To Rule in Kansas City

[Imgran]

Maybe if this lasts long enough they'll go to a 3-division structure.

[CatKnight]

Imgran: Chicago's just scary. I wonder if they're on steroids!

gosensgo: Yep, too bad. We face them three more times in I think September.

Imgran: Maybe! Though as it stands, we'd still be in the same division as OAK. There are no Rangers, so we'd be in the ALW.
*******

All Star Break 1972, Part I

Despite having our best run in team history, we'd only send one player to the game: Will Thompson, our rising star won the 1B starter slot with 1,507,618 votes.

The 1972 game was played in Atlanta, and we arrived on a humid day in 95 degree heat. Kansas City is usually much drier, and we both were sweating heavily by the time we found a cab and drove to the hotel. The heat seemed to reduce Thompson's cockiness, though he kept staring out the window at a city he'd never visited and I smiled.

When I arrived at the hotel I turned the A/C on high and simply flopped down for awhile.
*******

The pregame festivities, including an awe-inspiring array of fireworks that lit up most of Fulton County, led to Bowie Kuhn congratulating the newest Hall of Famers:

Yogi Berra retired from baseball in 1965 after 19 seasons behind the plate.
Now the Mets' skipper, he batted .285 358-1430 with 30 SB, 2150 hits and was part of the "October Twelve," the Yanks who dominated the post season in the late 40s and early 50s.
His best season may have been 1950, when he went .322 28-124.
He played for the Yankees (46-63) and Mets (65)
Berra was an All Star (1948-62) and AL MVP (1951, 54, 55)
The Yankees are retiring his number, the eighth player so honored.

Cardinal skipper Red Schoendienst joined Berra. He retired in '63 after 19 seasons.
Red batted .289 lifetime, with 84-773, 89 SB and 2,449 hits
HIS best season was with the '53 Cards, where he batted .342 15-79 3.
Red played for the Cards (45-56), NY Giants (56-57), Mil Braves (57-60) and Cards (61-63)
He was an All Star in 1946, 1948-55 and 1957
The Cardinals will retire his number, their fifth.

Lastly, pitcher Whitey Ford enters the HoF after retiring in 1967 after 16 seasons.
Lifetime Whitey went 236-106 2.75 ERA with 156 CG, 45 ShO, 10 SV and 1956 K.
His best season may not have been when he went 25-4 or 24-7, but a more modest 1964 when he went 17-6 but had a 2.13 ERA, striking out 172 and getting 12 CG.
He played only for the Yankees (1950, 53-67)
Ford was an All Star (54-56, 58-61, 64) and won the Cy Young and WS MVP in 1961.
He will be the ninth player to have his number retired by the Yanks..
*******

The Home Run showdown was a slaughter. There was never much doubt who'd win. At least for the first time a Royal got to participate!

 FIRST ROUND (10 Outs)
 
 PLAYER                          HOMERS
 Reggie Jackson (LAD)                15
 Dusty Baker (ATL)                   12
 Brian Downing (MIL)                  9
 Bobby Bonds (SFG)                    5
-----------------------------------------
 Hank Aaron (ATL)                     4
 Johnny Bench (CIN)                   4
 Bobby Grich (BAL)                    4
 Bob Spence (MIL)                     2
 Will Thompson (KCR)                  2
 Joe Rudi (OAK)                       1

Dusty Baker was obviously the crowd favorite now that Aaron had to step aside. Jackson seemed at ease, chatting with Bonds - possibly about emus.

SECOND ROUND (5 Outs)
 
 PLAYER                          HOMERS
 Reggie Jackson (LAD)                 6
 Brian Downing (MIL)                  5
----------------------------------------
 Dusty Baker (ATL)                    2
 Bobby Bonds (SFG)                    1

In a slight surprise Baker faltered, allowing Downing to take the number two slot for his fledgling Brewers. Bud must have been thrilled.

 FINAL ROUND (5 Outs)
 
 PLAYER                          HOMERS
 REGGIE JACKSON (LAD)                 6
 Brian Downing (MIL)                  2

At least until Reggie hit another six homers out. I'm sure Finley's really happy about now.
*******

ROSTERS

AMERICAN LEAGUE:

     Pos   Player                      App
 Manager : Dick Williams (OAK)
 B Coach : Earl Weaver (BAL)
  H Capt : Yogi Berra (NYY)
  T Capt : Frank Robinson (BAL)
     
