April 6, 1969:
AL PREVIEW: WHITE SOX by Edgar Munzel (Chicago Sun-Times)
Chicago - A return to form of the "big three" of the starting staff, improved hitting and the introduction of divisional play will combine to lift the White Sox back into title contention in 1969 after they plunged into the second division last year.
Placed in the weaker Western Divison of the American League, Chicago could be in the running all the way, even though Minnesota and Oakland will generally be rated the favorites.
The White Sox plunged to a tie for eighth in last year's ten-team circuit after being in the thick of the four-way pennant fight in 1967. The biggest reason for the tailspin was the injuries that impaired the effectiveness of the big three: Gary Peters, Joe Horlen and Tommy John.
Two years ago they won a total of 45 games games and last season they combined for only 26 victories.
Peters (4-13) was bothered all season by a groin injury and subsequently a sore elbow, caused by favoring the original injury. Horlen (12-14) was handicapped by a sore shoulder and John (10-5) suffered a torn ligament in the pitching shoulder during a fight with Dick McAuliffe of the Tigers.
But this spring all three appear to be back in the full bloom of health.
"I believe Peters, Horlen and John are all back in their best form," said Manager Al Lopez. "And the pitching shapes up solidly with Sammy Ellis (acquired from the Angels in a winter deal) as the No. 4 starter and either of two youngsters, Jerry Nyman and Don Secrist, as No. 5.
"Our bullpen also is strong with Wilbur Wood and Bobby Locker with the result that we could have the same kind of excellent pitching the White Sox had two years ago.
"Now if we are able to step up our hitting, I'm confident we can be in the thick of the fight for the division title. And I'm sure we can do it.
"I look for batting improvement at every position except shortstop. And there it isn't likely because Luis Aparicio had such a great year last season that it would be difficult for him to be any better.
"Where I look for the biggest lift is at third base, where Bill Melton has clinched a job, and in left field with another rookie, Carlos May. Pete Ward, Sandy Alomar, Duane Josephson, Buddy Bradford and Ken Berry also can do better than they did last season."
There will be some artificial aid for the White Sox' hitters - shorter fences and the installation of Astro Turf in the infield. There will be more hits and homers and the White Sox hope they will be collecting them, rather than the opposition.
TOMMY JOHN