... _.___ ..... other managers hear yo~ say > an additional flyer informing me how I as a pre-owner of become hitters because of the advent of hear about this kid,.in AAA? · · the APBA Baseball game with a 5 1/4 inch disk could the modern bullpen. However, if he also arrange to purchase this new disk without having to had 10 Sac Hits, we've got to ccnc/ude !blm!mlm!fJ!fJttm~~ttm~~mm:m~m=m:mbmila!r____j purchase a complete game. when he was called on to bunt, he could Bill Hupp get the job done. In APBA, though, there's no way that enough of a response to make it meaningful, Steve. Clearwater, FL he'll be able to do it with 18 red 13's on his card. In However if you took the AJ Directory and conducted a Check with the announcement from /INlier Associates in contrast, someone like Jim Rice, who was rarely called on •scientific" poll where you went to the readers, it might this month's Computer Comer, Bill. It appears that one of to bunt over his career and was not good at doing it on the work. If you're interested in pursuing this angle, let me the misccnceptions that some fans have is that APBA is rare occasions when he tried, would be a fairly decent know. the producer of the ccmputer game. It is not. They're like bunter inAPBA during his hey-dey as a player because hit a ccmputer store even though it's the APBA game. All numbers are good bunts. Coming in future AJ's I've always thought the best way to handle this would be updated disks and exchanges etc. are handled by Ran • 1988 CMBA Grades in Feburary dom House/McGraw Hill, the producers. to develop four generic bunting cards (A,B,C,D) with A being the best and D the worst and then give each player • making APBA football cards a letter designation based on his percentage of Sac Hits • fine-tuning the APBA Basic Game Generic National League Pitcher's to plate appearances. I know, I know, any team managed by Gene Mauch automatically has a lot ofA and 8 bunters. Card I would accept that since as it is with most skills, it's a The AJ Office will be closed the first Just a couple of notes on my "generic NL pitcher's" card matter of becoming proficient with practice. Mauch's few days in February when we're in which you wondered about in your answer to my last players knew that sacrificing was his style so they worked letter. It's used in place of the generic AL card if pitchers at it and became better. Lancaster picking up the baseball bat vs . NL teams in interleague play or inter~ra play With regard to the poll, I have my doubts that you'd get cards. 3 (Rookies; continued from p. 1) Cub catcher for the next ten years and article, by the way - Pete Mackanin was Nick reports that "gets by pretty well on Duane expects him to catch 140 games a carded with the 1978 Phillies for five games smarts and so-so ability." But as Frank year.) "This guy is a solid all-around and eight plate appearances (2-for-8, no notes, with "average stuff, iffy control and player," Bill reports. Our scouts agree on a walks)), Wrona is a 25-year old righthanded very little future"- he'll be 33 in April -it's not batting average around .270 and about 15 hitter who split time behind the plate with Bill likely that he'll improve beyond his present homers a year for the switch-hitting Berryhill; Bathe at Iowa last year, hitting .264 with two status, or hang around if and when the they're also unanimous about his defensive homers. Drafted in the fifth round by the Braves get better. potential - he'll be an 8 with a Master Game Cubs out of Wichita State in 1985, he made German Jimenez • Frank reports that he arm in the plus-3 (Bill) to plus-5 (Duane) his way up the system reasonably quickly but "looks like Fernando [Valenzuela], throws range. never had an impressive year. Since Ber like Fernando, but has nothing. His fast ball, Doug Dascenzo • Duane describes the 24- ryhill (see above) is established as the starter when blazing, is maybe 85 MPH, his reputed year old, switch-hitting Dascenzo as quite and Lloyd McClendon (see below), acquired curve and screwball look like batting practic~ similar to John Cangelosi, who used to play from the Reds, has replaced Wrona on the pitches ... Braves' announcers not only cited centerfield across town with the White Sox: Cubs' 40-man roster, Wrona's chance of his horrendous move to first, but his recalci "same potential: no power, many steals - making the club this spring doesn't look trance in trying to learn one." A lefthander in good sixth outfielder." "Good speed, good good; Duane quantifies it at 1%. his mid-twenties (he's been pitching suc range, fair arm," Marc reports. Bill likes his Jeff Plco • A versatile young (22) righthan cessfully in the Mexican League since 1981 ), hustle and calls him "not a bad centerfielder" der who can start or relieve, Pico is a "pleas Jimenez showed only one asset - decent - a 2 who'll never get a 3. The consensus on ant surprise" (Bill) who showed ''flashes of control - in what was supposed to be a 30- his future is that he has a decent shot at stardom" (Duane) after being called up for day trial last season; he hung around the rest staying on the club, but not much chance of the last couple of months of 1988. Both of the year, though as Nick put it, "what this regular playing time and no chance for star Duane and Bill expect him to occupy a guy was doing in the majors is beyond me." dom. middle-relief/spot-starting role for the Cubs We have conflicting reports as to whether Mark Grace· "[A) smooth swing and consis in 1989 (Marc isn't sure he'll make the club). Jimenez has been invited back to Atlanta in tent contact- only 43 K's- are his hallmarks. Bill cautions that "pitching in Wrigley proba 1989, but none of our observers expects him [Don] Mattingly started out this way - not bly means nothing more than a 'C' grade in to pitch north ofthe Mexican border this year. much power, good average hitter. Look what his future, but probably a consistent 'C' .. ."; Pete Smith • An out~tanding second half of happened I" That's Bill's comment on the 24- Duane, who praises Pico's control, says he's the season has all three of our scouts con year old, lefty-hitting Grace, a firstbaseman "not dominant enough to win 12-15 in [the) vinced that this 22-year old righthander has with decent defensive potential as well: rotation although he deserves a chance to." a solid future. Jim describes him as an Duane, Bill and Kirt Bennett all figure him as "outstanding prospect" who's "ready now." an eventual4, though he hasn't reached that Cincinnati Reds Frank says he'll "be the ace of the staff with level at this point. Duane and Kirt look for 20 Joe Auletta, Doug Decatur, Bob homers a year as Grace develops; Bill proj Mahler gone, winning 12 to 15 games in Horn ects him for 25 in Wrigley Field's cozy con 1989, and can win 15 to 18 with a good team. Lloyd McClendon • Now a member of the fines. Everyone agrees he'll hit a consistent A good live arm with a long career ahead of Cubs, the 29-year old McClendon is a .300 or better. him." Nick's only concern is with Smith's powerfully-built, righthanded-batting utility Darrln Jackson • The jury's still out on the control, but he reports that Smith "really type who can catch or play the infield or 25-yearold, right-handed hitting Jackson, an became a good major league starter in spite outfield corner positions. He's no world outfielder who posted good power numbers of the bad stadium and horrible team. This beater defensively (Joe describes him as on his way up the Cub system, but didn't guy could be excellent" if his control im adequate - a 7 catcher, 4 thirdbaseman and duplicate them at the major league level last proves. 3 at first if he played a position regularly; Bob season. He has the speed to play center John Smoltz • The Braves rushed this 21- calls him "below average" behind the plate) field - Marc says that's about all he has - and year old righthander to the majors this past and Joe says that he "too often looked Duane says that Jim Piersall (an outstanding over season; as Frank reports, "his first major powered" at bat, but our scouts agree that he centerfielder in his own right a generation league start was outstanding, and he was has some power, which should stand him in ago) described him as one of the best out bombed regularly and severely after that." good stead at Wrigley Field. Doug compares fielders he has seen. Bill and Duane agree Jim says he's as good as Pete Smith (see him to Roger Freed, a slow-moving, muscu that he could start for the Cubs this year, above) and ready for a full major league lar pinch-hitter of the 1970's who had one unless they trade for an outfielder, but Bill season this year; Frank would like to see him great card in ten up-and-down seasons. says he'll have to win the job in spring train get a year of triple-A seasoning. Nick de Chris Sabo ·The National League's Rookie ing, and Duane indicates that rookie Dwight scribes him as a "real sleeper" with an "excel of the Year gets mixed reviews as far as his Smith, a lefty hitter, could wind up platooning lent curveball" who "should become a solid future potential is concerned . . The totally with him. 3 or 4 man on a major league staff [with] Bob positive report comes from Bob: "Great pros Gary Varsho ·Our observers agree that the Forsch-type stats year in-year out." pect, great desire and hustle. He wore out Cub bench looks like the likely place to find last year in [the) second half after [a] great Varsho next year. Marc describes him as a first half because he plays so hard and re Chicago Cubs "good pinch-hitter but...little else"; Duane fuses to rest. He is on an unbelievable work Bill Stamper, Marc Strand, and Bill peg the 26-year old, lefty-hitting out plan to build up his body. He will hit in the Duane Mittelheuser Varsho as a decent outfielder but lacking the .285 range - 40 doubles, 20 homers, 35 Damon Berryhill • Like Jody Davis before power expected from a Cub outfield regular. steals and will win Gold Gloves at third base him and Randy Hundley before that, Berryhill Rick Wrona • Outside of being the new an (5 fielder - 17 speed) ... This is a can't miss should see a lot of action for the Cubs behind swer to a trivia question (which Art Spring prospect." Joe's report is more down-to the plate. (Kirt Bennett figures he'll be the steen got wrong in last month's front-page earth: "Is and will be a major league regular. 4 In my book, I don't consider him a 'star' .. . Very good he is - of eleven pitchers added to the much power considering his size (6-3, nearly smooth [defensively]; 3B(5) should be a lock starting rotation during Rose's tenure, only 200 pounds). He came over from Toronto in within two years ... ! don't see his offensive one, 20-gamewinner Tom Browning, was a 1987 after failing to win the second base job stats improving much, and if anything I be first-year player. there, and had no greater success moving lieve his power (doubles) will drop a little; he Rob Dibble- His grade this season will very into the L.A. lineup. Willie Randolph is the hit a lot of line drives that bounced past out likely be in the high-A* range, sothis 24-year new Dodger secondbaseman; as Andy fielders rather than wall-rattlers. Stolen old righthanded reliever is unlikely to be notes, if Randolph gets hurt and if Sharper bases were deceptive; he doesn't look that overlooked for long in most drafts. Our son replaces him and if Sharperson hits, "he fast." Doug describes Saba as "a punk rock scouts say he really is that good. Doug calls could go on to bigger things. That's a lot of version of Ray Knight": both players, he him "the best of the Reds rookies this ifs." Casey reports that Sharperson's explains, at age 26, stepped into the Reds' season ... one heck of a pitcher [who] will strengths include adequate range at second starting lineup to replace home-grown, remain so for years to come." Bob calls him and third and a decent- though powerless hometown stars (Pete Rose and Buddy "a clone of early Goose Gossage in attitude, .260 average; his major weakness is a lack of Bell). The results were virtually identical in talentand physical appearance ... overpow patience at the plate: no walks and lots of terms of extra-base hits (Knight 37 doubles, ering at times ... the Reds thought highly strikeouts for a player with no power. 