Another White Sox Dynasty Attempt: Aka The Glory Of My Times

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NEW ORLEANS (AP)--The Chicago White Sox pulled a bit of a surprise during Tuesday's amateur draft at baseball's winter meetings. Most experts figured the beleagured Sox to draft a pitcher with the No. 1 overall pick. Instead, the Sox threw a curve and selected third baseman Jack Clark.

"Many will be surprised by our pick," said White Sox owner John Allyn. "It's true we need pitching help but you can't just pass on a player like Jack."

Longtime scout Sparky McFarland raved about Clark.

"He's got huge potential," McFarland said. "Jack will hit with power and will someday be a mainstay in our lineup. He's the type of player that will be around for 10-15 years. We're lucky to have grabbed him."

Clark, a 20-year-old who was born in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, is nicknamed "The Ripper" for his prowess at the plate.

"I'm excited to the No. 1 overall pick," Clark said holding his No. 22 jersey aloft for the gathered media, "I'm anxious to get to spring training and help the White Sox get back to winning ways."

Sox manager Chuck Tanner raved about the 6-foot-2, 205-pounder.

"Jack will be a star in this league," Tanner said. "I'm proud to be his manager."

White Sox officials indicated that Clark would begin the season in the team's minor league system. There's speculation that he may be converted into an outfielder since Chicago already has Mike Schmidt at third base and Dick Allen at first. In addition, Cecil Cooper may well be the team's first baseman of the future if Allen is traded later this season or leaves via free agency in '76.

The White Sox drafted former University of Alabama football player Butch Hobson, another third baseman, with their second pick.

St. Louis drafted third baseman Chet Lemon with the second overall selection. Atlanta chose pitcher Dennis Eckersley third, Montreal picked short stop Roy Smalley, Jr. fourth and Detroit tabbed outfielder Dan Ford with the fifth selection. Rounding out the top ten picks were: Houston--Lyman Bostock; Texas--Ellis Valentine; Los Angeles--Ron Pruitt; Baltimore--Willie Randolph; and Cleveland--Denny Walling. Pitching prospect John Candaleria, who many speculated the White Sox would take at No. 1, slipped to Milwaukee at No. 11.

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CHICAGO (AP)--The Chicago White Sox swung a deal for minor league catching prospect Gary Carter on the eve of spring training. Chicago obtained Carter for starting pitcher J.R. Richard.

The Sox were frustrated with Richard, who posted a dismal 2-20 record with a 7.71 ERA last season. Richard, a hard-throwing right-hander, split time during the 1973 season between the Sox and Triple-A Iowa. He was acquired by Chicago April 1, 1973, in a trade for outfielder Jay Johnstone.

Sox pitching coach Johnny Sain said, "J.R. probably needs a fresh start. He has good stuff but needs to learn to harness it. Hopefully for him, Montreal will become home."

Privately, many inside the Sox organization say that Richard and Sain "just didn't see eye to eye."

Carter, who will turn 21 on April 8, may well provided Chicago with a solid catcher. Insiders say the team has not been happy with the development of last year's top draft pick John Stearns. Meanwhile, minor leaguer Pete Varney is looked favorably upon yet has his limitations. Carter, 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, has received glowing reports from scouts across the majors. He will most likely begin the regular season in the minors.

"We need to give Gary time to develop," Sox manager Chuck Tanner said. "We also are happy with John and Pete. We've really strengthened ourselves with this deal."

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CHICAGO (AP)--April has never been a kind month for the Chicago White Sox, but this year's 30 days have proven to be the cruelest of all.

As of May 2, Chicago has gone a miserable 5-25. The Sox have lost a franchise-record 14 straight games and have quickly fallen out of contention in the American League West. Chicago trails first-place Kansas City by 14 games.

"I never would have imagined something like this," said starting pitcher Wilbur Wood. "I thought last season was behind us."

Last season the Sox won just 47 games en route to baseball's worst record.

"It's like we woke up from a nightmare only it find out it's true," said second baseman Mike Andrews.

