1/4 Pole
A look back at the beginning of the ‘82 season for each team after the completion of 41 games. An inside look at the good, not so good and what may happen in the future.
Atlanta Braves (24-17)
Hitting: Average - .251 Runs Per Game - 4.24
The Good: Murphy, Horner and Chambliss have been the big run producers.
The Not So Good: The double play duo of Ramirez and Hubbard have both struggled offensively. Each hitting below .210 has to improve to balance the offensive attack.
Pitching: ERA - 3.46 Runs Allowed Per Game - 3.93
The Good: The bullpen has been the rock of the staff. Garber, Bedrosian and McWilliams have all been outstanding. Niekro has pitched well, but has not always been supported by the offense.
The Not So Good: Other than Niekro, the remainder of the rotation has been taking its lumps.
Looking Ahead:
Overall, Atlanta has played very well. They are over looked by the hot start of L.A. The rotation needs to shore things up and the offense needs to be more balanced up and down the lineup.
1 Prediction:
Six big games with L.A. in June could make or break the Braves chances in the N.L. West. Niekro who is 1-5, will have a winning next 1/4 of the season.
Chicago Cubs (17-24)
Hitting: Average - .255 Runs Per Game - 3.93
The Good: Bump Wills, Bill Buckner and Leon Durham have been the leaders.
The Not So Good: The remainder of the lineup has not produced. To rely on three players makes it very tough.
Pitching: ERA - 4.79 Runs Allowed Per Game - 4.98
The Good: Not much.
The Not So Good: Over all this has been one of the poorest staffs in the National League. When you allow your opponents to out score you by 1+ run per game, you are in trouble.
Looking Ahead:
Chicago at times has looked very good. Then they lapse back into being a very poor team. They certainly need to strike a balance towards the positive to get more W’s.
1 Prediction:
Buckner is going to hit himself into the top five in batting by the All-Star break. He just might be that guy going to Montreal in Mid-July.
Cincinnati Reds (11-30)
Hitting: Average - .245 Runs Per Game - 2.76
The Good: Dave Concepcion, that’s it.
The Not So Good: Everybody else. This is the worst offensive team in all of baseball in 1982.
Pitching: ERA - 3.97 Runs Allowed Per Game - 4.17
The Good: Bruce Berenyi has done a very nice job in the rotation.
The Not So Good: Knowing your team won’t score 3 runs each not is a formidable task. Mario Soto at 1-5, is a much better pitcher than his record indicates.
Looking Ahead:
Can it get any worse? The Reds are on a pace for 44 wins in ‘82. The only way it changes is if the offense gets going. Being outscored by 1.5 runs per game makes it almost impossible to win a major league game.
1 Prediction:
Mario Soto is going to get hot over the next 41 games and turn his record around.
Houston Astros (21-20)
Hitting: Average - .248 Runs Per Game - 3.78
The Good: Thon, Puhl, Cruz, Garner, Knight
The Not So Good: The rest of the lineup. It is difficult to win when only 1/2 of the lineup is productive.
Pitching: ERA - 3.38 Runs Allowed Per Game - 3.80
The Good: Joe Niekro, what a job he has done. There has been no better pitcher in the National League this season. He has 1/3 of the teams wins.
The Not So Good: Nolan Ryan and Don Sutton are a combined 4-10. They account for 1/2 of the Astros losses.
Looking Ahead:
A few questions to ponder moving forward. Can the top five in the batting order continue to produce and stay healthy?? Will Niekro continue at his pace?? When will we see the best of Ryan and Sutton??
1 Prediction:
Ryan and Sutton will turn it around and between them win at least 10 games over the next 40 contests.
Los Angeles Dodgers (31-10)
Hitting: Average - .280 Runs Per Game - 4.56
The Good: Everything!! The top 6 in the order have been very good, healthy, dependable etc.
The Not So Good: Mike Scioscia needs to prove he can hit major league pitching, so far has not been good.
Pitching: ERA - 2.65 Runs Allowed Per Game - 3.10
The Good: Everything!! The starters are 21-6 and have tossed 7 shutouts!! The bullpen has recorded 20 saves!! When your offense out scores opponents by nearly 1.5 runs per game, one can’t help but pitch relaxed baseball.
