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Season Preview
The American Baseball League set to kick off their inaugural season today, in what is sure to be a challenging first year. Teams will face an uphill battle winning back baseball fans, and the pressure is on to perform. Attendance at spring training was up from last year, but still down from the 1972 season. Season ticket sales are also down 40% from the 1972 season. Co-Commissioner Joe Foss spoke to the press yesterday about the challenges the new league will face, “Our goals for this year our simple, attempt to win back the trust of baseball fans everywhere, and put forth a product on the field that fans can be proud of. We are confident that over the course of the season, we will be able to do that. Our league is prepared for the challenges ahead, and we feel we have the appropriate resources to succeed.”

While there are many unknowns, here are our team reviews and predictions. We expect there will many bumps along the road, but have high hopes for the American Baseball League.

Eastern League-East Division Preview

1)Baltimore Renegades-Division Champion

The Renegades put together a solid team with a solid rotation led by Jon Matlock, Ron Shueler, Steve Busby, and Dennis Blair. Baltimore has a strong 2-3-4-5 hitters in their line-up, featuring Lou Piniella, Mike Schmidt, Steve Garvey, and Cesar Cedeno, that should keep them in most games. With a solid bench, and decent bullpen, and manager Earl Weaver, the Renegades should have the edge in a competitive division.

2)Bronx Bombers-Wild Card Winner

The Bombers have a solid top of the rotation, led by Tom Seaver and Mickey Lolich, but the rest of the rotation is a question mark. Clay Kirby and Dick Drago have both shown potential, but have been inconsistent throughout their careers. The Bombers have veteran Jim Perry as their fifth starter, but Perry’s best days are behind him. The bullpen is led by closer Rollie Fingers, but the Bombers will have trouble if the starters don’t go deep in the game, with a weak bullpen.

The Bombers won’t be hitting too many home runs with a line-up that features Al Oliver as their clean-up hitter, who hit 17 homers in his best season. The Bombers should score some runs with Rod Carew and up and comers Gene Tenace and Bake McBride expected to lead the line-up. Manager Yogi Berra appears to be a couple players away from contending for the division.

3)Boston Pilgrims

If pitching wins championships, the Boston Pilgrims are in trouble. The Boston press has been critical of the job done by Haywood Sullivan and the pitchers selected in the draft. The top of their rotation will be led by two relative unknowns, Oleos Calzada, and Gustavus Gwynn. Former 20 and 18 game winners, Bill Singer and Carl Morton round out the rotation, but each has struggled in recent years, and in spring training. The Pilgrims also drafted Vern Ruhle, Tom Dettore, and Wayne Twitchell in the draft, but all three struggled in spring training, and were sent to AAA to work on their mechanics.

The Pilgrims hope to overcome their pitching struggles with a solid line-up. Boston count on SS Dave Lopes to lead-off, and will feature a line-up that includes Cleon Jones, Jimmy Winn, Cliff Johnson, and a 1B platoon of Jim Fregosi and Ed Kranepool.

The bench is led by youngster Chris Chambliss, who the Pilgrims feel needs some additional playing time before becoming a full-time starter. Manager Leo Durocher, a former Massachusetts native, looks to return home and lead the team to the playoffs, “I’m happy to have an opportunity to return home to Massachusetts and lead the Pilgrims. This will be my last job as a manager, and I hope I can go out a winner.”

4)Philadelphia Freedom Eagles

Philadelphia has really struggled putting it all together this spring, and the Philly press has already been placing blame on manager Gene Mauch. Former twenty game winners Juan Marichal and Jim Palmer have really struggled this spring, and the lone bright spot in the rotation has been Don Sutton. Closer John Hiller has also struggled with his control during spring training.

The Freedom Eagles expect to have good seasons from Johnny Bench, Tom Grieve, Darrell Evans, and Davey Johnson, and offense appears to be the strong point for the team. After a strong spring training, Philadelphia awarded the starting CF and lead-off spot to veteran Willie Davis.

Mauch makes his managerial return to Philadelphia, after spending four seasons with the Montreal Expos, and is already on the hot seat. If Philadelphia struggles early, look for the Freedom Eagles to lose patience and fire Mauch before the All-Star break.

