Into the Snake Pit - Building the Arizona Diamondbacks (OOTP 22)

**jasontoddwhitt** · 10-24-2021, 12:22 PM

Re: Into the Snake Pit - Building the Arizona Diamondbacks (OOTP 22)

Diamondbacks Name Billy Beane GM
Oakland assistant GM ready to build a winning franchise.

Oakland A's GM Sandy Alderson had been grooming him to be his successor in Oakland, but the allure of building a new franchise was too much to overcome. Assistant GM Billy Beane tendered his resignation from the A's and was announced as the general manager of the new Arizona Diamondbacks.

"The allure of building a franchise was too much to overcome," said Beane. "I've spent most of my adult life working for Oakland and I'll always have respect for that franchise and what they've done for me. I'm sure I was going to be the GM of that club eventually, but I couldn't pass up this opportunity."

Beane said his first step was going to travel around the Diamondbacks farm system, to get a feel for what the franchise currently has.

"We're a little bit behind the eight ball because we don't have a Triple-A team or a Double-A team due to MLB expansion rules," said Beane. "We need to build our scouting base as well as start developing our statistical database."

Beane did say that stats would be the primary driver of building the franchise.

"Absolutely," Beane said when asked if he was going to implement sabermetrics when it came to building the franchise. "I realize that sabermetrics and Bill James are dirty words in baseball, but stats have been around since the beginning. I mean hell, Davey Johnson once wrote a computer program in the 70s to convince Earl Weaver to hit him second in the lineup."

"I realize I got my start as a player and then a scout," said Beane. "But the idea that I should trust my eyes over the stats? I don't buy it. Because I've seen magicians pull a rabbit out of the hat, and I know that rabbit is not in there."

Arizona Diamondbacks Farm System - Top Prospects

High Desert Mavericks - California League (Single-A)
C Rod Barajas - Age 21: Once fully developed, should have enough power to hit an average number of balls out of the park. Isn't flashy on defense, but is consistently solid. Takes a fair share of pitches, but is not protective enough with two strikes and will get rung up often. Bat and hustle should make him a frontrunner for an audition as a catcher.
(Visalia - A) - 27g, 74ab, .162/.244/.203, 8rbi, -0.7 WAR
(Lethbridge - De) - 51g, 175ab, .337/.378/.594, 10hr, 50rbi, 2.1 WAR

1B Travis Lee (R) - Age 21: Has some pop in his bat which should result in above-average power. Isn't viewed as a fast runner, but is excellent at timing and should steal a fair number of bases. Projects to have above-average strike zone recognition. Can be penciled in for the lion's share of starts at first base.

2B Junior Spivey - Age 22: Lean and athletic. Speed is a huge part of his game. Should demonstrate good plate discipline. Grades out as an average defensive second baseman. Has the potential to become a starter.
(AZL - De) - 20g, 69ab, .333/.459/.333, 3rbi, 0.9 WAR
(Lethbridge - De) - 31g, 107ab, .336/.459/.495, 2hr, 25rbi, 1.5 WAR

South Bend Silver Hawks - Midwest League (Single-A)
P Brad Penny - Age 18: Finesse pitcher. Three pitch arsenal includes a superb slider, a good splitter, and a good fastball. Pitches have plenty of movement that should help keep the ball in the park. Has middle of the rotation potential.
(AZL - De) - 11g (8gs), 2-2, 2.36era, 49.2ip, 14bb, 52k, 1.7 WAR

P John H. Patterson (R) - Age 19: Projects to have a four-pitch repertoire which includes a curveball, fastball, slider, and changeup. Likely will never have above-average stuff. May never have the command and control to overcome that. Projected to be a mid-rotation piece.

CF Ron Calloway (R) - Age 20: Has plus speed on the bases. Isn't flashy on defense, but is consistently solid. Subpar ability to get the bat on the ball will keep his batting average down. Likely to be on the bubble for a big-league role as he matures.

AZL Diamondbacks - Arizona League (Development)
LF Jack Cust (R) - Age 18: Has a plus eye ceiling. Pull hitter with a ceiling of above-average power. He's proven to be an adequate defensive left fielder. Needs to translate his raw potential into reality to become a major league starter.

SS Alex Cintron (R) - Age 18: Should be able to provide above-average defense as a second baseman. Slightly below average contact ability. Has the chance to fashion a major league career as a bench player.

CF Abraham Nunez (R) - Age 20: Has solid speed on the basepaths. Has an above-average power ceiling. Should have good strike zone recognition. Is on the bubble for holding down a role in the majors.

Lethbridge Black Diamonds - Pioneer League (Development)
P Jeff Wilson (R) - Age 20: Projects to have a repertoire that includes an elite circle change and a decent fastball. Stuff is good and should play as he continues to develop. May end up with some walk trouble. Likely suited for setup or long relief.

C Brian Fox (R) - Age 20: Long, lean athletic catcher. Has solid hands and fields his position well. Should have an average eye at the plate. Has slightly below average contact ability. His ceiling is a bench role.

P Eric Knott (R) - Age 22: Lean and athletic. Projects to have an average slider in his five-pitch repertoire. Locates his pitches well and has average stuff. Projects to provide solid middle relief.

**jasontoddwhitt** · 10-24-2021, 12:45 PM

Re: Into the Snake Pit - Building the Arizona Diamondbacks (OOTP 22)

1997 MLB Preview

Top Prospects

**speels** · 10-24-2021, 05:34 PM

Re: Into the Snake Pit - Building the Arizona Diamondbacks (OOTP 22)

I will for sure be watching this Franchise. Even though you have it as Leatherbridge, it's actually Lethbridge

, I worked for the Lethbridge Black Diamonds as grounds crew for their first or second season. I got to meet Jack Cust, Vladmir Nunez, and Junior Spivey. Sad we only kept the team for 3 seasons, but it is cool to have seen these kids when they were just starting out.

