Rickey Henderson

Breaking Down the MVP Field

October 4

Since the Brewers have a day off before Game 1 of the American League Championship Series tomorrow (it never gets old saying it!), I thought I’d break down Robin Yount‘s competition for the AL MVP award. Let’s be honest: As Brewers fans, it’s obvious to us who has earned the award this year. But I wanted to step back and take as unbiased a look as I can at which players he’ll be up against when the voters cast their ballots.

The Players
When the votes come in, you’ll see as many as 30 or so names in all that get listed on the ballots. But of course, not all of those names are legitimate contenders. I want to start this exercise by whittling down my list to the players we may find in the top three to five when all is said and done.

As I look through our top performers in the American League, I immediately decided to eliminate all pitchers. Though our own Rollie Fingers may have won the award last season, there simply does not appear to be a serious contender this season. The only pitchers to consider are Pete Vuckovich, Dan Quisenberry and Jim Palmer. Vuke won’t get it ahead of Yount, and neither Quisenberry nor Palmer made the playoffs. So hitters only.

While I could limit it only to players on playoff teams, I think that’s a mistake. The players who make the post season will have an advantage, but we can’t ignore great performances from those players who didn’t make it to the next round.

So here’s my list, in alphabetical order to avoid any perceived bias:

Cecil Cooper, MIL
Doug DeCinces, CAL
Dwight Evans, BOS
Rickey Henderson, OAK
Reggie Jackson, CAL
Hal McRae, KC
Eddie Murray, BAL
Willie Wilson, KC
Dave Winfield, NYY
Robin Yount, MIL

I could have legitimately listed Gorman Thomas and Paul Molitor, but let’s be honest: If there’s an MVP award coming from Milwaukee again this year, it’s going to be Robin Yount. I considered not listing Cooper for that reason, but his stats are just as good as most of these guys, so he has to be in the mix.

The Stats
Let’s stack them up and make a list. I have placed the numbers in bold if they lead this group (they don’t necessarily lead the league). Also, players marked with an “x” are those who are on teams that won their division.

Player	HR	RBI	BA
Cooper, MIL -x	32	121	.313
DeCinces, CAL -x	30	97	.301
Evans, BOS	32	98	.292
Henderson, OAK	10	51	.267
Jackson, CAL -x	39	101	.275
McRae, KC	27	133	.308
Murray, BAL	32	110	.316
Wilson, KC	3	46	.332
Winfield, NYY	37	106	.280
Yount, MIL -x	29	114	.331

Player	R	H	SB
Cooper, MIL -x	104	205	2
DeCinces, CAL -x	94	173	7
Evans, BOS	122	178	3
Henderson, OAK	119	143	130
Jackson, CAL -x	92	146	4
McRae, KC	91	189	4
Murray, BAL	87	174	7
Wilson, KC	87	194	37
Winfield, NYY	84	151	5
Yount, MIL -x	129	210	14

As you can see, there are six different players who lead this group in at least one category: Dwight Evans in OBP, Rickey Henderson in stolen bases, Reggie Jackson in home runs, Hal McRae in RBI, Willie Wilson in batting average and Robin Yount in three categories. So five players led in one category apiece while Yount leads in runs, hits and slugging.

Of course, leading isn’t everything because a well-rounded player who is second in everything may be the MVP. But let’s use Robin Yount as the statistical measuring stick since he appears to be our front-runner.

Cooper is well-rounded, but Yount leads him in everything but home runs and RBI, and both by slim margins. Let’s toss away Cooper. Sorry, Coop.

Yount leads DeCinces in everything but homers, but again that difference is only one. Nope, not happening.

Yount leads Evans in everything but homers and OBP. He’s at about Cooper’s level, but the Red Sox didn’t make the playoffs. Nope, not Evans.

Rickey Henderson was amazing this season, blowing away Lou Brock‘s stolen base record. He led Yount in stolen bases (by a ton) and OBP, but that’s it. Henderson hit only .269 with 10 homers and the A’s didn’t make the post season. So, no. Not Rickey Henderson, though I think his special season should warrant consideration.

Reggie Jackson hit more home runs than Yount and he led his Angels to the playoffs, but that’s really it. Considering Jackson is known for his power, it’s telling that Yount has a higher slugging percentage (.578 to .532). Good year for Reggie, but Yount was better.

Hal McRae led the majors in RBI, but the Royals collapsed and missed the playoffs. Nope, not McRae.

Eddie Murray led Yount in homers and OBP, but nothing else. Had the Orioles knocked off the Brewers on the final day of the season, he’d get a much more serious look. But they didn’t, and Yount’s season was clearly better. Not Murray.

