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GREG MADDUX RETIRES ON TOP Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Greg Maddux has announced his retirement. The forty-two year old right-hander is coming off one of his best seasons in 2009, going 4-3 and a 3.32 ERA. Cleveland aquired Maddux from the Kansas City Royals for pitchers Jeremy Sowers and Tom Gordon on April 18, 2007. Just five days earlier, Maddux had been traded from the Minnesota Twins, where he had spent his first two years. Maddux surpassed all expectations in 2007 by posting a 7-3 record for Cleveland and finishing third in Cy Young voting. In his first two seasons, Maddux posted an impressive 11-5 record in 21 starts with Minnesota. He was the starting pitcher for the Twins in their crucial one-game playoff against Kansas City in 2005. "Greg's departure leaves a big hole in our rotation,” said Cleveland General Manger Steve Dudero. “Hopefully we can come up with something in the draft or maybe via trade, but 'Mr. Reliable' will be sorely missed.” Greg Maddux career MSPSL stats: YEAR TM
W L GS
THE ROYALS ARE THE 2009 LEAGUE CHAMPIONS The fans
in Kansas City are celebrating their team's MSPSL World Series championship! It
is a bit bittersweet since the team is packing up and moving to Baltimore, but
that won't put a damper on the the excitement felt in the streets of Kansas City
tonight!
BUEHRLE PITCHES
METS PAST INDIANS IN ONE-GAME PLAYOFF November 25, 2008 --- New York lefty Mark Buehrle allowed just one run and five hits over 8 1/3 innings as the New York Mets downed Cleveland 4-1 in an exciting one-game playoff to advance to the ALCS. Carl Crawford touched Cleveland starter Scott Kazmir for a solo homer in the bottom of the first inning to give the Mets an early lead. Vladimir Guerrero added a three-run shot in the second inning, increasing the Mets lead to 4-1. That proved to be all the runs Buehrle would need. Bobby Jenks relieved Buehrle following a one-out double in the 9th inning and recorded the final two outs to earn the save. Both teams finished the regular season tied for the AL Wildcard spot with identical 25-29 records. By winning the regular season series between the two teams, 6-4, New York hosted the playoff game at Shea Stadium. The Mets now advance to the American League Championship Series against the AL champion Anaheim Angels. The National League Champion Minnesota Twin will host the red-hot Kansas City Royals in the NLCS.
KANSAS CITY STAFF PITCHES FIRST NO-HITTER IN LEAGUE HISTORY November 13, 2008 --- MSPSL History was made in Seattle as Kansas City's Jake Peavy and relievers combined to record the first no-hitter in league history. The stakes couldn't be higher in the game as the Royals were playing rival Seattle for a chance to go to the playoffs. Peavy was up for the challenge, pitching the first six innings of near-perfect baseball. He recorded ten strikeouts and was pulled after six innings due to tightness in his shoulder. The no-hitter may have inspired the entire Kansas City team, who went on to sweep the five-game series against Seattle and come close to locking up the Wildcard spot in the American League. Seattle must win five of their final six to have a chance for a second straight trip to the playoffs.
KANSAS CITY HAS NEW OWNERSHIP September 3, 2008 --- The MSP Strat League would like to welcome our newest manager, Eric Thrall, to the league! Eric will be assuming ownership of the Kansas City Royals franchise during the exciting stretch run. Welcome, Eric, and good luck!
LOS ANGELES TAKES 2007 LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP IN SIX!
