December 1980 - Wilmington Evening Journal

Dodgers’ Howe top NL rookie; Smith is third

Associated Press

NEW YORK – Left-hander Steve Howe, who became the long-sought stopper in the Los Angeles Dodgers' bullpen last season, was named National League Rookie of the Year by the Baseball Writers Association of America yesterday. 

Howe received 12 first-place ballots from the 24-man BBWAA panel and totaled 80 points. It was the first time since the award began in 1947 that the panel has voted on a 5-3-1 basis. 

Montreal pitcher Bill Gullickson finished second with 53 points including five first-place ballots and outfielder Lonnie Smith of the world champion Phillies was third with 49 points and four first-place votes. 

Smith batted .339 in 298 at bats and stole 33 bases for the Phillies.

Bedell to join Royals’ minor league staff

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The former director of minor leagues for the Philadelphia Phillies will Join the minor league staff of the Kansas City Royals, who were defeated by the Phillies for the 1980 World Championship, it was announced yesterday. 

Howie Bedell, 45, of Pottstown, was appointed coordinator of Instruction by the American League team. 

He will be responsible for coordinating all instructional activities of Kansas City's minor league system starting with spring training and continuing through the winter instructional league.

Phils relieved to sign McGraw

By Hal Bodley, Sports Editor

DALLAS – Tug McGraw will be providing relief for the Phillies again next season. 

The zany McGraw, hero of the Phils' victory over Kansas City in the World Series, signed a four-year contract valued at $1.5 million yesterday. 

The 36-year-old relief pitcher, who elected to go the free-agent route and was not drafted by a single team, received a contract that will enable him to complete his career in Philadelphia. 

The Phillies, on the other hand, are certain of having McGraw in their bullpen, thus enabling Paul Owens, player personnel director, to establish a definite plan for the annual winter baseball meetings that opened here today. 

"I couldn't be happier," said Owens after the signing was announced. "We wanted Tug to remain in Philadelphia and Tug wanted to remain in Philadelphia. We gave a little by giving him the fourth year and he came down in his monetary demands. I think both sides are pleased." 

When McGraw, who earned $175,000 in each of the last four seasons, decided to test his value on the free-agent market, he was hoping to get a four-year contract at (500,000 per year. Considering the year he had, he was shocked when all teams passed him by in the reentry draft. 

"We could not wreck the salary structure of our club." said Owens. "We realized what Tug McGraw was trying to do, but by the same token he had to realize what we were doing." 

Owens had talked very little with McGraw and his agent, Phil McLaughlin, before last Wednesday. On that day, however, serious negotiations were started that ended sometime late Saturday.

"I think the key for Tug was deferred income down the line," said Owens. "He wanted security for his family and I think this contract gives him that." 

"I'm tickled," said Manager Dallas Green. "He was one of the few guys on the club who realized the methods to my madness last season. He gave it everything he had and I am sure he can come back and do it again for us. Near the end of the year I almost ran him out of gas, but with Sparky Lyle around next year, I don't think that will have to happen again." 

"I really did not negotiate in good faith with any other clubs," said McGraw. "I called a few and asked how much Interest they had in me. But I told them I couldn't sit down and talk money until I resolved all the avenues in Philadelphia. I didn't want to get into that kind of negotiating, playing one against the other. 

"I wanted to remain in Philadelphia all along, but I had to consider my family and security. I really felt depressed last week because it looked as if we weren't making any progress. Right now, I feel on top of the world." 

McGraw appeared in 57 games with the Phillies during the regular season, recording a 5-4 record and a club-high 20 saves. Lifetime, he is 87-84 with 152 saves, most for any National League relief pitcher.

McGraw came down with tendinitis of his pitching arm late in June and was placed on the disabled list. After returning to active status on July 17, he had a 5-1 record for 33 games, 13 saves and an 0.52 earned run average. 

He appeared in all five Phillies' games against Houston in the National League playoffs, saving' two and losing one. He was 1-1 in the World Series with two saves. 