**jasontoddwhitt** · 10-25-2021, 11:52 AM

Re: Into the Snake Pit - Building the Arizona Diamondbacks (OOTP 22)

Originally posted by speels

I will for sure be watching this Franchise. Even though you have it as Leatherbridge, it's actually Lethbridge

, I worked for the Lethbridge Black Diamonds as grounds crew for their first or second season. I got to meet Jack Cust, Vladmir Nunez, and Junior Spivey. Sad we only kept the team for 3 seasons, but it is cool to have seen these kids when they were just starting out.

Haha...good catch. I had it right in the first place, but I think my grammar and spell checker changed it.

Very cool story though. Thanks for checking in.

**slicknick3822** · 10-27-2021, 11:09 AM

Re: Into the Snake Pit - Building the Arizona Diamondbacks (OOTP 22)

Being a White Sox fan, it's very weird seeing Konerko playing LF for the Dodgers. I'll be following along, have really liked playing OOTP22 this year. Are you going to try to do the same moneyball tactics Beane is known for irl?

**jasontoddwhitt** · 10-27-2021, 01:59 PM

Re: Into the Snake Pit - Building the Arizona Diamondbacks (OOTP 22)

Originally posted by slicknick3822

Being a White Sox fan, it's very weird seeing Konerko playing LF for the Dodgers. I'll be following along, have really liked playing OOTP22 this year. Are you going to try to do the same moneyball tactics Beane is known for irl?

That's the initial idea, yes. I won't be building the Diamondbacks like they did when they spent a TON of money on free agents. Focusing on OBP, going for a balanced approach on money spent between pitching and hitting. Basing player development on statistics versus scouting.

I will also be taking a sabermetric approach to the management style of things, in a league full of conventional and small ball managers, so it's going to be interesting for sure.

**jasontoddwhitt** · 10-27-2021, 02:18 PM

Re: Into the Snake Pit - Building the Arizona Diamondbacks (OOTP 22)

1997 – First Half Review

It’s been an exciting first half of the season as we head into the All-Star break. Four of the six divisions see division leaders with a lead of two games or less. Only the AL East and the AL West see the Yankees and Mariners running away with their divisions.

It should come as no shock that the defending champion New York Yankees have the best record in baseball at the break at 56-30. The second-best offense in the American League is being paced by Paul O’Neill (.322avg, 8hr, 57rbi), Derek Jeter (.350avg, 8hr, 43rbi), and Tino Martinez (.286avg, 20hr, 71rbi). The best rotation in the American League is anchored by David Cone (9-7, 137k, 3.46era), David Wells (11-5, 93k, 3.85era), and Andy Pettite (10-7, 116k, 3.96era). Of course, the Yankees have the best bullpen in the American League as well. Mariano Rivera in his first season as the closer has been pitching lights out (3-2, 23sv, 27k, 2.04era) while Mike Stanton (2-2, 2sv, 12k, 1.52era) and Jeff Nelson (6-0, 27k, 3.38era) have been bridging that gap between the rotation and Rivera.

Over in the National League, the Florida Marlins and the New York Mets are battling it out for National League supremacy. Looking at the statistics, you would have to think the Mets have no business being in this race. They rank 9th in runs scored. Their pitching staff ranks 6th in FIP. There is just nothing exciting here. Yet, they find themselves only a half-game behind the Marlins, who rank 3rd in runs scored and 3rd in FIP. Plus, the Braves are lurking just four games out, and look poised for a strong second half.

Notable Notes

After four games, Barry Bonds was on pace to hit 284 home runs. On Opening Day, he tattooed three homers against his former Pirate teammates. He followed that up with two homers over the next two days. Then he hit two more against the Mets. After hitting seven homers in four games, he hit only two more the rest of the month of April. That’s baseball for you. Bonds leads the majors with 26 homers.

J.T. Snow hit for the cycle on April 7th in the Giants' 20-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies.

Chili Davis hit his 300th homer on April 19th in the Royals' 4-7 loss to the Anaheim Angels.

Manny Ramirez hit for the cycle on April 19th in the Indians' 13-5 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.

Mickey Morandini hit for the cycle on April 26th in the Phillies' 10-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds.

Gary Gaetti recorded his 2,000th hit on April 27th in the Cardinals' 5-6 loss to the Colorado Rockies.

Delino Deshields hit for the cycle on May 18th in the Cardinals' 7-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves.

Cecil Fielder smashed his 300th homer on June 8th in the Yankees' 2-7 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers.

Larry Walker hit for the cycle on June 9th in the Rockies' 8-7 victory over the Atlanta Braves.

Joe Carter recorded his 2,000th hit on June 17th in the Blue Jays' 6-1 victory over the Atlanta Braves.

Chris Brock (WHO?) recorded six strikeouts and six walks as he no-hit the Philadelphia Phillies in the Braves 3-0 victory on June 29th. (Chris Brock was a 12th round selection by the Braves in 1992. 1997 was his rookie season and he made six starts that season. Brock pitched six seasons in the majors, his career-ending in 2002 with the Orioles. Baseball is a beautiful game sometimes that a no-name guy can record a gem like that.)

Tommy Greene (WHO?) recorded eight strikeouts and three walks as he no-hit the Cincinnati Reds in the Astros 2-0 victory on July 4th. (1997 was the last season that Tommy Greene played in the majors and he made two starts that season. Needless to say, he did not pitch that well against the Reds. Leave it to Cincy to allow an unknown pitcher to make them look silly.)

Cleveland Indians 1B Jim Thome was the leading vote-getter in the American League with 2.46 million votes. Thome is hitting .346 on the season with 24 homers and 84 runs batted in.

San Francisco Giants LF Barry Bonds was the leading vote-getter in the National League with 2.30 million votes. Bonds is hitting .288 on the season with 26 homers and 74 runs batted in.

