1970 American League East Team by Team Previews:
Detroit Tigers (projected 96-66)
Offense-The big three for the Tigers remain intact, Norm Cash (.307 35-117), Willie Horton (.307 32-119), and Al Kaline (.304 23-89). Bill Freehan (.246 20-87) provides pop from the C position.
Pitching-Denny McClain rebounded from his 21 loss season of 1968 to go 16-11 last season as the ace. Mickey Lolich (13-12 4.31) and Jim Rooker (7-19 4.24) add depth. Fred Gladding saved 25 games in the closers role.
Baltimore Orioles (projected 93-69)
Offense-Reigning MVP Boog Powell (.286 37-129) spearheads this offense. the Orioles lost SS Luis Aparicio to the Washington Senators, so Paul Blair (.283 16-74 25 steals) moves into the leadoff spot. Frank Robinson (.282 32-90) is 31 homers shy of 500.
Pitching-Jim Palmer (21-6 2.88) is 71-19 over the last 3 years and the no doubt ace. Wally Bunker (16-7 3.64) is the #2, and has won 16 games each of the last 3 years.
Boston Red Sox (projected 90-72)
Offense-Rico Petrocelli (.323 40-117) leads this offense. Reggie Smith (.279 30-87 25 steals) moves into the leadoff spot. Ron Santo (.311 16-53 in 66 games with Boston) bats 5th.
Pitching-Bill Lee (19-1 2.56) becomes the ace after a year behind Jim Lonborg (17-11 2.49) who is now the #2 starter. Sparky Lyle (2-5 2.39 52/55 in save chances) approaches the all time saves record as the dominating closer.
New York Yankees (projected 88-74)
Offense-Frank Howard (.278 19-118) and Joe Pepitone (.272 34-118) lead the offense, with help from 38 year old Mickey Mantle (.260 24-74) and youngster Roy White (.304 18-99)
Pitching-The Yankees have a very formidable top 3 in Mel Stottlemyre (16-8 3.60), Al Downing (11-10 2.98) and reigning Cy Young winner Jim Bouton (20-7 2.24). Jack Aker (4-3 4.47 23/28 in save chances) continues to hold onto the closers role somehow.
Washington Senators (projected 58-104)
Offense-The Senators signed Bobby Tolan (.292 15-79 34 steals) from St. Louis, Luis Aparicio (.278 3041 31 steals) from Baltimore, Tony Horton (.325 11-49) from the Chicago Cubs, and Ken Boyer (.278 20-73) from the Cincinnati Reds to help improve their offense.
Pitching-Joe Coleman (10-10 3.40) and Jerry Reuss (6-13) form a solid young duo that should help the Senators for years to come. They are supported by Carl Morton (10-21 4.80)
Cleveland Indians (projected 50-112)
Offense-Cleveland signed Julian Javier (.329 3-11), Bill Sorrell (.257 5-42) and Jack Hiatt (.298 5-25) to support young slugger George Foster (.285 11-45). They also signed C Jerry May (.300 1-28) from Pittsburgh, but is currently injured.
Pitching-The top three starters Tom Kelley (9-12 3.91), Steve Hargan (10-11 3.73) and Jerry Koosman (1-18 7.86) should provide good innings this year if they make minor jumps.
American League West previews next!