       C : Carlton Fisk (BOS)           4
      1B : Will Thompson (KCR)          1
      2B : Bobby Grich (BAL)            2
      3B : Sal Bando (OAK)              3
      SS : Rico Petrocelli (BOS)        3
      OF : Brian Downing (MIL)          1
      OF : Reggie Smith (BOS)           3
      OF : Frank Robinson (BAL)        12
   Bench : Joe Rudi (OAK)               1
   Bench : Chris Chambliss (CLE)        1
   Bench : Bill Freehan (DET)           7 INJURED
   Bench : Aurelio Rodriguez (LAA)      1
   Bench : Rod Carew (MIN)              5
   Bench : Ted Simmons (SEP)            1
   Bench : Duke Sims (WSA)              2
   Bench : Bob Spence (MIL)             2
   Bench : Paul Blair (BAL)             2
   Bench : Cecil Cooper (BOS)           1
   Bench : Tony Oliva (MIN)             7
 Pitcher : Ron Guidry (NYY)             1
 Pitcher : Dave McNally (BAL)           2
 Pitcher : Catfish Hunter (OAK)         6
 Pitcher : Ray Culp (BOS)               2
 Pitcher : Jim Lonborg (BOS)            2 INJURED
 Pitcher : Wilbur Wood (MIL)            2
 Pitcher : Jim Palmer (BAL)             4
 Pitcher : Tug McGraw (BOS)             1
 Pitcher : Phil Hennigan (CLE)          1

Players by Team:
Red Sox 7, Orioles 5, Indians 2, Tigers 1, Senators 1, Yankees 1
A's 3, Brewers 3, Twins 2, Royals 1, Pilots 1, Angels 1

NATIONAL LEAGUE:

 Manager : Luman Harris (ATL)
 B Coach : Lou Durocher (CHC)
  H Capt : Red Schoendienst (STL)
  T Capt : Hank Aaron (ATL)
  
       C : Johnny Bench (CIN)          4
      1B : Andre Thornton (CHC)        1
      2B : Joe Morgan (HOU)            4
      3B : Ron Santo (CHC)             9
      SS : Don Kessinger (CHC)         3
      OF : Bobby Bonds (SFG)           2
      OF : Dusty Baker (ATL)           2
      OF : Adolfo Phillips (CHC)       1
   Bench : Billy Williams (CHC)        7
   Bench : Reggie Jackson (LAD)        3
   Bench : Garry Jestadt (MON)         1
   Bench : Ken Singleton (NYM)         2
   Bench : Roberto Clemente (PIT)     10 INJURED
   Bench : Jerry Morales (SDP)         1
   Bench : Hank Aaron (ATL)           18
   Bench : Rusty Staub (HOU)           4
   Bench : Pete Rose (CIN)             5
   Bench : Vada Pinson (STL)           4
 Pitcher : Rick Wise (PHI)             1
 Pitcher : Nelson Briles (STL)         1
 Pitcher : Fergie Jenkins (CHC)        4
 Pitcher : Juan Marichal (SFG)        10
 Pitcher : Gaylord Perry (SFG)         5
 Pitcher : Ken Holtzman (CHC)          2
 Pitcher : Jim Merritt (CIN)           2
 Pitcher : Jim Brewer (LAD)            2
 Pitcher : Cecil Upshaw (CHC)          2
 Pitcher : Ron Taylor (NYM)            2
 Pitcher : Don Sutton (LAD)            3

Players by Team:
Cubs 8, Mets 2, Cardinals 2, Expos 1, Pirates 1, Phillies 1
Giants 3, Reds 3, Dodgers 3, Braves 2, Astros 2, Padres 1

[CatKnight]

July 10, 1972


National League Shells Americans 15-6
Experiment with Reusable Relievers Backfires

ATLANTA- A capacity crowd watched the senior circuit beat up on their junior rivals 15-6 on a steamy evening at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. San Francisco's Juan Marichal pitched 2 innings giving up 4 runs, but earned the win as Boston reliever Tug McGraw faltered, yielding 6 runs in just one third of an inning.

Chicago's Ron Santo started things off in the first with a bases loaded single. The Americans struck back for four led by Joe Rudi's three-run homer, but the Nationals battled back.

With the Americans still leading 4-3, Tug McGraw pitched the National seventh. He gave up a walk, two singles and two triples before finally yielding to Cleveland's Phil Hennigan.

This began a bizarre experiment where both teams were allowed to bring their relievers back into the game despite pinch hitters. After the game Commissioner Bowie Kuhn commented that this was an attempt to see the effect on a baseball game if pitchers aren't burdened with swinging the bat.

Hennigan went 3 innings giving up 6 runs. Mets' Ron Taylor also went 3 innings giving up 2.

Trailing 10-4, Brewer Brian Downing struck back with a homer, until the Nationals put it away with a five run eighth inning including a 3-run blast by Houston's Joe Morgan. Morgan was named MVP, going 1 for 6 with his homer and 5 RBI on the day.

Our sole representative, Will Thompson, went 0 for 4. He walked in the second, scoring on Rudi's homer, struck out in the third, grounded to second in the fifth, reached on a throwing error by Santo in the seventh, and flied to center in the ninth.

