To Rule in Kansas City

[AthleticsFan2k8]

Catknight, i like to give you a big thanks to the '71 Oakland Athletics in this dynasty for winning AL West Crown, so please Oakland Win The World Series!

[Imgran]

Well, there's two ways to do this as I see it. The survivalist way is to simply give Selig the nod he wants, but he's still got the dirt on you and he can recall it every time he wants a favor from you so that doesn't solve anything.

If you don't want to do that there's only one thing to be done: Go to Kauffman. Now. Yourself. Believe me, it'll sound a lot better coming from your lips than it will from the front page of the Star. Selig has some information that will make trouble for the Royals regardless of whether Chuck Hunter is the GM so Kauffman should probably know there's a storm brewing anyway. Make a clean breast of the whole mess. Remember: all you were "spying" on was attendance figures, and mostly just because you wanted to see for yourself that an improbable thing was true. You're in line for maybe a brief suspension if that. Calling Richie a mole is pretty melodramatic under the circumstances and once Chuck calms down he'll probably figure that out himself..

You know you made a bit of trouble for yourself by actually pushing Richie to be hired by the Chisox org. You could have just tipped off a journalist and asked them to keep an eye on it and it would probably have been legal. In modern times scams like Selig pulled could have been busted by a season ticket holder with a blog.

Oh, and if you do tell Kauffman, a smart man would keep Andy's name out of the conversation. Kauffman's going to take anything you say against Andy with a grain of salt because of the existing dynamic between the two of you. Warn Kauffman in general terms but wait for the Star to mention Kraft by name. (assumung you're telling Selig to fly a kite so this info will be leaked)

of course this is all if you want Chuck to play this smart. You could always have him play dumb and luck out. But I figured he's deep enough in the hole that having him make a few great plays in order to stay on the field is probably a good idea.

[CatKnight]

:sigh:

Something's wrong with the file. It's not loading and looks like it might be corrupted. There's a summary screen on the load page that's supposed to tell me the game data, team, etc. and it's gibberish. I tried loading the backup. No dice.

I switched from 08 to 09 midseason. That might have been a bad mistake. I just don't know yet. I haven't seen any other reports of problems.

I have to go to work in a bit (second shift job) and will take another look when I get home...but this isn't looking good at all.

[Imgran]

Say it ain't so!!!

[kevarms]

[Coach Owens]

Oh god... Next up: A Mariners one, right?

[rockiesfan4ever]

NOOOOO!!!!! stupid 09

[CatKnight]

APRIL FOOLS!

[CatKnight]

PotatoofCouch: Selig's turned it up a notch, yeah.

AthleticsFan2k8: Oakland probably has the best roster in baseball right now. They're extremely dangerous, early season slump not withstanding.

Imgran: Good advice. Let's see what happens!
*******

October 1, 1971


"Chuck! You usually wait until the end of the season to mope!" Gary Gregg, GM of the St. Louis Cardinals, hung his hat by the door and kissed his wife. She'd called him an hour ago when I arrived at their home. "Let me guess: Ewing said you did well enough this year, but next year he wants a pennant. Well, I say about time. You guys are..."

"I'm in trouble, Gary."

He paused in mid-jibe and studied me. I'd driven straight from my meeting with Bud. I don't want to guess how I looked. Bad enough to come home from work early perhaps. "Becky, Chuck and I will be in my office. You're staying for dinner I assume?"

I'd never been in his inner sanctum. His office at work and sitting room home was covered with Cardinal paraphernalia: Photos, articles, rings, baseballs. Here there was none of that: A worn desk, several shelves, some papers and a radio.

"Now then," he said, turning the desk chair to face me and sitting. "What kind of trouble brings you across the state when your team has a game today?"

"I'm being blackmailed." I slumped in the guest chair and buried my face in my hands.

His brow rose, but he otherwise betrayed no surprise. "Someone wants you to throw a game?"

"No, Gary. Nothing like that." And slowly the story came out: Finley's call, Richie's appearance, hiring him to scout around, his idea to actually infiltrate the ChiSox, Bert's apparent addiction to amphetamines supplied by my assistant, and today's meeting.

"Have you told anyone but me?"

"No." I sighed. "Who can I tell? I don't even know who I can trust anymore."

"Ewing."