The Not So Good: ????
Looking Ahead:
The lineup has been healthy. Can it stay that way?? The pitching has been incredible. Can it stay that way??
The biggest question moving forward is: When will the shoe drop?? When will the Dodgers come down to their division rivals and how far down will they drop?? Stay tuned.
1 Prediction:
L.A. will not have 60 wins at the halfway point of the season.
Montreal Expos (21-20)
Hitting: Average - .268 Runs Per Game - 4.10
The Good: Andre Dawson, Al Oliver and Warren Cromartie have been the offensive leaders thus far.
The Not So Good: Gary Carter has struggled the first 41 games. Who can consistently contribute at 2B?? You never know what you’re going to get each game.
Pitching: ERA - 3.57 Runs Allowed Per Game - 3.95
The Good: Steve Rogers has pitched like a #1 starter. A real stopper for a team who has needed it.
The Not So Good: You never know what you’re going to get each game. I think I said that before.
Looking Ahead:
Which team will show up over the next 40 games? Your guess is as good as mine. They are the best fielding team in the National League, if that continues and the hitting or pitching makes regular appearances the Expos will be alright.
1 Prediction:
They will show over the next 40 contests that they are a team to be reckoned with in the National League East.
New York Mets (15-26)
Hitting: Average - .255 Runs Per Game - 4.46
The Good: Mookie Wilson is a top lead off hitter in the N.L. Ellis Valentine is in the top 5 in the National League in hitting. Dave Kingman keeps popping the ball out of the park.
The Not So Good: George Foster is off to a very slow start, certainly not what New York hoped for when they acquired him.
Pitching: ERA - 5.24 Runs Allowed Per Game - 5.32
The Good: Allen and Orosco, two young relief pitchers have done a very good job.
The Not So Good: The starters don’t go deep into games and overall the staff needs to reduce the number of runs that they surrender each game.
Looking Ahead:
Pitching has been sub-par. It must drive manager George Bamberger many a sleepless night. If Wilson tails off the Mets offense could be in trouble.
1 Prediction:
The starting pitching makes a big improvement over the next 40 games and the Mets stay competitive!!
Philadelphia Phillies (22-19)
Hitting: Average - .242 Runs Per Game - 3.66
The Good: The leader of the offense has been Gary Matthews. He is hitting for average, driving in runs and stealing bases.
The Not So Good: Numerous players are under performing. It is no wonder they have struggled for wins with such a low team batting average.
Pitching: ERA - 3.55 Runs Allowed Per Game - 3.68
The Good: The staff has led this team in ‘82. Carlton and Ruthven have been outstanding in the rotation. Ron Reed and Monge on the back end have done a fantastic job.
The Not So Good: Mike Krukow has not pitched well. The good news is that he probably can only get better moving forward.
Looking Ahead:
If the pitching holds up and the offense improves, Philadelphia should definitely stay in the hunt in the N.L. East.
1 Prediction:
Over the next 40 games we will see the real Mike Schmidt.
Pittsburgh Pirates (24-17)
Hitting: Average - .260 Runs Per Game - 4.20
The Good: Jason Thompson has led the way for the Bucs through the first 1/4. A typical Pirates team producing enough runs to win consistently.
The Not So Good: Lead off hitter Omar Moreno hitting only .233, long term that is not good. Lack of patience at the plate by this team.
Pitching: ERA - 3.27 Runs Allowed Per Game - 3.63
The Good: Rick Rhoden, John Candelaria and Kent Tekulve have all been excellent.
The Not So Good: More consistency needed from starter Don Robinson as well as relief pitchers Enrique Romo and Rod Scurry.
Looking Ahead:
Will the overall pitching staff remain this good? Thompson will need others around him to help carry the load. Pittsburgh is 3rd in the N.L. in fielding so far, hopefully this continues to support their pitching staff.
1 Prediction:
The left side of the infield of Dale Berra and Bill Madlock have a combined 1 home run through 41 games. I bet by game 81 they will have many more.
St. Louis Cardinals (24-17)
Hitting: Average - .260 Runs Per Game - 4.07
The Good: George Hendrick and Keith Hernandez have been the leaders.
