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Joy in Mudville · 05-23-2008, 05:54 PM

The following is the second in a four-part series previewing the 1973 Joy in Mudville season. It, in no way, attempts to predict the season outcome.

California Angels
After two straight 79-win seasons, California slid to 77 victories a year ago. The Angels are looking for more run production to back its pitchers. Twenty-game winner Andy Messersmith was traded away leaving veteran Clyde Wright to anchor the staff. Leadoff man Mickey Rivers may hold the key to the offense.
Chicago White Sox
A year after contending for the division title, the Chisox tumbled from 95 victories and second place to 74 wins and fifth. An aging offense with Bill Melton and Mike Epstein needs to be upgraded. Pitchers Tommy John and Wilbur Wood still have a knack for baffling opposing hitters.
Kansas City Royals
The club is about to open its new ballpark with the addition of reigning AL MVP Dick Allen who was acquired in trade with Baltimore. The Royals are also counting on a comeback season from 1971 Cy Young Award winner Paul Splittorff.
Minnesota Twins
After hanging around in the pennant chase for half a season, the Twins are hungry to move onto bigger and better things. Right-hander Bert Blyleven quietly won 24 games last season. Second baseman Rod Carew impressed during a soid spring training.
Oakland A's
After averaging 104 wins in the JIM's first two seasons and nearly winning it all in '71, Oakland fell to just 87 victories last summer. The A's need more consistency from slugging outfielder Reggie Jackson and pitchers Catfish Hunter and Vida Blue. Second-year closer Rollie Fingers appears headed for All-Star status.
Texas Rangers
A year ago the Rangers moved to Texas, switched divisions and won the West flag going away. Since getting swept out of the playoffs, Texas has added three-time 20-game winner Andy Messersmith. While power-hitting third baseman Graig Nettles grabbed headlines last season, insiders say short stop Toby Harrah has taken giant strides and is about to emerge as a major force.

Editor's Note: The logos below represent the division champion for the past three seasons.

05-23-2008, 05:54 PM	#990
Joy in Mudville Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,591	American League West Preview '73 The following is the second in a four-part series previewing the 1973 Joy in Mudville season. It, in no way, attempts to predict the season outcome. California Angels After two straight 79-win seasons, California slid to 77 victories a year ago. The Angels are looking for more run production to back its pitchers. Twenty-game winner Andy Messersmith was traded away leaving veteran Clyde Wright to anchor the staff. Leadoff man Mickey Rivers may hold the key to the offense. Chicago White Sox A year after contending for the division title, the Chisox tumbled from 95 victories and second place to 74 wins and fifth. An aging offense with Bill Melton and Mike Epstein needs to be upgraded. Pitchers Tommy John and Wilbur Wood still have a knack for baffling opposing hitters. Kansas City Royals The club is about to open its new ballpark with the addition of reigning AL MVP Dick Allen who was acquired in trade with Baltimore. The Royals are also counting on a comeback season from 1971 Cy Young Award winner Paul Splittorff. Minnesota Twins After hanging around in the pennant chase for half a season, the Twins are hungry to move onto bigger and better things. Right-hander Bert Blyleven quietly won 24 games last season. Second baseman Rod Carew impressed during a soid spring training. Oakland A's After averaging 104 wins in the JIM's first two seasons and nearly winning it all in '71, Oakland fell to just 87 victories last summer. The A's need more consistency from slugging outfielder Reggie Jackson and pitchers Catfish Hunter and Vida Blue. Second-year closer Rollie Fingers appears headed for All-Star status. Texas Rangers A year ago the Rangers moved to Texas, switched divisions and won the West flag going away. Since getting swept out of the playoffs, Texas has added three-time 20-game winner Andy Messersmith. While power-hitting third baseman Graig Nettles grabbed headlines last season, insiders say short stop Toby Harrah has taken giant strides and is about to emerge as a major force. Editor's Note: The logos below represent the division champion for the past three seasons. Attached Images Last edited by Joy in Mudville; 05-23-2008 at 08:20 PM.