National League at American League

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
National League (NL) 1 0 1 1 0 0 7 5 0   15 17  1
American League (AL) 0 4 0 0 0 0 1 1 0    6 11  0

                     ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb     avg
J. Morgan (2B)        6  1  0  1  1  5  1  0    .300
B. Bonds (RF)         4  2  1  2  0  1  1  0    .326
D. Baker (CF)         3  0  3  2  0  0  0  0    .337
J. Bench (C)          6  4  0  2  0  1  0  0    .318
R. Santo (3B)         6  3  0  1  0  3  1  0    .323
A. Thornton (1B)      4  0  2  1  0  0  2  0    .317
A. Phillips (LF)      5  2  0  1  0  2  1  0    .313
D. Kessinger (SS)     2  1  0  1  0  0  0  0    .284
 B. Williams (P)      3  2  0  2  0  1  0  0    .319
 K. Singleton (P)     1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .313
 R. Jackson (P)       1  1  0  0  0  0  0  0    .299
 G. Jestadt (P)       1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .347
 J. Morales (P)       1  1  0  1  0  1  0  0    .265
TOTALS               43 17  6 14  1 14  6  0

   2B:  J. Bench 3, A. Phillips
   3B:  R. Santo, A. Phillips, B. Williams, J. Morales
   HR:  J. Morgan

                   ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
         R. Wise  1.0  0  0  0  0  0  0  13   3.38
     J. Marichal  2.0  4  1  1  4  4  3  46   2.35
        G. Perry  1.0  0  1  0  0  0  2  21   2.91
       N. Briles  2.0  2  1  0  0  0  1  34   2.83
       R. Taylor  3.0  5  1  2  2  2  1  55   2.83
          TOTALS  9.0 11  4  3  6  6  7 169

                     ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb     avg
B. Grich (2B)         3  0  2  0  0  0  0  0    .326
R. Smith (CF)         5  1  0  0  0  0  0  0    .324
B. Downing (RF)       5  1  0  1  1  1  1  0    .336
C. Fisk (C)           4  2  1  1  0  0  0  0    .317
W. Thompson (1B)      4  0  1  1  0  0  1  0    .316
F. Robinson (LF)      5  1  0  0  0  0  2  0    .304
S. Bando (3B)         4  2  0  1  1  1  2  0    .268
R. Petrocelli (SS)    4  1  0  1  0  1  1  0    .293
 J. Rudi (P)          1  1  0  1  1  3  0  0    .311
 T. Simmons (P)       1  1  0  0  0  0  0  0    .311
 R. Carew (P)         1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .329
 C. Chambliss (P)     1  1  0  0  0  0  0  0    .295
TOTALS               38 11  4  6  3  6  7  0

   2B:  C. Fisk, S. Bando, R. Petrocelli, F. Robinson
   HR:  S. Bando, B. Downing, J. Rudi

                   ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
       R. Guidry  2.0  3  1  0  1  1  1  62   3.31
      J. Lonborg  2.0  3  2  0  2  2  0  47   3.48
       C. Hunter  2.0  1  0  0  0  0  1  28   3.42
       T. McGraw  0.1  5  1  0  6  6  1  30   2.76
     P. Hennigan  3.0  5  3  1  6  6  3  77   9.00
          TOTALS  9.0 17  7  1 15 15  6 244

     WP: J. Marichal
     LP: T. McGraw

     Temperature: 94F
     Wind: 6 MPH (out to left)
     Attendance: 50,000
     Time: 3:57

[petrel]

This began a bizarre experiment where both teams were allowed to bring their relievers back into the game despite pinch hitters. After the game Commissioner Bowie Kuhn commented that this was an attempt to see the effect on a baseball game if pitchers aren't burdened with swinging the bat.

"Let us hope this never happens again."

I think the most remarkable part of the game was that Johnny Bench went 4 for 6 with 3 doubles.

--Pet

[CatKnight]

petrel: Didn't even notice til you mentioned that. Yeah, if *I* was to pick the MVP then I'd be leaning towards Johnny
*******

Summer Meetings

On the day the National League handed us our tails, the Democratic Party met in Miami and nominated George McGovern for president.

Senator McGovern of South Dakota and his VP, Senator Thomas Eagleton of Missouri consistently opposed the war in Vietnam, and as near as I can tell welcomes further gestures of friendship with the Commies and China. He wants to slash defense spending and spend it on domestic programs. During the campaign he promised $1,000 for every American citizen, though now it seems he's more interested in a $6,500 minimum wage (about $33,600 today). The Republicans are openly calling this idea anti-capitalist, and a direct threat to the American way of life.

McGovern responded by raising some ugly hints about what may or may not have happened at Democratic National HQ back in June. Still, there's no proof.