The Not So Good: Herr and Ozzie Smith struggling average wise. A little up and down offensively from game to game.
Pitching: ERA - 2.69 Runs Allowed Per Game - 2.83
The Good: Pitching staff 1A at the worst in the National League
The Not So Good: ????
Looking Ahead:
If the pitching continues and the offense balances out some more, this team will definitely be alright.
1 Prediction:
Herr and Ozzie pick it up offensively. Darrell Porter also finds his HR bat.
San Diego Padres (15-26)
Hitting: Average - .261 Runs Per Game - 3.66
The Good: Sixto Lezcano has been the heart beat of the Padres offense. Broderick Perkins has also exceeded any expectations that anyone may have had.
The Not So Good: Terry Kennedy and Ruppert Jones have not produced as expected. Despite a good team batting average, the Padres run production is sub-par.
Pitching: ERA - 4.17 Runs Allowed Per Game - 4.37
The Good: Eric Show has been fantastic. The bullpen overall has done an excellent job. Too bad they can’t get a lead to closer Luis DeLeon more often.
The Not So Good: The starting rotation has not been good. With a combined record of 6-15, it is no wonder this team is buried in the N.L. West.
Looking Ahead:
Many things need to be different in order for San Diego to improve. More hits with runners in scoring position. Starting pitching that can go a quality 6 or 7 innings. The worst fielding team in the N.L. cannot keep self-inflicting problems on their pitchers.
1 Prediction:
This is tough, so many things need to change for the better. So…..the starting pitchers will find a way to be well above .500 over the next 40 games.
San Francisco Giants (20-21)
Hitting: Average - .247 Runs Per Game - 4.20
The Good: The offense is scoring runs. Veterans Joe Morgan, Reggie Smith and Darrell Evans have been the leaders.
The Not So Good: Team batting average is low for the talent on this team. Jack Clark’s production is there even though his average isn’t.
Pitching: ERA - 3.81 Runs Allowed Per Game - 4.29
The Good: Closer Greg Minton has been great, too bad he hasn’t been used more often with a win at hand.
The Not So Good: The starting rotation is 10-13. As a result the bullpen has had too much action.
Looking Ahead:
The number 11 is not a good one for S.F. They are 11 games back in the N.L. West and they are 11th in the N.L. in fielding. Besides their fielding needing improvement, both their hitting and pitching need to step up.
1 Prediction:
The starting rotation and their offensive production will work in harmony to have a much better next 40 games.
Baltimore Orioles (26-15)
Hitting: Average - .268 Runs Per Game - 4.73
The Good: The majority of the lineup has been excellent. When you out score your opposition by over one run per game you’re doing the job.
The Not So Good: Eddie Murray has been good, but can be much better. Need Sakata to also pull his weight.
Pitching: ERA - 3.48 Runs Allowed Per Game - 3.66
The Good: Palmer, Flanagan and the bullpen.
The Not So Good: For a while, the consistent pitching wasn’t there. They can’t fall back into this mode to stay at the top of the A.L. East.
Looking Ahead:
The latest surge has put them in the hunt. If they continue to bash the baseball offensively and get good pitching the Orioles will be fine.
1 Prediction:
Murray is sitting on 2 home runs for the season. By game 81 he will have at least 10 more, look out American League as Murray heats up with the weather.
Boston Red Sox (26-15)
Hitting: Average - .275 Runs Per Game - 5.05
The Good: Jim Rice looks like a MVP again, having a tremendous season. Yaz has been very productive as the DH. Jerry Remy remains hot, has been a great table setter. The offense is outscoring their opponents by a run per game.
The Not So Good: Glenn Hoffman and the catchers (Allenson & Gedman) need to hold up the bottom of the order in a better way.
Pitching: ERA - 3.69 Runs Allowed Per Game - 4.02
The Good: Dennis Eckersley has been the rock of the rotation. The bullpen (Burgmeier, Clear & Stanley) are 3-1 with 16 saves.
The Not So Good: They are short in long relief if something happens to their main three bullpen pitchers. The rest of the rotation needs to pick up its game.