The nightmare turned reality only seems to be getting worse. On April 13, starting catcher John Stearns broke his hip in a collision at the plate. He is out for the season. Just a few days later relief pitcher Rich "Goose" Gossage strained his tricep and will miss seven weeks. Third baseman Mike Schmidt, who enjoyed Player of the Month accolades last April, suffered a hamstring pull and is out for two weeks.

"You know that TV show "M*A*S*H" everybody is talking about, well we're living it," quipped starter Tom Bradley.

But injuries aren't the only reasons the Sox are flailing and failing. The team is averaging just 2.1 runs per game while giving up 6.7 a contest.

"Everyone is to blame here," said outfielder Pat Kelly. "We've stunk at hitting, we're stunk at pitching, we've stunk at fielding, we've stunk at base running . . . that is on the rare days we get base runners."

Rumors are again circulating that manager Chuck Tanner will become the fall guy.

"Of course people are talking (about it)," said Tanner. "We a team loses the manager and coaches always be scrutinized."

Yet, Tanner remained optimistic.

"We've got good players here," Tanner said. "We'll get turned around just wait and see."

The only problem for Tanner is that he may not be around to see if the Sox do manage to find success.

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CHICAGO (AP)-The White Sox record-setting losing streak ended Thursday night, but the fallout may be the firing of manager Chuck Tanner.

Chicago snapped its 19-game losing string with a 2-0 victory over the New York Yankees before a crowd of 34,616 at Comiskey Park. Rookie right-hander Kent Tekulve kept the Yankee hitters at bay, tossing a five-hit shutout.

"I'm glad I could do my part and end this thing," Tekulve said after the game. "Hopefully, it's the start of good things for our team."

Tekulve, who was acquired from Pittsburgh in a trade for 1973 Rookie-of-the-Year Jorge Orta, walked none and struck out four en route to his 109-pitch masterpiece. It was his first major-league victory. Tekulve is 1-2 on the season.

"He's tough to pick up with that sidearm, buggy whip delivery," said baffled Yankee star Bobby Murcer. "It's not a delivery you see every day."

Tekulve, normally a relief pitcher, has been pressed into the starting rotation due to injuries and the recent trade of J.R. Richard.

"He really came through for us tonight," said catcher Pete Varney. "He really had control of his pitches."

The Sox produced just enough offense to beat the Yankees. New York starter Mel Stottlemyre, 5-2, allowed just three hits and walked only one. Two of the three Sox hits were home runs. Short stop Bobby Grich hit his eighth homer of the year in the second inning. Centerfielder Jim Lyttle gave the Sox some insurance with an eighth inning shot into the left-field bleachers. It was Lyttle's first homer of the season.

The rare Sox victory, just the sixth in 36 games for Chicago this season, did little to end speculation that Tanner will be removed as Sox manager. The Sox are ranked last among the majors' 24 teams in batting average (.231), runs scored (137), ERA (6.85), runs allowed (268) and opponents' batting average (.325).

Team owner John Allyn again refused to comment on Tanner's future. Tanner supporter and Sox first baseman Dick Allen said, "It's too bad that we're playing so poorly because Chuck is working harder than any of us. We need to turn things around for his sake."

Upon hearing Allen's comments, veteran outfielder Pat Kelly added, "For our sakes as well."

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CHICAGO (AP)-John Allyn ended months of rumors and speculation Saturday when he confirmed that the Chicago White Sox are for sale.

"My family has been in the game for many years and all good things must come to any end," Allyn said in an interview with members of the Chicago media who were called to a special press conference at the Bard's Room inside Comiskey Park.

"We don't have a buyer in mind," Allyn added. "We'll see what develops."

Allyn would not comment further. In fact, the only other question he would answer was in reference to the fate of Sox manager Chuck Tanner.

"Chuck deserves to be around for the rest of the season. After that, it's up to the new ownership."

Tanner said only that he was "pleased with the vote of confidence and anxious to get back to managing his team."