Statistical Leaders

**jasontoddwhitt** · 10-29-2021, 05:05 PM

Re: Into the Snake Pit - Building the Arizona Diamondbacks (OOTP 22)

1997 - Second Half Review

Braves chase down Mets for NL Wildcard

The Atlanta Braves spent most of the season seemingly unable to hit a higher gear. They sat 3.5 games behind the Mets for the wildcard at the All-Star break, looking like they were poised to get back into the hunt following a 20-8 record in June. However, July and August would see the Braves go 23-31, dropping to 5.0 games back in the wild card.

September would see the Braves play like we thought they could. They railed off nine straight wins, including a two-game sweep of the Mets. They won or split seven straight series to get them back into the conversation. The Braves seemingly tripped up in the final week when they dropped two of three to the last-place Phillies. Heading into the final weekend, the Braves traveled to Shea Stadium for a three-game set with the Mets. All the Mets needed to do was win one game.

Atlanta Braves at New York Mets
Sep 26, 1997 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Atlanta (88-72) 0 0 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 5 8 3
New York (89-71) 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 5 1
W: Chris Brock (4-1) L: Brian Bohanon (6-4) S: Alan Embree (25)
Scoring Summary
SCORING DETAILS ATL NYM
ATL 3 Tony Graffanino homers to left. Eddie Perez scores. 2 0
ATL 3 Jeff Blauser homers to left. Kenny Lofton scores. 4 0
ATL 5 Tony Graffanino homers to center. 5 0
NYM 5 Alberto Castillo singles to left. Brian McRae scores. 5 1
NYM 8 Roberto Petagine homers to right. 5 2

Atlanta Braves at New York Mets
Sep 27, 1997 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Atlanta (89-72) 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 3 7 1
New York (89-72) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 5 1
W: John Smoltz (21-12) L: Greg McMichael (3-3) S: Kevin Millwood (2)
Scoring Summary
SCORING DETAILS ATL NYM
ATL 4 Ryan Klesko homers to right. 1 0
NYM 8 Edgardo Alfonzo singles to center. Roberto Petagine scores. 1 1
ATL 9 Javy Lopez homers to left. Fred McGriff scores. 3 1

On the final day of the season, in a winner take all situation, the Mets collapse was completed in a 21-7 beatdown. The Atlanta Braves rode their rotation and timely hitting in September to the National League wildcard.

Pirates chase down Astros; hang on to NL Central

The Houston Astros led the NL Central for the vast majority of the season but never could get distance from either the Chicago Cubs and the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Astros were held back by an extremely top-heavy offense that was very feast or famine. Jeff Bagwell (.292 AVG, 31 HR, 115 RBI, 112 R, 7.0 WAR), Craig Biggio (.321 AVG, 18 HR, 78 RBI, 124 R, 6.6 WAR), and Luis Gonzalez (.305 AVG, 23 HR, 102 RBI, 77 R, 4.6 WAR) did all they could, but nobody else could step up. It didn't matter that the rotation anchored by Darryl Kile (17-11, 184 K, 2.88 ERA) ranked third in the league. Or that the bullpen anchored by Billy Wagner (5-1, 24 SV, 0.90 ERA) and Jose Lima (2-4, 14 SV, 2.18 ERA) ranked 2nd in the league. In the end, the Astros scuffled down the stretch.

The Cubs equally scuffled down the stretch, for the exact opposite reason the Astros did. The Cubs offense led by Sammy Sosa (.304 AVG, 45 HR, 156 RBI, 105 R, 6.2 WAR) and Mark Grace (.332 AVG, 12 HR, 91 RBI, 111 R, 5.3 WAR) ranked fourth in the league in runs scored. The Cubs rotation was paced by Steve Trachsel (15-11, 189 K, 3.98 ERA) and....garbage. The Cubs got Mark Clark from the Mets in a late trade, but he pitched much better in Shea Stadium (9-4, 121 K, 2.59 ERA) than he did in Wrigley (5-4, 49 K, 3.74 ERA).

The Pirates however went 34-19 in August and September and took the NL Central lead heading into the final weekend. Nobody expected this to happen, and frankly, we still can't believe it. Yes, Jason Kendall is great (.355 AVG, 8 HR, 79 RBI, 94 R, 6.7 WAR) and the rotation anchored by Jon Lieber (12-10, 141 K, 3.54 ERA) is very solid. Nobody expected them to be in the conversation.

Heading into the final weekend, the Astros and Pirates had a three-game series in the Astrodome with the Pirates clinging to a one-game lead. Game one would see Esteban Loaiza (10-11, 143 K, 4.12 ERA) and Ramon Garcia (8-9, 83 K, 4.79 ERA) duel for seven innings, each giving up one run. It turned into a bullpen game, where the Pirates finally broke through in the 14th inning on an RBI base hit by Lou Collier and they hung on for a 2-1 victory. Game two would see Shane Reynolds (12-12, 183 K, 3.36 ERA) outdueled Jason Schmidt (16-11, 149 K, 3.63 ERA) in a 5-4 Astros victory to pull back to within a game. Game three though would witness the completion of the Astros collapse, as the Pirates win 7-2 to clinch their first division title since 1992, while the Astros finish second for the fourth straight year.

Dodgers and Padres head to one game playoff

The Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres are polar opposites of each other. The Dodgers can't hit, but they can pitch. The Padres can hit, but they can't pitch. So it should come as no shock that it will take one more game to decide who will win the NL West. The Dodgers were clinging to a two-game lead in the division and had a chance to put the Padres away in a short two-game head-to-head series. Instead, the Dodgers lost both games to the Padres and the teams were tied heading into the weekend; the Dodgers traveling to Colorado and the Padres traveling to San Francisco.

Both teams split the first two games of their series. On the final day of the season, the Dodgers were shutout out by rookie John Thomson in a 0-7 defeat. As for the Padres, Andy Ashby spun a gem against the Giants, but Tim Worrell came in and gave up five runs in the 8th inning to allow the Giants to take a 7-4 lead. Roberto Hernandez gave up a run in the 9th inning but ultimately picked up his 8th save with the Giants (28th overall).

