To Rule in Kansas City

[CatKnight]

Late December 1970


The day after I came home from Winter Meetings, Ewing asked to see me in his office at Marion Pharmaceuticals. He didn't smile as I enter, nor did he offer a greeting. He simply indicated the chair across from him. I frowned and sat.

"Chuck, I spoke with Joan Payson in New York. She tells me you asked her about being General Manager for the Mets. Is it true?"

My eyes narrowed. B____.

"I see by your expression it is," Kauffman replied. "I'm disappointed."

"That was before I agreed to stay," I said finally. "Yes, I contacted her - and the Red Sox and Senators - to see what my options were."

He lifted his head and spoke firmly. "When I put a challenge to a man, I don't expect the first thing for him to do to be trying to bolt. I gave you the opportunity to stay because I thought you might choose to be here!"

"I have chosen to be here," I retorted. "And I've promised you your seventy-two wins. You gave me two options - stay or resign. Don't blame me for looking around to see what other choices I had available!"

"I will blame you, Chuck." He bolted to his feet. For a second I thought he was coming for me and started to stand, but he turned his back and looked out his double paned window at the fields surrounding his complex. Kauffman clasped his hands behind him, alternately clenching them into fists. "Do you know why I bought the Royals? It wasn't to make a profit. God knows."

We did make a small profit in 1969, but lost about $50,000 in 1970. Last I checked we were on track to lose about $15,000 this year as well and he hadn't complained. I sat, rigid, hands on my armrests unwilling to help him make his point.

"I bought the Royals because I believe they can offer something to Kansas City. The people here have been good to me. Bringing baseball back here seemed like a good way to repay them. Bringing them a winning team to erase that blot known as the Athletics... I want this town to be on top of the baseball world. We had our time on top in the AFL, why not here?"

He glanced at me in the reflection of his window. "I need a GM who feels about that as passionately as I do, Chuck. I need someone who sees this as more than a job, someone who really believes in the team and the city. Someone who doesn't 'explore his options' but sees the job through because he also believes the Kansas City Royals can be great."

I looked away. "You're a dreamer. I see no reason the Royals can't be great someday, same as all the other teams, but today? Right now?"

"No." He turned completely. "I told you once not to look at the team as it stands, but at what they can be. They can be a guiding light to the young boys in this city. They can bring in money to the other businesses in town. They can help Kansas City reach their potential....and I need a GM who can believe that, and help the Royals reach theirs. I'm not disappointed because you wanted to see what your other options were. It was a sound, logical decision. I'm disappointed because it even occured to you to leave."
*******

I left his office feeling...disheartened. Not quite ashamed. I didn't do anything wrong. And yet...

Do I believe in Kansas City? It's just another city, like St. Louis only a little more western, a little more country. What does he see that I don't? Why is this so important to him? I understand he's taking the high road, but I just don't agree. There are twenty-four teams now, twenty-one cities and yes, in many ways one is as good as another.

Since he offered his services once upon a time, I put the question to the Chiefs' dynamic owner, Lamar Hunt.

"I know how Ewing feels," he said. "I feel the same way. When I brought the Texans here we'd competed with the Cowboys for years and lost. Badly. The mayor at the time, Roe Bartle, promised me 25,000 fans per game and so I jumped. At first his promises were hooey and I expected that, but after a few years? You've been to a few games. If I don't get 40,000 per game something's wrong, and the city's helping us both fund new stadiums. Kansas City has been good to us."

He lowered his glasses slightly and studied me over the rim. "That doesn't help you though, so how's this? I was born in Arkansas. I lived some good, happy years in Dallas...but Kansas City is my home. The problem players, managers, even general managers have is sometimes they have to move, so they never really get a home. Not a place to sleep and eat and have children, but a place to really care about. I think that's what Ewing is trying to offer you: A place where you know you're wanted, and all you have to do is give a ____ back."

"I do give a _____ about the team!" I snapped.

"Oh, ____ the team. It's a game. If your team's good you'll only lose 65 or 70 games. I'm talking about the city, the place where you are. You're wrong: Kansas City isn't like any other city in baseball. It's your city."

I grunted and looked around his office, at trophies and banners dating back to the Chiefs' founding.

"Sooner or later every man gets to the point where he can't go any further. Where if he's going to make something of his life, he needs to stop, plant roots and make a stand where he's at. That's all Ewing wants to know: Are you ready to make your stand?".

[CatKnight]

January 1971


Life went on, of course. While I pondered what Lamar Hunt told me tragedy once more reared its ugly head.

First, Cincinnati lost OF Bobby Tolan (.311 17-63 16 in 1970) for the year. During the winter basketball 'league' the Reds set up to keep their players in shape, Tolan tore up his achilles tendon badly. It's not sure what, if any, permanent effect this will have on his range and running.

A few days later Detroit's RP John Hiller (3-3 4.66 5 SV) clutched his chest while visiting family, hissed that he couldn't breathe, and collapsed. It wasn't his lungs, but his heart. Surgeons removed seven feet of intestine damaged by cholesterol. They're hopeful about his recovery, but with a massive chest and stomach scar he, too, is out for the year.

Gaining Felipe Alou somewhat makes up for losing Tolan, so the Reds as a team don't suffer. Hiller, however, was the Tiger's setup guy. We won't know who will take over until after Spring Training, though I'm betting on Chuck Seelbach (73/78) [22] (0-0 5.96).
*******

February

While we absorbed the implications of that Kevin Calahan in Seattle called me ready to explode.

Curt Flood, it seemed, wasn't done arguing against his 'slavery.' The day before Pilots fielders were to report, he held a press conference announcing his intent to appeal last year's decision. "I have nothing against Seattle, the players or the fans. I just don't think this is right."

Once more the Player's Association quietly sided with him in exchange for his agreement to report to camp and play for the Pilots while the appeal process continued. This promises to add some new dimensions to labor/management talks this year.