As for my feelings on the matter, well...we ARE out of the war. We avoided a draft. Inflation's higher than I'd like, but it's dropping to reasonable levels. Nixon seems like an honest man. Four more years works for me.
*******

The American League of Professional Baseball Clubs met the next afternoon in Atlanta. Joe Cronin stood to give us his report.

"Gentlemen, first you should know that the Commissioner has asked us to consider expansion as soon as possible." Rumbling across the room. I looked across the room at James Skeere, Seattle's new acting GM, and wondered how Kevin was doing.

"I've informed him that the League is not ready. Despite positive signs," Cronin nodded in my direction, "we need a few more years for everyone to settle in before we can reasonably address the idea. Yes, Keith?"

I glanced at the Yankee GM. "Did the commissioner tell you why he wants us to speed this along?"

"No, but I can guess. I talked to Chub Feeney, and the Nats are worried about the Cubs. Chicago's running away with the NL East, and now that the ChiSox are gone there's no one to stop them from controlling the second biggest city in the US."

"I object!" Selig cried. "I proved that the White Sox weren't viable in Chicago, and if you look at this year's attendance..."

"Bud, Chub did everything but call you a liar and us dupes."

More rumbling, this time with an angry undercurrent.

"The state of the National League does not interest me." Charlie Finley closed his folder with a paper slap. Usually even when defying someone he managed to sound enthusiastic, but for once he seemed only cold and apathic. "If the Pilots continue to do well, then perhaps next year we can discuss this again. Until then, I agree it's out of the question."

I nodded. For once Finley made sense.
*******

Cronin turned to Charlie. "You wanted to talk to us about the designated pinch hitter rule?"

"Yes. I've been in contact with the Rules Committee and this is what they propose." He then described the 'designated hitter' taking the place of a player, probably the pitcher, in the batting order and how they might be removed. "My best estimate is that it will raise team batting averages about 20 points.and result in 0.8 more runs scored per team per game."

Several people furrowed their brows, doing the math. I pulled out a folder and glanced at it. If Charlie was right, batting would jump into the high .280s, we'd score 5.5 runs per game and average team ERA would easily jump to 5.0. (BM's offense is already higher than the 1973 post-DH AL)

"Charlie, I know you think we should go ahead with this." Finley nodded and Cronin turned. "We'll make a final vote during Winter Meetings, but does anyone have any comments? N...Tadd?"

The Red Sox GM glanced at his slide rule and put it down. "Offense jumped over 30 points when we lowered the mound and made other changes entering 1969," he said. "I think this is a little over the top."

Charlie leaned forward. "More offense increases fan interest and participation, Tadd. You shot down my idea to expand the playoffs, which I note would have meant more money for us all. More revenue in the stream helps everyone stay competitive.

The offensive numbers DID look extremely high...but the Royals would certainly benefit.
*******

We then discussed individual teams. Skeere stood to report for Seattle.

"Gentlemen, it is a privilege to speak with you." I nodded politely, as did a few others. "I am aware of your mutual dismay concerning the facilities available to the Pilots and their guests. Boeing is committed to faciliating a resolution to this quandry and, at the conclusion of this conference, shall begin a dialogue with Kings County." He inhaled. Kyle Halwell of Detroit caught my eye - his eyebrows were arched so high they threatened to disappear in his hair.

"To this effect we have structured a presentation for the media which will lead to the incorrect conclusion that Boeing is looking for a facility and/or principle shareholders outside of the Seattle region."

Keith caught on first. "You're..uhm...NOT...moving the Pilots?"

"Essentially factual," Skeere agreed. "However, we believe it is necessary to engage in deceptive intercourse in an effort to expedite King County's commitment to utilize the resources authorized by lieu of the bond measure passed in 1968. We believe that under the false consideration that the American League is demanding we resolve this dilemma, and thereby Boeing is eager to recoup their investment in the eventuality of forcible action by this body, that the commissioners of said county will be moved to choose a site where the Pilots will be able to prosper."

Cronin's mouth opened in an 'Oh.'

"In other words you're lying," Selig said.

"It would be more accurate to state that we are not obliged to correct any misperceptions about any presentation we make with that body at this time."

Cronin finally mastered his jaw. "Ah..thank you. I think."
*******

Soon enough it was my turn, and Joe didn't look pleased. "Chuck? How's Royals Stadium coming?"

"We had some difficulties earlier this year, but they've been resolved and we're on pace for a launch next Spr..."

"That's not what I hear."

It was my turn for my jaw to not cooperate. "I'm not sure what you..."

"Chuck, didn't you know I had an assistant inspect the site late last month?"

"No..."

"That's odd," Cronin mused. "He spoke with your assistant...boy named Kraft."

"Kraft's not in charge of that project." Further, I'm going to kill him when I get home.