●       ●       ●

All six coaches who helped the Phillies win the 1980 World Series championship will return next season.

Once again aiding Green will be batting coach Billy DeMars, infield coach Bobby Wine, pitching coach Herm Starrette, bullpen coach Mike Ryan, third-base coach Lee Elia and first-base coach Reuben Amaro. 

DeMars is the dean of the staff and one of the senior coaches in the NL, The 1981 season will be his 13th with the Phillies. 

Wine joined the Phillies as a coach in July of 1972 after concluding his playing career, and Starrette has been with the club two years. Ryan, Elia and Amaro will be starting their second seasons on Green's staff.

Phillies near deal for Milwaukee slugger

By Hal Bodley, Sports Editor

DALLAS – The Phillies are close to a five-player trade with the Milwaukee Brewers, a deal which would almost certainly mean Greg Luzinski's days in Philadelphia are numbered. 

Player Personnel Director Paul Owens and Manager Dallas Green left a late-afternoon session with Brewers' officials yesterday admitting that all it would take would be final approval to swing the deal. 

Owens, following his normal policy at the winter baseball meetings, refused to reveal all the names discussed in the lengthy meeting, but it was learned the Phils would send the pitching-poor Brewers left-hander Randy Lerch and veteran reliever Ron Reed. 

In return, the world champions would receive three players from a group that includes outfielders Gorman Thomas, Sixto Lezcano and Dick Davis, and pitchers Jerry Augustine and Paul Mitchell. 

Owens hinted that either Thomas, who blasted 38 homers and drove in 105 runs for the Brewers last year, or Lezcano, who hit 18 homers, were the keys as far as the Phillies are concerned. They would have to receive one or the other, along with two additional players from the above list. 

"We're talking about quality players; that's all I will tell you," said Green. "I think we are compatible with the Brewers because they need pitching. They have plenty of offense and that's what I am looking for." 

If Owens is able to pull off the deal for Thomas or Lezcano, it would almost be a certainty that Luzinski will be dealt in a subsequent trade. 

"Whether or not to move him (Luzinski) is the biggest decision we face here," said Owens. "That is an organizational decision. Right now, we are talking to clubs about him, but we are not shopping him." 

Green, on the other hand, was more emphatic. 

"There has been a lot of interest in Luzinski over the years because he is a quality player," said the manager. "He has meant a lot to our oganization and I am the first to admit we have let our hearts make the decisions. Now, I think we have to deal with our heads.

"For two months last year Luzinski showed dedication and intensity. He got off to a fine start. The trouble is, he needed to demonstrate that kind of dedication for 162 games. He has nobody to blame but himself for the year he had." 

Aside from optimism about the possibilities of a deal, Owens Co. had a tough day. The annual draft of minor-league players kicked off the winter meetings in the morning and the Phils found themselves losing four prospects from their Oklahoma City roster. 

Toronto, drafting fourth, made outfielder Jorge Bell their No. 1 pick, while St. Louis took catcher Orlando Sanchez. The Chicago White Sox chose pitcher Carlos Arroyo and the American League champion Kansas City Royals took injury-plagued pitcher Jim Wright.

"I hated to lose any of those players, but I especially didn't want to give up Bell," said Jim Baumer, the Phils' new minor-league director. "He had a bad back last year and I didn't think he would be chosen. And because of the injuries Wright has had, I didn't think he would be picked, either.”

Bell, who hit .309 in 22 games with Reading of the Eastern League last year, was signed by the Phils in the spring of 1978. In 1979, his only full year in professional baseball, he hit .305 at Spartanburg and led the Western Carolinas League in triples (15), runs batted in (102) and finished third in average.

Sanchez hit .307 at Oklahoma City last year, while Arroyo was 8-6 with a 3.23 earned run average. Wright, at one time, was the No. 1 pitching prospect in the Phils' system before he suffered a series of injuries, including a broken arm In the spring of 1979. Last season at Oklahoma City he was 9-9 with a 5.35 ERA. 

"We didn't think he would be picked, either," said Baumer, "but with Howie Bedell and Billy Connors with the Royals, they knew a lot about him." 

