[Joy in Mudville]

With three of the pennant races all but decided, it's come down the the chase for the American League checkered flag.

What appeared at one time to have been a safe lead for the Baltimore Orioles has dwindled to five games. The team directly in the Orioles' rearview mirror is the New York Yankees.

The Yankees are under guidance of Todd L, older brother of Tim L. A season ago, Tim's Cincinnati Reds took home the Joy in Mudville World Series trophy. Todd is bidding to do the same thing here in 1972.

As previously noted in other postings, the Yankees and Orioles will sqaure off five more times in September. Interestingly, New York and Baltimore rank 1-2 in nearly all pitching and hitting categories.

The AL East flag winner will then face the Texas Rangers, a team that formerly resided in the East as the Washington Senators. Now, a year later, Texas is about to win the West in its first try.

Deadline Deal Dead
A potential blockbuster deadline trade between the San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers fell apart as the clock struck 12. Although no will confirm the actual trade offerings, some of the names bantered about were rumored to be Nate Colbert, Bobby Tolan, Joe Coleman and Dwight Evans. Most likely, the deal also had some draft picks changing hands.

Don't Brett on It
The rumor mill also has learned that Baltimore made a serious run at acquiring recent San Diego draft choice George Brett. It appears, however, that Padres' ownership was unwilling to part with the former California high school star.

DH Deliberation
With one day left to cast their votes, it appears that the designated hitter rule will be put into place for the 1973 season. The only question that remains is whether it will be used by both leagues or only by the AL.