Looking Ahead:
Boston seemingly can always find offense. Their pitching has been better than advertised. Will the pitching staff continue to excel??
1 Prediction:
Rice will continue to be “the man” driving the offense. What kind of let down might he have moving forward?
California Angels (22-19)
Hitting: Average - .254 Runs Per Game - 4.90
The Good: The power has been there as the Angels have hit 47 home runs. California has shown they can score runs. Doug DeCinces has really carried the load of run production so far in ‘82.
The Not So Good: Baylor hitting in the low .200’s is not acceptable, nor is Reggie Jackson with only 4 home runs and Tim Foli hitting below .200.
Pitching: ERA - 4.21 Runs Allowed Per Game - 4.66
The Good: Bruce Kison has been dependable both as a starter and out of the bullpen.
The Not So Good: California has shown that they give up too many runs. Starters have not effectively gone deep into games on a consistent basis. Finding a closer???
Looking Ahead:
Their recent success has seen much better pitching. Will that continue?? How much they continue to improve will be greatly impacted by how well they pitch going forward.
1 Prediction:
Reggie gets hot, the pitching continues improving and the Angels take a strong hold on the A.L. West!!
Chicago White Sox (20-21)
Hitting: Average - .262 Runs Per Game - 3.88
The Good: Mostly the potential of this lineup. They have the ingredients to do much on the offensive end.
The Not So Good: Unfortunately, this lineup has been inconsistent, lacked run production and missing the long ball.
Pitching: ERA - 4.23 Runs Allowed Per Game - 4.73
The Good: Lamarr Hoyt has been the best in their starting rotation. Barojas and Escarrega out of the bullpen have been amazing.
The Not So Good: The remainder of the rotation has not produced. When looking at this staff objectively, when you are being outscored by nearly 1 run per game, something has to change.
Looking Ahead:
Hopefully more instant pop from a lineup that can hit the long ball. The rotation must step up and help a overused bullpen. Their is no dominate team in the A.L. West, that may allow the White Sox to stick around for a while longer.
1 Prediction:
The offense starts to narrow the divide in offensive run production compared to the pitching staff’s runs allowed.
Cleveland Indians (21-20)
Hitting: Average - .291 Runs Per Game - 5.17
The Good: Harrah and Thornton - they have hit 64% of the teams HR, have 37% of the teams RBI, and a total of 14 game winning RBI’s. Manning has been a force out of the lead off spot. Health has been on their side, five players have appeared in all 41 games.
The Not So Good: Up the middle they are weak at the plate.
Pitching: ERA - 3.93 Runs Allowed Per Game - 4.22
The Good: Barker and Sutcliffe have been great. Take them out of the team numbers and the club’s ERA soars by an extra 1.00!
The Not So Good: The back of the rotation and the bullpen.
Looking Ahead:
If their hitting falls off in any way they are in trouble. Even with the great offense thus far, they are only one game above .500.
1 Prediction:
The pitching will not improve significantly and the offense will have a drop off. Staying above the break even mark may prove to be difficult for Cleveland.
Detroit Tigers (27-14)
Hitting: Average - .278 Runs Per Game - 5.17
The Good: Larry Herndon, Larry Herndon, Larry Herndon!! Enough said about the best hitter in baseball so far this season. Kudos to Lance Parrish who is having a very good season as well.
The Not So Good: Though they have combined for 42 RBI in 41 games, Lou Whitaker and Alan Trammell need to up their averages. Both are currently below .250.
Pitching: ERA - 3.71 Runs Allowed Per Game - 4.05
The Good: Jack Morris and Dan Petry are a combined 13-2.
The Not So Good: The remainder of the staff is 14-12. Who will step up and be the closer??
Looking Ahead:
Everyone knows Herndon will cool off. Who will pick the offense up then?? Parrish will need support leading the offense. Can the pitching staff keep the Tigers in the hunt in the A.L. B(East)??
1 Prediction:
A strong feeling that the pitching may not hold up for Detroit. I might be wrong, but time will tell.
Kansas City Royals (19-22)
Hitting: Average - .284 Runs Per Game - 4.88
The Good: The starting lineup is as good as most anyone in the American League. A typically Royals team, lots of doubles and few home runs.
