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

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NEW ORLEANS (AP)-The Philadelphia Phillies selected Pedro Guerrero with the No. 1 overall pick in the 1978 amateur draft.

"We're pleased to use the top pick on Pedro," Phillies manager Danny Ozark said. "His bat will definitely help us."

The Phillies were given the first selection in a random lottery created by the addition of two new franchises to the American League. The lottery came about as a compromise because there was a division over whether Toronto and Seattle should be given the top two picks. The draft was also increased from three rounds to five rounds in order for Toronto and Seattle to build their farm systems.

"Next season we'll return to the old format of drafting in the reverse order of the teams' final records at year's end," said baseball spokesman Howard Blatt. "We'll also go back to three rounds."

California took Lonnie Smith with the second pick. The Angels have the top-rated minor league system. Smith will join Angel farmhands such as Willie Mays Aikens and Andre Dawson.

Detroit tabbed Dwayne Murphy at No. 3 while Baltimore took Bob Horner from Arizona State with the fourth pick. St. Louis rounded out the top five with second baseman Paul Molitor.

Milwaukee selected Keith Moreland at six. AL West champion Chicago took outfielder Luis Silverio with the seventh pick. Silverio, 21, is from the Dominican Republic.

"Our scouts tell us Luis has amazing speed and is solid defensively," White Sox general manager Gardner Barnes said.

Rounding out the top 10 picks were: Boston, Glenn Hubbard; Los Angeles, Bob Welch; and Minnesota, Scott Sanderson.

Toronto and Seattle, the expansion teams, wound up picking at 13th and 25th respectively. Toronto took catcher Ron Hassey while Seattle grabbed outfielder Karl Pagel.

"We had our eyes of (short stop) Ozzie Smith, but the Mets got him at No. 12," said Toronto manager Roy Hartsfield. "That's not a knock against Ron Hassey, but we would have liked to build around short."

Toronto's other picks were outfielder Bombo Rivera, pitcher Kip Young, third baseman Timothy Neary and short stop Flavio Ramirez.

Seattle, meanwhile, took pitchers with all four of its remaining picks. Those picks were Steve Mura, Paul Moskau, Bruce Taylor and John Verhoeven.

"That's the name of the game," said Mariners manager Darrell Johnson.

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The White Sox remaining picks were pitcher Jim Beattie, second baseman Chico Ruiz, pitcher Ken Witzel and third baseman Brandon Baeza.

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CHICAGO (AP)-We've seen this before. The Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Cardinals got together for a trade Sunday just hours after the amateur draft had finished.

The White Sox and Cardinals have been trade partners numerous times over the past several seasons. This time around, Chicago sent veteran infielder Wayne Garrett to St. Louis for second baseman Paul Molitor, the Cardinals' top pick in the draft.

Garrett, 30, will return to the National League after playing for the White Sox last season. Garrett was acquired by Chicago from Atlanta in a trade for outfielder Ralph Garr in early July. Garrett, a left-handed hitter, split time with Bucky Dent at second base with Chicago. He hit .286 with four home runs and 18 RBIs in 140 at-bats. He hit a home run in game one of the ALCS.

"He may play some third base for us as well," St. Louis manager Red Schoendienst said. "We like what he adds to our club."

Garrett played for the World Champion New York Mets in 1974. He signed as a free agent with Atlanta prior to last season.

"We see Wayne as our No. 2 hitter," Schoendienst said. "He could be the player to put us over the top."

St. Louis won the NL East last season before losing in the NLCS to eventual World Champion Houston.

Chicago, meanwhile, gets a young player of high regard. Molitor, 21, was the fifth player taken in this year's amateur draft.

"He's a blue-chip prospect," White Sox general manager Gardner Barnes said. "Wayne Garrett was a very versatile player for us, but we've had our eyes on Paul a long time."

Molitor may well break spring training camp with the White Sox. He is expected to split time with Dent at second and get plenty of at-bats.

"He may wind up hitting leadoff or second for us," Barnes said. "Let's give the kid a chance to settle in first however."

This deal is similar to the 1976 trade that brought veteran first baseman Cecil Cooper to the Cardinals from Chicago in exchange for Dale Murphy, the No. 4 overall amateur draft pick. Cooper hit .321 with 22 home runs and 81 RBIs last season in St. Louis. He was waived, however, in the off-season to make room for Jim Norris, a promising hitter in the St. Louis system. Insiders also say that Cooper's $2.4 million contract which runs through 1980 was a major factor in the decision. Cooper was signed off the waiver wire by the Chicago Cubs recently.

The White Sox and Cardinals have made four trades since the 1972 season.

"We work well together, plus we're in different leagues," Barnes said. "Who knows, maybe we'll wind up playing each other in the World Series sometime."

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Max Mercy, Jr. here again, folks. I'm lookin' at your Chicago White Stockings runnin' through their paces down here in Sarasota, spring trainin' site of the defending AL West champeons.

Sounds good, don't it, Sox fans? Champ-e-ons of the West (I won't bring up the fact the team blew a 2-1 ALCS lead against the Red Sox and lost out on a golden chance to bring the World Series to the Windy City).

Anyway, maybe the Pale Hose will win this year's AL West again (maybe they won't). Here's one thing Bill Veeck's parade will have to contend with soon--the high cost of winning.

See, Partyin' Bill realizes his boys are going to want more dough--sooner rather than later. Bert Blyleven's contract is up at the end of this year. No doubt the three-time Cy Young Award winner will want an increase on his $8.4 million per year deal. Believe you me, he'll have plenty of suitors.