"Ewing? He'd explode!"

"Perhaps," Gary replied. "But won't it be better coming from you than the Star? Nothing says that Selig won't betray you anyway. He's not a dumb man. He knows he's off your Christmas list, and if he's read Machiavelli, he knows he'll only be safe if he gets you out of baseball."

"I'm not even sure Ewing would believe me about Andy."

"Perhaps not, but I think he's your best chance at an ally right now. I can't help you: We're fighting for the division here, and anyway I'm in the wrong league. All I can do is advise you."

"And you advise me to tell Kauffman." I shook my head.

He bit his lip, then opened a drawer on his desk. Reaching in he plucked out a folder, and from there pulled out a picture of a pretty young girl. Busch's niece. "Remember her?"

I flushed. "Yes."

"And do you remember how August reacted when she told him you'd ... how did she put it? Exchanged favors?"

"She lied!" I could feel my face burning.

Gary grinned. "Fifteen year olds do that when they're infatuated. August threatened to run you out of baseball."

"Actually he threatened to castrate me with a dull axe."

"Then throw you out of baseball. I defended you and saved your job. One of my better decisions." Gary put the picture away. "Chuck, sometimes you have to risk making people angry if you're going to do what's best for the team. Especially the owner."
*******

It was morning when I tracked down Kauffman in his office at Marion Pharmaceuticals.

Kauffman rose when I entered, his secretary in my wake.

"I'm sorry," she said behind me. "I tried to tell him to make an appointment, but..."

"That's alright." He waved her away and stared at me. "My God, Chuck. You look like h***."

I didn't get back until about one in the morning, and hadn't slept. "I'm sure I do. Ewing... Mr. Kauffman, we have a situation." I laid out my transgressions, but kept Andy's name out of it. I just don't think he'd understand. Or believe me.

Kauffman's frown grew deeper and deeper as I spoke, concern yielding to grave intensity. His gaze locked with mine and wouldn't break. Finally I ran out of things to say and finished with "I'm sorry."

"Don't be." He grimaced. "Looks to me like you swallowed one of Charlie Finley's worms. To that I say 'Welcome to Kansas City.'"

"You think Finley's behind this?"

"Given what Bud told you, there are two situations: Either Charlie asked you to investigate, then tipped off Bud....or Charlie asked you to investigate, and Bud already knew. Either way, Charlie's in this up to his neck. As I see it, your biggest mistake was going along with Perrin's idea and trying to actually infiltrate Selig's organization. That's the only real no-no."

"Yes, sir."

He stood and turned his back, apparently studying the wall. "Is Blyleven going to be okay?"

"He pitched yesterday. Shaky, but I think he'll recover."

"And no idea who his dealer is on team?"

I remained silent. He turned and looked at me. "Chuck?"

"The picture wasn't very good. I'm not sure. I'd rather be before I throw names around."

He nodded and turned away again. I breathed a sigh of relief.

"I will trust you and Bob to handle that aspect of it. You know more about how amphetamines affect baseball. I can tell you quite a bit about what they do to the body." He shook his head. "Just let him know there can be no further incidents. I will not have the Royals dragged through the mud."

"Yes, sir. What do you want to do about...Chicago?"

"Chicago doesn't interest me," he said gravely. "If you defy Selig, that plays right into Finley's hands. I'm sure he's counting on it."

"Eh? How so?"

"Bud says you were trying to get attendance records off him and snuck someone onto his staff. The other clubs will forgive that. You might get suspended for a few games as a warning, but as I understand it there's always some bit of espionage going on. A friend tells me the Phillies actually hired someone to sabotage construction in Pittsburgh to make sure their stadium would open first." He turned to face me. "But then Finley implies that Joe Cronin ordered you to investigate."

"But that's absurd? Why would he ask me?"

"Didn't you warn him about Charlie wanting to be president? Didn't you argue against Bud buying the Pilots? You're perfect. You're relatively inexperienced and want to do the right thing. How could you say no to the American League President? And what do you think will happen if Finley can get a majority of owners and GMs to believe that's what happened?"

I sat back, startled. If the owners turned on Cronin...

"It's what I'd do if I were him. Which I'm not. Thank God." He smirked.

"So how do you want to handle this?"

Ewing leaned forward. "This is what you're going to do..."

