Big Hair, Plastic Grass, and Horns of Brass: Continental League 1969

[GMLoophole]

I accidentally deleted my last dynasty game file, so I’m reviving a concept I had last year but never had time to work out fully. Many of you are familiar with the story of the Continental League, which was planned by Branch Rickey, William Shea, and others to bring pro baseball to cities not served by the AL and NL in the Sixties. To simplify horribly, the CL refused to challenge the reserve clause and honored existing pro player contracts, AL and NL decided to expand to the three biggest planned CL sites (Queens, Minneapolis, Houston), and Congress did not pursue action to limit baseball’s antitrust exemption after the famous 1958 Kefauver hearings. In this reality shift, those three things turned out differently.

Metagame Details
Incoming rookies will be assigned to the appropriate teams (including CL team analogues). Recalculation is on, remaining peak seasons, neutralized stats. Scouting is on. Trading is disabled between leagues, although free agents can jump back and forth. I turned free agency "off", and reserve clause rules are in effect. Waivers are enabled, and in this case the game engine’s inability to restrict waivers to one league is an advantage as it simulates a player’s ability to jump to another league (if claimed by a team in the other league). I've set trades to very low/hard/favor prospects (and have been unable to make any trades yet so that might have to change).

[GMLoophole]

The American and National League owners were, as ever, resistant to changes on the horizon in society and the sporting landscape. Some owners still refused to promote African-American players to the major leagues. Wild fashion and music have no place in their league; players are expected to keep their faces clean and their hair short. Televised ballgames have devastated minor league attendance, and the owners still resist frequent local broadcast of their games (with weekly national broadcasts dominated by the Yankees). NBC telecasts a “Game of the Week” on Saturdays, hosted by the unpopular Curt Gowdy and Tony Kubek. For the most part, gimmicks and promotions are left to minor league operators, and rules gimmicks (including schemes to prevent pitchers from batting) are not under serious consideration. While many of their old ballparks are crumbling and located in inner city neighborhoods subject to “white flight”, baseball is in some cases the last hope of some of these neighborhoods and those abandoned by the Browns, Braves, Giants, and Dodgers were not improved by the departure of their teams. Historic homes of baseball like Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Yankee Stadium, Forbes Field, Crosley Field, and Shibe Park should be preserved for future generations, and not sullied with plastic “grass”, gigantic foul territory to accommodate football games, or surrounded by acres of parking lots.

[GMLoophole]

When the Giants and Dodgers abandoned New York in 1958 for parts unknown, the city’s National League fanbase was left in shock. William Shea, an attorney involved in efforts to buy the Giants and prevent the National League’s desertion of the city, dedicated himself to bringing baseball back to New York. Imaginative baseball executive Branch Rickey, first contacted to arrange a move of the struggling Pirates to New York, agreed to serve as league president. The league’s owners are mostly young, ambitious, and successful men eager to bring baseball to (and make boatloads of money from) growing postwar cities that have been passed over or abandoned by baseball, opening the first front in a war to be fought in turn by rebel owners in professional football and basketball in the coming decade (in some cases, by the same men). ABC telecasts Monday Night Baseball each week, building on its growing Monday Night Football audience, and these broadcasts are hosted by Bob Prince, Warner Wolf, and the irrepressible Bob Uecker. Occasional other broadcasts feature Keith Jackson, Al Michaels, and other ABC announcers.

[GMLoophole]

New York Mets
The raison d’etre of the Continental League, the Mets have come a long way from their humble origin as a ragtag bunch of baseball’s castoffs. Backed by former Giants minority owner heiress Joan Whitney Payson, the Mets have built themselves to power by scouting and developing fabulous pitchers including Tom Seaver, who they signed away from the Braves, colorful “Tug” McGraw, young fireballer Nolan Ryan, and Jerry Koosman (who was signed based on the recommendation of a stadium usher’s son. They play in Shea Stadium, one of the first “modern” multi-purpose stadiums and an icon of the era, hosting concerts by the Beatles and the football stylings of “Broadway Joe” Namath and the AFL’s New York Jets.


Houston Astros
Another of the more successful CL teams, the Astros began life as the Houston Colt .45s, but under pressure for trademark infringement the team rebranded itself to honor Houston’s space industry and their innovative stadium. Brainchild of imaginative owner Judge Roy Hofheinz, the Astrodome is the world’s first indoor stadium, complete with its own artificial “grass” (Astroturf) and computerized scoreboard. Hofheinz loves color, and the stadium’s seats and team’s uniforms are a riot of orange, red, and yellow. But the Astros have focused as much on baseball as modernity, and sport a roster of promising young pitchers (Larry Dierker, Wade Blasingame) and stellar position players (Joe Morgan, Jim Wynn, Bob Watson).