LOS ANGELES WINS A CLOSE ALCS WITH CLEVELAND January 7, 2008 --- Ryan Zimmerman’s Game Seven bottom of the 12th sacrifice fly scored Jimmy Rollins from third base to give the Los Angeles Angels a 4-3 series win over the defending MSPSL champion Cleveland Indians. The Angels now meet Minnesota in the World Series. The series not only matched the league's two best records, but also the league's top offensive team against the league's best pitching staff. The Angels led the MSPSL in team ERA and boasted the 2007 Cy Young winner in Roy Halladay and runner-up Johan Santana. Cleveland’s lineup featured RBI champion and Most Valuable Player Manny Ramirez and batting champion Victor Martinez. Roy Halladay looked nothing like a Cy Young Award winner in game one. Cleveland pounded out fifteen hits, scoring nine runs against Halladay in only 6.2 innings. Johan Santana pitched a complete game two hitter in game two to even the series. Brandon Webb shut down the Cleveland offense for seven innings in game three. When Travis Hafner and Manny Ramirez hit consecutive homers in the eighth inning, L.A. went to four different relievers to finish the 4-2 victory. Game four saw a rematch of game one starters, Halladay and Chris Carpenter. This time, however, a different result as Halladay allowed only five hits in a complete game 3-1 Angel victory and a commanding 3-1 series lead. Facing elimination, Cleveland’s offense finally got back on track in game five. Frank Thomas hit three homers and knocked in eight runs as the Indians held on for a 12-10 win. Cleveland displayed some Cy Young quality pitching of their own in game six. Lefty Jeff Francis and four Cleveland relief pitchers held the Halos to one earned run in a 3-2 triumph. The win set up an exciting game seven. Cleveland jumped out to a five-run first inning lead against Halladay. C.C. Sabathia replaced Halladay in the second, giving up one more Cleveland run. Sabathia didn’t allow another Cleveland run in six more innings of relief. The Indians took the lead in the top of the eleventh when Chipper Jones doubled in Manny Ramirez who had tripled. Justin Duchscherer couldn’t hold the lead in the bottom of the inning. Chone Figgins singled in Vernon Wells to tie the score. That set up Zimmerman’s 12th inning sacrifice fly and Angel series win.
MINNESOTA SWEEPS SEATTLE TO EARN TRIP TO WORLD SERIES December 8, 2007 --- In a surprise outcome, the Minnesota Twins swept the Seattle Mariners in four games to earn their second trip to the World Series in three years. Lance Berkman earned the NLCS Most Valuable Player award by hitting .467 with two homeruns, 4 RBIs, and 6 runs scored. In a crucial game two, Berkman hit two homeruns and drove in all of Minnesota's runs in a 3-1 victory. John Smoltz was a notable 2-0 while winning games one and four. He was also the welcome recipient of a 9.50 run support average in his two starts. Seattle struggled with the bats with just Freddy Sanchez logging more than two hits for the entire series. The heart of the Mariner order really let down the Seattle faithful, as Nick Johnson, Carlos Guillen, and Andruw Jones combined to go 0-41 with 15 strikeouts! The Mariner bullpen was terrific throughout the short series, however they were never able to pitch with a lead. Despite the results of an NLCS that could have gone either way, a big congratulations goes to Jeff and his great Seattle team on a terrific season!
ANGELS FINISH WITH A FLOURISH, OVERTAKE INDIANS PLAYOFF MATCHUPS ARE SET November 30, 2007 --- By winning 14 of their last 18 games, the Los Angeles Angels have won the American League regular season championship. Trailing Cleveland by four games with 18 to go, Angel manager Harry Holman first led the Angels to 2-1 series victory over Kansas City. The Angels then swept the Royals at Kaufman Stadium. Next, the Angels hosted Seattle and defeated the Mariners 2-1. The Angels road mastery continued with a three-game sweep over the Mariners at SAFECO. The Angel sweep in Seattle gave Minnesota the NL Championship for the second time in three seasons. Minnesota led a tight NL race all season, posting a 29-25 mark. With Boston’s playoff hopes still alive, Los Angeles defeated the Red Sox 2-1 at Fenway. The two teams moved to Anaheim for the final three games of the season. A Boston series sweep would move the Sox into a tie for the NL Wild Card with Seattle. LA jumped out to an early lead with a six-run third inning and had to hold on for a 7-5 win. Red Sox outfielder Andre Ethier lined out sharply with the winning runs in scoring position in the bottom of the 9th. The loss eliminated the Red Sox from playoff competition, but moved Los Angeles into a first place tie with Cleveland. Boston did its best to spoil the Angels championship hopes with a 10-5 victory in the second game. Pedro Martinez pitched his only game of the year in the season finale and led the Angels to a 4-3 victory and the regular season championship. The ALCS will open in Los Angeles with the Angels hosting the Wild Card champion Cleveland Indians. The NLCS opens in Minnesota with the Twins hosting Seattle. Both series are best of seven.