The one-game playoff will be tomorrow at Jack Murphy Stadium. The Padres will be sending Joey Hamilton to the hill (12-11, 148 K, 4.57 ERA). The Dodgers will be countering with Chan Ho Park (4-16, 161 K, 4.42 ERA).

Larry Walker's bid to join .400 club falls short

Ted Williams was the last player to join the .400 club, hitting .406 during the 1941 season. In 1994, Tony Gwynn gave it a shot, hitting .394 at the time of the work stoppage. Gwynn ended up three hits shy of hitting .400. Larry Walker has been on a tear all season. At the All-Star break, Walker was sitting at .398. After the break, Walker started what ended up being a 22 game hitting streak, and a few days later, his 55 game on-base streak came to an end. After hitting .427 in July and .406 in August, Walker was sitting with a batting average of .406.

With the Rockies in the cellar, you would think it would be wise to limit Walker's starts, but that would be going against the nature of the record. Unfortunately, September would be Walker's worst month, but honestly, show me a hitter who wouldn't take a .345 average. Walker ended the season with a .397 average, ending up two hits shy of .400.

Wow!

Milestones and Accomplishments

July 10th - LF Rickey Henderson collects his 2,500th hit in the Padres' 11-4 victory over the Rockies.
July 14th - RF Butch Huskey hits for the cycle in the Mets' 7-10 loss to the Pirates.
July 18th - RF Harold Baines collects his 2,500th hit in the White Sox's 6-0 victory over the Orioles.
July 27th - P Dave Burba (9ip, 1bb, 9k) throws a no-hitter in the Reds' 2-0 victory over the Braves.
August 1st - SS Alex Rodriguez hits for the cycle in the Mariners' 17-12 victory over the Brewers.
August 2nd - P Roger Clemens (9ip, 1er, 3bb, 9k) earns his 200th win in the Blue Jays' 5-1 victory over the Tigers.
August 19th - P Randy Myers earns his 300th save in the Orioles' 5-2 victory over the Royals.
September 23rd - P Randy Johnson (9ip, 3bb, 13k) throws a no-hitter in the Mariners' 9-0 victory over the Angels.

**jasontoddwhitt** · 10-29-2021, 09:48 PM

Re: Into the Snake Pit - Building the Arizona Diamondbacks (OOTP 22)

Los Angeles Dodgers at San Diego Padres
Sep 29, 1997 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Los Angeles (87-76) 0 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 2 5 8 0
San Diego (86-77) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 1
W: Darren Dreifort (2-1) L: Joey Hamilton (12-12) S: Todd Worrell (39)

The Los Angeles Dodgers took San Diego pitcher Joey Hamilton's best shot but were still able to come away with the 5-1 victory at Jack Murphy Stadium to claim the 1997 NL West Division title.

Hamilton pitched 7 2/3 innings, giving up three runs on five hits, walking five, and striking out seven. Unfortunately, Hamilton wasn't given any run support by the Padres. Chan Ho Park struggled a bit in the first inning, loading up the bases after a leadoff single by Quilvio Veras, a double by Tony Gwynn, and a walk to Ken Caminiti. Greg Vaughn hit a sacrifice fly to put the Padres on the board first, but that is all they got as Park got out of the jam.

The Dodgers pulled Park in the fifth inning for pinch hitter Karim Garcia with the Dodgers threatening to score, but Hamilton struck him out to get out of the inning.

The Dodgers bullpen completely shut down the Padres over the final five innings. Darren Dreifort, Mark Guthrie, and Todd Worrell combined to give up only one hit and striking out four in the final frames.

In the sixth inning, the Dodgers finally broke through on Hamilton. With one out in the inning, Paul Konerko hit a line drive single past the shortstop. Mike Piazza was the next hitter up and he smashed a 2-2 pitch deep to right-center field for his 38th homer of the year to put the Dodgers up 2-1.

In the seventh inning, the Dodgers played add-on. A clearly fatigued Hamilton walked the bases loaded, and Eric Young sliced a line drive right past the diving Wally Joyner to score Darren Lewis. Hamilton was able to get out of the inning without further damage.

The Dodgers added two more runs in the ninth inning when Billy Ashley, who came in as a defensive replacement the prior inning, launched a two-run homer, his fifth of the year, to left field.

**jasontoddwhitt** · 10-29-2021, 10:02 PM

Re: Into the Snake Pit - Building the Arizona Diamondbacks (OOTP 22)

1997 MLB Playoffs

**jasontoddwhitt** · 11-07-2021, 02:40 PM

ALDS - Cleveland Indians (92-70) vs New York Yankees (103-59)

VS

Season Series: 7-4 Cleveland

Cleveland Indians at New York Yankees
Oct 2, 1997 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Cleveland (0-1) 0 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 3 8 0
New York (1-0) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 7 12 0
W: David Cone (1-0) L: Paul Assenmacher (0-1)

Yankees top Indians 7-3 to begin ALDS

39-year-old Orel Hershiser had a very pedestrian 1997 that saw him go 11-14 with a 5.37 ERA. Signs that perhaps he's nearly ready to hang up the cleats. Tonight though, Hershiser proved he still had some of that bulldog mentality inside of him. Hershiser baffled the Yankees all night long, pitching into the eighth inning.

It was the eighth inning where things unraveled for the Indians. Hershiser gave up a leadoff single to Wade Boggs, prompting Indians manager Mike Hargrove to bring in reliever Paul Assenmacher. What followed next was a complete meltdown, as the Yankees manufactured seven runs on eight hits in the inning to take a 7-3 lead.

The final line on Hershiser was seven innings pitched, giving up one run on five hits while striking out two in the no-decision. Assenmacher picked up the loss, giving up six runs on seven hits and two walks in two-thirds of an inning pitched.

Yankees starter David Cone picked up the win, going eight innings and giving up three runs on eight hits, walking four and striking out six.