Bedell, recently signed by Kansas City to head instruction in their farm system, was fired' as Phils' minor-league director after the season. Connors, the Royals' pitching coach, formerly worked in the Phils system. 

While the Phillies' executives were spending most of their day in smoke-filled rooms, the St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres made a trade that involved 11 names. The Cards acquired the best-known players in relief ace Rollie Fingers and catcher-first baseman Gene Tenace. 

"That kinda scares me," said Green. "I think St. Louis really strengthened Itself and is now in a position to make some more moves."

Kuhn predicts baseball crisis

Associated Press

DALLAS — Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn has painted a dark economic picture for major league baseball in the next five years, predicting losses 10 times greater than in the past five years. 

"Operating costs will not even come close to the vaulting costs of doing business in our game," Kuhn told a gathering at the major league winter baseball meetings yesterday. 

Kuhn predicted player compensation for an average player by 1984 at $320,000. 

"Barring the discovery of oil wells under second base… one has to ask what is to become of some of our more afflicted franchises," Kuhn said. 

"What is to become of ticket prices?" Kuhn asked. "Baseball long has been able to place ticket prices in a range that has been acceptable to the family group… ticket prices have increased less than our inflation rate." 

Kuhn said the average ticket price last season was $4.53, and described it as the very best buy in entertainment. He added, however, that unless something was done to arrest the trends now evident, this bargain rate cannot continue. 

"The competitive problem brought about by free agency is a threat to the competitive balance in baseball," Kuhn said. 

The commissioner said players notify clubs that they want to play with a winner, or that they don't want to go with a non-contender. 

"Who is to blame them for that philosophy?" Kuhn asked.

"The fault lies not with the players but with the system," Kuhn observed. "The system plainly needs changes." 

Kuhn said that he hoped the study committee of owners and players could come up with a solution to the free-agent compensation issue. 

"Certainly it is hard for any reasonable person to quarrel with the idea that compensation is needed and is fair," he said.

Is Boone for Bench just talk?

Hal Bodley, Sports Editor

DALLAS – Will Johnny Bench join former Reds' teammate Pete Rose on the Phillies? 

This was mentioned as a possibility at the winter meetings here as the Reds, seeking a catcher, might be willing to trade for the Phillies' Bob Boone. 

With Bench aboard, the Phils could move Rose to left field, put Bench on first base and let Keith Moreland handle most of the catching. 

Mention this proposal to Manager Dallas Green and he flashes a smile. Mention it to Player Personnel Director Paul Owens and he quickly tells you how eager the Reds are to land a catcher because Bench has told them he is willing to catch just two games a week this coming season. 

Ask Rose if he would like to have Bench in Phillies' pinstripes and he seems excited. 

"Sure, I'd be happy to play left field if it happened before spring training started," said Rose. "I would need spring training to get accustomed to the position again. I think Bench would make a good first baseman and you know once he's not catching everyday, his hitting will improve." 

As far as the Phillies are concerned, not much happened at the winter meetings yesterday. They are still waiting to see if the Milwaukee Brewers will trade them outfielder Sixto Lezcano. And before Owens moves in any other direction, he needs an answer from Harry Dalton, the Brewers' general manager. 

While the St. Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs were making most of the noise, Owens went about the business of finding out just what other clubs are willing to give him and what they want in return. 

The proposed deal with Milwaukee, as it now stands, has the Brewers sending the Phils 25-year-old Lezcano and outfielder Dick Davis for pitchers Randy Lerch and Dickie Noles, and infielder Jay Loviglio. 

"I think the reason we did not get an answer from them today was because they are talking to other clubs," said Owens. "They want to be sure they make the best deal. Teams are also talking to them about Gorman Thomas and it is obvious they cannot trade both Thomas and Lezcano." 

Houston, it was learned, has offered pitcher Kan Forsch to Milwaukee for either Thomas or Lezcano and there is also a possibility the Brewers might send an outfielder to St. Louis for reliever Rollie Fingers. 