Speaking of Sutters, your relief ace Bruce will be eligible for this new-fangled arbitration in just 170 more service days. You should start a countdown calendar for that day because Robin Yount and Bucky Dent will be eligible at that same time.

George Brett, Ron Guidry, Lyman Bostock and Jim Rice are already there. Brett, last year's batting champ, is estimated to get just under $11 million. Add in Guidry's $3.5 million and Bostock and Rice's $1.5 million each and well, let's just say that Wild Bill will have to be creative with the old dollar.

How will Veeck and his partners deal with this? Maybe they can get every White Sox fan to mail in another 20 cents . . . or maybe they could raise ticket prices (as well as the price of peanuts, popcorn, Cracker Jack and your favorite beverage). Maybe they'll have to start selling off or trading away high-priced players in exchange for younger, "promising" ones. Think it was a fluke that the Chisox were noticeably absent from the winter bidding on free agents? No wonder, Nolan Ryan "didn't like" the South Side organization.

Yes, Sox fans, Christmas is long over and the January bills are about to arrive. Will Bill Veeck go to his mailbox? Or will he file for baseball's version of Chapter 11 and let someone else deal with his financial mess?

Time will tell, Sox fans. And, that time is ticking . . . 170 days left to mail in your donation to the Bill Veeck Charity Fund.

This is Max Mercy, Jr. signing off . . .

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CHICAGO (AP)-White Sox owner Bill Veeck has decided to embrace sportswriter Max Mercy, Jr. with a Sept. 1 promotion.

"Max has written that I may not still be in business by then," Veeck said. "but the special day will go on regardless."

Veeck said the promotion will "honor" Mercy, Jr. with several surprises.

"Just as we never know what Max, Jr. will write next, you won't know what we have planned until Sept. 1," Veeck said.

Mercy, Jr. has been highly critical of the White Sox organization and of Veeck in particular. Speculation is that Mercy, Jr. is carries on the feud his father developed years ago with Veeck.

"Max's dad and I were old friends," Veeck smirked at Monday's press conference. "Isn't that right, Max, Jr.?"

Mercy, Jr. said only, "Just like my daddy, I'll let me writing do my talking."

Veeck also released the following promotions for the 1978 White Sox season.

April 5--Opening Day vs. New York; the first 20,000 fans will receive a commerative AL West champion pennant

April 15--Bat Day vs. Texas; the first 20,000 youngsters 14 and under will receive a Mike Schmidt-style baseball bat; Schmidt will also be presented with his AL MVP Award

April 30--Twin Killing Day vs. Minnesota; every time the White Sox turn a double play a lucky fan will win a $1,000 savings bond

May 4--Tom Seaver Cy Young Award Day vs. Cleveland; the Sox will honor Seaver for winning the top pitching award last season; the first 30,000 fans will receive a commerative Seaver poster

May 5--Change Your Sox Night vs. Boston; every fan who brings in a pair of red socks will receive a brand new pair of white ones

June 16--Fishermen's Day vs. Seattle; the first 10,000 fans will receive fishing poles to welcome the Mariners to the league

July 4--Dick Allen Bobble Head Night vs. Oakland; the first 25,000 fans will get a bobble head of the former Sox slugger; fireworks will follow the game

July 10--Royal Flush Day vs. Kansas City; the first 30,000 fans will receive a deck of White Sox playing cards

July 22--Cap Day vs. Baltimore; the first 25,000 fans will receive a White Sox cap

August 6--White Sox T-Shirt Day vs. Detroit; the first 25,000 fans will receive a Sox t-shirt with a variety of players' names and numbers

Sept. 15--Oh Canada! Night vs. Toronto; welcome the Blue Jays and Canadians everywhere with special giveaways; Canadian beverages will also be served

Sept. 25--Fan Appreciation Day vs. California

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CHICAGO (AP)-The Chicago White Sox want more in 1978. A year ago the Sox won the American League West with baseball's best record. Then came the gut-wrenching five-game loss to Boston in the ALCS.

"There's no doubt we want more this season," White Sox manager Bob Lemon said. "We came so close to the Series a season ago. I told the team in spring training that it won't automatically happen. We must be ready from Opening Day on."

Chicago, 99-63 last season, will open in Kansas City against the rival Royals. Kansas City finished second to the White Sox a year ago.

Lemon has already named veteran Tom Seaver as the Opening Day starter. Seaver, 33, won the AL Cy Young Award last season. The right-hander was 24-8 with a 1.70 ERA. He also led the league with 303 strikeouts.

Joining Seaver in the Sox rotation are Bert Blyleven (23-12), Ron Guidry (19-9), Buzz Capra (11-9) and Scott McGregor (2-4). Veteran Tom Bradley (3-1) signed as an off-season free agent with Atlanta.

The bullpen also appears to be set. Former No. 1 overall draft pick Bruce Sutter (4-7, 25 saves) anchors the pen. Lefty Willie Hernandez (10-3, five saves) and right-hander Kent Tekulve (3-1, 13 saves) are a solid combination.

Youngsters Cardell Camper (3-4, one save) and Enrique Romo (1-1) will give the bullpen depth.

When discussing the Chicago offense, the conversation begins with Mike Schmidt and George Brett. Schmidt, the league's reigning MVP, shattered the record books last season. His .342-80 home run-191 RBI output may never be equalled.

"Last year was incredible, but it's over now," Schmidt said. "I need to have another strong season and help get us to the Series."

Another strong season from Brett would certainly help the Sox cause. The first baseman led the AL with a record-setting .386 average. Brett also hit 47 homers and drove home 139 runs. A late-season injury ended his season and perhaps cost Chicago a trip to last year's Fall Classic.