Bowie Kuhn is...keeping his mouth shut. He forwarded his evidence to the American League proving collusion by the A's, Orioles, Cardinals and Giants and...it's circumstantial at best. Yes, Charlie Finley for example outbid Kevin for 1B Rich Reese, but we get into bidding wars all the time. Shall we argue Kevin conspired against me because that's the year Phil Gagliano signed with him and not KC?

I 'leaked' Kuhn's report to Gary in St. Louis, and he's in turn 'leaked' it to several NL GMs and owners. Few people really want to push Bowie out, not with the umpires threatening to strike and players wanting to modify their contract, but I think he's in trouble.

February was filled with tragedies of their own. An earthquake struck the San Fernando Valley northwest of Los Angeles and killed 65, forced the evacuation of 40,000 and destroyed two hospitals. Fifty tornadoes obliterated Mississippi killing 74 more.
*******

It was in the midst of this bad news that I think I finally understood what Ewing wanted of me, and what Hunt tried to explain. I don't know if I can really attach myself to Kansas City... but I guess looking at everything that's happened - two men injured, one killed in December, earthquakes and tornadoes - I'm starting to see why they care. Life has a way of taking things away from you if you're not careful.

Anyway, on the 21st I called Ewing at home, and told him I needed to take half of the Royals' cash reserve: Over $500,000. Before he could explode, I told him why and he grew very quiet.

"Are you sure you can do this, Chuck?"

"I've already made the calls. I just need the money. It'll be ready by Opening Day."

More silence, then: "Don't touch the Royals' cash. I'll have my accountant cut you a seperate check. You can pick it up tomorrow morning."

[CatKnight]

March 1971


Before we go into Spring Training, we need to hop back a few months. Something else happened in Winter Meetings - a vote that would have profound effects on the MLBPA and Commissioner's efforts to put together a comprehensive package.

Even while we debated whether Bowie Kuhn overextended his authority, the Commissioner's office put forward a proposal meant to pacify some of labor's "more outrageous demands."

The Rule V draft(1) states that, after every team sets their tentative 25-man roster following Winter Meetings, any player who:

* has played all or part of six years at a Major League level, and
* is not on the 25 man roster OR on the DL

may elect to join the Rule V draft. Draft order is in reverse order of record (like the Rule IV (June) draft). The new team must be able to guarantee this person a spot on their 25 man roster. They also take on the old contract including all obligations.

In the AL this passed easily: 10-2 with only Cal Griffith and Robert Short dissenting. The NL had a bit more of a battle: 8-4, with Pittsburgh, San Diego, Houston and Atlanta saying no. The Padres finally relented, apparently feeling they had more to gain from more drafts than to lose.

(1) There is no 'minors' draft in this universe, A) because it would be a pain to implement, B) because the 1950s leagues here found other ways, such as softening the reserve clause, to ensure competitve balance, and C) I don't see the fledgling MLBPA giving a rat's butt about minor leaguers.

In game terms, for anyone the computer puts in the minors after FA is over that has at least 6 years in the Majors I roll a die. There's a 50% chance they want to join the draft. For those players:

1) If they were just acquired this off season I ignore them.
2) I determine if, had the AI properly set up its 25 man roster, this person would have been on it. If so, I ignore them but check the player 'removed' from their roster.
3) If they pass both these checks, I go through the teams in reverse order. If their starter (or SP 1-4, CL, SU) in that position has a lower overall, the player is 'drafted.'
*******

When all was said and done, sixteen players were declared eligible. Of those, only seven were drafted...one by the original team! They were:

C Paul Casanova (75) [29] (.286 0-3 0 in 21 AB) from Washington to Chi Cubs
C Tom Satriano (75) [30] (.220 3-13 0 in 182 AB) from LA Angels to Atlanta
1B Danny Cater (77) [30] (.235 1-16 0 in 98 AB) from Oakland to NY Mets
2B Marv Staehle (69) [28] (.205 0-26 7 in 386 AB) from Montreal to Boston
3B Tony Taylor (72) [35] (.287 2-14 3 in 115 AB) from Philadelphia to Minnesota
SP Dennis Ribant (77/78) [29] (0-0 4.32 in 8.1 IP) from St. Louis to Montreal
*******

As promised, the umpires struck, refusing to work Spring Training games. They did tell Minor League umps to cooperate with their assignments, but asked them not to 'cross the lines' in Arizona and Florida. It's really too bad, because in Mesa, AZ they missed a show.

The Rules Committee allowed Charley Finley to try his 3 ball = walk idea on a game between the Pilots and Athletics. Kevin told me it was the most ridiculous thing he ever saw: The A's won 13-9. They issued nineteen walks. The next day the Committee voted down Finley's proposal.

In an interview with the Chicago Tribune Bud Selig warned that if attendance at Comiskey Park continues to suffer, he will have 'no choice' but to look at other venues. Chicago's attitude seems to be 'don't let the door hit you on the way out.' It's rather sad, considering the White Sox have been there since before the AL was even formed. Like last year Selig plans to play 20 games in Milwaukee.

Robert Short in Washington is staying quiet. Either he's changing his mind or he doesn't want to bother warning Senator fans. I dunno, at least Selig's telling people to their face he wants to leave.

Bernice Gera, a New York housewife, is suing Major League Baseball. Apparently she went to umpire's school, completed it successfully and was hired by the New York-Penn League to work this season. Six days after she signed her contract they voided it.

I...hm. I don't know about this either. I suppose there's no real reason a woman can't run a game, but things can get very rowdy on the field. Jim Bouton's book is right about one thing: There is a lot of womanizing, sexual innuendos, foul language and other unpleasantness on the diamond. Gera would either be appalled, or the players would complain because they'd have to be careful. You can't really be concentrating on etiquette when you want to hit or catch a ball.
*******

As Spring Training wound down I hurried back to Kansas City, partially to prepare for the new season but more so because my contractors finished my special project one month to the day from my asking Kauffman to help fund it.