"Regardless, my assistant says that the stadium is not on course for next spring. The superstructure itself is completed, and the inner offices and hallway can be worked upon this winter, but you have a problem that's not going to wait."

I froze. What was there to say? Except I have an assistant to kill?

"Royals Stadium is a sandlot. No grass, and it's getting late in the year to grow any."

I glanced around to see who was enjoying my discomfort. Just about everyone for one reason or another. "I'll get...right on that."

"You do that."
*******

More concise news out of New York. Keith stood and passed out seating diagrams. "Gentlemen? Our home for the next few years."

Cleveland's GM, who spent the last few years with Cincy, recognized it first. "But this is Shea Stadium. The Mets play here."

Clay grinned. "Yes. We're moving in."

"Ah...is that feasible?" I asked. "I mean, sharing with the NFL is one thing, but..."

"It's been done before," Keith replied. "Phillies and Athletics, Browns and Cardinals? It's a scheduling mess, but it's been done. It just means the National and American schedulers need to coordinate more closely for a few years."

"How many years?" Cronin asked. "I need to confirm this with Chub."

"Oh, no more than two," Keith replied. "We plan to have Yankee Stadium up and running for the Bicentennial."
*******

[CatKnight]

After the meeting we met our comrades from the National League and exchanged gossip. The Nationals remained comparatively quiet and happy with their arrangement, though Gary Gregg in St. Louis confirmed everyone was a bit worried that the Cubs seemed ready to break record books.

"Chub's a mess," he said. "On the one hand, doing anything to curtail Chicago goes against everything he stands for. On the other hand, if the ChiCubs keep this up for a few years..."

"It's only been half a season," I said. "Isn't it early to panic?"

"A little, but better too soon than too late."

I told him about my budget woes. If I was completely free to operate, I'd probably trade or dump Mays, possibly trade Piniella, keep my new OF (Cleon Jones) and go from there. "I've already broken my promise to Ellie Rodriguez though, and now he wants out."

Ellie told me before I left that, if I was serious about getting rid of Jerry Grote, he'd rather go instead. "I want to be on a team where my efforts are appreciated," he said, "and I am not superseded every single year."

"You're in a bit of a fix," Gary agreed. He considered, then put his arm around me. "Your mistake was giving your word to these people. Stop doing that, you'll just throw yourself into a corner. Once your word is given, it has to stick or people stop trusting you...and if your players lose faith in you..."

"So I should get rid of Jones?"

He nodded. "You promised Piniella you wouldn't trade him. You didn't promise Mays, but if you move him your fans will turn on you. Not worth it. As for Rodriguez....Joe Torre's hurt, right?"

I nodded glumly. On the last game before the break Joe's throwing arm swelled up like a balloon. Rotator cuff, he'll miss about three weeks.

"You have rotten luck with catchers," he grinned. "As for Rodriguez, let him start. Maybe he'll calm down. If not, then you can move him after the season."
*******

TRADE

KC to SD: IF Chico Salmon (79) [31] (.244 0-3 1)
Short of lots of injuries, Salmon's done as a starter. Time to let my home grown talent shine, and Chico's eligible for the Rule V if I demote him.
KC to SD: OF Cleon Jones (88) [29] (.312 6-20 3 for Expos)
As promised, he sweetens the deal.
KC to SD: SP Mike Torrez (86) [25] (6-10 5.18 for Cardinals/Royals)
Never did well, and with Busby and Bunker performing, let 'im go

SD to KC: RP Cy Acosta (85/93) [25] (4-7 4.76 5 SV)
Ready for the starting bullpen. A good prospect, though Arb eligible in '73

Overall we save $534,000 in salary, and the Padres aren't going to be our rivals in the forseeable future. Jones becomes their new LF, Salmon goes to their bench, and Torrez is their new ace. Good luck, guys!

[petrel]

Artificial turf in Royals Stadium? Say it ain't so!

--Pet

[CatKnight]

petrel: Prolly not.
*******

Late July 1972

"Andy!" I walked through the main gate of Royals Stadium past a group of workers in epic battle with a steel team logo forty or fifty feet high. I found Dale and him crowded with a hard-hatted supervisor around a table discussing some point concerning support columns. He had his arm around Dale's waist, and she didn't seem to object.

He looked up and started as I walked through. He muttered something to the others and came over. "Chuck! What are you doing here?"

"Let's take a walk."

"Uhm...sure! We have a cafeteria set up this..."

"On the playing field."

"Ah. Well, the field can't...shouldn't be walked upon. The grass seed..."

"Isn't taking? Show me."

He paled, but nodded and led me into the lower 'box' seating. A warm day, surprisingly humid and I wiped my brow as we emerged into the blazing sunlight. The seats, at least, were done though another worker nearby installed cupholders. "There's not much to see," he began. "It's still..."