As far as Greg Luzinski is concerned, Owens says he has had numerous inquiries about the outfielder, but that no serious conversations have developed. 

The Mets may. be agreeable to trade outfielder Joel Youngblood and pitcher Neil Allen to the Phillies for Luzinski, a possibility that Owens will investigate before the meetings end. 

"Just about everybody is asking about Moreland," said Owens. "I talked with the Reds this morning and they asked about him. I've said all along I really don't think we can move him. He is an outstanding hitter." 

Late in the day Owens had a session with Toronto. The Phils are interested in pitchers Jim Clancy (13-16) and Dave Stieb (12-15), while the Blue Jays said they are committed to a youth movement and would be willing to talk about some of the Phils' youngsters. 

"They named just about all of our good, young prospects," said Green. "One thing is for certain. We're not going to give them a Marty Bystrom, a Keith Moreland or a Mark Davis. They have done a lot of homework as far as our organization is concerned."

George Brett – young at heart

By Hal Bodley, Sports Editor

DALLAS – THE TROPHY IS unique. It portrays a youngster of yesteryear, in straw hat and bib overalls, holding a baseball bat and obviously harboring that age-old dream of a time at bat in the major leagues. 

In a sense that little boy is George Brett. Like Pete Rose, there is a lot of youngster in George Brett. He was honored at the winter baseball meetings last night as the Major League Player of the Year. When Mike Hadley, publisher of the Sporting News, presented him the trophy, Brett said when he was a kid he was always dreaming about the day he would wait for a pitch in the major leagues. 

Brett had a dream in 1980, too, and he thinks it might have come true if he had handled himself better. 

"In the beginning I didn't think about hitting .400," said the Kansas City Royals' third baseman. "When I first went over .400, it was in August and I asked the reporters, 'Aren't we being a little premature? We still have 50 games to Well, 10 games go by, then another 10 and I'm still over .400 and I began to think I had a good chance to do it. 

"Hitting .400 was all I began to think about. If we had not just about wrapped up our division title, I would not have thought about it so much. But we were way out in front and everyday reporters were asking me if I could hit .400. It got to a point where I really wanted to do it. 

"If I get the opportunity to be in that same situation again, I am going to say, 'Well, I didn't do it in 1980 and I'm not going to think about doing it I'm going to swing the bat relaxed and if I do it, I do it. If I don't, I don't." 

Brett says he honestly wasn't overwhelmed by the thought of hitting .400 when he was away from the ballpark.

"When I got there, I had to prepare myself to answer all the questions," he said. "When we got near the end of the season, I began to press. I swung at a lot of bad pitches, didn't concentrate as much as I usually do. I put pressure on myself, especially after I slipped below .400. And I changed my lifestyle. Instead of stopping off for a beer with the guys or going out after games, I went straight home so I would be fresh and feel good the next day. Maybe I do better when I don't feel so good." 

BRETT, OF COURSE, ended with a .390 average as he tried to become the first batter to reach the coveted .400  mark since Ted Williams did it four decades ago.  Although injuries limited him to 117 games, he had a career-high 24 homers and 118 runs batted in. He hit .273 with two homers in the American League Playoffs and hit .375 as the Royals lost the World Series to the Phillies. 

"It has not taken me as long to get over the World Series loss as I thought it would," said Brett, who came here from Panhandle, Texas, where he helped friends round up 168 head of cattle. "We had our chances and did not capitalize. A hit here and a hit there and it could have been different. We led in the first two games and lost them both. In the sixth game, we had the bases loaded in both the eighth and ninth innings and could not get the big hit. The Phillies did get the big hits and they won." 

As the World Series opened, the 27-year-old Brett was suffering from painful hemorrhoids. In the second contest the pain became so severe he had to leave the game.

"The whole episode with the hemorrhoids was a very embarrassing thing for me," said Brett. "I figured the only thing to do was make fun of it and that's exactly what I did. I was in a little pain in the first game, but it was awful in the second game, the one I took myself out of. I've played with a broken thumb and other injuries, but this is the most discomforting thing I have ever gone through. 

