bah@cbosgd.UUCP (Bruce Hartsough) (09/23/85)
While Pedro G. certainly has been instrumental in the Dodger's success, now that he is out injured, and considering his slow start, one might look at those players who have had outstanding statistics this year, have been fortunate enough to be healthy, and have been consistently good all season. Willie McGee has already been mentioned and is a worthy candidate. How about a little consideration for the Red's Dave Parker? He's been a terror at the plate ALL SEASON long, has come through in the clutch time and time again, and has returned to his old outstanding defensive form (well, almost). He leads the NL in RBI's by more than ten over the next guy, has 29 homers and a .311 average the last time I checked, and is near the top in slugging percentage and doubles as well. He is the chief driver behind the Reds good season (hell, if we hold second I'd be happy, but right now were just 5 1/2 back). Since we hear so little on the net about the NL West, may I take just a moment more to wax on the Reds' year. First off, congrats to Pete, who now has 4200 hits. I got his autograph (the only one I ever collected) 22 years ago when I was 8 and he still had a burr haircut. (Can't stand that rat tail he's sporting now though, it looks like it's cut wrong to me.) Pete's provided many a thrill in my baseball watching over the years. Now that the media circus over hit 4192 is over, perhaps some might note the outstanding managing job he's done this year, and a few votes for Manager of the Year might fall his way. Sure I'm biased (-: As to other Rookie of the Year candidates: no doubt, Coleman gets the nod. But Tom Browning of the (who else) Reds is going for his 19th win on Tuesday, and has had an excellant year. Let's hope this doesn't turn into another Wayne Simpson/Mike Lacoss/Frank Pastore one-year-wonder syndrome. John Franco has become one the major's best relievers this season, and these two almost (but not quite) overcame the surprisingly tough year Mario Soto has had. West race at this point: San Francisco(6) is being prepared for a move to Denver, it would seem. Atlanta(5) has rolled over for contenders, hope they keep that going for the Reds this week. San Diego(4) joins Detroit as being unforgivably lacklustre this season. Houston(3) beat up the Padres and the Dodgers, then took a nine game winning steak home to the Dome, where the Reds(2) cooled them off two out of three in a very exciting series. The Astros play the Dodgers(1) at home this week, and with some good play can help the Reds close before the big three game series in L.A. The Dodgers have such good pitching that I have to give them the nod, but I'll hope a while longer.