We have a baseball academy!

Kauffman met me at the airport and shook my hand vigorously. "Well done," he said. "Well done indeed."

We drove through town: Cold, but sunny and the snow finally melted last week. Sunbeams made the brownstone buildings seem almost yellow hinting at spring and baseball.

We met with reporters outside of the, frankly unimpressive facade of the academy: It was ready to open. Making it pretty would take a little longer. I offered a few choice words - they seemed more interested in talking about our chances next season. Kauffman followed through on his promise/threat to tell them I said we'd win 72 games, and they asked me to confirm that.

"Yes, of course we will. Our pitching staff is young, but I'll put them against any rotation in the Majors. Our field players are still developing but I expect great things of them. Bob Lemon's doing a fantastic job in Florida."

Kauffman then brushed me aside to get the reporters back on track:

"The purpose of the Academy," he said, "is to provide youth with the opportunity to pursue a comprehensive education while learning the fundamentals of our national pasttime. This is our gift to the baseball world, and our gift to Kansas City."

[CatKnight]

The Sporting News: Baseball Preview 1971


Predicting the American League West

No surprises last year with the Oakland Athletics easily dominating the others. The second place White Sox finished 17 games out while the expansion Royals and Pilots continued to struggle in the division's basement. Look for much of the same next year with some new wrinkles.

1. Oakland Athletics (102-60)
1970: 106-56 (1st), 1969: 106-56 (1st)

C: Gene Tenace (.234 19-72 2 SB)
1B: Rich Reese (.347 7-47 1)
2B: Gary Sutherland (.293 2-32 0 with Expos/A's)
3B: Sal Bando (.289 29-105 7)
SS: Bert Campaneris (.250 7-48 34)
LF: Joe Rudi (.270 9-66 3)
CF: Rick Monday (.326 38-141 8)
RF: Reggie Jackson (.305 37-125 7)

S1: Catfish Hunter (19-9 2.70 12 CG)
CL: Paul Lindblad (5-2 3.18 15 SV)

Oakland is the best team in baseball, the World Series results not withstanding. This is essentially the same team as last year, led by the bats of MVP Rick Monday, Reggie Jackson and Sal Bando and supported by Bert Campaneris' base stealing. Cy Young winner Catfish Hunter, Jim Nash (12-7 4.90) and Chuck Dobson (10-1 3.29) remain one of the most feared rotations in sports, while S4 Vida Blue (4-5 5.96) should come into his own in the next few years.


2T. Chicago White Sox (88-74)
1970: 89-73 (2nd), 1969: 87-75 (2nd)

C: Duane Josephson (.294 5-41 0 SB)
1B: Bob Spence (.310 19-64 2)
2B: Sandy Alomar (.280 0-38 45)
3B: Pete Ward (.262 6-38 1)
SS: Ron Hansen (.241 11-53 0)
LF: Brian Downing (.275 24-99 3)
CF: Ken Berry (.294 8-63 5)
RF: Ollie Brown (.265 19-72 6 with Padres)

S1: Tommy John (15-10 2.85 5 CG)
CL: Gene Rounsaville (5-3 2.40 0 SV)

One of the great mysteries of the AL West is how owner Bud Selig can offer such a competitive team if he's in as much financial trouble as he says. The ChiSox offense has no bonafide stars, but no weaknesses either and Brian Downing's future looks promising while Sandy Alomar's speed makes up for indifferent power. Tommy John remains one of the strongest pitchers in the American League,


2T. Kansas City Royals (88-74)
1970: 64-98 (5th), 1969: 66-96 (5th)

C: Ellie Rodriguez (.245 1-36 2 SB)
1B: Will Thompson (.219 4-17 0)
2B: Mike Andrews (.269 9-50 4 with Padres)
3B: Jim Ray Hart (.328 23-104 5)
SS: Dave Concepcion (.299 1-31 6)
LF: Lou Piniella (.302 8-58 1)
CF: Jose Cardenal (.306 11-75 28 with Indians/Royals)
RF: Pat Kelly (.267 12-56 22)

S1: Bert Blyleven (11-23 4.34 4 CG)
CL: Rollie Fingers (7-6 2.86 16 SV with A's/Royals)

Surprise! Kansas City has spent the past two years quietly biding their time with a world class farm system training their rookies. Now it will start to pay dividends. Like Chicago the Royals have no outstanding weaknesses except perhaps behind the plate. Thompson and Kelly in particular promise to have bright futures. Bert Blyleven, Paul Splittorff (11-13 4.08), Wally Bunker (9-14 4.48, injured until late June) and Al Fitzmorris (2-6 4.01) are about one year from greatness. Until then they should still spread fear throughout their division.

4. Los Angeles Angels (87-75)
1970: 69-93 (4th), 1969: 74-88 (4th)

C: Tom Haller (.282 10-38 0 SB with Dodgers/Angels)
1B: Jim Spencer (.289 6-31 0)
2B: Ken Boswell (.287 3-58 9 with Mets)
3B: Aurelio Rodriguez (.235 13-63 4)
SS: Bruce Christensen (.235 0-1 1)
LF: Willie Crawford (.345 21-83 6 with Dodgers/Angels)
CF: Jay Johnstone (.320 15-69 5)
RF: Curt Blefary (.253 18-62 2 with Astros/Angels)

S1: Clyde Wright (12-6 3.68 3 CG)
CL: Eddie Fisher (7-4 2.13 10 SV)

The Angels look much like Chicago and KC, just down a peg. Johnstone and Crawford are the pillars of their offense, while Spencer and Rodriguez are about one good year from stardom. Similarly, Wright and Andy Messersmith (2-1 3.52) are solid pitchers, while S2 Rudy May (10-7 4.56) could have a career year.