There are reports out of Denver and Seattle that local business groups may be interested in buying the Sox and moving them westward. Again, Allyn would not comment on those rumors.

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OAKLAND (AP)-In the midst of a West Coast road trip the Chicago White Sox began what is believed to be a series of moves to rebuild its lackluster roster. Veteran starting pitchers Stan Bahnsen and Wilbur Wood were traded to Houston in exchange for rookie outfielder Lyman Bostock.

Bahnsen, 30, has been plagued by injuries the past few seasons with the Sox. The right-hander was 4-5 last year before being sidelined for season. This year he was 0-1.

Wood, 33, was just led the Chicago staff with nine wins last season. Yet, he also lost 18 games. The left-handed knuckleballer was a dismal 1-9 this season.

"I'll miss my teammates," Wood said, "but it's probably time to go."

Bostock, a native of nearby Gary, Indiana, was the sixth overall pick in the recent amateur draft. The 24-year-old outfielder was hitting just .239 in limited action with the Astros this season. He is rated as a top defensive player who will see time in both left and right fields for the Sox.

"I can't wait to put on the Sox uniform," Bostock said. "It's great that my family and friends will be so close and can come see me play."

With Bahnsen and Wood now gone from the Sox starting rotation, Chicago's top four will be veteran Tom Bradley (1-6), rookies Ken Kravec (0-2) and Kent Tekulve (2-2) and youngster Bart Johnson (0-0). Tekulve has shown great promise with back-to-back shutout victories.

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OAKLAND (AP)-The Chicago White Sox continued to revamp its team early Sunday by trading closer Terry Forster to the first-place Kansas City Royals for highly touted prospect George Brett.

Forster, 23, was an All-Star in 1973 by saving 25 games for the Sox. Last season he slipped to 16 saves with a 4.10 ERA. This season he is 0-2 with four saves and a 5.82 ERA.

Brett, 22, was batting .324 with two home runs and 11 RBIs in limited action for the Royals. Last year he hit .240 in just 12 games. The left-handed Brett is considered to be one the top prospects in baseball. Chicago assigned him to Triple-A Iowa so he could get playing time since Mike Schmidt is a mainstay at third base for the White Sox.

"Terry did a great job for us," manager Chuck Tanner said. "But we aren't exactly in a position to save a lot of games right now. George Brett is a star in the making."

Forster was caught off guard.

"I'll miss the guys in the clubhouse, but this is crazy . . . I'm going from the worst team in baseball to a World Series contender . . . it's nuts," Forster said.

Interestingly, Chicago has three third baseman considered to be stars of the future: Schmidt, Brett and No. 1 overall pick Jack Clark. Clark, currently playing in Class-A, is being converted into a left fielder. Brett could play first base in veteran Dick Allen is traded later this season or if Allen leaves as a free agent next off-season.

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CHICAGO (AP)-The calendar may now say June, but for the Chicago White Sox nothing much has changed.

"It's to the point you almost don't know what to do," said Sox short stop Bobby Grich. "But we can't give up. We've got to keep working."

The Sox are 14-44 and an incredible 20 games behind first-place Minnesota. To add insult to injury have been . . . well, more injuries. Sox hitting stars Dick Allen and Mike Schmidt have both been in-and-out of the lineup with nagging injuries.

"It's nothing to put you down for long, but it sure is a pain," quipped Allen.

Schmidt is among the league leaders with a .395 batting average.

Pitcher Dennis O'Toole has been placed on the 15-day disabled list because of pain in his pitching elbow.

To make matters worse, No. 1 draft choice Jack Clark will be out for at least nine weeks with a dislocated shoulder. Clark, being converted into an outfielder at Class-A Appleton, ran into the left-field fence in a recent game.

Notes: In other news, the Sox called up first baseman Cecil Cooper from Triple-A Iowa. Cooper, who was hitting around .400 in the minors, will play some first base and DH as well. The Sox have reportedly been asking the Twins about starting pitcher Bert Blyleven. However, Minnesota's asking price of Allen and Schmidt is much too high for Chicago's tastes.

