APRIL 10th - TRADE RUMOURS : Cubs To Trade For Extra Starter ?

Already Cubs fans are rejoicing at the trade rumour surrounding Reds starter Bruce Berenyi and young prospect Mike O'Berry joining the Chicago staff in exchange for top catching prospect, Jody Davis. (There has been some question to Fergie Jenkins being enough of an addition to a very weak pitching staff in order to make any kind of difference in the club's N.L. East division title hopes).

Davis is considered by many to be one of the top young catchers in the game today, while Berenyi finished fourth in N.L. Rookie-of-the-Year voting last season.

APRIL 10th - TRADE RUMOURS : Valentine Heading West ?

With LeMaster's serious concussion, and also with Darrell Evans' recent back troubles flaring up again, it is now rumoured that Giants GM Tom Haller is seeking to trade for a shortstop or third baseman who can provide quality depth. The latest chatter has disgruntled Mets outfielder Ellis Valentine and Ron Gardenhire going west in exchange for highly-thought of Giants outfielder, Jeffrey Leonard.


Haller was reached by the media, earlier this morning before today's game in Cincinnati, "With Bones [LeMaster] unfortunately going down for a good while, we needed to address a need at shortstop. Darrell's recent struggles with his back magnified that need. I won't discuss much, just that we're close to a possible deal with the Mets organization."

APRIL 10th - Valentine Demands Trade

Ellis Valentine is now demanding to be traded after being verbally berated by Mets manager George Bamberger, in front of the entire team & during the April 9th game against the Cubs, after failing to run out ground ball out that would have resulted in him being safe at first base.


Valentine, spoke out again today to the press about the situation: "I want out. There's no way I'm allowing this to happen to me again. This organization had told me at the beginning of the season that I was to be one of the important guys here on the field. Important guys don't get talked to like this."

APRIL 10th

Expos @ Phillies
Rogers (0-1, 2.57) vs Carlton (0-1, 2.00)
MONTREAL BLOWS OUT PHILLIES
It was supposed to be one of the first big pitching duels of the new season. Instead, it was a one-sided affair from the get-go … Again in his 2nd start, Carlton did not have his usual top-drawer stuff and Expo batters it seemed could hit him at will. After 5 and 1/3 innings, and 6 earned runs on 11 hits, Carlton was yanked in favour of Warren Brusstar. Home runs by Gary Carter and Chris Speier, while recent acquisition Al Oliver went 3-for-4 with 3 runs, 2 doubles and 2 RBIs. The usually quiet Speier was 3-for-5 with 2 runs and an RBI.
Final Score: Expos 12, Phillies 0


Pittsburgh @ Cardinals
**GAME RAINED OUT**
Today's game at Busch Stadium was rained out due to thunderstorms in the Greater St. Louis metro area. The game has been rescheduled as the first part of a doubleheader on tomorrow, on April 11th.


Rangers @ Indians
Tanana (0-0, 0.00) vs Denny (0-0, 0.00)
TANANA HURLS STEADY GAME IN TRIBE OPENER
Opening Day at Cleveland Municipal Stadium; Despite the fact that Tribe starter John Denny had good stuff tonite, and ended up whiffing 7 batters over 6 innings of work, the Rangers got things going early and it was Buddy Bell's 3rd inning 3-run blast that would end up being the game-decider. Ranger starter Frank Tanana pitched steady ball, mixing and assortment of slow stuff and curves to do just enough to win.
Final Score: Rangers 5, Indians 3


Yankees @ White Sox
May (0-0, 0.00) vs Trout (0-0, 0.00)
CHISOX STILL UNDEFEATED
The White Sox lineup continues to impress, even though Rudy "The Dude" May whiffs 11 batters in 7 innings.
Final Score: White Sox 5, Yankees 2



Giants @ Reds
Laskey (0-0, 0.00) vs Seaver (0-0, 11.25)
GIANTS' ROOKIE HURLER OUTDUELS SEAVER IN MLB DEBUT
Rookie Bill Laskey makes his major league pitching debut against none other than future Hall Of Famer Tom Seaver. Seaver makes his 2nd consecutive shaky start as the Giants get to him early, while Laskey takes a shutout in the 8th inning before Dan Driessen's 2-run home run spoils it. The win was the Giants' first of this new season.
Final Score: Giants 5, Reds 2