5. Minnesota Twins (68-94)
1970: 85-77 (3rd), 1969: 84-78 (3rd)

C: Johnny Roseboro (.260 6-42 3 SB)
1B: Harmon Killebrew (.266 39-117 2)
2B: Rod Carew (.326 3-66 26)
3B: Eric Soderholm (.333 1-9 0)
SS: Leo Cardenas (.251 13-78 3)
LF: Graig Nettles (.297 21-89 0)
CF: Ted Uhleander (.261 5-33 5)
RF: Tony Oliva (.350 18-94 4)

S1: Milt Pappas (14-7 3.59 6 CG)
CL: Ron Perranoski (3-9 6.18 16 SV)

It's hard to point to any one thing the Twins did wrong in the off season, except perhaps for the notorious stinginess of Twin owner Calvin Griffith. Our projected collapse for this once proud franchise is due to one reason: Age. There's hope for the future: Carew, and Graig Nettles especially should have big years, while Killebrew still has another solid year or two left. Soderholm will be their third baseman for the next decade once he gets his feet under him.

6. Seattle Pilots (56-106)
1970: 55-107 (6th), 1969: 59-103 (6th)

C: Vic Correll (.221 0-2 0 SB)
1B: Ed Kranepool (.304 15-66 2)
2B: Tito Fuentes (.274 1-45 11)
3B: Rich Rollins (.259 21-67 1)
SS: Jack Lind (.234 0-39 9)
LF: Tommy Harper (.263 13-59 29)
CF: Curt Flood (.270 3-47 8)
RF: Walt Williams (.295 5-67 8)

S1: Jim Bouton (7-12 3.91 1 CG)
CL: Jack Aker (1-2 2.16 11 SV)

Boeing Corporation's Pilots cannot catch a single break. Ace Jim Bouton writes a controversial book wrecking clubhouse unity, OF Curt Flood is willing to go to court not to play for these people, and rookie C Ted Simmons (.356 2-21 0) will miss most of the first month with a broken rib. Harper is probably the team's most impressive player. Though Rollins' power impresses us, his ability to get on base in the first place does not. Seattle's one hope may lie with SP Marty Pattin (7-7 4.37), due back after a year injury in late May. If he can come back as strong as before and provide badly needed leadership, the Pilots might at least avoid further embarassment.
*******

AL East
1. Boston (98-64), 2> Baltimore (91-71), 3. New York (80-82)
4. Detroit (73-89), 5. Washington (71-91), 6. Cleveland (70-92)

NL East
1. New York (93-69), 2. St. Louis (92-70), 3. Philadelphia (84-78)
4. Chicago (80-82), 5. Pittsburgh (77-85), 6. Montreal (74-88)

NL West
1. San Francisco (97-65), 2. Houston (89-73), 3. Los Angeles (84-78)
4. Cincinnati (78-84), 5. San Diego (64-98), 6. Atlanta (60-102)

ALCS: Boston 3 Oakland 1
NLCS: San Francisco 3 New York 1
WS: San Francisco 4 Boston 3

[Imgran]

So, question: When the Mariners appear in 1977, with the Pilots in town is that expansion instead going to become Selig's Milwaukee expansion franchise at last?

[Overbay17]

Wow...didn't see the second place prediction coming...good luck!

[CatKnight]

Imgran: Conceivably. If the 1977 expansion happens. Don't give up on Bud though, he still wants to move the ChiSox and may get his wish.

Overbay17: Nor did I, and I think it's faulty. I think we can make 72 wins easily. 78 might not be unreasonable. 88? Uhm..

I did like that the test/prediction looked reasonably balanced - only 1 team with more than 100 wins, 1 team with less than 60. It suggests the steps I took to keep things balanced are working.
*******

1971 Opening Day Roster


I sat down with Bob Lemon and Andy Kraft to prepare our final 25-man roster:

CATCHER

Jerry Grote (79) [28] (.235 1-11 0 with Mets)
CON: $176K through 1975 / ACQ: 11/70 Free Agent
Debut: 1963 Houston Colts (8th season)

* Grote and Rodriguez will duel for starter this season. Grote's bat is horrible, but he's a much better fielder and better at controlling the pitchers.

Ellie Rodriguez (77/79) [24] (.246 1-36 2)
CON: $16.8K through Arb 72 / ACQ: 10/68 Expansion Draft (7th Round)
Debut: 1968 New York Yankees (3rd season)

* Ellie's been reliable since the team's founding and could easily earn his top spot back. He's unhappy with me right now, and I don't blame him.

On the Farm:
Buck Martinez (71/93) [22] will be their backup and get a year of seasoning before we need to decide what to do. Dennis Paepke (71/73) [25] is probably trade bait.
*******

FIRST BASE

Will Thompson (82/94) [19] (.219 4-17 0)
CON: $123K through 1973 / ACQ: 11/69 Free Agent
Debut: 1970 Kansas City Royals (2nd season)

* Thompson batted .421 in spring training and seems to have regained form. Lemon will start him low in the order, and possibly move him up as he shows his potential.

Bob Oliver (78) [28] (228 15-63 0)
CON: $16.8K through Arb 72 / ACQ: 10/68 Expansion Draft (10th Round)
Debut: 1965 Pittsburgh Pirates (3rd season)

* If Thompson lives up to what Richie Perrin saw in him, then Oliver's days as a starter are about over. The power behind his bat isn't enough to justify lack of production elsewhere.