Minnesota Twins
Baseball fans disappointed by the Giants’ decision to move to the West Coast instead of Minnesota jumped at the chance to have a team of their own. Twins fans and players excitedly look forward to enjoying cozy spring and fall days (and cool summer temperatures) in their brand-new Metrodome. Although well-supported by their many fans and wealthy owner Wheelock Whitney, the Twins have struggled to find an identity and now field a roster of declining players (Moe Drabowsky) and promising young players (Tom Burgmeier, Al Fitzmorris, Fran Healy, Lou Piniella, Bob Oliver, Pat Kelly).


California Angels
Born as the Denver Bears, the team fell into financial difficulties rapidly and the team was sold to famous movie cowboy Gene Autry. The team relocated to the Southern California boomtown of Anaheim and its modern new stadium. Although the team has not managed sustained success, the roster is strong with young players including Jim Fregosi, Jim Spencer, Sandy Alomar, Andy Messersmith, and Pedro Borbon.


Atlanta Shamrocks
Shut out by American League owners in his several prior attempts to acquire a pro baseball team, insurance executive Charlie Finley leaped at the chance to get in on the ground floor of the CL in 1959. Like Hofheinz, Finley is imaginative and fearless, willing to try anything to drum up interest in his team. Honoring his Irish heritage (and perhaps irrational superstition), he dubbed his team the Shamrocks (“Shams” to his detractors) and outfitted them in bright green polyester uniforms and (“albino kangaroo”) white cleats. He has been an outspoken proponent of night baseball and television and led the campaign to establish the designated hitter rule in the CL. Acting as his own general manager, in addition to handling everything else by telephone from his Chicago headquarters, Finley has assembled a middling squad that includes some promising young players including Nate Colbert, Ollie Brown, and Cito Gaston, all of whom benefit from playing in Atlanta’s “Launching Pad”, Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium.


Buffalo Bisons
Owned by Robert Swados, the Bisons have battled significant challenges since their launch. Unable to arrange financing for a modern multi-purpose dome to combat lake effect weather, the Bisons have played in the “Rockpile”, downtown’s War Memorial Stadium. Although followed by a dogged core of faithful fans, overall attendance and merchandising revenues are not plentiful and the Bisons have been unable to outbid other teams for free agents or rookies. They do have some hope for the future with young players including Marty Pattin, Tommy Harper, and Mike Hegan) and crafty vet Diego Segui.


Texas Rangers
Dallas mogul Lamar Hunt launched the American Football League in 1959 after being passed over for an NFL franchise, and threw in his lot with the CL as baseball slighted his city a second time. Although NFL expansion forced him to move his football concern to Kansas City, his baseball club still plays in the “Metroplex”, specifically in modern Arlington Stadium. The roster is a mixed bag with two big sluggers (Frank Howard and Mike Epstein) and young pitchers Dick Bosman, Joe Coleman, and Darold Knowles.


Toronto Maple Leafs
Bringing major-league quality baseball to Canada was a major goal of the Continental League, and while the Maple Leafs play in one of the largest markets in North America, they may not have yet brought major league baseball there (depending on the visiting team on a given night). Owner Jack Kent Cooke spares no expense, including building the state-of-the-art Skydome for his team and customers. But on-field results are middling so far for the CL’s Canadian entry, with a few young stars (Rusty Staub, Steve Renko) and a recent addition- contract-jumping Dick Allen, who (oddly) reunites with former manager Gene Mauch in Canada.

[GMLoophole]

As referred to in the title, Big Hair and Plastic Grass by Dan Epstein is a fun read about the era, although I didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped.


A much better read is Bottom of the Ninth: Branch Rickey, Casey Stengel, and the Daring Scheme to Save Baseball from Itself by Michael Shapiro. It's really two books in one: an excellent resource on the birth and strangulation of the Continental League and a more pedestrian discussion of the decline of the Yankees in the Sixties.

I hope to play through to the late Seventies which is when my baseball memories are fondest, so I'll plug The Bronx is Burning by Jonathan Mahler, which is a really super airing of the Yankees' dirty laundry and a great description of New York in the Summer of Sam. I have watched the miniseries, and it's good for a few laughs but not as good as the book. Spike Lee's Summer of Sam is, however, and for a glimpse of NY in the Seventies nothing beats old Barney Miller reruns.

Another suitable read is Cardboard Gods by Josh Wilker. I normally don't like such personal-journal type writings, but some of my best friends as a kid were my baseball cards, many of the ones Wilker describes in his book.