Cleveland Indians at New York Yankees
Oct 3, 1997 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Cleveland (1-1) 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 5 0 8 11 0
New York (1-1) 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 6 2
W: Charles Nagy (1-0) L: Andy Pettite (0-1)

Cleveland win to pull even with New York

The Cleveland Indians topped the New York Yankees 8-1 to tie the series up at one. Indians starter Charles Nagy kept the Yankees off-balance all game long, giving up one run on five hits, walking four, and striking out seven in 7 and 1/3 innings.

Five-time All-Star Matt Williams paced the Indians offense, getting two hits in four at-bats with one homer, a run scored, and three runs batted in.

The wheels came off for Yankees starter Andy Pettite in the eighth inning. Pettite finished with a line of four runs (three earned) on seven hits, walking five and striking out one over 7 and 1/3 innings pitched. Ramiro Mendoza came in and promptly threw gasoline all over the jam that Pettite had created.

New York Yankees at Cleveland Indians
Oct 5, 1997 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
New York (2-1) 2 0 0 1 9 0 0 0 0 12 14 0
Cleveland (1-2) 2 1 0 1 3 0 0 0 0 7 13 1
W: Kenny Rogers (1-0) L: Jack McDowell (0-1)

Road win lifts New York to 2-1 lead in ALDS

The Indians Jack McDowell (4.1 IP, 6 R, 6 H, 3 BB, 4K) and the Yankees David Wells (4.2 IP, 7 R, 10 H, 6 K) both failed to get out of the fifth inning as there was an offensive explosion at Jacobs Field in Game 3. The Yankee bullpen's ability to stop the bleeding proved to be the deciding factor as Kenny Rogers and Mariano Rivera combined to throw 4 and 1/3 innings of three-hit scoreless relief en route to the Yankees 12-7 victory over the Indians.

The Indians went to youngster Bartolo Colon in the fifth inning to stop the bleeding. Colon came into a game with one out and Bernie Williams standing on second after a Tino Martinez sacrifice fly gave the Yankees a 5-4 lead. Colon struck out Mike Stanley and it looked like the Indians were going to get out of the inning with minimal damage.

Colon walked Paul O'Neill on four pitches and gave up an RBI single to Jorge Posada to make it 6-4 Yankees. Colon got ahead of Wade Boggs, but the veteran ended up working a walk to load the bases. Rey Sanchez smoked a ball over the leaping Tony Fernandez to score two runs to make it 8-4. Chad Curtis hit a slow roller to short and beat out the throw to load the bases back up. Derek Jeter came up and promptly cleared the bases with a deep flyball to center that hit off the wall.

That closed the book on Colon and the Indians chances.

New York Yankees at Cleveland Indians
Oct 6, 1997 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
New York (3-1) 1 4 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 7 9 0
Cleveland (1-3) 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 6 2
W: Eric Milton (1-0) L: Jeff Juden (0-1)

Yankees on to ALCS

Not wanting to turn to David Cone on short rest, the Yankees instead turned to rookie Eric Milton just hoping to eat some innings to turn it over to the bullpen. The youngster did more than that, as he threw a solid seven innings (4 H, 2 R, 4 BB, 2 K) while the Yankees offense jumped all over Indians starter Jeff Juden (1.2 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 5 BB, 2 K) in the second inning and rode that momentum to a 7-2 victory in a decisive four-game series win.

This series proved that great pitching can trump a great offense. The Indians offense ranked first in every statistical category in the American League during the regular season. However, the Indians pitching staff ranked near the bottom of every statistical category. The Yankees pitching staff, ranked one of the best in the league, shut down Jim Thome, Matt Williams, and David Justice in the series. The Indians three stars combined to go 6 for 47 (.128 AVG) with two homers and six RBIs.

Series MVP

1B Tino Martinez - Yankees
.429 AVG (6/14) - 1 HR - 3 RBI - .500 OBP - .786 SLG

**jasontoddwhitt** · 11-07-2021, 08:35 PM

ALDS - Seattle Mariners (94-68) vs Minnesota Twins (94-68)

VS

Season Series: 10-1 Minnestoa

Seattle Mariners at Minnesota Twins
Oct 2, 1997 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Seattle (0-1) 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 4 11 0
Minnesota (1-0) 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 7 9 1
W: Greg Swindell (1-0) L: Heathcliff Slocumb (0-1)

Twins rally past Mariners to claim 1-0 series lead

It was billed as a pitching duel between Randy Johnson (21-6, 2.64 ERA, 260 K) and Brad Radke (19-12, 3.94 ERA, 175 K), and for the most part, it lived up to the hype. The Twins jumped on Johnson in the first inning, thanks to a three-run homer by young first baseman David Ortiz to put the Twins up 3-0. Johnson would settle down though, and finished the game with three runs on seven hits, walking two and striking out ten in seven innings pitched.

As for Radke, he cruised through the first four innings. The Mariners finally got on the board in the fifth inning. Paul Sorrento scored on a Dan Wilson groundout to short. Mike Blowers came up next and shot a line-drive double to left-center that scored Roberto Kelly to cut the Twins lead down to 3-2.

The Mariners would take the lead in the seventh inning. Radke would get the first two hitters but would give up three straight singles to Blowers, Alex Rodriguez, and Jay Buhner. Buhner's base-hit scored Blowers from second to tie the game. Radke would then walk Ken Griffey, Jr. to load the bases for Edgar Martinez. Martinez ripped a line-drive single to right field that scored Rodriguez to give the Mariners the 4-3 lead.

Radke would finish the game with 7 and 1/3 innings pitched, giving up four runs (two earned) on 11 hits, walking one, and striking out seven.

The Mariners would bring in closer Heathcliff Slocumb in the eighth inning to shut down the one-run game. Slocumb got through the eighth with zero issues. The ninth however would go off the rails. Slocumb struck out Todd Walker to start the inning but gave up a single to Marty Cordova. Slocumb then walked Brent Brede and Pat Meares to load the bases. With the infield playing in, Slocumb was able to induce a ground ball to second, gunning the lead runner at home to get the second out.

Rich Becker came up with two outs and the bases load. Slocumb fell behind 3-1, then grooved a slider that Becker launched 391 feet into the right-field stands to send the Metrodome faithful home happy.