On the Farm:
Craig Kusick (67/81) [22] had a horrible spring and starts the year in B-ball. He appears to be fading fast. Mike Fiore (72) [26] will be our backup. I'm inclined to say he's trade bait, but if Kusick keeps faltering...
*******

INFIELD

Mike Andrews (82) [27] (.269 9-50 4 with Padres)
CON: $240K through 1974 / ACQ: 11/70 Free Agent
Debut: 1966 Boston Red Sox (6th season)

* Andrews is a very slightly more productive, very slightly better fielder and more expensive version of Joe Foy. Expect another stable, if unspectacular season.

Dave Concepcion (80/81) [22] (.299 1-31 6)
CON: $16.8K through Arb 73 / ACQ: 07/69 Trade with CIN
Debut: 1969 Cincinnati Reds (2nd season)

* If batting .299/.373/.375 is his sophmore jinx, Concepcion can stay! An average fielder, he should have the spot locked up while waiting for Severson to continue improving.

Jim Ray Hart (86) [29] (.328 23-104 5)
CON: $245K through 1973 / ACQ: 11/69 Free Agent
Debut: 1963 San Francisco Giants (9th season)

* Hart's our best hitter. He's not a great fielder, but .328/.389/.550 is too good to ignore. He has a number of good years left in him.

Chico Salmon (80) [30] (.288 4-30 6)
CON: $98K through 1973 / ACQ: 11/69 Free Agent
Debut: 1964 Cleveland Indians (8th season)

* Salmon has an outside chance of earning a spot if someone falters, but again- not a great fielder. His OBP is fair (.354) last year and ST was no better. (.353)

Rich Severson (78/84) [26] (.251 0-18 1)
CON: $16.8K through Arb 73 / ACQ: 12/68 Trade with CHW
Debut: 1969 Kansas City Royals (3rd season)

* Severson is running out of time to improve. We've been waiting on him for the past two years. With Concepcion having taken SS away, Salmon on the sidelines, and Frank White not far away, Rich needs to prove he wants this now.

On the Farm:
Frank Duffy (72/75) [24] is almost an afterthought as we wait for Frank White (73/95) [20] to arrive. Junior Kennedy (60/82) and Roy Smalley (60/94) are at least two or three years from being ready.
*******

OUTFIELD

Lou Piniella (80) [27] (.302 8-58 1)
CON: $16.8K through Arb 72 / ACQ: 03/69 Trade with SEA
Debut: 1964 Baltimore Orioles (3rd season)

* Piniella's at his peak: Unspectacular, but solid. He has no real weaknesses except for being slow.

Pat Kelly (81/92) [26] (.267 12-56 22)
CON: $16.8K through Arb 73 / ACQ: 10/68 Expansion Draft (17th round)
Debut: 1967 Minnesota Twins (3rd season)

* Kelly still projects to be a great fielder, and we're still patiently waiting. 1970 was hopefully an off year (compared to '69 where he batted .325)

Jose Cardenal (87) [27] (.289 5-40 13)
CON: $154K through 1973 / ACQ: 07/70 Trade with CLE
Debut: 1963 San Francisco Giants (9th season)

* Jose may have taken a step back, though his ST numbers (.316 BA) are still impressive. He should also be our starter for the next several years.

Joe Keough (70/78) [25] (.125 1-1 0)
CON: $16.8K through Arb 73 / ACQ: 10/68 Expansion Draft (4th round)
Debut: 1968 Oakland Athletics (3rd season)

* Keough's bat is singularly unimpressive. He has a good glove, however and that's what he's there for: Defensive replacement.

Scott Northey (75/90) [24] (.283 2-7 4)
CON: $16.8K through Arb 73 / ACQ: 10/68 Expansion Draft (29th round)
Debut: 1969 Kansas City Royals (3rd season)

* On the other hand, we like Scott's bat, but his glove is horrible. Scott's a lifetime pinch hitter. If this DPH rule ever kicks in, he can try out for that.

On the Farm:
Fred Rico (72/73) [26] has a tolerable bat and is a tolerable fielder. He will step in if there are injuries, probably in a starting role. Al Cowens (60/90) is years from being ready.
*******

OF George Spriggs (65/66) [29] apparently fell apart over the winter. Last year he went (.177 3-13 3) in 96 AB. He is released.

[Coach Owens]

My prediction: The Royals win the WS on a .345/.365/.655 season by my guy who hits 65 HRs and drives in 178.

[royalblue5]

As usual great work, also thank you for your "tutorial", I hae never used a text editor and will give it a shot when given more time. It will certainly add to my dynasty.

[CatKnight]

Coach Owens: Uhm...maybe not. At least he recovered during the off season. I added my own player with similar O/P to yours and gave him to the Reds. (He's an SP and they're desperate.) I guess we'll compare notes after the season.

royalblue5: Glad to help. I hope it DOES help your dynasty - it's a tremendous read!
*******

STARTING ROTATION

Paul Splittorff (89/94) [24] (11-13 4.08 4 CG)
CON: $16.8K through Arb 73 / ACQ: 06/68 Amateur Draft (25th round)
Debut: 1969 Kansas City Royals (3rd season)

I thought it strange that Bob Lemon wanted Splittorff as our ace. His ST numbers however, (0.72 ERA 2.76 DICE) are hard to ignore.

Bert Blyleven (87/94) [19] (11-23 4.34 4 CG)
CON: $16.8K through Arb 73 / ACQ: 06/69 Amateur Draft (1st round)
Debut: 1969 Kansas City Royals (3rd season)

Bert's only problem is he's young and can get nervous easily. He only spent two months in the minors before being asked to lead a Major League rotation.

Al Fitzmorris (82/90) [25] (2-6 4.01 1 CG 2 SV)
CON: $16.8K through Arb 73 / ACQ: 10/68 Expansion Draft (20th round)
Debut: 1969 Kansas City Royals (3rd season)

Al is making the transition from mid-relief to starter. He struggled late last year and this spring. (3.23 ERA 5.22 DICE in ST) He may be vulnerable depending on how Butler and Rooker do.

