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Joy in Mudville · 05-23-2008, 06:45 PM

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

Atlanta Braves
Rumors continue to swirl that veteran Hank Aaron is on the verge of retirement. Despite a strong comeback season a year ago, Hammerin' Hank has been plagued by back and leg ailments. Meanwhile, Rico Carty, Ralph Garr and John Milner all suffered through disappointing years at the plate. Pitchers Phil Niekro and Jim Palmer are solid; George Stone and Ron Reed are not.
Cincinnati Reds
After winning the JIM World Series in '71, the Big Red Machine needs to replace some worn out parts. Gone is 20-game winner Pat Dobson and plodding veteran Frank Howard. In are former Philadelphia Phillies Willie Montanez and Tony Taylor. Batting champ Pete Rose and Rookie of the Year Ken Griffey are back, but catcher Johnny Bench needs to return to championship form.
Houston Astros
Everything went right for the Astros in '72. Houston improved its record by 22 games and wound up defeating Baltimore in a seven-game JIM World Series. However, scouts watching spring training note the pitching has dropped off considerably this year. Meanwhile, the Astro offense boasts Joe Morgan, Jimmy Wynn, Cesar Cedeno and John Mayberry.
Los Angeles Dodgers
In an attempt to recapture the glory of a 1970 playoff trip, LA has added former Baltimore Orioles Davey Johnson and Merv Rettenmund to the fold. All-Star Willie Davis is back, and Bill Russell has replaced the retired Maury Wills at short. Time may be running out on 38-year-old Roberto Clemente.
San Diego Padres
The Padres have shown improvement in each of the first three years of the JIM. Youngsters George Hendrick, Ken Reitz and Dwight Evans all figure to get more time. Former first-round pick George Brett will start the year in Triple-A but may see action sooner than expected.
San Francisco Giants
New ownership wants to see something other than a third straight fifth-place finish. Promising Jim Barr joins veterans Gaylord Perry and Juan Marichal in the rotation. The offense centers on Bobby Bonds, Willie McCovey and Ken Henderson.

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

05-23-2008, 06:45 PM	#992
Joy in Mudville Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,591	National League West Preview '73 The following is the fourth in a four-part series previewing the 1973 Joy in Mudville season. It, in no way, attempts to predict the season outcome. Atlanta Braves Rumors continue to swirl that veteran Hank Aaron is on the verge of retirement. Despite a strong comeback season a year ago, Hammerin' Hank has been plagued by back and leg ailments. Meanwhile, Rico Carty, Ralph Garr and John Milner all suffered through disappointing years at the plate. Pitchers Phil Niekro and Jim Palmer are solid; George Stone and Ron Reed are not. Cincinnati Reds After winning the JIM World Series in '71, the Big Red Machine needs to replace some worn out parts. Gone is 20-game winner Pat Dobson and plodding veteran Frank Howard. In are former Philadelphia Phillies Willie Montanez and Tony Taylor. Batting champ Pete Rose and Rookie of the Year Ken Griffey are back, but catcher Johnny Bench needs to return to championship form. Houston Astros Everything went right for the Astros in '72. Houston improved its record by 22 games and wound up defeating Baltimore in a seven-game JIM World Series. However, scouts watching spring training note the pitching has dropped off considerably this year. Meanwhile, the Astro offense boasts Joe Morgan, Jimmy Wynn, Cesar Cedeno and John Mayberry. Los Angeles Dodgers In an attempt to recapture the glory of a 1970 playoff trip, LA has added former Baltimore Orioles Davey Johnson and Merv Rettenmund to the fold. All-Star Willie Davis is back, and Bill Russell has replaced the retired Maury Wills at short. Time may be running out on 38-year-old Roberto Clemente. San Diego Padres The Padres have shown improvement in each of the first three years of the JIM. Youngsters George Hendrick, Ken Reitz and Dwight Evans all figure to get more time. Former first-round pick George Brett will start the year in Triple-A but may see action sooner than expected. San Francisco Giants New ownership wants to see something other than a third straight fifth-place finish. Promising Jim Barr joins veterans Gaylord Perry and Juan Marichal in the rotation. The offense centers on Bobby Bonds, Willie McCovey and Ken Henderson. 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 06:51 PM.