I nudged him aside and stared. "It's a God damned sand lot!" A few clumps of grass bravely clustered around the foul lines, but that was it. "Andy!"

"It's not as bad as it looks. It's..."

"We can't play on this!"

"We won't have to! Yeah, the first two batches didn't take, but..."

"TWO?"

"...we have new seed in now, and we should know what it's going to do by August."

I turned and glared. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"I didn't want to worry you! Anyway, this is my..I mean Dale's...project, and..."

"And if you're having trouble delivering, I expect to know!" I winced at the..well..sand lot. "What happened? Why isn't it working?"

"Bad luck?" He shrugged. "We didn't get much rain in May, and..."

"Did you run soil tests?"

"It's the same soil as at Arrowhead," Andy retorted, meaning the new home of the Chiefs. "They're not having problems."

"Maybe we should get THEM to build our stadium!"

"You're panicking. Now see, this is why I don't always say things. You just freak out..."

"Yeah, about that. You didn't tell me the American League inspected the field."

Kraft shrugged. "I figure it was routine."

"Maybe it was, but Cronin called me on it at Summer Meetings. I don't expect to find out there's a problem with the stadium from the League President!"

"Cronin needs to mind his own, man. We'll be ready by April."

I glared at him. "Andy, I asked you to help Dale so you'd have a chance to manage something. Part of that is keeping your superiors in the God d*** loop! How the h*** am I supposed to tru..."

"Are you going to tell Kauffman?" he shot back.

"Of course not. There's nothing he can do."

He folded his arms and returned my glare.

I grit my teeth and pointed at the lot. "Soil tests. And I want to know the feasibility and costs involved in moving the grass from Municipal if we have to."

Dale joined us. "Everything alright, folks?"

Andy slipped his arm around her again. "Everything's fine, babe. Chuck just has some ideas is all."

"They're more than ideas," I growled. "As I said, soil test, and..."

"I've been saying that for weeks," Dale commented.

"You're in charge of this project!" I shouted. "Why didn't you do it?"

"Well, because..." She looked at Andy awkwardly.

Kraft, meanwhile, went into protective mode. "Don't yell at the lady," he warned softly.

"Andy..." I moved closer to him. He didn't flinch. I'm not sure if that's good or bad.

"The stadium will be done on schedule," he replied, meeting my gaze.

"Soil tests," I repeated. "And the..."

"Feasibility of moving the grass from Municipal. Don't worry. I'll do it!"

"Fine." I turned away and looked at the stadium itself, trying to ignore the sand and dirt. "What are those towers?" I asked, pointing behind center field.

"That's where the logo is going. The side facing the field will be part of our scoreboard," Andy replied. "It was on the blueprints."

It'd been two years since I'd seen any blueprints, so I just nodded. "Clubhouses?" No answer. I turned, and they were kissing.

I opened my mouth to shout, but the voice that echoed across Royals Stadium wasn't my own.

"ANDREW JOHNSON KRAFT!"

The three of us whirled to the concourse, where a woman strode down the aisle with a piece of paper crushed in her hand. Marcie.

"Oh balls," he muttered, then after a guilty glance at Dale strode up to meet her. "Marcie! Baby! How are...?"

She slugged him.
*******

[petrel]

**** her for hitting Andy! She cut your place in line!

--Pet

[gosensgo101]

Karma's a biatch.

[CatKnight]

petrel: I know! That wasn't nice!

gosengo101: Something like that, yep
*******

Late July 1972 II

No rest for the wicked. While I worked out the mess at Royals Stadium, the team traveled to Detroit.
*******

Kansas City (45-35) (2nd, -1g) at Detroit (41-39) (4th, -7g)

11: A real slugfest, as we combine for 23 hits. After trailing 2-1, we take a 4-2 lead, fall behind 5-4, retake it 7-5, then lose it under iffy relief pitching. Tigers 8-7
LP: Fingers (4-3), HR: Kelly (11), Hart (8)

12: Bunker once more makes his bid to become staff ace. Hart's homer is all we need. Royals 2-1
WP: Bunker (6-1)(CG), HR: Hart (9)

13: Blyleven meanwhile continues to struggle as our offense dozes. Tigers 6-3
LP: Blyleven (4-5)

14: Clemons solidifies his hold on the closer role with 2 perfect innings. We get three homers to split the series. Royals 6-5
WP: Busby (2-0), SV: Clemons (3), HR: Thompson (22), Hart 2 (11)
*******

Well, that didn't go too well...but we keep pace with the A's.

Meanwhile, for the first time in history a brother umpired for another. Umpire Bill Haller called the shots behind the plate while brother Tom catched for LA against Milwaukee. The Brewers won 6-4.
*******

Kansas City (47-37) (2nd, -1.5g) at Minnesota (37-46) (5th, -11g)

15: A general solid performance as Splittorff returns to form. Hart goes 3 for 5 with a double, run and 2 RBI. Royals 7-2
WP: Splittorff (9-5)(CG)

16: This time it's a case of outlasting them, as Minnesota takes an early lead but blows it. Royals 5-4
WP: Bunker (7-1), SV: Butler (2)

17: Blyleven gets a complete game..and loses, as the Twins rally late. Twins SP Danny Morris holds us to 3 hits. Twins 4-0
LP: Blyleven (4-6)(CG)
*******

That loss, coupled with a day off only emboldens the A's, who widen their lead slightly.
*******

Los Angeles (36-48) (6th, -13.5g) at Kansas City (49-38) (2nd, -2g)

19: I'm worried. It's starting to slip away as we lose a whole game. Paul Splittorff did fine for 8 innings, but our batting is very sporadic right now. Angels 3-2
LP: Splittorff (9-6)

20: Bunker is once more solid, and Clemons hasn't allowed a hit in 3 outings now. Thompson and White homer to give us the win. Royals 5-2
WP: Bunker (8-1), SV: Clemons (4), HR: Thompson (23), White (2)

21: Trailing 5-0 as Montgomery starts (Bob says Blyleven needs some time off), we rally back. Kelly hits a grand slam, while Rodriguez surprises everyone with 3 RBI of his own. Royals 9-5
WP: Fingers (5-3), SV: Butler (3), HR: Kelly (12)
*******

The A's have now won six straight, so we are still three back. We activate Dierker, and temporarily bring down Blyleven since he needed time off. He might just stay...
*******

Milwaukee (45-47) (3rd, -10g) at Kansas City (51-39) (2nd, -3g)

23: They score early and so Splittorff leaves. Late rallies led by Willie Mays (3 for 5, 3 runs, 1 RBI) finally give us the win. Royals 7-5
WP: Hedlund (2-3), HR: Hart (12), Mays (5)

24: Hedlund once more wins as Bunker puts in the worst performance of his year. Thompson goes 4 for 4 with 3 homers and RBI, while five doubles elsewhere keep us moving. Royals 6-4
WP: Hedlund (3-3), SV: Clemons (5), HR: Thompson 3 (26)

25: Jerry Grote, who came in as a late defensive sub, wins in the tenth on a two-run homer. Royals 5-3 (10)
WP: Clemons (2-0), HR: Grote (1), Fiore (2)
*******

Now that was useful. We finally give the Brewers something to think about and once more close with Oakland.
*******

Kansas City (54-39) (2nd, -1g) at Seattle (41-52) (5th, -14g)

26: Fiore walks with the bases loaded to give us the win in extra innings. Royals 8-5 (10)
WP: Butler (4-1), SV: Clemons (6)

27: Another close game as the Pilots show their mettle! They keep pace with us until the ninth when Robinson's 2 run homer puts it away. Royals 6-5
WP: Butler (5-1), HR: Thompson (27), Robinson (12)

28: Going into the bottom of the third we led 13-1. Then our pitching died. Seattle once more impresses, taking us to the wire. Royals 13-12
WP: Bunker (9-1), SV: Clemons (7), HR: Thompson (28), White (3), Cardenal (9)

[gosensgo101]

You're on a role today Cat.

Finally beat the pesky Brewers.

[Imgran]

8 game win streak. Nice.

[CatKnight]

gosensgo101: Yes. Thank God. Losing to the Brewers is almost as bad as losing to the PILOTS. :checks to see if Owens is around:

Imgran: Shhh! I don't want to spoil it!
*******

July 30, 1972


Another month, another letter from Lawrence, Kansas.


Win Shares

21 Thompson
17 Kelly
12 Robinson
11 Andrews. Cardenal
9 Dierker, Hart
8 Splittorff, Torre
7 Bunker, Fingers
6 Mays, Russell, White
5 Butler, Clemons
4 Hedlund, Soderholm, (Torrez)
3 Piniella, Rodriguez
2 Busby
1 Fiore, Grote, (Salmon)


Uhm...is this good?