Jim Rooker (82/83) [28] (9-12 4.99)
CON: $16.8K through Arb 72 / ACQ: 10/68 Expansion Draft (3rd round)
Debut: 1968 Detroit Tigers (3rd season)

Jim was slated to be our number 5, but Bunker's injury gives him a shot to find a place in the rotation if he can keep it. Jim also had a decent spring (3.00 ERA 2.58 DICE)

Bill Butler (81/88) [24] (1-3 6.21)
CON: $16.8K through Arb 73 / ACQ: 10/68 Expansion Draft (11th round)
Debut: 1969 Kansas City Royals (3rd season)

Again, Bill was to start in Omaha before fate intervened. It's hard to tell whether he'll learn much as spot starter, but he should get some opportunities.

On the DL:

Wally Bunker (88/90) [26] (9-14 4.48 2 CG)
CON: $216K through 1973 / ACQ: 10/68 Expansion Draft (13th round)
Debut: 1963 Baltimore Orioles (9th season)

Wally's seen himself slowly pushed back in the rotation as Splittorff and Blyleven improve. On March 9 he ruptured his cervical disc and will be out until late June. By then we should know what to do with Fitzmorris, Rooker and Butler.

On the Farm:
Steve Busby (73/86) is progressing well and pitched some relief innings last year. Monty Montgomery (75/78) is running out of time to impress if he doesn't want to be in Omaha forever.


BULLPEN

Rollie Fingers (84/86) [24] (7-6 2.86 16 SV with Athletics/Royals)
CON: $16.8K through Arb 72 / ACQ: 07/70 trade with OAK
Debut: 1968 Oakland Athletics (3rd season)

Our closer down the stretch, Rollie had an iffy spring but should continue to hold down the role if he holds his own.

Jim York (83/90) [23] (4-4 3.21 6 SV)
CON: $16.8K through Arb 73 / ACQ: Off Season 68/69
Debut: 1970 Kansas City Royals (2nd season)

If you'd asked me two years ago, I wouldn't have held out much hope for Jim. He's really come through and took the setup role from Ken Wright last year.

Ken Wright (82/84) [24] (7-8 4.47 4 SV)
CON: $16.8K through Arb 73 / ACQ: Off Season 68/69
Debut: 1969 Kansas City Royals (3rd season)

A solid performer, though York did better last year. A horrible spring might portend bad things for Ken's future.

Jerry Cram (72/93) [23] (0-1 3.86)
CON: $16.8K through Arb 73 / ACQ: 10/68 Expansion Draft (27th round)
Debut: 1970 Kansas City Royals (Rookie)

I'm not sure this is the best decision Bob could make. Cram's pitching is universally mediocre. Bob's taken an interest in his development though, so I suppose we can give him a chance.

Dick Drago (79/92) [25] (2-1 5.20)
CON: $16.8K through Arb 73 / ACQ: 10/68 Expansion Draft (16th round)
Debut: 1969 Kansas City Royals (3rd season)

Drago and Hedlund are the only relievers with enough stamina to hold middle/long relief. Dick's numbers (3-4 4.41 0 SV lifetime in 114 IP) are...fair.

Mike Hedlund (80/88) [24] (2-1 3.93 1 SV)
CON: $16,8K through Arb 72 / ACQ: 10/68 Expansion Draft (23rd round)
Debut: 1965 Cleveland Indians (3rd season)

Mike put up impressive numbers last year (his first with significant work time) and could easily end up as middle relief.

On the Farm:
Aurelio Lopez (71/80) will spend his first year in A ball trying to make the bigs as well as Lance Clemons (72/90). Doug Bird (69/85) starts in B ball but could advance as the season progresses.

[CDuffy26]

Looks like a very strong rotation and pitching staff. Much better than my Brewers are going to have for a looong time.

[CatKnight]

CDuffy26: Thanks! Picking Blyleven up helped a lot. The rest is mostly thanks to an A+ farm system that I should be able to keep at least one more year before payroll starts to catch up to me.
*******

March 31, 1971

"THIS IS _______ING BULL______!" Jim Ray Hart screamed. A thick, well muscled man who could probably break my neck if he chose, he sat on the edge of his chair, fists clenched on my desk. This wasn't really my idea of a fun way to spend my morning.

"Lineup decisions are made by the manager," I told him while penciling a note to find out why Bob didn't want to start my best hitter.

"________!" he bellowed. "You could tell him no! But you won't, 'cause you don't like me. No! Don't deny it! You kept me out for a week last year, and now you're doing it again!"

"I kept you out last year because your fielding was hurting the team. After a few days Billy said you were better in practice, so..."

"You did it 'cause I'm black!" he snapped.

I shook my head vigorously. Nearly half my starters were black or Hispanic. I couldn't afford that accusation. "That's not true, Jim. If I had a problem with your race I wouldn't have signed you in the first place. Tell you what, I'll go talk to Bob and see what's going on."

"You do that!" he said and stomped out.

I found Lemon in the bullpen working with the pitchers. We didn't have a dedicated pitching coach: Billy Martin took his with him, and Johnny Podres again politely, but firmly refused to come back. Andy Kraft sat nearby drinking a cola.

"Keep working on that Paul, I'll be right back," he said spotting me. He smiled and came over. "Come to see us off?" Tomorrow Paul Splittorff would open in Cleveland. We had a charter flight scheduled for 6 PM.

"I'll stay here to work out our home opener, but I wanted to talk to you for a minute." I told him about Hart's intrusion. "What happened?"

Lemon set his jaw, and for a second I thought he wasn't going to answer. Finally, quietly: "Jim Ray will sit the Cleveland series on the bench. When we come home I will probably give him his job back and see if he's up to it. I need you to back me up on this if you expect me to lead."

"Can you tell me why?"