"There's unfinished business," Brett said. "But I'm healthy and ready to start the season."

While Brett and Schmidt will hold down the No. 3 and 4 slots in the batting order, right fielder Lyman Bostock (.308-6-50) and short stop Robin Yount (.260-16-82) are expected to trade off batting in the top two spots. Yount has more speed but Bostock has produced better leading off. Like Brett, Yount is coming back from a season-ending injury.

Newly acquired Paul Molitor may also get a look at the top of the lineup. The No. 5 overall pick in the recent amateur draft will split time at second base with veteran Bucky Dent.

Designated hitter Dave Kingman hit just .193 a season ago. Yet, Kingman made his hits count. Kingman blasted 40 home runs and collected 96 RBIs. He hit three homers against Boston in the ALCS.

"I went 0-for-4 in game seven though," Kingman said. "This year needs to end on a better note."

Kingman is in the final year of a deal worth $2.2 million. With former No. 1 overall draft choice Jack Clark expected to break camp with the Sox this season, Chicago may not resign the 29-year-old Kingman.

Clark, a converted third baseman, will see action in the outfield as well as first base and DH.

Jim Rice returns in left field. The 25-year-old hit .291 with 28 homers and 117 RBIs last year. He will be backed up by Jerry Hairston (.336-3-20 in 137 at-bats).

Dale Murphy will enter his second season with the White Sox. The former No. 4 overall draft selection of the St. Louis Cardinals was inconsistent in '77. Murphy hit .233 with eight home runs and drove in 29. He did provide the Sox with solid defense in center.

Catcher Gary Carter struggled at times with the bat last season. His defense, however, was outstanding. Carter won the AL Gold Glove, the first Sox player to do so since Bradley in '72.

Veterans Sam Ewing, Joe Henderson, Nyls Nyman and Pete Varney will come off the bench for Chicago. All three saw playing time due to injuries to starters last season. Ewing and Henderson each saw ALCS action.

"I like our club and its chances again this year," Lemon said. "We're ready to play and see what happens."

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KANSAS CITY (AP)-A season ago the Chicago White Sox rode the home run trot to outpace the Kansas City Royals for the American League West title. In Thursday's 1978 season opener, Chicago was out trotting again.

The White Sox hit four home runs en route to a 9-2 victory. The run support was more than enough for Tom Seaver. Last year's Cy Young Award winner pitched a complete game six-hitter. He walked none and struck out eight.

Chicago got longballs from Jack Clark, Paul Molitor, Dave Kingman and Jim Rice. For Molitor, the game marked his major league debut.

"This was a great way to break in," Molitor said. "I'll always remember it, but the most important thing is that we won."

Molitor's home run came in the ninth inning off reliever Dick Drago. Molitor, starting at second base, went 3-for-5 with two runs scored and a stolen base out of the leadoff spot.

"If he keeps producing like that, he'll be hitting leadoff for quite some time," Chicago manager Bob Lemon said.

Kingman, 3-for-4 as the team's DH, drove home four runs. Clark, Rice, Mike Schmidt and George Brett all had two hits. Brett extended his hitting streak to 18 games dating back to last season. Clark's home run was the first of his career.

"Molly and I can look back fondly on today's game," Clark said of his 375-foot round-tripper.

Paul Splittorff was the losing pitcher. He lasted just 3.2 innings in which he allowed five runs on nine hits.

News and Notes: Toronto won its first franchise game by defeating California 6-3. Free agent prize Don Gullett was the winning pitcher . . . Seattle lost its debut, 8-5 to Minnesota . . . The White Sox payroll is just over $59 million while Kansas City checks in at $74 million . . . Boston's $87 million is tops in the majors while Seattle's $43 is the lowest.

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CHICAGO (AP)-If the first month of the season is any indication, then the American League West may be renamed the AL Wild West.

Thirty days into the schedule, four different teams have claimed first place. To date, Oakland stands atop the standings with a 19-9 record. The defending division champion Chicago White Sox are one game back at 18-10. Minnesota, 16-12, and California, 15-13, are within striking distance. Perennial power Kansas, in the midst of an eight-game losing streak, is six games out. Texas, 11-17, and Seattle, 10-18, round out the division standings.

"It's been a fight so far," said Oakland All-Star first baseman Dick Allen. "If this is what it's going to be like for the summer (then) everyone is in for a real treat."

Allen, 36, is hoping to taste his first playoff action come fall. Allen is the top active home run hitter with 542 career longballs.

"I've always wanted to be in a pennant race to the end," Allen said. "We have as good a shot as anyone."

Oakland's pitching has been its primary source of success. Starters Mark "The Bird" Fidrych (4-1) and rookie Don Robinson (4-2) have given the A's strong outings nearly every time out. Rollie Fingers is tied for the league lead with seven saves.

The White Sox, Allen's former team, swept a two-game series from the A's in Oakland early in April.

"We'll see Chicago many more times this season," said Allen. "Those two games aren't that big in the grand scheme."

The White Sox have been a team of streaks. Chicago has put together win streaks of six and five games. However, the Sox have also experienced two three-game losing skids.

"People have to remember that we're young," said Chicago manager Bob Lemon. "Young players will make mistakes."

Chicago hasn't made many mistakes on offense. The White Sox lead the AL with a team average of .320 and 53 home runs. Chicago boasts the league's top three hitters in George Brett (.452), Lyman Bostock (.424) and Mike Schmidt (.400). Schmidt won his fifth Player of the Month award. The All-Star third baseman leads the AL with 16 homers and an incredible 53 RBIs, despite missing four games with a bruised thumb.