4 triples, 10 homers in 551 at-bats; Saba 40, enough of him to trade Rob Murphy ... He will Tim Belcher- For a pitcher who couldn't find 2 and 11 in 538), walks (Knight 38, Saba 29) consistently be in the A orB range as a setup the plate during his minor league career, the and errors (Knight 15, Saba 14): the differ man for John Franco and he will get plenty of righthanded, 27-year old Belcher certainly ences were Saba's superior speed (46 sto work in [the] Pete Rose system. From Joe: turned things around when the Dodgers len bases to Knight's 4) and Knight's supe "Wicked sidearm pitch to righthanded acquired him last year from Oakland. This rior hitting (a .318 average to Saba's .271 ). batters .. .very good control - better than his report from Andy: "Grab him. He pitches for Doug's conclusion: "I expect Saba, like BB/IP ratio showed - and 93-4 MPH fastball. a team that develops pitchers. He pitches in Knight, to be an average ballplayer who, also Only concern is an awkward motion that may a good pitchers' park. He throws hard and like Knight, will always be perceived to be result in arm problems. Will probably not he's going to be given time to develop better than he really is .. ." have a long career because of it, but could because Hershiser and other veterans wi ll Jeff Treadway- The 25-year old Treadway post some very impressive seasons." carry the tough game for at least a couple started the year as Cincinnati's regular at more years ... Should settle in as a regular second base, but lost the job to Ron Oester Houston Astros starter, getting C's in bad years, for the next in midseason. Doug describes Treadway as five years at least. • Nick calls him a "definite "an overrated rookie" and compares him to Phil Boudreaux, Nick Byrd, star" who'll produce [Bob] Welch-type stats", Wayne Krenchicki: "a left handed batter who Glenn Krampota, Rick Yenzer barring a control relapse. Casey says that is a platoon player at best... like Krenchicki, Craig Biggio - As Rick notes, the 22-year Belcher "can become a future star- 18 wins, Treadway can hit, but his lack of speed and old, righty-hitting Biggio has been a star on 2.60-80 ERA," and adds that even if his con range make his value drop.. ." Bob rates every level at which he's played; the majors trol fails him, with his overpowering fastball Treadway as an average fielder ("7 for now") may prove to be no exception. He's probably he'd probably still be successful as a bullpen with a weak arm ("similar in style to Jim not ready quite yet; Glenn expects Alan stopper. Jerry calls him a "quality young Gantner [and] Glenn Hubbard") who is ca Ashby and Alex Trevio to share the Astra pitcher who is in the rotation to stay. I look for pable of hitting .280 to .300. With Oester catching chores again in 1989, and Phil says a string of B grades." Jerry's main concern is now signed to a long-term contract, Bob that if the club has its way, Biggio will start the "a disturbing tendency to throw six shutout predicts that Treadway will wind up in At season at triple-A Tucson. But Nick reports innings and then get nailed for three or four lanta, filling the Braves' hole at second base. that Biggio "should develop into a fine front runs before the bullpen can get up." Joe says Treadway has been assigned Dave line catcher if he continues to improve- [he] Tim Crews- "An intriguing pitcher," as Andy Concepcion's utility role for the Reds; he should be at least major league average in all puts it. The Dodgers left him off the roster for describes him as an "erratic" hitter with .260, areas for a catcher by the end of 1990." One postseason play last fall, leading our scouts three-zero potential who could develop into of his major assets is speed - he should give to doubt that the Dodgers were impressed an 8 at second base, a "good" thirdbaseman Benito Santiago some competition in the with him; on the other hand, with Brian Holton or an "OK" shortstop- he lacks the quickness fastest-catcher derby. Glenn predicts three and Jesse Orosco gone in offseason trades, to shine at short. (Randy Reynolds suggests power numbers, an 11, and an average in the Crews should have the first shot at middle the Reds are making an error going with .280 area, along with a 7 or 8 rating behind relief this season. Nick praises his control Oester rather than Treadway at second the plate and an average arm. Phil looks for and looks for him to put together a few 1DO base; Doug forwards stats showing the Reds a good average, not much power and an 8 inning seasons out of the bullpen. Casey were 37-43 when Treadway started; 50-31 glove. Glenn does strike one cautious note finds him inconsistent and expects him to fail : when he didn't.) -the Astros'last two "catchers of the future", "... he tends to blow up when he can't get his Jack Armstrong -"Great promise," accord Mark Bailey and Robbie Wine, flopped curve over and has to come in with the ing to Bob, is shown by this 23-year old · badly. (He doesn't mention Troy Afenir, who fastbaii. .. [Typically] gives up no runs for righthander - "great arm, excellent work started one season catching for Houston three straight appearances of around two habits ... could be a consistent B starter some and ended it playing the outfield in double-A.) innings and seven runs in his next inning day"- but to make the Reds this spring, he'll and a third .. ." Jerry describes him as •a have to beat out Ron Robinson or Norm Los Angeles Dodgers borderline big leaguer" who'll stick with the Charlton, a lefthander who pitched well in the Nick Byrd, Casey Jones, Andy Dodgers only until someone beats him out. late going last season, for the fifth starting Andy says if he has a future, it probably isn't McCue, Jerry Walton spot. "Good velocity but not much else," with the Dodgers: " ... like Brian Holton, he's Mike Sharperson - Both Nick and Casey Joe reports. Doug says that as long as Pete the kind of pitcher who could well be noticed note that Sharperson, a 27-year old, Rose is managing, the Reds won't put a by some other organization and given a shot righthanded hitting infielder, doesn't hit for rookie in their rotation, regardless of how there. He probably doesn't have enough to 5 turn into a solid starter or reliever but used to hold onto it for some time; Daniel reports depend on who gets traded to make room for properly - especially in a Whitey Herzog that there are no other catching prospects in him. {Secondbaseman Wally Backman has style bullpen - could produce nice numbers the organization close to major league level, already departed, but thirdbaseman-short for the next few years." and Dan says that Santovenia should start stop Howard Johnson or starting shortstop for the next four years. Jos describes him as Kevin Elster could be next, since the Mets Montreal Expos "still learning to handle pitchers", with a "very have other alternatives at second, including good arm". Daniel says to expect a C-8 ''very Keith Miller {see below). Lin, Steve and Dam Daniel Dumont, Archie Fedrigo, soon" and that an eventual C-9 is a possibil all say Jefferies fields better at third than at Jose Garipy, Dan Robitaille ity. Dan rates him as a 7 with a plus-1 arm. second, and he's likely to wind up there in the Rex Hudler- Less than a month after Base As a hitter, Daniel looks for a .250 average long run, probably with consistent 4 ratings. ball America {the baseball paper specializ with 30 doubles and 12 to 15 homers. Dan It's Jefferies' hitting ability and not his glove ing in minor league coverage), described the projects Santovenia to a higher average that attracts attention, of course: "Very quick 28-year old Hudler, a first-round draft choice {around .275) but with less power. Jose says bat through the strike zone," Nick reports; of the Yankees back in 1978, as "out of he has "good power" but needs to be more and "Beautiful, quick, compact swing .. ." -that baseball", the Expos brought him up from patient at the plate. {Randy Reynolds pro from David, who continues, "This guy is a triple-A obscurity {or, to be more precise, vides a dissenting vote on Santovenia's fu budding impact player. He has already hit Syracuse) to play second base and short ture; he predicts that Santovenia will never .321 in part-time play, [and] I think that aver stop. As Dan reports, "he came on with a hit for enough of an average to hold a regular age is a realistic indication of what he'll hit in bang but fizzled at the end." Speed was his job.) the majors .. ." David expects 40 doubles, 15 strong suit, along with aggressive baserun John Dopson - The 25-year old, homers and 20 to 25 steals from Jefferies in ning. Opinions varied on how well he did: righthanded Dopson pitched impressively a normal season. Nick projects stats like Jose describes him as "adequate defen but suffered from a lack of offensive support those of Keith Hernandez, but with more sively" - a 7 who could move up to 8 in the with the Expos in 1988. There's reason to speed; Dam figures that he'll match Ryne future -and says that he has "proven that he expect better support this year, since he's Sandberg's numbers. Ted goes even can hit major league pitching", which gives been traded to Boston, where he figures to higher: a .330 average, 15 to 18 homers, 50 him "a good chance of playing regular sec replace Bruce Hurst in the starting rotation, steals and 100 RBI's out of the second spot ond base" in 1989 for the Expos {newacqui according to Daniel. Dopson "definitely has in the batting order. Ted calls him a Pete sition Spike Owen is expected to take over at major league stuff," Jos reports; "good con Rosetypewhogetsthe most out of his ability. short). Dan, who rates him 2B-7/SS-7, ex trol [and] all the tools." Daniel says that he's Keith Miller- The Mats' trade of Wally Back pects him to alternate with lefty-hitting Tom a fastball/slider pitcher with a "really good man probably opens a roster spot for the 25- Foley at second base, and describes Hudler arm" who should win a dozen games a year. year old, righty hitting Miller, according to as "not regular material." Daniel, who also Dan, who praises Dopson's "good mechan most of our panel; a trade of another infielder projects him as the righthanded half of a ics and sound arm", puts him in the consis would probably be necessary to get him into Foley!Hudjer second base platoon, says that tent CZ -BZ pitching range (8 to 13 in Master the starting lineup at second base. There's Hudler would hit .260 with ten homers and 50 Game terms). Archie also praises his poten general agreement that he'll never be a star; steals if he played regularly. Archie says that tial, describing him and Brian Holman (see opinion is split as to how good aregular he only his speed keeps him on the team. below) as "two of the better young pitchers could be. Nick describes him as "marginal"; Johnny Paredes- The righthanded, Vene in the majors. • Ted expects him to lead off, get an 8 at zuelan-born Paredes was expected to win Brian Holman-This 23-yearold righthander second base, hit .290 and steal 40 bases. the second base job last season, but failed to may have more potential than Dopson, David and Dam concur on the eventual 8 hit .200 in his major league trial. Dan still thanks to a sharp-breaking "Mike Witt type defense but expect less from him at bat. Ted expects him to become a .280-hitting 2b-8 curveball" (Daniel). Daniel expects him to and David agree that Miller has a gritty, eventually - "a Manny Trillo type" - but our average 15 wins a year eventually, and both determined nature. On the one hand, it other observers are less optimistic. Jose: Archie and Nick Byrd say he has a bright assures that Miller will get the most out of his "Still is in the picture, but now has Mr. Hudler future. On the other hand, Dan says it's too ability; however, it does put him on the shelf to beat. [Will] not be a utility infielder, since early to judge and Jos says that Holman frequently with injuries. he does not play shortstop." Daniel de needs another pitch to be successful. The Mackey Sasser - As Gary Carter nears the scribes his chance of making the Expos as Expos have added Kevin Gross to their start end of the line, talk about his successor as "very, very slim", though he says that in time ing staff this winter and reportedly look to Mets catcher increasingly centers on two Paredes could make 2b-9, given his out rookie southpaw Randy Johnson to win a names: Sandy Alomar Jr.,who as of th is standing arm and fielding range. Archie spot in order to avoid an all-righty rotation. writing is still the property of San Diego, and describes him as an "untried raw rookie" and This may leave Holman in long relief, or even Sasser. {Minor leaguer Fritz Polka seems to gives him a "50-50 chance" of success. {It's in triple-A Syracuse, according to our scouts. have dropped out of the picture.) The 26- a bit curious that all four of our observers year old, left-handed batting Sasser is a discuss Paredes in terms of future potential; good hitter who still is improving behind the he's been in the minors since 1982 and turns New York Mets plate, according to our panel. Steve de 27 late this season.) Nick Byrd, Lin Cook, Steve Flicker, scribes him as "a gamble" as a future starter Nelson Santovenia - There's little doubt David Hall, Dom Provisiero, Ted and David looks for a platoon role. Lin still among our observers that the righthanded Raczok considers Sasser a utilityman. Ted says that hitting, 27-year old Santovenia has won the Gregg Jefferies- If this guy doesn't make it given a regular job, Sasser could average regular catching job. (Actually, there may be big, a lot of people in and out of baseball are .300 with ten homers, and, given continued some doubt as to the "27 -year old" part; Dan going to be very surprised. Our scouts agree catching instruction from Vern Hoscheit and says he's29, and since Santovenia was born that the 21-year old, switch-hitting Jefferies the rest of the Met staff, could reach a 7 in Fidel Castro's Cuba, the records may be is in the majors for good; whether he'll be the defensive rating with a plus-2 or plus-3 arm . tough to come by.) Having won it, he's likely starter at second base or third appears to 6 Philadelphia Phillies Randy Reynolds, Jeff Zidek Tim Conroy and Larry McWilliams to go north Steve Flicker, Bob Harris, Richard Randy Milligan- A 27-year old firstbaseman with the Cards this spring - "I'm not holding out much hope." Ivins, Randall E. Mark, stuck behind Keith Hernandez in the Met system, Milligan went to Pittsburgh in ex Scott Terry- Our scouts agree that this 29- Gary J. Snavely, Jerry Valenti change for Mackey Sasser last spring. year old righthander, who came over from Ricky Jordan - The 23-year old, righty Having failed to take first base away from Sid the Reds last year in exchange for lefthander h~ting Jordan got his chance to play in the big Bream, he was sent back to the minors in Pat Perry, had considerably more success leagues when Von Hayes got hurt and made midseason and on to Baltimore this winter; as a starter last season than as a relief the most of ~-eleven home runs and a .308 he'll try to inherit Eddie Murray's spot. We pitcher. (Oddly, Randysays he averaged average in 68 appearances. He still has a lot have more negative reports than positive less than five innings a start but looked good to learn, especially in the field (his throwing ones from our scouts: Lin looks for a .240 doing so.) However, the odds seem to be no in particular needs to improve), but our panel average with 15 to 18 homers and about 80 better than even that he can hang onto the agrees that first base is his to lose going into walks; Randy says his "utmost potential" fifth Cardinal starting spot; Mike says that ~ spring training, and none of our scouts ex would be to come up with Ken Phelps-type would take a starter being traded or an unim pects him to lose it. Steve describes him as cards with good power and lots of walks. The pressive spring from top prospect Cris Car a line-drive hitter whose liners frequently most positive report comes from Kirt, who penterto save the spot. Otherwise, it's back cleared the fence; several panelists noted expects .280 w~h 20 homers "w~hin the next to long relief. that he makes good contact and seldom couple of years" and 30 homers in a future strikes out. Predictions of Jordan's perform season. ance vary widely (average from .260 to .300; San Diego Padres homers from 13 to 30; speed from negligible Roy Arnn, Jason Brody, Mark C. to 15 steals a year, even defense, from 2-to- St. Louis Cardinals Napier, Jim Starn 3 to 4-and-maybe-even-5-someday), largely Mike Bunch, Randy Loges Shawn Abner - The 22-year old Abner, a because his major league figures don't seem Luis Alicea - The old "good field, no hit" righthanded-hitting outfielder who was the to resemble those he put together in the designation could have been invented for the first man chosen in the 1984 major league minors. But all our scouts look for years of 23-year old, righthanded batting Alicea, draft, came over from the Mats in the Kevin solid first base from Jordan. according to our scouts. Both Randy and McReynolds deal; his failure to play up to Ron Jones - The 24-year old Jones, a Mike were impressed with Alicea's defense, expectations has a lot todo with that deal's lefthanded hitting outfielder, should make but Mike doesn't ever see him batting over one-sided ness. Our scouts agree that ~·11 be the club in 1989 after his strong finish last .230. Randy is at least slightly more optimis up to the Padres to try to salvage something season, especially after the trades of Milt tic: "He could become an average hitter if by trading him away; the Pads have too Thompson and Phil Bradley. Jones most given another shot at playing every day." manyoutfielders ahead of him to find him likely will start in right field or platoon with With Jose Oquendo the Cardinal starter at useful, and after he accumulated more Chris James at that spot, according to our second, Alicea remains, in Mike's words, "a strikeouts (19) than hits (15) in his trial this panel. Our consensus expects an eventual2 backup at best." year, the prevailing assumption is that he'll in the outfield, about 15 or 16 homers at most Tom Pagnozzi- "Tom will play somewhere," never hit big league p~ching. (his 1988 stats- 8 in 124 at-bats- apparently Mike reports; he predicts that either Roberto Alomar - Our scouts agree that are a fluke) and a solid average in the .280 to heorstartingcatcherTony Pea will be traded Alomar will start at second base for years to .300 range. Richard cautions that knee this spring. Randy looks for him to back up come in San Diego. This report from Roy: problems may shorten Jones' career or limit Pea in 1989. Both our scouts agree that "His defense is enough to cause one to wax his play on artificial turf. Pagnozzi has more power than he showed poetic: unbelievable range and such soft Marvin Freeman - As Jerry notes, for a last year, when he didn't hit a home run: Mike hands ... Aiomar has patented the pop-up player who compiled arguably the worst set says he'd hit .275 with three zeroes and slide for fielding ground balls. It's magical to of stats in the majors last season, the 25-year about ten homers as a regular; Randy gives watch, and allows Alomarto play the deepest old, 6-foot-6 Freeman certainly looks impos him 15-to-20 home run potential, with a con second base in the majors, even on grass. ing on the mound. The righthanded, power sistent .270 average. Defensively, Randy He will be a 2B-9 for years to come .. ." Mark throwing Freeman looked like the answer describes Pagnozzi as an average fielder, reports that the sw~ch-hitting Alomar raised when he was promoted to the Phillies directly while Mike rates Pagnozzi ahead of Pea - his batting average about 25 points (to .267) from double-A in late 1986. But after an 0-7 he'd give both of them 8's- but gives Pea the during the final weeks of the season, making triple-A start in 1987, he found himself back better arm (plus-2 to plus-1 ). it likely that he can hit for a decent average in double-A at the end of that season. Given John Costello- According to Randy, the 25- Mark says .280; Roy .285; Jason .300 with another major league trial in 1988, he com year old Costello, a righthanded reliever, is 50 steals. Considering that Alomar doesn't piled a dismal 6.1 0 earned-run average the latest member of a hard-to-predict cate turn 21 until February and that he's expected while walking more than seven men per nine gory: players who compile great stats in non to bat leadoff, we could be looking at 3000 innings. Still, with Shane Rawley and Kevin critical pitching situations. He has a good hits here. (Remember where you read it Gross gone from the Phillies, the opening will chance of making the Cardinal roster in first...) be there for a starting pitcher, and Steve 1989, beyond that, it's hard to say. Mark Parent -Obviously, the 27-year old, predicts that the streaky righthander could Steve Peters- With Frank DiPino joining the righthanded batting Parent won't beatout win 15 to 20 games a year if his control ever Cardinals, the 26-year old Peters may be Benito Santiago for a starting job. Further improves. Bob reports that in the past, odd man out among the St. Louis lefthanded more, if the Padres don't trade number one att~ude has been a problem, but adds that relief corps. Randy says that Peters has prospect Sandy Alomar Jr., he should have Freeman "has the talent". potential but hasn't been successful at the no trouble beating out Parent for the second major league level; Mike describes him as catching spot - which leaves Parent's job in Pittsburgh Pirates "not very impressive" and says he'd have to some danger. beat out both Still, our scouts agree that he's a solid Klrt Bennett, Lin Cook, Joe Ellnlch, 7 backup catcher, and all but Jim were im pressed with Parent's arm, with Roy rating it APPLE II+ lie lie Ilgs owners: plus-4. Though he can't run and won't hit for average (Mark's .250 was the highest projec INTRODUCING THE tion, with Jason and Roy around .240), Mark and Jason figure he'd hit 18 to 25 homers Baseball Statistics Manager given a regular spot, and Jim agrees he'd Maintain statistics for team or entire league over the course of a season. A must for all make a good starter for another club. (Roy APBA board or computer garners. The Baseball Statistics Manager (BSM) and its says that when you "put him in the Astro accessories offer the most complete system available for managing baseball statistics - dome he becomes Johnny Bench", which GUARANTEED! sounds like something the Padres could exploit in a trade, given Houston's luck with The Baseball Statistics Manager: catchers.) • 22 batting categories • 45 batter records/team • easy data entry • 21 pitching categories • 20 pitcher records/team • automatic calculations San Francisco Giants • 9 fielding categories • 45 fielder records/team • unlimited teams & games • sorted team reports • league standings • complete user manual Jackson Chapman, Eric Naftaly, Frank Scozzarl, Bill Slivers Klrt Manwaring - The Giants declared the Accessories: 23-year old Manwaring their top catching MVP Disk™: Provides league batting, pitching and fielding leaders in all categories, prospect a year ago when they unloaded stats analyzer for batters and pitchers (total average, runs created, hits allowed per 9 Mackey Sasser, but it would seem that his inn. & lots more), club stats with league totals, and automatic team reports. debut wasn't an unqualified success: after announcing last fall that Manwaring and Bob Stats Talk™: Provides custom reports (display only the stats you want), team reports Melvin would split the catching this coming sorted by any stat category (56 sorting options), and 40- or 80-col. screen displays. season, the Giants re-signed Bob Brenly, the man they were phasing out, ostensibly as a Player Profiles™: Player information management featuring player data base for pinch-hitter and infield backup. Still, physical profiles, names, numbers, team rosters and abbreviated stats. Manwaring, the only one of the three who NOTE: All accessories require the Baseball Statistics Manager. hasn't actually lost the catching job, may have the edge, at least according to Eric. The Baseball Statistics Manager ..... $35 (Frank differs: "If Brenly has a good spring, The MVP Disk ...... $35 [SAVE $25 ) find Manwaring at [triple-A) Phoenix.") Stats Talk ...... $25 Manwaring's defense looks solid, though not Player Profiles ...... $15 BSM with all accessories ... $85 spectacular; Jackson describes him as a Special offer to APBA players: good handler of pitchers and Frank says that BSM, MVP Disk and Stats Talk all for $75 (a $95 value) he throws well. Eric