[LivnLegend]

Originally Posted by GMLoophole

I hope to play through to the late Seventies which is when my baseball memories are fondest

Same here. I often find myself starting up OOTP leagues, either fictional or MLB, that take place in the 70s. Although I was too young to really remember watching much, my baseball knowledge was formulated reading every single baseball book in my school library in the early 80s, many of which were written of 70s baseball. Plus I collected baseball cards starting in 1979 so I knew these players well from memorizing their career journeys as depicted on the back. It's my favorite era.

Originally Posted by GMLoophole

The Bronx is Burning by Jonathan Mahler, which is a really super airing of the Yankees' dirty laundry and a great description of New York in the Summer of Sam. I have watched the miniseries, and it's good for a few laughs but not as good as the book. Spike Lee's Summer of Sam is, however, and for a glimpse of NY in the Seventies nothing beats old Barney Miller reruns.

Another suitable read is Cardboard Gods by Josh Wilker. I normally don't like such personal-journal type writings, but some of my best friends as a kid were my baseball cards, many of the ones Wilker describes in his book.

Yep, Bronx is Burning is is great. I have it among my hardcover baseball book collection.

I used to go to Josh Wilker's web site every day hoping for a new entry. Loved it. I started tailing off around the time when he wrote the book (when his online entries began to also tail off) and always meant to read his book. I'll have to look for it on Amazon.

Good luck with the league!

[GMLoophole]

I started advancing the schedule and encountered a bug that won't let me advance the season. Frustrating but now that I've statted out owners and so forth building the game again shouldn't take too much work; I'll try again tomorrow or thurs.

[shawa666]

Personally I would have placed the Toronto team in Montreal, as it was still the largest city in Canada in 1969.

[GMLoophole]

Originally Posted by shawa666

Personally I would have placed the Toronto team in Montreal, as it was still the largest city in Canada in 1969.

Jack Kent Cooke was the backer of the Toronto franchise in the CL when it formed in 1959. I never read anything about interest from Montreal in the league (although if I play through long enough to expand, they'll come in later).

[shawa666]

Originally Posted by GMLoophole

Jack Kent Cooke was the backer of the Toronto franchise in the CL when it formed in 1959. I never read anything about interest from Montreal in the league (although if I play through long enough to expand, they'll come in later).

It's a great concept. It's one of the what if scenarios I use once in a while. However there's some flaws in that timeline.

Calvin Griffith was dead set about getting the Senators out of Washington, which he did, moving the Senators to Minneapolis in time for the 1961 season.

The 61-71 Senators that became the Rangers were an expansion team.

Also, both the NL and AL tried all they could to block the CL from happening. The Majors were a traditionalist bunch, but they loved money more than tradidtion. But for this concept to work, They have to refuse to admit Shea and his mets in their ranks out of spite while at least holding the 61 expansion and the original Nats' move to Minny, and possibly an expansion of the NL in 62 without the Mets.

Also nitpicking, The drive to build the Skydome didn't begin until after the disastrous 82 Grey Cup game. Jack Kent Cooke's Leafs played at Maple Leaf stadium, a 13 000 seat stadium. The Jays played at the CNE Stadium from 1977 to 1989.

But don't mind me. I just like to rant.

[GMLoophole]

Originally Posted by shawa666

It's a great concept. It's one of the what if scenarios I use once in a while. However there's some flaws in that timeline.

I know all of those things, and they're conscious decisions to make the CL feel a bit like the AFL, with the domes coming early to MIN/TOR/HOU and so on. All the AL/NL teams are keeping their old stadiums, as the blech multipurpose bowls will (mostly) only show up in the CL along with polyester pullover unis. The Senators never left WAS, so the Rangers are the Dallas Rangers of the CL. And so on.

As to your view of the CL, you should read the book linked above. Yes, the AL and NL resisted, but Rickey was strongly against signing players away from the AL/NL or directly attacking them in any way, and Frick was fairly misleading in pretending they were supportive of the CL (largely because of the antitrust hearings at the time). Finally, the owners caved the instant the leagues announced expansion, a real contrast to the AFL experience.

[GMLoophole]

I've rebuilt my season and picked a team but am still considering how to cover the action in other leagues. In the meantime I thought I'd post a brief overview of the AL and NL teams as play begins.