[CatKnight]

NATIONAL LEAGUE ROUNDUP

October 7:

Ernie Banks' new club gets to play spoiler against the old. Jenkins only lasts one inning for the Cubs, giving up 6 ER. Expos 6-0
CHC LP: Jenkins (16-9)

Card 3B Bob Johnson goes 2 for 4, 2 RBI vs Pittsburgh to keep them alive another day. Cardinals 5-4
STL WP: Carlton (10-21), SV: Bibby (5), HR: Johnson (3)

In what should be an easy series, the Giants receive a setback when relief pitching sputters and their offense doesn't show. This moves Atlanta into a tie. The Braves finished with a 92-70 record. Padres 5-1
SF LP: Phillips (7-10), HR: Foster (7)

Doug Radar gets 3 RBI with a homer while pitcher Gary Bell does well enough against LA to keep Houston alive another day. Astros 6-3
HOU WP: Marshall (3-5), SV: Tatum (17), HR: Rader (32)

NLE: Chicago (86-74), St. Louis (84-76) (2 GB) (M# 1)
NLW: San Francisco (91-69), Atlanta (92-70) (0 GB) (M# 2), Houston (86-71) (3.5 GB) (M# 1)
*******

October 8:

Cub Johnny Hairston's fourth inning single scoring Oscar Gamble is all they need to clinch. Ken Holtzman goes above and beyond for the CG shutout. Cubs 1-0
CHC WP: Holtzman (15-12) (CG)

The Cards sure tried to stay alive: Three homers scattered among 18 hits and a tolerable performance by SP Nelson Briles gives them the win. Cardinals 11-4
STL WP: Briles (13-4), HR: Torre (17), Allen (21), Brock (8)

Excellent pitching by Juan Marichal gives the Giants the advantage entering their season finale. 10 K and 2 H in 8 IP keeps the Padres from doing anything. Giants 3-1
SF WP: Marichal (18-8), SV: Lavelle (9)

Houston falls as LA's Don Sutton proves the better pitcher. Their starter didn't make it out of the fifth, and two homers couldn't make up for it. Dodgers 6-2
HOU LP: Wilson (11-6), HR: Watson (24), Wynn (44)

The Chicago Cubs are NL East Champions!

NLW: San Francisco (92-69), Atlanta (92-70) (0.5 GB) (M# 1)
*******

October 9

A sellout crowd filled Candlestick Park to scream for their heroes as they fought to take the division pennant. One more victory and it would be theirs, avoiding an uncertain playoff date against the surprising Atlanta Braves.

Standing in Goliath's way was David: The San Diego Padres: 57 wins, 104 losses, the weakest team in the League by nearly 13 games. They'd caught SF napping in game one, but not this time.

Their 'Giant Killer' would be Larry Jaster, while the home town called on Gaylord Perry to end this season. Yet with two outs in the first Perry gave up back to back homers to Johnny Grubb and Nate Colbert giving the Padres a 2-0 lead.

Jaster did better, only allowing a walk. The Giants threatened in the second however when George Foster was hit by a pitch, and went to third on a single with one out. He couldn't come home though.

The third went in order for both sides. Both singled in the fourth and stranded runners, then did the exact same thing in the fifth.

As the game passed the half way mark San Diego fell in order in the sixth. The quiet (stunned) Giant crowd came back to life when Dick Green singled and Willie McCovey walked to put two on with one out in their half. Foster singled to score Green, then Cesar Gutierrez singled to bring in McCovey. Suddenly the game was tied!

Both sides settled to a hard duel, retiring all batters in the seventh. Mickey Stanley PH for Jaster with one out in the eighth and doubled, advanced on an error by 3B Bruce Miller that should have been two outs, and scored on Jerry Morales' grounder in front of the plate.

Cy Acosta pitched the Giant eighth and yielded only a single to McCovey. Jim Roland took over in the Padre ninth and, other than another error (by SS Gutierrez), escaped unscathed. In the ninth PH Dave Kingman walked, advanced on a sacrifice, then watched as two more pinch hitters stranded him.