tabs him as an eventual 7 with a zero-to-plus-1 arm, competent if not world-beating figures. At the plate, Eric's Gopher State Software 6Q (ffi] flil!!lll projecting .240 without much power for the 432 Sparkman Avenue llliiillll righthanded-batting Manwaring; Jackson's Duluth, Minnesota 55803 TEL: 2181724-2329 in the .250-to-.260 range with five-to-ten homers, and Frank says to ''think of Sal Write for additional information. All programs require 64k and one 5.25" disk drive. Butera". Our one totally positive report Printer required for MVP Disk; optional for others. Supports Apple and A.E. SO comes from Kirt Bennett, who describes column cards and over 95 printer models. Not compatible with APBA computer game. Manwaring as an excellent receiver and potential .270 hitter. Randy Bockus- "Received the ultimate put NO RISK· 90 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE! down from the Giants this past August, • Eric Visa/MC, check or MO. Price includes shipping/handling U.S. & Canada. Minnesota reports, "when he was sent to triple-A Phoe residents add 6% sales tax. Apple is a trademark of Apple Computer Inc. nix at a time when the major league club had about five healthy pitchers on the roster, him included." The Giants let him go as a minor when he originally made the Giants in 1986, AAA and redesigned himself .. .insisted on league free agent last fall, and he'll go into and in 1988, he looked good when healthy, working as often as possible, throwing on the spring training with Detroit. "Apparently an something that could be said for a lot of the side longer between starts .. ." A line drive off outstanding athlete," Frank says, Bockus Giant pitchers last year. Frank describes him his throwing arm ended his 1988 season. All was used as a pinch-hitter, pinch-runner and as "a real nibbler with good control...can be of our scouts agree that he has a chance to emergency outfielder during parts of three effective as a [Mike) Flanagani[Scott] McG start for the Giants this spring and - if his seasons with the Giants. The 28-year old regor type." Bill compares the 25-year old comeback is for real and (Bill adds} he gets righthanded reliever appears to be, in Eric's Mulholland to Charlie Leibrandt as a '1inesse the regular, frequent work he needs -could words, "one of those decent triple-A pitchers pitcher" who "works ahead of the hitters." be a consistent CZ or BZ starter in the future. who are overmatched at the major league (Like Leibrandt, Mulholland gets credit from But he needs to demonstrate it over more level." Bill for turning his career around; in an earlier than a few innings a year. Terry Mulholland - Our scouts agree that 1988 call up and in his previous minor league the lefthanded Mulholland showed promise work, he was wild, but then "he went down to D 8 (Contest; continued from p. 1) "B" and Rhoden a "C" This year, Tim made a strong defense of his while Stan tabbed title, finishing with 23 of 25 correct to earn a both Holton and spot on the 1988 Honor Role. Myers for A&C's for Stuart's only miscue occurred when he his misses. Henry's gave Roger Clemens an "A" instead of "B", a misfires came when rather surprising miss since Clemens proved he gave Perez an "A • to beoneofthe easierpicksthisyear. 81.2% and Reuss a "B". D of the contestants gave the Boston pitcher Other contestants 1 his correct grade. Greg's miss came when who also earned a 0 he gave Jerry Reuss a "B" instead of "C". spot on this year's 0 Reuss proved to be one of the tougher calls Honor Role with 23 of 0 0 as only 46.4% of the entries made the correct 25 correct were: Al 240 3 call on him. berto Rondon of 284 73 For his second place finish, Greg receives Miami, Fla. (misses 0 0 a one year's subscription to the AJ ... not the on Bedrosian and 0 0 first time that he's been in the top three. Two Rhoden), Paul 2 0 years ago he finished in a tie for 3rd, earning McEvoy of Braintree, 0 a free sub, and with this finish it appears he's Mass. (misses on 1 earned the right to join the inner circle of Gubicza and Rho 121 astute APBA pitching grade predictors. den), Woody 0 The contest drew 357 entries, up from last Studenmund of 2 year's total of 335 and another new record. Pasadena, Calif. 9 (misses on Reuss 0 Eleven Tie For 3rd and Rhoden), Steve 3 After the top two, no less than eleven en Fuchs of Chicago, Ill. 0 tries finished with 23 correct to tie for 3rd (misses on Myers 1 place. Of this group, three- Jay Moore of and Robinson), Mark 138 Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Stan Harman of Garth Beakas of Auburn, 0 ersburg, Md., and Henry Goldman of Merion, Ind. (misses on Pas 27 Pa.- also had Eckersley's correct Master cual Perez and Rho 0 Game grade and all three will be given a free den), Ray Brady of 0 year's subscription. Incidentally, Henry's Leamington, Ont. 67 performance was a notch better than a year (misses on Moyer ago when he finished fourth. and Rhoden), and Jay's misses came when he gave Reuss a Mike Proffett of Alex ander, Ill. (misses on Knepper and Robin son) and, as men- JbRima!lilmtiimmimmmimimmimrimici:m:m~r__j tioned above, Tim Tromley of Elkhart, Ind. (misses on Gubicza ing whether to give a B or C and only 44.7% and Rhoden). chose the lower (and correct) grade. This year it was between a C and 0 and only Scores Improve ... but tough ones 39.2% chose the lower (and again correct) remain grade. Scores overall were again up from a year It's a bit surprising that the Cubs Moyer ago when the average score was 17. This proved to be the second toughest pitcher to year the average score was 19. Perhaps predict this year with only a 43.2% success there were a few more "gimmies" than a year rate. Apparently his 9-15 record proved dis ago, but it's probably also true that fans' tracting as the 3.48 ERA and 200+ innings ability to "get inside APBA's head" as im are normally strong predictors of at least a proved, too. MG 11. Fans will remember that in '87 APBA pro The Mets' Myers caused a lot of misses with vided quite a few breaks to the American only a 56.8% success rate. Since Franco's League pitchers. With the return to normalcy A&C was one of the easier picks, we've got in '88, that policy has apparently come to a to presume this was a case of many fans not screeching halt despite the fact that the ERA knowing where the cutoff point is between differential still remains around a half a run the A&C and the A. Where is it then? between the two leagues. In fact three A.L Somewhere between Franco's 1.57 and pitchers (Rhoden, Reuss, and Pascual Holton's 1. 70. (Holton also received a MG 20 Perez) proved to be among the five toughest .. . don't think he's going to doing much to guess as all received grades that were "settin' up" in APBA draft leagues!) One less than most fans thought. wonders why Franco didn't get a 22 instead For the second straight Rhoden gave fans of a 21 since his performance was clearly the most trouble. Last year it involved decid- (Contest; continued on p. 15) 9 A P 8 A M A J 0 R L E.A G U E . PLAYER 5 8 A 5 E 8 ALl
games. It forces caution ways that in the Computer game, fans must and if you stretch this axiom depend on the visual clues without having you will get burned. Let's knowledge of the exact number of chances, see how APBA assures a luxury that the board garners have. There compliance in both game are three hit value possibilities for play result versions. Those with Mas 7 and we've used the average for our calcu ter game experience will lations here. The other two are either less or have an easier time with the more and the range will yield quite a differ following discussions than ence in the odds for success. APBA fans owning the APBA Computer those without but bear with me and see if I The chances for two base runner advance Game or who anticipate owning It In the can make some sense out of it. ment on play result 8, the "line drive to left" future, are welcome to contact Phil Me The baserunner's ability to advance from for all batters except the left-handed pull don, the AJ's Computer Game Editor If they have questions concerning any first to third on a single is difficult in both real hitter are about the same as those for play aspect of the game. He'll do his best to life ball and in the APBA Master/Computer result 7 for the right-handed batter. help out and If he doesn't know the an games and shouldn't be attempted very of Again, it's not something a manager should swer to your needs, he'll attempt to find ten especially with 0 or 2 outs. seriously contemplate trying when behind in the answer and respond In the AJ. Write An examination of the Master Game the game or when there are 0 or 2 out even Phil at 2213, Redwood Drive, Monroe, LA boards shows why. With a runner on first, though the fast runner's chances average 71201. both play results 7 and 8, the most common around 65%. single results in addition to the infield hit at 9, However, attempting to advance to third on Linking Computer and Board Garners have relatively low "hit values". That means singles to left may well be a strategically Many leagues now operate in a mixed they both provide limited opportunities for "correct" gamble with 1 out if the game is tied league format, with Basic or Master garners two-base runner advancement with most or the offense has a lead and the opposition coexisting with Computer garners. This is hitters. has an excellent pitcher in the game and usually a peaceful coexistence with many of · For example, on play result 7 with less than both the runner on first and the batter have computer garners in the leagues being for 2 outs, a right-handed batter singles to left excellent speed. That's because on balls hit mer board game players, and well aware of and the hit value ranges from "26-31 ". This to left, there is no cut so if the defense throws the nuances of the game. But this situation means that with an average arm in leftfield for the runner (with a 50/50 chance of suc is rapidly changing as the game is becoming -about 3Q- an average runner with, say, cess) at 3rd, a fast batter will have a very more and more popular with new fans - 11 speed will have about a 22% chance of good chance of advancing to second on the those that have never seen the APBA card beating the throw to third while a fast runner throw. (There is sometimes a very small (can that be?). This presents somewhat of (say 18 speed) will have about a 45% possibility that the trailer can be nailed 7-5- a problem as the two classes of managers chance. With two out, the chances for the 4 but it is very small.) If the runner is out at have some difficulty communicating with average runner improve to about 45% while third, you're still left with a runner (the batter) one another. It is the feeling here that this the fast runner's chances improve to about in scoring position and if he's safe, then communication would be expedited some 65%. you've got two runners in scoring position. what if we could learn to send out game Play result 7's hit value improves quite sub As a matter of fact, it isn't ridiculous for the instructions that could be correctly inter stantially when the batter is left-handed defense to concede the runner 3rd and preted by both types of managers. In cases since the ball goes to right and the outfielder throw to second, keeping the batter at first where the computer manager is a former must make the longer throw. However the and the double play in order. card player, this is not a problem because baserunner's chances may not be increased If the single is to right, however, the short the computer manager can pretty much in as much as you might expect since the stop is in position to make the cut so if the terpret the intention of the opposing man rightfielder usually has a better arm (the runner is sent to 3rd and the batter tries for ager. But in the case of the new computer average is around game fan, he will not be able to catch nu 33). Here the base ances of the board game we are accus runner with aver tomed to and will make decisions relying on age speed running verbal clues in the game and baseball against an average sense. arm has slightly These communication problems are not better than a 50% easy to resolve. The answer, however, may chance on average lie in the implementation oi basic tenets of with less than 2 out sound baseball judgement. Sound baseball and around a 70% generally results in fair play - if we can chance with 2 out. assume the manager has sound baseball A fast runner has judgement. Let's examine this idea in the around a 70% area of base running in the computer game. chance with less ~lL :"'·"";""'~' "'"'.-. than 2 out and al- "Don't Make the 1st or 3rd out at Third most a 100% Base." chance --on aver This may be obvious to most but it is forcibly age- with 2 out. built into both the board and computer Keep in mind al- 10 second on the throw, the shortstop may cut the ball and the trailer (batter) will have a .. /News Fro·m··.::·MillerAssociates .·· .;.;.:.:: :::;-·- :.:-·· -:-:-·. good chance of being dead at second. Of course the lead runner automatically makes ··•·•·:::=•·•·=:·.· .. .. 10 Co~ntry Club Road ... 3rd. ::::::::::·.. <:·· . ·· t . < Danem CT 06820 .· . This discussion is predicated on an as ···•···•• De~I!Jiopers ofAPB~ Major League Players Baseball sumption that the computer game faithfully reproduces the Master Board game. We've ·• < .. >.< • > ('• c···:
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the game" a lot more of the time. Also, the two by Bob Savage set and teams now include 33 players, not the original30. conference champions, Colts and Giants, can With the 1988 football season now completed, The table below, COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL anticipate more vigorous challenges from their we APBA football fans have time to return to the AND NEW 1958 APBA FOOTBALL TEAMS, re competitors in 2nd and 3rd place. "other" football season presented by APBA last veals the point and index changes between the For example, in the original set, The Bears summer, 1958. As one who is quite familiar with two versions. To assist you through the chart, the operated in the ·c· against the Colts. Considering the original1958 set, having completed an over first column indicates the team and record (Balti that the Bears scored 38 points in one game the-board replay of it in the late 1960's, I espe more Colts, 9 wins and 3losses); then comes the against Baltimore (and still lost), APBA probably cially welcomed the reissuing of that year. A com optimal lineups, offensively and defensively, that realized Chicago should reach the "B" column. parison of the original and the reissue reveals a team could put together. For example, the 1958 The New York Giants put just about everybody in some startling changes and improvements. Colts would reach 43 points on offense and 45 on the ·c· index originally, but now the Browns will To refresh our collective memory, let us recall defense. The revised Colts still reach 43 points on easily reach "B" and the Giants better watch out! that the 1958 set was only the second football offense, but have 42 vs the pass and 43 vs the run In our 1958 replay the Giants are too overwhelm season made by APBA and all the refinements on defense. The remaining columns indicate how ing against the rush, giving up only 857 total and improvements developed over the years - this might (roughly) translate into which indexes yards; the actual1958 team gave up 1400. Better culminating in the much more sophisticated game the teams will operate. Originally the Colts could rush numbers on running backs and the Giants of the last 6 years- had yet to appear. For ex figure to be on the "A" index for about five of their not being able to put so many teams on the ·c· ample, in the original1958 set, receiving ratings twelve games and on the "B" about seven offen should easily correct this. were straight A or B; no split (short A, long B) sively, and could force the opposition into operat The Pittsburgh Stealers perhaps were the big ratings were in effect. The rushing and passing ing in the ·c· column about seven of the twelve gest gainers, moving from around 30 offensive column had not yet reached the fine-tuned excel games. In the revised edition, however, the Colts points to 37. The Stealers have to start lence of the mid and late 60's; especially hard hit have a more effective offense (moving up to the Dawson,with many interception numbers at quar were the •outside" scatbacks (3-5-7-9-11) play "A" index for seven games), but a less effective terback and also lack their chief runner, Tom ers, who often had only a few good numbers and defense, allowing the opposition to operate on a Tracy, until the third game into the season . Then many 23's. Typically these players would rush a "B" a majority of the time. Glancing through the Bobby Layne comes from the Uons in the year's full yard under their averages (perhaps APBA as Western Division, we can see that four of the six biggest trade and the Stealers begin to roll, going sumed the key would always be on the wide teams improved their offensive index positions undefeated in their last eight games. Obviously, receivers or regular (15-16-17] backs). Next, and four grew a little weaker defensively. In the a team that went 7-0-1 over eight games, with many starters were only rated "1" while, con Eastern Conference three teams improved offen wins over the Bears and the Giants deserved a lot versely, other players were rated too high based sively, while two (Giants and Redskins) actually better offense. upon reputations they had earned in previous dropped a little. Five of the six Eastern teams Looking at the individual teams now, we see years. Finally, team offensive and defensive total have less effective defenses, with only the Chi many changes. In the East, the Giants had four points (starting lineups) tended to be at the ex cago Cardinals gaining in the index. This general players gain in points and six go down. Roosevelt tremes, with the best teams too high and some defensive decline (9 teams dropping a little) plus Brown (normally an offensive tackle) can still give medium and poor teams' totals too low. All of the better numbers, especially in the rushing the defense an extra point in goal line situations. these things have been corrected in the revised column, will mean that the poorer teams will be "in The Browns had only one player drop and seven
Notes: 1) The + for the original points of a few Eastern Conference teams indicates that these teams can bring in a starting player from the offense to the defense or vice versa and gain a point ... for a play or two as needed. 2) In the original game, team offenses needed to have 11 points or better than the defense to operate in A index and team defenses needed to have 6 points or better to force an opponent into C index. These figures have been changed to 8 points in the new game.
16 go up. One of their new players is Frank Clarke, later an all-time Dallas receiver. Bobby Mitchell has 1-1-1 across the card on #66 indicating his breakaway running, punt returning and kickoff returning. Levine ...... /<-·.:-·-·.Rich Tarasovic, of the Stealers, dropped from a 5 to a · ..· .X ~·. 3, but twelve players gained points, the most of The.darling teams of th.e winter we the Texas Rangers and the San Diego Padres. I any team. Flanker Mathews is now B-shortandA Iong, something not seen too often. The Redskins gve~ the n)~ii:l . reason f<)r the rn~<:lia's ernbra~e of these perennial underachievers was were a disappointing '58 team; they had won their their aggres~lv~ style disr>layed afth~ heavily-covered winter meetings. Those of us in last three games in 1957 convincingly and some a more cynicarmobd cCiuld still pick apart those teams and wonder what all the fuss is writers figured them to challenge for the title ... but
·.. ;;:::.::',,contest·,,:::::=: i#eedback Using Johnson's formula, Herr would have an RC/G of 4.36 while Oquendo would have a 5.45. Here is a comparison of how each Herrvs. Oquendo ... again formula calculates the offensive potential of each player . .. ·. ·.'·'· ., ...,.· :<''·· ·'··: Herr Oquendo Difference by Doug DeCatur AJ's 3.87 4.04 .17 Bill James' 4.29 5.19 .90 I feel obligated to respond to two letters in the December issue of the Paul Johnson's 4.36 5.45 1.09 APBA Journal concerning the results of the "Out Manage the As you can see, using Paul Johnson's formula, the most accurate Manager" Contest in the October 1988 issue of the AJ. Both letters formula available, Oquendo has a large offensive edge over Herr. questioned the contest's decision that Jose Oquendo was a better Why is their a flaw in James' formula when dealing with players with choice for starting second baseman for the 1987 Cardinals than Tommy Herr. unbalanced offensive production? There are two parts in the numerator of James' formula: (1) the on-base side which accounts First of all, let me re-emphasize that the decision to select Oquendo for a player's ability to reach base, and (2) the total base side which over Herr was based on the won/lost records of the replays from all accounts for a player's ability to advance runners. Both sides are valid entries received, i.e. Computer, Basic, and Master. Again, considered equal in value. In the formula, these two sides are these records are listed here: multiplied together. However, multiplying the two sides together w L Pet replays with Herr at second 180 128 .584 causes a problem when the two sides are not normally distributed . For example, consider two players of equal offensive value. Player replays with Oquendo at second 200 108 .649 A's offensive value is divided equally between the on-base side and the total base side. Player B's value is mostly on the on-base side. As you can see, the Cardinals' replays with Oquendo were substan Who will have the higher Runs Created number using James' tially better. Why is this so? formula? In the article containing the results of the replay (see October '88 AJ), I used logic to demonstrate that a player's offensive value is far On Base Total Base Player A X more important than his defensive value and, thus Oquendo -with 4 4 = 16 Player B the better offensive card- is in my opinion the better choice. 6 X 2 = 12 Well, Dan Stuart, who wrote one of the disbelieving letters (see the The answer is player A. Why? As you can see because James' December '87 AJ) used mathematics to dispute my logic. Dan's formula multiplies the two factors instead of adding them, players mathematics and logic were impressive. However, in checking who are extreme cases, such as those with a high on-base percent Dan's methods, I believe I've found three flaws: age and a low slugging percentage or vice versa, will be undervalued 1) The runs created formula listed in the Nov. AJ that Dan used is by James' formula. In case you are wondering, since the numerator slightly inaccurate. According to the Bill James Abstract, the third in James' formula and the AJ's formula are the same, the AJ formula part of James' formula should read: 27/AB-H + CS instead of 36/ also has this same flaw in addition to the other flaw discussed earlier. AB+BB+HP as it is listed in the AJ November Stat Issue. 3) Dan computed his figures based on 9 innings. (December '88 AJ) Thus, Herr should have had a runs created per game average of However, under the rules of the replay, participants were allowed to 4.29 instead of 3.87 and Oquendo should have had a runs created make line-up changes after 7 innings and they did. If the Cardinals per game average of 5.19 instead of 4.04. This changes the were behind, the managers who started Herr inserted Oquendo in difference between the offensive value of the two players from .13 to the eighth for extra hitting. If the Cardinals were ahead, the .90. Quite a difference. managers who started Oquendo inserted Herr in the eighth for Note: I realize that the formula listed in the November AJ is called defense. Because the Cardinals were more often than not ahead Runs Created per Card and not Runs Created per Game. However, after 7 innings, the managers who started Oquendo were able to the formula really isn't Runs Created per Card either. To figure runs created per card you would need to figure the value of each number improve the ballclub in the late innings more often than the managers on a player's card, add them together and divide by 36. The formula who started Herr and perhaps this added advantage was a strong the AJ uses is merely Bill James' runs created adjusted for total at factor in the better won-lost records of those managers who started bats per card. The problem is and the reason why the formula is Oquendo. slightly inaccurate is the fact that runs created is a per total at-bats Therefore, based on this information and the information in the figure to begin with; thus the AJ's formula makes the mistake of October '88 AJ, and the results of the contest, I am confident that adjusting for total at-bats twice. The adjustment that should be Oquendo, within the rules of the contest, was the best choice for made, and the adjustment made by James' formula is an adjust ment for outs used. Consequently, the AJ formula over rates starting secondbaseman for the '87 Cardinals. I am also confident players with low on-base percentages and under rates players with that Randy Loges, the winning St. Louis manager. deserved his title. high on-base percentages such as Jose Oquendo. Be that as it If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions concerning may, I still used the AJ's runs created numbers in my evaluations the "Out Manage the Manager" contest, you can write or call me. I of players and cards because the AJ's Runs Created numbers are welcome your feedback. It is our intention to make the contest as fairly accurate for most players. Although, I for one would like to see challenging, enjoyable, and fair as possible. Look for the rules of the the AJ adjust their formula to make it more accurate. 