Seattle Mariners at Minnesota Twins
Oct 3, 1997 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Seattle (1-1) 3 0 1 0 0 2 0 0 1 7 8 1
Minnesota (1-1) 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 2 10 1
W: Jamie Moyer (1-0) L: Frankie Rodriguez (0-1)

Griffey, Mariners wallop Twins in Game 2 of ALDS

The first inning went exactly how the Seattle Mariners planned it.

Alex Rodriguez and Jay Buhner both got on base via base hits. Ken Griffey, Jr. with the greatest of ease launched a ball 381 feet into the right-field bleachers to give the Mariners a 3-0 lead.

They never looked back from there.

Junior finished the day with two hits in three at-bats, one homer, four runs batted in, and two runs scored as the Mariners went on to win Game 2 7-2 to even up the series.

Jamie Moyer frustrated the Twins hitters, pitching seven innings, giving up two runs (one earned) on eight hits, and striking out six. Reliever Mike Timlin pitched two innings of shutout relief to finish off the Twins.

Frankie Rodriguez was roughed up the Mariners' offense, pitching 5 and 2/3 innings, giving up six runs on six hits, walking one, and striking out two.

Minnesota Twins @ Seattle Mariners
Oct 5, 1997 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Extras R H E
Minnesota (1-2) 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 2 0 3 9 1
Seattle (2-1) 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 4 11 0
W: Brian Sweeney (1-0) L: Greg Swindell (1-1)

Fassero, Mariners take dramatic Game 3 for 2-1 series lead

Bob Tewksbury and Jeff Fassero engaged in a pitcher's duel that kept the capacity crowd at the Kingdome on the edge of their seats. The Twins finally broke through in the sixth inning when they were able to manufacture a run on a Chuck Knoblauch ground out. The Mariners finally touched up Tewksbury in the bottom of the inning. Ken Griffey, Jr. knocked in Alex Rodriguez with a sacrifice fly and Jay Buhner scored from second on a Paul Sorrento line-drive single to right to take a 2-1 lead.

The game would stay like that till the fireworks started in the ninth. Fassero would pitch seven innings, giving up one run on four hits, walking two, and striking out seven. Tewksbury would pitch eight innings, giving up two runs on six hits, walking one, and striking out four. Neither starter would factor in the decision.

Lou Pinella apparently didn't learn his lesson from Game 1 as he brought in Heathcliff Slocumb in the eighth inning to close out the game. Slocumb got through the eighth inning with zero issues. He started the ninth by getting Knoblauch to ground out. Slocumb got into a jam by giving up back-to-back singles to David Ortiz and Brent Brede. Todd Walker then came up and laced a bases-clearing double to the left-center gap to put the Twins up 3-2 in the ninth inning.

Pinella put Mike Timlin in the game, who struck out Paul Molitor and Scott Stahoviak to stop the bleeding.

The Twins would go to Greg Swindell in the ninth. Swindell gave up back-to-back singles to Edgar Martinez and Russ Davis. Martinez advanced to third on a fielder's choice and then scored on a sacrifice fly by Andy Sheets, tying the game up 3-3. Swindell gave up a single to Dan Wilson but got Mike Blowers to ground out to end the inning.

Timlin would come out for the tenth but couldn't finish it. He gave up back-to-back singles to Matt Lawton and Rich Becker. Knoblauch advanced Lawton to third on a ground out, forcing the Mariners to bring the infield in. Ron Coomer hit a grounder to second, but with the infield in, Lawton retreated back to third. With two outs, the Mariners loaded the bases and brought in Brian Sweeney to pitch to Denny Hocking. Hocking hit a lazy fly ball to center to end the threat.

Despite blowing the save in the ninth, Tom Kelly would bring Swindell out to pitch the tenth. He gave up a lead-off single to Rodriguez to start the inning, but then got Buhner to strike out and Griffey to pop up to the catcher. Swindell took Martinez full, but then for reasons that still baffle us, he tried to pick off Rodriguez at first and launched the ball into the stands.

The Twins would intentionally walk Martinez to set up the force play, but Davis would loft a soft liner just over the outstretched glove of third baseman Ron Coomer. Rodriguez took off on contact and beat the throw to home to give the Mariners the walk-off victory and 2-1 series lead.

Minnesota Twins at Seattle Mariners
Oct 6, 1997 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Minnesota (1-3) 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2 13 0
Seattle (3-1) 0 0 1 1 3 0 0 1 x 6 14 0
W: Omar Olivares (1-0) L: LaTroy Hawkins (0-1) S: Bobby Ayala (1)

Mariners heading to ALCS to face Yankees

The Seattle Mariners managed to only beat the Minnesota Twins one time in eleven meetings. But when it mattered in October, the Mariners were able to get three wins in four games.

The Twins got on the board first in the first inning when Matt Lawton scored on a David Ortiz single to take a 1-0 lead. The Mariners tied up the game in the third inning when Jay Buhner scored on a Paul Sorrento single. The Mariners took the lead in the fourth inning when Joey Cora scored on a Dan Wilson single. The Twins tied the game back up in the fifth inning when Lawton launched a ball 375 feet over the left field wall.

The Mariners broke the game open in the fifth. Twins starter LaTroy Hawkins was chased from the game after walking two and giving up hits to Edgar Martinez and Roberto Kelly. Twins reliever Rick Aguilera came in and let one of his inherited runners score when he gave up a single to Cora. The final line on Hawkins was 4 and 1/3 innings pitched, five runs on ten hits, walking three and striking out four.

Mariners starter Omar Olivares, despite giving up 11 hits, only allowed two runs to score over six innings of work, walking one and striking out three. Norm Charlton, Brian Sweeney, and Bobby Ayala combined to throw three innings of scoreless relief.