San Diego Padres 3, San Francisco Giants 2
The NL West ends in a tie!
WP: Jaster (7-13), LP: Perry (17-9), SV: Acosta (3), HR: (SD) Colbert (21), Grubb (11)
*******

October 13

Four days later, as the American League met to work out the fate of the White Sox, the Giants traveled to Atlanta to determine theirs. For 162 games they'd fought off all comers as pretty much the entire division except San Diego spent some time in first, but they couldn't quite take the Braves out of the picture.

Inexplicably (given their four days rest) the Giants went with their #3 man, starter Bobby Bolin (14-10 3.27 2 CG). He went against Atlanta #2 pitcher Phil Niekro (15-6 3.70 6 CG) on a warm autumn night before a sellout crowd.

Jimmy Rosario doubled to open the game, but couldn't score. That wouldn't come until the second when Bruce Miller singled, then scored on John Stephenson's single to make it 1-0 Giants.

The Braves put runners on second and third (Rico Carty, Walt Hriniak) in the second but neither would make it home. Nor would they score Darrell Evans from second in the third.

Atlanta opened the game up in the fourth when Tom Satriano hit a three run blast scoring himself, Dusty Baker and Orlando Cepeda. George Foster (PH for Bolin) made up some room with a homer of his own in the fifth.

Baker and Cepeda again singled in the fifth but couldn't come around. Bobby Bonds opened the top of the sixth with a homer, and the game was tied at 3!

Ray Sadecki and Tom Hall came in for the Giants and Braves respectively. Atlanta threatened in the seventh, putting runners on first and third, but a double play ended their hopes. The Giants went in order in the seventh and eighth and only managed a single in the ninth.

Tito Francona, Evans and Hank Aaron loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the ninth when Jim Roland came in to pitch for the Giants. His second pitch to Dusty Baker vanished over the right field fence for a grand slam.

Atlanta Braves 7, San Francisco Giants 3
The Atlanta Braves are NL West Champions!
WP: Hall (11-2), LP: Sadecki (3-5), HR: (SF) Bonds (39), Foster (8); (ATL) Baker (30), Satriano (1)

[PotatoOfCouch13]

What were the Giants thinking? Starting Bolin over Marichal or Perry is like starting Denny Galehouse over Mel Parnell...

It's good to see that Ewing has your back. I hope that that scumbag Finley gets what's coming to him. And Selig too.

[CatKnight]

October 13, 1971 (Final)

Standings

American League East
Team            W    L    GB
Baltimore      102   60   --
New York        95   67    7
Washington      87   75   15
Boston          86   76   16
Detroit         66   96   36
Cleveland       52  110   50

American League West
Team            W    L    GB
Oakland         97   65   --
Chicago         89   73    8
Minnesota       88   74    9
KANSAS CITY     85   77   12
Los Angeles     68   94   29 
Seattle         57  105   40

National League East
Team            W    L    GB
Chicago         87   75   --
St. Louis       86   76    1
Philadelphia    83   79    4
New York        80   82    7
Pittsburgh      77   85   10
Montreal        70   92   17

National League West
Team            W    L    GB
Atlanta         93   70   --
San Francisco   92   71    1
Houston         88   74    4.5
Los Angeles     84   78    8.5
Cincinnati      75   87   17.5
San Diego       58  104   34.5

*******

American League Leaders
Average: Rod Carew (MIN) .346, Tony Oliva (MIN) .343
HR: Reggie Jackson (OAK) 43, Boog Powell (BAL) 38
RBI: Reggie Jackson (OAK) 139, Mike Epstein (WAS) 121
Steals: Ron LeFlore (NYY) 69, Dave Nelson (CLE) 47

LeFlore's 69 steals ties him for 17th in a single season.

Wins: Mel Stottlemyre (NYY) 22, Two tied with 21
ERA: Jim Hardin (BAL) 2.10, Mel Stottlemyre (NYY) 2.14
Strikeouts: Bert Blyleven (KC) 201, Catfish Hunter (OAK) 199
Saves: Sparky Lyle (BOS) 24, Gene Rounsaville (CHW) 22

National League Leaders
Average: Johnny Bench (CIN) .359, Bob Watson (HOU) .341
HR: Jimmy Wynn (HOU) 44, Two tied with 43
RBI: Johnny Bench (CIN) 142, Doug Rader (HOU) 142
Steals: Lou Brock (STL) 43, Freddie Patek (PIT) 40

Wins: Don Drysdale (LAD) 18, Juan Marichal (SF) 18
ERA: Don Sutton (LAD) 2.61, Juan Marichal (SF) 2.82
Strikeouts: Tom Seaver (NYM) 235, Don Sutton (LAD) 228
Saves: Kent Tekulve (PIT) 27, Cecil Upshaw (ATL) 24

Tekulve's 27 saves ties him for 10th in a single season.

Kansas City Royals Leaders
Average: Pat Kelly .324 (7th)
HR: Bill Robinson 22
RBI: Jim Ray Hart 100
Steals: Pat Kelly 22 (8th-T)

Wins: Bert Blyleven 17 (7th-T)
ERA: Bert Blyleven 3.35
Strikeouts: Bert Blyleven 201 (1st)
Saves: Rollie Fingers 15 (8th-T)
*******

All Time Records

Record		Career				Career/Active
Batting		Ty Cobb (.366) (05-28)		Rod Carew (.323) (67-) (20th)
Home Runs	Babe Ruth (714) (14-35)		Willie Mays (672) (51-) (2nd)
RBI		Babe Ruth (2213) (14-35)	Willie Mays (1939) (51-) (4th)
Stolen Bases	Billy Hamilton (912) (88-01)	Maury Wills (513) (61-) (16th)

Record		Single Season			Single Season/Active
Batting		Nap Lajoie (.426) (01 PHA)	None in Top 25
Home Runs	Roger Maris (61) (61 NYY)	Willie Mays (52) (65 SF) (11th)
RBI		Hack Wilson (191) (30 CHC)	Billy Williams (173) (69 CHC) (7th)
Stolen Bases	Maury Wills (104) (62 LAD)	Ron LeFlore (83) (70 NYY) (5th)

Record		Career				Career/Active
Wins		Cy Young (511) (90-11)		Don Drysdale (247) (56-) (T-20th)
ERA		Ed Walsh (1.82) (04-17)		Juan Marichal (2.60) (60-) (18th)
Strikeouts	Walter Johnson (3509) (07-27)	Don Drysdale (3093) (56-) (2nd)
Saves		Hoyt Wilhelm (206) (52-69)	Dick Radatz (169) (62-) (3rd)

Record		Single Season			Single Season/Active
Wins		Jack Chesbro (41) (04 NYY)	Denny McLain (31) (68 DET)
ERA		Dutch Leonard (0.96) (14 BOS)	Bob Gibson (1.12) (68 STL) (3rd)
Strikeouts	Sandy Koufax (382) (65 LAD)	Sam McDowell (325) (65 CLE) (4th)
Saves		Jack Aker (32) (65 KCA)		Jack Aker (32) (65 KCA)(T-1st)
		Kent Tekulve (32) (70 PIT)	Kent Tekulve (32) (70 PIT) (T-1st)

*******

Major Injuries (Affecting 1972 only)
MON-SS Remy Hermoso (79/90) [25] (.244 3-36 8 SB) until May
PIT-RP Kent Tekulve (80/83) [24] (1-6 6.40 27 SV) until 1973!
*******

Milestones
LF Ken Henderson (DET): 23g Streak (81/95) [25] (.279 12-48 6 SB)
1B Harmon Killebrew (MIN): 500 HR (86) [35] (.289 32-107 2)
RF Hank Aaron (ATL): 600 HR (88) [37] (.295 43-121 5)
LF Willie Stargell (PIT): 23g Streak (93) [31] (.324 41-130 0)
LF Jose Cruz (STL): Hit for the Cycle (91/95) [24] (.330 18-106 17)
LF Joe Rudi (OAK): 23g Streak (92/94) [25] (.302 21-85 2)
SP Jim Maloney (CIN): 2,000 K (86) [31] (7-13 4.81 1 CG)
LF Lou Brock (STL): 1,000 R (84) [32] (.317 9-51 43 SB)

*******

Notable Retirements

Maury Wills (3B, Montreal): Age 39, 12 seasons
1971: (.249 0-14 15 SB) in 89g, 281 AB
Lifetime: (.286 14-386 576 SB) with 959 R, 1,919 H, 6,709 AB, 1,721 G
10th all-time in SB (576)
Most SB in one season (104, 1962 LAD)
Third most SB in one season (94, 1965 LAD)
Teams: Dodgers (59-66), Pirates (67-68), Expos (69-71)
Honors: All Star (61-63, 65-66); ASMVP (62), Gold Glove (61-62), NL MVP (62)

[Imgran]

What were the Giants thinking? Starting Bolin over Marichal or Perry is like starting Denny Galehouse over Mel Parnell...

