OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post - Joy in Mudville: A "Friendly" Baseball League Beginning in 1970

Joy in Mudville · 02-10-2008, 10:30 AM

The following is the first in a four-part series previewing the 1971 Joy in Mudville season. It, in no way, attempts to predict the season outcome.

Baltimore Orioles
The defending JIM champions traded away their playoff ace Mike Cuellar. Last season year's Cy Young Award winner Dave McNally was hit hard in spring training. Yet, the Orioles return a solid mix of veteran talent such as AL Most Valuable Player Boog Powell and promising youngsters such as Bobby Grich.

Boston Red Sox
The BoSox feature a potent offense with the likes of Rico Petrocelli, Carl Yastrzemski and Reggie Smith. For Boston to take the flag, pitchers Tom Bradley and Jim Lonborg must step up to the ranks of Ray Culp and Gary Peters. If that's not the case, then twenty-three-old Massachusetts native John Curtis may quickly find his way from Double-A to Fenway Park.

Cleveland Indians
The Erie Warriors hold the rights to the No. 1 overall pick in the June amateur draft by virtue of a 112-loss season in 1970. Yet, the Sons of Geronimo have hope for '71. Sure, they rushed No. 2 overall pick James Rodney Richard to the bigs last season. But, the hard-throwing right-hander is still expected to become a top-flight pitcher of the future. Ivy Leaguer Pete Broberg is another arm expected to contribute down the road. That should make the Friends of the Feather feel somewhat better.

Detroit Tigers
The JIM League's hardest hit team by injury last year starts this season healthy. Portly southpaw Mickey Lolich anchors the pitching corps. Minor league slugger Dave Kingman may soon join Al Kaline, Norm Cash and Willie Horton in the Motor City Kitties lineup.

New York Yankees
Perhaps the JIM's most overlooked team a year ago. The Bronx Bombers won 94 games and slipped into second place late in the season. New York returns hitting stars Roy White and Bobby Murcer along with up-and-coming catcher Thurman Munson. Starting pitching remains a huge question mark.

Washington Senators
Welcome to the team that has changed faster than Congress following an election during troubled times. GM Dan S. (aka Dealer Dan) has been stockpiling young talent to build for the future. Newcomers Don Baylor and Chris Chambliss join farmhands Toby Harrah and Doyle Alexander in that promise for the future.

02-10-2008, 10:30 AM	#332
Joy in Mudville Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,591	American League East Preview The following is the first in a four-part series previewing the 1971 Joy in Mudville season. It, in no way, attempts to predict the season outcome. Baltimore Orioles The defending JIM champions traded away their playoff ace Mike Cuellar. Last season year's Cy Young Award winner Dave McNally was hit hard in spring training. Yet, the Orioles return a solid mix of veteran talent such as AL Most Valuable Player Boog Powell and promising youngsters such as Bobby Grich. Boston Red Sox The BoSox feature a potent offense with the likes of Rico Petrocelli, Carl Yastrzemski and Reggie Smith. For Boston to take the flag, pitchers Tom Bradley and Jim Lonborg must step up to the ranks of Ray Culp and Gary Peters. If that's not the case, then twenty-three-old Massachusetts native John Curtis may quickly find his way from Double-A to Fenway Park. Cleveland Indians The Erie Warriors hold the rights to the No. 1 overall pick in the June amateur draft by virtue of a 112-loss season in 1970. Yet, the Sons of Geronimo have hope for '71. Sure, they rushed No. 2 overall pick James Rodney Richard to the bigs last season. But, the hard-throwing right-hander is still expected to become a top-flight pitcher of the future. Ivy Leaguer Pete Broberg is another arm expected to contribute down the road. That should make the Friends of the Feather feel somewhat better. Detroit Tigers The JIM League's hardest hit team by injury last year starts this season healthy. Portly southpaw Mickey Lolich anchors the pitching corps. Minor league slugger Dave Kingman may soon join Al Kaline, Norm Cash and Willie Horton in the Motor City Kitties lineup. New York Yankees Perhaps the JIM's most overlooked team a year ago. The Bronx Bombers won 94 games and slipped into second place late in the season. New York returns hitting stars Roy White and Bobby Murcer along with up-and-coming catcher Thurman Munson. Starting pitching remains a huge question mark. Washington Senators Welcome to the team that has changed faster than Congress following an election during troubled times. GM Dan S. (aka Dealer Dan) has been stockpiling young talent to build for the future. Newcomers Don Baylor and Chris Chambliss join farmhands Toby Harrah and Doyle Alexander in that promise for the future. Last edited by Joy in Mudville; 02-10-2008 at 12:22 PM.