"Team may start to pitch around him," said Seattle manager Darrell Johnson.

Brett, who had his 19-game hitting streak snapped, has 11 home runs and leads the league with 37 runs scored.

"It's pretty easy to score runs with Mike Schmidt batting behind you," Brett said.

Tom Seaver (6-1) and Bert Blyleven (4-1) are off to terrific starts. The two veterans rank 1-2 in strikeouts and second and third in ERA. Baltimore's Paul Hartzell (4-1, 0.72 ERA) beat out Seaver for AL Pitcher of the Month honors. Seaver's lone loss was a 1-0 decision to the Orioles. Seaver won the 200th game of his career with a 4-1 victory over the Yankees in New York on April 6.

Sox lefty Ron Guidry has struggled early, going 0-2 with a 6.88 ERA. Yet, Guidry has been the object of trade offers from both American and National League teams.

"Ron is not going anywhere," said White Sox general manager Gardner Barnes. "He's going to win his share of games this season; you can be sure of that."

Guidry, a former Oakland pitcher who came over in a 1975 trade for third baseman Butch Hobson, has struck out 36 hitters in 34 innings.

No. 4 starter Buzz Capra (1-3, 6.84 ERA) is of larger concern to the Sox. Insiders say the 30-year-old hurler is not making the key pitches when he needs them.

Meanwhile, fifth starter Scott McGregor (2-0, 3.71 ERA) has been a pleasant surprise.

"Anytime you have a lefty who wins, it's a good thing," said Lemon.

News and Notes: Johnny Bench of the Cubs set a record by hitting four home runs in a game April 15 against St. Louis. Bench scored five runs and tied Mike Schmidt's single-game mark of nine RBIs . . . Ironically, Schmidt homered three times the same day against Texas. This came just four days after Schmidt homered thrice against the Yankees. Schmidt, who knocked in 13 runs in those two games, has homered three times in one game five times in his career . . .Blyleven, in the final year of his contract, reportedly rejected a three-year, $9.2 million extension from the White Sox . . . Pittsburgh's Willie Stargell hit the 500th home run of his career April 19 in Los Angeles . . . Stargell's Pirates lead the NL East with baseball's best record at 20-8; surprising San Diego (18-10) leads the NL West; Boston and Milwaukee are tops in the AL East at 19-9.

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TORONTO (AP)-Add Mike Schmidt to the growing list against artificial turf. The reigning American League MVP sustained a groin pull while running the bases in the Chicago White Sox 5-4 win over the expansion Toronto Blue Jays.

"I was digging hard for second and felt a pull," Schmidt said. "The doctors said the turf as a major factor."

Schmidt, 2-for-3 in the game, is expected to miss 2-3 weeks with the injury. He was able to leg out a double before being replaced by rookie Paul Molitor. Schmidt had three RBIs in the game. Schmidt was placed on the 15-day disabled list.

The injury is a difficult blow to the White Sox. Chicago, 25-11, leads the AL West by one game over Oakland. The White Sox have won three straight and nine of their last 10. The A's are 7-3 in those games.

Schmidt leads the league with 19 home runs and an amazing 66 RBIs. He ranks second in runs scored (34) and third in average (.405).

"If it had to happen, at least it happened early in the season," Schmidt said.

Chicago recalled veteran Sam Ewing from AAA-Iowa. Ewing, primarily a short stop, was hitting .233 with nine homers and 20 RBIs in 120 at-bats in the minors.

The White Sox are expected to try a variety of combinations with Schmidt out. George Brett, Jack Clark and Molitor may all see action at third base.

"We've got a solid bench, and our starters can play some different positions," Sox manager Bob Lemon said. "We'll miss Mike, but we aren't ready to panic by any means."

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CHICAGO (AP)-The injury bug has bitten a Chicago White Sox All-Star yet again. Just six days after Mike Schmidt was felled by injury, infielder George Brett was sidelined for at least five weeks.

Brett "severely pulled" a groin muscle during Chicago's 5-4 win over California at Comiskey Park Monday night. Brett, the defending American League batting champion, was injured late last season and missed the ALCS.

"I'm disappointed, there's no doubt," Brett said. "With Mike out, it's a bad time to be down."

Brett was third in the AL in hitting (.392) and home runs (14). The left-handed hitter was first in runs scored (47) and had driven in 31 on the season. Brett had been playing third base in Schmidt's absence.

The White Sox also got some bad news on Schmidt. The reigning AL MVP is going to miss more than the expected two weeks originally thought.

"These things take time to heal," manager Bob Lemon said. "I'm not about to rush these fellas when it's only May."

Chicago, 29-12, holds a 2.5 game lead over Oakland in the AL West. The White Sox have won three straight games and eight of their last 10.

Lamar Johnson was recalled from AA-Knoxville. Johnson, a right-handed hitter, was batting .239 with four homers and 13 RBIs in the minors.

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Max Mercy, Jr. here again, folks . . .

There are storm clouds brewing over Comiskey Park. If you look closely enough you will notice they are shaped like dollar signs. Bill Veeck has noticed. Believe me, he's noticed and he may soon take shelter.

Wild Bill's party has been a good time. There's been singing and dancing and beer case stacking . . . but now the singing is about to turn into signing. That's right, signing . . . as in player contracts. My previous columns have discussed the arbitration money that will be due to the likes of Bruce Sutter and Robin Yount. But, now it's time to talk real money.

