MARCH 14, 1966
REDS DEAL CARDENAS TO CARDINALS
When the Reds acquired third baseman Ken McMullan from the Dodgers immediately following their World Series victory, Leo Cardenas could see the writing on the wall. The 27 year old, who has been with the Reds since 1961 when he was named National League rookie of the year, lost his starting shortstop job when McMullan was acquired, a deal that prompted the Reds to move Cesar Tovar from third to shortstop.
Cincinnati finally found a home for Cardenas when he was dealt to St Louis just a few days in to spring training. In return, the Reds pick up veteran first baseman Jim Gentile from the Cardinals. The 31 year old Gentile has played 1,171 career games and is a lifetime .261 hitter with 150 homeruns. Last season, he was used primarily as a pinch-hitter but batted just .217 with 6 homers in 106 at bats for St Louis.
APRIL 1, 1966
MORE BAD NEWS FOR O's, CLOSER MILLER INJURED
The news goes from bad to worse this spring for the Baltimore Orioles. After learning all-star outfielder Willie Mays will miss at least half of the season with complications from his knee injury suffered last July, the Orioles now get word relief ace Stu Miller will miss at least half of the season.
The 38 year old Miller, who was 6-9 with 22 saves and a 1.80 era last season, injured his shoulder in spring action and was placed on the 60 day DL. Miller, who also pitched for St Louis and Washington in his 13 year career, has made 518 career appearances with all but 16 of them in relief. His 99 career saves ranks 10th all-time. Current Reds reliever Hoyt Wilhelm is the all-time leader with 175.
24 year old rookie Darold Knowles will likely take over as the Orioles closer but Don Nottebart, who was acquired from the Braves in the offseason may also get a shot. The Orioles have the best rotation in the American League with Dean Chance, Milt Pappas, Jack Fisher, Dave McNally and Steve Barber. They also have 20 year old prospect Jim Palmer in AAA.
The Boston Red Sox also lost their closer to an arm injury. Ted Abernathy is expected to be sidelined for 4 months with elbow troubles. The 33 year old was 8-5 with 18 saves a year ago.
Finally, the Detroit Tigerslost a key pitcher as 30 year old Goerge Burnett suffered a torn rotator cuff in spring action. The injury is expected to sideline Burnett until August. He made 34 starts for Detroit last year, posting an 8-18 record with a 5.17 era.
SUNDAY APRIL 10, 1966
DODGERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE CLASS OF THE LEAGUE
The preseason predictions call for the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees to meet in the 1966 World Series. The Dodgers are pegged to win 104 games and nose out defending World Champion Cincinnati for the National League crown. The Yankees are picked to repeat as American League champs but will be challenged by Boston and Minnesota.
It is the Dodgers pitching staff that makes them a clear favourite. With a rotation that features Sandy Koufax, Don Drysdale, Don Sutton, Tommy John and Pete Richert they should not need a lot of offense to win games. The LA offense does not compare to Cincinnati's powerhouse lineup but the Dodgers do have Maury Wills, Wes Parker, Roberto Clemente and Frank Howard to lead the way. Parker was the only Dodgers position player ranked as one of the top twenty in the game but Koufax (#1), Drysdale (#10) and Sutton (#15) give Los Angeles 3 of the twenty best pitchers in the sport.
Here are the projected standings as well as the top 10 batters and pitchers in the game: