From @VM.ITS.RPI.EDU:owner-bb2-l@WUVMD.WUSTL.EDU Thu Jul 14 09:54:51 1994 Return-Path: <@VM.ITS.RPI.EDU:owner-bb2-l@WUVMD.WUSTL.EDU> Received: from vm.its.rpi.edu by cs.rpi.edu (5.67a/1.4-RPI-CS-Dept) id AA24459; Thu, 14 Jul 1994 09:54:50 -0400 (unauthenticated from vm.its.rpi.edu) Message-Id: <199407141354.AA24459@cs.rpi.edu> Received: from VM.ITS.RPI.EDU by VM.ITS.RPI.EDU (IBM VM SMTP V2R2) with BSMTP id 7012; Thu, 14 Jul 94 09:51:15 EDT Received: from VM42.CSO.UIUC.EDU by VM.ITS.RPI.EDU (Mailer R2.10 ptf000) with BSMTP id 9481; Thu, 14 Jul 94 09:51:15 EDT Received: from VM42.CSO.UIUC.EDU (NJE origin LISTSERV@UIUCVM42) by VM42.CSO.UIUC.EDU (LMail V1.2a/1.8a) with BSMTP id 9540; Thu, 14 Jul 1994 13:54:13 +0000 Date: Thu, 14 Jul 1994 09:47:05 -0400 Reply-To: Baseball List Two Sender: Baseball List Two From: DODGER BLUE Subject: World Series article X-To: bb2-l@wuvmd.wustl.edu To: Multiple recipients of list BB2-L Status: RO (This is a little late coming, but hey, I was busy.) Granville (AP) The Men of LA managed to pull out a lackluster 5-3 World Series victory over the Pullman Sleepers. It was fitting that that in "The Season of the Pitching Penalty," that the Men of LA would benefit as they had all season from the opponants lack of a pitching staff. LA used the 50% penalties in the Championship Series to squeak out a 4-4 tie and won the tiebreak. In the World Series, the Sleepers could only field two starters and forfeited two pitching categories. The Men of LA were led by the awesome power displays of Matt Williams, the speed of Deion Sanders, the poise of Ken Hill, and the savy of Randy Myers. Bob "The Hammer" Hamelin was a pleasant surprise for the team. A candidate for the ROY, the Hammer provided much needed punch for a team that needed offense to overcome it's pitching problems. "I've felt that we had a team to do it every year, and it's nice to know that I'll finally be getting that ring on my finger," said veteran and team captain Matt Williams. "I've been here the longer than most of these guys, and though I'm a bit disappointed that I didn't contribute more to the team effort, I'm just happy to finally have the title," said Pat Listach who was sidelined through the stretch run and playoffs. This was LA's 3rd playoff appearance in the last 5 seasons, with the Men advancing further in each appearance. Five seasons ago, new management took over a franchise that had won 20 some games. In their first season, they pulled a "Worst to First" move and won the division. Now 5 seasons later, the Men of LA franchise finally pulled off their ultimate goal. Unlike many winning teams though, the Men of LA has had an unusual amount of turnover over the years. From the first division championship team there are only two players still around. Pat Listach and Juan Guzman. (And Guzman was suddenly traded days after gettting his championship ring). When asked to comment on the unusual amount of turnover, manager Tommy Lasorda said, "Well, it certainly makes managing challenging. I never know who I can count on from season to season, but hey it makes the job exciting." After celebrating, sobering statements about this came from the players. Juan Guzman was especially bitter when asked. Just hours after winning the title, he was traded. "Hey, I'm happy to have finally won this thing, not just for myself, but for the other guys, 'cause they're a fine bunch of guys. But I'm sick and tired of the total lack of respect and loyalty management has for the players. I worked my butt off for this team for two and half years. Hell, I'm the only guy left who was here with the new management from the start. I have one bad season and boom I'm shipped out." Relative newcomer Deion Sanders had this to say. "The game is about winning and you gotta see the business side. We all recognize that the GM is just trying to get the pieces together to get a title. But I think sometimes some of the players feel an extra pressure to perform, because no matter who they are they might get traded in the bat of an eye. And it don't matter whether we win or lose. Daulton got traded off a team that made the playoffs twice in a row. And off this championship team, all kinda guys got traded away." GM Eric Freeman defended his tactics. "I make some good trades, and I make some bad trades (see article on Albert Belle), but despite the complaints of the players, I try to find the proper chemistry for the team. And frankly I'm a little PO'ed to be asked about this. We just won the title! Let me bask in the glory for a bit."