The Not So Good: Even though they hit well, great hitting will never overcome poor pitching.
Pitching: ERA - 5.03 Runs Allowed Per Game - 5.49
The Good: Gura and Blue have recently put together some strong outings. Mike Armstrong out of the bullpen started red hot, has cooled off some lately but has shown signs of being very effective.
The Not So Good: Overall this staff has not been good. If they don’t get their pitching act together, K.C. will struggle to get above .500.
Looking Ahead:
The Royals only improve if their pitching improves. To stay in the hunt of the A.L. West, this must happen.
1 Prediction:
I don’t see the pitching turning around any time soon. Kansas City will continue to tease their fans with the good and bad of the ‘82 season.
Milwaukee Brewers (28-13)
Hitting: Average - .289 Runs Per Game - 5.51
The Good: The entire lineup. Bar none, the best offensive everyday lineup in the majors in ‘82. 68 home runs through the first 41 games and a shortstop who has hit in 27 straight games.
The Not So Good: If you find a weakness, let me know.
Pitching: ERA - 3.24 Runs Allowed Per Game - 3.39
The Good: Starters, middle relief, short relief….. You name the group, they have all been great.
The Not So Good: If you find a weakness, let me know.
Looking Ahead:
Can they continue to out score opponents by over 2 runs per game. Conventional wisdom says no, we will see over the next 40 games. Milwaukee will not keep up this win pace, but will the other A.L. East teams play as well. Come the 1/2 way point we should have a good idea who are contenders and the pretenders. Milwaukee is a contender for sure.
1 Prediction:
The Brewers will not hit this well or pitch this well over the next 40 games. Neither will their division rivals. Look for Milwaukee to stay at or near the top of the A.L. East
Minnesota Twins (12-29)
Hitting: Average - .244 Runs Per Game - 3.85
The Good: Rookie Kent Hrbek has more than held his own at the plate and in the field. Left fielder Gary Ward also has played very well for the Twins.
The Not So Good: Gary Gaetti may lead the team with 27 RBI, but he is only hitting .168. His production will only continue if he can prove he can hit for average.
Pitching: ERA - 4.82 Runs Allowed Per Game - 5.29
The Good: Ron Davis has been solid out of the bullpen. Unfortunately it has been hard to get the ball to him with a late inning lead. Starter Al Williams has done well thus far.
The Not So Good: The pitching staff as a whole is a shambles. The only way it gets better for Minnesota is if the pitching staff turns it around.
Looking Ahead:
Tom Brunansky has been a steal (acquired from California). No, he won’t continue to hit .500 (14-for-28) but he sure fits in nicely with the young hitting core the Twins have.
Will the pitching improve?? That is the 10 million dollar question for this team.
1 Prediction:
Fans will continue to see many home runs at the Metrodome. With some pitching luck, those hit by the Twins may equate into more W’s over the next 40 games.
New York Yankees (24-17)
Hitting: Average - .254 Runs Per Game - 4.49
The Good: Ken Griffey had the best first quarter for the Yankees. Graig Nettles provided a lot of pop and Butch Wynegar has been outstanding after arriving in the Bronx.
The Not So Good: Still some weak spots in the batting order. What will the impact be of Willie Randolph out for an extended period of time?
Pitching: ERA - 3.35 Runs Allowed Per Game - 3.76
The Good: The overall pitching staff has been outstanding. Dave Righetti, Tommy John and Goose Gossage have led the way.
The Not So Good: Ron Guidry is off to a slow start in ‘82. Can he turn it around?
Looking Ahead:
Will Dave Winfield step up over the next 40 games to lead this team? Can the pitching keep up at this pace? A slip here or there offensively or on the mound could be costly to the Yankees.
1 Prediction:
Winfield will step up and be the leader the Yankees need. Unfortunately, others will have a dip over the next 40 and New York will slip out of any real contention in the A.L. East.
Oakland A’s (21-20)
Hitting: Average - .234 Runs Per Game - 4.22
The Good: Rickey Henderson’s 25 stolen bases and he missed 10 games. Dwayne Murphy has driven in 30 runs.