"He didn't really hustle during Spring Training. Of our starters, he's the only one who actually did worse this March than last year. I refuse to believe his skills have deteriorated that badly. He simply didn't try. I don't expect much of these boys, Chuck, but I demand they try their darndest."

"He's our best hitter though."

"They need to know the rules apply to everyone, Chuck. From our rawest rookie to our team captain. This is a young team. Good men, but they need to know what the limits are from day one."

I glanced at Kraft who watched our conversation with interest. "What do you think?"

"I think if Hart doesn't want to put in the effort, then who needs him? He's overestimating his value to the team, just like Foy."

I winced at his tone, and Lemon flashed him a look. He nudged my shoulder. "Walk with me, will you?"

We exited the bullpen and stepped into the outfield. Pat Kelly and Lou Piniella played catch. Kelly nodded pleasantly.

"Chuck...I don't know if Andy has a problem, or if he's just goading us. Maybe the latter. Either way it needs to stop."

I glanced at the open bullpen door. "Yes, I'll talk to him."

"I think I found ourselves a pitching coach. A local. But he's not going to put up with that, and I'm not going to ask him to."

"Who?"

"Let's just say I played with him in Cleveland. He's going to be a Hall of Famer. He even has experience as a pitching coach...technically."

My eyes narrowed. Then widened. "He can throw. But can he teach?"

Lemon grinned. "I'm willing to find out. Are you?"
*******

April 2

The door to my office opened, admitting a tall man in his mid-sixties. Heavy folds shrouded his eyes and skin, but his gaze was still bright. He advanced slowly across the room and shook my hand. "Mister Hunter? It's a pleasure."



"Mister Paige. I've heard quite a bit about you." Indeed, over the winter the Kansas City Star ran articles on Paige's career. On February 8 he learned he would be included in the Hall of Fame this year in a separate Negro wing. A number of groups found this reprehensible and wanted the Negroes included with the rest of the Hall of Fame. Bowie Kuhn promised to 'work on it' but so far hadn't come through.

Separate wing or not, Paige had one heck of a career. As near as we could make out from their league's incomplete records, Paige came up with Chattanooga in 1926 and spent nine years here in Kansas City before Bill Veeck broke the American League color barrier by signing him and Larry Doby to the Indians. He played until 1953 before retiring. Charlie Finley brought him back to the Kansas City Athletics on September 25, 1965 at age 59. He pitched 3 innings and gave up one hit.

"Bobby said you were in the market for a pitching coach," he said.

"Yes, and I trust his judgment. I suppose my only question is what you'd teach my young pitchers."

"About the game? Not much I can teach." He grinned. "Oh, I can show 'em how to hold a ball. Most any pitcher can do that. I can watch their delivery and tell them what they're doing wrong. I suppose a number of men could tell them that too. Pitching - throwing the ball - really isn't that hard. Just takes an awful lot of practice."

"What I can show 'em is how not to worry when men are on base. I can show them how to focus on the batter. That's all you can really control from the mound you know: Where you throw and how he hits it. Everything else is up to your defense. I can also show 'em what to do when the odds are against them. When life gets hard and you want to give up. I can show them how not to. Bobby tells me you have good players, Mister Hunter. They're just not quite seasoned yet and don't know how to live. I'm sixty five. If I don't know by now..." He chuckled.

Well, isn't this what I was hoping for in trying to get Johnny Podres to come back? A mentor?

"Welcome aboard," I said. "The team will be back on Sunday. Will you be here?"

He grinned. "Count on it."

[Coach Owens]

What's with all the swearing?

[broocks]

That's pretty cool that you've brought in Satchell Paige.

[CatKnight]

Coach Owens: I would hazard that he wants to play and doesn't like the fact he's being benched.

broocks: Thanks! I was looking for a 'name' to help Lemon along, and when I realized Paige actually lived in KC...bingo.
*******

April 1971, Part I

Bob kept his word. Chico Salmon started at third while Jim Ray Hart fumed on the bench. Lemon's strategies relied on solid advances: Few stolen bases or bunts. It defied conventional strategy (though reminds me strongly of that sheaf of papers that college student gave me.) Whether it would pay off...

He called me very early Thursday: The umpires also kept their word. They warned Cleveland owner Gabriel Paul no one was coming to officiate the game. The American League brought in some amateurs. I just hope they get this straightened out soon..


Kansas City (0-0) at Cleveland (0-0)

1: Royals 3 Indians 2
WP: Splittorff (CG) (1-0), HR: Kelly (1)


Paul Splittorff pitched a complete game 5 hitter, only giving up his runs on a ninth inning homer. Concepcion scored two runs including one off a pinch hit single by Hart. Kelly hit the first tater of the Royals' new year. (Jerry Grote received our first error.)

We already received our first challenge: Mike Andrews bruised his knee before the game. It swelled overnight, and the doctors want him to sit out for about a week. Salmon will take his place while Rich Severson takes over third.

Minnesota meanwhile lost Johnny Roseboro for about three months. This may actually improve them, as Bob Barton (75) [29] takes over starting duties. Roseboro's 37 years old. Maybe it's about time to call it a career.
*******

2: Royals 3 Indians 2
WP: Blyleven (CG) (1-0), HR: Cardenal (1)

This time it's Blyleven with the complete game victory. Cardenal gets the team's first stolen base and his first homer. Thompson's been hit by pitch both games so far which is so far the limit of his production. Concepcion went 2 for 4 with a double.

The umpires returned today. I suppose I should be grateful, but they made some odd calls resulting in two errors. I hope our fielding isn't taking up where it left off last year.

For what little it's worth, we are alone in first place! Only 160 games to go.
*******

3: Royals 6 Indians 3
WP: Fitzmorris (1-0), SV: Fingers (1)

Al silences a good number of doubters with a solid 8 inning performance. He even led the way in production going 3 for 4 with 2 RBI. Severson went 1 for 3 with 2 walks and 3 runs.