Series MVP

RF Jay Buhner
.421 AVG (8/19) - 2 HR - 3 RBI - .450 OBP - .789 SLG

**jasontoddwhitt** · 11-08-2021, 12:38 AM

NLDS - Pittsburgh Pirates (86-76) vs Florida Marlins (98-64)

VS

Season Series: 6-5 Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Pirates at Florida Marlins
Oct 1, 1997 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Pittsburgh (0-1) 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 7 0
Florida (1-0) 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 10 1
W: Kevin Brown (1-0) L: Jon Lieber (0-1) S: Robb Nen (1)

Brown dominates Pirates in 3-1 Game 1 victory

The Marlins sent eight batters to the plate in a three run first inning and that was all the support Marlins starter Kevin Brown would need in the Marlins 3-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates in Game 1 at Pro Player Stadium.

Brown pitched 7 innings, giving up one run on seven hits, walking one and striking out six in the winning cause. The only offense the Pirates mustered was a solo home run in the fifth inning by Kevin Elster. Jon Lieber pitched six innings in a losing cause for the Pirates, giving up three runs on nine hits, striking out two. Robb Nen pitched two innings of perfect relief to nail down the save.

Pittsburgh Pirates at Florida Marlins
Oct 2, 1997 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Pittsburgh (0-2) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Florida (2-0) 0 4 0 1 0 2 0 1 x 8 13 0
W: Al Leiter (1-0) L: Francisco Cordova (0-1)

Leiter handcuffs Pirates, Marlins seize 2-0 advantage

Al Leiter threw eight innings of shutout ball and the Marlins batted around in a four-run second inning to bust the game wide open en route to an 8-0 route of the Pirates, seizing a 2-0 advantage in the NLDS.

Leiter gave up three hits over eight innings, striking out 12. Leiter managed to pitch around his five walks, but 128 pitches kept him from going for the complete-game shutout. Felix Heredia needed only four pitches to get through the ninth inning.

Pirates starter was chased out of the game after four innings, giving up five runs on seven hits, walking two and striking out four.

Florida Marlins at Pittsburgh Pirates
Oct 2, 1997 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Florida (3-0) 0 0 0 4 0 1 0 0 0 5 8 0
Pittsburgh (0-3) 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 8 0
W: Alex Fernandez (1-0) L: Jason Schmidt (0-1)

Marlins dominate, sweep Pirates

After manufacturing runs left and right in the first two games of the series, the Marlins used the long ball to send the Pirates packing. A two-run bomb by Cliff Floyd, two solo shots by Devon White, and a solo shot by Charles Johnson buried the Pirates as Alex Fernandez shut down the Pirates' bats en route to a 5-1 Game 3 victory, completing the sweep.

Fernandez threw seven innings of one-run ball, scattering seven hits and striking out seven in the victory. Jason Schmidt was chased from the game after four innings, giving up four runs on four hits, walking one, and striking out four.

Series MVP

CF Devon White
.500 AVG (6/12) - 2 HR - 2 RBI - .538 OBP - 1.167 SLG

**jasontoddwhitt** · 11-08-2021, 04:00 PM

NLDS - Atlanta Braves (90-72) vs Los Angeles Dodgers (87-76)

VS

Season Series: 7-4 Los Angeles

Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers
Oct 1, 1997 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Atlanta (0-1) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 3 5 3
Los Angeles (1-0) 0 0 1 0 0 3 0 0 x 4 11 1
W: Ismael Valdez (1-0) L: Greg Maddux (0-1) S: Todd Worrell (1)

Valdez outduels Maddux, Dodgers take Game 1

For five innings, Ismael Valdez and Greg Maddux went toe to toe in front of the capacity crowd at Dodger Stadium. The only blemish was an error in the outfield by Michael Tucker that Maddux was unable to pitch around in the third inning.

In the sixth inning, defensive miscues doomed Maddux and the Braves. Tony Graffanino and Jeff Blauser committed errors on consecutive plays to put runners on first and second. Darren Lewis sacrificed the runners over to second and third. The Braves intentionally walked Greg Gagne to load the bases and bring Valdez up, who Maddux struck out. Eric Young hit a slow grounder to second, which the speedy Young beat the throw to first to score a run. Raul Mondesi then hit a base hit that landed right in front of Tucker to plate another run to put the Dodgers up 4-0.

The Braves finally broke through in the eighth inning. Valdez was able to get the first two hitters, but Kenny Lofton singled and Andruw Jones doubled him in to make it 4-1. Todd Worrell came in and was able to get the Dodgers out of the inning.

The Braves threatened in the ninth inning. Ryan Klesko reached on an error and Javy Lopez blasted a two-run homer to left field to pull the Braves within one run. Worrell though recorded back-to-back strikeouts of Tucker and Blauser to end the threat.

Valdez gave up one run on four hits, walking one and striking out five over 7 and 2/3 innings pitched in a winning effort. Maddux gave up four runs (one earned) on 11 hits, walking one and striking out four over seven innings pitched in a losing effort. Worrell gave up two runs (one earned) on one hit, striking out two over 1 and 1/3 innings pitched for the save.

Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers
Oct 2, 1997 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Atlanta (1-1) 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 1 0 5 9 2
Los Angeles (1-1) 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 9 0
W: Alan Embree (1-0) L: Tom Candiotti (0-1) S: Tom Glavine (1)

Blauser blasts Dodgers, Braves take Game 2 5-4

Another great pitching battle was slated for Game 2, as John Smoltz would take the hill against Hideo Nomo. Much like in Game 1, defensive miscues led to the Dodgers jumping out to a four-run lead in the second inning. After that though, Smoltz settled in as both pitchers kept throwing zeroes up on the board.

The Braves finally broke through in the seventh inning. Javy Lopez led off the inning with a base hit to centerfield. Nomo struck out Michael Tucker but then gave up a two-run homer to Jeff Blauser to make it 4-2 Dodgers. Nomo then gave up a single to Tony Graffanino, struck out Kenny Lofton, then a base hit to Andruw Jones and a walk to Fred McGriff. The Dodgers brought knuckleballer Tom Candiotti out of the bullpen, and Chipper Jones ripped a knuckleball that didn't knuckle into the right-center gap, scoring Graffanino and Jones to tie the game at 4-4.