I added Willie Wilson to the list just to make myself angry. As you know, Wilson held a small lead in batting average over Yount heading into the final day of the season. Yount had three hits, including two homers and a triple. To preserve his average, Wilson didn’t play. Pathetic. The Royals don’t deserve the playoffs and Wilson doesn’t deserve either the batting crown (which he won) or the MVP award (which he’ll lose).

Dave Winfield is yet another example of a player who hit more homers (37) but nothing else to distinguish himself from Yount. And the Yankees were never a serious player in the pennant race.

The Verdict
Alright, so it’s obvious. Robin Yount will be this season’s American League Most Valuable Player. The majority of players who are close statistically to Yount aren’t even in the playoffs. Add to the mix that Yount hit two crucial home runs in the final, division-clinching game of the season, and any dispute should be laughed at. If Yount does not win the award — and by a lot — there should be an investigation.

Ladies and gentlemen, not only have our Brewers made the playoffs, but rest comfortably knowing that we will have secured the MVP award for the second consecutive season.

McClure and Brewers Dominate A’s

August 29

Brewers 8, A’s 1
Brewers now 76-52 (1st by 5.5 games)
Box Score | Season Schedule

Bob McClure threw the game of his career.

MILWAUKEE — If you were expecting a let-down after yesterday’s frustrating 7-6 loss to the A’s, you may have been surprised to see today’s dominating performance by the Brewers.

“They got beat in a tough game last night,” manager Harvey Kuenn told the Milwaukee Sentinel, “and many people would expect them to come out flat. But each day they say today is the day and damned if they aren’t right.”

All-Star first baseman Cecil Cooper, who set a career best with his 26th home run, wasn’t surprised: “To put it simply, we believe we can win. We lose one or two in a row and it doesn’t matter. We know we can win.”

This was one of those total team wins that have transformed Brewers fans and casual observers into believers. Pete Vuckovich is established as the team’s sure-fire ace, and Mike Caldwell has carved out a role as the clear number two pitcher since Kuenn took over. If Bob McClure can have more performances like this one, the Milwaukee Brewers won’t just be a dangerous team. They’ll be a dominating team.

How great was McClure today? He threw eight no-hit innings, seven of which were perfect. The only three hits he allowed were all in the fifth inning. He didn’t walk anyone, but hit a batter. And he retired 19 of the last 20 batters he faced, the one straggler being the hit batter.

To make this game even more one-sided, the Brewers mashed the ball on offense to the tune of eight runs on 17 hits. Ted Simmons, Cecil Cooper and Robin Yount combined for 10 of those hits while Paul Molitor, Roy Howell and Charlie Moore hit two each.

The A’s had no relief. They were baffled at the plate by McClure. They had no response to the Brewers on offense. It was complete team domination.

With a .594 winning percentage, the Milwaukee Brewers have the best record in all of baseball. If you listen closely, you’ll hear whispers from old Milwaukee fans who dare to compare this team to the World Series champion 1957 Braves.

Of course, don’t say that to Earl Gillespie, former voice of the Braves. Gillespie claims that the Braves were so much better than the current Brewers that such a comparison is laughable.

“He should know, I guess,” chuckled Kuenn. “He saw all the games.”

And maybe Gillespie is right. It’s too early to compare. There appears to be something special about this team, but until they make the playoffs and beyond there’s no reason to start the discussion.

Game Notes: Rickey Henderson missed his second straight game with a sore shoulder since breaking Lou Brock‘s single season stolen base record. … The second place Boston Red Sox beat the California Angels 9-3, keeping pace at 5 1/2 games back of the Brewers in the AL East.

Henderson Steals Record, Brewers Win

August 27

Brewers 5, A’s 4
Brewers now 75-51 (1st by 6.5 games)
Box Score | Season Schedule

1982 Topps Rickey Henderson — Rickey Henderson stole four bases en route to the single season record.

MILWAUKEE — Members of the media from far and wide descended onto Milwaukee County Stadium to witness history. In the process of watching the great Brewers win again, Rickey Henderson broke a record.

Okay, okay. They came to see Rickey Henderson break Lou Brock‘s single season stolen base record. And he didn’t only break it. He shattered it, stealing four bases in the game to give him 122 on the season with 33 games remaining.

But the A’s, at 57-72, are little more than the great Rickey Henderson. The Milwaukee Brewers, as proven again tonight, are a great team.