OPENING SERIES RESULTS IN SPLIT The Boston Red Sox and Cleveland Indians opened the 2007 MSPSL season in front of a sell out crowd at Jacobs Field on Thursday. The Cleveland faithful went home disappointed as Boston hitters pounded out 15 hits while Roy Oswalt pitched seven strong innings in a 10-2 victory. Khalil Greene had four hits including a homer for the Sox. Roles were reversed in game two of the series as Cleveland exploded for 11 runs to back newly-acquired starter Greg Maddux. Cleveland slammed eight extra base hits, including homers by Manny Ramirez and Ray Durham. The Red Sox got back on track offensively in series finale with a 6-1 victory. Boston lefty Barry Zito pitched a complete game five-hitter. A sell-out crowd welcomed the Red Sox as the scene shifted to Fenway Park. Frank Thomas hit a pinch-hit homerun to help power the Indians to a 7-5 victory in game one. Jeff Francis pitched seven innings in the next game as the Indians came away with a 3-1 win. Boston earned a season split with an 11-4 win in the season finale between the two clubs. Robinson Cano had 12 hits in 20 ABs with 5 doubles, 1 triple, two homeruns and 13 RBI for Boston. “Cano was fantastic,” beamed Red Sox manager Mick Dudero. “We’re very happy with our offensive output so far,” Dudero added.
CLEVELAND IS A TEAM OF DESTINY IN 2006! December 14, 2006 --- Led by the pitching of Roger Clemens and John Patterson and clutch hitting of Chipper Jones, the Cleveland Indians defeated the Kansas City Royals four games to one to win the 2006 MSPSL World Series. Cleveland ace Roger Clemens took the hill in game one and pitched the Indians to a five-hit complete game 6-2 win. Clemens also won game four, 3-1. Brian Giles homered, tripled and doubled, knocking in two runs to power the Indians. Royal pitcher Jake Peavy allowed only one Cleveland hit in game two, however that hit was a two-run homerun by Chipper Jones. Cleveland hurlers John Patterson, Justin Duchscherer, and Jose Valverde made those two runs hold up for a 2-1 win. The Royals briefly broke their offensive slump in game three, pounding Cleveland pitching 10-1. Albert Pujols and Vladimir Guerrero homered for Kansas City. Chase Utley had three hits and Lance Berkman reached base all four trips to the plate. Chipper Jones followed a Brian Roberts third inning double with an RBI triple to stake Cleveland to an early 1-0 lead in game five. With Cleveland still leading in the top of the ninth, pinch hitter Jason Giambi walked. Pinch runner Mike Cameron stole second base and scored on Brian Roberts' two-out single. Pitchers John Patterson, Salomon Torres, Tom Gordon, and Jose Valverde combined for the 2-0 shutout. Valverde recorded his third save of the series. Clemens and Jones shared series MVP honors. Clemens won two games in the series and recorded a 1.10 ERA. Jones hit .417 for the series to go along with clutch hits in game two and five victories. Cleveland won nine of their last eleven games to overtake Pittsburgh for the regular season championship. The Indians then downed the Pirates in the Championship Series to advance to the World Series.
MINNESOTA TWINS ARE THE 2005 CHAMPS! January 28, 2006 --- In yet another unlikely series final, the Minnesota Twins have won the first ever championship in MSPSL history by sweeping the Pittsburgh Pirates in four games. The Minnesota offense, who led the league in homeruns in the regular season, were set aflame against the Pirate pitching. Overall, the Twins batted .365 with eight homeruns and 43 runs scored! Eric Gagne and Livan Hernandez each won two games. Game Two was the most exciting game of the series. It was a back and forth affair with the lead changing hands five times, only to end up a 5-5 tie going into the 9th inning. Juan Rincon almost escaped a one-out rally with runners at second and third when he struck out slugger Jim Edmonds. However, Jose Guillen smacked a 3-1 slider into the left-center bleachers to get the dramatic walk-off homerun and a 2-0 series lead. Scott Rolen was clearly the World Series MVP, batting a cool .556 (10 for 18) with 1 double, 2 homeruns, 7 runs, and an amazing 11 RBIs in just four games. Slick-fielding shortstop Jack Wilson hit .353 for the Pirates with 1 homerun. Barry Bonds, on the other hand, was a non-factor. He batted .167 (2 for 12) with just one homerun and two RBIs in the series.