Sox stars Bert Blyleven and George Brett want their money, and they want it long term. Blyleven has already rejected an offer of $9 million over three years. The three-time Cy Young Award winner wants more years added to his contract. Brett, last season's American League batting champion, wants around $18 million. Oh yeah, and he wants a seven-year deal. It doesn't take an econonmics professor to realize Veeck can't afford both. The White Sox payroll is around $54 million. That puts them light years behind teams like Boston.

So what does all this mean, Sox fans? It means your team had better win it all this season because next year will bring about a different looking team both on the field and on the financial report. It's a safe bet to say that the team can't afford both Blyleven and Brett. Heck, it may not be able to afford either. Players like Dave Kingman will also probably be gone. Then again, with "Swingman" hitting .191 that may not be a bad thing. Besides, Sox fans, I'm certain you're confident in players like Lamar Johnson and Sam Ewing.

Therefore, look for an influx of low-priced free agents and young draftees to don those ugly White Sox uniforms. Gone will be the days of Sox players among the league leaders. Gone will be the days of the Sox atop the AL West standings. Sure, Tom Seaver and Mike Schmidt will still be around (for now anyway). But, will anyone else worth a Bill Veeck promotion be left? There's a giveaway day planned over at Comiskey later this season in which fans will receive t-shirts bearing the names and numbers of various Sox players. Perhaps they should make one that reads: Veeck $$.

Now, that's a true giveaway, Wild Bill . . .

This is Max Mercy, Jr. signing off . . . that's SIGNING OFF, Wild Bill.

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CHICAGO (AP)-Tom Seaver's teammates made things easy for him. The Chicago White Sox scored eight first-inning runs en route to Seaver's 10th victory of the season.

"It's hard to believe the calendar only says May 17," White Sox manager Bob Lemon said. "Seaver has been amazing."

Lemon is so right. Tuesday's 13-2 rout of Detroit gave Seaver a 10-1 record on the young season. The veteran right-hander leads the league in wins, strikeouts (83) and ERA (1.14). His lone loss of the season was a 1-0 defeat.

"With Mike (Schmidt) and George (Brett) on the DL, we need every win we can get," Seaver said. "The bench has really delivered for us."

Jerry Hairston is one of those bench players delivering. He blasted a 433-foot home run to back Seaver. Bucky Dent and Lyman Bostock each went 3-for-4. Dent drove home three runs with a pair of triples. Robin Yount climaxed the eight-run first inning with a two-out, three-run homer.

"We all need to pull together now," said Bostock, now batting in the No. 3 slot with Brett out. "We need to stretch our lead out so that Mike and George can take their time getting back."

Brett is healing slower from a groin injury than first expected. The All-Star infielder will now miss at least a seven weeks. Schmidt is expected to miss at least three more weeks with his injury.

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BALTIMORE (AP)-Even without All-Stars Mike Schmidt and George Brett in the lineup, the Chicago White Sox are determined to run away with the American League West.

Chicago, 37-18, holds a six-game lead over the upstart Oakland A's in the AL West race on June 1. Oakland, which closed to within a game of the lead just over a week ago, has lost four straight and eight of its last 10.

The White Sox, meanwhile, have relied on starting pitchers Tom Seaver, Bert Blyleven and Scott McGregor to lead them with Schmidt and Brett out with injuries.

"We've got to do our part," said Blyleven. "For us, that means providing quality starts when we take the mound."

Seaver has provided more than just quality. He has been nearly unhittable this season. The reigning Cy Young Award winner is 12-1 with a miniscule 0.98 ERA. He has struck out 104 batters in 109.2 innings while walking just six. Seaver, selected as the AL Pitcher of the Month for May, has thrown three shutouts and seven complete games.

"He's in a groove like I've never seen before," said White Sox manager Bob Lemon.

Blyleven, in the final year of his contract, is 7-3 with a 2.74 ERA. The three-time Cy Young Award winner rejected Chicago's reported $9 million, three-year deal.

"I'd like the Sox to add a few years to the contract," Blyleven said. "But there's still time to work things out."

Chicago also faces the difficult task of resigning Brett, last year's AL batting champion. Brett was hitting .392 at the time of his injury this year. Rumors are circulating that Brett is seeking a multi-year deal worth a reported $18 million per season.

"We have to be careful of our dollars," said White Sox general manager Gardner Barnes. "We want to have both Bert and George back with us next season."

McGregor is this year's surprise. The 24-year-old left-hander is 5-1 with a 3.39 ERA. He was just 2-4 a season ago.

"Being around Tom, Bert and the other veterans has really opened my eyes," McGregor said.

Opening eyes in a negative light has been lefty Ron Guidry. The 27-year-old is 0-6 with a 7.93 ERA. Last year, Guidry was 19-9 for the Sox.

"I've got to get things straightened out," Guidry said. "This team needs to be able to depend on me."

Barnes confirmed he has fielded offers for Guidry, but added, "He's not going anywhere."

Veteran Buzz Capra rounds out the Chicago starters with a 5-4 record. Interestingly, Capra, Seaver and Blyleven have all tossed two-hitters this year.

The White Sox lead the league in two pitching categories--opponents' batting average (.233) and runs allowed (234). Chicago ranks second in team ERA (3.98).

Offensively, the White Sox lead the majors with a .303 average. Right fielder Lyman Bostock has been on fire. Bostock leads the AL with a robust .423 average. Moved to the No. 3 spot in the lineup with Brett and Schmidt out, Bostock recently enjoyed a five-hit game against Toronto.

