[legendsport]

(NOTE: These are actual team previews by beat writers covering these clubs in 1969. It's interesting to note the common perception of these teams going into what was to be a very surprising 1969 season. Since I am covering Billy Martin, we'll start off with the Twins, but I will post a preview for all 24 teams before the simming begins - which will be very shortly).

April 6, 1969:

AL PREVIEW: TWINS by Dave Mona (Minneapolis Tribune)

Bloomington, Minn. - There was nothing wrong with the Minnesota Twins in 1968 that can't be cured by Billy Martin in 1969.

Blessed with a competent shortstop and Martin's needling direction, the Twins appear to be a solid favorite in the American League's weaker Western Division.

Martin, a fiery leader, was the popular choice to lead the Twins after the dismal seventh-place finish of 1968.

Under pressure of a tremendous letter-writing campaign, Twins' President Calvin Griffith gladly turned over to Martin the job of making a winner out of the team reputed to lead the league in late hours, men left on base, and potential greatness.

Martin, no stranger to the Twins (he played, scouted and coached for them before managing Denver last year), told the players there wasn't a thing he didn't know about having a good time.

The good times would continue, he said, only after the Twins learned two things - pride in themselves and respect for Martin, the fans, the opponents and themselves.

The results, as viewed in spring training, have already convinced many skeptics that Martin might build the kind of dynasty in Minnesota that Casey Stengel established in New York during Martin's playing days.

Minnesota managers have always played under the shadow, and sometimes hand, of Griffith. Martin chose to confront the problem directly and confers often with Griffith, disagreeing as often as agreeing. Griffith is so pleased with Martin that he yields in much of the decision making.

Martin says that by platooning he has personnel to equal any team in either league.

John Roseboro, the unhappiest of the Twins under Cal Ermer, likes Martin and is looking forward to a good year as the first-string catcher.

The Twins' pitching is excellent. In Jim Kaat and Dean Chance the Twins have as fine a left-right combo as any in baseball. Dave Boswell and Tom Hall look like the other two starters. Despite the retirement of Al Worthington, the bullpen looks sound with Bob Miller, Ron Perranoski, Jim Perry and Joe Grzenda.

Slick-fielding Rich Reese and Harmon Killebrew will share first, although Killebrew is likely to play more often at third, where he is less likely to be injured again.

Two-time All-Star Rod Carew should improve remarkably at second base under Martin's tutelage, and Frank Quilici provides good relief when Carew plays soldier.

Shortstop will be filled by Leo Cardenas, who was obtained from Cincinnati for southpaw Jim Merritt. The Twins figure they lost a dozen games at short in 1968, a problem that should be solved by Cardenas, a regular for six years with the Reds.

Martin will play hunches at third, choosing among Killebrew, still one of the game's great power hitters; handy Cesar Tovar, the Twins' most valuable player in both 1967 and 1968; slugging rookie Graig Nettles, who broke in with five home runs in four games last year, and reliable Ron Clark.

Bob Allison, now 34, will have a hard time keeping Nettles and Tovar out of left field.

Ted Uhlaender, the most improved Twin each of the last two years, plays an excellent center field and was fifth in the batting race last year. Tony Oliva brings the highest batting average of any active American Leaguer, .308, to right field.

"I didn't take the job to get the Twins back in the first division," Martin said. "I took it to get the Twins back in first place. We'll bunt, use the hit and run, the suicide squeeze and we'll steal home. We'll do whatever is needed. We may even cheat a bit, but we'll win."