ALCS IS PITTSBURGH OVER OAKLAND IN SIX! January 28, 2006 --- Proving just how even the teams in MSPSL are, both wildcard teams have earned trips to the MSPSL World Series in 2005. Behind strong pitching and clutch hitting, the Pittsburgh Pirates have bested the Oakland Athletics in six games, 4-2. There were amazing pitching matchups throughout the series. Game One featured the top two southpaws in baseball, Randy Johnson and Johan Santana, squaring off. The Big Unit pitched eight strong innings, striking out six, to give Oakland the 1-0 lead. Game Two was highlighted by Pedro Martinez, 7-game winner in the regular season, striking out 13. The Pittsburgh bats came alive in the 9th inning to score five runs off the likes of Ben Sheets, K-Rod, and B.J. Ryan and win the game 6-2. Series tied 1-1. Game Three moved to Pittsburgh and was an Athletics victory. Another great matchup had Brad Radke outlasting Roy Halladay, while Johnny Damon went 3 for 5 with two runs. The Pirates tried to mount a comeback in the bottom of the 9th, but came up one run short. Final score 4-3 and Oakland takes the edge in the series again. The Pirates offense was the story in Game Four, scoring all seven runs in the first five innings. Sabathia pitched well enough for the win. Lew Ford was the hero, hitting two homeruns with four RBIs. Steve Finley also added an offensive spark going 4 for 4 with two RBIs. Final score 7-2 and series tied yet again. Game Five was a rematch of game one, this time with Johan Santana, the ALCS MVP, pitching a complete game shutout that featured an astounding 14 strikeouts, while only allowing three hits and a walk. Both Johnson and Santana went the distance, but Johnson was touched for three homeruns (Bonds, I-Rod, Wilson). 5-0 score with Pittsburgh winning the crucial fifth game. The final game in the series headed back to Oakland for yet another come from behind win for Pittsburgh by a score of 4-2. I-Rod connected for a 3-run big slam in the 8th to put his team ahead for good. Pedro Martinez had seven strikeouts in the no-decision effort, bringing his series total of 20. He and Santana combined for 44 strikeouts during the six game series! Pittsburgh will face the Minnesota Twins in the World Series.
MINNESOTA GET PAST FLORIDA IN THE NLCS! January 26, 2006 --- In a surprising upset, the Minnesota Twins have earned a trip to the 2005 MSPSL World Series by sweeping the powerful Florida Marlins in four games. Game One took 11 innings before Alex Rodriguez slammed a pinch hit homerun off reliever Keith Foulke. Billy Wagner slammed the door in the bottom of the 11th to give Minnesota the 1-0 series lead. Game Two was a thriller and the most exciting game in the series. With Florida leading 7-6 and Minnesota down to their final out, Jose Guillen got a juicy pitch that he deposited into the left field seats to force extra innings for the second straight game. It stayed that way until the 13th when Rolen hit a dramatic homerun to give Minnesota the lead. Eric Gagne earned the win by pitching three near-perfect innings in relief. Games Three and Four took place in Minnesota and was highlighted by Bronson Arroyo's terrific outing in Game Three. Against the potent Florida lineup, he took a no-hitter into the 7th inning and a shutout into the 9th inning! The Twins took games three and four by scores of 7-2 and 13-3. Scott Rolen was the series MVP, batting .400 (8 for 20) with a homerun and 7 RBIs. Marcus Giles of Florida also had a terrific series, batting .667 (8 for 12) with 2 doubles and 3 stolen bases.
