[NYY #23]

We returned to losing in July, going 13-16 for the month, and are in sole possession of last place. We are struggling in year 2, and the 1976 offseason will bring about free agency for the first time, adding a new wrinkle.

So with that being said, we began to take a look at the players who will become free agents after the season. I felt that the most important player to lock up was catcher Gene Tenace, and we agreed to a 6 year $2,946,000 contract with the sixth year as a player option.

Reliever Bobby Bolin, 2B Sal Bando, RF Rick Miller, and SP Mike Wegener are also possible free agents that I'd like to either lock up, or replace with a better option.

We made one big trade, sending George Foster to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for centerfielder Jose Cruz. Foster was a pending free agent, and Cruz is locked up through next year. Cruz becomes our starting centerfielder and we'll be moving Johnny Grubb to first base.

I spent quite a bit of time looking for an upgrade - for the rotation, and for other positions. It's a tough trade market though, and many of our potential targets exercised their 10/5 rights to veto a deal. Free agency should help that situation though, at least in a couple of years.

The Padres sent John Candelaria, Eric Rasmussen, Gene Tenace, and Dwight Evans to the All-Star game.

Gary Templeton won the NL Rookie of the Month after hitting .397 with 20 runs scored and 15 RBI.