News and Notes: Milwaukee leads the AL East by four games over Boston . . . Pittsburgh is one game ahead of the New York Mets in the NL East . . . San Diego, winners of seven straight, leads Los Angeles by eight games in the NL West . . . Kansas City's John Mayberry has taken over the AL home run lead from Schmidt with 20 longballs . . . Nate Colbert of the Padres leads the majors with 26 homers and 74 RBIs.

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CHICAGO (AP)-Bob Lemon's Chicago White Sox find themselves in the same position at the end of June they were in a month earlier--first place.

Both Chicago and second-place Oakland were 16-10 in June. Those identical records mean that the White Sox take a six game lead into the All-Star break. Chicago is 53-28.

"We've hopefully weathered our toughest storm," Lemon said in reference to the losses of sluggers Mike Schmidt and George Brett to injuries.

Schmidt returned to the Chicago lineup June 10. The All-Star third baseman went 3-for5 with his 20th home run in am 8-5 win over Minnesota. Despite missing four weeks, Schmidt is third in the American League in home runs with 27. He continues to lead the AL with 84 RBIs.

"It's great to be back in the lineup," Schmidt said. "I'm looking forward to starting in Tuesday's All-Star Game, and I'm looking forward to a productive second half of the season."

Brett, meanwhile, is exected to return to the starting lineup when the White Sox host Oakland in a key three-game series following the All-Star break. Brett, in the final year of his contract, is trying to work out an extension with the team.

"We've had talks but nothing has been decided yet," White Sox general manager Gardner Barnes said. "We want George around here for years to come."

Lemon indicated that some good did result from missing his two stars. Former No. 1 draft pick Jack Clark has asserted himself as an offensive presence in the Sox lineup. Clark, hitting .320 with six homers and 41 RBIs, has replaced Dave Kingman (.194-10-34) as the team's DH. Clark also saw action in the outfield and at first base.

"Jack is turning out to be the player we expected," Barnes said.

Kingman, in the final year of his contract, will most likely not be resigned by Chicago.

News and Notes: Tom Seaver has been named the AL starting pitcher for the All-Star Game in Los Angeles. Don Sutton will start for the NL. Seaver is 16-3 with a 1.24 ERA. He leads the AL with 157 strikeouts and four shutouts. Seaver struck out 15 Seattle Mariners in a June 17 victory . . . Seaver's losses have been to Baltimore (twice) and Detroit . . . Joining Seaver on the All-Star team will be Sox teammates Mike Schmidt and Bert Blyleven . . . Dodgers' rookie Bob Welch's career appears to be over. Welch, 21, ruptured a disk in his back. Welch, Los Angeles' top draft pick, was 5-5 with a 4.87 ERA . . . Milwaukee (51-30) leads the AL East by four games over Boston and by five games over Baltimore . . . The New York Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates (46-35) are tied for the NL East lead . . . San Diego (54-27) are running away with the NL West. Los Angeles and Houston are both 11 games back.

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LOS ANGELES (AP)-Mike Schmidt is back and better than ever. The reigning American League MVP homered and doubled Tuesday to lead the AL to a 5-1 All-Star win.

"The All-Star Game is always fun," Schmidt said. "This year was extra special."

Less than a month ago, Schmidt was sidelined with a severly pulled muscle. The only things hurting Tuesday were baseballs and National League pitching. Schmidt played the entire game, went 2-for-4 with a walk and was selected as the game's MVP.

"I'm glad he's in the other league," said NL starting pitcher Don Sutton. "The baseball just flies off his bat."

For much of the game it looked as though Sutton and his NL teammates would triumph. After six innings, the AL had just four hits and trailed 1-0. Then came the seventh. Baltimore's Oscar Gamble delivered a pinch-hit, two-run homer off San Diego's Mike Marshall. The AL added another run on an RBI single by Seattle's Lee Lacy to take a 3-1 lead.

Schmidt then hit a 465-foot solo home run off Balor Moore of the Mets to start a two-run eighth that put the game away. Baltimore rookie Bob Horner drove home the inning's other run.

Nolan Ryan, Bert Blyleven and Don Gullett each pitched a hitless inning to shut the door on the NL in the game's final three frames. George Stone of the California Angels was the winning pitcher.

Tom Seaver started the game for the AL. The 33-year-old right-hander allowed one run on two hits in his three innings of work. Seaver walked none and struck out five. Marshall was the loser.

[Y0DA55]

Just wanted to say that I really like this dynasty bb. It's really easy to follow. Now get these Sox to the Series!

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CHICAGO (AP)-The Chicago White Sox are looking more and more like a playoff team with each passing day. Chicago completed a three-game sweep of second-place Oakland Sunday to boost its lead to nine games in the American League West.

"We're doing the little things to win right now," said Sox manager Bob Lemon. "We didn't overpower Oakland (in this series), but we won games the manner in which a playoff-caliber club wins."

Sunday's game, played before a Fourth of July crowd of 43,298, had a definite playoff atmosphere. The White Sox edged the A's 2-1 in a contest that featured solid pitching, strong defense and timely hitting.

"We didn't swing the bats that well overall," said third baseman Mike Schmidt, "but we did what was needed to pull out the win."

Schmidt drove home Chicago's first run with a two-out double that scored Robin Yount in the team's opening at-bat. Oakland tied the score in the third on a Willie Montanez RBI double.

Starting pitchers Ron Guidry and Don Rose then held the offenses in check until the eighth. After walking George Brett with one out, Rose was replaced by Oakland relief ace Rollie Fingers. This set the stage for a replay of Saturday's game when Schmidt doubled home the game-winner off Fingers for a 3-2 Chicago victory.