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CHICAGO (AP)-It's not all bad news out of Chicago as White Sox third baseman Mike Schmidt was named the American League's Player of the Month for May.

Schmidt, leading the AL with a .377 batting average, hit .424 for the month. He also clouted eight home runs and drove in 24 runs.

"The award is nice, but I'd rather that we were winning as a team," Schmidt said. "There's talent on this team, we need to just put it all together."

Schmidt will most likely be the Sox lone representative on the All-Star team next month.

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BALTIMORE (AP)-The good news is that Rich "Goose" Gossage is off the disabled list for the Chicago White Sox. The bad news is that short stop Bobby Grich is now on the DL.

Grich injured his throwing arm against the Baltimore Orioles. He is expected to be out for six weeks. Sam Ewing was called up from Double-A and will split time at short with veteran Luis Alvarado.

Gossage, meanwhile, came off the DL this week and is now in the White Sox starting rotation. Left-hander Ken Kravec, 0-5 with Chicago, was demoted to Triple-A Iowa.

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CHICAGO (AP)--Bobby Murcer has struggled at times this season. Yet, the three-time American League MVP returned to glory in this year's All-Star Game at Wrigley Field.

Murcer went 3-for-3 with a long home run off Jim Barr. Murcer, who has 20 regular season homers, scored two runs and knocked in two runs as the AL defeated the NL 6-5.

"Some people have been questioning my being selected as an All-Star this year," said Murcer after the game. "This should answer those questions."

Minnesota's Bert Blyleven was the winning pitcher for the AL. Baltimore's Jim Palmer earned the save. Burt Hooton was the loser for the NL.

"Anyone who thinks Murcer isn't an All-Star is nuts," said Blyleven. "(Offensive) numbers are down a bit across the league this year. Of course his numbers don't match the past few years totals. So what? He's still one of the top players in the game today."

The White Sox has two representatives in the game despite the worst record in baseball. Dick Allen played the entire game at first base, going 1-for-5 with a double and a stolen base. Mike Schmidt pinch hit late in the game and drew a walk. Schmidt then played an inning at second base, a position he has never played in the big leagues.

"It was a great experience," Schmidt said. "It was even better to be on the winning side."

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CHICAGO (AP)-With their hopes long gone for the 1975 season, the Chicago White Sox made a trade with a eye on both the future and regaining lost respect.

Chicago, a dismal 16-65 this season, traded four players for three-time National League All-Star pitcher Tom Seaver. Seaver, 10-6 with a 3.95 this season with the New York Mets, was acquired July 5 by Chicago in exchange for pitcher Rich "Goose" Gossage, short stop Bobby Grich, outfielder Pat Kelly and minor league prospect Ryan Siberman.

"Yes, I am surprised," said a stunned Seaver who was tracked down at Chicago's O'Hare Airport. "To go from a World Champion to this . . . I'm speechless."

White Sox manager Chuck Tanner was bittersweet.

"Anytime to can get a pitcher the quality of a Tom Seaver, you've got to do it," Tanner said. "I sure hated to give up the players we did, but the price for a Seaver ain't cheap!"

Seaver, 15-10 during last season's Mets' World Series run, earns $9,440,000 a season. He has four years left on his contract.

Gossage, Grich and Kelly all had just one year remaining on their White Sox contracts and may have left via the impending free agency that is rumored to be upon Major League Baseball at the end of the '75 season.

"Sure, it was a factor," said a White Sox insider. "This team may also lose Dick Allen via free agency."

The courts have yet to make a official ruling on the recent decisions of pitchers Andy Messersmith and Dave McNally, but most close to the situation believe the time has come for free agency.

"Curt Flood got things started, and the actions of those two (Messersmith and McNally) should be the final nails," said the same White Sox official who wanted to remain unidentified.