1989 contest in the AJ sometime this spring when fans can attempt 2) To take things a step further, James' formula itself has a problem to out manage the manager with the World Champion Los Angeles dealing with players with one-sided on-base/total base ratios, such Dodgers and the American League Champion Oakland Athletics. as players like Jose Oquendo, who have high on-base totals com Doug Decatur pared to their slugging percentage. James briefly touches on this 774 Tyrone Road flaw in his 1985 Baseball Abstract and introduces a formula by Paul Tyrone, GA 30290 (404) 631-4804 18 APBA REPLAYS
which are ob viously a result 1961 American League of the simplis Final Standings tic scoring rules ex ::::: ...... w... L GB plained in the 1'10 (109) 52 (53) StatMaster 101 (101) . 61 (61) 9 (8) documenta 96 (86) • 66 .(76) 14 (23) tion and the 92 (95) 70 (67) 18 (14) known flaw in 80 (76) 82 (86) 30 (33) outfield errors 78 (78) .:•: 84 (83) 32 (31) in the first edi 74 (70) 88 {90) 36 (38) tion of the 68 (70) 94 (91) 42 (38) by John Ungashlck baseball game. However, the 60 (61) 102 (100) so (48) 1416 Kirk Street American League, with only a 3% 51 (61) 111 (100) 59 (48) Evanston, IL 60202 increase over real-life plate ap pearances and a 2.6% increase Batting Leaders . in batting average had a 7.5 in . .~93, Howai'd (NY) .391, l Billy Williams (.273, 26, 65) and Ron Santo (.263, 21 , 82 with 41 doubles). Special mention must be made of infielder Jerry Kindall. Talk about ex tremes! In 365 at bats, he hit just .211 but of his Managers Wanted In 4 Year Old League 77 hits, 40 were for extra bases and he had 120 strikeouts to go with just 10 walks! On the mound, Don Cardwell (13-21, 4.83) led the league in If you live in DE, PA, MD, NJ, NY, VA, or DC and have an interest losses while Jack Curtis (6-13, 5.70) had the worst in joining C.A.B.A., we have teams available for the coming March ERA of all pitchers with at least 150 innings. Barnie Schultz (3-9, 3.39, 10) did a creditable job Draft. in the bullpen ... to show how things were going ... somehow Don Elston (1-3, 5.56, 3) managed to We play Basic Game with MG Innovations - Coxx Pitching get into 49 games. System, Catcher Throw Ratings, MG Fielding, and UR Platoon Philadelphia Ph lilies -The only thing amazing about the Phillies is that they didn't do worst than System -with an 88 game season. 51 -103. They scored 131 fewer runs (18%) than anyone else and had a team OBA of just .301 ... Some teams open include the following players: Team One has plus they had a team ERA almost as bad as the Trammell, Brett, McGriff, Winfield, Gibson, Hough, and Morris; Cubs. They tried everything ... only two men ap peared in more than 130 games. Ex-Dodger Don Team Two has Gubicza, Rijo, T. Fernandez, Butler, Gruber, and Demeter ( .248, 17, 65) led the team in homers and Key. Team Three has Viola, Joyner, Snyder, Franco, D. Smith, and RBI despite playing only 104 games for Philadel phia. Ruben Amaro (.260, 2, 44) led the league La Valliere. Other teams with quality stars are available. with 16 triples. Art Mahaffey (12-14, 4.63)was the only pitcher with more than 7 wins. Former ace Call Jeff at (302) 984-0802 (work) or (302) 654-5766 (home) or Robin Roberts (4-12, 6.75), bothered all season write 211 W. 21st St, Wilmington, DE 19802 with a knee injury, only pitched 115 innings. Jack Baldschun (7-5, 3.76, 13) was the shining light in a seriously over-worked bullpen. 23 · APBA League Newsbriefs The All American Baseball Association (20 teams BG,mall) has completed their regular season and the divisional winners were: George Frederick (Minot, ND) Bob Harris (Philadelphia, PA),Jack Fink (Darien,IL), and Doug Anthe (Martinsburg, WV) Doug had the closest battle, winning the Pioneer Division by just one game. The leading hitters were Boggs (.3561 )whoedgedoutGwynn (.3560), followed by Mattingly (.337), Trammell (.336), and Raines (.331} . George Bell won the homerun derby with 55 clouts, followed by Dawson (54), Schmidt (51), E. Davis (49) , Murphy (49), McGwire (48), W. Clark (48), Hrbek (48), Evans (44), and Joyner (44). Wallach toped the doubles department with 57 while Gwynn's 23 triples topped the list. Clark had 138 Annie Oakley's and Cole man swiped 151 bases ... and, oh, yes, Deer whiffed 187 times ... there's still a perceptible breeze. Clemens (3.10), Viola (3.30), and Key (3.48) led the ERA qualifiers. The American Baseball Association (20 teams, BG/ MG/C,mall) has concluded the regular season and will play the playoff games at the annual league meeting in Warminster, Pain early March. Playoff participants in clude division winners: Bob Taylor (Springhill, FL), Tim Weidman (Santa Clara, CA), Phil Grabar (Burgess, VA), and Paul Gutgesell (Plainfield, NJ) and two wild cards: Jerry Valenti (Warminster, Pa.) who won 113 games by the way, and Ernie Charette (Tampa, FL). It looks like Gwynn will hit .400 for the season and Dawson will win the homerun title with 59. Despite all this offense, Hershiser and Key will checkinwith2.13ERA's. There's nothing like anA. The American Baseball League (5 teams, BG, F·T·F) out of Hamilton, Ohio completed their 7th season with Greg Schultheiss winning it all as he led from wire to wire. Congratulations Greg I Kirk Gibson was voted the league's most valuable player as he hit .353 and socked 10 HR's in the short-season schedule of 40 games. Key was the top pitcher with a 2.25 ERA. America'• Mall League (16 tuma, BG, mall) reached the mid-point of their 88-89 winter schedule with Jerry Vukelich (Davidson, Ml) Kyle Guisford (Toledo, OH) Dick Davis (Hurst, TX) Dave Scholly (State College, PA) all holding divisional leads ranging from 6 to 13 games. With 5 teams on pace to score 1000 runs for the season, offense is, of course, the league stat story. Yount (.354) leads the hitters with Dawson (30) heading a list of 25 or more dinger darlings. The APBA League (8 teams BG FTF) out of Salt Lake Rick Christianson (Minneapolis, MN), Ernie Johnson (Kala included in the league. We're glad that the AWL has City has completed half of their '88-'89 season and it looks mazoo, MI) ,JeffYorio (Rochester, NY), and Rick Lipman contacted us and we hope they remain in touch in the like a repeat of a year ago as defending champion Neil (Rochester, NY) all continuing to lead their respective future. Gilsontaking leads Oquirrh Division while last year's divisions and all with very healthy winning percentages Wasatch winner, Larry Osbourne are the surprise leader. while the tail-enders look like the '62 Mets. BASEBALUONE (12 teams, BG, mall) completed their One of the pre-season favorites -Mike Haas- has '88 season when Lloyd Mest (Mt. Clemens, Mich) de gotten off to one of the worst starts in league history. He We'd like to welcome a new league to the Newsbriefs, say feated Rob Milinkovich (Superior, Wise.) in 5 games to need not worry, however, since the team's owner gave hello to the APBA Winter League, 16 team, mall) group win the championship. Congratulations to Lloyd. The him a vote of confidence. thars just started their second season. The AWL is league recently welcomed a new member, Jack Chapman "mostly computer" according to Phil Crowther (Mt. Laurel, of Concord, Calif. The APBA Continental League (16 teams MG,mall) NJ)whomaybetheleague'scommissioner. After looking has completed their regular season with Joe Auletta (Val at the membership list, I'd guess that those not playing on The 1988 season is history in the The Baltimore-Wash· rico, FL) , Ron Moore (Sunnyvale, CA), and Barry Marrus the computer play the Basic Game. They include: Larry lngton APBA Baseball League (12 teams MG/BG, (Modesto, CA) and Pierre Fournier (Ville LeMoyne, P .0 .) White (Detroit, Mich.), lrv Kessler (Hopewell, N.J.), Mi FTF). John Downing (Alexandria, VA) swept past fa were the divisional winners. Playoffs will follow. An chael Eliyas (Yosemite Lodge, Calif.), David Pawl (War vored Michael Walker (Germantown, MD) in a 4 straight extremely interesting item in the newsletter was a history ren, Mich.) -by the way David's the defending league stunning upset to claim the title. It was the first time since of the league's first round draft picks. Try this out for 1978. champion- Mike Kelly (Lincoln , Neb.), Tom Lankenau 1975 that a 3rd place team captured the league champi 1. Garry Templeton 2. Ron Guidry 3. Dave Rozema 4. (Lorton, Va.), Gene Collins (Omaha, Neb.), Alan Vailes onship. Congratulations to John. As with other league's Bump Wills 5. Nino Espinosa 6. Bob Knepper 7. Mark (Murray, Ky.), Bill Wilbanks (Jackson, Miss.), Ron Giner '88 witnessed the greatest offense in league history. No Lemongello 8. Lerrin LaGrow. Readers may get a kick out (San Rafael, Calif.) Loyd Marbury (Brandon, Miss), Dwain team hit below .270 and only three starting pitchers had of that list since only Templeton, Guidry, and Knepper Davis (Cranston, R.I.), Tom Vaughan (Oak Forest, Ill.), ERA's below 4.00. All managers will be returning in '89 have had careers that have been decent and even one Brian Da Silva (New York, N.Y.), and Craig Cantin and they'll hold their rookie draft in March. guy (Espinosa) has been dead for a few years. But '78 (Hawthorne, Calif.) . APBA Winter is a franchise league, wasaweakdraftmuch like this year. Why LerrinLaGrow? meaning that each league team is named after a real-life Vic Cerulli (Bellevue, Ohio) sends along news from the He was an A (17). Major League team and the newly carded rookies are Bellevue Baseball Association (10 teams, BG, mall automatically assigned to thatteam. Of course, trading is and F·T-F). Ben Boies (Bellevue) heads up the National The APBA Professional Baseball League (24 teams allowed and there is a rookie draft each year, consisting League in early going while Jim Barth (Marblehead , Ohio) BG,mall) is nearing the half-way point of their season of those players who receive first cards on ML teams not has the lead in the American League and playing .823 it 24 should be noted. Dravecky's (.176) gotten off to a of Medford, Okla. It appears that Future Stock wants to Phillies. scintilating start and McGwire's docked 16 in about 35 continue expanding as several members play two teams. games. Bellevue's in their second year and have ex For fans who want to play with the CMBA pitching sys The Little League That Could (8 teams, BG, F-T -F/mall panded to 10 members with the hope of going to 14 in tem in a draft league environment, this league uses it ) a casual group of dads and sons -one of my favorite 1990. Vic says that the Hit and Run is abused like crazy along with some other unique innovations. I'd like to see leagues for that reason- in Royal Oak, Mich .has and wonders what to do. Make play result a foul ball; them expand to dilute team strengths in order to get a completed their season with Scott Jordan winning the title make play result 13 a strike out, runner caught stealing; better feel for the kind of stats the system would produce by sinking Chuck Modzinski, 4 games to 2. According to raise the pitcher's grade by 1 letter when you use it. All in a