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The 1975 edition of the Detroit murderers row posted probably the best spread of individual numbers during the regular season, but an injury to staff ace Gary Nolan crippled the pitching staff, and when MVP John Bateman got hurt in a collision against Kansas City early in the LCS, the Tigers were doomed, losing that series 4-2.
RF Tom Paciorek, 28: .308-29-103
3B Ralph Garr, 29: .250-14-74
CF Bobby Bonds, 29: .295-41-113
C John Bateman, 35: .317-47-134
1B Willie McCovey, 37: . 262-30-110
LF Jimmie Hall, 37: .271-26-101
2B Tony LaRussa, 30: .294-11-79
DH Marvin Lane, 25: .285-10-72
SS Eddie Leon, 29: .245-16-44 / Leo Cardenas, 36: .354-4-32
Everybody is again slated to return, but the lineup is not likely to be as strong. McCovey is obviously in freefall, Hall is slowly showing age, Cardenas is getting up there, and the injury to Bateman may alter his game a bit. Paciorek and Lane really busted out this season, and Jose Cruz and Dwight Evans remain in the wings as outfield options. If McCovey really goes, there will be an instant hole, as nobody is ready to replace him.
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BATT in progress
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