TRADE DEADLINE HAS PASSED September 1, 2005 --- A reminder to all teams from the office of the commissioner: For a player to be eligible for a postseason roster, he must be on a team's 40-man roster by September 1st. Any player traded after September 1st will not be eligible for postseason play this year. All trades should be reported directly to the Commissioner's office and, upon review, will be forwarded to the league website coordinator.
BOSTON LOOKS TO BOLSTER LINEUP July 17, 2005 --- A mid-season transaction has Boston looking to make a move in the National League pennant race. The Red Sox picked up hot-hitting righthanded third baseman Melvin Mora from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for 24-year old lefty C.C. Sabathia. Both parties seem happy with the trade. Mora looks to split time with incumbent third baseman, Hank Blalock, who hits from the left side. Pittsburgh GM Christopher Lecher is hoping that Sabathia can be an anchor and solidify the bottom of his starting rotation. Boston GM Mick Dudero also called up second baseman Todd Walker, who was lighting up Triple-A pitching. Mark Bellhorn was outrighted to Pawtucket to clear space.
PETTITTE ALMOST PERFECT! April 13, 2005 --- In the rubber match of a three game series between Chicago and Florida, Marlin ace Andy Pettitte was one out away from making MSPSL history. The big southpaw took a no-hitter into the ninth inning along with a 5-0 lead. After retiring the first two batters, the tension mounted in U.S. Cellular Field. Catcher Paul Lo Duca then stepped up to the plate and slammed an 0-2 fastball off the left-center field wall to break up the no-hit bid. Pettitte then retired Rowand to wrap up the complete game shutout, allowing one hit, three walks, while striking out four.
SEASON KICKS OFF IN JACOBS FIELD! March 29, 2005 --- In what has become a league tradition, the Indians and Red Sox kicked off the 2005 season at Jacobs Field in Cleveland.
What started off as a pitcher's duel
between staff aces Roger Clemens and Jason Schmidt quickly turned into a
blowout as Boston scored five runs late in the game to win the season opener,
9-3. Good pitching continued in game two as Roy Oswalt outdueled Freddy
Garcia in a 4-2 Red Sox victory. In the third game, Cleveland earned their
first victory of the season with a 6-5 win. Victor Martinez hit a three run
homer to power the Indians.
A sellout crowd greeted the Red Sox
for the home opener at Fenway Park. Eric Chavez homered in the tenth
inning to put the Tribe ahead, 5-4, however Danys Baez was unable to hold the
lead as Juan Pierre delivered a bases loaded single to clinch the win.
In game two, young southpaw Oliver Perez pitched seven strong and David Ortiz
hit a two-run blast to give the Sox a 4-3 win. The final meeting between the
two teams went into the 12th inning before a beleagured Baez blew another
lead, walking in the winning run on a borderline full count fastball to Sean
Casey. Boston won 4-3 to complete the sweep.
"We think we have a very good team
here," said Red Sox manager Mick Dudero. "It's nice to see the guys playing
well and getting off to a good start. It's been a long time coming."
"I'm happy for Mick," said a slighty
dejected Indian manager Steve Dudero. "He has a good team and they came up
big when it counted the most. Not everything went our way this time around,
but things will get better."
PRESEASON IS OVER March 21, 2005 --- The 2005 preseason activities is rapidly drawing to a close. All free addition players have been handed out and both drafts have been completed. All that remains is that owners must turn in their official Major and Minor League rosters to the commissioner. Once this list has been submitted, games may begin! Remember that you may continue to conduct trades and other day-to-day GM duties. If you make a roster move or if a player suffers an injury, please send the information to the league statistician and your team web page will be updated. Please review the league constitution before gameplay and any questions can be sent directly to the commissioner. Good luck to all!
2005 SEASON PREVIEW March 19, 2005 --- MSPSL owners are invited to check out the complete "2005 Season Preview" page that was just published this evening. It is a rundown of each team in the American and National Leagues; their strengths, weaknesses, and possible X-Factors that could push the team to the top of the standings in the coming season. Please remember that it is all in good fun and meant purely as entertainment, so please, no nasty letters to the editor!
