Cleveland traded Dave LaRoche to California in 1977 to acquire the Mexican-born Monge, who replaced LaRoche as the Indians’ lefthanded relief ace. With excellent control, and above-average fastball, slider, and screwball, Monge led the Indians in ERA in 1978 and 1979. He set club records with 76 appearances and 12 relief wins, and recorded 19 saves in 1979, his All-Star year. After slumping in 1980 and 1981, he was traded to the Phillies for Bake McBride. Though he recorded few saves, he rebounded with a 7-1 record in 1982, and, with the Phillies and Padres in 1983, was 10-3. Monge and Jim Kern share second place on the Indians’ all-time save list with 46.
