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1976 has ended, and only Bobby Bonds cleared 100 RBI. John Bateman just missed with 98. Ralph Garr and Tony LaRussa did each chip in with 80. Willie McCovey did nothing and missed 30 HR (he only hit 19) for the first and likely only time in his career. Pitchers Garber, Lonborg, Nolan, and Jarvis carried the team.

1977 has begun, and 2 key bats have been added. Amos Otis becomes the LF and leadoff man, while Eric Soderholm (36 RBI so far) comes in as part time DH, part time 3B. Both have been key to the 22-5 start of the Tigers. Bonds and Bateman have continued their solid contributions.

McCovey is in AAA, and Frank Ortenzio has a toe in the large footprints left behind. Jimmie Hall's career is over. Floyd Bannister and Enrique Romo were drafted to join the staff. Jose Cruz and Dwight Evans are still not gaining a solid spot in the lineup.

The 1977 offseason is key, as Bateman, McCovey (who will retire), LaRussa, Garr, SS Eddie Leon, Cruz, Bonds, and RF Tom Paciorek are all eligible for Free Agency. Up to 6 more starters could change before 1978.