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Old 12-02-2004, 11:05 PM   #42
batted balls
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White Sox Narrowly Avoid Fate of '62 NY Mets

CHICAGO (AP)-The 1975 edition of the Chicago White Sox is better . . . two games better than the '62 New York Mets anyway.

The White Sox finished the season with a 42-120 record. Casey Stengel's '62 Mets won just 40 games.

"That's not a record we wanted," said Sox manager Chuck Tanner. "It (avoiding the Mets' win total) did give us something to play for at the end."

Chicago finished 52 games behind American League West champion Kansas City. The Sox were 33 games behind fifth-place Texas. Chicago posted the worst record in the majors for the second straight year.

Rumors continue to fly concerning the sale of the team. Owners Arthur and John Allyn have the team up for sale. Speculation continues that the team will be sold and moved to either Seattle or Denver.

"We won't comment further than the team is for sale and there are interested parties out there," John Allyn said.

Chicago won just 19 games at home and only 23 on the road. The team was last in the majors in several categories including batting average (.236) and ERA (6.12).

All-Stars Dick Allen and Mike Schmidt were the team's bright spots. Allen was voted as the team MVP for the fourth straight season. The veteran first baseman hit .301 with 47 home runs, 113 RBIs and 19 steals. Allen could be lost if free agency is granted and the Sox can't outbid other teams for his services.

"We'll see what happens," said Allen as he cleaned out his locker Monday.

Schmidt batted .349, socked 34 homers and drove in 108. In addition, Schmidt led the AL in OPS (1.149) and doubles (55). His doubles total set an AL record.

Although mid-season call-up Cecil Cooper showed promise with a .282 average, seven homers and 34 RBIs in limited action, the Sox need upgrades at nearly all positions. Help may be on the way in the form of minor league stars George Brett, Jack Clark, Jim Rice, Gary Carter and Robin Yount. All will get serious looks in spring training, yet most agree counting on rookies is a long shot for team success.

Pitching still is the major question. Former All-Star Tom Seaver came over from the New York Mets in a 4-for-1 trade at mid-season. Seaver was a huge disappointment, going just 4-12 with Chicago. The veteran right-hander was just 1-9 over the course of the season's final two months.

Hard-throwing righty Tom Bradley (9-19, 5.57 ERA) and rookie Kent Tekulve (9-18, 5.26 ERA) tied for the team lead in wins. Rookie Ron Guidry (6-12, 5.61) was acquired in a trade deadline deal. Trades of Rich Gossage and Terry Forster left a gaping hole in the Chicago bullpen. Former set-up man Cy Acosta (4-9, 11 saves, 5.08) attempted to take over the closer role.

The White Sox own the No. 1 overall pick in the amateur draft for the second straight season. Last year experts predicted Chicago would take a pitcher with the pick. The Sox surprised those experts by instead choosing slugger Jack Clark.

This season's top amateurs include pitchers Rick Sutcliffe, Mark Fidrych, Randy Jones. Scott McGregor and Bruce Sutter. Top-rated hitters include Dale Murphy, Andre Dawson, Jim Gantner and Dave Parker.

"We've got several quality players to choose from," said Sox general manager Gardner Barnes.

Picking after Chicago will be Atlanta, Montreal, St. Louis and Cleveland.
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