WAIVER POOL SET, DRAFT TO BEGIN March 16, 2005 --- All MSPSL teams have trimmed their rosters down to 40 players and the Waiver Draft is set to begin on Thursday, March 17th. After all details have been finalized with the rosters, the league commissioner will send out an electronic notification to all owners and the draft shall begin. The rules and draft order are the same as with the Main Draft. Waiver Draft picks may not be traded.
FLORIDA FRANCHISE RELOCATING March 14, 2005 --- After only a half-season of owning the Marlins, Florida GM Dan Bauman has sacrificed his 2005 sixth round draft pick in order to move his highly-potent ballclub to the midwest. Starting in 2006, Kansas City will be the new home for his team and will be renamed the Royals. City officials just approved legislation that will build Mr. Bauman a brand new stadium. They even have plans to include a series of waterfalls beyond the center field fence. "We welcome professional baseball back into our community and into our hearts," stated an ecstatic Kansas City councilmember. The mayor of Miami-Dade County, Carlos Alvarez, when asked about the relocation, displayed mixed emotions. "The Marlins will always have a place in our hearts. We will never forget their exciting playoff run from just one year ago." However, he quickly added, "but everyone knows that Miami is a football town."
SOSA UNHAPPY March 9, 2005 --- Athletics slugger Sammy Sosa is unhappy and he doesn't care who knows about it. "I have made my position clear to my agent. TRADE ME," said Sosa. Oakland Owner and GM, Tim Elsbernd, was quoted, "obviously I need to sit down with Sammy and talk about this. It's spring training. The last thing our club needs at this point is a distraction." When asked if he thought this was a problem, Elsbernd replied, "no, we expect Sammy to perform like the all-star that he is." Inside sources say that Oakland management is currently looking for a new home for the southside slugger. This became more apparent when outfielder Jeromy Burnitz was selected in the 2nd round by the A's earlier this evening in the Main Draft.
2005 MAIN DRAFT HAS COMMENCED! March 8, 2005 --- In a formal proclamation direct from the commissioner's office, the 2005 Main Draft has officially begun. All owners have been asked to submit their draft picks directly to Steve via email, along with the player's primary position and team. Steve will then notify the league of each draft selection. Don't forget to keep up with the latest draft news by clicking on the "2005 Main Draft" tab to the left. All eyes are currently on the Chicago war room as we wait for them to reveal who the #1 draft choice will be in the year 2005!
OAKLAND FRONT OFFICE IS MAKING NOISE March 5, 2005 --- Tim Elsbernd, owner and general manager of the Oakland franchise, had a big trading day Saturday. After pondering several offers from around the league, Tim moved three players to two different teams in exchange for a very dynamic duo. Outfielder Moises Alou, picked up from Boston, and second baseman Jeff Kent, a long-time Indian, have donned green and gold and are expected to solidify the heart of the Oakland order. Alou and Kent bring a combined 66 HRs, 213 RBIs, and a plethora of playoff experience with them.
CHICAGO HAS NEW OWNER! March 1, 2005 --- After a tumultuous offseason in limbo, the White Sox have finally found someone to call the shots for the South Side Bombers. Newcomer Charlie Markon has agreed in terms to take the reigns of the Chicago franchise. Charlie will have his work cut out for him as he attempts to resurrect a ballclub that finished in last place one year ago, however he has a terrific core of veterans to build around. Jim Thome and Hideki Matsui look to lead the Pale Hose to the promised land in 2005 with the kean leadership of new owner, Charlie Markon! Welcome to the league, Charlie!
TRADING SEASON HAS BEGUN February 28, 2005 --- As teams eagerly await draft day, some owners have already begun to shape their rosters for the coming season. Three teams - Boston, Minnesota, and Pittsburgh - have made some moves: Boston traded P Brian Lawrence to Minnesota for P Paul Quantrill and OF prospect Jason Kubel. Minnesota traded 1B Derrek Lee, 1B Justin Morneau, P Octavio Dotel to Pittsburgh for 1B Todd Helton, 1B Richie Sexson, P Livan Hernandez. |
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• Copyright © 2005
Minneapolis/St. Paul Strat League |