Astros @ Braves
Ruhle (0-0, 0.00) vs McWilliams (0-0, 0.00)
RUHLE SINKER HAS BRAVE BATS EATING DIRT
Despite striking out 12 batters with his herky-jerky delivery and forkball pitch, Atlanta lefty Larry McWilliams still manages to get tagged with the loss as Ruhle's sinkerball proves to be just way too effective against the Brave batsmen.
Final Score: Astros 4, Braves 1


Brewers @ Blue Jays
Haas (0-0, 0.00) vs Stieb (0-0, 0.00)
TORONTO'S LEAL POUNDED IN BREWERS WIN
Milwaukee battered Leal all over Exhibition Stadium, chasing the young righthander from the game after only 4 innings of work. Jim Slaton came in to relieve Lerch early in the 7th, completed the game, and showed that he may be the right-handed setup / swing man that the Brewers so desparately need.
Final Score: Brewers 7, Blue Jays 4


Red Sox @ Orioles
Tudor (0-0, 0.00) vs McGregor (0-0, 0.00)
BOSTON TOPS O'S IN SLUGFEST
A whopping 30 hits and 7 home runs (4 by Boston, 3 by Baltimore), are distributed. Both pitching staffs get quite the workout … Baltimore's young third base slugger, Cal Ripken Jr., swats two more home runs, one of them another tape measure job at 435 feet ! But in the end it is Boston who prevails, winning their first game of the year, in typical fashion.
Final Score: Red Sox 10, Orioles 7


Cubs @ Mets
Jenkins (0-1, 7.71) vs Falcone (0-0, 0.00)
OLD MAN JENKINS IS HERO IN 9TH
Venerable Mr. Jenkins looks 10 years younger on this day, and lefty Pete Falcone looks like the pitcher the Mets have been hoping he'd turn out to be. With the score knotted at 1 in the 9th and with New York's Ed Lynch on the mound, Lee Elia surprises everyone and does not pinch-hit for Jenkins. Jenkins singles, and then Bump Wills then draws a walk. Larry Bowa steps up and on the first pitch from Lynch slaps a line drive single over the head of Dave Kingman at first base. With Jenkins being waved home, Joel Youngblood picks up the ball and cannons it home, Jenkins slides in to home plate ... SAFE !!! The Cubs take the 2-1 lead !! Fire-balling Lee Smith would then pitching the bottom of the 9th for Chicago and preserve the Cub's first win of the season.
Final Score: Cubs 2, Mets 1


Tigers @ Royals
Wilcox (0-0, 0.00) vs Splittorff (0-0, 0.00)
WILCOX IS BURNED BY EARLY RUNS
Tiger pitching continues to be a bit on the questionable side as Wilcox lasted into the 7th but only after allowing 6 earned runs, when everything was said and done. Meanwhile, veteran K.C. lefty Paul Splittorff kept Detroit in check, shutting them out until the 8th when he imploded allowing 3 runs on a pair of walks and a trio of hits. Quisenberry was brought in for the 9th inning, but the Tiger bats continued their comeback attempt scoring a single run before Quis sealed the victory getting pinch-hitter RIck Leach to fly out with the bases loaded.
Final Score: Royals 6, Tigers 4


Angels @ Twins
Moreno (0-0, 0.00) vs Jackson (0-0, 0.00)
TWINS SCORE 3 IN 9TH TO WIN !!
Down 9-7 going into the bottom of the 9th, Angels reliever Andy Hassler serves up 3 consecutive walks and is pulled in favour of Don Aase. The next batter is Gary Gaetti, one of the Twins many young future stars, who immediately flies out to deep centrefield. Gaetti's fly scores one run from third, and the other two runners advance a base. With two out, men on second and third base, Kent Hrbek steps up to the plate. Aase runs the count to full, and then Hrbek smacks a 2-run single to right-centrefield !! The Twins win !
Final Score: Twins 10, Angels 9


Mariners @ Athletics
Nelson (0-0, 0.00) vs Langford (0-1, 4.00)
OAKLAND WINS ON LOPES SOLO SHOT IN 8TH
Both pitchers take their battle over a 1-1 score into the 8th inning, but the deadlock is shattered when Nelson serves up a solo home run to Davey Lopes. The one run gap would stand as Langford would pitch a flawless 9th.
Final Score: Athletics 2, Mariners 1



