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

Joy in Mudville · 02-10-2008, 11:33 AM

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

Atlanta Braves
Playing in a park known as the Launching Pad, the Braves have assembled a pretty good starting rotation of Phil Niekro, Jim Palmer, George Stone and Ron Reed. Milt Pappas will also contribute with spot starts. Offensively, MVP candidates Hank Aaron and Rico Carty will pave the way for youngsters such as Johnny "Dusty" Baker and Ralph "The Road Runner" Garr.

Cincinnati Reds
Rose is a Red, but not Vida Blue, if this team ever gets pitching, the rest of the league could be through. Cincinnati is long on offense featuring Pete Rose, Bobby Tolan, Johnny Bench, Tony Perez and company. The acquisition of ERA leader Pat Dobson has strengthened the Reds staff that already possessed hard-throwing Don Gullett and 25-game winner Gary Nolan. A beefed-up bullpen might put this team over the top.

Houston Astros
A contender for most of the 1970 season, Houston faded down the stretch. Astro fans are hopeful the NL's top-rated farm system will produce an abundant crop as the '70s upfold. Joe Morgan may be on the cusp of becoming an All-Star, but must cut down on his base-running errors (35 caught stealings last year).

Los Angeles Dodgers
Up two games to none in the NLCS last fall, Los Angeles somehow blew three straight games in which they held leads late into the game. Pitching remains a Dodger strength. Cy Young Award winner Bill Singer returns along with Don Sutton and Claude Osteen. The trio combined for 70 wins last year. After he killed them in the playoffs, LA added veteran Roberto Clemente via trade. The 36-year-old will join fellow All-Star Willie Davis in the Dodger outfielder.

San Diego Padres
Try as Dealer Dan might, this team is most likely several years away from some serious winning. First baseman Nate Colbert may be great, but a pitching staff that had just one member a year ago in double-digit wins isn't. Right-hander Marty Pattin was acquired in an off-season deal, but many question his impact.

San Francisco Giants
The Giants won 80 games and finished fifth in the JIM League's most competitive division last year. San Francisco boasts starters Juan Marichal and Gaylord Perry. On offense, the Giants' lineup features Willie McCovey and Bobby Bonds. Thirty-nine-year-old Willie Mays appears to be fading fast.

02-10-2008, 11:33 AM	#335
Joy in Mudville Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,591	National League West Preview The following is the fourth in a four-part series previewing the 1971 Joy in Mudville season. It, in no way, attempts to predict the season outcome. Atlanta Braves Playing in a park known as the Launching Pad, the Braves have assembled a pretty good starting rotation of Phil Niekro, Jim Palmer, George Stone and Ron Reed. Milt Pappas will also contribute with spot starts. Offensively, MVP candidates Hank Aaron and Rico Carty will pave the way for youngsters such as Johnny "Dusty" Baker and Ralph "The Road Runner" Garr. Cincinnati Reds Rose is a Red, but not Vida Blue, if this team ever gets pitching, the rest of the league could be through. Cincinnati is long on offense featuring Pete Rose, Bobby Tolan, Johnny Bench, Tony Perez and company. The acquisition of ERA leader Pat Dobson has strengthened the Reds staff that already possessed hard-throwing Don Gullett and 25-game winner Gary Nolan. A beefed-up bullpen might put this team over the top. Houston Astros A contender for most of the 1970 season, Houston faded down the stretch. Astro fans are hopeful the NL's top-rated farm system will produce an abundant crop as the '70s upfold. Joe Morgan may be on the cusp of becoming an All-Star, but must cut down on his base-running errors (35 caught stealings last year). Los Angeles Dodgers Up two games to none in the NLCS last fall, Los Angeles somehow blew three straight games in which they held leads late into the game. Pitching remains a Dodger strength. Cy Young Award winner Bill Singer returns along with Don Sutton and Claude Osteen. The trio combined for 70 wins last year. After he killed them in the playoffs, LA added veteran Roberto Clemente via trade. The 36-year-old will join fellow All-Star Willie Davis in the Dodger outfielder. San Diego Padres Try as Dealer Dan might, this team is most likely several years away from some serious winning. First baseman Nate Colbert may be great, but a pitching staff that had just one member a year ago in double-digit wins isn't. Right-hander Marty Pattin was acquired in an off-season deal, but many question his impact. San Francisco Giants The Giants won 80 games and finished fifth in the JIM League's most competitive division last year. San Francisco boasts starters Juan Marichal and Gaylord Perry. On offense, the Giants' lineup features Willie McCovey and Bobby Bonds. Thirty-nine-year-old Willie Mays appears to be fading fast. Last edited by Joy in Mudville; 02-10-2008 at 12:16 PM.