5)New York Skyliners

The Skyliners will look to shake off a chaotic spring, and turn things around. Rookie manager Bobby Cox has publicly feuded with General Manager Joe McDonald over the direction of the team. McDonald brought in several veteran pitchers, Don McMahon, 44, Jim Rooker, 31, Mel Stottlemyer, 32, Bob Miller, 35, and Octavo Harrison, 37, who have clashed with Cox. Cox has been quoted as saying he would have preferred to work with younger pitchers, who he feels would better listen to direction.

New York’s line-up will feature several up and comers in Ron Cey, Thurman Munson, and Jim Rice. Veteran Willie McCovey hopes to provide veteran leadership in the line-up, along with some power. 35 year-old Lonnie D’Anvers was named the opening day shortstop after a four way battle between Bobby Valentine, Rick Burleson, and Bucky Dent, in which it appeared Bobby Valentine was the clear winner.

The Skyliners will struggle to finish anywhere but last place.

Eastern League-Central Division Preview

1)Chicago Storm- Division Champion

The Chicago Storm looks to be the team to beat in the Central Division. A rotation of Bert Blyleven, Jim Barr, Jim Lonborg, Dick Lange, and Doyle Alexander has given batters fits all spring. Chicago has Jim McAndrew and Steve Stone waiting in AAA in case any of the starters struggle. The Storm also have a strong bullpen, led by closer Bob Reynolds, and set-up men Chuck Taylor and Al Downing.

The Storm have a solid line-up, led by 2B Bobby Grich, LF Larry Hisle, RF George Foster, and 1B Jose Morales. Manager Bob Lemon is happy with his teams chances, “We feel we have a team that will not only have a chance to win the division, but we also feel we are capable of winning a championship.”

2)Detroit Mustangs –Wild Card Winner

The Mustangs will give Chicago a run for their money, with a strong rotation featuring Dave Goltz, Doc Medich, Don Hood, and Dave Hamilton. The bullpen will be the main concern for the Mustangs. Closer Stan Thomas has been inconsistent this spring, and Bob Apodaca and Steve Renko have been hit hard this spring.

The Mustangs will look to Mickey Rivers to set the table for Cesar Tovar, Ken Griffey, Gary Carter, and Ralph Garr.

The Mustangs will fall short, unless they manage to add one or two players, to plug the remaining holes. The Mustangs should have enough horsepower to win the wild card.

3)St. Louis Redbirds

The Redbirds hope to surprise everyone with a strong season. The rotation featuring Ken Brett, Dick Pole, Andy Messersmith, and Marty Pattin does not look strong on paper, but all have looked good pitching this spring. The strength of the bullpen will depend on how well closer Doug Bird adapts to the role. Set-up men Tippy Martinez and Wayne Garland have been lights out all spring, and St. Louis hopes their success will carry over to the season.

The Redbirds may have the best line-up in the division, from top to bottom. Tony Taylor, Oscar Gamble, Willie Horton, Bob Robertson, and Gorman Thomas will give opposing pitchers fits, if they all perform up to the level they are capable of.

Rookie Manager Whitey Herzog has looked comfortable and the team has responded. The Redbirds will make a strong run at the wild card.

4)Cincinnati Locomotives

Cincinnati may have the best 1-2-3 punch in the league, with a rotation led by Vida Blue, Steve Carlton, and Doug Rau. If they can find a couple of back of the rotation pitchers, and manage to make the playoffs, they will be a very dangerous team to face in the play-offs.

The Locomotives will have trouble scoring runs, but may not need to score a lot of runs to win games. Lou Brock will be a dangerous hitter at the top of the line-up, and with his speed, Cincinnati may be able to manufacture some runs. Jorge Orta, Milt May, Dan Driessen, and Cesar Geronimo are among several young hitters who may need a year or two to develop, before Cincinnati makes a serious run at a championship.

General Manager Dick Walsh said the team will look to add some additional weapons if they get off to a fast start, “We feel that we are a couple of years away from contending, but if we get off to a good start, we are not opposed to move a couple prospects to add the necessary players it will take to put us over the top.”

5)Chicago Colts

The Colts do not have an overpowering team, but should remain competitive in what may be baseball’s best division. The rotation will feature Bart Johnson, Bill Hands, Jackie Brown, Bob Forsch, and Woodie Fryman with a bullpen starring closer Ken Forsch and set-up men Bob Veale and John Morris. While none of their pitchers are dominant, the starters all have a shot at winning 10-15 games.