Padres @ Dodgers
Eichelberger (0-1, 2.00) vs Valenzuela (1-0, 0.00)
PADRES ACE WINS CLASSIC DUEL
47000 fans turn out to Dodger Stadium to see Fernando hook up against San Diego's towering young ace, Juan Eichelberger. Both hurlers whiff 12 batters, but it's Eichelberger who pitches the better game shutting down the L.A. bats in all ways.
Final Score: Padres 4, Dodgers 1






TRANSACTIONS :
Alan Ashby (Astros), placed on 30-day DL, out until early May (estimated) with fractured right hand
Harry Spilman (Astros), promted from AAA Tucson
Dennis Leonard (Royals), placed on 30-day DL, out until beginning of June (estimated) with minor ligament tear in right knee
Mike Armstrong (Royals), promoted from AAA Tucson

APRIL 9th: Update : George Foster Suspended 10 Games

NEW YORK (AP) - Baseball commissioner Kuhn stunned Mets fans today during a New York press conference that was held earlier this afternoon. The press conference which had been called to announce the decision on the George Foster corked bat incident, was prompt and to the point. Kuhn, was also prompt and to the point in saying, "Major League Baseball will not tolerate such manipulation of any piece of equipment in any fashion, and as a result we have today decided that Mr. Foster is to serve a 10-game suspension from all major league play, for the New York Mets."

When asked later to further talk about the decision, Commissioner Kuhn declined to comment. Mets general manager Frank Cashen had something else to say on the matter, "Personally, I think that this is a bit stiff of a suspension, but, I do understand the league's stance on such matters. The fans won't be happy with this as George was supposed to get this team off to a good start this season, and contribute to a run at our division."

APRIL 9th

Expos @ Phillies
Sanderson (0-0, 0.00) vs Ruthven (0-0, 0.00)
CRO-BAR BLAST IN 13TH SINKS PHILS
Warren Cromartie comes through a clutch home run for the second straight game, as his 2-run shot in the 13th inning wins it for Montreal.
Final Score: Expos 4, Phillies 3






Yankees @ White Sox
John (0-0, 0.00) vs Hoyt (0-0, 0.00)
HOYT PICKS UP WIN IN RELIEF; TROUT INJURED
LaMarr Hoyt pitches 5 scoreless innings, in relief of Steve Trout. Trout, who'd left the game with elbow stiffness after four innings, only allowed a single Yankee run. Bill Almon's 2nd inning 2-run triple combined with Greg Luzinski's first home run of the year, capped off the Chisox offence.
Final Score: White Sox 4, Yankees 1


Giants @ Reds
Gale (0-0, 0.00) vs Pastore (0-0, 0.00)
GAME DECIDED ON 12TH INNING HOME PLATE DASH
Darrell Evans' RBI-single in the top of the 12th looked to have sealed the win for the Giants, but alas it wouldn't be so. With two Red outs, the blazingly slow Alex Trevino beats out an infield single (HOW ?!?!). The next batter up is pinch-hitter Wayne Krenchicki who promptly doubles off the right field wall, scoring Trevino. An ensuing balk by Jim Barr puts Krenchicki on third base. With the infield drawn in, Eddie Milner hits a hard grounder to Joe Morgan who immediately gunned it home attempting to get the streaking Krenchicki - SAFE !! Reds win 7-6 !!!
Final Score: Reds 7, Giants 6


Astros @ Braves
Sutton (0-0, 0.00) vs Boggs (0-0, 0.00)
BRAVES TOP HOUSTON IN ATLANTA OPENER
Opening Day at Fulton County Stadium; A humdrum opening game in Atlanta, saw Braves pitching continue their strong mound work this week. On a side note, Astros starter Don Sutton looks to have made a successful comeback from his broken kneecap that was operated on, this past off-season. Sutton won't have the services of Houston 1st string catcher Alan Ashby as the receiver fractured his left hand this afternoon and will be out of action until early May, it is predicted.
Final Score: Braves 2, Astros 1


Brewers @ Blue Jays
Haas (0-0, 0.00) vs Stieb (0-0, 0.00)
THOMAS & SIMMONS SPOIL TORONTO OPENER
Opening Day at Exhibition Stadium; If not for the 5-6 tandem of Gorman Thomas and Ted Simmons, this would have been a 2-1 win for Dave Stieb and these Toronto Blue Jays. Instead, Thomas goes 2-for-4 with 2 runs and a pair of doubles, while Simmons went 3-for-4 with a run, 3 RBIs, and a home run. Mr. Fingers was brought in for the 9th inning to slam the door, securely in the face of the Jays.
Final Score: Brewers 4, Blue Jays 2