Gossage, often injured the past three seasons, was 0-1 with a 5.60 ERA this season. Grich, the key to the deal for New York, is set to come off the disabled list this weekend. The 26-year-old is batting .233 with 15 homers and 45 RBIs. Kelly, 30, is batting .234 with three home runs and 23 RBIs.

The Mets, 39-42 this season, are four games behind first-place Pittsburgh. New York is in fourth place, trailing Montreal and Philadelphia as well.

Seaver will likely start at home against either Boston or on the road against Cleveland.

Chicago also recalled outfielder Nyls Nyman from Triple-A to take Kelly's spot on the roster. Nyman was batting .284 with three home runs at Iowa of the American Association.

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CHICAGO (AP)-Arthur and John Allyn may have a buyer for the Chicago White Sox, but it's one that fans on the South Side may like like--Seattle.

The Allyns have confirmed a report that a group out of Seattle headed by entertainer Danny Kaye is a strong possibility to purchase the White Sox franchise and move it west. The possible move stems from a 1970 lawsuit filed be the Seattle group when the city lost the Pilots to Milwaukee. The case is scheduled for a January 1976 court date. Thus, Major League Baseball could avoid the court system by allowing the group to buy the Sox from the Allyns and move it to Seattle.

"It's a strong possibility," John Allyn confirmed.

There is a further rumor that Chicago businessman and Oakland A's owner Charlie O. Finley may move his franchise to Chicago. Finley was interested in buying the White Sox from Bill Veeck back in 1961. Finley has long hoped to move the A's from the San Francisco Bay area because of the Giants' stronghold. It seems he views the Giants as more of a threat to his market than the Cubs would be in Chicago.

Neither the Seattle group nor the Allyns would comment on specifics of the proposed deal.

A group of Sox fans on hand to buy tickets from the White Sox Park ticket offices were naturally upset with the rumor.

"Seattle? Isn't that where "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" is set for cripe sakes?!" said one angry fan.

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CHICAGO (AP)-Tom Seaver truly was "Tom Terrific" as the 30-year-old right-hander mastered the Boston Red Sox 3-2 in his first American League start.

A midweek crowd of more than 30,000 showed up to watch newly acquired Seaver work his magic for the lowly White Sox. Seaver gave up just four hits,walked only one and struck out 11 as he earned the complete-game victory. Seaver allowed just one earned run.

"He's everything we'd heard about and more," said Sox first baseman Dick Allen. "It was a pleasure to play behind him."

"There was a difference out there today and that difference was spelled S-e-a-v-e-r," said spelling ace and Sox catcher Pete Varney.

The difference wasn't just with Seaver, it was with the Sox. Chicago took a 1-0 in the second inning on Rick Reichardt's 10th home run of the year, a blast into the left-field seats. After Boston took a 2-1 lead in the fifth inning on Rico Petrocelli's 17th home run of the year, Chicago responded in its half of the sixth. Recently acquired Lyman Bostock drilled a two-out, two-run triple off Boston starter Dock Medich to give the White Sox the margin of victory.

"It was fun out there today," said Bostock who collected three hits on the day. "Getting Tom Seaver just may be the start of something special for us."

Rookie short stop Sam Ewing, who had two hits, agreed.

"He's (Seaver) great to play behind," Ewing said. "He's a true professional."

The White Sox have now won two straight games--no small feat for a club that has lost 65 times already this season.

"I'm here to give it my all," Seaver said. "The shock (of the trade) has worn off. Guys like Dick Allen are counting on me."

[rem]

Dude, that's a great avatar. Good luck with the dynasty.

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Thanks. It's courtesy of the Houston Texans cheer squad. Yes, it's true what they say about Texas women!

By the way, I infer from your avatar that you are a Jim Palmer fan. He tossed a no-hitter against the Sox in my "dynasty."

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CHICAGO (AP)-The Chicago White Sox showed slight improvement in July, yet still sport major league baseball's worst record.

"I don't care what our record is right now," Chicago manager Chuck Tanner said. "We're playing a heck of a lot better ball than we did earlier in the season."