The Colts will have a good line-up, which should get better over time. Al Bumbry, Dave Windfield, Larry Bowa, Toby Harrah, Bernie Carbo, and Bob Watson are all under 30, and the Colts hope they will get better as the season progresses. The Colts may be one or two years away from contending in the Central Division.

Western League-Southwest Division Preview

1)Houston Stars –Division Champion

The Stars are expecting to not only win the division, but are expecting to win a championship. Owner Bud Adams spoke of his expectations for the team, “We not only believe we have a team that can compete for the division, but the Houston Stars expect to win the American Baseball League Championship. With five teams located in Texas, it is critical that the Stars get off to a fast start, and not look back.”

The Stars rotation will be led by Catfish Hunter, and Jerry Koosman, and will feature Jim Merritt and Larry Dierker. The bullpen will be led by closer Grant Jackson, and include set-up men Bill Slayback and Dock Ellis. The Stars pitching isn’t dominate, but should be enough to allow them to stand out in the Southwest Division.

The Star have a strong line-up featuring Joe Morgan, Hal McRae, Dwight Evans, Frank Robinson, Graig Nettles, and a platoon of Mike Hargrove and Lee May. The Stars line-up should be their strength. Leo Cardenas and Morris Nettles will be coming off the bench for the Stars.

2)San Antonio Wranglers –Wild Card Winner

San Antonio has a solid rotation, featuring Frank Tanana, Dick Tidrow, Bill Butler, Bill Champion, and Glenn Abbott. The Wranglers have named unknown Javier Gelada their closer, after a strong spring. The team is looking to add some additional depth at bullpen, which is the weak point of the team.

The Wrangler’s line-up features a solid 3-4-5 of Garry Maddox, Steve Yeager, and George Scott. San Antonio also expects rookie CF Fred Lynn to immediately contribute to the team. The Wrangler’s have a solid bench, featuring Bill Buckner, and Herb Washington.

The Wranglers will need to add one or two missing pieces in order to compete from the division, but currently have the inside track to the Wild Card.

3)Dallas Mavericks

Dallas needs some help in their rotation. Coming out of Spring Training, only Nolan Ryan, Dave Pagan, and Kevin Kobel have secured spots in the rotation. Dallas sent down both Milt Wilcox and Mike Torrez to AAA after poor springs. The bullpen will be led by Sparky Lyle, George Stone, Mike Garman, and Ernie McAnally.

The Mavericks will have a solid line-up, with Joe Torre, Jerry Molales, Jeff Burroughs, Joe Rudi, Ted Simmons, Tony Perez, and Lee Lacy. The Mavericks will start the season with veteran Boog Powell, and rookies Cecil Cooper, and Ken Reitz on the bench.

Without additional pitching help, the Mavericks will fall short in their playoff quest.

4)Austin Westerners


Austin features a young rotation, with 29 year-old Roger Nelson the veteran of the staff. Burt Hooton, Ed Figueroa, Rick Reuschel, and Bill Lee will round out the rotation, but all may need some time before they become comfortable. Youngster Rich Gossage was named the team’s closer, after a dominate spring. Mike Marshall, Ken Frailing, and Tom Buskey will work out of the bullpen, which should be strong.

Veterans Ron Fairly and Manny Mota are the only players in the line-up over 30. Bill Madlock, John Mayberry, Mike Easler, and Jerry Hairston are all under 25, and will take some time to develop at the plate. Amos Otis and Joe Lahoud will anchor the outfield, and manager John McNamara plans to bat them three and four in the line-up.

Austin features a solid core of youngsters, but will need some time to develop under the tutelage of manager John McNamara. They should manage to stay out of the cellar, but won’t be able to compete for a playoff spot this year.


5)Fort Worth Cowboys

Fort Worth General Manager Roland Hemond continuously has stressed the team wants to win now, and started off the draft with three strong picks of veteran players, but somewhere along the line, things started to fall apart. Tommy John looks to lead the staff, but after John, questions remain regarding Steve Rodgers and Pat Dobson. Fort Worth had trouble finding a fourth and fifth starter during the spring that could pitch more than five innings. The Cowboys are hoping Tom Timmermann, Skip Lockwood, Lindy McDaniel, and Clay Carroll can stabilize the bullpen. The bullpen will struggle if the starters continue to exit early, and they are overworked.

The Cowboys hoped veterans Hank Aaron and Willie Stargell would be able to lead their line-up. Aaron has really struggled at the plate all spring, and having difficulty getting it going. The team needs either Ben Oglivie, Elliot Maddox, or Dusty Baker to step up and produce.

