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

Joy in Mudville · 07-08-2008, 02:24 PM

The following is the second in a four-part series previewing the 1974 Joy in Mudville season. It, in no way, attempts to predict the season outcome.

California Angels
Veterans Clyde Wright and Rudy May must produce big seasons for the Angels to contend. All-Star second baseman Jorge Orta may be the best hitter no one knows about. Center fielder Mickey Rivers could develop into a solid leadoff man. While first baseman Jim Spencer is the team's best power threat, the Angels may swing a deal for more hitting.
Chicago White Sox
The Pale Hose will go as far as the three-lefty combination of starters Tommy John, Jerry Reuss and Wilbur Wood takes them. Rookie right-hander John "The Count" Montefusco is expected to replace inconsistent Jerry Janeski as the fourth starter. More offense is needed to take the heat of third baseman Bill Melton.
Kansas City Royals
Veterans Dick Allen, Lou Piniella and Pat Kelly must mix with youngsters such as Frank White for KC to contend. Injury-riddled Paul Splittorff has been nowhere near his Cy Young performance of three years ago.
Minnesota Twins
The Twins remain the division's biggest enigma. Minnesota features strong pitching with the likes of Bert Blyleven, Jim Kaat and new closer Terry Forster. The offense possesses Tony Oliva, Rod Carew and the promising Richie Zisk. Yet, the Twins have never finished better than third, a fact that continues to puzzle their management and fans.
Oakland A's
It seems every season the A's get off to a slow start and then play like gangbusters to catch up. Injuries haven't helped. Last season, team captain Sal Bando played in just 53 games due to a groin injury. This season, Reggie Jackson will start the year on the DL. Yet, experts aren't writing off the A's just yet--it's too early in the season to do that says history.
Texas Rangers
The division champions for the past two years, the Rangers have yet to win a playoff game. Still, there are high hopes in Texas. Batting champion Chris Chambliss returns to a lineup that includes Toby Harrah, Don Baylor, Graig Nettles and Darrell Porter. A strong pitching rotation headed by Burt Hooton and Luis Tiant doesn't hurt either.

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

07-08-2008, 02:24 PM	#1319
Joy in Mudville Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,591	JIM '74 Preview: American League West The following is the second in a four-part series previewing the 1974 Joy in Mudville season. It, in no way, attempts to predict the season outcome. California Angels Veterans Clyde Wright and Rudy May must produce big seasons for the Angels to contend. All-Star second baseman Jorge Orta may be the best hitter no one knows about. Center fielder Mickey Rivers could develop into a solid leadoff man. While first baseman Jim Spencer is the team's best power threat, the Angels may swing a deal for more hitting. Chicago White Sox The Pale Hose will go as far as the three-lefty combination of starters Tommy John, Jerry Reuss and Wilbur Wood takes them. Rookie right-hander John "The Count" Montefusco is expected to replace inconsistent Jerry Janeski as the fourth starter. More offense is needed to take the heat of third baseman Bill Melton. Kansas City Royals Veterans Dick Allen, Lou Piniella and Pat Kelly must mix with youngsters such as Frank White for KC to contend. Injury-riddled Paul Splittorff has been nowhere near his Cy Young performance of three years ago. Minnesota Twins The Twins remain the division's biggest enigma. Minnesota features strong pitching with the likes of Bert Blyleven, Jim Kaat and new closer Terry Forster. The offense possesses Tony Oliva, Rod Carew and the promising Richie Zisk. Yet, the Twins have never finished better than third, a fact that continues to puzzle their management and fans. Oakland A's It seems every season the A's get off to a slow start and then play like gangbusters to catch up. Injuries haven't helped. Last season, team captain Sal Bando played in just 53 games due to a groin injury. This season, Reggie Jackson will start the year on the DL. Yet, experts aren't writing off the A's just yet--it's too early in the season to do that says history. Texas Rangers The division champions for the past two years, the Rangers have yet to win a playoff game. Still, there are high hopes in Texas. Batting champion Chris Chambliss returns to a lineup that includes Toby Harrah, Don Baylor, Graig Nettles and Darrell Porter. A strong pitching rotation headed by Burt Hooton and Luis Tiant doesn't hurt either. Editor's Note: The logos below represent the division champion for the past three seasons. Attached Images Last edited by Joy in Mudville; 07-08-2008 at 04:58 PM.