[modern]t's like starting pre-injury Matt Clement over Josh Beckett.[/modern]

It's good to see that Ewing has your back. I hope that that scumbag Finley gets what's coming to him. And Selig too.

Pity it's too soon to push for another round of expansions. You've still got expansion clubs gracing the bottom of 3 of the 4 divisions so there's no way it happens. Handing Selig an expansion club though would probably be a way to give him a Pyrrhic victory. "Here, have a Milwaukee club that isn't very good to put in that relatively small city of yours and probably never have the money to get much better. And oh yes, we'll be keeping an eye on any trades between the White Sox and Brewers, so no monkey business!"

The greatest punishment of all for Selig would be a new Milwaukee club that he wasn't in charge of. He loses all pretense at altruism if he does anything but nod and smile and swallow the bitter taste in his mouth if all his deals with the devil don't result in him being the local hero that brings baseball back to Milwaukee.

I wish Seattle had finished with more wins than the Padres. Right now both teams are heading for Tampa Bay Rays territory but having Seattle with the worst record in baseball would give traction to any faction wanting to ...

....

...

... move... the... Pilots.... to... Milwaukee...

[CatKnight]

Potato: It was...inexplicable. Like every other team, SF uses a four man rotation. Fine. However, there were four days between their last game and the playoff in Atlanta. I don't know if Marichal/Perry could have saved it, but I would have liked their chances a bit better if they played.

Imgran: Ewing's on board. Unfortunately, Selig has the momentum now. I think this may fall under 'revenge is a dish best served cold.'

The worst team in the AL was the Indians, not the Pilots. (The Pilots were pathetic though.) With THREE of four teams finishing in last - no, the league just isn't ready to try and expand again.
*******

October 13, 1971


Dear Mr. Hunter:

Regarding our recent discussion, enclosed you will find an envelope for Mr. Selig. Please deliver it to him, unopened. There is no need to concern yourself with the contents.

Thank you for coming to me regarding his conversation with you on October 1. I appreciate your forthrightness in this matter. Given that, and the fact you successfully helped bring the Royals a .500 season one year ahead of schedule, I believe it is time to take the 'training wheels' off.

Attached please find a contract offer through the 1974 season. Also, I'm pleased to offer you a raise to $128,100 per year, paid in biweekly installments. If such is acceptable, please return one copy of the letter by October 20.

Congratulations, Mr. Hunter. I look forward to continuing our work together.

I smiled and closed my portfolio. Ewing offered to double my salary, and as these things go three years is pretty secure. Of course he'd keep the pressure on for me to actually bring home a division title, but in three years? Who knows?

Around me the various GMs of the American League began to assemble. Cleveland already sent their apologies: Apparently owner Gabriel Paul wanted to sell the team to a Nick Mileti (pending AL approval), Mileti didn't want to keep Mister Bradley as GM, and so at the moment the Indians were in chaos.

Why anyone would buy the worst team in the American League.... I glanced across the table at Kevin Calahan, who met my gaze and grimaced. Did he know what was going on between Bud and I?

Charlie Finley, never one to let his GM make any decisions, lounged near the head of the table exchanging jokes with Kyle Halwell. Finally Bud came in and took Chicago's seat.

I stood and leaned over him from behind. "Hello, Bud."

He smiled at the far end of the table, but spoke to me. "Have you decided, Chuck?"

"I spoke with Ewing." He glanced at me in surprise. "Ewing's ordered me to support you."

Selig smiled. "Ewing's a smart man. After this meeting, I'm sure..."

"He also asked me to give this to you." I handed over the envelope. "I have no idea what it says."

He nodded, opened it and took out a single, crisply folded piece of paper. Whatever it said, he flushed crimson, looked up and glared. "Tell Ewing that *I* said...."

"This meeting of the American League of Professional Baseball Clubs will come to order." Joe Cronin sat and slowly rolled his shoulders, as if working out a knot. "Bud's asked us here to... what?" He glanced over. "Discuss whether to move?"