draft league environment. Randy Willis tells us ethat Scotrs pop, Tom Jordan, the league commissioner, Scott suggestions are realistic and that should put a stop to the they use a double play chart ... yes. write up a short artide eschewed the traditional keys to victory by being content abuse. on it for the AJ, Randy. We'd like to share it with otherfans. with sloppy defense and poor pitching and instead sim ply powered his way to victory. Kids can do that though The Central Grapefruit League (16 taama BG/comp The Greater Los Angeles APBA Association (12 teams, because they can roll better than old guys ... once you hit mall) has completed 62 games of their winter schedule BG. F-T-F) has completed another year with Frank Gio 40 or more (with some guys it even comes earlier) you're with Mitchell Howard (Providence, Rl), Rob Milinkovich vinazzo (Torrance, Calif.) taking it all by beating Barry all done rolling . But kids are unbelievable ... the only one's (Superior, WI) , Dan Richardson (Evansville, ILl and Curt Judis in 5 games. Then to top off that, in the California better are wives. The league uses a different Hit and Run Cammarata (Bethesda, MD) continuing to hold divisional Classic, a match between the GL3A and theotherface-to restriction. It goes like this. You roll both dice and combine leads. With the team runs scored per game, there's no face loop from the greater Los Angeles area, Frank also them. If the batter has one red 31, you must roll between shortage of offense this season, thars for sure. Two beat Alan Huer the SCBL champ. It was the 6th time in 2 and 5 or he must hit away. If he's got two red 31's, the teams have ERA's under 4.00 while Gwynn (.407) leads 9 years that the GL3A champion has won. Congratula roll must be between 2 and 7; if he has three, it must the hitters and Bell's cranked out 23 so far. tions Frank on a great season. between 2 and 9. The Chrla Barman League (16 teams, BG/C,mall) is at The Leisure Time Baseball League (12 teams, MG/ The Joe Nuxhall League (16 teams, BG, mall) has the half-way pole with John Podszebka (Liverpool, N.Y.) mall)conduded another season-their 14th-with Conrad about a month to go before they complete their regular leading the American League while Jason Mamros Judy (Owings Mills, Md.) winning the finals in 5 games schedule. Two good divisional battles are keeping things (Leechburg, PA) heads up the Nationals . In the last over Tim Marcou (Brookfield, Wise.) Conrad had the best exciting. ln the East, Kirt Bennett (Sioux City, Ia.) leads by report, Bonilla (.388) led NL hitters while Nokes (.363), regular season record so it was no surprise that he made three over John Fahey (Quincy, Mass.) while in the West, Gwynn ( .362), and Puckett ( .362) were the leading hitters the finals but Tim gained the distinction by upsetting Rav Jon Pine (Belleville, Ill.) leads by 1.5 over Steve Hubbard in the American League. Noles' 24 circuit blasts topped Spinney (Nashua, N.H.) in the league championshop (West Lafayette, Ind.). In the other division, Ricky Moore the homer crowd. round. As with other leagues, total offense was way up ... (Ft. Worth, Tex.) leads by a bunch. The league passed a no team had an ERA under 4.00 and the league batting number of new rules. The one of possible interest to The Computer APBA League Ill (16 team, mall) has average was in the low .270's. The leading hitters for the other leagues makes play result 18 and 20 with the Bases completed their season with Phil Medon (Monroe, La.) year were: Trammell (.376), Gwynn (.355), Molitor (.355), Empty subject to a die roll to determine if an error or out winning it all by defeating Mike Pawning (Rochester, Guerrero (.347) and Boggs (.347). Murphy clocked 57 has been made. Are-roll of 1-4 converts errors by aSS- Mich.) in five games. Phil managed to win 123games this while slugging at a .627 rate, both good for the top spot. 10 or 2B-9 to outs; a roll of 1-3 converts errors by aSS- season, one of the better efforts around and waltzed Dawson (49), Bell (47), McGwire (41), and Johnson (39) 9 or 2B-8 to outs; a roll of 1 converts errors by a SS-8 or through post-season play. Congratulations Phil. Can you rounded out the top homer hitters. Wallach (48) had the 2B-7 to outs. I can't determine if the Brawl Chart was believe his team scored 1106 runs while giving up only most doubles although Trammell had 45 and P. Bradley voted in or out. That went like this: ·on the second and 530 during the season? No wonder he got bored I James (19) led in three baggers. Morris (4.14) and Viola (3.36) subsequent hit by pitches in one game for either team, re (.387), Boggs (.380), Trammell (.367., Raines (.351),and had the lowest qualifying ERA's. Perhaps the most inter roll the dice- on are-roll of 11-41, the pitcher is ejected; Molitor (.351) were the leading hitters while Johnson (52), esting hurler was Key who won 23 games with an ERA of 42-51, batter charges pitcher, both are ejected; 52-56, Murphy (48), Clark (44) , Bell (42), McGwire (41), and J. 3.77 while giving up 46 dingers. pitcher is ejected, batter is injured (consult injury duration Clark (41) were tops in homers. chart); 61-63 batter charges pitcher and injures him ; The Long Distance Baseball Aasoclation ( 18 teams, batter ejected; consult injury duration chart for pitcher; 64- The Coaat to Coaat Baseball League (20 taama, MG, BG, mall) completed their regular season and are not 66- general brawl esues. pitcher, batter, 1 st baseman and mall) has eased past the 113 mark of their wintertime getting set for the playoffs. The big news in the league this trailing base runner (or on deck batter if bases empty) are schedule.Johann "Mike" Goethe (St. Clair Shores, Mich.) year was Curt Milbourn (San Angelo, Tex.) who not only ejected. Thars one of the better brawl ideas I've seen for has taken some time off from his "Faust IV" project to lead won the West Division but in chalking up 114 wins awhile. the Aaron Division with Paul Roe (Hampton, Va.), Mark smashed the league record for the most wins in a season. Skidmore (Springfield, Ohio), and Paul Barany (Alexan Other division winners were Greg Labar (Cleveland) and The Mason-Dixon Tabletop League (16 teams, BG, dria, Va.) also holding down divisional leads. Boggs Joe Schall (Champaign, Ill.). This trio will be joined in the mall) completed their 16th regular season and are now in ( .440) and Mattingly ( .413) have had the most blazing of post-season by Dave Wells (Los Angeles) and Kim Fowler playoff action. Participants include: Howard Frey (Va. many hot bats. (Pittsburgh, Kans.). Gwynn (.380), Molitor (.365), Boggs Beach, Va.), Brian Devine (Hampton, Va.), Dave Faggart (.360), Willie Wilson (.346), and Hernandez (.345) were (Va. Beach, Va.), Keith Riggs (Colonial Heights, Va.), The Down Under Baaaball League (24 taama, BG, the leading hitters while W. Clark (59), Murphy (55), Greg Freaney (Roanoke, Va.), and Jim Boylan (Raleigh, mall) has completed their regular season with Dan Brown Dawson (50), Johnson (47), Bell (47), and McGwire (46) N.C.). Gwynn batted .399 to lead the league while (Norcross, Ga.), Steve Wojciechowski (Boxford, Mass.), topped the homerun hitters. W. Clark, by the way, drove McGwire socked 69 homers and had 167 RBI to lead. Dave Brown (Garden Grove, Calif.) and Mike Ferrin in 172 to lead the league. Baylor got HPB 29 times for Clemens (2.19) had the lowest qualifying ERA. (Tempe, Ariz) all winning hard fought divisional titles ... 5 those interested and Viola had a pretty fabulous 2.42 games was the biggest margin of victory. 6 of the leagues ERA. Sure he was an A but that didn't prevent some from Ken Wagner (Milford, Mass.) took 7 games but he finally 24 teams topped the 200 homer mark ... causing only one being pretty high in that department. edged Steve Jason (Kutz1own, Pa.) to win the Memorial team to have an ERA under 4.00. Playoff action follows . League (12 taama, BG/Comp mall) championship for (See acompanying story and photo.) The Long Distnaca Baseball Asaoclatlon Computer the second straight year. Congratulations to Ken. League ( 24 teams, mall) finished up their regular season The Frontier League (16 taama, BG, mall) completed with Danny Meisner (New York, N.Y.), Mike Powning The Northam Statea League (20 teama, BG, mall) was their regular season in December and are in the playoffs. (Rochester, Mich.), and Don Hastings (Placentia, Calif.) heading into the final stages of their regular season when Gaining entry into post-season play were the division winning divisional titles. Mike established a new league they last checked in. Jim Gillen {Johnson, Vt.), John winners- Jack Chapman (Concord, CaliQ, Martin Den mark formostwinswith 113. Thesethreewill be joined by Bushey (W. Stewartstown, N.H.), Steve Brown (Sheffield mark (Los Altos, Calif.),Jake Smith (Norristown, Pa.), and wild card Albert Kilchesty (Ontario, Calif.) in the playoffs. Lake, Ohio), and Jack Chalfant (Farmland, Ind.) were all John Podszebka (Liverpool, N.Y.). Joining the group as Love looking at some of the offense in these computer holding leads of from 5 to 10 games. Gwynn's .3891ed the wild cards were Carig Cantin (Los Angeles), Scott Wil- . leagues that use the game without innovating the pitching batters by about 20 points while Dawson had docked 51 . Iiams (Oshkosh, Wise.), Larry Harbold! (Concord, Calif.), grades. The league batting average was about .290 with and Clyde Jones (San Jose, Calif). With a little bit to go three teams over .300 and the leader at .322. No less than Pro3 (26 teama, BG, mall) began their last month of in the season, Gwynn was hitting .422. We'll have to wait 4 teams scored 1000 runs and 12 teams hit 200 or more regular season play with a couple of divisional races still until the final slats are in to see if he remained above .400. homers. Mike's team had an 2.97 ERA while everyone unsettled. Bob Greenberg (Cherry Hill, N.J.) had a two Both Murphy and McGwire had shots at 60 homers. else was over 4.00. Individually, the batting leaders were game advantage while Jacob Carrasquel (Pittsburgh) Guerrero (.393), Gwynn (.391 ), Raines (.378) and Boggs was up by 4. Elsewhere, Steve Mackenzie (Hatlboro, Pa.) The Future Stock League (12 teama, MG, mall) has (.375) . McGwire slugged 74 round-trippers ... believe led by by 8 and Mike DePaul was running away with completed another season. Randy Willis (Tulsa, Okla.) that ties for the yea(s best in APBA leagues while Murphy things. emerged as this year's winner by taking the league finals (63) and J. Clark (60) both topped 60. Schmdirs 189 RBI in 6 games. Congratulations to Randy. Wade Boggs won topped the field while Tim Raines scored 168 times. The Off-Season Baseball League (16 teams, BG, mall) the league's MVP, hitting .373while McGwire cranked out Ironically despite this offensive carnage no less than 9 has reached the halfway point of their season with Bill 29 in the short-season schedule of 80 games. Rick starting pitchers had ERA's under 3.00 with Viola (2 .26) Coyle (Cary N .C), Jim Papi, Jeff Glaser (Fargo,~ . D . ) and Reuschel (2 .57, 14-2) was the loops top pitcher. Two new and Key (2.28) the best. Thars much higher than aver Brian O'Connell (Mt. Holly, N.J.) all leading their respec members will be joining the FSL in '89,Jerry and John Holt age. Can imagine that some pitchers looked liked '30 tive divisions. 25 39 games by one grade, Murray deserved an A*. During this period, however, APBA did not assign the A• to XB's like Murray, so he was downgraded still further to a B* . 1968 Paul Linblad (2.40 ERA, 40 games) deserved an A* but was downgraded to a B* for the same reason. 19n Buddy Schultz was the first XB rated A* , and APBA has been willing to assign the grade ever since. Q. Which league had the fewest players with four or more power numbers? A. The 1951 American League had only one player with four power numbers, Gus Zernial , Q. Who was rated fielding two or fielding three or more power numbers? who received power numbers 1-5-5-6. The 1968 during the most seasons in which he won the A. Willie Mays had thirteen consecutive cards National League had only two players with four Gold Glove award? 