"I definitely wanted the ball again today," Fingers said. "Schmidt is one tough out."

Schmidt, the All-Star Game MVP just a few days earlier, rifled another double off Fingers in Sunday's game. Brett was stopped at third, thanks to a quick relay by A's second baseman Tim Cullen. Fingers appeared to be rattled as he walked first Jim Rice, then Gary Carter to force in the second Sox run. Fingers then settled down and got Jack Clark on strikes and Dale Murphy on a ground out.

For the second straight day, Oakland threatened in the ninth. For the second straight day, the A's came up short. Steve Henderson flew out to deep center to open the inning. Jose Cardenal then singled and Sox reliever Kent Tekulve walked Jay Johnstone. After pinch-hitter Ben Oglivie had been announced, Lemon waved left-hander Willie Hernandez into the game. Hernandez notched his fourth save of the season by retiring Oglivie and Dave Duncan to perserve the Chicago win.

"I've got great confidence in our bullpen," Lemon said. "Yesterday Bruce (Sutter) saved the game. Today it was Kent and Willie who shut the door."

Chicago, 56-28, travel to Seattle for a three-game series with the expansion Mariners. The A's, meanwhile, will try to close the gap before the two teams meet again July 31 in Oakland.

"We've got less than a month to cut into their lead," said Fingers. "We didn't do ourselves any favors in this series."

Oakland also has to contend with third-place Minnesota. The Twins are just one game behind the A's.

News and Notes . . . Chicago won game one of the series 4-1 as Tom Seaver improved to 17-3 on the season . . . Game two was a 3-2 White Sox victory as Lyman Bostock homered and made a game-saving catch on a ninth-inning drive by Cardenal . . . Lemon was pleased with Ron Guidry's solid performance Sunday as the left-hander allowed just one run on three hits in seven innings . . . the Sox gave away Dick Allen bobble head dolls at Sunday's game. Allen, a former Chicago All-Star, went 0-for-4 . . . Jim Beattie may be called up from Iowa. Beattie, this year's second-round draft choice, is 11-5 with a 2.28 ERA in AAA ball.

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Max Mercy, Jr. here again folks . . . Do you remember when Don Knotts, one of television's greatest comedians, left the small screen to make those movies back in the '60s? How many of you remember "The Shakiest Gun in the West"? Well, I'd like to offer up the Chicago White Sox for "Shakiest Bullpen in the West". Want evidence? Read on, baseball buffs . . .

Bruce Sutter is supposed to be this team's closer, right? Then can someone from the South Side explain to me why Sox skipper Bob Lemon passed over Sutter to save Sunday's game with Oakland?

"Since Bruce had thrown on Saturday, we let Kent (Tekulve) and Willie (Hernandez) save today's," was the answer Lemon gave me during the home team's Fourth of July fireworks show.

To that I say, "Bullpen . . . Bullpucky!"

The fireworks show seemed like the perfect background music to a discussion of the South Side bullpen. Oakland manager Jack McKeon wasn't afraid to send Rollie Fingers, his ace, out two straight days. Sure, the A's needed Sunday's victory more than the Sox did. Sure, what choice did McKeon really have after all.

Again I say, "Bullpen . . . Bullpucky!"

Look closely at the last frame Sutter pitched. He gave up a single and a walk. He was fortunate that Lyman Bostock was able to run down Jose Cardenal's shot to right-center. Sure, Sutter struck out Dave Duncan and got Tim Cullen to bounce out. Last time I looked, Duncan and Cullen weren't among the league leaders in batting. Sutter has six saves. Six saves?! That's your closer?!

"We've got three fellas who can close out a ballgame," Lemon said. "Bruce, Kent or Willie."

Let's look at Tekulve. First of all, he's skinnier than the center field foul pole! What did he do in his last two outings? Let's see . . . Saturday. Two batters faced . . . a double off the bat of Willie Montanez and then he walks Dick Allen . . . Sunday, 2/3 of an inning, walked one and gave up a hit . . . backed into a win.

What's that? You say Tekulve has nine saves. Big deal! Some closers get that in a month, not half a season. Remember, Sox fans, this is the guy you gave up Jorge Orta to get. You remember Jorge Orta? Rookie of the Year . . . starter for the National League in the past two All-Star Games?

When Tekulve faltered Saturday and Sunday, Lemon waved in Willie Hernandez. Let's take a look at the lefty. Saturday was nice, a double play ball to get Tekulve and the Sox out of a jam. Sunday he did it again by retiring lefty-hitting Ben Oglivie and getting Dave Duncan (doesn't Oakland ever pinch-hit for this guy?) to pop out. Congratulations, Willie! Let the ticker-tape parade begin. How many teams, Pale Hosers, win titles with a left-handed stopper? How many? Quick! Not many and not in my league!

"I'd even be comfortable letting Enrique Romo close out a game if it came to that," Lemon said as the fireworks finale fizzled.

Enrique Romo?!

All I've got to say is, "Lemon! Fizzling fireworks! Bullpen . . . Bullpucky!"

This is Max Mercy, Jr. signing off again . . .

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CHICAGO (AP)-With all of the focus on contract extensions for Bert Blyleven and George Brett, White Sox general manager threw a curve on Monday. Make that two curves.

Barnes and team owner owner Bill Veeck announced Chicago had signed short stop Robin Yount and catcher Gary Carter to three-year contract extensions.

"We're delighted to have both of these young rising stars for three more seasons," Barnes said.

Veeck added, "Quality teams are always strong up the middle. These two give us part of that equation."