I have a new scouting director thanks to Kauffman: His name is Kevin Sheehan, and he fits the Irish stereotype perfectly: Orange hair, freckles, a bit of a temper and drinking issues. I asked him what he thought of our performance so far. He merely winked and said "So far, so good!"

I also found Bob a new bench coach who will also meet the team in KC. His name is Big John McGraw (as opposed to Muggsy - no relation to either of your knowledge.) McGraw is a large man with a formal military demeanor: In fact he served in Korea cutting short a promising career in the Browns' minor league system. He doesn't smile much and seems serious, but from what I can tell he's good at keeping his temper under control. I think he can complement Lemon's quiet style very well.

More news from Minnesota. 2B Rod Carew Hit for the Cycle! Too bad it didn't do any good, as Boston completed sweeping them today.
*******

New York (2-1) (4th, -1g) at Kansas City (3-0) (1st, +2g)

4: Royals 8 Yankees 4
WP: Butler (1-0), HR: Salmon (1)

Cram, York and Wright combine for 4 innings of solid relief. Cardenal goes 3 for 5 with 2 RBI. Hart starts his first game, going 2 for 4 with 2 RBI. Piniella and Salmon also get 2 RBI. Thompson's futility streak continues: He's now 0 for 12.

"Think of it like this," Sheehan told me. "You signed him last winter. He was in the Majors by May. He bounced down with Jack McKeon (our Omaha manager) awhile longer then came back. Everyone knows he should be doing better. ****, he knows he should be doing better and it's messing him up."

Lemon is routinely taking him out in the seventh inning or so for Oliver. He said he wants Will to have a chance to work out his slump, while making sure Bob Oliver gets playing time.

I asked him about starting Butler instead of the scheduled starter, Jim Rooker. He nodded briskly: "Jim said his arm was sore. I don't think it's anything big, but if a player tells me he's not ready to go out there I'm inclined to listen. Plus, it's early yet. It's not like we have to win every game."

No, but it'd be nice.
*******

5: Yankees 6 Royals 3
LP: Splittorff (1-1)

Paul Splittorff gave us six solid innings, but stumbled in the seventh and we couldn't make it back. Salmon went 2 for 4, Hart 1 for 2 with 2 RBI. Ken Wright did well out of the bullpen, while Jim York had trouble in the ninth.

To be blunt, I think the Yankees are treating Ron LeFlore pretty shabbily. Here's the Rookie of the Year, 80-odd stolen bases last year, and he's riding the bench because they picked up Tommie Agee in the off season. I'm not saying Agee's a bad choice, but I don't think LeFlore's played this year. If he doesn't get time then he might lose his edge...and eventually his career.

After the game Bob asked, and I agreed, to send Thompson to Omaha for a week to work on the fundamentals. He actually got on base today...a walk. Will's not happy, but he's already looking forward to his return. Mike Fiore will take his place on the roster for now. (6 day injury)

In more serious news, Bill Butler developed some sort of inflammation in his elbow. It's swelled to twice its normal size and he'll be out until July. I guess I should be grateful we're getting all the big injuries out of the way now...Monty Montgomery (75/78) [24] moves into the spot start position.

Two AL teams (Baltimore and Washington) are still undefeated. Seattle beat Cleveland 2-1 today, so no AL team is winless. In the NL the Dodgers are 2-0, Cardinals 0-2.

Today's loss breaks our all time record 7 game winning streak dating back to October 5, 1970.
*******

6: Yankees 8 Royals 4
LP: Blyleven (1-1)

I'm a bit annoyed. Yes, winning our first four was probably overachieving but this was just sloppy. Three double plays, one error. Bert gave up 4 runs in 7 innings, then Wright stumbled through 1.2 IP. Bob thought to give Dick Drago some playing time with two outs and one on, and he gave up a homer.

At one point, after New York led 2-0 partially helped by two stolen bases, Cardenal demanded to know why we were playing so conservative on the basepaths this year. He found out the next inning when he doubled, then tagged up and was thrown out at third on a flyout.

It took our offense awhile to show up, but we scored 3 in the last two innings. By then we were already losing control of the game though. 7 of our 12 hits were doubles. Not enough when they're spread out across the entire game.

The good news is Mike Andrews is back, and will meet us in Washington. Salmon's hitting real good, but his fielding percentage is .957 so far and he can help us best pinch hitting.

Satchel Paige will stay in Kansas City. Apparently he's not interested in travelling anymore. I see him in the bullpen lounging in a folding chair, occasionally calling someone over to talk. I wonder if he's taking this job all that seriously. Or if I'm just feeling surly after losing two straight.

Detroit's Denny McLain is out for the season with a broken pitching wrist. He only pitched 14 innings this year and went 1-1 3.68 ERA. After winning 31 in 1968 he's only won 34 in the 2+ years since.
*******

Through April 6

Team          W    L    GB
KANSAS CITY   4    2    --
Chicago       3    3     1
Los Angeles   2    4     2
Minnesota     2    4     2
Oakland       2    4     2
Seattle       1    5     3

AL East: Baltimore (5-1), Washington (5-1), New York (-1g)
NL East: Pittsburgh (3-1), Montreal (-1g), Philadelphia (-1g)
NL West: Los Angeles (3-0), San Francisco (-0.5g), San Diego (-1g)

Team Leaders:

AVG: Jose Cardenal (.423 - 9th)
HR:  Cardenal, Kelly, Salmon (1)
RBI: Cardenal, Hart, Piniella (5)
SB:  Pat Kelly (2 - T 3rd)

W:   Blyleven, Splittorff, Fitzmorris, Butler (1 - T 3rd)
ERA: Blyleven, Fitzmorris (3.38)
K:   Bert Blyleven (16 - 1st)
SV:  Rollie Fingers (1 - T 3rd)