Tanner's White Sox are 27-76, firmly entrenched in the cellar of the AL West. Chicago trails first-place Kansas City by a whopping 34 games. Yet, the team has played .500 baseball for the past two weeks.

"A lot of it has to do with Tom Seaver coming over," said catcher Pete Varney. "He knows how to win and is sharing what winning is all about with us."

Seaver, 10-6 with the New York Mets prior to being traded to the White Sox for four players, has posted a 3-3 record since joining the team. Interestingly, Seaver has won all three of his starts at home and lost all three of his starts on the road.

"White Sox Park is a great place to pitch," Seaver said. "Someone told me that a pitcher helped design the ballpark. You can tell." (Editor's Note: White Sox great Big Ed Walsh played a large role in the design of Comiskey Park--the original name of White Sox Park--when it was built in 1910)

Seaver has thrown three complete games in his home wins, allowing just four earned runs in those starts. However, the veteran right-hander has been roughed up for 13 earned runs in his three road losses. Included in those defeats was a return to New York and a 5-1 pounding at the hands of Thurman Munson (two home runs) and the Yankees.

"I was too keyed up for the start in New York and it showed," Seaver said.

As the trade deadline arrives, the Sox are rumored to be offering potential free agent first baseman Dick Allen to the California Angels in exchange for hard-throwing right-hander Nolan Ryan. Allen, a three-time All-Star with Chicago, boasts a .314 batting average with 34 home runs and 80 RBIs. Allen recently hit three home runs off Gary Gentry of Texas in one game to equal a team record set by Mike Schmidt last season.

"I'd love to keep playing with the Sox," Allen said. "But I understand it's a business."

Notes: Tom Bradley tops the White Sox staff with just six wins this season . . . Schmidt is hitting .346 with 20 homers and 75 RBIs . . . no other Sox player is hitting better than .267 . . . former White Sox left fielder Carlos May has been tearing up the league as Boston's lead-off man with a .326 average, 22 home runs and 66 RBIs . . . division leaders as of July 30--AL East, Boston; AL West, Kansas City; NL East, Pittsburgh and NL West, Cincinnati.

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CHICAGO (AP)-With rumors swirling around a Dick Allen-for-Nolan Ryan deal, the Chicago White Sox decided to hang onto their potential free agent All-Star slugger. Instead the White Sox sent hot minor league prospect Butch Hobson to Oakland for left-handed pitcher Ron Guidry.

The deal came just minutes before the trading deadline expired. Hobson, the Sox second-round pick in the amateur draft, was hitting .256 with one home run and 19 RBIs with Class-A Appleton. Scouting reports have touted him as a "bona-fide major-league prospect."

"It should be a deal that works well for both teams," said White Sox general manager Gardner Barnes. "We have a log jam at third base in our system so even though we liked Butch as a player, it came down to numbers. It doesn't take a genius to see that we need pitching help."

The Sox indeed have plenty of solid third basemen. Mike Schmidt is among the American League leaders in batting, is a strong power threat and plays a potential Gold Glove third base. George Brett is tearing up Triple-A pitching and will most likely break camp with the Sox next spring. Earlier this season Chicago traded third base prospect Ryan Siberman to the New York Mets as part of the Tom Seaver deal.

Guidry gives the White Sox rotatation the left-handed arm it lacked. Moreover, he is a power pitcher which should help the sometimes erratic Chicago defense.

"He's what we were looking for," Barnes said. "We like the way our rotation is taking shape."

Guidry was the second round draft choice of the Minnesota Twins prior to this season. The Louisiana native was traded June 21 to Oakland for three players. Guidry spent no time in the minors, instead compiling a 6-3 record with a 5.01 ERA with the Twins and A's. He struck out 59 batters in 102 innings.

"Sure it makes you wonder (about being traded twice in the same season)," Guidry said, "but it also means the White Sox wanted me."

Skip Pitlock, 0-3, was farmed out to Triple-A Iowa in order for Guidry to have a spot on the Chicago major-league roster. Guidry is expected to start Friday against his former teammates from Oakland.

