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Joy in Mudville · 07-08-2008, 02:42 PM

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

Chicago Cubs
In four league seasons, the Cubs have averaged 76 wins and been an also-ran. Veterans Ferguson Jenkins and Dave McNally aren't getting any younger. Rookie Derrel Thomas replaces the retired Don Buford at second and as leadoff man. Rick Monday appears to be ready to take the torch from aging Billy Williams as the team's top hitter.
Montreal Expos
After showing promise with a 78-win season back in 1971, Le Expos have fallen on hard times. Starter Rick Reuschel must return to top form and veteran Ron Fairly needs help on offense. Montreal does have some promising youngsters in its minor league system. It may be time to put the veterans out to pasture and bring up the kids.
New York Mets
The Mets appeared ready to make a run at the East flag early last summer. However, the team soon stumbled its way into a fifth-place finish. Insiders are excited by rookie starter Ed Figueroa. Three-time Gold Glove short stop Bud Harrelson returns.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phils improved by 16 games and finished four games in back of JIM champion Pittsburgh a year ago. Philadelphia appears on the verge of moving to the head of the class with a quality starting rotation and boppers Greg Luzinski, Lee May and Oscar Gamble.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Lefties of the world unite. The left-handed dominated lineup led the Bucs to their first JIM title last season. Batting champion and league MVP Al Oliver returns along with stars Richie Hebner and Willie Stargell. Dock Ellis and Bob Moose, the last two pitchers to win the NL Cy Young Award, anchor the staff.
St. Louis Cardinals
While a late-season trade a year ago has revamped the Redbirds, it's still veterans Joe Torre, Ted Simmons and Lou Brock that make St. Louis go. Left-hander Steve Carlton may be on the cusp of becoming the NL's top lefty. An upgrade at short might be all that's standing in the Cardinals' way.

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

07-08-2008, 02:42 PM	#1320
Joy in Mudville Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,591	JIM '74 Preview: National League East The following is the third in a four-part series previewing the 1974 Joy in Mudville season. It, in no way, attempts to predict the season outcome. Chicago Cubs In four league seasons, the Cubs have averaged 76 wins and been an also-ran. Veterans Ferguson Jenkins and Dave McNally aren't getting any younger. Rookie Derrel Thomas replaces the retired Don Buford at second and as leadoff man. Rick Monday appears to be ready to take the torch from aging Billy Williams as the team's top hitter. Montreal Expos After showing promise with a 78-win season back in 1971, Le Expos have fallen on hard times. Starter Rick Reuschel must return to top form and veteran Ron Fairly needs help on offense. Montreal does have some promising youngsters in its minor league system. It may be time to put the veterans out to pasture and bring up the kids. New York Mets The Mets appeared ready to make a run at the East flag early last summer. However, the team soon stumbled its way into a fifth-place finish. Insiders are excited by rookie starter Ed Figueroa. Three-time Gold Glove short stop Bud Harrelson returns. Philadelphia Phillies The Phils improved by 16 games and finished four games in back of JIM champion Pittsburgh a year ago. Philadelphia appears on the verge of moving to the head of the class with a quality starting rotation and boppers Greg Luzinski, Lee May and Oscar Gamble. Pittsburgh Pirates Lefties of the world unite. The left-handed dominated lineup led the Bucs to their first JIM title last season. Batting champion and league MVP Al Oliver returns along with stars Richie Hebner and Willie Stargell. Dock Ellis and Bob Moose, the last two pitchers to win the NL Cy Young Award, anchor the staff. St. Louis Cardinals While a late-season trade a year ago has revamped the Redbirds, it's still veterans Joe Torre, Ted Simmons and Lou Brock that make St. Louis go. Left-hander Steve Carlton may be on the cusp of becoming the NL's top lefty. An upgrade at short might be all that's standing in the Cardinals' way. 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 05:02 PM.