1954-1966. power numbers, Ernie Banks (1-1-6-6) and Billy A. Minnie Minoso was a Gold Glove winner in the Williams (1-4-5-6). outfield in 1957, 1959and 1960, but he was rated Q. Since APBA began assigning three 31's, only OF-2 each time, so he holds the record. Carl to players who are proficient at the hit and run Q. Has any publication other than the APBA Yastrzemski (1963 and 1965) and Pete Rose play, who hit for the lowest batting average Journal covered APBA? (1969 and 1970) each received the OF-2 rating in among players with three 31's? A. APBA Report, published twelve times from two Gold Glove seasons. 1958 Norm Siebem, A. 1975 Tommy Helms received three 31's even October,1969 through January, 1971, compli rated OF-1, is the only Gold Glove winner rated though he hit only .207. mented the APBA Journal by covering APBA fielding three. Football, Basketball and Golf, as the Journal Q. Who received the most 14's on his card? covered only APBA Baseball from its inception in Q. Which A reliever had the worst win-loss rec A. 1969 Danny Murphy, a pitcher, received 25 1967 until1973. When APBA Report folded , the ord? 14's. APBA Innings took over the subscription list. A. 1970 Darold Knowles was rated A* in spite of The Innings, which covered all APBA sports, a 2-14 record. Winless Don Nottebart (0-3) was Q. Has a slow player ever Jed his in triples? published on a national basis from December, an A* in 1967. A. Ron Santo tied for the National League lead in 1970 until September, 1973, when it became triples in 1964, when he was rated S. Table Sports Scoreboard. The APBA Journal Q. Which modem D pitcher holds the record for began coverage of APBA games other than the most innings pitched? Q. What grade did Dale Murray receive in 1974 Baseball on the demise of Innings. A. Dick Tidrow was rated D in 1973 while working when he had a 1.03 ERA in 32 games? 275 innings. A. Murray was rated B*. A relief pitcher with a 1.03 ERA is entitled to a rating of at least A & c•. D Q. Who had the most consecutive cards with four Since APBA downgrades relief pitchers with 30- Computer With Cards! Combine the hands-on feel and versatility of cards with computer full-color action graphics, sound and music. You input player names and ratings from cards (plus MG ratings for MG version) of the teams to be played. The computer "rolls the dice" (graphic) and you enter the hit number off the batter's card. No board-shuffling or calculations. Just watch and hear the action on the screen. Batting, pitching, SB & error stats may be saved for continued play. Team data is stored so that teams may be used again without re-inputting. Use for any teams, old or new. Trade players between teams ... make up all star teams. Note: cards and MG data must be purchased from APBA. Added features ... including: • realistic distribution of extra-base hits, errors, etc. through all on-base situations .. . • built-in pitcher fatigue and grade rises and drops based on performance ... • park factors for all present-day ballparks Programers note: In BASIC version 3.20, you may customize, copy or print out for adaptation to other formats. Available only with PC-compatible. Specify 3 1/2 or 5 1/4 inch disk; specify Master Game or Basic Game version; specify color or monochrome monitor (Note: Limited graphics in monochrome). $45.00 postpaid P.S. Still selling Supercharts (Basic or Master Game versions) $10.00 each, $15.00 for one set of each version. A. Faust 6429 SW Burlingame Pl. Portland, OR 97201 26 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING HOW TO ADVERTISE Buyers - Sellers Manager• Needed! The Metro Eaet Baseball League is Up to 30 words, $6.00. Each additional 30 words or looking for several managers for both established and expan fraction thereof is $4.00. For example, an ad with 70 sion teams for the 1989 season. The league is Basic Game MORE REAUSM FOR APBA FOOTBALL: Master Football words costs $14.00 per issue. Display advertisements mail and face-to-face. Managers need to be 21 years or olde; I~ apply. Contact John Wiszowaty, 1896 223rd Place, Sauk Game Rules! 48 pages of rules, options, forms and Official with headline and border included: $9.00 per column inch. NFL rules. Send $7.45 to Joe Ferrara. 707 Pacific Avenue, Vdlage, IL 60411 or call (312) 758-4487 alter4:00 PM CST. Full page: $11 0 ; halfpage: $65; quarter page: $40. No ad Santa Cruz, CA 95060. vertisements concerning games other than APBA's or Baaeball Manegera Wenbd: TheCopyCatBeaebell League For Sale: Exact achaduiH and pitching rotatione tor all concerning reproductions of copyrighted APBA cards or is looking for a few reliable replacements lot our 7th season. Rookie draft In March. Minor league rosters. interested, seasons,t90t-t988. 1919sellsfor$7.25,1988for$8. Wrke products will be accepted. No advertisements of any like ~ contact Oerek Bisson, 1925 E. Grand 1139, Escondido, CA for quotes on other sets. Rich Pray, 533 Tirrber Ridge Dr., products offered by the APBA Journal will be accepted. Pensacola. FL 32514. 92027or call (619) 741 -1213. Advertisements of other sports-related products such as For allat of IIMebaiiiStatiatictll prograrna for the C-64 com books magazines, sports cards etc. are welcome along Chrle Berman Baseball League Needa Beckupe. We're an puter wr~e: 51eve Smith, 4233 Anoka 51 .. Springfield, OH with hardware and software for the APBA Computer autononnous collection of looneys and Idiots who enjoy throw 45503. Enjoyable programs and 1988 statistics are available Game. Ing dice across the room. ~ you're serious about APBA, we at resonable prices. don, want you. Jeff Zidek, Box 426, North Apollo, PA 15673. "Wkh a name like Chris Berman, k's got to be pathetic.• Fanatica- Make your season more realistic with Baseball Replay '88. Exact day-by-day schedules and pitchers; com The G.S.A.L, a 16-team, 4 division, 2 American, 2 National prehensive roster changes (not just trades, but disabled play League, continuous ownership, Basic Ganne, is looking for ers and minor-league callups); unique lineup guide assures Organizers managers to start~ 10th season. We hold our annual draft realistic player use. Ideal for replaying one team ot whole when the cards come out and then start. You receive a monthly league. 100+ hours of research a1 your fingertips only $12. Needed: DEPENDABLE backup manegera to replace those newslener, a trophy for winning the division and a yerubook. Also available: Baseball Replay '53,'61 ,'62,'68,'85,'86,'87- who can, cut the mustard. nyou can play ten games a month, Send a business envelope with a45¢ postage stamp. You will $12 each (roster changes tor pre-1985 are trades only). Check every month, and enjoy Basic Ganne baseball with innovations, receive the oonst~ut i on . Send to Perry Bock, 600 East Broad or money order to: Glenn Guzzo, 317-21 N. Broad St., Phila write to Steve Killam for more lnfotmallon. 9214 Broxton, San way, Apt. 7, Redwood Falls, MN 56283. No phone calls, delphia 19107. Antonio, TX 78240. Our league stresses realism but retains please. playabilky. Season runs July to February. First timers wel Wanted: 1867 AFL Footbal carda, 1968-69 and 1970-71 come. New League Starting. Franchlae Pteyera League (FPL). I Basketball cards. Call Ed evenings at (201) 828-1351 . need at least 5 managers. I would like an 8 team league. You The AGON League will begin Ws 2nd season in April. We are must own "Original Franchise All-Stars·. No experience nec Wanted: 1985 Chicago Beara, 1863 Cleveland Browne. experiencing minor managerial turnover, which we feel can be essary but would prefer someone with knowledge of Basic For Sale : First Issue Sports Illustrated, 1954, Ex. oondkion expected in any new APBA league. We have a strong nudeus Game. This is a Basic Game league. I would like to start drafting on 4-1-89. Please call (508)297-1424 and ask for ~h BB cards - $60. Marshall Berl Use the AJ Classifieds To Buy or Sell APBA Journal 27 JANUARY 1989 r------,I AJ Products Unit Prices I The APBA JOURNAL I I SECOND CLASS I I 65 Norwood, Greenfield, MA 01301 1 2-4 5 or more I I Random Numbers $3.50 Ea. $3.00 Ea. $2.50 Ea. I Series Comp. Sheets 4.00 Ea. 3.5o Ea. 3.oo Ea. 1 Baseball Scoresheets 5.00 Ea. 4.00 Ea. 3.50 Ea. I I File Boxes 4.50 Ea. 4.00 Ea. 3.50 Ea. I Batting Comp Sheets 5.00 Ea. 4.00 Ea. 3.50 Ea. 1 Pitching Comp Sheets 5.00 Ea. 4.oo Ea. 3.5o Ea. I Football Scoresheets 5.00 Ea. 4.00 Ea. 3.50 Ea. I Order Form Total $ Random Numbers Series Comp. Sheets BB Scoresheets NOTE: The date on the, address label above is your expiration date, the last issue on your current Fila Boxes subscription. TO RENEW: Subscription rates are $18.00 for one year or $33.00 for two years. Send check or Batting Comps money order payable to the APBA Journal and mail to the above address. First Class Postage and handling costs an additional $9.00 per year. Canadian residents rates are $21.00 for one year and Pitching Comps $39.00 for two years and pay with U.S. Funds. Canadian First Class Mail service costs an additional $12.00 per year. Overseas Rates: Surface Mail costs an additional $12.00 per year. Football Scoresheets Overseas Air Mail costs an additional $30.00 per year. Total Submitted DIRECTORY INFORMAnON: Do you wish to be listed In the upcoming AJ Directory? ~yes. please Indicate your birth date ______t,elephone nurrber______and circle To Order: Usa this coupon or another sheet of paper. APBA Games you actively play: Basic Baseball Master Baseball Football GoK Baskstball Racing Make check or money order payable to the APBA Jour Bowling. Computer APBA nal. Canadian residents pleaaa pay with U.S. Funda. Pieasa allow 2 to 3 weeka for delivery. .J Interested In a Co-Op Replay? __ Year? __ Do you play In an APBA League? L ------Full Season Batting and Pitching Comp Sheets At last you can now easily keep organized batting statistics! These offset printed, top quality stat APBA Journal Football sheets have been especially designed for APBA replayers and league managers who play complete seasons and keep game by game statistics for each and every player. Scoresheets On a single sheet of paper, printed both sides, you can quickly enter 14 individual batter's statistics Perfect for scoring APBA Football and Real for each game he played for an entire season. Thars right, the entire season I Life Games/ With these stat sheets you can not only keep accurate stats but you can see such things as consecutive game hitting streaks, how many homers a player has hit in the last week, two weeks, or in the last month. Even how long he"s been sidelined with an injury. APBA Football Fans - Now you can score your football There's ample room to total up each player's statistics every week if you desire. games with the AJ Football Scoresheets. The pitching camps are a perfect compansion to the batting camps. You'll be able to record the 15 These 8 1/Z' x 11" padded sheets are offset printed on both major pitching statistics for each pitcher"s appearance for an entire season all on one sheet. sides in red ink and have been especially designed to allow These sheets are off-set printed and come in pads of 50 sheets. One pad is enough for 50 full-time you to enter the Down, Line of Scrimmage, Yards to Go, players. $5.00 for one pad. Two to Four Pads cost $4.00 per pad. Five or more pads cost $3.50 per Rusher, Passer, Receiver and Play Result for each and pad . every play during an APBA Football Game. Or if you are Join the hundreds and hundreds of APBA fans who are keeping stats the easy way I interested in research, a real-life game. There"s even a time clock, a place to record timeouts and to ,------, keep score. If you use the AJ Football Scoresheets, you won't need to I A:SB:o~:~~dal I use any other sheets of paper when playing APBA football. Every play for a complete quarter can recorded on one side I Greenfield, MA 01301 I of one sheet so a complete game only requires using two 1 Please send me the following AJ Comp Sheets: 1 sheets unless, of course, you have an overtime. Play results for one team are logged on the left side of the J __ BattingCompSheets@ __ perset $ I page and on the right side for their opponent. Alll1e eml ol the each quarter, you"ll be able to "see" along drive and each I __ Pitcher Comp Sheets @ __ per set $ ___ I team's time of possession. Sheets come in pads of 50. One pad costs $5.00, Two to : Total Remitted $ __ : Four Pads cost $4.00 each. Five or more pads cost $3.50 each. Prices include postage and handling. I I 1 Name 1 APBA Journal I Address I I . I 65 Norwood L_~i~------~~==Zip-----~ Greenfield, MA 01301 28