Henderson walked in the third, stole second, hoisted second base over his head, blah, blah, blah… The A’s didn’t score that inning, but the Brewers struck for two thanks to a Dan Meyer error and a Ted Simmons sacrifice fly.

The A’s took the lead with three runs in the sixth, though the Brewers quickly tied it at three on a costly two out error in the bottom of the inning. Henderson’s speed then resulted in another run in the eighth when he led off with a walk, stole second and third, and scored on a sacrifice fly. But the Brewers weren’t done.

Ben Oglivie singled and Gorman Thomas walked to lead off the bottom of the eighth, chasing starter Preston Hanna. After a perfect Don Money sacrifice bunt, Charlie Moore was intentionally walked to load the bases, bringing up Jim Gantner. Gantner singled home two, giving the Brewers the lead for good.

Ho hum, really. Doc Medich, the scrap heap fifth starter, had tossed 12 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings before allowing two runs in the sixth. Rollie Fingers, who had been nursing a sore pitching elbow, pitched for the first time in six days and set down the side in order in the ninth, striking out two for his 301st career save.

But the focus of this game was on the fearless Rickey Henderson. He may end up with 130 or even 140 stolen bases this season. But while he’s stealing bases, the Milwaukee Brewers are stealing hearts. This team is winning games that will lead them to the postseason.

The second place Boston Red Sox lost to the California Angels 7-6, and are now 6 1/2 games behind the Brewers in the AL East.

Game Notes: At 34 home runs, Gorman Thomas is on pace to surpass his 1979 total of 45, which led the league. … The Brewers have won seven of their last eight games.

Rickey Ties Record, Gorman Steals the Show

August 26

Brewers 10, A’s 3
Brewers now 74-51 (1st by 5.5 games)
Box Score | Season Schedule

MILWAUKEE — Rickey Henderson got all of the attention, but Gorman Thomas stole the show.

Henderson led off the game with a single to center and promptly stole second base to tie him with Lou Brock for the single season record at 118. Considering the A’s have 34 games remaining, it’s safe to say that record will be broken. Shortly.

Will the Brewers try to prevent Henderson from breaking the record? Tigers manager Sparky Anderson walked batters in front of Henderson to clog the bases, an interesting strategy.

“If he’s gonna steal,” manager Harvey Kuenn told the Milwaukee Sentinel, “he’s gonna have to go out and earn it. Our goal is to keep him off base four times. The same goal we have for all the hitters.”

Other than the one at bat in the first, the Brewers were successful at keeping Henderson off the bases and the A’s off the scoreboard. Oakland, meanwhile, was not so successful holding down the Brewers offense. In particular, Gorman Thomas.

Gorman hit a three-run homer in the third inning and a two-run shot with two outs in the seventh to give him a major league leading 34 on the season. Thomas also singled and drove in six, putting him one RBI shy of the club record set by Ted Kubiak.

Unlike the A’s and Henderson, of course, the Brewers aren’t a one trick pony. All-Star shortstop Robin Yount went 3-for-4 with two doubles and a triple while starting pitcher Mike Caldwell tossed yet another gem.

Caldwell allowed three runs on seven hits in his team-high ninth complete game of the season to improve to 12-11. He’s won five of his last seven decisions and seven of his last 11. During his last 52 innings, Caldwell has allowed only 13 runs for a 2.25 ERA.

Is this the same Mike Caldwell who pitched under former manager Buck Rodgers? Caldwell was nearly shipped out of town for later acquisition Doc Medich, who has been far from dependable for the Brewers. Rodgers hinted at naming Caldwell a cancer on the team, and his days as a Brewer seemed to be numbered.

But now? Now he’s pitching like an All-Star.

“He’s pitched great the last two months,” Kuenn said. “If we would have scored some runs in a couple of his losses, he could be 16-7.”

Often overlooked as a factor in the ascension of Harvey’s Wallbangers is the performance of Caldwell. The offense has been great, but other than ace Pete Vuckovich the Brewers needed another reliable arm in the rotation. Caldwell has been it, and then some.

The second place Boston Red Sox split a double header with the Angels, so they fell to 5 1/2 games back of the Brewers.

Game Notes: Ted Simmons had two hits to extend his hitting streak to 10 games. … The Brewers will likely call up an outfielder from Vancouver, either Kevin Bass or Mark Brouhard, in the next two days.

Stars Come Out in California

August 25

Brewers 7, Angels 3
Brewers now 73-51 (1st by 5.0 games)
Box Score | Season Schedule

1982 Topps Stickers Robin Yount — Yount went 4-for-5 with two doubles and a home run.

ANAHEIM — Tonight’s game with the California Angels was won by the Milwaukee Brewers because of three players: Ted Simmons, Robin Yount and Pete Vuckovich.