Red Sox @ Orioles
Ojeda (0-0, 0.00) vs D. Martinez (1-0, 1.00)
O'S WIN ON MURRAY HOME RUN
Dennis Martinez hurled shutout ball into the 6th inning, before surrendering an RBI-double to Lansford and a 2-run home run off the stick of Jim Rice. Luis Aponte was brought into the game, with Dauer on second, to quell a 7th inning O's rally. The first batter facing Aponte was Eddie Murray. Aponte's weird windup, baffling to all who've been facing him this season so far, wasn't to Murray today. Eddie slammed the second pitch over the left field wall for a 2-run shot and a 4-3 lead that Baltimore did not give up.
Final Score: Orioles 4, Red Sox 3



Cubs @ Mets
Noles (0-0, 0.00) vs Zachry (0-0, 0.00)
ZACHRY TOSSES 4-HIT SHUTOUT
Opening Day at Shea Stadium; The hypercritical Shea Stadium faithful were ecstatic today as they watched Pat Zachry open the new season with a dominating 4-hit shutout of the Chicago Cubs. Many Mets fans held up derogatory signs against Commissioner Kuhn, it is assumed based on the decision to suspend Mets outfield George Foster for 10 games, announced just before game time. Gary Woods started in left field for the absent Foster.
On a side note, after failing to run out a ground ball that would have resulted in reaching first base on error, Ellis Valentine, jogged back to the bench and was verbally berated by Mets manager George Bamberger in front of the entire team. After the game, the sullen Valentine told reporters that he wants a trade and doesn't want to be a part of a team where "this kinda stuff is goin' on".
Final Score: Mets 3, Cubs 0


Tigers @ Royals
Petry (0-0, 0.00) vs Leonard (0-1, 2.84)
LEONARD HURTS KNEE IN ROYALS HOME OPENER
Opening Day at Royals Stadium; Alan Trammell goes 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and the game-winning hit. Kevin Saucier is brought into the game in the bottom of the 9th, promptly strikes out big Willie Aikens, with Frank White on second, and then gets Hal McRae to ground out. Kansas City's longtime ace Dennis Leonard was injured in the 5th, when after slipping from the mound during an attempt to field a grounder off the bat of Kirk Gibson, he twisted his right knee violently and fell to the turf. He was immediately taken out of the game and afterwards K.C. training staff informed the press that Leonard had suffered a minor ligament tear in his knee. An early June return is predicted, and a very big blow for the early part of the Royals' season.
Final Score: Tigers 4, Royals 3


Angels @ Twins
Kison (0-0, 0.00) vs Williams (0-0, 0.00)
CALIFORNIA'S KISON STRONG IN VICTORY
Bruce Kison pitches 7 strong innings of 3-hit ball, as the Angels do just enough to hold off the Twins bats for the close win.
Final Score: Angels 3, Twins 2


Mariners @ Athletics
Moore (0-0, 0.00) vs Keough (0-0, 0.00)
MARINERS BATS CONTINUE TO WALLOP
Oakland starting pitching ocntinues to look suspect. Matt Keough gets hit very hard in this one, leaving the game in the 5th inning after having given up 5 earned runs on 7 hits. The Mariners lineup continues it's red-hot play …
Final Score: Mariners 8, Athletics 5


Padres @ Dodgers
Lollar (0-0, 0.00) vs Reuss (0-0, 0.00)
REUSS STRONG IN NEAR-SHUTOUT
The Dodgers chased young lefty starter Tim Lollar from the game in the first inning, nailing him for 4 runs on 4 hits. Manager Dick Williams had seen enough and immediately yanked Lollar in favour of another promising arm, Eric Show. Unfortunately, with Los Angeles scoring 6 runs over the first two innings, thats all that was needed to top the Padres on this day. A 9th inning Terry Kennedy home run saved face for San Diego today, and spoiled Jerry Reuss' shutout bid.
Final Score: Dodgers 6, Padres 2


TRANSACTIONS :
George Foster (Mets), suspended for 10 games for using a corked bat
Floyd Rayford (Orioles), demoted to AAA Rochester
Tim Stoddard (Orioles), promoted from AAA Rochester