#97 - LHSP Rick Waits (1975-1983)

Rick Waits was a very consistent (but mediocre) pitcher during the late 1970s and early 1980s. His best year statistically was in 1978, when he posted a 3.20 ERA over 230 IP. Waits was almost solely responsible for the 1978 playoff between the Yankees and Red Sox; he shut down the Yankees on October 1st, allowing only five hits, while the Red Sox beat the Blue Jays, forcing a one-game playoff. Most of you remember what happened in that game.

But mostly, Waits was a workhorse for the Indians for 5 or so years. His career ERA+ is 92, and he posted one over 100 just once in his time with the Indians.

Waits was involved in two of the more interesting trades of the era. He came to the Indians, along with Jim Bibby, Jackie Brown, and a lot of money, for Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry, who will appear later on this list. In 1983, he was traded to Milwaukee along with Rick Manning for Ernie Camacho, Jamie Easterly, and Gorman Thomas.