"In that second game, Keith Moreland hit a ground ball to left field between me and U.L. Washington and I think I could have gotten to it. Garry Maddox, up next, hit a ball over the third-base bag that I should have had, but I just couldn't react. I was on first base twice after getting hits off Steve Carlton. I was on first base and the count went to 3-2 against Hal McRae and I said to myself, 'Hey, strike out. I don't want to run.’ After that; I left the game. On Thursday, the open day, they performed their miracle surgery and I was fine. 

"I knew my hemorrhoids were cured when I rode 10 miles rounding up cattle. That was the best test of all. Now if somebody could think of something to help a sore back…”

Phillies still waiting for word from Brewers

By Hal Bodley, Sports Editor

DALLAS – The Phillies are in an unusual predicament through the winter baseball meetings: the Milwaukee Brewers have at least partially tied the hands of Paul Owens, the Phils' director of player personnel. 

Owens, as has been reported here daily, is trying to obtain outfielder Sixto Lezcano from the Milwaukee Brewers. On Monday, it looked like the two teams were close to something. Tuesday and Wednesday have gone by and the Phils are still waiting. 

And to make their case appear dim, the persistent rumor yesterday had the St. Louis Cardinals sending catcher Ted Simmons, pitcher Pete Vuckovich and reliever Rollie Fingers to the Brewers for Lezcano, infielder Jim Gantner and pitcher Larry Sorensen. 

"I don't know whether that is going to happen or not," said Owens. "The fact they (Brewers) are talking with St. Louis would indicate that they are close. If it is not made, I think Milwaukee will get back to us." 

The Phils had offered the Brewers pitchers Randy Lerch and Dickie Noles, and infielder Jay Loviglio for Lezcano and outfielder Dick Davis.

Owens would be just as happy if something would happen one way or the other, because the apparent stalemate is at least part of the reason why he has not made any moves at all. If Milwaukee finally does deal Lezcano to the Phillies, Owens would then pursue a different course of action at these meetings. 

Yesterday afternoon, however, he flatly turned down an offer from Toronto. The Blue Jays asked for pitchers Marty Bystrom and Mark Davis for either Jim Clancy or Dave Stieb. Both are pitchers and so similar that Owens says it is virtually impossible to choose between them.

Davis is the best pitching prospect in the minors and Bystrom has already proved his value, winning all five starts in September. 

"We're probably just as well off with what we have," said Owens. "Clancy and Stieb have experience, but I don't think Bystrom and Davis are too far behind them." 

It was mentioned here the other day that the Phils might have some interest in the Reds' Johnny Bench. Owens admitted to having talked with Cincinnati yesterday and said, yes, he is interested in Bench. 

"But I'm not so sure we could work anything out for him," said Owens. "I have heard two different stories. He would have to OK a trade and I am not sure he would do that. Because he has said he will catch only two days a week for the Reds next season; they are shopping for a catcher and Keith Moreland's name keeps coming up." 

Owens spoke with Mets officials yesterday and it was learned that they have interest in outfielder Greg Luzinski. The Phils said the Bull might be available for the likes of outfielder Joel Youngblood and either Neil Allen or Jeff Reardon, both pitchers. 

"They don't really want to talk about moving Allen or Reardon and I can understand why," said Owens. "But they feel that are in a better position than the Yankees to sign (free agent) Dave Winfield. One of the stipulations in his signing, I keep hearing, is that they get another power-hitting outfielder to go with him. So, they are shopping for an outfielder." 

Owens spoke briefly with the Chicago White Sox, who still covet Luzinski. The Phils have shown interest in pitchers Britt Burns, Dick Dotson and Steve Trout. 

Meanwhile, Bowie Kuhn, the commissioner of baseball, must have been jolted by the action of the Houston Astros yesterday.

On Monday, Kuhn stood up and told the world his sport is headed for economic disaster if teams do not stop paying free agents so much money. Apparently, the Astros did not listen to him. 