Baltimore Orioles

Dawn of a dynasty? Earl Weaver led his young team to a second place finish in the AL last year, and the future couldn't really look brighter. Savvy lefty Mike Cuellar is the ace of the staff, an "old man" of 31, ably backed by Dave McNally and Jim Palmer. The bullpen shapes up as one of the strongest in the league, with Dick Hall, Marcelino Lopez, Pete Richert and Eddie Watt. The lineup is stocked with sluggers including Frank Robinson and Boog Powell, and great all around players like Don Buford, Brooks Robinson, and Davey Johnson. Plenty of depth too, with young outfielders like Paul Blair, Dave May, Merv Rettenmund, and Terry Crowley around to add depth and (probably) be traded to shore up nonexistent weak spots. The Orioles play in Baltimore Memorial Stadium, and are owned by Jerrold Hoffberger (patience 10/spending 6).



Boston Red Sox

Only two years removed from an improbable World Series run, the Sox lack Baltimore's overall depth but feature a powerful lineup. The outfield of Ken Harrelson, Reggie Smith, and Carl Yastrzemski is stellar. The infield has a good young core including rookie catcher Carlton Fisk, 2B Mike Andrews, and SS Rico Petrocelli. Pitching is a bit rough, with young Ken Brett joining Jim Lonborg and Ray Culp in the rotation, and young Sparky Lyle and Mike Garman in the bullpen. The Red Sox play in Fenway Park (I) and are owned by Tom Yawkey (patience 7/spending 4).



Chicago White Sox

Tired of moving thirty tons of manure per day, Bill Veeck (patience 6/spending 6) has left the world of horse racing and re-acquired the South Side sluggers. Unfortunately, he finds Comiskey Park filled with declining former stars like Luis Aparicio and promising youngsters like Tommy John, Sandy Alomar, Bill Melton, Tommy McCraw, Carlos May, and Walt "No Neck" Williams. Not likely to challenge Boston and Baltimore, but some stones to build with.



Cleveland Indians

Another rebuilding project, the Tribe feature three five star players (pitcher "Sudden" Sam McDowell, C Duke Sims, and 43 year old Minnie Minoso) and some solid pitchers like Luis Tiant, Sonny Siebert, Jack Hamilton, and Vicente Romo. The remainder of the roster is fleshed out with players like Ray Fosse and Jose Cardenal and will have to look to the future for a chance to get out of the second division. The Indians play in the "Mistake On The Lake", cavernous Cleveland Stadium and are owned by Vernon Stouffer (patience 5/spending 2).



Detroit Tigers

The reigning World Series champs are led by their pitching. Mickey Lolich, Denny McLain, Pat Dobson, John Hiller, and Don McMahon. The lineup is not as strong as those in Baltimore and Boston but can slug with the best them, 1B Norm Cash, C Bill Freehan, and outfielders Al Kaline, Willie Horton, Jim Northrup, and Gates Brown. Unfortunately, the reserve roster is one of the weakest in the league and the Tigers appear to have gotten all the help they will get. The Tigers are owned by John Fetzer (patience 5/spending 5) and play in historic Tiger Stadium.



Kansas City Athletics

Recently purchased by Ewing Kauffman (patience 9/spending 6), KC looks to be on the threshold of great things. Young pitchers like Jim Hunter, John Odom, Paul Lindblad, and Ed Sprague should give them a chance to win every game, and two kids named Vida Blue and Rollie Fingers are waiting on the reserve roster for their chance at the big time. They're solid around the infield too, with C Gene Tenace, 3B Sal Bando, 2B Dick Green, and SS Bert Campaneris. The outfield is set in center and right with Rick Monday and Reggie Jackson, and young LF Joe Rudi should make his presence felt soon. The Athletics have one of the richest reserve rosters in the league, with the players already listed and C Dave Duncan and Phil Roof, 2B Tony LaRussa, and OF Jose Tartabull. Some epic pennant races with the Orioles to come. They play in KC Municipal Stadium.



New York Yankees

Opening Day 1969 is most notable for what the Yanks lack: Mickey Mantle has retired. They will live and die with their pitching, a solid rotation of Stan Bahnsen, Mike Kekich, Fritz Peterson, and Al Downing backed by Mel Stottlemyre, Lindy McDaniel, Steve Hamilton, and Don Nottebart. The lineup is weak, with kids Bobby Murcer, Roy White, and Thurman Munson hoping for good production from vets like Ron Blomberg, Tom Tresh, Bobby Cox, and Gene Michael. The Yankees are owned by CBS, who have delegated Michael Burke (patience 2/spending 5) to run the team. They play in the House that Ruth Built (and George Didn't Wreck), Yankee Stadium I.