Batting

1972 Batting               G   AVG    AB    H  2B  3B  HR   BB    K   SB  CS    R  RBI   SLG   OBP
Torre, Joe                61  .300   240   72  14   2   8   22   36    0   1   40   36  .475  .366
Rodriguez, Ellie          47  .242   149   36   2   0   0   20   17    1   3   21   15  .255  .339
Grote, Jerry               6  .286     7    2   0   0   1    0    1    0   0    1    2  .714  .286

Thompson, Will            92  .314   353  111  21   0  28   55   64    1   0   69   78  .612  .409
Fiore, Mike               11  .308    26    8   1   0   2    5    5    0   1    5    5  .577  .406

White, Frank              59  .265   219   58  15   2   3   14   24    3   1   28   27  .393  .309
Andrews, Mike             62  .309   204   63  12   1   7   39   27    0   2   46   31  .480  .415
Duffy, Frank              10  .125     8    1   0   0   0    0    1    0   0    1    0  .125  .125

Russell, Bill             71  .277   267   74  11   3   0   18   20    6   1   40   26  .341  .325

Hart, Jim Ray             70  .278   273   76  15   0  12   24   45    1   3   40   41  .465  .334
Soderholm, Eric           35  .302   106   32   2   0   4    8   13    0   0   11   17  .434  .345

Kelly, Pat                93  .333   318  106  13   1  12   48   49    9   5   63   53  .494  .419
Robinson, Bill            90  .296   304   90  28   0  12   23   48    3   1   44   51  .507  .347
Cardenal, Jose            90  .293   300   88  17   3   9   26   51    7   3   51   53  .460  .347
Mays, Willie              80  .256   250   64  14   1   5   29   29    2   3   33   33  .380  .331
Piniella, Lou             52  .283    92   26   3   1   1   10    9    1   0    9    8  .370  .365

Torre will be back with us within a week and probably take his position back. Grote will go back down, Rodriguez to the bench. Buck Martinez is actually ready (82/96), but..well, Ellie has a legitimate gripe with me I think. He's helped us over the last few years, and if KC's actually in a position to make a pennant run I should let him try to be there.

First base...Fiore's actually pretty good, again (like Bunker) despite what the scouts say. Of course Thompson's better, and Mike seems content as his backup.

White could probably use just a little more seasoning in Omaha, but Mike Andrews won't be ready until late September, so Frank gets his trial by fire. Soderholm moved up when we traded away Salmon. He might have a good claim on third base next year.

In the outfield, I know Bob Lemon and others won't like it, but Willie's experiment is over. In 250 AB he has 5 HR. Even if we could give him a full season that's about 12-13 HR a year. He's simply lost too much pep, and it's unrealistic that he'll catch the Babe now. Further, we ARE contending...and I have three young outfielders who are all better at this point. I promised Willie a chance, and thanks to Cardenal and the others he got it...but it's just not enough anymore.

Pitchers

1972 Pitching            Team     IP   ERA    G  GS   W   L  SV    K   BB   R/9
Blyleven, Bert            KCR  146.0  5.55   22  22   4   6   0  110   43 14.61
Bunker, Wally             KCR   84.2  3.40   12  11   9   1   0   42   26 11.48
Busby, Steve              KCR   30.1  3.86    8   3   2   0   0   19   10 12.46
Dierker, Larry            KCR  136.0  3.84   20  20   9   5   0  103   47 12.24
Montgomery, Monty         KCR   13.0  5.54    3   1   0   0   0    3   10 16.62
Splittorff, Paul          KCR  124.1  4.13   19  19   9   6   0   47   41 11.94

Acosta, Cy                KCR   34.0  4.76   29   0   4   7   5   32    8 12.71
Butler, Bill              KCR   47.2  3.02   24   1   5   1   3   29   21 11.71
Clemons, Lance            KCR   16.2  1.08   14   0   2   0   7   14    7  8.64
Drago, Dick               KCR   38.2  5.82   19   0   2   2   2   21   13 16.29
Fingers, Rollie           KCR   35.2  3.28   30   0   5   3  12   23   15 12.11
Hedlund, Mike             KCR   40.0  3.38   25   0   3   3   1   18   17 13.95
Wright, Ken               KCR   13.1  6.08   12   0   0   0   1    9   15 19.58
York, Jim                 KCR   11.0 12.27    9   0   1   3   0   11    5 18.00

If anyone finds Bert, could they let me know? Bert's record would be far worse if our offense didn't constantly make up for his early inning deficiencies. Thank God the scouts were wrong about Bunker, who despite two recent bad performances is heading for a career year.

Given Bunker's resurrection and Steve Busby's respectable debut, Blyleven's in Omaha working out whatever happened to him this year. I'll probably bring him back if we get to the playoffs for the same reason I'm keeping Ellie Rodriguez around, but he needs to figure out whatever happened this year and fix it.

On a perfectly cynical note, it also helps me when negotiating his arbitration case at the end of this year. Splittorff's also been declared eligible. Joy.

As for relievers, I'd brought up Wright and York to show us what they've learned...but Bob's been content to use the others. Ken only had one appearance (1 IP, 2 ER) since coming up, York none. They go down to get some playing time, Drago and Cy Acosta join us in the bigs.

[PotatoOfCouch13]

Looks like someone's getting a lot of use out of petrel's win shares spreadsheet...

Awesome job, as always. It's too bad Blyleven's struggling, although the offense isn't doing too much to help him recently.