"That's right, Joe." Whatever he wanted to tell me vanished. He put on a casual air and leaned back as I walked to my seat. "I'll be brief. I've sent you my attendance figures. Except for a spurt back in August when it looked like both the Cubs and White Sox might make the playoffs, there isn't a time we don't do better in Milwaukee. Much, much better. I've been more than patient for two years, gentlemen. I understand the historic value of having the city of Chicago in the American League, but the truth is our time there has come and gone."

People talked back and forth. I began missing Bradley. Yes, he could be a cold *******, but he could analyze numbers as well as anyone I'd ever seen. Kauffman tied my hands, so all I could do was watch debate swirl back and forth.

"I'll be honest, Bud. I have trouble believing these numbers." Tadd Davis with Boston tapped a sheaf of papers with his knuckles. "My manager, Eddie Kasko, says the numbers for the Red Sox games are all messed up."

"I've noticed some strangeness with the Detroit figures," added Kyle Halwell. "Now, if you want to move, Bud, I'm fine with that but the Tigers insist on their share of the full gate receipts."

"Gentlemen," Charlie Finley said. "While I agree the numbers are troublesome, I have no reason to doubt their veracity. It's not like anyone actually conducted an investigation. Right?" He beamed at me. I forced myself to smile back.

"Kyle, you're welcome to look at my records if you want," Bud replied. "You received 15% of all funds taken in, I promise you. Further, those funds are directly in line with the attendance numbers I sent everyone."

Kevin Calahan looked like he swallowed a bug. I kept staring at him, hoping Joe would catch on. He didn't.

"Alright. I'll remind everyone a team move requires two-thirds. Since there are 11 teams represented, that's still 8 needed." Cronin looked across at Roger Crombie, GM of the Senators. "Washington?"

"Yes."

Cronin made a mark in his notes. "New York?"

"No."

"Chicago? Right. Seattle?"

Calahan stared at his papers, then nodded.

"Kansas City?"

"Yes."

All eyes turned to me. "What was that?" Cronin demanded.

"I said, yes."

Finley looked astonished. Selig beamed. And so it went around the table, with only Boston and the Angels joining Keith Clay's Yankees in dissent.

Selig beamed and rose. "Thank you, everyone. The press release will be out..."

"After the playoffs," Cronin said. "Press blackout if you'll recall."

He bowed. "After the playoffs." He grinned at everyone, including me.
*******

Afterward the meeting, as people filed out the door Selig stood next to me. An envelope fell on the floor by his feet as he clapped my shoulder.

"I consider this matter resolved," he said quietly. "Tell Ewing." I looked up. He winked and slipped out.

I reached down and searched the envelope. Pictures and negatives.

Resolved? We haven't even started...

[CatKnight]

AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW

BALTIMORE ORIOLES (102-60)

Last World Championship: 1966 (1st)
Last League Pennant: 1969 (3rd)
Last Division Title: 1970 (2nd)

Once things settled down, the Orioles dominated the AL East easily surpassing a strong last minute surge by the 95-67 Yankees.

Despite the loss of slugger Frank Robinson (.298 23-60 3) for the season, the Orioles still offer a potent offense. SS Mike Belanger (.335 1-26 16) and RF Dave May (.325 16-74 4) get on base frequently while 1B Boog Powell (.313 38-94 2) and CF Paul Blair (,326 24-111 19) are as dangerous 4-5 hitters as you're likely to find in baseball. LF Lou Piniella (.308 10-76 1), an acquisition from Cleveland (who took him from KC just days before) has ably filled in for the injured Robinson.

On the mound little has changed for Baltimore. Jim Palmer (18-6 2.80 10 CG) takes over as ace for the struggling, but still strong Dave McNally (14-15 4.06 4 CG). Mike Cuellar (16-6 2.65 6 CG) and Jim Hardin (13-6 2.10 4 CG) round out the starters since Tom Phoebus (5-4 4.26 1 CG) will miss the playoffs.

Their bullpen is in more of an uproar. Dick Hall (2-2 3.82 13 SV) has been demoted from closer to long relief. Al Severinsen (13-7 4.07 7 SV) takes over that role with Pete Richert (7-3 2.50 7 SV) in setup.
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OAKLAND ATHLETICS (97-65)

Last World Championship: 1930 (5th) (as Philadelphia Athletics)
Last League Pennant: 1970 (10th)
Last Division Title: 1970 (2nd)

After an incredible 26-4 run in August the A's catapulted themselves from fourth place to their third consecutive title.