Washington Senators

Riding an unparalleled level of popularity after a pennant in 1965 and second place finishes in 66 and 67, the Senators are no longer the laughingstocks of baseball even after their weak 79-83 finish in 1968. Their pitching is still formidable, with Jim Kaat, Jim Perry, Dave Boswell, and Dean Chance backed by Al Worthington, Ron Perranoski, and Tom Hall in the bullpen. The infield is anchored by Harmon Killebrew, Rod Carew, and Graig Nettles. Vets Cesar Tovar and Tony Oliva are the class of the outfield. Not much in the cupboard though, as old vet John Roseboro is the only player on the reserve roster with much to offer and his best days behind him. The Senators are owned by Calvin Griffith (patience 5/spending 1), hero of the nation's capital, and play in Griffith Stadium.

[GMLoophole]

Chicago Cubs

The Cubbies are a team on the move and have their fans thinking this might be their year, finally. They have one of the best young rotations in baseball: Ferguson Jenkins, Bill Hands, Joe Niekro, and Ken Holtzman. The bullpen is solid with Joe Decker, Phil Regan, and Ramon Hernandez. The lineup is dominated by old vets, 1B Ernie Banks, heel-clicking 3B Ron Santo, SS Don Kessinger, and all-world slugger Billy Williams. Not much help in reserve, though, and the cream of their system is the young pitchers already in their rotation. The Cubs are owned by Phil Wrigley (patience 7/spending 4) and play in Wrigley Field.



Cincinnati Reds

Almost the mirror image of the Cubs, the Reds are building one of the finest lineups in baseball. Phenom C Johnny Bench, slugging 1B Lee May, speedy 2B Hal McRae, and 3B Tony Perez form a slugging (if defensively rough) infield, and Bobby Tolan, Alex Johnson, Bernie Carbo, and Pete Rose have plenty of punch in the OF. Decent pitching at best, with the best starters Jim Merritt and Gary Nolan and adequate relief from Clay Carroll, Orlando Pena, and Wayne Granger. Not much on the horizon either as Darrel Chaney and Tony Cloninger look to be the class of the reserve roster. The Reds are owned by Francis Dale (patience 7/spending 7) and play on the grass at Crosley Field.




Los Angeles Dodgers

Seasons come and seasons go, and carpetbagger Walter O'Malley's farm system keeps pumping out stars. Don Drysdale, Claude Osteen, Bill Singer, and Don Sutton anchor the rotation with Jim Brewer and Alan Foster available to put out any fires. Many tools in the shed, even if out of position, with 3B Steve Garvey, C Tom Haller, 3B Bill Sudeikis, SS Ted Sizemore, and outfielders Bill Russell, Willie Davis, Willie Crawford, and Bobby Valentine and Bill Buckner. Another weak reserve, with the AI making the odd choice to dump Ron Fairly into the hopper, and only Von Joshua looking to make an impact in the next couple of years. They play in O'Malley's free stadium in Chavez Ravine, and O'Malley is rated for this game with 9 patience and 8 spending.



Milwaukee Braves

A strong competitor for 1969. The solid veteran rotation features Milt Pappas, Pat Jarvis, Phil Niekro, and Ron Reed. The solid if unspectacular bullpen is led by Cecil Upshaw. What the lineup lacks in star power at every position it makes up with solidity and depth everywhere, from C Rico Carty to 3B phenom Darrell Evans, 2B Felix Millan, and 1B Orlando Cepeda and a stellar outfield of Dusty Baker, Ralph Garr, Mike Lum, Felipe Alou, and living legend and the mayor of Milwaukee, Hank Aaron. Not much in reserve, however, with names like Sonny Jackson and Oscar Brown about all there is. The Braves play in Milwaukee County Stadium and are owned by Bill Bartholomay (patience 6/spending 3).



Philadelphia Phillies

Other than a second place finish in 1964, the Phillies haven't broken .500 since 1950 and don't look to do so anytime soon. The starting rotation doesn't seem able to win games on its own with names like Woodie Fryman, Rick Wise, and Jerry Johnson expecting no help from the bullpen. As noted above, Dick Allen finally got fed up with the city and owner Bob Carpenter (patience 7/spending 3) and jumped to Toronto in the Continental League. SS Don Money and CF Larry Hisle show promise but the remainder of the roster is headed by solid vets like Tony Taylor and Cookie Rojas. One of the worst reserve rosters going, with Deron Johnson the only name of possible impact. The Phillies play in Shibe Park as they have for many decades.



