With the All-Star break drawing closer, two hitters stood out in a big way to open July—both providing a jolt to their respective offenses and perhaps a sign of bigger things to come. The league recognized Colorado's Tim Salmon and Cincinnati's Javy Lopez as the United and Federal League Players of the Week, respectively. Let’s take a closer look at the performances behind the awards. United League Player of the Week: Tim Salmon (RF,...
Teams (Total Points, Tendency):1) Montreal Expos (122.6, ++)2) Kansas City Royals (121.6, -)3) St. Louis Cardinals (121.0, +)4) Cincinnati Reds (116.5, -)5) Colorado Rockies (109.2, ++)6) Pittsburgh Pirates (108.3, +)7) New York Mets (107.3, -)8) San Francisco Giants (106.3, --)9) Seattle Pilots (101.1, +)10) Washington Senators (100.1, -)11) Toronto Blue Jays (96.0, ++)12) Chicago Cubs (94.1, --)13) San Diego Padres (87.0, ++)14) Minnesota...
July 1: Batista and Henry Go the Distance, Vinny and Juan Walk It Off Miguel Batista was electric in St. Louis, firing a complete game shutout with 11 strikeouts and no walks in a 6–0 win over the White Sox. Matt Williams backed him with two home runs and three RBIs as the Cardinals cruised. Butch Henry matched him pitch for pitch in Pittsburgh, tossing a 6-hit shutout with 10 Ks in a 7–0 rout of the Spiders. He didn’t issue a single walk...
In a matter of hours, the Los Angeles Dodgers changed the course of their season—and perhaps their future. On July 1st, the front office executed not one, but two major trades, dealing away ace Roger Clemens, All-Star catcher Mickey Tettleton, and veteran infielder Scott Fletcher in a pair of moves that confirmed what many suspected: the Dodgers are shifting into full reset mode. The blockbuster came first. Clemens, still one of the premier...
In a bold stroke that could define not just the 1995 season but the long-term legacies of two franchises, the Montreal Expos acquired future Hall of Famer Roger Clemens from the Los Angeles Dodgers, sending back a package of picks and players. With the Expos firmly atop the United League East and Clemens still performing like an ace, the move signals a full-tilt push toward a championship. But it also sharpens the spotlight: anything short of a...