The Cowboys appear to be conflicted as to the direction of the team. Fort Worth’s mix of veterans and youngsters will struggle, and the Cowboys will be lucky to finish better than last place.

Western League-West Division Preview

1)San DiegoSea Wolves –Division Champion

The Sea Wolves rotation will be led by knuckleballer Wilbur Wood, and feature J.R. Richard, Ross Grimsley, Steve Hargan, and Al Fitzmorris. Steve Foucault won the closer’s job for San Diego, and they have a strong bullpen featuring Tom Underwood, Bill Campbell, and Dave Tomlin.

San Diego’s strength is their line-up, and offensive depth. Carlton Fisk, Andre Thornton, Richie Zisk, Dave Parker, Rick Monday, and Jim Dwyer will lead the line-up. Ken Singleton and Keith Hernandez will give the Sea Wolves solid options off the bench.

The Sea Wolves have a solid rotation and good line-up. Their depth make San Diego the favorite to win the West Division.

2)San Jose Bees- Wild Car Winner

San Jose will feature a decent rotation, mostly due to their depth, rather than dominating starters. Luis Tiant, Gene Garber, Buzz Capra, Ken Holtzman, Ed Halicki, and Ray Burris will compete to fill five rotation slots. In a surprise move, manager Dick Williams announced that Luis Tiant will be starting the season in the bullpen. Closer Randy Moffitt will join Tiant in the bullpen, along with Diego Segui, Dave Johnson, and Clyde Wright.

Dave Concepcion, Pete Rose, and Mike Jorgenson will lead a solid line-up that is lacking a big bat in the middle. For now, veteran Norm Cash will fill that roll for San Jose, but the Bees will need to find another power hitter to team up with the 39 year old.

San Jose should be good enough to secure the Wild Card, and make the playoffs.

3)San Francisco Sky Sox

The other bay area team will feature a rotation led by Gaylord Perry, Bruce Kison, and Fritz Peterson. The bullpen, led by closer Dave Giusti and Tug McGraw, have struggled all spring. The Sky Sox will need to find another starter and bullpen help if they are going to contend in the West Division.

The Sky Sox are counting on rookies George Brett, Greg Luzinski, and Jerry Mumphrey, along with veterans Dick Allen, Ken Henderson, and Tommy Helms to lead the offense.

San Francisco need additional help in order to make the playoffs.

4)Los Angeles Titans

The Titans will have a strong rotation, with Fergie Jenkins, Phil Niekro, Larry Gura, Bill Greif, and Tom Griffin. Larry Christenson, Tom Walker, John Curtis, and closer Terry Forster will lead the bullpen.

The big bats of Reggie Jackson, Gary Matthews, Dave Kingman, Bill Freehan, and Al Kaline will lead the line-up.

Rookie manager Tommy Lasorda hopes the Titans can put it all together, but the Titans will fall short this year.

5)Los Angeles Wildcats

The Wildcat’s rotation has many holes to fill. Don Gullett is the ace of the staff that features Bill Bonham, Charlie Williams, Randy Jones, and Ed Sprague. The bullpen is shaky, with Ron Reed the only relief pitcher with a decent spring training.

The Wildcat’s line-up has many holes. Carl Yastrzemski, Don Baylor, and Bobby Bonds are the only regulars who are expected to make an impact.

Los Angeles will finish in last place, and should be competitive in the race for the league’s worst record.

American Baseball League Championship

The depth of the San Diego Sea Wolves will be too much for the Chicago Storm, as we predict the Sea Wolves will win the inaugural championship of the American Baseball League.

Transactions

The Philadelphia Freedom Eagles shipped off 26 year old first baseman Llewellyn Baumgardener to the San Jose Bees for 36 year-old SP Juan Marichal.

Edge: Philadelphia

The Bronx Bombers traded 25 year-old first baseman John Mayberry and a minor league outfielder to the Austin Westerners for 25 year old starting pitcher Clay Kirby.

Edge: Austin

The Chicago Storm traded veteran left fielder Billy Williams to the Los Angeles Titans for 26 year old starting pitcher Jim Barr.

Edge: Los Angeles

The Detroit Mustangs traded 3B Bob Heise, SS Wayne Garrett, and a player to be named later to the Baltimore Renegades for starting pitcher Doc Medich and 2B John Knox.

Edge: Detroit