Pittsburgh Pirates

After starting the decade with a World Series win, the Buccos haven't lost more than 88 games since and just finished below .500 in 68. They run out a solid rotation of Bob Veale, Dock Ellis, Jim Bunning, and Steve Blass with a decent bullpen of Luke Walker, Bob Moose, and Bruce Dal Canton. The infield is solid all around with C Manny Sanguillen, 1B Willie Stargell, 2B Dave Cash, SS Freddie Patek, and 3B Richie Hebner. The OF is deep with future hall of famer Roberto Clemente, Matty Alou, and young studs Bob Oliver, Bob Robertson, and Angel Mangual giving the Pirates plenty of depth and promise. The reserve roster doesn't feature future stars, but some useful emergency depth in Bill Mazeroski, Bo Belinsky, Jerry May, and pitching prospect Gene Garber. The Pirates are owned by John Galbraith (patience 8/spending 4) and play as they have for decades in beautiful Forbes Field.



San Francisco Giants

I've decided to run the Giants in this league, for reasons I'll explain below when I go over their roster. They are still owned by Horace Stoneham (patience 10/spending 3) and play in grass-turfed Candlestick Park.




St. Louis Cardinals

Quite a decade for the Redbirds, with two World Series victories and three NL Pennants including in 1968. The defending champs have plenty of pitching from 1968 Cy Young winner and MVP Bob Gibson to young starters like Nellie Briles and Steve Carlton and a loaded bullpen with Reggie Cleveland, Dave Giusti, Joe Hoerner, and Chuck Taylor. The offense is loaded for bear with two great slugging catchers (Joe Torre and young Ted Simmons), solid infielders like Dal Maxvill, Julian Javier, and slugger Bill White, and fleet outfielders including Vada Pinson, Curt Flood, and Lou Brock, one of the greatest offensive weapons in the league. The Cards look set in the future too, with Mike Torrez, Jerry Reuss, and Tom Hilgendorf biding their time on the reserve roster alongside future horrible announcer Tim McCarver and useful role players like Chip Coulter and Phil Gagliano. The Cards are still owned by Gussie Busch (patience 10/spending 5) and play in beautiful and historic Busch Stadium (formerly known as Sportsman's Park).

[GMLoophole]

So, I'd go back and and edit the original title of the thread/dynasty but I can't, so here's an explanation for those reading along with interest. I'm a Giants fan (primarily) and have always been fascinated by the weird/awful Stoneham era trades of the late 60s to shed payroll. And the seemingly endless supply of righthanded outfielders (as you'll see while the thread moves along). So, I've started several replays of this Giants era but thought this Continental League experiment will be a nice way to play into the 70s, watch Willie Mays, Juan Marichal, and Willie McCovey retire as Giants without side trips, and see what the effect of a third league is on MLB if the expansion teams are left out of the equation. And like with any replays I'm curious to see what happens with guys like Ron Bryant and Dick Dietz that sort of shone brightly and then faded quickly.


I won't actively run a team in the CL, but I will keep an eye on them and see if the Mets and Astros run away with everything as I am expecting. I'll be curious to see the kinds of numbers Dick Allen puts up in Canada, too. I'm considering when and if the CL will merge or associate with the AL/NL, probably around 1976 when they expand to 10 teams (Montreal/Seattle).

So, on with the show.

[GMLoophole]

Historically an offensive-minded team, the Giants have a solid rotation and a few decent options in the bullpen.

Starters:



1. Gaylord Perry (R): Famous for his special pitches (Vaseline ball, K-Y ball, snot ball...), Gaylord enters his eighth year with the Giants coming off an odd 16-15 season. Owner Stoneham thinks Gaylord is running out of gas... but his record hasn't shown any sign of that yet. He's the ace and barring injury should be for a long time to come. (Note: he will not be traded in 1972 to Cleveland for Sam McDowell).



2. Juan Marichal (R): The future hall of famer won 26 games in 1968, led the majors with 30 complete games, and at age 31 should still have plenty in the tank to give the Giants one of the best 1-2 starting combos in the majors. (Note: he will not be sold to Boston in 1973).


3. Ray Sadecki (L): Obtained from St. Louis for future hall of famer Orlando Cepeda (who was the odd man out in SF's crowded OF), the durable lefty provides a solid #3 in the rotation. He posted a 12-18 record but had a 1.1 WHIP and almost 3 K per BB, so hopefully he can put up another season like that in 69. (Note: Sadecki won't be traded with Dave Marshall to the Mets for Jim Gosger and Bob Heise).



4. Bobby Bolin (R): A sidearming, strong-throwing swingman in 68 with 19 starts in 34 appearances (and 6 CG!), he seems to be the best choice for the fourth regular spot in the rotation. If he puts up an ERA+ like the 151 he had in 68 he'll probably be the best #4 starter in baseball. If he struggles as a starter he'll slot nicely into the bullpen (and probably get a ton of work as there isn't a ton to choose from to replace him). (Note: Bolin won't be traded to the Brewers for Dick Simpson (who quit before ever suiting up for SF) and Steve Whitaker (who batted .111 in 70 for SF and retired) in December of 69).