The Not So Good: Can this team continue to produce offense despite their poor team batting average? Tony Armas must improve on a .175 batting average and cut down on what is already 44 strikeouts for the season. To be more affective, Henderson must bring up a .231 average.
Pitching: ERA - 4.16 Runs Allowed Per Game - 4.41
The Good: Dave Beard out of the bullpen with 10 saves. The starting staff has completed 9 games this season.
The Not So Good: The staff overall gives up more runs than the offense produces. Can a team continue its winning ways like this??
Looking Ahead:
The A’s need to give up fewer runs in order to stay “above water”. Defensively they are tied for 3rd in the American League in double plays turned. Probably because so many runners get on base.
1 Prediction:
Manager Billy Martin will need to continue his “smoke & mirrors” managing. He mastered maneuvering his lineup so far, will it continue? With a better batting average, Henderson should be well over 50 steals by the midway point of ‘82.
Seattle Mariners (14-27)
Hitting: Average - .252 Runs Per Game - 3.73
The Good: Richie Zisk and Al Cowens were the bright spots. Zisk’s torrid hitting and Cowens run production paced the offense.
The Not So Good: The Cruz’s. Both Julio and Todd need to increase their production. With one hitting just above the Mendoza line and the other below the Mendoza line, the Mariners need an improvement in both players moving forward.
Pitching: ERA - 4.39 Runs Allowed Per Game - 4.90
The Good: Starters Floyd Bannister and Jim Beattie more than held their own. They have been durable and two of the best strikeout pitchers in the American League. Closer Bill Caudill had a hot start, but his chances to protect games has diminished recently.
The Not So Good: The middle relief. Holding leads and keeping the Mariners in games has been a problem. There is no way Caudill can excel if these guys can’t get the game to him with a lead. Seattle currently is being outscored by more than 1 run per game and wins won’t happen if that continues.
Looking Ahead:
Defensively there has been no better team in the majors at turning a double play. With 55 double plays turned, Seattle is far and away the leader in the majors. It may also be a result of the pitching staff allowing too many runners on base.
The current 8-game losing skid has put a damper on what wasn’t a terrible beginning to the season. This is a better team than their record indicates. They need to turn it around sooner as opposed to later.
Gaylord Perry will get #300 at some point. Like many on the staff, Perry has not thrown well lately.
1 Prediction:
Seattle will have a better next 40 games than the first 41 games.
Toronto Blue Jays (13-28)
Hitting: Average - .259 Runs Per Game - 3.22
The Good: Buddy Bell (.339) and Larry Parrish (.338) have been hitting for a great average.
The Not So Good: Bell and Parrish despite hitting so well have a combined 32 RBI in the first 41 games. Scoring has been very difficult for the Rangers as a team
Pitching: ERA - 4.95 Runs Allowed Per Game - 5.12
The Good: Frank Tanana (6-2, 2.39 ERA) has been Cy Young worthy.
The Not So Good: Combined with a lack of run production, this staff is allowing this team to be outscored by 1.9 runs per game. No team will win with that combination.
Looking Ahead:
Both the run production and the staff limiting runs is a must for this team to turn the season around.
1 Prediction:
Both Bell and Parrish will significantly increase their RBI production over the course of the next 40 games.
Toronto Blue Jays (13-28)
Hitting: Average - .247 Runs Per Game - 3.34
The Good: Damaso Garcia has been simply outstanding. The lead off hitter leads the team with 22 RBI.
The Not So Good: The rest of the offense. The teams inability to score runs has hampered this team from more wins.
Pitching: ERA - 4.21 Runs Allowed Per Game - 4.66
The Good: On almost any other team in baseball, Jim Clancy and Dave Stieb have winning records. On this team, losing records and mounting frustration. Roy Lee Jackson has been dominate out of the bullpen.
The Not So Good: The rest of the staff. The Blue Jays are being outscored by over one run per game.
Looking Ahead:
Someone has to step up and join Garcia to become an offensive threat. More runs scored plus less runs given up would be a plus. Who on this pitching staff will step up and be a contributor?
1 Prediction:
They can’t be much worse. They will crack the 30-win plateau before the halfway point, I think.