Yesterday morning, Houston General Manager Al Rosen stood up and said the Astros had signed free-agent catcher Dave Roberts to a five-year contract valued at $1.1 million. 

Now this is not a knock at Dave Roberts, but he was nothing more than a backup to the Texas Rangers' Jim Sundberg last season. He played five different positions, but hit only .238 with 10 home runs.

Now if Dave Roberts, who has been in the majors off and on since he made it with San Diego in 1973, can demand that kind of contract from Houston, what is the Phillies' Keith Moreland worth? 

Moreland, frequently asked about by other clubs as they attempt to make trades with the Phillies, hit .314 during his rookie year with the world champions. Although he is ineligible to become a free agent, he still is unsigned for 1981 and if Roberts' signing is a pattern, Moreland should get a nice salary for his sophomore year.

Helping Hand (excerpt)

Helping Hand solves problems, gets answers, cuts red tape, stands up lor your rights and investigates complaints. Write a brief description of your problem to: Helping Hand, CO Evening Journal, P.O. Box 1111, Wilmington, Del. 19899. Your name and address must be in the letter, along with copies of both sides of your canceled check, if your problem involves something you paid for, but did not receive. No phone calls, please. 

Portrait of Dallas 

My wife thinks Dallas Green, the manager of the Phillies, is the sexiest man she ever saw. I'd like to get her a picture of him. Something at least five by seven or larger. Maybe even a poster. (I don't want a baseball card, though.) I have looked all over the Dover area and can't find a thing. Can you help? 

- R.D. Smyrna 

We can help – a little. The only place we know of where you can get a picture of the manager of this year's world champion baseball team is from the team itself. But it is only three inches by five inches.

You could get one them and then have it enlarged. 

If that'll do, just write the Phillies and ask for it. The picture is free. The address is The Phillies, P.O. Box 7575, Philadelphia, Pa. 19101.

Phillies remain on standby alert

By Hal Bodley, Sports Editor

DALLAS – The Phillies threw the "alert" switch last night and the standby alert is still in effect today, an indication a trade could be close – or maybe just another false alarm. 

Larry Shenk, publicity director for the world champions, cautioned Philadelphia-area reporters not to stray too far from the headquarters hotel where the winter baseball meetings are taking place. 

Player Personnel Director Paul Owens was unavailable for his routine press briefing last night, an indication that – except for a "must" dinner with Pittsburgh Pirate officials – he was prepared to negotiate through the night to pull off a trade. 

The Phillies, it was learned, are back to square one. They are still trying to land Milwaukee outfielder Sixto Lezcano. Owens met with Brewers' officials several times yesterday and to his delight, found out that Lezcano would still be available even if Milwaukee completes the much-publicized multi-player deal with St. Louis that involves catcher Ted Simmons. 

"We thought Lezcano was in that deal, but he is not," said Shenk. "I would guess right now getting him is our main objective before the meetings end." 

In other less-serious conversations yesterday, the Phils learned the Angels' Don Baylor, the American League's Most Valuable Player in 1979, is available as is Atlanta outfielder Gary Matthews. 

The 27-year-old Lezcano, however, remains No. 1 in the eyes of Owens and Manager Dallas Green. And to get him the Phils are offering three pitchers: Randy Lerch, Dickie Noles, Ron Reed plus a minor-league prospect. 

The Brewers, on the other hand, keep asking for either Marty Bystrom or Mark Davis, two youngsters Green insists are not available. 

If the deal is made, the Phils will undoubtedly give up at least three players, while the Brewers will part with only Lezcano and possibly a lesser player. 

"The Brewers are ready to trade Lezcano and I think the Phillies can make the deal," a source close to the scene said. "But the Phillies are going to have to sweeten the pot." 

Lezcano, who was born and lives in Puerto Rico, has been with the Brewers since the end of the 1974 season. A 5-foot-ll, 175-pound right-handed hitter, he has been described by scouts here as a complete outfielder. His best season with Milwaukee was 1979 when he hit .321 in 138 games, with 28 homers and 101 runs batted in. He played right field and earned his first Gold Glove with a .986 average. He had 10 assists.

