[Joy in Mudville]

The following is a preview of the AL East for the upcoming 1976 season:

Baltimore Orioles (Dan V.)
The Birds have averaged 111 wins per season since the JIM began in 1970. They've won the East flag all six times. They've played in five World Series. The Orioles' starting staff is deep. Right-handers Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan are balanced by lefties Jon Matlack and Ken Holtzman. The offense has a nice mix of power and speed. The bench is deep and talented. Yet, Baltimore has flown the JIM Championship banner just twice. Perhaps those Oriole fans are spoiled after all.
Boston Red Sox (Paul F.)
The Bosox have finished as runners-up two straight seasons. As is its tradition, Boston runs on offense. Reggie Smith, Carl Yastrzemski, Ron Cey and George Scott form a potent middle of the lineup. If veteran starters Gaylord Perry, Jim Lonborg, Bill Bonham and Bill Lee can get the game to closer Sparky Lyle, the Red Sox should win at least 90 games.
Cleveland Indians (Rick B.)
Is this the year all the high draft picks pays off for the Tribe? Dave Parker, Mike Schmidt and Robin Yount could all be ticketed for stardom. Waiver wire castoff Willie Horton may have some magic left in this bat. Yet, it all comes down to pitching. Can Dennis Eckersley, J.R. Richard and Rick Langford lead the Indians to victory?
Detroit Tigers (Matt K.)
Center fielder Fred Lynn has been one of the JIM's top players in his first two seasons. The former USC star has a pair of Most Valuable Player trophies to shine. Yet, how long before teams simply pitch around Lynn to get to the rest of the weak Tiger lineup? The pitching staff has been as unpredictable as the Detroit auto industry.
Milwaukee Brewers (Tim L.)
The Brew Crew has never finished higher than fourth. That only happened once; Milwaukee has been fifth twice and last three times. The Brewers will start three southpaws--Mike Flanagan, Mike Caldwell and Doug Rau--in its rotation. Is this the year former No. 1 overall draft pick Dave Winfield lights it up? Flashy switch-hitting short stop Gary Templeton should be fun to watch.
New York Yankees (Brandon N.)
Three seasons ago the Yanks won 108 games. Last year New York bottomed out with just 57 wins. What gives? Age mostly. Father Time caught up with the Yankees quickly. Thus, the Bronx Bombers are clearing out the old and ushering in the new. That means recent draft picks such as Rick Sutcliffe and Jerry Remy should get plenty of chances. Team captain Thurman Munson has taken the baton from outfielder Bobby Murcer as the Yankees' best player.