Bullpen:



1. Frank Linzy (R): The class of the bullpen, sinkerballer (ranked second all-time best sinkerball by Neyer/James) Linzy has been the "fireman" for the Giants since his 1965 debut, and has posted ERA+ of: 253, 126, 223 and 145.



2. Grant Jackson (L): Obtained in a trade from Philadelphia (see below), Jackson is still rated as a starter and might move up into the rotation if Bolin or someone else struggles. Durable lefty with 4 solid pitches... and only 26 years old.

3. Bill Short (L): Obtained from the Reds for Bob Burda, he pitched for the Mets in 1968 and posted decent numbers (.214 opponent BA). Sinker and Slider and hopefully handy to retire tough lefty opponents.

4. Ron Herbel (R): No decisions in 24 appearances in 68, 1.64 WHIP, and .320 opponent BA. The Giants may be looking for RH bullpen help in short order if he doesn't come out of the gate strong.

5. Joe Gibbon (L): Pitched 40 innings for SF in 68 with only 7 ER allowed and an ERA+ of 192. Should get plenty of work against the toughest lefty outs. (Note: probably won't be traded to PIT in June for Ron Kline).

6. Rich Robertson (R): Only 13 IP over the last 3 years, but strong numbers in a tiny sample size (1.33 WHIP). A high stamina rating means he may see a start or two or will have a chance to move up to Herbel's spot if he thrives in blowouts. Local boy born in Albany and graduate of Santa Clara University.



7. Mike McCormick (L): 12-14 in 23 starts in 68, McCormick is only two years removed from the Cy Young but the Giants' scouts have him rated as somewhere between hot garbage and gum on the bottom of your shoe. He'll probably make some swing starts and slide into Sadecki or Bolin's spot if he can still cut it.

[GMLoophole]

We'll carry three C for the season, two of whom provide depth at other positions (and may end up with some playing time elsewhere).



1. Dick Dietz: The Mule can't really throw or catch, but he posted 272/.347/.392 in 100 games in 69, which prompted the Giants to ship Tom Haller off to LA. He's a fan favorite, and hopefully will hit well enough that his defensive gaffes won't hurt too much.



2. Jack Hiatt: The young slugger is a much better catcher than Dietz and is rated with a much higher upside. He'll be occasional relief and defensive replacement for Dietz.



3. John Stephenson: He hasn't hit much while getting cups of coffee with the Mets and Cubs over the past three years.. but he's a good defensive C and able to play LF or 3B, and a lefty bat, so he makes the roster for his versatility.

[GMLoophole]

1B: Willie McCovey: Stretch is finally getting his due and has taken over cleanup duty from aging star Willie Mays. 36 HR last year means no one cares that he has trouble on defense and that his overly-aged legs slow him down.



2B: Ron Hunt: The lone bright spot on a lot of horrible Mets teams, Hunt made the jump to the NL and brings his uncanny ability to get beaned with him, posting a .250/.371/.297 line last year. He'll be batting second most days.



3B: Jim Ray Hart: Called "the baddest man in baseball" by Dick Allen, Hart struggles with the glove but pounded 23 HR in 132 games in the "year of the pitcher" in 1968. Hopefully the new batter-friendly mound (and batting behind Mays, McCovey, and Bobby Bonds) will help him to another good year with the bat.



SS: Tito Fuentes: The flashy Cuban (reputed to be the best dresser in the NL) only batted .209 in 1968 but is still only 24 and has plenty of upside (and utterly no competition from the other SS on the roster). He'll probably bat leadoff most days.



SS/2B/3B: Don Mason: Can't hit at all and is rated as a terrible defender at all three positions, but he can breathe oxygen and expel carbon dioxide occasionally if necessary. John Stephenson is better rated and will probably be a better option if any of the starters are hurt for more than a day.

[GMLoophole]

CF: Willie Mays: The greatest player ever is slowing down and might well spend some time at 1B to spell McCovey... but the Say Hey Kid slugged .488 last year and should be good enough to bat 3rd or 5th again this year. (will absolutely, positively not be traded for Charlie Williams).



RF: Bobby Bonds: Runs like a deer and hits like a truck. Bonds is only 23 and is being called the next Mays... too tall an order for anyone, but he'll bat in the 3 or 5 hole depending on where Willie bats. (Note: Probably won't be traded to the Yankees for Bobby Murcer, but despite Murcer's dislike/poor performance in SF that wouldn't be such a bad deal).



