[Joy in Mudville]

The following is a preview of the NL West for the upcoming 1976 season:

Atlanta Braves (Mike F.)
Media mogul owner Mike F. just may have a team worth putting on his national cable superstation after all. The Braves won a franchise-record 92 games last season, up from only 69 the year before. Atlanta features five solid starters in Ron Reed, Dennis Leonard, Larry Christenson, Phil Niekro and Luis Tiant. Offensively, the Braves figure to hit well in the Launching Pad with a lineup that includes Ralph Garr, Dusty Baker, Rusty Staub and hot prospect Dale Murphy.
Cincinnati Reds (Tim L.)
The Reds have only had one losing season (80-82 in '72) in their history. However, Cincy fell to an even .500 last season. While starting pitchers Gary Nolan and Don Gullett were sharp last year, the Reds need aging veteran pitchers Fergie Jenkins and Dave McNally to reclaim past glory. Batting champion Ken Griffey is back. Catcher Johnny Bench and his .251 lifetime average have been an inconsistent disappointment.
Houston Astros (Dan V.)
Four consecutive seasons of more than 100 wins and two JIM World Series titles in that time span has made Astro fans expect a winner every year. Despite the fact NL MVP Joe Morgan and Cy Young winner Frank Tanana return, there are some cracks in the foundation. Houston has two new starters (Bob Knepper and Ray Corbin) in the rotation. Buzz Capra, a 22-game winner a year ago, couldn't find the plate in spring training and now resides in the bullpen. World Series game seven winner Larry Dierker starts the year on a minor league rehab assignment. That means the offense led by Morgan must carry the load.
Los Angeles Dodgers (Marcus F.)
The Dodgers went from 95 wins to 62 in just one season. The LA freefall is directly attributed to a lackluster offense that hit just .248 and produced one of the league's lowest run totals. Rookie Ruppert Jones has taken over center field from perennial Gold Glove winner Willie Davis. The 35-year-old Davis will move to right, the position vacated by the retired Roberto Clemente. Pitching again figures to be the Dodgers' strength. Right-hander Don Sutton anchors a staff that is leaning heavily on youngsters Tom Underwood, Ken Brett and Sandy Vance. Former Cy Young Award winner Bill Singer is now in the bullpen.
San Diego Padres (Dan S.)
The Fathers continue to win more games each season. San Diego took home 88 victories and third place a year ago. The Padres are now considered a contender mainly due to their potent offense. The hitting stars of the show include infielders George Brett, Lee Lacy and Dan Driessen along with outfielders Jim Rice and George Hendrick. But, pitching will determine the Padres' fate. Right-hander Gary Ross is coming off a spectacular spring. He joins 19-game winner Dave Goltz and 18-game winner Doc Medich. Rookie Mark Lemongello may take the fourth slot in the rotation.
San Francisco Giants (Brandon N.)
The Giants won 17 more games last season than they did in 1974. San Francisco's starting rotation features the promising young arms of Steve Rogers, Jim Barr and Bob Forsch. Skip Lockwood appears to be a lock-down closer. Now it's up to the San Francisco offense to take some Giant strides. Twenty-seven-year George Foster appears ready for the offensive yoke. However, the Gold Glove center fielder needs help from the likes of Bobby Bonds, Ken Henderson and Gary Thomasson. Does oldster Willie McCovey have one last productive season in him?