It was the slow-footed Simmons who dropped a surprise bunt in the first with two outs and Yount on third that would score a run.

“That surprised everyone,” manager Harvey Kuenn told the Milwaukee Sentinel. “Including myself. He did it strictly on his own. I know he caught the Angels by surprise and us too. A pleasant surprise.”

In the bottom of the first, Simmons stepped up again to keep the Brewers in the lead. With two outs, Rod Carew took off from first on a pitch to Fred Lynn. Lynn laced a base hit into the gap in right center, and Carew raced around third towards the plate. Outfielder Charlie Moore fired a one hop bullet to Simmons, who blocked the plate and tagged Carew before he could score.

Simmons, of course, was not done. In the fifth inning and the score still 1-0, the Brewers catcher again made his presence known with two outs. Simmons drove a Steve Renko fastball over the right field wall for a two-run homer to give the Brewers a 3-0 lead.

That would be a critical hit as the Angels would strike right back in the bottom of the fifth with two runs of their own. The Angels would then pull to within one on a Reggie Jackson solo homer in the bottom of the sixth.

At that point, it was shortstop Robin Yount who took center stage. Robin doubled home Paul Molitor in the top of the seventh to give the Brewers a two-run lead and knock out Renko. Then, in the top of the ninth and Molitor on again, Yount knocked a two run homer to put the game out of reach. Yount finished with four hits, two runs scored and three runs batted in.

The contributions of Simmons and Yount were nice, but it was the mound work of Pete Vuckovich that kept the Brewers in control all game. Vuke allowed only three earned runs on seven hits in a complete game to improve to 15-4. Vuke shares the league lead in wins with Kansas City’s Larry Gura, and he stands alone with a .790 winning percentage. Vuckovich is now 29-8 in his two seasons with the Brewers and is gaining a reputation for winning big games.

“He’s got to be the best,” Kuenn said of Vuckovich. “He rises to the occasion each and every time.”

The second place Red Sox beat the Mariners 5-4 in 12 innings to keep pace five games back of the Brewers. Milwaukee has a day off tomorrow before starting a four-game series with the A’s in Milwaukee.

Game Notes: Reggie Jackson hit his 31st home run of the season, pulling to within one of Gorman Thomas for the AL lead. … Rickey Henderson of the A’s stole two more bases and now has 116, two shy of Lou Brock‘s single season record. Henderson and the A’s now head to Milwaukee for four games, where the Brewers will be challenged to prevent Henderson from breaking the record.

Fingers Returns, Locks Down Shaky Save

August 21

Brewers 3, Mariners 2
Brewers now 71-50 (1st by 6.0 games)
Box Score | Season Schedule

1982 Donruss Doc Medich — Doc Medich pitched seven shutout innings for the Brewers.

SEATTLE — For seven innings, Seattle fans witnessed a pitchers’ duel. Doc Medich of the Brewers and Jim Beattie of the Mariners shut out the opposition. Once they were removed, offense suddenly had the advantage.

Beattie left the game prior to the start of the seventh inning, and the Brewers roughed up relievers Bryan Clark and Ron Musselman in the eighth. Milwaukee reached on four consecutive singles, scoring three runs to build what seemed to be an insurmountable lead with Rollie Fingers waiting in the wings.

It was Medich that Brewers fans were worried about. He was far from impressive in his Brewers debut on August 15 against the Blue Jays, walking six in 5 1/3 innings. So when Medich pitched seven shutout innings, limiting the Mariners to three hits and a walk, it felt safe to hand the ball to Fingers, who had been out since August 13 with a sore pitching elbow.

Fingers was fine in the eighth, allowing a harmless two-out single to Joe Simpson. But Al Cowens led off the bottom of the ninth with a double to left and Dave Revering hit a two-run homer to make it a one-run game. Fingers would retire Rick Sweet and Dave Henderson to end the game, but not before making Brewers fans sweat.

Maybe Fingers was just rusty. That is the hope. Because if this is a sign that he still isn’t healthy, trouble could be lurking for the Brewers. There simply is no replacement for a healthy Rollie Fingers.

The Brewers go for the sweep tomorrow at 6 pm CT.

Game Notes: The Boston Red Sox fell to the Oakland A’s 12-5, giving the Brewers a six game lead in the AL East. … Rickey Henderson stole his 114th base for the A’s today, putting him four shy of Lou Brock‘s single season record.