Oakland offers a strong 1-6 lineup, led by SS Bert Campaneris (.263 8-36 27). Camp's lost a few steps from his blinding speed of the late 60s, but still gets on base along with 3B Sal Bando (.300 19-88 2). Both these men set up Oakland's power hitters, CF Rick Monday (.286 37-120 6), RF Reggie Jackson (.284 43-139 3) and LF Joe Rudi (.302 21-85 2). The A's have several men on the disabled list, including LF Bobby Brooks (.295 10-51 2) and IF Gary Sutherland (.243 2-21 0) which impacts their bench and depth. OF George Hendrick (.262 11-63 1) should return for the Series if Oakland makes it.

The A's pitching is showing signs of age, but the parts are still there for a great run. Catfish Hunter (21-11 2.33 13 CG) returns for another shot at a ring along with Jim Nash (21-7 2.99 2 CG). Blue Moon Odom came into his own this year (12-10 3.18 2 CG) while Chuck Dobson (11-10 4.69 2 CG) rounds out the staff.

This year the A's relied on Paul Lindblad (3-1 2.10 18 SV) to close for them, while Stan Williams (9-7 3.03 3 SV) serves as setup. Williams has enough endurance to be an effective starter for many teams.
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NATIONAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW

CHICAGO CUBS (87-75)

Last World Championship: 1908 (2nd)
Last League Pennant: 1945 (16th)
Last Division Title: None

The latest giant killer is the Cubs, who inched past the Cardinals in one of the tightest division races ever despite reports of friction and bad blood between players and manager Leo Durocher.

It's tempting to call the Cubs lucky. They have few outstanding players, but no crippling weaknesses either. SS Don Kessinger (.325 0-49 11) leads things off followed by CF Adolfo Phillips (.259 17-71 3). LF Billy Williams (.293 13-65 2) is now two years removed from his triple crown performance. Cubs power hitters 3B Ron Santo (.302 31-123 0) and 1B Andre Thornton (.225 20-63 3) will need to bring them home.

Similarly on the mound it's hard to find dominance or weakness: Fergie Jenkins (16-9 3.01 10 CG) leads off followed by Ken Holtzman (15-12 3.36 4 CG). Rick Reuschel (14-10 3.62 3 CG) and Joe Niekro (17-14 3.48 4 CG) round out their staff. Diego Segui (4-3 2.97 11 SV) and Tom Walker (4-7 3.74 6 CG) need to close the door on Atlanta's offense to persevere.
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ATLANTA BRAVES (93-70)

Last World Championship: 1957 (2nd) (as Milwaukee Braves)
Last League Pennant: 1959 (5th) (as Milwaukee Braves)
Last Division Title: None

Ending their season early, the Braves could only watch as the Giants melted down in the last week of play, losing 2 of 3 to the hapless Padres before meeting Atlanta in a one game playoff that once more ruined hopes of a Bay area series.

Atlanta has a potent base thief in SS Sonny Jackson (.281 0-25 22), but then the Braves rely on power. 3B Darrell Evans (.278 30-96 5) bats second, followed by RF Hank Aaron (.295 43-121 5), CF Dusty Baker (.313 30-111 14) and 1B Orlando Cepeda (.286 27-92 7). At the tail end LF Rico Carty (.335 18-64 2) can get on base. Like Oakland, Atlanta suffers from some injuries that affect their depth more than anything, including IF Paul Popovich (.236 2-32 2).

Ron Reed (12-12 3.73 3 CG) will probably lead off Atlanta's title run, though Phil Niekro (15-6 3.72 6 CG) is probably better. Strikeout legend Mickey Lolich (12-6 3.48 1 CG) holds the third spot while Pat Jarvis (11-9 5.11 0 CG) is fourth.

Cecil Upshaw (4-2 1.98 24 SV) may be the best reliever in these playoffs and can step in if the Braves rotation stumbles. After many years in the minors Sal Campisi (2-2 2.92 2 SV) finally hit his stride this season and should provide adequate support.