LF: Ken Henderson: Another youngster with upside, the 23 year old starts his FOURTH season with the Giants after slugging .437 in Phoenix last season. Pretty rough defensively, but with Mays and Bonds covering the rest of the grass in Candlestick he should be able to field without embarrassing himself. (Note: definitely will not be traded along with Steve Stone to the White Sox for Tom Bradley... but as the parade of OF continue in the next couple of years he might be moved to make room).



CF: Dave May: Acquired from Baltimore (see below) to provide adequate backup defense in center when Mays is resting or spelling McCovey at 1B, May also provides a lefty bat off the bench and runs well enough (for this team) to pinch run occasionally.



LF: George Foster: Just 20 years old, this youngster is going to spell Mays and Bonds from time to time and be the righty power bat off the bench. (Note: He will most definitely not be traded to Cincinnati for Frank Duffy and Vern Geishert). He'll likely step into more playing time as Mays takes more and more time off.



LF: Leon Wagner: The well-traveled Wagner returns for a second engagement in SF and will serve as the primary lefty bat off the bench. He's not rated at 1B but might get a few starts there during the year. He was .261/.345/.332 for two AL teams in 1968 and will probably not see much time in the field except in emergency.

[GMLoophole]

In 1969, Horace Stoneham's nephew "Chub" Feeney, who had been acting as director of operations for the Giants, was appointed NL President. In real life, Stoneham decided to economize by serving as his own GM, and the above trades show the success of that theory as Stoneham traded himself right out of SF (with only a quickie sale to Bob Lurie keeping the team from slipping to Toronto).

With the threat of the Continental League, and the pressure the extra teams' scouts put on player supply around the country and in the Giants' pipeline in Latin America, Stoneham feels that he needs some hip, with-it help to negotiate with the new breed of player and to help him deal with the changing environment in San Francisco at the close of the Sixties. Fortunately, during a weather delay he meets just the guy in a bar in LAX. After a few high balls together, Stoneham extends his hand and makes Reese Feldman his new General Manager.



Feldman doesn't have any baseball experience... but that makes him more qualified than Stoneham to run the team in the Seventies. Feldman's brash take-no-prisoners style and desire to get ahead at all costs bodes well for the challenges facing the aging Giants in their league and with the rise of the Continentals. He is a baseball fan, fortunately, and although he grew up in Bay City he was always a big Giants fan (his grandparents followed the Giants in NY). Feldman sees the talent on the roster and knows the Giants need some complementary pieces, not a fire sale. To that end, he quickly swings the following trades:



LHP Grant Jackson and RHP Bill Wilson (now on reserve roster), from Philadelphia for 3B Jim Davenport: Longtime Giant Davenport was surplusage with Hart on the roster, and not much better defensively, so he brings Jackson and reliever Bill Wilson to provide some needed bullpen help. The Phillies will probably re-gift him later in the year as they keep rebuilding.

RHP Bill Short from Cincinnati for OF Bob Burda: Burda was probably not going to get any significant playing time for the Giants, so he too gets shipped out to bring back another bullpen arm. Mostly a cat-and-dog trade for both sides.

OF Dave May and RHP Al Severinsen from Baltimore for veteran C Ozzie Virgil and SS Cesar Guttierez: None of the OF on the roster had decent CF ratings, leaving Mays the only option at that position. May provides adequate CF backup and a serviceable pinch hitting bat (letting the no-tool Dave Marshall sink down to the reserve roster). Virgil was one fo 4 C on the reserve roster and unlikely to see much action; Guttierez was pencilled in at SS but seems to be about the same player as Hal Lanier, who remains in reserve for now. The Orioles had too many OF and not enough C or middle IF, so both benches get better.

A lefty 3B slugger would be nice, but the list of those is basically Darrell Evans and Richie Hebner, and the Braves and Pirates want no part of trades for them. Feldman would to get Evan eventually, but for now he'll let Jimmy Ray Hart keep socking dingers and throwing balls into the stands.

[GMLoophole]

Phillies send 1B Deron Johnson to Yankees for C Jake Gibbs and OF Tom Shopay

Orioles send OF Don Buford to White Sox for SS Ron Hansen and OF Jose Ortiz.

Indians send C Joe Azcue to Cubs for P Hank Aguirre and C John Hairston.

Senators send C John Roseboro to Phillies for P John Boozer and OF Tom Shopay.

Yankees send P Lindy McDaniel to Reds for 2B Jimmy Stewart

Note: As usual I forgot to turn AI trading down to "very low" before starting to sim... fortunately only the Buford trade seems weird. It's now fixed so that should cut down on these reports.