"We don't see any reason to hold him back," Sox manager Chuck Tanner said.

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BALTIMORE (AP)-Chicago's Sox are drooping. Manager Chuck Tanner's team lost its 100th game of the season Tuesday night. Chicago lost 4-2 to the Baltimore Orioles.

"Sure it's frustrating," said Sox starter and losing pitcher Tom Bradley. "It wears on you."

The loss was Bradley's 15th of the year, yet his eight victories still top the Sox staff. Chicago carries a lowly 33-100 record into the final month of the '75 season. The White Sox are an incredible 44 games behind first-place Kansas City.

Despite the horrific performance, Chicago may not call up its top prospects in September. Why would the worst team is baseball not want to get a look its future by promoting players from what has been rated as the top minor league system in the game?

"It's simple," said a team insider who wished to remain nameless, "Free agency."

If the court system rules that free agency will go into effect in baseball this off-season, the White Sox (and other teams) don't want to call up their young minor league stars and allow them to gain major league service time.

"Calling them up now would mean they're closer to being declared free agents," said the Sox insider.

For Sox fans, that means they won't get to see Jim Rice, George Brett, Gary Carter or Robin Yount, the players ranked by The Sporting News as the minors top four prospects in all of baseball.. (Editor's Note: Jack Clark, this season's No. 1 overall draft pick, is rated as the seventh best prospect in the game. Thus, Chicago has five of the top 10 rated minor leaguers.)

"Sox fans will have to wait until spring training next season to get a look at these players in major league camp," said the insider.

In addition, the White Sox have practically assured themselves of the No. 1 pick in the amateur draft this off-season. Many speculate the team will go for a pitcher with the selection.

Chicago's misfortunes this season have been well documented. Owners John and Arthur Allyn have the club up for sale. In fact, there are rumors that a group based in Seattle may purchase the Sox and move them to Washington state.

"Things may look bleak now," Tanner said after Tuesday's loss, "but there is a future with this team. There is a solid base of players here (at the major league level), and we look forward to what is to come (from the farm system)."

First baseman Dick Allen was rumored to have been dealt before the trading deadline. The White Sox, however, decided to be the potential free agent.

"We'd love to resign Dick," Sox general manager Gardner Barnes said. "We're attempting to work out a new contract that would keep him around for the future."

Allen, a three-time All-Star first baseman, is tied for the American League lead in home runs with Boston's Reggie Smith (41). Allen is batting .307, has driven in 99 runs and scored 111 times. He also has 18 stolen bases.

Third baseman Mike Schmidt, Chicago's other All-Star this season, is batting .345 with 26 homers and 91 RBIs. Schmidt, slowed by injuries this season, is out for a week with back ailments.

Sox pitchers have been battered all season. Bradley, 8-15, has a 5.42 ERA. Prize acquistion Tom Seaver is a disappointing 3-9 since joining the Sox. Rookies Kent Tekulve (7-15) and Ron Guidry (2-5 with Chicago, 6-8 overall) round out the starting rotation.

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NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE GLORY OF MY TIMES . . .

The White Sox may be well out of the pennant chase, but here are the contenders as we head into the final month of the 1975 season . . .

AL East--Boston leads Baltimore by 9
AL West--Kansas City leads Minnesota by 4
NL East--baseball's most competitive division . . . Pittsburgh leads Montreal by one game, the defending World Champion Mets are two back, Chicago and Philadelphia are four out and St. Louis is last but only eight out
NL West--Cincinnati is two games ahead of Houston and San Diego while Los Angeles lurks at six games back

Notes . . . While not on last year's home-run record pace, Johnny Bench of the Reds has 39 home runs and 106 RBIs . . . San Diego's Nate Colbert is tied with Bench for NL long ball leadership . . . Gary Gentry, traded earlier this season from the Mets to the Texas Rangers, hurled a no-hitter vs. Detroit on August 15 . . . Gentry lost a perfect game with two outs in the eighth when he walked Ollie Brown.