Deane: Hot Stove musings on Ohtani, Morris, and Stanton
From SABR member Bill Deane at WordPress on December 21, 2017:
This man joined the Angels, after batting .356 and posting a 15-2 pitching record in the previous season.
Shohei Ohtani? No, I’m talking about Wonderful Willie Smith.
Smith began his pro career in the Tigers’ system in 1960, logging won-lost records of 10-6, 13-11, 10-7, and 14-2 as he moved up from Class C to AAA by ’63. But he also showed batting skill, hitting .282 and often playing outfield or pinch-hitting on days he didn’t pitch. Smith debuted with the Tigers on June 18, 1963, and went 1-0 in 11 games that year. On April 28, 1964, Detroit traded Smith to the Los Angeles Angels for pitcher Julio Navarro.
Read the full article here: https://dizzydeane.wordpress.com/2017/12/21/2017-hot-stove-musings-on-ohtani-morris-stanton/
Originally published: January 10, 2018. Last Updated: January 10, 2018.