Yount signed a three-year deal worth $18 million. The 22-year-old is hitting .276 with 12 home runs and 42 RBIs this season. In addition, Yount leads the team with 13 steals. A year ago, Yount set an American League record with 14 triples but missed the playoffs with a season-ending knee injury. He and Dick Allen are the only White Sox players to have hit for the cycle.

"I'm glad to have the contract done," Yount said. "Now I can just go out and continue to play hard. Hopefully, this is a sign of good times ahead."

Yount was acquired by the White Sox during the 1974 season in a trade with Philadelphia for relief pitcher Vincente Romo. While Yount has remained with Chicago, Romo has been waived by three teams. He pitches for the Chicago Cubs this season. Romo did make the 1977 NL All-Star team as a member of the Phillies.

Carter, 24, inked a three-year deal worth roughly $6.4 million. This is the second time Carter has resigned with Chicago. He is in the final season of his previous two-year contract. Carter came to the White Sox in a 1975 trade with Montreal for pitcher J.R. Richard.

"Like Robin, I'm elated to have the contract extension," Carter said. "Hopefully, we can bring the World Series to Comiskey Park."

Carter, a four-year veteran, is a career .237 hitter with 51 home runs and 196 RBIs. This season, he is hitting .229 with six homers and 43 RBIs. His defense, however, is what has White Sox management excited. Carter won the Gold Glove last year.

"He has a chance to be one of the finest catchers in the game over the course of the next decade," said Chicago manager Bob Lemon. "His name should be showing up on the All-Star team as well."

Both Barnes and Veeck ackowledged that contract talks with Blyleven and Brett have been more diffiucult. Team insiders say that only one of the two may be re-signed by the White Sox.

"We'll keep working on it," said Barnes. "It may take time, but both sides are willing to talk."

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CHICAGO (AP)-Unhappy with his recent lack of playing time, Dave Kingman has demanded that the White Sox trade him.

"I don't care where they trade me, but I want to go somewhere that I can play regularly," Kingman said during batting practice prior to Wednesday's game at Seattle.

Kingman, 29, is in the final year of his two-year, $2.2 million contract. The former three-time All-Star has appeared in 69 games this season with the White Sox. He is hitting just .194 with 10 home runs and 34 RBIs in 248 at-bats.

"Certainly the emergence of Jack Clark and Paul Molitor along with the return of Mike (Schmidt) and George (Brett) from the DL has affected Dave's playing time," said Chicago manager Bob Lemon. "Dave has also struggled at times this season."

Kingman has struck out 68 times this year (nearly 27% of his at-bats). He is a career .233 hitter. Kingman has 280 lifetime homers. The former San Francisco Giant signed his current contract with the White Sox as a free agent during the off-season last year.

"Going back to the National League would be fine with me," said Kingman.

However, a move to the NL would also mean Kingman could not DH. Kingman has primarily been a DH with Chicago, but did play some first base as well. Kingman was the team's top hitter during last year's American League Championship Series against Boston. Kingman hit .333 with three homers and five RBIs in the playoffs. His best season came as a Giant in 1975 when Kingman hit .243 with 53 home runs and 125 RBIs.

"I can be that type of a run producer again," Kingman said. "But I need to play. I can't do that here."

Chicago general manager Garnder Barnes could not be reached for comment.

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CHICAGO (AP)-A year ago, Cy Young Award winner Tom Seaver earned his 20th victory by no-hitting Cleveland. This season, he was even better. Seaver notched No. 20 Tuesday night by pitching a perfect game against the Indians.

"I really felt in a groove out there," Seaver said afterward. "Gary (Carter) called a great game and the defense was solid behind me."

Seaver needed just 98 pitches to complete his masterpiece, a 6-0 White Sox win. The 33-year-old right-hander struck out 11 Indians. Seaver, who lowered his league-leading ERA to 1.30, is tops on the American League strikeout list with 206.

"I saw him do it last year and was amazed (but) he outdid himself tonight," said Cleveland manger Jeff Torborg. "Tom Seaver is the best pitcher in the game right now."

Seaver, 20-3, had to overcome an 18-minute rain delay in the seventh inning.

"I just tried to stay loose by walking around a bit," Seaver said. "Of course, no one would talk to me."

Cleveland starter Steve Stone (4-8) matched Seaver's scoreless pitching into the sixth inning. White Sox second baseman Bucky Dent broke the shutout with a two-run homer into the left field seats. Dent later had to leave the game with an injured elbow. He is expected to miss 1-2 weeks.

Jim Rice gave Seaver and the Sox breathing room with an eighth inning grand slam off Stone.

"I should never have brought Steve back out after the rain delay," Torborg said.

Seaver's perfect game was the third in league history. Ironically, Cleveland has been involved in two. Ray Lamb of the Indians threw a perfect game in 1973. Boston's Lynn McGlothen tossed the first perfect game a season earlier.

Seaver's perfect game was really never in question. He only reached a three-ball count once and none of the outs were recorded by an outstanding defensive play. Cleveland's Danny Meyer made the final out on a pop fly to Dale Murphy in center.

Interestingly, Chicago's defense lost two players during the game. Paul Molitor took over at third base when Mike Schmidt was ejected in the fourth inning for arguing balls and strikes. Molitor moved to second base in the eighth when Dent was injured; Dave Kingman took over at third and batted in Dent's lineup slot.

The game marked Seaver's fifth shutout of the season and 34th of his career. Chicago, 65-30, sport the best record in baseball. The White Sox lead the AL West by 11 games over second-place Oakland.