Last year he was in 112 games, had 18 homers and only 55 RBI and his average slipped to .229, far below his lifetime mark of .283. He earns $303,000. If the Phils get Lezcano, Green has hinted he will be played in right field, with Bake McBride and Lonnie Smith platooning in left. And once this deal is completed, if it is to happen, Owens will concentrate on seeing what quality starting pitcher he can obtain for outfielder Greg Luzinski. The Angels are willing to trade Baylor, but are demanding a catcher.

They would like to have the Phils' Keith Moreland, but it is unlikely Green will part with him. Although Baylor is an outstanding offensive player with good speed, he has a below-average throwing arm. The Braves are asking for a starting pitcher for Matthews and make no bones about the fact they intend to move him. Matthews, like Baylor, is a fine offensive player, but a defensive liability. A pitcher such as Bob Walk could bring him to Philadelphia.

Owens had a brief morning meeting with Chicago Cubs' officials, who have shown Interest in Luzinski. The Cubs are willing to trade outfielder Jerry Martin and pitcher Rick Reuschel. 

Stay tuned.

Phillies increase prices on better seats at the Vet

Associated Press

The better seats in Veterans Stadium will cost 50 cents more in the 1981 baseball season, the Phillies announced yesterday. 

Ticket prices will increase in the 200, 300, 500 and 600 levels, the National League club said. The 200 level boi seats will go from $6.50 to $7, the 300 and 500 level boxes from $5.50 to J6, and the reserved seats on the 600 level from $4 .50 to $5. 

General admission seats for adults, $2.50, and children under 14, 50 cents, and 700 level reserved seats, $4, will not be affected. 

The Phillies will meet the Reds April 8 in Cincinnati, site of the traditional first game in the National League.

The Phillies will help the Cardinals open their season in St. Louis April 11, and then, will open their own home season April 13 against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Phillies sign Unser

PHILADELPHIA – Veteran outfielder and pinch-hitter Del Unser has signed a two-year contract with the Phillies, Paul Owens, director of player personnel, announced yesterday. 

Unser, 36, had been a key player in the Phillies' rise to the World Series championship. He batted .400 with two key hits In the National League Championship Series victory over the Houston Astros and then went 3-for-6 with two RBI in the World Series triumph against Kansas City. 

A veteran of 13 big-league seasons, Unser had opted for his free agency for the second time following the 1980 season during which he hit .264. He has been the Phillies' top pinch hitter the last two years, totaling 28 hits, a .310 average and 20 RBI.

Ruly favors instant replay for post-season (excerpt)

By Matt Zabitka

RULY CARPENTER, Phillies' president, has gone on record as tawing the use of instant replay in major league baseball. Not necessarily for regular-season games, but certainly for playoffs and the World Series. 

OK. So how would he suggest the instant replay be handled at games? 

"My idea would be to have a seventh umpire in the pressbox with a monitoring device with all the camera angles and the same capabilities that a viewer sees on his TV screen at home. 

"If a controversial play arises, the crew chief could walk over to the dugout, or call a timeout and send a message to the league president, asking the president in the particular situation if an evaluation of the instant reply is warranted. The league president would make the final decision, not the umpire. 

"If the president says yes, then they could ask the seventh umpire in the pressbox to give his opinion on the play. That's the way I would handle it. 

"I do not think this is something that should be readily accessible to where managers could run out (on the field) every inning, screaming about a call. 

"But there are certain situations like what we saw in Houston and what Cincinnati was involved in last year in Pittsburgh. They're the kind of things that have to be dealt with. We're all football fans and we've seen some things happen in the NFL playoffs the last few years that have been kind of shocking too. There have been some games decided on plays in which definitely the officials were at fault. 

"I think we have a moral obligation in professional athletics to make sure to exercise every option that the play is called right." 

Ruly won't get any arguments on that score from any sports fans. 

It's unbelievable that In this modern day and age of sophisticated electronic equipment that the Instant replay has yet to be adopted officially by any of the professional leagues.