The Dodgers trotted Candiotti back out in the eighth inning and promptly gave up a lead-off double to Tucker, who then stole third. A Greg Colbrunn sacrifice fly scored Tucker to give the Braves a 5-4 lead.

Smoltz gave up four runs (three earned) on seven hits, striking out five over six innings of work in a no-decision. Nomo gave up four runs on six hits, walking two and striking out eight over 6 and 2/3 innings of work for a no-decision as well.

Alan Embree pitched a scoreless seventh inning to earn the win. In an interesting move, the Braves summoned Tom Glavine out of the bullpen to nail down the two-inning save. Apparently, Bobby Cox has decided to pitch Glavine out of the bullpen this series. The move worked, as the Dodgers only managed one hit in the two innings of work.

Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves
Oct 4, 1997 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Los Angeles (1-2) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 0
Atlanta (2-1) 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 4 4 1
W: Denny Neagle (1-0) L: Chan Ho Park (0-1) S: Tom Glavine (2)

Neagle handcuffs Dodgers, Braves seize 2-1 advantage

For three innings, it appeared the Dodgers and Braves were going to go be locked in another titanic struggle on the mound. Denny Neagle and Chan Ho Park were going at each other, baffling both lineups. The Dodgers managed to scratch a run across in the first inning when Eric Young advanced to second on a throwing error by Javy Lopez and Mike Piazza knocked him on a base hit to right. The Braves couldn't do anything to the young South Korean product.

The wheels came off in the fourth inning.

Park, who to this point had only allowed two base runners all game, unraveled in the inning. Park walked Chipper Jones and Ryan Klesko to start the inning. Lopez grounded out to advance both runners, and then Michael Tucker took Park full and drew the walk to load the bases.

Cue up shortstop Jeff Blauser, who hit a fly ball to left field that just got out of the park, clearing the bases with one swing and giving the Braves a 4-1 lead. That was all the scoring that would happen in this game. Park finished the inning, but that closed the book on him.

Neagle gave up one unearned run on four hits, walking one and striking out six in seven innings of work for the victory. Park gave up four runs on two hits, walking four and striking out three on four innings of work for the loss. Tom Glavine threw two innings of one-hit relief, striking out two for his second save of the postseason.

Los Angeles Dodgers at Atlanta Braves
Oct 5, 1997 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E
Los Angeles (2-2) 3 0 2 0 0 3 0 0 0 9 16 2
Atlanta (2-2) 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 5 13 0
W: Ted Lilly (1-0) L: Bruce Chen (0-1)

Dodgers knot series at 2

It was an interesting decision for both teams to trot out rookies for Game 4, and the offenses went off on both of them. The Dodgers scored three runs in the opening inning thanks to a Mike Piazza single plating Eric Young and an Adam Riggs single plating both Piazza and Eric Karros to give the Dodgers the early 3-0 advantage.

By the end of the second inning, the game was tied up 3-3. The Braves scratched a run in the first when Chipper Jones scored on a throwing error by Raul Mondesi. In the second inning, Michael Tucker scored on a triple by Jeff Blauser, who then scored on a double by Andruw Jones to tie the game up.

The Dodgers jumped back out in front in the third inning. Piazza singled and then scored on a Todd Zeile double to make it 4-3. Zeile then scored to make it 5-3 on a Darren Lewis single. The Dodgers broke the game open in the sixth inning when the Braves bullpen imploded. An RBI single by Young and a two-RBI double by Piazza gave the Dodgers an 8-3 lead.

The Braves threatened in the ninth, but Todd Worrell was able to pitch out of the bases-loaded jam he had created.

Lilly gave up three runs (one earned) on six hits, walking one and striking out four over five innings of work to pick up the victory. Chen gave up five runs on eight hits, walking one and striking out three over four innings of work in the loss.

Atlanta Braves at Los Angeles Dodgers | Final/10 Innings
Oct 7, 1997 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Extras R H E
Atlanta (2-3) 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 9 1
Los Angeles (3-2) 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 9 1
W: Scott Radinsky (1-0) L: John Smoltz (0-1)

Instant classic as Game 5 requires extra innings

Game 5 would see a rematch between Game 1 starters Greg Maddux and Ismael Valdez, and the meeting did not disappoint.

The Dodgers were able to jump on Maddux early in the first inning. Eric Young led the game off with a double and was able to score after advancing to third on a wild pitch, and then scored on a single by Mike Piazza. Piazza was then able to score on an Eric Karros double to give the Dodgers the early 2-0 advantage. Maddux was able to get out of the jam.

The Braves finally got to Valdez in the sixth inning. After Valdez struck out Andruw Jones, he gave up a single to Fred McGriff and a double to Chipper Jones. Ryan Klesko was able to drive in McGriff, but Jones was thrown out at home by Darren Lewis.

Maddux was pulled after throwing six innings, giving up two runs on six hits, walking one and striking out five. Valdez was pulled after throwing seven innings, giving up one run on eight hits, striking out seven.

The Braves brought Tom Glavine out of the bullpen in the seventh inning, who pitched three innings of scoreless relief, giving up one hit and striking out three to keep the Braves in it. Dodgers closer Todd Worrell came into the game in the eighth inning and pitched a perfect inning of relief. In the ninth inning, Worrell struck out Klesko and got Javy Lopez to ground out. Worrell fell behind Michael Tucker 3-1, and Tucker smoked a fastball 422 feet to right-center field to tie the game up.

The game headed off to extra innings, and Bobby Cox summoned John Smoltz out of the bullpen. Smoltz gave up a leadoff double to Darren Lewis to start the inning. Greg Gagne struck out, but then Smoltz walked Adam Riggs. Young came up and smoked a line drive to leftfield and Lewis was able to beat Klesko's throw to send the Dodgers to the NLCS.

Series MVP

C Mike Piazza
.524 AVG (11/21) - 6 RBI - .500 OBP - .619 SLG

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